cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of atmospheric transmission of high power diode pumped alkali lasers

As diode pumped alkali lasers (DPAL) are scaled to powers exceeding 1 kW, the effects of atmospheric transmission, including thermal blooming, is explored. The cesium and rubidium lasers operate near 894 and 795 nm, respectively, in the vicinity of atmospheric water vapor absorption lines. The potassium laser line lies in the high rotational limit of the O 2 X-b (0,0) band near 770 nm. We assess the effects of atmospheric transmission on high power propagation using the High Energy Laser End-to End Operational Simulation. HELEEOS uses the scaling laws of the Scaling the High energy laser And Relay Engagements (SHaRE) toolbox which is anchored to the wave optics code WaveTrain and all significant degradation effects, including thermal blooming due to molecular and aerosol absorption, scattering extinction, and optical turbulence, are represented in the model. The HELEEOS model enables the evaluation of uncertainty in low-altitude high energy laser engagements due to all major low altitude atmospheric effects to include physically-based representations of water clouds, fog, light rain, and aerosols. Worldwide seasonal, diurnal, and geographical spatial-temporal variability in key climatological parameters is organized into probability density function databases in HELEEOS using a variety of recently available resources to include the Extreme and Percentile Environmental Reference Tables (ExPERT) for 408 sites worldwide, the Surface Marine Gridded Climatology (SMGC) database which provides coverage over all ocean areas, the Master Database for Optical Turbulence Research in support of the Airborne Laser, and the Global Aerosol Data Set (GADS) used to provide worldwide aerosol densities. The spectral transmission model is anchored to field data from an open-path Tunable Diode Laser Absorption (TDLAS) system composed of narrow band (~300 kHz) diode laser fiber coupled to a 12" Ritchey-Chretien transmit telescope. The ruggedized system has been field deployed and tested for propagation distances of greater than 1 km. The TDLAS approach achieves a minimum observable absorbance of 0.2%, whereas an FTIR instrument is almost 20 times less sensitive.
Latitudinal variation in cold hardiness in introduced Tamarix and native Populus

To investigate the evolution of clinal variation in an invasive plant, we compared cold hardiness in the introduced saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima, Tamarix chinensis, and hybrids) and the native plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera). In a shadehouse in Colorado (41°N), we grew plants collected along a latitudinal gradient in the central United States (29–48°N). On 17 occasions between September 2005 and June 2006, we determined killing temperatures using freeze-induced electrolyte leakage and direct observation. In midwinter, cottonwood survived cooling to −70°C, while saltcedar was killed at −33 to −47°C. Frost sensitivity, therefore, may limit northward expansion of saltcedar in North America. Both species demonstrated inherited latitudinal variation in cold hardiness. For example, from September through January killing temperatures for saltcedar from 29.18°N were 5–21°C higher than those for saltcedar from 47.60°N, and on September 26 and October 11, killing temperatures for cottonwood from 33.06°N were >43°C higher than those for cottonwood from 47.60°N. Analysis of nine microsatellite loci showed that southern saltcedars are more closely related to T. chinensis while northern plants are more closely related to T. ramosissima. Hybridization may have introduced the genetic variability necessary for rapid evolution of the cline in saltcedar cold hardiness.
Testing assumptions of the Gilbert and Gill method for assessing ancestry using the femur subtrochanteric shape

In 1990, Gilbert and Gill proposed a simple metric technique using femoral subtrochanteric anteroposterior and mediolateral diaphyseal diameters for discriminating between Native American and American Black and White femora in medicolegal and bioarchaeological contexts. However, there are several inherent assumptions in the method that may affect its validity. The assumptions include minimal sexual dimorphism, temporal and geographical homogeneity within populations, and that differences between populations in femoral subtrochanteric size and shape are primarily due to genetic variation. In this study, these assumptions are tested using femora from seven populations (African, American Black, American White, Australian, Native American, Hispanic, and Polynesian). The results indicate that sexual dimorphism and geographical and temporal heterogeneity in proximal femur diaphyseal shape within Native Americans are not great enough to significantly affect the validity of the Gilbert and Gill method (GGM). Variation between populations is most likely due to combined genetic and environmental factors, but differences in proximal femur shape between Native Americans and American Blacks/Whites are sufficient to allow accurate discrimination between these groups. Caution, however, must be taken during investigations where populations other than Native Americans or American Blacks/Whites are present, and therefore, the GGM may have limited forensic anthropological application in many parts of the world.
Hippocampal IGF-1 expression, neurogenesis and slowed aging: clues to longevity from mutant mice

Recent studies point out the important role of IGF and insulin-related signaling pathways in the control of longevity of laboratory animals. The Ames dwarf mouse is a murine model of circulating GH and IGF-1 deficiency that exhibits dwarf phenotype characteristics and significantly extends lifespan. It is interesting to know that Ames dwarf mice do not experience an age-related decline in cognitive function when compared to their young counterparts. In this study, the most recent works on local GH and IGF-1 expression in the hippocampus of Ames mice are briefly reviewed.
The Blight-Associated Epitope and DNA Fragment from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris are not Required for Blight

