cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Replicated data management in the Gamma database machine

To help ensure availability of the system in the event of processor and/or disk failures, the Gamma database uses an availability technique termed chained declustering. Like Tandem's mirrored disk (MD) mechanism and Teradata's interleaved declustering mechanism, chained declustering uses both a primary and backup copy of each relation. All three systems can sustain the failure of a single processor or disk without suffering any loss in data availability. It is shown that chained declustering provides significantly better performance than mirrored disks in the event of a disk failure. In addition, when no failure has occurred, chained declustering can potentially provide better performance than MDs for input/output (I/O) bound applications. >
Dog kidney (Na+, K+)-ATPase is more sensitive to inhibition by vanadate than human red cell (Na+, K+)-ATPase

(Na+,K+)-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) from kidney is more sensitive to inhibition by vanadate than red cell (Na+,K+)-ATPase. The difference appears to be in the apparent affinities of the two enzymes for K+ and Na+ at sites where K+ promotes and Na+ opposes vanadate binding. As a result of Na+-K+ competition at these sites, reversal of vanadate inhibition was accomplished at lower Na+ concentrations in red cell than in kidney (NA+,K+)-ATPase. It is possible that vanadate could selectively regulate Na+ transport in the kidney.
Sentencing: Hemingway’s Aesthetic

Ernest Hemingway’s aesthetic—a better term than style—is based on constant acts of choice, decisions that he makes as a writer at every moment about which word and phrase to set down on the page. All writers must make choices—what to include, what to exclude. Hemingway is special because his work as a writer foregrounds this fact. The structure of Hemingway’s sentences makes the reader keenly aware of the words that he has selected and, just as much or more, the countless other possibilities that he has not selected. Hemingway first presented and developed his aesthetic in his major novels and short stories of the 1920s. But this high level of achievement proved very difficult for Hemingway to sustain in the decades that followed. The story of his aesthetic, the shape of his literary career, is both triumphant and tragic.
Evidence that suppression of insulin secretion by insulin itself is neurally mediated

We examined the mechanism by which an increase in blood insulin concentration inhibits insulin secretion by the pancreas. To this end, we determined plasma C-peptide concentrations during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic (approximately 500 pmol/L) clamps in five patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) after combined pancreas and kidney (P/K) transplantation, in five nondiabetic patients after kidney transplantation (K), and in six normal control subjects. Hyperinsulinemia decreased C-peptide concentrations in K patients (by 60%, P < .01) and controls (by 35%, P < .05), but not in P/K patients (653 +/- 115 v 702 +/- 197 pmol/L before and after 4 hours of hyperinsulinemia, respectively). The main difference between K patients and controls and P/K patients was that the pancreas in K patients and controls was innervated, whereas the transplanted pancreas of K/P patients was denervated. The data therefore suggested that the inhibition of pancreatic insulin secretion by hyperinsulinemia was neurally mediated.
Responses of Normal and Goitrogen-fed Cockerels to Different Environmental Temperatures

Abstract THE relationship of thyroid function to changes in environmental temperature in chickens has received considerable attention. For the most part the studies have been in birds older than seven weeks of age (Hoffman and Shaffner, 1950; Garren and Shaffner, 1956; Stahl et at., 1961; Huston and Carmon, 1962). Since the responses of younger chicks and of hypothyroid chicks to temperature alterations have been little studied, we were interested in comparing body weight and organ changes in younger normal and hypothyroid chickens exposed to temperatures of 35°, 25°, or 15°C. to assess the importance of thyroid hormone in adjustments to the different temperatures. It was expected that any decided dependence on thyroid hormone in temperature adaptation would be evident from differences in body, liver, comb, bursa and thyroid weights, shank-toe length and liver glycogen concentration. These changes have been shown to be sensitive to thyroid hormone alterations (Snedecor, 1968a). MATERIALS AND…
Chromium(VI) Causes Interstrand DNA Cross-Linking in Vitro but Shows No Hypersensitivity in Cross-Link Repair-Deficient Human Cells

Hexavalent chromium is a human carcinogen activated primarily by direct reduction with cellular ascorbate and to a lesser extent, by glutathione. Cr(III), the final product of Cr(VI) reduction, forms six bonds allowing intermolecular cross-linking. In this work, we investigated the ability of Cr(VI) to cause interstrand DNA cross-links (ICLs) whose formation mechanisms and presence in human cells are currently uncertain. We found that in vitro reduction of Cr(VI) with glutathione showed a sublinear production of ICLs, the yield of which was less than 1% of total Cr-DNA adducts at the optimal conditions. Formation of ICLs in fast ascorbate-Cr(VI) reactions occurred during a short reduction interval and displayed a linear dose dependence with the average yield of 1.3% of total adducts. In vitro production of ICLs was strongly suppressed by increasing buffer molarity, indicating inhibitory effects of ligand-Cr(III) binding on the formation of cross-linking species. The presence of ICLs in human cells was assessed from the impact of ICL repair deficiencies on Cr(VI) responses. We found that ascorbate-restored FANCD2-null and isogenic FANCD2-complemented cells showed similar cell cycle inhibition and toxicity by Cr(VI). XPA-null cells are defective in the repair of Cr-DNA monoadducts, but stable knockdowns of ERCC1 or XPF in these cells with extended time for the completion of cross-linking reactions did not produce any sensitization to Cr(VI). Our results together with chemical and steric considerations of Cr(III) reactivity suggest that ICL generation by chromate is probably an in vitro phenomenon occurring at conditions permitting the formation of Cr(III) oligomers.
Gut content examination of the citrus predator assemblage for the presence of Homalodisca vitripennis remains

