cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple actions of systemic artemin in experimental neuropathy

The clinical management of neuropathic pain is particularly challenging. Current therapies for neuropathic pain modulate nerve impulse propagation or synaptic transmission; these therapies are of limited benefit and have undesirable side effects. Injuries to peripheral nerves result in a host of pathophysiological changes associated with the sustained expression of abnormal pain. Here we show that systemic, intermittent administration of artemin produces dose- and time-related reversal of nerve injury-induced pain behavior, together with partial to complete normalization of multiple morphological and neurochemical features of the injury state. These effects of artemin were sustained for at least 28 days. Higher doses of artemin than those completely reversing experimental neuropathic pain did not elicit sensory or motor abnormalities. Our results indicate that the behavioral symptoms of neuropathic pain states can be treated successfully, and that partial to complete reversal of associated morphological and neurochemical changes is achievable with artemin.
Role of E.coli NusA in phage HK022 Nun-mediated transcription termination.

The 109 amino acid residue Nun protein expressed from prophage HK022 excludes superinfecting phage λ by arresting transcription on the λ chromosome near the λ nut sites. In vitro, the Nun N terminus binds to nascent λ nutRNA, whereas the C terminus interacts with RNA polymerase and DNA template. Escherichia coli host factors, NusA, NusB, NusE (S10), and NusG, stimulate Nun-arrest. NusA binds the Nun C terminus and enhances formation of the Nun–nutRNA complex. Because of these in vitro activities of NusA, and since a nusA mutation (nusAE136K) blocked Nun in vivo, we assumed that NusA was required for Nun activity. However, using a nusAts strain, we find that NusA is required for termination at nutR but not at nutL. Furthermore, nusAE136K is dominant to nusA+ for Nun-arrest, both in vitro and in vivo. NusAE136K shows increased affinity for Nun and, unlike NusA+, can readily be recovered in a ternary complex with Nun and nutRNA. We propose NusAE136K suppresses Nun-arrest when it is a component of the transcription elongation complex, perhaps, in part, by blocking interactions between the Nun C terminus and RNA polymerase and DNA. We also find that in contrast to Nun-arrest, antitermination by λ N requires NusA.
Detailed Kinetics of 1‐Hexene Oligomerization Reaction with (n‐Bu‐Cp)2ZrCl2–MAO Catalyst

The paper describes a kinetic study of 1-hexene oligomerization reaction with the (n-Bu-Cp) 2 ZrCl 2 -MAO catalyst system at 70°C. GC analysis of the monomer/oligomer mixtures at different reaction times in the course of a 5-h reaction, provided information on the formation rates of individual oligomer molecules, from the 1-hexene dimer, C 12 H 24 , to the tetradecamer, C 84 H 168 . Kinetic modeling of the oligomerization kinetics strongly supports the principal premise of polymerization kinetics, that the value of the propagation rate constant of the chain growth reaction does not depend on the number of monomer units in the growing polymer chain. The only exception from this rule is the insertion of a 1-hexene molecule into the Zr + -C bond in the active center bearing a single monomer unit, (n-Bu-CP) 2 Zr + -CH 2 -CH 2 -C 4 H 9 . The rate constant of this reaction in one order of magnitude is higher than the rate constant of 1-hexene insertion into active centers which are β-branched with respect to the Zr atom, (n-Bu-C P ) 2 Zr + - [CH 2 -CH(C 4 H 9 )] n -CH 2 -CH 2 -C 4 H 9 .
Image registration for automated inspection of printed circuit patterns using CAD reference data

An image registration approach for inspection of printed circuit patterns which has been validated on a prototype system is described. Theoffline procedure forms, selects, prioritizes, and sorts registration features from CAD-generated reference data. A feature is selected if it satisfies clearance rules that account for the maximum expecteddiscongruence between captured and reference images. The sorting scheme considers the detection complexity of a feature and its distance away from the center of the expected image, since outer features represent potential global distortions better. Theruntime registration procedure detects features and finds the parameters that transform pixels into reference data coordinates and vice versa. We represent robust feature-measurement techniques that offer accurate subpixel localization and verify feature authenticity. We describe an edge-detection technique based on a novel way of authenticating zero-crossings and a method that disqualifies edges detected on defects of the part under inspection.
Structural comparison of CuI and CuII complexes displaying analogous N2S2 co-ordination; X-ray analysis of tetraco-ordinate [Cu(pma)]BPh4 and pentaco-ordinate [Cu(pma)SO4][pma2-pyridylmethylbis-(2-ethylthioethyl)amine]

The synthesis and X-ray structural characterization of the CuI and CuII complexes [Cu(pma)]BPh4 and [Cu(pma)SO4][pma2-pyridylmethylbis-(2-ethylthioethyl)amine] are reported; both display N2S2 co-ordination with the CuI complex exhibiting trigonal pyramidal geometry while the CuII derivative shows a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry which includes a co-ordinated sulphate group.
Protein kinase C-β-mediated complex formation between tyrosinase and TRP-1

