cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unified imaging of multichannel seismic data: Combining traveltime inversion and prestack depth migration

Imaging 2D multichannel land seismic data can be accomplished effectively by a combination of traveltime inversion and prestack depth migration (PSDM), referred to as unified imaging. Unified imaging begins by inverting the direct-arrival times to estimate a velocity model that is used in static corrections and stacking velocity analysis. The interval velocity model (from stacking velocities) is used for PSDM. The stacked data and the PSDM image are interpreted for common horizons, and the corresponding wide-aperture reflections are identified in the shot gathers. Using the interval velocity model, the stack interpretations are inverted as zero-offset reflections to constrain the corresponding interfaces in depth; the interval velocity model remains stationary. We define a coefficient of congruence j that measures the discrepancy between horizons from the PSDM image andtheir counterparts from the zero-offset inversion. A value of unity for j implies that the interpreted and inverted horizons are consisten...
Using Integrative Graphic Assignments to Promote Deep Learning of the Market Mechanism

Economics faculty expect that students have an integrated understanding of economic theory upon graduation and that they grasp and appreciate how all elements of markets naturally move to equilibrium. Through assessment activities, the authors discovered that their students were not developing that knowledge, so they turned to learning theory to help develop assignments that would lead students to integrate across economic theories. The assignments they developed can easily be added to existing curricula and greatly enhance student understanding of how markets work in disequilibrium and equilibrium.
EFFECTS OF HYPOTHALAMIC AND HYPOPHYSIAL ESTROGEN IMPLANTS ON PITUITARY GONADOTROPHIC CELLS IN OVARIECTOMIZED RABBITS.

Minute amounts of estradiol benzoate were implanted into the basal hypothalamus or anterior hypophysis in ovariectomized New Zealand White rabbits. Autopsy was performed 60 days later. For cytologic study of the rabbit anterior hypophysis new modified aldehyde fuchsin (AF) (Halmi) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-methyl blue methods were used. Two types of basophils could be differentiated, AF-positive basophils and AF-negative basophils, the latter of which were shown to be gonadotrophs. PAS purple cells were identified as AF-negative basophils in the rabbit. The percentage of AF-negative basophils was 5.26±0.47% in ovariectomized control rabbits with blank tubing implants. When estrogen was implanted in the posterior median eminence-basal tuberal region of the hypothalamus (PME), increase in AF-negative basophils was markedly inhibited, resulting in subnormal numbers (0.66±0.17%). Little inhibition of increase in AF-negative basophils was seen after estrogen implantation into the hypophysis (3.67±0.35%), ...
Mast Cell Activation Accelerates the Normal Rate of Angiogenesis in the Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane

Abstract Using shell-less cultures of chick embryos, the effect of mast cell degranulation on normal rates of angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was recorded from Day 6 to Day 9. Based on the centripetal ordering method with capillaries as the initial point of reference, the first two orders of pre- and postcapillary microvessels were evaluated. After infusion of compound 48/80 into the allantoic cavity, the normal proliferation rate of order-1 pre- and postcapillaries was markedly increased. Increases of second-order vessel numerical densities (number/cm 2 ) were less than those of the order-1 vessels. Thus, length densities (mean length × numerical density) were increased for the order-1 vessels only. During the accelerated rate of CAM angiogenesis, endothelial restriction of FITC–dextran 150 remained uniformly high. Hence, secreted mast cell products likely worked synergistically with endogenous CAM angiogenic factors between Days 6 and 9, without increasing rates of macromolecular extravasation. However, histamine injection into the allantoic cavity at Day 10, in conjunction with calcium supplementation of the shell-less cultures at Day 9, elevated the rate of FITC–dextran 150 extravasation. Whether differentiation of this transendothelial pathway is required for enhancement of CAM angiogenesis after Day 10 remains uncertain.
EFFECT OF SODIUM ACETATE OR SODIUM PROPIONATE WITH EDTA AND ASCORBIC ACID ON THE INACTIVATION OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

