cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasmon modes at a wedge using a non-local dielectric function

Abstract Plasmon modes at a wedge have been obtained by using a non-local dielectric function. It is shown that the effect of this dielectric function is roughly equivalent to rounding the edge of the wedge but using a local dielectric function.
Gray networking: a step towards next generation computer networks

Modern networks are very complex. It is highly desirable to reduce management complexity in next generation network design. Researchers have been seeking inspiration in natural observations to help better manage the ever increasing complexity of modern networks. Bio-inspired and cognitive networks have shown tremendous promise towards better adapting networks to local stimuli intelligently, and to some extent without human intervention.In this paper, we discuss why the human brain is an excellent model for designing next generation smart networks. Insights gained into macro-behavior of the human brain and its structural organization in the last decade are discussed. We identify features that can be adapted for network modeling. We then propose a network design model based on our understanding of the mind, how cognition is achieved, how memory is formed, etc. We end this paper with a real life network design problem we address using the proposed general model.
Phase I study of eniluracil and oral 5-fluorouracil in combination with docetaxel in the treatment of patients with metastatic breast carcinoma.

PURPOSE The authors conducted a single-institution Phase I clinical trial to determine the maximum tolerated doses and to define the toxic effects of oral eniluracil and oral 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) combined with docetaxel in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Patients with metastatic breast carcinoma were eligible if they had disease progression after anthracycline-based therapy and had never been exposed to taxanes. The starting doses of oral eniluracil and oral 5-FU were 11.5 mg/m2 and 1.15 mg/m2, respectively, twice daily on Days 1–14. Docetaxel was given intravenously at a starting dose of 50 mg/m2 on Day 1 only. The dose of docetaxel was escalated among cohorts until a maximum tolerated dose was reached. Courses were repeated every 21 days. RESULTS The authors treated 19 patients with Stage IV breast carcinoma, of whom 5 had received prior chemotherapy for their metastatic disease. Fifty-three percent had a performance status of 1, and 53% had bone or soft tissue involvement as the dominant site of disease. All patients had received prior therapy with doxorubicin. The dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenic fever. No episodes of sepsis were observed. Significant antitumor activity was observed with a total of two complete and nine partial responses. The recommended doses for Phase II studies are 72 mg/m2 docetaxel on Day 1 and 10.0/1.0 mg/m2 oral eniluracil/5-FU twice daily for a total of 14 days, with courses being repeated every 21 days. CONCLUSIONS The combination of oral eniluracil/5-FU and intravenous docetaxel is a safe and well tolerated regimen. Significant antitumor activity is associated with this combination. Cancer 2002;94:2321–6. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10488
Computational technology for high-temperature aerospace structures

The status and some recent developments of computational technology for high-temperature aerospace structures are summarized. Discussion focuses on a number of aspects including: goals of computational technology for high-temperature structures; computational material modeling; life prediction methodology; computational modeling of high-temperature composites; error estimation and adaptive improvement strategies; strategies for solution of fluid flow/thermal/structural problems; and probabilistic methods and stochastic modeling approaches, integrated analysis and design. Recent trends in high-performance computing environment are described and the research areas which have high potential for meeting future technological needs are identified.
Phosphorylation of chloroform soluble compounds in plasma membranes of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells.

This study investigated a possible role for the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor protein tyrosine kinase in phosphoinositide metabolism with plasma membrane vesicles from human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) cells. We found a novel chloroform-soluble product radiolabeled with [gamma-32P] ATP that did not migrate from the origin in the thin layer system designed to separate the phosphoinositides, appeared as a single band of Mr=3500 on polyacrylamide gels in the presence of dodecyl sulfate, had an ultraviolet absorbance spectrum with a maximum at 275 nm and stained with Coomassie dye. Based on these properties this phosphorylation product is referred to as a proteolipid. The32P label was not detected in phosphotyrosine [Tyr(P)], phosphoserine [Ser(P)] or phosphothreonine [Thr(P)] and was lost during acid or base hydrolysis. Phosphorylation of proteolipid was increased significantly by EGF, whereas phosphorylation of phosphatidic acid was decreased and labeling of phosphoinositides was unaffected. Thus, it appears that in A431 membranes the EGF receptor/ kinase does not utilize phosphatidylinositol as a substrate, but does phosphorylate a membrane proteolipid.
Antithrombin III in Critically Ill Patients