: It has been reported that all tested naturally occurring strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris that are known to be capable of inducing blight symptoms in cabbage react with MAb A11 and hybridize with a 5.4-kb DNA fragment (in plasmid pJC41), cloned from the Xanthomonas campestris species type strain, Xcc528T, whereas all tested naturally occurring strains that do not cause blight react with MAb X21 and do not hybridize to pJC41. The roles of the 5.4-kb DNA in pJC41 and the epitope recognized by MAb A11 in the pathogenicity of X. c. campestris strains that cause blight were examined by mutational analyses. A 4.0-kb deletion of the pJC41 region on the Xcc528T chromosome was created by marker exchange, but the derivatives were evidently not affected in their ability to elicit blight symptoms. Nitrosoguanidine was used to mutagenize two blight strains, Xcc528T and CAM19, and mutants were selected that were not reactive to MAb A11. The MAb A11-negative mutant of Xcc528T was reactive to MAb X21, but was evidently not affected in the ability to elicit blight symptoms. MAb A11-negative mutants of CAM19, however, were not reactive to MAb X21, and showed reduction or loss of virulence, which suggested the requirement for at least one of the two antigens (to MAbs A11 or X21) for pathogenicity. A genomic library of CAM19 was made and screened for genes responsible for the production of the A11 antigen. Cosmid clones were identified that restored MAb A11 reactivity to the mutants. None of these cosmids restored the virulence of the mutant strains that had lost virulence. Therefore, neither the blight-associated 5.4-kb DNA fragment nor the MAb A11 antibody marker were required for blight symptom elicitation or pathogenicity.
Varicella zoster virus infections following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: frequency, risk factors, and clinical outcome.

Abstract Reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a common event in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and may lead to life-threatening complications. We retrospectively analyzed the incidence, clinical outcome, and risk factors for VZV infections occurring within the first 5 years of transplantation in 100 consecutive adults undergoing allogeneic BMT between 1992 and 1997. Forty-one patients (41%) developed VZV reactivation a median of 227 days (range 45-346 days) post-transplantation. Twelve percent of VZV reactivation occurred in the first 100 days and 88% within the first 24 months. Among those who survived for 2 or more years after transplantation (n = 47), 59% developed VZV infection. Forty percent of patients with VZV reactivation required admission with a mean hospital stay of 7.2 days. Two patients developed encephalitis, and 1 died despite antiviral therapy. The most frequent complications were post-herpetic neuralgia and peripheral neuropathy (68%). Thoracic dermatomal zoster represented 41% of the infections; disseminated cutaneous involvement was observed in 17% of patients. No clinical or epidemiologic risk factors were associated with recurrence. Administration of ganciclovir for prevention of cytomegalovirus infection delayed the onset of VZV infection beyond 4 months (P = .06). In a further subset analysis, patients with a limited chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) had a lower estimated incidence of VZV reactivation compared with those with extensive chronic GVHD (P = .11). We conclude that complications from reactivation of VZV infection are common and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic BMT. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2000;6(1):44-9.
New observations and mass-reduced analyses of the laser-excited fluorescence of the B1Πu-X1Σg+ bands of the 6Li7Li molecule☆

Abstract An Ar + laser at 4579 A is used to excite the B 1 Π u - X 1 Σ g + fluorescence of the 6 Li 7 Li molecule in a crossed heat pipe oven. The spectrum in the region 4400–6300 A is recorded photoelectrically with an emphasis on the observation of higher vibrational levels in the ground state close to the dissociation limit. P and R doublets corresponding to v ″ ≤ 26 originating from the ( v ′ = 13, J ′ = 19) level are observed and identified using mass-reduced quantum numbers. Two additional 6 Li 7 Li series, known from earlier work of Velasco, Ottinger, and Zare, are also analyzed. These data are used to construct effective Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) potentials for specific J ″ (=9, 19) quantum numbers of the ground state and from them the true (rotationless) potential energy curve (for X 1 Σ g + ) is derived. This extends the previously known curve of Li 2 from 4.28 to 5.18 A (outer turning point); this turning point corresponds to an energy which is approximately 88% of the dissociation energy, which is estimated here to be 8516 ± 18 cm −1 .
Effects of oxygen and water on the resonance electron capture reactions of low electron affinity compounds

