cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for the participation of cytosolic protein kinases in membrane phosphorylation in intact erythrocytes.

The effects of adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) on the phosphorylation of membrane proteins in intact rabbit and human erythrocytes were investigated. The addition of cyclic AMP to intact human or rabbit erythrocytes results in an increase in the incorporation of ortho[32P]phosphate into several membrane protein components which are known to serve as substrates for the cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinases. Thus this increase in protein phosphorylation is probably due to the activation of either soluble or membrane-bound cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinases. Incubation of human erythrocytes in the presence of ortho[32P]phosphate and cyclic AMP also leads to the phosphorylation of a membrane protein component, band 7, which has not been previously detected in the autophosphorylation of isolated ghosts. Since rabbit erythrocyte membranes do not contain any cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase, the results suggest that cytoplasmic kinases also play a role in the phosphorylation of membrane proteins in intact cells.
Beyond Clara Schumann: Integrating Women Composers and Performers Into General Music Classes

To provide a comprehensive and balanced curriculum, the accomplishments of women composers and performers must be included in general music classes. This article addresses obstacles that have chall...
Improved clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with coronary endarterectomy.

Background. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with coronary endarterectomy (CE) has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to evaluate the impact of recent advances in operative and perioperative management on outcomes after CE. Methods. One hundred fifty-one consecutive patients undergoing first-time CABG with CE between 1991 and 1997 were compared with a concurrent group of 757 patients undergoing CABG without CE (Control). Results. Age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, percent nonelective were similar in both groups. Compared with control, the CE group had a higher incidence of hypertension (80% versus 71%, p = 0.02), diabetes (42% versus 32%, p = 0.01), prior myocardial infarction (MI) (68% versus 59%, p = 0.05), peripheral vascular disease (36% versus 16%, p < 0.001), renal failure (15% versus 4%, p < 0.001), and three-vessel coronary disease (81% versus 70%, p = 0.007), resulting in higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons database predicted mortality (4.9 ± 5.9% versus 3.9 ± 4.6%, p = 0.05). Despite the higher risk profile of the CE group, hospital mortality (CE 2.0%, Control 1.2%) and the incidence of major complications such as cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (0.7% versus 1.5%), major respiratory complications (8% versus 5%), and postoperative MI (3% versus 1.4%) were similar between the groups (all p = NS). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time was an independent predictor of postoperative MI (odds ratio 1.2, CI 1.05 to 1.39, p < 0.01) and the use of heparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass circuits of reduced MI rate (odds ratio 0.25, CI 0.08 to 0.76, p < 0.01). Mean follow-up for 94% of patients was 30 ± 19 months (range 1 to 83 months). Five-year survival after CE was 70 ± 5%, with 96% of patients in Canadian Cardiovascular Society class I/II. Conclusions. In a contemporary series of carefully selected patients, mortality and major complications after CE are now similar to CABG without CE. CE itself is not an independent predictor of postoperative MI. Functional class of hospital survivors is excellent.
Recognition of viruses and xenogeneic proteins by the blue crab, Callinecyes sapidus. I. Clearance and organ concentration

Abstract The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus , was able to clear radio-labeled viruses and xenogeneic proteins from the circulation in a manner indicating recognition of self from non-self. Xenogeneic proteins and poliovirus particles were concentrated in the central axis of the gills, whereas bacteriophages appeared to be concentrated predominately in the hepato-pancreas. These results clearly indicate that the blue crab does not simply degrade and externalize foreign substances, but is capable of a relatively sophisticated recognition phenomenon in the normal or “non-immunized” state.
Why chains beget chains: An ecological model of firm entry and exit and the evolution of market similarity

