cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for transgenerational transmission of epigenetic tumor susceptibility in Drosophila.

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance results from incomplete erasure of parental epigenetic marks during epigenetic reprogramming at fertilization. The significance of this phenomenon, and the mechanism by which it occurs, remains obscure. Here, we show that genetic mutations in Drosophila may cause epigenetic alterations that, when inherited, influence tumor susceptibility of the offspring. We found that many of the mutations that affected tumorigenesis induced by a hyperactive JAK kinase, HopTum-l, also modified the tumor phenotype epigenetically, such that the modification persisted even in the offspring that did not inherit the modifier mutation. We analyzed mutations of the transcription repressor Kruppel (Kr), which is one of the hopTum-l enhancers known to affect ftz transcription. We demonstrate that the Kr mutation causes increased DNA methylation in the ftz promoter region, and that the aberrant ftz transcription and promoter methylation are both transgenerationally heritable if HopTum-l is present in the oocyte. These results suggest that genetic mutations may alter epigenetic markings in the form of DNA methylation, which are normally erased early in the next generation, and that JAK overactivation disrupts epigenetic reprogramming and allows inheritance of epimutations that influence tumorigenesis in future generations.
Solvation dynamics studied by ultrafast transient hole burning

Abstract The time-resolved solvation of s-tetrazine in propylene carbonate is studied by ultrafast transient hole burning. In agreement with mode-coupling theory, the temperature dependence of the average relaxation time follows a power law in which the critical temperature and exponent are the same as in other relaxation experiments. Our recent theory for solvation by mechanical relaxation provides a unified and quantitative explanation of both the subpicosecond phonon-induced relaxation and the slower structural relaxation.
Review of Planar Multiple-Component Velocimetry in High-Speed Flows

High-speed flows encountered in most applications typically have very high Reynolds numbers and are often highly turbulent. Even in a laboratory-scale high subsonic or supersonic (high-speed) flow, velocities could vary over 3 orders of magnitude, and the turbulence spatial and temporal scales could span over 4-5 orders of magnitude. Exploring detailed physics of such flows presents major challenges to both experimental and computational researchers. An ultimate velocimetry technique would provide detailed, accurate, volumetric, real-time velocity data in such flows. With that being the goal, currently there are two planar velocimetry techniques that are developing rapidly into very useful tools with the potential of providing accurate velocity information in high-speed flows. The techniques are planar Doppler velocimetry (PDV) and particle imaging velocimetry (PIV). Whereas PDV has been under development for a relatively short period of time and is becoming a powerful technique, more accurate in high-speed flows, PIV is an established technique in low-speed flows and is now breaking ground in high-speed flows. The purpose of this review is to provide detailed background on these two techniques, to discuss the strengths and constraints of each technique, and to outline the areas in need of further improvement and development
Nonthermal Atmospheric Plasma Rapidly Disinfects Multidrug-Resistant Microbes by Inducing Cell Surface Damage

ABSTRACT Plasma, a unique state of matter with properties similar to those of ionized gas, is an effective biological disinfectant. However, the mechanism through which nonthermal or “cold” plasma inactivates microbes on surfaces is poorly understood, due in part to challenges associated with processing and analyzing live cells on surfaces rather than in aqueous solution. Here, we employ membrane adsorption techniques to visualize the cellular effects of plasma on representative clinical isolates of drug-resistant microbes. Through direct fluorescent imaging, we demonstrate that plasma rapidly inactivates planktonic cultures, with >5 log 10 kill in 30 s by damaging the cell surface in a time-dependent manner, resulting in a loss of membrane integrity, leakage of intracellular components (nucleic acid, protein, ATP), and ultimately focal dissolution of the cell surface with longer exposure time. This occurred with similar kinetic rates among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. We observed no correlative evidence that plasma induced widespread genomic damage or oxidative protein modification prior to the onset of membrane damage. Consistent with the notion that plasma is superficial, plasma-mediated sterilization was dramatically reduced when microbial cells were enveloped in aqueous buffer prior to treatment. These results support the use of nonthermal plasmas for disinfecting multidrug-resistant microbes in environmental settings and substantiate ongoing clinical applications for plasma devices.
Opportunities in estimation and control of electrical machines

This paper discusses the opportunities that electrical machines present for the development and application of estimation and control theory. The expected practical benefits to be derived from this research motivate the discussion. Alternating current electrical machines are emphasized throughout. Physical models of electrical machines are reviewed, and model simplifications are examined. All models exhibit significant nonlinearities and periodicities, and a wide spectrum of dynamics. This makes the estimation and control of electrical machines challenging. Estimation and control opportunities are then discussed in the context of practical goals. Illustrative results achieved to date are reviewed, and directions for continued research are suggested.
Mechanisms and idealized dissolution modes for high density (ρ > 1), immiscible chemicals spilled in flowing aqueous environments

