cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bronchial morphometry in emphysema and senescence

Abstract Bronchi were assessed morphometrically for various components of the bronchial wall believed to play in maintaining normal air flow. Areas of the entire bronchial wall, the bronchial glands, and the bronchial cartilages were determined planimetrically in three groups of subjects: (1) elderly emphysematous individuals; (2) age-matched normal controls; and (3) young normal subjects. There were no significant differences in the areas of bronchial cartilage in the three groups studied. The bronchial glands of patients with emphysema were only slightly larger than the glands of elderly normal individuals when expressed as a percentage of the entire bronchial wall. Aged subjects with normal lungs showed a degree of bronchial gland hypertrophy which was significantly greater than young normal individuals. From our current results, it seems unlikely that emphysema is a result of chronic bronchitis as conventionally described in terms of bronchial gland hypertrophy. More likely, these two conditions coexist because of common background factors, the most commonly implicated of which is cigarette smoking.
Differential reinforcement of low rates in goldfish

Four fish were trained under several values of a differential reinforcement of low rates schedule. Overall rate of responding decreased as the delay period increased. Relative rate of responding increased at longer delay periods. Conditional probabilities of responding were high shortly after a response, decreased, and then increased to maximum at about 20 sec.
Phase II trial of 4′-O-tetrahydropyranyladriamycin (pirarubicin) in head and neck carcinoma

BACKGROUND: 4'-0-tetrahydropyranyladriamycin (Pirarubicin, Meiji Seika (USA) Inc., New York, NY) may be less toxic than doxorubicin. METHODS: A Phase II trial of Pirarubicin was done in 26 patients who had not previously had chemotherapy and who had measurable and incurable head and neck carcinoma. All patients received an intravenous bolus dose of 60 mg/m2 Pirarubicin in the first cycle without any prophylactic antiemetic. The cycles were repeated every 3 weeks. Based on tumor response, nadir counts, or complications of myelosuppression, the doses were escalated or de-escalated by 10 mg/m2, if necessary, in the second cycle to achieve mild leukopenia (3000-4000 leukocytes/microliters). RESULTS: Leukopenia was mild, moderate (2000-2999 leukocytes/microliters), severe (1000-1999 leukocytes/microliters), and life threatening (less than 1000 leukocytes/microliters) in 13%, 31%, 27%, and 9% of the first two courses, respectively. The median interval to nadir leukopenia was 13 days (range, 7-21 days), with a median of 8 days (range, 5-13 days) to recover to normal. One patient with a leukocyte count of 800/microliters and an absolute granulocyte count (AGC) of 488/microliters died of sepsis 15 days after the first course. All patients had at least one course that resulted in leukopenia. One episode each of mild (100,000-150,000 platelets/microliters) and severe (25,000-49,999 platelets/microliters) thrombocytopenia occurred in the first two courses. Leukocyte, granulocyte, and platelet counts were not done routinely after the second cycle. Six patients who received four or more courses with cumulative doses of 310, 610, 340, 260, 660, and 550 mg/m2 had decrements of 0%, 1%, 7%, 10%, 12%, and 13%, respectively, in radionuclide left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). All other toxic effects were mild. CONCLUSIONS: In the 24 patients with disease evaluable for response to Pirarubicin therapy, 1 had a complete response that lasted 5 months and 4 had a partial response of 2, 3, 6, and 8 months. The median survival time in patients with disease that responded to Pirarubicin therapy was 27 months; in patients with disease that did not respond to Pirarubicin therapy, the median survival time was 4 months, and in the total cohort, it was 5 months. Pirarubicin was well tolerated and was an active agent in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
969-98 Biopsy Negative Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Cardiac Transplantation: Outcome and Role of Enhanced Immunosuppression

To evaluate the incidence and etiology of LV dysfunction (LVD) occurring without cellular rejection after cardiac transplantation (CT), we retrospectively reviewed all echocardiograms from 93 consecutive CT recipients at Massachusetts General Hospital. A decrease in LVEF to l0.45 in the absence of secondary causes occurred in 15 patients (pts) (13 M, 2 F). RV biopsies (bx) showed moderate cellular rejection (ISHLT grade 2 to 3A) in 4/15 patients; 3/4 pts improved following therapy with enhanced immunosuppression (ENIM). Diagnostic studies in the 11 pts without cellular rejection included LV bx 15 pts) and immunofluorescence staining for vascular rejection (4 pts); all were negative. Coronary angiography was performed in 10/11 pts and revealed mild distal disease in 2 pts. These 2 pts died within four months of angiography, and had diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD) at autopsy. Change in LVEF over time in the 9 pts without CAD were: Initial (n = 9) LVD (n = 9) Current (survivors) (n = 6) Months After CT 0.4 ± 0.3 8.3 ± 7.8 47.8 ± 15 LVEF 0.64 ± 0.07 0.31 ± 0.09 053 ± 0.09 LV function improved spontaneously in 1 pI. The remaining 8 pts received ENIM for presumed rejection. Therapy included solumedrol in 7/8 pts. OKT3 in 4/8 pts, and actinomycin 2/8 pts. LVEF improved in 5/8, but returned to initial baseline only in 2 pts; 3 pts died within 2 months of presentation, despite therapy. In summary: 1. LV dysfunction, unexplained by cellular rejection or angiographic evidence of coronary disease, occurred in 10% of pts within 2 years of CT. 2. Despite negative histology, LVEF improved in 62% of these pts treated with enhanced immunosuppression.
Evaluation of global thresholding techniques in non-contextual edge detection

