cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy performance of residential roofs in Canada – Identification of missing links for future research opportunities

Abstract Energy performance of residential roofs (EPRR) is the capability to impede energy flows through a roofing assembly, which may occur as heat loss in winter, heat gain in summer, and loss of conditioned air in both seasons. The roof’s energy performance is essential to net-zero-energy homes in Canada. However, measures to increase the EPRR should not jeopardize the structural integrity of the roofing assembly nor lead to unhealthy conditions within the building and its envelope due to unwanted side effects. The development of building codes to ensure EPRR thus requires a holistic approach to assure that residential buildings are energy efficient, moisture safe, and durable. This review systematically documents the state of the art on the topic of EPRR for Canadian buildings. Air tightness, attic ventilation, and insulation requirement are the three factors that mainly influence the EPRR. This review contributes in three ways: 1. Existing code specifications from the applicable North American building and energy codes are scrutinized for the above three factors. 2. Extraction of existing knowledge is expanded via a review of North American standards, guidelines, and association practice manuals. 3. Tabulation of the experimental studies carried out in cold climate countries on these three key factors. With this systematic approach, the missing links are identified for the long-term or future research opportunities in each of the three key factors. For the immediate implementation, with this holistic approach, a list of code change recommendations is drafted for possible inclusion in the Canadian building and energy codes.
Ex vivo biomechanical analysis of the Ross procedure using the modified inclusion technique in a 3-dimensionally printed left heart simulator.

Abstract Objective The inclusion technique was developed to reinforce the pulmonary autograft to prevent dilation after the Ross procedure. Anticommissural plication (ACP), a modification technique, can reduce graft size and create neosinuses. The objective was to evaluate pulmonary valve biomechanics using the inclusion technique in the Ross procedure with and without ACP. Methods Seven porcine and 5 human pulmonary autografts were harvested from hearts obtained from a meat abattoir and from heart transplant recipients and donors, respectively. Five additional porcine autografts without reinforcement were used as controls. The Ross procedure was performed using the inclusion technique with a straight polyethylene terephthalate graft. The same specimens were tested both with and without ACP. Hemodynamic parameter data, echocardiography, and high-speed videography were collected via the ex vivo heart simulator. Results Porcine autograft regurgitation was significantly lower after the use of inclusion technique compared with controls (P Conclusions The Ross procedure using the inclusion technique demonstrated excellent hemodynamic parameter results. The ACP technique was associated with more favorable leaflet biomechanics. In vivo validation should be performed to allow direct translation to clinical practice.
Maximum torque per ampere and maximum power per ampere sliding mode control for interior permanent magnet synchronous motors

This paper presents novel maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) and maximum power per ampere (MPPA) sliding mode control (SMC) approaches for interior permanent-magnet synchronous motors (IPMs). We firs...
New Year’s res-Illusions: food shopping in the New Year competes with healthy intentions (811.22)

Objective: To assess holiday and post-holiday purchasing patterns of unhealthy and healthy foods when compared to purchasing in early fall (baseline). Methods: Grocery-purchase data were collected ...
The Classification Theorem for Compact Surfaces

This is the core chapter of the book. The classification theorem for compact surfaces with or without boundaries is stated and proved. The key is to define the notion of a cell complex. Every cell complex can be refined to a triangulation. Then, a combinatorial argument is used to show that every cell complex can be converted to a canonical form involving a regular polygon. Homology is used to show that distinct normal forms are not homeomorphic. We also show how the normal form of a surface yields a presentation of its fundamental group. Other proofs are discussed, in particular, Conway’s ZIP proof.
Ionic monolayers on metals: II. neutral mixed layers and surface reconstruction

Abstract Mixed layers of ions on a metal crystal surface are important in adsorption and corrosion. We consider reconstructed periodic layers on Ni, and use a modified Born-Haber cycle to make semi-quantitative estimates of heats of adsorption. For O, S, and Se atoms in neutral mixed layers on the (100) and (111) Ni planes, our estimated heats of adsorption have the right sign and magnitude if ionic charges are large. We make the novel suggestion that negative Ni ions are important in some of the structures. Also, we propose a new distinction between reconstruction and true corrosion, and we conclude that metal-metal bonding is the characteristic feature of reconstructed layers. We summarize our findings with a brief comparison of ionic layers of the two kinds.
A “K Hypotheses + Other” Belief Updating Model

Spoken dialog systems typically rely on recognition confidence scores to guard against potential misunderstandings. While confidence scores can provide an initial assessment for the reliability of the information obtained from the user, ideally systems should leverage information that is available in subsequent user responses to update and improve the accuracy of their beliefs. We present a machine-learning based solution for this problem. We use a compressed representation of beliefs that tracks up to k hypotheses for each concept at any given time. We train a generalized linear model to perform the updates. Experimental results show that the proposed approach significantly outperforms heuristic rules used for this task in current systems. Furthermore, a user study with a mixed-initiative spoken dialog system shows that the approach leads to significant gains in task success and in the efficiency of the interaction, across a wide range of recognition error-rates.
Obstacles to Business, Technology Use, and Firms with Female Principal Owners in Kenya

