cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advanced control flow in Java card programming

Java Card technology simplifies the development of smart card applications by providing a high-level programming language similar to Java. However, the master-slave programming model used in current Java Card platform creates control flow difficulties when writing complex card programs, making it inconvenient, tedious, and error-prone to implement Java Card applications. This paper examines these drawbacks of the master-slave model and proposes a concurrent thread model for developing future Java Card programs, which is much closer to conventional Java network programming. This paper also presents a code translation algorithm and a corresponding tool that makes it possible to write card programs in the concurrent thread model without losing compatibility with the existing Java Card API.
An alternative model for ethical decision-making in design: A Sartrean approach

Ethical decision-making models grounded in ethical frameworks comprehend elements of moral philosophy such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. This paper proposes an ethical decision-making model in design based on Sartre’s philosophy and ethics. The model aims at having the designer gain awareness and acceptance of his/her freedom and responsibility in design practice. The paper argues that the model’s achievement rests on how it addresses ethical dilemmas in design practice in relation to individual freedom and responsibility, and on its acknowledgment of complete subjectivity.
Sensitivity of microorganisms to different wavelengths of UV light: implications on modeling of medium pressure UV systems

Abstract The responses of three species of coliform bacteria ( Citrobacter diversus, Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae ) and the bacteriophage (virus) φ X-174 to three wavelengths of UV light (254, 280 and 301 nm) were measured. The values of germicidal efficiency at 280 nm determined for each of the microorganisms were not significantly different. At 301 nm, the values of germicidal efficiency were significantly different, but all values were too small (
Romans 2: A Deuteronomistic Reading

Despite various proposals to solve the crux interpretum of Romans 2, none of them is satisfactory. This article proposes to incorporate elements of these solutions by paying attention to the covenantal perspective (i.e. the Deuteronomistic framework) and Paul's argumentative flow. Not only in 2.7-10, 29 but also in 2.14-15, 24 allusions to Deuteronomy 27-30 can be detected. With this Deuteronomistic frame work and other clues in mind, the Gentiles who without the law 'do by nature what the law requires' (vv. 14-15) can be identified with Christian Gentiles. On the other hand, the list of Jewish transgressions in vv. 17ff. can be understood as referring to the state of the spiritual 'exile' rather than their actual transgressions. Furthermore, the argumentative flow of Romans explains why Paul expresses himself so vaguely that the passage can be interpreted so differently: Paul deliberately avoids using Christian categories and expressions not to encourage Gentile Christians to boast over the Jews.
Some observations and opinions on European dentistry

1 was fortunate to have a six-month sabbatical leave in 1973, mainly spent in western Europe. My principal intent was to study prosthodontic education, techniques, and research, but I also took the opportunity to represent the American Prosthodontic Society in their international goodwill program. I visited ten countries and 16 dental schoois and lectured or presented courses for six dentai societies. However. since I spent almost two months at Guy’s Hospital Dental School and tlvo and one half rnonths in all in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, I shall confine mv comments to these areas where I observed policies and trends that, to me, seem iniportant and relevant to dentistry in the United States. I feel compelled to add that, although my limited stay cannot oualiI’y me as ;I quotable authority in these matters. I did spend enough time and energy to collect information that has reasonable credibility. Hecallsc more than 50 per cent of the people of the United Kingdom are partially or completely edentulous,’ study in complctr and partial dentures is an important part of the dental school curriculum. I should say that this area is taught thoroughly ;1Kd well, judging from my observations in three schools visited in London. nne in Wales, and three in Scotland. At my own school and many others. denture patients are not readily available, but at Guy’s Hospital Dental School and most of thr other schools in the United Kingdom, there was no such problem. In fact, patients had an average \vait of 18 months to two years to obtain new dentures at Guy’s, One major reason is that the National Health Service provides an allowance of about $41.00 for dentures, so all patients with the least bit of difficulty (flat ridges or whatever) are referred to dental schools for treatment. I was very interested in the National Health Service, and I tried to discuss it with as many lay people and dentists as possible. My impression is that it is well accepted by the general public, it is not popular \vith the average dentist, and it i$ suicidal for a politician to even mention. its elimination.. It has resulted in the provision of basic dental care to those who choose to avail themselves of it, but only
Dysmyelination induced in vitro by IgM antisulfatide and antigalactocerebroside monoclonal antibodies.

