cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE APPEARANCE OF ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE IN THE DORSAL ROOT NEUROBLAST OF THE RABBIT EMBRYO : A Study by Electron Microscope Cytochemistry and Microgasometric Analysis with the Magnetic Diver

In the nine day old embryo, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is found in the reticulum, i.e. the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi complex, of a few cells in the neural crest. When the neurite first enters the neural tube, reticulum-bound enzyme is present also in the varicosity of the growth cone of the bipolar neuroblast. At later stages, AChE in the neuroblast has a dual distribution; in addition to the reticulum, activity also appears at the axolemmal surface. The axolemmal activity is found initially on the distal portions of axons in the posterior fasciculus and then progressively appears along the nerve roots in a distal to proximal direction. Very little reticulum-bound enzyme is present within the axon proper. After the 13th day the levels of AChE activity in the posterior fasciculus greatly exceed those in the dorsal root or in the ganglion. Enzymatic activity in the dorsal root equals or exceeds that in the posterior fasciculus by day 16, and both areas are considerably more active than the ganglion.
Impulsive choice behavior and sensorimotor function in adult rats exposed to chronic intermittent ethanol during adolescence and adulthood

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 140 (2014) e86–e168 e145 Impulsive choice behavior and sensorimotor function in adult rats exposed to chronic intermittent ethanol during adolescence and adulthood J. Mejia-Toiber, Athina Markou, Svetlana Semenova Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States Aims: Binge drinking during adolescence and adulthood may have differential long-term effects on the brain. Methods: This study compared the effects of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on acoustic startle response and light-potentiated startle (LPS) during withdrawal from CIE exposure in adult and adolescent Wistar rats. The impulsive choice behavior was evaluated under baseline conditions and in response to ethanol challenges in CIE-exposed rats during adulthood using the delayed discounting task (DDT). Adolescent and adult rats received 5g/kg of 25% (w/v) ethanol three times a day, 2 days on/2 days off. Results: During CIE exposure, body weights of adolescent and adult CIE-exposed rats were lower compared to water-exposed rats. CIE exposure produced high levels of intoxication, but the adult group was more sensitive to the sedative effects of ethanol and received lower ethanol doses throughout CIE exposure. Blood ethanol concentrations during CIE exposure were similar in adolescent and adult rats. Independent of age, the startle amplitude was decreased on either day 1 or day 10 of ethanol withdrawal fromCIE exposure;while therewas no effect of ethanolwithdrawal on LPS in all rats. During no stimulus trials, the activity counts in the startle chamber were increased in CIE-exposed adult, but not adolescent rats on day 1, but not day 10, of withdrawal indicating early withdrawal-associated tremor. During the DDT acquisition there was a transient decrease in impulsive choice behavior in rats exposed to CIE during adolescence, but not in CIE-exposed adult rats, but this effect dissipatedwith extensive training. Ethanol challenge increased impulsive choice in the CIE-exposed adolescent group and had no effect in the CIE-exposed adult group. Conclusions: CIE exposure during adolescence may increase vulnerability to develop alcohol dependence during adulthood due to diminished signs of ethanol intoxication and withdrawal and increases in impulsivity during re-exposure to ethanol. Financial support: NIH Grant U01-AA019970-NADIA (AM), UC MEXUSCONACYT fellowship (JMT). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.02.410 Anatabine significantly decreases nicotine self-administration Nancy K. Mello, P.A. Fivel, Stephen Kohut Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center, McLean Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA,
High-Energy γ Spectra Resulting from Neutron Capture in Hafnium Isotopes

The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ spectra resulting from thermal-neutron capture in targets of natural hafnium, enriched ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{177}$, and enriched ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{179}$ were measured with lithium-drifted germanium detectors. The energies and intensities of 42 gamma lines in the range from about 5.5 to 7.6 MeV were determined and the transitions were identified with the reactions ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{177}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Hf}}^{178}$, ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{178}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Hf}}^{179}$, ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{179}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Hf}}^{180}$, or ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{180}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{Hf}}^{181}$, The neutron separation energies were determined to be 7623 keV for ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{178}$, 6098 keV for ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{179}$, 7383 keV for ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{180}$, and 5693 keV for ${\mathrm{Hf}}^{181}$, the uncertainty in energy being \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3 keV in each case. The gamma spectrum of each final nucleus was used to identify 28 new levels, and to verify 14 previously known levels. Some of these levels are discussed.
A precise 232Th-208Pb chronology of fine-grained monazite: Age of the Bayan Obo REE-Fe-Nb ore deposit, China

