cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improvements in frequency-domain based NIRF optical tomography modality for preclinical studies

Herein we present recent improvements in system design and performance evaluation of near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM) system developed for small animal fluorescence tomography and installed within a commercial micro-CT/PET scanner. We improved system performance by increasing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) through use of high powered rf modulation, novel data collection scheme, and data discrimination based on the associated noise levels. Noise characteristics show improvement with these techniques and are currently being employed to improve 3-D fluorescence for tomographic reconstructions in phantoms before incorporating into hybrid scanner.
Specific binding of human MSH2.MSH6 mismatch-repair protein heterodimers to DNA incorporating thymine- or uracil-containing UV light photoproducts opposite mismatched bases.

Previous studies have demonstrated recognition of DNA-containing UV light photoproducts by bacterial (Feng, W.-Y., Lee, E., and Hays, J. B. (1991) Genetics 129, 1007-1020) and human (Mu, D., Tursun, M., Duckett, D. R., Drummond, J. T., Modrich, P., and Sancar, A. (1997) Mol. Cell. Biol. 17, 760-769) long-patch mismatch-repair systems. Mismatch repair directed specifically against incorrect bases inserted during semi-conservative DNA replication might efficiently antagonize UV mutagenesis. To test this hypothesis, DNA 51-mers containing site-specific T-T cis-syn-cyclobutane pyrimidine-dimers or T-T pyrimidine-(6-4')pyrimidinone photoproducts, with all four possible bases opposite the respective 3'-thymines in the photoproducts, were analyzed for the ability to compete with radiolabeled (T/G)-mismatched DNA for binding by highly purified human MSH2.MSH6 heterodimer protein (hMutSalpha). Both (cyclobutane-dimer)/AG and ((6-4)photoproduct)/AG mismatches competed about as well as non-photoproduct T/T mismatches. The two respective pairs of photoproduct/(A(T or C)) mismatches also showed higher hMutSalpha affinity than photoproduct/AA "matches"; the apparent affinity of hMutSalpha for the ((6-4)photoproduct)/AA-"matched" substrate was actually less than that for TT/AA homoduplexes. Surprisingly, although hMutSalpha affinities for both non-photoproduct UU/GG double mismatches and for (uracil-cyclobutane-dimer)/AG single mismatches were high, affinity for the (uracil-cyclobutane-dimer)/GG mismatch was quite low. Equilibrium binding of hMutSalpha to DNA containing (photoproduct/base) mismatches and to (T/G)-mismatched DNA was reduced similarly by ATP (in the absence of magnesium).
Geostationary wedge-filter imager-sounder

Imaging spectrometry from geostationary earth orbit (GEO) can provide the frequently-refreshed detailed information on physical properties of earth's atmosphere and surface needed to enable critical new science missions and ultimately improve operation weather forecasting. We describe and evaluate a concept for imaging spectrometry from GEO that addresses both traditional imaging and sounding applications. Our geostationary Wedge-filter Imaging Spectrometer uses spatially variable wedge filter spectrometers to collect earth radiance with approximately 2 km resolution over a 710-2900 cm-1 spectral range at 1 percent spectral resolution. The resulting instrument, based on LWIR and MWIR wedge-filter spectrometer technology recently developed by Raytheon, would be a compact, rugged imager-sounder with better sensitivity, spectral resolution, spatial resolution and full disk coverage time than current multispectral operational GEO imagers. Sounding performance was simulated with respect to a global database of 119,694 cloud-free samples using a stepwise regression algorithm. Retrieved atmospheric parameters included surface air temperature, surface skin temperature, surface water vapor, total precipitable water vapor, total ozone and vertical profiles of temperature and water vapor. Not only did the conceptual WIS-based instrument outperform the current operation GEO sounder, but also RMS error performance approached that of advance higher spectral resolution sounders. Due to its higher spatial resolution and more compete spatial coverage, WIS could achieve this high quality cloud free sounding performance roughly two times more frequently than high spectral resolution advance sounders. Combining this new technology with proven wedge spectrometer approaches for visible and near-IR wavelengths would provide imaging-sounding data from GEO with unprecedented detail and fidelity for a wide range of weather, climate, land use, ocean color and other earth science studies.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Grand mal seizures associated with high-dose intravenous morphine infusions: incidence and possible etiology

A retrospective review of pharmacy records during a 7-year period at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center revealed that 6 patients received greater than 4 g of morphine sulfate per day by continuous infusion (CI). Three patients received high-dose infusions for more than 24 h. Two of these 3 patients developed grand mal seizures, while the third was receiving a neuromuscular blocking agent making detection of seizures difficult. Prolonged administration of high concentrations of the sodium bisulfite preservative contained in the morphine solution is a possible explanation for the development of these seizures. Caution is suggested in using CI, preservative-containing morphine at high doses.
Provocation-challenge studies in shrimp-sensitive individuals☆

