cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive control of a class of nonlinear discrete-time systems

We consider adaptive control via state feedback for a class of feedback linearizable discrete-time systems. To parallel the development in adaptive nonlinear continuous-time control, we employ a systematic procedure to design the controllers and the update laws for the so-called parametric-strict-feedback form and the parametric-pure-feedback form. The geometric conditions that characterize this class of systems are given. Depending on the growth conditions of the nonlinearities, global boundedness and convergence are achieved with various update laws. We also develop adaptive indirect schemes with an observer-based identifier for the parametric-strict-feedback form. As a result, the drawback of overparametrization in direct schemes can be removed.
Hyperthyroidism in an infant with McCune-Albright syndrome: Report of a case with myeloid metaplasia

The case of an infant who developed hyperthyroidism as part of the McCune-Albright syndrome is reported. The age of onset of hyperthyroidism was earlier than in previously reported cases. The child later developed myeloid metaplasia. The occurrence of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia and myeloid metaplasia in the same patient, not previously reported, suggests a possible relationship between the two conditions.
On the dissociation of nitrogen by electron impact and by E.U.V. photo-absorption

The dissociation of N2 by electron impact and by absorption of EUV photons was studied experimentally. It was shown that most of the N2 molecules excited to singlet states in the 12.5-14.86 eV range are depopulated by predissociation and not by the emission of EUV photons and that this is the principal mechanism by which N2 is dissociated by solar EUV absorption and by electron impact. The experiments provide a physical explanation for the near absence of N2 band radiation in airglow and auroral EUV spectra, and rule out the excitation of EUV radiation as a major factor in the overall energy economy of an auroral substorm.
Population age and initial density in a patchy environment affect the occurrence of abrupt transitions in a birth-and-death model of Taylor's law

Abstract Taylor's power law describes an empirical relationship between the mean and variance of population densities in field data, in which the variance varies as a power, b , of the mean. Most studies report values of b varying between 1 and 2. However, Cohen (2014a) showed recently that smooth changes in environmental conditions in a model can lead to an abrupt, infinite change in b . To understand what factors can influence the occurrence of an abrupt change in b , we used both mathematical analysis and Monte Carlo samples from a model in which populations of the same species settled on patches, and each population followed independently a stochastic linear birth-and-death process. We investigated how the power relationship responds to a smooth change of population growth rate, under different sampling strategies, initial population density, and population age. We showed analytically that, if the initial populations differ only in density, and samples are taken from all patches after the same time period following a major invasion event, Taylor's law holds with exponent b = 1, regardless of the population growth rate. If samples are taken at different times from patches that have the same initial population densities, we calculate an abrupt shift of b , as predicted by Cohen (2014a) . The loss of linearity between log variance and log mean is a leading indicator of the abrupt shift. If both initial population densities and population ages vary among patches, estimates of b lie between 1 and 2, as in most empirical studies. But the value of b declines to ∼1 as the system approaches a critical point. Our results can inform empirical studies that might be designed to demonstrate an abrupt shift in Taylor's law.
Impact of hepatitis C virus status in pancreas transplantation: a case controlled study

Available data suggest that hepatitis C virus positive (HCV+) renal transplant patients may be at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality compared with HCV- patients. Limited data are available regarding the impact of HCV status in pancreas transplant patients. We compared the outcomes of 10 HCV+ patients undergoing pancreas transplantation (seven simultaneous kidney-pancreas, one pancreas after kidney, two pancreas alone) between 1/96 and 10/99 with 20 HCV- recipients that were matched for age, race, gender, timing of transplant, type of pancreas transplant, and surgical technique. Length of follow-up was not significantly different between the HCV+ group compared with the HCV- group (24 +/- 14 vs. 20 +/- 13 months; p=0.45). There was a trend toward a higher incidence of all cause mortality in HCV+ recipients compared with HCV- recipients, 30 vs. 10%, respectively (p=0.17). Additionally, the HCV+ recipients had a trend toward a higher incidence of sepsis-related mortality compared with HCV- recipients, 20 vs. 5%, respectively (p=0.19). Renal allograft survival was 50% in the HCV+ group compared with 94% in the HCV- group (p=0.02). Pancreas allograft survival was not significantly different between the groups, 60 vs. 80%, respectively (p=0.24). At 3, 6, 12 months, and end of follow-up, there were no differences in serum creatinine, amylase, C-peptide, or fasting glucose levels. However, there was a significantly higher incidence of proteinuria at last follow-up in the HCV+ recipients with a renal allograft when compared with HCV- recipients, 50 vs. 12.5%, respectively (p=0.05). In order to maintain comparable glycemic control between the groups, there was a significant increase in oral hypoglycemic requirement in HCV+ recipients compared with HCV- recipients, 33 vs. 0%, respectively (p=0.01). These data suggest that HCV+ pancreas transplant patients may be at an increased risk of graft dysfunction and morbidity. Further studies with more patients and longer follow-up are needed to fully define the impact of HCV status on pancreas graft survival and function.
A Methodology for Determining Optimal Architectures for Heat-and-Work Regenerative Steady-Flow Combustion Engines

