cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential backscatter absorption gas imaging

Backscatter gas absorption imaging (BAGI) has been demonstrated as a useful technique for visualizing gas leaks. BAGI uses active imaging in the infrared to generate a laser- illuminated video image of a scene. A dark cloud in the image is formed when a gas absorbs the illuminating laser radiation in the vicinity of the plume. The sensitivity of the technique is limited by the ability of the operator to distinguish scene contrasts from gas contrasts. To improve its performance, we have developed a differential absorption system to subtract off scene contrasts that can obscure a gas plume. This system is essentially an imaging differential absorption LIDAR (DIAL) that allows one to focus on contrast in a scene due to absorption from a gas plume instead of contrast due to variations in the reflectivity of the target. Practical aspects of this system are presented along with results taken in real-world settings. The noise floor for a differential image is shown to be dominated by uncorrelated speckle fluctuations -- not contrasts in the scene.
Regulation of Lifespan in Drosophila by Modulation of Genes in the TOR Signaling Pathway

Abstract In many species, reducing nutrient intake without causing malnutrition extends lifespan [1–3]. Like DR (dietary restriction), modulation of genes in the insulin-signaling pathway, known to alter nutrient sensing, has been shown to extend lifespan in various species [1–4]. In Drosophila , the target of rapamycin (TOR) and the insulin pathways have emerged as major regulators of growth and size. Hence we examined the role of TOR pathway genes in regulating lifespan by using Drosophila . We show that inhibition of TOR signaling pathway by alteration of the expression of genes in this nutrient-sensing pathway, which is conserved from yeast to human, extends lifespan in a manner that may overlap with known effects of dietary restriction on longevity. In Drosophila , TSC1 and TSC2 (tuberous sclerosis complex genes 1 and 2) act together to inhibit TOR (target of rapamycin), which mediates a signaling pathway that couples amino acid availability to S6 kinase, translation initiation, and growth [5]. We find that overexpression of dTsc1, dTsc2, or dominant-negative forms of dTOR or dS6K all cause lifespan extension. Modulation of expression in the fat is sufficient for the lifespan-extension effects. The lifespan extensions are dependent on nutritional condition, suggesting a possible link between the TOR pathway and dietary restriction.
The role of flower and leaves in cut flower water uptake

Abstract Removal of the cut rose flower of ‘Forever Yours’ decreased water uptake by 20.4%, leaf removal 78.5%, and both flower and leaf removal 95.2%. Cut carnation ‘White Sim’ water uptake declined 27.1, 37,3 and 59.6% after flower, leaf, or both were removed, respectively. A high rate of water uptake (40.4%) continued after both carnation flower and leaf removal.
Synthesis and reactivity of bimetallic palladium(II) methyl complexes with new functional phosphine ligands

Bimetallic palladium(II) methyl complexes, [Pd(dppmpH)(CH3)(μ-Cl)]2 (1) and [Pd(dippmpH)(CH3)(μ-Cl)]2 (2) were synthesized by the reaction of (COD)Pd(CH3)(Cl) (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with the new functional phosphine ligands 2-diphenylphosphino-4-methylphenol (dppmpH) and 2-diisopropylphosphino-4-methylphenol (dippmpH). The homolytic cleavage of the CH3–Pd bond was found to occur when complexes 1 and 2 were heated or photolyzed to form a methyl radical and the corresponding oxygen-bridged bimetallic palladium(II) complexes, [Pd(dppmp)(Cl)]2 (3) and [Pd(dippmp)(Cl)]2 (4), respectively. The molecular structures of complexes 1, 3 and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Reaction of small molecules, such as CO, SO2 and CH2CH2, with complexes 1 and 2 was observed and characterized by IR, 1H, 13C and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy.
Telomerase protects developing neurons against DNA damage-induced cell death

In mitotic cells, telomerase adds repeats of a DNA sequence (TTAGGG) to the ends of chromosomes (telomeres) thereby maintaining their length and preventing cellular senescence. We recently reported that the catalytic subunit of telomerase (TERT) is expressed in neuronal progenitor cells and in early postmitotic neurons in the developing rodent brain. We now report that TERT can protect cultured PC12 cells and embryonic hippocampal neurons against death induced by DNA damage. Overexpression of TERT in PC12 cells increases their resistance to the topoisomerase inhibitors camptothecin and etoposide. Hippocampal neurons in which TERT levels are decreased using antisense technology exhibit increased vulnerability to the DNA-damaging agents. Emerging findings suggest that DNA damage may trigger the death of neurons during brain development and in neurodegenerative disorders. Our data therefore suggest roles for TERT in modulating such cell deaths.
Social Capital, Migration and Health in the Urban Chinese Context

