cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sparse Fast Fourier Transform on GPUs and Multi-core CPUs

Given an N-point sequence, finding its k largest components in the frequency domain is a problem of great interest. This problem, which is usually referred to as a sparse Fourier Transform, was recently brought back on stage by a newly proposed algorithm called the sFFT. In this paper, we present a parallel implementation of sFFT on both multi-core CPUs and GPUs using a human voice signal as a case study. Using this example, an estimate of k for the 3dB cutoff points was conducted through concrete experiments. In addition, three optimization strategies are presented in this paper. We demonstrate that the multi-core-based sFFT achieves speedups of up to three times a single-threaded sFFT while a GPU-based version achieves up to ten times speedup. For large scale cases, the GPU-based sFFT also shows its considerable advantages, which is about 40 times speedup compared to the latest out-of-card FFT implementations [2].
Hole Transport and Trapping in Field Oxides

The electric field, temperature, and oxide thickness dependencies of the transport of radiation-generated holes through thick (> 100 nm) SiO2 layers was measured using fast capacitance-voltage techniques. The transport is radically slowed with respect to that in thinner oxides under similar conditions and is well described by the continuous time random walk model. Significant hole trapping in the oxide bulk is also observed.
Comparative Uptake of Enteric Viruses into Spinach and Green Onions

Root uptake of enteric pathogens and subsequent internalization has been a produce safety concern and is being investigated as a potential route of pre-harvest contamination. The objective of this study was to determine the ability of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and the human norovirus surrogate, murine norovirus (MNV), to internalize in spinach and green onions through root uptake in both soil and hydroponic systems. HAV or MNV was inoculated into soil matrices or into two hydroponic systems, floating and nutrient film technique systems. Viruses present within spinach and green onions were detected by RT-qPCR or infectivity assays after inactivating externally present viruses with Virkon(®). HAV and MNV were not detected in green onion plants grown up to 20 days and HAV was detected in only 1 of 64 spinach plants grown in contaminated soil substrate systems up to 20 days. Compared to soil systems, a drastic difference in virus internalization was observed in hydroponic systems; HAV or pressure-treated HAV and MNV were internalized up to 4 log RT-qPCR units and internalized MNV was shown to remain infectious. Understanding the interactions of human enteric viruses on produce can aid in the elucidation of the mechanisms of attachment and internalization, and aid in understanding risks associated with contamination events.
Logistic processes involving Markovian minimization

The class of logistic processes involving geometric minimization introduced by Arnold (1989) is extended by replacing the Bernoulli sequence used in the definition of the process by a Markovian (0,1) sequence. A more flexible range of dependence structures is thus introduced. Parameter estimation and related processes are discussed.
Monastic tithes : from their origins to the twelfth century

Part I. Tithes in the Early Middle Ages 1. The Christian theory of tithes 2. The early practice of tithing 3. Carolingian legislation on tithes Part II. Monastic possession of tithes: 4. From the seventh to the eleventh century 5. The policy of the reformed papacy 6. Monastic possession of tithes in the twelfth century 7. Opposition to monastic possession of tithes 8. The defence of monastic possession of tithes 9. The end of the opposition Part III. Monastic Payment of tithes: 10. Monastic payment of tithes before the twelfth century 11. The growth of monastic freedom from tithes in the first half of the twelfth century 12. The crisis of monastic freedom from tithes.
Symbiotic structures to significantly enhance space missions

The Department of Defense is actively pursuing a Responsive Space capability that will dramatically reduce the cost and time associated with getting a payload into space. In order to enable that capability, our space systems must be modular and flexible to cover a wide range of missions, configurations, duty cycles, and orbits. This places requirements on the entire satellite infrastructure: payloads, avionics, electrical harnessing, structure, thermal management system, etc. The Integrated Structural Systems Team at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, has been tasked with developing structural and thermal solutions that will enable a Responsive Space capability. This paper details a "symbiotic" solution where thermal management functionality is embedded within the structure of the satellite. This approach is based on the flight proven and structurally efficient isogrid architecture. In our rendition, the ribs serve as fluidic passages for thermal management, and passively activated valves are used to control flow to the individual components. As the paper will explain, our analysis has shown this design to be structurally efficient and thermally responsive to a wide range of potential satellite missions, payloads, configurations, and orbits.
Analyses of Soft Tissue from Tyrannosaurus rex Suggest the Presence of Protein

We performed multiple analyses of Tyrannosaurus rex (specimen MOR 1125) fibrous cortical and medullary tissues remaining after demineralization. The results indicate that collagen I, the main organic component of bone, has been preserved in low concentrations in these tissues. The findings were independently confirmed by mass spectrometry. We propose a possible chemical pathway that may contribute to this preservation. The presence of endogenous protein in dinosaur bone may validate hypotheses about evolutionary relationships, rates, and patterns of molecular change and degradation, as well as the chemical stability of molecules over time.
Spontaneous perinephric hemorrhage from extrarenal angiomyolipoma

