cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA Methylation: An Epigenetic Risk Factor in Preterm Birth:

Spontaneous preterm birth (PTB; birth prior to 37 weeks of gestation) is a complex phenotype with multiple risk factors that complicate our understanding of its etiology. A number of recent studies have supported the hypothesis that epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation induced by pregnancy-related risk factors may influence the risk of PTB or result in changes that predispose a neonate to adult-onset diseases. The critical role of timing of gene expression in the etiology of PTB makes it a highly relevant disorder in which to examine the potential role of epigenetic changes. Because changes in DNA methylation patterns can result in long-term consequences, it is of critical interest to identify the epigenetic patterns associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review examines the potential role of DNA methylation as a risk factor for PTB and discusses several issues and limitations that should be considered when planning DNA methylation studies.
Solitary foot mass on a Sprague-Dawley rat

1East Carolina University, Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC. 2Colorado State University, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Fort Collins, CO. Correspondence should be addressed to M.D.R. (rosenbaumm@ecu.edu). Solitary foot mass on a Sprague-Dawley rat Matthew D. Rosenbaum, DVM, MS1, Matthew R. Feirer, DVM2, Karen Fox, DVM2 & Lon Kendall, DVM, PhD, DACLAM2
Studies of electron transfer through self-assembled monolayers using impedance spectroscopy

An investigation of the kinetics of reduction of Ru(NH 3 ) 6 3+ has been carried out at single crystal electrodes modified by alkanethiols of varying chain lengths. Careful study of the impedance of the modified electrode system in the absence of the reaction has shown that there is a highly resistive path in parallel to the capacitance due to the self-assembled monolayer. Analysis of the kinetic data and extrapolation of the Tafel plots show that the standard rate constant for the Ru(NH 3 ) 6 3+ /2 + system is 1.7 cm s -1 an unmodified Au surface with a transfer coefficient close to 0.5. These parameters are expected for a very fast simple heterogeneous electron transfer reaction. The present results are compared with whose reported previously in the literature.
A low frequency infrared study of tetranitratometallates of manganese(II), iron(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II)

Abstract The low-frequency i.r. spectra of five first row transition metal dodecahedral eight-coordinate tetranitrato complexes were measured from 500-50 cm−1. The metal—oxygen stretching bands were assigned between 260 and 310 cm−1 and their position related to their oxidation state and crystal field stabilization energy.
Low Frankia inoculation potentials in primary successional sites at Mount St. Helens, Washington, USA

The ability of 23 year old volcanic soils from Mount St. Helens, USA, to nodulate actinorhizal Sitka alder (Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata) was studied by estimating Frankia Inoculation Unit density (FIU) in four types of primary successional communities using a host-plant bioassay. Rhizospheric Mycelial Inoculation Unit (MIU) density and the effects of inoculation with alder soil and phosphorus (P) on seedling growth were also examined. FIU and MIU were highest in alder thickets, lower in lupin patch and riparian zone sites, and lowest, with no FIUs, in bare areas. Seedling dry mass was higher in treatments inoculated with alder soil but not with P addition, while root:shoot mass ratios decreased with both inoculation and P. The extremely low densities of suitable symbionts in sparsely vegetated primary successional areas at Mount St. Helens may explain the surprisingly slow rate of spread of alder from nearby seed sources.
Otitis media: an update on current pharmacotherapy and future perspectives.

Introduction: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common childhood bacterial infection and also the leading cause of conductive hearing loss in children. Currently, there is an urgent need for developing novel therapeutic agents for treating AOM. Areas covered: Structured search of current literature. PubMed was searched for published literature in areas of pharmacotherapeutics, preventive therapies and complementary treatments for OM. The intent of this review is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of therapeutics for AOM, including preventive modalities and complementary medicine. Expert opinion: the management of AOM in young children is still evolving and depends on patterns of bacterial colonization and antimicrobial resistance in the community. The introduction of vaccinations against potential respiratory tract pathogens has altered the frequency of recovery of pathogens causing ear infections in children. Even though not all patients require antimicrobial therapy to overcome their infection, th...
Psychotherapeutic intervention in angina: II. Implications for research and practice.

Abstract The second of a two-part series, this article draws on the clinical and research literature reviewed in the first article to formulate guidelines for research and clinical practice. In future research, the complex heterogeneity of coronary artery disease (CAD) must be recognized in more rigorous descriptive, comparative, and physiologic correlative studies of psychosocial etiology. Pseudoangina is largely unexamined by systematic study and therefore warrants research on several of its aspects. Similarly, systematic research on intervention in angionoid pain is virtually nonexistent and obviously warranted. Clinical guidelines include the emphasis of didactic, supportive approaches, detailed focus on several aspects of the pain, early and extended psychotherapeutic availability, recognition and treatment of underlying specific psychopathology, and somatic interventions aimed at presumed pathophysiologic mechanisms.
PLANNED ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY: What They Needed