The performance of global thresholding techniques in edge detection is a problem that has yet to be studied in depth. Basically, an edge detection process consists of applying an edge intensity detector sequence and a thresholding technique to a given image. In this paper, we demonstrate that applying this sequence to an image and comparing it with a reference image does not constitute a valid process for the evaluation of global thresholding techniques in edge detection. Instead we propose a method that allows the performance of a global thresholding technique to be jointly or independently evaluated using a detector. Our methodology is applied to assess the performance of seven global thresholding techniques, which have been widely cited in the literature and evaluated in other contexts, using five color image edge intensity detectors. We show how the results may differ depending on the criterion selected. A new criterion is proposed that brings together different aspects, permitting a more valid evaluation of the performance of thresholding techniques both alone or in conjunction with a determined detector.
Heme oxygenase inhibition reduces neuronal activation evoked by bicuculline in newborn pigs.

Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO) is a product of heme degradation by heme oxygenase (HO) that is highly expressed in the brain. The present study addresses the hypothesis that CO can be involved in brain neuronal function. The effects of the HO inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), on brain electrical activity and pial arteriolar diameter were examined using quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) and cranial window techniques in the bicuculline model of sustained generalized seizures in newborn pigs. SnPP (3 mg/kg i.v.) inhibits brain HO as indicated by blocking cerebral vasodilation to heme and decreasing CO concentration in cortical periarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid. The quantitative spectral analysis of digitalized scalp EEG recordings was performed to determine the EEG amplitude and spectral power within a 1–15-Hz frequency range. SnPP did not affect basal brain EEG parameters. Bicuculline (3 mg/kg i.v.) immediately (in
Three-Dimensional Structure and Biophysical Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Cell Surface Antigen–Manganese Transporter MntC

Abstract MntC is a metal-binding protein component of the Mn 2 + -specific mntABC transporter from the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus . The protein is expressed during the early stages of infection and was proven to be effective at reducing both S. aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis infections in a murine animal model when used as a vaccine antigen. MntC is currently being tested in human clinical trials as a component of a multiantigen vaccine for the prevention of S. aureus infections. To better understand the biological function of MntC, we are providing structural and biophysical characterization of the protein in this work. The three-dimensional structure of the protein was solved by X-ray crystallography at 2.2 A resolution and suggests two potential metal binding modes, which may lead to reversible as well as irreversible metal binding. Precise Mn 2 + -binding affinity of the protein was determined from the isothermal titration calorimetry experiments using a competition approach. Differential scanning calorimetry experiments confirmed that divalent metals can indeed bind to MntC reversibly as well as irreversibly. Finally, Mn 2 + -induced structural and dynamics changes have been characterized using spectroscopic methods and deuterium–hydrogen exchange mass spectroscopy. Results of the experiments show that these changes are minimal and are largely restricted to the structural elements involved in metal coordination. Therefore, it is unlikely that antibody binding to this antigen will be affected by the occupancy of the metal-binding site by Mn 2 + .
Controlled solution deposition and systematic study of charge-transport anisotropy in single crystal and single-crystal textured TIPS pentacene thin films

Abstract In this work, bis-(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS pentacene) films were fabricated with a newly designed system for controlled solution casting with adjustable nitrogen flow and deposition temperature, which consequently enabled a systematic examination of crystal orientation-dependent mobilities in single crystal and single-crystal textured TIPS pentacene transistors. One of the two π–π stacking directions in TIPS pentacene films was found to be close to [2 1 0] (or the long axis of needle-shaped TIPS pentacene films), with frequent twinning observed between crystalline domains across the ( 1 2 ¯ 0 ) planes that are the lateral facets for individual crystallites. The [2 1 0] axes of crystalline TIPS pentacene thin films ran across source–drain channels at different angles, showing a ten-fold hole mobility increase as the [2 1 0] crystallographic axis became parallel to the channel direction. Our results also suggest that the controlled solution casting may be a promising method in fabricating solution-processible small-molecule organic semiconductors with varied morphologies.
A Proposed Methodology for Determining Similarities and Differences Among Jobs.

