cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tetraethylammonium blockade of K+ channels in GH4C1 cells regulates prolactin secretion by inducing Ca2+ influx.

Tetraethylammonium (TEA), a K+ channel blocker, induced PRL secretion and an increase in cytosol Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent manner between 5–20 mM in GH4C1 rat pituitary tumor-derived cells. Removal of medium Ca2+ or the addition of 1 μM nifedipine abolished both the induced [Ca2+]i increment and PRL secretion. TEA augmented the TRH-induced rise in [Ca2+]i and inhibited the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by 30 mM K+. The dynamics of TEA-, TRH- and K+-induced PRL secretion were different, with the TEA-induced secretory peak occurring at about 10 min compared to 2–3 min for TRH and K+. Tolbutamide, which blocks ATP-sensitive K+ channels, induced PRL secretion without causing a rise in [Ca2+]i. The results suggest that: (a) K+ channels have a complex interaction with the PRL secretory process in GH4C1 cells; (b) TEA induces PRL secretion by causing Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels; and (c) K+ channels play a different role in the [Ca2+]i rise induced by TRH than in that induced by depolarizing K+.
Field and laboratory aging of polymeric distribution cable terminations. I. Field aging

This, two-part paper, describes the results of a research project aimed at understanding the magnitude of aging of polymeric cable terminations used in distribution. The termination types evaluated are currently used; hence, they have satisfied IEEE Standard 48. This standard does not address the issue of aging. Terminations made from 3 different polymer families and porcelain were evaluated. Presented in Part I, are the results of field aging from 5 outdoor sites in the USA over a 3 year period; and in Part II, results from accelerated aging fog chamber laboratory tests. The results from field aging show that only minor changes were produced. Some differences were observed in the electrical performance of formulations within the same polymer family, and among different polymer families. However, it was concluded that the performance of the terminations evaluated would not be compromised by aging produced changes in the weathershed housing.
Non-Dimensional Analysis of the Performance of Semiactive Vehicle Suspensions

An analytical study that evaluates the response characteristics of a two-degree-of freedom quarter-car model using passive and semi-active dampers is provided as an extension to the results published by Chalasani for active suspensions. The behavior of a semi-actively suspended vehicle is evaluated using the hybrid control policy, and compared to the behavior of a passively suspended vehicle. The relationship between vibration isolation, suspension deflection, and road-holding is studied for the quarter-car model. Three performance indices are used as a measure of vibration isolation (which can be seen as a comfort index), suspension travel requirements, and road-holding quality. These indices are based on the mean square responses to a white noise velocity input for three motion variables: the vertical acceleration of the sprung mass, the deflection of the suspension, and the deflection of the tire, respectively. The results of this study indicate that the hybrid control policy yields better comfort than a passive suspension, without reducing the road-holding quality or increasing the suspension displacement for typical passenger cars.© 2007 ASME
Influence of Lyotropic Liquid Crystals on the Ability of Antibodies To Bind to Surface-Immobilized Antigens

We report an experimental study of the influence of lyotropic liquid crystalline phases on the ability of antibodies to bind to protein antigens immobilized on surfaces when the antibodies are delivered and bind to the antigens from the lyotropic liquid crystals (LCs). The LCs were prepared from anionic amphiphiles (sodium decyl sulfate (SDeS), cesium pentadecafluorooctanoate (CsPFO), and potassium laurate (KL)), cationic amphiphiles (decylammonium chloride (DACl) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPCl)), nonionic amphiphiles (Brij 30 and Triton X114), and the zwitterionic surfactant tetradecyldimethyl-amineoxide (C14AO). In addition, we investigated LCs prepared from the nonamphiphilic molecules disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and the dye molecule Direct Blue 67. Antihuman IgGs conjugated with the fluorescent label fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC) were dissolved in 12 lyotropic LCs and then incubated with human IgG that was arrayed on surfaces. Fluoresence microscopy was used to image antihuman IgG that bound to the immobilized human IgG. From this survey of lyotropic LCs, we identified three LCs (DSCG, C14AO, and CPCL) that permitted antihuman IgG dissolved in the LC to recognize and bind to surface-bound human IgG. Antibody binding in the other LCs was prevented by a number of mechanisms, including denaturation of the IgG (anionic surfactants) as well as slow mass transport due to high viscosity of the LC phases (nonionic surfactants). Because the lyotropic LC formed from DSCG exhibited the highest birefringence and the lowest viscosity among the LCs formed from DSCG, C14AO, and CPCL, the binding of antibodies in DSCG-based LCs to virus-infected cells was also investigated. We found that the binding of antibodies to vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that was inoculated into human epitheloid cervical carcinoma cells was highly specific in the lyotropic LC prepared from DSCG.
A compendium of tissue nutrient concentrations for field-grown potatoes

