cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disinfection of dairy and animal farm wastewater with radiofrequency power.

Abstract Radiofrequency (RF) power was investigated as a new, physical (nonchemical), thermal process to disinfect wastewater from dairy and animal facilities. Samples (n = 38) from 8 dairy, 2 calf, and 3 swine facilities in California were collected over a 3-yr period and characterized for their dielectric properties, chemical composition, and suitability for thermal processing using RF power. To establish efficacy for disinfection, selected samples were inoculated with high levels (10 6 to 10 9 cfu/mL) of bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis and processed with an RF prototype system. The capabilities of RF power as a method for thermal disinfection of wastewater were demonstrated when bacteria pathogens were completely and rapidly (
Acceleration of intracellular calcium waves in Xenopus oocytes by calcium influx

Many cell membrane receptors stimulate the phosphoinositide (PI) cycle, which produces complex intracellular calcium signals that regulate diverse processes such as secretion and transcription. A major messenger of this cycle, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3), stimulates its receptor channel on the endoplasmic reticulum to release calcium into the cytosol. Activation of the PI cycle also induces calcium influx, which refills the intracellular calcium stores. Confocal microscopy was used to show that receptor-activated calcium influx, enhanced by hyperpolarization, modulates the frequency and velocity of IP3-dependent calcium waves in Xenopus laevis oocytes. These results demonstrate that transmembrane voltage and calcium influx pathways may regulate spatial and temporal patterns of IP3-dependent calcium release.
Gender-Related Individual Differences and Mortality in the Terman Longitudinal Study: Is Masculinity Hazardous to Your Health?

Data were collected, refined, and analyzed on 654 men and 210 women in Lewis Terman’s “gifted children” longitudinal study to examine links between masculinity and mortality. Masculinity measures included gender diagnosticity (GD) scores, measuring the male-or female-typicality of occupational preferences in 1940 and masculinity-femininity (M-F) scores from the Strong Vocational Interest Blank (SVIB). Hazard analyses showed GD was significantly related to mortality for both men and women (interquartile relative hazard 1.25 for men and 1.62 for women), with masculine women and masculine men more likely to die at any given age. SVIB M-F was similarly related to mortality for both men and women (respective interquartile relative hazards = 1.26 and 1.36). The effects remained significant after controlling for certain health behaviors and Big Five traits.
Accelerating moderately stiff chemical kinetics in reactive-flow simulations using GPUs

The chemical kinetics ODEs arising from operator-split reactive-flow simulations were solved on GPUs using explicit integration algorithms. Nonstiff chemical kinetics of a hydrogen oxidation mechanism (9 species and 38 irreversible reactions) were computed using the explicit fifth-order Runge-Kutta-Cash-Karp method, and the GPU-accelerated version performed faster than single- and six-core CPU versions by factors of 126 and 25, respectively, for 524,288 ODEs. Moderately stiff kinetics, represented with mechanisms for hydrogen/carbon-monoxide (13 species and 54 irreversible reactions) and methane (53 species and 634 irreversible reactions) oxidation, were computed using the stabilized explicit second-order Runge-Kutta-Chebyshev (RKC) algorithm. The GPU-based RKC implementation demonstrated an increase in performance of nearly 59 and 10 times, for problem sizes consisting of 262,144 ODEs and larger, than the single- and six-core CPU-based RKC algorithms using the hydrogen/carbon-monoxide mechanism. With the methane mechanism, RKC-GPU performed more than 65 and 11 times faster, for problem sizes consisting of 131,072 ODEs and larger, than the single- and six-core RKC-CPU versions, and up to 57 times faster than the six-core CPU-based implicit VODE algorithm on 65,536 ODEs. In the presence of more severe stiffness, such as ethylene oxidation (111 species and 1566 irreversible reactions), RKC-GPU performed more than 17 times faster than RKC-CPU on six cores for 32,768 ODEs and larger, and at best 4.5 times faster than VODE on six CPU cores for 65,536 ODEs. With a larger time step size, RKC-GPU performed at best 2.5 times slower than six-core VODE for 8192 ODEs and larger. Therefore, the need for developing new strategies for integrating stiff chemistry on GPUs was discussed.
The Sociology of Birth and Death: An Interview with Maurice R. Stein*

Over six decades of teaching sociology, Maurice R. Stein (since 2002 retired from Brandeis University), pioneered and developed an experimental “Sociology of Birth and Death.” The course emphasized...
Potentiation of direct antitumor cytotoxicity and production of tumor cytolytic factors in human blood monocytes by human recombinant interferon-gamma and muramyl dipeptide derivatives.