A plausible spill mechanism is proposed and idealized dissolution modes are developed for the prediction of lifetime and downstream cup-mixing concentration of spilled liquids. Four models are developed which reveal that detailed knowledge of the quantity and distribution of geometric shapes that make up the bottom residing interface between the spillage and the overlaying water are the independent variables of primary importance.
Biogeochemical Influences Associated with Sedimentation in Riparian Forests of the Southeastern Coastal Plain

The importance of riparian forests in maintaining water quality through the retention of sediments and nutrients is well understood; however, little is known about how sediment deposition from upland erosion affects the integrity of these systems. The objectives of this study were to compare decomposition rates, net N mineralization rates, microbial biomass, and other soil properties along a gradient of sedimentation rates in headwater systems. These factors were measured in 17 plots situated within riparian forests of ephemeral streams at Ft. Benning, GA. The soils were analyzed for texture, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and bulk density. A decline in soil quality was found with increasing sedimentation rates. Soils in plots with the highest sedimentation rates (highly disturbed or HD) exhibited decreased CEC, temperature, and moisture, and increased bulk density, sand content, and pH. The HD plots also had lower nutrient turnover from decomposition, net N mineralization rates, and microbial C and N. Declines in biogeochemical processes corresponded to sedimentation rates associated with HD plots (1.0 cm yr -1 ). Shifts in biological indicators corresponding to annual variations in climate suggest that the stress of sedimentation may be further exacerbated by drought conditions. The results of this study imply that even low levels of erosional deposition in headwater riparian forests may significantly impact biogeochemical processes in these systems.
A Theory of Revolution

While prior studies have delineated dimensions of conflict behavior within nations (Rummel, 1963, 1966, 1967; Tanter, 1965, 1966) in order to discover the variables most representative of internal conflict, a purpose of the present inquiry is to discover their theoretical significance. A typology of revolution is presented and two possible causes of revolution-changes in economic development and level of education-are examined regarding the extent of their association with certain characteristics of revolution. Regional differences are found which imply a fundamental distinction between at least two of the categories in the typology.
Maternal influence of prolyl endopeptidase on fat mass of adult progeny

Author(s): Warden, CH; Fisler, JS; Espinal, G; Graham, J; Havel, PJ; Perroud, B | Abstract: BackgroundMaternal genotype has lifetime effects on progeny, but few specific genes, and no proteases, are known to underlie maternal effects. Prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) is a serine protease with putative substrates that regulate appetite or milk production.ObjectiveTo test effects of PREP on obesity phenotypes in mice.DesignMice with a gene trap (GT) of PREP (PREP(gt/gt)) on the C57BL/6J (B6) background were generated. Minimal PREP protein was detected by western blot. In Experiment 1, direct effects of PREP were measured in littermate mice derived from intercrosses of heterozygotes (PREP(WT/gt)). In Experiment 2, maternal effects of PREP were measured in reciprocal crosses of heterozygous (PREP(WT/gt)) and wild-type (WT) (PREP(WT/WT)) males and females. DIETS: Mice were fed either low-fat (LF, Experiments 1 and 2) or high-fat (HF, Experiment 1) defined diets.MeasurementsAdiposity index (AI) was calculated from body weight (BW) and weights of four fat depots measured in 120-day-old mice. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin and leptin were measured. In vivo plasma alpha-MSH levels were measured by targeted quantitative peptidomics.ResultsExperiment 1-In intercross mice, there were significant diet effects, but few genotype effects. There were no genotype effects on BW or AI in males or females on either diet. Experiment 2-In contrast, reciprocal crosses of heterozygous males or females with WT B6 revealed highly significant parent of origin effects on all traits except body length. Progeny (WT and heterozygous genotypes and both sexes) born to female PREP(WT/gt) heterozygotes had fat pads that weighed as much as -twofold more at 120 days old than progeny born to male heterozygotes.ConclusionHeterozygosity for PREP GT results in highly significant maternal effects, whereas homozygosity for the PREP(gt/gt) mutation has a much more limited direct effect.
A qualitative model of the avalanche diode

This letter points out the inadequacy of the conventional qualitative small-signal description of the operation of the Read type of avalanche diode and demonstrates that, with a slight extension of the conventional argument, one can arrive at a pedagogical model which predicts the gross features of more detailed quantitative theories.
Effect of age on presentation with diabetes: Comparison of nondiabetic patients with new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been reported to modify the presenting features of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), but data regarding the effect of diabetes on the presentation of PTB are highly variable. Objective: To determine whether DM alters the demographic, clinical, and radiological manifestations of tuberculosis and whether the effect of diabetes varies with the age group of PTB patients. Materials and Methods : This prospective observational study was conducted on new smear-positive PTB patients with DM (PTB-DM group) and non-diabetic PTB patients (PTB group). Patients of both groups were again divided into six age groups (15-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and >70 rears) to analyze and compare the impact of age on clinicoradiological presentations of PTB. Results: Patients in the PTB-DM group were significantly older (53.34 ± 14.06 year) in comparison to their nondiabetic counterparts (PTB group) (44.35 ± 18.14 year) (P < 0.001). The former group also had a lower male:female ratio, although the difference was not statistically significant (1.16:1 vs. 2.05:1, P = 0.101). Tuberculin positivity was significantly higher in the PTB group, compared with patients in the PTB-DM group (P < 0.004). The proportion of patients with lower lung field involvement (P = 0.003) and cavitations (P = 0.005) was also higher in the former group compared with the latter. Conclusion: Diabetic patients with tuberculosis were relatively older, had lower tuberculin positivity, and higher proportion of lower lung field involvement and cavitation in comparison to nondiabetic patients.
THE EFFECTS OF OUABAIN ON ISOLATED ATRIA OF THE GROUND SQUIRREL; COMPARISON WITH RAT AND RABBIT ATRIA.

