cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generating fractal-like surfaces on general purpose mesh-connected computers

Realistic images of natural surfaces are often generated using computationally expensive stochastic modeling techniques. A parallel procedure to generate such models is presented. The target machines are general-purpose mesh-connected computers. The complexity of the procedure is similar to that of a proposed special-purpose parallel fractal generator. >
Cell-free factor substitute for "signal 2" in generating cytotoxic reactions.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the responding cell population recognize allogeneic target antigens on ultraviolet light (uv)-treated stimulating cells in a mixed leukocyte culture. However, under these conditions no cytotoxic response is generated unless the responding cells are also stimulated with x-irradiated or mitomycin C-treated cells differing by the H-2 I region-determined LD antigens. We refer to the signal given to the cytotoxic T lymphocyte by its target antigen as signal 1, and to the help which the cytotoxic T lymphocyte receives presumably from the LD-responsive T helper cell as signal 2. We have developed a method in which different cell populations are separated by an agar layer to demonstrate that a soluble “factor(s)” can both potentiate a weak cytotoxic reaction as well as allow the development of cytotoxicity against uv-treated stimulating cells. These results support the two-signal model in which a “factor”, presumably produced by helper T cells responding to LD antigens, can give signal 2 to the cytotoxic T lymphocyte that has recognized target determinants.
Geologic continuous casting below continental and deep-sea detachment faults and at the striated extrusion of Sacsayhuamán, Peru

In one common type of industrial continuous casting, partially molten metal is extruded from a vessel through a shaped orifice called a mold in which the metal assumes the cross-sectional form of the mold as it cools and solidifies. Continuous casting can be sustained as long as molten metal is supplied and thermal conditions are maintained. I propose that a similar process produced parallel sets of grooves in three geologic settings, as follows: (1) corrugated metamorphic core complexes where mylonitized mid-crustal rocks were exhumed by movement along low-angle normal faults known as detachment faults; (2) corrugated submarine surfaces where ultramafic and mafic rocks were exhumed by normal faulting within oceanic spreading centers; and (3) striated magma extrusions exemplified by the famous grooved outcrops at the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman in Peru. In each case, rocks inferred to have overlain the corrugated surface during corrugation genesis molded and shaped a plastic to partially molten rock mass as it was extruded from a moderate- to high-temperature reservoir.
Uniqueness of the orbital angular momentum operators

It is shown that the theorem on the uniqueness of orbital angular momentum operators is false. The theorem formulated by J. S. Lomont and H. E. Moses, Nuovo cimento, Hilbert space. The proof is shown to be faulty in that one of the statements is not necessarily true. Furthermore, the theorem is proven false by showing that there exists no unitary transformation relating two self- adjoint operators, as was stated. (L.N.N.)
A.V.A.: a novel approach to venous access

Central venous access is an integral part of patient care. The dilemma was whether to insert an introducer or multilumen catheter for access. However, the Advanced Venous Access device (A.V.A.) from Baxter now offers the option of a single device to accomplish multiple functions with one stick. The object of this study was to compare maximal flow rates of this new device with other introducers utilizing the Haemonetics Rapid Infusion System (R.I.S.) and the more traditional pressurized I.V. system
A Feed-Forward Power-Supply Noise Cancellation Technique for Single-Ended Class-D Audio Amplifiers

This paper presents a feed-forward power-supply noise cancellation technique to achieve high power-supply rejection ratio (PSRR) in single-ended class-D audio amplifiers. To show the effectiveness of the technique, it is implemented on a first-order single-ended pulse-width modulation (PWM) class-D amplifier. The implemented technique improves the PSRR from 20 Hz to 20 kHz independently of the close-loop compensator's filter-order. The design methodology, implementation, and tradeoffs for the proposed technique are provided. The fabricated class-D audio amplifier achieves a PSRR of 83 dB at 217 Hz, THD+N of 0.0149%, and a maximum efficiency of 94.6% from a 1.8-V power supply. Experimental results show a PSRR improvement of 33 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz compared to a similar amplifier designed without the technique. The prototype was implemented using 0.18- μm CMOS standard technology, and occupies a total area of 0.121 mm2. The total quiescent power consumption was 356 μW. The feed-forward power-supply noise cancellation technique enhances single-ended structures to achieve a PSRR performance comparable to differential architecture, and at the same time it consumes small quiescent power with a reduced active silicon area overhead.
A renaissance in studies of ancient life

In the Origin of Species, published a century-and-a-half ago, Darwin was mystified by the lack of a ‘pre-Cambrian’ fossil record, the existence of which he regarded as pivotal to his theory of evolution. For the next 100 years, this ‘missing’ fossil record—unknown and thought unknowable'stood out as arguably the single greatest blemish to Darwin's theory. Beginning in the 1950s, the answer to Darwin's problem began to be unearthed, a Precambrian record of flourishing communities of microscopic organisms now known to extend to 3500 million years ago. During recent years, studies of such ancient microbes have markedly increased, spurred by an influx of new workers and, especially, by the introduction of new analytical techniques, three of which are featured here: confocal laser scanning microscopy, and Raman-spectral and fluorescence-spectral imagery. Used together, these techniques provide evidence of the three-dimensional form, cellular anatomy, and molecular structure of rock-embedded microscopic fossils and of the minerals in which they are entombed that is unavailable by any other means.
Practical aspects of hospice care at home.

