cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 3 - Size Distributions

Because size and size distribution play an important role in the environmental fate and impacts of nanomaterials (NMs), accurate determination of particle size distributions (PSDs) remains a priority need. Despite a diverse range of methods to measure PSD, several challenges remain in the forefront. At the most fundamental level, the different ways of presenting the central size value, and the distribution of particles around this value, lead to potential for ambiguity. Number-, area-, mass- and intensity-based distributions will all appear different for particles other than very monodisperse samples. This may lead to the need to interconvert these distributions. Size-dependant analytical limitations of each method may lead to errors in this conversion, especially at the tails of the distributions. The presence of interfering particles in natural samples leads towards the need to develop tools with some degree of specificity that can lead to discrimination between engineered and naturally occurring particle types. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry-based methods seem to hold significant promise in this regard but further method development is needed. Finally it is important to recognize the inherent instability of NMs in solution that may lead to aggregation and alter the representation of particle size. This process may be at least in part reversible. Thus PSD is not a static number but is likely very dynamic changing in time and space. Since most methods for PSD analysis have not been validated for aggregates, considerable variability in results from different research groups is to be expected. Until the degree to which aggregation state can be maintained through sampling, storage and analysis is determined, rigorous disaggregation and PSD analysis of primary particles will provide the most robust and comparable size data.
Counseling on Sun Protection and Indoor Tanning

BACKGROUND: The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends clinical counseling for individuals ages 10 to 24 years to decrease skin cancer risk. METHODS: A national, random sample of US American Academy of Pediatrics members practicing primary care in 2002 (response rate 55%) and 2015 (response rate 43%). Surveys explored attitudes and experiences regarding sun protection counseling; indoor tanning questions were added in 2015. χ2 tests compared demographics and counseling responses across years, and multivariable logistic regression models examined counseling predictors. RESULTS: More pediatricians in 2015 (34%) than in 2002 (23%) reported discussing sun protection during recent summer months with ≥75% of patients. This pattern held across all patient age groups (each P CONCLUSIONS: Although improved, sun protection counseling rates remain low. Indoor tanning counseling can be improved. Because early-life exposure to UV radiation increases risk and clinician counseling can positively impact prevention behaviors, pediatricians have an important role in skin cancer prevention; counseling may save lives. Time constraints remain a barrier.
A control flow graph-based signature for packer identification

The large number of malicious files that are produced daily outpaces the current capacity of malware analysis and detection. For example, Intel Security Labs reported that during the second quarter of 2016, their system found more than 40M of new malware [1]. The damage of malware attacks is also increasingly devastating, as witnessed by the recent Cryptowall malware that has reportedly generated more than $325M in ransom payments to its perpetrators [2]. In terms of defense, it has been widely accepted that the traditional approach based on byte-string signatures is increasingly ineffective, especially for new malware samples and sophisticated variants of existing ones. New techniques are therefore needed for effective defense against malware. Motivated by this problem, the paper investigates a new defense technique against malware. The technique presented in this paper is utilized for automatic identification of malware packers that are used to obfuscate malware programs. Signatures of malware packers and obfuscators are extracted from the CFGs of malware samples. Unlike conventional byte signatures that can be evaded by simply modifying one or multiple bytes in malware samples, these signatures are more difficult to evade. For example, CFG-based signatures are shown to be resilient against instruction modifications and shuffling, as a single signature is sufficient for detecting mildly different versions of the same malware. Last but not least, the process for extracting CFG-based signatures is also made automatic.
The Grandmaster of Snow: Martial Arts, Particle Systems and the Animist Cinema

By looking at selected sequences from Wong Kar-wai's 2013 The Grandmaster in which characters, especially Gong Er (played by Zhang Ziyi), interact with the ubiquitous falling snow created by partic...
Ancient irrigation systems of the Aral Sea area: the history, origin, and development of irrigated agriculture

The book provides an English translation of the seminal work of the prominent archaeologist of Central Asian irrigation history, Boris Vasilevich Andrianov (1919–1993). The original monograph, in R...
Increased contractile activity decreases RNA-protein interaction in the 3'-UTR of cytochrome c mRNA.