Simultaneous measurements of membrane potentials and contractile tension were obtained from isolated atria of ground squirrels, rabbits and rats during exposure to ouabain.
On the structure of hereditary classes of graphs

A class of graphs is hereditary if it is closed under taking induced subgraphs. Classes associated with graph representations have “composition sequences” and we show that this concept is equivalent to a notion of “amalgamation” which generalizes disjoint union of graphs. We also discuss how general hereditary classes of graphs are built up from representation classes.
Physiological and pharmacological properties of muscle cells isolated from the flatworm Bdelloura candida (Tricladia)

A protocol for dissociating single muscle fibres from intact flatworms was developed. Muscle fragments of various sizes were obtained, many with their cell bodies, or myocytons, intact. Many< of the fibres were spontaneously contractile, and they and others contracted in response to applications of transmitter candidates, activators of protein kinase C and the anthelmintic praziquantel. The responses were all similar to those evoked in strips of tissue. Voltage clamp recordings from the isolated muscle fibres revealed that they possess an inward Ca'+current and 3 separate K + currents. These results indicate that muscle fibres in Bdelloura bear receptors for neurotransmitters and that preparations of dispersed muscle fibres can be used for studying the basic physiological and pharmacological properties of platyhelminth muscle
Effect of coronary sinus occlusion on coronary flow, resistance, and zero flow pressure during maximum vasodilatation in swine.

The effects of coronary sinus occlusion on the relation between coronary artery pressure and flow during maximum vasodilatation were studied in seven swine. The left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was instrumented with two catheters, a hydraulic occluder, and a flowprobe. Mean flow was measured at a series of pressures produced by partial LAD occlusion during maximum vasodilatation induced by an intracoronary infusion of adenosine. Observations were made under control conditions and during occlusion of the coronary sinus produced by inflating the balloon on the catheter positioned in the coronary sinus. Systemic haemodynamic variables did not change significantly after the coronary sinus was occluded. The mean right atrial pressure was 4 mmHg. At any given LAD perfusion pressure mean flow during coronary sinus occlusion was always less than during the control state: at LAD pressure 30 mmHg, control flow was 53 ml.min-1 vs occluded flow 24 ml.min-1; at LAD pressure 40 mmHg, control flow 79 ml.min-1 vs occluded flow 49 ml.min-1; and at LAD pressure 50 mmHg, control flow 105 ml.min-1 vs occluded flow 74 ml.min-1; p less than 0.001 for all comparisons. The mean (SD) LAD pressure at which flow stopped (Pzf) when the coronary sinus was unobstructed was 10(2) mmHg. The Pzf during occlusion of the coronary sinus was significantly higher at 20(4) mmHg (p less than 0.001). The slopes of the mean pressure-flow relations were not significantly different during the control state (2.62(0.65) ml.min-1 per mmHg) vs the occluded state (2.47(0.63) ml.min-1 per mmHg), indicating no change in vascular resistance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Longitudinal Analysis of Risk Factors Associated With Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

Purpose To identify risk factors associated with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) among a diverse group of patients throughout the United States. Design Longitudinal cohort study. Participants All beneficiaries aged ≥55 years who were continuously enrolled in a managed care network for at least 2 years and who had ≥2 visits to an eye care provider from 2001 to 2009. Methods Insurance billing codes were used to identify individuals with a newly diagnosed CRVO. Multivariable Cox regression was performed to determine the factors associated with CRVO development. Main Outcome Measures Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of being diagnosed with CRVO. Results Of the 494 165 enrollees who met the study inclusion criteria, 1302 (0.26%) were diagnosed with CRVO over 5.4 (±1.8) years. After adjustment for known confounders, blacks had a 58% increased risk of CRVO compared with whites (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.25–1.99), and women had a 25% decreased risk of CRVO compared with men (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.66–0.85). A diagnosis of stroke increased the hazard of CRVO by 44% (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23–1.68), and hypercoagulable state was associated with a 145% increased CRVO risk (HR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.40–4.28). Individuals with end-organ damage from hypertension (HTN) or diabetes mellitus (DM) had a 92% (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.52–2.42) and 53% (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.28–1.84) increased risk of CRVO, respectively, relative to those without these conditions. Conclusions This study confirms that HTN and vascular diseases are important risk factors for CRVO. We also identify black race as being associated with CRVO, which was not well appreciated previously. Furthermore, we show that compared with patients without DM, individuals with end-organ damage from DM have a heightened risk of CRVO, whereas those with uncomplicated DM are not at increased risk of CRVO. This finding may provide a potential explanation for the conflicting reports in the literature on the association between CRVO and DM. Information from analyses such as this can be used to create a risk calculator to identify possible individuals at greatest risk for CRVO. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Application of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis to protein adsorption on materials relevant to biomanufacturing.

