cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-Organizing Models of Shallow-Water Carbonate Accumulation

ABSTRACT The stratigraphic record of shallow-water carbonate accumulation is remarkably complex. The combination of a wide variety of facies elements, the great abundances of individual elements that constitute even relatively short stratigraphic sections, and the possibilities of both high- and low-frequency organization of those facies into hierarchical stratigraphic units has made shallow-water carbonates one of the most closely studied and hotly debated of all sedimentary systems. Carbonate stratigraphy has until now been analyzed largely through a combination of field observations and simple one- and two-dimensional forward models of deposition. Herein we demonstrate the use of a cellular model of carbonate accumulation that displays emergent self-organizational behavior. The utility of such a model resides in its ability to generate stratigraphic patterns both vertically and spatially that are mathematically and geometrically similar to those encountered in natural systems. Importantly, these cellular models reproduce significant components of natural stratigraphic complexity through the use of a single simple numerical algorithm. It is the application of that linking algorithm across a cellular grid that produces emergent stratigraphic organization. Specifically, simulations consisting of two modeled lithologies produce vertical records of facies composition that exhibit thickness-frequency distributions similar to the negative exponential forms reported from numerous stratigraphic sections. Likewise, area-frequency distributions across simulated depositional surfaces are similar to those found to describe facies mosaics (buildups, patch reefs, mud banks) on modern carbonate platforms. As such, this stochastically driven cellular model produces successful simulations of shallow-water carbonate stratigraphy and strongly indicates that the application of this and similar models potentially provides both a novel and an important avenue of investigation into the complex and dynamic carbonate depositional environment.
Some Applications of the Rao Distance to Shrinkage Estimators

Bayesian statistics is concerned with how prior information influence inferences. This article studies this problem by comparing the value of the Rao distance between prior and posterior normal distributions. Particular cases include the linear Bayes estimator, the mixed estimator, and ridge-type estimators.
Adaptive Voice Spam Control with User Behavior Analysis

Spit (Spam over Internet Telephony), known as unsolicited bulk calls sent via VoIP networks, is a major problem that undermines the usability of VoIP.Countermeasures against spit face challenges in identifying and filtering spit in real time. A user behavior based on three parameters (interaction,historical, and social ratio) is used to design an anti-spit technique. The rationale for the technique is that voice spammers behave significantly different from legitimate callers because of their revenue-driven motivations. The scheme uses adaptive training to determine filtering accuracy and estimates the legitimacy of the caller. The ideas can be implemented at the router level for detecting and achieving voice spam control. Compared to existing spit defending techniques, it is simple, fast and effective. Experiments are reported and measure the accuracy based on call intensity, call density, and the size of training data. The proposed scheme inapplicable for detecting and filtering both machine initiated and human-initiated spam calls, better protects VoIP calls against Sybil attacks and spammer behavior changes.
Inventory of terrestrial mammals at Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas.

Abstract A survey of Amistad National Recreation Area in Val Verde Co., Texas, was conducted using field sampling, literature records, and museum vouchers to compile a current list of the mammal fauna. Field work was conducted May 2003–July 2004. Small mammals were trapped along 21 transects for a total of 3,150 trap nights and medium-sized mammals were trapped on nine transects for 135 trap nights. Additional records were obtained through observations, collecting in specific habitats (rocky bluffs, grassy roadsides, etc.), salvaging road kills, and recording visual evidence of presence. Overall, 50 species of terrestrial mammals were identified as probably occurring in Amistad National Recreation Area, including seven non-native species. Previous studies documented 38, 47, and 46 species. With the exception of the northern pygmy mouse (Baiomys taylori), none of the native mammals captured during this study appear to be expanding their range.
Opportunity Recognition: Perceptions of Highly Successful Entrpreneurs

This study examined multiple dimensions of opportunity recognition (OR) among a group of exceptionally successful entrepreneurs and a control group of more randomly selected entrepreneurs. There were few differences between the two groups. Results indicated that OR stemmed from prior experience, focusing on markets and customers, and responses to specific problems along with several other sources. Furthermore, OR appeared to he a multiple-step process far more frequently than a "eureka" experience. These results support much of the conventional wisdom about OR and indicate that multiple approaches to OR can lead to success.
7-Bromo-4b-methyl-7,8-dihydro-4bH-9-thia-8a-aza-fluorene 9,9-dioxide.