This study was designed to gain an insight into mechanisms by which cytochrome c gene expression is enhanced by increased contractile activity in skeletal muscle. When rat tibialis anterior muscles...
Mediation of the Preovulatory LH Surge: LHRH Pulsatility and Opioid Modulation

The development of specific radioimmunoassays for luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) allowed elucidation of the mechanisms of pituitary gonadotropin secretion and indicated the crucial role of hypothalamic LHRH in regulating gonadotropin release. Early studies of LH secretion showed marked variability of LH concentrations in peripheral blood. Serial measurements of plasma LH at 5–30 minute intervals demonstrated the periodic nature of LH secretion which is characterized by well-defined secretory pulses interspersed with periods of relative quiescence. Moreover, the patterns of LH secretion were altered in different physiological circumstances, and, for example, puberty was heralded by the appearance of a nocturnal, sleep-related augmentation in LH pulsatility. This suggested a central control of pulsatile gonadotropin secretion, and implied that hypothalamic LHRH secretion also occurred in a pulsatile manner. The proof of this hypothesis, however, was elusive. Measurement of LHRH in the peripheral blood was unhelpful, due to the limited sensitivity of LHRH radioimmunoassays and the dilution of hypothalamic-pituitary stalk blood into the systemic circulation. Other studies utilized collection of pituitary portal blood over 30 min periods in rats and showed that LHRH output was augmented on the afternoon of proestrus [1].
Equivalent outcomes with once versus thrice weekly dressing changes in midline laparotomy wounds treated with negative pressure wound therapy.

Abstract Background While negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used for decades, there is a paucity of data regarding the appropriate length of time between dressing changes. Methods This was a prospective, randomized control trial examining time to wound closure in open midline laparotomy wounds treated with NPWT. The control group received the standard thrice weekly sponge changes (thrice) and the treatment group received once weekly sponge changes (once). Results 44 patients met study criteria over a 3-year period. There was no difference in NPWT duration between the two groups (37.1 vs 34.7 days, p = 0.7324), even after adjusting for potential confounders (p = 0.8091). No differences were found in initial wound size or reduction. The wound complication profile was similar for both groups. Conclusion There is no difference in time to wound closure or complications with NPWT dressing changes once a week compared to the standard three times a week.
Abstract 034: Leveraging Mouse Liver Co-expression Networks and Human Lipid Gwas Data to Identify Cholesterol Metabolism Genes

Genetic factors play an important role in contributing to variation in plasma lipid levels across the human population. Large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in humans have identified more t...
Estimates of Achilles tendon moment arm differ when axis of ankle rotation is derived from ankle motion.

Abstract The plantarflexor moment arm of the Achilles tendon determines the mechanical advantage of the triceps surae and also indirectly affects muscle force generation by setting the amount of muscle-tendon shortening per unit of ankle joint rotation. The Achilles tendon moment arm may be determined geometrically from an axis (or center) of joint rotation and the line of action of the tendon force, but such moment arms may be sensitive to the location of the joint axis. Using motion analysis to track an ultrasound probe overlying the Achilles tendon along with markers on the shank and foot, we measured Achilles tendon moment arm during loaded and unloaded dynamic plantarflexion motions in 15 healthy subjects. Three representations of the axis or center of rotation of the ankle were considered: (1) a functional axis, defined by motions of the foot and shank; (2) a transmalleolar axis; and (3) a transmalleolar midpoint. Moment arms about the functional axis were larger than those found using the transmalleolar axis and transmalleolar midpoint (all p
Pharmacotherapy for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Cerebral Microbleeds

Abstract Background: Patients with cerebral microbleeds have increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. No trial specifically informs antithrombotic therapy for patients with cerebral microbleeds and atrial fibrillation. We investigated the safety of anticoagulation versus no anticoagulation with regard to cerebrovascular outcomes and mortality. Methods: All consecutive atrial fibrillation patients from 2015 to 2018 with MRI evidence of ≥1 cerebral microbleed at time of imaging were reviewed. Patients were treated with warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants, or neither. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality informed by National Death Registry and the composite of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. All statistical tests were 2-sided and significant at P
Improving Varicella Investigation Completeness in Pennsylvania

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of efforts made to improve the completeness of select varicella (chickenpox) case investigation variables.IntroductionRoutine childhood administration of varicella-containing vaccine has resulted in the number of varicella (chickenpox) cases in Pennsylvania falling from nearly 3,000 cases in 2007 to less than 400 cases in 2017. Prior to 2018, the completeness of varicella case investigation data documented in Pennsylvania’s electronic disease surveillance system (PA-NEDSS) was not routinely monitored by Department of Health (DOH) staff. A pilot project was initiated in April 2018 to monitor and improve completeness of select varicella case investigation variables.MethodsVaricella cases reported to PA-NEDSS during MMWR year 2018 (MMWR weeks 1 – 26) in Pennsylvania (excluding Philadelphia County) with a classification status of probable or confirmed were included in the pilot project (n=223). DOH epidemiology staff prioritized 11 key varicella investigation variables and developed a SAS program to identify cases with missing data, which were summarized in weekly reports and provided to DOH immunization staff for follow-up. DOH immunization staff reviewed missing data reports and communicated with case investigators to reconcile missing data. Varicella case data from the project period were compared with a 10-year baseline to evaluate the 11 targeted variables for change in percent completion.ResultsPercent completion of all 11 variables improved during the intervention period, with a median relative increase of 10.2% (range: 4.2% — 25.5%) compared to baseline. All but two variables (pregnancy status and number of days hospitalized) exhibited a statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in percent completion. In addition, among eight variables that include an unknown response option, only one variable (number of varicella vaccine doses received) measured an increase in the percentage of unknown responses during the project period compared with baseline; however, this increase was not statistically significant (p=0.180).ConclusionsPrioritization of key varicella investigation variables for improved completion was successful and did not result in significant increases of unknown responses. As varicella cases become less common, varicella case investigation data become increasingly important. Increased completeness of these data will enhance DOH communication of varicella surveillance findings, particularly for severe cases. Based on the success of this interagency collaboration, similar efforts are being developed for additional reportable conditions.
Cyber-physical-social interdependencies and organizational resilience: A review of water, transportation, and cyber infrastructure systems and processes

