cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SLC30A10 Is a Cell Surface-Localized Manganese Efflux Transporter, and Parkinsonism-Causing Mutations Block Its Intracellular Trafficking and Efflux Activity

Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal, but elevated cellular levels are toxic and may lead to the development of an irreversible parkinsonian-like syndrome that has no treatment. Mn-induced parkinsonism generally occurs as a result of exposure to elevated Mn levels in occupational or environmental settings. Additionally, patients with compromised liver function attributable to diseases, such as cirrhosis, fail to excrete Mn and may develop Mn-induced parkinsonism in the absence of exposure to elevated Mn. Recently, a new form of familial parkinsonism was reported to occur as a result of mutations in SLC30A10. The cellular function of SLC30A10 and the mechanisms by which mutations in this protein cause parkinsonism are unclear. Here, using a combination of mechanistic and functional studies in cell culture, Caenorhabditis elegans, and primary midbrain neurons, we show that SLC30A10 is a cell surface-localized Mn efflux transporter that reduces cellular Mn levels and protects against Mn-induced toxicity. Importantly, mutations in SLC30A10 that cause familial parkinsonism blocked the ability of the transporter to traffic to the cell surface and to mediate Mn efflux. Although expression of disease-causing SLC30A10 mutations were not deleterious by themselves, neurons and worms expressing these mutants exhibited enhanced sensitivity to Mn toxicity. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanisms involved in the onset of a familial form of parkinsonism and highlight the possibility of using enhanced Mn efflux as a therapeutic strategy for the potential management of Mn-induced parkinsonism, including that occurring as a result of mutations in SLC30A10.
Methodological issues in prediction of treatment outcome.

Abstract Behavioral therapists are increasingly interested in identifying clients who fail to improve from their treatment. Behavioral researchers who know who fails in treatment, and why, are better able to modify their treatment regimes effectively and to delineate critical variables for matching clients to the most suitable treatment program. Unfortunately, progress in this type of research has been hampered by a number of common methodological problems. In this paper we review such problems and make a number of suggestions for future prediction research.
Pion radiotherapy at LAMPF

Clinical investigations of pi meson radiotherapy were conducted by the Cancer Research and Treatment Center of the University of New Mexico and the Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1974 until 1982. Two hundred and thirty patients have been treated for a variety of locally advanced primary and metastatic neoplasms. One hundred and ninety-six patients have been followed for a minimum of 18 months. Crude survival data range from 11% for unresectable pancreatic carcinoma to 82% for Stages C and D1 adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Acute tolerance of normal tissues is approximately 4500 pion rad in 36 fractions over 7 weeks. Severe chronic reactions have appeared with increasing frequency after doses in excess of 4000 pion rad.
Comparative calculations of electron-swarm properties in N2 at moderate E/N values

The recently developed density gradient and multiterm spherical harmonic expansion technique for the numerical solution of the electron Boltzmann equation is evaluated by comparison of results with those obtained using the conventional two-term spherical harmonic technique and using the Monte Carlo technique. Comparisons are made of electron energy distributions, transport coefficients, and excitation coefficients for electrons in ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ at moderate electric-field to gas-density ratios $\frac{E}{N}$ where the large cross section for vibrational excitation leads to significant errors when conventional solutions of the Boltzmann equation are used. The $\frac{E}{N}$ values were varied from (1 - 200)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}21}$ V ${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$, corresponding to mean electron energies from 0.3 to 5 eV. The first two terms of the density-gradient expansion are used. As the number of terms $n$ in the spherical harmonic expansion is increased from the conventional two terms to $n\ensuremath{\ge}4$, the spherically symmetric component of the electron energy distribution and the transport and excitation coefficients become independent of $n$ and close to results obtained from the Monte Carlo calculation. The errors resulting from the use of two spherical harmonics at $\frac{E}{N}=7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}20}$ V ${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$, for example, are approximately 1, 5, and 30% for the drift velocity, the transverse diffusion coefficient, and the electronic excitation coefficients, respectively. For the lower $\frac{E}{N}$ values the errors in the transport coefficients are approximately proportional to an energy-loss-per-collision parameter. The variation of the coefficients of the lower-degree terms in the spherical-harmonic expansion with $n$ is examined through a comparison with an analytical solution of the Boltzmann equation for a model atom valid in the case of low $\frac{E}{N}$ and high electron energies. Monte Carlo techniques are used to show that the effects of electrodes are negligible for the conditions of recent measurements of electron excitation coefficients in ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$.
Folding of an all-helical Greek-key protein monitored by quenched-flow hydrogen-deuterium exchange and NMR spectroscopy.

