cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second Place — Resident Basic Science Award 1995: Mitochondrial Role in Hair Cell Survival after Injury

The role of mitochondrial biogenesis in hair cell survival after injury was evaluated by inhibiting mitochondrial protein synthesis with chloramphenicol and then studying the effects on hair cell survival after exposure to two different types of ototoxins, gentamicin and acoustic trauma. Seven- to 10-day-old chicks were treated with either a single injection of gentamicin (250 mg/kg) or noise (1500 Hz at 120 dB sound pressure level for 14 hours). A subset of the gentamicin- and noise-treated animals also received chloramphenicol (1200 mg/kg during a 24-hour period) through a subcutaneous osmotic pump. A control group received chloramphenicol alone (1200 mg/kg during a 24-hour period). All animals were sacrificed after 5 days, and their basilar papillae (cochleas) were prepared for scanning electron microscopy. Hair cell loss was quantified with stereologic techniques. Animals treated with chloramphenicol alone did not have any evidence of hair cell loss. Gentamicin-treated animals had characteristic hair ...
Obstructive Bladder Dysfunction: Morphological, Biochemical and Molecular Changes

Abstract Obstruction can cause changes in bladder structure and function, which may at a certain point in time become irreversible. Both the rabbit and the rat have proven to be excellent models to study the morphological, biochemical and molecular changes that occur in the bladder following obstruction. Similarities between partial outflow obstruction in animals and obstructive dysfunction in man include increased bladder mass, increased fibrosis, reduced compliance, increased incidence of detrusor instability and decreased contractile ability. Obstructed bladder function can remain relatively normal for prolonged periods of time, even though bladder mass is increased (compensated stage). If the obstruction is not relieved, bladder function destabilizes and then decompensates, with subsequent risk of serious complications. It is hypothesized that the shift from the compensated to the decompensated stage is related to cyclical periods of ischaemia followed by reperfusion (I/R). This initiates degenerative membrane effects, which supports the process of bladder decompensation. It seems that relief of obstruction during the compensated stage, at least in animals, can induce a rapid and full restoration of the bladder function. However, if the obstruction is relieved during the decompensated phase, bladder function only partially recovers. Irreversible bladder decompensation may be prevented by reducing increased bladder mass and/or by reducing ischaemia/increasing blood supply to the bladder. The antioxidant Vitamin E seems to reduce the progression of decompensation in rabbits. Treatment of rats with the α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonist doxazosin prior to partial outlet obstruction increases blood flow to the bladder, significantly decreases the effect of obstruction on bladder weight, and significantly protects the contractile function of the obstructed bladder. Pre-treatment of rabbits with the α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonist tamsulosin partly prevents the development of bladder wall hypertrophy due to obstruction. In conclusion, there is evidence that I/R plays an important role in the pathogenesis of obstructive bladder dysfunction. Therefore, I/R should be prevented or relieved. As I/R is the consequence of increased bladder mass following obstruction, therapies that prevent or reduce increased bladder mass (such as the α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonist tamsulosin) are likely to protect the bladder from (further) dysfunction. Therapies based on both the relief of I/R (increasing blood flow to the bladder, e.g. α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonists) and preventing I/R induced cellular damage (e.g. antioxidant activity) have been shown experimentally to significantly reduce the severity of bladder dysfunction secondary to partial outflow obstruction. Of course, these potentially useful and novel mechanisms of action of therapy should also be investigated in humans.
High density matter at RHIC

QCD predicts a phase transition between hadronic matter and a quark-gluon plasma at high energy density. The relativistic heavy ion collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory is a new facility dedicated to the experimental study of matter under extreme conditions. Already the first round of experimental results at RHIC indicated that the conditions to create a new state of matter are indeed reached in the collisions of heavy nuclei. Studies of particle spectra and their correlations at low transverse momenta provide evidence of strong pressure gradients in the highly interacting dense medium and hint that we observe a system in thermal equilibrium. Recent runs with high statistics allow us to explore the regime of hard-scattering processes where the suppression of hadrons at large transverse momentum, and quenching of di-jets are observed thus providing further evidence for extreme high density matter created in collisions at RHIC.
Vibrational energy transfer in CD3F