Data on 778 establishments indicates that firms in Kenya rely on technologies such as computers, generators, and cell-phones to conduct operations when regulations, infrastructure, security, workforce, corruption, and finance pose significant hurdles in the business environment. Obstacles related to regulations, security, and workforce, increase the probability of technology ownership, whereas obstacles related to infrastructure in particular, reduces the probability that firms own technology. Results indicate that while all firms rely on technology in the face of regulatory and other obstacles, those with female principal owners experience net effects that are statistically distinct from those experienced by their counterparts. A gender-of-owner disaggregated Oaxaca-Blinder type decomposition of differences in technology ownership indicates that up to 18% of the total gap is unexplained by differences in measurable characteristics between firms that are female-owned and those that are not, suggesting that female-owned firms may own technology to a higher level than is warranted by their observed covariates.
Writing for Funding: Surviving the 70s

(1978). Writing for Funding: Surviving the 70s. Health Education: Vol. 9, No. 5, pp. 20-21.
Battery prognostics using a self-cognizant dynamic system approach

This paper proposes a new self-cognizant dynamic system approach for Battery PHM, that incorporates an artificial neural network model into a dual extended Kalman filter (DEKF) algorithm. A feed-forward neural network (FFNN) structure is employed to approximate a complex battery system response that is mostly treated as impossible modeling work due to inaccessible system physics. After training by historical data, the FFNN model is embedded into a DEKF algorithm to track down system dynamics. The required recursive computation, which is used to update the FFNN model during collecting the online measurement, is also derived in this paper. To validate the proposed SCDS approach, a battery dynamic system is introduced as an experimental application. After modeling the battery system by an FFNN model and a state-space model, the state-of-charge (SoC) and state-of-health (SoH) are estimated with updating the FFNN model by the proposed approach. Experimental results illustrate that the proposed approach improves the efficiency and accuracy for battery PHM.
The bilirubin liver function test in the toxemias of pregnancy

Abstract Toxemias of pregnancy cannot be nosologically arranged on the basis of the bilirubin hepatic function test. However, this procedure is probably our most adaptable measure of the labile and manifold funetioning liver. As such it may be of value together with renal function tests to aid in establishing a delimiting zone between the nephritic and pre-eclamptic toxemias.
Regional differences in prostacyclin formation by the kidney: Prostacyclin is a major prostaglandin of renal cortex

Abstract Microsomes prepared from rabbit renal cortex were found to synthesize substantial amounts of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1α from prostaglandin G2 or arachidonic acid during an incubation. In contrast, no 6-ketoprostaglandin F1α was formed by renal medullary microsomes which synthesize predominantly prostaglandin E2. Mass spectral confirmation of the structure of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1α from these incubations demonstrates the ability of the renal cortex to synthesize prostacyclin.
Skeletal Biology of Past Peoples: Research Methods

Skeletal Biology of Past Peoples: Research Methods. Edited by SHELLEY R. SAUNDERS and M. ANNE KATZENBERG. New York: Willey-Liss,1992. xvii + 265 pp., bibliographies, and index. $65.00 (cloth).
Stellar Programs and Initiatives

This chapter serves as a resource for identifying selected programs and initiatives in higher education that demonstrate great promise in addressing glass ceiling effects in the workplace.
Screening wood decayed by white rot fungi for preferential lignin degradation.

A screening procedure in which scanning electron microscopy was used indicated that 26 white rot fungi selectively removed lignin from various coniferous and hardwood tree species. Delignified wood from field collections had distinct micromorphological characteristics that were easily differentiated from other types of decay. The middle lamella was degraded, and the cells were separated from one another. Secondary cell wall layers that remained had a fibrillar appearance. Chemical analyses of delignified wood indicated that the cells were composed primarily of cellulose. Only small percentages of lignin and hemicellulose were evident. Delignified wood was not uniformly distributed throughout the decayed wood samples. White-pocket and white-mottled areas of the various decayed wood examined contained delignified cells, but adjacent wood had a nonselective removal of lignin where all cell wall components had been degraded simultaneously. This investigation demonstrates that selective delignification among white rot fungi is more prevalent than previously realized and identifies a large number of fungi for use in studies of preferential lignin degradation. Images
The Effect of Litter Size on Weight Gain in Mice

