cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition by the antimicrobial agent chlorhexidine of acid production and sugar transport in oral streptococcal bacteria

Abstract Oral streptococci transport sugars via the phosphoenolpyruvate-phosphotransfer-ase (PEP-PTS) system. In a specific assay of this system, low concentrations of chlorhexidine abolished the activity of the glucose and sucrose PTS in batch-grown cells of Streptococcus mutans Irgbritt and B13, Strep. sanguis NCTC 7865, Strep. mitis ATCC 903, Strep. milleri NCTC 10709 and Strep. salivarius NCTC 8606. Intact cells and cells made permeable to the assay reagents with toluene were used. Toluenized cells were more sensitive to chlorhexidine than intact cells (0.09 and 0.25 mM, respectively). This PTS-inhibitory concentration of chlorhexidine reduced acid production from glucose in pH fall experiments to values higher than are obtained solely from endogenous metabolism. The effect of chlorhexidine on rates of acid production was determined at pH 7.0 using cells washed with either 135 mM NaCl or 135 mM KCl. In general, faster rates of acid production from the metabolism of glucose and sucrose were obtained with potassium-treated cells. Addition of the PTS-inhibitory concentration of chlorhexidine markedly reduced or totally abolished acid production by NaCl-treated cells; a greater residual-activity was detected in the same cells washed with KCl (except with Strep. mutans B13 and Strep. mitis ATCC 903). The PTS-inhibitory concentration of chlorhexidine had little or no effect on the viability of cells. The results confirm the existence of sugar uptake systems in oral streptococci additional to the PTS and provide an explanation for the additive anti-caries effect of mouth-rinses containing both fluoride and chlorhexidine.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a robust, biodegradable dendrimer.

PEGylated dendrimers are attractive for biological applications due to their tunable pharmacokinetics and ability to carry multiple copies of bioactive molecules. The rapid and efficient synthesis of a robust and biodegradable PEGylated dendrimer based on a polyester−polyamide hybrid core is described. The architecture is designed to avoid destructive side reactions during dendrimer preparation while maintaining biodegradability. Therefore, a dendrimer functionalized with doxorubicin (Dox) was prepared from commercial starting materials in nine, high-yielding linear steps. Both the dendrimer and Doxil were evaluated in parallel using equimolar dosage in the treatment of C26 murine colon carcinoma, leading to statistically equivalent results with most mice tumor-free at the end of the 60 day experiment. The attractive features of this dendritic drug carrier are its simple synthesis, biodegradability, and versatility for application to a variety of drug payloads with high drug loadings.
Constraints on the 12C(α, γ)16O nuclear reaction rate from Hubble Space Telescope observations of in low-abundance galaxies

Abstract The C O abundance ratio in the ionized interstellar gas of galaxies with very low heavy element abundances is used to constrain the 12C(α, γ)16O nuclear reaction rate, based on spectroscopic measurements using the Hubble Space Telescope (Garnett et al. 1995, ApJ, 443, 64). We observe that C O is only about one-third the solar system value in galaxies with the lowest abundances ( O H less than one-tenth of the solar system value), implying significant evolution of the abundance ratio. If intermediate mass stars have not contributed significant amounts of carbon to the interstellar gas in these galaxies, then the C O ratio reflects nucleosynthetic yields of C and O in massive stars, which are sensitive to the 12C(α, γ)16O rate. Based on stellar nucleosynthesis calculations of Weaver & Woosley (1993, Phys. Rep. 227, 65), the average observed C O ratio in the four galaxies with the lowest abundances implies a reaction rate of 1.7 times the Caughlan & Fowler 1988 (CF88) “baseline” rate for 12C(α, γ)16O, with a lower limit of 1.2 times the CF88 rate (95% confidence level). This compares well with Weaver & Woosley's best estimate of 1.7±0.5 times the CF88 rate.
EVALUATION OF THE ADAPTIVE UMBRELLA SAMPLING METHOD

Abstract The adaptive umbrella sampling technique, introduced recently to improve the probability ratio method and found to perform more reliably than the customary harmonic umbrella sampling, is tested and compared with other free energy methods. One of the tests applies the method to a transition involving a chemical change: calculation of the hydration free energy difference between acetone and dimethylamine and the other test calculates the conformational free energy difference between the C 7 and αR conformations of the alanide dipeptide. The dipeptide problem is also treated by two types of thermodynamic integrations and by the perturbation method. The result for the acetone-dimethylamine problem is compared with previous calculations on the same system using the perturbation method, overlap ratio method and finite difference thermodynamic integration. Enhancements to the adaptive umbrella sampling method are also presented.
Unexpected divergence of enzyme function and sequence: "N-acylamino acid racemase" is o-succinylbenzoate synthase.

