cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bounded fan-out multimessage multicasting

We consider Multimessage Multicasting over the n processor complete (or fully connected) static network (MMc). We present a fast approximation algorithm with an improved approximation bound for problem instances with small fan-out (maximum number of processors receiving any given message), but arbitrary degree d, where d is the maximum number of messages that each processor may send or receive. These problem instances are the ones that arise in practice, since the fan-out restriction is imposed by the applications and the number of processors available in commercial systems.Our algorithm is centralized and requires all the communication information ahead of time. Applications where this information is available include iterative algorithms for solving linear equations and most dynamic programming procedures. The Meiko CS-2 machine as well as other computer systems whose processors communicate via dynamic networks will also benefit from our results at the expense of doubling the number of communication phases.
Simultaneous synthesis of weights and controllers in /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// loop-shaping

Several steps of the standard /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// loop-shaping design procedure are combined into one optimization problem that maximizes the robust stability margin over the loop-shaping weights subject to constraints which ensure that the loop-shape and the singular values/condition numbers of the weights lie in pre-specified regions. Thus, loop-shaping weights, which can be required to have either a diagonal or a non-diagonal structure, and a robustly stabilizing controller are simultaneously synthesized by one algorithm in a systematic way. This approach greatly simplifies the often long and tedious process of designing "good" loop-shaping weights directly and allows the designer to quickly get an idea of what is attainable.
Television as Digital Media, edited by James Bennett and Niki Strange

James Bennett and Niki Strange's edited collection Television as Digital Media makes an important intervention within discussions of television's relationship to digital culture. It does so in part...
Investigating retrieval performance with manually-built topic models

Modeling text with topics is currently a popular research area in both Machine Learning and Information Retrieval (IR). Most of this research has focused on automatic methods though there are many hand-crafted topic resources available online. In this paper we investigate retrieval performance with topic models constructed manually based on a hand-crafted directory resource. The original query is smoothed on the manually selected topic model, which can also be viewed as an "ideal" user context model. Experiments with these topic models on the TREC retrieval tasks show that this type of topic model alone provides little benefit, and the overall performance is not as good as relevance modeling (which is an automatic query modification model). However, smoothing the query with topic models outperforms relevance models for a subset of the queries and automatic selection from these two models for particular queries gives better results overall than relevance models. We further demonstrate some improvements over relevance models with automatically built topic models based on the directory resource.
Replication of Mumps Virus in Human Leukocyte Cultures

Duc-Nguyen, Huu (The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.), and Werner Henle. Replication of mumps virus in human leukocyte cultures. J. Bacteriol. 92:258-265. 1966.-Human peripheral leukocyte cultures maintained in the presence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were found to support to some extent the replication of mumps virus. When such cultures were exposed, within 24 hr after their initiation, to a high input multiplicity of virus, successful infection, as determined by immunofluorescence and plaque assays, did not become evident before the 3rd or 4th day. On exposure of cultures 4 to 5 days old, viral replication was detectable within 2 days. In both instances, peak immunofluorescence and virus titers were reached when the cultures were 7 to 9 days old and composed mainly of blast forms. With decreasing input multiplicities of infection, cells containing viral antigen and production of infectious viral progeny became detectable with increasing delay. No significant viral replication was noted in surviving cells maintained in the absence of PHA. These results indicate that mainly, if not solely, the PHA-stimulated cells of the lymphocytic series support viral multiplication. The extent of the infectious process was limited, however, because the life span of the cultures was not significantly shortened, the yields of infectious virus per immunofluorescent cell were at all times low, and most infected cells contained only a few well-delineated small masses of antigen, suggestive of an abortive infection. Only fresh cultures were capable of synthesizing interferon on stimulation by mumps, Newcastle disease, or Sendai viruses. When the cultures were set up in the presence of PHA, this capacity was lost within 24 hr. PHA per sefailed to induce detectable production of an interferon under the conditions used. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The Affairs of Animals in W. H. Auden's MUSÉE DES BEAUX ARTS

The critical consensus concerning W. H. Auden's “Musee Des Beaux Arts” (1938) agrees that the poem is about human suffering and the failure of others to respond to it. To name a few, Thomas Dilwort...
Identification of prostate-specific antigen in the vaginal secretions of a male pseudohermaphrodite.

Prostatic glycoprotein was detected in the vaginal fluid of a male pseudohermaphrodite with use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Following orchiectomy, prostatic glycoprotein concentrations fell from levels >60 to
Age-related deficits in brain androgen binding and metabolism, testosterone, and sexual behavior of male rats.