In China, rapid development has led to massive migration from rural to urban areas. A loosening but still restrictive residency registration system and the disintegration of the Chinese social support system create hurdles for migrants seeking to access health care and maintain adequate health. Using data from a survey of 3,024 rural-to-urban migrant workers across seven Chinese cities, this paper explores the relationship between self-rated health and individual and community social capital for China's migrant workers. Results of ordinal logistic regression indicate that, among individual-focused social capital, friend support and the presence of elderly family members in the home are positively associated with self-rated health. Among community-focused measures, trust in community members, community satisfaction and place attachment are positively associated with self-rated health, while neighbouring and organisational social capital are negatively related. This study suggests that social capital operat...
Effects of Chronic Hypoxia on Fetal Coronary Responses

This review examines the effect of high altitude and/or chronic hypoxia on cardiac mechanisms that influence perfusion of the fetal heart (e.g., tissue metabolism, coronary vessel growth, and coronary blood flow and vessel responsiveness). In response to intrauterine hypoxia, the fetal heart may either reduce its energy demand or increase its substrate and oxygen delivery as a means of sustaining cardiac function. Cardiac glycolysis predominates as a metabolic pathway of ATP synthesis in the fetal heart under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. During prolonged oxygen insufficiency, normal cardiac function is sustained by anaerobic glycolysis relying primarily on high levels of stored glycogen in the heart. Chronic hypoxia increases coronary vessel growth and myocardial vascularization in fetal hearts, although the response may depend on the presence of ventricular hypertrophy. Recent studies demonstrate that high altitude hypoxia increases both resting fetal coronary flow and coronary flow reserve as a...
Multiwavelength operation with thin diffractive elements.

It is generally accepted that diffractive elements designed for multiwavelength operation require deep surface-relief profiles. We show, however, that thin diffractive elements can be designed to operate with more than one wavelength. A novel, to our knowledge, optimization technique is introduced for this purpose. The maximum phase delay is limited to only a few multiples of 2π, and the element can implement different functions for different wavelengths. Examples with fan-out gratings are discussed.
Fair link striping with FIFO delivery on heterogeneous channels

Link aggregation techniques are often used to achieve higher communication bandwidth by striping network traffic across multiple transmission channels. Due to the variations in bandwidth, latency and loss rate on different channels, link striping suffers from packet reordering thereby adversely affecting the performance of any QoS concerned applications. Hardware-based solutions often prolong transmission latency which is undesirable for delay sensitive applications and are restricted with the available buffer space on the device. Thus, an effective striping protocol that ensures both load balancing and minimal packet reordering is important when striping traffic onto multiple channels. In this paper, we first propose an sequence preserving scheduling (SPS) scheme to schedule packets among multiple heterogeneous communication channels assuming that the workload is perfectly divisible. Packets assigned onto different links for transmission are ordered perfectly by applying divisible load theory (DLT). We analyze the throughput and derive expressions for the batch size, scheduling time and the maximum number of channels that can be supported by the sender and receiver. Further, to effectively schedule variable length packets for link striping, we propose a packetized sequence preserving scheduling (P-SPS) scheme by applying a combined packetized technique of deficit round robin (DRR) and surplus round robin (SRR). Extensive sensitivity results are provided through analysis and simulation to show that the proposed algorithms satisfy both the load balancing and in-order requirements for efficient packet transmission.
Gelsolin and ADF/cofilin enhance the actin dynamics of motile cells

Motile nonmuscle cells rapidly remodel their actin cytoskeleton to change shape as they crawl. The mechanisms underlying these dynamic changes in actin-filament concentration, length, and architecture have been the subject of extensive study for nearly three decades. Ameboid movements are complex and multidirectional, making analysis of individual cells difficult. Therefore investigators have tried to simplify their experimental models by (i) purifying individual proteins and analyzing their interactions with actin; (ii) studying the behavior of actin in cytoplasmic extracts. This condition allows the introduction of various inhibitors and stimulators and the addition and subtraction of individual proteins; it also allows the introduction of Listeria monocytogenes and Shigella flexneri, intracellular parasites that form discrete polymerization zones to propel them through the host cell cytoplasm; (iii) microinjecting individual proteins and inhibitory peptides into intact cells or transfecting cells with either sense and antisense cDNA; and (iv) knocking out individual genes. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered in interpreting results and assessing the contribution of individual proteins to the complex orchestration of changes required for actin-based motility. The temptation has been to oversimplify actin-based motility and tout an individual protein as being of primary importance to the exclusion of others. Certain proteins become fashionable and tend to dominate the literature. However, investigators need to maintain an open-minded perspective that is inclusive rather than exclusive.
Growth Retardation in Children with Chronic Renal Failure

Growth retardation is a major obstacle to full rehabilitation of children with chronic renal failure (CRF). Several factors have been identified as contributors to impaired linear growth and they include protein and calorie malnutrition, metabolic acidosis, growth hormone resistance, anemia, and renal osteodystrophy. Although therapeutic interventions such as the use of recombinant human growth hormone, recombinant human erythropoietin, and calcitriol have made substantial contributions, the optimal therapeutic strategy remains to be defined. Indeed, growth failure persists in a substantial proportion of children with renal failure and those treated with maintenance dialysis. In addition, the increasing prevalence of adynamic lesions of renal osteodystrophy and its effect on growth have raised concern about the continued generalized use of calcitriol in children with CRF. Recent studies have shown the critical roles of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and the PTH/PTHrP receptor in the regulation of endochondral bone formation. The PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA expression has been shown to be down-regulated in kidney and growth plate cartilage of animals with renal failure. Differences in the severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism influence not only growth plate morphology but also the expression of selected markers of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in these animals. Such findings suggest potential molecular mechanisms by which cartilage and bone development may be disrupted in children with CRF, thereby contributing to diminished linear growth.
Mixing and Available Potential Energy in a Boussinesq Ocean

