cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An electron-beam-generated-plasma ion source for on-line isotope separation

Abstract A novel ion source based on an electron-beam-generated plasma is described. It features high efficiency and high temperature operation (∼ 3000 K). It does not incorporate magnetic fields and delivers beam of high quality suitable for mass spectrometry. No support gas per is required. The plasma theoretical principle of the source is investigated and ionization efficiencies, delay times, charge carrier densities, pressure limits, current densities etc. are calculated. These calculations are compared with experiments and computer simulations.
New developments in spectroellipsometry : the challenge of surfaces

Abstract Advances in technology, especially semiconductor technology, are providing new opportunities for the development and application of spectroellipsometry and related techniques, particularly for real-time diagnostics and control. Two recent examples of surface and near-surface analysis illustrate possibilities. Reflectance-difference spectroscopy of (001) GaAs growth surfaces under ultra-high vacuum and atmospheric-pressure conditions has provided the first evidence of dimer formation during organometallic chemical vapor deposition (OMCVD). Kinetic-ellipsometric determination of the composition x of Al x Ga 1− x As alloys during chemical beam epitaxy (CBE), with x established by a history-independent, minimal-data approach, has been used to realize the first fully automatic closed-loop feedback system for controlling growth directly. Possible future directions are discussed.
On the effects of lateral wall oscillations on a turbulent boundary layer

Abstract A turbulent boundary layer modified by spanwise wall oscillations is experimentally studied in a water channel by means of hot-film anemometer and laser Doppler velocimeter. The primary goal is to confirm and extend previous experimental and numerical results concerning the modifications induced by the lateral cyclic wall motion on wall-bounded turbulent flows. A correction is applied to the hot-film data acquired in the very proximity of the wall because of the spanwise velocity component produced by the wall movement, which erroneously alters the longitudinal velocity measurements and leads to lower values of drag reduction. It is found that the excited boundary layer shows a character which is sustained in time with stationary time-averaged quantities. The mean streamwise friction at the wall and all the most relevant turbulence statistics are attenuated by the oscillation, thus confirming the oscillating wall as an effective vehicle for producing a drag reduction effect. Furthermore, the evolution of the skin-friction coefficient along the oscillating wall and its readjustment downstream of the moving section are also investigated. The length of the spatial transient from the beginning of the oscillating wall is at least double the distance downstream of the moving plate at which the turbulent flow relaxes back to its original unperturbed state. Experiments reveal that the drag reduction properties of the oscillating wall technique are not influenced by the variation of the Reynolds number, at least for the cases tested, i.e. for Re θ ⩽1400.
Biosynthesis of membrane and a membrane glycoprotein in Tetrahymena pyriformis

Abstract 1. 1. A membrane glycoprotein was isolated from Tetrahymena surface membrane with properties similar to mammalian erythrocyte glycoprotein. 2. 2. This membrane glycoprotein had a specific acitivity less than whole membrane at various time intervals up to 40 hr. 3. 3. In double labelling experiments, glucosamine contributed a greater degree of the labelling of this glycoprotein than did amino acids. 4. 4. Greater incremental increases in the glucosamine radioactivity over amino acids at the longer time intervals suggests that the carbohydrate and protein moieties may have independent metabolic pathways. 5. 5. When Tetrahymena was grown in proteose peptone-tryptone in the presence of labelled amino acid, the specific activity of the surface membrane was less than one-tenth of the specific activity obtained in defined growth media. Under these same conditions, there were only slight changes in the specific activities of glucosamine in the membrane. 6. 6. Data is presented suggesting independent synthesis of the protein and oligosaccharide from different pools.
Arabidopsis and Nicotiana Anthocyanin Production Activated by Maize Regulators R and C1

Anthocyanin pathway-specific transcriptional activators R and C1 from the monocot maize were expressed in two dicots, Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum. Expression of R caused augmented anthocyanin pigmentation in both plant species and augmented trichome (hair) production in Arabidopsis. Alone, C1 had no effect. Hybrid transgenic Arabidopsis expressing both C1 and R produced anthocyanins in root, petal, and stamen tissues that normally never express anthrocyanins. When R was expressed in the transparent testa glabrous (without anthocyanins and trichomes) mutant of Arabidopsis, the deficiency was complemented and both anthocyanins and trichomes were restored.
Carcinogenic metals and the epigenome: understanding the effect of nickel, arsenic, and chromium