Abstract Brain androgen binding and metabolism, serum testosterone (T), and sexual behavior were measured in old and young male Fischer 344 rats. After completion of sexual behavior tests, blood was collected for T assay and brains were removed for simultaneous measurements of cytosolic (ARc) and nuclear (ARn) androgen receptors and aromatase activity (AA) in the preoptic area (POA), hypothalamus (HYP) and amygdala (AMG). In Experiment 1, old and young intact males were examined. None of the old males ejaculated in any of the tests of sexual behavior whereas all of the young males ejaculated. The old males had lower levels of serum T, lower levels of ARn in the POA and HYP and lower levels of AA in the POA. The ARc levels of the old and young males did not differ. Experiment 2 was designed to determine if the deficits in brain androgen binding and metabolism were due to low levels of T. Old and young T-treated gonadectomized (GX-T) males and young intact (I) males were examined. T levels were comparable in the young and old GX-T males and were higher in each of these groups than in the young I males. In sexual behavior tests, all of the young but only 25% of the old GX-T males ejaculated. Although ARn levels in the old GX-T males were lower than in the young GX-T males, they were comparable to the young I male levels. No age-related differences in T induction of AA were observed. These data suggest that there is an association between decreased T levels in old males and decreased ARn and AA levels but no association between decreased T and decreased sexual behavior. Thus the age-related deficits in behavior are probably not due to changes in ARn and AA.
Design and Synthesis of Highly Conducting One-Dimensional Materials

Unidimensionality (1-D) is ascribed to many organic and inorganic materials which possess an extended columnar structure in the solid state. Such materials possess a variety of physical properties which due to the unidimensionality are frequently significantly anisotropic. The most studied physical property is electrical conductivity. This arises from the substantial interest initially generated by W. A. Little in his proposal of 1-D high temperature superconductors and the subsequent observation of conductivities of 1-D materials that vary over an enormous range, nominally fifteen orders of magnitude, i.e., 10-12–103 ohm-1cm-1. Most interestingly, some unidimensional substances possess a temperature range where the temperature dependence of the conductivity, σ(T) is metal-like, i.e., dσ2 / dT2, is positive. This and additional electrical and optical properties coupled with the materials low density and susceptibility for chemical modifications lend themselves to the technological applications in this electronic age.
Efficient tree-listing algorithm

An algorithm, based on the T-triangle method, is given for the generation of all the trees in a nonoriented connected graph. The efficiency of the algorithm is verified by computer results.
Role of Phospholipase A2 Isozymes in Agonist-Mediated Signaling in Proximal Tubular Epithelium

Abstract —Angiotensin II in proximal tubule epithelium is known to stimulate the release of arachidonic acid after stimulation of phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) independent of phospholipase C–mediated signaling. Furthermore, an angiotensin II type 2 receptor subtype has been linked to this signaling cascade. We investigated the regulation and differential stimulation of PLA 2 s by comparing the PLA 2 activities associated with the membranes and cytosol of rabbit renal proximal tubular epithelial cells after stimulation with angiotensin II, epidermal growth factor, and bradykinin. Both fractions demonstrated PLA 2 activity that was dithiothreitol insensitive, required micromolar concentrations of Ca 2+ for optimal activity, and was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by an antiserum to a cytosolic PLA 2 with a molecular mass of 85 kD. However, membrane-associated PLA 2 did not demonstrate significant substrate specificity, whereas 1-steroyl-2-[ 14 C]arachidonylphosphatidyl choline was the preferred substrate for cPLA 2 . An antiserum generated against mastoparan, a known PLA 2 activator, inhibited membrane- but not cytosol-associated PLA 2 activity. Membrane fractions showed a broad pH range (7.5 to 8.5) for optimal PLA 2 activity, whereas cytosol was maximum at pH 9.5. Angiotensin II stimulated membrane-associated PLA 2 activity by 88%, whereas bradykinin and epidermal growth factor inhibited activity by 54% and 41%, respectively. The three agonists stimulated cPLA 2 . Moreover, angiotensin II–induced activation of membrane-associated PLA 2 preceded the activation of cPLA 2 . These results demonstrate differential localization and regulation of proximal tubular epithelial PLA 2 isozymes, which may determine the pattern of subsequent arachidonic acid metabolism by the cytochrome P450 system.
The interlanguage speech intelligibility benefit for native speakers of Mandarin: Production and perception of English word-final voicing contrasts

This study investigated the intelligibility of native and Mandarin-accented English speech for native English and native Mandarin listeners. The word-final voicing contrast was considered (as in minimal pairs such as `cub' and `cup') in a forced-choice word identification task. For these particular talkers and listeners, there was evidence of an interlanguage speech intelligibility benefit for listeners (i.e., native Mandarin listeners were more accurate than native English listeners at identifying Mandarin-accented English words). However, there was no evidence of an interlanguage speech intelligibility benefit for talkers (i.e., native Mandarin listeners did not find Mandarin-accented English speech more intelligible than native English speech). When listener and talker phonological proficiency (operationalized as accentedness) was taken into account, it was found that the interlanguage speech intelligibility benefit for listeners held only for the low phonological proficiency listeners and low phonological proficiency speech. The intelligibility data were also considered in relation to various temporal-acoustic properties of native English and Mandarin-accented English speech in effort to better understand the properties of speech that may contribute to the interlanguage speech intelligibility benefit.
Monte Carlo calculations of the correlation functions for Heisenberg spin chains at T=0.

