cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serotonin-sensitive leakage channel in Drosophila central neurons

This article reports the analysis of a novel serotonin (5-HT)-sensitive leak channel. The 5-HT responses were recorded in acutely dissociated Drosophila adult and larval central nervous system (CNS) neurons by the patch-clamp method, in an attempt to establish a model preparation suitable for the genetic study of signal transduction underlying central neurotransmission. Focal perfusion or iontophoresis of 5-HT onto some patched neurons induced either an apparent inward or outward current. This apparent outward current is able to cause a strong hyperpolarization of the neuron. This article focuses on the predominant hyperpolarizing response, which is observed in a significant fraction of larger CNS neurons and in different developmental stages. The hyperpolarizing response is in fact mediated by inhibiting an inward leak current, which has a reversal potential around 0 mV. This 5-HT-sensitive leak current appears to be mediated mainly by one type of newly identified leak channel with a similar reversal potential of 0 mV and a conductance of 24 pS. In addition, it was also demonstrated that neurotransmitter-induced responses in both larval and adult Drosophila CNS neurons can be analyzed in this acutely dissociated preparation.
Bonding of α -SiC basal planes to close-packed Ti, Cu, and Pt surfaces: Molecular-orbital theory

An atom-superposition\char21{}electron-delocalization molecular-orbital study of the binding of \ensuremath{\alpha}-phase (hexagonal) silicon carbide (0001) Si and (0001\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}) C basal planes to the close-packed surfaces of titanium, copper, and platinum has been made using ${\mathrm{Si}}_{13}$${\mathrm{C}}_{13}$${\mathrm{H}}_{25}$ and ${M}_{31}$ (M denotes metal atom) clusters. The interfacial binding is generally characterized by charge transfer from the metals to half-filled band-gap surface dangling orbitals and molecular-orbital stabilizations involving these orbitals. Both of the silicon carbide surfaces are predicted to bind strongly to these metals.
Synthesis of acid-labile diplasmenyl lipids for drug and gene delivery applications

Abstract The low pH environments characteristic of endosomal compartments and ischemic tissues provide an intrinsic pathway for triggering site-specific contents release from appropriately designed delivery vehicles. Accordingly, research in this group has focused on the design, synthesis and application of novel acid-sensitive lipids that will undergo facile lamellar (Lα) to hexagonal (HII) phase transitions within these acidic sites. Previously, it has been demonstrated that plasmenylcholine-type lipids have excellent acid hydrolysis and contents release kinetics (Gerasimov et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 1324 (1997) 200–214; Rui et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 120 (1998) 11213–11218). This paper describes the synthesis of three new acid sensitive lipids, based on a chiral 1,2-di-O-(1Z′,9Z′-octadecadienyl)-sn-glycerol (6) platform, displaying phosphocholine (7), poly(ethyleneoxide) (8), and O-carbamoyl-N-diethylenetriamine (10) headgroups. Intermediate 6 was obtained in 28% overall yield via a six step synthesis from (S)-(+)-2,2-dimethyl-1,2-dioxolane-4-methanol. Subsequent conversion to the final products was acheived in moderate (7 and 10) to excellent yields (8).
Boundary element solution of 3-D wave scatter problems in a poroelastic medium

Abstract This study details the development of boundary integral equations suitable for treating problems involving the scatter of a plane harmonic wave by an inclusion embedded in an infinite poroelastic medium. The pore pressure-solid displacement form of the harmonic equations of motion are developed from the form of the equations originally presented by Biot. Fundamental solutions and a generalized reciprocal work relation are developed, and these are used to formulate a solution representation in terms of an integral over the inclusion surface. The corresponding boundary integral equations are developed in a form that is integrable in the usual sense, eliminating the need to evaluate Cauchy principal value integrals. These boundary integral equations are discretized and implemented into a boundary element computer program. The so-called forbidden frequency problem which causes computational difficulties in boundary integral treatments of wave scatter in elastic and acoustic media is shown to be absent in the poroelastic case. Numerical results obtained from the boundary element program are compared with analytical results for some test problems, and the program appears to produce accurate results at moderate frequencies.
Empirical-theoretical determination of the neutron response function for Teflon encapsulated TLD-600 using the Harshaw Model 8800 hot-gas reader

Abstract The neutron energy response of Teflon encapsulated TLD-600, processed by a Harshaw Model 8800 hot-gas reader, has been determined using a combined experimental and theoretical approach. The agreement between theoretically predicted responses and experimental data for the three radioisotopic spectra evaluated was within 0.1%. The method used to determine the response functions, the response functions themselves, and the theoretical and experimental results are presented.
Simplified Rapid Assessment Approach to Road Network Management.

