cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of theoretical and computational characteristics of dimensionality reduction methods for large-scale uncertain systems

Abstract Synthesizing optimal controllers for large scale uncertain systems is a challenging computational problem. This has motivated the recent interest in developing polynomial-time algorithms for computing reduced dimension models for uncertain systems. Here we present algorithms that compute lower dimensional realizations of an uncertain system, and compare their theoretical and computational characteristics. Three polynomial-time dimensionality reduction algorithms are applied to the Shell Standard Control Problem, a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) control problem, and a large scale benchmark problem, where it is shown that the algorithms can reduce the computational effort of optimal controller synthesis by orders of magnitude. These algorithms allow robust controller synthesis and robust control structure selection to be applied to uncertain systems of increased dimensionality.
The influenza C virus NS gene: evidence for a spliced mRNA and a second NS gene product (NS2 protein).

Abstract It has previously been shown that the shortest RNA (RNA 7) of influenza C viruses codes for a nonstructural (NS1) protein (Nakada et al. (1985) J. Virol. 56, 221–226). Experiments reported here indicate that RNA 7 also directs the synthesis of a second nonstructural protein via a spliced mRNA. The amino terminal 62 codons of this NS2 protein appear to be shared with the NS1 protein and the carboxyl terminal 59 amino acids are unique (derived from a +1 open reading frame in the mRNA). Although the size of the C virus NS2 protein is comparable to that of the A and B virus NS2 proteins, the overall arrangement of the C virus NS gene is quite different from that of the A and B virus NS genes. The second (+1) open reading frame of the C virus NS gene is completely overlapped by that of the NS1 protein, whereas the second (+1) open reading frame of the A and B virus NS genes extends to the 3' end of the RNA and only partially (or in some strains not at all) overlaps the NS1 open reading frame.
Cine Computed Tomography Without Respiratory Surrogate in Planning Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose To determine whether cine computed tomography (CT) can serve as an alternative to four-dimensional (4D)-CT by providing tumor motion information and producing equivalent target volumes when used to contour in radiotherapy planning without a respiratory surrogate. Methods and Materials Cine CT images from a commercial CT scanner were used to form maximum intensity projection and respiratory-averaged CT image sets. These image sets then were used together to define the targets for radiotherapy. Phantoms oscillating under irregular motion were used to assess the differences between contouring using cine CT and 4D-CT. We also retrospectively reviewed the image sets for 26 patients (27 lesions) at our institution who had undergone stereotactic radiotherapy for Stage I non–small-cell lung cancer. The patients were included if the tumor motion was >1 cm. The lesions were first contoured using maximum intensity projection and respiratory-averaged CT image sets processed from cine CT and then with 4D-CT maximum intensity projection and 10-phase image sets. The mean ratios of the volume magnitude were compared with intraobserver variation, the mean centroid shifts were calculated, and the volume overlap was assessed with the normalized Dice similarity coefficient index. Results The phantom studies demonstrated that cine CT captured a greater extent of irregular tumor motion than did 4D-CT, producing a larger tumor volume. The patient studies demonstrated that the gross tumor defined using cine CT imaging was similar to, or slightly larger than, that defined using 4D-CT. Conclusion The results of our study have shown that cine CT is a promising alternative to 4D-CT for stereotactic radiotherapy planning.
Iterative addition of parallel temperature effects to finite-difference simulation of radio-frequency wave propagation in plasmas

Abstract Accurate simulations of how radio frequency (RF) power is launched, propagates, and absorbed in a magnetically confined plasma is a computationally challenging problem that for which no comprehensive approach presently exists. The underlying physics is governed by the Vlasov–Maxwell equations, and characteristic length scales can vary by three orders of magnitude. Present algorithms are, in general, based on finding the constituative relation between the induced RF current and the RF electric field and solving the resulting set of Maxwell’s equations. These linear equations use a Fourier basis set that is not amenable to multi-scale formulations and have a large dense coefficient matrix that requires a high-communications overhead factorization technique. Here the use of operator splitting to separate the current and field calculations, and a low-overhead iterative solver leads to an algorithm that avoids these issues and has the potential to solve presently intractable problems due to its data-parallel and favorable scaling characteristics. We verify the algorithm for the iterative addition of parallel temperature effects for a 1D electron Langmuir by reproducing the solution obtained with the existing Fourier kinetic RF code aorsa (Jaeger et al., 2008).
Similarity of cross-suppressible frameshifts in Salmonella typhimurium.

