cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FLK-1-based minigene vaccines induce T cell-mediated suppression of angiogenesis and tumor protective immunity in syngeneic BALB/c mice

Abstract Angiogenesis is a rate-limiting step in the development of tumors. Here, we demonstrate that oral minigene DNA vaccines against murine vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (FLK-1), a self-antigen overexpressed on proliferating endothelial cells in the tumor vasculature, induced protection against tumors of different origin in syngeneic BALB/c mice. This protection is mediated by CD8 T cells, which specifically kill FLK-1 + endothelial cells, resulting in marked suppression of tumor angiogenesis. More importantly, the minigene vaccine proved to be of similar efficacy as a vaccine encoding the whole FLK-1 gene. These data suggest a FLK-1 minigene vaccine provides a more flexible alternative to the whole gene vaccine and will facilitate their future design and clinical applications in cancer therapy and prevention.
The plant MT1 metallothioneins are stabilized by binding cadmiums and are required for cadmium tolerance and accumulation.

The small Arabidopsis genome contains nine metallothionein-like (MT) sequences with classic, cysteine-rich domains separated by spacer sequences, quite unlike the small conserved MT families found vertebrate genomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four ancient and divergent classes of plant MTs that predate the monocot–dicot divergence. A distinct cysteine spacing pattern suggested differential metal ion specificity for each class. The in vivo stability of representatives of the four classes of plant MT proteins and a mouse MT2 control expressed in E. coli were enhanced by cadmium (Cd). Particular MTs were also stabilized by arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and or zinc (Zn). To understand why plants have such a diversity of MT sequences, the Arabidopsis MT1 class, comprised of three genes, MT1a, MT1b, and MT1c, was characterized in more detail in plants. MT1 family transcripts were knocked down to less than 5–10% of wild-type levels in Arabidopsis by expression of a RNA interference (RNAi) construct. The MT1 knockdown plant lines were all hypersensitive to Cd and accumulated several fold lower levels of As, Cd, and Zn than wildtype, while Cu and Fe levels were unaffected. The ancient class of MT1 protein sequences may be preserved in plant genomes, because it has distinct metal-binding properties, confers tolerance to cadmium, and can assist with zinc homeostasis.
A New Technique for Characterizing Ultrasonic Transducers in Inhomogeneous Media

This work describes several extensions to the angular spectrum method of acoustic field analysis in order to account for wave propagation in inhomogeneous media. The method provides three dimensional prediction of both near- and farfield complex pressure distributions for differently shaped ultrasonic radiators, both planar and focussed. In addition, the method also models a layered inhomogeneous medium, concurrently accounting for several media properties. The approach is based on a systematic extension of the angular spectrum method; this involves modifying the phase factor to account for refraction, dispersion, attenuation and the effects of weak inhomogeneities. A computer simulation has been developed, and results for various transducer geometries and media properties are discussed. Specifically, the field patterns from focused and phase steered apertures are modelled, and propagation in media which have refractive and phase distorting properties is examined.
Mosaic image compression

Most consumer-level digital cameras use a color filter array to capture color mosaic data followed by demosaicking to obtain full-color images. However, many sophisticated demosaicking algorithms are too complex to implement on-board a camera. To use these algorithms, one must transfer the mosaic data from the camera to a computer without introducing compression losses that could generate artifacts in the demosaicked image. The memory required for losslessly stored mosaic images severely restricts the number of images that can be stored in the camera. Therefore, we need an algorithm to compress the original mosaic data losslessly so that it can later be transferred intact for demosaicking. We propose a new lossless compression technique for mosaic images in this paper. Ordinary image compression methods do not apply to mosaic images because of their non-canonical color sampling structure. Because standard compression methods such as JPEG, JPEG2000, etc. are already available in most digital cameras, we have chosen to build our algorithms using a standard method as a key part of the system. The algorithm begins by separating the mosaic image into 3 color (RGB) components. This is followed by an interpolation or down-sampling operation--depending on the particular variation of the algorithm--that makes all three components the same size. Using the three color components, we form a color image that is coded with JPEG. After appropriately reformatting the data, we calculate the residual between the original image and the coded image and then entropy-code the residual values corresponding to the mosaic data.
In Vivo Studies Identify 5a-Pregnan-3a-o1-20-one as an Active Anesthetic Agent

Mice were anesthetized with 5 alpha-[3H]pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one. Brain levels for 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one and its five major metabolites (5 alpha-pregnanedione, k0, k1, k2, k3) were compared at behavioral endpoints that are characteristic of the anesthetized state. The results support the hypothesis that 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one mediates the anesthetic response, and they weigh against the hypothesis that any of its metabolites is solely responsible for the onset or the maintenance of the anesthetized state. For an administered dose of 3 mg/kg, brain levels (means +/- SEM) for 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one at the time of the loss of the righting response (n = 10) and at the time of the return of the righting response (n = 6) were 7.24 +/- 0.61 pmol/mg of brain tissue and 3.63 +/- 0.26 pmol/mg of brain tissue, respectively. No metabolite level was lower at the return of the righting response than at the loss of the righting response. 5 alpha-Pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one brain levels increased consistently with the percentage of anesthetized mice. This was not the case for any of the metabolites. Fifty percent of the mice were anesthetized when the 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one level was 4.5 pmol/mg of brain tissue.
2,9,16,23-Tetra-kis(1-methyl-eth-yl)-5,6,11,12,13,14,19,20,25,26,27,28-dodecadehydro-tetra-benzo[a,e,k,o]cyclo-eicosene.

