cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acoustical evaluation of carbonized and activated cotton nonwovens.

An activated carbon fiber nonwoven (ACF) was manufactured from a cotton nonwoven fabric. For the ACF acoustic application, a nonwoven composite of ACF with cotton nonwoven as a base layer was developed. Also produced were the composites of the cotton nonwoven base layer with a layer of glassfiber nonwoven, and the cotton nonwoven base layer with a layer of cotton fiber nonwoven. Their noise absorption coefficients and sound transmission loss were measured using the Bruel and Kjaer impedance tube instrument. Statistical significance of the differences between the composites was tested using the method of Duncan's grouping. The study concluded that the ACF composite exhibited a greater ability to absorb normal incidence sound waves than the composites with either glassfiber or cotton fiber. The analysis of sound transmission loss revealed that the three composites still obeyed the mass law of transmission loss. The composite with the surface layer of cotton fiber nonwoven possessed a higher fabric density and therefore showed a better sound insulation than the composites with glassfiber and ACF.
Photochemical vapor deposition of mixed-metal thin films from organometallic precursors containing heteronuclear metal-metal bonds

Abstract Thin films of iron-cobalt and iron-nickel have been prepared by a low-temperature photochemical vapor deposition technique using organometallic precursors containing heteronuclear metal-metal bonds. The stoichiometries of the metals can be retained in the deposited films provided that no extensive thermal decomposition of the precursors occurs during the vaporization process.
Origin and transport signatures of spin-orbit interactions in one- and two-dimensional SrTiO 3 -based heterostructures

We study origin of Rashba spin-orbit interaction at SrTiO${}_{3}$ surfaces and LaAlO${}_{3}$/SrTiO${}_{3}$ interfaces by considering the interplay between atomic spin-orbit coupling and inversion asymmetry at the surface or interface. We show that in a simple tight-binding model involving $3d$ ${t}_{2g}$ bands of Ti ions, the induced spin-orbit coupling in the ${d}_{xz}$ and ${d}_{yz}$ bands is cubic in momentum whereas the spin-orbit interaction in the ${d}_{xy}$ band has linear momentum dependence. We also find that the spin-orbit interaction in one-dimensional channels at LaAlO${}_{3}$/SrTiO${}_{3}$ interfaces is linear in momentum for all bands. We discuss implications of our results for transport experiments on SrTiO${}_{3}$ surfaces and LaAlO${}_{3}$/SrTiO${}_{3}$ interfaces. In particular, we analyze the effect of a given spin-orbit interaction term on magnetotransport of LaAlO${}_{3}$/SrTiO${}_{3}$ by calculating weak antilocalization corrections to the conductance and to universal conductance fluctuations.
Immediate-early proteins of human cytomegalovirus strains AD169, Davis, and towne differ in electrophoretic mobility

Abstract Electrophoretic comparisons of the immediate-early (IE) proteins of three strains of cytomegalovirus (CMV) isolated from adenoidal tissue (Ad169), liver (Davis), and urine (Towne) of humans, have shown that they are distinguishable. Experiments based on “pulse-chase” radiolabeling, biosynthetic phosphorylation, and in vitro protein synthesis indicate that these differences are not the consequence of slow post-translational modification. Results of a comparison of high- and low-passage stocks of Towne virus suggest that these mobility differences reflect natural variation, rather than alterations resulting from propagation in tissue culture.
Factors Associated With Meniscal Tears and Chondral Lesions in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction A Prospective Study

Background:Increased time from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to surgery is known to be associated with increased medial meniscal tears. Few studies have examined the predictors of meniscal tears and chondral lesions, including instability episodes.Purpose:To examine the predictors of meniscal tears and chondral injuries in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Data were collected prospectively from 541 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for predictors of meniscal tears, tear management, and chondral injuries. Predictors included age, sex, body mass index (25-29.99 and ≥30 vs ≤24.99 kg/m2), mechanism (contact vs noncontact) and type (high-impact sports [basketball, football, soccer, and skiing] and other sports vs not sports related) of injury, interval from injury to surgery (≤6 vs >6 weeks and ≤12 vs >12 weeks), and instability episodes ...
Determination of sex and maturational status of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) using ultrasonic imaging

Abstract Ultrasound images of the gonads of adult striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were recorded monthly to determine their efficacy in sexing and evaluating maturation status of broodstock throughout the year. The sex of adult (age V) broodfish was readily distinguished (95% accuracy) throughout the annual reproductive cycle. Adult (age II) female hybrid striped bass (M. saxatilis×M. chrysops) also were accurately (100%) sexed, whereas juvenile (age 1+) and adult (age II) male hybrids could not be accurately (42 and 45%, respectively) sexed with ultrasound. The maturational status of adult (age V) fish was readily differentiated throughout the annual cycle from cross-sectional measurements of gonad diameters on ultrasound scans. Maximum monthly ovary diameter ranged from a 11.4 mm in September to 26.3 mm at ovulation in March. Maximum monthly testes diameter ranged from 4.6 mm in July to 25.5 mm in March. Spermiating males exhibited larger mean (maximum) testicular diameters (23.5 mm) than non-spermiating males (13.1 mm). Maximum ovarian diameter was highly correlated (r=0.92) with oocyte diameter. Maximum gonad size, determined from scans of the entire gonad, proved to be a more consistent index of maturity than average gonad size. Ripe female and spermiating male striped bass can be characterized as having maximum ovarian and testicular diameters of > 30 and 20 mm, respectively, although fish with smaller gonads may be capable of spawning. Ultrasound is a simple, effective, and non-invasive method to sex and assess maturational status of adult striped bass and perhaps other commercially and ecologically valuable (endangered) species.
Wind-tunnel simulation of store jettison with the aid of an artificial gravity generated by magnetic fields.

