cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electronic data interchange: issues in adoption and management

Electronic Data Interchange EDI has come to revolutionize in recent years the way in which businesses conduct their trading activities. Based on the establishment of trading partner relationships, EDI systems have come to signify a speedy, efficient, and accurate means of electronically exchanging business transactions. Even as there is growing popularity and potential underlying EDI, there appears to be insufficient insight into the adoption and management of EDI systems. Specifically, there is a need to know more about why EDI is or is not adopted, how EDI has worked for past adopters, what aspects may need further development in order to enhance its value to users, and the nature of organizational experiences with EDI in general. With these factors in mind, this study reports on the results of an empirical study of EDI users. Findings indicated that organizations experience several benefits from EDI. These benefits tended to vary based on factors such as length of EDI use, proportion of customers using EDI, total EDIrelated investment, and number of employees. Findings also indicated that the overall fulfillment of EDI expectations was influenced by incorporation of management reporting and the integration of EDI technology into the information systems function of the organization. The presence of formalized cost-benefit assessment procedures and planned expansion were also associated with greater fulfillment of EDI expectations. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the management of this valuable, strategic IT resource: EDI.
Robust biometric image watermarking for fingerprint and face template protection

This paper presents a combined DWT and LSB based biometric watermarking algorithm that securely embeds a face template in a fingerprint image. The proposed algorithm is robust to geometric and frequency attacks and protects the integrity of both the face template and the fingerprint image. Experimental results performed on a database of 750 face and 750 fingerprint images show that the algorithm has the advantages of both the existing DWT and LSB based algorithms. A multimodal biometric algorithm is used as a metric to evaluate the combined performance of both face and fingerprint recognition.
Gravitational potentials: A constructive approach to general relativity

Recent investigations of the initial-value problem of general relativity have shown that the initial-value constraints can be formulated in all cases as a system of elliptic equations with well-defined physical and mathematical properties. The solutions of these equations can be regarded as generalized gravitational potentials. These potentials are interrelated and depend on their sources quasilinearly. They are particularly useful in analyzing asymptotically flat solutions of Einstein's equations. We have found from these results (1) a technique for constructing physically meaningful initial data in the integration of Einstein's equations, and (2) a method for characterization and analysis of the spacelike mass, momentum, angular momemtum, and multipole moments of gravitational fields.
Photodynamic therapy induces apoptosis in intimal hyperplastic arteries.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) generates free radicals through the absorption of light by photosensitizers. PDT shows promise in the treatment of intimal hyperplasia, which contributes to restenosis, by completely eradicating cells in the vessel wall. This study investigates the mechanisms of PDT-induced cell death. PDT, using the photosensitizer chloroaluminum-sulfonated phthalocyanine (1 mg/kg) and laser light (λ = 675 nm) 100 J/cm2 was administered to rat carotid arteries after balloon injury-induced intimal hyperplasia. Apoptosis was determined by cell morphology with light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, DNA cleavage by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling staining, and nucleosomal fragmentation (ladder pattern) by DNA agarose gel electrophoresis. Four hours after PDT, apoptosis was observed in vascular cells, as evidenced by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling staining and transmission electron microscopy. Within 24 hours no cells were present in the neointima and media. Immunofluorescence using an α-smooth muscle cell actin antibody confirmed the disappearance of all neointimal and medial cells within 24 hours. No inflammatory cell infiltrate was observed during this time frame. Apoptosis was sharply confined to the PDT treatment field. These data demonstrate that vascular PDT induces apoptosis as a mechanism of rapid, complete, and precise cell eradication in the artery wall. These findings and the lack of inflammatory reaction provide the basis for understanding and developing PDT for a successful clinical application in the treatment of hyperplastic conditions such as restenosis.
Progress report on the ASHI/CAP proficiency survey program in histocompatibility testing I. HLA-A, B, C typing, antibody screening, and lymphocytotoxicity crossmatching

The Histocompatibility Survey Program was organized in 1982 as a joint project by the ASHI and CAP to evaluate laboratory performance in HLA typing, lymphocytotoxicity crossmatching, and antibody analysis. This report summarizes the experience with the HS surveys on HLA class I serology. During a 12-year period, the number of participating laboratories increased from 150 to 285 and HLA typing was done with 90 survey specimens representing 20 HLA-A and 35 HLA-B antigens. Most unsplit antigens were correctly identified in more than 90% of the laboratories. For many antigens, a high percentage of participants reported a split and there was generally a high consensus of a correct assignment. Nevertheless, several antigens were difficult to define, as shown by low consensus rates. During recent years, the assignments of Bw4/6 and HLA-C antigens have significantly improved. Lymphocytotoxicity crossmatching was analyzed for 138 cell-serum combinations tested by an average of 143 laboratories. Comparisons between four techniques (basic NIH, Amos modified, LI, and AHG) showed consistent results (greater than 90% crossmatch compatibility or incompatibility) for 71% of the cell-serum combinations. The crossmatch results with the remaining combinations were more variable for one or more of the crossmatch techniques. Serum antibody identification showed a continued improvement during recent years, and the average consensus for assigning acceptable antibody specificity reached 88%. A performance grading system based on a 90% consensus rate among participants is used to satisfy requirements for laboratory accreditation.
A lateral snow-sampler