Adolescent pregnancy represents a significant portion of all pregnancies that occur in the United States. However, little is known about adolescents who plan to become pregnant. This phenomenologic investigation attempts to fill the gap in the current literature by addressing this question. Eight adolescent girls between the ages of 14 and 17 were interviewed regarding their experiences planning pregnancy. Participants were recruited from a prenatal clinic in a large tertiary care center in New York City. Themes that emerged from the interviews were related to planning the pregnancy and to the pregnancy. Themes related to planning the pregnancy were further classified as either needs or wants of the adolescent participants. The themes related to adolescent needs are presented in this article and include: that certain important criteria were met for pregnancy including financial, relationship, and age-related goals; planning involved the boyfriend at least to some extent; environmental issues; and the need for stability. Each theme is discussed in depth and recommendations for practice are addressed.
Evaluation of Polymer-Coated Urea for Direct-Seeded, Delayed-Flood Rice Production

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivated with the direct-seeded, delayed-flood production system relies heavily on post-emergence aerial application of N. The availability of a controlled-release N fertilizer suitable for preplant application would offer rice growers an alternative N-fertilization method and reduce the aerial application costs of N fertilization. Our objectives were to determine grain yield and N uptake of rice receiving preplant incorporated polymer-coated urea (PCU) compared with urea applied preflood at the five-leaf stage and characterize the N release of two PCUs. Field trials were conducted at five site-years to evaluate rice performance when fertilized with preplant-applied Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) and Duration Type 5 (D5) and preflood-applied urea across N rates ranging from 0 to 168 kg N ha -1 . Nitrogen release from PCU was evaluated in field incubations using a buried-bag method at two site-years. Nitrogen release was nonlinear across time and similar between site-years but different between PCUs. The nonlinear relationships predicted that 75% of PCU N content was released by 36 d for D5 and 25 d for ESN. Nitrogen recovery at panicle differentiation averaged 30% for D5, 26% for ESN, and 72% for urea and at heading averaged 47% for D5, 37% for ESN, and 101% for urea. As the N rate increased, yields increased nonlinearly for rice receiving D5 preplant and urea preflood and linearly for rice receiving ESN preplant. Yield predictions for D5 were always lower than for urea at the same N rates. Results suggest that the N release from D5 and ESN is too rapid for rice cultivated in the direct-seeded, delayed-flood method.
Warming alters density dependence, energetic fluxes, and population size in a model algae

Abstract A fundamental question in ecology is what determines the density of a population. Many populations may grow to a maximum density which is set by the interplay of resource availability and per capita resource requirements. Resource availability is determined in part by the kind of interactions occurring within a population, such that the total resource acquired by a population is a function of its size. Often taking the form of a power function with a scaling parameter
A Numerical Model of the Formation of Droplet Spectra in Advection Fogs at Sea and Its Applicability to Fogs off Nova Scotia

Abstract A one-dimensional numerical model of the formation and evolution of droplet spectra during the early stage of formation of advection fogs at sea is described. The model computes the evolution of a specified population of cloud condensation nuclei contained in an air parcel which is advected with the wind. The driving force for fog formation is a prescribed time rate of increase in the relative humidity of the parcel. This humidity increase is assumed to result from radiative cooling and from heat and moisture exchange with a cold sea surface. The model was used to predict the evolution of the droplet size distribution and visibility at an altitude of 20 m in two advection-type fogs which were encountered off the coast of Nova Scotia daring a cruise of the USNS Hayes in August 1975. Predictions were made for distances of up to 30 km inside the upwind boundary of these fogs. Observed and model-predicted visibilities agreed to within a factor of 2. In the size range above 5 μm diameter, the predicte...
Flow cytometric measurements of nuclear DNA and ploidy analysis in Hürthle cell neoplasms of the thyroid.

• Nuclear DNA content and nuclear DNA ploidy were measured In 36 Hurthle cell neoplasms (HCNs) to better define their potential roles in predicting the clinical behavior of these lesions. An EPICS V flow cytometer (Coulter Electronics, Hialeah, Fla) was used. Measurements were taken from paraffin-embedded tissue. Isolated nuclei were stained with propidium iodide. The study was conducted in a blinded fashion. Observed NDC and PDY patterns were classified as diploid, aneuploid, or suspicious. Twenty-nine lesions (81%) were diploid and seven (19%) were aneuploid. Twelve (33%) HCNs were malignant, 23 (64%) were benign, and one (3%) was Indeterminate. Eight (67%) of 12 malignant HCNs were diploid and four (33%) of 12 were aneuploid. In comparison, 20 (87%) of 23 benign lesions were diploid and three (13%) of 23 were aneuploid. The indeterminate neoplasm was diploid. There were three deaths in this group of patients; all three had aneuploid neoplasms, and all had locally recurrent disease with distant metastases. There was a significant cross correlation between histologic features and DNA content with regard to outcome. These preliminary data suggest that NDC and PDY are not helpful in distinguishing histologically benign from malignant HCNs; however, they may be useful in determining prognosis. (Arch Surg1988;123:849-854)
Faster temporal range queries over versioned text

