cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
U(3) → R(3) integrity-basis spectroscopy

Abstract The U(3) → R(3) algebra, widely used in nuclear spectroscopy studies, is revisited. The most general form of a U(3)-preserving interaction that is rotationally invariant and of given degree in the group generators is presented. Here the full purpose and beauty of the integrity-basis concept is realized. En route to the above it is shown that the structure of the U(3) → R(3) integrity basis can be deduced from a systematic counting of defining space matrix elements of p-shell, k -body scalar operators, k = 0, 1, 2⋯. The tensorial character of the so-called “missing label” operators and, more importantly, of the operators responsible for the splitting and inversion of rotational bands is obtained by relating integrity-basis multinomials through degree four in the U(3) generators to density operators of a standard U(3) → R(3) many-body spectroscopy. The results are used to show how K -band splitting as well as an [ L ( L + 1)] 2 factor in the energy can be realized within a single representation of SU(3) by two-body interactions of the ds and higher nuclear shells. Parameter sets of model interactions associated with both normal and inverted K -band structures are given, as well as the results of a “best fit” theory for the ground and gamma bands of 24 Mg.
Efficient transmission calculations for polydisperse water sprays using spectral scaling

Analytical expressions are developed to scale the extinction, scattering and absorption coefficients as a function of the Sauter mean diameter for polydisperse water sprays in fire suppression systems. A scaling procedure is introduced to avoid prohibitive exact integration of the functions obtained from Mie theory resulting in several orders in magnitude of computational savings. Spectral-based and total transmission of real spray distributions using the scaling procedure are compared to exact results and experimental data. Results show the proposed scaling procedure yields significant computational savings with little loss in accuracy for predictions of spectral and total transmission.
The nectar is in the journey: Pragmatism, progress, and the promise of incrementalism 1

The nectar is in the journey, |3dotnld| ultimate goals may be illusory, nay, most likely are but a gossamer wing. Day by day, however, human life triumphs in its ineluctable capacity to hang in and make things better. Not perfect, simply better." John McDermott, Streams of Experience I investigate one manner in which classical American pragmatism might be utilized by theorists and practitioners interested in addressing urban environmental problems. Despite the widespread adoption of the sustainability moniker within the environmental movement, evidence suggests that progress toward implementing urban environmental sustain ability proposals has been minimal. To address this inaction, I undertake an analysis of the philosophy of progress guiding efforts to transition urban environments toward sustainability. I argue that one of the reasons so little has been accomplished in terms of implementing existing urban environmental sustainability proposals is that a disproportionate emphasis has been placed on valu...
A New Land Nemertean

IN January 1938, Yngvar Hagen, zoologist of the Norwegian Scientific Expedition to Tristan da Cunha (1937–38), discovered a new nemertean species on Nightingale Island. The animal was found attached to the underside of boulder stones situated on a beach, though far above the high-water mark. The fauna of the area was quite a terrestrial one, as land snails, mites and spiders were also found there. The worm was later handed to me for a closer examination, and this investigation has now been finished. Publication of the paper must wait until after the War, but I should like nevertheless to place this interesting find on scientific record now.
An empirical investigation of the differential effects of personal, historical, and non-nostalgic advertising on consumer responses.

Using a theory-driven approach, this study investigates whether and/or to what extent consumers' informationprocessing tendencies and ad-based responses are differentially influenced by the introdu...
Respiratory Metabolism of Parasitic Helminths without Participation of the Cytochrome System

LASER1 has demonstrated high succinic dehydro-genase activity in extracts of muscle pulp of Ascaris lumbricoides. In the presence of succinate these preparations reduce methylene blue, but do not react with atmospheric oxygen. On the other hand, succinate stimulates the respiration of dialysed muscle mince of Ascaris2. Furthermore, we have observed that homogenates of thoroughly washed Ascaris muscle oxidize succinate even in the absence of methylene blue. The activity of this preparation was markedly higher in 100 per cent oxygen than in air, and was increased when catalase and ethyl alcohol were added, indicating the production of hydrogen peroxide1. No oxygen uptake was observed under similar conditions in the absence of succinate. Therefore, succinic dehydrogenase of Ascaris muscle can transfer hydrogen either to methylene blue or to an enzyme system, which, in turn, reacts with atmospheric oxygen. However, the latter is not identical with the cytochrome – cytochrome oxidase system considered to be the universal catalyst of all respiring cells3.
Supertwistors and Conformal Supersymmetry

Abstract Supertwistors that extend the twistor concept to supersymmetry are introduced and studied. Using them the superconformal algebra SU(2, 2| N ) and its supermultiplets are derived.
Phenylpropanolamine increases plasma caffeine levels.

