cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Challenges of GPU-aware Communication in MPI

GPUs are increasingly popular in HPC systems and applications. However, the communication bottleneck between GPUs, distributed across HPC nodes within a cluster, has limited achievable scalability of GPU-centric applications. Advances in inter-node GPU communication such as NVIDIA's GPUDirect have made great strides in addressing this issue. The added software development complexity has been addressed by simplified GPU programming paradigms such as Unified or Managed Memory. To understand the performance of these new features, new benchmarks were developed. Unfortunately, these benchmark efforts do not include correctness checking and certain messaging patterns used in applications. In this paper we highlight important gaps in communication benchmarks and motivate a methodology to help application developers understand the performance tradeoffs of different data movement options. Furthermore, we share systems tuning and deployment experiences across different GPU-aware MPI implementations. In particular, we demonstrate correctness testing is needed along with performance testing through modifications to an existing benchmark. In addition, we present a case study where existing benchmarks fail to characterize how data is moved within SW4, a seismic wave application, and create a benchmark to model this behavior. Finally, we motivate the need for an application-inspired benchmark methodology to assess system performance and guide application programmers on how to use the system more efficiently.
Sexually dimorphic placental responses to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection

There is a persistent male bias in the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 disease. Underlying mechanisms accounting for this sex difference remain incompletely understood. Interferon responses have been implicated as a modulator of disease in adults, and play a key role in the placental anti-viral response. Moreover, the interferon response has been shown to alter Fc-receptor expression, and therefore may impact placental antibody transfer. Here we examined the intersection of viral-induced placental interferon responses, maternal-fetal antibody transfer, and fetal sex. Placental interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), Fc-receptor expression, and SARS-CoV-2 antibody transfer were interrogated in 68 pregnancies. Sexually dimorphic placental expression of ISGs, interleukin-10, and Fc receptors was observed following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, with upregulation in males. Reduced maternal SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody titers and impaired placental antibody transfer were noted in pregnancies with a male fetus. These results demonstrate fetal sex-specific maternal and placental adaptive and innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2.
Computational analysis of low mass moment of inertia flying wing

The primary goal in development of MAVs is to develop a flying body that weigh as less as 90 grams, with a span of 15cm [1]. Since it is challenging to meet these design characteristics of a MAVs with current technology, there has been a lot of research going on in this direction. This paper is also a continuation of the same quest. In this research a delta wing micro air vehicle was analyzed at low sub sonic speed at different angles of attack for determining lift, drag force, stall angle and L/D ratio. CFD and XFLR have been used as computational tools. For CFD analysis, a far field technique was used to calculate the lift and drag coefficients. Rectangular domain was created around the body with a size 10 times greater than body so that flow behavior can be captured accurately. Inflation layers were created around the body to capture boundary layer. Fine mesh was created at the regions of higher gradients. In fluent flow was analyzed using two turbulent models (SA and k-e). A potential flow solver (XFLR) was also used to compare results from RANS methodology with vortex lattice method (VLM). Validation of computational results was carried out by comparing with earlier research concerning wind tunnel testing of MAV [2] at 100,000 Re. This research will help the aero dynamists to understand the complete procedure of computational and XFLR analysis of MAVs. It was found that XFLR predicts higher values of lift coefficient and lower values of drag coefficient at all angles of attack. Consequently, lift to drag ratio as predicted by XFLR was found greater than RANS models. Further no appreciable difference was noticed between lift and drag characteristics predicted by SA and k-e models.
CAR- and TRuC-redirected regulatory T cells differ in capacity to control adaptive immunity to FVIII.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) control immune responses in autoimmune disease, transplantation, and enable antigen-specific tolerance induction in protein-replacement therapies. Tregs can exert a broad array of suppressive functions through their T cell receptor (TCR) in a tissue-directed and antigen-specific manner. This capacity can now be harnessed for tolerance induction by "redirecting" polyclonal Tregs to overcome low inherent precursor frequencies and simultaneously augment suppressive functions. With the use of hemophilia A as a model, we sought to engineer antigen-specific Tregs to suppress antibody formation against the soluble therapeutic protein factor (F)VIII in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent fashion. Surprisingly, high-affinity chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-Treg engagement induced a robust effector phenotype that was distinct from the activation signature observed for endogenous thymic Tregs, which resulted in the loss of suppressive activity. Targeted mutations in the CD3ζ or CD28 signaling motifs or interleukin (IL)-10 overexpression were not sufficient to restore tolerance. In contrast, complexing TCR-based signaling with single-chain variable fragment (scFv) recognition to generate TCR fusion construct (TRuC)-Tregs delivered controlled antigen-specific signaling via engagement of the entire TCR complex, thereby directing functional suppression of the FVIII-specific antibody response. These data suggest that cellular therapies employing engineered receptor Tregs will require regulation of activation thresholds to maintain optimal suppressive function.
State-by-State comparison of combined heat and power to photovoltaic installations at manufacturing facilities with heat and power loads

