cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strand transfer events during HIV-1 reverse transcription

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and other retroviruses replicate through reverse transcription, a process in which the single stranded RNA of the viral genome is converted to a double stranded DNA. The virally encoded reverse transcriptase (RT) mediates reverse transcription through DNA polymerase and RNase H activities. Conversion of the plus strand RNA to plus/minus strand RNA/DNA hybrid involves a transfer of the growing DNA strand from one site on the genomic RNA to another. This is called minus strong-stop DNA transfer. Later synthesis of the second or plus DNA strand involves a second strand transfer, involving a similar mechanism as the minus strand transfer. A basic feature of the strand transfer mechanism is the use of the RT RNase H to remove segments of the RNA template strand from the growing DNA strand, freeing a single stranded region to anneal to the second site. Viral nucleocapsid protein (NC) functions to promote transfer by facilitating this strand exchange process. Two copies of the RNA genomes, sometimes non-identical, are co-packaged in the genomes of retroviruses. The properties of the reverse transcriptase allow a transfer of the growing DNA strand between these genomes to occur occasionally at any point during reverse transcription, producing recombinant viral progeny. Recombination promotes structural diversity of the virus that helps it to survive host immunity and drug therapy. Recombination strand transfer can be forced by a break in the template, or can occur at sites where folding structure of the template pauses the RT, allowing a concentration of RNase H cleavages that promote transfers. Transfer can be a simple one-step process, or can proceed by a complex multi-step invasion mechanism. In this latter process, the second RNA template interacts with the growing DNA strand well behind the DNA 3'-terminus. The newly formed RNA-DNA hybrid expands by branch migration and eventually catches the elongating DNA primer 3'-terminus to complete the transfer. Transfers are also promoted by interactions between the two RNA templates, which accelerate transfer by a proximity effect. Other details of the role of strand transfers in reverse transcription and the biochemical features of the transfer reaction are discussed.
Ergonomic task reduction prevents bone osteopenia in a rat model of upper extremity overuse

We evaluated the effectiveness of ergonomic workload reduction of switching rats from a high repetition high force (HRHF) lever pulling task to a reduced force and reach rate task for preventing task-induced osteopenic changes in distal forelimb bones. Distal radius and ulna trabecular structure was examined in young adult rats performing one of three handle-pulling tasks for 12 wk: 1) HRHF, 2) low repetition low force (LRLF); or 3) HRHF for 4 wk and than LRLF thereafter (HRHF-to-LRLF). Results were compared to age-matched controls rats. Distal forelimb bones of 12-wk HRHF rats showed increased trabecular resorption and decreased volume, as control rats. HRHF-to-LRLF rats had similar trabecular bone quality as control rats; and decreased bone resorption (decreased trabecular bone volume and serum CTX1), increased bone formation (increased mineral apposition, bone formation rate, and serum osteocalcin), and decreased osteoclasts and inflammatory cytokines, than HRHF rats. Thus, an ergonomic intervention of HRHF-to-LRLF prevented loss of trabecular bone volume occurring with prolonged performance of a repetitive upper extremity task. These findings support the idea of reduced workload as an effective approach to management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and begin to define reach rate and load level boundaries for such interventions.
Fibre coupling tolerance modelling of uniform grating coupler on silicon on insulator

A novel accurate coupling tolerance modelling for a uniform grating coupler is presented and experimentally verified. The modelling is based on a modified overlap integral method using the combination of two Gaussian beams in the same axis. The tolerance modelling has been evaluated with a uniform grating coupler fabricated by standard CMOS technology with 248 nm lithography and compared with finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations. The modelling results are compared with measured and FDTD-simulated data and good agreement is reported.
Intracranial hypertension associated with unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

Only 6 patients with intracranial hypertension associated with unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformations have been reported. We report 6 additional patients seen at the Cleveland Clinic during the past 10 years. The average age was 28 years (range, 19–44 years); 4 were women. Symptoms and signs included papilledema (6 patients), headache (6), transient nonepileptic focal symptoms (4), visual obscurations (3), ipsilateral carotid or ocular bruits (3), abnormal visual fields (3), focal seizures (2), and progressive visual loss (1). Enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the malformations in all 6 patients. The malformations were large, supplied by the branches of the middle and anterior cerebral arteries, with the posterior cerebral artery contributing in 3 patients, and all drained into the superior sagittal sinus. Associated venous obstruction was seen in 2 patients. Four patients underwent excision of the arteriovenous malformation, with resolution of papilledema in all 4. Measurements of cortical arterial and venous pressures during surgery in 3 patients showed decreased feeding artery pressures and elevated draining vein pressures, which normalized after removal of the malformation. Treatment in the 2 remaining patients consisted of medical therapy (acetazolamide, furosemide, steroids) alone in 1 patient, and in conjunction with proton beam radiation in the other. Papilledema resolved in the former patient, but the patient receiving proton beam radiation still had papilledema 2 years later. Intracranial hypertension associated with unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformations occurs in young patients with high flow malformations that drain into the superior sagittal sinus, and is likely the result of increased cortical venous and superior sagittal sinus pressure. Excision of the malformation effectively reduces the intracranial pressure.
Job Attitudes and Organizational Withdrawal: An Examination of Retirement and Other Voluntary Withdrawal Behaviors.

