cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of potential fuel consumption and emissions reductions from fuel cell auxiliary power units (APUs) in long-haul trucks

Abstract The idling of heavy-duty trucks results in additional emissions, fuel consumption, and cost. Small fuel cell auxiliary power units (APUs) (now in development) are promising alternatives to idling the main engine. A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) APU is particularly attractive, because in conjunction with a reformer, it could operate on widely available diesel fuel. Because fuel cell APUs may not only reduce environmental impacts, but also reduce operating costs, this application has been cited as an attractive early market niche for fuel cells. Our objective is to determine whether SOFC APUs are likely to soon be economically feasible for those trucks that idle most and what energy and environmental benefits are probable. We estimate the APU market size as a function of APU costs by applying Monte Carlo sampling and net present value (NPV) economic analysis to our ADVISOR-based vehicle fuel consumption model. Emissions and fuel economy benefits estimates are then presented as a function of varying market penetration levels, assuming installation on only new vehicles and removal at the end of the 4-year SOFC lifecycle. With modest economic incentives from government and continuing fuel cell technology improvements, we find that SOFC APUs might be economically feasible for up to 15% of the long-haul truck population (60,000 trucks) in the United States in the 2015 time frame, resulting in a 30% reduction of heavy-duty truck fuel use during overnight idling and a 40% reduction in oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) produced during idling.
Shoot regeneration from stem and leaf callus of Eucalyptus tereticornis.

Adventitious shoots were obtained from leaf and stem callus of Eucalyptus tereticornis SM. Callus was induced on B5 medium with 0.1 mg/l benzyladenine (BA) and 3 or 5 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid in the dark. Shoot initiation occurred on modified Woody Plant medium (mWP) containing 0.5 mg/l BA, 500 mg/l polyvinylpyrrolidone and 10% (v/v) coconut milk. Multiple shoots were also regenerated directly from hypocotyl segments of 4 to 6 week old seedlings on B5 medium with 0.5 mg/l BA. Regenerated shoots could be rooted with 100% efficiency on mWP medium containing 0.5 mg/l indolebutyric acid and transferred to soil in the greenhouse. Suspension cultures were obtained from the callus using B5 medium with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Callus clumps grew from less than 1 mm to 4–6 mm in diameter within two weeks on transfer to shoot regeneration medium but failed to form shoots or somatic embryos.
Neutralino relic density from minimal supergravity: Direct detection vs. collider searches

Working within the framework of the minimal supergravity (mSUGRA) model, we show regions of model parameter space which lead to cosmologically interesting values of the neutralino relic density Ωh2. In these regions, we also show expected event rates for direct detection of neutralinos by a Germanium detector. We compare the direct dark matter detection event rates with expected decay rates for b→sγ. We also compare neutralino direct detection rates with the reach of various colliding beam experiments for mSUGRA. We present results for both small and large values of the parameter tan β.
Preoperative plasma levels of transforming growth factor β1 strongly predict clinical outcome in patients with bladder carcinoma

BACKGROUND Elevated local and circulating levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 have been associated with cancer invasion, progression, and metastasis. The authors tested the hypothesis that preoperative plasma TGF-β1 levels would independently predict cancer stage and prognosis in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. METHODS The study group consisted of 51 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive or intravesical immuno- and/or chemotherapy refractory Tis, Ta, or T1 TCC (median follow-up, 45.7 months). Preoperative plasma levels of TGF-β1 were measured and correlated with pathologic features and clinical outcome. Transforming growth factor-β1 levels also were measured in 44 healthy men without any cancer. RESULTS The mean preoperative plasma TGF-β1 level in patients who eventually developed metastases to distant (11.9 ± 0.9 ng/mL) or regional (9.6 ± 2.4 ng/mL) lymph nodes was significantly higher than that in patients with nonmetastatic muscle-invasive TCC (5.4 ± 1.1 ng/mL), which, in turn, was significantly higher than that in patients with nonmetastatic Tis, Ta, or T1 TCC (4.5 ± 1.2 ng/mL) and healthy subjects (4.5 ± 1.2 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Preoperative plasma TGF-β1 level was an independent predictor of lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.002), metastases to lymph nodes (P = 0.030), disease recurrence (P = 0.009), and disease specific survival (P = 0.015). In a subgroup of patients with muscle-invasive TCC, TGF-β1 level was associated with disease recurrence (P = 0.005) and death from bladder carcinoma (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The authors confirm that plasma TGF-β1 levels are elevated in patients with muscle-invasive TCC before cystectomy. Transforming growth factor-β1 levels are highest in patients with bladder carcinoma metastatic to lymph nodes and are a strong independent predictor of disease recurrence and disease specific mortality. Cancer 2001;92:2985–92. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
My view on change in architectural education

