cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Setting maintenance quality objectives and prioritizing maintenance work by using quality metrics

Metrics that are collected and validated during development can be used during maintenance to control quality and prioritize maintenance work. Validity criteria are defined mathematically. The approach is based on validating selected metrics against related quality factors during development and using the validated metrics during maintenance to: establish initial quality objectives and quality control criteria and prioritize software components (e.g., module) and allocate resources to maintain them. The author illustrates both a case of passing a validation test (discriminative power) and failing a validation test (tracking). >
Self-coexistence among cognitive radio networks using risk-motivated channel selection based deference structure

Among cognitive radio networks there is a persistent trend of competition to acquire under-utilized and idle channels for data transmission. The competition for spectrum resources often results in the misuse of the spectrum resources as networks experience contention in attempt to access unoccupied spectrum bands. The competitive scenario causes cognitive radio networks to incur a huge amount of loss, which constitutes a major problem of self-coexistence among networks. As a way to minimize these losses we present a self-coexistence mechanism that allows cognitive radio networks to coexist with each other by implementing a risk-motivated channel selection based on deference structure. Cognitive radio networks form deference structure community to have more efficient access to a channel of interest and can defer transmission to one another on that channel, thereby minimizing the chances of conflicts. As part of the decision making process to become a member of a deference structure community, cognitive radio networks rely on a risk-motivated channel selection scheme to evaluate the tentative deference structure channel. We provide numerical and simulation results that demonstrates the benefits of the proposed self-coexistence mechanism and show how it helps networks to coordinate their spectrum activities, minimize contention experienced and improve their utility. We also emphasize on the importance of the deference structure community size with regards to the average performance of member networks.
Spinal meningioma causing diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement.

Meningioma is a common neoplasm in the CNS, and spinal meningioma represents 25% to 46% of primary intraspinal neoplasms.1,2⇓ Diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement is rarely associated with meningioma generally or spinal meningioma specifically. We describe a patient with lumbosacral meningioma and an unusual presentation of encephalopathy, cranial neuropathy, and diffuse intracranial leptomeningeal enhancement. A 39-year-old woman presented to us with headaches, bilateral hearing loss, blurry vision, cognitive decline, and malaise. She had a lumbosacral meningioma resected 6 years prior that presented with right lumbosacral radiculopathy. Three years later, a recurrence of thigh pain and radicular symptoms led to repeat lumbosacral surgery revealing arachnoiditis. One year before presenting to us, she began to experience chronic headaches. Simultaneously, her hearing declined and she was diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. She also developed blurry vision, poor concentration, and memory loss. Lumbosacral spine imaging showed an enhancing mass from L4 to S2, consistent with residual or recurrent meningioma (figure, A). Brain MRI demonstrated thin uniform leptomeningeal enhancement of the basilar cisterns, cervicomedullary junction, cerebellar sulci, and internal auditory canals (figure, B). There were no intracranial masses. CSF had elevated protein …
Genomic Insights into Bifidobacteria

Summary: Since the discovery in 1899 of bifidobacteria as numerically dominant microbes in the feces of breast-fed infants, there have been numerous studies addressing their role in modulating gut microflora as well as their other potential health benefits. Because of this, they are frequently incorporated into foods as probiotic cultures. An understanding of their full interactions with intestinal microbes and the host is needed to scientifically validate any health benefits they may afford. Recently, the genome sequences of nine strains representing four species of Bifidobacterium became available. A comparative genome analysis of these genomes reveals a likely efficient capacity to adapt to their habitats, with B. longum subsp. infantis exhibiting more genomic potential to utilize human milk oligosaccharides, consistent with its habitat in the infant gut. Conversely, B. longum subsp. longum exhibits a higher genomic potential for utilization of plant-derived complex carbohydrates and polyols, consistent with its habitat in an adult gut. An intriguing observation is the loss of much of this genome potential when strains are adapted to pure culture environments, as highlighted by the genomes of B. animalis subsp. lactis strains, which exhibit the least potential for a gut habitat and are believed to have evolved from the B. animalis species during adaptation to dairy fermentation environments.
Neural Measures Reveal a Fixed Item Limit in Subitizing

For centuries, it has been known that humans can rapidly and accurately enumerate small sets of items, a process referred to as subitizing. However, there is still active debate regarding the mechanisms that mediate this ability. For example, some have argued that subitizing reflects the operation of a fixed-capacity individuation mechanism that enables concurrent access to a small number of items. However, others have argued that subitizing reflects the operation of a continuous numerical estimation mechanism whose precision varies with numerosity in a manner consistent with Weber's law. Critically, quantitative models based on either of these predictions can provide a reasonable description of subitizing performance, making it difficult to discriminate between these alternatives solely on the basis of subjects' behavioral performance. Here, we attempted to discriminate between fixed-capacity and continuous estimation models of subitizing using neural measures. In two experiments, we recorded EEGs while subjects performed a demanding subitizing task and examined set-size-dependent changes in a neurophysiological marker of visual selection (the N2pc event-related potential component) evoked by an array of to-be-enumerated items. In both experiments, N2pc amplitudes increased monotonically within the subitizing range before reaching an asymptotic limit at approximately three items. Moreover, inter-participant differences in the location of this asymptote were strongly predictive of behavioral estimates of subitizing span derived from a fixed-capacity model. Thus, neural activity linked with subitizing ability shows evidence of an early and discrete limit in the number of items that can be concurrently apprehended, supporting a fixed-capacity model of this process.
Difference in thymus dependency between effector and suppressor T cells for delayed footpad reaction to sheep erythrocytes in mice

