cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward ensuring ethical behavior from autonomous systems: a case-supported principle-based paradigm

Purpose – This paper aims to propose a paradigm of case-supported principle-based behavior (CPB) to help ensure ethical behavior of autonomous machines. The requirements, methods, implementation and evaluation components of the CPB paradigm are detailed. Design/methodology/approach – The authors argue that ethically significant behavior of autonomous systems can be guided by explicit ethical principles abstracted from a consensus of ethicists. Particular cases of ethical dilemmas where ethicists agree on the ethically relevant features and the right course of action are used to help discover principles needed for ethical guidance of the behavior of autonomous systems. Findings – Such a consensus, along with its corresponding principle, is likely to emerge in many areas in which autonomous systems are apt to be deployed and for the actions they are liable to undertake, as we are more likely to agree on how machines ought to treat us than on how human beings ought to treat one another. Practical implication...
Isolation of the Rhizobium leguminosarum NodF nodulation protein: NodF carries a 4'-phosphopantetheine prosthetic group.

Rhizobium species produce a protein product of the nodF gene that has a limited but recognizable homology to the well-characterized acyl carrier protein (ACP) of Escherichia coli. NodF functions together with NodE in generating a host-specific response to the plant host in the interchange of signals leading to the effective nodulation of roots (H.P. Spaink, J. Weinman, M.A. Djordjevic, C.A. Wijffelman, R.J.H. Okker, and B. J.J. Lugtenberg, EMBO J. 8:2811-2818, 1989; B. Scheres, C. van de Wiel, A. Zalensky, B. Horvath, H. Spaink, H. van Eck, F. Zwartkruis, A.M. Wolters, T. Gloudemans, A. van Kammen, and T. Bisseling, Cell 60:281-294, 1990). The nodFE region of Rhizobium leguminosarum has been cloned into a multicopy plasmid and has been shown in R. leguminosarum to code for a flavonoid-inducible protein that is effectively labeled by radioactive beta-alanine added to the growth medium. After purification, the labeled protein migrates as a single band with an apparent molecular weight of 5,000 during sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, more rapidly than E. coli ACP. In contrast, in native gels the protein is resolved into two bands, both identified as NodF by analysis of the amino terminus and both migrating more slowly than E. coli ACP. Pulse-chase experiments with labeled beta-alanine suggested that the slower-moving band may be the precursor of the faster band. The NodF protein carries a 4'-phosphopantetheine as a prosthetic group. A NodF fusion protein under the control of the lac promoter is expressed in E. coli and is labeled with beta-alanine, indicating that it is recognized by the ACP synthase of E. coli. The ACP phosphodiesterase of E. coli, which catalyzes the release of phosphopantetheine from E. coli ACP, does not remove phosphopantetheine from NodF.
Collisional quenching of CO B 1Σ+(v′=0) probed by two-photon laser-induced fluorescence using a picosecond laser

We report measurements of room-temperature, species-specific quenching cross sections of CO B 1Σ+ (v′=0) in collisions with He, Ne, H2, N2, Ar, CO, Kr, CH4, O2, Xe, CO2, C3H8, and H2O. The measured quenching cross sections (in A2) were 0.25±0.02, 0.54±0.04, 11.0±0.4, 24.6±0.5, 27.7±0.5, 37±2, 42±2, 81±4, 85±5, 99±6, 133±5, 144±7, and 170±8, respectively. Two-photon excitation of the CO molecules via the Hopfield–Birge system (X 1Σ+→→B 1Σ+) was performed using the frequency-tripled 690 nm emission of a custom-built picosecond dye laser. Blue-to-green fluorescence in the Angstrom bands (B 1Σ+→A 1Π) was detected using a microchannel-plate photomultiplier tube and recorded with a digital storage oscilloscope. The quenching cross sections were directly obtained by time resolving the temporal decay of the fluorescence signal and observing its variation as a function of the quencher pressure. The effect of radiative trapping on the observed fluorescence was also quantitatively modeled.
Optimal positioning of robot equipped with camera for stereo vision

The optimal positioning of a robot equipped with a camera is studied to ensure the best triangulation accuracy. Two quantities are derived to measure the triangulation accuracy: the triangulation sensitivity and the triangulation error; both are derived based on the idealized pinhole camera model. By minimizing these measures, the optimum positions of the camera are determined. The position constraints on the camera due to the robot configuration and the working environment are also included in the problem formulation. >
Dietary Soy Protein Is Associated with Reduced Intestinal Mucosal Polyamine Concentration in Male Wistar Rats

