cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of the antibiotic phomalactone from the entomopathogenic fungusHirsutella thompsonii var.synnematosa.

Dichloromethane extracts of culture broth from three strains of the entomopathogenic fungusHirsutella thompsonii var.synnematosa were toxic to two species of tephritid fruit fly and inhibited conidial germination in vitro in several other entomopathogenic fungi includingBeauveria bassiana, Tolypocladium spp., andMetarhizium anisopliae. A major metabolite, toxic to apple maggot,Rhagoletis pomonella, and inhibitory to conidial germination inB. bassiana, was isolated and identified as the antibiotic (+)-phomalactone, 6-(1-propenyl)-5,-6-dihydro-5-hydroxypyran-2-one. This is the first biologically active compound of low molecular weight isolated from the genusHirsutella.
Use of multiple regression analysis to estimate average corn yields using selected soils and climatic data

Abstract A systematic method for predicting corn yields was developed using research plots, selected soil properties and climatic data. :Multiple regression analyses were employed to generate coefficients for the relative contributions of selected soil properties and climatic data from five experimental research plots located in New York State. Yield data were collected from 2 to 19 years, along with climatic data. The soils at each of the plots were mapped, described, sampled, characterized, classified and interpreted. Linear equations, with coefficients generated from the multiple regression analyses, were developed from 43 years of corn data at five research plots. The predictive linear equation was tested at an independent experimental plot with 19 years ofactual corn yield data. The resulting linear relationship between actual and estimated corn yields had an r2 of 0·52. The model did, however, predict an average corn yield (for 19 years) within 194 kg ha−1 (3 %) of the actual average corn yield. The equations have the potential to predict the average 20-year crop yields under high management for all soil map units in New York State.
ANSI/AIAA guide for estimating spacecraft systems contingencies applied to the NASA GLAST mission

An assessment is conducted of the mass and power contingency trends experienced by NASA's gamma ray large area telescope (GLAST) mission from the bid to CDR program design stages with respect to the ANSI/AIAA guide for estimating and budgeting weight and power contingencies for spacecraft systems G-020-1992. The GLAST spacecraft is a gamma ray telescope observatory that is scheduled to be launched into low Earth orbit in late 2007. The GLAST observatory consists of a spacecraft bus that supports two instruments - the large area telescope (LAT) and the GLAST burst monitor (GBM). Mass and power contingencies for each of these three observatory elements have been allocated and managed based on application of the ANSI/AIAA guide. The correlation of the GLAST experience with the guide is analyzed and suggestions are offered to potential users of the guide for increasing the effectiveness of their application of it on other missions. The results of this paper contribute to the constructive evolution of this important aspect of systems engineering design practice.
Physical Simulation of Cutting Process and Optimization of Cutting Parameters

Based on metal cutting theory and the key technology of finite element simulation, this paper uses finite element software Deform to establish three-dimensional finite element simulation model and simulate cutting process. This paper uses the work piece material is IN718 high temperature alloys packaged in Deform, and analyzes the processing characteristics of high temperature, choosing the right tools and cutting dosages to simulate. Through the simulation we can get scraps forming process, the surface stress, strain, temperature and cutting force distribution of the workpiece and the tool. We can also get the change rule of cutting force and cutting temperature under the different cutting parameters. The simulation results provide the theoretical basis for the optimization of cutting parameter selection in production practice.
An adaptable and distributed load adjustment algorithm

Load adjusting in a distributed system enables a distributed service path to perform its task without getting overloaded. This is achieved by accepting into the path only the amount of messages the path can serve within the acceptable bounds. A distributed algorithm is proposed to take care of this problem. The algorithm which has two distributed parts is shown to perform well under reasonable conditions, and even under a multitude of faults it still performs better than the original system. A major problem faced by the algorithm is the prediction of the system's behavior in the uncertain interval between the entrance of the messages into the system and their exit. To this end, several techniques are used and the comparison among them is done by simulation.
Stable Queue Management in communication networks

Abstract Since Active Queue Management (AQM) was recommended by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as an efficient way to overcome performance limitations of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), several studies have proven control theory to be a promising field for the design and analysis of congestion control in homogenous communication networks. AQM is gaining increased importance due to reports of buffer-induced latencies throughout the Internet. The increasing volume and diversity of traffic types (i.e., data, voice, and video) suggests that traffic management mechanisms, in general, and AQM schemes, specifically, must not only focus on the critical issue of congestion control but must also consider the QoS demands of heterogeneous traffic. However, to combine quality-of-service provisioning with congestion control, AQM design needs to be reconsidered. In this paper, we propose a state feedback controller design scheme for heterogeneous networks preserving the closed-loop system stability. Delay dependant stability conditions of the closed loop system are derived based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii method. The proposed approach offers flexible choice of control parameters allowing the network administrator to control fairness and response time for each individual source node in a network of multiple links with different delay properties. The performance and robustness of the proposed controller were illustrated and analyzed using event-based computer simulations.
A comparative study of self-propelled and towed wakes in a stratified fluid

Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of axisymmetric wakes with canonical towed and self-propelled velocity profiles are performed at Re = 50 000 on a grid with approximately 2 billion grid points. The present study focuses on a comparison between towed and self-propelled wakes and on the elucidation of buoyancy effects. The development of the wake is characterized by the evolution of maxima, area integrals and spatial distributions of mean and turbulence statistics. Transport equations for mean and turbulent energies are utilized to help understand the observations. The mean velocity in the self-propelled wake decays more rapidly than the towed case due to higher shear and consequently a faster rate of energy transfer to turbulence. Buoyancy allows a wake to survive longer in a stratified fluid by reducing the 〈u1′u3′〉 correlation responsible for the mean-to-turbulence energy transfer in the vertical direction. This buoyancy effect is especially important in the self-propelled case because it allows regions of positive and negative momentum to become decoupled in the vertical direction and decay with different rates. The vertical wake thickness is found to be larger in self-propelled wakes. The role of internal waves in the energetics is determined and it is found that, later in the evolution, they can become a dominant term in the balance of turbulent kinetic energy. The non-equilibrium stage, known to exist for towed wakes, is also shown to exist for self-propelled wakes. Both the towed and self-propelled wakes, at Re = 50000, are found to exhibit a time span when, although the turbulence is strongly stratified as indicated by small Froude number, the turbulent dissipation rate decays according to inertial scaling.
The relationship between gas phase oxidation strengths and graphite intercalation reactions

Abstract The parameters governing the reactivity of various compounds with graphite have been poorly understood [1]. The role of free halogen acting as an oxidant or catalyst has been debated (FeCl 3 and AlCl 3 ). The frequent reaction of many, but not all, Lewis acids with graphite has been noted (PF 5 vs. AsF 5 ). In this paper, an impressive correlation between the gas phase heats of oxidation among families of reactants and the reaction or lack of reaction with graphite is given. This correlation of some 30 reactions allows predictions for the reaction of approximately 20 other reagents. This correlation with heats of gas phase oxidations unifies the earlier disparate criteria for reaction into a single criterion that a particular level of oxidation is essential for reaction with graphite.
Input Shaping Vibration Control for Nonminimum Phase Systems

Many systems exist that contain coupled rigid body and flexible body dynamics. Rigid body repositioning of these systems can be problematic due to unwanted residual vibration of the flexible body degrees of freedom. Input shaping is a method for generating system commands creating desired rigid body motion where the flexible body motion being quiescent at the end of the maneuver. Either operator-in-the-loop or batch commands are convolved with a carefully designed input shaping filter to produce the eventual system input. Systems with minimum phase zeros are easily accommodated using input shaping filters designed for the system without zeros, and then using a secondary pole-zero cancellation filter. This approach cannot be practically applied to nonminimum phase systems since the resulting system input may become unbounded. This paper considers input shaping methods for generating residual vibration-free input time histories for non-minimum phase, oscillatory systems using bounded inputs. An example is presented where the system is an undamped oscillator with a single right plant zero.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The IIT MST in computer science program

The MST program at Illinois Institute of Technology evolved as a result of Computer Science emerging as a separate discipline at the secondary school level. The State of Illinois and the Chicago Board of Education have both been investigating certification for Computer Science teachers, but at present only two states, Wisconsin and Minnesota, have certification programs for teachers of Computer Science. In the not too far distant future there will be certification programs in many states and the IIT MST program in Computer Science is designed to meet those requirements.It is important to realize before discussing the program itself that the MST program is not designed to teach people how to teach. Before entering the program, a teacher must have at least three years of superior teaching experience as well as recommendations from his principal attesting to his quality as a teacher. Of the 32 semester hours required for the MST degree, a maximum of 12 semester hours are in Computer Pedagogy, with the norm being nine. In addition, students in the program study on a part-time basis to encourage use of the principles studied at IIT in their own classrooms.
Calculation of Nonlinear Optical Susceptibilities Using Diagrammatic Perturbation Theory

The availability of intense electromagnetic fields produced by lasers has stimulated experimental and theoretical investigations of nonlinear optical phenomena such as second-harmonic generation. Coefficients descriptive of such processes in a medium may be calculated in terms of the matrix elements and characteristic frequencies of the medium by conventional quantum-mechanical perturbation theory of sufficient order. Calculations of this sort for several specific cases have been presented by Armstrong et al., and others. The present paper (i) applies diagrammatic techniques borrowed from field theory to the perturbation calculations, which simplifies the algebra and offers some insight into the structure of the nonlinear processes, and (ii) provides a convenient collection of results for many of the nonlinear optical processes of present and potential interest.
Sex differences in pituitary-gonadal regulation of hepatic 5α-reductase and 16α-hydroxylase

