cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
`Babbling' and social context in infant monkeys: parallels to human infants

Although only humans use spoken language, the vocal communication of many animals shares some features with language. Within the context of their family, normal children and young non-human primates develop proficiency in the nuances of their species-specific vocal communication system. Engaging in speech-like phonetic activity, or babbling, occurs in all normal children regardless of their native language. Similar periods of vocal development have not been described previously for non-human primates. However, in the pygmy marmoset, a South American monkey, we found that the primary vocal behavior of infants parallels many characteristics of human infant babbling. These analogous features include universality, repetition, use of a subset of the adult vocal repertoire, recognizably adult-like vocal structure and lack of a clear vocal referent. Also, like human infants, young marmosets develop in a closely knit family unit that includes both parents and often older siblings. In this context, the babbling-like behavior of the marmoset infant stimulates interaction with caregivers, thereby serving a key role in the infant's own development. These developmental and social processes indicate that the study of vocal development in non-human primate species can provide insights into the function of babbling in humans.
Distribution movements, macroeconomic regularities and the representative consumer

Abstract The behaviour of agents and the distribution of agents play equivalent and joint roles in determining macroeconomic relationships. A general characterization of the joint restrictions on preferences and distributions of consumers that rationalize a representative consumer is provided. Linear Engel curves and social welfare maximizing income distributions are shown to be polar examples of this general characterization. Joint restrictions that lie between these extremes, employing regularities in both consumers' preferences and the distribution of income, can explain the empirical observation that macroeconomic demands resemble a non-linear representative consumer. Similar joint regularities in behaviour and distributions are likely to account for many observed macroeconomic regularities.
Comparison of changes over time in leukocyte counts in Yucatan minipigs irradiated with simulated solar particle event-like radiation

During a major solar particle event (SPE), astronauts in space are at risk of exposure to an increased dose of proton radiation. The whole body distribution of the absorbed SPE proton dose is inhomogeneous, and such an inhomogeneous SPE proton dose can be simulated by electron radiation. Using Yucatan minipigs as an animal model, we compared the time courses of leukocyte count changes after exposure to proton simulated SPE (pSPE) radiation or electron simulated SPE (eSPE) radiation. The results demonstrated that the time required after irradiation to reach the lowest leukocyte counts was generally comparable between the pSPE and eSPE radiation exposures. However, the leukocyte count often recovered faster after electron irradiation compared to proton irradiation at the corresponding doses. In addition, the radiation dose required to achieve comparable magnitudes of leukocyte count decrease was higher in the eSPE animals than for the pSPE animals. In conclusion, based on the magnitude of the decrease and the time required to reach the lowest leukocyte counts after irradiation, the pSPE radiation was more effective than the eSPE radiation in reducing the peripheral leukocyte counts. Lymphocytes appeared to be the most sensitive type of leukocytes in response to either type of SPE radiation. It is particularly noteworthy that following exposure to pSPE radiation at the skin doses >5 Gy, the neutrophils do not recover from the radiation damage at times up to 30 days, and the neutrophils have not recovered to their baseline levels even at 90 days post-irradiation. These results suggest a marked difference in the ability of the neutrophils to recover from pSPE radiation compared with the results observed for eSPE radiation.
FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF A SOY CONCENTRATE AND A SOY ISOLATE IN SIMPLE SYSTEMS.

Nitrogen solubility index and percent water absorption of a soy protein concentrate and isolate were evaluated as a function of pH and temperature. Although solubility and water absorption tended to increase as pH of the dispersion increased from 5.0 to 7.0 and as temperature increased from ambient to 90°C, pH and temperature effects were interdependent. The concentrate was less soluble and less responsive to changes in pH and temperature than was the isolate. Response surfaces for the concentrate and isolate, particularly those for water absorption, differed in shape.
HLA-C and HLA-E reduce antibody-dependent natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity of HIV-infected primary T cell blasts.

Objective: To determine whether the presence of HLA-C and HLA-E on HIV-infected cells modulates autologous natural killer (NK) cells from implementing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of HIV-infected cells. Design: The capability of HLA-C and HLA-E to control NK cell killing of HIV-infected autologous T cells coated with anti-gp120 monoclonal antibody was determined by blocking the interaction between the inhibitory receptors on NK cells and the MHC class I molecules on infected cells. Methods: Phytohemagglutinin-treated CD4 T cells were infected in vitro with HIV-1. Infected cells were separated from uninfected cells by removal of CD4 T cells. Infected cells were labeled with chromium-51, treated with a cocktail of four different monoclonal antibodies against HIV gp120, and co-cultured with freshly isolated autologous NK cells that were incubated with or without anti-CD159a, anti-CD158a, and CD158b, or all three antibodies combined. Killing of the HIV-infected cells by NK cells was assessed in a 4 h cytotoxic assay. Results: When the interaction between NK cell inhibitory receptors (i.e., CD158a, cD158b, and CD159a) and MHC class I molecules (i.e., HLA-C and HLA-E) on HIV-infected autologous T cells was blocked, a drastic increase in killing of anti-gp120-coated HIV-infected cells by NK cells was observed. Conclusion: These studies indicate that the presence of HLA-C and HLA-E molecules on HIV-infected cells may facilitate evasion of NK-mediated killing of antibody-coated HIV-infected cells.
City of bits: space, place, and the infobahn

