cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seedling growth and root morphology of plants with different life-histories

summary Differences among plant species in morphology and patterns of growth are assumed to influence their ability to acquire resources and, consequently, their competitive ability. Despite the acknowledged importance of below-ground resources for plant growth, our knowledge of species differences in root morphology of non-agricultural plants is limited. Comparisons of root morphology, growth rate and topology of seedlings of 12 herbaceous plant species that occur in early to mid-successional fields revealed significant differences among species that were largely related to life history. Annuals grew faster and produced longer and more branched roots than did biennials and perennials. Only among the annuals was there a positive correlation between seed mass and root growth. The grasses allocated proportionately more biomass to roots than the dicots, but did not differ in root length or branching pattern. As seedlings, all 12 species exhibited a herringbone topology; although after 10 d there were significant differences in topology between annuals and perennials indicating that the annuals had begun to develop a more dichotomously branched root system. The possible effects of early differences in root morphology among life-history types in acquiring soil resources in heterogeneous and successional environments are discussed.
Lag-after-pulsed-separation microfluidic flowmeter for biomacromolecular solutions

A novel microfluidic flowmeter, the lag-after-pulsed-separation (LAPS) meter, has been developed to measure the flow rate of suspensions laden with protein or other charged macromolecules or particles. The LAPS meter operates on the time-of-flight principle previously employed for thermal flow meters. An upstream event (electrophoretic concentration of the particles in one section of the device) is detected downstream (by change in AC resistance). The time lag between the event and the detection is inversely proportional to the velocity, providing a non-invasive, no-moving-parts flow measurement.
α-myosin Heavy Chain Gene Regulation: Delineation and Characterization of the Cardiac Muscle-specific Enhancer and Muscle-specific Promoter ☆

The alpha-myosin heavy chain (alpha-MHC) gene encodes a cardiac muscle-specific protein involved in active force generation. The mechanism responsible for restricting expression of this gene to the heart should provide clues for the identification of transcriptional regulatory events involved in the induction and maintenance of the cardiac cell lineage. In this report we dissect the alpha-MHC regulatory region to identify the components necessary for directing high levels of cardiac muscle-restricted expression. Deletion, site-specific mutant and heterologous promoter constructs were assayed for expression after injection into adult rat heart and skeletal muscle or transfection into non-muscle cells. These studies indicated that sequences from -344 to -156 directed high levels of cardiac-muscle specific expression from a heterologous promoter that was independent of position and orientation. This region includes a previously uncharacterized CArG box, alpha-MHC sequences from -86 to +16 promoted activity from two heterologous enhancers in a muscle-specific fashion. Mutational analysis of an E-box and a CArG box within the promoter revealed that they act as negative and positive regulatory elements, respectively. Based on competitive binding and supershift electrophoretic mobility shift assays, serum response factor was shown interact with the CArG boxes found in the promoter and enhancer. Similar experiments demonstrated that the E-box bound to a factor immunologically related to upstream stimulatory factor. Together, these results identify two distinct regions with different regulatory function that are critical for the tissue restricted expression of the alpha-MHC gene.
Stable suspension and dispersion-induced transitions from repulsive Casimir forces between fluid-separated eccentric cylinders.

We numerically demonstrate a stable mechanical suspension of a silica cylinder within a metallic cylinder separated by ethanol, via a repulsive Casimir force between the silica and the metal. We investigate cylinders with both circular and square cross sections, and show that the latter exhibit a stable orientation as well as a stable position, via a method to compute Casimir torques for finite objects. Furthermore, the stable orientation of the square cylinder undergoes a 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} transition as the separation length scale is varied, which is explained as a consequence of material dispersion.
Role of Calcium in Volume-Activated Chloride Currents in a Mouse Cholangiocyte Cell Line

Volume-activated Cl− channels (VACCs) play vital roles in many cells including cholangiocytes. Previously, we characterized the VACCs in mouse cholangiocytes. Since calcium plays an important role in VACC regulation in many cells, we have studied the effect of calcium modulation on the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) and VACC currents in mouse bile duct cells (MBDCs). Cell volume measurements were assessed by a Coulter counter with cell sizer, and conventional whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were used to study the role of calcium on RVD and VACC currents. Cell volume study indicated that MBDCs exhibited RVD, which was inhibited by 5-nitro-2′-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB), 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate (DIDS) and 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetra-acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM) but not by removal of extracellular calcium. During hypotonic challenge, MBDCs exhibited an outwardly rectified current, which was significantly inhibited by administration of classical chloride channel inhibitors such as NPPB and tamoxifen. Chelation of the intracellular calcium with BAPTA-AM or removal of extracellular calcium and calcium channel blocker had no significant effect on VACC currents during hypotonic challenge. In addition to VACC, MBDC had a calcium-activated chloride channel, which was inhibited by NPPB. The present study is the first to systemically study the role of calcium on the VACC and RVD in mouse cholangiocytes and demonstrates that a certain level of intracellular calcium is necessary for RVD but the activation of VACC during RVD does not require calcium. These findings suggest that calcium does not have a direct regulatory role on VACC but has a permissive role on RVD in cholangiocytes.
Effects of kindling on subsequent learning, memory, behavior, and seizure susceptibility