Several organic acids or salts approved as food additives enhance the inactivation of foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes. Although there has been research on the effects of individual organic acids on the inactivation kinetics of L. monocytogenes, little information exists on their activity when used in combination with other food additives. We undertook to characterize the effects of combinations of 90% sodium acetate or sodium propionate, two salts that inhibit L. monocytogenes, with 8% EDTA (disodium salt) and 2% ascorbic acid on the nonthermal inactivation of a three-strain mixture of L. monocytogenes. Activity was assessed in Brain Heart Infusion broth (BHI) at various concentrations (0.0–2.0% w/v), pH values (3.0–4.5) and temperatures (4–28C). Samples were removed periodically for up to 175 days and viable counts determined. Survivor curves were generated using a logistics-based inactivation model and used to calculate “time to a 4-D (99.99%) inactivation”(t4-D). The rate of inactivation was directly related to concentration of the acid mixture and temperature of incubation and inversely related to pH. The primary factor effecting inactivation rates was pH, followed by the concentration of the undissociated form of the primary organic acid (acetic or propionic). Evaluation of the mixture components individually and in combination indicated the components acted largely in an additive manner. The results indicate that combinations of primary and secondary organic acids and EDTA may have advantages for enhancing the inactivation of L. monocytogenes in refrigerated, mildly acidic foods, while avoiding organoleptic effects associated with excessive levels of single acids.
A review of the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory rheumatic disease involving primarily the sacroiliac joints and the axial skeleton. The main clinical features are back pain and progressive stiffness of the spine. Oligoarthritis of the hips and shoulders, enthesopathy, and anterior uveitis are common, and involvement of the heart and lungs is rare. The current understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder is limited. Despite the strong association between human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) and susceptibility to AS reported over the past 30 years, the exact pathogenic role of HLA-B27 in AS and other spondyloarthropathies has yet to be determined. The authors present a review of the literature pertaining to the pathogenesis of AS over the past several decades. Ankylosing spondylitis is a polygenic disorder, with HLA-B27 playing a critical causative role in its pathogenesis. Animal studies of the immunobiology of HLA-B27 have provided significant insight into the pathogenic role of HLA-B27. The search for the antigenic peptide to support the "arthritogenic peptide" hypothesis has been disappointing. Over the past decade there has been increasing interest in the critical role of the misfolding and unfolded protein response of the heavy chain HLA-B27 in the modulation of the inflammatory response. Although there have been significant new findings in the understanding of the pathogenesis of AS, the exact mechanisms have yet to be identified. There is considerable optimism that additional susceptibility genes, predisposing factors, and regulators of the inflammatory process will be identified that will provide avenues for future treatment.
Spider Silk-Based Gene Carriers for Tumor Cell-Specific Delivery

The present study demonstrates pDNA complexes of recombinant silk proteins containing poly(L-lysine) and tumor-homing peptides (THPs), which are globular and approximately 150-250 nm in diameter, show significant enhancement of target specificity to tumor cells by additions of F3 and CGKRK THPs. We report herein the preparation and study of novel nanoscale silk-based ionic complexes containing pDNA able to home specifically to tumor cells. Particular focus was on how the THP, F3 (KDEPQRRSARLSAKPAPPKPEPKPKKAPAKK), and CGKRK, enhanced transfection specificity to tumor cells. Genetically engineered silk proteins containing both poly(L-lysine) domains to interact with pDNA and the THP to bind to specific tumor cells for target-specific pDNA delivery were prepared using Escherichia coli, followed by in vitro and in vivo transfection experiments into MDA-MB-435 melanoma cells and highly metastatic human breast tumor MDA-MB-231 cells. Non-tumorigenic MCF-10A breast epithelial cells were used as a control cell line for in vitro tumor-specific delivery studies. These results demonstrate that combination of the bioengineered silk delivery systems and THP can serve as a versatile and useful new platform for nonviral gene delivery.
Determination of self diffusion coefficients using the radial distribution function

A new diffusion equation was developed for predicting self-diffusion coefficients in liquid metals. The new model makes use of fluctuation distances obtained from radial distribution curves to predict diffusivities accurately over a wide temperature range. Fluctuation distances used in the new model are greater than values used in other fluctuation models.
Hot corrosion of materials: a fluxing mechanism?

Abstract Hot corrosion is the accelerated oxidation of a material at elevated temperature induced by a thin film of fused salt deposit. Fused Na 2 SO 4 , which is the dominant salt involved in hot corrosion, is an ionic conductor, so that the corrosion mechanism is certainly electrochemical in nature. Further, the acid/base nature of this oxyanion salt offers the possibility for the dissolution (fluxing) of the normally protective oxide scale. Non-protective precipitated oxide particles are often observed in the corrosion products. In this paper, the status of knowledge for the solubilities of oxides in fused Na 2 SO 4 is reviewed, and the effects of various influences on a fluxing mechanism are discussed. An evaluation of a “negative solubility gradient” as a criterion for continuing hot corrosion is made.
Sulfoxidation of thioether-containing pesticides by the flavin-adenine dinucleotide-dependent monooxygenase of pig liver microsomes

In the presence of NADPH and under aerobic conditions, thioether-containing organo-phosphorus and carbamate pesticides were oxidized by the FAD-dependent monooxygenase (EC 1.14.13.8) purified from pig liver microsomes. The stoichiometric relationship between NADPH and substrate during the course of the reaction was 1:1, and the product, in the case of disulfoton and phorate, was the sulfoxide. The product was optically active and further oxidation to the sulfone was not apparent. Furthermore, the sulfoxides of disulfoton, phorate and croneton were not substrates for this enzyme. n-Octylamine, a known cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, increased the rate of sulfoxidation reactions catalyzed by the FAD-dependent monooxygenase. Structure-activity relationships were investigated using thirty-nine possible substrates. Structural changes around the thioether sulfur that affect nucleophilicity or that cause steric hindrance tended to decrease the sulfoxidation rats. With phosphorodithioates, changes around the phosphorus atom also affected oxidation of the thioether sulfur. Although neither the thiono nor the thiol sulfur atoms were attacked, substitution of either sulfur by oxygen decreased sulfoxidation. Thioether-containing O, O-dimethyl phosphorodithioates were not oxidized as readily as their O, O-diethyl analogs. Tetram and its analogs, which contain a teritiary amine group, were also substrates for this enzyme, presumably forming the N-oxide.
Analysis of a molecular signal for cell function in allergic reactions