The body weights of rodents at weaning are generally believed to be inversely related to the number of animals in the litter during the birth-to-weaning period. Quantitative data for rats have been published, but not for mice. Using carefully matched litters, we have measured the average body weights of mice raised in litters containing 2, 4, 6, and 12 pups relative to the average body weight of litters of eight pups. Except for the 2 pup litters, the inverse relation was found to hold. It is also shown that the pattern of average weaning weight as a function of litter size is the same as previously published by two other groups using rats.
γ-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), γ-Butyrolactone (GBL), and 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD) Reduce the Volume of Cerebral Infarction in Rodent Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), an endogenous organic acid catabolite of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has been shown to have tissue-protective effects in various organs, including the brain. We examined the potential neuroprotective effect of GHB and its chemical precursors, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD), in the rodent ischemic stroke model by intraluminal filament middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent transient left-sided MCAO and received intraperitoneal treatment with 300 mg/kg of GHB, GBL, 1,4-BD, or control vehicle given at 30 min before, as well as 180 and 360 min after the onset of ischemia. Infarct volumes were determined 24 h after MCAO. In transient MCAO, the mean volume of infarction for control rats was 464.4 +/- 17.9 cu.mm versus 273.6 +/- 53.1, 233.3 +/- 44.7, and 275.4 +/- 39.9 cu.mm for rats treated with 1,4-BD (P < 0.05), GBL (P < 0.05), and GHB (P < 0.05), respectively. We conclude that GHB, GBL, and 1,4-BD protect against rat focal cerebral ischemia from transient MCAO.
Autophagy is involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress induced cell death of rat hepatocytes

Abstract Background Both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy have been shown to display dual roles in cell survival in multiple cell lines. There is a reported but poorly understood link between ER stress, autophagy, and cell death. We hypothesized that autophagy plays a role in ER stress-dependent cell death in rat hepatocytes. Materials and methods Primary hepatocytes isolated from both lean and obese male Zucker rats were cultured and treated with tunicamycin (TM), tauroursodeoxycholic acid, 3-methyladenine, and wortmannin for 12 h. The ER stress-associated genes glucose-regulated protein 78 and C/EBP homologous protein were examined via quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Immunostaining with microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 as well as electron microscopy were used to evaluate autophagy activity. Trypan blue exclusion was used to determine hepatocyte cell viability. Results In both lean and steatotic hepatocytes, we found that TM induced both C/EBP homologous protein and glucose-regulated protein 78 messenger RNA expression. Cells with increased ER stress were undergoing increased autophagy and had a significant decrease in cell viability. Both tauroursodeoxycholic acid and 3-methyladenine treatments attenuated TM induced ER stress, autophagy, and cell death, whereas wortmannin treatment reduced autophagy and cell death but without changing ER stress. Conclusions These data suggest that autophagy is a likely downstream mediator of ER stress-induced cell death in rat hepatocytes. Further exploration of the link between autophagy and ER stress in hepatocyte injury will yield important information that may be leveraged for treatment of liver injuries such as ischemia/reperfusion.
Collision free autonomous ground traffic: a model predictive control approach

Even with recent advances in electronics, sensors, and communication technologies, it is still a grand challenge to develop an autonomous transportation system in which each vehicle can autonomously coordinate with other vehicles and drive itself on a road with a safety guarantee. We propose an approach to address this challenge. We formulate a Model Predictive Control (MPC) problem to generate a feasible trajectory for a vehicle. Constraints are particularly designed to ensure inter-vehicle safety. To further achieve system-wide safety and liveness, we additionally propose several simple yet effective rules for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) coordination. We establish system-wide safety and also liveness of the resulting autonomous traffic in various traffic situations such as single lane traffic, multi-lane traffic, and intersection crossing traffic.
Isolation and chromosomal localization of a human ATP-regulated potassium channel

KATP channels are K+ channels whose activity is inhibited by the presence of and enhanced by the absence of cytosolic ATP. This property allows KATP channels to sense cellular intermediary metabolism and directly couple this information to the modulation of membrane excitability. Indeed, recent studies from our laboratory and others have suggested that activation of KATP channels during anoxia is important in the response and adaptation of central neurons to hypoxia. In order to identify KATP channels from human brain, we performed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using human cerebral cortex mRNA and primers derived from the ROMK1 sequence, a cDNA clone encoding an ATP-regulated potassium channel, recently isolated from rat kidney. We thus identified a novel 308-bp PCR product, pKCNJ1, whose expression was found to be restricted to a 3.0-kb band in the kidney by probing a human multiple tissue northern blot. pKCNJ1 was then used to isolate genomic clones and, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to human metaphase chromosomes, was mapped to chromosome 11q.
Species Number and Endemism: The Galápagos Archipelago Revisited

Regression analyses to determine plant species number are repeated for the Galapagos Islands with new data. The multiple curvilinear regression gives the best prediction of species number, with island area making the only significant contribution. The proportion of species endemic to the Galapagos is highest in the arid, transition zone and on small islands, and lowest in the littoral and mesic zones. This is explained in terms of zone-specific immigration and extinction rates and the very recent appearance of moist upland climates in the archipelago.
A simple model for periodic cyclostat growth of algae

