cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of noble metal atom penetration through methoxy-terminated alkanethiolate monolayers.

We have studied the interaction of vapor-deposited Al, Cu, Ag, and Au atoms on a methoxy-terminated self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of HS(CH2)16OCH3 on polycrystalline Au{111}. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, infrared reflection spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements at increasing coverages of metal show that for Cu and Ag deposition at all coverages the metal atoms continuously partition into competitive pathways: penetration through the SAM to the S/substrate interface and solvation-like interaction with the −OCH3 terminal groups. Deposited Au atoms, however, undergo only continuous penetration, even at high coverages, leaving the SAM “floating” on the Au surface. These results contrast with earlier investigations of Al deposition on a methyl-terminated SAM where metal atom penetration to the Au/S interface ceases abruptly after a ∼1:1 Al/Au layer has been attained. These observations are interpreted in terms of a thermally activated penetration mechanism involvi...
Expression of EGF receptor and FGF receptor isoforms during neuroepithelial stem cell differentiation.

To characterize the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in regulating neuroepithelial stem cells differentiation, we have examined the expression of FGF, EGF, and their receptors by neuroepithelial (NEP) cells and their derivatives. Our results indicate that undifferentiated NEP cells express a subset of FGF receptor (FGFR) isoforms, but do not express platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The FGFR pattern of expression by differentiated neuron and glial cells differs from that found on NEP stem cells. FGFR-4 is uniquely expressed on NEP cells, while FGFR-1 is expressed by both NEP cells and neurons, and FGFR-2 is down-regulated during neuronal differentiation. FGFRs present on astrocytes and oligodendrocytes also represent a subset of those present on NEP cells. Expression of FGF and EGF by NEP cells and their progeny was also examined. NEP cells synthesize detectable levels of both FGF-1 and FGF-2, and EGF. FGF-1 and FGF-2 synthesis is likely to be biologically relevant, as cells grown at high density do not require exogenous FGF for their survival and cells grown in the presence of neutralizing antibodies to FGF show a reduction in cell survival and division. Thus, neuroepithelial cells synthesize and respond to FGF, but not to EGF, and are therefore distinct from other neural stem cells (neurospheres). The unique pattern of expression of FGF isoforms may serve to distinguish NEP cells from their more differentiated progeny. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 38: 207–224, 1999
Predicting service delivery cost for non-standard service level agreements

One of the key promises of IT strategic outsourcing is to deliver greater IT service management through lower cost. However, this raises a critical question on how to predict service delivery cost during the service engagement phase where nonstandard service level agreements (SLAs) are negotiated and detailed service modeling data are not available. In this paper we propose a modeling framework that uses queueing model based approaches to estimate the impact of SLAs on the delivery cost. We further propose a set of approximation techniques to address the complexity of service delivery and an optimization model to predict the delivery cost subject to service level constraints and service stability conditions. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology using data from a large IT service delivery environment.
Electrospun titania-based fibers for high areal capacity Li-ion battery anodes

Abstract Electrospinning is utilized to prepare composite fiber Li-ion battery anodes containing titania and carbon nanoparticles with a poly (acrylic acid) binder. The electrospun material exhibits a stable charge/discharge capacity with only 5% capacity fade over 450 cycles at 0.5 C. Compared to a conventional slurry cast electrode of the same composition, the electrospun anode demonstrates 4-fold higher capacity retention (31% vs. 7.9%) at a charge/discharge rate of 5 C. Electrospinning is also used to prepare ultrathick anodes (>1 mm) with areal capacities up to 3.9 mAh cm−2. Notably, the thick electrodes exhibit areal capacities of 2.5 and 1.3 mAh cm−2 at 1 C and 2 C, respectively. Electrospun anodes with densely packed fibers have a 2 C volumetric capacity which exceeds that of the slurry cast material (21.2 and 17.5 mAh cm−3, respectively). The excellent performance of the electrospun anodes is attributed to interfiber voids which provide complete electrolyte intrusion, a large electrode/electrolyte interface, and short Li+ transport pathways between the electrolyte and titania nanoparticles.
A geometrically-nonlinear plate theory

Abstract An approximate plate theory developed in this paper is based on an assumed displacement field, the strains described by a Taylor series in the normal distance from the middle surface, the exact strains of the middle surface and the equations of equilibrium governing the exact configuration of the deformed middle surface. In this theory the exact geometry of the deformed middle surface is used to derive the strains and equilibrium of the plate. Application of this theory does not depend on the constitutive law. This theory can reduce to some existing nonlinear theories through imposition of constraints.
Novel cDNA clones obtained by antibody screening of a mouse cerebellar cDNA expression library