A protein identified as “N-acylamino acid racemase” from Amycolaptosis sp. is an inefficient enzyme (kcat/Km = 3.7 × 102 M-1 s-1). Its sequence is 43% identical to that of an unidentified protein encoded by the Bacillus subtilis genome. Both proteins efficiently catalyze the o-succinylbenzoate synthase reaction in menaquinone biosynthesis (kcat/Km = 2.5 × 105 and 7.5 × 105 M-1 s-1, respectively), suggesting that this is their “correct” metabolic function. Their membership in the mechanistically diverse enolase superfamily provides an explanation for the catalytic promiscuity of the protein from Amycolaptosis. The adventitious promiscuity may provide an example of a protein poised for evolution of a new enzymatic function in the enolase superfamily. This study demonstrates that the correct assignment of function to new proteins in functional and structural genomics may require an understanding of the metabolism of the organism.
Hybrid block- self-orthogonal convolutional codes

Two convolutional-code construction schemes that utilize block codes are given. In the first method the generators of a self-orthogonal convolutional code (SOCC) are expanded. The generators of a block code whose block length is longer than that of the SOCC code replace the nonzero blocks of the convolutional code. The zero blocks are extended to the longer block length. There results a convolutional code whose blocks are self-orthogonal and which has a lower transmission rate. In the second scheme the parity constraints of an SOCC are expanded. The parity constraints of a block code replace some of the individual nonzero elements of the SOCC parity-check matrix, so that the convolutional code rate is greater than the block code rate. The resulting codes retain the SOCC advantages of simple implementation and limited error propagation. Both the encoding and the decoding can be based on the underlying block code. If a block code is majority decodable, then the resulting "hybrid" codes are majority decodable. Optimum majority-decodable block codes with up to five information bits per block are given, and from these codes several majority-decodable convolutional codes that are "optimum" with respect to the proposed construction are obtained.
Operator Bounds and Time Step Conditions for the DG and Central DG Methods

Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) and central DG methods are two related families of finite element methods. They can provide high order spatial discretizations that are often combined with explicit high order time discretizations to solve initial boundary value problems. In this context, it has been observed that the central DG method allows larger time steps, especially for schemes with high accuracy. In this paper, we estimate bounds for the DG and central DG spatial operators for the linear advection equation. Based on these estimates and Kreiss-Wu theory, we obtain time step conditions to ensure the numerical stability of the DG and central DG methods when the methods are combined with locally stable time discretizations. In particular, for a fixed time discretization, the time step allowed for the DG method is proportional to $$h/k^2$$ h / k 2 , while the time step allowed for the central DG method is proportional to $$h/k$$ h / k , where $$h$$ h is the spatial mesh size and $$k>0$$ k > 0 is the polynomial degree of the discrete space of the spatial discretization. In addition, the analysis provides new insight into the role of a parameter in the central DG formulation. We verify our results numerically, and we also discuss extensions of our analysis to some related discretizations.
Disruption of the Sparc Locus in Mice Alters the Differentiation of Lenticular Epithelial Cells and Leads to Cataract Formation

SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) is a matricellular protein that regulates cellular adhesion and proliferation. In this report, we show that SPARC protein is restricted to epithelial cells of the murine lens and ends abruptly at the equatorial bow region where lens fiber dierentiation begins. SPARC protein was not detected in the lens capsule or in dierentiated lens fibers. SPARC-null mice developed cataracts at approximately 3‐4 months after birth, at which time posterior subcapsular opacities were observed by slit lamp ophthalmoscopy. Histological analyses of ocular sections from 3month old animals revealed several microscopic abnormalities present in the SPARC-null mice but absent from the wild-type animals. Fiber cell elongation was incomplete posteriorly and resulted in displacement of the lenticular nucleus to the posterior of the lens. Nuclear debris was present in the posterior subcapsular region of the lens, an indication of the abnormal migration and elongation of either fetal or anterior epithelial cells, and the bow region was disrupted and vacuolated. In the anterior lens, the capsule appeared to be thickened and was lined by atypical, plump cuboidal epithelium. Moreover, anterior cortical fibers were swollen. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the epithelial, cortical and nuclear fractions of wild-type and SPARC-null lenses indicated no significant dierences among the a-, b-, and c-crystallins. Expression of aB-crystallin appeared similar in fiber cells of wild-type and SPARCnull lenses, although the distribution of aB-crystallin was asymmetric in SPARC-null lenses as a result of abnormal lens fiber dierentiation. No evidence of atypical extracellular matrix deposition in areas other than the capsule was detected in wild-type or SPARC-null lens at 3 months of age. We conclude that the disruption of the Sparc locus in mice results in the alteration of two fundamental processes of lens development: dierentiation of epithelial cells and maturation of fiber cells. # 1999 Academic Press
Antiplasticization and plasticization of Matrimid® asymmetric hollow fiber membranes. Part B. Modeling

