cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Review Of Contamination Detection On Patterned Surfaces

Because particulate contamination is the largest yield detractor in semiconductor fabrication, a support technology is evolving for inspecting product (patterned) wafers to identify sources of contamination. We will describe a variety of optical phenomena that are used to detect the presence of particles and some of their performance limitations. The Lloyd's mirror configuration can be used in a coincidence geometry to suppress the pattern signals; we will show performance data from a prototype of such a system. Most of the techniques we will describe rely on the particles protruding above the surrounding pattern. There are two dominant limitations to this approach. One limitation are the classes of pattern features that will be incorrectly identified as particles. The other is that semiconductor devices are becoming increasingly sensitive to particles smaller than the vertical pattern height.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
CC4-01: CER-HUB: An Informatics Platform for Conducting Comparative Effectiveness Research with Comprehensive Electronic Medical Record Data

Background/Aims The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided $1.1 billion for Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) with the goal of generating new evidence on the effectiveness of different treatments, diagnostic procedures, and care models under “real world” conditions. AHRQ awarded $100 million of ARRA funds to a dozen R01 projects to develop clinical infrastructure focusing on use of comprehensive electronic medical record (EMR) systems for large-scale, multi-institutional CER. However, numerous informatics challenges must be overcome when combining and sharing data across EMR systems and across institutions. In short, CER requires aggregation and analysis of disparate electronic clinical data sources held by different institutions, each with its own representation of relevant events and concerns for protecting data.
Flow dynamics in a swirl combustor

A hybrid simulation approach is used to investigate the flow patterns in an axisymmetric swirl combustor configuration. Effective inlet boundary conditions are based on velocity data from Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes or actual laboratory measurements at the outlet of a fuel-injector nozzle, and large eddy simulations are used to study the unsteady non-reactive swirl flow dynamics downstream. Case studies ranging from single-swirler to more complex triple-swirler nozzles are presented to emphasize the importance of initial inlet conditions on the behaviour of the swirling flow entering a sudden expansion area, including swirl and radial numbers, inlet length and characteristic velocity profiles. Swirl of sufficient strength produces an adverse pressure gradient which can promote flow reversal or vortex breakdown, and the coupling between swirl and sudden expansion instabilities depends on the relative length of the inlet. The flow is found to be very sensitive to the detailed nature of the velocity radi...
Chinese cultural values: their implications for travel and tourism marketing.

Abstract The influence of cultural values on behavior has been well documented (Adler and Graham, 1989; Hofstede, 1980). However, very limited research has been reported on the linkages between cultural values of the Chinese people and their preferences and expectations as consumers. The China market, with one quarter of the world population, has been recognized as the market with the greatest buying potential for the 21st century. This paper aims to highlight and discuss the dominant Chinese cultural values and their implications for travel and tourism marketing. A conceptual framework of dominant Chinese cultural values is presented and it is followed by a discussion of the cultural attributes of the framework with possible marketing implications for each attribute for the hospitality and tourism industry. Based on the framework, hypotheses are presented to stimulate future research.
Fabrication of thin silicon-on-insulator flims using laser recrystallisation

The letter describes a technique to obtain thin (130 nm) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) films. A 550 nm-thick film of silicon is first deposited on an insulating oxide and recrystallised using an argon laser. Owing to the combined use of seeding windows and antireflection patterns, the recrystallised film is single-crystal. The SOI film is then planarised using thick resist spinning and plasma etch. Finally, the film thickness is reduced to 130 nm by thermal oxidation.
TH‐A(SAM)‐BRC‐01: Physics and Dosimetry of SBRT

SBRT is a novel cancertreatment strategy where ultra‐high doses per fraction are used, generally in the range of 6 to 20 Gy per fraction, in a hypofractionated regimen of 5 or fewer fractions. Such high doses per treatment were inconceivable in the past because of concerns about radiation‐induced injury to normal tissue if large volumes of OARs were irradiated to high doses. However, with recent technical advancements in highly‐conformal treatment planning,image‐guidedradiotherapy, and delivery technologies, it has become possible to deliver safely very large fractional doses of radiation to lesions in the lung, liver, spine, and prostate. Since SBRT involves technically sophisticated patient repositioning and treatment delivery procedure, it is not uncommon for a treatment to last 40 minutes. Clinicians are usually concerned of a possible compromise in treatment efficacy for individual fractions that require long treatment time because of tumor intra‐fraction motion and patient involuntary movement during radiation delivery, as well as a theoretical risk of intra‐fractional radiation damage repair within tumor cells in the context of prolonged fractional delivery time. In this session, methods for effective, optimal and accurate planning, and efficiency and robustness in the delivery of SBRT, including QA, will be presented so that these concerns are minimized. Furthermore, the technical challenges associated with the clinical implementation of SBRT will be discussed, thereby allowing the wide application of SBRT using current treatment planning and delivery technologies (fixed‐field 3DCRT/IMRT, dynamic arcs, rotational IMRT). The specific objectives of the session are to: 1. Describe secure and comfortable immobilization techniques to minimize patient movement, techniques accounting for internal organ motion, and accurate patient repositioning methods using online imaging 2. Discuss treatment planning methods to ensure coverage of tumor volume within high dose regions with very rapid fall‐off to surrounding OARs, including the use of Monte Carlo algorithms 3. Describe quality assurance and verification techniques for fixed‐field (3DCRT, IMRT) and rotational (static/dynamic arcs, VMAT/Rapid Arc/Tomo) delivery, usually characterized by many small beam segments, and the assessment of target conformity coverage, and high dose “spillage” region
Cloning and chromosomal mapping of the human DNA polymerase theta (POLQ), the eighth human DNA polymerase.

