cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleotide sequences of two Bacillus subtilis promoters used by Bacillus subtilis sigma-28 RNA polymerase

RNA polymerase holoenzymes from many bacterial species share a common promoter recognition specificity since they use the same promoter sites on a variety of templates. These promoters generally include sequences homologous to the average sequences -TTGACA- and -TATAATA-, located -35 and -10 base pairs, respectively, upstream of the transcriptional state site. We have isolated a minor form of B. subtilis RNA polymerase in which the normal sigma subunit (sigma 55) is replaced by a smaller polypeptide (sigma 28) and which is highly specific for a class of promoter sites not used by the sigma 55-holoenzyme. Sequencing of two B. subtilis promoter sites used by the sigma 28-holoenzyme reveals identical sequences at -35 and -10 base pairs from the start site, which are -CTAAA- and -CCGATAT-, respectively. These results confirm that sigma subunit plays a major direct role in promoter sequence recognition, and support a model in which sigma interacts sequentially with -35 and -10 regions, respectively.
Application of Artificial Intelligence technology to the analysis and synthesis of reliable software systems

The development of a methodology for the production of highly reliable software is one of the greatest challenges facing the computer industry. Meeting this challenge will undoubtably involve the integration of many technologies. This paper describes the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies in the automated analysis of the formal algebraic specifications of abstract data types. These technologies include symbolic execution of specifications using techniques of automated deduction and machine learning through the use of examples. On-going research into the role of knowledge representation and problem solving in the process of developing software is also discussed.
Effective Interactions, Structure, and Phase Behavior of Lightly Tethered Nanoparticles in Polymer Melts

We have generalized the microscopic polymer reference interaction site model (PRISM) theory to study the structure and phase behavior of polymer-tethered spherical nanoparticles in a dense homopolymer melt. In the absence of a polymer matrix, fluids of such hybrid nanoparticles show strong concentration fluctuations indicative of aggregate formation and/or a tendency for microphase separation as the total packing fraction and/or nanoparticle attraction strength increase. In the presence of a polymer matrix, there is a competition between tether-mediated microphase separation and matrix-induced macrophase separation. For a single tether of eight segments on a nanoparticle twice the diameter of a segment, the apparent microphase spinodal curve exhibits both dilution-like and depletion-like features and a nonmonotonic dependence of the spinodal temperature on matrix chain length. As the particle size and tether length are both increased, such that the total space filling volume of the tether continues to equ...
Factorial similarity of the WISC-R for Anglos and Chicanos referred for psychological services

Abstract Two- and three-factor principal factor solutions to the WISC-R (Wechsler, 1974) were compared across race for referred Anglo and Chicano children. Additional comparisons of these factor solutions were made with those for normal Anglo, Chicano, Black, and Papago students (Reschly, 1978, Note 1) and the WISC-R standardization sample (Wechsler, 1974). Substantial congruence occurred across race for both the two- and three-factor solutions, though the two-factor solution was clearly most appropriate for the present sample.
Two-dimensional diffusion of F1F0-ATP synthase and ADP/ATP translocator. Testing a hypothesis for ATP synthesis in the mitochondrial inner membrane

Abstract We report here the first experimentally determined lateral diffusion coefficients of the F1F0-ATP synthase and the ADP/ATP translocator in isolated inner membranes of rat liver mitochondria. Rabbit IgG developed against the F1F0-ATP synthase isolated from rat liver mitochondria was determined to be immunospecific for the synthase subunits, notably the α-β doublet, γ and δ subunits of F1 and subunits two, three and four of F0. This IgG, conjugated with lissamine-rhodamine, was used as a fluorescent probe to monitor the diffusion of the synthase in the membrane. IgG to cytochrome bc1 complex, prepared and labeled similarly, was used as a fluorescent probe for diffusion of this redox component. Eosin maleimide was determined to specifically label the ADP/ATP translocator in the isolated inner membrane and was used as a specific probe for the diffusion of the translocator. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, the experimental average lateral diffusion coefficient of the F1F0-ATP synthase was determined to be 8.4·10−10 cm2/s or twice that of cytochrome bc1 complex while the diffusion coefficient of the ADP/ATP translocator was 1.7·10−9 cm2/s or four times that of cytochrome bc1 complex suggesting that all three components are independent two-dimensional diffusants. Using these diffusion coefficients and applying a number of basic assumptions, we calculated the theoretical two-dimensional diffusion-controlled collision frequencies and derived collision efficiencies (protons transferred per collision) between each of the three proton-transferring redox complexes and both the F1F0-ATP synthase and ADP/ATP translocator by treating the redox components as proton donors and the synthase and translocator as proton acceptors. These collision efficiencies support the physical possibility of a diffusion-based, random collision process of proton transfer and ATP synthesis in the mitochondrial inner membrane.
Metformin revisited: re‐evaluation of its properties and role in the pharmacopoeia of modern antidiabetic agents

