cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A declarative approach to hardening services against QoS vulnerabilities

The Quality of Service (QoS) in a distributed service-oriented application can be negatively affected by a variety of factors. Network volatility, hostile exploits, poor service management, all can prevent a service-oriented application from delivering its functionality to the user. This paper puts forward a novel approach to improving the reliability, security, and availability of service-oriented applications. To counter service vulnerabilities, a special service detects vulnerabilities as they emerge at runtime, and then hardens the applications by dynamically deploying special components. The novelty of our approach lies in using a declarative framework to express both vulnerabilities and hardening strategies in a domain-specific language, independent of the service infrastructure in place. Thus, our approach will make it possible to harden service-oriented applications in a disciplined and systematic fashion.
Probabilistic method for determining optimal ROP detector locations in the CANDU-6 reactor

Abstract In order to maximize the regional overpower protection (ROP) trip margin under any condition in the CANada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactors, several methods have been devised and applied at the sites, such as steam generator cleaning and adjustor rod lock-in. However, the operating margins obtained from these techniques are calculated based on the current locations of the fixed in-core ROP detectors. There is a possibility for increasing the trip margin if insignificant ROP detectors are removed and new critical detectors are added at different positions that do not conflict with the current locations. In fact, AECL had proposed such a deterministic detector layout optimization (DLO) technique to minimize the number of ROP detectors in 1998. However, this deterministic approach could not propose the best or optimized three-channel solution for each shutdown system, which has the maximum trip setpoint. Recently, in order to overcome the defect of the current DLO method, KEPRI adopted a probabilistic approach to determine the ROP detector location and incorporated it in the ROP design code, ROVER-K. To verify the applicability of the new method, the optimal ROP shutdown system was obtained for an initial and aged core condition, respectively, based on only the current 58 detector locations. The results show that the total number of ROP detectors decreases from 58 to 46 or 49 and the small TSP gain is obtained simultaneously based on the re-arranged best three safety channels. Therefore, the new method can be used to select the best ROP detector locations and also to estimate the optimal ROP TSP for an aged CANDU reactor to recover the operation margin.
A Survey of Evidence on Domestic and International Stock Exchange Listings with Implications for Markets and Managers

Abstract As new equity markets continue to emerge worldwide, the topic area of stock exchange listings has sparked interest among financial scholars and corporate managers alike. In this article, we review and synthesize empirical studies that examine both new and dual international and intranational listings of common stocks. The studies that we review have been conducted to provide managers and policy makers with information about the effects of listing on stock prices and to use listings as a venue to provide insights about market organization, market micro-structure, factors that determine stock prices and returns, and international capital market integration. In general, new listings are associated with an increase in stock value and no change in risk.
In situ alkaline transesterification: An effective method for the production of fatty acid esters from vegetable oils

The production of simple alkyl FA esters by direct alkali-catalyzed in situ transesterification of the acylglycerols (AG) in soybeans was examined. Initial experiments demonstrated that the lipid in commercially produced soy flakes was readily transesterified during agitation at 60°C in sealed containers of alcoholic NaOH. Methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl alcohols readily participated in the reaction, suggesting that the phenomenon is a general one. Statistical experimental design methods and response surface regression analysis were used to optimize reaction conditions, using methanol as alcohol. At 60°C, the highest yields of methyl ester with minimal contamination by FFA and AG were predicted at a molar ratio of methanol/AG/NaOH of 226∶1∶1.6 with an approximately 8-h incubation. An increase in the amount of methanol, coupled with a reduced alkali concentration, also gave high ester yields with low FFA and AG contamination. The reaction also proceeded well at 23°C (room temperature), giving higher predicted ester yields than at 60°C. At room temperature, maximal esterification was predicted at a molar ratio of 543∶1∶2.0 for methanol/AG/NaOH, again in 8 h. Of the lipid in soy flakes, 95% was removed under such conditions. The amount of FAME recovered after in situ transesterification corresponded to 84% of this solubilized lipid. Given the 95% removal of lipid from the soy flakes and an 84% efficiency of conversion of this solubilized lipid to FAME, one calculates an overall transesterification efficiency of 80%. The FAME fraction contained only 0.72% (mass basis) FFA and no AG. Of the glycerol released by transesterification, 93% was located in the alcoholic ester phase and 75 was on the post-transesterification flakes.
Microplate-based characterization of protein-phosphoinositide binding interactions using a synthetic biotinylated headgroup analogue.

