cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biodegradation characteristics of acyclovir 2′-esters by respiratory carboxylesterases: Implications in prodrug design for intranasal and pulmonary drug delivery

Abstract Eight aliphatic and one aromatic 2′-ester prodrugs of 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)guanine (acyclovir) were incubated with rat nasal mucosal homogenate in vitro to characterize their degradation kinetics by carboxylesterase. Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed that prodrugs with longer linear carboxylic side chains possess higher V max and smaller K m values than esters with shorter side chains, probably as a result of improved lipophilicity. Under subsaturating conditions, the rate and extent of prodrug degradation assume a direct relationship with acyl side chain length. Lengthening of linear carboxylic chains from three to eight carbons resulted in a more than 600-fold increase in first-order degradation rate constants. Esters with branched acyl chains are more resistant to nasal carboxylesterase-mediated cleavage. Acyclovir benzoate, on the other hand, did not afford specific protective effect against nasal carboxylesterase, although such an effect was found in plasma. Comparison of the second-order rate constants for binding and catalysis ( V max / K max ) indicated that the catalytic affinity of nasal carboxylesterase differs significantly from that of ester hydrolase in plasma. Comparison of hexanoate degradation kinetics in tracheal, pulmonary parenchymal, and nasal homogenates suggested that nasal mucosa possesses the highest carboxylesterase activity in the respiratory tract. The uniquely rich presence of this enzyme in the nasal cavity forms a remarkable enzymatic barrier to prodrug design for systemic delivery.
Analysis of packaged orange juice volatiles using headspace gas chromatography

Abstract It has been demonstrated that simple headspace gas chromatography is adequate for determining the change in concentration of volatile components during shelf-life of orange juice. α-Pinene, octanal and d-limonene concentrations were measured during shelf-life testing. The time required to reach equilibrium seemed to increase with increase in temperature. A 15-min sample heating time at 50°C was determined to be the optimum headspace analysis conditions for orange juice.
What do we

This paper describes preliminary work in the uncovering of mashup patterns in order to find new directions for the design of mashup tools. We conducted a qualitative survey of high-quality mashups, as nominated in two popular mashup directories, and examined how the mashups made use of existing websites or improved upon them, how data from multiple websites were combined, and what kinds of user tasks these mashups might be suitable for. We describe a set of patterns what we found in our sample of mashups.
Amenity value of forests in Great Britain and its impact on the internal rate of return from forestry

The amenity value of trees was measured by observing how house prices varied according to differences in the type, composition, and age of forests and woodland in the neighbourhood of each property, holding all other variables constant. Statistically significant differences were detected. Broadleaved trees had a positive effect on house prices, while mature Sitka spruce reduced housing values. The estimated amenity values were incorporated into discounted cash flow rotation models in order to assess the joint value of the timber and amenity values of different rotations. The aggregate wood and amenity value which produced the highest internal rate of return and the largest net present value was the one in which broadleaved oaks replaced Sitka spruce.
Phenotypic suppression and misreading in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A NUMBER of antibiotics and other inhibitors have been useful in genetic and biochemical analyses of the protein-synthesising machinery of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Aminoglycoside antibiotics have been shown to be particularly helpful in this respect, especially in identifying ribosomal protein cistrons in bacteria. The aminoglycosides cause extensive misreading of the RNA code words in vitro1 and suppress many nonsense and missense mutations in E. coli2 phenotypically. The misreading observed in cell-free translation is believed to be the basis for the phenotypic suppression, although the exact mechanism is not known. Apart from a report of suppression of a single mutation in yeast by streptomycin3, there have been no demonstrations of phenotypic suppression in eukaryotic organisms. Earlier studies of mistranslation in vitro in eukaryotic systems indicated that this phenomenon is rare. Streptomycin did not cause misreading with cytoplasmic ribosomes of rat liver4, rabbit spleen5, chicken liver6 or yeast7; neomycin had no effect in rabbit reticulocyte extracts4 and only a slight effect in the yeast and chicken liver systems6,7. These results suggested that translation in higher organisms functions with higher fidelity than that in bacteria. Nevertheless, aminoglycoside antibiotics have recently been shown to cause extensive translational misreading in vitro in systems derived from Tetrahymena8, wheat embryo9, and cultured human cells10.
Decorin Gene Transfer Promotes Muscle Cell Differentiation and Muscle Regeneration

