cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reassembly of the anchoring structures of the corneal epithelium during wound repair in the rabbit.

Reappearance of the structures involved in adhesion of the corneal epithelium to the stroma was studied in healing 7 mm keratectomy wounds in rabbit corneas. Corneas were taken at 48 and 66 hr, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, and 4, 6 and 12 months post-wounding. Immunolocalization of bullous pemphigoid antigen (BPA), laminin and type VII collagen was used to determine time and sequence of appearance of hemidesmosomes, basement membrane and anchoring fibrils, respectively. Electron micrographs from three regions in the wound were used to correlate the immunohistochemical data and to quantitate the increase in basal cell membrane occupied by hemidesmosomes and the increase in basement membrane over healing time. Evidence of resynthesis of the adhesion structures was present at the wound margin before epithelial wound closure (48 hr). BPA, laminin and type VII collagen co-localized, indicating that hemidesmosomes, basement membrane and anchoring fibrils reappeared synchronously. Reappearance of the structures proceeded from wound margin to the center, and by 1 week BPA, laminin, and type VII collagen were present in discontinuous segments across the wound. From 2 weeks to 6 months, the segments became more continuous, and anchoring fibril networks were discerned at 4 weeks. Strata of type VII collagen and laminin were present within the newly synthesized stromal matrix at wound margin at 1 week, continuous across the wound bed by 2-4 weeks, and still present at 6 months; however, at 12 months, only a few strata of type VII collagen were present below the basement membrane at wound center. The amount of basement membrane increased steadily over time; duplications and discontinuities were present at 6 and 12 months. The amount of basement membrane present at 6 and 12 months was greater than in unwounded controls. The percentage of basal cell membrane occupied by hemidesmosomes increased until 6 weeks, then decreased and remained constant. At no time point did hemidesmosome values reach that found in unwounded controls. These data indicate that reassembly of the adhesion structures does not reach the normal unwounded state by 12 months post-wounding. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 30:425-434,1989 Wounds on the ocular surface can result in recurrent epithelial erosions and persistent epithelial defects. The fact that initial epithelial wound closure often occurs in such wounds, with subsequent sloughing of the epithelium from the underlying stroma, suggests that repair of the adhesion structures may be at fault. Few of the studies of corneal epithelial wound healing focus on repair of the adhesion structures. Khodadoust et al in 1968 1
Interaction of human hemoglobin with adenine nucleotides.

Abstract The interaction of deoxyhemoglobin with ATP, ADP, and AMP has been studied at pH 7.0, 25°, Γ/2 = 0.12 m. Under these conditions, ATP and ADP each form a 1:1 complex with the deoxyhemoglobin tetramer and they compete with 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid, presumably for the same site on the protein. The order of binding affinities is 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid g ATP g ADP g AMP. The free energy of binding is approximately proportional to the net charge on the phosphate ligand, although other factors are also operative. Addition of ATP or ADP or AMP to oxyhemoglobin reversibly converts the protein to the deoxy form, thereby showing that these nucleotides bind to deoxyhemoglobin with an overwhelming preference. A discussion of these results is given.
ASIS&T annual meeting award winners: Research: Computer‐mediated communication

EDITOR'S SUMMARY On receiving the 2013 ASIS&T Research Award, Susan Herring reflected on her early interest in computer-mediated communication (CMC) in 1991, when the field was novel, limited and barely recognized. The intersection of linguistics and digital technology were intriguing and offered potential for rich discovery. Data sources have grown from the foundational ARPAnet to the World Wide Web and expanded from the exchange of basic textual messages to incorporate all modes of digitally mediated communication across unlimited platforms. The result is a vast amount of computer-mediated data, but there is still the pressing need for structured methods and theoretical frameworks for effective analysis. Herring applies discourse analysis and other linguistic approaches to CMC analysis, increasingly in combination with a big data perspective to identify communication patterns in large datasets. She is eager to see further research on new analytical methods, cultural influences and the integration of telepresence robots in CMC.
Reduced Activation Austenitic Stainless Steels: The Fe-Mn-Cr-C System

Nickel-free manganese-stabilized steels are being developed for fusion-reactor applications. As the first part of this effort, the austenite-stable region in the Fe--Mn--Cr--C system was determined. Results indicated that the Schaeffler diagram developed for Fe--Ni--Cr--C alloys cannot be used to predict the constituents expected for high-manganese steels. This is true because manganese is not as strong an austenite stabilizer relative to delta-ferrite formation as predicted by the diagram, but it is a stronger austenite stabilizer relative to martensite than predicted. Therefore, the austenite-stable region for Ne--Mn--Cr--C alloys occurs at lower chromium and hugher combinations of manganese and carbon than predicted by the Schaeffler diagram. Development of a manganese-stabilized stainless steel should be possible in the composition range of 20 to 25% Mn, 10 to 15% Cr, and 0.01 to 0.25%C. Tensile behavior of an Fe--20%Mn--12%Cr--0.25%C alloy was determined. The strength and ductility of this possible base composition was comparable to type 316 stainless steel in both the solution-annealed and cold-worked condition.
Experimental testing of an AI-based communication aid

Experimental testing of a prototype knowledge-based message generation system (KMGS) is discussed. The test was conducted to better understand the potential of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in the development of a nonvocal communication device. The communication rate of the system with respect to user's motor ability, system's scanning tolerance, and the use of both fixed statistical information and dynamic speech information are examined. Test results and discussions are presented. >
Effect of Vitamin K Deficiency on Liver Lipids in the Chick.