Abstract Effects of thymectomy at various times after birth on effector and suppressor T cells for a delayed footpad reaction were determined in 6-week-old mice immunized intraperitoneally (ip) with sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). Mice thymectomized 1 day after birth (Tx-1 mice) gave delayed footpad reactions weaker than those of mice thymectomized 7 days after birth (Tx-7 mice) or sham operated (SH mice) after immunization with a low dose of SRBC. After immunization with a high dose of SRBC, on the other hand, Tx-1 mice showed reactions stronger than those of Tx-7 or SH mice. Pretreatment with cyclophosphamide (CY) augmented the delayed footpad reaction in Tx-7 or SH mice, but not in Tx-1 mice, immunized with a high dose of SRBC. The presence of T cells suppressive for the delayed footpad reaction in the spleen of Tx-7 or SH mice was confirmed by cell transfer experiments. These results suggest that effector T cells responsible for a delayed footpad reaction to SRBC are less thymus dependent and require the presence of the thymus for a shorter period in their development compared to suppressor T cells.
Invasive reed effects on benthic community structure in Lake Erie coastal marshes

We examined how dominance (% canopy cover) and invasion history of common reed, Phragmites australis, affected benthic macroinvertebrate diversity and density in 8 marshes along Lake Erie’s southern shoreline. We also compared macroinvertebrate densities among patches (0.25 m2) of reed, cattail (Typha spp.), and native flora (e.g., Sagittaria, Sparganium) and epiphytic algal communities on submerged stems of reed and cattail. Narrow-leaf cattail (T. angustifolia) is also a common invasive plant to these wetlands, but does not greatly change plant community composition or ecosystem conditions like reed. Macroinvertebrate diversity (Shannon–Weaver H′) was positively related to reed cover and was highest (4.6) in two marshes with ~35- and 5-year invasion histories. Shading from high reed cover increased H′-diversity, in part, by reducing the abundance of floating duckweed, which harbored many Hyalella azteca amphipods. Percent Ephemeroptera, Odonata, and Trichoptera was low to moderate across marshes, regardless of reed cover and invasion history. Macroinvertebrate density was not affected by reed cover or average plant stem density, and did not differ among plant types. However, epiphyton densities and % diatoms were greater on reed than on cattail, suggesting reed provides a better feeding habitat for microalgal grazers than Typha. Abundance rankings of common species in these diatom-dominated communities were also typically dissimilar between these plant types. Although % grazers was unrelated to epiphyton densities and % diatoms, grazer identity (snails) differed between natural and diked marshes, which had different microalgal food supplies. Our findings suggest that Phragmites does not necessarily adversely affect macroinvertebrate community structure and diversity and that invasion history alone has little effect on the H′-diversity–reed dominance relationship.
A Fast Laser Alloying Process for the Selective Electroplating of Metal on SiO2 and Polyimide

A new laser direct-write process for patterning of metal on multichip modules has been developed. The process involves the laser modification of the non-conductive surface of a seed multilayer, converting it to a conductive surface, which can be electroplated with metal. The seed multilayer is composed of a TiW adhesion layer, onto which a Au film is sputtered, followed by an a-Si layer, which forms the non-conductive surface. The laser modifies the surface by alloying (or mixing) the Si and Au to form the conductive surface. This laser process has been shown to be capable of writing speeds of 2.5 m/s. With a silicon dioxide interlevel dielectric layer, the process works over a large range of laser power (P{sub max}/P{sub min} {approximately} 5). A polyimide interlevel dielectric layer can be used without damage or loss of adhesion, although the process margin is substantially reduced (P{sub max}/P{sub min} {approximately} 2).
The automatic titration of bilirubin

Abstract Bilirubin, dissolved in an aqueous KOH solution, was titrated with HCl in an automatic apparatus. Results indicate the bilirubin has two acid groups per mole of bilirubin. Varying concentration of bilirubin did not alter the p K ′; increasing ionic strength produced a gradual decrease in p K ′; and the effect of temperature on the p K ′ also shows a rather large heat of ionization for a carboxylic acid group.
Intra- and inter-unit variation in fly ash petrography and mercury adsorption: Examples from a western Kentucky power station

Fly ash was collected from eight mechanical and 10 baghouse hoppers at each of the twin 150-MW wall-fired units in a western Kentucky power station. The fuel burned at that time was a blend of many low-sulfur, high-volatile bituminous Central Appalachian coals. The baghouse ash showed less variation between units than the mechanical hoppers. The mechanical fly ash, coarser than the baghouse ash, showed significant differences in the amount of total carbon and in the ratio of isotropic coke to both total carbon and total cokethe latter excluding inertinite and other unburned, uncoked coal. There was no significant variation in proportions of inorganic fly ash constituents. The inter-unit differences in the amount and forms of mechanical fly ash carbon appear to be related to differences in pulverizer efficiency, leading to greater amounts of coarse coal, therefore unburned carbon, in one of the units. Mercury capture is a function of both the total carbon content and the gas temperature at the point of fly...
Chromosomal findings in 164 couples with repeated spontaneous abortions: with special consideration to prior reproductive history.