The title compound, C12H12BrNO2S, was isolated after direct irradiation (hν 350 nm, hexa­ne) of a mixture of stereoisomeric sulfonamides containing a vicinal dibromide and a conjugated diene. This product is one of a group of substrates that has contributed to our understanding of the photoreactivity patterns of non-bridged sulfonamides. The crystal structure was determined from a non-merohedrally twinned data set, where the twin law corresponded to a 180° rotation about the a* axis. The minor twin component refined to a value of 0.176 (3). The conformation of the mol­ecule is planar at one end, as the benzene ring and the adjacent fused five-membered ring are coplanar, and U-shaped at the other end, where the five-membered ring is fused to the heterocyclic six-membered ring containing an allyl bromide group.
Signalling from Endosomes and Exosomes

Cellular signalling is a dynamic process that underlies all aspects of organismal development, function and disease. While signal transduction at the plasma membrane has received a great deal of attention, we now appreciate that activated receptors reside at the plasma membrane for only a small fraction of their life-time. Upon activation by ligand, these receptors are often internalised and sorted into different membrane-bound compartments that allows for enhanced, modified or quenched signalling. Herein we focus on post-endocytic signalling cargo as it traverses compartments including early endosomes, multivesicular bodies, lysosomes, synaptic vesicles or exosomes. Key Concepts Much of cellular signal transduction emanates from endosomal membranes Sorting, trafficking and maturation in endosomes are major regulators of signal transduction. Exosome biogenesis and secretion is an emergent property of cell–cell communication and a target for dysregulation in disease Keywords: endosomes; exosomes; early endosomes; multivesicular bodies; phagosomes; synaptic vesicle; signal transduction; cell–cell communication
National Security Review of Foreign Mergers and Acquisitions in China: Progress and Reform

China has made much progress in providing a business environment conducive to foreign direct investment (FDI). The challenge now is to move towards a more transparency-based, accountability-based and proportionality-based policy framework that will attract high-quality FDI so that China can achieve its national security goals with the smallest possible impact on investment flows. This paper proposes several policy reforms for the Chinese government to consider in further developing such a framework. These include clarifying the definition of national security, improving and clarifying the control standard, improving the accountability of the security review body, better harmonizing the security review system with China's industrial policy, and specifically stipulating the legal liability involved when market actors violate rules governing security review.
Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Symptoms Change in Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Objective The study objective was to quantify the association between daily physical activity measured by accelerometer and 1-year changes in symptoms among people with knee osteoarthritis. Methods Participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative had knee radiographs and physical activity assessed using GT1M ActiGraph (Pensacola, FL) uniaxial accelerometers at the 48-month visit. Physical activity was calculated and categorized as tertiles of average daily minutes in light and moderate-to-vigorous activity. Outcomes were 1-year change in symptoms measured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scales, including pain, stiffness, and physical function. Adjusted multivariable linear models estimated the relationship between tertiles of light or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and changes in knee symptoms. Results Among 1059 participants (55% were women; mean age, 66 ± 9 years), greater time in light activity was associated with a trend toward declined physical function ( P = .01). Greater time in daily moderate-to-vigorous activity also was associated with declined physical function ( P = .01) and increased pain ( P = .08). None of these average changes in symptoms reached minimally important clinical differences. However, greater daily time in both activities was associated with a higher probability of worsening symptoms among persons with Kellgren–Lawrence grade 4 osteoarthritis. Conclusions Objectively measured daily activity was not associated with 1-year symptom improvements among community-dwelling adults with knee osteoarthritis. In those with advanced disease (Kellgren–Lawrence grade 4), greater daily minutes in physical activity were associated with worsening symptoms. How best to implement exercise regimens in persons with advanced knee osteoarthritis to reduce the deleterious impact on symptoms needs to be explored.
Growth Curve Analysis in Marketing: Method and Application

Extant methods are incapable of analyzing the short-term time series data often encountered by marketers. The authors present a growth curve approach developed by Finn that fills a void in the array of tools available to marketing researchers. The approach is particularly useful in analyzing test-market data.
Evaluating optimal patient-turning procedures for reducing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (LS-HAPU): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Pressure ulcers are insidious complications that affect approximately 2.5 million patients and account for approximately US$11 billion in annual health care spending each year. To date we are unaware of any study that has used a wearable patient sensor to quantify patient movement and positioning in an effort to assess whether adherence to optimal patient turning results in a reduction in pressure ulcer occurrence. This study is a single-site, open-label, two-arm, randomized controlled trial that will enroll 1812 patients from two intensive care units. All subjects will be randomly assigned, with the aid of a computer-generated schedule, to either a standard care group (control) or an optimal pressure ulcer-preventative care group (treatment). Optimal pressure ulcer prevention is defined as regular turning every 2 h with at least 15 min of tissue decompression. All subjects will receive a wearable patient sensor (Leaf Healthcare, Inc., Pleasanton, CA, USA) that will detect patient movement and positioning. This information is relayed through a proprietary mesh network to a central server for display on a user-interface to assist with nursing care. This information is used to guide preventative care practices for those within the treatment group. Patients will be monitored throughout their admission in the intensive care unit. We plan to conduct a randomized control trial, which to our knowledge is the first of its kind to use a wearable patient sensor to quantify and establish optimal preventative care practices, in an attempt to determine whether this is effective in reducing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02533726 .
Testing Skill in Earthquake Predictions