Abstract Cross-linking of antibodies on mast cell and basophil surfaces is known to trigger release of histamine from the cells. The relation between cross-linking and antibody and antigen concentrations, at equilibrium, is studied, within the context of a particular experimental system: one in which the antigen has two distinct binding sites and the basophil or mast cell has on its surface two homogeneous, non-cross-reacting antibody populations which bind to these sites. Proofs are given for certain qualitative and quantitative properties of the amount of cell surface antibody in a cross-linked state, as a function of antibody and antigen concentrations. These results are useful in studying the relation between cross-linking and cell activation and desensitization.
Suppression of Fixational Saccades in Strabismic and Anisometropic Amblyopia

Individuals with strabismus frequently exhibit large fixational saccadic pairs (saccadic intrusions) during monocular fixation with the amblyopic eye in the light. We found two conditions in which the saccadic intrusion frequency could be markedly reduced. When instructed to ‘hold the eye steady’ in the presence of a visible target in the light, saccadic intrusions were suppressed and eye position maintained within a few degrees of the target. These results suggest that corrective drift was used by the amblyopic eye to aid in position maintenance. When instructed to ‘fixate’ in complete darkness, the intrusive pattern was replaced by a jerk nystagmus-like pattern. These results clearly demonstrate that saccadic intrusions in amblyopic eyes require the presence of a visible target for their generation, and additionally, that ‘extraretinal signals’ were involved in maintenance of eye position under this condition. Saccades could also be suppressed during the ‘hold’ command in the light by patients having amblyopia without strabismus or constant strabismus amblyopia with intermittent jerk nystagmus.
Power management and delivery for high-performance microprocessors

This paper provides an introduction to advanced power management and delivery techniques that have been employed in leading microprocessor designs. The techniques need multiple voltage rails supplied by independent voltage regulators. We provide justification for near-load regulators and explain the practical challenges associated with the regulator integration.
The "Mobile Adversary" Paradigm in Distributed Computation and Systems

The notion of `mobile adversary,' where the opponent can capture parties in a multi-party protocol dynamically, as long as at any given point in time its capturing capability is limited by a bound on number of parties (processors) it can control, has been suggested as an extensions of the traditionally static adversary. The motivation for this adversary was a result of a few issues: First, it was originated in systems corruption phenomena like virus injection into a computer network (such as the Internet), where viruses are spread but also detected and eliminated at network computers. Secondly, it is natural to assume that for managed networks, there will be efforts to recover failed processors, so the adversary control may cease to exist in a node locally while its control of other nodes continues. Thirdly, the notion of self-stabilization implies that a system tries to get rid of failures and the notion represents a strong fault-tolerance aspect, and should be extended (i.e., augmented by assuming bound on faults and extending initial benign fault to adversarial perpetual ones). As a result, the mobile adversary notion and a methodology for coping with it (proactive fault-tolerance, or proactive security in security oriented protocols) and its perpetual self-healing character, have been suggested. This work will review the development and influence of this notion on fault-tolerant secure distributed computing.
Abnormal Grain Growth and Texture Development

A theory for abnormal grain growth (AGG) in polycrystalline materials is revisited and extended in order to predict AGG in textured polycrystals. The motivation for the work is to improve our understanding of the origins of the Goss texture component, {110}, during annealing of Fe-Si sheet. Since the AGG phenomenon in grain-oriented electrical steels is known to be dependent on the presence of a dispersion of fine second phase particles, the grain boundary properties are treated as representative of the homogenized behavior of the material, and not necessarily the properties that would be measured directly. The predictions of AGG are presented in the form of maps in Euler space, showing which texture components are most likely to grow abnormally. For different models of grain boundary properties applied to a theoretically derived texture, different sets of texture components are predicted to grow; neither model, however, predicts growth of the Goss component.
Post-extrasystolic T wave changes∗

Abstract 1.(1) We compared 84 examples of premature contractions followed by post-extrasystolic T wave changes with 87 examples of premature contractions not followed by such changes. 2.(2) Our data does not indicate any relationship between the presence or degree of post-extrasystolic T wave change and the existence of clinical heart disease. 3.(3) The degree of prematurity of the extrasystole and the duration of the compensatory pause did not have any demonstrable determinant effect on the presence or absence of post-extrasystolic T wave changes. 4.(4) Changes in other components of the post-extrasystolic complex occurred frequently but were not necessarily associated with T wave changes and did not differ appreciably in incidence in the cardiac and noncardiac groups.
The role of the immunologist in sinus disease