Abstract We have obtained precise Th-Pb internal isochron ages on monazite and bastnaesite for the world's largest known rare earth elements (REE)-Fe-Nb ore deposit, the Bayan Obo of Inner Mongolia, China. The monazite samples, collected from the carbonate-hosted ore zone, contain extremely small amounts of uranium (less than 10 ppm) but up to 0.7% ThO2. Previous estimates of the age of mineralization ranged from 1.8 to 0.255 Ga. Magnetic fractions of monazite and bastnaesite samples ( 232 Th 204 Pb values (900–400,000) and provided precise Th-Pb internal isochron ages for paragenetic monazite mineralization ranging from 555 to 398 Ma within a few percent error (0.8% for two samples). These results are the first indication that REE mineralization within the giant Bayan Obo ore deposit occurred over a long period of time. The initial lead isotopic compositions (low 206 Pb 204 Pb and high 208 Pb 204 Pb) and large negative ϵNd values for Bayan Obo ore minerals indicate that the main source(s) for the ores was the lower crust which was depleted in uranium, but enriched in thorium and light rare earth elements for a long period of time. Zircon from a quartz monzonite, located 50 km south of the ore complex and thought to be related to Caledonian subduction, gave an age of 451 Ma, within the range of monazite ages. Textural relations together with the mineral ages favor an epigenetic rather than a syngenetic origin for the orebodies. REE mineralization started around 555 Ma (disseminated monazite in the West, the Main, and south of the East Orebody), but the main mineralization (banded ores) was related to the Caledonian subduction event ca. 474-400 Ma.
Condensation polymers from 1,2,5‐thiadiazole‐3,4‐dicarboxylic acid

A series of polyamides was prepared by interfacial polymerization of diamines with 1,2,5-thiadiazole-3,4-dicarbonyl chloride. Polyamides from secondary cycloaliphatic diamines and aromatic diamines have high softening points, high glass transition temperatures, and good thermal stability. Secondary amines, in particular cycloaliphatic secondary amines, form very high molecular weight polyamides. The polyamide from trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine and 1,2,5-thiadiazole-3,4-dicarbonyl chloride is soluble in chloroform and 1,1,2-trichloroethane and has been cast into films and spun into fibers from those solvents. Fibers of this polymer are strong and have very high work recovery from small strains. In addition, these fibers show good retention of strength and work recovery over a range of temperatures and humidities.
Enculturation as a Condition Impacting Korean American Physicians' Responses to Korean Immigrant Women Suffering Intimate Partner Violence

We explored how Korean American (KA) physicians in the Los Angeles area respond in their medical practice to Korean immigrant women with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV). Twenty physicians were recruited and interviewed in-depth. Grounded theory analyses revealed that KA physicians’ responses to IPV ranged from denying signs of IPV and trivializing IPV to acknowledging IPV. Physician response was related to the degree to which he or she was enculturated in mainstream medical practice norms in the United States. We advance current knowledge on physicians’ IPV screening and intervention practices by exploring the practices of KA physicians, in particular.
Numerical simulation of ground calibration of the CERES thermistor bolometer radiometers

NASA's clouds and the Earth's radiative energy system (CERES) program is a key component of the Earth Observing System (EOS). Under CERES an array of radiometric instruments will be placed in Earth orbit to monitor the longwave and visible components of the Earth's radiative energy budget. High-level dynamic electrothermal models of these instruments have been formulated under NASA sponsorship. Accurate optical and thermal-radiative characterization of the instruments is assured by a Monte-Carlo-based ray-trace in which tens of millions of rays are traced, and a transient finite-difference formulation involving hundreds of nodes is used to describe thermal and electrical diffusion within the thermistor bolometer sensing elements. The external electronic circuit is also correctly included in the instrument model. The actual CERES instruments will undergo pre-launch calibration in a unique thermal-vacuum radiometric calibration facility equipped with blackbodies, a cryogenically cooled active-cavity radiometer, and shortwave sources. This ground calibration can also be simulated using the high-level, dynamic electrothermal models of the CERES instruments. This offers a quick and inexpensive means of verifying the calibration procedure and anticipating any problems that may arise. The results obtained from these simulations may then be used to predict the regression coefficients in the count-conversion equation used to convert instrument readings into radiance, and to determine which parameters should be included in the count-conversion equation to maximize its sensitivity. The paper presents results of the simulated ground calibrations of the CERES total channel instrument, including predicted values for instrument accuracy during the ground calibrations.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Proliferation and cornification during development of the mammalian epidermis

The skin is the largest organ of the body and consists of the underlying dermis and outer epidermis. Proper embryonic development and continual renewal of the adult epidermis are essential to provide an impenetrable barrier against fluid loss and serve as our most important defense against insults from the external environment. During mammalian embryogenesis the epidermis develops from the surface ectoderm, which initially consists of a multipotent single-layer epithelium. Once these epithelial cells receive the appropriate developmental cues, they become committed to stratify, initiate a massive expansion program, and finally embark on a journey of terminal differentiation to produce the morphologically distinct layers of the epidermis. The culmination of this journey is the formation of an impervious cornified envelope via a highly specialized form of programmed cell death, termed "cornification" (reviewed in Candi et al.), which is distinct in many ways from the classic apoptotic pathways. The epidermal developmental program that is first seen in the fetus is recapitulated for the entire life of the organism. The basal layer of adult skin harbors stem cells, which can divide to produce daughter stem cells and transit amplifying (TA) cells that go on to differentiate and cornify (reviewed in Fuchs and Raghavan). In this review we summarize current knowledge about the molecular regulation of proliferation and cornification in the developing mammalian epidermis. We focus on events in the interfollicular epidermis, with special emphasis on transcriptional regulation by p63, Notch, NF-kappaB/IKK, Hox, AP-1, AP-2, and C/EBP factors. We end with a discussion about perturbations in epidermal proliferation and cornification as they pertain to human skin pathologies.
VOLTAIRE AND THE NECESSITY OF MODERN HISTORY

