cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distortion-tolerant three-dimensional object recognition with digital holography

We present a technique to implement three-dimensional (3-D) object recognition based on phase-shift digital holography. We use a nonlinear composite correlation filter to achieve distortion tolerance. We take advantage of the properties of holograms to make the composite filter by using one single hologram. Experiments are presented to illustrate the recognition of a 3-D object in the presence of out-of-plane rotation and longitudinal shift along the z axis.
Role of membrane N-linked oligosaccharides in host cell interaction with invasive forms of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Abstract The removal of N-linked oligosaccharides by peptide- N 4 -[ N -acetyl-β-glucoseaminyl]asparagine amidase (previously known as aspartoglycosylamine amidohydrolase and abbreviated N -glycanase) from the surface of blood or insect-transmissible forms of Trypanosoma cruzi markedly increased the capacity of these organisms to associate with (i.e., bind and penetrate) either mouse peritoneal macrophages or rat heart myoblasts. This effect was evidenced by a significant elevation in both the percentage of infected host cells and the average number of parasites per 100 cells. Conversely, N -glycanase treatment of either host cell markedly reduced both parameters to levels significantly below those obtained with cells mock treated with medium alone. The N -glycanase effect on the parasites was inhibited by heat inactivation of the enzyme or by the presence of fetuin, an N -glycanase substrate. The enhanced capacity of N -glycanase-treated T. cruzi to engage the host cells started to subside 2 h after the treatment, indicating the reversibility of the effect. The decreased reactivity of N -glycanase-treated macrophages or myoblasts with T. cruzi suggests that N-linked oligosaccharides on these host cells are involved in the initial phase of the cell infection process. Instead, because T. cruzi interacted more effectively with host cells after treatment with N -glycanase, parasite surface N-linked oligosaccharides would seem to interfere with the association.
"PLAYING THE DOZENS": ITS HISTORY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

“Playing the dozens” is a verbal game common among young adolescents, especially those from low-income groups and ethnic minorities. Verbal games such as “the dozens” help to establish communicatio...
Cilia regeneration in Tetrahymena: A simple reproducible method for producing large numbers of regenerating cells

We have developed an improved medium in which Tetrahymena can be deciliated by gentle shearing. The cells remain viable and regenerate a new complement of cilia. Unlike previous methods for viable deciliation of Tetrahymena, this method is easily adaptable to large numbers of cells, to cells in different stages of the life cycle (growing, starved, conjugating), and to both commonly studied species, T. thermophila and T. pyriformis. Starved T. thermophila deciliated by this method regained motility by 1 h, regenerated oral apparatus by 4.0 h and restored tubulin in cilia at a linear rate of about 3 pg h−1 cell−1.
Broadband and large-area x-ray omni sky monitor (BLOSM)

We present a conceptual design for a new x-ray all sky monitor (ASM). Compared with previous ASMs, its salient features are: (1) it has a focusing capability that increases the signal to background ratio by a factor of 3; (2) it has a broad-band width: 200 eV to 15 keV; (3) it has a large x-ray collection area: approximately 102 cm2; (4) it has a duty cycle of nearly 100%, and (5) it can measure the position of a new source with an accuracy of a few minutes of arc. These features combined open up an opportunity for discovering new phenomena as well as monitoring existing phenomena with unprecedented coverage and sensitivity.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rapid ultra-trace determination of beryllium by gas chromatography.

Abstract The electron capture detector has been used to measure ultra-trace quantities of beryllium separated as beryllium(II) trifluoroacetylacetonate by gas Chromatographic techniques. The lower limit of detectability is ca. 4 × 10−13 g of beryllium. Calibration plots extend from 8 × 10−13 to 4 × 10−11 g of beryllium. Samples of beryllium in aqueous solution at four concentrations (1.18 × 10−7, 1.18 × 10−8, 2.95 × 10−9, and 8.84 × 10−10 g ml ) were analysed quantitatively by combining solvent extraction and gas chromatography. The distribution of beryllium during the extraction procedures was determined independently by use of radioactive beryllium-7, but the use of tracers is not required in the recommended procedure. Interference studies were made on cations and anions found in biological samples. At the concentrations used in the extraction procedure and the gas Chromatographic process, none of the fifteen ions studied interferes appreciably.
Online Communication Attitudes as Predictors of Problematic Internet Use and Well-Being Outcomes

This investigation involved testing a theoretical model whereby online communication attitudes (including self-disclosure, social connection, apprehension, convenience, and miscommunication) predict problematic Internet use and, in turn, poor well-being outcomes. The results generally supported the model with self-disclosure and social connection being predictive of compulsive Internet use and excessive Internet use. Apprehension emerged as a significant predictor of compulsive Internet use, whereas convenience and miscommunication were predictive of excessive Internet use. Compulsive, but not excessive, Internet use was predictive of poor well-being outcomes. The data also suggest that compulsive Internet use mediates the relationship between online communication attitude and well-being.
Use of an Interactive, Faith-Based Kiosk by Congregants of Four Predominantly, African–American Churches in a Metropolitan Area

