cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age-related changes in cytochrome concentration of myocardial mitochondria

Abstract Cytochrome c oxidase was assayed polarographically in rat tissue homogenates and mitochondria in the presence of deoxycholate. A roughly 30% decrease in the cytochrome c oxidase activity per mg protein occurred in heart muscle homogenates and in purified heart mitochondria of the old rat. An age-related decrease in cytochrome c oxidase activity was also observed in brain homogenates but not in liver and kidney homogenates. The activity of this enzyme in μatoms of oxygen consumed/min/mg protein corresponded to 3.26 ± 0.25, 2.87 ± 0.18, 2.36 ± 0.24 in heart homogenates, and 14.46 ± 0.36, 12.98 ± 0.36 and 10.60 ± 1.03 in heart mitochondria from 5-, 15- and 26- to 29-month old animals, respectively. The activity in μatoms of oxygen consumed/min/mg protein corresponded to 1.87 ± 0.07 and 1.57 ± 0.06 in brain homogenates, 1.67 ± 0.05 and 1.57 ± 0.05 in kidney homogenates and 0.38 ± 0.01 and 0.36 ± 0.02 in liver homogenates for 7- and 29-month old rats, respectively. The turnover number of this enzyme in heart mitochondria was 985 s−1 and unchanged with respect to age of the animal. The concentrations of the cytochromes in nmol/mg heart mitochondrial protein were 0.75 ± 0.040, 0.740 ± 0.060 and 0.56 ± 0.050 for c + c1; 0.447 ± 0.033, 0.466 ± 0.047 and 0.263 ± 0.075 for b + b5 and 0.520 ± 0.030, 0.480 ± 0.020 and 0.385 ± 0.024 for a + a3 for 5-, 15- and 26-month old rats, respectively. The mitochondrial protein content of the myocardium calculated from the cytochrome oxidase specific activities of the homogenate and of the isolated mitochondrria was 44 mg/g wet tissue for the 5- and 26-month old rats and 56 mg/g wet weight for the 14-month old rats. In view of these findings, it is concluded that mitochondrial membrane composition of the myocardium of the animal changes with age.
Spatial Variability of Sediment Denitrification Across the Atchafalaya River Basin, Louisiana, USA

Ecosystem-wide denitrification estimates generally depend on the degree of spatial variability in the system, but spatial variability is rarely assessed. To model nitrogen removal rates in the Atchafalaya River Basin we first identified trends in background and potential denitrification across this large floodplain. We conducted a laboratory study to quantify background and potential denitrification rates. Background and potential denitrification rates were significantly different. Background rates ranged from ranged from 0–1.35 μg N g−1 d−1 and potential rates ranged from ranged from 26.72–710.47 μg N g−1 d−1, illustrating the existence of denitrification hotspots across the landscape. Background rates were related to soil characteristics (carbon, nitrogen, nitrate), but potential rates appeared to be related to landscape position (spatial coordinates). Background denitrification showed a strong positive correlation with soil nitrate, and a negative correlation with soil nitrogen and soil carbon. Potential denitrification rates showed no significant correlations with any parameters tested. We observed a significant relationship between location and potential denitrification rates, with greater potential downstream than upstream, but not between location and background rates. This suggests that landscape scale studies should include additional qualifiers, such as habitat type and organic matter quality, for more reliable estimates of denitrification rates.
A security scripting course

This article discusses a work in progress; the design of a course taken by students early in an undergraduate degree focusing on security and assurance. The course follows a general introductory course in basic computer system concepts and an object-oriented programming course. The course discussed here covers basic command line scripting and script programming in Perl. This course will also introduce concepts of secure programming.
Covariates of human peripheral nerve function: III. Effects of reported drinking.

A cross-sectional epidemiologic study of the relationship between alcohol consumption and peripheral nerve function was performed using data from a cohort of 4462 male Vietnam-era Army veterans selected independently of either alcohol consumption history or clinical disorders associated with excessive alcohol use. Self-reported alcohol consumption, expressed as current drinking intensity (drinks per month), was the primary measure of alcohol use. The dependent variables were: (a) conduction velocity and amplitude of the median motor, median sensory, ulnar sensory, peroneal motor, and sural sensory nerves; (b) vibrotactile and thermal thresholds of the index finger and great toe. Drinkers who reported consuming 179 drinks/month) had slightly slower mean conduction velocities and slightly smaller mean amplitudes than all other drinking categories. No consistent associations were observed between thermal thresholds and alcohol consumption. These results suggest that consuming up to 6 drinks per day alone does not cause slowed nerve conduction velocity, diminished amplitude of the evoked response, or elevated sensory thresholds in 35- to 45-year-old men.
Behavioral anti-smoking trial in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Smoking causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but few controlled studies have tested anti-smoking treatments in COPD. With procedures likely to attract unmotivated persons we recruited 49 quite-ill, smoking COPD patients. During one or two daily home visits for 85 days, breath carbon monoxide (CO) and self-reports of daily smoking were obtained. Patients, given quit dates and nicotine gum (2-mg pieces, up to 30 per day), were assigned randomly to three groups: Experimentals were reinforced with lottery tickets for CO <10 ppm. Cigarette Self Report (CSR) patients were reinforced for reporting no smoking that day. Controls received non-contingent payments. Each group's mean CO level fell at the quit date. Thereafter, reinforced patients maintained significantly lower CO levels than Controls. Although many more 24-h abstentions occurred in the intervention period than in baseline, few patients sustained abstinence; the groups did not differ in that regard. Outcome was predicted by decisions to throw away cigarettes when intervention began, but not by motivation scales nor Fagerstrom dependence scores. Pay schedules apparently exaggerated self-reports of reduced smoking. Although results are statistically significant, there is still no proven, practical treatment for smoking in advanced COPD.
Protein transduction: unrestricted delivery into all cells?