We believe this is the first reported case of spontaneous perinephric hemorrhage arising from an extrarenal angiomyolipoma. To date there have been no cases reported of extrarenal angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis. All extrarenal angiomyolipomas have been benign and treated with simple excision.
Influence of Sodium Tripolyphosphate on the Binding and Antimicrobial Properties of Reduced NaCl‐Comminuted Meat Products

The binding and antimicrobial properties of comminuted meat products were evaluated at varying levels of NaCl and of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). The meat batters were inoculated with Clostridium sporogenes spores (10/g) either before (cans) or after (vacuum packages) thermal (70°C) processing. Product binding was inferior when the NaCl level was reduced to 1.1% (50% reduction). STPP increased pH by 0.17-0.23 units and restored binding of low NaCl products. During storage (20°C) microbial growth and product spoilage were more rapid with decreasing brine level, irrespective of presence or absence of STPP.
Noise performance of phase-insensitive multicasting in multi-stage parametric mixers

Noise properties of large-count spectral multicasting in a phase-insensitive parametric mixer were investigated. Scalable multicasting was achieved using two-tone continuous-wave seeded mixers capable of generating more than 20 frequency non-degenerate copies. The mixer was constructed using a multistage architecture to simultaneously manage high Figure-of-Merit frequency generation and suppress noise generation. The performance was characterized by measuring the conversion efficiency and noise figure of all signal copies. Minimum noise figure of 8.09dB was measured. Experimental findings confirm that noise of the multicasted signal does not grow linearly with copy count and that it can be suppressed below this limit.
Electrochemical enzymatic biosensors using carbon nanofiber nanoelectrode arrays

The reduction of electrode size down to nanometers could dramatically enhance detection sensitivity and temporal resolution. Nanoelectrode arrays (NEAs) are of particular interest for ultrasensitive biosensors. Here we report the study of two types of biosensors for measuring enzyme activities using NEAs fabricated with vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs). VACNFs of ~100 nm in average diameter and 3-5 μm in length were grown on conductive substrates as uniform vertical arrays which were then encapsulated in SiO2 matrix leaving only the tips exposed. We demonstrate that such VACNF NEAs can be used in profiling enzyme activities through monitoring the change in electrochemical signals induced by enzymatic reactions to the peptides attached to the VACNF tip. The cleavage of the tetrapeptide with a ferrocene tag by a cancerrelated protease (legumain) was monitored with AC voltammetry. Real-time electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (REIS) was used for fast label-free detection of two reversible processes, i.e. phosphorylation by c-Src tyrosine kinase and dephosphorylation by protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). The REIS data of phosphorylation were slow and unreliable, but those of dephosphorylation showed large and fast exponential decay due to much higher activity of phosphatase PTP1B. The kinetic data were analyzed with a heterogeneous Michaelis-Menten model to derive the “specificity constant” kcat/Km, which is 8.2x103 M-1s-1 for legumain and (2.1 ± 0.1) x 107 M-1s-1 for phosphatase (PTP1B), well consistent with literature. It is promising to develop VACNF NEA based electrochemical enzymatic biosensors as portable multiplex electronic techniques for rapid cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. © (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The response of LiF thermoluminescence dosimeters to the ground-level cosmic-ray background

Abstract Monte-Carlo calculations of the response of LiF thermoluminescence dosimeters to cosmic radiation have been carried out and indicate that the dosimeter, when calibrated against gamma radiation in air, registers 0.83 of the muon-produced ionization. This is due both to the density effect and to the large proportion of muon-electron energy transfer that takes place when the cosmic-ray muons interact with the thermoluminescent material. The result is a systematic underestimate of the environmental radiation exposure rate of about 0.5 μR/hr.
Prevalence of Anorexic Attitudes and Behaviors among Undergraduate College Students

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To examine the prevalence of eating attitudes and behaviors in college students that are associated with symptoms of anorexia nervosa using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT). Anorexia nervosa is common among college students. Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa can only be obtained by clinical evaluation, however, instruments are available to detect behaviors and attitudes that are characteristic of this disorder. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anorexic attitudes and behaviors among college students. 671 college students, enrolled in an introductory food and nutrition course, volunteered to complete the Eating Attitude Test (EAT). The EAT is a 40 question, Liekert scale instrument which measures the severity of symptomatic responses. A score equal to or greater than 30 was considered at risk for anorexia nervosa. In this study sample, 15.5% scored at risk. 5% of 182 males and 19% of 489 females had scores indicating that they display abnormal eating attitudes and behaviors. Chi Square tests found differences between gender (p This study demonstrated a higher prevalence rate among college students of abnormal eating attitudes and behaviors than other similar reported studies using the EAT on this population group.
A stochastic model for the large scale dynamics of some fluctuating interfaces