This article revisits what has often been called the “naive presentism” of Voltaire's historical work. It looks at the methodological and philosophical reasons for Voltaire's deliberate focus on modern history as opposed to ancient history, his refusal to “make allowances for time” in judging the past, and his extreme selectiveness in determining the relevance of past events to world history. Voltaire's historical practice is put in the context of the quarrel of the ancients and the moderns, and considered in a tradition of universal history going back to Bossuet and leading up to nineteenth-century German historicism. Paradoxically, Voltaire is a major figure in the history of historiography not in spite of his presentism (as Ernst Cassirer and Peter Gay have argued), but because of it.
Flexible Structure of DNA: Ion Dependence of Minor-Groove Structure and Dynamics

The structure and dynamics of the grooves of DNA are of immense importance for recognition of DNA by proteins and small molecules as well as for the packaging of DNA into nucleosomes and viral particles. Although there is general agreement that the minor groove of DNA varies in a sequence-dependent manner and is narrow in AT regions, alternative models have been presented to explain the molecular basis for the groove narrowing. In one model the groove narrowing results from direct, short-range interactions among DNA bases. In this model the minor groove width of a given sequence is fixed, and any localization of monovalent cations in the groove does not affect the groove structure. In an alternative model the narrow minor groove of A-tracts is proposed to originate from sequence-dependent localization of water and cations. Ion dynamics and exchange make experimental tests of these models difficult, but they can be directly tested by determining how DNA minor-groove structure responds to cation positions i...
Cabeza, a Drosophila gene encoding a novel RNA binding protein, shares homology with EWS and TLS, two genes involved in human sarcoma formation

Abstract We have previously described a partial Drosophila cDNA, clone P19, which bears homology to members of the RNA recognition motif (RRM) family of proteins [Haynes et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 84, 1819-1823]. RNA binding as well as involvement in RNA processing has been demonstrated for some RRM proteins. We report here the further characterization of P19, which we renamed cabeza (caz). caz is located on the X chromosome at position 14B. Using Northern analysis, at least four transcripts from the caz gene were observed at varying levels during development. caz mRNA and protein are enriched in the brain and central nervous system during embryogenesis. In addition, the protein is enriched in the adult head. UV crosslinking was used to demonstrate in vitro RNA binding activity for full-length recombinant caz protein and for the caz RRM domain. Sequence analysis revealed caz is related to two human genes, EWS and TLS, which are involved in chromosomal translocations. The fusion of EWS and TLS to other cellular genes results in sarcoma formation. In addition to their overall structural organization and sequence similarity, these three genes share an RRM which is divergent from typical RRMs. Therefore, it appears that these genes constitute a new sub-family of RNA binding proteins.
Decoherence effects in an electromagnetically induced transparency and slow light experiment

This article develops a model that shows the effects of decoherence originating from both dephasing and population relaxation on rubidium vapor in the electromagnetically induced transparency regime. This article quantifies the effect of decoherence on the large Faraday rotation, susceptibility, transmission, population, and coherence relationships of the system. The model derived in this article is in excellent agreement with experimental results [H. Gao, M. Rosenberry, J. Wang, and H. Batelaan, J. Phys. B 38, 1857 (2005)]. The total decoherence rate for the experiment has been found by fitting the experimental data to the model. This article also includes a discussion of other types of experiments that this model could be adapted to, such as dipole-induced transmission and the detection of single atoms.
Conceptual design of a macromolecular neutron diffractometer (MaNDi) for the SNS

This paper describes the design criteria, calculations and simulations for a high-resolution macromolecular neutron diffractometer (MaNDi) for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). MaNDi is optimized to achieve 1.5 A resolution from crystals of 0.1–1 mm3 with lattice repeats in the range of 150 A. It was determined that locating MaNDi on a decoupled hydrogen moderator beamline with a curved guide will provide data of higher resolution and higher signal-to-noise than a coupled hydrogen moderator at the SNS. In addition, for an instrument with an initial flight path of 24 m at the 60 Hz source and a wavelength bandwidth of Δλ ≃ 2.7 A, bandwidth selection disk choppers can shift the wavelength range higher or lower for different experiments. With a wavelength range of 1.5–4.2 A and dmin = 2.0 A, simulations predict experiment duration times of 1–7 d, which is expected to revolutionize neutron macromolecular crystallography (NMC) for applications in the fields of structural biology, enzymology and computational chemistry.
The relationship of subordinate upward influencing behaviour, satisfaction and perceived superior effectiveness with leader—member exchanges