Abstract While much of hospice care, from a medical professional viewpoint, is concentrated on the physiology and pharmacology of maximal symptom management in hospital or at home, families and those caring for the day-to-day aspects of dying face different barriers to care. Achieving an environment that is both the safest and the most efficient for care at home is not often considered and the elements of achieving that environment are the focus of this chapter. What general equipment needs, what ‘nursing’ skills and what practical advice can we give to families and care-givers who care for dying patients at home? It is important that physicians understand the details of home care planning and needs so they can provide the best counsel for patients and their families as they make choices about terminal care.
An approach to multiplicity counting for a versatile new sensor for plutonium assay with a very short die-away time, and independent measurements of neutrons and gamma rays

Abstract A unique detector design incorporating a 6Li-based capture medium, ZnS scintillator, and wavelength shifting optical fibers is the basis of a new neutron coincidence counter for measurements of plutonium in highly impure residues. The sensor elements have a high efficiency for detecting neutrons and exhibit excellent gamma-ray discrimination based on pulse-shape analysis. The short die-away time of the counter that is based on these detector elements allows coincidence-gate settings shorter than 10 μs. This qualifies the technology for measurements of materials with high yields of uncorrelated neutrons from 241Am(α,n) reactions. The characteristics of the new neutron counter will be illustrated with test data from measurements of plutonium, 252Cf, and gamma-ray sources. The integrated electronics design of the new detector also permits the simultaneous but independent measurement of both neutrons and gamma rays. Recent test results that illustrate some unique applications of the sensor's versatility will also be presented.
Automated assay of phosphohydrolases by measuring the released phosphate without deproteinization.

Abstract We describe an automated determination of inorganic phosphate in the presence of proteins and its application for the assay of NaK-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) and other insoluble phosphohydrolases. After incubation the enzyme reaction is stopped at neutral pH with 3.3% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate plus 30 m m EDTA (final concentration). The released phosphate is measured on the Technicon Autoanalyzer as phosphomolybdate reduced with ferrous ammonium sulfate and thiourea to molybdenum blue. EDTA enhances color development and solubilization of the proteins. The reagents are stable at room temperature and are formulated from cheap, common chemicals.
Using Deceptive Information in Computer Security Defenses

In this paper the authors present a novel taxonomy of methods and techniques that can be used to protect digital information. The authors discuss how information has been protected and show how we can structure our methods to achieve better results. They explore the relationships among these protection techniques grouped into four categories: denial and isolation, degradation and obfuscation, negative information and deception and adversary attribution and counter-operations. The authors discuss how can they be applied at different scales within organizations. They map these protection techniques against the cyber kill-chain model and discuss some findings. Moreover, they identify the use of deceit as a useful protection technique that can significantly enhance the security of computer systems. They posit how the well-known Kerckhoff's principle has been misinterpreted to drive the security community away from deception-based mechanisms. The authors examine advantages these techniques can have when protecting our information in addition to traditional methods of denial and hardening. They show that by intelligently introducing deceit in information systems, the authors not only lead attackers astray, but also give organizations the ability to detect leakage; create doubt and uncertainty in leaked data; add risk at the adversaries' side to using the leaked information; and significantly enhance our abilities to attribute adversaries. They discuss how to overcome some of the challenges that hinder the adoption of deception-based techniques and present some recent work, their own contribution, and some promising directions for future research.
Predicting prognosis after stroke: A placebo group analysis from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke rt-PA Stroke Trial

Background: Physicians are often asked to predict outcome after acute stroke. Very little information is available that can reliably predict the likelihood of severe disability or death. Objective: To develop a practical method for predicting a poor outcome after acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Data from the placebo arms of Parts 1 and 2 of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke rt-PA [recombinant tissue plasminogen activator] Stroke Trial were used to identify variables that could predict a poor outcome, defined as moderately severe disability, severe disability, or death (Modified Rankin Scale score >3) 3 months after stroke. Results: Baseline variables that predicted poor outcome were the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) >17 plus atrial fibrillation, yielding a positive predictive value (PPV) of 96% (95% CI, 88 to 100%). The best predictor at 24 hours was NIHSS >22, yielding a PPV of 98% (95% CI, 93 to 100%). The best predictor at 7 to 10 days was NIHSS >16, yielding a PPV of 92% (95% CI, 85 to 99%). Conclusions: Patients with a severe neurologic deficit after acute ischemic stroke, as measured by the NIHSS, have a poor prognosis. During the first week after acute ischemic stroke, it is possible to identify a subset of patients who are highly likely to have a poor outcome. These findings require confirmation in a separate study.
Response cost to repeated displays—When previous distractors become targets