Abstract Thirty individuals with history of immediate, objective, adverse reactions after shrimp ingestion underwent double-blind, placebo-controlled shrimp-food challenges. All individuals who did not exhibit a positive response (reproduction of objective symptoms) were administered an open challenge of 16 whole cooked shrimp. Positive challenge responses occurred in 930 subjects (30%); six of these subjects experienced a positive response during the double-blind phase. Of the 21 remaining subjects, 12 experienced generalized pruritus as their only symptom, whereas nine subjects had completely negative challenge responses. All placebo challenges were negative. Although a positive skin test was strongly associated with challenge symptoms ( p p 11%) demonstrated a correct predictive value of 87% in this group of shrimp-sensitive subjects.
The relationship between electrodiagnostic findings and patient symptoms and function in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract Chan L, Turner JA, Comstock BA, Levenson LM, Hollingworth W, Heagerty PJ, Kliot M, Jarvik JG. The relationship between electrodiagnostic findings and patient symptoms and function in carpal tunnel syndrome. Objective To examine whether, in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), electrodiagnostic study findings were associated with patient symptom severity and functional limitations after controlling for potentially confounding variables including depression, somatization, and pain-related catastrophizing. Design Cross-sectional design including data from 2 ongoing CTS studies. Setting Patients enrolled from hospitals and clinics in Washington State between October 2002 and February 2006. Participants Adults with CTS (N=215) (based on symptoms and abnormal electrodiagnostic findings) were analyzed. Exclusion criteria were any mass, tumor, severe trauma, or deformity in the hand or wrist, radiculopathy, polyneuropathy, pregnancy, lactation, or severe CTS. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Assessment Questionnaire (CTSAQ) functional status scale assessed the ability to perform 9 common hand-related tasks. The CTSAQ symptom severity scale included 11 items that assess pain, numbness, and weakness. Patients also rated their average hand and wrist pain in the last month. Results With and without controlling for patient characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, symptom duration, depression, somatization, and pain-related catastrophizing, there were no statistically significant relationships between the electrodiagnostic findings and patient functional status and symptom severity. Conclusions Electrodiagnostic findings and patient CTS-related symptoms and function appear to be independent measures. Clinicians and researchers interested in CTS outcomes need to assess both.
Behaviorism: An approach to more effective discipline

(1988). Behaviorism: An approach to more effective discipline. The Teacher Educator: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 10-15.
Mutational alterations induced in yeast by ionizing radiation

The cycl-9 ochre (UAA) mutant and the cycl-179 amber (UAG) mutant of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were reverted with X-rays and alpha-particles. The amino acid sequence changes of iso-1-cytochromes c from 36 of the intragenic revertants were determined by amino acid analysis and peptide mapping, aided by partial amino acid sequencing of 4 revertants. In addition, the DNA segments encompassing 3 unusual mutations with complex changes were cloned and sequenced. This study and previous studies of 16 other revertants of cycl-9 and cycl-179 revealed that ionizing radiation primarily induces single base-pair substitutions; 47 of the 52 revertants arose by transversions and transitions without any apparent preference. However, the A X T----T X A substitution at the first base pair for the cycl-179 UAG codon, leading to the normal protein, was not detected, nor was it found previously in 32 revertants of cycl-179 obtained spontaneously or induced with various other mutagens; apparently, there is a prohibition of certain base-pair substitutions at certain sites in DNA. In addition, 5 of the 52 revertants arose by multiple changes within a short region of 11 base pairs. These consisted of the deletion of 6 base pairs, the substitution of 3 base pairs, and 3 different kinds of substitutions of two base pairs. Compared to other mutagens previously tested with the cycl system, ionizing radiation produces the most random types of base-pair substitutions.
D. Z. Phillips on belief in God

In this paper I try briefly to say why I think that what D.Z. Phillips had to say about belief in God can be defended against certain familiar criticisms, and why I think that his treatment could have been improved. I note passages in his writings which might be thought not to reflect what belief in God amounts to, but I argue that these passages can be read as reflecting belief in God as we find it in biblical authors and in writers like Thomas Aquinas. Having noted that Phillips rejects attempts to do natural theology on largely Humean grounds, I argue against these grounds as echoed by Phillips and draw attention to a tradition of natural theology not subject to Humean objections, a tradition to which Phillips might have paid more attention than he did.
Analysis of injury severity and vehicle occupancy in truck- and non-truck-involved accidents

The impact that large trucks have on accident severity has long been a concern in the accident analysis literature. One important measure of accident severity is the most severely injured occupant in the vehicle. Such data are routinely collected in state accident data files in the U.S. Among the many risk factors that determine the most severe level of injury sustained by vehicle occupants, the number of occupants in the vehicle is an important factor. These effects can be significant because vehicles with higher occupancies have an increased likelihood of having someone seriously injured. This paper studies the occupancy/injury severity relationship using Washington State accident data. The effects of large trucks, which are shown to have a significant impact on the most severely injured vehicle occupant, are accounted for by separately estimating nested logit models for truck-involved accidents and for non-truck-involved accidents. The estimation results uncover important relationships between various risk factors and occupant injury. In addition, by comparing the accident characteristics between truck-involved accidents and non-truck-involved accidents, the risk factors unique to large trucks are identified along with the relative importance of such factors. The findings of this study demonstrate that nested logit modeling, which is able to take into account vehicle occupancy effects and identify a broad range of factors that influence occupant injury, is a promising methodological approach.
Sub-optimal choice in pigeons does not depend on avoidance of the stimulus associated with the absence of reinforcement