A two-year study was conducted in a citrus orchard, Citrus sinensis L., to determine frequency of predation on glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar). A total of 1,578 arthropod predators, representing 18 taxa, were collected and assayed for the presence of GWSS egg protein by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a Homalodisca-species and egg-specific monoclonal antibody and then by polymerase chain reaction using a H. vitripennis-specific DNA marker. The gut content analyses revealed the presence of GWSS remains in the gut of 2.28 % of the total arthropod predator population, with 3.09 % of the spiders and 0.59 % of the insect predators testing positive. Moreover, a comparison of the two assays indicated that they were not equally effective at detecting GWSS remains in predator guts. Low frequencies of GWSS detection in the gut of predators indicated that GWSS are not a primary prey and that predators may contribute little to suppression of this pest in citrus.
RNA editing: guided but not templated?

Article synthese etabli a partir de quatre publications recentes sur l'«edition RNA», son origine, son mode d'action
Estrogen Signaling and Cardiovascular Disease

Estrogen has pleiotropic effects on the cardiovascular system. The mechanisms by which estrogen confers these pleiotropic effects are undergoing active investigation. Until a decade ago, all estrogen signaling was thought to occur by estrogen binding to nuclear estrogen receptors (estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-β), which bind to DNA and function as ligand-activated transcription factors. Estrogen binding to the receptor alters gene expression, thereby altering cell function. Estrogen also binds to nuclear estrogen receptors that are tethered to the plasma membrane, resulting in acute activation of signaling kinases such as PI3K. An orphan G-protein-coupled receptor, G-protein-coupled receptor 30, can also bind estrogen and activate acute signaling pathways. Thus, estrogen can alter cell function by binding to different estrogen receptors. This article reviews the different estrogen receptors and their signaling mechanisms, discusses mechanisms that regulate estrogen receptor levels and locations, and considers the cardiovascular effects of estrogen signaling.
Postfragmentation density function for bacterial aggregates in laminar flow

The postfragmentation probability density of daughter flocs is one of the least well-understood aspects of modeling flocculation. We use three-dimensional positional data of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterial flocs in suspension and the knowledge of hydrodynamic properties of a laminar flow field to construct a probability density function of floc volumes after a fragmentation event. We provide computational results which predict that the primary fragmentation mechanism for large flocs is erosion. The postfragmentation probability density function has a strong dependence on the size of the original floc and indicates that most fragmentation events result in clumps of one to three bacteria eroding from the original floc. We also provide numerical evidence that exhaustive fragmentation yields a limiting density inconsistent with the log-normal density predicted in the literature, most likely due to the heterogeneous nature of K. pneumoniae flocs. To support our conclusions, artificial flocs were generated and display similar postfragmentation density and exhaustive fragmentation.
Mucosal neuroendocrine cell abnormalities in the colon of patients with Hirschsprung's disease

Abstract We studied the distribution of mucosal neuroendocrine (NE) cells in the colon from 13 patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and from 8 controls. Immunohistochemical studies were carried out using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against chromogranin A and synaptophysin (general markers of NE cells), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (a marker of amine), peptide YY (PYY), and somatostatin (markers of neuropeptides). Chromogranin A immunoreactive cells were significantly increased in the aganglionic bowel compared with ganglionic bowel and controls ( P P P P
Precision polyethylene: changes in morphology as a function of alkyl branch size.

