cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data-based and secure switched cyber–physical systems

Abstract In this paper, we develop a completely model-free moving target defense framework for the detection and mitigation of sensor and/or actuator attacks in cyber–physical systems with dynamics that evolve in discrete-time. We incorporate an intrusion detection mechanism based on an approximate dynamic programming technique that learns the policies for optimal regulation and optimal tracking while simultaneously defending against actuator and sensor attacks in a model-free fashion. Switching rules are leveraged to force proactive and reactive defense mechanisms as well as, guarantee the stability of the equilibrium point. Finally, as a case study, we apply the proposed moving target defense framework to a DC–DC converter that is used in electric vehicles.
Biologics in eosinophilic esophagitis.

Purpose of review Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the oesophagus whose incidence is on the rise. Despite maximal use of guideline-based therapies including food elimination diets and steroids, many patients remain symptomatic. This review serves to summarize safety and efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in treatment of EoE. Recent findings There has been an increasing number of biologics under consideration for EoE and several that have undergone clinical trials. mAbs that target specific effectors involved in the disease may offer additional clinical and histologic benefit. In addition, they offer a more benign adverse effect profile than traditional therapies. Summary Biologics for treatment of EoE may result in symptom and histologic improvement and has the potential to treat disease with minimal side effects.
An Empirical Investigation on the Impact of Increased Financing of the Agricultural Sector on Poverty Reduction, Unemployment and Economic Development in Nigeria.

This research work aims to investigate the impact of previous finances allocated to the agricultural sector has had on Nigeria’s economic development and its contributions to poverty and unemployment rate reduction. The research will also investigate based on findings, the impact future increased financing of this sector will equally have on poverty reduction, employment generation and economic development in Nigeria and also, analyse other potentials the agricultural sector has that can impact the growth and development positively and contribute to poverty reduction as well. Based on the result and findings, various development-friendly policies and recommendations will be proffered that will be implemented to contribute favourably in attracting investors both foreign and local, boost these investors’ confidence in this sector. The work will also identify and recommend other potentials the agricultural sector has that can impact positively on the country’s existing potentials.
Molecular weight effects of low acyl gellan gum on antioxidant capacity and rheological properties

The current study investigated the antioxidant capacity of enzymatically cleaved low acyl gellan gum (LA-GAGR) fragments, named midi-GAGR (MWv : 1.2 × 105 Da) and mini-GAGR (MWv : 2.5 × 104 Da). Three different methods-hydroxide assay, superoxide assay, and DPPH assay-were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the low acyl gellan gum fragments. Both mini-GAGR and midi-GAGR showed similar antioxidant capacities, 27.1% and 25.6%, respectively, for hydroxide radicals, whereas ascorbic acid showed 9.8%. For superoxide radicals, the fragments scavenged 41.7% (mini) and 35.6% (midi) of free radicals compared to 10.6% removal by ascorbic acid. Mini- and midi-GAGR displayed modest scavenging capabilities with DPPH radicals (8.5% and 6.6%, respectively) as compared to ascorbic acid (96.3%). Both midi- and mini-GAGR showed less gel-like behaviors than LA-GAGR. Midi-GAGR was observed to have a transition from liquid to gel at 63 rad/s. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results in the manuscript are helpful when gellan gum and its derivatives are directly applied to food processing as a dietary fiber supplement or a stabilizer for functional beverages. The antioxidant capacity results can be used to promote the functionality of gellan gum as a food additive and for controlling cell adhesion and growth on gellan gum scaffolds. The rheology results will be useful for synthesis of scaffolds for bone tissue generation and facilitating clinical treatments when gellan gum is injected as an adsorbent or a filler for treating bone fractures. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are useful when controlling the therapeutic effects of drug delivery systems.
Pointing, Control, and Stabilization of Solar Dynamic System on a Space Station

This paper presents the design and analysis of a drive system to soft couple the solar dynamic (SD) power systems from interaction with the structure of a single keel Space Station. The drive system features a low bandwidth controller that attenuates the dominant transverse boom torsional mode. The objective is to present some preliminary results. The pointing of the massive SD system is sensitive to induced disturbance forces. Minimizing the effects of these disturbances on SD pointing is essential in achieving desired pointing accuracy. An integral loop is included to attenuate low frequency disturbances. Beside the integration of the two controllers, the viable concept presented in this paper utilizes sun sensors mounted out-board of the alpha joint on the left and right transverse booms. Tracking error is minimized by using the pointing error from the sun in the control logic for alpha drive slewing. The system is capable of achieving good stability robustness, performance, and acceptable disturbance rejection.
Nanoclays mediate stem cell differentiation and mineralized ECM formation on biopolymer scaffolds.