In this paper a set of model scaling equations for wind-tunnel simulation of the trajectory of jettisoned stores from aircraft is presented. This scaling is based upon a scaled gravitational acceleration. It is shown that a suitable scaled gravity can be developed by means of magnetized ferromagnetic spheres in a magnetic field gradient. Preliminary experimental results are presented that illustrate that "gravity can be modified" by this technique.
Reconstitution of the photosystem II Ca2+ binding site.

The roles of Ca2+ in H2O oxidation may be as a site of substrate binding, and as a structural component of the photosystem II O2-evolving complex. One indication of this dual role of the metal is revealed by probing the Mn cluster in the Ca2+ depleted O2 evolving complex that retains extrinsic 23- and 17-kDa polypeptides with reductants (NH2OH and hydroquinone) [Biochemistry 41 (2002) 958]. Calcium appears to bind to photosystem II at a site where it could bind substrate H2O. Equilibration of Ca2+ with this binding site is facilitated by increased ionic strength, and incubation of Ca2+ reconstitution mixtures at 22 °C accelerates equilibration of Ca2+ with the site. The Ca2+ reconstituted enzyme system regains properties of unperturbed photosystem II: Sensitivity to NH2OH inhibition is decreased, and Cl− binding with increased affinity can be detected. The ability of ionic strength and temperature to facilitate rebinding of Ca2+ to the intact O2 evolving complex suggests that the structural environment of the oxidizing side of photosystem II may be flexible, rather than rigid.
Network path caching

Caching of network paths in a connection-oriented communication network provides a means to store computed paths for later reuse. We propose that network path caching can provide an efficient way to eliminate, whenever possible, the expensive path computation algorithm that has to be performed in setting up a network connection. This paper is the first known work on network path caching in decentralized connection-oriented networks. It first identifies and analyses the issues that arise in caching network paths. Based on our extensive study of network path caching schemes, we then propose two path caching algorithms to reduce the number of path computations in the network when a new connection is to be established. A simulation study of the two algorithms is then presented. We conclude that both algorithms perform very well and significantly reduce the number of path computations in setting up connections.
An equilibrium existence Theorem

Bewley 14, Theorem l] proved an infinite dimensional equilibrium existence theorem which is a significant extension of the classical finite dimensional theorem of Arrow and Debreu [ 11. The assumptions on technology and preferences are natural and applicable in a wide variety of cases. The proof is based on a limit argument that makes direct use of the existence of equilibrium in the finite dimensional case. This paper establishes the existence of equilibrium under assumptions which are essentially the same as those given by Bewley, with the additional assumption that the preference orderings of consumers are representable by real valued utility functions. This approach is related to the welfare approach of Negishi [9] and Arrow and Hahn [2, Chap. 51 in the finite dimensional case and simplifies the approach originally adopted by Bewley [5]. In addition to making clear the role played by each of the assumptions in establishing the existence of equilibrium, this approach has the merit of constructing directly a certain real valued function that is maximised at an equilibrium, a result that provides a powerful tool in the analysis of qualitative properties of an equilibrium. A model of resource allocation in continuous time over an infinite horizon that may be viewed as an application of the model that follows is given in 181.
Extraterrestrial Intelligence: An Observational Approach

The microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum, a plausible regime for signals from extraterrestrial intelligences, is largely unexplored. With new technology, particularly in data processing and low-noise reception, surveys can be conducted over broad regions of frequency and space with existing antennas at flux densities plausible for interstellar signals. An all-sky, broad-band survey lasting perhaps 5 years can be structured so that even negative results would establish significant boundaries on the regime in which such signals may be found. The technology and techniques developed and much of the data acquired would be applicable to radio astronomy and deep-space communications.
THE EFFECT OF ANDROGENS ON THE SUCCINOXIDASE SYSTEM OF RAT LIVER