Abstract In an effort to more fully understand the mechanisms which regulate 5 α -reductase and 16 α -hydroxylase. these studies have examined the effects of prepubertal hypophysectomy (HYPOX) on day 21, castration (CASTR) on day 42, or HYPOX (day 21) + CASTR (day 42) on adult (day 65) hepatic enzyme activity and enzyme modulation (responsiveness) by postpubertal hormone administration. In intact adult rats, hepatic -5 α -reductase is significantly higher in females compared to males whereas 16 α -hydroxylase is significantly higher in male livers. Castration results in a feminization of both 5 α -reductase (increase) and 16 α -hydroxylase (decrease) in the male rat, but has no effect in the female rat. HYPOX or HYPOXCASTR virtually abolishes 5 α -reductase in both sexes; 16 α -hydroxylase is also significantly decreased in male rats following HYPOX or HYPOX-CASTR. Conversely. HYPOX or HYPOX-CASTR of the female rat results in an elevation of 16 α -hydroxylase. Female enzyme activities are unresponsive to the designated hormone treatment regardless of the surgical (endocrine) status of the animal. In contrast, estradiol-17 β (E 2 ) treatment feminizes both 16 α -hydroxylase (decrease) and 5 α -reductase (increase) in the intact male rat. while testosterone propionate (TP) treatment masculinizes (increased 16 α -hydroxylase and decreased 5 α -reductase activity) both enzymes in the castrate male rat. Enzyme levels are unaltered by hormone treatment in the absence of the pituitary. These studies indicate that hepatic 16 α -hydroxylase and 5 α -reductase are modulated by E 2 and TP in the male rat. whereas equivalent doses do not change enzyme activities in female rats. These findings also suggest sex-dependent differences in sensitivity and/or regulatory mechanisms of these enzymes.
Digital computation of image complex-amplitude from intensities in two image-space planes

Abstract We propose here an algorithm for computing the image complex-amplitude, given two planar irradiance distribution recordings, i.e., pictures. These pictures have differing amounts of defocus; they are recordings made at differing distances from the coherent imaging system's exit pupil. The algorithm is non-iterative and can be extended to deal with two-dimensional images.
Cardiovascular responsiveness of the pig fetus to autonomic blockade

We studied the development of responsiveness to pharmacological blockade of parasympathetic, α-adrenergic and β-adrenergic control of the circulation of the pig fetus during the last 30 days of gestation (term is 114 days). Heart rate increased following administration of atropine, the increase in fetuses aged 85–90 days gestation being significantly smaller then at term. Infusion of phentolamine decreased fetal blood pressure, the fall in pressure seen in younger fetuses being less than that observed in fetuses near term. However, when expressed in relation to control pressures, the percentage change was the same at all ages. Propranolol slowed the heart rate of all fetuses with no significant differences between stages of gestation. We conclude that vagal control over the circulation continues to ncrease during the last month of gestation and that the substantial sympathetic activity seen at the earlier ages studied appeared to show no further development prior to term.
Acid-sensitive arylether-protected poly(4-hydroxystyrene) derivatives for chemically amplified deep-UV positive resists

This paper presents the synthesis, electronic absorption characteristics, thermal stability, acid sensitivity and lithographic potential of (alpha) -methylbenzylether protected poly(hydroxystyrene) derivatives. The results demonstrate the potential of (alpha) -methylbenzylether as an acid labile protecting group in the design of high performance DUV positive tone resist materials.
Theory of smectic A : A molecular model containing steric effects

Starting with a pairwise, spatially and orientationally dependent intermolecular potential constructed to include steric effects, we carry out a systematic solution of the mean-field equation for liquid crystals. A model parameter which is connected to the molecular structure measures the strength of the steric forces. Its inclusion makes possible a semiquantitative comparison of our results to the experimentally obtained phase diagrams of several homologous series. The model predicts phase diagrams similar to that found by Lee et al. Improvements over the latter include (1) the characteristic feature of the smectic $A$ phase, that the director prefers to be perpendicular to the smectic layers, arises naturally from our model; (2) the connection of one of our model parameters with the structure of molecules can now be used to explain the differences in phase-transition properties between homologous series whose molecules are of similar structure but differ in the length of the rigid section.
Adaptive optimal checkpoint interval and its impact on system's overall quality in soft real-time applications

Soft real-time systems often have to consider both timing and probabilistic fault-tolerance requirements. When checkpointing techniques are used for fault tolerance purposes, the checkpointing frequency unyieldingly affects the system's overall quality measured by an integrated value of system QoS properties, such as availability, task execution time, and task deadline miss probability. In this paper, we first formally analyze the relationships between checkpoint interval and system availability, task execution time, and task deadline miss probability, respectively by considering a Poisson probabilistic fault model. We further define the system's overall quality as a weighted sum of these three QoS measures, from which an optimization problem is formulated to decide the checkpoint interval that maximizes system's overall quality. Also presented in the paper are a prototype implementation of a framework that allows adaptive checkpointing and a set of experiments executed upon the framework that further validate our analytical results.
A data stream language and system designed for power and extensibility

