cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Object Allocation Pattern as an Indicator for Maliciousness - An Exploratory Analysis

Traditionally, Android malware is analyzed using static or dynamic analysis. Although static techniques are often fast; however, they cannot be applied to classify obfuscated samples or malware with a dynamic payload. In comparison, the dynamic approach can examine obfuscated variants but often incurs significant runtime overhead when collecting every important malware behavioral data. This paper conducts an exploratory analysis of memory forensics as an alternative technique for extracting feature vectors for an Android malware classifier. We utilized the reconstructed per-process object allocation network to identify distinguishable patterns in malware and benign application. Our evaluation results indicate the network structural features in the malware category are unique compared to the benign dataset, and thus features extracted from the remnant of in-memory allocated objects can be utilized for robust Android malware classification algorithm.
Additive and epistatic effects influence spectral tuning in molluscan retinochrome opsin

The relationship between genotype and phenotype is nontrivial due to often complex molecular pathways that make it difficult to unambiguously relate phenotypes to specific genotypes. Photopigments, an opsin apoprotein bound to a light-absorbing chromophore, present an opportunity to directly relate the amino acid sequence to an absorbance peak phenotype ({lambda}max). We examined this relationship by conducting a series of site-directed mutagenesis experiments of retinochrome, a non-visual opsin, from two closely related species: the common bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, and the king scallop, Pecten maximus. Using protein folding models, we identified three amino acid sites of likely functional importance and expressed mutated retinochrome proteins in vitro. Our results show that the mutation of amino acids lining the opsin binding pocket are responsible for fine spectral tuning, or small changes in the {lambda}max of these light sensitive proteins Most mutations caused a blue shift regardless of the retinochrome background, with shifts ranging from a 12 nm blue shift to a 5 nm red shift from the wild-type {lambda}max. These mutations do not show an additive effect, but rather suggests the presence of epistatic interactions. This work highlights the importance of binding pocket shape in the evolution of spectral tuning and builds on our ability to relate genotypic changes to phenotypes in an emerging model for opsin functional analysis. Author summarySite-directed mutagenesis determined that spectral tuning in retinochrome is not solely additive, but is influenced by intra-molecular epistasis.
Cognitive-linguistic outcomes from an intensive comprehensive aphasia program implemented by graduate student clinicians

Background Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (ICAPs) implement evidence-based, holistic therapies in a short-duration cohort model. ICAPs are growing in popularity, yet there are still relat...
Enhancing Kidney Vasculature in Tissue Engineering-Current Trends and Approaches: A Review.

Chronic kidney diseases are a leading cause of fatalities around the world. As the most sought-after organ for transplantation, the kidney is of immense importance in the field of tissue engineering. The primary obstacle to the development of clinically relevant tissue engineered kidneys is precise vascularization due to the organ’s large size and complexity. Current attempts at whole-kidney tissue engineering include the repopulation of decellularized kidney extracellular matrices or vascular corrosion casts, but these approaches do not eliminate the need for a donor organ. Stem cell-based approaches, such as kidney organoids vascularized in microphysiological systems, aim to construct a kidney without the need for organ donation. These organ-on-a-chip models show complex, functioning kidney structures, albeit at a small scale. Novel methodologies for developing engineered scaffolds will allow for improved differentiation of kidney stem cells and organoids into larger kidney grafts with clinical applications. While currently, kidney tissue engineering remains mostly limited to individual renal structures or small organoids, further developments in vascularization techniques, with technologies such as organoids in microfluidic systems, could potentially open doors for a large-scale growth of whole engineered kidneys for transplantation.
The computational SEIR model

The SEIR model is the most popular compartment model with four populations, the susceptible, exposed, infectious, and recovered groups S, E, I, and R. It characterizes infectious diseases that have a significant incubation period and provide immunity upon infection. Since the SEIR model has no analytical solution for the time course of its populations, we discretize it in time using finite differences and apply explicit and implicit time integration schemes to solve it. To illustrate the features of the SEIR model, we simulate the early COVID-19 outbreak in Germany and China using reported case data. We compare two strategies to model outbreak control, the potentially susceptible population approach and the dynamic SEIR model. The learning objectives of this chapter on computational SEIR modeling are to
Nitrate contamination in the contiguous United States.