Membrane lipids act as important regulators of a litany of important physiological and pathophysiological events. Many of them act as site-specific ligands for cytosolic proteins in binding events that recruit receptors to the cell surface and control both protein function and subcellular localization. Phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPns) are a family of signaling lipids that regulate numerous cellular processes by interacting with a myriad of protein binding modules. Characterization of PIPn-binding proteins has been hampered by the lack of a rapid and convenient quantitative assay. Herein, microplate-based detection is presented as an effective approach to characterizing protein-PIPn binding interactions at the molecular level. With this assay, the binding of proteins to isolated PIPn headgroups is detected with high sensitivity using a platform that is amenable to high-throughput screening. In the studies described herein, biotinylated PI-(4,5)-P2 headgroup analogue 1 was designed, synthesized, and ...
Stage-IV melanoma and pulmonary metastases: factors predictive of survival.

We reviewed a contemporary, single-institution experience to evaluate the natural history of stage-IV melanoma metastatic to the lung and identify factors predictive of survival. A search of our prospective database was performed to identify patients with stage-IV melanoma and pulmonary metastases as the initial disease site; only patients seen at our institution prior to developing stage-IV disease and in whom treatment response was available were included. Patients’ demographic, clinical, and treatment variables were recorded. Cox regression was used to identify factors independently predictive of survival. The study cohort was comprised of 122 patients. Median survival was 14 months (5-year survival of 8%). Clinical factors at time of diagnosis of stage IV independently predictive of survival were a solitary pulmonary metastasis (HR 2.7, CI 1.6–4.4, P<0.0005) and absence of extra-pulmonary disease (HR 1.9, CI 1.2–3.1, P = 0.01). Among treatment factors, only metastasectomy was independently predictive of survival (HR 0.42, CI 0.21–0.87, P = 0.02). Of the patients, 26 (21%) underwent metastasectomy, with a median survival of 40 months compared with 13 months in patients not selected for surgical treatment. Of these 26, 23 (88%) experienced recurrence at a median of 5 months after the procedure. No survival difference was seen between responders and non-responders to systemic therapy (P = 0.55). In stage-IV melanoma with pulmonary metastases, a solitary metastasis and absence of extra-pulmonary disease are predictive of survival. While these factors are often present in patients selected for pulmonary metastasectomy, this independently predicts survival. However, response to systemic therapy does not correlate with a survival difference.
Transforming growth factor-β1 and its receptor soluble endoglin are altered in polycystic ovary syndrome during controlled ovarian stimulation.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and its receptor, soluble endoglin (sENG), in the serum and follicular fluid of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) compared with that of non-PCOS normal ovulating women during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). Design Prospective case-control study. Setting Academic-affiliated assisted reproductive technology unit. Patient(s) Fourteen PCOS and 14 matched non-PCOS control women undergoing COS. Intervention(s) Serum was collected on day 3 (baseline), day of hCG, and day of retrieval. Follicular fluid (FF) was collected on day of oocyte retrieval. ELISA was performed to determine TGF-β1 and sENG protein levels. Main Outcome Measure(s) Serum and FF levels of TGF-β1 and sENG. Result(s) Serum TGF-β1 did not change significantly during COS but was increased in PCOS compared with non-PCOS women on day 3 and days of hCG administration and oocyte retrieval. Serum sENG increased after hCG administration only in the non-PCOS control group. In addition, serum sENG was decreased in PCOS compared with non-PCOS control women on the days of hCG and retrieval. Accordingly, the bioavailability of TGF-β1 (TGF-β1/sENG ratio) was increased in women with PCOS compared with non-PCOS controls at all three time points. No differences in either factor were noted in FF between groups. Conclusion(s) The increased TGF-β1 bioavailability in PCOS is not only due to increased TGF-β1 levels but also to decreased levels of its receptor, sENG. These data suggest that increased TGF-β1 bioavailability may contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS and its increased risk for ovarian hyperstimulation.
Discrepancy between expected and actual lengths of viabil stents deployed with standard pin-pull technique

Purpose On finding that the length of undeployed Viabil covered stents is shorter than the nominal length, we sought to determine the actual length of Viabil stents deployed in patients to treat biliary obstruction. This retrospective study evaluates the actual length of deployed Viabil stents when delivered through standard pin-pull techniques. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed our procedure records for Viabil stent placement procedures performed between Feb. 2006 and May 2012. We measured the actual length of deployed Viabil stents using two methods: (1) Postplacement CT data was sent to a 3D viewer, and a multisegment measuring tool was used to measure thin-slice multiplanar reconstructed images along the center line (n=42), or (2). Measurements were performed on digital spot film images using an internal reference of known length (n=21). Six patients were measured using both techniques. Results In the 88 procedures performed in 86 patients, 138 Viabil stents were deployed (range 1-5 per patient). 57 procedures resulted in placement of stents that could be measured with the techniques described. All but one stent was shorter post-deployment than its nominal length (Table). 48 stents were fenestrated; the mean length of the fenestrated segment was 1.8 cm (nominal 2 cm; range 1.3 to 2.0). At least 3 patients required placement of additional stent to cover a distance within the nominal range of the initially placed stent. Conclusion The actual deployed length of Viabil covered stents falls short of nominal length when deployed with standard pin-pull technique. To prevent inadequate coverage that may require additional stent placement, this difference should be accounted for during stent selection or by following the manufacturer's suggested technique of putting traction on the device shaft during deployment to elongate the stent. Table 1
Characterization of mutations at the mouse phenylalanine hydroxylase locus