Abstract Building resilience in critical infrastructures for smart and connected cities requires consideration of different types of interdependencies. Previous research has mainly conceptualized three types of interdependencies including cyber, physical, and social. To develop resilient and sustainable design, operations, and managerial strategies, domain knowledge for each infrastructure along with its organizational characteristics needs to be integrated with those of other infrastructures. In this review paper, an infrastructure-oriented approach is taken to systematically examine different types of interdependencies and resilience quantification techniques for water, transportation, and cyber infrastructures. Design, operations, and managerial strategies are identified and categorized into short-term, mid-term, and long-term plans that can potentially improve the resilience and sustanability of the underlying infrastructures. Future research needs, in terms of resilience metrics, interdependency, and strategies, are discussed.
Lack of Racial, Ethnic, and Sex Disparities in Ischemic Stroke Care Metrics within a Tele-Stroke Network.

Abstract Introduction Differences in access to stroke care and compliance with standard of care stroke management among patients of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds and sex are well-characterized. However, little is known on the impact of telestroke in addressing disparities in acute ischemic stroke care. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of acute ischemic stroke patients evaluated over our 17-hospital telestroke network in Texas from 2015-2018. Patients were described as Non-Hispanic White (NHW) male or female, Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) male or female, or Hispanic (HIS) male or female. We compared frequency of tPA and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) utilization, door-to-consultation times, door-to-tPA times, and time-to-transfer for patients who went on to MT evaluation at the hub after having been screened for suspected large vessel occlusion at the spoke. Results Among 3873 patients (including 1146 NHW male (30%) and 1134 NHW female (29%), 405 NHB male (10%) and 491 NHB female (13%), and 358 HIS male (9%) and 339 HIS female (9%) patients), we did not find any differences in door-to consultation time, door-to-tPA time, time-to-transfer, frequency of tPA administration, or incidence of MT utilization. Conclusion We did not find racial, ethnic, and sex disparities in ischemic stroke care metrics within our telestroke network. In order to fully understand how telestroke alleviates disparities in stroke care, collaboration among networks is needed to formulate a multicenter telestroke database similar to the Get-With-The Guidelines.
Parafibromin Abnormalities in Ossifying Fibroma

Ossifying fibromas are very rare tumors that are sometimes seen as part of the hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT), which is caused by inactivating mutations of the HRPT2/CDC73 tumor suppressor gene. CDC73 mutations have been identified in a subset of sporadic cases but aberrant expression of the encoded protein, parafibromin, has not been demonstrated in ossifying fibroma. We sought to determine if loss of parafibromin regularly contributes to the development of sporadic, nonsyndromic ossifying fibroma. We examined a series of 9 ossifying fibromas, including ossifying, cemento-ossifying, and juvenile active variants, for parafibromin protein expression by immunohistochemistry and for CDC73 sequence abnormalities by Sanger sequencing and/or targeted AmpliSeq panel sequencing. Four ossifying fibromas showed a complete absence of nuclear parafibromin expression; loss of parafibromin expression was coupled with aberrant cytoplasmic parafibromin expression in 1 case. CDC73 mutations were detected in 2 cases with aberrant parafibromin expression. These results provide novel evidence, at the level of protein expression, that loss of the parathyroid CDC73/parafibromin tumor suppressor may play a role in the pathogenesis of a subset of ossifying fibromas.
Objectivity is a myth that harms the practice and diversity of forensic science.