To assess the role of antithrombin III (ATIII) in the thrombotic complications of acutely ill patients who suffered from septicemia or trauma, with or without evidence of acute lung injury, we measured the plasma concentration of ATIII-related antigen (ATIII:Ag) in 146 patients with acute lung injury and in 43 critically ill patients without lung injury. We found plasma ATIII:Ag levels of both groups of acutely ill patients to be significantly lower than those of normal subjects (n = 21). The plasma ATIII:Ag levels of patients with acute lung injury, however, were significantly higher than those without lung injury (P < .01). By separating post-trauma acutely ill patients with lung injury from those with septicemia, we noted that their plasma ATIII:Ag levels were identical to those of normal subjects despite activation of blood coagulation. This finding led us to examine ATIII functional activity (ATIII:Fn) and search for ATIII-enzyme(s) complexes in 46 patients with acute lung injury (30 patients with sepsis and 16 post-trauma patients) and in 12 acutely ill patients without lung injury (eight patients with sepsis and four post-trauma patients). These 58 patients were representative of the groups studied and had no evidence of hepatic or renal dysfunction. We found significantly reduced ATIII:Ag and ATIII:Fn in septic patients, with or without lung injury, as compared with the normal levels (P < .05). After trauma, patients with or without lung injury had normal ATIII:Ag, but the ATIII:Fn levels were disproportionately lower. Following trauma, the ATIII:Ag/ATIII:Fn ratio was significantly higher than in septicemia patients or in normal patients. Patients who died from septicemia and post-trauma had higher ATIII:Ag to ATIII:Fn ratios, while surviving patients had ATIII:Ag to ATIII:Fn ratios closer to normal. In addition, in all post-trauma or septicemia patients, there was evidence of ATIII-enzyme(s) complex formation by cross-immunoelectrophoresis despite ATIII levels and the presence or absence of acute lung injury. High ATIII:Ag to ATIII:Fn ratios and the presence of circulating ATIII:enzyme(s) complexes were associated with high mortality. The ATIII alterations, however, did not allow us to determine the presence of acute lung injury. The ATIII changes observed in our patients appeared to be primarily influenced by the differing pathways of blood activation that occurred in septicemia and trauma.
Picosecond optical pulse generation at gigahertz rates by direct modulation of a semiconductor laser

We report the generation of picosecond pulses by the direct modulation of a buried heterostructure GaAlAs diode laser. Pulse width of 28 ps is achieved at a repetition frequency of 2.5 GHz. Pulse width dependence on the experimental parameters is described.
Nitroreductase-mediated cell/tissue ablation in zebrafish: a spatially and temporally controlled ablation method with applications in developmental and regeneration studies.

Ablation studies are used to elucidate cell lineage relationships, developmental roles for specific cells during embryogenesis and mechanisms of tissue regeneration. Previous chemical and genetic approaches to directed cell ablation have been hampered by poor specificity, limited efficacy, irreversibility, hypersensitivity to promoter leakiness, restriction to proliferating cells, slow inducibility or complex genetics. Here, we provide a step-by-step protocol for a hybrid chemical-genetic cell ablation method in zebrafish that, by combining spatial and temporal control, is cell-type specific, inducible, reversible, rapid and scaleable. Bacterial Nitroreductase (NTR) is used to catalyze the reduction of the innocuous prodrug metrodinazole (Mtz), thereby producing a cytotoxic product that induces cell death. Based on this principle, NTR is expressed in transgenic zebrafish using a tissue-specific promoter. Subsequent exposure to Mtz by adding it to the media induces cell death exclusively within NTR+ cells. This approach can be applied to regeneration studies, as removing Mtz by washing permits tissue recovery. Using this protocol, cell ablation can be achieved in 12–72 h, depending on the transgenic line used, and recovery initiates within the following 24 h.
Towards new ideologies and pedagogies of multilingualism: innovations in interdisciplinary language education in Luxembourg

Language is both a means and an end in educational systems. As a means to learning, it manifests itself in countless, shifting modalities; while as an end or objective of learning, it is often perceived as an autonomous, formal entity. Through a case study of an interdisciplinary secondary school project in Luxembourg, this paper explores the tension between formal, standardizing ideologies of language and the diversifying realities found in many classrooms and beyond. Beginning with discussion of different ideological stances towards multilingualism, language education and classroom participation, this paper analyses ways in which these ideologies impact educational systems in general, and language education in Luxembourg in particular, and advocates for heteroglossic, inclusive approaches to language education. The case study presented illustrates successful heteroglossic pedagogy, marked by inclusion of numerous languages, numerous content areas, numerous modalities of expression, and shifts in school ...
Transport-Analysis-Based 3-D TCAD Capacitance Extraction for Sub-32-nm SRAM Structures

Capacitance extraction for nanoscale circuits operating at high frequencies plays an important role in accurately modeling postlayout electrical behavior. In this work, for the first time, a layout-independent 3-D technology computer-aided design (TCAD)-based methodology is used to precisely compute front-end-of-the-line (FEOL) and back-end-of-the-line capacitances in SRAM structures using advanced sub-32-nm SOI process assumptions. Results for multicell single-/dual-ported 6T SRAM blocks highlight the need to model FEOL silicon as a semiconductor, incorporating field-carrier interactions (which are completely ignored by field solvers), and the inadequacy of single-cell 3-D TCAD-based capacitance extractions. The 3-D TCAD methodology is applied to an experimental 32-nm SOI process and is in close agreement with measured data, in the presence of FEOL variations.
A finite difference computational model of annular film-flow boiling and two-phase flow in vertical channels with offset strip fins