Abstract To determine the long-term effects of seizures on the developing brain we kindled 20-, 40-, and 60-day-old rats to stage 5 seizures and then elicited an additional 15 seizures using the same kindling stimulation. At age 80 days, all animals that reached stage 5 kindling, and their respective age-matched controls, underwent behavioral testing using the Morris water maze, open field test, and handling test. Prior to euthanasia the animals had seizure threshold tested using flurothyl inhalation. No differences were noted in time to platform in the water maze or activity level in the open field test between the kindled rats and controls in any of the three age groups. Rats kindled at age 20 and 40 were more emotional than the controls in the handling test. In the flurothyl inhalation test, rats kindled at 40 and 60 days of age had a shorter latency to all seizure stages than the controls. These results demonstrate that while kindling results in no alteration of learning, memory, or activity level, it does result in altered emotionality and activity level in immature animals, as well as reduced seizure threshold in pubescent and mature rats. The animal model used appears to be an important variable in determining the long-term effects of seizures.
Appraisal and Presentation of an Intensive Course in German

Author's Summary— The urgent need for oral aural language teaching deserves attention. The experiments of the ASTP had good and bad features. A proposal is made to salvage the workable elements of the Army Language Program for use in civilian classes in order to fulfill present and future needs.
Detection of cytosine methylation in the maize alcohol dehydrogenase gene by genomic sequencing

DNA methylation is believed to be involved in the control of gene expression1,2. In higher plants, up to 30% of the cytosine residues can be methylated—at C-X-G trinucleotides as well as C-G dinucleotides—compared with only 2–8% of total cytosines appearing exclusively as 5-methyl-C-5-methylcytosine in higher animals1–4. We have used the genomic sequencing technique of Church and Gilbert5 to study the methylation of an alcohol dehydrogenase gene, Adhl, from maize. Adhl is one of two unlinked maize alcohol dehydrogenase genes6,7 and appears in several tissues, including the scutellum of the kernel and the primary root of the seedling. It is further induced in primary roots subjected to anaerobiosis8–10. However, this gene is totally repressed in maize leaves11. Nonetheless, we have now found that a 900-base-pair (bp) region 5′ to the ATG is not methylated in leaves, even though it is rich in potential methylation sites. The first methylations occur 965 bp 5′ to the ATG. Thus, methylation does not appear to be involved in repressing this plant gene.
Does the arterial cannulation site for circulatory arrest influence stroke risk

Abstract Background We investigated whether axillary/subclavian artery inflow with a side graft decreases the risk of stroke versus cannulation at other sites during hypothermic circulatory arrest. Methods Between January 1993 and May 2003, 1,352 operations with circulatory arrest were performed for complex adult cardiac problems. A single arterial inflow cannulation site was used in 1,336 operations, and these formed the basis for comparative analyses. Cannulation sites were axillary plus graft in 299 operations, direct cannulation of the aorta in 471, femoral in 375, innominate in 24, and axillary or subclavian without a side graft in 167. Retrograde brain perfusion was used in 933 (69%). A total of 272 (20%) were for emergencies, 432 (32%) were reoperations, and 439 (32%) were for dissections. A total of 617 (46%) had aortic valve replacement and 1,160 (87%) ascending, 415 arch (31%), and 248 descending (18%) aortic replacements. Indications also included arteriosclerosis (n = 301) and calcified aorta (n = 278). Primary comparisons were made by using propensity matching, and, secondarily, risk factors for stroke or hospital mortality were identified by multivariable logistic regression. Results Stroke occurred in 6.1% of patients (81/1,336): 4.0% (12/299) of those had axillary plus graft and 6.7% who had direct cannulation (69/1,037; p = 0.09; p = 0.05 among propensity-matched pairs). Operative variables associated with stroke included direct aortic cannulation, aortic arteriosclerosis, descending aorta repair, and mitral valve replacement. The risk of hospital mortality was higher (11%; 42/375) for patients who had femoral cannulation than axillary plus graft (7.0%; 21/299; p = 0.06; p = 0.02 among propensity-matched pairs). Conclusions Axillary inflow plus graft reduces stroke and is our method of choice for complex cardiac and cardioaortic operations that necessitate circulatory arrest. Retrograde or antegrade perfusion is used selectively.
Cyclin E controls Drosophila female germline stem cell maintenance independently of its role in proliferation by modulating responsiveness to niche signals