Abstract When pigeons are given a choice between two alternatives, one leading to a stimulus 20% of the time that always signals reinforcement (S+) or another stimulus 80% of the time that signals no reinforcement (S−), and the other alternative leading to one of two stimuli each signaling reinforcement 50% of the time, they show a strong preference for the first alternative. This preference occurs in spite of the fact that, overall, the second alternative provides two and a half times more reinforcement than the first. In the present experiment we tested the hypothesis that the S− is a less effective conditioned inhibitor because as soon as it is recognized, the pigeon may orient away from it, whereas it does not orient away from the other signals. To test this hypothesis, for Group HLS−, we made the S− more salient and less avoidable by using a ceiling mounted houselight. To control for a possible aversion to the houselight we included Group HLS+, a group for which the houselight served as the S+. And the preferences of both groups were compared to those of a standard no houselight group. The pigeons in all three groups showed a strong preference for the lower probability of reinforcement alternative. Thus, reduced peripheral orienting during presentation of the S− stimulus was not likely responsible for pigeons’ sub-optimal choice.
The J-curve, rational expectations, and the stability of the flexible exchange rate system

This paper investigates the behavior of exchange rates under the floating rate system when the trade balance responds to the exchange rate in a J-curve fashion; and when exchange rate expectations are rational, but speculators are risk averse. The major findings are (I) that speculators will stabilize the floating exchange rate system, provided capital mobility is sufficiently high; (2) unless the degree of capital mobility exceeds an even higher critical level, exchange rates will oscillate around their long-run equilibrium values; and (3) a real unanticipated disturbance will cause the exchange rate to overshoot its long-run equilibrium level.
The ecology of race and socioeconomic distress: infant and working-age mortality in Chicago

We examine the effects of education, unemployment, and racial segregation on age-, sex-, and race-specific mortality rates in racially defined Chicago community areas from 1989 to 1991. Community socioeconomic factors account for large observed areal variations in infant and working-age mortality, but especially working-age mortality for the black population. For black men, the mortality consequences of living in economically distressed communities are quite severe. Segregation effects on mortality are more modest and largely operate through neighborhood socioeconomic conditions, although some direct effects of segregation on mortality for blacks are apparent.
Response of isolated hepatocytes to organic and inorganic cytotoxins.

Thirty‐four chemicals‐diverse in structure, postulated mechanisms of action, and primary target organs‐were tested for cytotoxic response in isolated hepatocyte suspensions from young male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Hepatocytes were incubated in the presence and absence of the test chemicals in closed vessels fitted with side arms for serial sampling for up to 5 h at 37°C with gentle shaking under an O2:CO2 (95:5) atmosphere. The parameters evaluated were glutamate‐oxaloacetate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase release from the cells, Trypan blue exclusion, cell count, urea synthesis capability, and steady‐state ATP levels. All chemicals cytotoxic in animals following single or short‐term repeated exposures caused statistically significant changes in one or more of these parameters in the 0.01–70‐mM concentration range. Dimethylnitrosamine and thioacetamide were not as potent in the isolated cell system as expected from their in vivo hepatotoxicity, and the quantitative changes produced with thioacetamide ...
Genetic and Population Characteristics of Walleyes in the Mobile Drainage of Alabama

Abstract Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis conducted on walleyes Stizostedion vitreum collected in Alabama indicated that 44 fish from the Mobile drainage were of the recently described southern haplotype, whereas all 5 fish from the Tennessee River had a northern haplotype. No successful establishment of female walleyes from Ohio stocked in the Mobile drainage between 1973 and 1985 was indicated by the mtDNA data. However, 3 of 22 loci screened by protein electrophoresis were polymorphic in Alabama walleyes, and three fish in the western portion of the Mobile drainage possessed alleles more typically seen in northern walleyes. These three fish could be descendants of stocked northern male walleyes or individuals with northern alleles that resulted from hybridizations with northern walleyes that had entered the western Mobile drainage via the Tennessee–Tombigbee Waterway. Southern walleyes in Alabama grow rapidly and reach harvestable size (356 mm) by age-2. The largest walleye collected for this study w...
GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING IN THE COLLEGE MATHEMATICS CLASSROOM