Background: The usefulness of metformin as an oral antidiabetic agent is widely accepted. However, several other classes of oral antidiabetic agents have been recently introduced, raising the need to evaluate the role of metformin as initial therapy and in combination with these newer drugs for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Synthesis of information was preceded by a comprehensive review of the English language literature using Medline. We also reviewed bibliographies of relevant articles. The studies most pertinent to the mechanism of action, efficacy, toxicity and administration of metformin were selected for citation in this review. Results: Metformin acts by increasing tissue sensitivity to insulin, principally in the liver. Beneficial properties of metformin include weight reduction, favourable effects on the lipid profile and the fibrinolytic pathway, and improvement of ovarian function in some insulin-resistant women. It does not cause hyperinsulinaemia or hypoglycaemia. Metformin is effective as monotherapy and, in combination with both insulin secretagogues and thiazolidinediones (TZDs), may obviate the need for insulin treatment. Several fixed-dose combination pills containing metformin and other agents are available. A protocol for the initiation of therapy with contemporary oral agents for type 2 DM is presented, with emphasis on the continuing central role of metformin. Conclusions: Metformin remains a safe and effective agent for the therapy of patients with type 2 DM. It is useful as monotherapy or in combination regimens with the newer insulin secretagogues, TZDs or insulin. It is still in most circumstances the agent of choice for initial therapy of the typical obese patient with type 2 DM and mild to moderate hyperglycaemia.
P2X 7 receptor expression is decreased in epithelial cancer cells of ectodermal, uro-genital sinus, and distal paramesonephric duct origin

The P2X7 receptor is an important regulator of epithelial cell growth. The aim of the present study was to better understand the biological significance of P2X7 receptor expression in normal and cancer human epithelial tissues. P2X7 receptor and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were determined in human tissues containing epithelial dysplastic, pre- or early cancerous, and cancer cells, and the levels were compared to those in the corresponding normal epithelial cells within the same tissue of the same case. P2X7 receptor levels were determined by quantification of immunoreactivity specific to the functional (full-length) P2X7 receptor, and P2X7 mRNA levels were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. P2X7 receptor levels in cancer cells were similar (colon adenocarcinoma) or greater (thyroid papillary carcinoma) than those in the corresponding normal cells. In contrast, in cancer cells of the ectocervix (squamous), endocervix and endometrium (adenocarcinoma), urinary bladder (transitional cell carcinoma), and breast (ductal and lobular adenocarcinomas), P2X7 receptor levels were lower by about twofold than those in the corresponding normal epithelial cells. Similarly, P2X7 mRNA levels were lower in uterine, bladder, and breast cancer epithelial tissues by about fourfold than those in the corresponding normal tissues. In addition, P2X7 receptor levels were decreased already in dysplastic ectocervical cells and pre- or early cancerous endometrial and bladder cells. The data suggest that in epithelia originating from the ectoderm, the uro-genital sinus, and the distal paramesonephric duct, decreased expression of the P2X7 receptor precedes or coincides with neoplastic changes in those tissues.
Protein and oil content of soybeans from different geographic locations

Data on soybean yield, protein content and oil content were provided by three crushing companies. There was a definite trend toward lower protein content in soybeans processed and most likely grown in northern versus southern locations (about 34 to 44 N latitude) in 1986–87 (r=0.77). In 1983–86, protein content was generally lower in soybeans processed in Minnesota than in those processed in Indiana and Illinois. Effects of location on oil content and of year on protein and oil content were less clear. Uniform Soybean Tests data over 11 years and four locations (3 in Minnesota, 1 in Illinois) showed significant effects of year on oil content and of location on yield and oil content, but little effect of either on protein content.
Sensitivity of water relations and photosynthesis to summer precipitation pulses for Artemisia tridentata and Purshia tridentata

For much of the western USA, precipitation occurs in pulses, the nature of which determine soil water potential and plant physiological performance. This research utilized three experiments to examine the sensitivity of photosynthesis and water relations for two widespread Great Basin Desert shrub species, Artemisia tridentata (which has both deep and shallow roots) and Purshia tridentata (which reportedly has only deep roots), to (1) variation in pulse magnitude size, (2) the kinetics of responses to pulses, and (3) the relationship between pulse-size and antecedent soil water content. At the study site in the southwestern Great Basin Desert, USA, summer rainfall exhibits a greater frequency of larger-sized events, and longer inter-pulse intervals, compared to annual patterns. Compared to pre-watering values, stem water potential initially increased by about 2.00 MPa for A. tridentata and 1.00 MPa for P. tridentata following watering to simulate an 11.5 mm rainfall pulse. For the same water addition, stomatal conductance increased by 0.3 mol m−2 s−1 and photosynthetic CO2 assimilation increased 8-fold for A. tridentata and 6-fold for P. tridentata. Water potential and photosynthetic gas exchange were maximal for both species 2–3 days following a pulse addition. In comparison to P. tridentata, the increase in photosynthesis for A. tridentata was more pronounced for plants treated incrementally with several small pulses compared to plants treated with one pulse of an equivalent total volume. The results indicate that both species can respond to a range of summer rainfall pulse magnitudes within about 2 days, with A. tridentata generally exhibiting larger responses in comparison to the co-dominant shrub species P. tridentata, which at this study site does indeed have shallow roots. In a future climate, the timing and magnitude of summer rainfall pulses will determine the extent to which these two species undergo changes in water status and photosynthetic carbon uptake, with implications for their fitness.
Theoretical treatment of relaxation in the presence of an RF field