Abstract In order to obtain cDNAs of genes that are expressed in cerebellar granule cells (GC), an antiserum was raised against GC isolated from mouse cerebella. Western blot analysis demonstrated that antibodies against multiple proteins were present and immunohistochemical analysis showed that at least some of these proteins were localized to cerebellar GC. The antiserum was used to screen an expression library derived from mouse cerebellar cDNA. Twenty-two granule cell antibody-positive (GCAP) clones were obtained. Of these, eight represented genes previously described and 14 were novel clones (not found in the GenBank database). In situ hybridization histochemistry showed that eight of the novel clones had moderate to strong expression in cerebellar GC and some of these clones were expressed also in the hippocampal formation. One such clone, GCAP-7, appears to represent a single-copy gene and the entire cDNA insert (2,688 bp) has been sequenced. The clone appears to consist primarily of the 3′ untranslated portion, including a poly(A) tail and polyadenylation signals,of a 5 kb transcript. The GCAP clones should be useful for future studies of molecular biology of GC in normal individuals and in inherited neurologic disease with GC degeneration.
Quantum teleportation of light beams

We experimentally demonstrate quantum teleportation for continuous variables using squeezed-state entanglement. The teleportation fidelity for a real experimental system is calculated explicitly, including relevant imperfection factors such as propagation losses, detection inefficiencies, and phase fluctuations. The inferred fidelity for input coherent states is F = 0.61±0.02, which when corrected for the efficiency of detection by the output observer, gives a fidelity of 0.62. By contrast, the projected result based on the independently measured entanglement and efficiencies is 0.69. The teleportation protocol is explained in detail, including a discussion on discrepancy between experiment and theory, as well as on the limitations of the current apparatus.
I–Allen W. Wood

Kant’s moral philosophy is grounded on the dignity of humanity as its sole fundamental value, and involves the claim that human beings are to be regarded as the ultimate end of nature. It might be thought that a theory of this kind would be incapable of grounding any conception of our relation to other living things or to the natural world which would value nonhuman creatures or respect humanity’s natural environment. This paper criticizes Kant’s argumentative strategy for dealing with our duties in regard to animals, but defends both his theory and most of his conclusions on these topics.
Nitrogen Dioxide Levels Aboard Nuclear Submarines.

Nitrogen dioxide is generated in the closed atmosphere of the submarine primarily by cigarette smoking and diesel exhaust. When running the diesel engine on the surface, certain wind conditions allow diesel exhaust to be sucked into the submarine through the snorkel air supply. We obtained time-weighted averages of NO2 aboard two nuclear submarines (A and B) using area and personal samplers. A continuous measurement on submarine (B) also was made with a chemiluminescent monitor. Samplers exposed in seven areas for 7.8, 4.8, and 2.5 days aboard submarine (A) gave mean (±SD) values of 0.088(0.021), 0.117(0.026), and 0.191(0.035) ppm, respectively. Samplers exposed in eight areas on submarine (B) for 66.6 and 33.3 days gave mean (±SD) values of 0.065(0.014) and 0.069(0.018) ppm, respectively. Samplers affixed on personnel in the breathing zone generally reflected the ship's average. A 12 day average of the continuous monitor placed aboard submarine (B) gave a value of 0.035 ppm. During the patrol, evolutions...
Removing small divisors in the method of characteristic

The traditional method of characteristics applied to linear systems ofconservation laws with “clore” speeds of propagation could lead to expressions of solutions which contain small divisors. These could cause dificulty in compuations We propose to eliminate thew small divisors by developing a uniform representation for solutions of a linear degenerate systems of conservation laws. The uniform representation is achieved by global triangularization of matrix fnctions and the calculus of finite differences. We also obtain the asymptotic behaviour for large times t of solutions of degenerate hyperbolic systems among other by products.
The patterns of neurotransmitter and neuropeptide co-occurrence among striatal projection neurons: conclusions based on recent findings

The neurotransmitter organization of striatal projection neurons appears to be less complex than once thought. Only 4 major evolutionarily conserved populations appear to be present. The neurons of two of these populations contain SP, DYN and GABA, with one of these two populations consisting of striatonigral projection neurons and the other of striatopallidal projection neurons. The two additional major populations of striatal projection neurons consist of striatopallidal and striato-nigral neurons that both contain both ENK and GABA. Although these conclusions greatly simplify the understanding of the organization of striatal projection neurons by suggesting that only a few major populations are present, these conclusions complicate understanding of neurotransmission between these neurons and their target areas by suggesting that each neuron utilizes multiple neuroactive substances to influence target neurons. Further studies will therefore be required to explore the mechanisms of neurotransmission by which striatal neurons communicate with their target areas.
MPC-Based Appliance Scheduling for Residential Building Energy Management Controller

