cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry in curved space-time

Abstract The spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry in the presence of a cosmological constant Λ is discussed in a class of theories that includes gauged supergravity and the recently constructed model of N = 1 supergravity coupled to supermatter. The stability of de Sitter, anti-de Sitter and Minkowski vacua in these theories is investigated. Positivity of energy is demonstrated in a model independent way for supersymmetric vacua, even if the scalar potential is unbounded below, and for global minima of the potential for Λ ⩽ 0. Free fields in anti-de Sitter space are considered and the distinction made between the coefficients of quadratic terms in the lagrangian, which vanish for Goldstone scalars, and the physical masses, which give the frequencies and total energies of modes. The number of degrees of freedom depends on gauge invariance, not on the vanishing of mass. The one-loop corrections to the cosmological constant are given for Λ ⩽ 0 and they vanish if the physical masses obey certain sum rules. It is, however, the bilinear coefficients in the N = 1 supergravity-supermatter lagrangian, rather than the physical masses, that satisfy a quadratic sum rule. This sum rule depends on Λ so that a given mass splitting can be obtained for arbitrarily large supersymmetry breaking scales if Λ is sufficiently large and negative.
Toward measurements of human communication through simulations

Researchers have shown increasing interest in the use of simulations as alternatives to traditional research paradigms. Simulation paradigms have unique characteristics that influence the study of theory and real‐world events. This essay addresses five questions essential to the study of simulation methodology and offers guidelines for the evaluation of research employing simulations.
The photochemistry of 2-phenylselenophene and 2-phenyltellurophene

Abstract 2-Phenylselenophene is found to yield a mixture of 3-phenylselenophene, phenylvinylacetylene (PVA) and selenium upon irradiation. Photolysis of 2-phenyltellurophene produces only PVA and tellurium. Deuterium labeling studies revealed that PVA did not arise from a unimolecular reaction but involved hydrogen abstraction from solvent. These results are interpreted within an extension of van Tamelen's general mechanism for the photochemistry of aromatic heterocyclopentadienes.
Disseminated gonorrhoea from a pharyngeal infection in a prepubertal child.

Summary A young boy with disseminated gonorrhoea from the pharynx is presented. The clinical setting in which this may be seen is also discussed.
Teaching with Problem Sets and Exercises

Abstract A list of topics used in problem sets and an example of a live animal laboratory involving selection in a dairy herd are described. In addition, some advantages and disadvantages of these teaching methods are listed.
This Library We Dedicate

Nicols (vice provost and dean of the graduate school of arts and sciences of the University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers grad 1918) gave this speech at the dedication ceremony, in November 1956 for the new University Library. It evokes the history of the history for the university and its libraries from their origins at Queen's College up to the present.
Detection of Acrolein-Derived Cyclic DNA Adducts in Human Cells by Monoclonal Antibodies

Acrolein (Acr) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant found in cigarette smoke and automobile exhaust. It can also be produced endogenously by oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The Acr-derived 1,N2-propanodeoxyguanosine (Acr-dG) adducts in DNA are mutagenic lesions that are potentially involved in human cancers. In this study, monoclonal antibodies were raised against Acr-dG adducts and characterized using ELISA. They showed strong reactivity and specificity toward Acr-dG, weaker reactivity toward crotonaldehyde- and trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-derived 1,N2-propanodeoxyguanosines, and weak or no reactivity toward 1,N6-ethenodeoxyadenosine and 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine. Using these antibodies, we developed assays to detect Acr-dG in vivo: first, a simple and quick FACS-based assay for detecting these adducts directly in cells; second, a highly sensitive direct ELISA assay for measuring Acr-dG in cells and tissues using only 1 μg of DNA without DNA digestion and sample enrichment; and third, a competitive...
The Four Pillars of Psychotherapy Supervision

Abstract Effective supervision is essential for monitoring, improving, and advancing the field of psychotherapy. The two primary goals of supervision involve protecting the welfare of the client and fostering the professional development of the supervisee. The four pillars of effective supervision include developing a positive working alliance in supervision, providing directive guidance as needed, using a Socratic dialogue to explore key issues that arise in psychotherapy, and customizing the supervision to match the needs of the trainee. The present manuscript explores these guidelines and provides several recommendations for effective supervision.
Perceived school environments, perceived discrimination, and school performance among children of Mexican immigrants.

