cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
REFINING MEMBRANE PENETRATION BY A COMBINATION OF STEADY-STATE AND TIME-RESOLVED DEPTH-DEPENDENT FLUORESCENCE QUENCHING

Accurate determination of the depth of membrane penetration of a fluorescent probe, attached to a lipid, protein, or other macromolecule of interest, using depth-dependent quenching methodology is complicated by thermal motion in the lipid bilayer. Here, we suggest that a combination of steady-state and time-resolved measurements can be used to generate a static quenching profile that reduces the contribution from transverse diffusion occurring during the excited-state lifetime. This procedure results in narrower quenching profiles, compared with those obtained by traditional measurements, and thus improves precision in determination of the underlying depth distribution of the probe.
Evidence of place conditioning after chronic intrathecal morphine in rats.

Abstract The acute administration of either systemic or intrathecal morphine produced an antinociceptive reaction on the tail flick test; only systemic morphine produced a sedative effect on motor activity. Rats receiving chronic intrathecal injections were hyperactive relative to saline injected control subjects. After a series of four injections, a place preference was induced by both routes of administration: rats who had previously received morphine either by subcutaneous or intrathecal spent significantly more time in the context in which the drug had been given, relative to rats who were comparably injected with saline. These data suggest that chronic intrathecal morphine in rats may elicit a discriminable cue, either through direct pharmacological stimulation of supraspinal sites, or, indirectly, as a consequence of spinal opiate action.
Remind Me Who I Am Social Interaction Strategies for Maintaining the Threatened Self-Concept

After failure, individuals frequently turn to others for support. The current research examined the process through which individuals utilize interpersonal relationships to stabilize threatened self-views. We may seek support to reassure us with warmth and acceptance after a self-threat, or to provide support for threatened self-knowledge. We proposed that although both types of support are likely to repair the affective consequences of a self-threat, only interacting with others who can provide evidence from the individuals’ past that reconfirms a threatened self-aspect would help stabilize the self-concept. Two studies demonstrated that, for individuals who have suffered a self-threat, receiving specific evidentiary support for the threatened self-aspect was more effective at restoring confidence in both the specific self-aspect and at recovering self-concept clarity than was receiving emotional support, whether the interaction was imagined (Study 1), or offered in person (Study 2) after the threat.
Myeloablative chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation in myeloma or primary amyloidosis with renal involvement

Myeloablative chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation in myeloma or primary amyloidosis with renal involvement. Background High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation are being applied increasingly to the treatment of selected patients with multiple myeloma or primary systemic amyloidosis. Stem cell transplantation presents unique challenges to the nephrologist because of the high prevalence of renal involvement in myeloma and the issues that are associated with high-dose chemotherapy in patients with the nephrotic syndrome due to renal amyloid. Methods We review the published literature on stem cell transplantation in patients with reduced renal function. Results and Conclusions The specifics of transplantation pertaining to patients with renal amyloid nephrotic syndrome are discussed in detail.
Advances in the treatment and outcome of brainstem cavernous malformation surgery: a single-center case series of 300 surgically treated patients.

BACKGROUND: Brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) are relatively uncommon, low-flow vascular lesions. Because of their relative rarity, relatively little data on their natural history and on the efficacy and durability of their treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term durability of surgical treatment of BSCMs and to document patient outcomes and clinical complications. METHODS: The charts of all patients undergoing surgical treatment of BSCM between 1985 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively. The study population consisted of 300 patients who had surgery for BSCM. Forty patients were under 19 years of age at surgery; pediatric BSCMs have been reported separately. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics, surgical approaches, and patient outcomes were examined. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 260 adult patients with a female-to-male ratio of 1.5 and mean age of 41.8 years. Of the 260 patients, 252 presented with a clinical or radiographic history of hemorrhage. The mean follow-up in 240 patients was 51 months. The mean Glasgow Outcome Scale on admission, at discharge, and at last follow-up was 4.4, 4.2, and 4.6. Postoperatively, 137 patients (53%) developed new or worsening neurological symptoms. Permanent new deficits remained in 93 patients 3(36%). There were perioperative complications in 74 patients (28%); tracheostomy, feeding tube placement, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage were most common. Eighteen patients (6.9%) experienced 20 rehemorrhages. Twelve patients required reoperation for residual/recurrent BSCM. The overall annual risk of postoperative rehemorrhage was 2%/patient. CONCLUSION: Although BSCM surgery has significant associated risks, including perioperative complications, new neurological deficits, and death, most patients have favorable outcomes. Overall, surgery markedly improved the risk of rehemorrhage and related symptoms and should be considered in patients with accessible lesions.
Radiofrequency energy tissue ablation for the treatment of nasal obstruction secondary to turbinate hypertrophy.