Abstract The complex effects of highly sorbing feed gas contaminants such as toluene and n-heptane on performance of both annealed and non-annealed Matrimid® asymmetric fibers relevant to CO2/CH4 separation are reported. Membrane performance was quantified both during contaminant exposure and after removal of the contaminant from the feed stream. Exposure to either toluene or n-heptane during permeation reduces carbon dioxide permeance and the carbon dioxide/methane selectivity in non-annealed fibers. After exchange with a contaminant-free feed containing only CO2 and CH4 mixed gas, the carbon dioxide permeance and carbon dioxide/methane selectivity were affected, indicating a glassy state conditioning effect due to the prior contaminant exposure. Interestingly, the conditioning effect after simultaneous exposure to toluene and n-heptane (284 ppm toluene and 504 ppm n-heptane) was less than the conditioning observed for either toluene (293 ppm) or n-heptane (505 ppm) individually. Sub-Tg annealing reduced carbon dioxide permeance during actual contaminant exposure more severely than in non-annealed fibers. On the other hand, except for exposure to the highest n-heptane contaminant feed (2003 ppm), annealing significantly reduced the post-exposure conditioning observed in carbon dioxide permeance and carbon dioxide/methane selectivity. It appears that annealing allows the consolidation of segmental packing which stabilized the glassy matrix against swelling. At sufficiently high activities of even a relatively non-interacting penetrant like n-heptane, the annealing-induced stabilization can be reversed.
Bile acids, LXXIX. Synthesis and reduction of 1,4-dien-3-ones of various bile acids.

Abstract 1,4-Dien-3-ones of various bile acids (IIa-d), their methyl esters (IIe-h), and their formylated derivatives (IIi-k) were synthesized and their reduction investigated by both catalytic and chemical methods as an alternative route to the synthesis of allo bile acids. Lithium-ammonia reduction proved to be the better method for the reduction of these 1,4-dien-3-ones producing the 3-keto- and 3β-hydroxy-allo bile acids (Vb-d) and (VIb-d) in 66–72% yields.
Satan's Death Trip

Etude freudienne et girardienne sur l'auto-destruction oedipienne alienant le personnage de Satan dans Paradise Lost de J. Milton
The effect of ‘natural’ defects on leather dyeing

Dyeing leather is very different from dyeing textiles, not least because of the defects that are frequently present on the skins. Axel Landmann looks at the many defects that can occur, and how they affect the dyeing process.
BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS AND NEEDS IN CANCER PREVENTION AND CONTROL : ADHERENCE TO CANCER SCREENING ADVICE

Abstract Background.Research has been critical in understanding human behavior related to the early detection of cancer. Methods.Based on the literature and the author's experience, this paper reviews behavioral research accomplishments in the past decade and needs for the future. Results.Accomplishments have included an improved understanding of the barriers to screening, methods to improve the provision of tests by practitioners, and progress in the development and application of community interventions. Outstanding needs are summarized in 12 areas that include a continued focus on underserved populations and an examination of the use of screening tests in the presence of incomplete evidence of efficacy, translational research that explores the behavioral consequences of genetic susceptibility testing, continued development and use of computer-based technologies in the delivery of preventive services, and studies of the potential negative consequences of screening. Critical changes in the delivery of health care in the era of managed care call for increased behavioral research in health services and health care policy. Conclusion.Although this review of research needs is not exhaustive, it is clear that the challenges and opportunities for behavioral research are substantial, and this effort will be a critical part of the overall national research agenda for cancer control.
Connectivity and consent: does posting imply participation?

The vignettes in question present two specific issues related to the use of social media and health care research, namely, the use of social media to collect data and its use to track subjects when...
Teaching and Learning in the Age of Accountability: One Experience with the Not-So-Hidden Costs

(2008). Teaching and Learning in the Age of Accountability: One Experience with the Not-So-Hidden Costs. Journal of Curriculum and Pedagogy: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 100-110.
Comment upon the residual mass curve coefficient

Abstract It is suggested that if persistence in the residual fitting errors of rainfall-runoff models is important to the design or operation of water resource systems then conventional tests of goodness of fit are inadequate. The residual mass-curve coefficient is a measure of persistence, but the statistic does not appear to be optimum for use with rainfall-runoff models.
Miniature Supercells in an Offshore Outer Rainband of Hurricane Ivan (2004)

Abstract Airborne Doppler radar observations are used to document the structure of three miniature supercells embedded in an outer rainband of Hurricane Ivan on 15 September 2004. The cells were located more than 100 km offshore, beyond the Doppler range of coastal radars. The combination of large CAPE, large vertical wind shear, and moderate cell-relative helicity with an apparent midlevel dry air intrusion provided an offshore environment supporting rotating storms. Each shallow cell contained a ∼5–7-km-diameter mesocyclonic updraft with midlevel updraft and vorticity maxima that exceeded 6 m s−1 and 0.008 s−1, respectively. Such offshore structures are consistent with miniature supercells observed onshore in association with tropical cyclone tornado outbreaks. The strong updrafts resulted from a combination of kinematic convergence, thermal instability, and shear-induced vertical perturbation pressure gradients. Mesocyclone production largely resulted from the tilting and subsequent stretching of low-l...
SU-D-BRCD-01: Evaluation of Zebra Multi-Layer Ionization Chamber System for Patient Treatment Field and Machine QA for Spot Scanning and Passive Scattering Proton Beams.