Abstract The Kuramoto-Sivashinsky-Tsuzuki equation and a similar model describing irregularly modulated interfaces are investigated in a very large length regime. This corresponds to a permanent chaotic state with a large number of nonlinear degrees of freedom. The dynamics of the small wavenumber modes is analyzed. A simulation of the equation allows to show that these very slow modes obey an effective stochastic partial differential equation, i.e. a Burgers equation with a rapidly fluctuating forcing term. This deterministic forcing “noise” is computed numeracally. A surprisingly robust property of this noise is that its autocorrelations decay rapidly in time for all parameter values and wavenumber. A consequence of the existence of such an effective equation is that the correlations of the slow modes should scale as if they obeyed a Burgers equation with a stochastic forcing. For this latter equation predictions made using the dynamic renormalisation group and direct simulations exist. These predictions are compared to the data obtained for the spontaneously fluctuating equations. The method employed in this paper to demonstrate that the slow modes obey an effective stochastic equation is of some generality and can be applied to other chaotic partial differential equations.
A new type of double-diffusive instability?

A new type of double-diffusive instability of the oscillatory type is predicted for a statically stable fluid layer with two components which have practically the same diffusivity (for example, two suitable types of salts in a molecular case, heat and salt in a case where mixing is due to small-scale turbulence). It is necessary that one component has the concentration value and the other the flux value fixed at the boundaries. A simple example is worked out in detail. The phenomenon should appear in a properly arranged laboratory experiment, and possibly in the oceans, when warmer, saltier water underlies a surface layer of colder, fresher water, and sufficient vertical turbulent mixing is present. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1989.tb00366.x
Tradition and Change: The Voyage of Revising an Early Childhood Studies Preparation Program

How does a university teacher education program stay afloat in a continuous sea of change? The purpose of this paper is to exemplify a university early childhood studies program revision experience. It identifies internal motivational change forces, such as personnel and cultural change, and external forces, such as federal mandates, best practices, and socioeconomic needs. Diverse expertise, common vision, accommodating structures, and administrative leadership as supportive resources are examined. Decision-making and action-planning strategies to assist the change journey are explicated. Results from student surveys, early childhood faculty reaction, focus groups with early childhood field-based practitioners, and interviews with college administration provide validation data. The outcome, a Unified Early Childhood Program (UECP), is described, followed by future directions to monitor and promote best practices in early childhood professional preparation.
Binder extrusion in sliding wear of WC-Co alloys

Abstract It has previously been proposed that preferential removal of the cobalt binder is an important mechanism in the abrasive wear of cemented carbides in the WC-Co family. It is here demonstrated that binder extrusion occurs also in metal-to-metal sliding wear contacts. The wear scar generated by sliding a hardened steel ball repeatedly over a polished WC-Co surface was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The extruded cobalt fragments accumulate at surface defects, such as cracks caused by the sliding loaded ball, and gradual microfragmentation of the carbide grains follows. The energy required to extrude the cobalt and to cause the gradual change in surface layer microstructure is provided by the frictional forces.
Applications of relaxation/mental imagery (self-hypnosis) in pediatric emergencies.

Abstract Problems for which children come to Emergency Rooms are anxiety-producing for children and parents, whether or not these problems are perceived as “true” emergencies by health care professionals. Fear and pain are important factors in the response to such situations. Self-hypnosis (relaxation/mental imagery) is a useful adjunct for rapid reduction of anxiety and discomfort in pediatric emergency situations; it can serve to diminish fear, improve self-control, and alter the perception of discomfort. Hypnosis can also enhance development of a sense of mastery in the injured or ill child. 6 case examples are described which illustrate the variety of specific clinical applications and hypno-therapeutic approaches.
New scientific accuracy measure for performance evaluation of human-computer diagnostic systems

This paper first presents a new scientific accuracy measure (denoted by G) for assessing/evaluating the performance of computer medical diagnostic (CMD) systems by incorporating the true positives (TP), true negatives (TN), false positives (FP), and false negatives (FN) of human and computer's diagnoses with respect to each other. Based on G, a formula for computing a multi-parameter sensitivity vector S(G), with the assumption that the system parameter percentage variations are small, is then proposed. For a given set of parameter percentage errors, from the expression of S(G), we can compute the error bound of G and assess the reliability of the system with human and/or computer errors being taken into consideration. It has been demonstrated that the new measure G is capable of providing consistent performance evaluation of a CMD system in general. Based on the value of G, a CMD system can be classified as having 'good', 'fair', or 'poor' performance. Even though the proposed basic accuracy measure and its sensitivity study are derived based on the diagnosis using two diagnostic categories (positive and negative) compared by two observers (a human expert and a computer system), however, its methodology can be extended to CMD systems with multiple diagnostic categories and observers. The formulas for measuring the performance of such systems are discussed and present.
EUV interferometric testing and alignment of the 0.3-NA MET optic