Architectural education should be a scholarly adventure exploring the artof proportion and order coupled with an administration that supports an enriched ecology of the human spirit. In order to accomplish desired change, there needs to be a continualpursuit by a vibrant, enjoyable learning community rallying to a core belief. This core belief must contain a common value such as that eachof us can make a difference. By teaching values, skills, and practices that underlie such a notion as making a difference, architecture learningenvironments are created that resonate. . .
Three-color organic light-emitting diodes patterned by masked dye diffusion

A method of masked dye diffusion to locally pattern the emissive color of organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) over a large area is introduced. By using a large-area diffusion source, which may be a spin-coated doped polymer film, the entire process of masked diffusion of dye into a polymer film of an OLED to create an integrated three-color device has been demonstrated at atmospheric pressure. The materials used to demonstrate this method are the polymer poly(9-vinylcarbazole) combined with electron transport molecules, and the dyes bimane, coumarin 6, and Nile red.
Geologic history of Mars

Abstract Mars accumulated and differentiated into crust, mantle and core within a few tens of millions of years of Solar System formation. Formation of Hellas, which has been adopted as the base of the Noachian period, is estimated to have occurred around 4.1 to 3.8 Gyr ago, depending on whether or not the planet experienced a late cataclysm. Little is known of the pre-Noachian period except that it was characterized by a magnetic field, subject to numerous large basin-forming impacts, probably including one that formed the global dichotomy. The Noachian period, which ended around 3.7 Gyr ago, was characterized by high rates of cratering, erosion, and valley formation. Most of Tharsis formed and surface conditions were at least episodically such as to cause widespread production of hydrous weathering products such as phyllosilicates. Extensive sulfate deposits accumulated late in the era. Average erosion rates, though high compared with later epochs, fell short of the lowest average terrestrial rates. The record suggests that warm, wet conditions necessary for fluvial activity were met only occasionally, such as might occur if caused by large impacts or volcanic eruptions. At the end of the Noachian, rates of impact, valley formation, weathering, and erosion all dropped precipitously but volcanism continued at a relatively high average rate throughout the Hesperian, resulting in the resurfacing of at least 30% of the planet. Large water floods formed episodically, possibly leaving behind large bodies of water. The canyons formed. The observations suggest the change at the end of the Noachian suppressed most aqueous activity at the surface other than large floods, and resulted in growth of a thick cryosphere. However, presence of discrete sulfate rich deposits, sulfate concentrations in soils, and occasional presence of Hesperian valley networks indicates that water activity did not decline to zero. After the end of the Hesperian around 3 Gyr ago the pace of geologic activity slowed further. The average rate of volcanism during the Amazonian was approximately a factor of ten lower than in the Hesperian and activity was confined largely to Tharsis and Elysium. The main era of water flooding was over, although small floods occurred episodically until geologically recent times. Canyon development was largely restricted to formation of large landslides. Erosion and weathering rates remained extremely low. The most distinctive characteristic of the Amazonian is formation of features that have been attributed to the presence, accumulation, and movement of ice. Included are the polar layered deposits, glacial deposits on volcanoes, ice-rich veneers at high latitudes, and a variety of landforms in the 30–55° latitude belts, including lobate debris aprons, lineated valley fill and concentric crater fill. Most of the gullies on steep slopes also formed late in this era. The rate of formation of the ice-related features and the gullies probably varied as changes in obliquity affected the ice stability relations.
A Qualitative Assessment of the Learning Outcomes of Teaching Introductory American Politics in Comparative Perspective

This article discusses the findings of an ethnographic content analysis of students' written reflections as a means for assessing the learning outcomes of teaching introductory American politics in comparative perspective. It focuses especially on determining whether and how this approach enhanced students' understanding and retention of knowledge about U.S. government and politics by presenting them with cognitive conflict tasks that entail their appreciation of alternative approaches to situation assessment and problem resolution. In addition, it evaluates the extent to which learning about American politics in comparative perspective prompted political engagement and identifies some additional learning outcomes that have not been anticipated in previous scholarship.
Juvenile hormone biosynthesis by corpus cardiacum-corpus allatum complexes of larval Lymantria dispar

Abstract 1. 1. A radiochemical assay was used to examine juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis and secretion in vitro by incubating two pairs of larval corpus cardiacum-corpus allatum complexes (CC-CA) from, Lymantria dispar , in 50 μl of osmotically balanced Grace's medium containing 1 μC1 [ 3 H-methyl]-methionine for 6 hr. 2. 2. For CC-CA of fourth instar female larvae, maximal incorporation of 3 H-methyl was 0.15 pmol/pr/hr between days 2 and 3. High pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis suggested that the biosynthetic products are mainly JH III with a little JH II at times. 3. 3. For CC-CA of last instar female larvae, incorporation of 3 H-methyl was 0.48 pmol/pr/hr at the beginning of the stadium and decreased to negligible levels by day 10. HPLC analysis suggested that CC-CA of last instar larvae produced only JH III. Volume increases in CA during the last instar were associated with declining activities of JH secretion. 4. 4. Comparisons of maximal rates of 3 H-methyl incorporation by each unit volume of CA revealed that in the last instar each unit volume (μm 3 ) of glandular tissue secreted 50% more JH than in the fourth instar.
Wall interference assessment/correction (WIAC) for transonic airfoil data from porous and shaped wall test sections