Antiglycolipid antibodies cause a distinctive form of dysmyelination in vivo characterized by marked widening of the myelin period. Such “expanded” or “wide-spaced” myelin occurs in peripheral nerves in certain paraproteinemias and in the CNS in multiple sclerosis. We have used an in vitro system to reproduce this pathology under controlled conditions to assess the role of antibody specificity and class and the need for cofactors in generating this kind of lesion in peripheral myelin. Schwann cell myelin formed in vitro around dorsal root ganglion cell axons was exposed for 3–14 days to hybridoma cells that produce specific monoclonal antibodies. Typical wide-spaced myelin developed after exposure to either O4, which produces an IgM antisulfatide antibody, or O1, which produces an IgM antigalactocerebroside antibody. In both cases, the effect was apparent by three days in paranodal as well as internodal myelin, especially in the outer lamellae. This change did not depend on the presence of complement or macrophages in the cultures. Exposure to anti-GalC hybridoma cells, which produce an IgG3 antiglycolipid antibody, did not produce wide-spaced myelin, nor did exposure to hybridoma cells that secrete IgM antibodies directed against a non-myelin antigen. The location and rapidity of the pathologic changes seen after O4 or O1 are consistent with penetration of the antibodies through the external mesaxon of already formed myelin and then between compact lamellae, progressively spreading them apart in the centripetal direction. This in vitro model shows that either of two specific monoclonal IgM antiglycolipid antibodies can alone reproduce a well known form of myelin pathology under defined conditions. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Short-Term Demographic Responses of a Coastal Waterbird Community After Two Major Hurricanes

Abstract. Response of breeding waterbird communities to the effects of hurricanes remains poorly understood. The impact of two 2008 hurricanes on the breeding waterbird community was investigated at the Isles Dernieres Barrier Island Refuge in southern Louisiana using pre- and post-hurricane survey data. After the 2008 hurricanes, the breeding community was reduced from 44,042 breeding pairs in 2008 to 27,977 pairs in 2009 and to 23,544 pairs in 2010. Populations of the five most abundant species, Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), Royal Tern (Thallasseus maximus), Sandwich Tern (Thallasseus sandvincensis), and Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), decreased from 2008 to 2010. In contrast, populations of Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscatus), and Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) increased from 2008 to 2009 but declined in 2010. The dramatic decline of total breeding pairs in the year following hurricanes demonstrates the vulnera...
Research issues concerning alcohol consumption among aging populations

Research concerning alcohol consumption by the elderly has primarily focused on the extent of problem drinking among seniors. Although an important research agenda, an exclusive concern with problem drinking rates can work to obscure interesting health policy and theoretical questions which might be addressed through the study of drinking practices of older age strata. Primary among these is the study of how alcohol use patterns change across the life course, with the goal of showing how such lifelong drinking patterns influence consumption in old age. The literature concerning alcohol use and aging is reviewed to highlight reasons for change and stability in alcohol consumption during latter half of life. From this literature seven hypotheses, amenable to empirical testing, are identified for ongoing research.
Methodology for nonparametric regression from independent sources

Abstract Three nonparametric curve estimators with information from different sources were introduced by Gerard and Schucany (1996). Here, automatic local bandwidth selection is adapted to local linear estimation with two independent data sets. Consistency results are provided for this bandwidth selection procedure. The asymptotic results are supported by two simulation trials with the proposed data-based local bandwidth selection.
Effect of vertical ejector-jet on the vortex-lift of delta wings

The effect of adding an ejector jet to a 76-deg delta wing was investigated experimentally and theoretically in terms of the resulting longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics. A small-scale wind-tunnel experiment served for the investigation and a simplified vortex lattice model was constructed to simulate the first order effects of this complex flow field. The major benefits of this combined approach over the use of more developed computer schemes lies in the relative ease in tailoring the mathematical model to a new problem. Results of both the wind-tunnel experiment and the theoretical model showed measurable lift loss due to the ejector jet throughout the whole angle-of-attack range, which will intensify at lower flight speeds.
Analysis of flow in an observation well intersecting a single fracture

Abstract A semi-analytical model is developed to determine transmissivity and storativity from the interpretation of transient flow in an observation well due to pumping in a source well where the two wells are connected by a single fracture. Flow rate can be determined using a heat-pulse flowmeter located above the intersection of the fracture in the observation well. The results of a field experiment were interpreted using the new model and compared with drawdown data from the same test. Good agreement between the transmissivity estimates was observed whereas estimates of storativity were found to be better determined from the analysis of flow rate.
Quantifying optical properties in small animals using MR-guided multispectral time-resolved imaging

We propose the use of Time-Resolved Diffuse Optical Tomography in a multispectral scheme with anatomical constraints supplied by MR imaging to reconstruct functional parameters of the animal model with greater accuracy and resolution. The tomographic imaging system described is capable of acquiring temporal measurements in multiple-views using a gated ICCD camera. A tunable Ti-Sapphire pulsed laser at wavelengths between 700nm - 1000nm is used as the source. Anatomical distribution is determined using MRI in a non-concurrent setting. Time-resolved measurements at multiple wavelengths in the NIR window combined with the anatomical constraints is used to determine a 3D distribution of the functional parameters in vivo. Multispectral spectroscopy measurements on homogenous tissue simulating phantoms are used to demonstrate the accuracy of the system in determining optical parameters in thin tissues. We show that temporal measurements combined with MRI data can be used to accurately quantify optical properties in heterogeneous tissues.
The effects of the ligand, central metal, and solvent on the O2 binding of non-precious metal catalyst model systems: An ab initio study