Abstract This secondary analysis of 578 Mexican-American adolescents participating in the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study examined the relative influence of several correlates of perceived discrimination. It finds that perceptions of school climates are strongly and consistently related to perceptions of discrimination and school performance. These findings are consistent with a growing body of educational literature that highlights the protective benefits of supportive teaching climates.
Surprises and lessons from the 1988 Yellowstone fires

The size and severity of the fires in Yellowstone National Park in 1988 surprised ecologists and managers alike. Much has been learned about the causes and consequences of crown fires from studies of the Yellowstone fires, and some results were surprising. Plant cover in burned areas was restored rapidly by native species, making post-fire rehabilitation generally unnecessary and possibly even counterproductive. While 20th-century fire suppression has affected systems like Yellowstone far less than other ecosystems, managing forests, people, and property in wildfire areas is an ongoing challenge. Insights gained and lessons learned from the Yellowstone fires may be applied elsewhere and can help inform fire policy.
The long and winding road to optimal HbA1c measurement.

The importance of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as an indicator of mean glycemia and risks for complications in patients with diabetes mellitus was established by the results of long-term clinical trials, most notably the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), published in 1993 and 1998 respectively. However, clinical application of recommended HbA1c targets that were based on these studies was difficult due to lack of comparability of HbA1c results among assay methods and laboratories. Thus, the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) was initiated in 1996 with the goal of standardizing HbA1c results to those of the DCCT/UKPDS. HbA1c standardization efforts have been highly successful; however, a number of issues have emerged on the “long and winding road” to better HbA1c, including the development of a higher-order HbA1c reference method by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC), recommendations to use HbA1c to diagnose as well as monitor diabetes, and point-of-care (POC) HbA1c testing. Here, we review the past, present and future of HbA1c standardization and describe the current status of HbA1c testing, including limitations that healthcare providers need to be aware of when interpreting HbA1c results.
Comparison of mass bias correction models for the examination of isotopic composition of mercury using sector field ICP-MS

Six mass bias correction models, viz., linear law, power law, exponential law, Russell equation, common analyte internal standardization (CAIS) and polynomial function, were evaluated for the measurement of the isotopic composition of a natural abundance mercury standard solution using a sector field ICP-MS instrument. Thallium, Os and Ir were tested as internal standards. Significant differences in resultant isotope abundances were noted when the various mass bias correction models and different internal standards were used for instrument mass bias correction. The isotopic abundances calculated from Hg ratios corrected for mass bias using a polynomial function with Os, Ir and Tl as internal standards resulted in data having the smallest relative difference (Df) from IUPAC values, which were selected as common reference points. No significant Df in results arose when the power law, exponential law and Russell equation models for mass bias correction were used in conjunction with the Tl internal standard, these exhibiting the next smallest Df values. Hg isotope abundances having the third smallest Df values arose with a linear law model. Of the three internal standards examined, use of Tl for mass bias correction provided the smallest Df values with these four models, which only require one pair of isotopes from a reference standard. The CAIS model produced the largest Df values in this study.
Lexical Training Through Modeling and Elicitation Procedures With Late Talkers Who Have Specific Language Impairment and Developmental Delays.

Late talkers with specific language impairment and developmental delay make up a large portion of our early childhood caseloads; therefore, an understanding of best clinical practices for these populations is essential. Early lexical learning was examined in 2 interactive treatment approaches with 29 late-talking preschoolers with language and developmental disabilities. Children were randomly assigned to either a mand-elicited imitation (MEI) condition in which elicitations and imitative prompts were used or to a modeling with auditory bombardment (Mod-AB) condition in which auditory bombardment and play modeling were incorporated with no response demands on participants. Lexical production of target vocabulary words already comprehended was measured during a 10-session training period and then during two 50-min play interactions with a parent/caretaker in the home after treatment was completed. Results indicated that the MEI procedure was relatively more effective in facilitating frequency and rate of t...
Investigation on the use of chemical mass balance receptor model: numerical computations

Abstract Cheng, M.D. and Hopke, P.K., 1986. Investigation on the use of chemical mass balance receptor model: numerical computations. Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems , 1: 33–50. The use of various numerical techniques in the chemical mass balance receptor model leads to different estimations of mass contributions by the identified sources for an ambient air quality data set. Weighted-constrained L 1 (called least absolute deviations in statistics), ordinary weighted least squares, effective variance weighted least squares, and two variants of standard linear programming methods based on the maximized allocation of aerosol mass were studied. The data sets used in this study were the simulated aerosol composition data generated by the National Bureau of Standards for the EPA workshop on mathematical and empirical receptor modeling held at Quail Roost, NC, U.S.A. in 1982. The ensemble reliability of the numerical solutions for these test data sets were evaluated. The weighted-constrained L 1 solutions were found highly stable compared to those from the least-squares methods subject to various complexities of the simulated data sets. The effective variance weighted least squares was found to be ineffective in improving the quality of aerosol mass apportionment by the chemical mass balance model. The results of the standard linear programming methods were insensitive to the lognormal random variations present in the source compositions in Set 3, but gave less precise results than those obtained with the L 1 or least squares methods.
Intranasal Corticosteroids for Allergic Rhinitis