Abstract Two frameshift mutations located at different genetic sites respond with high specificity to the same outside suppressors. These frameshifts contain similar altered (+1) messenger RNA sequences. In each case the suppressors appear to act by translating the altered (+1) mRNA sequence as the correct (0) sequence.
Velocity Modulation Laser Absorption Spectroscopy of Molecular Ions

Velocity Modulation Laser Absorption Spectroscopy of Molecular IonsC. S. Gudeman, C. C. Martner, M. H. Begemann, E. Schafer, J. Pfaff, and R. J. SaykallyDepartment of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720For several decades optical emission spectroscopy has been the only technique available for the investi-gation of electronic spectra and structures of molecular ions.1 -3 The inherently strong emission producedby electronic transitions at visible and ultraviolet wavelengths has been critically important to such studiesof charged species, because the chemical reactivity and Coulomb repulsion of ions limit their steady statedensities to extremely low levels (typically 1 ppm of the total gas density). The sensitivity of opticalemission techniques is, however, compromised by several other factors, including a rather low resolutioncompared to that attainable in laser applications, the strong interference from emissions of the far moreabundant neutral molecular species, the requirement that a sizeable fraction of the ions be electronicallyexcited, and the unavailability of ro- vibronic population information on the lower state of the transition.Nevertheless the majority of all rotationally resolved electronic spectra for molecular ions observed todate have been detected and measured by optical emission spectroscopy, and without this ground -work thedevelopment of more sophisticated laser techniques would have been greatly hampered.Through rapid advances in the technology of tunable lasers, several new experimental approaches tomolecular ion electronic spectroscopy have been devised.2 -4 The most powerful of these have been laser -induced fluorescence detection of charged molecules in discharge sources, ion beams, and RF quadrupole traps,and Doppler -tuned ion beam resonance experiments, where indirect detection schemes relying on quantum statedependent charge exchange reaction rates or laser- induced predissociation of the electronically excited ion,
Photoreflectance study of the temperature dependence of the E1 transition in (100) CdTe

Abstract The photoreflectance spectra from the (100) surface of undoped, high resistivity CdTe has been measured in the spectral region of the E1 optical feature in the temperature range 77–297 K. We have obtained values of the E1 energies and broadening parameters throughout this temperature region. In addition to the linear temperature dependence of E1, we have evaluated for the first time the non-linear component of the dependence, i.e. Varshni coefficients [Y.P. Varshni, Physica (Utrecht), 39 149 (1967)]. The obtained linear temperature variation is compared with previous results. We have also studied the temperature dependence of the broadening parameter.
The effect of thrombus on the vascular endothelium of arterialized vein grafts

Background It is known that vein grafts can be salvaged by clot removal, but patency rates are diminished. This study was designed to determine the effects of thrombus on vascular endothelium and the ability of the endothelium to recover normal function. Methods Thirty external jugular vein grafts were placed as bilateral femoral artery interposition grafts in 15 mongrel dogs and allowed to arterialize for a period of at least 12 weeks. Six control grafts were not exposed to thrombus (C-NT). Six other control grafts were exposed to thrombus for 7 days and removed, ie, allowed no in vivo recovery (C-T). The remaining 18 grafts in 9 canines were exposed to autologous thrombus for 5 days and then flow was restored. The right femoral graft was removed 7 days after thrombectomy and the left removed 30 days after thrombectomy. At the time of removal, the grafts were perfused with a balanced salt solution alone and then with arachidonic acid added to the same volume of the salt solution. Perfusates were collected at 5, 15, and 30 minutes. These perfusates were assayed for the presence of 6-keto-prosglandin F 1α (6-keto-PGF1 1α ), a metabolite of prostacyclin (PGI2). Over the 30-day recovery period, the amounts of 6-keto-PGF1 1α produced with and without arachidonic acid added were compared to assess endothelial response. Electron micrographs of the endothelium of all vein grafts were compared to the assay findings. Results When arachidonic acid was added to the perfusion system, there was a several fold increase in the production of 6-keto-PGF1 1α over baseline in all grafts allowed recovery. Grafts (C-T) that were allowed no in vivo recovery had no response to arachidonic acid. Ratios of 6-keto-PGF1 1α production with arachidonic acid stimulation to 6-keto-PGF1 1α production without stimulation were calculated to compare endothelial function. The electron micrographs showed the vascular endothelium to be severely injured after contact with thrombus, but recovered by 7 days. Conclusions This study suggests that the endothelium of canine vein grafts is injured by contact with thrombus for 5 days but can recover structure and function. This recovery is detectable at 7 days post-thrombectomy.
Differentiating occupational illness and injury: The private costs and economic incentives

Abstract The private incentives to supply occupational safety and health activities result from the expected costs of workplace injury and illness. Expected costs in turn depend on both the probability of occurrence and the magnitude of illness and injury costs when they occur. The probability of illness and injury are difficult to specify, but for different reasons. Occupational illness results from prolonged exposure to a hazard or hazards over time, while the causes of injury-producing accidents at a point in time are not well understood. Similarly, difficulty exists in making a priori estimates of illness and injury costs to workers, since both impairment and disability are related to personal characteristics and preferences. In addition, non-human capital costs, such as damage to plant and equipment, are often associated with the occurrence of accidents. While this paper analyzes expected illness and injury costs in detail, emphasis is also given to differences in cost distribution since the private incentive to undertake prevention activity is related to the costs borne by each economic agent. Damage costs to non-human capital, for example, are often borne completely by the firm, while worker injury and illness costs are distributed among the worker, the firm, and society. Depending on the production process, therefore, incentives for the firm to undertake injury prevention activities may exist even in the absence of risk-related wage differentials. Since the strength of private incentives are a central concern in the efficient allocation of resources by occupational safety and health agencies, the policy implications of the analysis for workplace regulation are presented in the conclusion.
Phase Conjugation In Semiconductor Lasers