The clinical immunologist is playing an increasingly important role in the evaluation and management of sinus disease. Although most patients with sinus disease are not immunodeficient, a significant proportion of patients with chronic sinusitis unresponsive to medical and/or surgical therapy may have an immunodeficiency. Most immunodeficient patients for whom sinusitis is a major clinical problem tend to be those with humoral immunodeficiency diseases. The role of immunoglobulin replacement therapy is well established for patients with global immunoglobulin and antibody deficiencies (e.g., X-linked agammaglobulinemia and common variable immunodeficiency) and may be helpful in controlling refractory sinusitis in patients with more selective immunoglobulin deficiencies (e.g., IgG subclass deficiency and selective antibody deficiencies), but efficacy in these conditions remains to be established by controlled studies. Many immunodeficient patients have a history of repeated sinus surgery before the recognition of their immune defect. Even in immunodeficient patients treated with antibiotics and immunoglobulin replacement therapy, functional endoscopic sinus surgery is successful in only half of the patients.
Mutations in the Heparin Binding Domain of Fibronectin in Cooperation with the V Region Induce Decreases in pp125 FAK Levels Plus Proteoglycan-mediated Apoptosis via Caspases

Intact fibronectin (FN) protects cells from apoptosis. When FN is fragmented, specific domains induce proteinase expression in fibroblasts. However, it is not known whether specific domains of FN can also regulate apoptosis. We exposed fibroblasts to four recombinant FN fragments and then assayed for apoptosis using criteria of cellular shape change, condensed nuclear morphology, and DNA fragmentation. The fragments extended from the RGD-containing repeat III10 to III15; they included (V(+)) or excluded (V(-)) the alternatively spliced V region and contained either a mutated (H(-)) or an unmutated (H(+)) heparin binding domain. Only the V(+)H(-) fragment triggered decreases in pp125(FAK) levels and apoptosis, which was rescued by intact FN and inhibitors of caspase-1 and caspase-3. This apoptotic mechanism was mediated by a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, since treating cells with chondroitin sulfate or chondroitinase reversed the apoptotic cell shape changes. The alpha4 integrin receptor may also be involved, since using a blocking antibody to alpha4 alone induced apoptotic cell shape changes, whereas co-treatment with this antibody plus V(+)H(+) reversed these effects. These results demonstrate that the V and heparin binding domains of FN modulate pp125(FAK) levels and regulate apoptosis through a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan- and possibly alpha4 integrin-mediated pathway, which triggers a caspase cascade.
Polarization-induced pairing in high-temperature superconductivity

We propose a mechanism for the pairing of electrons at the copper sites on the spin of quasi-one-dimensional Cu-O chains induced by the electronic polarization of the oxygen atoms in the side chains. We use a model Hamiltonian for a cluster of Cu-O chains and calculate the various correlation functions for a wide range of parameters. We examine the conditions for the onset of polarization-induced pairing states. Our results may be relevant to high-T/sub c/ superconductor YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-//sub x/. .AE
Superconducting lead: Quasiparticle recombination time and Kapitza resistance

We deconvolve the system impulse response from the observed quasiparticle pulse transients of Hu et al., to determine the quasiparticle recombination time. Deconvolution of the accompanying phonon transient yields a phonon-helium-bath relaxation time from which we determine the Kapitza resistance of lead.
A region in IVS5 of the human cardiac L-type calcium channel is required for the use-dependent block by phenylalkylamines and benzothiazepines.

Abstract Mutations in motif IVS5 and IVS6 of the human cardiac calcium channel were made using homologous residues from the rat brain sodium channel 2a. [3H]PN200-110 and allosteric binding assays revealed that the dihydropyridine and benzothiazepine receptor sites maintained normal coupling in the chimeric mutant channels. Whole cell voltage clamp recording fromXenopus oocytes showed a dramatically slowed inactivation and a complete loss of use-dependent block for mutations in the cytoplasmic connecting link to IVS5 (HHT-5371) and in IVS5 transmembrane segment (HHT-5411) with both diltiazem and verapamil. However, the use-dependent block by isradipine was retained by these two mutants. For mutants HHT-5411 and HHT-5371, the residual current appeared associated with a loss of voltage dependence in the rate of inactivation indicating a destabilization of the inactivated state. Furthermore, both HHT-5371 and -5411 recovered from inactivation significantly faster after drug block than that of the wild type channel. Our data demonstrate that accelerated recovery of HHT-5371 and HHT-5411 decreased accumulation of these channels in inactivation during pulse trains and suggest a close link between inactivation gating of the channel and use-dependent block by phenylalkylamines and benzothiazepines and provide evidence of a role for the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions of IVS5 in the use-dependent block by diltiazem and verapamil.
Fast-locking Integer/Fractional-N Hybrid PLL Frequency Synthesizer