Nitrate is a highly mobile ion applied as fertilizer or derived by microbiologically induced oxidation of numerous nitrogen-containing chemicals. Because of the ubiquitous nature of nitrate sources, no American state is completely immune to nitrate contamination. Yet, nationally there is a skew distribution of nitrate-contaminated ground- and surface-water areas. The hydrogeology of a generic nitrate-vulnerable ground-water system is a sand and gravel or fractured-rock aquifer overlain by an unsaturated zone devoid of retarding layers. The overfertilization and overwatering that are associated with irrigated row-cropping increase the probability of developing problem areas in these regions. Streams receiving large amounts of runoff or lateral influent seepage in highly agricultural regions are vulnerable to nitrate contamination. To a large extent nitrate problems in the eastern Corn Belt are focused on surface waters. In the humid southeast the persistence of nitrate in the subsurface may not be long enough to create nonpoint problem areas.
On the Application of Wavelets to Model Predictive Control

Functions localized in both the time and frequency domains can serve as bases for signals. The paper reviews multiresolution analysis, and describes several advantages of using wavelet and wavelet-like basis functions for control. Model predictive control using a wavelet basis is demonstrated.
Cohomology of Grassmannians

In this chapter, we will deviate from our usual policy of giving complete proofs in order to explain some important matters. Among other things, we will see that the ring \(\mathcal{R}\) introduced in Chap. 34 has yet another interpretation in terms of the cohomology of Grassmannians.
Moebius-Invariant Function Spaces

A space Y of functions with domain S, or B, or \(\bar B\), is said to be Moebius-invariant, or simply M-invariant, if f o ψ ∈ Y for all f ∈ Y and all ψ ∈ Aut(B).
Formation of Giant Molecular Clouds

The formation of giant molecular clouds in supercloud complexes and in swept-up shells and layers is summarized. Applications to shocks in spiral density waves and to high latitude molecular clouds are discussed.
Family history of graft versus host

Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) occurs in 20–35% of bone marrow transplants. It occurs in less than 6% of solid organ transplants, though it has been reported in liver and small intestine. GVHD occurs when donor cells, transplanted into the recipient, see the recipient cells as foreign and attack. We report two cases of GVHD in sisters who received deceased donor kidney pancreas transplants. MeML, African American (AA), 29 year old, and MiM, AA, 27 year old. Antibody (Ab) analysis on MeML, immediately prior to transplant, indicated the presence of Abs to HLA B7 and B81, not Donor Specific Abs (DSA). No HLA class II Ab was detected. The final crossmatch (XM) was negative T cell by FWA, AHG, DTT FWA and DTT AHG. However, the B cell XM was positive by all methods. Flow XMs had a T cell MCS of 26 and B cell MCS of 36. The positive cutoffs for T Cell = 40 and B Cell = 80. One month post transplant there were no HLA class I Abs but class II Abs were detected to DQB1∗06:09, 06:03 and DQ5, none DSA. MiM had no Abs to HLA class I or II except on 5/24/2014 and 11/11/2013. Antibodies to HLA B81 was identified in 2013, not DSA, and DPB1∗04:01 in 2014, the donor DP was not available. The final XM was negative for HLA class I and class II by all methods. The flow XM was also negative for both T and B cells. GVHD diagnosis was based on Short Tandem Repeat Analysis by the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory. The HLA laboratory identified the possibility of Chimerism in MiM while performing confirmatory typing as she was being worked up for Living Related Bone Marrow Transplant with her father. MeML recovered from her GVHD and continues to do well. MiM succumbed to her GVHD, 74 days post transplant. These two cases clearly demonstrate the importance of analyzing for GVHD following kidney pancreas transplantation. Download full-size image Download full-size image
Analytical approaches to RNA profiling data for the identification of genes enriched in specific cells

We have recently developed a novel method for the affinity purification of the complete suite of translating mRNA from genetically labeled cell populations. This method permits comprehensive quantitative comparisons of the genes employed by each specific cell type. We provide a detailed description of tools for analysis of data generated with this and related methodologies. An essential question that arises from these data is how to identify those genes that are enriched in each cell type relative to all others. Genes relatively specifically employed by a cell type may contribute to the unique functions of that cell, and thus may become useful targets for development of pharmacological tools for cell-specific manipulations. We describe here a novel statistic, the specificity index, which can be used for comparative quantitative analysis to identify genes enriched in specific cell populations across a large number of profiles. This measure correctly predicts in situ hybridization patterns for many cell types. We apply this measure to a large survey of CNS cell-specific microarray data to identify those genes that are significantly enriched in each population Data and algorithms are available online (www.bactrap.org).
A functional type I topoisomerase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa encodes a putative topoisomerase with sequence similarity to the eukaryotic type IB topoisomerase from Vaccinia virus. Residues in the active site are conserved, notably Tyr292 which would be predicted to form the transient covalent bond to DNA. The gene encoding the P. aeruginosa topoisomerase I was cloned and expressed in E. coli. The enzyme relaxes supercoiled DNA, while a mutant containing a Tyr292 to Phe substitution at the active site was found to be catalytically inert. This is consistent with the role of Tyr in forming the covalent intermediate. Like Vaccinia topoisomerase, the P. aeruginosa topoisomerase relaxes DNA in the absence of ATP, but unlike Vaccinia topoisomerase, P. aeruginosa topoisomerase does not relax supercoiled DNA without MgCl2 present. In addition, high concentration of NaCl is not able to substitute for MgCl2 as seen for Vaccinia topoisomerase. A truncated derivative of the topoisomerase lacking residues 1–98 relaxes DNA, with both full length and truncated enzyme exhibiting equivalent requirements for divalent cations and the ability to relax DNA to completion, suggesting a shared domain organization. DNA-binding assays suggest an only modest preference for the CCCTT pentameric sequence required for transesterification by Vaccinia topoisomerase IB. P. aeruginosa encodes a functional topoisomerase with significant similarity to the type IB enzyme encoded by poxviruses. In contrast to the Vaccinia-encoded homolog, the P. aeruginosa-encoded enzyme requires divalent cations for catalytic activity, relaxes DNA to completion, and does not exhibit a strong preference for the pentameric sequence stringently required by the Vaccinia-encoded homolog. A comparison with the structure of poxviral topoisomerase in complex with DNA suggests that bacterial homologs of the eukaryotic type IB topoisomerase may exhibit a relaxed sequence preference due to the lack of conservation of certain residues involved in sequence-specific DNA contacts, and that interaction with an only modestly preferred sequence may result in suboptimal positioning of catalytic residues.
Size effects of nanocrystalline TiO2 on As(V) and As(III) adsorption and As(III) photooxidation.