We demonstrate phase-conjugate reflectivities on the order of 1000 at frequency detunings on the order of 0.5 GHz in intracavity nondegenerate four-wave mixing in a semiconductor laser. Our measurements show that, unlike a third-order nonlinearity, the conjugate reflectivity does not scale like the pump power squared, indicating that saturation and cavity effects are important in the generation of the conjugate.
An Introduction to ‘Translation and Meaning’ Chapter Two of Word and Object

In this paper I attempt to provide a brief introduction to the thesis of the indeterminacy of radical translation, as this is presented in Chapter Two of Quine’s Word and Object. I begin by explaining what the thesis is, as I conceive it. Then I consider how one might defend the thesis. Finally I examine several aspects of Quine’s discussion of the thesis.
Polarization controller using nematic liquid crystals

In this Letter we demonstrate a polarization controller capable of changing any state of polarization of light from one arbitrary state to another. The controller consists of a stack of three homogeneous nematic liquid-crystal cells. The polarization state is controlled by proper adjustment of the voltages applied across each of the cells. The mathematical algorithm and principles of this polarization controller are developed in the framework of the Stokes parameters, allowing easy visualization by use of a Poincare sphere representation. The transformation functions are given for conversion of an arbitrary input state to any output state. Experiments are carried out to demonstrate arbitrary polarization transformation.
Nucleosides LXXXII. Synthetic studies on nucleoside antibioties. 12. Synthesis of 1-[3,4-didoxy-4-(sarcosyl-D-seryl)amino-β-D-ribohexopyranosyl]cytosine, and analog of gougerotin

1-[3,4Dideoxy-4(sarcosyl-D-seryl)amino-β-Dribohexopyranosyl]cytosine (3), a 3′-dcoxy-5′-hydroxymethyl analog of gougerotin, was synthesized from 3dexoy-βxylohexopyranose (3-dexoy-D-galactos)tetraacetate (4.
Structural/bonding insights from new geometrical varieties of two Pt–Au carbonyl/phosphine clusters, [Pt3(AuPPh3)5(μ2-CO)2L3]+ (L3 = (CO)2PPh3) and [(μ6-Au){Pt3(μ2-CO)3L4}2]+ (L = PMe3)

Structural/bonding considerations of two new Pt–Au clusters, [Pt3(AuPPh3)5(μ2-CO)2(CO)2PPh3]+ (1) and [(μ6-Au){Pt3(μ2-CO)3(PMe3)4}2]+ (2) isolated (as chloride salts), revealed: (i) that the heretofore unknown 20-electron Pt-centered Pt2Au5 icosahedral cage fragment (five missing vertices) of 1 is best viewed as a 44-electron triangular Pt3 adduct of a nearly planar 39-electron [Pt3(μ2-CO)2L3]+ (L3 = (CO)2PPh3) and five one-electron donating AuPPh3 ligands; and (ii) that the geometrically distorted trimethylphosphine “full” Pt3AuPt3 sandwich of 2 is the first example of two nucleophilic 44-electron triangular Pt3(μ2-CO)3L4 (3 : 3 : 4) units (L = PMe3) which asymmetrically encapsulate a central electrophilic Au(I).
The Effect of California's Daily Overtime Law on Hours of Work: A Re-examination

In California overtime is based on a daily, rather than a weekly standard. Using a variety of datasets we examine the effects of California’s daily overtime law on hours worked. Part of the analysis takes advantage of several changes in the California law that occurred during the 1990s, while other cross-sectional analysis uses data on daily hours. We compare outcomes for covered workers in California to various controls groups and, where possible, we use information on work schedules identify more precisely the workers for whom the California law is not redundant to the federal weekly overtime standard. Results using cross-state and time series variation in legislation find little effect of daily overtime. However, results exploiting within-state variation find significant negative effects of daily overtime on weekly hours.
Bleeding of Chickens During Killing Operations

Abstract BIRDS incompletely bled during killing operations are often unacceptable to consumers. Blood trapped in the small blood vessels under the skin, and particularly in the larger veins and arteries in the wings, make the birds unattractive. Good bleeding has come to mean a step toward good quality. In commercial operations thorough bleeding within a very limited period of time is often difficult. It would thus seem that attention should be directed toward methods of draining more blood from the birds in this time interval. Latimer and Pederson (1923) cited Zaitschek’s studies to show that when the jugular vein of chickens whose average live weight was 1096.8±12.3 gm. was severed, they lost 3.8 percent of the average live weight as blood. Turner (1948) found that decapitated White Leghorn hens varying in weight from 1803 gms. to 2043 gms. lost from 3.2 to 2.3 percent of their live weight as blood. The …
Association of Depressive Symptoms and Substance Use With Risky Sexual Behavior and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among African American Female Adolescents Seeking Sexual Health Care.