Abstract This paper describes a detailed computational model of annular two-phase flow through offset strip fin heat exchanger geometries. In this model, a modified finite difference scheme is used to compute the velocity and pressure fields throughout the vapor core of the fin matrix. The vapor phase model is iteratively matched to a second finite difference model of the liquid film flowing along the channel walls. Three-dimensional interactions between the liquid film flowing along the prime and secondary surfaces of the matrix are also incorporated into the model. By solving the Navier-Stokes equation in the vapor phase, this model provides, for the first time, detailed local information about the shear stress and static pressure variation along the liquid film. This makes it possible to study the local variation of the heat transfer coefficient and wall shear stress all along the matrix. The model is validated against experimental data for two different offset fin geometries and then used to systematically study the effects of fin and channel geometry on two-phase transport. Special properties of two-phase flow through offset fin matrices discovered using the model are also described and the effects of these properties on the accuracy of previous annular flow models is discussed.
Predicting crack propagation with peridynamics: a comparative study

The fidelity of the peridynamic theory in predicting fracture is investigated through a comparative study. Peridynamic predictions for fracture propagation paths and speeds are compared against various experimental observations. Furthermore, these predictions are compared to the previous predictions from extended finite elements (XFEM) and the cohesive zone model (CZM). Three different fracture experiments are modeled using peridynamics: two experimental benchmark dynamic fracture problems and one experimental crack growth study involving the impact of a matrix plate with a stiff embedded inclusion. In all cases, it is found that the peridynamic simulations capture fracture paths, including branching and microbranching that are in agreement with experimental observations. Crack speeds computed from the peridynamic simulation are on the same order as those of XFEM and CZM simulations. It is concluded that the peridynamic theory is a suitable analysis method for dynamic fracture problems involving multiple cracks with complex branching patterns.
Functional Test Generation for FSMs by Fault Extraction

Recent results indicate that functional test pattern generation (TPG) techniques may provide better defect coverages than do traditional logic-level techniques. Functional TPG algorithms utilize a functional description of a circuit. Multi-level TPG algorithms attempt to realize the advantages of both approaches through fault translation. In such systems, gate-level faults are translated to functional faults and TPG is performed at the functional level. We develop and present new techniques for fast efficientfault translation from the logic to the functional level. These techniques are implemented in a multi-level sequential circuit test generation system. Performance results for benchmark circuits are presented.
A linear differential inequality approach to nonlinear observer design for chaotic synchronization

An observer design approach is introduced for a class of continuous-time nonlinear systems driven by finite energy disturbances. A Lyapunov-like technique is used in guaranteeing the uniform boundedness of the estimation error provided that a linear differential inequality holds. The new observer is applied to estimating the state of a nonlinear system that exhibits chaotic behavior in a synchronization scheme.
Effects of inhalation of 0. 25 ppm ozone on the terminal bronchioles of juvenile and adult rats

Cells of the terminal bronchioles are particularly susceptible to the effects of inhalation of low levels of ozone (O3). One-day-old (juvenile) or 6-week-old (adult) rats were exposed to 0.25 ppm O3 for 12 h/day or to continuous room air for 6 weeks. Morphometric analysis of perpendicular cross sections of terminal bronchioles demonstrated that exposure to O3 produced alterations in the surface characteristics of ciliated and nonciliated (Clara) cells in both groups of rats. There were significant losses (20-30%) of the surface area contributed by cilia and the luminal surface of Clara cells was decreased by 16-25%. O3 exposure also produced significant decreases in the number of brush cells per square millimeter of terminal bronchiolar basement membrane. The results of this study indicate that the normal structure of terminal bronchiolar epithelial cells is significantly altered by inhalation of 0.25 ppm O3. No statistically significant interactions between the effects of O3 and animal age at the beginni...
Design of a tracking system for hazardous waste minimization

The purpose of this study is to develop a waste tracking system as a prerequisite to a waste management model for subsequent waste minimization.
Exercise videogames for physical activity and fitness: Design and rationale of the Wii Heart Fitness trial.