A varied-target search task was used to evaluate the response cost of previous distractors becoming current targets in repeated visual search. We compared the relative contributions of distractor identity and location to producing response cost. During an exposure phase, half of the items were possible targets in each repeated display, and the other half were always distractors. Participants searched for a different target from the set of potential targets when the search displays were repeated. In the test phase of Experiments 1a and 1b, the roles of targets and distractors were reversed while the overall configuration was unchanged. Results indicated significant contextual costs after the switch of identities/locations between distractors and targets. In the test phase of Experiments 2a and 2b, target identities were changed again but the target locations remained the same. Less response cost was observed in this condition relative to when both identities and locations were changed. Proximity between ta...
IBM AS/400 new product launch process ensures satisfaction

Abstract The introduction of a new product is risky and complex in rapidly changing, contemporary markets. Most current practices do not significantly reduce risk or accelerate product diffusion. This paper discusses the major flaws of current practices and presents a new launch paradigm. In essence, the product launch should be part of an integrated ‘closed-loop’ strategic process whose goals are to ensure market success, continuous learning and improvement. This requires that all the major stakeholders should work as a tightly-integrated team to create the market conditions that will accelerate the product's acceptance. The stakeholders—product developers, customers and allies—must develop co-ordinated strategies for pre-launch, launch and post-launch programmes. A model of the new launch paradigm is presented and its application and characteristics are illustrated using as an example the IBM AS/400. The product helped IBM Rochester to win the U.S. Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and was launched in over 120 countries with hundreds of business partners.
Modulation of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor proteins and ERK1/2 activity in allylamine-injured vascular smooth muscle cells.

Chronic oxidative injury by allylamine (AAM) induces proliferative vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) phenotypes in the rat aorta similar to those seen in rodent and human atherosclerotic lesions. The proliferative advantage of AAM vSMC compared to control cells is maintained with serial passage of the cells and the advantage is nullified when AAM cells are seeded on a collagen substrate. In this study, we evaluate the potential role of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors, p27 and p21, and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases, ERK1/2, in mediating the proliferative advantage of AAM stressed vSMC over control cells on plastic or collagen substrates. p27 levels in randomly cycling cells were comparable in both cell types irrespective of the substrate. In contrast, basal levels of p21 were 1.9 ± 0.3 (P < 0.05)-fold higher in randomly cycling AAM cells seeded on plastic compared to controls, a difference that was lost on a collagen substrate. Following G0 synchronization, basal levels of both p27 and p21 were higher in AAM cells seeded on plastic compared to controls (1.7 ± 0.2 and 2.0 ± 0.3-fold, respectively, P < 0.05), but these differences were lost upon mitogenic stimulation. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) decreased p27 and p21 levels in cycling AAM cells relative to controls in a substrate-dependent manner. AAM cells seeded on plastic exhibited enhanced ERK1/2 activation upon mitogenic stimulation; seeding on collagen nullified this advantage. The duration of ERK1/2 activation was prolonged in AAM cells independently of the seeding substrate. We conclude that substrate-dependent acquisition of proliferative phenotypes following repeated cycles of AAM injury correlates with modulation of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors, p27 and p21. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Early intervention and the treatment of prodrome in schizophrenia: a review of recent developments.

Objective. Strategies for preventing the development of schizophrenia are in their infancy but are associated with much hope and potential. The relatively long prodrome in schizophrenia allows for indicated prevention as an effective intervention. “High-risk” individuals have subtle symptoms and, wi
PhDAHP1 is required for floral volatile benzenoid/phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in Petunia × hybrida cv 'Mitchell Diploid'.

Abstract Floral volatile benzenoid/phenylpropanoid (FVBP) biosynthesis consists of numerous enzymatic and regulatory processes. The initial enzymatic step bridging primary metabolism to secondary metabolism is the condensation of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and erythrose-4-phosphate (E4P) carried out via 3-DEOXY-D-ARABINO-HEPTULOSONATE-7-PHOSPHATE (DAHP) synthase. Here, identified, cloned, localized, and functionally characterized were two DAHP synthases from the model plant species Petunia × hybrida cv ‘Mitchell Diploid’ (MD). Full-length transcript sequences for PhDAHP1 and PhDAHP2 were identified and cloned using cDNA SMART libraries constructed from pooled MD corolla and leaf total RNA. Predicted amino acid sequence of PhDAHP1 and PhDAHP2 proteins were 76% and 80% identical to AtDAHP1 and AtDAHP2 from Arabidopsis, respectively. PhDAHP1 transcript accumulated to relatively highest levels in petal limb and tube tissues, while PhDAHP2 accumulated to highest levels in leaf and stem tissues. Through floral development, PhDAHP1 transcript accumulated to highest levels during open flower stages, and PhDAHP2 transcript remained constitutive throughout. Radiolabeled PhDAHP1 and PhDAHP2 proteins localized to plastids, however, PhDAHP2 localization appeared less efficient. PhDAHP1 RNAi knockdown petunia lines were reduced in total FVBP emission compared to MD, while PhDAHP2 RNAi lines emitted ‘wildtype’ FVBP levels. These results demonstrate that PhDAHP1 is the principal DAHP synthase protein responsible for the coupling of metabolites from primary metabolism to secondary metabolism, and the ultimate biosynthesis of FVBPs in the MD flower.
Toward a Personology of the Consumer

