cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observation of a stationary, current-free double layer in a plasma

A stationary, current-free, potential double layer is formed in a two-electron-population plasma due to self-consistent separation of the two electron species. The position and amplitude of the double layer are controlled by the relative densities of the two electron populations. The steady-state double layer traps the colder electrons on the high potential side, and generates a neutralized, monoenergetic ion beam on the low potential side. The field-aligned double layer is annihilated when an electron current is drawn through the plasma.
Thermolysis of 1,4-Benzodiazepines during Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy

Diazepam (I), desmethyldiazepam (II), oxydiazepam (III), medazepam (IV), and oxazepam (V) were analyzed gas chromatographically using flame-ionization detection, electron-capture detection, and total ion-current detection (gas chromatograph connected to a mass spectrometer). 3-Hydroxy substitution of III and V induced a partial decomposition of III within the column, whereas V quantitatively rearranged to the quinazoline carboxaldehyde (X). This rearrangement occurred also under the conditions of electron impact. N-4-Oxides of benzodiazepines were thermally labile under the gas chromatography conditions. Thus, VII was converted partially to I by desoxygenation. The corresponding diazepam, 4,5-epoxide (XI), did not give the expected thermal conversion to the nitrone (VII), but rearranged to the 4-benzoylquinoxalinone (XII) as a major product.
Adhesive Bonding of Various Materials to Hard Tooth Tissues. XIV. Enamel Mordant Selection Assisted by ESCA (XPS)

Surface analysis by XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), also called ESCA (electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis), indicates that only certain cations are appreciably sorbed by enamel from an acid etching solution containing phosphoric acid and equimolar concentrations of candidate mordant salts.
Altered ghrelin secretion in mice in response to diet-induced obesity and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

The current study examined potential mechanisms for altered circulating ghrelin levels observed in diet-induced obesity (DIO) and following weight loss resulting from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). We hypothesized that circulating ghrelin levels were altered in obesity and after weight loss through changes in ghrelin cell responsiveness to physiological cues. We confirmed lower ghrelin levels in DIO mice and demonstrated elevated ghrelin levels in mice 6 weeks post-RYGB. In both DIO and RYGB settings, these changes in ghrelin levels were associated with altered ghrelin cell responsiveness to two key physiological modulators of ghrelin secretion – glucose and norepinephrine. In DIO mice, increases in ghrelin cell density within both the stomach and duodenum and in somatostatin-immunoreactive D cell density in the duodenum were observed. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation of ghrelin secretion and its relation to circulating ghrelin within the contexts of obesity and weight loss.
Viscosity of saddle-to-scission motion in hot 240Cf from giant dipole resonance gamma yield.

The giant dipole resonance \ensuremath{\gamma} decay of $^{240}\mathrm{Cf}$ excited to 67 and 93 MeV was measured from the fusion of $^{32}\mathrm{S}$${+}^{208}$Pb. The \ensuremath{\gamma} spectrum and \ensuremath{\gamma}-fission angular correlation are analyzed in terms of prefission and postfission \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray yields using a stattistical model with nuclear viscosity in the fission process. The results show a strong increase in the prescission \ensuremath{\gamma} yield from 67 to 93 MeV. A saddle to scission time ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\tau}}}_{\mathrm{s}\mathrm{s}\mathrm{c}=}$30\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}21}$ s is extracted from this \ensuremath{\gamma} yield, equivalent to a normalized viscosity \ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\approxeq}5 and full one-body dissipation.
Myeloid Cell HO-ming in AKI

Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is a readily inducible enzyme that converts highly reactive free heme molecules into carbon monoxide, iron, and biliverdin. Through this action, HO-1 influences reactive intermediate production, modulates the immune system, and affects cell survival in multiple pathogenic
Positive and negative emotional feelings and behaviors in mother-daughter ties in late life.

Behaviors and emotions during specific visits may reveal the interpersonal processes of mother-daughter ties, yet most research uses global assessments of these ties. Forty-eight mother-daughter pairs participated in audiotaped conversations and completed surveys. All mothers were over age 70 and in good health. Daughters tended to take a central role in structuring the conversations. Conversations were characterized by high levels of felt and expressed positive emotions and behaviors for mothers and daughters. Nevertheless, mothers reported more positive and fewer negative emotions, whereas daughters expressed more positive behaviors than did mothers. Mothers' positive feelings and behaviors were associated with daughters'. Finally, mothers' and daughters' emotions and behaviors were associated with their destructive responses to being upset with each other, providing support for the ambivalence perspective of parent-offspring relationships.
Local pragmatics and structured contents

There is a long-standing and rarely contested view that Gricean conversational reasoning—the kind of reasoning that supports the identification of conversational implicatures—cannot produce pragmatically generated modification of the contents of embedded clauses. The goal of this paper is to argue against this view: to argue that embedded pragmatic effects can be seen as continuous with ordinary, utterance-level, conversational implicature. I will further suggest, though, that embedded pragmatic effects do force on us a particular conception of semantics. Specifically, I will argue that an adequate account of the data requires a semantic framework that posits structured contents.
Inhibition of protein kinase Cα improves myocardial β-adrenergic receptor signaling and ventricular function in a model of myocardial preservation