An existing computational wall interference assessment/correction (WIAC) procedure is applied to two sets of transonic airfoil data obtained from the same model tested in both a porous, planar-wall and a solid, shaped-wall test section. The published airfoil data from the porous test section agrees reasonably well with the published data from the shaped wall test section, although some differences exist. The WIAC procedure is applied to the data to assess and correct any wall interference effects; WIAC corrections generally improve the correlation between the two data sets. As an independent verification, both the published and WIAC corrected airfoil data are compared to Navier-Stokes calculations. Correlations are generally better between the WIAC corrected data and the Navier-Stokes calculations than between similar correlations with the published data.
Longitudinal in vivo coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering imaging of demyelination and remyelination in injured spinal cord

In vivo imaging of white matter is important for the mechanistic understanding of demyelination and evaluation of remyelination therapies. Although white matter can be visualized by a strong coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) signal from axonal myelin, in vivo repetitive CARS imaging of the spinal cord remains a challenge due to complexities induced by the laminectomy surgery. We present a careful experimental design that enabled longitudinal CARS imaging of de- and remyelination at single axon level in live rats. In vivo CARS imaging of secretory phospholipase A2 induced myelin vesiculation, macrophage uptake of myelin debris, and spontaneous remyelination by Schwann cells are sequentially monitored over a 3 week period. Longitudinal visualization of de- and remyelination at a single axon level provides a novel platform for rational design of therapies aimed at promoting myelin plasticity and repair.
Treatment of hypogonadism in men with chronic kidney disease

Hypogonadism is common among men with chronic kidney disease, but few studies have directly assessed the effects of testosterone replacement in this population. Limited information suggests that androgen replacement may improve libido and sexual function among men who are frankly hypogonadal. However, the threshold for normal sexual function is in the lower end of the normal range. Increasing serum testosterone above this level does not appear to have beneficial effects on sexual functioning. On the other hand, at least among healthy men, the dose-response curve for anabolic effects of testosterone administration appears to extend to testosterone levels on the high end of the normal range or above. Small studies have suggested that androgen treatment has anabolic effects among end-stage renal disease patients, even in the absence of hypogonadism. Androgens have potential side effects, and some preinitiation and subsequent assessment and monitoring are recommended to minimize these adverse effects. Recommendations for healthy older men appear to be reasonable for patients with chronic kidney disease. More research is needed to measure the effects of androgen therapy on various symptoms of hypogonadism as well as on overall quality of life, physical functioning, and survival among patients with chronic kidney disease.
Characterization of the CTD Phosphatase Fcp1 from Fission Yeast: PREFERENTIAL DEPHOSPHORYLATION OF SERINE 2 VERSUSSERINE 5

Abstract The C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II undergoes extensive phosphorylation and dephosphorylation at positions Ser2 and Ser5 during the transcription cycle. A single CTD phosphatase, Fcp1, has been identified in yeast and metazoans. Here we conducted a biochemical characterization of Fcp1 from the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombe. The 723-amino acid Fcp1 protein was expressed at high levels in bacteria. Recombinant Fcp1 catalyzed the metal-dependent hydrolysis ofpara-nitrophenyl phosphate with a pH optimum of 5.5 (k cat = 2 s−1;K m = 19 mm). Deletion analysis showed that 139- and 143-amino acid segments could be deleted from the N and C termini of Fcp1, respectively, without affecting phosphatase activity. A segment containing amino acids 487–580, deletion of which abolished activity, embraces a BRCT domain present in all known Fcp1 orthologs. Mutations of residues Asp170 and Asp172 abrogated Fcp1 phosphatase activity; the essential aspartates are located within a170DXDXT172 motif that defines a superfamily of metal-dependent phosphotransferases. We exploited defined synthetic CTD phosphopeptide substrates to show for the first time that: (i) Fcp1 CTD phosphatase activity is not confined to native polymerase II and (ii) Fcp1 displays an inherent preference for a particular CTD phosphorylation array. Using equivalent concentrations (25 μm) of CTD peptides of identical amino acid sequence and phosphoserine content, which differed only in the positions of phosphoserine within the heptad, we found that Fcp1 was 10-fold more active in dephosphorylating Ser2-PO4 than Ser5-PO4.
Tail current surge: New insights from a global MHD simulation and comparison with satellite observations