We have shown that decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, can inhibit transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 to prevent fibrous scar formation and improve muscle healing after injury. In the decorin-treated muscle, an enhancement of muscle regeneration is observed through histological examination. In this article, we report our determination of whether decorin has a direct effect on myogenic cells' differentiation. Our results indicate that myoblasts genetically engineered to express decorin (CD cells) differentiated into myotubes at a significantly higher rate than did control myoblasts (C2C12). This enhanced differentiation led to the up-regulation of myogenic genes (Myf5, Myf6, MyoD, and myogenin) in CD cells in vitro. We speculate that the higher rate of differentiation exhibited by the CD cells is due to the up-regulation of follistatin, peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha), p21, and the myogenic genes, and the down-regulation of TGF-beta1 and myostatin. Decorin gene transfer in vivo promoted skeletal muscle regeneration and accelerated muscle healing after injury. These results suggest that decorin not only prevents fibrosis but also improves muscle regeneration and repair.
A Sensitivity Analysis of Crash Modification Factors of Access Management Techniques in Highway Safety Manual

Access management involves control, planning, and coordination of access along roadways to provide safe and efficient operation of transportation networks. According to existing literature, reducing conflict points and improving traffic safety are the main goals of access management techniques. Increase in traffic volumes and rapid growth of roadway networks have made these efficient techniques as a crucial part of roadway planning and design process. Some of the access management techniques employed in the recently published Highway Safety Manual (HSM) include: median treatments, traffic signal spacing, auxiliary lanes, corner clearances, driveways, U-turns as alternatives to direct left-turns, and frontage roads. Moreover, the Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) of these techniques, as estimators of the actual safety effect of countermeasures, are utilized in the HSM predictive methods to approximate the potential changes in crash frequency and severity after treatment implementation. The results of this study provide transportation agencies, practitioners, and decision-makers with a better understanding of how the HSM methods quantify the safety effects of access management techniques on different roadways. This is accomplished by providing output in the form of tabulated ranking of the impact of access management parameters for three roadway facilities defined in the HSM using the graphical method of sensitivity analysis.
Initial shape finding and modal analyses of cyclic right-cylindrical tensegrity modules

Initial equilibrium and modal analyses of cyclic right-cylindrical tensegrity modules with an arbitrary number of stages are presented. There are m (⩾3) bars at each stage. The Maxwell number of the modules is 6−2m and is independent of the number of stages in the axial direction. Calladine’s relation reveals that there are 2m−5 infinitesimal mechanism modes. For multi-stage modules the necessary conditions for axial assembly of one-stage interior modules with the same internal element forces are investigated. One-stage modules with either congruent right-cylindrical modules or geometrically similar cone-shaped modules satisfy the necessary conditions. In this paper, the axial assembly of right-cylindrical modules with flip or quasi-flip symmetry is considered. For pre-stressed configurations, modal analyses are conducted to investigate the mode shapes of infinitesimal mechanism modes.
Parity Nonconserving Internucleon Potentials

The general form that a parity nonconserving internucleon potential must take because of invariance requirements is obtained. A detailed calculation is then made of the parity nonconserving potential arising from a self-interacting current description of weak interactions. If the pclar vector part of the current (J/sub mu //sup V/) is conserved, then parity nonconservation of the order 1 part in 10/sup 7/( approx equal 10/sup -7/) is to be expected in nuclear processes. Failure to observe such an effect would indicate either that J/sub mu //sup V/ is not conserved or that the self-interacting current description is incorrect. (auth)
Distributed control of orthogonal current components among converters in an autonomous microgrid

Power sources in a microgrid must be controlled in coordination with each other in order to meet optimization requirements and satisfy the operating criteria of the microgrid as a whole. Droop control of power sources is a known solution for distributed and coordinated control of power electronic converters to share active and reactive power in a microgrid. In this paper, current-based droop control is extended to all major current components i.e. active, reactive, unbalanced and harmonic. Current Physical Component theory is used for decomposition of current into orthogonal components. Each current component can be dedicated to various power sources in any percentage, which enables operation optimization of the microgrid. A higher-level controller sets droop parameters of local controllers by the use of a low-speed communication link. By setting the slope and bias of the droop characteristic line for all current components, this higher-level control, along with specifying the percentages of current components, improves the quality of voltage at the load bus.
Importing Freud: first-wave psychoanalysis, interwar social sciences, and the interdisciplinary foundations of an American social theory.

For all that has been written about Freud, one of the most significant sites for his initial importation into the U.S. remains largely unexamined: namely, within and through the social sciences. During these early years, social scientists were attracted to psychoanalysis for reasons that were not only personal and idiosyncratic, but also intellectual, social, and professional. Focusing on the University of Chicago's Division of Social Sciences and using oral histories, students records, course materials, as well as published sources, this essay explores this varied attraction and its substantive impact upon American social theory vis-a-vis the ideals and ideology of “social adjustment.” © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Normal Tissue Effects Of The Metallopurpurin, SnET2 And Light

