cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepcidin induction by transgenic overexpression of Hfe does not require the Hfe cytoplasmic tail, but does require hemojuvelin

Mutations in HFE cause the most common form of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). We previously showed that liver-specific, transgenic overexpression of murine Hfe stimulates production of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin. Here, we developed several additional transgenic mouse strains to further interrogate the structural basis of HFE function in the pathophysiology of HH. We hypothesized that the small, cytoplasmic domain of HFE might be necessary for HFE-mediated induction of hepcidin. We demonstrate that, like the full-length protein, overexpression of Hfe proteins lacking the cytoplasmic domain leads to hepcidin induction, iron deficiency and a hypochromic, microcytic anemia. However, high-level expression of a liver-specific Hfe transgene carrying the mouse equivalent of the common HFE C282Y human disease-causing mutation (murine C294Y) did not cause iron deficiency. Furthermore, hepcidin induction by transgenes encoding both WT Hfe and Hfe lacking its cytoplasmic domain is greatly attenuated in the absence of hemojuvelin (Hjv). Our observations indicate that the extracellular and transmembrane domains of Hfe are sufficient, and Hjv is essential, for Hfe-mediated induction of hepcidin expression.
Who cares for children? Why are we where we are with American child care policy?

Abstract In comparison to much of the industrialized world, there is a dearth of family policy in the United States. This paper will demonstrate that one of the key reasons for the limited policies is the limited nature of the debate as a result of the way in which potential policies affecting children and families are framed. It will further examine the role of interest groups in this framing. In conclusion, this paper will provide suggestions for change.
Developmental changes of immunoglobulins in rats treated neonatally with hydrocortisone.

SummarySerum globulin and IgG levels were measured by radial immunodiffusion from 3 to 75 days after birth in rats neo-natally treated with 1 mg of cortisol acetate. In controls, globulins rose steadily during suckling, peaked at 11 days, and remained high until weaning, when they dropped considerably. Thereafter, they rose steadily until 75 days. In treated animals, levels increased slowly during development and were significantly lower than controls until 30 days. Serum IgG followed a similar pattern. The most severe immunological deficit in runts began on Day 12. The most marked mortality in treated rats also began at this age and in part may be due to the severe immunological impairment. No difference was detected in absorption of IgG from the gastrointestinal tract of the two groups. However, dramatic deficits were demonstrated in the ability of treated rats to synthesize antibody when sensitized with a t-dependent antigen. Thus, the difference in immunological competence is due to endogenous deficit...
Post-Translational Modifications to Toxoplasma gondii α- and β-Tubulins Include Novel C-Terminal Methylation

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan of both medical and veterinary importance which is classified as an NIH Category B priority pathogen. It is best known for its ability to cause congenital infection in immune competent hosts and encephalitis in immune compromised hosts. The highly stable and specialized microtubule-based cytoskeleton participates in the invasion process. The genome encodes three isoforms of both α- and β-tubulin and we show that the tubulin is extensively altered by specific post-translational modifications (PTMs) in this paper. T. gondii tubulin PTMs were analyzed by mass spectrometry and immunolabeling using specific antibodies. The PTMs identified on α-tubulin included acetylation of Lys40, removal of the last C-terminal amino acid residue Tyr453 (detyrosinated tubulin) and truncation of the last five amino acid residues. Polyglutamylation was detected on both α- and β-tubulins. An antibody directed against mammalian α-tubulin lacking the last two C-terminal residues (Δ2-tubulin) la...
Investigating the DNA Folding Mechanics of Protamine

In spermatogenesis, an arginine-rich protein called protamine ultimately replaces ∼85 percent of the histones that bind DNA. After replacement, the protamine proteins cause folding of the DNA into a series of toroids, which allow for a high level of DNA compaction. This replacement and compaction 1) reduces the head size of the sperm to enhance their hydrodynamicity, 2) decreases the likelihood of DNA damage, and 3) removes the epigenetic markers passed on through histone modifications. Yet, little is known about the exact mechanism of protamine-induced DNA folding. Here, we measure DNA compaction using a tethered particle motion assay which allows us to measure folding without applying any external forces. In a tethered particle motion assay, a micron-sized bead is tethered to the surface via a DNA molecule. During DNA folding, the end-to-end length of the DNA decreases, decreasing the motion of the bead. When we measured the motion of the bead in the presence of low protamine concentrations (1 μM) we observed discrete changes in the DNA length that occurred in ∼200 nm increments. We interpret these length changes as sequential looping of the DNA into a toroid. Interestingly, the first step in the looping appears to be reversible while subsequent steps are not, possibly due to inter-loop protamine interactions. We then calculate the energetics for the looping and compare our findings to current models. Our results show how protamine is able to fold DNA into a super-compacted state necessary for efficient sperm delivery, which provide novel insights into such limiting case in epigenetics.
Identifying ground-fault locations: Using adjustable speed drives in high-resistance grounded systems