This paper proposes an appliance scheduling scheme for residential building energy management controllers, by taking advantage of the time-varying retail pricing enabled by the two-way communication infrastructure of the smart grid. Finite-horizon scheduling optimization problems are formulated to exploit operational flexibilities of thermal and non-thermal appliances using a model predictive control (MPC) method which incorporates both forecasts and newly updated information. For thermal appliance scheduling, the thermal mass of the building, which serves as thermal storage, is integrated into the optimization problem by modeling the thermodynamics of rooms in a building as constraints. Within the comfort range modeled by the predicted mean vote (PMV) index, thermal appliances are scheduled smartly together with thermal mass storage to hedge against high prices and make use of low-price time periods. For non-thermal appliance scheduling, in which delay and/or power consumption flexibilities are available, operation dependence of inter-appliance and intra-appliance is modeled to further exploit the price variation. Simulation results show that customers have notable energy cost savings on their electricity bills with time-varying pricing. The impact of customers' preferences of appliances usage on energy cost savings is also evaluated.
Noncatalytic Inhibition of Cyclic Nucleotide–gated Channels by Tyrosine Kinase Induced by Genistein

Rod photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide–gated (CNG) channels are modulated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Rod CNG channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes are associated with constitutively active protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases that decrease and increase, respectively, the apparent affinity of the channels for cGMP. Here, we examine the effects of genistein, a competitive inhibitor of the ATP binding site, on PTKs. Like other PTK inhibitors (lavendustin A and erbstatin), cytoplasmic application of genistein prevents changes in the cGMP sensitivity that are attributable to tyrosine phosphorylation of the CNG channels. However, unlike these other inhibitors, genistein also slows the activation kinetics and reduces the maximal current through CNG channels at saturating cGMP. These effects occur in the absence of ATP, indicating that they do not involve inhibition of a phosphorylation event, but rather involve an allosteric effect of genistein on CNG channel gating. This could result from direct binding of genistein to the channel; however, the time course of inhibition is surprisingly slow (>30 s), raising the possibility that genistein exerts its effects indirectly. In support of this hypothesis, we find that ligands that selectively bind to PTKs without directly binding to the CNG channel can nonetheless decrease the effect of genistein. Thus, ATP and a nonhydrolyzable ATP derivative competitively inhibit the effect of genistein on the channel. Moreover, erbstatin, an inhibitor of PTKs, can noncompetitively inhibit the effect of genistein. Taken together, these results suggest that in addition to inhibiting tyrosine phosphorylation of the rod CNG channel catalyzed by PTKs, genistein triggers a noncatalytic interaction between the PTK and the channel that allosterically inhibits gating.
Gene tree labeling using nonnegative matrix factorization on biomedical literature

Identifying functional groups of genes is a challenging problem for biological applications. Text mining approaches can be used to build hierarchical clusters or trees from the information in the biological literature. In particular, the nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) is examined as one approach to label hierarchical trees. A generic labeling algorithm as well as an evaluation technique is proposed, and the effects of different NMF parameters with regard to convergence and labeling accuracy are discussed. The primary goals of this study are to provide a qualitative assessment of the NMF and its various parameters and initialization, to provide an automated way to classify biomedical data, and to provide a method for evaluating labeled data assuming a static input tree. As a byproduct, a method for generating gold standard trees is proposed.
WOMEN'S PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH CARE IN PRISON

Fifteen female inmates' perceptions of medical care and the manner in which treatment is provided are explored through individual interviews in a state prison. The women did not hold exclusively negative or positive views about the care and treatment they received; however, the predominant view was negative. Examples of inadequate medical care are described by 14 of the 15 women. Nonempathetic treatment, such as being treated as if undeserving of care, is described by all 15. Examples of adequate medical care and empathetic treatment are offered as well, and the overlap between positive and negative perceptions of care is explored.
Purification, sequencing and characterization of pseudexin phospholipases A2 from Pseudechis porphyriacus (Australian red-bellied black snake).

Pseudexin is the name given to a mixture of toxic phospholipase A2 isoenzymes isolated from the venom of the Australian red-bellied black snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus. We found that this mixture consists of three components: pseudexins A, B and C, which we individually purified by reverse phase chromatography or by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Pseudexins A and B had relatively low specific toxicities in mice (i.p. LD50 of 1300 and 750 micrograms/kg, respectively), while C was non-toxic. All three had similar phospholipase A2 activities (43-53 muequiv H+ released/min/mg protein). The complete amino acid sequences of pseudexins A and B were determined. Amino acids were identical at 91 of the 117 residues. The first 28 residues of pseudexin C were determined, sufficient to show that C is structurally similar to A and B, but not identical with either. As judged by reactions with antisera against several other snake phospholipase A2 toxins, pseudexins A, B and C have very similar antigenic structures. We noted extensive homology with other phospholipases.
Hemorrhage from congenital renal arteriovenous malformation in pregnancy