Stem cells must proliferate while maintaining 'stemness'; however, much remains to be learned about how factors that control the division of stem cells influence their identity. Multiple stem cell types display cell cycles with short G1 phases, thought to minimize susceptibility to differentiation factors. Drosophila female germline stem cells (GSCs) have short G1 and long G2 phases, and diet-dependent systemic factors often modulate G2. We previously observed that Cyclin E (CycE), a known G1/S regulator, is atypically expressed in GSCs during G2/M; however, it remained unclear whether CycE has cell cycle-independent roles in GSCs or whether it acts exclusively by modulating the cell cycle. In this study, we detected CycE activity during G2/M, reflecting its altered expression pattern, and showed that CycE and its canonical partner, Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2), are required not only for GSC proliferation, but also for GSC maintenance. In genetic mosaics, CycE- and Cdk2-deficient GSCs are rapidly lost from the niche, remain arrested in a G1-like state, and undergo excessive growth and incomplete differentiation. However, we found that CycE controls GSC maintenance independently of its role in the cell cycle; GSCs harboring specific hypomorphic CycE mutations are not efficiently maintained despite normal proliferation rates. Finally, CycE-deficient GSCs have an impaired response to niche bone morphogenetic protein signals that are required for GSC self-renewal, suggesting that CycE modulates niche-GSC communication. Taken together, these results show unequivocally that the roles of CycE/Cdk2 in GSC division cycle regulation and GSC maintenance are separable, and thus potentially involve distinct sets of phosphorylation targets.
Post Irradiation Capabilities at the Idaho National Laboratory

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) oversees the research, development, and demonstration activities that ensure nuclear energy remains a viable energy option for the United States. Fuel and material development through fabrication, irradiation, and characterization play a significant role in accomplishing the research needed to support nuclear energy. All fuel and material development requires the understanding of irradiation effects on the fuel performance and relies on irradiation experiments ranging from tests aimed at targeted scientific questions to integral effects under representative and prototypic conditions. The DOE recently emphasized a solution-driven, goal-oriented, science-based approach to nuclear energy development. Nuclear power systems and materials were initially developed during the latter half of the 20th century and greatly facilitated by the United States’ ability and willingness to conduct large-scale experiments. Fifty-two research and test reactors with associated facilities for performing fabrication and pre and post irradiation examinations were constructed at what is now Idaho National Laboratory (INL), another 14 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and a few more at other national laboratory sites. Building on the scientific advances of the last several decades, our understanding of fundamental nuclear science, improvements in computational platforms, and other tools nowmore » enable technological advancements with less reliance on large-scale experimentation.« less
Real-time communications scheduling for massively parallel processors

Can general purpose commercial massively parallel processors (MPPs) be used for computationally intensive real-time applications that have traditionally required a custom arrangement of special-purpose computers and mainframes? If so, then the enormous lifecycle costs of many systems needed by, for instance, the Government could potentially be reduced. The components would be commercially available and continuing technological advances could more easily be incorporated into existing systems. Relevant applications have requirements not found in large-scale scientific computing, which has up to now provided most of the motivation for the development of MPPs. Perhaps the most important difference is the need for real-time processing. Depending on the application, multi-level security, fault tolerance and other features may also be necessary. There have already been hardware advances that may make such a high performance computing solution possible. However, daunting software challenges remain. We focus on one critical problem, the real-time scheduling of the communications between processing nodes. We discuss real-time MPP application benchmarks.
Design and methods for a cluster randomized trial of the Sunless Study: A skin cancer prevention intervention promoting sunless tanning among beach visitors

Skin cancer is the most prevalent yet most preventable cancer in the US. While protecting oneself from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can largely reduce risk, rates of unprotected sun exposure remain high. Because the desire to be tan often outweighs health concerns among sunbathers, very few interventions have been successful at reducing sunbathing behavior. Sunless tanning (self-tanners and spray tans), a method of achieving the suntanned look without UVR exposure, might be an effective supplement to prevention interventions.
Mice with megabase humanization of their immunoglobulin genes generate antibodies as efficiently as normal mice