Quantitation of polyamine levels has been correlated with biomarkers of proliferation in the colon mucosa where dysregulated epithelial hyperproliferation is associated with colorectal cancer risk. This study was performed to assess the response of polyamine measurements to dietary factors in an animal model. Male Wistar rats were fed purified diet or diets substituted by 20% lard fat, 20% beet fiber and 20% soy protein. After 2 wk, mucosal polyamines were measured along intestinal tracts by HPLC. In rats fed the control diet (n = 10), mucosal polyamines were found at high levels in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum but at low levels in the cecum, colon and rectum. Compared with rats fed the control diet, those fed the 20% lard diet showed greater polyamine levels in the large intestine (P < 0.05, n = 10), but those fed the 20% fiber diet exhibited lower polyamine levels in the small intestine (P < 0.05, n = 9). However, rats fed the 20% soy protein diet had lower polyamine levels in both small and large intestines (P < 0.05, n = 15). Significant linear correlations were observed between rectal polyamine levels and the dietary energy intakes in these four diet groups (r = 0.972-0.991, P < 0.001). Supplementation of 0.1% soy isoflavones to the basal diet or 0.3% DL-methionine to the 20% soy protein diet for 4 wk did not affect polyamine levels. The results indicate that soy protein reduced mucosal polyamine levels, at least in part, through reduction of energy intakes. Further studies are warranted to verify that polyamine levels in intestinal mucosa are useful as an intermediate endpoint of the dietary risk factors.
Monitors, messages, and clusters: the p4 parallel programming system

p4 is a portable library of C and Fortran subroutines for programming parallel computers. It is the current version of a system that has been in use since 1984. It includes features for explicit parallel programming of shared-memory machines, distributed-memory machines (including heterogeneous networks of workstations), and clusters, by which we mean shared-memory multiprocessors communicating via message passing. We discuss here the design goals, history, and system architecture of p4 and describe briefly a diverse collection of applications that have demonstrated the utility of p4.
Enhancing database management to knowledge base management: the role of information retrieval technology

Abstract In recent years, there has been an enhancement from database management to knowledge base management. In this article, we investigate an important, yet not widely addressed issue: the role of information retrieval in this enhancement. Central to our investigation is to develop techniques of building information systems which are able to extract and store information from texts so that the stored information can be combined to satisfy unanticipated queries. Success of such techniques will have important practical impact on the automatic construction of knowledge bases from documents, thus reducing the knowledge acquisition bottleneck. We argue that this is not a task which can simply be reduced to database management through logic-based approaches (such as deductive databases), and explore an approach to achieve this by extending classical information retrieval techniques. An experiment has been carried out to implement a conceptual model for storage and retrieval of integrating short scientific documents (written in restricted English) using unstructured relational databases. This article does not address the issues dealing with general information retrieval; instead, by restricting our focus on the problem investigated, we have gained some insight on the relationship between information retrieval and database management, as well as the relationship between information retrieval and knowledge base management.
Interferon-λ in HCV Infection and Therapy

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with significant liver disease and is therefore an important public health problem. The current standard-of-care therapy for chronic HCV infection consists of a combination of pegylated (PEG) interferon (IFN)-α and ribavirin. Although this therapy effectively generates a sustained viral response in approximately half of treated individuals, it is associated with significant hematological and neurological side effects. A new family of IFN-related proteins (IFN-λ1, 2, and 3; or alternately, IL-29, 28A, 28B, respectively) possesses properties that may make these cytokines superior to PEG-IFN-α for HCV therapy. Genetic studies have also implicated these proteins in both the natural and therapy-induced resolution of HCV infection. This review summarizes the basic aspects of IFN-λ biology, the potential role of these cytokines in HCV infection, and the outlook for their therapeutic application.
Characterizing the Conformation of the Yeast Endocytic Scaffold Protein Pan1

Endocytosis is a sequential process that involves the coordination of numerous proteins to internalize membrane bound cargo and extracellular material. The steps of endocytosis include cargo selection, assembly of the endocytic machinery, and the activation of factors that enable vesicle internalization. Transitions between these stages are carefully regulated to ensure successful endocytosis. The essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein Pan1 acts as a “scaffold”, mediating endocytosis by binding factors that act in both early and late stages of endocytosis. The Pan1 N-terminus interacts with adaptor proteins involved in the early process of cargo selection. At its C-terminus, Pan1 binds late-acting factors such as the type I myosins and the Arp2/3 complex, which stimulate actin polymerization to promote vesicle scission. In vitro data suggest that phosphorylation of Pan1 plays a role in its regulation. The Pan1 N-terminus is phosphorylated by the kinase Prk1, which inhibits Pan1 stimulation of Arp2/3 dependent actin polymerization in vitro. These and other data suggest a model whereby Pan1 adopts a conformation that prevents its interaction with late-acting factors in endocytosis. The inhibited state mediated by self-association may be an intra-molecular interaction, where Pan1 folds upon itself, or an inter-molecular interaction, through Pan1 oligomers formed by the central coiled-coil domain. Consistent with this model, initial electron microscopy and biophysical data indicate that Pan1 undergoes Prk1-dependent conformation changes. To characterize the conformations Pan1 can assume, I am defining the domains involved in Pan1 self-interactions and quantifying their affinities and dependence on phosphorylation. I am also analyzing the tryptophan fluorescence and anisotropy values of Pan1 mutants containing only one of four tryptophans. A greater understanding of Pan1 structural changes and how these conformations regulate endocytosis is necessary to develop a complete model of the endocytic process.
Resonant Response of a System With Coulomb Friction