Objectives. We examined how depression and substance use interacted to predict risky sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among African American female adolescents.Methods. We measured depressive symptoms, substance use, sexual behavior, and STIs in 701 African American female adolescents, aged 14 to 20 years, at baseline and at 6-month intervals for 36 months in Atlanta, Georgia (2005–2007). We used generalized estimating equation models to examine effects over the 36-month follow-up period.Results. At baseline, more than 40% of adolescents reported significant depressive symptoms; 64% also reported substance use in the 90 days before assessment. Depression was associated with recently incarcerated partner involvement, sexual sensation seeking, unprotected sex, and prevalent STIs (all P < .001). In addition, adolescents with depressive symptoms who reported any substance use (i.e., marijuana, alcohol, Ecstasy) were more likely to report incarcerated partner involvement, sexual sensa...
GABA, experimental myopia, and ocular growth in chick.

PURPOSE. To learn whether -aminobutyric acid (GABA) participates in retinal mechanisms that influence refractive development. METHODS. White leghorn chicks, some of which wore a unilateral goggle to induce myopia, received daily intravitreal injections of agonists or antagonists to the major GABA receptor subtypes. Eyes were studied with refractometry, ultrasound, and calipers. Retinas of other chicks wearing unilateral goggles were assayed for GABA content. RESULTS. Antagonists to GABAA or GABAA0r (formerly known as GABAC) receptors inhibited form-deprivation myopia. GABAA antagonists showed greater inhibition of myopic growth in the equatorial than the axial dimension. A GABAA0r antagonist displayed parallel inhibition in the axial and equatorial dimensions. A GABAA0r agonist but not GABAA agonists altered the myopic refraction of goggled eyes. GABAB receptor antagonists, more so than an agonist, also slowed development of myopia, inhibiting axial growth more effectively than equatorial expansion of goggled eyes. When administered to nongoggled eyes, GABAA or GABAA0r agonists or antagonists also altered eye growth, chiefly stimulating it. Only a GABAA agonist induced a myopic refraction. Several of these agents stimulated eye growth in the axial, but not the equatorial, dimension. Retinal GABA content was slightly reduced in goggled eyes. CONCLUSIONS. GABAA, GABAA0r, and GABAB receptors modulate eye growth and refractive development. The anatomic effects of these drugs reinforce the notion that eye shape and not just eye size is regulated. A retinal site of action is consistent with the known ocular localizations of GABA and its receptors and with the altered retinal biochemistry in form-deprived eyes. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:3933‐3946) DOI:
Evaluation of six fracture models in high velocity perforation

Abstract A systematic evaluation of six ductile fracture models is performed to identify the most suitable fracture criterion for high velocity perforation problems. Included in the paper are the Wilkins, the Johnson–Cook, the maximum shear stress, the modified Cockcroft–Latham, the constant fracture strain, and the Bao–Wierzbicki fracture models. These six fracture models are implemented into ABAQUS/Explicit by means of a user material subroutine (VUMAT), and applied to model the failure processes of a steel and an aluminum target plate impacted by a projectile. The numerical simulations are examined by comparing with the experimental results published in the open literature. The Wilkins fracture model predicts spallation of the impacted zone of the target plate beneath the projectile. This unrealistic result is due to its power law form of the pressure term. The maximum shear stress fracture criterion fails to capture the shear plugging failure pattern in a wide range of the impact velocity. Material fracture properties cannot be fully characterized with the constant fracture strain and the modified Cockcroft–Latham fracture models. Various tensile tests on round bars do not give a consistent critical damage. The calculated residual velocities of the projectile are sensitive to the magnitude of the fracture parameters. The Johnson–Cook and the Bao–Wierzbicki fracture models formulated in the space of the stress triaxiality and the equivalent plastic strain to fracture are capable of predicting the realistic fracture patterns and at the same time the correct residual velocities. Finally, the limitations of the Johnson–Cook fracture model are discussed.
Oral Health among Residents of Publicly Supported Housing in Boston

Tooth loss in adults diminishes quality of daily life, affecting eating, speaking, appearance, and social interactions. Tooth loss is linked to severe periodontitis and caries; and to risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia. At the national (USA) level, poverty and African-American race have been linked to lower utilization of dental services, suggesting that the 7.5 million residents of publicly supported housing may be at risk of tooth loss and poor overall oral health. We assessed whether residence in publicly supported housing in Boston was associated with four oral health-related indicators. Compared to residents of nonpublicly supported housing, after adjusting for covariates residents of both public housing developments (PHDs) and rental assistance units (RAUs) had significantly lower odds of having had a dental cleaning in the past year (PHD, OR = 0.64 (95 % CI, 0.44–0.93); RAU, OR = 0.67 (95 % CI, 0.45–0.99))—despite parity in having had a past year dental visit. Further, residents of RAUs had double the odds of having had six or more teeth removed (OR = 2.20 (95 % CI, 1.39–3.50)). Associations of race/ethnicity and housing type with dental insurance were interrelated. Unadjusted results document a deficit in oral health-related indicators among public housing residents, taken as a group, giving a clear picture of an oral health care gap and identifying a defined real-world population that could benefit from services. Existing public housing infrastructure could provide both a venue and a foundation for interventions to reduce oral health disparities on a broad scale.
The determination of synonyms for fuzzy modifiers in a fuzzy database based on user community consensus