This paper provides a simple model of nutrient limited periodic cyclostat growth for algae. The basic growth function is assumed to be a time dependent variation of the empirical growth equation developed by Droop (1968). The authors also present the relations for n species' cyclostat coexistence and a stability analysis for the model growth equation. The model, although limited in some respects, agrees very well with available experimental data on Euglena gracilis. The significance of the time dependent amplitude functions developed in this study is also discussed.
Local interneurons in the swimmeret system of the crayfish

We describe the structures and physiological properties of thirteen kinds of local interneurons in the swimmeret system of the crayfish,Pacifastacus leniusculus. Eight are unilateral, with processes confined to one side of the midline (Figs. 1, 2); five are bilateral, with processes on both sides of the ganglion (Fig. 6). All have most of their branches in the lateral neuropils. All of the unilateral local interneurons were nonspiking; two of the bilateral interneurons generate action potentials. Three kinds of unilateral interneurons could reset the bursting rhythm or could initiate bursting in quiescent nerve cords. Four others drove tonic firing of motor neurons. Four kinds of bilateral interneurons were premotor, and could affect the period and phase of both pattern generators in their ganglion. One unilateral and one bilateral interneuron were sensory interneurons. At least one bilateral interneuron received input from both pattern generators. Different premotor local interneurons function either in pattern generation, or in hemisegmental coordination of groups of motor neurons, or in bilateral synchronization of the ganglionic pairs of local pattern-generators for the swimmerets.
Long-range surface plasmon polaritons propagating on a dielectric waveguide support

In the traditional long-range surface plasmon geometry, an ultrathin metal film is sandwiched between two layers having identical dielectric constants. Here we demonstrate the long-range surface plasmon polariton (LRSPP) properties for a new structure where a thin layer with a dielectric constant exceeding that of the surroundings is inserted within the sandwich, provided the layer thickness d satisfies the condition k(⊥)d=mπ where k(⊥) is the component of the guide wavevector perpendicular to the layer and m is an integer. The resulting plasmon modes have smaller losses and nearly the same phase velocity as the original LRSPP. This provides a strategy to support silver films having thicknesses of 10's of nanometers to create plasmonic devices for sensor applications.
Remotely operated guideposts reduce drilling time and costs

This paper reports remotely operated guideposts used to establish, release, and re-establish guidelines for a template installation in 1,758 ft (536 m) of water in the Gulf of Mexico. The guideposts were used to reduce the drilling-template weight, to improve accessibility of the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) around the well slots, and to reposition the blowout preventer (BOP) stack on a new well without tripping the stack to the surface. Before field installation, procedures were developed and the guideposts and running tools were function tested. Wet tests verified the reliability of the ROV and guidepost interface. This testing contributed to the successful use of guideposts. Drilling-template costs dropped significantly. The approach helped save about 36 days of drilling time. The guideposts were also used to tie back the tendons and production risers for the tension-leg well platform (TLWP).
Analysis of the steady-state flow of a compressible viscoplastic medium over a wedge

A new model for calculating the resistance to penetration into geological or geologically derived materials is proposed. We assume steady-state flow of the target material over the penetrator. The target medium is described by a rate dependent constitutive equation that accounts for combined effects of strain rate and compaction on yielding. The wedge-shaped penetrator is considered to be rigid. The influence of the characteristics of the penetrator/target interface, impact velocity, target mechanical properties and nose geometry on the resistance to penetration is investigated. It is found that for low to intermediate impact velocities, accounting for friction results in a blunter optimal wedge geometry for optimal penetration performance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bose-Einstein condensates in standing waves: the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a periodic potential.

We present a new family of stationary solutions to the cubic nonlinear Schrodinger equation with an elliptic function potential. In the limit of a sinusoidal potential our solutions model a quasi-one-dimensional dilute gas Bose-Einstein condensate trapped in a standing light wave. Provided that the ratio of the height of the variations of the condensate to its dc offset is small enough, both trivial phase and nontrivial phase solutions are shown to be stable. Recent developments allow for experimental investigation of these predictions.
LaO/BaO/SrO oxygen(p)-metal(d) excitons as the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity

Abstract The discovery that cubic Ba 0.6 K 0.4 BiO 3 is a high-temperature superconductor, with T c ≈ 34 K, poses a challenge to theories based on CuO 2 planes. On the other hand, this material, like all other currently-known high- T c superconductors, contains metallic planes adjacent to insulating metal-oxide layers. In every case, these layers can support virtual oxygen p to metal d excitations.
Can early ultrasound reduce the gestational age at abortion for fetal anomalies

Abstract Background A significant proportion of second-trimester abortions are done for fetal anomalies. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of ultrasound at Study Design Retrospective review identified all patients undergoing abortion following sonographic diagnosis of structural fetal anomalies at a single institution from 2004���2011. First-trimester ultrasound findings were reviewed, and abnormalities were categorized as ���diagnostic��� or ���nondiagnostic.��� Chi-square analysis and Mann���Whitney U test were used for statistical comparison. Results One hundred thirty-two patients who underwent abortion due to structural fetal abnormalities were included, 109 of whom underwent ultrasound at 11���13 weeks. In those scanned at Conclusion Ultrasound at
Radio Noise Studies of Several Severe Weather Events in Iowa in 1971.