Two genetic mouse models for human phenylketonuria have been characterized by DNA sequence analysis. For each, a distinct mutation was identified within the protein coding sequence of the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene. This establishes that the mutated locus is the same as that causing human phenylketonuria and allows a comparison between these mouse phenylketonuria models and the human disease. A genotype/phenotype relationship that is strikingly similar to the human disease emerges, underscoring the similarity of phenylketonuria in mouse and man. In PAHENU1, the phenotype is mild. The Pahenu1 mutation predicts a conservative valine to alanine amino acid substitution and is located in exon 3, a gene region where serious mutations are rare in humans. In PAHENU2, the phenotype is severe. The Pahenu2 mutation predicts a radical phenylalanine to serine substitution and is located in exon 7, a gene region where serious mutations are common in humans. In PAHENU2, the sequence information was used to devise a direct genotyping system based on the creation of a new Alw26I restriction endonuclease site.
Effects of soil heterogeneity on martian ground-ice stability and orbital estimates of ice table depth

Abstract Data from the Mars Odyssey Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) instrument suite and results from numerical simulations of subsurface ground-ice stability have been used to estimate the depth of martian ground-ice. Geographic correlation between these estimates is remarkable; the relative ice table depth distributions also agree well. However, GRS-based estimates of ice table depth are generally deeper than predictions based on ground-ice stability simulations. This discrepancy may be related to heterogeneities in the martian surface such as rocks, dust, and albedo variations. We develop a multi-dimensional numerical model of ground-ice stability in a heterogeneous martian subsurface and use it to place the first quantitative constraints on the response of the ice table to meter-scale heterogeneities. We find that heterogeneities produce significant undulations/topography in the ice table at horizontal length scales of a few meters. Decimeter scale rocks create localized areas of deep ice, producing a vertical depression of 10–60 cm in the ice table over a horizontal range of 1–2 rock radii. Decimeter scale dust lenses produce locally shallow ice; however the magnitude of the vertical deflection of the ice table is small (1–4 cm). The effects of decimeter scale albedo variations on the ice table are nearly negligible, although albedo very weakly enhances the effects of dark rocks and bright dust on the ice table. Additionally, we investigate the role played by rocks in estimates of ice table depth based on orbital data. Surface rocks can account for more than half of the discrepancy between ice table depths inferred from GRS data and those predicted by theoretical ice-stability simulations that utilize thermophysical observations. Our results have considerable relevance to the up-coming Mars Scout Mission, Phoenix, because they indicate that the uncertainty in the ice table depth of a given region is greater than differences between current depth estimates. Likewise, small-scale depth variability due to heterogeneities at the eventual landing site is potentially greater than differences between current depth estimates.
Examination of Energy and Group Velocities in Positive and Negative Index Chiral Materials With and Without Dispersion

Concepts of energy and group velocities, Poynting and propagation vectors are examined for both positive and negative index materials. Known definitions for these entities are explored in terms of the interplay of chirality and dispersion.
Bringing high performance climate modeling into the classroom