Mice genetically engineered to be humanized for their Ig genes allow for human antibody responses within a mouse background (HumAb mice), providing a valuable platform for the generation of fully human therapeutic antibodies. Unfortunately, existing HumAb mice do not have fully functional immune systems, perhaps because of the manner in which their genetic humanization was carried out. Heretofore, HumAb mice have been generated by disrupting the endogenous mouse Ig genes and simultaneously introducing human Ig transgenes at a different and random location; KO-plus-transgenic humanization. As we describe in the companion paper, we attempted to make mice that more efficiently use human variable region segments in their humoral responses by precisely replacing 6 Mb of mouse Ig heavy and kappa light variable region germ-line gene segments with their human counterparts while leaving the mouse constant regions intact, using a unique in situ humanization approach. We reasoned the introduced human variable region gene segments would function indistinguishably in their new genetic location, whereas the retained mouse constant regions would allow for optimal interactions and selection of the resulting antibodies within the mouse environment. We show that these mice, termed VelocImmune mice because they were generated using VelociGene technology, efficiently produce human:mouse hybrid antibodies (that are rapidly convertible to fully human antibodies) and have fully functional humoral immune systems indistinguishable from those of WT mice. The efficiency of the VelocImmune approach is confirmed by the rapid progression of 10 different fully human antibodies into human clinical trials.
Active Vibration Damping of Composite Beam using Smart Sensors and Actuators

This paper discusses active vibration control of an E-glass/epoxy-laminated composite beam using smart sensors and actua- tors. The smart sensors and actuators used in this study are piezoelectric ceramic patches. The composite beam is in a cantilevered configuration. Both theoretical and numerical ~finite-element analysis! studies of the laminated composite beam are conducted to reveal the beam's fundamental modal frequencies and modal shapes. The results based on the theoretical predication and numerical simulation are then compared with those from experimental modal testing, and a good correlation is obtained. Utilizing results from the model analysis and experimental modal testing, two control algorithms, namely, positive position feedback control and strain rate feedback control, are designed. Both single-mode vibration suppression and multimode vibration suppression are studied. An experimental appa- ratus has been developed to implement the control algorithms. The apparatus consists of a voltage amplifier and a data acquisition and real-time control system, in addition to the composite beam with bonded piezoelectric ceramic sensors and actuators. Experiments show that the proposed controllers can achieve active vibration damping of the composite beam.
Comparative expression profiling of endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 and human leukocyte antigen-c expression in choriocarcinoma cell lines

markers of lipotoxicity are related to preeclampsia, and eventually may indicate likely prognostics associated with clinical expressions. Additional studies can clarify this correlation and these results might be useful to orientate the adoption of practices which are able to decrease maternal/ fetal risks. Disclosures: B. Zeiger: None. A. Bergamo: None. D. Vidal: None. F. Aires: None. D. Ferreira: None. M. Scarpelini: None. J. Garcia: None. H. Korkes: None. M. Paltronieri: None. S. de Toledo: None. W. Chaiwangyen: None. F. Sousa: None. N. Sass: None.
System modeling of explosively actuated valves

A model is formulated to describe time-dependent operation of an explosively actuated valve. The model accounts for burning of solid explosive to form product gas within an actuator, transport of product gas from the actuator to an expansion chamber, and insertion of an initially tapered piston into a constant diameter bore by gas pressure within the expansion chamber. A cutter attached to the piston punctures a diaphragm enabling the desired gas flow. An important model feature is the coupling of combustion energy to piston-housing deformation resulting from gas pressure and geometric interference during piston insertion. The model is correlated with quasi-static compression tests, and combustion bomb data for the explosive HMX (C 4 H 8 N 8 O 8 ), that provide estimates for the valve work requirements, and the pressure dependent burning rate, respectively. The model is then used to predict operation of a baseline valve configuration and to assess how variations in explosive mass and valve geometry affect performance. Predictions indicate that 150 mg of HMX routinely used with the baseline valve induces far greater piston kinetic energy than needed for successful operation. The appropriateness of key assumptions about stress and deformation fields within the piston and housing are examined based on a rate-independent finite-element analysis.
Minimax decentralized controllers for discrete-time linear systems

The authors obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a minimax solution to one-stage and quasi-classical disturbance rejection problems, with decentralized measurements. They then extend them to obtain sufficient conditions for the discrete-time linear-quadratic finite-horizon disturbance rejection problem with nonclassical decentralized measurements. Both the decoupled and coupled measurement structures are considered. In the former each control station has access to a different measurement channel corrupted by an independent (deterministic) disturbance, whereas in the latter some measurement channels are shared. >
Analytic derivation of the Cox–Merz rule using the MLD “toy” model for polydisperse linear polymers