Abstract Non-precious metal (NPM) catalysts are currently under development to replace the expensive platinum-based materials currently utilized for oxygen reduction in PEM fuel cells. In this work, systematic studies were carried out to examine the effect of central metal, chelating ligand, and solvent on the O2 binding activity of a series of M N2 and M N4 NPM catalysts (Im)MLn where M = Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Ni2+ and Co2+, L = diaminotriazole or porphyrin, and a support ligand imidazole (Im). O2 and H2O binding energies were calculated for all the catalysts. Cu2+-based catalysts exhibit no activity toward O2 regardless of the ligand, Fe2+- and Co2+-based catalysts show the strongest O2 binding, and the rest fall in between. This is in alignment with the energy gap between the metal 3 d z 2 and the in-plane anti-bonding π* orbital on the O2 with the larger the energy gap, the weaker the interaction. Porphyrin-based catalysts bind weakly with H2O compared to their diaminotriazole counterparts, which is attributed to the larger energy gap between the HOMO of H2O and the higher lying LUMO of Porphyrin-based catalysts resulted from a stronger anti-bonding interaction between their metal d orbitals and the σN orbitals of porphyrin. We propose that the initial O2 absorption activity of M N4 or M N2 catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction be considered on the basis of the relative binding of O2 to H2O.
Investigating dynamic interdomain allostery in Pin1

Signaling proteins often sequester complementary functional sites in separate domains. How do the different domains communicate with one another? An attractive system to address this question is the mitotic regulator, human Pin1 (Lu et al. 1996). Pin-1 consists of two tethered domains: a WW domain for substrate binding, and a catalytic domain for peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) activity. Pin1 accelerates the cis-trans isomerization of phospho-Ser/Thr-Pro (pS/T-P) motifs within proteins regulating the cell cycle and neuronal development. The early x-ray (Ranganathan et al. 1997; Verdecia et al. 2000) and solution NMR studies (Bayer et al. 2003; Jacobs et al. 2003) of Pin1 indicated inter- and intradomain motion. We became interested in exploring how such motions might affect interdomain communication, using NMR. Our accumulated results indicate substrate binding to Pin1 WW domain changes the intra/inter domain mobility, thereby altering substrate activity in the distal PPIase domain catalytic site. Thus, Pin1 shows evidence of dynamic allostery, in the sense of Cooper and Dryden (Cooper and Dryden 1984). We highlight our results supporting this conclusion, and summarize them via a simple speculative model of conformational selection.
TU‐D‐J‐6C‐05: Investigation of the Actually Delivered Patient Dose in Lung IMRT Treatment Based On Deformable Registration of 4D CT Data and Monte Carlo Simulations

Purpose: To accurately calculate the difference between prescribed and delivered dose caused by respiratory motion and artifacts in free breathing helical CT (fbCT) for lungIMRT treatments, and to estimate the impact of this difference in clinical outcome. Method and Materials: Ten cases were studied. For all patients, fbCT and 4DCT reconstructed at 10 phases of the respiratory cycle were available. Patients were selected to have a wide range of tumor motion, size, and position. CORVUS was used to make two IMRT plans calculated on the fbCT for GTV (volume determined on fbCT) and ITV (volume determined by 4DCT) targets respectively. The prescribed dose was 60Gy. The fluence maps and beam setup parameters of the IMRT plans were used by the Monte Carlo dose calculation engine MCSIM for absolute dose calculation on free breathing and 4DCT data. CT deformable registration between the breathing phases was performed and the composite dose over the whole breathing cycle was calculated for the GTV, CTV and lungs. EUD and TCP/NTCP values were determined for the composite dose over the whole breathing cycle based on both plans. Results: For a patient with 4 cm peak to peak tumor movement, a planned CTV EUD of 58 Gy was reduced to 54Gy and 33Gy respectively for the composite 4D dose distribution of ITV and GTV plans. 3‐year control estimates for this patient, assuming that 3‐year local control after 60Gy in the GTV is 30%, were reduced to 29% and 23% for the ITV and the free breathing plans respectively. Conclusion: With the advent of 4DCT, CT data deformable registration and Monte Carlo dose calculations, it is feasible to accurately calculate in retrospect the actually delivered dose and compare it with what historically was assumed to be delivered.
Sympathetic Nervous System Alterations in Sleep Apnea: The Relative Importance of Respiratory Disturbance, Hypoxia, and Sleep Quality

Numerous alterations in the sympathetic nervous system have been reported in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. It is unclear whether such alterations can be attributed to the respiratory disturbance itself, the resulting hypoxia, or disruption of sleep. We examined urinary norepinephrine levels in 45 individuals with varying amounts of respiratory disturbance and sleep disruption. All were of similar age (40 to 60 years) and body weight (100 to 160% ideal body weight), and all were free from antihypertensive medications that could influence norepinephrine levels. Twenty-four-hour urinary norepinephrine levels were correlated with respiratory disturbance index (r=0.39, p 2 =0.19, p
A general packing algorithm for multidimensional resource requirements