Metathesis polycondensation chemistry has been employed to control the crystalline morphology of a series of 11 precision-branched polyethylene structures, the branch being placed on each 21st carbon and ranging in size from a methyl group to an adamantyl group. The crystalline unit cell is shifted from orthorhombic to triclinic, depending upon the nature of the precision branch. Further, the branch can be positioned either in the crystalline phase or in the amorphous phase of polyethylene, a morphology change dictated by the size of the precision branch. This level of morphology control is accomplished using step polymerization chemistry to produce polyethylene rather than conventional chain polymerization techniques. Doing so requires the synthesis of a series of unique symmetrical diene monomers incorporating the branch in question, followed by ADMET polymerization and hydrogenation to yield the precision-branched polyethylene under study. Exhaustive structure characterization of all reaction intermedi...
On the role of old information in generating readable text: a psychological and computational definition of old and new information in the NOSVO system

NOSVO is a Natural Language Generation postprocessor which is sensitive to old/new information contrasts. We believe that generating old information first establishes cohesion in text promoting readability. This paper describes the NOSVO system in detail and the motivations for building it. We also provide a phychological and computational definition of "old" and "new" information.
CORNER DETECTION USING SPLINE-WAVELETS

Detection of corners in an image is very useful in computer vision and pattern recognition. The existing algorithms for corner detection seem to be insufficient in many situations. The corner detection algorithm proposed in this paper is based on spline-wavelet decompositions. Corner and edge detectors are constructed from the 2-D wavelet transform coefficients. A somewhat sophisticated thresholding technique is applied to remove noise and minor irregularities in the images. Noise can be further reduced if additional processing is applied to the component images at all resolutions. Information on the edges and corners is contained in the component images in all the octaves to facilitate precise localization. A real-time wavelet decomposition algorithm is developed for the corner and edge detectors. It is very efficient and requires very little memory, since most of the computations involve only simple moving average operations and sub-sampling.
The acetylated NH2-terminus of CaATPase from rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum: A common NH2-terminal acetylated methionyl sequence

Abstract The amino-terminus of the CaATPase from rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum was obtained by treating the reduced and alkylated enzyme with pronase with subsequent isolation of the acetyl peptides by ion-exchange chromatography and electrophoresis. Two peptides, N-Acetyl-Met-Glu and N-Acetyl-Met-Glu-Ala-Ala were co-purified. For all amino-terminally acetylated methionyl peptides reported so far, penultimate residues are found to be either aspartic or glutamic acids.
Risk of giardiasis from consumption of wilderness water in North America: A systematic review of epidemiologic data

Abstract Objectives : A meta-analytic study was conducted to test the hypothesis that consumption of water from North American backcountry sources poses a statistically significant risk for acquisition of giardiasis. Methods : The biomedical literature was surveyed by accessing Medline, and identified studies were supplemented with references in current reviews, published dissertations, and prior communications with state health departments. Studies were classified by methodologic design and subjected to predetermined inclusion criteria. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, chi-squares, and P-values for epidemiologic surveys were either computed from raw data or abstracted directly from the included studies. Results : Of 104 articles identified in the initial screening, nine met the inclusion criteria. Neither of two case reports met the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for waterborne disease outbreak. Two prospective studies were identified, but neither showed a significant association. Of four case-control studies providing data, three reported an odds ratio of greater than one. Conclusions : Published reports of confirmed giardiasis among outdoor recreationists clearly demonstrate a high incidence among this population. However, the evidence for an association between drinking backcountry water and acquiring giardiasis is minimal. Education efforts aimed at outdoor recreationists should place more emphasis on handwashing than on water purification. Further studies should attempt to separate the specific risk factor of drinking water from backcountry sources from other behaviors among this group that may contribute to the risk.
Precipitation of ordered α2 phase in Ti–6–22–22 alloy

Abstract Microstructural characterization of Ti–6Al–2Cr–2Mo–2Sn–2Zr (Ti–6–22–22) after various heat treatments has been performed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high resolution electron microscopy (HREM). The presence of very fine α2 precipitates has been detected by electron diffraction in conventionally heat treated samples. The α2 precipitates were observed within the α matrix of the “triplex” heat treated materials and also in samples cooled from the β phase field with cooling rates of less than 5.5°C/s. It was found that the α2 precipitates were homogeneously distributed within the α phase with sizes of about 1–2 nm. Long time ageing at 650°C for 1000 h stabilized the α2 precipitates which grew to 5–10 nm in diameter and 20–50 nm in length. Structural stability of the α2 precipitates has been discussed in terms of chemical composition and lattice mismatch between α2 precipitates and the α matrix.
Application of the mixed finite-element method to rotor blade modal reduction

A mixed finite element is investigated as a means for achieving accurate modal reduction of rotor blades in finite-element software. A rationale for mixed finite elements is developed by investigating the modal reduction accuracy of a series of blade analysis methods that introduces, in a step-by-step fashion, the key features of the mixed element. During this investigation, the shortcomings of classical, displacement-based finite elements are examined qualitatively and through calculations of articulated blade response. The formal derivation of the mixed element starting from a mixed variational principle is then summarized, and finally, numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the element's modal reduction accuracy.
Stable mono-arenium ions of poly-fluorinated [2.2] paracyclophanes

Abstract Stable Monocations (σ-complexes) of tetrafluoro[2.2] paracyclophane and octafluoro[2.2] paracyclophane are generated by ipso protonation in superacid media and their NMR parameters are compared with the σ-complex of protonation of the parent [2.2] paracyclophane.
Coordinate Control of Muscle Cell Survival by Distinct Insulin-like Growth Factor Activated Signaling Pathways