Pulling glass electronic agoras cyborg citizens recombinant architecture soft cities bit biz getting to the good bits notes surf sites.
A brief history of health systems engineering - its early years through 1989: An industrial engineering perspective

In the very early 1900s, there were a few traces of industrial engineering thinking being applied to clinical and administrative activities in hospitals. These discrete efforts did not materialize for several decades until, a little more than fifty years ago, when formal use of industrial engineering in hospitals first surfaced. The profession appeared as a force and coalesced in the 1950s and 1960s. This paper traces the evolution of Industrial Engineering in healthcare from its beginning through the present with an emphasis on the period ending 1989. It discusses the hospital roots of the profession that began with emulating the use of IE in manufacturing (hospital management engineering) and how it has come to embrace various dimensions of healthcare as Health Systems Engineering (HSE). The paper's objective is to provide the background of HSE which includes discussions of the environmental, governmental, and healthcare industry factors that were and remain the impetus for growth of the profession; the...
Ultra low permittivity/loss CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4–rGO nanohybrids by novel 1-hexanol assisted solvothermal process

Abstract CoFe 2 O 4 nano particles and CoFe 2 O 4 –rGO nano hybrids were synthesized via 1-hexanol assisted in situ reduction and growth process under solvothermal conditions for the first time and were characterized. Morphological and dimensional analysis showed spherical nano particles of average size 15–27 nm. Magneto dielectric spectroscopy revealed the formation of ultra low dielectric constant of 3.21 (@1 MHz) nano particles with negligible loss of as low as 0.03 (@3 GHz). Nano hybrid were also tailored to show electromagnetic absorption from 12 MHz to 3 GHz otherwise absent at this frequency.
The central nervous system and neurogenic hypertension.

I T HAS LONG been proposed that the sympathetic nervous system may play a critical role in initiating and/or sustaining the disease of essential hypertension. l-4 The long-standing knowledge that drugs that block sympathetic neurotransmission peripherally reduce the elevated blood pressure in patients with hypertension4 and recent evidence, acquired by application of new and sensitive methods, that patients with essential hypertension have elevated levels of circulating catecholamines5P6 have added support to the hypothesis. The precise manner in which the sympathetic neuron participates in hypertension remains to be elucidated. Conceivably, dysfunction of the machinery in the sympathetic terminal itself could lead to inadequate inactivation of neurotransmitters.7 A second mechanism could be a primary alteration in vascular smooth muscle, which might lead to heightened reactivity or structural changes in the effector organ leading to increased vascular resistance and elevation of blood pressure.“’ In this instance, the sympatheticneuron would play a permissive role in the development of hypertension. Finally, a defect within the reflexive pathways that regulate the magnitude of the sympathetic discharge by the brain, could be at fault, thereby leading to undampened activity of the sympathetic neurons. .Such increased sympathetic activity might lead to transient and reversible hypertension but conceivably could lead to secondary changes within blood vessels that might fix the hypertensive state.2P8g Such defects could be located within peripheral receptors, or within the areas of brain necessary for integrating the reflexes into centrally patterned changes in circulatory function. It is widely accepted that the central nervous
Gastrointestinal Diseases of Pet Rabbits

Gastrointestinal disease is the most common reason that pet rabbits are presented for veterinary evaluation and treatment. Most of the problems affecting a house rabbit's gastrointestinal health are caused by hereditary or husbandry factors, many of which can be managed with basic veterinary procedures and appropriate diet.
Carbohydrate, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations of spring wheat leaves and stems

Cette etude determine la dynamique des glucides solubles dans l'eau, de l'azote et du phosphore dans la tige principale et les feuilles et les tiges des talles durant les stades de developpement du ble de printemps
Ultrastructural aspects of chronic oral candidosis

. Human biopsy specimens from white patches on the mucosae of tongue and lips which had previously given positive cultures for Candida albicans were examined. The specimens were processed for electron microscopy by conventional techniques. The fine structure of the superficial layer of the epithelium revealed Candida albicans in extra- and intracellular sites. Penetration into the deeper layers was not observed. The fungus had a thick cell wall surrounded by an outer floccular layer. The cytoplasm of the superficial epithelial cells showed degenerative changes and fragmentation of tonofilaments in the immediate vicinity of the fungus. Microabscesses, formed by pools of neutrophils, were common in the upper spinous layer. In places, fungi and bacteria appear to have been phagocytosed by neutrophils and macrophages. The cells of the lower spinous and basal layers showed detachment of desmosomes, marked increase in intracellular glycogen, prominent lysosome-like dense bodies and abundant mitochondria of differing shapes. At the epithelial-connective tissue junction, fine filaments and collagen fibrils were intermingled throughout the basal lamina, forming multiple, highly electron-dense layers. A noticeable change in the connective tissue was the accumulation of numerous mast cells containing differently shaped granules filled with scrolls and dense strands of granular material. The terminal blood vessel exhibited leakage and numerous, concentric duplications of the basal lamina.
Development of a mobile robot for the 1995 AUVS competition