Objective/Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the success rate of radiofrequency energy (RFe) tissue ablation of the inferior turbinate for nasal obstruction achieved by previous investigators would be improved by using a longer needle electrode and creating two lesions per turbinate. Methods: Ten patients with nasal obstruction secondary to inferior turbinate hypertrophy were prospectively enrolled. A 40-mm needle delivered RFe to two sites in each inferior turbinate. Patients used a visual analog scale (VAS) to grade nasal obstruction preoperatively and at week and 8 weeks after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative digital images of the nasal cavity were graded for obstruction (0% to 100%) in a blinded manner. Results: All patients (100%) were subjectively improved at 8 weeks. Mean obstruction (VAS) improved from 50% ± 21% to 16% ± 15% (right side) and from 53% ± 29% to 13% ± 13% (left side). Mean improvements were 68% (right side) (P = .004) and 75% (left side) (P = .001). Mean obstruction graded during blinded review of nasal cavity images improved from 73.5% ± 8% to 51% ± 8% (right side) and from 76% ± 6% to 64% ± 7% (left side). Of nine patients using medications for nasal obstruction before treatment, eight (89%) noted no further need for medications at 8 weeks. Conclusion: The use of RFe for submucosal tissue ablation in the hypertrophied inferior turbinate is an effective modality for reducing symptoms of nasal obstruction. Improved results may occur by using a longer needle and creating two lesions per turbinate. Of patients in this study, 100% reported improvement of nasal obstruction.
Schliemann's discovery of ‘Priam's treasure’: a re-examination of the evidence

The importance of Schliemann's excavations at Troy, Mycenae and elsewhere is beyond dispute. Yet the aura of greatness which his remarkable achievements have rightly conferred on his name has tended to blur our perception of the man himself. Psychoanalytic studies by W. G. Niederland have offered fresh insight into his complex character, but it is the paper given by W. M. Calder III on the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of his birth that marks the beginning of the new sceptical attitude to Schliemann. Calder pointed out that Schliemann's autobiographical writings contain many false claims and purely fictitious episodes which biographers have uncritically accepted as fact. This new view of Schliemann as an unreliable witness, which, incidentally, was held by many of his contemporaries, has now been confirmed and expanded by subsequent research.It is principally in matters of his personal life that recent studies have exposed Schliemann's propensity for lies and fraud. However, G. Korres has shown that in his scholarly work too Schliemann did not shrink from seriously misrepresenting the truth. It is the purpose of the present article to demonstrate that even Schliemann's archaeological reports are vitiated by this kind of behaviour. We are not here concerned with Schliemann's interpretations of his discoveries.
Individual behavioral variation in predator-prey models

The role of individual behavioral variation in community dynamics was studied. Behavioral variation in this study does not refer to differences in average responses (e.g., average response between presence and absence of antipredator behavior). Rather it refers to the variation around the average response that is not explained by trivial experimental treatments. First, the effect of behavioral variation was examined based on Jensen’s inequality. In cases of commonly used modeling framework with type II functional response, neglecting behavioral variation (a component of encounter rate) causes overestimation of predation effects. The effect of this bias on community processes was examined by incorporating the behavioral variation in a commonly used consumer-resource model (Rosenzweig–MacArthur model). How such a consideration affects a model prediction (paradox of enrichment) was examined. The inclusion of behavioral variation can both quantitatively and qualitatively alter the model characteristics. Behavioral variation can substantially increase the stability of the community with respect to enrichment.
Terahertz frequency optical properties of acoustic materials

Abstract An investigation of the terahertz frequency electromagnetic absorption coefficient spectra and refractive index spectra is presented for many materials employed in acoustic applications. A brief discussion on the use of these material properties for terahertz imaging applications is also included. Terahertz-frequency electromagnetic radiation has the potential to image through and inside many acoustically damping materials, unlike traditional nondestructive evaluation techniques such as ultrasound. The optical properties discussed herein are necessary to quantify potential terahertz imaging performance for these and other acoustic materials.
On the Stability of the Transeinsteinium Elements

We calculate ground-state properties of nuclei in the Z≧100 region. The most stable superheavy elements are predicted for lower neutron number than in previous investigations, namely110288X and110290X, both with a calculated half-life of around 200 days. A new feature is a local minimum in the ground-state shell correction at Z=110 andN=162. Elements in this region are therefore expected to show increased stability relative to some earlier expectations.
Does Britain need public law status Chambers of Commerce

There have recently been considerable changes in the UK Chamber of Commerce system, leading to the creation of a network of Approved Chambers and of Chambers of Commerce, Training and Enterprise (CCTEs). However, debate continues in academic and practitioner circles concerning whether UK Chambers of Commerce should move further towards the dominant Chamber model of mainland Europe, based on public law status. This paper assesses the case for and against such a move, in order to contribute to the understanding of the likely impact of recent changes and possible future reforms to the UK Chamber system. Various aspects of UK, French and German Chambers are discussed, compared and contrasted in order to consider whether a move to public law status on the part of UK Chambers would be in the UK’s best interests.
The Effects of Regularly Spaced Glutamine Substitutions on Alpha-Helical Peptide Structures. A DFT/ONIOM Study.