The title compound, C(48)H(40), is a tetra-isopropyl-substituted polyannulenoenyne. The unsubstituted polyannulenoenyne, C(36)H(16) (CSD: RICVEE; CAS: 186494-87-1), has quasi-D(2) (222) symmetry, as determined by least-squares fit (excluding H atoms) to a model optimized in D(2) symmetry by mol-ecular mechanics (r.m.s. deviation = 0.239 A). The least-squares fits of 36 common C atoms of the title compound (at 90 K) to the parent (at 295 K) and to the optimized model show r.m.s. deviations of 0.419 and 0.426 A, respectively.
Activation of the Cholinergic Antiinflammatory Pathway Ameliorates Obesity-Induced Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

Activation of the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway ameliorates obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance through α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
Streptobacillus moniliformis: a mouse trying to become a rat

Streptobacillus moniliformis is a rare but emerging zoonotic bacterial pathogen. It causes febrile illness associated with a rash, arthritis, and carditis, typically following rat bites or exposure to food or water contaminated with rat feces. In some cases, a clear exposure history cannot be confirmed. We report a case of sepsis caused by S. moniliformis in a pet owner. Specialized laboratory technique is necessary for the isolation and recognition of S. moniliformis. Rapid diagnostic methods using PCR allow earlier diagnosis and tailored antibiotic therapy for S. moniliformis infections.
Feasibility study for downscaling seasonal tropical cyclone activity using the NCEP regional spectral model

The potential use of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Regional Spectral Model (RSM) for downscaling seasonal tropical cyclone (TC) activity was analyzed here. The NCEP RSM with horizontal resolution of 50 km, was used to downscale the ECHAM4.5 Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AGCM) simulations forced with observed sea surface temperature (SST) over the western North Pacific. An ensemble of ten runs for June–November 1994 and 1998 was studied. The representation of the TCs is much improved compared to the low-resolution forcing AGCM, but the TCs are not as intense as observed ones, as the RSM horizontal resolution is not sufficiently high. The large-scale fields of the RSM are examined and compared to both the AGCM and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis. The large-scale fields of RSM characteristics are in general similar to those of the reanalysis. Various properties of the TCs in the RSM are also examined such as first positions, tracks, accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) and duration. While the RSM does not reproduce the higher number of TCs in 1994 than in 1998, other measures of TC activity (ACE, number of cyclone days) in the RSM are higher in 1994 than in 1998. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Geostationary Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS): science applications

A revolutionary satellite weather forecasting instrument, called the "GIFTS" which stands for the "Geostationary Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer", was recently completed and successfully tested in a space chamber at the Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory. The GIFTS was originally proposed by the NASA Langley Research Center, the University of Wisconsin, and the Utah State University and selected for flight demonstration as NASA's New Millennium Program (NMP) Earth Observing-3 (EO-3) mission, which was unfortunately cancelled in 2004. GIFTS is like a digital 3-d movie camera that, when mounted on a geostationary satellite, would provide from space a revolutionary four-dimensional view of the Earth's atmosphere. GIFTS will measure the distribution, change, and movement of atmospheric moisture, temperature, and certain pollutant gases, such as carbon monoxide and ozone. The observation of the convergence of invisible water vapor, and the change of atmospheric temperature, provides meteorologists with the observations needed to predict where, and when, severe thunderstorms, and possibly tornados, would occur, before they are visible on radar or in satellite cloud imagery. The ability of GIFTS to observe the motion of moisture and clouds at different altitudes enables atmospheric winds to be observed over vast, and otherwise data sparse, oceanic regions of the globe. These wind observations would provide the means to greatly improve the forecast of where tropical storms and hurricanes will move and where and when they will come ashore (i.e., their landfall position and time). GIFTS, if flown into geostationary orbit, would provide about 80,000 vertical profiles per minute, each one like a low vertical resolution (1-2km) weather balloon sounding, but with a spacing of 4 km. GIFTS is a revolutionary atmospheric sensing tool. A glimpse of the science measurement capabilities of GIFTS is provided through airborne measurements with the NPOESS Airborne Sounding Testbed - Interferometer (NAST-I).
Acid‐catalyzed alcoholysis ofVernonia galamensis oil

We have demonstrated the potential ofVernonia galamensis seed oil as a source of hydroxy alkoxy fatty esters. Reaction of the oil with various alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol), under acidic conditions, resulted in transesterification as well as epoxy ring opening in all cases. The major products, the hydroxy alkoxy fatty esters, constituted approximately 80% of the product mixtures, of which the 12-hydroxy-13-alkoxy isomers were the major constituents. These derivatives were isolated by solvent extraction and/or column chromatography to afford 78–80% of pure isomers. Alcoholysis with butanol resulted in a poor yield of the hydroxy butoxy esters. A discussion of the isolation and mass-spectrometric characterization of these new esters is provided.
Microscopic origin of hydrodynamic equations: Derivation and consequences

