Generalized Lévy-walk model for DNA nucleotide sequences

We propose a generalized Lévy walk to model fractal landscapes observed in noncoding DNA sequences. We find that this model provides a very close approximation to the empirical data and explains a number of statistical properties of genomic DNA sequences such as the distribution of strand-biased regions (those with an excess of one type of nucleotide) as well as local changes in the slope of the correlation exponent alpha. The generalized Lévy-walk model simultaneously accounts for the long-range correlations in noncoding DNA sequences and for the apparently paradoxical finding of long subregions of biased random walks (length lj) within these correlated sequences. In the generalized Lévy-walk model, the lj are chosen from a power-law distribution P(lj) varies as lj(-mu). The correlation exponent alpha is related to mu through alpha = 2-mu/2 if 2 < mu < 3. The model is consistent with the finding of "repetitive elements" of variable length interspersed within noncoding DNA.     

Teaching, learning and inquiry strategies using computer technology

This paper reports a case study in a Singapore school where a group of 'at risk' secondary students were given a series of linked computer-based business and consumer projects involving word processing, survey design and analysis, and presentation of results with computer graphics. There were clear benefits in terms of the group's motivation, behaviour and performance on tests, particularly in English. Both quantitative and qualitative data to support the findings are provided. The theoretical underpinnings of constructivism, collaborative inquiry and situated learning provide the conceptual framework for this case study.     

Dietary Fibre Content and Composition of Some Edible Fungi Determined by Two Methods of Analysis

Six common edible fungi from four orders of Basidiomycetes, namely Agaricus bisporus (Agaricales), Auricularia auricula and Auricularia polytricha (Auriculariales), Tremella fuciformis (Tremellates), Ganoderma lucidum and Poria cocos (Aphyllophorales), were analysed for their total dietary fibre (TDF) content using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) method and for dietary fibre content and composition using the Uppsala method. The non-protein nitrogen contributed from fungal chitin was corrected in the fibre residue obtained by the AOAC method. The TDF content measured by the AOAC method was always greater than that of the Uppsala method. The TDF content determined by the AOAC and Uppsala methods ranged from 182 and 132 g kg^-1 (dry matter) in A bisporus to 735 and 711 g kg^-1 (dry matter) in P cocos, respectively. Neutral and amino sugars were the dominant sugars in all the fungi. Sugar composition of the TDF reflected that the major cell wall polysaccharides in most fungi were hemicelluloses, such as β-glucan and glucuronoxylomannan, pectic substances and chitin. Judging from their high fibre content and unique fibre composition, edible fungi have considerable value as sources of dietary fibre in human nutrition. © 1997 SCI.     

A Low-Complexity Routing Algorithm with Power Control for Self-Organizing Short-Range Wireless Networks

Mobile computing has become very pervasive, where the number of electronic devices equipped with wireless capabilities has increased significantly in recent years. This poses serious demands on wireless, mobile and self-organizing networks. Despite the fact that devices are getting smaller and more powerful, advances in battery technology have not yet reached the stage where devices can autonomously operate for days. Therefore, devices for self-organizing networks will strongly rely on the efficient use of their batteries. We present a cluster-based low-complexity routing algorithm for self-organizing networks of mobile nodes. Our proposed algorithm, called Cluster-based Energy-saving Routing Algorithm (CERA), allows mobile nodes to autonomously create clusters to minimize the power consumption. CERA is implemented as two separate protocols: the intra-cluster data-dissemination protocol, and the inter-cluster routing protocol. We present an extensive analysis of the overall protocol architecture by varying the critical factors related to protocol behavior. As a result, the CERA implementation generally saves up to 25% of energy, while keeping the overhead, in terms of energy consumption, acceptably low.     

Skin-like pressure and strain sensors based on transparent elastic films of carbon nanotubes

Transparent, elastic conductors are essential components of electronic and optoelectronic devices that facilitate human interaction and biofeedback, such as interactive electronics, implantable medical devices and robotic systems with human-like sensing capabilities. The availability of conducting thin films with these properties could lead to the development of skin-like sensors that stretch reversibly, sense pressure (not just touch), bend into hairpin turns, integrate with collapsible, stretchable and mechanically robust displays and solar cells, and also wrap around non-planar and biological surfaces such as skin and organs, without wrinkling. We report transparent, conducting spray-deposited films of single-walled carbon nanotubes that can be rendered stretchable by applying strain along each axis, and then releasing this strain. This process produces spring-like structures in the nanotubes that accommodate strains of up to 150% and demonstrate conductivities as high as 2,200?S?cm(-1) in the stretched state. We also use the nanotube films as electrodes in arrays of transparent, stretchable capacitors, which behave as pressure and strain sensors.     