The cytogenetic evaluation of 164 couples who experienced repeated spontaneous abortions revealed 11 chromosomal abnormalities (10 translocations and 1 sex chromosome mosaic, 6.70%). An apparent positive relationship between the frequency of chromosome anomalies and the number of spontaneous abortions was observed. Couples with at least one normal liveborn child, in addition to the spontaneous abortions, had a significant increase in chromosomal abnormalities (17.85%) when compared with those with no liveborn offspring (4.41%) (P< 0.005). Similarly, couples whose fetal wastage consisted of only first trimester spontaneous abortions had a greater increase in the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities (8.03% vs 0.00%).
Comparison of Measures of Moral Judgment

Three measures of moral reasoning (Kohlberg's Moral Judgment Interview, Rest's Defining Issues Test, and Maitland and Goldman's Moral Judgment Scale) were administered to classes of college students to examine the relationship between the instruments as well as their internal consistency. The Kohlberg and Rest instruments showed the strongest relationship while the Maitland and Goldman measure correlated poorly with both. The Kohlberg measure produced the highest coefficient of internal consistency (which is perhaps to be expected given the nature of the scoring procedures), while the Maitland and Goldman measure produced the lowest coefficient of internal consistency.
Understanding regression assumptions

Introduction A Formal Presentation of the Regression Assumptions A 'Weighty' Illustration The Consequences of the Regression Assumptions Being Satisfied The Substantive Meaning of Regression Assumptions Conclusion
Rapid protein analysis by capillary electrophoresis

Abstract Rapid protein analysis by free-zone capillary electrophoresis in an untreated fused-silica column is presented. Separation of model proteins by the proposed method shows that the retention times of these proteins correlate well with each of their isoelectric points. By using a high voltage gradient, most proteins could be separated in 200 s with excellent reproducibility. Similarly, human serum proteins could be resolved and determined in less than 100 s.
A novel wearable pump-lung device: in vitro and acute in vivo study.

Background To provide long-term ambulatory cardiopulmonary and respiratory support for adult patients, a novel wearable artificial pump-lung device has been developed. The design features and in vitro and acute in vivo performance of this device are reported. Methods This device features a uniquely designed hollow-fiber membrane bundle integrated with a magnetically levitated impeller that together form one ultracompact pump-lung device, which can be placed like current paracorporeal ventricular assist devices to allow ambulatory support. The device is 117 mm in length and 89 mm in diameter and has a priming volume of 115 ml. In vitro hydrodynamic, gas transfer and biocompatibility experiments were carried out in mock flow-loops using ovine blood. Acute in vivo characterization was conducted in an ovine model by surgically implanting the device between right atrium and pulmonary artery. Results The in vitro results show that the device with a membrane surface area of 0.8 m 2 was capable of pumping blood from 1 to 4 liters/min against a wide range of pressures and transferring oxygen at a rate of up to 180 ml/min at a blood flow of 3.5 liters/min. Standard hemolysis tests demonstrated low hemolysis at the targeted operating condition. The acute in vivo results also confirmed that the device can provide sufficient oxygen transfer with excellent biocompatibility. Conclusions Based on in vitro and acute in vivo study findings, this highly integrated wearable pump-lung device can provide efficient respiratory support with good biocompatibility and it is ready for long-term evaluation.
Socially Responsible Indexes

Socially responsible investment (SRI) indexes vary in composition and social responsibility scores, but have higher mean social scores than the S&P 500 index. Socially responsible indexes differ in the emphasis they place on social characteristics. The DS 400 index is the strongest among all indexes on the environment, for example, while the Calvert Index is the strongest on corporate governance. The DS 400 index returned more than the S&P 500 index over May 1990-April 2004, but not in every subperiod. In general, SRI indexes did better than the S&P 500 index during the boom of the late 1990s but lagged it during the bust of the early 2000s.
Hydrolysis of permethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, by rainbow trout and mouse tissues in vitro: A comparative study