Abstract The physicochemical properties of TiO2 particles in the diameter range between 6.6 and 30.1 nm and the effect of the crystalline size on arsenic adsorption and photocatalytical oxidation were investigated. TiO2 nanoparticles of different sizes were single-phase anatase. The adsorption capacity of the TiO2 for As(III) and As(V) increased linearly with the N2 Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (SBET) of the particles. There was not much difference in the rate of As(III) photooxidation when the diameter of the TiO2 nanoparticles was between 6.6 and 14.8 nm. However, the As(III) photooxidation rate clearly decreased when the particle size increased to 30.1 nm. Arsenite photooxidation data could be fitted with a first-order kinetics equation.
Blood Pressure and White-Matter Disease Progression in a Biethnic Cohort. Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background and Purpose— Blood pressure (BP) is a predictor of concurrent and subsequently measured white-matter hyperintensity (WMH), but longitudinal studies of WMH changes and data in black participants are lacking. We hypothesized that WMH progression would be (1) strongly related to BP in blacks and whites and (2) predicted more strongly by earlier (midlife) or cumulative BP measurements than by measures at older ages. Methods— Participants were 983 individuals (49% black) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study who underwent cerebral magnetic resonance imaging in 1993–1995 and 2004–2006. Associations between BP (measured at each of 5 visits, in addition to a time-averaged cumulative BP) and progression of WMHs were analyzed and compared. Results— Cumulative systolic BP (SBP) was the strongest BP predictor of WMH progression in adjusted models. Higher cumulative SBP (by 20 mm Hg) was associated with greater progression of WMHs and was similar in blacks (2.5 cm3, P<0.0001) and whites ...
Toward safer motor vehicles: Many “fatal” accidents can be survived, or avoided altogether, by adopting vehicle designs that stress safety over styling

No value is greater than that we set on human life, and so, to those concerned with the automobile, no responsibility is more important than the safety of passengers, drivers, transportation workers, and pedestrians. Yet you and I are the primary cause of needless highway accidents, not just because we impact roadside objects, pedestrians, and each other, but also because we tolerate safety deficiencies in our vehicles and in the highway system. It is time to demand reasonable action, to identify major safety problems, and to find and implement the most effective solutions. The lives saved and suffering prevented, combined with the economic savings involved, more than justify the research efforts and the cost of implementing them.
Evaluation of Genomic Prediction Methods for Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance is quantitative and diffi cult to evaluate. Genomic selection (GS) could accelerate FHB resistance breeding. We used U.S. cooperative FHB wheat nursery data to evaluate GS models for several FHB resistance traits including deoxynivalenol (DON) levels. For all traits we compared the models: ridge regression (RR), Bayesian LASSO (BL), reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHS) regression, random forest (RF) regression, and multiple linear regression (MLR) (fi xed effects). For DON, we evaluated additional prediction methods including bivariate RR models, phenotypes for correlated traits, and RF regression models combining markers and correlated phenotypes as predictors. Additionally, for all traits, we compared different marker sets including genomewide markers, FHB quantitative trait loci (QTL) targeted markers, and both sets combined. Genomic selection accuracies were always higher than MLR accuracies, RF and RKHS regression were often the most accurate methods, and for DON, marker plus trait RF regression was more accurate than all other methods. For all traits except DON, using QTL targeted markers alone led to lower accuracies than using genomewide markers. This study indicates that cooperative FHB nursery data can be useful for GS, and prior information about correlated traits and QTL could be used to improve accuracies in some cases.
Pulse radiolysis studies of solvated electrons in supercritical ethane with methanol as cosolvent.