To advance our understanding of the protein folding process, we use stopped-flow far-ultraviolet (far-UV) circular dichroism and quenched-flow hydrogen–deuterium exchange coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to monitor the formation of hydrogen-bonded secondary structure in the C-terminal domain of the Fas-associated death domain (Fadd-DD). The death domain superfamily fold consists of six α-helices arranged in a Greek-key topology, which is shared by the all-β-sheet immunoglobulin and mixed α/β-plait superfamilies. Fadd-DD is selected as our model death domain protein system because the structure of this protein has been solved by NMR spectroscopy, and both thermodynamic and kinetic analysis indicate it to be a stable, monomeric protein with a rapidly formed hydrophobic core. Stopped-flow far-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that the folding process was monophasic and the rate is 23.4 s−1. Twenty-two amide hydrogens in the backbone of the helices and two in the backbone of the loops were monitored, and the folding of all six helices was determined to be monophasic with rate constants between 19 and 22 s−1. These results indicate that the formation of secondary structure is largely cooperative and concomitant with the hydrophobic collapse. This study also provides unprecedented insight into the formation of secondary structure within the highly populated Greek-key fold more generally. Additional insights are gained by calculating the exchange rates of 23 residues from equilibrium hydrogen–deuterium exchange experiments. The majority of protected amide protons are found on helices 2, 4, and 5, which make up core structural elements of the Greek-key topology.
Species shifts in response to climate change: Individual or shared responses?1,2

Abstract Individual species are expected to shift their distributions in response to global climate change. Species within existing communities may respond to climate change individualistically, resulting in the formation of novel communities, or may instead shift as intact communities. We examined whether montane plant communities in the northeastern United States have shifted their elevational range as intact assemblages or individualistically in response to recent regional climatic and environmental change. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to examine changes in plant community composition and species distributions using vegetation surveys repeated five times between 1964 and 2006 across an elevational gradient (549–1158 m) on Camels Hump Mountain, Vermont, USA, in conjunction with an analysis of local climate change. We found evidence that species elevational distributions and community compositions have shifted in response to a 0.49 °C per decade warming. These species responses were...
An evaluation of MRI contrast in the uterus using synthetic imaging.

Using a 1.5-T system, we investigated the contrast in MR images of the uterus using a synthetic imaging program that was capable of producing images with TR values of 20 to 10220 ms and TE values of 1 to 511 ms. Synthetic images were calculated from images obtained on six normal women of reproductive age. The synthesized uterine images were essentially indistinguishable from acquired images with the same TR and TE parameters. Cervical and uterine anatomy could be clearly differentiated in synthetic images with a TE = 80 ms when the TR was as low as 100 ms. We conclude that the zonal anatomy of the uterus can be demonstrated using TR values that are much lower than those usually used for demonstrating uterine anatomy. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
Planar Measurement Technique for Compressible Flows Using Laser-Induced Iodine Fluorescence

A unified laser-induced fluorescence technique for conducting planar measurements of temperature, pressure and velocity in nonreacting, highly compressible flows has been developed, validated and demonstrated. Planar fluorescence from iodine, seeded into air, was induced by an argon-ion laser and collected using a liquid-nitrogen cooled CCD camera. In the measurement technique, temperature is determined from the fluorescence induced with the laser operated broad band. Pressure and velocity are determined from the shape and position of the fluorescence excitation spectrum which is measured with the laser operated narrow band. The measurement approach described herein provides a means of obtaining accurate, spatially-complete maps of the primary flow field parameters in a wide variety of cold supersonic and transonic flows.
A high-speed, tunable silicon photonic ring modulator integrated with ultra-efficient active wavelength control

We report the first complete 10G silicon photonic ring modulator with integrated ultra-efficient CMOS driver and closed-loop wavelength control. A selective substrate removal technique was used to improve the ring tuning efficiency. Limited by the thermal tuner driver output power, a maximum open-loop tuning range of about 4.5nm was measured with about 14mW of total tuning power including the heater driver circuit power consumption. Stable wavelength locking was achieved with a low-power mixed-signal closed-loop wavelength controller. An active wavelength tracking range of > 500GHz was demonstrated with controller energy cost of only 20fJ/bit.
Clinical safety of magnetic resonanceimaging early after coronary artery stent placement

AbstractObjectives: Our aim was to examine the rate of adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) <8 weeks after coronary stent placement.Background: The risk of...
Abelian gauge structure inside nonabelian gauge theories

Abstract We show that the inclusion of topological lagrangians in nonabelian gauge theories introduces certain topologically nontrivial abelian background fields in the configuration space of these theories. In particular, the θ-term and the topological mass term lead, respectively, to a vortex and a monopole in gauge orbit space in 3 + 1 and 2 + 1 dimensions. The identification of the theta -vacuum effect with a kind of Bohm-Aharonov effect in gauge-orbit space motivates a discussion on the possibility of solving the strong CP problem dynamically.
Dual models and the geometry of space-time