When evaluating the success of an earthquake prediction method one should always consider the prior probability that an event will happen in the prediction time, space, and magnitude windows based on past catalogs. If the probability of success of each prediction is the same, one can determine if a statistically significant result has been obtained by using the binomial distribution. When the probability of success for the predictions is different for different predictions, it is not straightforward to evaluate if a statistically significant result has been obtained. We present a method for scoring predictions to test their success. Many people who make earthquake predictions declare success based on the ratio of successful predictions to the total number of predictions. This does not take into account that earthquakes in different regions and time intervals have different probabilities of occurring by chance. For example, if someone were to predict a magnitude 3.0 or larger event in the Cape Mendocino region of California within the next week, there is a good chance of a “hit.” By examining earthquake catalogs, it can be determined that 62% of the weeks from 1960 to the present had a least once such event. Another problem with earthquake predictors is that they usually evaluate their own predictions. For example, after stating a clear window in terms of latitudes and longitudes, a predictor might declare a hit for an event slightly outside of the stated window. The justification often cited is that the earthquake location has a certain error, perhaps 0.1°, so they feel justified in calling a hit any event within 0.1° of the window boundary. If a predictor wants to include a “fuzz” region outside of the stated region, this must be stated at the outset. The larger region will result in a higher probability of success …
Detcetion report on the grave soil of a deceased plague patient

Objective:To deeply understand existing state of the Yersinia pestis in grave soil of a deceased plague patient.Methods:Yersinia pestis were cultured on the hershey medium;qualitative analysis of samples were performed by Real-time fluorescence PCR.Results:Pathogen culture and real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that samples were negative.Conclusion:Yersinia pestis could not survive for 64 years in grave soil of the dead plague patients.
Management of Urethral Obstruction with Transvaginal Urethrolysis

Transvaginal urethrolysis was performed in 48 patients with urethral obstruction following 1 or more urethral suspension procedures. A needle suspension procedure had been performed in 19 patients (40%), retropubic urethropexy in 17 (35%) and pubovaginal sling in 10 (21%). A good response as indicated by normal voiding with minimal or no irritative symptoms was achieved in 33 patients (65%). The most common presenting complaints were irritative voiding symptoms (71%) and urinary retention (60%). Fluoroscopic urodynamic evaluation frequently demonstrated urethral hypersuspension, a cystocele and/or elevated voiding pressures. No patient had stress urinary incontinence as a result of the procedure. Urethral obstruction should be recognized as a potential complication following surgical correction of female stress urinary incontinence. Transvaginal urethrolysis is a safe and effective method to manage this problem.
Thioxanthones: structural differences between lucanthone and its N-methyl derivative.

Lucanthone (1-diethylaminoethylamino-4-methylthioxanthone) is a bacteriostatic and carcinostatic agent and readily combines with DNA. N 11 -Methyl substitution results in virtual deletion of these activities. Studies of electronic spectra, vibrational spectra, and ionization constants indicate that N 11 -methyl substitution precludes coplanarity of the amine side chain and the thioxanthone ring system. The possible relationship of this change in molecular configuration to the strikingly reduced biological and biochemical activities of the N -methyl derivative is discussed.
Finite-Step Algorithms for Single-Controller and Perfect Information Stochastic Games

After a brief survey of iterative algorithms for general stochastic games, we concentrate on finite-step algorithms for two special classes of stochastic games. They are Single-Controller Stochastic Games and Perfect Information Stochastic Games. In the case of single-controller games, the transition probabilities depend on the actions of the same player in all states. In perfect information stochastic games, one of the players has exactly one action in each state. Single-controller zero-sum games are efficiently solved by linear programming. Non-zero-sum single-controller stochastic games are reducible to linear complementary problems (LCP). In the discounted case they can be modified to fit into the so-called LCPs of Eave’s class L.In the undiscounted case the LCP’s are reducible to Lemke’s copositive plus class. In either case Lemke’s algorithm can be used to find a Nash equilibrium. In the case of discounted zero-sum perfect information stochastic games, a policy improvement algorithm is presented. Many other classes of stochastic games with orderfield property still await efficient finite-step algorithms.
Activity Patterns of Identified Alpha Motoneurons to Cat Anterior Thigh Muscles during Normal Walking and Flexor Reflexes

The organization of the motor apparatus into anatomically and functionally defined pools of regularly recruited motor units derives from some of the earliest and most enduring observations of neurophysiology. In recent years, there has been much productive research concentrated on discovering the anatomical bases of this organization in the spinal cord circuitry and the properties of the final common pathway, the alpha motoneurons themselves (for review, see Burke, 1981a). However, almost all of the direct evidence for the function of this system has been derived from experiments on reduced or anesthetized animals and on human subjects performing highly constrained and artificial motor tasks.
Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis: characterization and shift in management of a rare disease.