Pulse radiolysis has been used to study the solvated electron in supercritical ethane with methanol as a cosolvent. These measurements give information about the liquid structure of the cosolvent i...
GPCR oligomers in pharmacology and signaling

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the largest families of cell surface receptors, and are the target of more than half of the current therapeutic drugs on the market. When activated by an agonist, the GPCR undergoes conformational changes that facilitate its interaction with heterotrimeric G proteins, which then relay signals to downstream intracellular effectors. Although GPCRs were thought to function as monomers, many studies support the hypothesis that G protein coupling involves the formation of GPCR homo- and/or hetero-complexes. These complex systems have been suggested to exhibit specific signaling cascades, pharmacological, internalization, and recycling properties. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the structure, function and dynamics of GPCR complexes, as well as the findings obtained in animal models.
A Phase I/II study of strontium-89 combined with gemcitabine in the treatment of patients with androgen independent prostate carcinoma and bone metastases.

BACKGROUND The objectives of the current study were to determine the maximum tolerated dose and to evaluate the efficacy of gemcitabine given in combination with strontium-89 to patients with androgen independent prostate carcinoma. METHODS Patients with androgen-independent prostate carcinoma and painful osteoblastic bone metastases were eligible. On a 12-week course, patients received gemcitabine (600 mg/m2 or 800 mg/m2) on Days 1, 8, 15, 43, 50, and 57. A single dose of strontium-89 (55 μCi/kg) was administered on Day 8. RESULTS Fifteen patients were registered, and all were assessable for response and toxicity. Four patients were treated at Dose Level 1 (gemcitabine 600 mg/m2) without dose-limiting toxicity. Eleven patients received a total of 13 courses at Dose Level 2 (gemcitabine 800 mg/m2). Platelet nadirs of 25,000–50,000 platelets per μL were common at Dose Level 2, and 1 patient had Grade 4 thrombocytopenia that was dose-limiting. Granulocyte nadirs up to < 500 granulocytes per μL occurred in 4 patients at Dose Level 2 and were reversible. There were no responses, as measured by prostate specific antigen concentration, although 6 patients (40%) had stable disease. CONCLUSIONS The authors concluded that 800 mg/m2 gemcitabine was the maximum tolerated dose for the combination. The study was terminated on the basis that an overall response rate > than 10% was unlikely. Further study at this dose level and schedule is not warranted. Cancer 2003;97:2988–94. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11412
Reversal of “no reflow” during vein graft stenting using high velocity boluses of intracoronary adenosine

Slow or no reflow is a serious problem complicating catheter-based revascularization of degenerated saphenous vein bypass grafts. We examined the efficacy of rapidly delivered, high-velocity injections of intracoronary adenosine to reverse 11 slow-flow events complicating stenting of diseased bypass grafts. Ten of 11 events were rapidly improved to TIMI 3 flow by this technique within 3.8+/-1.6 min of the initial adenosine injection. In an ex vivo model, 3-ml syringes created higher peak pressures and velocities than 10- and 20-ml syringes. We conclude that rapid and repeated high-velocity intragraft administration of adenosine is a promising new approach to promptly reverse no-reflow events complicating PTCA and stenting of diseased saphenous vein grafts. Ex vivo studies demonstrate a potentially important mechanical advantage with the use of small syringes for injection. Further randomized studies will be required to better define the mechanism(s) and efficacy of this approach for treating no reflow, including its use in native vessels.
Genetics in medical practice: the need for ultimate makeover.

“Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me” was the title of novel in the 1960s, but it could as easily have been the title of a manifesto for medical geneticists. Ever the underdogs of medicine, whether last in line for reimbursement or attention in medical education, medical geneticists may be the rightful heirs to Rodney Dangerfield's position as the chief recipients of “no respect.” It doesn't have to be that way. In an era when knowledge of genome structure and function is driving progress in all of medicine, it is no longer necessary to convince medical colleagues or the public that genetics is important. What is necessary is to convince them that the medical genetics community has a vision to guide the integration of genetics into medicine. Several articles in this issue of Genetics in Medicine deal with the challenges of genetics in medical practice, including misperceptions among patients and health providers and the lack of sophistication about genetics among recent medical school graduates. There is an opportunity for medical geneticists to be the Cinderellas of the new era of medical practice. I believe that three words embody the keys to the future: collaboration, responsibility, and quality.
Infinite-randomness criticality in a randomly layered Heisenberg magnet

We study the ferromagnetic phase transition in a randomly layered Heisenberg magnet using large-scale Monte Carlo simulations. Our results provide numerical evidence for the infinite-randomness scenario recently predicted within a strong-disorder renormalization-group approach. Specifically, we investigate the finite-size scaling behavior of the magnetic susceptibility, which is characterized by a nonuniversal power-law divergence in the Griffiths phase. We also study the perpendicular and parallel spin-wave stiffnesses in the Griffiths phase. In agreement with the theoretical predictions, the parallel stiffness is nonzero for all temperatures $Tl{T}_{c}$. In contrast, the perpendicular stiffness remains zero in part of the ordered phase, giving rise to anomalous elasticity. In addition, we calculate the in-plane correlation length, which diverges already inside the disordered phase at a temperature significantly higher than ${T}_{c}$. The time autocorrelation function within model $A$ dynamics displays an ultraslow logarithmic decay at criticality and a nonuniversal power law in the Griffiths phase.
Finkel-Biskis-Reilly Osteosarcoma Virus v-Fos Inhibits Adipogenesis and Both the Activity and Expression of CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein α, a Key Regulator of Adipocyte Differentiation *