Personality research has long been a fringe player in the study of consumer behavior. Little research is directly devoted to personality issues, and if consumer personality is investigated at all, it tends to be from the narrow perspective of developing yet another individual difference measure in an already crowded field of personality scales or considering the moderating effects of a given trait on some relationship of interest. Understanding the individual person in his or her role as a consumer should be a key issue in the study of consumer behavior, but in order to realize this vision the scope of personality research has to be broadened. In this essay I discuss recent work in personality psychology that may serve as the foundation for the development of a personology of the consumer, in which people are seen as dispositional, goal-striving, and narrative entities engaged in consumption in the broadest sense.
A large-insert (130 kbp) bacterial artificial chromosome library of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea: genome analysis, contig assembly, and gene cloning.

Abstract Magnaporthe grisea(Hebert) Barr causes rice blast, one of the most devastating diseases of rice (Oryza sativa) worldwide. This fungus is an ideal organism for studying a number of aspects of plant–pathogen interactions, including infection-related morphogenesis, avirulence, and pathogen evolution. To facilitateM. griseagenome analysis, physical mapping, and positional cloning, we have constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library from the rice infecting strain 70-15. A new method was developed for separation of partially digested large-molecular-weight DNA fragments that facilitated library construction with large inserts. The library contains 9216 clones, with an average insert size of 130 kbp (>25 genome equivalents) stored in 384-well microtiter plates that can be double spotted robotically on to a single nylon membrane. Several unlinked single-copy DNA probes were used to screen 4608 clones in the library and an average of 13 (minimum of 6) overlapping BAC clones was found in each case. Hybridization of total genomic DNA to the library and analysis of individual clones indicated that ≈26% of the clones contain single-copy DNA. Approximately 35% of BAC clones contained the retrotransposon MAGGY. The library was used to identify BAC clones containing a adenylate cyclase gene (mac1). In addition, a 550-kbp contig composed of 6 BAC clones was constructed that encompassed two adjacent RFLP markers on chromosome 2. These data show that the BAC library is suitable for genome analysis ofM. grisea.Copies of colony hybridization membranes are available upon request.
Mapping the functional domains of HAP95, a protein that binds RNA helicase A and activates the constitutive transport element of type D retroviruses.

The complex retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus, type 1, employ a virally encoded protein, Rev, to mediate the nuclear export of unspliced and partially spliced mRNA. In contrast, the simian type D retroviruses act through acis-acting constitutive transport element (CTE) that presumably interacts directly with cellular export proteins. We first reported that RNA helicase A (RHA) is a shuttle protein that binds to functional CTE in vitro and in vivo. Recently, we isolated a novel protein, HAP95, that specifically binds to the nuclear transport domain of RHA and up-regulates CTE-mediated gene expression. Here, using truncation and deletion mutations, we mapped the domains of HAP95 that are important for RHA binding, transactivation of CTE, and nuclear cytoplasmic shuttling. We report evidence for a novel nuclear export signal in HAP95 and showed that the domains involved in RHA binding and nuclear localization are required for CTE activation. Finally, we showed that HAP95 synergizes significantly with RHA on CTE-mediated reporter gene expression and promotes nuclear export of unspliced mRNA in transfected cells. Taken together, these data support the proposal that HAP95 specifically facilitates CTE-mediated gene expression by directly binding to RHA.
Dimethylsulfoxide increases the lethality of CCl4 in rats but decreases its hepatotoxicity

Intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 in DMSO to rats increased the lethality more than 20 times over that of CCl4 alone. In contrast to its effects on lethality, however, DMSO reduced the effectiveness of CCl4 in prolonging hexobarbital sleeping time, in promoting the accumulation of hepatic triglycerides and in altering the sulfobromophthalein clearance mechanism. Thus, while the lethal potency of CCl4 is increased by DMSO, its hepatotoxic potency is reduced.
Brainstem neurons with descending projections to the spinal cord of two elasmobranch fishes: thornback guitarfish, Platyrhinoidis triseriata, and horn shark, Heterodontus francisci.