By providing an integrated and optimized support for user-defined aggregates (UDAs), data stream management systems (DSMS) can achieve superior power and generality while preserving compatibility with current SQL standards. This is demonstrated by the Stream Mill system that, through is Expressive Stream Language (ESL), efficiently supports a wide range of applications - including very advanced ones such as data stream mining, streaming XML processing, time-series queries, and RFID event processing. ESL supports physical and logical windows (with optional slides and tumbles) on both built-in aggregates and UDAs, using a simple framework that applies uniformly to both aggregate functions written in an external procedural languages and those natively written in ESL. The constructs introduced in ESL extend the power and generality of DSMS, and are conducive to UDA-specific optimization and efficient execution as demonstrated by several experiments.
The influence of a compressive stress on the nonlinear response of ferroelectric crystals

The origin of nonlinearity in a ferroelectric crystal is domain reorientation, and such a process can be affected by the presence of a compressive stress. In this article we examine how a superimposed compression affects the evolution of new domain and how it changes the shape of the hysteresis loop. We start out by considering the thermodynamic driving force for domain reorientation, and then use a dual-phase homogenization theory to calculate the overall response. To uncover the influence of a compressive stress, the theory is used to calculate the hysteresis loop between the electric displacement D and the electric field E of a BaTiO3 crystal, first without and then with a compression, using a two-consecutive 90 switch model (i.e. 0 ? 90 ? 180). It is found that, from the initial 0 position, the compressive stress will increase the thermodynamic driving force and promote an earlier onset of the 90 domain, but its presence will cause a significant delay for the reorientation process to pass through the intermediate 90 state in route to its final 180 configuration. The D vs. E loop then exhibits a more round shape and a lesser steep slope near the coercive field. The delayed passage and more rounded shape are found to be consistent with a recent experimental observation [Burcsu et al., 2004. J. Mech. Phys. Solids 52, 823–846]. 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Kinetic characterization of enhanced lipase activity on oil bodies.

Enzyme access, kinetic behavior, and protein–protein interactions are critical for explaining reaction of the metabolites contained within the myriad compartments of biological systems. To explore these relationships, the reaction kinetics of oil bodies versus oil emulsions as substrates for lipolytic reactions were measured. The initial rate of hydrolysis for the oil body system was comparatively very low due to a brief latency period. However, the complete activation of the lipase at the interface resulted in an enzyme–membrane complex that was catalytically enhanced 3–15-fold over the emulsion system for substrate concentrations in the measured range of approximately 1–5.5 mM. This disparity is explained by the availability of substrate to the enzyme active site (defined as the availability parameter “A”) which varies between the two substrates by 40-fold. A simple hyperbolic kinetic mechanism is proposed with Km replaced by the parameter, A, to account for this phenomenon, leading to a maximum rate of approximately 1450 IU/mg protein. The interaction is verified through separation of the enzyme–membrane complex which shows nearly double the activity towards an emulsified soybean oil substrate (activity ratio of 5:3) when compared to the native enzyme.
The absence of preadaptive oxidation of galactose by strains of Saccharomyces

Abstract 1. 1. Commercial galactose was freed of carbohydrate contaminants by treatment with baker's yeast under aerobic conditions. Volatile products of the oxidation and volatile impurities in the original preparation were removed by evaporating the yeast-treated solution under reduced pressure. 2. 2. The addition of the specially purified galactose to unadapted strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (LK and K) and to various strains of the Carbondale stock produced no sudden stimulation of respiration nor any immediate utilization of galactose from the medium. Its addition to adapted strains resulted in immediate fermentation of the galactose. 3. 3. The results are interpreted to indicate that the preadaptive oxidation of galactose is unlikely in the strains studied.
Photo-crosslinkable polymers as hole-transport materials for organic light-emitting diodes

A bis(diarylamino)biphenyl-functionalised methacrylate has been synthesised and polymerised to give a hole-transport polymer; copolymerisation with a chalcone- or cinnamate-functionalised methacrylate affords photo-crosslinkable hole-transport polymers that become insoluble upon exposure to ultra-violet irradiation. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) were fabricated based on both crosslinked and non-crosslinked hole-transport polymers, and the performances of the devices were evaluated.
A procedure for the calculation of supersonic flows with strong viscous-inviscid interaction

The present paper is concerned with the calculation of strong viscous-inviscid interactions in two-dimensional laminar supersonic flows with and without separation. The equations solved are the so-called parabolized Navier-Stokes equations. The streamwise pressure gradient term is written as a combination of a forward and a backward difference to provide a path for upstream propagation of information. Global iteration is utilized to repeatedly update the pressure field from an initial guess until convergence is achieved. The numerical scheme employed is a new alternating direction explicit (ADE) procedure which is used as an alternative to the more difficult to program multigrid strategy to accelerate convergence. Results are presented for flows past two flat plate related bodies.
Vector model for SU 3

