cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Study of Communication Delays for Web Transactions

A major bottleneck in using the web for accessing data and executing transactions for e-commerce is the performance. It can take 500–1400 ms to set up the connection and download a web page. Several hundred milliseconds are taken to transmit a multimedia web image. A simple web transaction may have a response time of 2–5 s. The consistency control mechanisms can double this time. A typical electronic trading transaction may take close to 2 min. I assert that the performance is unacceptable and the main cause is the communication system. The communication delays under a variety of scenarios and their causes and remedies are the focus of this study. Mechanisms have been developed for studying the performance of the web transaction processing on the Internet. Experimental studies have been conducted to analyze and understand the behavior of web based transactions and to measure the communication delays. The developed mechanisms have been used to perform a series of experiments around the world. Experiments were conducted to measure the communication delays for different steps which includes web page downloading, access to digital library data and transaction processing. This paper presents the experimental results for a variety of cases. It concludes by suggesting directions for decreasing the communication latency and improving the performance of web transactions.
Direct measurements of internal conversion between excited electronic states of a molecule in the condensed phase

Abstract We report here the direct observation in an optical experiment of what is most likely a triplet state higher in energy than T 1 and the internal conversion of this excited state to T 1 . In a solution of 4-(1-naphthylmethyl)benzophenone in benzene we observe a two component transient absorption at 5300 A, utilizing the 2nd and 3rd harmonics from a mode-locked Nd 3+ /glass laser. The initial absorption persists with a lifetime of 10 ps accompanied by the development of a much weaker absorption which does not decay during the time of our experiment. These two absorptions are attributed respectively to transitions from a benzophenone-like excited triplet state and finally from the naphthalene-like lowest triplet state. A two channel mechanism of internal conversion for this molecule is discussed and comparisons with previous work are made.
Applications of statistics to motor testing

IN the performance testing of fractional-horsepower motors a great deal of variation in test results occurs because of: (1) variation between motors; (2) bias on the part of the testers; (3) inability to control all test conditions.
Granule Bound Starch Synthase I (GBSSI) Gene Effects Related to Soft Wheat Flour/Starch Characteristics and Properties

ABSTRACT Eight soft spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes representing the four granule bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) classes were evaluated with respect to flour/starch characteristics and pasting behaviors. Native starch was isolated from genotype straight-grade flours (94.8–98.1% of starch recovered) to approximate the starch populations of the parent flours. As anticipated, amylose characteristics varied among the genotypes according to GBSSI class and accounted for the primary compositional difference between genotypes. Total (TAM), apparent (AAM), and lipid-complexed (LAM) amylose contents ranged from 1.0–25.5 g, 0.7–20.4 g, and 0.3–5.6 g/100 g of native starch, respectively, and gradually decreased with the progressive loss of active Wx alleles. In addition, genotype flour total starch (FTS) and A-type starch granule contents, which ranged from 81.7–87.6 g/100 g of flour (db) and 61.6–76.8 g/100 g of native starch (db), respectively, generally decreased with an increase in waxy character ...
Safe groups and anomaly cancellation in even dimensions

Abstract The safe groups for any even dimension are classified and anomaly cancellation in unsafe groups is discussed along with a few examples.
Quantum control in quantum wells

We present calculations of quantum control of wave packet motion and THz emission in an asymmetric double-quantum-well structure. A genetic algorithm is used to search for the laser pulse that best drives an electronic wave packet to a desired target, or goal. The targets considered in this work include maximizing the overlap of an electronic wave packet with a given distribution at a specific time, and maximizing the induced THz emission from the quantum well. We also show that, assuming a fixed laser pulse, the parameters of the quantum well can be optimized to produce a desired outcome. Our results indicate that simple laser pulses are sufficient to exert control over the dynamics of charged carriers in engineered semiconductor heterostructures.
THE LONG-RUN IMPLICATIONS OF THE PRODUCTION SMOOTHING MODEL OF INVENTORIES: AN EMPIRICAL TEST

SUMMARY This paper provides an empirical test of the long-run implications of the production smoothing model of inventories, the dominant framework for inventory investment research in the past. Intertemporal models of a firm holding inventories of finished goods predict a long-run relationship between inventories, shipments, factor input prices, and the real interest rate which is tested here using cointegration test procedures. These tests provide little support for the predictions of the production smoothing model. In most of the data sets used, test statistics indicate that inventories, shipments, factor input prices, the nominal interest rate, and the inflation rate maintain a long-run equilibrium relationship but parameter estimates of cointegrating vectors are often implausible, typically rejecting hypotheses implied by structural models of the production smoothing motive for holding inventories.
Evaluation of the effects of dopexamine, a novel DA1 receptor and β2-adrenoceptor agonist, on cardiac function and splanchnic circulation in a canine model of hemorrhagic shock

In the present studies, the efficacy of dopexamine hydrochloride, a novel DA1-receptor and β2-adrenoceptor agonist in preventing deterioration of cardiovascular function in a canine model of hemorrhagic shock was investigated. Pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs were allowed to bleed into a height-regulated reservoir and the hypotensive state (about 40 mmHg) was maintained for a period of 150 min. Subsequently, blood was reinfused and recoveries in various hemodynamic variables were monitored for an additional period of 120 min. Either aqueous solvent or dopexamine HCl was randomly selected for i. v. infusion beginning 30 min before reinfusion of the blood and until the termination of the experiment.
The effect of photoperiod on the daily fluctuation of haemolymph hydrocarbons in the American cockroach.