Chronic diseases are prevalent in ethnic communities. Churches represent a potent resource for targeted health promotion. A Faith-Based Kiosk (FBK) was developed as an informational tool and placed in four predominantly (>80%) African-American churches. Congregants were surveyed to describe Kiosk use, kiosk-user characteristics, health status, and self-reported behavior changes attributed to the kiosk. We analyzed 1,573 questionnaires. Mean age of respondents was 46.4 years and >70% were women. “Older” congregations (mean age > 46.1 years) had more reports of diabetes (p=0.002) and heart disease (p=0.01) than younger churches (mean age 40 years (p2 health conditions, adjusted Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval)=1.43 (1.0-2.0), p=0.05. Male Kiosk-users preferred to select disease-specific content, aOR=1.87 (1.10-3.17), p=0.02, while females tended to select information about supportive community resources, aOR=0.49 (0.23-1.04), p=0.062. Knowledge of Kiosk-user characteristics and the “health status” of a congregation, provide an opportunity for targeted, church-based health promotion.
Abstract A60: Foxf1 transcription factor drives progression of benign lung adenomas to malignant adenocarcinomas

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States with current 5-year survival only 8—12%. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) develop metastases prior to clinical symptoms, which reduces successful treatment outcomes. The new therapeutic approaches targeting progression and metastasis of NSCLC are needed. Foxf1 transcription factor is expressed in mesenhyme-derived cells, such as fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, but absent from epithelial-derived cells, such as alveolar and airway epithelial cells, and benign lung adenoma cells. In present study, we used immunohistochemistry to demonstrate that Foxf1 expression is up-regulated in the invasive front of human lung adenocarcinomas. Foxf1 expression is also induced in mouse lung adenocarcinomas, caused by either activation of K-Ras G12D transgene or transplantation of Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) cells. In vitro, shRNA-mediated depletion of Foxf1 from LLC cells decreased migration, invasion and colony formation of LLC cells on soft agar. Depletion of Foxf1 reduced mRNA and protein levels of Twist1, and prevented TGFbeta-induced EMT. In vivo, Foxf1-depleted LLC cells failed to form lung metastasis in the transplantation model of lung cancer. Furthermore, we generated transgenic mice with Doxycycline-inducible expression of Foxf1 under control of epithelial-specific SPC-promoter (epFoxf1 mice). Lung adenomas in these mice were induced by urethane. Activation of the Foxf1 transgene in pre-existing lung adenomas promoted their progression towards adenocarcinomas that invaded adjacent bronchiolar lumens and pleural surfaces. Transgenic expression of Foxf1 in tumor cells resulted in the loss of cell polarity, decreased E-cadherin, and increased expression of aSMA, Twist1 and other EMT associated genes. Foxf1 directly bound to promoter region of Twist1, implicating the Foxf1 in the regulation of the Twist1 gene. The present study provides the first genetic evidence that aberrant expression of Foxf1 induces EMT in lung tumors and promotes the progression of lung adenomas to invasive adenocarcinomas, suggesting that Foxf1 is a promising target for anti-cancer therapy. Citation Format: Xinjian Wang, David Balli, Tien Le, Vladimir V. Kalinichenko, Tatiana V. Kalin. Foxf1 transcription factor drives progression of benign lung adenomas to malignant adenocarcinomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A60.
Using Simulation to Explore Lean Manufacturing Implementation Strategies

Lean manufacturing, an outgrowth of the Toyota Production System, has spread far beyond the automobile industry and is seen by many leaders as a key management philosophy in the battle to compete on an international scale. Successful implementation of lean requires that managers and employees be educated in the proper application of lean tools and the effective strategies for lean implementation. However, there is a shortage of lean teaching materials available to both corporate trainers and university educators. This article describes a computer simulation exercise that provides students with hands-on experience in developing and evaluating alternative lean implementation strategies. We also offer all ancillary teaching materials, including a demonstration case study and modifiable Excel spreadsheets.
Deuterium tracing studies and microkinetic analysis of ethylene hydrogenation over platinum

Abstract Deuterium tracing experiments of ethylene hydrogenation over platinum were conducted at temperatures from 248 to 333 K and D2/C2H4 pressure ratios between 50:75 and 150:25 Torr. Information about the rates of adsorption/de sorption and hydrogenation processes on the surface was extracted by kinetic analysis of the deuterium tracing data combined with results from steady-state kinetic studies and temperature programmed desorption experiments. This analysis suggests that the essential surface chemistry can be described by a Horiuti-Polanyi mechanism that includes competitive and noncompetitive hydrogen adsorption pathways, each modified by a hydrogen activation step. The importance in these analyses of utilizing data from diverse experimental measurements is illustrated.
On adaptive chaotic encoding

