cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SMS-based contextual web search

SMS-based web search is different from traditional web search in that the final response to a search query is limited to a very small number of bytes (typically 1-2 SMS messages, 140 bytes each). SMS-based web search is also a non-interactive search problem where the user has to specify a query and obtain a response in one round of search. Enabling search with with such constraints is challenging. Several search engines have developed SMS-based search capabilities in recent years and many of these search engines are limited in their recognized topics (phone, address, location, weather etc.), involve a human in the loop or apply to only specific types of search queries. We describe a simple generic approach to extracting results for both well-known and arbitrary topics. We have implemented our prototype system SMSFind and demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. While the underlying mechanisms we present are by no means perfect, we show that our system returns appropriate responses for a range of topics not covered by existing systems.
Spectroscopy and energy transfer dynamics of I 2 levels in the 1.0-1.3 eV range

Rate constants for collisional transfer between highly excited levels of I 2 (X) have been measured. A single vibration-rotation state (v' equals 42, J' equals 17) was populated by stimulated emission pumping. The prepared level, and collisionally populated levels, were detected by laser excitation of the D-X system. Relaxation kinetics were determined by variation of the delay between the dump and probe laser pulses. Collisions with He, Ar, I 2 , and O 2 were investigated. Rotational energy transfer rate constants were measured for all collision partners. Vibrational energy transfer ((Delta) v equals 1) was observed for He, and O 2 , but this process was immeasurably slow for Ar and I 2 .
Approximate Surfacing of Curve Clouds for Conceptual Shape Creation and Evaluation

In product design, designers often create a multitude of concept sketches as part of the ideation process. Transforming such sketches to 3D digital models usually require special expertise and effort due to a lack of suitable Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools. Although recent advances in sketch-based user interfaces and immersive environments (such as augmented/virtual reality) have introduced novel curve design tools, rapid surfacing of such data remains an open challenge. To this end, we propose a new method that enables a quick construction of approximate surfaces from a cloud of 3D curves that need not be connected to one another. Our method first calculates a vector field by discretizing the space in which the curve cloud appears into a voxel image. This vector field drives a deformable surface onto the 3D curve cloud thus producing a closed surface. The surface smoothness is achieved through a set of surface smoothing and subdivision operations. Our studies show that the proposed technique can be particularly useful for early visualization and assessment of design ideas.© 2011 ASME
Fragment angular distributions of the neutron-induced fission of 230Th

Abstract Fission-fragment angular distributions were measured for the fission of 230Th induced with monoenergetic neutrons of energies 682, 715,730 and 740 keV and energy resolution 5 keV, and energies of 750 and 1000 keV and energy resolution 20 keV. The unusual peak in the excitation function of the 230Th(n, f) reaction for neutron energies in the vicinity of 720 keV is interpreted in terms of a vibrational-mode resonance state in a potential well of a two-humped fission barrier. Evidence is presented to show that the resonance has K = 1 2 . Theoretical fits to the fission cross sections and angular distributions are shown for both parities.
A generalized Vlasov-Jones foundation model for micromechanics studies of syntactic foams

Abstract Syntactic foams are lightweight particulate composites that are synthesized by dispersing thin hollow inclusions in a matrix material. A spherical elastic inclusion embedded in a dissimilar medium is often used as a unit cell model to study syntactic foams’ micromechanics. The analysis of such unit cell problem is generally conducted by modeling both the inclusion and the matrix using three-dimensional linear elasticity. In this paper, we take a different approach by developing a generalized Vlasov-Jones foundation model for the matrix and describing the inclusion using Donnell shell theory. This framework is specialized to uniaxial tensile loading of a spherical matrix in the presence of two equal interfacial cracks introduced to model inclusion–matrix debonding. A variational method is used to formulate a nonlinear boundary value problem for the shell and foundation displacements and an iterative solution procedure based on the Ritz method is presented. For a polymer matrix–glass inclusion system, a parametric study is performed to investigate the effect of debonding extent, inclusion volume fraction, and shell thickness on debonding energetics and effective elastic modulus. The proposed model is validated using finite element results and experimental data on Young’s modulus of epoxy-glass syntactic foams.
Erratum to: The number and nature of emergency department encounters in patients with deep brain stimulators

) R. L. Rodriguez I. A. Malaty N. E. Krock M. M. Medley I. U. Haq M. S. OkunDepartment of Neurology, University of Florida,Gainesville, USAe-mail: aresnick@uﬂ.eduK. D. Foote A. BurdickDepartment of Neurosurgery, University of Florida,Gainesville, USAJ. L. Moll D. L. CardenDepartment of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida,Gainesville, USA
Conical foil x-ray mirrors: performance and projections

