cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OnTheFly: a database of Drosophila melanogaster transcription factors and their binding sites

We present OnTheFly (http://bhapp.c2b2.columbia.edu/OnTheFly/index.php), a database comprising a systematic collection of transcription factors (TFs) of Drosophila melanogaster and their DNA-binding sites. TFs predicted in the Drosophila melanogaster genome are annotated and classified and their structures, obtained via experiment or homology models, are provided. All known preferred TF DNA-binding sites obtained from the B1H, DNase I and SELEX methodologies are presented. DNA shape parameters predicted for these sites are obtained from a high throughput server or from crystal structures of protein-DNA complexes where available. An important feature of the database is that all DNA-binding domains and their binding sites are fully annotated in a eukaryote using structural criteria and evolutionary homology. OnTheFly thus provides a comprehensive view of TFs and their binding sites that will be a valuable resource for deciphering non-coding regulatory DNA.
Psychometric Properties and Instructional Utility of Assessing Special Education Teacher Candidate Knowledge with Portfolios

Standardized portfolios are being used by teachers and teacher candidates to demonstrate subject matter knowledge for certification or to be considered highly qualified; however, the psychometric adequacy of data used for this purpose has not been evaluated. In the current study, we examined the interscorer reliability, concurrent, predictive, and discriminate validity, and instructional utility of an assessment portfolio used in a special education teacher education program. The estimate of interscorer reliability was .91, validity coefficients ranged from .53 to .60, and the discriminate validity coefficient was -.01. A comparison of scores for instructional objectives suggested relative difficulties writing adequate short-term objectives, which was then further emphasized in subsequent instruction and resulted in increased scores. Suggestions for practice and future research are included.
A prospective pilot study: can the biliary tree be visualized in children younger than 3 months on Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography?

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) could aid in the diagnosis of biliary atresia, a hepatic pathology with thin, irregular or interrupted biliary ducts. There is little published evidence of MRCP appearances in normal neonates and young infants. To assess the use of MR cholangiopancreatography in visualizing the biliary tree in neonates and infants younger than 3 months with no hepatobiliary disorder, and to assess this visibility in relationship to the child’s age, weight, and sedation and fasting states. Between December 2008 and October 2010 our department performed MRI of the brain, orbits and face on 16 full-term neonates and infants. Each child was younger than 3 months (90 days) and without any hepatobiliary disorders. The children were scanned with a respiratory-gated 0.54 × 0.51 × 0.4-mm3 3-D MRCP sequence. We used a reading grid to assess subjectively the visibility of the extrahepatic bile ducts along with extrahepatic bile duct confluence. The visibility of the extrahepatic bile duct confluence was assessed against age, weight, and sedation and fasting states. The extrahepatic bile duct confluence was seen in 10 children out of 16 (62.5%). In the neonate sub-group (corrected age younger than 30 days), the MRCP was technically workable and the extrahepatic bile duct confluence was seen in four cases out of eight (50%). This visualization was up to 75% in the subgroup older than 30 days. However, statistically there was no significant difference in visibility of the extrahepatic bile duct confluence in relationship to age, weight or MRCP performance conditions (feeding, fasting or sedation). The complete normal biliary system (extrahepatic bile duct confluence included) is not consistently visualized in infants younger than 3 months old on non-enhanced MRCP. Thus the use of MRCP to exclude a diagnosis of biliary atresia is compromised at optimal time of surgery.
First-principles study of misfit strain-stabilized ferroelectric SnTiO 3

Toxicity of lead and bismuth has motivated an active search for isovalent ferroelectric oxides free of these elements. Using first-principles density-functional calculations, we survey Sn(ii) titanates with SnTiO${}_{3}$ stoichiometry to evaluate the phase stability of polar and nonpolar polymorphs: we predict a tetragonal perovskite $P4mm$ phase with a large axial ratio ($c/a=1.134$) and ferroelectric polarization (1.28 C/m${}^{2}$) to be the ground-state equilibrium structure. We also show that heteroepitaxial thin films of perovskite SnTiO${}_{3}$ promote the stereochemical lone-pair activity and simultaneously enable control over the direction of the net electric polarization and magnitude of the electronic band gap. Finally, we examine the consequence of antisite defects on the polar cation displacements by studying the substitution of Sn on Ti sites. We demonstrate that local metallic screening resulting from site substitution diminishes the magnitude of the polar distortions but does not completely quench it. Based on these calculations, we suggest that polar perovskite SnTiO${}_{3}$ ferroelectrics are viable thin-film alternatives to Pb- and Bi-containing oxides.
The Acquisition and Analysis of Random Access Memory

ABSTRACT Mainstream operating systems (and the hardware they run on) fail to purge the contents of portions of volatile memory when that portion is no longer required for operation. Similar to how many file systems simply mark a file as deleted instead of actually purging the space that the file occupies on disk, random access memory (RAM) is commonly littered with old information in unallocated space waiting to be reused. Additionally, RAM contains constructs and caching regions that include a wealth of state-related information. The availability of this information, along with techniques to recover it, provides new methods for investigation. This article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of traditional incident response methods compared to an augmented model that includes the capture and subsequent analysis of a suspect system's memory, provides a foundation for analyzing captured memory, and provides suggestions for related work in an effort to encourage forward progress in this relatively new area ...
Hepatic Changes in Young Infants with Cystic Fibrosis

