cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing object-oriented programs: from formal specification to test scenario generation

Abstract New problems associated with the testing and maintenance of object-oriented programs (OOPs) have been introduced with the dramatically increasing use of OOPs over the past decade. Testing OOPs beyond the class level has been rarely discussed. This paper presents an approach performing high level testing for OOPs based on formal specifications and usage profiles. The behavior of a software system is specified in an object-oriented formal specification. A state model provides a complementary representation of the dynamic behavior. In the model, a state represents the cumulative results of the system behavior. Probability distributions are used to derive the anticipated operation sequences of a program from the state model. An enhanced state transition diagram (ESTD) is used to describe the state model, which incorporates hierarchy, usage and parameter information. This paper describes the construction of state transition diagrams (STDs) based on the formal specification, and the derivation of test scenarios from the ESTD.
Measurement of Soot Morphology, Chemistry, and Optical Properties in the Visible and Near-Infrared Spectrum in the Flame Zone and Overfire Region of Large JP-8 Pool Fires

Abstract The dimensionless extinction coefficient, K e , was measured for soot produced in 2 m JP-8 pool fires. Light extinction and gravimetric sampling measurements were performed simultaneously at 635 and 1310 nm wavelengths at three heights in the flame zone and in the overfire region. Measured average K e values of 8.4 ± 1.2 at 635 nm and 8.7 ± 1.1 at 1310 nm in the overfire region agree well with values from 8–10 recently reported for different fuels and flame conditions. The overfire K e values are also relatively independent of wavelength, in agreement with recent findings for JP-8 soot in smaller flames. K e was nearly constant at 635 nm for all sampling locations in the large fires. However, at 1310 nm, the overfire K e was higher than in the flame zone. Chemical analysis of physically sampled soot shows variations in carbon-to-hydrogen (C/H) ratio and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration that may account for the smaller K e values measured in the flame zone. Rayleigh–Debye–Gans t...
Identification and structural analysis of residues in the V1 region of CD4 involved in interaction with human immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein gp120 and class II major histocompatibility complex molecules.

Abstract The human CD4 molecule binds both human immunodeficiency virus envelope protein gp120 and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. We have studied a series of mutants in the region of amino acids 42-49 of CD4 for their ability to bind gp120, to interact with class II MHC, to enhance T-cell activation, and to bind a panel of anti-CD4 antibodies. The mutation Q40P (Gln40----Pro) and the deletion d42-49 were found to disrupt most antibody epitopes in the V1 domain of CD4, suggesting major conformational changes, whereas mutants F43L, G47R, and P48S retained the binding of most of the anti-CD4 antibodies tested. The mutants d42-49, Q40P, F43L, and G47R lost both gp120 and class II MHC binding as well as the ability to enhance T-cell activation. In contrast, the mutation P48S affected neither gp120 binding, nor class II MHC binding, nor T-cell activation. We conclude that within this region the binding sites for gp120 and for class II MHC molecules overlap and that amino acids Phe43 and Gly47 comprise an intimate part of both binding sites. These observations are consistent with a three-dimensional model of the V1 domain of CD4 that was developed in order to understand the structural basis for binding to CD4.
A RADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE DISTAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT AND NAVICULAR BURSA OF THE HORSE

Radiographic contrast studies were used in 50 forelimbs from 13 live horses and 12 fresh adult cadavers to determine the frequency of communication between the navicular bursa and the distal interphalangeal joint. Injections of contrast medium were made into the dorsal aspect of the distal interphalangeal joint of one limb and into the navicular bursa of the other forelimb of each horse. In 25 limbs in which contrast medium was injected into the distal interphalangeal joint, no communication was demonstrated between the joint and the navicular bursa. In 20 of the 25 limbs in which injection was made into the navicular bursa, no communication between joint and bursa was seen. In five horses, contrast medium was visible in both the distal interphalangeal joint and the navicular bursa. However, in four of five horses the communication was clearly iatrogenic. In both limbs of one horse, contrast medium was seen to enter the digital flexor tendon sheath after injection into the navicular bursa. There is probably no naturally occurring communication between the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint in the horse.
The Process of Formation of Ocean Crust

Ocean crust is the outermost layer of earth under the oceans. It is separated from the underlying mantle by a seismic transition zone called the Moho. A widely held view is that the Moho represents a petrologic change from basaltic-type rocks to a mantle composed mostly of olivine and pyroxene. According to this view, crust is formed by a steady segregation of basaltic melt, derived from partial melting of the mantle, into a crustal magma chamber wherein cooling and crystallization bring about steady-state accretion to the continuously spreading plates. There is sufficient disagreement between the predictions of this hypothesis and marine geophysical data to cause one to doubt the validity of this formation process. At least two other processes are more compatible with the geophysical data. In one, the crust is formed from the episodic injection of basaltic dikes from a mantle reservoir and the Moho is a primary petrologic boundary. In the other, the crust is treated as a mechanical boundary layer in which thermal contraction results in cracking; by comparison, in the mantle thermal contraction is accommodated by flow. The upper part of the crust is formed from episodic extrusion and intrusion of basaltic melt. The lower crust is formed by rapid hydrothermal alteration of mantle that may be continuously or episodically injected by viscous flow at temperatures below the melting temperature.
Erythrocyte isozymes of phosphofructokinase in genetically high- and low-2,3-diphosphoglycerate rats.