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) have many potential applications in manufacturing, medicine, space and defense. The purpose of this paper is to describe exploratory research on the design of a modular autonomous mobile robot controller. The advantages of a modular system are related to portability and the fact that any vehicle can become autonomous with minimal modifications. A mobile robot test-bed has been constructed using a golf cart base. This cart has full speed control with guidance provided by a vision system and obstacle avoidance using ultrasonic sensors systems. The speed and steering control are supervised by a 486 computer through a 3-axis motion controller. The obstacle avoidance system is based on a micro-controller interfaced with six ultrasonic transducers. The is micro-controller independently handles all timing and distance calculations and sends a steering angle correction back to the computer via the serial line. This design yields a portable independent system, where even computer communication is not necessary. Vision guidance is accomplished with a CCD camera with a zoom lens. The data is collected through a commercial tracking device, communicating with the computer the X,Y coordinates of the lane marker. Testing of these systems yielded positive results by showing that at five mph the vehicle can follow a line and at the same time avoid obstacles. This design, in its modularity, creates a portable autonomous controller applicable for any mobile vehicle with only minor adaptations.
Abstract 642: Vimentin is a novel anticancer therapeutic target

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Vimentin is a ubiquitous mesenchymal intermediate filament supporting mechano-structural integrity of quiescent cells while participating in adhesion, migration, survival, and cell signaling processes via dynamic assembly/disassembly in activated cells. Soft tissue sarcomas and some epithelial cancers exhibiting “epithelial to mesenchymal transition” phenotypes express vimentin. Withaferin-A (WFA), a naturally derived bioactive compound, may molecularly target vimentin, so we sought to evaluate its effects on tumor growth in vitro and in vivo thereby elucidating the role of vimentin in drug-induced responses. WFA elicited marked apoptosis and vimentin cleavage in vimentin-expressing tumor cells but significantly less in normal mesenchymal cells. This proapoptotic response was abrogated after vimentin knockdown or by blockade of caspase-induced vimentin degradation via caspase inhibitors or overexpression of mutated caspase-resistant vimentin. Pronounced anti-angiogenic effects of WFA were demonstrated, with only minimal effects seen in non-proliferating endothelial cells. Moreover, WFA significantly blocked soft tissue sarcoma growth, local recurrence, and metastasis in a panel of soft tissue sarcoma xenograft experiments. Apoptosis, decreased angiogenesis, and vimentin degradation were all seen in WFA treated specimens. In light of these findings, evaluation of WFA, its analogs, or other anti-vimentin therapeutic approaches in soft tissue sarcoma and ”epithelial to mesenchymal transition” clinical contexts is warranted. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 642.
Environmentally-relevant forms of the prion protein.

Scrapie and chronic wasting disease (CWD) are prion diseases of particular environmental concern as they are horizontally transmissible and can remain infectious after years in the environment. Recent evidence suggests that the N-terminus of PrPSc, the infectious conformation of the prion protein, plays an important role in the mechanism of sorption to soil particles. We hypothesize that, in a prion-infected animal carcass, a portion of the N-terminus of PrPSc could be cleaved by proteinases in the brain at ordinary temperatures. Hamster (HY transmissible mink encephalopathy-infected), transgenic mice (CWD-infected), and elk (CWD-infected) brain homogenates were incubated at 22 and 37 °C for up to 1 month and then analyzed by Western blot using N-terminal and middle region monoclonal anti-PrP antibodies. For all three systems, there was a very faint or undetectable N-terminal PrP signal after 35 days at both temperatures, which indicates that full-length PrPSc might be rare in the brain matter of animal c...
Three-dimensional integration: An industry perspective

The field of electronics packaging is undergoing a significant transition to accommodate the slowing down of lithographically driven semiconductor scaling. Three-dimensional (3D) integration is an important component of this transition and promises to revolutionize the way chips are assembled and interconnected in a subsystem. In this article, we develop the key attributes of 3D integration, the enablers and the challenges that need to be overcome before widespread acceptance by industry. While we are already seeing the proliferation of applications in the memory subsystem, the best is yet to come with the heterogeneous integration of a diverse set of technologies, the mixing of lithographic nodes and an economic argument for its implementation based on overall system function, and cost rather than a narrow component-based analysis. Finally, an extension to monolithic 3D integration promises even further benefits.
Mediation of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate dependent reduction of cytochrome c by morphine.

