cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and operation methodology for active building-integrated thermal energy storage systems

Abstract A methodology is presented for integrating the design and operation of active building-integrated thermal energy storage (BITES) systems to enhance their thermal and energy performance. A bounding-condition based design approach is proposed in conjunction with predictive control strategies. The predictive control uses frequency domain models and room air temperature set-point profile as input. The set-point profiles and BITES design are improved in a holistic manner according to the thermal dynamic response of active BITES systems and their thermal zones. The dynamic response is obtained from the transfer functions of frequency domain models. The methodology is demonstrated on ventilated systems. The results show that the methodology can significantly improve the design and operation of active BITES systems, and hence improve their thermal and energy performance. The dynamic response of different sizes of systems is presented to provide useful information for design selection. It is shown that concrete thickness of 0.2–0.3 m is a good value to initiate design. Other important application considerations are also discussed.
Inverse problems for cryo electron microscopy of viruses: randomly oriented projection images of random 3D structures in noise

Instances of biological macromolecular complexes that have identical chemical constituents may not have the same geometry due to, for example, flexibility. Cryo electron microscopy provides one noisy projection image of each of many instances of a complex where the projection directions for the different instances are random. The noise is sufficient severe (SNR << 1) that the projection direction for a particular image cannot be easily estimated from the individual image. The goal is to determine the 3-D geometry of the complex (the 3-D distribution of electron scattering intensity) which requires fusing information from these many images of many complexes. In order to describe the geometric heterogeneity of the complexes, the complex is described as a weighted sum of basis functions where the weights are random. In order to get tractable algorithms, the weights are modeled as Gaussian random variables with unknown statistics and the noise is modeled as additive Gaussian random variables with unknown covariance. The statistics of the weights and the statistics of the noise are jointly estimated by maximum likelihood by a generalized expectation maximization algorithm. An example using these ideas on images of Flock House Virus is described.
Nanoshell Assisted Cancer Therapy: Numerical Simulations

Since the near infrared spectrum (wavelength range of 750–1100 nm) is the region of highest physiological transmisivity, it is the optical communication gateway for the laser energy to propagate into the human body. This optical window also leads to nanoparticle-based approach where embedded nanoparticles absorb the laser light designed to address the specific diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of cancer therapy is exploited extensively in so called plasmonic photo thermal therapy (PPTT). A new tool that is under development for cancer/tumor treatment, in which embedded nanoparticles are manipulated to absorb the Near Infrared (NIR) laser light intensely, aiming at addressing the “nonselectivity” problem that exists in the conventional photo thermal therapy (PPT). The purpose is to seek therapy with a faster and accurate procedure with a comprehensive treatment plan aided with fast and accurate numerical simulations as well. Among all the nanostructures, the noble metal nanoparticles (such as nanoshells) could be tuned to have peak absorption cross section in the NIR spectrum which provide very intense local heating to burn the deeply embedded cancerous tissues and tumors rather than the healthy tissue. Experimental and numerical studies have shown that designed gold nanoshells can be used to remotely and optically induce hyperthermia by embedding certain amount of absorbing dominated gold nanoshells in tumors and then irradiated using NIR laser light. Advancing our capabilities such as modeling, characterization and design of complex nanostructures and their host media for various nanophotonic applications will also increase our effectiveness of induced hyperthermia for its future applications. The computational tools should bridge across the scales from nano to macro, and rapidly compare the predicted behavior of a large number of nanoparticles embedded in tissue so that experimental groups could concentrate laboratory efforts on those resulted configurations most likely to provide optimum results.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Reactions of the vessels of the rat kidney after experimental occlusion of the renal artery for various periods.

Summary1. Brief cortical vasoconstriction of the kidney followed occlusion of a renal artery not previously manipulated. When occlusion of the artery was maintained only a few seconds, an equally brief period of renal hyperemia followed. 2. More prolonged occlusion produced a short period of renal vasodilatation and congestion followed release of the occlusion. During this period of dilatation, the vessels did not respond by vasoconstriction to repeated occlusion of the renal artery.
Appetitive besires and the fuss about fit

Some motivational cognitivists believe that there are besires—cognitive mental states (typically moral beliefs) that share the key feature of desire (typically desire’s ‘direction of fit’) in virtue of which they are capable of being directly motivational. Besires have been criticized by Humeans and cognitivists alike as philosophically extravagant, incoherent, ad hoc, and incompatible with folk psychology. I provide a response to these standard objections to besires—one motivated independently of common anti-Humean intuitions about the motivational efficacy of moral judgments. I proceed by examining a hypothesis about the nature of appetitive desires—that these paradigmatic motivational attitudes are a mode of perceptual experience—and argue that this hypothesis is committed to the existence of besires. However, despite its commitment to besires, this hypothesis is not extravagant, incoherent, ad hoc, or incompatible with folk psychology. In other words, the standard complaints about besires all fail. The upshot is that there is nothing bizarre about besires, and motivational cognitivism takes on no additional costs by positing them.
Selective activation of immunoregulatory T-cell circuits by an Ia+ antigen-presenting cell line☆