Abstract Relationships among a variety of organizational withdrawal indicators and retirement are examined. The specific focus is on retirement as a voluntary organizational withdrawal behavior. Retirement is considered a means, similar to other forms of organizational withdrawal, that individuals may use to avoid dissatisfying work situations. Eighty-two academic and eighty-four nonacademic employees at a large midwestern state university completed a structured interview about their retirement intentions, work-role attitudes, job importance, attitude toward retirement, and withdrawal behaviors. Relations among individual withdrawal intentions, cognitions, and reported behaviors—including lateness, absenteeism, turnover intentions, desire to retire, and intended retirement age—are reported. Preliminary evidence for two families of withdrawal behaviors, Work Withdrawal and Job Withdrawal, was found. Similar patterns of relations among the behaviors for both academic and nonacademic employees were evident. Regressions of composite scores reflecting the two withdrawal families on job attitudes, job importance, health satisfaction, and retirement attitudes were examined. Different networks of relations across the two samples and between the two families within each sample were obtained. Implications of the findings for organizations and individuals are discussed.
Short-term effects of blood pressure control and antihypertensive drug regimen on glomerular filtration rate: The African-American study of kidney disease and hypertension pilot study

Abstract The African-American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension pilot study randomized 94 nondiabetic black men and women (mean age, 53 years; 75% male) with presumed hypertensive nephrosclerosis and a baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 25 to 70 ml/min/1.73 m 2 (mean, 52.3 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) to blood pressure control at either a low mean arterial pressure (MAP) goal of ≤ 92 mm Hg or a usual MAP goal of 102 to 107 mm Hg and an antihypertensive drug regimen that included either a calcium antagonist (amlodipine), a beta-blocker (atenolol), or an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (enalapril). After 3 months of follow-up (n = 90), the mean GFR was similar (53.0 mL/min/1.73 m 2 v 53.7 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) to the baseline levels in participants randomized to the low MAP group (n = 44), whereas the mean GFR increased by 3.9 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ( P = 0.02) in participants randomized to the usual MAP group (n = 46). During the same period of time, the mean GFR increased significantly in participants randomized to the calcium channel blocker regimen (n = 28) (5.7 mL/min/ 1.73 m 2 ; P = 0.01) but not in participants randomized to the beta-blocker regimen (n = 31) (1.7 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; P = 0.10) or the ACE inhibitor regimen (n = 31) (−1.1 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; P = 0.52). Changes in GFR at 3 months were significantly different among the three treatment groups ( P = 0.04). We conclude that the magnitude of short-term effects of blood pressure control and antihypertensive drug regimens on GFR should be considered when estimating sample size for clinical trials designed to evaluate the effects of these interventions on long-term changes in GFR slope.
The role of household members in transporting adults with disabilities in the United States

Because of certain requirements under US federal law, many studies have been published in recent years on the role of fixed-route transit and paratransit in meeting the travel needs of persons with disabilities. Although persons with disabilities are several times more likely to take rides from household members than to take public transit, little research has been conducted to explore the circumstances under which such rides are given or taken. To address this gap in literature, this study examines the role of household members in transporting persons with disabilities in contemporary America. It explores how the circumstances for the ride takers may change in the future, identifies future challenges in providing mobility to persons with disabilities, and examines ways to meet those challenges. Using nationwide data from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey, the study compares the rides taken by persons with disabilities from household members with trips made by other travel modes, the persons who take rides with those who do not take rides, and the drivers who provide rides with those who do not provide rides. Probit models are used for the comparisons. Implications of the findings are discussed in light of potential demographic changes in the future, especially the growth of single-person households and the consequent loss of household support for transportation. Due to similarities in circumstances in other developed countries, an international context to the study is also provided.
An Analysis of Shopping Center Investment.