Objective The specific effect of protein kinase Cα, the primary ventricular calcium-dependent protein kinase C isoform, on myocardial protection is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the role of protein kinase Cα in myocardial protection and recovery of function after cardioplegic arrest, cold preservation, and normothermic reperfusion, as relevant to cardiac transplantation. Methods We used an ex vivo murine model, and hearts were arrested with cold crystalloid cardioplegia or saline as a control and maintained at 4°C for 4 hours. This was followed by normothermic reperfusion for 90 minutes. Transgenic hearts with cardiac-specific activation or inhibition of protein kinase Cα were then studied to specifically examine the effects of protein kinase Cα on myocardial preservation in this model. Results Cardioplegic arrest with University of Wisconsin solution led to significantly improved postreperfusion hemodynamics and inhibition of myocardial protein kinase Cα activity relative to that seen in saline-treated control hearts. β-Adrenergic receptor signaling was also preserved with University of Wisconsin solution. Transgenic hearts with enhanced protein kinase Cα activity had poor postreperfusion hemodynamics, impaired β-adrenergic receptor signaling, and increased G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 activity compared with those seen in nontransgenic control hearts. In contrast, transgenic hearts with inhibited protein kinase Cα activity had even better myocardial protection relative to control hearts and preserved β-adrenergic receptor signaling. Conclusions Current techniques of myocardial preservation are associated with inhibition of protein kinase Cα activity and maintenance of intact β-adrenergic receptor signaling. Activation of protein kinase Cα leads to enhanced β-adrenergic receptor desensitization and impaired signaling and ventricular function as a result of increased G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 activity. This is a novel in vivo mechanism of G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 activation. Strategies to specifically inhibit these kinases might improve long-term myocardial protection.
Fitness-for-service assessment of spherical pressure vessels with hot spots

Abstract Spherical shapes are used in industry as hemispherical vessel heads or high-pressure storage vessels due to the inherent strength associated with the shape. Structural integrity of such components needs to be evaluated periodically to prevent failure of the vessels under operating conditions. The paper develops a method for Level 2 (as defined by API 579 [(2000). Fitness-for-service, API 579. Washington, DC: American Petroleum Institute]) fitness-for-service estimation of spherical shapes subject to local hot spots where the temperatures are elevated due to local damage. The decay length for spherical shells is determined, and the size of hot spot to be identified as local is proposed. A lower bound “remaining strength factor” (RSF) for spherical pressure vessels containing hot spots is formulated by the application of Mura's variational formulation and the m α -multiplier method. The effectiveness of the proposed Level 2 method is evaluated and demonstrated through an example.
Isotope and trace element geochemistry of young Pacific seamounts: implications for the scale of upper mantle heterogeneity

Basalts from young seamounts situated within 6.8 m.y. of the East Pacific Rise, between 9° and 14°N latitude, display significant variations in 143Nd/144Nd (0.51295–0.51321), 87Sr/86Sr (0.7025–0.7031), and(La/Sm)N (0.415–3.270). Nd and Sr isotope ratios are anti-correlated and form a trend roughly parallel to the “mantle array” on a143Nd/144Nd vs.87Sr/86Sr variation diagram. Nd and Sr isotope ratios display negative and positive correlations, respectively, with(La/Sm)N. The geochemical variations observed at the seamounts are nearly as great or greater than those observed over several hundred kilometers of the Reykjanes Ridge, or at the islands of Iceland or Hawaii. Samples from one particular seamount, Seamount 6, display nearly the entire observed range of chemical variations, offering an ideal opportunity to constrain the nature of heterogeneities in the source mantle. Systematics indicative of magma mixing are recognized when major elements, trace elements, trace element ratios, and isotope ratios are compared with each other in all possible permutations. The source materials required to produce the end-member magmas are: (1) a typical MORB-source-depleted peridotite; and (2) a relatively enriched material which may represent ancient mantle segregations of basaltic melt, incompletely mixed remnants of subducted ocean crust, or metasomatized peridotite such as that found at St. Paul's Rocks or Zabargad Island. Due to the proximity of the seamounts to the East Pacific Rise (EPR), the source materials are thought to comprise an intimate mixture in the mantle immediately underlying the seamounts and the adjacent EPR. Lavas erupted at the ridge axis display a small range of isotopic and incompatible trace element compositions because the large degrees of melting and presence of magma chambers tend to average the chemical characteristics of large volumes of mantle. If the postulated mantle materials, with large magnitude, small-scale heterogeneities, are ubiquitous in the upper mantle, chemical variations in basalts ranging from MOR tholeiites to island alkali basalts may reflect sampling differences rather than changes in bulk mantle chemistry.
An endosseous, implant-retained obturator for the rehabilitation of a recurrent central giant cell granuloma: A clinical report