In forecasting stream-flow to be expected from a measured snow-supply in any given year, Oregon Water Forecast Committees have, in the past, been compelled to speculate upon the effect of structure and texture of snow upon water-accumulating power and water-releasing speed of the snow-pack. There have been questions as to why a greater water-yield some years than others is secured from approximately the same volume of mountain-stored snow.
An Event-Based Digital Forensic Investigation Framework

In this paper, we present a framework for digital forensics that includes an investigation process model based on physical crime scene procedures. In this model, each digital device is considered a digital crime scene, which is included in the physical crime scene where it is located. The investigation includes the preservation of the system, the search for digital evidence, and the reconstruction of digital events. The focus of the investigation is on the reconstruction of events using evidence so that hypotheses can be developed and tested. This paper also includes definitions and descriptions of the basic and core concepts that the framework uses.
The development of interneurons in the chick embryo spinal cord following in vivo treatment with retinoic acid.

To investigate the role of retinoic acid (RA) in the development of interneurons in the spinal cord, we examined the expression of cellular retinoic acid binding protein type I (CRABP I). The earliest developing interneurons in the chick spinal cord can be divided into two major groups: circumferential (C) neurons and primitive longitudinal (PL) neurons. In brachial segments, both types of interneurons began to express CRABP I at stage (st.) 13+ of the V. Hamburger and H.L. Hamilton (1951, J. Morphol. 88:49–92) stage series, which is before the onset of axonogenesis. Subsequently, with the onset of axonal outgrowth, C neurons and PL neurons expressed CRABP I in their cell bodies, axons, and growth cones. The expression of CRABP I was developmentally regulated. CRABP I immunoreactivity gradually decreased after st. 36 (embryonic day [E] 10) such that no interneurons expressed this protein by E21. The transient expression of CRABP I during a period of intensive axonal growth suggested that RA may be involved in the development of interneurons. To test this idea, we implanted an all-trans RA-containing ion exchange bead into either rostral segments of the spinal cord at st. 12–13 or into caudal segments at st. 15–16, all stages that are well before the appearance of CRABP-I-positive neurons in these segments. In the RA-treated spinal cord, increased numbers of pyknotic cells were found predominantly in dorsal regions, presumably reflecting the death of neuroepithelial cells, C neurons premigratory neural crest cells. Surviving C neurons in the RA-treated spinal cord extended their axons ventrally toward the floor plate as in control embryos. PL neurons also projected their axons rostrally or caudally in the RA-treated spinal cord, similarly to control embryos. However, the proportion of caudally projecting PL neurons was significantly increased in segments rostral to the RA-containing bead. These results suggest that RA may regulate the survival and axonal orientation (directionality) of subpopulations of spinal interneurons. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ in Key Neuronal Subsets Regulating Glucose Metabolism and Energy Homeostasis

In addition to increasing insulin sensitivity and adipogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists cause weight gain and hyperphagia. Given the central role of the brain in the control of energy homeostasis, we sought to determine whether PPARgamma is expressed in key brain areas involved in metabolic regulation. Using immunohistochemistry, PPARgamma distribution and its colocalization with neuron-specific protein markers were investigated in rat and mouse brain sections spanning the hypothalamus, the ventral tegmental area, and the nucleus tractus solitarius. In several brain areas, nuclear PPARgamma immunoreactivity was detected in cells that costained for neuronal nuclei, a neuronal marker. In the hypothalamus, PPARgamma immunoreactivity was observed in a majority of neurons in the arcuate (including both agouti related protein and alpha-MSH containing cells) and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei and was also present in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, the lateral hypothalamic area, and tyrosine hydroxylase-containing neurons in the ventral tegmental area but was not expressed in the nucleus tractus solitarius. To validate and extend these histochemical findings, we generated mice with neuron-specific PPARgamma deletion using nestin cre-LoxP technology. Compared with littermate controls, neuron-specific PPARgamma knockout mice exhibited dramatic reductions of both hypothalamic PPARgamma mRNA levels and PPARgamma immunoreactivity but showed no differences in food intake or body weight over a 4-wk study period. We conclude that: 1) PPARgamma mRNA and protein are expressed in the hypothalamus, 2) neurons are the predominant source of PPARgamma in the central nervous system, although it is likely expressed by nonneuronal cell types as well, and 3) arcuate nucleus neurons that control energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism are among those in which PPARgamma is expressed.
Modulation analysis for wireless infrared communications

