cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multimodal unattended ground sensor (MMUGS)

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has developed a real-time multi-modal sensor for the purpose of personnel detection in urban terrain. Possible system usage includes force protection and sniper early warning. The sensor system includes a network of MMUGS sensors, a third-party gateway and user interface device. A MMUGS sensor consists of the following functions: sensing, processing, and communication. Each sensor is composed of multiple sensing modalities-acoustic, passive-infrared, and seismic. A MMUGS sensor is designed to be low cost and power efficient. This paper will first present an overview of the sensor architecture and then provide detailed descriptions of sub components. The paper will conclude with a detailed analysis of system performance. This paper is intended to provide details of the design, integration, and implementation of a MMUGS unit, and demonstrate the overall sensor system performance. This paper does not discuss the network aspect of the system and its affect on performance.
A transport interpretation of the growth of urban regions: an American example

Abstract In a seminal work on the evolutionary structure of wholesale trade published in 1970, Vance sharply attacked the mechanistic application of ahistorical central place concepts in efforts to explain the evolved form of urban systems in economically advanced regions. [1] As an endogenic model of highly localised tertiary interaction, Vance claims that central place theory is difficult to apply in old culture regions where the feudal inheritance provides some basis for cellular administrative organisation of small territories; moreover, as a paradigm for newly settled lands he sees it as historically inappropriate. [2] In regions such as North America, mercantilism forged powerful links between distant locations well before surrounding territory was well integrated in bureaucratic terms, and urban networks displaying central place characteristics arose only with later regional development and then only in selected areas of relative economic homogeneity. Thereafter, forces elaborating both mercantile and central place networks operated together, but central place systems always nestled within the larger-scale exogenous mercantile system. This reinterpretation of settlement history in new lands promises a fertile frame-work for understanding the complex historical layering of urban systems that still dominates their functional and locational structure. Vance's general proposition, however, needs evaluation in the light of empirical analyses of particular regions and time periods. This paper explores one aspect of transport provision (passenger service) in the American Midwest in the second half of the nineteenth century in an effort to assess the degree to which patterns of increasing spatial interaction and interdependency within the settlement system of the region can be interpreted in terms of Vance's mercantile model.
Comparing Serial Computers, Arrays, and Networks Using Measures of Active Resources

This correspondence explores possible measures of the efficiency and power of a computer that will allow us to make meaningful comparisons not only between different traditional serial computers, but also between serial computers and parallel array and network computers. It attempts to apply "active resources" (e.g., gates, chip area) counts to compare prototypical examples of each of these general types. Active resources measures suggest that larger numbers of simpler computers, each with a small local memory, give the greatest throughput. The large SIMD arrays appear to be today's best examples of such systems.
Inferring Urban Land Use Using Large-Scale Social Media Check-in Data

Emerging location-based services in social media tools such as Foursquare and Twitter are providing an unprecedented amount of public-generated data on human movements and activities. This novel data source contains valuable information (e.g., geo-location, time and date, type of places) on human activities. While the data is tremendously beneficial in modeling human activity patterns, it is also greatly useful in inferring planning related variables such as a city’s land use characteristics. This paper provides a comprehensive investigation on the possibility and validity of utilizing large-scale social media check-in data to infer land use types by applying the state-of-art data mining techniques. Two inference approaches are proposed and tested in this paper: the unsupervised clustering method and supervised learning method. The land use inference is conducted in a uniform grid level of 200 by 200 m. The methods are applied to a case study of New York City. The validation result confirms that the two approaches effectively infer different land use types given sufficient check-in data. The encouraging result demonstrates the potential of using social media check-in data in urban land use inference, and also reveals the hidden linkage between the human activity pattern and the underlying urban land use pattern.
Stochastic ionization of surface-state electrons: Classical theory

In recent experimental investigations of the ionization of Rydberg atoms in low-frequency electromagnetic fields, ionization rates have been measured which depend strongly on the intensity of the oscillating fields but only weakly on the frequency. In an attempt to understand this ionization mechanism, an analogous, one-dimensional system is considered consisting of a surface-state electron bound to the surface of liquid helium by its image charge. A complete classical analysis of the behavior of this nonlinear oscillator in a microwave field is presented which shows that above a critical field strength the electron dynamics become chaotic and the electron diffuses in energy until it ionizes. Analytic estimates for the classical thresholds and rates for stochastic excitation and ionization are determined as functions of the microwave-field amplitude and frequency. Since the microwave frequencies and field strengths required for stochastic ionization of this one-dimensional "hydrogen" atom are readily available, this system provides an opportunity to thoroughly explore the manifestations of classical chaos in a quantum system.
Best approximation by integer-valued functions

Given an integer function f, the problem is to find its best uniform approximation from a set K of integer-valued bounded functions. Under certain conditions on K, the best extremal (maximal or minimal) approximation is identified. Furthermore, the operator mapping f to its extremal best approximation is shown to be Lipschitzian with some constant C or optimal Lipschitzian having the smallest C among all such operators. The results are applied to approximation problems.
USE OF SOLUBILITY ANALYSIS IN PHARMACEUTICAL STABILITY STUDIES.