Peptide growth factors control diverse cellular functions by regulating distinct signal transduction pathways. In cultured myoblasts, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) stimulate differentiation and promote hypertrophy. IGFs also maintain muscle cell viability. We previously described C2 skeletal muscle lines lacking expression of IGF-II. These cells did not differentiate, but underwent progressive apoptotic death when incubated in differentiation medium. Viability could be sustained and differentiation enabled by IGF analogues that activated the IGF-I receptor; survival was dependent on stimulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase). We now find that IGF action promotes myoblast survival through two distinguishable PI3-kinase–regulated pathways that culminate in expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21. Incubation with IGF-I or transfection with active PI3-kinase led to rapid induction of MyoD and p21, and forced expression of either protein maintained viability in the absence of growth factors. Ectopic expression of MyoD induced p21, and inhibition of p21 blocked MyoD-mediated survival, thus defining one PI3-kinase–dependent pathway as leading first to MyoD, and then to p21 and survival. Unexpectedly, loss of MyoD expression did not impede IGF-mediated survival, revealing a second pathway involving activation by PI3-kinase of Akt, and subsequent induction of p21. Since inhibition of p21 caused death even in the presence of IGF-I, these results establish a central role for p21 as a survival factor for muscle cells. Our observations also define a MyoD-independent pathway for regulating p21 in muscle, and demonstrate that distinct mechanisms help ensure appropriate expression of this key protein during differentiation.
Post-neonatal androgenization and adult aggressive behavior in female mice.

Abstract This experiment sought to determine whether chronic, long term administration of testosterone propionate (TP) to post-neonatal female mice would facilitate the androgen induced arousal of aggressive behavior in adulthood. Female mice were ovariectomized at 30 days of age and either administered TP daily for 20 days or a control injection of oil for 20 days. Forty-five days after the termination of the pretreatment, all mice were given TP and tested in pairs for fighting. Following androgen administration in adulthood 75 per cent of the pairs pretreated with TP in immaturity fought, but only 25 per cent of the pairs of females pretreated with oil in immaturity fought. It was concluded that the potential for androgen administered in infancy to induce masculinization of female mice with respect to androgen aroused aggressive behavior in adulthood exists for at least one month after birth.
Retinoid-dependent transcriptional suppression of cytokeratin gene expression in human epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that cytokeratin levels are coordinately regulated in normal cultured human keratinocytes. In the present study we examine the mechanism of this regulation using human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells. Treatment of SCC-13 cells with 20 or 200 n M trans-retinoic acid results in nearly complete suppression of cytokeratin K5 and K6 expression. This change is accompanied by a simultaneous reduction (> 20-fold) in the level of the mRNAs encoding K5 and K6. Transcriptional analysis indicates that the transcription rate of the K5 and K6 genes drops by approximately four to fivefold in retinoid treated nuclei. Retinol (2000 n M ) also promotes this change. In contrast, cytokeratin K19 does not increase in the presence of retinoic acid, thus the normal coordinate regulation of keratin gene expression by retinoids appears to be uncoupled in SCC-13 cells. However, this does not represent a general defect in positive regulation of gene expression by retinoids, since in a transient transfection assay trans-retinoic acid positively regulates a reporter plasmid containing the retinoid response element from the retinoic acid receptor-β gene. The synthetic retinoids Ro 13–6298 (ethyl ester) and its metabolic derivative Ro 13–7410 (free acid) are both active in modulating the differentiation of normal keratinocytes. In contrast, only Ro 13–7410 is active in SCC-13 cells. As Ro 13–6298 binds poorly to the retinoic acid receptors, this suggests that SCC-13 cells, unlike normal keratinocytes, lack the ability to convert Ro 13–6298 to the active Ro 13–7410. These results further suggest that an inability to metabolize retinoid ethyl esters may be a property of transformed epidermal keratinocytes.
Explaining discordant coordination.

TH2 cells control immune responses to helminth infection and contribute to the development of allergic asthma. A single intronic enhancer element in Il4 can regulate TH2 differentiation and susceptibility to allergic asthma via interaction with the transcription factor GATA-3.
Internal Friction Studies of Fast Diffusing Solutes in Thorium

Low frequency internal friction studies on polycrystalline thorium wires containing small additions of iron, cobalt, and nickel were performed over a temperature range of 77 K to 500 K. Two internal friction peaks associated with each solute have been identified and characterized. The activation energy associated with the higher temperature relaxation peak is in excellent agreement with the activation energy for diffusion for iron and nickel, but the cobalt data are somewhat anomalous. Results of a study of the effect of iron concentration on the magnitude of the two relaxation peaks suggest that the high temperature peak is associated with a defect pair involving a single solute atom. The nature of the defect responsible for the low temperature peak is also discussed.
Clinical Assessment of Amniotic Fluid