Versioned textual collections are collections that retain multiple versions of a document as it evolves over time. Important large-scale examples are Wikipedia and the web collection of the Internet Archive. Search queries over such collections often use keywords as well as temporal constraints, most commonly a time range of interest. In this paper, we study how to support such temporal range queries over versioned text. Our goal is to process these queries faster than the corresponding keyword-only queries, by exploiting the additional constraint. A simple approach might partition the index into different time ranges, and then access only the relevant parts. However, specialized inverted index compression techniques are crucial for large versioned collections, and a naive partitioning can negatively affect index size and query throughput. We show how to achieve high query throughput by using smart index partitioning techniques that take index compression into account. Experiments on over 85 million versions of Wikipedia articles show that queries can be executed in a few milliseconds on memory-based index structures, and only slightly more time on disk-based structures. We also show how to efficiently support the recently proposed stable top-k search primitive on top of our schemes.
Quantitative Modeling of GRK-Mediated β2AR Regulation

We developed a unified model of the GRK-mediated β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) regulation that simultaneously accounts for six different biochemical measurements of the system obtained over a wide range of agonist concentrations. Using a single deterministic model we accounted for (1) GRK phosphorylation in response to various full and partial agonists; (2) dephosphorylation of the GRK site on the β2AR; (3) β2AR internalization; (4) recycling of the β2AR post isoproterenol treatment; (5) β2AR desensitization; and (6) β2AR resensitization. Simulations of our model show that plasma membrane dephosphorylation and recycling of the phosphorylated receptor are necessary to adequately account for the measured dephosphorylation kinetics. We further used the model to predict the consequences of (1) modifying rates such as GRK phosphorylation of the receptor, arrestin binding and dissociation from the receptor, and receptor dephosphorylation that should reflect effects of knockdowns and overexpressions of these components; and (2) varying concentration and frequency of agonist stimulation “seen” by the β2AR to better mimic hormonal, neurophysiological and pharmacological stimulations of the β2AR. Exploring the consequences of rapid pulsatile agonist stimulation, we found that although resensitization was rapid, the β2AR system retained the memory of the previous stimuli and desensitized faster and much more strongly in response to subsequent stimuli. The latent memory that we predict is due to slower membrane dephosphorylation, which allows for progressive accumulation of phosphorylated receptor on the surface. This primes the receptor for faster arrestin binding on subsequent agonist activation leading to a greater extent of desensitization. In summary, the model is unique in accounting for the behavior of the β2AR system across multiple types of biochemical measurements using a single set of experimentally constrained parameters. It also provides insight into how the signaling machinery can retain memory of prior stimulation long after near complete resensitization has been achieved.
DDT: Effects on maternal behavior

To examine the hypothesis that DDT produces hyperexcitability which in turn affects maternal behavior, 14 rats were fed food containing concentrations of DDT. Results showed low DDT (50 ppm) animals exhibited significantly less nursing and greater rejection than the high DDT (100 ppm) and control (0 ppm) groups. It was concluded that poor maternal behavior, and not only DDT ingestion, caused harm to neonates.
Bistatic scattering, backscattering and emissivities of randomly rough soil surfaces at L band based on numerical solutions of Maxwell equations of 3 Dimensional simulations

In this paper, we used NMM3D (Numerical Maxwell Model of 3 Dimensional simulations) to study the full wave 3 dimensional scattering of random soil surfaces. In 3D simulations, the height function z=f(x,y) of the rough surfaces vary in both two horizontal directions. Several hundreds of cases are simulated by varying incident angles, surface roughness and soil permittivities. The incident angles vary from 20° to 50°. The coherent/incoherent bistatic coefficients, backscattering coefficients, and emissivities are computed. The results are compared with empirical models and analytical methods. The backscattering coefficients are compared with measurement data and are found to be in good agreement. Based on the several hundreds of computed case, interpolation tables are made for the full range of parameters that can be directly applied to L band active and passive microwave remote sensing of soil moisture, such as the SMAP Mission and the SMOS Mission.
Types of Neighbourhood and Home-Based Enterprises: Evidence from Lima, Peru

Home-based enterprises are likely to proliferate for decades in developing countries, but their productivity depends on access, cost of space, density of settlement, and other neighbourhood characteristics. Over a thousand households and home enterprises were surveyed in Lima, Peru, in 1980 and 1983, to explain why the frequency and composition of these enterprises varies with seven types of neighbourhood. The enterprises both cause and reflect dwelling and neighbourhood improvement or deterioration. Enterprises are classified by types of product, markets, and the family members in charge. Income and employment effects are stressed. Among the findings was that conventional neighbourhoods had fewer but more lucrative home enterprises than did irregular settlements.
Predictors of Adolescent Breakfast Consumption: Longitudinal Findings from Project EAT