There is growing interest in photodynamic therapy as a method for the local control of certain human neoplawv.1 New photosensitizers for this form of therapy are currently undergoing experimental evaluation2,3,q. We have found that the purpurins are effective in the control of several experimental animal systems -5 In order to determine the effect of the purpurins on normal tissue, rat footpad and jejunum at therapeutic light levels and murine skin under sunlight equivalence were studied.
Mixed valence phenomena: An overview

An introduction to the topic of valence fluctuations in rare-earth systems is presented along with a brief sketch of the theoretical formulation of the problem. This is followed by a review of experimental progress to date and a discussion of open problems.
Two Methods for the Measurement of Substrate Dielectric Constant

Two methods for the accurate and convenient measurement of the dielectric constant of a microwave substrate are proposed. Both methods use the precision measurement capability of the HP-8510 Network Analyzer system and a rigorous theoretical analysis of multilayer transmission lines [6], and hence can also be used for the measurement of the frequency dependence of the relative dielectric constant. Accuracy on the order of 1.0 percent can be obtained by use of these techniques. Measurements were done for various substrates and gave results as predicted.
OFDM or single-carrier block transmissions?

We compare two block transmission systems over frequency-selective fading channels: orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) versus single-carrier modulated blocks with zero padding (ZP). We first compare their peak-to-average power ratio (PAR) and the corresponding power amplifier backoff for phase-shift keying or quadrature amplitude modulation. Then, we study the effects of carrier frequency offset on their performance and throughput. We further compare the performance and complexity of uncoded and coded transmissions over random dispersive channels, including Rayleigh fading channels, as well as practical HIPERLAN/2 indoor and outdoor channels. We establish that unlike OFDM, uncoded block transmissions with ZP enjoy maximum diversity and coding gains within the class of linearly precoded block transmissions. Analysis and computer simulations confirm the considerable edge of ZP-only in terms of PAR, robustness to carrier frequency offset, and uncoded performance, at the price of slightly increased complexity. In the coded case, ZP is preferable when the code rate is high (e.g., 3/4), while coded OFDM is to be preferred in terms of both performance and complexity when the code rate is low (e.g., 1/2) and the error-correcting capability is enhanced. As ZP block transmissions can approximate serial single-carrier systems as well, the scope of the present comparison is broader.
An Integrative Review of Sleep for Nutrition Professionals

Sleep is an essential lifestyle factor that contributes to overall health. The inverse relation between sleep duration and weight status has revealed the importance of sleep in nutritional health. This integrative review builds foundational knowledge with regard to sleep vis-a-vis nutrition by summarizing the importance and process of sleep, current sleep recommendations and trends, as well as lifestyle contributors to poor sleep. Additionally, it details the association between sleep and obesity and potential mechanisms for this association. Furthermore, guidance is offered regarding the incorporation of sleep considerations in nutrition counseling, communication, and research. Like many other lifestyle factors that contribute to nutritional health, sleep needs to be considered when examining weight management and health promotion.
Activation of inflammatory responses in human U937 macrophages by particulate matter collected from dairy farms: an in vitro expression analysis of pro-inflammatory markers

The purpose of the present study was to investigate activation of inflammatory markers in human macrophages derived from the U937 cell line after exposure to particulate matter (PM) collected on dairy farms in California and to identify the most potent components of the PM. PM from different dairies were collected and tested to induce an inflammatory response determined by the expression of various pro-inflammatory genes, such as Interleukin (IL)-8, in U937 derived macrophages. Gel shift and luciferase reporter assays were performed to examine the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and Toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4). Macrophage exposure to PM derived from dairy farms significantly activated expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including IL-8, cyclooxygenase 2 and Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which are hallmarks of inflammation. Acute phase proteins, such as serum amyloid A and IL-6, were also significantly upregulated in macrophages treated with PM from dairies. Coarse PM fractions demonstrated more pro-inflammatory activity on an equal-dose basis than fine PM. Urban PM collected from the same region as the dairy farms was associated with a lower concentration of endotoxin and produced significantly less IL-8 expression compared to PM collected on the dairy farms. The present study provides evidence that the endotoxin components of the particles collected on dairies play a major role in mediating an inflammatory response through activation of TLR4 and NF-κB signaling.
A probabilistic model for classifying segmented images

In this work we introduce a probabilistic model for classifying segmented images. The proposed classifier is very general and it can deal both with images that were segmented with deterministic algorithms, such as the k-means algorithm, and with probabilistic clustering approaches, such as the Hidden Markov Random Field (HMRF) algorithm. Similarly, our model can be used on either binary images or on images that contain multiple clustering labels as well as on images with any cluster boundaries (sharp, fuzzy or irregular). We tested our classifier on real fMRI images and showed that it outperforms the region-based Maximum Likelihood k-means classifier. Furthermore, we showed that higher classification rates are obtained when the images are segmented using a probabilistic HMRF algorithm compared to deterministic k-means method.
The APL 18.3m station upgrade and its application to lunar missions