We investigated whether human peripheral blood monocytes isolated by centrifugal elutriation from healthy donors could be acitivated to become tumoricidal and release tumor cytolytic factor (TCF) subsequent to incubation with recombinant human interferon-gamma (r-IFN-γ) or a derivative of muramyl dipeptide (nor-MDP), or both. Blood monocytes incubated in endotoxin-free medium containing up to 1000 U/ml of r-IFN-γ or in medium containing less than 1 μg/ml of nor MDP were not activated to lyse radiolabeled allogeneic human tumor cells. In contrast, the incubation of monocytes with various dose combinations of r-IFN-γ and nor-MDP generated significant direct cytotoxic activity as well as production of TCF. Preincubation of the r-IFN-γ and nor-MDP mixture with polymyxin B did not inhibit the synergism, thus ruling out the possibility that the process was due to endotoxin contamination. TCF harvested from monocyte culture supernatants was cytolytic against five allogeneic tumor targets, but not against a nontumorigenic cell line. Collectively, the data demonstrate that r-IFN-γ can prime human blood monocytes to allow their activation by synthetic nor-MDP.
Prediction of tool life and optimal machining conditions

Abstract A method for the determination of the optimum cutting parameters is outlined. The basic scheme is to establish a set of algorithms that can work with a small and not particularly good initial data bank to make progressively better machinability predictions. The data format used, the logic associated with a hierarchical data selection method, the actual operational conditions and some results are discussed.
Role of β-endorphin, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and autonomic nervous system in mediation of the effect of chronic ethanol on natural killer cell cytolytic activity

Background We have recently shown that alcohol feeding suppresses natural killer (NK) cell cytolytic activity partly by decreasing the function of hypothalamic beta-endorphin (beta-EP) neurons. The neuronal mechanism by which hypothalamic beta-EP communicates with the spleen to regulate the action of ethanol on NK cells is not known. In the present study, we evaluated the roles of beta-EP neurons, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in regulation of the ethanol effect on splenic NK cell cytolytic function. Methods Male rats were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet or control diets. These rats were used to determine the hormone release from the paraventricular nuclei (PVN) of the hypothalamus or used to determine the splenic NK cell cytolytic function after PVN administration of CRH or intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of a ganglionic blocker chlorisondamine. The release of hormones from the PVN was measured using the push-pull perfusion method. Splenic cytolytic activity was determined using the 4-hour (51)Cr release assay against YAC-1 lymphoma target cells. Results Alcohol feeding decreased the amount of beta-EP but increased the amount of CRH in the push-pull perfusate (PPP) samples collected from the PVN. When exogenous beta-EP was perfused into the PVN, it suppressed the release of endogenous CRH found in PPP samples of the PVN. Conversely, perfusion of an opiate antagonist naltrexone into the PVN increased the levels of endogenous CRH in PPP samples of the PVN. In addition, administration of exogenous beta-EP in the PVN stimulated the cytolytic function of NK cells, an action that was antagonized by CRH as well as by ethanol. Corticotropin-releasing hormone and ethanol alone also had an inhibitory action on NK cells. Finally, the ganglionic blocker used prevented the effect that ethanol, beta-EP, and CRH had on NK cells. These data suggest that ethanol inhibits the function of NK cells partly by suppressing the influence of the beta-EP-CRH-ANS signal to the spleen.
NUCLEATION, POLYMERIZATION, AND PRECIPITATION OF FeOOH1

Summary Fresh Fe(ClO4)3 solutions, 0.01 M or 0.001 M in iron (III), were seeded with iron (III) hydroxide brown sols and the reaction processes were investigated. In two experiments, HC1O4 was added to fresh Fe(ClO4)3 solutions to lower their degrees of super saturation with respect to iron (III) hydroxide. Depending upon the quantity of seeding solution added, it was found that samples differed greatly in appearance and in the stability during ageing. With a small amount of seeding solution added and following a relatively long induction period, the sample rapidly developed to a dense, cloudy yellow suspension with FeOOH precipitate settled shortly afterwards. With an increased amount of seeding solution added, the sample gradually became more brownish and less turbid and eventually a clear brown sol was observed. Although α-FeOOH was the major hydrolysed species in all samples, a yellow precipitate which settled under gravity was found only in those containing a small quantity of seeding solution. The above results provide experimental evidence supporting the hypothesis (Hsu and Ragone, 1972) that the initial number of nuclei relative to the concentration of mono-meric species is the key factor governing the appearance and the stability of an hydrolysed iron (III) solution. In another experiment, varying amounts of a seeding solution were added to a fresh, pure 0.001 M Fe(ClO4)3 solution to which no HC1O4 was added. All samples rapidly hydrolysed to clear brown sols in less than 6 hours and no noticeable seeding effect was observed. It is suggested that a pure 0.001 M Fe(ClO4)3 solution is highly supersaturated with respect to iron (III) hydroxide and a large number of nuclei spontaneously form in situ shortly after preparation.
Action potentials and membrane currents of isolated single smooth muscle cells of cat and rabbit colon