Forensic scientists have long held that objectivity is a core tenet of our analyses and the expert-witness statements that can result. Certainly, the rhetoric of objectivity holds an undeniable allure given the fact that we, unlike many other scientists, may testify to our results in a court of law. However, our faith in objectivity is complicated by the facts that: 1.) pure scientific objectivity does not exist; and 2.) espousing the myth of objectivity is neither neutral nor benign. We will consider both points herein, before concluding with recommendations for a strong, realistic, and ethical practice of forensic science that does not require faith in a dangerous myth.
Predictors and impact of low diastolic blood pressure and widened pulse pressure following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND The association between post-operative diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) with outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unclear. We sought to assess the prevalence, predictors, and impact of post-operative DBP and PP on presence of post-procedural aortic insufficiency (AI) and mortality in adults undergoing TAVR. METHODS The study population included 194 patients who underwent TAVR from 2016 to 2017 at an academic tertiary medical center, of which 176 had invasive arterial pressures available postoperatively. Low DBP and widened PP were defined as ≤40 mmHg and ≥80 mmHg respectively on invasive arterial line on post-operative day 1. Clinical outcomes of interest included post-procedural AI and 1-year all-cause mortality. RESULTS Post-operative low DBP and widened PP were noted in 32.4% and 58.5% of the study population. No significant association between post-operative AI and low DBP (p = 0.82) or widened PP (p = 0.32) was noted. There was a trend toward higher rates of mortality in patients with low DBP (19.3% vs 9.2%, p = 0.06) but no difference in mortality in patients with widened PP (10.7% vs 15.1%, p = 0.39) or those with ≥1+ post-procedural AI (16.7% vs 10.7%, p = 0.32). In multivariable analysis, low DBP was associated with a trend toward higher rates of 1-year mortality [odds ratio (OR) 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-6.11, p = 0.06]. When excluding patients with a post-operative invasive systolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg, low DBP was associated with significantly higher risk-adjusted mortality at 1 year [OR 2.75, 95% CI (1.07-7.07), p = 0.04]. CONCLUSIONS In this contemporary study of adults undergoing TAVR, low DBP and widened PP were widely prevalent post TAVR. Low DBP was associated with a trend toward higher rates of 1-year mortality but not with post-procedural AI.
Faster conceptual blending predictors on relational time series

Tasks at upper levels of sensor fusion are usually concerned with situation or impact assessment, which might consist of predictions of future events. Very often, the identity and relations of target of interest have already been established, and can be represented as relational data. Hence, we can expect a stream of relational data arriving at our agent input as the situation updates. The prediction task can then be expressed as a function of this stream of relational data. Run-time learning to predict a stream of percepts in an unknown and possibly complex environment is a hard problem, and especially so when a serious attempt needs to be made even on the first few percepts. When the percepts are relational (logical atoms), the most common practical technologies require engineering by a human expert and so are not applicable. We briefly describe and compare several approaches which do not have this requirement on the initial hundred percepts of a benchmark domain. The most promising approach extends existing approaches by a partial matching algorithm inspired by theory of conceptual blending. This technique enables predictions in novel situations where the original approach fails, and significantly improves prediction performance overall. However an implementation, based on backtracking, may be too slow for many implementations. We provide an accelerated approximate algorithm based on best-first and A∗ search, which is much faster than the initial implementation.
Energy Amplification and Beam Bunching in a Pulse Line Ion Accelerator

In a first beam dynamics validation experiment for a new Pulse Line Ion Acceleration (PLIA) concept, the predicted energy amplification and beam bunching were experimentally observed. Beam energy modulation of -80 keV to +150 keV was measured using a PLIA input voltage waveform of -21 kV to +12 kV. Ion pulses accelerated by 150 keV, and bunching by a factor of four were simultaneously achieved. The measured longitudinal phase space and current waveform of the accelerated beam are in good agreement with 3-D particle-in-cell simulations.
Analysis of Source Doping Effect in Tunnel FETs With Staggered Bandgap

The effect of source doping on tunnel FET (TFET) currents is investigated analytically for the case of an exponential barrier. Source depletion is coupled to the channel potential profile through the continuity of field at the junction edge. Closed form WKB (Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin) integral are carried out by considering mixed electron and hole tunneling in heterojunction TFETs with a staggered bandgap. It is shown that there is an optimum source doping that maximizes the TFET current. A certain degree of source depletion actually helps because it lets low-barrier hole tunneling in the source to make up part of the tunneling path.
To Drill or Not to Drill: A Synthesis of Expert Judgments

Petroleum exploration is a costly venture which always involves a great deal of uncertainties and unknown factors. A decision to drill could result in a giant discovery, a modest discovery, or a dry hole. The factors influencing drilling decisions could be of geologic, economic and personal nature. When making a decision based on geologic factors alone, geologists and geophysicists will try to find answers to the following questions [2].
Poor Children and Welfare Reform

Introduction What Is a Successful Program? Serving Children and Families Through the Welfare System: Challenges and Opportunities Sites and Services: Programs that Meet the Challenges Strategies for Meeting the Challenges Recommendations for Action Appendix A: The Case Studies Appendix B: Research Approach and Methods Selected Bibliography Index
A Robust Variable Order Facet Model for Image Data