Amniotic fluid volume estimation has become an integral part of fetal evaluation. Although the sonographic techniques clinically available are limited in their accuracy and predictive value, the careful performance of AFI measurements provide important and complementary clinical data on which to base management decisions in pregnancies at risk.
Fatigue and weakness in cancer patients : the symptom experience

Objectives: To distinguish between fatigue and weakness and review symptom management for both and to suggest directions for research and practice. Data sources: Articles and book chapters pertaining to fatigue and weakness. Conclusions: Fatigue and weakness are important but long-neglected symptoms, and comparatively little effort has been invested in developing techniques to mitigate these symptoms. Research is needed to differentiate between these concepts, to determine the relation between fatigue and weakness, to delineate their causes, and to develop interventions aimed at the prevention and treatment of these symptoms. Implications for nursing practice: Early assessment of risk factors, mobility and sensory problems, and usual level of activity will help identify those patients who may benefit from nursing interventions or referrals for occupational or physical therapy. It is important to repeatedly evaluate these symptoms in relation to treatment, situational changes, interventions used to manage other symptoms, and tumor progression. Developing clinical guidelines and intervention strategies will contribute greatly to the functional independence and the quality of life of patients.
A model for shock waves in solids and evidence for a thermal catastrophe

Abstract Shock-wave experiments and computer simulations yield a linear relation between shock velocity and particle velocity. We show that a Mie-Gruneisen equation of state combined with the Hugoniot relations matches the computer results and the experiments and leads to an explanation of the generality of the linear velocity dependence. At high shock velocities the onset of a thermal catastrophe, which results in a maximum shock compression, is predicted from our model.
The Politics of Cognitive Dissonance: Spin, the Media, and Race (and Ethnicity) in the 2008 US Presidential Election

This article examines the roles of spin, the media, and race (and ethnicity) in influencing voter behavior in the 2008 US presidential election. It invokes the concept of cognitive dissonance to explain how political strategists effectively propagandize – i.e., “reinvent their candidates” and “reinvent their opponents' actual record” – in order to successfully garner votes for their candidates. In particular, it considers spin and how spin and the media are used to shape public opinion by causing voters to distrust the veracity, credentials, and records of opposing candidates and to set the policy agenda. It also discusses how race, ethnicity, gender, and policy issues were used in the 2008 US presidential election campaign, and describes the impact of “spinning” on voter behavior and the election outcome. Equally important, it discusses the implications of the Obama victory for Canadian governance in two pivotal areas: domestic race relations and direct parliamentary representation of minorities. The art...
Relationships among Functional Properties of Californian Grassland

ECOLOGISTS have become increasingly interested in general properties of communities and the relationships among species diversity, biomass, productivity, dominance and stability. Both verbal1 and mathematical2 models have been proposed to relate these properties. These models are important as initial generalizations in a developing predictive theory of ecology. The available data, however, are largely from planktonic systems and these data are contradictory. For example, Margalef3 has concluded from his extensive studies of marine systems that productivity and dominance are inversely related to stability and diversity. Increasing species diversity in the community leads to decreased dominance and productivity but increased stability. Patten4, however, has concluded that “high productive capacity is associated with high diversity” in summer plankton communities of Virginia's York River. Studies of grasslands on California's San Francisco peninsula, reported here, provide the first rigorous development of the relationships among diversity, dominance, productivity and stability of terrestrial communities. This report extends Margalef's general model to terrestrial systems and provides strong support for it as a valid description of general properties of communities.
Anti-corruption agencies and the need for strategic approaches: a preface to this special issue

The UN convention against corruption, also known as the Merida convention, came into force on the 14 December 2005 and constitutes the most comprehensive international instrument on this matter. It mandates independent anti-corruption bodies for States Parties. Such bodies may already exist and there may be more than one body in each jurisdiction. These may address prevention, analysis, law enforcement or a combination of these functions. A new organization was created in April 2006 aiming to assist in the effective implementation of the UN convention and to bring representatives and activities of anti-corruption bodies together: the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (http://www.iaaca.org). At the same time, many governments are motivated to demonstrate leadership and political will against corruption. One way of doing this is through the establishment of anti-corruption commissions and related bodies. In this context, many new authorities have been designated or created in recent years. As we learn from this timely special issue, the record is mixed and a great deal of work lies ahead as the international community seeks to build on the current anticorruption momentum. The papers of this volume show how diverse anti-corruption bodies are as they reflect different cultures and traditions, some have made great strides toward accomplishing their goals while others have fallen back, some are national while others local, some are well integrated with other government agencies and interact well with other anti-corruption stakeholders, while others operate in isolation. Readers of this special issue will see how some national agencies are better resourced and more effective than others and how these results may be related to political will in the country to deal seriously with corruption. We learn how a small country, Fiji, has established an independent commission the investigations of which reached up to prime-ministerial level, and how social views on what is corruption Crime Law Soc Change (2010) 53:1–3 DOI 10.1007/s10611-009-9230-0
SPERMSEG: Analysis of Segregation Distortion in Single-Sperm Data