Climate science educators face great challenges on combining theory with hands-on practices in teaching climate modeling. Typical model runs require large computation and storage resources that may not be available on a campus. Additionally, the training and support required to bring novices up to speed would consume significant class time. The same challenges also exist across many other science and engineering disciplines. The TeraGrid science gateway program is leading the way of a new paradigm in addressing such challenges. As part of the TeraGrid science gateway initiative, The Purdue CCSM portal aims at assisting both research and education users to run Community Climate System Model (CCSM) simulations using the TeraGrid high performance computing resources. It provides a one-stop shop for creating, configuring, running CCSM simulations as well as managing jobs and processing output data. The CCSM portal was used in a Purdue graduate class for students to get hands-on experience with running world class climate simulations and use the results to study climate change impact on political policies. The CCSM portal is based on a service-oriented architecture with multiple interfaces to facilitate training. This paper describes the design of the CCSM portal with the goal of supporting classroom users, the challenges of utilizing the portal in a classroom setting, and the solutions implemented. We present two student projects from the fall 2009 class that successfully used the CCSM portal.
Blood-Gas and Hemodynamic Responses to Oxygen in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Blood-gas (Pa o o2 ) and hemodynamic responses to the inhalation of oxygen were studied in 60 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients who were not in heart failure on admission and did not develop signs of heart failure within the next 5 days achieved the same Pa o o2 level while breathing 100% oxygen as did patients without acute myocardial infarction. Patients with pulmonary edema or cardiogenic shock had a very poor Pa o o2 response to oxygen inhalation. Patients in mild heart failure at the time of study and patients who developed heart failure subsequent to the study had a Pa o o2 response intermediate between the other two groups. This rise of Pa o o2 with oxygen correlated with the cardiac index and right atrial oxygen prior to inhalation of oxygen. Uncomplicated patients responded to inhalation of oxygen with a decrease of heart rate, cardiac index, stroke index, and cardiac work, and an increase of peripheral resistance. Patients in pulmonary edema or cardiogenic shock or with a low cardiac index or low Pa o o2 responded with only a slight increase in peripheral resistance. The Pa o o2 achieved while breathing oxygen appeared to determine the type of hemodynamic response to oxygen. Administration of oxygen to patients with acute myocardial infarction is useful in identifying latent heart failure and in predicting the subsequent clinical course of these patients.
Composite fast-slow MPC design for nonlinear singularly perturbed systems: Stability analysis

In this work, we focus on the design of a composite control system for nonlinear singularly perturbed systems using model predictive control (MPC). Specifically, a composite control system comprised of a “fast” MPC acting to regulate the fast dynamics and a “slow” MPC acting to regulate the slow dynamics is designed. The composite MPC system uses multirate sampling of the plant state measurements, i.e., fast sampling of the fast state variables is used in the fast MPC and slow-sampling of the slow state variables is used in the slow MPC. Using singular perturbation theory, the stability of the closed-loop nonlinear singularly perturbed system is analyzed.
Network knowledge and the use of power

Complementing recent work on the effects of power on network perceptions, we offer a theory specifying how knowledge of network structures and exchange processes differentially affect the use of power by advantaged and disadvantaged positions. We argue that under certain conditions, network knowledge is beneficial to occupants of low-power positions, but not to occupants of high-power positions. Any low-power actor can benefit from having superior information, but if all low-power actors have equally sound knowledge, then all are worse off—a type of social trap. We tested these arguments by manipulating power and the availability of information on network structure and exchange processes in an experimental exchange network setting. The results were supportive.
An adaptation of the Wiener filter suitable for analyzing images of isolated single particles.

The Wiener filter is a standard means of optimizing the signal in sums of aligned, noisy images obtained by electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM). However, estimation of the resolution-dependent (“spectral”) signal-to-noise ratio (SSNR) from the input data has remained problematic, and error reduction due to specific application of the SSNR term within a Wiener filter has not been reported. Here we describe an adjustment to the Wiener filter for optimal summation of images of isolated particles surrounded by large regions of featureless background, as is typically the case in single-particle cryo-EM applications. We show that the density within the particle area can be optimized, in the least-squares sense, by scaling the SSNR term found in the conventional Wiener filter by a factor that reflects the fraction of the image field occupied by the particle. We also give related expressions that allow the SSNR to be computed for application in this new filter, by incorporating a masking step into a Fourier Ring Correlation (FRC), a standard resolution measure. Furthermore, we show that this masked FRC estimation scheme substantially improves on the accuracy of conventional SSNR estimation methods. We demonstrate the validity of our new approach in numeric tests with simulated data corresponding to realistic cryo-EM imaging conditions. This variation of the Wiener filter and accompanying derivation should prove useful for a variety of single-particle cryo-EM applications, including 3D reconstruction.
Army eEducation: The distance learning approach

The United States Army Command and General Staff College's Department of Distance Education delivers the Advance Operations Course curriculum in a distance-learning format. This article discusses how instructors facilitate learning through different delivery methods (synchronous and asynchronous) to a student body geographically dispersed worldwide. Using a combination of delivery methods and available technology facilitators achieve a robust learning environment comparable to resident studies.
Intranidal mating, gyne polymorphism, polygyny, and supercoloniality as factors for sympatric and parapatric speciation in ants