ABSTRACT Group problem solving has been a valuable adjunct to lecturing in my mathematics classes. Problem solving is largely the art of asking oneself the right questions. Students are more effective in developing this art by asking each other the questions, and pursuing problems to a successful conclusion than by the traditional solitary homework efforts (which too often fail to reach such conclusions). In mentoring this group activity, I encourage all to participate. Each student plays all the problem-solving roles at various times: expert, novice, questioner, answerer, skeptic,…. The mechanics of group work in the classroom - forming groups, preliminary class work, and follow-up discussions and assignments - are discussed. Some colleagues have expressed concerns about covering the syllabus and the possibility of cheating on exams. I have not found these to be problems, for reasons discussed here. Some of the benefits of this approach were expected, but many have been surprises. In particular, students...
Reactivity of Osmium(VI) Nitrides with the Azide Ion. A New Synthetic Route to Osmium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes

There is an extensive reactivity chemistry between trans-[Os(VI)(tpy)(Cl)(2)(N)](+) (1) (tpy = 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) and N(3)(-). Reaction of 1 with N(3)(-) in CH(2)Cl(2) or acetone occurs by electron transfer to give trans,trans-(tpy)(Cl)(2)Os(II)(N(2))Os(II)(Cl)(2)(tpy). In CH(3)CN, trans-Os(II)(tpy)(Cl)(2)(N(2)) forms but undergoes solvolysis to give trans-Os(II)(tpy)(Cl)(2)(CH(3)CN). 1 reacts with excess N(3)(-) in CH(3)CN to give Os(III)(tpy)(Cl)(2)(5-CH(3)-tetrazolate), which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. This is the first known Os-tetrazolato complex. 1 reacts with N(3)(-) in the presence of CS(2) to give trans-[Os(II)(tpy)(Cl)(2)(NS)](+), SCN(-), and N(2).
Antecedents of preschool children's internalizing problems : A Longitudinal study of low-income families

Objective To examine antecedents of young children's internalizing problems using research related to emotion regulation to guide prediction. Method Longitudinal data were collected on 86 low-income mother–child dyads to examine risk factors related to early internalizing problems as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Results The following risk factors, assessed during infancy, were related to the development of preschool-age internalizing problems: negative emotionality, disorganized attachment classification, negative life events, exposure to child-rearing disagreements, and parenting hassles. In addition, the interaction of high negative emotionality and exposure to parental conflict added unique variance to the prediction of scores on the CBCL Withdrawal and Depression/Anxiety subscales. Conclusions Children's preschool-age internalizing problems can be identified during infancy from multiple domains related to the development of emotion regulation. Further longitudinal work is encouraged that incorporates direct measurement of children's negative emotionality, parenting, and family factors that influence both parenting and children's emotion regulation.
Biological stereology: history, present state, future directions.

The development of a quantitative structural platform for experimental biology—extending across a hierarchy of sizes ranging from molecules to organisms—has been punctuated by a series of major achievements over the last 30 years. Stereology, a form of quantitative morphology, has contributed handsomely to this success. A personal view is presented highlighting key events in the development of biological stereology. We also examine stereology with a view toward future developments in biology and speculate how stereology might contribute to the new biological infrastructure currently being built with computers. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
IL-1R1 Signaling Regulates CXCL12-Mediated T Cell Localization and Fate within the Central Nervous System during West Nile Virus Encephalitis

Immune cell entry into the virally infected CNS is vital for promoting viral clearance yet may contribute to neuropathology if not rigorously regulated. We previously showed that signaling through IL-1R1 is critical for effector T cell reactivation and virologic control within the CNS during murine West Nile virus (WNV) encephalitis. WNV-infected IL-1R1(-/-) mice also display increased parenchymal penetration of CD8(+) T cells despite lack of CD4-mediated full activation, suggesting dysregulation of molecular components of CNS immune privilege. In this study, we show that IL-1 signaling regulates the CNS entry of virus-specific lymphocytes, promoting protective immune responses to CNS viral infections that limit immunopathology. Analysis of blood-brain barrier function in the WNV-infected IL-1R1(-/-) mice revealed no alterations in permeability. However, parenchymal proinflammatory chemokine expression, including CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL10, was significantly upregulated, whereas microvasculature CXCL12 expression was significantly decreased in the absence of IL-1 signaling. We show that during WNV infection, CD11b(+)CD45(hi) infiltrating cells (macrophages) are the primary producers of IL-1β within the CNS and, through the use of an in vitro blood-brain barrier model, that IL-1β promotes CXCR4-mediated T cell adhesion to brain microvasculature endothelial cells. Of interest, IFNγ(+) and CD69(+) WNV-primed T cells were able to overcome CXCL12-mediated adhesion via downregulation of CXCR4. These data indicate that infiltrating IL-1β-producing leukocytes contribute to cellular interactions at endothelial barriers that impart protective CNS inflammation by regulating the parenchymal entry of CXCR4(+) virus-specific T cells during WNV infection.
Aerial Imaging of Fluorescent Dye in the Near Shore