Abstract Objective To identify predictors of breakfast consumption among adolescents. Methods Five-year longitudinal study Project EAT (Eating Among Teens). Baseline surveys were completed in Minneapolis–St. Paul schools and by mail at follow-up by youth (n = 800) transitioning from middle to high school. Linear regression models examined associations between baseline predictors and follow-up breakfast consumption. Results Frequency of breakfast consumption at follow-up was positively associated with baseline breakfast consumption and inversely associated with baseline weight concerns (P Conclusions and Implications Early adolescence is an important time to establish regular breakfast consumption. Interventions aimed at increasing breakfast consumption should include messages about healthful weight management and ideas for quick, healthful breakfasts.
Histidine Scanning Mutagenesis of Basic Residues of the S4 Segment of the Shaker K+ Channel

The voltage sensor of the Shaker potassium channel is comprised mostly of positively charged residues in the putative fourth transmembrane segment, S4 (Aggarwal, S.K., and R. MacKinnon. 1996. Neuron. 16:1169–1177; Seoh, S.-A., D. Sigg, D.M. Papazian, and F. Bezanilla. 1996. Neuron. 16:1159–1167). Movement of the voltage sensor in response to a change in the membrane potential was examined indirectly by measuring how the accessibilities of residues in and around the sensor change with voltage. Each basic residue in the S4 segment was individually replaced with a histidine. If the histidine tag is part of the voltage sensor, then the gating charge displaced by the voltage sensor will include the histidine charge. Accessibility of the histidine to the bulk solution was therefore monitored as pH-dependent changes in the gating currents evoked by membrane potential pulses. Histidine scanning mutagenesis has several advantages over other similar techniques. Since histidine accessibility is detected by labeling with solution protons, very confined local environments can be resolved and labeling introduces minimal interference of voltage sensor motion. After histidine replacement of either residue K374 or R377, there was no titration of the gating currents with internal or external pH, indicating that these residues do not move in the transmembrane electric field or that they are always inaccessible. Histidine replacement of residues R365, R368, and R371, on the other hand, showed that each of these residues traverses entirely from internal exposure at hyperpolarized potentials to external exposure at depolarized potentials. This translocation enables the histidine to transport protons across the membrane in the presence of a pH gradient. In the case of 371H, depolarization drives the histidine to a position that forms a proton pore. Kinetic models of titrateable voltage sensors that account for proton transport and conduction are presented. Finally, the results presented here are incorporated into existing information to propose a model of voltage sensor movement and structure.
Positioned growth of InP nanowires

ABSTRACT We describe two different approaches to growing precisely positioned InP nanowires on InP wafers. Both of these approaches utilize the selective area growth capabilities of Ch emical Beam Epitaxy, one using the Au catalysed Vapour-Liquid-Solid (VLS) growth mode, the other being catalyst-free. Growth is performed on InP wafers which are first coated with 20 nm of SiO 2 . These are then patterned using e-beam lithography to create nanometer scale holes in the SiO 2 layer to expose the InP surface. For the VLS growth Au is then deposited into the holes in the SiO 2 mask layer using a self-aligned lift-off process. For the catalyst-free growth no Au is deposited. In both cases the deposition of InP results in the formation of InP nanowires. In VLS growth the nanowire diameter is controlled by the size of the Au particle, whereas when catalyst-free the diameter is that of the opening in the SiO 2 mask. The orientation of the nanowires is also different, B when using Au particles and A when catalyst-free. For the catalysed growth the effect of the Au particle can be turned off by modifying growth conditions allowing the nanowire to be clad, dramatically enhancing the optical emission from InAs quantum dots grown inside the nanowire. Keywords: Nanowire, quantum dot, CBE
Removal of T4 endonuclease V-sensitive sites from SV40 DNA after exposure to ultraviolet light

Abstract The induction and removal of sites sensitive to T4 endonuclease V from ultraviolet-irradiated Simian Virus 40 (SV40) Form I (supercoiled) DNA during a lytic infection of monkey CV-1 cells was investigated by agarose tube gel electrophoresis. Endonuclease-sensitive sites were induced at a rate of 0.049 sites SV 40 genome per J/m2, or 1.4 sites 1 · 10 8 daltons of DNA per J/m2 This value is similar to the yield of endonuclease-sensitive sites and pyrimidine dimers in uninfected host CV-1 cell DNA. Removal of endonuclease-sensitive sites was dose dependent and non-linear for at least 24 h after irradiation. These results suggest that SV40 DNA is subject to the excision repair mechanisms of the host cell, and that the excision of pyrimidine dimers may be one of the biochemical events underlying host cell reactivation.
Using Game Theory to Model Competition

The article is an exposition of the basic concepts of noncooperative game theory, and their application to advertising, product, and price competition.
Perforated appendicitis and obstructing colonic carcinoma in the elderly.