Intranasal corticosteroids are accepted as safe and effective first-line therapy for allergic rhinitis. Several intranasal corticosteroids are available: beclomethasone dipropionate, budesonide, flunisolide, fluticasone propionate, mometasone furoate, and triamcinolone acetonide. All are efficacious in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis and as prophylaxis for perennial allergic rhinitis. In general, they relieve nasal congestion and itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing that occur in the early and late phases of allergic response, with studies showing almost complete prevention of late-phase symptoms. The rationale for topical intranasal corticosteroids in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is that adequate drug concentrations can be achieved at receptor sites in the nasal mucosa. This leads to symptom control and reduces the risk of systemic adverse effects. Adverse reactions usually are limited to the nasal mucosa, such as dryness, burning and stinging, and sneezing, together with headache and epistaxis in 5-10% of patients regardless of formulation or compound. Differences among agents are limited to potency, patient preference, dosing regimens, and delivery, device and vehicle.
Antiracist moral identities, or Iris Murdoch in South Africa

I argue that Samantha Vice understates the moral resources white people have available to them to minimize their falling into distorted ways of perceiving and responding to the world caused by bare white advantage. In doing so, she paints an unjustifiably pessimistic picture of white civic involvement in South Africa, and anywhere where white people are unjustly advantaged, such as the United States. I delineate two similar but distinct antiracist moral identities—the ‘white ally’ and the ‘person committed to racial justice’—that can guide civic engagement, as well as provide a counterweight to the distortions of whiteness. I argue that Vice’s recommendation of withdrawal from public engagement in humble silence is not the most morally appropriate response to white privilege.
Hemispheric asymmetries in the visual cortical evoked potential as a function of stimulus location.

The averaged visual cortical evoked potential (VEP) was examined in two separate experiments us a function of stimulus location. The VEP was recorded from over left and right occipital hemispheres and stimuli were presented binocularly. The results of Experiment I, in which three stimulus locations were used, indicated that stimuli presented in the left visual field resulted in shorter VKP latencies at the right occipital area than the left, while for stimuli presented in the right visual field, the opposite occurred. In Experiment II, seven locations were used and similar VEP latency asymmetries were observed. White no hemispheric amplitude asymmetries were found, there was a trend toward a decrease of VEP amplitude with increasing distance of stimulation from the fovea. The latency asymmetries may he explained in terms of the angle at which the stimuli impinge upon the retinas of the two eyes from different locations. Direct stimulation is produced at the primary projection area, whereas indirect stimulation probably occurs at the secondary area, after crossover of impulses via the corpus callosum.
Alterations in cyclin A, B, and D1 in mouse dentate gyrus following TMT-induced hippocampal damage.

The interactions of glia and neurons during injury and subsequent neurodegeneration are a subject of interest both in disease and chemical-induced brain injury. One such model is the prototypical hippocampal toxicant trimethyltin (TMT). An acute injection of TMT (2.0 mg/kg, i.p.) to postnatal day 21 CD-1 male mice produced neuronal necrosis and loss of dentate granule cells, astrocyte hypertrophy, and microglia activation in the hippocampus within 24 h. Neuronal necrosis and microglia differentiation to a phagocytic phenotype is temporally correlated with peak elevations in TNF-α, cyclin A2, cyclin B1 and cyclin D1 at 72 h post-TMT. TNF-α mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the hippocampus by 12 h and remained elevated for 72 h. mRNA levels for cyclin A2 and cyclin B1 were elevated by approximately 2-fold at 72 h. Immunohistochemistry suggested a cellular localization of cyclin A to microglia in the region of neuronal necrosis in the dentate, cyclin B in glial cells in juxtaposition to neurons in the hilus of the hippocampus and cyclin D1 to non-glial cells in the dentate. mRNA levels for cyclin D1 were elevated approximately 1.5-fold by 72 h as determined by RNase protection assay. No changes were seen in mRNA levels for cyclins E, F, G1, G2, H or I nor cyclin dependent kinases. These elevations are not associated with proliferation of microglia as determined by BrdU incorporation and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. Upregulation of cell cycle genes was associated with cellular processes other than proliferation and may contribute to the differentiation of microglia to a phagocytic phenotype. These data suggest an integrated role for cell cycle regulation of neural cells in the manifestation of hippocampal pathophysiology.
A Heat Transfer Model for Firefighters’ Protective Clothing, Continued Developments in Protective Clothing Modeling