Membrane potentials, action potentials and macroscopic currents in enzymatically dispersed, single smooth muscle cells of the circular layer of cat and rabbit colon were investigated. The cells did not exhibit spontaneous depolarizations and repolarizations (slow waves) or spontaneous action potentials. Single action potentials of smooth muscle cells were evoked by depolarizing current pulses of 5 ms to 3 s duration. A repetitive action potential discharge and an increase in the duration of the action potential was observed in cells during long depolarizing current pulses by superfusion with tetraethylammonium (TEA) or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Tetrodotoxin (TTX) did not alter the configuration of the action potential. Voltage-clamp experiments revealed two major outward macroscopic currents: a quasi-instantaneous (time-independent) and a time-dependent outward current. Both currents were identified as potassium (K) currents due to their pharmacological sensitivity to K antagonists [TEA, 4-AP and cesium (Cs)] and due to the reversal potential of outward tail currents. Barium selectively blocked the time-independent current. A time-dependent outward K current in colon cells was observed which appeared to be dependent upon entry of calcium ions (Ca2+) through voltage-dependent Ca-channels, since it was blocked by cadmium and low concentrations of nifedipine. The majority of cells did not exhibit transient outward currents. Inward currents were exposed in some of the cells when the K currents were blocked by external TEA and by replacement of K by Cs and TEA in the recording pipette. Inward currents were presumably carried by Ca2+, since they were not altered by TTX, were sensitive to external Ca concentrations and were abolished by the Ca channel antagonist, nifedipine. Carbachol augmented the amplitude of the inward Ca current.
Specific binding of 3H-ICI 198,615, a potent LTD4 antagonist, to guinea pig cardiac ventricular membranes

Abstract Peptido-leukotrienes (LTs) elicit myocardial depression in several mammalian species, and radioligand binding assays with 3 H-LTC 4 and 3 H-LTD 4 have provided evidence of putative receptor sites on guinea pig cardiac ventricular membranes (GPCVM). Our objective was to characterize specific binding of 3 H-ICI 198,615, a potent and selective LTD 4 antagonist, to the 155,000 X g pellet of GPCVM. 3 H-ICI 198,615 (0.01 –3.8 nM) showed high specific binding (85 – 90% of total), which was protein dependent, saturable (Bmax = 4914 ± 706 fmol/mg protein, n = 3), of high affinity (Kd = 4.3 ± 0.8 nM, n = 3) and without cooperativity. Equilibrium binding was achieved by 20 minutes and could be rapidly reversed by addition of excess unlabeled ICI 198,165 or FPL55712. Competition studies with 3 H-ICI 198,615 against several LTD 4 antagonists produced an order of potency: ICI 198,615 > SKF102922 > FPL55712 ≥ LY171883. Addition of divalent cations caused a concentration dependent decrease in specific binding apparently due to a reduction in affinity. Binding was not influenced by the guanine nucleotide analogs GTPγS and Gpp(NH)p, EDTA, or a multitude of diverse non-LT receptor agonists and antagonists. These data provide evidence supporting the existence of specific and high affinity binding sites for 3 H-ICI 198,615 in GPCVM.
An essay on skew translation generalized quadrangles

We study a class of generalized quadrangles satisfying a local Moufang condition that is more restrictive than the usual concept of skew translation GQ. A new infinite family is constructed whose point-line duals are translation generalized quadrangles with very small kernel. They have parameters (q2, q), q=3r, for r>2.
Waverider Configurations Derived from Inclined Circular and Elliptic Cones

Lifting-body wavender configurations, with curved surfaces and known pressure fields and shock-layer structures, are constructed from stream surfaces generated by means of supersonic flows past inclined circular and elliptic cones. The conical flowfields are perturbations of the basic axisymmetric cone flow arising from small angle of attack and small cross-sectional eccentricity. The approximate results are analytic and in the form of hypersonic small-disturbance theory. Formulas are presented that determine how the Mach number, angle of attack, cross-sectional eccentricity, and characteristic cone angle affect the waverider shape, pressure distribution, and shock-layer structure.
Analysis of Capsaicinoids from Various Sources by Gas Chromatography

Abstract The chromatographic analysis of capsaicinoids and of oleoresin capsicum can indicate relative amounts of the pungent components and the sources of the samples. The present work describes gas chromatographic analyses of several natural and synthetic capsaicins as well as several oleoresins. Use of a high-temperature stationary phase allows good separation of the three major components of oleoresin capsicum. Differences between samples from various sources could be easily seen, both in the general pattern of the chromatograms and in the relative quantities of the major components. Analysis times were relatively short and no chemical derivatization was required.
Multi‐Drug–Resistant Hypertension Caused by Severe Aortic Coarctation Presenting in Late Adulthood

Aortic coarctation, a congenital narrowing in the region of the ligamentum arteriosium, is a rare etiology for multi-drug-resistant hypertension in adulthood; however, advances in stenting modalities may offer long-term improvements in morbidity and possibly even cure. We report on a female patient in her late 50s presenting with refractory hypertension and severely elevated renin levels, ultimately diagnosed with aortic coarctation and treated with percutaneous stent implantation, which resulted in successful blood pressure control with verapamil monotherapy. This case highlights the efficacy of endovascular stent implantation for the treatment of coarctation and the need for clinicians to consider this disease entity in the differential diagnosis of refractory hypertension even in late adulthood.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and the Role of the Surgical Resident.