Carcinogenic metals, such as nickel, arsenic, and chromium, are widespread environmental and occupational pollutants. Chronic exposure to these metals has been connected with increased risks of numerous cancers and as well as non-carcinogenic health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, neurologic deficits, neuro-developmental deficits in childhood, and hypertension. However, currently the specific molecular targets for metal toxicity and carcinogenicity are not fully understood. Here, we propose that the iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase family enzymes, as well as, other histone modifying enzymes are important intracellular targets that mediate the toxicity and carcinogenicity of nickel, and maybe potential targets in chromium and arsenic induced carcinogenesis. Our data demonstrate that all three metals are capable of inducing post-translational histone modifications and affecting the enzymes that modulate them (i.e. the iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase family, including HIF-prolyl hydroxylase PHD2, histone demethylase JHDM2A/JMJD1A, and DNA repair enzymes ABH3 and ABH2, and histone methyltransferases, G9a). Given the effects that these metals can exert on the epigenome, future studies of their involvement in histone modifying enzymes dynamics would deepen our understanding on their respective toxicities and carcinogenicities.
Outpatient treatment of fever and neutropenia for low risk pediatric cancer patients

BACKGROUND Fever and neutropenia (F&N) is a common complication of cancer chemotherapy. It is conveniently managed by hospitalization and empiric administration of parenteral antibiotics. This study attempted to determine whether pediatric cancer patients with F&N identified as low risk for morbidity and mortality by clinical criteria at the time of presentation could be treated safely as outpatients. METHODS Seventy-three episodes of F&N in 41 patients were studied prospectively over 2 years. Eligibility criteria included age ≥2 years, reliable caretakers, and residence within 1 hour of the hospital. Exclusion criteria included hemodynamic instability, dehydration, severe mucositis, pneumonia, leukemia/lymphoma induction therapy, bone marrow transplantation, or other serious comorbidity. Patients were evaluated, received a single dose of intravenous ceftazidime, and were observed for 3–16 hours. They were randomized to receive either oral ciprofloxacin or intravenous ceftazidime as outpatients. Patients were seen daily until they had been afebrile for at least 48 hours and had a rising absolute phagocyte count of >500 cells/μL. RESULTS Sixty-three of 73 episodes (86%) were successfully managed on an outpatient basis. For 31 of 33 episodes in the ceftazidime arm, the patients remained outpatients, compared with 32 of 40 in the ciprofloxacin arm; this difference was not statistically significant. On average, patients remained febrile for 2.7 days and were treated for 4.7 days. Seventy-seven percent of episodes required no modification of initial antibiotic therapy. Of the 10 patients who were hospitalized, 4 had prolonged fever and 3 had emesis. Protracted neutropenia was associated with the need for hospitalization. There were no deaths, intensive care unit transfers, or serious complications. CONCLUSIONS Carefully selected low risk children with fever and neutropenia can be treated safely as outpatients. Close daily medical scrutiny is required. Cancer 1999;86:126–34. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Deuterium-trapping measurements on boron coatings for the tokamak fusion test reactor☆

Abstract The deuterium-trapping characteristics of thin (about 15 microm) chemically vapor-deposited boron films implanted with 10 keV D3+ were measured to determine the films' suitability as protective limiter coatings in the deuterium-tritium plasma environment of the tokamak fusion test reactor (TFTR). Below 600 K the deuterium is retained to a depth of about 0.2 microm because of hybride precipitation and/or low deuterium mobility. At higher temperatures, deuterium diffuses into the film with a migration energy of about 0.9 eV and a heat of solution of about 0.1 eV. This high bulk retention of hydrogen isotopes may preclude the use of boron films in the TFTR because of limitations in the on-site tritium inventory.
Cytoprotection by Jun Kinase During Nitric Oxide–Induced Cardiac Myocyte Apoptosis

Nitric oxide (NO) induces apoptosis in cardiac myocytes through an oxidant-sensitive mechanism. However, additional factors appear to modulate the exact timing and rate of NO-dependent apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK] 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK] 1/2, and p38MAPK) in NO-mediated apoptotic signaling. The NO donor S:-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, preceded by a rapid (<10-minute) and significant (approximately 50-fold) activation of JNK1/2. Activation of JNK was cGMP dependent and was inversely related to NO concentration; it was maximal at the lowest dose of GSNO (10 micromol/L) and negligible at 1 mmol/L. NO slightly increased ERK1/2 beginning at 2 hours but did not affect p38MAPK activity. Inhibitors of ERK and p38MAPK activation did not affect cell death rates. In contrast, expression of dominant-negative JNK1 or MKK4 mutants significantly increased NO-induced apoptosis at 5 hours (56.77% and 57.37%, respectively, versus control, 40.5%), whereas MEKK1, an upstream activator of JNK, sharply reduced apoptosis in a JNK-dependent manner. Adenovirus-mediated expression of dominant-negative JNK1 both eliminated the rapid activation of JNK by NO and accelerated NO-mediated apoptosis by approximately 2 hours. These data indicate that NO activates JNK as part of a cytoprotective response, concurrent with initiation of apoptotic signaling. Early, transient activation of JNK serves both to delay and to reduce the total extent of apoptosis in cardiac myocytes.
Financial System Standards and Financial Stability: The Case of the Basel Core Principles