Abstract Manufacturing facilities with large electricity and steam loads commonly meet those loads with a grid and boiler (GB) system configuration. In this study, two alternatives, a natural gas turbine cycle driven combined heat and power (CHP) system configuration and a grid boiler system augmented with photovoltaics (GB-PV), are investigated sustainable manufacturing in reference to the GB system configuration. For this purpose, their discounted payback period (DPP), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission reductions, and primary fossil energy impacts are calculated. The major contribution of this study is that it directly compares the application of both CHP and PV technologies at an assumed manufacturing facility in all 50 states of the United States. This highlights the location-specific impacts of the facility. The examined manufacturing facility utility requirements are 5 MW of power and over 12,000 kg/h of 250 kPa and 400 K saturated steam. A DPP of less than 25 years, the technology lifetime, is found in 44 states for the CHP system configuration and 6 states for the GB-PV system configuration. GB-PV and CHP cost-effectively reduce CO2 in 44 and 38 states, respectively. CHP is better for NOx reduction, whereas GB-PV is better for primary fossil energy reduction.
Alternative Tendon Coaptations to the Pulvertaft Weave Technique: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Biomechanical Studies.

BackgroundThe Pulvertaft weave technique (PT) is frequently used during tendon repairs and transfers. However, this technique is associated with limitations. In this systematic review and meta-anal...
SHEAR WAVE EFFECTS ON PROPAGATION TO A RECEIVER IN THE SUBSTRATE

Some effects produced by shear wave processes in a layered seafloor are examined. Normal mode theory is used to calculate the displacement produced by a low frequency source in the water column at a receiver located inside the seafloor. The effects of the seafloor are represented by an impedance boundary condition obtained from the plane wave reflection coefficient. Shear wave processes are included by using the reflectivity of a solid, layered seafloor. A comparison of displacements obtained for solid and fluid descriptions of the seafloor is made to isolate the role of shear waves. Both vertical and horizontal displacements are found to increase significantly when shear wave processes are included. An analysis of the range dependence of displacement suggests that shear wave propagation is the major acoustical mechanism producing this increase.
Conduction velocity around the tricuspid valve annulus during type 1 atrial flutter: defining the location of areas of slow conduction by three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping.

Background: Conduction velocity (CV) around the tricuspid valve annulus (TVA) during type 1 atrial flutter (AFL) has been shown to be slowest in the tricuspid valve-inferior vena cava (TV-IVC) isthmus, compared to the septal or free wall segments of the TVA. However, fiber orientation in the triangle-of-Koch suggests that the inferior septum and medial TV -IVC isthmus should be the most slowly conducting segments around the TVA.
Synthetic Sphingolipids as Bioactive Molecules

Sphingolipids are a highly diverse class of lipids, which encompasses thousands of different structural combinations of the polar head group, amino group or amide chain, and sphingoid long-chain base. Initially regarded as inert structural components of eukaryotic cell membranes and plasma lipoproteins, sphingolipids now are recognized as key participants in the life of virtually all cell types. They influence a myriad of biological processes, including cell growth, cell death, and susceptibility to inflammation and infections. The number of known sphingolipid-dependent cell signaling systems is increasing rapidly as research efforts in this field progress. Sphingolipids stabilize transient microdomains in membranes known as “rafts.” Signaling proteins and receptors partition into membrane rafts, and some toxins, pathogens, and viruses bind to sphingolipids that are concentrated in rafts and subsequently undergo endocytosis (see also Lipid Signals: Extracellular). Synthetic, non-natural analogs of sphingolipids hold promise as drug candidates for treatment of various disease states via their ability to perturb cell signaling, membrane trafficking, and binding of infectious agents. The repertoire of synthetic sphingolipids includes analogs that target enzymes in the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway and those that act as antiproliferative agents, immunomodulators, and regulators of lipid raft formation (and resultant receptor function). This review is intended to bring attention to selected synthetic analogs of sphingosine, ceramide, and glycosphingolipids that may lead to therapeutic intervention in certain patho-physiologic conditions.
ZnGeP2GaP multiple heterostructures on GaP substrates

In this paper we report on ZnGeP2GaP double and multiple heterostructures grown by organometallic chemical vapor deposition at 580°C, using dimethylzinc, trimethylgallium, germane and phosphine as source gases. With appropriate growth conditions, mirror smooth epitaxial ZnGeP2GaP multiple heterostructures are obtained on (001) GaP substrates. Cross-sectional SEM and TEM and SIMS studies show that the interfaces of these heterostructures are sharp and smooth. Etching studies of the top GaP (001) surface of GaP/ZnGeP2/GaP double heterostructures reveal a dislocation density of ∼ 5 × 104cm−2. Selected area 〈110〉 electron diffraction patterns show that the GaP layers crystallize in the zincblende structure and the ZnGeP2 layers crystallize in the chalcopyrite structure. This is the first time that multiple heterostructures combining these two crystal structures have been made.
CBP2 protein promotes in vitro excision of a yeast mitochondrial group I intron.