Abstract Infrared fluorescence from the v 1 and v 4 vibrational levels has been observed in CD 3 F following excitation by a 10.6μ Q -switch CO 2 laser. The exponential deactivation rate constant has been found to be 0.44 ms −1 torr −1 for the pure gas. The rate constants for deactivation by the rare gases have also been measured and vary between 3.26 and 0.025 ms −1 torr −1 . A lower limit of 500 ms −1 torr −1 is set on the v 1 , v 4 activation rate. A discussion of these results is presented based on the energy level scheme of CD 3 F and existing V-T/R theories.
Significance of QRS duration changes in the evaluation of ST-segment depression presenting exclusively during the postexercise recovery period.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of QRS prolongation in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with exercise-induced ST-segment depression exclusively during the recovery period. Methods: The study population consisted of 107 patients (90 males and 17 females) aged 39–70 (mean 59 ± 7) years who underwent a treadmill exercise test using Bruce protocol and presented ST-segment depression limited to the recovery period. Angiographic data were available for all studied patients. Results: Among studied patients, 74 (69%) were found to have hemodynamically significant CAD, while the remaining 33 (31%) had normal coronary arteries. Concomitant QRS prolongation was revealed in 61 (82%) of the patients with angiographically documented CAD, while in 13 (18%) patients QRS duration remained unchanged. On the contrary, only 4 (12%) of the 33 patients with normal coronary arteries showed prolonged QRS duration during ST depression, while in the remaining 29 (88%) QRS duration remained unchanged. Conclusions: The evaluation of the concomitant QRS duration changes may discriminate patients with truly ischemia-induced ST-segment depression limited to the recovery period.
D2O Adsorption on an Ultrathin Alumina Film on NiAl(110)

The structure of an ordered, ultra-thin Al2O3 film grown on a NiAl(110) single-crystal surface and its interaction with D2O were studied by low energy ion scattering spectroscopy (LEISS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS). LEISS demonstrated that the surface was terminated by an oxygen layer, and TPD data of adsorbed D2O revealed that most of the water molecularly adsorbed onto Al2O3/NiAl(110). However, we observed that a small amount of water molecules dissociated during adsorption and/or TPD measurements, and as a consequence the alumina film thickness increased after water adsorption/desorption. These results suggest that atomic oxygen and/or hydroxyl species, which are formed by dissociation of water, interact with sub-surface aluminum atoms through defects sites and cause the increase in the alumina film thickness. In addition, due to the weak interaction between adsorbed water molecules and the alumina film, a few monolayer of water can be transformed from amorphous solid water (ASW) to crystalline ice (CI) phase, as it was seen by IRAS.
Surgical utility of Afirma: effects of high cancer prevalence and oncocytic cell types in patients with indeterminate thyroid cytology.

ABSTRACT Objective The Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) molecular marker assay was developed for the purpose of improving surgical decision-making with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of thyroid nodules. In this paper, we analyze the performance of the GEC over 27 months in a community hospital-based thyroid surgery practice. Methods We began using GEC and Thyroid Cytopathology Partners (TCP) exclusively for thyroid FNA analysis in January 2011, shortly after the Afirma GEC became commercially available. In this paper, we focus on patients with indeterminate FNA results and the outcomes of GEC analysis, with particular attention paid to the calculation of the negative predictive value (NPV) of the Afirma test. Results We performed 645 FNAs in 519 patients over 27 months. Overall, 58 FNAs (9%) were read as indeterminate, with 36 of these classified as suspicious by GEC (62%), 20 characterized as GEC benign (34%), and 2 determined to be inadequate due to low mRNA content. Of the 36 suspicious GEC patients, 30 underwent thyroidectomy, and 21 of the 30 had malignant final pathology. Of the 20 benign GEC patients, 5 underwent thyroid surgery, and 2 were discovered to have malignancies. The NPV for the Afirma GEC in our practice environment was 89.6%. Conclusion In a practice with a high incidence of thyroid cancer in patients with indeterminate FNAs (33% for our practice), the NPV of the Afirma GEC test may not be as robust as suggested in the existing literature. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:364-369)
Classical explanation for electrons above energy 2 U p in strong-field double ionization at 390 nm

A classical ensemble is employed to investigate double ionization of helium for laser wavelength 390 nm and intensity $1.1\text{ }\text{PW}∕{\text{cm}}^{2}$, below the threshold for recollision impact ionization. Significant numbers of trajectories that lead to electron energy above $2{U}_{p}$ are shown to be present and to feature a time delay between recollision and final ionization. Processes through which nuclear and laser forces combine to give an electron final energy above $2{U}_{p}$ are identified.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Formation of Al-Ni Intermetallics

The effects of cooling rate and composition on the nucleation and growth kinetics of NiAl, Ni2Al3, and NiAl3 intermetallics were studied for alloys containing 25 and 31.5 ht.% Ni. Fgr the former composition, the peritectic regction Ni Al + Liquid → NiAl3 was studied over cooling rates from 20 to 105 K/s. For the latter composhtion, the reaction NiAl + Liquid → Ni2Al3 was studied at cooling rates ranging form 10 to 600 K/sec. The amounis of constituent phases are shown to depend on the cooling rate, and for the peritectic phases, on the surface area of the primary phase. The nucleation of Ni2Al3 and NiAl3, and the ordering of the aluminum-rich NiAl were also examines uding trans ission electron microscopy. Cooling the NiAl + liquid below the peritectic temperature results in a metastable extension of NiAl with a high dislocation and stacking fault density, followed by the epitaxial nucleation and almost dislocation-free growth of Ni2Al3 In contrast, the nucleation of the NiAl3 on Ni2Al3 occurs directly witgoud the formationof an intermediate region.
Transfer of resistance to potato virus Y (PVY) from Nicotiana africana to Nicotiana tabacum : possible influence of tissue culture on the rate of introgression