A major locus (Dpg) with two alleles (d and D) controls erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) levels in Long-Evans rats and is closely linked to a locus (Hbb) determining a hemoglobin electrophoretic polymorphism. Glycolytic intermediate levels and phosphofructokinase (PFK) kinetic studies suggest that in vivo PFK activity differences underlie the differences in DPG levels. We report here chromatographic and immunologic evidence that rat erythrocyte PFK is composed of two isozymes which elute from DEAE-Sephadex at positions identical to those of the isozymes in platelets and liver, respectively. The percentage of platelet-type PFK is significantly (P<0.05) smaller in low-DPG (dd) hemolysates than in DD hemolysates regardless of hemoglobin phenotype. When hemolysates were prepared in a stabilizing buffer, PFK specific activity was significantly (P<0.005) higher in DD rats. These data suggest that the PFK kinetic differences may result from alterations in the isozyme composition of active PFK.
Empirical testing of real option-pricing models using land price index in Japan

The purpose of this research is to examine the way uncertainty plays a role in built land prices. This paper provides basic real option pricing models of land prices on the demand side in central Tokyo. The model in this research analyzes micro land prices covering individual lot data provided by the Land Price Index. Since land prices are determined by both macro economic environment and micro lot‐specific attributes, this paper utilizes both time‐series economic data and cross‐sectional lot‐specific data. The model incorporates both time‐series (macro) and cross‐sectional (micro) data including uncertainty terms. In addition to the total uncertainty in asset prices over years, this research also gives some ideas of cross‐sectional uncertainty in land price variations by utilizing cross‐sectional amenity variables. These cross‐sectional and time‐series variables including the two uncertainty variables are arithmetically combined and the OLS method is conducted. The data set consists of 4,368 land price data from 1985 through 2000. The results from the option‐based models favor the application of the real option theory in land prices. The total uncertainty with respect to built asset return has a substantial effect on increasing land prices, which implies that an increase in uncertainty leads to an increase in land prices.
Microwave-assisted solid acid-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones

Abstract A new, solid acid-catalyzed microwave-assisted environmentally benign synthesis of isobenzofuran-1(3 H )-ones is described. Montmorillonite K-10 appeared to be an excellent catalyst for the condensation and successive lactonization reactions. Reaction of phthalaldehydic acid (2-carboxybenzaldehyde) with methylaryl and cyclic ketones was initiated by microwave irradiation and occurred in one step. The reactions were complete in 10–30 minutes providing excellent yields (90–98%).
A mechanism for abrupt climate change associated with tropical pacific SSTs

Abstract The tropical Pacific’s response to transiently increasing atmospheric CO2 is investigated using three ensemble members from a numerically efficient, coupled atmosphere–ocean GCM. The model is forced with a 1% yr−1 increase in CO2 for 110 yr, when the concentration reaches 3 times the modern concentration. The transient greenhouse forcing causes a regionally enhanced warming of the equatorial Pacific, particularly in the far west. This accentuated equatorial heating, which is slow to arise but emerges abruptly during the last half of the simulations, results from both atmospheric and oceanic processes. The key atmospheric mechanism is a rapid local increase in the super–greenhouse effect, whose emergence coincides with enhanced convection and greater high cloud amount once the SST exceeds an apparent threshold around 27°C. The primary oceanic feedback is greater Ekman heat convergence near the equator, due to an anomalous near-equatorial westerly wind stress created by increased rising (sinking) a...
Integrating Carbon Nanotubes For Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging Applications

Carbon nanotube (CNT) related nanostructures possess remarkable electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. To produce these nanostructures for real world applications, a large-scale controlled growth of carbon nanotubes is crucial for the integration and fabrication of nanodevices and nanosensors. We have taken the approach of integrating nanopatterning and nanomaterials synthesis with traditional silicon microfabrication techniques. This integration requires a catalyst or nanomaterial protection scheme. In this paper, we report our recent work on fabricating wafer-scale carbon nanotube AFM cantilever probe tips. We will address the design and fabrication considerations in detail, and present the preliminary scanning probe test results. This work may serve as an example of rational design, fabrication, and integration of nanomaterials for advanced nanodevice and nanosensor applications.
Pressure metrology: Primary standard piston gauges

Abstract Elastic distortion is the leading cause of uncertainty in primary standard piston gauges. Recent pressure measurement intercomparisons between national standards laboratories demonstrate the non-equivalence of the methods used to determine the effects of distortion. New research efforts on this fundamental pressure metrology problem are described.
STOPPING-POWER DIFFERENCES BETWEEN POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE PIONS AT LOW VELOCITIES