Abstract We describe some recent progress in deriving autonomous hydrodynamic type equations for macroscopic variables from model stochastic microscopic dynamics of particles on a lattice. The derivations also yield the microscopic fluctuations about the deterministic macroscopic evolution. These grow, with time, to become infinite when the deterministic solution is unstable. A form of microscopic pattern selection is also found.
Potential effects of altered solar ultraviolet radiation on human skin cancer.

–There is highly significant evidence that non-melanoma skin cancers are primarily due to chronic repeated exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, and that there is a significant, although somewhat different relationship between solar radiation and the development of cutaneous malignant melanoma. Recent experimental and epidemiologic studies show that the biologically most effective UVR wavelengths are in the segment of the solar UVR spectrum that would be significantly augmented by decreases in stratospheric ozone content. A recent report on measurements of column ozone changes in the stratosphere has shown that in the past 18 yr, there has been an ozone decrease between 2 and 3%, greater in the winter months, and somewhat differing with latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. Calculations of the relationship of ozone decrease to increase in biologically effective UVR show great dependence on the biologic action spectrum assumed. Based on extensive epidemiologic studies of skin cancer incidence, it appears that the estimated increase in biologically effective UVR due to the measured ozone decreases in the past (almost) two decades are not likely to be the cause of the sharp increase in skin cancer incidence which have been observed. Most likely these increases in incidence are the result of increasing personal exposure, due to striking changes in personal behavior that have taken place for social reasons. However, there is every reason to believe that increases in biologically effective UVR due to stratospheric ozone decreases will have significant impact on human skin cancer incidence in the future.
Deconstructing the mechanisms and consequences of TGF-β-induced EMT during cancer progression

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a potent pleiotropic cytokine that regulates mammalian development, differentiation, and homeostasis in essentially all cell types and tissues. TGF-β normally exerts anticancer activities by prohibiting cell proliferation and by creating cell microenvironments that inhibit cell motility, invasion, and metastasis. However, accumulating evidence indicates that the process of tumorigenesis, particularly that associated with metastatic progression, confers TGF-β with oncogenic activities, a functional switch known as the "TGF-β paradox." The molecular determinants governing the TGF-β paradox are complex and represent an intense area of investigation by researchers in academic and industrial settings. Recent findings link genetic and epigenetic events in mediating the acquisition of oncogenic activity by TGF-β, as do aberrant alterations within tumor microenvironments. These events coalesce to enable TGF-β to direct metastatic progression via the stimulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which permits carcinoma cells to abandon polarized epithelial phenotypes in favor of apolar mesenchymal-like phenotypes. Attempts to deconstruct the EMT process induced by TGF-β have identified numerous signaling molecules, transcription factors, and microRNAs operant in mediating the initiation and resolution of this complex transdifferentiation event. In addition to its ability to enhance carcinoma cell invasion and metastasis, EMT also endows transitioned cells with stem-like properties, including the acquisition of self-renewal and tumor-initiating capabilities coupled to chemoresistance. Here, we review recent findings that delineate the pathophysiological mechanisms whereby EMT stimulated by TGF-β promotes metastatic progression and disease recurrence in human carcinomas.
Lateral plantar pain: diagnostic considerations

Injuries that target the bones of the midfoot are important causes of pain. The medial aspect of the midfoot has been extensively studied but the lateral plantar region has not received as much attention. The objective of this article is to review the differential diagnosis of lateral plantar pain, emphasizing on the common mechanisms of injury, and to identify characteristic imaging findings for these pathologic conditions.
Understanding Compliance with Bring Your Own Device Policies Utilizing Protection Motivation Theory: Bridging the Intention-Behavior Gap

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that determine whether employees follow Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies through the lens of the Protection Motivation Theory. BYOD is rapidly becoming the norm rather than the exception. As a result, firms are establishing BYOD policies to address the risk inherent in allowing individuals to use their own devices to access or store company data. This paper reports the results of a survey of accounting students, non-accounting students, and full-time employees. Results demonstrate that participants' intentions to comply with a BYOD policy were primarily motivated by Self Efficacy and Response Efficacy. Further, Threat Severity was more salient for accountants than non-accountants, perhaps due to their sensitivity to confidential data. Finally, when actual compliance behavior was considered, costs to comply were much more salient to employees and could be strong deterrents to full compliance. These findings have important theoretical and pr...
Online estimation of stirred-tank microalgal photobioreactor cultures based on dissolved oxygen measurement

