cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Levoglucosan as a Molecular Marker for the Long-Range Transport of Biomass Combustion Aerosols

Samples of ambient particulate matter (PM10) collected during a regional haze episode are analyzed for the molecular marker levoglucosan (1,6-anhydro-β-d-glucopyranose) to track biomass-combustion generated aerosol. The particle samples were collected as part of an increased monitoring effort to measure the effect of emissions from biomass fires in Mexico and Central America on ambient particle concentrations in Texas. Atmospheric concentrations of levoglucosan quantified from PM10 samples collected at 9 sites in Texas vary from 0.2 to 1.2 μg m-3. Levoglucosan concentrations are highest at border and coastal locations, where it represents between 1.1 and 1.3% of the total PM10 mass concentrations measured. To be used as a tracer for the long-range transport of biomass aerosol, levoglucosan must be conserved in transport from source to receptor and not be subject to atmospheric reactions that would selectively remove the marker. One possible reaction specific to levoglucosan, acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, is ...
Our fragile intellect. Part I

New developments in genetics, anthropology, and neurobiology predict that a very large number of genes underlie our intellectual and emotional abilities, making these abilities genetically surprisingly fragile.
Risk of Scar in the Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials

Objective To describe risk factors for scar in eyes treated with ranibizumab or bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Design Prospective cohort study within a randomized clinical trial. Participants Patients with no scar on color fundus photography (CFP) or fluorescein angiography (FA) at enrollment in the Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT). Methods Eyes were assigned to ranibizumab or bevacizumab treatment and to 1 of 3 dosing regimens for 2 years. Masked readers assessed CFP and FA. Baseline demographic characteristics, visual acuity, morphologic features on photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), and genotypes associated with AMD risk were evaluated as risk factors using adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Scars were classified as fibrotic with well-demarcated elevated mounds of yellowish white tissue or nonfibrotic with discrete flat areas of hyperpigmentation with varying amounts of central depigmentation. Main Outcome Measures Scar formation. Results Scar developed in 480 of 1059 eyes (45.3%) by 2 years. Baseline characteristics associated with greater risk of scarring were predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) (aHR, 3.1; CI, 2.4–3.9) versus occult CNV, blocked fluorescence (aHR, 1.4; CI, 1.1–1.8), foveal retinal thickness >212 μm (aHR, 2.4; CI, 1.7–3.6) versus 275 μm (aHR, 2.4; CI, 1.7–3.6) versus ≤75 μm, foveal subretinal fluid (aHR, 1.5; CI, 1.1–2.0) versus no subretinal fluid, and subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) (aHR, 1.7; CI, 1.3–2.3) versus no SHRM. Eyes with elevation of the retinal pigment epithelium had lower risk (aHR, 0.6; CI, 0.5–0.8) versus no elevation. Drug, dosing regimen, and genotype had no statistically significant association with scarring. Fibrotic scars developed in 24.7% of eyes, and nonfibrotic scars developed in 20.6% of eyes. Baseline risk factors for the scar types were similar except that eyes with larger lesion size or visual acuity Conclusions Approximately half of eyes enrolled in CATT developed scar by 2 years. Eyes with classic neovascularization, a thicker retina, and more fluid or material under the foveal center of the retina are more likely to develop scar.
Symmetry in free markets

Free markets are shown to be highly symmetric under an interchange operation involving market participants. The symmetry operation leads to a conservation law of information: there exists no information that permits one person to have a greater expectation than any other. Symmetry violations arising from privileged and late-breaking information may occur and lead to better-than-average performance. The role of government in symmetric markets is briefly explored.
Pollen analysis of Tulare Lake, California: Great Basin-like vegetation in Central California during the full-glacial and early Holocene

Pollen analysis and nine radiocarbon dates of an 853-cm core from historically drained Tulare Lake, south-central California are reported prior to 7000 yr B.P., the vegetation of the southern San Joaquin Valley (central California) resembled that of the contemporary Great Basin, including abundant greasewood (Sarcobatus), which currently does not occur west of the Sierra Nevada. The early-Holocene pollen assemblage is dominated by Cupressaceae (>40%), Pinus (>20%), Quercus (5–20%), Artemisia (>15%), and Sarcobatus (>5%), suggesting pinyon–juniper–oak woodland in the uplands, with greasewood on the saltflats near the lake. Giant sequoia was widespread along the Sierra Nevada streams draining into Tulare Lake, prior to 9000 yr B.P. as Sequoiadendron pollen is greater than 4%. The pollen assemblages before 18,500 yr B.P. are similar to those of the early Holocene (Cupressaceae, Artemisia, and Sarcobatus), but a gap in sedimentation from ca. 18,500–10,500 yr B.P. prohibits characterization of full-glacial vegetation. The end of Great Basin-like pollen assemblages 7000 yr B.P. (demise of Sarcobatus) coincides with increased frequency of charcoal; i.e., greater fire frequency in the Holocene woodland and grassland. From 7000–4000 yr B.P. the pollen assemblage is dominated by Other Compositae and Chenopodiaceae–Amaranthus pollen, suggesting expansion of xerophytic steppe at the expense of oak woodland. Higher percentages of littoral pollen (Cyperaceae, Typha–Sparganium) and lower percentages of pelagic algae (Botryococcus + Pediastrum) during the middle Holocene indicate lake levels generally lower than during the early Holocene. The late Holocene begins with a cold-wet period 3500–2500 yr B.P. followed by progressive drying of the lake. Climate estimates based on modern pollen analogs confirm the climate implications of the vegetation and lake history. Early Holocene climate was cold and wet, and maximum Holocene temperature and drought occurred between 7000 and 4000 yr B.P. Cool-moist climate from 4000 to 2000 yr B.P. is followed by a return to aridity and high temperature ca. 1000 yr B.P.
Explantación de endoprótesis aórtica en el receptor de un trasplante de riñón