Many problems in resource allocations, memory allocation, and distributed computer system design can be formulated as problems of packing variablesized items into fixed-sized containers in order to minimize the total number of containers used. In this paper, a generalized packing algorithm that encompasses many well-known heuristic packing algorithms is proposed. Simulation results on this generalized packing algorithm are described, and their implications are discussed. The objective of this paper is to investigate the performance of various heuristic packing algorithms within a general framework, to obtain numerical estimates on their efficiency, and to provide guidelines on the use of these algorithms.
Design of Mechanically Robust High-Tg Polymers: Physical Properties of Glassy Poly(ester carbonate)s with Cyclohexylene Rings in the Backbone

The incorporation of trans cyclohexylene (C-ring) groups into the main chain glassy polymers has been found to increase chain motion. With the increase in trans C-ring content, Young's modulus and yield stress both decrease. A linear correlation among Young's modulus, yield stress, and the inverse of the coefficient of thermal expansion has been found in this work. With the increase in trans C-ring content, post-yield stress drop (PYSD) decreases, the tendency to necking in tensile test decreases, and the activation volume increases. The results are consistent with the idea that thermal expansion, Young's modulus, and yield stress are predominantly controlled by intermolecular forces. Necking and PYSD are related not only to chain stiffness but also closely to polymer chain motion. On the basis of the results, the hypothesis that the incorporation of trans C-ring enhances local segmental motions, which effectively modulates interchain interactions, is proposed.
Long‐term lansoprazole control of gastric acid and pepsin secretion in ZE and non‐ZE hypersecretors: a prospective 10‐year study

Background: The majority of patients with Zollinger–Ellison syndrome require lifelong treatment with proton pump inhibitors. Aims: To determine the efficacy of lansoprazole control of acid and pepsin secretion over the long term in Zollinger–Ellison syndrome and non-Zollinger–Ellison syndrome hypersecretors. Methods: Sixty-three hypersecretors (basal acid output > 15 mmol/h), 46 Zollinger–Ellison syndrome and 17 non-Zollinger–Ellison syndrome, with a total history of 15.4 and 19.2 years, respectively, were entered into a long-term prospective study using lansoprazole. Sixty-one were studied every 3 months for 1 year and then every 3–6 months up to 10 years during lansoprazole treatment with endoscopy, serum gastrin and gastric analysis, measuring both basal and stimulated pH and acid and pepsin secretion. Doses were individually optimized and adjusted to keep the basal acid output at < 5 mmol/h in intact patients and < 1 mmol/h in antrectomized Zollinger–Ellison syndrome patients. Results: The dose of lansoprazole could not be predicted a priori from pre-treatment acid or pepsin output, serum gastrin, prior omeprazole dose or diagnosis or prior complications. The median dose was ∼ 80 mg/day, with a wide range from 15 mg every other day to 360 mg/day, and generally stabilized by 12 months. However, as doses were adjusted over time for indications, almost half the patients required higher doses. With adjustments, the basal acid output was maintained in the target range in > 90% of intact patients and in 80% of antrectomized patients. Gastric juice pH increased from ∼ 1.2 before therapy to > 3.4 during therapy. Serum gastrin in Zollinger–Ellison syndrome patients, after excluding five outliers, did not change over the course of therapy, but doubled in non-Zollinger–Ellison syndrome patients. There were no adverse events due to lansoprazole, and routine laboratory studies remained normal. Conclusions: The dose of lansoprazole for hypersecretors cannot be predicted, and thus needs to be optimized empirically on an individual basis. With continued periodic adjustments, almost half the patients required increased doses, while safe dose reduction was possible in only one-quarter. When individually optimized, lansoprazole proved to be safe and effective in the control of secretion for the treatment of both Zollinger–Ellison syndrome and non-Zollinger–Ellison syndrome hypersecretors for up to 10 years.
The Effect of Mixing Irregularities on Mixed-Region Critical Length for Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition

Abstract Deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) may occur through the Zel’dovich or shock wave amplification by coherent energy release (SWACER) gradient mechanism when spatial nonuniformities in temperature and composition are formed through turbulent mixing of reaction products with unburned gas. If the gradient region is large enough, a spontaneous reaction wave will form and strengthen into a detonation that may propagate into the unburned mixture. Such gradient regions formed by turbulent mixing are likely to be highly irregular, containing disturbances with a wide range of magnitudes and length scales. One-dimensional calculations in which a sinusoidal disturbance is superimposed on a linear gradient are used to examine the effect of disturbance amplitude and frequency on the size of a mixed region necessary for DDT. The results suggest that disturbances caused by turbulent mixing may increase the critical length by more than order of magnitude as compared to an undisturbed linear gradient. Disturbances of intermediate frequency increase the critical length more than those of very low or very high frequency. Large-amplitude disturbances increase the critical length by effectively dividing the gradient into subregions.
Diversity influences forage yield and stability in perennial prairie plant mixtures