We have cloned the cDNA for the eighth human DNA polymerase, DNA polymerase θ. The human cDNA encodes a putative DNA polymerase of 1762 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 198 kDa. The derived protein sequence is homologous to the Drosophila melanogaster mus308 protein product, a putative DNA polymerase-helicase involved in repair of interstrand crosslinks. The C-terminal region contains the canonical DNA polymerase motifs A, B, and C found in the family A type of DNA polymerases, which includes Escherichia coli polymerase I. The N-terminal region contains a putative ATP binding domain but not motifs for a helicase. The gene was mapped by radiation hybrid analysis to chromosome 3q within an interval flanked by proximal marker D3S1303 and distal marker D3S3576 and, based on proximity to a gene that has been mapped cytogenetically, within band 3q13.31.
On the relation between seizures and brain lesions after intracerebroventricular kainic acid

Abstract To analyze the relation between kainic acid-induced limbic seizures and the associated brain lesions, various doses of kainic acid (117–940 pmol) were administered intracerebroventricularly to unanesthetized rats. Rats which experienced status epilepticus developed lesions in several limbic, neocortical and thalamic regions. However, rats which experienced only temporally discrete seizures (less than 30 min each) suffered neuronal degeneration exclusively in the CA3–CA4 area ipsilateral to the kainic acid infusion, even when other regions exhibited the same total electrographic seizure duration. These results can best be explained by postulating that, in addition to evoking seizures, kainic acid also enhances the toxic effects of seizures on CA3–CA4 neurons.
Pleomorphism of the marine bacterium Teredinobacter turnirae.

Aims: A morphology transition for the marine bacterium, Teredinobacter turnirae is reported. Methods and Results: When grown in the rod-shaped morphology, the cells require high concentrations of NaCl (0·3 mol l–1) and secrete extracellular protease and endoglucanase activity. When this bacterium is grown in a medium containing casein as a sole carbon and nitrogen source, a major change in morphology to a stable aggregated form is obtained. Conclusions: In the aggregated morphology, much higher protease production rates (170 Units ml–1 d–1 for aggregates vs. 15 Units ml–1 d–1 for rods, for the same initial biomass) and negligible endoglucanase titres are obtained. In addition, the aggregated morphology does not require sodium chloride for growth. Significance and Impact of the Study: The phenomenon reported here describes a novel relationship between the cell morphology and the biochemical characteristics of the bacterium.
A constitutive creep model for single crystal ice

Abstract A constitutive creep model for single crystal ice has been formulated based on the experimental results and the mechanism of the multiplication process of mobile dislocations. In this model, the primary mechanism is considered to be the dislocation motion on the basal planes of single crystal ice due to strong creep anisotropy. The preferred crystallographic orientation and temperature of single crystal ice are incorporated in describing both the elastic and the inelastic deformations in the creep model. Material properties used in the model are the dislocation velocity and the changing dislocation density of single crystal ice based on experimental data. The proposed uniaxial creep model is extended to a biaxial model by allowing inelastic deformation only along the basal planes. Parametric studies are performed to better understand the dependence of macroscopic stress-strain curves on microstructural parameters. The results show strong influence of the loading rate and stress level. Comparison of the model predictions with experimental data shows excellent agreement over a range of strain rates.
A local limit theorem for hidden Markov chains

A local limit theorem is proved for partial sums of a hidden Markov chain, assuming global asymptotic normality for a related sum, a fairly weak mixing condition, and a non-lattice condition. The proof proceeds by a study of the conditional characteristic functions, the analysis of which relies heavily on a theorem from Breiman (1968). The paper concludes with a Cesaro type limit theorem for the joint distributions of the Markov chain and the partial sums.
Quantitative evaluation of the lengths of homobifunctional protein cross-linking reagents used as molecular rulers.

