cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membrane Mechanics of B Lymphocyte Activation

B lymphocytes are a critical component of the immunological machinery whose primary role is to produce and secrete antibodies that detect foreign antigens. When stimulated by their corresponding antigen, B lymphocytes are triggered to differentiate into antibody secreting Plasma cells. It has been shown that this differentiation requires the transcription factor XBP-1. The mechanism by which XBP-1 deficiency deters Plasma cell differentiation is not understood. XBP-1 regulates lipid synthesis in B lymphocytes, and hence in activated cells, the lipid composition of the cell membrane in XBP-1 deficient cells is different. The aim of this work is to mechanically characterize the B lymphocyte membrane and quantify the consequences of XBP-1 deficiency on the membrane mechanical properties of activated B lymphocytes. We probed the mechanical properties of the cell membrane using optical tweezers. Membrane tethering experiments were performed by locally dissociating the lipid membrane from the underlying cytoskeleton and extending a tube of lipid bilayer from the cell surface while measuring the force of extension, and then the relaxation of the force after extension. Wild type B lymphocytes exhibit three stages of tethering: 1) a linearly increasing force due to local cell stiffness 2) an approximately constant force (plateau force) regime after the membrane locally dissociates from the cytoskeleton, and 3) force relaxation after the tether extension is stopped. Tethering experiments were performed on wildtype (WT) and XBP-1 deficient B lymphocytes activated by bacteria derived lipopolysaccharide. Experimental results show that activated XBP-1 deficient cells have a lower membrane viscosity indicated by a lower plateau force and a faster tether force relaxation. Additionally, a micromechanical model is developed to describe the force of tether extension.
Potassium manganese–vanadium oxide cathodes prepared by hydrothermal synthesis

Abstract Hydrothermal reactions between potassium permanganate and vanadyl sulfate have been used to synthesize new forms of vanadium oxides. Depending on the reactant ratios and pH values of the reaction mixtures, two different layered materials have been identified. The first one formed at a pH value of 1.6 has an interlayer distance of 10.90 A and a composition of K0.16Mn0.04V2O4.94·0.14H2O, while the second one formed at pH values higher than 3.0 has an interlayer distance of 9.45 A and a composition of K0.44V2O4.96. Structural analysis indicates that they have a δ-type structure with potassium ions residing in between double sheets of vanadium oxide. The structure and composition of these materials have a profound effect on their charge and discharge properties when used as cathodes in lithium batteries. The sample prepared at a pH value of 2.3 shows best overall performance considering both reversible capacity and cyclability, which is explained with the coexistence of two layered phases in the material. This material has a capacity of over 200 mA h/g between 3.6 and 2.2 V and retains a capacity of 190 mA h/g after 30 cycles. Increase of manganese to vanadium ratio during synthesis leads to a gradual loss of the layered structure and decreased lithium insertion capacity.
Intraoperative radiotherapy in stage I and II lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States. Treatment depends on the type and stage of lung cancer. For stage I and II cancer, surgery is usually the treatment of choice. Radiation therapy is used in patients who are considered poor risks for surgical resection. Intraoperative brachytherapy is an effective alternative to external irradiation in this group of patients. From 1958 to 1984, 55 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer were explored at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and found to have surgical stage I or II tumors, which were considered to be unresectable mainly because of severe obstructive pulmonary disease precluding adequate resection. All these patients were treated with intraoperative brachytherapy at the time of the thoracotomy. Forty-four percent of these patients received in addition external irradiation, mainly to the mediastinum. The overall 5-year survival calculated by the Kaplan-Meier Method was 32%, and the local disease-free survival was 63%. Cox regression multivariant analysis demonstrated that there is a distinct subgroup with a better prognosis based on tumor site and patient's age--ie, patients who were younger than 58 years of age and had right-side lesions.
The significance of the interpersonal relationship in the induction of hypnosis.

Abstract Two experimental hypotheses were tested: (1) high susceptibility is dependent upon the presence of the hypnotist, and (2) high susceptibility is dependent upon the hypnotist being knowledgeable and competent. Three conditions, using a taped induction were compared: hypnotist present, university laboratory; hypnotist absent, university laboratory; surrogate, untrained hypnotist present, usually a roommate in his own domicile. Only the hypnotist absent, university laboratory condition was adversely affected which is consistent with those theories of induction which explicitly or implicity require the physical presence of the hypnotist.
Informed Development of Drugs Acting at Family B G Protein–Coupled Receptors