Purity determined by solubility analysis was used to evaluate the efficacy of other analytical methods for measuring thermal degradation. Techniques for filtration and a method for calculation of confidence interval for solubility analysis are described.
Hypo-osmotic Shock of Tobacco Cells Stimulates Ca2+Fluxes Deriving First from External and then Internal Ca2+Stores

Abstract Hypo-osmotic shock of aequorin-transformed tobacco cells induces a biphasic cytosolic Ca2+influx. Because both phases of Ca2+ entry are readily blocked by Ca2+ channel inhibitors, we conclude that the Ca2+ transients are mediated by Ca2+ channels. Evidence that the first but not second Ca2+ transient derives from external Ca2+ stores is that the first but not second influx is (i) eliminated by membrane-impermeable Ca2+ chelators, (ii) enlarged by supplementation of the medium with excess Ca2+, and (iii) reduced by the addition of competitive cations such as Mg2+ and Mn2+. Furthermore, entry of 45Ca during osmotic shock is prevented by inhibitors of the first but not second phase of Ca2+ entry. Evidence that the second wave of Ca2+ influx stems from release of intracellular Ca2+ is based on the above data plus observations that probable modulators of intracellular Ca2+ channels selectively block this phase of Ca2+ influx. Finally, a mechanism of communication between the two Ca2+ release pathways has become apparent, since perturbations that elevate or reduce the first Ca2+ transient lead to a compensating diminution/elevation of the second and vice versa. These data thus suggest that osmotic shock leads to the sequential opening of extracellular followed by intracellular Ca2+ stores and that these Ca2+ release pathways are internally compensated.
A Note on Rice Production, Consumption and Import Data in Indonesia

Abstract Debate about Indonesian rice policy has focused on estimates of production and consumption levels, and the level of imports they imply. However, Indonesian rice production and consumption data are controversial. Rice consumption as estimated from household survey data is much lower than officially reported rice production. This suggests that Indonesia is a net rice exporter, but in fact it has generally been a net importer. Some researchers argue that rice consumption data are underestimated; others contend that production is over-estimated because of inaccuracies in ‘eye estimates’ of harvested area. This paper reviews how rice production and consumption are measured, notes major weaknesses, and surveys attempts to reconcile consumption and production data and examine their consistency with rice import data. It concludes that rice prices are the only accurate indicator of the balance between supply and demand, and hence of the appropriate level of imports.
Avoiding Coastal Hazard Areas: Best State Mitigation Practices

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and severe coastal storms, occur frequently in predictable locations. These extreme events become disasters only when they intersect with concentrations of human population and development. State governments whose coastlines are vulnerable to hurricanes and coastal storms can create programs to reduce the exposure of people and property to such hazards. Such mitigation programs include mapping hazard areas, notifying the public about potential hazard locations, restricting public subsidies that encourage development in hazard areas, and acquiring property in hazard areas to prevent its development. A number of states operate such programs, including Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Texas. This article reviews current state coastal hazard mitigation programs to identify “best practices” and to recommend a comprehensive package of mitigation actions to reduce exposure to hazards.
Finding our selves: identification, identity and multiple personality

Abstract Many of the differences between empirical/psychological and conceptual/philosophical approaches to the mind can be resolved using a more precise language that is sensitive to both. Distinguishing identification from identity and identification as from identification with, and then defining the experiential concept of the per sonat, provides a walking bridge. Applying the new terminology to increasing degrees of dissociation, from non‐pathological cases to multiple personality, shows how our psychologies can profit from philosophical analysis while our philosophies can revise themselves according to empirical data. Redefining the psychological structures of persona, personality, and self in terms of an experientially more precise conceptual vocabulary, including the per sonat, avoids the pitfalls of the old approaches and provides insights into the nature of human consciousness that lead both to therapeutic results in psychotherapy and a long‐overdue conceptual revision in the philosophy of person...
Controls on denitrification in riparian soils in headwater catchments of a hardwood forest in the Catskill Mountains, U.S.A.