Abstract We construct and analyze a dynamic model of chain growth across multiple markets from an ecological perspective using computational and mathematical techniques. Our model consists of firms that possess intrinsic qualities and hedonic spatial attributes. Consumers purchase from firms based upon quality and hedonic distance. We find that the existence of chains creates an environment favorable to additional chains. In other words, chains beget chains. We also find that even though creating successful new firms becomes harder over time, chaining successful new firms becomes easier. Both phenomena result from the creation of common niches across markets.
Developmental expression patterns of bone morphogenetic proteins, receptors, and binding proteins in the chick retina.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a large subfamily of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of growth factors, have been implicated in patterning of the central nervous system, but their role in the retina is much less well known. As an initial step in addressing this issue, we have investigated by in situ hybridization the expression patterns of BMP-2, -4, -5, -6, and -7, BMP receptor kinases (BRKs) -1, -2, and -3, and BMP binding proteins noggin and chordin, in the chick embryonic eye at embryonic day 3 (E3), and in isolated retinas at E6, E8, and E18. Strikingly, all mRNAs examined had spatially restricted patterns of expression in the early eye, with the receptors found primarily in the ventral portion of the retina and in the optic stalk, and the ligands and binding proteins localized to other regions of the retina and/or retinal pigment epithelium. Dorso-ventrally restricted patterns of expression persisted at E8, but were no longer apparent at E18, whereas layer-specific patterns of expression were detectable at both E8 and E18. This distribution of BMP family members, receptors, and binding proteins within the retina appears consistent with a possible role in patterning and/or differentiation of this tissue. J. Comp. Neurol. 430:562–572, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Validation and Optimization of a Yeast Dynamic Flux Balance Model using a Parallel Bioreactor System

Abstract The availability of parallel fermentation systems comprised of miniature, independently controlled bioreactors provides new opportunities for high throughput bioprocess development. In this study, we demonstrated the use of a four bioreactor system to validate predictions from a dynamic flux balance model of Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism. First we showed that the four 250 mL bioreactors generated very reproducible aerobic batch culture data and that the parallel system results could be accurately scaled-up to a standard 1.25 L laboratory bioreactor by matching oxygen mass transfer coefficients in the different reactors. A S. cerevisiae dynamic flux balance model previously developed in our group was shown to produce anaerobic and aerobic batch profiles in excellent agreement with the parallel system. The validated model was used to determine the optimal aerobic-anaerobic switching time for maximal ethanol production in batch culture. An optimal switching time in agreement with parallel system experiments was obtained. We concluded that parallel fermentation is a powerful tool for batch culture optimization when used in conjunction with dynamic metabolic models.
A local discontinuous Galerkin method for a doubly nonlinear diffusion equation arising in shallow water modeling

In this paper, we study a local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method to approximate solutions of a doubly nonlinear diffusion equation, known in the literature as the diffusive wave approximation of the shallow water equations (DSW). This equation arises in shallow water flow models when special assumptions are used to simplify the shallow water equations and contains as particular cases: the Porous Medium equation and the parabolic p-Laplacian. Continuous in time a priori error estimates are established between the approximate solutions obtained using the proposed LDG method and weak solutions to the DSW equation under physically consistent assumptions. The results of numerical experiments in 2D are presented to verify the numerical accuracy of the method, and to show the qualitative properties of water flow captured by the DSW equation, when used as a model to simulate an idealized dam break problem with vegetation.
Surface ECG vector characteristics of organized and disorganized atrial activity during atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to examine atrial organization from vectorcardiograms (VCGs) derived from the surface ECG of atrial fibrillatory waves. Methods: We retrieved ECGs recorded during ventricular asystole from 22 patients with AF undergoing ablation of the AV junction. The synthesized VCG of each f-wave cycle of each ECG and its plane of best fit, described by azimuth and elevation angles relative to the frontal plane, were computed. Results: Fifteen of the 22 ECGs had at least 30% of the planes in a single 30-degree region of azimuth angles. Of these 15, 12 had the greatest percentage of planes with azimuth angles within 30 degrees of the sagittal plane; two were near the frontal plane; and one near the right anterior oblique plane. Conclusions: Varying degrees of organization were observed from VCGs of fibrillatory waves with the more organized examples having planes predominately near the sagittal plane.
Universal newborn hearing screening: fine-tuning the process.