Summary1. The hypoprothrombinemia induced in chicks by feeding a vitamin K-free diet was not significantly influenced by the addition of choline to the diet. 2. Chicks raised on a vitamin K-free diet exhibited the typical hypoprothrombinemia but their fibrinogen levels and total liver lipids resembled those of control chicks. 3. The total lipids of the livers of chicks receiving synthetic diets were somewhat increased over the lipids from chicks given a natural ration but this condition was not corrected by vitamin K.
Uniform convergence of the free energy of the classical Heisenberg model to that of the gaussian model

We show that the free energy of the classical Heisenberg model converges to the free energy of the Gaussian in the low-temperature limit. The limit is uniform as the field is taken to zero.
Phenotypic plasticity: an evolving plant character

Phenotypic plasticity is an important mode of adaptation to temporal and spatial environmental variability, particularly in plants. Although data are available concerning interspecific differences in the sizes and shapes of characters, there is little information concerning differences between taxa for the plastic responses of those characters. We have measured: (1) the mean value of a character, (2) the amount of character plasticity, and (3) the pattern of phenotypic plasticity for species in five genera, and calculated the divergences among species for each of these three measures. We compared the divergences of these measures to address the question of whether there is a relationship between the evolution of the character means of species and the evolution of the plasticities of those characters. We found that the evolutionary divergence of character plasticities could be independent of the interspecific divergence of character means. There was, however, a tendency for the divergence of amounts and patterns of plasticity to be related.
Can Autism Speak to Neuroscience

Two reviews in this week’s issue examine the rapidly expanding interest in autism research in the neuroscience community. Moldin et al. provide a brief prospective on the overall state of research in autism. DiCicco-Bloom and colleagues summarize their presentations at the Neurobiology of Disease
R-MRAM: A ROM-Embedded STT MRAM Cache

We present a new spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT MRAM) bit-cell that is embedded with read-only memory (ROM) functionality. The proposed ROM-embedded STT MRAM (R-MRAM) bit-cells include one extra bit-line. ROM data is stored by selectively connecting the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) to one of the two bit-lines. For normal RAM-mode operations, both bit-lines are driven and sensed to switch and read the MTJ state. When reading ROM data, only one read current source is turned on and the corresponding sense amplifier is used to monitor which bit-line is connected to the bit-cell (the MTJ state can be ignored).
Optical switching scheme based on the transmission of coupled gap solitons in nonlinear periodic dielectric media.

We study the propagation of two pulses with orthogonal linear polarizations in a nonlinear periodic dielectric structure with χ(3) nonlinearity. Specifically, we derive the coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equations and find their solitary-wave solutions in a simple case. We show that two orthogonally polarized pulses can copropagate as a coupled gap soliton through a nonlinear periodic structure, while each pulse alone will be strongly reflected owing to the Bragg reflection. Based on the results, we present a new all-optical switching scheme and investigate its operational characteristics.
Hydrodynamics of the spinal epidural space in pigs determined by constant-flow methods.

Background and Objectives: Impressive quantities of fluid can be infused into the epidural space of the spine without causing dramatic or sustained increases in pressure. The epidural space is considered “leaky,” but questions remain about how fluid leaves the epidural space. We used constant-flow infusions of saline to gain insight into the hydrodynamics involved. Methods: We infused saline at a constant rate into the lumbar epidural space of 6 anesthetized pigs while measuring pressure at the adjacent interspace. Three or 4 infusions were performed at different flow rates in each animal. Results: Epidural space pressure in the absence of flow was consistently 2 to 3 mm Hg above right atrial pressure. During each infusion, pressure increased slowly to a steady plateau value between 15 and 70 mm Hg. When flow was stopped, pressure declined exponentially to the starting pressure. The presence of a plateau indicates that fluid leaving the epidural space ends up in a structure with high capacitance. Plateau pressures were linearly related to flow rate in each animal, indicating constant resistance to outflow. The flow-pressure relation showed neither a critical opening pressure nor moderating pressures with increased flow. Conclusions: Fluid leaves the porcine spinal epidural space through channels that are open at baseline rather than being recruited as epidural pressure increases. This behavior is inconsistent with the view that the epidural space behaves like a Starling resistor.
Computed tomographic demonstration of displaced right upper lobe bronchus in an adult woman with congenital heart disease

To our knowledge, this is the first description of the computed tomographic appearance of a displaced right upper lobe bronchus. The case reported is that of a 43 year-old woman who had known congenital heart disease and systemic hypertension. The computed tomographic study demonstrated a displaced right upper lobe bronchus; a persistent left superior vena cava; pulmonary hypertension with associated dilatation of the right chambers of the heart consistent with a longstanding left to right shunt; and subsequent development of pulmonary hypertension.
What is the standard approach to assessment of an unprovoked seizure in an adult?: UNITED STATES.