The purpose of this study was to investigate how reported subordinate upward influencing behaviour varies with perceived quality of leader-member exchanges (LMX). Subordinate upward influence effectiveness, satisfaction with the superior and superior effectiveness were also of interest. It was predicted that higher quality LMX would be positively associated with the use of bargaining, reason and friendliness (Hypothesis 1), and negatively related to the use of higher authority, coalition and assertiveness (Hypothesis 2) upward influence strategies. It was further predicted that higher quality LMX would be associated with upward subordinate influence effectiveness (Hypothesis 3), subordinate satisfaction with the superior and superior effectiveness (Hypothesis 4). Three hundred and seventy-six subjects (average age = 33.58 years) completed several measures assessing the target variables. Hierarchical multiple regression confirmed Hypotheses 2, 3 and 4. Hypothesis 1 was not supported. These findings are discussed in terms of superior-subordinate influencing dynamics and the advantages of higher quality LMX.
Directing macromolecular conformation through halogen bonds

The halogen bond, a noncovalent interaction involving polarizable chlorine, bromine, or iodine molecular substituents, is now being exploited to control the assembly of small molecules in the design of supramolecular complexes and new materials. We demonstrate that a halogen bond formed between a brominated uracil and phosphate oxygen can be engineered to direct the conformation of a biological molecule, in this case to define the conformational isomer of a four-stranded DNA junction when placed in direct competition against a classic hydrogen bond. As a result, this bromine interaction is estimated to be ≈2–5 kcal/mol stronger than the analogous hydrogen bond in this environment, depending on the geometry of the halogen bond. This study helps to establish halogen bonding as a potential tool for the rational design and construction of molecular materials with DNA and other biological macromolecules.
Evolution of new metabolic pathways: prospectives of biotechnology

Many microorganisms possess a remarkable ability to construct new metabolic pathways by modifying and utilizing their existing DNA. Regulatory mutations permit the deregulation or constitutive synthesis of enzymes that possess gratuitous catalytic activity for new substrates. Often silent or cryptic genes, genes not known to be expressed or utilized by the parent strain, are mobilized to catalyse a critical reaction in establishing the new pathway.
One-dimensional Ising chain with generalized molecular field

Abstract The behavior of a spin- 1 2 one-dimensional nearest-neighbor Ising chain coupled to a generalized internal molecular field is considered. The internal field is shown to be equivalent to long-range spin-spin interactions. An assumed expansion of the internal field in powers of the magnetization results in the possibility of first- or second-order phase transitions and softening in the spontaneous magnetization and specific heat near the transition temperature. The internal energy and magnetic susceptibility are also discussed.
Coordinate expression of IGF‐I and its receptor during limb outgrowth

The morphogenetic mechanisms involved in shaping the embryo are largely unknown. Previous studies from this laboratory suggest that the mesonephros promotes limb outgrowth in ovo in the chicken embryo and might be involved in early limb morphogenesis, since damage to the mesonephros results in truncated limbs. In limb bud organ cultures, the presence of the mesonephros promotes cartilage formation. This effect can be reproduced by exogenous IGF-I or prevented by blocking antibody to IGF-I. In order to examine the hypothesis that mesonephros-derived IGF-I is involved in the early morphogenesis of the limb, we examined the spatial and temporal expression of IGF-I and type I receptor for IGF by in situ hybridization at stages when the onset of limb development occurs. The results show that neither transcript is detected at stage 13, prior to the appearance of the limb bud; but both transcripts are detected in the mesonephros at stage 14, an early stage in limb outgrowth. The hybridization signal in the mesonephros for both transcripts increases with development and signal was codistributed as well. At stage 18 the level of receptor transcripts detected in the flank relative to the limb decreased. Thus, the temporal and spatial patterns of expression of IGF-I and its receptor are consistent with their involvement in the initiation of limb outgrowth and support the model that localized expression of a growth factor and its receptor can be involved in shaping the embryo. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Architecture independent parallel algorithm design: theory vs practice

Abstract We propose architecture independent parallel algorithm design as a framework for writing parallel code that is scalable, portable and reusable. Towards this end we study the performance of some dense matrix computations such as matrix multiplication, LU decomposition and matrix inversion. Although optimized algorithms for these problems have been extensively examined before, a systematic study of an architecture independent design and analysis of parallel algorithms and their performance (including matrix computations) has not been undertaken. Even though more refined algorithms and implementations (sequential or parallel) for the stated problems exist, the complexity and performance of the introduced algorithms is sufficient to raise the issues that are important in architecture independent parallel algorithm design. Two established distributions of an input matrix among the processors of a parallel machine are examined and the particular theoretical and practical merits of each one are also discussed. The algorithms we propose have been implemented and tested on a variety of parallel systems that include the SGI Power Challenge, the IBM SP2 and the Cray T3D. Our experimental results support our claims of efficiency, portability and reusability of the presented algorithms.
Effects of prior coinfection with different Salmonella serovars on the progression of a Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis infection in hens undergoing induced molt.

