cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relay placement for restoring connectivity in partitioned wireless sensor networks under limited information

Several factors such as initial deployment, battery depletion or hardware failures can cause partition wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This results in most of the sensors losing connectivity with the sink node and thus creating disruption of the delivery of the data. To restore connectivity, one possible solution is populating relay nodes to connect the partitions. However, this solution requires information regarding the availability of the damaged area, number of partitions in the network and the location of the remaining nodes which may not be obtained for all applications. Thus, a distributed self-deployment strategy may better fit the application requirements. In this paper, we propose two distributed relay node positioning approaches to guarantee network recovery for partitioned WSNs by minimizing the movement cost of the relay nodes. The first approach is based on virtual force-based movements of relays while the second exploits Game Theory among the leaders of the partitions. Force-based approach stretches the network gradually with the deployment of additional relays. In the game-theoretic approach, the partition to be connected with is determined by the leader relay nodes based on the probability distribution function (pdf) of the partitions. Partitions with a higher pdf have priority over other partitions for recovery. Once the partition is connected with the relay nodes, it becomes the part of the connected network. Recovery proceeds with the partition having the next highest priority until network is completely recovered by reaching the system-wide unique Nash equilibrium. Both approaches are analyzed and evaluated extensively through simulation. Game-theoretic approach has been shown to outperform force-based approach as well as a centralized approach under most of the conditions.
The Growth and Tumor Suppressor NORE1A Is a Cytoskeletal Protein That Suppresses Growth by Inhibition of the ERK Pathway

NORE1A is a growth and tumor suppressor that is inactivated in a variety of cancers. NORE1A has been shown to bind to the active Ras oncogene product. However, the mechanism of NORE1A-induced growth arrest and tumor suppression remains unknown. Using anchorage-independent growth assays, we mapped the NORE1A effector domain (the minimal region of the protein responsible for its growth-suppressive effects) to the fragment containing the central and Ras association domains of NORE1A (amino acids 191-363). Expression of the NORE1A effector domain in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells resulted in the selective inhibition of signal transduction through the ERK pathway. The full-length NORE1A (416 amino acids) and its fragments capable of growth suppression were localized to centrosomes and microtubules in normal and transformed human cells in a Ras-independent manner. A mutant that was deficient in binding to centrosomes and microtubules was also deficient in inducing cell cycle arrest. This suggests that cytoskeletal localization is required for growth-suppressive effects of NORE1A. Ras binding function was required for growth-suppressive effects of the full-length NORE1A but not for the growth-suppressive effects of the effector domain. Our studies suggest that association of NORE1A with cytoskeletal elements is essential for NORE1A-induced growth suppression and that the ERK pathway is a target for NORE1A growth-suppressive activities.
A variational principle for the Ackerberg-O'Malley resonance problem

A new variational principle is proposed for determining the asymptotic expansion of the solution of the Ackerberg-O'Malley resonance problem to any order in epsilon. The method used differs from that originally proposed by Grasman and Matkowsky in that variations are allowed in the boundary values of a transformed problem, making the calculation applicable to any order in epsilon. Explicit results using the new approach are reported to O(epsilon) and confirmed with asymptotic expansions of the exact solution. The O(1) results agree with those reported in the literature, and the O(epsilon) results are new. It is not difficult to perform the higher order calculations using the new variational approach, in contrast to the current methods in use. In the case where the coefficient functions are analytic in the independent variable and epsilon, and the outer expansion satisfies a certain restriction, the exact solution presented provides an alternative and equally simple method for calculating the asymptotic expansion to any order in epsilon. 14 refs.
Step Coverage Modeling of Thin Films Deposited by CVD Using Finite Element Method

A two‐dimensional finite element model was developed to study the step coverage of submicron trenches with arbitrary shape under chemical vapor deposition processes. Parameters that characterize the step coverage were found to be the surface Damkohler number, ratio of diffusion coefficients inside and outside of the trench, and aspect ratio of the trench geometry. Efforts were concentrated on studying the step coverage of SiO2 film deposited from SiH4/O2 precursors within rectangular shape trenches. The model predictions were found to be in good agreement with reported experimental results.
Minimal determining sets of locally finitely-determined functionals

Let N denote the set of natural numbers, N^N the set of all total functions from N into N. By functional we mean any function whose domain is N^N. if F is a functional and A is a partial function from N into N, we say that A is a determining segment (ds) of F if F has the same value on any two total extensions of A. A ds is called minimal (mds) if it does not properly contain another ds. For @a @? N^N, denote by F^* (@a) the set of all mds's of F which are subsets of @a. A functional F is called finitely-determined (fd) if every @a @? N^N contains a finite ds. F is locally fd (lfd) if there exists a set {F"i |i @? I} of fd functionals such that F(@a) = {F"i(@a) | i @?I} and F"i (@a;) F"j (@b) for i j and @a, @b @? N^N. Total continuous operators (from N^N to N^N) are lfd. Examples for fd F show that F^* (@a) may contain (even 2^[email protected]?) infinite mds's. The two main results for lfd functionals are that every ds contains a mds and that if F^*(@a) consists only of finite sets then F^* (@a) is itself finite. This follows from a combinatorial Theorem. IfA = @?^~"n"="1A"nwhere theA"n's are finite andA"n @? A"mfor n m, then @?B @? A such that @?"n (A"n @? B) and for an infinite sequencen"1, n"2,..., (A"n"""i - B) @? (A"n"""j - B) = @A when j. A partial recursive functional F, if undefined on @a, behaves differently when fd or non-fd on @a. From any oracle-machine for F we can effectively construct another which makes finitely many queries about @a when F is undefined and fd on @a.
Resisting the Tide of Professionalization: Valuing Diversity in Bioethics