The channel model for indoor wireless optical communication links is unusual in that it combines the intensity-modulation constraints of the Poisson photon-counting channel with the multipath dispersion, bandwidth constraints, and additive white Gaussian noise of the conventional radio channel. In this paper we examine the performance of several modulation schemes on the indoor wireless optical channel. Modulation schemes having low duty cycle, such as pulse-position modulation (PPM), offer improved power efficiency at the expense of decreased bandwidth efficiency. We compare the power and bandwidth efficiency of several forms of PPM, including multiple PPM, overlapping PPM, convolutional coded PPM, and trellis coded OPPM. We also examine the differences between the wireless infrared communications channel and the quantum-limited photon-counting channel.
Effect of Orchardgrass or Alfalfa Hay in Diets of Lactating Cows During Relocation

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary forage quantity and source on measures of performance of lactating dairy cows during relocation to a new dairy facility. From 3 wk before relocation to 9 wk following the move, 23 Holsteins received 1 of 3 dietary treatments: a TMR based on alfalfa and corn silage (n = 8), the TMR plus orchardgrass hay as 10% of the DM offered (n = 8), and the TMR plus alfalfa hay as 10% of the DM offered (n = 7). Cows were fed in Calan doors twice daily both before and after relocation. Before relocation, cows were housed as one group and milked twice daily in a 6-stall side-open parlor. After relocation, cows were housed as one group and milked twice daily in a double-8 herringbone parlor. Milk yield declined slightly on the day of the move, but returned to previous levels by d 3 and 4; adding hay offered no protection against this decline. Cows fed alfalfa had greater DMI and milk yield than control and grass hay-fed cows in the early stages of the study, but by wk 5 after the move, the effect of diet was not observed. Plasma cortisol concentrations on the day of relocation were reduced in cows offered the TMR than in cows offered the orchardgrass hay- or alfalfa hay-supplemented diets. Offering orchardgrass or alfalfa hay to lactating cows during relocation did not improve production or measures of well-being.
Teaching STEM concepts through Music Technology and DSP

Music is an integral part of high school students' daily lives, and most use digital music devices and services. The one-week Summer Music Technology (SMT) program at Drexel University introduces underclassmen high school students to music technology to reveal the influence and importance of engineering, science, and mathematics. By engaging participants' affinity for music, we hope to motivate and catalyze curiosity in science and technology. The curriculum emphasizes signal processing concepts, tools, and methods through hands-on activities and individual projects and leverages computer-based learning and open-source software in most activities. Since the program began in 2006, SMT has enrolled nearly 100 high school students and further developed the communication and teaching skills of nearly 20 graduate and undergraduate engineering students serving as core instructors. The program also serves to attract students from backgrounds under-represented in engineering, math, and science who may not have considered these fields.
State Selective Equation of Motion Coupled Cluster Theory: Some Preliminary Results

Abstract: A multireference variant of coupled cluster theory is described that applies to systems that can qualitatively be described by deleting two electrons from a closed shell determinant, for example biradicals, single bond breaking processes, or valence excited states. The theory can be generalized to arbitrary open-shell systems and takes a form that is akin to equation-of-motion coupled cluster theory, but where all wave function parameters are explicitly optimized for the state of interest. The implementation of the present methods was accomplished in an automated fashion using the recently developed Automatic Program Generator (APG). We present benchmark results for the O 2 and F 2 molecules and investigate the behaviour of a number of closely related variants within the same general framework. Keywords: Multireference electronic structure; Coupled cluster; Electronically excited states; Automatic code generation. I. Introduction Single reference coupled cluster theory, [1,2] especially CCSD(T) [3,4], is a highly successful approach to describe the electronic structure of systems that are qualitatively reasonably well described by a single determinant (many closed-shell molecules and high-spin open-shell systems) [5-8]. Likewise coupled cluster response theory (CCLRT [9-11]) and its cousin equation-of-motion coupled cluster theory (EOM-CC [5,12]) are well suited to describe singly excited states and radicals. An important prerequisite for the applicability of the CC response approach is the presence of a nearby state that can serve as the reference in the parent state CCSD calculation. Most commonly the reference state is a closed-shell system that differs by up to one electron from the states of interest. The
Techniques for crosstalk avoidance in the physical design of high-performance digital systems

Interconnect performance does not scale well into deep submicron dimensions, and the rising number of analog effects erodes the digital abstraction necessary for high levels of integration. In particular, crosstalk is an analog phenomenon of increasing relevance. To cope with the increasingly analog nature of high-performance digital system design, we propose using a constraint-driven methodology. In this paper we describe new constraint generation ideas incorporating digital sensitivity. In constraint-driven synthesis, we show that a fundamental subproblem of crosstalk channel routing, coupling-constrained graph levelization (CCL), is NP-complete, and develop a novel heuristic algorithm. To demonstrate the viability of our methodology, we introduce a gridless crosstalk-avoiding channel router as an example of a robust and truly constraint-driven synthesis tool.
Nationwide summer peaks of OC/EC ratios in the contiguous United States