Purpose: To evaluate Zebra multi‐layer ionization chamber system for patient treatment field and machine QA for spot scanning proton beams (SSPB) and passive scattering proton beams (PSPB). Methods: Zebra dose measurement system (IBA Dosimetry), consisting of 180 parallel platechambers with 2 mm detector spacing, was used for measuringproton beamdepth dose curves (DDC) for spread out Bragg peaks (SOBP) and single spot pristine Bragg peaks (PBP). The measurements were performed for 100 to 250 MeV PSPB and 89.2 to 221.8 MeV SSPB using the Hitachi ProBeat synchrotron based delivery system. An in‐house Matlab based analysis software was used to compare the Zebra measured DDC with those measured by the Markus chamber in a PTW water tank (MC‐WT). Several verification plans in the water phantom were created for patient treatment fields using the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS). The DDC for individual verification fields were measured using the Zebra andcomparisons were made with the TPS calculations. Results: The dosedifferences between the Zebra and MC‐WT measurements in the plateau regions of the DDC are within 2% for various energies of PSPB, but are larger than 2% at the sharp dose distal gradient regions. The values for distal penumbra widths, range and SOBP widths from Zebra and MC‐WT measurements agree within 0.5 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm, respectively. The Zebra measured values of the range of the single spots also agreed within 1 mm with their established values from other measurements. The Zebra measured DDC of verification plan of patient treatment fields showed goodagreement with those from the TPS. Conclusions: Our investigation shows that Zebra can be useful for fast and reasonably accurate measurements of the DDC of pristine and spread‐out Bragg peaks of both spot scanning and passive scattering proton beams.
Use Dimensions of an Alley Revitalization Project

AbstractThe redesign of alleyways located in commercial districts is typically undertaken to effect economic development and to develop a sense of community and a sense of place through these spaces. An investigation of a recently renovated alley in the Hollywood neighbourhood of Los Angeles, CA was conducted to assess aspects of the efficacy of this project—namely, how and by what magnitude use of the alley differed from use of an unconverted alley. Behavioural observations carried out in the East Cahuenga Pedestrian Alley and a nearby control alley revealed considerable differences in use. Findings include that nearly 90% of all recorded activity occurred in the redesigned alley and the majority of this was pedestrian- and dining-related, while control alley activity was heavily transportation- and work-oriented. Results substantiate claims that alley landscape redesign revitalises social life in commercial district alleys.
Conversion Efficiency of Alkoxide Precursor to Oxide Films Grown by an Ultrasonic‐Assisted, Pulsed Liquid Injection, Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (Pulsed‐CVD) Process

Polycrystalline coatings of an oxide, with a columnar grain morphology, were grown on metal substrates from metal-organic precursors using the pulsed-CVD process. In a model study, films of the rutile phase of titanium dioxide were grown on nickel by thermal decomposition of titanium isopropoxide. Growth rates of up to 0.3 μm/min were obtained with conversion efficiencies (mole oxide per mole precursor) approaching 100%. The high growth rates and conversion efficiencies portend the application of this method for the manufacture of films and coatings on large surface areas, as, for example, required in the deposition of zirconium dioxide on nickel-based superalloys to serve as thermal barrier coatings on turbine blades.
An equivalent circuit for charge-transfer devices

A new equivalent circuit for charge-transfer devices (CTD) is proposed. Results of circuit simulations of a string of CTD's, using the transient analysis program ASTAP, are presented. These show, among other details, incomplete transfer caused by high pulse repetition rates and backward transfer caused by excessive input charge.
Vacuum degeneracy of chiral spin states in compactified space.

A chiral spin state is not only characterized by the T and P order parameter ${E}_{123}$${=\mathrm{S}}_{1}$\ensuremath{\cdot}${(\mathrm{S}}_{2}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$), it is also characterized by an integer k. In this paper we show that this integer k can be determined from the vacuum degeneracy of the chiral spin state on compactified spaces. On a Riemann surface with genus g the vacuum degeneracy of the chiral spin state is found to be 2${k}^{g}$. Among those vacuum states, some ${k}^{g}$ states have 〈${E}_{123}$〉g0, while other ${k}^{g}$ states have 〈${E}_{123}$〉0. The dependence of the vacuum degeneracy on the topology of the space reflects some sort of topological ordering in the chiral spin state. In general the topological ordering in a system is classified by topological theories.
Unexploded ordnance detection experiments using ultrawideband synthetic aperture radar

The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has several technology development programs that are evaluating the use of ultra- wideband synthetic aperture radar (UWB SAR) to detect and locate targets that are subsurface or concealed by foliage. Under these programs, a 1-GHz-bandwidth, low-frequency, fully polarimetric UWB SAR instrumentation system was developed to collect the data needed to support foliage and ground- penetrating radar studies. The radar was integrated onto a 150-ft-high mobile boomlift platform in 1995 and was thus named the BoomSAR. In 1997, under the sponsorship of the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), ARL began a project focused on enhancing the detection and discrimination of unexploded ordnance (UXO). The program's technical approach is to collect high-quality, precision data to support phenomenological investigations of electromagnetic wave propagation through varying dielectric media, which in turn supports the development of algorithms for automatic target detection. For this project, a UXO test site was set up at the Steel Crater Test Area -- an existing test site that already contained subsurface mines, tactical vehicles, 55-gallon drums, storage containers, wires, pipes, and arms caches located at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), Arizona. More than 600 additional pieces of inert UXO were added to the Steel Crater Test Area, including bombs (250, 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 lb), mortars (60 and 81 mm), artillery shells (105 and 155 mm), 2.75-in. rockets, submunitions (M42, BLU-63, M68, BLU-97, and M118), and mines (Gator, VS1.6, M12, PMN, and POM- Z). In the selection of UXO to be included at YPG, an emphasis was placed on the types of munitions that may be present at CONUS test and training ranges.
DoBo: Protein domain boundary prediction by integrating evolutionary signals and machine learning