Abstract Ten prairie plant species were grown in monoculture and mixtures of two, four, six, and all ten species for four years at a study site near Blacksburg, VA (USA) to examine relationships between species richness of perennial prairie plant mixtures and forage yield. Mixtures were highly productive, exceeding 16 t (1 t = 1000 kg) ha−1 after four years with no fertilization or irrigation. Forage yield was affected by sown species richness only in years 1 and 4 when most mixture treatments yielded more than monoculture plots. The majority of multi-species plots (71%) exhibited a positive biodiversity effect where mixtures yielded more than respective monocultures. The data also suggested a strengthening of biodiversity effects with time (more multispecies plots with relative yield totals >1 and a positive net biodiversity effect). Mixtures that were more productive than the best performing species grown in monoculture (transgressive overyielding) increased from 25% in year 1 to 54% by year 4. Plots sown with ten species produced the most consistently high and stable yields and also effectively suppressed weeds. Livestock producers in cool-season regions could improve forage productivity with minimal external inputs by adding pastures sown with moderately diverse (n = 4–10 species) prairie plant mixtures.
Unravelling the impact of obstacles in diffusion and kinetics of an enzyme catalysed reaction

Lattice gas automata simulations of diffusion-limited reactions in heterogeneous media exhibit fractal-like kinetics, which is a generalised mass action kinetics with time-dependent rate constants. We develop a two dimensional lattice gas automata simulation of the Michaelis–Menten mechanism in diffusion-limited conditions to investigate the effect of density and size of obstacles on reactant diffusion and rate coefficients. In order to simulate more physicochemical realistic conditions, reactants rotate and interact according to their specific orientation. We also model weak interaction forces between reactants and obstacles. Our results show that obstacle density and size affect diffusion, first- and second-order rates. We also find that particle rotations and weak force interactions among particles lead to a significant decay in the fractal-like kinetic exponent h. These results suggest that the effects of fractal-like kinetics disappear under less restricted conditions than previously believed in lattice based simulations.
Living at Altitude Adversely Affects Survival Among Patients With a Fontan Procedure

Objectives This study sought to determine whether survival in this cohort of patients was adversely affected by increased residential altitude. Background The success of the Fontan procedure depends in large part on low pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Factors that increase PVR, including an increase in residential altitude, may adversely affect long-term outcome. Higher altitude has been shown to affect functional well-being in patients with a Fontan circulation. Methods Databases from a tertiary cardiac care center in the Intermountain West (elevation 5,000 feet) were analyzed for patients born with single-ventricle anatomy who would now be of adult age. Complete data were then collected on all identified patients who subsequently underwent the Fontan operation. Correlates of, and time to, adverse outcome, defined as death, cardiac transplantation, or clinical decompensation requiring a move to sea level, were determined. Results Of 149 patients with single-ventricle anatomy, 103 underwent the Fontan procedure, with 70 surviving to adulthood at moderate altitude. Adverse outcome occurred in 55, with death in 24 (23%), cardiac transplantation in 18 (17%), and clinical decompensation requiring move to sea level in 13 (13%). There was no relationship between type, age at, or era of Fontan procedure and long-term outcome. Correlates of long-term, transplant-free survival at moderate altitude included lower residential altitude (4,296 vs. 4,637 feet, p Conclusions Long-term outcome after the Fontan procedure is adversely impacted by higher residential altitude.
Pre-Flood Evaluation of Seven Grasses (Graminae L.) as Planted Forage for Crawfish1

Seven potential alternatives to rice (Oryza sativa) as planted forage for pond production of crawfish in southwest Louisiana were evaluated. Browntop (Panicum ramosum L.), Japanese [Echinochloa crusgulli var. frumentacea (Roxb.) Wight], proso (Panicum miliaceum L.), and pearl [Pennisetum typhoides (Burn.) Stapf & C.E. Hubb] millets were compared with volunteer weeds (primarily Cyperus spp.), grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] and a sorghum sudangrass hybrid [S. bicolor (L.) Moench]. Early maturation and rapid senescence and decomposition characterized all except the two sorghums and pearl millet. The sorghum sudangrass was superior in biomass production and exhibited slow senescence. Grain sorghum and pearl millet also exhibited characteristics which might be desirable for use in some crawfish production ponds.
ISOLATION OF THE NEGLECTFUL FAMILY

An abbreviated version of a paper submitted to the Journal in April 1978. Research was supported by Grant 90-C-442 from the National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect, Administration for Children, Youth and Families, Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
A developmental study of the relationship between handedness and eyedness as applied to disappearing visual targets.

Summary This study investigated differences between adult and children's perception of a disappearing, lateralized stimulus. In 20 trials, 23 first graders and 22 college students viewed a luminous target of parallel lines subtending a visual angle of 11°30′ and reported whether a stimulus disappeared on either side of fixation or all at once. Both groups, regardless of handedness and eye dominance, had stronger right-field stability, therefore more left-field fragmentation.
An alpha 2 beta 1 integrin-dependent pinocytic mechanism involving intracellular vacuole formation and coalescence regulates capillary lumen and tube formation in three-dimensional collagen matrix.