The determination of job similarities and differences is important for several reasons. First, to satisfy legal requirements concerning validity generalizations and second, to justify in some circumstances, collapsing across jobs for validational purposes. The proposed Analysis of Variance procedure allows researchers to test for significant differences among jobs. Moreover, the procedure permits the calculation of variance estimates to estimate the relative degree of similarities and differences among jobs. An example is presented.
Diagnosis of celiac sprue

Accurate diagnosis of patients with celiac sprue is, at times, challenging but always important: challenging because of the enormously varied spectrum of clinical manifestations encompassed by the disease, important because treatment with gluten withdrawal is dramatically effective. Moreover, recent data obtained by using sensitive screening methods indicate that the true prevalence of celiac sprue is substantially higher in many populations than previously thought (0.5% in 11‐15-yearold Italians, 1 0.35% in Swedish children, 2 and, in a preliminary report, 0.4% in healthy U.S. blood donors. 3
Betweeen theory and practice

For nearly three decades now, the intellectual community in Western countries has been under the spell of J?rgen Habermas's prolific pen. Even when measured against the highest professional or academic standards, Habermas's opus is a prodigious phenomenon virtually unparalleled in our age. At a time of meticulous specialization and rigid compartmentalization of disciplines, his writings betray a sure grasp of the basic methodologies and research frontiers of all the social sciences and humanities, ranging from psychology, sociology, and political science to historiography, communi? cations theory, and linguistics. In the context of American social science, the only figure roughly comparable in breadth of coverage and integrative strength is the late Talcott Parsons; but apart from being wedded to a relatively restricted (functionalist) paradigm, the latter's endeavors were not notably marked by philosophical rigor or lucidity. In Habermas's case, by contrast, his substantive research commitments are invariably animated or buttressed by searching philosophical vistas and arguments?arguments steeped in the long tradition of Continental thought and seasoned by insights from recent Anglo-American linguistic analysis. Given its complex and multifaceted character, Habermas's oeuvre is an object of intense fascination, but also sometimes a source of frustration: even for diligent readers it is occasionally very difficult to detect the linkages or mediations connecting his diverse projects (a difficulty compounded by the hazards of translation, including the fact that many important pieces remain untranslated). In this situation both initiates and novices must welcome an effort to present a coherent account or synopsis of Habermas's sprawling theoretical edifice; the delight and gratitude is bound to be particularly strong where the effort is successfully and even brilliantly executed?as is the case in Thomas McCarthy's study. The author's accomplishments need to be gauged by the demands of his subject-matter; one of these demands results from its multidisciplinary sweep. Although trained as a philosopher, McCarthy has immersed himself sufficiently in the contemporary social sciences and humanities to be able to serve as a competent guide through the various research domains and
After‐Cooking Discoloration of Potatoes. Iron Content in Relation to Blackening Tendency of Tissuea

SUMMARY Data are presented on the iron contents of stem and bud end, whole and deproteinized, extracts of 41 samples of potatoes representing various degrees of discoloration. The stem end generally contained more iron than the bud end. Statistical analysis of all samples treated as one group revealed a highly significant correlation (1% level) between increasing iron content and increasing degree of after-cooking discoloration. Of the two types of iron studied, “free iron” and “protein iron,” the protein iron gave the higher degree of correlation with blackening. The highly significant correlation between iron values and degree of discoloration was lost in about half the cases when subgroups of the samples were formed according to location grown, crop year, and variety. The data revealed that the percentage of total iron associated with the protein is higher in the stem end of the potato. Also, the stem-end protein contained considerably more iron than the bud-end protein. The difference in iron content between stem-end protein and bud-end protein showed a highly significant correlation (1% level) with tendency to blacken.
ORGANIZATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AND THE ERADICATION OF GLOBAL POVERTY

There is a great gap in wealth among people of different nations. Millions in rich countries have comfort and affluence far beyond what anyone could have imagined two centuries ago, while those in poor nations live in unconscionable poverty and insecurity. What is more, our widespread mutual knowledge of these differences challenges us both morally and practically. Global poverty is one of the most important challenges of our time, one that I believe organizational scholarship can help address by bringing to bear its understanding of organizations and the managers who run them. Because large, meritocratic organizations are a feature of “modernism,” organizational and management scholars have rarely thought there was much use for their specialized knowledge in places where organizations are few, and rarely large or complex when they do exist. However, in the late 1980s I found myself in a country undergoing the collapse of Communism, and I discovered that organizational and managerial scholarship can be a
Extended means as weighted means

Extended means can be viewed as special cases of the well–known weighted means. With this point of view, many properties of the extended means, like monotonicity and convexity, can be derived very easily from the corresponding established results of the weighted means.
Early deprivation impairs the development of balance and bilateral coordination.