The prosthodontic rehabilitation of a patient with a recurrent maxillary CGCG has been described. The patient's immense defect originally was rehabilitated with a scapular microvascular free flap, endosseous dental implants, and an ISP that became obsolete by virtue of the resection of recurrent disease and the subsequent need for velopharyngeal obturation. The patient was provided with a surgical obturator at the time of the resection of the recurrent CGCG. The surgical obturator thereafter was modified into an interim obturator to provide velopharyngeal competence while the soft tissues around the palatal defect healed. Finally, the construction of a bar-retained definitive obturator markedly improved the patient's speech, mastication, and deglutition.
Acquired functional protein S deficiency, cerebral venous thrombosis, and coumarin skin necrosis in association with antiphospholipid syndrome: report of two cases.

We report for the first time an association among lupus anticoagulant, coumarin skin necrosis, and cerebral venous thrombosis. We found that serum concentrations of free functional protein S were markedly depleted because of excessive binding of protein S to C4b binding protein in two patients at the time they experienced these unusual thromboses
Bill-and-Keep peering

Peering arrangements between Internet Service Providers (ISPs), in which providers agree to carry traffic originating from a peer, are common in the Internet. A common contractual peering agreement between smaller ISPs is ''Bill-and-Keep'', where no money changes hands between the peers. This paper first investigates a situation when ISPs who have access to a transit ISP capable of handling their traffic for a fee, decide to peer incurring some fixed peering cost. Using a simple model it is shown that Bill-and-Keep peering is the fair and efficient outcome if the transit ISP charges for both inbound and outbound traffic and transit charges as well as costs of peering are symmetric. Next, complementarity between providers at the operational level, as measured by improvement in quality of service (QoS), is analyzed using an idealized model. Assuming that each provider incurs costs, or degradation in QoS, from its traffic traversing its own as well as the peer's links and chooses the amount of traffic to send on its peers' links in its self-interest, the Nash equilibria of the resulting one shot game and then of an infinitely repeated game are analyzed. For the one-shot game, it is established that, while it is not possible for all the providers to be worse off, it is certainly possible for all of them to be better off. An intuitive sufficient condition for each of the providers to be better off in Nash equilibrium is then derived. Further, it is shown that providers that are better off in the one-shot game can cooperate using threat strategies in an infinitely repeated game and can each be even better off. Coalition formation between peers as a dynamic process is also investigated and some examples and conjectures on some preliminary findings are provided. Finally, the policy implications of the findings are discussed.
A positive theory of flexibility in accounting standards

Abstract We develop a positive theory of accounting standards when standards generate network externalities and differ in the amount of reporting discretion, or flexibility, they provide firms. We evaluate expected value-maximizing firms’ preferences between two standards regimes, rigid and flexible, as the number of firms subject to each standard varies, as the organization of the securities market varies, and as the mapping from the underlying economics of the firms’ transactions to the accounting reports produced under the two standards vary. We also compare firms’ preferences between the two regimes to the preferences of profit-maximizing traders in the firms’ securities.
Mechanisms underlying stage-1 TRPL channel translocation in Drosophila photoreceptors.

Background TRP channels function as key mediators of sensory transduction and other cellular signaling pathways. In Drosophila, TRP and TRPL are the light-activated channels in photoreceptors. While TRP is statically localized in the signaling compartment of the cell (the rhabdomere), TRPL localization is regulated by light. TRPL channels translocate out of the rhabdomere in two distinct stages, returning to the rhabdomere with dark-incubation. Translocation of TRPL channels regulates their availability, and thereby the gain of the signal. Little, however, is known about the mechanisms underlying this trafficking of TRPL channels.
Evaluation of Support Systems Utilizing Maintainability Prediction

In government specifications, there is an increasing trend toward requiring quantitative maintainability data; consequently, realistic and usable techniques for effectively evaluating maintainability in terms of maintenance man-hours per flight hour (MMH/FH) or some other parameter are needed. In developing these evaluation techniques, consideration should be given to as many support constraints as possible.
Characterization of a cDNA clone encoding the complete amino acid sequence of cotton isocitrate lyase.

Abstract A cDNA clone encoding the glyoxysomal enzyme isocitrate lyase (ICL) (EC 4.1.3.1) was isolated from a library prepared from cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) cotyledon poly(A) + RNA. The clone is 1893 basepairs (bp) in length and contains a 1728 bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 576 residues ( M r = 64741). The deduced amino acid sequence of cotton ICL is 85.2%, 90.3% and 41.1% identical to ICL from rapeseed, castor bean and E. coli , respectively. Cotton ICL has a C-terminal tripeptide of A-R-M which is a putative trafficking signal for peroxisome (glyoxysome) proteins.
Resting cell studies on formation of water-soluble red pigments by Monascus sp.