A 34-year-old man experienced a single unprovoked generalized tonic-clonic seizure in the earlier morning hours while asleep. His spouse was awakened during the respiratory alteration and the repetitive movements. The patient was in excellent health without a prior history of seizures or remote symptomatic neurologic disease. There was a history of migraine headaches and mild closed head trauma as a child. He was receiving no prescription drugs. The family history was negative for epilepsy. Upon evaluation in the emergency department, a CT of the head was normal. The patient was described as being “postictal” on examination. An EEG study several hours after the seizure showed bitemporal, nonspecific slowing without definite epileptiform activity. An MRI head was performed the following day and was unremarkable. The patient was referred by the emergency room physician for an outpatient neurologic consultation.
WLC47-1: Modeling the Effect of Mobile Handoffs on TCP and TFRC Throughput

At the forefront of the recent advances in mobile networks is the development of sophisticated mobility management mechanisms that are usually based on Mobile IP and its derivatives. Based on these mobility management protocols, several studies that characterize transport protocol performance have been presented. In this work we move one step further, and present a joint performance evaluation model of TCP and TFRC, with the underlying IP-based mobility protocols. We develop stochastic models that can characterize the protocol performance during handoffs between heterogeneous wireless networks like WLAN, cellular, or WMAN. We present performance evaluation results for validating the developed models under a set of different handoff scenarios. The developed model can be utilized as a basis for further analytical evaluation of new mobility management protocols, allowing thus a fast and accurate comparison.
FLUIDITY OF THE SURFACE OF CULTURED MUSCLE FIBERS: Rapid Lateral Diffusion of Marked Surface Antigens

Fluorescent antibody fragments of anti-muscle plasma membrane antibody bound as small fluorescent spots when applied by micropipetting to cultured myotubes. The spots were observed to enlarge with time. The rate of enlargement of fluorescent spots was greater when fragments were applied than when divalent antibody was used. It was also greater at 23°–25°C than at 0°–4°C. With glutaraldehyde-fixed cells no increase in the size of the spots was seen. The observations are consistent with the spread of fluorescent spots due to diffusion of surface protein antigens within the plane of a fluid membrane. From measurements of spot size against time, a diffusion constant of 1–3 x 10-9 cm2 s-1 can be calculated for muscle plasma membrane proteins of mol wt approximately 200,000. This value is consistent with other observations on the diffusion of surface antigens and of labeled lipid molecules in synthetic and natural membranes.
Age-dependent cognitive impairment in a Drosophila Fragile X model and its pharmacological rescue

Fragile X syndrome afflicts 1 in 2,500 individuals and is the leading heritable cause of mental retardation worldwide. The overriding clinical manifestation of this disease is mild to severe cognitive impairment. Age-dependent cognitive decline has been identified in Fragile X patients, although it has not been fully characterized nor examined in animal models. A Drosophila model of this disease has been shown to display phenotypes bearing similarity to Fragile X symptoms. Most notably, we previously identified naive courtship and memory deficits in young adults with this model that appear to be due to enhanced metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) signaling. Herein we have examined age-related cognitive decline in the Drosophila Fragile X model and found an age-dependent loss of learning during training. We demonstrate that treatment with mGluR antagonists or lithium can prevent this age-dependent cognitive impairment. We also show that treatment with mGluR antagonists or lithium during development alone displays differential efficacy in its ability to rescue naive courtship, learning during training and memory in aged flies. Furthermore, we show that continuous treatment during aging effectively rescues all of these phenotypes. These results indicate that the Drosophila model recapitulates the age-dependent cognitive decline observed in humans. This places Fragile X in a category with several other diseases that result in age-dependent cognitive decline. This demonstrates a role for the Drosophila Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (dFMR1) in neuronal physiology with regard to cognition during the aging process. Our results indicate that misregulation of mGluR activity may be causative of this age onset decline and strengthens the possibility that mGluR antagonists and lithium may be potential pharmacologic compounds for counteracting several Fragile X symptoms.
Transplantation of a new composite of neural cells and marrow stromal cells into rat brain after stroke