Abstract The side-chains of the residues of glutamine (Q) and asparagine (N) contain amide groups. These can H-bond to each other in patterns similar to those of the backbone amides in α-helices. We show that mutating multiple Q’s for alanines (A’s) in a polyalanine helix stabilizes the helical structure, while similar mutations with multiple N’s do not. We suggest that modification of peptides by incorporating Q’s in such positions can make more robust helices that can be used to test the effects of secondary structures in biochemical experiments linked to proteins with variable structures such as tau and α-synuclein.
Ligand Lone-Pair Influence on Hydrocarbon C-H Activation. A Computational Perspective

Mid to late transition metal complexes that break hydrocarbon C-H bonds by transferring the hydrogen to a heteroatom ligand while forming a metal-alkyl bond offer a promising strategy for C-H activation. Here we report a density functional (B3LYP, M06, and X3LYP) analysis of cis-(acac)_2MX and TpM(L)X (M=Ir, Ru, Os, and Rh; acac=acetylacetonate, Tp=tris(pyrazolyl)-borate; X=CH_3, OH, OMe, NH_2, and NMe_2) systems for methane C-H bond activation reaction kinetics and thermodynamics.We address the importance of whether a ligand lone pair provides an intrinsic kinetic advantage through possible electronic d_π-p_π repulsions for M-OR and M-NR_2 systems versus M-CH_3 systems. This involves understanding the energetic impact of the X ligand group on ligand loss, C-H bond coordination, and C-H bond cleavage steps as well as understanding how the nucleophilicity of the ligand X group, the electrophilicity of the transition metal center, and cis-ligand stabilization effect influence each of these steps.We also explore how spectator ligands and second- versus third-row transition metal centers impact the energetics of each of these C-H activation steps.
Glutathione S‐transferases: Amino acid sequence comparison, classification and phylogenetic relationship

Summary We have assembled a data base for 71 full length and near‐full length amino acid sequences of glutathione S‐transferases from various vertebrate and invertebrate eukaryotic and prokaryotic species. This database was used as input for multiple sequence alignment and a dendrogram was established representing the classification and phylogenetic relationship of the glutathione S‐transferase supergene family. The glutathione S‐transferase sequences were grouped into six classes; five of them are established classes identified as alpha, mu, pi, theta and microsomal. The lens S‐crystallin amino acid sequences from squid and octopus were grouped into a new class termed sigma. A hypothesis of the origin and evolution of glutathione S‐transferases is proposed. Glutathione S‐transferases are present in primitive prokaryotic organisms and the ancestral gene for glutathione S‐transferase probably was a member of the theta class. Gene duplication followed by diversification has led to the multiplicity of glutat...
Evidence of the occurrence of a large RNA molecule per ribonucleoprotein particle

A purified RNA preparation consisting of two sedimenting components has been obtained from mouse brains. The molecular weights of these two components, as determined from the sedimentation and viscosity data, are 1.7·106 and 0.7·106, respectively. The larger value is equal to the RNA content of one mole of the larger tissue ribonucleoprotein. This result supports the previously advanced hypothesis that one RNA particle with a molecular weight of about 1.7·106 is contained in one molecule of a certain class of ribonucleoprotein particle.
The ethics of metaphor and the infant body in pain.

Cultural metaphors identify neonatal intensive care with extraterrestism, but describe liminal preterm patients as subhuman or nonhuman. These metaphors, Whittier argues, contextualize a failure to provide adequate pain relief for preterm infants. Other factors, be they pharmacological, educational, structural, or representational, also contribute to verbal denial of infant pain, as well as to the dialogic compromise and ethical stress imposed on medical personnel despite recent technological advances and calls for reform from neonatologists themselves. A response to "The Ethics of Metaphor and the Infant Body in Pain," by pediatrician John Lantos, and Whittier's response to Lantos, follows this article.
Career patterns of scientists in peripheral communities

Abstract In an advanced country, the scientific community is large enough to permit differentiation, with sufficient members in each special field to permit complex interaction with each other, and sufficiently different from each other to be able to stimulate each other. …It has its own system of communicating and assessing the results of research and analysis. …It has its own circles of face-to-face interaction and inter-individual communication. …It is linked with other scientific communities across political boundaries by personal contact (emphasis added) by mutual appreciation and by public communication and formal association.… In the underdeveloped countries scientists are relatively few in number.… They suffer isolation from each other.… They are in danger…of losing contacts with their colleagues in the international scientific community.… They are in brief not fully-fledged members of the scientific community and their work suffers accordingly. [7]
GEMS: A generalized manufacturing simulator

