cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safe intersections: At the crossing of hybrid systems and verification

Intelligent vehicle systems have interesting prospects for solving inefficiencies and risks in ground transportation, e.g., by making cars aware of their environment and regulating speed intelligently. If the computer control technology reacts fast enough, intelligent control can be used to increase the density of cars on the streets. The technology may also help prevent crashes at intersections, which cost the US $97 Billion in the year 2000. The crucial prerequisite for intelligent vehicle control, however, is that it must be correct, for it may otherwise do more harm than good. Formal verification techniques provide the best reliability guarantees but have had difficulties in the past with scaling to such complex systems. We report our successes with a logical approach to hybrid systems verification, which can capture discrete control decisions and continuous driving dynamics. We present a model for the interaction of two cars and a traffic light at a two lane intersection and verify with a formal proof that our system always ensures collision freedom and that our controller always prevents cars from running red lights.
Photopolymers generated by pulsed lasers

Polymers can be generated with a pulsed laser source to initiate the polymerization process. Operating parameters such as laser repetition rate, pulse power, and photoinitiator concentration can change the rate and efficiency of the process. Recent work demonstrates that a wealth of kinetic and mechanistic information can be obtained by appropriate experiments. A review of the subject provides some insight into the possibilities of laser initiated polymerization.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Levels of Cyclosporin in Epidermis of Treated Psoriasis Patients Differentially Inhibit Growth of Keratinocytes Cultured in Serum Free Versus Serum Containing Media

Cyclosporin A, which is a specific immunosuppressive compound, has recently been demonstrated to be of significant benefit in the treatment of psoriasis. Because hyperplasia is a major feature of psoriasis, we have investigated whether this drug acts directly to inhibit keratinocyte growth. We have determined the concentration range of cyclosporin in the epidermis of psoriatic patients undergoing cyclosporin therapy and the effect of this concentration range on the growth of cultured keratinocytes. After 7 days of treatment, psoriatic involved epidermis contained 1.1 +/- 0.3 ng cyclosporin/micrograms DNA. Based on tissue wet weight this is approximately 2.8 micrograms cyclosporin/ml. This value was 10 times that of trough blood samples. On day 3 of treatment, involved epidermis contained 7 times more cyclosporin than scale, while on day 7 this ratio was reduced to 2. This suggests that cyclosporin was initially associated with the lower layers of the epidermis and distributed upward with time. Exposure of adult human keratinocytes, cultured on collagen in the presence of human serum, to cyclosporin (0.1-30 micrograms/ml, 0.4-13-fold higher than lesional cyclosporin) for 2-6 d had no effect on the rate of incorporation of thymidine into DNA. Cyclosporin (1-30 micrograms/ml) also had not effect on the reinitiation of DNA synthesis of quiescent cells subsequent to the reintroduction of serum. In contrast, cyclosporin (1-10 micrograms/ml) inhibited growth of keratinocytes cultured on plastic culture dishes in serum free media (MCDB 153). For a given dose of cyclosporin, cell associated drug was 2-3 times greater in serum free compared to serum containing media. This may contribute in part to the sensitivity of keratinocytes in serum free media to growth inhibition by cyclosporin. These data demonstrate that human epidermis contains a high concentration of cyclosporin after oral administration, and that, under certain conditions, concentrations of cyclosporin within the range found in vivo can inhibit growth of cultured keratinocytes. Because cyclosporin regulates lymphocyte function in vivo and in vitro, the demonstrated antiproliferative effects of cyclosporin on psoriatic keratinocytes in vivo may be due to inhibition of a mononuclear leukocyte-derived keratinocyte growth factor(s) in combination with direct inhibition of keratinocyte growth.
POD-GALERKIN-REDUCED MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL FOR RADIATIVE DRYING OF COATINGS

The process of drying coatings constitutes an important step in automotive plants. In this paper, a control scheme for infrared drying of waterborne coatings is outlined and demonstrated. The drying process model, which is described by a coupled system of a nonlinear partial differential equation for moisture content and a nonlinear ordinary differential equation for coating temperature, is first reduced to a system of nonlinear ODEs using the POD-Galerkin method. Then, a nonlinear model predictive control framework is devised to track a prescribed moisture removal profile during the drying process, while optimizing energy consumption and quality criteria. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated using system simulations.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Ion beam assisted deposition of superconducting MgB2 thin films

Abstract We studied the structural and superconducting properties of MgB 2 thin films, deposited by co-evaporation of magnesium and boron in the presence and absence of an ion beam followed by ‘in-situ’ and ‘ex-situ’ annealing. The MgB 2 films were capped with a Mg and a B layer to provide an additional Mg source in the following annealing step and to prevent diffusion of Mg out of the films. Films deposited with an ion beam showed lower transition temperature ( T c 21 K), whereas MgB 2 films deposited without an ion beam showed a T c as high as 30.6 K. Third order susceptibility measurements demonstrated homogeneous MgB 2 films. Rutherford backscattering (RBS) measurements showed low oxygen concentration throughout the film. For ‘ex-situ’ annealed MgB 2 film transition temperatures up to 33.5 K are obtained. X-Ray diffraction suggests some degree of c -axis alignment, but omega scans showed random orientation. MgB 2 film on sapphire substrates always revealed a higher T c than the ones on silicon substrates. However, T c on silicon substrates was as high as 22.5 K.
Boundary conditions and the cosmological constant.