A schematic presentation for the various representations ofSU3 is presented. The results are a generalization of the vector model forSU2 and O3. The decomposition of Kronecker products of representations is easily effected by the rules given here.
Substrate Specificity of Mammalian Prenyl Protein-Specific Endoprotease Activity †

We have previously identified proteolytic activity in rat liver microsomes that cleaves an intact tripeptide, VIS, from S-farnesylated-CVIS tetrapeptide. This enzymatic activity, termed prenyl protein-specific endoprotease (PPEP) activity, has been solubilized in CHAPS and purified 5-fold. To probe the peptide recognition features of PPEP activity, 64 tripeptides [N-acetyl-C(S-farnesyl)a1a2] were prepared and tested as competitive inhibitors of PPEP activity-catalyzed hydrolysis of N-acetyl-C(S-farnesyl)VI[3H]S. It was found that PPEP activity prefers large hydrophobic residues in the a1 and a2 positions. A subset of N-acetyl-C(S-farnesyl)a1a2 peptides were prepared in radiolabeled form, and it was found that PPEP activity preferences for these substrates correlated well in most cases with the inhibition data. The exception is that R in the a1 position does not prevent binding of peptide to PPEP activity, but such peptides are poor substrates. The anionic residue D in the a2 position is not tolerated by PPEP activity. Five farnesylated radiolabeled tetrapeptides, Ac-C(F)FM[3H]L, Ac-C(F)LI[3H]L, Ac-C(F)LL[3H]L, Ac-C(F)LM[3H]L, and Ac-C(F)VI[3H]L were prepared, and PPEP activity kinetic studies revealed that they are good substrates and show comparable KM values (2.2-13.5 microM). Ac-C(F)RL[3H]S is a poor substrate. The reported peptide binding preferences of PPEP activity should be useful in designing compounds that block the C-terminal proteolysis of prenylated proteins. Nonprenylated peptides do not bind to PPEP activity, and replacement of the farnesyl group with ann-pentadecyl group modestly reduces binding. Peptide-membrane partitioning studies were used together with theoretical arguments to fully understand the substrate specificity of PPEP activity toward these compounds.
Regulatory Effect of Lithium on Thyroxine Metabolism in Murine Neural and Anterior Pituitary Tissue

The conversion of T4 to T3 in the brain and anterior pituitary gland contributes significantly to the T3 content of these tissues and appears to be an important modulator of thyroid hormone action. In the present study, the antimanic agent lithium was demonstrated in cultured neural and pituitary tissue to have a significant inhibitory effect on the activity of low Km (type II) iodothyronine 5′-deiodinase (I5′D), the enzyme mediating T3 formation. At medium lithium concentrations of 3.3–5 mM, I5′D activity was decreased 44 ± 3% (P < 0.001) in the NB41A3 mouse neuroblastoma cell line and 48 ± 2% (P < 0.001) in the GH3 rat pituitary tumor cell line. This inhibitory effect was only observed in intact cells. Significant inhibition of this enzymatic process was also noted in the anterior pituitary gland of thyroidectomized rats injected 3–24 h earlier with either 4 or 10 mmol/kg BW LiCl. This decrease in low Km I5′D activity was accompanied by significant decreases in the serum T3 concentration and the pituita...
NOE R factors and structural refinement using FIRM, an iterative relaxation matrix program

Abstract A program called FIRM (full iterative relaxation matrix) for calculating NOE intensities and for NMR structure refinement, including contributions from internal motions, is described. Simulated NOE data sets with and without random noise were constructed for models of two proteins, motilin (22 amino acids) and parvalbumin (108 amino acids). NOE R factors were computed for structures with varying degrees of similarity to the motilin and parvalburnin models. The NOE R factor for random structures ranged from 0.8 to 1.3, and the R factor for accurate structures ranged from 0.31 to 0.39. Extended chain structures of motilin and parvalbumin were refined with the simulated NOE data sets using FIRM, distance geometry, and restrained molecular dynamics. Random noise and the choice of NOE data set had little effect on refinement. The results demonstrate that low R factors are not sufficient criteria for judging the success of a structural refinement from sparse NOE data.
Caffeine inhibition of sterigmatocystin, citrinin, and patulin production.