Homobifunctional chemical cross-linking reagents are important tools for functional and structural characterization of proteins. Accurate measures of the lengths of these molecules currently are not available, despite their widespread use. Stochastic dynamics calculations now provide quantitative measures of the lengths, and length dispersions, of 32 widely used molecular rulers. Significant differences from published data have been found. Supplemental material: See www.proteinscience.org
Activation of Central Nervous System Inflammatory Pathways by Interferon-Alpha: Relationship to Monoamines and Depression

Background Interferon (IFN)-alpha has been used to study the effects of innate immune cytokines on the brain and behavior in humans. The degree to which peripheral administration of IFN-alpha accesses the brain and is associated with a central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory response is unknown. Moreover, the relationship among IFN-alpha-associated CNS inflammatory responses, neurotransmitter metabolism, and behavior has yet to be established. Methods Twenty-four patients with hepatitis C underwent lumbar puncture and blood sampling after ∼12 weeks of either no treatment ( n = 12) or treatment with pegylated IFN-alpha 2b ( n = 12). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were analyzed for proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors as well as the chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and IFN-alpha. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were additionally analyzed for monoamine metabolites and corticotropin releasing hormone. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Results Interferon-alpha was detected in the CSF of all IFN-alpha-treated patients and only one control subject. Despite no increases in plasma IL-6, IFN-alpha-treated patients exhibited significant elevations in CSF IL-6 and MCP-1, both of which were highly correlated with CSF IFN-alpha concentrations. Of the immunologic and neurotransmitter variables, log-transformed CSF concentrations of the serotonin metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), were the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms. Log-transformed CSF concentrations of IL-6, but not IFN-alpha or MCP-1, were negatively correlated with log-transformed CSF 5-HIAA ( r 2 = −.25, p Conclusions These data indicate that a peripherally administered cytokine can activate a CNS inflammatory response in humans that interacts with monoamine (serotonin) metabolism, which is associated with depression.
Effect of Europium Concentration on Densification of Transparent Eu:Y2O3 Scintillator Ceramics Using Hot Pressing

Europium (Eu) was found to act as a solid-state sintering aid in Y2O3 optical ceramics by controlling ionic diffusivity, which in turn leads to enhanced optical transparency. Transparent ceramic samples of Eu-doped Y2O3, with no additional additives, were sintered by uniaxial vacuum hot pressing under 40 MPa and maximum temperature of 1580°C. Optical attenuation was found to decrease with increasing Eu concentrations between 0 and 5 at% for ceramics processed under the same sintering conditions. In order to study the effect of Eu concentration on ceramic densification, the strain rate and grain size during sintering at constant temperature and varied pressure were measured. A diffusional flow densification model was used to derive instantaneous effective diffusion constants for the densification process. Diffusion constants were found to increase with increasing Eu concentration according to a log–linear relationship. Eu2+ was detected in samples after hot pressing through fluorescence spectroscopy, and the extrinsic defect chemistry was found to be dominated by the reduced Eu in solid solution with Y2O3. A sintering model with diffusion rate limited by yttrium interstitial transport and controlled by the incorporation of Eu2+ onto the cation sublattice was found to be in good agreement with experimental diffusivity data.
Oncologic and Functional Outcome Following Sacrectomy for Sacral Chordoma

Background: Sacral chordoma is a rare, low to intermediate-grade tumor that poses substantial challenges in terms of timely diagnosis and adequate treatment. Few studies have examined the oncologic and functional outcomes of patients treated for sacral chordoma. Methods: The clinical records of sixteen patients who had undergone sacrectomy for chordoma between 1985 and 2001 were evaluated retrospectively. All patients underwent resection by means of a sequential combined anterior and posterior approach. Patients were followed clinically at six-month intervals following recovery from the index surgical procedure. The disease onset, treatment, hospital stay, recurrence rates, survival, adjuvant therapy, functional outcome measures, and complications were evaluated. Results: The average age at the time of diagnosis was sixty-one years. The mean tumor size was 15.2 cm in diameter, and all patients had a resection involving S1 or S2. The mean duration of follow-up was sixty-six months, and the tumor recurred in twelve of the sixteen patients. The mean time to metastasis was fifty months. Four patients were clinically disease-free at a mean follow-up of 94.5 months, while five patients died as a result of progressive local or metastatic disease at a mean follow-up of 31.4 months. Only one patient had normal bowel and bladder control postoperatively, and only three were able to walk without assistive devices. Eight patients had wound complications, and one patient had a deep-vein thrombosis. With the numbers available, neither negative margins at the time of initial tumor resection nor adjuvant radiation therapy had a significant impact on survival or local recurrence. More cephalad levels of resection were associated with significantly worse bowel (p = 0.01) and bladder (p = 0.01) control. Complications were frequent and were more common with a larger tumor size at the time of presentation (p = 0.034). Conclusions: The treatment of sacral chordoma is an arduous clinical undertaking that requires a multidisciplinary approach and attention to detail from the outset. Despite aggressive well-planned surgical management and adherence to strict surveillance protocols, frequent recurrence and the late onset of metastatic disease are to be expected in a substantial proportion of patients, especially those with a very large chordoma or one at a more cephalad level. Adequate surgical treatment results in substantial functional impairment and numerous complications; however, it does offer the possibility of long-term disease-free survival. We advocate an attempt at complete resection, when there is still a possibility of cure, and aggressive treatment of local recurrences. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Neurogenesis of the amygdaloid nuclear complex in the Rhesus monkey