The zero slope limit of the closed string sector of a dual model yields a Lagrangian theory in which space-time has a non-Riemannian geometry. We find that there is torsion but no homothetic curvature.
Evaluation of four-dimensional nonbinary LDPC-coded modulation for next-generation long-haul optical transport networks

Leveraging the advanced coherent optical communication technologies, this paper explores the feasibility of using four-dimensional (4D) nonbinary LDPC-coded modulation (4D-NB-LDPC-CM) schemes for long-haul transmission in future optical transport networks. In contrast to our previous works on 4D-NB-LDPC-CM which considered amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise as the dominant impairment, this paper undertakes transmission in a more realistic optical fiber transmission environment, taking into account impairments due to dispersion effects, nonlinear phase noise, Kerr nonlinearities, and stimulated Raman scattering in addition to ASE noise. We first reveal the advantages of using 4D modulation formats in LDPC-coded modulation instead of conventional two-dimensional (2D) modulation formats used with polarization-division multiplexing (PDM). Then we demonstrate that 4D LDPC-coded modulation schemes with nonbinary LDPC component codes significantly outperform not only their conventional PDM-2D counterparts but also the corresponding 4D bit-interleaved LDPC-coded modulation (4D-BI-LDPC-CM) schemes, which employ binary LDPC codes as component codes. We also show that the transmission reach improvement offered by the 4D-NB-LDPC-CM over 4D-BI-LDPC-CM increases as the underlying constellation size and hence the spectral efficiency of transmission increases. Our results suggest that 4D-NB-LDPC-CM can be an excellent candidate for long-haul transmission in next-generation optical networks.
On a class of nonlinear time series models for biological population abundance data

A class of nonlinear time series models are developed based on the Ricker biological population abundance model. These models are useful in providing some description to aid understanding of the complex underlying population dynamics. They are proved to have some desirable probabilistic and statistical properties like geometric ergodicity and asymptotic stationarity. 'Conditional least squares' (CLS) is used to estimate the parameters of these models. Consistency and asymptotic normality of the CLS estimators are established. Tests of hypotheses for subsets of the parameters are examined. Simulation studies suggest that the asymptotic results are applicable to small samples. Finally, we apply the methodology to analyse two real data sets. One of these is the classic Canadian lynx data. One of the models developed fits the lynx data quite well and is parsimonious in that it involves estimation of only three parameters; as many as 24 parameters have been used.
Travel patterns to school among children with asthma.

Background. Active commuting to school provides regular exercise, which can improve asthma symptoms. Little is known about how children with asthma travel to school. Objective. To identify travel patterns and parental perceptions surrounding mode of travel to school among children with asthma. Methods. Cross-sectional study of 176 children with asthma aged 5 to 15 years. Parents completed questionnaires assessing mode of travel to school, physical activity, asthma control, physician counseling, and factors influencing parental decisions. Data analysis included descriptive and bivariate statistics. Results. Few (16%) children with asthma actively commute to school. Active travelers lived closer to school, and “distance” was the most frequently reported factor influencing a parent's decision regarding travel mode to school. Parents reported few concerns about pollution and little physician counseling on active travel. Conclusion. Few children with asthma actively travel to school. Asthma-specific concerns d...
Architectural issues for integration of sensing and acting modalities

The goals of this paper are twofold. First, we present our experiences with (1) fusion of vision, sonar, and contact sensory modalities in perceiving obstacles and targets, (2) arbitration of sensing and acting at reactive and deliberative levels, and (3) integration of asynchronous instruction taking and communication. Following a discussion of lessons learned we discuss architectural modules and issues that help standardize integration of sensor and acting modalities and solution across platforms. We have developed a robot assistant, which communicates in natural language and moves in a room using vision as its primary sensory mechanism. This system takes instruction from a supervisor to go to various agents in the room and follow them along to offer assistance. Our assistant uses a three tiered architecture which models: (a) knowledge representation and reasoning including natural language interactions, (b) routine interactions not explicitly controlled by the agent, and (c) reflexes. Our robotic assistant integrates (a) vision and sonar sensing in obstacle avoidance, (b) memory-based and reactive navigation (i.e., deliberative versus skill-based), (c) instruction taking and goal-driven behaviors, and (d) concurrent visual focusing behaviors.
Action Spectrum for Melatonin Regulation in Humans: Evidence for a Novel Circadian Photoreceptor