A disomic chromosome addition line of tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum L., was established previously that possesses a single chromosome pair from N. africana [Merxm. and Buttler]. This addition chromosome carries a gene that confers increased resistance to severe strains of potato virus Y (PVY). Methods to increase the probability of gene transfer from alien chromosomes to tobacco (2n=48) are desired. In the research described here, the PVY resistance gene was transferred to a tobacco chromosome from the N. africana addition chromosome in seven independent cases. One introgression event was obtained using conventional backcrossing of the disomic addition line to N. tabacum cv. Petite Havana, while the remaining six events were obtained using a scheme that involved exposure of explants of the addition line to tissue culture. Twenty-six derived 2n=48 individuals heterozygous for PVY resistance were found to exhibit 24 bivalents or 23 bivalents + 2 univalents at metaphase I. Ovular transmission rates for the PVY resistance factor ranged from 25% to 52%, while pollen transmission rates were much lower, ranging from 0 to 39%. Fifty-one random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers specific for the intact addition chromosome were identified and used to characterize derived 2n=48/PVY-resistant genotypes. Variability was observed among these plants with respect to the total number of N. africana RAPD markers that were present, which is an indication that crossing over was occurring within each of the seven introgressed chromosome segments. A limited molecular marker-assisted backcrossing experiment allowed for selection of a 2n=48/PVY-resistant individual that possessed only 6 of the 51 original N. africana RAPD markers. In vitro culture is potentially a valuable system for increasing the rate of alien gene transfer in tobacco, and the successful transfer of PVY resistance from N. africana may allow for an increased level and range of resistance to this virus in tobacco.
Formulation of Monodisperse Contrast Agents in Microfluidic Systems for Ultrasonic Imaging

We have successfully demonstrated a microfluidic flow-focusing method to produce monodisperse contrast agents with a mean diameter of 4.0 microns, which is optimal for current ultrasonic imaging techniques. Currently available microbubble contrast agents are produced with agitation techniques, and the random nature of this process results in a highly polydisperse size distribution. PDMS-based microfluidic flow-focusing systems are a cost-effective means to easily and rapidly produce bubbles with a diameter of a few microns. Our device uses expanding nozzle geometry, focusing the bubble break-off location to one single point located at the orifice, which enables the formation of monodisperse bubbles. The geometry of the channel junctions in addition to the liquid and gas flow rates are used to control the bubble sizes. Using this technique, the microbubble diameter can be easily tailored to produce contrast agents with a precise size distribution optimized for various ultrasonic imaging applications.
Wavefront Controls for a Large Submillimeter-Wave Observatory

The 25-m aperture Cornell Caltech Atacama Telescope (CCAT) will have a primary mirror that is divided into 162 individual segments, each of which is equipped with 3 positioning actuators. This paper presents a mathematical description of the telescope, its actuators and sensors, and uses it to derive control laws for figure maintenance. A Kalman Filter-based Optical State Estimator is used to continuously estimate the aberrations of the telescope; these are used in a state-feedback controller to maintain image quality. This approach provides the means to correct for the optical effects of errors that occur in un-actuated degrees of freedom, such as lateral translations of the segments. The control laws are exercised in Monte Carlo and simulation analysis, to bound the closed-loop performance of the telescope and to conduct control design trades.
Measuring neighbourhood air pollution: the case of Seattle's international district

Current US regulatory air quality monitoring networks measure ambient levels of pollutants and cannot capture the effects of mobile sources at the micro-scale. Despite the fact that overall air quality has been getting better, more vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, minorities and the poor) continue to suffer from traffic-related air pollution. As development intensifies in urban areas, more people are exposed to road-related air pollution. However, the only consideration given to air quality, if any, is based on ambient measures. This paper uses an inexpensive, portable Particle Soot Absorption Photometer (PSAP) to measure Black Carbon (BC) emissions, a surrogate for diesel fuels emissions, in Seattle's International District. With the aid of a GPS receiver, street-level BC data were geocoded in real space-time. It was found that pollution levels differed substantially across the study area. The results show the need for street-level air pollution monitoring, revisions in current land use and...
A logarithmic arithmetic unit for signal processing

