cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Construction of multiband uncertainty set for building energy management with uncertain loads and solar power

For the optimal operation of building energy systems with uncertain energy consumption and renewable solar energy supply, the construction of uncertainty set is becoming especially important due to the conservatism of the solution in robust optimization. The general two-stage robust optimization with single-band uncertainty model considers the entire uncertain set for any uncertainty, which would result in too conservative solutions. In order to flexibly adapt the decision solutions for the robust optimal operation of building energy systems, the multiband uncertainty concept is introduced in adaptive robust optimization. An efficient method is defined to partitioning the single uncertainty band into multiple sub-bands on the basis of stochastic programming. And each individual uncertainty set is associated with a certain probability. The numerical study shows that the concept of multiband uncertainty set introduces great flexibility into the adaptive robust optimization model for the optimal operation of building energy systems.
Wafer-Testing of Optoelectonic–Gigascale CMOS Integrated Circuits

Gigascale integration (GSI) chips with high bandwidth, integrated optoelectronics (OE), and photonic components are an emerging technology. In this paper, we present the prospects and opportunities for wafer-testing of chips with electrical and optical I/O interconnects. The issues and requirements of testing OE-GSI ICs during high-volume manufacturing are identified and discussed. Two probe substrate technologies based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for simultaneously interfacing with a multitude of surface-normal optical I/Os and high-density electrical I/Os are detailed. The first probe substrate comprises vertically compliant probes for contacting electrical I/Os and grating-in-waveguide I/Os for optical probing. The second MEMS probe module uses microsockets and through-substrate interconnects to contact pillar-shaped electrical and optical I/Os and to redistribute signals, respectively.
Cognitive Changes Associated with Central Nervous System Malignancies and Treatment

Objectives To review the cognitive changes associated with infiltrative, malignant brain tumors and treatments for brain tumors. Data Source Review of journal articles and textbooks. Conclusion Improvements in surgical, radiation, and medical therapies for central nervous system malignancies have resulted in increased patient survival. However, an increase in cognitive decline also has been associated with the presence of tumor and with tumor treatment modalities. Consequently, a negative impact on quality of life, as well as additional stress on caregivers occurs. Implications for Nursing Practice The role of the neuro-oncology nurse is to assist in identifying cognitive impairments in patients with central nervous system malignancies, and to aid in promoting strategies for improved quality of life for patients and their caregivers. The long-term goal for the neuro-oncology community is to further improve treatments, to minimize side effects and, ultimately, to reduce the cognitive sequelae of these tumors and their treatments.
Stacking interactions of nickel bis(dithiolene) with benzene

Abstract Density functional theory with dispersion correction has been used to letter the stacking interactions of nickel bis(dithiolene) and benzene. Two different orientations of benzene molecule towards nickel bis(dithiolene) are considered, and they are close in energy. Detailed investigations discover that these two orientations could change from one to the other when benzene moving along the nickel bis(dithiolene). The stacking interaction energy is found to be very high, compared with other similar systems. This stacking complex as one building unit could stimulate further letter on the bilayer of 2D nickel bis(dithiolene) nanosheet and graphene, which is useful in the molecular electronics.
Detection and identification of potential land mine hazards by waterjet use

The impact of a waterjet stream emits an acoustic signal when the jet strikes a buried target object. The structure of the sound emitted depends on the energy in the jet, the target which is struck, and the surrounding media. A high pressure (less than 5000 psi) waterjet of diameter 0.01 inches can penetrate into the ground to a depth of greater than 8 inches in less than 0.02 seconds and will generate a distinct acoustic signal from any obstruction it encounters as it makes that hole. By analyzing the sounds generated from a series of jets, located at 2 - 3 inch intervals over the path width of a remotely controlled detection unit, it is possible to identify the location of suspicious objects ahead of a vehicle. Flow rates for such a system, which can cover a path width of 36 inches at walking speeds, are anticipated to be around 5 gallons per minute. We have made initial measurements on acoustic signals generated by waterjet impact and found that the response from buried land mines appears to be Gaussian, thus allowing second order statistics to characterize the signals. We have shown that under laboratory conditions, the power spectrum can be used to discriminate land mines from other underground objects such as rocks and metal pipes.
Modeling in Multiphase Reactor Design: Solid Phase Residence Time Distribution in Three-Phase Sparged Reactors

Gas−liquid−noncatalytic solid reactions are typically conducted in three phase sparged reactors. Modeling of the particle size residence time distribution (RTD) and verification/validation of the models is essential for fundamental understanding and design of these multiphase reactors. A brief review and analysis of the RTD models reported in the literature is presented in this paper. Earlier investigations in this field typically employ the axial dispersion model to describe the RTD. It is shown that the tanks-in-series model can equally be applied in such cases. These single-parameter models are simplistic in nature and do not reflect accurately the flow behavior of solids in the three phase sparged reactors. Recent phenomenological approaches to modeling involve using a tanks-in-series model in parallel or countercurrent recycle mode with a plug flow reactor. These models have better accuracy but are also more complex and require specifications of several more parameters. Further developments in the fi...
Role of carbon dioxide fixation, blood aspartate and glutamate in the adaptation of amphibian brain tissues to a hyperosmotic internal environment.