Abstract The ability of morphine and other analgesics to mediate a transfer of electrons from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) to cytochrome c was investigated. This phenomenon was first reported by Wang and Bain ( J. Pharmac. exp. Ther. , 108 , 354, 1953), and we have confirmed their findings and provided further insight into this unusual action of morphine. This electron transfer was studied by following the reduction of cytochrome c and it was found that: (1) in order to mediate the transfer of electrons, the compound studied must be a morphinan with a free phenolic hydroxyl group in the 3 position and an oxygen bridge between positions 4 and 5; (2) substitution or rearrangement of other functional groups on the morphinan molecule did not greatly affect its ability to mediate the electron transfer; (3) by optimizing reaction condition (pH and purification of the morphine), we observed measurable rates of cytochrome c reduction (0·002 A/min) at morphine concentrations as low as 4·2 × 10 −7 M; and (4) preliminary evidence indicates that morphine acts catalytically in mediating the electron transfer. Since narcotic analgesics of the opioid type such as methadone, pentazocine and 3-hydroxy- N -methyl morphinan did not mediate the electron transfer, it appears that no correlation exists between this electron transferring action and the mechanism of analgesia in general. This does not, however, preclude that a correlation could exist between this electron transferring action and some other aspect of the pharmacological action of opiates.
Crevice Corrosion Propagation on Alloy 625 and Alloy C276 in Natural Seawater

Abstract Chemical composition of the aqueous solution within crevices on two different Ni-Cr-Mo-Fe alloys immersed in natural seawater was determined using a semiquantitative thin-layer chromatogra...
Impact of health screening and education on knowledge of coronary heart disease risk factors

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effects of a community health screening and education intervention on knowledge of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors and participation in health-promoting behaviors. Design Descriptive, exploratory, nonexperimental study. Setting Little Rock, AR, from July 2007 to December 2007. Participants 56 participants recruited from two community health screenings. Intervention Prescreening written questionnaire to determine baseline knowledge of CHD risk factors. Participants underwent risk factor screening (lipid profile, blood glucose, body mass index [BMI], and blood pressure) and received tailored education. A postscreening telephone questionnaire was administered 4 to 8 weeks later. Main outcome measures Participant knowledge of CHD risk factors and participation in health-promoting behaviors pre- and postscreening. Results Of the 56 participants enrolled, 45 (80.4%) completed the postscreening telephone survey. Compared with prescreening responses, participants showed significantly greater postscreening knowledge of healthy values for CHD risk factors, including blood pressure ( P = 0.02), fasting blood glucose ( P = 0.03), fasting total cholesterol ( P P Conclusion These results demonstrate that community-based health screening and education interventions can effectively promote public health knowledge and empower participants to engage in health-promoting behaviors.
Gender Differences, But No Racial Group Differences, in Self-Reported Psychiatric Symptoms in Adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective To study gender differences in psychiatric symptoms and their relationship to minor delinquent behavior in high school seniors. Method This was a cross-sectional study of symptoms experienced during the past 2 weeks and the past year. Male ( n = 249) and female ( n = 248) high school seniors attending an inner-city and two suburban high schools rated themselves on a 46-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist and a 19-item Delinquency questionnaire. Results: Female adolescents, regardless of race, reported significantly higher levels of emotional distress, in particular depressed mood and anxiety, than did male adolescents. A separate factor analysis of male and female students generated angertension, school problems, and sadness-irritation, lethargy, respectively, as the first two factors. Trouble paying attention in school and marijuana, alcohol, and other drug use were associated with significantly higher levels of psychiatric symptoms. Black and white adolescents were similar in psychological adjustment. Conclusions This survey confirms sex differences in the level of psychiatric symptoms for 16− to 18-year-old adolescents, suggests gender-related qualitative differences in negative emotions, and emphasizes the importance of controlling for education when studying adolescents from different ethnic or racial backgrounds.
Responses of the growth-retarded fetus to acute hypoxemia

Growth retardation in the human fetus associated with maternal cardiovascular disease is frequently accompanied by birth asphyxia and perinatal mortality. We have investigated the cardiovascular responses to acute hypoxemia in the fetal lamb with growth retardation secondary to embolization of the uteroplacental vascular bed. In the basal period, fetal arterial P02 and umbilical perfusion were significantly lower, and perfusion of the adrenal glands, brain, and heart was significantly higher, in embolized than in control fetal lambs. During imposed acute hypoxemia there was preferential perfusion of vital organs, the adrenal glands, brain, and heart in control and embolized fetuses. This preferential perfusion to the vital organs during hypoxemia was significantly more pronounced in embolized animals. Because of the increased compensation during acute hypoxemia, as reflected by the increased preferential perfusion of vital organs, the growth-retarded fetuses would probably decompensate sooner if the hypoxemia was prolonged.
The Importance of Nurses as Participants of Research

Nurses are historically consumers of research. Pathways into other aspects of nursing research are discussed. Nurses are encouraged to become research participants in an effort to improve the publi...
Influence of age, sex and diurnal variability on imipramine receptor binding and serotonin uptake in platelets of normal subjects