The logarithmic number system, or LNS, has the ability to support very high-speed arithmetic, over a wide dynamic range, in limited hardware. This system, with extensions, has several architectural and data enhancement attributes that makes it attractive to the DSP scientists and engineer. In this paper, the regularity of the LNS, its data compression capabilities, and speed-complexity potential are advocated in a DSP setting. It is shown that the LNS, and a floating point variation on this theme, offer distinct advantages over classical DSP architectures.
External and Internal Air Loads on Sounding Rockets

This paper discusses two important forms of loading experienced by sounding rockets: the running loads due to distributed aerodynamics, and loads due to aerodynamically induced pressure differentials across the skin and across internal bulkheads. An empirical method, based upon experimental data, for the rapid and accurate determination of distributed aerodynamic loads on arbitrary bodies of revolution is outlined, and comparisons of typical results with wind-tunnel data are presented. In addition, the equations describing the venting of an "ra" volume system have been derived and a comparison of experimental with analytical results for a four-volume system subjected to a typical launch pressure profile are included.
Gene Silencing in Mammalian Cells with Light-Activated Antisense Agents

Detailed knowledge of the external regulation of gene func-tion is a fundamental necessity in order to annotate sequencedgenomes and to understand biological processes in single cellsand multicellular organisms. One of the most widely used ap-proaches for the down-regulation of specific genes is the ap-plication of antisense agents. Antisense agents are oligomersthat have the ability to hybridize sequence specificslly tomRNAs, inhibiting translation and potentially leading to mRNAdegradation through RNAse H recruitment.
What human kinship is primarily about: toward a critique of the new kinship studies

The claims of the so-called ‘constructionist’ position in kinship studies are examined with reference to a recent article by Susan McKinnon. McKinnon's analysis is shown to be deeply flawed, primarily because she pays no attention to the phenomenon of focality, now widely established in cognitive science. Instead, she is trapped in unsupportable collectivist models of human kinship. It is argued that these models are part of a misguided critique of the Western European Enlightenment.
Increased Expression of the Na,K-ATPase alpha4 Isoform Enhances Sperm Motility in Transgenic Mice

The Na,K-ATPase alpha4 (ATP1A4) isoform is specifically expressed in male germ cells and is highly prevalent in spermatozoa. Although selective inhibition of alpha4 activity with ouabain has been shown to affect sperm motility, a more direct analysis of the role of this isoform in sperm movement has not yet been demonstrated. To establish this, we engineered transgenic mice that express the rat alpha4 isoform fused to green fluorescent protein in male germ cells, under the control of the mouse protamine 1 promoter. We showed that the rat Atp1a4 transgene is expressed in mouse spermatozoa and that it is localized to the sperm flagellum. In agreement with increased expression of the alpha4 isoform, sperm from transgenic mice displayed higher alpha4-specific Na,K-ATPase activity and binding of fluorescently labeled ouabain than wild-type mice. In contrast, expression and activity of ATP1A1 (alpha1), the other Na,K-ATPase alpha isoform present in sperm, remained unchanged. Similar to wild-type mice, mice expressing the alpha4 transgene exhibited normal testis and sperm morphology and no differences in fertility. However, compared to wild-type mice, sperm from transgenic mice displayed plasma membrane hyperpolarization and higher total and progressive motility. Other parameters of motility also increased, including straight-line, curvilinear, and average path velocities and amplitude of lateral head displacement. In addition, sperm from the transgenic mice showed enhanced sperm hyperactive motility, but no changes in progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. Altogether, these results provide new genetic evidence for the role of the ATP1A4 isoform in sperm motility, under both noncapacitating and capacitating conditions.
Botulinum toxin in the treatment of blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm

Blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm are the two most common craniofacial movement disorders. Blepharospasm is a syndrome characterized by excessive or continuous eye closure related to overactivity of the orbicularis oculi and adjacent muscles bilaterally. Hemifacial spasm is a peripherally-induced movement disorder typically caused by vascular compression of cranial nerve VII (CN VII) leading to involuntary unilateral contractions of muscles used in facial expression. Treatment options for both conditions include medications, botulinum toxin, and various surgical interventions. This article summarizes the existing medical literature which indicates that botulinum toxin is the treatment of choice for blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.
Role of Macrophages in Host Defense Against Aspergillosis and Strategies for Immune Augmentation

Invasive aspergillosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in highly immunocompromised patients with cancer. Alveolar macrophages ingest inhaled conidia (spores). Through pathogen recognition receptors that ligate fungal cell wall motifs, macrophages are able to coordinate the inflammatory response to Aspergillus species. Macrophages and dendritic cells play an important role in regulating the balance between the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine responses that are required for recruitment and activation of neutrophils, and in augmenting or attenuating cellular immunity. Macrophages are therefore a target for immune augmentation strategies that include administration of cytokines, colony-stimulating factors, and pathogen recognition receptor ligands.
Understanding Support for Islamist Militancy in Pakistan