Abstract Denitrification in riparian soils is thought to be an important factor that reduces hydrologic export of nitrate from forested and agricultural catchments. A 2-y study to identify the soil factors most closely associated with denitrification in riparian soils in headwater catchments within the Catskill Mountains of New York, included field surveys of surface and subsurface denitrification rates, and an amendment experiment to assess the relative effects of increases in available carbon and substrate NO3− on denitrification rates. Denitrification rates were measured by acetylene inhibition during incubation of intact soil cores from eight soil types representing a range of drainage classes. Soil cores were analyzed for organic matter, total P, extractable NO3−-N and NH4+-N, organic N, pH, moisture, porosity, and water-filled pore space, to determine which of these factors were most closely associated with denitrification. The distribution of denitrification rates found during the field surveys was highly skewed, with many low or zero values and few high values. Denitrification rates were positively associated with high soil organic matter, total P, and water-filled pore space, and were highest in seep (poorly-drained) soils, toeslope (seasonally-drained) soils, and stream-edge (poorly- to moderately well-drained) soils in which these three soil characteristics were typically high. Denitrification rates in these wet locations were also positively associated with soil NH4+-N concentration and pH, but not with NO3−-N concentration, suggesting that the rate of NO3− supply (via nitrification or hydrologic transport) was more important than the instantaneous concentration of NO3−-N in the soils. The amendment experiment indicated that denitrification in soil types studied was most responsive to added glucose alone or with NO3−. Thus, in these soils, a combination of slow rates of NO3− supply and low available carbon appears to limit denitrification. Annual denitrification rates in spring-fed soils (0.74 to 1.43 kg N ha−1 y−1) were up to 5 times greater than in other surface soils, yet these soils accounted for only 1.8% of the catchment's N loss through denitrification because they represent less than 3% of the catchment area. Dry upland soils constituted 71% of the catchment area and accounted for 91% of the catchment's N loss through denitrification. Annual denitrification in the catchment equaled about 65% of stream NO3−-N and NH4+-N export and 14% of precipitation NO3−-N and NH4+-N inputs. Denitrification appears to be important relative to N input and export in these Catskill catchments.
African Americans and multicultural interventions

Abstract This paper presents a Multicultural Communication Process Model for increasing multicultural competence. Incorporating social work values and practice theory, research findings, and principles of communication theory, the model defines a specific process for intervention with and by African Americans. The process is twofold. First, the practitioner uses the components of the model to guide his own individualized study and growth in multicultural knowledge. Second, the practitioner uses the model to intervene actively or supervise intervention in a multicultural context. The model's eight components are presented followed by case vignettes which vividly describe how the model is applied in a number of practice settings.
Safety, tolerability, and feasibility of high-dose naltrexone in alcohol dependence: an open-label study.

Objective Prior trials testing standard-dose naltrexone (50 mg/day) have generated mixed results in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term safety, tolerability, and feasibility of high-dose naltrexone (150 mg/day) for treating alcohol-dependent patients with prominent alcohol craving. Methods Twenty-four alcohol-dependent outpatients received high-dose naltrexone at a dose of 150 mg/day in an 8-week open-label pilot study. All patients had current alcohol dependence and alcohol craving symptoms. Safety and tolerability were assessed weekly. Liver function tests were obtained at weeks 0, 3, 5, 7, and 9. The main outcome measures were percentage of drinking days and number of drinks per drinking day. Results High-dose naltrexone was safe and well tolerated using the procedure described. No serious adverse effects were reported. The mean of γ-glutamyl transferase showed an improvement trend (p = 0.06), and other hepatic transaminase profiles were stable during the trial. High-dose naltrexone significantly reduced alcohol consumption (percentage of drinking days (p < 0.0001); and number of drinks per drinking day (p < 0.0001)). Conclusions High-dose naltrexone may serve as a viable treatment option for alcohol-dependent patients with prominent alcohol craving. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm our findings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteins of transcriptionally active and inactive chromatin from Friend erythroleukemia cells.

Abstract Transcriptionally active and inactive chromatin fractions were prepared from control and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-treated murine erythroleukemia cells by the DNase II technique of Gottesfeld et al. (Proc natl acad sci US 71 (1974) 2193). The active and inactive chromatin fractions from control and DMSO-treated cells had essentially the same total histone content, but the active chromatin fractions from both control and treated cells contained significantly less H1 histone. The amount of non-histone protein was similar in the corresponding chromatin fractions of control and treated cells. For both treated and control cell chromatin, however, the content of non-histone protein was consistently lower in the inactive fraction, P2, than in the active fraction, S2. No significant differences were observed between the polyacrylamide gel banding patterns, as determined by Coomassie blue staining, of histone or non-histone chromatin proteins of the corresponding fractions from treated and control cells. However, dual radioisotope labeling studies indicated an increased incorporation of radioactive amino acids into a 50 000 D polypeptide of unfractionated chromatin and a 23 000 D polypeptide of active chromatin (S2) from DMSO-treated cells.
Trophic effects of somatostatin on calcium flux: dynamic analysis and correlation with pituitary hormone release.

Somatostatin (SRIF) modulates many aspects of normal physiology, appears useful as a potent antineoplastic agent, and may influence the development of degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Regulation of cellular calcium flux by SRIF may contribute greatly to many of these interactions, yet remains controversial. SRIF rapidly causes a sustained inhibition of fractional calcium efflux from prelabeled dispersed rat pituitary cells (IC50, ∼40 pm) and evokes a large rebound increase in efflux after the infusion, each coinciding temporally with expected physiological effects on GH release. These data support a particular role for SRIF-regulated calcium flux in the normal pulsatile pattern of GH secretion pnd a more general role in the varied biological actions of the peptide. (Endocrinobgy 119: 1703–1707, 1986)
Hearts and bones.