Abstract Introduction Despite numerous health benefits, less than half of American adults engage in regular physical activity. Exercise videogames (EVG) may be a practical and attractive alternative to traditional forms of exercise. However there is insufficient research to determine whether EVG play alone is sufficient to produce prolonged engagement in physical activity or improvements in cardiovascular fitness and overall health risk. The goal of the present study is to test the efficacy of exercise videogames to increase time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and to improve cardiovascular risk indices among adults. Methods Wii Heart Fitness is a rigorous 3-arm randomized controlled trial with adults comparing three 12-week programs: (1) supervised EVGs, (2) supervised standard exercise, and (3) a control condition. Heart rate is monitored continuously throughout all exercise sessions. Assessments are conducted at baseline, end of intervention (week 12), 6 and 9 months. The primary outcome is time spent in MVPA physical activity. Secondary outcomes include changes in cardiovascular fitness, body composition, blood lipid profiles and maintenance of physical activity through six months post-treatment. Changes in cognitive and affective constructs derived from Self Determination and Social Cognitive Theories will be examined to explain the differential outcomes between the two active treatment conditions. Conclusion The Wii Heart Fitness study is designed to test whether regular participation in EVGs can be an adequate source of physical activity for adults. This study will produce new data on the effect of EVGs on cardiovascular fitness indices and prolonged engagement with physical activity.
The General Incidence of Pseudo-Wild Types in Neurospora Crassa.

The behavior of these PWT’s is consistent with the view that they are heterozygous disomic strains resulting from non-disjunction of the chromosome pair carrying the pyr mutants if it is assumed that nuclei with n + 1 chromosomes are unstable in mitotic divisions and give rise to heterocaryons containing both haploid and disomic nuclei and that only the haploid nuclei function in fertilization. In some respects PWT’s behave as if they arose from heterocaryotic ascospores, but the different arrangements of the normal and aborted spores within the asci from which PWT’s were recovered, the normal size of the spores from which they were derived, and the fact that both original
Characterization of the BatI (Bacteroides aerotolerance) operon in Bacteroides fragilis: isolation of a B. fragilis mutant with reduced aerotolerance and impaired growth in in vivo model systems

YT135.2.8, a Tn4400' insertion mutant of Bacteroides fragilis strain TM4000, grows poorly when used to infect Monika or Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell monolayers and is outcompeted by wild-type strains in mixed infections. YT135.2.8 also shows defects in the rat granuloma pouch model system in monoculture and is completely outcompeted by the wild-type strain in a mixed infection. In addition, this mutant shows defects in a new model system consisting of CHO suspension cell columns. All of these defects may be explained by the finding that YT135.2.8 shows decreased tolerance to exposure to atmospheric oxygen (less aerotolerant). The monolayer growth defect (MGD) of YT135.2.8 can be influenced significantly by the presence of sulphur-containing reducing agents (cysteine, dithiothreitol, thiodiglycol) or the non-sulphur reducing agent Tris-(2-carboxylethyl)phosphine (TCEP). The defects in YT135.2.8 can be complemented by a 6.6 kb fragment of the B. fragilis chromosome. DNA sequencing of this fragment and of the regions flanking the Tn4400' insertion in the B. fragilis chromosome revealed the presence of five open reading frames, corresponding to genes bat (Bacteroides aerotolerance) A, B, C, D, E, which form the Batl operon; Tn4400' inserted within batD. All of the hypothetical proteins possess one or more membrane-spanning domains. BatA and BatB show high similarity to each other but, like BatD, they show no match to sequences of known function in the databases. BatC and BatE contain 2-4 repeated sequences similar to the tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs) seen in many eukaryotic proteins. The function of TPR sequences in protein interactions in other systems leads to the suggestion that the Bat proteins form a complex. The Batl complex may be involved in the generation or export of reducing power equivalents to the periplasm of the B. fragilis cell.
Congenital Kidney Abnormalities: Diagnosis, Management, and Palliative Care

This article describes major kidney disorders of genetic origin and disordered embryonic development. The most common disorders, including polycystic kidney disease and the various forms of renal dysplasia, are discussed and contrasted, including identifiable abnormalities on prenatal and postnatal evaluation, management in the neonatal period, and evaluation and management in childhood. For the most severely affected fetuses and newborns, a comprehensive approach to prenatal counseling and palliative care of the newborn is described.
Ethical issues in the care of extremely low birth weight infants

This article examines the difficulties in making decisions about the medical treatment of infants who have uncertain viability because of extremely low birth weight. The advantages and disadvantages of three systematic approaches are reviewed. An approach called "provisional intensive care for all" may offer the most benefit and cause the least harm. With this approach, all liveborn infants would be presumed viable and would receive intensive care, at least initially. After further assessment of the infant, the parents would be informed as fully as possible about the possible outcome of continuing intensive care. The treating physicians would offer the parents the options of continuing intensive care or withdrawing it and providing basic care. Although the physicians would provide recommendations based on their best medical judgment, they would be prepared to support and carry out the parents' decision.
Tidally adjusted estimates of topographic vulnerability to sea level rise and flooding for the contiguous United States