Two patients admitted with perforated appendicitis and obstructing colonic cancers are presented. The first patient, a 75-year-old man, developed a persistent fecal fistula following appendectomy. Barium enema demonstrated an obstructing hepatic flexure carcinoma. The second patient, a 62-year-old man, recovered uneventfully following appendectomy. Persistent occult blood was found in his, stools during follow-up examinations. Three months after surgery, diagnostic colonoscopy revealed a nearly obstructing sigmoid carcinoma. Obstruction of the appendiceal lumen by such lesions as fecaliths, carcinoid tumors, lymphoid hyperplasia, or cecal carcinoma accounts for appendicitis in the majority of patients. These two patients illustrate a less common cause. As many as 3 percent of patients over 40 years of age presenting with appendicitis also have obstructing colonic carcinomas. Elderly patients with appendicitis should be evaluated for colonic neoplasms at a clinically suitable time.
Low-Power Tunable Analog Circuit Blocks Based on Nanoscale Double-Gate MOSFETs

We illustrate unique examples of low-power tunable analog circuits built using independently driven nanoscale DG-MOSFETs, where the top gate response is altered by application of a control voltage on the bottom gate. In particular, we provide examples for a single-ended CMOS amplifier pair, a Schmitt trigger circuit and a operational transconductance amplifier C filter, circuit blocks essential for low-noise high-performance integrated circuits for analog and mixed-signal applications. The topologies and biasing schemes explored here show how the nanoscale DG-MOSFETs may be used for efficient, tolerant and smaller circuits with tunable characteristics.
TRP, TRPL and trouble in photoreceptor cells

Abstract Calcium influx through the TRP and TRPL light-activated channels triggers a complex regulatory hierarchy resulting in positive and negative feedback regulation of the phototransduction cascade. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the function of TRP and TRPL in vivo , and to examine their relationship to intracellular calcium changes during thelight response.
RESPONSE OF CONTINUOUS PERIODICALLY SUPPORTED GUIDEWAY BEAMS TO TRAVELING VEHICLE LOADS

The response of continuous span periodically supported guideway beams to traveling vehicle loads is determined using Fourier transform techniques. Vehicle loads are assumed to travel at constant speed with constant magnitude and may be spacially concentrated or distributed to represented wheeled, air cushion, or magnetic suspension vehicles. Guideway dynamic amplification factors and deflection profiles are presented in detail for the single concentrated traveling load. Operating regions in which dynamic resonance conditions occur are identified, and the influence of span damping is evaluated. Guidelines for the formulation of finite span approximations to the infinite continuous span guideway are also developed.
Performance of ion-figured silicon carbide SUMER telescope mirror in the vacuum ultraviolet

Measured and theoretical encircled energy and small-angle scatter of the telescope mirror (SST) of the solar ultraviolet measurements of emitted radiation (SUMER) instrument are compared at the wavelength of 123.6 nm. Mirror performance modeling was accomplished with the Optical Surface Analysis Code software package. The modeling is based on measured mirror-surface figure error data and roughness characteristics covering all important spatial frequencies that affect imaging in the vacuum ultraviolet wavelength region. Mirror-surface errors were measured with a Zygo Mark IV interferometer, Bauer Model 200 Profiler, and WYKO Topo 2-D (two-dimensional) interferometer. Performance of the SST mirror, including encircled energy and small-angle scatter, was also directly measured. A good agreement is found between measured and theoretical encircled energy within 6 arcsec and small-angle scatter up to ∼50 arcmin from the peak. The 80% encircled energy diameter of the SST mirror is ∼1.9 arcsec, and the amount of scattered light drops to approximately 1.0 × 10−10 of peak irradiance (normalized to 1 arcsec2 in the focal plane) 50 arcmin from the peak. Vacuum ultraviolet performance of the mirror is degraded primarily by midfrequency errors.
Edge and Impurity Emission in Cadmium Sulfide

A model was recently proposed for the band structure of CdS which purports to explain much of the observed optical phenomena in terms of conduction and valence band extrema centered around k = 0. A set of observations is described which cannot be explained in terms of this simple structure. (W.D.M.)
USE OF RHEOLOGICAL TERMS AND CORRELATION OF COMPATIBLE MEASUREMENTS IN FOOD TEXTURE RESEARCH

The importance of maintaining the purity of rheological terms and using them only when measurements and definitions are in accordance with the accepted rheological definitions is pointed out. It is shown that if rheological terms and methods of measurements and analyses are used correctly, they can be employed in food texture studies even though conditions upon which the theory is based are not fully met. It is proposed that the term "modulus of elasticity" be replaced by the term "modulus of deformabtiity" which considers both recoverable and unrecoverable deformations that often take place when a food sample is subjected to even very small strains. It is also submitted that mechanical properties reflecting the behavior of the material under small strains do not necessarily correlate significantly with mechanical properties which reflect the yielding and fracturing or failure of the material. Published data are examined to test the validity of this hypothesis. In general, correlations between well-defined failure type instrumental tests and panel tests are good, whereas correlations between small-strain instrumental tests and panel tests are poor.
Selection for disease resistance.