The photopigment in the human eye that transduces light for circadian and neuroendocrine regulation, is unknown. The aim of this study was to establish an action spectrum for light-induced melatonin suppression that could help elucidate the ocular photoreceptor system for regulating the human pineal gland. Subjects (37 females, 35 males, mean age of 24.5 +/- 0.3 years) were healthy and had normal color vision. Full-field, monochromatic light exposures took place between 2:00 and 3:30 A.M. while subjects' pupils were dilated. Blood samples collected before and after light exposures were quantified for melatonin. Each subject was tested with at least seven different irradiances of one wavelength with a minimum of 1 week between each nighttime exposure. Nighttime melatonin suppression tests (n = 627) were completed with wavelengths from 420 to 600 nm. The data were fit to eight univariant, sigmoidal fluence-response curves (R(2) = 0.81-0.95). The action spectrum constructed from these data fit an opsin template (R(2) = 0.91), which identifies 446-477 nm as the most potent wavelength region providing circadian input for regulating melatonin secretion. The results suggest that, in humans, a single photopigment may be primarily responsible for melatonin suppression, and its peak absorbance appears to be distinct from that of rod and cone cell photopigments for vision. The data also suggest that this new photopigment is retinaldehyde based. These findings suggest that there is a novel opsin photopigment in the human eye that mediates circadian photoreception.
Using checkpointing to recover from poor multi-site parallel job scheduling decisions

Recent research in multi-site parallel job scheduling leverages user-provided estimates of job communication characteristics to effectively partition the job across multiple clusters. Previous research addressed the impact of inaccuracies in these estimates on overall system performance and found that multi-site scheduling techniques benefit from these estimates, even in the presence of considerable inaccuracy. While these results are encouraging, there are many instances where these errors result in poor scheduling decisions that cause network over-subscription. This situation can lead to significantly degraded application runtime performance and turnaround time.In this paper, we explore the use of job checkpointing to selectively stop offending jobs in order to alleviate network congestion and subsequently restart them when (and where) sufficient network resources are available. We then characterize the conditions and the extent to which checkpointing improves overall performance. We demonstrate that checkpointing is beneficial even when the overhead of doing so is costly.
A Method of Edge Detection Combined by Discrete Information Entropy and Self -Organizing Map (SOM)

An edge detection method by combining image entropy and self -organizing map (SOM) is proposed in this paper. First, discrete information entropy is used to curve up the smooth region and the region of gray level abruptly changed. This can decrease the latter process. Then we transform the gray level image to ideal binary pattern of pixels. We define six classes' edge and six edge prototype vectors. These edge prototype vectors are fed into input layer of the self-organizing map (SOM). Classifying the type of edge through this network, the edge image is obtained. At last, the speckle edges are discarded from the edge image. Experimental results show that it gained better edge image compared with other edge detection methods.
Zoledronic Acid Reduces Osteoporotic Fractures and Ensures Medication Compliance for 1 Year

Practice PearlThis trial demonstrated the antifracture efficacy and overall safety of zoledronic acid, an intravenous bisphosphonate that guarantees medication compliance for the duration of its 1-year dosing interval.
Cooperative coevolution and univariate estimation of distribution algorithms

In this paper, we discuss a curious relationship between Cooperative Coevolutionary Algorithms (CCEAs) and univariate Estimation of Distribution Algorithms (EDAs). Specifically, the distribution model for univariate EDAs is equivalent to the infinite population EGT model common in the analysis of CCEAs. This relationship may permit cross-pollination between these two disparate fields. As an example, we derive a new EDA based on a known CCEA from the literature, and provide some preliminary experimental analysis of the algorithm.
Optimum doping profile for minimum ohmic resistance and high-breakdown voltage

The optimum doping profile of a lightly doped layer that introduces the minimum series resistance and sustains a given junction breakdown voltage is derived. The theory applies to a one-dimensional Schottky diode and qualitatively to the collector or drain doping profiles of transistors. The minimum series resistance is found to be about 3.7 × 10-9 V\min{B}\max{2.6} Ω.cm2for an n silicon layer. The optimum doping profile can be closely approximated by a conventional uniformly doped n-n+structure.
Neurofibromatosis type 1: a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Summary Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a relatively common inherited disorder. Patients have a high predisposition to develop both benign and malignant tumours. Although many manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 affect the nervous system, other organs and tissues can also be affected. Because of the varying features and clinical heterogeneity inherent to this disorder, patients can present to different medical and surgical specialists and, therefore, the association of clinical symptoms with neurofibromatosis type 1 might not be appreciated. Thus, for prompt diagnosis and to provide optimum care for patients with neurofibromatosis type 1, clinicians must be aware of the diverse clinical features of this disorder. We advocate a multidisciplinary approach to care, entailing a dedicated team of specialists throughout the lifetime of the patient. As our understanding of this disorder deepens through basic laboratory and clinical investigations, swift implementation of new effective treatments becomes feasible.
A fine balance--one-lung ventilation in a patient with Eisenmenger syndrome.