Histologic changes in the liver which are diagnostic of cystic fibrosis are not frequently recognized during infancy. In a retrospective study of 47 patients surviving up to 3 months of age, only 5 cases of typical focal biliary cirrhosis were identified. In an additional 11 cases, extra or intra-hepatic ducts were prominent because of focal mucus accumulations, in these cases there were diffuse nonspecific alterations, including clinical jaundice or cholestasis with bile thrombi, apparent prominence of portal triads with fibrosis or inflammation, and minimal bile duct proliferation. Similar nonspecific lesions were present in 14 cases in the absence of excess stainable mucus in bile ducts or liver. In only 17 of the young infants (36%) was the liver entirely normal. Diagnostic focal biliary cirrhosis was present in S of 32 infants who survived from 3 to 12 months and in 18 of 67 older infants, children, and adolescents, but the diffuse nonspecific changes were absent in the older age groups. These observations suggest that bile ducts containing mucus alone or in combination with bile may be a possible precussor of focal biliary cirrhosis. The frequency of diffuse changes (cholestasis, bile thrombi, or jaundice) also suggests the possibility of proximal obstruction which is transient.
Opioid action on spinal cord reflexes due to dorsolateral pontine tegmentum stimulation

Electrical stimulation of the dorsolateral pontine tegmentum (DLPT) produces phasic facilitatory and inhibitory actions on the lumbar spinal monosynaptic reflexes (MSRs) of both flexor and extensor muscle nerves in the decerebrate cat. Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, given intravenously or intraspinally enhanced the DLPT-induced potentiation of MSRs in most of the reflexes studied. However, systemic naloxone had no significant effect on the unconditioned MSR of the spinal cord. Intraspinal microinjections of naloxone significantly attenuated the DLPT-induced inhibition of MSRs of both flexors and extensors, similar to the action of systemic injection of naloxone, indicating a direct opioid action at the spinal ventral horn level upon DLPT stimulation. Results of the present experiment further support the anatomical finding that there are pontospinal enkephalinergic pathways in the cat, and indicate that these descending pathways modulate spinal motor outflow.
2,5‐Hexanedione Alters Elemental Composition and Water Content of Rat Peripheral Nerve Myelinated Axons

: Effects of 2,5-hexanedione on elemental concentrations and water content of peripheral nerve myelinated axons were determined using electron probe x-ray microanalysis. Axons (small, medium, and large) were analyzed in unfixed cryosections from rat tibial and proximal sciatic nerve samples. Animals were intoxicated with 2,5-hexanedione by two dosing paradigms: intraperitoneal or oral. Regardless of the route of exposure, internodal axoplasm of small and medium axons from both nerve regions exhibited selective, progressive reductions in dry weight K concentrations and water content. When calculated on a wet weight basis, K levels were comparable to or slightly above control values in tibial nerve, whereas in sciatic nerve, small transient decreases in wet weight K were evident. These changes in K and water correlated with the development of axonal atrophy. The wet and dry weight internodal elemental changes reported here do not suggest a metabolic or axolemmal defect, but rather imply a homeostatic response possibly related to the process of axonal atrophy. Giant axonal swellings were primarily associated with oral 2,5-hexane-dione intoxication, and corresponding analyses revealed few changes in element or water content compared with control. The absence of significant alterations in these swellings is consistent with mechanical expansion of the axon probably as a function of accumulating neurofilaments.
Speciation of heavy metals in garden soils: evidences from selective and sequential chemical leaching

Gardening (especially food growing) in urban areas is becoming popular, but urban soils are often very contaminated for historical reasons. There is lack of sufficient information as to the bioavailability of soil heavy metals to plants and human in urban environments. This study examines the relative leachability of Cr, Ni, As, Cd, Zn, and Pb for soils with varying characteristics. The speciation and mobility of these metals can be qualitatively inferred from the leaching experiments. The goal is to use the data to shed some light on their bioavailability to plant and human, as well as the basis for soil remediation. Selective and sequential chemical leaching methods were both used to evaluate the speciation of Cr, Ni, As, Cd, Zn, and Pb in soil samples collected from New York City residential and community gardens. The sequential leaching experiment followed a standard BCR four-step procedure, while selective leaching involved seven different chemical extractants. The results from selective and sequential leaching methods are consistent. In general, very little of the heavy metals were found in the easily soluble or exchangeable fractions. Larger fractions of Cd and Zn can be leached out than other metals. Lead appears predominantly in the organic or carbonate fractions, of which ∼30–60% is in the easily soluble organic fraction. Most As cannot be leached out by any of the extractants used, but it could have been complicated by the ineffective dissolution of oxides by ammonium hydroxylamine. Ni and Cr were mostly in the residual fractions but some released in the oxidizable fractions. Therefore, the leachability of metals follow the order Cd/Zn > Pb > Ni/Cr. Despite of the controversy and inaccuracy surrounding chemical leaching methods for the speciation of metals, chemical leaching data provide important, general, and easy-to-access information on the mobility of heavy metals in soils, which in turn relates to their potential bioavailability to plant uptake and human health risk. Such data can be used to guide risk assessment of different metals and develop effective remediation strategies.
Measurement of static dielectric constants of supercritical fluid solvents and cosolvents: Carbon dioxide and argon, carbon dioxide, and methanol at 323 K and pressures to 25 MPa