In this work, novel modified nanoclays were used to mineralize hydroxyapatite (HAP) mimicking biomineralization in bone. This in situ HAPclay was further incorporated into chitosan/polygalacturonic acid (Chi/PgA) scaffolds and films for bone tissue engineering. Differences in microstructure of the scaffolds were observed depending on the changes in processing of in situ HAPclay with ChiPgA biopolymer system. Response of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on these scaffolds and films was studied using imaging and assays. SEM micrographs indicate that hMSCs were able to adhere to ChiPgA/in situ HAPclay scaffolds and phase contrast images indicated formation of mineralized nodules on ChiPgA/in situ HAPclay films in absence of osteogenic supplements used for differentiation of hMSCs. The formation of mineralized nodules by hMSCs was confirmed by positive staining of the nodules by Alizarin Red S dye. Viability and differentiation assays showed that ChiPgA/in situ HAPclay scaffolds were favorable for viability and differentiation of hMSCs. Unique two-stage cell seeding experiments were performed as a strategy to enhance tissue formation by hMSCs on ChiPgA/in situ HAPclay composite films. This work showed that biomaterials based on ChiPgA/in situ HAPclay composites can be used for bone tissue engineering applications and in situ nanoclay-HAP system mediates osteoinductive and osteoconductive response from hMSCs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2644–2660, 2013.
A soft starting AC voltage regulator

A circuit has been designed and proven successful in protecting devices from sudden full power activity. This has been accomplished by using an active device as a varying resistance dependent on the supply voltage. The active device first appears as a large resistance and slowly decreases to a near-zero resistance, allowing all the voltage of the supply to be seen at the load. Other irregularities such as amplitude variation may be detected by a controlling circuit, which would also vary the gate-to-source voltage accordingly. >
Laser-based optoacoustic imaging in biological tissues

A new technique based on time-resolved detection of laser-induced stress transients is proposed to visualize the distribution of absorbed laser fluence in turbid and layered biological tissues.
Variations in Parenting Stress in African-American Battered Women Implications for Children's Adjustment and Family Intervention

The negative consequences of children's exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) have been well documented; however, less is known about the effects of contextual factors such as parenting stress, parenting behaviors, and mothers' psychological functioning on exposed children. A total of 172 African-American mothers and their children (4 to 12 years of age) were recruited from battered women's shelters for the present study. Mothers filled out questionnaires assessing family violence, family contextual variables, and children's outcomes, and children reported on their own depressive symptoms. Results from a cluster analysis indicated substantial variability in women's experiences of parenting stress with regard to both type and quantity. Across each of the six clusters, women significantly differed in parenting behaviors and general psychological distress, and their children varied concomitantly in severity of internalizing and externalizing problems. These patterns suggest the need for individualized interventions, with a particular focus on parenting stress, to better serve the needs of women and children experiencing IPV.
Greater Risk of Hospitalization in Children With Down Syndrome and OSA at Higher Elevation

BACKGROUND Children with Down syndrome (DS) are at high risk for OSA. Increasing elevation is known to exacerbate underlying respiratory disorders and worsen sleep quality in people without DS, but whether altitude modulates the severity of OSA in DS is uncertain. In this study, we evaluate the impact of elevation (≤ 1,500 m vs > 1,500 m) on the proportion of hospitalizations involving OSA in children with and without DS. METHODS Merging the 2009 Kids' Inpatient Database with zip-code linked elevation data, we analyzed differences in the proportion of pediatric hospitalizations (ages 2-20 years) involving OSA, pneumonia, and congenital heart disease (CHD), with and without DS. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association of elevation with hospitalizations involving OSA and DS, adjusting for key comorbidities. RESULTS Proportionately more DS encounters involved OSA, CHD, and pneumonia within each elevation category than non-DS encounters. However, the risk difference for hospitalizations involving OSA and DS increased disproportionately at higher elevations (DS: 16.2% [95% CI, 9.2%-23.2%]; non-DS: 0.1% [95% CI, −0.4% to 0.7%]). Multivariable estimates of relative risk indicate increased risk for hospitalization involving OSA at higher elevations for people with DS and in children aged 2 to 4 years or with two or more chronic conditions. CONCLUSIONS At elevations > 1,500 m, children with DS and OSA have a disproportionately higher risk for hospitalization than children with OSA without DS. This finding has not been described previously. With further validation, this finding suggests the need for greater awareness and earlier screening for OSA and its complications in patients with DS living at higher elevations.
The relationship among social support, communication competence, and cognitive depression for nontraditional students

Abstract Building on the findings of studies among recovering alcoholics, elderly individuals residing in retirement communities, and caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, this study tested the strength of the relationships between and among social support, communication competence, and cognitive depression. Self‐report measures were initially administered to 201 nontraditional students. In the subsequent statistical analysis, only 130 cases were treated due to incomplete information. The results revealed that nontraditional students who viewed themselves as high in communication competence had larger social networks and slightly higher levels of social‐support satisfaction than nontraditional students who viewed themselves as less competent. These findings are interpreted in light of key limitations, theoretical contributions, and pragmatic utility.
Transforming growth factor-β increases interleukin-6 transcripts in osteoblasts

