cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperhemolysis syndrome in anemia of chronic disease.

BACKGROUND: Occasional cases of delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) demonstrate severe and persistent hemolysis and are referred to as hyperhemolysis syndrome. This syndrome usually occurs in patients with sickle cell disease and possibly thalassemia who receive multiple transfusions. There are few such clinical reports in patients without hemoglobinopathies. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old woman with anemia and a history of four previous transfusions was admitted with shortness of breath and a hematocrit (Hct) level of 27 percent. The patient was group O with a negative antibody screen. She received 1 unit of electronically cross-matched red blood cells (RBCs) and was discharged. Thirteen days later she returned to hospital with weakness and a Hct level of 23 percent. The antibody screen now demonstrated anti-K alloantibody. The direct antigloblulin test (DAT) was positive with both anti-immunoglobulin G and anti-complement (C3). Anti-K was recovered in the eluate. The previously transfused RBC unit was positive for presence of the K antigen. The patient's RBCs were negative for the presence of K antigen. Other laboratory data confirmed ongoing hemolysis, and a diagnosis of DHTR was made. She continued to display findings of active hemolysis for 9 more weeks requiring 19 units of RBCs. Thirty-four days after the original transfusion, her DAT remained positive and both the plasma sample and a RBC eluate demonstrated anti-K. CONCLUSION: The delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction with hyperhemolysis can occur among patients without hemoglobinopathies.
A TECHNIQUE FOR LANGUAGE LABORATORY TESTING

A TECHNIQUE FOR ORAL TESTING IN THE LANGUAGE LABORATORY IS OUTLINED. TO PROPERLY TEST STUDENTS' ORAL ABILITY, THE TEST SHOULD BE PREPARED LIKE THE LESSONS -CUE OR QUESTION, STUDENT RESPONSE, CORRECT RESPONSE. SO AS NOT TO REQUIRE EXCESSIVE GRADING TIME ON THE TEACHER'S PART, THE LABORATORY SHOULD HAVE FACILITIES TO START AND STOP STUDENT TAPE RECORDERS REMOTELY, AND TO RECORD STUDENT TAPES ON MORE THAN ONE CONSOLE TAPE RECORDER. THE FACT THAT LABORATORIES WITH PROVISIONS FOR TESTING ARE NOT READILY AVAILABLE INDICATES APATHY OR IGNORANCE ABOUT THE LABORATORY'S POTENTIAL AS A TESTING, AS WELL AS A TEACHING, DEVICE. THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN "LANGUAGE LEARNING," VOLUME 17, DECEMBER 1967, PAGES
Thermal Properties of (Zr,TM)B2 Solid Solutions with TM = Hf, Nb, W, Ti, and Y

The thermal properties were investigated for hot-pressed zirconium diboride—transition-metal boride solid solutions. The transition-metal additives included hafnium, niobium, tungsten, titanium, and yttrium. The nominal additions were equivalent to 3 at.% of each metal with respect to zirconium. Powders were hot-pressed to nearly full density at 2150°C using 0.5 wt% carbon as a sintering aid. Thermal diffusivity was measured using the laser flash method. Thermal conductivity was calculated from the thermal diffusivity results using temperature-dependent values for density and heat capacity. At 25°C, the thermal conductivity ranged from 88 to 34 W·(m·K)−1 for specimens with various additives. Electrical resistivity measurements and the Wiedemann–Franz law were used to calculate the electron contribution of the thermal conductivity and revealed that thermal conductivity was dominated by the electron contribution. The decrease in thermal conductivity correlated with a decrease in unit cell volume, indicating that lattice strain may affect both phonon and electron transport in ZrB2.
Plasma cortisol levels and dominance in peer groups of rhesus monkey weanlings.

Abstract Determinations of plasma cortisol levels in rhesus monkey infants were obtained before and shortly after they were separated from mother and placed together in small social groups. Differences in pregrouping (baseline) plasma cortisol levels between two infants were good predictors of the direction of the social dominance relationship established between them. This association between lower baseline cortisol values and dominance was not dependent on sex or small differences in age and weight between the infants.
Dengue virus-pandemic influenza virus co-infection results in enhanced influenza virus replication through inhibition of apoptosis

Dengue fever and Dengue Hemorrhagic fever in humans are the result of infection with Dengue virus, a mosquito-borne member of the Flaviviridae. In 2009, the appearance of a novel, swine origin, pandemic (H1N1) influenza A virus in humans resulted in identification of patients co-infected with dengue and influenza with enhanced clinical disease. To elucidate potential mechanism(s) of enhanced pathogenesis observed during human Dengue/Influenza co-infection, we examined the effects of co-infection in cells (A549) and also in animals.
In vivo expression of RANKL in the rat dental follicle as determined by laser capture microdissection