The relationship between the observance of financial system standards and financial stability is complex owing to the multitude of macroeconomic and structural factors affecting stability. Assessments of standards need to be interpreted using information on other factors affecting risks. Preliminary evidence from data on observance of Basel Core Principles (BCP) suggests that credit risk and bank soundness are primarily influenced by macroeconomic and macroprudential factors and that direct influence of compliance with BCP on credit risk and soundness is insignificant. Compliance could, however, have a sizable indirect influence through its impact on the marginal effect on soundness of macro factors.
Synthesis of glycerol carbonate from 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol and carbon dioxide using triethylamine as both solvent and CO2 fixation-activation agent

a b s t r a c t The synthesis of glycerol carbonate from 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol, a glycerol derivative easily obtained by reacting glycerol with HCl, and carbon dioxide using triethylamine as both solvent and CO2 fixation and activation agent is reported. The influence on conversions and yields of triethylamine/3-chloro-1,2- propanediol molar ratio, temperature, CO2 pressure and reaction time has been studied. A 3-chloro- 1,2-propanediol conversion of 100% and a glycerol carbonate yield of 90% are obtained at 100 ◦C, using a triethylamine/3-chloro-1,2-propanediol molar ratio of 1.5, a carbon dioxide pressure of 25 bar and 60 min. Glycerol was the only byproduct detected in 4-6% yields independently of experimental conditions. Above 100 ◦C, glycerol carbonate yield decreases dramatically due to glycerol carbonate polymerization resulting in a polyglycerol mixture. The yield of glycerol carbonate is strongly and negatively influenced by the presence of water. A reaction mechanism is proposed in which the first step is the formation of a zwitterionic adduct between triethylamine and CO2 which reacts with 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol leading to an intermediate which evolves towards glycerol carbonate either directly or through the glycidol intermediate.
Climatology of summer midtropospheric perturbations in the U.S. northern plains. Part I: influence on northwest flow severe weather outbreaks

Northwest flow severe weather outbreaks (NWF outbreaks) describe a type of summer convective storm that occurs in areas of mid-level NWF in the central United States. Convective storms associated with NWF outbreaks often travel a long distance systematically along a northwest-southeast oriented track across the northern plains. Previous studies have observed that these migrating convective storms are frequently coupled with subsynoptic-scale midtropospheric perturbations (MPs) initiated over the Rocky Mountains. This study traces MPs for the decade of 1997–2006 using the North American Regional Reanalysis to examine their climatology and possible influence on NWF outbreaks. MPs are characterized by a well organized divergent circulation with persistent ascending motion at the leading edge promoting convection. The divergent circulation is further enhanced by low-level convergence along the northern terminus of the Great Plains low-level jet. The downstream propagation of MPs assists in forming the progressive feature of the associated convective storms. MPs have a maximum frequency in July, consistent with NWF outbreaks. In July and August, the fully developed North American anticyclone produces prevailing NWF over the northern plains, where up to 60% of rainfall and storm reports are linked to MPs. The movement, timing and rainfall distribution of MPs remarkably resemble those of NWF outbreaks. When encountering strong low-level jets, ascending motion and convergence of water vapor flux associated with MPs intensify considerably and precipitation is greatly enhanced. It is likely that NWF outbreaks are generated whenever MPs occur in association with strong low-level jets.
Vulnerability of Well Spouses Involved in Lung Transplantation

Caregiving, creating a situation of vulnerability, can result in increased mortality and morbidity for illness and emotional stress. This study using secondary analysis focused on spousal involvement in the lung transplant process and vulnerability for caregiver strain. In the original studies, taped telephone interviews were conducted with 24 spouses of transplant candidates or recipients using a cross-sectional design. Transcripts were recoded for significant statements related to caregiver role strain. Spouses during organ-waiting periods had higher numbers of statements reflecting caregiver role strain. For posttransplant spouses, caregiver strain was greatest at the time of transplant and early recovery period. Caregiver strain was evident with new crises of infection or rejection. Individual spouses with the most evidence of caregiver strain were those balancing multiple roles and tasks. Health care providers should assess entire transplant families throughout the transplant process for vulnerabilit...
A screw theory basis for quantitative and graphical design tools that define layout of actuators to minimize parasitic errors in parallel flexure systems

Abstract In this paper we introduce a visual approach for placing actuators within multi-axis parallel flexure systems such that position and orientation errors are minimized. A stiffness matrix, which links twists and wrenches, is used to generate geometric shapes that guide designers in selecting optimal actuator locations and orientations. The geometric shapes, called actuation spaces, enable designers to (i) visualize the regions wherein actuators should be placed so as to minimize errors, (ii) guide designers in selecting these actuators to maximize the decoupling of actuator inputs, and (iii) determine actuator forces and displacements for actuating specific degrees of freedom. These new principles, the means to practice them, and a comparison of theory verses measured behavior, are demonstrated within a case study.
Finite element analysis of post-buckling dynamics in plates. Part II: A non-stationary analysis