Abstract Photobioreactor sensing presents unique challenges not met in conventional fermentors. First and foremost, photobioreactor processes are governed by photosynthesis, and hence many parameters important to photobioreactors are not considered in conventional fermentors. Furthermore, photobioreactor processes are typically associated with stringent cost constraints, and thus the use of complex sensing hardware is precluded. This calls for innovative approaches to address sensing problems in photobioreactors. Here, we report the development of an effective model-based estimator that is capable of tracking key culture states in stirred-tank microalgal photobioreactor systems. A marine micro-alga Dunaliella salina was used as a model organism in this study. Extended Kalman filter (EKF) was applied here to provide optimal estimates of photobioreactor states, based on a dynamic process model in conjunction with online dissolved oxygen measurement. The process model consists of a growth model and a light transport model. The former associates growth to average light intensity in the reactor, while taking into account both photoinhibition and oxygen inhibition. The latter is based on a modified radial model to estimate the average light intensity. The estimator is capable of estimating biomass density, specific growth rate, dissolved oxygen concentration, photosynthetic efficiency, and average light intensity in the photobioreactor illuminated either with constant incident light at different intensity levels or with time-varying incident lights. For the latter, an auxiliary internal model EKF was used to accurately track the variation rate of the incident lights. This paper also presents a detailed analysis on the tuning of EKF for optimal estimation. This state estimation system offers a cost-effective means for monitoring the process dynamics of microalgal photobioreactor cultures online, through which the productivity of such a process could be optimized.
Cylindroma expresses immunohistochemical markers linking it to eccrine coil

Nerve growth factor, S-100 protein, CD44, and CD34 have unique expressions in or surrounding eccrine coil hut are not found in eccrine duct or apoerine gland. We studied 15 cases of cutaneous cylindroma to see if these antigens are found in this neoplasm. All were found in cylindroma to varying degrees. These results link the histogenesis of cylindroma to the eccrine coil. A unique feature of cylindroma is the large number of prominent dendritic cells most likely representing Langerhans cells that permeate the tumor aggregates.
Influence ofR-curve behaviour on strength degradation due to Hertzian indentation

The influence ofR-curve behaviour on the post-indentation strength of two types of alumina was studied using Hertzian indentation. Soda-lime glass was included in the study to represent a material which does not exhibitR-curve behaviour. Specimens were indented with a spherical indentor with increasing loads. Post-indentation strength was measured in a mineral-oil environment using a ring-on-ring biaxial fixture. Indentation of the two aluminas produced the typical Hertzian crack pattern with a somewhat greater statistical variability than that found in soda-lime glass. The strength of the two aluminas fell into four different regimes that were separated by the onset of ring, cone, and radial crack formation, respectively.R-curve behaviour did not appreciably influence the results, undoubtedly due to the relatively narrow range of indentation loads where failure was controlled by ring and cone cracks. These strength results contrast to those obtained for soda-lime glass. In soda-lime glass, ring and cone crack nucleation occurred simultaneously with a sudden drop in strength followed by a gradual decline in strength with increasing indentation load, in accordance with the prediction of Hertzian cone-crack theory.
The assembly and testing of the D0 silicon detector

Abstract The silicon microstrip detector is a major upgrade of the D0 inner tracking system. We present an overview of the design and some of the assembly challenges. We describe the testing and repair procedures and associated yields. We also report results from electrical tests of our double sided detectors and the constraints imposed by micro discharge effect.
1054 INFLUENCE OF INOCULUM SIZE ON INTERPRETATION OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE: MOXALACTAM VS. AMPICILLIN

1054 INFLUENCE OF INOCULUM SIZE ON INTERPRETATION OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE: MOXALACTAM VS. AMPICILLIN
The Strain-Assisted Nucleation and Growth Behavior of Co Islands: An Indirect Study of Nanopatterning Using the Remanent Magnetization Measurement (Δm)

Nanopatterning through strain-assisted nucleation of metal adatom islands is experimentally studied using a magnetic remanence or Am measurement. The strain field is generated by a square array of interfacial misfit dislocations with a spacing of 4.1 nm due to the lattice mismatch of the epitaxial Pt(002) film on MgO(002) substrates. The intensity of strain is controlled by changing the thickness of the Pt underlayer ranging from 2.0 to 10.0 nm. The amount of exchange coupling among the Co grains grown on Pt template is measured using the Am technique as an indirect indicator of magnetic grain distribution. From the measured Am values, the morphology of adatom islands is indirectly deduced. The Co islands on a 5.0 nm thick Pt underlayer show the overall negative behavior of Am curve, i.e., the strongest nanopatterning effect. Strain driven nucleation is found to be achievable through a narrow selection of experimental growth conditions.
Comprehensive Linkage of Defect and Phase Equilibria through Ferroelectric Transition Behavior in BaTiO3‐Based Dielectrics: Part 1. Defect Energies Under Ambient Air Conditions