Bone remodeling is regulated by local factors and cytokines. Among them, interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a critical role in bone resorption, and its synthesis is stimulated by osteoresorptive factors. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is present in high amounts in the bone matrix and is a local regulator of bone formation. However, its role in bone resorption remains unclear. In this paper, we report that TGF-β stimulates IL-6 transcripts in a time- and dose-dependent manner in primary rat osteoblasts isolated from 22-day-old calvariae (Ob cells). The TGF-β effect on IL-6 mRNA levels does not require de novo protein synthesis because cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, does not block the induction. The mechanisms of IL-6 stimulation by TGF-β is at least partially transcriptional because TGF-β induces IL-6 heterogenous nuclear RNA, and, to a lesser extent, IL-6 transcription rate as determined by a nuclear run-on assay. Transforming growth factor-β upregulation of IL-6 may be critical in conditions of increased bone resorption, such as myeloma.
A Genetic Algorithm and Fuzzy Approach (GAFA) for Constrained Nonlinear Optimization in Design

Constrained nonlinear optimization (CNLO) problems often involve imprecise objectives and constraints. The application of conventional nonlinear optimization techniques does not seem the best approach for CNLO. A multi-objective multi-constraint algorithm is proposed in this paper to find an approximation of the so-called pareto-optimal solution, which is searched by a genetic algorithm that uses constraints and objective functions defined via fuzzy sets. The proposed algorithm is illustrated by two classic examples in the field of engineering design. Results indicate that the proposed algorithm is effective in terms of finding a solution that is within acceptable proximity of the so-called pareto-optimal front. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the performance of the proposed approach with those reported in the literature reveals the computational efficiency of the modified algorithm; the population evolves towards the Pareto-optimal set.
Family participation in assessment of children's learning and behavior problems

Three patterns of family participation in assessment conferences were studied to determine the impact on assessment information, client satisfaction with the assessment process, and follow through on decisions. The patterns were (1) parents interviewed first, (2) child interviewed first, and (3) family interviewed as a unit. As predicted, interviewing the family as a unit was highly effective (and no less effective than the other patterns) and is seen as having potential additional psychological and practical benefits.
Introduction to Reliability Analysis: Probability Models and Statistical Methods

Presents an introduction to reliability analysis of repairable and non-repairable systems. It is based on courses given to both undergraduates and graduate students of engineering and statistics and concentrates on the methodology of the subject and understanding the theoretical results.
Impact and Occurrence of Phytophthora rubi and Pratylenchus penetrans in Commercial Red Raspberry (Rubus ideaus) Fields in Northwestern Washington

Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) production is a vital component of northwestern Washington's agriculture. The main objectives of this study were to document the occurrence of soilborne pathogens Phytophthora rubi and Pratylenchus penetrans in early stage production fields, relate this information to soil properties, and better understand the individual and combined effect of P. rubi and P. penetrans on raspberry root health. P. rubi was found at each field and P. penetrans population densities were variable (0 to ∼8000 nematodes/g dry root) across locations. In controlled greenhouse studies, P. rubi was very pathogenic to red raspberry ‘Meeker’ at densities >10 oospore/gram soil and there was no interaction between P. rubi and P. penetrans. P. rubi is endemic to raspberry production in this region, and is an aggressive pathogen on raspberry. However, the chronic damage to roots caused by P. penetrans should not be ignored.
Bend-Bearing Capacity of Concrete-Filled Square Steel Tube and T-Beam

In this paper, considering the method of theoretical analysis, the state of strain and stress on each section of composite beam of concrete−filled square steel tubes and T−beam is studied in the process of bending. According to structural and mechanical characteristics of composite beam, elastic analysis method is employed for stress analysis, and the calculation equations of elastic bend-bearing capacity of simply supported composite beam is given. Then the calculation equations of plastic limit bend-bearing capacity is deduced according to the unified theory.
Activation of skeletal S-1 ATPase activity by actin-tropomyosin-troponin. Effect of Ca++ on the fluorescence transient.

Regulation in striated muscles primarily involves the effect of changes in the free calcium concentration on the interaction of subfragment-1 (S-1) with the actin-tropomyosin-troponin complex (henceforth referred to as [acto]R). At low concentrations of free Ca++ the rate of ATP hydrolysis by (acto)R S-1 can be as much as 20-fold lower than that in the presence of high free Ca++, even though the binding of S-1 to (actin)R in the presence of ATP is virtually independent of the calcium concentration. This implies that the mechanism of regulation involves a kinetic transition between actin-bound states, rather than the result of changes in actin binding. In the current work, we have investigated the fluorescence transient that occurs with the binding and hydrolysis of ATP both at low and high free [Ca++]. The magnitude of this transition at low free [Ca++] is higher than at high free [Ca++]. At low free [Ca++], the rate of the fluorescence transient either stays constant or decreases slightly with increasing free actin concentrations, but at high free [Ca++] the rate increases slightly with increasing free actin concentration. The observed changes in rate are not great enough to be of regulatory importance. The results of the fluorescence transient experiments together with the binding studies performed at steady state also show that neither the binding of M.ATP or M.ADP.Pi to (actin)R is appreciably Ca++ sensitive. These data imply that an additional step (or steps) in the ATPase cycle, i.e., other than the burst transition, must be regulated by calcium.
Erosion in a curved pipe