Abstract Tooth eruption is a localized event in which many of the genes required for eruption are expressed in the dental follicle. A major function of the follicle is to recruit mononuclear cells for osteoclastogenesis such that the alveolar bone can be resorbed. Osteoclastogenesis is primarily regulated by receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), colony-stimulating factor-one (CSF-1) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). In the rat first mandibular molar, osteoclastogenesis is maximal at day 3 and CSF-1 is maximally expressed in the follicle at this time whereas OPG expression is reduced. Whether or not RANKL is expressed in vivo in the follicle is controversial, however. It is critical to determine this because others have shown that in partially-rescued mice null for RANKL, teeth do not erupt. This suggests that RANKL should be expressed in the follicle for eruption to occur. Thus, to precisely determine if RANKL is expressed in the follicle in vivo, laser capture microdissection (LCM) was used to excise dental follicle tissue from frozen sections followed by RNA isolation and RT-PCR. The results show that RANKL is expressed in the dental follicle at days 1–9 postnatally. The technique was confirmed by controls showing that LCM isolates of the follicle, and alveolar bone, express OPG. Also, LCM isolates of alveolar bone were positive for RANKL. Thus, RANKL has now been shown to be expressed in the follicle and it is probable that interactions between it, CSF-1 and OPG regulate locally the osteoclastogenesis needed for tooth eruption.
Novel Talc-Filled Biodegradable Bacterial Polyester Composites

Talc-filled composites of a bacterial polyester, i.e., poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), PHBV, were prepared by extrusion followed by an injection molding process. The effects of the talc weight content (15−50 wt %) on various mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the PHBV-based composites were studied. The tensile and flexural moduli of PHBV-based composites were improved by 70 and 166%, respectively, when reinforced with a talc content of 50 wt %. Theoretical predictions were used to compare the experimental tensile modulus values of talc-filled PHBV composites. Comparison of the experimental results with theoretical predictions predominantly favored a spherical geometry of the talc particles in the PHBV matrix rather than a platy morphology. The storage modulus (E‘) and heat deflection temperature (HDT) of the PHBV-based composites were found to increase when the composites were reinforced with talc particles. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of PHBV was reduced by...
The functional role of reactive stroma in benign prostatic hyperplasia

The human prostate gland is one of the only internal organs that continue to enlarge throughout adulthood. The specific mechanisms that regulate this growth, as well as the pathological changes leading to the phenotype observed in the disease benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), are essentially unknown. Recent studies and their associated findings have made clear that many complex alterations occur, involving persistent and chronic inflammation, circulating hormonal level deregulation, and aberrant wound repair processes. BPH has been etiologically characterized as a progressive, albeit discontinuous, hyperplasia of both the glandular epithelial and the stromal cell compartments coordinately yielding an expansion of the prostate gland and clinical symptoms. Interestingly, the inflammatory and repair responses observed in BPH are also key components of general wound repair in post-natal tissues. These responses include altered expression of chemokines, cytokines, matrix remodeling factors, chronic inflammatory processes, altered immune surveillance and recognition, as well as the formation of a prototypical 'reactive' stroma, which is similar to that observed across various fibroplasias and malignancies of a variety of tissue sites. Stromal tissue, both embryonic mesenchyme and adult reactive stroma myofibroblasts, has been shown to exert potent and functional regulatory control over epithelial proliferation and differentiation as well as immunoresponsive modulation. Thus, the functional biology of a reactive stroma, within the context of an adult disease typified by epithelial and stromal aberrant hyperplasia, is critical to understand within the context of prostate disease and beyond. The mechanisms that regulate reactive stroma biology in BPH represent targets of opportunity for new therapeutic approaches that may extend to other tissue contexts. Accordingly, this review seeks to address the dissection of important factors, signaling pathways, genes, and other regulatory components that mediate the interplay between epithelium and stromal responses in BPH.
Nitro containing L-arginine analogs interfere with assays for nitrate and nitrite.

Abstract We evaluated the effect of in vivo and in vitro administration of nitro-containing and nitro-deficient L-arginine -derived nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors on the measurement of NO in plasma, urine and HEPES buffered physiologic salt solution (PSS) by ozone chemiluminescence and by the modified Griess reaction. In vivo administration of 1, 5, 25, 40 or 50 mg/kg of NG-nitro-L-or D-arginine methyl ester (LNAME, DNAME), NG-nitro-L-arginine (LNA) or aminoguanidine (AG) to rats and mice increased NO in urine and plasma as determined by chemiluminescence using 2.3% vanadium chloride in 2N HCl at 100 °C as the redox reagent. In vivo administration of 1 and 10 mg/kg/day of N5-imino-ethyl-L-ornithine (LNIO) or 3 amino-1,2,4 triazine (AT) reduced plasma and urine NO. Addition of LNAME, DNAME and LNA (100 nM to 1 mM) to the redox solution produced a concentration response curve for NO in the chemiluminescence assay similar to that produced by standard solutions of sodium nitrite and nitrate. LNMMA produced a small NO signal but only at concentrations equal to or exceeding 0.1 mM. LNIO, AT and AG did not give any NO signal even at concentrations exceeding 1 mM. Conversion of plasma or urine nitrate to nitrite with cadmium gave elevated values of plasma nitrite by the Greiss assay when LNAME or LNA was the NO synthase inhibitor. We conclude that in vivo and in vitro use of LNAME and LNA and in vivo use of high doses of aminoguanidine interfere with the assay of NO2− and NO3− with the modified Griess reaction and with chemiluminescence. We suggest that LNAME and LNA not be used in vivo or in vitro when total RNI is measured with these assays.
The regulation of autoreactive B cells during innate immune responses