Abstract Permethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, is highly toxic to fish relative to its toxicity to mammals and the role of permethrin metabolism in this differential toxicity has not been investigated. A previous study, however, has shown that little hydrolysis of permethrin occurs in vivo in rainbow trout in contrast to mammals where ester hydrolysis is a major detoxification reaction. In the present study, the rates of permethrin hydrolysis in rainbow trout and mouse tissues in vitro were estimated. Mouse liver, kidney, and plasma incubated at 37°C, hydrolyzed trans -[ 14 C]permethrin approximately 166, 38, and 59 times faster, respectively, than the same rainbow trout tissues incubated at 12°C. At an incubation temperature of 37°C trout liver microsomes hydrolyzed trans -permethrin approximately 45 times slower than mouse liver microsomes. When the total capacity of trout and mouse tissues to hydrolyze trans -permethrin was compared on a whole body basis mice hydrolyzed trans -permethrin 184 times faster than rainbow trout. The results suggest that rainbow trout tissues have a much lower capacity than mouse tissues to hydrolyze permethrin, and this may explain the relative absence of permethrin hydrolysis products in permethrin-exposed raibow trout. It is impossible that the high toxicity of permethrin to rainbow trout is in part related to a low capacity to hydrolyze permethrin.
Problematic Alcohol Use, Trauma History, and PTSD Symptom Level: A Path Analysis

Objective: This study examined associations between multidimensional experiential avoidance, alcohol use motives, alcohol use, and alcohol-related consequences among individuals with a history of trauma and varying levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Methods: A total of 459 college students completed measures online, and the analysis sample was limited to the 313 participants who reported a past Criterion A traumatic event. These participants were separated into two groups based on DSM-IV TR diagnostic criteria: those with a high level of PTSD symptomatology (n = 34) and those with a low level of PTSD symptomatology (n = 279). A multi-group path model examined associations between experiential avoidance, drinking motives, alcohol use, and alcohol problems across these two groups. Results: The majority of participants were female (n = 192, 61.3%) and Caucasian (n = 281, 89.8%) and had a mean age of 19.37 (SD = 2.04). Two unique pathways to alcohol-related problems were observed. Among ...
The food stamp program and low-income legal immigrants.

Editors' note: In 1996, the U.S. Congress passed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, which had as one of its effects the withdrawal of food stamp eligibility for many legal immigrants. The following analysis from the Tufts University Center on Hunger, Poverty, and Nutrition Policy examines the nutritional impact of this legislation on legal immigrants and discusses the arguments for restoration of these nutritional benefits. At press time, the U.S. Congress had just passed legislation to restore food stamp benefits to many legal immigrants.
Free radical mediated x-ray damage of model membranes

The damaging effects of synchrotron-derived x rays on aqueous phospholipid dispersions have been evaluated. The effect of degree of lipid hydration, phospholipid chemical structure, mesophase identity, aqueous medium composition, and incident flux on the severity and progress of damage was quantified using time-resolved x-ray diffraction and chromatographic analysis of damage products. Electron spin resonance measurements of spin-trapped intermediates generated during irradiation suggest a free radical-mediated process. Surprisingly, radiation damage effects revealed by x-ray diffraction were imperceptible when the lamellar phases were prepared under water-stressed conditions, despite the fact that x-ray-induced chemical breakdown of the lipid occurred regardless of hydration level. Of the fully hydrated lipid systems studied, saturated diacyl-phosphatidylcholines were most sensitive to radiation damage compared to the ester- and ether-linked phosphatidylethanolamines and the ether-linked phosphatidylcholines. The inclusion of buffers or inorganic salts in the dispersing medium had only a minor effect in reducing damage development. A small inverse dose-rate effect was found when the x-ray beam intensity was changed 15-fold. These results contribute to our understanding of the mechanism of radiation damage, to our appreciation of the importance of monitoring both structure and composition when evaluating biomaterials radiation sensitivity, and to the development of strategies for eliminating or reducing the severity of damage due to an increasingly important source of x rays, synchrotron radiation. Because damage is shown to be free radical mediated, these results have an important bearing on age-related accumulation of free radicals in cells and how these might compromise membrane integrity, culminating in cell death.
Redox processes in glass-forming melts

Abstract Oxidation-reduction (redox) equilibria of multivalent elements in glass-forming melts can be expressed by several different, yet similar, chemical equations. Each equation attempts to describe the effects that melt temperature, base composition, imposed oxygen fugacity, multivalent element concentration, and the presence of other redox components induce on the established redox equilibrium. Redox kinetics, or the rate at which equilibrium is attained in the melt, demonstrates the interrelationship between the dissolved multivalent species and the gaseous redox components. The diffusion of redox gases, such as oxygen into or out of a static glass-forming melt controls how fast the redox state of the melt can change. Both equilibrium and kinetic redox processes are thus integral to the development of desired glass/melt properties.
A prospective study of variability in mammographic density during the menstrual cycle

Mammographic breast density has been proposed as a surrogate endpoint in breast cancer prevention studies, but little is known about its variability over time, particularly in relation to menstrual cycle phase. The purpose of this study was to assess variation in breast density on digital mammograms using quantitative and qualitative density measures. Menstrual cycle phase was determined by salivary estradiol and progesterone assays. 73 healthy subjects with regular menses had 1-3 mammograms with paired saliva collection during a 12-month period. The mean difference in density as a percentage of the mean density was calculated for follicular-luteal (n = 50), luteal-luteal (n = 26) and follicular-follicular (n = 23) pairs in the same woman using the same breast. Two density measures (measurement of dense area and BIRADS) were used. The mean luteal density exceeded the mean follicular density by 7.1-9.2%, but density differences between luteal pairs and follicular pairs did not exceed 5%. The intraclass correlation for measurement of dense area was greater than 85% in all phases of the menstrual cycle, but was below 50% for BIRADS for luteal-follicular and follicular-follicular pairs. Our study provides estimates of the amount of variation in mammographic density during the menstrual cycle, and that inherent in repeated density measurement in premenopausal women, and suggests that menstrual phase of mammographic evaluation should be controlled for in intervention studies where density is being used as a surrogate measure.
State-feedback control of longitudinal combustion instabilities