INTRODUCTION ESTROGEN inhibition of the succinoxidase system of rat liver and pituitary tissues was shown by McShan & Meyer (1946). The point of attack was apparently the cytochrome oxidase in the homogenate. Similar results were obtained in a study of the malic dehydrogenase system by Erway et al. (1947). Again cytochrome oxidase was apparently blocked. Androgens were also tested for possible inhibitory action on rat liver succinoxidase by McShan et al. (1947). No effect was noted with concentrations of steroid up to 3×10-4 M. Sodium androsterone sulfate, a water soluble steroid, was one of the preparations tested. Gordon and Elliott (1947) also noted inhibition of the succinoxidase system in rat brain using natural and synthetic estrogens, but they found no effect with aqueous suspensions of testosterone. However, inhibition by testosterone of aerobic respiration of rat brain was demonstrated by the latter group (1947) and of liver and striated muscle by Eisenberg et al. (1949).
Simultaneous ranging and velocimetry of fast moving targets using oppositely chirped pulses from a mode-locked laser

A lidar system based on the coherent detection of oppositely chirped pulses generated using a 20 MHz mode locked laser and chirped fiber Bragg gratings is presented. Sub millimeter resolution ranging is performed with > 25 dB signal to noise ratio. Simultaneous, range and Doppler velocity measurements are experimentally demonstrated using a target moving at > 330 km/h inside the laboratory.
Technology in the Classroom: An Assessment of Hardware and Software Use in Finance Instruction

Abstract The use of technology in classrooms is expanding rapidly. Though electronic classroom innovations generally are believed to be beneficial, the mode and frequency of use vary considerably in the area of finance instruction. In this study, the authors investigated classroom technology use in finance instruction by surveying faculty members listed in the December 2001 Financial Management Association Directory of Membership.
Transient heat and fluid flow in porous annuli

An analysis of the transient behavior of heat and fluid flow in porous annuli is reported. The problem analyzed has relevance to the design of adsorption compressors. Consideration is given to filling a porous annulus with a fluid while cooling is applied. The governing equations for the transport process considered have been solved numerically using a finite-difference method. A parametric study has been conducted to reveal the influence of the different parameters. The conditions for maximizing the mass intake are identified.
Fall risk-relevant functional mobility outcomes in dementia following dyadic tai chi exercise.

Whether persons with dementia benefit from fall prevention exercise is unclear. Applying the Positive Emotion-Motivated Tai Chi protocol, preliminary findings concerning adherence and effects of a dyadic Tai Chi exercise program on persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are reported. Using pre/posttest design, 22 community-dwelling AD-caregiver dyads participated in the program. Fall-risk-relevant functional mobility was measured using Unipedal Stance Time (UST) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests. Results showed that 19/22 (86.4%) AD patients completed the 16-week program and final assessment; 16/19 dyads (84.2%) completed the prescribed home program as reported by caregivers. UST adjusted mean improved from 4.0 to 5.1 (Week 4, p .05) post intervention. Retaining dementia patients in an exercise intervention remains challenging. The dyadic Tai Chi approach appears to succeed in keeping AD-caregiver dyads exercising and safe.
Near field of the open-ended parallel-plate waveguide

Abstract The near-field radiation of an open-ended parallel-plate waveguide is analyzed by the uniform asymptotic theory. The results are compared with those obtained by Keller's geometrical theory of diffraction. We demonstrate how the present solution recovers the earlier far-field results and establishes the region of validity of the latter.
Setting Agendas for Community Change: The Community Goal-Setting Strategy

Communities find it difficult to set their agendas and act, hamstrung by fragmentation, internal division and incrementalism Yet in rapidly changing environments, localities can ill-afford to let n...
On the relationship between river-basin geomorphology, aquifer hydraulics, and ground-water flow direction in alluvial aquifers

The delineation of ground-water flow in alluvial valley stream-aquifer systems is important in studies of water availability, environmental impact, and aquifer remediation and is required by some states' water laws. Published potentiometric surfaces and head data, however, are not always available. When data are absent, it is commonly assumed that ground water and dissolved solutes flow toward the river. Analysis of published geomorphologic and hydraulic data in 24 alluvial systems and the results of digital simulations indicate that in some cases this assumption is only valid immediately adjacent to an effluent river. Ground-water flow in the remaining portions of an alluvial valley aquifer may be dominated by downstream or underflow components. This paper investigates the nature of ground-water flow in alluvial valleys and presents a new classification scheme for alluvial aquifers. The geomorphologic conditions that may allow underflow to be the predominant regional ground-water flow component are described. In order to classify alluvial aquifers, two Darcy flux end-member components are defined. The baseflow component is that portion of the ground-water flux that moves perpendicular to the river. The baseflow component may flow toward the river or away from the river depending on whether the river is effluent or influent, respectively. The underflow component of the Darcy flux moves parallel to the river and in the same direction as the stream flow. The alluvial stream-aquifer systems are classified based on the predominant regional ground-water flow component as underflow-component dominated, baseflow-component dominated, or mixed. On the basis of the results of this study, we conclude that the dominant regional ground-water flow component, base-flow or underflow, can be inferred in an alluvial valley aquifer from geomorphologic data. These data include the channel slope, the river sinuosity, the degree of penetration (incision through the alluvium) of the river, the width-to-depth ratio, and the fluvial depositional system. The underflow component is demonstrably predominant when the following conditions exist: (1) the channel gradient exceeds .0008, (2) the sinuosity is less than 1.3, (3) the river penetration is less than 20%, (4) the width-to-depth ratio is greater than 60, and (5) the fluvial depositional system is either valley fill or mixed load to bed-load. The underflow component can also be dominant on flood plains where the lateral valley slope is negligible.
Eyewitness accounts: false facts, false memories, and false identification