Robert Baker (2005) argues that professional “codes are aggregative enterprises growing within fields in response to their historical experiences and needs,” and that “the field of bioethics has re...
Ascochyta blight of chickpea reduced 38% by application of Aureobasidium pullulans (anamorphic Dothioraceae, Dothideales) to post-harvest debris

Abstract In 2004–2005, application of non-amended suspensions of Aureobasidium pullulans conidia to post-harvest chickpea debris resulted in 37.9% fewer Ascochyta blight lesions on chickpea test plants relative to controls. Analogous tests in 2006–2007 resulted in 38.4% fewer lesions. Ascospores released from debris were predominantly Davidiella sp. (anamorph, Cladosporium sp.), followed by Didymella rabiei (anamorph, Ascochyta rabiei, agent of Ascochyta blight).
Impairments in inhibition or cognitive control in psychological disorders

Abstract Contributions to this special issue of Applied & Preventive Psychology richly elucidate connections between a variety of psychological disorders and performance in a number of tasks that are used to reason about inhibitory deficits. This commentary calls attention to the different uses of the concept of inhibition – vernacular, neural, operational, and theoretical – and suggests that the term cognitive control avoids claims about dampened memory representations that are difficult to support. Central findings from the reviews are summarized; evidence concerning suppression-induced forgetting is featured and directions to foster application are discussed.
Colour measurements in the iron oxide pigments industry

The author's company uses colour measurements in all phases of its iron oxide business, including production, quality assurance, marketing, and research.
An efficient error control mechanism for the adaptive 'parareal' time discretization algorithm

'Parareal' attempts to speed up the solution of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by parallelizing the time dimension. Different solutions are obtained in parallel on different subintervals. An iterative procedure is employed to match the solution values at the end of each subinterval with those at the beginning of the next one. It has been shown that insufficient 'parareal' iterations lead to an inaccurate solution, while too many iterations waste CPU cycles without bringing any improvement to the solution.In this paper we discuss an error control mechanism for both the classical 'parareal' time discretization method and its adaptive variant. This mechanism can be effectively used as a mean of controlling the number of 'parareal' iterations. We show that bounding the difference between the solution of the fine integrator and the 'parareal' solution by the local truncation error of the fine grid leads to a sufficient convergence criterion that guaranties a solution that is accurate enough in a minimum number of iterations.Tests on a nonlinear problem illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed error control mechanism on the classical automatic adaptive time stepping formulation of an embedded method on the two-level 'parareal' algorithm.
Role of social media in online travel information search

Social media are playing an increasingly important role as information sources for travelers. The goal of this study is to investigate the extent to which social media appear in search engine results in the context of travel-related searches. The study employed a research design that simulates a traveler's use of a search engine for travel planning by using a set of pre-defined keywords in combination with nine U.S. tourist destination names. The analysis of the search results showed that social media constitute a substantial part of the search results, indicating that search engines likely direct travelers to social media sites. This study confirms the growing importance of social media in the online tourism domain. It also provides evidence for challenges faced by traditional providers of travel-related information. Implications for tourism marketers in terms of online marketing strategies are discussed.
Outbreak of the reactive airways dysfunction syndrome after a spill of glacial acetic acid.

The reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) defines a chronic asthmalike illness with airway hyperresponsiveness that develops within 24 h of a single, brief, highly irritating inhalation exposure. Support for the syndrome has been limited to case reports. A chemical spill, exposing hospital employees to 100%acetic acid, offered an opportunity to more convincingly establish the existence of RADS. All 56 exposed subjects were asked both to complete a questionnaire focusing on their preexposure health status, potential for exposure, and symptom development after the accident, 8 months after the spill, and to undergo methacholine challenge testing to detect airway hyperresponsiveness. An industrial hygienist, blinded to clinical data, estimated each subject's exposure. Preemployment health history forms were reviewed to assess recall bias. The study questionnaire was returned by 51 (91%) subjects; 24 (47%) consented to methacholine challenge, including 7 of the 8 with RADS-consistent symptoms. Diagnosti...
Insurance Supply with Capacity Constraints and Endogenous Insolvency Risk