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) interferometry has been successfully performed for the first time at 0.3 numerical aperture (NA). Extensive EUV “at-wavelength” testing including alignment, was performed on a newly created Micro Exposure Tool (MET) optic designed for sub-50-nm EUV lithographic imaging experiments. The two-mirror, 0.3 NA MET is ar-guably the highest resolution light-projection lithography tool ever made. Using both lateral shearing and phase-shifting point-diffraction interferometry, the wavefront was measured across the field of view, and the alignment was optimized in preparation for imaging. The wavefront quality reached 0.55 nm RMS (lambda[EUV]/24.5) in a 37-term annular Zernike poly-nomial series, dominated by higher-order spherical aberration. Measurements included calibrations of the interferometer accuracy, assessment of repeatability, and cross-comparisons of visible and EUV interferometric measurements. The comparisons and the final, measured wavefront quality were affected by an apparent alignment drift, several tenths of a nm in magnitude. Significant unresolved differences between testing strategies shows that continued work is needed to improve the measurement accuracy to levels required for EUV lithography.
Factions and Vengeance in Renaissance Italy. A Review Article

Vengeance may vary with its cultural settings, but the compulsion is the same wherever it is found. It is what you do to one who did you an injustice, trespassed the boundaries of your honor, pricked your self-esteem. It is the attempt to correct the imbalances that plague relations between people. Careful taxonomies once distinguished feud from vendetta from duel and so on, and the names have their uses, but let us not lose sight of the common hatred that is socialized, regulated, and stylized under a variety of epithets. The varying structures of differing societies yield differences in practice.' Vengeance itself is universal because vengeance is what drives the law. There is law in the feud, as many have noticed.2 But civil litigation, as an alternative to violence, is scarcely less vengeful at heart. Repayment is made in cash, not blood; but the cost is severe regardless of the currency.3 As St. Matthew remarked,
Modifying a sealed tube zinc reduction method for preparation of AMS graphite targets: Reducing background and attaining high precision

Abstract The sealed tube zinc reduction method for converting CO2 to graphite for AMS 14C measurements was originally developed for rapid production of graphite in biomedical tracer experiments. The method was usually thought to have low precision and a high background. We have modified the zinc reduction method originally outlined in Vogel [J.S. Vogel, Radiocarbon 34 (3) (1992) 344] by carefully controlling the amounts of reagents (zinc, titanium hydride and Co or Fe catalyst) and now routinely obtain a precision of 2–3‰ and a relatively low background of ∼50,000 14C years when analyzing for 14C at the Keck Carbon Cycle AMS facility at UC Irvine. Fractionation of carbon isotopes does occur during graphitization and depends on the graphitization yield, which can be affected by the amounts of reagents used and other conditions. The δ13C of our zinc-reduced graphite is usually lighter by 2–3‰ than the CO2 from which it is made, but this is corrected for in our system by simultaneous measurement of 13C/12C along with 14C/12C by the spectrometer. This method is suitable for 14C enriched samples, as well as natural abundance 14C samples, especially those with modern 14C contents. With improved precision and background, we believe that many disciplines can benefit from this technique because of its low cost and rapid production of graphite.
CONSTRAINT-DIRECTED NON-SHARP SEPARATION SEQUENCE DESIGN

Abstract Knowledge-based tools are used to design separation sequences where non-key components are allowed to distribute. Specifically, frame-based, rule-based, and assumption-based truth maintenance systems are used. The design tasks include classification, opportunistic decisions, alternative generation and evaluation, and modification guided by constraints. By applying the appropriate information at each design stage, the design process and final design are easy to understand. The use of non-sharp separators, where non-key components can distribute, agrees with the intuition that separation and blending should be minimized. An apparent lower bound on separation purity is defined. The two lower bounds in a column and the relative volatilities are used in the Fenske equation to calculate the minimum number of stages and to model the non-key component distribution. The minimum number of stages is used opportunistically to generate a partial sequence ordering from which alternatives are produced automatic...
Management of the pregnant hepatitis B patient

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. It affects a disproportionate number of individuals from areas of high endemicity, where perinatal transmission is the predominant mode of infection. Introduction of a safe, effective hepatitis B vaccine has led to universal infant vaccination, resulting in a reduced rate of perinatal HBV infection from infected mothers. Because of appropriate hepatitis B vaccination and passive immunoprophylaxis with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) in infants of mothers with HBV infection, perinatal transmission has been reduced to less than 5% to 10%. Management of pregnant women with chronic HBV infection should be aimed at counseling on maternal risk of infection, rates of vertical transmission, and preparation for neonatal vaccination. Limited data suggest that intrauterine infection may occur at higher rates in mothers with high serum HBV DNA levels, leading to failure of standard passive-active immunoprophylaxis with HBIG and vaccine. Thus, treatment of these individuals with an oral HBV antiviral agent in the third trimester may be considered after discussion with the mother regarding the risks and benefits of therapy.
Global left ventricular contractility in three models of hypertrophy evaluated with Emax