Abstract Several proteins can traverse biological membranes through protein transduction. Small sections of these proteins (10–16 residues long) are responsible for this. Linking these domains covalently to compounds, peptides, antisense peptide nucleic acids or 40-nm iron beads, or as in-frame fusions with full-length proteins, lets them enter any cell type in a receptor- and transporter-independent fashion. Moreover, several of these fusions, introduced into mice, were delivered to all tissues, even crossing the blood–brain barrier. These domains thus might let us address new questions and even help in the treatment of human disease.
α-Adrenergic preservation of myocardial pH during ischemia is PKC isoform dependent

alpha-adrenergic stimulation of patients with ischemic heart disease should intuitively impose a destructive stress. However, therapeutic alpha1-adrenergic receptor mediated cardioadaptation prior to myocardial ischemia protects ventricular mechanical function, promotes electrophysiologic stability, and preserves myocyte viability. Prior to an anticipated cardiac ischemic insult, alpha1-adrenergic preconditioning attenuates ischemic myocardial acidosis by a protein kinase C-(PKC) dependent mechanism. The alpha1-adrenoceptor can directly stimulate calcium-independent nPKC isoforms via diacylglycerol (DAG) or indirectly stimulate calcium-dependent cPKC isoforms through the release of intracellular calcium via inositol triphosphate, (IP3). We hypothesized that alpha1-adrenergic limitation of ischemic acidosis is mediated by the family of calcium-dependent PKC isoforms. [31P]NMR spectra were obtained in isolated, buffer perfused rat hearts treated with alpha1-adrenergic stimulation [phenylephrine (PE) 50 microM, 2 min]; PKC blockade [chelerythrine chloride, (Chel) 20 microM]; or stearoyl-arachidonoyl glycerol (SAG, a DAG analogue, 100 microM, 2 min) administered 10 min prior to ischemia. Control hearts were perfused under normoxic conditions for 20 min. All hearts were then subjected to global ischemia (20 min, 37.5 degrees C). Developed pressure (DP) and heart rate were recorded continuously. pHi was obtained from chemical shift of inorganic phosphate. Immunohistochemical staining was utilized to delineate the translocation and activation profiles of specific PKC profiles established with each stimulus. Pre-ischemic alpha1-adrenergic stimulation did attenuate the myocellular hydrogen ion accumulation during sustained normothermic ischemia (6.90 +/- 0.13 vs control 6.54 +/- 0.10; P < 0.05). General PKC inhibition abrogated this effect (end-ischemic pH 6.17 +/- 0.10; P < 0.05 vs control and PE). Ischemic acidosis was not attenuated following selective nPKC stimulation (SAG, 6.48 +/- 0.08; NS vs control). Myocellular immunohistochemical staining revealed translocation of the calcium-independent PKC-epsilon isoform in the calcium-dependent PKC (SAG) group, but not in response to alpha1-adrenergic stimulation. The results suggest that (1) alpha1-adrenoceptor stimulation limits ischemic acidosis, (2) alpha1-adrenergic stimulated attenuation of ischemic acidosis is PKC dependent, (3) direct nPKC stimulation with SAG does not limit ischemic acidosis, and (4) SAG stimulates nPKC-epsilon isoform activation where alpha1-adrenergic stimulation does not. We conclude that alpha1-adrenergic stimulation limits ischemic acidosis by a cPKC-dependent mechanism and that the mobilization of the IP3 arm by receptor stimuli suppresses PKC-epsilon thus permitting the limitation of ischemic acidosis.
Theory of the Dielectric Constants of Alkali Halide Crystals