Abstract The erosion in a curved pipe carrying a gas-particle mixture has been investigated. The fluid mechanics of such a system were solved under several idealized assumptions to obtain information about the impact velocities, the impingement angle and the mass of particles impinging per unit time per unit area. The results are presented in terms of the maximum relative erosion rate at the central plane of the curved pipe and it has been found that under the assumptions used the maximum relative erosion rate Emax can be expressed as being proportional to W3ZL for large W and to W3.93ZL for small W, where W is the initial flow velocity of the mixture and ZL is the loading ratio (mass of particles/mass of gas).
Negative GABAA modulators attenuate the discriminative stimulus effects of benzodiazepines and the neuroactive steroid pregnanolone in rhesus monkeys

Negative GABAA modulators (i.e., inverse agonists) might be useful for identifying mechanisms at the GABAA receptor complex that mediate the effects of positive GABAA modulators, especially those for which there are no available competitive antagonists. Drug discrimination was used to examine antagonism of a 5-beta neuroactive steroid (pregnanolone) and a benzodiazepine (midazolam) by several negative GABAA modulators in rhesus monkeys. One group of monkeys (n=5) received 5.6 mg kg−1 day−1 of diazepam (p.o.) and discriminated the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil (0.1 or 0.32 mg/kg s.c.); another group of monkeys (n=5) discriminated the benzodiazepine midazolam (0.32 mg/kg s.c.). In diazepam-treated monkeys, negative GABAA modulators with increasing efficacy, including Ro 15-4513, ethyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate (β-CCE), methyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate (β-CCM) and methyl-6,7-dimethoxyl-4-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), substituted for flumazenil. In monkeys discriminating midazolam, pregnanolone occasioned high levels of midazolam-lever responding, and these effects were attenuated by β-CCE and β-CCM, but not by flumazenil, Ro 15-4513, or DMCM. The midazolam discriminative stimulus also was attenuated by β-CCM and DMCM; Schild analysis was consistent with a simple competitive interaction between midazolam and β-CCM but not between midazolam and DMCM. Negative modulators are qualitatively similar to neutral modulators in diazepam-treated animals; however, interactions between negative modulators and midazolam suggest that different receptors mediate the effects of some (DMCM) and not other (β-CCM) negative modulators. Negative modulators at benzodiazepine sites exert efficacy-dependent antagonism of positive modulators at neuroactive steroid sites. Without competitive antagonists at neuroactive steroid or barbiturate sites, negative modulators could prove useful for examining the mechanism of action of different classes of positive GABAA modulator.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of left internal mammary artery grafts.

Abstract Recent data have demonstrated the superior long-term patency of left internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts compared with saphenous vein (SV) grafts, making the left IMA a preferable choice, particularly in younger patients. 1–3 Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) can successfully dilate SV graft stenoses after bypass surgery. 4 This report describes the successful PTA of left IMA grafts in 2 patients.
Bureaucratic performance and budgetary reward: A test of the hypotheses with an alternative specification

In the literature on bureaucratic behavior, one f'mds two conflicting hypotheses on the relationship between bureaucratic production and subsequent congressional appropriations. According to Aaron Wildavsky (pp. 93-94), if an agency performs better than expected, future appropriations will be reduced. On the other hand, william Niskanen suggests that " . . . a bureau that performs better than expected is likely to be rewarded by higher future budgets.",(p. 42) In an article published in a recent issue of this journal, Ronald S. Warren has proposed a test of these hypotheses. He suggests that output data for the Securities and Exchange Commission, as developed by the Advisory Council on Executive Organization, be used with readily-available budget data in a simple regression equation. Warren estimates two models-one with, and one without, a time trend variable. On the basis of its statistical properties, the model with the trend variable is preferred. With respect to the alternative hypotheses, Warren Finds that this model lends " . . . empirical support to Wildavsky's view of the dynamic reward structure facing bureaucratic organizations." (p. 56) This note argues, however, that this conclusion is unwarranted because the equation used to test the hypotheses is
Hacking the Nation-State: Security, Information Technology and Policies of Assurance

The transmission and storage of information in digital form coupled with the widespread proliferation of networked computers has created new issues for policy. An indispensable business tool and knowledge-sharing device, the networked computer is not without vulnerability, including the disruption of service and the theft, manipulation, and destruction of electronic data. This paper seeks to identify frame analysis of the security of information resources. Historical review of security issues presented by electronic communication since the inception of the telegraph is conducted so as to produce salient points for study regarding the security of more recently developed computer networks. The authors aim to inform the blossoming area of study falling under the label information security with a primer on the key pieces of what may be considered a theory of digital statecraft, drawing back to the nineteenth century.
Nonparametric image segmentation applied to multispectral thermal imager data