In the year 2000, a paper entitled “A Heat Transfer Model for Firefighters’ Protective Clothing” was published in Volume 36, No. 1, of Fire Technology, and it received the 2001 Harry C. Bigglestone Award for Excellence in Written Communication of Fire Protection Concepts from The Fire Protection Research Foundation. Since the publication of this paper, there has been additional development of the heat transfer model. The radiant heat transfer element has been refined, and the model can now address predictions of heat transfer through wet protective clothing materials. Additionally, there has been an extension of the thermal properties database for fabric materials used to manufacture firefighters’ protective clothing. These improvements have significantly expanded the capabilities of the model and provide users with a more robust tool for economically predicting thermal protective clothing performance.
Acyl-CoA Subunit Selectivity in the Pikromycin Polyketide Synthase PikAIV: Steady-State Kinetics and Active-Site Occupancy Analysis by FTICR-MS

Summary Polyketide natural products generated by type I modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) are vital components in our drug repertoire. To reprogram these biosynthetic assembly lines, we must first understand the steps that occur within the modular "black boxes." Herein, key steps of acyl-CoA extender unit selection are explored by in vitro biochemical analysis of the PikAIV PKS model system. Two complementary approaches are employed: a fluorescent-probe assay for steady-state kinetic analysis, and Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance-mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) to monitor active-site occupancy. Findings from five enzyme variants and four model substrates have enabled a model to be proposed involving catalysis based upon acyl-CoA substrate loading followed by differential rates of hydrolysis. These efforts suggest a strategy for future pathway engineering efforts using unnatural extender units with slow rates of hydrolytic off-loading from the acyltransferase domain.
Role of the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in β‐cell function and glucose homeostasis

The release of insufficient amounts of insulin in the presence of elevated blood glucose levels is one of the key features of type 2 diabetes. Various lines of evidence indicate that acetylcholine (ACh), the major neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system, can enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells. Studies with isolated islets prepared from whole body M(3) muscarinic ACh receptor knockout mice showed that cholinergic amplification of glucose-dependent insulin secretion is exclusively mediated by the M(3) muscarinic receptor subtype. To investigate the physiological relevance of this muscarinic pathway, we used Cre/loxP technology to generate mutant mice that lack M(3) receptors only in pancreatic beta-cells. These mutant mice displayed impaired glucose tolerance and significantly reduced insulin secretion. In contrast, transgenic mice overexpressing M(3) receptors in pancreatic beta-cells showed a pronounced increase in glucose tolerance and insulin secretion and were resistant to diet-induced glucose intolerance and hyperglycaemia. These findings indicate that beta-cell M(3) muscarinic receptors are essential for maintaining proper insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Moreover, our data suggest that enhancing signalling through beta-cell M(3) muscarinic receptors may represent a new avenue in the treatment of glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes.
Title>Additive cytotoxicity of different monoclonal antibody-cobra venom factor conjugates for human neuroblastoma cells

Abstract Insufficient numbers of antigen molecules and heterogeneity of antigen expression on tumor cells are major factors limiting the immunotherapeutic potential of the few clinically useful monoclonal antibodies capable of mediating complement cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. To overcome this limitation, we converted two non-cytotoxic monoclonal anti-neuroblastoma antibodies, designated 3E7 (IgG2b) and 8H9 (IgG1 ), and the non-cytotoxic F(ab′) 2 fragment of the cytotoxic monoclonal anti-G D2 antibody 3F8 (IgG3) into cytotoxic antibody conjugates by covalent attachment of cobra venom factor (CVF), a structural and functional homologue of the activated third component of complement. Competitive binding experiments confirmed the different specificities of the three antibodies. In the presence of human complement, all three antibody-CVF conjugates mediated selective complement-dependent lysis of human neuroblastoma cells. Consistent with the kinetics of the alternative pathway of complement, approximately seven hours incubation were required to reach maximum cytotoxicity of up to 25% for the 3E7-CVF conjugate, up to 60% for the 8H9-CVF conjugate, and up to 95% for the 3F8 F(ab′) 2 -CVF conjugate. The different extent of maximal cytotoxic activity of the three conjugates was reflected by corresponding differences in the extent of binding of both unconjugated antibodies and the respective conjugates. Any combination of the three antibody-CVF conjugates caused an additive effect in complement-mediated lysis. Using a cocktail of all three conjugates, the extent of complement-mediated killing could be increased up to 100%. These data demonstrate that by coupling of CVF the relative large number of non-cytotoxic monoclonal anti-tumor antibodies of interesting can be used to design cocktails of cytotoxic conjugates and, thereby, to overcome the problem of insuffiecient and heterogenous antigen expression on tumor cells for immunotherapy.
Morphine addiction and withdrawal alters brain peptide concentrations