This work is supported by National Institutes of Health/National Health Genome Research Institute grant 1 R29 HG01645.
Cool Dense Matter and Neutron Star Phenomenology

Neutron star observations offer a novel approach to exploring Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) at high densities and low temperatures. We discuss how the physics of QCD affects the structure and evolution of neutron stars, paying particular attention to heterogeneous phases, quark matter, and neutrino transport. Afterwards, we discuss the status of several types of neutron star observations and what they mean for the physics of dense matter.
Information Theory Based Radar Signature Analysis

The ability to make radar signature databases portable for use within similar sensor systems is critical to the affordability of airborne signature exploitation systems. The capability to hybridize measured and synthetic signature database components will maximize the investment required to build complex radar signature databases. Radar target scattering response signatures and sensor related effects can be modeled and analyzed as a random process to enable sensor optimization. Information theory based methods are proposed as a means to identify those components within the signal subspace that are highly linked to target separability. Mutual information is developed as a measure of similarity to compare measured field data to modeled synthetic data. The approach is demonstrated using synthetic signature sets comprised of both "similar targets" and "dissimilar targets".
Gas-phase reactions of mono- and dichlorophenols

Reactions occurring within the high-pressure mass spectrometer source during argon-enhanced negative-ion mass Spectrometry (NIMS) of mono- and dichlorophenols result in the formation of adduct ions. The reactants for the formation of the adduct ions are derived solely from the chlorophenol. High-resolution accurate mass -measurements of the adducts and comparison of the argon NIMS of the phenols with the argon-enhanced NIMS of authentic chlorinated phenoxyphenol and dichlorodioxin suggest that gas-phase intermolecular and intramolecular nucleophilic substitutions are occurring. The products of the source reactions reflect the stability of the gas-phase species involved and may be compared with the photolysis and pyrolysis reaction products of chlorophenols, chlorinated phenoxyphenols and chlorophenates reported in the literature.
Pseudolymphoma of the kidney: a case report

We report a case of pseudolymphoma of the kidney. Examination of a surgically resected specimen showed that the lesion was localized in the renal parenchyma. It was impossible to achieve an accurate preoperative diagnosis clinically or radiologically because there were no characteristic findings. To the best of our knowledge no previous case of a pseudolymphoma localized in the renal parenchyma has been reported.
Turbulent mixing in the oceanic boundary layer caused by internal wave reflection from sloping terrain

Abstract Strong diapycnal mixing may occur in the benthic boundary layer caused by internal wave breakdown into turbulence near sloping boundaries. We report on numerical simulations of internal wave reflection and mixing in the bottom boundary layer over sloping topography. The experiments presented here are for critical angle wave reflection, defined as reflection from a bottom slope which matches the wave propagation angle. We demonstrate that transition of the wave field to stratified turbulence occurs for Reynolds number of approximately 1000. The turbulent boundary layer, of approximate thickness λ/3, where λ is the wavelength of the oncoming wave, exhibits quasi-periodic behavior, going through a cycle of energetic mixing and fine-scale development followed by a period of restratification and relaminarization. A distinctive thermal front develops in the boundary layer, which moves upslope at the phase speed of the oncoming wave. For steep slopes the flow resembles a turbulent bore, whereas for shallower slopes periodic mixing occurs across the breadth of the domain. The strongest period of mixing occurs during a phase when the oncoming wave sets up a strong downslope flow at the bottom boundary similar to the backwash on a beach. We find that diapycnal mixing extends into the interion stratified fluid and is not restricted to the turbulent boundary region. An important element of the communication of mixed fluid into the interior is the action of the internal wave field. It serves to continuously pump fresh stratified fluid into the mixed layer, while simultaneously extracting the mixed boundary fluid. The mixing efficiency of the wave breakdown process for these cases is found to be approximately 35%.
A Framework for Benchmarking Open Government Data Efforts

This paper presents a preliminary exploration on the status of open government data worldwide as well as in-depth evaluation of selected open government data portals. Using web content analysis of the open government data portals from 35 countries, this study outlines the progress of open government data efforts at the national government level. This paper also conducted in-depth evaluation of selected cases to justify the application of a proposed framework for understanding the status of open government data initiatives. This paper suggest that findings of this exploration offer a new-level of understanding of the depth, breath, and impact of current open government data efforts. The review results also point to the different stages of open government data portal development in term of data content, data manipulation capability and participatory and engagement capability. This finding suggests that development of open government portal follows an incremental approach similar to those of e-government development stages in general. Subsequently, this paper offers several observations in terms of policy and practical implication of open government data portal development drawn from the application of the proposed framework.
Unprecedented partial paddlewheel dirhodium methyl isocyanide compounds with unusual structural and electronic properties: a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study