Islamist militancy in Pakistan has long stood atop the international security agenda, yet there is almost no systematic evidence about why individual Pakistanis support Islamist militant organizations. An analysis of data from a nationally representative survey of urban Pakistanis refutes four influential conventional wisdoms about why Pakistanis support Islamic militancy. First, there is no clear relationship between poverty and support for militancy. If anything, support for militant organizations is increasing in terms of both subjective economic well-being and community economic performance. Second, personal religiosity and support for sharia law are poor predictors of support for Islamist militant organizations. Third, support for political goals espoused by legal Islamist parties is a weak indicator of support for militant organizations. Fourth, those who support core democratic principles or have faith in Pakistan's democratic process are not less supportive of militancy. Taken together, these resu...
Arch dam system identification using vibration test data

In an effort to study the dynamic characteristics of an arch dam system from the vibration test results, a systematic method of frequency-domain system identification is developed. The governing equations for system identification are based on a non-classical modal superposition method. The non-classical model is shown to be derivable from a general matrix formulation of the dam system. The conventional classical modal formulation becomes a special case of the general non-classical formulation. The modal parameters of the non-classical and the classical formulation are to be identified. The system identification method includes a single-mode sweep procedure for initial parameter estimation and a progressive multiple-mode parameter identification scheme that contains an information criterion for the determination of the optimal number of modes to be included in the identification process. The method is applicable to data measured at more than one point on the dam and to data that include both the amplitude response and the phase response. The method is applied to the vibration test data of two dams. Based on the results of these applications, the adequacy of the classical model and the non-classical model is compared and the effect of the phase data on the parameter determination is discussed.
Vacuole Partitioning During Meiotic Division in Yeast

We have examined the partitioning of the yeast vacuole during meiotic division. In pulse-chase experiments, vacuoles labeled with the lumenal ade2 fluorophore or the membrane-specific dye FM 4-64 were not inherited by haploid spores. Instead, these fluorescent markers were excluded from spores and trapped between the spore cell walls and the ascus. Serial optical sections using a confocal microscope confirmed that spores did not inherit detectable amounts of fluorescently labeled vacuoles. Moreover, indirect immunofluorescence studies established that an endogenous vacuolar membrane protein, alkaline phosphatase, and a soluable vacuolar protease, carboxypeptidase Y, were also detected outside spores after meiotic division. Spores that did not inherit ade2- or FM 4-64-labeled vacuoles did generate an organelle that could be visualized by subsequent staining with vacuole-specific fluorophores. These data contrast with genetic evidence that a soluble vacuolar protease is inherited by spores. When the partitioning of both types of markers was examined in sporulating cultures, the vacuolar protease activity was inherited by spores while fluorescently labeled vacuoles were largely excluded from spores. Our results indicate that the majority of the diploid vacuole, both soluble contents and membrane-bound components, are excluded from spores formed during meiotic division.
Cell-Mediated Deposition of Porous Silica on Bacterial Biofilms

Living hybrid materials that respond dynami- cally to their surrounding environment have important applications in bioreactors. Silica based sol-gels represent appealing matrix materials as they form a mesoporous biocompatible glass lattice that allows for nutrient diffusion while firmly encapsulating living cells. Despite progress in sol-gel cellular encapsulation technologies, current techni- ques typically form bulk materials and are unable to generate regular silica membranes over complex geometries for large- scale applications. We have developed a novel biomimetic encapsulation technique whereby endogenous extracellular matrix molecules facilitate formation of a cell surface specific biomineral layer. In this study, monoculture Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Nitrosomonas europaea biofilms are exposed to silica precursors under different acid conditions. Scan- ning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and electron dis- persive X-ray (EDX) elemental analysis revealed the presence of a thin silica layer covering the biofilm surface. Cell survival was confirmed 30 min, 30 days, and 90 days after encapsulation using confocal imaging with a membrane integrity assay and physiological flux measurements of oxygen, glucose, and NH þ . No statistical difference in viability, oxygen flux, or substrate flux was observed after encapsulation in silica glass. Shear induced biofilm detach- ment was assessed using a particle counter. Encapsulation significantly reduced detachment rate of the biofilms for over 30 days. The results of this study indicate that the thin regular silica membrane permits the diffusion of nutrients and cellular products, supporting continued cellular viabi- lity after biomineralization. This technique offers a means of controllably encapsulating biofilms over large surfaces and complex geometries. The generic deposition mechanism employed to form the silica matrix can be translated to a wide range of biological material and represents a platform encapsulation technology. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2249-2260.
Errors in measurements of linewidth of single-crystal ferrites due to nonideal microwave components