The simple classical theories of the dielectric constants and compressibility of ionic crystals lead to two relations among the experimental quantities from which arbitrary parameters have been eliminated, the Szigeti relations. Neither is satisfied by the data, indicating the inadequacy of these simple theories. The short-range repulsive interaction between ions with closed shell electron configurations is investigated, and an approximate interpretation of the Born-Mayer potential in terms of overlap integrals is developed. These results are applied to the interaction of model ions consisting of rigid charged shells bound to cores by harmonic restoring forces. Using this model, polarization mechanisms neglected in the simple dielectric constant theory, the "short range interaction polarization," and the "exchange charge polarization" are described. Both arise from charge redistributions occurring when the ions move with resulting changes in electron overlaps. Applied to a crystal, these ion models permit the derivation of generalizations of the Szigeti, Clausius-Mossotti, and Lorenz-Lorentz relations. The $\frac{{e}^{*}}{e}$ of the second Szigeti relation can then be calculated and comparison with the $\frac{{e}^{*}}{e}$ values derived from experimental data imply that the above polarization mechanisms must be at least in part responsible for the deviation of this parameter from unity. The failure of the first Szigeti relation is discussed and attributed to the inadequacy of the treatment of compressibility. The additivity feature of the simple theory and its absence in the refined theory are discussed in relation to the so-called vacuum and crystal ion polarizabilities.
Using prior information in fisheries management: A comparison of classical and bayesian methods for estimating population parameters

Abstract Fisheries managers often have intuitions or prior knowledge concerning estimates of a wide variety of population parameters that have important implications for management. These include such things as the number of full‐time commercial fishers in a fishery, the number of recreational fishers visiting a national seashore, and the number of lobster traps employed in a season. Classical statistical procedures for estimating parameters have no means for incorporating such prior information in any meaningful way into actual estimation. Bayesian analysis, on the other hand, makes use of such information, thereby often increasing the precision of parameter estimates. This article provides an introduction to Bayesian analysis and suggests the use of such analysis in estimating population parameters that are crucial for producing effective fisheries management.
Loading and utilization of dissolved organic carbon from emergent macrophytes

The very high productivity of emergent macrophytes can provide major sources of dissolved organic matter to recipient aquatic ecosystems. Leachate was collected from live and senescent tissues of Juncus effusus L. and Typha latifolia L. and analyzed for dissolved organic carbon (DOC; mg C 1−1 cm−2 surface area) and its availability to wetland bacteria. Leachate DOC ranged from 1.9 to 5.2 mg C 1−1 cm−2 across a gradient of fully photosynthetic to fully senescent culms. In culms 14 to 34 senescent, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in leachate DOC concentrations between the photosynthetic and senescent portions of culms. DOC in the leachate of J. effusus culms decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from an average of 336.8 mg C 1−1 cm−2 in January 1994 to 68.3 mg C 1−1 cm−2 in July 1994. Bacterial growth efficiencies (ratio of bacterial biomass produced, measured by [3H] leucine incorporation, to leachate DOC utilized) on the leachate of J. effusus ranged from 16 to 34%. DOC concentrations in the leachate from T. latifolia were 1.4 (photosynthetic leaves) and 145.3 (senescent leaves) mg C 1−1 cm−2 and supported bacterial efficiencies of 45% (photosynthetic leaves) and 4% (senescent leaves), respectively.
Associations of Family Support, Resiliency, and Depression Symptoms among Indigent Teens Attending a Family Planning Clinic:

The goal of this study was to examine the effect of resiliency and family support on depression symptoms among 110 indigent adolescents attending a family planning clinic in a large urban city in southwestern USA. Findings suggested that several of the resiliency domains, on the Individual Protective Factors Index, as well as family support measured by the Family Support Scale, were associated with depression symptoms. Scores on the self-concept and positive outlook dimensions of the Personal Competence domain, the confidence and assertiveness dimensions of the Social Competence domain, and family support correlated with depression symptoms. The findings also suggested that 16.4% of the teens in this clinic would be classified as clinically depressed and as needing further evaluation. It seems reasonable to conclude that resilient adolescents may possess characteristics, beliefs, and supports which enable them to cope with life stressors more effectively and avoid depressive symptoms than those who are not as resilient. Given the prevalence and extent of depression among adolescents, it is important to develop interventions to foster attachment and enhance individual protective factors in primary prevention programs as such interventions may ameliorate the effects of high-risk environments.
A surface energetic criterion of blood compatibility of foreign surfaces

Abstract Based on the twin considerations of minimizing the thermodynamic driving force for the adsorption of blood components as well as maintaining a mechanically stable blood-biomaterial interface, a surface energetic criterion of biocompatibility of foreign surfaces is suggested. While the former requirement calls for a very low (preferably zero) blood-biomaterial interfacial tension, γ sl , the latter condition demands a sufficiently high value of γ sl . In order to reconcile these two requirements, a blood-biomaterial interfacial tension of the order of 1 to 3 dyn/cm is considered satisfactory. This range of values is selected on the basis of the fact that the cellular elements of blood, which are highly compatible with blood and whose interface with blood plasma is also mechanically stable, maintain an interfacial tension with blood plasma generally in the above mentioned range. Using a simplified model which accounts only for the nonspecific interactions (i.e., dispersion and polar) between blood and biomaterial, it is shown that the above criterion can be satisfied when the polar and dispersion surface free energy components of a biomaterial are separately sufficiently near to their respective surface-free energy counterparts of blood. As a result of this condition, even solids which differ appreciably in their total surface free energies can remain equally compatible with blood. It is also noted that, as a result of this condition, nonpolar surfaces are not expected to remain in long-term compatibility with blood. Second, the ability of many solid surfaces to undergo structural alterations in the aqueous environment (in comparison to the air environment) is discussed in relation to its implications for the surface energetic properties of biomaterials in the blood environment. Based on this consideration and the suggested surface energetic criterion, the performance of some prominent biomaterials is examined. Finally, the possibility of improving the surface energetic properties of polymeric biomaterials (by ultraviolet irradiation of their surfaces) and thereby enhancing their blood compatibilities, is discussed.
Doped carbon black catalyst supports: I. Characterization by magnetic susceptibility and ESR spectroscopy