Chaotic digital encoders are enhanced to improve their complexity and correlation properties. A new adaptive chaotic encoder (ACE) is proposed which combines a chaotic encoder with an adaptive filter, producing a more complex and, potentially, more useful encoder. An inverse system approach is proposed that not only specifies the inverse of the ACE, but also shows an interesting way to understand synchronization in chaotic communications systems. Finally, simulation results are offered, showing the performance of the new encoder and synchronization of an IIR digital chaotic communications system.
Uncertain Science… Uncertain World

Why doesn't society act in the face of overwhelming evidence that human influences are changing the Earth's climate? Henry Pollack devotes his book, Uncertain Science… Uncertain World, to addressing one important reason. Much about climate science is highly uncertain, he argues; and as a general rule, most well-educated citizens don't understand the nature of scientific uncertainty. Thus, they have difficulty understanding competing claims made by advocates in the policy debate and in internalizing the extent of the problem. A distinguished professor of geophysics at the University of Michigan, as well as a participant in many public debates involving science, Pollack aims to help lay readers understand the role of uncertainty in science. “In making comparisons and analogies with uncertainties that exist in science and everyday life,” he writes, “my goal is to help readers to understand and accommodate scientific uncertainties in much the same way that they deal with other uncertainties in life.”
Distribution of end-points of a branching network with decaying branch length

The geometry of the human bronchial tree has been described as a network formed by successive dichotomous branching with constant branching angles and geometrically decaying branch lengths. Models having these properties and with randomly distributed branching planes are constructed. The distribution of the end points of the model networks are described by computing the variance of the distributions in the direction of the axis of the network and in the transverse directions. It is found that, for a given decay ratio, there is a branching angle for which the volume filled by the end points is a maximum. The advantages of the network with the decay ratio and branching angle of the human bronchial tree are discussed.
Elimination of Self-Pulsations in Dual-Clad Ytterbium-Doped Fiber Lasers

High-power fiber lasers exhibit self-pulsations in some regimes of operation. The complete elimination of all self-pulsations is demonstrated by the addition of a long section of passive fiber in the laser cavity.
Study of fire retardant behavior of carbon nanotube membranes and carbon nanofiber paper in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) membranes (buckypaper) and carbon nanofiber (CNF) paper were incorporated onto the surface of epoxy carbon fiber composites, as proposed fire shields. Their flammability behaviors were investigated by a cone calorimeter. SWCNT buckypaper and CNF paper did not show notable improvement on fire retardancy. However, MWCNT buckypaper acted as an effective flame-retardant shield, reducing the peak heat release rate by more than 60% and reducing smoke generation by 50% during combustion. The pore structures of buckypapers and CNF paper were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry, and N2 adsorption isotherms. Gas permeability of buckypaper and carbon nanofiber paper was measured. The correlation between buckypaper and CNF paper properties and their fire retardancy was discussed.
Solvability of a class of integro-differential equations and connections to one-dimensional inverse problems

Abstract A new approach to one-dimensional inverse problem was recently introduced by Barry Simon. We continue the study on an intermediate object A , which satisfies a nonlinear integro-differential equation. We prove local solvability of this A -equation and find a necessary condition for global solvability. Some exact solutions are presented.
Tumor perfusion and neovascular morphology measurements using dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging

A novel image processing strategy is introduced for the measurement of tumor perfusion and neovascular morphology parameters from a sequence of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) images. A computationally efficient technique for locally mapping tumor perfusion parameters using skeletonized neovascular data is also introduced. Longitudinal DCE-US image datasets were collected in breast cancer patients before and after initiation neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Preliminary findings suggest that breast tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is characterized in part by considerable changes in intratumoral perfusion parameters. Moreover, it was also revealed that DCE-US-based neovascular morphology parametric measures also exhibit pronounced changes that may be predictive of breast tumor response to systemic treatment as determined from surgical specimens. Breast cancer management from early detection to therapeutic monitoring is currently undergoing profound changes. The development of novel imaging techniques that are sensitive to the unique biological conditions of each individual tumor represent valuable tools in the pursuit of personalize medicine.
Isolated iliac artery aneurysms: A contemporary comparison of endovascular and open repair