The effects of the widely consumed drugs caffeine and phenylpropanolamine are mediated through activation of the central and sympathetic nervous systems. Severe, life-threatening, and occasionally fatal hypertensive reactions have been reported after their combined use. This study examined the possible pharmacokinetic interaction of phenylpropanolamine and caffeine. Sixteen normal subjects received combinations of caffeine, phenylpropanolamine, and placebo. In subjects receiving 400 mg caffeine plus 75 mg phenylpropanolamine, the mean (± SEM) peak plasma caffeine concentration of 8.0 ± 2.2 μg/ml was significantly greater than after 400 mg caffeine alone (2.1 ± 0.3 μg/ml; t[24] = 2.4; p < 0.01). Physical side effects were more frequent after the phenylpropanolamine-caffeine combination than after either drug alone or after placebo. Greater increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures occurred after the combination than after either drug alone. Because caffeine levels can be increased greatly when certain other drugs are coconsumed, these data indicate that phenylpropanolamine may enhance absorption or inhibit elimination of caffeine and may explain increased side effects reported after their combined use. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1990) 47, 675–685; doi:10.1038/clpt.1990.93
‘Delay scheduling’, an unconventional use of time delay for trajectory tracking

Abstract A basic trajectory tracking exercise is conducted on a linear time invariant (LTI) dynamics with a fixed control law. The feedback considered here, however, is affected by a time delay, τ , which maybe uncertain. Interestingly, time delayed LTI systems may exhibit multiple stable operating regions in the space of the delay. However, systematic, exact and exhaustive determination of these regions is, mathematically speaking, still a challenging problem. The contribution of this paper is three fold. First, to deploy a recent framework called Cluster Treatment of Characteristic Roots (CTCR) and experimentally verify the stability regions. Second, to establish an unconventional control law, called the “ delay scheduling ” procedure, to use the time delay as a control parameter. Third, to determine the best (“optimum” in certain respect) time delay value(s) rendering the most desirable tracking characteristics.
Structure of cytoplasm as revealed by modern electron microscopy techniques

Abstract An accurate depiction of cytoplasmic structure is critical for understanding the basic properties of cells, such as maintenance of shape, polarity, motility and intracellular transport. In addition, macromolecular structural associations between cytoplasmic components, such as the cytoskeleton and the ground substance (the medium in which cellular components are suspended), may be important for defining the environmental background for metabolic processes. Central to this is the question of whether cytoplasmic enzymes involved in metabolic processes are freely soluble and randomly distributed within the cytoplasm of a living cell or are in a bound and therefore structured state. The composition and organization of the ground substance and how it relates to the cytoskeleton has been the focus of a number of ultrastructural studies of cell cytoplasm in the last ten years. These studies have now stimulated further investigation of cytoplasmic structure using a variety of electron microscopic techniques.
Lithospheric structure and along-strike segmentation of the Central Andean Plateau: seismic Q, magmatism, flexure, topography and tectonics

The Central Andean plateau is a 300-km-wide, nearly 4-km-high plateau which is situated above a 30°E-dipping segment of the subducted Nazca plate. Systematic changes in the topography, the upper mantle seismic attenuation (Q) structure, the lithospheric flexural rigidity and the distribution and chemistry of back-arc lavas indicate that the upper mantle structure changes along strike beneath the plateau. South of 23°S, the upper mantle beneath the plateau becomes hotter, and the lithosphere becomes thinner and weaker. This lateral variation in upper mantle structure coincides with variations in the tectonic style and timing of deformation in two physiographically distinct segments of the plateau and its adjacent foreland thrust belt to the east: the Bolivian Altiplano and Subandean ranges in the north and the Argentine Puna and Santa Barbara system in the south. The segments' different mantle lid thicknesses result in an Altiplano supported mainly by crustal thickening and a Puna supported by a combination of a crustal root and a thermal mantle root. A thicker, stronger foreland lithosphere in the north favors thin-skinned underthrusting of the foreland beneath the plateau, while to the south, the thinner, weaker lithosphere allows more basement-involved shortening within the foreland and less underthrusting beneath the plateau. A weaker lithosphere results in a longer period of compressional deformation and greater local and structural relief in the Puna than in the relatively stable Altiplano to the north. Ultimately, this observed NS-directed segmentation on the plateau and in the foreland may reflect the different responses of strong and weak continental lithosphere to an “Andean” type subduction margin.
Crop Yields: Random, Cyclical, or Bunchy?

With the decline in the nation's stocks of farm products since 1972 and the possibility of smaller government holdings of such products through price-support operations in future years, greater attention is being focused on the short-run food supply situation. Year-to-year fluctuations of crop production are receiving special consideration since, with low reserves, a few successive years of relatively low yields could cause a sharp reduction in the quantity of food available and sharp increases in food costs.
A comparison of the photochemical reactivity of polycrystalline (anatase), amorphous and colloidal forms of titanium dioxide

Abstract Freshly precipitated amorphous titanium dioxide and colloidal titanium dioxide are inefficient photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water and propan-2-ol and for methane and hydrogen production from acetic acid. Their reactivity, which is increased by platinization (but is less than that of platinized anatase), is attributed to the formation of titanium(III) species rather than electron—hole pairs.
Ablation of primary afferent terminals reduces nicotinic receptor expression and the nociceptive responses to nicotinic agonists in the spinal cord.