ORA I-a, a cloned Ia+ monocyte tumor line, interacts with distinct immunoregulatory T-cell subsets. ORA cells present soluble and alloantigen to primed lymph node T cells and alloantigen to antigen-activated T-cell clones. However, they induce dose-dependent suppression during primary mixed lymphocyte cultures. Activation of a mixed lymphocyte response (MLR) suppressor pathway is mediated by Ly 1+ T cells. This T-cell subset proliferates in response to ORA when Ly 2+ cells are depleted. Furthermore, once activated, Ly 1+ T cells induce effectors of suppression within fresh T-cell populations. These studies indicate that antigen presentation to distinct T-cell subsets during different stages of an immune response may be mediated by unique antigen-presenting cell subpopulations. Immune homeostasis may thus be controlled not only by regulatory T cells, but also by unique antigen-presenting cells which are responsible for their selective activation.
Demo: code in the air - simplifying tasking on smartphones

Smartphones now are equipped with a variety of sensors including inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) and multiple position sensors (GPS, WiFi, and cellular radios). These powerful capabilities have made smartphones an attractive platform for tasking applications. Tasking applications are rapid developing mobile applications which process data from multiple sensors continuously to determine user's context (such as location or activity) and take certain actions based on pre-defined conditions. Examples of such applications include location-based reminders, notifying when friends are nearby, changing the ring-mode of a phone automatically depending on the location, automatically tracking and storing movement tracks when driving, and inferring the number of steps walked each day. However, today, developing tasking applications is non-trivial for two reasons: poor abstractions and poor programming support [1].We address these shortcomings through Code In The Air (CITA), a system that simplifies the development of tasking applications. CITA achieves this by providing an activity composition framework and a tasking execution framework that allows developers and end-users to easily write and compose tasks.
Nonlinear Control of a Distributed System: Simulation and Experimental Results

A nonlinear active vibration damper has been developed which uses a spatially distributed piezoelectric actuator, polyvinylidene flouride, to achieve active vibration control of a cantilever beam. The control algorithm was derived using Lyapunov’s Second Method. All modes of the beam can be controlled simultaneously if the angular velocity of the tip of the beam is known. A simulation algorithm was developed to predict the effect of the control on the free decay of a single mode. A parameter study for the first mode was performed and compared to experimental results. The active damper has been tested successfully on two different scale structures.
A novel oxidation of the carcinogen N-hydroxy-N-2-fluorenylacetamide catalyzed by peroxidase/H2O2/Br-.

Abstract N-Hydroxy-N-2-fluorenylacetamide, a proximate carcinogenic metabolite of N-2-fluorenylacetamide, is oxidized largely to 2-nitrosofluorene by lactoperoxidase or extract of peroxidative activity of rat uterus in an H 2 O 2 - and Br − -dependent reaction. Evidence is presented that the oxidizing species includes OBr − (HOBr). This novel oxidation may be involved in carcinogenesis by N-arylhydroxamic acids.
An Animal Model of Sensation Seeking: The Adolescent Rat

Previous research has established a strong relationship between a rodent's preference for novelty and sensitivity to psychomotor stimulants. Rats with greater sensitivity to the motoric effects of amphetamine exhibit higher preferences for novelty. Additionally, animals with high novelty preference scores are more easily drug conditioned and are more sensitive to, and can more accurately discriminate, amphetamine doses. Novelty preference in animals has been compared to sensation seeking in humans and is strongly correlated with drug use and addiction vulnerability. Thus, the present studies employed a playground maze procedure to measure changes in novelty preference across age following either four or eight habituation trials using eight distinct objects. Early-adult (postnatal day [PND] 59) animals did not exhibit a significant preference for a novel object regardless of total number of habituation trials. Early-adolescent animals (PND 34) exhibited a preference for the novel object in fewer than four habituation trials, but exhibited no preference with increased habituation trials. These results are counterintuitive and may demonstrate an overgeneralization of the habituation trials specific to adolescent animals. Given that adolescence is a period of heightened exploration, one would expect adolescent animals to demonstrate an enhanced preference for novel stimuli using this paradigm. However, it is possible that the complexity of the task, as presented, reveals differences in the establishment and behavioral manifestation of associations during adolescence. To address this issue, a separate novelty paradigm was implemented using an open-field habituation procedure followed by the introduction of a single novel object during the testing period. This revised design provides the foundation needed to better assess novelty-induced locomotor activity and novelty preference in adolescent rats.
Microdroplet-enabled highly parallel co-cultivation of microbial communities.