A resting cell system was developed for the biosynthesis of soluble red pigments byMonascus. The medium contains glucose, glycine, ZnSO4 and MnSO4 in pH 7.0 MOPS buffer containing cycloheximide to prevent protein synthesis. The linear production observed over a period of at least four h was due to de novo polyketide synthesis and biological methylation, as shown by inhibition with cerulenin, iodoacetamide and ethionine. Production was inhibited by carbonyl reagents and stimulated by pyridoxamine suggesting that the conversion of endogenous intracellular orange pigments to extracellular red pigments involves Schiff base intermediates and vitamin B6 a cofactor. The resting cell system was used to study the mode of action of nutritional effectors previously pinpointed by experiments with growing cells. The negative effects of high concentrations of phosphate and Mg++ are due to inhibition of pigment synthase action, not to repression or inactivation of these enzymes. The positive effects of trace metals, especially Zn++, are due to stimulation of growth and enzyme action, not to induction or stabilization of the synthases.
Positive response of Indian summer rainfall to Middle East dust

Using observational and reanalyses data, we investigated the impact of dust aerosols over the Middle East and the Arabian Sea (AS) on the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall. Satellite and aerosol reanalysis data show extremely heavy aerosol loading, mainly mineral dust, over the Middle East and AS during the ISM season. Multivariate empirical orthogonal function analyses suggest an aerosol-monsoon connection. This connection may be attributed to dust-induced atmospheric heating centered over the Iranian Plateau (IP), which enhances the meridional thermal contrast and strengthens the ISM circulation and rainfall. The enhanced circulation further transports more dust to the AS and IP, heating the atmosphere (positive feedback). The aerosols over the AS and the Arabian Peninsula have a significant correlation with rainfall over central and eastern India about 2 weeks later. This finding highlights the nonlocal radiative effect of dust on the ISM circulation and rainfall and may improve ISM rainfall forecasts.
Detection of methyl isocyanate in air with the use of hand-held ion mobility spectrometers

Methyl isocyanate (MIC), CH3NCO, is a relatively simple molecule, but ion mobility spectra derived from studies of this molecule are complex. MIC is known to polymerize, which would lead one to expect that proton-bound monomer, proton-bound dimer, and even larger proton-bound ions could be observed. Indeed, this is the case, and a number of other species can also be observed. In this case headspace above a relatively fresh (i.e., recently purchased) MIC sample was analyzed, and numerous peaks were observed in a single spectrum. Peak identities and intensities were, of course, concentration dependent. Over a range of concentrations, as many as 16 peaks were observed. IMS systems used for these studies included chemical agent monitors (both water and acetone chemistry), a miniaturized hand-held IMS device (Mini-IMS) and an IMS-MS/MS instrument. Although ion mobility spectra are complex, it has been shown that hand-held IMS devices can be useful for detecting or monitoring airborne concentrations of this toxic and hazardous compound. IMS/MS/MS experimentation yielded some mass identifications, and possible ion compositions are proposed. Reduced ion mobility of H+(CH3NCO)(H2O)n was tentatively determined to be 1.91±0.02 cm2 / V s. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 1: 285–294, 1997
Size effects and micromechanics of a porous solid

The rigidity of rods of a polymeric foam in bending and torsion is measured as a function of diameter. The dependence of rigidity upon specimen size is found to be inconsistent with a classically viscoelastic continuum model. The Cosserat continuum, which admits additional degrees of freedom associated with rotation of the microstructure, describes the foam more accurately than the classical continuum. Evidence is presented that additional degrees of freedom associated with the deformation of the microstructure, must be incorporated in a complete continuum model of foamed materials.
Synthesizing robust communication networks for UAVs

This article addresses the problem of synthesizing communication networks with maximum algebraic connectivity in the presence of constraints which limit the total number of communication links present in the network. This problem arises in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) monitoring applications where some UAVs have to be deployed to relay and transmit time sensitive information between all the vehicles and the control stations. This network synthesis problem is a difficult optimization problem because of its non-linear objective coupled with the possibility that the number of feasible solutions increases rapidly with the size of the graph. The network synthesis problem is formulated as a mixed-integer, semi-definite program, and an algorithm to find the optimal solution is developed based on cutting plane and bisection methods. Some computational results are also presented to corroborate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Two other heuristics are presented along with numerical results corroborating their performance. Since these heuristics are based on evaluating the spectrum of the graph, they can be applied to large networks.
Optimal sign inverting control for time-delayed systems, a concept study with experiments

An intriguing control logic, sign inverting control (SIC) is considered for control systems with delayed feedback. It starts with a nominal control law formulated for non-delayed case and simply inverts the sign of the control gains for some surprising benefits when used with the delays. This operation sounds paradoxical as the sign inversion potentially harms the stability of the non-delayed dynamics. However, SIC with large delays may yield some complementary benefits to the nominal control logic from delay robustness perspective. The main question we address in this paper is ‘How to select the nominal control law so that such a contribution can be (a) feasible, (b) optimal in some sense?’ A structured methodology is proposed to achieve this, starting with a linear quadratic regulator based controller. A single scaling factor on the corresponding control gains is used for one-dimensional optimisation. Experimental validation of the concept of this optimal SIC procedure is also reported on a single-axis ...
Evaluation of an automated hydrolysis and extraction method for quantification of total fat, lipid classes and trans fat in cereal products