This nonlinear system includes a separation region in which the mass loses contact with the suspension system, and a bottoming region in which the mass impacts the rigid base supports. The most important result needed is the number of cycles of excitation necessary to cause separation or bottoming. This paper establishes an approximates formula to determine the number of cycles before an event of this type occurs
Neural processing of SAR imagery for enhanced target detection

Neural network models of early visual computation have been adapted for processing single polarization (VV channel) SAR imagery, in order to assess their potential for enhanced target detection. In particular, nonlinear center-surround shunting networks and multi-resolution boundary contour/feature contour system processing has been applied to a spotlight sequence of tactical targets imaged by the Lincoln ADT sensor at 1 ft resolution. We show how neural processing can modify the target and clutter statistics, thereby separating the poplulations more effectively. ROC performance curves indicating detection versus false alarm rate are presented, clearly showing the potential benefits of neural pre-processing of SAR imagery.
Ocular biocompatibility of nitinol intraocular clips.

Purpose. To evaluate the tolerance and biocompatibility of a preformed nitinol intraocular clip in an animal model after anterior segment surgery.
The effect of temperature and exposure to Beauveria bassiana on tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris (Heteroptera: Miridae) population dynamics, and the broader implications of treating insects with entomopathogenic fungi over a range of temperatures

Abstract Tarnished plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Heteroptera, Miridae) are a major pest of cotton in most cotton growing regions of the Southern US. Studies were conducted to investigate how temperature and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuilllemin infection impacted L. lineolaris fecundity and longevity, with the goal of determining what temperatures optimized B. bassiana’s control potential. B. bassiana-treated adult females and controls were maintained at constant 18 °C, 21 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C or 32 °C. The number of eggs laid was determined daily until death. B. bassiana caused large reductions in the total number of eggs laid (45–76%) at all temperatures; however, there was no effect of infection on the daily rate of egg production. There was not a sub-lethal effect of infection on egg production on the last full day of life. Intrinsic rates of natural increase and population doubling times were marginally affected by treatment with B. bassiana; doubling times increased with treatment a mean of 3.5 days (range 0.5–7.7 days). There was a temperature dependent trend in the length of the preoviposition period and the days to death after treatment with B. bassiana. As temperature increased from 18 °C to 32 °C, the number of days to death converged on the preoviposition period. The maximum difference was observed at 18 °C (5.3 days different) compared to 30 °C and 32 °C (0.3 days). These results strongly suggested that treatment of tarnished plant bugs with B. bassiana should be performed when plant bugs are in diapause or when temperatures are cool to minimize reproduction during the disease incubation period.
Silibinin inhibits constitutive and TNFalpha-induced activation of NF-kappaB and sensitizes human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells to TNFalpha-induced apoptosis.

Prostate cancer (PCA) is one of the most common invasive malignancies of men in the US, however, there have been limited successes so far in its therapy. Even most potent agents (e.g. TNFalpha) are ineffective in killing human PCA cells possibly due to constitutive activation of NF-kappaB that subsequently activates a large number of anti-apoptotic genes. In such a scenario, strong apoptotic agent TNFalpha, further induces NF-kappaB activation rather than inducing apoptosis. In several recent studies, we have demonstrated both cancer preventive and anti-cancer efficacy of silymarin and its constituent silibinin in a variety of experimental tumor models and cell culture systems. Here we examined whether silibinin is effective in inhibiting constitutive NF-kappaB activation in human PCA cells, which would help in overcoming TNFalpha-insensitivity. Our studies reveal that silibinin effectively inhibits constitutive activation of NF-kappaB in advanced human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells. Consistent with this, nuclear levels of p65 and p50 sub-units of NF-kappaB were also reduced. In the studies assessing molecular mechanism of this effect, silibinin treatment resulted in a significant increase in the level of IkappaBalpha with a concomitant decrease in phospho-IkappaBalpha. Kinase assays revealed that silibinin dose-dependently decreases IKKalpha kinase activity. The effect of silibinin on IKKalpha seemed to be direct as evidenced by the in vitro kinase assay, where immunoprecipitated IKKalpha was incubated with silibinin. This shows that silibinin does not necessarily need an upstream event to bring about its inhibitory effect on IKKalpha and downstream effectors. Additional studies showed that silibinin also inhibits TNFalpha-induced activation of NF-kappaB via IkappaBalpha pathway and subsequently sensitizes DU145 cells to TNFalpha-induced apoptosis. These results indicate that silibinin could be used to enhance the effectiveness of TNFalpha-based chemotherapy in advanced PCA.
Astrophysical implications of new light Higgs bosons