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and osteoporosis (OP) are two common degenerative processes that contribute in great measure to the decline in performance and quality of life of the elderly population. Traditionally, these disorders have been considered as distinct and unrelated entities. However, over the last few years, there has been increasing evidence supporting an important link between CVD and OP. Several genetic association and linkage studies have shown the existence of common genetic determinants for cardiovascular and skeletal diseases. These genes code for several key players on the metabolism of nutrients, such as lipids, calcium and folate, as well as other factors (e.g. sex hormone receptors) that are known to be subject to dietary modulation, suggesting the links at the level of dietary response. Some dietary factors have shown similarities in influencing the risks of both conditions. However, some others act differently in relation with their effects on the development of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. We therefore suggest that, any dietary and behavioral recommendations targeting to the ‘global health’ of the ageing population would take a comprehensive consideration of their potentially diverse effects (beneficial or deleterious) on the risks of various ageing related disorders, and would be tailored to the individual genetic background.
μ-heavy chain disease: Presentation as a benign monoclonal gammopathy

mu-Heavy chain disease (HCD) is a rare monoclonal lymphoid disorder characterized by the failure to assemble a complete IgM immunoglobulin. The mu-heavy chains analyzed to date revealed absence of the variable region and a shortened constant domain. We report the first case of mu-HCD presenting as a benign monoclonal gammopathy. The literature on the 27 reported mu-HCD cases is reviewed, and important clinical and laboratory findings are discussed. The ages of the patients ranged from 15 to 80 years (median, 57.5 years). Twenty-two of 27 patients had an associated lymphoplasma cell proliferative disorder. A monoclonal spike on routine serum protein electrophoresis was found in only 8 of 19 patients. Fourteen of 22 patients had Bence Jones proteinuria, but mu-HCD protein was reported in the urine of only two patients. The survival ranged from less than 1 month to 11 years (median, 24 months).
Histological observations on the ovary of the white-tailed mole, Parascaptor leucurus

The ovarian histology of Parascaptor leucurus, the white-tailed mole, is very similar to that of Talpa europeaa, especially with reference to the presence of two zones: (1) an ovigerous, or female, zone, and (2) an interstitial-cell, or male-like, zone. The ovigerous zone contains the follicles and corpora lutea. This pole of the ovary only is covered with a germinal epithelium. The interstitial-cell zone is made up entirely of islands of interstitial cells and of very short testis-like tubules, the so-called medullary follicles. Follicular growth appears to follow the conventional mammalian pattern. Sections of the medullary follicles have an appearance very similar to those of seminiferous tubules of late fetal and early postnatal testes in cellular make-up and relation to the rete tubules. Evidence is presented that suggests the occurrence of delayed implantation in this genus.
Pyrosequencing of prey DNA in faeces of carnivorous land snails to facilitate ecological restoration and relocation programmes

Identifying and understanding predator diets is of high importance in biological conservation. This is particularly true for the introduction, establishment and maintenance of predator populations in newly created or modified ecological communities, such as translocation sites or restored habitats. Conservation status of predators may not permit captive feeding trials or intrusive gut-content methods, so non-intrusive diet assessment is required, such as faecal analysis. However, prey such as earthworms leave no morphological clues suitable for accurately discriminating between species consumed through visual faecal analysis. This study uses non-intrusive molecular methods on earthworm DNA extracted from the faeces of the carnivorous land snail Powelliphanta patrickensis to identify its earthworm diet and any seasonal trends. Data from 454-pyrosequencing revealed earthworm DNA in all samples (n = 60). Sequences were compared to a DNA library created from published and unpublished studies of New Zealand’s endemic earthworms and online databases. Unidentified earthworm sequences were clustered into molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). Twenty-six MOTUs were identified, 17 of which matched the library, whereas nine did not. Similarity indices indicate that there were seasonal differences (P < 0.05) in the earthworm communities represented in the summer and the winter diets. This study highlights the importance of utilising the vast body of data generated by pyrosequencing to investigate potential temporal diet shifts in protected species. The method described here is widely applicable to a wide range of predatory species of conservation interest and can further inform habitat restoration and relocation programmes to optimize the long-term survival of the target species.
Control of transmembrane ion fluxes to select halorhodopsin-deficient and other energy-transduction mutants of Halobacterium halobium

Abstract We describe a selection method for mutants altered in the generation and regulation of transmembrane ion flux in Halobacterium halobium. The method is based on experimental control of ion fluxes by a combination of light, ionophore, and external pH to generate an imbalance in the cells' proton circulation through their membranes. The steady-state proton circulation is increased by the introduction of a small inward proton leak with a protonophore. The cells are then illuminated to excite halorhodopsin, which hyperpolarizes the membrane and drives protons into the cells. As a result, wild-type cells suffer cytoplasmic acidification, which causes a dramatic loss of motility and suppresses their growth. These properties can be used to select for mutants that escape cytoplasmic acidification because either they lack halorhodopsin function or they have a greater capacity to eject protons during the illumination. In a popular selected by this method, 97% of the individual cells were demonstrably altered in ion flux properties. Cells were selected with alterations in the halobacterial rhodopsin, specifically with deficiencies in membrane potential generation by halorhodopsin and with increased cellular proton ejection by bacteriorhodopsin. We describe properties of one of the halorhodopsin-deficient strains, Flx37.
Regional carbon dioxide monitoring to assess the adequacy of tissue perfusion