A brief description is given of a recently published method for measuring the linewidth of single-crystal ferrites. A theoretical analysis is made of the errors caused by the deviation from the ideal of two of the components in the test apparatus. These deviations include a VSWR greater than unity due to the input isolator and the finite directivity of the directional coupler. The range of possible error is given as a function of the degree of deviation from the ideal, and of the reflection coefficient due to the ferrite sample at resonance. A range of possible errors is given, since the actual error will also depend on the phase angle between the spurious signal generated by the deviation from the ideal and the proper signal. This phase angle is a function of geometry and can be different in different test setups. Experimental data support the theoretical analysis. With precision commercial equipment the measurement error is small. Thus if the VSWR due to the input isolator does not exceed 1.1, and the directivity of the directional coupler is 40 dB or more, the maximum error will be ±3 percent.
Walking the tightrope: Developing a systems approach to balance safety and mobility for an aging society

In an aging population, safety and mobility are often viewed as being in conflict, when in fact they are two values that must be reflected equally in transportation policy. The challenge for policy makers and for society is to emphasize and optimize both. To achieve this, a comprehensive systems approach to driver health, personal decision-making and planning, community and transportation systems construction, vehicle design, and licensing regulations is needed. Such an approach requires crafting policies based on conceptualizing the issue as a continuum of resources facilitating safety and mobility regardless of driving status. The discussion that follows reviews components of the issue and suggestions for developing a comprehensive approach.
A Probability-Based Spectrum Sensing Scheme for Cognitive Radio

Spectrum sensing in cognitive radio (CR) typically assumes that the primary signal appears before the sensing block. In this paper, we develop a spectrum sensing technique for CR systems where the primary signal may appear at anytime within a sensing block. We first establish the probability model regarding the appearance of the primary signal at each sampling point of a CR user frame. While the conventional spectrum sensing scheme allocates the same weight to each sample, we propose a probability-based energy detection scheme, in which the weight for each sample is based on the probability of the presence of the primary signal at the corresponding sampling point. Numerical results indicate that the probability-based scheme exhibits better performance than the conventional scheme.
Established cell lines transformed by E2F-1 overexpression contain wild-type p53.

. Overexpression of genes encoding E2F transcription factors can transform some cultured cell lines and cause apoptosis of others. Apoptosis due to E2F overexpression requires the presence of wild-type p53. Cell lines in which stable E2F overexpression is possible might be expected, therefore, to contain mutant p53. In this report, it was asked whether endogenous p53 was mutant or wild-type in four established fibroblast cell lines that this laboratory previously showed stably overexpressed and were transformed by exogenous E2F-1. Unexpectedly, it was found that the p53 in these cells was wild-type by the criteria of immunoprecipitation with conformation-specific, p53 monoclonal antibodies and by transactivation of a p53-dependent reporter gene construct in transient transfection assays. These data indicate that stable overexpression of E2F-1 is possible in the presence of wild-type p53 and may result in cell transformation.
Mutation of the α2A-Adrenoceptor Impairs Working Memory Performance and Annuls Cognitive Enhancement by Guanfacine

Norepinephrine strengthens the working memory, behavioral inhibition, and attentional functions of the prefrontal cortex through actions at postsynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors (alpha2-AR). The alpha2-AR agonist guanfacine enhances prefrontal cortical functions in rats, monkeys, and human beings and ameliorates prefrontal cortical deficits in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The present study examined the subtype of alpha2-AR underlying these beneficial effects. Because there are no selective alpha2A-AR, alpha2B-AR, or alpha2C-AR agonists or antagonists, genetically altered mice were used to identify the molecular target of the action of guanfacine. Mice with a point mutation of the alpha2A-AR, which serves as a functional knock-out, were compared with wild-type animals and with previously published studies of alpha2C-AR knock-out mice (Tanila et al., 1999). Mice were adapted to handling on a T maze and trained on either a spatial delayed alternation task that is sensitive to prefrontal cortical damage or a spatial discrimination control task with similar motor and motivational demands but no dependence on prefrontal cortex. The effects of guanfacine on performance of the delayed alternation task were assessed in additional groups of wild-type versus alpha2A-AR mutant mice. We observed that functional loss of the alpha2A-AR subtype, unlike knock-out of the alpha2C-AR subtype, weakened performance of the prefrontal cortical task without affecting learning and resulted in loss of the beneficial response to guanfacine. These data demonstrate the importance of alpha2A-AR subtype stimulation for the cognitive functions of the prefrontal cortex and identify the molecular substrate for guanfacine and novel therapeutic interventions.
Thyroid hormone exerts site-specific effects on SRC-1 and NCoR expression selectively in the neonatal rat brain