We studied two cartilaginous fishes and described their brainstem supraspinal projections because most nuclei in the reticular formation can be identified that way. A retrogradely transported tracer, horseradish peroxidase or Fluoro-Gold, was injected into the spinal cord of Platyrhinoidis triseriata (thornback guitarfish) or Heterodontus fransisci (horn shark). We described labeled reticular cells by their position, morpohology, somatic orientation, dendritic processes, and laterality of spinal projections. Nineteen reticular nuclei have spinal projections: reticularis (r.) dorsalis, r. ventralis pars α and β, r. gigantocellularis, r. magnocellularis, r. parvocellularis, r. paragigantocellularis lateralis and dorsalis, r. pontis caudalis pars α and β, r. pontis oralis pars medialis and lateralis, r. subcuneiformis, r. peduncularis pars compacta, r. subcoeruleus pars α, raphe obscurus, raphe pallidus, raphe magnus, and locus coeruleus. Twenty nonreticular nuclei have spinal projections: descending trigeminal, retroambiguus, solitarius, posterior octaval, descending octaval, magnocellular octaval, ruber, Edinger-Westphal, nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus, interstitial nucleus of Cajal, latral mesencephalic complex, periventricularis pretectalis pars dorsalis, central pretectal, ventromedial thalamic, posterior central thalamic, posterior dorsal thalamic, the posterior tuberculum, and nuclei B, F, and J. The large number of distinct reticular nuclei with spinal projections corroborates the hypothesis that the reticular formation of elasmobranches is complexly organized into many of the same nuclei that are found in frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 403:534–560, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Epidemiologic features of an intracranial abscessation/suppurative meningoencephalitis complex in white-tailed deer.

Case records of 683 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) submitted to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (Georgia, USA) for diagnostic purposes from 1971 to 1989 were reviewed for the occurrence of pyogenic infections of the central nervous system, specifically intracranial abscessation or suppurative meningoencephalitis. These conditions, either alone or in combination, were diagnosed in 24 of 683 (4%) deer. Thirteen genera of bacteria were isolated; the most frequent species was Actinomyces pyogenes. The disease was strongly sex biased (P < 0.01); 88% of the cases occurred in males. Cases were more prevalent (P < 0.05) in older bucks; the median age of infected bucks was 3.2 yr, and 71% of these were ≥2.5-yr-old. Intracranial abscessation/suppurative meningoencephalitis cases accounted for 20% of the diagnoses among 56 bucks ≥3-yr-old. Cases were seasonal, occurring only from October to April. Characteristic necrosis, erosion, and pitting of skull bones were common, and this bone ...
The effectiveness of sodium lauryl sulphate as a shark repellent in a laboratory test situation

Swim-through chemical repellency tests, using sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), cupric acetate, and rotenone, were conducted in a specially-designed roundabout tank on horn sharks, Heterodontus francisci, swell sharks, Cephaloscylliun ventriosum, and leopard sharks, Triakis semifasciata. Effective concentration thresholds (EC50s) were calculated for two levels of response: (1) minimum noticeable and (2) strong. The SLS EC50s were: horn shark 43.6 and 174.5 ppm; swell shark 95.1 and 160.0 ppm; and leopard shark inconclusive and 113.1 ppm. No response was discernible from cupric acetate. Rotenone evoked a weak response with an EC50 of 5.7 ppm, but no strong response. The ratio of the minimum noticeable EC50: 24-hour lethal concentration (LC50) indicated the relative repellency (compared to toxicity) of the chemicals. The ratio for SLS was 19:1 and for rotenone 57:1. SLS did not provoke a repellency response at a low enough concentration to function effectively as a classical, surrounding-cloud type, repellent. The range of potency of SLS, however, does allow it to be used as a directional repellent.
Effective inhibition of herpes simplex virus 1 gene expression and growth by engineered RNase P ribozyme.

Using an in vitro selection procedure, we have previously isolated ribonuclease P (RNase P) ribozyme variants that efficiently cleave an mRNA sequence in vitro. In this study, an M1GS RNA variant was used to target the mRNA encoding human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) major transcription activator ICP4. The variant is about 15 times more efficient in cleaving the ICP4 mRNA sequence in vitro than the ribozyme derived from the wild type RNase P ribozyme. Moreover, the variant is also more effective in inhibiting viral ICP4 expression and growth in HSV-1-infected cells than the wild type ribozyme. A reduction of ∼90% in the expression level of ICP4 and a reduction of 4000-fold in viral growth were observed in cells that expressed the variant. In contrast, a reduction of <10% in the ICP4 expression and viral growth was observed in cells that either did not express the ribozyme or produced a catalytically inactive ribozyme mutant. These results provide direct evidence that RNase P ribozyme variants can be highly effective in inhibiting HSV-1 gene expression and growth and furthermore, demonstrate the feasibility of developing highly effective RNase P ribozyme variants for anti-HSV applications by using in vitro selection procedures.
A comparison of the metabolism of [3-14C]-labeled 22- and 24-carbon (n-3) and (n-6) unsaturated fatty acids by rat testes and liver.