We explore the consequences of the existence of a new light pseudoscalar particle, such as the axion. Thermal energy can be converted into axions through annihilation (${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}h$), photoproduction ($\ensuremath{\gamma}e\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{he}$), and plasma decay (${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{p}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}h$). Explicit expressions for the cross sections and decay lifetimes are given. We conclude that axion production can occur in advanced stages of stellar evolution and in the big-bang creation of the universe. The most dramatic effect, however, is expected during gravitational collapse of massive stars where axions may help trigger a supernova explosion.
IPM for fresh-market lettuce production in the desert southwest: the produce paradox

In the 'Integrated Control Concept', Stern et al. emphasized that, although insecticides are necessary for agricultural production, they should only be used as a last resort and as a complement to biological control. They argued that selective insecticide use should only be attempted after it has been determined that insect control with naturally occurring biotic agents is not capable of preventing economic damage. However, they concluded their seminal paper by emphasizing that integrated control will not work where natural enemies are inadequate or where economic thresholds are too low to rely on biological control. Thus, it is no surprise that insect control in high-value, fresh-market lettuce crops grown in the desert southwest have relied almost exclusively on insecticides to control a complex of mobile, polyphagous pests. Because lettuce and leafy greens are short-season annual crops with little or no tolerance for insect damage or contamination, biological control is generally considered unacceptable. High expectations from consumers for aesthetically appealing produce free of pesticide residues further forces vegetable growers to use chemical control tactics that are not only effective but safe. Consequently, scientists have been developing integrated pest management (IPM) programs for lettuce that are aimed at reducing the economic, occupational and dietary risks associated with chemical controls of the past. Most of these programs have drawn upon the integrated control concept and promote the importance of understanding the agroecosystem, and the need to sample for pest status and use action thresholds for cost-effective insect control. More recently, pest management programs have implemented newly developed, reduced-risk chemistries that are selectively efficacious against key pests. This paper discusses the influence that the integrated control concept, relative to zero-tolerance market standards and other constraints, has had on the adoption of pest management in desert lettuce crops.
Body build in infants with acute intestinal intoxication

Summary 1. Infants with acute intestinal intoxication are, on the average, shorter than healthy infants from the same social environment. 2. In relation to total body length, infants with acute intestinal intoxication have narrower faces, narrower shoulders and smaller chests than healthy infants. 3. The proportion of the dimensions mentioned above to total body length in infants with acute intestinal intoxication is determined, in part, by a retardation of growth. 4. Since deficient diet leads to retardation of growth, it is reasonable to look upon acute intestinal intoxication as causally related to dietary deficiency.
Tissue-specific regulation and function of Grb10 during growth and neuronal commitment.

Growth-factor receptor bound protein 10 (Grb10) is a signal adapter protein encoded by an imprinted gene that has roles in growth control, cellular proliferation, and insulin signaling. Additionally, Grb10 is critical for the normal behavior of the adult mouse. These functions are paralleled by Grb10’s unique tissue-specific imprinted expression; the paternal copy of Grb10 is expressed in a subset of neurons whereas the maternal copy is expressed in most other adult tissues in the mouse. The mechanism that underlies this switch between maternal and paternal expression is still unclear, as is the role for paternally expressed Grb10 in neurons. Here, we review recent work and present complementary data that contribute to the understanding of Grb10 gene regulation and function, with specific emphasis on growth and neuronal development. Additionally, we show that in vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into alpha motor neurons recapitulates the switch from maternal to paternal expression observed during neuronal development in vivo. We postulate that this switch in allele-specific expression is related to the functional role of Grb10 in motor neurons and other neuronal tissues.
X-ray absorption studies on organo-disulfide redox cathodes

We have measured the near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra of the K-edge of sulfur in organo-disulfide redox polymeric electrodes in both charged and discharged states. The formation and scission of S-S bonding during the charge-discharge cycle were observed through NEXAFS spectroscopy. 4 refs., 2 figs.
Glass substrates for AMLCD applications: properties and implications

Since its introduction almost two years ago, Corning's code 1737 AMLCD substrate glass has received strong market support. Some of this was anticipated as this glass offers several obvious improvements over existing substrates; however, some came unexpectedly as AMLCD manufacturers discovered new attributes offered by this glass. Chief among these anticipated improvements were a higher glass strain point, translating into a substrate with greater thermal stability; a lower density, resulting in lower weight and less gravitational sag; improved chemical durability, allowing more aggressive etching conditions; and a coefficient of thermal expansion more closely matched to silicon, opening up the possibility of chip-on-glass. Some of the unanticipated benefits include greater strength and a natural tendency of the glass to get sodium from silica barriers layers. This paper will review the development of Code 1737 glass, outlining the benefits it brings to the technical, commercial, and manufacturing development of next generation AMLCD's.
On the Instability Mechanisms of a Disk Rotating Close to a Rigid Surface