Background Chronic invasive fungal sinusitis (CIFS) is a rare subtype of mycotic diseases involving the paranasal sinuses. It is characterized by a slow onset and invasive organisms with non-granulomatous inflammation seen on histopathology. Historically, treatment has involved radical surgical resection. The purpose of this study was to describe the presentation, comorbidities, and role of more conservative treatment options. Methods This is a multi-institutional retrospective case series of 6 patients with CIFS over 15 years. Patients’ medical comorbidities, imaging results, operative procedures, pathological findings including organisms identified, antimicrobial medications used, and outcomes were reviewed. Results The mean time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 6 months. Cultures and fungal PCR identified Aspergillus species in every case. All 6 patients were found to have systemic comorbidities, with many being diabetic. Imaging findings ranged from thickening of sinus mucosa to invasion of the orbit and skull base. Treatment included long-term antifungal therapy and conservative endoscopic surgery in all but 1 patient, who had an open approach. Every patient was free of invasive fungal disease at last follow-up, with a range of 1 to 27 months. Conclusion CIFS is an insidious disease often with months between symptom onset and diagnosis. It is differentiated from chronic granulomatous invasive fungal sinusitis (CGIFS) by a lack of granulomas on histopathology and an association with diabetes mellitus. Endoscopic debridement combined with long-term oral voriconazole was an effective treatment strategy in this series.
Exploring the Effects of Text Length and Difficulty on RSVP Reading

Recent marketing efforts claim that by removing saccades, well designed Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) text displays can increase reading speed without an overall loss of comprehension. Du...
A non-Gaussian approach to the performance analysis of UWB TH-BPPM systems

We investigate the performance of a time hopped-binary pulse position modulation system in the presence of multi-user interference. Since the exact characteristic function (as well as the pdf) for the multiple access interference is not known, and the Gaussian approximation (especially in presence of a small number of users) has been shown to be very poor, a new, non-Gaussian, approach is proposed. We first present an approximate characteristic function for the multiple access interference and the corresponding probability of error of the system; we then compare the analytical results with simulations and with the common Gaussian approximation.
Response attenuation in a large-scale structure subjected to blast excitation utilizing a system of essentially nonlinear vibration absorbers

Limiting peak stresses and strains in a structure subjected to high-energy, short-duration transient loadings, such as blasts, is a challenging problem, largely due to the well-known insensitivity of the first few cycles of the structural response to damping. Linear isolation, while a potential solution, requires a very low fundamental natural frequency to be effective, resulting in large nearly-rigid body displacement of the structure, while linear vibration absorbers have little or no effect on the early-time response where relative motions, and thus stresses and strains, are at their highest levels. The problem has become increasingly important in recent years with the expectation of blast-resistance as a design requirement in new construction. In this paper, the problem is examined experimentally and computationally in the context of offset-blast loading applied to a custom-built nine story steel frame structure. A fully-passive response mitigation system consisting of six lightweight, essentially nonlinear vibration absorbers (termed nonlinear energy sinks – NESs) is optimized and deployed on the upper two floors of this structure. Two NESs have vibro-impact nonlinearities and the other four possess smooth but essentially nonlinear stiffnesses. Results of the computational and experimental study demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed passive nonlinear mitigation system to rapidly and efficiently attenuate the global structural response, even at early time (i.e., starting at the first response cycle), thus minimizing the peak demand on the structure. This is achieved by nonlinear redistribution of the blast energy within the modal space through low-to-high energy scattering due to the action of the NESs. The experimental results validate the theoretical predictions.
Modified polarimetric bidirectional reflectance distribution function with diffuse scattering: surface parameter estimation

The polarimetric bidirectional reflectance distribution function (pBRDF) describes the relationships between incident and scattered Stokes parameters, but the familiar surface-only microfacet pBRDF cannot capture diffuse scattering contributions and depolarization phenomena. We propose a modified pBRDF model with a diffuse scattering component developed from the Kubelka–Munk and Le Hors et al. theories, and apply it in the development of a method to jointly estimate refractive index, slope variance, and diffuse scattering parameters from a series of Stokes parameter measurements of a surface. An application of the model and estimation approach to experimental data published by Priest and Meier shows improved correspondence with measurements of normalized Mueller matrix elements. By converting the Stokes/Mueller calculus formulation of the model to a degree of polarization (DOP) description, the estimation results of the parameters from measured DOP values are found to be consistent with a previous DOP model and results.
Optimistic Bias, Risk Factors, and Development of High Blood Pressure and Obesity among African American Adolescents in Mississippi (USA)