Understanding and minimizing irreversibility is required to improve the eciency of combustion engines. Irreversibility minimization studies have been done in the past to improve eciency of many engine architectures, but in most cases, the objective has been to identify optimal parameters such as pressure ratio, equivalence ratio, etc., for a pre-existing or a newly-conceived cycle. The methodology developed in this paper adds another level to engine eciency maximization. Not only must the parameters be optimized, but more importantly, the underlying sequence of processes must be optimized. The objective is to establish the minimum-irreversibility engine architecture permitted by thermodynamics for a chosen set of constraints that cannot be surpassed by any cycle that is either existing or conceived in the future. In order to do so, an engine architecture is analyzed as a trajectory taken by the reactant system in the thermodynamic state space as it traverses through the engine. The irreversibility along the system trajectory is minimized by mapping the trajectory to its attractor-state trajectory (a trajectory consisting of the chemical-equilibrium states of the system) and minimizing the change in the entropy of the attractor states. This method is used to compare dierent trajectories and determine the optimal system trajectory, and as a result, the optimal engine architecture. In this paper the methodology has been developed for simple-cycle, and heat-and-work regenerative steady-ow engines. For the former, the optimal architecture has been established. But for the latter, two sub-problems have been analyzed that are part of a sequence of problems that lead to the optimal architecture.
Influence of Habitat Complexity on Resistance to Flooding and Resilience of Stream Fish Assemblages

Abstract The structure of fish assemblages in five reaches of a high desert stream in north-central Oregon was determined by snorkeling before and after a summer flash flood and two spring floods. One reach in each of two other streams that were unaffected by the first flood was used as a reference system. Stream reaches varied in habitat complexity as measured by hydraulic retention. Following the floods, hydraulically complex stream reaches lost proportionately fewer fish, had generally higher fish diversities, and had higher fish assemblage similarity than hydraulically simple stream reaches. Fish assemblages were resilient, and certain species such as speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus were exceptionally good at recolonizing disturbed habitats. Successful recruitment of different fish species depended, in part, on flood timing. Young of the year of species that spawn in early spring (e.g., rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss) were more negatively affected by early spring floods than summer floods. Specie...
Cloning, Expression, and Crystallization of Jack Bean (Canavalia ensiformis) Canavalin

Canavalin is the major storage protein of the jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) and belongs to the classical vicilin fraction. A full-length cDNA for canavalin was generated by the polymerase chain reaction. The nucleotide sequence coding for canavalin and the corresponding amino acid sequence were determined and shown to be homologous with those of other seed storage proteins. The amino acid sequence contained an internal sequence duplication corresponding to the structural redundancy in the monomer demonstrated by crystallographic analysis. The coding region of the canavalin cDNA was inserted into a T7 RNA polymerase expression vector and used to transform Escherichia coli. A recombinant protein with a molecular mass of 47 kilodaltons was expressed and purified to 95% homogeneity. The protein exhibited the same physical, immunological, and biochemical properties as native jack bean canavalin. Recombinant canavalin, following treatment with trypsin, was crystallized in two forms. Crystals of a rhombohedral habit grew to 1 mm in the longest dimension and diffracted to beyond 3-A resolution. Three-dimensional diffraction data demonstrated crystals of the recombinant protein to be isomorphous with crystals of the natural plant protein, thereby confirming the identity of their structures.
Effects of bulk density on calculated neutron log response

Abstract An attempt was made to find a method of obtaining water content from neutron logs in unsaturated materials. A set of Monte-Carlo calculations was run for both 14 MeV and fission (252Cf) neutron sources. Density of a medium composed of hydrogen and oxygen was varied between 1 and 3 g/cm3; “water content”, determined by the amount of hydrogen, was varied between 1 and 53% by volume. The best results were obtained from a fission source by plotting separate curves of count rate versus hydrogen content for each density and linearly interpolating. An attempt was made to interpret count rate to measure hydrogen content behind an invaded zone; this appeared somewhat successful for invasion depths of 10 to 15 cm, and then only by selecting neutrons from a 14 MeV source whose energies at a detector were between 0.1 and 3.4 eV. A plausible resolution of an anomalous situation was obtained; material having a density of 1.6 g/cm3 and a water content of about 13% by volume was shown by a log to have a water content of about 30% by volume. Designs of partially saturated calibration facilities are proposed.
Simple tests of alternative specifications in stochastic frontier models