Abstract The commonly used definitions for available potential energy and its sources in the oceans are based on the quasigeostrophic approximation, so they are not suitable for the study of basin-scale circulation. Accurate definitions for the available potential energy and its sources and sinks can be derived from the classic definition of available potential energy. Application of the exact definitions to the ocean reveals the dynamic role of internal mixing and surface thermal forcing. It is shown that the mechanical energy required for sustaining the basic stratification by mixing light water downward plays a vitally important role in the balance of potential energy and available potential energy.
Evidence for regulation of the NADH peroxidase gene (npr) from Enterococcus faecalis by OxyR

We report that the purified Escherichia coli OxyR protein can bind specifically upstream of the gene encoding NADH peroxidase (npr) from Enterococcus faecalis 10C1, to a site located some 144 bp from the promoter. A 34 kDa protein has been identified in crude extracts of E. faecalis that cross-reacts with polyclonal antisera to purified OxyR from E. coli and a protein(s) present in these extracts retards npr DNA fragments in gel shift assays. Taken together with the results of sequence analyses, these observations suggest that enterococcal npr is regulated by OxyR.
Reflex control of cutaneous vasoconstrictor system is reset by exogenous female reproductive hormones.

To determine whether cardiovascular influences of exogenous female steroid hormones include effects on reflex thermoregulatory control of the adrenergic cutaneous vasoconstrictor system, we conduct...
Real-Time 3-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography During Left Atrial Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Left atrial radiofrequency catheter ablation has been recognized as an important treatment option for drug-refractory symptomatic atrial fibrillation.1 Recent consensus on technique favors catheter ablation directed to the left atrium near the pulmonary vein (PV) ostium to achieve PV isolation.2 However, ablation in the region of the ligament of Marshall (LOM) to achieve electrical isolation of the left PVs can be difficult because of variable catheter stability. The superior extent of the LOM protrudes into the body of the left atrium between the anterior region of the left PV antrum and the left atrial appendage (Figure 1A). Inadvertent misdirection of ablative lesions anterior to the LOM in the region of the left atrial appendage increases the risk of cardiac perforation and does not contribute to successful PV isolation, and misdirection of ablative lesions posteriorly into the left PV or posterior left PV antrum can result in PV stenosis or fatal esophageal injury,2 respectively. Thus, circumferential isolation of the left PVs via precise delivery of ablative lesions outside the PV ostium, including the region of the LOM ridge, would be expected to enhance procedural safety and efficacy.3 More specifically, …
Rangeland Assessment and Monitoring Methods Guide

A common concern expressed by land managers and biologists is that they do not know enough about the strengths and weaknesses of different fi eld and remote-sensing methods for rangeland assessment and monitoring. Many are uncertain about which method or combination of methods are most useful for collecting rangeland data to meet their specifi c monitoring or assessment objectives, or they rely on methods that they have used previously without evaluating whether or not they provide the most appropriate information for their specifi c objective. Rapid technological developments, limited experience with only a few methods, or the scattered nature of detailed information pertaining to different methods (especially fi eld versus remote-sensing methods) are just some of the reasons for this discomfort. The Rangeland Assessment and Monitoring Methods Guide (Methods Guide for short; available at http://www.rangelandmethods.org) was developed to address these needs and as a resource to synthesize and interpret information on a wide diversity of techniques for collecting data on the condition and trend of rangeland resources. The Methods Guide is a Web-based resource that provides researchers and managers with information necessary to make informed decisions about which fi eld and remotesensing method or combination of methods could be most useful and cost-effective for their individual needs. Originally developed by The Nature Conservancy’s Idaho Chapter Landscape Toolbox projecti and Oregon Chapter Sagebrush Cooperative,ii the Methods Guide is now being maintained and further developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Jornada Experimental Range. The Methods Guide project benefi ted from the advice and contributions of over 20 rangeland scientists and managers in both the design and content-creation phases of the project. The Methods Guide consists of two parts (Fig. 1) described in greater detail in the following sections. First, it offers a discovery tool that provides information on fi eld and remote-sensing methods relevant to user-defi ned management questions or objectives. The second part is a wiki devoted to describing rangeland applications of each of the methods. The Methods Guide is intended to be the users’ fi rst step in selecting assessment and monitoring protocols by providing information on strengths, limitations, and rangeland applications. This information helps focus further inquiry on a more limited range of techniques.
Noise resistance of heterojunction bipolar transistors