This paper introduces a new frequency synthesizer architecture that operates in a classical (no high-order ?? modulator) fractional-N mode with a wide loop bandwidth in transient and in an integer-N mode with a narrow loop bandwidth in steady state. This unique hybrid operation is executed via simple reconfiguration of frequency dividers and loop filters in the same loop. The hybrid nature of the PLL allows for fast settling and design simplicity simultaneously, and also permits the loop bandwidth switching with the same charge pump current, all of which have been historically a significant hurdle. Behavioral simulations confirm the validity of the proposed approach.
Regional resistivity variations in lens homogenates

The response of the lens to changes in the distribution and concentration of electrolytes can be measured by characterizing the changes in resistivity that occur secondary to variations in intracellular composition. Regional intracellular cytoplasmic resistivities of lens fiber cells can be approximated by homogenates isolated from the cortex and nucleus of the lens. The cortical, transitional, and nuclear calf lens homogenate resistivities at physiologic water concentrations were established to be 186·04±12·79, 297·69±18·95, and 421·74±69·64 Ω cm respectively. The physiologic water content of the calf lens is 70·25±0·94% in the cortex and 54·33±1·28% in the nucleus. These data suggest that the increasing cortico-nuclear resistivity gradient is accompanied by a decreasing electrolyte concentration and a progressive cortico-nuclear dehydration. The corresponding mature bovine cortical and nuclear homogenate resistivities are 204·82±13·92 and 628·30±111·81 Ω cm. When compared with calf homogenates the mature bovine cortical resistivity is nearly identical; while the elevated nuclear resistivity is attributable to a continual nuclear dehydration that occurs secondary to aging. Resistivity measurements performed on decapsulated lens homogenates reveal a close correspondence between calf and human lenses. Whereas, the elevated resistivity of the mature bovine decapsulated lens homogenate is attributable to a progressively dehydrated nucleus that increases in size with age. Supplementary data gathered from hydration and dehydration experiments performed on cortical and nuclear homogenates were used to characterize anatomical variations in resistivity as a function of total water content. These data indicate that the resistivity of the cortical homogenate is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentration, whereas the resistivity of the nuclear homogenate is primarily dependent upon the mobilities of the electrolyte species with the highest concentrations. As the water concentration of the nuclear homogenate is increased to non-physiologic levels the resistivity becomes concentration-dependent, and is no longer dominated by the mobility.
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for failed shoulder arthroplasty.

Introduction Shoulder arthroplasty provides excellent outcomes for most patients; however, a subset of these patients with a failed arthroplasty will require revision. Recently, the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) has been used in these difficult clinical situations. Therefore, we sought to examine our initial experience using rTSA as a treatment for failed shoulder arthroplasty. Methods During a 5-year period, 31 patients (mean age, 68.7 years) underwent rTSA for treatment of a failed shoulder arthroplasty and their presurgical and operative data were analyzed. Of the 31 patients, 28 were available for an average follow-up of 40.7 months. Their outcomes were assessed with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores, and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Results Compared with preoperative status, there were statistically significant improvements in all outcome measurements, including the ASES (24.0 to 66.2), UCLA (7.4 to 23.5), SST (1.5 to 7.6), and VAS (7.0 to 2.6). Active forward elevation improved from 44° preoperatively to 108° postoperatively ( P Conclusions The data suggest that patients can expect improved functional outcome and decreased pain after revision of previous arthroplasty to rTSA and that this procedure can provide a reliable salvage option for a challenging clinical problem.
A way into empathy: A ‘case’ of photo-elicitation in illness research:

Brain injury patients often face a lack of empathy that leads to feelings of being disrespected and powerless. This article explores the use of photo-elicitation as one way to generate empathy in research (and clinical) relationships with acquired brain injury survivors through a re-examination of the process and products of photoelicitation research conducted several years ago. The ‘case’ starkly illustrates the limits of researcher empathy and analysis even as the ethics of visual methods create opportunities for participants to share research power, contest research analyses, and present an alternate view that displays health and strength as well as illness. The ‘case’ prompts us to remain vigilant of the ways in which our personal lenses and histories affect what we see and shape our production of knowledge. Practicing empathy by using photos to create discursive spaces in research relationships may help us to learn about ourselves as we learn with patients.
Perceptual responses and cortical potentials evoked in man by pulse trains of varied numbers and frequencies of presentation.