The ratios of observed organic carbon (OC) to elemental carbon (EC) from the rural sites of the IMPROVE network are analyzed for the 5-year period from 2000 to 2004. Among these years, nationwide OC/EC peaks are observed most consistently in the summer of 2002. Several potential factors are analyzed, including biomass burning, secondary organic aerosols (SOA) formation from biogenic sources and in-cloud processing, long-range transport from East Asia, and meteorological conditions over the U.S. We find that biomass burning and SOA formation make the most significant contributions using the global GEOS-Chem model simulations. The effect of model estimated in-cloud SOA formation is significant compared to the estimate of (non-cloud) biogenic SOA. The impacts of Canadian and western U.S. fires are larger than fires in Russia or Mexico in summer. The dry meteorological condition of the summer of 2002 tends to promote higher OC/EC ratios by inducing larger fire emissions, SOA formation, and a longer OC lifetime.
A Qualitative Investigation of Eminent Therapists' Values Within Psychotherapy: Developing Integrative Principles for Moment-to-Moment Psychotherapy Practice

Ample empirical research on values has demonstrated that clients’ values tend to become increasingly like those of their therapist during therapy. There is little research, however, on how therapists negotiate value conflicts and the role of values in therapy. In order to better understand this process, 14 expert psychotherapists from four major psychotherapy orientations were interviewed about their use of values in the psychotherapeutic change process. A grounded theory analysis was conducted leading to an integrative understanding of how expert therapists from different orientations conceptualize the relationship of values and change in therapy and how they work with values in sessions. Based on this analysis, four transtheoretical principles were generated that can be applied to training and practice and used to inform research on psychotherapy process and integration.
Effects of channel width and parasitic bipolar action on p-type poly-Si resistor characteristics

The effects of channel width on I-V characteristics of thin-film p-type poly-Si resistors are discussed, in particular for the case in which the resistor current is mainly due to field-enhanced generation of carriers at the drain end (as can be common at high drain electric field). A significant decrease in current per unit width (microamperes per micrometer) is observed as the channel width is reduced from 3 to 0.6 mu m. This decrease in current per unit width is due to the influence of fixed positive charge along the channel edges, which decreases the beta value associated with parasitic bipolar action in this regime of device operation. >
Protective Role of Commensals against Clostridium difficile Infection via an IL-1β–Mediated Positive-Feedback Loop

Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive obligate anaerobic pathogen that causes pseudomembranous colitis in antibiotic-treated individuals. Commensal bacteria are known to have a significant role in the intestinal accumulation of C. difficile after antibiotic treatment, but little is known about how they affect host immunity during C. difficile infection. In this article, we report that C. difficile infection results in translocation of commensals across the intestinal epithelial barrier that is critical for neutrophil recruitment through the induction of an IL-1β-mediated positive-feedback loop. Mice lacking ASC, an essential mediator of IL-1β and IL-18 processing and secretion, were highly susceptible to C. difficile infection. ASC(-/-) mice exhibited enhanced translocation of commensals to multiple organs after C. difficile infection. Notably, ASC(-/-) mice exhibited impaired CXCL1 production and neutrophil influx into intestinal tissues in response to C. difficile infection. The impairment in neutrophil recruitment resulted in reduced production of IL-1β and CXCL1 but not IL-18. Importantly, translocated commensals were required for ASC/Nlrp3-dependent IL-1β secretion by neutrophils. Mice lacking IL-1β were deficient in inducing CXCL1 secretion, suggesting that IL-1β is the dominant inducer of ASC-mediated CXCL1 production during C. difficile infection. These results indicate that translocated commensals play a crucial role in CXCL1-dependent recruitment of neutrophils to the intestine through an IL-1β/NLRP3/ASC-mediated positive-feedback mechanism that is important for host survival and clearance of translocated commensals during C. difficile infection.
Management of natural rubber latex allergy

Issues of impairment, compensation, and disability are appropriately directed at health care workers with latex allergy and occupational asthma or anaphylaxis who may not be able to re-enter a work environment with ambient exposure to latex proteins. The following stepwise approach for managing a high-risk health care worker with natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy is recommended: (1) confirm the diagnosis of NRL allergy by using rational, validated methods; (2) justify cessation of further NRL exposure in the workplace; (3) determine whether there is impairment and disability resulting from NRL allergy; (4) advise employer and risk managers regarding the diagnosis and their responsibility to institute effective environmental interventions; (5) if accommodation efforts are unsuccessful, advise the worker to seek workers' compensation benefits and rehabilitation. Objective evidence of residual impairment caused by NRL-induced anaphylaxis or occupational asthma is often absent. Therefore, the physician must determine disability based on how work restrictions resulting from NRL allergy affect the worker's ability to perform current required tasks and duties. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer must make reasonable accommodations for an impaired employee. Therefore, an employee with NRL allergy and no objective evidence of impairment would not be considered to be disabled after successful interventions, which totally eliminate continued NRL protein exposure and the risks of work-related asthma and anaphylaxis.
Technology-Supported Performance-Based Feedback for Early Intervention Home Visiting

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a Distance Mentoring Model (DMM), including performance-based feedback and technology support, on expanding the use of recommended home visiting ...
Clinical outcomes of inferior vena cava filter placement in patients with renal vein anomalies.