La correccion quirurgica de un aneurisma aortico abdominal (AAA) en receptores de un trasplante renal ha generado una diversidad de metodos de tratamiento del aloinjerto. En esta poblacion de pacientes se han utilizado satisfactoriamente tecnicas endovasculares. Debido a las limitaciones inherentes de los metodos endovasculares actuales, ocasionalmente debe efectuarse una reseccion de la endoprotesis. Presentamos uno de estos casos en un receptor de trasplante de rinon en el que se utilizo oxigenador con bomba para mantener la perfusion del aloinjerto.
Complexes of the lanthanide elements with mercaptocarboxylate ligands

Abstract Stability constants have been determined by the Bjerrum method for complexes of the α-mercaptopropionate, β-mercaptopropionate, and S-ethylthioglycolate ions with yttrium (III) and several trivalent lanthanide ions. The investigation indicates that the acid anions function as monodentate ligands.
Comparison of airway intubation devices when using a biohazard suit: a feasibility study

Abstract Objectives We set out to compare emergency medicine residents' intubating times and success rates for direct laryngoscopy (DL), GlideScope-assisted intubation (GS), and the Supraglottic Airway Laryngopharyngeal Tube (SALT) airway with and without biohazard gear. Methods Each resident passed through 2 sets of 3 testing stations (DL, GS, SALT) in succession, intubating Laerdal mannequin heads with the 3 modalities after randomization to start with or without biohazard gear. Results Thirty-seven residents participated, and 27 were male (73%); 14 (37.8%) had prior experience intubating in biohazard suits. There was a statistically significant difference in those who had prior intubation experience between DL (37, 100%), GS (32, 86.5%), and SALT (12, 32.4%) ( P P = .03). There was no statistically significant difference between the overall times to intubate for the 3 devices. First-pass success was highest for DL (91.2%, no suit; 83.7%, suit) followed by GS (89%, no suit; 78.3%, suit) and SALT (51%, no suit; 67.6%, suit). Conclusion A minority of participants had prior experience intubating in biohazard suits. Use of biohazard suits extends time to successful intubation. There was no difference in time to intubation for the 3 devices, but first-pass success was highest for DL (with or without biohazard gear).
Transformation of cultured cells of Chenopodium quinoa by binary vectors that carry a fragment of DNA from the virulence region of ptiBo542

A 15.2-kb KpnI fragment from the virulence region of pTiBo542, the Ti plasmid harbored by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain A281, was introduced into binary vectors. The fragment contained the virB, virC and virG genes, and it is known to have the ability to increase the virulence of strains of A. tumefaciens. The strains of A. tumefaciens that carried the resulting plasmids were able to transform cells in a suspension culture of Chenopodium quinoa Willd cells which were not transformable by common vectors. Although the sizes of the plasmids was very large, a foreign segment of DNA was introduced into one of the plasmids by homologous recombination in A. tumefaciens cells, and the segment was subsequently transferred to plant cells.
Normal Vibrations in Aluminum and Derived Thermodynamic Properties

The experimental phonon-dispersion curves of aluminum at 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K have been analyzed in terms of axially symmetric Born-von K\'arm\'an force-constant models, including 8 nearest neighbors. The resulting models have been used to compute a frequency distribution function $g(\ensuremath{\omega})$ at each temperature from which various thermodynamic properties have been derived. The specific-heat curve predicted by the $g(\ensuremath{\omega})$ appropriate to 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K fits excellently the experimental results in the temperature range 20 to 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. At higher temperatures the experimental results deviate from this calculated curve and approach the curve appropriate to $g(\ensuremath{\omega})$ at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Similar behavior is found for the experimental Debye-Waller coefficient in the range above 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. It is concluded that inelastic-neutron-scattering data and thermodynamic data are compatible in the range of sufficiently low temperatures where deviations from the quasiharmonic approximation are small, provided a good force-constant model as well as a statistically adequate $g(\ensuremath{\omega})$ are available. There is evidence that the quasiharmonic approximation in aluminum is invalid at room temperature at least for the extreme low-frequency part of $g(\ensuremath{\omega})$.
Feedback semigroups and cosine operators for boundary feedback parabolic and hyperbolic equations