It is customary to use Hawkin's model to calculate the noise performance of Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs). As was already known, and also recently shown by Pucel and Rohde (1993), the noise resistance R/sub n/ increases monotonically with frequency. However, recent measurements have shown R/sub n/ vs. f behavior which is just the opposite and R/sub n/ decreases with frequency. This apparent inconsistency, between the theoretical prediction and the experimental measurement of R/sub n/, is the topic of the present paper. In this paper, Hawkin's isothermal model (device temperature/spl sim/ambient temperature) is revisited in order to calculate the bias dependence of R/sub n/ in HBTs with varying frequency. The incorporation of the parasitic circuit elements along with a proper calculation of junction temperature will enable one to explain for the first time the high frequency noise behavior of HBTs. Though, as noted by some researcher, the contribution of base-collector capacitance is minimal in the noise figure calculation, it will play a vital role in the calculation of R/sub n/ versus f. Also the device self-heating, which makes the isothermal approximation invalid for HBTs, is included in the present work. The obtained results will be compared with the experimental measurement to verify the validity of the model.
Dynamic reconfigurable multi-cell battery: A novel approach to improve battery performance

Many electronic systems such as robotics, battery-powered electric vehicles, and mobile computing devices are powered by multi-cell battery with limited energy capacity. Therefore, maximizing the battery performance such as operating time, available capacity, and lifetime is one of the major battery design challenges. Traditional approaches such as dynamic power management to maximize the battery discharge performance have treated multi-cell battery as a pure passive component with a fixed configuration. Thus, the multi-cell battery performance is determined by the weakest battery cell, leading to a low utilization of battery energy. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-cell battery design to dynamically reconfigure the cell topology of a multi-cell battery, which also interacts with the power management module of a battery-powered system to maximize the battery discharge performance. Then, the dynamic reconfiguration problem of the multi-cell battery is formulated as a Lagrangian Relaxation problem and solved by dynamic programming. Both simulation and experimental results show that the proposed design can significantly enhance the multi-cell battery operating time and useable capacity. Moreover, the proposed design can automatically exclude the failure or malfunction cells through reconfiguration, which can greatly improve the multi-cell battery safety.
Interactions between Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum and Meloidogyne spp. in Vigna unguiculata. 3. Pathogenesis by F. o. tracheiphilum as affected by M. javanica and host cultivar

Experiments were conducted to determine the temporal and spatial effects of Meloidogyne jav anica and host cultivar on pathogenesis by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp tracheiphilum in cowpea. In the wilt-susceptible cowpea cultivar California Blackeye No. 5 (CB5). F. o. tracheiphilum proliferated rapidly in both the hypocotyl and first internode 6 weeks after inoculation. The fungus spread quickly upward as plants grew, colonized most tissues within 6 weeks, and caused severe wilt. In wilt-resistant cultivar CB3. there was little proliferation of F. oxysporum in any tissue, whether or not plants were infected by St. javanica. The fungus was found above the primary internode in 15”., of all CB3 plants, but did not continue to spread upward after 4 weeks Vascular discoloration was greatest when St. javanica was added 4 weeks before F. o. tracheiphilum, but simultaneous inoculation also increased wilt symptoms Root wounding did not increase wilt. Split-root experiments provided no evidence that infection by, M. javanica results in a translocatable factor that reduces wilt resistance. When hypocoivls were inoculated with F. o. tracheiphilum at different intervals after roots infected by St. jav anica were removed, there was no evidence that the effect of the nematode on wilt susceptibility was translocated or persistent.
Chromosome Photography and the Human Karyotype

In 1956, Joe Hin Tjio and Albert Levan published a paper in which they suggested that the number of human chromosomes was 46 and not 48. The story of the recount has been the subject of numerous studies and debates. In this essay I propose to revisit the 1956 paper and the questions surrounding it by considering the chromosome images it contained. Paying attention to the images, including especially the photomicrograph that has come to represent the new chromosome count, offers the opportunity to study the history of an iconic image of genetics. In the course of this history the image moved from proving the quality of Tjio and Levan’s preparations to becoming an object of contention, proof of authorship, example to emulate, manipulable object, recognizable icon, and historical object in its own right. More generally, the essay highlights the role of visual techniques and materials in shaping knowledge and staking claims in human heredity in the mid-twentieth century. The history of postwar cytogenetics has long been overshadowed by dominant accounts of molecular approaches in biology that developed rapidly at the same time. Yet the recognition that, well into the 1970s, chromosome pictures were the most recognizable images of genetics points to the need for new approaches to the historiography.
A Reply to Potter