Aerial images are used to quantify the concentration of fluorescent Rhodamine water tracing (WT) dye in turbid and optically deep water. Tracer releases near the shoreline of an ocean beach and near a tidal inlet were observed with a two-band multispectral camera and a pushbroom hyperspectral imager, respectively. Theaerialobservationsarecomparedwithnear-surfaceinsitumeasurements.Theratioofupwellingradiance near the Rhodamine WT excitation and emission peaks varies linearly with the in situ dye concentrations for concentrations ,20ppb (r 2 5 0.70 and r 2 5 0.85‐0.88 at the beach and inlet, respectively). The linear relationship allows for relative tracer concentration estimates without in situ calibration. The O(1m) image pixels resolve complex flow structures on the inner shelf that transport and mix tracer.
An Optimal MPLS-TE Solution to Route Selection and Redistribution on Congested Networks

In the MPLS network domains, packet forwarding decisions are based on labels instead of layer three address used in the IP network. MPLS LSP tunnels are created for the labeled traffic and used to transmit the traffic in the predetermined routes set by the label switching routers (LSR) on the network boarders. This packet forwarding mechanism makes unequal path load balance and the optimal bandwidth utilization possible. This paper reviews both static and dynamic MPLS load balance algorithms in a previous study. An optimal dynamic load balance (ODLB) solution is proposed. The experiment results of ODLB are compared with the other algorithms and show apparent performance improvement in terms of the bandwidth usage and the frequency of rerouting ongoing traffic. ODLB is guaranteed to provide the optimal routing solution to the networks with parallel routes. The limitation and future work of ODLB is also presented.
Intelligent agent based framework for manufacturing systems control

Existing modeling frameworks for manufacturing system control can be classified into hierarchical, heterarchical, and hybrid control frameworks. The main drawbacks of existing frameworks are discussed in this paper. A new hybrid modeling framework is also described. It is a hybrid of the two: hierarchical and heterarchical frameworks. In this proposed framework, entities (e.g., parts) and resources (e.g., material handling devices, machines, cells, departments) are modeled as holonic structures that use intelligent agents to function in a cooperative manner so as to accomplish individual, as well as cell-wide and system-wide objectives. To overcome the structural rigidity and lack of flexibility, negotiation mechanisms for real-time task allocation are used. Lower-level holons may autonomously make their negotiations within the boundary conditions that the higher-level holons set. Horizontal, as well as vertical decisions, are made between various levels of controllers, and these are explicitly captured in the model.
Steroid-Induced Oocyte Maturation in Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) Is Dependent on Activation of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Signal Transduction Pathway

Exposure of fully grown fish and amphibian oocytes to a maturation-inducing steroid (MIS) activates numerous signal transduction pathways to initiate the final stage of oocyte maturation. These events culminate in the activation of maturation-promoting factor and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). In most species, exposure to MIS causes a transient decrease in oocyte cAMP levels. Whether this reduction in oocyte cAMP concentration is sufficient to induce GVBD is unclear. The current study tested the hypothesis that activation of cAMP-independent signal transduction pathways by the naturally occurring MIS, 17,20beta,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20beta-S), is necessary for GVBD in Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) oocytes. Results indicate that although 20beta-S treatment of oocyte membranes significantly reduced cAMP production, incubation of follicles with the cell-permeable cAMP-dependent protein kinase (Prka) inhibitors Rp-cAMP or KT5720 did not promote GVBD in the absence of 20beta-S. Additionally, treatment of follicles with the phosphodiesterase (Pde) inhibitors Cilostamide (Pde3) or Rolipram (Pde4) significantly reduced GVBD, but they were not able to completely block it. In contrast, pharmacologic inhibition of the cAMP-independent phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Pik3)/Akt signal transduction pathway using the Pik3 inhibitors Wortmannin or LY294002, or the Akt inhibitor ML-9, blocked 20beta-S-induced GVBD. Finally, mitogen-activated protein kinase (Mapk1/3) activity increased after treatment with 20beta-S; however, inhibition of Mapk1/3 activity using PD98059 or U0126 had no effect on GVBD. These results demonstrate that activation of cAMP-independent signaling pathways, especially the Pik3/Akt pathway, is necessary for 20beta-S-induced GVBD in Atlantic croaker oocytes.
On the Denominator of the Poincaré Series for Monomial Quotient Rings

Let S = &#x1d55c; [x 1,…, x n ] be a polynomial ring over a field &#x1d55c; and I a monomial ideal of S. It is well known that the Poincare series of &#x1d55c; over S/I is rational. We describe the coefficients of the denominator of the series and study the multigraded homotopy Lie algebra of S/I.
A sensitive assay for ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux using BODIPY-cholesterol.