1. The syndrome of intranidal mating, morpho-ethological gyne polymorphism, and polygyny is found in less than 5% of European ant species, but is considered as an important precondition for sympatric and parapatric speciation. 2. This idea is discussed in three cases that represent example of evolution below the species level: (1) the polygynous—polydomous form of Lasius turcicus as a model of how speciation of the supercolonial Lasius neglectus could have taken place; (2) the microgyne form of Myrmica rubra as a model for sympatric speciation of socially parasitic species; and (3) hybridisation and rapid genotype selection in supercolonial wood ants of the Formica rufa group as a model for hybrid speciation. 3. The first step of the evolutionary scenario is transition to polygyny followed by development of morpho-ethological gyne polymorphism: smaller gynes with weaker wing muscles and body reserves shift to intranidal mating and reduce dispersal flight, while larger gynes with bigger wing muscles and body reserves retain nuptial and dispersal flight. This scenario leads to mating place separation and facilitates further genotype divergence. 4. There is much less gene flow between conspecific supercolonies of Formica rufa group ants with dominance of intranidal or intracolonial mating than between conspecific monogynous colonies performing a nuptial flight. If two supercolonial species occasionally hybridise and if landscape structure provides some isolation of the resulting hybrid supercolony, very strong selection for genotypes takes place within this cohesive system of thousands of reproductive females eventually leading to novel genotypes and new species.
Time-varying sequential machines

Abstract In this paper a model is proposed for time-varying sequential machines, which is essentially a generalized version of the conventional fixed (i.e., time-invariant) sequential machine. It is shown how a time-varying machine can be characterized by means of matrices, and how simple matrix operations can be employed to compute the behavior of the machine at arbitrary times. Equivalence notions are developed which facilitate the comparison of states and machines in the time-varying case. The special class of periodic machines is investigated in detail. A procedure is proposed for establishing the equivalence or nonequivalence of two given periodic machines. It is shown that every periodic machine has a fixed representation whose minimal form is unique up to isomorphism. Algorithms are formulated for constructing fixed representations for periodic machines and periodic representations for fixed machines. Switching from one representation to another offers greater design flexibility, with the possibility of trading off memory capacity for logical complexity.
Effect of Neonatal Androgen and Estrogen Injection on Liver Tumor Induction by N-Hydroxy-N-2-fluorenylacetamide and on the Metabolism of the Carcinogen in Rats

Male and female Fischer strain rats were injected neonatally with a single dose of testosterone propionate or estradiol benzoate in cottonseed oil. After weaning they were placed on a semisynthetic diet with or without the carcinogen N-hydroxy-N-2-fluorenylacetamide (N-OH-FAA) for 16 weeks. Necropsies were performed after an additional 10 weeks on control diet. In male rats, the liver tumor incidence was not affected by testosterone injection but was reduced appreciably by estradiol. In female rats, testosterone enhanced the carcinogenicity, while estradiol had a biphasic action, augmenting carcinogenesis in a few rats but generally reducing it in most of them. In males, functional gonads contribute to the carcinogenic process in the liver but are not essential. A functional pituitary, reflected in adrenal, gonadal and perhaps other endocrine participation, appears more crucial. The metabolism of N-OH-FAA was studied in these experimental situations. A single dose of carcinogen showed a sex-associated pat...
Transition from diffusing to dynamic light scattering in solutions of monodisperse polystyrene spheres

Light scattering in the backscattering geometry, and transmission measurements are used to size monodisperse spherical particles in solutions. The concentration of spheres spans the scattering to range from single scattering to very highly multiple scattering. These experiments were performed by varying volume fractions of polystyrene latex spheres of nominal diameter 0.136 and 1.015 \ensuremath{\mu}m. Transmission measurements were performed as a function of particle size, volume fraction, and sample thickness with a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere. The data show that for thin samples the percent transmission is nearly independent of particle size and depends only on ${L/l}^{*},$ the ratio of the sample thickness L to the transport mean free path ${l}^{*}.$ By fitting the autocorrelation functions of samples obtained from known sphere sizes to a generalized cumulants model, which describes both the highly multiple scattering regime and the singly scattering regime, parameters were found that allow particle sizes to be determined over a wide range of scattering strengths. For samples of unknown size, this method can size monodisperse spherical particles in highly scattering solutions to better than 10%.
Debris/Ice/Tps Assessment and Integrated Photographic Analysis of Shuttle Mission Sts-110

The Debris Team has developed and implemented measures to control damage from debris in the Shuttle operational environment and to make the control measures a part of routine launch flows. These measures include engineering surveillance during vehicle processing and closeout operations, facility and flight hardware inspections before and after launch, and photographic analysis of mission events. Photographic analyses of mission imagery from launch, on-orbit, and landing provide significant data in verifying proper operation of systems and evaluating anomalies. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center Photo/Video Analysis, reports from Johnson Space Center and Marshall Space Flight Center are also included in this document to provide an integrated assessment of the mission.
Spinodal and equilibrium reactions

Abstract Our recent work on “coherent” phase diagram calculations by the cluster variation method is reviewed. The method is particularly useful for treating equilibria between disordered phases which are superstructures of the parent. Such phases can, in principle, be coherent with one another. Example given include a synthesis of the solid-state portion of the CuAu phase diagram and a prototype NiMo or NiV systems. Particular emphasis is placed on ternary diagrams, since our calculations complement the early ones of Professor Meijering. Our calculations pertaining to the Cu-Ag-Au system are compared with available experimental data; observed transformation morphologies, including spinodal decomposition, are explained on the basis of the theoretical coherent phase diagram.
Response of Russet Burbank and Shepody potatoes to nitrogen fertilizer in two cropping systems