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and is linked to hypertension among African American youth. Optimistic bias influences behavior of youth causing them to underestimate their susceptibility to negative health outcomes. This study explored adolescent behaviors and prevalence of high blood pressure and obesity in a school district. We examined the relationship between individual health risk practices and optimistic bias on health outcomes; 433 African American high school students were administered a survey and had their obesity and blood pressure measured by the school nurse. Canonical correlational analyses were used to examine relationships between health risk practices and descriptive statistics for optimistic bias and health outcomes. Engaging in moderate exercise for at least 30 min in the last 7 days and lower blood pressure was the only statistically significant relationship. Two-thirds of the students did not perceive themselves to be at risk of developing cardiovascular disease with males at greater risk than females, despite the presence of clinical risk factors for hypertension and obesity. Reducing health optimistic bias is an effective way of motivating young people to adopt more positive behaviors using educational institutions to implement intervention programs that promote positive health behavior as a way to reduce health disparities.
A rare association of central hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency in a boy with Williams-Beuren syndrome

Primary hypothyroidism related to morphological and volumetric abnormalities of the thyroid gland is one of the commonest of several endocrine dysfunctions in Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). We report a 10-month-old boy with WBS who presented with central hypothyroidism. During the neonatal period, he had prolonged jaundice, feeding difficulties and episodes of colic that continued during early infancy. Additionally, there was slowing of growth and mild developmental delay. He underwent surgical repair for supravalvular aortic stenosis at 6 months of age. An evaluation done to exclude cortisol deficiency before initiating levothyroxine lead to the detection of secondary adrenal insufficiency, unreported previously in WBS. In addition, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein-3 levels were low. This report of hypopituitarism in WBS indicates a need for complete evaluation of pituitary dysfunction in children with WBS.
Shipboard Wave Measurements in the Southern Ocean

AbstractSurface wave measurements from ships pose difficulties because of motion contamination. Cifuentes-Lorenzen et al. analyzed laser altimeter and marine X-band radar (MR) wave measurements from the Southern Ocean Gas Exchange Experiment (SOGasEx). They found that wave measurements from both sensors deteriorate precipitously at ship speeds 3 m s−1. This study demonstrates that MR can yield accurate wave frequency–direction spectra independent of ship motion. It is based on the same shipborne SOGasEx wave data but uses the MR wave retrieval method proposed by Lund et al. and a novel empirical transfer function (ETF). The ETF eliminates biases in the MR wave spectra by redistributing energy from low to high frequencies. The resulting MR wave frequency–direction spectra are shown to agree well with laser altimeter wave frequency spectra from times when the ship was near stationary and with WAVEWATCH III (WW3) model wave parameters over the full study period.
Biotransformation of Individual Pesticides: Some Examples

This chapter is intended to show how the general features of pesticide metabolism are expressed in surrogate species and, in some cases, in humans, using individual, well-known pesticides from various chemical and use classes as examples. Of particular interest is the integration of several phase I and/or phase II enzymes to effect the overall metabolism of a single chemical entity. In several cases both detoxication and activation pathways are apparent. The pesticides are alachlor, atrazine, butachlor, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, DDT, fipronil, imidacloprid, permethrin, and phorate.
A system of array families and synthesized soft arrays for the POWER9™ processor in 14nm SOI FinFET technology

The POWER9™ Processor in 14 nm SOI FinFET technology makes use of 7 different families of arrays. This paper gives an overview on advantages of different implementations, focusing on two key innovations introduced with this processor generation: Fast and low-latency write assist schemes for single-voltage performance arrays, as well as a new methodology, the synthesized soft arrays, to enable significant improvements for small array structures in both area and design efficiency.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Imaging of Perfusion

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging has the potential to assess the blood flow in the microcirculation of preserved organs prior to implantation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is inherently sensitive to motion of the nuclear spins through regions having different magnetic field strengths. NMR imaging relies on magnetic field gradients for spatial location information. Consequently, the flow of blood in the microcirculation may be observed with NMR imaging. Although this is a relatively new application of NMR imaging, the most successful approaches are based on adaptations of techniques of diffusion measurement by NMR. This chapter reviews three topics: 1) NMR imaging, 2) the analogy of the motion of blood in the microcirculation to molecular diffusion, and 3) measurement of the diffusion coefficient with NMR. Then, the work of Le Bihan on NMR imaging of perfusion is described.
Small Business Commercial Loan Selection Decision: An Empirical Evaluation:

For many years, bank decision-makers and academic researchers have recognized the significance of both commercial banks and small businesses to the overall economy of America. However, there appear...
An Integrated Mass Balance Model for Pyrochemical Processing

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy proposes the use of the pyroprocessing techniques to effectively close the nuclear fuel cycle. In order to better understand the quantities of inputs and their effect on the outputs (waste packages, product, etc.) of the process, an integrated process model was designed to track mass flows and aid in sizing and quantifying the amount of equipment needed for different desired throughputs. The flowchart that was modeled is discussed, and each process is explained in detail from the front-end fuel preparation through waste generation and product accumulation. The chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical operations of these processes are also identified and explained. Process parameters that the model allows the user to vary are also identified, and the effects of changing these parameters are also discussed.
Synthesis Methods for Eclipsing-Binary Light Curves