A simplified approach, using limited network-specific data and the recently developed World Bank HDM Manager, was applied to the highway network of Peru to provide interim guidelines on appropriate standards and policies to be implemented, pending the results of a more elaborate study involving a full-scale road condition and traffic inventory. The design of the methodology is described, as is its application to define the best maintenance strategies for paved and unpaved road networks. The order of magnitude of the level of expenditures required is determined, and a tentative prioritization scheme for road activities is developed.
Cuprate parameters from numerical Wannier functions

We have developed a constrained-occupation local-density-functional technique to calculate individual model Hamiltonian parameters for states of arbitrary localization. The method generates numerical Wannier functions for the relevant states, and by decoupling these functions, permits direct calculation of the individual parameters. We have tested this method for the cuprate ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$, and obtained values for the Cu(3${\mathit{d}}_{\mathit{x}}^{2}$-${\mathit{y}}^{2}$) and O(2${\mathit{p}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$) parameters in general agreement with previous empirical and theoretical estimates. These calculations provide even-handed treatment of both Cu(3d) and the more extended O(2p) states, and yield the important difference ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{\mathit{p}(\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}})}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{\mathit{d}(\mathit{x}}^{2}$-${\mathit{y}}^{2}$) consistent with expectations based on the superexchange frequency. We also report parameter values for the Cu(3${\mathit{d}}_{3\mathit{z}}^{2}$-${\mathit{r}}^{2}$) states, and for compatible O(2p) states, which may be of use in theoretical attempts to confirm the symmetry of the doped-in carriers.
Interorganization systems and supply chain management : An information processing perspective

Supply chain management has become a successful strategy to effectively link all trading partners and ensure cost-effective and timely movement of materials from the raw material supplier to the final consumer of the finished product. Interorganizational systems or extranets provide the technology infrastructure to facilitate the flow of information along the chain and thereby ensure the smooth flow of goods. These two technologies have developed independently with no realization of the synergies in integrating the research from the two fields. This article attempts to provide an integrated perspective of supply chain management and interorganizational systems that highlight the potential benefits, and management issues and provides guidelines for implementation.
Generalized reference fugacities for phase equilibrium thermodynamics

Abstract The reference fugacity for the liquid-phase activity coefficient of any component is chosen as the fugacity of pure liquid of that component at the temperature of the solution and at zero pressure. When suitably non-dimensionalized,this reference fugacity is a function only of reduced temperature and acentric factor; using Pitzer's tables reduced reference fugacities are calculated from a reduced temperature of 0·56 to 1·0 and, by extrapolation, to 1·5. For non-condensable components it is necessary to know the partial molar volume in liquid solution and an approximate correlation for this quantity is presented. The results of this work should be useful for the systematic interpretation and correlation of phase equilibrium data.
Control of decalcification in orthodontic patients by daily self-administered application of a water-free 0.4 per cent stannous fluoride gel

Abstract Self-application of a water-free 0.4 per cent SnF 2 gel, daily at bedtime, was practiced by ninety-nine orthodontic patients over a treatment period of 18 to 24 months. Incidence of decalcification in these patients was compared to that found for 110 control patients who were managed in the same fashion but did not use the gel. Incidence of decalcification in the control group was 58 per cent, with the bulk of the lesions being classified as localized mild and located in the gingival area. Decalcification was found in only 2 per cent of the fifty-one patients who applied the gel as directed on a daily basis. Those who used the gel less regularly experienced higher degrees of decalcification. These results suggest that frequent self-applications of low concentrations of SnF 2 provide very high levels of protection. It is also clear that “frequent” in this sense, means daily treatment.
Single particle measurements of the chemical composition of cirrus ice residue during CRYSTAL‐FACE

[1] The first real-time, in situ, investigation of the chemical composition of the residue of cirrus ice crystals was performed during July 2002. This study was undertaken on a NASA WB-57F high-altitude research aircraft as part of CRYSTAL-FACE, a field campaign which sought to further our understanding of the relation of clouds, water vapor, and climate by characterizing, among other parameters, anvil cirrus formed about the Florida peninsula. A counter flow virtual impactor (CVI) was used to separate cirrus ice from the unactivated interstitial aerosol particles and evaporate condensed-phase water. Residual material, on a crystal-by-crystal basis, was subsequently analyzed using the NOAA Aeronomy Laboratory's Particle Analysis by Laser Mass Spectrometry (PALMS) instrument. Sampling was performed from 5 to 15 km altitude and from 12° to 28° north latitude within cirrus originating over land and ocean. Chemical composition measurements provided several important results. Sea salt was often incorporated into cirrus, consistent with homogeneous ice formation by aerosol particles from the marine boundary layer. Size measurements showed that large particles preferentially froze over smaller ones. Meteoritic material was found within ice crystals, indicative of a relation between stratospheric aerosol particles and tropospheric clouds. Mineral dust was the dominant residue observed in clouds formed during a dust transport event from the Sahara, consistent with a heterogeneous freezing mechanism. These results show that chemical composition and size are important determinants of which aerosol particles form cirrus ice crystals.
Could Scrotoschisis Mimic an Iatrogenic Injury? A Case Report