A series of dirhodium acetonitrile compounds, namely cis-[Rh2(DTolF)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]2 (1) cis-[Rh2(F-form)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]2 (2), cis-[Rh2(NNN)2(CH3CN)6][BF4]2 (3) ([F-form]−: p-difluorophenylformamidinate, [NNN]−: p-ditolyltriazenide, [DTolF]−: p-ditolylformamidinate), cis-[Rh2[Ph2P(C6H4)]2(CH3CN)6][BF4]2 (4) and their unprecedented methyl isocyanide analogs 5–8, respectively, were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, NMR, electronic and infrared spectroscopies. The elongation of the Rh–Rh distances (∼0.07 A) and the bonds trans to eq CH3NC in 5–8vs.1–4 are in accord with the strong trans influence of isocyanide. The short Rh–C (CH3NC) distances in 5–8 are attributed to π-backbonding, whereas the short CN distances in CH3NC and the high energy ν(CN) stretches are attributed to appreciable σ-donation of CH3NC. Of particular note are the longer Rh–Rh bonds (∼2.76 A) that 8 exhibits and unprecedented short ax Rh–C distances in the same range as the eq Rh–C bonds (2.01–2.04 A) for CH3NC. TD-DFT calculations predict the lowest-energy LMCT transitions in the order 1 < 2 < 5 < 6, 3 < 7 and the HOMO–LUMO energy gaps to be greater in 5–7vs.1–3, respectively, findings corroborated by electrochemical and electronic spectral data. This trend is attributed to the stabilization of the HOMOs and destabilization of the LUMOs in 5–7. The π-backbonding in 5–8 stabilizes the Rh2(π*) orbitals and σ-donation from CH3NC destabilizes the Rh2(σ) orbitals, with the extreme case being 8 where Rh2(σ) becomes the HOMO. This fact accounts for the ∼20-fold increase in intensity of the HOMO Rh2(σ) → LUMO Rh2(σ*) transition for 8 (∼370 nm) vs.4, also in accord with TD-DFT calculations.
The cost of treating Gaucher disease.

Treatments fashioned specifically for rare diseases are necessarily very expensive. A fully satisfactory solution to this problem has not yet been found.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF TRANSGLUCOSYL-AMYLASE AMONG CANDIDA YEASTS.

Candida transglucosyl-amylase (Sawai, 1958, 1960; Sawai and Hehre, 1962) was found to be produced intracellularly by three of 28 species within theCandida genus, i.e. by 29 of 35C. tropicalis strains, all of 15C. albicans strains and oneC. claussenii. The novel capacity of this enzyme to catalyze transglucosylation from starch was substantiated by the observation that preparations from all the positive strains were highly effective in causing such transfer to glycerol, and by the fact that isomaltose was synthesized from dextrin by the action of all preparations checked for this capacity (21 strains). Two strains ofC. pelliculosa produced an amylase of a different kind, while representatives of the remaining 24Candida species tested (one or two strains of each species) gave no evidence of amylase production. In view of the narrow and apparently specific distribution of transglucosyl-amylase within the genus, it seems possible that production of this enzyme might be useful as an aid in the taxonomic differentiation ofCandida yeasts.
Light response differences in the superior colliculus of albino and pigmented rats

Multi-unit visual responses to light intensities ranging from −6.46 to 0.81 log cd/m 2 were recorded from the surface of the superior colliculus of dark-adapted normal pigmented and normal albino rats. Light sensitivity was significantly higher in albinos. The response onset latency was inversely proportional to the stimulus intensity. The progression of the stimulus intensity versus response onset latency curve showed a considerable difference between pigmented and albino rats. At low light levels, longer response onset latencies were recorded in pigmented rats than in albinos. This can be attributed to the transmission of rod-driven responses. The differences observed in the light response characteristics of albino rats may be indicative of their visual abnormalities. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
An Empirical Investigation of the MBA Admission Criteria for Nontraditional Programs

Abstract This study reviews the admission criteria for a “nontraditional” MBA program by investigating a group of students who were employed full time while pursuing the MBA degree. The instructional method combined individual assignments with two intensive weekend class meetings on the 3rd and 6th weekends of each course. These students would normally have been classified as part-time students enrolling for either one or two courses per term. Our major finding is that the combination of GMAT score, undergraduate GPA, and work experience are the best predictors of success for students in this program. However, for students admitted to the program as exceptions to the normal admission formula, GMAT score, undergraduate institution, and undergraduate major were the best predictors of success.
Biochemical reference intervals for koi ( Cyprinus carpio )