Rational refinement and development of receptor-active ligands can come from high-resolution insights into the structures of these potential drug targets. Structural insights for Family A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been advanced substantially with the recently reported crystal structure of the intact beta(2)-adrenergic receptor. While high-resolution structural insights for Family B GPCRs are also advancing, this is currently limited to the functionally important extracellular amino-terminal tail domain of those receptors. The current report describes how these structures can provide leads for the development of small-molecule agonist drugs acting at Family B GPCRs. Endogenous agonist activity within the amino terminus of these receptors could be key for the development of such drugs.
IMMUNE REACTIONS IN RABBITS AND RATS AFTER INJECTIONS OF THYROID GLOBULIN

THE SPECIFIC response elicited in an animal by parenteral administrationof hormones of protein character tends to decrease with prolongedtreatment and eventually to end in complete refractorinessmanifested by signs of deficiency if the treatment is discontinued. Thisobservation admits of various interpretations which do not necessarilycontradict one another because various factors may be at playsimultaneously, and also because the different theories applied are notsharply enough denned as to exclude the possibility that the differenceexists more in names than in facts or conceptions of them. Four explanations may be proposed: 1. Development of tolerance similarto that occurring by the use of morphine or arsenic. 2. An endocrinemechanism: The injected hormone suppresses the gland active inelaborating the same, either directly or by way of the pituitary. Thiseffect, in case of thyroid, is also obtained by oral administration, ashas been shown by Farquharson (1941) and Reinhoff (1940, 1941).
The quantum mechanical third cluster for a binary step potential

We calculate the quantum mechanical third cluster coefficient b 3 in two dimensions. The model of the interaction is a binary repulsive step potential with finite range. We expand the continuum three-body wave functions in hyperspherical harmonics and solve large finite sets of coupled equations in the hyper radius ρ, by using an adiabatic approximation. We obtain the eigenphase shifts of the three to three scattering and integrate a phase shift sum (weighted by a Boltzmann factor), over the energy, to give us the cluster as a function of temperature. We note that we do obtain the correct threshold behaviour for the crucial phase shift sum.
Luteinizing Hormone Deficiency and Female Infertility in Mice Lacking the Transcription Factor NGFI-A (Egr-1)

The immediate-early transcription factor NGFI-A (also called Egr-1, zif/268, or Krox-24) is thought to couple extracellular signals to changes in gene expression. Although activins and inhibins regulate follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis, no factor has been identified that exclusively regulates luteinizing hormone (LH) synthesis. An analysis of NGFI-A-deficient mice derived from embryonic stem cells demonstrated female infertility that was secondary to LH-β deficiency. Ovariectomy led to increased amounts of FSH-β but not LH-β messenger RNA, which suggested a pituitary defect. A conserved, canonical NGFI-A site in the LH-β promoter was required for synergistic activation by NGFI-A and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1). NGFI-A apparently influences female reproductive capacity through its regulation of LH-β transcription.
Wagner's Law, Public Sector Patterns, and Growth of Public Enterprises in Taiwan:

Empirical evidence based on public expenditure patterns over a 24-year period casts doubt on the existence of Wagner's Law, the displacement effect, and budgetary recentralization in Taiwan, while supporting the Beck hypothesis of declining real public sector size, the concentration effect, and decentralized centralization. As is true of existing studies on other developing countries, higher profit rates were found in joint public/private enterprises than in wholly owned public firms. However, public enterprises in Taiwan, unlike those in most developing countries, consistently contributed to rather than drained from public revenue. As a result of this and of their relatively large contribution to capital formation, public enterprises played an important role in Taiwan's impressive economic growth record.
Reconceptualizing the School Administrator's Role: Socialization at Mid‐Career

ABSTRACT School reform strategies involving restructuring require that administrators redefine their roles. Most of the research in this area has emphasized new rather than veteran administrators. However, if these reform strategies are to be implemented, school administrators at mid‐career stages will need to change their conceptions of the role. This article identifies and examines literature concerning the major issues of socialization to a role conception, including definitions, sources, and socialization mechanisms for changing conceptions of the role. The article also presents a research agenda based on this theoretical examination that delineates research questions, relevant variables, and possible findings regarding changing role conceptions. The research agenda focuses on two major strategies of educational reform: shared decision making and schools of choice.
Homologous pairing of DNA molecules by ustilago rec1 protein is promoted by sequences of Z-DNA

Abstract Plasmids containing Z-DNA stretches can be paired and linked by combined action of Ustilago rec1 protein and topoisomerase. The product formed is a hemicatenated dimer in which two DNA rings are topologically intertwined at a region of homology. Superhelicity governs the reaction. Formation of linked product is coupled with formation of Z-DNA in the plasmid, a process dependent on the superhelix density. Pairing appears to initiate within the Z-DNA sequence, not at the unwound B-Z junction. The reaction can be blocked by a Z-DNA-specific binding protein, namely Z-DNA antibody. Plasmids with alternating Z-DNA dG-dC sequences at different sites on otherwise homologous molecules can be linked at the dG-dC sequences. However, a plasmid with a (dG-dC) n ·(dG-dC) n Z-DNA stretch cannot be linked with a plasmid containing a (dG-dT) n ·(dC-dA) n Z-DNA stretch.
Posttrauamatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young adult survivors of childhood cancer