A case report of life-threatening hemorrhage from a congenital renal arteriovenous malformation during pregnancy is presented. The hyperdynamic circulatory state that exists during pregnancy may predispose to bleeding from vascular malformations. We review the classification and clinical presentation of renal arteriovenous malformations.
Design Of A Conformal Tactile Sensing Array

In the course of the National Bureau of Standards' program in measurements and standards for automated manufacturing and robotics,a tactile sensing array with a high degree of conformability has been developed. The array consists of a pneumatically controlled matrix of displacement pins which provides a deformable grasping surface, and a corresponding array of optoelectronic proximity sensors which determine workpiece orientation and geometry. Regulation of air flow into the finger to control grasping stiffness permits the sensing and handling of very delicate or complex objects. Additional features of the design include programmable array rigidity, zero mechanical hysteresis, and gripper mounted packaging.
The anatomy of prototypes: Prototypes as filters, prototypes as manifestations of design ideas

The role of prototypes is well established in the field of HCI and Design. A lack of knowledge, however, about the fundamental nature of prototypes still exists. Researchers have attempted to identify different types of prototypes, such as low- vs. high-fidelity prototypes, but these attempts have centered on evaluation rather than support of design exploration. There have also been efforts to provide new ways of thinking about the activity of using prototypes, such as experience prototyping and paper prototyping, but these efforts do not provide a discourse for understanding fundamental characteristics of prototypes. In this article, we propose an anatomy of prototypes as a framework for prototype conceptualization. We view prototypes not only in their role in evaluation but also in their generative role in enabling designers to reflect on their design activities in exploring a design space. We base this framework on the findings of two case studies that reveal two key dimensions: prototypes as filters and prototypes as manifestations. We explain why these two dimensions are important and how this conceptual framework can benefit our field by establishing more solid and systematic knowledge about prototypes and prototyping.
The effects of DDT and its analogs upon lecithin and other monolayers

Abstract The effect of DDT, 11 analogs, dieldrin, and lindane was studied on the pressure-area curves obtained by compressing monolayers of lecithin. The minimum cross-sectional area of lecithin and the compounds was measured by photography of models. All compounds shifted the pressure area curves in a direction and to an amount that suggested they formed 1:1 complexes with lecithin, and the complex had the cross-sectional area of the compound. DDT did not complex with cholesterol monolayers. Both DDT and DDMU formed complexes with phospholipids from Torpedo electroplax which resembled those with lecithin. The lack of difference in effects on monolayers between physiologically active and inactive analogs indicated that the monolayer effects did not explain the physiological action of DDT.
Potential of gene therapy as a treatment for heart failure

Advances in understanding the molecular basis of myocardial dysfunction, together with the evolution of increasingly efficient gene transfer technology, make gene-based therapy a promising treatment option for heart conditions. Cardiovascular gene therapy has benefitted from recent advancements in vector technology, design, and delivery modalities. There is a critical need to explore new therapeutic approaches in heart failure, and gene therapy has emerged as a viable alternative. Advances in understanding of the molecular basis of myocardial dysfunction, together with the development of increasingly efficient gene transfer technology, has placed heart failure within reach of gene-based therapy. The recent successful and safe completion of a phase 2 trial targeting the cardiac sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase pump (SERCA2a) has the potential to open a new era for gene therapy for heart failure.
De novo malignancy post-liver transplantation: a single center, population controlled study.

Background With the growing numbers of liver transplant recipients, it is increasingly important to understand the risks of de novo malignancy after liver transplantation.
Hippo signaling in organ size control

The control of organ (or organism) size is a fundamental aspect of life that has long captured human imagination. What makes an elephant grow a million times larger than a mouse? How do our two hands develop independently of each other yet reach very similar size? How does a liver precisely regenerate its original mass when two-thirds of it is removed? The recent discovery of a novel signaling network in Drosophila, known as the Hippo (Hpo) pathway, might provide an important entry point to these fascinating questions. The Hpo pathway consists of several negative growth regulators acting in a kinase cascade that ultimately phosphorylates and inactivates Yorkie (Yki), a transcriptional coactivator that positively regulates cell growth, survival, and proliferation. Components of the Hpo pathway are highly conserved throughout evolution, suggesting that this pathway may function as a global regulator of tissue homeostasis in all metazoan animals. Here, I provide a historical review of this potent growth-regulatory pathway and highlight outstanding questions that will likely be the focus of future investigation.
An evaluation of root canal treatment in patients who have received irradiation to the mandible and maxilla