Because sea level could rise 1 m or more during the next century, it is important to understand what land, communities and assets may be most at risk from increased flooding and eventual submersion. Employing a recent high-resolution edition of the National Elevation Dataset and using VDatum, a newly available tidal model covering the contiguous US, together with data from the 2010 Census, we quantify low-lying coastal land, housing and population relative to local mean high tide levels, which range from 0 to 3 m in elevation (North American Vertical Datum of 1988). Previous work at regional to national scales has sometimes equated elevation with the amount of sea level rise, leading to underestimated risk anywhere where the mean high tide elevation exceeds 0 m, and compromising comparisons across regions with different tidal levels. Using our tidally adjusted approach, we estimate the contiguous US population living on land within 1 m of high tide to be 3.7 million. In 544 municipalities and 38 counties, we find that over 10% of the population lives below this line; all told, some 2150 towns and cities have some degree of exposure. At the state level, Florida, Louisiana, California, New York and New Jersey have the largest sub-meter populations. We assess topographic susceptibility of land, housing and population to sea level rise for all coastal states, counties and municipalities, from 0 to 6 m above mean high tide, and find important threat levels for widely distributed communities of every size. We estimate that over 22.9 million Americans live on land within 6 m of local mean high tide.
Involvement of a Cell Wall-Associated Kinase, WAKL4, in Arabidopsis Mineral Responses

The cell wall-associated receptor kinase (WAK) and WAK-like kinase (WAKL) gene family members are good candidates for physical linkers that signal between the cell wall and the cytoplasmic compartment. Previous studies have suggested that while some WAK/WAKL members play a role in bacterial pathogen and heavy-metal aluminum responses, others are involved in cell elongation and plant development. Here, we report a functional role for the WAKL4 gene in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mineral responses. Confocal microscopic studies localized WAKL4-green fluorescent protein fusion proteins on the cell surfaces suggesting that, like other WAK/WAKL proteins, WAKL4 protein is associated with the cell wall. Histochemical analyses of the WAKL4 promoter fused with the β-glucuronidase reporter gene have shown that WAKL4 expression is induced by Na+, K+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+. A transgenic line with a T-DNA insertion at 40-bp upstream of the WAKL4 start codon was characterized. While the T-DNA insertion had little effect on the WAKL4 transcript levels under normal growth conditions, it significantly altered the expression patterns of WAKL4 under various conditions of mineral nutrients. Semiquantitative and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analyses showed that the promoter impairment abolished WAKL4-induced expression by Na+, K+, Cu2+, and Zn2+, but not by Ni2+. Whereas the WAKL4 promoter impairment resulted in hypersensitivity to K+, Na+, Cu2+, and Zn2+, it conferred a better tolerance to toxic levels of the Ni2+ heavy metal. WAKL4 was required for the up-regulation of zinc transporter genes during zinc deficiency, and the WAKL4 T-DNA insertion resulted in a reduction of Zn2+ accumulation in shoots. A WAKL4-green fluorescent protein fusion gene driven by either the WAKL4 native promoter or the 35S constitutive promoter complemented the phenotypes. Our results suggest versatile roles for WAKL4 in Arabidopsis mineral nutrition responses.
Laboratory Versus Lecture in Training Executives

Four different sessions of an educational program for business executives were studied to compare the differential effects of laboratory human relations (T-Group) training versus a lecture-discussion approach to interpersonal relations in organizations. Both types of programs produced equal change in participants' stated beliefs about effective interpersonal behavior. Laboratory training showed greater effects on participants' perceptions of themselves and on their behavior as analyzed from tape recordings of case discussion meetings. However, there was evidence that the participants had difficulty transferring learning from the T Group to other parts of the program and that there was considerable fade-out of the effects of the training.
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Anaerobic Bacteria: Recent Clinical Isolates

Minimal inhibitory concentrations of clindamycin, minocycline, metronidazole, penicillin, and carbenicillin were determined by agar dilution against 150 recent clinical isolates of anaerobic bacteria. Ninety-nine percent of Bacteroides fragilis and all B. melaninogenicus, Clostridium perfringens , and Fusobacterium were inhibited by clindamycin at 3.1 μg/ml. Only 58% of other clostridial species were inhibited by this concentration of clindamycin. Minocycline at 3.1 μg/ml inhibited 72% of C. perfringens , 81% of other Clostridium species, and 66, 75, and 100% of B. fragilis, B. melaninogenicus , and Fusobacterium , respectively. Metronidazole at 12.5 μg/ml inhibited all bacteria tested. B. fragilis was resistant to both penicillin and carbenicillin at 6.2 μg/ml. Concentrations of 25 μg/ml for penicillin and 100 μg/ml for carbenicillin were needed to inhibit more than 90% of B. fragilis . Organisms other than B. fragilis were moderately or extremely susceptible to the penicillins.
Visually augmented navigation in an unstructured environment using a delayed state history