Finkel-Biskis-Reilly (FBR) osteosarcoma virus v-Fos causes tumors of mesenchymal origin, including osteosarcomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, chondrosarcomas, and liposarcomas. Because the cell of origin in all these tumors is a pluripotent mesenchymal cell, the variety of tumors seen in mice which express FBR v-Fos implies that FBR v-Fos inhibits multiple differentiation pathways. To study the mechanism of FBR v-Fos' inhibition of mesenchymal differentiation, we utilized an in vitro model of adipocyte differentiation. We show by both morphological and biochemical means that FBR v-Fos inhibits adipocyte differentiation in vitro. This inhibition is due to FBR v-Fos' inhibition of the growth arrest characteristic of terminal differentiation and FBR v-Fos' inhibition of the expression and activity of a key regulator of this growth arrest, C/EBPα. The in vitro inhibition of adipogenesis by FBR v-Fos has in vivo significance as immunostaining of FBR v-Fos-induced tumors shows no CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (EBP)-α expression. These data implicate C/EBPα as a protein involved in the generation of liposarcomas.
Nonproducer Cooperative Interests and the Antitrust Laws

Cooperatives' ability to enlist the assistance of non‐producer and/or non‐cooperative firms in their marketing efforts has been severely limited by recent Supreme Court decisions. In Case‐Swayne Co. v. Sunkist Growers, Inc., the court held that Sunkist, with nongrower members, was not a Capper‐Volstead cooperative and therefore was not entitled to Capper‐Volstead exemption from prosecution under section 1 of the Sherman Act. Although the case provides a much needed guide for cooperative activity, it did not explicitly define what constitutes a producer. Nor did it provide an indication of the extent to which a cooperative can control or increase its share of the market and still not be held in violation of section 2 of the Sherman Act.
Modeling of the concentration particle size distribution effects on the rheology of highly concentrated suspensions

Abstract A formulation is proposed for the characterization of the physical effects of particle size distribution on the rheologic behavior of highly concentrated suspensions, including the coal slurry fuels that are classified as pseudoplastic and described by a yield-power law. The study employs as the basis a general expression that incorporates both the hydrodynamic and interparticle forces for the entire range of the applicable shear rates. Physically meaningful dimensionless parameters were employed to formulate each parameter in this general expression, which include the incipient (yield) stress, the apparent viscosities at low and high shear rates, and a flow parameter that is a measure of the suspension's deviation from Newtonian behavior. Applications were made with a wide range of data for various different highly concentrated suspensions. It was demonstrated that these formulations can adequately isolate the physical characteristics by accounting for the concentration and particle size distribution effects, while the non-physical characteristics are represented by a single suspension specific constant for each formulation.
Calcification at Fanning Atoll: ABSTRACT

End_Page 805------------------------------Alkalinity, pH, and salinity measurements were made during the summer of 1972, in the lagoon of Fanning Atoll, Line Islands. These measurements were used to estimate water residence time and the rate of various CO2 flux processes, particularly calcification. Residence time of water in the lagoon is about 1 month, and the calcification rate is about 1,000 g CaCO3 m-2yr-1. This rate is less than a third of what might have been anticipated on the basis of coral standing crop there. The lagoon water is supersaturated with respect to CaCO3, but is significantly less so than is the adjacent open-ocean water. Possibly the metabolic process of calcification is limited by this lowered saturation state. End_of_Article - Last_Page 806------------
Development of a group treatment for enhancing motivation to change PTSD symptoms

Readiness to change, particularly ambivalence or lack of awareness about the need to change, is a modifiable variable that may underlie poor posttreatment outcome found in some studies of combat veterans with PTSD. The authors describe the PTSD Motivation Enhancement (ME) Group, a manualized brief treatment that is conceptually based on the Stages of Change and draws on interventions from the literature on Motivational Interviewing techniques. The PTSD ME Group targets any PTSD symptom or related problem behavior (e.g., anger, hypervigilance, owning weapons, depression, and substance use) that patients report ambivalence about changing or feel no need to change. The goal of the group is to help patients make decisions about the need to change any behaviors, coping styles, or beliefs not previously recognized as problematic. Although definitive statements about the effectiveness of the group await controlled trials, initial findings indicate that patients are responding to the group as predicted. Further research will test the hypothesis that addition of the PTSD ME Group to a PTSD treatment program is associated with better learning, practice, and implementation of coping skills, which, in turn, should predict better posttreatment functioning.
Fiber type composition and postmetamorphic growth of anuran hindlimb muscles.