[1] The present study examines the tailward propagation of substorm-associated variations of the tail current intensity. In the substorm event of 24 November 1996, the Interball and IMP 8 satellites were located in the midnight sector at X = −26 and −36 RE, respectively, and observed an increase and a decrease of the lobe magnetic field strength corresponding to the storage and release of the lobe magnetic energy. Both spacecraft observed BZ to decrease initially and then increase in the course of the decrease in ∣BX∣, a feature that was reported previously as a manifestation of the tailward expansion of the current disruption region. The delay of the signatures between the two satellites confirms that the associated current system moved tailward. Motivated by this fortuitous coordination of the satellite observation, the present study revisits a global MHD simulation previously conducted specifically for this substorm event [Raeder et al., 2001]. The most noticeable feature of the modeled tail dynamics is the repeated occurrence of tail current surges, that is, temporal intensifications of the tail current that propagate tailward. The first tail current surge is accompanied by the stretching of the tail magnetic field, which starts in the inner magnetosphere and extends tailward. The associated tailward flow redistributes the plasma pressure in such a way that the tail current is reduced in its intensity in the near-Earth region, while the pressure gradient increases at the propagation front, which intensifies the local current. The last major tail current surge is caused by the near-Earth reconnection. Inside a plasmoid, the pressure gradient current is intensified on the tailward side of the O-line, and it propagates tailward as the plasmoid grows and is released. For each tail current surge, irrespective of its cause, the intensification of the tail current is followed by the reduction, and its tailward propagation creates the aforementioned phase relationship between BX and BZ. It is probably difficult to determine based on lobe magnetic field observations whether it is caused by the tail stretching or a neutral line motion. The present study not only sheds new light about tail substorm dynamics but also provides a good exercise for evaluating the potential of the modeling effort for substorm study in general.
An Ising ferromagnet with discontinuous long-range order

An infinite one-dimensional Ising ferromagnetM with long-range interactions is constructed and proved to have the following properties. (1)M has an order-disorder phase transition at a finite temperature. (2) Any Ising ferromagnet of the same structure asM, but with interactions tending to zero with distance more rapidly than those ofM, cannot have a phase-transition. (3) The long-range-order parameter (thermal average of the spin-spin correlation at infinite distance) jumps discontinuously from zero in the disordered phase to a finite value in the ordered phase. All three properties have been conjectured by Anderson and Thouless to hold for a particular Ising ferromagnet which is relevant to the theory of the Kondo effect. AlthoughM is not identical to Anderson's model, the results proved forM support the validity of the physical arguments of Anderson and Thouless.
Evidence for genetic control of pigmentation of shell and mantle edge in selected families of Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas

Three experimental cohorts of pedigreed oysters, each having gone through one or two generations of selection, were investigated for both shell and mantle edge pigmentation. Initial investigations showed the traits to be complex and best described as continuous. Average intraclass correlations coefficients (t) for all three cohorts of 0.766 and 0.666 (n=75) were obtained for shell and mantle edge pigmentation, respectively, indicating a high degree of genetic control. Block effects (depth at planting) were also significant in some cases, though trends were less obvious, and these effects only accounted for a maximum of 7.6% of the total observed phenotypic variation. Mantle edge pigmentation and shell pigmentation were positively correlated (P 0.09, n=75) in all but two cases (P=0.0400 and P=0.0359, n=75). This is the first report of a genetic effect on shell and mantle pigmentation in Crassostrea gigas. These findings have major implications for the manipulation of pigmentation as a desired trait in an oyster breeding program.
Effects of dopaminergic agonists and electrical stimulation of the midbrain raphé on the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from the cat brain in vivo.

—The cerebroventricular system of spinal-sectioned cats was perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid after the intraventricular administration of [3H]tryptophan, and the perfusate was analyzed for [3H]5-HT. At the end of the experiment the relative contents of [3H]5-HT in regions lining the cerebroventricular system (caudate nucleus, septum, hypothalamus) were essentially the same as the endogenous 5-HT contents. Electrical stimulation of the midbrain raphe did not alter the efflux of total radioactivity but significantly increased the efflux of [3H]5-HT. The addition of potassium to the perfusing CSF also increased the efflux of [3H]5-HT, while additions of d-amphetamine, apomorphine or l-DOPA were without effect.
Optimal batch quantity models for a lean production system with in-cycle rework and scrap

In a manufacturing system, reworking of the defectives and management of waste or scrap are important issues that call for immediate attention to meet the basic objectives and requirements for lean production system. This paper deals with a manufacturing process where finished goods are occasionally produced along with undesirable defective items and scrap. As the system is not always perfect, some scrap is produced during the manufacturing and/or rework processes. A rework process is necessary to correct the defective items into good finished products. The manufacturing process considered in this research deals with the process of rework that is performed ‘within’ the cycle. Also, three types of scrap detection scenarios are considered: (i) detection ‘before’ rework, (ii) detection ‘during’ rework, and (iii) detection ‘after’ rework. In order to avoid shortage of finished products due to scrap production, finished-product buffers have been considered to fulfil the customers’ timely demand. The required f...
Acting together, bacterial clusters initiate coagulation