Abstract A new apparatus for the measurement of dielectric constants of high pressure gases has been constructed. The apparatus consists of a recirculating visual flow cell and a concentric cylinder dielectric constant flow cell. Measurement of the dielectric constant is made by a unique counter-oscillator circuit, in which the capacitance is determined by relaxation of a unijunction transistor oscillator circuit and counted by a crystal oscillator. Dielectric constants are reported for supercritical mixtures of carbon dioxide + argon and carbon dioxide + methanol at a temperature of 322.9 K and pressures to 25 MPa. The dielectric constant shows a sharp increase near the critical pressure. Dielectric constants were linear with densities calculated by the Suzuki equation-of-state. The dielectric constant for the methanol-carbon dioxide system was found to be less than a mole fraction average of the pure component dielectric constants.
The in situ identification of phosphate species in multi-spot chromatograms by neutron activation analysis

Abstract The solute zones obtained on paper chromatography of phosphates were analyzed for the sodium to phosphorus ratio by neutron activation analysis. Where double spots were formed, the analysis indicated different phosphate species in the two zones. The work also indicated that the sodium in the paper plays an active role in the phenomenon, probably through some ion exchange mechanism.
Reliability Functions of Bivariate Distributions in Modeling Marked Point Processes

The purpose of this article is to study the bivariate distributions, proposed by Hassan and Lii[ 19 ], in modeling marked point processes, from the reliability point of view. The reliability functions, viz. the survival function, the failure rate, and the mean residual life function, are derived and their monotonicity is discussed for the marginals as well as the conditional models. The monotonicity of the failure rate, in the case of series system, is also investigated. Finally, Clayton's association measure is obtained in terms of the hazard gradient and its value, in the case of our model, is derived.
Selective neck dissection as an early salvage intervention for clinically persistent nodal disease following chemoradiation

Background The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of selective neck dissection (SND) performed for persistent nodal disease after chemoradiation. Methods Patients treated with definitive chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who subsequently underwent SND for early salvage of clinically persistent nodal disease were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was regional disease control. Results A total of 62 patients underwent 69 SND procedures. The median time interval between completion of chemoradiation and neck dissection was 10 weeks. There was evidence of residual tumor in 32 neck dissection specimens (46%). Forty patients (65%) remained free of disease, whereas the remaining 22 patients (35%) developed a recurrence, among which 4 were regional. Of these, 3 occurred in the contralateral neck and only 1 occurred in the targeted (ipsilateral) neck. Conclusions SND is an effective early salvage intervention for persistent nodal disease in patients treated with chemoradiation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
The beginning science teacher: Classroom narratives of convictions and constraints

This article is a case study of a second-year middle school science teacher's beliefs about science and science teaching and how these beliefs influenced—or failed to influence—classroom instruction. It illustrates how beginning teachers struggle to reconcile (a) conflicting beliefs about what is desirable, and (b) conflicts between what they believe is desirable and what is possible within the constraints of their preparation and the institutions in which they work. This teacher, for example, struggled to reconcile his view of science as a creative endeavor with his belief that students need to be provided with a high degree of structure in order to learn within the context of formal schooling. He also had difficulty resolving the conflict between the informal (“messing about”) type of science learning that he believed was desirable and the personal and institutional constraints he faced in the classroom.
Facing the Truth about Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery

Nanotechnology in drug delivery has been manifested into nanoparticles that can have unique properties both in vitro and in vivo, especially in targeted drug delivery to tumors. Numerous nanoparticle formulations have been designed and tested to great effect in small animal models, but the translation of the small animal results to clinical success has been limited. Successful translation requires revisiting the meaning of nanotechnology in drug delivery, understanding the limitations of nanoparticles, identifying the misconceptions pervasive in the field, and facing inconvenient truths. Nanoparticle approaches can have real impact in improving drug delivery by focusing on the problems at hand, such as enhancing their drug loading capacity, affinity to target cells, and spatiotemporal control of drug release.
Bondpseudorotation, Jahn‐Teller, and pseudo‐Jahn‐Teller effects in the cyclopentadienyl cation and its pentahalogeno derivatives