Background Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed in young adult survivors of childhood cancer, including the role of four sets of variables in understanding PTSD in this population: demographic characteristics, disease and treatment factors, psychosocial and functional outcomes, and cancer-related beliefs. Procedure One hundred eighty-two survivors of pediatric malignancies, ages 18–37 years old completed a psychiatric interview and self-report measures. Survivors were ≥5 years from diagnosis and ≥2 years from the completion of cancer treatment for a variety of cancers. Results Nearly 16% of the sample had PTSD. Most survivors reported re-experiencing symptoms. There were no significant differences between survivors with and without PTSD on demographic or disease and treatment variables. Survivors with PTSD reported more psychological problems and negative beliefs about their illness and health status than those without PTSD. A logistic regression model predicted 50% of the variance in PTSD. Conclusions PTSD affects a subset of young adult cancer survivors. These survivors experience more psychological problems in general. Beliefs about the cancer experience are more potent predictors of PTSD than demographic or disease and treatment factors. Screening for PTSS and PTSD in cancer survivors is recommended. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:177–182. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
When Opportunity Knocks: Opening the Door Through Teachable Moments

Teachable moments are present in the library instruction classroom and in both physical and virtual reference transactions. Although librarians are continually urged to take advantage of teachable moments, it can be difficult to locate characteristics and definitions of them. This article examines the characteristics of teachable moments and provides guidelines for recognizing and using these teaching opportunities to more fully benefit the learning experiences of our students.
Group 1 and 2 Dermatophagoides house dust mite allergens in the microenvironment of cats

House dust mite allergens (HDMAs) are some of the most common allergens associated with allergic diseases in humans and dogs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HDMAs could be detected in cat-associated household microenvironments. From 50 cat-only households with 95 cats, dust samples were collected by vacuuming for 2 min m(-2) from three areas where cats slept or rested regularly from September to October 2006. Relative humidity and temperature were measured in each household using a data logger. Each owner completed a questionnaire on potential factors that might influence the prevalence of house dust mites (HDMs). Dust samples were analysed utilizing an ELISA for Der p 1, Der f 1 and HDM group 2 allergens. In 38 of 50 households there was greater than 2 microg g(-1) of dust for at least one HDMA. Using stepwise logistic regression, factors associated with increased HDMA levels included: free-standing houses, number of humans in household, longhaired cats and age of the cat. Factors associated with decreased HDMA concentrations included: forced air heating and central air conditioning, less than 50% carpeting of the home, use of flea control, cats suffering from dermatological disease and the average temperature of the household. Many sleeping/resting areas utilized by cats contain sufficiently high levels of HDMAs to be potential sources of sensitization. This finding should lead to further determination of the role of HDMs in cats suffering from putative allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis or asthma.
Evaluation of Deformable Barrier Designs and Associated Compatibility Metrics in Full Frontal Impact Testing

Several modifications to an existing deformable barrier are investigated for their ability to predict the presence of secondary energy absorbing structures (SEAS) using four deformable barrier designs with simulated impact by two vehicles. This study is motivated by the assumption that SEAS may enhance vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility and it is desirable to know if SEAS presence and its benefits are detectable through dynamic barrier testing. The considered barrier types are modifications of the Transportation Research Laboratory (TRL) barrier consisting of two layers, a front and rear. Each layer is 150mm thick with the first (front-most with respect to the vehicle) layer compression stiffness of 0.34 MPa and the second (rear-most) of 1.71 MPa. Proposed modifications to the (original, baseline) barrier are: 1. Increase the stiffness of a localized region of the front layer to 1.71 MPa (between ground heights of 330mm and 580mm). 2. Increase the depth of the second layer to 200 mm. 3. lncrease the depth of the second layer to 300 mm and use a single, non-segmented piece for the entire layer. The resulting four barrier configurations are all assumed to have 125 × 125 mm segmented “cells” supported by load time-history transducers. Computer simulation of impact by four vehicle models differing in mass and structural architecture is used. Four vehicle metrics intended to measure compatibility through impact with deformable barriers are used to quantify each barrier design’s ability to detect SEAS. Using the metrics outlined in this paper, a barrier design with stiffened rows three and four is best suited for SEAS detection. This conclusion is based on its sensitivity to four vehicle designs with and without SEAS as well as consistency of trends.© 2005 ASME
13.2: Viewing Angle Comparison of IPS and VA Medical AMLCDs