Abstract Pulse-trains of varying length and frequency of presentation were delivered to 10 subjects. Perceived number of flashes and evoked etectrocortical responses were recorded. For all frequencies of stimulation, longer pulse-trains yielded reports of multiple flashes, although with trains presented at 15 c/s and above, the configuration of the evoked response resembled that evoked by a single light pulse. However, with several subjects, correlation coefficients indicated the response evoked by trains to be somewhat different in configuration than the response evoked by single pulses. Low day to day evoked response stability rendered questionable the generality of the above findings.
On the equivalence of the Berlekamp-Massey and the euclidean algorithms for algebraic decoding

Dornstetter, Heydtmann, and Jensen have previously demonstrated that the Extended Euclidean algorithm and the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm are two equivalent methods used for solving the so-called Key Equation in BCH and Reed-Solomon decoding. This paper presents a new algorithm which makes this correspondence more explicit and is an improvement over each of the two algorithms.
Regulation of epithelial permeability by the actin cytoskeleton

The actin cytoskeleton is a dynamic structure necessary for cell and tissue organization, including the maintenance of epithelial barriers. The epithelial barrier regulates the movement of ions, macromolecules, immune cells, and pathogens, and is thus essential for normal organ function. Disruption in the epithelial barrier has been shown to coincide with alterations of the actin cytoskeleton in several disease states. These disruptions primarily manifest as increased movement through the paracellular space, which is normally regulated by tight junctions (TJ). Despite extensive research demonstrating a direct link between the actin cytoskeleton and epithelial permeability, our understanding of the physiological mechanisms that link permeability and tight junction structure are still limited. In this review, we explore the role of the actin cytoskeleton at TJ and present several areas for future study.
Statistical QA - Classifier vs. Re-ranker: What's the difference?

In this paper, we show that we can obtain a good baseline performance for Question Answering (QA) by using only 4 simple features. Using these features, we contrast two approaches used for a Maximum Entropy based QA system. We view the QA problem as a classification problem and as a re-ranking problem. Our results indicate that the QA system viewed as a re-ranker clearly outperforms the QA system used as a classifier. Both systems are trained using the same data.
High data rate modulation issues in metamaterial-based antenna

This paper investigates the challenges related to using metamaterial structures for high data rate applications. In particular, the time domain effects are considered. The responses of these structures have time delay effects which tend to distort any high data rate signal that interacts with them, and which cause a time-dependent radiation pattern to be observed. The impacts of these effects on an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) and a zero-n metamaterial antenna system are investigated.
Systems Analysis Approach for the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project

This conference paper describes the current systems analysis approach being implemented for the Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project within the Integrated Systems Research Program under the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. The scope and purpose of these systems studies are introduced followed by a methodology overview. The approach involves both “top-down” and “bottoms-up” components to provide NASA’s stakeholders with a rationale for the prioritization and tracking of the ERA portfolio of technologies. The ERA technologies enable the future fleet of aircraft to operate with a simultaneous reduction of aviation noise, emissions and fuel-burn impacts to our environment. Examples of key current results and relevant decision support conclusions are presented along with a forecast of the planned analyses to follow.
Calculation of a Hyperbolic Corrugated Horn Converting the TEM 00 Mode to the HE 11 Mode

Corrugated waveguide transmission lines are in use to transmit high power mm-wave radiation from gyrotrons to the plasma for electron cyclotron plasma heating in tokamaks such as ITER. The coupling efficiency of the gyrotron output radiation formed as a quasi-Gaussian beam to the waveguide mode is a critical issue. A hyperbolic corrugated horn serves as a converter of the TEM00 Gaussian mode to the HE11 mode of a corrugated waveguide. We report the design of a hyperbolic horn for application in the ITER transmission line at 170 GHz. The theoretical conversion efficiency of the horn is higher than 0.995.
Epidermal induction and inhibition of neural fate by translation initiation factor 4AIII

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 (BMP-4) is a potent epidermal inducer and inhibitor of neural fate. We have used differential screening to identify genes involved in epidermal induction downstream of BMP-4 and report here evidence of a novel translational mechanism that regulates the division of the vertebrate ectoderm into regions of neural and epidermal fate. In dissociated Xenopus ectoderm, addition of ectopic BMP-4 leads to an increase in the expression of translation initiation factor 4AIII (eIF-4AIII), a divergent member of the eIF-4A gene family until now characterized only in plants. In the gastrula embryo, Xenopus eIF-4AIII (XeIF-4AIII) expression is elevated in the ventral ectoderm, a site of active BMP signal transduction. Moreover, overexpression of XeIF-4AIII induces epidermis in dissociated cells that would otherwise adopt a neural fate, mimicking the effects of BMP-4. Epidermal induction by XeIF-4AIII requires both an active BMP signaling pathway and an extracellular intermediate. Our results suggest that XeIF-4AIII can regulate changes in cell fate through selective mRNA translation. We propose that BMPs and XeIF-4AIII interact through a positive feedback loop in the ventral ectoderm of the vertebrate gastrula.
Elastic Averaging for Assembly of Three-Dimensional Constructs From Elastomeric Micromolded Layers

Precision engineering has been used in the macroworld and in the microscale only with rigid materials. Soft flexible materials commonly used for microfluidics and other bio-MEMS applications have not been aligned with elastic averaging. We report the use of complementary raised and recessed circular features to align polymer layers and demonstrate alignment accuracy and repeatability. The alignment is accomplished in a Petri dish with a thin layer of liquid between the two surfaces of micromolded elastomeric polymer sheets. The layers are aligned with simple hand-eye manipulation. We test circular geometries of varying diameters, obtaining accuracy and repeatability values in the range of 1-3 mum across thin polymer sheets molded from silicon masters. This is a significant improvement over existing manual, moving stage, and self-alignment techniques and a novel proof of concept that paves the way for complex 3-D polymer constructs.
Improved estimation of parameters of the homodyned K distribution