A 38-yr-old woman with an atrial septum defect and Eisenmenger syndrome was scheduled for a lung biopsy via thoracoscopy during one-lung ventilation. Fluids were given to increase central venous pressure to 8 mm Hg, an epidural catheter was inserted at the sixth thoracic intervertebral space and ropivacaine 0.3%, 6 ml were given. Careful balance of systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance is crucial in Eisenmenger syndrome, so norepinephrine (0.14 mg kg−1 min−1) was infused before general anaesthesia was started with fentanyl 4 mg kg−1, ketamine 2 mg kg−1, pancuronium 1 mg and succinylcholine 2 mg kg−1. Anaesthesia was maintained with propofol 4–8 mg kg−1 h−1. To control pulmonary artery pressure, ventilation was performed with oxygen 100% and nitric oxide 20 ppm. Surgery and anaesthesia course were uneventful and the patient was extubated. However, pleural haemorrhage required treatment with blood components, re-intubation on the second postoperative day and removal of the haematoma by mini-thoracotomy. A step-by-step approach using a balanced combination of regional and general anaesthesia, controlled fluid administration, norepinephrine and inhaled nitric oxide preserved a stable circulation even during one-lung ventilation. The diagnostic value of lung biopsy must be weighed against the possibility of life-threatening haemorrhage.
Mapping rabbit whisker barrels using discriminant analysis of high field fMRI data.

Abstract High field (> 4T) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques provide increased spatial resolution that enables the noninvasive, repeatable study of the sensory cortices at the level of their basic functional units. The examination of these units is important for studies of sensory information processing, learning- or experience-related brain plasticity, or the fundamental relationship between hemodynamic and neuronal activity. However functional units cannot always be distinguished from their surrounding areas by conventional activation mapping methods such as correlation or hypothesis tests, which only consider temporal variation within each individual voxel. We report a novel method to detect individual whisker barrels by using discriminant analysis to jointly characterize high order dependency among multiple voxels. Our results in the whisker barrel cortex of the awake rabbit indicate that the proposed method can differentiate reliably small clusters of activated voxels corresponding to individual whisker barrels within larger areas of functional activation, even in the case of adjacent whiskers in unanesthetized subjects. This method is computationally efficient, requires no specific experimental design for fMRI acquisition, and should be applicable to studies of other sensory systems.
An Auger electron spectroscopic study of the diffusion of sulfur and carbon in α-iron

Auger electron spectroscopy has been employed to study the diffusion of sulfur and carbon in α-iron. In the temperature range 25 to 500°C carbon preferentially segregates to the surface. From 400 to 700°C sulfur segregates to the surface while carbon is thermally desorbed. An Arrhenius analysis of the sulfur diffusion data yields an activation energy of 14.5 kcal/mol, which is consistent with a grain boundary diffusion process. The kinetics of carbon migration is complicated by the thermal desorption which makes Arrhenius analysis impossible.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: Diagnosis and treatment in the emergency department—a review of the literature and discussion of canalith-repositioning maneuvers

Dizziness is a frequent presenting complaint in emergency department patients. Although seen in patients of all ages, it is more prevalent in patients older than 50 years of age. Vertigo represents a subset of dizziness and is defined as an illusion of movement, usually rotational, of the patient or the patient's surroundings. The illusion of motion may be of oneself (subjective vertigo) or of external objects (objective vertigo). The emergency physician should consider a large differential in the evaluation of vertigo with special attention to whether the vertigo is central or peripheral in origin.
Discovering, Learning and Exploiting Relevance

In this paper we consider the problem of learning online what is the information to consider when making sequential decisions. We formalize this as a contextual multi-armed bandit problem where a high dimensional (D-dimensional) context vector arrives to a learner which needs to select an action to maximize its expected reward at each time step. Each dimension of the context vector is called a type. We assume that there exists an unknown relation between actions and types, called the relevance relation, such that the reward of an action only depends on the contexts of the relevant types. When the relation is a function, i.e., the reward of an action only depends on the context of a single type, and the expected reward of an action is Lipschitz continuous in the context of its relevant type, we propose an algorithm that achieves O(Tγ) regret with a high probability, where γ = 2/(1 + √2). Our algorithm achieves this by learning the unknown relevance relation, whereas prior contextual bandit algorithms that do not exploit the existence of a relevance relation will have O(T(D+1)/(D+2)) regret. Our algorithm alternates between exploring and exploiting, it does not require reward observations in exploitations, and it guarantees with a high probability that actions with suboptimality greater than e are never selected in exploitations. Our proposed method can be applied to a variety of learning applications including medical diagnosis, recommender systems, popularity prediction from social networks, network security etc., where at each instance of time vast amounts of different types of information are available to the decision maker, but the effect of an action depends only on a single type.
Determination of Free Fatty Acids and Triglycerides by Gas Chromatography Using Selective Esterification Reactions