Objective Iliac artery aneurysms are rare but associated with significant morbidity and mortality when ruptured. This study compares recent open and endovascular repairs of iliac aneurysms at a single institution. Methods Patients were identified and charts reviewed using ICD-9 and CPT codes for iliac artery aneurysm and open or endovascular repair performed between January 2000 and January 2006. Baseline characteristics, procedure-related variables, and follow-up data were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 71 patients were treated with isolated iliac artery aneurysms. There were 19 open and 52 endovascular repairs. Seven presented with acute ruptures and were treated by open (4) or endovascular (3) repair. Preoperative comorbidities were similar between the two groups. Major perioperative (30 day) complications included three deaths in the open group from cardiovascular complications, all after ruptured aneurysm repair, and one death in the endovascular group (after rupture; one additional perioperative death occurred after 30 days due to colonic infarction) ( P = NS). Postoperative complications were less frequent in the endovascular group, although this did not reach statistical significance. The mortality was 50% in the open group and 33% in the endovascular group for patients presenting with a ruptured aneurysm ( P = NS). Transfusion requirement was significantly higher in the open group (47%) than in the endovascular group (6%) ( P = .03). The mean follow-up was 20 ± 5 months in the open group and 17 ± 2 months in the endovascular group ( P = NS). Long-term complications included two limb thromboses following repair with a bifurcated stent graft that were treated with thrombolysis plus stenting or a fem-fem bypass. Three endoleaks were identified on postop CT scans, all of which were successfully managed with endovascular techniques. There were no postoperative ruptures or aneurysm-related death. The mean postoperative length of stay was 5.2 ± 2.3 days (open) and 1.3 ± 1.0 days (endovascular) ( P = .04). Conclusions This is the first large, case control study comparing open vs endovascular repair of isolated iliac artery aneurysms. Endovascular repair of iliac artery aneurysms is safe and results in decreased length of stay, lower requirement for perioperative blood transfusion, and similar intermediate term outcomes as open repair.
Effect of leading edge sweep on shock-shock interference at Mach 8

These Mach 8 experimental results are applicable to the details of a shock-shock interference that may occur on an engine inlet of a hypersonic vehicle from a swept forebody shock interacting with a swept cowl leading edge bow shock or from a swept splitter plate shock interacting with a swept fuel injection strut bow shock. Peak surface pressure and heat transfer rate on the cylinder were about 10 and 30 times the undisturbed flow stagnation point value, respectively, for the 0 deg sweep test. A comparison of the 15 deg and 30 deg swept results with the 0 deg swept results shows that peak pressure was reduced about 13 percent and 44 percent, respectively, and peak heat transfer rate was reduced about 7 percent and 27 percent, respectively.
Linear inequalities for covering codes. II. Triple covering inequalities

The lower bounds on K(n,R), minimum number of codewords of any binary code of length n, and covering radius R are improved. A new technique combining the Hamming association scheme and the results of a classic problem of covering pairs by k-tuples is introduced. The new lower bounds are obtained by studying various linear inequalities satisfied by covering codes, and such an inequality is derived. The lower bounds for K(n,R) are studied for some special values of n and R, which serve as examples showing how the methods developed are applied to concrete cases. >
Remote sensing change detection for ecological monitoring in United States protected areas

Abstract Remote sensing allows for cost- and time-efficient monitoring of landscapes vital to the conservation of natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity. This review synthesizes and recommends best practice change detection methods for land management groups to monitor chief ecological change indicators currently monitored in United States protected areas. The indicators frequently monitored via change detection and reviewed here include: land use/land cover, disturbance, and phenology. Landsat data products are recommended for monitoring land use/land cover and disturbance, due to their continuous data accessibility free of cost since 1972. Data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) are recommended for monitoring changes in phenology due to its 1–2 day return interval at any given location. Best-practice remote sensing methods are stressed, such as careful validation of results, either by combination of remotely sensed datasets with high resolution imagery or in situ data, in order to increase accuracy and to better align the remotely sensed data to the scale of the on-the-ground processes. Reported results should always be presented with utmost clarity in a manner that is both applicable to managers and understood by the general public. Increased collaborations between ecologists, land managers, conservation groups, and scientists are compulsory for successful integration of remote sensing-based monitoring, which is vital for effective conservation in protected areas. Remote sensing change detection quantifies the effects of humans on a landscape scale without creating further disturbances to ecologically sensitive areas; the results of which can be used for efficient conservation management into the future.
Sequences of tryptic peptides containing the five cysteinyl residues of ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase from Rhodospirillum rubrum

Abstract Tryptic peptides which account for all five cysteinyl residues in ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase from Rhodospirillum rubrum have been purified and sequenced. Collectively, these peptides contain 94 of the approximately 500 amino acid residues per molecule of subunit. Due to one incomplete cleavage at a site for trypsin and two incomplete chymotryptic-like cleavages, eight major radioactive peptides (rather than five as predicted) were recovered from tryptic digests of the enzyme that had been carboxymethylated with [ 3 H]iodoacetate. The established sequences are: GlyTyrThrAlaPheValHisCys ∗ Lys TyrValAspLeuAlaLeuLysGluGluAspLeuIleAla GlyGlyGluHisValLeuCys ∗ AlaTyr AlaGlyTyrGlyTyrValAlaThrAlaAlaHisPheAla AlaGluSerSerThrGlyThrAspValGluValCys ∗  ThrThrAsxAsxPheThrArg AlaCys ∗ ThrProIleIleSerGlyGlyMetAsnAla LeuArg ProPheAlaGluAlaCys ∗ HisAlaPheTrpLeuGly GlyAsnPheIleLys In these peptides, radioactive carboxymethylcysteinyl residues are denoted with asterisks and the sites of incomplete cleavage with vertical wavy lines. None of the peptides appear homologous with either of two cysteinyl-containing, active-site peptides previously isolated from spinach ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase.
Resistance of temperature tolerance ability of green sunfish to cadmium exposure.