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) highlights the dangers of dysregulated B cells and the importance of initiating and maintaining tolerance. In addition to central deletion, receptor editing, peripheral deletion, receptor revision, anergy, and indifference, we have described a new mechanism of B cell tolerance wherein dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (MΦs) regulate autoreactive B cells during innate immune responses. In part, DCs and MΦs repress autoreactive B cells by releasing IL-6 and soluble CD40L (sCD40L). This mechanism is selective in that IL-6 and sCD40L do not affect Ig secretion by naive cells during innate immune responses, allowing immunity in the absence of autoimmunity. In lupus-prone mice, DCs and MΦs are defective in secretion of IL-6 and sCD40L and cannot effectively repress autoantibody secretion suggesting that defects in DC/MΦ-mediated tolerance may contribute to the autoimmune phenotype. Further, these studies suggest that reconstituting DCs and MΦs in SLE patients might restore regulation of autoreactive B cells and provide an alternative to immunosuppressive therapies.
THE CONCENTRATION EFFECT WITH VALONIA: POTENTIAL DIFFERENCES WITH CONCENTRATED AND DILUTED SEA WATER.

The P.D. between the interior of a cell of Valonia macrophysa and concentrated or diluted sea water applied externally is given by the empirical equation: See PDF for Equation where P.D.s.w. is the value observed when the external solution is sea water. The sign is that of the interior of the cell. In the chain: sea water, concn.1 | Valonia | sea water, concn.2 therefore, the more concentrated solution is positive in the external circuit to the more dilute solution. This holds for the concentration range 1.5 sea water to 0.2 sea water, when the dilute solutions are made isotonic with sea water by the addition of a suitable non-electrolyte (such as glycerol). Prolonged exposure to these solutions, or brief exposure to very concentrated or very dilute sea water, or to hypotonic solutions, produces in the cell secondary changes which are made evident by the reversal of the sign of the P.D. These changes are to a certain extent reversible, but if allowed to proceed too far they become irreversible, involving permanent injury to the cell. The concentration effect with sea water is shown to be practically the concentration effect for NaCl, the part played by the other salts in sea water being relatively small.
Hedgehog-stimulated phosphorylation of the kinesin-related protein Costal2 is mediated by the serine/threonine kinase Fused

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling molecule is required for the development of numerous tissues in Drosophila. Within the cell, Hh signal transduction utilizes a large protein complex consisting of the Fused (Fu), Costal2 (Cos2), and Cubitis interruptus (Ci) proteins, but the functional interactions between these proteins are still largely uncharacterized. Using a baculovirus system, we demonstrate that the serine/threonine kinase Fu phosphorylates the kinesin-like protein Cos2 when coexpressed with Cos2. Coexpression of Cos2 and a kinase-inactive version of Fu eliminates the majority of Cos2 phosphorylation. We then show that the primary Fu-induced phosphorylation site of Cos2 is serine 572, whereas serine 931 is phosphorylated to a lesser extent. Mutation of serine 572 to alanine eliminates most, but not all, specific phosphopeptides of Cos2 when coexpressed with Fu. We also demonstrate that the phosphorylation pattern of Cos2 produced by baculovirus coexpression with kinase-dead Fu is almost identical to the phosphorylation pattern of Cos2 isolated from unstimulated S2 cells. Finally, the phosphorylation pattern of Cos2 produced by baculovirus coinfection with wild-type Fu is almost identical to that of Cos2 isolated from S2 cells stimulated by Hh, indicating that phosphorylation of serines 572 and 931 is a genuine Hh signaling event. This study clarifies the unique functions of Fu and Cos2 in Hh signal transduction and identifies only the second known phosphorylation site of a kinesin-like molecule.
Sublimation characterization and vapor pressure estimation of an HIV nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor using thermogravimetric analysis

The purpose of this research is to investigate the sublimation process of DPC 963, a second-generation nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor for HIV-1 retrovirus, and to better understant the effect of sublimation during active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacture and formulation development, especially the drying processes. Sublimation of DPC 963 at 150°C and above was determined by thermogravimetric analysis-Fourier transform infrared (TGA-FTIR). The rates of sublimation at different temperatures were measured using isothermal TGA. Condensed material was collected and analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and infrared (IR) spectrometry. Benzoic acid was used as a reference standard to derive a linear logarithmic relationship between sublimation/evaporation rate and vapor pressure specific to the TGA system used in this study. Sublimation and evaporation of DPC 963 were found to follow apparent zero-order kinetics. Using the Eyring equation, the enthalpy and entropy of the sublimation and evaporation processes were obtained. The enthalpies of sublimation and evaporation were found to be 29 and 22 kcal/mol, respectively. The condensed material from the vapor phase was found to exist in 2 physical forms, amorphous and crystalline. Using benzoic acid as a reference standard, vapor pressure of DPC 963 at different temperatures was calculated using the linear logarithmic relationship obtained. DPC 963 undergoes sublimation at appreciable rates at 150°C and above but this is not likely to pose a serious issue during the manufacturing process. Vapor pressure estimation using thermogravimetric analysis provided sufficient accuracy to be used as a fast, simple, and safe alternative to the traditional methods of vapor pressure determination.
Avoiding the material nonlinearity in an external fixation device.