Mechanisms have been examined by which hyperosmotic blood plasma might elevate the levels of aspartate and glutamate in the brain of the toadBufo boreas. CO2 fixation was assessed by two in vivo methods using [2-14C]glucose injected intracisternally. Thirty minutes after injection, the14C labeling of glutamate and aspartate was more than 100 times greater in brain than in liver. In brain tissues, 40+% of14C atoms appeared to be incorporated into aspartate via the pyruvate carboxylase pathway. Brain tissues of control toads and toads adapting or adapted to hyperosmotic plasma osmolality revealed no differences in the rate of CO2 fixation as related to glucose utilization or tissue pool sizes of glutamate and aspartate. Elevated levels of these amino acids in blood plasma preceded increases in brain tissues. Carbon atoms required during hyperosmotic adaptation for expansion of amino acid pools in brain tissues may, in part, originate from amino acids in blood but apparently not from CO2 fixation in brain.
Larval Mine Characteristics of Five Species of Leaf-Mining Insects in Black Locust, Robinia pseudoacacia

The larval mines of Xenochalepus dorsalis Thunberg, Parectopa robiniella Clemens, Lithocolletis ostensackenella (Fitch), L. robiniella Clemens, and an unidentified dipterous species are discussed. The distinctive leaf mine characteristics from the very early stages of mining to the mature mines are given for each species with specific reference to (1) the horizontal extension of the mine, (2) area of leaflet preferred, (3) coloration of the mine, (4) methods of escape from the mine and entrance to secondary mine where this is characteristic, (5) the vertical extension of the mine, and (6) the method of frass disposition or disposal. A series of frass patterns is depicted graphically for L. ostensackenella and L. robiniella , to illustrate the variation in the pattern of frass deposition which may occur within a single species, and to illustrate the differences that occur between species.
Episodic to chronic migraine: The basis for the transformation

CM is currently defined as headache on 15 days month for 3 months with 8 days month fulfilling criteria for migraine and or respond to a triptan or ergot. The estimated prevalence of CM worldwide is 1% to 3%, and every year, between 2.5 and 4.6% of people with episodic migraine experience progression to chronic migraine. Long-term follow up over 3 years indicates that only 26% experience remission of chronic migraine (defined as 10 days per month) acute headache pain medications. Experiments in animal models have revealed persistent pronociceptive adaptations following exposure to opioids and triptans, resulting in enhanced sensitivity to stimuli that trigger migraine in humans. These findings could provide insight into the adaptive changes that occur in patients who have chronic migraine associated with medication overuse and thus further elucidate the pathophysi-ology of chronic migraine.
Diagnostic neural adaptive control of drifting systems

A hierarchical network of neural network planning and control is employed to successfully accomplish a task such as grasping in a cluttered real world environment. In order for the individual robot joint controllers to follow their specific reference commands, information is shared with other neural network controllers and planners within the hierarchy. Each joint controller is initialized with weights that will acceptably control given a change in any of several crucial parameters across a broad operating range. When increased accuracy is needed as parameters drift, the diagnostic node fuzzy supervisor interprets the controller network's diagnostic outputs and transitions the weights to a closest fit specificchild controller. Future reference commands are in turn influenced by the diagnostic outputs of every robot joint neural network controller. The neural network controller and diagnostics are demonstrated for linear and nonlinear plants.
Discrete element model for an attritor mill with impeller responding to interactions with milling balls

Abstract This work advances discrete element modeling (DEM) as a tool for predicting milling progress for mechanical alloying, reactive milling, and similar mechanical milling-based techniques for material preparation and modification. DEM is used to predict the rate of energy dissipation by the milling tools, which is correlated with the milling progress. The model is considered for attritor mills, which are most likely to be used in industrial settings. In attritor mills, milling balls may jam causing an increased resistance to the impeller's rotation. The impeller may, therefore, instantaneously slow down, quickly returning to its pre-set rotation rate. Previous DEM models did not account for such rapid changes in the impeller's rotation rate, which caused gross errors in the predicted rates of energy dissipation. Experiments using a laboratory mill established a correlation between the impeller's torque and instantaneous rotation rate. This correlation was programmed in a DEM model, where changes in the rotation rate could occur because of the impeller's interaction with milling balls. Predicted energy dissipation rates were shown to correlate well with the experimental data. A modified DEM approach enables one to accurately predict milling conditions for different scale attritor mills necessary for manufacturing advanced materials.
Truth and meaning redux