Background To investigate the clinical outcomes in patients with renal vein anomalies who undergo inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement. Methods Contrast-enhanced computed tomography images of 410 patients who underwent IVC filter placement were retrospectively reviewed to detect renal vein anomalies. Clinical outcomes involving de novo pulmonary embolism and worsening of renal function were compared between patients with the location of filters placed in relation to the anomalous renal veins versus not in relation to any renal veins. Results A total of 97 (23.7%) renal vein anomalies were identified: 62 (15.1%) multiple right renal veins, 23 (5.6%) circumaortic left renal veins, 10 (2.4%) retroaortic left renal veins, and 2 (0.5%) accessory left renal veins. Frequency of de novo pulmonary embolism in patients with circumaortic left renal veins who had filters placed at or in between the 2 left renal veins was not significantly different from patients who underwent infra- or suprarenal filter placement (5.9% [1/17] vs. 3.1% [12/387]; P = 0.433). The frequency of patients who had a >25% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate after IVC filter placement was not significantly different whether the filter was placed in an infrarenal location or at or above the level of the anomalous renal veins (11.0% [37/335] vs. 17.6% [6/34]; P = 0.261). Conclusions Clinical outcomes involving the frequency of de novo pulmonary embolism and worsening of renal function are not dependent on location of IVC filter placement in patients with renal vein anomalies.
Why male orangutans do not kill infants

Infanticide is widespread among mammals, is particularly common in primates, and has been shown to be an adaptive male strategy under certain conditions. Although no infanticides in wild orangutans have been reported to date, several authors have suggested that infanticide has been an important selection pressure influencing orangutan behavior and the evolution of orangutan social systems. In this paper, we critically assess this suggestion. We begin by investigating whether wild orangutans have been studied for a sufficiently long period that we might reasonably expect to have detected infanticide if it occurs. We consider whether orangutan females exhibit counterstrategies typically employed by other mammalian females. We also assess the hypothesis that orangutan females form special bonds with particular “protector males” to guard against infanticide. Lastly, we discuss socioecological reasons why orangutan males may not benefit from infanticide. We conclude that there is limited evidence for female counterstrategies and little support for the protector male hypothesis. Aspects of orangutan paternity certainty, lactational amenorrhea, and ranging behavior may explain why infanticide is not a strategy regularly employed by orangutan males on Sumatra or Borneo.
Optoelectronic exclusive-OR using hybrid integration of phototransistors and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers

Heterojunction phototransistors and surface-emitting lasers were used to demonstrate two new optoelectronic circuits that implement the exclusive-OR (XOR) function. One of the circuits also determines which of the two inputs is greater than the other. The XOR gates have high ON/OFF contrast ratios (>28:1) and optical gate gain approximately=3. >
A decision support system for the alternative assembly and reflow technology process

The Alternative Assembly and Reflow Technology (AART) process allows for the concurrent reflow soldering of through hole and surface mount components on to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly. The implementation of the AART process will preclude the need for wave and/or manual soldering. Prior to the implementation of the AART process, the engineer is required to compute the volume of solder paste that is needed to form a robust solder joint. The hole fill that can be anticipated should then be determined. Finally, the stencil apertures need to be designed. The decision support systems developed in this research, and described in this paper, can assist a process engineer with solder volume estimation, hole fill prediction, and with stencil aperture design.
The role of trace modulation in building mobile computing systems

We put forth the view that trace modulation is an indispensable technique for building and evaluating mobile computing systems. The essence of our solution is transparent, real-time, trace-driven emulation of a target network. Although conceptually simple, trace modulation strikes an attractive balance between the conflicting demands of realism, ease-of-use, and reproducibility. It provides three important benefits. First, it allows control of the complexity of the network environment to which mobile software is exposed. Second, it enables mobile clients to be subjected to reproducible yet realistic network performance. Third, it allows easy exploration of a mobile system in the context of hypothetical mobility patterns and network infrastructures. These benefits suggest that trace modulation will play a central role in the development of future mobile computing systems.
Anomalies in sedimentation. I. Stability theory of sedimenting entanglements in the "tight-bending" limit.