Multireference averaged quadratic coupled cluster (MRAQCC) (4,5)/cc-pVTZ calculations predict that bond pseudorotation (BPR) in the first excited singlet state of the cyclopentadienyl cation (CPC) proceeds with a barrier of just 0.35 kcal/mol, where five dienylic forms present the minima and five allylic forms the transition states of the pseudorotation process. Vibrational and entropic corrections revert the order of stabilities and lead to a Δ G(298) of just 0.05 kcal/mol indicating that BPR is unhindered at room temperature. The description of the CPC ring in terms of curvilinear deformation coordinates (seven for C5, seven for X5, and three coupling coordinates) make it possible to explore both the six-dimensional (6D) Jahn-Teller and the 8D pseudo-Jahn-Teller space and assess the importance of Jahn–Teller and pseudo-Jahn–Teller deformations of the CPC ring. The latter dominate the ring deformations along the BPR path. The only somewhat larger Jahn–Teller contribution results from a E-symmetrical CCH bending motion. For the perhalogenated CPCs, the dominance of the pseudo-Jahn–Teller effect increases, however, the total deformation of the D5h-symmetrical ring decreases and thereby also the stabilization of the 1A1 forms along the BPR path. This leads to a reduction of the BPR barriers to just 0.14 kcal/mol for C5I. For all pentahalogeno CPCs, the dienylic form is more stable both at the energy and free energy level. The use of curvilinear deformation coordinates facilitates the understanding of the electronic features of cyclic (pseudo-) Jahn–Teller systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein kinase C-ε is a developmentally regulated, neuronal isoform in the chick embryo central nervous system

Protein kinase C (PKC) is expressed as many isoforms and in high quantities in the central nervous system (CNS), which suggests an important role for this enzyme in neuronal development and function. We used specific antibodies to investigate the expression of the known PKC isoforms in extracts from chick major CNS areas during embryogenesis, from day 3 (E3) of incubation to day 1 post-hatching (P1). PKC-epsilon was the predominant isoform and was expressed from E6 onward in all brain regions, except retina (E12 and on). PKC-alpha/beta and -zeta isoforms were expressed at lower levels prior to PKC-epsilon expression and throughout embryogenesis. No other isoforms were detected in neural tissue preparations. We then used neural culture systems derived from the chick CNS to study the expression of PKC isoforms in neuroblasts, cortical neurons, and cortical glial cells. Western blotting and immunostaining of neuroblast-enriched cultures, derived from E3 CNS, showed only the Ca(2+)-dependent PKC-alpha/beta to be present. Studies on neuronal cultures derived from E6 cerebral hemispheres revealed only the Ca(2+)-independent PKC-epsilon to be expressed in neurons, as predicted by the developmental studies on tissue homogenates. PKC-epsilon immunoreactivity was seen intracellularly in differentiating neurons, regardless of their neurotransmitter phenotypes, and it correlated well with the level of neuronal activity. Furthermore, PKC-alpha/beta immunoreactivity was verified on glia cells, as the glial lineage emerges in E15 cortical cultures. These data suggest that PKC-epsilon expression is associated with the final neuroblast division in neurons, and the correlation of PKC isoform expression and neural cell lineage is discussed.
Cell-to-cell communication in monolayers of epithelioid cells (MDCK) as a function of the age of the monolayer

We explore the existence of cell-to-cell communication in monolayers of MDCK cells plated at high densities so that they form a continuous monolayer in a few minutes. Lucifer Yellow CH is injected in the cytoplasm of a given cell by using a glass microelectrode with a fine tip (ca. 100 MΩ) and passing square pulses of current of 1.0 nA that last 10 msec, every 20 msec, during 1 to 3 min. We then examine the monolayer with fluorescence microscopy. In 27 out of 111 cells injected during the first 4 to 15 hr after plating, the dye was transferred to neighboring cells. Electron micrographs of freeze-fracture replicas prepared at this time, show that 20 to 25% of the lateral surfaces present the aggregates of intramembrane particles typical of gap junctions. These early hours correspond to the formation of occluding junctions and polarization into an apical and a basolateral domain of the plasma membrane (Cereijido, Meza & Martinez-Palomo, 1981). Cell-to-cell coupling then decreases sharply and, in the period between the 1st and 3rd day (mature monolayers), only 4 out of 49 injected cells were able to transfer the dye to their neighbors in the monolayers. No image of gap junctions was found in freeze-fracture replicas of mature monolayers. The degree of coupling between cells, as well as the number of cells coupled to the injected one, were highly variable. The lack of coupling between cells in mature monolayers observed in this article with Lucifer Yellow CH and electron microscopy is in keeping with the absence of electrical coupling observed in a previous work (Stefani & Cereijido, 1983). The transient existence of communicating junctions observed in monolayers of MDCK cells is similar to that described in the literature for embryo tissues during development.
The drm game

In this paper we cast DRM in a setting that allows us to model a number of current approaches as games. The DRM game is partitioned into two subgames, one that considers the game associated with content acquisition, and a second that considers how a consumer uses the content, along with a vendor's response to this usage. Examples are provided in order to demonstrate how these subgames correspond to real situations associated with content industries, and the conditions under which Nash equilibria will exist. These subgames form the primary stage of a repeated game that models a number of important long-term interactions between consumers and vendors. We analyze current strategies that attempt to influence the outcome of the repeated game, and we also consider a new type of architectural infrastructure that makes novel use of a trust authority in order to create a suitable environment for constructing DRM games that may prove useful in the future.
Eigensensitivity analysis of moisture-related buckling of marine composite panels