We compared the angular emission of in-plane switching and vertically-aligned liquid crystal medical displays. Using measured luminance data, we simulated the effect of different viewing directions on the visibility of subtle signals. We verified our predictions using human observer experiments that quantify the degradation in detection performance.
FSR methods for second-order regression models

Most variable selection techniques focus on first-order linear regression models. Often, interaction and quadratic terms are also of interest, but the number of candidate predictors grows very fast with the number of original predictors, making variable selection more difficult. Forward selection algorithms are thus developed that enforce natural hierarchies in second-order models to control the entry rate of uninformative effects and to equalize the false selection rates from first-order and second-order terms. Method performance is compared through Monte Carlo simulation and illustrated with data from a Cox regression and from a response surface experiment.
The effects of frequency altered feedback on the reading processes of adults with reading disorders

Various factors have been shown to influence the reading comprehension of reading disordered individuals including altered auditory feedback. This study investigated the influence of frequency altered feedback (FAF) on the reading comprehension and decoding accuracy of reading disordered and normal reading adults. Participants consisted of 30 college students with normal and disordered reading abilities. Percentage accuracy data was collected for both comprehension and decoding. Results indicate that FAF has an enhancing effect on the oral reading comprehension of reading disordered adults whereas it has a detrimental effect on the reading comprehension of normal reading adults. FAF had no effect on decoding accuracy for either group.
Effects of the diet on brain function

The rates of synthesis by brain neurons of the neurotransmitters serotonin, acetylcholine, and the catecholamines depend on the brain levels of the respective precursor molecules. Brain levels of each precursor are influenced by their blood concentration, and for the amino acid precursors, by the blood levels of other amino acids as well. Since diet readily alters blood concentrations of each of these precursors, it thereby also influences the brain formation of their neurotransmitter products.
THE INFLUENCE OF LIGHT ON THE RATE OF RESPIRATION OF THE BLUE‐GREEN ALGA ANABAENA

THE INTERRELATIONS of photosynthesis and respiration are of perennial interest. In the past a variety of methods have been employed for investigating the effects of light on the respiratory activities of photosynthetic cells and tissues. Until recently it had been necessary to seek such effects indirectly because traditional methods of measurement were unable to distinguish between an influence of light on the rate of respiration or an effect on the rate of photosynthesis. Respiration is here defined operationally as the cellular consumption of molecular oxygen. Thus, by definition, it is not germane whether or not the consumption is balanced partly or entirely by oxygen production. Experimentally, however, the distinction is important if the measuring techniques at one's disposal can detect only net oxygen changes. To measure respiration rate in the light independently of concurrent photosynthesis becomes possible, at least in principle, with the use of isotopes of the metabolic gases, oxygen or carbon dioxide. Thus, in a closed system containing green plant tissue or whole organisms, the source of either respiratory or photosynthetic oxygen may be labelled isotopicallye.g., tracer oxygen may be introduced into the molecular oxygen of the gas phase or into the combined oxygen of the water. Alternatively the respiratory or photosynthetic carbon dioxide may be labelled with isotopic carbon. The latter device was employed by Weigl et al. (1951) in the first application of the isotopic method to this kind of kinetic problem. This principle of effecting a kinetic separation of respiration and photosynthesis by tagging the gas consumed but not the gas produced has been employed in a number of different studies in the authors' laboratory using isotopically labelled oxygen and carbon dioxide and employing a recording mass spectrometer to follow the metabolic gas exchanges (Brown et al., 1952; Mehler and Brown, 1952; Van Norman and Brown, 1952; Brown, 1953). In general it has been found with a variety of algae and higher plants that light does not exert a marked effect on the respiratory rate of photosynthetically active cells or tissues. Never-
East–west stationkeeping of satellite orbits with resonant tesseral harmonics

Abstract Satellite orbits that are eccentric and inclined with near-repeating ground tracks can exhibit complex dynamical motions. This class of orbit is typically in resonance with multiple Earth tesseral harmonics. Depending on the selected resonance (i.e. orbits with a 24 h period, 12 h period, etc.), inclination, and eccentricity, the interaction between tesserals produces a variety of motions ranging between responses that are periodic, quasiperiodic, and chaotic. Furthermore, the type of motion encountered by a satellite can have a significant impact on the east-west stationkeeping process. Indeed, the classical stationkeeping algorithm is shown to be potentially non-convergent in regions of the phase space that possess higher order periodic, quasiperiodic, and/or chaotic motions. Poincare sections provide insight into the location of these regions, and suggest improvements to the classical control technique. Combining this information with an asymptotic analysis, an alternative method is developed and demonstrated to remain stable in the complex regions of the phase space. The proposed method retains the ‘grazing’ strategy of the classical algorithm; however, the algorithm adapts to the dynamical environment to ensure stability of the process. Preliminary results demonstrate that the algorithm remains stable in chaotic regions of the phase space and accomplishes the primary objective of maintaining motion in a prescribed deadband region.
HLA Haplotyping from RNA-seq Data Using Hierarchical Read Weighting