A general constitutive formalism, the “naive” polydisperse MLD model, has been developed by Mead et al. (Macromolecules 31:7895–7914, 1998) and Mead (Rheol Acta 46:369–395, 2007) at both the tube coordinate level and the mathematically simplified “toy” level independent of the tube coordinate. The model includes constraint release generated by convection-driven chain retraction (which is equivalent to “convective constraint release” (CCR)), reptation, and tube contour length fluctuations. The properties of the mathematically simplified naive polydisperse “toy” MLD model are explored in linear and nonlinear steady shear flows where we analytically derive the Cox–Merz rule relating the steady shear viscosity to the modulus of the linear viscoelastic dynamic viscosity. The Cox–Merz rule relating the linear viscoelastic material properties and the nonlinear material properties is shown to be a direct consequence of convective constraint release. The specific feature of CCR that leads to this result is that the relaxation rate due to convective constraint release is proportional to the shear rate, \(\dot{{\gamma }}\), independent of molecular weight. The viability of this well-known empirical relationship is a direct consequence of a coincidence in the mathematical structure of the linear viscoelastic material properties and convective constraint release. There is no physical analogy or relationship between the molecular relaxation mechanisms operative in linear (diffusive relaxation) and nonlinear (convective relaxation) flow regimes. The polydisperse MLD model predictions of the individual molecular weight component contributions to the flow curve, and interpretations thereof, are effectively identical to those first postulated by Bersted (J Appl Polym Sci 19:2167–2177, 1975, J Appl Polym Sci 20:2705–2714, 1976). Following the theoretical developments, a limited experimental study is executed with a commercial polydisperse polystyrene melt. Nearly quantitative agreement between the polydisperse MLD theory and experimental measurements of steady-shear viscosity and dynamic moduli is achieved over a wide range of shear rates.
Hmong Cultural Practices and Beliefs: The Postpartum Period

The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural practices and beliefs of the Hmong in the postpartum period. Using the qualitative research method of in-depth interviewing, data were collected through semistructured interviews. A convenience sample of 52 childbearing Hmong women was interviewed with the help of Hmong interpreters. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed for analysis. Data analysis revealed cultural practices and beliefs categories related to diet, rest period, appropriate clothing, breast feeding, and sex practices in the postpartum period. Implications for nursing include both cultural sensitivity and an understanding of such traditional practices, before suggesting or implementing any health-promotion activities.
A preliminary analysis of the InfiniPath and XD1 network interfaces

Two recently delivered systems have begun a new trend in cluster interconnects. Both the InfiniPath network from PathScale, Inc., and the RapidArray fabric in the XD1 system from Cray, Inc., leverage commodity network fabrics while customizing the network interface in an attempt to add value specifically for the high performance computing (HPC) cluster market. Both network interfaces are compatible with standard InfiniBand (IB) switches, but neither use the traditional programming interfaces to support MPI. Another fundamental difference between these networks and other modern network adapters is that much of the processing needed for the network protocol stack is performed on the host processor(s) rather than by the network interface itself. This approach stands in stark contrast to the current direction of most high-performance networking activities, which is to offload as much protocol processing as possible to the network interface. In this paper, we provide an initial performance comparison of the two partially custom networks (PathScale's InfiniPath and Cray's XD1) with a more commodity network (standard IB) and a more custom network (Quadrics Elan4). Our evaluation includes several micro-benchmark results as well as some initial application performance data.
Strain measurement in metallic glasses and metallic-glass-matrix composites by means of x-ray scattering

The availability of high-energy synchrotron beamlines has made it possible to study the development of elastic strain in crystalline phases in metallic-glass-matrix composites in situ during loading, and to measure elastic strain in amorphous materials as well. In this paper, we discuss experimental techniques and data analysis for these measurements and give examples. We show that the strain in both the amorphous and crystalline phases in a metallic-glass-matrix composite can be extracted from a single scattering pattern.
Simulation of an Ornithopter with Active Flow Control and Aeroelastic Energy Harvesting

A six degree of freedom simulation of a small flapping wing vehicle is presented here based on aerodynamics developed by DeLaurier for a larger ornithopter. This model compares well with existing experimental data provided the vehicle is close to steady, level flight. When that assumption is relaxed, the model slowly departs from the region in which it is valid, showing its promise as a plant model for control system development. Also shown are simulations of the effect of Single Dialectric Barrier Discharge plasma actuators for performance and maneuverability enhancement. Power generation and force sensing from piezoelectric membranes in the wings is presented as means of increasing range and autonomy of a micro air vehicle. Ornithopters have several advantages over fixed wing and rotorcraft micro air vehicles (MAVs). The success of biological flappers such as birds and insects suggests that this motion is optimal in this size range. They are quieter and efficient, as they combine lift and thrust in one relatively largesurface. They have been proposed as man-portable systems for urban surveillance and other environments. Additionally, their resemblence to biological fliers makes them useful to study bird behavior. However, man-made flapping wing vehicles have a number of limitations that have restricted their use to toys and lab equipment. Chief among these is that they combine the energy density problems of other MAV planforms with the added complexity, and weight, of a flapping mechanism. In addition, they are very stable in forward flight, and thus difficult to maneuver in confined environments. On top of this, the vehicle dynamics change continuously, making controller design more difficult. This paper presents a simulation based of a small ornithopter that includes equations to model methods to allieviate some of the restrictions mentioned above. The functions developed can be used for either geometry optimization to meet mission requirements, performance estimation for mission planning, or, as presented here, to create a virtual vehicle to study the flight mechanics of flapping wing vehicles. This simulation focuses on the possibility of using Single Barrier Dielectric Breakdown (SBDB) plasma actuators embedded in the wings to increase lift and add direct roll control to the platform through differential actuation. In addition, to attempt to alleviate the energy density problem, this simulation models the energy produced by piezoelectric film in the wings. The rest of this paper is broken into four sections. The first covers the aerodynamic modeling of the vehicle, including the modeling of the unsteady lift on the wings. Next, the vehicle dynamics, including moment of inertia, center of gravity and body coordinate systems are covered. Third in this list are the results of an example vehicle in free simulated flight. Finally, there is a conclusion and discussion of future work.
Speculative virtual verification: policy-constrained speculative execution