Various biochemical parameters of koi were measured to construct biochemical reference intervals. Very low serum concentrations of creatinine, total bilirubin, uric acid and γ-glutamyl transferase activity were observed. Increased activities of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase were observed due to venepuncture through the skeletal muscle of the caudal peduncle; however, these changes were not statistically significant. Alanine aminotransferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities were affected the least, and these enzymes may be considered relatively liver specific in koi. Cellulose acetate serum protein electrophoresis also was performed to confirm the presence of a serum albumin-like protein in koi. However, the resultant protein fractions were highly variable and the albumin protein-like fraction did not correlate well with that determined by the BCG dye binding assay.
Hepatitis A vaccine

Hepatitis A is the most common form of acute viral hepatitis and is an important health problem worldwide. Two inactivated vaccines are available in the United States that confer nearly 100% protection against hepatitis A infection in adults and children over 2 years of age. The two preparations, Havrix® (SmithKline Beecham, Philadelphia, PA) and Vaqta® (Merck and Co., West Point, PA), appear to be equally immunogenic and have comparable side effect profiles. Both vaccines are administered as a single primary dose, followed by a booster dose 6 to 12 months later. The cost of a single adult dose of either vaccine is approximately $50 to $60, and a single pediatric dose is approximately $30 to $40. Principal candidates for vaccination include travelers to regions of endemic disease, children living in communities with high prevalence and periodic outbreaks of hepatitis A, persons who engage in oral-anal sexual contact, persons with occupational risk for infection, illegal drug users, persons who work directly with non-human primates or hepatitis A virus in a laboratory setting, persons over 30 years of age with chronic liver disease, and persons with clotting factor disorders who receive clotting factor concentrates. Both vaccines are safe for use in pregnancy and persons infected with HIV. Havrix® and Vaqta® are generally well tolerated, with most side effects limited to mild constitutional symptoms and mild reactions at the site of injection.
Microwave thermal balloon angioplasty in the normal rabbit.

Abstract The feasibility of utilizing microwave energy for thermal angioplasty was evaluated in 28 normal New Zealand white rabbits. Angioplasty catheters were inserted via bilateral femoral arteriotomy and balloon angioplasty was performed on the external iliac arteries. There were three variables in the microwave angioplasty procedure: peak temperature, energy duration, and peak balloon pressure. At 1 week after the angioplasty, animals were put to death and the iliac arteries were removed after perfusion fixation. Histologic analysis was performed. Injuries to the medial and intimal proliferation were evaluated using an index based on the circumferential extent and depth of abnormality. There was no relationship noted between intimal proliferation or medial injury and energy duration or peak balloon pressure. There was a direct relationship between peak temperature and medial injury. Furthermore, there was an inverse relationship between medial injury and intimal proliferation. The axial extent of change induced by microwave energy was 1.6 cm. Microwave thermal energy delivery through a balloon angioplasty catheter is feasible and can be performed conveniently.
Applications of pattern recognition in clinical medicine

Decision making strategies and the use of computer technology are discussed relative to the needs of health care delivery. Research interest in this area will be increasing, relative to the implementation of Section 769A(2) of the Comprehensive Health Manpower Act of 1971 legislated by the 92nd Congress. This paper is an introduction to the general problem of integrating engineering and compute science with health care delivery.
Evaluation of selected lipid methods for normalizing pollutant bioaccumulation

Abstract - Current environmental models use organism lipid concentrations to estimate maximum pollutant bioaccumulation potentials. This collaborative study has shown that significantly different lipid concentrations (3.5~) are found when using common, but different, extraction solvents and methods. Based on these variable lipid values, models that estimate tissue pollutant concentrations normalized to lipid will give significantly different bioaccumulation estimates. To reduce that vari- ability, a standard lipid method needs to be developed or adopted. Keywords - Lipid Bioaccumulation Lipid analysis Bioaccumulation modeling INTRODUCTION Tissue residues of neutral organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 1,1, I-tri- chloro-2,2-bis-( pchloropheny1)ethane (DDT) are correlated with lipid concentrations in both fish and invertebrates 11-31. As a result of this association of hydrophobic neutral organics with lipids, lipid concentration has been used to normalize tissue residues
Enhanced Chain Densities of n-Alkanethiolate Self-Assembled Monolayers on Gold from Aqueous Micellar Solutions

This Letter reports that n-alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed onto gold from aqueous micellar solutions of hexaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E6) exhibit greater overall chain densities and are more electrochemically blocking than those formed from traditional organic solvents such as ethanol. As determined by reflectance infrared spectroscopy, the alkyl chains in SAMs formed from 10 mM C12E6(aq) are less canted on average than those in SAMs formed from ethanol. This greater overall chain density for the water-borne SAMs is attributed to hydrophobic interactions between alkyl chains during assembly. Consistent with a more defect-free structure, the water-borne SAMs exhibit greater resistances against the diffusion of redox probes than SAMs formed in ethanol.