During the 1980s, the oversupply of retail space has lowered rents, raised vacancies, and damaged the integrity of financial institutions as developers and other borrowers have been forced into default. This paper explores the propensity of developers to create shopping center space. The research draws on the macroeconomic investment literature to formulate a model of shopping center investment. We estimate our model using shopping center and sales data from all fifty states of the United States and the District of Columbia. Our results provide evidence about how investment in new shopping space responds to changes in retail sales, capital costs, and taxes.
Deterministic processes for manufacturing conformal (freeform) optical surfaces

This paper describes the computer-controlled machines and deterministic processes developed by the Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM) at the University of Rochester to produce conformal windows and domes that have non-traditional optical surface geometry and unusual shapes. COM's DMG (deterministic microgrinding) technology produces aspheric and conformal (freeform) surfaces in minutes, versus the weeks that are required to produce the surfaces conventionally. The demonstrated techniques and equipment provide a predictable and repeatable optical production process for just about any IR, visible, or UV material. The DMG process, in concert with newly developed CNC machining equipment, typically yields 1.0 wave peak-to-valley form accuracy, 150 Angstroms rms surface finish, and subsurface damage levels low enough that some of the infrared materials do not require additional polishing.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Nuṣayrī-ʿAlawīs: An Introduction to the Religion, History, and Identity of the Leading Minority in Syria

Yaron Friedman has produced the definitive study of medieval Nuṣayrī history, religion and identity through his meticulousness, his willingness to challenge Western and Muslim orthodoxies, and his ...
Candida albicans: Adapting to Succeed

In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Lu et al. (2013) report on the redundancy of signaling pathways controlling Candida albicans filamentation and pathogenicity. In the process, they provide important insight into how this normal commensal of humans adapts to different host microenvironments to become a highly successful opportunistic pathogen.
Water-soluble copolymers. V. Compositional determination of random copolymers of acrylamide with sulfonated comonomers by infrared spectroscopy and C13 nuclear magnetic resonance

Compositional analyses of random copolymers of acrylamide with sodium-2-sulfoethyl methacrylate and with sodium-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate have been performed utilizing elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and C/sup 13/ NMR. Copolymers of acrylamide (AM) with sulfonated comonomers, especially sodium-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate (NaAMPS), offer hydrogen-bonding capability and polyelectrolyte behavior in aqueous solution-characteristics of special interest in enhanced oil recovery. A mathematical method involving nitrogen to sulfur ratios has been developed to eliminate errors which often arise from associated water in hydrophilic copolymers. The ratios of infrared absorbances at 1043 cm/sup -1/ and 1664 cm/sup -1/ were used to determine the composition of AM-NaAMPS copolymers; likewise, absorbance ratios at 1040 cm/sup -1/ and 3200 cm/sup -1/ were utilized for determination of the AM-NaSEM copolymer composition. Carbon-13 NMR spectra of the copolymers were obtained, and characteristic peaks were utilized to quantitate copolymer composition. The results obtained by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopic studies, and NMR were in excellent agreement. These techniques are of great value for determining composition of hygroscopic copolymers which can crosslink or form strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds, often precluding further characterization.
Status of the ion-exchange membrane fuel cell

At present, three or jour types of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells are at an advanced stage of development. One of these, the ion-exchange membrane fuel cell, is under an intensive program of research and development. It has been scaled-up and built into batteries suitable for use in practical hardware. Current performance indicates that costs can be reduced within range of selected industrial applications within the next several years
Should all patients at high risk of atherothrombotic events receive dual antiplatelet therapy

Should all patients at high risk of atherothrombotic events receive dual antiplatelet therapy?
The first sidebranch instability of dendritic structures

Directional solidification studies have been carried out in succinonitrile-acetone system to study the location at which the first sidebranch perturbation occurs during the formation of dendritic structures. A scaling law of the form, lambda /SUB p/ = 0.56 lambda /sub 1/ lambda /sub 2/ is found, which is independent of experimental conditions in the dendritic growth regime.
Dual function of a dielectric resonator: A high-Q resonator and a low-Q radiator

A new concept of dual mode operation for oscillation and radiation characteristics using single dielectric resonator enclosed by modified rectangular cavity has been developed in this paper. High unloaded quality factor of 2700 at 2.54 GHz and omni-directional radiation patterns with radiation bandwidth of 5.13% around 3.31 GHz were achieved simultaneously. The high-Q mode is coupled to a microstrip line and the low-Q mode is coupled to a coaxial probe with capacitive plate. Measurements of the scattering parameters and of the radiating patterns were carried out to verify the simulation results.
The thermal conductivity of several plastics determined by an improved line‐source apparatus

The line-source method, previously used for measuring thermal conductivity of plastics, was increased in sensitivity so that automatic recording of data and data reduction by computer could be used, The correspondence between the underlying mathematics and the experiment is examined. The apparatus is described. The effect of experimental variables such as heating rate is determined- Measured values of thermal conductivity are reported for several commercial plastics, from room temperature, or lower, to processing temperatures. The precision of the results is excellent.
A simple infrared photocell device and its interface to an Apple computer

This paper describes a simple infrared photocell circuit that is inexpensive and easy to construct. The light source and detector are housed inexpensively and are focused so the light and detector may be separated over significant distances. The circuit may be used in a variety of conditions, including total darkness and bright fluorescent lighting, without having to readjust or recalibrate the circuitry. Output from the circuit may be used to drive other transistors or electromechanical relays. With minimal additional circuitry and hardware the signal may be interfaced with an Apple computer.
Effects of aphid herbivory on biomass and leaf-level physiology of Solanum dulcamara under elevated temperature and CO2