Abstract Previous work on stochastic production frontiers has generated a family of models, of varying degrees of complexity. Since this family is nested (in the sense that the more general models contain the less general), we can test the restrictions that distinguish the model. In this paper we provide tests of these restrictions, based on the results of estimating the simpler (restricted) models. Some of our tests are LM tests. However, in other cases the LM test fails, so we provide alternative simple tests.
Looking Beyond Lewis Structures: A General Chemistry Molecular Modeling Experiment Focusing on Physical Properties and Geometry

We present a guided-inquiry experiment using Spartan Student Version, ready to be adapted and implemented into a general chemistry laboratory course. The experiment provides students an experience with Spartan Molecular Modeling software while discovering the relationships between the structure and properties of molecules. Topics discussed within the experiment include dipole moments, bond angles, bond lengths, selected periodic properties, resonance structures, electron density potential maps, and molecular shapes.
On a New Class of Bounds for the Distribution of Quadratic Forms in Normal Variates

Abstract Except in special cases, the distribution of a quadratic form Q in the normal random vector y cannot be expressed in closed form. However, bounds on the cumulative distribution of Q have been obtained by many authors. This article derives a new class of such bounds by means of a certain mixture representation for the distribution of Q. It is shown how the results apply to the problem of finding the distribution of ratios of independent quadratic forms in normal variates.
Detection of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in microorganism-free irradiated raisins by solid-phase microextraction and GC-MS

Abstract The occurrence of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) in nonprocessed dry-on-the-vine (DOV) and Thompson seedless irradiated raisins extracted by solvent-free solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was confirmed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The 42 kGy (kilo Gray) dose irradiated DOV and Thompson seedless raisins incubated in five growth media were shown to be free of microorganisms. The quantity of TCA in the irradiated raisins was 0.39±0.05 ng/kg compared with 0.56±0.17 ng/kg in nonirradiated samples. The observation supports the view that raisins biosynthesize a minute but detectable quantity of TCA. The SPME fiber (divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane) method was simpler and quicker than the Likens–Nickerson extraction method for TCA determination. The biochemical mechanism of TCA production in raisin grape is unknown, but information in the biochemical literature of abundant phenolic substrates in grape berry, the presence of methyltransferases in Vitis tissues and of a chlorinating system provides a plausible basis for further investigation of the process.
Potentials for change detection using seasat synthetic aperture radar data

The use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images for detecting change on the earth's surface is highly dependent on target orientation, azimuth angle, and sensor depression angle. SAR data can be used for change detection when consistency is maintained in radar wavelength, polarization, azimuth directions, and off-nadir depression angle. The interaction of these parameters and the imaged surface for change detection are shown in examples drawn from (1) Los Angeles, CA, (2) southern Florida, (3) Imperial Valley, CA, (4) a desert region west of Tucson, AZ, and (5) western Kansas. SAR imagery is used to emphasize the geometric form, and roughness, of the earth's surface. As changes in the roughness of the surface occur over time, temporal SAR images will indicate those differences. Several guidelines for change detection studies using imaging radar are derived from the examples.
The 2013 Rim Fire: Implications for Predicting Extreme Fire Spread, Pyroconvection, and Smoke Emissions

AbstractThe 2013 Rim Fire, which burned over 104,000 ha, was one of the most severe fire events in California’s history, in terms of its rapid growth, intensity, overall size, and persistent smoke plume. At least two large pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) events were observed, allowing smoke particles to extend through the upper troposphere over a large portion of the Pacific Northwest. However, the most extreme fire spread was observed on days without pyroCb activity or significant regional convection. A diverse archive of ground, airborne, and satellite data collected during the Rim Fire provides a unique opportunity to examine the conditions required for both extreme spread events and pyroCb development. Results highlight the importance of upper-level and nocturnal meteorology, as well as the limitations of traditional fire weather indices. The Rim Fire dataset also allows for a detailed examination of conflicting hypotheses surrounding the primary source of moisture during pyroCb development. All pyroCbs wer...
Sexual differences in the in vitro induction of vitellogenesis in the turtle: Role of the pituitary and growth hormone☆

1. 1. Estradiol induces vitellogenin synthesis in liver cultures taken from normal and ovariectomized female turtles. 2. 2. By contrast, estradiol alone or with other hormonal or serum factors failed to induce vitellogenin synthesis in liver cultures established from normal and castrated males. 3. 3. In vitro induction of vitellogenesis was achieved only in cultures originated from hypophysectomized males and in the presence of both estradiol and mammalian growth hormone. 4. 4. These results demonstrated a clear sex difference in the hormonal stimuli required, in vitro, for the induction of vitellogenesis in the turtle. 5. 5. We suggest that pituitary growth hormone is an important synergist in the vitellogenic response to estrogen, possibly through an effect on estrogen receptors.
Contact resistivity and dopant activation in pulsed-laser-annealed AuGe/GaAs contacts

Abstract The electrical activation of dopants in the heavily doped GaAs layers of pulsed-laser-annealed AuGe/GaAs contacts were deduced and shown to be higher than that in bulk GaAs. The electrical activation is shown to decrease towards the GaAs surface and is used to explain the previously observed minimum in contact resistivity profiles in terms of arsenic loss during the laser annealing. These results will be shown to be consistent with observations of concentration-dependent activation in bulk GaAs.
Computed tomographic evaluation of bleeding sites in primary pontine hemorrhages.