Abstract In this paper, an approximate closed-form solution is presented to compute the moisture-related buckling of symmetric angle-ply laminates. The environment corresponds to a steady state condition, which provides a uniform moisture distribution for the laminate. The laminate consists of four layers [ θ /− θ ] s constructed of low, moderate and high stiffness ratio materials. Comparative results using the Rayleigh–Ritz method provides a means of assessing the accuracy of the expression. For certain laminate architectures, several modes must be computed to ascertain the lowest buckling mode, and once identified, provides an excellent approximation for the mode computed using the Rayleigh–Ritz method.
Rapidly labeled, polydisperse RNA in rat-liver cytoplasm: Evidence that it is contained in ribonucleoprotein particles of heterogeneous size

Abstract In the cytoplasm of nucleated cells there exists a class of RNA which is neither ribosomal RNA nor transfer RNA and which is rapidly labeled and is polydisperse, with sedimentation coefficients varying from about 6 to 35 S. The function of the polydisperse RNA is unknown, but its characteristics have suggested that it could be messenger RNA. Previously reported evidence has indicated that polydisperse RNA is found in association with protein, in ribonucleoprotein particles. Similar particles containing polydisperse RNA have been detected in the nucleus as well as free in the cytoplasm, and it has been postulated 1 that this is the form in which messenger RNA is transferred from nucleus to cytoplasm. We have now studied in greater detail the particles as they occur free in the cytoplasm, and have asked whether, in the liver, the polydisperse RNA is bound directly to protein, or is bound to a free ribosomal subunit. 1. 1. Rat-liver cytoplasmic extracts were examined on sucrose gradients at various times after administration of [ 14 C]orotate. The particles containing polydisperse RNA became labeled very rapidly after [ 14 C]orotate injection, and were very heterogeneous in size, being distributed throughout the region from 30 S to at least 90 S. In contrast, ribosomal subunits sedimented homogeneously at 45 S and 65 S. 2. 2. The polydisperse RNA-containing particles from the 30–90-S region were found to be heterogeneous in buoyant density, from about 1.35 to 1.45 g/cm 3 , while ribosomal subunits banded discretely, and were of greater density than most of the particles containing polydisperse RNA. 3. 3. These data are most consistent with the association of polydisperse RNA directly with protein, rather than with ribosomal subunits, and if the polydisperse RNA is truly messenger RNA, our findings support the “informosome” model for the transfer of messenger RNA from nucleus to cytoplasm. 4. 4. We have also examined the 45-S and 65-S ribosomal subunits which appear free in rat-liver cytoplasm. The majority of the free subunits appear to arise by the reversible dissociation of ribosomes. The 45-S subunits in equilibrium with ribosomes occur in two forms, of buoyant density 1.53 g/cm 3 and 1.45 g/cm 3 , respectively. The lower buoyant density of the latter indicates that this form of the 45-S subunit carries more protein. 5. 5. Newly synthesized subunits also appear free until they become incorporated into ribosomes. Numerically, newly synthesized subunits constitute only a small fraction of the total free subunits. Their buoyant density, 1.48 g/cm 3 , differs from that of the other free 45-S subunits.
An improved specimen geometry for ASTM C633-79 to estimate bond strengths of thermal spray coatings

ASTM Standard C633-79, “Standard Test Method for Adhesion or Cohesive Strength of Flame-Sprayed Coatings,” is widely used in industry and research for evaluating bond strengths of thermal spray coatings. Tests are conducted by applying the coating to the end of a cylindrical test specimen 25.4 mm (1 in.) in diameter by 25.4 mm (1 in.) long. The coating surface is bonded to an uncoated cylinder of the same material and geometry. The force required to pull the cylinders apart is recorded. The bond strength is calculated by dividing the maximum force by the area of the 1 -in. diameter cylinder assuming that the stress is uniform over the area where the debonding occurs.
The in vivo antioxidant activity of soybean isoflavones in human subjects

This paper presents the in vivo antioxidant activity of soy isoflavones in human subjects determined by the urinary excretion of secondary lipid peroxidation products. Ten healthy women 18-35 years of age consumed a self-selected diet and avoided legumes, whole grains, and isoflavone containing foods. A powdered soy protein isolate was added daily to their diet that provided 3 levels of isoflavones: control 0.15, low 1.01, and high 2.01 mg/kg body weight. Subjects were randomized to consume all three diets for 13 weeks each, with each subject serving as her own control. Urine samples were analyzed from 24-hr collections at the end of each diet period for lipophilic aldehydes and related carbonyl compounds by HPLC. Results show that six of the individual urinary nonpolar compounds (NPC) levels were significantly lower due to consumption of the high isoflavone diet and one was also significantly lower due to consumption of the low isoflavone diet. The total of the individually measured urinary NPC was significantly lower with consumption of both the low and high isoflavone diets when compared with the control diet. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Wireless Multicasting with Channel Uncertainty