One of the more difficult problems to solve in industrial plants is how to identify and eliminate ground faults in a high-resistance ground (HRG) system. This is because ground-fault conditions in these systems do not draw enough current to reliably trigger fault current sensors in the drive. This article develops an approach to identify the ground-fault location in HRG systems using voltage sensing, rather than current sensing techniques, inside an adjustable speed drive (ASD). This approach consists of a simple analog circuit and digital signal processing technique to detect a fault condition, as well as to identify the fault location, be it on the load motor side, inside the ASD, or ac line side. The use of this ground-fault identification method is also extended and discussed for application to multiple drive lineups.
Filling the voids in silicon single crystals by precipitation of Cu3Si

This article presents a method to decorate all open volume defects in a silicon single crystal by Cu3Si precipitation. Si single crystals are being used for the determination of Avogadro's number with sufficient accuracy (1 part in 108) to allow the establishment of a physical standard for the kilogram. The method described here can be used to certify that the open volume in such crystals is sufficiently small. The voids in this work were formed artificially by annealing He-implanted silicon wafers. Annealing after application of a copper nitrate solution to the surface followed by slow cooling produced Cu3Si precipitates in the η′ phase in the voids. To fill all the voids completely it proved necessary to coat the surfaces, after application of the nitrate, with a pure Cu layer as well. Slow cooling keeps the supersaturation of Cu small but sufficient to precipitate Cu into the voids. Formation of dislocation loops and stacking faults, often seen during Cu silicide precipitation in silicon after fast coo...
Mobile web on the desktop: simpler web browsing

This paper explores the potential benefits of using mobile webpages to present simpler web content to people with cognitive disabilities. An empirical analysis revealed that the majority of popular mobile sites are smaller than their desktop equivalents with an average of half the viewable content, making them a viable method for simplifying web presentation.
Differential modulation of bradykinin-induced relaxation of endothelin-1 and phenylephrine contractions of rat aorta by antioxidants.

Aim: We tested the hypothesis that bradykinin (BK)-induced relaxation of phe-nylephrine (PE) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) contractions can be differentially modulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Methods: Aortic rings isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study. The contribution of ROS to PE (1times10 -9 -1times10 -5 mol/L)- and ET-1 (1times10-10-1times10 -8 mol/L)-induced contractions and the influence of ROS in BK (1times10 -9 -1times10 -5 mol/L) relaxation of PE (1times10 -7 mol/L) or ET-1 (1times10 -9 mol/L)-induced tension was evaluated in the aorta in the presence or absence of the following antioxidants: catalase (CAT, 300 U/mL), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 300 U/mL), and vitamin C (1times10 -4 mol/L). Results: Tension generated by ET-1 (1 times10 -9 mol/L) or PE (1times10 -7 mol/L) was differentially relaxed by BK (1times10 -5 mol/L), producing a maximal relaxation of 75%plusminus5% and 35plusminus4%, respectively. The BK (1times10 -5 mol/L)-induced relaxation of PE (1times10 -7 mol/L) tension was significantly enhanced from 35%plusminus4% (control) to 56%plusminus9%, 60%plusminus5%, and 49%plusminus6% by SOD, CAT, and vitamin C, respectively ( P n =8). However, the relaxation of ET-1 (1times10 -9 mol/L) tension was significantly attenuated from 75%plusminus5% (control) to 37%plusminus9%, 63%plusminus4%, and 39%plusminus7% by SOD, CAT, and vitamin C, respectively ( P n =8). On the other hand, CAT had no effect on PE-induced tension, while SOD enhanced PE-induced tension (36%, P n =10) and vitamin C attenuated (66%, P n = 8) the tension induced by PE. By contrast, SOD or vitamin C had no effect, but CAT attenuated (44%, P n = 9) the tension induced by ET-1. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that O 2 - and H 2 O 2 differentially modulate BK relaxation in an agonist-specific manner. O 2 - attenuates BK-induced relaxation of PE contraction, but contributes to the relaxation of ET-1 contraction. O 2 - seems to inhibit PE contraction, while H 2 O 2 contributes to ET-1-induced contraction. Thus, ROS differentially modulate vascular tone depending on the vasoactive agent that is used to generate the tone.
Decompressive hemicraniectomy for pediatric traumatic brain injury: long-term outcome based on quality of life.