As co-editors of Change and Persistence in Thai Society: Essays in Honor of Lauriston Sharp (Cornell University Press, I 97 5), we are moved to comment on Professor Jack M. Potter's review of it in the November I976 issue of theJournal (XXXVI, pp. I84-85). The review contains errors of fact and interpretation of which three in particular merit correction. Potter is entitled to his opinion that the "loose-structure" tradition has reached an impasse in anthropological studies of Thailand, but he is wrong in asserting that that tradition is a theme of our book. In fact, none of the papers treats the loosestructure issue, or even alludes to the concept; and the hoary article by John Embree that started it all does not appear in References Cited. Potter characterized clientage as "loose-structure in a new guise," but we are unable to detect in Akin Rabibhadana's fine structural study of clientage and class any influence whatsoever of Embree's argument. Second, Potter misrepresents the thrust of our book by dismissing three papers (comprising over one-third of the text) as "not of great interest to this anthropologist." Because they treat institutions of the past, he leaves their evaluation to "the specialist in Thai history." The papers in question (one, incidentally, written by an anthropologist) were included precisely because of Lauriston Sharp's insistence on the close relationship between anthropology and history. He was among the first to decry the ahistoricity that once characterized American anthropology; he went on to encourage anthropologists to analyze the past, and historians to expose themselves to the social sciences. That our celebration of Sharp's ecumenical vision should have been reviewed in this multidisciplinary journal by so parochial a disciplinarian is unfortunate, if not unseemly. Third, Potter distorts the record when he asserts that "loose-structure" was central to the tradition of research established by Sharp, and when he implies that Sharp's legacy is a "research pattern whose potential is exhausted." Sharp's own field studies were broadly conceived, strongly empirical, multidisciplinary in scope, and wholly undoctrinaire in theoretical orientation. The Cornell-Thailand Project, which he founded and for many years directed, sponsored a wide variety of field studies that adhere to no intellectual school or party line. Sharp helped train scores of scholars whose contributions to Thai studies, far from following any single tradition, have introduced controversy, challenged conventional wisdom, and revised earlier formulations. To characterize Sharp's contribution in terms of "loose structure" is simply wrong; to identify that contribution with any narrow perspective is to trivialize it. Sharp opened the minds of his students and taught them to observe with fresh eyes. More than anyone else, he made Thai studies an eclectic, open-ended intellectual quest.
Orthopedic pitfalls in the ED: radiographically occult hip fracture.

Abstract Acute hip fracture is among the most commonly encountered orthopedic injuries seen by the emergency physician. The majority of these fractures can be readily diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings and plain radiographs. When initial films are negative or equivocal, but a high clinical suspicion exists for a hip fracture, additional diagnostic studies need to be performed because significant morbidity can result from ambulation on an unrecognized fracture. The emergency physician needs to remain vigilant for this potential orthopedic pitfall. This review article examines the clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, and management options applicable to the emergency practitioner. (Am J Emerg Med 2002;20:234-237. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)
Sub-Wavelength Grating Lenses With a Twist

Dielectric high-contrast sub-wavelength grating (SWG) structures have received much attention in recent years, offering a new paradigm for the integration of optical systems. Their nanoscale resonant properties can result in a complex and unintuitive far-field behavior that, if carefully crafted, allows the full control of the optical phase front from a thin sub-wavelength planar layer. To date, experimental demonstrations of these new devices have only been realized with polarized light in a reflective mode, greatly limiting their use for practical systems. In this letter, we demonstrate a highly efficient, sub-wavelength thick, transmissive grating lens configuration using symmetrical resonant posts to achieve polarization-independent operation. Our transmissive SWG lenses are easily fabricated using low-cost scalable semiconductor process technology. To illustrate their performance, we demonstrate the generation of high-order orbital angular momentum beams and their use in an optical mode-isolator application that achieves a suppression ratio of over 25 dB.
packetdrill: scriptable network stack testing, from sockets to packets

Testing today's increasingly complex network protocol implementations can be a painstaking process. To help meet this challenge, we developed packetdrill, a portable, open-source scripting tool that enables testing the correctness and performance of entire TCP/UDP/IP network stack implementations, from the system call layer to the hardware network interface, for both IPv4 and IPv6. We describe the design and implementation of the tool, and our experiences using it to execute 657 test cases. The tool was instrumental in our development of three new features for Linux TCP--Early Retransmit, Fast Open, and Loss Probes--and allowed us to find and fix 10 bugs in Linux. Our team uses packetdrill in all phases of the development process for the kernel used in one of the world's largest Linux installations.
Evaluation of Bio-Rad MRSASelect Agar for Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Directly from Blood Cultures

MRSASelect agar (Bio-Rad, Redmond, WA) was evaluated for its performance in detecting MRSA directly from positive blood cultures containing Gram-positive cocci in clusters. Agar plates were evaluated for the presence of pink colonies at 18 to 24 h. Results were compared to organism identification by using standard laboratory methods. Confirming coagulase on pink isolates, the sensitivity and specificity were both 99%.
Lithium Bis(3,3‐diethoxy‐1‐propen‐2‐yl)cuprate

[58384-87-5] C14H26CuLiO4 (MW 328.85) InChI = 1S/2C7H13O2.Cu.Li/c2*1-4-7(8-5-2)9-6-3;;/h2*7H,1,5-6H2,2-3H3;; InChIKey = VPLHPPVNFHQJCO-UHFFFAOYSA-N (organocopper reagent for the transfer of a protected acrolein group to allyl halides, vinyl epoxides, and carbonyl compounds; reagent for the construction of α-methylene-γ-butyrolactones) Physical Data: thermally unstable organocuprate generated between −60 and −70 °C; stable and reactive at temperatures below −40 °C. Solubility: sol THF at −40 °C or below. Preparative Method: from the reaction of 2-Lithio-3,3-diethoxy-1-propene2 with Me2S complex of Copper(I) Bromide at −60 to −70 °C in THF. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: should be generated in the absence of O2 and moisture at low temperatures under an N2 or Ar atmosphere.
A Review of: “John F. Murphy. Sword of Islam: Muslim Extremism from the Arab Conquests to the Attack on America.”