Abstract As-received Monarch carbon blacks (MC) from Cabot, graphitized carbons (GMC), desulfurized Carbolac-2, and CSX-203 were characterized by magnetic susceptibility and ESR spectroscopy at room temperature and those in the cryogenic range. The MC samples showed normal Langevin-type diamagnetism, whereas the GMC showed a temperature-dependent Landau diamagnetism. From this, the degeneracy temperature, the effective electron mass of the delocalized electrons, and the Fermi level ( E F ) were estimated, assuming the approximations of a “two-dimensional electron gas” model for graphite. The GMC was doped with boron at the ppm level at heat treatment temperatures (HTT) of 2073 and 2773 K. Boronation at low HTT indicated that boron atoms could enter the interstitial or defect sites, in addition to the substitutional (sp 2 ) sites, whereas boronation at the higher HTT showed that all boron atoms entered at the substitutional sites. ESR studies indicated a lowering of g -values, and half-line widths, and a ten-fold decrease in the spin concentration as a result of boron doping. A transition from Landau to almost Langevin type diamagnetic behavior was observed; a decrease in diamagnetic susceptibility corresponded to a lowering in the E F level of the carbons. Shifts in the E F have been estimated as a function of boron doping. In a sequel to this paper, the preparation of Fe catalysts on the above carbon supports are presented along with their magnetic, Mossbauer, and CO-hydrogenation studies. A rationale for changing the electronic properties of the substrate by boron doping is given, in relation to changing the properties of supported metal ( M 1 ) by “alloying” it with another metal ( M 2 ) to form the socalled “bimetallic” clusters.
Circular polarisation characteristics of stacked microstrip antennas

Experimental results on the circular polarization (CP) characteristics of a two-layer electromagnetically coupled (EMCP) antenna are presented. Compared to the single CP patch antenna, the two-layer EMCP antenna with proper spacings can provide better axial ratio and directivity.
Nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis on parallel computers using FORTRAN 90 and MPI

Abstract A nonlinear explicit dynamic finite element code for use on scalable computers is presented. The code was written entirely in FORTRAN 90, but uses MPI for all interprocessor communication. Although MPI is not formally a standard for FORTRAN 90, the code runs properly in parallel on CRAY T3E, IBM SP, and SGI ORIGIN 2000 computing systems. Issues regarding the installation, portability, and effectiveness of the FORTRAN 90-MPI combination on these machines are discussed. An algorithm that overlaps message passing and computations of the explicit finite element equations is also presented and evaluated. Several large-scale ground-shock analyses demonstrate the varying combined importance of load balance and interprocessor communication among the different computing platforms. The analyses were performed on only a few to hundreds of processors with excellent speedup and scalability.
Diabetic ketoacidosis-induced hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis treated with plasmapheresis—recipe for biochemical disaster management

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-induced hypertriglyceridemia causing pancreatitis is an interesting phenomenon that has rarely been reported in literature. Plasmapharesis is a well known treatment modality for hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis. We report a patient with DKA-induced hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis treated successfully with plasmapharesis.
Effect of Oxidation State of Palladium in Polyaniline Layers on Sensitivity to Hydrogen

It is shown that the ratio of Pd0/Pd2+ in polyaniline (PANI) has a major effect on the response of film to hydrogen. The palladium clusters were incorporated in PANI as the result of spontaneous reduction of PdSO4 by electroactive PANI in the leucoemeraldine or nigraline form, respectively. The two forms of PANI were prepared, by terminating the electrochemical deposition at –0.1 V (PANI–0.1 V) and by terminating it at +0.7 V (PANI0.7 V). A higher amount of Pd is incorporated in the in PANI when the reduction of Pd2+ is initiated from the leucoemeraldine form. The ratio of the amine/imine units correlates well with the changes of the Pd0/Pd2+ratio as shown by the XPS. The changes of the work function were measured by a Kelvin Probe. A substantial decrease of WF was observed when the PANI–0.1 V-Pd composite film was exposed to hydrogen. On the other hand the WF of PANI0.7 V-Pd film increases upon exposure to hydrogen. The change in the electron donor/electron acceptor behavior towards hydrogen is governed by the Pd0/Pd2+ratio in the PANI/Pd matrix.
Major adverse cardiac events in patients with hepatitis C infection treated with bare-metal versus drug-eluting stents.