A natural language interface is one that allows a database to be accessed using common language, in this case English, rather than a query language, such as SQL. A fuzzy database is one in which membership is not an absolute yes or no condition. This research expands the implementation of a Fuzzy Relational Database with Community Defined Membership values to include a set of synonyms to the fuzzy modifiers. The user community makes the determination of synonym status with respect to the fuzzy modifiers. By allowing the community to define the meaning of each synonym within the context of the fuzzy database, the semantics of a database request in the users own language is unambiguous.
Trombone Transfer Functions: Comparison Between Frequency-Swept Sine Wave and Human Performer Input

Source/filter models have frequently been used to model sound production of the vocal apparatus and musical instruments. Beginning in 1968, in an effort to measure the transfer function (i.e., transmission response or filter characteristic) of a trombone while being played by expert musicians, sound pressure signals from the mouthpiece and the trombone bell output were recorded in an anechoic room and then subjected to harmonic spectrum analysis. Output/input ratios of the signals’ harmonic amplitudes plotted vs. harmonic frequency then became points on the trombone’s transfer function. The first such recordings were made on analog 1/4 inch stereo magnetic tape. In 2000 digital recordings of trombone mouthpiece and anechoic output signals were made that provide a more accurate measurement of the trombone filter characteristic. Results show that the filter is a high-pass type with a cutoff frequency around 1000 Hz. Whereas the characteristic below cutoff is quite stable, above cutoff it is extremely variable, depending on level. In addition, measurements made using a swept-sine-wave system in 1972 verified the high-pass behavior, but they also showed a series of resonances whose minima correspond to the harmonic frequencies which occur under performance conditions. For frequencies below cutoff the two types of measurements corresponded well, but above cutoff there was a considerable difference. The general effect is that output harmonics above cutoff are greater than would be expected from linear filter theory, and this effect becomes stronger as input pressure increases. In the 1990s and early 2000s this nonlinear effect was verified by theory and measurements which showed that nonlinear propagation takes place in the trombone, causing a wave steepening effect at high amplitudes, thus increasing the relative strengths of the upper harmonics.
Interactions of retinol with binding proteins: Implications for the mechanism of uptake by cells

The kinetic parameters of the interaction of retinol with retinol binding protein (RBP) were studied. The rate constant for association of retinol with the protein (ka) was found to be 1.5 X 10(6) M-1 min-1. The rate constant for dissociation (kd) from the protein was determined by studying the transfer of retinol from RBP to lipid bilayers. It was found that such transfer proceeds via the aqueous phase and its rate-limiting step is the dissociation of retinol from the binding protein. The rate of transfer therefore represents the rate of dissociation. The kd was 0.112 min-1. These values were validated further by the following consideration. The equilibrium dissociation constant of RBP and retinol can be calculated from the expression Kd = kd/ka. The calculated value was 7.5 X 10(-8) M. Kd was also measured directly by fluorometric titration and was found to be 7 X 10(-8) M. The relative avidities of retinol for RBP, the complex RBP-transthyretin (RBP-TTR), and serum albumin were also studied. It was found that binding of RBP to TTR increased its avidity for retinol by about 2-fold. The avidity of albumin for retinol was 30-fold lower than that of RBP. The data imply that retinol spontaneously and rapidly dissociates from sites on binding proteins, which indicates that the vitamin can freely move in vivo between physiologic compartments with avidities for it.
ASSOCIATION OF MARITAL STATUS WITH VASCULAR DISEASE IN DIFFERENT ARTERIAL TERRITORIES: A POPULATION BASED STUDY OF OVER 3.5 MILLION SUBJECTS

The association of marital status and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is limited to small studies comparing married to non-married subjects. We sought to investigate the odds of CVD in married, single, divorced and widowed subjects in a large prospective cohort. Over 3.5 million participants were
A High Frequency Bridge

In this paper is discussed a common type of capacity bridge together with the modifications necessary and the precautions to be taken for operation at frequencies of the order of 500,000 cycles per second. Fixed resistance ratio arms are employed and phase angle correction is obtained either by variable resistors or by the insertion of variable inductors as first suggested by Rosa and Grover. Difficulties involved in the source of power, the balancing of ratio arms with respect to ground, the detection of balance and the shielding of instruments are discussed.
Low temperature growth of nanostructured diamond on quartz spheres

Nanostructured diamond was grown by microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition onto 2 mm diameter quartz spheres using a H2/CH4/N2 feedgas mixture high in methane concentration (15% by volume). Deposition experiments were performed at low temperature (<425°C, below the temperature limit of the optical pyrometer used) as well as at high temperature (830°C). Nucleation and growth of nanostructured diamond was found to occur readily in both cases. In addition, it was found that pre-treatment scratching is not necessary for achieving high diamond nucleation/growth rates on quartz, although scratching did result in a more uniform and smooth surface morphology, especially for low temperature deposition. All films grown at low temperature resulted in higher diamond quality with less amorphous carbon and non-diamond components. Plasma reduction of the exposed silica surface to create oxygen-containing species near the substrate surface may explain the improved diamond quality and practical nucleation/growth rates at such low temperature.
Neutral C19-steroids and steroid sulfates in human pregnancy V. Isolation and identification of unconjugated testosterone and androstenedione from pooled cord blood