Abstract Forecasted increases in atmospheric CO2 and global mean temperature are likely to influence insect–plant interactions. Plant traits important to insect herbivores, such as nitrogen content, may be directly affected by elevated CO2 and temperature, while insect herbivores are likely to be directly affected only by temperature. This study investigates changes in the effects of herbivory by the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Homoptera: Aphididae) on the C3 perennial Solanum dulcamara under two conditions of atmospheric CO2 concentration (350/750 ppm) and three temperature treatments (20/15, 23/18, 26/21 °C; day/night temperatures). Plants were grown in glass-topped chambers and initially infested with three apterous, adult aphids. Aphid population size, leaf photosynthetic capacity, carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio, specific leaf area, plant height, and total plant biomass were measured after 3 weeks of infestation. Aphid herbivory reduced photosynthetic capacity under all conditions, and resulted in smaller leaf C:N ratios. Aphid populations did not change significantly under elevated CO2, but tended to increase slightly. Average aphid weight decreased at high temperatures. Plant height and biomass were not significantly affected by the CO2 treatment, but growth rates before infestation were enhanced by elevated CO2. These results indicate that the combined effects of both elevated CO2 and temperature may exacerbate aphid damage to certain plants, particularly to plants which respond weakly to increases in atmospheric CO2. Modifications of plant physiology under altered CO2 and temperature do not impair, and may slightly enhance aphid population growth.
Teams, wages and wage dispersion

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to estimate the influence of workplace teams on wages and wage dispersion within UK establishments. Design/methodology/approach – Four types of workplace teams are analyzed using linked employer and employee data from the British Workplace Employee Relations Survey. Findings – Workplace teams are positively associated with wages but negatively associated with wage dispersion within establishments. The four team variables examined have the same directional influence on both wages and dispersion suggesting that it is the use of teams that is important not necessarily the particular characteristics of teams that are being used. The role of occupation is also examined as teams may be more likely to form in certain occupations. The team results for both wages and wage dispersion are robust to the inclusion of detailed occupational information. Originality/value – The influence of workplace teams is examined on both employee wages and wage dispersion within establishments....
Dual polarized near-field focusing plate for near-field optical focusing in two dimensions

We introduce a dual polarized near-field focusing plate (DP-NFFP) with focusing in two dimensions, designed to operate at the near infrared frequency of 193 THz (λ0 = 1550 nm). Subwavelength focusing in two dimensions, for both incident polarizations, is achieved at a distance of a quarter wavelength from the DP-NFFP. The design procedure is described in detail and the proposed design could be easily scaled to other working frequencies, from microwave to optics. We show that the use of ideal lossless (i.e., perfect electric conductor) or real lossy (i.e., silver) metals provide with subwavelength focusing at 193 THz, indicating that metal losses do not significantly affect the DP-NFFP performance, and thus confirming the design feasibility at the near-infrared frequency. Results are validated by using two distinct full-wave simulators.
Molecular Structures, Acid−Base Properties, and Formation of Group 6 Transition Metal Hydroxides

Density functional theory (DFT) and coupled cluster theory (CCSD(T)) were used to study the group 6 metal (M = Cr, Mo, W) hydroxides: MO3−m(OH)2m (m = 1−3), M2O6−m(OH)2m (m = 1−5), M3O9−m(OH)2m (m = 1, 2), and M4O11(OH)2. The calculations were done up to the complete basis set (CBS) limit for the CCSD(T) method. Molecular structures of many low-energy conformers/isomers were located. Bronsted acidities in the gas phase and pKa values in aqueous solution were predicted for MO3−m(OH)2m (m = 1−3) and MnO3n−1(OH)2 (n = 2−4). In addition, Bronsted basicities and Lewis acidities (fluoride affinities) were predicted for MO3−m(OH)2m (m = 1−3) as well as the metal oxide clusters MnO3n (n = 1−3). The metal hydroxides were predicted to be strong Bronsted acids and weak to modest Bronsted bases and Lewis acids. The pKa values can have values as negative as −31. Potential energy surfaces for the hydrolysis of the MnO3n (n = 1−4) clusters were calculated. Heats of formation of the metal hydroxides were predicted from t...
Influence of ca concentration on growth, tissue concentration, and nutrient uptake of in vitro propagated plums and lovell seedlings