Abstract With the secondary bifurcation and the local post-secondary buckling behavior being analyzed in Part I, Part II of this study consists of developing an adaptive non-stationary load sweeping algorithm to investigate post-buckling dynamics and mode jumping phenomena of generally (mechanically and thermally) loaded thin plates in a global context. The non-stationary sweeping procedure has the merits of adapting large load steps to capture static characteristics of stable equilibrium paths both before and after mode jumping and reduce automatically the step size to ensure a dynamic transition between the two stable branches. Thus, it is computationally effective. Furthermore, by adopting the non-stationary sweeping scheme, this procedure can avoid spurious convergence of the transient response to an unstable equilibrium. Corresponding to different post-secondary bifurcation forms, which are determined using asymptotical finite element analysis developed in Part I, subsequent buckling patterns of various complexity occurring after mode jumping are obtained using the method developed in this article. Qualitative changes in post-buckled patterns are observed after the occurrence of the secondary bifurcation or the mode jumping. Free vibration analysis using the tangent stiffness matrix obtained from the converged static or dynamic solutions shows a vibration modal shifting phenomena occurs during the process of the load sweep. The spurious convergence phenomenon caused by the application of the traditional hybrid static–dynamic method is found and explained.
Collapse of Gels and the Critical Endpoint

Collapse of polyacrylamide gels is observed upon changing temperature or fluid composition. It is explained in terms of mean-field theory based on the extension of Flory's formula for free energy of gels. Theory predicts, and I have observed, existence of a critical endpoint in the phase equilibria.
The effect of pentylenetetrazol on spike broadening and potassium inactivation

The effect of the convulsant drug, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on spike broadening and potassium current inactivation was studied. PTZ was found to decrease the time taken for a cell to reach maximal broadening as well as causing a decrease in the total amount of broadening. Voltage clamp studies showed that in the presence of PTZ potassium current inactivated less but exhibited a faster time constant of inactivation. By exerting an effect on potassium inactivation and thereby spike broadening, PTZ may alter synaptic efficacy. Such an effect on synaptic efficacy may partially underlie the drug's convulsive activity.
Successional trends in bauxite minesites rehabilitated using three topsoil return techniques

Abstract Alcoa of Australia Limited has a programme of reafforestation of mined areas in the southwest of Western Australia. One of the aims of this programme is to re-establish forest plant communities which are compatible with long term forest land uses. In this study, successional trends of understory vegetation in 6–7-year-old bauxite minesites, revegetated using three topsoil return techniques, were examined. These techniques were double stripping (where the top 50 mm topsoil was replaced fresh), direct whole return (top 50 mm and underlying overburden both replaced fresh, but mixed) and stockpilling (both top 50 mm and overburden stockpilled together). At ages 4 years and 7 years the double stripping technique produced a vegetation community most similar in species composition to an unmined forest control. For all three topsoil return techniques there were no consistent trends in species richness (number of species) or diversity (Shannon—Weiner diversity index) from year 4 to year 7. This was interpreted as indicating conflicting trends during this period. An increase in the number of species occurred due to recruitment from surrounding forest, while a decreasing trend was probably due to tree canopy closure or increased interspecific competition. At year 7 the double stripped plot was the most similar to the native forest control in terms of physical height structure and cover occupied by individual understory species. By the age of 6–7 years there was no marked tendency for any species which initially colonised the pits to decrease in abundance. The results indicated that both fresh topsoil return and seedling are important techniques for introducing species which do not readily colonise minesites.
Deterministic Graph Games and a Probabilistic Intuition

There is a close relationship between biased graph games and random graph processes. In this paper, we develop the analogy and give further interesting instances.
Collective molecular rotation in water and other simple liquids

Abstract Hyper-Rayleigh light scattering measurements of molecular motion in several liquids find that the orientations of the molecules are correlated over macroscopic distances. Such collective molecular rotation occurs in addition to the usually observed, highly localized, diffusive mode of molecular reorientation. Long range correlation of molecular orientation may have significant unrecognized effects on the structure and properties of liquids.
Climate simulations of major estuarine watersheds in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US