We compute the ground-state spin-spin correlation function for the one-dimensional antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model of spin 1/2, 1, and 3/2. The spin-1 chain has a disordered ground state with a correlation length of 6.2 lattice spacings whereas the spin-1/2 and the spin-3/2 chains both have (ln(r)${)}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}$/r decaying correlation functions. The logarithmic corrections are different for the spin-1/2 and the spin-3/2 chains. Finite-size scaling is used to analyze the data for chains of up to 128 spins.
Comparison of simultaneous versus delayed ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion in children undergoing myelomeningocele repair.

The timing of cerebrospinal fluid shunt insertion for those neonates with hydrocephalus in association with myelomeningocele remains controversial. To examine whether there was a difference in either the complication rate or mean hospital stay for neonates undergoing myelomeningocele repair and shunting under the same anesthetic (simultaneous group) versus those in whom shunt insertion was delayed for several days after myelomeningocele closure (sequential group), we reviewed the results obtained with these two approaches in a series of 69 consecutive patients who underwent both myelomeningocele closure and shunt insertion at our institution between 1987 and 1993. Twenty-one infants underwent simultaneous myelomeningocele repair and shunting, and 48 underwent sequential procedures. The decision to shunt concurrently with myelomeningocele repair rather than in a delayed fashion was based primarily on surgeon preference rather than initial head circumference, which did not differ significantly between the two groups. The frequency and type of hydrocephalus-related complications (e.g., wound leak, cerebrospinal fluid infection, or shunt malfunction) that occurred during the first 6 months after myelomeningocele closure were compared between the two groups. Neither the overall frequency of complications nor the frequency of cerebrospinal fluid infection, shunt malfunction, or symptomatic Chiari malformation differed significantly between the two groups. In contrast, there was a significantly higher rate of myelomeningocele wound leak in the sequential group versus the simultaneous group (eight versus zero; P = .05). Mean hospital stay for the sequential group was also significantly longer than the simultaneous group (22 days versus 13 days; P = .05). These results suggest that simultaneous myelomeningocele repair and ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion reduces hospital stay and back wound morbidity in those patients with evidence of hydrocephalus at birth, without an inordinate increase in shunt-related complications.
Cautions on the use of investigative case studies in meta-evaluation

Abstract When descriptive case study methods are used to conduct meta-evaluations, an additional evaluative component must be employed to render judgments of worth. In the case of combining connoisseurial evaluation with naturalistic case study methods, special problems arise with the justification of claims. A major meta-evaluation employing these methods is reviewed to demonstrate the difficulties with this approach to meta-evaluation.
Real-Time Executive for a Small Computer System

This paper describes briefly an operating system suitable for use in a computer installation designed primarily for accelerator applications. Due attention is given to the opportunity to share processor time between Input/Output and the applications programs. Internally, the standard processing jobs are given over to a System Interpreter through requests for its action from applications programs. A disk data file shared between to processors provides a multiprocessing capability.
Microscopic aspects implied by the Second Law

It is conventional to try to arrive at the Boltzmann principle and the Second Law starting with the laws of dynamics at the microscopic level. In this article the opposite view is presented: Starting with the Second Law, microscopic properties are derived. A classical result of Wien is developed into a general theorem, and the possibility of deriving the Boltzmann principle as a consequence of Carnot's theorem is discussed.
Delayed degeneration of dystrophic and normal muscle cell cultures treated with pepstatin, leupeptin, and antipain.

Abstract The effect of the proteinase inhibitors, pepstatin, leupeptin, and antipain, on dystrophic and normal embryonic chicken muscle cells growing in tissue culture was determined. The three inhibitors are effective against lysosomal cathepsins as well as other proteinases. The inhibitors appeared to delay atrophy and degeneration of dystrophic muscle fibers markedly; the effect on the normal muscle fibers was less striking. Catheptic activity and acidic autolysis are known to increase in the dystrophic chicken. These results support the suggestion that lysosomal proteases are involved, by an unknown mechanism, in the degradative process in dystrophic tissue. Delay in the process of degradation of muscle tissue suggests that these low molecular weight, nontoxic inhibitors offer some prospects as therapeutic agents for treatment of muscular dystrophy and other degenerative muscle diseases.
Assessments of Total and Viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Field and Laboratory Grown Lettuce