Current literature was reviewed to evaluate relationships between potato tissue nutrient concentrations and yield. Primary sources (those based on original research) were emphasized to prevent duplicate information. Data were rejected if stage of growth and plant part were not specifically defined. Data that met these criteria were separated by plant part, stage of growth, and nutrient form (soluble versus total nutrient). The information was then compiled to illustrate the range of reported values for each nutrient, stage of growth, and plant part. Values are presented for deficient, low, sufficient, high, and toxic levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc.
Photonic characteristics and ex vivo imaging of Escherichia coli-Xen14 within the bovine reproductive tract

The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize the photonic properties of Escherichia coli-Xen14 and (2) conduct photonic imaging of E. coli-Xen14 within bovine reproductive tract segments (RTS) ex vivo (Bos indicus). E. coli-Xen14 was grown for 24h in Luria Bertani medium (LB), with or without kanamycin (KAN). Every 24h, for an 8-d interval, inoculums were imaged and photonic emissions (PE) collected. Inoculums were subcultured and plated daily to determine the colony forming units (CFU) and ratio of photon emitters to nonemitters. In the second objective, abattoir-derived bovine reproductive tracts (n=9) were separated into posterior and anterior vagina, cervix, uterine body, and uterine horns. Two concentrations (3.2x10(8) and 3.2x10(6) CFU/200microL for relative [High] and [Low], respectively) of E. coli-Xen14 were placed in translucent tubes for detection of PE through RTS. The CFU did not differ (P=0.31) over time with or without KAN presence; they remained stable with 99.93% and 99.98% photon emitters, respectively. However, PE were lower (P<0.0001) in cultures containing KAN than in those containing no KAN (629.8+/-117.7 vs. 3012.0+/-423.5 relative lights units per second [RLU/sec], respectively). On average, the percentage of PE between RTS, for both concentrations, was higher (P<0.05) in the uterine body. In summary, E. coli-Xen14 remained stable with respect to the proportions of photon emitters with or without KAN (used to selectively culture E. coli-Xen14). However, KAN presence suppressed photonic activity. The ability to detect PE through various segments of the reproductive tract demonstrated the feasibility of monitoring the presence of E. coli-Xen14 in the bovine reproductive tract ex vivo.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide regulation in honey-bee (Apis mellifera) colonies

Abstract Carbon dioxide releases fanning behaviour in the honey-bee. The response is proportional to the atmospheric CO2 level within the nest and regulates the atmospheric CO2 concentration between 0·10 and 4·25 per cent in small colonies. Large colonies control atmospheric CO2 more precisely than small colonies.
Raman spectroscopic detection of a low-temperature structural phase transition in distearoyl phosphatidylcholine bilayers

A new structural phase change at − 6 °C was found in aqueous dispersions of distearoyl phosphatidylcholine. The thermotropic gel-gel phase transition at −6 °C exhibits first-order characteristics and is equivalent to the barotropic phase transition on chain length is discussed.
Zidovudine-induced blockade of the expression and function of the erythropoietin receptor.

Abstract Treatment of bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPC) with zidovudine (AZT) at various concentrations (0.5 to 20 muM) in vitro for 24 hr caused a concentration-dependent decrease in erythropoietin (Epo) receptor expression. The decrease in Epo receptors correlated with a decline in mRNA levels of the receptor. These results suggest that AZT-induced down-regulation of Epo receptor expression followed by loss of Epo-receptor mediated signal transduction is a significant contributory factor to AZT-induced erythroid toxicity.
Wakimoto discusses role as NSF's incoming assistant director of geosciences

Roger Wakimoto's adrenaline “is starting to pump,” the incoming assistant director for geosciences (GEO) at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) told Eos during an exclusive interview at this month's AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco. Wakimoto, whose scientific expertise is in extreme weather, is scheduled to take charge as head of the NSF directorate for geosciences starting in February 2013. During his 4-year appointment at NSF, Wakimoto, 59 and an avowed workaholic, will head up the GEO directorate, which has about an $880 million annual funding portfolio and provides about 55% of federal funding for geosciences basic research at U.S. academic institutions. The directorate currently includes the divisions of atmospheric and geospace sciences, Earth sciences, and ocean sciences. In addition, NSF's Office of Polar Programs is slated to become a GEO division under a realignment plan announced on 7 September; Wakimoto said that shift had “no bearing” on his decision to accept the position.
The Seven Sins of Memory

We examine the relation between memory and self by considering errors of memory. We draw on the idea that memory's imperfections can be classified into seven basic categories or "sins." Three of the sins concern different types of forgetting (transience, absent-mindedness, and blocking), three concern different types of distortion (misattribution, suggestibility, and bias), and one concerns intrusive memories (persistence). We focus in particular on two of the distortion-related sins, misattribution and bias. By describing cognitive, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging studies that illuminate these memory sins, we consider how they might bear on the relation between memory and self.
Evaluation of genetic markers from the 16S rRNA gene V2 region for use in quantitative detection of selected Bacteroidales species and human fecal waste by qPCR.

