cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CO2 ENRICHMENT REDUCES THE ENERGETIC COST OF BIOMASS CONSTRUCTION IN AN INVASIVE DESERT GRASS

To examine how global change could influence species invasions, we compared the responses of energetic processes and growth of invasive and native grass species to atmospheric CO2 enrichment in an intact Mojave Desert ecosystem. Combined with its modest influence on photosynthetic activity, elevated atmospheric CO2 was associated with a significant reduction in the energetic cost of aboveground biomass construction in invasive Bromus madritensis spp. rubens (red brome) without a concurrent cost reduction in native Vulpia octoflora (six-weeks fescue). Consequently, the invasive grass species grew faster, grew bigger, and produced more seeds with atmospheric CO2 enrichment than the native grass species. As a physiological mechanism of invasive species success driven by CO2 enrichment, such alterations in biomass construction costs combined with increased photosynthetic activity could trigger a shift in the species composition of this ecosystem, and potentially that of other invaded ecosystems, toward increa...
Characterization of the porous support layer of composite gas permeation membranes

The porous support layer of a high-flux composite membrane can have an influence on gas or vapor separation performance. In order to quantify that influence, the theory of gaseous flow through porous media was reviewed and applied to describe transport through the porous layer. The flux equations may be used to characterize the morphology of the support structure. An experimental technique was developed to determine morphological parameters based on single gas permeation experiments. Flat sheet and hollow fiber support membranes were tested and compared. Due to the axial pressure drop inside the hollow fibers, an appropriate average lumen pressure had to be determined. As a by-product, the inside diameter of the porous hollow fibers may be estimated from the permeation experiments. The calculated morphological parameters varied slightly with six different gases used, but these differences could be reconciled when the asymmetry of the porous structure was taken into account. The support membranes could be modeled accurately by a two-layered structure and a resistance in series approach. By combining the description of gaseous flow in the porous support presented in this paper with standard transport equations for the dense coating, it should be possible to describe binary gas transport through a composite membrane and, ultimately, to determine the influence of the support layer.
A prospective evaluation of rectal bleeding after dose-escalated three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy using an intrarectal balloon for prostate gland localization and immobilization.

Objectives To estimate the rates of rectal bleeding after dose-escalated three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) on a prospective, Phase II study in which a modified intrarectal balloon was used for prostate gland localization and immobilization. Methods The study cohort comprised 100 men with biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate and at least one high-risk feature (prostate-specific antigen level greater than 10 ng/mL, Gleason score 7 or higher, or clinical or radiographic T3 disease). Treatment consisted of androgen suppression therapy and four-field 3D-CRT with an intrarectal balloon for the initial 15 treatments. Planning treatment volume dose was 75.6 Gy. The primary endpoint of time to grade 3 rectal bleeding was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method for 57 men with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Results For 57 men with a median (range) follow-up of 1.8 (1.0 to 3.3) years, the median (range) volume of rectum exceeding 70 Gy was 3.7 (0.6 to 14.7) cm3, and the 2-year estimate of grade 3 rectal bleeding rate was 10%. This rate was 100% as compared with 0 (P <0.0001) for men who were taking warfarin (n = 3) or high-dose aspirin (n = 1) as compared with neither, respectively. All grade 3 rectal bleeding events were controlled with argon plasma coagulation. Conclusions Dose-escalated 3D-CRT with an intrarectal balloon technique for prostate localization and immobilization produced no measurable grade 3 rectal bleeding unless the patient was taking anticoagulants.
An 'explicit type enforcement' program transformation tool for preventing integer vulnerabiliites

A security-oriented program transformation is similar to a refactoring, but it is not intended to preserve behavior. Instead, it improves the security of systems, which means it preserves the expected behavior, but changes a system's response to security attacks. This demo is about a tool for Explicit Type Enforcement transformation, which adds proper typecast to integer variables. The tool is built using Eclipse CDT and applies on C programs. Preliminary results show that it is very effective in fixing integer-related vulnerabilities. Power tools such as these can improve developer productivity and produce vulnerability-free software.
The Coset Poset and Probabilistic Zeta Function of a Finite Group

Abstract We investigate the topological properties of the poset of proper cosets xH in a finite group G. Of particular interest is the reduced Euler characteristic, which is closely related to the value at −1 of the probabilistic zeta function of G. Our main result gives divisibility properties of this reduced Euler characteristic.
Triton, Pluto and Charon

On the eve of the Voyager encounter with Neptune and Triton, the knowledge of the surface and atmosphere of the satellite has made some progress. Methane, and perhaps molecular nitrogen, appears to dominate the surface and atmospheric chemistry. Sketchy evidence suggests changes in the disposition and state of the volatile materials on this body in the past few years, perhaps in response to the extreme seasons. Pluto and its satellite Charon are at last revealed in some detail, chiefly resulting from observations of the mutual transits and occultations of 1985-1990. A stellar occultation by Pluto in 1988 has given the first detailed information on the planet's atmosphere. The density of the Pluto-Charon system indicates a bulk composition consisting of silicates and water ice, suggesting formation directly from the solar nebula.
Words Lie in our Way