The instability mechanisms of a rotating disk, coupled to a rigid surface through a viscous fluid film at the interface, are investigated analytically. The fluid in the film is driven circumferentially by the viscous shear, and it flows outwards radially under centrifugal forces. The circumferential flow component creates an equivalent viscous damping rotating at one half the disk rotation speed. This film damping dissipates all backward traveling waves where the undamped wave speeds are greater than one half the disk rotation speed. The radial flow component creates a nonsymmetric stiffness in the disk-film system that energizes any wave mode at rotation speeds above its flutter speed. Instabilities in the disk-film system are of two types. A rotating damping instability is caused by the rotating film damping at rotation speeds above a critical value that is less than the flutter speed. A combination instability is caused by the combined effect of the film stiffness and damping at rotation speeds above a threshold that is greater than the flutter speed. The maximum rotation speed of stable disk vibration is bounded above by the lowest onset speed of rotating damping instability. This speed limit is predicted for two wall enclosure designs. The maximum stable rotation speed of a 5.25-inch diameter flexible, memory disk, separated from a rigid surface by a viscous air film, is shown to be more than 15 times greater than the maximum speed of the disk without the air film.
Sequence stratigraphy and formalization of the Middle Uinta Mountain Group (Neoproterozoic), central Uinta Mountains, Utah: A closer look at the western Laurentian Seaway at ca. 750Ma

Abstract The mid-Neoproterozoic (ca. 750 Ma) Uinta Mountain Group (UMG), northeast Utah, USA, records transgressions of an epicontinental sea at least 150 million years before inception of the Laurentian western passive margin. This work refines middle UMG stratigraphy by formalizing three lithostratigraphic formations and interpreting a sequence stratigraphic framework in the central part of the Uinta Mountains. Middle UMG marine and fluvial-deltaic facies associations comprise eight depositional sequences within a kilometer-thick upward-fining composite sequence. These depositional sequences form one progradational–aggradational (“lowstand”) sequence set (PASS) and one aggradational–progradational (“highstand”) sequence set (APSS). Depositional sequences were deposited within a tide- and wave-affected epicontinental seaway that received sediment from a south-flowing fluvial system proximally sourced in the Neoarchean southern Wyoming Province to the north and from a separate system of major, west-flowing trans-Laurentian rivers distally sourced in the Grenville orogen, the mid-continent granite province, and the Yavapai and Mazatzal provinces to the south and east. Middle UMG fluvial-marine paleogeography strengthens the genetic link with the coeval Big Cottonwood and Little Willow formations (Utah), the Chuar Group (Arizona), and upper Pahrump Supergroup (California), which collectively indicate a ca. 770–740 Ma epicontinental seaway existed across much of western Laurentia before 700 Ma rifting and 600 Ma formation of the Cordilleran passive margin. Long-term marine transgression onto continental Laurentia was likely caused by supercontinent breakup, particularly rifting of the Tarim and South China blocks from the remainder of Rodinia. Poorly constrained autocyclic drivers (delta lobe switching, channel avulsion) and allocyclic drivers (climatic fluctuations, local tectonism) controlled higher frequency depositional cycles superimposed on this long-term transgression. Western Laurentia thus records prolonged (750–600 Ma) episodic basin formation, mafic volcanism, and faulting before establishment of a continental terrace after 600 Ma. The Neoproterozoic western Laurentian epicontinental seaway can be used as a tie-point with other continents to help constrain the original continental configuration of Rodinia.
Early versus late identification of infants at high risk of developing moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

We developed a simple method to identify neonates at high risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and determined whether early (8 hours) and late (14 days) risk assessment is equally useful. A retrospective cohort design was utilized of subjects enrolled in multi-dose surfactant trials to develop each risk identification model. Prospective testing of the late 14-day model was done to determine accuracy. The primary outcome variable (moderate to severe BPD) was defined as the need for oxygen and mechanical ventilation beyond 28 days of life and significant chest X-ray changes. Variables were screened for inclusion in the models by univariate and multiple regression analysis of data available at 14 days or 8 hours of life, converted to yes-no variables by the use of receiver-operator curves; the final model was based on those variables that gave the highest sensitivity and specificity for identifying BPD risk. Thirty-eight out of 116 of the 14-day model subjects developed BPD. The 14-day model (F1O2 > or = 0.30 and ventilation index (defined as 10,000/peak pressure x rate x PCO2) 23 breaths/min, and ventilation index < 0.895] had a sensitivity of 73%, specificity of 83%, negative predictive value of 98% but positive predictive value of only 22%. These observation indicated that clinical data can create an accurate and simple model to classify infants into high- or low-risk groups for BPD. Using such models very early in life (e.g., at 8 hours) may lead to a high number of false-positive identifications.
A miniature pressure sensor for blast event evaluation