Russet Burbank and Shepody potatoes were grown with at-planting N fertilizer rates ranging from 0 to 270 kg ha−1 during 1986 through 1989. Experiments were conducted each year following small grains and red clover. Total yields and tuber size were strongly increased by N on most sites where potatoes followed small grains. Specific gravities declined with increasing N rate. Total yields of Russet Burbank and Shepody were optimized at an average of 196 and 211 kg ha−1 of N, respectively, following small grains. The effect of N fertilizer on yields was much less dramatic following red clover. Total yields averaged 88% of maximum with only 45 kg ha−1 of N applied, compared to 77% of maximum for this N rate following small grains. Total yields for the two varieties were optimized at 126 and 136 kg ha−1, respectively. U.S. #1 yields were generally not increased at N rates above 45 to 90 kg ha−1 following red clover and tuber size was not increased at rates above 90 to 135 kg ha−1. Based on these studies, the N fertilizer credit for red clover grown prior to potatoes can be up to 75 kg ha−1. Maintenance of tuber quality necessitates conservative use of N fertilizer when potatoes are grown following legumes. The highest N rates tested suppressed total yields of Russet Burbank, a late-season, indeterminate variety, by approximately 9% averaged over cropping systems.
Novel multiband segmented dual-aperture-coupled annular ring microstrip patch for wireless router MIMO antenna system

In this paper, the novel multiband segmented dual-aperture coupled annular microstrip patch antenna is used as the radiating element in a 2×2 router MIMO system. The radiating element has two aperture coupling slots and the annular ring is segmented. The resulting antenna and MIMO system have omnidirectional radiation patterns with good broadside coverage for four frequency bands (1.85, 3.5, 4.55 and 5.6 GHz) spanning 3:1 bandwidth. Polarization and pattern diversity are used to reduce correlation.
Improved lipid-mediated gene transfer into primary cultures of hippocampal neurons

We have examined lipids as transfection agents to introduce recombinant plasmids into primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons. By modifying the protocol for transfection mediated by the commercial reagent DOTAP, we were able to achieve a transfection efficiency of about 3%. Expression of various transfected gene products was sustained for several weeks in culture, the neurons developed normally and the transfected gene products were targeted to the appropriate subcellular compartment.
Analysis of dipeptide mixtures by the combination of ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric techniques

Abstract Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using aliphatic carboxylic acids as surfactants was used to separate basic, acidic and neutral dipeptides. The enhancement of the capacity factors of basic dipeptides versus the chain length of carboxylic acid followed sigmoidal curves. The capacity factor of dipeptides fell precipitously with addition of salts until it decreased to a value which was unaffected by the addition of more salts. For the identification of dipeptides produced by the hydrolysis of proteins by proteases (dipeptidylaminopeptidases), gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric techniques were used for acidic and neutral dipeptides. Basic dipeptides could be positively identified either by normal chromatographic procedures or by collecting the suspected peaks for further characterization by alternate techniques.
Islet Insulin Secretion, β-Cell Mass, and Energy Balance in a Polygenic Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes With Obesity

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are polygenic metabolic diseases, highly prevalent in humans. The TALLYHO/Jng (TH) mouse is a polygenic model of T2D and obesity that encompasses many aspects of t...
Dynamically evolvable distributed systems

Dynamic evolution allows designers to move logic from interpreted data structures into directly executed code. This provides the efficiency of code-driven security enforcement without sacrificing flexibility. The Evolvable Systems Project (ESP) at University of California, is developing techniques for safely and securely evolve distributed Java applications at runtime. We briefly describe the design and implementation of a type-safe model for dynamically modifying Java programs on a single host. We then describe how this model can be applied for building an adaptive security infrastructure. An extension of the single host model to a distributed environment is considered. Finally, we conclude with a brief outline of the project and the future work.
Quantum kinetic approach and the scattering approach to vacuum pair production

For Schwinger pair production with background electric fields varying only in time, it is shown that the quantum kinetic approach, based on the quantum Vlasov equation, and the quantum mechanical scattering approach are completely equivalent. This different perspective on the quantum kinetic approach suggests new approximation methods, which are tested in detail using a soluble pulselike field configuration, and may give useful insight for generalization to more general electric fields, varying in more than one dimension.
Automatic verification of component-based real-time CORBA applications