Fish are in intimate contact with their aqueous environment, and hence, are quickly susceptible to stressful changes in their chemical milieu. It is expected that stressful chemicals present in the external aquatic environment would induce observable physiological changes, even at sublethal concentrations. The authors reported that cadmium at LC5, LC10 and LC20 concentrations (of 96-h LC50) highly significantly decreased the temperature tolerance of red shiners Notropis lutrensis and fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas. Since sunfishes, family Centrarchidae appear to be more resistant to certain types of chemicals, they decided to employ similar methodology to test the effects of cadmium on temperature tolerance of green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus. The literature and research in the laboratory led them to hypothesize that cadmium exposure would not reduce temperature tolerance as much as in a centrarchid such as green sunfish as in red shiners and fathead minnows.
Nonlinear multirate model-algorithmic control. 1. Theory

This paper develops a systematic methodology for the synthesis of nonlinear multirate model-algorithmic controllers for multivariable nonlinear systems. The control structure incorporates all available process measurements and forces each output to follow a prespecified reference trajectory regardless of the sampling period. The proposed multirate controller is a time-varying periodic system, which has properties that enable a rigorous stability analysis. Sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system are established.
Automatic network-adaptive ultra-low-bit-rate video coding

This paper presents a software-only, real-time video coder/decoder (codec) for use with low-bandwidth channels where the bandwidth is unknown or varies with time. The codec incorporates a modified JPEG2000 core and interframe predictive coding, and can operate with network bandwidths of less than 1 kbits/second. The encoder and decoder establish two virtual connections over a single IP-based communications link. The first connection is UDP/IP guaranteed throughput, which is used to transmit the compressed video stream in real time, while the second is TCP/IP guaranteed delivery, which is used for two-way control and compression parameter updating. The TCP/IP link serves as a virtual feedback channel and enables the decoder to instruct the encoder to throttle back the transmission bit rate in response to the measured packet loss ratio. It also enables either side to initiate on-the-fly parameter updates such as bit rate, frame rate, frame size, and correlation parameter, among others. The codec also incorporates frame-rate throttling whereby the number of frames decoded is adjusted based upon the available processing resources. Thus, the proposed codec is capable of automatically adjusting the transmission bit rate and decoding frame rate to adapt to any network scenario. Video coding results for a variety of network bandwidths and configurations are presented to illustrate the vast capabilities of the proposed video coding system.
Some applications of the asymptotic distribution of likelihood functions to the asymptotic efficiency of estimates

In the present paper, a Markov process is considered whose distribution depends on a k-dimensional parameter θ. Under suitable regularity conditions on the process, which include the differentiability in quadratic mean of a certain random function, attention is first focused to the class of estimates of θ which, properly normalized, are asymptotically normal. Within this class the subclass of estimates of θ which are asymptotically efficient is characterized. As a criterion of asymptotic efficiency we use the covariance of the asymptotic distribution of the estimates.
Spatial and seasonal variation of gross nitrogen transformations and microbial biomass in a Northeastern US grassland

Abstract Understanding how N-cycling processes in unmanaged grassland vary spatially and seasonally would aid the development of management strategies which capitalize on the behavior of its N cycle, in order to manage N losses when such system is altered. Our objectives were: (1) to quantify gross rates of internal N-cycling processes (i.e. mineralization, nitrification, and immobilization) from an unmanaged grassland, and (2) to investigate the role of topography and climatic factors on the spatial and seasonal variation of these processes. We delineated our study site into three topographic units based on soil and drainage types: upper, lower, and drained lower slopes. The dynamics of NH 4 + in the internal N cycle was influenced by the spatial and seasonal variation of soil microbial biomass, in which the spatial variation resulted from long-term topographic influence and the seasonal variation from seasonal flushes of available organic matter. The drained lower slope had the highest microbial biomass (647 mg C kg −1 and 90 mg N kg −1 ), gross N mineralization (8 mg N kg −1 d −1 ), NH 4 + immobilization (6 mg N kg −1 d −1 ), and fastest NH 4 + turnover (0.5 d), indicating that the drainage favored microbial growth and activity. The seasonal pattern of NH 4 + transformations and microbial biomass showed that the increases in microbial N (in fall and late spring towards summer) were paralleled by high NH 4 + immobilization and a decrease in the microbial C–N ratio. Spatial variation of NO 3 − transformations showed the effect of topography through water redistribution; higher gross nitrification was observed in the upper (1.7 mg N kg −1 d −1 ) than lower slopes (1.1 mg N kg −1 d −1 ), with drainage also favoring gross nitrification (1.4 mg N kg −1 d −1 ) through improved soil aeration. The seasonal pattern of gross nitrification was related to soil moisture ( r =−0.79, P ≤0.01) and temperature ( r =0.55, P ≤0.05). Gross nitrification accounted 32% of the NH 4 + produced. NO 3 − immobilization was about 50% of NH 4 + immobilization. NO 3 − immobilization was highest when microbial immobilization was most favorable and available NH 4 + was insufficient to meet microbial demand. NO 3 − was rapidly produced and consumed (0.7 d average turnover time), and hence its usually small pool size in unmanaged grassland cannot be used as basis to dismiss its importance in the internal N cycle. Our study supported the concept of considering both the spatial and seasonal variation of soil biochemical processes in refining nutrient management strategies in an ecosystem.
A corpus-based look at linguistic variation in classroom interaction: Teacher talk versus student talk in American University classes