Purpose of review Tissue dysoxia is now widely regarded as the major factor leading to organ dysfunction in critically ill patients. Recent data suggests that early aggressive resuscitation of critically ill patients, which limits and/or reverses tissue dysoxia may prevent progression to organ dysfunction and improve outcome. The traditional clinical and laboratory markers used to assess tissue dysoxia are, however, insensitive and have numerous limitations. Regional carbon dioxide monitoring appears to be ideally suited to monitoring the adequacy of resuscitation. This review provides an update on this evolving technology. Recent findings Gastric intramucosal carbon dioxide as measured by gastric tonometry has proven to be useful as a prognostic marker, in evaluating the response to specific therapeutic interventions and as an end point of resuscitation. Gastric tonometry is, however, cumbersome and has a number of limitations that may have prevented its widespread adoption. The measurement of carbon dioxide in the sublingual mucosa by sublingual capnometry is technically simple, noninvasive, and provides near instantaneous information. Clinical studies have demonstrated a good correlation between gastric intramucosal carbon dioxide and sublingual mucosa carbon dioxide. Sublingual mucosa carbon dioxide responds more rapidly to therapeutic interventions than does gastric intramucosal carbon dioxide and may be a better prognostic marker. Summary Sublingual capnometry may be the ideal technology for guiding early goal directed therapy. This technology may be useful for monitoring tissue oxygenation, titrating therapeutic interventions, and as an end point for resuscitation in critically ill and injured patients.
Athermal mechanisms of size-dependent crystal flow gleaned from three-dimensional discrete dislocation simulations

Abstract Recent experimental studies have revealed that micrometer-scale face-centered cubic (fcc) crystals show strong strengthening effects, even at high initial dislocation densities. We use large-scale three-dimensional discrete dislocation simulations (DDS) to explicitly model the deformation behavior of fcc Ni microcrystals in the size range of 0.5–20 μm. This study shows that two size-sensitive athermal hardening processes, beyond forest hardening, are sufficient to develop the dimensional scaling of the flow stress, stochastic stress variation, flow intermittency and high initial strain-hardening rates, similar to experimental observations for various materials. One mechanism, source-truncation hardening, is especially potent in micrometer-scale volumes. A second mechanism, termed exhaustion hardening, results from a breakdown of the mean-field conditions for forest hardening in small volumes, thus biasing the statistics of ordinary dislocation processes.
Kinetics of gaseous hydrocarbon generation with constraints of natural gas composition from the Barnett Shale

Abstract A kinetic compositional model covering the generation of methane through pentanes is calibrated with both experimental and field data. A continuous distribution of activation energy ( E = E 0 + yE s ) is applied to describe the heterogeneity of hydrocarbon generation kinetics, with E 0 (activation energy E at conversion y = 0) as the location parameter and E s as the scale parameter. The best fit gives E 0 = 53.0 kcal/mol and E s = 4.0 kcal/mol for methane generation with frequency factor A = 3 × 10 11 s −1 . The values of E 0 and E s for the generation of ethane, propane, n -butane and n -pentane decrease with carbon chain length, with a constant A value. The generation of branched alkanes (isobutane and isopentane) has higher E 0 and narrower E s values compared with the generation of their n -alkane isomers. The model adequately describes natural gas compositional properties with thermal maturation, including: (1) decreased wetness, (2) a log-log relation between the C 2 H 6 through C 5 H 12 concentration, and (3) increased i -C 4 H 10 / n -C 4 H 10 and i -C 5 H 12 / n -C 5 H 12 with thermal maturity. The contribution of secondary-cracking gas at higher maturity, which may change the above trends, was also quantified.
Functional occlusal forces: an investigation by telemetry.

Abstract In normal chewing the forces exerted on the occlusal surface seldom exceeded 10 to 15 pounds, as recorded by an eight-channel force transmitter in a removable fixed partial denture. Ninety-five percent of forces were less than 3.5 pounds for subject A, 2.0 pounds for subject B, and 10.0 pounds for subject C. The chewing frequency and the places of maximal force on the occlusal surface were relatively constant. The electromyographic chewing patterns could be considered normal in all circumstances. There was a remarkable statistically significant day-to-day variation in force values. The forces also changed for different kinds of food. The differences between maximum and minimum force values were highest in voluntary, nonfunctional movements.
Denitrification in a salt marsh ecosystem1