Defect and phase equilibria have been investigated via the ferroelectric phase transition behavior of pure and equilibrated nonstoichiometric BaTiO3 powder samples. Through fabricating the BaTiO3 materials under highly controlled conditions to preserve the equilibrium conditions with respect to Ba/Ti ratio, annealing temperature (T), and oxygen partial pressure (PO2), systematic variations in the phase transition temperature can be noted with respect to Ba/Ti ratio and T. From the data extracted, we can then determine solubility limits. Equilibrating the defect reactions at the solubility limits provides a direct approach to identify and calculate the defect energetics. The phase transition temperature decreased with increasing concentration of the TiO2 partial-Schottky defects (BaTi1−δO3−2δ) and the BaO partial-Schottky defects (Ba1−δTiO3−δ), and showed discontinuous changes in the two-phase region. The formation enthalpy and entropy for the partial-Schottky defect reactions was evaluated to be 2.32±0.1 eV and 10.15±0.7 kB for the BaO partial-Schottky defect, and 2.89±0.1 eV and 8.0±1.5 kB for the TiO2 partial-Schottky defects equilibrated under air annealing conditions.
The price mechanism, decentralization, and incentives

Abstract The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of the price mechanism in implementing a reform program. It is an attempt to put in perspective a number of issues that are familiar to economists both in China and elsewhere, issues whose implications deserve careful scrutiny. What follows is only an outline.
Unusual effects of 5a,6-anhydrotetracycline and other tetracyclines. Inhibition of guanosine 5'-diphosphate 3'-diphosphate metabolism, RNA accumulation and other growth-related processes in Escherichia coli.

Abstract 5a,6-Anhydrotetracycline was discovered to be unique among several tetracycline derivatives tested in its ability to inhibit RNA accumulation in vivo at low concentrations (20 μg/ml and less). In addition, in vivo protein, DNA, and guanosine 5′-diphosphate 3′-diphosphate (ppGpp) synthesis were completely inhibited by 20 μg/ml 5a,6-anhydrotetracycline. ppGpp decay in a spoT strain was inhibited by 20 μg/ml 5a,6-anhydrotetracycline but not at higher concentrations of the drug. The inhibition of RNA synthesis by 5a,6-anhydrotetracycline may be due, in part, to reduced UTP and CTP synthesis. The effects of tetracyclines on in vitro ppGpp synthesis by crude stringent factor in the absence of ribosomes were investigated. It was determined that, of six tetracyclines tested, four strongly inhibited the reaction (oxytetracycline, chlorotetracycline, dedimethylaminotetracycline, and tetracycline) whereas 5a,6-anhydrotetracycline gave a moderate inhibition and α-6-deoxyoxytetracycline resulted in only a slight reduction in ppGpp synthesis. It is proposed that tetracyclines interfere with factors involved in ppGpp metabolism and function.
Lacrosse in the Physical Education Setting: Strategies for Success

With deep roots in Native American culture, lacrosse (or baggeitaway, as it once was called by the Native Americans) is the oldest sport in North America (Mood, Musker, & Rink, 2012). French missio...
Genetic markers that influence feed efficiency phenotypes also affect cattle temperament as measured by flight speed

Summary Flight speed is a predictive indicator of cattle temperament and is associated with feed efficiency phenotypes. Genetic markers associated with both traits may assist with selection of calmer animals with improved economic value. A preliminary genome-wide association study determined chromosomal regions on BTA9, and 17 were associated with flight speed. The genes quaking (QKI), glutamate receptor, ionotropic, AMPA 2 (GRIA2) and glycine receptor β (GLRB) were identified in these regions as potential functional candidates. Beef steers (n = 1057) were genotyped with SNPs located within and flanking these genes. One SNP located near QKI and one near GRIA2 were nominally associated with flight speed (P ≤ 0.05) although neither was significant after Bonferroni correction. Several studies have shown a correlation between flight speed and feed intake or gain; therefore, we also analyzed SNPs on BTA6:38–39 Mb known to be associated with average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) for association with flight speed. Several SNPs on BTA6 were associated with flight speed (P ≤ 0.005), and three were significant after Bonferroni correction. These results suggest that the genes tested are unlikely to contribute to flight speed variation for our cattle population, but SNPs on BTA6 associated with ADG and ADFI may influence temperament. Use of these markers to select for economically important feed efficiency phenotypes may produce cattle with more desirable temperaments.
A Musical Onset Detection System with Scalable Complexity

An onset detection system based on linear prediction with scalable complexity is proposed in this work. One unique feature of the proposed onset detection algorithm is that it can offer a trade-off between complexity and detection accuracy by adjusting its parameters. Consequently, it can be used in consumer electronics such as karaoke performance evaluation and automatic visual effect generation in portable media players.
Sensors, actuators, and computer interfacing laboratory course at the University of California at Santa Barbara

The Department of Mechanical and Environmental Engineering at the University of California at Santa Barbara has developed a required laboratory course on Sensors, Actuators, and Computer Interfacing, which is specifically designed to equip undergraduates with basic mechatronics skills. Unlike typical mechatronics courses that have a small, specialized enrollment, this course has been designed to accommodate a larger, more general enrollment, typically numbering 100 students. In this paper, we provide an outline for any institution that is interested in offering an introductory mechatronics laboratory course as part of its required undergraduate curriculum.
Effect of testosterone propionate on fine structure and gonadotrophin content of the female rat and hamster anterior pituitary.