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a great potential threat to people who deal with explosive devices. Protection from TBI has attracted more and more interest. Great efforts have been taken to the studies on the understanding of the propagation of the blast events and its effect on TBI. However, one of the biggest challenges is that the current available pressure sensors are not fast enough to capture the blast wave especially the transient period. This paper reports an ultrafast pressure sensor that could be very useful for analysis of the fast changing blast signal. The sensor is based on Fabry-Perot (FP) principle. It uses a 45o angle polished fiber sitting in a V-groove on a silicon chip. The endface of the angle polished fiber and the diaphragm which is lifted off on the side wall of the V-groove form the FP cavity. The sensor is very small and can be mounted on different locations of a helmet to measure blast pressure simultaneously. The tests were conducted at Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) in Natick, MA. The sensors were mounted in a shock tube, side by side with the reference sensors, to measure a rapidly increased pressure. The results demonstrated that our sensors' responses agreed well with those from the electrical reference sensors and their response time is comparable.
Complex resonance eigenvalues by the lanczos recursion method

Abstract A complex (non-standard) Lanczos recursion method (LRM) is used to determine resonance positions and widths from a Hamiltonian by the complex coordinate method (CCM). When the initial Lanczos vector is an approximate resonance eigenvector (e.g. obtained by the Taylor-Hazi stabilization method) the resonance positions and widths of a N × N Hamiltonian matrix are obtained by the diagonalization of a much smaller m × m tridiagonal matrix ( m ⪡ N ). The combination of the complex LRM and CCM to determine complex resonance energies is well suited for large Hamiltonian matrices: providing faster execution and requiring less memory than standard methods. A numerical example is presented.
Addressing the requirements of QoS management for wireless ad hoc networks

Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning and management in ad hoc networks remains a challenging task. Existing research focuses either on providing QoS or on network management, in ad hoc networks. However, a comprehensive approach to QoS management in ad hoc networks, i.e. network management in support of service differentiation, QoS robustness, and network survivability is still lacking. In this paper, we survey the existing literature on ad hoc network management from a QoS perspective. We identify policy-based management as a promising approach for QoS provisioning and management in ad hoc networks, and describe the components that we believe are crucial for effective functioning of such a policy-based framework. Our initial experimental results in assessing signaling overhead and response time for network management in ad hoc networks support the choice of a hybrid policy architecture that combines outsourcing and provisioning policy distribution models.
Electronics for Whole-Body Liquid Scintillation Counters

Large liquid scintillation counters offer a unique combination of high sensitivity and moderate energy resolution and hence are particularly useful for the rapid measurement of the radioactivity of the human body and other large samples. This counter permits measurements of internal gamma contamination of the human body at concentrations 1000 times less than maximum permissible levels. Such an instrument can, therefore, have many practical applications to diagnosis in clinical and experimental medicine. The instrumentation to be described is used with the new Los Alamos human counter but the techniques are applicable to large liquid scintillation counters in general. Objectives in this system are: 1) optimizing pulse-height (energy) resolution from the detector, 2) optimizing SNR, 3) long-term stability and freedom from rate and overload deficiencies and 4) accuracy, speed and versatility of data handling and processing.
The stability of tetravalent berkelium in acid solution and the absorption spectra of Bk(IV) and Bk(III)

The stability of Bk(IV) in sulfuric acid solutions was studied as a function of acid strength. To obtain the rate of reduction due to radiolysis, the absorption spectra were observed over a period of time. The dominant spectral feature of Bk(IV) in sulfuric acid is a strong charge-transfer band centered at 290 nm. The rate of reduction was inversely proportional to the acidity and closely paralleled the efficiency of production of H2O2 in that medium. The half-times ranged from 2·1 to 16·7 hr for 0·05M-4·5M H2SO4 solutions. The stability of Bk(IV) in perchloric acid and in sodium pyrophosphate solutions was also investigated. Observations of the spectrum of Bk(III) were extended further into the ultraviolet to 200 nm and yielded nine new bands. Four strong bands are believed to be due to allowed transitions, placing the lowest level of the 5f76d configuration at 41,300 cm−1.
751-2 Combined Treatment with 3 Antiplatelet Agents Reduces Neointimal Proliferation In Canine Coronary Arteries After Angioplasty

Platelet-derived growth factors are implicated in the neointimal proliferation (NP) that is partly responsible for restenosis after coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Reducing platelet accumulation at PTCA sites may attenuate NP and restenosis. Single antiplatelet agents are not effective, due to multiple platelet activation pathways. Previous work suggested that combined antagonism of 2 mediators of platelet aggregation––thromboxane A2(by ridogrel) and serotonin (by ketanserin), could reduce platelet-thrombus formation and lessen NP. We therefore tested the hypothesis that combined treatment with 3 agents (ridogrel, kemnserin, and an ADP antagonist––clopidogrel) would be more effective in reducing NP after PTCA. We studied 18 dogs with coronary flow probes and plastic constrictors chronically implanted on LAD arteries. All dogs underwent LAD PTCA and were sacrificed after 8 weeks of monitoring. Eight dogs were controls, while 10 dogs were treated with combined anti platelet therapy for 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after PTCA. Compared to controls, ex vivo platelet aggregation was virtually abolished in treated dogs, and bleeding times during treatment were greater (g720 vs 119 ± 4 sec, p l 0.001). Cyclic flow variations (CFVs) after PTCA, from repetitive accumulation and dislodgement of platelet aggregates at PTCA sites, occurred in 7/8 controls but in only 1/10 treated dogs (p l 0.01). Platelet counts and hematocrit values were not different between treated and control groups. Quantitative coronary artery histology revealed that neointimal area was threefold less in the treated group (0.18 ± 0.07 cm2vs 0.52 ± 0.12, P = 0.032), as was the percent lumen stenosis (13 ± 4% vs 40 ± 13%, P = 0.06). Conclusion Combination anti platelet therapy with these 3 antagonists inhibited several relevant measures of platelet function and reduced neointimal proliferation in a canine coronary artery angioplasty model.
2006 update on baseline instruments for the GOES-R series