To better understand the implications of anthropogenic climate change for three major Mid-Atlantic estuaries (the Chesapeake Bay, the Delaware Bay, and the Hudson River Estuary), we analyzed the regional output of seven global climate models. The simulation given by the average of the models was generally superior to individual models, which differed dramatically in their ability to simulate twentieth-century climate. The model average had little bias in its mean temperature and precipitation and, except in the Lower Chesapeake Watershed, was able to capture the twentieth-century temperature trend. Weaknesses in the model average were too much seasonality in temperature and precipitation, a shift in precipitation’s summer maximum to spring and winter minimum to fall, interannual variability that was too high in temperature and too low in precipitation, and inability to capture the twentieth-century precipitation increase. There is some evidence that model deficiencies are related to land surface parameterizations. All models warmed over the twenty-first century under the six greenhouse gas scenarios considered, with an increase of 4.7 ± 2.0°C (model mean ± 1 standard deviation) for the A2 scenario (a medium-high emission scenario) over the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by 2070–2099. Precipitation projections had much weaker consensus, with a corresponding increase of 3 ± 12% for the A2 scenario, but in winter there was a more consistent increase of 8 ± 7%. The projected climate averaged over the four best-performing models was significantly cooler and wetter than the projected seven-model-average climate. Precipitation projections were within the range of interannual variability but temperature projections were not. The implied research needs are for improvements in precipitation projections and a better understanding of the impacts of warming on streamflow and estuarine ecology and biogeochemistry.
Charge relaxation in partially filled vessels

Abstract The decay of electrostatic charge within a conducting vessel partially filled with charged powder is influenced by the geometry of the vessel and the fill level within. As it decays, some of the volume charge temporarily accumulates at the surface of the powder heap. This surface charge is capacitively coupled to the conducting vessel walls and, therefore, its (extrinsic) rate of decay is always slower than the (intrinsic) relaxation rate of the volume charge. If the percent fill is close to 100%, the decay rate can be significantly prolonged. To exemplify this geometry-dependent behavior, a transient solution to Poisson's equation is obtained for the case of a grounded cylindrical tank partially filled with charged powder under the assumption that the uniform initial volume charge decays according to an exponential charge relaxation law. The dominant (extrinsic) time constant which governs decay of the surface charge is identified and its dependence upon the vessel geometry and the percent fill is studied. Because of the lingering presence of surface charge, the electric fields near the powder/air boundary can remain at hazardous levels for an extended period of time. The practical implication of these results is that the probability of electrostatic discharge during and after filling operations is increased.
The role of proteolytic processing in the morphogenesis of virus particles

Proteinases are encoded by many RNA viruses, all retroviruses and several DNA viruses. They play essential roles at various stages in viral replication, including the coordinated assembly and maturation of virions. Most of these enzymes belong to one of three (Ser, Cys or Asp) of the four major classes of proteinases, and have highly substrate-selective and cleavage specific activities. They can be thought of as playing one of two general roles in viral morphogenesis. Structural proteins are encoded by retroviruses and many RNA viruses as part of large polyproteins. Their proteolytic release is a prerequisite to particle assembly; consequent structural rearrangement of the capsid domains serves to regulate and direct association and assembly of capsid subunits. The second general role of proteolysis is in assembly-dependent maturation of virus particles, which is accompanied by the acquisition of infectivity.
Downregulation of ADIPOQ and PPARγ2 Gene-Expression in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Obese Adolescents With Hepatic Steatosis

Hepatic steatosis is associated with hypoadiponectinemia. The mechanism(s) resulting in lower serum adiponectin levels in obese adolescents with fatty liver is unknown. In two groups of equally obese adolescents, but discordant for hepatic fat content, we measured adiponectin, leptin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ 2 (PPARγ2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) gene expression in the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Twenty six adolescents with similar degrees of obesity underwent a subcutaneous periumbilical adipose tissue biopsy, in addition to metabolic (oral glucose tolerance test, and hyperinsulinemic--euglycemic clamp), and imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), DEXA). Using quantitative real-time-PCR; adiponectin, PPARγ2, TNFα, and leptin mRNA were measured. Based on a hepatic fat content (hepatic fat fraction, HFF) >5.5%, measured by fast MRI, the subjects were divided into low and high HFF group. In addition to the hypoadiponectinemia in the high HFF group, we found that the expression of adiponectin as well as PPARγ2 in the SAT was significantly decreased in this group. No differences were noted for TNFα and leptin plasma or mRNA levels between the groups. An inverse relationship was observed between adiponectin or PPARγ2 expression and hepatic fat content, whereas, adiponectin expression was positively related to PPARγ2 expression. Independent of overall obesity, a reduced expression of adiponectin and PPARγ2 in the abdominal SAT is associated with high liver fat content, as well as with insulin resistance in obese adolescents.
Contrast alternatives for iodinated contrast allergy and renal dysfunction: Options and limitations

Diagnostic angiography and vascular interventions make routine use of iodinated contrast material (ICM). Patients with renal disease or contrast allergy pose limitations on the use of ICM. In such cases, alternative contrast media may be used to carry out the procedure. Current alternatives include carbon dioxide, gadolinium, and dilute ICM. Each of these alternatives has its own unique features and limitations. In the present review article, the current alternatives to ICM are explored, with a focus on the applications and restrictions of each.
A brain-like processor for knowledge-based reasoning