Abstract The reactions of the molecular anions of several low electron affinity (EA) compounds, including anthracene, quinazoline, benzophenone, quinoxaline, and azulene, with oxygen and water have been studied by pulsed high pressure mass spectrometry (PHPMS). It is shown that in the simultaneous presence of oxygen and water, these molecular anions, M − , are rapidly destroyed and the ion, O 2 − (H 2 O), is rapidly formed. It is shown that the high rate with which this transition occurs can not be explained by the simplest model envisioned that is based on well-known ion molecule reactions. These results can be explained, however, by inclusion into the model of a previously uncharacterized reaction between the molecular ion–oxygen complex, MO 2 − , and water. The results reported here explain why the molecular anions of compounds that have lower EA’s than that of azulene are not readily observed in electron capture ion sources of 1 atm buffer gas pressure. In addition, it is shown that the reactions characterized here lead to a state of chemical equilibrium between the M − and O 2 − (H 2 O) ions within the PHPMS ion source from which the EA values of the low-EA compounds can be determined. By this method the electron affinities of anthracene, quinazoline, benzophenone, and quinoxaline are found to be 0.54, 0.56, 0.61, and 0.68 eV, respectively.
Abstract 4545: Identifying neuroblastoma-specific ligands for cancer targeted therapy using a one-bead one-compound combinatorial approach.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial tumor in children, with around 700 new diagnoses each year. High-risk patients have poor outcomes and only 30% survive despite the most intensive therapies available, which can also harm healthy cells. Thus, we are developing novel targeted therapies for neuroblastoma to increase treatment efficacy and limit damage to healthy cells. We utilized the One-Bead One-Compound (OBOC) combinatorial split-mix method developed by Kit Lam (Lam et al., 1991) to identify unique ligands against neuroblastoma cells for therapeutic delivery. The OBOC libraries consist of hundreds to millions of 90 μm Tentagel beads, and each bead displays 1013 copies of a peptide on its surface. Thus, each bead has one unique compound on its exterior. Twelve random OBOC libraries with varying peptide lengths (5 to 16 amino acids) were screened against three human neuroblastoma cell lines (SK-N-BE, SK-N-DZ, and IMR-32) to determine a library for more stringent screening of ligands. 37,500 beads from each library were screened against each cell line and the libraries averaged 2 positive candidates per 18,750 beads within 2 hours of incubation. The results also suggested preference for longer peptide libraries, but an intermediate length random decamer library was chosen for further screening due to both a good yield of positive beads and convenient sequencing. Each neuroblastoma line was screened against 150,000 beads from the decamer library to identify potential ligands. Positive beads were selected, retested three times, and decoded using Edman degradation. Several cancer cell lines (A549 lung cancer, and Reh and Jurkat leukemia cell lines) were used as negative controls. Ten beads per cell line displaying high binding affinity were selected. Candidate beads with positive binding to all three neuroblastoma cell lines are currently being sequenced and the ligands will be synthesized. We plan to characterize the ligands for high affinity and specificity, as well as internalization capacity, and to identify their receptors. Currently, there are very few targeted therapies for neuroblastoma. We believe our ligand discoveries can be developed for future novel targeted therapies in neuroblastoma. Citation Format: Andy Iskandar, Connie Duong, Cathy Chen, Eduardo Sanchez, David Olivos, Kit Lam, Noriko Satake. Identifying neuroblastoma-specific ligands for cancer targeted therapy using a one-bead one-compound combinatorial approach. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4545. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4545
Protein–protein interactions between CbbR and RegA (PrrA), transcriptional regulators of the cbb operons of Rhodobacter sphaeroides

CbbR and RegA (PrrA) are transcriptional regulators of the cbb(I) and cbb(II) (Calvin-Benson-Bassham CO(2) fixation pathway) operons of Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Both proteins interact specifically with promoter sequences of the cbb operons. RegA has four DNA binding sites within the cbb(I) promoter region, with the CbbR binding site and RegA binding site 1 overlapping each other. This study demonstrated that CbbR and RegA interact and form a discrete complex in vitro, as illustrated by gel mobility shift experiments, direct isolation of the proteins from DNA complexes, and chemical cross-linking analyses. For CbbR/RegA interactions to occur, CbbR must be bound to the DNA, with the ability of CbbR to bind the cbb(I) promoter enhanced by RegA. Conversely, interactions with CbbR did not require RegA to bind the cbb(I) promoter. RegA itself formed incrementally larger multimeric complexes with DNA as the concentration of RegA increased. The presence of RegA binding sites 1, 2 and 3 promoted RegA/DNA binding at significantly lower concentrations of RegA than when RegA binding site 3 was not present in the cbb(I) promoter. These studies support the premise that both CbbR and RegA are necessary for optimal transcription of the cbb(I) operon genes of R. sphaeroides.
Histological preparation of implanted biomaterials for light microscopic evaluation of the implant-tissue interaction.