With the aim of identifying common bleeding sites and probable parent vessels in "small" primary pontine hemorrhages, we reviewed computerized tomographic scans of 20 patients with hematomas less than 2.5 cm in diameter.We used scans depicting the upper and lower pons and plotted the centers of the hematomas, assuming them to be a probable source of bleeding. No predilection sites were found on the axial plane.Both the paramedian and the long and short circumferential arteries were probable sources of hemorrhage in the present series.
Variability Between Methods of Calculating Mitral Valve Area: Simultaneous Doppler Echocardiographic and Cardiac Catheterization Studies Conducted Before and After Percutaneous Mitral Valvuloplasty

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the variability of measuring the mitral valve area (MVA) by the cardiac catheterization (Gorlin) method and two Doppler echocardiographic methods, the pressure half-time and continuity equation methods. The determinants of MVA were measured simultaneously before and after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PBMV). Thirty-three patients with severe mitral stenosis underwent simultaneous measurements of MVA by the three methods immediately before and within 15 minutes after PBMV. After combining all data, the correlation between the catheterization and pressure half-time methods was significant ( r = 0.65; p r = 0.64; p 2 and 0.1 ± 0.3 cm 2 between the catheterization and continuity equation methods. This variability was even more marked after PBMV: −0.5 ± 0.9 cm 2 between the catheterization and pressure half-time methods and 0.4 ± 0.6 cm 2 between the catheterization and continuity equation methods. Although previous studies have shown a good correlation between MVA as measured with the catheterization and two Doppler echocardiographic methods, they included a wide range of MVAs. In our study of patients with hemodynamically significant mitral stenosis, there was a large degree of variability between the catheterization and simultaneously performed Doppler echocardiographic methods. The calculated MVA by any method should not be used as the single measure of severity of stenosis.
Molecular and physiological responses of diatoms to variable levels of irradiance and nitrogen availability: Growth of Skeletonema costatum in simulated upwelling conditions

Molecular mechanisms that drive metabolic acclimation to environmental shifts have been poorly characterized in phytoplankton. In this laboratory study, the response of light- and N-limited Skeletonema costatum cells to an increase in light and NO, availability was examined. C assimilation was depressed relative to N assimilation early in enrichment, and the photosynthetic quotient (0, : CO,) increased, consistent with the shunting of reducing equivalents from CO, fixation to NO; reduction. The concomitant increase in dark respiration was consistent with the increased energetic demand associated with macromolecular synthesis. The accelerations of N-specific rates of NO,- uptake and nitrate rcductase activity (NRA) over the first 24 h were comparable to observations for coastal upwelling systems. Increases in cell-specific rates of these proccsscs, however, were confined to the first 8 h of enrichment. The abundance of 18s ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) increased immediately after the environmental shift, followed by increases in levels of NR-specific mRNA that coincided with the acceleration in NO,- assimilation. NRA, however, exhibited a diurnal rhythm that did not correspond to changes in NR protein abundance, suggesting that enzyme activity was also regulated by direct modulation of existing NR protein by light and NO, - availability.
Constrained intervention in a cancerous mammalian cell cycle network

Cancer therapy options are directed at eradicating cancerous cells. Unfortunately, cancer treatments may also damage healthy cells. The result of this damage is side effects of the treatment. It is desirable to maintain the side effects below an acceptable threshold. This goal can be facilitated by enforcing an upper bound on the expected number of treatments a patient may receive during her/his therapy. In this paper, an appropriate therapeutic policy for a mutated mammalian cell cycle is devised. This policy mitigates the side effects of the therapy by bounding the expected number of treatments received by a patient.
Thermal and structural stability of adsorbed proteins.

Experimental evidence suggests that proteins adsorbed to hydrophobic surfaces at low coverages are stabilized relative to the bulk. For larger coverages, proteins unfold and form β-sheets. We performed computer simulations on model proteins and found that: 1), For weakly adsorbing surfaces, unfolded conformations lose more entropy upon adsorption than folded ones. 2), The melting temperature, both in the bulk and at surfaces, decreases with increasing protein concentration because of favorable interprotein interactions. 3), Proteins in the bulk show large unfolding free energy barriers; this barrier decreases at stronger adsorbing surfaces. We conjecture that typical experimental temperatures appear to be below the bulk melting temperature for a single protein, but above the melting temperature for concentrated protein solutions. Purely thermodynamic factors then explain protein stabilization on adsorption at low concentrations. However, both thermodynamic and kinetic factors are important at higher concentrations. Thus, proteins in the bulk do not denature with increasing concentration due to large kinetic barriers, even though the aggregated state is thermodynamically preferred. However, they readily unfold upon adsorption, with the surface acting as a heterogeneous catalyst. The thermal behavior of proteins adsorbed to hydrophobic surfaces thus appears to follow behavior independent of their chemical specificity.
Time to Screen for Congenital Toxoplasmosis