In this paper, we defend Davidson's program in truth-theoretical semantics against recent criticisms by Scott Soames. We argue that Soames has misunderstood Davidson's project, that in consequence his criticisms miss the mark, that appeal to meanings as entities in the alternative approach that Soames favors does no work, and that the approach is no advance over truth-theoretic semantics.
Analyticity and the Analysis Relation

Quine famously argued that analyticity is indefinable, since there is no good account of analyticity in terms of synonymy, and intensions are of no help since there are no intensions. Yet if there are intensions, the question still remains as to the right account of analyticity in terms of them. On the assumption that intensions must be admitted, the present paper considers two such accounts. The first analyzes analyticity in terms of concept identity, and the second analyzes analyticity in terms of the analysis relation. The first fails in light of possible counterexamples. The second is defended, both by considering test cases of intuitively clear analyticities, and by developing the account in light of possible counterexamples.
Structural analysis of oligosaccharides by tandem mass spectrometry: Collisional activation of sodium adduct ions

The collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) spectra of the sodium adduct ions of several oligosaccharides were obtained and compared to CAD spectra of the protonated molecules. Isomeric lacto-N-fucopentose I and lacto-N-fucopentose II, stachyose and maltodecaose are discussed here. Both natriated and protonated molecules provide familiar oxonium ion series through bond scissions in the glycosidic linkages under 8 keV collisions with helium. Natriated adducts also undergo two-bond cross-ring cleavages analogous to those observed in the laser desorption mass spectra of oligosaccharides. The relative contributions of glycosidic and cross-ring ion series in the CAD spectra of sodium adducts of carbohydrates are dependent on and can be controlled by collision energies in the 1-8 keV range.
Late prehistoric soil fertility, irrigation management, and agricultural production in northwest coastal Peru

The Pampa de Chaparri (Pampa) in hyperarid northwest coastal Peru is an ideal area to study late prehispanic agricultural technology and production because irrigation canals and furrowed fields have been preserved since abandonment approximately 500 years ago. We collected 55 samples for soil characterization, fertility, and micromorphic analyses and compared these results to a noncultivated control soil previously sampled in an adjacent valley. Natural soil fertility levels for maize, cotton, and bean production were generally high during late prehispanic cultivation in the Pampa. Maintaining adequate nitrogren levels for production, however, would have required external inputs from livestock manure, guano, or leguminous plants. The management of low soil salinity levels was possible because of rapidly permeable soils and irrigation waters low in salt. Based on available water capacity and climate conditions, the Blaney-Criddle Equation yields evapotranspiration rates indicating that irrigation frequency was necessary in a range of every 10–16 days during the growing season. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utilization of fast qPCR techniques to detect the amphibian chytrid fungus: a cheaper and more efficient alternative method

Summary A pathogen of great significance to amphibian populations is the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). It has been demonstrated as causing recent epizootics in wild populations and is also widely found in captive animals. It is listed as a notifiable disease within the pet, bait and food trade because of its risk of introduction into wild populations. Due to this status, there has been much emphasis on reliably identifying and quantifying the pathogens in amphibians. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has served as the recent standard for identifying this pathogen's presence. Newer technologies have greatly improved these reactions enabling researchers to use smaller volumes and run the reactions in less time. These ‘fast’ qPCR chemistries are gaining popularity because the reduced volumes required to run the reactions can save funding resources and reduce the time to data acquisition. In this study, we compare the results from differing reaction methodologies using the same DNA extracts from pathogens collected from wild sampled amphibians. In addition to comparing the standard methodology and fast methodology for both pathogens, we also conducted a reduced volume methodology using the standard TaqMan chemistry for Bd. Estimated pathogen loads from 114 field swab samples were compared among methodologies. We found that for Bd, all three methodologies produced similar results for prevalence (presence/absence) estimates. In terms of estimating pathogen loads in the samples, both the standard and fast methodologies produced comparable estimates but the reduced volume methodology exhibited significantly lower values. Therefore, it appears that the fast methodology is adequate for use with Bd, and potentially several other wildlife pathogens, in estimating both prevalence and quantity, but the reduced volume methodology is inadequate and not recommended for use in quantifying samples.
Use of Preoperative CHA2DS2-VASc Score to Predict the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Nested Case–Control Study from the Atrial Fibrillation Suppression Trials (AFIST) I, II, and III

Study Objective To evaluate whether the preoperative CHA2DS2-VASc score predicts the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiothoracic surgery (CTS). Design Retrospective, nested case–control study. Patients A total of 560 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valvular surgery from the Atrial Fibrillation Suppression Trials I, II, and III. Measurements and Main Results All variables showing a univariate association (p≤0.20) with AF occurrence were entered into a backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis to control for potential confounders and to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The population was age 67.8 ± 8.6 (mean ± SD) years and 77.1% male, with CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 0–1 (low) in 34 patients (6.1%), 2–3 (medium) in 261 patients (46.6%), and more than 3 (high) in 265 patients (47.3%). Post-CTS AF occurred in 177 patients (31.6%), with 27%, 23%, and 41% in the low–, medium–, and high–CHA2DS2-VASc score groups, respectively. The high-score group had a 2.3-fold increased odds of developing AF versus the medium-score group (p<0.0001). The differences between the high- and medium-score groups when each group was compared with the low-score group were not statistically significant. On the multivariate logistic regression analysis, CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with development of AF (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.06–1.36). Conclusion Increasing CHA2DS2-VASc score was an independent predictor for the development of post-CTS AF, with patients in the high-score group having the highest overall incidence.
The Climatology of Blocking Events in a Perpetual January Simulation of a Spectral General Circulation Model.