We consider various simplified models of quantum gravity in which we propose a method for determining the boundary conditions for the cosmological wave functions. The basic idea is to require a set of operators, chosen on physical grounds, to be observables; the boundary conditions thus implied are seen to be the ones used previously by DeWitt and to differ little from the ones proposed by Hartle and Hawking. We further note that, in certain regions of parameter space, such boundary conditions can be implemented only if a quantization condition is imposed upon the cosmological constant.
G-to-T transversions and small tandem base deletions are the hallmark of mutations induced by ultraviolet a radiation in mammalian cells.

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation received from the sun and from the widespread use of tanning beds by populations residing in areas of northern latitude represents a potential risk factor for human health. The genotoxic and cancer-causing effects of UVA have remained controversial. A mutagenic role for UVA based on DNA damage formation by reactive oxygen species as well as by generation of photoproducts such as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) has been suggested. Here, we investigated the mutagenicity of UVA in relation to its DNA damaging effects in transgenic Big Blue mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We determined the formation of a typical oxidative DNA lesion, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2‘-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), and of CPDs, as well as quantified the induction of mutations in the cII transgene in cells irradiated with a 2000 W UVA lamp. UVA irradiation at a dose of 18 J/cm2 produced significant levels of 8-oxo-dG in DNA (P < 0.03) but did not yield detectable CPDs. UVA irradiation also increased the cII mutan...
Expert system problem selection: a domain characteristics approach

Abstract The first generation of commercial expert systems based on AI technology are now available in the market place. But in the available literature, one can find hardly any material on expert system problem selection. In this paper a number of popular and successful expert systems are analyzed. Domain-dependent and domain-independent problem characteristics have been identified, based on the analysis. To test our contention that these characteristics significantly contribute to the success of expert systems, a questionnaire survey involving a number of expert system developers was conducted. Based on this, a domain characteristic approach for expert system problem selection is presented.
The reaction between metallic potassium and carbon monoxide: The precursors of the potassium salt of hexahydroxybenzene

Abstract Thermal measurements and magnetic susceptibility determinations have been made on the highly reactive materials, with various overall compositions, that result when increasing amounts of carbon monoxide are allowed to react with metallic potassium. These studies indicate consecutive formation of two diamagnetic solid products of empirical formulae K 3 C 2 O 2 and KCO which form prior to the reported final product, K 6 C 6 O 6 , the potassium salt of hexahydroxybenzene. Methylation of the compound KCO with methyl iodide leads to a product, C 4 O 4 (Me) 4 , resulting from the uptake of four methyl groups, two bound to carbon and two to oxygen. These results are indicative of a structure , 4K + for the intermediate KCO.
Biosphere reserves and the “Yucatán” syndrome: another look at the role of NGOs

Abstract After centuries of cultural and economic conquest of the Americas by European and Euro-American conquistadors, contemporary rhetoric in ex-colonial powers heralds the decline of material and ideological imperialism. Instead, it is purported that today's world is peopled by a great brotherhood, with the more affluent striving to relieve their less fortunate, underdeveloped kith. This conviction is inherent in organizations which dispense money, information, training, and other resources in the name of community development and endangered species and environmental conservation. What is rarely perceived – and practically never said – is that these “benevolent” foreign aid activities typically result in the concentration of resources and power in the hands of a few, the building of empires, and the compounding of already difficult situations, counter-productive to stated objectives. The Yucatan Peninsula is a classic case of persistent imperialism: the geographic name is a corruption of the Mayan “matan cub a than” (“I do not understand you”), while contemporary development and conservation programs habitually exhibit cultural ignorance and dominance. This paper explores a diverse literature on non-governmental organizations, reflects on likely consequences of cultural dominance, and implores professional anthropologists to be adventurous in propagating anthropological knowledge relevant to environmental protection.
Comparison of Intelligent, Adaptive, and Nonlinear Flight Control Laws

Seven different nonlinear control laws for multiaxis control of a high-performance aircraft are compared in simulation. The control law approaches are fuzzy logic control, backstepping adaptive control, neural network augmented control, variable structure control, and indirect adaptive versions of model predictive control and dynamic inversion. In addition, a more conventional scheduled dynamic inversion control law is used as a baseline. In some of the cases, a stochastic genetic algorithm was used to optimize e xed parameters during design. The control laws are demonstrated on a six-degree-of-freedom simulation with nonlinear aerodynamic and engine models, actuator models with position and rate saturations, and turbulence. Simulation results include a variety of single- and multiple-axis maneuvers in normal operation and with failures or damage. The specie c failure and damage cases that are examined include single and multiple lost surfaces, actuator hardovers, and an oscillating stabilatorcase. Therearealso substantial differences between thecontrol law design and simulation models,which are used to demonstrate some robustness aspects of the different control laws.
Extending and benchmarking the "Big Memory" implementation on Blue Gene/P Linux