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has conducted an upgrade to its 18.3 meter ground station.1 2 These upgrades include adding a high-power S-band uplink, dual polarization S- and X-band downlink, multiple parallel downlink channel capability and software-defined telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) units. The 18-m antenna size provides full-disk lunar coverage in S-band. This coverage, in combination with the parallel downlink capability and APL's coherent transceiver technology, affords the ability to track multiple lunar targets simultaneously. This paper presents the upgraded station architecture, its performance for current lunar missions, and discusses its application for different lunar mission scenarios.
Facing up to civic pluralism A friendly critique of Galston

Beginning with the publication of Liberal Purposes in 1991, William Galston has developed an appealing theory of liberal pluralism that entails strong commitments to expressive liberty, political p...
A simple technique to identify catheter balloon defects.

Catheter drainage is essential after radical prostatectomy. If the catheter balloon is defective or damaged, deflation may lead to inadvertent catheter displacement. Subsequent attempts to replace the catheter may be difficult and risk damage to the vesicourethral anastomosis. Catheter balloon damage usually occurs during vesicourethral anastomotic suture placement. Testing the catheter balloon with saline after suture placement will detect most leaks but occasionally a small leak will not be noticed and the damage will not be recognized until the catheter has fallen out. We describe a simple technique to identify catheter balloon defects that helps eliminate inadvertent catheter displacement following radical prostatectomy by detecting small balloon injuries which otherwise might not be recognized.
ADHD IDENTITY: A CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENTAL MODEL

There is an extremely limited amount of research that looks at identity development for adults with disabilities, particularly those who identify with a hidden diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). More and more students with disabilities, such as ADHD, are entering college in the United States. As such, it is increasingly important to understand the processes by which adults with ADHD develop psychosocially and develop a healthy identity around their diagnosis. Faculty and administrators in education can better understand how to assist this exceptional population in order to support them in their development of a positive identity. This phenomenological study was focused on investigating the process of forging an ADHD identity. Other factors considered in the study were gender, race/ethnicity/culture, and sexual identity. The participants in this study were adults with ADHD recruited from a four-year private institution of higher education in the Western United States. Data was collected from in-depth interviews. Participants were of varied genders, race/ethnicity/culture, and sexual identities. Emergent textural descriptions including ADHD and disability identity development, demographic identification, ADHD affects and relationships, diagnosis and symptoms were associated with participants' identity development. The findings from this study identify a unique model of identity development for adults living with ADHD. More research in the area of ADHD identity development was indicated. Suggestions for further research that focuses on the inclusion of this marginalized group in educational, medical, and mental health settings is examined.
Multimodal Magnetic Core–Shell Nanoparticles for Effective Stem‐Cell Differentiation and Imaging

Stem cells, owing to their ability to differentiate into specialized cells that can serve a particular function, have enormous potential in the field of regenerative medicine, wherein these stem cell-based therapies can be used to treat a wide range of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.[1] However, the realization of stem cell-based therapies in the clinic is severely hampered by our current inability to achieve the efficient delivery of genetic materials into target cells, which is required to specifically direct differentiation. In particular, with regard to stem cell-based regenerative medicine, it is vital to achieve: i) the highly efficient transfection of targeted cells; ii) biocompatibility, with an emphasis on maintaining a high cell viability without altering migratory and differentiation potential; and iii) non-invasive monitoring for the long-term evaluation of therapy.[2]
Leading and Managing Disparate Generations in Cross-Cultural Learning Organizations

The enclosed literature focuses on learning about the various generations of the workforce and techniques that employers can utilize to organize collaborative teams in today’s multigenerational and multicultural workplaces. Trainers and teachers can use this material to provide effective skills for managers that deal with a multi-generation of employees. Furthermore, educators can use appropriate teaching techniques with different generations of students since teachers of working adults are likely to have diverse generations of learners in their classes. There are at least four different generations in today’s workforce that are categorized as traditionalists (Veterans), baby boomers, generation X, and generation Y individuals. Managers should be aware of the personality characteristics of individuals in all generations as well as their cultural backgrounds, and act accordingly. The document further discusses how decision-making, for managers of any generation, is a very critical and timeconsuming procedure, and how managerial decisions do affect the company’s processes dramatically. Managers should always make certain, regardless of their personal interests, likes and dislikes, that their decisions are appropriate for each generation of employees and their organizations. Organizational learning, from a systems perspective, is discussed as an effective method of understanding the processes and strategies suitable for an organization. In order to create a learning organization, managers need to emphasize teamwork and practice group activities that effectively involve people of all generations in the decision making processes. Following the eight facets of Values Driven Management can guide and focus everyone’s energies toward the common vision set forth by the company. Besides dealing with a multi-generation of employees, international managers face an even more complex task since they also deal with various cultures. Hence, a multi-cultural manager should acquire appropriate cultural knowledge regarding the local norms, mores and customs to effectively work with individuals of different generations throughout the world.
Predictors of driving safety in early Alzheimer disease.