Background There are no data comparing the long-term outcome of bare-metal stents (BMS) vs drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hypothesis In patients with HCV infection, the rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) would be less, and the mortality rates similar, in patients treated with DES than in patients treated with BMS. Methods The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during long-term follow-up, including death, myocardial infarction, and target-vessel revascularization, was investigated in HCV-infected patients who also underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with bare-metal or drug-eluting stents. Results Of 78 patients studied, BMS were placed in 41 patients and DES stents in 37 patients. Stepwise Cox regression analyses were performed to identify significant independent risk factors for MACE. At 42 ± 11 − month follow-up, MACE occurred in 9 of 41 patients (22%) in the BMS group (mean age 63 ± 11 years, 66% men) vs in 7 of 37 patients (19%) in the DES group (mean age 61 ± 9 years, 65% men). There was no significant difference in MACE in the BMS group vs the DES group. This persisted even after controlling for length of the stent, complexity of lesion, and other comorbidities. All-cause mortality was not significantly different in the BMS group vs the DES group (7% vs 5%). Conclusions At long-term follow-up of HCV-infected patients with stable liver function, the rates of MACE and of all-cause mortality were similar in the BMS and DES groups. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hazard and safety regions for paths with constrained curvature

In this paper the problem of collision analysis for a mobile robot operating in a planar environment with moving objects (obstacles) is addressed. The pattern of motion of the potential obstacles cannot be predicted; only a bound on their maximum velocity is available. Based on this information, at its current position the robot constructs the Hazard Region that corresponds to the path it contemplates. If the Hazard Region contains at least one obstacle, then there is a potential for this obstacle to collide with the robot (in which case perhaps another path should be planned). We first derive the solution for Hazard Region for two standard path primitives, a straight line segment and a circular arc segment; the solution is exact, except for one special case (for which the approximation error is estimated). This result is then applied to a more complex case when the path presents a combination of those primitives. Such are, for example, the optimal (shortest) paths with constrained curvature (known as Dubins paths [3]), which connect two points, each with a prescribed direction of motion.
Three-dimensional matching by use of phase-only holographic information and the Wigner distribution

Matching of three-dimensional (3-D) objects is achieved by Wigner analysis of the correlation pattern between the phase-only holographic information of a reference object and that of a target object. First, holographic information on the reference object and on the target object is extracted by use of optical scanning holography as a form of electrical signal. This electrical information is then stored in a computer for digital processing. In the digital computer, the correlation between the phase-only information of the hologram of the reference object and that of the target object is calculated and analyzed by use of a Wigner distribution. The Wigner distribution yields a space-frequency map of the correlation pattern that indicates whether the 3-D image of the target object matches that of the reference object. When the 3-D image of the target object matches that of the reference object, the Wigner distribution gives a well-defined line that directly indicates the 3-D location of the matched target object. Optical experiments with digital processing are described to demonstrate the proposed matching technique.
Gene expression levels in normal human lymphoblasts with variable sensitivities to arsenite: Identification of GGT1 and NFKBIE expression levels as possible biomarkers of susceptibility

Drinking arsenic-contaminated water is associated with increased risk of neoplasias of the skin, lung, bladder and possibly other sites, as well as other diseases. Earlier, we showed that human lymphoblast lines from different normal unexposed donors showed variable sensitivities to the toxic effects of arsenite. In the present study, we used microarray analysis to compare the basal gene expression profiles between two arsenite-resistant (GM02707, GM00893) and two arsenite-sensitive lymphoblast lines (GM00546, GM00607). A number of genes were differentially expressed in arsenite-sensitive and arsenite-resistant cells. Among these, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase 1 (GGT1) and NF kappa B inhibitor-epsilon (NFKBIE) showed higher expression levels in arsenite-resistant cells. RT-PCR analysis with gene-specific primers confirmed these results. Reduction of GGT1 expression level in arsenite-resistant lymphoblasts with GGT1-specific siRNA resulted in increased cell sensitivity to arsenite. In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time that expression levels of GGT1 and possibly NFKBIE might be useful as biomarkers of genetic susceptibility to arsenite. Expression microarrays can thus be exploited for identifying additional biomarkers of susceptibility to arsenite and to other toxicants.
Nevus comedonicus in association with widespread, well-differentiated follicular tumors

Multiple different tumors of follicular origin within the same patient are an infrequently reported phenomenon. We present a patient with nevus comedonicus associated with widespread, well-differentiated cutaneous tumors of follicular origin that have histologic features of trichofolliculoma, Winer's pore, and pilar sheath acanthoma.
Network-on-Chip with Long-Range Wireless Links for High-Throughput Scientific Computation

Several emerging application domains in scientific computing demand high computation throughputs to achieve terascale or higher performance. Dedicated centers hosting scientific computing tools on a few high-end servers could rely on hardware accelerator co-processors that contain multiple lightweight custom cores interconnected through an on-chip network. While network-on-chip (NoC) driven platforms have been studied in the context of accelerating individual applications, this work studies the efficacy of NoC-based platforms to enhance overall computation throughput in the presence of several concurrently executing jobs. Use of long-range links has been shown to reduce network diameter and we use this property in conjunction with different resource allocation strategies to deliver high throughput. Our experiments using a computational biology application suite as a demonstration study show that the use of long-range wireless shortcuts coupled with the appropriate resource allocation strategy delivers computation throughput over 1011 operations per second, consuming ~0.5 nJ per operation.
Multicast Grooming Algorithms in Waveband Switching Multi-Domain Optical Networks