A variety of studies indicate that spinal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors modulate the behavioral and autonomic responses elicited by afferent stimuli. To examine the location of and role played by particular subtypes of nicotinic receptors in mediating cardiovascular and nociceptive responses, we treated neonatal and adult rats with capsaicin to destroy C-fibers in primary afferent terminals. Reduction of C-fiber terminals was ascertained by the loss of isolectin B4, CGRP and vanilloid receptors as monitored by immunofluorescence. Receptor autoradiography shows a reduction in number of epibatidine binding sites following capsaicin treatment. The reduction is particularly marked in the dorsal horn and primarily affects the class of high affinity epibatidine binding sites thought to modulate nociceptive responses. Accompanying the loss of terminals and nicotinic binding sites were significant reductions in the expression of α 3, α 4, α 5, β 2 and β 4 nicotinic receptor subunits in the superficial layers of the spinal cord as determined by antibody staining and confocal microscopy. The loss of nicotinic receptors that follows capsaicin treatment results in attenuation of the nociceptive responses to both spinal cytisine and epibatidine. Capsaicin treatment also diminishes the capacity of cytisine to desensitize nicotinic receptors mediating nociception, but it shows little effect on intrathecal nicotinic agonist elicited pressor and heart rate responses. Hence, our data suggest that α 3, α 4, α 5, β 2 and β 4 subunits of nicotinic receptors are localized in the spinal cord on primary afferent terminals that mediate nociceptive input. A variety of convergent data based on functional studies and subunit expression suggest that α 3 and α 4, in combination with β 2 and α 5 subunits, form the majority of functional nicotinic receptors on C-fiber primary afferent terminals. Conversely, spinal nicotinic receptors not located on C-fibers play a primary role in the spinal pathways evoking spinally coordinated autonomic cardiovascular responses.
Normal sonographic development of the central nervous system from the second trimester onwards using 2D, 3D and transvaginal sonography

The developmental changes of the fetal central nervous system (CNS) during the second and third trimesters, specifically the brain, relate mostly to changes in size. However, other changes do occur in the fetal brain during the second and third trimester such as: the union of the cerebellar hemispheres, development of the corpus callosum (CC), and increasing complexity of the cerebral cortex. These changes follow a well-defined developmental timeline recognizable by sonography. The fetal neuroscan can be divided into a 'basic scan' which is performed transabdominally and a 'targeted Exam or neurosonogram' which uses a multiplanar approach, which preferably should be performed transvaginally. During the 'basic scan', several brain structures are imaged in addition to obtaining important biometric measurements. The 'neurosonogram' is a more extensive or detailed fetal study during which the emphasis is on the addition of coronal and sagittal planes. The easiest way to obtain these planes, if the fetus is in a cephalic presentation, is the transvaginal route. Three-dimensional (3D) sonography should, if possible, be performed transvaginally using the multiplanar approach. An added benefit of 3D sonography is the ability to display and render the volume in a variety of ways which may enhance the detection of pathology.
Nuclear configuration of the diencephalon of Tamandua tetradactyla and Myrmecophaga jubata.

The nuclear configuration of the diencephalon of Tamandua tetradactyla (lesser anteater) is figured, described and compared with that of Myrmecophaga jubata (greater anteater) and other mammals, particularly the cat. Their nuclear organization represents, in general, all the elements (or their homologues) found in the mammalian diencephalon. There is an unusually large nucleus centralis lateralis which penetrates into the nucleus medialis dorsalis from above. The size of the latter group, in the presence of a poorly developed orbitofrontal cortex, suggests that it is primarily dependent upon the marked development of the corpus striatum. The nuclei of the tractus habenulopeduncularis are displaced ventrally, apparently by the medial enlargement of the nucleus centralis lateralis. The nuclei parataeniales bear strong resemblance to those in the armadillo. There is no nucleus ventralis pars anterior in either Tamandua or Myrmecophaga. The nucleus ventralis medialis is much larger than that in carnivores. The presence of the nucleus submedius and its intimate relation to the nucleus anterior medialis of the anterior nuclear complex, accounts fairly well for questionable homologues in such forms as Tarsius. The existence of both the large-celled nucleus of the optic tract and the nucleus limitans indicates the gradual incorporation, at least in part, of the former into the latter. Hypothalamic nuclei, except for the supraoptic and paraventricular groups, are rather poorly differentiated.
Generalized dead-end elimination algorithms make large-scale protein side-chain structure prediction tractable: implications for protein design and structural genomics.