Measurements of grain densities of stopping ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mesons in emulsion show that, in the velocity interval $0.051l\ensuremath{\beta}l0.178$, the energy-loss rates of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ mesons exceed that of the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ by amounts of 0 to 60 MeV/cm. The reported range differences between positive and negative particles are satisfactorily accounted for by the results of this experiment.
Effect of a group adherence intervention for Mexican-American older adults with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE. I evaluated the effect of a culturally tailored, peer-led support group intervention on improvement in adherence behaviors of Mexican-American older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obtained feedback on the cultural relevance of the manual that structured the intervention. METHOD. The one-group pretest–posttest design used five self-report questionnaires and blood testing to measure change among 4 men and 12 women, ages 60–85. RESULTS. Empowerment, self-efficacy, and attitude were highly significant at 2-, 4-, and 6-mo posttests. Glycosylated hemoglobin test results were significant at p < .05 between pretest and 2-mo posttest with a stabilizing effect on the 6-mo posttest. CONCLUSION. Mexican-American older adults’ adherence may improve with a culturally sensitive, structured peer-led program with indirect consultation from an occupational therapist
Accurate measurement of Mg and Al Kα1,2 X-ray energy profiles

Abstract We have obtained new, accurate, high-resolution measurements of the energy distribution of Kα1,2 X-rays emitted in fluorescence from Mg and from Al. The energy profiles were obtained by measuring their Bragg diffraction with a double flat-crystal spectrometer equipped with accurate angle encoders. Both potassium dihydrogen phosphate and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate crystals were used to check the index-of-refraction correction to Bragg diffraction, the largest source of uncertainly in this measurement. Through the use of Cu Kα1 as a transfer standard, these X-ray energies (or wavelengths) have been connected with the optical wavelength scale, and thus to the Rydberg constant R∞. Separate Kα1 and Kα2 energies as well as the centroids and maxima of the Kα1,2 distributions are given for both Mg and Al: separate Kα1 and Kα2 energies for Mg are presented here for the first time. Resulting uncertainty estimates are in the range 0.01–0.015 eV.
Deliberate false provisions: The use and usefulness of models in learning academic writing

Abstract Although models have been a mainstay of academic writing pedagogy for centuries, a recurrent critique has been that they control or limit student writing and misrepresent the affairs they claim to model. These insufficiencies notwithstanding, models are ubiquitous in the ordinary, practical world, and their usefulness to novices can easily go unnoticed by experts. Influenced by ethnomethodology, this study follows the plight of English language learners in an academic writing class as they struggle to follow instructions for writing their first essay. Findings suggest that for them a model essay provided relief from the vague terms and occult objects of what was for them a cultural curriculum. The model offered students something they could do to turn in an assignment on time. Models, however, work by displaying basic principles. They forfeit some things in order to make others vivid, and it is to this sparseness that they owe their pedagogical value. Students who understood the model as a right answer rather than a case, were led astray, and they then had to confront the betrayal. Ultimately, discovering the insufficiencies of the model was important to the students’ development of competent academic writing.
Exactly solvable string compactifications on manifolds of SU(N) holonomy

A variety of heterotic string compactifications on the K3 surface, manifolds of SU(3) holomony, and higher holomony manifolds, are solved exactly. An example of the quintic hypersurface in CP 4 is worked out in detail. It is conjectured, and demonstrated in part, that any supersymmetric compactification of the heterotic string with an N =2 superconformal theory is equivalent to a compactification on a manifold of SU( N ) holonomy, and in particular an arbitrary gluing of the discrete models with c=9 gives a solvable heterotic string compactification on some Calabi-Yau manifold. Calabi-Yau compactifications are seen to be exact vacua of string theory, retaining their topological and geometrical characteristics. Previously unknown enhanced gauge symmetries are found to arise for certain backgrounds.
Complex algebraic plane curves via their links at infinity

Considering that the study of plane cuves has an over 2000 year history and is the seed from which modern algebraic geometry grew, surprisingly little is known about the topology of affine algebraic plane curves. We topologically classify “regular” algebraic plane curves in complex affine 2-space using “splice diagrams:” certain decorated trees that code Puiseux data at infinity. (The regularity condition — that the curve be a “typical” fiber of its defining polynomial — can conjecturally be avoided.) We also show that the splice diagram determines such algebraic information as the minimal degree of the curve, even in the irregular case. Among other things, this enables algebraic classification of regular algebraic plane curves with given topology.
Microwave Filters--1965