This study examined balance and bilateral coordination skills in a sample of internationally adopted, post-institutionalized (PI) children. We compared the performance of these PI children to two age-matched groups. One was a group of children who were internationally adopted from foster care (FC). The second group consisted of non-adopted children being raised in their birth families, who served as controls (Control). Both PI and FC children scored lower than control children on balance, while PI children scored lower than both FC and control children on bilateral coordination. These results suggest that aspects of institutional rearing impact the development of bilateral coordination, while factors common to internationally adopted children other than institutionaliza- tion impact the development of balance. Region of birth (Asia, Latin/South America, Russia/Eastern Europe) did not moderate associations between institutional duration and bilateral coordination. ! 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol
Breeding Common Bean for Resistance to White Mold: A Review

Under favorable weather conditions white mold causes 100% loss of yield and quality of susceptible common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars. The disease is endemic and widespread in North and South American countries including the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil. our objective was to review progress achieved in identifying sources of resistance in Phaseolus species, genetics, and breeding for resistance to white mold. We also describe an integrated genetic improvement strategy for resistance to the pathogen with germplasm enhancement and cultivar development using multiple-parent crosses and gamete selection methods of breeding. Substantial progress has been made in understanding pathogenic variation in the white mold fungus, developing screening methods, identifying sources of resistant germplasm, genetics of resistance, and introgressing resistance from the secondary gene pool, and breeding for resistance to white mold. Also, molecular marker-assisted selection for partial resistance is practiced. However, development of white mold resistant common bean cultivars in most market classes has been slow and localized. Breeding strategies for simultaneous and integrated genetic improvement of qualitatively and quantitatively inherited resistances to white mold and cultivar development are briefly described.
A VITALITY‐BASED MODEL RELATING STRESSORS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROPERTIES TO ORGANISM SURVIVAL

A survivorship curve is shaped by the differential survivability of the or- ganisms within the population, and a change in a survivorship curve with a stressor reflects the differential response of the organisms to the stressor. Quantifying this linkage in a simple, rigorous way is valuable for characterizing the response of populations to stressors and ultimately for understanding the evolutionary selection of individuals exposed to stress- ors. To quantify this stressor-individual-population linkage with as few parameters as possible, I present a simple mechanistic model describing organism survival in terms of age-dependent and age-independent mortality rates. The age-independent rate is represented by a Poisson process. For the age-dependent rate, a concept of vitality is defined, and mortality occurs when an organism's vitality is exhausted. The loss of vitality over age is represented by a continuous Brownian-motion process, the Weiner process; vitality-related mortality occurs when the random process reaches the boundary of zero vitality. The age at which vitality-related mortality occurs is represented by the Weiner-process probability distribution for first-arrival time. The basic model has three rate parameters: the rate of accidental mortality, the mean rate of vitality loss, and the variability in the rate of vitality loss. These rates are related to body mass, environmental conditions, and xenobiotic stress- ors, resulting in a model that characterizes intrinsic and extrinsic factors that control a population's survival and the distribution of vitality of its individuals. The model assumes that these factors contribute to the rate parameters additively and linearly. The model is evaluated with case studies across a range of species exposed to natural and xenobiotic stressors. The mean rate of vitality loss generally is the dominant factor in determining the shape of survival curves under optimal conditions. Xenobiotic stressors add to the mean rate in proportion to the strength of the stressor. The base, or intrinsic, vitality loss rate is proportional to the - 1/3 power of adult body mass across a range of iteroparous species. The increase in vitality loss rate with a xenobiotic stressor can be a function of body mass according to the allometric relationship of the organism structures affected by the stressor. The model's applicability to dose-response studies is illustrated with case studies including natural stressors (temperature, feeding interval, and population density) and xenobiotic stressors (organic and inorganic toxicants). The model provides a way to extrapolate the impact of stressors measured in one environment to another envi- ronment; by characterizing how stressors alter the vitality probability distribution, it can quantify the degree to which a stressor differentiates members of a population.
Factors affecting the region of most isometric femoral attachments: Part II: The anterior cruciate ligament

We measured how the distance between selected tibial and femoral attachments of the PCL changes with knee flexion in six intact cadaver knee. The femoral location was the primary determinant of whether the distance increased, decreased, or remained nearly constant. The proximal-distal location of a fiber's femoral attachment had a stronger effect than had the anterior-posterior location. The tibial location had only a small statistically significant effect. These results suggest that the function of fibers within the PCL is determined primarily by their femoral attachment location. We determined all femoral attachments whose tibio-femoral distance changed 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm during flexion from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. No absolutely isometric point existed. Attachments whose separation distance changed less than 2 mm formed a bullet-shaped region whose base was against the roof of the intercondylar notch and whose nose pointed posteriorly and slightly distally. The axis of the "bullet" was near the proximal edge of the femoral insertion of the PCL. Along the axis, anterior attachments, located near the roof of the intercondylar notch, were more isometric than were posterior attachments, located near the cartilage. Attachments located distal to the axis moved away from the tibial insertion of the PCL when the knee was flexed. The more distal the femoral attachment, the larger the increase in tibiofemoral distance that occurred with flexion. The opposite was true of attachments proximal to the 2 mm region.
Energy release rate investigation for through silicon vias (TSVs) in 3D IC integration