Fiber type composition distinguished by the level of succinic dehydrogenase, mean fiber diameter, and fiber number were determined for the gracilis major and sartorius in ontogenetic series of the anurans Rana pipiens, Bufo americanus, and Xenopus laevis to characterize muscle composition and mode of muscle growth. A correlation can be made between the respective locomotor mode of these anurans, their activity physiology, and the fiber type composition of the propulsive muscles. R. pipiens and X. laevis have hindlimb muscles composed primarily of fast-twitch, fast-fatiguing type 1 fibers. B. americanus's muscles are composed of slow-twitch, slow-fatiguing type 2 and type 3 fibers. Fiber typing is apparently useful in explaining interspecific anuran locomotor capability previously difficult to correlate with body shape. Fiber typing also affords an explantion for reported variations in metabolism during strenuous activity. Postmetamorphically, anuran muscles grow by a combination of hyperplasia and hypertrophy, but the percent fiber type composition remains unchanged. In R. pipiens and X. laevis, the muscles grow primarily by hypertrophy with the addition of relatively fewer fibers. The converse is true for B. americanus. In all three species the combinations result in strong positive allometric increases in muscle cross section. Anuran muscle growth is similar to that reported for fish and different from that associated with mammals.
An Exploration of Improving the Properties of Heavy Bio-oil

In recent years, much effort has been directed toward the production of bio-oil from biomass and the upgrading of bio-oil to advanced biofuels. However, most research has focused on promoting the yield and quality of raw bio-oil and exploring valid methods for converting raw bio-oil into hydrocarbons that can be directly processed in a petroleum refinery. In practice, raw bio-oil is unstable and easily changes into viscous compounds with high molecular weights (heavy bio-oil) through polymerization as storage time increases. This leads to added difficulty in subsequent pumping/operating because of the high viscosity of heavy bio-oil (more than 5000 cP at 20 °C). Two-stage hydrotreating/cracking experiments were carried out to explore a valid method for improving heavy bio-oil’s properties in an autoclave reactor under different process conditions. Heavy bio-oil was placed in an autoclave along with a combination of metal-based catalyst with zeolite. After a heat treatment at 250 °C for 4 h, the heavy bio-...
Replicated distributed programs

This dissertation presents a new software architecture for fault-tolerant distributed programs. This new architecture allows replication to be added transparently and flexibly to existing programs. Tuning the availability of a replicated program becomes a programming-in-the-large problem that a programmer need address only after the individual modules have been written and verified. The increasing reliance that people place on computer systems makes it essential that those systems remain available. The low cost of computer hardware and the high cost of computer software make replicated distributed programs an attractive solution to the problem of providing fault-tolerant operation. A troupe is a set of replicas of a module, executing on machines that have independent failure modes. Troupes are the building blocks of replicated distributed programs and the key to achieving high availability. Individual members of a troupe do not communicate among themselves, and are unaware of one another''s existence; this property is what distinguishes troupes from other software architectures for fault tolerance. Replicated procedure call is introduced to handle the many- to-many pattern of communication between troupes. Replicated procedure cal is an elegant and powerful way of expressing many distributed algorithms. The semantics of replicated procedure call can be summarized as exactly-once execution at all replicas. An implementation of troupes and replicated procedure call is described. Experiments were conducted to measure the performance of this implementation; an analysis of the results of these experiments is presented. The problem of concurrency control for troupes is examined, and algorithms for replicated atomic transactions are presented as a solution. Binding and reconfiguration mechanisms for replicated distributed programs are described, and the problem of when to replace failed troupe members is analyzed. Several issues relating to programming languages and environments for reliable distributed applications are discussed. Integration of the replication mechanisms into current programming languages is accomplished by means of stub compilers. Four stub compilers are examined, and some lessons learned form them are presented. A language for specifying troupe configurations is described, and the design of a configuration manager, a programming-in-the-large tool for configuring replicated distributed programs, is presented.
Evaluation of biokinetic coefficients in degradation of oilfield produced water under varying salt concentrations

Biokinetic coefficients were evaluated for a New Mexico oilfield produced water. Total n-alkane removal efficiencies greater than 99% were achieved. Using respirometric techniques for determination of the biokinetic constants, values of 1.37 mg/l and 0.136 h−1 were obtained for Ks and μmax, respectively. Evaluation of specific growth rates at various levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration exhibited a distinct reduction from 0.131 to 0.047 h−1, when TDS concentrations exceeded 90,000 mg/l. Changes in cell yield were also evident, however, yields increased from 0.41 to 0.69 mg biomass/mg total n-alkane. Carbon material balances for all respirometric substrate level testing achieved recoveries greater than 98%.
Detonability of hydrogen-oxygen mixtures in large vessels at low initial pressures.