Objective: To measure the association of cognition, visual perception, and motor function with driving safety in Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Forty drivers with probable early AD (mean Mini-Mental State Examination score 26.5) and 115 elderly drivers without neurologic disease underwent a battery of cognitive, visual, and motor tests, and drove a standardized 35-mile route in urban and rural settings in an instrumented vehicle. A composite cognitive score (COGSTAT) was calculated for each subject based on eight neuropsychological tests. Driving safety errors were noted and classified by a driving expert based on video review. Results: Drivers with AD committed an average of 42.0 safety errors/drive (SD = 12.8), compared to an average of 33.2 (SD = 12.2) for drivers without AD ( p Conclusion: Drivers with Alzheimer disease (AD) exhibit a range of performance on tests of cognition, vision, and motor skills. Since these tests provide additional predictive value of driving performance beyond diagnosis alone, clinicians may use these tests to help predict whether a patient with AD can safely operate a motor vehicle. AD = Alzheimer disease; AVLT = Auditory Verbal Learning Test; Blocks = Block Design subtest; BVRT = Benton Visual Retention Test; CFT = Complex Figure Test; CI = confidence interval; COWA = Controlled Oral Word Association; CS = contrast sensitivity; FVA = far visual acuity; JLO = Judgment of Line Orientation; MCI = mild cognitive impairment; MMSE = Mini-Mental State Examination; NVA = near visual acuity; SFM = structure from motion; TMT = Trail-Making Test; UFOV = Useful Field of View.
Autocrine/paracrine action of oxytocin in pig endometrium.

Abstract Luminal epithelial cells of porcine endometrium are unresponsive to oxytocin (OT) in vitro although they express the greatest quantity of OT and receptors for OT in vivo. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if oxytocin acted in an autocrine manner on luminal epithelial cells to stimulate prostaglandin (PG)F2α secretion. Treatment of endometrial explants or enriched luminal epithelial cells with OT antagonist L-366,948 decreased (P < 0.05) basal secretion of PGF2α. Oxytocin increased (P < 0.01) PGF2α secretion from luminal epithelial cells that were pretreated with 1:5000 or 1:500 OT antiserum for 3 h to immunoneutralize endogenously secreted OT. However, OT only increased (P < 0.05) PGF2α secretion from glandular epithelial cells when pretreated with 1:500 OT antiserum. Pretreatment with OT antiserum did not alter the ability of OT to induce PGF2α secretion from stromal cells. Medium conditioned by culture of luminal epithelial cells stimulated (P < 0.05) phospholipase C activ...
Three-pion production on complex nuclei at 23 GeV/c

The production of three pions has been examined in interactions of 23-GeV/c ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ with complex nuclei. A partial-wave analysis of the three-pion system has been performed showing that the spin-parity structure is very similar to the one produced in hydrogen. The production cross section for various nuclei have been compared with an optical-model calculation. In the ${A}_{1}$ region the absorption cross sections obtained from the model are 25 mb for ${J}^{P}={1}^{+} \mathrm{and} 60$ mb for ${J}^{P}={0}^{\ensuremath{-}}$.
Measurement of the deep-inelastic spin-dependent structure functions of the proton and neutron at HERA

HERMES is an experiment under preparation by an international collaboration of physicists from the United States, Germany, Canada, Italy and the Soviet Union to measure the deep-inelastic spin-dependent structure functions of the nucleon at DESY, Hamburg, Germany. The structure functions of the proton and neutron will be determined by a completely new technique using polarized internal gas targets of hydrogen, deuterium, and 3He and the longitudinally polarized 35 GeV electron beam of the HERA electron storage ring. Measurement of the deep-inelastic spin-structure of both isospin states of the nucleon at the same kinematics and using the same apparatus will provide a high precision test of the Bjorken sum rule.
A predictive control strategy for improving HVDC converter voltage profile

A control strategy is presented to enhance the converter bus voltage profile for HVDC systems with power modulation capability. A two-terminal HVDC system is considered. The algorithm predicts the value of reactive power needed to maintain a preset converter bus voltage for a specified value of the DC power during the modulation period. The necessary value of DC voltage at the inverter station is computed to match the predicted and demanded values of reactive power. From the computed inverter DC voltage, the value of DC current and the reactive power demand of the rectifier station are obtained. The difference between the predicted and demanded value of the reactive power at the rectifier station, referred to as the required value, is provided by a static VAr compensator. Analytical and simulated results are included to verify the validity of the proposed control strategy. >
A Tuning Method for Electrically Compensated Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer Traps