Despite the fact that Linux is a popular operating system for high-performance computing, it does not ensure maximum performance for compute-intensive workloads. In our previous work we presented "Big Memory"---an alternative, transparent memory space that successfully removes the memory performance bottleneck on Blue Gene/P Linux. The initial Big Memory worked only as a per node resource. In this work we extend it to a per core resource and describe the details of the implementation. We evaluate our new implementation by running various benchmarks and the Nek5000 application. Compared with IBM's Compute Node Kernel that is noise-free and lightweight, the Nek5000 application runs with only 1.2% performance loss on Linux with Big Memory at 32K cores. Our benchmark results show no significant performance degradation from OS noise caused by Linux at a scale of up to 32K cores, although irregular OS events are still present.
Problematic Preferences? A Mixed Method Examination of Principals' Preferences for Teacher Characteristics in Chicago

Purpose: Relatively little is known about how principals make decisions about teacher hiring. This article uses mixed methods to examine what characteristics principals look for in teachers. Research Methods: Data were gathered using a mixed method approach, including in-depth interviews with a representative sample of 31 principals as well as an online survey of 368 principals in the Chicago Public Schools. Data analysis techniques included both qualitative analysis to look for patterns and themes and exploratory regression analysis of surveys to examine variation in preferences across school and principal characteristics. Findings: Results indicate that principals focus on behaviors and skills rather than qualifications. Principals report looking for teachers who care about students, have content knowledge, are willing to go beyond contractual obligations, and have classroom management skills. Principals, in general, talk extensively about caring, classroom management, and willingness to “give extra,” while most say little about content knowledge or teaching skills. Preferences vary substantially across low- and high-achieving schools. Implications: Whether the skills and behaviors that
Interconnecting to aluminum- and copper-based semiconductors (electroless-nickel/gold for solder bumping and wire bonding)

Abstract Electroless nickel and immersion gold plating technologies (e-Ni/Au) have traditionally been used almost exclusively within the electronics industry to create a solderable surface on substrate materials, e.g. laminate boards. Recent advances in these plating technologies, along with the inherent low costs associated with electroless plating processes, have enabled the extension of their utilization into a variety of semiconductor applications, e.g. wafer level pad metallization. This paper describes the electroless nickel and immersion gold processes for both aluminum- and copper-based semiconductors. The nickel plating bath is a hypophosphite-based solution and the gold bath is a cyanide-free sulfate-based solution. For aluminum-based integrated circuits a zincation process is used to initiate nickel growth, and for copper, palladium is used to catalyze the surface. Tight control of the chemistries, equipment, and run-time process variables are required to ensure repeatability. Thin film Auger analysis of the as-plated films shows well-defined layers of high purity gold and nickel/phosphorous. Adhesion of the e-Ni/Au layers was evaluated by measuring the load required to shear I/O pads plated with tall nickel bumps. Integrity of the nickel was further evaluated by subjecting the structures to multiple temperature cycles and test for pad shear strength. Results show no degradation in shear load or failure mode. The deposition of nickel and gold onto the I/O pad surfaces enables the subsequent use of both wire bond and flip chip (lead-based and lead-free alloys) interconnect methods. The integrity of gold wire bonds to the e-Ni/Au plated I/O pad was evaluated using ball shear, wire pull, and the corresponding failure analysis of each. Results show values well above product specifications, with wire pull failure modes in the wire and intermetallic failure in the ball shear studies. For flip chip applications, the e-Ni/Au layer was evaluated using stencil-printing technology to deposit several different solder alloys. In the current investigation, two test vehicles were successfully bumped with both 63Sn/37Pb and 90Pb/10Sn lead-based solder alloys, as well as the 95.5Sn/3.8Ag/0.7Cu lead-free alloy. In order to evaluate the compatibility of these alloys with the electroless nickel layer, solder bump shear tests were performed as a function of number of reflow cycles. Results show no degradation in shear load or failure mode among all three of the alloys tested, indicating no critical nickel consumption (i.e., excessive intermetallic growth) during reflow. Additional tests were performed comparing nickel under-bump-metallurgy (UBM) thicknesses of 1, 2 and 5 μm. Again, no critical nickel consumption was detected.
The Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Treatment of Peptic Acid Diseases in a VA Ambulatory Care Clinic

The costly treatment of peptic acid diseases at a Veterans Affairs ambulatory care clinic prompted the development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the disorders. A committee consisting of a clinical pharmacist, the chiefs of ambulatory care and medicine, and a gastroenterologist guided the process. A consensus-style conference format involving medical staff and residents, pharmacists, and other health providers was chosen to develop the CPGs. Before the conference each participant received a list of key issues and literature on practice guidelines, and on peptic acid diseases and their treatment. At the conference the participants were divided into four groups ; each group discussed specific key issues using a modified nominal group process. Recommendations from each group were made to the entire conference. Final recommendations were compiled into what was adopted and readily received as the CPGs for the institution.
Phylogenetic, structural and functional analyses of the LacI-GalR family of bacterial transcription factors