The effect of long-term testosterone propionate treatment on the adult female rat and hamster anterior pituitary was investigated by means of combined bioassay and electron microscopy. In the rat, a marked hypertrophy and enhancement of secretory activity of “FSH cells” occurred which correlated well with a marked increase of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stores. A moderate decrease of luteinizing hormone (LH) stores was not accompanied by changes in so-called LH cells. Alterations in “acidophilic” cell types were also observed. Somatotrophs were atrophic and showed evidence of decreased secretory activity, while lactotrophs appeared to be stimulated by testosterone treatment. There were similar changes in the hamster.
Guest editor introduction: special issue on high performance computing for high productivity environments

Rapid prototyping and application development environments are often the tool of choice for many developers and users. These environments and languages include MATLAB®, perl, python, R and Ruby. They are popular, in large part, because theymake computing accessible to “accidental programmers” (scientists, statisticians, economists and others not specifically trained as programmers) and because they deliver on their promise of rapid prototyping to more seasoned programmers. Users of these systems often face a dilemma as their problems grow: livewithin the performance and resource constraints of these systems, or leave these comfortable environments behind and take up tools that are traditionally associated with high(er) performance computing (C/C++/FORTRAN, MPI, OpenMP). This special issue presents six projects aimed at resolving this dilemma in favor of remaining in the environment of choice, but augmenting it so that larger problems can be handled with relative ease (although, perhaps, not with absolutely optimal performance). The projects presented cover a good sampling of popular environments: MATLAB, python, R and Ruby, with a touch of Perl on the side. The enhancement strategies span a range of approaches: easy to use interfaces for accessing high performance libraries that were written the “old fashioned” way, parallel versions of apply/map functions, data parallel frameworks, cleanly wrapped RPC systems, and virtual shared memory. Some approaches are specific to one environment; others are applicable to many or most. Taken together, they are indicative of the interest in and the importance of creative responses to the challenge of making HPC accessible to a broad range of users. Sharma and Martin discuss parallel constructs for MATLAB, one of the most popular commercial systems in this area. They address two related challenges: (i) develop parallel functionality that fits well with the MATLAB computational model;
Solidification/stabilization of spent abrasives and use as nonstructural concrete

Abstract Tons of spent abrasives result each year from the removal of old paint from bridges. Because the spent abrasives contain metals from the paint, some spent abrasives may be considered hazardous by the Toxicity Characteristic (TC) criteria. Incorporation of the spent blasting abrasives in nonstructural concrete (rip-rap, dolphins) offers an opportunity to recycle the spent abrasives while immobilizing potentially leachable metals. This study focused on the Portland Cement Solidification/Stabilization (S/S) of spent blasting abrasives taken from a bridge located in Southeast Texas. The study examined (a) the cadmium, chromium, and lead concentrations in extracts obtained by using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and (b) the compressive strengths of Portland Cement mixes that contained different amounts of the spent abrasives. Performance was measured by meeting the TC criteria as well as the requirements for compressive strength. Study results indicated that considerable quantities of these spent abrasives can be solidified/stabilized while reducing the leachability of cadmium, chromium, and lead and producing compressive strengths over 6895 kN/m 2 (1000 psi).
Utility of observer reports of smoking status

Subjects in a smoking cessation trial named observers to verify their smoking status at 1 week and 1-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Several results indicated observer reports of abstinence have little utility in the classification of smoking status: 1. observer data were available on only 50-70% of follow-ups, 2. observer data refuted claims of abstinence in less than 5% of cases, 3. return bias appears to have occurred (i.e., observer forms were more likely to be missing if a subject reported abstinence), and 4. observer and biochemical verification of abstinence were often discordant.
Rietveld refinement of the structures of 1.0 C-S-H and 1.5 C-S-H

Low-Q region Rietveld analyses were performed on C-S-H synchrotron XRD patterns, using the software MAUD. Two different crystal structures of tobermorite 11 A were used as a starting model: monoclinic ordered Merlino tobermorite, and orthorhombic disordered Hamid tobermorite. Structural modifications were required to adapt the structures to the chemical composition and the different interlayer spacing of the C-S-H samples. Refinement of atomic positions was done by using special constraints called fragments that maintain interatomic distances and orientations within atomic polyhedra. Anisotropic crystallite size refinement showed that C-S-H has a nanocrystalline disordered structure with a preferred direction of elongation of the nanocrystallites in the plane of the Ca interlayer. The quality of the fit showed that the monoclinic structure gives a more adequate representation of C-S-H, whereas the disordered orthorhombic structure can be considered a more realistic model if the lack of long-range order of the silica chain along the c-direction is assumed.
The effects of clearcuts and forest buffer size on post-breeding emigration of adult wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus)