Scrotoschisis is a rare congenital defect of the scrotal sac associated with extrusion of one or both testicles. Only 9 cases have been reported in the literature. The exact mechanism causing this rare congenital defect is unknown. We describe a case of unilateral scrotoschisis in a 35-week preterm infant delivered by cesarean section. The defect was repaired under local anesthesia within a few hours after birth, with good healing noted on follow-up. Scrotoschisis in an infant after delivery by cesarean section has been reported only once before. Although a laceration of scrotum during cesarean section was considered, it seemed unlikely.
Socio-economic correlates of fecundability in a sample of taiwanese women

Estimates of fecundability (monthly probability of conception) in the absence of contraception are derived from the frequency distribution of conceptive delays immediately following marriage, reported by 2,443 married women aged 20 to 39 included in the Taichung (Taiwan) Intensive Fertility Survey of 1962. Average fecundability of women is positively associated with their socio-economic status. These differentials are not accounted for by differences among socio-economic groups with respect to memory and truncation biases (associated with the marriage duration), wife’s age at marriage, or unreported premarital conceptions. A Multiple Classification Analysis suggests that among the socio-economic characteristics, husband’s education, rural background, and modern family type are the more important predictors of fecundability. The importance of genetic factors as opposed to cultural factors in producing these socio-economic differences in fecundability can not be evaluated systematically. Moreover, the relation of a couple’s privacy, their attitude toward family building, and patterns of mate selection to their socioeconomic status would have to be taken into account before the differences in fecundability could be attributed to factors such as nutrition, health, or infections which might directly influence their physiological ability to conceive.
Recognition in Face Space

Individual facial features such as the eyes or nose may not be as important to human face recognition as the overall pattern capturing a more holistic encoding of the face. This paper describes " face space" a subspace of the space of all possible images which can be described as linear combinations of a small number of characteristic face-like images. The construction of face space and its use in the detection and identification of faces is explained in the context of a working face recognition system. The effects of illumination changes scale orientation and the image background are discussed.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Inhibition of Clostridium botulinum by Antioxidants and Related Phenolic Compounds in Comminuted Pork

Antioxidants, esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and gallic acid, and related phenolic compounds were evaluated for their activity against growth and toxin production of C. botulinum types A and B in comminuted pork. With an inoculum level of 8,000 spores/g of meat most of the chemicals at a concentration of 1,000 ppm delayed first swell formation for less than 3 days beyond the control. For most compounds, the time to first swell formation beyond that of the control increased as the spore level per g of meat decreased. 8-Hydroxyquinoline at a concentration of 200 ppm or in combination with sodium nitrite (40 ppm) inhibited the growth and toxin production of C. botulinum in comminuted pork for 60 days at 27°C. 8-Hydroxyquinoline was more active in inhibition of growth and toxin production of C. botulinum in comminuted pork than in prereduced Thiotone-yeast extract-glucose broth.
M-structure in dual Banach spaces

A result previously known only for certain ordered Banach spaces is generalized to arbitrary real Banach spaces. Let ℒ be the Banach algebra of operators generated by theL-projections of a real Banach spaceU, and let ℳ (U * be the bounded operators on the dual spaceU * with adjoint in ℒ(U **. Then the adjoint operation maps ℒ (U) onto ℳ (U *). In particular, anyM-projection ofU * is weak* continuous.
The Logic–and Limits–of Chinese Socialist Development

Abstract In many ways 1949–1955 was a golden age of Chinese socialism because progress in cooperation was achieved with minimum violence. When the pace was forced after that, peasant mistrust grew. Successes in the Great Leap and the Cultural Revolution were short-lived, illusory, or at best in the earlier period there were fewer zig-zags in ideology and in economic policy of the sort which came with the Great Leap. However, wild swings of this kind are apt to divert us from the continuities which come out of the power structure, the class structure and the decision to promote a rapid rate of economic growth. These include the institutional transformation of the economy; economic planning; expanded state welfare functions; the effort to avoid foreign dominance; elimination of exploitation and of certain kinds of social inequalities. The limits to socialist development appear to be set by the size of agricultural surplus that can be extracted without exacerbating tensions and the high rate of investment that industrialization requires. On the political front, the limits are set by peasant attitudes to government policy, the power of structural hierarchies (and their associated vested interests) and excessive Party interference in areas of social life best left to more democratic decision-making processes.
Optimization of hybrid systems