Abstract Background Open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the gold standard for obesity surgery in this country. The introduction of a totally laparoscopic technique in 1994 has increased the demand for obesity surgery and for this particular approach. Several studies show comparable results and complications between the open and laparoscopic procedure. However, the continued study of surgical technique, analysis of results, and, in particular, the education of the surgical resident in this approach must be accomplished. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of 204 patients undergoing attempted laparoscopic RYGB, with surgical resident involvement, from March of 2000 to April of 2002. Surgical candidates had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 with a history of failed diets. All procedures were performed by a single board-certified general surgeon (P.F.R.) at a tertiary-care, teaching, community hospital with surgical residents assisting. Age, sex, ideal body weight, preoperative BMI and weight, surgical time, length of stay, complications, and resident level and role were recorded. Surgical technique was refined during the study period. Results A total of 204 patients underwent attempted laparoscopic RYGB with 4 (2%) being converted to open procedures and 1 mortality. Surgical time averaged 182 minutes. The average length of stay was 1.8 days. Four patients (2%) developed postoperative anastomotic leaks. Three patients (1.5%) developed internal hernias requiring reoperation. Four patients (2%) developed postoperative hemorrhage. One patient (0.5%) had a pulmonary embolism. Surgical residents were involved in all procedures and gradually expanded their role as skill increased. Conclusions Laparoscopic RYGB can be performed safely in a community setting with surgical residents as either assistant or surgeon, further preparing them to perform this and other advanced laparoscopic procedures after completion of their training.
A comparison of hospital-based charges following partial and radical nephrectomy.

Objective: Recent studies demonstrate similar survival rates in patients treated with either partial or radical nephrectomy for renal tumors less than 4 cm. We retrospectively compared the hospital based charges for these two procedures in a similar cohort of patients treated at Memorial Sloan-Ketttering Cancer Center. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of 103 consecutive cases of renal tumors less than 4 cm treated by either radical or partial nephrectomy from 1996 to 1999 was conducted. Overall hospital charges were calculated by analyzing 18 separate departmental charge categories including room and board, pharmacy, radiologic tests, operating room charges, and laboratory services. Results: A total of 66 partial and 37 radical nephrectomies were analyzed. No difference was found in the mean charge per procedure ($16,660, partial and $16,545, radical); (p>.05). The major cost drivers for partial and radical nephrectomy respectively were: 1) room and board, 42% and 44%; 2) operating room charges, 28% and 25%; 3) pathology, 6% and 6%; 4) recovery room, 6% and 7%; and 5) biochemistry, 5% and 5%. Significant increases in charges for partial nephrectomy were noted from the blood bank services and intraoperative surgical supplies. The median length of stay (5 days) was identical for partial and radical nephrectomy. No difference was found in the complication rate for these procedures (p>.05). Conclusion: Hospital-based charges for radical and partial nephrectomy are similar at when performed at a tertiary care referral center.
What makes a “great resident”: the resident perspective

Orthopedic surgery residency training is a difficult endeavor, and the selection of residents that will perform well in a rigorous training program is challenging for residency program directors. Even defining a “great” resident is a difficult endeavor. However, there are certain qualities that anecdotally are associated with high-performing residents, which include being trustworthy, hard-working and efficient, self-directed learners, detail-oriented, and personable. These qualities are difficult to teach and are likely learned by an individual during their early years of education and groomed during college and medical school. Individuals possessing these characteristics are more likely to bring a high-level of professionalism to their work as residents and to perform well on objective measures of success in residency such as high OITE scores, good faculty evaluations, and peer-reviewed publications. We discuss the available, but limited, literature on what makes a “great” resident and share the resident perspective on this topic.
Phenotypic variation for adhesive tenacity in the barnacle Balanus amphitrite

Silicone fouling-release coatings represent a non-toxic alternative to biocide-containing ship hull paints. These coatings allow fouling organisms to attach to the hull surface, but prevent firm adhesion. Adhesive tenacity to fouling-release materials varies both among and within species. We quantified broad-sense genetic and environmental sources of intraspecific variation in tenacity to two silicone substrata, for the barnacle Balanus amphitrite. For both materials tenacity varied over an order of magnitude; however, the partitioning of this variation differed between the substrata. For International Veridian, a commercially-available fouling-release coating, removal stress varied significantly among maternal families and replicate barnacle cultures. Variation among the maternal families was associated with previously observed differences among these families in the condition of the adhesive plaque. Additional experiments suggested that variation among the replicate cultures arose from heterogeneity between replicate coatings in properties that affect tenacity. We could not attribute variation in removal stress for Dow Corning Silastic T-2, a silicone rubber used for mold-making, to any of the genetic or environmental sources tested. Instead, variation may have been due to measurement error or heterogeneity within replicate coatings in properties affecting tenacity. Differences among maternal families in removal stress may stem from variation in the interaction between the adhesive and the substratum, or in the viscoelastic properties of the adhesive plaque.
How safe is aggressive statin therapy