ABSTRACT: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to analyze the adsorption of a therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb), rituximab, and polyclonal human IgG (hIgG) on materials relevant to biomanufacturing of protein drug products. Details of the methods used to obtain qualitative confirmation of protein adsorption, using both the nitrogen (N 1s) signal originating from mAb proteins and an iodine heteroatom label, are presented. Both rituximab and hIgG were found to adsorb to a glass vial surface, vial rubber cap liner, syringe plunger tip, cell culture flask, serological pipette, and microcentrifuge tube. There was no evidence of protein adsorption on samples of polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing or the barrel of a syringe. Differences in XPS heteroatom peak intensities, based on whether the heteroatom label was added to the protein prior to surface adsorption or after, suggest that adsorbed rituximab on a glass vial surface is in a structural conformation that allows extensive heteroatom labeling. Using a simple uniform overlayer model, the coverage of rituximab on a glass vial surface was determined by XPS to be 3.6 mg/m 2 , a value consistent with that expected for a theoretical monolayer.
Diagnosis of starch peritonitis by paracentesis.

Abstract The symptoms of starch peritonitis, a granulomatous reaction to surgical glove powder, may be difficult to distinguish from a complicating bacterial infection and have often led to unnecessary reoperation. This report describes nine suspected cases of starch peritonitis in which the diagnosis was supported by examination of ascitic fluid obtained by paracentesis. Ascitic fluid from these patients was abundant, sterile, and contained mononuclear leucocytes. Starch granules were demonstrated either by iodine staining or by polarised-light microscopy in seven of nine uncentrifuged specimens. Control specimens from ten other postoperative patients contained smaller numbers of mononuclear leucocytes and no starch granules. None of the nine patients with starch peritonitis was re-explored; in each case the peritoneal reaction subsided without complication and did not recur. Although a late postoperative infection must not be lightly dismissed, generally the symptom complex of starch peritonitis is consistent enough to be recognised easily. Examination of ascitic fluid provides a rapid, simple method of confirming the diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary reoperation.
On the extension of vertex maps to graph homomorphisms

A reflexive graph is a simple undirected graph where a loop has been added at each vertex. If G and H are reflexive graphs and [email protected]?V(H), then a vertex map f:U->V(G) is called nonexpansive if for every two vertices x,[email protected]?U, the distance between f(x) and f(y) in G is at most that between x and y in H. A reflexive graph G is said to have the extension property (EP) if for every reflexive graph H, every [email protected]?V(H) and every nonexpansive vertex map f:U->V(G), there is a graph homomorphism @f"f:H->G that agrees with f on U. Characterizations of EP-graphs are well known in the mathematics and computer science literature. In this article we determine when exactly, for a given ''sink''-vertex [email protected]?V(G), we can obtain such an extension @f"f";"s that maps each vertex of H closest to the vertex s among all such existing homomorphisms @f"f. A reflexive graph G satisfying this is then said to have the sink extension property (SEP). We then characterize the reflexive graphs with the unique sink extension property (USEP), where each such sink extensions @f"f";"s is unique.
Fault Detection and Localization Scheme for All-Optical Overlaid-Star TDM Networks

Fault detection and localization is a crucial issue in all-optical networks. Since most commercially-available all-optical space switches are incapable of detecting the loss of optical signals along the data paths between its input ports and output ports, fault localization becomes a challenge for providing service survivability in such networks. This paper proposes a fault detection and localization scheme for an all-optical overlaid-star TDM network. The proposed scheme employs a fault localization technique that identifies the location of a failure by detecting the power loss of optical signals in data and control channels. Two alternatives are proposed. One requires a control channel on each wavelength of a fiber link while the other requires a small data block to be transmitted in each non-allocated data channel. Based on the proposed fault localization technique, a fault advertisement protocol is further presented, which can be incorporated into the signaling protocol used in the network to facilitate the provisioning of static protection or dynamic restoration. The data loss, fault detection time, and connection recovery time are analyzed for the different failure scenarios.
Limits of entrainment to periodic feeding in rats with suprachiasmatic lesions

The functional properties of entrainment of mammalian circadian rhythms by LD cycles are becoming increasingly well understood and have recently been eloquently summarized by Pittendrigh and Daan (1976). In contrast, despite occasional reports of entrainment of circadian rhythms by periodic temperature, noise or by social interaction, the importance of these stimuli as Zeitgeber appears minor by comparison with LD cycles, particularly for mammals (Aschoff 1958, Bruce 1960, Regal and Connolly 1980).
Sosa’s dream