Abstract This study demonstrates that, during morphine addiction and withdrawal in rats profound alterations in the concentrations of a variety of brain peptides occur. Somatostatin, cholecystokinin, neurotensin and substance P concentrations increased during morphine addiction. Naloxone-induced withdrawal decreased brain concentrations of TRH, somatostatin, neurotensin and substance P. Naloxone alone decreased thalamic substance P and neurotensin concentrations. Vasoactive intestinal peptide concentrations were unaltered by any of the treatments. The fall in the tissue concentration of somatostatin during naloxone-induced withdrawal correlated well with the fall in the circulating growth hormone, suggesting that this could be secondary to somatostatin release. Our data support the hypothesis that brain peptides, acting locally in the brain as neuromodulators, play an important role in the genesis of the syndromes of morphine addiction and withdrawal.
End-to-End Energy Management

In reality, energy is task- not system-centric. Several disparate systems, or systems of systems, collectively use energy to accomplish a given task and satisfy service-level expectations. Consider, for example, someone who takes a photo with a smartphone and sends it to a friend. Taking and transmitting the photo consumes energy from the smart phone, the data transfer consumes energy from the Internet routers, and the recipient's local system consumes energy to display the image. To improve energy efficiency, we must consider the end-to-end energy use of a task involving multiple computer systems.
Evaluating the Use of Contractor-Performed Test Results in Highway Construction and Material Acceptance Decisions

AbstractTransportation agencies around the world are using contractor-performed test results in construction and material acceptance and pay decisions. This practice is termed contractor acceptance testing (CAT) in this paper. Although CAT has helped transportation agencies to deal with a shrinking workforce and intensive construction schedules, it has been controversial. This paper provides insights into the technical and conceptual pitfalls of CAT. The technical pitfalls are revealed through Monte Carlo–based computer simulations of pavement specifications that use CAT. These simulations show that the verification process, which relies on the statistical F-test and t-test, is unreliable and can lead to erroneous pay decisions. The conceptual pitfalls are revealed by demonstrating that CAT encourages a quality-control approach that focuses on defect detection and containment, rather than defect prevention. Finally, potential alternatives and improvements to CAT are provided.
Addition of radiation therapy to androgen ablation improves outcome for subclinically node-positive prostate cancer.

Abstract Objectives. To determine the outcome for node-positive prostate cancer treated by early androgen ablation with or without prostatic radiation. Methods. Two hundred fifty-five men with lymphadenectomy-proven pelvic nodal metastases treated with early androgen ablation alone (n = 183) or with combined ablation and radiation (n = 72) between 1984 and 1998 were retrospectively reviewed for disease outcome and survival. Post-treatment disease status was based on the prostate-specific antigen levels or on the clinical and radiographic status for patients treated before 1987. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to determine the prognostic factors and assess the influence of radiation treatment. Results. With a median follow-up of 9.4 years, the 5, 10, and 13-year overall survival rate for those treated with early ablation alone was 83%, 46%, and 21%, respectively. The freedom from relapse or rising prostate-specific antigen rate for these patients was 41%, 25%, and 19% at 5, 10, and 13 years, respectively. Distant metastasis and local recurrence occurred with a 10-year actuarial incidence of 44% and 51%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 6.2 years, the 5 and 10-year overall survival rate for those treated with radiation and ablation was 92% and 67%, respectively. The freedom from relapse or rising prostate-specific antigen rate in these men was 91% and 80% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. The superior outcome for combined ablation and radiation was substantial and statistically significant in the univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions. Early androgen ablation alone has little curative potential for node-positive prostate cancer. The addition of prostatic radiation to ablation resulted in substantial and significant improvement in disease control and patient survival.
Explicit additive noise models for uniform and nonuniform MMSE quantization

Abstract Additive noise models for the minimum mean squared error quantization of a random variable are presented. The first and second moments of all variables are evaluated, and an exact expression for the correlation between the input variable and the quantization noise is derived.
Accuracy of temporal coding: Auditory-visual comparisons

Three experiments were designed to decide whether temporal information is coded more accurately for intervals defined by auditory events or for those defined by visual events. In the first experiment, the irregular-list technique was used, in which a short list of items was presented, the items all separated by different interstimulus intervals. Following presentation, the subject was given three items from the list, in their correct serial order, and was asked to judge the relative interstimulus intervals. Performance was indistinguishable whether the items were presented auditorily or visually. In the second experiment, two unfilled intervals were defined by three nonverbal signals in either the auditory or the visual modality. After delays of 0, 9, or 18 sec (the latter two filled with distractor activity), the subjects were directed to make a verbal estimate of the length of one of the two intervals, which ranged from 1 to 4 sec and from 10 to 13 sec. Again, performance was not dependent on the modality of the time markers. The results of Experiment 3, which was procedurally similar to Experiment 2 but with filled rather than empty intervals, showed significant modality differences in one measure only. Within the range of intervals employed in the present study, our results provide, at best, only modest support for theories that predict more accurate temporal coding in memory for auditory, rather than visual, stimulus presentation.
Low-voltage switching of crease patterns on hydrogel surfaces.