The most recent guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program recommend more aggressive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals: <100 mg/dL for patients at moderate or high risk of cardiovascular disease, and <70 mg/dL for patients at very high risk. These lower goals are more likely to be achieved using the more powerful statins--atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin. Although statins are widely used, extensively studied, and known to have an excellent safety profile, the perception of many health care providers and patients is that safety concerns about the more efficacious statins, especially at high doses, limit their use. However, clinical data consistently support the view that adverse events are uncommon even when intensive therapy is used to reach aggressive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals. Overall, the more potent statins have similar safety profiles. The benefits of aggressive statin treatment in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events appear to far outweigh any potential risks of adverse events.
Raman spectrum and secondary structure of the phage λ operator site OL1: evidence for multiple nucleoside conformations in an aqueous B-form DNA

Abstract The laser Raman spectrum of OL1 has been obtained in the region 600–850 cm−1 and the data have been interpreted in terms of different nucleoside conformations within the 17 base pair operator site. The OL1 sequence, which is one of the tightest binding sites for the cI and Cro repressors of bacteriophage λ, displays several Raman conformation markers indicative of more than one backbone geometry for the same double-stranded DNA helix. Specific assignments for the Raman conformation markers are suggested by analogy with spectra of DNA single crystals and DNA fibers of known structure. Two Raman bands diagnostic of B-DNA backbone geometry are observed at 825 ± 3 and 838 ± 3 cm−1, and may be due, respectively, to inequivalent conformations of GC and AT pairs. In addition, a weak band at 706 cm−1 and a shoulder near 807 cm−1 are consistent with a minor contribution from residues which assume the A-DNA backbone geometry or a structurally related configuration. The complex bandshape in the 650–700 cm−1 interval, which is resolved into four peaks by Fourier deconvolution, is also consistent with the presence of multiple nucleoside conformers in OL1 in physiological conditions.
The effect of testosterone on erythropoiesis.

The erythropoietic effect of testosterone cyclopentylpropionate (TCP) was studied in normal, plethoric, nephreetomized and ureter-ligated rats. The results of this study support the contention that TCP exerts its erythropoietic effect though the kidney by increasing REF production; thereby potentiating this organ to generate greater amounts of erythropoietin (EP) in response to normal and cobalt-stimulated erythropoietic challenges. From the data, it is further concluded that TCP neither exerts a direct EP-like effect on haemopoietic tissues nor potentiates the effect of preexisting endogenous EP. The present data does not negate the possibility that testosterone may interfere with the action of an inhibitor of erythropoiesis, possibly at the renal level.
Dynamical Gauge Conditions for the Einstein Evolution Equations

The Einstein evolution equations have previously been written in a number of symmetric hyperbolic forms when the gauge fields—the densitized lapse and the shift—are taken to be fixed functions of the coordinates. Extended systems of evolution equations are constructed here by adding the gauge degrees of freedom to the set of dynamical fields, thus forming symmetric hyperbolic systems for the combined evolution of the gravitational and the gauge fields. The associated characteristic speeds can be made causal (i.e., less than or equal to the speed of light) by adjusting 14 free parameters in these new systems, and 21 additional free parameters are available, for example, to optimize the stability of numerical evolutions. The gauge evolution equations in these systems are generalizations of the "K-driver" and "Gamma-driver" conditions that have been used with some success in numerical black hole evolutions.
The San Clemente Ocean Probing Experiment: a study of air-sea interactions with remote and in situ sensors

A multifaceted experiment was performed in September 1993 by the NOAA Environmental Technology Laboratory (ETL) near San Clemente Island, 100 km offshore of San Diego, to investigate environmental effects on microwave scattering and emission from the sea surface. The experiment, called the San Clemente Ocean Probing Experiment (SCOPE), employed simultaneous measurements of X-band radar cross section and of atmospheric parameters that govern the radar scattering cross section such as atmospheric surface-layer stability, wind, and friction velocity. These measurements were made simultaneously with surface wave measurements from the Scripps Institute Floating Instrument Platform (FLIP), measurements from an airborne microwave radiometer, and images from airborne and satellite-borne synthetic aperture radars. Preliminary results indicated the following: (1) surface currents are potentially measurable to a precision of a few centimeters per second with the /spl Delta/-k radar technique; (2) disturbances on the marine inversion may occasionally cause strong modulations of radar images of the ocean at low grazing angles; (3) horizontal polarization was much more effective than vertical at depicting ship wakes; and (4) an atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) eddy forms in the lee of the island as observed by the ETL Doppler lidar; surface manifestations of the eddy are apparent in the island-based X-band radar and in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of the ocean surface. First looks at data from the newly developed array of pressure transducers revealed interesting transitions of the wave field, wave packet signatures, and standing wave patterns. >
Security Consistency in UML Designs