A workshop was held to present overviews of two widely used synthesis models employed to solve the light curves of eclipsing binary stars; they are the Nelson-Davis-Etzel and Wilson-Devinney models. A brief description of each model is presented here, with references provided for more detailed information.
BIG PLANETS AND LITTLE STARS

The discoveries of giant, extrasolar planets and cool, dwarf stars has blurred the distinction between these historically distinct objects. Scientists from the fields of planetary and stellar astronomy have met for the first time, to discuss how they can help each other.
Fully-Integrated CMOS Electrical Conductivity Sensor for Wet Media

This paper describes a fully-integrated CMOS electrical conductivity sensor for wet media that incorporates the sensing electrodes and the readout circuitry in the same die. The proposed sensor is realized using standard CMOS technology, where the top passivation layer is used to protect the sensing electrodes from corrosion. As a result, additional process steps for replacing the top metal layers with noble metals or creating protection layers for the sensing electrodes are not required. Furthermore, a harmonic oscillator with reconfigurable frequency is used for the sinusoidal stimulus generation, which can set the optimum detection frequency to maximize the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor. The proposed electrical conductivity sensor is implemented using CMOS 0.18- $\mu {\mathrm{ m}}$ technology with core area of 2.1 mm2, which includes the four sensing electrodes and the readout circuitry. The detection range of the proposed sensor spans three orders of magnitude from 0.02 mS/cm to 10 mS/cm.
Implementing an early discharge initiative for patients receiving high-dose methotrexate.

90Background: Over 70% of patients are hospitalized in the first year after a cancer diagnosis. While some admissions are unplanned and potentially preventable, many are planned admissions for inte...
Using Instant Messaging for Collaborative Learning: A Case Study

In the spring of 2003, I became intrigued by the use of instant messaging (IM) when one of my English as a Second Language (ESL) students urged me to buy a webcam and sign up for Yahoo! Messenger so that we could chat and see each other during her night shift at work where she processed orders online. Encouraged by studies in corporate settings that showed the extensive use of IM for quick task-related consultations among co-workers (Poe 2001), and as a means of manipulating social distance between subordinates and superiors (Quan-Haase, Cothrel, and Wellman 2005), I spent time learning how to communicate effectively with colleagues and students using the text, video, and audio components of various IM applications. I soon realized the potential pedagogical benefits of the various modalities of IM for ESL and foreign language learning by enabling instructors to interact with and provide immediate feedback to students in the second language.
High-Level Synthesis of Key-Obfuscated RTL IP with Design Lockout and Camouflaging

We propose three orthogonal techniques to secure Register-Transfer-Level (RTL) Intellectual Property (IP). In the first technique, the key-based RTL obfuscation scheme is proposed at an early design phase during High-Level Synthesis (HLS). Given a control-dataflow graph, we identify operations on non-critical paths and leverage synthesis information during and after HLS to insert obfuscation logic. In the second approach, we propose a robust design lockout mechanism for a key-obfuscated RTL IP when an incorrect key is applied more than the allowed number of attempts. We embed comparators on obfuscation logic output to check if the applied key is correct or not and a finite-state machine checker to enforce design lockout. Once locked out, only an authorized user (designer) can unlock the locked IP. In the third technique, we design four variants of the obfuscating module to camouflage the RTL design. We analyze the security properties of obfuscation, design lockout, and camouflaging. We demonstrate the feasibility on four datapath-intensive IPs and one crypto core for 32-, 64-, and 128-bit key lengths under three design corners (best, typical, and worst) with reasonable area, power, and delay overheads on both ASIC and FPGA platforms.
BABEL enables cross-modality translation between multiomic profiles at single-cell resolution.

Simultaneous profiling of multiomic modalities within a single cell is a grand challenge for single-cell biology. While there have been impressive technical innovations demonstrating feasibility—for example, generating paired measurements of single-cell transcriptome (single-cell RNA sequencing [scRNA-seq]) and chromatin accessibility (single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing [scATAC-seq])—widespread application of joint profiling is challenging due to its experimental complexity, noise, and cost. Here, we introduce BABEL, a deep learning method that translates between the transcriptome and chromatin profiles of a single cell. Leveraging an interoperable neural network model, BABEL can predict single-cell expression directly from a cell’s scATAC-seq and vice versa after training on relevant data. This makes it possible to computationally synthesize paired multiomic measurements when only one modality is experimentally available. Across several paired single-cell ATAC and gene expression datasets in human and mouse, we validate that BABEL accurately translates between these modalities for individual cells. BABEL also generalizes well to cell types within new biological contexts not seen during training. Starting from scATAC-seq of patient-derived basal cell carcinoma (BCC), BABEL generated single-cell expression that enabled fine-grained classification of complex cell states, despite having never seen BCC data. These predictions are comparable to analyses of experimental BCC scRNA-seq data for diverse cell types related to BABEL’s training data. We further show that BABEL can incorporate additional single-cell data modalities, such as protein epitope profiling, thus enabling translation across chromatin, RNA, and protein. BABEL offers a powerful approach for data exploration and hypothesis generation.
Synthesis of guanosine 5'-diphosphate, 2'-(or 3'-) diphosphate and related nucleotides in a variety of physiological conditions.