We report electrically driven creasing of polyelectrolye hydrogel surfaces with low switching voltages (2–4 V). Deep creases (up to 70% of the swelled film thickness) can be reversibly formed and eliminated on time-scales of a few seconds, with control of crease locations by micro-patterning of underlying electrodes.
Innovations in Maudsley family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa at the Children's Hospital at Westmead: a family admission programme

The family admission programme is an innovation in the implementation of Maudsley family-based treatment (MFBT) and increases the level of therapeutic intensity compared to standard outpatient MFBT. The 2-week, hospital-based residential programme is designed as a step down from usual in-patient care or a step up if outpatient treatment is stalling. The programme targets families who are responding poorly to standard MFBT treatment because of complex family dynamics, the severity of the illness or their remote location. Through a structured daily programme and a shift in the locus of control from hospital staff to the child's parents the programme aims to reduce length of stay in the acute in-patient environment, reduce readmission rates and improve outcomes for patients and families.
Major Therapeutic Uses of Interferons

Interferons are part of the body’s natural defence system. They have been shown in vitro and in vivo to possess antiviral, antitumour and immunoregulatory properties. There are two types of interferon, type I and type II. Type I interferons comprise interferon-α (IFNα) and interferon-β (IFNβ). Type II interferon is comprised solely of interferon-γ (IFNγ). Each type has distinctive genetic derivation, primary producing cells, and properties. IFNα is the most widely used interferon, and is produced commercially both by recombinant DNA technology and from stimulated leucocyte and lymphoblastoid cells. IFNβ is also available as a recombinant product and as a naturally produced product from human fibroblasts. IFNγ is available as a recombinant product. The different types of interferons cannot be used interchangeably to obtain the same results. For instance, IFNγ has been shown to aggravate multiple sclerosis, whereas IFNγ has a significant ameliorating effect.
Wind‐generated ocean currents at Amrum Bank Light ship

A detailed study of wind-generated currents at a station with rotary tidal currents, based on the analysis of four-hourly observations during the years 1924–1933, was made at Amrum Bank Light vessel. The use of punch cards for the harmonic analysis of such bulky information is briefly explained. A ‘residual current at calms’ is defined and calculated to separate the wind-generated current from that caused by other forces. The wind-generated currents are calculated for winds of eight different directions. The influence of wind velocity and wind steadiness is investigated, and the functional relationship between wind and current is calculated. The water transport under various wind conditions is calculated, and finally charts are constructed which show the general current circulation in the German Bight of the North Sea at eight different wind situations.
Optoelectronic Tweezers for Nanomanipulation

Optoelectronic tweezers is a new optical manipulation technique to trap particles with sizes of tens from nanometers to hundreds of micrometers. This paper will review the principle and highlight recent advances in manipulating semiconductor nanowires.
Behavioral modeling for polar transmitters

In this paper, we have shown that behavioral modeling is an important tool for not only predicting PA distortion performance, but is also indispensable for correcting such signal degradation in the transmit path. Digital pre-D has proven to be an effective means to suppress ACPR in base station applications, but is too costly and complex for mobile applications. Mobile PA architectures are increasing utilizing polar transmitter architectures to improve efficiency for digitally modulated signals. We have shown that the combination of polar architectures combined with digital pre-D allows high efficiency operation while still achieving adequate distortion performance. Future work will include development of multiple-input/mulitiple output (MIMO) transmitters for use in mobile platforms.
Characterization of phage-coupled magnetoelastic micro-particles for the detection of Bacillus anthracis Sterne spores

A microfabricated magnetoelastic sensor immobilized with specific phage for the detection of Bacillus anthracis spores is presented. This micro-sensor can detect response signal remotely through magnetic field, enabling the in-situ measurement of target pathogens in aqueous environment. The sensor's surface was modified by selected phage which provides the binding ability to B. anthracis spores. When exposed to B. anthracis spore solution, the resonant frequency of the sensor decreased due to the accumulated spore attachment on the surface. Sensors with dimensions of 200 times 40 times 4 mum were employed in the tests of increasing concentrations (102 to 108 cfu/ml) of B. anthracis spores. A detection limit of 102 cfu/ml, and a sensitivity of 13.1 kHz/decade, were observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs demonstrated binding of target analytes to biosensors compared to controls.
Distributed Online Algorithm for Optimal Real-Time Energy Distribution in the Smart Grid