Abstract The unsaturated fatty acid composition of phospholipids from different tissues frequently varies. Rat liver phospholipids contain esterified 22:6(n−3) while 22:5(n−6) is the major esterified 22-carbon acid in testes phospholipids. Both testes and liver synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids. Microsomes, particularly from liver, have been used extensively to measure reaction rates as they relate to polyunsaturated fatty acid and phospholipid biosynthesis. None of these rate studies explain why specific acids are synthesized and subsequently esterified. In this study we compared the metabolism of [3-14C]-labeled (n−3) and (n−6) acids when injected via the tail vein, as a measure of hepatic metabolism, versus when they were injected directly into the testes. Liver preferentially metabolizes [3-14C]-labeled 24:5(n−3) and 24:6(n−3) to yield esterified 22:6(n−3), when compared with the conversion of [3-14C]-labeled 24:4(n−6) and 24:5(n−6) to yield 22:5(n−6). Both 24-carbon (n−3) acids were also converted to 22:5(n−3) but no labeled 22:4(n−6) was detected after injecting the two 24-carbon (n−6) acids. Differences in the hepatic metabolism of 24-carbon (n−3) and (n−6) acids to 22:6(n−3) and 22:5(n−6), versus their partial β-oxidation to 22:5(n−3) and 22:4(n−6), are important in vivo controls. Surprisingly, in testes a higher percentage of radioactivity was found in esterified 22:6(n−3) versus 22:5(n−6) following injections, respectively, of [3-14C]-labeled 22:5(n−3) versus 22:4(n−6), which is the corresponding metabolic analog. Corresponding pairs of 24-carbon (n−3) and (n−6) acids, as they relate to metabolism, were processed in similar ways by testes. The relative absence of esterified 22-carbon (n−3) fatty acids, versus the abundance of 22- and 24-carbon (n−6) acids in testes phospholipids, does not appear per se to be due to differences in the ability of testes to metabolize (n−3) and (n−6) fatty acids. It remains to be determined if there is selective uptake of specific fatty acids by testes for use as precursors to synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Proceedings of the 19th ACM Great Lakes symposium on VLSI

Welcome to the 19th edition of the Great Lakes Symposium on VLSI (GLSVLSI) 2009 held in Braintree, Massachusetts, one of the top academic, historic, and tourist attractions in the world. Since its first meeting in March 1991 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, GLSVLSI has traveled beyond the Great Lakes region of the United States and has become an international conference with submissions from all over the world. It has emerged as a premier conference for publishing innovations in VLSI. This year, 215 papers were submitted, of which 62 papers were accepted for oral presentation at the symposium (a 29% acceptance rate). With poster papers, a total of 100 papers will be presented at the symposium and published in the proceedings. The final technical program consists of 34 full presentations and 28 short presentations in 12 oral sessions and 38 posters in 2 poster sessions. This year, we have five excellent keynote speeches that will be delivered by Massoud Pedram (University of Southern California), Jacob White (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Eby G. Friedman (University of Rochester), Pinaki Mazumder (University of Michigan, National Science Foundation) and Wolfgang Porod (University of Notre Dame). We are also looking forward to an exciting tutorial on emerging technologies scheduled for Sunday evening, the 10th of May. The tutorial is being presented by three well-known researchers spanning three different areas: biosensing, terahertz sensing, and meta-nanocircuits. The tutorial is free for all registered attendees of the conference. Congratulations to Yang Sun and Joseph Cavallaro from Rice University, for winning the GLSVLSI 2009 Best Student Paper Award for their paper "High Throughput VLSI Architecture for Soft-Output MIMO Detection Based on a Greedy Graph Algorithm".
Cell Cycle Regulatory Proteins p27(kip), Cyclins Dl and E and Proliferative Activity in Oncocytic (Hurthle Cell) Lesions of the Thyroid.

Cyclins are prime cell-cycle regulators central to the control of cell proliferation in eukaryotic cells. The formation of cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) complexes activates the kinases and initiates a cascade of events, which directs cells through the cell cycle. CDK inhibitors (CDKIs) such as p27(kip1) inhibit cyclln-CDK complexes and function as negative regulators of the cell cycle. Previous studies have shown that p27(kip1) is decreased In malignant relative to benign thyroid tumors, but its role and Interaction with other cell cycle regulatory proteins have not been well established In oncocytic lesions of the thyroid. We studied the expression of p27(kip1), cyclins D1 and E, and Ki67 In 20 cases of oncocytic adenoma (AD). 6 cases of oncocytic carcinoma (CA). 8 cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). and 9 cases of nodular goiter with oncocytic change (NG) by Immunohistochemlstry. In the latter two lesions only oncocytic cells were evaluated. The positive staining was stratified Into four groups. Statistical analysis was done using the Kruslcal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance test, and, when significant the Dunn multiple-comparisons procedure was used to determine pairwise differences. AllI 20 AD were p27(kip1) posItive, 10 were 4+, 2 were 3+, and the remaining 8 were 1+. In contrast all 6 CA showed 4+ p27(kip1) staining, of the 8 HT 2 were 4+, two 3+, three1+, and I was negative.All 9 NG were p27 positive, 7 showed 4+, one 3+, and one 1+ staining. On pairwise comparison differences in p27(kip1) staining between AD and CA and between HT and CA were statistically significant (p=0.0243 and p=0.0142, respectively). In all but one case Ki67 expression was either very low (<3%) or negative. No significant differences were seen in the expression of cyclin D1 or cyclin E among the groups observed. In conclusion, the increased p27(kip1) expression in malignant oncocytlc tumors relative to benign oncocytic lesions is unlike any other malignant progression reported in the thyroid and other organ systems in the body. This may reflect on the biologic nature of the oncocytic cells of the thyroid and the significance of this finding remains to be established. Proliferative activity as studied by Ki67 immunostalning was not helpful in distinguishing benign from malignant oncocytic tumors.
Canine brain and body weight relationships