Aims: The impact of decompressive hemicraniectomy (DCH) on the overall outcome of pediatric brain injury patients has not been fully determined. In this paper, the authors performed
HIV Viral RNA Extraction in Wax Immiscible Filtration Assisted by Surface Tension (IFAST) Devices

The monitoring of viral load is critical for proper management of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive patients. Unfortunately, in the developing world, significant economic and geographical barriers exist, limiting access to this test. The complexity of current viral load assays makes them expensive and their access limited to advanced facilities. We attempted to address these limitations by replacing conventional RNA extraction, one of the essential processes in viral load quantitation, with a simplified technique known as immiscible filtration assisted by surface tension (IFAST). Furthermore, these devices were produced via the embossing of wax, enabling local populations to produce and dispose of their own devices with minimal training or infrastructure, potentially reducing the total assay cost. In addition, IFAST can be used to reduce cold chain dependence during transportation. Viral RNA extracted from raw samples stored at 37°C for 1 week exhibited nearly complete degradation. However, IFAST-purified RNA could be stored at 37°C for 1 week without significant loss. These data suggest that RNA isolated at the point of care (eg, in a rural clinic) via IFAST could be shipped to a central laboratory for quantitative RT-PCR without a cold chain. Using this technology, we have demonstrated accurate and repeatable measurements of viral load on samples with as low as 50 copies per milliliter of sample.
A new heuristic for the n-job, M-machine flow-shop problem

Abstract This paper describes a new improvement heuristic for solving the flow-shop scheduling problem. This new method minimizes gaps between successive operations in solutions generated by other heuristics. We compare the new heuristic with five well-known heuristics and the random case by using simulation with makespan, mean flow time and mean utilization as the performance measures. The simulation results show that the new heuristic improves the best heuristic in the three measures by a significant percentage, while the increase in CPU time is modest.
Regulation of Copulation Duration by period and timeless in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract The circadian clock involves several clock genes encoding interacting transcriptional regulators [1–4]. Mutations in clock genes in Drosophila melanogaster , period ( per ), timeless ( tim ), Clock ( Clk ), and cycle ( cyc ), produce multiple phenotypes associated with physiology, behavior, development, and morphology [5]. It is not clear whether these genes always work as clock components or may also act in some unknown pleiotropic fashion. We report here that per and tim are involved in a novel, male-specific phenotype that affects behavioral timing on the order of minutes. Males lacking per or tim copulate significantly longer than males with normal per or tim function, while females do not show this effect. No correlation between fertility and extended copulation duration was found. Several lines of evidence suggest that the time in copula (TIC) is not regulated by the known clock mechanism. First, the period of free-running clock oscillations does not appear to affect this phenotype. Second, constant light, which abolishes the clock function, does not alter TIC. Finally, mutations in the positively acting clock transcription factors, Clk and cyc , do not affect TIC. Our study extends the repertoire of behavioral functions involving per and tim genes and uncovers another time scale over which these genes may act.
Boundary flow on a lake slope during Ekman layer arrest

[1] The disruption of an arrested bottom Ekman layer on a lake boundary slope is initiated when buoyancy enters the balance between the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient. This process is shown to behave in a lake in a qualitatively similar manner to the ocean. A greater bottom slope and stronger stratification are found to dramatically shorten the shutdown timescale of the Ekman flux compared to typical values on the continental shelf and slope. Convergence of the flow at the density front, where the thermocline intersects the bottom, leads to a detrainment of bottom boundary layer water into the interior of the lake and thus facilitates the transport of mass and heat independent of turbulence generation in the boundary layer by internal wave interactions. Internal waves complicate the flow structure. The boundary water detrainment and gravitational instability due to Ekman layer dynamics and the critical reflection and vertical overturns associated with the internal waves combine in effective boundary mixing.
Fabrication of Flexible Binary Amplitude Masks for Patterning on Highly Curved Surfaces

This paper describes soft lithography methods that expand current fabrication capabilities by enabling high-throughput patterning on nonplanar substrates. These techniques exploit optically dense elastomeric mask elements embedded in a transparent poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix by vacuum-assisted microfluidic patterning, UV–ozone-mediated irreversible sealing, and chemical etching. These protocols provide highly flexible photomasks exhibiting either positive- or negative-image contrasts, which serve as amplitude masks for large-area photolithographic patterning on a variety of curved (and planar) surfaces. When patterning on cylindrical surfaces, the developed masks do not experience significant pattern distortions. For substrates with 3D curvatures/geometries, however, the PDMS mask must undergo relatively large strains in order to make conformal contact. The new methods described in this report provide planar masks that can be patterned to compliantly compensate for both the displacements and distortions of features that result from stretching the mask to span the 3D geometry. To demonstrate this, a distortion-corrected grid pattern mask was fabricated and used in conjunction with a homemade inflation device to pattern an electrode mesh on a glass hemisphere with predictable registration and distortion compensation. The showcased mask fabrication processes are compatible with a broad range of substrates, illustrating the potential for development of complex lithographic patterns for a variety of applications in the realm of curved electronics (i.e., synthetic retinal implants and curved LED arrays) and wide field-of-view optics.
Automated design of multivariable control systems