Abstract Tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanogenesis, is activated when protein kinase C-β (PKC-β) phosphorylates the serine residues at amino acid positions 505 and 509. To further elucidate the mechanism by which phosphorylation of tyrosinase by PKC-β leads to the activation of tyrosinase, a possible complex formation between phosphorylated tyrosinase and tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1), a melanogenic protein suggested to influence tyrosinase activity, was investigated. Non-denaturing gel electrophoresis of melanocyte lysate revealed two molecular weight forms of TRP-1 and a monoclonal antibody against TRP-1 co-immunoprecipitated tyrosinase and TRP-1, suggesting that TRP-1 may be complexed with tyrosinase. Activation of PKC by treating melanocytes with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) increased the level of tyrosinase co-immunoprecipitated with TRP-1; whereas a selective PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide inhibited PDBu-induced increase in the level of tyrosinase co-immunoprecipitated with TRP-1. These results suggest that phosphorylation of tyrosinase by PKC-β induces a complex formation between tyrosinase and TRP-1.
A versatile hand for manipulators

Current research on a versatile mechanical hand for robotic arms is described. This mechanical hand is a self-contained, autonomous system capable of executing high-level commands from a supervisory computer. It consists of parallel fingers powered by a DC motor and controlled by a microcomputer embedded in the hand housing. Sensors are integrated in the hand for measuring grasp force of fingers and forces and torques applied between the arm and the surrounding environment. Fingers can be moved in position control, velocity control, or force control modes, and all collected data are transmitted to the supervisory computer. Data on performance and effectiveness in teleoperation experiments are presented. >
A comparison of simple allometric and maturation models for the prediction of morphine clearance in pediatrics.

Background The objective of this study is to predict morphine clearance in children (preterm neonates to 10-month-old infants) by maturation models that include age and weight and to compare the predictive performance of morphine maturation models with simple allometric models. Methods Age, weight, and morphine clearance data were obtained from the literature. A maturation model (n=60) for morphine was developed using data from preterm and term neonates to 5-year-old children. The allometric models were developed using the same data as the maturation model. The predictive performance of the models was tested in 88 children of different age groups. Results The maturation and allometric models predicted morphine clearance in children with the same degree of accuracy or error. Out of 88 subjects, the prediction error of 50% or less was observed in slightly >60% of the subjects. Almost 40% of the subjects showed a prediction error >50%, 20% of which showed an error ≥ 100%. Although both the maturation and allometric models provided a good prediction of morphine clearance in many children, they were less accurate for many others. Conclusions High intersubject variability in morphine clearance probably led to less than adequate performance of the models. However, there could be many drugs for which intersubject variability in clearance might not be as high as morphine clearance and in those situations these models could perform reasonably well.
Mixed-gas adsorption dynamics of high-concentration components in a particulate bed

The study of LeVan et al. (1988) concerning the dynamics of mixed-gas adsorption of components having high concentrations is extended to the case of multicomponent isotherms determined from either ideal or nonideal adsorbed solution theory. In this paper discussion is given of the effect of isotherm properties on the dynamics of isothermal, mixed-gas adsorption when the adsorbate concentrations in the feed gas are large enough so that the interstitial fluid velocity varies significantly along the adsorption front.
HIGH-SPEED TILT MIRROR FOR IMAGE STABILIZATION

A magnetostrictively driven tilt-mirror mount for image stabilization of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center’s Experimental Vector Magnetograph has been designed, built, and tested. A simple improvement in the mounting technique of the actuator resulted in a factor of 3 increase in the lowest resonant frequency of the device. The tilt-mirror device was built, and the lowest structural resonant frequency was experimentally found to be 603 Hz.
Introduction of a foreign gene (Escherichia coli lacZ) into rat neostriatal neurons using herpes simplex virus mutants: a light and electron microscopic study.