A simple model is introduced to investigate the stability of a sedimenting entanglement. The sedimenting entanglement is represented by a sedimenting sieve. Solvent can pass through it, but single-chain molecules that flow into it become entangled and their flow decreases or, if permanent entanglements form, ceases entirely. With this model we are able to find the conditions under which the mass of a sedimenting entanglement remains constant, grows or decays to a stable value, grows beyond limit, or decays to the mass of a single chain. The theory is applied to the sedimentation of small concentrations of large chain molecules in solutions of small chain molecules in solutions of small chain molecules for the case in which the entanglements are long-lived. Equations are derived which, (1) give the stable entanglement mass as a function of rotor speed and concentration and, (2) for a given concentration predict the rotor speed at which the entanglement mass grows without limit. Numerical results for small concentrations of T2 DNA sedimenting in solutions of T7 DNA are presented.
Low-frequency variability in the wind-driven circulation

Abstract The origins of low-frequency variability in a simple homogenous ocean model, forced by a double gyre Ekman suction, are examined numerically. It is found that irregular, large amplitude vacillations in the structure of the circulation typify the behavior of such a model when it is forced sufficiently strongly. These oscillations are associated with order-one changes in the size and transport of the inertial recirculation gyres that lie near the western boundary. It is suggested that this behavior arises as a result of a subcritical homoclinic bifurcation. The aperiodic solutions do not exhibit a strong tendency to linger near any of the simpler unstable solutions that were found for this system. Instead, the latter solutions appear to constrain the aperiodic solutions, confining them to a limited region of phase space for a range of values of the Munk boundary layer scale δM. The form of the aperiodic solutions suggests that there may be an interesting unstable solution that could not be isolated...
Polymerase III transcription factor B activity is reduced in extracts of growth-restricted cells.

Abstract Extracts of cells that are down-regulated for transcription by RNA polymerase I and RNA polymerase III exhibit a reduced in vitro transcriptional capacity. We have recently demonstrated that the down-regulation of polymerase I transcription in extracts of cycloheximide-treated and stationary-phase cells results from a lack of an activated subform of RNA polymerase I which is essential for rDNA transcription. To examine whether polymerase III transcriptional down-regulation occurs by a similar mechanism, the polymerase III transcription factors were isolated and added singly and in pairs to control cell extracts and to extracts of cells that had reduced polymerase III transcriptional activity due to cycloheximide treatment or growth into stationary phase. These down-regulations result from a specific reduction in TFIIIB; TFIIIC and polymerase III activities remain relatively constant. Thus, although transcription by both polymerase III and polymerase I is substantially decreased in extracts of growth-arrested cells, this regulation is brought about by reduction of different kinds of activities: a component of the polymerase III stable transcription complex in the former case and the activated subform of RNA polymerase I in the latter.
Metal surface wettability manipulation by nanoparticle deposition during nanofluid boiling

Surface wettability of materials is important in heat transfer and thermal processes at micro-scale. This paper presents the manipulation of metal surface wettability by nanofluid boiling nanoparticle deposition. As confirmed by microscopy, particles can be deposited on metal surfaces by boiling in nanoparticle suspension, which significantly enhanced the surface wettabiliy relative to that of its original condition. The change in wettability is coupled to boiling conditions, such as nanoparticle concentration, heat flux, boiling duration, substrate roughness and so on. It has been observed that the higher the concentration of nanoparticles in the liquid during the boiling deposition process, the more pronounced the impact on wetting. Hence, surface wettability can be manipulated by controlling the nanoparticle concentration during the nanofluid boiling nanoparticle deposition (NBND) process. Such method can potentially be applied to enhance the heat transfer performance in thermal devices.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Effects of nonnative invertebrates on two life stages of the native eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica

Since their recent introductions into Florida waters, three sessile invertebrates [Perna viridis (Asian green mussel), Mytella charruana (charru mussel) and Megabalanus coccopoma (pink titan acorn barnacle)] have expanded their range along the Atlantic coast in estuarine waters. Little research has been done to understand how these nonnative species interact with the ecologically and economically important eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. To assess the potential effects of P. viridis, M. charruana and M. coccopoma on C. virginica, the following questions were addressed in manipulative experiments. (1) Does the presence of nonnative species decrease oyster larval settlement? (2) Do oyster larvae avoid settling on nonnative species? (3) Do nonnative species decrease survival of juvenile oysters (spat)? (4) Do nonnative species hinder spat growth? We included two controls: absence of nonnative species and presence of the native mussel Geukensia demissa. The nonnative species influenced settlement, growth and survival of C. virginica in different ways. M. coccopoma and P. viridis negatively influenced larval settlement, whereas M. charruana had no influence on the total number of settled larvae. Oyster larvae avoided settling on all three nonnative species and the native G. demissa. Both nonnative mussels negatively affected survival of juvenile oysters but only M. charruana also reduced spat growth. The native mussel, G. demissa, had no negative impacts on total settlement, survival and growth of C. virginica; in fact, it increased larval settlement in some trials. These three nonnative species should be classified as invasive because all had negative effects on native C. virginica.
Linearly Constrained Bimatrix Games in Wireless Communications