Active control of longitudinal pressure oscillations in combustion chambers has been studied theoretically by means of a digital state-feedback control technique. The formulation is based on a generalized wave equation that accommodates all influences of combustion, mean flow, unsteady motions, and control actions. Following a procedure equivalent to the Galerkin method, a system of ordinary differential equations governing the amplitude of each oscillatory mode is derived for the controller design. The control actions are provided by a finite number of point actuators, with instantaneous chamber conditions monitored by multiple sensors. Several important control aspects, including sampling period, locations of sensors and actuators, controllability, and observability, have been investigated systematically. As a specific example, the case involving two controlled and two residual (uncontrolled) modes is studied. 20 refs.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Supraventricular Tachycardia in Children ≤15 kg Is Safe and Effective

Risks associated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been reported to be increased in children < or =15 kg. We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of RFA in children <15 kg with those between 15.1 and 20 kg. Clinical, electrophysiologic, and RFA data for all patients < or =20 kg who underwent RFA for supraventricular tachycardia between January 1994 and January 2003 were reviewed. Patients were divided into those < or =15 kg (group 1, n = 25) and those between 15.1 and 20 kg (group 2, n = 44). The two groups differed significantly in age and weight by design (group 1: mean weight, 11.9 +/- 3.0 kg; age, 2.8 +/- 1.9 years; group 2: weight, 18.0 +/- 1.5 kg; age, 5.1 +/- 1.1 years). There were no significant differences in other baseline characteristics except for incidence of structural heart disease (28% group 1 vs 7% group 2, p < 0.01). No significant differences in mechanism of tachycardia, arrhythmia cycle length, number of total and brief RFA applications, total RFA time, average and maximum RFA temperatures, total procedure duration, short-term success rate (96% group 1 vs 86% group 2, p = 0.17), long-term success rate (91% group 1 vs 89% group 2, p = 0.76), or major complications (8.0% group 1 vs 2.3% group 2, p = 0.39) were found. There were no procedure-related deaths in either group. These data suggest that, in two large volume electrophysiology centers, the procedural risks and outcomes of RFA are similar between patients weighing less than 15 kg and those between 15.1 and 20 kg.
Applicability of an Analytical Shock/Expansion Solution to the Elevon Control Effectiveness for a 2-D Hypersonic Vehicle Configuration

Canard control surfaces placed on the forebody of a hypersonic vehicle provide advantageous characteristics for the vehicle’s controllability. This study looked at how these canards affect the flow seen by the elevon control surfaces on the aftbody of the vehicle, and, in turn the controllability of the vehicle in general. A 2-D analytical formulation was compared with CFD Euler solutions. For this analytical formulation, it was found that adding a thickness correction, as opposed to assuming that the airfoils were flat plates, actually decreased on average the accuracy of the model when compared with the computational data. The effect of the canard on the elevon, measured using the elevon effectiveness ratio, decreased as the distance between the control surfaces increased. Higher Mach numbers combined with higher canard deflection angles in general resulted in a greater effect on the elevon.
YES, a Src Family Kinase, Is a Proximal Glucose-specific Activator of Cell Division Cycle Control Protein 42 (Cdc42) in Pancreatic Islet β Cells

Second-phase insulin secretion sustains insulin release in the face of hyperglycemia associated with insulin resistance, requiring the continued mobilization of insulin secretory granules to the plasma membrane. Cdc42, the small Rho family GTPase recognized as the proximal glucose-specific trigger to elicit second-phase insulin secretion, signals downstream to activate the p21-activated kinase (PAK1), which then signals to Raf-1/MEK/ERK to induce filamentous actin (F-actin) remodeling, to ultimately mobilize insulin granules to the plasma membrane. However, the steps required to initiate Cdc42 activation in a glucose-specific manner in β cells have remained elusive. Toward this, we identified the involvement of the Src family kinases (SFKs), based upon the ability of SFK inhibitors to block glucose-stimulated Cdc42 and PAK1 activation events as well as the amplifying pathway of glucose-stimulated insulin release, in MIN6 β cells. Indeed, subsequent studies performed in human islets revealed that SFK phosphorylation was induced only by glucose and within 1 min of stimulation before the activation of Cdc42 at 3 min. Furthermore, pervanadate treatment validated the phosphorylation event to be tyrosine-specific. Although RT-PCR showed β cells to express five different SFK proteins, only two of these, YES and Fyn kinases, were found localized to the plasma membrane, and of these two, only YES kinase underwent glucose-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation. Immunodetection and RNAi analyses further established YES kinase as a proximal glucose-specific signal in the Cdc42-signaling cascade. Identification of YES kinase provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying the sustainment of insulin secretion via granule mobilization/replenishment and F-actin remodeling.
Italy: A new language for a new politics?