Abstract Seedlings of ‘Lovell’ peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], and in vitro propagated plums, ‘St. Julien A GF 655–2’ [Prunus institia (L.) Bullace] (655–2), ‘Damas GF 1869’ [Prunus domestica (L.)] (D1869), and ‘Clark Hill Red Leaf’ [Prunus saliciana (Lindl) x Prunus cerasifera (EHRH)] (CH redleaf) were grown in the greenhouse 45 or 51 days in nutrient solutions containing 2, 6, 22, 200, and 400 μM Ca. Terminal length, number of laterals, trunk cross‐sectional area, and root volume were increased by the 22 μM Ca treatments at harvest 1. The CH redleaf and 655–2 plums had the largest increase in growth for harvest 1, but the ‘Lovell’ peach seedlings and D1869 plum had the largest increase in growth for harvest 2. There were no leaf symptoms of Ca deficiency when the leaf Ca concentration in the tissue exceeded 2500 μg/g (dry wt.) Calcium concentration was increased from 1406 to 4109 μg/g (dry wt.) in the stems, and from 540 to 2633 μg/g (dry wt) in the roots by Ca treatments of 400 μM after 45 days of ...
The use of acoustic radiation force decorrelation weighted pulse inversion (ADW-PI) in enhancing microbubble contrast

Nonlinear echo signals from microbubbles are commonly isolated and visualized using techniques such as pulse inversion (PI) or contrast pulse sequences (CPS). Although these methods function by suppressing the linear signal component, they are still susceptible to detection of a false-positive nonlinear signal arising from strong tissue interfaces. In this study, acoustic radiation force (ARF) was added to a PI imaging sequence to induce motion of specifically-targeted microbubbles in a mouse hind limb tumor. The interframe signal decorrelation from this induced motion was then used to isolate microbubble signal based on its decorrelation characteristics. Results demonstrate that this technique of decorrelation filtering significantly improves microbubble contrast-to-tissue ratio (CTR) by 1.5 dB, and thereby allows for higher levels of specificity. ARF was shown to be effective in further enhancing performance.
Structure and properties of novel inclusions in Shewanella putrefaciens

Cytoplasmic inclusions surrounded by a bilayer membrane were seen in thin sections, negatively stained and freeze-fractured preparations of Shewanella putrefaciens. Cells harvested from the late exponential and early stationary phase showed a higher number of these vesicles than bacteria isolated from early exponential or late stationary phase. Chemical dyes for polyphosphate or poly-β-hydroxybutyrate did not stain the material enclosed within these vesicles. Elemental analysis of the material indicated that the content was organic in nature and might be a protein. HPLC analysis of the material showed that it was probably not a carbon source, nor an electron acceptor used by S. putrefaciens.
DISPERSAL OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS INTO THE AIR ASSOCIATED WITH A RHINOVIRUS INFECTION

Objective:To determine whether healthy adult nasal carriers of Staphylococcus aureus can disperse S. aureus into the air after rhinovirus infection.Design:We investigated the “cloud” phenomenon among adult nasal carriers of S. aureus experimentally infected with a rhinovirus. Eleven volunteers were studied for 16 days in an airtight chamber wearing street clothes, sterile garb, or sterile garb plus surgical mask; rhinovirus inoculation occurred on day 2. Daily quantitative air, nasal, and skin cultures for S. aureus; cold symptom assessment; and nasal rhinovirus cultures were performed.Setting:Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.Participants:Wake Forest University undergraduate or graduate students who had persistent nasal carriage of S. aureus for 4 or 8 weeks.Results:After rhinovirus inoculation, dispersal of S. aureus into the air increased 2-fold with peak increases up to 34-fold. Independent predictors of S. aureus dispersal included the time period after rhinovirus infection and wearing street clothes (P < .05). Wearing barrier garb but not a mask decreased dispersal of S. aureus into the air (P < .05).Conclusion:Virus-induced dispersal of S. aureus into the air may have an important role in the transmission of S. aureus and other bacteria.
Cycle-to-cycle estimation and control of multiple pulse profiles for a piezoelectric fuel injector

While common-rail diesel fuel injection systems utilizing solenoid-actuated injectors have drastically improved the ability to lower emissions, noise, and fuel consumption, their limited bandwidth does not allow for tightly spaced injections or rate shaping. Piezoelectric injectors have that capability, but introduce multiple control challenges that can compromise their improved functionality. This paper summarizes the use of estimation algorithms for cycle-to-cycle determination of an injection flow profile capable of being used as feedback for a closed-loop control algorithm. While the estimation equations are complex and require a small time step, the authors propose capturing important estimation feedback during the injection period and delaying the integration of state variables across the engine cycle to more efficiently utilize a real-time processor. Also, a simplified model is developed to represent the dynamics of simultaneously controlling the quantity of pulses as well as the realized dwell time in between pulses. The model accounts for the coupling between the two, and a control law is developed and refined to provide an overdamped response of both the pulse quantities and realized dwell time, in order to prevent pulse bleeding. Transient response of the controller is shown in simulation and validated with experimental data with good correlation.
Mechanisms of Reproductive Thermotolerance in Gossypium hirsutum: The Effect of Genotype and Exogenous Calcium Application