Negative shocks to industry capital and significant capital adjustment costs have been offered as an explanation of periodic “crises” in the property-liability insurance market. According to these capacity constraint models, in which post-shock production must meet a solvency constraint, increases in price can cause some or perhaps all of the cost of a negative shock to capital to be shifted to policyholders. This article develops a model of insurance supply with capacity constraints and endogenous insolvency risk that incorporates limited liability and potential loss of insurer intangible capital. If industry demand is inelastic with respect to price and capital, the model predicts that price will increase following a negative shock to capital, but by less than the amount needed to fully offset the shock. Equity value and the expected recovery by policyholders for post-shock production are predicted to decline. Elastic demand mitigates shock-induced price increases.
New insights into gastrointestinal anthrax infection

Bacterial infections are the primary cause of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in both developing and developed countries, and are particularly dangerous for infants and children. Bacillus anthracis is the ‘archetype zoonotic’ pathogen; no other infectious disease affects such a broad range of species, including humans. Importantly, there are more case reports of GI anthrax infection in children than inhalational disease. Early diagnosis is difficult and widespread systemic disease develops rapidly. This review highlights new findings concerning the roles of the gut epithelia, commensal microbiota, and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in initiation of disease and systemic dissemination in animal models of GI anthrax, the understanding of which is crucial to designing alternative therapies that target the establishment of infection.
Precision Measurement of the L X-Ray Spectra of Uranium and Plutonium

Twenty uranium $L$ x-ray transitions have been measured using a commercial, sealed off, uranium target x-ray tube. Twelve plutonium $L$ x-ray transitions have been measured in conventional x-ray fluorescence from a 5.86-g sample. All lines were measured with high precision using the two-crystal spectrometer, and corrected for the effects of temperature on the grating space of calcite, the effects of vertical divergence, and the effects of crystal diffraction pattern asymmetry. The wavelengths corresponding to these transitions are given in terms of the x-unit (where the latter is so defined that the wavelength of the Mo $K{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}$ line is 707.8490 x-units) with relative errors of less than 15 ppm (parts per million) in the case of U, and less than 30 ppm in the case of Pu.
Aging and the Picture Superiority Effect in Recall.

One recurrent theme in the literature on aging and memory is that the decline of memory for nonverbal information is steeper than for verbal information. This research compares verbal and visual encoding using the picture superiority effect, the finding that pictures are remembered better than words. In the first experiment, an interaction was found between age and type of material; younger subjects recalled more pictures than words while older subjects did not. However, the overall effect was small and two further experiments were conducted. In both of these experiments, the picture superiority effect was found in both age groups with no interaction. In addition, performing a semantic orienting task had no effect on recall. The finding of a picture superiority effect in older subjects indicates that nonverbal codes can be effectively used by subjects in all age groups to facilitate memory performance.
Obacunone exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-aromatase activity in vitro by inhibiting the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells

Overexpression of the aromatase enzyme CYP19 has been implicated in the onset of estrogen-dependent breast carcinogenesis. Obacunone, a natural compound present in citrus fruits, has been demonstrated for various biological activities including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we have isolated obacunone and obacunone glucoside (OG) from lemon seeds, then fractionated these compounds using chromatographic techniques and characterized them by HPLC, LC-MS, and 2D NMR spectral analysis. To investigate the mechanism of anti-cancer and anti-aromatase activities of limonoids, their cytotoxic effect was tested on human breast cancer (MCF-7) and non-malignant (MCF-12F) breast cells. MTT assays confirmed that obacunone was strongly inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation without affecting non-malignant breast cells. Treatment with obacunone increased apoptosis by up-regulating expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and down-regulating the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2, as well as inducing G1 cell cycle arrest. In addition, obacunone significantly inhibited aromatase activity in an in vitro enzyme assay. Exposure of MCF-7 breast cancer cells to obacunone down-regulated expression of inflammatory molecules including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, we found that obacunone inhibited COX-2 and NF-κB by activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Finally, the uptake level of obacunone into MCF-7 cells was measured by HPLC and its structure was confirmed by LC-HR-MS. This study demonstrated that obacunone may have the potential to prevent estrogen-responsive breast cancer through inhibition of the aromatase enzyme and inflammatory pathways, as well as activation of apoptosis.
Numerical Models of the Multiphase Interstellar Matter with Stellar Energy Feedback on a Galactic Scale

High-resolution two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations for the interstellar matter (ISM) in a galactic disk are enhanced to include explicitly star formation and the feedback effects from supernovae and stellar winds. A globally stable multiphase ISM is formed, in which filamentary and clumpy structure is a characteristic feature. We find a new component of 106-108 K gas that is a direct consequence of the energy input from the feedback. The total supernovae rate in the system varies by an order of magnitude over a timescale of 106 yr. The evolution of the supernovae rate exhibits chaotic behavior because the star formation is triggered by supernovae explosions in the inhomogeneous interstellar medium. We also find that, in spite of its very complicated spatial structure, the multiphase ISM exhibits a one-point probability density function (pdf) that is a perfect lognormal distribution over four decades in density, 102-106 M☉ pc-2. The lognormal pdf is very robust even in regions with frequent bursts of supernovae. Low-density regions or cavities (<10 M☉ pc-2), on the other hand, exhibit the normal Gaussian distribution. These characteristic pdf's are achieved over a local dynamical scale. The energy spectra are E(k) ∝ k-3 without feedback and E(k) ∝ k-2 including stellar energy feedback.
An Exact Multiplicity Result for a class of Semilinear Equations