The Multispectral Thermal Imager (MTI) provides a highly informative source of remote sensing data. However, the analysis and exploitation can be very challenging. Effective utilization of this imagery by an image analyst typically requires a consistent and timely means of locating regions of interest. Many available image analysis/segmentation techniques are often slow, not robust to spectral variabilities from view to view or within a spectrally similar region, and/or require a significant amount of user intervention to achieve a segmentation corresponding to self-similar regions within the data. This paper discusses a segmentation approach that exploits the gross spectral shape of MTI data. In particular, we propose a nonparametric approach to perform coarse level segmentation that can stand alone or as a potential precursor to other image analysis tools. In comparison to previous techniques, the key characteristics of this approach are in its simplicity, speed, and consistency. Most importantly it requires relatively few user inputs and determines the number of clusters, their extent, and, data assignment directly from the data.
Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Involvement in Lipolysis of Dairy Cattle Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue During Dry and Lactating State

Abstract The influence of lactation on beta-adrenergic receptor kinetics was studied with adipocytes from eight Holstein cows during two physiological states, dry period 30 days prepartum and 30 days postpartum or early lactation. Physiological state had no effect on binding kinetics of (−)-hydrogen-3 labeled dihydro-alprenolol. Affinity rate constants (8.2 versus 7.2×10 7 min −1 M −1 ) and equilibrium dissociation constants (7.1 versus 7.9 nM) for both prepartum and postpartum periods were similar. In contrast, the apparent number of beta-adrenergic receptors varied with lactational state (42,154 versus 72,264 sites/cell) for dry and lactating status as estimated in assays containing 5 nM (−)-hydrogen-3 dihydro-alprenonol. Glycerol release and adipocyte concentrations of adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic phosphoric acid were assayed with or without 10 μ M epinephrine. Epinephrine elicited greater release of glycerol in adipocytes from lactating than dry cows (3.91 versus 2.1 μ mol/10 6 cells/120min). The concentration of adenosine-3′, 5′-cyclic phosphoric acid rose during the first 5min of incubation in the presence of epinephrine and then fell to base after 10min. Maximum concentrations at 5min were not different in adipocytes from dry and lactating cows (250 versus 280 pmol/10 6 cells).
Interdisciplinary programs in community and applied research.

SUMMARY This article describes the critical role of interdisciplinary programs in addressing the mission of the Society for Community Research and Action. In the past decade, interdisciplinary approaches to graduate education have increased in importance yet the makeup of the Society does not reflect this change. The mission, organization, and curriculum focus of five programs are described. They include human development and family studies, social welfare, law/psychology, and community-social psychology. Prevention research and program evaluation are highlighted as key areas for program development.
FoxA Family Members Are Crucial Regulators of the Hypertrophic Chondrocyte Differentiation Program

During endochondral ossification, small, immature chondrocytes enlarge to form hypertrophic chondrocytes, which express collagen X. In this work, we demonstrate that FoxA factors are induced during chondrogenesis, bind to conserved binding sites in the collagen X enhancer, and can promote the expression of a collagen X-luciferase reporter in both chondrocytes and fibroblasts. In addition, we demonstrate by both gain- and loss-of-function analyses that FoxA factors play a crucial role in driving the expression of both endogenous collagen X and other hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific genes. Mice engineered to lack expression of both FoxA2 and FoxA3 in their chondrocytes display defects in chondrocyte hypertrophy, alkaline phosphatase expression, and mineralization in their sternebrae and, in addition, exhibit postnatal dwarfism that is coupled to significantly decreased expression of both collagen X and MMP13 in their growth plates. Our findings indicate that FoxA family members are crucial regulators of the hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation program.
What Librarians Can Learn from Cable Television: Thoughts on Transformative Business Models and Their Impact on the Business of Libraries

This column explores three issues currently dominating the discourse in the electronic resources field—the big deal, perpetual access, and open access—and draws parallels to events and trends from outside libraries that may provide some insight into where we are headed.
Coarse grained molecular dynamics model of block copolymer directed self-assembly