Although the devastating consequences of congenital toxoplasmosis are well known as part of the TORCH syndrome (i.e., toxoplasmosis, syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes infections), many aspects of surveillance and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis have remained controversial because of incomplete data regarding the prevalence of disease and the impact of treatment. McLeod et al. [1] now report the results of a longitudinal study that shows the significant impact of treatment on 120 congenitally infected children who were treated for 1 year with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. The National Collaborative Chicago-Based, Congenital Toxoplasmosis Study has been observing affected children prospectively since 1981 [2]. Currently, the 1-year treatment regimen is the standard of care in the United States for congenital toxoplasmosis, but the long-term impact of treatment was unknown. Interim reports about this cohort of children have been previously published [2]. A prospective, doubleblind study including an arm of untreated patients was deemed ethically contraindicated because of unexpectedly favorable results of pilot treatment studies. As a result, outcomes were compiled for children treated with 2 regimens of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine for 1 year and compared with outcomes of children in previously published studies. Prior studies had shown that untreated children or children who received a short course of therapy (1 month) did poorly [3, 4]. Children in the study by McLeod et al. [1] were examined for specific end points that included motor abnormalities,
Biodiversity of stream insects: variation at local, basin, and regional scales.

▪ Abstract We review the major conceptual developments that have occurred over the last 50 years concerning the factors that influence insect biodiversity in streams and examine how well empirical descriptions and theory match. Stream insects appear to respond to both spatial and temporal variation in physical heterogeneity. At all spatial scales, the data largely support the idea that physical complexity promotes biological richness, although exceptions to this relationship were found. These exceptions may be related to how we measure habitat complexity at finer spatial scales and to factors that influence regional richness, such as biogeographic history, at broader spatial scales. However, the degree to which local stream insect assemblages are influenced by regional processes is largely unknown.
Signal resolution of RSFQ comparators

We have designed and tested a Rapid Single-Flux-Quantum (RSFQ) circuit for experimental measurement of the fluctuation-induced threshold uncertainty of switching of SFQ comparators, which are essential components of RSFQ logic devices, analog-to-digital converters, and digital SQUIDs. Statistical density of the switching events in comparators using externally-overdamped Nb-trilayer Josephson junctions has been found to be in agreement with the distribution which follows from a simple theory based on a time-dependent harmonic-oscillator model of the device. Width of the distribution (i.e, the single-shot current resolution of the comparator) measured as a function of temperature in the range 1.7-4.2 K corresponds to fundamental (thermal/quantum) fluctuations, with no evidence of excess noise sources. >
The Mickey Finn Defense: Involuntary Intoxication and Insanity

The legal context of voluntary and involuntary intoxication is delineated. The author reports a case of involuntary intoxication involving scopolamine toxic psychosis or delirium, in which he testified as a psychiatric expert witness. The specific psychological and physiological symptomatology produced by scopolamine intoxication is outlined. The forensic psychiatrist should be alert to the involuntary intoxication defense in these cases and should familiarize himself with the specific toxicity of scopolamine, in view of the significant increase in the number of incidents in which it is utilized as "knockout" drops in certain jurisdictions.
Faith-Based initiatives in Response to HIV/AIDS in Jamaica

HIV/AIDS continues to advance relentlessly in the developing countries with the Caribbean ranking second to sub-Saharan Africa in rates of infection. Using the social influence theory that recognizes the role of opinion leaders in social and behavioral change, this study examines the contributions of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Jamaica. Through data gathered qualitatively from FBO members and persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), this article demonstrates that religion plays a crucial role in the Jamaican culture and that religious leaders have the potential to address the widespread HIV/AIDS epidemic in their communities. Many of them have established programs that provide social, psychological, and physical support and have collaborated with health organizations to initiate health educational programs that seek to impact understanding to motivate behavioral change. This FBO integrative approach complements mass media public awareness HIV/AIDS campaigns but is hampered by HIV/AIDS-related stigma, socio-cultural and religious beliefs, the lack of HIV/AIDS policies, and the inadequate capacity among religious leaders to address the epidemic. This article recommends further research on strategies to incorporate spirituality into health communication interventions, as well as on the overall impact of the FBO approach to HIV/AIDS prevention in the Caribbean region. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is spreading fast in the world, thus becoming a catastrophic health and development concern. It continues to advance relentlessly, emerging as one of the greatest public health challenges in contemporary times (Bertrand, 2004). The Caribbean has been hard hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with a current estimate of 230,000 [210,000 – 270,000] people living with HIV (UNAIDS, 2007) and an overall HIV prevalence of 2.11% of the population (Camara, 2005). AIDS is now the leading cause of death among the 18-45 year age group, but the severity of the epidemic in the Caribbean region is often
Transcriptional Regulation of the K1 Gene Product of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