In recent years, the smart grid has been recognized as an important form of the Internet of Things (IoT). The two-way energy and information flows in a smart gird, together with the smart devices, bring about new perspectives to energy management. This paper investigates a distributed online algorithm for electricity distribution in a smart grid environment. We first present a formulation that captures the key design factors such as user’s utility, grid load smoothing, and energy provisioning cost. The problem is shown to be convex and can be solved with a centralized online algorithm that only requires present information about users and the grid in our prior work. In this paper, we develop a distributed online algorithm that decomposes and solves the online problem in a distributed manner, and prove that the distributed online solution is asymptotically optimal. The proposed distributed online algorithm is also practical and mitigates the user privacy issue by not sharing user utility functions. It is evaluated with trace-driven simulations and shown to outperform a benchmark scheme.
Inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune synovitis characterized by the formation of pannus and the destruction of cartilage and bone in the synovial joints. Although immune cells, which infiltrate the pannus and promote inflammation, play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of RA, other cell types also contribute. Proliferation of synovial fibroblasts, for example, underlies the formation of the pannus, while proliferation of endothelial cells results in neovascularization, which supports the growth of the pannus by supplying it with nutrients and oxygen. The synovial fibroblasts also promote inflammation in the synovium by producing cytokines and chemokines. Finally, osteoclasts cause the destruction of bone. In this study, we show that erlotinib, an inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), reduces the severity of established collagen-induced arthritis, a mouse model of RA, and that it does so by targeting synovial fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and osteoclasts. Erlotinib-induced attenuation of autoimmune arthritis was associated with a reduction in number of osteoclasts and blood vessels, and erlotinib inhibited the formation of murine osteoclasts and the proliferation of human endothelial cells in vitro. Erlotinib also inhibited the proliferation and cytokine production of human synovial fibroblasts in vitro. Moreover, EGFR was highly expressed and activated in the synovium of mice with collagen-induced arthritis and patients with RA. Taken together, these findings suggest that EGFR plays a central role in the pathogenesis of RA and that EGFR inhibition may provide benefits in the treatment of RA.
End of Television and Foreign Policy

The transformation of television has altered the capacity of the state to control the agenda for making war, convening peace, and otherwise exercising its foreign policy options. In the age of the state gatekeeper, there was at least the illusion (and often the reality) that the government could substantially control the flow of images within its borders. With transformations in television systems, national systems of broadcast regulation have declined, replaced by transnational flows of information where local gatekeepers are not so salient. The rise of satellites with regional footprints and the spread of the Internet give governments the ability to reach over the heads of the state and speak directly to populations. Both receiving and sending states will have foreign policies about the meaning of the right to receive and impart information and the extent to which satellite signals can be regulated or channeled.
Application of Structural Case-Based Reasoning to Activity Recognition in Smart Home Environments

Improvements in sensor technology and small, handheld wireless communication devices provide new opportunities for smart home applications to support independent living for elder care. However, with addition of new sensing technology in the smart home, intelligent methods are needed that process data collected by the sensors to recognize activities for monitoring the well-being of the home's inhabitants. To address this challenge, we designed a smart home system with a multi-agent middle layer to study case-based reasoning methods and constraint satisfaction for activity recognition. The study includes the development of an ontology encoded in RDF to match features of cases and their constraints against observed events in the home. Initial results show that activity recognition can be done successfully using the proposed methods.
Global Analysis of Heat Shock Response in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough

Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough belongs to a class of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and is found ubiquitously in nature. Given the importance of SRB-mediated reduction for bioremediation of metal ion contaminants, ongoing research on D. vulgaris has been in the direction of elucidating regulatory mechanisms for this organism under a variety of stress conditions. This work presents a global view of this organism's response to elevated growth temperature using whole-cell transcriptomics and proteomics tools. Transcriptional response (1.7-fold change or greater; Z >/= 1.5) ranged from 1,135 genes at 15 min to 1,463 genes at 120 min for a temperature up-shift of 13 degrees C from a growth temperature of 37 degrees C for this organism and suggested both direct and indirect modes of heat sensing. Clusters of orthologous group categories that were significantly affected included posttranslational modifications; protein turnover and chaperones (up-regulated); energy production and conversion (down-regulated), nucleotide transport, metabolism (down-regulated), and translation; ribosomal structure; and biogenesis (down-regulated). Analysis of the genome sequence revealed the presence of features of both negative and positive regulation which included the CIRCE element and promoter sequences corresponding to the alternate sigma factors sigma(32) and sigma(54). While mechanisms of heat shock control for some genes appeared to coincide with those established for Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, the presence of unique control schemes for several other genes was also evident. Analysis of protein expression levels using differential in-gel electrophoresis suggested good agreement with transcriptional profiles of several heat shock proteins, including DnaK (DVU0811), HtpG (DVU2643), HtrA (DVU1468), and AhpC (DVU2247). The proteomics study also suggested the possibility of posttranslational modifications in the chaperones DnaK, AhpC, GroES (DVU1977), and GroEL (DVU1976) and also several periplasmic ABC transporters.
AKORD: transistor level and mixed transistor/gate level placement tool for digital data paths