Abstract A variety of statistical comparisons is made between the fluctuations occurring in a 1200-day perpetual January simulation of a spectral general circulation model and those occurring in a 20-winter data set. Attention is focused on the persistent anomalies with lifetimes greater than one week. Over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, we show that there is generally good agreement between modeled and observed persistent anomalies in their frequency of occurrence and mean lifetime. However, we note a striking deficiency in the simulation of persistent anomalies over the Soviet Union. We focus further on a subset of persistent anomalies blocking highs, and show that the model blocks have vertical structure in agreement with observations. We also show an example of the development of a blocking event which follows an episode of explosive cyclogenesis. Finally, we show an example of the interaction of low-and high-frequency eddies during a period of blocking and at the termination of model blocking. The ...
Measurements of oscillator strengths for EUV emissions of ionized oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur

Oscillator-strength determinations for EUV branching emissions of atomic oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur are reported. The transitions studied were excited using a beam-foil source and both branching ratios and radiative lifetimes were determined. Calculated transition-probability data for multiply-ionized neon and oxygen emissions were used to obtain an in situ relative sensitivity curve for the EUV detection system used. New oscillator strengths for NII, OII, SII, and SIII EUV branching emissions that terminate on metastable states of the respective ions are reported, together with new lifetime data for ionized sulfur emissions.
Consequences of structural and biophysical studies for the molecular mechanism of photosynthetic oxygen evolution: functional roles for calcium and bicarbonate

Possible chemical mechanisms for catalyzing O2 evolution from water in natural photosynthesis are summarized, based on the atomic and electronic structures of the inorganic core as revealed by spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction experiments and insights gained from inorganic complexes that achieve O–O bond formation. The thermodynamic and kinetic requirements for this multi-step reaction are reexamined, including the coupling of the individual electron-proton steps (PCET) and the O–O bond formation step. The four oxygen atoms at the corners of the proposed hetero-cubical Mn3CaO4 core (3 μ3-oxos and one μ4-oxo) can be distinguished by the number and types of chemical bonds to Ca2+ and Mn (geometries and orbital hybridization). Two of these μ3-oxos, postulated as substrates, are located at unique sites indicative of sp2 + pπ hybridized orbitals. Both proposed substrate oxos are strongly hydrogen-bonded to different protein carboxylate residues, which are postulated as the initial proton transfer sites. Ca2+ is weakly bonded to these substrate oxos via non-directional ionic bonds that are postulated to provide stereochemical flexibility for the homolytic formation of the O–O bond. A previously postulated heterolytic pathway involving an electrophilic oxo and nucleophilic hydroxide species is reevaluated. We extend this mechanism by postulating roles for (bi)carbonate either in proton transfer or delivering the nucleophile for O2 formation.
Making Goals Effective: A Primer for Coaches

The purpose of this paper is to present coaches with guidelines for setting up a goal-setting program. Research in sport and organizational psychology is briefly reviewed to provide a background of empirical support for the positive effects of goal setting on performance along with specifying different types of goals. Goal principles reviewed include making goals specific and measurable, written, realistic/challenging, short and long-term, and both individual and team-oriented. In addition, goals need to have specific implementation plans, be used extensively in practice, and be used in combinations. A case study which focuses on a goal-setting program is presented which highlights the process of goal implementation.
Formication and Azathioprine Therapy

Excerpt Formication (Latin: formica, ant), a variant of pruritus or paresthesia in which there is the sensation of ants crawling over the skin, was recently observed during azathioprine (Imuran®; B...
CALCULATIONS OF BIOELECTRIC POTENTIALS : V. POTENTIALS IN HALICYSTIS.