Imipramine (IMI) binding and serotonin (5-HT) uptake were determined in platelets of 98 healthy volunteers; and their association with age, sex and circadian rhythm were evaluated. A large interindividual variability was found for both IMI and 5-HT parameters. There was a negative correlation of IMI affinity constant (Kd) and binding (Bmax) with age, but no such correlation of 5-HT affinity constant (Km) or uptake (Vmax). Significant age-related diurnal variability was found for 5-HT Km in the whole group as well as for IMI Kd in males, but not in females. There was no significant correlation between 5-HT Vmax and IMI Bmax. Our results underscore a cautious approach to the interpretation of platelet serotonergic studies. In light of the multiple variables influencing the results, the usefulness of IMI or 5-HT as clinical markers should be re-evaluated.
Effects of phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine and desipramine on clonidine-induced blockade of cardiac acceleration in the dog

Abstract Clonidine reduced cardiac acceleration induced by low frequency eletrical stimulation of cardiac symphathetic nerve fibers in anesthetized and vagotomized dogs. This effect of clonidine was abolished by short periods of high frequency electrical stimulation. The inhibitory effect of clonidine was observed with 10- as well as with 90-sec periods of electrical stimulation of symphatetic nerve fibers; it was antagonized by phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine and desipramine. This suggests the presence of α-adrenoceptors ar the peripheral sympathetic nerve ending in the dog.
Direct coupled cluster calculations on excited states

Coupled cluster calculations with single and double excitations are examined, with attention to multi- and single-reference calculations for excited states. Illustrative results for Lilt are reported.
Antimuscarinic agents: Furan analogs of benzilate esters

The methiodide and ethiodide salts of 5-(dimethylami-nomethyl)- and 5-(diethylaminomethyl)-α,α-diphenylfurfuryl alcohol were prepared. These compounds may be considered as furan analogs of dialkylaminoethyl benzilate alkiodides. The pA2 values of these compounds as antagonists of acetylcholine were determined on rat jejunum preparation. All four compounds were significantly less potent than the analogous ester antimuscarinic lachesine. The furan ring cannot be substituted for the ester moiety of typical antimuscarinics. Possible modes of binding by antagonists to the receptor proposed previously are considered that might account for this less-than-expected antimuscarinic activity.
In situ formation of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cermet anode by NiWO4 reduction

Abstract The presented work describes a process for producing a mixed-conducting SOFC cermet anode through the in situ reduction of a ternary oxide. A porous nickel tungstenate (NiWO 4 ) was screen-printed and bonded onto an yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte-supported SOFC by treatment at 1000 °C for 1 h. An (La,Sr)MnO 3 /Ce 0.9 Gd 0.1 O 2 (LSM/GDC) was utilized as the cathode with the NiWO4 acting as the anode for the SOFC. The ∼1-cm diameter fuel cell with a ∼100-μm thick YSZ electrolyte was tested in H 2 fuel at 800 °C. During the insertion of the H 2 fuel, the NiWO 4 was reduced to form a Ni/WO x cermet composite that consisted of a fine mixture of Ni-nanoparticles dispersed over the porous WO x support structure. A maximum power density of ∼104 mW cm −2 was attained for the reduced NiWO 4 anode, even with an un-optimized and dense microstructure, on an electrolyte-supported cell. The power density was increased to ∼165 mW cm −2 with the incorporation of GDC powder into the NiWO 4 anode. The same NiWO 4 /GDC composite was tested within a fuel stream of H 2 containing 10 ppm PH 3 . The cell's degradation rate was 0.006 V h −1 for 5 h at 750 °C, which is similar to that observed for conventional Ni/YSZ cermets.
The Possibility of Meaning in Human Evolution

Science undermines the certitude of non-naturalistic answers to the question of whether human life has meaning. I explore whether evolution can provide a naturalistic basis for existential meaning. Using the work of philosopher Daniel Dennett and scientist Ursula Goodenough, I argue that evolution is the locus of the possibility of meaning because it has produced intentionality, the matrix of consciousness. I conclude that the question of the meaning of human life is an existentialist one: existential meaning is a product of the individual and collective tasks human beings undertake.
Systematic data integration platform for functional glycomics

Glycomics is a discipline of biology that deals with the structure and function of glycans (or carbohydrates). Analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are having a significant impact on the field of glycomics. However, effective progress in glycomics research requires collaboration between laboratories to share experimental data, structural information of glycans, and simulation results. Herein we report the development of a web-based data management system that can incorporate large volumes of data from disparate sources and organize them into a uniform format for users to store and access. This system enables participating laboratories to set up a shared data repository which members of interdisciplinary teams can access. The system is able to manage and share raw MS data and structural information of glycans. The web-based interface will be available at http://www.glycomics.bcf.ku.edu/ (public release projected for xx/xx/2010).
Boolean factoring and decomposition of logic networks