Abstract Studies on classroom interaction have typically focused on relationships between turn-taking patterns and some larger unit of analysis of varying length and nature. However, two questions still left unanswered are how teachers talk differently from students in general and how linguistic variation between two participants might relate to differences in discipline or level of instruction. The present study takes a corpus-based approach to explore differences between ‘teacher talk’ and ‘student talk’ analyzing a large collection of spoken texts collected in American university classrooms. The corpus comprises 196 transcribed sessions recorded at five universities across the United States, totaling 1.4 million words. Results indicate that students in American classrooms take more turns than teachers. However, over 80% of student turns contain fewer than 30 words at a time. When comparing linguistic differences manifested in longer turns, it is apparent that teachers use significantly more linguistic features associated with a contextual, directive orientation in Engineering, Business, and in Education, and in five of the six disciplines examined (except Engineering) students use mostly linguistic features associated with ‘personalized framing’ elements. Patterns of variation are also present across levels of instruction.
Convenient Preparation of Trans-1,3-Dioxadecalin via the Prins Reaction

Abstract The acid catalyzed condensation of cyclohexene with aqueous formaldehyde can be controlled on a preparatively useful scale to give a 60–80% yield of trans-1,3-dioxadecalin.
Optical alignment monitoring and stabilization using a liquid crystal television (LCTV)

Maintenance of laser beam alignment in optical systems is highly desirable for effective operation. In this paper, a LCTV-based alignment preserving scheme is discussed. We show that a laser beam can be aligned automatically to an accuracy of less than plus or minus 2 micrometer using a LCTV with an average pixel pitch of 85 micrometer. Due to simplicity and low cost, the proposed scheme is attractive for use in laser based optical systems that are used on airborne platforms.
Calcium binding to metallochromic dyes and calmodulin in the presence of combined, AC-DC magnetic fields.

The possibility that weak, ac and dc magnetic fields in combination may affect binding equilibria of calcium-ions (Ca2+) was investigated with two metallochromic dyes as calcium-binding molecules: murexide and arsenazo III. Calcium-dye equilibria were followed by measuring solution absorbances with a fiber-optic spectrophotometer. A Ca2+-arsenazo solution was also used indirectly to monitor the binding of Ca2+ to calmodulin. Parallel, ac and dc magnetic fields were applied to each preparation. The ac magnetic field was held constant during each of a series of experiments at a frequency in the range between 50 and 120 Hz (sine wave) or at 50 pps (square wave) and at an rms flux density in the range between 65 and 156 μT. The dc magnetic field was then varied from 0 to 299 μT at 1.3 μT increments. The magnetic fields did not measurably affect equilibria in the binding of metallochromic dyes or calmodulin to Ca2+. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
System of Interconnected Reconfigurable Linear Threshold Circuits

We have developed and fabricated a reconfigurable system based on Linear Threshold Elements (LTEs) that perform a variety of common logic operations using one basic structure. A single LTE compares a sum of weighted-inputs to a threshold and produces a Boolean output. This operation is equivalent to the basic functions defined for artificial neural networks (ANNs). The reconfigurable structure was created by incorporating memory in the LTE and combining multiple LTEs together to produce a wider range of possible functions. The LTE structure presented in this paper is explicitly programmed by a host for logic tasks spanning multiple LTEs. However, the possibility exists to implement supervised learning or other neural network learning algorithms to train the LTE network for the desired operation.
Asymmetric dynamic cerebral autoregulatory response to cyclic stimuli

Background and Purpose— Dynamic cerebral autoregulation has been shown to be fast and effective, but it is not well known if the mechanism is symmetric, that is to say, it acts with equal compensatory action to upward as compared with downward abrupt changes in arterial blood pressure (ABP). Methods— Fourteen patients with head injuries and 10 normal subjects had bilateral transcranial Doppler and continuous ABP recording. Cyclic ABP stimuli were generated by large thigh cuffs, which were rapidly inflated above systolic pressure for 15 seconds alternating with 15 seconds of deflation. At least 8 such cycles were ensemble-averaged and the dynamic autoregulatory gain (AGup and AGdn) was estimated separately for upward and downward changes in ABP. The results were compared with the autoregulation index using conventional leg cuff releases. Results— In normal subjects, AGdn was 0.74±0.18 and AGup was 0.77±0.17 (mean±SD); the difference was insignificant. The correlation between AGdn and AGup, however, was wea...
MIXED PRODUCTS OF THYMINE AND CYSTEINE PRODUCED BY DIRECT AND ACETONE-SENSITIZED PHOTOREACTIONS