Although photosynthetic thermotolerance has been investigated extensively in cotton leaves, reports on the biochemical influence of the pistil in promoting fertilization thermostability are limited. To evaluate the effect of temperature, genotype, and exogenous calcium application on fertilization and pistil biochemistry in cotton, thermosensitive (cv. ST4554 B2RF) and thermotolerant (cv. VH260) plants were grown under control (30/20 °C) or high-temperature (38/20 °C) conditions during flowering, and exogenous CaCl 2 was applied to flowers 1 day prior to anthesis. Measured pistil parameters included fertilization efficiency; protein concentration; glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and NADPH oxidase activities; and ATP and calcium levels. Exogenous calcium had no effect on reproductive thermostability due to poor calcium uptake under high temperature. High temperature resulted in a 19.2 % decline in fertilization efficiency for ST4554 but no change in fertilization efficiency for VH260 relative to optimal temperature conditions. Pre-stress glutathione reductase and SOD activities were higher in VH260 than ST4554 pistils, and calcium and ATP content were higher in VH260 than ST4554 pistils. It was concluded that pre-stress antioxidant enzyme activity, ATP and calcium content of the pistil may be associated with reproductive thermotolerance in cotton. These findings should be confirmed in future experiments with a larger number of cultivars.
A revision of the family Ciconiidae (Aves)

Behavioural and morphological characteristics of all members of the stork family are summarized. References are given to other papers where these subjects are discussed in greater detail for each group of storks. Based on the evidence now available, a revised classification is suggested (Table II) which divides the Ciconiidae into three tribes, six genera, and 17 species. The following genera (of Peters, 1931) are synonymized with other existing genera: Ibis, Sphenorhynchus, Dissoura, Euxenura, and Xenorhynchus. It is further suggested that Scopus should be placed in a suborder of its own and that Balaeniceps be placed in a monotypic family adjacent to the Ciconiidae, pending further study.
Ultrasonographic Contrast Media Has the Time Come in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Objective. The aim of this work was to review the technical aspects and clinical applications of contrast media (microbubbles and nanomolecular agents) in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasonographic imaging. Methods. With the use of a computerized database (MEDLINE) and several Web-based search engines (Google Scholar and Copernic), relevant articles on ultrasonographic contrast media were reviewed. References cited in these articles and not obtained via the search engines were also reviewed. Results. Ultrasonographic contrast media constitute a new and expanding technology. They are frequently used, for example, in adult cardiology. Extensive research in laboratory setups, animals, and human subjects has shown their safety and huge potential as an adjunctive tool in clinical practice. They increase signals returning from insonated tissues and are particularly effective as intravascular agents, enhancing color and Doppler signals, for instance. Preliminary results in tumor imaging are encouraging. The ultrasonographic contrast media permit pharmacokinetic perfusion studies, which may be of enormous clinical importance in the study of early cancer development. Targeted imaging and therapies are becoming a reality. Microbubbles have already brought a new dimension to diagnostic ultrasonographic imaging. Many authors have described the clinical value of these agents in liver, prostate, and breast imaging, among others. Newer types of media, the nanomolecules, are now emerging as the latest in imaging enhancers as well as therapeutic agent carriers. Conclusions. Although showing potential in imaging of the uterus and fallopian tubes as well as some obstetric applications, the contrast media, in particular the nanomolecules, seem to be most promising in ovarian cancer.
An unstructured grid morphodynamic model with a discontinuous Galerkin method for bed evolution

A new unstructured grid two-dimensional, depth-integrated (2DDI), morphodynamic model is presented for the prediction of morphological evolutions in shallow water. This modelling system consists of two coupled model components: (i) a well-verified and validated continuous Galerkin (CG) finite element hydrodynamic model; and (ii) a new sediment transport/bed evolution model that uses a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for the solution of the sediment continuity equation. The DG method is a robust finite element method that is particularly well suited for this type of advection dominated transport equation. It incorporates upwinded numerical fluxes and slope limiters to provide sharp resolution of steep bathymetric gradients that may form in the solution, and it possesses a local conservation property that conserves sediment mass on an elemental level. In this paper, we focus specifically on the implementation and verification of the DG model. Details are given on the implementation of the method, and numerical results are presented for three idealized test cases which demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the method and its applicability in predicting medium-term morphological changes in channels and coastal inlets. � 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Injection Heights of Biomass Burning Debris Estimated From WSR-88D Radar Observations