This paper presents new methods for restructuring logic networks based on fast Boolean techniques. The basis for these are 1) a cut-based view of a logic network, 2) exploiting the uniqueness and speed of disjoint-support decompositions, 3) a new heuristic for speeding these up, 4) extending these to general decompositions, and 5) limiting local transformations to functions with 16 or less inputs so that fast truth table manipulations can be used in all operations. Boolean methods lessen the structural bias of algebraic methods, while still allowing for high speed and multiple iterations. Experimental results on K-LUT networks show an average additional reduction of 5.4% in LUT count, while preserving delay, compared to heavily optimized versions of the same networks.
Pascal procedures and functions for teaching linear data structures

Textbook subprogram packages for abstract data structures are often inadequate, inconsistent in design, or are listed as exercises. This paper presents three packages of coordinated Pascal procedures and functions that overcome these deficiencies for a selection of linear data structures. The packages are for array- and link-based stacks and link-based queues. Design guidelines for developing the packages are discussed, and examples of exercises using them are included.
Luminescent Ru(phen)n(bps)3-n2n-4 Complexes (n = 0−3) as Probes of Electrostatic and Hydrophobic Interactions with Micellar Media

The Ru(phen)n(bps)3-n2n-4 (n = 0−3) complexes (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bps = disulfonated 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) were prepared to probe the hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions with cationic DTAB (n-dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide), anionic SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate), and neutral C12E8 (n-dodecyl octaoxyethylene glycol monoether) surfactants. The measured emission maxima and lifetimes are consistent with the population of the Ru → phen MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) excited state in Ru(phen)32+ and the lower-lying Ru → bps MLCT excited state in Ru(phen)n(bps)3-n2n-4 (n = 0−2). Premicellar aggregates with oppositely charged surfactants lead to decreased overall emission intensity for all complexes. In particular, aggregates formed by Ru(bps)34- with DTAB exhibit a 22-fold decrease in emission intensity and marked changes in the electronic absorption spectrum, with a concomitant appearance of a shorter lifetime component. The photophysical characteristics of the premicellar a...
Adoptive transfer of autoimmune diabetes and thyroiditis to athymic rats.

Abstract We describe the induction of autoimmune diabetes, insulitis, and thyroiditis in athymic rats following injections of major histocompatibility complex compatible spleen cells. Lymphocytes with these capabilities were found in normal rats of the YOS, WAG, PVG, and diabetes-resistant BB strains, and in diabetes-prone BB rats. Adoptive transfer was facilitated by prior in vivo depletion of RT6.1+ regulatory T cells and in vitro mitogen activation of donor spleen cells. By RT6 depleting diabetes-resistant donors and using nude recipients, transfer of diabetes and thyroiditis was accomplished by using fresh, unstimulated spleen cells. The data suggest that organ-specific autoreactive cells may be present to various degrees but suppressed to a variable extent in many rat strains. The equilibrium between autoreactive and regulatory cells appears to determine the expression of autoimmunity.
On the fracture of highway pavements

Using a model of a single layered foundation to describe a highway or an airfield pavement and an integral formulation, the problem of a pavement containing on-the-top layer a crack of finite length 2c is solved for the stress distribution around the crack tip. The analysis shows that the stresses possess the usual 1/ɛ1/2 singular behavior which is characteristic of crack problems. Furthermore, it is found that the stress intensity factor decreases as the magnitudes of the two foundation parameters increase. Finally, as the foundation presents more resistance to shear deformation, the critical load for crack initiation increases.
Influence of variable species composition on the saccharification of AFEX™ pretreated biomass from unmanaged fields in comparison to corn stover

Abstract From the perspective of the biorefinery, the inherent heterogeneity of mixed-species feedstocks increases the apparent risk associated with their use due to the difficulty in predicting processing characteristics, potential yields and digestibility. These materials often contain species from different botanical classifications, which could affect pretreatment efficiency and Saccharification yields. For this study, we evaluated the impact of ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX™ 1 ) pretreatment conditions on hydrolysis sugar yields for five early successional old-field treatment replicates, each comprised of a different mixture of annual forb and grass species. Yields from these samples were also compared to a late successional old field sample and to corn stover that had been pretreated at the same conditions. Relatively high sugar yields were obtained for four of the five early successional feedstocks when pretreated at the same conditions: 2.0 g NH3:g DM; 0.5 g H2O:g DM; 100 °C; 30 min. It was found that glucan digestibility was strongly inversely correlated to the total lignin content; however this was not true of the xylan digestibility. The mixed-species feedstocks that had a higher grass content tended to also have a higher structural sugar content and were more digestible than forb-dominated feedstocks, thereby resulting in higher saccharification yields. Also, the grass-dominated mixed-species feedstocks were as digestible as corn stover (∼80% total sugar yields). However, due to its higher structural sugar content, corn stover had higher total glucose and xylose yields (580 g/kg biomass) compared to the mixed-species feedstocks, which ranged from 290 to 470 g/kg biomass.
A Mead–Cooley Merger