Abstract Introducing genes into adult neurons in vivo may be a useful experimental tool for studying and modifying neuronal function. In this study two herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) mutants were used to examine the capability of different types of neostriatal neurons to express a foreign gene introduced through viral infection. In these HSV-1 mutants (7134 and RH105) the Escherichia coli gene, lacZ, under the control of viral promoters active during the early phase of infection, was substituted for viral genes (ICPO and TK, respectively) needed for efficient replication in the nervous system. Adult male rats received unilateral injections of HSV-1 mutant 7134 or RH105 into the neostriatum. Animals survived for 1 to 70 days with no apparent adverse physiological or behavioral effects. At the injection site, both mutant viruses produced focal tissue necrosis and reactive gliosis. Histochemical detection of the lacZ gene product, β-galactosidase (βGal), revealed extensive labeling of neurons with mutant 7134 and relatively limited neuronal labeling with the mutant RH105. Mutant 7134, which is capable of some replication in cells, conferred βGal expression in cells over an area that was twofold greater than the necrotic area. In contrast, mutant RH105, which cannot replicate in cells, produced a zone of βGal-labeled cells only twothirds the area of the necrotic core. Both medium- and large-sized neostriatal neurons were positive for βGal, and a higher proportion of large cells were labeled as compared to other neuronal populations in the normal striatum. A few glial cells were also βGal-positive. Retrograde transport of virus to the substantia nigra pars compacta and to the cortex was minimal and occurred only with mutant 7134. No evidence was seen for anterograde transport. Immunohistochemical localization of βGal at the ultrastructural level after inoculation with mutant 7134 revealed that both types of medium-sized neurons (spiny and aspiny types), as well as large neurons, were infected 3 days following inoculation. Immunoreactive neurons ranged from severely pathologic to remarkably healthy. Some of the axon terminals that contacted βGal-immunoreactive dendrites and spines were degenerated. These results demonstrate that in the adult rat replication-deficient HSV-1 vectors injected intrastriatally can be used to express a foreign gene in at least three types of neostriatal neurons, while maintaining the long-term survival and general health of the injected animals. The neurotoxicity induced by HSV-1 mutants may still be considerable, however, and ways of minimizing neuropathological effects need to be addressed.
Spectra for Gaseous Halogens with the dc Arc and Inert Gas Shields

The spectra for the halogens were excited in a Stallwood jet using a dc arc between 1% thoriated tungsten electrodes. The shield gases were helium, 50% argon-50% helium, and argon. In helium, only atomic lines of fluorine were excited, some singly ionized lines of chlorine were excited, and the atomic lines of iodine were weak. Atomic lines of fluorine were faintly visible in argon while the atomic lines of chlorine, bromine, and iodine showed an increasing intensity in 50% argon-50% helium, and argon, respectively.
Design and implementation of sensing and estimation software in AggieNav, a small UAV navigation platform

Small UAV performance is limited by the sensors and software filters used in the navigational systems. Several solutions of various complexity and cost exist, however no ready-made solutions exist for a high-accuracy, low-cost UAV system. Presented is the design (low-level system as well as high-level extended Kalman filter) for a specifically designed small-UAV navigation platform, AggieNav.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Tracking quasi-stationary flow of weak fluorescent signals by adaptive multi-frame correlation

We have developed a novel cross-correlation technique to probe quasi-stationary flow of fluorescent signals in live cells at a spatial resolution that is close to single particle tracking. By correlating image blocks between pairs of consecutive frames and integrating their correlation scores over multiple frame pairs, uncertainty in identifying a globally significant maximum in the correlation score function has been greatly reduced as compared with conventional correlation-based tracking using the signal of only two consecutive frames. This approach proves robust and very effective in analysing images with a weak, noise-perturbed signal contrast where texture characteristics cannot be matched between only a pair of frames. It can also be applied to images that lack prominent features that could be utilized for particle tracking or feature-based template matching. Furthermore, owing to the integration of correlation scores over multiple frames, the method can handle signals with substantial frame-to-frame intensity variation where conventional correlation-based tracking fails. We tested the performance of the method by tracking polymer flow in actin and microtubule cytoskeleton structures labelled at various fluorophore densities providing imagery with a broad range of signal modulation and noise. In applications to fluorescent speckle microscopy (FSM), where the fluorophore density is sufficiently low to reveal patterns of discrete fluorescent marks referred to as speckles, we combined the multi-frame correlation approach proposed above with particle tracking. This hybrid approach allowed us to follow single speckles robustly in areas of high speckle density and fast flow, where previously published FSM analysis methods were unsuccessful. Thus, we can now probe cytoskeleton polymer dynamics in living cells at an entirely new level of complexity and with unprecedented detail.
The Moral Worth of Creatures: Neo-Classical Metaphysics and the Value Theories of Rolston and Callicott

After showing that Rolston's and Callicott's value theories are fundamentally flawed, I demonstrate that a value theory grounded in neoclassical, or process, metaphysics avoids the problems in, and incorporates insights from, these accounts. A fundamental thesis of neoclassical metaphysics is that individual creatures at all levels of reality (from non-sensuous, non-conscious to self-conscious) are subjects of experience. Since individuals are subjects, this value theory meets Callicott's legitimate demand that value requires a valuer. And because such subjectivity does not depend on consciousness, this theory meets Rolston's legitimate demand that intrinsic value not depend upon human valuation.
The concentration and isotopic composition of osmium in the oceans