A new automated procedure for the computer-aided design of linear, time-invariant, multivariable control systems is developed for the case where the design specifications are given in the frequency domain in the form of stability margins, loop gains, and closed-loop frequency responses. The procedure minimizes a cost (penalty) function which measures the deviation of the system responses from those specified to obtain the required fixed-configuration compensation to meet the specifications. The procedure is applied to a representative aircraft control system design problem using three local search techniques (optimium step-size gradient, Fletcher-Powell, and Rosenbrock pattern search) and a new "global" random search technique for the required minimizations. The new "global" random search technique appears to be superior to the local search techniques for the class of problems studied.
A novel approach to estimate the impact of analog circuit performance based on the small signal model under process variations

Continuous scaling in CMOS fabrication process makes integrated circuits more vulnerable to process variations. The impact on circuit performance caused by process variations in CMOS circuit is usually analyzed by Monte Carlo method with a large number of simulation runs. This paper proposes a novel approach to estimate the impact of analog circuit performance based on the small signal model under process variations. The accuracy of the small signal model has been verified with CMOS circuit. The proposed approach has been demonstrated by a CMOS two-stage operational transconductance amplifier (OTA). To achieve an accurate estimate, the modified small signal model which consider more parasitic capacitors in CMOS transistor, has been applied in the proposed approach. By applying the proposed approach based on optimization method, the upper and lower bounds of magnitude and phase, can be evaluated accurately in much less computation time compared to Monte Carlo simulations. All experimental results are carried out using a standard 0.35-µm CMOS process technology.
Water Diffusivity in Starches at High Temperatures and Pressures

The method of distance-concentration curves was applied to the estimation of water diffusivities in starches at high temperatures (25-140 °C) and pressures (up to 40 atm). Temperature had a positive (Arrhenius) effect on the water diffusivity. Pressure decreased the water diffusivity and caused an increase of the energy of activation for diffusion of water in starch, especially at pressures of 1–10 bar. Water diffusivities varied from 0.3×10−10 to 30×10−10 m2/s, and they were higher in hydrated starches than in gels, evidently due to the higher porosity. The water diffusivity in hydrated granular starch decreased with increasing moisture content, due to their lower porosity.
Modulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Homing and Engraftment by CD26

Hematopoietic stem cell homing and engraftment are crucial to transplantation efficiency, and clinical engraftment is severely compromised when donor-cell numbers are limiting. The peptidase CD26 (DPPIV/dipeptidylpeptidase IV) removes dipeptides from the amino terminus of proteins. We present evidence that endogenous CD26 expression on donor cells negatively regulates homing and engraftment. By inhibition or deletion of CD26, it was possible to increase greatly the efficiency of transplantation. These results suggest that hematopoietic stem cell engraftment is not absolute, as previously suggested, and indicate that improvement of bone marrow transplant efficiency may be possible in the clinic.
A case of boerhaave's syndrome presenting as diffuse left pulmonary infiltrate

A case of spontaneous esophageal rupture (Boerhaave's syndrome) is presented. The patient was referred from an outside hospital emergency department to Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center with a history of acute left-sided chest pain immediately after an episode of forceful vomiting. An upright chest radiograph revealed a left hydropneumothorax. The diagnosis of Boerhaave's syndrome was confirmed with the placement of a chest tube and extraction of serosanguinous fluid and partially digested food particles from the left hemithorax. The patient underwent surgical repair and was discharged from the hospital in good condition. Boerhaave's syndrome is extremely rare. The predominant symptoms of chest pain and dyspnea also are found in many common disease entities, making early diagnosis difficult. Delay in diagnosis and treatment results in substantial morbidity and mortality. This case exemplifies the importance of obtaining an upright chest radiograph to make a prompt diagnosis.
Downbeating Nystagmus and Muscle Spasms in a Patient with Glutamic-acid Decarboxylase Antibodies

Purpose To report the ophthalmic findings and response to treatment in a patient with glutamic-acid decarboxylase antibodies. Design Case report. Methods A 55-year-old woman developed progressive, painful, low back muscle spasms, vertical diplopia, downbeating nystagmus, and asymmetric appendicular ataxia. Results Downbeating nystagmus was present in primary gaze with an alternating skew deviation in lateral gaze. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid GAD antibodies were detected. Treatment with diazepam led to resolution of spasticity, whereas repeated courses of intravenous immunoglobulin improved cerebellar function, including appendicular ataxia and downbeating nystagmus. Conclusions Patients with GAD antibodies may have elements of both Stiff-person syndrome (muscle rigidity and spasms) and prominent cerebellar dysfunction. Treatment with diazepam rapidly improved Stiff-person symptoms, whereas IVIg was partially effective at the early stage of cerebellar dysfunction.
Switching theory-based steganographic system for JPEG images