Abstract By use of a gas chromatographic analysis we have found that the relative amounts of the principal hydrocarbons in the haemolymph of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana L., fluctuate in a circadian manner and if the insects are exposed to constant light the magnitude of this fluctuation is depressed. The circadian fluctuation is greater in males than in females. In both sexes, the relative amounts of heptacosadiene and pentacosane undergo the greatest change.
Microfluidic device for studying tumor cell extravasation in cancer metastasis

Metastasis is the process by which cancer spreads to form secondary tumors at downstream locations throughout the body. This uncontrolled spreading is the leading cause of death in patients with epithelial cancers and is the main reason that suppressing and targeting cancer has proven to be so challenging. Tumor cell extravasation is one of the key steps in cancer's progression towards a metastatic state. This occurs when circulating tumor cells found within the blood stream are able to transmigrate through the endothelium lining and basement membrane of the vasculature to form metastatic tumors at secondary sites within the body. Predicting the likelihood of this occurrence in patients, or being able to determine specific markers involved in this process could lead to preventative measures targeting these types of cancer; moreover, this may lead to the discovery of novel anti-metastatic drugs. We have developed a microfluidic device that has shown the extravasation of fluorescently labeled tumor cells across an endothelial cell lined membrane coated with matrigel followed by the formation of colonies. This device provides the advantages of combining a controlled environment, mimicking that found within the body, with real-time monitoring capabilities allowing for the study of these biomarkers and cellular interactions along with other potential mechanisms involved in the process of extravasation.
Lipids of Arctic zooplankton.

Abstract 1. 1. Arctic zooplankton were characterized by large amounts of depot lipids, either triglycerides or wax esters. 2. 2. The copepods ( Calanus hyperboreus, Calanus glacialis, Metridia longa, Paraeuchaeta barbata and Paraeuchaeta glacialis ) had a very high content of storage lipid (37–54 per cent of the dry weight) which was primarily wax esters. The main reserve fuel of the amphipods, Gammarus wilkitzkii, Apherus glacialis, Hyperia galba and Parathemisto abyssorum , was triglycerides (12–56 per cent of the lipid) with wax esters a minor component (4–8 per cent of the lipid). The amphipods, Pseudalibrotus nanseni and Cylocaris guilelmi , and the chaetognath, Eukrohnia hamata , stored wax esters (12–54 per cent of the lipid). 3. 3. The 20:1 and 22:1 fatty acids and alcohols were important components of the neutral lipids of both amphipods and copepods.
Adrenergic and cholinergic blockade of cardiovascular responses to subcortical electrical stimulation in unanesthetized rabbits

Abstract Unanesthetized rabbits received high frequency, short pulse-train duration electrical stimulation of septal region and hypothalamic locations at current intensities producing blood pressure (BP) increases accompanied by heart rate (HR) decreases. Dose-response and time-response effects were obtained for the HR and BP changes following stimulation under alpha-adrenergic (phentolamine), beta-adrenergic (propranolol) and cholinergic (atropine methylnitrate, atropine sulfate) blocking agents. By examining the relationship of BP and HR changes during stimulation under graded doses of the blocking agents, the HR decreases were shown to be mainly reflex responses to sympathetically-induced BP increases.
Energy Efficient and Eco-friendly Intensively Quenched Limited Hardenability Low Alloy Steels

Low and limited hardenability (LH) steels are plain carbon steels characterized by a low content of alloying elements (Cr, Ni, Mo, W, V, etc.). The use of LH steels with an intensive quenching method allows full elimination of the carburization process for a variety of steel parts, such as, gear and bearing products, tools, low-wear parts for different applications. This is based on the steel super strengthening phenomenon and creation of high residual compressive stresses at the surface of intensively quenched steel parts. Both of these factors allow replacing expensive alloy steels with plain carbon steels. The unique characteristic of limited hardenability steels is that these alloys only harden to a shallow depth when heated and quenched. The main idea of this paper involves the creation of the optimal depth of a hardened shell which provides optimal stress distribution in quenched steel parts. Since the LH steel core does not harden significantly, a relatively high ductility of the core is maintained. The grain sizes of LH steels are greater than ASTM 8. Several patents on LH steels have been issued in Europe. A number of technical papers utilizing LH steels for gears and bearing products have been published in the Ukraine and Russia. Elimination of carburizing saves energy and prevents the emissions of thousands of tons of CO2 gases. Furthermore, the high level of compressive surface residual stresses and the steel super strengthening phenomenon eliminates the need for secondary shot peening or surface induction operations. Also, carburized alloy steels can be successfully replaced by LH steels to increase service life and decrease materials cost.
Premature Rupture of Membranes

1. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is defined as rupture prior to the onset of labor. 2. Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is defined as PROM occurring prior to 37 weeks’ gestation. 3. Rupture of membranes is followed by onset of labor within 24 h in 90 % of term patients and 50 % of preterm patients. 4. PROM is associated with an increased risk of ascending infection. This risk increases with duration of rupture.
Inside “the system”: engineers, scientists, and the boundaries of social protest in the long 1960s

By the end of the 1960s, many engineers and scientists in the US questioned the social and political dimensions of science and technology. This introspection came as critics assailed science and technology as elements of the militaristic, alienating structure of modern society. Engineers and scientists repudiated, appropriated, or sometimes even acted in concert with these critics. Also relevant, however, in engineers' and scientists' evaluations of their role in society were the emergence of “engineering science,” pre‐existing political ideologies, and simply making a living in a volatile economy. This paper presents dissention from three vantages within the technical community: design engineer Steve Slaby at Princeton University, the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the activist organization Science for the People, located in chapters across the country. These cases differ in the actors' level of political consciousness, their involvement in military research,...
Energy loss of α particles in gaseous C-H and C-H-F compounds

The stopping powers of six gaseous compounds ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{3}$${\mathrm{H}}_{8}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{4}$${\mathrm{H}}_{6}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{4}$${\mathrm{H}}_{10}$, and ${\mathrm{C}}_{3}$${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$ (allene) for $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles of energies 0.3 to 2.0 MeV have been measured in a differentially-pumped gas-cell system with probable random errors ranging from 0.7% to 1.3%. An ambiguity in the interpretation of previous stopping-power measurements in hydrocarbon and halogen-carbon compounds has been resolved, and it is shown that all the previous data, as well as the present data involving straight-chain single-bond compounds, can be fitted by an atomic stopping power for carbon identical to the vapor-deposited solid-carbon stopping power. A rule has been obtained to predict the molecular stopping power of aliphatic saturated hydrocarbons. It is found that due consideration must be given to molecular structure when predicting molecular stopping powers from atomic stopping powers for double-bonded compounds.
Conformational stability, barriers to internal rotation, ab initio calculations and vibrational assignment of propionyl fluoride

The Raman (3100–10 cm−1) and infrared spectra (3100–30 cm−1) of propionyl fluoride in the gas and solid phases were recorded. Additionally, the Raman spectrum of the liquid and the qualitative depolarization ratios were also obtained. From these data a complete vibrational assignment is proposed for an s-trans/gauche equilibrium in the gas and liquid phases, with the s-trans conformer (the CH3 moiety is s-trans to the fluorine atom) being the most stable form in both of these physical states and the only form present in the solid phase. A new potential function has been calculated from the data previously obtained from the far-infrared spectrum of the gas. The determined potential coefficients are V1 = 328 ± 6, V2 = 239 ± 8, V3 = 417 ± 3, V4 = 30 ± 3 and V6 = −4 ± 2 cm−1, and values of 720 ± 8 (2.06 ± 0.02 kcal mol−1) and 297 ± 9 cm−1 (0.85 ± 0.02 kcal mol−1), respectively, were obtained for the s-trans to gauche and gauche to gauche barriers to internal rotation of the CFO moiety. Additionally, the s-trans conformer was determined to be 448 ± 17 cm−1 (1.28 ± 0.05 kcal mol−1) more stable than the gauche conformer. From the study of the Raman spectrum obtaind for the liquid at different temperatures, a value of 267 ± 12 cm−1 (0.76 ± 0.03 kcal mol−1) was determined for ΔH between the two conformers. The structural parameters, conformational stabilities, barriers to internal rotation and fundamental vibrational frequencies which were determined experimentally are compared with those obtained from ab initio Hartree-Fock gradient calculations employing both the RHF/3-21G and RHF/6–31G* basis sets, and with the corresponding quantities obtained for some similar molecules.
Endoscopic ultrasonography: a preliminary report

In order to define normal endoscopic ultrasonographic anatomy with particular emphasis on the pancreas, we studied 25 patients using a prototype ultrasound fiberoptic endoscope (model GF-UM1) and endoscopic ultrasound observation unit (model EU-M1) developed by the Olympus Corporation. We obtained a number of good quality scans of various retroperitoneal structures, and in several cases pancreatic texture and even the pancreatic duct could be appreciated. Differentiation of mucosal from intramural diseases of the hollow gut and from diseases of the retroperitoneal organs can be made by means of endoscopic ultrasonography.
Semaphorin 7A promotes axon outgrowth through integrins and MAPKs

Striking parallels exist between immune and nervous system cellular signalling mechanisms. Molecules originally shown to be critical for immune responses also serve neuronal functions, and similarly neural guidance cues can modulate immune function. We show here that semaphorin 7A (Sema7A), a membrane-anchored member of the semaphorin family of guidance proteins previously known for its immunomodulatory effects, can also mediate neuronal functions. Unlike many other semaphorins, which act as repulsive guidance cues, Sema7A enhances central and peripheral axon growth and is required for proper axon tract formation during embryonic development. Unexpectedly, Sema7A enhancement of axon outgrowth requires integrin receptors and activation of MAPK signalling pathways. These findings define a previously unknown biological function for semaphorins, identify an unexpected role for integrins and integrin-dependent intracellular signalling in mediating semaphorin responses, and provide a framework for understanding and interfering with Sema7A function in both immune and nervous systems.
Current status of coronary artery surgery.