With an experimental design, we assess the reliability of eyewitness identification. After viewing a staged nonviolent crime, subjects heard a confederate provide an inaccurate description of the criminal. Subjects were then randomly placed in one of several experimental conditions, and their ability to identify the criminal was assessed. While subjects were highly confident in their ability to accurately identify the perpetrator, their ability to provide accurate information about the perpetrator was relatively low. All of the following were shown to significantly impact the probability that our eyewitnesses could provide accurate eyewitness information: length of time between the subject witnessing the crime and being asked to identify the perpetrator; the subjects' physical distance from the witnessed crime; the content of the photo lineup (whether or not the criminal was included); and prelineup instructions provided to the eyewitness. Similar to prior research, our results highlight the dangerous fal...
A Tale of Four “Carp”: Invasion Potential and Ecological Niche Modeling

Background: Invasive species are a serious problem in ecosystems, but are difficult to eradicate once established. Predictive methods can be key in determining which areas are of concern regarding invasion by such species to prevent establishment [1]. We assessed the geographic potential of four Eurasian cyprinid fishes (common carp, tench, grass carp, black carp) as invaders in North America via ecological niche modeling (ENM). These ‘‘carp’’ represent four stages of invasion of the continent (a long-established invader with a wide distribution, a long-established invader with a limited distribution, a spreading invader whose distribution is expanding, and a newly introduced potential invader that is not yet established), and as such illustrate the progressive reduction of distributional disequilibrium over the history of species’ invasions. Methodology/Principal Findings: We used ENM to estimate the potential distributional area for each species in North America using models based on native range distribution data. Environmental data layers for native and introduced ranges were imported from state, national, and international climate and environmental databases. Models were evaluated using independent validation data on native and invaded areas. We calculated omission error for the independent validation data for each species: all native range tests were highly successful (all omission values ,7%); invaded-range predictions were predictive for common and grass carp (omission values 8.8 and 19.8%, respectively). Model omission was high for introduced tench populations (54.7%), but the model correctly identified some areas where the species has been successful; distributional predictions for black carp show that large portions of eastern North America are at risk. Conclusions/Significance: ENMs predicted potential ranges of carp species accurately even in regions where the species have not been present until recently. ENM can forecast species’ potential geographic ranges with reasonable precision and within the short screening time required by proposed U.S. invasive species legislation.
Ultra-high speed full range complex spectral domain optical coherence tomography for volumetric imaging at 140,000 A scans per second

We demonstrate an ultra-high speed full rang spectral domain optical coherence tomography system based on CMOS camera at 140,000 A-scans per second. By implementing beam-offset method, a constant modulation frequency is introduced into each B-scan that enables the reconstruction of the full range complex SDOCT images from in vivo biological specimens. To make use of the full acquisition capacity of detection camera used in the system, we developed system control software that streams the raw spectral fringe data directly into the computer memory. The feasibly of our high speed full range SDOCT system is demonstrated for imaging the dynamics of anterior segment of human eye in vivo.
Clar chains and a counterexample

A fullerene is a 3-regular plane graph with only pentagonal and hexagonal faces. The Fries and Clar number of a fullerene are two related parameters, and the Clar number is less understood. We introduce the Clar Structure of a fullerene, a decomposition designed to compute the Clar number for classes of fullerenes. We also settle an open question with a counterexample: we prove that the Clar and Fries number of a fullerene cannot always be obtained with the same Kekule structure.
RAR-mediated epigenetic control of the cytochrome P450 Cyp26a1 in embryocarcinoma cells.

Retinoic acid (RA) is a signaling molecule that plays a pivotal role in major cellular processes and vertebrate development. RA action is mediated by specialized transcription factors, the nuclear RA receptors (RARs), which regulate the transcription of genes containing a RA-responsive element (RARE). Here we demonstrate that the genes for the RA-receptor RARβ2 and the cytochrome P450 RA-specific hydrolase Cyp26a1 involved in RA catabolism are coordinately regulated by RA. We found that both RARβ2 and Cyp26a1 genes are epigenetically silenced in the absence of DNA methylation in RAC65, a P19 embryocarcinoma cell line derivative carrying a dominant-negative RARα mutant and resistant to the growth-inhibitory and differentiation effects of RA. In response to RA, RARβ2 transcription is epigenetically regulated by RARα. Similarly, we found that Cyp26a1 transcription is epigenetically regulated by RARβ2. Knocking down RARβ2 transcription by RNA interference in wild-type P19 cells, with an intact RARα, induced Cyp26a1 transcriptional repression in the absence of DNA methylation. Concomitantly, cells developed RA resistance and did not undergo RA-induced neuron differentiation. Apparently, RARα, RARβ2 and Cyp26a1 are components of a RA-regulated gene network. Factors affecting an upstream gene of the network can trigger repressive chromatin changes – which are propagated in a domino fashion – at downstream genes of the network. This study also shows that chromatin inactivity, and consequent transcriptional silencing, can be achieved in the absence of DNA methylation.
The rising phase of the miniature endplate current at the frog neuromuscular junction