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to describe a Generalized Manufacturing Simulator (GEMS) which can be used in the analysis of complex discrete part manufacturing systems. GEMS is a FORTRAN based analysis program which has been developed to study assembly line or job shop manufacturing environments. However, the current capabilities of GEMS enable a user to model a wide range of industrial, social, and operational problems. Conceptualization of manufacturing environments to the GEMS program is executed via a box/node arc network representation of the manufacturing system. GEMS is an activity-on box (node) simulation program composed of standardized simulation input via specialized boxes and arcs. A box (node)/arc structure can be developed to represent complex material flow patterns, probabilistics branching, routing based on attribute values, resource constraints, cost considerations, and complex queueing characteristics. GEMS can be used to study product flow rates, manufacturing capabilities, and queueing phenomena; assess in-process inventories and raw material storage requirements; determine the effects of alternate sequencing and scheduling rules; different routing and material handling schemes; and the impact of limited resources and increased/decreased production rates. An analysis package has been constructed which normally requires only a representation of the simulated system in terms of a network diagram, and transmission of this diagram to the GEMS program structure through FORTRAN NAMELIST data inputs.
Empirical evaluation of the congestion responsiveness of RealPlayer video streams

Increasingly popular commercial streaming media applications over the Internet often use UDP as the underlying transmission protocol for performance reasons. Hand-in-hand with the increase in streaming media comes the impending threat of unresponsive UDP traffic, often cited as the major threat to the stability of the Internet. Unfortunately, there are few empirical studies that analyze the responsiveness, or lack of it, of commercial streaming media applications. In this work, we evaluate the responsiveness of RealNetworks' RealVideo over UDP by measuring the performance of numerous streaming video clips selected from a variety of RealServers on the Internet, analyze the TCP-Friendliness of the UDP streams and correlate the results with network and application layer statistics. We find that most RealVideo UDP streams respond to Internet congestion by reducing the application layer encoding rate, and streams with a minimum encoding rate less than the fair share of the capacity often achieve a TCP-Friendly rate. In addition, our results suggest that a reason streaming applications choose not to use TCP is that the TCP API hides network information, such as loss rate and round-trip time, making it difficult to estimate the available capacity for effective media scaling.
Staggered domain wall fermion method

A different lattice fermion method is introduced. Staggered domain wall fermions are defined in $2n+1$ dimensions and describe ${2}^{n}$ flavors of light lattice fermions with exact $\mathrm{U}(1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1)$ chiral symmetry in $2n$ dimensions. As the size of the extra dimension becomes large, ${2}^{n}$ chiral flavors with the same chiral charge are expected to be localized on each boundary and the full $\mathrm{SU}{(2}^{n})\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{SU}{(2}^{n})$ flavor chiral symmetry is expected to be recovered. SDWF give a different perspective into the inherent flavor mixing of lattice fermions and by design present an advantage for numerical simulations of lattice QCD thermodynamics. The chiral and topological index properties of the SDWF Dirac operator are investigated. And, there is a surprise ending.
Attenuation by Ozone and the Earth’s Albedo in the Middle Ultraviolet

An approximate analytical expression is developed for the attenuation of middle ultraviolet radiation along slant paths through the atmosphere. The independent variables are wavelength, altitude of source (the detector is assumed to be above the atmosphere), angle of path with respect to zenith, and three parameters which characterize the ozone distribution. An approximate analytical expression is also developed for the scattered solar radiance seen by a satellite. Here the independent variables are the wavelength, the look angle and the sun angle with respect to the zenith, the scattering angle, and again three parameters which characterize the ozone distribution. The results based upon the formula are compared with previous studies and an experimental measurement.
A self-assembling process in articular cartilage tissue engineering.

Current therapies for articular cartilage defects often result in fibrocartilaginous tissue. To achieve regeneration with hyaline articular cartilage, tissue-engineering approaches employing cell-s...
Consumer Self‐Esteem and Susceptibility to Social Influence: A Cross‐Cultural Comparison and Investigation of Advertising Implications

This paper presents the results of a multimethod research study, which incorporates survey and experimental methodologies, designed to further explore the underpinnings of cultural differences in consumer responses to advertising messages. The study was designed to measure and assess differences in the self‐esteem and susceptibility to social influence of Japanese and United States college‐aged consumers. In general, it was hypothesized that Japanese consumers would have lower self‐esteem and higher susceptibility to social influence than would their US counterparts. The study provided evidence to support those hypotheses.
Nail bed repair and reconstruction by reverse dermal grafts

Repair of traumatized nail beds and reconstructive procedures for nail deformations often lead to less than satisfactory results. This series of 19 patients had reverse dermal grafts applied either because of acute traumatic nail bed avulsion (nine patients) or for secondary reconstruction of a scarred nail bed with nail deformity (10 patients). Excellent results with nearly normal nail cosmesis were obtained in seven of nine primary nail bed repairs, whereas seven of 10 secondary reconstruction procedures ultimately had poor results. We conclude that the technique of reconstituting a nail bed with a reverse dermal graft for acute nail bed avulsion can lead to predictably satisfactory results.
A theoretical model for calcium absorption from the intestinal lumen