Phylogenetic tree construction for 25 sequenced members of the LacI-GalR family (LGF) of transcription factors revealed that almost all branches are similar in length, radiating essentially from a single point. This observation suggests that most of these proteins arose by duplication events which occurred at a specific time in evolutionary history, and that further duplication events were rare. Analyses of the multiple alignment of the LGF proteins lead to suggestions regarding structure-function relationships and reveal that the helix-turn-helix DNA-binding motif of LGF proteins is similar in sequence to those of numerous non-homologous DNA-binding proteins.
Determination of quinidine in serum by spectrofluorometry, liquid chromatography and fluorescence scanning thin-layer chromatography

Abstract Quinidine is determined in serum by direct and extraction spectrofluorometry, by reflectance fluorescence scanning thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Least-squares analyses of patients'sera (n=62) analyzed first by direct fluorometry (x) and then HPLC (y) gave a slope of 0.52, an y-intercept of -0.40, a standard error of estimate of 0.65, and a correlation coefficient of 0.83. Comparison of patients' sera (n=59) determined by extraction fluorometry (x) and then HPLC (y) gave a slope of 0.998, an y-intercept of -0.175, a standard error of estimate of 0.30, and a correlation coefficient of 0.96. Comparison of patients' sera (n=36) by HPLC (x) and then reflectance fluorescence scanning TLC (y) gave a slope of 0.837, an y-intercept of 0.152, and a correlation coefficient of 0.94. Methaqualone and oxazepam interfere with HPLC. Within-run precision is 1.6, 1.0, 5.2 and 3.0% by direct fluorometry, extraction fluorometry, TLC and HPLC while between-run precision is 5, 3.5, 9 and 6.0%, respectively.
Dynamic solvation in imidazolium-based ionic liquids on short time scales.

Steady-state and time-resolved Stokes shift data for the probe coumarin 153 in two imidazoles, six imidazolium-based ionic liquids, and several other solvents are presented. These results are consistent with our original suggestion (J. Phys. Chem. B 2004, 108, 10245−10255) that initial solvation is dominated by the organic moiety of the ionic liquid, and they show that for the imidazole-based liquids initial solvation is in all cases very rapid. Solvation by methylimidazole and butylimidazole is complete in 100 ps, and all of the imidazolium ionic liquids demonstrate similarly rapid initial solvation. Owing to the importance of determining the amount of initial solvation that is missed in a given experiment with finite time resolution, we discuss a method of estimating the intramolecular contribution to the reorganization energy. This method yields 2068 cm-1 and is compared with an alternative method.
Delivered! A Mid-Sized Academic Library's Experience with Distance Education

Murray State University (Kentucky) has been experimenting with various means of document delivery and research instruction for its online only and satellite campuses. These include ILLiad-based document delivery, Camtasia-to-UTube tutorials, a discipline-based service called Library on Blackboard, Eluminate and other virtual instructional methods.
Comparison of an interactive e-learning preparatory tool and a conventional downloadable handout used within a flipped neurologic pharmacotherapy lecture

Abstract Background In recent years, a growing number of educators have explored the use of instructional technology to improve student outcomes. However, the efficacy of highly interactive class preparatory tools has been poorly evaluated for neurologic pharmacotherapy courses. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine student performance, engagement, and perception of an interactive online preparatory tool used in a flipped neurologic pharmacotherapy course and compare outcomes between the tool and the conventional downloadable paper handout. Basic procedures Participants were randomized to the online tool ( n = 57) or the conventional handout ( n = 59) for class preparation. Dedicated class time was identical for both groups. Scores for a readiness assurance assignment, in-class quiz, and final exam were collected and metrics of engagement were tracked online. Main findings Students using the online tool scored significantly higher on the final exam ( P = 0.04). The number of distinct days used to access the online tool exhibited moderate positive relationships with the quiz ( r p = 0.35) and exam ( r p = 0.38). The time of first access exhibited a strong positive relationship with exam performance ( r p = 0.48). Conclusions The results from this study suggest that engagement with a highly interactive online preparatory tool is positively related to student learning in neurologic pharmacotherapy.
Comparison of Phenotypic and Marker-Assisted Selection for Quantitative Traits in Sweet Corn

This investigation was designed to empirically compare the efficiency of marker-assisted selection (MAS) and phenotypic selection (PS) in enhancing economically important quantitative traits in sweet corn (Zea mays L.). Marker-assisted selection and PS were applied to three F 2:3 base populations (C 0 ) with either the sugaryl (su1), sugary enhancer1 (se1 ), or shrunken2 (sh2) endosperm mutations. One cycle of selection was applied for both single and multiple traits including seedling emergence, kernel sucrose concentration, kernel tenderness, and hedonic rating (taste panel preference). Twenty percent of the families in each of the base populations were selected and intermated to constitute MAS- and PS-based C 1 composite populations. Selection efficiencies were evaluated on the basis of gains over one cycle and estimated evaluation costs. A total of 52 paired comparisons were made between MAS and PS composite populations. In 38% of the paired comparisons, MAS resulted in significantly higher gain than PS across the three C 1 composite populations, while PS was significantly greater in only 4% of the cases. The average MAS and PS gain across all composite populations and selected traits, calculated as percent increase or decrease from the randomly selected controls, was 10.9% and 6.1%, respectively. Use of MAS is most appropriate when traits are difficult and costly to measure. However, for some traits, the higher gain from MAS can compensate for the higher costs of MAS. It was concluded that incorporating DNA markers to traditional breeding programs could expedite selection progress and be cost-effective.
Submicroscopic terminal deletion of 1p36.3 and Xp23 hidden in complex chromosome rearrangements: Independent mechanism of telomere restitution on the two chromatids