Osmium is one of the rarer elements in seawater. Analytical difficulties have previously prevented the direct measurement of the osmium concentration and isotopic composition in seawater. We report a chemical separation procedure that yields quantitative extraction of osmium standard and of osmium tracer by iron hydroxide precipitation from seawater doped with osmium standard, osmium tracer, and FeCI_3. The iron hydroxide precipitate is processed to extract osmium, using techniques developed for iron meteorites. Utilizing this procedure, water samples from the Pacific and Atlantic oceans were analyzed for osmium concentration and isotopic composition. Direct determination of the osmium concentration of seawater gives between 15 and 19 fM kg^(−1). Detailed experiments on different aliquots of one seawater sample from the North Atlantic Ocean, keeping the amounts of reagents constant, yield concentrations from 16 to 19 fM kg^(−1). The variability in concentration is outside the uncertainty introduced because of blanks and indicates a lack of full equilibration between the osmium tracer and seawater osmium. The most reliable osmium concentration of the North Atlantic deep ocean water is 19 fM kg^(−1) with the ^(187)Os^(186)Os ratio being 8.7 ± 0.2 (2σ). Detailed experiments on one seawater sample from the Central Pacific Ocean indicate that the most reliable osmium concentration of the deep ocean water from the Central Pacific is 19 fM kg^(−1) with the ^(187)Os^(186)Os ratio being 8.7 ± 0.3 (2σ). The directly measured osmium isotopic composition of the oceans is in good agreement with that obtained from the analysis of some rapidly accumulating organic rich sediments (Ravizza and Turekian, 1992). A sample of ambient seawater around the Juan de Fuca Ridge gave ^(187)Os^(186)Os= 6.9 ± 0.4. This is distinctly lower than the deep-sea water value and may reflect local hydrothermal activity or some analytical difficulty with this sample. The osmium isotopic composition of the deep oceans indicates that ∼80% of the osmium is derived from the continents and the rest from extraterrestrial and hydrothermal sources. Using the iridium data of Anbar et al. (1996, 1997) we find that the Os/Ir ratio is ∼22 for seawater. The mean residence time of osmium (τ_(Os)) cannot be derived directly from these data. However, using the Os/Ir ratio of seawater and the Os/Ir ratio of continental rocks, a lower limit can be established of τ_(Os) ≥ 4.4 × 10^4 years. The Os/Ir in modern deep sea sediments should be relatively constant and is distinctly less radiogenic than seawater osmium due to limited evaporation (26%) of osmium from infalling cosmic dust. Relative to the cosmic dust infall the hydrothermal sources may, however, play a smaller but significant role in the bulk economy of dissolved osmium and other Platinum Group Elements in the oceans.
Parallel shifts in ecology and natural selection in an island lizard

Natural selection is a potent evolutionary force that shapes phenotypic variation to match ecological conditions. However, we know little about the year-to-year consistency of selection, or how inter-annual variation in ecology shapes adaptive landscapes and ultimately adaptive radiations. Here we combine remote sensing data, field experiments, and a four-year study of natural selection to show that changes in vegetation structure associated with a severe drought altered both habitat use and natural selection in the brown anole, Anolis sagrei. In natural populations, lizards increased their use of vegetation in wet years and this was correlated with selection on limb length but not body size. By contrast, a die-back of vegetation caused by drought was followed by reduced arboreality, selection on body size, and relaxed selection on limb length. With the return of the rains and recovery of vegetation, selection reverted back to pre-drought pattern of selection acting on limb length but not body size. To test for the impact of vegetation loss on natural selection during the drought, we experimentally removed vegetation on a separate study island in a naturally wet year. The experiment revealed similar inter-annual changes in selection on body size but not limb length. Our results illustrate the dynamic nature of ecology driving natural selection on Anolis morphology and emphasize the importance of inter-annual environmental variation in shaping adaptive variation. In addition, results illustrate the utility of using remote sensing data to examine ecology's role in driving natural selection.
Automated segmentation tool for brain infusions.

This study presents a computational tool for auto-segmenting the distribution of brain infusions observed by magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical usage of direct infusion is increasing as physicians recognize the need to attain high drug concentrations in the target structure with minimal off-target exposure. By co-infusing a Gadolinium-based contrast agent and visualizing the distribution using real-time using magnetic resonance imaging, physicians can make informed decisions about when to stop or adjust the infusion. However, manual segmentation of the images is tedious and affected by subjective preferences for window levels, image interpolation and personal biases about where to delineate the edge of the sloped shoulder of the infusion. This study presents a computational technique that uses a Gaussian Mixture Model to efficiently classify pixels as belonging to either the high-intensity infusate or low-intensity background. The algorithm was implemented as a distributable plug-in for the widely used imaging platform OsiriX®. Four independent operators segmented fourteen anonymized datasets to validate the tool’s performance. The datasets were intra-operative magnetic resonance images of infusions into the thalamus or putamen of non-human primates. The tool effectively reproduced the manual segmentation volumes, while significantly reducing intra-operator variability by 67±18%. The tool will be used to increase efficiency and reduce variability in upcoming clinical trials in neuro-oncology and gene therapy.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering characterization of Ag nanorod arrays fabricated by oblique angle deposition