Abstract The dead-end elimination (DEE) theorems are powerful tools for the combinatorial optimization of protein side-chain placement in protein design and homology modeling. In order to reach their full potential, the theorems must be extended to handle very hard problems. We present a suite of new algorithms within the DEE paradigm that significantly extend its range of convergence and reduce run time. As a demonstration, we show that a total protein design problem of 10 115 combinations, a hydrophobic core design problem of 10 244 combinations, and a side-chain placement problem of 10 1044 combinations are solved in less than two weeks, a day and a half, and an hour of CPU time, respectively. This extends the range of the method by approximately 53, 144 and 851 log-units, respectively, using modest computational resources. Small to average-sized protein domains can now be designed automatically, and side-chain placement calculations can be solved for nearly all sizes of proteins and protein complexes in the growing field of structural genomics.
Affinity labeling of specific regions of 23 S RNA by reaction of N-bromoacetyl-phenylalanyl-transfer RNA with Escherichia coli ribosomes

Abstract Reaction of the affinity-labeling reagent N -bromoacetyl-[ 14 C]phenylalanyl-tRNA with Escherichia coli ribosomes results in covalent labeling of 23 S ribosomal RNA in addition to the previously reported labeling of ribosomal proteins. The reaction with the 23 S RNA is absolutely dependent on the presence of messenger RNA. Covalent attachment of the affinity label to 23 S RNA was demonstrated by its integrity in strongly dissociating solvents, and the conversion of the labeled material to small oligonucleotides by ribonuclease treatment. After digestion of labeled 23 S RNA with T 1 ribonuclease, the radioactivity is found mainly in two oligonucleotide fragments. These results support models in which both ribosomal RNA and ribosomal protein contribute to the structure of the region of the ribosome surrounding the peptidyl transferase center.
Expression profile analysis of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in aged Ts65Dn mice, a model of Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the triplication of human chromosome 21 (HSA21) and is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, with individuals having deficits in cognitive function including hippocampal learning and memory and neurodegeneration of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons, a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To date, the molecular underpinnings driving this pathology have not been elucidated. The Ts65Dn mouse is a segmental trisomy model of DS and like DS/AD pathology, displays age-related cognitive dysfunction and basal forebrain cholinergic neuron (BFCN) degeneration. To determine molecular and cellular changes important for elucidating mechanisms of neurodegeneration in DS/AD pathology, expression profiling studies were performed. Molecular fingerprinting of homogeneous populations of Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) pyramidal neurons was performed via laser capture microdissection followed by Terminal Continuation RNA amplification combined with custom-designed microarray analysis and subsequent validation of individual transcripts by qPCR and protein analysis via immunoblotting. Significant alterations were observed within CA1 pyramidal neurons of aged Ts65Dn mice compared to normal disomic (2N) littermates, notably in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission receptor families and neurotrophins, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor as well as several cognate neurotrophin receptors. Examining gene and protein expression levels after the onset of BFCN degeneration elucidated transcriptional and translational changes in neurons within a vulnerable circuit that may cause the AD-like pathology seen in DS as these individuals age, and provide rational targets for therapeutic interventions.
Relaxation processes of vibrationally excited species in the mesosphere and thermosphere

A critical review of rate constants for collisional relaxation processes and spontaneous emission processes in the non-LTE environment between 50 and 300 km is in progress. The infrared radiators considered are CO, H2O, O3, NO, CO2, OH and CH4. The last major compilation of vibrational relaxation rates relevant to the atmosphere was published by Taylor in 1974. The advent of laser-induced fluorescence techniques during the past two decades has greatly improved the state of knowledge regarding level specific collisional deactivation processes. Additionally, improved measurements of the rovibrational band strengths for H2O, O3 and CH4 have resulted in improved Einstein A coefficients for these species. The rate constants under review are important parameters in models used to predict the dissipation of radiation entering the Earth's atmosphere as sunshine or energetic electrons. They are fundamental quantities in background radiance calculations. The effect of revising the rate coefficients has been illustrated using the Strategic High- Altitude Atmospheric Radiance Code (SHARC 2.0).
Dissipative particle dynamics model for colloid transport in porous media