A review of recent and current work on microwave filters is presented, and an extensive bibliography of recent articles is appended. The review is largely qualitative and pictorial, rather than mathematical. Among the microwave filter topics discussed are band-pass filters with cascaded lifes or cavities; band-pass and band-stop filters with stubs and parallel-line coupling; low-pass and high-pass filters; the connection between dissipation loss, group delay, and power-handling capacity; delay equalizers; diplexers; directional filters; tunable filters, especially magnetically tunable filters; dielectric-resonator filters; filter techniques applied to semiconductor devices; the connection between filters and directional couplers; filters with open walls; and filters for millimeter waves and higher frequencies.
Reconciling the Differences Between Tolerance Specification and Measurement Methods

The ASME Y14.5M standard has defined different types of tolerances that can be applied to a feature to achieve the required functionality. Each tolerance defines a zone within which the feature under inspection must lie. The conformance of the parts to these tolerances is checked by manual measurements or a CMM. But it has been observed that the measurements between different CMMs do not match. There are two generally accepted reasons for this discrepancy. The first one is the measurement uncertainty in CMM software. This problem was addressed by NIST by developing reference softwares for feature fitting algorithms. And the second one is the distinct choice of algorithms for fitting substitute feature to the data points measured from CMM. Feature fitting algorithms used in CMMs are often based on their mathematical convenience rather than the interpretation of definitions in the GD&T standard. Our research is focused on identifying that normative algorithm that is best to be used for each type of tolerance. Each normative algorithm is identified as the one to best represent the interpretation of geometric control as defined by the Standard and on the manual methods used for the measurement of a specific tolerance type.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Influence of friction on piezoelectric sensors

Abstract Piezoelectric sensors are usually made of a sensing element compressed between two plates. Therefore, the applied point/distributed load is transferred through these plates to the piezoelectric sensing element. In this sandwich configuration, surface friction has an inevitable and significant impact on the resultant output of the sensor. This paper reports on the influence of the friction on the output of piezoelectric sensing element in a sandwich structure. Although the numerical analysis as well as experiments are performed on the piezoelectric Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) films, the results are applicable to similar structures with other piezoelectric materials. The results show the remarkable contribution of the friction induced component in the total output for both uniaxial and biaxial PVDF films. The outcome can be used for the optimization of sensor manufacturing processes. In addition, results suggest an alternative new method for the measurement of d 33 , the PVDF piezoelectric coefficient in the thickness direction. Alternately, it is possible to use the proposed method in order to accurately measure friction coefficients, particularly for low friction range, namely μ 0.1 .
Mining the secrets of the CSF: developing biomarkers of neurodegeneration.

Our ability to track the progression of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease (PD) is hampered by a lack of biomarkers, rendering the neuronal changes that underlie clinical symptoms largely a mystery. In this issue of the JCI, Fanara et al. report the development of an innovative approach to biomarker development. They describe a method to measure axonal microtubule function via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling and use this technique to provide evidence of deficiencies in this process in PD patients. This both sheds light on the pathophysiology of PD and has implications for the more general problem of developing biomarkers for any brain process.
What We Need to Know About Conformational and Managemental Traits: The Commercial Dairyman

There have been many systems designed to estimate a site's genetic merit or his ability to transmit desirable genetic traits to his progeny. While animal breeding has often been called an art, it is now considered by most to be a science. The dairyman must know the factors involved in inheritance, he must have the skills to apply them, and he must have patience to await fruition. Science has greatly reduced the risk of failure and the mediocrity that often resulted from earlier breeding practices of breeding the best to the best. Indeed, application of genetics has contributed greatly to achievements and progress in dairy cattle breeding. The rate of genetic progress in the dairy cattle population has increased materially since 1937, the date of the first (USDA-DHIA) United States Department of Agriculture Dairy Herd Improvement Sire Summary. Since the development of artificial insemination and, later, with the increased use of computers, the potential influence of fewer sires has been demonstrated. Major revisions were made in the USDADHIA sire evaluation program in 1962 by the daughter-herdmate comparison. In 1965, a new method for evaluation, calculating, and expressing a site's genetic merit by Predicted Difference and Repeatability was adopted. Most breed associations and artificial insemination (AI) organizations also have the/r own genetic evaluation programs based on production, and a few include type characteristics. All of these systems are serious attempts to estimate a sires ability to transmit genetic traits. While the breed programs are relatively uniform nationally, most of the other programs have a great deal of variation. T~is variation is between regions of the country as well as be-
Predicting high-frequency upwelling: Spatial and temporal patterns of temperature anomalies on a Florida coral reef