A key problem facing current computing systems is the inability to autonomously manage security vulnerabilities as well as more mundane errors. Since the design of computer architectures is usually performance-driven, hardware often lacks primitives for tasks in which raw speed is not the primary goal. There is little architectural support for monitoring execution at the instruction level, and no mechanisms for assisting an automated response.This paper advocates modifying general-purpose processors to provide both program supervision and automatic response via a policy-driven monitoring mechanism and instruction stream rewriting, respectively. These capabilities form the basis of speculative virtual verification (SVV).SVV is a model for the speculative execution of code based on high-level security and safety constraints. We introduce architectural enhancements to support this framework, including the ability to supply an automated response by rewriting the instruction stream. Finally, given the novelty of the SVV approach to executing software, we briefly consider some important challenges for SVV-based systems.
“THE ARMYTAGE-TOMSON-WATSON SEQUENCE”: POETIC ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE PERIODICAL PRESS, 1886–96

In the summer of 1895 American critic Edmund Clarence Stedman sent a letter across the Atlantic to Robert Bridges about a second decisive change that had just occurred in the career of one of the English poet's most widely published compatriots: “the Armytage-Tomson-Watson sequence is interesting. Well, a woman who can write such ballads has a right to be her own mistress” (Stedman and Gould 2: 185). Stedman's intriguing comment arose from the succinct biographical entries that he was compiling for A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895 (1895). Without doubt, Stedman's eagerness to include up-to-date information about numerous poets whose reputations developed in the 1880s and 90s shows an unmatched thoroughness in such anthologies of the day, and the resulting comprehensiveness of his 1895 volume has ensured that it remains an enduringly useful source of reference.
Investigation of the Theory and Mechanism of the Origin of the Second Heart Sound

To investigate further the origin of the second heart sound we studied human subjects, dogs, and a model in vitro of the cardiovascular system. Intra-arterial sound, pressure, and, where possible, flow and high speed cine (2,000 frames/sec) were utilized. The closure sound of the semilunar valves was of higher amplitude in be ventricles than in their respective arterial cavities. The direction of inscription of the main components of intra-arterial sound were opposite in direction to the components of intraventricular sound. Notches, representative of pressure increments, were noted on the ventricular pressure tracings and were coincident with the components of sound. The amplitude of the closure sound varied with diastolic pressure, but remained unchanged with augmentation of forward and retrograde aortic flow. Cines showed second sound to begin after complete valvular closure, and average leaflet closure rate was constant regardless of pressure. Hence, the semilunar valves, when closed, act as an elastic membrane and, when set into motion, generate compression and expansion of the blood, producing transient pressure changes indicative of sound. The magnitude of the initial stretch is related to the differential pressure between the arterial and ventricular chambers. Sound transients which follow the major components of the second sound appear to be caused by the continuing stretch and recoil of the leaflets. Clinically unexplained findings such as the reduced or absent second sound in calcific aortic stenosis and its paradoxical presence in congenital aortic stenosis may be explained by those observations.
Uniformly generating origin destination tables

Given a network and the total flows into and out of each of the sink and source nodes, it is useful to select uniformly at random an origin-destination (O-D) matrix for which the total in and out flows at sinks and sources (column and row sums) matches the given data. We give an algorithm for small networks (less than 16 nodes) for sampling such O-D matrices with exactly the uniform distribution and apply it to traffic network analysis. This algorithm also can be applied to communication networks and used in the statistical analysis of contingency tables.
DRAW+SneakPeek: analysis workflow and quality metric management for DNA-seq experiments.