Security attacks continually threaten distributed systems, disrupting both individuals and organizations economically and physically. In the software lifecycle, early detection and correction of security flaws in the design phase can reduce overall costs associated with maintenance. Current software development methodologies such as the model driven architecture rely on quality Unified Modeling Language (UML) design models. Often these models are complex and consist of many structural and behavioral views. This can lead to inconsistencies between views. Existing approaches remedy many of these inconsistencies but do not address security consistency across design views. This paper presents an approach to detecting and resolving security faults in UML designs. The approach defines the notion of security inconsistency in designs, analyzes UML views for security inconsistencies, and generates a set of recommended design changes that include Object Constraint Language (OCL) expressions. The OCL can be used as a test oracle in both the design and implementation phases of the software life-cycle
Attenuation of Broadband P and S Waves in Tonga: Observations of Frequency Dependent Q

Teleseismic broadband recordings of intermediate and deep focus earthquakes are used to quantify both compression (Q α) and shear (Q β) wave attenuation within the Lau backarc basin. A spectral-ratio method is employed to measure differential attenuation (δt*) between the depth phases sS, pP, and sP and the direct S and P phases over the frequency band 0.05 and 0.5 Hz. We use a stacking algorithm to combine the spectra of several phase pairs from a single event, having similar azimuth and range, to obtain more robust δt* measurements; these estimates are then used to compute the average Q above the focal depth. Q β and Qα are measured directly from the sS-S and pP-P phase pairs respectively, however, the interpretation of δt* measured from sP-P requires assumptions about the ratio Q α/Q β. We find an empirical ratio of Q α/Q β = 1.93 for this region and use it to compute Qα and Q β from the Q sP observations.
EIGENVALUE SPECTRA AND MODAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR COUNTERFLOW REACTOR MODELS

Abstract Counterflow reactor models fall into three classes of partial differential equations: hyperbolic, parabolic, and mixed hyperbolic-parabolic. These have been analyzed to determine the behavior of their eigenvalues and their modal contributions. Using an asymptotic analytical technique (WKB theory), hyperbolic p.d.e. systems and mixed p.d.e. systems with characteristics similar to hyperbolic systems were found to have a “defective” internal structure, making them generally undesirable for modeling or control applications requiring low-order models. Parabolic systems, or mixed systems with characteristics similar to parabolic systems, were found to be “well-behaved”. Hence, where it is possible to choose the type of model to apply to a specific reactor, the choice of the parabolic form is strongly suggested to mitigate potential structural problems.
Downsizing with VXIbus: opportunities and limitations in factory, field, and portable environments

The author examines the technical constraints of downsizing for factory, field, and portable environments and develops metrics for comparing functional densities. Two examples of downsized VXIbus systems are evaluated. One is a C-size system with DC to microwave capability for factory floor or transportable ATE (automatic test equipment) applications. The second is a B-size system that is a lower performance equivalent of the C-size system with the microwave functionality removed; it is applicable for transportable and portable ATE. Actual examples of reduced-size test equipment ranging from battery operated testers to rack mounted, factory-based test systems are shown and evaluated. It is concluded that the VXIbus can deliver substantial reductions in test system size for factory, transportable, and portable ATE. Size reduction averages about 3 to 1 over equivalent HP-IB rack and stack instruments. >
Stochastic Modeling of the Effects of Large-Scale Circulation on Daily Weather in the Southeastern U.S.

Statistical methodology is devised to model time series of daily weather at individual locations in the southeastern U.S. conditional on patterns in large-scale atmosphere-ocean circulation. In this way, weather information on an appropriate temporal and spatial scale for input to crop-climate models can be generated, consistent with the relationship between circulation and temporally and/or spatially aggregated climate data (an exercise sometimes termed ‘downscaling’). The Bermuda High, a subtropical Atlantic circulation feature, is found to have the strongest contemporaneous correlation with seasonal mean temperature and total precipitation in the Southeast (in particular, stronger than for the El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomenon). Stochastic models for time series of daily minimum and maximum temperature and precipitation amount are fitted conditional on an index indicating the average position of the Bermuda High. For precipitation, a multi-site approach involving a statistical technique known as ‘borrowing strength’ is applied, constraining the relationship between daily precipitation and the Bermuda High index to be spatially the same. In winter (the time of greatest correlation), higher daily maximum and minimum temperature means and higher daily probability of occurrence of precipitation are found when there is an easterly shift in the average position of the Bermuda High. Methods for determining aggregative properties of these stochastic models for daily weather (e.g., variance and spatial correlation of seasonal total precipitation) are also described, so that their performance in representing low frequency variations can be readily evaluated.
The Transposable Element Landscape of the Model Legume Lotus japonicus