Correctly matching the HLA haplotypes of donor and recipient is essential to the success of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Current HLA typing methods rely on targeted testing of recognized antigens or sequences. Despite advances in Next Generation Sequencing, general high throughput transcriptome sequencing is currently underutilized for HLA haplotyping due to the central difficulty in aligning sequences within this highly variable region. Here we present the method, HLAforest, that can accurately predict HLA haplotype by hierarchically weighting reads and using an iterative, greedy, top down pruning technique. HLAforest correctly predicts >99% of allele group level (2 digit) haplotypes and 93% of peptide-level (4 digit) haplotypes of the most diverse HLA genes in simulations with read lengths and error rates modeling currently available sequencing technology. The method is very robust to sequencing error and can predict 99% of allele-group level haplotypes with substitution rates as high as 8.8%. When applied to data generated from a trio of cell lines, HLAforest corroborated PCR-based HLA haplotyping methods and accurately predicted 16/18 (89%) major class I genes for a daughter–father-mother trio at the peptide level. Major class II genes were predicted with 100% concordance between the daughter–father-mother trio. In fifty HapMap samples with paired end reads just 37 nucleotides long, HLAforest predicted 96.5% of allele group level HLA haplotypes correctly and 83% of peptide level haplotypes correctly. In sixteen RNAseq samples with limited coverage across HLA genes, HLAforest predicted 97.7% of allele group level haplotypes and 85% of peptide level haplotypes correctly.
Dexamethasone suppresses peripheral prostanoid levels without analgesia in a clinical model of acute inflammation

Abstract Purpose: The therapeutic effects of glucocorticoids are generally attributed to suppression of multiple signaling pathways involved in the inflammatory response leading to decreased levels of inflammatory mediators at the site of injury. This study evaluated the in vivo relationship between levels of prostanoids at the site of tissue injury and analgesia after dexamethasone administration in a clinical model of tissue injury. Methods: Subjects were administered dexamethasone 4 mg or placebo 12 hours and 1 hour before the removal of 2 mandibular third molars. A microdialysis probe was implanted at each surgical site for measurement of immunoreactive prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or immunoreactive thromboxane B2 (TxB2), and pain was measured concurrently. Subjects received either ketorolac 30 mg intravenously or placebo at pain onset. Results: PGE2 was detectable in the first postoperative sample, decreased over the next hour and then increased coincident with the onset of postoperative pain. Administration of dexamethasone suppressed PGE2 levels in samples collected at pain onset in comparison to placebo and significantly suppressed TxB2 at the surgical site but without any effect on pain report. Subsequent administration of ketorolac significantly reduced pain while decreasing both PGE2 and TxB2 levels at the surgical site. Conclusion: The lack of an analgesic effect for dexamethasone while reducing both PGE2 and TxB2 at the site of injury in comparison to ketorolac analgesia accompanied by greater reductions in levels of these prostanoids suggests that glucocorticoids at this dose do not suppress PGE2 release sufficiently to attenuate peripheral sensitization of nociceptors after tissue injury.
Lipid-induced conformational transitions of β-lactoglobulin

Bovine β-lactoglobulin (βLG) provides an excellent model protein system for β-to-α conformational change, but its behavior varies when the change is induced by alcohols, surfactants, or lipid vesicles. Here the interaction and orientation of βLG in association with various artificial lipid vesicles at neutral and acidic pH have been studied by use of several complementary spectroscopic techniques. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra demonstrated that βLG acquires a non-native α-helical structure upon binding with anionic lipids, while zwitterionic lipids do not have a significant effect on its conformation. The degree of induced α-helix depends on the lipid concentration and is strongly affected by the charge of the protein and lipids as well as the ionic strength of the solution. Near-UV CD and Trp emission spectra revealed that the tertiary structure of lipid-bound βLG is highly expanded but not completely disrupted. Fluorescence quenching together with a Trp emission b...
Viruses and microRNAs

The discovery of RNA interference and cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) has not only affected how biological research is conducted but also revealed an entirely new level of post-transcriptional gene regulation. Here, I discuss the potential functions of the virally encoded miRNAs recently identified in several pathogenic human viruses and propose that cellular miRNAs may have had a substantial effect on viral evolution and may continue to influence the in vivo tissue tropism of viruses. Our increasing knowledge of the role and importance of virally encoded miRNAs will probably offer new insights into how viruses that establish latent infections, such as herpesviruses, avoid elimination by the host innate or adaptive immune system. Research into viral miRNA function might also suggest new approaches for treating some virally induced diseases.
Powering Pacemakers With a Nonlinear Hybrid Rotary-Translational Energy Harvester