Interest in the study of Halicystis and of Valonia has been stimulated by discoveries of marked contrasts and striking similarities existing side by side. This is illustrated by new experiments with the alkali metals and alkaline earths. In Halicystis the apparent mobilities of K+, Rb+, Cs+, and Li+ (calculated by means of Henderson's equation from changes in P.D. produced by replacing sea water by a mixture of equal parts of sea water and 0.6 M of various chlorides) are as follows, uK, = 16, uRb = 16, uCs = 4.4, and uLi = 0.2; uNa is taken as 0.2. These values resemble those in Valonia except that in the latter uCs is about 0.2. No calculation is made for uNHNH4, because in these experiments even at low pH so much NH3 is present that the sign of the P.D. may reverse. This does not happen with Valonia. According to Blinks, NH4+ at pH 5 in low concentrations acts like K+. The calculation gives uMg = 1.9 which is similar to the value found for Valonia. No calculation can be made for CaCl2 since it produces protoplasmic alterations and in consequence Henderson's equation does not apply. This differs from Valonia. Evidently these plants agree closely in some aspects of electrical behavior but differ widely in others.
Phase II trial of didemnin B in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

Twenty-three patients with advanced renal cell cancer were treated with Didemnin B. One partial response was achieved (5%) in 21 evaluable patients. An allergic reaction was noted in four patients including one patient with anaphylaxis. Didemnin B is not recommended in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.
Development of a cell-based screening assay for invertebrate molting disruption

The use of transgenic cell lines for relatively rapid, sensitive and reproducible assays for the detection and semi-quantitative measurement of contaminants in environmental media has increased in recent years. For example, many accepted assays rely on the arylhydrocarbon receptor interaction to screen for dioxins and related compounds in environmental samples. However, these systems are poorly developed or absent in lower organisms, and since arylhydrocarbon receptor interaction is a necessary early step in the development of dioxin toxicity, dioxins are relatively non-toxic to invertebrates. As a result, assays based on this interaction have no relevance for assessing the risk of environmental contamination to these organisms at the base of all food chains. Alternatively, arthropods possess highly developed ecdysone receptor systems that can be used similarly to the arylhydrocarbon receptor system as the basis of an assay with high relevance for these important classes of invertebrates. A new transgenic...
Amino acid adsorption on zeolite β

A thermodynamic equilibrium model has been developed to describe amino acid adsorption on microporous materials. The model addresses electrostatic, hydrophobic and steric interactions. A procedure for fitting the model's parameters is presented and should be applicable to the majority of the common 20 amino acids. The approach is demonstrated using experimental measurements of L-phenylalanine and L-arginine on zeolite beta. Between the adsorption mechanisms of ion exchange and physisorption, the first can contribute as much as two-thirds of the phenylalanine adsorbed at saturation. For the materials tested, ion exchange is maximized when the zeolite's silicon-to-aluminum ratio is 12. When this atom ratio is raised to 100, ion exchange no longer plays a significant role, but the amount physisorbed increases by 30%.
A validation of the method of amplitude density functions in computing the S-matrix for a scattering problem.

S matrix elements for diatomic molecule rotational excitation by scattered atom computed by Amplitude Density Functions method
A Relationship Between Harris Factors and Guttman's Sixth Lower Bound To Reliability.

Using an approach nearly identical to one adopted by Guttman, it is established that within the framework of classical test theory the squared multiple correlation for predicting an element of a composite measure from then — 1 remaining elements is a lower-bound to the reliability of the element. The relationship existing between the reliabilities of the elements of a composite measure and their squared-multiple correlations with remaining elements is used to derive Guttman's sixth lower bound (λ6) to the reliability of a composite measure. It is shown that Harris factors of a correlation matrixR are associated with a set of (observable) uncorrelated latent variables having maximum coefficientsλ6.
The Imataca Complex near Cerro Bolivar, Venezuela — a calc-alkaline Archean protolith

Abstract The Imataca Complex in an area near Cerro Bolivar, Venezuela, consists of a conformable, predominantly acid, compositionally-intergradational, sequence of acid, intermediate and mafic granulites, granitic gneisses and amphibolites with minor iron-formation and other metasedimentary interlayers. Major- and trace-element compositions of granulites, granitic gneisses, and amphibolites, and compositional relations in pyroxenes and irontitanium oxides indicate an igneous protolith. Pyroxenes and oxides in the granulites appear to be relict igneous phases, and record TfO2 of original igneous crystallization, despite high-grade metamorphism. Mineral thermometers in granitic gneisses (biotite, FeTi oxides) and in metasedimentary biotite gneisses (cordieritegarnet, FeTi oxides) indicate metamorphic TPT of 625–675°C, 4–6.5 kbar. Major- and trace-element variations in meta-igneous granulites, granitic gneisses, and amphibolites are calc-alkaline in character, and the sequence, particularly in its predominantly acid composition, most closely resembles continental (i.e., “Andean”) calc-alkaline series. Mafic granulites and amphibolites, however, are tholeiitic and relatively iron-rich. The compositional similarity between the Imataca series and other granulite series raises the possibility that acidic calc-alkaline continental volcanism may be more important in the Archean than recent emphasis on greenstones and island-arc oceanic types of volcanism would suggest.
Internal motions of HII regions and giant HII regions