An overview of dynamic optimization problems with hybrid systems embedded is presented. The control parameterization approach is examined in detail, where the possibility of mode switching within the hybrid system causes nonsmoothness in the Master problem, thus invalidating gradient based solvers. To handle this, a decomposition approach is proposed that divides the general problem into smooth subproblems. The subproblem of determining the optimal mode sequence given fixed transition times is considered for continuous time linear time varying hybrid systems. A mixed-integer reformulation of the problem is proposed that retains the linear structure of the embedded hybrid system. A deterministic branch-and-cut framework incorporating outer approximation cuts and a dynamic bounds tightening heuristic is then employed to solve the nonconvex mixed-integer problem to guaranteed global optimality with a finite number of iterations. It is shown that the dynamic bounds tightening heuristic can have a dramatic effect on accelerating convergence of the algorithm. Future directions for research are also discussed, including the application of recent developments in semi-infinite programming for the formal safety verification of processes under uncertainty.
Analysis of relative navigation in high earth orbits

Formation flying in high Earth orbit relies on accurate relative navigation information for both precise formation control and accurate interpretation of science data. A relative navigation filter is developed here that enhances the linearity of the dynamic model by framing the state in Keplerian elements. The dynamic model and filter performance are presented for medium and high Earth orbits with limited measurement availability. The effect of higher order gravity terms, solar radiation pressure, the third-body effects of the Sun and Moon, and atmospheric drag on estimation accuracy is considered. Relative semimajor axis accuracy of 0.81 m and relative position accuracy of 0.89 m are obtained for vehicles separated by 10–170 km using GPS measurements only. This represents an order of magnitude improvement over previously reported relative navigation performance in high Earth orbit.
Di-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) modulates cell invasion, migration and anchorage independent growth through targeting S100P in LN-229 glioblastoma cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain cancer with a median survival of 1–2 years. The treatment of GBM includes surgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy, which minimally extends survival. This poor prognosis necessitates the identification of novel molecular targets associated with glioblastoma. S100P is associated with drug resistance, metastasis, and poor clinical outcomes in many malignancies. The functional role of S100P in glioblastoma has not been fully investigated. In this study, we examined the role of S100P mediating the effects of the environmental contaminant, DEHP, in glioblastoma cells (LN-229) by assessing cell proliferation, apoptosis, anchorage independent growth, cell migration and invasion following DEHP exposure. Silencing S100P and DEHP treatment inhibited LN-229 glioblastoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Anchorage independent growth study revealed significantly decreased colony formation in shS100P cells. We also observed reduced cell migration in cells treated with DEHP following S100P knockdown. Similar results were observed in spheroid formation and expansion. This study is the first to demonstrate the effects of DEHP on glioblastoma cells, and implicates S100P as a potential therapeutic target that may be useful as a drug response biomarker.
Space, Interregional Economic Relations, and Structural Reform in China:

This paper discusses spatial interrelationships among economic units in the People's Republic of China. It characterizes these in the prereform period (before 1979) under a centralized economic command structure and analyzes their various adverse efficiency consequences. Requirements for efficiency improvements are then discussed. Finally, changes in the spatial relationships under the present reform toward greater decentralization, and their probable effect on overall productivity, are examined.
Enhanced adhesion of ligand-conjugated biodegradable particles to colitic venules

The expression of certain endothelial cell adhesion molecules (ECAMs) is increased in the vasculature of the inflamed bowel (e.g., colitis), thereby providing an opportunity for targeted drug delivery. We recently demonstrated that biodegradable particles conjugated with ligands to ECAMs exhibit significant selective adhesion to ECAM expressing endothelium. In the present study, we used a murine model of colitis to determine whether poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) particles conjugated with a VCAM-1 ligand (alpha-V) exhibit enhanced adhesion to colitic vasculature. In post-capillary venules of the colon, significantly more alpha-V particles accumulate in colitic mice relative to (i) control mice (i.e., selectivity) and (ii) particles bearing a control ligand (i.e., ligand efficiency). The selectivity and ligand efficiency of alpha-V particles were a function of the total number of particles infused. The highest selectivity observed within our test regime was 3, while ligand efficiency increased linearly with the number of particles injected to a value of 24. This work represents a significant step towards achieving a targeted drug delivery scheme for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and indicates that the efficiency of targeting is dependent on the dose regime.
On maximum induced matchings in bipartite graphs

Abstract The problem of finding a maximum induced matching is known to be NP-hard in general bipartite graphs. We strengthen this result by reducing the problem to some special classes of bipartite graphs such as bipartite graphs with maximum degree 3 or C 4 -free bipartite graphs. On the other hand, we describe a new polynomially solvable case for the problem in bipartite graphs which deals with a generalization of bi-complement reducible graphs.
COMPARISONS OF SEVERAL GRAPHICAL METHODS FOR REPRESENTING MULTIVARIATE DATA