Abstract The utility of an automated acid hydrolysis–extraction (AHE) system was evaluated for extraction of fat for the quantification of total, saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and trans fat in cereal products. Oil extracted by the AHE system was assessed for total fat gravimetrically and by capillary gas chromatography (GC) for total fat, lipid classes, and trans fat. All AHE system results were compared with parallel determinations using the standard AOAC Method 996.01 or a modified version for trans fatty acids. For gravimetric and gas chromatographic evaluations, the AHE system results were equivalent to those using the standard AOAC Method ( α = 0.01). Thus, the AHE oil extraction system can be used for measurement of total, saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and trans fat with sufficient accuracy for nutrition labeling purposes, while having the advantages of reduced use of solvent, operator exposure to solvent, operator time, and potential for operator error.
Equilibrium Theory for Pressure Swing Adsorption. 5. Separation and Purification in Multicomponent Adsorption

We analyze the periodic behavior of an adsorption bed that is alternatively fed with a dilute ternary mixture of adsorbable components in an inert carrier gas and purged countercurrently and incompletely with pure inert gas. We rely on local equilibrium theory to determine the asymptotic wave character of the process. We consider one purification and two separation problems and illustrate (i) how the duration of the feed step can be determined on the basis of the duration of the purge step and (ii) where intermediate shocks are located at the end of the feed step for the periodic state. We show how the approach used for a three-component system can be generalized to a system with n adsorbable components. Partial analytical contributions to the solution of one of the separation problems are provided to illustrate how the method of characteristics can, even for such complex systems, provide insight into the types of wave interactions taking place in the bed.
The 5′-terminus of bacteriophage R17 RNA: pppGp- - -☆

Abstract Alkaline hydrolysis of radioactive R17 RNA made in vivo yields pppGp from the 5′-terminus of the RNA. 0.75 mole pppGp/mole of RNA has been recovered by chromatography of the alkaline hydrolysate on DEAE-Sephadex columns using buffers containing 7 m -urea and NaCl gradient elution. Various degradative experiments have been carried out which prove the structure of pppGp. This nucleoside 5′-triphosphate group can be used as a natural label of the 5′-terminus for studies of the 5′-terminal nucleotide sequence of R17 RNA.
Creating Communities of Practice to Improve the Educational and Mental Health Contexts of Bilingual/Bicultural Youth: A Case Study from Colorado

Fiscal resources are becoming tighter, and school districts are asked to do more with less funding. This is occurring at the same time that school psychologists require increased professional development around effective practices and advocacy for bilingual students. Communities of practice (CoPs) are one potential solution as they aim to bring together various professionals into a working relationship around their common interests. They also bring stakeholders into the work of state education agencies as allies and bring fresh approaches to persistent problems by uniting decision makers, practitioners, and consumers around a common goal (IDEA Partnership, 2014). This article describes the creation and progress of the Colorado Bilingual School Mental Health CoP. The history, challenges, strategies, and outcomes are shared with an effort to encourage others to create CoPs to influence educational reform, particularly with traditionally underserved populations such as bilingual/bicultural populations.
Computational analysis on the dual reactivity of conjugated "ene-ene-yne" systems.

formula chem. The design of new reactions that yield benzo-fused five- or six-membered rings arising from conjugated ene-ene-yne precursors was examined computationally. Inclusion of heteroatoms (particularly N) in the bond making position was shown to lower activation energies due to participation of the lone pair electrons in the cyclization reactions. By systematically varying the atomic configuration in the ene-ene-yne system, the influence of heteroatoms was used to identify optimal candidates for future experimental study.
Extreme hemodilution in rabbits: an in vitro and in vivo Thrombelastographic analysis.

UNLABELLED Isovolemic hemodilution is used to decrease the incidence of blood transfusions. However, the effects of the degree of hemodilution and the fluid used on hemostasis are controversial. We tested the hypothesis that hemodilution and the fluid administered would adversely alter Thrombelastographic(R) (Haemoscope, Skokie, IL) variables (reaction time, alpha angle and maximal amplitude). Conscious rabbits had blood sampled from ear arteries and diluted 0% or 75% in vitro with one of four solutions: 6% hetastarch in 0.9% NaCl, 5% human albumin in 0.9% NaCl, or balanced electrolyte solutions containing either 6% pentastarch or 6% hetastarch. Isoflurane-anesthetized rabbits were randomly assigned to groups (n = 9 per group) that underwent in vivo isovolemic hemodilution (75% of estimated blood volume removed), with blood replaced with one of the four solutions mentioned previously. In vitro hemodilution resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in hemostatic function (increase in reaction time, decrease in alpha angle and maximal amplitude) that was largest after hemodilution with albumin. However, although in vivo hemodilution significantly (P < 0.05) decreased reaction time, increased the alpha angle, and decreased maximal amplitude, there were no significant fluid-dependent effects. IMPLICATIONS The effects of hemodilution and the fluid used on Thrombelastographic(R) (Haemoscope, Skokie, IL) variables are markedly different between in vitro and in vivo hemodilution studies.
Effect of piperonyl butoxide on permethrin toxicity in the amphipod Hyalella azteca

Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is a synergist of pyrethroid pesticides found in many products for structural pest control, mosquito control, and home and garden uses. Because both PBO and pyrethroid residues potentially co-occur in urban creeks, this study determined if environmental levels of PBO were capable of synergizing pyrethroids in the environment. Three types of toxicity tests were conducted with the amphipod Hyalella azteca to determine the minimum PBO concentration required to increase toxicity of the pyrethroid permethrin: Sediment was spiked with permethrin only; permethrin and overlying water spiked with PBO; and permethrin, PBO, and overlying water spiked with PBO. In tests with PBO added to both water and sediment, PBO concentrations of 2.3 μg/L in water and 12.5 μg/kg in sediment reduced the permethrin median lethal concentration (LC50) nearly 50% to 7.3 mg/kg organic carbon (OC). Higher concentrations of PBO increased permethrin toxicity up to sevenfold. In exposures with PBO in water alone, 11.3 μg/L was required to increase permethrin toxicity. Urban creek sediments from California and Tennessee, USA, had PBO concentrations in the low μg/kg range; only one water sample was above the detection limit of 0.05 μg/L. Wetlands in northern California also were sampled after application of pyrethrins and PBO for mosquito abatement. Sediment and water PBO concentrations within 12 h of abatement spraying peaked at 3.27 μg/kg and 0.08 μg/L, respectively. These results suggest that environmental PBO concentrations rarely, if ever, reach concentrations needed to increase pyrethroid toxicity to sensitive organisms, though available data on environmental levels are very limited, and additional data are needed to assess definitively the risk.
Frequency domain approach for CMOS ultra-wideband radios

Ultra wideband (UWB) is a promising new communication scheme for short-range, high data rate applications. Processing UWB signals necessitates impractically high sampling rates for analog-to-digital converters. In this paper, we propose a new approach to address this problem.
Esophageal disease in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: Etiology, diagnosis, and management

Esophageal disease is a common complication and cause of morbidity in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Opportunistic esophageal diseases may occur in patients with long-standing infection or may be the initial manifestation of HIV disease. Although a variety of both opportunistic and nonopportunistic disorders result in esophageal disease in this population, candidal esophagitis is the most common cause of symptomatic disease. Ulcerative esophagitis resulting from cytomegalovirus and idiopathic esophageal ulceration constitute the next most important etiologies. In contrast to other immunocompromised hosts, herpes simplex virus esophagitis appears to be relatively uncommon. Multiple simultaneously discovered esophageal disorders have been documented in up to 50% of patients. Opportunistic neoplasms are an infrequent cause of symptomatic disease. Candidal esophagitis may present with either dysphagia or odynophagia, and oropharyngeal candidiasis is usually present at the time of diagnosis. In contrast, ulcerative esophagitis is usually first manifested by moderate to severe odynophagia. Barium esophagography and upper endoscopy are the most commonly employed diagnostic modalities for the evaluation of the symptomatic patient. Although barium esophagography may identify specific abnormalities, this procedure appears to be relatively insensitive for the detection of mild candidal disease as well as nondiagnostic for ulcerative lesions when compared with endoscopy. In the HIV-infected patient with new-onset esophageal symptoms, an empiric trial of a systemically acting oral antifungal agent should probably be the initial management strategy. If the patient does not respond to standard therapy within 1 to 2 weeks, an endoscopic evaluation appears to be the most cost-effective diagnostic test given the diversity of potential disorders, the possibility of one or more co-pathogens or diseases, the potential for an immediate diagnosis, and the availability of mucosal biopsy to make a definite diagnosis of ulcerative or mass lesions. Given the presently available therapy for these diverse processes, establishing a definitive diagnosis in the symptomatic patient not responsive to empiric antifungal therapy is warranted.
Differences between flexible and rigid endoscopy in assessing the posterior glottic chink.