A technique is presented for processing implanted biomaterials with surrounding soft tissue for histological assessment of the implant-tissue interaction. Specimens are removed with the implant-tissue interface intact, fixed in formalin, dehydrated in a graded series of ethanol followed by a graded series of acetone in ethanol, and embedded in Spurr's low viscosity epoxy resin. Sections 0.5-1.0 mm thick are cut from the cured blocks using a metallurigical saw with a diamond wafer blade. After being glued to glass microscope slides, they are ground and polished to approximately 75 µm in thickness. The polished sections are treated with 95% ethanol saturated with sodium hydroxide, stained with Gill's hematoxylin and counterstained in eosin Y-phloxine B. The sodium hydroxide solution degrades the resin, allowing the stain to penetrate the tissue. By limiting the time in sodium hydroxide, the depth of staining is controlled and one is able to simulate a thin paraffin section with high resolution of the imnlan...
Settling Velocities of Fractal Aggregates

Aggregates generated in water and wastewater treatment systems and those found in natural systems are fractal and therefore have different scaling properties than assumed in settling velocity calculations using Stokes' law. In order to demonstrate that settling velocity models based on impermeable spheres do not accurately relate aggregate size, porosity and settling velocity for highly porous fractal aggregates, we generated fractal aggregates by coagulation of latex microspheres in paddle mixers and analyzed each aggregate individually for its size, porosity, and settling velocity. Settling velocities of these aggregates were on average 4−8.3 times higher than those predicted using either an impermeable sphere model (Stokes' law) or a permeable sphere model that specified aggregate permeability for a homogeneous distribution of particles within an aggregate. Fractal dimensions (D) derived from size−porosity relationships for the three batches of aggregates were 1.78 ± 0.10, 2.19 ± 0.12 and 2.25 ± 0.10. ...
Lyapunov Exponents and Localization in Randomly Layered Media

A variety of problems involving disordered systems can be formulated mathematically in terms of products of random transfer matrices, including Ising spin systems, optical and continuum mechanical wave propagation, and lattice dynamical systems. The growth or decay of solutions to these problems is governed by the Lyapunov spectrum of the product of these matrices. For continuum mechanical or optical wave propagation, the transfer matrices arise from the application of boundary conditions at the discontinuities of the medium. Similar matrices arise in lattice-based systems when the equations of motion are solved recursively. For the disordered lattice mechanical system, on which we focus in this paper, the scattering effects of the heterogeneities on a propagating pulse can be characterized by the frequency-dependent localization length?effectively the “skin depth” for multiple-scattering attenuation. Thus there is a close connection in these transfer matrix-based systems between localization and the Lyapunov spectrum. For the one-dimensional lattice, the matrices are 2 × 2 and, assuming certain models of disorder, both Lyapunov exponents are nonzero and sum to zero. Thus all propagating solutions are either exponentially growing or decaying. For higher dimensions the situation is more complicated since there is then a spectrum of exponents, making the calculations more difficult, and it is less clear just how to relate the Lyapunov exponents to a single localization length. Further, unlike for the Schrodinger equation, the transfer matrices associated with the lattice mechanical system are not symplectic. We describe a robust numerical procedure for estimating the Lyapunov spectrum of products of random matrices and show application of the method to the propagation of waves on a lattice. In addition, we show how to estimate the uncertainties of these exponents.
Individual manager experience influences on reverse auction use

Electronic reverse auctions (e-RAs) are complicated sourcing tools that require a degree of mastery in order to achieve desired outcomes. Because the loss of supplier trust lies at the root of the complaints directed toward e-RAs, an individual manager’s experience at building supplier’s trust – or by skilfully implementing or selecting e-RAs – could mitigate this particular downside. These issues prompted an exploration of individual buyer experience as the critical filter through which pass procurement decisions. Findings indicate that the amount of savings is related to the experience specific to e-RA use. General buyer experience predicted e-RA outcomes such as satisfaction and reducing the negative impacts on supplier trust. The presented evidence highlights the difference between knowledge and wisdom – expertise specific to e-RAs may make them more efficient for cost savings, but it takes years of general procurement experience to manage the effects on relationships within and without the organisation.
Formal Analysis of Elastically Supported Beam Columns

A method is presented for the systematic analysis of elastically supported beam-columns or tie-bars in which formal notational devices simplify the handling of complicated discontinuous lateral loads. Various relationships between axial load and support modulus are treated and three particular cases (fixed-fixed, pinned-pinned, and free-free ends) are exhibited.
The microbial quality of a Wetland Reclamation Facility used to produce an effluent for unrestricted non-potable reuse

An auxiliary Wetland Reclamation Facility (WRF) was constructed to receive stabilization pond treated sewage and further treat it with water hyacinth ponds, chemical flocculation, filtration and ultraviolet light disinfection. This was the first facility in Hawaii which was approved to produce the highest quality reclaimed water using alternative treatment schemes. We assessed the effectiveness of the WRF by monitoring water samples after each of the WRF treatment schemes for five genetically different groups of sewage borne microorganisms (fecal coliform, enterococci, C. perfringens , FRNA phage, total heterotrophic bacteria). The concentrations of all fecal indicator microoganisms, especially FRNA phase were low in the influent water to the WRF indicating that extended pond treatment may be especially effective in removing human viruses from sewage. The WRF treatment scheme was calculated to be able to reduce >99.99% of fecal coliform and therefore was able to produce an effluent meeting the non-potable, unrestricted reuse standard of a geometric means of <1 fecal coliform/100 ml.
Target-controlled infusions/patient-controlled sedation