The central claim of computationalism is generally taken to be that the brain is a computer, and that any computer implementing the appropriate program would ipso facto have a mind. In this paper I argue for the following propositions: (1) The central claim of computationalism is not about computers, a concept too imprecise for a scientific claim of this sort, but is about physical calculi (instantiated discrete formal systems). (2) In matters of formality, interpretability, and so forth, analog computation and digital computation are not essentially different, and so arguments such as Searle's hold or not as well for one as for the other. (3) Whether or not a biological system (such as the brain) is computational is a scientific matter of fact. (4) A substantive scientific question for cognitive science is whether cognition is better modeled by discrete representations or by continuous representations. (5) Cognitive science and AI need a theoretical construct that is the continuous analog of a calculus. The discussion of these propositions will illuminate several terminology traps, in which it's all too easy to become ensnared.
The impact of cochlear implantation on cognition in older adults: a systematic review of clinical evidence

Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition faced by older adults and has been linked to difficulties in speech perception, activities of daily living, and social interaction. Recent studies have suggested a correlation between severity of hearing loss and an individual’s cognitive function; however, a causative link has yet to be established. One intervention option for management of the most severe to profound hearing loss in older adults is cochlear implantation. We performed a review to determine the status of the literature on the potential influence of cochlear implantation on cognition in the older adult population.
Fiber types in normal and neonatally denervated fast muscles of the rat: immunocytochemical study with an antimyosin monoclonal antibody

The differentiation of fiber types in normal and neonatally denervated gastrocnemius muscles of the rat was compared by myosin ATPase histochemistry and immunocytochemistry using a monoclonal antibody, HM-1.2. The specificity of HM-1.2 for the fast myosin heavy chain was determined by radioimmunoassay, immunoautoradiography, and indirect immunofluorescence techniques. In normal 1-month-old and adult rats, the type IIB (fast glycolytic) fibers of the gastrocnemius could be clearly divided into three subtypes by their graded immunofluorescence staining with the myosin heavy chain-specific monoclonal antibody. In the gastrocnemius muscle of the newborn rat, all fibers were negative with the monoclonal antibody. The transition from negative to three grades of immunoreactivity occurred 1 to 2 weeks postnatally. After neonatal denervation of the gastrocnemius muscle, however, uniformly positive monoclonal antibody immunofluorescence staining for the myosin heavy chain was observed without subtype differentiation. This study, thus, gave clear immunocytochemical evidence that the type IIB muscle fibers are heterogeneous with respect to their myosin isoform and that the expression of this heterogeneity is dependent on the normal developmental influence of motor innervation on the muscle fibers.
High-Fidelity Approximations for Extinction Probability Calculations

A quantity that is frequently of interest in stochastic neutronics calculations is the probability of extinction (POE), or its complement, the survival probability. Even within the simplest stochas...
Pulmonary alveolar reaction to nickel carbonyl: ultrastructural and histochemical studies.

(1968). Pulmonary Alveolar Reaction to Nickel Carbonyl. Archives of Environmental Health: An International Journal: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 349-362.
Optical Interconnects Using Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals

Optical interconnect and crossbar switching networks have several applications including digital computing, communications and neuro-computing. The requirements placed on the optical devices that implement the switching networks in these applications may be quite different. In computing, for example, retrieving data from memory is a major block which limits speed at which information can be processed. Fast optical interconnects may remove this bottleneck. In communications, the channel bandwidth is a primary consideration. Interconnects that switch communication channels optically may replace optoelectronic systems if they offer low cost and moderate to high speed operation. In optical neuro-computers, the significant feature of these machines is their highly interconnected architectures. Fast switching speeds are not essential. Therefore the devices needed to build these systems require different design specifications, namely low energy dissipation which enable the fabrication of large sized networks. In this paper we will discuss the requirements placed on devices by these three system applications, and present results of a polarization-based ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) optical interconnection network.
Evaluation of reference genes for quantitative RT-PCR in Lolium temulentum under abiotic stress

Lolium temulentum L. (Darnel ryegrass) is a valuable model grass species for the study of stress in forage and turf grasses. Gene expression analysis by quantitative real-time RT-PCR relies on the use of proper internal standards. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate reference genes for use in real-time quantitative RT-PCR for abiotic stress studies in L. temulentum. Partial sequences of nine L. temulentum housekeeping genes were obtained by RT-PCR using degenerate primers designed from the corresponding genes in closely related species. Primers for quantitative RT-PCR were designed based on these partial sequences. The housekeeping genes were evaluated for their expression stability in samples from plants subjected to different forms of abiotic stress. The analysis found that eEF-1α and UBQ5 were the most stable and ACT11 was the least stable of the genes tested. Analysis by geNorm indicated that the two most stably expressed housekeeping genes (eEF-1α and UBQ5) should be utilized and are sufficient for normalization of gene expression during stress-related studies in L. temulentum.
Spectral and redox properties of the GFP synthetic chromophores as a function of pH in buffered media