Abstract Graphical displays provide a powerful tool for presenting and studying many types of data. This article presents an evaluation of several special graphical methods for representing multivariate data, including three face-type methods and a function-plot method. The evaluation utilizes a split-plot-factorial experimental design. Under the conditions of this experiment, the modified Chernoff-face data-representation method is clearly superior.
The oncofetal gene glypican 3 is regulated in the postnatal liver by zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 and in the regenerating liver by alpha-fetoprotein regulator 2†

The Glypican 3 (Gpc3) gene is expressed abundantly in the fetal liver, is inactive in the normal adult liver, and is frequently reactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This reactivation in HCC has led to considerable interest in Gpc3 as a diagnostic tumor marker and its possible role in tumorigenesis. Despite this interest, the basis for Gpc3 regulation is poorly understood. On the basis of the similarities between Gpc3 and alpha-fetoprotein expression in the liver, we reasoned that common factors might regulate these 2 genes. Here we identify zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2) as a regulator of Gpc3. Mouse strain–specific differences in adult liver Gpc3 messenger RNA levels and transgenic mouse studies indicate that Zhx2 represses Gpc3 expression in the adult liver. We also demonstrate that Gpc3 is activated in the regenerating liver following a carbon tetrachloride treatment and that the level of Gpc3 induction is controlled by alpha-fetoprotein regulator 2 (Afr2). Conclusion: We show that Zhx2 acts as a repressor of Gpc3 in the adult liver, and this raises the interesting possibility that Zhx2 might also be involved in Gpc3 reactivation in HCC. We also show that Gpc3 is activated in the regenerating liver in an Afr2-dependent manner. Zhx2 and Afr2 represent the first known regulators of Gpc3. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Comprehensive proteome analysis by chromatographic protein prefractionation

Protein copy number is distributed from 7 to 8 orders of magnitude in cells and probably up to 12 orders of magnitude in plasma. Classical silver-stained two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) can only display up to four orders of magnitude. This is a major drawback since it is assumed that most of the regulatory proteins are low-abundance gene products. It is thus clear that the separation of low copy number proteins in amounts sufficient for postseparation analysis is an important issue in proteome studies to complete the comprehensive description of the proteome of any given cell type. The visualization of a polypeptide on a 2-DE gel will depend on the copy number, on the quantity loaded onto the gel and on the method of detection. As the amount of protein that can be loaded onto a gel is limited, one efficient solution is to fractionate the sample prior to 2-DE analysis. Several approaches exist including subcellular fractionation, affinity purification and chromatographic and electrophoretic protein prefractionation. The chromatographic step adds a new dimension in the protein separation using specific protein properties. It allows proteins to be adsorbed to a surface and eluted differentially under certain conditions. This review article presents studies combining chromatography-based methods to 2-DE analysis and draws general conclusions on this strategy.
Theory of dispersion hardening in metals

Abstract A quantitative theory is presented to describe the increment of strain hardening due to a dispersed second phase in metals. The theory is a major modification of an earlier one by Fisher et al. In addition to detailed prediction of the hardening increment as a function of strain, the theory makes several novel qualitative predictions. These additional results are: 1. (a) initial fine slip, 2. (b) a constant hardening increment at small strain and 3. (c) an enhancement of the Bauschinger effect.
Data base requirements for impurity and particle control models

Abstract One of the critical issues for the design and operation of ignition fusion experiments is impurity and particle control. An impurity and particle control system must be able to maintain a plasma reasonably free from impurities, have a reasonable lifetime, and provide adequate helium exhaust. The design of such a system requires extrapolations based on our present understanding of the physics and engineering derived from current and past experiments and theory. Some of the tools used to make such extrapolations are computational models which embody our current understanding, and are calibrated by their use in the analysis of current and past experiments. These computational tools are based on at least five sources of information. They are: 1. (1) a general description of the behavior of plasma experiments with regard to impurity and particle control issues, 2. (2) specific sets of experimental data which are sufficiently complete that they can be analyzed using the computational models, 3. (3) the theoretical work and numerical methods that allow a model to be formulated into a set of equations and boundary conditions, and those equations to be solved, 4. (4) a quantitative description of the atomic collision phenomena that occur in edge plasmas, and 5. (5) data for reflection, sputtering, and desorption to describe the interaction of ions and neutrals with surfaces. All of these ingredients contribute in a key way to the computational tools used to analyze and guide the design of impurity and particle control systems for the next generation of fusion experiments.
Hypertension in Postmenopausal Women