It is a common practice in computer vision and image processing to convolve rectangular constant coefficient windows with digital images to perform local smoothing and derivative estimation for edge detection and other purposes. If all data points in each image window belong to the same statistical population, this practice is reasonable and fast. But, as is well known, constant coefficient window operators produce incorrect results if more than one statistical population is present within a window, e.g., if a gray level or gradient discontinuity is present. This paper shows one way to apply the theory of robust statistics to the data smoothing and derivative estimation problem. A robust window operator is demonstrated that preserves gray level and gradient discontinuities in digital images as it smooths and estimates derivatives.
The Heuristic Power of Oppositionality within and Between Paired-Associate Units

Abstract Two experiments are presented in which the role of oppositionality as a heuristic aid to paired-associate (PA) learning was examined. In the first experiment, subjects initially formed PA units by proffering antonyms, synonyms, and same-first-letter words to a cue word. Subsequently, both antonyms and synonyms were freely recalled more readily than were same-first-letter words (p < .001). Cued recall favored synonyms over both other conditions (p < .05). In the second experiment, subjects learned related PA units in which the stimulus terms bore either an antonymous or a synonymous relationship. Fifty percent fewer association errors occurred when the PA stimuli were antonyms than when they were synonyms (p < .05). Thus, oppositionality reflected heuristic properties both within and between PA units. Results are discussed in terms of network, feature-matching, and predicational modeling.
Impacts of a weather event on shelf circulation and CO 2 and O 2 dynamics on the Louisiana shelf during summer 2009

Abstract. While much is known about the physics of coastal currents, much less is known about the biogeochemical effects of surface currents on shelf carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen distribution and dynamics. The Mississippi and Atchafalaya River plume is usually observed along the Louisiana shelf with easterly winds. Such a typical pattern was observed in August 2007, i.e. a plume of low salinity and low partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), indicating high biological production on the inner shelf; and higher salinity and pCO2 on the outer shelf. This high biological production induced by riverine nitrogen flux thus provided major organic matter sources for the shelf-wide hypoxia (dissolved oxygen [DO]
Similarity of hematologic effect of pyridoxine deficiency, cortisone, and myeloid metaplasia factor of human urine.

SummarySimilar hematologic and histologic changes occurred in mice made pyridoxine deficient, in mice treated with cortisone, and in mice treated with a myeloid metaplasia factor from human urine. It is concluded that the changes produced by pyridoxine deficiency and by the urine fractions are not necessarily mediated through the mechanism of the alarm reaction. Other mechanisms of action are considered.
Piecewise hierarchical p-version axisymmetric shell element for laminated composites

Abstract This paper presents a piecewise hierarchical p -version finite element formulation for laminated axisynummetric shells for linear static analysis. The formulation incorporates higher p -version deformation theories for each lamina of the laminate and is in complete agreement with the physics of deformation of the laminate axisymmetric shells. The element geometry is defined by three nodes located at the middle surface, the laminate nodal vectors and the laminate nodal thicknesses. The lamina thicknesses are used to three-node p -version nodal configuration for each lamina of the element. The displacement approximation for the element is developed by first establishing a hierarchical p -version displacement approximation for the three-node configuration of each lamina of the laminate and then imposing interlamina continuity conditions of displacements at the interfaces between the laminas. The hierarchical approximation functions and the corresponding nodal variables for each lamina are derived from the Lagrange family of interpolation functions and can be of arbitrary polynomial order p ξ and k p η in the ξ and kη directions for a typical k th lamina. This element formulation ensures C 0 continuity, i.e., continuity of displacement across interelement as well as interlamina boundaries. The element properties are constructed by assembling individual lamina properties which are derived by using the principle of virtual work and the hierarchical displacement approximation for the laminas. Transformation matrices, formed based on interlamina continuity conditions, are used to transform each lamina's degrees of freedom into the degrees of freedom of the laminate. Thus, each individual lamina stiffness matrix and equivalent load vector are transformed and then summed to establish the laminate stiffness matrix and equivalent load vector. There is no restriction on either the number of laminas or their lay-up pattern. Each lamina can be generally orthotropic. The material directions and the layer thickness may vary from point to point within each lamina. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness, modeling convenience, accuracy, and overall superiority of the present formulation for laminated composites axisymmetric solids and shells.
STIM1 Is a Novel Component of ER-Chlamydia trachomatis Inclusion Membrane Contact Sites

