cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disruption of Iron Homeostasis as a Mechanism of Biologic Effect by Ambient Air Pollution Particles

Several features of the clinical presentation and changes in physiology and pathology following exposure to many diverse ambient air pollution particles are comparable, suggesting a common mechanism for their biological effect. We propose that a mechanism of biological effect common to many ambient air pollution particles is a disruption of iron homeostasis in cells and tissues. Among traits shared by every particle-related lung injury is the introduction of a solid-liquid interface into the respiratory tract. All surfaces of particulate matter have some concentration of oxygen-containing functional groups. As a result of its electropositivity, Fe(3+) has a high affinity for oxygen-donor ligands and will react with these groups at the particle surface. Retained particles accumulate metal from available sources in a cell and tissue, and this complexed iron mediates oxidant generation. In addition to complexation onto the solid-liquid interface provided by the surface of particulate matter (PM), there are several alternative pathways by which metal homeostasis in the lower respiratory tract can be disrupted following exposure to ambient air pollution particles to affect an oxidative stress. Evidence suggests that disruption in iron homeostasis following exposures to ambient air pollution particles is an initial event in their biological effect. An association between metal equilibrium in the lower respiratory tract and biological effect in the lung could explain the observed differential toxicity of ultrafine, fine, and coarse particles and disparities in host susceptibility.
Nominal, ordinal, and narrative appraisal in macrocausal analysis

Macrocausal analysis is often characterized as following only a single strategy of causal inference. In fact, however, at least three different techniques are used: nominal, ordinal, and narrative strategies of causal assessment. Focusing on recent works of comparative history, this article presents an evaluation of the strengths and limitations of each strategy. In addition, it considers the trade‐offs involved in combining two or more strategies. Finally, the article discusses the role of scholarly tastes and skills, the research question, and ongoing research cycles in shaping the methodological approach selected by investigators.
Predator interference alters foraging behavior of a generalist predatory arthropod.

Interactions between predators foraging in the same patch may strongly influence patch use and functional response. In particular, there is continued interest in how the magnitude of mutual interference shapes predator–prey interactions. Studies commonly focus on either patch use or the functional response without attempting to link these important components of the foraging puzzle. Predictions from both theoretical frameworks suggest that predators should modify foraging efforts in response to changes in feeding rate, but this prediction has received little empirical attention. We study the linkage between patch departure rates and food consumption by the hunting spider, Pardosa milvina, using field enclosures in which prey and predator densities were manipulated. Additionally, the most appropriate functional response model was identified by fitting alternative functional response models to laboratory foraging data. Our results show that although prey availability was the most important determinant of patch departure rates, a greater proportion of predators left enclosures containing elevated predator abundance. Functional response parameter estimation revealed significant levels of interference among predators leading to lower feeding rates even when the area allocated for each predator was kept constant. These results suggest that feeding rates determine patch movement dynamics, where interference induces predators to search for foraging sites that balance the frequency of agonistic interactions with prey encounter rates.
The ribonuclease Dis3 is an essential regulator of the developmental transcriptome

Dis3 is ribonuclease that acts directly in the processing, turnover, and surveillance of a large number of distinct RNA species. Evolutionarily conserved from eubacteria to eukaryotes and a crucial component of the RNA processing exosome, Dis3 has been shown to be essential in yeast and fly S2 cells. However, it is not known whether Dis3 has essential functions in a metazoan. This study inquires whether Dis3 is required for Drosophila development and viability and how Dis3 regulates the transcriptome in the developing fly. Using transgenic flies, we show that Dis3 knock down (Dis3KD) retards growth, induces melanotic tumor formation, and ultimately results in 2nd instar larval lethality. In order to determine whether Dis3KD fly phenotypes were a consequence of disrupting developmentally regulated RNA turnover, we performed RNA deep sequencing analysis on total RNA isolated from developmentally staged animals. Bioinformatic analysis of transcripts from Dis3KD flies reveals substantial transcriptomic changes, most notably down-regulation in early expressed RNAs. Finally, gene ontology analysis of this early stage shows that Dis3 regulates transcripts related to extracellular structure and remodelling, neurogenesis, and nucleotide metabolism. We conclude that Dis3 is essential for early Drosophila melanogaster development and has specific and important stage-specific roles in regulating RNA metabolism. In showing for the first time that Dis3 is required for the development of a multicellular organism, our work provides mechanistic insight into how Dis3—either independent of or associated with the RNA processing exosome—participates in cell type-specific RNA turnover in metazoan development.
“Crithidia Factor”— A New Member of the Folic Acid Group of Vitamins*

SUMMARY. A new growth factor which is more active than folic acid for the trypanosomid parasite of mosquitoes, Crithidia fasciculata, was partially purified. This factor is synthesized in relatively high concentration by Ochromonas and is an impurity in some commercial preparations of purine ribosides. Crithidia factor is tentatively identified as a polysubstituted pteridine which may be the pteridine actually involved in the biosynthesis of functional folic acid.
Development of a portable deflectometry system for high spatial resolution surface measurements