A model has been developed for the simulation of block copolymer (BCP) directed self-assembly (DSA) based on a coarse grained polymer model that anneals using molecular dynamics. The model uses graphics processing units (GPUs) to perform the calculations; this combined with the coarse graining means simulations times approach the speed of other more commonly used simulation techniques for BCPs. The model is unique in how it treats the pure phase blocks interactions with themselves (i.e. A-A and B-B interactions) and their interactions with each other. This allows for simulations that can potentially more accurately capture the differences between the properties of each block such as density and cohesive energy. The model is fully described and used to examine some of the issues that are unique to DSA lithographic applications of BCPs. We describe a method to calculate χ for the off-lattice MD system based on observation of the order-disorder transitions (ODT) for different degrees of polymerization N. The model is used to examine the transient, complex, non-classical morphologies that can occur through film thickness during a DSA process. During the phase separation process from a mixed initial state, the BCPs first locally phase separate to form small aggregate type structures. These aggregates then coalesce into larger features that approach the size of the equilibrium domain. These features then shift to match the guiding pattern on the underlayer followed by the slow elimination of defects. We also studied how the guiding patterns work in chemo-epitaxy DSA. The guiding patterns have a strong immediate effect on the BCP film nearest the interface and induce locally aligned self-assembly. Over time, this induced pattern tends to propagate up through the thickness of the film until the film is uniformly aligned to the guiding pattern. We also clearly see that the observed morphology at the top of the film gives no indication of the morphology through the depth, especially during the transient portions of the self-assembly process.
Contrasting reactions of ethylene with Os3{μ-H,μ-OC(Me)}(CO)10, giving an ethylene adduct, or a bis-μ-acyl complex. Crystal and molecular structure of Os3{1,2-μ-H,1,2-μ-OC(Me)}{1-η2-CH2CH2}(CO)9

Abstract Bubbling ethylene at atmospheric pressure through a solution of OS3{μ-H,μ-OC(Me)}(CO)10 (1) in octane at 105–110°C gives the complex Os3{1,2-μ-H,1,2-μ-O(Me)}{1-η2-CH2CH2}(CO)9 (2) in 61% yield. By contrast, the bis-acyl complex Os3{μ-OC(Me),μ-OC(Et)}(CO)10 (3) is obtained in the reaction of 1 with ethylene and CO (68:1 mol ratio) at 167 atm and 140°C; an equilibrium mixture of isomers 3a (vicinal) and 3b (geminal) is obtained in which the latter predominates. Complexes 3a and 3b show an IR absorption at 1516 cm−1, characteristic of the bridging acyl group; 13C NMR for the carbon atom of this group is shifted significantly to low field, δ = 287.9 ppm. The crystal and molecular structure of 2 have been determined at 25°C using a Huber four circle diffractometer with graphite-monochromated Mo-Kα radiation. Complex 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c; cell dimensions, a = 14.423(2), b = 15.119(3), c = 17.200(3) A, and β = 95.921(5)°; calculated density = 3.19 g cm−3. A total of 3947 unique reflections with I > 3σ(I0) were used in the refinement; final discrepancy indices, R = 0.075 and Rw = 0.087. The location of each of the six Os atoms was determined by the Patterson method. All other non-hydrogen atoms were then located by difference maps. The crystal consists of discrete molecules of complex 2 with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. The complex consists of three groups arrayed in a triangle, [Os(1 or 4)(η2-CH2CH2)(CO)2], [Os(2 or 5)(CO)3] and [Os(3 or 6)(CO)4], with normal metal-metal separations, OsOs: (1)–(2) and (4)–(5) = 2.907(2) and 2.909(2) A, (1)–(3) and (4)–(6) = 2.841(2) and 2.837(2) A, (2)–(3) and (5)–(6) = 2.872(2) and 2.869(2) A. A hydrogen atom and an acyl group are see n to be bridging between two of the atoms, Os(1) and Os(2) [or Os(4) and Os(5)]. It is noteworthy that the ethylene is observed to be η2-coordinated to the same metal atom to which the oxygen of the bridging acyl group is also coordinated. The bridging hydrogen atom was located but its position not refined, Os(1)H(1) and Os(4)H(2) = 1.70 and 1.66 A; Os(2)H(1) and Os(5)H(2) = 1.70 and 1.92 A.
Differential imaging of biological structures with doubly-resonant coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering (CARS).

Coherent Raman imaging techniques have seen a dramatic increase in activity over the past decade due to their promise to enable label-free optical imaging with high molecular specificity 1. The sensitivity of these techniques, however, is many orders of magnitude weaker than fluorescence, requiring milli-molar molecular concentrations 1,2. Here, we describe a technique that can enable the detection of weak or low concentrations of Raman-active molecules by amplifying their signal with that obtained from strong or abundant Raman scatterers. The interaction of short pulsed lasers in a biological sample generates a variety of coherent Raman scattering signals, each of which carry unique chemical information about the sample. Typically, only one of these signals, e.g. Coherent Anti-stokes Raman scattering (CARS), is used to generate an image while the others are discarded. However, when these other signals, including 3-color CARS and four-wave mixing (FWM), are collected and compared to the CARS signal, otherwise difficult to detect information can be extracted 3. For example, doubly-resonant CARS (DR-CARS) is the result of the constructive interference between two resonant signals 4. We demonstrate how tuning of the three lasers required to produce DR-CARS signals to the 2845 cm-1 CH stretch vibration in lipids and the 2120 cm-1 CD stretching vibration of a deuterated molecule (e.g. deuterated sugars, fatty acids, etc.) can be utilized to probe both Raman resonances simultaneously. Under these conditions, in addition to CARS signals from each resonance, a combined DR-CARS signal probing both is also generated. We demonstrate how detecting the difference between the DR-CARS signal and the amplifying signal from an abundant molecule's vibration can be used to enhance the sensitivity for the weaker signal. We further demonstrate that this approach even extends to applications where both signals are generated from different molecules, such that e.g. using the strong Raman signal of a solvent can enhance the weak Raman signal of a dilute solute.
Genetics of Childhood Obesity