We develop a linearly constrained bimatrix game framework that can be used to model many practical problems in many disciplines, including jamming in packetized wireless networks. In contrast to the widely used zero-sum framework, in bimatrix games it is no longer required that the sum of the players’ utilities be zero or constant, thus, ir can be used to model a much larger class of jamming problems. Additionally, in contrast to the standard bimatrix games, in linearly constrained bimatrix games, the players’ strategies must satisfy some linear constraint/inequality, consequently, not all strategies are feasible and the existence of the Nash equilibrium (NE) is not guaranteed anymore. We provide the necessary and sufficient conditions under which the existence of the Nash equilibrium is guaranteed, and show that under linear constraints, the equilibrium pairs and the Nash equilibrium solution of the constrained game corresponds to the global maximum of a quadratic program. Finally, we use our game theoretic framework to find the optimal transmission and jamming strategies for a typical wireless link under power limited jamming.
A partial classification of inverse limits with irreducible functions

Abstract We discuss a class of upper semi-continuous set-valued functions called irreducible functions, and we develop multiple tools for distinguishing topologically between their inverse limits. First, we discuss properties of subcontinua of their inverse limits, and we use those properties to show that for certain irreducible functions, given two, if their graphs contain different (finite) numbers of maximal nowhere dense arcs, then they have topologically distinct inverse limits. Additionally, we discuss endpoints of inverse limits with irreducible functions, and finally, we apply these tools to obtain a complete classification of the inverse limits arising from four specific families of irreducible functions.
“What does Obama want of me?” Anxiety and Jade Helm 15

ABSTRACTThis article reclaims the concept of anxiety for rhetoric and demonstrates the usefulness of doing so by examining reactions to the Jade Helm 15 military training exercise. Following Lacan's recently translated seminar on Anxiety, the essay argues on behalf of a conceptualization of anxiety as a result of affective investments in a network of discourse rather than an individual feeling. This rearticulation of anxiety has implications for both rhetorical theory and criticism as well as practical responses to right-wing conspiracy theories such as those surrounding Jade Helm.
Application of Entomopathogens in Irrigation Water for Control of Fall Armyworms and Corn Earworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Corn

Four microbial control agents were tested on whorl stage corn against the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), and one on corn silks against corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), by application of the pathogens through an overhead irrigation system. A fungus, Nomuraea rileyi (Farlow) Samson, two species of microsporidia, Vairimorpha sp. and V. heterosporum (Kellen and Lindegren), and the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of S. frugiperda (Sf NPV) produced infections in fall armyworms collected from the treated corn plants. Elcar, a commercial preparation of the nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Heliothis , infected corn earworm when it was applied through the irrigation system. When continuous infestations of fall armyworms were present, epizootics of the Sf NPV developed.
Research and evaluation of anti-swelling/oil displacement agent YG-Z

The experiment studies the synthetic method and conditions of the YG-Z, and evaluates the synthetic product from three aspects: the rate of anti-swelling and permeability damage degree and deduce the crude oil/ water interface tension ability. The result indicate (1)the rate of anti-swelling is above 86%, permeability damage degree is below 18% ,(~)YG-Z can reduce interface tension of crude oil/water to the super low(10~(-3)mN/m) level under the concentration is very lower.
Acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa in zona-free hamster egg penetration test

The acrosomal status of human sperm during preparation for the process of zona-free hamster egg penetration test (ZFHEPT) was determined. The incidence of acrosome reaction (AR), as assessed by triple-stain technique, was significantly increased after 24 hours of incubation at 4°C in TES-Tris (TEST)-yolk buffer, but the absolute values were relatively low (20% or less). Sperm from fertile donors and infertile patients with normal or abnormal semen analysis displayed similar capacity to undergo the AR in vitro. Although a positive correlation was found between the incidence of AR and the score of ZFHEPT, a remarkable individual variation was noted. The incidence of AR in freely swimming human sperm does not accurately reflect the fertilizing ability of the sperm.
Postcolonial Intervention in Political Theology

When scholars discuss modern political theology, they usually refer to Carl Schmitt's book Political Theology as the founding moment.1 Then they would trace the development of political theology by...
On pathloss models for adjacent-channel interference in cognitive whitespace systems