Abstract The aim of this article is to analyze the language used by the major actors in contemporary Italian politics. After a brief introduction, which lists the general questions posed by such an analysis, we examine the language of the pre‐1992 regime, which has been rather too hastily condemned as obscure and solipsistic. We then pass to the self‐consciously simple language of Bossi, who constructs a discourse of protest, and of Berlusconi, who offers a discourse of government. These lead to the very different, albeit sometimes complementary, languages of Prodi and D'Alema, which go beyond populism and open new political perspectives. Through these and other examples we examine the role of political language in a changing Italy.
Drosophila MSL complex globally acetylates H4K16 on the male X chromosome for dosage compensation

Drosophila MSL complex binds the single male X chromosome to upregulate gene expression to equal that from the two female X chromosomes. However, it has been puzzling that ~25% of transcribed genes on the X do not stably recruit MSL complex. Here, we find that almost all active genes on the X are associated with robust H4 Lys16 acetylation (H4K16ac), the histone modification catalyzed by MSL complex. The distribution of H4K16ac is much broader than that of MSL complex, and our results favor the idea that chromosome-wide H4K16ac reflects transient association of MSL complex, occurring through spreading or chromosomal looping. Our results parallel those of localized Polycomb repressive complex and its more broadly distributed H3K27me3 chromatin mark, suggesting a common principle for the establishment of active and silenced chromatin domains.
Blocking bimolecular activation pathways leads to different regioselectivity in metal–organic framework catalysis

Chiral metal–organic frameworks built from a Co-salen derived dicarboxylate bridging ligand exhibited different regioselectivities from the corresponding homogeneous catalyst by shutting down bimolecular activation pathways.
Estimation for a weibull accelerated life testing model

It is sometimes reasonable to assume that the lifetime distribution of an item belongs to a certain parametric family, and that actual parameter values depend upon the testing environment of the item. In the two-parameter Weibull family setting, suppose both the shape and scale parameters are expressible as functions of the testing environment. For various models of functional dependency on environment, maximum likelihood methods are used to estimate characteristics of interest at specified environmental levels. The methodology presented handles exact, censored, and grouped data. A detailed accelerated life testing analysis of stress-rupture data for Kevlar/epoxy composites is given. 10 references, 1 figure, 2 tables.
Control of Aldosterone Secretion by the Pituitary Gland

In the rat, the pituitary gland is essential for the stimulation of aldosterone secretion by sodium depletion. Hypophysectomy abolishes the response to sodium depletion, whereas whole pituitary gland injections partially restore it. The response cannot be restored by injections of either adrenocorticotropin or growth hormone, nor by adrenocorticotropin plus thyroxin. The pituitary gland must secrete a hormone or possibly several hormones which are necessary for the adrenal gland to respond to sodium depletion.
Asymptotic integration of a perturbed constant coefficient differential equation under mild integral smallness conditions

The problem of asymptotic behavior of solutions of an nth order linear differential equation is reconsidered, and a result obtained by Hartman and Wintner under integral smallness conditions on the perturbing terms which require absolute integrability is shown to hold under weaker integrability conditions requiring only ordinary (perhaps conditional) convergence of some of the improper integrals that occur. The estimates of the asymptotic behavior of solutions of the perturbed equation are also sharper than in the classical result.
Objectives of Nuclear System Reliability and Safety Studies

This paper describes the types of reliability and probabilistic safety studies which have been performed in the commercial nuclear power industry. The role of current and future probabilistic risk evaluations is examined in light of the overall objectives and trends within the industry. The purpose of this examination is to identify the objectives which reliability and safety studies of nuclear systems should have in order to support the objectives of the nuclear industry as a whole. Recommendations are made for the types of developments and applications which should be performed to support these objectives.
Development of TiAl-Based Automotive Engine Valves

The application of TiAl-based alloys as an exhaust valve material would allow automotive engines to operate at higher temperatures with increased efficiencies. Development of these materials at Ford initially concentrated on the Ti-48Al-1V (at%) system. This included: (1) room and elevated temperature fatigue, (2) creep and (3) tensile ductility optimization. Results from this test program in conjunction with other available data, previous ceramic experience and limited engine testing led to the conclusion that the major roadblock to implementation was not optimizing mechanical properties, but rather low cost and reliable valve manufacturing technology. When a cost effective manufacturing technology is developed, then the emphasis will shift to ensuring the product durability. Hence, the focus of the current program is the development of valve manufacturing technologies, in particular valve blank fabrication. Currently, casting appears to be the lowest cost alternative for valve blank fabrication. This paper reviews the technology development process as it pertains to TiAl-based valves.
ab-orientation YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ films grown on MgO substrates with a c-axis layer buffer by RF-sputtering method

An ab-plane-oriented YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ thin film has been deposited on a thin c-axis layer with MgO as substrate by RF sputtering. Superconducting transition is much better than that deposited directly on the MgO substrate. The differences have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, reflection high energy electron diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The same technique has been applied to yttrium stabilized zirconia and yielded similar results. >
Estradiol-mediated tumor neo-vascularization.