Abstract Molecular methods for quantifying defined Bacteroidales species from the human gastrointestinal tract may have important clinical and environmental applications, ranging from diagnosis of infections to fecal source tracking in surface waters. In this study, sequences from the V2 region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene were targeted in the development of qPCR assays to quantify DNA from six Bacteroides and one Prevotella species. In silico and experimental analyses suggested that each of the assays was highly discriminatory in detecting DNA from the intended species. Analytical sensitivity, precision and ranges of quantification were demonstrated for each assay by coefficients of variation of less than 2% for cycle threshold measurements over a range from 10 to 4 × 104 target sequence copies. The assays were applied to assess the occurrence and relative abundance of their target sequences in feces from humans and five animal groups as well as in 14 sewage samples from 13 different treatment facilities. Sequences from each of the species were detected at high levels (>103 copies/ng total extracted DNA) in human wastes. Sequences were also detected by each assay in all sewage samples and, with exception of the Prevotella sequences, showed highly correlated (R2 ≥ 0.7) variations in concentrations between samples. In contrast, the occurrence and relative abundance profiles of these sequences differed substantially in the fecal samples from each of the animal groups. These results suggest that analyses for multiple individual Bacteroidales species may be useful in identifying human fecal pollution in environmental waters.
Generalized Gangliosidosis: Impaired Cleavage of Galactose from a Mucopolysaccharide and a Glycoprotein

We have demonstrated a tenfold (or greater) reduction of the cleavage of galactose from a mucopolysaccharide and a glycoprotein in generalized gangliosidosis, a lysosomal β-galactosidase deficiency disease. The bony abnormalities in this disease may be due to defective catabolism of mucopolysaccharides in connective tissue.
Physical separation of soil organic matter

The distribution of organic matter within physical fractions of the soil can be assessed by disruption of the soil structure, followed by the separation of physical fractions based on particle size or density. Disruption of the soil structure can be accomplished by physical or chemical methods, or some combination of the two. The most commonly used methods of physical disruption are shaking and sonication. Shaking is the more gentle method with the advantage of being able to obtain a wide range of disrupting energies relatively easily. Sonication can impart more energy to the soil in a shorter period of time. The greatest potential problem associated with the use of sonication is the redistribution of organic matter among size/density fractions. Chemical extraction methods are commonly used prior to disruption of soil for particle size analysis. Some chemical dispersants can selectively solubilize organic matter. This specificity can be used to determine the kinds and amounts of organic matter that bind particles into aggregates. Three methods of physical separation of soil have been used, sieving, sedimentation and densitometry. Sieving separates soil particles based strictly on size and is used primarily for aggregate separations of non-disrupted soil samples. Sedimentation separates particles based on an equivalent spherical diameter, which may vary in size, shape and density. It is most often used in conjunction with a disruption pretreatment to obtain fine fractions. Densitometry separates particles based on the weight per unit volume, independent of size and shape, and is used to separate lighter from heavier fractions. It is possible to combine any or all of these separation methods in order to isolate, for instance, organic matter from a particular size fraction that has a specific density.
High speed measurements of neutral beam turn-on and impact of beam modulation on measurements of ion density.

Modulation of neutral beams on tokamaks is performed routinely, enabling background rejection for active spectroscopic diagnostics, and control of injected power and torque. We find that there exists an anomalous initial transient in the beam neutrals delivered to the tokamak that is not accounted for by the accelerator voltage and power supply current. Measurements of the charge-exchange and beam photoemission on the DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] at high speed (200 μs) reveal that the energy of the beam neutrals is constant, but the density of beam neutrals displays dramatic variation in the first 2–3 ms following beam turn-on. The impact of this beam density variation on inferred ion densities and impurity transport is presented, with suggested means to correct for the anomalous transient.
Hemodynamics after intraosseous administration of hydroxocobalamin or normal saline in a goat model.

Abstract Study Objective Hydroxocobalamin may be lifesaving in cyanide (CN) poisoning, but personal protective equipment (PPE) wear, rescue, and decontamination may delay intravenous administration. Intraosseous (IO) lines may be rapidly placed even when wearing PPE. We assessed the hemodynamics of hydroxocobalamin (OHCo) and normal saline (NS) by the IO route. Methods Twelve anesthetized Spanish goats underwent arterial line catheterization. Operators in PPE placed IO lines. After placement confirmation by fluoroscopy, animals randomly received hydroxocobalamin 75 mg/kg (3 mL/kg) (n = 6) or normal saline (NS) 3 mL/kg (n = 6) IO over approximately 7.5 minutes. Blood pressures and heart rates were monitored for 240 minutes after infusion initiation. Results In the OHCo group, mean systolic and diastolic pressures peaked at 120 minutes, with mean increases of 14% and 17%, respectively, relative to infusion start, returning to near preinfusion values at 240 minutes. Heart rate changes were virtually nil. In the NS group, mean systolic pressures peaked at 60 minutes, with a mean increase of 36%, whereas diastolic pressures peaked at about 110 minutes, increasing 42%, returning to near preinfusion values at 240 minutes. Heart rate changes were minimal. Conclusion Hemodynamic effects of OHCo given by the IO route in non–CN-poisoned goats are mild and well tolerated. Increases in mean blood pressure at peak after baseline were greater in the NS group, but the mean values over time were not significantly different from those observed in the OHCo group. Hemodynamic effects would likely differ somewhat in a CN-poisoned goat. Intraosseous OHCo administration warrants additional investigation.
Browsing and Plant Age Relationships to Winter Protein and Fiber of Big Sagebrush Subspecies