The Slope-Measuring Portable Optical Test System (SPOTS) is a new, portable, high-resolution, deflectometry device that achieves mid to high (20 to 1000 cyc/m) spatial frequency optical surface metrology with very little filtering and very little noise. Using a proof of concept system, we achieved 1 nm RMS surface accuracy for mid to high spatial frequencies, and 300 nrad RMS slope precision. SPOTS offers a turnkey solution for measuring errors on a wide variety of optical surfaces including the large mirrors fabricated at The University of Arizona. This paper defines and discusses SPOTS, including the principles of operation, measurement modes, design, performance, error analysis, and experimental results.
Preparation of CuNbO3 and CuTaO3 at high pressure

Abstract CuNbO3 and CuTaO3 have been prepared for the first time. It is interesting that phases of this composition apparently cannot be obtained except at high pressures. CuTaO3 appears to be isotypic with LiNbO3 whereas CuNbO3 was found to be monoclinic. Both CuTaO3 and CuNbO3 are semiconductors.
Success breeds success: Authorship distribution in the red Journal, 1975-2011

Purpose Publication analysis has value in evaluating the mechanics of academic efforts in specific scientific communities. The specific aim of this study was to evaluate whether established bibliometric patterns seen in other academic fields were likewise observed in radiation oncology publication parameters. Methods and Materials We used a commercial bibliographic database to analyze all publications in Red Journal, or International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics (IJROBP), the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO), and Radiology (Rad) between January 1, 1975 and May 18, 2011. Power-law (Lotka's law or 1/n 2 ) conformance was assessed. Curve fit analysis was then performed. Results In all 4 journals, a total of 219,476 authors were responsible for 62,232 articles. Of those, 79,810 authors published 13,772 articles in IJROBP, with 79,446/16,707 authors/articles in NEJM, 106,984/11,920 authors/articles in JCO and 90,325/19,745 authors/articles in Rad. The mean ± standard deviation of authors per publication was 5.74 ± 4.61 overall. There were 5.8 ± 3.53, 4.8 ± 5.7, 8.9 ± 3.53, and 4.6 ± 2.8 authors per article in IJROBP, NEJM, JCO, and Rad, respectively ( P 2.02 of those publishing 1 article in IJROBP, 1/n 2.52 in NEJM, 1/n 1.97 in JCO, and 1/n 2.16 in Rad. Conclusions Bibliometric analysis shows that authorship distributions in IJROBP approximate those of the scientific literature in comparable scientific journals. Our results suggest that the majority of publications in the field of radiation oncology are produced by a small but highly productive group of authors.
Asymmetric behavior induced by enkephalinergic agents in the basal ganglia

Abstract The caudate-putamen (CDp) and the globus pallidus (GP) are sites rich in both leucine (LEU) and methionine-enkephalin (MET-ENK) and in ENK receptors. Since chemical and electrolytic lesions of the CDp and GP result in a reduction in ENKs and their receptors and in motor asymmetry, there may be a role for CDp and GP ENKs in rotational behavior and bodily asymmetry. To test this possibility, various doses of D-ALA-2-LEU-ENK-, D-ALA-2-MET-ENK, naloxone and naltrexone were injected into the CDp and GP through chronically implanted cannulae. The injections of MET and LEU-ENK caused dose-dependent ipsiversive rotations while injections of naloxone and naltrexone caused contraversive rotations. All of the drug injections also caused bodily asymmetries which were in the same direction as the circling. Intraperitoneal injections of naloxone dose-dependently blocked the rotational behavior induced by the most effective dose of the ENKs used. ENK injections into sites adjacent to the CDp and GP (i.e., cortex, nucleus accumbens and the region bordering the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the bed nucleus of anterior commissure) failed to produce any significant circling. These results clearly suggest that CDp and GP ENKs cause ipsiversive rotational behavior and bodily asymmetry and must be considered as one element of the control exerted by the basal ganglia over the motor system.
BINARY TOMOGRAPHY ON THE HEXAGONAL GRID USING GIBBS PRIORS

The problem of reconstructing a binary image (usually an image in the plane and not necessarily on a Cartesian grid) from a few projections translates into the problem of solving a system of equations which is very underdetermined and leads in general to a large class of solutions. It is desirable to limit the class of possible solutions, by using appropriate prior information, to only those which are reasonably typical of the class of images which contains the unknown image that we wish to reconstruct. One may indeed pose the following hypothesis: If the image is a typical member of a class of images having a certain distribution, then by using this information we can limit the class of possible solutions to only those which are close to the given unknown image. This hypothesis is experimentally validated for the specific case of a class of binary images defined on the hexagonal grid, where the probability of the occurrence of a particular image of the class is determined by a Gibbs distribution and reconstruction is to be done from the three natural projections. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 9, 126–131, 1998
Ventriloquism: The Central Role of an Immigrant’s Own Group Members in Negotiating Ambiguity in Identity