Understanding the vertical distribution of aerosols is critical to accurately determining their effects on air quality. Since current tools for obtaining this information have limited spatial and temporal coverage, we explore the use of Doppler radar data for obtaining the injection heights of biomass burning debris (BBD) produced from large fires in southern Georgia during Spring 2007. Due to their submicrometer sizes, the smoke aerosols are not detected by the radar. Therefore, we use BBD as a possible surrogate for aerosol height since smoke aerosols are often collocated with the debris. Using 32 h of Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) radar data from Jacksonville, FL, between May 23 and 25, 2007, the injection heights of BBD (D ~ 1mm) are calculated. Our analysis indicates that the maximum injection height is ~5 km for the strongest fire, with a mean injection height of 3 plusmn 1.0 km. Maximum injection heights are present between 1800 and 0000 UTC, during the late afternoon periods when both the intensity of the fire (based on radar information) and the convective mixing are greatest. The injection heights estimated from this approach represent the first step at providing inputs for future air-quality forecasting applications within numerical simulations, particularly ones that require diurnal information.
Clarifying Functional Contextualism: A Reply to Commentaries

Several prominent researchers and theorists in the field of instructional design and technology provided commentary on my article, “Constructing a Pragmatic Science of Learning and Instruction with Functional Contextualism” (Fox, 2005). Some of the important issues raised by those commentaries are addressed briefly in this reply. In particular, further clarification is provided regarding the distinction between theory and philosophy, the relation between functional contextualism and objectivism, the empirical basis and applications of relational frame theory (RFT), and the analytic goals of functional contextualism and instructional design.
FlexCast: graceful wireless video streaming

Video streaming performance on wireless networks is choppy. The culprit is the unpredictable wireless medium, whose fluctuations results in fluctuating throughput and bit errors. Current video codecs are not equipped to handle such variations since they exhibit an all or nothing behavior. If the channel is strong and above a threshold, the video stream gets decoded perfectly. If not, typically nothing gets decoded. Thus, there is no graceful degradation with wireless conditions. In this paper, we present a new technique FlexCast, that delivers a video reconstruction whose quality automatically varies with the channel conditions. The key idea is a novel joint-source channel code, that allows the sender to continuously transmit video bits, and the receiver to decode a video quality corresponding to the number of bits it receives and the instantaneous wireless channel quality. We show via experimental evaluation that name performs almost as well as the optimal scheme, and outperforms the state of the art graceful video delivery systems by nearly 6dB PSNR.
Passive MEMS Valves With Preset Operating Pressures for Microgas Analyzer

In this paper, we present integrated disk-in-cage poppet valves with tuned spring stiffness for gas flow control of a microgas analyzer. The valves require zero power and close at preset offset pressures (0-35 psig) to switch from gas sample loading onto a preconcentrator to concentrated constituent sample injection into a microgas chromatograph. Air flow rates of 4.5 mL/min at pressures of - 2.5--5 psig (vacuum sample loading) were measured. Hydrogen leak rates of 0.1 muL/s (0.006 mL/min) were measured with valves closed at 15 psig. Analytical and numerical modeling was used to guide design of valve spring constants (ranging from 10 to 1500 N/m) that control the valve open position, flow rate, and closing pressure. The parameter design space is limited to a range of seat overlap, valve size, and spring stiffness that will allow adequate flow rate, sealing, and closing at predictable pressures. A linear curve defining closing pressure as a function of spring constant, valve gap, valve size, and seat overlap fit measured closing pressure data and can be used to predict closing pressure for future designs.
The ANL/IBM SP Scheduling System

During the past five years scientists discovered that modern UNIX workstations connected with ethernet and fiber networks could provide enough computational performance to compete with the supercomputers of the day. As this concept became increasingly popular, the need for distributed queuing and scheduling systems became apparent. Systems such as DQS from Florida State were developed and worked very well. Today, supercomputers, such as Argonne National Laboratory's IBM SP system, can provide more CPU and networking speed than can be obtained from these networks of workstations. These modern supercomputers look like clusters of workstations, however, so developers felt that the scheduling systems that were previously used on clusters of workstations should still apply. After trying to apply some of these scheduling systems to Argonne's SP environment, it became obvious that these two computer environments have very different scheduling needs. Recognizing this need and realizing that no one has addressed it, I developed a new scheduling system. The approach taken in creating this system was unique in that user input and interaction were encouraged throughout the development process. Thus, a scheduler was built that actually “worked” the way the users wanted it to work.
Transport Properties of Potassium-Doped BaZrO3 in Oxygen- and Water-Vapor-Containing Atmospheres