Abstract A general description of relaxation of an arbitrary spin system in the presence of an RF field is given. The results show clearly how the presence of the RF field makes new combinations of frequencies important to the relaxation process. Exact solutions of the resulting equations are not possible, but introduction of conventional approximations provides forms that are complicated but amenable to machine solution.
First Report of Vine Decline of Mature Watermelon Plants Caused by Olpidium bornovanus.

In late May 2013, collapse of mature watermelon plants (Citrullus lanatus L.) at first harvest occurred in several drip-irrigated commercial fields in the Coachella Valley, California. Above-ground symptoms consisted of chlorosis, wilting, and death of leaves starting at the crown and progressing rapidly towards the tip of vines. Structural roots of collapsed plants appeared healthy but feeder roots exhibited a brownish discoloration. Microscopic examination revealed that almost all epidermal cells of feeder roots contained either sporangia or resting spores of a fungus tentatively identified, based upon morphological characteristics, as Olpidium bornovanus (Sahtiy.) Karling. No other fungi or fungal-like organisms were microscopically observed in or isolated from structural roots, feeder roots, or vascular tissue of collapsed plants. Leaf, root, and peduncle samples from collapsed plants were tested for Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), a virus known to be transmitted by O. bornovanus, and Squash vein ye...
Esterolytic activity of imidazole‐containing polymers. Synthesis and characterization of copoly[1‐alkyl‐4‐ or 5‐vinylimidazole/4(5)‐vinylimidazole] and its catalytic activity in the hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl acetate

The water-soluble monomers, 1-methyl-4-vinylimidazole, 1-methyl-5-vinylimidazole, 1-ethyl-5-vinylimidazole, and 1-propyl-5-vinylimidazole have been synthesized, polymerized, and copolymerized with 4(5)-vinylimidazole. The copolymers were characterized by 14C-labeling, NMR, pKa determination and viscosity measurements. The monomer reactivity ratios determined by 14C counting are r1 = 1.04; r2 = 0.94 [M1 = 4(5)-vinylimidazole, M2 = 1-methyl-4-vinylimidazole] and r1 = 1.01; r2 = 0.86 [M1 = 4(5)-vinylimidazole, M2 = 1-methyl-5-vinylimidazole]. The esterolytic activity of the copolymers for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate (PNPA) at pH 7–8 in 28.5% ethanol–water was higher than that of the mixtures of homopolymers. At pH 5–6 the esterolytic activities of the copolymers and the mixtures were similar. The most efficient esterolytic activity for PNPA hydrolysis at pH 7.11 in 28.5% ethanol–water occurred for copolymers containing 75 mole % 4(5)-vinylimidazole and for copolymers containing 1-methyl-4-vinylimidazole rather than 1-methyl-5-vinylimidazole.
Renal pigmentation due to chronic bismuth administration in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)

Renal pigmentation due to the administration of exogenous compounds is an uncommon finding in most species. This report describes renal pigmentation and intranuclear inclusions of the proximal convoluted tubules due to chronic bismuth administration in a rhesus macaque. An 11-year-old Indian-origin rhesus macaque with a medical history of chronic intermittent vomiting had been treated with bismuth subsalicylate, famotidine, and omeprazole singly or in combination over the course of 8 years. At necropsy, the renal cortices were diffusely dark green to black. Light and electron microscopy revealed intranuclear inclusions within the majority of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. These inclusions appeared magenta to brown when stained with hematoxylin and eosin and were negative by the Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast stain. Elemental analysis performed on frozen kidney measured bismuth levels to be markedly elevated at 110.6 ppm, approximately 500 to 1000 times acceptable limits. To our knowledge, this is the first report of renal bismuth deposition in a rhesus macaque resulting in renal pigmentation and intranuclear inclusions.
Analysis of Solid Deposits from Thermal Stressing of a JP-8 Fuel on Different Tube Surfaces in a Flow Reactor