In this study, we report two cases each with a complex chromosome rearrangement concealing a submicroscopic terminal deletion. The first case had a mos 46,XX,der(1)t(1;9)(p36.3;p13). ish der(1)(wcp9 +, 1ptel-, 9ptel +, pan tel +)[88]/46,XX. ish del(1)(1ptel -, 9ptel -, pan tel +)[12] karyotype. Scrutiny by FISH using wcp 9, 1ptel, 9ptel, and pan telomeric probes found a subtelomeric 1ptel deletion on the der(1) in the abnormal cell line and on a chromosome 1 in the apparently normal cell line. The telomere (TTAGGG)n, however, was present on the terminal ends of both copies of chromosome 1 in the apparently normal and abnormal cell lines. The second case had a de novo mos 46,X,der(X)t(X;22)(p22.3;q11.2),inv dup(22)(q11.2).ish der(X)(wcpX +,wcp22 +,KAL +, STS -,Xptel -,BCR +),inv dup(22)(wcp22 +,TUPLE ++,BCR -)[85]/45,X,der(X)t(X;22)(p22.3;q11.2),- 22[15].ish der(X)(wcpX +,wcp22 +, KAL +,STS -,Xptel -,BCR +) karyotype. FISH probes identified a terminal Xpter deletion, distal to the KAL gene. The two rearrangements are hypothesized to have been initiated by a terminal deletion. We propose a model for the formation of the rearrangement in Case 1, which invokes independent telomere stabilization of the sister chromatids. A terminal deletion 1pter in meiosis, was followed by acquiring or regenerating a telomere (TTAGGG)n cap on one chromatid and the other chromatid was involved in a translocation with a chromosome 9 chromatid. Following segregation of this chromosome the viable cell line survives to form the mosaic karyotype. Our findings suggest that subtelomeric deletions should be ruled out in cases with complex and simple rearrangements involving the terminal regions.
DETERMINATION OF ALLIIN IN RAT PLASMA BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY-ELECTROSPRAY IONIZATION MASS SPECTROMETRY

A rapid and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray/MS method has been developed to determine alliin in rat plasma. The method involved deproteinization of these samples with 2.5-volumes (v/w) of acetonitrile/ethanol (1:1) and then 5 μL aliquots of the supernatant were injected onto a amino-silica (NH2) column coupled with an electrospray/MS system. The mobile phase employed isocratic elution with 5% acetonitrile for 10 min; the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The column effluent was analyzed by selected ion monitoring (SIM) for the negative pseudo-molecular ion of alliin [M−H]− at m/z 176. The limit of detection for alliin in rat plasma by this method was ca. 10 ng/mL and the accuracy for intra- and inter-assay were between 88.3% and 110.1%. The coefficients of variation of the intra- and inter-assay were generally low (below 9.2% and 11.0%, respectively) for rat plasma. No problems were encounted due to interference from endogenous substances.
The Lethal Dose of Ochratoxin for Chick Embryos

Abstract Ochratoxin was injected into fertile chicken eggs to determine minimum lethal dosages. The approximate LD50 dosages were: for day 0 embryos—0.04–0.05 mcg., day 6—less than 0.01 mcg., day 12—0.02 mcg., and day 18—0.05–0.08 mcg.
Effect of chronic ionizing radiation on the production and viability of Lepidium densiflorum, schrad. seed

Abstract During an investigation of the radiosensitivity of native shortgrass vegetation in a chronic gamma field, an incursion of a primary invader annual, Lepidium densiflorum (prairie pepperweed), occurred in the zone damaged by the ionizing radiation. The plants produced seed. The seeds were collected and tested for viability by germination and tetrazolium tests. The plants grew and produced viable seed at exposure rates up to 35R/hr. Viable seed production decreased exponentially with increasing exposure rates and at exposure rates slightly greater than 35 R/hr, the Lepidium plants were unable to survive. Results for each method of checking seed viability were similar, with the tetrazolium test being easier, faster and less expensive.
Separation and identification of oligonucleotides by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS)

A method for the separation and detection of oligonucleotides utilizing hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) is described. Polythymidylic acids of various lengths (10, 15, 20 and 30 nucleotides) were separated under gradient HILIC conditions. Selective detection of oligonucleotides was possible through monitoring m/z 47, corresponding to (31)P(16)O(+), using ICPMS. Oxygen was used as a reaction gas in the collision/reaction cell to produce PO(+) by reacting with phosphorus in the gas phase, thereby effectively eliminating the interferences for phosphorus normally seen at m/z 31. Limits of detections (LODs) were determined to be 1.69 pmol, 1.21 pmol, 1.0 pmol and 0.55 pmol loaded on column for the 10, 15, 20 and 30 mer, respectively.
A logistic model of subsurface fungal growth with application to bioremediation