Productive developmental cycle of the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis depends on the interaction of the replicative vacuole, named the inclusion, with cellular organelles. We have recently reported the formation of ER-Inclusion membrane contact sites (MCSs), where the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is in apposition to the inclusion membrane. These platforms contain the C. trachomatis inclusion membrane protein IncD, the mammalian ceramide transfer protein CERT and the ER resident proteins VAPA/B and were proposed to play a role in the non-vesicular trafficking of lipids to the inclusion. Here, we identify STIM1 as a novel component of ER-Inclusion MCSs. STIM1, an ER calcium (Ca2+) sensor that relocate to ER-Plasma Membrane (PM) MCSs upon Ca2+ store depletion, associated with C. trachomatis inclusion. STIM1, but not the general ER markers Rtn3C and Sec61s, was enriched at the inclusion membrane. Ultra-structural studies demonstrated that STIM1 localized to ER-Inclusion MCSs. Time-course experiments showed that STIM1, CERT and VAPB co-localized throughout the developmental cycle. By contrast, Orai1, the PM Ca2+ channel that interacts with STIM1 at ER-PM MCSs, did not associate with C. trachomatis inclusion. Upon ER Ca2+ store depletion, a pool of STIM1 relocated to ER-PM MCSs, while the existing ER-Inclusion MCSs remained enriched in STIM1. Finally, we have identified the CAD domain, which mediates STIM1-Orai1 interaction, as the minimal domain required for STIM1 enrichment at ER-Inclusion MCSs. Altogether this study identifies STIM1 as a novel component of ER-C. trachomatis inclusion MCSs. We discuss the potential role(s) of STIM1 during the infection process.
Effect of some leaf essential oil phenotypes in coastal redwood on the growth of several fungi with endophytic stages

Abstract Experiments assessed the effect of four foliar essential oil phenotypes from a coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) population on isolates of six fungus species with leaf endophytic stages. The hypothesis tested was that leaf essential oil phenotypes would have differential effects in vitro on these endophytic species. Another objective was to determine whether differences in response to redwood essential oils existed among pathogens isolated from redwood and a mutalistic endophtye never isolated from redwood. These species were: Botrytis cinerea, an opportunist generalist pathogen able to attack redwood; Pestalotiopsis funerea, Phomopsis occulta and Seiridium juniperi, actual or potential conifer pathogens isolated as leaf endophytes in redwood; Cryptosporiopsis abietna, a common conifer endophyte with uncertain ecological status isolated from redwood; and Meria parkeri, a mutalistic endophyte known only from Douglas fir. The four essential oil phenotypes were uniformly inhibitory for some species and differentially so for others. Susceptibility to the four phenotypes varied widely within and among fungus species. The conifer-specific pathogens were the least susceptible and the Douglas fir endophyte the most; the other two displayed intermediate susceptibility. The diversity of responses by these fungus species suggests that these redwood terpenoids may have a differential intra- and interspecific importance in preventing pathogenic activity in the species found within redwood foilage.
High-speed transmission system based on optical modified duobinary signals

The authors have developed a new optical transmission coding scheme called OMODS (optical modified duobinary signal) for long-distance, high-speed optical transmission systems, that is effective in reducing degradation in an optical pulse caused by the optical fibre's chromatic dispersion and fluctuations in the transmitting signal's mark ratio. Computer simulations and experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of this coding method.
Gravitational effects on the rearrangement of cytoplasmic components during axial formation in amphibian development.

Abstract The spatial positioning of the dorsal-ventral axis in the amphibian, Xenopus laevis , can be experimentally manipulated either by tipping the embryo relative to Earth's gravitational force vector or by centrifugation. Experimental evidence suggests that certain cytoplasmic components are redistributed during the first cell cycle and that these components are, in part, responsible for the establishment of this axis. Further studies indicate that at least some of the cytoplasmic components responsible for establishing this axis may be RNA. Recombinant cDNA and PCR technology are utilized to isolate DNA clones for messenger RNA which becomes spatially localized to the dorsal side of the embryo. These clones are being used to study the mechanisms of spatial localization and the function of the localized RNA transcripts.
Enhanced location based key pre-distribution scheme for secure communication in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN)

Wireless sensors are low power devices with small transmission range, restricted computation power, limited amount of memory and with portable power supply. Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a collection of such sensors where the number of sensors can vary from few hundreds to thousands. Performing secure pair-wise communication between sensors is a really difficult task due to inherent characteristics. As memory and power consumption are most stringent requirements for these devices, use of conventional techniques for secured communication are totally out of question. This paper introduces a scheme that enables a complete pair-wise secure connectivity between any two adjacent sensor nodes, in spite of using small key ring (KR) for sensors. The Proposed Scheme (ELKPD) doesn't require any additional hardware while providing keys to the sensors irrespective of their location. Also, proposed scheme is easily scalable which enables addition of sensor nodes without any computational or hardware overheads.
Management of Perennial Warm-Season Bioenergy Grasses. I. Biomass Harvested, Nutrient Removal, and Persistence Responses of Elephantgrass and Energycane to Harvest Frequency and Timing