The rate of denitrification measured throughout the year in various habitats of a New England salt marsh was correlated to temperature and was highest in the wettest habitats. Over 60% of the denitrification took place in the muddy creek bottoms. Annual denitrification exceeds nitrogen fixation. An amount of nitrate similar to the quantity consumed by denitrifiers is supplied by the flow of groundwater into the marsh and by nitrifiers within the marsh itself.
The application of software maintainability models in industrial software systems

Abstract The impact of software maintainability has become one of the most important aspects of past, present, and future software systems. Tools and models that can measure software maintainability will play an increasingly important role in the software industry. This article reviews two early attempts at software maintainability assessment and describes five recently developed models. Two of these are then applied to industrial software systems, and the results are evaluated. Each of the two models are shown to be effective in evaluating industrial software systems at the component, subsystem, and system levels.
Why stable fiat money hyperinflates: Results from an experimental economy

Abstract Experiments are used to study acceptance of a fiat money as a medium of exchange. In these finite horizon markets, people trade valuable goods for intrinsically worthless money. However, when a public sector capable of printing money is introduced, the private sector is crowded out, producing dramatic hyperinflations and collapses in trading. This economic failure is found to be a consequence of the public sector undermining the market's ability to coordinate trade. The inefficiency associated with the hyperinflation is found not to be a purely monetary phenomenon resulting from an increasing money supply.
Reduction of Protease Activity in Simulated Milk Ultrafiltrate by Continuous Flow High Intensity Pulsed Electric Field Treatments

: A protease from Bacillus subtilis suspended in simulated milk ultrafiltrate (SMUF) was subjected to high intensity pulsed electric field (HIPEF) treatments of up to 6787 kJ/l, applying field strengths ranging from 19.7 to 35.5kV/cm up to 896 μs to evaluate the feasibility of this treatment on inactivating the enzyme. In addition, the influence of the pulse repetition rate (67, 89, and 111 Hz) and pulse width (4 and 7 μs) on the effectiveness of HIPEF treatments was tested. Protease activity was considerably reduced; a maximum inactivation of 62.7% was achieved after an 896-μS treatment at 35.5 kV/cm and 111 Hz. Protease activity decreased exponentially with increase of input energy density, treatment time, field strength, and pulse repetition rate when exposed to HIPEF processing.
Electron diffraction of vanadium fluoride bronzes

The structures of compounds with the general formula AxVF3 where A = K, Rb, Cs, or Tl with x = 0.25, and A = Rb or Cs with x = 0.19 were investigated by electron diffraction. Three different structures were observed, one hexagonal and the other two orthorhombic. The hexagonal structure was of the Magneli hexagonal tungsten bronze type with a ≅ 7.4 A and c ≅ 7.6 A. One orthorhombic cell resulted from a doubling of the a axis in one direction to give cell parameters of a ≅ 12.9 A, b ≅ 7.4 A, and c ≅ 7.6 A. The other orthorhombic phase resulted from the doubling of two of the hexagonal a axes to give cell parameters a ≅ 12.9 A, b ≅ 14.9 A, and c ≅ 7.6 A.
An Empirical Validation of a Model of Human Decision Making for Human-Computer Communication:

As the sophistication of computer technology increases, the number of systems in which both a human and computer take controlling roles will increase. Effective communication between the human and computer is essential to prevent redundant or interfering actions. If a method for accurately predicting the human's actions can be found, the computer could avoid redundant actions by working around the human. This paper empirically validates a model of human behavior in a multiple task, process control situation. Results indicate that the model appears to be an accurate predictor of human performance, consistently predicting over 70% of the subjects' actions over a range of situations. The possible value of this model will be investigated in a study in which the computer is implemented as a parallel decision maker, using the model predictions in place of overt communication.
Syntheses, properties and reactions of nickel (II) complexes derived from 1, 8-bis (2-pyridyl)-3, 6-dithiaoctane

Abstract The preparation, properties and reactions of several new nickel(II) complexes derived from 1,8-bis(2-pyridyl)-3,6-dithiaoctance (Ligand A) are presented. The complexes NiAX 2 (X = Cl − , Br − , I − , SCN − ) are typically octahedral in the solid state, methanol and nitromethane. [NiA(H 2 O) 2 ] (ClO 4 ) 2 , also octahedral, undergoes a very unique solid state reaction when exposed to low energy near infrared radiation, producing a red 5-coordinate species [NiAClO 4 ]ClO 4 . Also reported is a square-planar diamagnetic [NiA] (ClO 4 ) 2 complex. The compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic moments, IR vibrational spectra, solid and liquid electronic spectra and interconversion reactions. Available evidence suggests that the NSSN tetradentate ligand occupies an equatorial square-planar arrangement around nickel(II) with coordinating anions or solvent occupying the fifth and/or sixth positions above and/or below the ligand plane.
Solvent isotope effect on the photophysics of Ru(bpy)32+ and Ru(phen)32+ in aqueous solution at room temperature