Abstract The synthesis of guanosine 5'-diphosphate, 2'- (or 3'-) diphosphate (ppGpp) and related nucleotides was investigated in Escherichia coli in a variety of physiological conditions. The nucleotides are synthesized immediately following glucose or amino acid starvation or in the presence of cyanide. Nitrogen or sulfur starvation also results in synthesis of these nucleotides but with slower kinetics. The nucleotides are synthesized in amino acid starved T-even-infected stringent bacteria before phage DNA synthesis stops. The significance of these findings to the regulation of stable RNA and DNA synthesis is discussed.
Purification and properties of a thrombin-like enzyme from the venom of Crotalus adamanteus (Eastern diamondback rattlesnake).

Abstract A thrombin-like enzyme has been purified to homogeneity from the venom of Crotalus adamanteus (Eastern diamond-back rattlesnake). The enzyme acts directly on fibrinogen in vivo (and in vitro) apparently without affecting any of the other proteins involved in blood coagulation. The enzyme has esterase activity on basic amino acid esters and p-nitrophenyl esters of various N-carbobenzoxy amino acids. It exhibits no activity with a variety of N-benzoyl or N-methyl amino acid amides. Physicochemical studies indicated that the enzyme is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 32,700. Additionally, sedimentation equilibrium in guanidine β-mercaptoethanol showed that the enzyme contains a single polypeptide chain. The protein contains approximately 267 residues with a relatively high content of cystine. The enzyme is optimally active near pH 8 and is stable to neutral and alkaline pH; however, it loses activity upon exposure to acid pH. Both clotting and esterase activities are inhibited by diisopropyl phosphofluoridate, showing that the enzyme, like thrombin, is a serine esterase. Furthermore, the chloromethyl ketone of tosyl-l-lysine, a specific inhibitor of trypsin and thrombin, inhibits the venom enzyme indicating that a histidine residue is necessary for the activity of this enzyme. The chloromethyl ketone of tosyl-l-phenylalanine is not an inhibitor of the venom enzyme. Nitration of the enzyme with tetranitromethane causes loss of clotting activity with little effect on esterase activity suggesting that 1 or more tyrosine residues may be involved in the binding site for large substrates. Finally, the importance of disulfide bridges to the structural integrity of the venom enzyme was indicated by the rapid loss of activity in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol.
Site-directed mutagenesis of a conserved domain in vaccinia virus thymidine kinase. Evidence for a potential role in magnesium binding.

Alignment of prokaryotic and vertebrate type II thymidine kinases (TK) (EC 2.7.1.21), such as that encoded by vaccinia virus (VVTK), reveals three conserved regions: designated domains I, III, and VII. Domains I and III of VVTK contain residues which closely resemble segments A (ATP) and B (Mg2+), respectively, of a Mg.ATP binding descriptor proposed previously (Walker, J.E., Saraster, M., Runswick, M-J., and Gay, N.J. (1982) EMBO J. 1, 945-951). In support of this hypothesis, domain I of the VVTK enzyme has previously been identified as the ATP binding site (Black and Hruby, 1990b). With regard to Mg2+ binding, several features of the VVTK domain III suggest that it may be responsible for this activity: 1) sequence similarity to a magnesium binding motif proposed previously (Walker, J.E., Saraster, M., Runswick, M-J., and Gay, N.J. (1982) EMBO J. 1, 945-951); 2) alignment of the predicted secondary structure of type II TK enzymes with other magnesium-binding enzymes such as adenylate kinase, EF-TU, and p21 reveals a conserved aspartic acid residue preceded by several hydrophobic residues with domain III; and 3) the conserved VVTK domain III aspartic acid residue (D82) aligns with D93 residue of adenylate kinase which is has been shown by NMR to participate in Mg2+ binding (Yan, H., and Tsai, M.-D., Biochemistry, in press). To directly examine the potential contribution of the conserved domain III D82 residue of VVTK in magnesium binding, site-directed mutagenesis was performed on positions D82 and G84 to generate four mutants, N82, L82, I82, and V84. Each mutant was analyzed for enzyme activity, divalent cation requirements, tetramer formation, and ATP binding ability. The results obtained were consistent with D82 playing a direct role in Mg2+ binding and suggest that while the aspartic acid does not appear to participate directly with ATP binding it may instead act to facilitate ATP hydrolysis by binding Mg2+ which aids to correctly position ATP for nucleophilic attack.
Dichotomous estradiol and genistein effects on cutaneous endothelium-dependent vasodilation in women with and without insulin resistance (678.6)