Situated at the crossroads of cultures, an immigrant’s identity is filled with ambiguity. Humans frequently make use of intolerant strategies (e.g. prejudice) to construct clarity artificially out of an ambiguous identity. Although the locus of intolerance is often associated with the dominant group, complementing Verkuyten and de Wolf’s (2002) focus on minority group members, it is argued here that immigrants themselves can be sources of immigrant-oriented intolerance. In explanation of this in-group prejudice, the metaphor of ventriloquism is offered, showing how immigrants may assign the intolerance they feel for their own ambiguity to the ambiguity in fellow group members, in order to clarify (artificially) their own identity.
Test of the potential of a dATP surrogate for sequencing via MALDI-MS

1-(2'-Deoxy-beta-d-ribofuranosyl)-3-nitropyrrole phosphate was incorporated into a DNA decamer and analyzed via matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The extent and composition of the various fragment peaks were compared with those in the MALDI-MS spectrum of dT4AT5. The nitropyrrole-containing oligomer proved to be more robust. Two different DNA template assays were then used to attempt to identify DNA replicating enzymes that would incorporate the corresponding triphosphate, i.e. 1-(2'-deoxy-beta-d-ribofuranosyl)-3-nitropyrrole triphosphate (dXTP). It was shown that dXTP was not incorporated by some enzymes and it inhibited others. However, DNA polymerase I Klenow fragment and avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase incorporated dXTP in place of dATP and then replicated the template overhang in the usual way. The potential of dXTP as a surrogate for dATP in DNA sequencing with MALDI-MS analysis is discussed.
Guidance to design grain boundary mobility experiments with molecular dynamics and phase-field modeling

Abstract Quantitative phase-field modeling can play an important role in designing experiments to measure the grain boundary (GB) mobility. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is employed to determine the GB mobility using Cu bicrystals. Two grain configurations are considered: a shrinking circular grain and a half-loop grain. The results obtained from the half-loop configuration approach asymptotically to that obtained from the circular configuration with increasing half-loop width. We then verify the phase-field model by direct comparison to the MD simulation results, obtaining excellent agreement. Next, this phase-field model is used to predict the behavior in a common experimental setup that utilizes a half-loop grain configuration in a bicrystal to measure the GB mobility. With a 3-D simulation, we identify the two critical times within the experiments to reach an accurate value of the GB mobility. We use a series of 2-D simulations to investigate the impact of the notch angle on these two critical times. We also show that if the notch does not have a sharp tip, it may immobilize the GB migration indefinitely. Finally, we demonstrate that our approach for the quarter-loop configuration eliminates some disadvantages of the half-loop.
Estimating fertiliser demand

The availability of improved data will determine whether the search for new methodologies, which are more accurate than present ones for determining fertiliser demand, is successful. The author briefly reviews various ways of estimating fertiliser demand and emphasises the need for analysts to make clear the assumptions and limitations of the methods used which may influence their value to policy makers.
Role of tyrosine kinase signaling in endothelial cell barrier regulation

Phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine acts as a reversible and specific trigger mechanism, forming or disrupting regulatory connections between proteins. Tyrosine kinases and phosphatases participate in multiple cellular processes, and considerable evidence now supports a role for tyrosine phosphorylation in vascular permeability. A semipermeable barrier between the vascular compartment and the interstitium is maintained by the integrity of endothelial monolayer, controlling movement of fluids, macromolecules and leucocytes. Barrier function is regulated by the adjustment of paracellular gaps between endothelial cells (ECs) by two antagonistic forces, centripetal cytoskeletal tension and opposing cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion forces. Both cytoskeletal filaments and adhesion sites are intimately linked in complex machinery which is regulated by multiple signaling events including protein phosphorylation and/or protein translocation to specific intracellular positions. Tyrosine kinases occupy key positions in the mechanism controlling cell responses mediated through various cell surface receptors, which use tyrosine phosphorylation to transduce extracellular signal.
Planning and financial issues: a session presented at CCMS/XII St. Louis, March 1985

It's a real pleasure, for someone that's been in the computer business as long as I have, to finally see some things happening that were predicted back in the very early days of computing.
From single case to database: A new method for enhancing psychotherapy, forensic, and other psychological practice