For the past decade, we have been developing at Goddard conical grazing incidence mirrors in an effort to increase the sensitivity and resolution of astronomical observations in the iron K spectral band around 7 keV. Tightly packed conical foils give us the option of trading some imaging capability for light weight, large throughput, and low cost, all crucial requirements at the higher energies where grazing angles become very small. Nearing the completion of the broad band x-ray telescope for NASA's SHEAL II mission, we have decided important design and fabrication issues including reflector substrate material and supports and most techniques for reflector preparation, mirror assembly, and alignment. We will review the design, fabrication, status, and performance of our present mirrors. Future applications along with prospects for improved spatial resolution for these mirrors will be discussed.
Single Photon Image Discrimination

We present experimental results demonstrating image discrimination with a single photon. A multiplexed hologram is used to distinguish between two single photon images with a confidence of greater than 93.4% without requiring an ensemble.
High-performance language interoperability for scientific computing through Babel

High-performance scientific applications are usually built from software modules written in multiple programming languages. This raises the issue of language interoperability which involves making calls between languages, converting basic types, and bridging disparate programming models. Babel provides a feature-rich, extensible, high-performance solution to the language interoperability problem currently supporting C, C++, FORTRAN 77, Fortran 90/95, Fortran 2003/2008, Python, and Java. Babel supports object-oriented programming features and interface semantics with runtime enforcement. In addition to in-process language interoperability, Babel includes remote method invocation to support hybrid parallel and distributed computing paradigms.
The Kazakhs of Western Mongolia: transnational migration from 1990–2008

The Kazakhs are the largest minority group in Mongolia, a relatively homogenous country dominated by Khalkh Mongols. Since 1991, Mongolia has transitioned politically and economically and witnessed significant changes in internal and international migration flows. The large-scale movement of ethnic Kazakhs from Western Mongolia to Kazakhstan represents one such emerging international flow. This migration is influenced by economic motivations, historical cultural ties to Kazakhstan, and immigration policies of both countries. This paper assesses the local and national circumstances that shape migration decision-making in Western Mongolia during the transition years and highlights changes in the characteristics and directions of migration flows during this time. We identify three periods of migration with each period characterized by changing economies and national policies in Mongolia and Kazakhstan, as well as changes in communications technologies and extensiveness of social networks among prospective mi...
An automatic procedure for the calculation of bifurcation points of integral equations

Abstract A nonlinear Fredholm integral equation, depending on two real parameters, is given. We present a new direct method to find simple bifurcation points and isola of this equation. The method involves the solution of a large system of nonlinear integral equations. A multigrid technique is used to solve those functional equations. Afterwards an extrapolation scheme can be used to improve the accuracy of the results.
An asynchronous approach to efficient execution of programs on adaptive architectures utilizing FPGAs

Computers are broadly classified into two classes: general-purpose and special-purpose. General-purpose computers provide tolerable performance on a wide range of programs. In contrast, specialized computers, tailored to a narrow class of programs, usually yield significantly higher throughput. However, specialized computer architectures are limited in availability, inflexible, require special programming environments, and are, in general, expensive. Both classes are limited in that they utilize a `fixed? hardware architecture, i.e. their designs, conceived at creation, are unchanged during their lifetime. PRISM-I introduced a new concept, wherein a custom architecture is dynamically created to execute a specific high-level program in a faster and more efficient manner. While one component of this architecture is a traditional general-purpose processor, the other is automatically synthesized from a collection of FPGAs by a configuration compiler. Speed-up is achieved by executing key sections of the high-level program on the synthesized hardware, while the remainder of the program executes on the core processor. While PRISM-I developed a proof-of-concept platform, it is significantly limited to simple programs. This paper introduces a significant conceptual advancement, PRISM-II, which synthesizes asynchronous, adaptive architectures for complex programs, including those that contain iterative `loop? structures with dynamic loop counts. PRISM-II introduces a novel execution model, wherein an operator-network and controller are synthesized for key sections of a high-level program. The operator-network, custom-synthesized from FPGAs, executes the key sections in a data-flow manner, i.e. any instruction is executed as soon as its input operands are available. The controller controls the computations in the operator-network, accurately determines when the execution is complete by utilizing key principles developed in PRISM-II, and generates an end-of-computation signal to asynchronously inform the core-processor to fetch the results from the FPGA platform. While the realization of a general-purpose data-flow architecture has continued to be difficult in the architecture community, the PRISM-II approach promises asynchronous, data-flow execution of programs on custom synthesized FPGA hardware.
In vitro amplification of the α1‐antitrypsin gene: Application to prenatal diagnosis