Cellular communications constitute a significant portion of the global telecommunications market. Therefore, the need for secured communication over a mobile platform has increased exponentially. Steganography is an art of hiding critical data into an innocuous signal, which provide answers to the above needs. The JPEG is one of commonly used format for storing and transmitting images on the web. In addition, the pictures captured using mobile cameras are in mostly in JPEG format. In this article, we introduce a switching theory based steganographic system for JPEG images which is applicable for mobile and computer platforms. The proposed algorithm uses the fact that energy distribution among the quantized AC coefficients varies from block to block and coefficient to coefficient. Existing approaches are effective with a part of these coefficients but when employed over all the coefficients they show there ineffectiveness. Therefore, we propose an approach that works each set of AC coefficients with different frame work thus enhancing the performance of the approach. The proposed system offers a high capacity and embedding efficiency simultaneously withstanding to simple statistical attacks. In addition, the embedded information could be retrieved without prior knowledge of the cover image. Based on simulation results, the proposed method demonstrates an improved embedding capacity over existing algorithms while maintaining a high embedding efficiency and preserving the statistics of the JPEG image after hiding information.
Fast intra mode decision for depth map coding

Nowadays, JCT-3V joined by ITU-T VCEG and ISO/IEC MPEG is developing new 3D video coding standard, MVC+D and 3D-AVC, based on H.264/AVC. In addition to color image, depth map is also included to be compressed because of adopting DIBR to generate virtual views. However, the computation complexity of encoder much increases due to additional depth map. This paper presents a new fast intra mode decision algorithm for depth map coding compatible with MVC+D and 3D-AVC. The simulation result shows that up to 59% computation time is saved without quality loss.
Auditory Localization of Value Related Material

Summry.-Neutral words were mote accurately located in auditory space than high and low value words by 22 Ss whose values had been established on the Allport, Vernon, and Lindzey test. This effect occurred only at a 45" speaker location; there was no difference between the three types of srimuli at 0"; and the results for non-valued words at other speakers supported these divergent effects. These localization findings partially extend earlier research on visual and auditory thresholds, using an experimental rather than correlational approach. The nature of the underlying perceptual and cognitive processes, however, remains unclear. The effecc of values on perceptual thresholds and recognition errors ("sensitization"), whether visual or auditory, has been a controversial topic (Adams & Brown, 1953). Although the debace surrounding both the factual and explanatory basis for che phenomenon of perceptual sensitizacion has subsided-not so much because of its resolucion as the emergence of new problems and conceptualizations-there still remain questions of empirical interest. These persisc irrespeccive of how one defines perception, either operationally, as a response which can be shown to change as a function of varying certain stimuli, or more globally, considering perception as one of several inter-related aspects of cognition. [For a discussion of this definitional issue in the context of autokinesis, see Lindauer and Gostin ( 1973) .] Studies of the sensitization issue have confounded perception with several cognitive and response variables, e.g., familiarity, memory, guessing, and response inhibition (Eriksen & Eriksen, 1972). However, an auditory localization response for valued material-a topic not previously investigatedavoids some of these difficulties: S is not required to indicate wha~ is perceived but where ic is perceived; and a range of non-verbal response possibilities are available rather than a single yes-no verbal statement indicacive of the presence or absence of a stimulus (Porzemsky & Shipman, 1969). Ic was therefore hypothesized, based on earlier auditory threshold research on sensitization (Paivio & Steeves, 1963), that words of high value would be more accurately localized than either material of neutral or low value and that words of low value would lead to the poorest localization.
Loss of ancestral genes in the genomic evolution of Ciona intestinalis.

Summary Comparison of the predicted protein sets encoded by the complete genomes of two vertebrates (human and pufferfish), the urochordate Ciona intestinalis, three nonchordate animals, and two fungi were used to reconstruct a set of gene families present in the common ancestor of chordates. These ancestral families were much more likely to be lost in Ciona than in either vertebrate. In addition, of 256 duplicate gene pairs that arose by duplication prior to the most recent common ancestor of vertebrates and insects, one of the duplicate genes was four times as likely to be lost in Ciona as in the vertebrates. These results show that the genome of Ciona is not representative of the ancestral chordate genome with respect to gene content but rather shows derived features that may reflect adaptation of the specific ecological niche of urochordates.
Cobalt and manganese nets via their wires: facile transformation in metal-diorganophosphates.

The manganese and cobalt complexes [M(dtbp)2]n (M = Mn, Co; dtbp = di-tert-butyl phosphate), which exist as one-dimensional molecular wires, transform to [M(dtbp)2(bpy)2·2H2O]n by the addition of 4,4-bipyridine (bpy) at room temperature; the latter compounds form noninterpenetrating rectangular grid structures.
How Can We Tell When a Heuristic Has Been Used? Design and Analysis Strategies for Capturing the Operation of Heuristics

Communication research based on social cognition draws heavily from dual process models such as the heuristic-systematic model. Both heuristic and systematic processing are said to be aided by quick rules of thumb or mental shortcuts called heuristics. However, the operationalization of heuristics is quite problematic because their use in decision-making is not directly measured. Scholars claim the operation of specific heuristics in specific situations, based often on clever experimental evidence. We propose a methodological framework that calls for both manipulation and measurement of heuristics in order to offer more direct evidence of their operation. We first review different existing approaches in the literature for operationalizing heuristics. We then discuss our approach and describe the application of moderated mediation to analyze the resulting data. We conclude with a study idea and simulated data that illustrate how our proposed design and analysis framework could be applied in communication r...
Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange using polymer-titania microcomposites.