Microbial interactions in natural microbiota are, in many cases, crucial for the sustenance of the communities, but the precise nature of these interactions remain largely unknown because of the inherent complexity and difficulties in laboratory cultivation. Conventional pure culture-oriented cultivation does not account for these interactions mediated by small molecules, which severely limits its utility in cultivating and studying “unculturable” microorganisms from synergistic communities. In this study, we developed a simple microfluidic device for highly parallel co-cultivation of symbiotic microbial communities and demonstrated its effectiveness in discovering synergistic interactions among microbes. Using aqueous micro-droplets dispersed in a continuous oil phase, the device could readily encapsulate and co-cultivate subsets of a community. A large number of droplets, up to ∼1,400 in a 10 mm×5 mm chamber, were generated with a frequency of 500 droplets/sec. A synthetic model system consisting of cross-feeding E. coli mutants was used to mimic compositions of symbionts and other microbes in natural microbial communities. Our device was able to detect a pair-wise symbiotic relationship when one partner accounted for as low as 1% of the total population or each symbiont was about 3% of the artificial community.
Nutrition Education in a Rural Community of Latvia

Abstract After fifty years of Soviet rule, the country of Latvia is undergoing widespread change as it seeks to redevelop its government, economy, and healthcare system. The demands of the population have exceeded their resources, both financial and material. The American International Health Alliance (AIHA), in a partnership with a large Midwestern healthcare facility, sponsored a community health promotion project in a rural area of Latvia. Current health information for consumers and health professionals was lacking, and the dietitian as a professional was unknown in Latvia. The District of Tukuma with a population of 57,000 was identified as the area to develop and pilot a community-driven health promotion/education model. The Tukums students were identified via town hall meetings as a community strength. The high school students with help from younger students, teachers, and community members developed audience-specific nutrition and food safety information in varied media for children, family members, and the community. The Latvians consulted with their dietetic partner in person and via electronic mail. With the involvement of grandmothers preparing traditional foods and students making safe and healthy recipe modifications, a cookbook, a new concept to this generation, was developed. Evaluation of the community project required a delicate process. Due to nearly fifty years of Soviet dominance, questioning or interrogating community members in oral or written form could not be considered as an option. The objective of community-wide awareness was achieved in the initial year. Success was identified with World Health Organization (WHO) recognition and eventual adoption and expansion of the project in its second year to other Latvian communities.
Comparative biomechanics of hybrid external fixation.

Objective: To compare the elastic stiffness, in several loading modes, of commercially available hybrid external fixation systems. Design: Laboratory investigation using a polyvinylchloride pipe periarticular tibia fracture model. Setting: Simulated periarticular fractures were created in an in vitro tibia fracture model. Instrumented specimens and intact controls were elastically tested in a biomaterials testing system. Intervention: Groups of simulated periarticular tibia fractures were stabilized with one of six different hybrid external fixator designs. Main Outcome Measurements: Elastic stiffness of each specimen was measured in compression, torsion, flexion bending, extension bending, and varus/valgus bending. Results: Fixators with multiple levels of fixation in the periarticular fragment, regardless of design, were stiffer than those with one level. Specifically, the EBI Ring Connector fixator was stiffer than all others in all modes of testing. The Ace, Synthes, Smith & Nephew Richards, and Howmedica fixators were mechanically similar. The Zimmer Torus fixator was the least stiff fixator tested. Conclusions: Fixators with multiple levels of fixation in the periarticular fragment, regardless of design, were stiffer than those with one level. The choice of which hybrid external fixator to use should be made based not only on stiffness but also on ease of clinical application, patient comfort, customer support from the manufacturer, and cost. Clinical investigation of the efficacy of each of these devices is warranted.
On the scavenging of organic gases by cloud and raindrops: I. A theoretical and experimental study of acetaldehyde absorption and desorption for water drops in air

Our previously developed theoretical models for describing the rate at which water-soluble atmospheric trace gases are scavenged by cloud and rindrops were evaluated for the case of acetaldehyde being absorbed and desorbed by water drops of radii between 250 to 2500 μm radius. The experimental verification of our theoretical predictions was carried out in the UCLA 33 m high precipitation shaft in which falling water drops were allowed to come to terminal velocity before passing through a chamber of variable lengths filled with air containing acetaldehyde at various partial pressures. For all drop sizes studied, the experimental results and the theoretical predictions were in reasonable agreement.
Monte Carlo methods on advanced computer architectures

Monte Carlo methods describe a wide class of computational methods that utilize random numbers to perform a statistical simulation of a physical problem, which itself need not be a stochastic process (1). For example, Monte Carlo can be used to evaluate definite integrals, which are not stochastic processes, or may be used to simulate the transport of electrons in a space vehicle, which is a stochastic process. The name Monte Carlo came about during the Manhattan Project to describe the new mathematical methods being developed which had some similarity to the games of chance played in the casinos of Monte Carlo. Particle transport Monte Carlo is just one application of Monte Carlo methods, and will be the subject of this review paper. Other applications of Monte Carlo, such as reliability studies, classical queueing theory, molecular structure, the study of phase transitions, or quantum chromodynamics calculations for basic research in particle physics, are not included in this review. The reference by Kalos (1) is an introduction to general Monte Carlo methods and references to other applications of Monte Carlo can be found in this excellent book. For the remainder of this paper, the term Monte Carlo will be synonymous to particle transport Monte Carlo, unless otherwise noted.
Optimal management of complicated empyema