ABSTRACT Silver nanorod arrays with different lengths fabricated by oblique angle deposition at various vapor deposition angles have been studied systematically by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The SERS response of those substrates strongly depends on the length of the nanorods and the deposition angle, and the highest SERS enhancement factor can reach close to 10 9 . The reflections of the support su bstrate where the Ag nanorods are grown directly affect the SERS enhancement. In addition, the SERS response strongly depends on the incident configuration of the excitation beam, such as polarization and incident angle. We also find that the probe molecules on the side surface of nanorods contribute the most to the SERS intensity. This is due to the anisotropic optical properties of nanorods and the thickness of the nanorods. This study demonstrates that the Ag nanorod arrays are highly sensitive, uniform, and stable SERS substrates, and its SERS mechanism depends on the complex nanorod film geometry. Keywords: Ag nanorods, oblique an gle deposition, surface enhanced Raman sca ttering, anisotropic optical properties
Fournier's Gangrene in a Heterosexual Man: A Complication of Neisseria meningitidis Urethritis.

A 55-year-old heterosexual male presented to the emergency department with a symptomatology consistent with urethritis and Fournier’s gangrene. Urethral swab and operative tissue cultures were positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and an intracellular Gram-negative diplococcus. The latter was initially thought to be Neisseria gonorrhea; however, DNA sequencing technique confirmed it to be Neisseria meningitidis. The patient required three separate surgical debridements to control widespread necrotizing infection. Following documentation of sterile wound healing with appropriate antibiotics, four reconstructive surgeries were necessary to manage the resultant wound defects. To our knowledge, Neisseria meningitidis as a causative organism in Fournier’s gangrene has not been reported in the literature.
Uptake and metabolism of β-carotene and retinal by C3H/10T1/2 cells

Both beta-carotene (beta-C), a vitamin A precursor, and vitamin A itself have been shown to reversibly inhibit neoplastic transformation in 10T1/2 cells during the progression phase of carcinogenesis. In order to determine whether the activity of beta-C in these cells may be attributed to conversion to vitamin A or is intrinsic to the carotenoid molecule, the uptake and metabolism of beta-C, and of retinal, the immediate product of dioxygenase-cleavage of beta-C, was studied in 10T1/2 cells. Cellular uptake of 2.6 nmol/10(6) cells occurred 24 h after treatment with 10(-5) M beta-C. Thereafter, cell levels remained relatively stable between 1 and 2 nmol/10(6) cells over the 1-week treatment period. Upon removal of beta-C from the medium, cellular levels decreased by approximately 80% in 2 weeks, then stabilized. Retinal was rapidly and quantitatively converted to retinol by 10T1/2 cells, suggesting that the inhibitory action of retinal on neoplastic transformation in these cells is due to its conversion to retinol, and that any enzymatic conversion of beta-C to retinal by these cells would be expected to result in retinol as the end product. Using [14C]beta-C, we found no evidence for formation of [14C]retinol, [14C]retinal or [14C]retinoic acid using sensitive HPLC. We therefore conclude that beta-C has intrinsic chemopreventive activity in 10T1/2 cells, perhaps due to its anti-oxidant properties.
Surface enrichment of aluminosilicate minerals and coal combustion ash particles

Abstract Auger electron spectroscopy has been used to provide evidence of surface segregation in illite, an aluminosilicate mineral representative of those which produce coal combustion ash particles. For the temperature range of 150–1100°C., the segregation of Fe, K, Ca and S has been observed, and the temperature dependence of the segregation levels of these elements has been determined. A comparison of these results with the reported data for surface enrichment of coal combustion ash particles indicates that the segregation levels of Fe, K, Ca and S in heated illite are comparable to the levels observed for the ash particles. Order-of-magnitude calculations indicate that appreciable segregation may occur on a time scale compatible with the residence time of ash particles in the combustor. These results are particularly significant because the surface enrichment of coal combustion ash has been generally attributed solely to adsorption/condensation processes.
Selecting the Foreign Language Textbook

particular approach, and at other times again it reflected a pedagogical dogmatism which bordered on religious fervor. And indeed, many times in the past new textbooks and accompanying materials were heralded as the answer to our prayers, the solution to all our problems. Similar claims have been heard recently in connection with materials for use in individualized instruction. We ordered these new books, were dissatisfied with them sooner or later, and waited for another round of new releases from the publishing houses. We behave as though we believe that one book is the cause and another the solution to the problems and dissatisfactions we experience with our respective foreign language courses. And if we could only find the right set of materials everything would be wonderful!
VTIS: A Volunteered Travelers Information System

VTIS is a dynamic notification system that takes in a user's route and calculates the time-delay imposed by disruptions to the normal traversal. The disruptions are calculated by using crowdsourced notifications. This is accomplished by the creation of a client side application for notification display and a server infrastructure that will process and store the event information. We have devised a system that will generate personalized notifications for users based on a provided path, temporal range, and set of transportation modes. At a high level, the functionality of this system is to identify events that affect the user's route and notify the user of these events. The VTIS will provide a multimodal notification system based on information mined from Twitter data and volunteered information from VTIS users. This information will be stored to create a repository of transportation events., This repository will be queried to notify affected users of events that may affect their route.. Although this outlined problem has been solved previously, our approach is novel in several ways: (1)accounting for multiple modes, (2)combining user input with mined data, and the (3)modeling method used to calculate effects on the user's route. Some of these methods have been implemented separately; however, a comprehensive system has not been constructed that includes all of these items.
Safety of platelet transfusion: past, present and future