Abstract The terminal intron (bI2) of the yeast mitochondrial cytochrome b gene is a group I intron capable of self-splicing in vitro at high concentrations of Mg2+. Excision of bI2 in vivo, however, requires a protein encoded by the nuclear gene CBP2. The CBP2 protein has been partially purified from wild-type yeast mitochondria and shown to promote splicing at physiological concentrations of Mg2+. The self-splicing and protein-dependent splicing reactions utilized a guanosine nucleoside cofactor, the hallmark of group I intron self-splicing reactions. Furthermore, mutations that abolished the autocatalytic activity of bI2 also blocked protein-dependent splicing. These results indicated that protein-dependent excision of bI2 is an RNA-catalyzed process involving the same two-step transesterification mechanism responsible for self-splicing of group I introns. We propose that the CBP2 protein binds to the bI2 precursor, thereby stabilizing the catalytically active structure of the RNA. The same or a similar RNA structure is probably induced by high concentrations of Mg2+ in the absence of protein. Binding of the CBP2 protein to the unspliced precursor was supported by the observation that the protein-dependent reaction was saturable by the wild-type precursor. Protein-dependent splicing was competitively inhibited by excised bI2 and by a splicing-defective precursor with a mutation in the 5' exon near the splice site but not by a splicing-defective precursor with a mutation in the core structure. Binding of the CBP2 protein to the precursor RNA had an effect on the 5' splice site helix, as evidenced by suppression of the interaction of an exogenous dinucleotide with the internal guide sequence.
Biological properties and therapeutic applications of interleukin-12

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine produced by phagocytic cells and antigen-presenting cells within a few hours of infection, particularly in the case of bacteria and intracellular parasites, and acts as a proinflammatory cytokine, activating natural killer (NK) cells, and, through its ability to induce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production, enhancing the phagocytic and bactericidal activity of phagocytic cells and [...]
Reductive dehalogenations of halobenzoates by anaerobic lake sediment microorganisms.

Methane-producing freshwater lake sediment was found to dehalogenate chloro-, bromo-, and iodobenzoates by a reductive reaction in which the halogen was replaced by a hydrogen atom. The identity of the dehalogenated products was confirmed by mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, or cochromatography. Removal of the halogens to produce benzoate was necessary before mineralization to CH4 + CO2 could occur. The dehalogenation occurred after a lag period which lasted from 1 week to more than 6 months, depending on the chemical. Dehalogenation was not observed in the absence of CH4 production, and it was inhibited by the addition of 20% O2. Once sediment was acclimated to halobenzoate dehalogenation, new additions of the halobenzoate were degraded without lag. Acclimation was observed regardless of whether the parent substrates were eventually mineralized to CH4 + CO2. Sediment acclimated to bromo- and chlorobenzoate degradation generally metabolized bromo- and chlorobenzoates, but sediment acclimated to iodobenzoate degradation only metabolized iodobenzoate. Prior acclimation of sediment to benzoate decomposition did not alter the pattern of dehalogenation, and sediment acclimated to dehalogenation was not concurrently acclimated to benzoate degradation. The presence of this apparent specificity, the lag period, and subsequent acclimation, together with our findings of the absence of dehalogenation in sterile sediments and by sediments previously incubated at ≥39°C, suggests that this reaction was biologically catalyzed. Apparently, a pathway for the reductive dehalogenation of aryl halides is present in anaerobic microorganisms of this methanogenic sediment.
A technique for obtaining probabilities of correct selection in a two-stage selection problem

SUMMARY Suppose one has several normal populations, identically distributed except for their means. At stage one a sample of size n1 is taken from each population. At stage two, a sample of size n2 is taken from the two populations producing the largest means in stage one and the population having the largest cumulative mean selected as best. For the least favourable configuration of means an algorithm is developed for calculating po' the probability of 'correct' selection. The technique involves using a finite representation of the standard normal distribution, counting methods and the use of a high-speed computer both for enumeration and for later smoothing and filtering. A two-stage procedure for the selection of the population with the largest mean from a set of normal populations with unknown means and a common known variance was proposed by Somerville (1954) and extended by Fairweather (1968). The procedure eliminates a predetermined number of populations after the first stage and, from the survivors, selects after the second stage the one with the largest cumulative mean. Costs from incorrect selection and from sampling are assumed known. For a given ratio of first-stage to second-stage sample sizes, the total sample size which would minimize the maximum expected loss was derived. The maximum was taken over all possible configurations of the true population means. For a wide range of losses due to incorrect selection and for a wide range of procedures, one-stage, two-stage, etc., for selecting the 'best' population, viz. the one with the largest mean, it was shown that the maximum expected loss occurs when the means of all the populations except the best are equal. We describe this as the 'least favourable configuration.' Under this configuration of means, a considerable portion of the effort in Somerville (1954) and Fairweather (1968) was devoted to the problem of the evaluation of po, defined to be the probability of a correct selection, selecting the best population. For example, Fairweather showed that the determination of po involved the evaluation of the cumulative distribution function of a multivariate normal variable with at least five different values in the variance-covariance matrix. The dimension of the multivariate integral is 2k - t, where k + 1 is the number of populations and t is the number eliminated after the first stage. The amount of work involved in the computation of po even for small values of k is seen to be very large and increases exponentially with k. Fairweather's computations were thus limited to the case of four populations. Curnow & Dunnett (1962) have shown that any n-variate normal cumulative distribution function can always be written as a single integral with an (n - 1)-variate normal cumulative distribution function in the integrand, with the integration extending over a singly infinite
Entanglement of a Photon and a Collective Atomic Excitation