According to the “orthodox” model of dreaming, waking states are intrinsically just like dream states (2007: 1). In contrast, Sosa claims that there is an intrinsic difference between waking and dreaming: “in dreaming we have no real beliefs” (2007: 9).2 On Sosa’s “imagination” model, “[d]reams seem more like imaginings, or stories, or even daydreams, all fictions of a sort, or quasi-fictions” (2007: 7). Dreamers are, says Sosa, more like moviegoers than hallucinating subjects. With the imagination model in play, Sosa reveals his new dreaming problem: “I may ask: do I now think I see a hand? Well, might it not be just a dream? Might I not be only dreaming that I think I see a hand?” (2007: 9) Indeed. For “[a] vivid and realistic dream is...subjectively very much like its corresponding reality” (2007: 11). However, “[i]f I am only dreaming, then I do not really think I see a hand...” (2007: 9). Sosa’s solution to this problem takes two steps: first, to secure unreflective animal knowledge (2007: 9-13); and to then acquire reflective knowledge (2007: 13-19). Animal knowledge consists in true belief that is safe: “[a] belief that p is safe provided it would have been held only if (most likely) p” (2007: 25; cf. 26).3 But on the imagination model, our beliefs are safe with respect to dream worlds. For suppose that Green forms the true belief that p. Green’s belief is safe because there is no nearby dream world where he believes p and p is false. That is the first step of Sosa’s solution. It will be uncontroversial, granting the imagination model. The second step deserves scrutiny, however. Sosa wishes to keep a further threat at bay: “How...can I non-arbitrarily take myself to be awake, when I cannot distinguish my state internally from that of a realistic dream?” (2007: 16) Absent a reflectively defensible argument for thinking he is awake, reflective knowledge eludes him. Such an argument, Sosa thinks, will depend on
On Brownian computation

Brownian computation, as presently characterized in the literature, is thermodynamically irreversible, the analog of an uncontrolled expansion of a one-molecule gas. I propose a modification to the protocol that brings the process as close to thermodynamic reversibility as the overcoming of thermal fluctuations allows.
Micronutrient supplementation and deworming in children with geohelminth infections.

Soil-transmitted helminth (also known as ‘‘geohelminth’’) infections are among the most common chronic infections worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost 900 million children require treatment (also known as deworming) for geohelminth infection, while the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study estimates that more than 5.2 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) are attributable to geohelminth infection. In 2001, the World Health Assembly resolved to treat 75 percentage of children at risk for morbidity from these geohelminths by 2010. However, WHO reported that by 2010 only approximately one-third of all children at risk had achieved access to mass drug administration (MDA). Treating the remaining two-thirds by 2020 is the target of the 2012 London Declaration for Neglected Tropical Diseases. More than a thousand million deworming treatments have been delivered for the three common (and coendemic) geohelminths. The evidence presented here suggests that adding micronutrient supplementation may provide additional benefits, but the case is far from clear. With vitamin A, there are demonstrable additive effects in some settings, but in others there is no clear benefit or no clear difference from supplementation alone. With iron supplementation, in contrast, there does not appear to be a significant added benefit over deworming alone. It would not appear practical to integrate deworming with iron supplementation since the latter requires an extended regime of daily or weekly supplementation over several weeks. Such an approach is adopted as part of clinical case management and is appropriate to the setting of antenatal care or the management of severe anemia. Thus, in populations in which hookworm is a significant hazard and MDA for deworming is offered, it would be useful to ensure that those responsible for case management in the community were aware of the particular synergies with iron supplementation, especially for pregnant women.
Analysis and functional annotation of expressed sequence tags from the diesel tree (Copaifera officinalis)

Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) is a tropical plant that is also known as the 'diesel tree', previously noted for production of diesel-like oleoresin. The advancements in molecular tools such as expressed sequence tag (EST) library construction provide a novel opportunity for insight into the physiology of this tree. We generated a small set of ESTs for a young copaiba, sequencing and annotating a total of 613 unigenes. Of these, 84% showed similarity to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. Annotation showed 70% of unigenes had at least one associated Gene Ontology (GO) term. We found a majority of ESTs to be associated with heat response genes. Based on these data, this EST library of C. officinalis represents a small but important step in helping to understand the general physiology and heat- response expression patterns. Additionally, this small collection of EST offers a modest starting point in helping to understand this enigmatic tropical plant.
On the selection of samples for multivariate regression analysis : application to near-infrared (NIR) calibration models for the prediction of pulp yield in Eucalyptus nitens

The effects of using reduced calibration sets on the development of near-infrared (NIR) calibration models for the prediction of kraft pulp yield in Eucalyptus nitens (Dean & Maiden) Maiden trees were explored. Three selection techniques based on NIR spectral data (CADEX (computer-aided design of experiments), DUPLEX, and SELECT algorithms) and one selection method based on a measured property (RANKING algorithm) were used for analysis and compared against a model using all data. The effect of using calibration sets of different sizes was also evaluated. All sample-selection methods resulted in models of similar performance compared with the model fitted using all samples. For calibration purposes, RANKING selection resulted in models with the lowest errors of cross-validation, followed by the DUPLEX, CADEX, and SELECT methods. In terms of validation, the SELECT and CADEX methods resulted in lower errors of prediction compared with the DUPLEX and RANKING algorithms. In general, cross-validation and predic...
Neural systems underlying lexical retrieval for sign language.