Abstract Background: Despite continued improvement in medical therapy, empyema remains a challenging problem for the surgeon. Multiple treatment options are available; however, the optimal therapeutic management has not been elucidated. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all adult patients admitted to Denver Health Medical Center between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 1998, with the diagnosis of empyema. Data tabulated included patient demographics, presentation, chest computed tomography (CT) findings, treatment, and outcome. Results: Empyema was diagnosed in 58 patients, 45 cases of which were multiloculated at the time of presentation. Empyema was secondary to pneumonia is 41 patients and posttraumatic in 15. In addition to antibiotic therapy, initial treatment included chest tube drainage alone (n = 6), chest tube drainage with primary operation (n = 19), and chest tube drainage with intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (n = 33). In 15 patients (45%), fibrinolytic therapy failed. Initial chest CT revealed a pleural peel in 5 patients treated with fibrinolytics and all failed. Multiloculation, however, was not a factor in failure of fibrinolysis. Moreover, chest CT missed the presence of a pleural peel in 17 of 31 patients documented to have a significant peel at the time of thoracotomy. Conclusion: Multiple therapeutic options are available for the management of empyema. Multiloculation is not a contraindication to an initial trial of chest tube drainage or fibrinolytic therapy. In contrast, CT evidence of a pleural peel uniformly predicted failure of nonoperative treatment.
Gender and age differences in suicide mortality in the context of violent death: findings from a multi-state population-based surveillance system

Abstract Objective Males are more likely than females to die by all forms of violent death, including suicide. The primary purpose of the present study was to explore whether the gender difference in suicide rates is largely accounted for by males' general greater tendency to experience violent deaths. The current study examined gender and age differences in suicides and other violent deaths, using data from a population-based surveillance system. Method Pearson's chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted with data for 32,107 decedents in the 2003–2005 National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). Decedents were categorized by gender, age, and death by suicide versus other violent means. Results When suicides were examined in the greater context of violent death, the total proportion of violent deaths due to suicide did not differ across gender. When deaths were examined by age group, after controlling for ethnicity, marital status, and U.S. location in which the death occurred, males in early to mid childhood were significantly more likely than same-aged females to die by suicide relative to all other violent deaths. The portion of deaths due to suicide was for the most part equal across both genders in late childhood, young adulthood, and mid-adulthood. Older males were more likely than older females to die by suicide relative to other violent deaths. Conclusion Our findings suggest that that the risk of dying by suicide relative to other violent deaths may be more pronounced at certain developmental stages for each gender. This knowledge may be valuable in tailoring prevention strategies.
Reduced lipid peroxidation in dilated hearts of cardiomyopathic turkeys.

Adverse pulmonary reactions to some nitrofuran antibiotics are thought, in part, to involve production of reactive oxygen radicals. Furazolidone, a nitrofuran antibiotic, causes a dilated cardiomyopathy in domestic turkeys. The mechanism of this drug induced cardiomyopathy is unknown. We investigated the possible role of free radical injury in this heart failure model. Left ventricular lipid peroxidation capacity, assessed by two methods (the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides assays respectively), was investigated in five 5-8 week old cardiomyopathic turkeys with severe cardiac dilatation, left ventricular dysfunction and systemic hypotension, and in five control birds. Superoxide dismutase activity, total and manganese, was also measured in the crude left ventricular homogenates. Both lipid peroxidation products were reduced in the myopathic hearts: thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (malondialdehyde) 70(SEM 4) v 86(3) nmol.100 mg protein-1 in controls, p less than 0.02; and lipid hydroperoxides 29(7) v 74(14) nmol.100 mg protein-1, p less than 0.02. Total superoxide dismutase activity was similar in cardiomyopathic and control hearts: 670(26) v 657(105) nitrite units.100 mg protein-1. Although total superoxide dismutase activity was unchanged, we found decreased manganese superoxide dismutase in the dilated hearts compared with controls (54% v 84% of total activity, p less than 0.02). In separate in vitro experiments furazolidone (2-10 mg.g wet weight-1) did not increase malondialdehyde production in turkey (or rat) left ventricular homogenates. These results indicate that cardiomyopathy induced by furazolidone is associated with decreased myocardial lipid peroxidation. Although as yet unexplained, the decrease may be due to a diminished amount of heart lipid susceptible to peroxidation accompanying the process of cardiac hypertrophy and dilatation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Analytical methods for rescinnamine

Four methods of analysis for rescinnamine are described. These methods are shown to be applicable to the analysis of the pure compound mixtures of reserpine and rescinnamine and pharmaceutical preparations.
Economic Assessment of Alternative Aquaculture Aeration Strategies