We describe a new experimental approach to probabilistic atom-photon (signal) entanglement. Two qubit states are encoded as orthogonal collective spin excitations of an unpolarized atomic ensemble. After a programmable delay, the atomic excitation is converted into a photon (idler). Polarization states of both the signal and the idler are recorded and are found to be in violation of the Bell inequality. Atomic coherence times exceeding several microseconds are achieved by switching off all the trapping fields--including the quadrupole magnetic field of the magneto-optical trap--and zeroing out the residual ambient magnetic field.
Criticizing solutions to relaxed models yields powerful admissible heuristics

Abstract Branch-and-bound techniques allow intractable problems to be solved by using heuristics to bound the cost of partial solutions. The use of admissible heuristics can guarantee that the solutions found are optimal. This paper examines one paradigm—problem relaxation by constraint deletion—which has been used to develop many admissible heuristics. The paradigm suggests three steps: simplify (or relax) a problem, solve the simplified problem, and use that solution to guide the search for a solution to the original problem. We introduce the following extension to this methodology: by criticizing the feasibility of a relaxed solution, we arrive at a closer approximation of the solution to the original problem. We apply this methodology to two well-studied problems in operations research and artificial intelligence. For the traveling-salesman problem, iteration of our technique yields a series of novel heuristics, culminating in Held and Karp's minimum-spanning-tree heuristic. For the eight puzzle, it yields a heretofore undiscovered heuristic which is shown to perform significantly better than any previously known.
Poison oak and poison ivy

Abstract Extracts of poison oak and poison ivy were tested on animal and human skins. In view of the definite information obtained from these tests, the dermatitant unit is suggested as a standard measure of potency. Methods are described for measuring an exact number of units by first titrating the extracts on animal skin. The behavior of a given number of units on sensitized and susceptible subjects is also discussed. The dispensing of these extracts so that skin tests and graduated doses can be conveniently administered is recommended.
Spatial extension of quantum gravitational particles in R 4 × K N

It is observed that the magnitude relationma 2 ≈ħl P/c holds if the non-Euclidean incremental spatial volume associated with a fundamental particle of massm and radiusa is characteristically quantum gravitational in a Kaluza-Klein or superstringR 4×K N . HereR 4 is the four-dimensional Riemannian space-time of general relativity andK N is a small-scale, compact,N-dimensional space of characteristic quantum gravitational volumel P , withl P ≡ (ħG/c 3)1/2= 1.61×10−33 cm denoting the Planck length. For the electron and electron neutrino (assumed to possess nonzero mass bounded empirically by $$m_{v_e }$$ ⪝ <30 eV) the derived magnitude relationa≈(ħl P/mc)1/2 yields the estimatesa e ≈ 2.5×10−22 cm and $$a_{v_e }$$ ⪞ 3.3×10−20 cm, spatial extensions which may be detectable by way of fine-scale effects in SSC experiments.
Flat punch adhesion: transition from fracture-based to strength-limited pull-off

The adhesion of a cylindrical flat punch to a surface due to interatomic forces is a well-known problem that is important in many applications, including indentation experiments and the adhesion of fibrillar structures. Traditionally, the pull-off force has been related to the work of adhesion and punch geometry via the Kendall solution that uses a Griffith energy balance to assess crack propagation and pull-off. More recently, it has been shown that under certain conditions, notably at small punch diameters, the contact can behave in a 'strength-limited' fashion in which the interface separates uniformly rather than via crack propagation. Here, a Maugis-Dugdale-type analysis of power-law-shaped bodies in contact is used to examine the change in behaviour from the fracture-based Kendall solution to strength-limited pull-off for cylindrical flat punches. The transition from fracture-based to strength-limited behaviour is described in terms of a non-dimensional parameter that is similar to previous quantities used to describe the transition and is a function of the punch size, the elasticity of the contact, and the adhesion properties. The results of this relatively simple analysis compare favourably with results from more complex computational simulations. In addition, the results are used to develop a function that quantifies the transition between the Kendall solution and the strength-limited solution in order to facilitate interpretation of adhesion measurements in the transition regime between the two limits. Finally, the power-law analysis is used to assess the sensitivity of the transition to the exact shape of the punch.
Recruitment of the tyrosine phosphatase Src homology 2 domain tyrosine phosphatase-2 to the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase is required for insulin-like growth factor-I-dependent PI-3 kinase activation in smooth muscle cells.