Abstract The purpose of this note is to show that not all tornadic storms yield the same radio-frequency noise behavior. One funnel cloud observed gave significant radio noise over a frequency range from 2.5 to 144 MHz.
Electrophysiologic effects of a new anitarrhythmic agent, recainam, on isolated canine and rabbit myocardial fibers

Abstract Recainam (Wy 42,362) is a new antiarrhythmic agent undergoing clinical evaluation, but its electrophysiologic effects in cardiac muscle are poorly defined. With microelectrode techniques, its profile in isolated preparations of dog and rabbit hearts was determined using drug concentrations of 10 to 300 μM. Recainam induced a concentration and frequency-dependent decrease in the maximal rate of rise of ihe phase 0 of the action potential (Vmax), action potential amplitude and overshoot potential, with little or no change in the effective refractory period except in Purkinje fibers, in which it was markedly reduced. At a 300 μMconcentration, Vmaxwas reduced 51% (p The data indicate that the electrophysiologic profile of recainam in isolated cardiac muscle is consistent with the overall effects of class IC agents without having an effect on the slow calcium channel. Its major action is to depress Vmax, with little effect on refractoriness. As in the case of other class IC compounds, the differential effects of recainam on the action potential duration in ventricular muscle and Purkinje fibers may predispose to the drug9s proarrhythmic actions by accentuating heterogeneity in refractoriness in the heart.
Can maximum ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake rate be obtained by increasing Na+ influx?

Abstract Increasing stimulation frequency and monensin were utilized in attemps to enhance Na + influx and thereby elecit the maximum rate of ouabain-sensitive 86 Rb + uptake in rat atrial muscle. Increasing stimulation frequency between 0 and 9 Hz enhanced the rate of ouabain-sensitive 86 Rb + uptake, whereas the uptake rate appeared to decrease at higher frequencies. Monensin (1.0–5.0 μM) increased the rate of uptake in atrial preparations stimulated at 6 Hz. A higher 86 Rb + uptake produced by monensin in preparations stimulated at 6 Hz. was not significantly different from the maximum elicited by stimulation frequency alone. The results suggest that either method of increasing Na + influx may be used to maximize the rate of ouabain-sensitive 86 Rb + uptake and theby estimate the Na + pump capacity of rat atrial muscle; however, it is possible that the inhibitory actions which were apparent at very high levels of monensin and stimulation frequency may mask the true maximum value.
On the management of user obligations

This paper is part of a project investigating authorization systems that assign obligations to users. We are particularly interested in obligations that require authorization to be performed and that, when performed, may modify the authorization state. In this context, a user may incur an obligation she is unauthorized to perform. Prior work has introduced a property of the authorization system state that ensures users will be authorized to fulfill their obligations. We call this property accountability because users that fail to perform authorized obligations are accountable for their non-performance. While a reference monitor can mitigate violations of accountability, it cannot prevent them entirely. This paper presents techniques to be used by obligation system managers to restore accountability. We introduce several notions of dependence among pending obligations that must be considered in this process. We also introduce a novel notion we call obligation pool slicing, owing to its similarity to program slicing. An obligation pool slice identifies a set of obligations that the administrator may need to consider when applying strategies proposed here for restoring accountability. The paper also presents the system architecture of an authorization system that incorporates obligations that can require and affect authorizations.
A Dynamic JKR Model with Application to Vibrational Release in Micromanipulation

In this paper a dynamic contact model is presented based on the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) theory. The classical JKR model captures the contact properties for the quasi-static condition, which does not hold in some applications related to micromanipulation. The proposed model includes rate-dependent terms and accounts for dynamic effects such as damping. The model predicts that the threshold of the force for separating two objects in contact depends on the slew rate of the force. The implication of this result in vibrational releasing of micro objects is explored with the goal of minimizing the uncertainty in positions of released objects. Simulation results are reported on releasing of a micro sphere from a cantilever manipulator actuated by a piezoelectric layer.
Glucose and alanine metabolism during bacterial infections in rats and rhesus monkeys