Abstract Four trials were conducted to evaluate whether prior infection with Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium (S. typhimurium) or Salmonella enterica serovar muenchen (S. muenchen) would modify the severity or the transmission of Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis (S. enteritidis) challenge in hens undergoing molt via feed withdrawal. Hens were separated into two groups where one group received a prior S. typhimurium or S. muenchen infection, whereas the other group remained untreated until S. enteritidis challenge. In trials 1 and 2, one group of hens was infected with S. typhimurium 5 days prior to feed withdrawal. Both groups of hens were then challenged with S. enteritidis on day 4 post feed withdrawal. In trials 3 and 4, one group of hens received S. typhimurium or S. muenchen, respectively, 1 day after feed was withdrawn. Transmission of S. enteritidis was evaluated by challenging the center hen in rows of 11 hens per row with S. enteritidis at 4 days post feed withdrawal and following t...
Quantitative representation of local forest composition in forest-floor pollen assemblages

1 We compared modern pollen assemblages from 60 moss polster sites in northern New York with forest composition data within 20–120 m of the sites using extended R-value (ERV) models, which correct for non-linearities arising from use of pollen percentage data. Our sites were concentrated in two regions, one dominated by Tsuga and hardwood (Acer, Betula, Fagus) forests, and the other by Tsuga, Pinus, Betula, Acer and Quercus forests. 2 Our results confirm that forest-floor pollen assemblages are dominated by pollen originating from trees growing more than 20 m from the site of deposition. However, our results suggest that background pollen percentages were overestimated by Jackson & Wong in 1994, owing to unusually high Pinus pollen production in the year of their sampling. 3 Expansion of our vegetation sampling radius from 20 to 120 m resulted in modest but consistent improvement in model fit and a decrease in background pollen percentages. 4 ERV model parameters (slope and background) differed substantially between the two study regions, primarily owing to differences in background pollen productivity and dispersal from regional sources. 5 High background pollen percentages may lead to poor estimation of calibration parameters in regions of complex vegetation patterns. Expansion of the vegetation sampling radius to reduce the background component may lead to better parameter estimates. 6 Calibration of pollen–vegetation relationships requires definition of the vegetation term so that it approximates the vegetation sampled by the pollen assemblages. Critical challenges are to define better the appropriate vegetation sampling area and distance-weighting functions for application to pollen–vegetation calibration.
The Effect of Cortical Lesions on Auditory and Visual Discrimination Behavior in Monkeys

Summary Seventeen rhesus monkeys were trained on a series of seven visual and auditory discrimination tasks. Thirteen of these animals then received bilateral lesions of one of the following areas of the cerebral cortex: primary auditory area plus surrounding cortex; prefrontal cortex; striate cortex sparing the foveal representation; parieto-temporo-preoccipital cortex. Four monkeys served as normal control animals. Following recovery from surgery all animals were tested and retrained on the preoperatively learned tasks. Animals then learned four additional tasks. The brains were prepared and studied to allow the reconstruction of the cortical lesion and plotting of the consequent thalamic degeneration. The pattern of behavioral changes for each of the lesion groups was analyzed and possible functions were suggested for each region. None of the cortical areas studied exhibited any unique function in the integration of sensory input from more than one sensory system.
Determination of silicon in streptomycin by atomic absorption.

An atomic absorption method was developed for determining silicon in streptomycin without prior separation. The method has a reproducibility of ±2.2 ppm and a detection limit of 5 ppm silicon. Ash-fused and untreated samples were compared, and a deuterium arc background corrector indicated a moderately high bias in the results.
Reducing Hybrid Disk Write Latency with Flash-Backed I/O Requests

One of the biggest bottlenecks in desktop-based computing is the hard disk with I/O write latency being a key contributor. I/O write latency stems from the mechanical nature of hard disks, with seek and rotational delays the major components. Hybrid disk drives place a small amount of flash memory (NVCache) on the drive itself which can be leveraged by the host and has the potential to increase I/O performance and reduce hard disk power consumption. We present an I/O scheduling algorithm, "Flash-Backed I/O Requests", which leverages the on-board flash to reduce write latency. Since flash memory and rotating media have different I/O characteristics, predominantly in random access context, an I/O scheduler can decide which media will most efficiently service I/O requests. Our results show that with Flash-Backed I/O requests, overall write latency can be reduced by up to 70%.
Communications: Specificity of the Channel Catfish Antibody to Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract The specificity of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus serum antibody to Edwardsiella ictaluri was characterized by microtiter agglutination assay. There was no correlation between antibody titer to Aeromonas hydrophila and antibody titer to E. ictaluri in wild or feral channel catfish. Anti-E. ictaluri antibodies in naturally infected channel catfish were not removed by adsorption by nine other species of bacteria found in the channel catfish intestine and fish ponds. Channel catfish immunized with nine other species of bacteria did not develop substantial antibody titer to E. ictaluri. The antibody response of channel catfish to E. ictaluri is highly specific, and the microtiter agglutination test is a specific indicator of previous exposure to E. ictaluri
Strain relief via trench formation in Ge/Si(100) islands