Background: Accurate identification of protein domain boundaries is useful for protein structure determination and prediction. However, predicting protein domain boundaries from a sequence is still very challenging and largely unsolved. Results: We developed a new method to integrate the classification power of machine learning with evolutionary signals embedded in protein families in order to improve protein domain boundary prediction. The method first extracts putative domain boundary signals from a multiple sequence alignment between a query sequence and its homologs. The putative sites are then classified and scored by support vector machines in conjunction with input features such as sequence profiles, secondary structures, solvent accessibilities around the sites and their positions. The method was evaluated on a domain benchmark by 10-fold cross-validation and 60% of true domain boundaries can be recalled at a precision of 60%. The trade-off between the precision and recall can be adjusted according to specific needs by using different decision thresholds on the domain boundary scores assigned by the support vector machines. Conclusions: The good prediction accuracy and the flexibility of selecting domain boundary sites at different precision and recall values make our method a useful tool for protein structure determination and modelling. The method is available at http://sysbio.rnet.missouri.edu/dobo/.
Differential expression of aquaporin-4 isoforms localizes with neuromyelitis optica disease activity

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a devastating neuroinflammatory disorder that specifically targets the spinal cord and optic nerves. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the target of the NMO-IgG biomarker. AQP4 is expressed as two isoforms: M1 and M23, which have different functions in the central nervous system (CNS). We characterized the expression pattern of these AQP4 isoform mRNAs in humans and found a pattern of AQP4 expression that correlates with NMO disease localization. The ratio of M1:M23 mRNA is highest in the optic nerve and spinal cord, followed by brainstem, then the cerebral and cerebellar cortices.
PIASy mediates SUMO-2 conjugation of Topoisomerase-II on mitotic chromosomes

Here we show that the PIASy protein is specifically required for mitotic modification of Topoisomerase-II by SUMO-2 conjugation in Xenopus egg extracts. PIASy was unique among the PIAS family members in its capacity to bind mitotic chromosomes and recruit Ubc9 onto chromatin. These properties were essential, since PIASy mutants that did not bind chromatin or failed to recruit Ubc9 were functionally inactive. We observed that PIASy depletion eliminated essentially all chromosomal accumulation of EGFP–SUMO-2-conjugated species, suggesting that it is the primary E3-like factor for mitotic chromosomal substrates of SUMO-2. PIASy-dependent SUMO-2-conjugated species were highly concentrated on the inner centromere, and inhibition of PIASy blocked anaphase sister chromatid segregation in egg extracts. Taken together, our observations suggest that PIASy is a critical regulator of mitotic SUMO-2 conjugation for Topoisomerase-II and other chromosomal substrates, and that its activity may have particular relevance for centromeric functions required for proper chromosome segregation.
All-optical dense WDM wide-area communication network

This paper describes a high capacity, scalable and modular all-optical dense WDM WAN. The network assumes a ring-tree (tree of rings) topology and employs all-optical packet switching, wavelength reuse, conversion, and routing schemes for data transport. The optical fiber four-wave mixing (FWM) nonlinear phenomenon is used for wavelength conversion, and erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) are used for signal amplification, in the network. The proposed network can be implemented at various scales, from a LAN to a global communication framework. Its transport protocols can be adapted for any dense wavelength-reuse WDM network.
Routing for all-optical networks using wavelengths outside erbium-doped fiber amplifier bandwidth

In wavelength-division multiplexed wide-area optical networks, erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) are usually employed to boost lightwave power. However, EDFAs can only cover 35 nm of the 200 nm fiber bandwidth at 1.55 /spl mu/m, and therefore messages transmitted on the remaining fiber bandwidth cannot be amplified. The authors propose to use wavelengths outside the EDFA bandwidth for sending messages over short distances in which amplification is not necessary. Routing determines which wavelength and links a message is routed on, and hence whether or not a message needs amplification. The authors design static and dynamic routing algorithms in circuit-switched networks and analyze the performance using simulation. The results show that use of wavelengths outside the EDFA bandwidth can decrease blocking and increase the network capacity. >
Design of an autonomous amphibious robot for surf zone operation: part i mechanical design for multi-mode mobility