Abstract The goal of this research was to determine the potential of the fungal sterol ergosterol as an indicator of fungal biomass and to determine the growth response of the transformed strain of T. virens (GvT6) to added substrate and changes in temperature. Experiments in liquid culture and agar plates containing a rich medium of glucose, yeast extract, and casein (GYEC), or a soil extract medium supplemented with maltose (SE) showed that the ergosterol content of GvT6 was greatest when grown on GYEC agar plates (14.02 mg/g dry biomass). For both media, plate cultures produced higher specific ergosterol values than liquid cultures. Changes in specific ergosterol values over time were generally not significant. A value of 5.41 mg ergosterol / g dry biomass, determined for SE plate cultures, was used to convert ergosterol values to biomass values in growth experiments in soil bioreactors. Data from experiments in soil bioreactors treated with different levels of substrate (0.5–8 mg maltose / g dry soil)...
Treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration with pegaptanib and boosting with bevacizumab or ranibizumab as needed.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Neovascular age-related macular degeneration presents a therapeutic challenge. The efficacy of pegaptanib sodium, a selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor 165, was examined as a therapeutic mainstay combined with "as needed" boosts of nonselective vascular endothelial growth factor blockade with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review of outcomes of patients treated with pegaptanib and later boosted with bevacizumab or ranibizumab was conducted. Visual acuity, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography findings were recorded and assessed. RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 12.1 months, an average of 7.8 injections of pegaptanib 0.3 mg, 1.4 injections of bevacizumab 1.25 mg, and 0.9 injections of ranibizumab 0.5 mg were administered to 17 eyes. In all, 47% of eyes gained 3 or more lines of visual acuity and 76% gained 0 or more lines. CONCLUSION Pegaptanib as a mainstay of neovascular age-related macular degeneration therapy with an occasional boost of bevacizumab or ranibizumab appears to be an effective treatment option.
Towards trustworthy complex event processing

Complex event processing has become an important technology for big data and intelligent computing because it facilitates the creation of actionable, situational knowledge from potentially large amount events in soft realtime. Complex event processing can be instrumental for many mission-critical applications, such as business intelligence, algorithmic stock trading, and intrusion detection. Hence, the servers that carry out complex event processing must be made trustworthy. In this paper, we present a threat analysis on complex event processing systems and describe a set of mechanisms that can be used to control various threats. By exploiting the application semantics for typical event processing operations, we are able to design lightweight mechanisms that incur minimum runtime overhead appropriate for soft realtime computing.
Hyaluronan–CD44 Interaction Stimulates Keratinocyte Differentiation, Lamellar Body Formation/Secretion, and Permeability Barrier Homeostasis

In this study we investigated whether hyaluronan (HA)–CD44 interaction influences epidermal structure and function. Our data show that CD44 deficiency is accompanied by reduction in HA staining in CD44 knockout (k/o) mouse skin leading to a marked thinning of epidermis versus wild-type mouse skin. A significant delay in the early barrier recovery (following acute barrier disruption) occurs in CD44 k/o versus wild-type mouse skin. To assess the basis for these alterations in CD44 k/o mouse epidermis, we determined that differentiation markers are greatly reduced in the epidermis of CD44 k/o versus wild-type mice, while conversely HA binding to CD44 triggers differentiation in cultured human keratinocytes. CD44 downregulation (using CD44 small interfering RNAs) also inhibits HA-mediated keratinocyte differentiation. Slower barrier recovery in CD44 k/o mice could be further attributed to reduced lamellar body formation, loss of apical polarization of LB secretion, and downregulation of cholesterol synthesis. Accordingly, HA–CD44 binding stimulates both LB formation and secretion. Together, these observations demonstrate new roles for HA–CD44 interaction in regulating both epidermal differentiation and lipid synthesis/secretion, which in turn influence permeability barrier homeostasis. HA–CD44 signaling could comprise a novel approach to treat skin disorders characterized by abnormalities in differentiation, lipid synthesis, and/or barrier function.
Psychiatric Symptoms In Postpartum Adolescent and Adult Women 68

The object of this study was to evaluate post-partum women for psychiatric symptomatology, including cognitive disturbances, anxiety, depression, and anger in order to better meet their needs for support and involve them in the care of their infants. We interviewed 52 post-partum women at The Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, 17 adolescents (age≤19 yrs, mean age 17.5 yrs.) and 35 adults (mean age 26.6 yrs.). The presence of psychiatric symptoms were measured by using the 29-item Psychiatric Symptom Index (Ilfeld 1976) on mothers within 5 days of delivery. There were no significant differences between the adolescents and the adults for maternal race, prenatal complications, type of delivery, cigarette smoking, drug use, current employment status, or infant health. Adults were more likely to have planned the pregnancy(41.2% vs. 11.8%, p=.003), received prenatal care (100% vs. 87.5%, p=.033), and report feeling happy upon learning they were pregnant(71.4% vs 29.4%, p=.010). Despite the fact that adult mothers were less likely to be worried about the health of their babies (25.7% vs. 52.9%, p=.003) and more likely to report that they would be better off a year from now (90.0% vs. 62.5%, p=.025), they demonstrated higher depressive symptomatology, higher amounts of anger, and greater overall psychiatric symptomatology than adolescent mothers. Physicians need to be aware of the high levels of depression and anger among adult mothers to provide appropriate support. Adolescent mothers may not realize the gravity of their situation and may not seek adequate intervention. Table
Platinum(II) Complexes with Constructive and Destructive Interaction of Diphosphane and Binaphthol Ligands.