We constructed a biologic material composed of fetal rat brain cells (neurospheres) and adult rat bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs), designated as NMCspheres. Adult rats were subjected to 2 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and implanted with cultured prelabeled NMCspheres (n=6), neurospheres (n=5) or MSCs (n=6) into the ischemic penumbra at 24 hours after MCAo. Control adult rats (n=10) were subjected to MCAo alone. In vitro within the NMCspheres, MSCs rapidly formed a process network with intact neural cells compared with a necrotic core within neurospheres alone. An in vivo rat corneal assay demonstrated that NMCspheres enhanced angiogenesis compared to MSCs and neurospheres. Neurological functional recovery after stroke was enhanced in rats treated with NMCspheres, compared to rats with neurosphere or MSC treatments by day 7 and day 14 after transplantation. The NMCspheres are a new composite material that may be employed in the treatment of stroke.
"Do one, teach one" the new paradigm in general surgery residency training.

Objective There is literature examining the total number of procedures performed by surgery residents before and after duty hour restrictions (DHR). There is insufficient literature addressing the effect of DHR on the number of procedures in which residents directly participate as an assistant, rather than as the primary operating surgeon. Methods The operative experience of general surgery residents completing training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center from 2002 to 2008 was retrospectively examined. Data collected included all procedures entered into the General Surgery Operative Log of the American Council on Graduate Medical Education web site in each of the following categories: Surgeon Chief (SC), Surgeon Junior (SJ), Teaching Assistant (TA), and First Assistant (FA). Results A total of 31 residents completed the program during the study period. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant decrease in the total number of operative procedures (p Conclusions Since the implementation of DHR at our institution, the number of procedures in which residents participate as a FA has declined. A surgeon is the sum of his or her cumulative operative experience, whether as the operating surgeon or assistant surgeon; one must conclude that the surgical residents' total operative experience at our institution has declined since the inception of the DHR.
Three-Dimensional Structure at the Base of the Mantle Beneath the Central Pacific

Forward modeling of differential travel times of phases sensitive to lowermost mantle beneath the central Pacific reveals lateral heterogeneity that is higher in amplitude than predicted by tomographic models. A broad zone of low S velocity (-4 percent with respect to standard models), which may correspond to the base of a thermal "plume," narrows and is deflected as it extends to about 1000 kilometers above the core-mantle boundary. To the east of this zone, a localized region of fast S velocity (+5 percent) suggests strong heterogeneity or anisotropy related to the presence of high pressure and temperature assemblages, which may or may not involve core material. Its presence could also explain the observation of precursors to core reflected phases in this region.
Cannabinoid Receptor-1 Blockade Attenuates Acute pancreatitis in Obesity by An adiponectin Mediated Mechanism

Obesity is a risk factor for increased severity of acute pancreatitis. Adipocytes produce adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory molecule that is paradoxically decreased in the setting of obesity. We have shown that adiponectin concentration inversely mirrors the severity of pancreatitis in obese mice. Cannabinoid receptor CB-1 blockade increases circulating adiponectin concentration. We, therefore, hypothesize that blockade of CB-1 would increase adiponectin and attenuate pancreatitis severity. Forty lean (C57BL/6J) and 40 obese (LepDb) mice were studied. Half of the mice in each strain received intraperitoneal injection of the CB-1 antagonist rimonabant (10 mg/kg daily for 7 days); the others received vehicle. Pancreatitis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cerulein (50 μg/g hourly ×6). Pancreatitis severity was determined by histology. Pancreatic chemokine and proinflammatory cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA. Rimonabant treatment significantly increased circulating adiponectin concentration in obese mice (p < 0.03 vs. vehicle). After induction of pancreatitis, obese mice treated with rimonabant had significantly decreased histologic pancreatitis (p < 0.001), significantly lower pancreatic tissue levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (p = 0.03), tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (p < 0.001), and myeloperoxidase (p = 0.006) relative to vehicle-treated animals. In obese mice, cannabinoid receptor CB-1 blockade with rimonabant attenuates the severity of acute pancreatitis by an adiponectin-mediated mechanism.
Determinants of the rate of return on S&L assets: 1970–97

This study identifies determinants of the rate of return on U.S. Saving and Loan (S&L) assets during the 1970–97 period. The Instrumental Variables (IV) estimation reveals that this rate of return is an increasing function of the spread between the S&L mortgage interest rate and the S&L cost of funds, the regulatory S&L capital-asset ratio, and the percentage growth rate of real GDP. It is negatively affected by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and positively affected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991. Based on these findings, certain policy implications and general conclusions are suggested.
An Analysis of Trust, Employee Trustworthiness, Fraud, and Internal Controls