Abstract Background. External fixation devices are widely used for treating unstable bone fractures because of their attractive features including minimal invasiveness, maximum tailorability, and extreme versatility. In one type of these devices (i.e., the fine-wire fixators), these unique features are made possible by the use of tensioned wires to support bone fragments. The major problem with these wires is their yielding. Once the wires yield, the fracture healing process will be adversely affected. A recent study showed that the nonlinear behavior observed in these tensioned wires can be geometric and material, and the geometric nonlinearity will stiffen the wires while the material nonlinearity will cause the wires to yield. This study is to investigate if it is possible to avoid the material nonlinearity in order to retain the elastic and repeatable performance for the wires. Methods. Nonlinear and large deformation finite element analyses were conducted. Models of a bone segment transfixed by pairs of cross-aligned wires subjected to various levels of pre-tension were developed. The bone segment was subjected to a vertical load, and the load–displacement curves, wire tensions and wire tensile stresses were obtained under a full cycle of loading and unloading regime. Findings. Pre-tensioning the wires is beneficial for stiffening a fixation device, but is disadvantageous to maintaining the wire elasticity. By limiting the level of the pre-tension, we can avoid the material nonlinearity. Doing so we will be able to stiffen the fixation device and retain elastic and predictable mechanical performance at the same time. Interpretation. The findings will lead to a new paradigm toward enhancing the performance of external fixation devices.
Guidelines for human electromyographic research.

Guidelines are proposed for the collection, analysis, and description of electromyographic (EMG) data. The guidelines cover technological issues in EMG recording, social aspects of EMG experimentation, and limits to inferences that can be drawn in EMG research. An atlas is proposed for facial EMG electrode placements, and standard EMG terminology is suggested.
Multicenter Randomized Trial of Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation for Chronic Stroke: Methods and Entry Characteristics for VA ROBOTICS:

Background. Chronic upper extremity impairment due to stroke has significant medical, psychosocial, and financial consequences, but few studies have examined the effectiveness of rehabilitation therapy during the chronic stroke period. Objective. To test the safety and efficacy of the MIT-Manus robotic device for chronic upper extremity impairment following stroke. Methods. The VA Cooperative Studies Program initiated a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial in November 2006 (VA ROBOTICS). Participants with upper extremity impairment ≥6 months poststroke were randomized to robot-assisted therapy (RT), intensive comparison therapy (ICT), or usual care (UC). RT and ICT consisted of three 1-hour treatment sessions per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment upper extremity motor function score at 12 weeks relative to baseline. Secondary outcomes included the Wolf Motor Function Test and the Stroke Impact Scale. Results. A total of 127 participants were randomized: 49...
Childhood memory and self-description in young Chinese adults: the impact of growing up an only child.

This study examined the relationship between self-description and childhood memory in 255 Chinese young adults. Ninety-nine participants were from only child families and 156 had siblings. All participants completed two questionnaires: a version of the Twenty Statements Test of Kuhn and McPartland (Kuhn, M.H., McPartland, T.S., 1954. An empirical investigation of self-attitudes. American Sociological Review 19, 68-76) eliciting self-descriptions, and an instrument asking for earliest and other childhood memories. Based on theories positing a relationship between autobiography and the organization of the self, we predicted differences on both measures between only- and sibling-child participants. Findings indicated that compared with sibling children, only children had more private and fewer collective self-descriptions, earlier first memories, more specific and more self-focused memories. In addition, autobiographical measures were influenced by cohort, gender, preschool attendance, and urban/rural family effects. Findings are discussed in terms of literature on autobiography, the self and childhood in China.
Quantal fluctuations and invariant operators for a general time-dependent harmonic oscillator

Abstract The connection between quantal fluctuations and invariant operators for a general time-dependent oscillator is discussed. The ground state of the invariant operator is explicitly displayed. The use of this invariant is illustrated with a simple derivation of the generalized Wigner distribution function for its ground state.
Names should mean what, not where

Naming is a fundamental issue in distributed systems that is growing in importance as the number of directly accessible systems and resources grows to the point that it is difficult to discover the names of files or objects of interest. Based upon our recent experience building a system that combines the ideas of location and naming we propose a naming architecture called content names that is a departure from a traditional tree structured hierarchy. In a content name system a name can include a description of what a user seeks in addition to where an interesting file or object might be found. Our experience with an implementation of content names in a Semantic File System suggests that they will be widely applicable to future distributed system architectures. In addition to our own experience, we have observed a trend towards content names in new distributed services, such as the Archie system and the Automount daemon. We discuss how a Semantic File System can be used to implement content names and examine its feasibility in the context of a USENET publishing system.
Novel quinonediimines derived from amino acid-like structures 2: Characterization and DFT computational study of N,N′-bis(4′-l-phenylalaninyl)-1,4-quinonediimine