The K1 protein of Kaposi9s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has been shown to be a transforming protein capable of inducing morphological changes and focus formation in rodent fibroblasts. K1 can activate B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling and upregulate activity of the NFAT and NF-κB transcription factors. In order to understand the regulation of K1 gene expression, we have analyzed sequences upstream of the K1 gene to identify the K1 promoter element. We have performed 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends as well as a nuclease protection assay to map the transcriptional start site of the KSHV K1 transcript. The K1 transcriptional start site lies 75 bp upstream of the translation start site. Sequences upstream of the K1 gene were characterized for their ability to activate a luciferase reporter gene in 293 epithelial cells, KSHV-negative B cells (BJAB), KSHV-positive B cells (BCBL-1), and KS tumor-derived endothelial cells (SLK-KS − ). We found that a 125-bp sequence upstream of the K1 transcript start site was sufficient to fully activate the luciferase reporter gene in all cell types tested. In addition, the viral transcription factor KSHV Orf50/Rta was capable of further activating this promoter element in 293, BJAB, and BCBL-1 cells but not in SLK-KS − cells. Promoter constructs containing additional sequences upstream of the 125-bp element did not show further augmentation of transcription in the presence or absence of KSHV Orf50.
Intrinsic Disorder in Aluminum Nitride

An interatomic potential model is developed for aluminum nitride and is used in conjunction with atomistic computer simulation methods to obtain the energies of intrinsic point defects. These energies are found to be very high, indicating no significant intrinsic disorder, even close to the melting point. Interstitial formation is particularly unfavorable, suggesting that these species will play no part in defect-controlled processes in AlN.
Making something out of nothing: neutral content modulates attention in generalized anxiety disorder

Background: Although an attentional bias for threat has been implicated in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), evidence supporting such a bias has been inconsistent. This study examines whether exposure to different emotional content modulates attention disengagement and impairs the perception of subsequently presented nonemotional targets in GAD. Methods: Patients with GAD (n 530) and controls (n 530) searched for a target embedded within a series of rapidly presented images. Critically, an erotic, fear, disgust, or neutral distracter image appeared 200msec or 800msec before the target. Results: Impaired target detection was observed among GAD patients relative to controls following only fear and neutral distractors. However, this effect did not significantly vary as a function of distractor stimulus duration before the target. Furthermore, group differences in target detection after fear distractors were no longer significant when controlling target detection after neutral distractors. Subsequent analysis also revealed that the impaired target detection among those with GAD relative to controls following neutral (but not fear) distractors was mediated by deficits in attentional control. Conclusions: The implications of these findings for further delineating the function of attentional biases in GAD are discussed. Depression and Anxiety 28:427–434, 2011. r 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Investigation of single-factor calibration of the wave-number scale in Fourier-transform spectroscopy

We have used the fundamental and frequency-doubled output of a single-frequency tunable laser locked to a precisely known transition in molecular iodine to provide calibration of a Fourier-transform spectrometer (FTS) in the visible and near-ultraviolet regions and to investigate the limiting uncertainty involved in calibrating spectra by using a single multiplicative correction to the entire optical frequency scale. An integrating sphere was used to introduce the laser light as a pseudoincoherent source and provide uniform illumination of the FTS field of view. The sphere also served to combine the laser beams with light from a series of mercury electrodeless discharge lamps containing argon carrier gas at selected pressures. Four strong lines in the spectrum of 198Hg were measured with these lamps to obtain precise wavelengths and argon-pressure-shift coefficients. These lines, emitted from lamps with argon pressures in the range 33 Pa (0.25 Torr) to 1330 Pa (10 Torr), are suitable for future calibration of FT spectra without need for the laser source. The limiting relative uncertainty component in the reported wavelengths is 6.19×10−9, as estimated from observed deviation of the frequency ratios of the calibration lasers from the exact value of 2. The adequacy of a single multiplicative correction factor for the absolute calibration of an individual FT spectrum is supported by our data, at the level of better than a part in 108.
Liquid Bio-Fuel Production From Non-Food Biomass via High Temperature Steam Electrolysis