Platelet components became routinely available to many institutions in the late 1960s and since then utilization has steadily increased. Platelets are produced by three principal methods and their manufacturing process is regulated by multiple agencies. As the field of platelet transfusion has evolved, a broad array of strategies to improve platelet safety has developed. This review will explore the evolution of modern platelet component therapy, highlight the various risks associated with platelet transfusion and describe risk reduction strategies that have been implemented to improve platelet transfusion safety. In closing, the reader will be briefly introduced to select investigational platelet and platelet-mimetic products that have the potential to enhance platelet transfusion safety in the near future.
Stoichiometry and temperature sensitivity of methanogenesis and CO2 production from saturated polygonal tundra in Barrow, Alaska

Arctic permafrost ecosystems store ~50% of global belowground carbon (C) that is vulnerable to increased microbial degradation with warmer active layer temperatures and thawing of the near surface permafrost. We used anoxic laboratory incubations to estimate anaerobic CO2 production and methanogenesis in active layer (organic and mineral soil horizons) and permafrost samples from center, ridge and trough positions of water-saturated low-centered polygon in Barrow Environmental Observatory, Barrow AK, USA. Methane (CH4 ) and CO2 production rates and concentrations were determined at -2, +4, or +8 °C for 60 day incubation period. Temporal dynamics of CO2 production and methanogenesis at -2 °C showed evidence of fundamentally different mechanisms of substrate limitation and inhibited microbial growth at soil water freezing points compared to warmer temperatures. Nonlinear regression better modeled the initial rates and estimates of Q10 values for CO2 that showed higher sensitivity in the organic-rich soils of polygon center and trough than the relatively drier ridge soils. Methanogenesis generally exhibited a lag phase in the mineral soils that was significantly longer at -2 °C in all horizons. Such discontinuity in CH4 production between -2 °C and the elevated temperatures (+4 and +8 °C) indicated the insufficient representation of methanogenesis on the basis of Q10 values estimated from both linear and nonlinear models. Production rates for both CH4 and CO2 were substantially higher in organic horizons (20% to 40% wt. C) at all temperatures relative to mineral horizons (<20% wt. C). Permafrost horizon (~12% wt. C) produced ~5-fold less CO2 than the active layer and negligible CH4 . High concentrations of initial exchangeable Fe(II) and increasing accumulation rates signified the role of iron as terminal electron acceptors for anaerobic C degradation in the mineral horizons.
Dynamically Reconfigurable Architecture Design for Ultrasonic Imaging

Ultrasonic imaging algorithms, including detection and compression, are computationally complex and difficult to implement in hardware for real-time applications. In this paper, we present an ultrasonic reconfigurable subband decomposition processor (RSDP) that can employ wavelet filters for frequency diverse signal processing. This architecture enables parallel implementation of a lifting-based discrete wavelet transform. The configurability of the architecture applies to the selection of wavelet kernels and scales for subband decomposition, thresholding operation for compression, and the postprocessing detection algorithm. The underlying hardware design makes use of the fact that both compression and detection applications share the same algorithm fundamentals. A unified architecture has been designed that implements signal decomposition and reconstruction with forward and inverse discrete wavelet transforms. After the forward transform step, a windowing operation is applied to discriminate frequency bands for target detection. Using the same architecture, a thresholding operation is applied to wavelet coefficients for data compression. The flexibility and the modular design make this reconfigurable architecture an effective and practical solution for real-time ultrasonic imaging applications. The resulting architecture is adaptable, fast, and suitable for a system-on-a-chip implementation that requires minimal logic resources.
Fuzzy logic for vehicle climate control

Typical automobile automatic climate control systems use linear proportional control to maintain a comfortable interior environment. In the process of refining these systems, we have found two significant limitations of linear proportional control when viewed from the standpoint of an occupant's subjective comfort: 1) there are certain control situations in any HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system that are inherently nonlinear; and 2) it is not possible to realize occupant comfort merely by maintaining proximity to a desired temperature. In this paper, we describe a fuzzy logic control system which addresses these limitations by including rules that provide nonlinear compensation, and by allowing the control to be expressed in the same heuristic terms that an occupant would use in describing the level of comfort. >
Nest survival and breeding biology of the Puerto Rican Bullfinch (Loxigilla portoricensis) in southwestern Puerto Rico