Abstract A brain weight-body weight relationship is often assumed in central nervous system investigations. This practice should be discouraged in mixed canine breeds since in 40 dogs, evidence of such a relationship was not established. This was also true of brain volume-body weight comparisons. A search of the literature revealed that no correlations could be found in similar studies of mixed canine breeds. In smaller animal species a relationship was suggested. It is suggested that similar studies of an individual pedigree canine breed might show the requisite correlation.
Effect of Glutamine on Protein Synthesis in Isolated Intestinal Epithelial Cells

The influence of glutamine on protein synthesis in small-bowel enterocytes was tested. Enterocytes were isolated from different levels of the villi of rat jejunum and were incubated in the presence of different glutamine concentrations, up to 3.4 mmol/L. Protein synthesis was determined by measuring incorporation of 3H-phenylalanine into trichloroacetic acid-precipitated proteins. Glutamine, but no other amino acids, stimulated protein synthesis in enterocytes from all levels of the villi. A maximal effect was noted at a glutamine concentration of 0.67 mmol/L, which is the normal plasma concentration. The amino acid stimulated the synthesis of both secreted and nonsecreted proteins. The stimulatory effect of glutamine on protein synthesis was blocked by the glutaminase inhibitor 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine and was duplicated by equimolar concentrations of acetoacetate or 3-hydroxybutyrate. The results suggest that glutamine stimulates protein synthesis in small-bowel enterocytes and that this effect of glutamine is related to provision of energy. The findings are important because they suggest that increased protein synthesis may be one of the mechanisms by which glutamine exerts its protective effect on gut mucosa during critical illness.
Preeclampsia and antioxidant nutrients : decreased plasma levels of reduced ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and beta-carotene in women with preeclampsia

Objective: Our purpose was to investigate the plasma levels of three potent antioxidant nutrients in women with preeclampsia. Study Design: Fasting venous blood samples were collected from 30 women with preeclampsia and from 44 women with uncomplicated pregnancies. The criteria for recruitment included age 15 to 35 years, gestational age 28 to 42 weeks, singleton pregnancy, intact membranes, absence of labor contractions, and absence of any other medical complication concurrent with preeclampsia. Reduced ascorbic acid, a-tocopherol, and beta-carotene levels were assayed with high-pressure liquid chromatography. Results: Plasma levels of reduced ascorbic acid were significantly decreased in patients with mild and severe preeclampsia (p < 0.01). Plasma α-tocopherol and beta-carotene levels were significantly decreased only in severe preeclampsia compared with controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: In patients with preeclampsia antioxidant nutrients may be utilized to a greater extent to counteract free radical-mediated cell disturbances, resulting in a reduction in antioxidant plasma levels. Walter-soluble antioxidant nutrients may initially be consumed, followed by lipid-soluble antioxidants.
I Resign! Resigning Jar Files with Initium.

This paper describes how to resign Jar files. Jar files (Java archives) are used by technologies (like Java Web Start) to deploy applications that are run with increased privileges. The Jar files are signed with certificates that generally expire after a year. The annual resigning of the files is therefore an event that occurs after the signer has forgotten how resigning is done. Manual resigning of Jar files is a tedious and error-prone task. All the more so when there are many of them. This article shows how to automate the task. Considering that I have over 250 Jar files that have to be resigned each year, a manual task is not an option. The methodology for resigning a Jar file cannot include signing the Jar file twice. Jar files that are signed twice create an error during verification. Unsigning a Jar file is not a straightforward task. Thus, our approach is to expand the Jar file, remove the expired certificate and then repack and resign the Jar file with the new certificate. We also show how to obtain a new certificate, from a free certificate provider. This paper addresses a sub-problem of the Initium project, a joint, on-going project between the Fairfield University and the DocJava, Inc. Initium is a Latin word that means: “at the start”.
Finding truth in fictions: identifying non-fictions in imaginary cracks

I critically examine some recent work on the philosophy of scientific fictions, focusing on the work of Winsberg. By considering two case studies in fracture mechanics, the strip yield model and the imaginary crack method, I argue that his reliance upon the social norms associated with an element of a model forces him to remain silent whenever those norms fail to clearly match the characteristic of fictions or non-fictions. In its place, I propose a normative epistemology of fictions which clarifies a model’s ontological commitments when the community of scientists lack any clear, shared norms of use. Specifically, I will introduce a variational account of fictions as an extension of Laymon’s monotonic improvability account of idealizations. I will conclude by connecting this variational account of fictions to didactic fictions in general.
A lower bound on convergence rates of nonadaptive algorithms for univariate optimization with noise

This paper considers complexity bounds for the problem of approximating the global minimum of a univariate function when the function evaluations are corrupted by random noise. We take an average-case point of view, where the objective function is taken to be a sample function of a Wiener process and the noise is independent Gaussian. Previous papers have bounded the convergence rates of some nonadaptive algorithms. We establish a lower bound on the convergence rate of any nonadaptive algorithm.
Compressed plants from the lower Pennsylvanian of Kentucky (U.S.A.). I. Crossotheca Kentuckiensis N. Sp.