The time course of neurogenesis for neurons which comprise the amygdaloid complex in Rhesus monkeys was determined using tritiated thymidine autoradiography. Fourteen pregnant monkeys received injections of tritiated thymidine between embryonic days 27 (E27) and 56 of their 165 day gestation and offspring were sacrificed during the early postnatal period. The first neurons destined for the amygdaloid complex were generated at E33 making them among the earliest postmitotic neurons in the telencephalon. Neurogenesis peaked within all nuclei of the amygdaloid complex between E38 and E48 and had ceased between E50 and E56. While amygdaloid neurogenesis in postnatally sacrificed monkeys displayed a dorsal-to-ventral gradient of radiolabeled neurons, the considerable rotation of the temporal lobe during the latter stages of primate development indicates that neurogenesis in the embryo, during the first third of gestation, actually occurs across a medial-to-lateral gradient. This medial-to-lateral gradient occurs as a smooth wave across the amygdaloid nuclei and does not respect neuroanatomical subdivisions or patterns of connectivity of the amygdaloid nuclei in the Rhesus monkey.
Self-consistent treatment of resonant-tunneling structures

Abstract The influence of boundary conditions on charge transport through quantum-well heterostructures is studied theoretically. Based on an envelope-function model and stationary scattering theory, a self-consistent treatment is developed to investigate the I–V characteristics of resonant-tunneling structures. Various boundary conditions are discussed. Finally, it is shown how magnetic-field effects can be implemented via suitable boundary conditions.
Street drug interactions with ethyl alcohol circadian and lunar lethality rhythms.

Abstract Street drug susceptiblity rhythms are demonstrated in mice when taken alone or in combination with ethyl alcohol (Etoh). Morphine increase Etoh lethality during new moon and decreases Etoh lethality during full moon with a phase shift in acrophases. Chlordiazepoxide (CDP) exhibits circadian and lunar rhythms similar in timing and sensitivity to those of Etoh, including when given in combination with Etoh during full moon. At new moon there is a phase shift of the acrophase when Etoh and CDP are combined. As in man, mice exhibit a striking increase in CDP lethality when combined with Etoh. This potentiation is most striking at new moon. Cocaine circadian lethality peaks in the early activity period but when in combination with Etoh induces maximum lethality at mid-rest period, more in line with the acrophase for Etoh than cocaine. Phencyclidine combined with Etoh produces a striking increase in lethality. However, the combination acrophase occurs in very early rest period. Caffeine circadian lethality peaks during the early activity period (similar to cocaine) and significantly increases Etoh lethality when used in combination with Etoh. These data should be of particular interest to emergency room personnel treating street drug overdose victims, since the most common second drug in such overdose cases is nearly always ethyl alcohol. Furthermore, developing an awareness that most body responses as well as drug responses exhibit circadian and lunar rhythms, and not homeostatic constancy, should improve patient drug compliance, treatment efficacy and successful patient prognosis.
The phototoxic effect of erthrosin B on third-stage larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep

Abstract The phototoxic effect of erythrosin B on the infective third-stage larvae (L 3 ) of naturally acquired mixed populations of ovine gastrointestinal nematodes was investigated. This xanthene dye was phototoxic when administered orally to parasitized lambs or applied directly to feces containing nematode ova. Phototoxicity was assessed by the lack of motility (non-swimming) exhibited by the L 3 following their collection by Baermannization from cultured feces and exposure to flourescent light for 360 min. When lambs were administered erythrosin B orally at dosages of O (control), 40, 60 and 80 mg dye kg −1 body weight daily for 10 consecutive days, the percentages of non-swimming L 3 were 16%, 46%, 55% and 62%, respectively. However, erythrosin B phototoxicity did not persist after administration of the dye was discontinued and the percentage of non-swimming L 3 declined to a level similar to that of the untreated controls within 2 days. The highest percentage of non-swimming L 3 was observed when erythrosin B was added directly to feces containing nematode ova. A dose-response curve was evident from the successively higher percentages of non-swimming L 3 with increasing concentrations of erythrosin B. Xanthene dyes have the potential to control parasites acquired by livestock on pasture by inducing a phototoxic reaction in the infective L 3 .
Functional morphologies of retinal ganglion cells in the turtle.