. The nature of the major mixed products of the photoreaction of thymine with L-cysteine has been restudied. Our results, from application of recent advances in separation and spectroscopic technology to this problem, allow extension and require major revision of the published descriptions of the products produced in this system. We have found that the previously described major mixed photoproduct in the system, 5-S-L-cysteinyl-5, 6-dihydrothymine, can be readily separated into diasteromers (Ia and Ib) that have quite different chromatographic and NMR spectral properties. Confirming previously published work, 5-S-L-cysteinylmethyluracil (III) was also produced. Major modifications in the published descriptions of other mixed photoproducts produced in the photoreaction of thymine with cysteine are the following. While the product 5-S-L-cysteinylmethyl-5, 6-dihydrouracil (II) is indeed produced, it does not correspond in its properties to the compound previously reported as this substance. Our experimental findings also indicate that observations, previously interpreted to imply formation of the disulfide 5-S, S-L-cysteinyl-5, 6-dihydrothymine (IV), can instead be explained in terms of the properties of the β-carbamoylsulfide functionality contained in Ia and Ib. Indeed, both diastereomers of the addition product of L-cysteine with N-ethylmaleimide, S-(l-ethyl-2, 5-dioxopyrrol-idin-3-yl)-L-cysteine (VI), as well as 5-carbamoyl-4-thiapentanoic acid (VII), exhibit properties assumed in the previous work to be specific to disulfide linkages; each of these compounds contains a β-carbamoylsulfide functionality. Acetone photosensitization of reaction in the thymine-cysteine system also yielded Ia, Ib, II and III as products. Again, no evidence was found for formation of IV.
Inhibition by rhodamine 123 of protein synthesis in mitochondria of normal and cancer tissues.

Abstract The effect of the mitochondrial dye rhodamine 123 (Rho 123) on protein synthesis (PS) activity was investigated in mitochondria isolated from liver and from both chloroma and erythroleukemia tumors. Incorporation of labelled leucine into mitochondrial protein was used to measure the rate of PS. While PS specific activity was much higher in hematopoietic tumors mitochondria as compared to that of liver, the addition of increased concentration of Rho 123 in all tested organelles resulted in increased inhibition of PS to reach 75–82% with 10 μg/ml of the dye. Similar results were obtained with 10 μg/ml of chloramphenicol, the specific inhibitor of mitochondrial PS. Moreover, under the conditions of the study, the addition of Rho 123 to mitochondria did not trigger any ATPase activity, thus eliminating any competition for the energy source ATP between PS and ATPase. These results demonstrate that, in addition to its known inhibitory action on oxidative phosphorylation, the mitochondrial dye Rho 123 has a potent inhibitory effect on PS in both liver and hematopoietic tumors mitochondria.
A meta-scheduler for the par-monad: composable scheduling for the heterogeneous cloud

Modern parallel computing hardware demands increasingly specialized attention to the details of scheduling and load balancing across heterogeneous execution resources that may include GPU and cloud environments, in addition to traditional CPUs. Many existing solutions address the challenges of particular resources, but do so in isolation, and in general do not compose within larger systems. We propose a general, composable abstraction for execution resources, along with a continuation-based meta-scheduler that harnesses those resources in the context of a deterministic parallel programming library for Haskell. We demonstrate performance benefits of combined CPU/GPU scheduling over either alone, and of combined multithreaded/distributed scheduling over existing distributed programming approaches for Haskell.
Debugging by asking questions about program output

One reason debugging is the most time-consuming part of software development is because developers struggle to map their questions about a program's behavior onto debugging tools' limited support for analyzing code. Interrogative debugging is a new debugging paradigm that allows developers to ask questions directly about their programs' output, helping them to more efficiently and accurately determine what parts of the system to understand. An interrogative debugging prototype called the Whyline is described, which has been shown to reduce debugging time by a factor of eight. Several extensions and generalizations to it are proposed, including plans for evaluating their effectiveness.
A technique for adaptation to available resources on clusters independent of synchronization methods used

Clusters of workstations (COW) offer high performance relative to their cost. Generally these clusters operate as autonomous systems running independent copies of the operating system, where access to machines is not controlled and all users enjoy the same access privileges. While these features are desirable and reduce operating costs, they create adverse effects on parallel applications running on these clusters. Load imbalances are common for parallel applications on COWs due to: 1) variable amount of load on nodes caused by an inherent lack of parallelism, 2) variable resource availability on nodes, and 3) independent scheduling decisions made by the independent schedulers on each node. Our earlier study has shown that an approach combining static program analysis, dynamic load balancing, and scheduler cooperation is effective in countering the adverse effects mentioned above. In our current study, we investigate the scalability of our approach as the number of processors is increased. We further relax the requirement of global synchronization, avoiding the need to use barriers and allowing the use of any other synchronization primitives while still achieving dynamic load balancing. The use of alternative synchronization primitives avoids the inherent vulnerability of barriers to load imbalance. It also allows load balancing to take place at any point in the course of execution, rather than only at a synchronization point, potentially reducing the time the application runs imbalanced. Moreover, load readjustment decisions are made in a distributed fashion, thus preventing any need for processes to globally synchronize in order to redistribute load.
KEYNES, FISHER, AND THE MARGINAL EFFICIENCY OF CAPITAL