In current technology, music players are strictly dependent on the user's input to play, repeat or discard certain songs. These tasks are performed according to the user's preferences and indications on the system. In this sense, they are passive and the user's preferences are recorded by evaluating his/her clicks which may also be unintentional. This paper presents a music preference indicator using a brain-like microprocessor, allowing the music player to actually “think” and develop preferences. The indicator senses the interest level of a user when listening to certain music genres. In this indicator system, the Q sensor was intended to use to retrieve the data that represents the reaction from the user. The audio classification software is responsible for obtaining useful data from the recorded sound wave. Combination of these data in neural networks results in pattern recognition units (PRUs). These PRU's are connected together on an FPGA to form the brain-like architecture. Overall, this system has smart features to detect the user's music preference and suggest similar songs and genres without the need to tell the music player.
Adaptive communication among collaborative agents: preliminary results with symbol grounding

Communication among adaptive agents can be framed as language acquisition and broken down into three problems; symbol grounding, language learning, and language evolution. We propose that this view clarifies many of the difficulties framing issues of collaboration and self-organization. Additionally, we demonstrate simple classification systems that can provide the first step in grounding real-world data and provide general schema for constructing other such systems. The first system classifies auditory input from frog calls and is presented as a model of grounding objects. The second system uses the minimum description length framework to distinguish patterns of robot movement as a model of grounding actions.
Using endoscopy to teach cataract surgery

Current methods of teaching cataract surgery include lectures, wet-lab sessions, and participation in real surgery. We describe a new method using a microendoscopic cyclophotocoagulation device during phacoemulsification cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in 4 eyes of 4 patients. Endoscopic visualization during surgery aided in construction of the corneal incision, location of the capsulorhexis edge, and estimation of the lens groove depth. It also demonstrated clinical findings not observable with the surgical microscope such as misplaced IOL haptics and residual lens cortex. Use of the endoscope enhanced the educational value of the surgery and the final surgical outcome.
Informational Bypass: Research Library Access to U.S. Telecommunications Periodicals

A survey of holdings of three top U.S. academic libraries shows a dramatic decrease in the proportion of telecommunications titles during a time when these publications were increasing in number and price, suggesting that the research library-centered information system is being bypassed.
A STUDY OF PARTICLE MOTION IN TURBULENT SHEAR FLOW OF A SUSPENSION

ABSTRACT A report is made on the measurement of turbulent shear flows of a two-phase suspension of particles in a carrier fluid by the recently developed laser-Doppler anemometry particle sizing techniques, one for small particles (smaller than 240 μm) and one for large particles (larger than 240 μm). A good deal of insights of the dynamics at the individual particle level has thus been gained which defy the explanations offered by the conventional macroscopic theories. These new experimental findings have stimulated the development of a series of new theoretical approaches which are based on the individual particle's dynamical frequency response characteristics in a turbulent flow. These new theories provide explanations to the measured peculiar features of flow behavior as well as a better understanding of the physics of such flows.
Activation of Hsp90/NOS and increased NO generation does not impair mitochondrial respiratory chain by competitive binding at cytochrome C Oxidase in low oxygen concentrations

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to regulate mitochondrial respiration, especially during metabolic stress and disease, by nitrosation of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes (irreversible) and by a competitive binding at O2 binding site of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) in complex IV (reversible). In this study, by using bovine aortic endothelial cells, we demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of endogenously generated NO by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation, by either NOS stimulators or association with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), is significant only at high prevailing pO2 through nitrosation of mitochondrial ETC complexes, but it does not inhibit the respiration by competitive binding at CcO at very low pO2. ETC complexes activity measurements confirmed that significant reduction in complex IV activity was noticed at higher pO2, but it was unaffected at low pO2 in these cells. This was further extended to heat-shocked cells, where NOS was activated by the induction/activation of (Hsp90) through heat shock at an elevated temperature of 42°C. From these results, we conclude that the entire attenuation of respiration by endogenous NO is due to irreversible inhibition by nitrosation of ETC complexes but not through reversible inhibition by competing with O2 binding at CcO at complex IV.
Large acceptance forward Cherenkov detector for the BRAHMS experiment at RHIC

A multi-element detector based on Cherenkov radiation in plastic and on photomultiplier tubes has been constructed that is particularly useful in collider experiments. The detector covers the pseudorapidity interval 3.23<η<5.25 with large acceptance for the products of proton–proton and heavy ion collisions. The detector's primary purposes are determining the vertex of the interaction, providing a minimum bias trigger, finding the start time for time of flight (and other timing applications), and monitoring the luminosity. Monte Carlo simulations describe the pulse height response of the detector well, as does an analytic expression that has been developed. The detector performed well in the RHIC experiment BRAHMS.
Superficial venous interventions: assessing the risk of DVT

AbstractObjectivesUnderstand the potential consequences of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing superficial venous interventions, the proper way to assess DVT risk in patients with superficial venous disease and the appropriate management of patients stratified by risk level.MethodsReview of published literatureResultsBecause DVT can have major long-term consequences, DVT risk should be assessed as a routine part of the preprocedure evaluation of venous disease. Chronic venous disease may have multiple contributing factors amenable to treatment in both the superficial and deep venous systems.ConclusionSuperficial venous interventions should be deferred in patients at particularly high risk for DVT, but may be performed with appropriate countermeasures for DVT prophylaxis in patients at moderate risk.
Return of the surgeon in the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis

Abstract Background The diagnosis of pyloric stenosis (PS) by physical examination is a lost art that has been replaced by radiology-performed ultrasound (US). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the diagnosis of PS can be made solely upon the surgeons US evaluation. Methods Surgical ultrasonographers included 2 senior general surgery residents and 2 pediatric surgery residents without prior formal US experience. These surgeons underwent proctored training in the use of US for PS. Measurements including channel length and muscle thickness were recorded at bedside. A positive examination included muscle thickness more than 4 mm and channel length more than 16 mm. Patients with positive results underwent pyloromyotomy. Negative results were confirmed with a repeat US through the radiology department, and infants without PS were subsequently referred for appropriate medical management. Results Thirty-two consecutive patients with suspected PS were evaluated using surgeon-performed ultrasonography. All examinations were diagnostically accurate. There were no false-positive or false-negative result. Seven patients (22%) were correctly determined to be negative for PS. The remaining 25 infants underwent successful pyloromyotomy with resolution of symptoms. Conclusion Surgeons who have undergone focused training to perform US for PS can diagnose the condition without confirmatory testing by a radiologist.
Airborne micro-organisms: a technique for studying their survival.

The concentration of viable cells in an aerosol of micro-organisms is reduced by physical loss and biological decay. To study biological decay it is necessary to distinguish between the two processes. The preferred way of doing this is to mix the test aerosol with a tracer which is subject only to physical loss: the tracer and test cells should be mixed before dissemination. The recommended tracers for bacterial clouds are bacteria made radioactive by growing on a medium containing 32 P, then killed with formaldehyde and washed. To ensure closest identity of physical behaviour it is necessary that the tracer should be of the same species as the cells under test. We are grateful to Mr E. O. Powell for helpful comment during the preparation of this paper .
Productivity and utilization of the seagrass Halodule wrightii and its attached epiphytes1

Epiphytic algae growing attached to shoalgrass (Halodule wrightii) blades accounted for nearly half of the aboveground live biomass and primary productivity of two seagrass meadows in southern Texas from June-December 1980. They also accounted for the major fraction of recognizable diet material of common seagrass meadow macroinvertebrates, such as grass shrimp (Palaemonetes), crabs (Callinectes), snails (Anachis and Bittium), and amphipods (Cymadusa). Significant shading of seagrass by epiphytes did not appear evident at the light intensities normally encountered by these populations. The passage of Hurricane Allen near the area in early August 1980 did not seem to have a major impact on the seagrass meadow, despite wind gusts of 150 kph and storm tides of+3m.
Survival and long-term health and cognitive outcomes after low-grade glioma.

Departments of Epidemiology and Cancer Control (G.T.A., S.H., L.L.R.), Psychology (H.M.C.), Biostatistics (D.S.), Neurosurgery (R.S.), Pathology (D.W.E.), Radiological Sciences (T.E.M.), Oncology (M.M.H., A.G., B.E.M.) and Ophthalmology (M.E.H.), St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee Long-term morbidity for children with low-grade glioma (LGG) requires exposure-specific characterization. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated for 361 children diagnosed with LGG between 1985 and 2007 at a single institution. Five-year survivors (n 5 240) received riskbased clinical assessment. Cumulative incidence of late effects 15 years from diagnosis were estimated. Risk factors for adverse health were identified using Fine and Gray’s approach to Cox’s proportional hazards model, accounting for death as a competing risk. OS at 15 years was 86% (95% confidence interval [CI] 82%‐90%), and PFS was 55% (95% CI 51%‐58%). Among the 240 5-year survivors, the 5-, 10-, and 15year cumulative incidence of adverse outcomes included blindness: 10%, 13%, and 18%, respectively; hearing loss: 8%, 14%, and 22%; obesity/overweight: 18%, 35%, and 53%; hyperinsulinism: 1%, 5%, and 24%; growth hormone deficiency: 13%, 27%, and 29%; thyroid hormone deficiency: 16%, 28%, and 33%; and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency: 12%, 22%, and 26%. Multivariable models demonstrated radiation therapy to be a significant independent predictor of hearing loss, growth hormone deficiency, abnormal thyroid function, and ACTH deficiency. Diencephalic location was a statistically significant independent risk factor for blindness, growth hormone deficiency, abnormal thyroid function, and ACTH deficiency. Among the 182 5-year survivors assessed for intellectual function, 34% had an intelligence quotient (IQ) below average (<85), associated with younger age at diagnosis, epilepsy, and shunt placement. Survivors of childhood LGG experience substantial long-term adverse effects that continue to increase well beyond the 5-year survival time point.
Reliability Optimization Involving Mixed Continuous-Discrete Uncertainties