Purpose of review Universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) is rapidly becoming the standard of care in hospitals across the country. The goals of Healthy People 2010 are to provide newborn hearing screening to all infants, ensure follow-up audiologic evaluations by 3 months of age, and provide smooth transition to early intervention by 6 months of age. Programs implemented in the 1990s are beginning to report data that will be useful to states new to screening. This article reviews recent trends, suggests appropriate screening protocols, and identifies areas for improvement in UNHS. Recent findings Recent studies indicate the following: (1) screening programs can be cost-effective with low referral rates; (2) maternal stress is not necessarily a byproduct of screenings that end in referral; and (3) developmental outcomes for hearing-impaired infants born in screening hospitals are particularly encouraging. Areas for improvement include the following: (1) compliance in follow-up testing and (2) the establishment of a cohesive multidisciplinary team to manage the infant and provide support to the family. Summary Hearing screening is only the first step in the care of a hearing-impaired infant. Programs need to ensure that families understand the necessity of follow-up testing without creating undue stress. The transition to early intervention should be seamless, with a cohesive team of health care professionals capable of providing medical, audiologic, communication, and educational management for the infant as well as emotional support for the family.
Ozone Efficacy as a Bactericide in Seafood Processing

Abstract The efficacy of ozonated water (0.6-1.5 ppm) was evaluated as a bactericidal agent for sanitizing food contact surfaces and for treatment of raw seafood. The presence of ozone reduced the bacterial levels substantially on stainless steel surfaces and to a lesser extent on plastic cutting boards. Ozone was about as effective as chlorine in lowering levels of Listeria innocua on inoculated food contact surfaces. Fish processing residuals present on the surface greatly reduced sanitizer effectiveness. In high organic conditions, chlorinated water was slightly more effective than ozonated water. However, ozonated water applied to fish fillets and roe was not effective for bacterial control. The presence of organic material, particularly with fillets, reduced the effectiveness of ozone. Ozone accelerated the development of rancidity in frozen roe and fillets, resulting in reduced shelf life. We recommend ozone only as a sanitizer for cleaned seafood contact surfaces.
Premier Russet: A Dual-Purpose, Potato Cultivar with Significant Resistance to Low Temperature Sweetening During Long-Term Storage

Premier Russet is a russet-skinned, high yielding potato cultivar suitable for processing or fresh-pack. Premier Russet is notable for its resistance to the accumulation of reducing sugars in its tubers. This characteristic allows tubers of Premier Russet to be stored at temperatures as low as 5.6°C for 250 days without the need for reconditioning prior to processing. The low temperature sweetening resistance of Premier Russet allows for its storage at colder temperatures which contributes to prolonged tuber dormancy and quality, and to a reduction in the incidence and severity of storage diseases associated with the higher storage temperatures typically used for industry-standard cultivars such as Russet Burbank and Ranger Russet. Premier Russet was released in 2006 by the USDA-ARS and the Agricultural Experiment Stations of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and is a product of the Northwest Potato Variety (Tri-State) Development Program. In full-season trials conducted over a 3-year period in the states of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California, New Mexico, and Texas, Premier Russet averaged 5% and 4% higher yields than Ranger Russet and Russet Burbank, respectively, and had a higher percentage of US No. 1 yield than either cultivar. Specific gravity of Premier Russet is consistently greater than that of Ranger Russet or Russet Burbank. Premier Russet is resistant to common and powdery scab, very resistant to the common strain of potato virus Y (PVYO), and moderately resistant to Verticillium wilt, early blight of the foliage and tuber, Pectobacterium (Erwinia) soft rot, and to galling of roots by powdery scab. Blackspot bruise reaction for Premier Russet is similar to that of Ranger Russet. The incidence of hollow heart in Premier Russet is higher than that of Ranger Russet or Russet Burbank. Cultural recommendations to manage hollow heart in Premier Russet are provided.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Exposures for Intrahepatic Abscesses Produced in Mice by Nonsporeforming Anaerobic Bacteria