Thermal stressing of a JP-8 fuel was carried out in an isothermal flow reactor using nickel, stainless steel (316 and 304), Silcosteel, and glass-lined stainless steel tubes at 500 °C wall temperature and 34 atm (500 psig) for 5 h at a liquid fuel flow rate of 1 mL/min. Different length segments along the sample tubes were analyzed to observe the deposit distribution throughout the test section. Temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) analysis and SEM examination of the stressed tubes showed differences in the amount and nature of the solid deposits obtained on the different substrates. The activity of the tube surfaces toward carbon deposition decreases in the order nickel > SS 316 > SS304 > Silcosteel > glass-lined stainless steel. The catalytic activity of the metal surfaces was noted using TPO analysis in conjunction with SEM examination of the deposited tubes.
An Adaptive Procedure for Sequential Clinical Trials

Abstract An adaptive procedure for sequential clinical trials is considered, in which an increasing proportion of patients is assigned to the better of two treatments as evidence for it accumulates. The procedure considered is a multi-stage application of an optimum two-stage procedure. In the first stage of the two-stage procedure patients are assigned to each of two treatments and in the second all are assigned to the apparently better of the two treatments. The optimum two-stage procedure is one in which the proportions assigned to each of the treatments in the first stage, 2pθ and 2p(1 — θ), are such as to minimize a certain natural cost function, which depends on information available before the first stage and on the total number of patients to be treated. Multi-Stage application consists of recalculating the optimum two-stage θ at each point in the sequential stream of patients and interpreting it as the proportion of the next “small” batch of patients to be assigned to treatment 1. This multi-stag...
Cervix cancer death rates and mass cytologic screening.

Death rates for cervix cancer and total uterine cancer among women 20 years old and older have decreased significantly in Jefferson County, Ky., from 1953-1967. Death rates have not changed significantly in Kentucky outside of Jefferson County during this time period. The average age at time of death from cervix cancer is 7.6 years greater for Jefferson County residents during the last 3 years of the study compared to the first 3 years. The only known factor which could account for these observations is a mass cytologic screening program for cervix cancer in Jefferson County; there was no such mass screening effort in the rest of the state.
Serum uric acid in young mongoloids.

A highly significant increase (P {lt} .005) in average uric acid level was found in the blood serum of 25 mongoloids in the age range of 2 to 12 years, with a mean age of 6 years, when levels were compared with those in nonmongoloid, mentally retarded children. These data confirm our previou results with 40 mongoloids whose mean age was 23.7 years, and indicate that elevated uric acid levels are present throughout most of the life of these subjects.
High-voltage implantation facility at GM Research

Abstract This paper describes the effort undertaken at General Motors Research to build a plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) system in order to study the potential of pulsed implantation as a means of modifying the tribological properties of automotive parts and to investigate the feasibility of producing surface modified components. The system has been designed for high dose ion implantation of irregularly shaped objects. It consists of a stainless steel vacuum chamber evacuated by a cryopump system, standard plasma diagnostic tools, a ring-cusp hot filament plasma source and a custom designed 150 kV, 10–20 μs pulser. Details of the system are discussed together with justification for our choice of the specific components and the adopted techniques.
Oropharyngeal dysphagia may occur in late-onset Pompe disease, implicating bulbar muscle involvement

Late-onset Pompe disease (presenting after 12 months of age) often presents with limb-girdle and respiratory weakness, but oropharyngeal dysphagia has not been reported previously. A retrospective review of all late-onset Pompe disease patients evaluated in the neuromuscular clinic at Duke University Medical Center from 1999-2010 was performed. Twelve patients were identified and 3 had symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia. The medical record was reviewed, including the results of electromyography, videofluroscopic swallow examinations, and motor speech examination including instrumental assessment of lingual force with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Oropharyngeal dysphagia was mild in two cases and severe in one. One of the two patients with mild severity demonstrated oral stage swallow signs; in the other, residual material was observed in the area of the cervical esophagus. In the patient with severe oropharyngeal dysphagia, both the oral and pharyngeal stages of swallowing were affected with penetration and aspiration documented. The degree of swallowing impairment appeared to correlate with overall physical strength and function. Oropharyngeal dysphagia may occur in patients with late-onset Pompe disease, implicating bulbar muscle involvement. Screening for symptoms of dysphagia may help reduce morbidity and mortality, while improving understanding of the late-onset Pompe disease phenotype. Further studies, including examination of the relationship between lingual weakness and oropharyngeal dysphagia, are warranted.
Generalized high degrees have the complementation property

We show that if d ∈ GH 1 then (≤ d ) has the complementation property, i.e., for all a d there is some b d such that a ∧ b = 0 and a ∨ b = d .
Effect of blood and mucus on tympanostomy tube biofilm formation.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Tympanostomy tube (TT) biofilm formation may lead to refractory otorrhea and occlusion. The aim of this study was to determine whether TT biofilm formation may be promoted by mucus or blood exposure. Study Design: In vitro, controlled. Methods: Fluoroplastic TTs were exposed to blood, mucoid effusion, or saline. Half were allowed to dry. TTs were cultured with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After 4 days, gentamicin was added to kill planktonic bacteria. Biofilm formation was assessed by quantitative bacterial counts and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Mucus pretreatment (dry and wet) did not increase biofilm formation. Both dry and wet blood exposure increased biofilm formation by bacterial counts (P < .0001). Biofilm formation was demonstrated by electron microscopy in all groups. Conclusions:P. aeruginosa biofilm formation on fluoroplastic TTs is enhanced by blood exposure. Care should be taken to minimize bleeding with TT placement to reduce the risk of biofilm formation.
Occurrence of an activated, profibrotic pattern of gene expression in lung CD8+ T cells from scleroderma patients