We describe a method for tuning electrically compensated ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) traps by tracking the observed cyclotron frequency of an ion cloud at different oscillation mode amplitudes. Although we have used this method to tune the compensation voltages of a custom-built electrically compensated trap, the approach is applicable to other designs that incorporate electrical compensation. To evaluate the effectiveness of tuning, we examined the frequency shift as a function of cyclotron orbit size at different z-mode oscillation amplitudes. The cyclotron frequencies varied initially by ∼12 ppm for ions with low z-mode oscillation amplitudes compared with those with high z-mode amplitudes. This frequency difference decreased to ∼1 ppm by one iteration of trap tuning.
Antenna pattern measurement techniques for infinite ground plane simulation

An antenna pattern measurement technique for eliminating the effects of a finite ground plane, which is not limited by the bandwidth of the antenna, is presented. This technique consists of the measurement of the edge diffracted fields and their subsequent subtraction from the original pattern. Comparisons are made between theory, obtained assuming an infinite ground plane, and experiment for microstrip patch and monopole antennas mounted on a circular ground plane. The subtraction technique is shown to effectively eliminate the scattered field interference in the antenna radiation pattern by subtracting the backside scattered field contributions from the frontside of the pattern. Subtraction works for both narrow and wideband antennas, overcoming the limitations of time gating. >
Immunoaffinity Concentration and Purification of Waterborne Enteric Viruses for Detection by Reverse Transcriptase PCR

To assess the risks from viral contamination of drinking-water supplies, there is a clear need for methods to directly detect viral pathogens. In this study, we developed a broad-spectrum immunocapture method for concentration and purification of enteric viruses. The method involved indirect antibody capture (AbCap) of intact viruses followed by release of virion genomic RNA and reverse transcriptase PCR for amplification and oligoprobe hybridization for detection. The procedure involved concentrating enteric viruses from large volumes of water by standard filtration-elution techniques with IMDS filters and 1 liter of 1% beef extract-0.05 M glycine (BE/G) as an eluate. The BE/G eluate was concentrated and purified by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation, Pro-Cipitate (a commercially available protein precipitating reagent) precipitation, and a second PEG precipitation to a volume of approximately 500 mu l. Aliquots of the second PEG precipitate were further processed by RNA extraction, AbCap, or cell culture analysis for infectious viruses. The AbCap method was applied to 11 field samples of fecally contaminated surface water. Of the 11 samples, 9 were positive for enteric viruses by AbCap method 4 of 11 samples were positive for enteric viruses by direct RNA extraction of a small aliquot of the second PEG concentrate; and 4 of 11 samples were positive for enteric viruses by measurement of cell culture infectivity. The results of enteric viruses were compared with those for standard bacterial and coliphage indicators of fecal contamination.
Concurrent Error Detection in Asynchronous Burst-Mode Controllers

We discuss the problem of Concurrent Error Detection (CED) in a popular class of asynchronous controllers, namely Burst-Mode machines. We first outline the particularities of these clock-less circuits, including the use of redundancy to ensure hazard-free operation, and we explain how they limit the applicability and effectiveness of traditional CED methods, such as duplication. We then demonstrate how duplication can be enhanced to resolve these limitations through additional hardware for comparison synchronization and detection of error-induced hazards, which jeopardize the interaction of the circuit with its environment. Finally, we propose a Transition-Triggered CED method which employs a transition prediction function to eliminate the need for hazard detection circuitry and hazard-free implementation of the duplicate. As indicated by experimental results, the proposed method reduces significantly the cost of CED, with an average of 22% in hardware savings.
Synthesis of three selectively deuterated propylene oxides

Three different selectively deuterated propylene oxides have been synthesized for use in quasi-elastic neutron scattering studies of the dynamics of propylene oxide within clathrate hydrate cages. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real-time ai in xpilot using reinforcement learning

Reinforcement learning (RL) allows agents to learn a best-possible long-term course of action, based on immediate positive and negative rewards. This approach enables real-time learning, since the agent constantly adjusts the value of actions taken, eventually selecting that action with highest value in each environment-state it encounters. We investigate the use of the Q-learning RL technique in an agent that learns to intelligently navigate the Xpilot video game environment in real time. We compare learning performance for different reward and action models, and discuss the challenges of RL methods in such a reasonably complex domain.
Gene therapy for multiple sclerosis

Recent advances in the field of immunology have increased our understanding of the pathology and regulation of autoimmune diseases. This knowledge is allowing the scientific community to consider the treatment of these diseases using new modalities of immunotherapy. The classic forms of therapy for autoimmune disease are directed at general suppression of the immune response. In contrast, newer forms of therapy are aimed at specific cells or cytokines that contribute to or regulate the aberrant immune response.
Probing Single-Molecule Ion Channel Conformational Dynamics in Living Cells