We report new echelle observations of the kinematics of 30 HII regions in the LMC, including the 30 Doradus giant HII region. All of the HII regions possess supersonic velocity dispersions, which can be attributed to a combination of turbulent motions and discrete velocity splitting produced by stellar winds and/or embedded supernova remnants (SNRs). The core of 30 Dor is unique, with a complex velocity structure that parallels its chaotic optical morphology. We use our calibrated echelle data to measure the physical properties and energetic requirements of these velocity structures. The most spectacular structures in 30 Dor are several fast expanding shells, which appear to be produced at least partially by SNRs.
Antioxidant effects of tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives identified in aged garlic extract

1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-beta-carboline derivatives (THbetaCs) are formed through Pictet-Spengler chemical condensation between tryptophan and aldehydes during food production, storage and processing. In the present study, in order to identify the antioxidants in aged garlic extract (AGE), we fractionated it and identified four THbetaCs; 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acids (MTCC) and 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (MTCdiC) in both diastereoisomers using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Interestingly, these compounds were not detected in raw garlic, but the contents increased during the natural aging process of garlic. In in vitro assay systems, all of these compounds have shown strong hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities. (1S, 3S)-MTCdiC was found to be stronger than the common antioxidant, ascorbic acid. MTCC and MTCdiC inhibited AAPH-induced lipid peroxidation. Both MTCdiCs also inhibited LPS-induced nitrite production from murine macrophages at 10-100 microM. Our data suggest that these compounds are potent antioxidants in AGE, and thus may be useful for prevention of disorders associated with oxidative stress.
Two-photon calcium imaging from head-fixed Drosophila during optomotor walking behavior

Drosophila melanogaster is a model organism rich in genetic tools to manipulate and identify neural circuits involved in specific behaviors. Here we present a technique for two-photon calcium imaging in the central brain of head-fixed Drosophila walking on an air-supported ball. The ball's motion is tracked at high resolution and can be treated as a proxy for the fly's own movements. We used the genetically encoded calcium sensor, GCaMP3.0, to record from important elements of the motion-processing pathway, the horizontal-system lobula plate tangential cells (LPTCs) in the fly optic lobe. We presented motion stimuli to the tethered fly and found that calcium transients in horizontal-system neurons correlated with robust optomotor behavior during walking. Our technique allows both behavior and physiology in identified neurons to be monitored in a genetic model organism with an extensive repertoire of walking behaviors.
Tracking error signal generation for a raster scanned optical disc system

This work presents a new method for increasing the data rate of an optical disc system. The system uses an electro-optic beam scanner to raster scan the disc, potentially allowing increased data rates during writing as well as reading. In particular, the paper discusses the required modifications to the tracking system, and proposes a new method for generating the tracking error signal. This method does not require synchronization with the driving signal, and is realizable using the available hardware.
Why PT3? An Analysis of the Impact of Educational Technology

This paper examines three questions regarding the use of computer technologies and education. The first question addresses the effects of computer technologies on student achievement, the second regards the effects of computer technologies on school climate, and the final question examines the cost efficacy of computer technologies in our nation’s schools. Using the most recent literature reviews, recent studies, and survey research that was not included in the most recent reviews, our synthesis of the data demonstrates an overall positive effect that computers have on student achievement and on the school environment. It also appears that using the latest computer technologies to keep the United States competitive in the global economy is cost effective.
Recovery of Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria in Sinus Fungal Ball

This case study with chart review describes the aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of specimens obtained from 47 patients with Aspergillus spp fungus ball. Bacteria were recovered from 32 of the 47 (68%) patients. Eighty-six isolates, 29 aerobic and facultatives and 57 anaerobic, were recovered. Aerobic and facultatives only were recovered in 6 instances (19% of culture-positive specimens), anaerobes only in 11 (34%), and mixed aerobes and anaerobes in 15 (47%). The predominant aerobes were Staphylococcus aureus (6 isolates), α-hemolytic streptococci (5 isolates), Enterobacteriacae (4 isolates), and microaerophilic streptococci (4 isolates). The predominant anaerobes were Gram-negative bacilli (26), Peptostreptococcus spp (14), and Fusobacterium spp. (10). Twenty-two β-lactamase-producing bacteria were recovered from 15 patients. These included all 6 S aureus and 2 Bacteroides fragilis group isolates, 4 of 10 of Fusobacteria, and 7 of 19 Prevotella and Porphyromonas. This study demonstrates the recovery of polymicrobial aerobic-anaerobic flora in the sinuses of patients with fungus ball.
Role of Vaccinia Virus A20R Protein in DNA Replication: Construction and Characterization of Temperature-Sensitive Mutants