Retinal ganglion cells in the turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans, were examined by intracellular recording with a protocol of stationary and moving lights. Responses were apportioned among OFF, and ON, and ON-OFF categories, and directional selectivity. Cells were injected with Neurobiotin, then later conjugated with avidin-horseradish peroxidase in standard procedure. Morphological analysis of the stained cells included measurements of soma and dendritic field sizes, dendritic stratification, number of cell processes, dendritic branchings, and dendritic symmetry ratios. ON and ON-OFF cells are at least bistratified, sometimes tristratified, in both sublaminae A and B whether directionally selective or not. OFF cells, in contrast, are monostratified, or at least confined to sublamina A. Morphological parameters of somal and dendritic field areas, branch point densities, and dendritic field asymmetries do not predict directional selectivity. Membrane polarization accompanying moving stimulation is discussed in terms of shunting inhibition and recording site. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A selective approach to adjunctive therapy for cancer of the rectum.

Abstract Purpose : To present results of a selective approach to adjunctive therapy and surgery based on a new model of clinical staging for rectal cancer. Methods and Materials : Three hundred and sixty-two patients with rectal cancer treated with adjunctive radiation therapy and surgery have been analyzed to define patient selection criteria based on clinical assessment of disease. Clinical prognostic features of tumor mobility and level of lesion in the rectum with reference to the anorectal junction were used. Mobile, early fixed (partial), advanced fixed (total) and frozen pelvis are defined as clinical Stages I, II, III, and IV. Tumors above 6 cm (middle valve), 3–6 cm (inferior to middle valve), 0–3 cm (anorectum to inferior valve), and into the anal canal are defined as levels a, b, c, d, respectively. Based on this model, patients with mobile tumors of the proximal rectum (CS la, b) are treated with 500 cGy preoperative radiation and selective postoperative radiation (4500 cGy) for Stages B2 and C cancer. All other patients are treated with escalating doses of preoperative radiation. Follow-up in these patients ranges from 1 year to 14 years with a median of 5 years. Results : Overall 5-year survival of the total group of patients is 69%. Survival by pathological stage is 82% for O, A, Bl, 67% for B2, 74% for Cl, and 51% for C2. Survival by clinical stages is 77% for CS 1, 67% for CS II, 57% for CS III, and 21% for CS IV. Overall local recurrence is 43/362 (12%). L.R. by pathological stages is 5% for O, A, Bl, 18% for B2, 10% for Cl, and 17% for C2. L.R. by clinical stages is 9% for CS 1, 14% for CS 11, 17% for CS III, and 50% for CS IV. Conclusion : An integrated adjunctive therapy and selective surgical approach based on careful clinical staging of rectal cancer results in a global improvement in overall local control and survival of patients.
Effects of the genotoxic carcinogen chromium(VI) on basal and hormone-inducible phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression in vivo: Correlation with glucocorticoid-and developmentally regulated expression

Previous studies have shown that a number of different genotoxic carcinogens that induce different types of DNA damage preferentially alter the expression of inducible genes in vivo. To investigate further the mechanistic basis for these effects, we examined the effects of the human lung carcinogen chromium(VI) on expression of the hormone-inducible cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene in chick embryo liver. Chromium(VI) pretreatment had significant effects on both basal and glucocorticoid-inducible PEPCK expression in 14-d-old embryo liver. These effects were principally a result of changes in PEPCK transcription. In contrast, treatment with chromium(VI) 1 h after treatment with glucocorticoid had no effect on PEPCK induction, suggesting that an early event in the induction process is the target for carcinogen effects. In 16-d-old liver, in which PEPCK expression is no longer responsive to glucocorticoid induction, both basal and inducible PEPCK expression were also refractory to chromium(VI) effects, indicating that carcinogen responsiveness is a phenotypic rather than an inherent property of inducible genes and is related to their competence for induction. Chromium(VI) had no effect on cAMP induction of PEPCK expression, demonstrating that carcinogens target their effects to specific regulatory pathways. Comparison of the effects of chromium(VI) with those of cycloheximide suggests that chromium(VI) targets its effects to a labile, constitutively expressed repressor involved in PEPCK gene regulation. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Formation of boundaries of transcriptionally silent chromatin by nucleosome-excluding structures.

The eukaryotic genome is divided into chromosomal domains of distinct gene activities. Transcriptionally silent chromatin tends to encroach upon active chromatin. Barrier elements that can block the spread of silent chromatin have been documented, but the mechanisms of their function are not resolved. We show that the prokaryotic LexA protein can function as a barrier to the propagation of transcriptionally silent chromatin in yeast. The barrier function of LexA correlates with its ability to disrupt local chromatin structure. In accord with this, (CCGNN)n and poly(dA-dT), both of which do not favor nucleosome formation, can also act as efficient boundaries of silent chromatin. Moreover, we show that a Rap1p-binding barrier element also disrupts chromatin structure. These results demonstrate that nucleosome exclusion is one of the mechanisms for the establishment of boundaries of silent chromatin domains.
Measures of the potential for load sharing in distributed computing systems