A theoretical model is developed for the absorption of calcium in the human gut and a mathematical description of the model is written. For simplicity, only three compartments are considered to derive a kinetic equation which can be fit to plasma activity measurements following oral ingestion of radiotracer calcium. Initial tests show good success in correlating total fractional absorption of calcium.
The kidney as an endocrine organ involved in calcium homeostasis

Clinicians have for several decades recognized the existence of sever bone disease associated with chronic renal failure. This problem has become more acute in recent years with the continued improvement of patient management, especially with the use of chronic dialysis. The bone disease which develops as a result of chronic renal failure has many components, including osteomalacia and/or osteitis fibrosa cystica due to secondary hyperparathyroidism. The basic reason for the development of bone disease is still a matter of debate. Bricker et al [1] proposed the hypothesis that transient phosphate retention with each decrement in renal function is a major factor leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism. Although this theory still remains as an attractive possibility, recent developments have brought into focus a new possibility involving the functional metabolism of vitamin D to a hormonal form responsible for the mobilization of calcium from both intestine and bone. With this in mind the remainder of this review will develop this idea as it currently exists and will bring into focus new information which may bring both the Bricker hypothesis and the vitamin D metabolism hypothesis of renal osteodystrophy [2] closer together.
Personality characteristics of Divorce-Prone individuals: A preliminary clinical study

This study focuses on Divorce-Prone individuals and the question of why some persons fail in one marriage after another. The authors studied 12 individuals who had each been divorced two or more times. They found that the cases fell into one of three broad and overlapping groups. The groups have been called the Self-Involved Narcissists, the Compliant Depressed, and the Casualties of Life's Vicissitudes. The individuals and the groups demonstrate a different etiology, different treatment problems, and a very different prognosis.
Rhetorics and Politics in Afghan Traditional Storytelling

Rhetorics and Politics in Afghan Traditional Storytelling. Margaret A. Mills. Persian Studies Series, 12. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1991. 388 pp. $29.95 (cloth)
Measurement of the medial longitudinal arch

Although clinical evidence suggests a causal relationship between arch structure and musculoskeletal injury patterns, biological variations in soft-tissue structures effect the accuracy of arch-height measurements. Medial longitudinal arch (MLA) structure was assessed clinically and radiographically in 100 consecutive patients with foot problems. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for three radiographic parameters and three anthropometric parameters of the MLA. Intrarater and interrater reliability estimates for the radiographic measurements were uniformly excellent. Intrarater reliability coefficients were higher than interrater coefficients for the three tested anthropometric parameters. The strengths of associations between anthropometric and radiographic data were assessed with Pearson correlation coefficients. The clinically determined ratio of navicular height-to-foot length correlated most closely with the radiographic indices of MLA structure.
Some biological and behavioral features associated with clinical personality types

The author reviews supporting evidence for the existence of two personality prototypes that correspond to two DSM-III-R personality "clusters." These hypothetical personality prototypes are characterized by extreme variations along several interrelated personality trait dimensions and by differences in two biological measures. The possibility that individual differences in central serotonin and/or catecholamine activity may underlie some of the features associated with these prototypes is discussed in light of current data. The usefulness of this conceptualization as a supplemental axis of personality classification is suggested.
Singlet oxygen as a reactive intermediate in the photodegradation of phenylenevinylene oligomers

Singlet molecular oxygen (a1Δg) is shown to be the principal reactive intermediate in the photoinduced oxygen-dependent decomposition of a series of phenylenevinylene oligomers. The reaction rate between singlet oxygen and the oligomer decreases (1) with a decrease in the extent of phenylenevinylene conjugation (i.e., oligomer chain length) and (2) upon the incorporation of electron-withdrawing substituents on the oligomer. The reaction rate, however, does not appear to depend solely on the electron density of the oligomer π system, as calculated using ab initio methods. For oligomers with vinyl-substituted cyano group(s), the reaction with singlet oxygen is very slow, thus making such compounds good candidates for the production of stable electroluminescent materials.
Effect of pH on the absorption of Cu(II) by alginate gel

The absorption of copper from synthetic solutions of cupric sulfate (initial Cu concentration: 200 ppm, initial pH: 2.4 or 3.4) in a batch loop fluidized bed reactor by alginate gels was investigated. Compared to the results obtained without addition of sulfuric acid [Jang L. K., Geesey G. G., Lopez S. L., Eastman S. L. and Wichlacz P. L., Wat. Res. 24, 889–897 (1990)], the copper-binding efficiency of the alginate gels at pH 3.4 was affected mildly by the acidity of the solution; at pH 2.4, the percent copper recovered was reduced by roughly one-half. In this work, an extended Langmuir model that took into account the competition between monovalent hydrogen ions and divalent cupric ions for the carboxyl groups on the alginate molecules was derived. This model yielded the binding group density of the alginate gel and binding stability constants for cupric alginate and alginic acid simultaneously. The new model was shown to be superior to the simple Langmuir model that expressed the results as conditional copper binding stability constant and capacity at a given pH. Application of the extended Langmuir model to the prediction of copper binding at pH 2 is also illustrated.
Infant-toddler mental health. An emerging concern.