ABSTRACT , Microbiological medium was used to study the effect of caffeine on sterigmatocystin, citrinin, and patulin production by Aspergillus versicolor, Penicilliwn citrinum, and Penicillium urticae, respectively. Caffeine inhibited the growth of the three’ fungal species and de- creased sterigmatocystin and patulin production. The effect on citrinin production appeared to be limited to a delay in toxin synthesis. A preliminary examination of P. urticae suggested that caffeine’ s anti-mycotoxigenic activity does not involve a generalized inhibition of lipid synthesis. INTRODUCTION PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS have established that while cocoa and coffee beans are commonly contaminated with aspergilli (Hansen and Welty, 1970; Hiscocks, 1965), they are generally poor substrates for aflatoxin production (Levi et al., 1975; Nartowicz et al., 1979; Lenovich and Hurst, 1979; Llwewllyn et al., 1978). Nartowicz et al. (1979) and Lenovich (198 1) attributed this anti-aflatoxigenic activity to the caffeine content of these commodities. It has also been established that the addition of caffeine to micro- biological media at levels 21 mg/ml inhibits aflatoxin pro- duction (Buchanan and Fletcher, 1978), while theophyIline (Buchanan and Fletcher, 1978) and theobromine (Buchanan et al., 1978) have little activity. Similar results have been reported for ochratoxin A production by Aspergillus ochraceus (Buchanan et al., 1982). Buchanan et al. (1982) found that caffeine inhibited the growth of a number of mycotoxigenic Aspergillus and Penicillium species, and suggested that caffeine may have inhibitory activity against the production of a variety of polyketide mycotoxins. The objective of the present study was to characterize further caffeine’ s anti-myotoxigenic activity by determining its effect on the production of three additional polyketide mycotoxins; sterigmatocystin, citrinin, and patulin.
Accelerating convergence in stochastic particle dispersion simulation codes

Abstract Recent work in adaptive importance sampling is applied to Markov chain models for Monte Carlo simulations. When this technique is incorporated into the simulation of physical processes, it can give orders-of-magnitude improvement in convergence times relative to standard approaches. We review the related methodology and illustrate its application.
Mineral-associated hepatic injury: A report of seven cases with x-ray microanalysis

The patterns of hepatic injury associated with various minerals were studied in seven patients. The subjects included one patient who was a sandblaster (silica by inhalation), one patient who was a dental laboratory technician (silica and chromium-cobalt alloy by inhalation), one patient with inhalational talcum powder abuse, and four chronic intravenous (IV) drug abusers (talc by IV injection). In all cases, the liver was examined by light and polarizing microscopy, and by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis. In the two patients with silica exposure, silica-containing sclerohyaline nodules were diffusely present in portal tracts and lobules. Both chromium-cobalt alloy and silica were present in the dental technician. In contrast, in all cases of talc exposure, aggregates of talc-laden macrophages were present in portal and centrilobular areas. Three IV drug abusers and the talcum powder abuser had histologic evidence of chronic hepatitis, most probably of viral etiology. We conclude that mineral type plays an important role in the pathogenesis and fibrogenesis of hepatic lesions. Compared with silica, talc primarily elicits a macrophage response without granuloma formation or fibrosis. Hepatic silicosis is a rare complication in dental laboratory technicians, and chromium-cobalt alloy may contribute to hepatic injury and fibrosis in this setting.
Not for Novices: The “Let's Pretend” Disk

One of the new features of PC‐DOS Version 3.1 (the latest release of DOS) is an easily installed “virtual disk,” also known as a RAM disk. A RAM disk is a “fake” disk drive; it doesn't actually exist. Here's how it works.
The Influence of the Knowledge Society: Trends in Adult Higher Education

Current understandings of a knowledge economy have been emerging from two defining forces: the rise in quality and intensity of knowledge as a key commodity for economic development and the increas...
Save now, pay later? Multi-period many-objective groundwater monitoring design given systematic model errors and uncertainty

Abstract This study demonstrates how many-objective long-term groundwater monitoring (LTGM) network design tradeoffs evolve across multiple management periods given systematic models errors (i.e., predictive bias), groundwater flow-and-transport forecasting uncertainties, and contaminant observation uncertainties. Our analysis utilizes the Adaptive Strategies for Sampling in Space and Time (ASSIST) framework, which is composed of three primary components: (1) bias-aware Ensemble Kalman Filtering, (2) many-objective hierarchical Bayesian optimization, and (3) interactive visual analytics for understanding spatiotemporal network design tradeoffs. A physical aquifer experiment is utilized to develop a severely challenging multi-period observation system simulation experiment (OSSE) that reflects the challenges and decisions faced in monitoring contaminated groundwater systems. The experimental aquifer OSSE shows both the influence and consequences of plume dynamics as well as alternative cost-savings strategies in shaping how LTGM many-objective tradeoffs evolve. Our findings highlight the need to move beyond least cost purely statistical monitoring frameworks to consider many-objective evaluations of LTGM tradeoffs. The ASSIST framework provides a highly flexible approach for measuring the value of observables that simultaneously improves how the data are used to inform decisions.
Design Alternatives For The Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility

The paper discusses the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF), a versatile astronomical telescope that can accomodate photometric, spectroscopic, and polarimetric measurements. It is expected to be 100 to 1000 times more sensitive than any existing infrared telescope; detailed designs of cooled IR telescopes were made for the Infrared Astronomical Satellite and the Small Helium Cooled Infrared Telescope for Spacelab 2. Rocket tests verified the capability of using superfluid helium as a cryogen in zero gravity. Constraints on funds for Shuttle payloads require an evolutionary approach to the development of the full potential of SIRTF, necessitating consideration of design alternatives involving the optical configuration, the cryogen, the mechanical structure, and size of SIRTF.
Anencephalic infants as sources of organs. Issues and implications for nurses