The effect of pH on the spectral and redox properties of model GFP synthetic chromophores (Cros) in a universal buffer system was investigated. The Cro hydroxy-derivatives demonstrated a Nernst-type electrochemical dependence of the anodic potential within the pH 2–8 range. Analogous studies on various fluorescent proteins were unsuccessful.
Perfluoroalkyl Phosphonic and Phosphinic Acids as Proton Conductors for Anhydrous Proton‐Exchange Membranes

A study of proton-transport rates and mechanisms under anhydrous conditions using a series of acid model compounds, analogous to comb-branch perfluorinated ionomers functionalized with phosphonic, phosphinic, sulfonic, and carboxylic acid protogenic groups, is reported. Model compounds are characterized with respect to proton conductivity, viscosity, proton, and anion (conjugate base) self-diffusion coefficients, and Hammett acidity. The highest conductivities, and also the highest viscosities, are observed for the phosphonic and phosphinic acid model compounds. Arrhenius analysis of conductivity and viscosity for these two acids reveals much lower activation energies for ion transport than for viscous flow. Additionally, the proton self-diffusion coefficients are much higher than the conjugate-base self-diffusion coefficients for these two acids. Taken together, these data suggest that anhydrous proton transport in the phosphonic and phosphinic acid model compounds occurs primarily by a structure-diffusion, hopping-based mechanism rather than a vehicle mechanism. Further analysis of ionic conductivity and ion self-diffusion rates by using the Nernst-Einstein equation reveals that the phosphonic and phosphinic acid model compounds are relatively highly dissociated even under anhydrous conditions. In contrast, sulfonic and carboxylic acid-based systems exhibit relatively low degrees of dissociation under anhydrous conditions. These findings suggest that fluoroalkyl phosphonic and phosphinic acids are good candidates for further development as anhydrous, high-temperature proton conductors.
Is the alcohol deprivation effect genetically mediated? Studies with HXB/BXH recombinant inbred rat strains.

Background Two features of alcohol addiction that have been widely studied in animal models are relapse drinking following periods of alcohol abstinence and the escalation of alcohol consumption after chronic continuous or intermittent alcohol exposure. The genetic contribution to these phenotypes has not been systematically investigated. Methods HXB/BXH recombinant inbred (RI) rat strains were given access to alcohol sequentially as follows: alcohol (10%) as the only fluid for 1 week; alcohol (10%) and water in a 2-bottle choice paradigm for 7 weeks (“pre-alcohol deprivation effect [ADE] alcohol consumption”); 2 weeks of access to water only (alcohol deprivation); and 2 weeks of reaccess to 10% alcohol and water (“post-ADE alcohol consumption”). The periods of deprivation and reaccess to alcohol were repeated 3 times. The ADE was defined as the amount of alcohol consumed in the first 24 hours after deprivation minus the average daily amount of alcohol consumed in the week prior to deprivation. Heritability of the phenotypes was determined by analysis of variance, and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified. Results All strains showed increased alcohol consumption, compared to the predeprivation period, in the first 24 hours after each deprivation (ADE). Broad-sense heritability of the ADEs was low (ADE1, 9.1%; ADE2, 26.2%; ADE3, 16.3%). Alcohol consumption levels were relatively stable over weeks 2 to 7. Post-ADE alcohol consumption levels consistently increased in some strains and were decreased or unchanged in others. Heritability of pre- and post-ADE alcohol consumption was high and increased over time (week 2, 38.5%; week 7, 51.1%; week 11, 56.8%; week 15, 63.3%). QTLs for pre- and post-ADE alcohol consumption were similar, but the strength of the QTL association with the phenotype decreased over time. Conclusions In the HXB/BXH RI rat strains, genotypic variance does not account for a large proportion of phenotypic variance in the ADE phenotype (low heritability), suggesting a role of environmental factors. In contrast, a large proportion of the variance across the RI strains in pre- and post-ADE alcohol consumption is due to genetically determined variance (high heritability).
Acidic regulation of junction channels between glomus cells in the rat carotid body. Possible role of [Ca2+]i