In order to meet the requirements, documented by the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) user communities, the instruments designated for the GOES-R notional baseline include an Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), a Hyperspectral Environmental Suite (HES), a Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), and advanced space and solar observing instruments including the Solar Imaging Suite (SIS) and the Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS). These instruments will monitor a wide range of phenomena, including applications relating to: weather, climate, ocean, coastal zones, land, hazards, solar and space.
Anticoagulant monitoring in ventricular assist device patients: a feasibility study.

We conducted a feasibility study to monitor coagulation using a point-of-care device (proTime micro coagulation system) in ventricular assist device (VAD) patients. The aim of the study was to compare International Normalized Ratio (INR) readings using a standard laboratory method and proTime micro coagulation device in order to confirm a correlation between these two methods. The nurse's feedback about anticoagulation monitoring using portable anticoagulant monitoring devices in the hospital was also assessed. Four patients admitted in the cardiac surgery unit at University of Maryland, Baltimore were enrolled between 25 November 2006 and 17 January 2006. These patients had given consent to undergo both venous and finger-stick blood samplings to monitor their anticoagulant levels. Six hospital nurses participated in the study. Forty-one INR readings were compared using both methods. Correlation coefficients determined association between INR readings using two methods. All the patients were males and were hypertensive. Significant positive association was seen in the INR readings using two methods (r=0.96; P<0.0001). Four of the six nurses believed patients would be significantly safer if INR is monitored by VAD patients in their homes. Further research needs to be done to determine the impact of home INR monitoring and long-term health in these patients.
Observations on the morphological heterogeneity of WI‐38 cells

WI-38 cells of intermediate and late-passage cultures were examined by light microscopy, scanning, conventional transmission and high voltage electron microscopy for evidence of heterogeneity among the cells within a single culture. Two morphologically distinct cell sizes and shapes were noted in all passages, (1) a typical fibroblastic type, and (2) a much larger, non-fusiform type. The larger cells generally had a nucleus that was positioned to one side of the bulk of the cytoplasm. The smaller was consistently fusiform with a centrally placed nucleus. The surfaces of intermediate-passage cells were uniform in showing small microvilli and corticall pits but were otherwise smooth and with out distinctive featues. The late-passage cells, on the other band, were consistent in showing numerous blebs and marginal ruffing. The internal structure of these cells in all passages studied was complicated by many age-related changes. The observations indicate that there is in WI-38 cells a high degree of intraculture heterogeneity. An awareness of this is important in studies which characterize the biochemical properties of this cell strain.
An empirical analysis of stock returns around dividend changes

This paper documents significant drift in stock returns following announcements of changes in cash dividends. The magnitude is (i) smaller for increases than for decreases, (ii) inversely related to firm size and positively to dividend yield change, and (iii) concentrated in the first quarter. Beta changes do not explain the drift and it is robust in various subperiods. Next it is shown that dividend increases are positively autocorrelated especially every fourth quarter. The prices keep reacting to future announcements as if the market ignores these autocorrelations. Dividend decreases exhibit weak autocorrelation and the returns are negative for the following three announcements.
Management and counseling of children with inherited metabolic disorders

Although rare individually, as a group inborn errors of metabolism are relatively common in the pediatric population. Families need assistance with evaluation and referral, accurate counseling, and management issues. An overview of inherited metabolic disorders is presented, followed by discussion and examples of selected categories of disease.
Differing Effects of Airway Obstruction on Physical Work Capacity and Ventilation in Men and Women With COPD