For a class of Dirichlet problems in two dimensions, generalizing the model case we show existence of a critical so that there are exactly 0, 1 or 2 nontrivial solutions (in fact, positive), depend...
Dopamine receptor binding: Specificity, localization and regulation by ions and guanyl nucleotides

3H-Spiroperidol labels dopamine receptors in rats striatum but in frontal cortex and hippocampus 3H-spiroperidol labels serotonin receptors. The agonists 3H-ADTN and 3H-apomorphine label rat striatal dopamine receptors. Comparison with calf striatal binding indicates a species difference in 3H-apomorphine binding. Drug displacement and lesion studies suggest that in the rat 3H-apomorphine labels two distinct dopamine receptors, one associated with the dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase and the other with presynaptic dopamine receptors also labeled by 3H-spiroperidol. Whereas divalent cations increase specific dopamine receptor binding of 3H-agonists and 3H-antagonists, 3H-agonist binding is selectively decreased by some guanyl nucleotides.
Sesquiterpene lactones, flavanones and a diterpene acid from Viguiera laciniata

Abstract The leaves and flower heads of Viguiera laciniata yielded lacinolide A, a new benzoic acid ester of heliangolide, and a new chlorinated heliangolide, lacinolide B, along with six other sesquiterpene lactones, four of which were new, one known diterpene acid and two known flavanones. The structures of all compounds were elucidated by NMR and mass spectroscopy. Lacinolide A was established by X-ray crystallography.
The Expanding Role of the Small Van De Graaff in Nuclear Nondestructive Analysis

In support of Nuclear Safeguards, a 3-MeV Van de Graaff accelerator was installed at LASL to aid research in techniques for nondestructive assay of fissionable materials. Monoenergetic neutrons make possible fissile assay techniques less influenced by self-absorption than thermal interrogation and more discriminating of fissile over fertile material than use of partially moderated high-energy neutrons. Delayed fission-neutron counting, a valuable assay technique, is facilitated by pulsed neutron on-to-off ratios in excess of 109, achieved with special beam-handling techniques. Where high neutron backgrounds, e.g. from samples containing 240Pu, preclude delayed-neutron counting, fission prompt-neutron counting with an energy-biasable detector is applied. The increasing facility workload, which includes detector development and calibration, research in trace analysis by proton-induced x-ray fluorescence and research in light-element isotopic assay by means of charged-particle induced reactions, indicates that technological application may more than supplant dwindling nuclear research as a market for accelerators of this class.
Lipid Peroxidation Protection Factors in Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdnerii) Muscle Cytosol

Two types of lipid peroxidation protection factors were found in rainbow trout white muscle cytosol. One type of protection factor is heat-labile and nondialyzable. This type of protection factor could be superoxide dismutase, catalase, or a yet uncharacterized proteinaceous factor. The other type is heat-resistant but dialyzable. Iron chelating reagent, such as inorganic phosphate could belong to this type of protection factor. Both types are glutathione (GSH)-independent and preserve polyunsaturated fatty acid in fish muscle microsomes. This indicates that these protection factor are able to prevent the initiation of lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated lipids.
Postpartum IUD insertions in Manila, Philippines.

In comparative IUD trials conducted in the Philippines, IUDs were inserted immediately postpartum (within ten minutes postplacenta). The first study was designed to compare the IPCS-52 mg (Intrauterine Progestasert Contraceptive System) IUD with the TCu200 when inserted either by hand or with an inserter. Follow-up continued for three years because the IPCS model was designed to release progesterone for this length of time. There was one suspected pregnancy for which the IUD was removed during the study period. The expulsion rates were higher in the IPCS groups than in the TCu groups (p≤0.05) and they were higher in the hand insertion groups than in the inserter groups (p≤0.05).
Reduced glutathione effects on α-tocopherol concentration of rat liver microsomes undergoing NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation

Factors involved in reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamin E-mediated inhibition of NADPH-dependent rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation were examined. Lipid peroxidation was monitored over a time-course of 180 min by thiobarbituric acid reactive product formation. The addition of 5 mM GSH to the reaction system containing microsomes from rats fed a diet supplemented with 150 IU/kg of α-tocopherol acetate for eight weeks produced a lag in peroxidation of >30 min. This effect was not observed for microsomes prepared from rats fed a diet deficient in vitamin E. Indeed, a prooxidant effect of 5 mM GSH was observed in assays containing microsomes from rats fed a diet deficient in vitamin E. The inhibition by GSH of lipid peroxidation in microsomes prepared from livers of vitamin E supplemented rats was not restricted by its availability, for it was found that approximately 92% of the GSH remained in the reduced form after 60 min. Additional experiments revealed that the α-tocopherol content of peroxidizing microsomes decreased rapidly in the absence of GSH. The addition of 5 mM GSH to the assay system markedly depressed the loss of microsomal α-tocopherol. The results ofin vivo labeling of liver microsomes with [14C] α-tocopherol demonstrated that i) GSH addition to thein vitro peroxidizing medium reduced the disappearance of α-tocopherol, and ii) a compound that interfered with the determination of α-tocopherol was separated by HPLC and was not an oxidation product of α-tocopherol. A portion of the microsomal14C-labeled α-tocopherol was converted to an unidentified product with HPLC retention characteristics that was similar, but not identical, to α-tocopherol quinone.
Research article: Potential drug-like inhibitors of Group 1 influenza neuraminidase identified through computer-aided drug design

Pandemic (H1N1) influenza poses an imminent threat. Nations have stockpiled inhibitors of the influenza protein neuraminidase in hopes of protecting their citizens, but drug-resistant strains have already emerged, and novel therapeutics are urgently needed. In the current work, the computer program AutoGrow is used to generate novel predicted neuraminidase inhibitors. Given the great flexibility of the neuraminidase active site, protein dynamics are also incorporated into the computer-aided drug-design process. Several potential inhibitors are identified that are predicted to bind to neuraminidase better than currently approved drugs.
Phase Structural Transitions for Large 2D Dust Clusters in Complex Plasmas

Summary form only given. The field of complex plasmas has witnessed almost exponential growth since the discovery in 1994 of the self-assembly of ordered structures (Coulomb crystals) within a controlled lab environment. Recently there has been enormous interest in the static and dynamic behavior of 2- and 3D dust clusters consisting of a finite number of charged, ordered dust grains within a horizontal confinement. Both the resulting structures and the dynamic behavior of such small dust clusters (N<100) is now under intense investigation. It has recently been shown employing a numerical simulation that under certain conditions a structural phase transition can occur, reordering a 2D dust crystal from one exhibiting hexagonal lattice structure to that showing a spherical structure consisting of concentric rings. Such phase transitions appear to occur preferentially within the outer layers of larger dust clusters, where the Debye length and the confining potential both vary in a manner which is not yet completely understood. This paper examines such structural phase transitions, analyzing them quantitatively. Experimental data are also compared to simulation results.
Nasal administration of a cognition enhancer provides improved bioavailability but not enhanced brain delivery.

Abstract Compound 1 [3,3-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)-1-phenylindolin-2-one] is an experimental cognition-enhancing drug now being developed for cognitive disorders. Oral bioavailability of 1 in rats was 50%. Brain levels of total radioactivity were measured after iv and nasal doses of radiolabeled 1 . The ratio of AUC brain :AUC plasma was the same by both routes, so nasal dosing did not enhance brain delivery. This is in contrast to other reports of large molecular weight substances and metals gaining direct access to the brain through the nasal epithelium.
Nicotine and cotinine effects on development of two-cell mouse embryos in vitro

Abstract The independent and interactive effects of nicotine and cotinine on the development of cultured two-cell embryos were investigated. Cultures were maintained for 120 h and developmental stages of embryos were scored after 72 h and at the termination of culture. Concentrations of nicotine at or below 0.5 mM, and concentrations of cotinine at or below 0.008 mM, did not adversely affect development. In addition, neither nicotine nor cotinine produced synergistic effects at higher concentrations at which both independently impaired development. These data show, therefore, that nicotine and its major metabolite, cotinine, significantly interfere with preimplantation development of mouse embryos only at concentrations far in excess of those anticipated to be present in the blood of an “average” smoker. Thus, we conclude that the well documented adverse effects of smoking during pregnancy are unlikely to be attributable to a direct effect of nicotine or cotinine on the preimplantation embryo.
The Divine Human Being

The belief in the greatness of individual human beings who are acknowledged as benefactors of the city, the nation, and humankind is as old as the beginnings of Western culture. When the first Christian apostles encountered this belief, it was already well established in the Greco-Roman world. And, with all its intriguing lure, it is still an important and pervasive current in our present situation. Indeed, this belief is very much alive as all of us face the demand for excellence in our teaching and our studies, as well as the expectation that graduates will emerge as recognized leaders in religious communities and in our society at large.
Muscular strength in the elderly - implications for ergonomic design

This paper discusses the need for greater emphasis to be put on the importance of muscular strength for designing jobs, products, and the living environments for the elderly; and on the need for an appropriate strength data base. The published data on strength in the elderly are reviewed and discussed from the point view of their usefulness in ergonomic designs. The discussion emphasizes that most existing strength data on the elderly were done for fitness and clinical applications, and that the structure of those data is of limited value to ergonomists. The few studies with ergonomic applicability deal mostly with hand strength and manual performance in specific tasks; and the data for whole-body tasks in various postures are non-existent.
Quantitative study of high-dynamic-range image sensor architectures