Bio-Syntrolysis is a hybrid energy process that enables production of synthetic liquid fuels that are compatible with the existing conventional liquid transportation fuels infrastructure. Using biomass as a renewable carbon source, and supplemental hydrogen from high-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE), bio-syntrolysis has the potential to provide a significant alternative petroleum source that could reduce US dependence on imported oil. Combining hydrogen from HTSE with CO from an oxygen-blown biomass gasifier yields syngas to be used as a feedstock for synthesis of liquid transportation fuels via a Fischer-Tropsch process. Conversion of syngas to liquid hydrocarbon fuels, using a biomass-based carbon source, expands the application of renewable energy beyond the grid to include transportation fuels. It can also contribute to grid stability associated with non-dispatchable power generation. The use of supplemental hydrogen from HTSE enables greater than 90% utilization of the biomass carbon content which is about 2.5 times higher than carbon utilization associated with traditional cellulosic ethanol production. If the electrical power source needed for HTSE is based on nuclear or renewable energy, the process is carbon neutral. INL has demonstrated improved biomass processing prior to gasification. Recyclable biomass in the form of crop residue or energy crops would serve as the feedstock for this process. A process model of syngas production using high temperature electrolysis and biomass gasification is presented. Process heat from the biomass gasifier is used to heat steam for the hydrogen production via the high temperature steam electrolysis process. Oxygen produced form the electrolysis process is used to control the oxidation rate in the oxygen-blown biomass gasifier. Based on the gasifier temperature, 94% to 95% of the carbon in the biomass becomes carbon monoxide in the syngas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen). Assuming the thermal efficiency of the power cycle for electricity generation is 50%, (as expected from GEN IV nuclear reactors), the syngas production efficiency ranges from 70% to 73% as the gasifier temperature decreases from 1900 K to 1500 K. Parametric studies of system pressure, biomass moisture content and low temperature alkaline electrolysis are also presented.
Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase contributes to the anti-inflammatory effect of antimicrobial triclocarban in a murine model

article The increasing use of the antimicrobial triclocarban (TCC) in personal care products (PCPs) has resulted in concern regarding environmental pollution. TCC is a potent inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Inhibitors of sEH (sEHIs) are anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive and cardio-protective in multiple animal models. However, the in vivo effects anticipated from a sEHI have not been reported for TCC. Here we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects in vivo of TCC in a murine model. TCC was employed in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged murine model. Systolic blood pressure, plasma levels of several inflammatory cytokines and chemokine, and metabolomic profile of plasma oxylipins were determined. TCC significantly reversed LPS-induced morbid hypotension in a time-dependent manner. TCC significantly repressed the increased release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokine caused by LPS. Furthermore, TCC significantly shifted the oxylipin profile in vivo in a time-dependent manner towards resolution of inflammation as expected from a sEHI. These results demonstrated that at the doses used TCC is anti- inflammatory in the murine model. This study suggests that TCC may provide some benefits in humans in addition to its antimicrobial activities due to its potent inhibition of sEH. It may be a promising starting point for developing new low volume high value applications of TCC. However these biological effects also caution against the general over use of TCC in PCPs.
Cardiac Motion in Total Electrical Alternans

Gross pendular motion of the heart at half the heart rate was observed during cardiac catheterization and pericardiotomy in a patient with massive pericardial effusion and electrical alternans in the electrocardiogram. These observations support the hypothesis that total electrical alternans in pericardial effusion is a result of alternate change in cardiac position.
Marine Molecular Machines: Heterocyclization in Cyanobactin Biosynthesis

Natural products that contain amino-acid-derived (Cys, Ser, Thr) heterocycles are ubiquitous in nature, yet key aspects of their biosynthesis remain undefined. Cyanobactins are heterocyclic ribosomal peptide natural products from cyanobacteria, including symbiotic bacteria living with marine ascidians. In contrast to other ribosomal peptide heterocyclases that have been studied, the cyanobactin heterocyclase is a single protein that does not require an oxidase enzyme. Using this simplifying condition, we provide new evidence to support the hypothesis that these enzymes are molecular machines that use ATP in a product binding or orientation cycle. Further, we show that both protease inhibitors and ATP analogues inhibit heterocyclization and define the order of biochemical steps in the cyanobactin biosynthetic pathway. The cyanobactin pathway enzymes, PatD and TruD, are thiazoline and oxazoline synthetases.
Ophthalmology education in pediatric residency training programs

Purpose To evaluate the status of ophthalmology education in pediatric residency programs in the United States. Methods A mail survey was sent to 187 directors of pediatric residency programs in the United States, which included questions about current ophthalmology education, desire for additional programs, reasons for dissatisfaction, and types of education desired. Results Of a total of 187 surveys mailed, 137 (73%) were returned. Pediatric ophthalmology is part of the curriculum at 72% of pediatric residency programs and not included at 28%. Program directors were satisfied with pediatric ophthalmology education at 76% of the residency programs and not satisfied at 24%. A formal program in ophthalmology was desired by 88% of directors. Reasons for dissatisfaction with ophthalmic education included lack of time during the pediatric residency and lack of ophthalmologists available for teaching. Desired educational programs included didactic lectures by pediatric ophthalmologists, a CD-ROM or web-based program, and rotations through pediatric ophthalmology clinics. Conclusions Most pediatric residency program directors want pediatric ophthalmology as part of their formal curricula, but one-fourth of programs are currently either lacking formal ophthalmic education or their directors are dissatisfied with their ophthalmic curricula. Pediatric ophthalmology training programs should be developed to assist those residency programs that are not satisfied with their ophthalmic education. Ophthalmologists are encouraged to participate in these efforts.
Nonconscious Behavioral Confirmation Processes: The Self-Fulfilling Consequences of Automatic Stereotype Activation