The capability of autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms to function in the shallow water surf zone is critical for a wide range of military and civilian operations. Of particular importance is the ability to transition between locomotion modes in aquatic and terrestrial settings. The study of animal locomotion mechanisms can provide specific inspiration to address these demands. In this work, we summarize on-going efforts to create an autonomous, highly mobile amphibious robot. A water-resistant amphibious prototype design, based on the biologically-inspired Whegstrade platform, has been completed. Through extensive field-testing, mechanisms have been isolated to improve the implementation of the Whegstrade concept and make it more suited for amphibious operation. Specific design improvements include wheel-leg propellers enabling swimming locomotion, an active, compliant, water resistant, non-backdrivable body joint, and improved feet for advanced mobility. These design innovations allow Whegstrade to navigate on rough terrain and underwater, and accomplish tasks with little or no low-level control, thus greatly simplifying autonomous control system implementation. Complementary work is underway for autonomous control. We believe these results can lay the foundation for the development of a generation of amphibious robots with an unprecedented versatility and mobility
Similarities and Differences Between Low Achievers and Students Classified Learning Disabled

Considerable evidence suggests that the learning-disabilities (LD) category is primarily one of underachievement. The research reported here compared school-identified LD children with a group of low-achieving students (non-LD) not identified as LD. Both groups were administered a battery of psychoeducational tests and their performances were compared on all measures. While discriminant function analysis indicated 78.4% correct classification of the students, further analysis showed it would be impossible to discern classification on an individual basis. An analysis of the results indicated considerable similarities between the groups; in fact, an average of 96% of the scores were within a common range, and the performances of LD and low-achieving children on many subtests were identical. The findings could be interpreted to support either of two major conflicting viewpoints: (a) that schools are failing to identify many students who are in fact LD or (b) that too many non-LD students are labeled LD. This...
Vertex expansion for the Bianchi type I model

A perturbative expansion of loop quantum cosmological transitions amplitudes of Bianchi I models is performed. Following the procedure outlined in [1,2] for isotropic models, it is shown that the resulting expansion can be written in the form of a series of amplitudes each with a fixed number of transitions mimicking a spin foam expansion. This analogy is more complete than in the isotropic case, since there are now the additional anisotropic degrees of freedom which play the role of ``coloring'' of the spin foams. Furthermore, the isotropic expansion is recovered by integrating out the anisotropies.
Accuracy of Multifrequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy for Monitoring Fluid Distribution Changes in Women after Gastric Bypass Surgery

ANALYSIS AND BIOIMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY FOR MONITORING FLUID DISTRIBUTION CHANGES IN WOMEN AFTER GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY Author(s): J. R. Dobratz, S. D. Sibley, T. R. Beckman, B. J. Valentine, T. A. Kellogg, S. Ikramuddin, C. P. Earthman; Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, Medicine, Endocrine Division, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Effects of ceiling-mounted HEPA-UV air filters on airborne bacteria concentrations in an indoor therapy pool building.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a new generation of high-volume, ceiling-mounted highefficiency particulate air (HEPA)-ultraviolet (UV) air filters (HUVAFs) for their ability to remove or inactivate bacterial aerosol. In an environmentally controlled full-scale laboratory chamber (87 m 3 ), and an indoor therapy pool building, the mitigation ability of air filters was assessed by comparing concentrations of total bacteria, culturable bacteria, and airborne endotoxin with and without the air filters operating under otherwise similar conditions. Controlled chamber tests with pure cultures of aerosolized Mycobacterium parafortuitum cells showed that the HUVAF unit tested provided an equivalent air-exchange rate of 11 hr 1 . Using this equivalent air-exchange rate as a design basis, three HUVAFs were installed in an indoor therapy pool building for bioaerosol mitigation, and their effectiveness was studied over a 2-year period. The HUVAFs reduced concentrations of culturable bacteria by 69 and 80% during monitoring periods executed in respective years. The HUVAFs reduced concentrations of total bacteria by 12 and 76% during the same monitoring period, respectively. Airborne endotoxin concentrations were not affected by the HUVAF operation.
Sample size for gene expression microarray experiments†The views presented in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily representing those of the US Food and Drug Administration.

Motivation: Microarray experiments often involve hundreds or thousands of genes. In a typical experiment, only a fraction of genes are expected to be differentially expressed; in addition, the measured intensities among different genes may be correlated. Depending on the experimental objectives, sample size calculations can be based on one of the three specified measures: sensitivity, true discovery and accuracy rates. The sample size problem is formulated as: the number of arrays needed in order to achieve the desired fraction of the specified measure at the desired family-wise power at the given type I error and (standardized) effect size. Results: We present a general approach for estimating sample size under independent and equally correlated models using binomial and beta-binomial models, respectively. The sample sizes needed for a two-sample z-test are computed; the computed theoretical numbers agree well with the Monte Carlo simulation results. But, under more general correlation structures, the beta-binomial model can underestimate the needed samples by about 1--5 arrays. Contact: jchen@nctr.fda.gov
A positive transcription factor controls the differential expression of two 5S RNA genes