Bacterial infections have long been associated with coagulation, but the mechanism is not well understood. New insights into bacterial spatial localization are shedding light on how bacterial clusters can trigger coagulation in a process known as 'quorum acting'.
Linear time distributed construction of colored trees for disjoint multipath routing

Disjoint multipath routing (DMPR) is an effective strategy to achieve robustness in networks where data is forwarded along multiple link- or node-disjoint paths. DMPR poses significant challenges in terms of obtaining loop-free multiple (disjoint) paths and effectively forwarding data over the multiple paths, the latter being particularly significant in datagram networks. One approach to reduce the number of routing table entries for disjoint multipath forwarding is to construct two trees, namely red and blue, rooted at a destination node such that the paths from a source to the destination on the two trees are link/node-disjoint. This paper develops the first distributed algorithm for constructing the colored trees whose running time is linear in the number of links in the network. The paper also demonstrates the effectiveness of employing generalized low-point concept rather than traditional low-point concept in the DFS-tree to reduce the average path lengths on the colored trees.
Anxiety in Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: Significant Differences and the Moderating Effects of Social Impairments

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common comorbid disorders in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Although anxiety disorders are common amongst this population, little research has investigated how anxiety disorders manifest themselves differently across varying levels of functioning in ASDs. The current study investigated the differences in anxiety symptoms between those with high-functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger’s syndrome in comparison to typically developing controls and also examined the possible moderating effect of social deficits within these groups. Individuals with HFA and Asperger’s syndrome were not found to differ in levels of anxiety and both groups had significantly greater levels of anxiety when compared to controls. Social deficits were not found to significantly moderate the relationship of diagnosis with levels of anxiety, although this approached significance. Further investigation found that social deficits were a significant moderator in those with Asperger’s syndrome but only approached significance in those with Autistic Disorder.
Abstract 4274: High aldehyde dehydrogenase activity identifies a chemotherapy-resistant population of ewing's sarcoma cells with a stem cell phenotype that retains sensitivity to EWS-FLI1 inhibition

Ewing9s sarcoma family tumors (ESFT) are the second most common bone tumors in children and young adults. Despite being quite responsive to chemotherapy, patients with localized disease have a 30% recurrence rate, and 80% of patients with metastatic disease die within 5 years of diagnosis. The expression of the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein as a result of chromosomal translocation (11; 22) (q24; q12) is crucial for initiation and maintenance of the tumor; however, the mechanism by which EWS-FLI1 mediates neoplastic transformation is poorly understood. RNA helicase A (RHA) physically interacts with EWS-FLI1, modulating its oncogenic activity. The cancer stem cell hypothesis proposes that tumors originate from and are maintained by a small subset of chemotherapy-resistant stem cells. Thus, identification of Ewing9s sarcoma stem cells will lead to the development of targeted therapies that should improve the treatment of patients with this disease. We attempted to identify a population of Ewing9s sarcoma cells with stem cell properties (self-renewal in vitro, clonogenic activity, and tumor initiating activity in immunodeficient mice) based on high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH high ) activity. The ALDH high population was enriched for stem cell activity (compared to the ALDH low cells) as defined by these assays, and was resistant to standard chemotherapy drugs to treat sarcomas (doxorubicin and etoposide). Both populations expressed EWS-FLI1. We then investigated whether a novel small molecule, YK-4-279, which specifically targets the RHA/EWS-FLI1 interaction, is toxic to the chemotherapy-resistant ALDH high cells. We found that the ALDH high cells retain sensitivity YK-4-279. Our data demonstrate that ESFT cells that express high levels of ALDH have stem-like properties, and, combined with evidence that YK-4-279 inhibits the growth of ESFT xenografts in mice, provide support for a novel approach to ESFT therapy. This approach should improve the survival of patients with these tumors in the future. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4274.
Regulation of Cdc25C by ERK-MAP Kinases during the G2/M Transition

Summary Induction of G 2 /M phase transition in mitotic and meiotic cell cycles requires activation by phosphorylation of the protein phosphatase Cdc25. Although Cdc2/cyclin B and polo-like kinase (PLK) can phosphorylate and activate Cdc25 in vitro, phosphorylation by these two kinases is insufficient to account for Cdc25 activation during M phase induction. Here we demonstrate that p42 MAP kinase (MAPK), the Xenopus ortholog of ERK2, is a major Cdc25 phosphorylating kinase in extracts of M phase-arrested Xenopus eggs. In Xenopus oocytes, p42 MAPK interacts with hypophosphorylated Cdc25 before meiotic induction. During meiotic induction, p42 MAPK phosphorylates Cdc25 at T48, T138, and S205, increasing Cdc25's phosphatase activity. In a mammalian cell line, ERK1/2 interacts with Cdc25C in interphase and phosphorylates Cdc25C at T48 in mitosis. Inhibition of ERK activation partially inhibits T48 phosphorylation, Cdc25C activation, and mitotic induction. These findings demonstrate that ERK-MAP kinases are directly involved in activating Cdc25 during the G 2 /M transition.
Use and Organizational Effects of Measurement and Analysis in High Maturity Organizations: Results from the 2008 SEI State of Measurement and Analysis Practice Surveys