Discrimination of the M, Z, and S alleles of alpha 1-antritrypsin (AAT) has been carried out using in vitro gene amplification with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Amplification of 90 nucleotides surrounding the Z mutation site and 120 nucleotides surrounding the S mutation site dramatically improves the sensitivity and reliability of allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) hybridization for direct detection of these alleles. Analysis is performed using Southern blots or dot blots hybridized with 19 base oligonucleotides and differentially washed for allele specificity. Amplification of the Z and S mutation sites can be combined in one PCR to allow detection of both mutations when analysed by gel electrophoresis and Southern transfer. This technique can be performed reliably using less than 0.1 micrograms of genomic DNA or less than 100 amniocytes or white blood cells. This technique has been used to perform prenatal diagnosis on a chorionic villus sample (CVS) in a fetus at risk for the ZZ Pi type form of AAT deficiency.
Computations for large-amplitude two-dimensional body motions

A numerical method is presented for the time-domain simulation of large-amplitude motions of a 2-D surface-piercing body with arbitrary shape in deep water. Based on potential theory, panels are distributed on the body and desingularized sources are distributed above the calm water surface. The body boundary condition is satisfied on the exact submerged body surface. The free-surface boundary conditions are linearized and satisfied on the calm water level. The solution is stepped forward in time by integrating the free-surface kinematic and dynamic conditions. The numerical solutions for the oscillation problem are compared with experimental results and other numerical results, and found to agree well. The results for the impact problem are compared with similarity solutions. Finally, results for the large-amplitude sinusoidal motion of a 45-degree wedge are presented.
Eliciting Personal Constructs and Articulating Goals

A structured exercise that is based on PCP theory has been described and demonstrated to show how it can facilitate self-understanding and career development. The primary advantage of a PCP-based approach, when compared to approaches that use standardized inventories, is that a PCP approach encourages career explorers to use their own constructs. It is hypothesized that when people use goals that are articulated from their own constructs, they will understand their goals more fully and be more empowered to work towards those goals. A fuller understanding of their goals should allow them to find environments where these goals are more likely to be realized. Future investigations will continue to test these hypotheses.
Fibre-diffraction studies of the extracellular polysaccharide from Pseudomonas elodea

Abstract X-ray fibre diffraction techniques have been used to probe the structure of the microbial polysaccharide from Pseudomonas clodca (gellan gum). The polymer adopts a threefold helical structure with an axial repeat of 0.94 nm. The polymer form weak elastic thermoreversible gels and on deacetylation forms rigid brittle gels. Deacetylation has been shown to enhance crystallinity. Equatorial reflections index onto a trigonal unit cell ( a=b=1.64 nm .
Teaching Taekwondo in Physical Education: Incorporating the Color Belt System

(2006). Teaching Taekwondo in Physical Education: Incorporating the Color Belt System. Strategies: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 15-19.
Characteristics of peri-implantation porcine concepti population and maternal milieu influence the transcriptome profile.

Asynchrony of trophectoderm elongation, gestational days 11–12, is evident in porcine concepti, and rapid progression through this phase has been associated with conceptus competency. The goal of the current study was to determine the extent of transcriptomic responses of concepti to developmental delay and their physiological implications. Gestational day 11 concepti with the same morphology, ovoid and 7–8 mm, were isolated and designated as control or developmentally delayed if collected from a homogenous ovoid conceptus population or heterogeneous conceptus population (ovoid to filamentous), respectively. Total RNA prepared from four distinct control and four distinct developmentally delayed concepti, was analyzed using an Agilent high-density custom porcine microarray. Two hundred nine transcripts were found differentially expressed between normal and developmentally delayed concepti. Functional analysis of these genes indicated that a significant number of the genes regulate signal transduction/transcription, organismal development, metabolism, and cell adhesion and can be modulated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). Ten genes were selected for real-time PCR validation of differential expression based on a known role in steroid synthesis, endometrium receptivity, and modulation of trophoblast differentiation/growth or interaction with TGFβ1. As in the microarray, all except one, achaete–scute complex homolog 2, were preferentially up-regulated in delayed concepti. Overall, findings suggested that despite similar morphology, the transcriptome of developmentally delayed concepti is distinct from control counterparts. Also highlighted were ways by which the conceptus' microenvironment might be affected and developmental factors that may be of interest to interrogate further to determine if, and how, they affect embryo competency/elongation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77:978–989, 2010. Published 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Combinatorial Library: A Multifunctional Resource

About 10 years ago Dr. Mario Geysen introduced a method for synthesizing a large number of peptides on solid supports simultaneously. This work has subsequently been generalized by many other research groups to develop technologies that allow from hundreds to thousands to millions of compounds to be synthesized in parallel. These large collections of compounds have been now termed combinatorial libraries. Much of the effort in this field has been directed to drug discovery. However, in recent years, these libraries have been shown to be very useful for finding compounds (such as inhibitors, binding agents, enzymes, and antibodies) that satisfy specific requirements. Thus these techniques represent a very excellent resource for the discovery of compounds for a variety of biotechnological process needs.
Negotiating ethnicity in an uncertain environment