Obesity is a major health problem and an immense economic burden on the health care systems both in the United States and the rest of the world. The prevalence of obesity in children and adults in the United States has increased dramatically over the past decade. Besides environmental factors, genetic factors are known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed strongly associated genomic variants associated with most common disorders; indeed there is general consensus on these findings from generally positive replication outcomes by independent groups. To date, there have been only a few GWAS-related reports for childhood obesity specifically, with studies primarily uncovering loci in the adult setting instead. It is clear that a number of loci previously reported from GWAS analyses of adult BMI and/or obesity also play a role in childhood obesity.
Two optimal square-rooting algorithms ussing iterative multiplication

With a view to the computational speed, it is obviously advantageous to perform the frequently used arithmetic operations in the hardware rather than in software, especially in scientifically oriented real-time applications.
The limitations of computed tomography in adult cochlear implant evaluation

Abstract Objective To demonstrate the added value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over computed tomography (CT) during adult cochlear implant evaluation. Patients Two adult patients are discussed in whom MRI studies diagnosed bilateral vestibular schwannomas during cochlear implant candidacy evaluation. Interventions Temporal bone CT and MRI. Main outcome measure Diagnosis of NF2. Results Two adult patients, ages 67 and 68 years, were evaluated for cochlear implant candidacy. Both patients experienced slowly progressive, bilateral hearing loss without complaints of vertigo, and neither patient had a family history of hearing loss or neurogenic tumors. Both patients had near-symmetric pure tone thresholds on audiometric testing. An MRI and a CT scan were performed on both patients, and bilateral vestibular schwannomas were identified on MRI. Conclusions Though MRI is not routinely utilized in adult cochlear implant evaluation, it may be of greater clinical value than CT in the setting of adult-onset hearing loss. MRI allows for sensitive evaluation of cochlear patency and architecture, and cochlear nerve status. As demonstrated in the two index cases, MRI also provides the added benefit of evaluating for causes of retrocochlear hearing loss. These two patients would have likely experienced a significant delay in diagnosis of NF2 without preoperative MRI, particularly given the limitations of scanning following CI magnet placement.
Nanomolar concentrations of nicotine increase the release of [3H]dopamine from rat striatal synaptosomes.

Nicotine stimulates the release of several neurotransmitters from brain tissue by acting on presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). In this study, an in vitro superfusion system was used to measure the nicotine-evoked release of [3H]dopamine (DA) from rat striatal synaptosomes. A 2-min exposure to micromolar nicotine produces a rapid increase in [3H]DA release. With continued exposure the response declines, apparently due to conversion of the nAChRs to a high-affinity desensitized conformation. In contrast, prolonged exposure to nanomolar concentrations of nicotine, while not producing an immediate response, leads to a gradual cumulative enhancement in [3H]DA release. This effect is calcium-dependent and blocked by the nicotinic antagonist, dihydro-β-erythroidine. It is suggested that the gradual DA release in response to low concentrations of nicotine occurs as a result of either open channel properties of the desensitized receptor or an equilibrium between the high-affinity desensitized and active states of the nAChRs.
A 2‐d numerical study of intermeshing self‐wiping screws in biopolymer extrusion

A knowledge of flow behavior is important in the study of laminar flow in twin-screw extrusion processes to predict the velocity distribution and to understand the mixing process. The flow of a power law fluid in self-wiping twin-screw extruders is examined using a two-dimensional finite element analysis of a mid-channel section of intermeshing screws. Theory is compared with experiment using food biopolymer and plastic materials. Comparisons showing overprediction of throughputs, but similarities in behavior, suggest that this model could provide an upper limit for melt conveying. For most of the throughput range examined, pumping of intermeshing self-wiping screws appears to be almost independent of the power law flow index of the melt extruded, but the value of the flow index determines the degree of influence intermeshing has on the overall pressure gradient generated in the extruder.
Loss of neonatal hypoxia tolerance after prenatal nicotine exposure: Implications for sudden infant death syndrome