Abstract Unconjugated testosterone (T) and androstenedione were isolated from cord plasma obtained from mixed arterial and venous cord blood collected after vaginal deliveries at term. The identification of both hormones is based upon double labelled derivative formation and reverse isotope dilution. Only the latter procedure gave constant 3 H 14 C ratios for the acetate of testosterone. Androstenedione was also biotransformed to 17β-estradiol. The same procedures did not provide sufficient proof for the existence of 16α-hydroxyandrostenedione and 16α-hydroxytestosterone in cord blood. Tentative evidence for their being present is given.
Combination treatment with Grb7 peptide and Doxorubicin or Trastuzumab (Herceptin) results in cooperative cell growth inhibition in breast cancer cells

Grb7 has potential importance in the progression of cancer. We have previously identified a novel peptide that binds to the SH2 domain of Grb7 and inhibits its association with several different receptor tyrosine kinases. We have synthesised the Grb7 peptide, G7-18NATE, with two different cell penetrating peptides, Penetratin and Tat. In this study, we have shown that both Penetratin- and Tat-conjugated G7-18NATE peptides are able to inhibit the proliferation of SK-BR-3, ZR-75-30, MDA-MB-361 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. There was no significant effects on breast cancer MCF-7cells, non-malignant MCF 10A or 3T3 cells. In addition, there was no significant inhibition of proliferation by Penetratin or Tat alone or by their conjugates with arbitrary peptide sequence in any of the cell lines tested. We determined the EC50 of G7-18NATE-P peptide for SK-BR-3 cell proliferation to be 7.663 × 10−6 M. Co-treatment of G7-18NATE-P peptide plus Doxorubicin in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells resulted in an additional inhibition of proliferation, resulting in 56 and 84% decreases in the Doxorubicin EC50 value in the presence of 5 × 10−6 and 1.0 × 10−5 M G7-18NATE-P peptide, respectively. Importantly, the co-treatment with Doxorubicin and the delivery peptide did not change the Doxorubicin EC50. Since Grb7 associates with ErbB2, we assessed whether the peptide inhibitor would have a combined effect with a molecule that targets ErbB2, Herceptin. Co-treatment of Herceptin plus 1.0 × 10−5 M G7-18NATE-P peptide in SK-BR-3 cells resulted in a 46% decrease in the Herceptin EC50 value and no decrease following the co-treatment with Herceptin and penetratin alone. This Grb7 peptide has potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent alone, in combination with traditional chemotherapy, or in combination with other targeting molecules.
Microarray analysis and quantitative real-time PCR validation of gene expression during auditory hair cell regeneration in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Background Fishes are capable of regenerating sensory hair cells in the inner ear after acoustic trauma [1]. We recently established the time course for auditory hair cell regeneration in zebrafish. Immediately following acoustic overexposure, zebrafish saccules exhibited significant hair cell loss, but recovered to pretreatment levels at 14 days post-sound exposure [2]. Cell proliferation peaked two days postsound exposure (dpse), so we examined gene expression patterns before, during, and after this time to find genes associated with this proliferation and subsequent hair cell regeneration.
General-purpose timer from transistor logic to auxiliary equipment

This paper describes a low-cost circuit for the control and timing of auxiliary experimental equipment by a variety of signals from 5 V, integrated-circuit logic. The circuit is designed for variable timing and switching up to 240 AC V at 3 A, with two independent timing parameters, delay and duration, in response to positive-going or to negative-going logic signal transitions.
Reference Standards for Use with Indirect Tension Test

The purpose of this paper is to describe the fabrication, calibration, and use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) reference standards for the indirect tension (IDT) creep test, which was developed during the Strategic Highway Research Program and is one of the standard Superpave mixture tests now under further development and implementation. The use of reference standards in conjunction with the IDT test will help to achieve rapid and effective implementation of this promising test method. An IDT reference standard is useful in three ways: as a final step in a thorough calibration of the IDT system, for rapid verification of the IDT test system between calibrations, and as a tool for training engineers and technicians in proper execution of the test. In this study, HDPE specimens were calibrated using the IDT creep test. During this calibration, statistical methods were used to verify that the HDPE was homogenous, linear, and isotropic. The calibration was then confirmed using companion specimens of the ...
Energy Equipartition Stabilization and Cascading Resilience Optimization for Geospatially Distributed Cyber-Physical Network Systems

This paper develops three novel hybrid stabilization techniques addressing fast energy equipartition for cyber-physical network systems, establishes an optimization-based network topology design framework to achieve cascading resilience and efficiency of geospatially distributed physical networks, and discusses the future application of the proposed approach to power network systems. Thus, the main contributions of this paper are three-fold. First, we present three hybrid distributed stabilization architectures for cyber-physical network systems to achieve the robust performance of geospatial physical networks by mimicking the dynamic behavior of thermodynamic systems. The proposed stabilization architectures are constructed in such a way that each stabilizer has a one-directional energy transfer from a plant to itself, and exchanges energy with its neighboring stabilizers. Second, to balance resilience to cascading failures and efficiency of energy flow in geospatially distributed physical networks, we propose an entropy metric-based multiobjective optimization framework for network topology design to characterize this resilience-efficiency trade-off design in networks. Moreover, we propose a novel cascade-connectivity swarm optimization algorithm which combines swarm intelligence and graph theory together to solve this multiobjective optimization problem. Finally, we apply our hybrid stabilization techniques and topology design algorithms to power network systems, and simulation studies are carried out to show the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Composing batches with yield uncertainty