In this paper, we study the multicast waveband grooming in multi-domain optical networks and propose three heuristic algorithms, Per-Domain Multicast Grooming (PDMG), Virtual Topology Multicast Grooming (VTMG) and Hierarchical Multi-domain Multicast Grooming (HMMG). Simulation results show that, comparing with PDMG and VTMG, HMMG has the best performance of ports savings and the lowest blocking probability.
Dynamic analysis of security protocols

Security protocols are essential to protecting electronic information, but security protocols are much more complex than many people think. Twenty years of research has failed to ensure security protocol effectiveness. We propose a new paradigm to protect secure enclaves. Using Dynamic Security Protocol Analysis, we will monitor executing security protocols and detect attacks in real-time by comparing ongoing activity to an accumulated knowledge base. The technique is founded on previous research in security protocol verification and on computer and network intrusion detection. Our thesis has several embedded research components. The following items summarize our challenges. 1. Define the methodology to identify malicious behavior 2. Gather distributed security protocol activity information 3. Accumulate the attack detection knowledge-base Future protection of the Internet will rely on security protocols. We must use dynamic security protocol analysis to protect from attack by sophisticated intruders.
Structural support of the urethra as it relates to stress urinary incontinence: The hammock hypothesis

Abstract OBJECTIVE: This study examines the anatomic factors that could explain the mechanical basis for transmission of abdominal pressure to the urethra. STUDY DESIGN: Dissection of 19 embalmed and 42 fresh cadavers and examination of 13 sets of serial pelvic sections were performed to study the structures involved in urethral support. The effect of simulated increases in abdominal pressure on the pelvic floor and urethra was observed in fresh specimens. RESULTS: The urethra lies on a supportive layer that is composed of the endopelvic fascia and the anterior vaginal wall. This layer gains structural stability through its lateral attachment to the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis and levator ani muscle. Pressure from above compresses the urethra against this hammock-like supportive layer, compressing its lumen closed. The stability of the suburethral layer depends on the intact connection of the vaginal wall and endopelvic fascia to the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis and levator ani muscles. CONCLUSION: Increases in urethral closure pressure during a cough probably arise because the urethra is compressed against a hammock-like supportive layer, rather than the urethra being truly "intraabdominal." (AM J Obstet Gynecol 1994;170:1713-23.)
Decomposition of S-Alkylisothiouronium Salts Under Anhydrous Conditions - Application to a Facile Preparation of Nonsymmetrical Dialkyl Sulfides

Abstract S-Alkylisothiouronium salts are decomposed with sodium ethoxide/ethanol or sodium hydride/tetrahydrofuran to the salt of the corresponding thiols which are trapped by various electrophiles to yield nonsymmetrical dialkyl sulfides.
Boundary least squares method for the solution of schrödinger's equation in quantum wires

We present a method for the approximate semianalytical calculation of wave functions and eigenenergies in systems consisting of domains with known bulk solutions of the corresponding Schrodinger equation (e.g. with piecewise constant potential). The trial wave function is written as a normalized linear combination of several bulk solutions for the given energy. The coefficients of the linear combination are found by minimization of the integral of square mismatch along the boundaries. Mathematically the problem is equivalent to the minimization of the Rayleigh quotient or solution of the generalized eigenproblem for the vector of coefficients. The value of the residual provides an estimation of the accuracy of the results and gives the possibility to choose an optimal set of trial functions. We illustrate the use of the method by calculation of eigenfunctions of infinietly long triangular and quadrilateral wires.
Fundamental Absorption of Barium Oxide from Its Reflectivity Spectrum

The reflectivity spectrum of single crystals of barium oxide, cleaved in vacuum, was measured as a function of temperature. The Kramers-Kronig integral relation was applied to derive the spectral dependence of both the absorption constant and index of refraction in the fundamental absorption region. The absorption compares favorably with results of previous thin-film transmission measurements and confirms the intrinsic nature of the multiple structure, recently explained by Overhauser as resulting from spin-orbit interaction in exciton creation. Large time-dependent changes of the reflectivity spectrum were observed even in a vacuum of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ mm Hg at liquid-nitrogen temperature and are interpreted as interference effects from a growing surface layer of Ba(O${\mathrm{H})}_{2}$, formed with a diffusion-limited rate of growth.
Application of Swarm Techniques to Requirements Engineering: Requirements Tracing

We posit that swarm intelligence can be applied to effectively address requirements engineering problems. Specifically, this paper demonstrates the applicability of swarm intelligence to the requirements tracing problem using a simple ant colony algorithm. The technique has been validated using two real-world datasets from two problem domains. The technique can generate requirements traceability matrices (RTMs) between textual requirements artifacts (high level requirements traced to low level requirements, for example) with equivalent or better accuracy than traditional information retrieval techniques.
Reflections On Kimberlite: A Seismic Adventure