Abstract This article proposes a new model for knowledge generation in applied and professional psychology—the pragmatic case study (PCS) method. Drawing from both psychology's traditional, quantitative and alternative, qualitative approaches, the PCS method involves the creation of systematic, peer-reviewed case studies (in all areas of applied psychology) that follow D. Peterson's “disciplined inquiry” epistemological model. The studies would be organized into “journal-databases” that combine (a) individual studies; (b) articles that address epistemological, theoretical, methodological, logistical, economic, political, and ethical issues in the PCS method; and (c) substantive cross-case analyses of groups of individual cases already published in the database. To lay out the proposal's arguments, the article begins by setting forth relevant historical and philosophical context, and then examines a possible set of initial methodological guidelines for ensuring rigorous quality in each case study. Next the PCS method's value in creating new and useful applied knowledge is demonstrated for two areas: psychotherapy efficacy research and forensic psychology. Finally, the implications of the present proposal are explored. Throughout, the emphasis is on creating an integrative, pragmatic alternative for gaining new useful knowledge in our discipline.
Random laser thresholds in cw and pulsed regimes

We analyze the system of rate equations that, according to our previous studies, adequately describes the behavior of neodymium random lasers. We show that random lasers, in which a noticeable fraction of spontaneous emission goes to lasing modes, have different threshold behavior than regular lasers. We also demonstrate that although the dynamics of stimulated emission in random lasers is strongly dissimilar in different pumping regimes, the threshold energy remains constant, equal to the product of the cw threshold power and the spontaneous emission lifetime $\ensuremath{\tau}$, if the pumping pulse is much shorter than $\ensuremath{\tau}$. The results of the study suggest that one can compare the performance of random lasers in different operation regimes and use a cw approximation (with some restrictions) in an analysis of thresholds of pulsed random lasers.
Reciprocal occupancy of BCL6 and STAT5 on Growth Hormone target genes: Contrasting transcriptional outcomes and promoter-specific roles of p300 and HDAC3

Expression of the Growth Hormone (GH)-stimulated gene Socs2 (Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 2) is mediated by the transcription activator STAT5 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5) and the transcription repressor BCL6 (B-Cell Lymphoma 6). ChIP-Sequencing identified Cish (Cytokine-Inducible SH2-containing protein) and Bcl6 as having similar patterns of reciprocal occupancy by BCL6 and STAT5 in response to GH, though GH stimulates Cish and inhibits Bcl6 expression. The co-activator p300 occupied Socs2, Cish and Bcl6 promoters, and enhanced STAT5-mediated activation of Socs2 and Cish. In contrast, on Bcl6, p300 functioned as a repressor and inhibited in conjunction with STAT5 or BCL6. The co-repressor HDAC3 (Histone deacetylase 3) inhibited the Socs2, Cish and Bcl6 promoters in the presence of STAT5. Thus transcriptional outcomes on GH-regulated genes occupied by BCL6 and STAT5 are determined in a promoter-specific fashion by co-regulatory proteins which mediate the distinction between activating and repressive transcription factors.
Does "Bettering Our Condition" Really Make Us Better Off? Adam Smith on Progress and Happiness

Adam Smith is almost certainly history's most famous advocate of commercial society, but he frankly admits that the relentless pursuit of wealth is a major obstacle to tranquility and contentment and hence that, at first glance, the higher living standards that people “enjoy” in commercial society seem to come only at the cost of their happiness. I argue that the solution to this apparent paradox can be found in Smith's account of the positive political effects of commerce: dependence and insecurity are the chief obstacles to happiness and have been the hallmarks of most of human history, and so the alleviation of these ills in commercial society constitutes a great step forward. Money really cannot buy happiness, but the liberty and security that commercial societies tend to provide help to assuage the greatest sources of misery.
Heterogeneity in vascular smooth muscle cell embryonic origin in relation to adult structure, physiology, and disease

Regional differences in vascular physiology and disease response exist throughout the vascular tree. While these differences in physiology and disease correspond to regional vascular environmental conditions, there is also compelling evidence that the embryonic origins of the smooth muscle inherent to the vessels may play a role. Here, we review what is known regarding the role of embryonic origin of vascular smooth muscle cells during vascular development. The focus of this review is to highlight the heterogeneity in the origins of vascular smooth muscle cells and the resulting regional physiologies of the vessels. Our goal is to stimulate future investigation into this area and provide a better understanding of vascular organogenesis and disease. .
Noninvasive Estimation of Global Activation Sequence Using the Extended Kalman Filter

A new algorithm for 3-D imaging of the activation sequence from noninvasive body surface potentials is proposed. After formulating the nonlinear relationship between the 3-D activation sequence and the body surface recordings during activation, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is utilized to estimate the activation sequence in a recursive way. The state vector containing the activation sequence is optimized during iteration by updating the error variance/covariance matrix. A new regularization scheme is incorporated into the “predict” procedure of EKF to tackle the ill-posedness of the inverse problem. The EKF-based algorithm shows good performance in simulation under single-site pacing. Between the estimated activation sequences and true values, the average correlation coefficient (CC) is 0.95, and the relative error (RE) is 0.13. The average localization error (LE) when localizing the pacing site is 3.0 mm. Good results are also obtained under dual-site pacing (CC = 0.93, RE = 0.16, and LE = 4.3 mm). Furthermore, the algorithm shows robustness to noise. The present promising results demonstrate that the proposed EKF-based inverse approach can noninvasively estimate the 3-D activation sequence with good accuracy and the new algorithm shows good features due to the application of EKF.
Texas Biology and Biological Anthropology Faculty Express Their Views on Teaching Evolution