Abstract Photodegradation of an organic dye was studied experimentally using novel polymer–titania microcomposites. These microcomposites were prepared from titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles embedded within cross-linked, thermally-responsive microgels of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and contained interpenetrating linear chains of poly(acrylic acid) that functionalize the nanoparticles of TiO2. Because these microcomposites settle more than a hundred times faster than freely suspended TiO2 nanoparticles, they are extremely useful for simple gravity separation of the photocatalyst in applications that employ titania nanoparticles. Methyl orange (MO) was used as a model contaminant to investigate the degradation kinetics using the microcomposites in aqueous suspensions. Kinetics of the photodegradation were evaluated by monitoring the changes in methyl orange concentration using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic behavior of functional microcomposites containing 65 wt% titania was studied and the influence of the solution pH as well as the total titania concentration in solution was explored. The results indicated that pH of the solution changes the surface interactions between the poly(acrylic acid), titania, and methyl orange and this interplay determined the overall degradation kinetics of the chemical contaminants. Nearly identical reaction rate constants were observed in acidic solutions for the microcomposites when compared to freely suspended titania. The latter showed higher rate constants than the microcomposites at a neutral pH. Release of the titania from the microcomposites was observed under basic conditions. Complete degradation of the microcomposites was observed after prolonged (7–13 h) UV irradiation. However, the microcomposites were easily regenerated by addition of microgels and no loss of photocatalytic activity was observed.
On performability: Structure and process in language understanding

This paper presents a process model of sentence comprehension. Drawing upon a modular conception of the language apparatus, the model distinguishes several levels of structural representation as well as several special-purpose processing mechanisms, including the verbal working memory system. The perspective gained from considering the functional architecture of language processing puts us in a position to advance specific hypotheses about the causes of impaired performance in populations with notable language difficulties. To test among these hypotheses, a methodological prescription is given for disentangling the subcomponents of the language apparatus which are intertwined in ordinary language use. This prescription is followed in an attempt to uncover the cognitive and linguistic processes implicated in reading disorder. We then proceed to consider empirical findings on both normal children and children who are reading disabled. The results lend support to the view that comprehension failures by poor ...
An introduction to programming the meshless Element F reeGalerkin method

A detailed description of the Element Free Galerkin (EFG) method and its numerical implementation is presented with the goal of familiarizing scientists and engineers with the new computational technique. In this spirit, an in-depth explanation of the essential concepts which comprise the method is given with specific emphasis on the one-dimensional formulation. First, the EFG algorithm for a one-dimensional problem in linear elastostatics is given; the results are compared to those achievable with standard finite element techniques. A step by step explanation of the MATLAB program used to solve the problem is given with specific references to the EFG method in one-dimension. Next, a simplified two-dimensional implementation to linear elastostatics is described. Results are calculated with the method and the aid of a two-dimensional MATLAB EFG program, and conclusions are drawn about the method and its capabilities. The source programs used to solve both the one-dimensional and two-dimensional problems are provided in the Appendices and are available on the web.
Can morphology be determined from polarized light scattering measurements

Fiber optic measurements of tissue phantoms, Monte Carlo simulations, and angular dependent scattering of biological cells are used to support the hypothesis that polarized elastic-scattering spectroscopy can measure scatter size and concentration in vivo.
Parent attention versus distraction: Impact on symptom complaints by children with and without chronic functional abdominal pain

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of parent attention and distraction on symptom complaints by children with and without chronic functional abdominal pain. The water load symptom provocation task was used to induce visceral discomfort in pediatric patients with abdominal pain (N=104) and well children (N=119), ages 8-16 years. Parents were randomly assigned and trained to interact with their children according to one of three conditions: Attention, Distraction, or No Instruction. Children's symptom complaints and parents' responses were audiotaped and coded. Children completed a self-report measure of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms before and after interacting with their parents. Parents' and children's perceptions of their interaction were assessed. Compared to the No Instruction condition, symptom complaints by pain patients and well children nearly doubled in the Attention condition and were reduced by half in the Distraction condition. The effect of attention on symptom complaints was greater for female pain patients than for male patients or well children. Findings for self-report GI symptoms were similar to those for audiotaped symptom complaints. Both pain patients and well children in the Distraction condition rated parents as making them feel better compared to ratings for the Attention condition. Parents of pain patients rated distraction as having greater potential negative impact on their children than attention. Parents' responses to children's symptom complaints can significantly increase or decrease those complaints. Girls with functional abdominal pain are particularly vulnerable to the symptom-reinforcing effects of parental attention.
Simulating the fate of Florida Snowy Plovers with sea-level rise: Exploring research and management priorities with a global uncertainty and sensitivity analysis perspective