IGF-I stimulates smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and the phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase pathway plays an important role in mediating the IGF-I-induced migratory response. Prior studies have shown that the tyrosine phosphatase Src homology 2 domain tyrosine phosphatase (SHP)-2 is necessary to activate PI-3 kinase in response to growth factors and expression of a phosphatase inactive form of SHP-2 (SHP-2/C459S) impairs IGF-I-stimulated cell migration. However, the mechanism by which SHP-2 phosphatase activity or the recruitment of SHP-2 to other signaling molecules contributes to IGF-I stimulated PI-3 kinase activation has not been determined. SMCs that had stable expression of SHP-2/C459S had reduced cell migration and Akt activation in response to IGF-I, compared with SMC-expressing native SHP-2. Similarly in cells expressing native SHP-2, IGF-I induced SHP-2 binding to p85, whereas in cells expressing SHP-2/C459S, there was no increase. Because the C459S substitution results in loss of the abili...
Plasma heating by anomalous dissipation of alfvén waves propagating in inhomogeneous magnetic fields

Abstract Plasma Alfven waves propagating in certain inhomogeneous magnetic fields suffer a strong anomalous viscous and Ohmic dissipation. The dissipation is caused by transversal velocity differences of the wave resulting from the different propagation velocities along the lines of force. The effect may be useful for heating a plasma to high temperatures and may become competitive with the gyrorelaxation effect. The predicted rapid dissipation may also be of significance in astrophysical questions. The dissipation is studied for a simple inhomogeneous magnetic field. The results, however, can be semiquantitatively extended to less simple inhomogeneous fields. It is shown that the homogeneous magnetic field belongs to a wider class of magnetic fields which do not lead to anomalous dissipation of Alfven waves. It is also shown that magnetic fields possessing this property have to satisfy a certain nonlinear partial differential equation. The anomalous dissipation is studied in the Appendix for a special model in further detail. There it is shown that the predicted anomalous dissipation is connected with the existence of a peculiar transversal wave which is strongly damped and which is propagating in a direction perpendicular to the lines of force.
Constitutional Developments in Saorstát Eireann and the Constitution of Éire: II, Internal Affairs.

The system of government set up under the Irish constitution of 1922 was of the parliamentary type. Provision was made for an Executive Council, some members of which were responsible to Dail Eireann. The actual working executive was the president of the Executive Council. The old constitution also contemplated a group of expert ministers who should be heads of departments, but who should not share in the collective responsibility of the Executive Council to the Dail. The appointment of such a group of “extern” ministers was not made mandatory. In the first Dail, three extern ministers were appointed, and in the second Dail a fourth was added. This constitutional arrangement, the inspiration for which was derived from the Swiss executive, did not last long. The extern ministers were, as a matter of fact, active politicians; they were not appointed on the basis of merit in heading the specific departments; in 1927, an amendment was adopted which practically abolished extern ministries; and the Free State has since proceeded on the general plan of a cabinet collectively responsible to the Dail.
Infrared intensities of H3O+, H2DO+, HD2O+, and D3O+

Infrared intensities of isotopic molecular ions H3O+, H2DO+, and D3O+ are reported.(AIP)Infrared intensities of isotopic molecular ions H3O+, H2DO+, and D3O+ are reported.(AIP)
Life cycle assessment of various cropping systems utilized for producing biofuels: Bioethanol and biodiesel

A life cycle assessment of different cropping systems emphasizing corn and soybean production was performed, assuming that biomass from the cropping systems is utilized for producing biofuels (i.e., ethanol and biodiesel). The functional unit is defined as 1 ha of arable land producing biomass for biofuels to compare the environmental performance of the different cropping systems. The external functions are allocated by introducing alternative product systems (the system expansion allocation approach). Nonrenewable energy consumption, global warming impact, acidification and eutrophication are considered as potential environmental impacts and estimated by characterization factors given by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-TRACI). The benefits of corn stover removal are (1) lower nitrogen related environmental burdens from the soil, (2) higher ethanol production rate per unit arable land, and (3) energy recovery from lignin-rich fermentation residues, while the disadvantages of corn stover removal are a lower accumulation rate of soil organic carbon and higher fuel consumption in harvesting corn stover. Planting winter cover crops can compensate for some disadvantages (i.e., soil organic carbon levels and soil erosion) of removing corn stover. Cover crops also permit more corn stover to be harvested. Thus, utilization of corn stover and winter cover crops can improve the eco-efficiency of the cropping systems. When biomass from the cropping systems is utilized for biofuel production, all the cropping systems studied here offer environmental benefits in terms of nonrenewable energy consumption and global warming impact. Therefore utilizing biomass for biofuels would save nonrenewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gases. However, unless additional measures such as planting cover crops were taken, utilization of biomass for biofuels would also tend to increase acidification and eutrophication, primarily because large nitrogen (and phosphorus)-related environmental burdens are released from the soil during cultivation.
REDUCTION OF SERUM-UNCONJUGATED-BILIRUBIN WITH PHENOBARBITONE IN ADULT CONGENITAL NON-HÆMOLYTIC UNCONJUGATED HYPERBILIRUBINÆMIA