Abstract General second-order parabolic and hyperbolic equations on a bounded domain are considered. The input is applied in the Neumann or mixed boundary condition and is expressed as a finite-dimensional feedback. In the parabolic case, the feedback acts, in particular, on the Dirichlet trace of the solution: here it is shown that the resulting closed loop system defines a (feedback) C0-semigroup on L 2 (Ω) (in fact, on H 3 2 − 2ϱ (Ω), ρ > 0 ), that is both analytic and compact for positive times, and whose generator has compact resolvent. In the hyperbolic case, the feedback acts on the position vector only, or on its Dirichlet trace in a special case: here a similar result is established regarding the existence of a feedback C0-cosine operator. Moreover, an example is given, which hints that the class of prescribed feedbacks acting on the Dirichlet trace cannot be substantially enlarged. Functional analytic techniques are employed, in particular perturbation theory. However, perturbation theory for the original variable fails on L 2 (Ω) , the space in which the final result is sought. Therefore, our approach employs perturbation theory, after a suitable continuous extension, on the larger space [H 1 2 + 2ϱ (Ω)]′ .
The early history of reverse osmosis membrane development

Abstract The birth of pressure driven membrane desalination took place nearly 100 years ago. Early developments in this technology remain shrouded in some mystery, especially with respect to application of the osmotic phenomenon to desalination. Existing literature is also somewhat confused regarding first usage of the term “reverse osmosis”. A comprehensive review of early literature is presented in this paper in an effort to resolve some of these interesting questions. The unique feature of this review, as contrasted to several others, is inclusion of previously unpublished reports and experimental data. These documents, dating back to 1950, will reveal surprising insights into the origin of present-day technology now known as reverse osmosis.
G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 Is Anatomically Positioned to Modulate Synaptic Plasticity in the Mouse Hippocampus

Both estrous cycle and sex affect the numbers and types of neuronal and glial profiles containing the classical estrogen receptors α and β, and synaptic levels in the rodent dorsal hippocampus. Here, we examined whether the membrane estrogen receptor, G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), is anatomically positioned in the dorsal hippocampus of mice to regulate synaptic plasticity. By light microscopy, GPER1-immunoreactivity (IR) was most noticeable in the pyramidal cell layer and interspersed interneurons, especially those in the hilus of the dentate gyrus. Diffuse GPER1-IR was found in all lamina but was most dense in stratum lucidum of CA3. Ultrastructural analysis revealed discrete extranuclear GPER1-IR affiliated with the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum of neuronal perikarya and dendritic shafts, synaptic specializations in dendritic spines, and clusters of vesicles in axon terminals. Moreover, GPER1-IR was found in unmyelinated axons and glial profiles. Overall, the types and amounts of GPER1-labeled profiles were similar between males and females; however, in females elevated estrogen levels generally increased axonal labeling. Some estradiol-induced changes observed in previous studies were replicated by the GPER agonist G1: G1 increased PSD95-IR in strata oriens, lucidum, and radiatum of CA3 in ovariectomized mice 6 h after administration. In contrast, estradiol but not G1 increased Akt phosphorylation levels. Instead, GPER1 actions in the synapse may be due to interactions with synaptic scaffolding proteins, such as SAP97. These results suggest that although estrogen's actions via GPER1 may converge on the same synaptic elements, different pathways are used to achieve these actions.
Characterization of exposure and processing of thick PMMA for deep x-ray lithography using hard x-rays

The first step for the fabrication of microstructures using deep x-ray lithography (DXRL) is the radiation of a sensitive polymer like poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by hard x-ray. At the Advanced Photon Source a dedicated beamline1 allowed the proper exposure of very thick resist (several mm). In this work we give a characterization of the PMMA/development system. As a result the resist dissolution rate (μm/min) of the exposed PMMA in different developer is calculated. We also analyze the conditions that produce bubbles and cracks in the thick exposed resist and investigate the scanning parameters that reduce them.
Recent perspectives on the molecular structure and regulation of the β2-adrenoceptor

Abstract The recent cloning of the β 2 -AR and other members of the adrenergic receptor family and related molecules has generated a flood of new information about the structure of this ubiquitous class of receptor molecules, and the ways in which their unique structures determine their function. Agonists interact with the receptor-binding pocket and somehow trigger conformational changes in the cytoplasmic portions of the receptor. These intracellular changes are then transmitted to the G-protein α-subunit. Phosphorylation of the receptor by several protein kinases and subsequent binding of additional cytosolic factors appear to be a major step in the control of receptor function. Changes in receptor gene expression which regulate receptor number and responsiveness provide another means to regulate transmembrance signalling. The realization that G-protein-coupled receptors are transcriptionally regulated by their own second messengers indicates that the parallels among the various members of this receptor family extend beyond their structural homologies, of 7 transmembrane segments and G-protein coupling, to include the genetic aspects of their regulation.
Positions of cations and molecules in zeolites with the faujasite-type framework VIII. Hydrated Ca-exchanged X