A method for selectively determining both free fatty acids (FFA) and triacylglycerides (TAGs) in biological oils was investigated and optimized using gas chromatography after esterification of the target species to their corresponding fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). The method used acid catalyzed esterification in methanolic solutions under conditions of varying severity to achieve complete conversion of more reactive FFAs while preserving the concentration of TAGs. Complete conversion of both free acids and glycerides to corresponding FAMEs was found to require more rigorous reaction conditions involving heating to 120°C for up to 2 h. Method validation was provided using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method improves on existing methods because it allows the total esterified lipid to be broken down by FAMEs contributed by FFA compared to FAMEs from both FFA and TAGs. Single and mixed-component solutions of pure fatty acids and triglycerides, as well as a sesame oil sample to simulate a complex biological oil, were used to optimize the methodologies. Key parameters that were investigated included: HCl-to-oil ratio, temperature and reaction time. Pure free fatty acids were found to esterify under reasonably mild conditions (10 min at 50°C with a 2.1:1 HCl to fatty acid ratio) with 97.6 ± 2.3% recovery as FAMEs, while triglycerides were largely unaffected under these reaction conditions. The optimized protocol demonstrated that it is possible to use esterification reactions to selectively determine the free acid content, total lipid content, and hence, glyceride content in biological oils. This protocol also allows gas chromatography analysis of FAMEs as a more ideal analyte than glyceride species in their native state.
Comparison of the Bromsulphalein Method with Simultaneous Direct Hepatic Blood Flow

A method has been devised for directly measuring hepatic outflow in dogs so as to permit simultaneous comparison with the indirect method, employing the hepatic removal of Bromsulphalein (BSP). The results show that the indirect method averages 7.3 per cent higher than the direct. This difference is attributed to a small Degrees of extrahepatic removal of the dye.
Power aware memory system design for very deep submicron (vdsm) socs

Modern embedded system applications assign a significant portion of chip area to embedded memories. Due to the rising memory-processor performance gap, these memories play a crucial role in determining system performance. As process technology scales into the 45 nanometer domain, the problem gets aggravated by additional factors such as deep submicron noise, increased sensitivity to Process, Voltage and Temperature variations (PVTs) and exploding leakage power consumption. While many circuit level techniques address these Very Deep Sub Micron (VDSM) memory design challenges, their impact may not be fully realized unless they are considered at the system level during the design process. In addition, with critical time-to-market requirements faced by chip design vendors, an early application oriented design exploration through modeling is important. This dissertation provides insights and guidelines towards developing speed, power, and process variation aware memory system design. In this research, we develop architectural choices for system level memory configuration based on benchmark programs. We also develop system level modeling technique that integrates low level cache circuit analytical models with system level access information to provide early design choices for leakage and process variation aware memory design. Through analysis, we establish that using multi-port memory in L1 cache that supports high Instructions Per Cycle (IPC), and multi-banked, multi-array configurations for large L2 caches, achieves leakage power savings. Our analysis on various memory and architectural solutions in terms of throughput and power consumption based on a set of benchmark applications provides architectural choices for reducing the memory performance gap. We develop a system level modeling tool, CacheLeakage, that integrates a high level processor simulator and circuit level cache analytical model. At the system level, we use processor simulator, SimpleScalar, to obtain cache access statistics through benchmark program runs. For the cache memory model, we use both conventional and alternative circuit styles of memory cell, array configuration and peripheral circuits to compute the physical parameters for each stage, and derive equations that predict the access time, the power (with emphasis on leakage) and process variation. We improved CacheLeakage tool, by incorporating compact models for intra-die Vth and interconnect variations. The tool receives cache sizes, configurations (number of ports, line sizes, associativity), process technology information and leakage reduction techniques, and gives speed and power estimation for memory access. Combining speed and power estimation with the system level cache access information obtained through processor simulator, we have an overall assessment of access time/power of a given cache configuration used for an application processor, which also takes into consideration process variations. Such a tool can have a significant impact in SoC designs.
High-Level Event Detection in Spatially Distributed Time Series

This paper presents an approach for the detection of high-level events from spatially distributed time series. The objective is to detect spatially evolving high-level events as aggregate patterns of primitive events. The approach starts with a segmentation of time series into primitive events as building blocks for high-level events. A high-level event ontology is then used to specify the composition of high-level events of interest in terms of initiating, body forming, and terminating primitive events. We illustrate the approach first with simulated time series data to identify traffic congestion events and then with real data to identify storm events from sensor time series collected as part of an ocean observing system deployed in the Gulf of Maine. Detected storm events are compared against NCDC reported storm events as an evaluation of the approach.
Development of a Rapid Prototyping Controller-based Full-Authority Diesel Engine Controller