Leafy green produce has been associated with numerous outbreaks of foodborne illness caused by strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7. While the amounts of culturable E. coli O157:H7 rapidly decline after introduction onto lettuce in the field, it remains to be determined whether the reduction in cell numbers is due to losses in cell viability, cell injury and a subsequent inability to be detected by standard laboratory culturing methods, or a lack of adherence and hence rapid removal of the organism from the plants during application. To assess which of these options is most relevant for E. coli O157:H7 on leafy green produce, we developed and applied a propidium monoazide (PMA) real-time PCR assay to quantify viable (with PMA) and total (without PMA) E. coli O157:H7 cells on growth chamber and field-grown lettuce. E. coli O157:H7, suspended in 0.1% peptone, was inoculated onto 4-week-old lettuce plants at a level of approximately 106 CFU/plant. In the growth chamber at low relative humidity (30%), culturable amounts of the nontoxigenic E. coli O157:H7 strain ATCC 700728 and the virulent strain EC4045 declined 100 to 1000-fold in 24 h. Fewer E. coli O157:H7 cells survived when applied onto plants in droplets with a pipette compared with a fine spray inoculation. Total cells for both strains were equivalent to inoculum levels for 7 days after application, and viable cell quantities determined by PMA real-time PCR were approximately 104 greater than found by colony enumeration. Within 2 h after application onto plants in the field, the number of culturable E. coli ATCC 700728 was reduced by up to 1000-fold, whereas PCR-based assessments showed that total cell amounts were equivalent to inoculum levels. These findings show that shortly after inoculation onto plants, the majority of E. coli O157:H7 cells either die or are no longer culturable.
Surface melting and evaporation during disruptions in magnetic fusion reactors

Abstract Disruptions in tokamaks lead to high energy deposition for short times on in-vessel components. Melting and evaporation may then occur. A comprehensive model to evaluate the extent and duration of melting, the amount of evaporation, and the time for resolidification is presented. This model entails the solution of a heat conduction problem with two moving boundaries, the liquid surface and the melt—solid interface with a surface boundary condition determined by the dynamics of evaporation. Extensive numerical results are presented for in-vessel components made of stainless steel, molybdenum, or graphite. The effects of vapor shielding, pulse shape, and pulse duration are also investigated.
In-plane and out-of-plane resistivities of PrBa2Cu3O7−δ and Y0.47Pr0.53Ba2Cu3O7−δ single crystals

Abstract We report out-of-plane and in-plane normal-state resistivities of twinned, fully-oxygenated single crystals of insulating PrBa2Cu3O7−δ and superconducting Y0.47Pr0.53Ba2Cu3O7−δ (Tc ≈ 18 K) measured by the flux transformer method. In the latter specimen, the onset of superconductivity was suppressed by a magnetic field of 9 T. The anisotropy ϱ c /ϱ ab = a +_bT −2 3 for both samples, increasing monotonically at low temperatures with no sign of saturation. The absence of saturation and the T −2 3 dependence indicate two-dimensional transport. These data also represent a direct observation of hopping conduction in a homogeneous superconductor.
Transport properties in molten sodium sulfate at 1173 K

Abstract In order to aid in further understanding hot corrosion processes, investigations of electrical behavior of molten Na 2 SO 4 have been undertaken. An ac impedance technique was employed to obtain the total electrical conductivity of a pure Na 2 SO 4 melt at 1173 K. The steady state polarization method of Wagner and Hebb was applied to study partial electronic conductivities of electrons and electron holes in a pure Na 2 SO 4 melt. The potentiostatic polarization technique was carried out to decide ionic transport numbers in the melt. These experiments are conducted as a function of Na 2 O activity in the melt by controlling the experimental gas atmosphere. It was observed that the total electrical conductivity of pure Na 2 SO 4 was of order of 2.32×10 -1 (Ω cm) -1 and varied only slightly with changes in the activity of Na 2 O. From the Wagner-Hebb type dc polarization experiments on pure Na 2 SO 4 , the electron conductivity was shown to be much greater than the electron hole conductivity over the entire range of Na 2 O activities. The partial conductivity of electrons in Na 2 SO 4 was about two orders of magnitude less than the total electrical conductivity. Thus, the transport number of electrons, t θ is of the order of 10 -3 in a pure Na 2 SO 4 melt at 1173 K. From the potentiostatic polarization technique, the cation transport number of a pure sodium melt was found to be about 0.985 at 1173 K. The self diffusion coefficient and the mobility of Na ions in the melt was estimated by using the above experimental data and their values were about 8.1×10 -6 cm 2 /s and 8.0×10 -5 cm 2 /V s, respectively.
Dynamic modeling and analysis of a 20-cell PEM fuel cell stack considering temperature and two-phase effects