We analyze important strategic relationships among trust, employee trustworthiness, fraud, and internal controls. A game is modeled between a manager and an employee, two rational decision makers. The manager makes control decisions based on the strength of controls and on employee trustworthiness, which are modeled as functions of monetary and psychic costs and benefits of committing and not committing fraud. We propose a rich definition of trustworthiness that incorporates an employeeâ€™s propensity to commit fraud and sensitivity to controls. Equilibrium strategies are identified that could be used to determine the best strategy and the optimum strength of controls to use by identifying trustworthy, untrustworthy, and opportunistically trustworthy employees. A relationship of trustworthiness with a probabilistic choice of controls by the manager is established. As the strength of controls increases, the trustworthiness of the employees also increases, but a minimum critical level of trustworthiness is required to make controls effective. A high level of control may be needed to deter fraud. Also, this increase in trustworthiness does not translate to a proportional reduction of controls by the manager. We caution against excessive investments in internal controls. A low strength control with high probability of controls may be a cost effective way to deter fraud. We also explore the interaction of controls strength with the losses to the manager when fraud is committed. We find that control is not always a viable strategy. Optimal payoffs indicate that, unlike simultaneous decision making, under sequential decision making, the managerâ€™s best strategy is to choose controls and auditing an employee. Policy implications and managerial insights of these findings are discussed.
Robust Analysis and Weighting on MFCC Components for Speech Recognition and Speaker Identification

Mismatch between training and testing data is a major error source for both automatic speech recognition (ASR) and automatic speaker identification (ASI). In this paper, we first present a statistical weighting concept to exploit the unequal sensitivity of mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) components to against the mismatch, such as ambient noise, recording equipment, transmission channels, and inter-speaker variations. We further design a new Kullback-Leibler (KL) distance based weighting algorithm according to the proposed weighting concept to real-world problems in which the label information is often not provided. We examine our algorithm in ASR with mismatch by different speakers and also in ASI with mismatch by channel noises. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our proposed method.
Conservative management of pancreatic trauma in children

Many adults and most children with a solid-organ abdominal injury can be managed nonoperatively. To date, however, little is known about the outcome of nonoperative management of pancreatic injury. To analyze current treatment patterns of pancreatic injury in children, all children (age 0.05), coinciding with a decrease in the frequency of drainage procedures for pseudocysts. The need for surgical intervention was not influenced by age, Injury Severity Score, or Pediatric Trauma Score (p > 0.05). Associated abdominal injuries were common but did not influence operations on the pancreas (p > 0.05). No deaths were attributed to the pancreatic injury. These data indicate that early intervention for pancreatic injury, in the absence of clinical deterioration or major ductal injury (grades III, IV, or V), is unwarranted, and careful observation may supplant the conventional surgical therapy recommended for adults.
Supplement to State of the Climate in 2006

Abstract The State of the Climate in 2006 report summarizes the year's weather and climate conditions, both globally and regionally. In addition, the year is placed into a long-term climatological context. Furthermore, notable events are also discussed. Overall global temperatures were fifth or sixth warmest on record, depending on the dataset, continuing an upward trend in temperatures. Many countries and regions experienced their record warmest year (or tied for warmest), including Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and China, as well as parts of Australia and Canada. In many regions, the warmth in 2006 is statistically indistinguishable from the record warmth in 1998. However, 1998 was influenced by the unprecedented warming associated with the record 1997/98 El Nino, whereas 2006 was marked by a 2005/06 La Nina that transitioned into a weak-to-moderate 2006/07 El Nino. Consistent with the warming, sea ice extent in both polar regions reached record or near-record minima. In addition, Antarcti...
In-Depth Analyses of B Cell Signaling Through Tandem Mass Spectrometry of Phosphopeptides Enriched by PolyMAC

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has enabled researchers to analyze complex biological samples since the original concept inception. It facilitates the identification and quantification of modifications within tens of thousands of proteins in a single large-scale proteomic experiment. Phosphorylation analysis, as one of the most common and important post-translational modifications, has particularly benefited from such progress in the field. Here we showcase the technique through in-depth analyses of B cell signaling based on quantitative phosphoproteomics. As a complement to the previously described PolyMAC-Ti (polymer-based metal ion affinity capture using titanium) reagent, we introduce here PolyMAC-Fe, which utilizes a different metal ion, Fe(III). An extensive comparison using the different available MS/MS fragmentations techniques was made between PolyMAC-Fe, PolyMAC-Ti and IMAC (immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography) reagents in terms of specificity, reproducibility and type of phosphopeptides being enriched. PolyMAC-Fe based chelation demonstrated good selectivity and unique specificity toward phosphopeptides, making it useful in specialized applications. We have combined PolyMAC-Ti and PolyMAC-Fe, along with SILAC-based quantitation and large-scale fractionation, for quantitative B cell phosphoproteomic analyses. The complementary approach allowed us to identify a larger percentage of multiply phosphorylated peptides than with PolyMAC-Ti alone. Overall, out of 13,794 unique phosphorylation sites identified, close to 20% were dependent on BCR signaling. These sites were further mapped to a variety of major signaling networks, offering more detailed information about the biochemistry of B cell receptor engagement.
Scalable instruction-level parallelism through tree-instructions