A rapid prototyping controller (RPC) based, full-authority, diesel control system is developed, implemented, tested and validated on FTP cycle. As rapid prototyping controller, dSPACE Autobox is coupled with a fast processor based slave for lower level I/O control and a collection of in-house designed interface cards for signal conditioning. The base software set implemented mimics the current production code for a production diesel engine. This is done to facilitate realistic and accurate comparison of production algorithms with new control algorithms to be added on future products. The engine is equipped with all the state-of-the art subsystems found in a modern diesel engine (common rail fuel injection, EGR, Turbocharger etc.).
NUCLEAR RESONANCE OF Nb$sup 93$ IN KNbO$sub 3$

The nuclear resonance of ${\mathrm{Nb}}^{93}$ in a single crystal of KNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ has been studied in magnetic fields of approximately 5000, 100, and zero oersteds, and at temperatures between -196\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and +460\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The quadrupole splitting of the magnetic resonance line in strong fields is found to be a sensitive function of crystal structure and, hence, of temperature. Temperatures of the phase transitions found in this way at about -50, +220, and +430\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C are in agreement with other known data for this substance. The splitting $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}$ of one satellite line is a continuous function of temperature between 220 and 430\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C; near 430\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}$ changes abruptly, indicating a first-order phase change. Below the Curie temperature (430\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C) KNb${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ is ferroelectric, with noncubic crystal structure. Above 430\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} it is cubic and a single resonance line is observed.Four lines have been identified in the pure quadrupole spectrum in zero magnetic field, and at 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. From the four frequencies the quadrupole coupling constant and asymmetry parameter are evaluated to be 23.1 Mc/sec and 0.80, respectively. At -196\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, the frequencies are different from the room temperature values, and the quadrupole coupling is evaluated to be 16.0 Mc/sec and the asymmetry parameter 0.0, the latter appropriate to the rhombohedral crystal structure at this temperature. The Zeeman effect in magnetic fields up to about 100 oersteds is shown to be an aid in identifying the absorption lines and in locating the principal axes of the crystalline electric field gradient. The value of the quadrupole coupling constant is consistent with the existence of a strong covalent character in the chemical bonding to the Nb.
WearWrite: Orchestrating the Crowd to Complete Complex Tasks from Wearables

Smartwatches are becoming increasingly powerful, but limited input makes completing complex tasks impractical. Our WearWrite system introduces a new paradigm for enabling a watch user to contribute to complex tasks, not through new hardware or input methods, but by directing a crowd to work on their behalf from their wearable device. WearWrite lets authors give writing instructions and provide bits of expertise and big picture directions from their smartwatch, while crowd workers actually write the document on more powerful devices. We used this approach to write three academic papers, and found it was effective at producing reasonable drafts.
733Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) faecium Bloodstream Infections and Mortality

– A retrospective review of medical records was performed from 2010-2013 of all VRE faecium bloodstream infections from individual patients at a single 900 bed teaching hospital in Detroit – 166 VRE faecium isolates, collected from 2010-2013, were evaluated – Identification and susceptibility of isolates was performed in the microbiology laboratory using Vitek 2 (bioMerieux, Durham, NC) – Baseline demographics and characteristics, risk factors, and therapeutic antibiotic regimens used were evaluated to assess 90-day all-cause mortality
The Galerkin formulation and the Hamilton-Ritz formulation: A comparison

The Galerkin Formulation and the Hamilton-Ritz Formulation: A Comparison. It is the purpose of this paper to show why the solutions to continuous systems, whether conservative or nonconservative, stationary or nonstationary, cannot be achieved from the Galerkin formulation by means of the simple power series with the simplicity now demonstrated in our published papers. Hamilton's law and Hamilton's principle are discussed. The Galerkin formulation is applied to the differential equation. The source of the differential equation is immaterial. The result is compared to the Ritz method applied to Hamilton's law which is called the Hamilton-Ritz formulation. The result clearly demonstrates why our direct analytical solutions for continuua, except for easily identifiable special cases, have not been and cannot be obtained through a correct, direct application of the Galerkin method.
Sterile Insect Release and the Natural Mating System of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

A field experiment was conducted to assess the mating competitiveness of sterile males of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in a natural population on Maui, HI. Systematic censuses of the study site were conducted before and after the release of marked sterile flies (both sexes), and the abundance and distribution of fruit flies and leks, incidence of male calling and number, and location of matings were recorded during the two periods. In both replicates, the abundance, distribution, and calling activity of wild males were largely unaffected by the released flies. Most of the released males joined preexisting mating aggregations of wild males and within these leks displayed similar calling activity as the wild males. Approximately 200 matings were observed following the release in each replicate. Three separate analyses indicated that in both replicates release males accounted for fewer matings with wild females than expected by chance. Given that sterile males settled and called in natural lek sites, it appears that their relatively low mating success resulted from an inability to attract wild females to their territory or perform courtship acceptable to females, or both. The results are discussed in light of current sterile insect techniques.
ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AND WOOD DECAY BY WHITE ROT FUNGI