Positron emission tomography was used to investigate whether signed languages exhibit the same neural organization for lexical retrieval within classical and non-classical language areas as has been described for spoken English. Ten deaf native American sign language (ASL) signers were shown pictures of unique entities (famous persons) and non-unique entities (animals) and were asked to name each stimulus with an overt signed response. Proper name signed responses to famous people were fingerspelled, and common noun responses to animals were both fingerspelled and signed with native ASL signs. In general, retrieving ASL signs activated neural sites similar to those activated by hearing subjects retrieving English words. Naming famous persons activated the left temporal pole (TP), whereas naming animals (whether fingerspelled or signed) activated left inferotemporal (IT) cortex. The retrieval of fingerspelled and native signs generally engaged the same cortical regions, but fingerspelled signs in addition activated a premotor region, perhaps due to the increased motor planning and sequencing demanded by fingerspelling. Native signs activated portions of the left supramarginal gyrus (SMG), an area previously implicated in the retrieval of phonological features of ASL signs. Overall, the findings indicate that similar neuroanatomical areas are involved in lexical retrieval for both signs and words.
Photonic time-stretched analog-to-digital converter: fundamental concepts and practical considerations

Ultra-wide-band analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion is one of the most critical problems faced in communication, instrumentation, and radar systems. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the recently proposed time-stretched A/D converter. By reducing the signal bandwidth prior to digitization, this technique offers revolutionary enhancements in the performance of electronic converters. The paper starts with a fundamental-physics analysis of the time-wavelength transformation and the implication of time dilation on the signal-to-noise ratio. A detailed mathematical description of the time-stretch process is then constructed. It elucidates the influence of linear and nonlinear optical dispersion on the fidelity of the electrical signal. Design issues of a single-sideband time-stretch system, as they relate to broad-band operation, are examined. Problems arising from the nonuniform optical power spectral density are explained, and two methods for overcoming them are described. As proof of the concept, 120 GSa/s real-time digitization of a 20-GHz signal is demonstrated. Finally, design issues and performance features of a continuous-time time-stretch system are discussed.
High-Speed I/O Tests in High-Volume Manufacturing: What is Necessary? What is Sufficient?

Intel Corporation has successfully used DFT and self test methods to enable high volume manufacturing (HVM) of devices with both bidirectional and unidirectional interfaces operating between 1 Gb/s and 2.5 Gb/s on ATE with native data rates of 667 Mb/s or below. Extensions have developed and demonstrated in lab on interfaces up to 20Gb/s. While we continue to rely on full speed functional testing for some of our content we are not driving for ATE that would be capable of the accuracy needed to "measure" the interface performance parameters directly. Can you guess my position?
Effect of Starvation and Refeeding on Activity of a Ca2+-Dependent Protease in Rat Skeletal Muscle

The effects of starving, refeeding, and restarving rats for different periods on content of sarcoplasmic and contractile proteins and on activity of the Ca2+-dependent proteinase (CAF) in skeletal muscle was determined. Groups of five to six male rats, 8 to 11 weeks old, were starved up to 8 days, refed up to 6 days, and in two experiments, restarved up to 10 days. CAF activity was assayed in P 0-45 crude CAF fractions prepared so as to remove a protein inhibitor of CAF; the assays were demonstrated to be specific for CAF. Sarcoplasmic protein content of rat skeletal muscle changed little until after 6 days of restarvation when it decreased to 68-89% of control level (P less than 0.05). Contractile protein content decreased to 65% of control level (P less than 0.01) after 8 days of starvation, remained at this level for 4 days of refeeding, then increased to approximately 80% of control level after 6 days of refeeding, remained at this level for 2 days of restarvation, and then decreased to approximately 65% of control level (P less than 0.01) after 6 and 8 days of restarvation. Muscle CAF activity did not change during the first 8 days of starvation but increased to 113% above control level (P less than 0.01) after 6 days refeeding and then decreased to only 29% of control level (P less than 0.01) after 8 days of restarvation. These changes in muscle CAF activity are consistent with the proposed role for CAF in initiating metabolic turnover of contractile proteins, but because actual measurements of myofibrillar protein were not made and because in vivo CAF activity is difficult to assess, they do not prove this role for CAF nor do they exclude participation of other proteinases.
Toward Web services interaction styles

Service-oriented architectures (SOAs) are fundamentally changing the way in which we conceptualize and design business applications. A SOA-based application typically composes various distributed functions, including some possibly provided by external parties such as independent businesses. The key advantage of SOAs is the resulting dynamism, since the composed parts can be readily swapped out in favor of others of like functionality. SOA environments thus reflect the dynamism of human socioeconomic environments where businesses interact, collaborate, and expose services to each other in order to jointly create value. This paper presents a multiagent model for Web services and catalogs architectural styles that are key for SOA applications. It conceptually evaluates the styles by showing the kinds of service usages and the resulting dynamic interactions that they enable.
Electrocardiographic changes during exposure to high altitude.