Abstract Density functional calculations were performed on N,N′-bis(4′- l -phenylalaninyl)-1,4-quinonediimine, a novel substituted aniline “trimer.” This is the second reported symmetric quinonediimine with outer rings derived from amino-acid related structures, the first of which derived from an unmodified, naturally occurring amino acid. Results of the calculations were compared to experimental properties of the herein synthesized trimer. The calculated HOMO levels for isomers of the title compound range from −6.0423 to −6.0178 eV, and the LUMO levels from −3.1794 to −3.1772 eV. The calculated electron affinities range from 2.1509 to 2.1554 eV. The LUMO level is lowest for the syn isomer, and the electron affinity greatest in magnitude for the anti isomer. Compared to the widely-studied amino-capped aniline trimer N,N′-bis(4′-aminophenyl)-1,4-quinonediimine, the title compound has lower LUMO levels and greater electron affinity in both the emeraldine base or emeraldine dihydrochloride (salt) form, suggesting that it might be even more effective in corrosion control applications. Because the outer rings are derived from amino-acid related structures, such molecules, particularly as capping groups for polyanilines, could find use in biomedical applications.
Bayes' formula holds for fuzzy events

Proper evaluation of evidence from multiple sources is often difficult, especially when some or all of that evidence is ill-defined. A combination of traditional probabilistic methods and fuzzy set theory provides a way to combine such evidence in a statistically meaningful manner. This paper shows that appropriate versions of Bayes' Theorem apply to fuzzy events.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes in hollow fiber chambers

Hepatocyte culture may represent an alternative to the use of animals to study drug detoxification by the liver. An ideal in vitro system should closely mimic the in vivo environment by providing continuous media perfusion and oxygenation, and should facilitate sampling of cells and culture media. To meet these criteria, a hollow fiber bioreactor seeded with isolated rat hepatocytes was developed and tested by measuring the formation of three products of the oxidative metabolism of diazepam and the glucuronidation of phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP). To compare the performance of conventional monolayer culture to that of the bioreactor system, diazepam metabolism was studied for 45 days in both systems. The oxygen dependency of diazepam metabolism was evaluated by perfusing the bioreactor in an oxygen-rich atmosphere (30%). Total diazepam metabolism was twofold higher in the O2-rich perfused hollow fiber cultures than in the cultures perfused under normal conditions, reflecting an increase in temazepam and oxazepam production. Diazepam detoxification activity was significantly enhanced by oxygen (P≤0.001) over the life of the perfused cultures. PSP metabolism was similar in all three culture systems. By Day 10, diazepam metabolism in the oxygenated bioreactor system was 44% of the in vivo activity of rat hepatocytes. This activity dropped to 30% by Day 25 of culture. These results justify the use of perfused culture systems for in vitro detoxification studies as an alternative to animal use and emphasize the capacity of a culture device perfused under O2-enriched conditions to maintain long-term P450 activity of rat hepatocytes.
CAMAC Based Computer-Computer Communications via Microprocessor Data Links

Communications between the central control computer and remote, satellite data acquisition/control stations at The Clinton P. Anderson Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) is presently accomplished through the use of CAMAC based Data Link modules. With the advent of the microprocessor, a new philosophy for digital data communications has evolved. Data Link modules containing microprocessor controllers provide link management and communication network protocol through algorithms executed in the Data Link microprocessor.
User-led decentralized thermal comfort driven HVAC operations for improved efficiency in office buildings

Abstract Thermal comfort is one of the main driving factors in defining the operational settings of HVAC systems, and it greatly impacts energy efficiency in buildings. Lack of information about human related variables results in using unrepresentative operational settings, which in turn could bring about low efficiency in HVAC operations. In this paper, the implementation and evaluation of a framework that integrates building occupants’ personalized thermal profiles into the HVAC control logic is presented. The framework enables occupants to communicate their preferences for indoor thermal conditions through a user interface, leveraging a participatory sensing approach. The framework learns occupants’ comfort profiles, using a fuzzy predictive model, and controls the HVAC system using a complementary control strategy, which enables the framework to be implemented in existing centrally controlled HVAC systems with minimum intrusion. Evaluation of the framework in a real building setting showed user comfort improvement. Moreover, the results showed a 39% reduction in daily average airflow when the HVAC system conditions the rooms at occupants’ desired temperatures. Airflow is proportional to the energy consumption of HVAC system components. Consequently, the implementation of the framework shows improvements in the efficiency of the HVAC system's performance for centrally controlled office buildings.
On subsystem codes beating the quantum Hamming or Singleton bound