Abstract Dynamic characteristics and performance of a PEM fuel cell stack are crucial factors to ensure safe, effective and efficient operation. In particular, water and heat at varying loads are important factors that directly influence the stack performance and reliability. Herein, we present a new dynamic model that considers temperature and two-phase effects and analyze these effects on the characteristics of a stack. First, a model for a two-cell stack was developed and the simulated results were compared with experimental results. Next, a model for a 20-cell stack was constructed to investigate start-up and transient behavior. Start-up behavior under different conditions where the amplitudes and slopes of a load current, the temperature and flow rate of the coolant, and extra heating of end plates were varied were also analyzed. The transient analyses considered the dynamics of temperature, oxygen and vapor concentration in the gas diffusion media, liquid water saturation, and the variations of water content in the membranes at a multi-step load. Comparative studies revealed that the two-phase effect of water predominantly reduces oxygen concentration in the catalysts and subsequently increases the activation over-potential, while temperature gradients in the cells directly affect the ohmic over-potential. The results showed that the heat-up time at start-up to achieve a given reference working temperature was inversely proportional to the amplitude of the current density applied and the flow rate and temperature of the coolants. In addition, the asymmetric profile of the stack temperature in the stack was balanced when the temperature of the coolant supplied was reheated and elevated. Analyses of transient behaviors for a 20-cell stack showed that strong temperature gradients formed in the last four end cells, while temperature, oxygen concentration, vapor concentration, liquid water saturation, and membrane water content in the rest of the cells were uniform.
Thermoelectric energy harvesting from diurnal heat flow in the upper soil layer

Abstract We built and tested a subterranean thermoelectric power source that converts diurnal heat flow through the upper soil layer into electricity. This paper describes the operation, design, and performance of the device. Key features of the power source include the use of bismuth-telluride thermopiles optimized for small Δ T and aerogel insulation to minimize thermal losses. The device weighs 0.24 kg and was designed with a flat form factor measuring 12 × 12 × 1.7 cm to facilitate modularity, packing, and assembly into larger arrays. One full year of field testing was performed between June 2009 and May 2010 in Albuquerque, New Mexico where the device generated an average power output of 1.1 mW. The season with the highest performance was spring (March–May) while the season of lowest performance was winter (November–January). During May 2010, the device generated an average power of 1.5 mW and a peak power of 9.8 mW at 9.3 V. Ten years of continuous operation at 1.1 mW would yield an energy density and specific energy of 1384 W h/L and 1430 W h/kg respectively, which is competitive with chemical batteries and is orders of magnitude greater than published subterranean and ambient thermoelectric harvesters. Numerical simulations show that performance is sensitive to the thermal properties of the soil and environmental conditions. This class of energy harvester may provide an option for supplemental power, or possibly primary power, for low power remote sensing applications.
Arizona Overwhelmingly Adopts Health Care Initiative

On November 5, 1996, the voters of Arizona overwhelmingly approved Proposition 203—the Healthy Arizona Initiative. Largely unnoticed amid publicity surrounding other propositions in Arizona and elsewhere (such as the legalization of certain drugs in Arizona and California), the Healthy Arizona Initiative stands out for what it will do to improve health care access. More important, it serves as testimony to what concerned citizens can do to establish sound health care policy when policymakers refuse to do so. Given lack of support by the political leadership of Arizona, the Healthy Arizona Initiative is a tribute to citizen action. There are 3 methods that citizens can use to affect policy decisions outside the current representational framework—the initiative, the referendum, and the recall. Although a form of the referendum has existed since the birth of the nation as a method of constitutional ratification, the current forms of citizen-led policymaking evolved from the Populist
Non-melanoma skin cancers and glucocorticoid therapy

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is an important cause of morbidity and long-term mortality in organ transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine and cyclosporin, often combined with adrenocortical steroids (glucocorticoids). At lower doses, glucocorticoids alone are prescribed for other conditions including musculoskeletal, connective tissue and respiratory disorders. Presently, it is unknown whether patients taking glucocorticoids are at an increased risk of skin malignancies. In a population-based case-control study in New Hampshire, USA, we compared use of glucocorticoids in 592 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and 281 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases and in 532 age and gender matched controls; neither cases nor controls had a history of organ transplantation. Participants underwent a structured personal interview regarding history of medication use and skin cancer risk factors. We used unconditional logistic regression analysis to compute odds ratios associated with glucocorticoid use for 1 month or longer while controlling for potential confounding factors. Risk of SCC was increased among users of oral glucocorticoids (adjusted odds ratio = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.27, 4.18), and risk of BCC was elevated modestly (adjusted odds ratio = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.90, 2.47). In contrast, risk of both SCC and BCC were unrelated to use of inhaled steroids. Our data suggest that use of oral glucocorticoids may increase risk of NMSC, and SCC in particular, among patients other than organ transplant recipients. We hypothesize that immunosuppression induced by oral glucocorticoids may allow these cancers to emerge from immunosurveillance.
Fracture healing: mechanisms and interventions

Fractures are the most common large-organ, traumatic injuries to humans. The repair of bone fractures is a postnatal regenerative process that recapitulates many of the ontological events of embryonic skeletal development. Although fracture repair usually restores the damaged skeletal organ to its pre-injury cellular composition, structure and biomechanical function, about 10% of fractures will not heal normally. This article reviews the developmental progression of fracture healing at the tissue, cellular and molecular levels. Innate and adaptive immune processes are discussed as a component of the injury response, as are environmental factors, such as the extent of injury to the bone and surrounding tissue, fixation and the contribution of vascular tissues. We also present strategies for fracture treatment that have been tested in animal models and in clinical trials or case series. The biophysical and biological basis of the molecular actions of various therapeutic approaches, including recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins and parathyroid hormone therapy, are also discussed.
The dynamic association between motor skill development and physical activity.