The amplitude distribution of the envelope of backscattered ultrasound depends on tissue microstructure. By fitting measured envelope data to a model, parameters can be estimated to describe properties of underlying tissue. The homodyned K distribution is a general model that encompasses the scattering situations modeled by the Rice, Rayleigh, and K distributions. However, parameter estimation for the homodyned K distribution is not straightforward because the model is analytically complex. Furthermore, effects of frequency-dependent attenuation on parameter estimates need to be assessed. An improved parameter estimation algorithm was developed to quickly and accurately estimate parameters of the homodyned K distribution, i.e., the μ (effective number of scatterers per resolution cell) and k (ratio of coherent to diffuse energy) parameters. Parameter estimates were found by fitting estimates of SNR, skewness, and kurtosis of fractional-order moments of the envelope with theoretical values predicted by the homodyned K distribution. The effects of frequency dependent attenuation were approximated by assuming a Gaussian pulse to determine the shift in center frequency of the pulse and hence change in volume of the resolution cell. Computational phantoms were created with varying attenuation coefficients and scanned using a simulated f/4 transducer with a center frequency of 10 MHz. An average of two scatterers per resolution cell (based on the phantoms with no attenuation) was used. The new estimation algorithm was tested and compared with an existing algorithm (based on the even moments of the homodyned K distribution). The new estimation algorithm was found to produce estimates with lower bias and variance. For example, for μ = 2 and k ranging from 0 to 2 in steps of 0.1, the average variance in the μ parameter estimates was 0.067 for the new algorithm and 0.42 for existing algorithm. For the k parameter estimates, the average variance was 0.0069 for the new algorithm and 0.048 for the old algorithm. In the simulations with no attenuation, the μ parameter estimate was 2.53±0.18. In the phantoms with a linear attenuation coefficient of 0.5 dB·MHz−1·cm−1, the estimate was 4.64±0.54. This compared well with the predicted μ value of 4.98.
Foam Finishing Treatment of Cotton Fabrics with Formaldehyde Part I: Textile Physical Properties1:

A fractional factorial design of experiments was used in studying the treatment of cotton printcloth with formaldehyde. Foam application of the HCHO with Zn(NO3)2 catalysis was used at wet pickups up to 40%. Multiple stepwise regression analysis of the textile property data indicated that only combinations of processing variables were responsible for a substantial portion of the predicted increases in resilience and the decreases in strength and abrasion performance. The analysis also substantiated the satisfactory agreement between predicted and measured resilience and strength values and the moderate to poor agreement between predicted and measured abrasion values.
Chromosomal and plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance mechanisms among broad-spectrum-cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates recovered from companion animals in the USA

Objectives To determine the prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants and investigate mutations in gyrase and topoisomerase genes that may contribute to increased fluoroquinolone resistance in canine and feline Escherichia coli isolates in the USA that displayed reduced susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. This study was undertaken because previous epidemiological studies identified a potential correlation between extended-spectrum cephalosporins and fluoroquinolone resistance. Methods Isolates (n = 54) with reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime or cefotaxime were screened by PCR for the presence of PMQR determinants and gyrase and topoisomerase genes were sequenced. Isolates were further characterized by conjugation and phylogenetic analyses. Results PMQR determinants aac(6')-Ib-cr, qnrS and qepA were identified in 30, 23 and 5 isolates, respectively. Multiple mutations were identified in the quinolone resistance-determining region, including the novel substitutions of Glu-84 → Ala and Leu-88 → Gln in ParC and Arg-432 → Ser and Glu-460 → Val in ParE. The isolate that exhibited the highest level of enrofloxacin resistance (MIC > 256 mg/L) had a double mutation in gyrA (Ser-83 → Leu and Asp-87 → Asn) and a triple mutation in parC (Ser-80 → Ile, Glu-84 → Gly and a novel mutation, Leu-88 → Gln). The presence of PMQR genes increased the ciprofloxacin MIC values 4-fold to 8-fold in transconjugants relative to the recipient strain. Approximately 39% of the isolates belonged to phylogenetic group D and 30% to group B2, which typically contain an increased number of virulence determinants compared with other groups. Conclusions Novel mutations in topoisomerase genes and PMQR determinants aac(6')-Ib-cr, qnrS and qepA genes were detected among extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli in the USA.
ROSE-a reliable operating system environment

A modular distributed operating system, ROSE, that provides support for building reliable applications is presented. In the kernel layer, network IPC and failure detection capabilities are provided. Above the kernel layer, replicated address space (RAS) objects are provided whose content is accessible with a high probability despite hardware failures. In the layer above, a resilient process (RP) abstraction which allows user processes to survive hardware failures with minimal interruption is provided. Two different implementations of RP are given: one checkpoints the information about its state in a RAS object periodically; the other uses replicated execution by executing the same code in different nodes at the same time. >
Amino Acid Residues in the αIIb Subunit That Are Critical for Ligand Binding to Integrin αIIbβ3 Are Clustered in the β-Propeller Model