Plants of 3 big sagebrush subspecies, mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana [Rydb.] Beetle), Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Beetle and Young), and basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. tridentata) were sampled for crude protein and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content. The ADF was determined as an indication of energy content and digestibility. Crude protein and ADF levels were compared among the 3 taxa and between lightly and heavily browsed plants and young and mature plants within each subspecies. Current year growth collected in mid-January was sampled to coincide with the season of greatest ungulate browsing on big sagebrush. Crude protein for mountain big sagebrush (8.34%) was less (P � 0.05) than for Wyoming big sagebrush (11.25%) and basin big sagebrush (11.29%). All are well above the maintenance requirements of deer at 7.5% crude protein. The ADF levels between age and browse-use classes were not different (P � 0.05) within any subspecies, although mountain big sagebrush generally had a lower ADF level than the other 2 subspecies. Wyoming big sagebrush was the only taxon with a crude protein difference (1.2%) (P � 0.05) between age classes, although the difference is not biologically significant. Crude protein was not different between browse-use classes within any of the 3 taxa. Crude protein and digestibility do not indicate ungulate preference for these big sagebrush subspecies. Resumen Se muestrearon plantas de 3 subespecies de ‘‘Big sagebrush,’’ ‘‘Mountain big sagebrush’’ (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana [Rydb.] Beetle), ‘‘Wyoming big sagebrush’’ (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Beetle and Young), y ‘‘Basin big sagebrush’’ (Artemisia
Risks of selected congenital malformations among offspring of mixed race-ethnicity.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the occurrence of specific congenital malformations among offspring of mixed race-ethnicity. METHODS Using data from a population-based registry, we explored the occurrence of selected malformation phenotypes in offspring to parents who were of different race-ethnicity. Data were derived from the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, a population-based active surveillance system for collecting information on infants and fetuses with congenital malformations using multiple source ascertainment. Approximately 2.6 million live births and stillbirths occurred during 1989–2000. Information on parental race-ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, black, and Asian) was obtained from birth certificates and fetal death files. Malformation phenotypes studied were spina bifida, anencephaly, cleft lip, cleft palate, tetralogy of Fallot, d-transposition of great arteries, hypospadias, small intestinal atresia, preaxial polydactyly, microtia, and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. RESULTS A total of 11.2% of births were to parents of mixed race-ethnicity. Compared to births of parents who were both white, moderately increased risks (risk ratio ≥ 1.7) of anencephaly, polydactyly, and microtia, and decreased risks (risk ratio ≤ 0.6) of hypospadias and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis were observed among births of several mixed race-ethnicity groups. For anencephaly, polydactyly, and microtia, but not other phenotypes, the risks were different depending on whether maternal versus paternal race-ethnicity was considered. Risks observed between births of a nonwhite parent and a white parent and births of parents who were both nonwhite were similar for most malformation phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Some malformation phenotypes appear to vary in their risk based on mixed racial-ethnic groupings. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Congenital tracheobiliary fistula diagnosed with contrast-enhanced CT and 3-D reformation

Congenital tracheobiliary fistula (CTBF) is a rare malformation. So far 24 cases have been reported in the English language literature. The imaging techniques used in diagnosis have been bronchography, fistulography, cholangiography, hepatobiliary nuclear imaging and MRI. We report a newborn patient who presented with right lung consolidation and biliptysis. The radiographic diagnosis of tracheobiliary fistula was made on multidetector CT scan of the chest and abdomen. Multiple 3-D volume-rendered reformations were performed. An abnormal air-filled tract was seen connecting the posteroinferior aspect of the carina and left biliary system, which was successfully treated surgically.
Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Dynamics: Large-Angle Motions in Euler-Space