We are concerned with the problem of determining the potential for load balancing in a distributed computing system. We define a precise measure, called the number of sharable jobs, of this potential in terms of the number of jobs that can usefully be transferred across sites in the system. Properties of this measure are derived, including a general formula for its probability distribution, independent of any particular queuing discipline. A normalized version of the number of sharable jobs, called the job sharing coefficient, is defined. From the general formula, the probability distribution of the number of sharable jobs is computed for three important queuing models and exact expressions are derived in two cases. For queuing models in which an exact expression for the probability distribution of the number of sharable jobs is difficult to obtain, two methods are presented for numerical computation of this distribution. The job sharing coefficient is plotted against traffic intensity for various values of system parameters. Both of these measures are shown to be useful analytic tools for understanding the characteristics of load sharing in distributed systems and can aid in the design of such systems. >
Regeneration with virtual copies for replicated databases

The consistency control problem for replicated data in a distributed computing system (DCS) is considered. An algorithm is proposed to dynamically regenerate copies of data objects in response to node failures and network partitioning in the system. The DCS is assumed to have strict consistency constraints for data object copies. The algorithm combines the advantages of voting-based algorithms and regeneration mechanisms to maintain mutual consistency of replicated data objects in the case of node failures and network partitioning. The algorithm extends the feasibility of regeneration to DCS on wide-area networks (WANs), and is able to satisfy user queries as long as there is one current partition in the system. >
Cyclic AMP Stimulates K+ Channel Activity in Mesophyll Cells of Vicia faba L

Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from Vicia faba mesophyll protoplasts reveal that outward K+ current is increased in a dose-dependent fashion by intracellular application of cAMP. The enhancement of the outward current by cAMP is specific and it cannot be mimicked by a series of nucleotides that includes AMP, cGMP, and GMP. The enhancement is evoked by micromolar concentrations of cAMP in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine. PKI or Walsh inhibitor, a specific peptide inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), inhibits the outward K+ current. Adenosine 3[prime],5[prime]-phosphothioate, a competitive inhibitor of PKA, has a similar effect. Conversely, the catalytic subunit of PKA (cAMP independent) from bovine brain enhances the magnitude of the outward K+ current in the absence of added cAMP. Our results indicate that cAMP modulates K+ channel activity in mesophyll cells and suggest that this modulation occurs through a cAMP-regulated protein kinase.
Language in education and the role of applied linguistics in Kenya

Language in education has remained a major concern in most African countries, especially those that were formerly colonized by European countries. Several problems that Africa and Kenya in particular, faces are closely tied to the language of education. What is the nature of these problems and whose responsibility is it to solve them? What is the role of an applied linguist in this linguistically complicated situation in Kenya? The definition of applied linguistics or who an applied linguist is eludes many. This paper does not propose to provide a definition either. Using the varied definitions that exist in literature, a working definition is developed and based on that definition; the paper shows that Kenya has several language issues that call for the services of applied linguists. While the issues range from the national language policies, language in education, multilingualism, second language teaching to language acquisition, the paper narrows the focus to four language-based problems, all of which are closely tied to the language of education. Although no solutions are suggested to these problems, a list of questions is formulated for the applied linguist to research on. Key Words: Language planning, language in education, language policies.
The regulatory effects of monocytes on human natural killer cells activated by lipopolysaccharides.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) rapidly enhance cytotoxicity of human natural killer (N K.) cells against tumor targets. The regulatory effects of peripheral blood monocytes (MO) on this activation were measured. When lymphocytes were kept at a constant number in culture containing LPS from oral and enteric bacteria, increasing the percentage of MO caused a dose-dependent suppression of NK cytotoxicity. This suppression was reversed by adding the prostaglandin (PG) inhibitor indomethacin which indicates that PGE was released by MO stimulated by LPS. PGE is known to suppress NK activity by its effects on cAMP. MO separated from lymphocytes by transwell membranes also suppressed NK cells in the presence of LPS but this action was again reversed by indomethacin. This suggests that cell-to-cell contact is not necessary for MO to suppress NK cytotoxicity when stimulated by LPS. The role of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in NK suppression was studied. Antibodies to IL-1 and TNF did not alter the suppression mediated by MO on NK activity. Adding IL-1 or TNF to cell cultures without MO or LPS had no effect on NK activity after 24 h. TNF, but not IL-1, enhanced NK activily in the presence of LPS in cultures without MO. When PGE was pre-incubated with only lymphocytes for 2 h, the activating effects of a secondary stimulation, interleukin-2 (IL-2), were inhibited. IL-1 had no effect on IL-2 activation when pre-incubated with PBL but TNF slightly enhanced IL-2-induced NK cytotoxicity.
Cortisol stimulates hypo-osmoregulatory ability in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.