We describe a representation of instruction-level parallelism which does not require checking dependencies at run-time, and which is suitable for processor implementations with varying issuewidth. In this approach, a program is represented as a sequence of tree-instructions, each containing multiple primitive operations and executable either in one or multiple cycles, but which do not require a specific processor organization. Tree-instructions are generated assuming an implementation capable of large instruction-level parallelism. During instruction cache reloading/ accessing, tree-instructions are decomposed into subtrees which fit the actual resources available in an implementation, and which require a simple instruction-dispatch mechanism as in the case of statically scheduled processors. The representation makes practical the use of the same parallelized code in implementations with different issue-width; simulation results indicate that the instructionlevel parallelism achievable with this approach degrades less than 10% with respect to code compiled for each specific implementation.
THE ASSESSMENT AND PREDICTIVE GENERALITY OF SELF-PERCEPTS OF EFFICACY

Abstract This article corrects Tryon's misunderstanding of how self-efficacy is measured. Research bearing on the effects of social demands on efficacy-action congruence and on the predictive generality of self-percepts of efficacy is also briefly reviewed.
Seedbed Surface Geometry Effects on Soil Crusting and Seedling Emergence

Seedling emergence is the crucial first step in crop establishment; however, crops frequently must penetrate or lift a thin, dense, soil layer called a crust, which is formed by drop impact or aggregate slaking during rainstorms and sprinkler irrigation. Shaping the soil surface into a small ridge or cap above the seed row may decrease crust strength and improve seedling emergence. Our objectives were to quantify the effects of surface soil geometry (25 mm high by 50 mm wide soil cap without removal) on (i) crust formation and strength, (ii) seedling emergence of selected crops, and (iii) seed zone soil temperature. Sieved (<12 mm) Pullman clay loam soil (Torrertic Paleustoll) was packed into columns (0.30 m wide by 0.45 m long by 0.15 m deep) and planted with grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], corn (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in rows with a flat or capped surface. Columns were mounted at a 5% slope on a turntable beneath a rotating disk-type rain simulator that applied reverse osmosis water for 1 h at a 48 mm h -1 intensify with intercepted or normal drop impact energy. Compared with intercepted (INT) drop impact conditions, normal drop impact (DI) reduced infiltration 22% and formed 4.9 mm thicker crusts that prevented seedling emergence. Thickness, penetration resistance, and seedling emergence of Dl soil crusts were unaffected by surface caps. Mean seed zone soil temperatures increased with INT drop impact, but was unaffected by capping. Our test shows that unremoved soil caps did not improve seedling emergence; however, intercepting raindrop impact increases seedling emergence.
On the third integral of the galaxy

It is shown here that the ‘third integral’ of the galaxy, whenever its constant is conserved, defines the same surface as the Hamiltonian, and thus does not constitute anynew integral, but a function of the already known integral of energy. In particular, the ‘third integral’ and the Hamiltonian are found to possess collinear gradients, in accordance with Poincare's theorem concerning the characteristic exponents in systems with multiple integrals.
The design and development of an automated DFA system

Abstract This paper presents the design and development of an automated system to assist with Design for Assembly (DFA) analysis. The system is designed to accept information on alternative assemblies using DFA metaphors. Statistics are calculated for these assemblies so as to evaluate their assemblability. The alternative assemblies and improvements in any assembly design are evaluated using these statistics. A binary tree data structure is used in the DFA system to represent the design data. This structure is implemented by a linked method with three links in each tree node. This allows any arbitrary tree to be represented efficiently, and it also allows for unpredictable tree growth and easy tree manipulation. The user interface of the DFA system is managed by the “User Interface Management System”, that achieves direct and fast control of the screen by directly accessing the video memory.
Factors influencing the locations of hot spots determined by the hot-spotting technique

Seafloor beneath hot-spot-produced seamounts have crustal flow lines that intersect at the hot spot locations, provided there is more than one stage rotation and that hot spots are stationary. Convolving seamount shapes with their associated flow lines yields an image of cumulative volcano amplitude (CVA). We call the technique of correlating local CVA maxima with hot spot locations “hot-spotting”. This technique is geometrical and requires no age information for seamounts or seafloor. We analyze synthetic and actual seamount data and demonstrate that factors such as across-trail scatter in seamount locations, inaccurate stage poles, and migration of hot spots all exert strong influences on the locations and appearances of CVA maxima. The interpretation of raw CVA images is therefore not straightforward.
Sensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Background Aspirin can provoke reactions ranging from respiratory to cutaneous in susceptible individuals. There has been particular attention looking at the role of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes 1 and 2 and their role in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. Objective Patients who present with a spectrum of allergic and pseudoallergic reactions to aspirin pose a special challenge for the physician. This article discusses proposed classification system, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis of disease, and current treatment options of aspirin-related disease. Data Sources Relevant articles in the medical literature were derived from searching the MEDLINE database with key terms aspirin-sensitive asthma , cyclo - oxygenase enzymes 1 and 2 . Sources also include review articles, randomized control trials, and standard textbooks of allergy and immunology. Results Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease remains a complex, heterogenous disease with varied clinical presentations. There have been many advances in trying to elucidate the pathogenesis of this disease. The classification system presented will provide greater ease when reading the literature and communicating with one another. Oral aspirin challenge remains the diagnostic test of choice for both respiratory and cutaneous reactions. Aspirin desensitization is an option for those with refractory respiratory disease or who require aspirin for other medical conditions. Conclusions This review discusses the challenges in classification, diagnosis, and treatment of those patients with a sensitivity to aspirin. Special attention is made to the possible mechanisms mediating disease progression and how specific therapies, such as leukotriene modifiers, may be helpful.
Further observations on overt “mediating” behavior and the discrimination of time