After a decade of experience with direct coronary artery surgery, certain conclusions have been made regarding its benefits and indications. Conclusion one is that the operation is highly successful in eliminating or alleviating angina; two, it improves exercise tolerance, and three, it prolongs life in patients with significant left main coronary artery disease.
Sharp Bounds for Vertical Decompositions of Linear Arrangements in Four Dimensions

We prove tight and near-tight combinatorial complexity bounds for vertical decompositions of arrangements of hyperplanes and 3-simplices in four dimensions. In particular, we prove a tight upper bound of Θ(n4) for the vertical decomposition of an arrangement of n hyperplanes in four dimensions, improving the best previously known bound [8] by a logarithmic factor. We also show that the complexity of the vertical decomposition of an arrangement of n 3-simplices in four dimensions is O(n4 α (n) log2 n), where α (n) is the inverse Ackermann function, improving the best previously known bound [2] by a near-linear factor.
NIST high-dose calibration services

Abstract There is a need for the standardization of high-dose measurements used in the radiation-processing industry in order to provide assured traceability to national standards. NIST provides dosimetry calibration services to this industry. One of these services involves administration of known absorbed doses of gamma rays to customer-supplied dosimeters. The dosimeters are packaged to provide electron equilibrium conditions and are irradiated in a standard 60 Co calibration facility; this provides a calibration of that batch of dosimeters. Another service consists of supplying to a customer calibrated transfer dosimeters for irradiation with the customer's radiation source. The irradiated transfer dosimeters are then returned to NIST for analysis; the results are reported to the customer, providing a calibration of the dose rate of the customer's source.
3-Aminobenzamide does not affect radiation-induced inhibition of DNA synthesis in human cells.

Summary 3-Aminobenzamide (3AB), a potent inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis, does not affect the dose response for ionizing radiation-induced inhibition of DNA synthesis in human fibroblasts. If the radioresistant DNA synthesis observed in fibroblasts from patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) were due to reduced poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis after irradiation, as has been proposed, the response in normal cells incubated with 3AB would have been similar to that observed in A-T cells. Therefore, altered poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis in A-T cells is not solely responsible for their radioresistant DNA synthesis.
Perceptions of Simulated Stuttering and Fluency

This study explored multiple effects of listener perceptions of different levels of simulated stuttering and fluency. A single stuttered speech sample was modified to create four additional samples of stuttering and fluency. A sixth sample of a nonstuttered signal served as a comparative baseline. Each of 60 independent listeners made quantitative and qualitative perceptual judgments upon hearingonly one of the six randomly assigned samples. Results showed a broad spectrum of qualitative and quantitative listener perceptions of the various levels of stuttering and fluency studied. Likert scale data revealed that listeners gave lower ratings to samples with increased levels of stuttering. Listener commentaries revealed fewer positive comments with increased levels of stuttering and distinctivepreferences between two 0% samples of stuttering where only prosodic features were modified. Additionally, specific perceptions of speaker competency, perceived ease in reading a passage, general comfort listening, an...
Gene control of soluble protein levels during development of Abnormal abdomen in Drosophila

Abstract The mutant genotype Abnormal abdomen ( A 53 g ) of Drosophila melanogaster causes an increase in the amount of soluble protein per fly when compared to a wild-type strain ( Ore-R ). This increase is first detected at 50 hr after puparium formation and is preceded 2 hr earlier by an increase in total RNA. A direct correlation is found between the expressivity of the A 53 g mutation in the adult fly and the total soluble protein per mg body weight of that fly. Quantitative analyses of supernatant protein from mutant and wild-type flies on polyacrylamide disk gel electrophoresis reveal that the increases observed in the mutant are due to increases in specific electrophoretic classes of proteins and not to a general stimulation of all proteins. Reciprocal crosses between mutant and wild-type flies indicate that the penetrance and expressivity of the A 53 g phenotype is under maternal control and that an increased soluble protein content in F1 flies is found only when the mutant genotype is contributed to the F1 through the maternal gamete.
Cochlear implants: Technical and clinical implications†