Unsurprisingly, survey results indicate that Texas biology and biological anthropology faculty with expertise in an evolutionary area strongly support teaching “just evolution” (100%; N = 54) and not creationism/intelligent design. Importantly, they do not think that religious faith is incompatible with acceptance of evolutionary biology (91%; N = 55), even though 50% (N = 52) describe themselves as “not at all religious.” As school boards nationwide debate science standards, it is important that faculty with relevant expertise have a voice. Biological anthropologists should not be overlooked as a public resource in these debates.
Language comprehension warps the mirror neuron system

Is the mirror neuron system (MNS) used in language understanding? According to embodied accounts of language comprehension, understanding sentences describing actions makes use of neural mechanisms of action control, including the MNS. Consequently, repeatedly comprehending sentences describing similar actions should induce adaptation of the MNS thereby warping its use in other cognitive processes such as action recognition and prediction. To test this prediction, participants read blocks of multiple sentences where each sentence in the block described transfer of objects in a direction away or toward the reader. Following each block, adaptation was measured by having participants predict the end-point of videotaped actions. The adapting sentences disrupted prediction of actions in the same direction, but (a) only for videos of biological motion, and (b) only when the effector implied by the language (e.g., the hand) matched the videos. These findings are signatures of the MNS.
The ketogenic diet reverses gene expression patterns and reduces reactive oxygen species levels when used as an adjuvant therapy for glioma.

Background: Malignant brain tumors affect people of all ages and are the second leading cause of cancer deaths in children. While current treatments are effective and improve survival, there remains a substantial need for more efficacious therapeutic modalities. The ketogenic diet (KD) - a high-fat, low-carbohydrate treatment for medically refractory epilepsy - has been suggested as an alternative strategy to inhibit tumor growth by altering intrinsic metabolism, especially by inducing glycopenia. Methods: Here, we examined the effects of an experimental KD on a mouse model of glioma, and compared patterns of gene expression in tumors vs. normal brain from animals fed either a KD or a standard diet. Results: Animals received intracranial injections of bioluminescent GL261-luc cells and tumor growth was followed in vivo. KD treatment significantly reduced the rate of tumor growth and prolonged survival. Further, the KD reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in tumor cells. Gene expression profiling demonstrated that the KD induces an overall reversion to expression patterns seen in non-tumor specimens. Notably, genes involved in modulating ROS levels and oxidative stress were altered, including those encoding cyclooxygenase 2, glutathione peroxidases 3 and 7, and periredoxin 4. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that the KD improves survivability in our mouse model of glioma, and suggests that the mechanisms accounting for this protective effect likely involve complex alterations in cellular metabolism beyond simply a reduction in glucose.
New and Emerging Therapies for Sepsis

OBJECTIVE:To review the recent advances related to the pathophysiology of sepsis and the rationale for recombinant human-activated protein C (drotrecogin alfa) and other antisepsis agents currently in Phase III trials.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE (1990–December 2001) search was performed to identify pertinent literature on the pathophysiology of sepsis and treatment strategies. The search was supplemented with AdisInsight (Adis International) using the search terms sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock combined with agents in Phase II or higher clinical development. Abstracts presented at infectious diseases and critical care meetings were also reviewed.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Clinical efficacy studies were selected for drotrecogin alfa and other Phase III investigational agents.DATA SYNTHESIS:Our current understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis underscores the contribution of increased coagulation and diminished fibrinolytic activity working in conjunction with an excessive and dysregulated ...
Evaluating Axial Elastic Pile Response from Cone Penetration Tests (The 2009 Michael W. O'Neill Lecture)

AbstractAxial pile performance can be rationally evaluated within an elastic continuum framework using field results from seismic piezocone tests (SCPTu). Adopting a versatile Randolph-type elastic pile model, the approach can be applied to either traditional top down loading using an anchored reaction beam or the newer Osterberg cell that simultaneously pushes the base and shaft in opposite directions. The axial load distribution within the shaft is also evaluated. For site-specific data at a given site, the SCPTu is an optimal means for collection of subsurface information because it combines penetrometer readings and downhole geophysics in one sounding. The results obtained are at opposite ends of the stress-strain-strength curves, specifically the peak strength for capacity interpretations and the small-strain stiffness (Emax) for evaluating the initial deformations. Axial pile capacity can be analyzed using both direct and indirect CPT methods. As such, the approach allows for a complete representati...
Audio-Visual Speaker Localization Using Graphical Models