Abstract : There has been a great deal of discussion of late about what it takes for organizations to attain high maturity status and what they can reasonably expect to gain by doing so. Clarification is needed along with good examples of what has worked well and what has not. This may be particularly so with respect to measurement and analysis. This report contains results from a survey of high maturity organizations conducted by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) in 2008. The questions center on the use of process performance modeling in those organizations and the value added by that use. The results show considerable understanding and use of process performance models among the organizations surveyed; however there is also wide variation in the respondents? answers. The same is true for the survey respondents? judgments about how useful process performance models have been for their organizations. As is true for less mature organizations, there is room for continuous improvement among high maturity organizations. Nevertheless, the respondents? judgments about the value added by doing process performance modeling also vary predictably as a function of the understanding and use of the models in their respective organizations. More widespread adoption and improved understanding of what constitutes a suitable process performance model holds promise to improve CMMI-based performance outcomes considerably.
Depression in Men in the Postnatal Period and Later Child Psychopathology: A Population Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Objective Postnatal depression in women is associated with adverse effects on both maternal health and children's development. It is unclear whether depression in men at this time poses comparable risks. The present study set out to assess the association between depression in men in the postnatal period and later psychiatric disorders in their children and to investigate predisposing factors for depression in men following childbirth. Method A population-based cohort of 10,975 fathers and their children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) was recruited in the prenatal period and followed for 7 years. Paternal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and later child psychiatric disorder ( DSM-IV ) with the Development and Well-Being Assessment. Results Depression in fathers in the postnatal period was significantly associated with psychiatric disorder in their children 7 years later (adjusted OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.07-2.77), most notably oppositional defiant/conduct disorders (adjusted OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.04-3.61), after adjusting for maternal depression and paternal educational level. A history of severe depression and high prenatal symptom scores for depression and anxiety were the strongest predictors of paternal depression in the postnatal period. Conclusions Depression in fathers in the postnatal period is associated with later psychiatric disorders in their children, independently of maternal postnatal depression. Further research into the risks associated with paternal psychopathology is required because this could represent an important opportunity for public health intervention.
Ultradilute Ag-aquasols with extraordinary bactericidal properties: Role of the system Ag-O-H2O

We first establish the literature on the use of ultradilute aquasols as extraordinary, powerful, bactericidal inorganic agents equal to most commercial antibiotics. These findings provide the rationale for a major role for inorganic materials scientists to contribute the insights unique to their field for new, safer health vectors. The focus of this preliminary paper is exclusively on the materials science of 2-phase stable sols at ultradilute concentrations near 1 at.-ppm. We analyze the solid and liquid phases for the first time in detail using standard materials science analysis tools. The solid phase is analyzed using DTA, TGA, XRD, SEM, and TEM, and the liquid water phase is analyzed using FTIR, UV–VIS, and Raman spectroscopy. There are at least three crystalline phases in the system Ag–O: Ag, Ag2O, and Ag4O4, which are stable in air. In an aqueous environment between 0 and 100uC there is evidence that various combinations of metal, oxides, and possible ‘oxy-hydroxide’ complexes exist. Similarly, data from Raman and UV–VIS spectroscopy show definite changes in the structure of the water host. These results, in a preliminary way, are parallel to the many empirical observations made by physicians for the last 100 years on the use of metallic silver and water in various combinations for human health.
Parent-Child Interactions During the Initial Weeks Following Brain Injury in Young Children.

Objective: To understand how traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects parentchild interactions acutelyfollowinginjury. Participants: YoungchildrenhospitalizedforTBI( n 80)andorthopedicinjuries(OI;n 113). Method: Raterscodedvideotapedinteractionsduringfreeplayandstructuredtasksforparentalwarmth/responsiveness and negativity and child warmth, behavior regulation, and cooperation. Ratersalso counted parental directives, critical/restricting statements, and scaffolds. Results: Parents of childrenwith TBI exhibited less warm responsiveness and made more directive statements during a structuredtaskthanparentsintheOIgroup.ChildrenwithTBIdisplayedlessbehaviorregulationthanchildrenwithOI. Parental warm responsiveness was more strongly related to child cooperativeness in the OI groupthan in the TBI group. Child behavior also mediated group differences in parental responsiveness anddirectiveness. TBI accounted for as much variance in parental behaviors as or more than did sociode-mographic factors. Conclusion: TBI-related changes in child behavior may negatively in uence parentchild interactions and disrupt the reciprocity between parent and child.Keywords: early childhood, traumatic brain injury, parentchild interaction, family impact
Clinical Relevancy of the Levothyroxine–Continuous Enteral Nutrition Interaction