Abstract Changes in coastal habitats due to sea-level rise provide an uncertain, yet significant threat to shoreline dependent birds. Rising sea levels can cause habitat fragmentation and loss which can result in considerable reduction in their foraging and nesting areas. Computational models and their algorithmic assumptions play an integral role in exploring potential mitigation responses to uncertain and potentially adverse ecological outcomes. The presence of uncertainty in metapopulation models is widely acknowledged but seldom considered in their development and evaluation, specifically the effects of uncertain model inputs on the model outputs. This paper was aimed to (1) quantify the contribution of each uncertain input factor to the uncertainty in the output of a metapopulation model which evaluated the effects of long-term sea-level rise on the population of Snowy Plovers ( Charadrius alexandrinus ) found in the Gulf Coast of Florida, and (2) determine the ranges of model inputs that produced a specific output for the purpose of formulating environmental management decisions. This was carried out by employing global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis (GSA) using two generic (model independent) methods, the qualitative screening Morris method and a quantitative variance-based Sobol’ method coupled with Monte Carlo filtering. The analyses were applied to three density dependence scenarios: assuming a ceiling-type density dependence, assuming a contest-type density dependence, and assuming that density dependence is uncertain as to being ceiling- or contest-dependent. The sources of uncertainty in the outputs depended strongly on the type of density dependence considered in the model. In general, uncertainty in the outputs highly depended on the uncertainty in stage matrix elements (fecundity, adult survival, and juvenile survival), dispersal rate from central areas with low current populations (the “Big Bend” area of Florida) to the northern, panhandle populations, the maximum growth rate, and density dependence type. Our results showed that increasing the maximum growth rate to a value of 1.2 or larger will increase the final average population of Snowy Plovers assuming a contest-type density dependence. Results suggest that studies that further quantify which density dependence relationship best describes Snowy Plover population dynamics should be conducted since this is the main driver of uncertainty in model outcomes. Furthermore, investigating the presence of Snowy Plovers in the Big Bend region may be important for providing connection between the panhandle and peninsula populations.
Uptake of varicella vaccination among young children in the United States: a success story in eliminating racial and ethnic disparities.

Objective To examine uptake of varicella vaccine, a live attenuated vaccine licensed in 1995 and recommended in 1996 for routine vaccination of US children 12 to 18 months of age. Methods Data were for 178,616 children (19-35 months of age) and were collected in the 1997 to 2004 National Immunization Survey. The main outcome measures were estimated varicella vaccine coverage from 1997 to 2004, coverage among susceptible children (ie, those without a history of varicella disease), racial/ethnic disparities, risk factors for nonvaccination, missed opportunities to vaccinate simultaneously with other recommended vaccines, and projected increases in coverage after elimination of missed opportunities for simultaneous vaccination. Results Varicella vaccine coverage rates increased from 26% in 1997 to 87% in 2004. State-specific coverage rates increased 44 to 80 percentage points and were >80% in 42 states and >90% in 13 states by 2004. Coverage among susceptible children increased from 62% in 1999 to 88% in 2004. From 1998 onward, no statistically significant differences in coverage were found between white and black children, whereas Hispanic children had higher coverage rates than white children in 1998 to 2001 and 2004. Risk factors for undervaccination included living in the Midwest region, living in a household with >1 child, living in nonmetropolitan areas, living below the poverty level, having a mother who did not have a college degree, and having public providers. If missed opportunities for simultaneous vaccination had been eliminated, then coverage rates would have increased from 58% to 94% in 1999 and from 87% to 96% in 2004. Conclusions Uptake of varicella vaccine has been steady and is an example of successful elimination of racial and ethnic disparities. Additional focus should be placed on reducing missed opportunities for simultaneous vaccination, improving coverage in rural areas and the Midwest region, and closing remaining gaps related to maternal education, provider type, and multiple-children households.
Determinants of Spatial Polarity in the Growth Plate • 394

Growth of long bones occurs at the growth plate, a layer of cartilage that separates the epiphysis from the metaphysis. Growth plate exhibits spatial polarity. Proliferative chondrocytes undergo terminal differentiation when they approach the metaphyseal, but not the epiphyseal, border of the growth plate. The adjacent bone also exhibits spatial polarity. Metaphyseal, but not epiphyseal, blood vessels and bone cells invade adjacent growth plate, remodeling it into bone. As a result, the metaphysis, but not the epiphysis, elongates over time.
Hydrogen peroxide and other components in the ink of sea hares are chemical defenses against predatory spiny lobsters acting through non-antennular chemoreceptors