Abstract Two adult siblings with congenital non-haemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia and glucuronyl-transferase deficiency were treated with sodium phenobarbitone. Bilirubin levels began to fall 12-36 hours after therapy was begun. The brother was treated for eleven days with concomitant, striking reduction in bilirubin level and with a return to former levels after therapy was discontinued. The sister was maintained on therapy with normal bilirubin levels for 5 months; bilirubin levels slowly rose to pretreatment levels during a 5-month tapering of phenobarbitone, but again fell when the dose of phenobarbitone was increased. The mechanism of this phenobarbitone effect upon bilirubin metabolism is unknown. The most intriguing hypothesis is that glucuronyl transferase is enhanced; a second possibility is augmentation of pre-existing alternative pathways of bilirubin metabolism. Changes in sulphobromophthalein-sodium metabolism were also noted during phenobarbitone therapy, possibly indicating a drug effect on the hepatic excretory transport system.
Relative retention of verbal and audiovisual information in a national training programme

A 15-min segment of a national pharmaceutical sales training programme was evaluated in two experiments. Lecture supplemented by 139 colour slides failed to produce recognition scores on immediate and 1-week tests above those produced by lecture alone. However, videotaped visuals designed to carry the main points of the message in a dynamic way enhanced retention over 1 week, compared to lecture only and lecture plus slides. The video presentation also yielded less intertest forgetting over 1 week than the combined results of lecture and lecture plus slides. The findings indicate that video presentations emphasizing action and conveying more than redundant illustrations of a verbal message can elevate long-term retention in training programmes. A modified version of dual-coding theory may explain the results and predict the circumstances under which combined pictorial and verbal codes will or will not be superior to a code which is primarily verbal.
Computerization in the liberal arts

This session contained much discussion pertaining solely to the humanities, regardless of computer usage implication. While proper for a live audience, it will not be presented here.
Hardware assisted watermarking for multimedia

Digital media offer several distinct advantages over analog media, such as high quality, ease of editing, and ease of processing operations such as compression and high fidelity copying. Digital data is commonly available through digital TV broadcast, CD, DVD, and computing devices such as personal computers. The ease by which a digital media object can be duplicated and distributed has led to the need for effective digital rights management tools. Digital watermarking is one such tool. Watermarking is the process of embedding extra data called a watermark into a multimedia object, like image, audio, or video, such that the watermark can later be detected or extracted in order to make an assertion regarding the object. During the last decade, numerous software based watermarking schemes have appeared in the literature and watermarking research has attained a certain degree of maturity. But hardware based watermarking systems have evolved more recently only and they are still at their infancy. The goal of hardware assisted watermarking is to achieve low power usage, real-time performance, reliability, and ease of integration with existing consumer electronic devices. In this paper, we survey the hardware assisted solutions proposed in the literature for watermarking of multimedia objects. The survey is preceded by an introduction to the background issues involved in digital watermarking.
Autonomic function and prognosis

Autonomic nervous system function is assessed in the clinic by measuring resting heart rate, heart rate variability, or heart rate recovery following exercise. Each of these measures is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality in primary and secondary prevention settings. These measures have been used to identify correlates of autonomic nervous system dysfunction at both the patient level (eg, obesity, diabetes, heart failure) and the environmental level (eg, smoking, social stress, air pollution). Future research must determine how to exploit the associations between autonomic system dysfunction and poor prognosis to improve patient outcomes.
RESPONSE OF AN SDOF SYSTEM TO PERIODIC EXTERNAL AND PARAMETRIC EXCITATIONS WITH RANDOM PHASE MODULATIONS

A single-degree-of-freedom system is considered, which is excited simultaneously by external and parametric time-variant loadings. Both these dynamic loads are assumed to be periodic in time with some random disorder, or phase modulations. Response analysis is made for this system by using stochastic averaging with subsequent application of the method of moments to the resulting set of the shortened Ito SDEs. The results of steady state mean square response analysis are presented in terms of the corresponding amplification factor, illustrating its dependence on excitation/system bandwidth ratios and detuning between expected excitation frequencies and the system's natural frequency.
Growth of microorganisms on insoluble polymers: Transformation of automobile tires

Microorganisms were isolated that transform 35-mesh automobile tire carcasses, utilizing water-soluble oils in the tire particle as a carbon source, while concomitantly oxidizing the styrene-butadiene copolymer of the insoluble substrate by co-metabolism. The product behaved as a cationic exchanger.
Transactivation of repair genes by BRCA1.