Abstract Several distinct regions of the integrin αIIb subunit have been implicated in ligand binding. To localize the ligand binding sites in αIIb, we swapped all 27 predicted loops with the corresponding sequences of α4 or α5. 19 of the 27 swapping mutations had no effect on binding to both fibrinogen and ligand-mimetic antibodies (e.g. LJ-CP3), suggesting that these regions do not contain major ligand binding sites. In contrast, swapping the remaining 8 predicted loops completely blocked ligand binding. Ala scanning mutagenesis of these critical predicted loops identified more than 30 discontinuous residues in repeats 2–4 and at the boundary between repeats 4 and 5 as critical for ligand binding. Interestingly, these residues are clustered in the predicted β-propeller model, consistent with this model. Most of the critical residues are located at the edge of the upper face of the propeller, and several critical residues are located on the side of the propeller domain. None of the predicted loops in repeats 1, 6, and 7, and none of the four putative Ca2+-binding predicted loops on the lower surface of the β-propeller were important for ligand binding. The results map an important ligand binding interface at the edge of the top and on the side of the β-propeller toroid, centering on repeat 3.
Antibody nanosensors: a detailed review

In this review, the authors will discuss novel and prospective antibody nanosensors for the detection of specific analytes used in a number of fields of analytical chemistry. Biosensors—transducers that incorporate biological molecules for recognition—have been found to be fundamental in a number of chemical, clinical, and environmental analyses. Antibody nanosensors make up a large area of this research, as the antibodies' specific recognition elements make them highly selective and sensitive. These biological molecules can also be tailored to recognize any single analyte or group of analytes, and can be easily functionalized to a number of nanomaterial substrates. Herein, a number of antibody nanosensor transduction methods will be examined, including electrochemical, optical, magnetic, and piezoelectric, among others that fall into multiple categories. This review will show that it is clear that antibody nanosensors—and nanosensors in general—are highly sensitive no matter the transduction method, and that various transduction methods can be suited for a number of different applications.
A Comparison of Male Heterosexual and Male Homosexual Patterns of Sexual Arousal

We examined both self‐reported and physiologically measured sexual arousal of male heterosexual and homosexual subjects to explore various parameters of sexual response in these two groups. Results clearly support previous work with these groups, demonstrating that films produce more arousal than either slides or audiotaped stimuli and that arousal to lesbian and male homosexual stimuli content were best able to discriminate heterosexual and homosexual arousal patterns for well matched groups of subjects. The previous finding that the correlation between the subjective and physiological measures is lower for male homosexual subjects than for male heterosexual subjects was replicated, but it was demonstrated that this result is a confound of the stimulus content employed. When the level of arousal, pleasantness of the stimulus, or quantity of partner preference cues was controlled, the group differences in correlation were no longer present. Finally, decreased sexual experience and information were found t...
Who needs an RVAD in addition to an LVAD

Mechanical circulatory support using left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) has become an accepted mode of therapy for both bridging patients with end-stage heart failure to transplant and as a destination therapy. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is common after LVAD insertion and is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing LVAD placement. Several studies have identified clinical, laboratory, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic parameters that may serve as risk factors for RV dysfunction after LVAD placement. Furthermore, scoring systems have been established to help quantitatively predict the potential need for RV support after LVAD placement.
APOE and mild cognitive impairment: the Framingham Heart Study

Background: the risk apolipoprotein E-4 (APOE4) poses for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may vary based on the neuropsychological definition of MCI. Setting: a community-based cohort study. Methods: using two psychometric neuropsychological impairment definitions, we examined APOE4 and prevalent MCI among older adults or pre-MCI among middle-aged adults. Neuropsychological, clinical and genetic data were collected on 2,239 Framingham Offspring Cohort participants free from clinical stroke or dementia (62 ± 9 years; 54% women). Prevalent amnestic MCI was defined from neuropsychological performances ≥1.5 SD below the mean based on (i) age and education or (ii) age and Wide Range Achievement Test-3 Reading (WRAT-3 Reading) performance adjustment. Results: in the entire sample, multivariable-adjusted logistic regressions found that APOE4 was associated with amnestic MCI when using the age and WRAT Reading definition (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, P = 0.002) but not the age and education definition (OR = 1.0, P = 0.90). Results were modified by age, such that APOE4 was associated with amnestic MCI in participants ≥65 years using both the age and WRAT Reading definition (OR = 2.4, P < 0.001) and the age and education definition (OR = 1.7, P = 0.04). Conclusion: APOE4 risk for prevalent amnestic MCI varies depending on the definition of objective neuropsychological impairment for MCI. Our findings support existing literature emphasising the need to refine MCI neuropsychological profiling methods.