This work describes a framework for sensor fusion of navigation data with camera-based 5 DOF relative pose measurements for 6 DOF vehicle motion in an unstructured 3D underwater environment. The fundamental goal of this work is to concurrently estimate online current vehicle position and its past trajectory. This goal is framed within the context of improving mobile robot navigation to support sub-sea science and exploration. Vehicle trajectory is represented by a history of poses in an augmented state Kalman filter. Camera spatial constraints from overlapping imagery provide partial observation of these poses and are used to enforce consistency and provide a mechanism for loop-closure. The multi-sensor camera + navigation framework is shown to have compelling advantages over a camera-only based approach by: 1) improving the robustness of pairwise image registration, 2) setting the free gauge scale, and 3) allowing for a unconnected camera graph topology. Results are shown for a real world data set collected by an autonomous underwater vehicle in an unstructured undersea environment.
Chromospheric Oscillations in K2v Bright Points

The 3 minute waves observed in K2v emission from bright points in the quiet solar chromosphere are shown to be oscillations of the atmosphere at the cutoff period of acoustic waves, implying impulsive excitation. Other interpretations of the period are shown not to be viable since they fail the dual requirement of spatial intermittence, in which most of the supergranulation cell interior is inert over the course of an hour, and temporal intermittence, in which the active locations in the cell interior are active at most half the time. It is speculated that the episodic excitation of the K2v oscillations is due to collisions of granules with magnetic elements of mixed polarity with a field strength of at least 0.5 kG.
Contractile arrest accelerates myosin heavy chain degradation in neonatal rat heart cells

Mechanical forces influence the growth and metabolism of a variety of cells, including cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. To determine whether mechanical activity affected the synthesis and turnover of myosin heavy chain (MHC) in these striated muscle cells, MHC fractional degradative rates were measured in spontaneously beating cells and in arrested myocytes in which contractile activity was prevented by L-channel blockade (with verapamil, nifedipine, nisoldipine, and diltiazem) or K+ depolarization. MHC degradative rates were measured as the difference between rates of MHC synthesis and accumulation and in pulse-chase biosynthetic labeling experiments. Both methods indicated that contractile arrest markedly increased MHC degradation. Contractile arrest produced by L-channel blockade accelerated MHC degradation to a greater extent than K+ depolarization. The signal transduction pathway linking contractile activity to alterations in MHC degradation did not involve protein kinase C (PKC), because MHC degradation was unaffected by activating PKC in arrested cells or inhibiting PKC in spontaneously beating cells. Chloroquine and E-64 did not suppress the accelerated MHC degradation, suggesting that the rate-limiting step in MHC turnover occurred before degradative processing by cellular proteinases. Using a computer simulation, we hypothesize that the rate-limiting step in MHC turnover preceded (or was coincident with) MHC release from thick filaments. Thus mechanical forces may influence MHC half-life by regulating the rate of myosin disassembly.
Heat Treatment: Principles and Techniques

The principles of thermal treatment to inactivate spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms present in foods are described in terms of the conventionally used approach, which is based on the assumption that thermal death of bacteria is exponential with time. In addition, survival parameters, notably the decimal reduction time D , are assumed to vary with temperature following either an Arrhenius-type relationship or a linear relationship, specifically when the logarithm of D is plotted as a function of temperature. Since most experimental survival curves exhibit notorious nonlinear characteristics, the currently used procedure, based on linear survival curves, has been challenged. A new approach based on the Weibull model to describe nonlinear survival curves is also presented in this article as well as a different concept focusing on the determination of survival parameters and calculation of processing times for heat treatments under nonisothermal conditions. The last part of this article describes technological advances related to batch and continuous heat treatments.
Essays on Digital Distribution of Information Goods

The ability to digitize information goods such as music and movies and the growing accessibility of the Internet has led to online piracy and the emergence of a new class of retailers that specialize in digital downloads. Both online piracy and digital retailers have changed the dynamics of the information goods distribution channel. In my dissertation I focus on issues related to this change. In the first chapter, “Digital music set free: the flip side of DRM,” I study the effect of Digital Rights Management (DRM) mechanisms on the competition between traditional and digital retailers and on online piracy. DRM refers to technologies designed to control how end users may access, copy, or convert digital media. In the context of music downloads, DRM makes piracy of digital music more difficult, and until recently, most legal outlets for downloadable music only sold songs with DRM protection. Recently download retailers have convinced record companies to allow them to sell DRM-free music. The introduction of DRM-free music raises several important questions: Will music piracy increase as the opponents of DRM-free music predict? Will the music industry profits go up or down? How will CD retailers be affected? Will all labels start selling the unprotected (DRM-free) content? I address these and related questions by developing a model of a music distribution channel that allows a record label to sell through both traditional CD retailers and iTunes-like download services at different wholesale prices. Among the interesting results, the analysis indicates that the level of piracy may decline when DRM protection is removed and that the traditional retailers much prefer to compete with distributors of pirated digital music rather than with legal music download services.The competition between online and traditional retailers has led to interesting pricing policies on which I focus in the second chapter, “Digital movies at one simple price: the effect on competition.” Online retailers tend to prefer uniform pricing (e.g., iTunes Store) where all "products" carry a single price, while traditional retailers do not have a policy of uniform prices. It is important to understand why one retailer should choose a single, uniform price and what impact it has on the competing retailer who chooses multiple prices. I focus specifically on the impact that single price policy adopted by digital retailer has on the traditional retailer. I also analyze the choice of uniform vs. differentiated pricing by modeling the competition between online and traditional retailers for vertically differentiated information goods. Importantly, I demonstrate how the asymmetric equilibrium we observe in the market today can change systematically with the nature of competition between the retailers.
Dramatic Response of a Large, 10 Cm Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Monotherapy with Yttrium-90 Based Selective Internal Radiation Therapy.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is predominantly diagnosed in advanced stages and not amenable to surgical resection and transplantation. Systemic therapies have had a limited efficacy in treating HCC. Although HCC is a radiosensitive tumor, treatments with external-beam radiation are limited by radiosensitivity of normal liver tissue and surrounding organs-at-risk, i.e. bowel, stomach, and kidney. Several large retrospective series have demonstrated a modest effect of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with Yttrium-90 ((90)Y) microspheres in unresectable HCC, both in terms of tumor response and survival. The authors present a patient with an extremely large, multifocal, unresectable HCC who achieved a dramatic response with SIRT treatment.
Exploiting Copper Redox for 19F Magnetic Resonance-Based Detection of Cellular Hypoxia