Approaches to disease control are prioritized. Genetic improvement could reduce need for treatment and culling but would not reduce the need for proper management and sanitation. Results of several studies indicate that disease incidence and cost increases with selection for milk yield. The large array of disease resistance mechanisms in animals suggests a large number of loci are involved in disease resistance. A few loci, e.g., the major histocompatibility complex, may account for a major portion of genetic variance in disease. Rate of genetic gain from selection for a major locus alone or in combination with performance is discussed. Four criteria for including traits in a breeding program are outlined, and each is discussed with respect to disease. In spite of low heritabilities for disease traits, genetic variation for disease incidence is economically important and justifies including disease in breeding programs. An industry-wide standard for recording and accumulating field data for disease is lacking. Institutional relationships among segments of the animal breeding and animal health industries are needed to facilitate genetic improvement for disease resistance.
THz-induced nonlinear optical transients of coherent excitons in semiconductor QWs

We demonstrate the ultrafast coherent dynamics of exciton wavepackets in semiconductor QWs resonantly driven by strong narrowband THz pulses. Time-resolved THz-pump and optical-probe measurements exhibit large-signal nonlinear optical transients of the HH and LH exciton lines in GaAs/AlGaAs QWs.
A multilevel multimodal circuit enhances action selection in Drosophila

Natural events present multiple types of sensory cues, each detected by a specialized sensory modality. Combining information from several modalities is essential for the selection of appropriate actions. Key to understanding multimodal computations is determining the structural patterns of multimodal convergence and how these patterns contribute to behaviour. Modalities could converge early, late or at multiple levels in the sensory processing hierarchy. Here we show that combining mechanosensory and nociceptive cues synergistically enhances the selection of the fastest mode of escape locomotion in Drosophila larvae. In an electron microscopy volume that spans the entire insect nervous system, we reconstructed the multisensory circuit supporting the synergy, spanning multiple levels of the sensory processing hierarchy. The wiring diagram revealed a complex multilevel multimodal convergence architecture. Using behavioural and physiological studies, we identified functionally connected circuit nodes that trigger the fastest locomotor mode, and others that facilitate it, and we provide evidence that multiple levels of multimodal integration contribute to escape mode selection. We propose that the multilevel multimodal convergence architecture may be a general feature of multisensory circuits enabling complex input-output functions and selective tuning to ecologically relevant combinations of cues.
Stimulation of angiotensin II AT1 receptors in rat median eminence increases phosphoinositide hydrolysis

Abstract The aim of our study was to determine the second messenger systems for angiotensin II in the rat median eminence. Angiotensin II AT 1 receptors are highly expressed in the median eminence and binding is selectively inhibited by the guanine nucleotide GTPγS, indicating possible coupling to G-proteins. In male rats, angiotensin II increased phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis about 45% over basal values, with an EC 50 of about 2.7 nM. This effect was antagonized by 10 μM losartan, the selective AT 1 antagonist, but not by the AT 2 competitor PD 123319. Conversely, angiotensin II, 1 μM, did not alter basal or forskolin-stimulated cAMP production, and failed to influence cGMP production. These results support a role for angiotensin II, through stimulation of AT 1 receptors and increased phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis, in the median eminence. Angiotensin II increased the phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis not only in male rats but also in ovariectomized rats, with or without estrogen-progesterone replacement. However, angiotensin II (up to 1 μM) failed to increase the phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in randomly selected intact female rats. Estrogen treatment did not alter the number or affinity of median eminence AT 1 receptors in ovariectomized rats. The increase in phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis resulting from stimulation of median eminence AT 1 receptors appears to be sexually dimorphic, but hormonal manipulations failed to point to a role for reproductive ormones in this phenomenon.
Vaginal Absorption of Penicillin

Except during the last two months of pregnancy, penicillin is easily absorbed from cocoa butter suppositories in the vagina, ordinarily to give therapeutic blood levels for from 4 to 6 hours. Penicillin in the dosage used seems to have a good effect on vaginal infections. In nonpregnant women, during the ovulation phase, considered as including days 14 +/- 2 in the ordinary menstrual cycle of about 28 days, absorption seemed to be somewhat diminished. Higher levels were found in patients who were near the end of their menstrual cycles and in two patients who were menopausal. Patients who were very near term absorbed little or no penicillin, whereas patients 10 days post partum showed excellent absorption.
Coupling strength in superconducting fullerenes.

The coupling strength [lambda] and the characteristic phonon frequency [l angle][Omega][sup 2][r angle][sup 1/2] in superconducting fullerenes can be determined based on general expressions for [ital T][sub [ital c]] and on the isotope effect and NMR experimental data. An analysis of recent data shows that the superconducting state of doped fullerenes [ital A][sub 3]C[sub 60] is caused by strong electron-vibrational coupling with [lambda][sub 1]=2.1 for [ital A]=Rb and [lambda][sub 2]=1.5 for [ital A]=K, and [l angle][Omega][sup 2][r angle][sup 1/2][congruent]250 cm[sup [minus]1].
Charge transport in molecular solids: dynamic and static disorder

Abstract Recent controversial issues in charge transport in molecular solids are discussed, with focus on the effects of static and dynamic disorder. The situation in ordered solids such as aromatic hydrocarbon crystals is reviewed with attention to the nature of charge carriers, and the theoretical development that led to the now accepted idea that the carriers are polaronic as a result of strong interaction with librations is described. Next, recent experiments on disordered solids (specifically molecularly doped polymers), are reviewed, and our theoretical work directed at their understanding is presented and compared with alternatives existing in the literature. Comparative comments are made on the three available approaches: the ordered polaronic, the disordered polaronic and the disordered non-polaronic. It is argued that none is in a satisfactory state at the moment. Key problems that require theoretical attention are identified.
Oral manifestations of HIV infection