Poxviruses, of which vaccinia virus is the prototype, are unique among DNA viruses in that they reproduce exclusively in the cytoplasm of host cells and consequently encode most of the enzymes and factors for transcription, genome replication, and virion assembly (19). Biochemical and genetic approaches have provided information regarding the roles of approximately half of the 200 proteins thought to be encoded within the 192-kbp double-stranded DNA genome of vaccinia virus. Insights regarding the roles of additional viral proteins could be obtained by determining their interactions with proteins of known function. With this objective, a genome-wide yeast two-hybrid analysis of vaccinia virus open reading frames (ORFs) was performed (16). Of the approximately 70,000 pairwise interactions assayed, 37 scored positive. An intriguing finding was that the protein encoded by the A20R ORF interacted with the proteins encoded by three other ORFs: D4R, D5R, and H5R. D4R and D5R, both of which are required for DNA replication, encode a uracil DNA glycosylase (5, 18, 22, 25) and a nucleic acid-independent nucleoside triphosphatase (6, 7), respectively. The third A20R-interacting protein, encoded by the H5R ORF, has been implicated in transcription (1, 15) and virus assembly (4). Based on its interaction with two known DNA replication proteins, a related role was suggested for the A20R protein (16). In addition, Traktman (23) cited unpublished data showing that the A20R protein enhanced the processivity of DNA polymerase in vitro. Although the A20R gene is conserved among poxviruses, no homologs were found in other virus families or organisms. Furthermore, no temperature-sensitive (ts) or other mutants that map to A20R have been reported. To gain insight into the role of the A20R gene in vivo, we determined the time of its expression and generated conditional lethal ts mutants by “clustered charge-to-alanine” mutagenesis (27). In this approach, amino acids constituting a cluster of three or four positively or negatively charged residues are changed to alanines. Because charged amino acids are likely to be located on the surfaces of proteins, their substitution could contribute to temperature-dependent instability. Originally used in yeast (27), clustered charge-to-alanine mutagenesis has been effectively applied to animal viruses, including vaccinia virus (4, 12, 13). In this report, we describe the isolation of A20R ts mutants that are blocked in viral DNA replication at the nonpermissive temperature.
Hélicase RecQ, syndrome de Werner, et réparation de l’ADN par recombinaison homologue

Le syndrome de Werner est une maladie auto-somique recessive rare qui se traduit par un vieillissement premature associe a une instabilite genetique provoquant un risque eleve de cancers. Le gene responsable du syndrome code pour une proteine, WRN, qui comprend deux domaines fonctionnels impliques dans le metabolisme de l’ADN : un domaine helicase de type RecQ et un domaine exonuclease. Le role de cette proteine dans la reparation de l’ADN par recombinaison homologue a ete montre recemment. Nous avons aussi montre que les porteurs sains, heterozygotes pour le gene WRN , ont une instabilite genetique augmentee, ce qui pourrait avoir des consequences importantes dans la sensibilite individuelle aux maladies liees a l’âge ainsi qu’aux traitements anti-tumoraux.
Optimized Arithmetic Hardware Design based on Hierarchical Formal Verification

The formal verification of optimized arithmetic circuits imposes several challenges. Performance-optimized IEEE floating-point implementations can be particularly hard verification cases for their size and their irregularities, for the redundancy that is often used in the representations of intermediate values, and by the complex non-standard logic optimizations that are incorporated in the designs. We formally verify the highly optimized Even-Seidel rounding algorithm for IEEE floating-point multiplication and IEEE floating-point addition which incorporates the use of rounding injections. Our verification efforts are based on the PVS theorem-prover. We structure the whole verification process in a hierarchical fashion where existing specifications and properties are re-used to ease the overall effort. We show the benefits of our hierarchical approach by verifying two variants of the algorithm for performance optimized IEEE floating-point multiplication and IEEE floating-point addition.
Rhagoletis sibling species and host races differ in host odor recognition