The geologic setting of diamondiferous kimberlite in the Guaniamo region of Venezuela is unique in comparison to other kimberlite regions of the world. Kimberlite has been identified in the form of thin shallow dipping sill like bodies. The geologic orientation of the kimberlite precludes the use of the classical geophysical methods of magnetics, gravity and electromagnetics as diagnostic tools in primary exploration. The seismic reflection method is evaluated through theoretical modeling and field surveying in CMP and VSP mode. The results are discussed in terms of resolution and ease of data acquisition. In theory and in practice it is possible to image coherent thin reflectors consistent with the kimberlite geology in the near surface. Additionally, near vertical contacts between rock units characterized by low acoustic impedance contrast can be changed.
The Casimir–Eckart condition and the transformation of dipole moment derivatives revisited

Abstract Thus far, the Casimir–Eckart condition (CEC) has been considered to be the general requirement in a rigorous transformation of differential tensor quantities like dipole moment derivatives or polarizability derivatives from Cartesian coordinates to internal coordinates. It is well known that this conventional transformation matrix ( A -matrix) based on the Wilson method, which always guarantees the CEC, depends on the atomic masses and provides atomic mass-dependent differential quantities. Since this conventional method may give abnormal isotope effects in dipole derivatives or polarizability derivatives even in mass-free internal coordinates, we have re-examined the validity of the CEC and propose a new transformation method that does not impose this condition. We show that the A -matrix obtained by the method used in internal coordinate molecular dynamics (ICMD) formalisms is mass-free for mass-free generalized (internal and external) coordinates and does not cause such an abnormal isotope effect. Since the CEC itself depends on the choice of a moving coordinate frame, the transformed internal coordinate dipole derivatives by the Wilson method also depend on the choice of the moving coordinate frame, while those by the ICMD method are independent of the choice of the moving coordinate frame. As Eckart comments, the Casimir condition is not valid in general but its validity depends on the type of internal coordinates used. All the additional degrees of freedom in defining a moving coordinate frame can be satisfactorily removed by relations from the orthogonality of internal coordinates to external translations and rotations. Moreover, an analogy with normal coordinates for internal modes provides the very equivalent to Eckart's original derivation.
Introducing redundant TSV with low inductance for 3-D IC

Three-dimensional integrated circuit (3-D IC) is created by vertically stacking and bonding multiple two-dimensional integrated circuits (2-D IC). In the process 3-D IC provides highly dense circuits with significantly more functionality in a relatively smaller footprint. Layers of 3-D IC are electrically interconnected using through silicon via (TSV). TSVs are used to transmit data, clock and power signals. However, yield for TSVs is lower than the conventional interconnects, hence their reliability is of a greater concern. Also, TSV are inductively limited than capacitive limited, which may lead to significant inductive-coupling. In this paper we explore the grouping of thinner TSVs to replace a thick TSV (with identical current carrying capability), which in turn provide redundant TSV paths and improved reliability. It is observed that the proposed structure not only provides redundant path but at the same time, it reduces the TSV inductance, which leads to Ldi/dt noise reduction. Closed form mathematical equations are derived to calculate RLC parasitic of grouped TSVs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work towards investigating the grouping of thin TSVs. Results show the reduction of inductance of up to 56% and provides redundant paths in case of TSV failures without extra design overhead at the expense of maximum 10% reduction in bandwidth.
Stimulation of Yeast Telomerase Activity by the Ever Shorter Telomere 3 (Est3) Subunit Is Dependent on Direct Interaction with the Catalytic Protein Est2

Telomerase is a multisubunit enzyme that maintains genome stability through its role in telomere replication. Although the Est3 protein is long recognized as an essential telomerase component, how it associates with and functions in the telomerase complex has remained enigmatic. Here we provide the first evidence of a direct interaction between Saccharomyces cerevisiae Est3p and the catalytic protein subunit (Est2p) by demonstrating that recombinant Est3p binds the purified telomerase essential N-terminal (TEN) domain of Est2p in vitro. Mutations in a small cluster of amino acids predicted to lie on the surface of Est3p disrupt this interaction with Est2p, reduce assembly of Est3p with telomerase in vivo, and cause telomere shortening and senescence. We also show that recombinant Est3p stimulates telomerase activity above basal levels in vitro in a manner dependent on the Est2p TEN domain interaction. Together, these results define a direct binding interaction between Est3p and Est2p and reconcile the effect of S. cerevisiae Est3p with previous experiments showing that Est3p homologs in related yeast species influence telomerase activity. Additionally, it contributes functional support to the idea that Est3p is structurally related to the mammalian shelterin protein, TPP1, which also influences telomerase activity through interaction with the Est2p homolog, TERT.
Competition between maize and Rottboellia exaltata