JCPN Commentary presents a series of obsenations, opinions, and analyses of issues and trends in education and practice in psychiatric and mental health nursing, and social policy factors that influence families, or the deliver of health services to youth and their families.
LGeDBMS: a small DBMS for embedded system with flash memory

The ever-increasing requirement of high performance and huge capacity memories of emerging consumer electronics appliances, such as mobile phone, digital camera, MP3, PMP, PDA, etc., has led to the widespread adaptation of flash memory as main data storages, respectively. As a result, managing the data on ash memory has been gaining in significant to satisfy the requirement of mobile embedded applications. However, the read/write/erase behaviors of flash memory are radically different than that of magnetic disks which make traditional database technology irrelevant. In this paper, we introduce LGeDBMS, a scale-downed DBMS engine designed for ash memory and its application. Finally, we demonstrate a PIM(Personal Information Management) application on a mobile phone using LGeDBMS.
Differential vital staining of the canine cornea and conjunctiva with fluorescein-rose bengal and alcian blue.

The literature on the use of vital stains in the clinical investigation of corneal lesions is reviewed. The application of a combination of fluorescein–rose bengal mixture and alcian blue was investigated in fifty–eight canine eyes prior to the experimental production of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The results are presented and it was concluded that the fluorescein–rose bengal mixture was a convenient method of utilizing the staining properties of both agents, that the repeated application of rose bengal is unwise and that alcian blue is a useful adjunct for demonstrating the mucous thread and for differentiating mucus and cellular debris. Resume. Les publications sur l'usage de colorants vitaux dans l'investigation clinique des lesions de la cornee, sont sous revue. Avant la production experimentale de Keratoconjonctivite seche, on a etudie, dans cinquante-huit yeux canins, l'application d'un melange de fluoresceine-rose bengale et de bleu alcien. On a presente les resultats et on a conclu que le melange de fluoresceine-rose bengale a ete une methode pratique pour utiliser les proprietes colorantes des deux agents, que l'application repetee de rose bengale n'est pas a recommander et que le bleu alcien est un complement utile pour demontrer les filaments muqueux et pour differencier le mucus et les dechets cellulaires. Zusammenfassung. Die Literatur iiber den Gebrauch von biologischen Farbemitteln in der Forschung von kornealen Lasionen wird uberpruft. Die Anwendung von einer Zusammen-stellung von Flourescin-bengalrosa Mischung und alzianblau wurde in 58 Hundeaugen erforscht, vor der experimentellen Produktion von Keratoconiunctivitis sicca. Die Ergebnisse sind dargelegt und man kam zu der Folgerung, dass die Fluorescin-bengalrosa Mischung eine bequeme Art war die Farbkrafte von beiden Mitteln nutzbar zu machen, dass wiederholte Anwendung von bengalrosa unklug ist und dass alzianblau ein nutzlicher Zusatz ist, um den schleimartigen Faser zu demonstrieren und zwischen Schleim und zellularem Trummer zu unter-scheiden.
Single-crystalline silicon micromirrors actuated by self-aligned vertical electrostatic combdrives with piston-motion and rotation capability

Abstract We present micromirrors actuated by self-aligned, high aspect ratio, vertical electrostatic combdrives with multi-level electrical isolation that allows bi-directional and dual-mode (independent rotation and piston motion) operation. The fabrication process, which requires only front-side processing, is based on self-aligned deep-reactive ion etching (DRIE) of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers with two device layers. The two oxide layers between the device layers provide electrode isolation and etch stops for thickness control. Self-alignment of electrostatic combs in the two device layers is accomplished by creating masking features in the upper layer that are transferred into the lower layer. The masking features are typically removed, but in some cases they remain as an integral part of the completed device. SEM pictures show perfectly aligned vertical combteeth both with and without removal of the masking features. We demonstrate micromirrors of this type with ±9° of optical scanning and 7.5 μm of piston motion under static actuation. Micromirrors designed for resonant scanning have optical scan angles up to ±25° at 13.5 kHz.
Response of electrical drives to gear and bearing faults — Diagnosis under transient and steady state conditions

Bearing and gear faults in systems using electrical drives share many commonalities and have some differences in they way that they can be detected. They both cause a mechanical impulse at a frequency that is related to the speed of the rotor. For neither is it possible to develop a state-space model relating the fault and its location and severity to the measured outputs. The measurements therefore require extensive processing to extract features that are related to a fault and to categorize it. Measurements physically close to the fault location (e.g. vibrations) are generally more useful to accurately determine this fault than measurements away from it (e.g. currents and voltage at the drive). Models of faults include fatigue (e.g. Paris model) and degradation due to bearing currents. In the recent past the techniques to identify these faults have been refined, tested extensively, and compared. They typically include signal conditioning, feature extraction (in the time and time-frequency domain) and categorization, which includes fault identification. Failure prognosis and use of multiple sensors are possible future directions of research to produce reliable estimated of condition and facilitate health management.
Two-dimensional radiative equilibrium: A semi-infinite medium subjected to a finite strip of radiation