Using the load independent contractility index, end-systolic pressure-volume ratio (Emax), contractility of the hypertrophied left ventricle (LV) from three different models was evaluated in conscious, resting dogs. The experimental animals included 12 dogs with perinephritic hypertension (HYP) (aortic diastolic pressure 130 +/- 5 mm Hg), 12 dogs who underwent aortic banding (AOB) at 6 to 8 weeks of age (resting aortic gradient 110 +/- 15 mm Hg), and 12 dogs with chronic fluid overload from aortocaval fistula (ACF). These were compared with 12 normal dogs (CTL). LV dimension and pressure were measured with ultrasonic tranducers and micromanometers. All three models resulted in hypertrophy with significant (P less than 0.01) increase in LV weight-to-body weight ratio (6.3 +/- 0.4, 8.4 +/- 0.5, 6.3 +/- 0.4, respectively, vs 4.4 +/- 0.1 g/kg). Cardiac output (6908 +/- 740 vs 2424 +/- 276 ml/min) and end-diastolic volume (118 +/- 11 vs 50 +/- 4 ml) were significantly (P less than 0.01) increased in AOB (18 +/- 1 vs 9 +/- 2 mm Hg). dp/dtmax was not significantly different among all groups. Emax (CTL = 5.3 +/- 0.4 mm Hg/ml) was not significantly changed in HYP (9.5 +/- 2.1) but was significantly (P less than 0.01) increased in AOB (14.1 +/- 2.6), and significantly (P less than 0.01) depressed in ACF (2.4 +/- .03). Thus, LV hypertrophy from systemic hypertension (HYP) or proximal aortic hypertension (AOB) is, at least initially, associated with preservation of contractility and normal hemodynamic performance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Driving and dish-washing: Failure of the correspondence metaphor for memory

Koriat & Goldsmith restrict their definition of memory to “being about some past event,” which causes them to ignore the most common use of memory: everyday visual-motor tasks. New techniques make it possible to study memory in the context of these natural tasks with which memory is so tightly coupled. Memory can be more fully understood in the context of these actions.
Graph theory in the analysis of nonlinear systems

Graph techniques together with the nonharmonic series representation of stationary Gaussian signals can be used in the analysis of a wide class of nonlinear systems. This point is illustrated by the derivation of the moments of a nenlinear functional of a Gaussian signal. A graphical method is developed for the derivation of the time average of products of functions of a stationary Gaussian signal without resort to any probability theory considerations. Consequently, the derivation of the moments of the functional reduces to a graph enumeration procedure and the computation of a finite number of integrals.
This revolution will be digitized: online tools for radical collaboration.

> What if everyone in the world were in your lab – a ‘hive mind’ of sorts, but composed of countless creative intellects rather than mindless worker ants, and one in which resources, reagents and effort could be shared, along with ideas, in a manner not dictated by institutional and
Mutations in human DNA polymerase η motif II alter bypass of DNA lesions

Human DNA polymerase η (hPolη) is one of the newly identified Y‐family of DNA polymerases. These polymerases synthesize past template lesions that are postulated to block replication fork progression. hPolη accurately bypasses UV‐associated cis–syn cyclobutane thymine dimers in vitro and contributes to normal resistance to sunlight‐induced skin cancer. We describe here mutational analysis of motif II, a highly conserved sequence, recently reported to reside in the fingers domain and to form part of the active site in Y‐family DNA polymerases. We used a yeast‐based complementation system to isolate biologically active mutants created by random sequence mutagenesis, synthesized the mutant proteins in vitro and assessed their ability to bypass thymine dimers. The mutability of motif II in 210 active mutants has parallels with natural evolution and identifies Tyr52 and Ala54 as prime candidates for involvement in catalytic activity or bypass. We describe the ability of hPolη S62G, a mutant polymerase with enhanced activity, to bypass five other site‐specific lesions. Our results may serve as a prototype for studying other members of the Y‐family DNA polymerases.
Myeloperoxidase interaction with peroxynitrite: chloride deficiency and heme depletion.

Abstract Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a hemoprotein involved in the leukocyte-mediated defense mechanism and uses hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and chloride (Cl − ) to produce hypochlorous acid. In human saliva and in hypochloremic alkalosis syndrome occurring in breast-fed infants, the MPO–H 2 O 2 system functions in a lower Cl − concentration (10–70 mM) compared to plasma levels (100 mM) as part of the antibacterial defense system. The impact of low Cl − concentration and exposure to high peroxynitrite (ONOO − ) synthesized from cigarette smoke or oxidative stress on MPO function is still unexplored. Rapid mixing of ONOO − and MPO caused immediate formation of a transient intermediate MPO Compound II, which then decayed to MPO–Fe(III). Double mixing of MPO with ONOO − followed by H 2 O 2 caused immediate formation of Compound II, followed by MPO heme depletion, a process that occurred independent of ONOO − concentration. Peroxynitrite/H 2 O 2 -mediated MPO heme depletion was confirmed by HPLC analysis, and in-gel heme staining showing 60–70% less heme content compared to the control. A nonreducing denaturing SDS–PAGE showed no fragmentation or degradation of protein. Myeloperoxidase heme loss was completely prevented by preincubation of MPO with saturating amounts of Cl − . Chloride binding to the active site of MPO constrains ONOO − binding by filling the space directly above the heme moiety or by causing a protein conformational change that constricts the distal heme pocket, thus preventing ONOO − from binding to MPO heme iron. Peroxynitrite interaction with MPO may serve as a novel mechanism for modulating MPO catalytic activity, influencing the regulation of local inflammatory and infectious events in vivo.
Inconsistency as a diagnostic tool in a society of intelligent agents