Abstract Ca-exchanged X dehydrated under vacuum at 500° C and measured at room temperature has 13 Ca in S(I), 5 in S(I′) and 25 in S(II). This distribution and the interatomic distances agree with energy minimization for a simple electrostatic model of the Pauling type, when account is taken of some residual oxygen species in the sodalite cage.
Feasibility of Breast-Conserving Surgery for Patients With Breast Carcinoma Associated With Nipple Discharge

BACKGROUND Few studies in the literature address the surgical management of patients with breast carcinoma who present with associated nipple discharge. The purpose of the current study was to determine the feasibility of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for these patients. METHODS The medical records of patients who presented with pathologic nipple discharge and underwent diagnostic or curative surgery between January 1990 and December 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS A total of 188 patients presented with nipple discharge during the study period. Of those, 47 had breast carcinoma. One patient had metachronous bilateral nipple discharge associated with malignant disease. Therefore, medical records associated with a total of 48 cases were reviewed. The median patient age was 52 years (range, 29–87 years), and the median follow-up duration was 45 months (range, 6–109 months). Twenty-nine patients had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 14 had Stage I disease, 3 had Stage II disease, and 2 had Stage III disease. Twenty-four patients were ultimately treated with mastectomy. For 16 of these patients, mastectomy was required because extensive disease was found in reexcisional segmental mastectomy specimens. Among patients with Stage 0 or I disease, the incidence of occult nipple-areola complex (NAC) involvement was 16% (3 of 19 patients). Twenty-four patients were ultimately treated with BCS with (n = 13) or without (n = 11) adjuvant radiotherapy. Local disease recurrence was noted at 14, 28, and 40 months, respectively, in 3 patients who declined adjuvant radiotherapy after BCS for DCIS. Among patients treated with BCS, comedonecrosis, multifocality, and the absence of adjuvant radiotherapy were associated with decreased local recurrence–free survival (P = 0.0005, P = 0.045, and P = 0.013, respectively). However, disease-free survival (mean ± standard error) was similar for patients who underwent mastectomy and patients who underwent BCS (90 ± 6 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 78–101 months vs. 82 ± 6 months; 95% CI, 69–94 months; P = 0.528). One patient with Stage I disease died of distant metastases at 99 months. CONCLUSIONS Patients with breast carcinoma accompanied by nipple discharge presented primarily with early-stage breast carcinoma associated with DCIS. Occult NAC involvement was not an uncommon finding in patients with early-stage breast carcinoma. Nonetheless, BCS can be performed safely if negative margins are achieved and if appropriate adjuvant radiotherapy or systemic therapy is administered. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Genetic Depletion of the Malin E3 Ubiquitin Ligase in Mice Leads to Lafora Bodies and the Accumulation of Insoluble Laforin

Approximately 90% of cases of Lafora disease, a fatal teenage-onset progressive myoclonus epilepsy, are caused by mutations in either the EPM2A or the EPM2B genes that encode, respectively, a glycogen phosphatase called laforin and an E3 ubiquitin ligase called malin. Lafora disease is characterized by the formation of Lafora bodies, insoluble deposits containing poorly branched glycogen or polyglucosan, in many tissues including skeletal muscle, liver, and brain. Disruption of the Epm2b gene in mice resulted in viable animals that, by 3 months of age, accumulated Lafora bodies in the brain and to a lesser extent in heart and skeletal muscle. Analysis of muscle and brain of the Epm2b−/− mice by Western blotting indicated no effect on the levels of glycogen synthase, PTG (type 1 phosphatase-targeting subunit), or debranching enzyme, making it unlikely that these proteins are targeted for destruction by malin, as has been proposed. Total laforin protein was increased in the brain of Epm2b−/− mice and, most notably, was redistributed from the soluble, low speed supernatant to the insoluble low speed pellet, which now contained 90% of the total laforin. This result correlated with elevated insolubility of glycogen and glycogen synthase. Because up-regulation of laforin cannot explain Lafora body formation, we conclude that malin functions to maintain laforin associated with soluble glycogen and that its absence causes sequestration of laforin to an insoluble polysaccharide fraction where it is functionally inert.
Flux analysis, the correspondence principle, and the structure of quantum phase space