Abstract High-frequency measurements reveal a rapidly changing, highly variable temperature regime on the slope of Conch Reef, a coral reef in the upper Florida Keys, USA. Water temperatures 1 m above the reef were measured at 20 min intervals at 21 and 33 m depths from 1992 through 1997, for all of 1992 at 7 m depth and 1997 at 10 m. While the annual variation in dailyaveraged temperatures was approximately 10°C in most years (Winter lows near 20°C to Summer highs near 30°C), temperature fluctuations as large as 6 to 10°C were recorded within individual days. Temperature variation is concentrated at semi-diurnal internal tidal frequencies, with a variety of mechanisms including internal tides, internal tidal bores, and cold water intrusions most likely related to variability of the Florida Current influencing high-frequency upwelling at this site. An analysis of extreme values in the long-term temperature records is used to predict return times for cold water upwelling events at depths of 7, 21, and 33 m. This analysis provides quantitative, seasonal estimates for among-depth differences in the extent of cool water pulsing. Return times for cooling events are shorter in May through September than in October through April, and decrease markedly with increasing depth on the reef slope. In Summer, the predicted median return times for a -3°C temperature anomaly are 136, 14, and 7 days at 7, 21, and 33 m depths, respectively. Predictable physical forcing arising from upwelling of cool water may be an important source of externally derived nutrients and suspended particles for this coral reef. The methods and results presented here should be applicable to a range of studies of temperature variation and nutrient dynamics in the Florida Keys and other regions.
INCLUSIVE CHARGED KAON PRODUCTION FROM B MESONS IN ϒ(4S) DECAYS

We have investigated the inclusive production of charged kaons from B mesons in ϒ (4S) decays. We present our results (up to 800 MeV/c) of the measurement of the charged kaon momentum spectrum, using information from the specific ionization (dE/dx) particle identification (PID) device. We fit PID histograms with known samples of primary (pion, kaon, proton) and secondary (electron, muon) control shape histograms, using a χ2 minimization technique. We compare our findings with ARGUS and with MC and comment on the implications for b → s g from the analsis.
THE PROBABLE NATURE OF THE INFECTIOUS AGENT OF TRACHOMA.

1. The infectious agent of trachoma can be freed from extraneous bacteria by passage through rabbit testicle. 2. The infectious agent multiplies little, if at all, during such passage, but in many instances retains its infectivity undiminished. 3. No specific changes occur in the rabbit testicle incidentally to the passage. 4. On rare occasion the trachoma agent may be freed from bacteria by intracerebral passage. The brain tissues show no specific reaction. 5. Filtration experiments with Seitz, Kramer, Berkefeld, and Elford filters confirm the general observation that the infectious agent is filterable with difficulty. 6. Tissue culture experiments, with tissues containing the infectious agent (conjunctiva, rabbit testicle, brain, etc.), conducted under a wide variety of conditions, proved uniformly unsuccessful in the cultivation of the agent. 7. The agent is inactivated by bile, AgNO3, phenol, cocaine, tartar emetic, and gentian violet. Its heat inactivation temperature is between 45° and 50°C., at a time interval of 15 minutes. 8. Attempts to preserve the infectious agent in glycerine were unsuccessful. 9. The accumulated evidence suggests that the infectious agent of trachoma is a virus.
Disturbance and recovery of trunk mechanical and neuromuscular behaviors following repeated static trunk flexion: influences of duration and duty cycle on creep-induced effects.

Abstract Occupations involving frequent trunk flexion are associated with a higher incidence of low back pain. To investigate the effects of repeated static flexion on trunk behaviors, 12 participants completed six combinations of three static flexion durations (1, 2, and 4 min), and two flexion duty cycles (33% and 50%). Trunk mechanical and neuromuscular behaviors were obtained pre- and post-exposure and during recovery using sudden perturbations. A longer duration of static flexion and a higher duty cycle increased the magnitude of decrements in intrinsic stiffness. Increasing duty cycle caused larger decreases in reflexive muscle responses, and females had substantially larger decreases in reflexive responses following exposure. Patterns of recovery for intrinsic trunk stiffness and reflexive responses were consistent across conditions and genders, and none of these measures returned to pre-exposure values after 20 min of recovery. Reflexive responses may not provide a compensatory mechanism to offset decreases in intrinsic trunk stiffness following repetitive static trunk flexion. A prolonged recovery duration may lead to trunk instability and a higher risk of low back injury.
Experimental studies of radioimmunodetection of cancer: An overview

During the past 8 years numerous patients have been treated by injection of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies for both diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It has become common to refer to this approach by such terms as "antibody guided delivery" or "antibody guided targeting." In general the results, while somewhat promising, have failed to fulfill our initial expectations. It is now clear that there are many physiological barriers that antibodies face in their travel toward their tumor associated antigen. The papers in the "Experimental Studies of Radioimmunodetection" section of the symposium describe in detail these barriers. We must remember that antibody conjugates are no more "guided" than classical drugs and hormones and are subject to the same physiological principals.
2,3‐Diphenyl‐1‐(phenyl­sulfon­yl)indole

The crystal structure of the title compound, C26H19NO2S, reveals that the phenyl­sulfonyl ring and the adjacent phenyl ring are approximately syn–parallel to each other, with a dihedral angle of 18.4 (4)°.
Multiple defect diagnosis using no assumptions on failing pattern characteristics