To investigate the effects of bacterial infection on glucose and alanine metabolism, a variety of studies were carried out in rat and monkey models. These included glucose turnover by a pulse-dose technique in infected rats; alanine and glucose production and utilization in control and septic monkeys; in vivo measurement of gluconeogenesis in rats, with and without an alanine load; the in vitro rate of glucose formation from various substrates by isolated liver perfusion and hepatic cells; and in vivo rates of oxidation of glucose labeled with 14C at the 1 or 6 carbon position. In rats, glucose turnover was markedly accelerated 24 hr after inoculation of either 10(4) or 10(7) Streptococcus pneumoniae. Glucose utilization and production were also accelerated during illness and early recovery from a pneumococcal infection in monkeys. The rates of gluconeogenesis as measured by either a pulse technique in rats or continuous infusion of labeled alanine in monkey were significantly elevated during pneumococcal septicemia. During the agonal stages (10(7) of the pneumococcal infection in rat, an alanine load resulted in a decreased rate of labeled glucose production and an increase in plasma glucose when compared to values of fasted control rats. However, early illness caused similar or increased rates of glucose production from alanine in vivo. Similar reduced rates of glucose formation were observed when the isolated livers or hepatocytes from rats during the agonal stages of infection were perfused with excess quantities of gluconeogenic substrates. Thus, in the rat, gluconeogenic capacity (ability to form glucose from excess substrates) appears to decrease only during the agonal stages of pneumococcal infection. During acute pneumococcal sepsis in the rhesus monkey, alanine production and utilization were significantly elevated and it was estimated that over 90% of the newly produced alanine was utilized for glucose synthesis. When arterial--venous differences were measured across the hindquarters, significantly more alanine was released, presumably from skeletal muscle of the septic monkey, compared to the recovery period or in the control groups. Thus, the increase in glucose synthesis in both rat and monkey appears to be correlated with substrate availability and kinetic rate, rather than gluconeogenic capacity of the liver. The major increase in glucose utilization during both S. pneumoniae and Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS) infections in rat was a progressive elevation in the rate of oxidation via the pentose phosphate shunt in the rat. Further, the rate of oxidation appeared to be correlated with the magnitude of the bacteremia, which is an indication of the severity of the infection...
A quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for HIV-l-specific RNA species

Abstract The ability to evaluate the patterns and levels of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1)-specific RNA in latently and productively-infected cell lines, and primary human cells, is critical to the understanding of HIV-1 expression in cell cultures and possibly in vivo. We have developed a quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), utilizing in vitro transcribed RNA standards, to evaluate the copy number per cell and per microgram of total cellular RNA of multiply-spliced, unspliced and total HIV-1-specific RNA species. The latently-infected monocytic and T-lymphocyte cell lines, U1 and ACH-2 respectively, are shown to express between 10 4 to 10 6 copies of total HIV-l-specific RNA per cell, based on the state of cellular stimulation. A dramatic increase of unspliced HIV-l-specific RNA in both the U1 cell line and the ACH-2 cell line is demonstrated by this quantitative RT-PCR, 24 h after stimulation with phorbol esters. These data suggest that a single integrated HIV-1 provirus can rapidly express large quantities of HIV-1-specific RNA. Quantitative RT-PCR, for HIV-1-specific transcripts, should prove extremely useful in evaluating retroviral load and pathogenesis in cell cultures and in vivo.
Hidden Information:The Impact of Received Signals on the Continued Interest of Angel Investors

Angel financing is one of the most important but least well understood sources of early stage financing. Using signaling theory, we examine the entrepreneur – angel investor communication dyad, spe...
Effects of Increased Metabolism on the Ketone Body Excretion of Depancreatized Dogs.

SummaryThe resting metabolism of depancreatized dogs was raised by exercise, by dinitrophenol injection, and by thyroid administration, always, as far as could be learned, at the expense of increased oxidation of fat. Out of the total of 35 series of experiments, none showed increased ketosis commensurate with the increased amounts of fat burned. The quantities of extra acetone to be expected were considerably lower when these were calculated from the basal heat and acetone values rather than from the increased fat oxidation. Even computed in this manner, however, there were only a few of the exercise and thyroid, and none of the D.N.P., results which were in agreement with the theoretical ketone excretion.
k-Means Clustering on Two-Level Memory Systems

In recent work we quantified the anticipated performance boost when a sorting algorithm is modified to leverage user-addressable "near-memory," which we call scratchpad. This architectural feature is expected in the Intel Knight's Landing processors that will be used in DOE's next large-scale supercomputer. This paper expands our analytical study of the scratchpad to consider k-means clustering, a classical data-analysis technique that is ubiquitous in the literature and in practice. We present new theoretical results using the model introduced in [13], which measures memory transfers and assumes that computations are memory-bound. Our theoretical results indicate that scratchpad-aware versions of k-means clustering can expect performance boosts for high-dimensional instances with relatively few cluster centers. These constraints may limit the practical impact of scratch-pad for k-means acceleration, so we discuss their origins and practical implications. We corroborate our theory with experimental runs on a system instrumented to mimic one with scratchpad memory. We also contribute a semi-formalization of the computational properties that are necessary and sufficient to predict a performance boost from scratchpad-aware variants of algorithms. We have observed and studied these properties in the context of sorting, and now clustering. We conclude with some thoughts on the application of these properties to new areas. Specifically, we believe that dense linear algebra has similar properties to k-means, while sparse linear algebra and FFT computations are more similar to sorting. The sparse operations are more common in scientific computing, so we expect scratchpad to have significant impact in that area.
The two-word stage: motivated by linguistic or cognitive constraints?