Abstract At 22°C. the lifetime of ( 3 CT)Ru(bpy) 3 2+ in H 2 O/D 2 O mixtures increases with increasing mole fraction of D 2 O While the lifetime of ( 3 CT)Ru(phen) 3 2+ remains unchanged. The efficiency of intersystem crossing is unaffected by solvent deuteration for Ru(bpy) 3 2+ while it is ≈ 20XXX larger in D 2 O than in H 2 O for Ru(phen) 2+ 3 .
PKCε Promotes HuD-Mediated Neprilysin mRNA Stability and Enhances Neprilysin-Induced Aβ Degradation in Brain Neurons

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide accumulation in the brain is a pathological hallmark of all forms of Alzheimer’s disease. An imbalance between Aβ production and clearance from the brain may contribute to accumulation of neurotoxic Aβ and subsequent synaptic loss, which is the strongest correlate of the extent of memory loss in AD. The activity of neprilysin (NEP), a potent Aβ-degrading enzyme, is decreased in the AD brain. Expression of HuD, an mRNA-binding protein important for synaptogenesis and neuronal plasticity, is also decreased in the AD brain. HuD is regulated by protein kinase Ce (PKCe), and we previously demonstrated that PKCe activation decreases Aβ levels. We hypothesized that PKCe acts through HuD to stabilize NEP mRNA, modulate its localization, and support NEP activity. Conversely, loss of PKCe-activated HuD in AD leads to decreased NEP activity and accumulation of Aβ. Here we show that HuD is associated with NEP mRNA in cultures of human SK-N-SH cells. Treatment with bryostatin, a PKCe-selective activator, enhanced NEP association with HuD and increased NEP mRNA stability. Activation of PKCe also increased NEP protein levels, increased NEP phosphorylation, and induced cell surface expression. In addition, specific PKCe activation directly stimulated NEP activity, leading to degradation of a monomeric form of Aβ peptide and decreased Aβ neuronal toxicity, as measured by cell viability. Bryostatin treatment also rescued Aβ-mediated inhibition of HuD-NEP mRNA binding, NEP protein expression, and NEP cell membrane translocation. These results suggest that PKCe activation reduces Aβ by up-regulating, via the mRNA-binding protein HuD, Aβ-degrading enzymes such as NEP. Thus, PKCe activation may have therapeutic efficacy for AD by reducing neurotoxic Aβ accumulation as well as having direct anti-apoptotic and synaptogenic effects.
Anabolic and androgenic activity of androgens

Die anabole Aktivitat der Androgene druckt sich in ihrer Wirksamkeit an einer Reihe anderer Gewebe als den akzessorischen Geschlechtsorganen aus. Das Androgenmolekul wurde mit dem Ziel modifiziert, ein Steroid zu erhalten, welches in erster Linie eine anabole Wirkung auf die peripheren Gewebe entfaltet. Die Reaktion verschiedener Gewebe wurde daher mit der Reaktion der akzessorischen Geschlechtsorgane verglichen. Das gunstigste Verhaltnis von renotropher zu androgener Wirkung bei der Maus zeigte Androstan-3α, 17β-diol.Die gunstigste Relation von myotropher zu androgener Wirkung beim Meerschweinchen zeigte Androstan-17β-ol,3-on. Auserdem zeigte eine grosere Zahl von Steroiden ein gunstiges Wirkungsverhaltnis hinsichtlich des Effekts auf den M. levator ani einerseits und Samenblasen oder Prostata der Ratte andererseits.
Endemic, multiply resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a pediatric population. Clinical description and risk factors.

• During a seven-year period, 38 children acquired multiply resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after admission to a pediatric service. Eighteen children were thought to be colonized. Twenty-three infectious episodes occurred in the remaining 20 children. Infections included endocarditis (n=2), pneumonia (n=8), burn infection (n=1), postoperative wound infection (n=6), intra-abdominal abscess (n=1), catheter sepsis (n=2), urinary tract infectin (n=1), conjunctivitis (n=1), and central nervous system shunt infection (n=1). When patients infected with MRSA were compared by multivariate analysis with control subjects matched for age and unit of admission, patients with MRSA were hospitalized longer, underwent more surgical procedures, received more intravenous alimentation, and were more likely to require a tracheostomy; no correlation was found with administration of antibiotics. Twenty-six of the 34 discharged patients remained colonized with MRSA. Mortality in the infected patients was 20% (4/20), with a 38% (3/8) mortality rate for MRSA pneumonia. ( AJDC 1987;141:1183-1187)
RAGE Signaling Significantly Impacts Tumorigenesis and Hepatic Tumor Growth in Murine Models of Colorectal Carcinoma

Background The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a cell surface receptor implicated in tumor cell proliferation and migration. We hypothesized that RAGE signaling impacts tumorigenesis and metastatic tumor growth in murine models of colorectal carcinoma.
An active site mutant of human placental alkaline phosphatase with deficient enzymatic activity and preserved immunoreactivity.