Floating structures have been proposed to support offshore wind turbines in deep water, where environmental forcing could subject the rotor to meaningful angular displacements in both precession and nutation, offering design challenges beyond conventional bottom-founded structures. This paper offers theoretical developments underlying an efficient methodology to compute large-angle rigid body rotations of a floating wind turbine in the time domain. The tower and rotor-nacelle assembly (RNA) are considered as two rotational bodies in the space, for which two sets of Euler angles are defined and used to develop two systems of Euler dynamic equations of motion. Transformations between the various coordinate systems are derived to enable solution for motion of the tower with gyroscopic, environmental and restoring effects applied as external moments. An example is presented in which the methodology is implemented in MATLAB to simulate time-histories of a floating tower with RNA. Nomenclature (X ,Y,Z) Translating non-rotating coordinate system with respect to the earth, with the origin O fixed at the center of mass of the tower (x,y,z) Translating rotating coordinate system with the origin O fixed at the center of mass of the tower; the z-axis is fixed on the centerline of the tower while the xand y-axes rotate about the z-axis independent of body rotations about that axis. (Xn,Yn,Zn) Translating non-rotating coordinate system with respect to the earth, with the origin O′ fixed at the center of mass of the RNA (A,B,C) Translating rotating coordinate system with the origin O′ fixed at the center of mass of the RNA B-axis Spinning axis of the blades Bp-axis Horizontal projection of the B-axis on the XOY plane yp-axis Horizontal projection of the y-axis on the XOY plane (θ1,θ2,η) Three 3-1-3 sequence Euler angles used to describe the rotation of the tower, where θ1 is measured from the Z-axis to the z-axis with the positive direction right-handed along the x-axis; θ2 is measured from the X-axis to the x-axis with positive right-handed along the Z-axis; η is rotation along the z-axis with positive right-handed along the z-axis. (φ,θ,ψ) Three 3-1-3 sequence Euler angles used to describe the rotation of the RNA, also called precession, nutation and spin angles, where φ is measured from the Y -axis to the Bp-axis with the positive direction along the Z-axis; θ is measured from the Z-axis to the B-axis with the positive direction along the C-axis; ψ is the spinning around the B-axis with the positive direction along the B-axis. λ Measured from the Bp-axis to the B-axis with positive right-handed along the C-axis α Measured from the yp-axis to the Bp-axis with positive right-handed along the Z-axis ~Ω The angular velocity of the (A,B,C) coordinate system relative to (X ,Y,Z) ~ω The angular velocity of the RNA relative to (X ,Y,Z) CT Thrust coefficient, used to calculate wind force on the blade swept area
Gravimetric Method for the Dynamic Measurement of Urine Flow

The rate of urine formation is a primary index of renal function, but no techniques are currently available to accurately measure low rates of urine flow on a continuous basis, such as are normally found in rats. We developed a gravimetric method for the dynamic measurement of urine flow in anesthetized rats. Catheters were inserted directly into the ureters close to the renal pelves, and a siphon was created to collect all of the urine formed as rapidly as it was produced. Urine flow was determined by measuring the weight of the urine using a direct-reading analytical balance interfaced to a computer. Basal urine flow was measured at 2-sec intervals for 30 to 60 min. The dynamic response of urine flow to a rapid decrease in arterial pressure produced by a bolus intravenous injection of acetylcholine (0.5 micrograms) was also measured. Intrinsic drift, evaporative losses, and the responsiveness of the system to several fixed pump flows in the low physiologic range were evaluated in vitro. The gravimetric method described was able to continuously measure basal urine flows that averaged 37.3 +/- 12.4 microliters/min. Error due to drift and evaporation was negligible, totaling less than 1% of the measured urine flow. Acetylcholine-induced declines in arterial pressure were followed within 8 sec by a decline in urine flow. These data demonstrate that this new gravimetric method provides a simple, inexpensive, dynamic measurement of urine flow in the microliter/min range.
UNUSUAL FUNGAL INFECTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH IMMUNOLOGIC HYPOREACTIVITY

Two patients had unusual fungal infections, considered to be contaminants, which suggested immunologic hyporeactivity. One patient with a Fusarium infection had an associated occult malignancy. The other patient had an initial localized, then disseminated Curvularia infection. Both patients, following analysis of subpopulations of lymphocytes, showed evidence of relative T and B cell defects.
On the automorphism groups of strongly regular graphs I

We derive structural constraints on the automorphism groups of strongly regular (s.r.) graphs, giving a surprisingly strong answer to a decades-old problem, with tantalizing implications to testing isomorphism of s.r. graphs, and raising new combinatorial challenges. S.r. graphs, while not believed to be Graph Isomorphism (GI) complete, have long been recognized as hard cases for GI, and, in this author's view, present some of the core difficulties of the general GI problem. Progress on the complexity of testing their isomorphism has been intermittent (Babai 1980, Spielman 1996, BW & CST (STOC'13) and BCSTW (FOCS'13)), and the current best bound is exp(O(n1/5)) (n is the number of vertices). Our main result is that if X is a s.r. graph then, with straightforward exceptions, the degree of the largest alternating group involved in the automorphism group Aut(X) (as a quotient of a subgroup) is O((ln n)2ln ln n). (The exceptions admit trivial linear-time GI testing.) The design of isomorphism tests for various classes of structures is intimately connected with the study of the automorphism groups of those structures. We include a brief survey of these connections, starting with an 1869 paper by Jordan on trees. In particular, our result amplifies the potential of Luks's divide-and-conquer methods (1980) to be applicable to testing isomorphism of s.r. graphs in quasipolynomial time. The challenge remains to find a hierarchy of combinatorial substructures through which this potential can be realized. We expect that the generality of our result will help in this regard; the result applies not only to s.r. graphs but to all graphs with strong spectral expansion and with a relatively small number of common neighbors for every pair of vertices. We state a purely mathematical conjecture that could bring us closer to finding the right kind of hierarchy. We also outline the broader GI context, and state conjectures in terms of "primitive coherent configurations." These are generalizations of s.r. graphs, relevant to the general GI problem. Another consequence of the main result is the strongest argument to date against GI-completeness of s.r. graphs: we prove that no polynomial-time categorical reduction of GI to isomorphism of s.r. graphs is possible. All known reductions between isomorphism problems of various classes of structures fit into our notion of "categorical reduction." The proof of the main result is elementary; it is based on known results in spectral graph theory and on a 1987 lemma on permutations by Akos Seress and the author.
SUBFEMTOSECOND HIGH-INTENSITY UNIPOLAR ELECTROMAGNETIC SOLITONS AND SHOCK WAVES