Objective: To use the detection of clinically relevant inconsistencies to support the reasoning capabilities of intelligent agents acting as physicians and tutors in the realm of clinical medicine. Methods: We are developing a cognitive architecture, OntoAgent, that supports the creation and deployment of intelligent agents capable of simulating human-like abilities. The agents, which have a simulated mind and, if applicable, a simulated body, are intended to operate as members of multi-agent teams featuring both artificial and human agents. The agent architecture and its underlying knowledge resources and processors are being developed in a sufficiently generic way to support a variety of applications. Results: We show how several types of inconsistency can be detected and leveraged by intelligent agents in the setting of clinical medicine. The types of inconsistencies discussed include: test results not supporting the doctor's hypothesis; the results of a treatment trial not supporting a clinical diagnosis; and information reported by the patient not being consistent with observations. We show the opportunities afforded by detecting each inconsistency, such as rethinking a hypothesis, reevaluating evidence, and motivating or teaching a patient. Conclusions: Inconsistency is not always the absence of the goal of consistency; rather, it can be a valuable trigger for further exploration in the realm of clinical medicine. The OntoAgent cognitive architecture, along with its extensive suite of knowledge resources an processors, is sufficient to support sophisticated agent functioning such as detecting clinically relevant inconsistencies and using them to benefit patient-centered medical training and practice.
Effects of Added Calcium on Texture and Quality of Canned Jalapeno Peppers

Jalapeno peppers were canned and treated with calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, and calcium lactate. Concentrations of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4% of calcium were used. After 3 months of storage time, the peppers were evaluated for texture, quality, and nutritional composition. Calcium hydroxide was an inadequate firming compound in this experiment because of its neutralizing effect on the acid content and the precipitation found in the can after storage. Calcium chloride at a concentration of 0.2% was found to be the most desirable firming compound because under the test conditions it did not impart a bitter taste and because its solubility properties are better than those of calcium lactate. Higher concentrations failed to significantly increase the firmness of peppers. The treatments produced no adverse effects on the flavor or the vitamin and mineral content, with the exception of calcium, in canned jalapeno peppers.
NOx and ADMA changes with focal ischemia, amelioration with the chaperonin GroEL.

Abstract Both nitric oxide and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) play a critical role in the regulation of cerebral blood flow, though their neuroprotective and cytotoxic effects are still under investigation. In this study, we found that nitrate/nitrite (NO x ) levels in plasma, ischemic brain tissue, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increased significantly 24 h after 2 h transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. ADMA levels were unchanged in plasma, but decreased significantly in CSF 24 h following MCAO. The CSF ADMA/NO x ratio decreased markedly following ischemia. Rats protected by expression of the chaperonin GroEL or its folding deficient mutant D87K had lower plasma NO x levels at 24 h reperfusion. ADMA, NO, and their ratio in CSF merit further study as biomarkers for ischemic brain injury.
Pathogenesis, Emerging therapeutic targets and Treatment in Sialidosis.

Introduction: Sialidosis is a neurosomatic, lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by mutations in the NEU1 gene, encoding the lysosomal sialidase neuraminidase 1 (NEU1). Deficient enzyme activity results in impaired processing/degradation of sialoglycoproteins, and accumulation of oversialylated metabolites. Sialidosis is considered an orphan disorder for which no therapy is currently available.Areas covered: The review describes the clinical forms of sialidosis and the NEU1 mutations so far identified; NEU1 requirement to complex with the protective protein/cathepsin A for stability and activation; and the pathogenic effects of NEU1 deficiency. Studies of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis in animal models uncovered basic cellular pathways downstream of NEU1 and its substrates, which may be implicated in more common adult (neurodegenerative) diseases. The development of a Phase I/II clinical trial for patients with galactosialidosis may prove suitable for sialidosis patients with the attenuated fo...
Movement of the Distal Carpal Row during Narrowing and Widening of the Carpal Arch Width