Abstract Child development researchers often discuss a “two-word” stage during language acquisition. However, there is still debate over whether the existence of this stage reflects primarily cognitive or linguistic constraints. Analyses of longitudinal data from two Deaf children, Mei and Cal, not exposed to an accessible first language (American Sign Language – ASL) until the age of 6 years, suggest that a linguistic constraint is observed when cognition is relatively spared. These older children acquiring a first language after delayed exposure exhibit aspects of a two-word stage of language development. Results from intelligence assessments, achievement tests, drawing tasks, and qualitative cognitive analyses show that Mei and Cal are at least of average intelligence and ability. However, results from language analyses clearly show differences from both age peers and younger native signers in the early two-word stage, providing new insights into the nature of this phase of language development.
Analysis of security threats to MPLS virtual private networks

Abstract Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) based virtual private networking is one of the fastest-growing network technologies. It provides corporate and government customers with flexible, inexpensive “autobahns” that seamlessly connect multiple, geographically-dispersed sites, enabling voice, video, data and other high-bandwidth applications. The technology is also attractive to service providers because it enables them to flexibly provision resources for a variety of classes of service and applications with excellent quality of service at low cost. This paper analyzes the principal security threats to MPLS virtual private networks (VPNs). Because BGP is crucial to implementing MPLS VPNs, special attention is directed at the protocol and its multiprotocol extensions. This paper describes three classes of exploits on MPLS VPNs: route modification, traffic injection and denial-of-service attacks. It also discusses mitigation strategies that can be implemented by service providers and MPLS VPN customers.
PL/I utility programs for Formac applications

The new PL/I FORMAC Compiler released by IBM as a Type III program earlier this year has the potential to be a useful addition to the tools of an applied programmer and researcher alike. It also presents a problem to these same users in that it is based on PL/I, a new language which, despite all the promotion by IBM, has yet to become universally accepted in the programming world. This unfamiliarity with PL/I makes difficult many tasks which would be trivial if they were done in FORTRAN IV. This note describes one application of FORMAC and the PL/I utility programs required to utilize the FORMAC results. It is hoped this will save other users time and effort in their use of FORMAC.
Role of nitric oxide and cyclic GMP in proliferation and differentiation of murine and human embryonic stem cells

We hypothesized that the fundamental role of nitric oxide and cyclic GMP in numerous physiological processes would suggest that these mediators also participate in stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Mouse and human (H9) embryonic stem cells were cultured under standard conditions for various periods (one to 15 days). The hanging drop method was utilized to induce differentiation of stem cells into various cellular lineages including myocardial, neuronal precursor, neuronal, astrocyte and oligodendrocytes.
Projekte, Strukturen und Herzblutenergie

Projekte scheitern sehr oft an starren Strukturen und an ausufernden Meetings. Herzblut fehlt! Oft kreieren Projekte leblose Prozesse. Es ist wie bei Frankenstein: Berater kaufen Fleisch, Augen, Knochen und Sehnen. Dann bauen sie eine Leiche zusammen, sie liegt nun endlich als Monster („neuer Geschaftsprozess“) auf dem Tisch. Dann sagen die Berater zu ihrem Kunden: „Nun mussen Sie diesen Prozess nur noch zum Leben bringen.“ Heute versuchen es alle mit „agil sein“…
Effects of chronic paraventricular nucleus infusion of clonidine and α-methyl-para-tyrosine on macronutrient intake

Earlier studies have demonstrated that acute injections of norepinephrine (NE) and clonidine (CLON) into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) elicit feeding in satiated rats. This study examined the effects of chronic PVN infusion of alpha-methyl-paratyrosine (alpha-MpT), a catecholamine synthesis inhibitor, on intake of a mixed milk-mash diet and on the ingestion of pure macronutrients, protein, carbohydrate and fat. The impact of chronic CLON administration on intake of these macronutrient preparations was also investigated. Over a 14-day period, chronic infusion of alpha-MpT (50 nmoles/30 sec/0.5 microliter) resulted in a reduction of total daily food intake in rats maintained on a milk-mash diet. Chronic administration of CLON (3 nmoles/30 sec/0.5 microliters) was observed to produce a specific increase in ingestion of the carbohydrate, along with a suppression in the intakes of the protein and fat. These results are similar to those previously demonstrated for NE. In contrast, chronic infusion of alpha-MpT into the PVN caused a specific reduction of carbohydrate consumption and an enhancement of protein ingestion, with fat intake unaffected. This evidence suggests that the alpha 2-noradrenergic system of the PVN plays an important role in the daily regulation of macronutrient intake, specifically of carbohydrate.
Emergence of Unusual Opportunistic Pathogens in AIDS: A Review