Oxygen depletion is a serious problem for the catfish industry, especially as producers attempt to increase their production intensity. Aeration, either emergency or continuous, is the most common method used to address oxygen depletion. A risk-programming model using Target MOTAD methodology was developed to study the aquacultural producer's aeration decision-making process. Effects of stocking rate, aeration yield response and availability of labor, capital and electricity on the selection of aeration strategy were analyzed. Continuous aeration with electric paddlewheels was most often selected as the best aeration strategy. However, as farmers become increasingly concerned with financial risk, they apply continuous aeration with pump sprayers first, then no aeration and lastly emergency aeration with tractor-powered paddlewheels. Emergency aeration was only used when: 1) electricity was not available and the producer desired a highly conservative financial strategy, and 2) the relative efficiency of continuous aeration in the field was dramatically reduced from experimental results.
Effect of relaxation with guided imagery on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in primiparas.

A pretest-posttest experimental design with a convenience sample of 60 subjects was used to examine the effects of a relaxation with guided imagery protocol on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem in primiparas during the first 4 weeks of the postpartum period. The results showed that the experimental group had less anxiety and depression and greater self-esteem than did the control group at the end of the period. Positive correlations were obtained between anxiety and depression; negative correlations between self-esteem and anxiety and depression. All findings were significant at the .05 level.
Three methods for measuring range of motion while wearing protective clothing: A comparative study

This paper evaluates three methods for objectively measuring ROM while workers are wearing protective clothing: a universal goniometer, a Leighton Flexometer, and an electrogoniometer. Ten male subjects performed a set of nine gross body movements while semi-nude and while wearing each of nine configurations of coveralls. Coveralls varied in relative size and fabric weight, Changes in joint angles were measured simultaneously with the goniometer and the electrogoniometer, and then simultaneously with the Flexometer and the electrogoniometer. The goniometer and Flexometer data were positively correlated across garment treatments, but the electrogoniometer data were not highly correlated with either the goniometer or Flexometer data. Precision was similar between the goniometer and Flexometer, but the goniometer was found to be much less invasive than the Flexometer.
Tuning optical properties of gold nanorods in polymer films through thermal reshaping

The thermal reshaping of gold nanorods (NRs) in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposite film is investigated by UV-vis and TEM. To ensure dispersion, the NRs are modified with PEG brushes, and then dispersed in PMMA. Thermal annealing of the PMMA–NR film results in a blue shift of the longitudinal plasmon resonance, caused by a decrease in the length of the NR. The rate of the blue shift increases as temperature increases from 100 °C to 200 °C, and the longitudinal absorption peak approaches a constant value that scales linearly with temperature. We demonstrate a potential application by fabricating a device with a gradient in optical properties.
Optimal Response of Amaerobic Digesters to Inhibitors Entering with the Feed

A serious problem occasionally arising in anaerobic digester operation is reactor failure (resulting in lengthy and costly shutdowns) due to inhibiting factors such as chloroform, ammonia and oxygen entering with the feed. What is essentially happening is that as the inhibitor concentration builds up in the reactor, the specific growth rate of the methanogenic bacteria drops and when this drops below the dilution rate (inverse of residence time) the methanogens wash out. Lowering the dilution rate to below the ultimate value of the specific growth rate can save the digester, but the question is how should this be lowered. In attempting to answer the above question we used a simple model for the anaerobic digestion process and employed Pontryagin's maximum principle to determine the control law that maximizes the total of methane produced over a time period of several time constants, assuming that it is known that an inhibitor enters with the feed at the initial time. The optimization problem is singular with the optimal dilution rate being initially ally on a bound (whether this is upper or lower depends on the initial conditions) until a singular arc is reached. By using the optimal steady-state values of the state variables as final values of the singular arc, the arc was determined using backwards integration. It turns out that although the singular arc is defined by a complex expression of the state and input variables, it is approximated extremely well by a linear relationship between dilution rate and methane rate.
Effects of benzylpenicillin on glucose utilization, macromolecule synthesis and cell wall proteins of Listeria monocytogenes

When growing cells were incubated in the presence of 100 ppm benzylpenicillin (BP) for 30 min and then harvested for metabolic studies, the initial rate of glucose utilization by resting cells was reduced by 19.6% compared to control cells, whereas the rates of protein, DNA and RNA synthesis were reduced by 40.7%, 55.0% and 87.5% respectively. Growth in the presence of 100 ppm BP for 2 h was found to result in a marked depletion of cell wall proteins.
Using Reward-weighted Regression for Reinforcement Learning of Task Space Control