Abstract (1) The rising phase of minature endplate currets was recorded at the frog's neuromuscular junction using both the two electrode voltage clamp and a single external electrode, or Strickholm, voltage clamp. (2) The Q (10) of the miniature endplate current rising phase was 2.3 in a variety of solutions selected to alter presynaptic behavior. (3) Increasing the solution's viscosity by an amount sufficient to slow the diffusion coefficient of acetylcholine by a third has no effect on the duration of the rising or the decay phase. This solution does seem to further slow the miniature endplate current decay phase, but not the rising phase, after inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase. (4) As the membrane potential is made more positive, the miniature endplate current rising phase is prolonged, with an e- fold slowing per 170 mV change. (5) It is concluded that neither presynaptic nor subsynaptic events determine the rising phase of miniature endplate currents at the frog neuromuscular junction. Rather, the limiting step occurs within the membrane and is most likely a change in the binding constant of the receptor for the acetylcholine molecule.
Assisting AFDC-Food Stamp Participants in Eating Better For Less

Abstract Our target audience was Food Stamp participants receiving AFDC. We sought to compare the effectiveness of three intervention groups: 1) 9 cards sent individually with monthly benefit vouchers, 2) A 10minute video and accompanying handout, 3) A combination of the video, handout and then the cards. For evaluation purposes the cards were delivered weekly rather than monthly. Results were compared with those of a non-intervention control group. In a one year period an estimated 50,000 food stamp participants received the cards and –8,000 saw the video. Education and evaluation materials were developed and tested by the staff of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. A food survey designed to assess nutrition knowledge gains, dietary behaviors and food resource management behaviors was given before and after each intervention. A geographical stratified sample of 400 participants was divided equally into the non-intervention and card group. A sample of 331 participants, chosen by Food Stamp unit staff through the state based on need for recertification, participated in the evaluation of the video and video and cards. Participants were contacted by phone to complete the survey or, if not available by phone, received a survey through the US mail with a pre-stamped return envelope. Preliminary results revealed that 76 participated in the nonintervention group, 63 in the card group, 88 in the video group and 72 in the video and card group. Sample characteristics (race, sex and family size) did not vary among the groups. When compared to the control group statistically significant knowledge gains (p⩽0.05) were made by participants in the card and video and card groups. There was little difference in dietary behavior scores between the intervention groups and the control group. The video and card group demonstrated the greatest gains in dietary behaviors. The intervention groups demonstrated statistically significant gains in the food resource management questions (p⩽0.05) with the card group demonstrating the greatest gains. This research reveals the effectiveness of a large nutrition intervention project. Cost-benefit analysis will also be discussed.
Single-Phase Microscale Jet Stagnation Point Heat Transfer

An investigation of the pressure drop and impingement zone heat transfer coefficient trends of a single-phase microscale impinging jet was undertaken. Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) processes were used to fabricate a device with a 67-μm orifice. The water jet impinged on an 80-μm square heater on a normal surface 200 μm from the orifice. Because of the extremely small heater area, the conjugate convection-conduction heat transfer process provided an unexpected path for heat losses. A numerical simulation was used to estimate the heat losses, which were quite large. Pressure loss coefficients were much higher in the range Re d,o <500 than those predicted by available models for short orifice tubes; this behavior was likely due to the presence of the wall onto which the jet impinged. At higher Reynolds numbers, much better agreement was observed. Area-averaged heat transfer coefficients up to 80,000 W/m 2 K were attained in the range 70 <Re d <1900. This corresponds to a 400 W/cm 2 heat flux at a 50°C temperature difference. However, this impingement zone heat transfer coefficient is nearly an order-of-magnitude less than that predicted by correlations developed from macroscale jet data, and the dependence on the Reynolds number is much weaker than expected. Further investigation of microjet heat transfer is needed to explain the deviation from expected behavior.
Directional coupler modulator with high linearity

Analog optical fiber communication requires linear modulators with low third order intermodulation and harmonic distortions in order to realize sufficient dynamic range. We report here a novel design of the directional coupler modulator which has used passive serial feedforward mechanism to effectively compensate nonlinear distortions. Low frequency testing has demonstrated that, for an optical modulation depth of 30% per channel, the third order intermodulation distortion is more than 30 dB lower than that of the conventional directional coupler or Mach-Zehnder modulators. Harmonic distortions are reduced substantially at the same time. Operation at rf and microwave frequencies is limited by the transit time effect.
Molecular genetic transfection of the coccidian parasite Sarcocystis neurona.