The hydrodynamic analogy for quantum mechanics is developed in a quantum phase-space representation. The key technical step in this development is the formulation of a phase-space flux (or current) density expression. Lagrangian fluid trajectories in phase space are explicitly found as solutions to a set of first-order ordinary differential equations which are formulated without making semiclassical approximation to the quantum dynamics. These fluid trajectories may be used to construct sharp structures in quantum phase space in the same way that one uses classical trajectories in classical mechanics. While these sharp structures do not themselves represent states, their properties ``control'' the dynamics of states in a manner familiar from the theory of first-order flows. The formalism reduces to Liouville dynamics in the classical limit, \ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0. In addition to several analytic applications to the pure- and mixed-state dynamics, the approach is numerically implemented for tunneling dynamics in a double-well problem. A new picture for quantum tunneling emerges where the tunneling transport occurs when density spirals outward from one well along real-valued fluid trajectories and then into the other well. The tunneling is found to occur through localized portals, or ``flux gates'' in the phase space. We advocate the phase-space hydrodynamic model as a general tool to understand classical quantum correspondence.
GaN and AlGaN high-voltage rectifiers grown by metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition

In this paper, we report the study of the electrical characteristics of GaN and AlGaN vertical p-i-n junctions and Schottky rectifiers grown on both sapphire and SiC substrates by metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition. For GaN p-in rectifiers grown on SiC with a relatively thin "i" region of 2 µm, a breakdown voltage over 400 V, and forward voltage as low as 4.5 V at 100 A/cm2 are exhibited for a 60µm-diameter device. A GaN Schottky diode with a 2-µm-thick undoped layer exhibits a blocking voltage in excess of ˜230 V at a reverse-leakage current density below 1 mA/cm2, and a forward-voltage drop of 3.5 V at a current density of 100 A/cm2. It has been found that with the same device structure and process approach, the leakage current of a device grown on a SiC substrate is much lower than a device grown on a sapphire substrate. The use of Mg ion implantation for p-guard rings as planar-edge terminations in mesageometry GaN Schottky rectifiers has also been studied.
U.S. Science Teaching and Learning of Evolution: A Critical Review of the Literature 2000–2014

This critical analysis examined research on evolution in the United States between the years 2000–2014, spanning early classroom implementation of the National Science Education Standards to current research findings. First, we sought to understand how the research literature published between 2000 and 2014 contributed to knowledge of evolution education as well as areas required to further illuminate our understanding of evolutionary acceptance and rejection. Two hundred thirteen studies were reviewed using identified criteria that included the approach to teaching, attitudes and perceptions, religiosity, and proposed teaching methods, with particular emphasis on evolution teaching and learning. Following multiple rounds of article examination, seven general directions appear to be present in evolution education research: (1) approach to evolution in the classroom; (2) knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of evolution; (3) attitudes and perceptions of evolution; (4) factors impacting the teaching and learning of evolution; (5) evolution conflict and coping strategies; (6) evolution and religiosity; and (7) proposed evolution teaching method, courses, and assessment. The analysis pointed to four areas in need of further exploration: (1) elaboration on how worldview affects acceptance; (2) exploration of specific factors (intrinsic and extrinsic) that influence the acceptance of evolution; (3) examination of experiences to define these factors, especially among preservice teachers; and (4) exploration of evolution acceptance across geographical regions of the United States.
Infant delivery costs related to maternal smoking: an update.

INTRODUCTION Adverse maternal and infant health outcomes due to maternal smoking are well known. Previous estimates of health care costs for infants at delivery attributable to maternal smoking were $366 million, $704 per smoker, in 1996 dollars. Changes in antenatal and neonatal care, medical care inflation, and declines in the prevalence of maternal smoking call for an updated analysis. METHODS We used Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for 2001/2002 to estimate the association of maternal smoking to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission and, in turn, the length of stay for infants admitted/not admitted. Models are then used with 2003 natality files to derive predicted expenses as is and "as if" mothers did not smoke. The difference in these predicted expenses is smoking attributable expenses (SAEs). The updated analysis incorporated Hispanic ethnicity as an additional variable, data from 27 as opposed to 13 states, and updated (2004) NICU costs per night. RESULTS In contrast to earlier work, we find no significant association of maternal smoking and NICU admission but rather, a positive effect on the length of stay of exposed infants once admitted to the NICU. SAEs were estimated at $122 million (CI = -$29m to $285m) nationally and $279 (CI = -$76 to $653) per maternal smoker in 2004 dollars. CONCLUSIONS Declines in maternal smoking prevalence between the mid-1990s and 2003 combined with a weaker relationship of maternal smoking to NICU admission offset medical care inflation such that infants' SAEs declined. Yet, these are significant in magnitude, incurred immediately and highly preventable.
An integrated environment for visualization of distributed wireless sensor networks

With the advance of MEMS sensors and wireless communication technologies, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) become ubiquitous. However, design, monitor and control of WSNs are not trivial tasks. To assist the design and monitoring of a WSN, computer aided software tools are essential; both of designers and users need these tools to model and simulate WSNs. Most of existing simulators have been developed for designers; while a few of user-oriented tools are confined to a specific platform or system. In this paper, a modular framework is proposed for modeling and simulation of WSNs, and the aspects of monitoring and visualization are focused. The framework serves for both of designers and users. The programming solutions to some generic functions have been provided. The developed system is open to adapt special modules. To maximize scalability and flexibility of the system, the Eclipse platform and Java have been used for the development. The resulted integrated system accommodates different operating systems such as Windows and Linux. It is capable of integrating other plug-ins developed in various languages such as Java, C, C++ and Matlab. The user-friendly Graphic User Interface (GUI) is developed to create and visualize the acquired real-time data of WSN. The embodied methodologies are capable of predicting the behaviors of objects in network. The integrated visualization system has been illustrated through a case study simulation.
Flow visualization studies of two-phase thermal convection in a porous layer