Neo-vascularization is essential for tumor growth and metastasis and is presumably initiated by bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs). These cells predominantly reside in the bone marrow and are recruited at sites of inflammation, tissue damage and tumors. The tissue-specific factors responsible for recruitment of BM-EPCs and neo-vascularization are the subject of intense investigation. Using bone marrow cells from Tek/green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice, we analyzed the effect of estrogen on the mobilization of BM-EPCs to orthotopically implanted cancer cells in estrogen- and non-estrogen-supplemented ovariectomized mice. The donor marrow cells were unique as they were fluorescently tagged, allowing for the tracking of their migration to the tumor tissues. Results showed that GFP + BM-EPCs were incorporated within the tumor vasculature in comparison to the sham injections. Notably, estrogen supplementation enhanced the mobilization of BM-EPCs to the tumor site. This elevation shows that estrogen may affect tumor neo-vascularization by inducing the mobilization of BM-EPCs. Understanding and characterizing the mechanism involved in the estrogen-induced mobilization of BM-EPCs may serve as a ‘Trojan horse’ in the delivery of bio-molecules that may disrupt tumor vasculogenesis and induce the targeted killing of tumor cells.
Development of a PCR for Identification of Bordetella hinzii

SUMMARY Bordetella hinzii infects primarily poultry and immunocompromised humans. It is closely related to the etiologic agent of turkey coryza, Bordetella avium. Distinguishing between B. avium and B. hinzii is difficult, and there is no method for identification of B. hinzii suitable for use by diagnostic laboratories. This report details the development of a B. hinzii–specific PCR targeting the ompA gene. Assay sensitivity is 100% based on analysis of 48 B. hinzii isolates from diverse geographic locations representing all known ribotypes. Evaluation of 71 isolates of B. avium and 20 other bacterial isolates from poultry, comprising gram-negative and gram-positive commensals and pathogens of nine genera, demonstrated an assay specificity of 100%. The ompA PCR is a rapid, reliable, and accurate method for identification of B. hinzii and provides a valuable new tool for veterinary diagnostic laboratories investigating poultry respiratory disease outbreaks.
Cycles of Social Problem Development: The Case of Drug Abuse

The genesis and course of a social problem results from the interplay of political and historical forces. This paper formulates a cyclical model of social problem development in which the history o...
Analysis and design principles of second and higher order saturating servomechanisms

This paper presents an extension and generalization of the phase-plane method to automatic control systems governed by high-order nonlinear differential equations. A unified procedure of analysis is outlined. It is based on linear transformations in the phase space, correlated with the partial-fraction expansion of transfer functions to separate natural frequencies, and makes use of the root-locus method for the qualitative study of closed-loop stability. The analysis leads to replacing a high-order system with a second-order system which closely approximates the former. Excellent insight is obtained into difficult problems. The method is applied to a study of control systems subject to saturation. Appendix II summarizes the current state of knowledge concerning second-order optimum saturating systems.
An early cordycepin-sensitive event in the action of glucocorticoid hormones on rat thymus cells in vitro: evidence that synthesis of new mRNA initiates the earliest metabolic effects of steroid hormones.

Evidence is presented that the synthesis of poly A is essential for the progression of the sequence that follows binding of glucocorticoid hormones to nuclear receptor-complex and leads, after 20–30 min, to the well-known hormonal inhibition of glucose transport. Action of dexamethasone or cortisol on glucose is prevented by amounts of Cordycepin (3′deoxyadenosine) that rapidly block, by 40%, the appearance of poly A in polysomal fractions. Sensitivity to Cordycepin is limited to the first 10 min following hormone addition. In dose-response studies a parallelism is found between degrees of blockade of hormone action and blockade of poly A formation.Studies of possible actions of Cordycepin on: binding of hormones to nuclear receptors, levels of ATP, and synthesis of protein, DNA and nuclear non-poly A RNA are all consistent with the interpretation that the antibiotic blocks hormone action either through its selective effects on poly A synthesis or disturbances in RNA metabolism related to reduced poly A s...
Copolymerization of Silyl Vinyl Ethers with Olefins by (α-diimine)PdR+