(2007). The Dynamic Association Between Motor Skill Development and Physical Activity. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 78, No. 8, pp. 33-49.
Shear-Thinning and Rapid-Recovery Peptide Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications

Peptides have become attractive molecules for fabricating biomaterials. Studies of peptide structure, assembly properties, and dynamic behavior in response to external parameters have led to rational novel design of peptide biomaterials. One model sequence selected was a β-spiral motif of spider flagelliform silk protein, [GPGGX]n (X = any amino acid). Modifying the X residue can change the quantity of secondary structure and the stability of this spider silk motif. Glycine provides flexible properties, and proline influences the secondary structure and mechanical properties. Another model sequence was GXGXDXUX (U = hydrophobic residue), a Ca2+ binding domain of lipase Lip A from Serratia marcescens, in which aspartate residue is required for ion binding. Combining with [GPGGX]n, we rationally designed peptide as GPGGDGPGGD (eD2). The Ca2+ binding sequence was hidden in the first eight residues of eD2. As expected, this peptide can assemble into nanofibrils triggered by Ca2+ ions. Using the segment FLIVIGSII (h9) from the third trans-membrane segment of subunit IV in the dihydropyridine sensitive human muscle L-type calcium channel as the hydrophobic motif, we obtained FLIVIGSIIGPGGDGPGGD (h9e) peptide. The h9e self-assembled into nanofibrils and further formed shear-thinning and rapid recovery hydrogel in neutral pH range from 6.0 to 8.0 with a large working range of temperature. NMR study showed that amphiphilic structure of h9e peptide tended to adopt a more helical structure during hydrogel formation. The h9e peptide has great potential for biomedical applications. MCF-7 cells were successfully grown as colony-like clusters (reminiscent of real tumors) in h9e hydrogel system. The drug response test of cisplatin further demonstrated the capability of h9e system for drug screen. Moreover, h9e hydrogel showed a promising adjuvanticity by enhancing the vaccine efficacy for killed H1N1 swine influenza virus and PRRS modified live virus.
A survey of moment-based techniques for unoccluded object representation and recognition

Abstract The recognition of objects from imagery in a manner that is independent of scale, position and orientation may be achieved by characterizing an object with a set of extracted invariant features. Several different recognition techniques have been demonstrated that utilize moments to generate such invariant features. These techniques are derived from general moment theory which is widely used throughout statistics and mechanics. In this paper, basic Cartesian moment theory is reviewed and its application to object recognition and image analysis is presented. The geometric properties of low-order moments are discussed along with the definition of several moment-space linear geometric transforms. Finally, significant research in moment-based object recognition is reviewed.
Influence of tongue muscle contraction and transmural pressure on nasopharyngeal geometry in the rat

The mammalian pharynx is a hollow muscular tube that participates in ingestion and respiration, and its size, shape, and stiffness can be altered by contraction of skeletal muscles that lie inside ...
Comparison of Organic Self-Assembled Monolayers as Modified Substrates for Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy

The effect of using self-assembled monolayers to facilitate the physical and chemical adsorption of analytes onto surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) gold substrates has been investigated. Self-assembled monolayers of thiopropane, thiohexane, and thiophenol were tested to determine the response for short and medium-size normal alkanes monolayers and aromatic monolayers. The analytes consisted of 4,6-difluoro-nitrobenzene, o-dinitrobenzene, 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol, and tri-nitrobenzene. Spectral results for the self-assembled monolayers were compared to those obtained with an uncoated gold SEIRA surface and with typical transmission spectra of the same test samples. Some enhancement was obtained in all cases; however, the aromatic thiol monolayer produced the largest enhancements, with a maximum increase of 21 fold. As a practical application of the SEIRA technique, a prototype sensor for the detection of trinitrotoluene (TNT) was prepared and tested.
Organization of a sterol-rich membrane domain by cdc15p during cytokinesis in fission yeast.

Organization of a sterol-rich membrane domain by cdc15p during cytokinesis in fission yeast
Consequences of a poecilogonous life history for genetic structure in coastal populations of the polychaete Streblospio benedicti

In many species, alternative developmental pathways lead to the production of two distinct phenotypes, promoting the evolution of morphological novelty and diversification. Offspring type in marine invertebrates influences transport time by ocean currents, which dictate dispersal potential and gene flow, and thus has sweeping evolutionary effects on the potential for local adaptation and on rates of speciation, extinction and molecular evolution. Here, we use the polychaete Streblospio benedicti to investigate the effects of dimorphic offspring type on gene flow and genetic structure in coastal populations. We use 84 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for this species to assay populations on the East and West Coasts of the United States. Using these markers, we found that in their native East Coast distribution, populations of S. benedicti have high-population genetic structure, but this structure is associated primarily with geographic separation rather than developmental differences. Interestingly, very little genetic differentiation is recovered between individuals of different development types when they occur in the same or nearby populations, further supporting that this is a true case of poecilogony. In addition, we were able to demonstrate that the recently introduced (~100 ya) West Coast populations probably originated from a lecithotrophic population near Delaware.
Myoelectric Signal Processing: Optimal Estimation Applied to Electromyography - Part I: Derivation of the Optimal Myoprocessor