The technology of 3D IC integration is highly probable to achieve the demand for high performance, better reliability, miniaturization and lower-priced portable electronic products. Since the through silicon via (TSV) is the heart in 3D IC integration architectures, the reliability issues of TSV interconnects should be extremely concerned. Due to the large thermal expansion mismatch among the Cu, Si, and SiO 2 , the induced thermal stresses and strains can occur and become the driving forces for failures in TSV interconnects. Hence, the stress analyses and failure mode investigation for TSVs are in urgent need. Among the typical failures, the mostly common failure type is delamination, which will be caused when lower energy release rate (ERR) or higher critical stresses at interfaces are presented. In this study, the finite element modeling (FEM) for a symmetrical single in-line copper filled TSV with redistribution layer is illustrated. Two kinds of horizontal cracks that embedded in the interface of SiO 2 passivation and Cu seed layer (Cu pad delamination cases) are introduced to realize the interfacial ERR, where is also the critical stress area that observed from finite element analysis. The significance of design parameters such as crack length, TSV diameter, TSV pitch, depth of TSV, SiO 2 thickness and Cu seed layer thickness are also brought up. The methodology of design of experiments (DoE) has been adopted to capture the most important mechanical parameters of the TSV to comprehend the corresponding ERR. It is believed that these results would be helpful to avoid delamination of TSV interconnects in 3D IC integration.
Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies directed against plant plasma membrane and cell wall epitopes: identification of a monoclonal antibody that recognizes extensin and analysis of the process of epitope biosynthesis in plant tissues and cell cultures.

Membranes from tobacco cell suspension cultures were used as antigens for the preparation of monoclonal antibodies. Use of solid phase and indirect immunofluorescence assays led to the identification of hybridomas producing antibodies directed against cell surface epitopes. One of these monoclonal antibodies (11.D2) was found to recognize a molecular species which on two-dimensional analysis (using nonequilibrium pH-gradient electrophoresis and SDS-PAGE) was found to have a high and polydisperse molecular mass and a very basic isoelectric point. This component was conspicuously labeled by [3H]proline in vivo. The monoclonal antibody cross-reacted with authentic tomato extensin, but not with potato lectin nor larch arabinogalactan. Use of the monoclonal antibody as an immunoaffinity reagent allowed the purification of a tobacco glycoprotein which was identical in amino acid composition to extensin. Finally, immunocytological analyses revealed tissue-specific patterns of labeling by the monoclonal antibody that were identical to those observed with a polyclonal antibody raised against purified extensin. We have concluded that monoclonal antibody 11.D2 recognizes an epitope that is carried exclusively by extensin. Analysis of cellular homogenates through differential and isopycnic gradient centrifugation revealed that biosynthesis of the extensin epitope was found on or within the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi region and plasma membrane. This result is consistent with the progressive glycosylation of the newly-synthesized extensin polypeptide during its passage through a typical eukaryotic endomembrane pathway of secretion. The 11.D2 epitope was not found in protoplasts freshly isolated from leaf tissues. However, on incubation of these protoplasts in appropriate culture media, biosynthesis of the epitope was initiated. This process was not impeded by the presence of chemicals that are reported to be inhibitors of cell wall production or of proline hydroxylation.
Life lines [power transmission system maintenance]

The transmission system in England and Wales has more than 7000 route-km of overhead lines, typically operating at 275 kV and 400 kV. It sounds impressive, but the number of lattice steel towers totals 22,000. Now owned and operated by National Grid, the bulk of the 275 kV network was built in the early to mid 1960s, while the 400 kV network was established in the late 1960s and early 1970s. To tackle the problem of ageing assets, National Grid embarked on a replacement programme in the mid to late 1980s. As the bulk of overhead lines reach their anticipated technical asset lives, the rate of replacement is increasing. Condition assessment and diagnostic techniques are therefore increasingly important to support the timely identification and replacement of assets before failure occurs.
Preliminary survey of the mayflies (Ephemeroptera) and caddisflies (Trichoptera) of Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park

The mayfly (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) and caddisfly (Insecta: Trichoptera) fauna of Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park are reported based upon numerous records. For mayflies, sixteen species representing four families and twelve genera are reported. By comparison, thirty-five species of caddisflies were collected during this study representing seventeen genera and nine families. Although the Rio Grande supports the greatest diversity of mayflies (n=9) and caddisflies (n=14), numerous spring-fed creeks throughout the park also support a wide variety of species. A general lack of data on the distribution and abundance of invertebrates in Big Bend National and State Park is discussed, along with the importance of continuing this type of research.
Cross-layer design for mobile ad hoc networks using interval type-2 fuzzy logic systems