Abstract Exact numerical results are presented for the emissive power and radiative flux at the boundary of a two-dimensional, absorbing-emitting, semi-infinite medium bounded by (1) a strip of collimated radiation and (2) a constant temperature black strip. The method of super-position is used to obtain the finite strip solutions in terms of cosine varying solutions. The infinite integrals arising in the solutions are converted to an alternating series of finite integrals. The Euler transformation is then applied to speed up convergence. Error bounds are determined whereby the two-dimensional finite strip analysis can be approximated by the simpler one-dimensional solution.
Tumor Progression Locus 2-dependent oxidative burst drives phosphorylation of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase during TLR3 and 9 signaling

Signal transduction via NFκB and MAP kinase cascades is a universal response initiated upon pathogen recognition by Toll-like receptors (TLRs). How activation of these divergent signaling pathways is integrated to dictate distinct immune responses to diverse pathogens is still incompletely understood. Herein, contrary to current perception, we demonstrate that a signaling pathway defined by the inhibitor of κB kinase β (IKKβ), MAP3 kinase tumor progression locus 2 (Tpl2/MAP3K8), and MAP kinase ERK is differentially activated by TLRs. TLRs 2, 4, and 7 directly activate this inflammatory axis, inducing immediate ERK phosphorylation and early TNFα secretion. In addition to TLR adaptor proteins, IKKβ-Tpl2-ERK activation by TLR4 is regulated by the TLR4 co-receptor CD14 and the tyrosine kinase Syk. Signals from TLRs 3 and 9 do not initiate early activation of IKKβ-Tpl2-ERK pathway but instead induce delayed, NADPH-oxidase-dependent ERK phosphorylation and TNFα secretion via autocrine reactive oxygen species signaling. Unexpectedly, Tpl2 is an essential regulator of ROS production during TLR signaling. Overall, our study reveals distinct mechanisms activating a common inflammatory signaling cascade and delineates differences in MyD88-dependent signaling between endosomal TLRs 7 and 9. These findings further confirm the importance of Tpl2 in innate host defense mechanisms and also enhance our understanding of how the immune system tailors pathogen-specific gene expression patterns.
Toward an empirical approach to evaluating the knowledge base of an expert system

A general approach is described to the test and evaluation of an expert system knowledge base that involves the use of a representative set of randomly selected test problems and the application of well-defined statistical measures of accuracy and bias for each node in an inference network. Using the analogy that each node can be treated as a signal detector, some elements of a mathematics consistent with the approach are developed. >
Characterizing corrosion behavior under atmospheric conditions using electrochemical techniques

Abstract AC and DC electrochemical experiments were performed as a function of humidity and contaminant concentration in an effort to identify the range of atmospheric environments where corrosion processes could be detected and possibly quantified. AC measurements exhibited two time constants at 25% relative humidity (RH), possibly indicating the ability to resolve both electrolyte resistance and interfacial impedance. Galvanic current measurements were sensitive to the presence of Cl 2(g) at 30% RH and electrochemical transients were detected at both 30% and 50% RH levels, also indicating sensitivity to interfacial processes. Higher humidity levels allowed better quantification due to decreasing electrolyte and interfacial impedances.
Environmental Influences on Infanticide in Columbian Ground Squirrels

Infanticide of preweaned and weanling juvenile Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus) has been previously reported, but its prevalence in most populations is poorly known. I examined evidence of infanticide in a six-year study of four populations in southwestern Alberta, two of which received an experimental supplementation of food for two years. Evidence of infanticide of weanling ground squirrels was uncommon, except for one population and year (previously supplemented population at 1580 m elevation in 1984) in which 9 dead young were found, suggesting an increased rate of infanticide. The rate of total loss of pre-weaned litters also increased at 1580 m in 1984. At higher elevation sites (2100 m), however, no evidence of infanticide was found under experimental or unmanipulated conditions. One factor that might have influenced the rate of infanticide of weanlings was their degree of development when they first emerged from natal burrows. A review of studies of 11 populations of Columbian ground squirrels suggested that under natural conditions, infanticide may have differed among environments. Differences in density among populations appeared to have little influence on the rate of infanticide, but elevation was significantly negatively associated with infanticide.
Transformation of Oral Lichen Planus to Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Literature Review and Report of Case

Although malignant transformation of oral lichen planus is a controversial subject, the data presented here indicate that such transformation may occur.
The Monotonic Lagrangian Grid for Fast Air-Traffic Evaluation