Four different genes code for alkaline phosphatases (AP, EC 3.1.3.1) in humans. The recent cloning of the cDNAs coding for placental AP [l-3], intestinal AP [4,5], and tissue nonspecific AP [6] has revealed the structure of these enzymes, while the primary structure of the germ cell AP (PLAP-like Nagao isozyme) has been deduced from the genomic sequence of the gene [7]. Placental AP (PLAP) and germ cell AP are oncodevelopmental enzymes often reexpressed in a variety of human tumors, particularly in testicular and ovarian cancer [8,9]. The production of these enzymes by cancer cells has allowed serological follow-ups of testicular cancer patients [lo], as well as radioimnmnolocalization of metastatic tumors [ll]. These molecules are classified as APs by their ability to participate in hydrolasetransferase reactions at alkaline pH on a wide variety of phosphate-containing compounds ranging from simple phosphomonoesters to phosphoproteins [12]. Still, the physiological substrates of these enzymes are unknown. Recent findings may suggest additional functional domains in APs. Purified calf bone AP has been shown to bind to collagen type II [13]. We have recently observed homologies between human placental and germ cell AP and a number of extracellular proteins, including complement factor B, cartilage matrix protein, Von Willebrand factor, and the adhesion receptors Mac-l and P150 [14]. These areas of homology are known to mediate collagen binding in the case of von Willebrand factor and Mac-l. It is conceivable that the enzymatic function of APs may be complemented by
Immunoglobulin M allotypes of the rabbit: identification of a second specificity.

Rabbit antiserums, originally prepared to react specifically with rabbit immunoglobulin allotypes Ab5 and Ab6, also react with some normal rabbit serums that clearly do not contain Ab5 or Ab6 allotypes. This reaction is due to antigenic specificity present on rabbit immunoglobulin M(IgM) and not on rabbit immunoglobulin G.Serums that contain this IgM allotype do not react with an antiserum that reacts with the known rabbit IgM allotype, Ms1. This specificity may therefore be identified as a second rabbit IgM allotype, Ms2.
Raman and Rayleigh holographic lidar

We have designed a novel rotational Raman and Rayleigh lidar system that incorporates a simple holographic optical element. The hologram simultaneously disperses and focuses the backscattered signal light so that narrow spectral features can be isolated and detected with high efficiency. By measuring the relative strength of several nitrogen rotational Raman lines, we can obtain an accurate temperature of the atmosphere at a given altitude without the need for external calibration. Simultaneous photon counting of the Rayleigh backscatter signal permits temperature measurements at much higher altitudes.
Alternatives to High-Cost Litigation

Abstract Workplace and employment-related disputes are inevitable, and so it seems are drawn-out, expensive trips to court—unless you're willing to consider alternative dispute resolution procedures.
Effect of laser mode structure on stimulated Brillouin scattering

The gain and reflectivity of the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) process used as a Stokes-wave generator are shown theoretically to be independent of the mode structure of the pump laser provided that the pump-laser mode spacing exceeds the Brillouin linewidth and that the laser coherence length exceeds the characteristic gain length of the SBS process. Under the same set of conditions, the gain of an SBS amplifier is found to depend on the degree of correlation between the laser and Stokes fields. However, due to nonlinear coupling, these two fields become correlated within several characteristic gain lengths, and the subsequent propagation of the two fields is governed by the same set of equations that apply for the case of a single-mode pump laser. These theoretical predictions are tested experimentally for an SBS generator using acetone, carbon disulfide, and methanol as the Brillouin-active media, and the results are in full agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Tenderization of beef with bacterial collagenase.

The feasibility of using a purified collagenase produced by Clostridium histolyticum as a meat tenderizer was studied. Experiments were conducted with enzymes in model systems to compare collagenase with the currently used plant proteinases, papain, bromelain and ficin. Collagenase was shown to have a greater activity in hydrolyzing insoluble collagen than salt-soluble-protein (SSP) and highest activity between 40° and 60°C, with little to no activity above 60°C. Collagenase was added to raw steaks and steaks were placed in bags and cooked in a water bath to 6.5°C. Tenderness was evaluated by analyzing components of Warner-Bratzler shear-deformation curves. The results suggested that addition of NaCl or a combination of CaCl(2), NaCl and collagenase would cause equivalent tenderization. The lack of a significant tenderization due to collagenase could be related to a lack of sensitivity in the shear evaluation or an effect on the enzyme activity due to the meat environment.
Gapless Coverage in Air-to-Ground Communications at Frequencies Above 50 mc

It is shown that there is an optimum ground-station antenna height for use in typical air-to-ground communications systems. When antennas lower than this optimum are used, the maximum distance range is reduced at all aircraft altitudes. When antennas higher than this optimum are used, the interference between the direct and ground-reflected waves causes gaps to occur in the coverage at the higher aircraft altitudes. The minimum altitude at which the gap in coverage occurs decreases with increasing frequency and with increasing ground-station antenna height. The optimum antenna height decreases with increasing frequency and this, in turn, reduces the maximum distance range for satisfactory comzmunication as the frequency increases. The curves presented are based on values expected from theory for a smooth spherical earth. Such curves have been found experimentally to approximate very well the average practical operating results.