Abstract The establishment of terrestrial buffer zones around vernal pools has been recommended to provide upland habitat for pool-breeding amphibians in areas where forestry practices occur adjacent to breeding sites. However, few studies have empirically tested the effectiveness of buffers. We assessed post-breeding emigration behavior (net emigration distance, rate of movement, proportionate use of available habitats) of radio-tagged adult wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) at nine vernal pools with experimental forest buffer treatments in central Maine, USA. Buffer treatments were either 30-m (N = 3) or 100-m (N = 3) forest buffers surrounded by a 100-m wide clearcut; pools surrounded by uncut forest served as reference sites (N = 3). We tracked 33 individuals in 2004 and 2005, for an average of 41 days, as they emigrated from breeding pools. Recently clearcut habitat was permeable to emigrating adult wood frogs, particularly females. A higher proportion of frogs at 30-m buffer sites than at 100-m buffer sites traveled through the clearcuts to reach intact forest beyond, suggesting that 30-m buffers may not provide sufficient upland habitat to support adult wood frog populations. There was high variability in emigration behavior among frogs, regardless of buffer treatment, and males and females tended to exhibit differential responses to different buffer sizes and to clearcut habitat. Although wood frogs in this study utilized both 30-m and 100-m forest buffers, variability between sexes and density-dependent effects could render small buffers (e.g., 30 m or less) inadequate to support these populations.
Influence of hatch duration and individual daily growth rates on size structure of age‐0 smallmouth bass cohorts in two glacial lakes

– We assessed hatch dates and daily growth rates of age-0 smallmouth bass from two glacial lakes over a 3-year period. Hatching durations (19–27 days among years) of smallmouth bass occurred from late May until late June. Mean daily growth rate of age-0 smallmouth bass ranged from 0.56 to 1.56 mm·day−1. Correlation analysis indicated that hatch date had little effect on daily growth rates. Hatch date was significant in explaining variation in total length (TL) of age-0 smallmouth bass at time of capture in only three of six cases and hatch date never explained >50% of the variation in bass length. Daily growth rate significantly explained variation in smallmouth bass TL at time of capture in all six models, accounting for 31–86% of the variability in bass length. Our findings suggest that size structure of age-0 cohorts in some populations may be more strongly regulated by variation in individual daily growth rate than by hatch timing.
Simulations of core excitation in energetic cluster impacts on metallic surfaces

A modified version of the SPUT2 molecular dynamics sputtering code was used to investigate core excitation in Al atoms following the impact of pure Al clusters and composite Al-Au clusters on Au surfaces. Information was obtained on distances-of closest-approach times-of-closest-approach, and ejection properties of cluster-atoms undergoing hard collisions for 32-, 63-, and 108-atom Al clusters impacting Au(100) targets with energies/atom ranging from 0.2 keV to 1.0 keV. Similar information was obtained for composite Al-Au clusters (38 Al atoms, 25 Au atoms) with comparable total cluster energies. Using a simple critical distance model (R_c = 0.44 A) for L-shell core excitation in Al, the threshold for core excitation in pure Al clusters was found to be at approximately 0.4 keV/atom. For the composite clusters, the threshold was at approximately 0.11 keV/Al-atom. Core excitation was most probable during the early, compressional phase of the cluster impacts. A significant fraction (typically ∼40%) of core-excited Al atoms were found to eject from the cluster-target system. Elapsed times between excitation and ejection typically were less than 80 fs, and significant numbers of Al atoms ejected within 20–30 fs after excitation. Our results suggest that line spectra of Auger electrons from sputtered, excited cluster-atoms can be used as a diagnostic tool to investigate the early stages of energetic cluster collisions with surfaces.
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Tibial Arteries for Limb Salvage in the High-Risk Diabetic Patient

Recent advances in balloon catheter technology allow percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of small arteries such as the tibial arteries. PTA can thus be used to treat lower limb ischemia in diabetic patients whose arterial occlusive disease is often localized to the tibial arteries. This series included 14 consecutive diabetic patients who underwent tibial PTA for treatment of limb-threatening ischemia from 1986 to 1992. PTA was selected over conventional bypass procedures because of a lack of autogenous conduit or because of an unacceptably high surgical risk. Limb loss was imminent without prompt improvement in foot perfusion in all patients. Mean follow-up of 17 months demonstrated long-term limb salvage in 10/13 (77%) and "late" cardiac-related death in 3/13 (23%). This series demonstrates that although conventional arterial bypass should routinely supersede angioplasty procedures, tibial PTA offers the opportunity for limb salvage in diabetic patients with inadequate autogenous conduit for distal tibial bypass and may serve as an option for those who are considered too high risk for conventional bypass. Morbidity and mortality rates of tibial PTA parallel those of major amputation in this population with the obvious benefit of achieving limb salvage in carefully selected diabetic patients.
The effect of smooth muscle on the intercellular spaces in toad urinary bladder.