Objective Pulmonary fibrosis is a major cause of death in scleroderma patients. Previous studies have shown an increase in CD8+ T cells in the lungs of scleroderma patients. In the present study, we sought to determine whether activated CD8+ T cells contribute to pulmonary fibrosis in scleroderma patients through the production and activation of profibrotic mediators. Methods CD8+ cells were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from 19 scleroderma patients and 7 healthy subjects. The phenotype of these cells was determined using DNA array technology. Expression of selected genes was confirmed in real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments. Results Hierarchical clustering of gene expression profiles revealed 2 groups of subjects. Group 1 consisted of 11 patients (8 with and 3 without lung inflammation). Group 2 consisted of 15 subjects (7 healthy controls and 2 patients with and 6 without lung inflammation). Gene expression in group 1 indicated T cell activation, a type 2 phenotype, production of profibrotic factors and matrix metalloproteinases, and reduced activation-induced cell death. Increased expression of β6 integrin messenger RNA by CD8+ T cells in group 1 suggested the possibility that these T cells might induce cell-contact–dependent activation of latent transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Conclusion A subset of scleroderma patients at higher risk of progressive lung disease have activated, long-lived CD8+ T cells in their lungs that could promote fibrosis directly, through production of profibrotic factors such as interleukin-4 and oncostatin M, as well as indirectly, through activation of TGFβ.
A search for the K-line of Ca II during the eclipse of 7 March, 1970

At the 7 March, 1970 total eclipse, there were no significant differences between intensity levels between K-line and H-line, nor were there any finely structured features in the upper atmosphere of the sun in Hα larger than 2.5″. The two Hα features close to the limb, though unexpected, do not appear to be remarkable.
Elastoplastic Shell Element Based on Assumed Covariant Strain Interpolations

A curved 9-node C° shell finite element for elastoplastic analysis is proposed which is free from serious locking problems, does not possess hourglass modes and provides solutions which are quite insensitive to mesh distortion. The element is based on the use of modified strain fields which are obtained from assumed interpolations of covariant (non-physical) strains referred to the element natural coordinate system. The linear elastic shell formulation is described first and this is then extended for an elastoplastic constitutive model. A return mapping algorithm is introduced for integration of the rate constitutive equations under the zero normal stress hypothesis. Some numerical results, illustrating the good convergence characteristics of the element, are reported.
Leakage current in semiconductor junction radiation detectors and its influence on energy-resolution characteristics

Abstract The theoretical limits of noise in detector-amplifier combinations are discussed and related to the bulk properties of the semiconductor (lifetime and resistivity). A new detector structure which includes a guard ring as an integral part of the detector is described and its effect in eliminating surface leakage is discussed. Experimental results in good agreement with theory for detector leakage and noise resolution are presented. The residual surface effects not eliminated by the guard ring are shown to be important in very-low-leakage detectors, and the results of surface treatments to reduce these effects are briefly mentioned. Observations of the energy resolution of these detectors using various types of particles indicate that factors other than noise are important. Surface imperfections such as are encountered in polished surfaces may cause poor resolution when heavily ionizing particles are detected. Multiple peaks have also been observed in α spectra obtained with diffused junctions, possibly due to other surface effects. A brief description is given of the special electronic circuits used in these measurements. Techniques used in producing the guard-ring counter are described in detail. These employ gaseous diffusion to produce a thin surface junction, followed by etching through a photo-resistant mask to produce the desired geometry.
Photodecomposition of phenol in a tubular-flow reactor

The photodecomposition of pollutant-level concentrations of phenol in water was investigated in differential-flow and batch-recycle reactors. Initial rates were correlated in terms of a two-step process: activation to produce free radicals followed by formation of peroxides. Batch-recycle data showed that phenol can be oxidized to carbon dioxide and water and that benzoquinone is a prominent intermediate. Initial rates of decomposition of this intermediate were about four times those for phenol for the same absorption of radiation. For both phenol and p-benzoquinone initial rates were first order in light intensity and varied from first order to zero order in concentrations of reactant. The data indicate that the slow steps in the overall oxidation are the initial photoactivation of phenol and the subsequent ring-opening step. A general sequence of steps is postulated for the whole process.
Database-aware test coverage monitoring