Many robot control problems of practical importance, including task or operational space control, can be reformulated as immediate reward reinforcement learning problems. However, few of the known optimization or reinforcement learning algorithms can be used in online learning control for robots, as they are either prohibitively slow, do not scale to interesting domains of complex robots, or require trying out policies generated by random search, which are infeasible for a physical system. Using a generalization of the EM-base reinforcement learning framework suggested by Dayan & Hinton, we reduce the problem of learning with immediate rewards to a reward-weighted regression problem with an adaptive, integrated reward transformation for faster convergence. The resulting algorithm is efficient, learns smoothly without dangerous jumps in solution space, and works well in applications of complex high degree-of-freedom robots
A novel alteration in metaxin 1, F202L, is associated with N370S in Gaucher disease

The gene for glucocerebrosidase (GBA), the enzyme deficient in Gaucher disease, is located in a gene-rich region on 1q21. Metaxin 1(MTX1) is a convergently transcribed gene contiguous to the 3′ end of the GBA pseudogene. A single nucleotide alteration in MTX1, 628T→C, resulting in the amino acid change F202L, was identified in patients with Gaucher disease in association with the common N370S mutation in GBA. The polymorphism was also present on 4.6% of 152 control alleles, but could have functional consequences that have a modifying role in Gaucher disease.
Suicide, Homicide, and Economic Development

An analysis of the suicide and homicide rates of 48 countries is made to determine whether national suicide and homicide rates, on the one hand, and the relation between the rates, on the other, are related to economic development. The research hypothesis was supported in the finding that suicide rates tend to be high and homicide rates tend to be low in countries of high economic development and that suicide rates tend to be low and homicide rates tend to be high in countries of low economic development. The evidence indicates that economic development-as measured by urbanization and industrialization-bears a fairly constant relation to the relative frequencies of suicide and homicide. It is thus concluded that suicide and homicide should be considered causally separate social phenomena.
Intelligent Agents Meet Semantic Web in a Smart Meeting Room

We describe a new smart meeting room system called EasyMeeting that explores the use of FIPA agent technologies, Semantic Web ontologies, logic reasoning, and security and privacy policies. Building on a pervasive computing system that we have developed previously, EasyMeeting can provide relevant services and information to meeting participants based on their situational needs. Our system exploits the context-aware support provided by the Context Broker Architecture (CoBrA). Central to CoBrA is an intelligent broker agent that maintains a shared model of context for all computing entities in the space and enforces the privacy policies defined by the users. We also describe the use of CoBrA ontologies, logic reasoning, and privacy protection mechanisms, and evaluate our initial user experience studies.
Feedback Control in Sensing Chromosome Biorientation by the Aurora B Kinase

Maintenance of genome stability during cell division depends on establishing correct attachments between chromosomes and spindle microtubules. Correct, bioriented attachments are stabilized, whereas incorrect attachments are selectively destabilized. This process relies largely on increased phosphorylation of kinetochore substrates of Aurora B kinase at misaligned versus aligned kinetochores. Current models explain this differential phosphorylation by spatial changes in the position of substrates relative to a constant pool of kinase at the inner centromere. However, these models are based on studies in aneuploid cells. We show that normal diploid cells have a more robust error-correction machinery. Aurora B is enriched at misaligned centromeres in these cells, and the dynamic range of Aurora B substrate phosphorylation at misaligned versus aligned kinetochores is increased. These findings indicate that in addition to Aurora B regulating kinetochore-microtubule binding, the kinetochore also controls Aurora B recruitment to the inner centromere. We show that this recruitment depends on both activity of Plk1, a kinetochore-localized kinase, and activity of Aurora B itself. Our results suggest a feedback mechanism in which Aurora B both regulates and is regulated by chromosome attachment to the spindle, which amplifies the differential phosphorylation of kinetochore substrates and increases the efficiency of error correction.
MIXING AND CHEMICAL REACTION IN TURBULENT FLOW REACTORS

Mixing and a rapid, second-order irreversible chemical reaction were studied in a turbulent chemical flow reactor, with a point conductivity probe used to detect changes in concentration. From the mathematical theory of Toor, it is shown experimentally that data on the mixing of a passive scalar additive in a nonreactive system may be used accurately to predict the yield of a rapid, irreversible second-order reaction when the hydrodynamics and initial conditions on mixing for the reactive system are identical to those of the nonreactive system. Increasing the bulk average concentration of one reactant is shown to have a strong effect on the overall reaction yield.
Effectiveness of Using Periodic Messages for Disseminating Warning Information in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