Maternal cigarette smoking has a high correlation with sudden Infant Death Syndrome, a condition in which cardiorespiratory failure occurs during an hypoxic episode, as in sleep apnea. Pregnant rats were given nicotine infusions of 2 or 6 mg/kg/day throughout gestation, regimens that produce plasma nicotine levels spanning the range in smokers. The day after birth, animals in the high dose group displayed excessive mortality during hypoxic challenge. These animals were found to be deficient in an essential response component, namely adrenomedullary catecholamine release that is required to maintain neonatal cardiac rhythm during hypoxia; the defect was in adrenal cell function rather than in altered innervation or nicotinic receptor desensitization. We also examined brainstem and forebrain noradrenergic mechanisms that are involved in neonatal respiratory control. The nicotine group showed suppressed spontaneous neuronal activity, but were hyperresponsive to hypoxia. As these projections are inhibitory for respiration, the nicotine-induced sensitization would be expected to contribute to respiratory arrest during hypoxia. Prenatal nicotine exposure may thus provide a useful animal model with which to study the physiological mechanisms that underlie Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, while at the same time providing a biological explanation for the association of the syndrome with smoking.
Social group detection based routing in Delay Tolerant Networks

When implementing Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, a key characteristic of the network is the mobility pattern of the nodes. Based on the application, nodes can follow semi-predictable patterns, such as the routes followed by Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks, or the more strict schedules followed by aerial reconnaissance. Optimal routing schemes tend to take advantage of information regarding these patterns. In social environments, such as wildlife tracking or sending messages between humans, the devices and/or users will follow regular contact habits, tending to encounter social groups in which they participate. By identifying these groups, the patterns are used to optimize routing through a social environment. Dynamic Social Grouping (DSG), used to route messages strictly from a node to a basestation, is ideal for gathering sensor data and updating a shared data cache. In contrast, Dynamic Social Grouping-Node to Node (DSG-N2) is used to route messages between nodes, generally conventional communications. Both of these algorithms can be implemented ad null, meaning the devices initially have no information about their environment, and they work to reduce bandwith and delivery time while maintaining a high delivery ratio. In addition to presenting these two routing schemas, this article compares and contrasts two methods for estimating nodes' delivery probabilities. The Contact Based Probability is based on encounters with other nodes, and the Performance Based Probability is based on the behavior of previous messages. The probability estimates were then validated with the Oracle analysis, which is based on knowledge of future events. This analysis indicated that DSG-N2 probability estimates are comparable to the ideal.
A Micromechanical Approach to Model Residual Stress Relaxation and Fatigue Crack Nucleation in High Strength Gear Steels

It is well known that mechanical surface treatments, such as deep rolling, shot peening and laser shock peening, can significantly improve the fatigue behavior of highly-stressed metallic components. Of particular interest here are the residual stresses induced through shot peening process. Compressive residual stresses of high magnitudes are induced at and near the surface during shot peening process by virtue of constrained plastic deformation. These stresses enhance the service life of component by resisting fatigue crack nucleation and growth on surface of the specimen. Unfortunately, these residual stresses can relax significantly due to subsequent mechanical and/or thermal loading even under normal operating conditions.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Transcription factors in airway diseases.

Transcription factors regulate the expression of multiple inflammatory genes and play a pivotal role in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prominent transcription factors in airway diseases include nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), which together regulate the expression of multiple inflammatory proteins. Glucocorticoids activate glucocorticoid receptors (GR), which act as transcription factors and inhibit transcription induced by NF-κB and AP-1. Activation of genes involves hyperacetylation of core histones to open up the chromatin structure to initiate transcription. GR recruit histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC2) to the activated inflammatory gene to switch off transcription. In COPD, there is a marked reduction in HDAC2 expression, resulting in glucocorticoid resistance. Therapeutic implications, which may be generalized to all inflammatory diseases, are discussed.
Multipulse laser-induced failure prediction for Mo metal mirrors

In combination with known thermomechanical fatigue data for Mo we have applied the Transient Photothermal Deflection (TPD) technique to develop a model f the N-on-i damage ofMo mirrors to predict their multipulse lifetimes. In laser-damage experiments to verify the model mechanically polished Mo mirrors were irradiated with 10 ns Nd:YAG laser pulses at 1064 nm at a 10 Hz rep rate. In the TPD experiments the approximately 600 jtm diameter Nd:YAG laser spot was probed off axis by a smaller HeNe laser beam whose deflection was detected by a fast bicell photodetector and amplifier. Digitized photodetector waveforms indicated that the surface angular deflection could be converted into surfae disp1zement. In addition thermal modelling of the vertical heat distribution enabled the peak surface-deflection signal to be converted into peak surfwe temperawre. The thermomechanical model was verified by both the experimental and model results. Conventional mechanical fatigue data for Mo were used to derive a predictive equation for the laser-accumulation lifetime of Mo mirrors. Experiments were performed with one to 1O'' pulses per site yielding laser-damage thresholds and accumulation curves. The accumulation behavior predicted from measurennts of mechanical fatigue was in excellent agreement with the measured behavior. It is possible that data on high-cycle ( mechanical fatigue can be used to predict the performance of optical surfaces at equally large values of N.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.