This article discusses anencephalic infants as potential sources of organs for infants and young children. Ethical issues relating to screening pregnant women, parental consent for organ donation, and the postnatal care of anencephalic infants are addressed. Professional responsibilities are identified to enable nurses to act ethically when confronted by these issues in caring for mothers and their infants.
Conducting polymer-based impedimetric aptamer biosensor for in situ detection

We have successfully developed the first prototype of an electrochemical protein biosensor using polypyrrole as the substrate and doped aptamer as the probe. The sensitivity for a specific target is 10 ng/ml. Two targets, platelet-derived growth factor and immunoglobulin E, have been tested. In both cases the sensor exhibited high specificity and the signal was found to increase as the target concentration increased.
Toward astrophysical turbulence in the laboratory.

Turbulence is a ubiquitous phenomenon in space and astrophysical plasmas, driving a cascade of energy from large to small scales and strongly influencing the plasma heating resulting from the dissipation of the turbulence. Modern theories of plasma turbulence are based on the fundamental concept that the turbulent
Reaction matrix singularities and the energy gap in an infinite system of Fermions

Abstract It is shown that the presence of a singularity in Brueckner's t-matrix for an infinite system of Fermions is a sufficient (but not necessary) condition for the existence of a gap in the energy spectrum of the system. On the other hand there are singularities in Galitskii's t-matrix if and only if the system has an energy gap. Furthermore there are both singularities and an energy gap if the solution of a Schrodinger equation with modified kinetic energy has a positive phase shift δ at the Fermi momentum. The results are illustrated by deriving approximate expressions for the energy gap and the distances of the singularities from the Fermi surface in terms of the phase shift δ.
Optimal schedule generation for a single-product production line—II. Identification of dominant unique path sequences

Abstract Many of the feasible path assignments for the MINLP formulation of the production line scheduling problem presented in Part I result in equivalent schedules. A dominant set of path assignments is identified which allows the path assignments for several stages to be determined simultaneously. A combinatorial analysis of the set of all feasible path assignments reveals there areO (NP) equivalent assignments for each operationally and rotationally-unique simple path sequence. An enumeration procedure is developed to identify those assignments which result in unique path sequences. The overall solution methodology is illustrated with an example.
Efficacy and safety of atomoxetine in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: results from a comprehensive meta-analysis and metaregression.

Objective To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of atomoxetine (ATX) in pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method Meta-analysis of all double-blind randomized controlled trials (DBRCTs) evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of ATX for ADHD. Pooled, random-effects analyses were conducted, calculating standardized mean difference (SMD), yielding effect sizes (ES), relative risk (RR), and number-needed-to-treat/harm (NNT/NNH).Moderator/mediator analyses were also conducted, including metaregression. Results Across 25 DBRCTs (56 treatment arms, N = 3,928), ATX outperformed placebo regarding overall ADHD symptoms (ES = −0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.56 to −0.71, p p p p = 0.017). All-cause discontinuation with ATX was similar to that for placebo ( p = 1.00), with lower discontinuation because of inefficacy (relative risk [RR] = 0.51, CI = 0.36–0.74, p p = 0.03, NNH = 50) with ATX. At least 1 adverse effect (AE) (70.4% versus 56.1%, p p Conclusions Short-term ATX treatment is safe and superior to placebo for overall ADHD symptoms and key secondary outcomes, with a medium ES. However, a relevant patient subgroup (40%) continues to have significant symptomatology, requiring additional clinical attention.
CRF-R2 and the Heterosynaptic Regulation of VTA Glutamate during Reinstatement of Cocaine Seeking

Stress can reinstate cocaine seeking through an interaction between the stress hormone corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and glutamate release onto dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). To better understand the underlying causes, synaptic mechanisms were investigated in brain slices from rats. In control tissue, EPSCs displayed concentration-dependent, bimodal responses to CRF potentiation at low concentrations (3–100 nm) and attenuation at higher concentrations (300 nm). EPSC potentiation and attenuation were mediated by CRF-R1 and CRF-R2 receptor subtypes, respectively, localized to presynaptic terminals. The CRF-R2 attenuation was blocked by the GABA-B receptor antagonist CGP55843. Additional recordings of GABA-A IPSCs showed CRF-R2 activation-facilitated presynaptic release of GABA, suggesting that CRF-R2 may regulate glutamate release via heterosynaptic facilitation of GABA synapses. After chronic cocaine self-administration and extinction training, the sensitivity of glutamate and GABA receptors was unchanged. However, the ability of CRF-R2 agonists to depress EPSCs and potentiate IPSCs was diminished. After yohimbine plus cue reinstatement, the actions of CRF-R2 on GABA and glutamate release were reversed. CRF-R2 activation increased EPSCs as a result of a reduction of tonic GABA-dependent inhibition. After reinstatement, application of the A1 adenosine antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine increased GABA tone to inhibit the CRF-R2 action. Blockade of GABA-B receptors prevented both the CRF-R2 increase in EPSCs and the attenuation produced by 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine. These studies demonstrate that presynaptic CRF-R1/R2 tightly regulate glutamate transmission in the VTA via a concerted, heterosynaptic manner that may become altered by stress-related pathologies, such as addiction.
Termination and Anchorage of Temporary Concrete Barrier