We propose an effective multiple defect diagnosis methodology that does not depend on failing pattern characteristics. The methodology consists of a conservative defect site identification and elimination algorithm, and an innovative path-based defect site elimination technique. The search space of the diagnosis method does not grow exponentially with the number of defects in the circuit under diagnosis. Simulation experiments show that this method can effectively diagnose circuits that are affected by 10 or more faults that include multiple stuck-at, bridge and transistor stuck-open faults.
Liquid-Crystals for Tunable Photonic Crystals, Frequency Selective Surfaces and Negative Index Material Development

We present the results of experimental and theoretical studies that demonstrate the feasibility of realizing electro-optical switching, frequency filtering and negative index of refraction. In liquid crystal infiltrated TiO2 inverse opal 3-D photonic crystals, we observed a sizeable electrical tuning of the Bragg reflection peak. In frequency selective structures with a liquid crystal over-layer, the tuning range can be as wide as 380 nm, operational throughout the entire visible – far infrared spectra range. Furthermore, some of the structures can be designed to exhibit a negative index of refraction property over a predetermined frequency interval.
Monosodium Glutamate but not Linoleic Acid Differentially Activates Gustatory Neurons in the Rat Geniculate Ganglion

To date, only one study has examined responses to monosodium glutamate (MSG) from gustatory neurons in the rat geniculate ganglion and none to free fatty acids. Accordingly, we recorded single-cell responses from geniculate ganglion gustatory neurons in anesthetized male rats to MSG and linoleic acid (LA), as well as to sucrose, NaCl, citric acid, and quinine hydrochloride. None of the 52 neurons responded to any LA concentration. In contrast, both narrowly tuned groups of gustatory neurons (sucrose specialists and NaCl specialists) responded to MSG, as did 2 of the broadly tuned groups (NaCl generalistI and acid generalists). NaCl-generalistII neurons responded only to the highest MSG concentration and only at low rates. No neuron type responded best to MSG; rather, responses to 0.1 M MSG were significantly less than those to NaCl for Na + -sensitive neurons and to sucrose for sucrose specialists. Interestingly, most Na + -sensitive neurons responded to 0.3 M MSG at levels comparable with those to 0.1 M NaCl, whereas sucrose specialists responded to 0.1 M MSG despite being unresponsive to NaCl. These results suggest that the stimulatory effect of MSG involves activation of sweet- or salt-sensitive receptors. We propose that glutamate underlies the MSG response of sucrose specialists, whereas Na + -sensitive neurons respond to the sodium cation. For the latter neuron groups, the large glutamate anion may reduce the driving force for sodium through epithelial channels on taste cell membranes. The observed concentration-dependent responses are consistent with this idea, as are cross-adaptation studies using 0.1 M concentrations of MSG and NaCl in subsets of these Na + -sensitive neurons.
GENDER AND PROSOCIAL VALUES DURING ADOLESCENCE: A Research Note

To date, relatively little is known about the prosocial values of adolescents. Research has shown that females attach more importance to certain prosocial values than males do in late adolescence b...
A temperature sensor with single resistor set-point programming

Temperature set-point switches are used in applications from electric irons to industrial controls. A monolithic circuit combining simplicity with user programmability is ideal for many PC board applications. The circuit has an output which switches low when the die reaches a temperature set by a user selected resistor. The circuit uses laser-wafer-trimmed thin-film resistors to calibrate the resistor vs. temperature relationship to a simple formula. To determine its operating temperature, the circuit compares a PTAT voltage, generated by a current density ratio, to a CTAT voltage, derived from a base-emitter voltage. The circuit configuration allows a single temperature non-interactive trim for each of these voltages, to match the predetermined resistance vs. temperature characteristics.
Identifying Distributed Object Representations in Human Extrastriate Visual Cortex

The category of visual stimuli has been reliably decoded from patterns of neural activity in extrastriate visual cortex [1]. It has yet to be seen whether object identity can be inferred from this activity. We present fMRI data measuring responses in human extrastriate cortex to a set of 12 distinct object images. We use a simple winner-take-all classifier, using half the data from each recording session as a training set, to evaluate encoding of object identity across fMRI voxels. Since this approach is sensitive to the inclusion of noisy voxels, we describe two methods for identifying subsets of voxels in the data which optimally distinguish object identity. One method characterizes the reliability of each voxel within subsets of the data, while another estimates the mutual information of each voxel with the stimulus set. We find that both metrics can identify subsets of the data which reliably encode object identity, even when noisy measurements are artificially added to the data. The mutual information metric is less efficient at this task, likely due to constraints in fMRI data.
The Consequences of Individual Consumption: A Defence of Threshold Arguments for Vegetarianism and Consumer Ethics