We show that atomic gasses can support solitary pulses of unipolar, non-oscillating EM-field ("EM-bubbles") of up to the atomic amplitude, with their length ranging from ~10−9s to ~10−16s, which propagate without dispersion and are stable and insensitive to the change of gas density. We found the condition on the atomic potential necessary for formation of EM-bubble. Atomic gasses can also support an EM shock which is a precursor of a cw ionizing field.
Evaluating behavior of oxygen, nitrate, and sulfate during recharge and quantifying reduction rates in a contaminated aquifer.

This study evaluates the biogeochemical changes that occur when recharge water comes in contact with a reduced aquifer. It specifically addresses (1) which reactions occur in situ, (2) the order in which these reactions will occur if terminal electron acceptors (TEAs) are introduced simultaneously, (3) the rates of these reactions, and (4) the roles of the aqueous and solid-phase portions of the aquifer. Recharge events of waters containing various combinations of O2, NO3, and SO4 were simulated at a shallow sandy aquifer contaminated with waste fuels and chlorinated solvents using modified push−pull tests to quantify rates. In situ rate constants for aerobic respiration (14.4 day -1), denitrification (5.04−7.44 day-1), and sulfate reduction (4.32−6.48 day-1) were estimated. Results show that when introduced together, NO3 and SO4 can be consumed simultaneously at similar rates. To distinguish the role of aqueous phase from that of the solid phase of the aquifer, groundwater was extracted, amended with NO3...
Bulk transport properties and exponent inequalities for random resistor and flow networks

The properties of random resistor and flow networks are studied as a function of the density,p, of bonds which permit transport. It is shown that percolation is sufficient for bulk transport, in the sense that the conductivity and flow capacity are bounded away from zero wheneverp exceeds an appropriately defined percolation threshold. Relations between the transport coefficients and quantities in ordinary percolation are also derived. Assuming critical scaling, these relations imply upper and lower bounds on the conductivity and flow exponents in terms of percolation exponents. The conductivity exponent upper bound so derived saturates in mean field theory.
Truncation of the Bechhofer-Kiefer-Sobel sequential procedure for selecting the normal population which has the largest mean (ii): 2-factor experiments with no interaction

We study the effects of truncation on the performance of an open matrix–at–a–time sequential sampling procedure [d], described by Bechhofer and Goldsman (1987a) for selecting the normal population which has the largest mean, when the variances of the populations are known and equal. This procedure which was devised for 2–factor experiments with no interaction between the factor–levels is a generalization of the basic procedure [d] proposed by Bechhofer, Kiefer and Sobel (1968) for single–factor experiments. The performance of a truncated version [d] of [d] is compared to that of [d] as well as to [d] the single–stage procedure of Bechhofer (1954). The performance characteristics studied for the sequential procedures include the achieved probability of correct selection (P{CS})
Seismicity in the vicinity of Ross Island, Antarctica

Abstract Earthquakes in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, are of two types: volcanic, and those which appear to be of tectonic origin. Volcanic events in the vicinity of Ross Island are associated exclusively with Mount Erebus, Ross Island; this volcano erupts regularly, generating several earthquakes per day whose characteristics are quite distinct from non-volcanic events. These nonvolcanic earthquakes are recognizable by their distinct P- and S-wave arrivals, and a lack of the high frequency, often monochromatic character typical of Erebus events. One hundred fifty-seven tectonic microearthquakes (M Modelling based on Bouger gravity anomalies and seismic refraction studies indicates a depth to the Moho of about 40 km beneath the continent, shallowing to 27 km beneath the Ross Sea. This 27 km depth is approximately equal to the lower limit of the tectonic seismicity detected by the Erebus network; hence, events are of crustal origin. These data suggest, with the rift-type geochemistry of Erebus' magma, that the Ross Sea is a site of active crustal extension and rifting.
A Generalized Approach To Optical Pattern Recognition Systems