In this paper, we introduce a new method for packet transmission delay analysis and prediction in mobile ad hoc networks. We apply a fuzzy logic system (FLS) to coordinate physical layer and data link layer. We demonstrate that type-2 fuzzy membership function (MF), i.e., the Gaussian MFs with uncertain variance is most appropriate to model BER and MAC layer service time. Two FLSs and one neural network: a singleton type-1 FLS, an interval type-2 FLS and back-prop neural network (NN) are designed to predict the packet transmission delay based on the BER and MAC layer service time. Simulation results show that the interval type-2 FLS performs much better than the type-1 FLS in transmission delay prediction. And FLSs performs better than back-prop NN. We use the forecasted transmission delay to adjust the transmission power, and it shows that the interval type-2 FLS performs much better than a type-1 FLS, and FLSs are performs better than back-prop NN in terms of energy consumption, average delay and throughput. Besides, we obtain the performance bound based on the actual transmission delay.
Efficient enrichment of undifferentiated GFR alpha 1+ spermatogonia from immature rat testis by magnetic activated cell sorting.

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are a documented source for adult multipotent stem cells. Thus, the isolation of SSCs is of great interest. However, the isolation of spermatogonia from mammalian testes is difficult because of their low total numbers and the lack of well-characterized cell surface markers. Glial-cell-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-1 (GFRα1) is expressed on undifferentiated mouse spermatogonia (including SSCs) and plays a crucial role, in rodents, for the maintenance of SSCs mediated by the Sertoli cell product GDNF. The present study has aimed to optimize the sorting efficiency and total cell yield of magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) with anti-GFRα1 antibodies. Because of the technical limitations intrinsic to the magnetic columns, various sorting setups and strategies were compared. Use of Mini-MACS (MS) columns for single cell suspensions from 7-day-old rat testes resulted in a three-fold enrichment of GFRα1-positive cells in sorted fractions versus presorted fractions. However, with this method, only 1.77% of cells loaded onto the column were recovered in the sorted fraction. A sequential two-step sorting approach did not improve this poor yield. We therefore evaluated cell separation by using larger volume Midi-MACS (LS) columns. Enrichment of GFRα1-positive cells in sorted fractions was four-fold, and 14.5% of cells loaded onto the column were directed to the sorted fraction. With this method, approximately half of all GFRα1-positive cells present in the sample were found in the sorted fraction. We conclude that GFRα1 serves as a suitable surface marker for the enrichment of rat spermatogonia, and that the large-volume Midi-MACS separation system is superior to the routinely used small-volume Mini-MACS separation system.
Nest attentiveness and egg temperature do not explain the variation in incubation periods in tropical birds

The wide range in incubation periods among bird species has puzzled biologists for decades, because an extended egg-phase increases time-dependent mortality of the eggs. We investigated a recently proposed mechanistic explanation inspired by life-history theory, suggesting that adults may increase their own survival by reducing nest attentiveness, the percentage of daytime spent incubating eggs, in exchange for reduced offspring (egg) survival due to a longer incubation period. Incubation behaviour and egg temperatures (Tegg) of 14 bird species in the humid lowland tropics were studied to test the hypothesis that lower nest attentiveness and reduced Tegg cause longer incubation periods. Increased nest attentiveness correlated with higher average Tegg. However, neither nest attentiveness nor average Tegg was associated with the length of the incubation period. Longer off-bouts resulted in lower Tegg, but neither number of off-bouts nor off-bout length was associated with incubation period. In addition, we reanalysed a previously published negative association between Tegg and incubation period based on literature data from temperate passerine birds using a larger data set and found no significant correlation. In conclusion, our results do not support the hypothesis that longer incubation periods are caused by reduced nest attentiveness and corresponding lower Tegg.
Interactions between functional groups in soft-substrata: Do species differences matter?

Abstract Interactions of two tubicolous, deposit-feeding polychaetes, Clymenella torquata (Leidy) and Polydora ligni Webster, with a filter-feeding bivalve, Gemma gemma (Totten), were examined to test the functional group hypothesis that small, filter-feeding bivalves with large young should attain high densities with tube-builders of any trophic mode because the large young escape predation by tube-builders. The prediction was not supported by Polydora and Gemma, since the two species have not been reported to coexist in high densities in nature. In laboratory experiments, Polydora reduced recruitment and adult survival of Gemma relative to a control. Polydora preyed on juvenile clams and reduced the time which adult clams had their siphons in the feeding position, relative to a control. For Clymenella and Gemma, the functional group hypothesis made the correct prediction (i.e. the two species are reported to coexist in high densities in nature), but for the wrong reason. The size of Gemma's offspring is not related to the intensity of Clymenella predation. Clymenella does not ingest Gemma since the worm does not usually feed from the zone occupied by the clam. In contrast to Polydora, Clymenella did not reduce the time which clams fully extend and open their siphons relative to a control. In laboratory experiments Clymenella increased adult bivalve growth, survival after one year, and recruit size after one month. Clam life history characteristics were similar in the Clymenella and Clymenella plus Polydora treatments because the number of surviving Polydora was reduced by a negative interaction with Clymenella. The tube-builders had different effects on the filter-feeder, Gemma, because these tube-building species differ in feeding position, diet and behavior. Thus, the functional group hypothesis was too general to predict and explain the species interactions and distributions.
Results of a Helmet Mounted Display Precursor Demonstration at Desert RATS