This paper (Part I of II) describes the development of a novel technique for processing the electrical activity of muscle which uses multiple channels of myoelectric activity. A phenomenological mathematical model of myoelectric activity is formulated. From this model, a mathematical statement of the optimal myoelectric signal processor is derived, and some of its properties are investigated. This mathematical statement encompasses and places in perspective almost all single-channel myoprocessor developments to date, as well as specifying the optimal multiple-channel myoprocessor. An experimental demonstration of the efficacy of this processor is presented in a subsequent paper (Part II).
Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism and Pregnancy

Glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism (GRA) is a hereditary form of primary hyperaldosteronism that presents with hypokalemia and hypertension from childhood onward. GRA is characterized by the ectopic production of aldosterone in the cortisol-producing zona fasciculata under the regulation of adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Despite the early age of onset, no previous reports of pregnancy and GRA exist. Therefore, we set out to describe the maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy in women with GRA. Data regarding the blood pressure and pregnancy outcomes were collected in a retrospective chart review of prenatal and hospital records of 35 pregnancies in 16 women with genetically proven GRA. A total of 6% of pregnancies in women with GRA (GRA+) were complicated by preeclampsia. The published rates of preeclampsia in general obstetric populations vary from 2.5% to 10%. Despite the lack of an apparent increase in the rate of preeclampsia, GRA+ women with chronic hypertension had a high rate (39%) of pregnancy-aggravated hypertension. Starting with a higher baseline blood pressure, maternal blood pressure plotted over the time course of pregnancy followed a quadratic curve similar to that previously described in normal pregnancy. Mean gestational age at delivery was 39.1 weeks. Mean birth weight, excluding the 3 sets of twins, was 3219 g. However, infants of GRA+ mothers with pregnancy-aggravated hypertension tended to have lower birth weights than those that did not (3019 g versus 3385 g, respectively; P=0.08). The primary cesarean section rate was 32%, which is approximately double that seen in other general or hypertensive obstetric populations. In summary, GRA+ women did not seem to have an increased risk of preeclampsia. However, GRA+ women with chronic hypertension seem to be at an increased risk for an exacerbation of their hypertension during pregnancy.
Bis-diazeniumdiolates of dialkyldiamines: enhanced nitric oxide loading of parent diamines.

The synthesis and characterization of a series of symmetric bis-dialkyldiamine-based diazeniumdiolates, RN[N(O)NO-Na+](CH2)xN[N(O)NO-Na+]R‘, are reported. Preparation of corresponding intramolecular diazeniumdiolates of the form RN[N(O)NO]-(CH2)xNH2+R‘ with alkyl groups > (CH2)4CH3 have been shown previously to lack stability. In contrast, sodium-stabilized bis-diazeniumdiolates of such lipophilic species can be readily formed when these same diamines are reacted with NO in basic media. The resulting compounds release 4 mol of NO per mole of original diamine. This approach enables the synthesis of more lipophilic NO donors than previously possible.
Cervical cancer suppressor gene is within 1 cM on 6p23.

We previously showed loss of heterozygosity at 6p to be a common genetic alteration in cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. To characterize this critical area of deletion in chromosome 6, we evaluated 107 invasive cervical cancers, using 23 polymorphic markers. Genomic DNA from microdissected frozen or paraffin-embedded cervical tumors and corresponding normal tissue was analyzed. Fifty-three percent (57/107) of the cervical tumors showed loss in 6p. Deletions were found in all stages and histologic types. Ninety-one percent (52/57) of these tumors had a loss at 6p23. One tumor defined the distal area of deletion at marker D6S429. Two tumors defined the proximal area of deletion at marker D6S1578. Genotyping of parental DNA was done on 16 cases to evaluate the origin of chromosomal loss. The deletion occurred in the paternal chromosome in 10 tumors and in the maternal in six. Within each tumor, the same parental chromosome was lost at all tested heterozygous 6p markers. The order of the polymorphic markers and estimate of distances in the critical region were confirmed by generation of a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) contig and pulse-field gel electrophoresis. Our data strongly suggest that a gene important in cervical cancer tumorigenesis is located within a 1-cM region of 6p23, and it is not imprinted.
Dry-peeling of Tomato by Infrared Radiative Heating: Part I. Model Development