This paper describes AKORD, a transistor level and mixed transistor/gate level placement tool. AKORD has unique layout capabilities that address the digital data path layout problem. In order to improve communication between the placement and routing steps, new post placement algorithms were developed: a device re-spacing procedure, an optimization procedure for gate contacts, and a procedure which reduces wire crossovers. AKORD supports dynamically: 1. Transistor folding without usage of device libraries that contain variants of the same device; 2. Device merging, including information about optimal transistor chain formation; and 3. Well area minimization. Experimental results show that the automated layouts are comparable to skilled manual layouts and that the computation times are quite modest.
The COBRA gene family in Populus and gene expression in vegetative organs and in response to hormones and environmental stresses

COBRA proteins have been shown to be involved in both cell wall expansion and/or cellulose deposition. In this paper, we analyzed all 18 COBRA genes (PtCOBRA) from the completely sequenced Populus trichocarpa genome. The 14-member PtCOBRA subfamily I proteins have high similarities to the Arabidopsis (At) COB subfamily, and members with full length sequences were predicted to possess significant potentials for a GPI-anchor site. The 4-member PtCOBRA subfamily II proteins are 45% longer than subfamily I proteins and lack ω-attachment sites at the C terminus, and are more similar to AtCOBL7 subfamily. The expression of the Populus COBRA family genes were regulated in a tissue-specific manner, and were shown to also respond differentially to inductions of hormones and environmental stimuli which affect plant cell expansion. The high levels of expressions, particularly in shoot tip and young root organs, suggests that at least some Populus COBRA genes are likely involved in regulating cell expansion.
Measuring human complement activation by HLA antibodies.

Abstract Context.—The clinical significance of HLA antibodies in transplantation depends on their ability to activate complement, which is measured by the standard complement-dependent cytotoxicity...
Isotopic evidence for Fe cycling and repartitioning in ancient oxygen-deficient settings: Examples from black shales of the mid-to-late Devonian Appalachian basin

Abstract We have measured iron (Fe) isotope compositions of bulk samples and chemically extracted pyrite in two black shale units: the Oatka Creek Formation (OCF) and the younger Geneseo Formation (GF) deposited in the Appalachian basin during the mid-to-late Devonian. The depositional redox conditions for these units are well established through multiple paleoproxies, including degree of pyritization (DOP) and ratios of total Fe to Al (Fe T /Al), suggesting that both deposits reflect oxygen-deficient environments, but that euxinia (anoxia with hydrogen sulfide in the bottom waters) was more frequent and persistent during deposition of the OCF. Iron isotopes show systematic variations that are consistent with the inferred water column redox conditions. Samples from the OCF yield low and variable bulk Fe isotope compositions (− 0.44‰ to 0.03‰ in δ 56 Fe relative to average igneous rocks) that are inversely correlated with Fe T /Al, whereas bulk δ 56 Fe values ( δ 56 Fe T ) of the GF fall in a narrower range (− 0.09‰ to 0.12‰). δ 56 Fe values of pyrite ( δ 56 Fe Py ) display good correlation with δ 56 Fe T in the OCF, but no such correlation is observed in the GF. The Fe isotope data and other paleo-redox indicators, when viewed collectively, point to a benthic Fe source on the shelf and shelf-to-basin transfer that operated during deposition of the OCF, similar to what has been observed in the modern Black Sea. For the first time this study confirms the strength of Fe isotopes in delineating this Fe enrichment mechanism in the ancient geological record and emphasizes the utility of the Fe isotope proxy for fingerprinting and quantifying ancient biogeochemical cycling of Fe.
Does Bacillus anthracis Lethal Toxin Directly Depress Myocardial Function? A Review of Clinical Cases and Preclinical Studies

The US outbreak of B.anthracis infection in 2001 and subsequent cases in the US and Europe demonstrate that anthrax is a continuing risk for the developed world. While several bacterial components contribute to the pathogenesis of B. anthracis, production of lethal toxin (LT) is strongly associated with the development of hypotension and lethality. However, the mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular instability LT produces are unclear. Some evidence suggests that LT causes shock by impairing the peripheral vasculature, effects consistent with the substantial extravasation of fluid in patients dying with B. anthracis. Other data suggests that LT directly depresses myocardial function. However a clinical correlate for this latter possibility is less evident since functional studies and post-mortem examination in patients demonstrate absent or minimal cardiac changes. The purposes of this review were to first present clinical studies of cardiac functional and histologic pathology with B. anthracis infection and to then examine in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo preclinical studies of LT's myocardial effects. Together, these data suggest that it is unclear whether that LT directly depresses cardiac function. This question is important for the clinical management and development of new therapies for anthrax and efforts should continue to be made to answer it.