One pot and five field experiments were made to study different aspects of the competition between R. exaltata and maize.The growth of young maize plants was not inhibited by being grown together in pots with young R. exaltata plants. In the field the soil tended to be somewhat wetter when the two species were grown together than when maize was grown alone, and was wettest with R. exaltata grown alone. Maize grain and total yield decreased and shoot yield of R. exaltata increased with R. exaltata plant density on both irrigated and unirrigated blocks of land, but yields were not much affected on either block by increase in plant density of maize or in nitrogen supply; maize yield was increased by irrigation but that of R. exaltata was not. Maize plant arrangement did not greatly affect maize grain and total yield or R. exaltata shoot yield, nor did arrangement of R. exaltata plants have much influence on their depression of maize yield, but R. exaltata caused a greater decrease in the grain yield of a short than of a tall maize cultivar.R. exaltata plants germinating at the same time as the crop plants did not have much effect on maize grain yield if they were removed by 8 weeks after the seedlings emerged, but decreased it considerably if allowed to remain for 12 weeks or more; weeds sown 2 or more weeks after the maize emerged hardly grew and had little effect on maize yield. When maize and R. exaltata were grown together leaf area of the maize was little affected up to the time of flowering, but was decreased after flowering, while leaf area of the weed was greatly depressed. Up to 7–8 weeks after seedling emergence more of the ground area was covered by foliage when maize was grown with R. exaltata than when it was grown alone, but later the ground was completely covered by foliage in both cases. Dry weight of grain and shoot of maize increased and that of shoot of R. exaltata decreased when the weed plants were shortened with growth regulators.
The IRIDIUM main mission antenna concept

The design of a novel phase array panel that provides the L-band satellite to ground links for the IRIDIUM global communications system is presented. Key components and aspects of this phase array antenna are discussed including the beamforming architecture, radiated intermodulation products, the patch radiators, and the T/R module. The strategy for minimizing DC power consumption over a large range of multicarrier RF output power is described. Finally, test results showing compliant array operation are summarized.
Effect of Ebola virus proteins GP, NP and VP35 on VP40 VLP morphology

Recently we described a role for Ebola virus proteins, NP, GP, and VP35 in enhancement of VP40 VLP budding. To explore the possibility that VLP structure was altered by co-expression of EBOV proteins leading to the observed enhancement of VP40 VLP budding, we performed density gradient analysis as well as electron microscopy studies. Our data suggest that VP40 is the major determinant of VLP morphology, as co-expression of NP, GP and VP35 did not significantly change VLP density, length, and diameter. Ultra-structural changes were noted in the core of the VLPs when NP was co-expressed with VP40. Overall, these findings indicate that major changes in morphology of VP40 VLPs were likely not responsible for enhanced budding of VP40 VLPs in the presence of GP, NP and/or VP35.
Determining hydrodynamic forces in bursting bubbles using DNA nanotube mechanics

Quantifying the mechanical forces produced by fluid flows within the ocean is critical to understanding the ocean’s environmental phenomena. Such forces may have been instrumental in the origin of life by driving a primitive form of self-replication through fragmentation. Among the intense sources of hydrodynamic shear encountered in the ocean are breaking waves and the bursting bubbles produced by such waves. On a microscopic scale, one expects the surface-tension–driven flows produced during bubble rupture to exhibit particularly high velocity gradients due to the small size scales and masses involved. However, little work has examined the strength of shear flow rates in commonly encountered ocean conditions. By using DNA nanotubes as a novel fluid flow sensor, we investigate the elongational rates generated in bursting films within aqueous bubble foams using both laboratory buffer and ocean water. To characterize the elongational rate distribution associated with a bursting bubble, we introduce the concept of a fragmentation volume and measure its form as a function of elongational flow rate. We find that substantial volumes experience surprisingly large flow rates: during the bursting of a bubble having an air volume of 10 mm^3, elongational rates at least as large as ϵ = 1.0×10^8 s^(−1) are generated in a fragmentation volume of ∼2×10^(−6) μL. The determination of the elongational strain rate distribution is essential for assessing how effectively fluid motion within bursting bubbles at the ocean surface can shear microscopic particles and microorganisms, and could have driven the self-replication of a protobiont.
Mitral valve area by the pressure half-time method does not correlate with mean gradient in mitral valve repair patients

Aims Pressure half-time is an inaccurate measure of mitral valve area in many clinical situations. The utility of the pressure half-time method to calculate mitral valve area after mitral valve repair is not well defined. Methods and results Forty-two patients with a repaired mitral valve were identified. Mitral valve area was calculated by both the pressure half-time method and the continuity equation. The two mitral valve areas were then directly compared and also correlated with mean gradient. The two mitral valve areas were significantly different from one another with a mean of 1.81 ± 0.53 cm2 by continuity equation and 2.65 ± 0.69 cm2 by pressure half-time. The continuity equation correlated well with mean gradient ( ρ = −0.63), whereas the correlation for pressure half-time was weak ( r = −0.08). Conclusion A non-linear, inverse correlation was found between mitral valve area by the continuity equation and mean gradient. No correlation was found between the pressure half-time method for mitral valve area and mean gradient. The continuity equation likely provides a better estimate of mitral valve area in repaired mitral valves.