Trenches formed at Ge/Si(100) island bases become an effective strain-relief mechanism at high growth temperatures. Trenches result from diffusion of the most highly strained material to regions of lower strain. The trench depth self-limits, scaling linearly with island diameter. A simple atomistic model of island elasticity indicates that this self-limiting behavior is of kinetic rather than energetic origin.
Comparison of ECN-ELFN and SACK on TCP's performance for ad hoc networks

In this paper we study the energy cost (protocol processing and communication cost) and goodput of two different flavors of TCP in ad hoc networks. We implemented a testbed and measured the actual energy cost as well as goodput of running TCP-SACK in ad hoc network scenarios. We also implemented Explicit Link Failure Notification (ELFN)[1] and Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN)[2] in Newreno and measured its performance. We see that the use of ECN & ELFN does yield higher goodput in most cases with a corresponding lower total energy cost. We see an energy savings of between 20% and 500% depending on the network conditions.
The Sociolinguisic Creation of Opposing Representations of Defendants and Victims

This paper presents a critical analysis of the terms of reference lawyers employ in the closing arguments in criminal trials to create competing representations of the same social actors. Through a systematic discourse analysis of ten closing arguments, I show that the prosecution's and defense's differing goals cause them to strategically depict the same defendants, victims, and witnesses in diametrically different manners. Actors who are contrary to an argument are backgrounded or silenced. The two key theoretical constructs then employed by lawyers are personalization and functionalization (van Leeuwen 2002). For example, the defendants, while personalized by the defense, are functionalized by the prosecution, in effect erasing their unique identity except for their role as their person on trial. In sum, I show that through the use of these subtle linguistic tools, lawyers for opposing sides create contrasting representations of the same individuals so that they serve the lawyers' goals.
Developing an Understanding of Proteomics: An Introduction to Biological Mass Spectrometry

Three components form the foundation of the rapidly growing field of proteomics research: traditional protein chemistry experiments, separations science, and biological mass spectrometry. The increasing demand for proteomics, as well as the presentation of the 2003 Nobel Prize to John Fenn and Koichi Tanaka for ion source development, has placed biological mass spectrometry in the scientific spotlight. A basic understanding of mass spectrometry is increasingly important for basic, translational, and clinical research. This review article presents an introduction to mass spectrometry, a brief description of different mass spectrometry experiments, and new developments in the field.
Double Hazard of Thrombophilia and Bleeding in Leukemia

The association between thrombosis and cancer has been extensively studied since first pointed out by Trousseau in 1895. It is, however, not commonly appreciated that the incidence of thrombosis in malignant hematologic disorders is as high or even higher than in solid tumors. Thrombotic complications in acute leukemia are often overlooked because bleeding complications generally dominate the clinical picture. Yet, the patient is at risk for both. While there are many thrombogenic factors shared by both solid tumors and leukemia, many additional prothrombotic features are present in leukemia. The prothrombotic factors include hyperleukocytosis, increased expression of tissue factor and its activation in leukemic cells, and the prothrombotic adverse effects of therapeutic agents and vascular access catheters. In addition, comorbid conditions including hereditary thrombophilia, infection, endothelial cell activation by cytokines, antiphospholipid syndrome and acquired activated protein C resistance are major contributory factors. Factors that increase the bleeding risk include thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and excessive fibrinolysis, which is enhanced by increased expression of Annexin II by leukemic cells. Therapeutic approaches to both bleeding and thrombotic conditions require special considerations of these factors.
E-Governance Initiatives in Developing Countries: Helping the rich? Or, creating opportunities for the poor?

The paper examines and analyzes the current status of emerging electronic and web based governance (e-governance) in developing countries. In doing so, theoretically the paper presents the state of governance and development in developing countries and analyzes the dynamics and drawbacks of e-governance in Bangladesh. The paper finds that e-governance can add tremendous dynamism in reforming public administration and can change the mode of interac- tion between the state and citizens. Equally, the paper also conclude that e-governance if not properly managed can become a preserve of those 'who have', while ignoring the plight of 'who does not have' access to resources in developing countries. The paper suggests that ignoring the poor and marginalized communities in e-governance initiatives can undermine the prospects of good governance and grassroots capacity building in developing countries. Based on these findings the paper therefore urges development cooperation agencies, national governments and other stakeholders to carefully, openly and critically address the challenges of good e-governance in the developing world.
Stray losses in synchronous electrical machinery