Summary Objective To determine whether different modalities of laryngeal examination produce differences in the assessment of the posterior glottic chink (PGC), and whether the prevalence of PGC differs by gender. Introduction The PGC has been described as a triangular laryngeal space between the posterior laryngeal wall and the vocal processes during glottic closure found commonly in human females, but less often in males. The purpose of this study was not only to identify whether there are gender differences in prevalence of posterior glottic but also to determine whether there is a difference in detection of this configuration dependent on the modality of laryngeal imaging, specifically flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (FNPL) versus rigid laryngoscopy (RL). Methods A review of 104 consecutive initial laryngeal examinations was performed. All patients underwent both flexible laryngoscopy (FL) and RL performed under stroboscopic light. Patients with immobile vocal folds, masses causing glottic gaps, atrophy, or severe muscle tension dysphonia causing an inability to fully visualize the entire length of the vocal fold were excluded. In the remaining patients, the posterior glottic configuration showing a posterior chink in relation to the vocal process was graded on a 0–4 scale (called the Posterior Glottic Closure Score [PGCS]); 0 was used to indicate a closed glottis and 4 the most open configuration without creating a complete glottic gap. PGCSs for males were compared with those of females, and the PGCSs obtained by flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy was compared with RL. Results Fifty-two patients were included in the study. Twenty-four of the patients were male, and 28 were female. The average age of the patients was 48.4 years (SD±17.35), and the range was 15–81 years. On RL, eight males had a PGCS 1–4, that is, evidence of PGC, and 23 females had a PGCS 1–4. On flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy, only four males had a PGCS 1–4 and 24 females had PGCS 1–4. Twenty-two females had a PGC detected by both modalities, and the PGCS was significantly higher using RL (2.73±0.70 vs 2.14±0.834) than FL. For the four males in which PGC was detected by both modalities, there was no statistical significance when comparing the PGCS between RL and FL (1.75±0.96 vs 1.75±0.5, P P Conclusion From this pilot study, we determined that there is a difference in male and female PGC prevalence and size. PGC is more common in females than males. Prevalence (or the detection rate) is about the same with RL and FL in females, but higher with RL than FL in males. The average score of the glottic opening, when present, was statistically significantly different between RL and FL in females but not in males. Furthermore, females had a larger PGCS on both modalities when compared with males, although this difference was only found to be statistically significant on RL; and complete glottic closure was more common in older than in younger subjects.
Composite kernels for semi-supervised clustering

A critical problem related to kernel-based methods is how to select optimal kernels. A kernel function must conform to the learning target in order to obtain meaningful results. While solutions to the problem of estimating optimal kernel functions and corresponding parameters have been proposed in a supervised setting, it remains a challenge when no labeled data are available, and all we have is a set of pairwise must-link and cannot-link constraints. In this paper, we address the problem of optimizing the kernel function using pairwise constraints for semi-supervised clustering. We propose a new optimization criterion for automatically estimating the optimal parameters of composite Gaussian kernels, directly from the data and given constraints. We combine our proposal with a semi-supervised kernel-based algorithm to demonstrate experimentally the effectiveness of our approach. The results show that our method is very effective for kernel-based semi-supervised clustering.
TAXONOMIC REVISION OF DESMOGNATHUS WRIGHTI (CAUDATA: PLETHODONTIDAE)

Abstract We revise the taxonomic status of Desmognathus wrighti, which occurs in the southern Appalachians of western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwest Virginia, USA, based on a combination of genetic, ecological, and morphometric analyses. Previously, we reported fixed differences in allozymic loci and mitochondrial DNA sequences between lineages geographically divided by the French Broad River basin at the level of species divergence. Here, we show that these two lineages also differ in ventral pigmentation and several measures of body size, including snout–vent length, body condition, and head width. In addition, spatially explicit ecological-niche analyses of climate at more than 400 collection localities spanning the range of D. wrighti indicate that the lineages separated by the French Broad River are in unique environmental niche space. Ecological niche models resolved that population localities north of the river were generally colder and drier than localities to the south, which su...
Input matching, error augmentation, self-tuning, and output error identification: Algorithmic similarities in discrete adaptive model following

Four distinct approaches to adaptive controller formulation are applied to a linear discrete plant in an attempt to implement adaptive model following. Surprisingly, each of the four resulting controllers proves reduceable to the same basic algorithm. The details of this reduction are given to pinpoint the similarities of the products of these dissimilar strategies and to provide a basis for future examination of their differences in more complex applications.
A conspiracy of glioma and endothelial cells to invade the normal brain.

// Abdessamad Zerrouqi 1 and Erwin G Van Meir 1,2,3 1 Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurosurgery, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA 2 Departments of Hematology and Medical Oncology. Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA 3 Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Received: Febuary 17, 2011; Accepted: February 17, 2011; Published: February 18, 2011; Correspondence: Erwin G Van Meir, e-mail: //
Covalent attachment of RNA to nascent DNA in mammalian cells

Abstract We have used the technique of phosphate transfer analysis to test for the presence of phosphodiester bonds linking ribonucleotides (on the 5′ side) to deoxyribonucleotides (on the 3′ side) in DNA newly synthesized within lysates or purified nuclei of mammalian cells. We have found that such covalent junctions between RNA and DNA are present at a frequency of one junction per newly synthesized DNA strand. The junctions are located close to the ends of the nascent DNA strands. The stretches of RNA at the junction are very short compared to the stretches of DNA. These properties are consistent with the conclusion by Reichard, Eliasson, and Soderman (1974) that short stretches of RNA are present on the 5′ ends of nascent DNA strands produced during replication of polyoma virus.
Gender differences in upper airway compliance during NREM sleep: role of neck circumference