Background: The objective of this study was to determine if patients requiring levothyroxine therapy develop hypothyroidism during concurrent continuous enteral nutrition (EN). Methods: Adult patients with a history of hypothyroidism, given levothyroxine via the feeding tube at the same dose given prior to hospital admission and who were referred to the nutrition support service for EN were evaluated. Thyroid function tests (TFTs) were performed prior to administration of levothyroxine–continuous EN, then approximately weekly thereafter. Patients who received less than 14 days of concurrent EN-levothyroxine therapy were excluded from the analysis. Results: Thirteen patients who received 20 ± 5 days of concurrent EN and levothyroxine were evaluated. Two patients developed subclinical hypothyroidism (thyrotropin [TSH] >6 and 10 mcIU/mL + low fT4) within 2 to 3 weeks of concurrent EN-levothyroxine therapy. Five patients remained euthyrotic...
Gravitational radiation from colliding vacuum bubbles: Envelope approximation to many-bubble collisions

We introduce an approximation to calculate the gravitational radiation produced by the collision of true-vacuum bubbles that is simple enough to allow the simulation of a phase transition by the collision of hundreds of bubbles. This "envelope approximation" neglects the complicated "overlap" regions of colliding bubbles and follows only the evolution of the bubble walls. The approximation accurately reproduces previous results for the gravitational radiation from the collision of two scalar-field vacuum bubbles. Using a bubble nucleation rate given by $\ensuremath{\Gamma}={\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}{e}^{\ensuremath{\beta}t}$, we simulate a phase transition by colliding 20 to 200 bubbles; the fraction of vacuum energy released into gravity waves is $\frac{{E}_{\mathrm{GW}}}{{E}_{\mathrm{vac}}}=0.06{(\frac{H}{\ensuremath{\beta}})}^{2}$ and the peak of the spectrum occurs at ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{max}=1.6\ensuremath{\beta}$ (${H}^{2}=\frac{8\ensuremath{\pi}G\ensuremath{\rho}}{3}$ is the Hubble constant associated with the false-vacuum phase). The spectrum is very similar to that in the two-bubble case, except that the efficiency of gravity-wave generation is about five times higher, presumably due to the fact that a given bubble collides with many others. Finally, we consider two further "statistical" approximations, where the gravitational radiation is computed as an incoherent sum over individual bubbles weighted by the distribution of bubble sizes. These approximations provide reasonable estimates of the gravitational-wave spectrum with far less computation.
Identification of urinary metabolites that distinguish membranous lupus nephritis from proliferative lupus nephritis and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease, and kidney involvement with SLE, a.k.a. lupus nephritis (LN), is a frequent and severe complication of SLE that increases patient morbidity and mortality. About 50% of patients with SLE encounter renal abnormalities which, if left untreated, can lead to end-stage renal disease. Kidney biopsy is considered the criterion standard for diagnosis and staging of LN using the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification, which was developed to help predict renal outcomes and assist with medical decision-making. However, kidney biopsy-based classification of LN is highly invasive and impractical for real-time monitoring of LN status. Here, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolic profiling was used to identify urinary metabolites that discriminated between proliferative and pure membranous LN as defined by the ISN/RPS classification, and between LN and primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Metabolic profiling was conducted using urine samples of patients with proliferative LN without membranous features (Class III/IV; n = 7) or pure membranous LN (Class V; n = 7). Patients with primary FSGS and proteinuria (n = 10) served as disease controls. For each patient, demographic information and clinical data was obtained and a random urine sample collected to measure NMR spectra. Data and sample collection for patients with LN occurred around the time of kidney biopsy. Metabolic profiling analysis was done by visual inspection and principal component analysis. Urinary citrate levels were 8-fold lower in Class V LN compared to Class III/IV patients, who had normal levels of urinary citrate (P 10-fold lower levels of urinary taurine compared to Class V patients, who had mostly normal levels (P < 0.01). Class V LN patients had normal urinary hippurate levels compared to FSGS patients, who completely lacked urinary hippurate (P < 0.001). This pilot study indicated differences in urinary metabolites between proliferative LN and pure membranous LN patients, and between LN and FSGS patients. If confirmed in larger studies, these urine metabolites may serve as biomarkers to help discriminate between different classes of LN, and between LN and FSGS.
Role of Dissolved Gas in Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Secondary Lithium Metal Batteries

Lithium metal is a potential anode in lithium batteries; however, high cycling efficiency has not been achieved. The effect of dissolved gas on the reversibility of a Li/Li+ electrode in an ionic liquid electrolyte was investigated. The ionic liquid electrolyte was saturated with argon, nitrogen, oxygen, air, or carbon dioxide, and the Coulombic efficiency for the reduction and reoxidation of lithium metal was measured. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) was used to determine the thickness and composition of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer formed on the lithium metal. The Coulombic cycling efficiency was highest with oxygen, nitrogen, and air. The Coulombic efficiency was significantly lower with dissolved carbon dioxide. SIMS revealed that the SEI layer was made up of primarily LiF regardless of the gas used. The thickness of the SEI layer was the main determinant of cycling efficiency. A thinner SEI, observed with nitrogen and oxygen, lead to the highest Coulombic efficiency, whereas ca...
RELATIVISTIC PLASMA IN A MAGNETIC FIELD