Hypo-osmoregulatory ability in juvenile Atlantic salmon, Sulrno salur L., was improved by cortisol treatment. Implantation of a vegetable shortening pellet containing cortisol (50 mg kg-') resulted in elevated plasma cortisol titres. Maximum cortisol levels (160-170 ng ml-') were observed at days 6 and 12 after the implantation and dropped significantly by day 55. Cortisolimplanted fish in fresh water developed a twofold increase in gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity at days 6 and 12, and a threefold increase by day 55. Intestinal mucosa Na+/K+-ATPase activity was not affected by cortisol. Cortisol-implanted fish exposed to 28 ppt sea water for 48 h tended to show an improved ability to regulate their plasma osmolarity and reduce their ionic load. The osmoregulatory ability attained at days 12 and 55 was further evaluated by exposing fish to 37 ppt sea water for 96 h. While all the control fish died relatively early in these tests, cortisol-implanted fish showed a clear reduction in their mortality rate. These results indicate that cortisol can induce biochemical and organismal changes during winter months that typify preadaptive events normally occurring in the spring.
Butter: High-precision genomic alignment of small RNA-seq data

Eukaryotes produce large numbers of small non-coding RNAs that act as specificity determinants for various gene-regulatory complexes. These include microRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and Piwi-associated RNAs (piRNAs). These RNAs can be discovered, annotated, and quantified using small RNA-seq, a variant RNA-seq method based on highly parallel sequencing. Alignment to a reference genome is a critical step in analysis of small RNA-seq data. Because of their small size (20-30 nts depending on the organism and sub-type) and tendency to originate from multi-gene families or repetitive regions, reads that align equally well to more than one genomic location are very common. Typical methods to deal with multi-mapped small RNA-seq reads sacrifice either precision or sensitivity. The tool 'butter' balances precision and sensitivity by placing multi-mapped reads using an iterative approach, where the decision between possible locations is dictated by the local densities of more confidently aligned reads. Butter displays superior performance relative to other small RNA-seq aligners. Treatment of multi-mapped small RNA-seq reads has substantial impacts on downstream analyses, including quantification of MIRNA paralogs, and discovery of endogenous siRNA loci. Butter is freely available under a GNU general public license.
The genetics of melanoma

Objectives: To review the current status and recent advances of genetic epidemiology research in familial melanoma, and the implications for primary and secondary prevention of melanoma. Data sources: Research studies, review articles, and book chapters pertaining to melanoma susceptibility factors. Conclusion: Molecular genetic studies examining candidate genes for melanoma are being pursued vigorously. Considering the complexities and heterogeneity in the genetics of familial melanoma, predictive testing is not currently recommended as an established method for identifying individuals with a genetic predisposition to melanoma. Implications for nursing practice: An understanding of the genetics of melanoma will help oncology nurses in translating the appropriate clinical implications for primary and secondary prevention related to melanoma.
A Pleiotropic Regulator, Frp, Affects Exopolysaccharide Synthesis, Biofilm Formation, and Competence Development in Streptococcus mutans

Exopolysaccharide synthesis, biofilm formation, and competence are important physiologic functions and virulence factors for Streptococcus mutans. In this study, we report the role of Frp, a transcriptional regulator, on the regulation of these traits crucial to pathogenesis. An Frp-deficient mutant showed decreased transcription of several genes important in virulence, including those encoding fructosyltransferase (Ftf), glucosyltransferase B (GtfB), and GtfC, by reverse transcription and quantitative real-time PCR. Expression of Ftf was decreased in the frp mutant, as assessed by Western blotting as well as by the activity assays. Frp deficiency also inhibited the production of GtfB in the presence of glucose and sucrose as well as the production of GtfC in the presence of glucose. As a consequence of the effects on GtfB and -C, sucrose-induced biofilm formation was decreased in the frp mutant. The expression of competence mediated by the competence-signaling peptide (CSP) system, as assessed by comC gene transcription, was attenuated in the frp mutant. As a result, the transformation efficiency was decreased in the frp mutant but was partially restored by adding synthetic CSP. Transcription of the frp gene was significantly increased in the frp mutant under all conditions tested, indicating that frp transcription is autoregulated. Furthermore, complementation of the frp gene in the frp mutant restored transcription of the affected genes to levels similar to those in the wild-type strain. These results suggest that Frp is a novel pleiotropic effector of multiple cellular functions and is involved in the modulation of exopolysaccharide synthesis, sucrose-dependent biofilm formation, and competence development.
Leveraging speculative architectures for run-time program validation

Program execution can be tampered by malicious attackers through exploiting software vulnerabilities. Changing the program behavior by compromising control data and decision data has become the most serious threat to computer systems security. Although several hardware approaches have been presented to validate program execution, they mostly suffer great hardware area or poor ambiguity handling. In this paper, we propose a new hardware-based approach by leveraging the existing speculative architectures for run-time program validation. The on-chip branch target buffer (BTB) is utilized as a cache of the legitimate control flow transfers stored in a secure memory region. In addition, the BTB is extended to store the correct program path information. At each indirect branch site, the BTB is used to validate the decision history of conditional branches before it, and more information about the future decision path is fetched to monitor the execution path at run-time. Implementation of this approach is transparent to the upper operating system and programs. Thus, it is applicable to legacy code. Due to good code locality of the executable programs and effectiveness of branch prediction, the frequency of run-time control flow validations against the secure off-chip memory is low. Our experimental results show a negligible performance penalty and small storage overhead with ambiguity reduced.
Baculovirus Expression and Purification of Rat 10-Formyltetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase

Abstract The liver cytosolic enzyme, 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (10-FTHFDH) (EC 1.5.1.6) catalyzes two reactions: the NADP + -dependent oxidation of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate and CO 2 and the NADP + -independent hydrolysis of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate and formate, It exists as a tetramer of 99-kDa subunits in rat liver. We expressed rat liver cDNA encoding 10-FTHFDH in insect cells using the pVL 1393 expression vector and MaxBac expression kit. Despite the absence of a leader peptide the recombinant 10-FTHFDH was released from the cells to the culture medium during production in both Sf9 and High five cell lines. The enzyme released into the medium was no less than 80% of the total recombinant 10-FTHFDH, Both enzyme pools, from the medium and from cell extracts, displayed high activity. The maximum expression of 10-FTHFDH was observed 72 h postinfection in High five cells and 96 h postinfection in Sf9 cells. High five cells revealed four times higher expression of the recombinant enzyme per milligram of total cell protein than Sf9 cells. Passage of the cell-free culture medium over an affinity column of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate-Sepharose provided 10-FTHFDH that was more than 95% pure. Additional purification on a Mono Q column resulted in an homogenous preparation of the enzyme. Purified recombinant 10-FTHFDH displayed both dehydrogenase and hydrolase activities, similar to those of the rat liver enzyme, and the recombinant enzyme remained active at least 12 months when stored appropriately, These results show that 10-FTHFDH can be overexpressed as a functional enzyme in baculovirus-infected insect cells and purified in two steps by simple chromatographic procedures.
Light-intensity activity attenuates functional decline in older cancer survivors.

While moderate-vigorous intensity physical activities (MVPA) confer the greatest health benefits, evidence suggests that light-intensity activities are also beneficial, particularly for older adults and individuals with moderate-severe comorbidities. Purpose To examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between light-intensity activity and physical function in older cancer survivors at increased risk for age- and treatment-related comorbidities, including accelerated functional decline.
Scintigraphy for evaluation of patients for GI motility disorders--the referring physician's perspective.

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders are common and cause either delayed or accelerated transit through the stomach, small intestine, or colon. Assessment of GI transit times can provide direct measurements and diagnostic information to help explain the cause of symptoms and help plan therapy. Several diagnostic tests are available. Gastric emptying can be measured with scintigraphy, wireless motility capsule, and 13 C breath tests. Colonic transit can be measured with radio-opaque markers, wireless motility capsule, and scintigraphy. This article discusses a physician's perspective on evaluating GI transit in patients with suspected GI disorders, particularly those involving the stomach for gastroparesis and the colon in patients with constipation.
Covariant Non-Commutative Space-Time

Abstract We introduce a covariant non-commutative deformation of 3 + 1 -dimensional conformal field theory. The deformation introduces a short-distance scale l p , and thus breaks scale invariance, but preserves all space–time isometries. The non-commutative algebra is defined on space–times with non-zero constant curvature, i.e. dS 4 or AdS 4 . The construction makes essential use of the representation of CFT tensor operators as polynomials in an auxiliary polarization tensor. The polarization tensor takes active part in the non-commutative algebra, which for dS 4 takes the form of so ( 5 , 1 ) , while for AdS 4 it assembles into so ( 4 , 2 ) . The structure of the non-commutative correlation functions hints that the deformed theory contains gravitational interactions and a Regge-like trajectory of higher spin excitations.
Correlated oxides: Metals amassing transparency.

Conducting complex oxides with correlated electrons at room temperature offer a less explored materials platform for the high conductivity and optical transparency needed for ultrathin invisible circuitry.
Directional charge separation in isolated organic semiconductor crystalline nanowires

One of the fundamental design paradigms in organic photovoltaic device engineering is based on the idea that charge separation is an extrinsically driven process requiring an interface for exciton fission. This idea has driven an enormous materials science engineering effort focused on construction of domain sizes commensurate with a nominal exciton diffusion length of order 10 nm. Here, we show that polarized optical excitation of isolated pristine crystalline nanowires of a small molecule n-type organic semiconductor, 7,8,15,16-tetraazaterrylene, generates a significant population of charge-separated polaron pairs along the π-stacking direction. Charge separation was signalled by pronounced power-law photoluminescence decay polarized along the same axis. In the transverse direction, we observed exponential decay associated with excitons localized on individual monomers. We propose that this effect derives from an intrinsic directional charge-transfer interaction that can ultimately be programmed by molecular packing geometry.