The control of administration of drugs such as propofol is a task that is difficult to master. Two approaches to this task have emerged—target-controlled infusion, and patient-controlled sedation. In the first, a set point for drug in a hypothetical effect site is specified, and the controller delivers drug to hold the predicted concentration at that level. In the second, the patient administers small boluses of drug to maintain comfort. The theoretical basis of these approaches will be reviewed, available technology presented, and practical use of these devices discussed.
Boom, bust, and the poor: Poverty dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa, 1970–1999

Abstract This paper analyzes changes in poverty and inequality in the Middle East and North Africa. It finds that the structural relationship between poverty reduction, income growth and distribution is the same for MENA and other developing economies. Prior to 1985 rapid growth sharply reduced poverty. After 1985, despite very low income growth, a rising share of income accruing to the lowest quintile meant that the average income of the poor rose more rapidly than that of the non-poor. These unusual poverty dynamics were primarily due to international migration. Remittances both increased per capita incomes in labor exporting countries and increased the share of income accruing to the poor.
Social influence and diffusion of responsibility in an emergency

Abstract Latane and Darley have proposed a model of the intervention process which stresses the series of decisions a bystander makes before intervention will occur. The present research examined two of the more important decisions concerning the definition of the situation as an emergency and the responsibility for acting. Ninety female undergraduates overheard one of three different interpretations of an emergency from a confederate who was or was not able to help. The more the confederate indicated that an emergency was taking place the quicker the subjects helped (p
Generalized likelihood ratio detector for small targets in stationary background clutter

A new approach is described for detecting small targets in natural background clutter using multipletime and/or spectral-band imagery. The target detection problem is formulated as a composite hypothesistest in which the alternative hypothesis set is parameterized by the target amplitude and location within theimage set. Thus, the size and shape of the target are assumed to be known, but nothing is assumed for theamplitude or trajectory of the target. The probability density function for the image set is taken to be amultivariate normal density whose covariance is a function of the clutter spatial, temporal, and/or spectraldegrees of freedom. The assumption of small targets allows the clutter statistics to be estimated directlyfrom the input imagery. The resulting processor is a generalized likelihood ratio test in which theunknown target amplitude and location are replaced by their maximum likelihood estimates. Theassumption of spatially stationary background clutter allows the test statistic to be expressed as a set ofspatially filtered images in which each spatial frequency component is processed independently in timeand/or spectral band by a linear transfonnation operating on the input image set. The algorithm can beimplemented either as a block or recursive processor. The latter form requires less storage and allows theclutter statistics to be adaptively updated frame by frame. The approach has been successfully applied to avariety of synthetic and real imagery, including HI-CAMP I and II data. Performance estimates andsamples of unclassified processed imagery are presented.
Social and Romantic Outcomes in Emerging Adulthood Among Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Abstract Purpose To examine social and romantic outcomes among survivors of childhood cancer and comparison peers during the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Methods Families were recruited when the children with cancer were 8–15-years-old and on initial treatment for a malignancy that did not primarily affect the central nervous system (i.e., non-CNS). At that time, each child with cancer was matched to a classmate of similar age, gender, and race for inclusion in a comparison group. For the current follow-up (7.29 years post-diagnosis), 56 survivors, 60 comparison peers, and their parents completed questionnaires after the youth's 18th birthday. Severity of treatment and late effects were rated by health care providers. Results Survivors and comparison peers were similar on a variety of outcomes, including family background, social self-concept, social competence, family relationships, friendships, and romantic relationships. Mothers reported that survivors engaged in fewer activities than comparison peers. The proportion of participants who lived with their parents, were dating, and expressed plans to marry or have children was similar between groups. Initial treatment intensity, time since diagnosis, and severity of late effects were associated with some indices of social adjustment. Conclusions The social and romantic outcomes of survivors of non-CNS cancer were similar to comparison peers during the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Disease and treatment factors had limited associations with outcomes. Clinical interventions to assist social development may not be necessary for all survivors, but additional research is needed to identify subgroups at risk for difficulties.
Parsimonious Design Principles for Motor Unit Models

Motor units are known to display type-specific differences in passive and active electrical properties, and attempts to predict motor unit type based on the measurement of membrane properties have been rather successful. Quantitative models of motoneurons have also grown in complexity and their predictive power is predicated upon the accurate description of basic membrane properties. This paper presents results from a modeling study which sought to specify a small and simple set of ";design rules"; that motoneurons might obey during type-specific differentiation.
Application of the analysis of glottal excitation of stressed speech to speaking style modification