Human endothelial cells, when suspended within three-dimensional collagen matrices, develop intracellular vacuoles that coalesce to form capillary lumens and tubes. Vacuole and lumen formation are completely dependent on the collagen-binding integrin alpha 2 beta 1, while other endothelial cell integrins had no apparent influence. Vacuole formation occurs by a pinocytic process with internalization of plasma membrane and molecules from the extracellular space, such as fluorescent tracers. By immunofluorescence, vacuole membranes were found to contain associated cell surface proteins, proteins involved in endosomal trafficking (i.e., caveolin and annexin II), and F-actin. Furthermore, some vacuole compartments contained von Willebrand factor. Integrin-regulated vacuole formation and coalescence are major mechanisms controlling capillary lumen and tube formation within a three-dimensional extracellular matrix.
Some problems and solutions in teaching group discussion

(1961). Some problems and solutions in teaching group discussion. The Speech Teacher: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 211-214.
Biochemical and clinical aspects of megathrombocytes.

Summary Human platelets have been separated into heavy and light populations by differential centrifugation in specific density media. The heavy-platelet population has an average volume approximately 2–2.4-fold that of the light-platelet population. All eleven enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway were examined in both platelet populations. Six of the eleven were found to have a twofold greater content/g wet weight in heavy platelets compared to light platelets. Three of these six: hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and glyceraldehyde-3-P-dehydroge-nase were found to be rate-limiting for glycolysis. The reductive capacity of heavy vs. light platelets was also examined. Heavy platelets contained 1.9-fold greater GSH, 1.7-fold greater DPNH, and 1.2-fold greater TPNH than light platelets. Heavy platelets also contained 1.8-fold less lipid peroxidation products than light platelets and were 2.4-fold more resistant to lipid peroxidation catalysed by 0.1 mM FeCl3. Kinetic studies in humans with Se75-selenomethionine revealed that heavy-large platelets were young platelets, recently released from the bone marrow, and suggested a transition of heavy-large platelets to lighter-smaller platelets. Clinical studies in humans revealed the usefulness of the measurement of the percentage of large platelets (or megathrombocytes) in estimating platelet turnover. An excellent correlation was found between the percentage of megathrombocytes on EDTA peripheral smear (and as determined by volume with Coulter Counter) and the number of megakaryocytes in the bone marrow in all platelet disorders examined with low or normal platelet counts, r=0.70 P < 0.001, except in megaloblastic anemia. In megaloblastic anemia, an increase in the percentage of megathrombocytes was usually found, but in the absence of increased megakaryocyte number. Increased megathrombocyte number (% megathrombocytes X platelet count) could be used to predict compensated thrombocytolytic states: normal platelet counts in the presence of increased platelet turnover. This was detectable in 84 patients. Platelet survival studies with DFP32 were obtained in eight of these patients and found to be exponential and significantly shortened in all eight. Megathrombocyte number was also examined in various clinical disorders (with normal platelet counts) in which increased platelet turnover might be suspected. Significant elevations were noted in SLE (68%), rheumatic heart disease with severe valvular damage (63%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (60%), chronic autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura “in remission” (55%), and diabetes mellitus with retinopathy (47%).
Extracellular M. tuberculosis DNA Targets Bacteria for Autophagy by Activating the Host DNA-Sensing Pathway

Eukaryotic cells sterilize the cytosol by using autophagy to route invading bacterial pathogens to the lysosome. During macrophage infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a vacuolar pathogen, exogenous induction of autophagy can limit replication, but the mechanism of autophagy targeting and its role in natural infection remain unclear. Here we show that phagosomal permeabilization mediated by the bacterial ESX-1 secretion system allows cytosolic components of the ubiquitin-mediated autophagy pathway access to phagosomal M. tuberculosis. Recognition of extracelluar bacterial DNA by the STING-dependent cytosolic pathway is required for marking bacteria with ubiquitin, and delivery of bacilli to autophagosomes requires the ubiquitin-autophagy receptors p62 and NDP52 and the DNA-responsive kinase TBK1. Remarkably, mice with monocytes incapable of delivering bacilli to the autophagy pathway are extremely susceptible to infection. Our results reveal an unexpected link between DNA sensing, innate immunity, and autophagy and indicate a major role for this autophagy pathway in resistance to M. tuberculosis infection.
Massively parallel dual control volume grand canonical molecular dynamics with ladera II. Gradient driven diffusion through polymers

This paper, the second part of a series, extends the capabilities of the LADERA FORTRAN code for massively parallel dual control volume grand canonical molecular dynamics (DCVGCMD). DCV-GCMD is a hybrid of two more common molecular simulation techniques (grand canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics) which allows the direct molecularlevel modelling of diffusion under a chemical potential gradient. The present version of the code, LADERA-B has the capability of modelling systems with explicit intramolecular interactions such as bonds, angles, and dihedral rotations. The utility of the new code for studying gradient-driven diffusion of small molecules through polymers is demonstrated by applying it to two model systems. LADERA-B includes another new feature, which is the use of neighbour lists in force calculations. This feature increases the speed of the code but presents several challenges in the parallel hybrid algorithm. There is discussion on how these problems were addressed and how our implement...
Rationale, background, and design of the randomized angiotensin receptor antagonist—Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor study (RAAS)