Abstract Serial electrocardiograms were obtained in 22 sea level residents and 20 Denver residents while at altitudes of 11,400 or 14,110 feet for four to five weeks. Significant QRS changes were noted in the groups at each high altitude; however, only minimal changes occurred in the Denver subjects at 11,400 feet. Pertinent findings include transient increases in heart rate, decreases in QRS amplitude, and T wave inversion; rightward and posterior shifts in QRS axis were progressive and prolonged. The variables of daily controlled exercise, depth of inspiration, and speed of ascent did not significantly influence the electrocardiographic findings. It is suggested that changes in QRS amplitude and T waves at altitude are transient effects of cardiac hypoxia, while prolonged shifts of the QRS axis may represent early stages of myocardial hypertrophy and are secondary to changes in pulmonary perfusion rather than ventilation.
Gs Protein-Coupled Adenosine Receptor Signaling and Lytic Function of Activated NK Cells

The effect of adenosine and its analogues on the cytotoxic activity of IL-2-activated NK cells was investigated. Adenosine is an endogenous ligand for four different adenosine receptor (AdoR) subtypes (AdoRA1, AdoRA2A, AdoRA2B, and AdoRA3). Increased concentrations of adenosine were found in ascites of MethA sarcoma or in culture medium of 3LL Lewis lung carcinoma growing under hypoxic conditions. We hypothesize that intratumor adenosine impairs the ability of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells to kill tumor cells. The effect of AdoR engagement on LAK cells cytotoxic activity was analyzed using AdoR agonists and antagonists as well as LAK cells generated from AdoR knockout mice. Adenosine and its analogues efficiently inhibited the cytotoxic activity of LAK cells. [CGS21680][1] (AdoRA2A agonist) and 5- N -ethylcarboxamide adenosine (NECA) (AdoRA2A/ADoRA2B agonist) inhibited LAK cell cytotoxicity in parallel with their ability to increase cAMP production. The inhibitory effects of stable adenosine analog 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) and AdoRA2 agonists were blocked by AdoRA2 antagonist ZM 241385. Adenosine and its analogues impair LAK cell function by interfering with both perforin-mediated and Fas ligand-mediated killing pathways. Studies with LAK cells generated from AdoRA1−/− and AdoRA3−/− mice ruled out any involvement of these AdoRs in the inhibitory effects of adenosine. LAK cells with genetically disrupted AdoRA2A were resistant to the inhibitory effects of adenosine, CADO and NECA. However, with extremely high concentrations of CADO or NECA, mild inhibition of LAK cytotoxicity was observed that was probably mediated via AdoRA2B signaling. Thus, by using pharmacological and genetic blockage of AdoRs, our results clearly indicate the prime importance of cAMP elevating AdoR2A in the inhibitory effect of adenosine on LAK cell cytotoxicity. The elevated intratumor levels of adenosine might inhibit the antitumor effects of activated NK cells. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=GENPEPT&access_num=CGS21680&atom=%2Fjimmunol%2F175%2F7%2F4383.atom
Modified parallel navigation for ball interception by a wheeled mobile robot goalkeeper

This paper deals with the design of a control strategy for a wheeled mobile robot goalkeeper whose task is to intercept the ball before it goes inside the goal. The control law is based on the para...
Hierarchy of protein assembly at the vertex ring domain for yeast vacuole docking and fusion

Vacuole tethering, docking, and fusion proteins assemble into a "vertex ring" around the apposed membranes of tethered vacuoles before catalyzing fusion. Inhibitors of the fusion reaction selectively interrupt protein assembly into the vertex ring, establishing a causal assembly hierarchy: (a) The Rab GTPase Ypt7p mediates vacuole tethering and forms the initial vertex ring, independent of t-SNAREs or actin; (b) F-actin disassembly and GTP-bound Ypt7p direct the localization of other fusion factors; (c) The t-SNAREs Vam3p and Vam7p regulate each other's vertex enrichment, but do not affect Ypt7p localization. The v-SNARE Vti1p is enriched at vertices by a distinct pathway that is independent of the t-SNAREs, whereas both t-SNAREs will localize to vertices when trans-pairing of SNAREs is blocked. Thus, trans-SNARE pairing is not required for SNARE vertex enrichment; and (d) The t-SNAREs regulate the vertex enrichment of both G-actin and the Ypt7p effector complex for homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting (HOPS). In accord with this hierarchy concept, the HOPS complex, at the end of the vertex assembly hierarchy, is most enriched at those vertices with abundant Ypt7p, which is at the start of the hierarchy. Our findings provide a unique view of the functional relationships between GTPases, SNAREs, and actin in membrane fusion.
Loading effects on metastable parameters of CMOS latches