Somatic 5S RNA genes are transcribed preferentially over oocyte 5S RNA genes by 25- to greater than 200-fold when mixtures of cloned genes are injected into cleaving Xenopus embryos. This preference is an order of magnitude greater than that observed in cell-free extracts. Mutations that decrease the binding of the 5S RNA gene-specific transcription factor TFIIIA to the 5S RNA genes' internal control regions are exaggerated when assayed by embryo injection compared to in vitro transcription. Injection of TFIIIA into cleaving embryos greatly increases endogenous oocyte 5S RNA synthesis at midblastula even when DNA replication is inhibited. Much, but not all, of the preference for somatic over oocyte 5S RNA gene transcription in somatic cells can thus be attributed to the concentration of TFIIIA and to differences in binding constants of TFIIIA to the internal control regions of the two types of genes.
Relative Resistance Chemical Sensors Built on Microhotplate Platforms

The selectivity, sensitivity, and speed of metal oxide conductometric chemical sensors can be improved by integrating them onto micromachined, thermally-controlled platforms (i.e., microhotplates). The improvements largely arise from the richness of signal inherent in arrays of multiple sensing materials and the ability to rapidly pulse and collect data at multiple temperatures. Unfortunately, like their macroscopic counterparts, these sensors can suffer from a lack of repeatability from sample-to-sample and even run-to-run. Here we report on a method to reduce signal drift and increase repeatability that is easily integrated with microhotplate chemical sensors. The method involves passivating one of a pair of identically-formed sensors by coating it with a highly electrically resistive and chemically impermeable film. Relative resistance measurements between the active and passive members of a pair then provide a signal that is reasonably constant over time despite electrical, thermal and gas flow rate fluctuations.Common modes of signal drift, such as microstructural changes within the sensing film, are also removed. The method is demonstrated using SnO2 and TiO2 microhotplate gas sensors, with a thin Al2O3 film forming the passivation layer. It is shown that methanol and acetone at concentrations of 1 µmol/mol, and possibly lower, are sensed with high reproducibility.
Special Issue on Symposium on Fusion Engineering

The 39 papers in this special issue highlight a wide diversity of topics in fusion engineering. The advances reported here were originally presented at the 23rd Symposium on Fusion Engineering (SOFE 2009), held on May 31-June 5, 2009.
Discovery of ring faults associated with salt withdrawal basins, Early Cretaceous age, in the East Texas Basin

Abstract The Jurassic Louann salt in the East Texas Basin has played a dominant role in influencing the structural and depositional history of the basin, particularly during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Salt tectonics is closely associated with sandstone distribution, depositional facies, and reef growth, and consequently, with petroleum traps in the basin. Salt withdrawal basins, developed during the Early Cretaceous in response to salt movement and dissolution processes, are characterized by the presence of an expanded section of Lower Cretaceous marine and deltaic sedimentary rocks. Recognition of fault sets associated with the evolution of these salt-withdrawal basins has gone undetected until the recent Coherence CubeTM processing of a non-proprietary 3-D seismic survey conducted by Schlumberger in the La Rue dome - Fairway Field area, Henderson County, Texas. Images from Coherence Cube processing aptly exhibit extraordinary sets of concentric ring faults that comprise the periphery of two salt withdrawal basins. The Fairway oil field is located at the junction of these two sets of ring faults. The structural style of these high-angle ring faults creates a multitude of possible fault traps in a previously unattractive structural setting. Early Cretaceous age of the ring faults establishes that these faults are a significant element in evaluating petroleum migration patterns and traps in the basin. The discovery of Early Cretaceous ring faults in the East Texas Basin by Coherence Cube processing brings new perspectives to development and exploration drilling in this mature petroleum province.
Coarsening and solidification via solvent-annealing in thin liquid films

We examine solidification in thin liquid films produced by annealing amorphous (tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminium) in methanol vapour. Micrographs acquired during annealing capture the evolution of the film: the initially-uniform film breaks up into drops that coarsen, and single crystals of nucleate randomly on the substrate and grow as slender ‘needles’. The growth of these needles appears to follow power-law behaviour, where the growth exponent, , depends on the thickness of the deposited film. The evolution of the thin film is modelled by a lubrication equation, and an advection–diffusion equation captures the transport of and methanol within the film. We define a dimensionless transport parameter, , which is analogous to an inverse Sherwood number and quantifies the relative effects of diffusion- and coarsening-driven advection. For large -values, the model recovers the theory of one-dimensional, diffusion-driven solidification, such that . For low -values, the collapse of drops, i.e. coarsening, drives flow and regulates the growth of needles. Within this regime, we identify two relevant limits: needles that are small compared to the typical drop size, and those that are large. Both scaling analysis and simulations of the full model reveal that for small needles and for large needles.
Modeling and Performance Comparison of 1-D and 2-D Devices Including Parasitic Gate Capacitance and Screening Effect

Devices based on nanotubes and nanowires have been a popular research topic in the recent years. Many groups have shown promising experimental results in this area. In this paper, we examine the expected performances of 1-D and 2-D MOSFETs by numerical simulation and analytical models. We show that 1-D devices are not necessarily better than 2-D devices for future technologies, especially for low-channel densities and narrow gate widths, due to the parasitic capacitances and screening of the adjacent channels. For example, the delay improvement is overestimated from the intrinsic cases by at least 30%-60% from ignoring parasitics and channel screening effects, for Wgate<10 Lg and channel densities from 400 to 25 mum. We propose a methodology for 1-D device design optimization, and a possible scaling path of 1-D devices down to 11 nm node. The analytical model is a first step toward a compact model for 1-D FETs.
3. Value of the exercise compound muscle action potential study and provocative tests in possible periodic paralysis