Subsystem codes are a generalization of noiseless subsystems, decoherence-free subspaces and stabilizer codes. We generalize the quantum Singleton bound to q -linear subsystem codes. It follows that no subsystem code over a prime field can beat the quantum Singleton bound. On the other hand, we show the remarkable fact that there exist impure subsystem codes beating the quantum Hamming bound. A number of open problems concern the comparison in the performance of stabilizer and subsystem codes. One of the open problems suggested by Poulin9s work asks whether a subsystem code can use fewer syndrome measurements than an optimal q -linear maximum distance separable stabilizer code while encoding the same number of qudits and having the same distance. We prove that linear subsystem codes cannot offer such an improvement under complete decoding.
Detection of antibodies to ovine lentivirus using a recombinant antigen derived from the env gene

Summary The Western blot assay was performed to characterize antibodies to the transmembrane glycoprotein (TGP) of ovine progressive pneumonia virus (OPPV) by using glutathione-S-transferase-TGP (GST-TGP) protein. The GST-TGP protein was efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and was highly immunoreactive in the Western blot assay. This assay detected antibodies in 97% (103/106) of the sera from agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID) positive OPP animals. Like human AIDS patients, antibodies to TGP appear to be one of the major serological markers in OPP infected animals.
Bayes estimation with spherically symmetric, convex loss

It is desired to estimate a parameter with the loss function of the formL(θ, a)=W(‖θ−a‖), where is convex, differentiable, and non-decreasing. With this structure a characterization of Bayes estimators is given. Also it is noted that if the sample space, , for the observation,X, is a complete separable metric space then a Bayes estimator exists.
Surface wave excitation of a dieletric slab by a Yagi-Uda slot array antenna

This paper presents a microstrip fed Yagi-Uda slot array antenna as a new method of surface wave excitation in a dielectric slab. Construction of the antenna is compatible with planar fabrication technology. Measurements of input return loss, front-to-back ratio, and surface wave power distribution are presented.
Principle and practicality

Abstract The allocation and recovery of costs related to electronic public access to government information represent important and controversial public policy issues. Policy makers must carefully balance the goal of widespread public access by electronic means with the need to sustain the infrastructure that makes such access possible. The paper argues that policies with the stated objective of promoting low- or no-cost electronic access, but which do not allow for adequate cost recovery, will retard the development of robust electronic public access systems. Based on a case study in Washington State, the paper discusses the need to distinguish between the content and delivery of government-held information, to allow agencies to charge user fees as a cost-recovery alternative, and to employ safeguards which ensure that such fees do not inhibit the goals of public access.
Elemental measurements with an X-ray microprobe of biological and geological samples with femtogram sensitivity

Abstract An X-ray microprobe has been developed to measure the concentration and spatial distribution of many elements quickly and simultaneously with a beam spot size of less than 10 μm × 10 μm. This instrument uses a pair of multilayer coated concave spherical mirrors arranged in the Kirkpatrick-Baez geometry to focus the beam. The fluorescent X-rays from the sample are detected with a Si(Li) detector. Samples are scanned in a raster manner to create one- or two-dimensional maps of elemental concentrations. Since samples are not under vacuum, a wide variety of samples can be scanned. Femtogram sensitivities for trace elements from K to Zn can be achieved in a 60 s counting time.
Generation of high intensity broad-bandwidth light for inertial confinement fusion

Abstract It is suggested that three-wave parametric flourescence in optically anisotropic crystals, e.g. KDP, may be used to generate high intensity (⩾ 1 GW/cm3), broad-bandwidth ( Δλ λ ⩽5–10%) light with small divergence (⩽100 μrad) in the near infrared to midvisible spectral regions. Larger fractional bandwidths and shorter wavelengths may be achieved by modification of crystal optical properties and harmonic conversion or sum frequency generation, respectively.
Noise sustained propagation: local versus global noise

We expand on prior results on noise supported signal propagation in arrays of coupled bistable elements. We present and compare experimental and numerical results for kink propagation under the influence of local and global fluctuations. As demonstrated previously for local noise, an optimum range of global noise power exists for which the medium acts as a reliable transmission ``channel.'' We discuss implications for propagation failure in a model of cardiac tissue, and present a general theoretical framework based on discrete kink statistics. Valid for generic bistable chains, the theory captures the essential features observed in our experiments and numerical simulations.
Transport of cholesterol in thoracic duct lymph and serum of rhesus monkeys fed cholesterol with various food fats

Abstract Rhesus monkeys were fed cholesterol with several food fats for 3, 10 and 30 days. After cannulation of the thoracic duct, lymph and serum were collected and fractionated into various lipoprotein classes in the preparative ultracentrifuge. It was found that in serum with high cholesterol levels the major increases in cholesterol were carried by low density lipoproteins. The amount of cholesterol in high density lipoproteins on the other hand decreased in the hypercholesterolemic animals. In lymph the chylomicron fraction transported most of the cholesterol. Slight variations in cholesterol content of different lipoprotein fractions in both lymph and serum were noted depending on the type of food fat fed. Recently absorbed cholesterol, as determined by radioactive methods after feeding tritiated cholesterol, was present in thoracic duct lymph more as cholesterol ester after the ingestion of corn oil, but more as free cholesterol after the ingestion of coconut oil. A hypothesis is proposed which suggests that the form in which absorbed cholesterol reaches the blood circulation from thoracic duct lymph may to some extent alter its subsequent metabolism.
A Monte Carlo Newton—Raphson procedure for maximizing complex likelihoods on pedigree data