Abstract The purpose of this work was to characterize the gap junctions between cultured glomus cells of the rat carotid body and to assess the effects of acidity and accompanying changes in [Ca2+]i on electric coupling. Dual voltage clamping of coupled glomus cells showed a mean macrojunctional conductance (Gj) of 1.16 nS±0.6 (S.E.), range 0.15–4.86 nS. At normal pHo (7.43), a steady transjunctional voltage (ΔVj=100.1±10.9 mV) showed multiple junction channel activity with a mean microconductance (gj) of 93.98±0.6 pS, range 0.3–324.5 pS. Single-channel conductances, calculated as variance/mean gj, gave a mean value of 16.7±0.2 pS, range 5.13–39.38 pS. Manual measurements of single-channel activity showed a mean gj of 22.03±0.2 pS, range 1.3–160 pS. Computer analysis of the noise spectral density distribution gave a channel mean open time of 12.7±1.5 ms, range 6.37–23.42 ms. The number of junction channels, estimated in each experiment from Gj/single-channel gj, showed a range of 7 to 258 channels (mean, 107.2). Optical measurements of [Ca2+]i gave a mean value of 80.2±4.27 nM at pHo of 7.43. Acidification of the medium with lactic acid (1 mM, pH 6.3) induced: 1) Variable changes in Gj (decreases and increases); 2) A significant decrease in mean gj (to 80.36±0.34 pS) and in single-channel conductance (gj=12.8±0.2 pS in computer analyses and 17.23±0.2 pS when measured by hand); 3) Variable changes in open times, resulting in a similar mean (12.8±1.5 ms) and 4) No change in the number of junction channels. When pHo was lowered to 6.3 [Ca2+]i did not change significantly (there were increases and decreases). However, when pHo was lowered to 4.4, [Ca2+]i increased significantly to 157.1±8.1 nM. It is concluded that saline acidification to pH 6.3 depresses the conductance of junction channels and this effect may be either a direct effect on channel proteins or synergistically enhanced by increases in [Ca2+]i. However, there are no studies correlating changes of [Ca2+]i and intercellular coupling in glomus cells. Stronger acidification (pHo 4.4), producing much larger changes in [Ca2+]i, may enhance this synergism. But, again, there are no studies correlating these effects.
Measurements of impure reactor-grade plutonium using the increase in totals neutrons from plutonium-241 decay

Abstract We have developed a new technique to obtain accurate measurements of impure plutonium mass using neutron counting. The technique is based on making two or more totals neutron measurements with a time separation that is long enough to measure the decay of 241 Pu (T1/2=14.7 y) to 241 Am . Because of the excellent precision for totals neutron counting, short measurement intervals are adequate and time separations as short as a few months can give useful results. The known change of the plutonium isotopics with time can be used to calculate the alpha value [(α, n) to spontaneous fission ratio]. The alpha value can be accurately calculated for pure oxide samples; however, for impure samples, the alpha value must be determined from a measurement such as multiplicity counting or the totals neutron counting in the present technique. For bulk samples with significant neutron multiplication, the neutron coincidence (doubles) count is needed to calculate the 240 Pu -effective mass. However, for waste samples such as 200-l drums or other very dilute plutonium loadings, the multiplication is unity and the plutonium mass can be calculated directly from the two totals counts without the requirement for coincidence counting. For many present and future applications of reactor-grade plutonium verification, impure plutonium is in a storage condition as opposed to active chemical processing. In these storage conditions, the plutonium samples routinely receive repeat measurements over time for the purposes of accountability and international inspection. This storage of plutonium facilitates the present dual measurement approach. This paper gives the concept of the new technique as well as an evaluation of the accuracy for different types of plutonium.
Evaluation and Intercomparison of Cloud Fraction and Radiative Fluxes in Recent Reanalyses over the Arctic Using BSRN Surface Observations

AbstractWith continual advancements in data assimilation systems, new observing systems, and improvements in model parameterizations, several new atmospheric reanalysis datasets have recently become available. Before using these new reanalyses it is important to assess the strengths and underlying biases contained in each dataset. A study has been performed to evaluate and compare cloud fractions (CFs) and surface radiative fluxes in several of these latest reanalyses over the Arctic using 15 years (1994–2008) of high-quality Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) observations from Barrow (BAR) and Ny-Alesund (NYA) surface stations. The five reanalyses being evaluated in this study are (i) NASA's Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA), (ii) NCEP's Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), (iii) NOAA's Twentieth Century Reanalysis Project (20CR), (iv) ECMWF's Interim Reanalysis (ERA-I), and (v) NCEP–Department of Energy (DOE)'s Reanalysis II (R2). All of the reanalyses ...
Indexing Documents by Gedanken Experimentation.