Based on archival evidence, this paper demonstrates that Keynes did not borrow the concept of the marginal efficiency of capital from Fisher, but, rather, developed it himself.
Synthesis techniques for discrete time neural network models

The authors establish a qualitative theory for synchronous, discrete-time, Hopfield-type neural networks. Their objectives are accomplished in two phases. They analyze the class of neural networks considered and use the results to develop a synthesis procedure for them. The analysis utilizes techniques from the theory of large-scale interconnected dynamical systems to derive tests for the asymptotic stability of an equilibrium of the neural network. Estimates are obtained for the rate at which the trajectories of the network will converge from an initial condition to a final state. The authors utilize the stability tests as constraints to develop a design algorithm for content-addressable memories. The algorithm guarantees that each desired memory will be stored as an equilibrium and will be asymptotically stable. The applicability of the results is demonstrated for a 13-neuron and for an 81-neuron network. >
Comparison of earthquake and microtremor ground motions in El Centro, California

Strong earthquake ground shaking has been investigated by the study of 15 events recorded in El Centro, California. The strong-motion records analyzed show that no simple features (e.g., local site conditions) govern the details of local ground shaking. Any effects of local subsoil conditions at this site appear to be overshadowed by the source mechanism and the transmission path, there being no distinctly identifiable site periodicities. Microtremor measurements have been taken in the area surrounding the strong-motion site. The objective was an investigation of possible correlations with strong ground motions and the analysis of site-response characteristics. Basic difficulties in ascertaining local site conditions through such low-amplitude ground motions are illustrated. It has been found that in this area microtremor and earthquake processes are widely different in character, there being little to no correlation between the ground's response to earthquakes and to microtremor excitations. Microtremors have been found to be nonstationary over periods of about a day or so, introducing further uncertainties into inferences from such measurements.
Moraxella (Branhamella) Catarrhalis Bacteremia in Children A Report of Two Patients and Review of the Literature

We report two cases of Moraxella catarrhalis (M. catarrhalis) bacteremia in apparently healthy children. One patient had bilateral otitis media and the other had pharyngitis and sinusitis; both patients had uncomplicated clinical courses. A literature review revealed 22 reported cases of M. catarrhalis bacteremia in children, 14 (63%) of which occurred in patients who had no identified underlying condition. Eight (36%) cases were seen in children who were immunocompromised. Nine (40%) patients presented with either purpura, petechia, or a maculopapular rash. M. catarrhalis is well known as a respiratory pathogen, but it has not been recognized as a common cause of unsuspected bacteremia in children.
A Study of Parallel Particle Tracing for Steady-State and Time-Varying Flow Fields

Particle tracing for streamline and path line generation is a common method of visualizing vector fields in scientific data, but it is difficult to parallelize efficiently because of demanding and widely varying computational and communication loads. In this paper we scale parallel particle tracing for visualizing steady and unsteady flow fields well beyond previously published results. We configure the 4D domain decomposition into spatial and temporal blocks that combine in-core and out-of-core execution in a flexible way that favors faster run time or smaller memory. We also compare static and dynamic partitioning approaches. Strong and weak scaling curves are presented for tests conducted on an IBM Blue Gene/P machine at up to 32 K processes using a parallel flow visualization library that we are developing. Datasets are derived from computational fluid dynamics simulations of thermal hydraulics, liquid mixing, and combustion.
Performance analysis of computer communication networks with local and global window flow control

A message-switched network with local and global window flow controls is analyzed. Messages arriving to find the global window full or the first destination's local window full are assumed to be lost. Further, if a message from a source system is sent to a destination system of which the local window is full, the message blocks the source system until it can be received from the destination. In that time, no other message can be processed by the source system. An open tandem queueing network model with blocking is developed where the service times are assumed to be general and the scheduling disciplines are first-come, first-served. An approximation algorithm for the effective computation of performance measures, such as the throughput of the system, mean number of messages in the global window, and the mean delay time of the system, is given. The approximation has been validated by several examples; comparing the analytical results with simulation demonstrates good agreement. >
Magnetic Annular Nanostructure Fabrication Using Ion Beam Proximity Lithography

We describe the fabrication of large-area magnetic ring structures using ion beam proximity lithography (IBPL) to pattern an array of circular openings and then use a conforming oxide coating to define the ring structure through the sidewall coating. Arrays of Permalloy rings with sub 500 nm outer diameter and 150 nm inner diameter on a 650 nm pitch over a 5.5 mm times 6 mm area were fabricated to study transitions between the micromagnetic configurations within these structures. The results suggest that the field required for onion-to-vortex transition and field required for vortex-to-onion transition to be 0Oe and 400Oe, respectively.