Summary: We report our new DRAWþSneakPeek software for DNA-seq analysis. DNA resequencing analysis workflow (DRAW) automates the workflow of processing raw sequence reads including quality control, read alignment and variant calling on high-performance computing facilities such as Amazon elastic compute cloud. SneakPeek provides an effective interface for reviewing dozens of quality metrics reported by DRAW, so users can assess the quality of data and diagnose problems in their sequencing procedures. Both DRAW and SneakPeek are freely available under the MIT license, and are available as Amazon machine images to be used directly on Amazon cloud with minimal installation. Availability: DRAWþSneakPeek is released under the MIT license and is available for academic and nonprofit use for free. The information about source code, Amazon machine images and instructions on how to install and run DRAWþSneakPeek locally and on Amazon elastic compute cloud is available at the National Institute on Aging Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (http://www.niagads.org/)
Should we screen for bladder cancer in a high-risk population?: A cost per life-year saved analysis.

BACKGROUND. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved screening high-risk patients for bladder cancer using urine-based markers. The cost and life-years saved associated with bladder cancer screening were evaluated. METHODS. A Markov model was created to estimate cumulative cancer-related costs and efficacy of screening (vs. no screening) of a high-risk population for bladder cancer using a urine-based tumor marker over a 5-year period. Assumptions were based on literature review of survival and progression rates for patients with bladder cancer and costs associated with different bladder cancer disease states. RESULTS. Screening for bladder cancer in a population with a 4% incidence of bladder cancer resulted in a gain of 3.0 life years per 1000 subjects at a cost savings of $101,000 for the population, assuming a 50% downstaging in the screened population from muscle-invasive to nonmuscle-invasive disease. One-way sensitivity analyses found that screening is the most cost-effective strategy if cancer incidence is >1.6%, tumor marker costs 26%, marker specificity is >54%, downstaging with screening is >20%, and office cystoscopy costs <$694. Varying costs of cystectomy, transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), chemotherapy, end-of-life care, costs of metastatic disease, and a computed tomography scan over a wide range did not affect the superiority of screening. CONCLUSIONS. The model found that urine-based markers are cost-effective in a high-risk population. Prospective randomized trials in a completely asymptomatic high-risk cohort are indicated before bladder cancer screening can be recommended. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
treePL: divergence time estimation using penalized likelihood for large phylogenies

UNLABELLED: Ever larger phylogenies are being constructed due to the explosion of genetic data and development of high-performance phylogenetic reconstruction algorithms. However, most methods for calculating divergence times are limited to datasets that are orders of magnitude smaller than recently published large phylogenies. Here, we present an algorithm and implementation of a divergence time method using penalized likelihood that can handle datasets of thousands of taxa. We implement a method that combines the standard derivative-based optimization with a stochastic simulated annealing approach to overcome optimization challenges. We compare this approach with existing software including r8s, PATHd8 and BEAST. AVAILABILITY: Source code, example files, binaries and documentation for treePL are available at https://github.com/blackrim/treePL.
First Database Course – Keeping it all Organized

All Computer Information Systems programs require a database course for their majors. This paper describes an approach to such a course in which real world examples, both design projects and actual database application projects are incorporated throughout the semester. Students are expected to apply the traditional database concepts to actual database storage problems. The design of the database is emphasized and students evaluate each other’s design as well as their final database project. The details of a database written by the Author to organize all information surrounding the student’s project are also presented. In this database course, the students are able to follow the progress of their fellow students during the course. Student’s evaluations of each other’s work during the semester is shown to be beneficial in the learning process.
Beyond rating prediction accuracy: on new perspectives in recommender systems

This paper proposes a number of studies in order to move recommender systems beyond the traditional paradigm and the classical perspective of rating prediction accuracy. We contribute to existing helpful but less explored paradigms and also propose new approaches aiming at more useful recommendations for both users and businesses. Working toward this direction, we discuss the studies we have conducted so far and present our future research plans. In particular, we move our focus from even more accurate rating predictions and aim at offering a holistic experience to the users by avoiding the over-specialization of generated recommendations and providing the users with sets of non-obvious but high quality recommendations that fairly match their interests and they will remarkably like.
Reliability in CMOS VLSI circuits

This paper presents some of the most important reliability techniques, and considerations associated with combinational CMOS VLSI circuits. The authors discuss reliability with regards to fault tolerance and testability. Topics discussed include common fault models, simulation of faults at the gate and layout level, test vector generation, redundancy techniques. and design-for-testability for combinational VLSI circuits. >
Chiapas and the new news: Internet and newspaper coverage of a broken cease-fire

On 1 January 1994 the Zapatista Army of National Liberation took control of the main municipalities in Chiapas, Mexico. During this initial uprising, the commercial media overwhelmingly refused to ...
A Current Viewpoint of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Supporting Immunotherapeutic Treatment Options