Abstract This paper presents a class of job design problems arising from the fabrication process of printed circuit boards and integrated circuits. We consider a manufacturing process in which different types of jobs are processed in a batch processor, where the batch processor can process a batch (limited number) of jobs simultaneously. All jobs are tested in the batch processor and the defective jobs are discarded. Thus, for each type of job, the actual non-defective output from each batch is a random variable that depends on the number of jobs assigned to a batch. Given the yield rate of each type of job and the capacity of the batch processor, it is important to determine the batch composition; i.e., the number of each type of jobs in a batch, so that a certain system performance is achieved. In this paper we focus on six performance measures that are appropriate for different manufacturing environments. For four of the performance measures, we develop procedures for determining optimal batch compositions. For the remaining performance measures, we construct heuristics for finding near-optimal batch compositions and generate random problems to evaluate the effectiveness of the heuristics.
Experimental Investigation on Dry Point Grinding Process Based on Green Manufacturing

Due to point contact cause, the point grinding process have the lower grinding power and heat to measure and the better cooling conditions. For green manufacturing, the point grinding process has the significance to reduce the consumption of grinding fluid and improve the ground surface integrity and the process greenness. This study analyzes the geometric configuration of the contact area between the wheel and the workpiece in point grinding process, establishes the geometric and mathematic models of the contact area, and investigates the relations between the grinding parameters. The dry point grinding experiments are performed on the ground surface integrity. These investigations show that the dry grinding can be achieved in point grinding process under less depth of cut and the higher grinding speed for the high machining greenness demand.
Expression of c-fos and hsp70 mRNA in neonatal rat cerebrocortical slices during NMDA-induced necrosis and apoptosis.

Abstract Respiring neonatal rat cerebrocortical slices were exposed for 30 min to toxic concentrations of N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA; 100 μM, 500 μM and 1000 μM). In situ hybridization was used to study c-fos and hsp70 mRNA before, during, and for 8 h after NMDA exposure. Cell swelling and nuclear morphology were assessed using Cresyl violet (Nissl) staining. Possible evidence for apoptosis was examined using in situ terminal transferase d-UTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining and agarose–gel electrophoresis of extracted slice DNA. After NMDA administration c-fos and hsp70 mRNA expression increased, with maxima occurring, respectively, at 1 h and 4 h after NMDA exposure. When treatment with dizocilpine (MK-801; 10 μM), a non-competitive NMDA antagonist, was started before NMDA exposures, expression of both c-fos and hsp70 mRNA was decreased to values near control, indicating that activation of NMDA receptors induces both genes. Only a minority of induced cells expressed FOS protein and no HSP70 protein expression was seen. These apparent failures of translation might be related to the stress response. Histologically, 1000 μM NMDA produced substantial necrosis, with no evidence of apoptosis. Evidence for apoptosis was found at the two lower NMDA concentrations, which produced TUNEL-positive fragmented nuclei and faint ladder patterns in DNA electrophoresis. Dizocilpine pre-treatment blocked NMDA-induced necrosis and attenuated TUNEL-positive staining in slice parenchyma. TUNEL-positive staining with a different morphology was found in the injury layer, a region 50-μm thick where mechanical trauma was inflicted when slices were cut from brain. When slices received dizocilpine immediately after decapitation, TUNEL-positive staining no longer occurred in the injury layer, in agreement with previous cell culture studies that implicated NMDA receptor activation after mechanical trauma to neurons. We conclude that at the toxic doses studied, NMDA receptor activation results primarily in necrosis. However, data at low NMDA concentrations are consistent with a small amount of apoptosis.
The inhibitory effect of esmolol on human plasmacholinesterase.

Esmolol, a new cardioselective beta adrenergic blocker inhibits plasmacholinesterase activity in vitro. The concentration of esmolol hydrochloride that inhibits by 50 per cent the hydrolysis of 50.0 µnol·L−1 benzoylcholine hydrochloride by 1:200 diluted, heparinized pooled plasma of six healthy volunteers at 37° C and 240 nm, determined by the ultraviolet spectrophotometric method of Kalow, was 50 µmol·−1. Esmolol’s primary metabolite, 3-(4-(2-hydroxy-3-(isopropylamino)propoxy)-phenyllpropionic acid, had an l5 = 190 µnol·L−1 . The benzoylcholine hydrolysis rates in the plasma of ten patients who received an esmolol infusion of 500 µg·kg−1. min−1 for 4 minutes were 58.6 ± 6.2 µmol·hr−1·ml−1 (mean ± SE) before and 55.1 ± 6.6 µmol·hr−1·ml−1 after the infusion. The benzoylcholine hydrolysis rates in the plasma of ten patients who received an esmolol infusion of 500 µg·kg−1·min−1 for two minutes and 200 µg·kg−1·min−1 for an additional two minutes were 70.2 ± 8.9µmol·hr−1·ml−1 before and 69.1 ± 9.5 µmol·hr−1. ml−1 after the infusion. The pre- and post-infusion plasmacholinesterase activities were not significantly different. Since plasmacholinesterase is responsible for the hydrolysis of succinylcholine and that of the ester-type local anaesthetics this lack of in vivo interaction of esmolol with the hydrolysis of these drugs should be further confirmed by experiments with these combinations in man.
Multivariate Tests for Clusters