Two extensions of previous research into the combined areas of analysis of stressed speech and glottal modeling are presented. First, a simple pattern recognition principle is used to show that, given an unknown glottal waveform, the style can be correctly identified with roughly 90% accuracy. Deviant styles such as angry, loud, and soft can be correctly identified with accuracy approaching 100%. These results confirm the importance of the glottal excitation in conveying stress and in contributing to the variability of speech waveforms. Second, several speaking style modification algorithms have been developed and are reported. These algorithms are able to modify styled speech to sound more normal and normal speech to sound styled. In one example, subjective listening tests demonstrate that styled speech can be modified to sound significantly more normal with these algorithms. >
Signal transduction inhibitors in treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of hematologic disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis that results in reduced blood counts. Although MDS can transform into leukemia, most of the morbidity experienced by these patients is due to chronically low blood counts. Conventional cytotoxic agents used to treat MDS have yielded some encouraging results but are characterized by many adverse effects in the predominantly elderly patient population. Targeted interventions aimed at reversing the bone marrow failure and increasing the peripheral blood counts would be advantageous in this cohort of patients. Studies have demonstrated over-activated signaling of myelo-suppressive cytokines such as TGF-β, TNF-α and Interferons in MDS hematopoietic stem cells. Targeting these signaling cascades could be potentially therapeutic in MDS. The p38 MAP kinase pathway, which is constitutively activated in MDS, is an example of cytokine stimulated kinase that promotes aberrant apoptosis of stem and progenitor cells in MDS. ARRY-614 and SCIO-469 are p38 MAPK inhibitors that have been used in clinical trials and have shown activity in a subset of MDS patients. TGF-β signaling has been therapeutically targeted by small molecule inhibitor of the TGF-β receptor kinase, LY-2157299, with encouraging preclinical results. Apart from TGF-β receptor kinase inhibition, members of TGF-β super family and BMP ligands have also been targeted by ligand trap compounds like Sotatercept (ACE-011) and ACE-536. The multikinase inhibitor, ON-01910.Na (Rigosertib) has demonstrated early signs of efficacy in reducing the percentage of leukemic blasts and is in advanced stages of clinical testing. Temsirolimus, Deforolimus and other mTOR inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials and have shown preclinical efficacy in CMML. EGF receptor inhibitors, Erlotinib and Gefitinib have shown efficacy in small trials that may be related to off target effects. Cell cycle regulator inhibitors such as Farnesyl transferase inhibitors (Tipifarnib, Lonafarnib) and MEK inhibitor (GSK1120212) have shown acceptable toxicity profiles in small studies and efforts are underway to select mutational subgroups of MDS and AML that may benefit from these inhibitors. Altogether, these studies show that targeting various signal transduction pathways that regulate hematopoiesis offers promising therapeutic potential in this disease. Future studies in combination with high resolution correlative studies will clarify the subgroup specific efficacies of these agents.
Experimental evaluations of open-source Linux-based VPN solutions

Virtual private networks (VPNs) provide a low-cost alternative to leased lines and as such, are becoming increasingly popular among commercial and defense organizations for providing vital inter-office connectivity. Several commercial and open-source VPN products are now available that mainly differ in their capabilities to provide safe and secure services. In this paper, we study fifteen popular open-source Linux-based VPN solutions (OSLVs) and compare them with respect to network performances (bandwidth, delay and latency/jitter), supported features & functionalities (algorithm plug-ins and routing) and operational concerns (security and scalability). Experiments suggest that there is no single OSLV that excels in all the considered aspects and a combination of different solutions and/or tradeoff among desired characteristics may be required to deliver an optimal performance. Also network performance results suggest that OSLVs using UDP tunnels introduce 50% lower overhead, utilize 80% higher bandwidth and have 40-60% lower latency/jitter than those based on TCP
Prenatal ethanol exposure in mice: teratogenic effects.

C57BL/6J mice were fed a liquid diet in which 17, 25, or 30% of the calories were derived from ethanol from the fifth through the tenth day of gestation. Control mice were fed lab chow or pair-fed identical diets, except that sucrose substituted isocalorically for ethanol. At term the fetuses were removed and. following fixation, examined by microdissection. The incidence of fetal resorptions and congenital malformations increased in a dose-related manner. Anomalies included skeletal, neurological, urogenital, and cardiovascular systems. These data indicate that in mice, an alcohol diet which is adequate in vitamins and protein results in increased fetal wastage and birth defects.
Modification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Interactions with Corneal Epithelial Cells by Human Tear Fluid