The earlier part of the paper discusses the problem of eddy currents from the point of view of the effect of the physical arrangement of an alternator on the stray losses. The later Sections deal with the components of stray loss, and, since these can be classified conveniently in accordance with their position in the alternator, the stray losses which occur in the stator are considered first. It is shown how the arrangement of the end-windings influences the shape of the end leakage field and thus the intensity of loss in the adjacent metallic structures, and how the loss in the core end-plate or end-shield can be estimated. The effect of magnetic and non-magnetic shielding arrangements is discussed, together with details of their arrangement. Experiments in connection with eddy-current losses in the stator end connections are described. Consideration is given to the iron loss which occurs in the stator core under steady 3-phase short-circuit conditions owing to the flux waveshape, and the indications are that this provides at least a partial explanation why the stray losses can be so appreciably greater on short-circuit than on load. The stray losses in the rotor, generally grouped under the heading of rotor surface losses, are shown to be due to several effects, notably those due to the concentration of ampere-conductors in one slot and to the irregularities present in the stator m.m.f. wave. Consideration is also given to the surface or pole-face losses resulting from the tufting of flux under the stator teeth, which loss is experienced under conditions of no load and is normally measured with the stator iron loss. The factors affecting the surface losses are discussed, together with methods for reducing the losses to a minimum. An indication is given of the relationship between the stray losses at the ends and those located within the core length of an alternator, together with a description of the effect of load conditions on each of the components of stray lo
Empirical Improvements for Estimating Earthquake Response Spectra with Random‐Vibration Theory

The stochastic method of ground-motion simulation is often used in combination with the random-vibration theory to directly compute ground-motion in- tensity measures, thereby bypassing the more computationally intensive time-domain simulations. Key to the application of random-vibration theory to simulate response spectra is determining the duration (Drms) used in computing the root-mean-square oscillator response. Boore and Joyner (1984) originally proposed an equation for Drms, which was improved upon by Liu and Pezeshk (1999). Though these equations are both substantial improvements over using the duration of the ground-motion ex- citation for Drms, we document systematic differences between the ground-motion intensity measures derived from the random-vibration and time-domain methods for both of these Drms equations. These differences are generally less than 10% for most magnitudes, distances, and periods of engineering interest. Given the systematic nature of the differences, however, we feel that improved equations are warranted. We empirically derive new equations from time-domain simulations for eastern and western North America seismological models. The new equations improve the random-vibration simulations over a wide range of magnitudes, distances, and oscil- lator periods. Online Material: SMSIM parameter files, tables of coefficients and model parameters, and shaded contour plots of TD/RV ratios for two WNA models.
The Escherichia coli CpxA-CpxR Envelope Stress Response System Regulates Expression of the Porins OmpF and OmpC

We performed transposon mutagenesis of a two-color fluorescent reporter strain to identify new regulators of the porin genes ompF and ompC in Escherichia coli. Screening of colonies by fluorescence microscopy revealed numerous mutants that exhibited interesting patterns of porin expression. One mutant harbored an insertion in the gene encoding the histidine kinase CpxA, the sensor for a two-component signaling system that responds to envelope stress. The cpxA mutant exhibited increased transcription of ompC and a very strong decrease in transcription of ompF under conditions in which acetyl phosphate levels were high. Subsequent genetic analysis revealed that this phenotype is dependent on phosphorylation of the response regulator CpxR and that activation of CpxA in wild-type cells results in similar regulation of porin expression. Using DNase I footprinting, we demonstrated that CpxR binds upstream of both the ompF and ompC promoters. It thus appears that two distinct two-component systems, CpxA-CpxR and EnvZ-OmpR, converge at the porin promoters. Within the context of envelope stress, outer membrane beta-barrel proteins have generally been associated with the sigma E pathway. However, at least for the classical porins OmpF and OmpC, our results show that the Cpx envelope stress response system plays a role in regulating their expression.
A Detailed Study of the Aftershocks of the 1979 Earthquake Near Bath, Maine*

An earthquake of M C = 4.0 occurred north of the town of Bath in coastal Maine on April 18, 1979. This earthquake was immediately followed by a number of aftershocks that were recorded by the New England Seismic Network stations operated by Weston Observatory of Boston College and by M.I.T. From late May until July 1979, Weston Observatory operated a portable seismic network in the epicentral area and recorded a number additional microaftershocks. The aftershocks recorded by the permanent stations suggest that the main shock ruptured predominantly toward the southwest or west. All but one of the microaftershocks recorded by the portable network were located at between 3 and 7 km depth, possibly on the Cape Elizabeth fault. The data analysis is consistent with any of the following hypotheses: that the main shock and most of the aftershocks occurred on an ancient fault feature, the Cape Elizabeth fault; that the main shock occurred southeast of the Cape Elizabeth fault but caused microaftershocks to occur on the fault; or that the main shock coincidentally caused microaftershocks to occur near but not on the Cape Elizabeth fault. The last hypothesis notwithstanding, the microaftershock locations provide the strongest evidence to date of some modern seismicity being associated with an ancient fault in New England.
Association between Q551R IL4R genetic variants and atopic asthma risk demonstrated by meta-analysis.