(1984). Negotiating ethnicity in an uncertain environment. Ethnic and Racial Studies: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 360-373.
Spatial and temporal use of a spawning site in the middle green river by wild and hatchery-reared razorback suckers

Abstract The population of endangered razorback suckers Xyrauchen texanus in the middle Green River (upper Colorado River basin) has declined during the last 40 years. The apparent cause for this decline is a lack of successful recruitment. This study used radiotelemetry to evaluate the ability of hatchery-reared razorback suckers to locate spawning areas where wild fish congregate during the ascending hydrographic limb of the snowmelt runoff. Hatchery-reared razorback suckers appeared to show similar reproductive behavior to wild fish. Both wild and hatchery-reared fish were found near the middle Green River spawning area between 1 and 25 May 2000. Hatchery fish occupied the same areas on the spawning site as wild fish, and remained on the spawning site during both nocturnal and diurnal hours. Males were more abundant on the spawning area than females, but the few females captured tended to stage away from the primary spawning area. The results from this study suggest hatchery-reared fish are capable of ...
Rejoinder on: Extensions of some classical methods in change point analysis

The task of surveying a field as rich as change point analysis is difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish with a single paper. Therefore, to begin this rejoinder, wewould like to thank the discussants for their insightful and valuable contributions in the form of comments on our paper. Many aspects of change point analysis which did not appear in our paper, or received little attention, have been given consideration and further references in the comments. Moreover, the points raised in the discussions illustrate the cutting edge of modern change point analysis and avenues for future research. Below we respond to the comments of each discussant individually and suggest related open problems. ProfessorsHuskova andPraskova focused their discussion on robust tests for change point detection, and they provided several references where robust estimators are used. So far univariate observations and parameters have comprised the bulk of the literature in this direction. Based on the comments of Professors Huskova and Praskova, it would be interesting and practical to consider the multivariate and infinite dimensional cases. This is a difficult question froma theoretical point of view. Presently, to our knowledge, not a single paper has been devoted to the effect of outliers in functional data. The estimation of the covariance function and the long run covariance function are average
Robust adaptive control: a slowly varying systems approach

In this paper we characterize a class of indirect adaptive controllers that can stabilize a time invariant system subjected to both parametric and l∞ to l∞ bounded unstructured uncertainty. Pertaining to this class of controllers, a particular indirect adaptive scheme is proposed and an a priori computable upper bound on the size of the unstructured uncertainty, for which stability is ensured, is provided.
Bunching-induced optical nonlinearity and instability in cold atoms [Invited]

We report a new nonlinear optical process that occurs in a cloud of cold atoms at low-light-levels when the incident optical fields simultaneously polarize, cool, and spatially-organize the atoms. We observe an extremely large effective fifth-order nonlinear susceptibility of χ(⁵) = 7.6 × 10⁻¹⁵ (m/V)⁴, which results in efficient Bragg scattering via six-wave mixing, slow group velocities (∼ c/10⁵), and enhanced atomic coherence times (> 100 μs). In addition, this process is particularly sensitive to the atomic temperatures, and provides a new tool for in-situ monitoring of the atomic momentum distribution in an optical lattice. For sufficiently large light-matter couplings, we observe an optical instability for intensities as low as ∼ 1 mW/cm² in which new, intense beams of light are generated and result in the formation of controllable transverse optical patterns.
PROPOSED NEW IDENTIFICATION CHARACTER FOR THE GENUS COLACIUM (EUGLENOPHYCEAE)1

Cells of the genus Colacium Ehrenberg can be distinguished with the light microscope from cells of the genus Euglena Ehrenberg by the presence of basophilic granules in the anterior tip of the Colacium cell which are clustered around the canal opening. The granules exhibit a biphasic pattern of osmiophilia in electron micrographs. Together with the occasionally obscure character of the paramyloncapped, inner pyrenoids, the granules should serve as a useful character to distinguish between the motile, flagellated cells of the two genera whether from laboratory cultures or from field collections of natural populations.
DYNAMICS OF NEURAL NETWORKS RELEVANT TO PROPERTIES OF PROTEINS

We studied how the dynamics of Hopfield neural networks depend on computational and physical properties of the network. The dynamics of the network was characterized by the distribution of first passage times (FPT) between the states. The FPT distributions depended on the updating scheme, temperature, connectivity range, and number of stored memories. The FTP distributions were different for synchronous and asynchronous updating, and were more physically consistent for the synchronous than for the asynchronous updating scheme. Neural networks and proteins share common features such as many degrees of freedom, conflicting constraints on energy minimization, and energy functions with many local minima. Thus the general lessons learned here on how the dynamics of neural networks depends on their physical properties may be relevant in understanding how the dynamics of proteins is influenced by similar physical properties.
Mechanistic studies of a palladium-catalyzed intramolecular hydroamination of unactivated alkenes: protonolysis of a stable palladium alkyl complex is the turnover-limiting step.