Both cytotoxic and invasive strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa can damage corneal epithelial cells in vitro, but neither can infect healthy corneas in vivo. We tested the hypothesis that whole human tear fluid can protect corneal epithelia against P. aeruginosa virulence mechanisms. Cultured corneal epithelial cells were inoculated with 106 CFU of one of 10 strains of P. aeruginosa (five cytotoxic, five invasive)/ml with or without reflex tear fluid collected from the conjunctival sacs of human volunteers. Cytotoxicity was assessed by observation of trypan blue staining and measurement of lactate dehydrogenase release; invasion was quantified by using gentamicin survival assays. Tear fluid retarded growth of only 50% of the P. aeruginosa strains (three of five invasive strains, two of five cytotoxic strains) yet protected corneal cells against invasion by or cytotoxicity of 9 of 10 strains. The only strain resistant to the tear cytoprotective effects was susceptible to tear bacteriostatic activity. Dilution of tear fluid threefold significantly reduced cytoprotection, while bacteriostatic activity prevailed with dilutions beyond 100-fold. Sulfacetamide (1 mg/ml) with bacteriostatic activity matching that of tear fluid was less cytoprotective than tear fluid (80% protection with tear fluid, 48% with sulfacetamide). Video microscopy revealed bacterial chain formation in both tear fluid and sulfacetamide, but tear fluid also blocked bacterial swimming motility. After prolonged tear contact, bacteria regained normal growth rates, swimming motility, and cytotoxic activity, suggesting a breakdown of protective tear factors. Boiled tear fluid lost bacteriostatic activity and effects on bacterial motility but retained cytoprotective function. These results suggest that human tear fluid can protect corneal epithelial cells against P. aeruginosa virulence mechanisms in a manner not dependent upon bacteriostatic activity or effects on bacterial motility. Whether overlapping tear film components are involved in these defense functions is to be determined.
Parasitic-Aware Analytical Modeling of Fully Integrated Switchable Narrow-Band CMOS Low Noise Amplifiers

In this paper, we present an accurate and efficient analytical modeling methodology for fully integrated switchable narrow-band CMOS low noise amplifiers (LNA) in multi-band wireless systems. We employ this modeling methodology to choose the most suitable values for specific passive elements. These passive elements were chosen based on sensitivity analysis study to tune the circuit over the different frequency bands. In order to accurately predict both the impedance matching and the noise figure, the modeling methodology captures the impact of parasitics on passive components, ESD-protection structures, and devices. Our design example is a tri-band switchable narrow-band LNA that operates at 900MHz, 2.4GHz and 5.2GHz, representing the GSM, Bluetooth and WLAN standards. Based on our sensitivity analysis, we defined the most effective passive elements that can be used to tune the circuit over the three frequency bands while achieving the required performance and minimizing the number of the switchable elements. Simulation results demonstrate that our automated design methodology achieves the required LNA specifications over the tri-band while providing five orders of magnitude improvement in design space exploration speed over circuit-level based methodology.
Induction of H3.3 replacement histone mRNAs during the precommitment period of murine erythroleukemia cell differentiation

Differential hybridization to a cDNA library made from the mRNA of differentiating mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) cells has been used to identify sequences that are induced during the early stages of MEL cell differentiation. One of the differentially expressed genes identified encodes the H3.3 histone subtype. We show here that the three polyadenylated mRNAs produced from the H3.3B gene, as well as the single mRNA produced from the related H3.3A gene, are coordinately induced during the first few hours of MEL cell differentiation and subsequently down regulated as cells undergo terminal differentiation. Nuclear run-on transcription experiments indicate that the accumulation and decay of these mRNAs are controlled at the post-transcriptional level. Unlike the polyadenylated mRNAs of two H1 histone genes that exhibit similar kinetics of induction and decay controlled by c-myc, induction of the H3.3 mRNAs is unaffected by deregulated expression of c-myc.
Application of a population-based severity scoring system to individual patients results in frequent misclassification.

Introduction APACHE II (AP2) was developed to allow a systematic examination of intensive care unit outcomes in a risk adjusted manner. AP2 has been widely adopted in clinical trials to assure broad consistency amongst different groups. Although errors in calculating the true AP2 score may not be reducible below 15%, the self-canceling effect of random errors reduces the importance of such errors when applied to large populations. It has been suggested that a threshold AP2 score be used in clinical decision making for individual patients. This study reports the AP2 scoring errors of researchers involved in a large sepsis trial and models the consequences of such an error rate for individual severe sepsis patients.
Time management in distributed factory simulation, a case study using HLA

DAistributed simulation is attractive for modeling large scale manufacturing systems. However, synchronization requirements present distinct challenges in designing and implementing a suitable modeling structure. Our experience in building a distributed simulation model for 300mm wafer fab using the High Level Architecture (HLA) shows that time management should be considered at both the design and the implementation stages. This paper proposes an optimistic-conservative synchronization scheme by using model specific information at the implementation stage. Computational results are then presented to show that properly implemented distributed factory simulation can achieve significant reduction in model execution time.
Interactions between Oral Bacteria: Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans Bacteriocin Production by Streptococcus gordonii