Abstract The Monte Carlo Newton–Raphson (MCNR) method is an iterative procedure that can be used to approximate the maximum of a likelihood function in situations where direct likelihood computation is infeasible because of the existence of unmeasured variables, missing data, or measurement error. We describe the method in the context of pedigree analysis, where genotypes are unmeasured. Parameter values are set to an initial estimate of the MLE and are repeatedly updated using the following three steps: (1) A Monte Carlo Markov chain procedure such as the Gibbs sampler is used to generate multiple samples of genotypes at the current parameter values, (2) the genotype samples are used to estimate the score (gradient) and observed information matrix (Hessian), and (3) the estimated gradient and Hessian are used in a standard Newton–Raphson step to obtain updated parameter values. The resulting sequence of parameter values converges to a neighborhood of the MLE, then varies randomly around it. The parameter values that are generated after convergence are averaged to provide an approximation to the MLE, and an additional set of genotype samples can then be obtained and used to approximate standard errors of the estimates. We present simulation studies indicating that MCNR provides close approximations to the MLE in several standard genetic models. We also apply the method to an analysis of high-density lipids (HDL) in the Berkeley data set (Austin et al., 1988. Amer. J. Hum. Genet. 43, 838–846), showing evidence that the expression of HDL depends on a dominant major gene and an interaction between this gene and body mass index.
AVALIAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE DAS ÁGUAS SUPERFICIAIS DO RIO JAMARI NA REGIÃO DA CONSTRUÇÃO DE UMA PCH NO MUNICÍPIO DE MONTE NEGRO-RONDÔNIA, AMAZÔNIA OCIDENTAL

With the construction of a SHP (small hydro) in the course of the Jamari River in the town of Monte Negro RO becomes important monitoring of surface waters of the Rio Jamari to assess your current situation during the process of implementing the SHP to subsequently assess the impact caused the river by construction. The present paper has aimed at the evaluation of the water quality of the Rio Jamari, evaluating standards physico-chemical, microbiological, phytoplankton and ichthyoplankton, where after evaluating all the parameters generated up the WQI (Water Quality Index), which was between 68-79%, assessed at four points in the course of the river, indicating a good quality water, within the parameters of evaluable IQA. The values ZAN et al., v(8), no 8, p. 1876-1888, SET-DEZ, 2012. Rev. Elet. em Gestao, Educacao e Tecnologia Ambiental (e-ISSN: 2236-1170) http://cascavel.ufsm.br/revistas/ojs-2.2.2/index.php/reget 1877 obtained were considered satisfactory in view of the Jamari River is a river that has suffered a lot from the process of deforestation in the region, deploying mines and plantations.
A super resolution technique for clinical multislice CT

Increasing the spatial resolution of current multislice clinical CT system is always desirable. However, further resolution improvement by reducing the pixel pitch or the aperture of the detector elements is difficult because of the tradeoff between the pixel size and dose level. In this paper, we demonstrate a methodology for improving spatial resolution of a clinical multislice CT without reducing the detector element size. The flying focal spot (i.e. electron beam wobbling) technique is used to increase the data sampling rate for in-plane (x-y) and z-axis scan acquisitions. In order to reduce the number of focal spot positions to achieve a certain spatial resolution, a super resolution technique using projections onto convex sets (POCS) is applied here to improve projection raw data sampling with reduced number of focal spot positions. The results indicate that it is possible to significantly increase spatial resolution on current multislice clinical CT systems without reducing the detector element size. In absence of noise, super resolution algorithms employing iterative regularization, such as POCS, can reduce the required number of focal spot positions. Thus, technical requirements on the multislice CT systems, such as rotation time and number of projections per rotation, can be much relaxed. However, noise reduction methods and methods of reducing projections per rotation, such as compressed sensing, are needed to work with super resolution technique to keep the radiation exposure from exceeding the current limit of clinical multislice CT.
Early Detection of Aluminum Corrosion via "Turn-on" Fluorescence in Smart Coatings

Abstract In the present work we describe the successful application of spiro[1 H -isoindole-1,9′-[9 H ]xanthen]-3(2 H )-one, 3′,6′-bis(diethylamino)-2-[(1-methylethylidene)amino](“FD1”) as a “turn-on” early aluminum corrosion detector in epoxy coatings. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and 1 H NMR investigations have revealed that the non-fluorescent FD1 is sensitive to low pH due to its acid-catalyzed hydrolysis to Rhodamine B hydrazide (RBH) that subsequently becomes protonated to its fluorescent ring-opened form. Both clear and filled FD1-containing smart epoxy coatings were capable of sensing acidic pH produced at the anodic site of localized aluminum corrosion at a low indicator concentration (0.5 wt%), which was demonstrated by the observation of fluorescent, bright-orange areas corresponding to localized pitting corrosion of the aluminum substrate illuminated by a handheld UV lamp. Therefore, early corrosion of aluminum can be easily and nondestructively detected via our “turn-on” fluorescence strategy.
Biomedical applications of tetrazine cycloadditions.