Two-phase thermal convection has been studied in a porous layer heated from below. A water saturated porous layer was heated so that boiling occurred on the lower boundary. In order to observe flow patterns one lateral dimension of the apparatus was made small. At moderate heat fluxes a water zone overlay a two-phase, steam-water zone. Water velocities and streamlines were obtained as well as the location of the two-phase zone for several heat fluxes. Within the water zone heat transfer took place due to both conduction and convection. In the two-phase zone heat transfer took place due to counterpercolation of steam and water.
Risky business of inhibitors: HLA haplotypes, gene polymorphisms, and immune responses

The development of neutralizing antibodies against factor VIII (FVIII inhibitors) and factor IX (FIX inhibitors) is the major complication in hemophilia care today. The antibodies neutralize the biological activity of FVIII and FIX and render replacement therapies ineffective. Antibodies are generated as a result of a cascade of tightly regulated interactions between different cells of the innate and the adaptive immune system located in distinct compartments. Any event that modulates the repertoire of specific B or T cells, the activation state of the innate and adaptive immune system, or the migration pattern of immune cells will therefore potentially influence the risk for patients to develop inhibitors. This chapter reviews our current understanding of different pathways of antibody development that result in different qualities of antibodies. Potential differences in differentiation pathways leading to high-affinity neutralizing or low-affinity non-neutralizing antibodies and the potential influence of gene polymorphisms such as HLA haplotype, FVIII haplotype, and polymorphisms of immunoregulatory genes are discussed.
Unraveling the duplicate-elimination problem in XML-to-SQL query translation

We consider the scenario where existing relational data is exported as XML. In this context, we look at the problem of translating XML queries into SQL. XML query languages have two different notions of duplicates: node-identity based and value-based. Path expression queries have an implicit node-identity based duplicate elimination built into them. On the other hand, SQL only supports value-based duplicate elimination. In this paper, using a simple path expression query we illustrate the problems that arise when we attempt to simulate the node-identity based duplicate elimination using value-based duplicate elimination in the SQL queries. We show how a general solution for this problem covering the class of views considered in published literature requires a fairly complex mechanism.
Correlation of AMPA receptor subunit composition with synaptic input in the mammalian cochlear nuclei.

The composition of AMPA receptors in patches excised from somata and dendrites of six cell types in the mammalian cochlear nuclei was probed and compared electrophysiologically and pharmacologically with the rapid application of glutamate. Cells excited predominantly by auditory nerve fibers had AMPA receptors with exceptionally rapid gating (submillisecond deactivation and desensitization time constants). The nonlinear current–voltage relationship in the presence of spermine showed that few of these receptors had GluR2 subunits, and the insensitivity of desensitization to cyclothiazide indicated that they contained mostly flop splice variants. At synapses made by parallel fibers, AMPA receptors were slowly gating (time constants of deactivation and desensitization >1 msec) and contained higher levels of GluR2 and flip isoforms. However, receptors at auditory nerve synapses on cells that also receive parallel fiber input, the fusiform cells, had intermediate properties with respect to kinetics and contained GluR2 and flip isoforms. Given the diverse biophysical properties, patterns of innervation, patterns of electrical activity, and targets of each cell type in vivo , these data indicate that the kinetics and permeation properties of AMPA receptors are linked to factors associated with synaptic connectivity.
Understanding the heterogeneity in volume overload and fluid distribution in decompensated heart failure is key to optimal volume management: role for blood volume quantitation.

Objectives This study sought to quantitate total blood volume (TBV) in patients hospitalized for decompensated chronic heart failure (DCHF) and to determine the extent of volume overload, and the magnitude and distribution of blood volume and body water changes following diuretic therapy. Background The accurate assessment and management of volume overload in patients with DCHF remains problematic. Methods TBV was measured by a radiolabeled-albumin dilution technique with intravascular volume, pre-to-post–diuretic therapy, evaluated at hospital admission and at discharge. Change in body weight in relation to quantitated TBV was used to determine interstitial volume contribution to total fluid loss. Results Twenty-six patients were prospectively evaluated. Two patients had normal TBV at admission. Twenty-four patients were hypervolemic with TBV (7.4 ± 1.6 liters) increased by +39 ± 22% (range, +9.5% to +107%) above the expected normal volume. With diuresis, TBV decreased marginally (+30 ± 16%). Body weight declined by 6.9 ± 5.2 kg, and fluid intake/fluid output was a net negative 8.4 ± 5.2 liters. Interstitial compartment fluid loss was calculated at 6.2 ± 4.0 liters, accounting for 85 ± 15% of the total fluid reduction. Conclusions TBV analysis demonstrated a wide range in the extent of intravascular overload. Dismissal measurements revealed marginally reduced intravascular volume post-diuretic therapy despite large reductions in body weight. Mobilization of interstitial fluid to the intravascular compartment with diuresis accounted for this disparity. Intravascular volume, however, remained increased at dismissal. The extent, composition, and distribution of volume overload are highly variable in DCHF, and this variability needs to be taken into account in the approach to individualized therapy. TBV quantitation, particularly serial measurements, can facilitate informed volume management with respect to a goal of treating to euvolemia.
Carbon dioxide release in Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar): effects of caste, mass, and movement