Analysis of dynamic-range (DR) and signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) for high fidelity, high-dynamic-range (HDR) image sensor architectures is presented. Four architectures are considered: (i) time-to-saturation, (ii) multiple-capture, (iii) asynchronous self-reset with multiple capture, and (iv) synchronous self-reset with residue readout. The analysis takes into account circuit nonidealities such as quantization noise and the effects of limited pixel area on building block and reference signal performance and accuracy. Examples that demonstrate the behavior of SNR in the extended DR and implementation and power consumption issues for each scheme are presented.
Condensation nuclei concentrations over the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract Observations of condensation nuclei concentrations (Aitken nuclei) were made on board the Glomar Challenger during Mediterranean cruises in both 1970 and 1975. The data reveal number concentrations considerably greater than previously reported. The concentrations expected are about 1000–2000 cm −3 as opposed to open-ocean concentrations of about 400 cm −3 or less. The observed concentrations were significantly greater in 1975 than 1970 which may reflect increased industrial activity but other possible causes, such as different vegetative production of particles, cannot be ruled out.
Conformational dynamics of an intact virus: order parameters for the coat protein of Pf1 bacteriophage.

Abstract This study has examined the atomic-level dynamics of the protein in the capsid of filamentous phage Pf1. This capsid consists of ≈7,300 small subunits of only 46 aa in a helical array around a highly extended, circular single-stranded DNA molecule of 7,349 nt. Measurements were made of site-specific, solid-state NMR order parameters, 〈S〉, the values which are dimensionless quantities between 0 (mobile) and 1 (static) that characterize the amplitudes of molecular bond angular motions that are faster than microseconds. It was found that the protein subunit backbone is very static, and of particular interest, it appears to be static at residues glycine 15 and glutamine 16 where it had been previously thought to be mobile. In contrast to the backbone, several side chains display large-amplitude angular motions. Side chains on the virion exterior that interact with solvent are highly mobile, but surprisingly, the side chains of residues arginine 44 and lysine 45 near the DNA deep in the interior of the virion are also highly mobile. The large-amplitude dynamic motion of these positively charged side chains in their interactions with the DNA were not previously expected. The results reveal a highly dynamic aspect of a DNA–protein interface within a virus. solid-state NMR motion side chain
Solution Structures of i to i + 3 Cyclized Model Peptides: Building Blocks Mimicking Specific Conformations

The structural features of model Nα-acetyl carboxyl-amide cyclic tetrapeptides with the sequence Xxx-Pro-Gly-Zzz where Xxx = Lys, Orn, Dab, and Dpr; Zzz = Glu and Asp (Dab, α, γ-diaminobutyric acid...
VOIDING DYSFUNCTION FOLLOWING TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE: SYMPTOMS AND URODYNAMIC FINDINGS

ABSTRACTPurpose: Persistent voiding dysfunction following transurethral resection of the prostate is not uncommon. We determined the correlation, if any, between the subjective complaints in men with voiding dysfunction after transurethral resection of the prostate and the urodynamic findings.Materials and Methods: A total of 50 consecutive men with voiding dysfunction following transurethral resection of the prostate was evaluated with the American Urological Association symptom index and multichannel urodynamics. Patients with urethral stricture, urinary retention or prostate cancer were excluded from the study. Urodynamic parameters assessed included detrusor instability, bladder capacity, sphincteric insufficiency using the Valsalva leak point pressure, voiding pressure-flow studies as determined by the Abrams-Griffiths nomogram (obstructed, unobstructed or equivocal) and post-void residual.Results: Mean patient age was 71 years and mean interval from last transurethral resection of the prostate was 5...
Out-of-plane flexural behavior of unreinforced red brick walls strengthened with FRP composites

This paper presents the results of a study focused on evaluating the out-of-plane flexural behavior of two fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite systems for strengthening unreinforced red brick masonry walls. The full-scale tests followed the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) AC 125 procedure. In the experimental program, a total of four full-scale destructive tests were conducted on UMR red brick walls. One wall specimen was used as control (as-built) specimen without composites, and the remaining three wall specimens were strengthened with either E-glass/epoxy or carbon/epoxy composite systems with different fiber architecture. The effect of applying a cross-ply laminate on the ultimate failure mode has been investigated. Full-scale experimental results confirmed the effectiveness of the FRP composite strengthening systems in upgrading the out-of-plane flexural structural performance of URM walls. In addition, an analytical model was developed to predict the ultimate load capacity of the retrofitted walls. The analytical modeling is based on deformation compatibility and force equilibrium using simple section analysis procedure. A good agreement between the experimental and theoretical results was obtained.
Thermal Shock Failure in Thick Epoxy Coatings

Abstract In this paper we describe an apparatus for reproducibly measuring thermal shock resistance of thick polymer layers bonded to metals. The thermal shock behavior is discussed in terms of epoxy samples bonded to an aluminum substrate. It was found that both high resin toughness and low resin thermal expansion coefficient improved thermal shock resistance of thick coatings, but only a sample containing 60wt. % glass beads did not develop a failure crack. Effects of sample thickness, temperature gradient, and resin composition on thermal shock behavior are discussed.
P02.114. Improvement in postural response as a possible mechanism for decrease in falls with vitamin D