Suppressive effect of functional drinking yogurt containing specific egg yolk immunoglobulin on Helicobacter pylori in humans

Helicobacter pylori is a human pathogen that infects over 50% of the population worldwide. It is the most important etiologic agent of gastroduodenal ulcers and malignancies. Helicobacter pylori urease enzyme is considered the main factor for the organism's colonization in the gastroduodenal mucosa. Hens immunized with the purified urease produce a highly specific anti-H. pylori urease immunoglobulin (IgY-urease) in their egg yolks. Immunoglobulin Y-urease was stable at 60 to 65 degrees C for 30 min and at pH 4.0 for 7 h. Its activity was lost at 80 degrees C for 20 min and at pH 2 for 4 h. Specially designed functional drinking yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. with 1% egg yolk IgY-urease was produced commercially. Immunoglobulin Y-urease activity showed stability in the product up to 7 d, and then decreased to 85% after 3 wk of storage. A clinical study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of IgY-urease yogurt to suppress infection in humans. Forty-two volunteers who tested positive for H. pylori using a 13C-urea breath test were recruited. A total of 450 mL of IgY-urease (test group) or IgY-urease-free yogurt (control group) was consumed in 150-mL portions 3 times daily for 4 wk. Volunteers were tested after 2 and 4 wk; urea breath test values significantly decreased in the test group compared with the control group. The results indicate that suppression of H. pylori infection in humans could be achieved by consumption of drinking yogurt fortified with IgY-urease.     

Chemical and engineering approaches to enable organic field-effect transistors for electronic skin applications

Skin is the body's largest organ and is responsible for the transduction of a vast amount of information. This conformable material simultaneously collects signals from external stimuli that translate into information such as pressure, pain, and temperature. The development of an electronic material, inspired by the complexity of this organ is a tremendous, unrealized engineering challenge. However, the advent of carbon-based electronics may offer a potential solution to this long-standing problem. In this Account, we describe the use of an organic field-effect transistor (OFET) architecture to transduce mechanical and chemical stimuli into electrical signals. In developing this mimic of human skin, we thought of the sensory elements of the OFET as analogous to the various layers and constituents of skin. In this fashion, each layer of the OFET can be optimized to carry out a specific recognition function. The separation of multimodal sensing among the components of the OFET may be considered a "divide and conquer" approach, where the electronic skin (e-skin) can take advantage of the optimized chemistry and materials properties of each layer. This design of a novel microstructured gate dielectric has led to unprecedented sensitivity for tactile pressure events. Typically, pressure-sensitive components within electronic configurations have suffered from a lack of sensitivity or long mechanical relaxation times often associated with elastomeric materials. Within our method, these components are directly compatible with OFETs and have achieved the highest reported sensitivity to date. Moreover, the tactile sensors operate on a time scale comparable with human skin, making them ideal candidates for integration as synthetic skin devices. The methodology is compatible with large-scale fabrication and employs simple, commercially available elastomers. The design of materials within the semiconductor layer has led to the incorporation of selectivity and sensitivity within gas-sensing devices and has enabled stable sensor operation within aqueous media. Furthermore, careful tuning of the chemical composition of the dielectric layer has provided a means to operate the sensor in real time within an aqueous environment and without the need for encapsulation layers. The integration of such devices as electronic mimics of skin will require the incorporation of biocompatible or biodegradable components. Toward this goal, OFETs may be fabricated with >99% biodegradable components by weight, and the devices are robust and stable, even in aqueous environments. Collectively, progress to date suggests that OFETs may be integrated within a single substrate to function as an electronic mimic of human skin, which could enable a large range of sensing-related applications from novel prosthetics to robotic surgery.     

Particulate matter characteristics during agricultural waste burning in Taichung City, Taiwan

Agricultural waste burning is performed after harvest periods in June and November in Taiwan. Typically, farmers use open burning to dispose of excess rice straw. PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10) measurements were conducted at National Chung Hsing University in Taichung City using a dichotomous sampler. The sampling times were during straw burning periods after rice harvest during 2002-2005. Ionic species including SO(4)(2-), NO(3)(-), NH(4)(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Cl(-) and Na(+) and carbonaceous species (EC and OC) in PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10) were analyzed. The results showed that the average PM(2.5) and PM(2.5-10) concentrations were 123.6 and 31.5 microg m(-3) during agricultural waste burning periods and 32.6 and 21.4 microg m(-3) during non-waste burning periods, respectively. The fine aerosol ionic species including Cl(-), K(+) and NO(3)(-) increased 11.0, 6.7 and 5.5 times during agricultural burning periods compared with periods when agricultural waste burning is not performed. K(+) was found mainly in the fine mode during agricultural burning. High nitrogen oxidation ratio was found during agricultural waste burning periods which might be caused by the conversion of Nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) to NO(3)(-). It is concluded that agricultural waste burning with low dispersion often causes high PM(2.5) and gases pollutant events.