Abstract Movement and carbon dioxide (CO2) release of individual Formosan, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Eastern, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) subterranean termites were recorded simultaneously in real time. Worker, soldier, and pre-alate (nymph) caste termites were recorded over 1-h periods at ambient temperature and normoxia in dry, CO2-free air. No evidence of discontinuous gas exchange cycles (DGCs) was observed in 344 recordings. Intensity of movement was constant in video tape recordings of termites under respirometry conditions. Duration of movement did not have a significant effect on residuals of V CO 2 regressed on mass. Thus, movement did not effect V CO 2 for these two species. Overall CO2 release values were calculated for all recordings resulting in mean V CO 2 (ml CO2 g−1 h−1), and compared among caste, colony, and species with a nested ANOVA. There was significant interaction (P=0.0161) only for species. Mean CO2 release was significantly greater for R. flavipes (0.507 ml CO2 g−1 h−1) than C. formosanus (0.310 ml CO2 g−1 h−1). Mass scaling of termite V CO 2 was investigated by regressing log 10 V CO 2 on log10 mass. The overall model combining species gave a mass scaling coefficient of 0.861(±0.0791), which approximates a previously published value for the arthropods as a whole (0.825).
Reaction Injection Molding of Silica-Alumina Mixtures Using Heterocoagulation

A colloidal processing technique based on the heterocoagulation of selected ceramic oxide systems, and analogous to reaction injection molding of polymers, is described. Commercial colloidal silica and boehmite sols, which have oppositely charged particles in the pH range 2.0-9.0, and mixtures of these suspensions with micron sized oxide powders, have been used to determine whether a liquid to solid transformation could be induced when the two materials are simultaneously injected at high velocities into a mold cavity. Rheological changes have been measured as a function of relative flow rates of the two suspensions, solids loading and oscillatory frequency. Viscosity is observed to increase by as much as six orders of magnitude under optimized conditions.
The virtual customer

Abstract Communication and information technologies are adding new capabilities for rapid and inexpensive customer input to all stages of the product development (PD) process. In this article we review six web-based methods of customer input as examples of the improved Internet capabilities of communication, conceptualization, and computation. For each method we give examples of user-interfaces, initial applications, and validity tests. We critique the applicability of the methods for use in the various stages of PD and discuss how they complement existing methods. For example, during the fuzzy front end of PD the information pump enables customers to interact with each other in a web-based game that provides incentives for truth-telling and thinking hard, thus providing new ways for customers to verbalize the product features that are important to them. Fast polyhedral adaptive conjoint estimation enables PD teams to screen larger numbers of product features inexpensively to identify and measure the importance of the most promising features for further development. Meanwhile, interactive web-based conjoint analysis interfaces are moving this proven set of methods to the web while exploiting new capabilities to present products, features, product use, and marketing elements in streaming multimedia representations. User design exploits the interactivity of the web to enable users to design their own virtual products thus enabling the PD team to understand complex feature interactions and enabling customers to learn their own preferences for new products. These methods can be valuable for identifying opportunities, improving the design and engineering of products, and testing ideas and concepts much earlier in the process when less time and money is at risk. As products move toward pretesting and testing, virtual concept testing on the web enables PD teams to test concepts without actually building the product. Further, by combining virtual concepts and the ability of customers to interact with one another in a stock-market-like game, securities trading of concepts provides a novel way to identify winning concepts. Prototypes of all six methods are available and have been tested with real products and real customers. These tests demonstrate reliability for web-based conjoint analysis, polyhedral methods, virtual concept testing, and stock-market-like trading; external validity for web-based conjoint analysis and polyhedral methods; and consistency for web-based conjoint analysis versus user design. We report on these tests, commercial applications, and other evaluations.
Health-related quality of life in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and frequently associated comorbidities.