We report a pair of fluorinated, redox-active copper complexes for potential use as 19F MRI contrast agents for detecting cellular hypoxia. Trifluorinated Cu(II) ATSM-F3 displays the appropriate redox potential for selective accumulation in hypoxic cells and a completely quenched 19F NMR signal that is “turned on” following reduction to Cu(I). Incubation of cancer cells with CuATSM-F3 resulted in a selective detection of 19F signal in cells grown under hypoxic conditions.
Global Stability and Uniqueness

Suppose that a viscous fluid is set into motion by external forces or by the motion of the boundary S(t) of a closed container V(t). The velocity field U(x,t) is assumed to be governed by the initial boundary value problem (IBVP) for the Navier-Stokes equations. In the container, V satisfies the following set of equations: $$ \frac{{\partial U}}{{\partial t}} + U.\nabla U - v{\nabla ^2}U + \nabla \pi - F(x,t) = 0,\;div\;U = 0 $$ (1.1a,b) where ρ 0 π is the pressure, V(V, t) is an external force field per unit mass, ρ 0 is the constant density and v is the constant kinematic viscosity. Since the fluid is assumed to be incompressible the motion of the boundary must be such as to leave the total volume V(t) unchanged even though its shape can change. The external force field is to be regarded as “given” but is otherwise arbitrary. The boundary values $$ U(x,t) = U(x,t),\;x \in S(t),\;t \geqslant 0 $$ (1.1c) are also prescribed as are the initial values $$ U(x,0) = {U_0}(x),\;x \in v(0) $$ (1.1d) where div Vo(V;) = 0 for V ∈ V(0).
Influence of Carbon Black on Processability of Rubber Stocks. IV. Kinetics of Extrusion Shrinkage

Abstract A careful examination of post-extrusion relaxation rates of SBR compounds containing various carbon blacks has shown that two distinct relaxation processes are taking place. The fast recovery region observed at times of less than 0.1 s after exit from the die is thought to be due to solid-like elastic recovery of the polymer imposed in the extensional flow region at the entrance to the die. The magnitude of that recovery increases with increasing surface area and decreasing structure of carbon black. The slow recovery region is observed at times longer than 1 s and caused by molecular orientation that occurs mainly during the extensional flow at the die entrance and maintained during the viscous flow through the die. Carbon black surface area and structure do not significantly affect the magnitude of the shrinkage in the slow recovery region. The observed two relaxation mechanisms may be simulated mathematically by two modified Maxwell elements in parallel, whose spring constants (and relaxation ...
Benchmarking the pseudopotential and fixed-node approximations in diffusion Monte Carlo calculations of molecules and solids

We performed diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) calculations of the spectroscopic properties of a large set of molecules, assessing the effect of different approximations. In systems containing elements with large atomic numbers, we show that the errors associated with the use of nonlocal mean-field-based pseudopotentials in DMC calculations can be significant and may surpass the fixed-node error. We suggest practical guidelines for reducing these pseudopotential errors, which allow us to obtain DMC-computed spectroscopic parameters of molecules and equation of state properties of solids in excellent agreement with experiment.
Weighing Coins: Divide and Conquer to Detect a Counterfeit

Mario Martelli (mmartelli@thuban.ac.hmc.edu) did his grad? uate work at the University of Firenze, Italy, under Roberto Conti, receiving his degree in 1976. Since coming to the United States he has taught at Bryn Mawr College and at California State University, Fullerton. His research interests include differential equations, bifurcation theory, and dynam? ical systems. He enjoys finding new and interesting ways to look at classical results of calculus and discovering simple solutions to nontrivial elementary problems.
Architectural-based speculative analysis to predict bugs in a software system