Recent investigations using animal models and human subjects have helped to define the limits which are achievable in terms of information transfer with single-channel electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. These studies are reviewed, and presented as a context for a description of the development of an implantable multiple-electrode multiplexing system which may provide control for several stimulus channels. While such a device may enable the stimulation of small segments of the auditory nerve independently, it does not contain any means of complex stimulus analysis and recording. This latter aspect of prosthesis development remains as the most formidable problem, from a technical viewpoint, that stands in the way of any significant progress.
SEX BIAS IN JOB EVALUATION PROCEDURES

Issues pertaining to possible sex bias in job evaluation procedures are outlined and relevant research pertaining to these issues reviewed. Attention is given to possible sex bias in job analysis procedures, choice and weighting of factors, reliability and validity issues, and other concerns. Future research needs are discussed, with particular attention being paid to the reliability and validity aspects of job evaluation instruments.
Liberal International Theory and Imagining the End of the Cold War

Liberal international theory foresaw neither the end of the east–west rivalry nor the fall of the Soviet Union. However, from the 1960s up through the 1980s, several liberal international theorists put forward insightful analyses of the evolution of the cold war, its changing importance in world affairs and the problems that increasingly confronted the Soviet Union. Well before the fall of the Berlin Wall, several liberal international writers sensed that the cold war was abating, that this abatement was important for world politics and that the Soviet Union was having serious problems in maintaining its status as a superpower with an Eastern European empire.
Ophthalmic manifestations of sickle cell disease: update of the latest findings.

Purpose of reviewRecent developments in the diagnosis and management of sickle cell ocular manifestations are reviewed to enable the clinician to better manage the ophthalmic care of these patients.Recent findingsResearch over the past year has focused upon systemic and ocular clues to the presence
Influence of Lansing Virus Infection on Phosphorus Metabolism of Monkey Brain Tissue.

SummaryCoincident with the development of viral growth and earliest pathology in the brain stem of Lansing poliomyelitis virus inoculated monkeys, there appears to be a marked increase in the metabolic activity of these tissues as regards the phosphate ion. This increase in metabolic activity of the affected brain stem tissues and spinal cord continues to increase during and throughout the period when clinical evidence of weakness, paralysis, and neurologic signs of clinical poliomyelitis exist.
Adsorbed Gels versus Brushes: Viscoelastic Differences

It is of fundamental importance to be able to easily distinguish between the viscoelastic properties of a molecular gel (noncovalent cross-linked three-dimensional polymer structure) and a brush (polymer structure that emanates from a surface in three dimensions without cross-linking). This has relevance in biology and in designing surfaces with desired chemical and viscoelastic properties for nano and genomic technology applications. Agarose and thiol-tagged poly(ethylene glycol) were chosen as model systems, as they are known, on adsorption, to behave like a molecular gel and brush, respectively. Here, we focus on their viscoelastic differences using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Changes in resonance frequency and dissipation for three overtones using QCM-D were fitted with the Voigt viscoelastic model to calculate the shear viscosity and shear modulus for the adsorbed agarose gel and the PEG brush. At a surface coverage of 500 ng/cm2, the shear viscosities and shear...
Correlates of Reported Complaints by Volunteers in an Ombudsman Program in Nursing Facilities

ABSTRACT This research investigated predictors of reported complaints by volunteers in an ombudsman program in nursing facilities using questionnaire data from 633 volunteers and 1,886 records. Age, role orientation of volunteers, profit-nonprofit status of facilities, informal ties with facility staff, and volunteers' views of their work experiences were examined in relation to the number of complaints. A unique feature of the research was linking characteristics of volunteers and perceptions of their experiences with an objective indicator of their actual practices. Tests of three hypotheses indicated that identification with advocacy, negative perceptions of work experiences, and fewer informal relationships with nursing facility staff increased reported complaints. Implications for practice are noted.
High-throughput optical coherence tomography at 800 nm

We report high-throughput optical coherence tomography (OCT) that offers 1,000 times higher axial scan rate than conventional OCT in the 800 nm spectral range. This is made possible by employing photonic time-stretch for chirping a pulse train and transforming it into a passive swept source. We demonstrate a record high axial scan rate of 90.9 MHz. To show the utility of our method, we also demonstrate real-time observation of laser ablation dynamics. Our high-throughput OCT is expected to be useful for industrial applications where the speed of conventional OCT falls short.
Public disclosure of Medicare payments to individual physicians.