Recent studies have identified a link between the BRCA1 tumor suppressor and transcriptional regulation of a group of genes involved in nucleotide excision repair. There is some controversy regarding the precise mechanism of upregulation of XPE DDB2 or XPC by BRCA1, with some evidence suggesting that p53 is involved in their regulation. Some evidence suggests BRCA1 may stabilize p53 and direct regulation of DNA repair genes, although how BRCA1 stabilizes p53 remains unclear and whether BRCA1 can upregulate DNA repair genes in a p53-independent manner remains a possibility. A transcriptional component to the action of BRCA1 and involvement of XP genes brings up new and interesting questions about breast cancer development and therapy. Key Words:BRCA1, p53, DNA repair genes
Direct observation of adatom-substitutional atom interaction on dilute metal alloy surfaces

Abstract The field ion microscope is used to study interactions of a migrating tungsten adatom with substitutional rhenium atoms in the (110) plane of a W-3%Re alloy. By observing about 300 migration periods on a single (110) surface plane of a small field ion emittier, each position of the adatom with respect to deduced Re atom locations can be identified. The interaction is found to be attractive with a strength of 90 ± 7 meV at the closest equilibrium separation, and repulsive with a strength of at least 80 meV at the second closest separation. No interaction could be observed for larger separations indicating a strength of less than 10 meV. Results of a control experiment, diffusion of single W adatoms on the (110) plane of pure W, are also presented for comparison.
Experimental Studies of the Pathogenesis of Infections Due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Effect of Treatment with Protease Inhibitors

Data are presented showing that treatment of burned, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected mice with the protease inhibitor alpha 2-macroglobulin but not treatment with phosphoramidon enhanced survival. Treatment with alpha 2-macroglobulin caused reductions in bacterial counts in the skin and livers of infected mice and also protected liver elongation factor 2. Similar results were observed when human IgG was used for treatment. The protective effect of the IgG treatment was probably due to the presence of opsonizing antibodies in the preparation. The protective capacity of the IgG could be removed by its adsorption with heat-killed cells of the strain used for infecting the mice. The protection afforded by alpha 2-macroglobulin was not due to the presence of opsonizing antibodies in the preparation used. It appeared to be due to inhibition of the proteolytic, not the elastolytic, activities of alkaline protease and elastase elaborated by the organisms growing in the burned skin tissue. Proteolytic activities of these enzymes appeared to serve as virulence factors in P. aeruginosa by decreasing the generation time in vivo of the microorganisms growing in the burned skin tissue and by allowing the organisms to spread from this local site into the systemic circulation. Treatment of pseudomonas infections of burn wounds with protease inhibitors may serve as an alternative to antibiotic treatment and/or immunotherapy.
Community sentiment and the juvenile offender: should juveniles charged with felony murder be waived into the adult criminal justice system?

Juveniles are more likely than adult offenders to commit crimes in groups. This tendency makes the juvenile offender more susceptible to the felony murder rule. In three experiments we tested the notion that juveniles arrested and charged under the felony murder rule would be transferred into the adult criminal justice system based on an equalistic (i.e. the application of the felony murder rule) or a proportional (i.e. the just deserts philosophy) rule. Participants read case descriptions of an armed robbery (no death, accidental death, or intentional death) in which defendants had different levels of involvement in the crime (getaway driver, lookout, sidekick, or triggerman). Involvement was manipulated within subjects in Experiment 1 (i.e., participants rendered judgments for each defendant) and between subjects in Experiment 2 (i.e., each participant judged one of the defendants). The participants in Experiments 1 and 2 were undergraduate psychology students selected from a public university located in the mid-west. The purpose of Experiment 3 was to determine whether the results of the first two experiments could be generalized to a community sample. The community sample was randomly selected from the rural and urban areas in the same geographical region as the university samples. The results indicated that the community participants were more likely to transfer the defendants to adult court than the student participants. However, the same pattern of results emerged for all of the samples, indicating that the triggerman was more likely to be transferred to adult court than the other defendants, especially if an intentional or accidental death occurred. These results support the conclusion that the defendants were transferred based on their involvement in the crime, thus supporting the proportional rule or the just deserts philosophy. Language: en
Method for determining the kinetics of cracking and coking of shale oil vapours in fluidized beds