Electronantennograms (EAG) were recorded from the apple and hawthorn host race of the apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), and from the blueberry maggot fly, R. mendax (Curran) (Diptera: Tephritidae), in response to host fruit extracts and nine volatile host fruit odor compounds at six concentrations. Mean relative EAG response to apple odor is the same in both species, but in respect to blueberry odor, it is significantly stronger in R. mendax than in both host races of R. pomonella (P < 0.05), indicating that antennal sensitivity is selectively adapted to species specific host fruit odors. Differences in antennal response to several host fruit odor compounds were found between both species as well as between the host races. This indicates differences in antennal receptor cell types and/or numbers between species and host races. The flies had no prior host fruit experience which indicates that the measured differences are genetically based. Because Rhagoletis fruit flies are highly host specific parasites which meet and mate on their respective host plants, the results suggest that antennal sensitivity plays an important role in host shifts and speciation in this genus. Zusammenfassung Rhagoletis Schwesternarten und Wirtsrassen – Unterschiede in der Wirtsdufterkennung Elektroantennogramme (EAG) der Apfel- und der Weissdorn-Wirtsrasse der Apfelfruchtfliege, Rhagoletis pomonella, und der Blaubeerenfruchtfliege, Rhagoletis mendax (Diptera: Tephritidae), wurden aufgezeichnet als Reizantworten auf Wirtsfruchtextrakte und auf neun fluchtige Duftkomponenten ihrer Wirtsfruchte in sechs Konzentrationen. Die Sensitivitat der Antennen bezuglich Apfelduft ist in beiden Arten gleich, aber die Reizantwort von R. mendax auf den Duft ihrer spezifischen Wirtsfrucht, Blaubeeren, ist signifikant starker als diejenige beider Wirtsrassen von R. pomonella (P < 0.05), was darauf hinweist, dass die antennale Sensitivitat moglicherwiese an den artspezifischen Wirtsfruchtduft adaptiert ist. Unterschiede in der antennalen Reizantwort auf mehrere Duftkomponenten der Wirtsfruchte konnten sowohl zwischen den Arten als auch Wirtsrassen gefunden werden. Dies deutet auf Unterschiede in antennalen Rezeptorzelltypen und/oder Rezeptorzellzahl zwischen Arten und Wirtsrassen. Die Unterschiede wurden von Individuen aufgezeichnet, die keine vorherige Erfahrung mit den Wirtsfruchten hatten und sind daher genetischen Ursprungs. Fruchtfliegen der Gattung Rhagoletis sind stark wirtsspezifische Pflanzenparasiten, die ihre Wirtspflanze als Treffpunkt und Paarungsort benutzen. Diese Resultate deuten daher darauf hin, dass antennale Sensitivitat eine wichtige Rolle in Wirtswechseln und Speziation in diesem Genus spielt.
The Eye as a Target Organ for Stem Cell Therapy

Retinal degenerations are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are characterized by progressive cellular dysfunction, cellular disarray, and eventually cell death. Early in the course of disease therapeutic intervention consists of pharmaceutical treatment to prevent cell death or gene therapy to correct the underlying mutation. Due to the nature of pathologies involving these disorders, particularly in late stage of disease, cell replacement therapy or electric stimulation of remaining cells by artificial retinal prosthesis is the only viable option. Stem cell therapies for retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are a promising therapeutic option and will require replacement of lost photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Current clinical trials are underway to evaluate the potential of stem cell therapy in humans. The use of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells hold great promise as a potential reservoir of cells for the treatment of retinal disorders as well as a clinical tool to help understand disease pathology. Advances in stem cell technology will translate these therapies into viable clinical options for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases and other disorders.
Detecting Blood Laboratory Errors Using a Bayesian Network An Evaluation on Liver Enzyme Tests

Objectives: To detect errors in blood laboratory results using a Bayesian network (BN), to compare results with an established method for detecting errors based on frequency patterns (LabRespond) a...
Quality of service middleware

Quality of service (QoS) middleware is a core technology that will drive the next paradigm in distributed computing. It underlies how computer researchers are addressing the technical demands caused by the exponential growth of Internet activity, the demand for intensive computing in terms of multimedia and distributed applications, and the unpredictability of constantly changing Internet traffic patterns. CORBA represents a class of middleware that has incorporated many QoS features.
Recent brachiopods from the southern Brazilian shelf: palaeontological and biogeographical implications

Until recently, the rhynchonelliform (articulated) brachiopod fauna from the Brazilian continental shelf (western South Atlantic) was represented only by the endemic species Bouchardia rosea (Mawe), reported from coastal waters of the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The present study, based on samples from coastal (<30 m), shelf, and continental slope waters (99–485 m), documents the South Atlantic brachiopod fauna and shows that this fauna is more widespread, diverse, and cosmopolitan than previously thought. Based on a total of 16,177 specimens, the following brachiopods have been identified: Bouchardia rosea (Family Bouchardiidae), Platidia anomioides (Family Platidiidae), Argyrotheca cf. cuneata (Family Megathyrididae), and Terebratulina sp. (Family Cancellothyrididae). In coastal settings, the fauna is overwhelmingly dominated by Bouchardia rosea. Rare juvenile (<2 mm) specimens of Argyrotheca cf. cuneata were also found at two shallow-water sites. In shelf settings (100–200 m), the fauna is more diverse and includes Bouchardia rosea, Terebratulina sp., Argyrotheca cf. cuneata, and Platidia anomioides. Notably, Bouchardia rosea was found in waters as deep as 485 m, extending the known bathymetric range of this genus. Also, the record of this brachiopod in waters of the state of Parana is the southernmost known occurrence of this species. The genera Platidia and Terebratulina are documented here for the first time for the western South Atlantic. The Brazilian brachiopod fauna shares similarities with those from the Atlantic and Indian shelves of southern Africa, and from the Antarctic, Caribbean and Mediterranean waters. The present-day brachiopods of the western South Atlantic are much more cosmopolitan than previously thought and their Cenozoic palaeobiogeographic history has to be reconsidered from that perspective.
The Platypus Genome Unraveled

The genome of the platypus has been sequenced, assembled, and annotated by an international genomics team. Like the animal itself the platypus genome contains an amalgam of mammal, reptile, and bird-like features.