Detonability of hydrogen-oxygen mixtures in large vessels at low initial pressures, using strong and weak igniters
Optimal pollution permit endowments in markets with endogenous emissions

Abstract In a permit market with endogenous emissions, both firms and citizens purchase permits. Presented here are static and dynamic models of pollution permit markets with endogenous emissions. The optimal permit endowments are characterized when the regulator faces uncertainty about damages and uncertainty about the severity of the citizens’ collective action problem. Due to the possibility of learning over time, the regulator issues a larger number of permits in the first period of the dynamic model than in the static model.
Interaction of Coping Style and Cognitive Strategies in the Management of Acute Pain

Congruence between coping style and cognitive strategy was hypothesized to maximize the management of acute pain. Forty-eight undergraduates, half repressors and half sensitizers, were assigned to cognitive distraction, sensation monitoring, or no instruction, after which they were exposed to pressure stimulation. Two 2 × 3 (coping style x experimental condition) ANOVAs of pain tolerance and distress ratings did not yield interactions, but demonstrated that cognitive distraction facilitated higher tolerance than sensation monitoring or no instruction. These findings are discussed in terms of flexibility in cognitive coping and the methodological paradigms used in analogue research on pain, and are generalized to acute clinical pain.
A novel biodegradable system based on gelatin nanoparticles and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres for protein and peptide drug delivery

Gelatin nanoparticle-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microsphere composites were prepared by encapsulating protein-loaded gelatin nanoparticles in PLGA microspheres. This encapsulation was conducted by using a phase separation method and a solvent extraction method. The average diameter of the gelatin nanoparticle-PLGA microsphere composites is between 160 and 175 μm. Protein loading efficiency is 93.2% for the nanoparticle-microsphere composite prepared by the phase separation method, while it is 31.31% for the composite prepared by the solvent extraction method. Protein release experiments indicate that this new composite system possesses sustained release characteristics. This system also demonstrates the capability of preventing the denaturation of protein drugs.
How Programmers Debug, Revisited: An Information Foraging Theory Perspective

Many theories of human debugging rely on complex mental constructs that offer little practical advice to builders of software engineering tools. Although hypotheses are important in debugging, a theory of navigation adds more practical value to our understanding of how programmers debug. Therefore, in this paper, we reconsider how people go about debugging in large collections of source code using a modern programming environment. We present an information foraging theory of debugging that treats programmer navigation during debugging as being analogous to a predator following scent to find prey in the wild. The theory proposes that constructs of scent and topology provide enough information to describe and predict programmer navigation during debugging, without reference to mental states such as hypotheses. We investigate the scope of our theory through an empirical study of 10 professional programmers debugging a real-world open source program. We found that the programmers' verbalizations far more often concerned scent-following than hypotheses. To evaluate the predictiveness of our theory, we created an executable model that predicted programmer navigation behavior more accurately than comparable models that did not consider information scent. Finally, we discuss the implications of our results for enhancing software engineering tools.
Ostrich ancestors found in the Northern Hemisphere suggest new hypothesis of ratite origins

Modern ratites (ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, emus, and kiwis) are flightless birds which have a palatal structure termed ‘palaeog-nathous’1 and are found on daughter-landmasses of the Mesozoic supercontinent Gondwanaland. It has been suggested2–4 that a single flightless ancestor, widely distributed in Gondwanaland, gave rise to the various lineages of ratite birds. The temporal calibration of the DNA molecular clock is primarily based on the divergence of ratites, and depends on the validity of this hypothesis. Newly studied fossils suggest that the ancestors of ostriches are instead among a group of North American and European birds, the ‘Lithornis-cohort’, that had the potential of flight and from which the kiwis may have arisen separately.
In vitro packaging of bacteriophage T4 DNA.

Abstract Bacteriophage T4 can be formed in an in vitro DNA packaging system which requires addition of exogenous T4 DNA. Extracts prepared from bacteria infected with mutants 20cs, 17cs, 16am, 17am, or 16am–17am contain processed proheads. These appear to be efficient DNA acceptors in the in vitro system. Packaging of mature T4 DNA is more efficient than of concatemeric T4 DNA. The phage yield is proportional to the quantity of DNA and prohead-containing extract added. Activity requires addition of nucleoside triphosphate, Mg2+, and is inhibited by 9-amino acridine. gpl6 and gp17, the primary T4 DNA packaging gene products, are essential, but 16am and 17am mutants appear not to complement each other in vitro. Many T4 recombinants, including multiple recombinants, appear to be generated by in vitro recombination in this system. In vitro T4 DNA packaging conforms to expectations based upon analysis of T4 mutants and head assembly in vivo and displays fundamental similarity to that of other complex double-stranded DNA phages.
Rapidly resolving pure motor hemiparesis in a healthy young male.