Adjacent channel interference is one of the fundamental processes limiting wireless system performance. In particular, cognitive radio exploiting “whitespace,” i.e., spectral guard bands between existing services, are limited by adjacent channel interference to victim receivers. Upper-bounding such interference requires accurate knowledge of minimum pathloss at short range (less than a few hundred meters), but existing, standardized models focus on maximum pathloss at long range. This paper discusses methods to characterize more accurately the low pathloss regime. These improved models account for variations of the pathloss exponents, the random nature of the occurrence of line-of-sight, and the distance dependence of fading parameters. By comparing standard models to ray tracing results, we demonstrate the large impact that such modeling considerations can have on outage probability in cognitive systems.
Secondary Mutation Maintains the Transformed State in BaF3 Cells With Inducible BCR/ABL Expression

The BCR/ABL gene product of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome induces chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). We generated a hematopoietic cell line, TonB210.1, with tetracycline-dependent BCR/ABL expression to investigate the pathways by which BCR/ABL transforms cells. TonB210.1 demonstrates conditional growth factor independence in tissue culture and rapidly forms tumors in mice fed the tetracycline analog doxycycline. The tumors regress completely upon doxycycline withdrawal, but ultimately reform in all animals. After a long latency, tumors also develop in animals never exposed to doxycycline. Subclones of TonB210.1 established from doxycycline-independent tumors demonstrate distinct mechanisms of transformation. Most subclones manifest increased basal levels of BCR/ABL expression; some have lost the capacity to augment expression upon induction, whereas others remain inducible. More interestingly, some subclones maintain tight conditional expression of BCR/ABL and are therefore transformed by secondary mechanisms that no longer require BCR/ABL expression. These subclones show constitutive phosphorylation of the STAT5 protein, suggesting that activating mutations have occurred upstream in the signaling pathway to STAT5. The tight conditional expression of BCR/ABL in the TonB210.1 cell line affords the opportunity to study several interesting aspects of the biology of BCR/ABL, including activation of critical signaling pathways and transcriptional programs, and its potential role in genomic instability.
Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a new approach to treatment of a variety of solid malignant tumors in man. Hematoporphyrin-derivative (HpD) in its purified form, dihematoporphyrin ether (DHE) is injected systemically into patients, causing uptake and retention in most malignant tumors for several days (3 to 5). Most normal tissues clear the drug within a few days (1 to 2 days). Exceptions are skin, liver, kidney, and spleen, which retain the drug largely in cells of the reticuloendothelial system. The in situ drag is then activated photochemically (630-nm light generally from an argon- pumped dye laser) by local illumination either from the surface or interstitially by insertion of appropriate light delivery fibers. This can result in a relatively selective destruction of the tumor mass. The activation depth (1/e) of 630-nm light ranges from 2 to 4 mm generally. Tumor necrosis typically occurs to 2 or 3 attenuation depths (5 to 15 mm). The mechanism of tumor retention is unclear but is likely related to the phagocytosis of DHE (which circulates initially at least as a large aggregate) by certain cells in the tumor and possibly by tumor cells themselves. Tumor destruction results from vascular destruction with subsequent tumor-cell death and by direct photochemical effects on the cells or some combination of these. Singlet oxygen found by energy transfer from the porphyrin to endogenous oxygen appears to be a necessary first-formed cytotoxic agent.
Design of a Tri-PET collimator for high-resolution whole-body mouse imaging.

Purpose Tri-PET refers to high-resolution 511-keV emission tomography using a multi-pinhole collimator in conjunction with lower-resolution PET detectors operating in coincidence mode. Tri-PET is unique in that three spatial locations are associated with each event (two detector coordinates and one pinhole location). Spatial resolution and sensitivity are similar to that of 511-keV SPECT and are governed mainly by the collimator design. However because of a third spatial location in Tri-PET, the line of response is overdetermined. This feature permits new opportunities in data processing which impact collimator design. In particular, multiplexing can be avoided since the coincidence data identifies the pinhole through which the photon passed. In this paper, the principles of Tri-PET collimator design are reviewed and then applied to the case of high-resolution imaging of a small animal in a clinical PET scanner. Methods The design of a 148-pinhole collimator for whole-body imaging of a mouse is presented. Two pinhole designs were investigated: knife-edge pinholes with 1.1 mm aperture and novel hyperboloidal pinholes with 1.2 mm aperture, both having 18° cone angle. The pinhole configuration is unfocused, covering a whole-body mouse field of view with nearly uniform sensitivity. Computer simulations were performed of a micro hot rods phantom imaged with this collimator in a clinical PET scanner. Sensitivity was estimated by simulating a point source centered on-axis at locations spanning a 70-mm axial range, similar to the NEMA NU-4 standard for whole-body mouse imaging. Results Reconstructed images of the hot rods phantom demonstrated the ability to resolve 1.1 mm structures with the knife-edge pinholes and 1.0 mm structures with the hyperboloidal pinholes. Sensitivity was found to be 0.093% and 0.054% for the knife-edge and hyperboloidal pinholes, respectively. Conclusions With a properly-designed multi-pinhole collimator, high resolution and acceptable sensitivity are achievable with Tri-PET using ordinary clinical PET detectors. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.