Abstract We use a dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) model to study colloid transport in porous media. Unlike many existing numerical models, the DPD model directly couples dynamics of the fluid and colloidal particles. In the model, fluid, colloids, and soil grains are all represented by DPD particles. The interaction between particles is modeled by central and non-central DPD forces, which conserve both linear and angular momentums exactly. Additional van der Waals forces are applied between colloids and collectors. Other transport processes, including gravitational sedimentation, interception of colloids by soil grains (acting as colloid collectors) due to a finite size of colloids, and the Brownian diffusion of colloids are also included in the DPD model. We use the DPD model to study the contact efficiency in colloid filtration in saturated porous media and compare our results with empirical models based on filtration theory. Results of the DPD model agree well with the empirical models for low-concentration suspensions and colloids being small relative to the collector size. For colloid suspensions with larger colloids (relative to the collector size) and/or higher concentration, the agreement between the DPD model and the empirical models deteriorates. In the transport of a concentrated suspension of large colloids, the fluid flow is strongly affected by the linear and angular motions of the colloids, which are mainly disregarded in filtration theory. On the other hand, the DPD model fully couples the fluid flow and colloid transport and, thus, is expected to be accurate for a wide range of colloid sizes and concentrations.
Avoidance Behavior of Insecticide Susceptible and Resistant Populations of Mosquitofish to Four Insecticides

Abstract Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, from two populations differing greatly in insecticide tolerance were tested for their ability to avoid concentrations of DDT, endrin, toxaphene and parathion in a Y-maze. Both susceptible and resistant fish avoided endrin, toxaphene, and parathion. DDT was avoided by susceptible fish but not by resistant fish. Resistant fish avoided damaging concentrations (except DDT) better than did susceptible fish.
Compositions of extended top-down tree transducers

Unfortunately, the class of transformations computed by linear extended top-down tree transducers with regular look-ahead is not closed under composition. It is shown that the class of transformations computed by certain linear bimorphisms coincides with the previously mentioned class. Moreover, it is demonstrated that every linear epsilon-free extended top-down tree transducer with regular look-ahead can be implemented by a linear multi bottom-up tree transducer. The class of transformations computed by the latter device is shown to be closed under composition, and to be included in the composition of the class of transformations computed by top-down tree transducers with itself. More precisely, it constitutes the composition closure of the class of transformations computed by finite-copying top-down tree transducers.
Preparation and characterization of spongy cryogels of poly(vinyl alcohol)–casein system: water sorption and blood compatibility study

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and casein are biocompatible and biodegradable macromolecules, which have been widely applied in biomedical fields. In this paper, novel physically crosslinked hydrogels composed of PVA and casein were prepared by repeated freezing–thawing treatment of aqueous solutions of PVA and casein and characterized by IR, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The prepared so-called ‘cryogels’ were evaluated for their water uptake, and the influences of various factors, such as their chemical architecture and the pH and temperature of the swelling bath, were investigated in terms of water sorption. The effect of salt and various simulated biological fluids on the swelling of cryogels was investigated. The in vitro biocompatibility of the prepared cryogels was also judged by methods such as protein (bovine serum albumin) adsorption, blood clot formation and percentage haemolysis measurements. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
PAMAM Dendrimer-Derived Ir/Al2O3 Catalysts: An EXAFS Characterization

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy was used to characterize several synthesis stages of hydroxyl-terminated generation four (G4OH) PAMAM dendrimer-derived Ir/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. The EXAFS results indicate that Ir3+ forms complexes with dendrimer functional groups through displacement of two Cl− ion ligands. These complexes are very stable in solution, and no reduction of Ir3+ to Ir nanoparticles or clusters is observed after introduction of reducing agents such as NaBH4 or H2. These Ir3+-dendrimer complexes remain essentially intact after support impregnation. The formation of 1–2 nm particles occurs when the catalysts are treated with O2/H2 or H2, and the dendrimer-derived catalysts exhibit a lower degree of metal support interaction.
Evaluation of semiochemical toxicity to Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

BACKGROUND: Mosquitoes are the most important vectors of human pathogens. Wide-scale use of pesticides has led to the development of resistance to most common insecticide groups. The need to develop novel products that have a low impact on human health and the environment is well established. The toxicity of selected semiochemicals with molecular structures indicative of insecticidal activity was determined against adult Aedes aegypti (L.) and Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Say). The two most active insecticides against Ae. aegypti were also evaluated against Ae. albopictus (Skuse). RESULTS: Fifteen semiochemicals classified as terpenoid alcohols, ketones or carboxylic esters showed toxicity to both mosquito species. Geranyl acetone (LC50 = 38.51 µg cm−2) followed by citronellol (LC50 = 48.55 µg cm−2) were the most toxic compounds to Ae. aegypti, while geraniol and lavonax, with LC50 values of 31.88 and 43.40 µg cm−2, showed the highest toxicity to An. quadrimaculatus. Both geranyl acetone and citronellol were highly toxic to Ae. albopioctus. No semiochemical showed fumigation activity against either species. All semiochemicals persisted for less than 24 h when tested on filter paper. CONCLUSION: Quantification of LC50 values of several semiochemicals against Ae. Aegypti, An. quadrimaculatus and Ae. albopioctus showed that semiochemicals not only modify insect behaviors but also hold potential as potent insecticides for mosquito control programs. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Rail-to-Rail, Linear Hot-Electron Injection Programming of Floating-Gate Voltage Bias Generators at 13-Bit Resolution