Approximately 711,000 individuals in the United States are currently infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-1b, and over 40,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.1 It has been estimated that 20% to 50% of all patients infected with HIV will develop some oral lesion associated with the disease. These lesions are often important markers in disease progression, and they may be the first manifestation of infection in a previously undiagnosed patient. There is an association of low CD4 count with both specific oral lesions and the number of oral lesions.2,3 The majority of lesions associated with the disease are not particular to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) per se, but they may be observed in various other forms of immunosuppression or may even arise de novo in otherwise healthy patients. Most lesions represent opportunistic infections from a variety of pathogens, as a result of impaired cell-mediated immunity. The oral lesions that are seen in patients infected with HIV can be broadly categorized as follows: (1) infections (fungal, viral, and bacterial); (2) neoplasms; (3) salivary gland disease; and (4) miscellaneous lesions, the last including effects attributable to treatment with Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART).
GPU Acceleration of the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS)

A recent breakthrough in high-performance computing is the application of general-purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs) to scientific computing. This paper presents a case study of a project to reformulate mathematical computations within a weather model, the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS), to work with GPGPU hardware. This hardware typically consists of hundreds of simple processors, compared to the conventional central processing units (CPUs) with fewer than eight processors (as found in most computers). While GPGPUs are extremely powerful, their usage requires specialized programming to achieve their full potential. As a forecasting tool, ARPS is capable of producing very high-resolution weather simulations. Using ARPS to simulate detailed atmospheric disturbances necessitates the use of large-scale distributed-memory parallel computing clusters. The adaptation of a critical numerical kernel within ARPS for GPGPUs resulted in a six-fold speedup over the CPU version. These optimizations dramatically reduce simulation time, thereby leading to faster weather predictions that may benefit society as well as the research community.
AB initio study of BeCN, MgCN, CaCN and BaCN

The structure and energetics of the BeCN, MgCN, CaCN and BaCN molecules are studied at both the Hartree-Fock and singles plus doubles configuration-interaction level using Gaussian basis sets of at least triple-zeta plus double polarization quality. All molecules are predicted to be linear, with the isocyanide structures more stable by 0.3 to 0.5 eV than the corresponding cyanides. The theoretical dissociation energies (De) in eV with an estimated uncertainty are (with the experimental values in parentheses): Be-NC 4.2 + or - 0.1 (4.46 + or - 0.29), Mg-NC 3.45 + or - 0.1 (4.21 + or - 0.22), Ca-NC 4.2 + or - 0.1 (4.46 + or - 0.22) and Ba-NC 4.5 + or 0.2 (4.87 + or - 0.26).
Subcarrier PSK intensity modulation for optical wireless communications through turbulent atmospheric channel

This paper studies the coded performance of optical wireless communication systems employing subcarrier PSK modulation through atmospheric turbulence channel. Convolutional code and Viterbi decoding are used for optical wireless communication system with subcarrier BPSK and a comparable system with fixed-threshold OOK. It is shown that an interleaver can help to handle bursty errors and improve the coded BER performance.
A Discharge Model for Phase Transformation Electrodes: Formulation, Experimental Validation, and Analysis

The discharge kinetics of phase transformation electrodes for Li-ion batteries were investigated by developing a mathematical model based on mixed-mode phase transformation, by assuming that the phase transformation is controlled by both Li chemical diffusion and interface mobility. The discharge model was validated by matching the model discharge curves with the experimental discharge curves of two LiFePO4 samples at different current densities. With the validated model as a tool, effects of phase transformation, chemical diffusion, and solid solution range on rate capability were determined and analyzed. The high rate performance of LiFePO4 was well explained by using this model. The model developed here is applicable for any ion insertion electrode with a phase transformation, such as Li4Ti5O12 in Li-ion battery and metal-hydride electrodes in Ni/MH batteries.
Cosmic-Ray Origins

The origin of cosmic rays has been a mystery since it was conclusively shown by Victor Hess ( 1 ) that ionizing radiation impinges on Earth from space, and subsequently shown by Arthur Compton ( 2 ) that this cosmic radiation is primarily composed of charged particles. Since that time, there has been great interest in understanding the origin of these cosmic nuclei accelerated to nearly the speed of light—identifying the source of the material that is accelerated, the nature of the accelerator, and the mechanism by which the source material is injected into the accelerator. On page 1103 of this issue, Ackermann et al. ( 3 ) report observations with NASA's Fermi Large Area Telescope that are directly related to the origin of cosmic rays. They identified distributed emission of gamma-rays over the energy range of 1 to 100 GeV in the Cygnus X region of the sky with a “cocoon” of freshly accelerated cosmic rays.
Evaluation of a new self-contained, ambulatory, objective cough monitor