Disease mechanisms are increasingly being resolved at the molecular level. Biomedical success at this scale creates synthetic opportunities for combining specifically designed orthogonal reactions in applications such as imaging, diagnostics, and therapy. For practical reasons, it would be helpful if bioorthogonal coupling reactions proceeded with extremely rapid kinetics (k > 103 M–1 s–1) and high specificity. Improving kinetics would minimize both the time and amount of labeling agent required to maintain high coupling yields. In this Account, we discuss our recent efforts to design extremely rapid bioorthogonal coupling reactions between tetrazines and strained alkenes.These selective reactions were first used to covalently couple conjugated tetrazine near-infrared-emitting fluorophores to dienophile-modifed extracellular proteins on living cancer cells. Confocal fluorescence microscopy demonstrated efficient and selective labeling, and control experiments showed minimal background fluorescence. Multis...
Effect of N-(n-butyl)-1,3-diaminopropane on polyamine metabolism, cell growth and sensitivity to chloroethylating agents.

The effects of N-(n-butyl)-l,3-diaminopropane (BDAP) on cell growth and polyamine content were examined in L1210, SV-3T3 and HT-29 cells. In all cases, BDAP was a specific and highly effective inhibitor of spermine synthesis, and spermine levels were greatly suppressed in the presence of 50/LM BDAP. At the same time, there was a parallel increase in spermidine, which equalled or exceeded the fall in spermine so that total polyamine levels were not reduced. Cell growth was not affected in short-term experiments but culture of L1210 cells for 72-144 hr in the presence of BDAP did lead to an effect on growth that was reversed by the addition of spermine. These results suggest that, in the short term, a normal growth rate is maintained by spermidine but that a function or cellular component critically dependent on spermine becomes depleted at longer times. BDAP was a weak inducer of spermidine/spermine-Nl-acetyltransferase and this enzyme may be responsible for excretion or degradation of the inhibitor. The reduction of spermine produced by BDAP led to a substantial increase in the activity of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) showing that the repression of this enzyme by spermine is greater than the repression by spermidine. Although higher concentrations were required, BDAP was as effective an inhibitor of spermine synthesis as the mechanism-based inhibitor, S-adenosyl-l,12-diamino-3-thio-9-azadodecane (AdoDATAD), and produced similar decreases in spermine and increases in AdoMetDC. Prior treatment of HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells with BDAP increased the killing by chloroethylating agents but to a much smaller extent than the increase brought about by the DNA repair inhibitor, O6-benzylguanine. The effect of BDAP is likely to be due to an increased interaction of chloroethylating drugs with nuclear DNA in the absence of spermine since BDAP treatment sensitized cells even in the presence of O6-benzylguanine, which prevents repair of these lesions.
Surface Topology on the Wheels of a Generic Four-Wheel Landing Gear

The analysis of shear stress lines in surface oil flow can provide attachment and separation characteristics on three-dimensional configurations about which flowfield data are often difficult or time consuming to acquire. This technique, in conjunction with mean surface pressure data, was utilized to determine the surface topology on a fore and aft wheel of a generic four-wheel landing gear model. Tests were performed at a Reynolds number of 6 × 10 5 based on wheel diameter. Because noise is produced when fluid attaches to or separates from a surface, the detailed analysis highlights regions on the wheels where further investigation may be warranted. The surface characteristics on the wheels determined in this study correlate well with the mean flowfield data acquired in a previous study. A relationship is hypothesized between observed changes in the state of separation on the ground side of the fore wheel in the present study, with the changing streamwise location of a midwheel vortex discovered in a previous study
Reform, Rescue, or Run Out of Money?: Problem Definition in the Social Security Reform Debate

This study examines the extent and consequences of press independence in the realm of problem definition. Beginning with an experiment, the analysis shows that many of the words and phrases used in...
Extracellular Ca2+ ions reduce NMDA receptor conductance and gating

Brief intracellular Ca(2+) transients initiate signaling routines that direct cellular activities. Consequently, activation of Ca(2+)-permeable neurotransmitter-gated channels can both depolarize and initiate remodeling of the postsynaptic cell. In particular, the Ca(2+) transient produced by NMDA receptors is essential to normal synaptic physiology, drives the development and plasticity of excitatory central synapses, and also mediates glutamate excitotoxicity. The amplitude and time course of the Ca(2+) signal depends on the receptor's conductance and gating kinetics; these properties are themselves influenced both directly and indirectly by fluctuations in the extracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Here, we used electrophysiology and kinetic modeling to delineate the direct effects of extracellular Ca(2+) on recombinant GluN1/GluN2A receptor conductance and gating. We report that, in addition to decreasing unitary conductance, Ca(2+) also decreased channel open probability primarily by lengthening closed-channel periods. Using one-channel current recordings, we derive a kinetic model for GluN1/GluN2A receptors in physiological Ca(2+) concentrations that accurately describes macroscopic channel behaviors. This model represents a practical instrument to probe the mechanisms that control the Ca(2+) transients produced by NMDA receptors during both normal and aberrant synaptic signaling.