The effect of doping potassium on the A-site of BaZrO 3 for application as a high-temperature proton conductor was investigated. The synthesis of K-doped BaZrO 3 and its characterization by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis is described. Potassium-doped material was stable at high water-vapor pressures (∼180 bars) and up to 500°C, the maximum temperature of the autoclave treatment. Four-probe dc conductivity was measured on dense and porous (44% porosity) samples in varying partial pressures of oxygen, p O2 , over a temperature range from 500 to 700°C. Conductivity was measured as a function of atmosphere and temperature on porous samples to ensure attainment of equilibrium conditions in a reasonable time period. The dependence of total conductivity in a dry atmosphere on oxygen partial pressure could be described by the equation σ t = σ i + σ o h p 1/4 O2 . The experimental data were fitted to this equation with good accuracy, from which the electron-hole and oxygen-ion conductivities were determined. The activation energies for oxygen-ion and electron-hole conduction were estimated to be 0.85 and 1.14 eV, respectively. Conductivity measurements were also performed in H 2 O-containing atmospheres as a function of water-vapor pressure, p H2O . A significant increase in total ionic conductivity was observed in humid atmospheres, which is attributed to high protonic contribution. Samples doped with potassium exhibit significantly higher ionic conductivity in humid atmosphere as compared to samples doped with yttrium. The enhanced ionic conductivity, which is mainly protonic, is attributed to the higher basicity of potassium. At high p O2 and low p H2O , potassium-doped BaZrO 3 exhibits predominantly electron-hole conduction, while at low p O2 and high p H2O it exhibits predominantly protonic conduction.
Broadband satellite networks: trends and challenges

The next generation global communication network infrastructure is designed to be all IP based, supporting various heterogeneous core and access technologies for broadband and mobile user applications. In this paper, we discuss the trends of broadband satellite communication networks to meet the emerging aeronautical and fast train applications, and mobile users, in providing ubiquitous global coverage. Mobile satellite systems will be fully integrated with wireless networks and terrestrial segments. The technical challenges for future broadband satellite systems will be to insure seamless integration between satellite and wireless systems and without compromising quality of service (QoS). We discuss briefly the technical challenges and possible solutions, including a QoS reference model, traffic management, dynamic bandwidth allocation, cross-layer protocol design, satellite TCP, mobility management, satellite IP security, internetworking and standardization issues to realize heterogeneous networks.
Leveraging the "Multi" in secure multi-party computation

Secure Multi-Party Computation enables parties with private data to collaboratively compute a global function of their private data, without revealing that data. The increase in sensitive data on networked computers, along with improved ability to integrate and utilize that data, make the time ripe for practical secure multi-party computation. This paper surveys approaches to secure multi-party computation, and gives a method whereby an efficient protocol for two parties using an untrusted third party can be used to construct an efficient peer-to-peer secure multi-party protocol.
Dyad of pain and depression in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background Pain and depression often coexist as comorbidities in patients with chronic disease and exert a major impact on quality of life (QOL). Little is known about the relationship between pain and depression in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our objective was to investigate this relationship and to analyze the effect of pain and depression on QOL in CRS. Methods Patients with CRS were prospectively recruited as part of an observational cohort study. A total of 70 participants provided pain scores using both the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF) and the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Patients at risk for depression were identified using the Patient Health Questionnaire–2 (PHQ-2). CRS-specific QOL was determined using the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Results Significant positive correlations were found between depression scores and all pain measures (R = 0.475 to 0.644, p < 0.001). Patients with a PHQ-2 score ≥1 had significantly higher scores on all reported pain measures. Significant positive correlations were found between all pain measures, the total SNOT-22 score, and 3 SNOT-22 subdomains (sleep, psychological dysfunction, and ear/facial symptoms; R = 0.323 to 0.608, p < 0.05). Conclusion Adult patients with CRS at risk for depression experience more pain and have overall worse disease-specific QOL. Further research investigating the complex interactions between depression and pain and the role it plays in CRS disease-specific QOL is warranted.
Ultrasound-Guided Transgluteal Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for a Patient with Complex Urogenital Reconstruction and Ectopic Kidney

Abstract Background and Purpose: Pediatric patients with urolithiasis and complex reconstructed genitourinary anatomy pose a significant surgical challenge. We describe a technique utilized to treat an obstructing calculus in the ectopic kidney of a patient with a history of cloacal exstrophy, bladder augmentation, Monti catheterizable channel, and reconstructed abdominal wall. Case and Technique: A 5-year-old female with a history of cloacal exstrophy, pelvic kidney, and reconstructed urologic and abdominal wall anatomy presented after prior shockwave lithotripsy with an obstructing ureteropelvic junction calculus with signs of sepsis. Because of the patient's previous abdominal wall reconstruction with polytetrafluoroethylene mesh and the location of her pelvic kidney, traditional methods of percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement could not be performed. Transgluteal percutaneous nephrostomy tube was placed by interventional radiology. Subsequently, a percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was performed th...
Characterization of power quality events

IEEE 1159 describes and defines power quality disturbances. These classifications are widely used in electric power quality monitors. Equipment connected to the ac power system respond not only to these listed disturbances, but to additional parameters that are not defined in IEEE 1159 or other standards. Furthermore, the measurement requirements for capturing and analyzing these phenomena have not been established within IEEE 1159. Descriptions of some example phenomena and measurements that should be defined, and their impact on electrical equipment, are described. Suggestions for future activities within 1159 are provided.