Stochastic and inhomogeneous conformational changes regulate the function and dynamics of ion channels that are crucial for cell functions, neuronal signaling, and brain functions. We have developed a new combined approaches of using single ion channel patch-clamp electrical recording and single-molecule fluorescence imaging for probing ion channel conformational changes simultaneously with the electrical single channel recording. By combining real-time single-molecule fluorescence imaging measurements with real-time single-channel electric current measurements in artificail lipid bilayers and in living cell membranes, we were able to probe single ion-channel-protein conformational changes simultaneously, and thus providing an understanding the dynamics and mechanism of ion-channel proteins at the molecular level. We will focus our discussion on the new development and results of real-time imaging of the dynamics of gramicidin, colicin, and NMDA receptor ion channels in lipid bilayers and living cells. We have probed NMDA (N-Methyl-D-Aspartate) receptor ion channel in live HEK-293 cell, especially, the single ion channel open-close activity and its associated protein conformational changes simultaneously. Furthermore, we have revealed that the seemingly identical electrically off states are associated with multiple conformational states. Based on our experimental results, we have proposed a multistate clamshell model to interpret the NMDA receptor open-close dynamics. Our results shed light on new perspectives of the intrinsic interplay of lipid membrane dynamics, solvation dynamics, and the ion channel functions.
Efficient Channel State Information Acquisition for Device-to-Device Networks

We consider the problem of acquiring channel state information (CSI) in base-station (BS) controlled device-to-device (D2D) networks. Obtaining high-quality CSI requires a tradeoff between interference, outdatedness of CSI, and noise. Thus, the goal is to find an efficient pilot scheduling scheme that minimizes errors in the estimates. In this paper, we present the location aware training scheme (LATS) as simple yet efficient training technique. Assuming that the devices are aware of their location, LATS groups the devices into geographical segments and assigns a frequency reuse pattern to them. To identify the parameters of the scheme (segmentation and guard parameters, $S_{\rm{ n}}$ and $G_{\rm{ n}}$ , respectively), we use the average normalized mean square error (NMSE) as a metric, which combines the effects of outdatedness, noise, and interference. We derive an approximation of the average NMSE based on statistics of the devices and LATS structure. We present simulation results that illustrate LATS behavior and show that it outperforms TDMA- and CSMA-based schemes. Furthermore, we consider some practical challenges in using location information and evaluate their effects on the scheme.
Enhanced second-harmonic-generation detection of collagen by means of optical wavefront shaping

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) has proven to be an effective method to both image and detect structural variations in fibrillar collagen. The ability to detect these differences is especially useful in studying diseases like cancer and fibrosis.1 SHG techniques have historically been limited by their ability to penetrate and image through strongly scattering tissues. Recently, optical wavefront shaping has enabled light to be focused through highly scattering media such as biological tissue.2-4 This technology also enables us to examine the dependence of second harmonic generation on the spatial phase of the pump laser. Here, we demonstrate that wavefront shaping can be used to enhance the generation of second harmonic light from collagen fibrils even when scattering is low or non-existent.
Reactions of CO2 on solid and liquid Al100

The reactions of CO2 on the Al100+ cluster have been investigated as a function of cluster temperature (300–1100 K) and relative kinetic energy (0.2–10 eV). Two main products are observed at low cl...
Power and the Politics of Extraction

The capacity of the state to mobilize resources is a key determinant of national power. It also has direct implications for a central concern of the arms race literature: the effect of growing domestic political pressure on the probability of war. However, to date political scientists have had little success in predicting either the ease with which the state could make peace-time increases in the level of extraction or the flexibility with which the executive could allocate revenue in support of foreign and defense policies. In this paper a theoretical approach designed to address these questions is presented and then applied to British, French, and German policy making in the 35 years before World War I. During this period the traditional methods and levels of extraction were manifestly incapable of meeting both the demands for new social welfare programs and the increased foreign expenditures generated by colonial expansion and recurring arms races. The theoretical approach presented here offers an interpretation of the origins of the controversies that ensued and their differing outcomes. It also provides a means for assessing the relative ability of the British, French, and German governments to sustain the domestic political price of the arms race before World War I. This assessment is substantially different from one widely held in the arms race literature on the period. The approach here offers, moreover, an avenue for improving our understanding of the relationship between domestic and international politics and developing a more theoretically sophisticated measure of intergovernmental power.
Research on the oxidation reactions of ferrous sulfide