Objective monitoring of cough may be preferred to subjective reporting of the symptom in clinical and research settings. Therefore, a self-contained, ambulatory cough monitoring system is needed that is non-invasive, usable for children and adults of all ages, inexpensive, and highly accurate with easy to use analysis software. After development of a new device, 15 subjects with frequent coughing were recorded with the novel cough monitor and a simultaneous video recording in order to validate the monitor compared with a gold standard. Two investigators independently analyzed the recordings and counted the number of coughs during the study period from both the cough monitor and the video recording. When measuring agreement between the two investigators, the sample concordance correlation coefficient for audio counts was 0.998 (p < 0.001). In the comparison of video counts, the sample concordance correlation coefficient was 0.997 (p < 0.001). For the comparison of investigator 1's video counts to the corresponding audio counts, the sample concordance correlation coefficient was 0.968 (p = 0.026). For the comparison of investigator 2's video counts to the corresponding counts, the sample concordance correlation coefficient was 0.973 (p = 0.015). We have developed and piloted a new, valid, and reproducible method of objectively recording and analyzing cough. This device appears to be useful for subjects of any age and in clinical and research settings.
Fabrication and performance of tree-branch microchannels in silicon carbide for direct cooling of high-power electronics applications

For applications where space restrictions limit the feasibility of heat spreading in high-powered electronic devices, integrated direct cooling is a viable but underexplored method for keeping critical devices cool. Direct integrated cooling by putting microchannels of varying designs into common device substrate materials (e.g., SiC) is examined. Laser machined microchannels are shown to be a feasible method for fabricating microchannels into materials where etching is not. The flexibility of laser machining to fabricate more complex microchannel designs is assessed and tree-branch or “fractal-like” microchannels are shown to provide considerable reduction in pressure drop for a given flow rate compared to traditional straight microchannels.
Dye-enhanced imaging of mammalian cells with SIMS

A major limitation of SIMS studies of cells is the limited number of molecules available for detection. This study examines the possibility of utilizing a molecular tag which is easily identifiable using SIMS and does not interfere with the mass spectra of commonly identified cellular components, to aid in the visualization of specific cellular organelles. Here, a fluorescent, nuclear stain (Hoechst 33342) was used to allow for verification of the staining protocols prior to SIMS analysis. The stain was successfully chemically imaged within the nuclear region of a glutaraldehyde fixed bovine aortic endothelial cell. The ability to chemically map a larger variety of organelles and cellular components will allow for further possible study of a greater number of biological pathways and processes, as well as make cell-drug studies more feasible using SIMS.
Defining Single Nucleotide Polymorphic (SNP) Variants Role of Human Angiotensinogen in Liver Fibrosis

Defining Single Nucleotide Polymorphic (SNP) Variants Role of Human Angiotensinogen in Liver Fibrosis The sequencing of human genome has lead to define the variations among individuals, which is quite astonishing. With the advent of single nucleotide variants among genes, that is believed to be present in every 1.0 kb in human genome, determining the effects of these variants on biological process has been a daunting task. Utilizing the modern molecular biological techniques, the role(s) of the SNPs in promoter elements has been defined in several genes. However, the SNPs, which are part of the coding sequences of genes, have been difficult to define. Models to define the messenger RNA stability (Mfold analysis) have been developed. However, such a correlation in terms of end product as protein is still confusing. A number of attempts have been made to decipher the gene function of individual SNP variant, what is referred as “allelic expression variant” of haplotype as compared to wild type. In this context it is noteworthy that allelic variants have found to possess different activities.
A bit-serial cell for reconfigurable DSP hardware

This paper introduces a novel bit-serial cell for reconfigurable hardware used to perform digital signal processing. The cell contains an array of 4-bit lookup tables, or "elements" that can operate in two modes. In memory mode, the elements behave as a random-access memory. In mathematics mode, the elements perform operations such as multiply-accumulate, addition, and shifting in bit-serial fashion. To calculate m-bit functions, the cell requires (m+ 1) elements and (2m + 1) clock cycles. Layout simulations in 180-nm CMOS demonstrate that the serial clock frequency approaches 2 GHz. Compared to a parallel implementation with the same functionality, the cell has lower throughput but substantially smaller area.
The aerodynamic design of multi-element high-lift systems for transport airplanes

Abstract High-lift systems have a major influence on the sizing, economics, and safety of most transport airplane configurations. The combination of complexity in flow physics, geometry, and system support and actuation has historically led to a lengthy and experiment intensive development process. However, during the recent past engineering design has changed significantly as a result of rapid developments in computational hardware and software. In aerodynamic design, computational methods are slowly superseding empirical methods and design engineers are spending more and more time applying computational tools instead of conducting physical experiments to design and analyze aircraft including their high-lift systems. The purpose of this paper is to review recent developments in aerodynamic design and analysis methods for multi-element high-lift systems on transport airplanes. Attention is also paid to the associated mechanical and cost problems since a multi-element high-lift system must be as simple and economical as possible while meeting the required aerodynamic performance levels.