Harvest management practices affect productivity and persistence of grasses grown for bioenergy, but data are limited that describe their effects on the tall-growing grasses adapted to the USA Gulf Coast region. The objective was to determine harvest frequency and timing effects on biomass yield, nutrient removal, and persistence of three perennial bioenergy grasses in the southeastern USA. The experiment was conducted from 2010 through 2012. Harvest management treatments were two harvests per year (2X; July and November), one harvest per year in early November (fall), and one harvest per year after first freeze (winter). Elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) cv. Merkeron and breeding line UF1 and energycane (Saccharum spp.) cv. L 79-1002 were compared. Three-year average biomass harvested was greatest for UF1 followed by Merkeron and L 79-1002 (27.8, 24.6, and 21.1 Mg ha−1year−1, respectively). Biomass harvested was not affected by harvest management in 2010 and 2011, but in 2012, the 2X treatment yielded 47 % less than winter. Biomass dry matter (DM) concentration for single harvest treatments was greater than 2X (34 vs. 25 %), but the 2X treatment removed two times more N and P in harvested biomass than fall or winter. For these grasses, fall and winter single harvest treatments were superior to 2X due to greater third year biomass yield, less nutrient removal, and harvested biomass had a greater DM concentration that may be advantageous for postharvest transport and processing.
Counterions influence reactivity of metal ions with cysteinyldopa model compounds.

Cysteinyldopas are naturally occurring conjugates of cysteine and dopa (3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine) that are precursors to red pheomelanin pigments. Metal ions are known to influence pheomelanogenesis in vitro and may be regulatory factors in vivo. Cydo (3-[(2-amino-ethyl)sulfanyl]-4,6-di-tert-butylbenzene-1,2-diol) and CarboxyCydo (2-amino-3-(4,6-di-tert-butyl-2,3-dihydroxyphenylsulfanyl)-propionic acid) are model compounds of cysteinyldopa that retain its metal-binding functionalities but cannot polymerize due to the presence of blocking tert-butyl groups. Cydo reacts readily with zinc(II) acetate or nickel(ll) acetate to form a cyclized 1,4-benzothiazine (zine) intermediate that undergoes ring contraction to form benzothiazole (zole) unless it is stabilized by coordination to a metal ion. The crystal structure of [Ni(zine) 2 ] is reported. The acetate counteranion is required for the zinc-promoted reactivity, as neither zinc(ΙI) sulfate nor zinc(ll) chloride alone promotes the transformation. The counterion is less important for redox-active copper and iron, which both readily promote the oxidation of Cydo to zine and zole species; Cu(ΙΙ) complexes of both zine and zole have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. In the case of CarboxyCydo, a 3-carboxy-1,4-benzothiazine intermediate decarboxylates to form [Cu(zine) 2 ] under basic conditions, but in the absence of base forms a mixture of products that includes the carboxylated dimer 2,2'-bibenzothiazine (bi-zine). These products are consistent with species implicated in the pheomelanogenesis biosynthetic pathway and emphasize how metal ions, their counteranions, and reaction conditions can alter pheomelanin product distribution.
Fuzzy control of complex systems

One of the biggest challenges of any control paradigm is being able to handle large complex systems. A system may be called large-scale or complex, here, if its dimension (order) is so high and its model (if available) is nonlinear, interconnected with uncertain information flow such that classical techniques of control theory cannot easily handle the system. From a control theoretical point of view, fuzzy logic has been intermixed with all the important aspects of systems theory - modeling, identification, analysis, stability, synthesis, filtering, and estimation. However, the application of fuzzy control to large-scale complex systems is not a trivial task by any means. For such systems the size of the rule base in a typical fuzzy control architecture will be nearly infinite. In this paper an attempt is made to break some new ground on the applications of fuzzy control to complex systems. A new rule base reduction approach is suggested to manage large inference engines. Notions of rule hierarchy and sensor data fusion are introduced and combined to achieve system’s goals. The technique has been implemented on an SGS Thomson W.A.R.P. chip for an inverted pendulum with wine-balancing application.
The relationship between body mass and elemental composition in nymphs of the grasshopper Schistocerca americana

Abstract Grasshoppers, like all other organisms, are composed of a combination of elements, but little is known about the extent to which the elemental composition in grasshoppers changes over the course of nymphal development. In this study the grasshopper Schistocerca americana was reared on a diet of seedling wheat and wheat germ; nymphs of various mass were collected and analyzed for elemental composition. In total, 12 different elements, including the macroelements carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, were quantified. Results show that the amount of a given element increased linearly with increasing body mass, but that the rate of increase differed depending on the element. Results also show that the concentration of some elements dropped dramatically over the course of development. We discuss our results in the context of limiting nutrients and ecological stoichiometry.
Approaches Towards Energy-Efficiency in the Cloud for Emerging Markets