Unlike traditional programs, a database-centric application interacts with a database that has a complex state and structure. Even though the database is an important component of modern software, there are few tools to support the testing of database-centric applications. This paper presents a test coverage monitoring technique that tracks a program's definition and use of database entities during test suite execution. The paper also describes instrumentation probes that construct a coverage tree that records how the program and the tests cover the database. We conducted experiments to measure the costs that are associated with (i) instrumenting the program and the tests and (ii) monitoring coverage. For all of the applications, the experiments demonstrate that the instrumentation mechanism incurs an acceptable time overhead. While the use of statically inserted probes may increase the size of an application, this approach enables database-aware coverage monitoring that increases testing time from 13% to no more than 54%
Achievement of linearly polarized single-transverse-mode emission from active multimode fiber via multimode interference

Self-imaging and spectral filtering due to multimode interference are utilized to demonstrate an all-fiber laser with active multimode fiber that generates linearly polarized diffraction limited light.
A First Analysis of a Dynamic Memory Allocation Controller (DMAC) Core

Networking performance continues to grow but processor clock frequencies have not. Likewise, the latency to primary memory is not expected to improve dramatically either. This is leading computer architects to reconsider the networking subsystem and the roles and responsibilities of hardware and the operating system. This paper presents the first component of a new networking subsystem where the hardware is responsible for buffering, when necessary, messages without interrupting or involving the operating system. The design is presented and its functionality is demonstrated. The core on an FPGA is exercised with a synthetic stream of messages and the results show that the analytical performance model and measured performance agree.
Bottleneck Detection of Manufacturing Systems Using Data Driven Method

Bottlenecks in a production line have been shown to be one of the main reasons that impede productivity. Correctly and efficiently identifying botdeneck locations can improve the utilisation of finite manufacturing resources, increase the system throughput, and minimize the total cost of production. Current bottleneck detection schemes can be separated into two categories: analytical and simulation-based. For the analytical method, the system performance is assumed to be described by a statistical distribution. Although an analytical model is good at long term prediction, this type of model is not adequate for solving the bottleneck detection problem in the short term. On the other hand, the simulation-based method has disadvantages, such as long development time and decreased flexibility for different production scenarios, which greatly impede its wide implementation. Because of all these problems, a data driven bottleneck detection method has been constructed based on the real-time data from manufacturing systems. Using this new method, bottleneck locations can be identified in both the short term and long term. Furthermore, the proposed data driven bottleneck detection method has been verified using the results from both the analytical and simulation methods.
The impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on employment opportunity for people with disabilities

The impact of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) on employers and the workplace extends well beyond the provisions of the Act. Besides demanding an end to discrimination in the workplace against persons with disabilities, both the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act articulate the goals of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. They state clearly the right of each person to a full and meaningful life regardless of disability. Promoting those goals through employment requires thinking more broadly about the interaction between the individual with the disability, the workplace, and society. The employer is not the only participant. The individual with the disability plays an important role, as do the health care providers. An opportunity to align the goals of SSI and SSDI more closely with the ADA may lie in efforts to expand health care approaches to disability, based on the IOM Model of Disability, and link such practice with disability management efforts in the workplace.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism–Related Brown Tumors Mimicking Other Giant Cell–Containing Skeletal Tumors: Role of Correlative Imaging in Diagnosis

A patient initially suspected of having a giant cell granuloma was subsequently found-through additional imaging with (99m)Tc-sestamibi and ultrasound-to have osteolytic brown tumors caused by a parathyroid adenoma. Brown tumors that relate to primary hyperparathyroidism may mimic other skeletal tumors that contain giant cells, presenting difficulty with accurate diagnosis. Correlative imaging can have a valuable role in such cases, potentially avoiding the extensive work-up usually done for suspected bone metastases.
Slip distributions on faults: effects of stress gradients, inelastic deformation, heterogeneous host-rock stiffness, and fault interaction

Abstract Fault slip distributions are commonly assumed to be symmetrical about a central slip maximum, however, slip distributions in nature are often asymmetric. Although slip along an idealized fault is expected to follow an elliptical distribution after a single slip event in an elastic material, the slip distribution may be modified if the fault propagates or if additional slip events occur. Analytically and numerically computed fault-slip distributions in an elastic medium indicate that: (1) changes in the (frictional) strength along a fault; (2) spatial gradients in the stress field; (3) inelastic deformation near fault terminations; and (4) variations of the elastic modulus of the host rock can cause strong deviations from idealized symmetrical distributions along single-slip event faults. A relatively stiff body adjacent to or cut by a fault will tend to reduce fault slip in its vicinity and tends to flatten the slip profile where it is cut by the fault. Sharp slip gradients develop near the interface between relatively soft and stiff materials. The interaction of faults within about one fault radius of one another can strongly influence slip gradients. Inelastic processes, caused by stress perturbations in the stepover region of echelon faults, may link individual segments and thereby create a slip distribution resembling that of a single fault.
Potassium 2‐Isocyanoacetate