Abstract Sarcocystis neurona is an apicomplexan parasite that is the major cause of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The biology of this pathogen remains poorly understood in part due to unavailability of molecular genetic tools. Hence, with an objective to develop DNA transfection capabilities for S. neurona , the 5′ flanking region of the SnSAG1 gene was isolated from a genomic library and used to construct expression plasmids. In transient assays, the reporter molecules β-galactosidase (β-gal) and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) could be detected in electroporated S. neurona, thereby confirming the feasibility of transgene expression in this organism. Stable transformation of S. neurona was achieved using a mutant dihydrofolate reductase thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) gene of Toxoplasma gondii that confers resistance to pyrimethamine. This selection system was used to create transgenic S. neurona that stably express β-gal and YFP. As shown in this study, these transgenic clones can be useful for analyzing growth rate of parasites in vitro and for assessing drug sensitivities. More importantly, the DNA transfection methods described herein should greatly facilitate studies examining intracellular parasitism by this important coccidian pathogen.
NAD depletion after in vitro exposure of murine lung slices to bleomycin

Bleomycin (BLM), a DNA-cleaving, antitumor antibiotic, causes pulmonary fibrosis. It also causes cell injury and activates the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PAP; EC 2.4.2.30) in lung slices exposed to the drug in vitro. 3-Aminobenzamide (3-AB), a PAP inhibitor, prevents enzyme activation and cell injury. We have examined the potential role of ATP and NAD depletion in injury of BLM-sensitive C57B1/6N and -resistant BALB/cN murine lung slices treated with BLM or deprived of glucose, the major metabolic substrate of lung. Lung slices either were treated for 45 min with injurious concentrations of BLM (10-500 micrograms/mL) or were incubated without glucose, in the presence or absence of 2.5 mM 3-AB. Only the highest concentration of BLM, 500 micrograms/mL, caused any ATP depletion, and this 35% decrease was transient, occurring at 220 min in C57B1/6N slices. In contrast, glucose deprivation caused 50-70% ATP depletion in slices from both strains. BLM alone at 100 and 500 micrograms/mL caused a sustained 30-70% NAD depletion from 75 min through 400 min in C57B1/6N mouse lung slices. In the resistant BALB/cN lung slices, NAD depletion by BLM was only seen at 400 min. 3-AB almost completely antagonized NAD depletion in slices from both strains. In contrast to BLM, glucose deprivation did not decrease NAD levels unless 3-AB was present in C57B1/6N slices. Thus, ATP depletion may play a role in the injurious effects of glucose deprivation, but does not appear to be a major factor in pneumocyte injury caused by BLM. NAD depletion or other effects of PAP activation appear to account for the strain-selective, injurious effect of BLM on lung tissue.
Classification-Based Wheel Slip Detection and Detector Fusion for Outdoor Mobile Robots

This paper introduces a signal-recognition based approach for detecting autonomous mobile robot immobilization on outdoor terrain. The technique utilizes a support vector machine classifier to form class boundaries in a feature space composed of statistics related to inertial and (optional) wheel speed measurements. The proposed algorithm is validated using experimental data collected with an autonomous robot operating in an outdoor environment. Additionally, two detector fusion techniques are proposed to combine the outputs of multiple immobilization detectors. One technique is proposed to minimize false immobilization detections. A second technique is proposed to increase overall detection accuracy while maintaining rapid detector response. The two fusion techniques are demonstrated experimentally using the detection algorithm proposed in this work and a dynamic model-based algorithm. It is shown that the proposed techniques can be used to rapidly and robustly detect mobile robot immobilization in outdoor environments, even in the absence of absolute position information.
The Auditory Selective Attention Test: A Review of Field and Laboratory Studies

The present review describes a test of selective attention known as the Auditory Selective Attention Test (ASAT). The origin of the test is described and a description of the test is given. Research is reviewed on the reliability, criterion-related validity, and construct validity of the test. The test has been shown to be a valid predictor of flying performance, driving performance, and monitoring. Further research is needed on the reliability and construct validity of the instrument.
Physical Properties, Hygroscopicity and Estimated Pulmonary Retention of Various Therapeutic Aerosols

The importance of this work centers around four considerations. The above-mentioned alterations in the assay of Stubbs and Kamovsky may lead to the elucidation of principles not possible with less efficient and less accurate methods. A second consideration is the maintenance of resting CPM sufficiently above background levels in order to reflect actual phagocytizing/resting ratios. This may not be possible with less efficient assays. A third consideration is that the improved assay method facilitates calculation of stoichiometric relationships such as quantitative oxygen uptake. Finally, increased efficiency and accuracy should make possible comparison of data produced by different investigators.
Teaching resource for instructors in prehospital pediatrics (TRIPP): basic life support, second edition.