Mechanistic studies of the intramolecular hydroamination of unactivated aminoalkenes catalyzed by a dicationic [bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyridine]palladium complex highlight the important role that protonolysis plays in this reaction. Coordination of the aminoalkene substrate to this complex activates the alkene toward intramolecular nucleophilic attack to form a dicationic palladium alkyl complex (6). A stable monocationic palladium alkyl complex (7) was isolated by in situ deprotonation of 6 with mild base, and its structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Complex 7 reacted rapidly with a variety of strong acids to undergo protonolysis, resulting in formation of hydroamination product 3 and regenerating the active catalyst. Evidence that formation of the palladium alkyl complex is reversible under the catalytic conditions was obtained from observation of the protonolysis at low temperature. During the course of all catalytic reactions, the resting state of the catalyst was palladium alkyl com...
Comparison of myelination between large and small pig fetuses during late gestation.

Abstract We compared myelination of the cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord in the largest and smallest pig fetuses within a litter during late gestation. Gilts were killed on Days 92, 100, and 110 of gestation and these neural tissues were obtained from the largest and smallest fetuses in each litter. Myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA was quantified in each tissue using real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR). Myelin was recovered from each tissue and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to measure MBP and lipids, respectively. MBP mRNA increased with advancing gestation in all three tissues examined ( P ≤ 0.05) and was less in brain stem of small piglets compared to large piglets ( P
The growth effects produced by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid applied to stems of Datura stramonium L

Varying concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid were applied in lanolin and petrolatum bases to the stem portions of Datura stramonium and Datura tatula. Marked changes occurred in cellular proliferations, stem growth, leaf pubescence, texture, and flower and fruit development following the use of concentrations of from 0.1 per cent to 5.0 per cent. Plants appeared to show little to no toxic effects when treated with lower concentrations. Those seedlings treated with 0.001 per cent and 0.0001 per cent of the chemical showed as vigorous a growth response as the controls.
Coupled resonator vertical cavity laser diodes

We report on electrically injected coupled resonator vertical-cavity laser (CRVCL) diodes, including two novel modulation approaches. We show a side sketch of the CRVCL which consists of a lower active resonator containing 3 InGaAs quantum wells and a passive upper resonator composed of undoped GaAs. In the bottom active cavity we employ selective oxidation of AlGaAs to form buried oxide layers for efficient electrical and optical confinement. Electrical contacts to each cavity provide independent current injection into the resonators.
Comparative analysis of Internet search methodology for electrical engineering technology

The Internet has become an invaluable tool for research in a wide variety of topics, both for students and faculty. Researching topics for a term paper or gathering new information for next week's lecture can be very time efficient if done properly on the Internet. However, information overload can result due to an overabundance of potential sources, many of which are not effective. Attempting to narrow the information obtained to the most relevant part is a challenge, and can prove very frustrating and time consuming. This paper describes how, in conjunction with other members of the Electrical Engineering Technology faculty at New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA, ten topics were identified to be searched on the Internet to evaluate various search methods. These topics were relevant to courses they are teaching, topics that are being researched, or topics that were used for student presentations in class.
Life Domain Predictors of Satisfaction with Personal Efficacy

Data from a sample of northwestern Wisconsin residents reveal that satisfaction with personal efficacy is tied to satisfaction with the activity domains of spare time activities, work, family, and spiritual life, with the resource domain of health, and in some cases, of income and education, and with the consumption domain of standard of living. Sex differences in the domain predictors reflect the primacy of work-related factors for men and of family-related considerations for women. Age differences relate to the primacy of family and work satisfactions in the active years of life, and of satisfactions with health and spiritual life in maturity. Satisfaction with the ascribed resource of health is the prime predictor for the lower income groups, while satisfactions with the achieved resources of education and income, and with organizational involvement, contribute significantly to the highest income group only. In general, satisfaction with personal efficacy is derived most from domains in which the self ...
Combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder and criminal responsibility determinations in the post-Iraq era: a review and case report

Since 2002, hundreds of thousands of United States troops have returned from the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters, many after multiple deployments. The high suicide rate and high prevalence of mood disorders, substance use disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in this population have been widely reported. Many returning soldiers have had difficulty adjusting to civilian life, and some have incurred legal charges. In this article, I review the prevalence and legal implications of combat-related PTSD in this population, including how symptoms of PTSD may be relevant in criminal responsibility determinations in jurisdictions that use a M'Naughten standard or American Law Institute (ALI) Model Penal Code test for criminal responsibility. Finally, an actual case in which a criminal defendant was found to lack criminal responsibility in a M'Naughten jurisdiction because of PTSD symptoms at the time of the alleged offense will be presented.
The N Terminus and C Terminus of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 ICP4 Cooperate To Activate Viral Gene Expression