ARTICLE I NFO When attacked by a predator, sea hares may release two chemically defensive secretions, ink and opaline. These secretions are mixed in the mantle cavity and then released towards the attacker. In this study of the sea hare Aplysia californica, we present data showing that both secretions and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a product of the reaction between escapin, an L-amino acid oxidase in ink, and lysine in opaline, are able to elicit aversive behaviors from spiny lobsters, Panulirus interruptus. The behaviors include mouthpart rubbing and tail flipping (for opaline and H2O2), deterring feeding (for ink and H2O2), or completely inhibiting feeding (for opaline). The aversive behavior is not elicited through long distance chemoreceptors located in the antennules, as shown by ablation experiments, nor is it due to nonspecific stimulation, as shown by the failure of KCl and highly concentrated positive stimuli to elicit it. A concentration-response curve shows that the ED50 for H2O2 is 13.7 mM, an amount well below what is attainable in situ. The effect on feeding is demonstrated by the fact that lobsters do not eat shrimp laced with full strength opaline and spend a significantly greater amount of time handling shrimp laced with ink, H2O2, or opaline than handling control shrimp. Taken together, these data suggest that opaline, ink, and their mixture contain compounds, one of which is H2O2, that can alter a predator's behavior to allow the sea hare to escape attack.
Morphological appearance manifolds in computational anatomy: Groupwise registration and morphological analysis

We present an extension of the conventional computational anatomy framework to account for confounding variations due to selection of parameters and templates, by learning the equivalence class derived from the multitude of representations of an individual anatomy. A morphological appearance manifold obtained by varying parameters of the template warping procedure is estimated. Group-wise registration and statistical analysis is then based on a constrained optimization framework, which employs a minimum variance criterion to perform manifold walking, i.e. to traverse each individual's morphological appearance manifold until group variance is minimal. Effectively, this process removes the aforementioned confounding effects and potentially leads to morphological representations that reflect purely underlying biological variations, instead of variations introduced by modeling assumptions and parameter settings. The nonlinearity of a morphological appearance manifold is treated via local linear approximations of the manifold via PCA.
Emerging technologies in hazardous waste management

The continuing challenges associated with the management of hazardous wastes and their impacts on human health and the environment have engaged scientists and engineers in efforts to develop more effective and innovative technologies. As indicated in the introduction to this overview chapter, these efforts have become more organized with expanding emphasis on information retrieval and dissemination, and demonstration of emerging technologies within an applied perspective. Focus on this outcome has been provided by representative examples in this volume of the series. However, while definite progress is being made, additional discovery is needed to further advance the basic science and technology, and to make translation into practice more of a reality.
Stochastic computing: Embracing errors in architecture and design of processors and applications

As device sizes shrink, device-level manufacturing challenges have led to increased variability in physical circuit characteristics. Exponentially increasing circuit density has not only brought about concerns in the reliable manufacturing of circuits, but has also exaggerated variations in dynamic circuit behavior. The resulting uncertainty in performance, power, and reliability imposed by compounding static and dynamic non-determinism threatens to halt the continuation of Moore's law, which has been arguably the primary driving force behind technology and innovation for decades. As the marginal benefits of technology scaling continue to languish, a new vision for stochastic computing has begun to emerge. Rather than hiding variations under expensive guardbands, designers have begun to relax traditional correctness constraints and deliberately expose hardware variability to higher levels of the compute stack, thus tapping into potentially significant performance and energy benefits, while exploiting software and hardware error resilience to tolerate errors. In this paper, we present our vision for design, architecture, compiler, and application-level stochastic computing techniques that embrace errors in order to ensure the continued viability of semiconductor scaling.
Increased competition may promote species coexistence

It is a mainstay of community ecology that local exclusion of species will result if competitive pressures become too large. The pattern of exclusion may be complicated, but the qualitative orthodoxy has changed little since the pioneering work of Lotka, Volterra, and Gause—no two species can occupy the same niche. Stated in a more precise form, the higher the intensity of interspecific competition in an assemblage of species, the fewer the number of species that can coexist in perpetuity. We suggest that this orthodoxy results from “linear” thinking, and that if the classical equations are formulated more realistically with attendant nonlinearities, the orthodoxy breaks down and higher levels of competition may actually increase the likelihood that species will avoid competitive exclusion. Furthermore, this increased probability of coexistence at higher levels of competition is accompanied by characteristic dynamic patterns: (i) at lower levels of competition, after all extinction events have occurred, remaining species follow irregular chaotic patterns; (ii) at higher levels of competition, when most species coexist, all species are entrained in a single large limit cycle; (iii) the transient behavior appears to correspond to a special case of chaos, uniform phase chaotic amplitude.