Murphy's book is a useful description of the key events leading up to the September 11 attacks. He provides historical background from the rise of Islam in the seventh century, to the launching of ...
Riparian zones attenuate nitrogen loss following bark beetle-induced lodgepole pine mortality

A North American bark beetle infestation has killed billions of trees, increasing soil nitrogen and raising concern for N loss impacts on downstream ecosystems and water resources. There is surprisingly little evidence of stream N response in large basins, which may result from surviving vegetation uptake, gaseous loss, or dilution by streamflow from unimpacted stands. Observations are lacking along hydrologic flow paths connecting soils with streams, challenging our ability to determine where and how attenuation occurs. Here we quantified biogeochemical concentrations and fluxes at a lodgepole pine-dominated site where bark beetle infestation killed 50–60% of trees. We used nested observations along hydrologic flow paths connecting hillslope soils to streams of up to third order. We found soil water NO3 concentrations increased 100-fold compared to prior research at this and nearby southeast Wyoming sites. Nitrogen was lost below the major rooting zone to hillslope groundwater, where dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) increased by 3–10 times (mean 1.65 mg L−1) and NO3-N increased more than 100-fold (3.68 mg L−1) compared to preinfestation concentrations. Most of this N was removed as hillslope groundwater drained through riparian soils, and NO3 remained low in streams. DON entering the stream decreased 50% within 5 km downstream, to concentrations typical of unimpacted subalpine streams (~0.3 mg L−1). Although beetle outbreak caused hillslope N losses similar to other disturbances, up to 5.5 kg ha−1y−1, riparian and in-stream removal limited headwater catchment export to <1 kg ha−1y−1. These observations suggest riparian removal was the dominant mechanism preventing hillslope N loss from impacting streams.
Introducing Telerehabilitation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis with Significant Mobility Disability: Pilot Feasibility Study

Recent studies demonstrated that exercise interventions in significantly disabled patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) resulted in endurance and strength improvement and reduction of fatigue and spasticity. However engagement in long-term exercise training is limited in these patients due to multiple barriers including mobility, access to an exercise facility, and cost. It is unclear if PwMS with significant mobility disability are willing and able to engage in home-based telerehabilitation. The goal of this study was to assess level of acceptance and ability of these patients to carry out exercises using the telerehabilitation system without supervision. Ten PwMS with significant mobility disability were instructed how to use the telerehabilitation system and were then asked to use it independently according to predefined set of tasks. Feasibility was assessed by ability of study participants to successfully follow exercise tasks provided by a touch screen tablet. Telerehabilitation acceptance was measured by an attitudinal survey. Participant characteristics were: age=53±11, PDDS=5.3±2.4, years with MS=16±9. Average time required to train the patients to use the telerehabilitation system at home for flexibility and resistance exercises was 11±3 minutes and for active arm/leg biking: 3±1 minutes. All patients were able to successfully complete flexibility and resistance exercises and navigate the interface for arm biking exercise. Heart rate readings were affected by noise in some subjects. Active leg cycling was completed by 50% of patients, another half was unable to use it due to severe lower limb mobility impairment. Passive leg cycling supported by a splinting device was successfully operated by 100%. Overall, high acceptance and usability of the system in PwMS with severe mobility disability was demonstrated. This approach has a potential in supporting a comprehensive exercise delivery model in PwMS with significant mobility disability which will support individualized prescription of tailored endurance, strength, and therapeutic physiotherapy exercises.
Ecological relationships among parasites of spodoptera praefica

Three species in the native parasite guild of Spodoptera praefica (Grote) account for 95% of the apparent mortality due to parasitization of host larvae in hay alfalfa. In field studies, parasitization did not decrease when 1, 2, or 3 parasite species were reared from hosts occurring in the same subsample. Laboratory studies indicate that intrinsic competitive ability and an index of potential reproductive capacity are inversely correlated among the 3 species. Comments are presented on the utility of the concept of r- and K- selection and the practice of releasing more than one species in biological control.
Formylglycine, a Post-Translationally Generated Residue with Unique Catalytic Capabilities and Biotechnology Applications