New York: Center for Pediatric Emergency Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 2006, available free of charge (download after requested registration from the Center for Pediatric Emerge...
On-chip cache algorithm design for multimedia SOC

In order to optimally implement real time, high throughput, data intensive multimedia applications, it is crucial to optimize the performance of the memory subsystem to minimize excessive off-chip memory bandwidth subject to the constraint of available on-chip memory cache size. This can be accomplished by customizing algorithm transformation and designing a customized cache address mapping algorithm for a specific class of multimedia applications. In this paper, we propose an algorithm transformation and customized cache mapping to improve the data reusability and reduce address conflict which in turn, reduces the cache miss and memory I/O bandwidth for the block-based full-search motion estimation algorithm. Simulation results using test video sequences demonstrate marked performance improvement.
Bim Dictates Naive CD4 T Cell Lifespan and the Development of Age-Associated Functional Defects

With age, peripheral naive CD4 T cells become both longer lived and functionally impaired and they express reduced levels of Bim, a proapoptotic Bcl family member. In this study, we show that reduced Bim expression by naive CD4 T cells intrinsically mediates their longer lifespan in the periphery. Moreover, using mixed bone marrow chimeras reconstituted with Bim(+/+) and Bim(+/-) bone marrow cells, Bim(+/-) naive CD4 T cells exhibit accelerated development of age-associated dysfunctions, including reduced proliferation and IL-2 production and defective helper function for B cells, without any increase in their turnover. However, newly generated Bim(+/-) naive CD4 T cells in middle-aged mice are not defective, indicating an additional requirement for their persistence in the periphery. These age-associated immune defects develop independently of the "aged" host environment and without extensive division, distinguishing them from classic "senescence." We suggest that the reduction of Bim levels with age in naive CD4 T cell is the initiating step that leads to increased cellular lifespan and development of age-associated functional defects.
A Performance Instrumentation Framework to Characterize Computation-Communication Overlap in Message-Passing Systems

Effective overlap of computation and communication is a well understood technique for latency hiding and can yield significant performance gains for applications on high-end computers. In this paper, we propose an instrumentation framework for message-passing systems to characterize the degree of overlap of communication with computation in the execution of parallel applications. The inability to obtain precise time-stamps for pertinent communication events is a significant problem, and is addressed by generation of minimum and maximum bounds on achieved overlap. The overlap measures can aid application developers and system designers in investigating scalability issues. The approach has been used to instrument two MPI implementations as well as the ARMCI system. The implementation resides entirely within the communication library and thus integrates well with existing approaches that operate outside the library. The usefulness of the framework is shown by analyzing available overlap for microbenchmarks and NAS benchmarks, and the insights obtained are used to improve achieved overlap by modifying the NAS SP benchmark.
A note on the double k-class estimator in simultaneous equations

Dwivedi and Srivastava (1984, DS) studied the exact finite sample properties of Nagar’s (1962) double k-class estimator as continuous functions of its two characterizing scalars k1 and k2, and provided guidelines for their choice in empirical work. In this note we show that the empirical guidelines provided by DS are not entirely valid since they did not explore the complete range of the relevant parameter space in their numerical evaluations. We find that the optimal values of k2 leading to unbiased and mean squared error (MSE) minimizing double k-class estimators are not symmetric with respect to the sign of the product ρω12, where ρ is the correlation coefficient between the structural and reduced form errors, and w12 is the covariance between the unrestricted reduced form errors. Specifically, when ρω12 is positive,the optimal value of k2 is generally positive and greater than k1, which partly explains the superior performance of Zellner’s (1998) Bayesian Method of Moments (BMOM) and Extended MELO estimators reported in Tsurumi (1990).
GREEN, MANDEL, HOTVEDT, GRAY, AND SMITH'S STUDY OF 50 LESBIAN MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN: INCONSISTENCIES IN FOUR PUBLISHED REPORTS OF THE DATA

The 1986 study of 50 lesbian mothers by Green, et al. may be the most influential concerning homosexual parenting. However, after setting standards for--and noting preliminary evidence of--gender identity confusion in 1980 and 1982, confirmatory findings in 1986 were not included in the report's abstract and conclusions. Numerous discrepancies in different published accounts of this study--including number of subjects and how, subjects were matched and analyzed--cannot be reconciled. The earliest reports were not cited in the final report which led to treatment in the literature as separate studies. The inconsistencies between the published accounts are substantive and numerous enough to recommend that the authors issue a complete and detailed report of the study.
Kinetics of Low-Temperature Hydrogen Oxidation and Ignition by Repetitively Pulsed Nonequilibrium Plasmas