Hyperbaric oxygen exposures were evaluated for treatment of progressive liver abscesses produced by intraperitoneal injection of combined cultures of Fusobacterium necrophorum plus either Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis or Fusobacterium nucleatum in a mouse model. Infected control and hyperbaric oxygen-exposed mice were autopsied 5 or 6 weeks after inoculation of bacteria and were assigned numerical pathology scores according to the number and size of abscesses present. Seventeen daily 3-h exposures to 100% O 2 at 2 atmospheres absolute pressure begun either 1 day or 1 week after injection of bacteria significantly reduced the number and size of abscesses among mice infected with either mixture of anaerobic organisms. Abscesses due to mixed fusobacteria were often completely resolved. These data support the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen for treatment of mixed anaerobic infection produced by Bacteroides and Fusobacterium species and suggest its further evaluation as a potential alternate or adjunct to present therapy for certain types of serious anaerobic infection. Images
Teacher Drop-Outs? Empowering Induction-Year Teachers to Create Affable Environments to Enhance Retention

(2010). Teacher Drop-Outs?: Empowering Induction-Year Teachers to Create Affable Environments to Enhance Retention. Childhood Education: Vol. 86, Creating Friendly and Supportive Environments for Teachers, pp. 312-315.
Sensor array based on photoconductance monitoring for optical vibration detection

We provide the theory of operation of a recently proposed sensor array. The sensor is designed to detect changes in incident optical intensity that result when a non-uniform intensity distribution on the sensor is displaces laterally. This property allows the device to be used for optical vibration detection. The sensor is based on four-point measurements of photoconductance, which makes the device scalable and easy to fabricate. Some preliminary experimental results obtained with a prototype are given.
Soft tissue east aids in establishing interproximimal contours for restorations

A soft tissue cast permits the technician to make fixed prostheses with optimal contours. This article describes a quick and easy procedure for making a vinylsiloxane soft tissue cast directly in the impression.
The unusual normal and superconducting states of underdoped cuprates

Abstract There is increasing experimental evidence that the superconducting energy gap gD 0 in the underdoped cuprates is independent of doping concentration x while the superfluid density is linear in x . We show that under these conditions, thermal excitation of the quasiparticles is very effective in destroying the superconducting state, so that T c is proportional to xΔ 0 and part of the gap structure remains in the normal state. We then estimate H c 2 and predict it to be proportional to x 2 . We also discuss to what extent the assumptions that go into the quasiparticle description can be derived in the U(1) and SU(2) formulations of the t - J model.
Growth direction and morphology of ZnO nanobelts revealed by combining in situ atomic force microscopy and polarized Raman spectroscopy

Control over the morphology and structure of nanostructures is essential for their technological applications, since their physical properties depend significantly on their dimensions, crystallographic structure, and growth direction. A combination of polarized Raman (PR) spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to characterize the growth direction, the presence of point defects and the morphology of individual ZnO nanobelts. PR-AFM data reveal two growth modes during the synthesis of ZnO nanobelts by physical vapor deposition. In the thermodynamics-controlled growth mode, nanobelts grow along a direction close to [0001], their morphology is growth-direction dependent, and they exhibit no point defects. In the kinetics-controlled growth mode, nanobelts grow along directions almost perpendicular to [0001], and they exhibit point defects.
Conservation de l’artère hypogastrique au cours de la cure des anévrismes aorto-iliaques

L’embolisation de l’artere hypogastrique (HA) avec prolongation de jambage iliaque est souvent faite chez des patients avec des anevrysmes concomitants de l’aorte et des arteres iliaques communes lors de la reparation endovasculaire standard d’anevrysme. Cependant, une ischemie pelvienne symptomatique suivant l’exclusion de l’HA peut etre invalidante. Dans cette etude, nous decrivons deux cas de conservation de l’HA utilisant des stentgrafts du commerce. Les techniques que nous avons decrites permettent a des patients presentant des anevrysmes concomitants de l’aorte et des iliaques d’avoir la reparation endovasculaire d’anevrysme sans augmenter le risque d’ischemie pelvienne. Bien que la longevite a long terme de ces configurations trifurquees de prothese reste a determiner, les resultats a court terme sont excellents. Les considerations techniques de ces deux approches differentes ont ete egalement comparees.
Differential regulation of opposing RelMtb activities by the aminoacylation state of a tRNA.ribosome.mRNA.RelMtb complex.