Formylglycine (fGly) is a catalytically essential residue found almost exclusively in the active sites of type I sulfatases. Formed by post-translational oxidation of cysteine or serine side chains, this aldehyde-functionalized residue participates in a unique and highly efficient catalytic mechanism for sulfate ester hydrolysis. The enzymes that produce fGly, formylglycine-generating enzyme (FGE) and anaerobic sulfatase-maturating enzyme (anSME), are as unique and specialized as fGly itself. FGE especially is structurally and mechanistically distinct, and serves the sole function of activating type I sulfatase targets. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanism by which fGly contributes to sulfate ester hydrolysis, the molecular details of fGly biogenesis by FGE and anSME, and finally, recent biotechnology applications of fGly beyond its natural catalytic function.
A large scale plant survey: efficient vouchering with identification through morphology and DNA analysis

A large-scale survey of the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research study area was conducted in which many kinds of samples were collected (e.g., plant, insect, soil). The plant samples were of a smaller size than typical herbarium accessions due to limitations in personnel, storage space, available plant materials, and time. The vouchers were identified in the field if possible. The vast majority of the rest were identified in the herbarium morphologically after the survey; less than 5% of the vouchers remained unidentified. Of these, a subset were subjected to molecular analysis using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal ITS region and to a BLAST search of sequences in GenBank to find closely related taxa. The close relatives along with the unknown specimens were subjected to maximum parsimony analysis to identify the potential phylogenetic relationships of the unknown specimens. Through this analysis nine unknown plant accessions were identified to family, tribe, genus, and species. Once this level of identification was established, some specimens were re-examined morphologically and compared with potentially related taxa in the herbarium to confirm or improve identifications. We outline an efficient method for surveying and collecting plant vouchers for a large sampling area. We also demonstrate that one can combine morphological and molecular data in the identification process to produce more complete datasets.
Simulation of the Santa Ana Winds (Vientos de Satán)

*† ‡ § The Operational Multiscale Environment model with Grid Adaptivity (OMEGA) is used to simulate an episode of the Santa Ana winds over Southern California. The OMEGA model is based on an unstructured adaptive grid. The use of an unstructured gird allows the model to resolve complex terrain features with a good degree of accuracy and is ideally suited to simulate atmospheric flows which develop due to topographic forcing. This paper describes in detail simulations using the OMEGA model for an episode of the Santa Ana winds during October 2007. The wind and turbulence fields obtained from OMEGA were used to drive the Atmospheric Dispersion Model (ADM). The results of the ADM simulation of the Santa Ana fires are also reported.
Some Investigations regarding Loss in Weight and Gain in Height during Sleep

(1898). Some Investigations regarding Loss in Weight and Gain in Height during Sleep. American Physical Education Review: Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 270-273.
Unjust Disparities? The Impact of Race on Juvenile Risk Assessment Outcomes:

Research on risk assessments has illustrated many utilitarian purposes of these tools, including the robust prediction of recidivism and uniformity in correctional decision making. Recently, howeve...
5 Functional performance deficits and ankle sprain occurrence in an adolescent population

Background Ankle sprain occurrence and functional performance deficits may be related in adolescent athletes however, there is limited research in this population. Objective To determine if ankle sprain occurrence is associated with functional performance test (FPT) deficits in an adolescent population. Design Cohort study. Setting Biomechanics laboratory. Participants Of 65 participants from a junior soccer club, 52 (30 male, 22 female; age = 15.7 ± 1.4 years; height = 163.3 ± 7.6 cm; body mass = 59.2 ± 8.5 kg; BMI% = 62.5 ± 23.4%) completed the study. Interventions A reliable rater measured FPTs including the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in the anterior (ANT), postero-medial (PM) and postero-lateral (PL) reach directions and the Single Leg Hop Test (SLHT) during summer inter-season training. Participants were monitored for ankle sprain occurrence over the 6-month competitive season via weekly communication from the coach to the researcher. Main outcome measurements The SEBT reach distances were normalised to leg length and SLHT times were calculated in seconds. An occurrence of ankle sprain was defined as an injury diagnosed by a medical provider for which the participant missed ≥1 full day of practice or competition. Point-biserial correlations were used to assess the relationship between FPTs and ankle sprain occurrence in the 6-month time frame (α = 0.05). T-tests were used to determine differences in FPTs scores between ankle sprain occurrence and uninjured groups (α = 0.05). Results Ankle sprains occurred for 12/52 (23%) participants. A significant relationship existed between PM reach (r pb = 0.29; p = 0.04), PL reach (r pb = 0.40; p pb = 0.39; p Conclusions Moderate relationships were observed between the PM and PL reach distance scores, SLHT time and ankle sprain occurrence longitudinally. Functional performance test deficits may be indicative of future ankle sprain occurrence in an adolescent population.
Diagnosis and management of massive gastrointestinal bleeding owing to duodenal metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.

AbstractWe report 3 cases in which duodenal metastases from renal cell carcinoma caused massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In 2 patients the initial symptom was melena and 1 experienced hematobilia. In 2 patients the diagnosis was not suspected until a hypervascular mass was seen on arteriography and the bleeding was controlled by embolization of the gastroduodenal artery. In the third patient an aorto-enteric fistula was suspected on contrast-enhanced computerized tomography but arteriography showed hypervascular metastases in the duodenum. (J. Urol., 138: 611–613, 1987)
Definitive radiation management for carcinoma of the glottic larynx.