Studies have shown a negative association between cellular cholesterol efflux and coronary artery disease (CAD). Standard protocol for quantitating cholesterol efflux involves labeling cells with [3H]cholesterol and measuring release of the labeled sterol. Using [3H]cholesterol is not ideal for the development of a high-throughput assay to screen large numbers of serum as would be required in studying the link between efflux and CAD. We compared efflux using a fluorescent sterol (boron dipyrromethene difluoride linked to sterol carbon-24, BODIPY-cholesterol) with that of [3H]cholesterol in J774 macrophages. Fractional efflux of BODIPY-cholesterol was significantly higher than that of [3H]cholesterol when apo A-I, HDL3, or 2% apoB-depleted human serum were used as acceptors. BODIPY-cholesterol efflux correlated significantly with [3H]cholesterol efflux (p
Activity-based refinement for abstraction-guided simulation

Semi-formal verification tools are gaining popularity because of their ability to balance the performance of logic simulators with the goal-focused capabilities of formal verification. Within this domain, abstraction-based simulation is a technique that has been proposed in several research works and has also emerged in a few commercial solutions. Abstraction-based simulation performs reachability analysis on a design abstraction to gather approximate information on the distance of each design state from a goal state, and then uses this information in a guided search by the logic simulator. Unfortunately, so far, the quality of the abstraction has been the weakest link in this semi-formal solution, because of its impact in enabling a simulator to reach a verification goal. This paper presents a novel solution for abstraction refinement that operates in an abstraction-based simulation framework. Our solution collects switching activity information during simulation and determines how to modify and improve an abstraction based on analysis of this information. By using refinement, the original abstraction crafted by the tool is no longer a critical aspect of the semi-formal search. Instead, initially the abstraction may be weak, improving over time to enable the simulator to reach the goal state.
The U.S. National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program: A Successful State–Federal Partnership

The U.S. National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) is a State/ Federal partnership created to reduce tsunami hazards along U.S. coastlines. Established in 1996, NTHMP coordinates the efforts of five Pacific States: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington with the three Federal agencies responsible for tsunami hazard mitigation: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). In the 7 years of the program it has, 1. established a tsunami forecasting capability for the two tsunami warning centers through the combined use of deep ocean tsunami data and numerical models; 2. upgraded the seismic network enabling the tsunami warning centers to locate and size earthquakes faster and more accurately; 3. produced 22 tsunami inundation maps covering 113 coastal communities with a population at risk of over a million people; 4. initiated a program to develop tsunami-resilient communities through awareness, education, warning dissemination, mitigation incentives, coastal planning, and construction guidelines; 5. conducted surveys that indicate a positive impact of the program’s activities in raising tsunami awareness.
Improved tRNA prediction in the American house dust mite reveals widespread occurrence of extremely short minimal tRNAs in acariform mites

Atypical tRNAs are functional minimal tRNAs, lacking either the D- or T-arm. They are significantly shorter than typical cloverleaf tRNAs. Widespread occurrence of atypical tRNAs was first demonstrated for secernentean nematodes and later in various arachnids. Evidence started to accumulate that tRNAs of certain acariform mites are even shorter than the minimal tRNAs of nematodes, raising the possibility that tRNAs lacking both D- and T-arms might exist in these organisms. The presence of cloverleaf tRNAs in acariform mites, particularly in the house dust mite genus Dermatophagoides, is still disputed. Mitochondrial tRNAs of Dermatophagoides farinae are minimal, atypical tRNAs lacking either the T- or D-arm. The size (49-62, 54.4 ± 2.86 nt) is significantly (p = 0.019) smaller than in Caenorhabditis elegans (53-63, 56.3 ± 2.30 nt), a model minimal tRNA taxon. The shortest tRNA (49 nt) in Dermatophagoides is approaching the length of the shortest known tRNAs (45-49 nt) described in other acariform mites. The D-arm is absent in these tRNAs, and the inferred T-stem is small (2-3 bp) and thermodynamically unstable, suggesting that it may not exist in reality. The discriminator nucleotide is probably not encoded and is added postranscriptionally in many Dermatophagoides tRNAs. Mitochondrial tRNAs of acariform mites are largely atypical, non-cloverleaf tRNAs. Among them, the shortest known tRNAs with no D-arm and a short and unstable T-arm can be inferred. While our study confirmed seven tRNAs in Dermatophagoides by limited EST data, further experimental evidence is needed to demonstrate extremely small and unusual tRNAs in acariform mites.
Anisotropic Grain Growth and Microstructural Evolution of Dense Mullite above 1550°C