Background Although the natural history of COPD is thought to be well known, studies assessing differences in the onset and course of the disease by gender are surprisingly lacking. This study is a cross-sectional analysis using progressive cycle ergometry exercise testing to assess male and female patients at specific levels of airway obstruction to see if they differ in their exercise capacity and decline in functional capacity. Methods The study group included 417 patients with COPD, 55 to 85 years of age, who were compared with 29 controls of similar age; all patients had COPD (FEV 1 /FVC 1 /FVC ratios (mild, 60.5 to 69.5%; moderate, 50.5 to 60.5%; severe Results Men demonstrated progressive reductions of body weight, exercise ability (assessed by the Vo 2 ), oxygen pulse (O 2 P, an indicator of stroke volume), and maximum exercise ventilation (VEmax) even with mild pulmonary dysfunction. Women did not lose weight, and maintained usual exercise ability (Vo 2 , VEmax) and O 2 P until moderate or severe disease was present. Additional confirmation of a decrease in cardiac function for men with mild airway obstruction (p Conclusions Male and female patients with COPD differed in their decline of functional aerobic capacity even at equivalent levels of pulmonary dysfunction. One reason for this appeared to be a decrease in the O 2 P occurring early in the natural history of the disease in the men and not in the women. Although general body deconditioning may be the cause, heart disease may also be a contributing aspect. The relative delay in the loss of exercise capacity and body mass by the women may relate to predisease differences in physical activity. Women manifested significant lung disease with less cigarette smoking than men. This may be attributable to a different susceptibility to cigarette smoke between the sexes. These results suggest that there appear to be differences in the natural history of COPD in men and women.
The in vivo dynamics of antigenic variation in Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosoma brucei, a causative agent of African Sleeping Sickness, constantly changes its dense variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat to avoid elimination by the immune system of its mammalian host, using an extensive repertoire of dedicated genes. However, the dynamics of VSG expression in T. brucei during an infection are poorly understood. We have developed a method, based on de novo assembly of VSGs, for quantitatively examining the diversity of expressed VSGs in any population of trypanosomes and monitored VSG population dynamics in vivo. Our experiments revealed unexpected diversity within parasite populations and a mechanism for diversifying the genome-encoded VSG repertoire. The interaction between T. brucei and its host is substantially more dynamic and nuanced than previously expected.
An automated method for continuously monitoring diffusion cells in skin penetration studies

Abstract A fully automated system for studying in vitro skin penetration has been developed. In the present system, frequent monitoring of drug transport through a membrane in a diffusion cell provides for the accurate measurement of steady-state flux and lag time, which is often difficult to monitor using conventional systems because of infrequent sampling. Each diffusion cell is connected to a micro flow cell in the spectrophotometer and the receptor cell fluid continuously flows through the micro flow cell back into the receptor cell due to the pressure caused by stirring inside the diffusion cell. This strirring also ensures mixing inside the receptor cell. The spectrophotometer is controlled by a personal computer so that drug penetration through the membrane can be monitored continuously because of frequent UV absorbance measurements. The usefulness of the system has been verified using shed snake skin as a model membrane.
Controlled proteolysis of ammonia-dependent carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase I from Syrian hamster liver.

Abstract Ammonia-dependent carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase I (carbon-dioxide:ammonia ligase (ADP-forming, carbamate-phosphorylating), EC 6.3.4.16; formerly EC 2.7.2.5) isolated from hamster liver mitochondria is comprised of identical 160 kDa polypeptide chains. Controlled proteolysis by elastase sequentially cleaved this molecule into a small number of specific fragments. The first cleavage led to a complete loss of enzymatic activity and the formation of a 145 kDa species that was subsequently degraded into 83 kDa and 62 kDa fragments. Very different results were obtained when proteolysis was carried out in the presence of saturating ATP, MgCl 2 , NH 4 Cl, and the activator N- acetyl- l -glutamate . These ligands stabilized the molecule 8-fold against elastase digestion. Moreover, only small amounts of the 145 kDa species were generated. Instead, the molecule was initially cleaved into a fully active 120 kDa species anda 40 kDa proteolytic fragment. The same species were found in limit digests conducted in the presence and absence of ligands, indicating that only the sequence of elastase cleavages differed. Comparison of digests conducted in the presence of each ligand alone and in combination, showed that while NH 4 Cl and N- acetyl- l -glutamate were necessary for maximal stabilization of the molecule, the altered digestion pattern was produced specifically by MgATP. The MgATP-induced change in digestion pattern correlated well with the steady-state ATP saturation curve, suggesting that the production of the 120 kDa species resulted from ATP binding to the active site. The effect of MgATP on the proteolysis of carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase I was not the result of an alteration in oligomeric structure, but the protection of two elastase cleavage sites. The results were interpreted on the basis of the primary structure recently determined elsewhere.
Leveraging ensemble information of evolving populations in genetic algorithms to identify incomplete metabolic pathways

Genome-scale metabolic models are powerful tools in helping to understand the metabolism of living organisms. They can be applied to the biomedical and biotechnological arenas. The use of such models enables fundamental understanding of metabolism and identification of drug targets in pathogenic microorganisms. They also facilitate metabolic engineering of recombinant organisms to make products useful to society. These mathematical models of metabolism are created based upon the genome annotation of the organism of interest. However, development of high quality versions of these models is non-trivial due to incomplete knowledge regarding gene function, as well as errors in genome annotations. Models developed under such circumstances display "metabolic inconsistency" and are mathematically infeasible. Genetic algorithms may be used to resolve these inconsistencies. In the process, it is possible to take advantage of the ensemble information inherent to the evolving population to gain additional biologically relevant insight. Specifically, it is possible to identify the most pathologic metabolic inconsistencies in an organism, facilitating experimental design and hypothesis development.