It has been proposed that the gender difference in sleep apnea prevalence is related to gender differences in upper airway structure and function. We hypothesized that men would have smaller retrop...
Werner Syndrome Protein, WRN, Protects Cells from DNA Damage Induced by the Benzene Metabolite Hydroquinone

Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal progeroid disorder caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the WRN (Werner syndrome protein), a member of the RecQ family of helicases with a role in maintaining genomic stability. Genetic association studies have previously suggested a link between WRN and susceptibility to benzene-induced hematotoxicity. To further explore the role of WRN in benzene-induced hematotoxicity, we used short hairpin RNA to silence endogenous levels of WRN in the human HL60 acute promyelocytic cell line and subsequently exposed the cells to hydroquinone (HQ). Suppression of WRN led to an accelerated cell growth rate, increased susceptibility to hydroquinone-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity as measured by the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, and an enhanced DNA damage response. More specifically, loss of WRN resulted in higher levels of early apoptosis, marked by increases in relative levels of cleaved caspase-7 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1, in cells treated with HQ compared with control cells. Our data suggests that WRN plays an important role in the surveillance of and protection against DNA damage induced by HQ. This provides mechanistic support for the link between WRN and benzene-induced hematotoxicity.
Multi-locus genetic evidence for rapid ecologically based speciation in Daphnia.

The process of speciation involves the divergence of two or more subpopulations of a parent species into independent evolutionary trajectories. To study this process in natural populations requires a detailed knowledge of the genetic and ecological characteristics of the parent species and an understanding of how its populations can lose evolutionary cohesion. The cosmopolitan and speciose genus Daphnia provides many of these features by existing in multiple freshwater habitat types, particularly permanent lakes and temporary ponds, each of which presents distinct ecological challenges. We assayed the genetic composition of 20 temporary pond populations of members of the Daphnia pulex species complex in north-western Oregon and compared them to published data on related lake and pond populations. We collected molecular genetic data from 13 allozyme loci, from six microsatellite loci, and from the control region of the mitochondrial DNA. By assaying over 400 individual Daphnia for these data, we were able to compile composite genotypes not only of individual Daphnia but of each pond population as a whole. In these ponds, we discovered two distinct genotypic constellations, one which bears resemblance to the lakedwelling taxon D. pulicaria , and one which bears resemblance to the pond-dwelling taxon, D. pulex . Using published genetic data from these and other species as a frame of reference, we characterized 13 of these ponds as being ‘pond-like’, three as being ‘lake-like’, and four as being ‘mixed’. Unlike studies performed elsewhere, however, these ponds do not exhibit high probabilities of interspecific hybridization. Over 95% of all individuals have either a lake-like or a pond-like genotype at all three genetic systems, suggesting the two forms do not represent hybridized vs. nonhybridized genotypes. Because both types can be found in the same ponds at the same time in gametic disequilibrium, we also discount the possibility that they are two extremes of a single species that is highly genetically subdivided. With these genetic data, and with supporting life-history and ecological data previously gathered on these pond populations, we conclude that the most likely description of this system is of a taxon caught in the act of speciating, with new pond-adapted populations periodically stemming from lake-adapted sources during river flooding events.
Cholesterol Accumulation Increases Insulin Granule Size and Impairs Membrane Trafficking

The formation of mature secretory granules is essential for proper storage and regulated release of hormones and neuropeptides. In pancreatic β cells, cholesterol accumulation causes defects in insulin secretion and may participate in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Using a novel cholesterol analog, we show for the first time that insulin granules are the major sites of intracellular cholesterol accumulation in live β cells. This is distinct from other, non-secretory cell types, in which cholesterol is concentrated in the recycling endosomes and the trans-Golgi network. Excess cholesterol was delivered specifically to insulin granules, which caused granule enlargement and retention of syntaxin 6 and VAMP4 in granule membranes, with concurrent depletion of these proteins from the trans-Golgi network. Clathrin also accumulated in the granules of cholesterol-overloaded cells, consistent with a possible defect in the last stage of granule maturation, during which clathrin-coated vesicles bud from the immature granules. Excess cholesterol also reduced the docking and fusion of insulin granules at the plasma membrane. Together, the data support a model in which cholesterol accumulation in insulin secretory granules impairs the ability of these vesicles to respond to stimuli, and thus reduces insulin secretion.
The Linear Complementarity Problem

This paper discusses a number of observations and conclusions drawn from ongoing research into more efficient algorithms for solving nonconvex linear complementarity problems (LCP). We apply interior point approaches and partitioning techniques to classes of problems that can be solved efficiently. Using the potential reduction algorithm, we characterize some classes of problems that can be solved in polynomial time. The same algorithm is used for the solution of problems with a row-sufficient matrix. The algorithm also generates a stationary point for the LCP in fully polynomial approximation time. When the problem data has no structure, we show equivalence of mixed integer programming problems and the linear complementarity problems.