Since Cooley was unable to fight back when Mead wrote his highly negative obituary, this is a defense of Cooley. Mead accused Cooley of solipsism, which I show to be a misreading. Mead also criticized Cooley for defining the self as self-feeling, as opposed to Mead’s reflexivity, two ideas which actually imply each other. Cooley scooped Mead by a good decade with the ideas of role-taking and inner speech, debts which Mead did not mention. I also show that Mead did not really explain the origin of the self, either phylogenetically (in the species) or ontogenetically (in the infant). I speculate about these two issues. Mead was a great genius, but, like everyone, he had his limits. And fairness requires that Cooley be rehabilitated. The ideas of the two thinkers are actually remarkably alike, so much so that a merger seems a reasonable idea.
Variation of thin filament length in heart muscle

ALTHOUGH the length dependence of force generation by heart muscle has been attributed to the degree of overlap of thin and thick filaments within the sarcomere, the required accurate values of the lengths of cardiac thin filaments have not been available. The existence in frog atrial trabeculae of thick filaments of uniform 1.55 µm length, of a small number of very long thin filaments, and of rosettes containing fewer or more than six thin filaments surrounding each thick filament has been noted3 (Fig. 1), but no study of the dimensions of a statistically significant number of thin filaments has been made. Using serial transverse electron micrographs of cardiac cells we have found that the lengths of thin filaments vary by as much as 0.6 µm within a single sarcomere in a single myofibril. All other factors being constant, this broad range should increase the length of the plateau of the sarcomere length–tension relationship and allow the myocardial cells contracting in situ to operate entirely on the plateau. The sliding of myofilaments, therefore, should have little direct effect on force generation in the intact heart.
Somatostatin fibers and their relationship to specific cell types (GH and TSH) in the rat anterior pituitary

Abstract Fibers immunocytochemically stained for somatostatin (growth hormone-release-inhibiting hormone) were localized in the anterior pituitaries of rats. Initial studies of fiber localization involved the use of thick frozen (30μm) sections which allowed visualization of fibers as they coursed along the periphery of the anterior lobe in the sagittal plane and along blood vessels throughout the lobe. Fibers were observed most often at the rostral, caudal, and lateral poles. In thinner (1–3 μm) paraffin sections, stained somatostatin fibers could be localized in close proximity to cells that were stained for growth hormone or thyroid stimulating hormone in a double stain with a second peroxidase substrate. These and our previous light microscopic studies show that a few neuronal processes containing neurotransmitters extend beyond the level of the median eminence (or perhaps from a peripheral source), penetrate the anterior lobe in specific regions, and lie in close proximity to cells known to be controlled by the transmitter.
HL-A Antigens of Patients with Wegener's Granulomatosis

The frequency of HL-A antigens was determined in 31 patients with biopsy-confirmed Wegener's granulomatosis and compared with their frequency in healthy Caucasian control population. There was no significant difference between the two groups for any of the 24 HL-A antigens tested.
On the Solvability of a Subclass of the Suranyi Reduction Class

In [1] Dreben showed that the subclass K′ (described below) of the Suranyi reduction class is recursively solvable by showing that the subclass is finitely controllable ; that is, by showing that any member S of K′ is satisfiable only if it is finitely satisfiable. Dreben's argument is very complex, but much of the complexity is due to his proving not merely solvability, but the deeper property of finite controllability. In the present note, by exploiting certain features of Dreben's technique, a simpler, direct proof of the solvability of K′ is obtained — that is, a proof in which the question of satisfiability in a finite domain plays no role.
Mariculture of the red seaweed, Hypnea musciformis.

Abstract Hypnea musciformis (Wulfen) Lamouroux was cultured in outdoor tanks at Summerland Key, Florida, for 15 months. Biomass increases of as much as 20% per day were recorded. The highest growth rates were observed when the water temperature was between 18° and 24°C and with continuous water flow, supplemental nitrogen and phosphate, and an initial biomass of 1.86 kg weed per square meter of surface area in the culture tanks. The growth rate was inversely proportional to biomass and to the level of solar irradiance. The kappa carrageenan content of cultivated Hypnea was inversely proportional to its growth rate. Following a period of rapid growth, the carrageenan content of the Hypnea could be maximized by “maturing” the plants for 2 weeks in tanks which received no additional nutrients.
A single-injection, two-sample method for measuring renal 99mTc-MAG3 clearance in both children and adults

We present a method for estimating 99mTc-MAG3 clearance from both a single injection and two blood samples that is valid for both adults and children. It was obtained by fitting a scaled two-compartment model (having only two adjustable parameters) to adult and pediatric data from multiple centers.
Study of 20Ne(3He, n)22Mg at 3He energies between 2.6 and 4.0 MeV