An application of a nonlinear Hybrid Rotary-Translational (HRT) generator is presented. An HRT generator differs from traditional energy harvesting devices in that it has the ability to harvest multi-axis base excitation. The device consists of a pendulum-like system whose rotations are caused by the base excitations. The swinging pendulum is coupled to a direct current micro generator to generate electricity.The considered application is the energy harvesting from heartbeat induced vibrations. The motivation behind studying the effectiveness of this application comes from battery hindrance. The use of relatively large batteries to power pacemakers presents many medical problems, including increasing the size of the device to accommodate the battery causing surgery complications as well as needing periodic battery replacement. An energy harvesting device can eliminate the need for such a battery, relying instead on the power generated by the beating heart.The nonlinearity of the device allows constant power to be generated across a wider range of frequencies (heartbeats per minute). The contractions of the heart are considered to be the base excitations of the device, causing the pendulum to swing. To validate and then optimize the design of the HRT system, the behavior and the power generation of the system will be studied under different parameters: size of generator, mass and length of pendulum components as well as frequency of heart beats (beats per minute). This presents an interesting design problem whose goal is to find the best HRT parameters that would result in generating the sufficient amounts of power required by pacemakers.A method in approximating the nonlinear dynamics of the electro-mechanical energy harvesting system is also presented. By studying the analytical solutions to the nonlinear electromechanical system under a sine wave excitation, we can gain insight into the problem. The extent of this paper will only cover the analytical solution to the vertically excited pendulum. Perturbation methods, specifically the multiple scales method will be employed to study the effects of forcing amplitude and frequency on the system behavior and the energy harvesting system.© 2014 ASME
Toxicity of Sucrose Octanoate to Egg, Nymphal, and Adult Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Using a Novel Plant-Based Bioassay

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), B biotype, presents a unique problem for vegetable growers by serving as a vector of plant viruses and by inducing physiological disorders of leaves and fruit. An action threshold of a single whitefly is necessary because of the threat of disease in many areas and growers rely heavily on a single class of insecticides (neonicotinoids) for whitefly control. Additional control methods are needed to manage this pest in commercial vegetables. Extracts of wild tobacco contain natural sugar esters that have previously been shown effective in controlling many soft-bodied insects. We developed a novel tomato leaf bioassay system to assess a synthetic sugar ester derivative, sucrose octanoate, for insecticidal activity against the eggs, nymphs, and adults of B. tabaci. The LC50 values for sucrose octanoate against adults, second instars, and fourth instars of the whitefly were 880, 686, and 1,571 ppm, respectively. The LC50 against whitefly eggs was higher (11,446 ppm) but indicated that some egg mortality occurred at the recommended application rate of 0.8-1.2% (3,200-4,800 ppm [Al]). Toxicity of sugar esters to whitefly eggs has not been reported previously. The tomato leaf bioassay produced reliable and repeatable results for whitefly toxicity studies and predicted that effective nymph and adult whitefly control can be achieved with sucrose octanoate at application rates < or = 1% (4,000 ppm [AI]). Field efficacy studies are warranted to determine whether this biorational pesticide has application in commercial tomato production.
An Overview of the Indus Framework for Analysis and Slicing of Concurrent Java Software (Keynote Talk - Extended Abstract)

Program slicing is a program analysis and transformation technique that has been successfully applied in a wide range of applications including program comprehension, debugging, maintenance, testing, and verification. However, there are only a few full-featured implementations of program slicing that are available for industrial applications or academic research. In particular, very little tool support exists for slicing programs written in modern object-oriented languages such as Java, C#, or C++. This talk presents an overview of Indus1 - a robust framework for analysis and slicing of concurrent Java programs, and Kaveri - a feature-rich Eclipse-based GUI for Indus slicing. For Indus, we describe the underlying tool architecture, analysis components, and program dependence capabilities required for slicing. In addition, we present a collection of advanced features useful for effective slicing of Java programs including calling-context sensitive slicing, scoped slicing, control slicing, and chopping. For Kaveri, we discuss the design goals and basic capabilities of a graphical presentation of slicing information that is integrated into a Java development environment. We will also briefly overview the Indus scripting framework that allows developers easy access to a variety of information collected by the underlying Indus program analysis framework.
Tensor Nature of Permeability and Its Effects in Inductive Magnetic Devices