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success and failure of root canal treatment performed in areas of previous irradiation and to examine any cases of osteoradionecrosis associated with such treatment. Study design. A retrospective analysis was clone on 22 teeth that had root canal treatment after radiation therapy. Strict radiographic and clinical criteria were used to determine success and failure. Results. There was a mean follow-up period of 19 months. Of 22 cases, 20 (91%) were considered successful. Both failures occurred with a diagnosis of pulpal necrosis. There were no occurrences of osteoradionecrosis. Conclusions. Our study showed that root canal treatment in previously irradiated patients may be successful. In addition, treatment approaches, as well as the criteria for success and failure, should be the same for irradiated 3atients as for those who have not received radiation treatment. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1998;86:224-6) Patients who undergo radiation therapy to oral and perioral tissues for the treatment of malignant neoplasms are subject to numerous tissue changes. These include changes to mucosal, muscular, vascular, and osseous tissues. Alterations to salivary gland function are common and include the depression of serous and mucin production, with a subsequent decrease in salivary pH. Accompanying this change in pH is a shift in oral microbial flora, resulting in a higher concentration of cariogenic bacteria. These changes place the radiation therapy patient at a higher risk for caries, predominantly at the cusp tips and incisal edges and the gingival third of the crown.1 In the nonirradiated patient, there are two treatment alternatives for caries involvement that has resulted in irreversible pulpitis or necrosis of the pulp: root canal treatment and extraction. In contrast, in the previously irradiated patient, tooth extraction, is associated with a high incidence of osteoradionecrosis development.1 Osteoradionecrosis (and its treatment) may be disfiguring, debilitating, and painful.2, 3 For this reason extraction in previously irradiated patients is usually limited to teeth that are pathologically involved and nonrestorable. The preferred alternative for restorable teeth in this situation is root canal treatment. The success of root canal treatment in patients who
The effect of a vaccination program on child anthropometry: evidence from India's Universal Immunization Program

Background Childhood vaccination may protect children’s nutritional status and lead to improved child growth in developing countries. This study evaluates the effect of India’s childhood vaccination program Universal Immunization Program (UIP) on the growth of children ,4 years of age. Methods Regression models were estimated to examine the effect of UIP on vaccination status and children’s anthropometric outcomes, as well as to test whether UIP’s effect was uniform across various subpopulations of Indian children. Results UIP increased height-for-age and weight-for-age among children. This effect constituted a 22-25% reduction in the height-for-age deficit and a 15% reduction in the weight-for-age deficit of the average child. The program appears to have had no effect on other anthropometric indicators or vaccination status. UIP also led to differential changes in anthropometry and vaccination status, based on differences in wealth, maternal education and scheduled-caste status. Conclusions UIP led to improved child growth. This suggests that vaccination programs—in addition to being a major intervention for reducing child mortality—might be considered a tool for mitigating undernutrition in developing countries. This study also adds to the growing evidence that childhood vaccination programs are high-return investments because they produce long-term health benefits for children.
Hydrogen-Induced Brittle Fracture of Type 304L Austenitic Stainless Steel

Type 304L stainless steel supersaturated with hydrogen gas fails in tension at 200 to 250 K by brittle fracture. Fracture surfaces exhibit isolated facets oriented 0 to 30deg to the tensile axis. These facets have many ofthe characteristics of cleavage fracture. The threefold symmetry of Laue back-reflection photographs and trace analysis of deformation bands on the facets demonstrate that fracture is along {111} planes. The fracture paths were identified as coherent twin boundaries on polished sections through facets and on microcracks a cross interior grains. Although twin-boundary parting is not commonly observed in alloys with a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice, these observations for Type 304L stainless steel and similar observations of Nitronic-40 and Tenelon demonstrate that parting is possible in austenitic steels under some circumstances.
Assessment of secondary alveolar bone grafting using a modification of the Bergland grading system.

Abstract Although the management of the alveolar cleft remains controversial secondary alveolar bone grafting is the most widely accepted approach. The results of a series of 71 secondary alveolar bone grafts performed between 1990 and 2001 on 58 patients with complete cleft lip and palate 13 of which were bilateral are presented. Bone grafts were assessed when the canine tooth had fully erupted using periapical dental radiographs. The occlusal level of the newly obtained interdental bone of each grafted cleft was recorded and categorised in accordance with the Oslo grading system as described by Bergland. In addition the basal level of each bone graft was recorded. In this way total bone graft height was measured and each graft was categorised with respect to the desired normal height of noncleft interdental alveolar bone. This modified analysis grades more precisely the efficacy of secondary alveolar bone grafting and helps to identify and categorise those patients with insufficient bone for dental, orthodontic and orthognathic rehabilitation and those who may require further investigation and regrafting.
Low-Threshold Ultrafast Surface-Passivated Photonic Crystal Nanocavity Lasers