Rel(Mtb) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for the intracellular regulation of (p)ppGpp and the consequent ability of the organism to survive long-term starvation, indicating a possible role in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. Purified Rel(Mtb) is a dual-function enzyme carrying out ATP: GTP/GDP/ITP 3'-pyrophosphoryltransferase and (p)ppGpp 3'-pyrophosphohydrolase reactions. Here we show that in the absence of biological regulators, Rel(Mtb) simultaneously catalyzes both transferase and hydrolysis at the maximal rate for each reaction, indicating the existence of two distinct active sites. The differential regulation of the opposing activities of Rel(Mtb) is dependent on the ratio of uncharged to charged tRNA and the association of Rel(Mtb) with a complex containing tRNA, ribosomes, and mRNA. A 20-fold increase in the k(cat) and a 4-fold decrease in K(ATP) and K(GTP) from basal levels for transferase activity occur when Rel(Mtb) binds to a complex containing uncharged tRNA, ribosomes, and mRNA (Rel(Mtb) activating complex or RAC). The k(cat) for hydrolysis, however, is reduced 2-fold and K(m) for pppGpp increased 2-fold from basal levels in the presence of the Rel(Mtb) activating complex. The addition of charged tRNA to this complex has the opposite effect by inhibiting transferase activity and activating hydrolysis activity. Differential control of Rel(Mtb) gives the Mtb ribosomal complex a new regulatory role in controlling cellular metabolism in response to stringent growth conditions that may be present in the dormant Mtb lesion.
Modeling short-period crustal phases (P, Lg) for long-range refraction profiles

Abstract The short-period seismic phases known as P and Lg are often recorded at distances of 200–1000 km on long-range refraction profiles and are usually the largest-amplitude features on record sections for this distance range. P and Lg propagate as multiply reflected compressional and shear waves in a crustal waveguide whose principal boundaries are the Moho and the free surface. Equivalently, they can be interpreted as the interference pattern produced by a superposition of higher-mode P, SV and SH waves propagating in a leaky waveguide. For compressional waves, the waveguide efficiency is a strong function of frequency and depends on the presence or absence of low-velocity layers within a few kilometers of the surface, such as deep sedimentary sections commonly found in active tectonic areas. Such low-velocity surface layers create constructive interference effects for upcoming P waves incident at near grazing angles at the free surface and lead to efficient P propagation. Several good examples of strong P phases can be found on long-range refraction profiles for the tectonically active western United States; the 550 km profile eastward from SHOAL to Delta, UT is analyzed here. We have used a modified reflectivity-method computer program to model crustal phases for the SHOAL-Delta profile. The reflectivity technique accounts for all body and surface waves contributing to the short-period seismograms. It is found that the synthetic waveforms realistically model the observed P characteristics. In this case, the decay of P amplitudes with distance appears to be dominated by surface-reflection leakage from the waveguide rather than by anelastic attenuation due to Q of crustal rocks.
Surface chemistry of glass open tubular (capillary) columns used in gas-liquid chromatography

This paper reviews previous approaches to the preparation of glass open tubular columns and discusses recent developments and trends in the column technology as studied in the authors' laboratories. Special attention is focussed on the role of selective surface monolayers in wettability phenomena.
Mid-Infrared Spectrum of [Ru(phen)(3)](2+).