As a moral foundation for vegetarianism and other consumer choices, act consequentialism can be appealing. When we justify our consumer and dietary choices this way, however, we face the problem that our individual actions rarely actually precipitate more just agricultural and economic practices. This threshold or individual impotence problem engaged by consequentialist vegetarians and their critics extends to morally motivated consumer decision-making more generally, anywhere a lag persists between individual moral actions taken and systemic moral progress made. Regan and others press just this point against Singer's utilitarian basis for vegetarianism; recently Chartier criticizes act-consequentialist vegetarianism by identifying many factors weakening the connection between individual meat purchases and changes in animal production. While such factors are relevant to act-consequentialist moral reasoning, I argue, they need not defeat the act-consequentialist case for vegetarianism and consumer ethics. This is shown by offering a probabilistic account of the threshold issue and discussing the positive and negative role-modelling effects of our morally motivated dietary and consumer choices.
Medical Communication Companies and Industry Grants

Importance Medical communication companies (MCCs) are among the most significant health care stakeholders, supported mainly by drug and device companies. How MCCs share or protect physicians’ personal data requires greater transparency. Objective To explore the financial relationships between MCCs and drug and device companies, to describe the characteristics of the large MCCs, and to explore whether they accurately represent themselves to physicians. Design We combined data from the 2010 grant registries of 14 pharmaceutical and device companies; grouped recipients into categories such as MCCs, academic medical centers, disease-targeted advocacy organizations, and professional associations; and created a master list of 19 272 grants. Main Outcomes and Measures Determine the distribution of funds from drug and device companies to various entities and assess the characteristics of large MCCs. Results Of the 6493 recipients of more than $657 million grant awards from drug and device companies, 18 of 363 MCCs received 26%, academic medical centers received 21%, and disease-targeted organizations received 15%. For-profit MCCs received 77% of funds (208 of 363). Among the top 5% of MCCs, 14 of 18 were for-profit. All 18 offered continuing medical education: 14 offered live and 17 offered online CME courses. All required physicians to provide personal data. Ten stated that they shared information with unnamed third parties. Eight stated they did not share information, but almost all added exceptions. None required explicit physician consent to their sharing policies. Conclusions and Relevance Medical communication companies receive substantial support from drug and device companies. Physicians who interact with MCCs should be aware that all require personal data from the physician and some share these data with unnamed third parties.
SRPK2: a differentially expressed SR protein-specific kinase involved in mediating the interaction and localization of pre-mRNA splicing factors in mammalian cells.

Abstract. Reversible phosphorylation plays an important role in pre-mRNA splicing in mammalian cells. Two kinases, SR protein-specific kinase (SRPK1) and Clk/Sty, have been shown to phosphorylate the SR family of splicing factors. We report here the cloning and characterization of SRPK2, which is highly related to SRPK1 in sequence, kinase activity, and substrate specificity. Random peptide selection for preferred phosphorylation sites revealed a stringent preference of SRPK2 for SR dipeptides, and the consensus derived may be used to predict potential phosphorylation sites in candidate arginine and serine-rich (RS) domain–containing proteins. Phosphorylation of an SR protein (ASF/SF2) by either SRPK1 or 2 enhanced its interaction with another RS domain–containing protein (U1 70K), and overexpression of either kinase induced specific redistribution of splicing factors in the nucleus. These observations likely reflect the function of the SRPK family of kinases in spliceosome assembly and in mediating the trafficking of splicing factors in mammalian cells. The biochemical and functional similarities between SRPK1 and 2, however, are in contrast to their differences in expression. SRPK1 is highly expressed in pancreas, whereas SRPK2 is highly expressed in brain, although both are coexpressed in other human tissues and in many experimental cell lines. Interestingly, SRPK2 also contains a proline-rich sequence at its NH2 terminus, and a recent study showed that this NH2-terminal sequence has the capacity to interact with a WW domain protein in vitro. Together, our studies suggest that different SRPK family members may be uniquely regulated and targeted, thereby contributing to splicing regulation in different tissues, during development, or in response to signaling.
Microheterogeneity of Neisseria lipooligosaccharide: analysis of a UDP-glucose 4-epimerase mutant of Neisseria meningitidis NMB.

Neisseria meningitidis is the etiologic agent of epidemic bacterial meningitis. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) is a principal virulence factor associated with the organism, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of LOS has demonstrated that there is considerable microheterogeneity in the molecule. To begin our understanding of the nature of this heterogeneity, we identified a Tn916-generated LOS mutant of N. meningitidis NMB (serotype L3, monoclonal antibodies 3F11+, 6B4+, and 4C4-) that was designated NMB-SS3 (monoclonal antibodies 3F11-, 6B4-, and 4C4+). The transposon insertion was localized to the amino terminus of the functional copy of the UDP-Glc 4-epimerase gene (galE). UDP-Glc 4-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.2) activity was present in N. meningitidis NMB but not in NMB-SS3, indicating that the Tn916 insertion had abolished this activity. Mass spectrometric analysis of the LOS from strain NMB revealed multiple species of LOS, which is consistent with extensive microheterogeneity. While the most predominant structure was consistent with a terminal lacto-N-neotetrose structure found in other strains of N. meningitidis, Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc beta 1-->3Gal beta 1-->4Glc-->(GlcNAc)-->Hep2PEA-->KDO2 (where Hep is heptose, PEA is phosphoethanolamine, and KDO is 2-keto-3-deoxymannooctulosonic acid), structures containing repetitive hexoses which are not precursors of this structure were also identified. Compositional analysis of LOS from strain NMB-SS3 revealed that there were no galactoses present in the structure. Mass spectrometric analysis of O-deacylated LOS revealed the presence of multiple species, with the predominant LOS species in this mutant strain formed by the Hex-->(HexNAc)-->Hep2PEA-->KDO2 (where Hex is hexose and HexNAc is N-acetylhexosamine) structure. However, LOS structures with repetitive hexoses, e.g., Hexn-->(HexNAc)-->Hep2PEA-->KDO2 (n = 2, 3, or 4), emanating from one or both heptoses were also identified. Since this mutant cannot synthesize UDP-Gal, these structures must repetitive glucoses. These data suggest that NMB has a glycosyltransferase capable of polymerizing glucose moieties as an alternative biosynthetic pathway to the wild-type lacto-N-neotetrose structure.
Solvent tuned excited state configuration mixing in a π-conjugated metal–organic oligomer