Although it is widely accepted that indexing and cataloging are central to the document and reference retrieval process, there is as yet little unanimity on the issue of how these operations ought to be carried out. Since indexing is a decision-making process, decision theory and utility theory have been proposed as a possible theoretical framework within which to formulate decision rules for indexing. These decision rules may be interpreted operationally as guides to the thought processes appropriate to the making of sound indexing decisions. One such thought process involves “gedanken experimentation,” in which the indexer is led to an indexing decision by performing suitable thought experiments. This approach to indexing, in addition to providing a theoretical basis for what the indexer does, lends itself to various training schemes for the education of indexers, to the provision of graphic aids to indexing, and to the evaluation of indexing performance. There are also ramifications for automatic indexing.
Extracting security control requirements

Expressing security controls as functional requirements aids in the verification step of security certification and accreditation. Distributed, multi-component systems or systems of systems (SoSs) are difficult to verify because the security controls must be understood in functional terms with respect to their local effects on components, their global effects on the SoS, and their effect on component information exchange. In this paper, we define a process to formulate functional requirements from security controls with SoSs as the target. The process starts by extracting model elements associated with assets, functions, organization variables, and external influences. These models are composed across a set of security controls and normalized to maintain consistency and remove redundancies. We apply the models to SoSs to provide essential details to their specification in functional requirements. The objective is to reduce ambiguity when verifying SoSs as well as minimize recertification efforts when the system or security expectations changes.
Annoying owners: Routine interactions with problematic clients in a general veterinary practice

Based on a year of fieldwork in a large, mixed-practice veterinary clinic in New England, this discussion focuses on the criteria veterinarians use to evaluate and define certain clients as problematic. Doctors and clinical staff define most negatively those clients who are especially ignorant concerning basic features of being an owner, are argumentative or demanding, display concern for fees over the welfare of their animals, are apparently negligent of or abusive toward their pets, or are problematically over-involved with their animal companions. Comparisons are drawn between the typologizing activities of veterinarians and those of physicians and other service workers.
Regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in CNS development and in pathological states

Studies that have described changes in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression during CNS development and during pathological reactions are summarized. We describe our own studies examining GFAP expression in vitro. In primary cultures established from newborn rat forebrain and maintained in the presence of serum, GFAP expression is first observed in cells from the subventricular germinal zone. Glial precursor cells, at an uncommitted stage, can be induced by serum to begin GFAP synthesis. In astrocytes already established in culture, GFAP synthesis can be further increased by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP). By labelling astrocytes with radioactive methionine, we demonstrate increases of GFAP and vimentin synthesis within 48 h of exposure to dbcAMP. Continuous exposure results in a gradual rise in the cellular level of GFAP.
Focus of Attention in Systems For Visual Monitoring of Experiments

The problem of designing a computerized experiment monitoring system for use in a space station or elsewhere is examined. It is shown that the essential challenge of such a system - attaining a reasonable expected running time - can be attacked using the concept of focus of attention and by exploiting parallelism. The use of the Contract Net Protocol for the latter purpose is discussed. The use of ideas from information science to help focus a programs's efforts on those computations likely to bring results is addressed, and the incorporation of those ideas into a design in order to aid the system in deciding upon the best course of action is considered.
Sterol methyltransferase from Uromyces phaseoli: An investigation of the first and the second transmethylation reactions

The two-carbon unit at C-24 of many plant, algal and fungal sterols is known to be synthesized by two successive transmethylations with S-adenosylm
Mutations in BIN1 associated with centronuclear myopathy disrupt membrane remodeling by affecting protein density and oligomerization.

The regulation of membrane shapes is central to many cellular phenomena. Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain-containing proteins are key players for membrane remodeling during endocytosis, cell migration, and endosomal sorting. BIN1, which contains an N-BAR domain, is assumed to be essential for biogenesis of plasma membrane invaginations (T-tubules) in muscle tissues. Three mutations, K35N, D151N and R154Q, have been discovered so far in the BAR domain of BIN1 in patients with centronuclear myopathy (CNM), where impaired organization of T-tubules has been reported. However, molecular mechanisms behind this malfunction have remained elusive. None of the BIN1 disease mutants displayed a significantly compromised curvature sensing ability. However, two mutants showed impaired membrane tubulation both in vivo and in vitro, and displayed characteristically different behaviors. R154Q generated smaller membrane curvature compared to WT N-BAR. Quantification of protein density on membranes revealed a lower membrane-bound density for R154Q compared to WT and the other mutants, which appeared to be the primary reason for the observation of impaired deformation capacity. The D151N mutant was unable to tubulate liposomes under certain experimental conditions. At medium protein concentrations we found ‘budding’ structures on liposomes that we hypothesized to be intermediates during the tubulation process except for the D151N mutant. Chemical crosslinking assays suggested that the D151N mutation impaired protein oligomerization upon membrane binding. Although we found an insignificant difference between WT and K35N N-BAR in in vitro assays, depolymerizing actin in live cells allowed tubulation of plasma membranes through the K35N mutant. Our results provide insights into the membrane-involved pathophysiological mechanisms leading to human disease.
Effect of Dabigatran on Referrals to and Switching From Warfarin in Two Academic Anticoagulation Management Services