In Vehicular ad hoc networks, vehicles use periodic messages to inform all nearby vehicles about their current state. Roadside hazardous information can be sent to the vehicles to prevent accidents. Hazardous roadside information can be sent either by using separate messages or by embedding the information into the regular periodic messages. This paper investigates the effectiveness of using only the periodic messages for disseminating warning information. Results show that the dissemination of warning information, by only using periodic messages, will be as effective as using two different types of messages: periodic messages and separate warning messages.
Intravenous immunoglobulin: Appropriate indications and uses in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy has been prescribed in many different disease states. Hyperimmune products are also available. Recently, routine use for many indications has come under scrutiny secondary to high cost, limited supply, and unclear benefit. IVIG is U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved for application in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), a very common indication for its use. In an attempt to clarify the most appropriate indications and doses in HSCT recipients, we conducted a MEDLINE search in which we reviewed all relevant articles from 1966 to the present. Search terms included bone marrow transplantation, intravenous immune globulin, hyperimmune globulin, GVHD, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Also, the references of all pertinent studies and review articles were scanned for studies missed via MEDLINE. CMV prophylaxis/treatment and GVHD prophylaxis are the 2 indications with the most significant clinical support, but there are very few prospective, randomized, controlled trials reported. Furthermore, sample size usually was small, included heterogeneous patient populations, and employed different primary end points. Several reports support IVIG therapy in combination with ganciclovir for prevention and treatment of CMV infection, whereas others have shown ganciclovir monotherapy to be effective, blurring the benefit of IVIG administration. CMV IgG data are also imprecise and difficult to interpret. The role of IVIG therapy in prevention and treatment of GVHD also is vague. Only 1 randomized investigation showed a benefit in the prevention of acute GVHD, and no studies showed efficacy in chronic GVHD prophylaxis and therapy. Reports examining the utility of IVIG or CMV IgG in HSCT are hampered by marked variation in trial design and dosing and diverse patient characteristics. Although IVIG may be useful as a component of preemptive therapy and treatment of CMV disease, its contribution to the prevention of reactivation of CMV infection is dubious. Extended IVIG therapy during GVHD prevention may impair recovery of humoral immunity, and its role in prophylaxis and therapy of GVHD has not been clearly defined. Hospital monitoring programs may be a valuable way to detect areas of high use and allow for streamlining of prescribing. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2002;8(3):117-30.
(+)‐ and (−)‐α‐(2,4,5,7‐Tetranitro‐9‐fluorenylideneaminooxy)propionic Acid

(+)- and (−)-α-(2,4,5,7-tetranitro-9-fluorenylideneaminooxy)propionic acid intermediate: ethyl α-(isopropylideneaminooxy)propionate intermediate: d,l-α-(Isopropylideneaminooxy)propionic acid solvent: 160 ml. of petroleum ether intermediate: (+)- and (−)-α-(Isopropylideneaminooxy)propionic acid-(−)-ephedrine salts intermediate: (−)-ephedrine-(−)-α-(isopropylideneaminooxy)propionic acid intermediate: (+)-α-(isopropylideneaminooxy)propionic acid intermediate: (−)-base-(−)-acid salt product: (+)- and (−)-α-(2,4,5,7-Tetranitro-9-fluorenylideneaminooxy)propionic acid (TAPA) Keywords: alkylation, O-alkylation; etherification; hydrolysis, esters and lactones; replacement reactions, miscellaneous; resolution
Effect of steroids on tumors and its role in differentiating malignancy from chronic inflammatory conditions

174 Objectives FDG PET scan cannot reliably differentiate between malignancy and various chronic inflammatory conditions, and has been a source of equivocal or false-positive results in a large number of patients, despite use of several approaches, such as use of steroid or dual point imaging. Therefore, we prospectively investigated the effect of steroid on tumors and whether its short-term use can help in differentiating malignant from various chronic inflammatory conditions. Methods Nine euglycemic patients (Mean age: 56 yrs; 6 Femals) with a malignant (n=5) or chronic inflammatory condition (n=4) of the lungs underwent two PET/CT scans; one at baseline and the second within 7 days, after receiving 4 mg of dexamethasone at 40, 28, 16 and 4 hours prior to the second scan. No other treatment, including chemotherapy, was received during this period. Both scans were evaluated qualitatively (visually by two independent investigators) and semi-quantitatively by calculating the maximal SUV of the lesions and percent change between the two scans. Results The average blood glucose increased by 28 (30%) and 24 mg/dl (29.6%) in subjects with chronic inflammation (from 93.5±5.7 to 121.5±18 mg/dl) or malignancy (from 94.6±16.2 to 118.8±9.4 mg/dl), respectively (p=0.79). Visual analysis revealed decreased intensity of all the lesions in all subjects after steroid treatment. Semi-quantitative analysis also showed decreased maximal SUV after steroid treatment in both inflammatory (from 2.7±0.4 to 1.8±0.7; 33.4%) and malignant lesions (5±2.4 to 3.5±2.1; 34%), without any statistical difference between the two conditions (p=0.95). Conclusions Our study suggests that the use of short-term steroid cannot differentiate malignant from chronic inflammatory conditions, likely due to the presence of significant inflammatory component in tumors. Our finding also warrants cautious interpretation of SUV changes, in inferring tumor ablation, immediately following chemotherapy regimen which includes steroids.
Effects of stacking sequence on the fracture toughness of fiber reinforced laminated composites

Results are presented from a study investigating the effect of stacking sequence on the fracture toughness of fiber reinforced laminated composites. Four stacking sequences, two with large amounts of bending-twisting coupling and two with large transverse curvature, were tested to fracture in mode I and mode II. Results show that the critical strain energy release rates and scatter among specimen types were similar. However, mode II precracking of high bending-twisting coupling specimens was considerably more difficult. It is therefore recommended that future specimens be fabricated with minimized bending-twisting coupling, even in those cases where this approach increases the transverse curvature. (Author)
Coarse-grained modeling of the titration and conductance behavior of aqueous fullerene hexa malonic acid (FHMA) solutions.