Abstract Criteria are considered for testing the hypothesis (in multiresponse data) that the observations are a random sample from one multi-normal population versus the alternative that, for some partition of the data, the observations arise from two multinormal populations with different means. This hypothesis is analogous to the univariate formulation of Engelman and Hartigan (1969), in which they studied a likelihood ratio test for clusters. A union-intersection (UI) criterion is developed that is more manageable computationally than the multivariate likelihood ratio (LR) criterion. The UI and LR criteria and a “linear discrimination” statistic are shown, however, to be equivalent. Some properties of the tests are provided.
A Competency-Based Model of Sustainable Competitive Advantage: Toward a Conceptual Integration

This article examines the concept of sustainable competitive advantage in the context of two theoreticalframeworks: environmental determinism (which encompasses macroeconomic and industrial organization traditions) and "strategic selection" (which incorporates Schumpeterian economic and strategic choice perspectives). It is argued that by ascribing competitive advantage to industry/market imperatives, the I/O-based model apparently overlooks the idiosyncratic competencies that potentially generate a sustainable competitive advantage for the firm. An alternative conceptualization of sustainable competitive advantage from a resource-based perspective is offered. Specifically, a systems model that integrally links four components of a firm's "distinctive competencies" (managerial competencies and strategic focus, resource-based, transformation-based, and outputbased competencies) is proposed.
Differential effects of ethidium bromide on cytoplasmic and mitochondrial protein synthesis.

Received 25 July 1974 1. Introduction The phenanthridine dye ethidium bromide (EB) is well-known for its ability to bind to DNA molecules. In eukaryotic cells, even at very low concentrations, EB is known to affect mitochondrial specific events [ 13. In mouse BHK cells 0.1 to 5 gg/ml EB specifically in- hibits mitochondrial DNA synthesis [2] . This drug is also known to inhibit mitochondrial specific RNA syn- thesis [ 1,3] , probably by binding to the DNA template thus interfering with chain initiation [4,5]. Consequent- ly EB has been widely used as a tool to study mitochon- drial specific transcription [6,7,8] . Isolated mitochondria from various cell types are known to incorporate both synthetic and natural poly- nucleotides which participate in intramitochondrial translation [9-l 21. Using an in vitro mitochondrial system from Xenopus, Grivell and Metz [ 121 recently demonstrated that EB directly interferes with the intramitochondrial phenylalanine incorporation di- rected by imported poly (U). This observation coin- cides with another indirect observation that EB may have an inhibitory effect on mitochondrial protein syn- thesis [ 131. We have verified these indirect results using a highly active in vitro protein synthesizing system from Ehrlich ascites mitochondria [ 141. Our results show that EB specifically inhibits mitochondrial but not cytoplasmic in vitro protein synthesis by prevent- ing polysome formation. 2. Materials and methods Ehrlich ascites hypotetraploid cells were grown for
Oxidized-1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine induces vascular endothelial superoxide production: Implication of NADPH oxidase

Abstract Modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by vascular cells. It is unknown if specific oxidized components in these LDL particles such as oxidized-1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (ox-PAPC) can stimulate ROS production. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were incubated with ox-PAPC (50 μg/ml). At 4 h, ox-PAPC significantly enhanced the rate of O 2 − production. Pretreatment of BAEC in glucose-free Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium plus 10 mM 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG), the latter being an antimetabolite that blocks NADPH production by the pentose shunt, significantly reduced the rate of O 2 − production. The intensity of NAD(P)H autofluorescence decreased by 28 ± 12% in BAEC incubated with ox-PAPC compared to untreated cells, with a further decrease in the presence of 2-DOG. Ox-PAPC also increased Nox4 mRNA expression by 2.4-fold ± 0.1 while pretreatment of BAEC with the small interfering RNA (siNox4) attenuated Nox4 RNA expression. Ox-PAPC further reduced the level of glutathione while pretreatment with apocynin (100 μM) restored the GSH level (control = 22.54 ± 0.23, GSH = 18.06 ± 0.98, apocynin = 22.55 ± 0.60, ox-PAPC + apocynin = 21.17 ± 0.36 nmol/10 6 cells). Treatment with ox-PAPC also increased MMP-2 mRNA expression accompanied by a 1.5-fold increase in MMP-2 activity. Ox-PAPC induced vascular endothelial O 2 - production that appears to be mediated largely by NADPH oxidase activity.