Dabigatran was expected to replace warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who are warfarin naive, difficult to maintain in therapeutic range, or at risk of warfarin-related bleeding complications. We hypothesized that the number of patients with nonvalvular AF referred to Anticoagulation Management Services would decrease sharply and that most would switch from warfarin to dabigatran. We evaluated the number of patients with nonvalvular AF referred to 2 large services, Anticoagulation Management Service 1 and Anticoagulation Management Service 2, 12 months before and after market entry of dabigatran. We also evaluated the number of patients who switched from warfarin to dabigatran. Anticoagulation Management Service 1 follows 1,225 patients with nonvalvular AF with mean CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores of 2.0 and 3.5, respectively. Anticoagulation Management Service 2 follows 1,137 patients with nonvalvular AF with mean CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores of 2.0 and 3.3, respectively. In the 12 months preceding market entry of dabigatran, patients with nonvalvular AF constituted 537 (31.4%) of the referrals sent to Anticoagulation Management Service 1 and increased to 793 (32.3%) in the following 12 months. For Anticoagulation Management Service 2, patients with nonvalvular AF constituted 617 (30.7%) of referrals before market entry of dabigatran and decreased to 495 (25.2%) of referrals. Eighty-one patients (6.6%) from Anticoagulation Management Service 1 and 44 (3.9%) from Anticoagulation Management Service 2 have switched from warfarin to dabigatran. The frequency of initial prescription of dabigatran for stroke prevention in AF and the frequency of transition from warfarin to dabigatran have been less than expected.
Surface Modification of Aligned Carbon Nanotube Arrays for Electron Emitting Applications

Abstract We have previously developed a simple pyrolytic method for large-scale production of aligned carbon nanotube arrays perpendicular to the substrate. These aligned carbon nanotube arrays can be transferred onto various substrates of particular interest (e.g. polymer films for organic optoelectronic devices) in either a patterned or non-patterned fashion. The well-aligned structure is important, which not only allows us to prepare aligned coaxial nanowire of carbon nanotubes sheathed with polymers by electrochemical polymerization of conducting polymers on the individual nanotubes but also enables us to develop a facile approach for modification of carbon nanotube surfaces via plasma activation, followed by chemical reactions characteristic of the plasma-induced functionalities. These surface modification methods are particularly attractive, as they allow surface characteristics of the aligned carbon nanotubes to be tuned to meet specific requirements for particular applications while their alignment structure can be largely retained. The aligned carbon nanotubes with tunable surface characteristics thus prepared are of great significance to various practical applications, especially for the use of carbon nanotubes as electron emitters in flat panel displays. Particularly, we found that hexane-plasma coating reduced the turn-on electric field E to , coupled with a concomitant increase in the emission current at a constant V; the turn-on electric field decreased from E to = 2.5 V/μm, characteristic of the pristine aligned carbon nanotubes, to E to = 1.5 V/μm with a significantly increased emission current after the treatment of n -hexane plasma at 30 W, 250 KHz and under a monomer pressure of 0.65 Torr for 2 min. In this paper, we will discuss the effects of the surface modification on the electron-emitting properties of the aligned carbon nanotubes by presenting some examples from our recent work.
Polyomaviruses and human neoplasia

A number of studies in the last twenty years have reported the detection of polyomaviruses including JCV, BKV, and SV40 in various human tumors. These observations are alarming in light of laboratory data establishing the transforming ability of the polyomavirus early gene product, T-antigen, in cell culture and the tumorigenecity of this protein in experimental animal models. One area which has received extensive attention relates to the involvement of JCV with brain tumors, particularly medulloblastoma, and more recently, colorectal cancer. Our results show that the association of JCV T-antigen with p53 and pRb, the two main tumor suppressors that control cell proliferation, leads to their inactivation. In addition, T-antigen by dysregulating important signaling pathways such as IGF-1 and Wnt, promotes uncontrolled cell proliferation. Finally, T-antigen exhibits the ability to interfere with DNA repair and results in increased levels of genomic instability and aneuploidy. I will review the various mechanisms that are involved in polyomavirus induced transformation.
Temperature‐sensitive alternative oxidase protein content and its relationship to floral reflectance in natural Plantago lanceolata populations

In many plant species, the alternative respiratory pathway consisting of alternative oxidase (AOX) is affected by growth temperature. The adaptive significance of this temperature-sensitivity is unresolved. Here, leaf and spike (flower cluster) AOX protein content and spike/floral reflectance of genotypes from European Plantago lanceolata populations found in regions differing in reproductive season temperatures were measured. Cloned genotypes grown at controlled warm and cool temperatures were used to assess the natural within- and between- population variation in AOX content, temperature-sensitive phenotypic plasticity in content, and the relationship between AOX and temperature-sensitive floral/spike reflectance. AOX content and plasticity were genetically variable. Leaf AOX content, although greater at cool temperature, was relatively low and not statistically different across populations. Spike AOX content was greater than in leaves. Spike AOX plasticity differed significantly among populations and climate-types and showed significant negative correlation with floral reflectance plasticity, which also varied among populations. Genotypes with more AOX at cool than at warm temperature had greater floral reflectance plasticity; genotypes with relatively more AOX at warm temperature had less floral reflectance plasticity. The data support the hypothesis that plasticity of AOX content in reproductive tissues is associated with long-term thermal acclimatization.
Genetic Regulation of Glycogen Biosynthesis in Escherichia coli: In Vivo Effects of the Catabolite Repression and Stringent Response Systems in glg Gene Expression