Public disclosure of individual physician payment data has been advocated as a powerful tool to control health care costs and to improve the delivery of care—and criticized as invading clinicians’ privacy. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that it would modify its long-standing policy to routinely deny requests for the disclosure of the amounts that had been paid to individual physicians under the Medicare program.1 Instead, as of March 18, 2014, CMS, as a result of a recent court decision and the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, “will make case-by-case determinations” that “weigh the balance between the privacy interest of individual physicians and the public interest in disclosure of such information.” The identities of patients will not be revealed.2
Prognostication Based on Resistance-Spectroscopy and Phase-Sensitive Detection for Electronics Subjected to Shock-Impact

Leading indicators of failure have been developed based on high-frequency characteristics, and system-transfer function derived from resistance spectroscopy measurements during shock and vibration. The technique is intended for condition-monitoring in high-reliability applications where the knowledge of impending failure is critical and the risks in terms of loss-of-functionality are too high to bear. Previously, resistance spectroscopy measurements have been used during thermal cycling tests to monitor damage progression due to thermomechanical stresses. The development of resistance spectroscopy based damage precursors for prognostication under shock and vibration is new. In this paper, the high-frequency characteristics and system-transfer function based on resistance spectroscopy measurements have been correlated to the damage progression in electronics during shock and vibration. Packages being examined include ceramic area-array packages. Second level interconnect technologies examined include copper-reinforced solder column, SAC305 solder ball, and 90Pb10Sn high-lead solder ball. Assemblies have been subjected to 1500 g, 0.5 ms pulse (JESD-B2111). Continuity has been monitored in situ during the shock test for identification of part-failure. Resistance spectroscopy based damage precursors have been correlated to the optically measured transient strain based feature vectors. High speed cameras have been used to capture the transient strain histories during shock-impact. Statistical pattern recognition techniques have been used to identify damage initiation and progression and determine the statistical significance in variance between healthy and damaged assemblies. Models for healthy and damaged packages have been developed based on package characteristics. Data presented show that high-frequency characteristics and system-transfer characteristics based on resistance spectroscopy measurements can be used for condition-monitoring, damage initiation, and progression in electronic systems. A positive prognostic distance has been demonstrated for each of the interconnect technologies tested.
Association of the green stink bug and the yeast-spot disease organism of Soybeans. II. Frequency of transmission to Soybeans, transmission from insect to insect, isolation from field population.

Eighteen Acrostenum hilare (Say) adults were infested in the laboratory with Nematospora coryli Peglion, the yeast-spot disease organism of soybeans, and transmitted N. coryli to soybeans in 60% of their feedings. Six insects transmitted in more than 70% of their feedings; one, 79%. Noninfested green stink bug adults became infested with N. coryli in the field by feeding on berries of dogwood, cornus drummondi Meyer, and soybeans previously fed on by laboratory-infested green stink bugs. Of adult A. hilare field collected during the summer of 1968 in Kansas, 23% were infested with N. coryli .
Development of long-wave microwave satellite systems for measuring soil moisture

The science need for remotely sensed soil moisture has been well established in the hydrologic, climate change and weather forecasting communities. There also have been a number of programs that have demonstrated the feasibility of using long wave microwave sensors for estimating soil moisture. These have ranged from truck mounted sensors, to intensive airborne campaigns with science objectives. Based on this history of truck and aircraft experiments, the science community has settled on a soil moisture product that meets the following criteria: a two day global repeat, a measured layer of 5 cm of soil, a footprint of 20 to 30 km, and an absolute accuracy of plus or minus 4% volumetric soil moisture. The principal sensor to accomplish this is an L-band passive microwave radiometer. A soil moisture mission is being proposed for the NASA Earth Systems Science Pathfinder (ESSP) mission which has very real constraints of a limited budget which includes the launch vehicle, and a three year award to launch time schedule. Within the past few years there have been a number of mission concepts proposed that meet the challenge of getting a very large antenna in space in order to realize a spatial resolution on the ground that meets the science and applications needs. This paper describes some of the alternative concepts considered to meet these unusual requirements and the ways to solve the very large antenna challenge, and the criteria used to choose the final design for an ESSP proposal. The paper also discusses the alternatives considered to obtain the necessary ancillary data for characterizing the surface roughness, the surface temperature and the attenuation affects of vegetation.
Genetic analysis of the SARS-coronavirus spike glycoprotein functional domains involved in cell-surface expression and cell-to-cell fusion

The SARS-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is the etiological agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The SARS-CoV spike (S) glycoprotein mediates membrane fusion events during virus entry and virus-induced cell-to-cell fusion. To delineate functional domains of the SARS-CoV S glycoprotein, single point mutations, cluster-to-lysine and cluster-to-alanine mutations, as well as carboxyl-terminal truncations were investigated in transient expression experiments. Mutagenesis of either the coiled-coil domain of the S glycoprotein amino terminal heptad repeat, the predicted fusion peptide, or an adjacent but distinct region, severely compromised S-mediated cell-to-cell fusion, while intracellular transport and cell-surface expression were not adversely affected. Surprisingly, a carboxyl-terminal truncation of 17 amino acids substantially increased S glycoprotein-mediated cell-to-cell fusion suggesting that the terminal 17 amino acids regulated the S fusogenic properties. In contrast, truncation of 26 or 39 amino acids eliminating either one or both of the two endodomain cysteine-rich motifs, respectively, inhibited cell fusion in comparison to the wild-type S. The 17 and 26 amino-acid deletions did not adversely affect S cell-surface expression, while the 39 amino-acid truncation inhibited S cell-surface expression suggesting that the membrane proximal cysteine-rich motif plays an essential role in S cell-surface expression. Mutagenesis of the acidic amino-acid cluster in the carboxyl terminus of the S glycoprotein as well as modification of a predicted phosphorylation site within the acidic cluster revealed that this amino-acid motif may play a functional role in the retention of S at cell surfaces. This genetic analysis reveals that the SARS-CoV S glycoprotein contains extracellular domains that regulate cell fusion as well as distinct endodomains that function in intracellular transport, cell-surface expression, and cell fusion.
Climate and business