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are ligand-gated transcription factors. Recently, many coregulator proteins have been identified that interact with steroid/TRs and are required for the activation or repression of hormone sensitive genes. We tested whether steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) and nuclear corepressor (N-CoR) expression is altered by hypothyroidism in rat brains on gestational day 16 and postnatal day 15. We found that both SRC-1 and N-CoR mRNA levels were decreased in the cortex and dentate gyrus of 6-n-propyl-2 thiouracil treated rats only on P15, while mRNA levels for both genes were increased in the same CA3 region of the brains. These findings do not support the idea that cofactors are involved in the compensatory mechanisms for conserving TH action, but they do suggest that hypothyroidism affects the responsiveness of tissues to steroid hormones by altering the expression of necessary cofactors.
Autonomous Registration of LiDAR Data to Single Aerial Image

This paper proposes the use of phase correlation for the automatic registration of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data and aerial imagery. First, buildings existent in the LiDAR data and aerial imagery are detected. Then the LiDAR data is interpolated to fixed point spacings, producing both a range image and a building binary mask. In the range image the pixel intensities correspond to the terrain's elevation and in the building mask the bright pixels correspond to buildings and dark pixels to everything else. A building binary mask is also produced from buildings detected in a corresponding aerial image. The Fourier transforms and the log polar Fourier transforms of both building binary masks are computed. Phase components are correlated and their peaks reveal the translation, rotation and scaling geometric transformation parameters. Results with real data are presented.
Free Stall and Feed Bunk Requirements Relative to Behavior, Production and Individual Feed Intake in Dairy Cows

Abstract Twelve dairy cows were used to determine behavior with varying number of free stalls and length of feed bunk. A least squares procedure which regressed for numbers of observations was adopted for obtaining dominance values. Available free stalls were 1.0, .83, .67, .50, .33 per cow. With 1.0 free stalls, linear feed bunk was .5, .4, .3, .2, .1m per cow changed at 7-day intervals. Cow behavior and locations were quantified by time-lapse photography at 1-min intervals during last 3 days of each treatment. Behavior was altered when less than .67 free stalls or .2m of linear feed bunk was available per cow. Minimum stalls needed per cow without altering daily free stall usage=[14.2h (average use)] ÷ [hours per day that free stalls are available to the herd × .93 (maximum efficiency before crowding)] . Linear feed bunk of .2m appears adequate to ensure desired amount of eating time when individuals have access to food in bunk 21h per day. Estimated individual dry matter intakes were the same at .5m and .25m of feed bunk per cow. Intake was affected by time spent eating for .25m. In 10-variable models, time spent eating, or in free stalls, and individual dry matter intake were described predominantly by production variables.
Completely Capturing Light Pulses in a Few Dynamically Tuned Microcavities

We describe a dynamically tuned system capable of capturing light pulses incident from a waveguide in a pair of microcavities. We use coupled mode theory to design a method for determining how to tune the microcavity resonant frequencies. The results show that pulses can be captured almost completely, with arbitrarily small reflected power. We optimize the pulse capture bandwidth by varying the cavity coupling constants and show that the maximum bandwidth is comparable to the resonant-frequency tuning range. Our system may be implemented using refractive-index tuning in a 2-D silicon photonic crystal slab. Current technology would allow for capture of pulses with widths as low as ~100 ps, with a holding time limited only by cavity loss rates.
DataSpread: unifying databases and spreadsheets

Spreadsheet software is often the tool of choice for ad-hoc tabular data management, processing, and visualization, especially on tiny data sets. On the other hand, relational database systems offer significant power, expressivity, and efficiency over spreadsheet software for data management, while lacking in the ease of use and ad-hoc analysis capabilities. We demonstrate DataSpread, a data exploration tool that holistically unifies databases and spreadsheets. It continues to offer a Microsoft Excel-based spreadsheet front-end, while in parallel managing all the data in a back-end database, specifically, PostgreSQL. DataSpread retains all the advantages of spreadsheets, including ease of use, ad-hoc analysis and visualization capabilities, and a schema-free nature, while also adding the advantages of traditional relational databases, such as scalability and the ability to use arbitrary SQL to import, filter, or join external or internal tables and have the results appear in the spreadsheet. DataSpread needs to reason about and reconcile differences in the notions of schema, addressing of cells and tuples, and the current "pane" (which exists in spreadsheets but not in traditional databases), and support data modifications at both the front-end and the back-end. Our demonstration will center on our first and early prototype of the DataSpread, and will give the attendees a sense for the enormous data exploration capabilities offered by unifying spreadsheets and databases.
Sovereign disaster risk financing and insurance impact appraisal