Pattern recognition systems that use optical systems are primarily oriented at using the inherent parallel processing capability of optical systems. Recent advances in marrying the parallel processing of optical processors and serial digital processing are optimizing the best of both approaches and providing a methodology for learning or adaptive processing systems. Examples of these hybrid system developments will be shown along with a generalized approach to modeling an adaptive processor with Weiner-Kolmogorov prefiltering.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Minimum Universal Logic Module Sequential Circuits with Decoders

Universal logic modules of n variables (ULM-n) can be used to synthesize sequential machines. It has been shown that any machine can be realized using delayed ULM's and OR gates. Addition of an n -to-2n decoder allows minimization of the number of ULM's necessary.
Effects of the interplanetary magnetic field on the auroral oval and plasmapause

Recent research into the effects of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) on the Earth's auroral oval and plasmapause are reviewed. While the IMF sector structure has been known for some time to produce asymmetries in polar-cap convection, recent work has shown these effects to extend into the dayside auroral oval. A restricted region of local times referred to as the convection ‘throat’ is found to move to either side of the noon meridian in response to changes in the IMF By component.
Impact of pose and glasses on face detection using the red eye effect

In current image-processing algorithms for face detection performance is not completely reliable, especially in situations with variable lighting, and with low-resolution images. One possible approach to implement face detection is the use of the "redeye" effect: the reflection produced by human eyes when exposed to co-axial infrared (IR) light. We investigated the effectiveness of the red-eye technique for variability in: skin tone, eye color, pose, angle of IR illumination, scene illumination, and the effect of shine from glasses. Algorithms were developed to detect eye locations from a single IR image. Image processing steps involved: normalization, blurring, dynamic threshold calculation, and candidate eye position validation. Average eye position estimation accuracy approaches 80 to 85 percent.
Characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi isolates by restriction endonuclease analysis and DNA hybridization.

Abstract Genomes of several Borrelia burgdorferi isolates from North America and Europe were characterized by restriction endonuclease analysis and DNA hybridization using labeled B. burgdorferi whole-cell DNA (strain ATCC 35210). Several different restriction and homology patterns were observed among these isolates, indicating genotypic heterogeneity within this genus and species. It was concluded from this study that restriction endonuclease analysis of B. burgdorferi whole-cell DNA may be a reliable and accurate method for identifying strains or genotypes of the Lyme disease agent.
A Theory-Based Newsletter Nutrition Education Program Reduces Nutritional Risk and Improves Dietary Intake for Congregate Meal Participants

At-risk older adults need community-based nutrition programs that improve nutritional status and practices. This 6-month study assessed the impact of the traditional Chef Charles (CC) program (Control) compared to a theory-based CC program (Treatment) on nutritional risk (NR), dietary intakes, self-efficacy (SE), food security (FS), and program satisfaction for congregate meal participants. Participants were mostly educated, single, “food secure” White females. NR change for the treatment group was significantly higher (P = 0.042) than the control group. No differences were noted for SE or FS change and program satisfaction between groups. The overall distribution classification levels of FS changed significantly (P < .001) from pre to post. Over half (n = 46, 76.7%) reported making dietary changes and the majority (n = 52, 86.7%) rated CC as good to excellent. Results suggest the theory-based CC program (treatment) is more effective in reducing NR and dietary practices than the traditional CC program...
Pheromone Communication in Amphibians and Reptiles

This selective review considers herpetological papers that feature the use of chemical cues, particularly pheromones involved in reproductive interactions between potential mates. Primary examples include garter snake females that attract males, lacertid lizards and the effects of their femoral gland secretions, aquatic male newts that chemically attract females, and terrestrial salamander males that chemically persuade a female to mate. Each case study spans a number of research approaches (molecular, biochemical, behavioral) and is related to sensory processing and the physiological effects of pheromone delivery. These and related studies show that natural pheromones can be identified, validated with behavioral tests, and incorporated in research on vomeronasal functional response.
High-Performance Design of HBase with RDMA over InfiniBand

HBase is an open source distributed Key/Value store based on the idea of Big Table. It is being used in many data-center applications (e.g. Face book, Twitter, etc.) because of its portability and massive scalability. For this kind of system, low latency and high throughput is expected when supporting services for large scale concurrent accesses. However, the existing HBase implementation is built upon Java Sockets Interface that provides sub-optimal performance due to the overhead to provide cross-platform portability. The byte-stream oriented Java sockets semantics confine the possibility to leverage new generations of network technologies. This makes it hard to provide high performance services for data-intensive applications. High Performance Computing (HPC) domain has exploited high performance and low latency networks such as Infini Band for many years. These interconnects provide advanced network features, such as Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA), to achieve high throughput and low latency along with low CPU utilization. RDMA follows memory-block semantics, which can be adopted efficiently to satisfy the object transmission primitives used in HBase. In this paper, we present a novel design of HBase for RDMA capable networks via Java Native Interface (JNI). Our design extends the existing open-source HBase software and makes it RDMA capable. Our performance evaluation reveals that latency of HBase Get operations of 1KB message size can be reduced to 43.7µs with the new design on QDR platform (32 Gbps). This is about a factor of 3.5 improvement over 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GigE) network with TCP Offload. Throughput evaluations using four HBase region servers and 64 clients indicate that the new design boosts up throughput by 3 X times over 1 GigE and 10 GigE networks. To the best of our knowledge, this is first HBase design utilizing high performance RDMA capable interconnects.
Heidegger, Hölderlin, and Eccentric Translation