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) leads to hyperproliferation of abnormal smooth muscle cells in the lungs, associated with diffuse pulmonary parenchymal cyst formation and progressive dyspnea on exertion. The disease targets women of child-bearing age. Complications include pneumothoraces and chylous pleural effusions. Ten-year survival is estimated at 70%, and lung transplantation remains the only validated treatment. It has been observed that LAM cells express markers associated with melanocytic differentiation, including gp100 and MART-1. Other melanocytic markers have also been observed. The same proteins are targeted by T cells infiltrating melanoma tumors as well as by T cells infiltrating autoimmune vitiligo skin, and these antigens are regarded as relatively immunogenic. Consequently, vaccines have been developed for melanoma targeting these and other immunogenic melanocyte differentiation proteins. Preliminary data showing susceptibility of LAM cells to melanoma-derived T cells suggest that vaccine...
Is liability to recurrent major depressive disorder present before first episode onset in adolescence or acquired after the initial episode

Many individuals who experience a major depressive episode will subsequently develop recurrent episodes. Although numerous studies have investigated predictors of recurrent episodes, methodological limitations have made it difficult to determine the extent to which liability to recurrent major depressive disorder (rMDD) exists prior to first onset or develops after first onset. This study used a prospective design in a community sample of adolescents to examine variables before and after first onset MDD as predictors of rMDD over a 12-year follow-up. Among 59 adolescents who experienced first onset MDD, 72.88% developed rMDD during the follow-up period. Parental history of rMDD and lifetime history of minor depression prior to MDD onset significantly predicted rMDD. These two effects replicated in ancillary analyses in an expanded sample of N = 205. Following MDD onset, a higher number of major life events significantly predicted rMDD. Liability to rMDD exists prior to MDD onset in the form of familial risk and less severe mood disturbances, whereas liability to rMDD in the form of elevated stress may develop following a first onset in adolescence.
Incidence of clavicle fractures in sports: analysis of the NEISS Database.

Our goal was to present current data on the incidence of clavicle injuries presenting for urgent evaluation and to report the sports activities associated with injury. Using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database, the number of clavicle fractures presenting to a representative sample of US hospitals was retrospectively calculated and weighted estimates used to extrapolate this data to the US population. Incidence estimates were obtained using validated analyses and US census data, with sports injuries being noted and fractures stratified by sport. A total of 9 428 fractures of the clavicle were reported, representing 357 155 injuries in the US population over 5 years. The estimated incidence of clavicle fractures in the US presenting for emergency care is 24.4 fractures per 100 000 person-years (95% confidence intervals (CI), 22.8–26.1). The peak incidence was highest between ages 10–19 years. Men were nearly 3 times as likely to sustain a clavicle fracture. Sports were a factor in 45% of all clavicle fractures. In sports-related injuries, 16% of fractures occurred from bicycling, followed by football (12%) and soccer (6%). In summary, injuries from bicycling were the most common cause of clavicle fracture, followed by contact sports. Male gender and younger age are risk factors for clavicle fractures.
A Tale of Two Decades: New Evidence on Adequacy and Equity in Pennsylvania

Over the last four decades, legal mandates and legislative reforms have compelled states to improve the equitable distribution of state resources across school districts, and, more recently, to increase state expenditures to more adequately fund education. However, there is limited evidence on the extent to which differences in the resource, legislative, and political climates in a state over time may generate improvements in educational spending or whether spending in districts that serve the most disadvantaged students improves relative to their more advantaged counterparts. To gain insight into the relationship between a state’s educational funding climate and district spending, we turn to the case of Pennsylvania, which, in the previous two decades, has experienced dramatically different funding climates. While state expenditures on education were relatively flat between 1991 and 2001, the 2001 through 2011 period was characterized by increasing expenditures dedicated to improving adequacy and equity across districts in the state. Using panel data on Pennsylvania districts, we aim to uncover the extent to which differences across the two decades resulted in changes in adequate per-pupil spending and improvements in how districts that serve different student populations spent their educational resources. We find that Pennsylvania’s districts were more equitably and adequately spending educational resources by the end of the second decade period compared with the end of the first period; however, spending disparities persist across districts that serve different populations of students. Indeed, while adequacy improved among districts that serve larger shares of disadvantaged students and those located in rural communities, larger districts and urban districts did not improve relative to smaller districts and suburban districts, respectively.
Absorptive capacities and innovation in an emerging wind turbine industry

From the case of the rise of China's wind power firms in the global market within a short period, we try to recognize how the absorptive and transformative capacity of Chinese local players leads to disruptive innovations. Through this evolutionary process Chinese wind turbine manufacturers quickly improved their global competitiveness. This opens many new doors for research opportunities. For example, what role do foreign technology partners play in this game? How does the technology transfer process occur? What is the S-learning curve of local players? How does localization of industrial value chain change? How do Chinese suppliers leverage the advantage of foreign technologies and markets? How does industry policy shape innovation within an emerging industry? Overall, our case study provides a rich amount of Chinese innovations phenomena that are increasingly relevant in the global competitive arena.