Transverse and longitudinal oscillations of a low-density relativistic plasma in the presence of a constant magnetic field are considered by neglecting the collisions. The most general form of the relativistic dispersion relations for linear plasma oscillations is derived and the two extreme cases of zero and infinite equilibrium temperatures are discussed.
5-Formyluracil-induced perturbations of DNA function.

Oxidation of the thymine methyl group can generate 5-formyluracil (FoU), which is known to be both mutagenic and chemically unstable in DNA. Synthetic oligonucleotides containing FoU at defined sites have been prepared to investigate potential mechanisms by which FoU might perturb DNA function. The half-life of the glycosidic bond of an FoU residue in single-stranded DNA under physiological conditions of temperature and pH is estimated to be approximately 148 days, orders of magnitude shorter than the parent pyrimidine, thymine. This reduced stability of FoU residues in DNA is attributed to the inductive properties of the 5-formyl substituent. Oxidative modification of the thymine methyl group could also inhibit association with sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins. Alternatively, the 5-formyl substituent of FoU could cross-link nonspecifically with protein amino groups. Transcription factor AP-1 is known to make specific contacts with thymine methyl groups of DNA in its recognition sequence. Substitution of T by FoU is shown to inhibit AP-1 (c-Jun homodimer) binding with a ΔΔG of approximately 0.6 kcal/mol. No evidence of cross-link formation is observed with either AP-1 or polylysine. Molecular modeling studies on the FoU-containing oligonucleotide sequence corresponding to the duplex used in the experimental studies demonstrate that the 5-formyl substituent of an FoU residue paired with adenine lies in the plane of the pyrimidine base and is well protected from solvent on one face and only partially accessible on the other. The results of this study suggest that although FoU residues in DNA are considerably more labile than thymine, they are likely to be present long enough to miscode as well as interfere with DNA−protein interactions.
Templates for invention in the mathematical and physical sciences with applications to optics

Some of the greatest mathematicians and scientists in history have made their most important contributions by applying unsystematically one of three general patterns or templates for inventions. Here, for the first time to my knowledge, these templates are stated explicitly and illustrated with examples from optics. I call them The Do- Nothing Machine, The Continuous Extension, The Up-Down Paradigm, and The Reversal of Fortune.
Energy Restrained Data Dissemination in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor nodes can be mobile within a chosen area and communicate with neighboring nodes in the bounds of protocol limits. Since communications among all network components in sensor networks are wireless, a peer-to-peer protocol is employed between two nodes. Among many concerns about design of sensor networks are growing bandwidth demands, speed of information retrieval, and transporting bytes over the wireless networks to provide a quality service for the diverse requirements of the users, such as signal processing or multimedia applications. Although traditional routing protocols ignore power management issues for sensor networks, design and implementation of an efficient energy based routing is in the core interest. In this paper, we discuss the current power management protocols, and propose an energy restrained information dissemination scheme. Experimental analysis and comparison with related work show that using the proposed scheme we can save substantial energy as compared to the prior methods.
Integrity constraints in the information source tracking method

We study the issue of integrity constraints in the Information Source Tracking (IST) method. The IST method is an approach to the management of uncertain data in database systems. The main idea behind IST is that database information is supplied, or confirmed, by information sources. The accuracy of data is modeled by the reliability of the contributing information sources. In practice, information sources that are generally quite reliable may supply conflicting data at times. A database system based on IST must accept such data, and be capable of functioning correctly despite the inconsistency. We concentrate on cases where conflicting data is in violation of "key constraints", a special form of functional dependencies resulting from the imposition of a key for each relation in the database. We present an approach, based on the adjustment of conflicting information source reliabilities, to handle data in violation of key constraints. >
Infection Due to Moraxella osloensis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

We describe the successful treatment of Moraxella osloensis bacteremia in a 2-year-old boy who presented with fever, petechial rash, and exacerbation of reactive airway disease. We also review the 12 cases previously reported in the literature.
Closed production lines with arbitrary models of machine reliability

Closed production lines have been analyzed in the literature under the assumption that the machines obey either the Bernoulli or exponential reliability models. Empirical evidence indicates, however, that manufacturing equipment on the factory floor often has the coefficients of variation of up- and downtime less than 1; therefore, the statistics of machine reliability may be neither Bernoulli nor exponential. This paper analyzes the performance, system-theoretic, and improvability properties of closed production lines with machines having up- and downtime distributed according to any unimodal distribution, provided that the coefficients of variation are less than or equal to 1.