Opportunistic infections are a major cause of morbidity and death among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particularly late in the disease, when immunosuppression is severe. Some pathogens, such as Pneumocystis carinii and Toxoplasma gondii, are extremely common in this population and are readily recognized by clinicians caring for these patients. However, many other organisms occasionally cause conditions that clinically mimic the more commonly encountered pathogens. Clinicians must be alert to the threat posed by these less frequently occurring organisms and of the broader differential diagnosis that must be considered for infections in patients with HIV infection.
FACTORS AFFECTING GERMINATION IN GREENHOUSE-PRODUCED SEEDS OF OXALIS CORNICULATA, A PERENNIAL WEED'

A study was conducted to investigate the physiological responses of greenhouse-produced Oxalis corniculata seeds to light, temperature, moist heat treatment, aging, and season of production. Fresh seeds exhibited over 90% germination and required low levels of light (5 ,umol m-2 s-1, 400-700 nm) to germinate. Seeds germinated over a broad, yet seasonallydependent range of incubation temperatures. Seeds produced in winter had the narrowest temperature range of germination (15 to 25 C) and the lowest germination percent (44% at 2 wk) at optimum temperature (17 C); seeds produced in summer had the widest temperature range of germination (10 to 30 C) and the highest germination percent (93% at 2 wk) at optimum temperature (17 C). Incubation at non-optimum temperatures between 5 and 40 C suppressed or slowed the rate of germination until seeds were placed at optimum temperature, where full germination subsequently occurred. Moist heat treatment at temperatures over 40 C resulted in varying degrees of inhibition of subsequent germination. When seeds were stored dry in laboratory conditions, three of four seed lots examined retained over 80% germination capacity until ca. 8 months; 50% capacity remained after ca. 15 months. These results indicate that the seasonal temperature and daylength effects on maternal plants in the greenhouse environment are major determinants of seed germination characteristics of 0. corniculata. OXALIS CORNICULATA L., creeping or yellow woodsorrel (Oxalidaceae), is a spreading herbaceous perennial species with cosmopolitan distribution throughout temperate and tropical zones (Eiten, 1963; Holm et al., 1977). It is
Studies on accumulation and metabolic fate of (N-Me3h)choline in human term placenta fragments.

Abstract Fragments from human term placenta accumulated [N-Me3H]choline against a concentration gradient. Uptake was linearly related to incubation time and temperature. Analysis of the kinetics of choline accumulation revealed the concurrent existence of a diffusional component occuring both at low temperature as well as high (50 mM) choline concentration and a carrier-mediated transport which had characteristics predicted by the Michaelis-Menten equation showing a Km = 3.46 × 10−4 M and a Vmax of 75 nmoles/ml intracellular water × min−1. Net concentration ratios, corrected for diffusion and extracellular water, were larger than 1.0 within 5 min and about 4.0 after 15 min. Hemicholinium-3 was a competitive inhibitor of choline uptake with a Ki of 0.45 mM. [3H]Choline accumulation was decreased by conditions known to lower intracellular ATP levels. Thus, 2,4-dimitrophenol (1 mM), sodium cyanide (5 mM) and anaerobic incubation reduced [3H]choline accumulation 36, 54 and 33 per cent respectively. Ouabain (0.1 mM) also decreased the concentration ratios by 50 per cent. Modification of the ionic environment led to an increase of 36 per cent in the amount of tritium in intracellular water when Na+ was reduced to one half of the usual 145 mM or 150 per cent when it was completely omitted and replaced by an osmotically equivalent amount of sucrose. Li+ was without effect, while high K+ (> 25mM), Rb+ and Cs+ (145 mM) depressed [3H]choline accumulation. The metabolic fate of [3H]choline was studied. Following a 5-min incubation with 5 μM [3H]choline 95 per cent of the radioactivity was acid-soluble and 5 per cent remained in the acid-insoluble fraction. After 30 min the distribution was 88 and 12 per cent, respectively. Paper high voltage electrophoretic analysis of the acid-soluble material showed that after 5 min 55 per cent of the 3H had a mobility equal to authentic choline, 35 per cent equal to acetylcholine, 6 per cent to phosphorylcholine and 1 per cent to betaine. After 20 min it was 25 per cent in choline, 60 per cent in acetylcholine, 10 per cent in phosphorylcholine and 2 per cent in betaine. A chloroform-methanol extract from the acid-insoluble residue revealed a linear increase of 3H-content suggesting incorporation of [3H]choline into phospholipids.
Hydrogen Peroxide Production in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction at Different Electrocatalysts as Quantified by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

We present data for H2O2 production at eight different materials tested as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.5 M H2SO4 (Hg, Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd, Pd80Co20, and Au60Cu40) using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) as an alternative to the widely used rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) method. The amount of H2O2 is related to the total number of electrons, n, found in the O2 reduction reaction, with n = 2 showing only H2O2 production and n = 4 showing no H2O2 formation. From the SECM study Hg shows n close to 2, whereas Pt and Pd80Co20 show n-values near 4. The other materials show intermediate n-values as a function of potential.