Engineering design problems frequently involve a mix of both continuous and discrete uncertainties. However, most methods in the literature deal with either continuous or discrete uncertainties, but not both. In particular, no method has yet addressed uncertainty for categorically discrete variables or parameters. This article develops an efficient optimization method for problems involving mixed continuous-discrete uncertainties. The method reduces the number of function evaluations performed by systematically filtering the discrete factorials used for estimating reliability based on their importance. This importance is assessed using the spatial distance from the feasible boundary and the probability of the discrete components. The method is demonstrated in examples and is shown to be very efficient with only small errors.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Activation of Adenosine 2A Receptors Preserves Structure and Function of Podocytes

Adenosine 2A receptor (A 2A R) activation was recently shown to be renoprotective in diabetic nephropathy. A 2A R are found in glomeruli and have been shown to associate with the podocyte cytoskeletal protein α-actinin-4, but the effect of their activation on podocyte structure and function is unknown. Podocyte injury was induced in C57BL/6 mice with puromycin aminonucleoside, and the selective A 2A R agonist ATL313 was found to attenuate the resulting albuminuria and foot process fusion. The selective A 2A R antagonist ZM241385 reversed the effects of ATL313. In vitro , A 2A R mRNA and protein were expressed in a conditionally immortalized podocyte cell line, and A 2A R-like immunoreactivity co-localized with the actin cytoskeleton. Treatment with ATL313 also blocked the increased podocyte permeability to albumin and disruption of the actin cytoskeleton that accompanied puromycin aminonucleoside–induced injury in vitro . ATL313 was ineffective, however, in the presence of the A 2A R antagonist and in A 2A R-deficient podocytes. It was concluded that A 2A R activation reduces glomerular proteinuria, at least in part, by preserving the normal structure of podocyte foot processes, slit diaphragms, and actin cytoskeleton.
Effects of Captivity and Memory-Based Experiences on the Hippocampus in Mountain Chickadees

The complexity of an animal's physical environment is known to affect the hippocampus. Captivity may affect hippocampal anatomy and this may be attributable to the limited opportunities for memory-based experiences. This has tangential support, in that differential demands on memory can mediate changes in the hippocampus. What remains unclear is whether captivity directly affects hippocampal architecture and whether providing memory-based experiences in captivity can maintain hippocampal attributes comparable to wild-caught conspecifics. Using food-caching mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli), we found that wild-caught individuals had larger hippocampal volumes relative to the rest of the telencephalon than captive birds with or without memory-based food-caching experiences, whereas there were no differences in neuron numbers or telencephalon volume. Also, there were no significant differences in relative hippocampal volume or neuron numbers between the captive birds with or without memory-based experiences. Our results demonstrate that captivity reduces hippocampal volume relative to the remainder of the telencephalon, but not at the expense of neuron numbers. Further, memory-based experiences in captivity may not be sufficient to maintain hippocampal volume comparable to wild-caught counterparts.
Effects of Long-Term Nitrogen Addition on Microbial Enzyme Activity in Eight Forested and Grassland Sites: Implications for Litter and Soil Organic Matter Decomposition

Long-term nitrogen (N) addition experiments have found positive, negative, and neutral effects of added N on rates of decomposition. A leading explanation for this variation is differential effects of N on the activity of microbially produced extracellular enzymes involved in decomposition. Specifically, it is hypothesized that adding N to N-limited ecosystems increases activity of cellulose degrading enzymes and decreases that of lignin degrading enzymes, and that shifts in enzyme activity in response to added N explain the decomposition response to N fertilization. We measured litter and soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and microbial enzyme activity in a long-term N fertilization experiment at eight forested and grassland sites in central Minnesota, USA, to determine (1) variation among sites in enzyme activity, (2) variation in the response of enzymes, litter decomposition, and soil respiration to added N, and (3) whether changes in enzyme activity in response to added N explained variability among sites in the effect of N on litter and SOM decomposition. Site differences in pH, moisture, soil carbon, and microbial biomass explained much of the among-site variation in enzyme activity. Added N generally stimulated activities of cellulose degrading and N- and phosphorus-acquiring enzymes in litter and soil, but had no effect on lignin degrading enzyme activity. In contrast, added N generally had negative or neutral effects on litter and SOM decomposition in the same sites, with no correspondence between effects of N on enzyme activity and decomposition across sites.
Rethinking the Economics Curriculum for Public Affairs Programs

Professional public affairs masters programs include a variety of economics coursework as part of the degree requirements. This article analyzes the microeconomics curriculum at public affairs graduate schools. While top-ranked programs are significantly more likely to include an economics course in the core curriculum, the coursework appears fairly standard across programs with little applicability to future policy practitioners. In addition, the paper makes suggestions to improve the public affairs microeconomics core course.