Infected cell polypeptide 4 (ICP4) activates transcription from most viral promoters. Two transactivation domains, one N-terminal and one C terminal, are largely responsible for the activation functions of ICP4. A mutant ICP4 molecule lacking the C-terminal activation domain (n208) efficiently activates many early genes, whereas late genes are poorly activated, and virus growth is severely impaired. The regions within the N terminus of ICP4 (amino acids 1 to 210) that contribute to activation were investigated by analysis of deletion mutants in the presence or absence of the C-terminal activation domain. The mutants were assessed for their abilities to support viral replication and to regulate gene expression. Several deletions in regions conserved in other alphaherpesviruses resulted in impaired activation and viral growth, without affecting DNA binding. The single small deletion that had the greatest effect on activation in the absence of the C terminus corresponded to a highly conserved stretch of amino acids between 81 and 96, rendering the molecule nonfunctional. However, when the C terminus was present, the same deletion had a minimal effect on activity. The amino terminus of ICP4 was predicted to be relatively disordered compared to the DNA-binding domain and the C-terminal 500 amino acids. Moreover, the amino terminus appears to be in a relatively extended conformation as determined by the hydrodynamic properties of several mutants. The data support a model where the amino terminus is an extended and possibly flexible region of the protein, allowing it to efficiently interact with multiple transcription factors at a distance from where it is bound to DNA, thereby enabling ICP4 to function as a general activator of polymerase II transcription. The C terminus of ICP4 can compensate for some of the mutations in the N terminus, suggesting that it either specifies redundant interactions or enables the amino terminus to function more efficiently.
Worst-case MSE precoder design for imperfectly known MIMO communications channels

This paper considers a worst-case precoder design problem for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication systems with imperfect channel knowledge at the transmitter. When the MIMO channel is a full-row rank matrix, which arises generically when the number n/sub T/ of transmit antennas is greater or equal to the number n/sub R/ of receive antennas, and when channel state information is known perfectly at the transmitter, the channel can be equalized exactly by employing a precoder equal to the channel pseudo-inverse. However, in actual systems, it is necessary to take into account the channel estimation error. We consider here a worst-case precoder design problem where the goal is to find the precoder minimizing the equalization mean-square error for the least favorable channel located in a ball centered about the estimated channel. Lagrangian optimization is used to convert this min-max problem into a min-min convex minimization problem over a convex domain which can be solved in closed form. The robust precoder and associated least favorable channel have an intuitive interpretation since the least-favorable channel zeroes out the weakest subchannels, and the robust precoder implements a pseudo-inverse only for the remaining subchannels.
Is there an association between bicuspid aortic valve and neuroblastoma

An association has been reported between neuroblastoma and congenital heart disease, frequently bicuspid aortic valve [Holzer and Franklin. Arch Dis Child 2002;87:61–64; George et al. J Pediatr 2004;144:444–448; Friedman et al. Pediatr Cardiol 1998;19:480–481; Monte et al. Am J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 1985;7:109–116]. To evaluate this in a large patient group with neuroblastoma, we examined echocardiograms of patients with neuroblastoma from 1987 to January 2007 to determine if there was a higher incidence of bicuspid aortic valves compared to the general population without neuroblastoma. We found that only 0.7% of neuroblastoma patients had the congenital heart defect of bicuspid aortic valves compared with 1–2% in the general population [Braverman et al. Curr Prob Cardiol 2005;30:470–522]. Our data show that neuroblastoma is not associated with bicuspid aortic valves. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:359–360. © 2010 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Adhesion study on underfill encapsulant affected by flip chip assembly variables

Underfill material is a polymeric adhesive which is used in flip chip devices. It encapsulates the solder joints by filling the gap between silicon die and organic substrate. Within a typical flip chip assembly, there are interfaces between the various components, i.e. substrate, solder mask, flux residue, underfill encapsulant and die passivation layer, etc. Maintaining good adhesion conditions, both as-made and after aging, for these interfaces is vital for the expected performance of the flip chip device assembly, where underfill material is employed to enhance the reliability of the flip-chip device dramatically as compared to a nonunderfilled device. A large portion of a previous adhesion study was focused on the underfill material itself; however, this paper looks into the effects of the different assembly factors, such as solder mask, flux residue, underfill and IC chip passivation, etc., upon the adhesion strength between these interfaces. The influence of some accelerated aging tests on the adhesion durability is also investigated. This could provide device/board level insights into the interfacial adhesion of the flip chip assembly.
Stability of reconstituted urokinase solutions