It is now well-established that stereotypes can become activated unintentionally and outside of awareness by the presence of the relevant group features. There is also a long tradition of theory and evidence that perceptual and behavioral processes are intimately related (e.g., Berkowitz, 1984; James, 1890; Piaget, 1948). Considering these two phenomena together suggests that stereotype activation can cause the perceiver to act in stereotype-consistent ways, and recent evidence confirms this prediction (Bargh, Chen, & Burrows, 1996). The present study extended these findings by showing that the perceiver's stereotype-consistent behavior causes the target person to reciprocate in kind, thereby confirming the perceiver's stereotypic beliefs. Compared to a control condition, subliminal activation of the African American stereotype in participants resulted in greater hostility in their interaction partners (as rated by outside judges) and more extreme hostility ratings of the targets by their perceiver partner.
Guaranteed Spatial Initialization of Distributed Spacecraft Formations

In a precious paper the authors developed a formation initialization (FI) algorithm for a deep space, N-spacecraft formation. It was demonstrated analytically that this FI contribution of this paper is to extend this planar guarantee to deep space formations with arbitrary initial conditions. As part of the guarantee of initialization, a bound on the time-to-initialize is obtained. The guaranteed FI algorithm is then demonstrated for a two-spacecraft formation with realistic deep space mission constraints (e.g. limited field-of-view relative sensors and attitude constraints). The two-spacecraft scenario is challenging in that it has the least relative sensor field-of-view overlap. Finally, for this scenario, the distribution of time-to-initialize is characterized through a 150,000-case Monte Carlo analysis.
Failure Analysis and Redesign of a Pressure Powered Pump Mechanism

This paper identifies the field failures of a Pressured Powered Pump (PPP) mechanism and presents the analysis and subsequent corrective action taken to prevent these failures. The Pressure Powered Pump is a mechanism that converts the liquid level within the body of the pump to the position and actuation of two valves on top of the pump. The two valves control motive pressure within the pump, and therefore, control the pumping action. Tracking in-use field data, it was seen that the pump fails at several locations, which, regardless of the location of the failure, can be attributed to an ill-designed crankslide mechanism inside the pump. The purpose of the project, and thus the subject of this paper, is the analysis of these failures, the identification of the typical mode of failure, and the subsequent corrective action taken to prevent these types of failures. The PPP project was executed at the University of South Carolina with support from the manufacturer of the pump. To identify and prevent failures of the pump, three phases were undertaken. First, a failure analysis of the existing mechanism and failed components was performed. Second, using the analysis information, a redesign of the pump was undertaken. And third, a new analysis was performed on the redesigned mechanism, which turned out to be a slider crank. The outcome of this work is a pump whose mechanism now operates under reduced forces and stresses; thus, results in a pump with a predictably longer lifecycle and far fewer failures.
Rational design of all-solid-state ion-selective electrodes and reference electrodes

Abstract Potentiometric sensing, which requires the use of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) and reference electrodes, is used to determine electrochemically the concentration of target ions in a variety of chemical environments. In view of the need for more affordable and portable analytical devices with small sample volumes, all-solid-state ISEs and reference electrodes, in which a solid contact is used as ion-to-electron transducer, are highly desirable. This review describes how all-solid-state ISEs and reference electrodes function and presents important aspects that should be considered when designing such sensors for specific applications. Approaches to improving reproducibility, the stability of the emf response, lowering detection limits, and novel sensor designs are discussed along with specific examples from the recent literature. Emphasis is placed on the ion-to-electron transduction mechanism and the development of new solid contact materials, with a particular view to miniaturized ion-sensing devices with low cost and calibration-free sensing.
Empirically Estimable Classification Bounds Based on a Nonparametric Divergence Measure

Information divergence functions play a critical role in statistics and information theory. In this paper we show that a nonparametric $f$ -divergence measure can be used to provide improved bounds on the minimum binary classification probability of error for the case when the training and test data are drawn from the same distribution and for the case where there exists some mismatch between training and test distributions. We confirm these theoretical results by designing feature selection algorithms using the criteria from these bounds and by evaluating the algorithms on a series of pathological speech classification tasks.
Self-consistent real space free energy calculations for polyethylene and isotactic polypropylene crystals and interfaces

Surface free energies for (100) and (010) orthorhombic polyethylene (PE) and α1 isotactic polypropylene (iPP) are calculated with self-consistent real space quasi-harmonic lattice dynamics methods....