Hot-electron injection is widely used for accurate programming of on-chip floating-gate voltage and current references. The conventional programming approach involves adapting the duration and magnitude of the injection pulses based on a predictive model which is estimated by using measured data. However, varying the pulse-widths or amplitudes introduces nonlinearity in the injection process which complicates the modeling, calibration and programming procedure. In this paper, we propose a linear hot-electron injection technique which significantly simplifies the programming procedure, and can achieve programming accuracy greater than 13-b which is limited by the thermal noise from the injection process. The procedure employs an active feedback circuit which ensures that all the nonlinear factors affecting the hot-electron injection process are held constant, thus achieving a stable and controllable injection rate. Measured results using an array of floating-gate voltage reference prototyped in a 0.5-μm standard CMOS process demonstrate that the injection rates can be controlled from 0.1 to 4.1 V for the programmable voltage range. Using 50-ms injection pulses, we show that the average injection rate can be adapted from 6.9 to 250 μV/cycle.
Two New Species of Paraorygmatobothrium (Tetraphyllidea: Phyllobothriidae) from the Lemon Sharks Negaprion brevirostris and Negaprion acutidens (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae)

Abstract Two new tetraphyllidean species, Paraorygmatobothrium roberti n. sp. and Paraorygmatobothrium arnoldi n. sp., are described from the Lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris, and the Sicklefin lemon shark, Negaprion acutidens, respectively. The 2 species are consistent in morphology with the 5 existing species of Paraorygmatobothrium. Paraorygmatobothrium roberti n. sp. differs from existing species of Paraorygmatobothrium in features such as total length, bothridial length, apical sucker diameter, testes number, dimensions of the cirrus sac, and dimensions of the ovary. Paraorygmatobothrium arnoldi n. sp. differs from existing species of Paraorygmatobothrium in total length, proglottid width, number of proglottids per strobila, bothridial length and width, apical sucker diameter, testis number, and dimensions of the cirrus sac. The 2 new species differ from one another in total length, maximum width, and ovary length. Description of these 2 new species brings to 7 the known number of species of Parao...
Identification of common and cell type specific LXXLL motif EcR cofactors using a bioinformatics refined candidate RNAi screen in Drosophila melanogaster cell lines.

Background: During Drosophila development, titers of the steroid ecdysone trigger and maintain temporal and tissue specific biological transitions. Decades of evidence reveal that the ecdysone response is both unique to specific tissues and distinct among developmental timepoints. To achieve this diversity in response, the several isoforms of the Ecdysone Receptor, which transduce the hormone signal to the genome level, are believed to interact with tissue specific cofactors. To date, little is known about the identity of these cofactor interactions; therefore, we conducted a bioinformatics informed, RNAi luciferase reporter screen against a subset of putative candidate cofactors identified through an in silico proteome screen. Candidates were chosen based on criteria obtained from bioinformatic consensus of known nuclear receptor cofactors and homologs, including amino acid sequence motif content and context. Results: The bioinformatics pre-screen of the Drosophila melanogaster proteome was successful in identifying an enriched putative candidate gene cohort. Over 80% of the genes tested yielded a positive hit in our reporter screen. We have identified both cell type specific and common cofactors which appear to be necessary for proper ecdysone induced gene regulation. We have determined that certain cofactors act as co-repressors to reduce target gene expression, while others act as co-activators to increase target gene expression. Interestingly, we find that a few of the cofactors shared among cell types have a reversible roles to function as co-repressors in certain cell types while in other cell types they serve as co-activators. Lastly, these proteins are highly conserved, with higher order organism homologs also harboring the LXXLL steroid receptor interaction domains, suggesting a highly conserved mode of steroid cell target specificity. Conclusions: In conclusion, we submit these cofactors as novel components of the ecdysone signaling pathway in order to further elucidate the dynamics of steroid specificity.
Dissolved and particulate nutrient flux from three adjacent agricultural watersheds: A five-year study