The synthesis of two of the Escherichia coli glycogen biosynthetic enzymes, ADPglu- cose pyrophosphorylase (glgC) and glycogen synthase (gIgA) was activated by the addition of 5 mM cyclic AMP (cAMP) to maxicells; synthesis of glycogen branching enzyme (glgB) was unaffected./3-Galactosidase activity expressed from a gene fusion, 4~(glgC-lacZ), was approxi- mately five-fold higher in a cya ÷ versus an isogenic cya strain of E. coli. Addition of cAMP restored /3-galactosidase in the cya- strain. The expression of ~b(glgC'-'lacZ) encoded /3- galactosidase activity in a series of spoT mutants exhibited an apparent exponential relationship to intracellular guanosine 5'-diphosphate 3'-diphosphate (ppGpp) levels. These results provide evidence for the control of glycogen biosynthesis in vivo by cAMP and ppGpp at the level of gene expression, and identify a region of DNA required for the control. The qb(glgC'-'lacZ) encoded/3-galactosidase activity was also elevated three- to five-fold in strain AC70RI, which contains a transacting mutation (glgQ) that affects the levels of the glycogen biosynthetic enzymes and glgC transcripts.
Decentralized control of cooperative robotic vehicles: theory and application

Describes how decentralized control theory can be used to analyze the control of multiple cooperative robotic vehicles. Models of cooperation are discussed and related to the input/output reachability, structural observability, and controllability of the entire system. Whereas decentralized control research in the past has concentrated on using decentralized controllers to partition complex physically interconnected systems, this work uses decentralized methods to connect otherwise independent nontouching robotic vehicles so that they behave in a stable, coordinated fashion. A vector Liapunov method is used to prove stability of two examples: the controlled motion of multiple vehicles along a line and the controlled motion of multiple vehicles in formation. Also presented are three applications of this theory: controlling a formation, guarding a perimeter, and surrounding a facility.
Examining associations between anxiety and cortisol in high functioning male children with autism.

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in communication and social ability, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behavior. Anxiety is a persistent anticipation or apprehension about one or more situations to which a person is exposed, and affects many people, including children with ASD. Stress, by contrast, is a response to situations that are threatening, uncontrollable, or unexpected. Indices of anxiety are often measured through informants, with parents and teachers serving as the primary sources of reported anxiety in children. However, self-report measures exist, allowing current (state) and persistent (trait) anxiety to be assessed. The current study was designed to evaluate whether children with autism could identify their own levels of anxiety and the degree to which these levels were associated with symptom profile and physiological arousal.
Real time parameter identification of composite load model

Real time accurate representation of electric load model is of great importance in power system simulation, control and stability studies. Composite load model made up of an induction motor in parallel with static load has been widely accepted as an appropriate structure for describing load behaviors, especially for the studies that deal with power system stability. Measurement-based composite load model is reviewed in this paper and a real time observer is proposed to estimate the load model parameters using the concept of multiple model estimation algorithm. Simulation results are provided for a composite load including IEEE type 6 motor to show the effectiveness of the proposed real time estimator. This paper is a step in the right direction toward developing accurate real time techniques for stability analysis.
Standardization of Radical Cystectomy and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Bladder Cancer: A Collaborative Group Report

ABSTRACTPurpose: We propose standards for radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of patients with invasive bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: We compiled the consecutive cystectomy experience of 16 experienced surgeons during the last 3 years (2000 to 2002) from 4 institutions. We evaluated patient, tumor and surgical variables of margin status, extent of pelvic node dissection, number of nodes examined and surgeon volume associated with bladder cancer outcomes.Results: A total of 1,091 cystectomy cases were evaluated. Surgical margins and number of nodes retrieved correlated with patient age, prior treatments, pathological tumor stage and extent of node dissection, but not surgeon volume.Conclusions: Standards for radical cystectomy can be established and achieved by experienced surgeons operating on patients presenting with diverse clinical situations.
Pulmonary Endarterectomy Part I. Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Diagnostic Evaluation of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) results from recurrent or incomplete resolution of pulmonary embolism. CTEPH is much more common than generally appreciated. Although pulmonary embolism (PE) affects a large number of Americans, chronic pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains underdiagnosed. It is imperative that all patients with PH be screened for the presence of CTEPH since this form of PH is potentially curable with pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) surgery. The success of this procedure depends greatly on the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team approach that includes pulmonary medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, and cardiac anesthesiology. This review, based on the experience of more than 3000 pulmonary endarterectomy surgeries, is divided into 2 parts. Part I focuses on the clinical history and pathophysiology, diagnostic workup, and intraoperative echocardiography. Part II focuses on the surgical approach, anesthetic management, postoperative care, and complications.
Remote sensing of suspended sediments and shallow coastal waters