Change in carpal arch width (CAW) is associated with wrist movement, carpal tunnel release, or therapeutic tunnel manipulation. This study investigated the angular rotations of the distal carpal joints as the CAW was adjusted. The CAW was narrowed and widened by 2 and 4 mm in seven cadaveric specimens while the bone positions were tracked by a marker-based motion capture system. The joints mainly pronated during CAW narrowing and supinated during widening. Ranges of motion about the pronation axis for the hamate-capitate (H-C), capitate-trapezoid (C-Td), and trapezoid-trapezium (Td-Tm) joints were 8.1 ± 2.3 deg, 5.3 ± 1.3 deg, and 5.5 ± 3.5 deg, respectively. Differences between the angular rotations of the joints were found at ΔCAW = -4 mm about the pronation and ulnar-deviation axes. For the pronation axis, angular rotations of the H-C joint were larger than that of the C-Td and Td-Tm joints. Statistical interactions among the factors of joint, rotation axis, and ΔCAW indicated complex joint motion patterns. The complex three-dimensional motion of the bones can be attributed to several anatomical constraints such as bone arrangement, ligament attachments, and articular congruence. The results of this study provide insight into the mechanisms of carpal tunnel adaptations in response to biomechanical alterations of the structural components.
Phenotype and Virulence of a Transposon-Derived Lipopolysaccharide O Side-Chain Mutant Strain of Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract Using transposon mutagenesis, we isolated a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O side-chain (O antigen) mutant strain of Edwardsiella ictaluri. Failure of the mutant to express O side chains was confirmed on sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) with silver staining and on immunoblots. In contrast, an attenuated strain developed by in vitro subculture did not express changes in LPS that were detectable by SDS–PAGE or immunoblotting. Both the O side-chain mutant and the in vitro subcultured strain were highly attenuated in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fingerlings compared with the parent wild-type strain. We conclude that LPS O side chains are an essential virulence factor for E. ictaluri and that loss of virulence in the in vitro subcultured strain was not associated with LPS alterations.
Atom probe tomography characterization of thin copper layers on aluminum deposited by galvanic displacement.

″Ultrathin″ metallization layers on the order of nanometers in thickness are increasingly used in semiconductor interconnects and other nanostructures. Aqueous deposition methods are attractive methods to produce such layers due to their low cost, but formation of ultrathin layers has proven challenging, particularly on oxide-coated substrates. This work focused on the formation of thin copper layers on aluminum, by galvanic displacement from alkaline aqueous solutions. Analysis by atom probe tomography (APT) showed that continuous copper films of approximately 1 nm thickness were formed, apparently the first demonstration of deposition of ultrathin metal layers on oxidized substrates from aqueous solutions. The APT reconstructions indicate that deposited copper replaced a portion of the surface oxide film on aluminum. The results are consistent with mechanisms in which surface hydride species on aluminum mediate deposition, either by directly reducing cupric ions or by inducing electronic conduction in t...
Ras-driven cancer cells can scavenge exogenous lipids to support their proliferation

Background Lipids are an important structural component of the cell, making up the cell’s membranes. Cancer cells need lipids in large quantities to enable their rapid proliferation. Here we aim to quantitatively evaluate the routes by which cancer cells acquire lipids (de novo synthesis, uptake from environment) under various conditions (specific oncogenic activations, nutrient availability). We developed a mass spectrometry-based method to quantitate the relative contributions of the various fatty acid acquisition routes and applied this and other methods to study fatty acid metabolism in cell lines, both in vitro and in vivo.
Polycystin-2 accelerates Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Abstract Polycystin-2, a member of the TRP family of calcium channels, is encoded by the human PKD2 gene. Mutations in that gene can lead to swelling of nephrons into the fluid-filled cysts of polycystic kidney disease. In addition to expression in tubular epithelial cells, human polycystin-2 is found in muscle and neuronal cells, but its cell biological function has been unclear. A homologue in Caenorhabditis elegans is necessary for male mating behavior. We compared the behavior, calcium signaling mechanisms, and electrophysiology of wild-type and pkd-2 knockout C. elegans. In addition to characterizing PKD-2-mediated aggregation and mating behaviors, we found that polycystin-2 is an intracellular Ca2+ release channel that is required for the normal pattern of Ca2+ responses involving IP3 and ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Activity of polycystin-2 creates brief cytosolic Ca2+ transients with increased amplitude and decreased duration. Polycystin-2, along with the IP3 and ryanodine receptors, acts as a major calcium-release channel in the endoplasmic reticulum in cells where rapid calcium signaling is required, and polycystin-2 activity is essential in those excitable cells for rapid responses to stimuli.
Neurosecretory stimulation of galactogen synthesis within the Helix pomatia albumen gland during organ culture

The albumen gland portion of the female reproductive tract in pulmonate gastropods produces two metabolically allied polysaccharides, galactogen and glycogen. Galactogen accumulates in preparation for summer egg-laying, glycogen in preparation for winter hibernation. Synthesis of each polysaccharide may be under neurohormonal control, therefore an organ culture bioassay for such neurosecretory influences was devised. This publication reports: (1) the composition of a chemically defined medium which will sustain both the albumen gland and brain of Helix pomatia in organ culture; (2) a method for the separation of galactogen from glycogen in aqueous solution: glycogen is co-precipitated with concanavalin-A while galactogen remains in solution; and (3) activation of galactogen synthesis within albumen gland explants of a hibernating Helix, when this gland is cultured in the presence of a brain taken from a reproductively active snail.
An Index to Measure "Transient-Ness" of Speech