Infrared (IR) dry-peeling of tomatoes has emerged as a nonchemical alternative to conventional peeling methods using hot lye or steam. Successful peel separation induced by IR radiation requires the delivery of a sufficient amount of thermal energy onto the tomato surface in a very short duration. The objective of this study was to understand the transient heat transfer phenomena during IR dry-peeling by developing a computer simulation model. Modeled tomatoes with realistic shapes and different sizes were employed to predict the temperature distributions on their surface and interior during a typical 60 s IR heating. IR radiation was postulated as a mathematically gray-diffuse radiation problem based on the enclosure theory. Radiation heat transfer model combining heat conduction and convection was solved numerically in COMSOL by using a finite element scheme. Changes of tomato thermal properties and phase change of water inside tomato tissues due to temperature increase were considered in the model to improve the prediction accuracy. The developed model can further be used to study the effects of various engineering parameters on IR heating performance relevant to tomato peeling quality and efficiency. Numerical modeling of the heat transfer mechanism provides in-depth understanding of the rapid surface heating characteristics of IR in the tomato dry-peeling process.
Concentration and flux of suspended sediment on the Amazon continental shelf

Abstract The distribution and movement of suspended sediment has been examined on the continental shelf near the mouth of the Amazon River, during peak discharge of the river. Observations included: transmissometer/CTD profiles widely distributed on the shelf, and combined with current meter profiles at two anchor stations near the river mouth; drogue deployments northwest of the river mouth; and transmissometer/current meter moorings near the northern boundary (4°N) of the study area. Suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) becomes significant (10 mg l−1) landward of about the 30-m isobath, where it characteristically increases exponentially toward the seabed. A high SSC (generally 20 mgl−1 and often 100 mgl−1) is present in a turbid bottom layer which increases in thickness toward shore, probably as a result of shoaling surface waves and strong tidal currents. Landward of the 10-m isobath, a high SSC occupies most of the water column. On time scales less than a month, the predominant variations in SSC occur as a result of resuspension-deposition and of onshore-offshore advection associated with semidiurnal tides. Instantaneous fluxes of suspended sediment adjacent to the river mouth can exceed 50 g cm−1 s−1, and the net along-shelf flux (northwestward) associated with the North Brazilian Coastal Current may reach 3 g cm−1 s−1 between the 10- and 30-m isobaths. Estimates of annual sediment transport northwestward out of the study area, combined with estimates of sediment supply and accumulation, indicate that a much higher along-shelf flux must occur landward of the 10-m isobath and that coastal accretion is probably occurring.
Comment on the low temperature specific heat of ferroelectrics, antiferroelectrics, and related materials

Abstract Lawless has reported accurate, low temperature (2–30°K) specific heat measurements (CExp) of a large number of ferroelectrics, antiferroelectrics, and related materials. A plot of CExp T−3 vs. T (T is temperature) reveals an “excess’ specific heat in the 10–30K range. Lawless has interpreted and fit this excess heat with an Einstein term determining the number of oscillators and the Einstein frequence for each material. He has related these large number of extra oscillators to modes observed in some Raman experiments. Using a more realistic density of states, we suggest that the experimental data can be understood in terms of straightforward harmonic lattice dynamics and that there are no extra modes. The “extra” heat capacity merely arises from the differences between the more realistic density of states and that of a Debye solid.
Estrogenic Agonist Activity of ICI 182,780 (Faslodex) in Hippocampal Neurons: Implications for Basic Science Understanding of Estrogen Signaling and Development of Estrogen Modulators with a Dual Therapeutic Profile

The present study sought to determine the characteristics of ICI 182,780 (Faslodex) action in rat primary hippocampal neurons. We first investigated the neuroprotective efficacy of ICI 182,780 against neurodegenerative insults associated with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Dose-response analyses revealed that ICI 182,780, in a concentration-dependent manner, significantly promoted neuron survival following exposure to either excitotoxic glutamate (200 μM)- or β-amyloid1–42 (1.5 μM)-induced neurodegeneration of hippocampal neurons. At a clinically relevant concentration of 50 ng/ml, ICI 182,780 exerted nearly maximal neuroprotection against both insults with efficacy comparable with that induced by the endogenous estrogen 17β-estradiol. Thereafter, we investigated the impact of 50 ng/ml ICI 182,780 on mechanisms of 17β-estradiol-inducible neuronal plasticity and neuroprotection. Results of these analyses demonstrated that ICI 182,780 directly induced a series of rapid intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) oscillations in a pattern comparable with that of 17β-estradiol. In addition, ICI 182,780 exerted dual regulation of the glutamate-induced rise in [Ca2+]i identical to that induced by 17β-estradiol. Further analyses demonstrated that ICI 182,780 induced significant activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Akt (protein kinase B) and significantly increased expression of spinophilin and Bcl-2, with efficacy comparable with neurons treated with 17β-estradiol. Taken together, results of these in vitro analyses of ICI 182,780 provide direct evidence of an estrogenic agonist profile of ICI 182,780 action in rat hippocampal neurons. Therapeutic development of neuroselective estrogen receptor modulators that mimic ICI 182,780 is discussed with respect to the potential of safe and efficacious alternatives to estrogen therapy for the prevention of postmenopausal cognitive decline and late-onset Alzheimer's disease.