The tensor nature of the permeability of soft magnetic materials with an in-plane anisotropy was investigated. Using tensor transformation, the measured permeability was proportional to cos2 alpha, where alpha is the angle between the external exciting magnetic field and hard axis of magnetic material, which was proven by experimental data for thin-film materials CoFeHfO and CoTaZrTb. A new type of inductor was designed and simulated by Ansoft Maxwell 3-D to study the effects of the tensor nature of the permeability in the simulation of inductors. It is important to appropriately account for the tensor nature of the permeability of soft magnetic materials in inductive device simulation to establish realistic device models. A magnetic integrated inductor with extremely low DC resistance (<9mOmega) was fabricated. Its high-frequency performance was measured and compared to HFSS simulation using appropriate tensor permeability
Planning introductory college courses: Content, context and form

Course planning is an important faculty role requiring expertise and effective decision-making. Despite the centrality of planning activities in the teaching-learning process, relatively little research has explored the process by which instructors in higher education plan their classes. Thus, the author and colleagues pursued a three-year series of studies of college instructors in the US who were teaching introductory classes. The study explored faculty members' underlying assumptions about planning and their decision-making processes. This chapter summarizes these empirical studies that inform us about the general and discipline-specific purposes faculty express for their classes, the contextual influences that modify their intentions, and the way they arrange discipline content for teaching. A key finding was that differences in course planning reflect varied assumptions about students and about their discipline that faculty in different fields bring to the planning process and which strongly influence them.
Non-finality and weight-sensitivity*

This article presents a non-finality approach to weight-sensitivity, using constraints that prohibit stress on domain-final moras to account for phenomena where stress avoids light syllables. The issues addressed by the proposal include weight-sensitivity in unbounded stress systems, weight-sensitivity in generalised trochee systems, iambic lengthening, trochaic lengthening and minimal word restrictions. A non-finality approach improves the typological predictions for each of these phenomena and provides them with a general and uniform account, lending additional support for non-finality's central position in the theory.
Broken-Gap Tunnel MOSFET: A Constant-Slope Sub-60-mV/decade Transistor

We propose a novel low-power transistor device, called the broken-gap tunnel MOSFET (BG-TMOS), which is capable of achieving constant sub-60-mV/decade inverse subthreshold slopes S at room temperature. Structurally, the device resembles an ungated broken-gap heterostructure Esaki region in series with a conventional MOSFET. The gate voltage independence of the energy spacing between the conduction and valence bands at the heterojunction is the key to producing a constant S <; 60 mV/decade, which can be tuned by properly engineering the material composition at this interface. In contrast to the tunneling field-effect transistor, the tunnel junction in the BG-TMOS is independent of the electrostatics in the channel region, enabling the use of 2-D architectures for improved current drive without degradation of S -attractive features from a circuit design perspective. Simulations show that the BG-TMOS can exceed MOSFET performance at low supply voltages.
Microstrip line fed slot, slot-coupled patch antennas, and mutual coupling study in array applications

Two examples of circularly-polarized slot and slot-coupled patch antennas fed by a microstrip line are designed at 4.8 GHz, a dual slot-coupled circular patch (DSCCP) antenna and an monofilar Archimedean spiral slot (MASS) antenna. The mixed potential integral equation (MPIE) is applied to investigate the behavior of these antennas. Comparing these two antennas, the former offers better radiation efficiency but the latter has a wider VSWR and axial ratio bandwidth. Also the mutual coupling study of the S parameters and radiation pattern is conducted for a two-element dual slot coupled circular patch subarray. It is observed that the axial ratio is greatly influenced by the adjacent element. Only at certain inter-element spacing, a less than 1 dB axial ratio is obtained.
Design and analysis of network codes

The information theoretic aspects of large networks with many terminals present several interesting and non-intuitive phenomena. One such crucial phenomenon was first explored in a detailed manner in the excellent work [1]. It compared two paradigms for operating a network one in which interior nodes were restricted to only copying and forwarding incoming messages on outgoing links, and another in which internal nodes were allowed to perform non-trivial arithmetic operations on incoming links to generate information on outgoing links. It showed that the latter approach could substantially improve throughput compared to the more traditional scenario. Further work by various authors showed how to design codes (called network codes ) to transmit under this new paradigm and also demonstrated exciting new properties of these codes such as distributed design, increased security, and robustness against network failures. In this work, we consider the low-complexity design and analysis of network codes, with a focus on codes for multicasting information. We examine both centralized and decentralized design of such codes, and also both randomized and deterministic design algorithms. We compare different notions of linearity and show the interplay between these notions in the design of linear network codes. We determine bounds on complexity of network codes. We also consider the problem of error-correction and secrecy for network codes when a malicious adversary controls some subset of the network resources.
Arbitrarily Applicable Comparative Relations: Experimental Evidence for a Relational Operant.