We have discussed the behavior of buffered and unbuffered latches versus loading from a metastable performance viewpoint. A formula to determine T/sub 0/ for a buffered latch from an unbuffered one has been described. Measured results were presented for buffered and unbuffered latches. The results shown here are relevant to standard cell or gate array ASIC designers who generally use cells contained within a library and have little control over the cells, but some control over the selection and loading. Our results show the buffered version is superior for all fanouts greater than one; however, the MTBF performance is still exponentially related to loading.
Evidence that circulating immune complexes remove transfused platelets from the circulation

Fifteen recently diagnosed patients with acute leukemias admitted for induction chemotherapy were selected for study. When thrombocytopenic (venous platelet count less than 20 X 10(9)/l) these patients received prophylactic platelet transfusions. A total of 67 platelet transfusion therapies were administered and evaluated. Using the Raji cell radioimmunoassay, the serum concentrations of circulating immune complexes (CIC) were measured immediately before and 10-12 hr after each platelet transfusion. In 36 instances, elevated values of CIC were present in the recipient's pretransfusion samples. The corresponding posttransfusion values being significantly lower (P less than 0.05). Furthermore, in those 36 instances the mean percentage for the posttransfusion platelet increment was significantly lower (P less than 0.001) than in the remaining 31 instances in which normal pretransfusion values of CIC were measured. We conclude that CIC were an important factor in rapidly removing transfused platelets from the circulation, thereby, adversely affecting the benefit of platelet transfusions.
Joint Segmentation and Temporal Structure Inference for Partially-Observed Event Sequences

Many events of interest in human activity-based multimedia applications exhibit a high degree of temporal structure. This structure generates expectancies regarding the occurrence and location of subsequent events. In the context of switching state-space models, we develop a general Bayesian framework for representing temporal expectancies and fusing them with raw sense-data to improve both event segmentation and temporal structure identification. Furthermore, we develop a new cognitive model for event anticipation which adapts to incoming sense-data in real time. Comparative advantages of the proposed framework are realized in controlled experiments involving partially-observed, quasi-periodic event streams.
Applied Linear Models with SAS: Diagnostics for Logistic Regression

Let's review what was covered in the previous chapter. The logistic model is a useful method that allows us to examine the p parameter of binomial data. In order to keep our estimate of p between 0 and 1, we need to model functions of p . The log odds or log( p /(1 – p )) is called the logit and is modeled as a linear function of covariates. There are other variations on this idea. The probit models the cumulative normal distribution as a linear function of covariates. Both the logit and probit were designed to keep estimates of p between 0 and 1. The link=probit option in the model statement of proc logistic can be used to fit the probit model. There is little difference between the two fitted models, as we see when we look at Figure 8.2. The SAS output in Table 8.3 provides a statistical significance of the regression slope, but it does not tell us anything about how well the model fits or even whether it is appropriate. In this chapter we want to discuss several diagnostic measures available that allow us to detect outliers and observations with high influence. Many of these have a parallel measure in linear regression, discussed in Chapter 5. There are options in proc logistic to print and plot these. Before we get to that, let's introduce another example. The data in Table 9.1 is a list of men with prostate cancer. If the cancer is localized, then the disease is still in an early stage.
Drug-Paired Contextual Stimuli Increase Dendritic Spine Dynamics in Select Nucleus Accumbens Neurons

Repeated exposure to amphetamine leads to both associative conditioning and nonassociative sensitization. Here we assessed the contribution of neuronal ensembles in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) to these behaviors. Animals exposed to amphetamine IP or in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) showed a sensitized locomotor response when challenged with amphetamine weeks later. Both exposure routes also increased ΔFosB levels in the NAcc. Further characterization of these ΔFosB+ neurons, however, revealed that amphetamine had no effect on dendritic spine density or size, indicating that these neurons do not undergo changes in dendritic spine morphology that accompany the expression of nonassociative sensitization. Additional experiments determined how neurons in the NAcc contribute to the expression of associative conditioning. A discrimination learning procedure was used to expose rats to IP or VTA amphetamine either Paired or Unpaired with an open field. As expected, compared with Controls, Paired rats administered IP amphetamine subsequently showed a conditioned locomotor response when challenged with saline in the open field, an effect accompanied by an increase in c-Fos+ neurons in the medial NAcc. Further characterization of these c-Fos+ cells revealed that Paired rats showed an increase in the density of dendritic spines and the frequency of medium-sized spines in the NAcc. In contrast, Paired rats previously exposed to VTA amphetamine showed neither conditioned locomotion nor conditioned c-Fos+ expression. Together, these results suggest a role for c-Fos+ neurons in the medial NAcc and rapid changes in the morphology of their dendritic spines in the expression of conditioning evoked by amphetamine-paired contextual stimuli.