During the 2011 Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS) field tests, NASA and Honeywell conducted a series of special standalone demonstrations of two different heads up display technologies that are being considered for incorporation into the next generation spacesuit. These were conducted in anticipation of the need to provide a robust informational system that will facilitate increased crewmember autonomy by providing them an expanded set of information through visual and other means. This information includes but is not limited to life support system status information, navigational instructions, emergency alarms, and procedures. The two technologies tested were quite distinct from one another. One was a see-through display using a sophisticated waveguide and laser light source, and the other was a direct view, fully occluded display using more conventional LCD display technology. Since no spacesuits were used during these demonstrations, both displays were packaged in head worn goggles. Quantitative and qualitative data relating to perceived resolution and contrast was collected and analyzed for each device. Evaluations of the hardware started with notional status displays used during walkarounds, and were followed with performance of procedures that used Apollo heritage mockup hardware. A viewfinder function was also evaluated for each device. Questionnaires were administered to capture user opinions and perceived workload. The testing yielded numerous specific findings and increased confidence that heads up display technology will be appropriate in the future spacesuit. While both devices successfully delivered information to the users, and there was no obvious consensus as to which display type was preferred, the recommendation is that near-term future development testing focus on a see-through solution. This is due to the belief that see-through displays have many advantages, while their shortcomings can be overcome through future design enhancements.
Modulation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protease Autoprocessing by Charge Properties of Surface Residue 69

Mature, fully active human immunodeficiency virus protease (PR) is liberated from the Gag-Pol precursor via regulated autoprocessing. A chimeric protease precursor, glutathione S-transferase-transframe region (TFR)-PR-FLAG, also undergoes N-terminal autocatalytic maturation when it is expressed in Escherichia coli. Mutation of the surface residue H69 to glutamic acid, but not to several neutral or basic amino acids, impedes protease autoprocessing in bacteria and mammalian cells. Only a fraction of mature PR with an H69E mutation (PR(H69E)) folds into active enzymes, and it does so with an apparent Kd (dissociation constant) significantly higher than that of the wild-type protease, corroborating the marked retardation of the in vitro N-terminal autocatalytic processing of TFR-PR(H69E) and suggesting a folding defect in the precursor.
Coarse-grained simulations of supported and unsupported lipid monolayers

Coarse-grained molecular simulations of various phospholipid monolayer systems are presented and compared to each other. The differences between supported and unsupported systems are discussed in terms of structure and thermodynamics. The structural information allows us to obtain a thorough understanding of such systems at the molecular level.
Marine Wireless Sensor Networks: Challenges and Applications

Current research on wireless sensor networks is based on the assumption that these networks are deployed in a terrestrial environment. Relevant protocols and design specifications are developed under this condition. This makes the deployment of currently existing wireless sensor networks in marine environments extremely challenging. We present major challenges and applications of underwater wireless sensor networks focusing on their military aspect. The paper addresses the army's immediate needs for secure agile broadband communications for future digital battlefields emphasizing the role of marine sensors. A novel architecture for broadband ad hoc and sensor networks that can provide warfighters with a secure on-the-move means for high- capacity communications is proposed. The architecture is designed with the role of ad hoc and sensor networks in future warfare scenarios and anticipated demand for broadband applications.
LIVE-LOAD TEST RESULTS OF MISSOURI'S FIRST HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE SUPERSTRUCTURE BRIDGE

For its significant economical savings and greater design flexibility, high-performance concrete (HPC) is becoming more widely used in highway bridge structures. High-performance bridges with HPC and large-diameter prestressed strands are becoming attractive to designers. Bridge A6130 is the first fully HPC superstructure bridge in Missouri. The bridge has HPC cast-in-place deck and high-strength concrete girders reinforced with 15.2-mm (0.6-in.) diameter strands. The bridge was instrumented with embedded strain gauges and thermocouples to monitor the early-age and later-age behavior of the structures from construction through service. To investigate the overall behavior of the bridge under live load, a static live-load test was developed and carried out. During the live-load test, 64 embedded vibrating wire strain gauges and 14 embedded electrical-resistance strain gauges were used to acquire the changing strain rate in the bridge caused by the varying live-load conditions. Girder deflections and rotations were also recorded with external sensors and a data acquisition system. Based on the test results, the load distribution to the girders was studied. The AASHTO specifications live-load distribution factor recommended for design was compared with the measured value and found to be overly conservative. The AASHTO load and resistance factor design live-load distribution factors recommended for design were found to be comparable to measured values. Two finite element models were developed with ANSYS and compared with measured values to investigate the continuity level of the Missouri Department of Transportation interior bent detail.
Vascular nurse as a smoking cessation specialist.