Distributed real-time embedded (DRB) systems often need to satisfy various time, resource and fault-tolerance constraints. To manage the complexity of scheduling these systems many methods use rate monotonic scheduling assuming a time-triggered architecture. This paper presents a method that captures the reactive behavior of complex time- and event-driven systems, can provide simulation runs and can provide exact characterization of timed properties of component-based DRE applications that use the publisher/subscriber communication pattern. We demonstrate our approach on real-time CORBA avionics applications.
Radical S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) Superfamily

A large superfamily of enzymes uses S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) to generate high-energy carbon radicals as intermediates in a variety of metabolic and biosynthetic reactions. All radical SAM enzymes contain one or more iron-sulphur clusters, with SAM binding directly to an iron-sulphur cluster in a manner that facilitates reduction of SAM and generation of a highly reactive 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical intermediate. This potent intermediate typically initiates the subsequent radical transformations by abstracting a hydrogen atom from the substrate or from a nearby protein residue. Despite the diverse array of reactions catalysed, members of the Radical SAM superfamily share a similar structural topology that facilitates this interaction between SAM and an iron-sulphur cluster and allows restricted access of substrates to the site of radical generation. Key Concepts: The Radical SAM superfamily comprises a diverse array of enzymes that contain a common core structural fold and use S-adenosylmethionine to generate organic radicals. Radical SAM enzymes contain one or more iron-sulphur clusters that are essential for catalysis. S-Adenosylmethionine is reduced and cleaved at the sulfonium centre to generate a 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical. Radical SAM enzymes typically use a 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical to abstract a hydrogen atom from the substrate. Reaction types catalysed by radical SAM enzymes include oxidation, reduction, methylation, methylthiolation, sulfurylation and complex rearrangement reactions. Radical SAM enzymes are use to introduce several posttranslational and posttranscriptional modifications into proteins and RNA. Radical SAM enzymes are involved in thousands of uncharacterised bacterial natural product biosynthesis pathways. Keywords: adenosylmethionine; iron-sulphur cluster; enzyme mechanism; protein structure; radical
On correction of multiple design errors

We consider the problem of correcting multiple design errors in combinational circuits and in finite-state machines. The correction method introduced for combinational circuits uses a single error correction scheme iteratively to correct multiple errors. It uses a heuristic measure that guides the selection of single, local circuit modifications that reduce the distance between the incorrect implementation and the specification. The distance is measured by the size of a correction hardware, which is a block of logic that can be added to the implementation in order to correct it without performing additional circuit modifications. The correction method for finite-state machines is based on the use of pairwise distinguishing sequences for specification and implementation states, and employs the same hardware correction scheme. Experimental results are presented to support the effectiveness of the proposed methods. >
Prohibitin 1 modulates mitochondrial stress-related autophagy in human colonic epithelial cells

Introduction Autophagy is an adaptive response to extracellular and intracellular stress by which cytoplasmic components and organelles, including damaged mitochondria, are degraded to promote cell survival and restore cell homeostasis. Certain genes involved in autophagy confer susceptibility to Crohn's disease. Reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), both of which are increased during active inflammatory bowel disease, promote cellular injury and autophagy via mitochondrial damage. Prohibitin (PHB), which plays a role in maintaining normal mitochondrial respiratory function, is decreased during active inflammatory bowel disease. Restoration of colonic epithelial PHB expression protects mice from experimental colitis and combats oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the potential role of PHB in modulating mitochondrial stress-related autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells. Methods We measured autophagy activation in response to knockdown of PHB expression by RNA interference in Caco2-BBE and HCT116 WT and p53 null cells. The effect of exogenous PHB expression on TNFα- and IFNγ-induced autophagy was assessed. Autophagy was inhibited using Bafilomycin A1 or siATG16L1 during PHB knockdown and the affect on intracellular oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell viability were determined. The requirement of intracellular ROS in siPHB-induced autophagy was assessed using the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Results TNFα and IFNγ-induced autophagy inversely correlated with PHB protein expression. Exogenous PHB expression reduced basal autophagy and TNFα-induced autophagy. Gene silencing of PHB in epithelial cells induces mitochondrial autophagy via increased intracellular ROS. Inhibition of autophagy during PHB knockdown exacerbates mitochondrial depolarization and reduces cell viability. Conclusions Decreased PHB levels coupled with dysfunctional autophagy renders intestinal epithelial cells susceptible to mitochondrial damage and cytotoxicity. Repletion of PHB may represent a therapeutic approach to combat oxidant and cytokine-induced mitochondrial damage in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Electronic transition above room temperature in CaMn7O12 films