This paper reports that (alpha-diimine)PdMe+ catalyzes the copolymerization of olefins and silyl vinyl ethers. The reactions of (alpha-diimine)PdMe+ (alpha-diimine = (2,6-iPr2-C6H3)N=CMe-CMe=N(2,6-iPr2-C6H3)) with excess vinyl ethers CH2=CHOR (1a-d: R = tBu (a), SiMe3 (b), SiPh3 (c), Ph (d)) in CH2Cl2 at 20 degrees C afford polymers for 1a (rapidly) and 1b (slowly) but not for 1c or 1d. The structures of poly(1a,b) indicate a cationic polymerization mechanism. The reaction of (alpha-diimine)PdMe+ with 1-2 equiv of 1a-d proceeds by sequential C=C pi-complexation to form (alpha-diimine)PdMe(CH2=CHOR)+ (2a-d), 1,2 insertion to form (alpha-diimine)Pd(CH2CHMeOR)+ (3a-d), reversible isomerization to (alpha-diimine)Pd(CMe2OR)+ (4a-d), beta-OR elimination to generate (alpha-diimine)Pd(OR)(CH2=CHMe)+ (not observed), and allylic C-H activation to yield (alpha-diimine)Pd(eta3-C3H5)+ (5) and ROH. The reaction of (alpha-diimine)PdMe+ with 1-hexene/1b and 1-hexene/1c mixtures in CH2Cl2 at 20 degrees C affords copolymers containing up to 20 mol % silyl vinyl ether. The copolymers were purified to be free of any -[CH2CHOSiR3]n- homopolymer. The copolymer structures are similar to that of homopoly(1-hexene) generated under the same conditions. The major comonomer units are CH3CH(OSiR3)CH2-, CH2(OSiR3)CH2- and -CH2CH(OSiR3)CH2-. The 1-hexene/CH2=CHOSiR3 copolymers can be desilylated to give 1-hexene/CH2=CHOH copolymers. The results of control experiments argue against cationic and radical mechanisms for the copolymerization, and an insertion/chain-walking mechanism is proposed.
Microbial Natural Products That Affect Plants, Phytopathogens, and Certain other Microorganisms

Biologically active natural products of microbial origin are diverse in chemical structure and exhibit different responses in divergent assay systems. They may have practical use as plant growth regulators, antimicrobials, and phytotoxins. In addition, they may be viewed as bioactive templates that may be altered to produce compounds with changed specific activities and target specificities.
Premarketing studies in the drug approval process: understanding their limitations regarding the assessment of drug safety☆

This paper discusses the premarketing safety database that the US Food and Drug Administration receives from drug manufacturers. It reviews the kind of data we usually receive, what we do with the data, and how the data affect labeling. In addition, it discusses some of the limitations of that database in ensuring the safe use of medications.
Fact, Phenomenon, and Theory in the Darwinian Research Tradition

From its inception Darwinian evolutionary biology has been seen as having a problematic relationship of fact and theory. While the forging of the modern evolutionary synthesis resolved most of these issues for biologists, critics continue to argue that natural selection and common descent are “only theories.” Much of the confusion engendered by the “evolution wars” can be clarified by applying the concept of phenomena, inferred from fact, and explained by theories, thus locating where legitimate dissent may still exist. By setting such analysis in the context of research traditions, it is possible to gain further insight into the complex interplay of facts, phenomena, and theories. Two case studies are explored to assess the value of such approaches, one from within evolutionary biology, the Baldwin effect, and one from outside, intelligent design.
The Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Ectoparasitic Diseases in Travelers

Ectoparasitic diseases have been reported in travelers returning from both developed and developing nations.(1-3) Ectoparasitic diseases afflict the skin and its appendages and orifices, especially the scalp, facial, and pubic hairs; external ears; nares; orbits and eyelids; and genitourinary and rectal orifices. Like endoparasites, ectoparasites may be either obligatory parasites, which need to feed on human hosts to complete their life cycles, or facultative parasites, which prefer to feed on nonhuman hosts and infest humans only as accidental or dead-end hosts.(4,5).
Exercise outcomes after pulmonary rehabilitation depend on the initial mechanism of exercise limitation among non-oxygen-dependent COPD patients.

Study objectives: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) that includes exercise training can improve exercise tolerance and quality of life for patients with COPD. However, the degree of benefit from PR is variable. We hypothesized that the exercise response to PR varies depending on the initial factors that limit exercise. Design, setting, participants, and measurements: We retrospectively analyzed the change in exercise capacity after PR in 290 nonhypoxemic patients with COPD. We classified patients into the following subgroups based on the primary limitation seen on initial exercise testing: (1) ventilatory-limited (VL); (2) cardiovascular-limited (CVL); (3) mixed ventilatory/cardiovascularlimited (VLCVL); and (4) non-cardiopulmonary-limited (NL). We compared outcomes among subgroups. Results: In the entire study population, PR led to increased timed walk distance (30.3%;
Gender and race differences in bone mass during infancy.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether race or gender differences in total body bone mineral content (BMC) are evident within the first 18 months of age. Total body bone mineral measurements were obtained on 64 healthy infants 1–18 months of age. There were no significant differences in age, weight, or height between race and gender groups. Taking into account weight and age, both bone mineral density (BMD) and BMC were greater in male infants compared with female infants (both,P=0.02) and BMD was slightly higher in black infants compared with white infants (P=0.07).
Effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons on plasma α-lipoprotein cholesterol in rats

Abstract Ten chlorinated hydrocarbons (tetradifon, Chlorobenzilate, kepone, lindane, Kelthane, toxaphene, dieldrin, hexachloro-benzene, dienochlor, and Aroclor 1254; see below) were evaluated in rats to assess agents which might selectively elevate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (C-HDL). Single, nontoxic doses of Aroclor, dieldrin, and Kepone elevated C-HDL at day 7 (31%, 26%, and 24%, respectively, p