Most of the persons in this audience are familiar with the fact that the United States Weather Bureau has made a number of climatological studies related to agricultural pursuits and that these investigations have had considerable practical value. Also, smaller organizations and some individuals here and there have engaged in climatological research on their own and these, too, yielded benefits to those engaged in agriculture. Then, too, there are those who have suggested correlations between climate and human endeavors other than agriculture. We readily recall WARD'S first edition of Climate [see 1 of “References” at end of paper], published 36 years ago, which aroused a lively interest in many quarters concerning man's reaction to climate. Witness the philosophy advanced by ELLSWORTH HUNTINGTON in his volume Civilization and climate [2] and in his other books and shorter papers. Climate makes the man [3] by CLARENCE MILLS records the physiological reactions of people to their climatic environment and offers some intriguing ideas involving the practical application of the author's observations. These are but a few of a long list of books and papers which might be cited as an expression of the desires of men to unearth specific relations between man's economy and the atmosphere which envelops him. It is not my purpose to trace this historical record in detail. However, as a basis for the suggestion which I shall offer later, I review a few individual investigations.
Orientation of the semicircular canals in rat.

Abstract The orientation of the rat semicircular canals was determined using one of two techniques. Null point analysis was used to define physiologically the planar equations of the anterior (n = 15) and posterior canals (n = 15); equations for the horizontal canal (n = 19) were determined using an anatomical dissection technique. Canal orientation was defined with respect to stereotaxic coordinate system and, for comparison, relative to head position during freeze (startle) behavior. Results show that ipsilateral canal planes are orthogonal within 4–8°, and pairs of right-left synergistic pairs are essentially co-planar. The horizontal canals are inclined upwards 35° with respect to the horizontal plane, but a head position of 43° nose-down was determined to produce near optimal horizontal canal and minimal vertical canal activation with horizontal rotation. Finally, a loud or unexpected auditory stimulus initiates a freeze (startle) response in rat characterized by an transient followed by a sustained head position lasting several seconds. Transients are complete within 300–400 ms. Thereafter, the head becomes momentarily stabilized in the startle position which averaged14 ± 8° (nose-down respect to horizontal stereotaxic zero) across the population (n = 14). The response habituated only slightly, but the final position was sufficiently variable so as to limit the usefulness of the freeze (startle) position as a reference of semicircular canal position in the rat.
Thermodynamics of Al-substitution in Fe-oxyhydroxides

Abstract Ab initio simulation results are presented for dilute Al-substitution in the common Fe-(oxyhydr)oxide materials hematite, goethite, lepidocrocite and ferrihydrite. Experimental evidence from the literature suggests that Al-substitution in these materials may influence particle stability and phase transformation behavior, typically stabilizing the oxyhydroxide phases relative to the oxide, hematite. We find that all the alloyed phases studied are unstable with respect to phase separation into their unalloyed Fe/Al-(oxyhydr)oxide end members. Among the phases studied, ferrihydrite is predicted to allow Al-substitution with the lowest energy cost, while hematite appears to have the strongest tendency for phase separation. Considering the effect on thermodynamic stability relative to the stable Fe-oxide hematite, the three Fe-oxyhydroxide materials (goethite, lepidocrocite, ferrihydrite) are shown to be stabilized relative to doped Al-hematite as Al content is increased. Interactions between Al dopant atoms on neighboring Fe sites are simulated and are shown to have minimal influence on Fe–Al alloying thermodynamics in each of the materials simulated within the range of Al-dopant concentrations calculated. Simulations of Al-substitutions at the goethite (1 0 1) surface indicate that surface segregation of Al dopants is energetically favored for low Al concentrations, however this tendency diminishes when Al dopants form a full monolayer at the mineral surface.
Cytokine production by stimulated mononuclear cells did not change with aging in apparently healthy, well-nourished women