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to examine the stability of urokinase (UK), a plasminogen activator from cultured kidney cells, in vitro for a 56-day period. Background UK has been used extensively in clinical situations requiring clot lysis. The stability of reconstituted UK solutions is important to health care facilities, especially tertiary-level medical centers, because of potential cost savings from the use of stored aliquots of this enzyme. Methods In the present study we investigated the in vitro activity of UK over 56 days at temperatures of −70 ° ± 4 °C, −20 ° ± 2 °C, 7 ° ± 1 °C, and 37 ° ± 1 °C. Urokinase was reconstituted with normal saline and stored in polypropylene syringes with polyisophene plunger tips. Aliquots were assayed for plasminogen activator activity by means of the Sigma method using casein as a substrate for proteolysis. Immediately after sampling at t 0 (initial time), aliquots were stored at the temperatures indicated. Specimens were withdrawn and assayed at intervals up to 56 days. Results From t 0 to 56 days, no significant decrease in activity was observed; slopes indicated a mean percent change in daily activity per day of −0.18 ± 0.27, −0.08 ± 0.22, 0.05 ± 0.21, and −0.20 ± 0.26, for aliquots maintained at −70 °, −20 °, 7 °, and 37 °C, respectively. Neither slopes nor intercepts varied significantly as assessed by analysis of variance ( P > 0.05). However, studies of UK activity at 60 °C demonstrated a 22% decrease in activity after 3 hours. An aliquot heated to 100 °C for 30 minutes demonstrated obvious denaturation; a suspension of this specimen showed no activity. Conclusions Our data suggest that thrombolysis with UK solutions that have been stored for extended periods should be possible and should be examined in an in vivo clinical trial.
Pulmonary Hamartoma Syndrome

We reviewed 24 charts of patients with pulmonary hamartoma; numerous congenital anomalies and benign tumors were observed in this series. Most of the observed associations are known to occur in patients with Cowden's syndrome, which is characterized by multiple hamartomatous neoplasms of ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal origin; however, to our knowledge, there has been no reported association between pulmonary hamartoma and Cowden's syndrome. We conclude that pulmonary hamartomas are frequently accompanied by other developmental abnormalities and benign tumors.
An Inviscid Low-Solidity Cascade Design Routine

An investigation was performed to determine a suitable method of designing and analyzing the performance of straight axial fan cascades of solidities below 0.6. The methods investigated included direct interpolation between design values obtained from experimental data at solidities of 0.6 and isolated airfoil theory predictions. A new inviscid design technique developed from a simplified low-solidity analysis procedure by J. Horlock and K. Tanabe was also developed. Testing of these methods was performed using a PC based inviscid “panel” routine developed by McFarland at NASA-Lewis. Results of the investigation yielded a reasonably accurate method for the design of axial fan cascades for solidities ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 which can supplement an existing design system that requires cascade design information lying beyond the range of NACA testing.Copyright © 1993 by ASME
Morphological and thermal properties of mammalian insulation: the evolution of fur for aquatic living

Carnivora includes three independent evolutionary transitions to the marine environment: pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses), sea otters, and polar bears. All three lineages must contend with the thermal challenges of submersion in the marine environment. In the present study, we investigated changes in the fur associated with the transition from a terrestrial to an aquatic lifestyle, comparing fur characteristics among these lineages with those of semi-aquatic and strictly terrestrial carnivores. Characteristics included gross morphology (hair cuticle shape, circularity, length, and density) and thermal conductivity. We found consistent trends in hair morphology associated with aquatic living, such that marine carnivores have significantly flatter (P < 0.001), shorter (P < 0.001), and denser hairs (P < 0.001) than terrestrial carnivores. However, sea lions, phocids, and walrus, which have thicker blubber layers than fur seals, have lower fur densities than fur seals (P < 0.001). Species utilizing fur for insulation in water also showed an elongation of hair cuticle scales compared to terrestrial species and marine species relying on blubber for insulation (P < 0.001). By testing pelts under hydrostatic pressure, we determined that flattening of the hairs, cuticular scale elongation, and increased fur density are critical characteristics for maintaining an insulating air layer within the fur during submersion. Overall, these results indicate consistent evolutionary modifications to the fur associated with the transition to aquatic living, as well as a decrease in fur function associated with a greater reliance on blubber in some groups. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 106, 926‐939. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: adaptation ‐ carnivora ‐ conductivity ‐ cuticle ‐ density ‐ guard hair ‐ hydrostatic pressure ‐ marine mammal ‐ morphology ‐ underhair.
EPR study of radicals derived from fumaronitrile and related carboxylic acids