When the lever-pressing behavior of five rats was maintained by a DRL schedule (reinforcement was scheduled only when a specified waiting time between successive responses was exceeded), collateral behavior developed that apparently served a mediating function. In two cases this behavior did not arise until the experimental environment included pieces of wood that the rats started to nibble. When collateral behavior first appeared, it was always accompanied by an increase in responses spaced far enough apart to earn reinforcement. If collateral behavior was prevented, the number of reinforced responses always decreased. Extinction of lever pressing extinguished the collateral behavior. Adding a limited-hold contingency to the schedule did not extinguish collateral behavior. It appears that the rat can better space its responses appropriately when concurrently performing some overt collateral activity. The amount of this activity apparently comes to serve as a discriminative stimulus. To assume the existence of internal events that serve as discriminative stimuli in temporal discriminations is, at least under some circumstances, unnecessary.
Memory testing by linear checks

In this paper we consider methods of error detection, location or correction in ROM or RAM by systems of orthogonal linear equality and inequality checks and by the Rademacher transform. Implementations and error detecting, locating, correcting capabilities of these techniques for ROM and RAM testing are also described.
Monte-Carlo modeling of monolithic CMOS sensors for X-ray and charged-particle imaging

A Monte Carlo model has been developed for epitaxial silicon active pixel sensor arrays. Ionization generation of 55 Fe X-rays and high energy electrons are modeled directly using random numbers that follow an exponential distribution and a Bichsel distribution, respectively. Both the simulation and measurement have identified a considerable bulk-silicon substrate contribution to collected ionization electrons, which is important in accurate modeling of sensor response to high energy electrons.
Expanding the repertoire of biofuel alternatives through metabolic pathway evolution

A multitude of concerns that include climate change, political instability, and depletion of petroleum resources has recently ignited renewed interest in fossil fuel alternatives (1). As a result, microbial systems have been extensively explored and successfully used for the biosynthesis of some biofuels, most notably ethanol (2, 3). Higher-chain alcohols, however, offer several advantages compared with ethanol, such as higher energy density and lower water solubility (4). Despite this, the biosynthesis of such alcohols remains a daunting task, with the possible exception of 1-butanol. A new paradigm is now emerging, however, as evidenced in a recent issue of PNAS by the work of Liao and coworkers at University of California, Los Angeles (5). Their work demonstrates the construction of nonnatural metabolism that allows the biosynthesis, for the first time, of an array of alcohols not readily produced by microorganisms. In the past, metabolic engineering efforts have exclusively focused on rewiring native metabolic pathways toward a metabolic pathway of interest (6). At the same time, protein engineering, in general, and directed evolution, in particular, …
Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Shiga toxin 2 and their application for toxin detection in milk

Abstract Human infection by Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is one of the most prevalent foodborne diseases. Shiga toxin type 2 (Stx2) is the major contributor to hemolytic–uremic syndrome (HUS) and other systemic complications caused by STEC. Although outbreaks of HUS due to the consumption of dairy products occur frequently, very few reports are available on assays for the detection of Stx2 in milk. In this study, we describe the development of five high-affinity monoclonal antibodies (dissociation constants below nM range) against Stx2 using a recombinant toxoid as an immunogen. These antibodies, designated Stx2-1, Stx2-2, Stx2-3, Stx2-4, and Stx2-5 are IgG1 or IgG2a heavy-chain subclass with kappa light-chains, did not cross-react with Stx1 and showed different preferences to variants of Stx2. Western blot analyses demonstrate that mAbs Stx2-2 and Stx2-5 bind both the A- and B-subunits, whereas the other 3 mAbs bind the A-subunit of Stx2a only. All antibodies bound stronger to the native than to the denatured Stx2a except the mAb Stx2-3, which bound equally well to both forms of the toxin. Of the five mAbs, Stx2-5 was capable of neutralizing Stx2a mediated cytotoxicity in Vero cells. Highly sensitive ELISA and immuno-PCR assays, capable of detecting 1 and 0.01 pg/mL of Stx2a in milk, were developed using mAb pair Stx2-1 and Stx2-2. Such assays are useful for routine diagnosis of Stx2 contamination in milk production process, thus reducing the risk of STEC outbreaks.
Britain and the euro