Radiation therapy offers excellent cure rates and preservation of the larynx in the majority of early-stage glottic cancers. Outcome may vary because of patient-, tumor-, and treatment-related variables. Carefully selected advanced lesions may also be successfully managed with irradiation. Hyperfractionation and combined che- motherapy-radiotherapy protocols seem to be promising strategies for the improvement of the therapeutic ratio in treatment of patients with more advanced lesions.
Self-Checking Circuits

With the increasing complexity of digital systems, ensuring the reliability of computations has become an important issue. A number of methods have been presented for the design of fault-tolerant systems. The first step in such a design is to detect faults. We would like to detect the faults as soon as they occur in order to prevent data contamination. An important concept which allows us to detect transient as well as permanent faults is the self-checking concept. Since transient faults have begun to play a dominant role in this era of VLSI circuits, they can no longer be ignored. As the name implies, a self-checking circuit is capable of automatically exposing its own faults. Another advantage of self-checking circuits is that software diagnostic programs can be simplified or even eliminated. This concept is becoming more and more attractive because the area overhead on a chip required to implement this concept is going down with the increase in the complexity of the chips.
Dairy cheese consumption ameliorates single-meal sodium-induced cutaneous microvascular dysfunction by reducing ascorbate-sensitive oxidants in healthy older adults

Chronic dairy product intake is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes, whereas high dietary Na impairs endothelial function through increased oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of acute cheese consumption with consumption of Na from non-dairy sources on microvascular function. We hypothesised that dairy cheese ingestion would augment NO-dependent vasodilation compared with Na from non-dairy sources. On five visits, fourteen subjects (61 (sem 2) years, eight male/six female) consumed either 85 g dairy cheese (560 mg Na), 85 g soya cheese (560 mg Na), 65 g pretzels (560 mg Na), 170 g dairy cheese (1120 mg Na) or 130 g pretzels (1120 mg Na). Two intradermal microdialysis fibres were inserted in the ventral forearm for delivery of lactated Ringer's solution or 10 mm-ascorbate (antioxidant) during local skin heating (approximately 50 min). Erythrocyte flux was measured continuously by laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF), and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC=LDF/mean arterial pressure) was normalised as %CVCmax (28 mm-sodium nitroprusside). Following a plateau in CVC, 15 mm-N G -nitro-l-arginine-methyl-ester was perfused to quantify NO-dependent vasodilation (approximately 45 min). NO-dependent vasodilation was greater following consumption of dairy products (560 mg Na 57 (sem 3) %) (1120 mg Na 55 (sem 5) %) compared with soya (560 mg Na 42 (sem 3) %; P=0·002) or pretzels (560 mg Na 43 (sem 4) %; P=0·004) (1120 mg Na 46 (sem 3) %; P=0·04). Ascorbate augmented NO-dependent vasodilation following intake of soya (control: 42 (sem 3) v. ascorbate: 54 (sem 3) %; P=0·01) or pretzels (560 mg Na; control: 43 (sem 4) v. ascorbate: 56 (sem 3) %; P=0·006) (1120 mg Na; control: 46 (sem 5) v. ascorbate: 56 (sem 3) %; P=0·02), but not dairy products. Na ingestion via dairy products was associated with greater NO-dependent vasodilation compared with non-dairy products, a difference that was ameliorated with ascorbate perfusion. The antioxidant properties of dairy proteins may protect against Na-induced reductions in NO-dependent dilation.
Future Prospects for Scaffolding Methods and Biomaterials in Skin Tissue Engineering: A Review

Over centuries, the field of regenerative skin tissue engineering has had several advancements to facilitate faster wound healing and thereby restoration of skin. Skin tissue regeneration is mainly based on the use of suitable scaffold matrices. There are several scaffold types, such as porous, fibrous, microsphere, hydrogel, composite and acellular, etc., with discrete advantages and disadvantages. These scaffolds are either made up of highly biocompatible natural biomaterials, such as collagen, chitosan, etc., or synthetic materials, such as polycaprolactone (PCL), and poly-ethylene-glycol (PEG), etc. Composite scaffolds, which are a combination of natural or synthetic biomaterials, are highly biocompatible with improved tensile strength for effective skin tissue regeneration. Appropriate knowledge of the properties, advantages and disadvantages of various biomaterials and scaffolds will accelerate the production of suitable scaffolds for skin tissue regeneration applications. At the same time, emphasis on some of the leading challenges in the field of skin tissue engineering, such as cell interaction with scaffolds, faster cellular proliferation/differentiation, and vascularization of engineered tissues, is inevitable. In this review, we discuss various types of scaffolding approaches and biomaterials used in the field of skin tissue engineering and more importantly their future prospects in skin tissue regeneration efforts.
Autobiography as Foucauldian Askēsis: Care of the Self and Care of Others

She began to collect sleeping pills. It's going to take a few months to have enough pills for what she needs. Of course, nobody around her knew what she was planning. She was a dedicated teacher of...