Ocean color sensors were designed mainly for remote sensing of chlorophyll concentrations over the clear open oceanic areas (Case 1 water) using channels between 0.4-0.86 /spl mu/m. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) launched on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Terra and Aqua spacecrafts is equipped with narrow channels located within a wider wavelength range between 0.4-2.5 /spl mu/m for a variety of remote sensing applications. The wide spectral range can provide improved capabilities for remote sensing of the more complex and turbid coastal waters (Case 2 water) and for improved atmospheric corrections for ocean scenes. We describe an empirical algorithm that uses this wide spectral range to identify areas with suspended sediments in turbid waters and shallow waters with bottom reflections. The algorithm takes advantage of the strong water absorption at wavelengths longer than 1 /spl mu/m that does not allow illumination of sediments in the water or a shallow ocean floor. MODIS data acquired over the east coast of China, west coast of Africa, Arabian Sea, Mississippi Delta, and west coast of Florida are used.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Vaccines: New Ground for Optimism?

The development of effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against genital herpes has proven problematic. Difficulties are associated with the complexity of the virus life cycle (latency) and our relatively poor understanding of the mechanism of immune control of primary and recurrent disease. The types of effector cells and the mechanisms responsible for their activation and regulation are particularly important. Studies from my and other laboratories have shown that recurrent disease is prevented by virus-specific T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines (viz., gamma interferon) and activated innate immunity. Th2 cytokines (viz., interleukin-10 [IL-10]) and regulatory (suppressor) T cells downregulate this immune profile, thereby allowing unimpeded replication of reactivated virus and recurrent disease. Accordingly, an effective therapeutic vaccine must induce Th1 immunity and be defective in Th2 cytokine production, at least IL-10. These concepts are consistent with the findings of the most recent clinical trials, which indicate that (i) a herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) glycoprotein D (gD-2) vaccine formulated with a Th1-inducing adjuvant has prophylactic activity in HSV-2- and HSV-1-seronegative females, an activity attributed to the adjuvant function, and (ii) a growth-defective HSV-2 mutant (ICP10DeltaPK), which is deleted in the Th2-polarizing gene ICP10PK, induces Th1 immunity and has therapeutic activity in both genders. The ICP10DeltaPK vaccine prevents recurrent disease in 44% of treated subjects and reduces the frequency and severity of recurrences in the subjects that are not fully protected. Additional studies to evaluate these vaccines are warranted.
Science, evolution and natural selection: in praise of Darwin at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn of Naples

Copernicus, Galileo, Newton and other physical scientists ushered in a conception of the universe as matter in motion governed by natural laws. Their discoveries brought about a fundamental revolution, namely a commitment to the postulate that the universe obeys immanent laws that can account for natural phenomena. The workings of the universe were brought into the realm of science: explanation through natural laws. Darwin completed the Copernican revolution by extending it to the living world. Darwin demonstrated the evolution of organisms. More important yet is that he discovered natural selection, the process that explains the ‘design’ of organisms. The adaptations and diversity of organisms, the origin of novel and complex species, even the origin of mankind, could now be explained by an orderly process of change governed by natural laws. The origin of species and the exquisite features of organisms had previously been explained as special creations of an omniscient God. Darwin brought them into the domain of science.
A Closed-Form Approximation for Serial Inventory Systems and Its Application to System Design

We analyze a serial base-stock inventory model with Poisson demand and a fill-rate constraint. Our objective is to gain insights into the linkage between the stages to facilitate optimal system design and decentralized system control. To this end, we develop a closed-form approximation for the optimal base-stock levels. The development consists of two key steps: (1) convert the service-constrained model into a backorder cost model by imputing an appropriate backorder cost rate, and then adapt the single-stage approximation developed for the latter, and (2) use a logistic distribution to approximate the lead-time demand distribution in the single-stage approximation obtained in (1) to yield closed-form expressions. We then use the closed-form expressions to conduct sensitivity analyses and establish qualitative properties on system design issues, such as optimal total system stock, stock positioning, and internal fill rates. The closed-form approximation and most of the qualitative properties apply equally to the model with a backorder cost, although some differences do exist. Other results of this study include a bottom-up recursive procedure to evaluate any given echelon base-stock policy and lower bounds on the optimal echelon base-stock levels.