Fluxes of dissolved and particulate nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from three adjacent watersheds were quantified with a high-resolution sampling program over a five-year period. The watersheds vary by an order of magnitude in area (12,875, 7968 and 1206 ha), and in all three watersheds intensive agriculture comprises > 90% of land. Annual fluxes of dissolved N and P per unit watershed area (export coefficients) varied ∼2X among watersheds, and patterns were not directly related to watershed size. Over the five-year period, mean annual flux of soluble reactive P (SRP) was 0.583 kg P · ha −1 · yr −1 from the smallest watershed and 0.295 kg P · ha −1 · yr −1 from the intermediate-sized watershed, which had the lowest SRP flux. Mean annual flux of nitrate was 20.53 kg N · ha −1 · yr −1 in the smallest watershed and 44.77 kg N · ha −1 · yr −1 in the intermediate-sized watershed, which had the highest nitrate flux. As a consequence, the export ratio of dissolved inorganic N to SRP varied from 80 (molar) in the smallest watershed to 335 in the intermediate-sized watershed. Because most N was exported as nitrate, differences among watersheds in total N flux were similar to those for nitrate. Hence, the total N:P export ratio was 42 (molar) for the smallest watershed and 109 for the intermediate-sized watershed. In contrast, there were no clear differences among watersheds in the export coefficients of particulate N, P, or carbon, even though > 50% of total P was exported as particulate P in all watersheds. All nutrient fractions were exported at higher rates in wet years than in dry years, but precipitation-driven variability in export coefficients was greater for particulate fractions than for dissolved fractions. Examination of hydrological regimes showed that, for all nutrient fractions, most export occurred during stormflow. However, the proportion of nitrate flux exported as baseflow was much greater than the proportion of SRP flux exported as baseflow, for all three watersheds (25-37% of nitrate exported as baseflow vs. 3-13% of SRP exported as baseflow). In addition, baseflow comprised a greater proportion of total discharge in the intermediate-sized watershed (43.7% of total discharge) than the other two watersheds (29.3 and 30.1%). Thus, higher nitrate export coefficients in the intermediate-sized watershed may have resulted from the greater contribution of baseflow in this watershed. Other factors potentially contributing to higher
Disseminated Sporotrichosis and Sporothrix schenckii Fungemia as the Initial Presentation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Infection with Sporothrix schenckii causes a localized lymphocutaneous disease in the immunocompetent host, while it frequently results in disseminated disease in the immunocompromised patient. There are a growing number of reports of S. schenckii infection in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population, where the disease usually starts as a localized cutaneous lesion and subsequently disseminates. The optimal treatment of systemic sporotrichosis in HIV-positive patients is as yet unknown. This article presents a case report of disseminated sporotrichosis in an HIV-infected patient, a review of the literature, and discussion of treatment options for HIV-infected patients.
A Neural Network Method for Mixture Estimation for Vegetation Mapping

While most forest maps identify only the dominant vegetation class in delineated stands, individual stands are often better characterized by a mix of vegetation types. Many land management applications, including wildlife habitat studies, can benefit from knowledge of mixes. This article examines various algorithms that use data from the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite to estimate mixtures of vegetation types within forest stands. Included in the study are maximum likelihood classification and linear mixture models as well as a new methodology based on the ARTMAP neural network. Two paradigms are considered: classification methods, which describe stand-level vegetation mixtures as mosaics of pixels, each identified with its primary vegetation class; and mixture methods, which treat samples as blends of vegetation, even at the pixel level. Comparative analysis of these mixture estimation methods, tested on data from the Plumas National Forest, yields the following conclusions: 1) Accurate estimates of proportions of hardwood and conifer cover within stands can be obtained, particularly when brush is not present in the understory; 2) ARTMAP outperforms statistical methods and linear mixture models in both the classification and the mixture paradigms; 3) topographic correction fails to improve mapping accuracy; and 4) the new ARTMAP mixture system produces the most accurate overall results. The Plumas data set has been made available to other researchers for further development of new mapping methods and comparison with the quantitative studies presented here, which establish initial benchmark standards.
Structural mechanism associated with domain opening in gain-of-function mutations in SHP2 phosphatase.

The SHP2 phosphatase plays a central role in a number of signaling pathways were it dephosphorylates various substrate proteins. Regulation of SHP2 activity is, in part, achieved by an intramolecular interaction between the PTP domain of the protein, which contains the catalytic site, and the N-SH2 domain leading to a “closed” protein conformation and autoinhibition. Accordingly, “opening” of the N-SH2 and PTP domains is required for the protein to become active. Binding of phosphopeptides to the N-SH2 domain is known to induce the opening event, while a number of gain-of-function (GOF) mutants, implicated in Noonan’s Syndrome and childhood leukemias, are thought to facilitate opening. In the present study a combination of computational and experimental methods are used to investigate the structural mechanism of opening of SHP2 and the impact of three GOF mutants, D61G, E76K, and N308D, on the opening mechanism. Calculated free energies of opening indicate that opening must be facilitated by effector molecules, possibly the protein substrates themselves, as the calculated free energies preclude spontaneous opening. Simulations of both wild type (WT) SHP2 and GOF mutants in the closed state indicate GOF activity to involve increased solvent exposure of selected residues, most notably Arg362, which in turn may enhance interactions of SHP2 with its substrate proteins and thereby aid opening. In addition, GOF mutations cause structural changes in the phosphopeptide-binding region of the N-SH2 domain leading to conformations that mimic the bound state. Such conformational changes are suggested to enhance binding of phosphopeptides and/or decrease interactions between the PTP and N-SH2 domains thereby facilitating opening. Experimental assays of the impact of effector molecules on SHP2 phosphatase activity against both small molecule and peptide substrates support the hypothesized mechanism of GOF mutant action. The present calculations also suggest a role for the C-SH2 domain of SHP2 in stabilizing the overall conformation of the protein in the open state, thereby aiding conformational switching between the open active and closed inactive states.
Developing Legally Correct and Educationally Appropriate IEPs