With the growing importance of the cloud computing paradigm, it is a challenge for cloud providers to keep the operational costs of the data centers in check, especially in the emerging markets, alongside catering to the customers' needs. It becomes essential to increase the operational efficiency of the data centers to be able to maximize VM (Virtual machine) offerings at minimal cost. To that end, energy-efficiency of the servers plays a critical role, as they influence the electrical and the cooling costs which constitute a major part of the total cost involved in the operation of a data center. Power-savings can be achieved at several different levels in a system: processors, memory, devices, and system-wide (involving powering down multiple components of a host all at once). At the processors level, depending on the workload trends, we can exploit technologies like DVFS (Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling) or P-states when the CPU is running, and CPU sleep states (C-states) when the CPU is idle, to save power. Memory standards such as DDR3 have provisions for putting idle memory banks into low-power states. At the devices level, individual devices can be put into low-power states, controlled and co-ordinated by a run-time power management framework in the Operating System. This paper outlines the state-of-the-art in power- management technology on server hardware and describes how these raw features can be abstracted into a set of energy policies. We then explain how these policies or energy-profiles can be used to run a cloud datacener energy efficiently. Further, this paper also highlights some of the challenges involved in running cloud infrastructures in the emerging markets optimally despite some unique energy constraints.
Rheology and Molecular Weight Changes during Enzymatic Degradation of a Water-Soluble Polymer

The rheological behavior and molecular weight characteristics of a natural polymer undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis were examined for aqueous guar solutions. Changes in weight-average molecular weight (Mw), deduced from gel permeation chromatography (GPC), were used to construct a kinetic model for the process, such that 1/Mw ∝ kt, with the rate constant, k, varying inversely with polymer concentration. This relationship suggests that enzymatic degradation was zeroth-order in guar concentration. These findings contrast with previous studies of natural polymer degradation which usually have interpreted the linear relationship between 1/M and time as first-order processes. Our analysis reveals that this linear relationship is expected regardless of the reaction order and that the true order can be determined only from the dependence of the degradation rate on initial polymer concentration. Rheological properties were sensitive to extent of degradation; several orders of magnitude change in zero shear viscosi...
Study of planar three-degree-of-freedom 2-RRR parallel manipulators

Planar parallel robots are good candidates for microminiaturization into a microdevice. Fully-parallel planar robots have three kinematic chains (legs) connecting the moving platform to the fixed base. Functional workspace of planar fully-parallel robots is often limited because of interference among their mechanical components. Planar parallel robots with two kinematic chains connecting the moving platform to the base can be designed to reduce interference while still maintaining three-degree-of-freedom. This paper presents kinematics and singularity study of planar three-degree-of-freedom 2-RRR parallel manipulators. Forward displacement analysis of this type of robots is governed by a quadratic equation. The inverse problem is decomposed to yield up to four solutions. Singularity analysis reveals up to four singular orientations at each operation point (x,y) of the workspace, in addition to boundary singularities.
Paramagnetic Resonance and Fluorescence of Er 3 + at Cubic Sites in ZnSe

${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$ has been found at two distinct sites having cubic symmetry in ZnSe:Er, Cu. One of these is believed to be a simple Zn substitutional site, and in it the ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$ ground-state transforms as the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{7}$ representation of ${T}_{d}$ symmetry. The lowest excited state, at an energy of 6.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, has ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{8}$ symmetry. Electron-paramagnetic-resonance transitions have been seen at 14.1 GHz for both of these states. Because of their proximity, an applied magnetic field appreciably mixes these states, inducing an anisotropy into the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{7}$ resonance which has been measured at 9.3, 14.1, and 35.0 GHz. The $g$ factor of the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{7}$ obtained by extrapolating to zero magnetic field, is 5.950\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005. This implies that the appropriate Land\'e factor ${g}_{J}$ is 1.190\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001. The resonance of the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{8}$ state, when fitted to the calculations of Lea, Leask, and Wolf, gives a value of their parameter $x=\ensuremath{-}0.71$. We also find ${B}_{4}=\ensuremath{-}(1.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${B}_{6}=+(3.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${A}_{4}〈{r}^{4}〉=\ensuremath{-}(43\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6)$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and ${A}_{6}〈{r}^{6}〉=+(1.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for this center. The second ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$ defect, having cubic symmetry, has also been seen in resonance. It has a ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{8}$ ground state and shows a strong line fluorescence, primarily from the $^{4}S_{\frac{3}{2}}$ state, which has a very broad excitation band. The crystal-field splittings of the $^{4}I_{\frac{15}{2}}$ and $^{4}I_{\frac{13}{2}}$ states have been determined from the emission spectra and fitted with the Lea-Leask-Wolf calculations. The fit is generally better than 1 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, which is the order of the deviations expected due to crystal-field mixing of adjacent free-ion states. In this center we find $x(^{4}I_{\frac{15}{2}})=+0.797$, ${A}_{4}〈〈{r}^{4}〉=+113.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.7$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, ${A}_{6}〈{r}^{6}〉=+2.65\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and ${g}_{J}(^{4}I_{\frac{15}{2}})=1.184\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001$. This center is believed to involve an ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$ interstitial at the center of a tetrahedron formed by four ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{+}$ ions at Zn sites. Elementary point-charge calculations predict the observed crystal-field parameters of both centers surprisingly well.