Purpose To evaluate the relationship between balance performance and vitamin D in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Postural instability is one of the four cardinal features of PD. Balance problems and falls are a major source of morbidity and mortality late in the disease largely because there are no effective treatments. Vitamin D supplementation reduces falls and reduces sway in quiet stance in elderly fallers.
TGFBR3 loss and consequences in prostate cancer

Background Resistance to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is important in tumorigenesis. TGF-β resistance mechanisms in prostate cancer are not well understood. Methods We have conducted a systematic analysis of TGF-β pathway components with a meta-analysis of seven microarray studies using Oncomine and evaluated the results of TGFBR3 expression in prostate cell lines. Furthermore, we knocked down TGFBR3 in prostate epithelial cells and analyzed the consequences of TGFBR3 knockdown. Results We found that TGFBR3 is the TGF-β component most commonly downregulated among localized human prostate cancer studies. TGFBR3 knockdown led to focus formation and enhanced expression of CD133, a marker found on prostate cancer stem cells. DNA microarray analysis of TGFBR3 knockdown cells identified 101 genes regulated by TGFBR3. Seven of these genes show a corresponding decrease in clinical prostate cancer specimens, which include genes involved in prostate mass and vasculature. Conclusions TGFBR3 downregulation is an important step in prostate tumorigenesis. Prostate 67:301–311, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Differences in projection patterns between large and small corticothalamic terminals.

We injected tracer into wide regions of visual cortex in the cat to produce retrograde and orthograde labeling in the thalamus, chiefly in the lateral geniculate nucleus and lateral posterior–pulvinar complex (LP-Pulvinar). We used the electron microscope to measure the sizes of orthogradely labeled terminals in thalamus and used these measurements to help determine whether the terminals were “RL” (large, presumed excitatory) or “RS” (small, presumed excitatory). We also distinguished reciprocal regions, which were zones of corticothalamic feedback defined by the presence of many retrogradely labeled cell bodies and orthogradely labeled terminals, from nonreciprocal regions, which were zones of feedforward corticothalamic projections defined by the presence of orthogradely labeled terminals alone. The lateral geniculate nucleus, a reciprocal region, had retrogradely labeled cell bodies as well as labeled RS terminals. Likewise, reciprocal regions in LP-Pulvinar were dominated by labeled RS terminals. In contrast, nonreciprocal regions were dominated by labeled RL terminals. Based on other evidence of corticothalamic projections that RL and RS terminals derive, respectively, from layer 5 and layer 6, we suggest the same relationship here, leading to the conclusion that the corticothalamic input from layer 6 is largely feedback, whereas that from layer 5 is largely feedforward. This finding lends credence to a recent hypothesis that layer 5 corticothalamic axons represent the afferent limb of a cortico-thalamo-cortical pathway that is critical for corticocortical communication. J. Comp. Neurol. 475:406 – 415, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: thalamus; cortex; pulvinar; first and higher-order thalamic relays
A critique of Milton Friedman's essay ‘the social responsibility of business is to increase its profits’

The main arguments of Milton Friedman's famous and influential essay are unsuccessful: He fails to prove that the exercise of social responsibility in business is by nature an unfair and socialist practice.
Aberration tolerances for visual optical systems

The effects of aberrations on images formed by a total system, including the eye, are assessed in terms of modulation threshold, grating detectability, and modulation transfer functions. The effects of approximately one and two waves of third-order spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism on the total system modulation transfer function are investigated using three-bar resolution targets and Ronchi rulings in two separate psychophysical experiments. The results of both experiments indicate that the experimentally determined system modulation transfer function is closely approximated by the theoretically calculated modulation transfer function of the total system optics (dioptrics included) in the presence of instrument aberrations. The data indicate that the eye accomodates to a “best focus” when spherical aberration and astigmatism (but not coma) are present in the instrument. The quantitative data are used to determine aberration tolerances for instruments that are designed for specific visual tasks and that employ simple targets similar to those investigated.
Intersurface Ion-Imprinting Synthesis on Layered Magadiite Hosts

A new methodology has been developed to provide effective functionalization of the intersurfaces of ordered, crystalline, layered magadiite via an imprinting synthesis. Although the surface imprinting has been conducted successfully on a variety of substrates, no report has appeared on imprinting synthesis on the intergalleries of the layered materials. This methodology has resulted in a simplified experimental procedure for functionalizing layered silicates with good control of the distributions of functional ligands on magadiite. Our results demonstrate that the imprint-functionalized magadiite has better selectivity and a higher capacity for metal-ion templates than the nonimprinted analogue. The possibility of continuous variation of the basal spacing and the crystalline structures of the layered materials highlight a new opportunity for conducting imprinting synthesis.
Chaotic pulsing and quasi-periodic route to chaos in a semiconductor laser with delayed opto-electronic feedback