Abstract A new species of Crossotheca is described from the Lewis Creek locality in eastern Kentucky, U.S.A. Branching systems bear both vegetative and fertile pinnae, and exhibit many characteristics of the presumed lyginopterid pollen organ Feraxotheca . Ultimate fertile pinnae each terminate in a round—oval pad of tissue which bears 4–6 elongate, pendant sporangia. Microspores are circular—oval and trilete; ornamentation consists of small, uniformly spaced grana. Vegetative pinnae produce short, deeply lobed pinnules with narrow, rounded segments. Extensive morphological similarities suggest a close relationship between the petrified pollen organ Feraxotheca and the new species of Crossotheca .
Telecounseling in Rural Areas for Alcohol Problems

ABSTRACT The prevalence of alcohol problems is roughly equal in urban and rural communities. In rural areas, however, treatment options for people with problem drinking tend to be limited at best. One way to reach rural populations is to deliver alcohol counseling services via telephone or interactive televideo links, called telecounseling in this paper. Tele-counseling can overcome not only the geographic barriers to treatment, but also concerns with confidentiality and stigma, which may be particularly salient in small rural communities. This approach to service delivery may be particularly important in areas with large rural and frontier regions. This paper reports on current use of common long-distance methodologies, their strengths and limitations.
Weyl semimetals from noncentrosymmetric topological insulators

We study the problem of phase transitions from three-dimensional topological to normal insulators without inversion symmetry. In contrast with the conclusions of some previous work, we show that a Weyl semimetal always exists as an intermediate phase regardless of any constriant from lattice symmetries, although the interval of the critical region is sensitive to the choice of path in the parameter space and can be very narrow. We demonstrate this behavior by carrying out first-principles calculations on the noncentrosymmetric topological insulators LaBiTe3 and LuBiTe3 and the trivial insulator BiTeI. We find that a robust Weyl-semimetal phase exists in the solid solutions LaBi1−xSbxTe3 and LuBi1−xSbxTe3 for x ≈ 38.5%‐41.9% and x ≈40.5%‐45.1%, respectively. A low-energy effective model is also constructed to describe the critical behavior in these two materials. In BiTeI, a Weyl semimetal also appears with applied pressure, but only within a very small pressure range, which may explain why it has not been experimentally observed.
The MFN clause, welfare, and multilateral cooperation between countries of unequal size

Abstract This paper analyzes MFN in a “competing exporters” model of trade between three countries with unequal endowments and shows that MFN yields higher aggregate welfare than tariff discrimination even as it makes low income countries worse off. Furthermore, in a repeated game of tariff cooperation, multilateral free trade is easier to sustain under MFN punishments relative to discriminatory ones. This conclusion holds even when tariff discrimination takes the form of bilateral trade agreements. Overall, the analysis shows that from the viewpoint of low income countries, MFN and multilateral tariff cooperation are complementary in nature.
Further Evidence for Dementia of the Prefrontal Type in Schizophrenia?: A Controlled Study of Teaching the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test

• Recent physiological and cognitive studies of schizophrenia have implicated dysfunction of prefrontal cortex as a possible explanation for some of the disabling intellectual and social aspects of the disorder. To investigate the potential reversibility of cognitive deficits and the role of state variables, eg, attention and motivation, three groups of patients with schizophrenia were administered the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test on six consecutive occasions. Two of the groups received incremental information on how to do the test, including explicit card-by-card instruction. The third group served as a control. Regardless of the degree of instruction, patients who could not do the test could not learn it. The deficit did not appear generalized, as patients were able to learn word lists on the Selective Reminding memory test and were not globally demented on the Mini—Mental State Examination. These data suggest that prefrontal-type cognitive deficits in schizophrenia may be more profound than is generally appreciated.
Use of response surface methodology to study the combined effects of UV-C and thermal processing on vegetable oxidative enzymes

The combined thermal (25–65 °C) and ultraviolet processing (UV-C) effects on lipoxygenase (LOX), peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) at different pH values (4.0–7.0) were studied using a central composite design. An initial screening design revealed that all factors had a significant effect on enzymatic activity except wavelength which showed a negligible effect. A synergistic effect was found between temperature and UV exposure time for POD and PPO and between pH and exposure time for LOX. LOX enzyme was affected by acidic conditions. POD was UV-C labile whereas PPO was the most UV-C resistant enzyme but was thermolabile. Second-order polynomial equations indicated that enzyme activities were inactivated after exposure to 58.2 mJ/cm2 UV at 60 °C or higher temperatures at any pH condition. Combination of UV and thermal processing allowed the use of low energy/doses to obtain complete enzymatic inactivation. This study may serve as a basis to design UV-C processes for the inactivation of enzymes in liquid matrices.