Streptococcus mutans has been recognized as an important etiological agent in human dental caries. Some strains of S. mutans also produce bacteriocins. In this study, we sought to demonstrate that bacteriocin production by S. mutans strains GS5 and BM71 was mediated by quorum sensing, which is dependent on a competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) signaling system encoded by the com genes. We also demonstrated that interactions with some other oral streptococci interfered with S. mutans bacteriocin production both in broth and in biofilms. The inhibition of S. mutans bacteriocin production by oral bacteria was stronger in biofilms than in broth. Using transposon Tn916 mutagenesis, we identified a gene (sgc; named for Streptococcus gordonii challisin) responsible for the inhibition of S. mutans bacteriocin production by S. gordonii Challis. Interruption of the sgc gene in S. gordonii Challis resulted in attenuated inhibition of S. mutans bacteriocin production. The supernatant fluids from the sgc mutant did not inactivate the exogenous S. mutans CSP as did those from the parent strain Challis. S. gordonii Challis did not inactivate bacteriocin produced by S. mutans GS5. Because S. mutans uses quorum sensing to regulate virulence, strategies designed to interfere with these signaling systems may have broad applicability for biological control of this caries-causing organism.
T-lymphocytes modulate the microvascular and inflammatory responses to intestinal ischemia-reperfusion.

Objective:The overall objective of this study was to define the contribution of T-lymphocytes to the microvascular and inflammatory responses of the intestine to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Methods:The superior mesenteric artery of wild-type (WT) and SCID mice was occluded for 45 minutes, followed by 30 minutes or 6 hours of reperfusion. Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to monitor the extravasation of FITC-labeled albumin or the adhesion of carboxy-fluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labeled T-lymphocytes in mucosal venules of the postischemic intestine. Tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) was used to monitor neutrophil accumulation in the intestine of WT and SCID mice. Results:Although the number of adherent T-cells was not increased above baseline at 1 hour after reperfusion, significant T-cell adhesion (both CD4+and CD8+) was noted at 6 hours of reperfusion. The latter response was prevented by pretreatment with a blocking antibody directed against MAdCAM-1, but not ICAM-1 or VCAM-1. A ...
Abstract 74: The Inflammatory Phenotype Of Mesenchymal Fibroblasts And Its Role In Aging Dependent Cardiac Fibrosis- A Target For Statins?

In the aging mouse (C57BL/6) myocardium fibrosis steadily increases after 14 months of age and is accompanied by elevated numbers of myeloid derived fibroblasts. Recently, we proposed a mechanism by which inflammatory mesenchymal fibroblasts (IMF) derived from mesenchymal stem cells secrete monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) necessary for myeloid fibroblast induction in the aging heart. The current study extends the characterization of this inflammatory phenotype by describing elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion and increased expression of IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) in IMF. Since IL-6R lacks an intracellular domain it requires a co-receptor gp130 (generally expressed) to induce an intracellular signal. Thus, generation of an IL-6R soluble receptor allows IL-6 signaling on cells that do not express IL-6R (or expression is low), such as endothelial cells. We investigate the function of IL-6 and IL-6R in the promotion of transendothelial migration of monocytes through cardiac endothelium and their mat...
Eucharitidae (Hymenoptera), a chalcid wasp family new to the fauna of Poland

Eucharis adscendens (FABRICIUS, 1787) (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eucharitidae) is reported as occurring in the Mazovian Lowland in central Poland. This represents the first record of the entire family Eucharitidae in Poland, which extends further to the north the geographical range of Eucharitidae in central Europe. E. adscendens was observed ovipositing into the flower buds of an umbellifer Peucedanum oreoselinum (L.) MOENCH. The most likely hosts of this chalcid species at this Mazovian location are ants of the genus Formica L.
Effect of light intensity on algal biomass accumulation and biodiesel production for mixotrophic strains Chlorella kessleri and Chlorella protothecoide cultivated in highly concentrated municipal wastewater

In this research, the effect of light intensity on biomass accumulation, wastewater nutrient removal through algae cultivation, and biodiesel productivity was investigated with algae species Chlorella kessleri and Chlorella protothecoide. The light intensities studied were 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 200 µmol m(-2) s(-1). The results showed that light intensity had profound impact on tested responses for both strains, and the dependence of these responses on light intensity varied with different algae strains. For C. kessleri, the optimum light intensity was 120 µmol m(-2) S(-1) for all responses except for COD removal. For C. protothecoide, the optimum light intensity was 30 µmol m(-2) S(-1). The major components of the biodiesel produced from algae biomass were 16-C and 18-C FAME, and the highest biodiesel contents were 24.19% and 19.48% of dried biomass for C. kessleri and C. protothecoide, respectively. Both species were capable of wastewater nutrients removal under all lighting conditions with high removal efficiencies.
A high performance profile-biomarker diagnosis for mass spectral profiles

Background Although mass spectrometry based proteomics demonstrates an exciting promise in complex diseases diagnosis, it remains an important research field rather than an applicable clinical routine for its diagnostic accuracy and data reproducibility. Relatively less investigation has been done yet in attaining high-performance proteomic pattern classification compared with the amount of endeavours in enhancing data reproducibility.