Efficiency and speed of photonic crystal lasers are improved by passivating InGaAs/GaAs membranes using (NH4)S treatment. Lasers show five-fold reduction in nonradiative surface recombination rate, resulting in four-fold reduction in threshold and room-temperature operation with near THz response.
The Amino Bisphosphonate Ibandronate Prevents Vitamin D Toxicity and Inhibits Vitamin D-Induced Calcification of Arteries, Cartilage, Lungs and Kidneys in Rats

Experiments were carried out to determine whether the doses of the amino bisphosphonate iban- dronate that inhibit bone resorption inhibit soft tissue calcification and death in rats treated with a toxic dose of vitamin D. These studies were prompted by the recent discovery that ibandronate doses that inhibit bone resorption potently inhibit artery calcification induced by treatment with the vitamin K antagonist warfarin. All 16 rats treated with the toxic dose of vitamin D (12.5 mg cholecalciferol z kg 21 ) died by d 6 after the first vitamin D injection (median survival: 4.5 d), whereas the 12 rats treated with vitamin D plus ibandronate (0.25 mg z kg 21 z d 21 ) were alive and in good health at d 10. Rats treated with vitamin D alone and examined at d 4 had extensive Alizarin red staining for calcification in the aorta, the carotid, hepatic, mesenteric, renal and femoral arteries, kidneys and lungs, whereas rats treated with vitamin D plus ibandronate had no evidence for calcification at any of these tissues when examined at d 7 and 10. Ibandronate treatment also inhibited the dramatic increase in the levels of calcium and phosphate seen in the abdominal aorta, kidneys, lungs and trachea of the vitamin D-treated rats (P , 0.001). Serum calcium levels were, however, not different in rats treated with vitamin D alone (3.4 6 0.2 mmol z L 21 ) and in rats treated with vitamin D plus ibandronate (3.5 6 0.2 mmol z L 21 ). Treatment with vitamin D alone increased levels of matrix Gla protein, an inhibitor of soft tissue calcification, in the arteries, kidneys, lungs and trachea by 10- to 100-fold, and ibandronate treatment prevented this increase. The importance of these studies in the rat model is that they identify a class of drugs in current clinical use that can be used to treat patients with vitamin D toxicity and that they identify the dose of the drug that is predicted to be effective, namely the dose that inhibits bone resorption. Because there is no other known treatment for vitamin D toxicity, there would seem to be good reason to try bisphosphonates such as ibandronate in future studies aimed at treating patients who have been exposed to toxic levels of vitamin D. J. Nutr. 131: 2910 -2915, 2001.
Nonvolatile memory requirements in a mobile computing environment

In order to discuss the nonvolatile memory requirements of mobile systems it is first necessary to define what is meant by "mobile computing environment". This paper begins by distinguishing what is meant by a mobile computing environment and how this environment dictates certain design goals. It is these design goals that are driving two distinct classes of mobile computing products: handheld devices (PDAs, calculators) and mobile computers (notebooks, subnotebooks). These classes are defined in terms of the end-user model on which they are based. It is this end-user model that dictates the architectural requirements of the class. The architecture of the class certainly places demands on the system which in part are being met with nonvolatile memory. The demands that are currently being met with nonvolatile memory are explored for both of the classes of mobile systems. The paper then discusses the current state of the mobile computing environment and how the evolution of this environment will result in the erosion of the architectural differences between the two classes. As the two architectures become less delineated there will be other opportunities for nonvolatile memory. These other opportunities are explored and the role that nonvolatile memory will serve in future mobile systems is discussed.
Heads and tails: a variable-length instruction format supporting parallel fetch and decode

Existing variable-length instruction formats provide higher code densities than fixed-length formats, but are ill-suited to pipelined or parallel instruction fetch and decode. This paper presents a new variable-length instruction format that supports parallel fetch and decode of multiple instructions per cycle, allowing both high code density and rapid execution for high-performance embedded processors. In contrast to earlier schemes that store compressed variable-length instructions in main memory then expand them into fixed-length in-cache formats, the new format is suitable for direct execution from the instruction cache, thereby increasing effective cache capacity and reducing cache power. The new head-and-tails (HAT) format splits each instruction into a fixed-length head and a variable-length tail, and packs heads and tails in separate sections within a larger fixed-length instruction bundle. The heads can be easily fetched and decoded in parallel as they are a fixed distance apart in the instruction stream, while the variable-length tails provide improved code density. A conventional MIPS RISC instruction set is re-encoded in a variable-length HAT scheme, and achieves an average static code compression ratio of 75% and a dynamic fetch ratio (new-bits-fetched/old-bits-fetched) of 75%.
SPATIO-TEMPORALLY VARIABLE EFFECTS OF A DOMINANT MACROPHYTE ON VASCULAR PLANT NEIGHBORS