Over time, a software system's code and its underlying design tend to decay steadily and, in turn, to complicate the system's maintenance. In order to address that phenomenon, many researchers tried to help engineers predict parts of a system that are most likely to create problems while or even before they are modifying the system. Problems that creep into a system may manifest themselves as bugs, in which case engineers have no choice but to fix them or develop workarounds. However, these problems may also be more subtle, such as code clones, circular dependencies among system elements, very large APIs, individual elements that implement multiple diffuse concerns, etc. Even though such architectural and code "smells" may not crash a system outright, they impose real costs in terms of engineers' time and effort, as well as system correctness and performance. Along the time, implicit problems may be revealed as explicit problems. However, most current techniques predict explicit problems of a system only based on explicit problems themselves. Our research takes a further step by using implicit problems, e.g., architectural- and code-smells, in combination with explicit problems to provide an accurate, systematic and in depth approach to predict potential system problems, particularly bugs.
Management of locally advanced breast cancer

Multimodality therapy--i.e., surgical excision followed by appropriate systemic therapy and radiotherapy--has an established role in managing patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Preoperative chemotherapy permits optimal local control with less radical surgical intervention, although its impact on overall survival is still unclear. Definitive data are not yet available to determine the optimal sequencing of surgery and radiation therapy. Therefore, treatment should continue to be individualized. New cytotoxic agents with demonstrated activity against metastatic breast cancer (e.g., the taxanes) are being studied to determine their role in women with LABC. Preliminary data from a recently completed, small randomized trial in patients with LABC did not demonstrate a significant improvement in overall survival with high-dose chemotherapy plus stem-cell rescue, as compared with standard-dose therapy. The evaluation of biologic parameters that may predict response and survival, and of radiographic and pathologic methods to assess response, should ultimately lead to significant improvements in the management and survival of patients with locally advanced breast cancer.
The unity of respiratory patient advocacy.

Dr. Baiardini and her colleagues have come to several important conclusions in their clinical review of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in the current issue of Journal of Thoracic Disease ( JTD ) (1). I would like to add one further conclusion that is a consequence of their observations.
Pharmacokinetic Profiles and Pharmacodynamic Effects for Methylone and Its Metabolites in Rats

3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone (methylone) is a new psychoactive substance and the β-keto analog of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA). It is well established that MDMA metabolism produces bioactive metabolites. Here we tested the hypothesis that methylone metabolism in rats can form bioactive metabolites. First, we examined the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of methylone and its metabolites after subcutaneous (sc) methylone administration (3, 6, 12 mg/kg) to male rats fitted with intravenous (iv) catheters for repeated blood sampling. Plasma specimens were assayed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to quantify methylone and its phase I metabolites: 3,4-methylenedioxycathinone (MDC), 3,4-dihydroxy-N-methylcathinone (HHMC), and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-N-methylcathinone (HMMC). The biological activity of methylone and its metabolites was then compared using in vitro transporter assays and in vivo microdialysis in rat nucleus accumbens. For the PK study, we found that methylone and MDC peaked early (Tmax=15-45 min) and were short lived (t1/2=60–90 min), while HHMC and HMMC peaked later (Tmax=60-120 min) and persisted (t1/2=120–180 min). Area-under-the-curve values for methylone and MDC were greater than dose-proportional, suggesting non-linear accumulation. Methylone produced significant locomotor activation, which was correlated with plasma methylone, MDC, and HHMC concentrations. Methylone, MDC, and HHMC were substrate-type releasers at monoamine transporters as determined in vitro, but only methylone and MDC (1, 3 mg/kg, iv) produced significant elevations in brain extracellular dopamine and 5-HT in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that methylone is extensively metabolized in rats, but MDC is the only centrally active metabolite that could contribute to overall effects of the drug in vivo.
Mitotic arrest: Mad2 prevents sleepy from waking up the APC.

The cell cycle is a precisely orchestrated series of biochemical events that results in replication of the contents of a cell and delivery of the new components to two daughter cells. Ensuring that all the pieces are in place are a series of checkpoints that stop the action if all is not well. In his research commentary, Elledge discusses recent progress in understanding the checkpoint that prevents the duplicated chromosomes from being separated into the daughter cells unless one sister is attached to the pulling apparatus from each daughter-cell-to-be. Results in two reports in this issue ([ Kim et al ][1]. and [ Hwang et al ][2].) identify the molecular players in this checkpoint machinery. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/279/5353/1045 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/279/5353/1041
Flash memories: where we were and where we are going

This paper examines why stacked gate ETOX/sup TM/ is the highest volume flash memory technology up to now. Looking into the future, technologies for flash memories will become more diversified. Multi-level storage technology will be prevalent and plays a dominant role in lowering bit cost. Flash memory card is emerging as a new market segment, and there is increasing demand to integrate high performance logic with flash.