Abstract Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of disease and preventable death in the United States and is a major contributing factor to the development and progression of peripheral arterial disease. Vascular risk decreases immediately after smoking cessation and within 5–10 years reaches a level almost equivalent to that in nonsmokers. Despite the strong emphasis on smoking cessation, relapse frequently occurs. Smoking relapse is affected by physiologic and psychosocial factors. As a smoking cessation specialist, the vascular nurse can incorporate pharmacologic therapies and behavioral counseling into the treatment plan for patients with peripheral arterial disease. The role of a smoking cessation specialist enables the vascular nurse to assist patients in successfully overcoming these factors and maintaining abstinence.
Efficiency optimizing control of induction motor using natural variables

This paper presents a new approach of optimizing the efficiency of induction motor drives through minimizing the copper and core losses. The induction machine model which accounts for the varying core loss resistance and saturation dependent magnetizing inductance uses natural and reference frame independent quantities as state variables. Utilization of the nonlinear geometric control methodology of input-output linearization with decoupling, permits the implementation of the control in the stationary reference frame. This approach eliminates the need of synchronous reference transformation and flux alignment required in classical vector control schemes. The new efficiency optimizing formulation yields a reference rotor flux which ensures minimum loss and yields an improved efficiency of the drive system especially when driving part-load. The proposed scheme and their advantages are demonstrated both by computer simulations and some experimental results for motor speed control.
Test Structure and e-Beam Inspection Methodology for In-line Detection of (Non-visual) Missing Spacer Defects

A test structure specifically designed to allow in-line detection of missing spacer is introduced. Missing spacer is too small to be physically detected with any current inspection tool and therefore its existence must be flagged using voltage contrast for detection with an e-beam inspection system. How this structure and methodology were used to address this defect during the ramp of a recent technology is described. Key benefits include dramatically faster learning cycles and a much better ratio of signal to noise for split experiment evaluation. Missing spacer is one example of a growing class of non- visual defects which will greatly impact future semiconductor technologies. General principles for designing test structures to detect these defect types are discussed.
Development and life table of Acalymma vittatum (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a vector of Erwinia tracheiphila in cucurbits

Acalymma vittatum (F.) is a cucurbit herbivore specialist and the vector of Erwinia tracheiphila (E. F. Smith) Holland, the causal agent of bacterial wilt in cucurbits. We determined the temperature-dependent development, survivorship, longevity, sex ratio, and fecundity of this vector. Egg-to adult development was modeled as y = e(0.225 × T)−e[0.225 × 36.017 − (36.017 − T)/4.425], which suggests a maximum development rate of 4.29%/d at 32°C. Linear extrapolations suggest a lower threshold of 13°C and 432 DD needed for A. vittatum development. Survivorship of immature stages, which ranged from 60% at 27°C to 4% at 33°C, was strongly influenced by temperature, and no beetles survived to the adult stage at 36°C. Sex ratios did not deviate from 1:1. Adults were long-lived, with continuous egg production, which ranged from 0 to 4 eggs/female/d, after an 8-d preovipositional period at 27°C. Life table statistics were generated using these data. Together, these phenology models and life table information can be used to further develop integrated pest management programs for both A. vittatum and E. tracheiphila in cucurbits.
Inhibition of protein geranylgeranylation requires p27kip1 to induce human breast cancer cell death

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 5642 Decreased levels of the CDK inhibitor p27Kip1 are associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. We designed a novel tetrapeptide mimic inhibitor of geranylgeranyltransferase I (GGTase I), GGTI-2418, that significantly induces breast tumor cell death by increasing the protein levels of p27Kip1. GGTI-2418, inhibits GGTase I competitively (Ki = 4.4 ± 1.6nM) and selectively (5600 fold) over farnesyltransferase. In human breast cancer cell lines, GGTI-2417 a methyl ester prodrug of GGTI-2418 induces p27Kip1 levels, tumor cell death and G/G1 accumulation. p27Kip1 knockout cells and p27kip1 siRNA experiments demonstrated that GGTI-2417-induced breast tumor cell death requires p27Kip1. In nude mouse xenografts, GGTI-2418 suppresses the growth of human breast tumors. In transgenic mice where breast tumors are driven by the oncogene ErbB2, GGTI-2418 induces significant tumor regression.