The research study described herein developed an economical method for terminating and anchoring the upstream end of temporary concrete barrier systems. The termination and anchorage system was designed for use with the Kansas F-shape temporary concrete barrier design that is currently used by several states participating in the Midwest Pooled Fund Program. These efforts were performed in accordance with the Test Level 3 guidelines found in the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware 2008. Criteria governing the design of the termination and anchorage system included development of adequate anchor loads over a finite deflection in order to limit peak loads, mitigation of vertical rotation and tipping of the end barrier about its longitudinal axis, and employing existing roadside safety hardware in the design to limit state hardware inventories. The termination and anchorage system allowed for a significant reduction in the number of barrier segments required upstream from the length of need and for use in anchoring a free-standing TCB system. The anchorage system was configured to effectively constrain the end of the TCB system for impacts as far upstream as the first anchored barrier segment. Full-scale crash testing demonstrated that the impacting vehicle was safely and smoothly redirected, and the test was judged acceptable according to the Test Level 3 safety criteria set forth in the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware 2008.
Thoracoscopy. A prospective study of safety and outcome

Objective To assess a standard classification of adverse events and evaluate the safety and long-term outcome of thoracoscopy in patients with pleural disease. Design Prospective nonrandomized cohort study. Setting The Pulmonary Special Procedures and Nd:YAG Laser Unit of the University of California San Diego Medical Center, San Diego. Patients Fifty consecutive patients undergoing thoracoscopy for diagnosis of pleural effusion or thickening, pleurodesis, or empyema drainage. Intervention A list of major and minor adverse events that could be temporally related to thoracoscopy performed for diagnosis or treatment of pleural processes was established before beginning this prospective study. Procedures were performed using multiple point-of-entry techniques and either local or general anesthesia. Most procedures were performed in the operating room using double-lumen intubation. Patients were seen daily during hospitalization and at least 7, 30, and 90 days after thoracoscopy. Long-term follow-up data were obtained by telephone calls, clinical visits, or medical chart reviews or all of these, until 12 months after procedures. Measurements Occurrence of major and minor adverse events possibly related to thoracoscopy was recorded prospectively. Demographic and clinical data, as well as efficacy and outcome after thoracoscopy, were also noted. Results Fifty-two procedures were performed in 50 patients. Median age was 60 years (range, 18 to 88 years). Thoracoscopy provided a diagnosis in 93% of patients with pleural disease of unclear origin. Pleurodesis by thoracoscopic talc insufflation was successful in 95% of cases and in 91% of patients with malignant pleural effusions still available for evaluation and follow-up examination 3 months after pleurodesis. Thoracoscopic drainage of empyema was successful in six of seven patients and led to referral for open decortication in one. There were no procedure-related deaths or intraoperative accidents. Open-chest surgery intervention was never required. Only 1 major adverse event occurred: a patient with scleroderma and trapped lung had recurrent pleural effusion requiring chest tube drainage 1 week after hospital discharge. Minor adverse events, however, were noted in ten instances (19%). These included fever after talc pleurodesis, asymptomatic pneumothorax after chest tube removal, and minor wound infection in a patient with empyema. Conclusion Using the proposed classification of major and minor adverse events, prospective evaluation demonstrated the safety, diagnostic utility, and long-term efficacy of thoracoscopy performed for diagnosis and management of pleural processes. Potential dangers, however, of thoracoscopy are acknowledged, and limitations of the procedure are addressed. (CHEST 1995; 108:324-29)
Entropy Evolution and Uncertainty Estimation with Dynamical Systems

This paper presents a comprehensive introduction and systematic derivation of the evolutionary equations for absolute entropy H and relative entropy D, some of which exist sporadically in the literature in different forms under different subjects, within the framework of dynamical systems. In general, both H and D are dissipated, and the dissipation bears a form reminiscent of the Fisher information; in the absence of stochasticity, dH/dt is connected to the rate of phase space expansion, and D stays invariant, i.e., the separation of two probability density functions is always conserved. These formulas are validated with linear systems, and put to application with the Lorenz system and a large-dimensional stochastic quasi-geostrophic flow problem. In the Lorenz case, H falls at a constant rate with time, implying that H will eventually become negative, a situation beyond the capability of the commonly used computational technique like coarse-graining and bin counting. For the stochastic flow problem, it is first reduced to a computationally tractable low-dimensional system, using a reduced model approach, and then handled through ensemble prediction. Both the Lorenz system and the stochastic flow system are examples of self-organization in the light of uncertainty reduction. The latter particularly shows that, sometimes stochasticity may actually enhance the self-organization process.