Using aqueous TiCl3-based continuous-flow, radical-generating methods, a comprehensive investigation was made of radicals derived from fumaronitrile and cis- and trans-carboxylic acids of general structure CY(COOH)CH(COOH), where Y is H, CH3 or CH2COOH. All substrates were examined at 25°C but, where appropriate, the temperature was also varied over the range 10–40°C. The radicals observed from these compounds were of two main types, addition and electron transfer. This investigation emphasized the study of the addition radicals formed from fumaronitrile and maleic acid and of the electron-transfer radicals formed from the carboxylic acids. Several of the addition radicals showed long-range splittings. Among these, the radicals and were given particular attention, thus showing that they exist in axial and equatorial conformations—a situation not commonly encountered. All of the acids yielded one-electron transfer radicals, some of which had interesting stereochemical properties, including intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
Minimizing Binding Errors Using Learned Conjunctive Features

We have studied some of the design trade-offs governing visual representations based on spatially invariant conjunctive feature detectors, with an emphasis on the susceptibility of such systems to false-positive recognition errors—Malsburg’s classical binding problem. We begin by deriving an analytical model that makes explicit how recognition performance is affected by the number of objects that must be distinguished, the number of features included in the representation, the complexity of individual objects, and the clutter load, that is, the amount of visual material in the field of view in which multiple objects must be simultaneously recognized, independent of pose, and without explicit segmentation. Using the domain of text to model object recognition in cluttered scenes, we show that with corrections for the nonuniform probability and nonindependence of text features, the analytical model achieves good fits to measured recognition rates in simulations involving a wide range of clutter loads, word sizes, and feature counts. We then introduce a greedy algorithm for feature learning, derived from the analytical model, which grows a representation by choosing those conjunctive features that are most likely to distinguish objects from the cluttered backgrounds in which they are embedded. We show that the representations produced by this algorithm are compact, decorrelated, and heavily weighted toward features of low conjunctive order. Our results provide a more quantitative basis for understanding when spatially invariant conjunctive features can support unambiguous perception in multiobject scenes, and lead to several insights regarding the properties of visual representations optimized for specific recognition tasks.
Construction of an Arabidopsis BAC Library and Isolation of Clones Hybridizing with Disease-Resistance, Gene-Like Sequences

A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library consisting of 9,000 clones (representing a 4.5 genome equivalents) with an average DNA insert size of 60 kb was constructed from arabidopsis nuclear DNA. We have demonstrated the usefulness of this library by identifying one BAC clone that hybridizes with the arabidopsisPHYB gene and seven clones, representing four distinct classes, that hybridize to a putative disease-resistance gene. This library represents an additional resource for map-based cloning and physical mapping in arabidopsis.
N-Channel Germanium MOSFET Fabricated Below 360 $^{ \circ}\hbox{C}$ by Cobalt-Induced Dopant Activation for Monolithic Three-Dimensional-ICs

Below 360°C, we demonstrate germanium (Ge) n+/p junction diode and n-channel Ge metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) with a low temperature Al/Al2O3/GeO2 gate stack for monolithic 3-D integration using a metal-induced dopant activation (MIDA) technique. In particular, the cobalt (Co) MIDA phenomenon is investigated on Ge damaged by an implantation process. Shallow (~100 nm) source/drain junctions with very low resistivity (5.2 × 10-4 Ω-cm) are then achieved at very low temperature by the Co MIDA technique. Consequently, high diode and transistor current on/off ratios (~104 and ~103, respectively) are obtained in this n-channel Ge MOSFET.
Oxidation control of GaAs pHEMTs for high efficiency applications

In this letter, for the first time, an investigation of partially oxidized GaAs-on-insulator (GOI) AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs pseudomorphic HEMTs is reported. Fully oxidized pHEMTs demonstrated minimized substrate leakage current and high output impedance, but suffered from 30/spl sim/40% charge loss. Fully oxidized devices also showed transconductance peaking that could be removed by controlled partial oxidation. Partially oxidized pHEMT devices showed improved power added efficiencies (PAEs) at a low supply voltage of 3.0 V compared to fully oxidized or unoxidized devices and negligible charge loss (<10%).
Media composition affects the survival of desiccated mammalian cells

Efforts to improve the tolerance of mammalian cells to desiccation have focused on the role that sugars have in protecting cells from lethal injury. The objective of this study was to examine the effect that the composition of intra- and extracellular trehalose solutions has on the survival of dried 3T3 fibroblasts. Trehalose was introduced into 3T3 fibroblasts using a genetically-engineered mutant of the pore-forming /spl alpha/-hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus. Cells were dried using natural convection at ambient temperatures. Plasma membrane integrity and the ability to grow and divide in culture were used to assess cell survival. We found that the post-rehydration membrane integrity was a function of the residual moisture content of the cells following drying. Adjusting the initial osmolality of the intra- and extracellular sugar solutions to be isotonic by reducing the concentration of buffer resulted in a significant improvement in the membrane integrity and growth of dried cells. In an isotonic solution of 0.2 M trehalose, approximately 80% of cells survived drying. Understanding the biological response to desiccation will be critical in developing effective strategies for the drying of mammalian cells.