The coarse-grained continuum primitive model is developed and used to characterize the titration and electrical conductance behavior of aqueous solutions of fullerene hexa malonic acid (FHMA). The spherical FHMA molecule, a highly charged electrolyte with an absolute valence charge as large as 12, is modeled as a dielectric sphere in Newtonian fluid, and electrostatics are treated numerically at the level of the non-linear Poisson–Boltzmann equation. Transport properties (electrophoretic mobilities and conductances) of the various charge states of FHMA are numerically computed using established numerical algorithms. For reasonable choices of the model parameters, good agreement between experiment (published literature) and modeling is achieved. In order to accomplish this, however, a moderate degree of specific binding of principal counterion and FHMA must be included in the modeling. It should be emphasized, however, that alternative explanations are possible. This comparison is made at 25 °C for both Na...
RUBELLA AND PREGNANCY: A CURRENT OPINION.

Rubella is not associated with severe complications and does not produce chronic disease in children or adults. However, rubella occurring during the early months of pregnancy may cause congenital anomalies in the fetus. In order of frequency, these defects are deafness, congenital heart disease and cataracts. Such defects occur in about 10 per cent of children whose mother had rubella during early pregnancy. Studies have shown that gamma globulin is an effective prophylactic agent against rubella in pregnancy.Current opinion seems to favor treatment of a rubella-affected child rather than performance of therapeutic abortion.
Investigation of recognition about smoking and smoking cessation in medical staff in Chengde

Objective:To study the current situation of smoking and passive smoking among medical staff and medical staff's providing smoking cessation service in Chengde in order to provide a basis for development of targeted smoking cassation interventions.Methods:Random sampling method is used to investigate staff from five medical institutions in Chengde for a face-to-face questionnaire survey.Results:A total of 485 staff have been investigated(including health administrators) and the smocking rate is 19.6%.The smoking rate in male is significantly higher than that in female(61.37.4% for male and 1.8% for female) and the smoking cassation rate is 2.7%(1.6% for male and 1.0% for female).There is a statistically significant difference of smoking rate between two sexes(P0.01).Conclusion:The male is the main group in the smokers of medical staff in Chengde.Health education and smoking cessation knowledge training should be strengthened among medical staff to improve the smoking cessation rate and smoking cessation service capabilities.
2 PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR-ACTIVATED RECEPTOR GAMMA LIGAND, ROSIGLITAZONE, ATTENUATES VASCULAR OXIDATIVE STRESS IN A MOUSE MODEL OF TYPE 2 DIABETES.

Purpose We have previously shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma (PPARg) ligands reduce superoxide anion (O22 ×) generation in vascular endothelial cells in vitro by suppressing expression of selected subunits of NADPH oxidase and by increasing the expression and activity of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD). The current study was designed to determine if PPARg ligands modulate vascular endothelial O22 × generation in vivo through these same mechanisms. Methods Lean control (db+/db2) and obese, leptin receptor-deficient (db2 /db2) mice were treated with either vehicle or rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 7 days. Aortas were prepared for analysis of O22 × production using ESR spectroscopy and for RNA analysis, and serum was collected for analysis of metabolic parameters. Results Compared to db+/db2 mice, obese, db2 /db2 mice had higher serum glucose, insulin, leptin, triglyceride, and fatty acid levels and lower adiponectin levels. Rosiglitazone had no effect on these metabolic derangements. Aortic O22 × generation measured with ESR spectroscopy was significantly increased in db2 /db2 mice. Aortic tissue from these mice also demonstrated higher relative mRNA levels of the NADPH oxidase subunits, Nox-1 and Nox-4, as measured by real-time PCR analysis and lower mRNA levels of PPARg. Rosiglitazone treatment decreased O22 × generation and mRNA levels of Nox homologues in db2 /db2 mice. Conclusions These data indicate that short-term treatment with the PPARg agonist rosiglitazone suppressed vascular NADPH oxidase expression and O22 × production in an animal model of vascular oxidative stress. Because these findings occurred in the absence of significant metabolic effects, these results indicate that rosiglitazone and other PPARg ligands may exhibit direct vascular protective effects.
Collecting is the Basic of Electric Enterprise Archive

Collection work is the foundation of better work in the electric power enterprises archive.The article has proposed three aspects to ensure the smooth and orderly process of archives collection:understanding the root of the archives management;raising the awareness of the archieves and strengthening the leadership for better collection of the archives;establishing and perfecting the archives management system and crystallizing the responsibility;continuously perfecting the archives management system and standard.