Abstract The secondary cracking and coking of oil vapours produced from oil shale retorting have been previously shown to depend upon the nature and temperature of the substrate over which these reactions occur. To realistically examine the kinetics of these reactions during fluidized bed retorting, an apparatus has been developed which permits shale oil vapours generated in one fluidized bed to pass over selected substrates in a second fluidized bed. Substrates can be fed as a batch or continuously. In the batch mode, the substrate is heated to reaction temperature and is then exposed to shale oil vapours for a chosen period of time. Carbon deposition onto the solid is monitored in real-time by combusting the pyrolysis products and measuring the oxides of combustion with an on-line mass spectrometer. The extent of carbon uptake is also determined by elemental analysis of the substrate following reaction. These two methods of analysis were shown to correspond well under all the conditions investigated. In the continuous mode, substantial amounts of product oil can be collected so the effects of cracking may be evaluated. The rates of carbon deposition onto processed shales and pure minerals have been measured.
Usability of concrete and virtual models in chemistry instruction

Virtual models are increasingly common in the modern science classroom, however little is known about the relative effectiveness of virtual and concrete models. We developed a virtual modeling system and tested the benefit of haptic cue fidelity, controlling for many other perceptual differences between concrete and virtual models. In two studies we directly compared performance of students using this virtual model and using concrete models for tasks in the domain of organic chemistry. Students used either virtual or concrete models to match diagrams of molecules or compare the structures of molecules represented by models and diagrams. The results indicated similar levels of accuracy and similar ratings of usability for virtual and concrete models but no effect of haptic cue fidelity. Greater efficiency with virtual models was observed when students matched diagrams and models, and this efficiency transferred to later use of concrete models. The efficiency benefit is attributed to interactive constraints of the hand-held interface to the virtual model, which helped students identify task-relevant information in the model and limited them to performing the most task-relevant interactions with the models.
Perioperative Management of Antiphospholipid Antibody-Positive Patients

Perioperative management of antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive patients is challenging because there are limited data on which to base recommendations. This population of patients is at high risk of thrombosis at the time of surgery; it is essential that medical and surgical teams devise a plan to minimize the patient's risk of thrombosis without increasing bleeding risk. During the perioperative period, pharmacological methods should be combined with physical methods, patients should be closely observed for thrombosis, and any deviation from the normal course should be considered a potential aPL-related event. Periods without anticoagulation should be kept to an absolute minimum for aPL-positive patients with a history of thrombosis and physicians should keep in mind that thrombosis can occur despite optimum prophylaxis.
Mechanism of Rubber Aging

Abstract The position of the diffraction lines obtained on x-ray photographs of rubber does not change upon aging the rubber in the oven at 70° C. for 10 days. However, the intensity of the lines decreases as the aging time is increased. The increased elongation needed to produce fibering in aged rubber is considered necessary to expel the increased concentration of lower polymers, introduced by depolymerization during aging, from the crystalline aggregates or fibers allowing the latter to diffract the x-rays. Oxidation might also produce the same effect by the formation of obstacles to the stretching out of tangled molecules or micelles. The rate of depolymerization upon aging vulcanized rubber in the oven at 70° C. is studied, and a curve of the elongation at which the crystalline modification first appears is plotted against the time of aging. The same general curve is obtained for rubber both with and without phenyl-β-naphthylamine, indicating that an antioxidant such as phenyl-β-naphthylamine does no...
Longitudinal consent-related abilities among research participants with schizophrenia: Results from the CATIE study

Objective Research participants must have adequate consent-related abilities to provide informed consent at the time of study enrollment. We sought to determine if research participants with schizophrenia maintain adequate consent-related abilities during a longitudinal study. If participants lose abilities during a trial they may not be able to judge and protect their interests. If reduced abilities are common or can be predicted, special protections can be targeted appropriately.
Oestrogen dependence of lactate dehydrogenase and peroxidase in cell subpopulations of 7,12-dimethylbenz[α] anthracene-induced mammary tumours in the rat

Recent investigations of certain enzymes as markers for predicting the response of breast tumours to hormonal therapy have neglected the possible differential contribution of cell subpopulation(s) within a solid tumour to enzyme activity. In this investigation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and peroxidase activities in density-defined cell subpopulations from autotransplanted 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene-induced mammary tumours were determined. The effects of ovariectomy and subsequent oestrogen administration on the activity of these enzymes were also examined. Five cell subpopulations (cell bands) were routinely obtained from each mammary tumour. The highest LDH activity was found in cell band 4. The highest level of peroxidase activity was found in cell band 5. These two cell bands with high levels of enzyme activity consisted mainly of poorly differentiated cells. After bilateral ovariectomy, a significant (P less than 0.001) decrease in the level of LDH activity in cell bands 3, 4 and 5 was observed. The enzyme activity was reduced to 20, 2.1 and 12% of the preovariectomy levels respectively. Significant (P less than 0.05) decreases between baseline and postovariectomy peroxidase values were evident in each cell band. In the presence of oestradiol-17 beta, significant increases in the LDH activity of band 4 (P less than 0.001) and the peroxidase activity of band 5 (P less than 0.05) were observed. Our data suggest that, given the existence of multiple cell types in hormone-responsive tumour tissue, the actual cell subpopulation(s) responsible for any enzyme response may be a more precise indicator of hormone dependence.