Background IL4R , the gene encoding the α chain of the IL-4 and IL-13 receptors, has received extensive attention as a candidate gene for asthma risk. However, the results from studies testing for associations of the I50V and Q551R IL4R genetic variants are conflicting. Objective We sought to determine the average risk of asthma associated with the I50V and Q551R IL4R variants based on the results of case-control studies reported in the literature. Methods Meta-analyses were performed with data from case-control association studies that met specified inclusion criteria (9 and 8 studies for I50V and Q551R, respectively). Random-effects models were used to calculate combined odds ratios (ORs) and significance of associations. Analyses were performed for asthma in general and for subgroups based on the atopy status of the asthma population. Results The R551 IL4R variant was significantly associated with increased risk of asthma, most notably atopic asthma (combined OR, 1.6; P = .004). Exclusion of the outlier study reporting an OR of less than 1 greatly increased the significance of association (OR, 1.8; P = 3 × 10 −9 ). I50V variants were not significantly associated with asthma. Conclusions A meta-analysis of results from case-control studies strongly supports the conclusion that the R551 IL4R variant imparts a modest yet significant risk for atopic asthma. Clinical implications Knowledge that the R551 IL4R variant is associated with increased asthma risk should provide a basis for understanding the heterogeneity of asthma pathogenesis and for pharmacogenetic approaches to treat individuals carrying this variant.
The Dual, Overlapping Primal FETI (FETI-DOP) domain decomposition

A global domain decomposition (DD) preconditioner based on the dual-primal idea is presented. The key attribute of the proposed preconditioner is an auxiliary primal coarse problem that is fully overlapping to the original problem at domain interface regions only, and uses entire-domain basis functions to reduce the primal problem size. A two-level reduction solution process that iterates on the Lagrange multipliers is adopted, resulting in an efficient FETI solver. When compared to other dual-primal DD methods, the proposed method is computationally more efficient and, more importantly, is applicable to both conforming and non-conforming mesh decompositions. Numerical results on scattering and propagation problems are used to demonstrate its performance. The proposed method is found to outperform existing state-of-the-art FETI variants in all problems studied.
Partition of Coronary Flow and Cardiac Oxygen Extraction Between Coronary Sinus and Other Coronary Drainage Channels

The open-chest anesthetized dog was prepared to permit the partition of coronary outflow into the coronary sinus and the extracoronary sinus venous channels. The effects of increased resistance-load of the left ventricle, of augmented effort of the right ventricle, and of induced acceleration of the heart rate were analyzed. In several animals, the effect of l-epinephrine exhibition was also determined. The effect of spontaneous tachycardia which developed in two dogs was also analyzed. A balloon inserted into the right ventricular cavity was used to augment its effort under isovolumic conditions. Overall, the coronary sinus was found to drain approximately 60 per cent of the total coronary flow. Notable deviations from this mean were encountered in all experiments. The most marked occurred during spontaneous tachycardia and l-epinephrine exhibition, Significant changes also were observed when heart rate changes were induced. Increasing right ventricular effort had no apparent effect on the amount of bloo...
Tissue-specific insulator function at H19/Igf2 revealed by deletions at the imprinting control region

Parent-of-origin-specific expression at imprinted genes is regulated by allele-specific DNA methylation at imprinting control regions (ICRs). This mechanism of gene regulation, where one element controls allelic expression of multiple genes, is not fully understood. Furthermore, the mechanism of gene dysregulation through ICR epimutations, such as loss or gain of DNA methylation, remains a mystery. We have used genetic mouse models to dissect ICR-mediated genetic and epigenetic regulation of imprinted gene expression. The H19/insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) ICR has a multifunctional role including insulation, activation and repression. Microdeletions at the human H19/IGF2 ICR (IC1) are proposed to be responsible for IC1 epimutations associated with imprinting disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS). Here, we have generated and characterized a mouse model that mimics BWS microdeletions to define the role of the deleted sequence in establishing and maintaining epigenetic marks and imprinted expression at the H19/IGF2 locus. These mice carry a 1.3 kb deletion at the H19/Igf2 ICR [Δ2,3] removing two of four CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) sites and the intervening sequence, ∼75% of the ICR. Surprisingly, the Δ2,3 deletion does not perturb DNA methylation at the ICR; however, it does disrupt imprinted expression. While repressive functions of the ICR are compromised by the deletion regardless of tissue type, insulator function is only disrupted in tissues of mesodermal origin where a significant amount of CTCF is poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated. These findings suggest that insulator activity of the H19/Igf2 ICR varies by cell type and may depend on cell-specific enhancers as well as posttranslational modifications of the insulator protein CTCF.