We report on the electronic phase transition in CaMn7O12 quadruple perovskite films synthesized by oxide molecular beam epitaxy on SrLaAlO4 and La0.3Sr0.7Al0.65Ta0.35O3 substrates. We use x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy to confirm that the CaMn7O12 phase has been realized. Temperature dependent resistivity measurements reveal a signature of a charge ordering phase transition at ≈425 K, consistent with bulk CaMn7O12. The transition temperature is found to be relatively invariant to changes in the cation stoichiometry. Density functional theory calculations reveal the changes in atomic and electronic structure induced by the charge ordering transition.
Probabilistic analysis of fault tolerance of FPGA switch block array

Summary form only given. We present a new approach for the evaluation of FPGA routing resources in the presence of faulty switches. Switch stuck-open faults (switch permanently off) as well as switch stuck-closed faults (switch permanently on) are addressed, which is directly related to fault tolerance of the interconnect for testing and reconfiguration at manufacturing and run-time application. Signal routing in the presence of faulty switches is analyzed at both switch block and array levels; probabilistic routing (mutability) is used as figure of merit for evaluating the programmable interconnect resources of FPGA architectures. Two approaches are proposed in this paper. The first approach is based on finding a permutation (one-to-one mapping) between the input and output endpoints. A probabilistic approach is also presented to evaluate fault tolerant routing for the entire FPGA by connecting switch blocks in chains as required for testing and to account for the I/O pin restrictions of an FPGA chip. The results are reported for various commercial and academic FPGA architectures.
Determination of Specific Growth Rate by Measurement of Specific Rate of Ribosome Synthesis in Growing and Nongrowing Cultures of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus

RT-RiboSyn measures the specific rate of ribosome synthesis in distinct microbial populations by measuring the generation rate of precursor 16S rRNA relative to that of mature 16S rRNA when precursor 16S rRNA processing is inhibited. Good agreement was demonstrated between specific rate of ribosome synthesis and specific growth rate of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.
Term delivery through a spontaneously occurring cervicovaginal fistula following second-trimester surgical repair

of amphotericin B therapy reported in disseminated coccidioidomycosis all were found to about the same degree in the present case, suggesting that these represent drug responses and are not disease specific. The role of amphotericin B therapy contrasted with the contribution of R. dermutitidis infection in explaining the infant’s low birth weight remains unclear. That either of these, or their interaction, could be contributory is suggested by the normal birth weights of this patient’s earlier babies (i.e., a 3,850 gram female infant born three years earlier and a 4,100 gram male infant born one year prior to this admission).
Recovering (From) Janet Jackson's Breast: Ethics and the Nexus of Media, Sports, and Management

This case study examines the context of and reaction to the uncovering of singer Janet Jackson’s breast during the broadcast of the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. Using a select thick reading of the event and its coverage, the analysis focuses on: a) the construction of the event by its organizational stakeholders, b) the reconstruction of understandings about how the fiasco came to be and what really happened and should have happened, and c) the deconstruction of the event by critics and those in the political environment who had reason to consider the incident and the response to it in a broader social context. Strategies for change and the prospects for “ethical health” in the sport marketplace are considered, with special attention given to promotional communication and crisis management.
Electing to Fight: Why Emerging Democracies Go to War

Electing to Fight: Why Emerging Democracies Go to War. By Edward D. Mansfield and Jack Snyder. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2005. 300p. $32.95.Edward Mansfield and Jack Snyder's article “Democratization and War” (Foreign Affairs 74 [May/June 1995]: 79–97) arrived in 1995 like a thunderclap, riveting me to questions about domestic political changes and their implications for peace and conflict between states. The article appeared when the intellectual wars over the democratic peace were hot, and when research critical of democratic performance in general was receiving heightened scrutiny. In general, the early response to the authors' claim that democratization significantly increases the war-proneness of states focused narrowly on their research design. However, my review of Mansfield and Snyder's book-length treatment of the subject focuses on the broader weaknesses in the book, of which there are few, and the book's strengths, of which there are several.
Fibronectin Is an Important Regulator of Flow-Induced Vascular Remodeling

Objective— Fibronectin is an important regulator of cell migration, differentiation, growth, and survival. Our data show that fibronectin also plays an important role in regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Fibronectin circulates in the plasma and is also deposited into the ECM by a cell dependent process. To determine whether fibronectin affects vascular remodeling in vivo, we asked whether the fibronectin polymerization inhibitor, pUR4, inhibits intima-media thickening, and prevents excess ECM deposition in arteries using a mouse model of vascular remodeling. Methods and Results— To induce vascular remodeling, partial ligation of the left external and internal carotid arteries was performed in mice. pUR4 and the control peptide were applied periadventitially in pluronic gel immediately after surgery. Animals were euthanized 7 or 14 days after surgery. Morphometric analysis demonstrated that the pUR4 fibronectin inhibitor reduced carotid intima (63%), media (27%), and adventitial thickening ...