17β-estradiol (E2) cardioprotection in women includes endothelial dependent dilation (EDD), but this E2 effect is not consistent in insulin resistant women (IR). Genistein (GEN, a phytoestrogen structurally similar to E2) effects on EDD are unclear. We hypothesized E2 and GEN improve cutaneous EDD in healthy women [C, n=8, 23 (6) yr, BMI 25.0 (8.0), AUC insulin 6111 (1368) µUI/ml] but not IR [n=6, 20 (2) yr, BMI 27.3 (8.4), AUC insulin 140006 (4020) µUI/ml]. We measured cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) with laser Doppler flowmetry during local 42°C heating with E2 or GEN skin microdialysis infusions, each with and without the eNOS inhibitor L-NMMA; nitroprusside was then infused with 44°C heating to induce CVCmax. In C, E2 enhanced EDD [93.4 (5.8) %max, 85.0 (12.2) %max for E2, saline P<0.05], with no GEN effect [84.5 (22.2) %max], and L-NMMA reduced EDD [81.9 (21.6) %max, GEN 73.2 % (29.1) %max P<0.05). In IR, E2 and GEN did not affect EDD [93.5 (5.5), 93.6 (5.2), 97.4 (13.0), saline, E2, GEN]; L-NMM...
Benchmarking contract management process maturity: a case study of the US Navy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the results of contract management process maturity assessments in the US Navy using a process capability maturity model. The maturity model is used to benchmark an organization’s contract management process maturity and to use the assessment results to develop a road map for implementing process improvement as well as knowledge-sharing initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – This is survey-based research on benchmarking contract management processes in the US Navy. A web-based assessment tool was deployed to US Navy contracting officers located at aeronautical systems, sea systems, and logistics support contracting agencies. The assessment tool consists of survey items related to the use of contracting best practices. The survey responses are then used to calculate the agency’s contract management process maturity level. Findings – The benchmarking results reflected higher maturity levels in the pre-award contracting processes (Procurement Planning, So...
gC1qR/p33 Serves as a Molecular Bridge between the Complement and Contact Activation Systems and Is an Important Catalyst in Inflammation

The receptor for the globular heads of C1q, gC1qR/p33, is a ubiquitously expressed protein, which is distributed both intracellularly and on the cell-surface protein. In addition to C1q, this molecule also is able to bind several other biologically important plasma ligands, including high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK), factor XII (FXII), and multimeric vitronectin. Previous studies have shown that incubation of FXII, prekallikrein, and HK with gC1qR leads to a zinc-dependent and FXII-dependent conversion of prekallikrein to kallikrein, a requisite for kinin generation. In addition, these studies showed that normal plasma, but not plasma deficient in FXII, PK, or HK, activate upon binding to endothelial cells (EC), and that this activation could be inhibited by antibody to gC1qR. In these studies, we show that incubation of serum with microtiter plate bound gC1qR results in complement activation, as evidenced by the binding and activation of C1 and generation of C4d. However, neither C1q-deficient serum nor a truncated form of gC1qR (gC1qRΔ74–96), supported complement activation. Taken together, the data strongly suggest that at sites of inflammation, such as vasculitis and atherosclerosis, where gC1qR as well as its two important plasma ligands, C1q and HK, have been shown to be simultaneously present, soluble or cell-surface-expressed gC1qR may contribute to the inflammatory process by modulating complement activation, kinin generation, and perhaps even initiation of clotting via the contact system. Based on these and other published data, we propose a model of inflammation in which atherogenic factors (e.g., immune complexes, virus, or bacteria) are perceived not only to convert the endothelium into a procoagulant and proinflammatory surface, but also to induce enhanced expression of cell surface molecules such as gC1qR. Enhanced expression of gC1qR in turn leads to: (i) high-affinity C1q binding and cell production of proinflammatory factors, and (ii) high-affinity HK binding and facilitation of the assembly of contact activation proteins leading to generation of bradykinin and possibly coagulation through activation of FXI.
Minority Carrier Currents

Minority carrier currents of technical interest are predominantly diffusion currents and are controlled by the boundary concentration of minority carriers that can be influenced by the bias across an adjacent space-charge region. These currents are in competition with recombination currents at device surfaces or interfaces.
Mutagenicity of aromatic glycidyl ethers with Salmonella.

Abstract 6 aromatic glycidyl ethers containing naphthyl, biphenyl or benzylphenyl substituents were synthesized. These epoxides together with the commercially available compounds 2-biphenylyl glycidyl ether were examined for dose—mutagenicity relationships using the plate incorporation Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100 and TA1535. Structure—mutagenicity relationships were further examined for these compounds and 3 phenyl glycidyl ethers by concurrent testing at a single dose with strain TA100. Meaningful correlations could not be established for the mutagenicity of these epoxides to their molecular volumes, partition values, nor to their reactivities with the model nucleophile, 4-(4-nitrobenzyl) pyridine. However, it was noted that increased conjugated aromatic unsaturation with its resulting planarity led to increased mutagenicity and that this effect decreased when it was further removed from the epoxide moiety.