Chaotic pulsing and the route to chaos in a semiconductor laser with delayed, positive opto-electronic feedback are investigated numerically and experimentally. Both numerical simulation and experimental observation indicate that the laser enters a chaotic pulsing state at certain delay times of the feedback loop through a quasi-periodic route. The characteristics of each dynamical state are analyzed. The chaotic pulsing state is verified with a positive Lyapunov exponent and a fractal correlation dimension. The experimental results show very good qualitative agreement with the numerical results. Quantitative discrepancy between experimental and numerical results can be explained by the bandpass characteristics of the electronic feedback loop.
Radiation-Natural Convection Interactions in Two-Dimensional Complex Enclosures

A numerical finite-difference study has been carried out for the two-dimensional radiation-natural convection interaction phenomena in square enclosures with equal vertical finite-thickness partitions located at the centers of the ceiling and floor. Both participating gases (CO2 and NH3 ) and nonparticipating gas (air) are considered. In the radiation calculations, the nongray exponential wide-band models for CO2 and NH3 are used, together with a radial flux method utilizing a more realistic polar description for the radiation exchange in the enclosure. Results on the effects of both surface and gas radiation on the velocity and temperature fields and the overall heat transfer rates as functions of the partition heights at two levels of the Grashof number are presented and discussed in terms of the physical phenomena.
Isolated Deep Venous Thrombosis: Implications for 2-Point Compression Ultrasonography of the Lower Extremity

Study objective Two-point compression ultrasonography focuses on the evaluation of common femoral and popliteal veins for complete compressibility. The presence of isolated thrombi in proximal veins other than the common femoral and popliteal veins should prompt modification of 2-point compression technique. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and distribution of deep venous thrombi isolated to lower-extremity veins other than the common femoral and popliteal veins in emergency department (ED) patients with clinically suspected deep venous thrombosis. Methods This was a retrospective study of all adult ED patients who received a lower-extremity venous duplex ultrasonographic examination for evaluation of deep venous thrombosis during a 6-year period. The ultrasonographic protocol included B-mode, color-flow, and spectral Doppler scanning of the common femoral, femoral, deep femoral, popliteal, and calf veins. Results Deep venous thrombosis was detected in 362 of 2,451 patients (14.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.3% to 16.1%). Thrombus confined to the common femoral vein alone was found in 5 of 362 cases (1.4%; 95% CI 0.2% to 2.6%). Isolated femoral vein thrombus was identified in 20 of 362 patients (5.5%; 95% CI 3.2% to 7.9%). Isolated deep femoral vein thrombus was found in 3 of 362 cases (0.8%; 95% CI –0.1% to 1.8%). Thrombus in the popliteal vein alone was identified in 53 of 362 cases (14.6%; 95% CI 11% to 18.2%). Conclusion In our study, 6.3% of ED patients with suspected deep venous thrombosis had isolated thrombi in proximal veins other than common femoral and popliteal veins. Our study results support the addition of femoral and deep femoral vein evaluation to standard compression ultrasonography of the common femoral and popliteal vein, assuming that this does not have a deleterious effect on specificity.
MAZ, a zinc finger protein, binds to c-MYC and C2 gene sequences regulating transcriptional initiation and termination.

Abstract ME1a1, a 16-base-pair nuclear factor binding site residing between the c-MYC P1 and P2 transcription initiation sites, is required for P2 activity. A cDNA encoding a 477-amino acid zinc finger protein designated MAZ (MYC-associated zinc finger protein) was cloned from a HeLa lambda gt11 library by screening with a concatamerized ME1a1 binding site probe. In addition to six potential zinc fingers of the Cys2His2 type, MAZ contains an amino-terminal proline-rich domain and several polyalanine tracts. Its mRNA was present in all human tissues tested except for kidney, as a doublet of approximately 2.5 and 2.7 kilobases, along with differentially expressed minor species. MAZ bound specifically to the wild-type ME1a1 sequence but not to a ME1a1 mutant that also failed to yield P2 activity. When expressed as a fusion protein in a pMAL-c vector, MAZ binds with specificity to a GA box sequence (GGGAGGG) found in the c-MYC P2 promoter, to the P2 attenuator region within the gene's first exon, and to a related sequence involved in the transcriptional termination of the C2 gene. MAZ may encode a transcription factor with dual roles in transcription initiation and termination.
Myosin VI: an innovative motor that challenged the swinging lever arm hypothesis

The swinging crossbridge hypothesis states that energy from ATP hydrolysis is transduced to mechanical movement of the myosin head while bound to actin. The light chain-binding region of myosin is thought to act as a lever arm that amplifies movements near the catalytic site. This model has been challenged by findings that myosin VI takes larger steps along actin filaments than early interpretations of its structure seem to allow. We now know that myosin VI does indeed operate by an unusual approximately 180 degrees lever arm swing and achieves its large step size using special structural features in its tail domain.