Eight molecules with different conformations are present in the unit cell of the PtII complex 1, which contains a mismatched arrangement of the chiral ligands Chiraphos and Binol (i.e., (S,S)-Chiraphos prefers the δ conformation, whereas (R)-Binol tends to induce the λ conformation in the diphosphane). The observed flexibility of these bidentate ligands should not be disregarded in stereochemical models for explaining the selectivity in asymmetric catalysis.
A networked robot system for wireless network emulation

A major barrier to advancing modern wireless networking research is the lack of an effective wireless network simulation platform that simultaneously offers high fidelity, scalability, reproducibility and ease of use. MiNT [8], [7] is an innovative wireless network emulation platform that is specifically designed to satisfy all these desirable properties. To support reconfigurable network topology and wireless node mobility, MiNT is built on a networked robot system that carries wireless networking equipments and is designed to be completely tetherless, capable of supporting 24X7 operation, and low-cost. This paper describes the design, implementation and evaluation of this networked robot system. Each robot node in MiNT is an iRobot's Roomba, which is modified to house an embedded PC equipped with multiple wireless networking interfaces and to re-charge the embedded PC through Roomba's built-in self-charging mechanism. For robot navigation and movement, MiNT's networked robot system supports a computer vision-based robot positioning mechanism and a collision avoidance-driven trajectory planning component. Finally, MiNT provides an interactive control interface and visualization interface to give users real-time visibility into and full control over the MiNT testbed.
Regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor in human lymphocytes.

Abstract The presence of a glucocorticoid receptor in human lymphocytes is well established, but factors affecting its regulation have not been described. Using a competitive binding whole cell assay, we have examined the binding of [3H]-dexamethasone at 24 and 37°C in untreated normal subjects and in healthy subjects taking various glucocorticoid preparations. At 24°C normal human lymphocytes had 6000 binding sites/cell and a dissociation constant of 4 × 10−9 M. The administration of 1 mg of dexamethasone, 5 mg of prednisone, and 37.5 mg of cortisone acetate resulted in a 30% decrease in binding sites after 1 week with no change in binding affinity. No change in the number of binding sites was noted before 1 week and the diminished number persisted for 1 week after discontinuation of glucocorticoid treatment. Lymphocytes from hospitalized patients taking 40–60 mg of dexamethasone daily demonstrated the same change in number of binding sites that was seen in normal subjects taking 1 mg of dexamethasone. When binding assays were carried out at physiologic temperature there was the same decrease in number of binding sites after dexamethasone administration, and in addition, there was a two-fold increase in binding affinity. Glucocorticoid administration results in a time-dependent decrease in the number of lymphocyte glucocorticoid binding sites that is independent of the type of glucocorticoid administered. This is the first in vivo demonstration that glucocorticoids modulate their own receptors in man.
Standardized sign-out improves completeness and perceived accuracy of inpatient neurology handoffs

Objectives: As residency programs adjust to new duty hour restrictions, the use of cross-coverage systems requiring handoffs will rise. Handoffs are vulnerable to communication failures when unstructured. Accordingly, we implemented a standardized sign-out process on our inpatient neurology services and assessed its effect on completeness and perceived accuracy of handoffs. Methods: Residents spent the first half of their rotations utilizing unstructured sign-out. They transitioned to a structured sign-out system (using the situation-background-assessment-recommendation format) during the second half of their rotations. We analyzed survey responses before and after implementation to evaluate for an effect. Results: Residents utilizing structured sign-out were significantly more likely to share test results with patients/families prior to shift changes ( p = 0.037), update our electronic service list ( p = 0.045), and feel all important data were being transmitted ( p = 0.041). Overall satisfaction (scale 1–10) increased from 6.2 ± 1.6 to 7.4 ± 1.3 ( p = 0.002). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that standardized sign-out improves the completeness and perceived accuracy of handoffs. Such improvement has the potential to improve patient safety and quality of care.
Recent Fracturing in the US Economy and Society

This essay reviews the evidence from the mid-1970s up to 2010 of the increasing differentiation of the richest people from the rest of the population, a phenomenon designated as “fracturing.” Indicators under review include not just income and wealth, but also residential location, education, and health. Most of the indicators indicate that fracturing is increasing, that this process is cumulative, and that it will continue in the future. Public opinion data show that the attitudes and opinions of the richest are also deviating from the rest of the population on many (but not all) social and economic issues, and it seems likely that economic fracturing has had an important influence on this split, but the social implications of fracturing are, however, difficult to isolate.
RKR-Based inversion of rotational progressions