Blood pressure is typically lower in premenopausal women than in men. However, after menopause, the prevalence of hypertension in women is higher than it is in men. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in women and men, but cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Furthermore, there is evidence that blood pressure may not be as well-controlled in women as in men, despite the fact that most women adhere better to their therapeutic regimens and medications than do men, and have their blood pressures measured more frequently than do men. This review describes possible mechanisms by which blood pressure may be increased in postmenopausal women.
The evaluation of disciplinary appeals in non-union organizations

Abstract This article reviews research relating to how decision-makers evaluate appeals over disciplinary action within non-union organizations. Integrating research findings from a variety of situational contexts (e.g., judicial, arbitrator, and supervisor decision-making) and from a variety of theoretical perspectives (e.g., identification, resource dependence, and procedural justice), the article presents hypotheses to examine the impact of using different decision-making parties (e.g., chain-of-command managers, higher-level executives, peers of the employee, peers of the disciplining supervisor, and human resource managers) to evaluate appeals. The article also examines how the policies and procedures of an appeals system are likely to influence the evaluation of appeals, both in terms of the guilt/innocence decision and the leniency/harshness of the recommended sanctions. Last, the article explores the methodological issues in designing and evaluating empirical research in this area.
Ectomycorrhizal-Dominated Boreal and Tropical Forests Have Distinct Fungal Communities, but Analogous Spatial Patterns across Soil Horizons

Fungi regulate key nutrient cycling processes in many forest ecosystems, but their diversity and distribution within and across ecosystems are poorly understood. Here, we examine the spatial distribution of fungi across a boreal and tropical ecosystem, focusing on ectomycorrhizal fungi. We analyzed fungal community composition across litter (organic horizons) and underlying soil horizons (0-20 cm) using 454 pyrosequencing and clone library sequencing. In both forests, we found significant clustering of fungal communities by site and soil horizons with analogous patterns detected by both sequencing technologies. Free-living saprotrophic fungi dominated the recently-shed leaf litter and ectomycorrhizal fungi dominated the underlying soil horizons. This vertical pattern of fungal segregation has also been found in temperate and European boreal forests, suggesting that these results apply broadly to ectomycorrhizal-dominated systems, including tropical rain forests. Since ectomycorrhizal and free-living saprotrophic fungi have different influences on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics, information on the spatial distribution of these functional groups will improve our understanding of forest nutrient cycling.
Convolution-based particle tracking method for transient flow

A convolution-based particle tracking (CBPT) method was recently developed for calculating solute concentrations (Robinson et al., Comput Geosci 14(4): 779–792, 2010). This method is highly efficient but limited to steady-state flow conditions. Here, we present an extension of this method to transient flow conditions. This extension requires a single-particle tracking process model run, with a pulse of particles introduced at a sequence of times for each source location. The number and interval of particle releases depends upon the transients in the flow. Numerical convolution of particle paths obtained at each release time and location with a time-varying source term is performed to yield the shape of the plume. Many factors controlling transport such as variation in source terms, radioactive decay, and in some cases linear processes such as sorption and diffusion into dead-end pores can be simulated in the convolution step for Monte Carlo-based analysis of transport uncertainty. We demonstrate the efficiency of the transient CBPT method, by showing that it requires fewer particles than traditional random walk particle tracking methods to achieve the same levels of accuracy, especially as the source term increases in duration or is uncertain. Since flow calculations under transient conditions are often very expensive, this is a computationally efficient yet accurate method.
Some experiments on the Intravascular use of Antiseptics.

The prominence given to the intravascular use of antiseptics has hardly been in accord with the results achieved by this method. The injection of formalin in various amounts and strengths has been given an extended trial in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, and is claimed to have produced beneficial results. Similarly Baccelli has injected corrosive sublimate intravenously in the treatment of syphilis, cerebro-spinal meningitis, and acute rheumatism in man. In animals he has used intravenous injections of corrosive sublimate in the treatment of aphtha epizootica. In this disease he claims that the intravenous injections of corrosive sublimate are of undoubted use in terminating an attack of the disease.
Naiad: a timely dataflow system

Naiad is a distributed system for executing data parallel, cyclic dataflow programs. It offers the high throughput of batch processors, the low latency of stream processors, and the ability to perform iterative and incremental computations. Although existing systems offer some of these features, applications that require all three have relied on multiple platforms, at the expense of efficiency, maintainability, and simplicity. Naiad resolves the complexities of combining these features in one framework.A new computational model, timely dataflow, underlies Naiad and captures opportunities for parallelism across a wide class of algorithms. This model enriches dataflow computation with timestamps that represent logical points in the computation and provide the basis for an efficient, lightweight coordination mechanism.We show that many powerful high-level programming models can be built on Naiad's low-level primitives, enabling such diverse tasks as streaming data analysis, iterative machine learning, and interactive graph mining. Naiad outperforms specialized systems in their target application domains, and its unique features enable the development of new high-performance applications.
Stress–strain behavior of thermoplastic polyurethanes