Abstract The 20 Ne( 3 He, n) reaction leading to the ground state of 22 Mg has been investigated in the 3 He + energy range of 2.6 to 4.0 MeV. Angular distributions were determined with a neutron time-of-flight spectrometer at average incident energies (lab) of 3.27, 3.69, and 4.01 MeV between 0° and 120° (lab). Excitation functions for the energy region were measured at 0° and 80° (lab). The observed differential cross sections are explained by coherent contributions from direct interaction and compound-nucleus formation. A spectroscopic factor was extracted for the DWBA calculation from the absolute cross-section measurements and found to be ℷ = 0.43±0.21 . Resonances in the compound-nucleus formation were found at 3.00 and 3.33 MeV (c.m.) with widths of 0.28 and 0.21 MeV and spins of 5 2 + and 1 2 − , respectively.
Prognostic Judgments and Triage Decisions for Patients With Acute Congestive Heart Failure

Study objectives: To determine how well triage physicians judge the probability of death or severe complications that require treatment only available in an ICU to maintain life for patients with acute congestive heart failure (CHF). Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: An urban university hospital, a Veteran’s Administration hospital, and a community hospital. Patients or participants: Patients were those visiting the emergency department (ED) with acute CHF, excluding those who already required a treatment only available in an ICU to maintain life, and those with possible or definite myocardial infarction. Physician participants were those caring for the patients in the ED. Measurements and results: We performed chart reviews to ascertain whether each patient died or had severe complications develop by 4 days. We collected judgments of the probability of this outcome from the physicians taking care of the study patients in the ED. The prevalence of death or severe complications was 43 per 1,032 patients (4.2%). The mean SD of physicians’ judgments of the probability of this outcome was 32.1 28.4%. A calibration curve that stratified these judgments by decile demonstrated that physicians consistently overestimated this probability (p < 0.01). Physicians’ judgments were only moderately good at discriminating which patients would have the outcome (receiver operating characteristic curve area, 0.715). Patients admitted to an ICU received the highest average predicted probability (56.4%), followed by those admitted to a telemetry unit (34.1%), to a regular hospital ward (29.8%), and those sent home (17.9%.) Conclusions: Physicians drastically overestimated the probability of a severe complication that would require critical care for patients with acute CHF who were candidates for ICU admission. Their judgments of this probability were associated with their triage decisions, as they should be according to several guidelines for ICU triage. Overestimation of the probability of severe complications may have lead to overutilization of scarce critical care resources. Current critical care triage guidelines should be revised to take this difficulty into account, and better predictive models for patients potentially requiring critical care should be developed. (CHEST 2002; 121:1610–1617)
Information and Quality Assurance: An Unsolved, Perpetual Problem for Past and Future Generations

Quality assurance is well understood in the hardware/manufacturing community but not necessarily within the software community. The meaning of Information assurance depends on who you ask; those in the computer security field interpret information assurance as the need to protect the information, those in quality assurance relate information assurance to the quality of the information. Software assurance ranks even poorer in understanding; although most would agree that it relates to quality, they would be unsure what that means. System assurance is well understood due to its basis on known systems-engineering principles, tending to emphasize the dichotomy of hardware and software concept understanding. In this issue, three articles address parts of the assurance puzzle, which includes: quality assurance, information assurance, software assurance, and system assurance. The combination of these four builds the argument for trust, which is the sole reason for building assurances. To help avoid costly mismatches, consider looking at which part of the assurance puzzle you need solved first before looking at supposed assurance solutions.
Distributed large-scale network modeling with paramics implementation

Distributed simulation modeling is in urgent need for two reasons: one is that the computational power demanded by the large-scale microscopic traffic simulation keeps increasing; the other is that independently and incrementally developed sub-networks of a large region need to be modeled simultaneously due to their interactions. In this paper, we propose a distributed modeling framework which including two categories of modeling strategies, namely, light global control/independent subnets vs. heavy global control/coordinated subnets. We have implemented the distributed scheme of light global control/independent subnets and the implemented details, such as communication techniques and vehicle transferring across the boundary of two subnets are discussed. Unlike the previous studies using the dedicated high performance machines, our efforts are to utilize the low-cost networked PCs that are commonly available. By using the application programming interface (API) functions supported by off-the-shelf paramics software, we are able to distribute the computational load of microscopic simulation to multiple single-processor PCs without access the proprietary source codes of the simulation program. Performance testing and analysis of the implemented prototype demonstrate that the proposed framework is very promising.
Melting behavior of linear polyethylene crystallized by solution stirring

Calorimetric and dilatometric studies have been made of the fusion process of linear polyethylene crystals precipitated by high speed stirring from solution. It is shown that long-time annealing at elevated temperatures alleviates the superheating observed when rapid heating rates are employed. By the annealing procedures that have been adopted, a small but demonstrable fraction of high melting material can be produced whose melting temperature depends on the crystallization temperature. For crystallization at 105°C, followed by annealing at 142°C, a melting temperature of 146.0 ± 0.5°C is observed. The dissolution temperature in xylene, determined for the same sample, is consistent with the high melting temperature observed for the pure polymer. It is recognized that a state of high axial orientation need not necessarily be identified with extended chain crystals. Consequently, the increased melting temperature can result from either an increase in the crystallite size or a reduced interfacial free energy relative to crystallites produced by the more conventional mode of crystallization.