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) has been the cornerstone of special education since the Education for All Handicapped Children Act became law in 1975. We begin this article by examining the relationship between the IEP and a free, appropriate public education. Then we discuss the IEP process and highlight the procedural changes and new requirements mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997. Next, we present information from a number of due process hearings and cases that have involved IEPs to illustrate mistakes school districts often make that can result in rulings against a district. Finally, we provide guidelines to assist schools with developing legally correct and educationally appropriate IEPs.
Getting it right without knowing the answer: quality control in a large seismic modeling project

Phase I of the SEAM Project will produce a variable-density acoustic synthetic survey over a 3D geological model simulating a deepwater subsalt exploration target. Due to the intended use of the data, the project places a premium on accuracy. Commercially produced Phase I synthetics will be spotchecked against benchmark simulations to assure quality. Thus the accuracy of the benchmark simulator required careful assessment. The authors designed and implemented the benchmark simulator used in this program, subjected it to verification tests, and assisted in the qualification phase of the Phase I project. The key lessons that we have learned so far from this assessment are that (1) the few verification tools available to us a few analytic solutions and Richardson extrapolation seem to be adequate, at least in a rough way, and (2) the standard approach to this type of simulation finite difference methods on regular grids requires surprisingly fine grid steps to produce small relative RMS errors for models of the type defined by this project.
CIS: a massively concurrent rule-based system

Recently researchers have suggested several computational models in which, one programs by specifying large networks of simple devices. Such models are interesting because they go to the roots of concurrency - the circuit level. A problem with the models is that it is unclear how to program large systems and expensive to implement many features that are taken for granted in symbolic programming languages. This paper describes the Concurrent Inference System (CIS), and its implementation on a massively concurrent network model of computation. It shows how much of the functionality of current rule-based systems can be implemented in a straightforward manner within such models. Unlike conventional implementations of rule-based systems in which the inference engine and rule sets are clearly divided at run time. CIS compiles the rules into a large static concurrent network of very simple devices. In this network the rules and inference engine are no longer distinct. The Thinking Machines Corporation, Connection Machine - a 65,536 processor SIMD computer - is then used to run the network. On the current implementation, real time user system interaction is possible with up to 100,000 rules.
Urethral Atrophy After Artificial Urinary Sphincter Placement: Is Cuff Downsizing Effective?

ABSTRACTPurpose: We reviewed the outcome of cuff downsizing with an artificial urinary sphincter for treating recurrent incontinence due to urethral atrophy.Materials and Methods: We analyzed the records of 17 patients in a 7-year period in whom clinical, radiological and urodynamic evidence of urethral atrophy was treated with cuff downsizing. Cuff downsizing was accomplished by removing the existing cuff and replacing it with a 4 cm. cuff within the established false capsule. Incontinence and satisfaction parameters before and after the procedure were assessed by a validated questionnaire.Results: Mean patient age was 70 years (range 62 to 79). Average time to urethral atrophy was 31 months (range 5 to 96) after primary sphincter implantation. Mean followup after downsizing was 22 months (range 1 to 64). Cuff downsizing caused a mean decrease of 3.9 to 0.5 pads daily. The number of severe leakage episodes decreased from a mean of 5.4 to 2.1 The mean SEAPI (stress leakage, emptying, anatomy, protection, ...
Design and Evaluation of Network-Levitated Merge for Hadoop Acceleration

Hadoop is a popular open source implementation of the MapReduce programming model for cloud computing. However, it faces a number of issues to achieve the best performance from the underlying systems. These include a serialization barrier that delays the reduce phase, repetitive merges, and disk accesses, and the lack of portability to different interconnects. To keep up with the increasing volume of data sets, Hadoop also requires efficient I/O capability from the underlying computer systems to process and analyze data. We describe Hadoop-A, an acceleration framework that optimizes Hadoop with plug-in components for fast data movement, overcoming the existing limitations. A novel network-levitated merge algorithm is introduced to merge data without repetition and disk access. In addition, a full pipeline is designed to overlap the shuffle, merge, and reduce phases. Our experimental results show that Hadoop-A significantly speeds up data movement in MapReduce and doubles the throughput of Hadoop. In addition, Hadoop-A significantly reduces disk accesses caused by intermediate data.