Abstract Breeding biology information, including nest survival estimates, are lacking for many nesting species in Puerto Rico. We studied the endemic Puerto Rican Bullfinch (Loxigilla portoricensis), and modeled daily nest survival to better understand the effects of several factors on daily nest survival. In 2009 and 2010 we monitored 37 bullfinch nests at two sites in southwestern Puerto Rico. Predation was the most important cause of nest failure. Ten nest survival models received approximately equal support. No temporal trends in nest survival were supported over others. Results suggested that available fruit is important for successful nesting, increased precipitation is related to higher nest survival, nest survival varied by site, and increased nest height is related to lower nest survival in bullfinches. Under the top model, daily nest survival rates for each site and nest stage ranged from 0.83–0.86% in 2009 and 0.80–0.93% in 2010. This information on nest survival and factors that influence it i...
Automated Finishing with Autofinish

Currently, the genome sequencing community is producing shotgun sequence data at a very high rate, but finishing (collecting additional directed sequence data to close gaps and improve the quality of the data) is not matching that rate. One reason for the difference is that shotgun sequencing is highly automated but finishing is not: Most finishing decisions, such as which directed reads to obtain and which specialized sequencing techniques to use, are made by people. If finishing rates are to increase to match shotgun sequencing rates, most finishing decisions also must be automated. The Autofinish computer program (which is part of the computer software package) does this by automatically choosing finishing reads. Autofinish is able to suggest most finishing reads required for completion of each sequencing project, greatly reducing the amount of human attention needed. sometimes completely finishes the project, with no human decisions required. It cannot solve the most complex problems, so we recommend that Autofinish be allowed to suggest reads for the first three rounds of finishing, and if the project still is not finished completely, a human finisher complete the work. We compared this Autofinish-Hybrid method of finishing against a human finisher in five different projects with a variety of shotgun depths by finishing each project twice--once with each method. This comparison shows that the Autofinish-Hybrid method saves many hours over a human finisher alone, while using roughly the same number and type of reads and closing gaps at roughly the same rate. Autofinish currently is in production use at several large sequencing centers. It is designed to be adaptable to the finishing strategy of the lab--it can finish using some or all of the following: resequencing reads, reverses, custom primer walks on either subclone templates or whole clone templates, PCR, or minilibraries. Autofinish has been used for finishing cDNA, genomic clones, and whole bacterial genomes (see http://www.phrap.org).
Energy-dependent volume regulation in primary cultured cerebral astrocytes.

Cell volume regulation and energy metabolism were studied in primary cultured cerebral astrocytes during exposure to media of altered osmolarity. Cells suspended in medium containing 1/2 the normal concentration of NaCl (hypoosmotic) swell immediately to a volume 40–50% larger than cells suspended in isoosmotic medium. The cell volume in hypoosmotic medium then decreases over 30 min to a volume approximately 25% larger than cells in isoosmotic medium. In hyperosmotic medium (containing twice the normal concentration of NaCl), astrocytes shrink by 29%. Little volume change occurs following this initial shrinkage. Cells resuspended in isoosmotic medium after a 30 min incubation in hypoosmotic medium shrink immediately to a volume 10% less than the volume of cells incubated continuously in isoosmotic medium. Thus, the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in hypoosmotic medium involves a net reduction of intracellular osmoles. The RVD is partially blocked by inhibitors of mitochondrial electron transport but is unaffected by an inhibitor of glycolysis or by an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. Inhibition of RVD by these metabolic agents is correlated with decreased cellular ATP levels. Ouabain, added immediately after hypoosmotic induced swelling, completely inhibits RVD, but does not alter cell volume if added after RVD has taken place. Ouabain also inhibits cell respiration 27% more in hypoosmotic medium than in isoosmotic medium indicating that the (Na, K)-ATPase-coupled ion pump is more active in the hypoosmotic medium. These data suggest that the cell volume response of astrocytes in hypoosmotic medium involves the net movement of osmoles by a mechanism dependent on cellular energy and tightly coupled to the (Na, K)-ATPase ion pump. This process may be important in the energy-dependent osmoregulation in the brain, a critical role attributed to the astrocyte in vivo.
Deleting index entries from compliance storage

In response to regulatory focus on secure retention of electronic records, businesses are using magnetic disks configured as write-once read-many (WORM) compliance storage devices to store business documents such as electronic mail for their mandated retention periods. A document committed to a compliance storage device cannot be altered or deleted even by a superuser until its retention period is over, and hence is secure from attacks originating from company insiders. Secure retention, however, is only a part of a document's lifecycle: it is often crucial to properly delete documents once their retention period ends. It is relatively simple to delete a document, but much harder to remove its index entries from WORM. Yet if these entries are not obliterated, the contents of the deleted document can often be reconstructed.In this paper, we formally define secure deletion of document entries from an inverted index on compliance storage. We show that previously proposed deletion schemes for compliance storage index entries do not meet the objectives of secure deletion. On the other hand, the naive approach to secure deletion results in very poor query performance. To provide secure deletion of index entries without compromising lookup efficiency, we propose a novel indexing technique that employs noise terms, merged posting lists, and deletion epochs. Experiments with real-life data show that lookups in our scheme are 5 times faster than the naive approach.
On the mechanism of isospecific epoxide polymerization by salen cobalt(III) complexes: Evidence for solid-state catalysis