The randomized angiotensin receptor antagonist--angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)--Inhibitor Study (RAAS) was designed to test the hypothesis that the addition of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocking agent, losartan 50 mg/day, to an ACE-inhibitor, enalapril 10 mg twice a day (group 1), will be more effective than standard-dose enalapril 10 mg twice a day (group 2) or high-dose enalapril alone 20 mg twice a day (group 3), in blocking the activation of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system in patients with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The addition of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocking agent to an ACE inhibitor would theoretically block ACE as well as non-ACE-dependent angiotensin II formation while maintaining the potential beneficial effect of ACE inhibitor-induced bradykinin formation. One hundred twenty patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and moderate to severe heart failure despite treatment with an ACE inhibitor will be randomized to 1 of the 3 groups and followed for 6 weeks, with an optional long-term week extension to determine the safety and tolerability of the combination of losaratan and enalapril, its effectiveness in preventing rest and exercise-induced neurohumoral activation (plasma norepinephrine, N-terminal proatrial natriuretic factor, angiotensin II, and aldosterone), as well as quality of life and exercise performance (6-minute walk test).
On the estimation of effective number of alleles from electrophoretic data.

ABSTRACT Estimation of the effective number of alleles in natural populations from the frequencies of electrophoretically detected alleles involves significant ambiguity, which should be explicitly considered in the estimate. For large genetic populations the ambiguity importantly affects the value of n e .
Different components in human serum inhibit multiplication of Cryptococcus neoformans and enhance fluconazole activity.

The inhibitory effect of human serum on the multiplication of Cryptococcus neoformans and the interaction with fluconazole were studied. Compared with cryptococcal multiplication in RPMI 1640 medium alone, 5% human serum in medium inhibited multiplication by 76% +/- 6% (n = 8). The inhibitory effect of human serum was donor independent, [corrected] heat stable (56 degrees C, 30 min), and not due to albumin or globulin. Bovine and murine sera were not inhibitory at that concentration. A fungistatic concentration of fluconazole (5.0 micrograms/ml) in medium plus 5% human serum resulted in 40% +/- 5% (n = 8) killing (reduction of inoculum CFU) in a 24-h assay. Bovine or murine sera did not have the enhancing effect, and this human serum activity was heat stable and donor independent. At 2.5 micrograms of fluconazole per ml, fungistasis by fluconazole plus human serum was significantly greater than with either alone. Higher serum concentrations [corrected] potentiated fluconazole more. At higher fluconazole concentrations (e.g., 20 micrograms/ml) fluconazole alone could kill, but serum potentiated this. A fluconazole-resistant isolate (MIC, 100 micrograms/ml) was not killed by fluconazole (5.0 micrograms/ml) in 5% human serum, but human serum potentiated the partial fluconazole inhibition. When human serum was dialyzed (molecular weight cutoff, 6,000 to 8,000) against phosphate-buffered saline, it lost the ability to synergize with fluconazole for killing Cryptococcus organisms but not the capacity to inhibit multiplication. Filtration of serum suggested the filtrate with a molecular weight of < 10,000 could interact synergistically with fluconazole for killing but could not inhibit cryptococcal multiplication. These findings indicate that human serum has two components, one (macromolecular) with a unique ability to inhibit C. neoformans and a low-molecular-weight component that enhances fluconazole anticryptococcal activity.
Preparing Rural Music Teachers: Reflecting on “Shared Visions”

This article provides a view of rural music teacher preparation through the lens of critical social theory, drawing from literature about rural schools and social class, and the author’s experience as a rural student, teacher, and music teacher educator. It brings to light patterns of privilege and oppression within current ideals, standards, and practices, particularly as they might relate to “shared visions” in music education and/or music teacher education. The overall aim, nonetheless, is practical—identifying specific problems in preparing rural music teachers and suggesting a range of possible solutions.
Coherent strong-field coupling of a ferromagnetic nanomagnet with a photonic cavity

We predict that strong coupling is feasible between photons and a ferromagnetic nanomagnet, due to exchange interactions that cause very large numbers of spins to coherently lock together with a significant increase in oscillator strength while still maintaining very long coherence times. The interaction of a ferromagnetic nanomagnet with a single photonic mode of a cavity is analyzed in a fully quantum-mechanical treatment. Exceptionally large quantum-coherent magnet-photon coupling with coupling terms in excess of several THz are predicted to be achievable in a spherical cavity of ~ 1 mm radius with a nanomagnet of ~ 100 nm radius and ferromagnet resonance frequency of ~ 200 GHz. This should substantially exceed the coupling observed in solids between orbital transitions and light. Eigenstates of the nanomagnet-photon system correspond to entangled states of spin orientation and photon number over 105 values of each quantum number. Initial coherent state of definite spin and photon number evolve dynamically to produce large coherent oscillations in the microwave power with exceptionally long dephasing times of few seconds. In addition to dephasing, several decoherence mechanisms including elementary excitation of magnons and crystalline magnetic anisotropy are investigated and shown to not substantially affect coherence upto room temperature. The optimal nanomagnet size is predicted to be just below the threshold for failure of the macrospin approximation.
Combinatorial patterning mechanisms in the Drosophila embryo.