The photophysical properties of a π-conjugated metal–organic oligomer vary smoothly with solvent composition. The variation is believed to arise from solvent-tuned configuration mixing of 3π,π* and 3MLCT levels.
Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development: Research Programs and Emerging Opportunities in Digestive Diseases Research

The medical and prosthetic research program of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), though specifically dedicated to improving the health and well-being of those who have served the United States in the uniformed services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps’ of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration), has nevertheless had a significant impact on the care of all Americans. In particular, VHA has contributed substantially to the understanding and treatment of digestive diseases, and in the training of researchers – particularly clinician-researchers, to conduct digestive disease research. Unlike the NIH, which provides broad support to investigators through grants and cooperative agreements, the VA research program is an intramural program that is, by law, carried out “in connection with the provision of medical care and treatment to veterans.”
Immersion cooling of silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) for nuclear medicine imaging applications

Abstract Silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) are compact, high amplification light detection devices that have recently been incorporated into magnetic field-compatible positron emission tomography (PET) scanners. To take full advantage of these devices, it is preferable to cool them below room temperature. Most current methods are limited to the cooling of individual detector modules, increasing complexity and cost of scanners made-up of a large number of modules. In this work we investigated a new method of cooling, immersion of the detector modules in non-electrically conductive, cooled liquid. A small-scale prototype system was constructed to cool a relatively large area SiPM-based, scintillator detector module by immersing it in a circulating bath of mineral oil. Testing demonstrated that the system rapidly decreased and stabilized the temperature of the device. Operation of the detector illustrated the expected benefits of cooling, with no apparent degradation of performance attributable to immersion in fluid.
Absolute sensitivity calibration of extreme ultraviolet photoresists

One of the major challenges facing the commercialization of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography remains simultaneously achieving resist sensitivity, line-edge roughness, and resolution requirement. Sensitivity is of particular concern owing to its direct impact on source power requirements. Most current EUV exposure tools have been calibrated against a resist standard with the actual calibration of the standard resist dating back to EUV exposures at Sandia National Laboratories in the mid 1990s. Here we report on an independent sensitivity calibration of two baseline resists from the SEMATECH Berkeley MET tool performed at the Advanced Light Source Calibrations and Standards beamline. The results show the baseline resists to be approximately 1.9 times faster than previously thought based on calibration against the long standing resist standard.
Escherichia coli O157:H7: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Methods for Detection in Food.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is now recognized as an important human pathogen. Illnesses caused by E. coli O157:H7 infection can range from self-limited, watery diarrhea to life-threatening manifestations such as hemolytic uremic syndrome or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The mode of transmission is primarily through food; however, person-to-person transmission also has been identified in some day-care center and nursing home out-breaks. Studies to date indicate that cattle are an important reservoir of the organism. Although adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells and verotoxins are considered important virulence factors in the pathogenesis of the organism, more research is are necessary to determine the exact mechanism of pathogenicity. There is need for a rapid diagnostic test for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 in food and in clinical samples. Several useful research reagents have been developed for detecting E. coli O157:H7; however, they must be applied to a procedure that is specific, sensitive,...
THE LEVEL SET METHOD ON ADAPTIVE CARTESIAN GRID FOR INTERFACE CAPTURING

The level set method, introduced by Osher and Sethian in 1988, is a powerful numerical approach for analyzing and computing interface motion. In this paper, we extend the level set method to two-dimensional unstructured adaptive Cartesian grid to further improve the solution accuracy and efficiency. A quadtree-based grid generator is developed for 2D adaptive Cartesian mesh generation. Following ideas from the finite volume method for hyperbolic conservation laws, we have developed a level-set numerical algorithm for the adaptive Cartesian grid. Some two-dimensional numerical examples are given to illustrate the capability of the developed algorithm. Secondorder accuracy in smooth regions, good stability and convergence to viscosity solutions are demonstrated.