Mechanistic studies have revealed that the isospecific polymerization of epoxides by a discrete salen cobalt(III) catalyst occurs at the surface of the undissolved, crystalline complex.
Lossless multi-way power combining and outphasing for high-frequency resonant inverters

A lossless multi-way power combining and outphasing system has recently been proposed for high-frequency inverters and power amplifiers which offers major performance advantages over traditional approaches. This paper presents a new outphasing control strategy for the proposed system that enables output power control through effective load modulation of the inverters while minimizing loading admittance phase. Moreover, we present the first-ever experimental demonstration of the proposed outphasing system. The design of a 27.12 MHz, four-way power combining and outphasing system is described, and used to experimentally verify the power combiner's characteristics and evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed outphasing law to control output power over a 10:1 range.
A stochastic method for generating signals with jointly specified probability mass, spectral, and correlation properties for the identification of physiological systems

An efficient stochastic interchange method was developed that allows two discrete time sequences to be created with a specified cross-correlation function and individually defined amplitude and spectral characteristics. The technique is particularly useful for creating sequences for the stimulation of multi-input physiological systems. It is very general in that sequences of any signal type can be manipulated and are not limited to being white and/or uncorrelated. By temporally separating occurrences of common frequencies, the method can even be used to create sequences that share common power, but can be treated as uncorrelated. The method is made practical by an algorithm that updates efficiently the auto- and cross-correlation functions of the sequences as they are being created.
Evolution of the virtual interface architecture

To provide a faster path between applications and the network, researchers have advocated removing the operating system kernel and its centralized networking stack from the critical path and creating a user level network interface. With these interfaces, designers can tailor the communication layers each process uses to the demands of that process. Consequently, applications can send and receive network packets without operating system intervention, which greatly decreases communication latency and increases network throughput. Unfortunately, the diversity of approaches and lack of consensus has stalled progress in refining research results into products-a prerequisite to the widespread adoption of these interfaces. Recently, however, Intel, Microsoft, and Compaq have introduced the Virtual Interface Architecture, an emerging standard for cluster or system area networks. Products based on the VIA have already surfaced, notably GigaNet's GNN1000 network interface. As more products appear, research into application level issues can proceed and the technology of user level network interfaces should mature. Several prototypes-among them Cornell University's U-Net2-have heavily influenced the VIA. We describe the architectural issues and design trade-offs at the core of these prototype designs.
A Rational Analysis of Rule-Based Concept Learning.

This article proposes a new model of human concept learning that provides a rational analysis of learning feature-based concepts. This model is built upon Bayesian inference for a grammatically structured hypothesis space—a concept language of logical rules. This article compares the model predictions to human generalization judgments in several well-known category learning experiments, and finds good agreement for both average and individual participant generalizations. This article further investigates judgments for a broad set of 7-feature concepts—a more natural setting in several ways—and again finds that the model explains human performance.
Trends in dietary carbohydrate consumption from 1991 to 2008 in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort

The intake of carbohydrates has been evaluated cross-sectionally, but not longitudinally in an ageing American adult population. The aim of the present study was to examine trends in the intake of dietary carbohydrates and their major food sources among the Framingham Heart Study Offspring (FOS) cohort, which had been uniquely tracked for 17 years in the study. The FOS cohort was recruited in 1971–1975. Follow-up examinations were conducted, on average, every 4 years. Dietary data collection began in 1991 (examination 5) using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. The study included 2894 adults aged ≥ 25 years with complete dietary data in at least three examinations from 1991 to 2008. Descriptive statistics were generated using SAS version 9.3, and a repeated-measures model was used to examine trends in the intake of carbohydrates and their food sources in the whole sample, and by sex and BMI category. Over 17 years of follow-up, the percentage of energy from total carbohydrates (51·0–46·8 %; P for trend < 0·001) and total sugars (18·2–16·6 %; P for trend < 0·001) decreased. There was a decrease in the percentage of energy from fructose (5·4–4·7 %; P for trend < 0·001) and sucrose (9·8–8·8 %; P for trend < 0·001). Dietary fibre intake increased (18·0–19·2 g/d; P for trend < 0·001). The number of weekly servings of yeast bread, soft drinks/soda, cakes/cookies/quick breads/doughnuts, potatoes, milk, pasta, rice and cooked grains, fruit juice/drinks, potato chips/maize chips/popcorn, and lunch foods (e.g. pizzas and burgers) decreased significantly (P for trend < 0·001), while the intake of ready-to-eat cereals, legumes, fruits, dairy products, candy and ice cream/sherbet/frozen yogurt increased significantly (P for trend<0·04). Similar trends were observed when the analyses were stratified by sex and BMI. The present results suggest favourable trends in dietary carbohydrate consumption, but dietary guidelines for fruits, vegetables and fibre were not met in this cohort.