Purpose To estimate the association of chronic non-urologic conditions [i.e., fibromyalgia (FM), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)] with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
The Caenorhabditis elegans Replication Licensing Factor CDT-1 Is Targeted for Degradation by the CUL-4/DDB-1 Complex

The replication of genomic DNA is strictly regulated to occur only once per cell cycle. This regulation centers on the temporal restriction of replication licensing factor activity. Two distinct ubiquitin ligase (E3) complexes, CUL4/DDB1 and SCF(Skp2), have been reported to target the replication licensing factor Cdt1 for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. However, it is unclear to what extent these two distinct Cdt1 degradation pathways are conserved. Here, we show that Caenorhabditis elegans DDB-1 is required for the degradation of CDT-1 during S phase. DDB-1 interacts specifically with CUL-4 but not with other C. elegans cullins. A ddb-1 null mutant exhibits extensive DNA rereplication in postembryonic BLAST cells, similar to what is observed in cul-4(RNAi) larvae. DDB-1 physically associates with CDT-1, suggesting that CDT-1 is a direct substrate of the CUL-4/DDB-1 E3 complex. In contrast, a deletion mutant of the C. elegans Skp2 ortholog, skpt-1, appears overtly wild type with the exception of an impenetrant gonad migration defect. There is no appreciable role for SKPT-1 in the degradation of CDT-1 during S phase, even in a sensitized ddb-1 mutant background. We propose that the CUL-4/DDB-1 ubiquitin ligase is the principal E3 for regulating the extent of DNA replication in C. elegans.
The erythropoietin receptor lends a Friendly hand

Comment on Zhang et al, page [73][1] An elegant genetic study clarifies the role of the erythropoietin receptor in the pathogenesis of erythroblastosis and polycythemia induced by Friend virus. In 1957, Charlotte Friend described erythroleukemia in mice that was transmissible by a cell-free
E-movie industry and its roles on traditional movie entertainment modes

With home movie entertainment sales increasing, mobile electronic devices such as portable DVD players, IPods, smart video phones and inexpensive downloadable web-based options are becoming more popular; customers now have more options than the traditional modes of movie entertainment. Companies like Netflix are offering a large selection of movies at a low price, and the ability to strip DVDs to blank CDs or blank DVDs, the e-movie industry has increased competition forcing movie theatres to lower ticket prices, file for bankruptcy and/or merge with other movie theatres to remain competitive. There is an increasing correlation between these electronic initiatives in the various types of movie media and technology used and the decrease in the traditional movie theatre industry. Furthermore, in general, people increasingly prefer the convenience of watching movies in the comfort of their own homes with state of the art technology (surround sound systems, HDTV, Plasma TV, TiVo, DVD Recorders/Burners, to name a few). There have been many threats to the movie theatre industry, but with technology becoming cheaper and easier to use, it may spell the end of traditional movie going as a preferred entrainment vehicle.
Developing therapeutic proteins by engineering ligand–receptor interactions

Ligand-receptor interactions govern myriad cell signaling pathways that regulate homeostasis and ensure that cells respond properly to stimuli. Growth factors, cytokines and other regulatory elements use these interactions to mediate cell responses, including proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, immune responses and cell death. Proteins that inhibit these processes have potential as therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disorders, whereas proteins that stimulate these processes offer promise in regenerative medicine. Although much of the focus in this area over the past decade has been on monoclonal antibodies, recently there has been increased interest in the use of non-antibody proteins as therapeutic agents. Here, we review recent advances and accomplishments in the use of rational and combinatorial protein engineering approaches to developing ligands and receptors as agonists and antagonists against clinically important targets.
Flow control for end-to-end delay and power constrained wireless multihop networks

In this paper, we solve the resource allocation problem of minimizing the total average power consumption for end-to-end delay constrained traffic in a multihop wireless network comprised of links with time-varying (Markov-modeled) wireless channels. We are given a set of source-destination pairs. Each source may use multiple routes to transport traffic to the destination at specified data rates. The traffic transported on each route between each src-dst pair is subject to an end-to-end delay guarantee. We present a 2-tier hierarchical solution to solve the above problem. At the bottom tier, each link transmits packets to minimize its long-term average power subject to long-term average delay constraints (BE Collins and RL Cruz, 1999). Given this packet transmission policy at every link and the associated energy-delay and energy-rate trade-off relations, we perform a network-wide optimization of traffic flows at the top tier. This problem is framed as a non-differentiable convex optimization problem is and solved using an incremental sub-gradient optimization technique. We implement our algorithm over sample network topologies and compare its performance with alternate algorithms, noting significant insight of the flow allocation policy as well as substantial gains in energy efficiency and throughput.
Optimal feature weighting for the discrete HMM

We propose a modified discrete HMM that includes a feature weighting discrimination component. We assume that the feature space is partitioned into subspaces and that the relevance weights of the different subspaces depends on the symbols and the states. In particular, we associate a partial probability with each symbol in each subspace. The overall observation state probability is then computed as an aggregation of the partial probabilities and their relevance weights. We consider two aggregation models. The first one is based on a linear combination, while the second one is based on a geometric combination. For both models, we reformulate the Baum-Welch learning algorithm and derive the update equations for the relevance weights and the partial state probabilities. The proposed approach is validated using synthetic and real data sets. The results are shown to outperform the baseline HMM.