Although considerable attention has been focused on competition among wetland plants, surprisingly few studies have considered the role of facilitation in structuring freshwater wetland plant assemblages. Positive interaction among plants has been investigated thoroughly in saline marshes, which display a definite, predictable pattern of species zonation, with facilitation playing an important role during colonization of bare or disturbed patches of marsh. The few studies that have investigated facilitation in freshwater marshes have implicated the processes of sediment oxygenation and sediment stabilization. Whereas both processes are known to be influenced by many freshwater hydrophyte species, they have not been considered widely as mechanisms of interspecific facilitation. In the tussock-forming rushJuncus effusus L., late-Spring collapse of culms away from the tussock center results in a morphology that increases light availability atop tussocks and appears to establish a unique spatio-temporal component to the effect ofJuncus on neighbors. In previous work, shading around the tussock periphery, influenced largely by this collapse of culms, was shown to suppress production and species richness of neighbors; however, various plant species have been observed to grow directly upon theJuncus tussocks in the void left by collapsed culms. To quantify this latter phenomenon, vascular plant abundance was evaluated on tussocks ofJuncus effusus in four Mississippi (USA) beaver wetlands to determine the likelihood and nature of positive interactions betweenJuncus and neighbors. Tussocks in three of these wetlands were examined for tussock microtopography and diameter, relative water depth atop the tussock, and colonization by other plant species. Species richness of colonizing plants correlated positively with tussock diameter in two of these wetlands, and no colonizers were present in the third. Tussock microtopography and elevation differed significantly among wetlands, but species richness was unrelated to relative water depth atop the tussocks. In the fourth beaver marsh, two sets of surveys were conducted to determine whether the species assemblages uponJuncus tussocks differed from those across the entire wetland. Plant assemblages onJuncus tussocks, and on elevated substrata in general, were significantly different from assemblages not associated with elevated surfaces. Thirteen species were associated exclusively with elevated rooting substrata, ten of which were exclusive toJuncus effusus tussocks. The present results suggest that small-scale spatial and temporal shifts occur in the effects ofJuncus on neighboring plants. Effects shift from primarily competitive shading interactions resulting from a dense shoot canopy to facilitative interactions atop tussock mounds after mature culms collapse. Facilitation likely is mediated through characteristics of the tussock mound, such as provision of a stable rooting substratum or oxygenation of sediments by theJuncus effusus root system.
Minimum Imputed-Risk: Unsupervised Discriminative Training for Machine Translation

Discriminative training for machine translation has been well studied in the recent past. A limitation of the work to date is that it relies on the availability of high-quality in-domain bilingual text for supervised training. We present an unsupervised discriminative training framework to incorporate the usually plentiful target-language monolingual data by using a rough "reverse" translation system. Intuitively, our method strives to ensure that probabilistic "round-trip" translation from a target-language sentence to the source-language and back will have low expected loss. Theoretically, this may be justified as (discriminatively) minimizing an imputed empirical risk. Empirically, we demonstrate that augmenting supervised training with unsupervised data improves translation performance over the supervised case for both IWSLT and NIST tasks.
Fabrication of Silastic Implants for in Vivo Steroid Delivery in Fish

Abstract The use of hormones is a basic tool for managing reproduction in aquaculture. Delivery of a steroid over an extended period via implantation permits the manipulation of phenotypic sex for some fishes for which administration of the steroid in feed is not an option. An implant fabricated from Silastic materials and filled with 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) has been used to sex-reverse several species of fish. The fish must be large enough to accommodate the implant during the period of gonadal differentiation; the diffusion of 5 mg of MT will take place over a period of about 1 year.
Enumerating Permutations that Avoid Three Term Arithmetic Progressions

It is proved that the number of permutations of the set {1,2,3, . . ., n} that avoid three term arithmetic progressions is at most (2.7) n 21 for n ≥ 11 and at each end of any such permutation, at least ⌊ n ⌋−6 entries have the same parity.
RELIABILITY EVALUATION OF THE CONNECTION OF INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS TO MEDIUM VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

The paper describes measures to enhance the supply reliability of medium voltage distribution power systems. The measures are evaluated by quantitative reliability analyses and compared to the original status without the measures. The results are described in detail. The necessity of a qualified interpretation of the results is given. Examples are given for a real existing medium voltage system. The measures are concentrated to enhance the supply reliability of seven selected industrial customers of special importance. Further examples are presented for the analysis of the supply reliability of an industrial customer distribution system connected to the public distribution system.
Bayesian statistical model checking with application to Simulink/Stateflow verification