Introduction: Pathogenic mutations can be identified in up to 70% of patients with periodic paralysis (PP). However, a substantial proportion of individuals with typical PP symptoms do not carry the known mutations. And, there are many patients with atypical symptoms referred for evaluation. Objectives: To evaluate whether the sensitivity of the exercise compound muscle action potential (CMAP) study is improved after provocative tests for the diagnosis of PP and to determine whether these tests are of value in assessing patients with possible periodic paralysis (P3). Methods: Six patients with genetically or clinically definite PP, 11 patients with P3, and 21 healthy volunteers were studied. The exercise CMAP study (McManis protocol) and serum potassium were performed before and after bicycle exercise and after oral glucose and potassium loading. Abnormal decrement is defined as >40% decline in CMAP amplitude or >50% in CMAP area. Healthy volunteers only participated in the bicycle exercise. Results: Of 6 definite PP participants, 4 (67%) had abnormal decrement on the pre-bicycle study compared to 4 (36%) in the P3 participants. Although percent decrement was similar in each group, time-to-nadir appeared to be longer in the P3 group (52.6 versus 40 min). Of 9 participants who had normal baseline studies, glucose loading provoked abnormal decrement in 1 definite PP, and potassium loading provoked hyperkalemia and abnormal decrement in 1 possible PP. All healthy volunteers had normal exercise CMAP studies. Conclusion: Abnormal exercise CMAP study occurs in both definite and possible PP. Provocative testing may improve the diagnostic accuracy in a mutation-negative possible PP.
Defective calcium inactivation causes long QT in obese insulin-resistant rat

The majority of diabetic patients who are overweight or obese die of heart disease. We suspect that the obesity-induced insulin resistance may lead to abnormal cardiac electrophysiology. We tested ...
Human Cytomegalovirus-Encoded Immune Modulators Partner To Downregulate Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Molecules

Throughout the course of natural evolution with its host, the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has developed a variety of strategies to avoid immune recognition and clearance. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen presentation pathway is a major target of the virus. HCMV encodes at least six gene products that modulate the processing of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident MHC class I molecules. Here, we show that two virus-encoded proteins, US2 and US3, coordinate their functions toward the common goal of attenuating class I protein surface expression. In cells stably expressing both US2 and US3, class I molecules were almost completely downregulated from the cell surface. In addition, pulse-chase analysis revealed that the proteasome-dependent turnover of class I molecules occurs more rapidly in cells expressing both US2 and US3 than either US2 or US3 alone. The ability of US3 to retain class I molecules in the ER produces a target-rich environment for US2 to mediate the destruction of class I heavy chains. In fact, expression of US3 enhanced the association between US2 and class I molecules, thus encouraging their dislocation and degradation. This immune evasion strategy ensures that viral antigens are not presented on the cell surface during the early phase of HCMV infection, a critical time of replication and viral proliferation.
"Speak, Hannah, and Do Not be Silent": Pseudo-Philo's Deconstruction of Violence in Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum 50-51

This article argues that the movement from Hannah's silent prayer in Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum 50.5 (‘Hannah did not want to pray out loud’), to her bold declaration in 51.5 (‘I will speak my words openly’), interrupts a narrative trajectory involving violent zeal in Pseudo-Philo's rewritten biblical narrative. Throughout the narrative, the prayers of key individuals for God's merciful action on behalf of the people are rendered efficacious by acts of zeal (zelus) that are both public and violent (47.1–3). By contrast, Hannah's act of silent prayer (framed as ‘zeal’ in 50.5) is accepted as the accompanying act for the people's prayer (51.2). This vicarious action helps explain Hannah's expanded role as paradigmatic of all Israel in Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum and serves to deconstruct the notion that acceptable zeal from Israel's leaders must be manifested with violence.
Inattention to Deferred Increases in Tax Bases: How Michigan Home Buyers Are Paying for Assessment Limits

Abstract Michigan’s implementation of assessment limits gives rise to a wide variation in taxable basis across comparable homes. Exploiting the fact that the resulting differences in property tax liability are temporarily inherited by new homebuyers, I estimate the degree of capitalization of these largely idiosyncratic tax differences to evaluate whether homebuyers understand the tax implications of their home purchases. Consistent with anecdotal evidence but in stark contrast to the traditional view of rational consumer behavior, I find that homebuyers are woefully inattentive to the temporary nature of their initial tax obligations, resulting in an overpayment of nearly $10,000 for the average home.
A Problem Concerning Weakly Completely Continuous A*-Algebras

(1974). A Problem Concerning Weakly Completely Continuous A*-Algebras. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 81, No. 3, pp. 267-268.
Regulatory innovation and drug development for early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

The focus of drug development in Alzheimer's disease has increasingly been on earlier disease stages, before overt dementia, when it is difficult to assess cognitive impairment. The FDA has now developed guidance for the design and execution of relevant clinical trials.