Two photon and single photon laser induced fluorescence of atomic oxygen and the OH radical, respectively, complemented with UV ICCD imaging, is used to study low-temperature plasma assisted fuel oxidation kinetics in repetitive nanosecond pulse discharges in hydrogen-air mixtures at 40 Torr pressure. Air and premixed fuel-air mixtures are excited by a burst of high-voltage nanosecond pulses at a 10 kHz or 40 kHz pulse repetition rate and burst repetition rate of 10 Hz. The number of pulses in the burst is varied from one pulse to a few hundred pulses. Time-resolved relative OH concentration measurements are in good agreement with predictions of a new hydrogen-air plasma chemistry model which incorporates non-equilibrium plasma discharge processes, low temperature H2 – air chemistry, nonempirical scaling of nanosecond discharge pulse energy coupled to the plasma, and quasi-onedimensional conduction heat transfer. Kinetic model prediction of a significant reduction in O atom concentration in the presence of hydrogen has been confirmed qualitatively by the experimental data. Kinetic sensitivity analysis shows that in room temperature hydrogen-air discharges, OH formation and decay, as well as the initial heating rate are controlled by the three process sequence: O + HO2 + M → HO2 + M, O + HO2 → OH + O2 and OH + H2 → H2O + H, essentially without radical chain branching. At intermediate temperatures, 500 – 600 K, significant chain branching, with associated additional energy release, occurs in reactions of O with HO2, as well as in O + H2 → OH + H reaction. Both chain branching and net exothermic heat release in plasma chemical reactions becomes more pronounced at higher temperatures, eventually resulting in ignition. Sensitivity analysis also shows that generation of radicals in the plasma is key to low-temperature plasma chemical fuel oxidation and associate heat release, while ignition is primarily controlled by the well known chain branching sequence O + H2 → OH + H and H + O2 → OH + O.
Evaluating the informatics for integrating biology and the bedside system for clinical research

Selecting patient cohorts is a critical, iterative, and often time-consuming aspect of studies involving human subjects; informatics tools for helping streamline the process have been identified as important infrastructure components for enabling clinical and translational research. We describe the evaluation of a free and open source cohort selection tool from the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2) group: the i2b2 hive. Our evaluation included the usability and functionality of the i2b2 hive using several real world examples of research data requests received electronically at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center between 2006 - 2008. The hive server component and the visual query tool application were evaluated for their suitability as a cohort selection tool on the basis of the types of data elements requested, as well as the effort required to fulfill each research data request using the i2b2 hive alone. We found the i2b2 hive to be suitable for obtaining estimates of cohort sizes and generating research cohorts based on simple inclusion/exclusion criteria, which consisted of about 44% of the clinical research data requests sampled at our institution. Data requests that relied on post-coordinated clinical concepts, aggregate values of clinical findings, or temporal conditions in their inclusion/exclusion criteria could not be fulfilled using the i2b2 hive alone, and required one or more intermediate data steps in the form of pre- or post-processing, modifications to the hive metadata, etc. The i2b2 hive was found to be a useful cohort-selection tool for fulfilling common types of requests for research data, and especially in the estimation of initial cohort sizes. For another institution that might want to use the i2b2 hive for clinical research, we recommend that the institution would need to have structured, coded clinical data and metadata available that can be transformed to fit the logical data models of the i2b2 hive, strategies for extracting relevant clinical data from source systems, and the ability to perform substantial pre- and post-processing of these data.
Symmetry and symmetry-breaking in multiagent behavior

This paper presents some results about properties of the spatial behavior of systems consisting of many artificial agents (robots). The general goal is to understand how the complexity of group behavior is related to individual behavior, and how differences arise and can be grounded. We argue that symmetry and symmetry-breaking are essential factors for the organization of spatial group behavior. They can serve as guiding principles for the construction of agents for real-world environments.
Assessment of insulin action on glucose uptake and production during a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp in dog: a new kinetic analysis.

We evaluated the validity of the traditional method of assessment of the speed of insulin action during a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. We first estimated the error of Steele's model on glucose uptake in these experimental conditions. We tested the appropriateness of estimating the half-time of insulin action by expressing the glucose flux changes as a percent of the maximal change (normalization on a 0% to 100% scale). For this purpose, we performed a 390-minute euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic (2 mU.min-1.kg-1) clamp in five chronically catheterized conscious dogs. We used [3-3H]glucose to assess glucose kinetics. We used a novel analysis based on a circulatory model, which allowed us to overcome the limitations of compartmental analysis. We found that the primary effect of insulin (increased from 12.3 +/- 1.6 to 104 +/- 15 microU/mL) was to increase the whole-body fractional extraction of glucose (3.0% +/- 0.3% to 18% +/- 2%). Insulin did not alter the mean whole-body artery-vein transit time (3.1 +/- 0.2 v 2.9 +/- 0.4 minutes). In contrast to the assumptions of the Steele model, which assumes that glucose uptake and rate of appearance (Ra) are equal during the clamp, during the initial 30 minutes of the clamp the increase in glucose uptake preceded (by approximately 4 minutes) the increase in Ra. Thus, during this period uptake exceeded Ra by about 15%. The maximal difference between Ra and uptake (1 to 1.5 mg.min-1.kg-1) occurred approximately 15 minutes after insulin infusion. Finally, to estimate the half-time of the insulin signal that controls glucose uptake and production, we accounted for the nonlinear relationship between insulin concentration and glucose uptake and production. We found that the traditional normalization of the glucose flux changes on a 0% to 100% scale underestimated the half-time of onset of the insulin signal that controls glucose uptake (half-time, 20 v 54 minutes) and glucose production (half-time, 25 v 39 minutes). Accounting for the nonlinearity of the dose-response curves may thus be of crucial importance in the evaluation of the onset and offset of insulin action.