Britain's possible entry into the Eurozone has proved highly controversial, both on economic and political grounds. The British government has set up a series of tests to be satisfied before entry. Besides being vaguely defined, these tests are time dependent. This paper attempts to evaluate the case for British entry on more general Optimal Currency Area criteria, and argues that the failure of some of these criteria would provide a logical explanation of the British reluctance to join.
Imaging features of juxtacortical chondroma in children

Juxtacortical chondroma is a rare benign bone lesion in children. Children usually present with a mildly painful mass, which prompts diagnostic imaging studies. The rarity of this condition often presents a diagnostic challenge. Correct diagnosis is crucial in guiding surgical management. To describe the characteristic imaging findings of juxtacortical chondroma in children. We identified all children who were diagnosed with juxtacortical chondroma between 1998 and 2012. A single experienced pediatric radiologist reviewed all diagnostic imaging studies, including plain radiographs, CT, MR and bone scans. Seven children (5 boys and 2 girls) with juxtacortical chondroma were identified, ranging in age from 6 years to 16 years (mean 12.3 years). Mild pain and a palpable mass were present in all seven children. Plain radiographs were available in 6/7, MR in 7/7, CT in 4/7 and skeletal scintigraphy in 5/7 children. Three lesions were located in the proximal humerus, with one each in the distal radius, distal femur, proximal tibia and scapula. Radiographic and CT features deemed highly suggestive of juxtacortical chondroma included cortical scalloping, underlying cortical sclerosis and overhanging margins. MRI features consistent with juxtacortical chondroma included isointensity to skeletal muscle on T1, marked hyperintensity on T2 and peripheral rim enhancement after contrast agent administration. One of seven lesions demonstrated intramedullary extension, and 2/7 showed adjacent soft-tissue edema. Juxtacortical chondroma is an uncommon benign lesion in children with characteristic features on plain radiographs, CT and MR. Recognition of these features is invaluable in guiding appropriate surgical management.
Dr. Basil Bibby: Early Fluoride Investigator and Intellectual Provocateur

Dr. Basil Bibby assumed many roles during hisproductive career as a researcher, teacher, and administrator. Although best known for his research on oral microbiology and on foodstuff as it relates to dental caries, and for fostering the careers of many distinguished researchers, he played an important generative role in determining the local cariostatic effects of fluoride. His seminal work in this area has not received its due because of the mixed success of his initial clinical studies. We hope that a review of his contributions in this area will bring those contributions into focus and illustrate his open personality and multi-dimensional approach to research.
Measurement of the bit-error rate of an adaptive optics, free-space laser communications system, part 1: tip-tilt configuration, diagnostics, and closed-loop results

We describe an experiment where we made a direct measurement of the bit-error rate of a low-order adaptive optics laser communications system. The adaptive optics system consisted of a two-axis tip-tilt corrector. In the paper we describe the driver system for the tilt aberration generator, the tilt sensor, the control system for the corrector mirror, and the diagnostic electronics for measuring and recording the bit-error rate. Finally, we present results of a closed-loop experiment where we report bit-error rate improvement up to a factor of 42.
Managing knowledge for quality assurance: an empirical study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between knowledge management and the quality of new product and identify different hidden patterns in which knowledge acquisition and dissemination affect the quality of new product.Design/methodology/approach – Employs Additivity and Variance Stabilization (AVAS) analysis.Findings – The quality of new product is related to knowledge management significantly.Research limitations/implications – Implies that if organizations fail to understand the subtle ways by which different dimensions of knowledge acquisition and dissemination influence product quality, they may fail to harvest the full value of knowledge management in quality assurance.Originality/value – It is one of the first to assess the link between knowledge management and quality assurance.
Forecast assessment of topside spread F at Jicamarca

[1] The Jicamarca Unattended Long Term Investigations of the Ionosphere and Atmosphere (JULIA) radar operated from August 1996 through the present time, making a total of approximately 1500 nights of ionospheric irregularities associated with equatorial spread F (ESF) observations under different seasons, solar flux levels, and geomagnetic conditions. The climatology, persistence, and correlation with the phase of the Moon of premidnight and postmidnight irregularities are evaluated, and different forecasting tools are compared. During equinox, 1 day persistence information improves the forecast over climatology alone for most solar flux and geomagnetic activity conditions, with a significant improvement during periods at low solar flux. December solstice ESF observations show a high correlation with the lunar phase, with periods close to the full Moon presenting the highest probability of ESF occurrence. Using this information for geomagnetically quiet periods during December solstice, we further improve the forecast over the climatological model. For postmidnight and premidnight June solstice ESF, however, climatology still gives the best forecasting results.