The paper intends to make an investigation of the spontaneous oxidation reaction process and the inherent mechanism of ferrous sulfide in hoping to set up preventive measures to get rid of such accidents likely to be caused by such events. To achieve our purpose,we have laid out some experiments concerning the testing of the different degrees of the purity of the chemical reagent ferrous sulfide,the volatile impurities involved in the said experiment,and the chief materials that would lead to the massgain process of the samples. Our experiments have shown that,as to the temperature-programming experimental results,the mass of the participant samples may have experienced a process of massloss,mass-gain,and a secondary mass-loss process. The whole process can be depicted in the following manner: the volatile impurities tend to get lost at first,when the mass of samples begins to increase in a temperature range between 250 ℃ to 300 ℃,and then the oxidation reactions of ferrous sulfide are likely to start.Actually,there exist many pathways via which the ferrous sulfide tends to get oxidized,depending on the different temperatures and the reactivity of the samples of the ferrous sulfide. For example,at the temperature of 480 ℃,the reaction between the ferrous sulfide with a purity at 98% and the oxygen in the air would begin to combine and result in a ferric sulfate that would lead to increase the mass of the sample. Though the ferric sulfate is not the final product,it tends to decompose bit by bit in a slow-going manner to ferric oxide. And,eventually,the mass of the sample chosen would gradually shrink. On the other hand,in the temperature range from 550 ℃ to 650 ℃,the process of decomposition of the ferric sulfide at a purity of 98% tends to speed up. And,in case of the entire process of the oxidation reaction between the ferrous sulfide at a purity of 80% and the oxygen,the sample mass of the ferrous sulfide tends to lose more quickly. If treated at the temperature of 660 ℃ or more for a sufficiently long period,the sulfide would eventually oxidize to ferric oxide, with the sulfur coming off totally in a gaseous form. Therefore,it can be said that the ferrous sulfide may experience a different oxidation reaction process at a different oxidation reaction rate. The higher the reactivity of the ferrous sulfide with oxygen,the lower the reactivity of the ferrous sulfide may experience with oxygen in a temperature range of 250 ℃ to 480 ℃.
Utility of Examination of Biopsy Tracts in Osteosarcoma Resection Specimens.

Objectives: To determine the utility and necessity of submitting tissue sections from the biopsy tracts of osteosarcoma resection specimens. Methods: The prevalence of residual tumor in representative sections of osteosarcoma biopsy tracts was assessed in a series of 97 osteosarcoma resection specimens. Results: No residual tumor cells were identified in 97 sampled biopsy tracts (0%; 95% confidence interval, 0%-2.5%). Conclusions: Pathologists do not need to submit sections of resected biopsy tracts unless there is clinical or gross evidence that would warrant further examination.
Is More Cognitive Experimental Psychopathology of Schizophrenia Really Necessary? Challenges and Opportunities

After a promising start, the cognitive experimental psychopathological approach to schizophrenia has run into diffi culties. Despite the observation that behavioral impairments constitute the largest effect sizes in schizophrenia, the wide-spread nature of these impairments suggest that they are likely the downstream effects of undifferentiated, upstream neuronal causes. In addition to the prominence of generalized defi cits, experimental psychopathology faces the combined challenge that (1) few behavioral paradigms can mitigate between competing theories of schizophrenia, and (2) according to some reviewers, behavioral measures have not helped to identify genes associated with schizophrenia. Thus, much of schizophrenia science considers the elegant behavioral experiments of experimental psychopathology to be a sideshow to the real work of understanding the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Meanwhile, this “real work” is proceeding in the absence of intermediate behavioral measures of any kind. For example, functional imaging data from rest and default networks reliably differentiates between schizophrenia patients and patients with other diagnoses. The beginning of the chapter describes these challenges to the fi eld of cognitive experimental psychopathology. The remainder of the chapter addresses these objections to illustrate how cognitive experimental methods can adapt and continue to advance the theory and practice of schizophrenia research.
A soft-contact model for computing safety margins in human prehension

The soft human digit tip forms contact with grasped objects over a finite area and applies a moment about an axis normal to the area. These moments are important for ensuring stability during precision grasping. However, the contribution of these moments to grasp stability is rarely investigated in prehension studies. The more popular hard-contact model assumes that the digits exert a force vector but no free moment on the grasped object. Many sensorimotor studies use this model and show that humans estimate friction coefficients to scale the normal force to grasp objects stably, i.e. the smoother the surface, the tighter the grasp. The difference between the applied normal force and the minimal normal force needed to prevent slipping is called safety margin and this index is widely used as a measure of grasp planning. Here, we define and quantify safety margin using a more realistic contact model that allows digits to apply both forces and moments. Specifically, we adapt a soft-contact model from robotics and demonstrate that the safety margin thus computed is a more accurate and robust index of grasp planning than its hard-contact variant. Previously, we have used the soft-contact model to propose two indices of grasp planning that show how humans account for the shape and inertial properties of an object. A soft-contact based safety margin offers complementary insights by quantifying how humans may account for surface properties of the object and skin tissue during grasp planning and execution.