We consider wireless multicasting where a source of common information is transmitted to a group of receivers over block fading channels. Communication between the transmitter and each of the receivers is implemented by specifying a minimum signal to noise plus interference ratio (SINR) threshold; if the threshold is met, the communication is successful at a corresponding rate, otherwise the communication fails. Such error controlled reception converts wireless channels into erasure channels, upon which forward error correction or retransmission is concatenated to achieve reliable communication. Assuming only channel distribution information at the transmitter, we derive the optimal SINR threshold given the transmit power constraint. We show, in the low transmit power regime, the optimal ratio between the SINR threshold and the transmit power is determined only by the channel distributions.
MRO inventory reduction—challenges and management: a case study of the Tennessee Valley Authority

Emphasis on maintenance, repair, and operations inventory (or MRO inventory) can lead to improved inventory control, reduced operational costs, enhanced productivity, and increased cost accounting accuracy. To review the benefits of MRO inventory reduction, as well as highlight the management challenges associated with the process, a case study of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is presented. TVA is a not-for-profit electric power generation entity. TVA standardised inventory policies and procedures. Their comprehensive five-year plan included employee training, changes in organisational structure and strategy, reduced MRO inventories and the establishment of new growth drivers. Net inventory reductions of $47 million were realised. Suggestions for future MRO inventory reductions as well as replication of the management involvement and improvement process in other organisations are included.
Role of adenosine in the depolarization of hypoxic hamster diaphragm membrane in vitro

The resting membrane potential of in vitro hamster diaphragm muscle fibers is depolarized on exposure to hypoxia. It was hypothesized that this depolarization was mediated by adenosine. It was predicted that the treatment of well-oxygenated hamster diaphragm muscle strips in vitro with adenosine or adenosine agonists would depolarize the diaphragm fiber membrane. Furthermore, resting membrane potential of hypoxic diaphragm fibers would be repolarized by (1) the removal of adenosine by the enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA), or (2) the addition of an adenosine antagonist, BW A1433. Adenosine (10(-4) M) depolarized the membrane by 8 +/- 1 mV (p < 0.001). The adenosine agonist cyclopentyladenosine, which has predominantly A1 receptor affinity, depolarized the membrane from -75.4 +/- 5.6 mV to -68.9 +/- 5.7 mV (p < 0.001). The A2 adenosine receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine did not cause a significant depolarization. The addition of ADA (2 unit/ml) to hypoxic muscle returned the resting membrane potential to that of well-oxygenated fibers, p < 0.001 versus hypoxia. BW A1433 (3 x 10(-7)) also restored the membrane potential of hypoxic muscle fibers from -72 +/- 1 mV to -79 +/- 1 mV (p < 0.001). These observations suggest that adenosine via the A1 adenosine receptor mediates the hypoxic depolarization of in vitro hamster diaphragm muscle. A direct effect of adenosine on muscle membrane has not been described previously.
Nonaccidental Properties Underlie Human Categorization of Complex Natural Scenes

Humans can categorize complex natural scenes quickly and accurately. Which scene properties enable people to do this with such apparent ease? We extracted structural properties of contours (orientation, length, curvature) and contour junctions (types and angles) from line drawings of natural scenes. All of these properties contain information about scene categories that can be exploited computationally. However, when we compared error patterns from computational scene categorization with those from a six-alternative forced-choice scene-categorization experiment, we found that only junctions and curvature made significant contributions to human behavior. To further test the critical role of these properties, we perturbed junctions in line drawings by randomly shifting contours and found a significant decrease in human categorization accuracy. We conclude that scene categorization by humans relies on curvature as well as the same nonaccidental junction properties used for object recognition. These properties correspond to the visual features represented in area V2.
Visualization in Transportation: Current Practice and Future Directions

The use of computer image generation technologies within the transportation field to aid both the design and the user communities to visualize better the essential elements of a proposed facility's structure as well as its operation is addressed. The primary focus is on current and future applications of these technologies and their integration within the overall notion of context-sensitive design and public involvement. The discussion suggests that a movement away from the visualization of what something looks like to the visualization of how something works or operates is being encountered, a trend that forces the integration of modeling and simulation. The discussion also suggests the importance of applications that use visualization to help bridge the gap between notions of design and notions of value. Such applications also reflect an increased integration of design-oriented applications and planning-oriented applications, such as those that incorporate the use of spatially referenced data systems such as geographic information systems.
Heart rate slowing by If inhibition: therapeutic utility from clinical trials