[58948-98-4] C3H2KNO2 (MW 123.1518) InChI = 1S/C3H3NO2.K/c1-4-2-3(5)6;/h2H2,(H,5,6);/q;+1/p-1 InChIKey = IWTQNSMPJLXKLL-UHFFFAOYSA-M Physical Data: white amorphous or crystalline white solid (mp 164–165 °C). Solubility: sol in methanol (250 mg mL−1, about 2 M). Form Supplied in: amorphous solid. Preparative Methods: saponification1 of the ester.2 Reagent 1 is commercially available (Aldrich Chemical Co.). Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the reagent is bench stable for approximately 6 months; there is noticeable degradation after this time in reagent bottles that have been repeatedly opened to the atmosphere. Degradation is visually detected when the isocyanide forms a turbid solution in methanol (about 20 mg mL−1); pure 1 forms a homogeneous translucent solution in methanol. Longer-term storage under argon or in a dry box is recommended. Isocyanides are toxic. Isocyanide 1 is a salt and does not have a stench. Nonetheless, gloves are suggested during manipulation, and use in a fume hood is strongly recommended. For metathesis quenching application, a freshly made methanolic solution of 1 is employed. Purification: reagent may be recrystallized from water–ethanol. Commercial reagent does not require further purification.
Object Tracking with Dynamic Template Update and Occlusion Detec

The objective of this paper is to track moving objects using dynamic template initializations and updates, and to identify tracking events in videos such as occlusions and merging of motion regions. The proposed tracking method is based on spatiotemporal texture motion regions, image alignment, and minimum cost estimation based template selection. The dynamic template update is based on the detection of events in videos. The proposed method has been experimentally evaluated on color and thermal infrared videos.
Association of Bonding-Wire Displacement With Gas Bubbles in Plastic-Encapsulated Integrated Circuits

Evidence for the unexpected association of displaced wires with gas bubbles in plastic-encapsulated integrated circuits is presented. It is also shown that bubbles can be caused by entrainment of air in the compound as it flows through the molding tool. A mechanism which accounts for the frequent association of displaced bonding wires with the gas bubbles is suggested.
Tape Casting Technique for Fabrication of Graded-Density Impactors for Tailored Dynamic Compression

Recently, the use of graded density impactors for dynamic compression experiments has received increasing interest. These gas gun experiments have demonstrated complex loading paths which can last microseconds, and may be capable of bridging the timescales of existing static and dynamic compression experiments. A tape casting technique has been developed for fabrication of the impactors. In the technique, a series of tapes were prepared in the Mg-Cu system with compositions ranging from 100% Mg to 100% Cu. The tapes were characterized for their layer thickness, density, and sound wave velocity. Impactors were fabricated by punching individual layers from the tapes, stacking and laminating them, removing the organic matrix, and hot-pressing the laminated structure. The density profile is determined by the order in which the tapes are stacked in the laminate and is therefore highly flexible. The resultant thickness and average density of the impactors is consistent with the data for the individual layers. Impactors were characterized for uniformity by ultrasonic C-scan and white light interferometry. Dynamic compression experiments were performed on a two-stage helium gas gun using the graded density impactors. Results will be presented and shown to agree well with hydrocode modeling.
Distribution of potassium, sodium, and chloride in canine Purkinje and ventricular tissues. Relation to cellular potential.

Cellular resting and action potentials and total tissue concentrations of K+, Na+, and Cl- were measured in canine myocardial and Purkinje tissues. The results with myocardium were consistent with those of others: the total tissue concentration of K+ was greater than that of Na+ of Cl- In Purkinje tissue, the total tissue concentration of K+ was relatively low, while that of Na+ and of Cl- was high. Extracellular space was calculated on the basis of four different assumptions about the intracellular concentration of one of the ions: (1) the intracellular concentrations of Cl- is zero; (2) the electrochemical equilibrium potential of Cl- equals the cellular resting potential; (3) the electrochemical equilibrium potential of K+ equals the cellular maximum diastolic potential; (4) the electrochemical equilibrium potential of Na+ equals the reversal of the cellular action potential. In the myocardium, the lowest estimate of extracellular space was 14±2%, and the highest was 18±2%. In the Purkinje tissue, the ...
Calcium ionophore activation of chronic myelogenous leukemia progenitor cells into dendritic cells is mediated by calcineurin phosphatase

We have previously demonstrated that Ph+ myeloid progenitor cells of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can acquire characteristics of mature dendritic cells (DC) following calcium mobilization with calcium ionophore (A23187, CI). In this study we characterize the intracellular signaling pathway by which CI induces the acquisition of DC features in these leukemic cells. CI-induced activation of CML cells is attenuated by the calcineurin phosphatase inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA) as well as the calmodulin (CaM) antagonist W-7. These cause ablation of both the CI-induced immunophenotypic expression of DC markers and immunostimulatory properties in mixed leukocyte responses (MLR). Minimal blocking effect was observed when Ca(2+)/CaM kinase II (281-301) inhibitor was added to the cultures. These findings suggest a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism for the CI-induced activation of CML cells into antigen-presenting cells (APC), which is primarily mediated through the CaM/calcineurin pathway.
Two- and three-dimensional high-resolution imaging of the human oviduct with optical coherence tomography