Mullite powder with a nearly stoichiometric composition was hot-pressed at 1550°C to produce an almost fully dense microstructure of fine, nearly uniaxial grains. The grain growth of the dense mullite was investigated during subsequent annealing at temperatures in the range of 1550–1750°C. Grain growth was relatively slow at 1550°C and the microstructure remained nearly equiaxial. Annealing at temperatures above the eutectic temperature (∼1590°C) produced fairly rapid anisotropic grain growth. At 1750°C, the anisotropic grain growth can be divided into two stages. In the first stage, the initial microstructure with an anisometric shape factor of 1.7 evolved rapidly into a microstructure with a shape factor of 2.7, consisting of a significant fraction of highly elongated grains. In the second stage, the microstructure evolved slowly into a system consisting of somewhat “blocky” grains with a shape factor of 2.2. The Al2O3 content of the mullite grains increased slightly and reached an equilibrium value during the first stage of anisotropic grain growth. For the samples annealed at 1750°C, the indentation fracture toughness (2.5 ± 0.2 MPa · m1/2) was almost independent of the anisometric shape factor. The interaction between the indentation cracks and the microstructure showed a predominantly transgranular mode of crack propagation. The data indicate that while a network of highly elongated grains can be developed by the present approach, some further manipulation of the grain boundary chemistry is required for an improvement of the fracture toughness.
Medical therapies for vitiligo

: There are many options available for the treatment of vitiligo, the majority of which have as their goal to restore pigment. Sunscreens not only help prevent sunburn (thus preventing the resulting Koebnerization), but they also lessen the contrast between normal skin and the vitiliginous lesions. There are two major types of sunscreens: chemical sunscreens which function by absorbing the ultraviolet B (UVB) and/or UVA and physical sunscreens which block or scatter the ultraviolet rays. Cosmetics can be used for patients with limited lesions, especially those on the face and neck. An advantage to cosmetics is their limited number of side effects and ease of application. Topical corticosteroids are another option available for treating vitiligo. Lesions on the face, neck and extremities (with the exception of the fingers and toes) appear to repigment better with corticosteroids than other parts of the body. Repigmentation may take 4 months or longer; however, it should be noted that recurrence can occur upon discontinuation. Psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) therapy, both topical and oral, is the most common medical treatment for vitiligo. PUVA therapy is usually administered once or twice a week, but not on two consecutive days. Narrow-band UVB radiation is an alternative to standard PUVA therapy, but without many of its side effects. The frequency of narrow-band UVB treatments is similar to that for PUVA therapy.
Motion Based Video Classification for SPRITE Generation

In this paper we address the problem of video classification for sprite generation based on various features along with the global and local motion present in the video. Our feature set consists of features such as global(or camera) motion, cumulative global motion, local motion(motion of objects in the video), duration of the video,number of objects in motion, number of macro-blocks in motion and presence of objects at the borders of the image.These features are analyzed together to classify the video into one of the six pre-defined classes. The main focus of our approach is to analyze the number of frames that are processed in order to extract the feature set from the video. We perform experiments on a variety of videos by varying the number of frames being processed and analyze the outcome while calculating the accuracy of our approach.
Nascent EDHF-mediated cerebral vasodilation in ovariectomized rats is not induced by eNOS dysfunction

In estrogen-depleted [i.e., ovariectomized (Ovx)] animals, an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-like mechanism may arise to, at least partially, replace endothelial nitric oxide (NO...
Color tuning of black for electrochromic polymers using precursor blends

We demonstrate a facile controlling of the optical and colorimetric properties of a donor–acceptor conjugated polymer simply by varying the mix ratio of two precursors in a precursor blend. The conversion of a precursor blend results in an entirely new donor–acceptor polymer, distinct from the conjugated polymer of each precursor. Careful optimization of the mix ratio of two precursors results in a black electrochromic polymer.
A Multistate Multipath Provisioning Scheme for Differentiated Failures in Telecom Mesh Networks

Telecommunication networks spanning large areas are subject to various failures, such as natural disasters, operation errors, and malicious attacks. Disaster failures (DFs) are those, which can lead to a large-area malfunction and degrade the performance of a backbone telecom mesh network. A survivable network provisioning scheme that can recognize and address multiple levels of network failures, including DFs, is desirable for the future Internet. We study the characteristics of multiple failures in telecom mesh networks, such as optical wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) networks. In particular, we devise a novel provisioning scheme for telecom mesh networks, which can efficiently exploit the network connectivity using multiple paths. Three provisioning states are defined, in response to single-link failure (SF), multiple-link failure (MF), and DF. We integrate the conventional primary-backup method with reprovisioning and degraded service (i.e., a reduced level of service versus no service at all) into a state-transition model to handle different levels of failures. A predefined level of service is guaranteed for premium customers even if the service cannot be fully recovered. Multinode failures within the same shared risk group (SRG) and failures on destination node are also considered in our study. Our results show that: 1) connection-dropping probability due to a node failure can be significantly reduced with a small extra cost in SF protection; 2) for single-node failure, our algorithm achieves better performance than the shortest vertex-disjoint algorithm; and 3) remote-site data replication is effective to protect against destination-node failures.
Training the higher order moment neural array

The research summarized in the present paper is concerned with an algorithm which stores information and provides a learning capability. This algorithm is affiliated with a class of neural networks which are referred to as higher order moment neural arrays. The algorithm may be viewed as a generalized training procedure for the affiliated networks. >
Physical Properties of Some Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cements:

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAPROPRIETATES PHYSIC DE CERTE CEMENTOS A OXYDO DE ZINC E EUGENOL.—Le hic-reporate studio esseva concernite con le consistentia, le fortia compressive, le tempores de travalio e de prisa, le spissitate de pellicula, e le duressa del materiales studiate. Lor numero esseva 6. Le valores pro le consistentia variava inter 35 e 60 mm. Le fortias compressive variava ab 6,4 ad 219 kg/cm 2. Le tempore de travalio esseva inter 3 e 21 minutas, e le tempore de prisa final esseva inter 5,5 e 20 minutas additional. Omne le cementos produceva un spissitate de pellicula de minus que 0,04 mm. Le valores del duressa post 24 horas variava inter 0,05 e 1,1 mm de penetration.
Flood-deposited wood creates regeneration niches for riparian vegetation on a semi-arid South African river

Question: The formation of large woody debris (LWD) piles during floods has significant impacts on riparian succession through pioneering plants often establishing in association with wood. We assess the importance of LWD for seed regeneration of riparian plants after a century-scale flood disturbance in a semi-arid environment. Location: The Sabie River within Kruger National Park in the semi-arid northeast of South Africa. Methods: Our approach was to quantify the riparian soil seed bank, to record the frequency of establishment of riparian plants in woody debris piles, and to conduct experimental outplantings of common riparian trees in plots with and without LWD. Results: We found the abundance and diversity of seedlings were higher in soils taken from wood piles than from open reference areas, and most seedlings were herbaceous species. Surveys indicated that numbers of seedlings recorded within woody debris were significantly greater than in open reference areas or within established vegetation. Seedling establishment in various cover-types also varied for different riparian tree species. Experimental out-planting of seedlings of two riparian tree species (Philenoptera violacea and Combretum erythrophyllum) revealed that, after 433 days, planted seedlings survived only in woody debris piles. Conclusion: LWD formed after a large flood creates heterogeneous patches that may influence post-disturbance regeneration of riparian vegetation by providing a variety of environmental niches for seedlings establishment. We suspect that higher seedling survival in LWD is due to increased moisture (particularly in the dry season) and nutrients, and protection from seasonal flooding and herbivory.
Fano resonances in reduced symmetry metamaterials

We demonstrate the Fano resonance in reduced symmetry metamaterials with both inversion symmetry being broken, and show that two bright modes of perpendicular polarizations can be hybridized by this Fano resonance. Experimental results are shown and demonstrate the onset of Fano resonances as the coupling between the bright modes and the dark mode overcome resistive losses in the metal.
Taking Sides: Clashing Views on African Issues

The second edition of Taking Sides: Clashing Views on African Issues edited by geographer, William G. Moseley, consists of five thematic parts: (1) Introduction and History, (2) Development, (3) Ag...
A Comparison between iPad-Assisted and Teacher-Directed Reading Instruction for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

We conducted an alternating treatment research design to investigate the effects of a multicomponent reading comprehension intervention on reading comprehension performance and task refusal behavior of three elementary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study also sought to investigate the effects of utilizing teacher-directed instruction (TDI) in comparison to iPad® -assisted instruction (IAI) as the primary mode of instructional delivery during reading sessions. The multicomponent intervention during the TDI sessions consisted of teaching text preview strategy (i.e., looking at text and picture, making predictions), identifying the main idea of each paragraph using a graphic organizer, and the use of a token economy system. Whereas IAI treatment sessions consisted of the use of an iPad® application that focused on identifying main idea paired with implementing a token economy system for task completion. Three elementary students identified with ASD participated in this study. Results indicate that the multicomponent intervention implemented during both conditions was associated with improved performance on curriculum-based measure (CBM) probes during TDI and IAI treatments, with an indication that the TDI treatment was more effective in increasing accuracy of responding on CBM probes in comparison to the IAI condition. Findings from this study also indicate that both treatment conditions (TDI and IAI) were associated with a reduction of task refusal for the three participants with fewer occurrences of the challenging behavior during IAI in comparison to TDI treatment.
In-situ fatigue life prognosis for composite laminates based on stiffness degradation

Abstract In this paper, a real-time composite fatigue life prognosis framework is proposed. The proposed methodology combines Bayesian inference, piezoelectric sensor measurements, and a mechanical stiffness degradation model for in-situ fatigue life prediction. First, the composites stiffness degradation is introduced to account for the composites fatigue damage accumulation under cyclic loadings and a new growth rate-based stiffness degradation model is developed. Following this, the general Bayesian updating-based fatigue life prediction method is discussed. Several sources of uncertainties and the developed stiffness degradation model are included in the prognosis framework. Next, an in-situ composites fatigue testing with piezoelectric sensors is designed and performed to collected sensor signal and the global stiffness data. Signal processing techniques are implemented to extract damage diagnosis features. The detected stiffness degradation is integrated in the Bayesian inference framework for the remaining useful life (RUL) prediction. Prognosis performance on experimental data is validated using prognostics metric. Finally, some conclusions and future work are drawn based on the proposed study.