Abstract A new RKR-based method is described for extracting intermolecular potentials via inversion of rotational energy levels deduced from a single vibrational band. Tests on a model van der Waals system and on the v =0 rotational levels of H 2 X 1 Σ g prove remarkably successful.
Methane and nonmethane hydrocarbon concentrations in the North and South Atlantic marine boundary layer

Methane and nonmethane hydrocarbon (NMHC) data were collected in the Atlantic marine boundary layer from 40 N to 32 S latitude during October and November 1980. Average volume mixing ratios for CH4 of 1.69 + or - 0.02 ppmv were obtained north of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and 1.60 + or - 0.02 ppmv south of the ITCZ. The hemispheric CH4 gradient was very sharp, decreasing rapidly between 14 N and 10 N latitude. Gaseous NMHC concentrations (based on response as CH4) were measured simultaneously and found to lie consistently within the standard error for the individual measurements + or - 0.02 ppmv) after correction for water vapor interference. The correction for water vapor response was large, frequently as much as 80% of the raw NMHC signal. Application of the student's t distribution test to the NMHC data set established that the mean northern and southern hemispheric NMHC mixing ratios measured, 0.016 and 0.010 ppmv, respectively, were statistically different at the 95% confidence level. These results indicate volatile NMHC mixing ratios average less than 0.02 ppmv over the Atlantic and represent the first set of semicontinuous NMHC measurements spanning the North and South Atlantic marine boundary layer.
Asymptomatic giant cell granulomatous myocarditis

Abstract A 76-year-old man who was known to be an epileptic died from a massive subdural hematoma and a rapidly progressive renal insufficiency. Incidental findings at necropsy were the histopathologic changes of giant cell granulomatous myocarditis and granulomatous nodules in the lungs. The patient had never had symptoms relating to his underlying cardiac pathology. It is postulated that the degree of myocardial involvement was not extensive enough to interfere with cardiac function, and an intercurrent fatal episode precluded the usual progression of this disease. Chronic giant cell granulomatous myocarditis is part of a systemic disease of unknown etiology. However, the renal lesions of acute interstitial nephritis seen in our patient lend support for a hypersensitivity mechanism. We think that this is the oldest patient to be reported on, and the only one in whom the cardiac pathology was not the cause of death.
Modeling of temperature field and grain growth of a dual phase steel DP980 in direct diode laser heat treatment

The temperature field due to heating from a high-powered direct diode laser is calculated first by using an experiment-based finite element model. The Monte Carlo method is applied, which uses the calculated temperature history as thermal loading to obtain the grain growth in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of dual phase steel DP980. The martensite decomposition in the heat treatment is considered to be a function of the scanning speed. Numerical results demonstrate that the increased scanning speed of the laser beam under laser power of 2 kW decreases the temperature gradient in the HAZ, resulting in finer martensite grains and a smaller percentage of martensite decomposition in the HAZ. This is in good agreement with the experimental data.
The Small RNA Chaperone Hfq Is Required for the Virulence of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Bacterial small, noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) participate in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression, often by affecting protein translation, transcript stability, and/or protein activity. For proper function, many sRNAs rely on the chaperone Hfq, which mediates the interaction of the sRNA with its target mRNA. Recent studies have demonstrated that Hfq contributes to the pathogenesis of a number of bacterial species, suggesting that sRNAs play an essential role in the regulation of virulence. The enteric pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis causes the disease yersiniosis. Here we show that Hfq is required by Y. pseudotuberculosis to cause mortality in an intragastric mouse model of infection, and a strain lacking Hfq is attenuated 1,000-fold compared to the wild type. Hfq is also required for virulence through the intraperitoneal route of infection and for persistence of the bacterium in the Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen, suggesting a role for Hfq in systemic infection. Furthermore, the Δhfq mutant of Y. pseudotuberculosis is hypermotile and displays increased production of a biosurfactant-like substance, reduced intracellular survival in macrophages, and decreased production of type III secretion effector proteins. Together, these data demonstrate that Hfq plays a critical role in the virulence of Y. pseudotuberculosis by participating in the regulation of multiple steps in the pathogenic process and further highlight the unique role of Hfq in the virulence of individual pathogens.
NITPC technical work in progress and sketch for a WIMP observatory

Direction-sensitive WIMP detection is important for conclusively identifying a halo-WIMP signal. It would also make possible the study of galactic halo dynamics through WIMP astronomy. A large low-pressure Negative Ion TPC (NITPC) is the only technique presently known which is capable of direction sensitive WIMP detection. Several advances in NITPC technology reported here. A new capture agent (CH3NO3) with several advantages over the standard CS2 is identified. Simulations with GARFIELD show that tracks completely contained within a single drift cell can be measured using the ''radial drift chamber'' structure proposed by Nygren. DRIFT I neutron source calibration data is shown in which the ''head-tail'' orientation of tracks is able to be determined. (Supported by the U.S. NSF under NSF-PHY-0300766.)