Aging is often associated with a dysregulation of the immune system. We examined mitogen-stimulated production of interleukin (IL)-2 and proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-6, in apparently healthy and generally well-nourished old versus young women. Subjects were screened for health using the SENIEUR protocol and a panel of laboratory tests for inflammation, as well as for the adequacy of nutritional status using criteria related to undernutrition, and protein, iron, vitamin B 12 , and folate status. Young (n = 26, age: 20-40 years) and old (n = 44, age: 62-88 years) cohorts did not differ on the number of circulating monocytes, granulocytes, B (CD19 +) cells, and T (CD3 +, CD4 +, and CD8 +) cells. No differences (P > 0.10) were seen between the two age groups in IL-2, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in whole blood cultures at 48 h after stimulation with PHA (5 mg/l). Furthermore, no age-related differences were noted in the absolute amounts (pg) of IL-1β and IL-6 after normalizing for circulating monocytes, B cells, or T cells (P > 0.10). Similarly, no age-related decline in absolute amount of IL-2 (pg) after normalizing for circulating T cells was noted (P > 0.10). Thus, contrary to most previous reports, our results do not support an increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, and a reduced production of IL-2 with aging when health and nutritional status are maintained. These findings support our previous results of no change in monocyte function and few alterations in acquired immune response in a carefully selected group of healthy and well-nourished elderly women.
Pericardial Mesoderm Generates a Population of Coronary Smooth Muscle Cells Migrating into the Heart along with Ingrowth of the Epicardial Organ

The vascular smooth muscle cells of coronary arteries are distinguished from those of the proximal aorta by a number of structural and functional criteria which may include an increased propensity for atherosclerotic transformation. At present, the source of this variation between smooth muscle subpopulations is uncertain. Whilst smooth muscle of the proximal aorta is thought to be derived from neural crest, the origin of coronary vascular smooth muscle remains uncharacterized. We have previously shown that precursors of the coronary vasculature enter the tubular heart on the same day as the epicardial mantle starts to envelop the myocardium and that coronary vessels form by ingrowth of these migratory precursors and not by outgrowth from the aorta (Mikawa and Fischman, 1992). To study the origin of coronary smooth muscle cells, the proepicardial organ, from which epicardial cells arise, was tagged with either a vital dye (DiI) or replication-defective retroviruses encoding beta-galactosidase. Cellular lineage marking was achieved by either direct targeting of putative vasculogenic cells in the proepicardium in ovo or tagging dissected proepicardial cells in vitro followed by transplantation to stage-matched host embryos. Monitoring of tagged cells during coronary vasculogenesis indicate incorporation of proepicardial-derived cells into three vessel-associated populations; coronary smooth muscle, perivascular connective tissue, and endothelial cells. Immunoconfocal microscopy identified both endothelial and smooth muscle cell populations within the proepicardial organ. The results demonstrate that: (1) the proepicardium contains a progenitor population of coronary smooth muscle cells that migrates into the heart along with ingrowth of the epicardium and (2) prior to the migration, the coronary smooth muscle lineage is established.
Treatment of Patients with Hypertension and Arthritis Pain: New Concepts

Arthritis pain often occurs concurrently with hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors. Treating patients with hypertension who have arthritis and other painful conditions can be a challenge because of potential risks associated with the agents commonly used to treat pain and inflammation. Hypertension is associated with endothelial dysfunction and decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). Naproxcinod, an investigational drug, is the first in a new class of agents called cyclooxygenase-inhibiting NO donators. They differ from traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in their ability to donate NO, a signaling molecule known to have potentially beneficial effects on the vasculature and the gastrointestinal tract. Naproxcinod, by donating NO, offers a therapeutic option that might mitigate the negative blood pressure effects and adverse gastrointestinal effects associated with traditional arthritis therapies. This article reviews some preliminary preclinical and clinical studies of key safety data of an investigational new NO-donating anti-inflammatory agent.
Phosphate/calcium alterations in the first stages of Alzheimer's disease: implications for etiology and pathogenesis.

The present study tested aspects of a novel etiological/pathogenetic hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which proposes that alterations in endocrine regulation of peripheral calcium/phosphate (Ca/PO4) homeostasis (e.g., by glucocorticoids, vitamin D, etc.) induce and/or reflect altered calcium homeostasis and neurotoxicity in brain neurons. Two key predictions of this hypothesis were tested, namely that: (1) alterations in serum Ca and/or PO4 regulation should be present before or near the onset of AD and (2) these alterations should be found consistently in subjects with unconfounded AD. Previous studies have sought evidence of changes in Ca regulation primarily late in the disease, and usually in severely demented, thin and immobile inpatients in whom Ca/PO4 measures are likely to be confounded. In the present study, only mobile, relatively healthy, adequately nourished outpatients with probable AD were selected. In comparison to age-matched controls or demented subjects with even mild indications of vascular contributions, the AD subjects were characterized by lower serum PO4 and, to a lesser degree, lower serum Ca as well as a higher chloride/PO4 ratio. On serum chemistry tests from the first stages of AD (within 1 or 3 years after the onset of cognitive symptoms), these changes in serum PO4/Ca were as pronounced as they were later in the disease. Moderately low values of either PO4, Ca, or both (below -1.0 S.D. from the control group mean) identified 74% of all AD subjects and 100% of early onset AD subjects, in comparison to only 46% of mixed/vascular dementia subjects and 31% of normal age-matched controls. Thus, the results were consistent with the predictions and may have significant etiological/pathogenetic implications. If larger tests confirm these frequencies, serum Ca/PO4 indices may also prove useful in differential diagnosis.