Myocardial ischaemia results from an excess of myocardial oxygen demand in comparison with available supply. Heart rate is a primary determinant of oxygen demand and thus its reduction is a well-accepted strategy for the prevention of angina pectoris, a highly debilitating symptom of coronary artery disease, but does not usually presage imminent myocardial infarction or death. Currently available drugs that reduce heart rate are commonly associated with adverse effects, which may limit their use in many patients. Therefore, it is important to develop additional alternatives with different pharmacological effects. The inward sodium–potassium-mediated If current of sinoatrial node cell membranes (functionally absent elsewhere in the myocardium) modulates sinoatrial diastolic depolarization rate and, thus, heart rate. Heart rate reduction can be achieved by modulating or blocking this current. Ivabradine, a highly selective If current inhibitor, can reduce heart rate by clinically useful decrements at doses that are devoid of other direct cardiovascular effects and generally are well tolerated. The only dose-related adverse effects are visual (phosphenes, stroboscopic effect, and non-typical blurred vision), which occur in 2–15% of patients receiving 2.5–10 mg orally twice daily, usually are no more than mildly bothersome, are fully reversible spontaneously or with cessation of therapy, and are not associated with retinal damage. Clinical trials involving more than 5000 patients indicate that ivabradine as monotherapy is effective in preventing angina. Effects are seen at doses as low as 2.5 mg twice daily. Preliminary data suggest that when employed at 7.5 or 10 mg twice daily, angina prevention with ivabradine is equivalent to that achieved with atenolol 100 mg daily and with amlodipine 10 mg daily.
A Simplified Fabry–PÉrot Electrooptic-Modulation Sensor

A simplified electrooptic (EO)-sensing system that employs a wavelength-tunable laser diode and an EO-crystal microcavity is presented. A theoretical model simulating a Fabry-Perot-based Pockels-effect probe demonstrates that both the EO phase retardation and modulation-efficiency slope of the optical system can be resonantly enhanced. Consequently, it predicts that electric-field measurements are possible using a configuration that eliminates the polarizer, analyzer, and quarter-wave retarder of typical EO intensity modulators. An experimental verification of the concept is presented using thin, uncoated, LiTaO crystals, and an EO modulation signal that is 60 dB above the system noise floor obtained.
Generalization of the Angular Spectrum of Plane Waves and the Diffraction Transform

The generalized angular spectrum of plane waves yields scalar Helmholtz-equation solutions that satisfy prescribed boundary values on an infinite plane boundary when the boundary values are described by ultradistributions [generalized functions in the space denoted ( z′)]. These solutions are ultradistributions that satisfy the Helmholtz equation in all space. The generalized angular spectrum permits the treatment of boundary values that cannot be treated by classical diffraction formulas. The utility of the generalized angular spectrum is demonstrated by treatment of (1) boundary values described by absolutely integrable or square-integrable functions, (2) examples of boundary values described by functions that do not have Fourier transforms in the classical sense, and (3) examples of boundary values described by ultradistributions that are not expressible as functions. The generalized angular spectrum is used to develop, within the framework of established generalized-function theory, the transform formulation of diffraction of Sherman and the inverse-diffraction problem of Wolf and Shewell. A concise summary is given in the Appendix of the basic concepts and formulas of generalized-function theory that are useful in applied analysis.
Room-temperature operation of InGaAs-based hot-electron transistors

Summary form only given. It is demonstrated that 300-K operation of an InGaAs-based HET (hot-electron transistor) can be achieved by further increasing the electron injection energy in combination with the use of a wide-bandgap base-collector isolation barrier. The characteristics of a device consisting of an InAlAs emitter, a 10-AA AlAs tunnel-barrier positioned at the emitter-base heterojunction, a 400-AA n+ InGaAs base region, and a 2500-AA InAlGaAs collector barrier are reported. The injected electrons are transported across the base region with over 80% efficiency, as measured in a common-base configuration. The maximum common-emitter current gain in this nonoptimized transistor is nearly four with an f/sub T/ of over 40 GHz and a base-collector breakdown voltage of 1.5 V. A systematic study of RHET (resonant tunneling HET) injector and collection properties indicates that the HET can operate at room temperature with a current gain on the order of 100. 300-K operation of a single-RHET, exclusive-NOR integrated circuit that is similar in design to the one demonstrated at 77 K by N. Yokoyama et al. (1985) is also shown. >
Latent disfigurations: Corneille’s paratextual mishaps

The “examens” that accompany Corneille’s dramatic opus are in fact, adjuvants, written after the fact. As defensive meta-commentaries wherein the focus rarely departs from an attempt to demonstrate how his plays do or do not conform to theoretical prescriptions, they are prefaces in name only: publishers have tended to displace them in advance of the work despite their “belated” appearance relative to the work. Displacement is, however, not to be overlooked. For if the pasted additives known as the “examens” suffer at the level of insightful texts, they do adopt significance as paratexts. In his extra textual writings, Corneille the theaterician and Corneille the theoretician jockey for discursive supremacy, and it is ultimately the theaterician who emerges victorious. The more he reviews his plays, the more muted becomes the voice of the disciplined theoretician, and conversely, the more assertive the voice of the theaterician. Shortly after Rodogune, it will be noted that Corneille becomes more eager to defend rather than condemn his creative instincts, and less hesitant to criticize the rules themselves. Corneille’s decision not to engage in a theoretical examination of his final works suggests that at the end of his career, as at the beginning, Corneille believed his primary commitment was to his own aesthetic vision.
Correcting eddy-covariance flux underestimates over a grassland