Decay resistance of balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] to Haematosterem sanguinolentum (Alb. & Schw.: Fr.) Pouz. is related to electrical resistance of wood extracts (Shortle and Smith, 1987). The objective of this research was to determine the relationship of decay resistance to electrical resistance of wood tissue (R,). Traditionally, decay resistance has been related to the position and degree of discoloration of the wood in the living tree (Hubert, 1929; Shigo and Sharon, 1970). Corewood (wood located interior to sapwood in a living tree) is commonly more resistant to decay than the surrounding sapwood when both tissues are excised and tested in vitro.
Utilization of Dead Insects on the Soil Surface in Row Crop Situations

Field experiments and pitfall-trap data from corn and sorghum fields at Tifton, Ga., demonstrated the presence of an arthropod guild scavenging dead insects. This guild was quite efficient in utilizing insect carcasses, with 80% of the dead insects placed on soil surface discovered and handled by scavengers within 24 h, >95% within 72 h. Small grasshopper carcasses were removed more rapidly than four other types of insect bait. Pitfall traps baited with dead insects, when compared with unbaited controls, demonstrated that fire ants, earwigs, and scarabs were the principal carcass-consuming groups. Burial of carcasses by scarabs occurred more frequently in a relatively undisturbed (18 days postcultivation) versus a recently disturbed field (6 days postcultivation).
Inverse Design of Topographical Templates for Directed Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers

A computational inverse design algorithm is presented that predicts the necessary topographical template to direct the self-assembly of a diblock copolymer thin film into a desired complex morpholo...
Attitudes towards highly active antiretroviral therapy are associated with sexual risk taking among HIV-infected and uninfected homosexual men.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether attitudes towards highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are associated with unprotected anal sex among sexually active homosexual men. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study nested within an ongoing prospective cohort study. SETTING: Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, from April through September 1999. PARTICIPANTS: Five-hundred and forty-seven homosexual men reporting anal sex (218 HIV-negative and 329 HIV-positive) during study interviews in 1999, including a 20-item validated scale on attitudes toward HAART and HIV risk behaviors (e.g., 'Because of HAART, I am less concerned about becoming HIV-infected or infecting someone'), and safer sex fatigue (e.g., 'I am tired of always having safer sex'). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported unprotected receptive anal sex (RAS) and insertive anal sex (IAS) in the prior 6 months. RESULTS: More than 50% of HIV-negative and HIV-positive men who reported having anal sex also reported recent unprotected RAS and/or IAS. HIV-negative men who most agreed that HAART reduced concern about becoming infected were more likely to report unprotected RAS compared to other HIV-negative men [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 3.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.27-8.62]. Moreover, HIV-positive men with greatest reduced concern due to HAART or safer sex fatigue were more likely to report unprotected IAS (AOR, 6.05; 95% CI, 2.24-16.63 and AOR, 4.57; 95% CI, 1.70-12.24, respectively) compared to other HIV-positive men. CONCLUSIONS: Among sexually active homosexual men, lessened concern about HIV transmission due to HAART was strongly associated with sexual risk taking, as was safer sex fatigue among HIV-positive men. Prevention programs should take into account underlying attitudes for unprotected sex in the era of HAART among both HIV-infected and uninfected men.
Molecular determinants in regulating Pseudomonas aeruginosa typeIII secretion system——A review

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic bacterial pathogen. Successful injection of virulence factors into host cells, evasion of phagocytosis and promotion of pathogenesis depend primarily on the function of type III secretion system (T3SS). A complex set of signaling pathways have been shown to modulate T3SS expression. In this review, a brief introduction is given on the composition, function, and molecular determinants that regulate P. aeruginosa T3SS gene expression.
In vivo and in vitro effects of lead on vascular reactivity in rats

The effects of lead on vascular responsiveness were examined in rats. Adult rats, which had received levels of lead acetate in their drinking water to produce blood levels similar to those seen in some urban human populations, consistently had higher systolic blood pressures compared to age-matched controls. Helical strips of tail arteries from the lead-treated rats displayed a greater force-generating ability in response to the cumulative addition of methoxamine to the muscle bath. There were no differences in ED50 between the two groups. Similar results were obtained when norepinephrine was used. The calcium-entry blocker, D 600, was less effective in reducing in reducing contractions induced by methoxamine in lead-treated rats than in controls. There were no differences between the two groups in responses to KCl or electrical stimulation of nerve endings. Contractile responses to norepinephrine, methoxamine, KCl, and nerve stimulation in arteries from untreated rats were unaltered by addition of lead acetate to the muscle bath. These results demonstrate that hypertension induced by moderate levels of lead intake is associated with an increased vascular responsiveness to alpha-adrenergic agonists.