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of optical coherence tomography, a new method of micron-scale imaging, for high-resolution assessment of the oviduct. Optical coherence tomography is analogous to ultrasound except that it measures the backreflection of infrared light rather than acoustical waves. Design: The ampulla of a human fallopian tube was imaged in vitro using optical coherence tomography. Images were generated in 2 and 3 dimensions. Setting: University. Patient(s): Samples were obtained from women who had undergone hysterectomy for leiomyomatosis. Intervention(s): None Main Outcome Measure(s): The ability to perform imaging on a micron scale, which is a level of resolution higher than that of any currently available clinical technology. Result(s): Two- and three-dimensional data sets of the reflectance of a human fallopian tube were acquired. A volume of 5 × 5 × 2.5 mm (length × width × depth) was scanned. The axial resolution was 11 μm, and the lateral resolution at the focus was 20 μm. The data sets showed detailed structures of the fallopian tube. Conclusion(s): Our ability to obtain micron-scale two- and three-dimensional images of an in vitro oviduct suggests that it may be possible to identify and surgically treat tubal causes of infertility.
The incidence of acute kidney injury after cardiac catheterization or PCI: a comparison of radial vs. femoral approach.

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Visualization And Communication In Risk Management Of Landslides

Our research integrates modeling, high perfon-nance computing, database management, visualization, and collaborative environments for hazard mitigation of landslides and debris flows at volcanoes, Our project has three main thrusts: (1) developing realistic simulations of landslides and other flows at volcanoes; (2) integrating data from several sources, including simulation results, remote sensing data, and GIS data, and (3) extracting, organizing and presenting information in a range of formats and fidelity, including audio, visual, and text, to a geographically distributed set of scientists and decision-makers involved in risk management. The ~asis of our simulation codes is a new data management scheme that facilitates storage of and access to massive data sets, as well as data obtained from simulations. Our simulation permits local mesh refinement, and thus includes support for locally refined analysis in areas of special interest. The organization of GIS data for the simulations is also facilitated by this structure. Because visualization is crucial for risk analysis of volcano hazards, data meta-structures of familiar features are extracted for detailed, off-line analysis. This visualization environment permits interactive navigation and manipulation of view, and includes a spectrum of visual details ranging from individual buildings to entire mountainside scenes. Users at geographically remote locations can interact, view simulation results, and discuss possible safety options in a distributed fashion on the web.
Insulin-mediated increase in sympathetic nerve activity is attenuated by C-peptide in diabetic rats.

Connecting peptide (C-peptide) is secreted along with insulin in equimolar amounts into portal circulation in response to beta cell stimulation. The biological function of C-peptide had been mostly limited to establishing the secondary and tertiary structure of proinsulin. Recent studies have suggested that C-peptide can impact several functions, such as autonomic and sensory nerve function, insulin secretion, and microvascular blood flow. In this study we examined the effects of C-peptide in the presence or absence of insulin on cardiovascular and sympathetic nerve activity in both normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Animals were made diabetic by a single intravenous injection of STZ (50 mg/kg) and maintained for 6 weeks. The diabetic animals had higher plasma glucose, lower plasma insulin, and C-peptide, compared with the normal animals. To characterize cardiovascular and autonomic nervous responses, the animals were anesthetized with urethane/α-chloralose and instrumented for ...
Irresistible ants: exposure to novel toxic prey increases consumption over multiple temporal scales.

As species become increasingly exposed to novel challenges, it is critical to understand how evolutionary (i.e., generational) and plastic (i.e., within lifetime) responses work together to determine a species' fate or predict its distribution. The introduction of non-native species imposes novel pressures on the native species that they encounter. Understanding how native species exposed to toxic or distasteful invaders change their feeding behavior can provide insight into their ability to cope with these novel threats as well as broader questions about the evolution of this behavior. We demonstrated that native eastern fence lizards do not avoid consuming invasive fire ants following repeated exposure to this toxic prey. Rather fence lizards increased their consumption of these ants following exposure on three different temporal scales. Lizards ate more fire ants when they were exposed to this toxic prey over successive days. Lizards consumed more fire ants if they had been exposed to fire ants as juveniles 6 months earlier. Finally, lizards from populations exposed to fire ants over multiple generations consumed more fire ants than those from fire ant-free areas. These results suggest that the potentially lethal consumption of fire ants may carry benefits resulting in selection for this behavior, and learning that persists long after initial exposure. Future research on the response of native predators to venomous prey over multiple temporal scales will be valuable in determining the long-term effects of invasion by these novel threats.