Independent measurements of the major energy balance flux components are not often consistent with the principle of conservation of energy. This is referred to as a lack of closure of the surface energy balance. Most results in the literature have shown the sum of sensible and latent heat fluxes measured by eddy covariance to be less than the difference between net radiation and soil heat fluxes. This under-measurement of sensible and latent heat fluxes by eddy-covariance instruments has occurred in numerous field experiments and among many different manufacturers of instruments. Four eddy-covariance systems consisting of the same models of instruments were set up side-by-side during the Southern Great Plains 1997 Hydrology Experiment and all systems under-measured fluxes by similar amounts. One of these eddy-covariance systems was collocated with three other types of eddy-covariance systems at different sites; all of these systems under-measured the sensible and latent-heat fluxes. The net radiometers and soil heat flux plates used in conjunction with the eddy-covariance systems were calibrated independently and measurements of net radiation and soil heat flux showed little scatter for various sites. The 10% absolute uncertainty in available energy measurements was considerably smaller than the systematic closure problem in the surface energy budget, which varied from 10 to 30%. When available-energy measurement errors are known and modest, eddy-covariance measurements of sensible and latent heat fluxes should be adjusted for closure. Although the preferred method of energy balance closure is to maintain the Bowen‐ratio, the method for obtaining closure appears to be less important than assuring that eddy-covariance measurements are consistent with conservation of energy. Based on numerous measurements over a sorghum canopy, carbon dioxide fluxes, which are measured by eddy covariance, are underestimated by the same factor as eddy covariance evaporation measurements when energy balance closure is not achieved. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Trade Opening and the Behavior of Emerging Stock Market Prices

In this paper we develop a model that explores the effect of trade openness on stock price behavior. The model predicts that stock returns show non-zero serial correlation in a closed economy. However, once the country opens on the trade front, the stock returns show zero serial correlation. The reason for the difference is that once the country opens itself to trade, the growth process becomes selfsustained due to optimal use of imported intermediate inputs. Stock prices reflect this gain in productive efficiency by displaying a random walk behavior. The model also establishes that financial opening alone without trade opening will not lead to gain in efficiency in the stock prices.
Atomic Layer Epitaxy of CdTe on GaAs by Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy

Abstract In this paper, we report on the atomic layer epitaxy (ALE) of CdTe on GaAs by the organometallic vapor phase epitaxial process. Self-limiting growth at one monolayer was obtained over the temperature range from 250°C to 320°C, under a wide range of reactant pressure conditions. A study of growth mechanism indicates that the decomposition of DMCd into Cd is the rate limiting step at and below 250°C, and the Te precursors decompose catalytically on the Cd covered surface. We have used this ALE grown layer to improve the properties of conventionally grown CdTe on GaAs. A significant improvement in the morphology and crystal quality was observed when the initial CdTe nucleation step was carried out using the ALE method, prior to the deposition of CdTe by the conventional method.
The Past and Future of the Society for Industrial Microbiology

It seems fitting on this, the tenth anniversary of the Society for Industrial Microbiology, to discuss with you where we have been and whither we are going.
Historical Perspectives and Current Trends in Cancer Immunotherapy

The immune system is exquisitely able to identify trace antigens and eliminate cells expressing them. Tumors are quintessentially antigenic tissues as a result of their many genetic mutations. This antigenicity, however, does not generally translate into useful immunogenicity as spontaneous rejection of clinically apparent tumors is rare. Early work in tumor immunology identified tumor-specific and tumor-associated antigens and formulated strategies to bolster antitumor immunity using paradigms arising from prior successes in understanding anti-pathogen immunity. It is now clear that the inability of endogenous immune mechanisms to eradicate clinically evident cancers owes in part to tumor-driven immune dysfunction, in part to the coevolution of antitumor immunity with the ever-changing antigens of the ever-mutating tumors (immunoediting) and to the fact that antitumor immunity is a form of autoimmunity. These newer understandings caused thinking to evolve and advance. Our rapidly increasing understanding of antitumor immunity and how it can be thwarted has led to new approaches to tumor immunotherapy with great promise to be much more successful than prior generations of approaches. This chapter discusses the evolution in thinking about tumor immunity, why endogenous antitumor immunity often fails after tumors become clinically apparent and why prior tumor immunotherapy approaches have generally had only modest success at best. New paradigms leading the field and the novel therapeutic approaches based on recent insights will be introduced.
Reaction N 15 ( t , p ) N 17

In $^{15}\mathrm{N}$($t$,$p$), at ${E}_{t}=15$ MeV, 19 angular distributions were measured for levels up to 7 MeV in excitation. Comparison with distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations allows extraction of $L$ values for most of them. Two different simple shell model calculations are presented for the 2p-1h states and compared with the data.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{15}\mathrm{N}$($t$,$p$), $E=15.0$ MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{p},\ensuremath{\theta})$. Enriched gas target. DWBA analysis. $^{17}\mathrm{N}$ levels deduced $L$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$, $J$. Comparison with shell model.