This paper describes the continued development of a dynamic air-traffic model, ATMLG, intended for rapid evaluation of rules and methods to control and optimize transport systems. The underlying data structure is based on the Monotonic Lagrangian Grid (MLG), which is used for sorting and ordering positions and other data needed to describe N moving bodies, and their interactions. In ATMLG, the MLG is combined with algorithms for collision avoidance and updating aircraft trajectories. Aircraft that are close to each other in physical space are always near neighbors in the MLG data arrays, resulting in a fast nearest-neighbor interaction algorithm that scales as N. In this paper, we use ATMLG to examine how the ability to maintain a required separation between aircraft decreases as the number of aircraft in the volume increases. This requires keeping track of the primary and subsequent collision avoidance maneuvers necessary to maintain a five mile separation distance between all aircraft. Simulation results show that the number of collision avoidance moves increases exponentially with the number of aircraft in the volume.
Evaluating teachers’ self-perceptions of their knowledge and practice after participating in an environmental education professional development program

Building teachers’ confidence in their understanding of nature and encouraging the use of field experiences with students are important factors in increasing environmental awareness in students. A River Runs Through It (ARRT) is an integrated environmental education professional development program, immersed practicing teachers in hands-on field inquiry while providing them with valuable experiences, tools, and support necessary for raising teacher enthusiasm and self-confidence. The authors begin by taking a broad look at environmental education. They then narrow the focus to their environmental education professional development program – ARRT – and the positive knowledge and attitudinal impacts found from allowing teachers to explore local outdoor environments with a support system that aided them in bringing their ARRT experiences into their own classrooms.
Both low-dose and micro-dose 17β-oestradiol are effective for postmenopausal hot flushesCommentary

G A Bachmann Dr G A Bachmann, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; gloria.bachmann@umdnj.edu Does micro-dose 17β-oestradiol reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes in symptomatic postmenopausal women? ### Design: randomised, placebo-controlled trial. ### Allocation: concealed. ### Blinding: blinded (patients, clinicians, and data collectors). ### Follow-up period: 12 weeks. ### Setting: 48 centres in the US. ### Patients: 425 healthy postmenopausal women ⩾40 years of age (mean age 53 y) who had an average of ⩾7 moderate or severe hot flushes per day for ⩾1 week during screening. Women taking hormone therapy or other drugs that might affect vasomotor symptoms underwent a wash-out period. Exclusion criteria included abnormal Pap test result, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and history of thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorder. ### Intervention: transdermal …
A vision system for intelligent mission profiles of micro air vehicles

Recently, much progress has been made toward the development of small-scale aircraft, known broadly as Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs). Until recently, these platforms were exclusively remotely piloted, with no autonomous or intelligent capabilities, due at least in part to stringent payload restrictions that limit onboard sensors. However, the one sensor that is critical to most conceivable MAV missions, such as remote surveillance, is an onboard video camera and transmitter that streams flight video to a nearby ground station. Exploitation of this key sensor is, therefore, desirable, since no additional onboard hardware (and weight) is required. As such, in this paper we develop a general and unified computer vision framework for MAVs that not only addresses basic flight stability and control, but enables more intelligent missions as well. This paper is organized as follows. We first develop a real-time feature extraction method called multiscale linear discriminant analysis (MLDA), which explicitly incorporates color into its feature representation, while implicitly encoding texture through a dynamic multiscale representation of image details. We demonstrate key advantages of MLDA over other possible multiscale approaches (e.g., wavelets), especially in dealing with transient video noise. Next, we show that MLDA provides a natural framework for performing real-time horizon detection. We report horizon-detection results for a range of images differing in lighting and scenery and quantify performance as a function of image noise. Furthermore, we show how horizon detection naturally leads to closed-loop flight stabilization. Then, we motivate the use of tree-structured belief networks (TSBNs) with MLDA features for sky/ground segmentation. This type of segmentation augments basic horizon detection and enables certain MAV missions where prior assumptions about the flight vehicle's orientation are not possible. Again, we report segmentation results for a range of images and quantify robustness to image noise. Finally, we demonstrate the seamless extension of this framework, through the idea of visual contexts, for the detection of artificial objects and/or structures and illustrate several examples of such additional segmentation. This extension thus enables mission profiles that require, for example, following a specific road or the tracking of moving ground objects. Throughout, our approach and algorithms are heavily influenced by real-time constraints and robustness to transient video noise.
Future craft: how digital media is transforming product design

The open and collective traditions of the interaction community have created new opportunities for product designers to engage in the social issues around industrial production. This paper introduces Future Craft, a design methodology which applies emerging digital tools and processes to product design toward new objects that are socially and environmentally sustainable. We present the results of teaching the Future Craft curriculum at the MIT Media Lab including principal themes of public, local and personal design, resources, assignments and student work. Novel ethnographic methods are discussed with relevance to informing the design of physical products. We aim to create a dialogue around these themes for the product design and HCI communities.