In this work we propose an approach to combine audio and video modalities for person tracking using graphical models. We demonstrate a principled and intuitive framework for combining these modalities to obtain robustness against occlusion and change in appearance. We further exploit the temporal correlations that exist for a moving object between adjacent frames to account for the cases where having both modalities might still not be enough, e.g., when the person being tracked is occluded and not speaking. Improvement in tracking results is shown at each step and compared with manually annotated ground truth.
Analysis and compensation of Dead-time effect in multi-level diode clamped VSI based on simplified SVPWM

This study describes a detailed analysis and uniform compensation of dead-time effect in three-phase multi-level (N≥3) diode clamped voltage source inverter (DCVSI). To prevent a short circuit in the dc-link, a switching delay time is needed to insert into pulse width modulation (PWM) signals. Due to the dead time, the waveform of output current emerges distortion and increases total harmonic distortion (THD). Dead time compensation is necessary to optimize current distortion and reduce THD. Through analysis of dead time effect, deviations of voltage vectors caused by dead time effect are dependent on the direction of output currents. The voltage distortion increases harmonic components of output voltage and decreases control performance. Combined with the characteristics of simplified SVPWM, in order to avoid determining the direction of output currents, an approximate compensation method for dead time effect is suggested. The value of dead time is adjusted on-line by the value of corresponding phase current. The deviation of voltage vectors caused by dead time effect is directly compensated to three phase reference voltages. This dead time compensation method is suitable to multi-level DCVSI. Simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme can effectively improve the sinusoidal waveform and phase offset of the output current. The algorithm is simple to understand and easy to digital realization.
Key studies used to support cancer risk assessment questioned

This paper reassessed studies conducted under the leadership of Drosophila geneticist Curt Stern which played a pivotal role in the acceptance of the linear dose-response model by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation (BEAR) I Committee and the subsequent generalization of their recommendations on the linearity dose-response paradigm for ionizing radiation and chemically induced cancer. The analysis finds serious concerns and flaws in important aspects of these experiments, their assessment, and interpretation. Of particular concern was the failure of Stern’s group to provide the necessary and promised experimental documentation to support the findings of three critical summarized experiments published as a brief technical note in Science. While this analysis questions the validity of the reported findings and their interpretations, it raises an even more serious concern about the process by which leaders in the radiation genetics community accepted such findings without requiring the necessary documentation and then used this information to support the acceptance of the linear dose-response in public policy matters as affected by risk assessment practices that have continued to the present. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. :000–000, 2011. V V C 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
FEATURE EXTRACTION IN CHARACTER RECOGNITION WITH ASSOCIATIVE MEMORY CLASSIFIER

A pattern recognition system mainly contains two functional parts, i.e. feature extraction and pattern classification. The success of such a system depends on not only the effectiveness of each of them, but also their operation in concert. The feature extraction process in a traditional recognition system has two major tasks, namely, to extract deformation invariant signals and to reduce data. When a neural network is used as a pattern classifier, however, an alteration in these basic objectives is needed. In particular, the consideration of data reduction will be replaced by that of the suitability of feature vectors to the neural network. In this paper, feature extraction algorithms in character recognition have been designed based on these principles. The improvements made by these algorithms have been demonstrated in a series of experiments which justify such a change in the fundamental objectives of the feature extraction process when an associative memory classifier is used.
Neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes compared with non-diabetic twins.

To compare neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with gestational diabetes (GDM) and preexisting diabetes with non-diabetic twin pregnancies. US birth data from 2006 to 2009 was used to compare twin pregnancies of 16 562 GDM and 2137 preexisting diabetic with 258 857 non-diabetic twin gestations. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated to assess effects of GDM and preexisting diabetes on neonatal outcomes. Twin pregnancies with GDM vs non-diabetic twin pregnancies demonstrated decreased 5-min Apgar scores <4 (aOR 0.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–0.94), fewer births before 32 weeks gestation (aOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.68–0.76), decreased birth weight less than the tenth percentile (aOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.81–0.89) and fifth percentile (aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.81–0.89) and a trend toward lower rates of neonatal death (aOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.68–1.02). Certain adverse outcomes in pregnancies with GDM may be attenuated in twin gestations; however, further investigation is warranted.
Perhydrolase-nanotube paint composites with sporicidal and antiviral activity.