This chapter turns a spotlight on the “violence” of translation, in order to show how language’s capacity for creativity and innovative breaks with the conventional usages of words. As a corollary to this argument, it is shown that the meaning of Heidegger’s grounding words is shaped by both the idioms of Holderlin’s poetry and Greek tragedy. In this way, the study develops a new interpretation of the hermeneutic directives for translating Heidegger’s writings, which simultaneously complements and departs from that of Emad.
Characterization of the T4 Mre11/Rad50 complex and investigation of the Mre11 dimeric interface

The Mre11/Rad50 complex (MR) from bacteriophage T4 (gp46/47) is involved in the processing of DNA double-strand breaks. Here, we describe the activities of the T4 MR complex and its modulation by proteins involved in homologous recombination. T4 Mre11 is a Rad50and Mn 2+ -dependent dsDNA exonuclease and ssDNA endonuclease. ATP hydrolysis is required for the removal of multiple nucleotides via dsDNA exonuclease activity but not for the removal of the first nucleotide or for ssDNA endonuclease activity, indicating ATP hydrolysis is only required for repetitive nucleotide removal. By itself, Rad50 is a relatively inefficient ATPase, but the presence of Mre11 and dsDNA increases ATP hydrolysis by 20-fold. The ATP hydrolysis reaction exhibits positive cooperativity with Hill coefficients ranging from 1.4 for Rad50 alone to 2.4 for the Rad50/Mre11/DNA complex. Kinetic assays suggest that approximately four nucleotides are removed per ATP hydrolyzed. Directionality assays indicate that the prevailing activity is a 3’to 5’ dsDNA exonuclease, which is incompatible with the proposed role of MR in the production of 3’ 1 This research was originally published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Herdendorf T.J., Albrecht D.A., Benkovic S.J., and Nelson S.W. Biochemical characterization of the bacteriophage T4 Mre11:Rad50 complex. The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2011; 286:2382-92. © The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 2 Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011 3 Department of Chemistry, 414 Wartik Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802 4 Author of correspondence
D-BLAST OFDM with channel estimation

Multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) systems formed by multiple transmit and receive antennas can improve performance and increase capacity of wireless communication systems. Diagonal Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time (D-BLAST) structure offers a low-complexity solution for realizing the attractive capacity of MIMO systems. However, for broadband wireless communications, channel is frequency-selective and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has to be used with MIMO techniques to reduce system complexity. In this paper, we investigate D-BLAST for MIMO-OFDM systems. We develop a layerwise channel estimation algorithm which is robust to channel variation by exploiting the characteristic of the D-BLAST structure. Further improvement is made by subspace tracking to considerably reduce the error floor. Simulation results show that the layerwise estimators require 1 dB less signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than the traditional blockwise estimator for a word error rate (WER) of 10-2 when Doppler frequency is 40 Hz. Among the layerwise estimators, the subspace-tracking estimator provides a 0.8 dB gain for 10-2 WER with 200 Hz Doppler frequency compared with the DFT-based estimator.
The Existence of Transverse Homoclinic Solutions for Higher Order Equations

Abstract Differential equations are considered which contain a small parameter. When the parameter is zero the equation is autonomous with a hyperbolic equilibrium and a homoclinic solution. No restriction is placed on the dimension of the phase space or the dimension of intersection of the stable and unstable manifolds. Sufficient conditions on the perturbation terms for producing a transverse homoclinic solution and hence chaos are obtained. The technique follows the work of Palmer using exponential dichotomies and the method of Lyapunov–Schmidt.
Growth kinetics studies of silicon LPE from metal solutions

Growth kinetics of silicon liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) from metal solutions was studied in pursuit of device-quality layer formation on cast, metallurgical-grade silicon (MG-Si) substrates for solar cells. We report that a mixture of Al and Cu as a solvent for Si enhances solution wetting to the substrate by Al-SiO/sub 2/ reaction, and generates isotropic growth and macroscopically smooth surfaces due to its high solvent power. This solvent system also controls Al incorporation into the layer by proper Al and Cu compositions in the solution. The layer growth rate was calculated with a rough interface/diffusion boundary layer model and was found to be in good agreement with experimental results, indicating only a small boundary layer (/spl sim/0.1 cm) and a silicon diffusivity of /spl sim/2/spl times/10/sup -4/ cm/sup 2//s in the liquid. The thin layer (/spl sim/30 /spl mu/m) grown on the MG-Si substrate has a minority-carrier diffusion length greater than the layer thickness.