A 45-year-old, right handed Caucasian farmer who did not smoke, or have hypertension or diabetes, developed left-sided arm and leg weakness during strenuous physical activity. He had been working in the field on a hot day. His blood pressure was 144/89 mm Hg, heart rate 100 beats per minute, and respiratory rate, 17 per minute. Neurologically, a pure motor left hemiparesis was present. Other systemic examination was unremarkable. His hematological and complete metabolic profiles were within normal limits. His drug screen was positive for amphetamines and caffeine. The vasculitic and hypercoagulability work-up were negative, and his electrocardiogram, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms were normal.
On singular singularly-perturbed initial value problems

Consider the vector initial value problem with for a singular matrix F(t) of constant rank with stable eigenvalues and zero eigenvalues having simple elementary divisors. This paper shows how to determine the unique limiting solution when the reduced problem is solvable and how to obtain a uniform asymptotic expansion for the solution on finite t intervals.
Laminar restriction of retinal macrophagic response to optic nerve axotomy in the rat.

Following optic nerve transection, most of the retinal ganglion cells die. Their debris is promptly cleared by phagocytic cells. It is currently not known to what extent peripherally derived macrophages contribute to this activity. Using antibodies OX42 and ED-1, phagocytic cells were labeled in the retinas of optic nerve lesioned adult rats. To distinguish whether the cells were reactive microglial or macrophagic in origin, blood-borne monocytes were labeled with fluorescent microspheres while in the systemic circulation. Macrophages invaded the retina, but only in the nerve fiber layer, sparing the ganglion cell and other layers. These macrophages engulfed only the axonal debris from dying ganglion cells, not their degenerating cell bodies. These results indicate that although peripherally derived monocytic cells are recruited into the retrogradely degenerating retina, their role in clearing debris is limited to the optic fiber layer. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 40: 55–66, 1999
Cranial metastasis of canine transmissible venereal sarcoma.

Summary We report a metastatic tumour of canine transmissible venereal sarcoma (CTVS) origin within the cranial cavity of a dog following regression of the subcutaneously transplanted primary tumour. The identity of the metastatic neoplasm was established by immunofluorescence assay for tumour-associated antigen and by electron microscopy. Zusammenfassung Craniale Metastase eines ubertragbaren Genitalsarkoms beim Hund: Es wird uber eine Tumormetastase eines caninen ubertragbaren Genitalsarkoms in der Schadelhohle eines Hundes nach Regression eines subcutan implantierten Primartumors berichtet. Die Identitat des metastatischen Neoplasmas wurde mittels Immunfluoreszenz-Untersuchungen auf Tumor-assoziierte Antigene sowie durch elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen aufgeklart.
National hospital volume in acute pancreatitis: analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 1998-2006.

Abstract Background The optimal management of acute pancreatitis remains controversial and current treatment protocols vary in degrees of medical and surgical management. Our group has previously shown in population-based studies that high-volume (HV) hospitals have lower rates of in-hospital mortality after pancreatectomy. We sought to examine if a similar mortality benefit exists for patients admitted with acute pancreatitis. Methods Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), we examined discharge records for all adult admissions during 1998–2006 with a primary diagnosis of acute pancreatitis of any aetiology. Unique hospital identifiers were used to divide hospital volumes into equal thirds based on the number of admissions for acute pancreatitis per year (lowest tertile [low volume, LV]≤64 admissions/year; medium tertile [medium volume, MV] 65–117 admissions/year; highest tertile [high volume, HV]≥118 admissions/year). Covariates included patient demographics, hospital characteristics and patient co-morbidities using the Elixhauser index. Adjusted mortality represented the primary outcome measure and adjusted length of stay (LOS) and total charges were considered secondary measures. Results There were 416 489 primary admissions for acute pancreatitis during the study period. In-hospital mortality for the cohort amounted to 1.6% ( n = 6446). Hospital admissions for acute pancreatitis increased over the study period ( P P P Conclusions Rates of admissions for acute pancreatitis in the USA are increasing. High annual hospital volume of acute pancreatitis cases confers a shorter LOS, lower adjusted mortality and a lower likelihood of pancreatic procedure for patients admitted with acute pancreatitis. Although HV hospitals were less likely than MV or LV centres to perform pancreatic procedures, the role of surgery remains unclear. Further studies should examine other possible reasons for this mortality benefit, such as the availability of specialists, the quality of critical care facilities and the timing of operative intervention.
Visualizing Cross-Media Coverage: Picturing War Across Platforms During the U.S.-Led Invasion of Iraq

The journalistic practice of convergence—media outlets sharing similar content across platforms—has sometimes been criticized as leading to homogenization of the news. Yet few studies have attempted to determine how much content is duplicated among convergence partners or, more generally, among print, broadcast, and online outlets. This study adds to our understanding of content differences among media platforms by comparing visual coverage of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in print, on television, and on the Internet. The data from 1,822 war-related images show that these media platforms generally differed significantly in their visual coverage of the 2003 invasion. This study, grounded in Shoemaker and Reese's hierarchy of influences on media content, suggests that differences were largely driven by separate platform routines and norms. In the few cases where content converged in a visual monologue, extramedia influences, such as government action, seem likely to have influenced image selection.