The combination of increasing vulnerability and intensity of natural disasters has led to severe humanitarian impacts in recent years. The uncertainty of environmental change and growing populations suggests that this trend is a cause for significant concern. Increasingly, nations are seeking additional methods to increase their financial resilience to disaster events. Sovereign disaster risk financing and insurance (SDRFI) may be the panacea for managing disaster risk at a national level. However, there is a need for better evidence to enhance, guide and support these programmes. The design of SDRFI programmes aim to maximise their impact and reduce the human and economic cost of disasters. This paper presents an overview of 16 technical background papers that offer insights into the development of an impact appraisal methodology for SDRFI evaluation. The papers are part of a joint project between the UK Department for International Development and the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.
Use of the cardiopulmonary exercise test to evaluate the patient with chronic heart failure

Isotonic exercise testing imposes a physiological stress on the cardiopulmonary unit. Accordingly, monitoring of oxygen, carbon dioxide and air flow during an exercise test (i.e. a cardiopulmonary exercise test) can be used to assess heart function in patients with chronic heart failure. Specifically, an incremental treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise test represents a non-invasive means to determine aerobic capacity, or maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max ml min-1 kg-1), and anaerobic threshold (AT, ml min-1 kg-1). These objective measures of cardiopulmonary function are then used to grade the severity of failure and the functional capacity of the patient. In addition, they may be used to predict the cardiac reserve, or maximal cardiac index (CImax, l min-1 m-2) during exercise. That is, the severity is considered to be mild (class A) when AT greater than 14 or VO2max greater than 20, mild to moderate (class B) when AT falls between 11 and 14 or VO2max between 16 and 20, moderate to severe (class C) when AT ranges between 8 and 11 or VO2max between 10 and 16, and severe (class D) when AT less than 8 or VO2max less than 10. The predicted CImax for classes A, B, C and D are greater than 8, 6-8, 4-6 and less than 4, respectively. Finally, a major objective of medical therapy in patients with heart failure is to improve cardiac output and oxygen delivery to working skeletal muscle and thereby enhance effort tolerance. This therapeutic endpoint can be gauged by cardiopulmonary exercise testing from the response in AT and VO2max.
INTERACTION AND INDU CTION OF SHOCK WAVES OF SUPERSONIC TURBULENT FLOW WITH A TRANSVERSE SONIC I NJECTION JET

A three -dimensional steady flowfield generated by transverse sonic injection into a supersonic flow was simulated by solving the Favre -averaged Navier -Stokes equations using the weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) schemes and Jones -Launder k-� turbulence model. Both two -dimensional and three -dimensional results are given. The two -dimensional results agree well with the experiment. Three -di mensional results indicate that there are four pairs of vortices around the secondary injection. In the upstream of the square injection there exist two main recirculation regions and the primary vortex induces the horseshoe vortex region. After the second ary injection flow ejects from the square hole, it is forced by the supersonic main flow and then it become s a pair of counter rotation vortices towards downstream. In the downstream there is a low -pressure region that conduces a pair of helical vortices.
Analysis on influenza surveillance in Zhongshan city from 2009 to 2012

Objective To analyse the results of influenza surveillance in Zhongshan city from 2009 to 2012 ,to understand its epidemiological characteristics and virus type ,and provide scientific evidence for developing influenza prevention and control strategy. Methods Influenza surveillance system in Zhongshan was consisted of influenza-like-illness (ILI) surveillance,etiological surveillance and outbreak monitoring surveillance ,ILI% (ILI% =outpatient and emergency ILI visits / outpatient and emergency total visits×100% )and the positive rate of influenza virus were the main analysis indexes. Results Influenza was active in 2009,with two peaks of clinic visits for ILI, and the first peak was caused by influenza A(H3N2), while the second one was caused by the new influenza A (H1N1). After the influenza pandemic in 2009 , the epidemic of influenza in 2010 declined rapidly and remained at a relatively stable state. Influenza B virus was the major strain in the first half of the year,while A (H3N2)was the major strain in the second half of the year.From 2011 to 2012, the new influenza A (H1N1),influenza B virus and influenza A (H3N2) subtype were alternately as dominant strains,and every year the peaks of clinic visits for ILI occurred in spring and summer.Spearman correlation analysis indicated that ILI rate and positive rate of etiology monitoring was positively correlated (r=0.701,P0.01).From 2009 to 2012,a total of 11 outbreaks with 580 cases were reported ,which mainly occurred in primary and middle schools and the average attack rate was 1.25%. Conclusion From 2009 to 2012, the predominant strains changed regularly.The ILI epidemic strength was correlated with the influenza virus activity.
New Progress and Prospect in Research of MoVTeNbO Catalyst

The recent researches on the reaction mechanism of making the selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid by molecular oxygen and the new progress of researches on multiplex matallic oxide catalysis MoVTeNbO were reviewed.Some progressive methods to prepare MoVTeNbO catalyst were essentially introduced.The influence of the variation of composition and the composition of activate phase in catalyst preparation on catalyst performance were put forward,and trend of developments were prospected.