Arbitrarily applicable derived relational responding has been argued by relational frame theorists to be a form of operant behavior. The present study examined this idea with 4 female participants, ages 4 to 5 years old, who could not perform a series of problem-solving tasks involving arbitrary more than and less than relations. In a combined multiple baseline (across responses and participants) and multiple probe design (with trained and untrained stimuli), it was shown that reinforced multiple-exemplar training facilitated the development of arbitrary comparative relations, and that these skills generalized not just across stimuli but also across trial types. The sequence of training identified potential prerequisites in the development of comparative relations (e.g., nonarbitrary comparative relations). Taken as a whole, the present data, along with previous work by others in this area, suggest that relating arbitrary events comparatively is an operant. The implications of this conclusion for the analysis of complex behavior are discussed.
A Practical Comparison of Mask Making Pattern Generation Systems

A Practical Comparison of Mask Making Pattern Generation Systems Kevin Hensley Utah Nanofab, College of Engineering, University of Utah Category: Equipment acquisition, capability development Three mask making systems utilizing different pattern generation technologies were evaluated. The systems include laser direct write (Heidelberg MicroPG), variable aperture UV mercury arc lamp exposure (Electromask CC250), and UV lamp DLP projection (IMP Xpress). A test pattern was exposed on each system and measurements and images were acquired and compared. Results show that the laser direct-write system is preferred for both curved shapes and high-resolution features. Additionally, maintenance and facility costs where evaluated for all systems. Contact Information: Kevin Hensley khensley@eng.utah.edu
Investigating the association between pelagic fish and dimethylsulfoniopropionate in a natural coral reef system

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is a biogenic chemical produced by marine algae that is associated with areas of high primary and secondary productivity in the ocean. In laboratory experiments, DMSP has been shown to be an effective feeding attractant for a variety of fresh and saltwater fishes, suggesting that it might also function as a foraging cue in the natural environment. Here we explore whether free-roaming pelagic fishes associate with periodic elevations of DMSP in their natural foraging habitat. Working in the vicinity of the coral reefs of the Flower Garden Banks in the Gulf of Mexico, we found that daily changes in the number of pelagic jack fishes (Carangidae) were significantly correlated with natural changes in concentrations of DMSP in the water column. These results provide the first evidence of a correlation between variation in the number of pelagic fishes and a specific habitat-associated chemical cue in the ocean.
Leucine supplementation increases SIRT1 expression and prevents mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic disorders in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Leucine supplementation has been shown to prevent high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia in animal models, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Rece...
Quasi-Lagrangian measurements of density surface fluctuations and power spectra in the stratosphere

Pressure and temperature data from eight superpressure balloon flights at 26 km in the southern hemisphere stratosphere are analyzed. The balloons, which float on a constant density surface, travel steadily westward during summer and eastward during winter, as expected from local climatology. Two types of fluctuations are observed: neutral buoyancy oscillations (NBO) of around 4 min, and 0.1- to 1-hour oscillations that are characterized as small-amplitude density surface fluctuations. Lapse rates and densities are calculated and found to agree well with the expected values. Examples of wave damping and simultaneous fluctuation at two nearby balloons are presented. Spectral analysis is performed clearly showing the NBO and that the majority of the power is in the mesoscale range. Spectral slopes of power versus frequency are measured to be on the average -2.18 + or - 0.24 for pressure and -1.72 + or - 0.24 for temperature. These slopes are compared to the predictions of turbulence theories and the theory of a universal gravity wave spectrum.
Average body-wave radiation coefficients

Averages of P - and S -wave radiation patterns over all azimuths and various ranges of takeoff angles (corresponding to observations at teleseismic, regional, and near distances) have been computed for use in seismological applications requiring average radiation coefficients. Various fault orientations and averages of the squared, absolute, and logarithmic radiation patterns have been considered. Effective radiation patterns combining high-frequency direct and surfacere-flected waves from shallow faults have also been derived and used in the computation of average radiation coefficients at teleseismic distances. In most cases, the radiation coefficients are within a factor of 1.6 of the commonly used values of 0.52 and 0.63 for the rms of P - and S -wave radiation patterns, respectively, averaged over the whole focal sphere. The main exceptions to this conclusion are the coefficients for P waves at teleseismic distances from vertical strike-slip faults, which are at least a factor of 2.8 smaller than the commonly used value.
Simple adaptive algorithms for blind source separation of noisy mixtures

In most practical blind source separation (BSS) applications, the measured mixtures contain additive noise that limits the performance of most existing BSS algorithms. In this paper, we present several new methods for blindly extracting sources from noisy linear mixtures. The methods combine subspace tracking and source separation in an elegant fashion. Both density-modeling-based and decorrelation-based approaches are described. We also show how to modify the methods so that minimum mean-square-error (MMSE) or Wiener estimation of the unknown sources is performed. Simulations verify the robust and accurate behavior of the methods.