The classical concept of the morphogen gradient proposes that small differences in the levels of a signalling molecule or transcription factor are responsible for producing a continuous spectrum of distinctive cellular identities across a naive field of cells. In this review, we discuss how the Dorsal gradient controls the dorsal-ventral patterning of the early Drosophila embryo. This gradient extends from the ventral midline of the embryo into dorso-lateral regions, encompassing a cross-sectional field of approximately 20 cells. There is no evidence that these cells acquire distinctive identities due to subtle changes in the nuclear concentrations of the Dorsal protein. Rather, a variety of evidence suggests that the Dorsal gradient generates just three primary thresholds of gene activity. High levels activate gene expression in the presumptive mesoderm, while intermediate and low levels activate gene expression in the ventral and dorsal neurogenic ectoderm, respectively. We discuss how these primary readouts of the gradient establish localized domains of cell signalling, which work in a combinatorial manner with transcriptional networks to produce complex patterns of gene expression and tissue differentiation.
Response to combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin in hepatitis C cirrhotic patients

Response to combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin in hepatitis C cirrhotic patients
A New Generation Multi-object Doppler Instrument for the SDSS-III Multi-object APO Radial Velocity Exoplanet Large-area Survey

We report performance of a new generation multi-object Doppler instrument for the on-going Multi-object APO Radial-velocity Exoplanet Large-area Survey (MARVELS) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III (SDSS-III) program. This instrument is based on dispersed fixed-delay interferomtry design. It consists of a multi-object fiber-feed, a thermally compensated monolithic fixed-delay interferometer, a high throughput spectrograph and a 4kx4k CCD camera. The spectrograph resolving power is R=11,000 and the wavelength coverage is 500-570 nm. The instrument is capable of measuring 60 stars in a single exposure for high to moderate precision radial velocity (3-20 m/s) measurements depending on the star magnitudes (V=7.6-12). The instrument was commissioned at the SDSS telescope in September 2008 and used to collect science data starting in October 2008. Observations of reference stars show that the measured photon noise limiting errors are consistent with the prediction for most of the measurements.
The benefits of game use in a signal processing graduate class

It is important in the age of the INTERNET and video games to keep students engaged in the classroom. One way of doing this is through the use of games and simulations. TABOO™ is a card game which involves getting players to say a keyword without saying five forbidden words1. This can be adapted for any number of different subjects. In this paper the game was adapted for use in “Detection and Estimation” (EENG663) class at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). A study was conducted to see if there is a difference in the scores of the final examination for two different groups. Data was obtained on the students. Their project, midterm and final exam scores were recorded. Group one took EENG663 without the additional game preparation, group two had the additional review given right before the final exam. A statistical analysis of the scores is presented in this paper. Some students also completed a survey that asked their opinions on using the game in the classroom. Results show that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean final exam scores for the two groups.
CD44 Occupancy Prevents Macrophage Multinucleation

Cells of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage have the capability to adhere to and fuse with each other and to differentiate into osteoclasts and giant cells. To investigate the macrophage adhesion/fusion mechanism, we focused our attention on CD44, a surface glycoprotein known to play a role in hematopoietic cell–cell adhesion. We report that CD44 expression by macrophages is highly and transiently induced by fusogenic conditions both in vitro and in vivo. We show that CD44 ligands, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfates, and osteopontin prevent macrophage multinucleation. In addition, we report that the recombinant extracellular domain of CD44 binds fusing macrophages and prevents multinucleation in vitro. These data suggest that CD44 may control the mononucleated status of macrophages in tissues by virtue of mediating cell–cell interaction.
Oxygen impurity and microalloying effect in a Zr-based bulk metallic glass alloy

A Zr-base bulk metallic glass (BMG) alloy withthe base composition Zr–10 at.%Al–5% Ti–17.9% Cu–14.6% Ni (BAM-11) was used to study the effects of oxygen impurities and microalloying on the microstructure and mechanical properties. Oxygen impurity at a level of 3000 appm dramatically reduced the glass forming ability and embrittled BAM-11 at room temperature. The embrittlement was due to the formation of oxygen-induced Zr4Ni2O nuclei that triggered near complete crystallization of the metallic glass. Microalloying with 0.1 at.%B+0.2%Si+0.1%Pb was effective in suppressing the crystalline phase formation and alleviating the detrimental effect of oxygen. Microstructural analyses indicate that the beneficial effect of the optimum dopants was mainly due to stabilization of the glass-phase matrix even though it contained high levels of oxygen. Thus, microalloying is effective in reducing the production cost and is very useful for manufacturing good-quality Zr-based BMGs from impure charge materials. # 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.