AcT (perhydrolase) containing paint composites were prepared leading to broad-spectrum decontamination. AcT was immobilized onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and then incorporated into latex-based paints to form catalytic coatings. These AcT-based paint composites showed a 6-log reduction in the viability of spores of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis (Sterne) within 60 min. The paint composites also showed >4-log reduction in the titer of influenza virus (X-31) within 10 min (initially challenged with 10 7 PFU/mL). AcT-based paint composites were also tested using various perhydrolase acyl donor sub- strates, including propylene glycol diacetate (PGD), glycer- yl triacetate, and ethyl acetate, with PGD observed to be the best among the substrates tested for generation of peracetic acid and killing of bacillus spores. The operational stability of paint composites was also studied at different relative humidities and temperatures to simulate real-life operation.
Complexity reduction of biochemical networks

This paper discusses two broad approaches for reducing the complexity of large cellular network models. The first approach involves exploiting conservation and time-scale separation and allows the dimension of the model to be significantly reduced. The second approach involves identifying subnetworks that carry out well defined functions and replacing these with simpler representations. Examples include identification of functional subnetworks such as oscillators or bistable switches and replacing these with a simplified mathematical construct. This enables complex networks to be rationalized as a series of hierarchical modules and greatly simplifies our ability to understand the dynamics of complex networks.
Wound healing of endosteal vitreous carbon implants in dogs

Endosteal vitreous carbon implants are biocompatible and were well-tolerated by the alveolar process of dogs but were not accepted by the gingival margin and the mucosa. A continuous gingival recession with 2 to 3 mm sulcus depth was not similar to that around adjacent natural teeth. There was no epithelial attachment around the neck of vitreous carbon implants, and there was very little or no resistance to probing. The feasibility of using vitreous carbon as it presently exists for the maintenance and preservation of alveolar bone is unfavorable and should be revised. Endosteal vitreous carbon implants require more intense laboratory and clinical studies. Therefore, the practical value of the vitreous carbon implant is questionable, and further investigations are needed before vitreous carbon can be declared acceptable in clinical dental practice.
Relational Systems How Older Women With Chronic Health Problems Construct Close Relationships

Close relationships are important throughout life, but their dynamics may change as chronic health conditions permeate the lives of older women. To understand how older women (N = 36) manage their close relationships, this study was guided by two research questions: How do older women with chronic health conditions define meaningful relationships? How do older women negotiate intimacy loss and challenges that accompany changes in their health and abilities? The women completed the social convoy diagram and responded to open-ended questions where they discussed the importance of close relationships. How women defined their most meaningful relationships and negotiated intimacy loss and challenges involved the intersection of four interacting processes: biological, structural, cultural, and symbolic. These intersections, or relational systems, sometimes facilitated, and other times hindered, the women’s ability to cope with limitations they associated with their chronic health problems. The authors discuss i...
Development of Equity Derivative Markets in Emerging Asia

Amid benign monetary policy in mature market countries and high liquidity-induced demand, lower risk premia have encouraged risk diversification of alternative asset classes outside the scope of conventional investment. The development of derivative markets in emerging economies plays a special role in this context as more institutional money is managed on a global mandate, with more and more capital being dedicated to emerging market equity. The following paper reviews the recent development of equity derivative markets in Emerging Asia and discusses future challenges in areas of cash market liquidity, trading infrastructure as well as legal and regulatory frameworks based on a set of principles for the capital market development of derivatives.
Intersubjective Voices: The Role of the “Theorist”

Let us assume that meaning-making is not just a conceptual activity but a dialogical one, taking place in unmediated speech communication. Meaning-making becomes an intersubjective process occurring between us as we talk and listen to the voice of others and of self; as we try to figure out who we are, what we should do or have done, and how we relate with others. I expand on the perspective outlined above and explore its impact on the theorist role. I suggest the theorist is no longer a single expert voice but many participant-expert voices. The role shifts from one of conceptualizing experience to a reflexive study of how we create meaning intersubjectively in our language communities.
Abstract W P232: High Sodium Diet Did Not Increase Peripheral Blood Pressure in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Introduction: The impairment of Ca2+ homeostasis has been connected to the deleterious effect of abnormal beta-amyloid (Ab) on the calcium sensing receptors (CaSR) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Elevated extracellular Ca2+ can also induce relaxation of arteries and prevent the development of hypertension. Change in ionic strength reduces the effect of CaSR agonists, such as Ab, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis. Na+ gradient also increase ionic strength and may regulate Ca2+ homeostasis through CaSR and Na+/Ca2+ antiporter exchange to affect blood pressure. In non-pathological conditions, the elevation of Na+ gradient through high-sodium diet is considered as a reason for imbalance of Na+/Ca2+, and one of the several causes of hypertension and cardiovascular complications. However, the effect of Na+ gradient on AD patients is unclear. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that in AD the increase of Na+ gradient diminishes the Ab ability on activation of CaSR and does not induce the hypertension. Method: We examined the effect of Na+ load on the arterial blood pressure in double transgenic mice harboring Ab precursor protein (APPswe), and presenilin-1 (PSEN1) as mouse model of AD (10-20 weeks, 25-30g). Wild type littermates were used as controls. Four groups: Control + low sodium diet (n=6); Control + high sodium diet (n=12); APP + low sodium diet (n=12); APP + high sodium diet (n=12) were tested for both systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP) and diastolic arterial blood pressure (DAP). Mice were fed a low- (0.08% NaCl) or a high-sodium (4% NaCl) diet for 3 months. Heart rate and SAP and DAP were measured noninvasively using tail blood pressure measurement device after 3 months. Results: Compared with mice fed standard diet (0.08% NaCl), mice fed high sodium diet showed markedly elevated SAP and DAP (134±4.8 compared with 162±2.8 mmHg, and 114±5.0 compared with 137±20 mmHg) (p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in both SAP and DAP between APP mice fed standard (0.08% NaCl) and high-sodium (4% NaCl) diet. SAP and DAP in elevated Aβ mouse were not affected by high dietary levels of sodium. Conclusion: Data from this AD model suggest that APP transgenic mice is resistant to high sodium-induced increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Degree and Length of Viremia in Adults with Measles