Abstract The large strain nonlinear stress–strain behavior of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) exhibits strong hysteresis, rate dependence and softening. Thermoplastic polyurethanes are copolymers composed of hard and soft segments. The hard and soft segments phase separate to form a microstructure of hard and soft domains typically on a length scale of a few tens of nanometers. Studies have revealed this domain structure to evolve with deformation; this evolution is thought to be the primary source of hysteresis and cyclic softening. In this paper, experiments and a constitutive model capturing the major features of the stress–strain behavior of TPUs, including nonlinear hyperelastic behavior, time dependence, hysteresis, and softening, are presented. The model is based on the morphological observations of TPUs during deformation. A systematic method to estimate the material parameters for the model is presented. Excellent agreement between experimental results and model predictions of various uniaxial compression tests confirms the efficacy of the proposed constitutive model.
Rotational Speedups Accompanying Angular Deceleration of a Superfluid

Exact calculations of the angular deceleration of superfluid vortex arrays show momentary speedups in the angular velocity caused by coherent, multiple vortex loss at the boundary. The existence and shape of the speedups depend on the vortex friction, the deceleration rate, and the pattern symmetry. The phenomenon resembles, in several ways, that observed in pulsars.
Measuring the persistence of deviations from purchasing power parity with a fractionally integrated STAR model

Abstract Empirically, elements of both fractional long memory and threshold non-linearity are present in the real exchange rates of the G-7 countries against the US, notably in the EU countries. Estimated half lives of deviations from PPP using median unbiased corrections to conventional linear autoregressive models corroborate existing evidence related to the PPP paradox as half lives range from at least four years to an infinite number of years. In contrast, for each EU country, accounting for threshold non-linearity results in estimated half lives that can be less than three years even with the allowance for fractional long memory.
Renoprotection: one or many therapies?

Renoprotection: One or many therapies? Background Renal disease that progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) imposes a great burden on the affected individual and on society, which mainly bears the cost of ESRD (currently more than $10 billion to treat about 333,000 patients annually in the U.S.). Thus, there is a great need to identify therapies that arrest the progression mechanisms common to all forms of renal disease. Progress is being made. Perhaps the most visible advance is the randomized controlled trials (RCT) demonstrating the renoprotective effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. There are also numerous other promising renoprotective therapies. Unfortunately, testing each therapy in RCT is not feasible. Thus the nephrologist has two choices: restrict renoprotective therapy to those shown to be effective in RCT, or expand the use of renoprotective therapies to include those that, although unproven, are plausibly effective and prudent to use. The goal of this work is to provide the documentation needed for the nephrologist to choose between these strategies. Methods This work first describes the mechanisms believed to be involved in the progression of renal disease. Based largely on this information, 18 separate interventions that slow the progression are described. Each intervention is assigned a level of recommendation (Level 1 is the highest and Level 3 the lowest) according to the strength of evidence supporting its renoprotective efficacy. Results The number of interventions at each level of recommendation are: Level 1, N = 4; Level 2, N = 4; Level 3, N = 10. Our own experience with the multiple-risk-factor intervention is that most patients can achieve the majority of the Level 1 and 2 interventions, and many of the Level 3 interventions. We recommend the expanded renoprotection strategy. Conclusion This work advances the hypothesis that, until better information becomes available, a broad-based, multiple-risk-factor intervention intended to slow the progression of renal disease can be justified in those with progressive nephropathies. This work is intended primarily for clinical nephrologists and thus each recommended intervention is described in substantial practical detail.
Responding to The River.

In the book The River: A Journey to the Source of HIV and AIDS (Little, Brown, 1999), author Edward Hooper suggests that we covertly used chimpanzee cells to produce the live oral polio vaccine (OPV) that was used in the first mass campaign with OPV in the former Belgian Congo. Hooper postulated
Comparison of portable detectors for uranium enrichment measurements

Uranium enrichment and holdup measurements require a detector capable of accurately obtaining the 186-keV peak area. NaI detectors have been widely used for these tasks. However, for recycled uranium, the interference of the 239-keV peak from the 232U decay chain challenges the capabilities of the NaI detectors to accurately extract the area of the 186-keV peak. Using CZT detectors, which have much better resolution than the NaI detectors, has temporarily solved this interference problem. However, the CZT detectors have setbacks in that they are generally small and have low efficiencies, which require long acquisition times for reasonable statistics. Recently, two new types of scintillator detectors have become available commercially, LaCl3(Ce) and LaBr3(Ce). These cerium-doped lanthanum halide detectors, with comparable resolution but better efficiency than the CZT detectors, appear to permanently solve the interference problem for recycled uranium measurements. In this report, we compare the uranium enrichment measurement performances of a portable NaI detector, a large coplanar-grid CZT detector, and a LaBr3 detector.
PLANAR MOTION OF AN ARTICULATED TOWER WITH AN ELASTIC APPENDAGE