Several studies have shown that emphasis of speech transients can improve the intelligibility of speech in noise. However, each study used a different method to define speech transients, and comparisons across methods are difficult. This paper introduces an index to quantify the transient nature of speech (specifically, the extent to which the onsets and offsets of formants are emphasized compared to steady segments) and applies the index to several versions of transient speech and to processed speech that have been described.
Does Being in Here Mean There Is Something Wrong With Me

Much of what has been written about how psychiatric hospitals change a patient's self-image has been written from the perspective of the hospital and related social forces. Little has been done to explain the patient's perspective and role in this process. This study examines the process from that essential perspective, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The results suggest that both frequency and duration of exposure to psychiatric hospitals, as well as a past history of hallucinations, are important variables in determining engulfment in the patient role. The process of engulfment appears to be a developmental sequence with important transitional events (e.g., hallucinations, Supplemental Security Income, repeated hospitalizations) demarcating and pushing forward the process, and shifting beliefs and definitions associated with each developmental stage. What seems to underlie this process is patients' need to maintain a positive view of themselves as competent.
Recent physics results from the CDF and D0 experiments at the Tevatron

The CDF and D0 experiments study proton anti-proton collisions at s = 1.96 TeV at the Tevatron collider. In this note we review selected topics from the Top, Electroweak and QCD physics program of both experiments.
Imaging Left Ventricular Muscarinic Receptor Heterogeneity A Tool to Evaluate Individuals at Risk for Sudden Death

As pointed out by Mazzadi et al1 in this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging , parasympathetic tone plays a critical role as modulator of the cardiac sympathetic nervous system in both health and disease. Decreased tone, as reflected by decreased heart rate variability (HRV), has an important role in prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI).2 HRV is also associated with worse outcome in some patients with heart failure.3,4 Sudden increases in parasympathetic tone, identified by increase in HRV, may precipitate ventricular fibrillation in selected individuals.5 Other investigators have not found any of a multitude of HRV components to be predictive of outcome.6 The predictive value of HRV is insufficient to be used alone and must be part of a multivariate assessment. Article see p 365 Given the wealth of data demonstrating that HRV and its derivatives provide useful but not highly predictive clinical information and at a relatively low cost, what added value is gained by the use of a complicated and expensive imaging method? There are limitations to measurement of HRV that generally require the patient to be in sinus rhythm without sinoatrial dysfunction, to have ≤20% ectopic beats, have good quality tracings and, ideally, at least 24 hours of recording.2 The requirement for sinus rhythm limits it application in the largest population in which it is most likely beneficial, those with heart failure. Also, imaging of presynaptic sympathetic function has been shown to better predict adverse events.6 The results of the Mazzadi et al1 study suggest that imaging of parasympathetic function also may be predictive. Probably the most important rationale for the use of imaging to measure muscarinic cholinergic function relates directly to the regional heterogeneity of myocardial perfusion and sympathetic and parasympathetic function. As noted by Mazzadi et al,1 …
Radiation Response of Emerging High Gain, Low Noise Detectors

Data illustrating the radiation response of emerging high gain, low noise detectors are presented. Ionizing dose testing of silicon internal discrete avalanche photodiodes, and 51-MeV proton testing of InGaAs/InAlAs avalanche photodiodes operated in Geiger mode are discussed.
Adaptive optics with adaptive filtering and control

This paper presents a quasi adaptive control method for adaptive optics. Adaptive compensation is needed in many adaptive optics applications because wind velocities and the strength of atmospheric turbulence can change rapidly, rendering any fixed-gain reconstruction algorithm far from optimal. The performance of the new method is illustrated by application to recently developed simulations of high energy laser propagation through extended turbulence.
A Sensitivity Analysis of Power Signal Methods for Detecting Hardware Trojans Under Real Process and Environmental Conditions

Trust in reference to integrated circuits addresses the concern that the design and/or fabrication of the integrated circuit (IC) may be purposely altered by an adversary. The insertion of a hardware Trojan involves a deliberate and malicious change to an IC that adds or removes functionality or reduces its reliability. Trojans are designed to disable and/or destroy the IC at some future time or they may serve to leak confidential information covertly to the adversary. Trojans can be cleverly hidden by the adversary to make it extremely difficult for chip validation processes, such as manufacturing test, to accidentally discover them. This paper investigates the sensitivity of a power supply transient signal analysis method for detecting Trojans. In particular, we focus on determining the smallest detectable Trojan, i.e., the least number of gates a Trojan may have and still be detected, using a set of process simulation models that characterize a TSMC 0.18 μm process. We also evaluate the sensitivity of our Trojan detection method in the presence of measurement noise and background switching activity.