Measles viremia is thought to peak at onset of rash and diminish rapidly over the subsequent 2-3 days. The length of viremia and the proportion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) infected during measles were investigated in 8 adults. Blood was obtained from 7 patients between days 2 and 4 of rash. Five patients had repeat specimens obtained on day 6 or 7, and 1 patient had samples taken on days 6 and 10. Limiting dilutions of PBMC were cultivated with cord blood PBMC and stimulated with phytohemagglutinin. Virus was identified by syncytia formation and confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. Virus was isolated from all 8 patients. Four of 6 patients were still viremic at day 6 or 7 of rash. Titers ranged from 3 to 5623 TCID50/10(5) PBMC. Adults with measles may have prolonged viremia, and a large proportion of PBMC may be infected.
Kinetic Effects of Toluene Blending on n-Decane Diffusion Flame Extinction Limit

Understanding of the impact of kinetic and transport coupling on the combustion characteristics for alkane and aromatics blended fuels is of great importance to construct a reliable surrogate fuel model for JP-8 fuels. The diffusion flame structures and extinction limits of n-decane/toluene/nitrogen mixtures were studied experimentally and computationally through the use of counterflow diffusion flames with nitrogen dilution. The impact of toluene addition to n-decane on the extinction limit, OH distribution, and maximum heat release were investigated. The results showed that as the toluene blending ratio was increased, the extinction strain rate decreased significantly. It was also found that the extinction limit depends linearly on the radical pool for the blended fuels. Planar laser induced fluorescence measurements of OH showed that the maximum concentration of OH found experimentally was more sensitive to toluene addition than found in numerical computations. The maximum chemical heat release rate showed that CO + OH → CO2 + H was one of the dominant exothermic reaction pathways, indicating that the extinction limits are strongly coupled with OH concentration. Numerical simulations demonstrated that the radical pool decreased, particularly the OH and H concentration via abstraction reactions of toluene, led to rapid approach to the extinction limits. The extinction strain rate of the blended fuels was analyzed and based on the variation of the radical pool concentration, which can be represented by the H/C ratio of blended fuels.
Conserved Phenylalanine Residues Are Required for Blue-Shifting of Cyanobacteriochrome Photoproducts

Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs) are cyanobacterial photosensory proteins distantly related to phytochromes. Both phytochromes and CBCRs reversibly convert between dark-stable and photoproduct states upon photoisomerization of their linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophores. While most phytochromes convert between a red-absorbing dark state and a far-red-absorbing photoproduct, CBCRs exhibit spectral responses spanning the entire near-ultraviolet and visible spectrum. For example, red/green CBCRs such as AnPixJ and NpR6012g4 exhibit a red-absorbing dark state similar to that of phytochrome, but photoconversion yields a green-absorbing photoproduct. “Teal-DXCF” CBCRs convert from blue- or green-absorbing dark states to yield photoproducts with very narrow absorption in the teal region of the spectrum (approximately 500 nm). The recent determination of a crystal structure of AnPixJ in its red-absorbing dark state led to the proposal that movement of a Trp residue (the “lid Trp”) upon photoconversion would allow ...
Coproduction: Issues in Implementation

Research on coproduction—the involvement of citizens in the provision o municipal services-has been decidedly positive, emphasizing the considerable advantages of this model for both urban governme...
Internet on the edge

We take broadband Internet access for granted sometimes, because it's all around us-- at our work, in our homes, at restaurants and coffee shops. But what if you need to provide broadband access out to the middle of a field through a tree line and hundreds of meters away from any buildings or utilities? What if you only have a few weeks to develop a solution and put it into production? How can we create a solution that will support a moving target? This paper describes how we provided Internet and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service to a group of researchers who were testing autonomous robotic vehicles on the grounds of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) by using commercially available wireless products and a few scraps of wood.