The largest component of plant and animal genomes characterized to date is transposable elements (TEs). The availability of a significant amount of Lotus japonicus genome sequence has permitted for the first time a comprehensive study of the TE landscape in a legume species. Here we report the results of a combined computer-assisted and experimental analysis of the TEs in the 32.4 Mb of finished TAC clones. While computer-assisted analysis facilitated a determination of TE abundance and diversity, the availability of complete TAC sequences permitted identification of full-length TEs, which facilitated the design of tools for genomewide experimental analysis. In addition to containing all TE types found in previously characterized plant genomes, the TE component of L. japonicus contained several surprises. First, it is the second species (after Oryza sativa) found to be rich in Pack-MULEs, with >1000 elements that have captured and amplified gene fragments. In addition, we have identified what appears to be a legume-specific MULE family that was previously identified only in fungal species. Finally, the L. japonicus genome contains many hundreds, perhaps thousands of Sireviruses: Ty1/copia-like elements with an extra ORF. Significantly, several of the L. japonicus Sireviruses have recently amplified and may still be actively transposing.
IDENTIFICATION OF TRYPTIC CHROMOPEPTIDES OF PHYTOCHROME ON SODIUM DODECYL SULFATE GELS: IMPLICATIONS FOR STRUCTURE

— After electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels, bleached chromopeptides of phytochrome can have their blue color restored by soaking the gels in 20% trichloroacetic acid. The blue bands have a broad absorption maximum between 630 and 655 nm, characteristic of denatured phytochrome. The restored color retains most of its intensity for up to 2 h, but gradually bleaches again until it disappears completely within 24 h. This visualization method is used to identify the number and sizes of phytochrome chromopeptides produced by limited tryptic digestion. The results reveal some structural requirements for photoreversibility and are consistent with a model of phytochrome structure that predicts a high degree of symmetry within the native subunit.
Decision model for Portland metro bike commuters

Many people commute to work in Portland using various modes of transit. However, we will focus on the bike commuters. We will develop a model that you could use to select a commuter bike. To do so, we developed a Hierarchical Decision Model containing the important criteria that a commuter uses when selecting a bike. We chose this model because it allows the user to have multiple levels of criteria and manufacturers can use it to see where they can improve their products.
Implementation of a sire-maternal grandsire model for evaluation of calving ease in the United States

The objective of this study was to add a maternal grandsire (MGS) effect to the existing sire model for national calving ease genetic evaluations. The Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory (AIPL) of USDA assumed responsibility for conducting the national genetic evaluation for calving ease and maintaining the associated database in 1999. Existing evaluations used a sire threshold model. Adding an MGS effect to the model was expected to improve accuracy by partially accounting for merit of mates and differences in maternal ability of the dams. Dystocia data were migrated to a relational database integrated with the AIPL production database. This database design allowed more rigorous data edits by comparison with the production data and improved MGS identification (ID) rate by utilizing pedigrees from the production records. Integration of dystocia data with production data increased MGS ID rate from 58 to 73%. In addition, nearly 200,000 duplicate records were identified using the new edit system. Sire and sire-MGS models were compared using over 10 million observations available for the August 2002 national genetic evaluation. The sire model included herd-year, season, sex of calf, parity of dam, birth year group of sire, and sire. For the sire-MGS model, MGS and birth year group of MGS were added, year-seasons rather than seasons were used, and sex of calf and parity of dam were combined into a single interaction effect. Herd-year, sire, and MGS were random effects. Variance components used for the sire model were those previously used in the national evaluation and for the sire-MGS model were estimated in a separate study. Correlations between predicted genetic merits for service sire calving ease from the two models was 85%, indicating general agreement, but with some significant differences in evaluations. A sire-MGS model was implemented in August 2002 for the national calving ease genetic evaluation system.
A personal development model of sport psychology for athletes with disabilities

Abstract Achieving superior sport performance is often the result of well developed psychological skills (Morris & Thomas, 1995). However, little is known about psychological skill development in athletes with disabilities (Hanrahan, 1998). The purpose of the present paper is to help sport psychologists in their work with athletes with physical disabilities. Although there are many similarities among athletes with and without disabilities, sport psychologists would benefit from an awareness of information unique to athletes with disabilities (Asken, 1991). I use a broad interpretation of psychological skills based on a holistic perspective and a personal development model (Vealey, 1988). Information is presented in the three areas of foundation, psychological, and facilitative skills, methods, and factors.
Synthesis and characterization of a chlorofunctionalized unsaturated carbosilane oligomer

SUMMARY: Acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization offers a viable route for the synthesis of chlorofunctionalized unsaturated carbosilane oligomers. The Si-C1 bond in unsaturated carbosilane monomers remains inert during metathesis and the use of a highly reactive molybdenum-based, Lewis acid-free alkylidene catalyst affords unsaturated chlorofunctionalized carbosilane oligomers with known vinyl end groups. The first synthesis of an unsaturated carbosilane oligomer functionalized with a Si-CI bond was performed. A chlorofunctionalized silacyclopentene product was also observed, due to a backbiting reaction. This new class of functionalized oligomers has a low glass transition temperature and sites of unsaturation which may be used for further reaction. ADMET chemistry now provides access to a variety of chlorofunctionalized unsaturated carbosilanes which can be used to tailor make hydrolytically stable carbosilane oligomers and polymers via nucleophilic grafting reactions.
A unified eigenvalue theory for time-varying linear circuits and systems