Phase microscopy of toad urinary bladder has demonstrated that vasopressin can cause an enlargement of the epithelial intercellular spaces under conditions of no net transfer of water or sodium. The suggestion that this phenomenon is linked to the hormone's action as a smooth muscle relaxant has been tested and verified with the use of other agents effecting smooth muscle: atropine and adenine compounds (relaxants), K+ and acetylcholine (contractants). Furthermore, it was possible to reduce the size and number of intercellular spaces, relative to a control, while increasing the rate of osmotic water flow. A method for quantifying these results has been developed and shows that they are, indeed, significant. It is concluded, therefore, that the configuration of intercellular spaces is not a reliable index of water flow across this epithelium and that such a morphologic-physiologic relationship is tenuous in any epithelium supported by a submucosa rich in smooth muscle.
Use of pedicle screw fixation in the management of malignant spinal disease: experience in 100 consecutive procedures

Object. Few reports are available on the use of pedicle screw fixation for cancer-related spinal instability. The authors present their experience with pedicle screw fixation in the management of malignant spinal column tumors. Methods. Records for patients with malignant spinal tumors who underwent pedicle screw fixation at the authors' institution between September 1994 and December 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. Results. Ninety-five patients with malignant spinal tumors underwent 100 surgeries involving pedicle screw fixation: metastatic spinal disease was present in 81 patients, and locally invasive tumors were demonstrated in 14 patients. Indications for surgery were pain (98%) and/or neurological dysfunction (80%). A posterior (48%) or a combined anterior—posterior (52%) approach was performed depending on the extent of tumor and the patient's condition. At the mean follow up of 8.2 months, 43 patients (45%) had died; median survival, as determined by Kaplan—Meier analysis, was 14.8 months. At ...
Mechanism of replication of phi-X-174 single stranded DNA.

Progeny single stranded DNA seems to arise by displacement of plus strand material from precursor RF-type molecules during the asymmetric synthesis of new plus strand material.
Rights, Responsibilities, and Respect: A Balanced Citizenship Model for Schools of Business

In a world increasingly described as turbulent and chaotic, management scholars have acknowledged the importance of a virtue-based set of criteria to serve as a moral rubric for the stakeholders that an organization serves. Business schools play a unique role in helping their students to understand the ethical issues facing business. Business schools can also model the way for creating a clear statement of values and principles, by creating a bill of rights for business schools that recognizes the importance of rights and responsibilities and articulates the important ethical issues that apply not only to business but to the business school context. Four models for creating a bill of rights in schools of business are presented and a framework of a bill of rights is provided. The advantages of a virtue ethics model for a bill of rights are explained as the most practical approach for business faculty to consider.
Squalene and other unsaturated hydrocarbons, inBryocladia cuspidata

By gas chromatography-electron impact mass spectrometry the red algaBryocladia cuspidata, was found to contain n-pentadecane and n-heptadecane. Gas chromatography-chemical ionization mass spectrometry indicated the presence of squalene as well as a C21 pentaene and a C21 hexaene, tentatively identified as 1,6,9,12,15-heneicosapentaene and 1,6,9,12,15,18-heneicosahexaene.
Regulation of neuronal Bcl2 protein expression and calcium homeostasis by transforming growth factor type beta confers wide-ranging protection on rat hippocampal neurons

Abstract Excessive activation of glutamate receptors accompanied by Ca2+ overloading is thought to be responsible for the death of neurons in various conditions including stroke and epilepsy. Neurons also die if deprived of important growth factors and trophic influences, conditions sensitive to certain oncogene products such as the Bcl2 protein. We now demonstrate that transforming growth factor type beta (TGF-beta) prevents neuronal Ca2+ overloading of rat hippocampal neurons in response to the glutamatergic agonist N-methyl-D-aspartate or the Ca2+ ionophore 4-Br-A23187 and, in addition, leads to a substantial increase in neuronal Bcl2 protein expression. Parallel cytotoxicity experiments demonstrate that treatment with TGF-beta protects rat hippocampal neurons from death induced by excitotoxicity, trophic factor removal, and oxidative injury. Thus, TGF-beta may protect against a wide range of toxic insults by regulating two factors with great importance for neuronal viability.
Single-cell sequencing in its prime.

A new method for amplifying DNA allows more-uniform sequencing coverage of the genome of a single cell.
Congenital cardiac outflow tract anomalies and otitis media

The neural crest is involved in the differentiation of the cardiac outflow tract and branchial arches. Branchial arches one and two give rise to the eustachian tubes. Anatomically different eustachian tubes (e.g., short length) are found in persons prone to otitis media. We hypothesized a relationship between outflow tract anomalies and eustachian tube anomalies. The medical records of 238 children with a catheterization diagnosis of congenital heart disease were reviewed for otitis diagnoses. Children with syndromes known to be associated with recurring otitis media were excluded. Recurrent otitis media was recorded in 32.2% of those with outflow tract anomaly, significantly (P < 0.03) higher than the 18.9% rate in children with a cardiac anomaly not involving the outflow tract. Neither race, sex, nor cyanosis seemed to account for the differing rates of otitis. These data may support the concept of a field defect arising from neural crest cells that influences the development of the cardiac outflow tract and eustachian tubes.
Endoscopic-Guided Proximal Catheter Placement in Treatment of Posterior Fossa Cysts

Purpose: Treatment of posterior fossa cysts by cystoperitoneal shunting may be complicated by a malpositioned proximal catheter located within the brainstem or cerebellum causing ac