Abstract Masts, antennas and other appendaged towers connected to offshore platforms are subjected to harsh environmental conditions. In this paper, the dynamic response of such a structure is investigated. The mast is assumed to be fixed at bottom to an articulated tower and carrying a concentrated mass at the other end. The mast is modelled as a continuous system (beam-like), subjected to wind forces. The equation of motion formulated in this paper is general enough to represent a partially submerged articulated tower or an appendaged tower. In the derivation of the equation of motion, non-linearities due to large lateral displacements as well as rotation, drag wind and wave forces, which are assumed to be proportional to the square relative velocity between the wind/wave and the mast, are considered. The motion of the articulated tower, to which the mast is connected, is also included in the dynaimcs as a base excitation. The non-linear partial differential equation of motion is then non-dimensionalized and simplified to show that the rotation (inertia) term is negligible. The equation of motion is numerically solved using finite difference approximations, which are embedded in the commercial code “ACSL” (Advanced Continuous Simulation Language). The response of the mast to deterministic and random wind and wave is investigated and some parameter studies are conducted. Bending and shear stresses are calculated for different environmental conditions. The model was also used to verify the rigid body assumption frequently used in analyzing the response of a partially submerged articulated tower.
Purification of Oogonial Stem Cells From Adult Mouse and Human Ovaries: An Assessment of the Literature and a View Toward the Future:

Contemporary claims that mitotically active female germ line or oogonial stem cells (OSCs) exist and support oogenesis during postnatal life in mammals have been debated in the field of reproductive biology since March 2004, when a mouse study posed the first serious challenge to the dogma of a fixed pool of oocytes being endowed at birth in more than 50 years. Other studies have since been put forth that further question the validity of this dogma, including the isolation of OSCs from neonatal and adult mouse ovaries by 4 independent groups using multiple strategies. Two of these groups also reported that isolated mouse OSCs, once transplanted back into ovaries of adult female mice, differentiate into fully functional eggs that ovulate, fertilize, and produce healthy embryos and offspring. Arguably, one of the most significant advances in this emerging field was provided by a new research study published this year, which reported the successful isolation and functional characterization of OSCs from ovaries of reproductive age women. Two commentaries on this latest work, one cautiously supportive and one highly skeptical, were published soon afterward. This article evaluates the current literature regarding postnatal oogenesis in mammals and discusses important next steps for future work on OSC biology and function.
A diagnostic test generation system

A diagnostic automatic test pattern generation (DATPG) system is constructed by adding new algorithmic capabilities to conventional ATPG and fault simulation programs. The DATPG aim to generate tests to distinguish fault pairs, i.e., two faults must have different output responses. Given a fault pair, by modifying circuit netlist a new single fault is modeled. Then we use a conventional ATPG to target that fault. If a test is generated it distinguishes the given fault pair. A fast diagnostic fault simulation algorithm is implemented to find undistinguished fault pairs from a fault list for a given test vector set. We use a proposed diagnostic coverage (DC) metric, defined as the ratio of the number of fault groups to the number of total faults. The diagnostic ATPG system starts by first generating conventional fault coverage vectors. Those vectors are then simulated to determine the DC, followed by repeated applications of diagnostic test generation and simulation. We observe improved DC in all benchmark circuits.
Dequalinium, a New Inhibitor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Mycothiol Ligase Identified by High-Throughput Screening

Mycothiol ligase (MshC) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of mycothiol, a small molecular weight thiol that is unique to actinomycetes and whose primary role is to maintain intracellular redox balance and remove toxins. MshC catalyzes the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent condensation of cysteine and glucosamine-inositol (GI) to produce cysteine-glucosamine-inositol (CGI). MshC is essential to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and therefore represents an attractive target for chemotherapeutic intervention. A screening protocol was developed to identify MshC inhibitors based on quantification of residual ATP using a coupled luminescent assay. The protocol was used to screen a library of 3100 compounds in a 384-well plate format (Z'>or=0.65). Fifteen hits (0.48%) were identified from the screen, and 2 hits were confirmed in a secondary assay that measures production of CGI. The structures of both hits contain N-substituted quinolinium moieties, and the more potent of the 2-namely, dequalinium chloride-inhibits MshC with an IC50 value of 24+/-1 microM. Further studies showed dequalinium to be an ATP-competitive inhibitor of MshC, to bind MshC with a KD of 0.22 microM, and to inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis under aerobic and anaerobic conditions with minimum inhibitory and anaerobic bactericidal concentrations of 1.2 and 0.3 microg/mL, respectively. The screening protocol described is robust and has enabled the identification of new MshC inhibitors.