Linear time-varying circuits and systems of the vector form dx/dt=A(t)x+bu and the scalar form y/sup (n)/+ alpha /sub n/(t)y/sup (n-1)/+ . . . + alpha /sub 2/(t)dy/dt+ alpha /sub 1/(t)y=u can be studied as operators over a differential ring K of almost everywhere C/sup infinity / functions. A unified (time-varying) eigenvalue theory has been recently developed for such operators, relative to a class of equivalence transformations on K/sup n*n/. This unified eigenvalue theory leads to the natural time-varying counterparts of eigenvalues, eigenvectors, characteristics, equations, modal matrices, stability criteria, etc., as traditionally used for time-invariant linear circuits and systems. The main results of the theory are summarized. The time-varying counterparts of transfer functions, series/parallel realizations, and pole-assignment control technique for the scalar form are presented. >
An application of half-cycle Posicast

The problem of compensating a fourth-order, lightly-damped linear feedback system by means of half-cycle Posicast [1] is examined and the results of analog computer simulations are shown. Transient and frequency responses are presented. Although half-cycle Posicast is ideally suited for driving a second-order system, the resulting behavior of the fourth-order system is seen to be quite good with half-cycle Posicast bringing about a fast step response with almost no ripple and eliminating completely any resonant peaking in the frequency response. The sensitivity of behavior to variations in system parameters is examined. Also the system is tested with a quasi-random input signal. In both cases, results are favorable.
The VINSE Core Laboratories: Opportunities, Challenges and Lessons Learned at Year 6

In 2004 Vanderbilt University announced the design and construction of a 1635 sq. ft. class 10000-cleanroom facility to support the research mission of the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE). By design we have brought together disparate technologies and researchers formerly dispersed across the campus, and across middle Tennessee, to work together in a contiguous space intended to foster interaction and synergy of nano-technologies not often found in close proximity. The space hosts a variety of tools for lithographic patterning of substrates, the deposition of thin films, the synthesis of carbon-based nanostructures, and a variety of reactive ion etchers for the fabrication of nanostructures on planar substrates. In addition, a separate 911 sq. ft. chemistry laboratory supports nanocrystal synthesis and the investigation of biomolecular films. The design criteria required an integrated space that would support the scientific agenda of the laboratory while satisfying all applicable code and safety concerns. VINSE has enjoyed much success over the years as evidenced by the quality of faculty recruitment, the publication of peer-reviewed science, new research funding, and the number and quality of students who have completed their research in our laboratories and graduated with advanced degrees. As the facility matures we face lingering issues of cost recovery and maintenance of the physical plant at a private University.
Nanoengineering of optical resonances

Abstract Metal nanoshells, consisting of a dielectric core with a metallic shell of nanometer thickness, are a new, composite nanoparticle whose optical resonance can be “designed in” in a controlled manner. By varying the relative dimensions of the core and shell, the optical resonance of these nanoparticles can be varied over hundreds of nanometers in wavelength, across the visible and into the infrared region of the spectrum. We report a general approach to the making of metal nanoshell composite nanoparticles based on molecular self-assembly and colloid reduction chemistry.
Neurobiology of depression: an integrated view of key findings.

SUMMARY Aims: The objectives of the present review were to summarise the key findings from the clinical literature regarding the neurobiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and their implications for maximising treatment outcomes. Several neuroanatomical structures in the prefrontal and limbic areas of the brain are involved in affective regulation. In patients with MDD, alterations in the dynamic patterns of activity among these structures have profound implications for the pathogenesis of this illness. Discussion: The present work reviews the evidence for the progressive nature of MDD along with associated changes in neuroanatomical structure and function, especially for the hippocampus. The role of glucocorticoids, inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived growth factors are discussed as mediators of these pathological alterations. From this integrated model, the role of antidepressant therapy in restoring normative processes is examined along with additional treatment guidelines. Conclusion: Major depressive disorder is an illness with significant neurobiological consequences involving structural, functional and molecular alterations in several areas of the brain. Antidepressant pharmacotherapy is associated with restoration of the underlying physiology. Clinicians are advised to intervene with MDD using an early, comprehensive treatment approach that has remission as the goal. Review Criteria The search strategies used for this review involved literature searches of the MEDLINE and Psychinfo electronic databases. The main heading terms included major depressive disorder, neurobiology, antidepressant, hippocampus, brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor, glucocorticoids and monoamines. As part of the research strategy, each article’s bibliography was reviewed for additional potential research findings relevant to these terms.