We address the problem of model checking stochastic systems, i.e.~checking whether a stochastic system satisfies a certain temporal property with a probability greater (or smaller) than a fixed threshold. In particular, we present a novel Statistical Model Checking (SMC) approach based on Bayesian statistics. We show that our approach is feasible for hybrid systems with stochastic transitions, a generalization of Simulink/Stateflow models. Standard approaches to stochastic (discrete) systems require numerical solutions for large optimization problems and quickly become infeasible with larger state spaces. Generalizations of these techniques to hybrid systems with stochastic effects are even more challenging. The SMC approach was pioneered by Younes and Simmons in the discrete and non-Bayesian case. It solves the verification problem by combining randomized sampling of system traces (which is very efficient for Simulink/Stateflow) with hypothesis testing or estimation. We believe SMC is essential for scaling up to large Stateflow/Simulink models. While the answer to the verification problem is not guaranteed to be correct, we prove that Bayesian SMC can make the probability of giving a wrong answer arbitrarily small. The advantage is that answers can usually be obtained much faster than with standard, exhaustive model checking techniques. We apply our Bayesian SMC approach to a representative example of stochastic discrete-time hybrid system models in Stateflow/Simulink: a fuel control system featuring hybrid behavior and fault tolerance. We show that our technique enables faster verification than state-of-the-art statistical techniques, while retaining the same error bounds. We emphasize that Bayesian SMC is by no means restricted to Stateflow/Simulink models: we have in fact successfully applied it to very large stochastic models from Systems Biology.
The Experience of Former Women Officials and the Impact on the Sporting Community

In an effort to explore the shortage of female sport officials, the authors examined the experience of eight former female basketball officials from five geographically diverse states in the U.S. who voluntarily left the role. Specifically, the authors asked former female basketball officials to describe their workplace experiences. Utilizing a phenomenological approach and workplace incivility framework, the results indicated that the felt social inequity for female officials detracted from the participants experiencing a sense of community in the workplace, which ultimately led to their discontinuation in the role. Results indicate four key factors that created this uncivil work environment. An examination of the data revealed four major themes. Specifically the female basketball officials reported experiencing a Lack of Mutual Respect from male counterparts; Perceived Inequity of Policies; a Lack of Role Modeling and Mentoring for and from female officials; and experiencing more Gendered Abuse than did their male counterparts. The combination of these four factors exacerbated the female officials’ inability to connect to the officiating community and led to their withdrawal from the role. The results further indicate that women officials likely threatened the hegemonic characteristics of a sport setting. Although females have made great strides in terms of sport participation, the practical implications of this research suggest that understanding females in workplace roles, such as officiating, is vital if social equity is to be achieved in the sporting community.
Ascending projections of the lateral lemniscus in the cat and monkey

The ascending connections of the lateral lemniscus were studied in the cat and squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). In both species, the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus receives a massive projection from the lateral lemniscus. Only a few lemniscal fibers were found to terminate in the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus. The commissure of the lateral lemniscus originates from the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus and projects to the contralateral dorsal nucleus and the contralateral central nucleus of the inferior colliculus. No lemniscal fibers were seen ascending in the inferior brachium or terminating in the principal division of the medial geniculate body. A bundle of fibers was observed, however, which passed medial to the inferior brachium and terminated in the magnocellular or internal division of the medial geniculate. The bundle degenerated after lesions confined to the lateral lemniscus and is probably identical with the central acoustic tract of earlier workers. Evidence is presented that the fibers of the bundle are of spinal origin. Since the lemniscal fibers which ascend to the thalamus appear to be non-auditory, it is suggested that the inferior colliculus is an obligatory relay station in the classical auditory system and that the inferior brachium is the only ascending pathway of the system to project upon the thalamus.
Idiopathic lingual mandibular bone “depression”

A case of Stafne's idiopathic lingual bone depression is described. This occurred in the classical position below the mandibular molars. On surgical exploration, the defect was found to contain a lymph node rather than the more usual salivary tissue. This may throw some light on the possible etiology of this condition.
Performing colonic mast cell counts in patients with chronic diarrhea of unknown etiology has limited diagnostic use.

Context.— Mastocytic enterocolitis is a recently described entity defined by chronic diarrhea of unknown etiology and normal colon biopsy results with increased mast cells (MCs) seen on special stains. These patients may benefit from mast cell stabilizers; however, the clinical utility of MC counts remains unknown. Objective.— To determine the clinical utility of colonic MC counts on normal biopsies in patients with chronic diarrhea of unknown etiology. Design.— Blinded MC counts using a c-Kit stain were performed in 76 consecutive patients with chronic diarrhea of unknown etiology who had normal colon biopsy results and in 89 consecutive control patients presenting for screening colonoscopy. Mast cells were counted per single high-power field in the highest-density area. A t test was used to compare the counts, and receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to examine sensitive and specific cutoff values. Results.— Overall, MC counts averaged 31 MCs per high-power field in the study group ve...