Time-resolved infrared spectra in the fingerprint region (1300−1700 cm-1) are reported for the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state(s) of [Ru(phen)3]2+* and [Os(phen)(DAS)2]2+* (phen is 1,10-phenanthroline; DAS is 1,2-bis(diphenylarsino)ethane) in acetonitrile-d3 at 298 K. The spectra are assigned by comparison to electrochemically generated [RuIII(phen)3]3+ and [RuII(phen•-)(phen)2]+. The data provide clear evidence for the localized description [RuIII(phen•-)(phen)2]2+* on the ∼100 ns time scale. They also give insight into electronic distribution in the excited state, aid in the interpretation of the time-resolved resonance Raman spectrum of [Ru(phen)3]2+*, and suggest why measuring ground- and excited-state resonance Raman spectra of phen complexes is difficult.
Idiopathic hypercalciuria in children: Prevalence and metabolic characteristics

A group of 273 children with minor complaints was screened for idiopathic hypercalciuria by measurement of the urine Ca/Cr. Borderline or definitely high levels were noted in 17 of these children, 11 of whom were boys. More intensive metabolic studies were completed on four of these children and on three children who were noted to have symptomatic renal stones associated with idiopathic hypercalciuria. These studies suggest that 1H, well recognized in adults, may have its origins in childhood and that appropriate management, if initiated in childhood, may have significant long-term benefits.
Determination of cell mass in an insoluble lignocellulosic substrate in submerged fermentation

A method for determing cell growth in insoluble complex cellulosic fermentations based on material balance relationships is described. Trichoderma reesei QM 9414 growing on leached beet cosette is the experimental system used for testing the procedure.
Terahertz coherent control of many-electron qubits in a quantum hall system

Coherent control of many-electron qubits in a GaAs quantum well is demonstrated using a sequence of THz pulses. There is no signature of electron-electron interactions, generalizing the Kohn's theorem to the level of coherent dynamics.
Effect of bonding temperature on the joint strength of polyolefln/butyl rubber and polyolefin/ethylene‐vinylacetate copolymer

The effect of bonding temperature on the peel strength of adhesive joints, polyolefin/butyl rubber and polyolefin/ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer, has been investigated. The peel strength, measured at room temperature, undergoes a sharp transition from its low values to higher values as the bonding temperature is changed from below to above, the melting point of the substrate. This increase in peel strength is accompanied by changes in failure mode from the apparent interfacial failure to cohesive failure through the adhesives. Investigation of the interface using Fourier Transform Infrared Internal Reflection spectroscopy and interference microscopy indicates that the sharp increase in the peel strength at the melting temperature of substrate is associated with the presence of an interdiffused layer at the interface.
Medicare ESRD Prospective Payment System: Weighing the Evidence

On October 30, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed section 2991 of Public Law 92–603, or the 1972 amendments to the Social Security Act. Enacted in July 1973, provisions within this amendment established end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as the only healthcare condition to be covered under Medicare
Design of a novel mobility device controlled by the feet motion of a standing child

Self-generated mobility is a major contributor to the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development of infants and toddlers. When young children have disorders that hinder self locomotion, their development is at risk for delay. Independent mobility via traditional power mobility devices may prevent this delay, but do little to encourage the child's development of gross motor skills. This research aims to develop a bio-driven mobile-assistive device that is controlled and driven by moving the feet, which may encourage the development of gross motor skills. In this study, system feasibility is shown by experiments on five typically developing toddlers and one special needs toddler with spastic cerebral palsy. Children were placed in the bio-driven device and instructed to navigate through a maze. All subjects were able to successfully complete the maze in multiple trials. Additionally, two toddlers showed evidence of improved driving skill by completing the maze in shorter times in successive trials on a given testing day. The results suggest that such a device is feasible for purposeful driving. Recommendations are given for the device and protocol redesign for related future testing.
Transient phosphorylation of deoxyribosides and regulation of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis.

Microspores isolated from Lilium longiflorum and Trillium erectum were studied with respect to their capacities for phosphorylating deoxyribosides in vitro . It was found that such capacities are manifest only during brief intervals of time adjacent to periods of DNA synthesis, and that none of the neighboring cells in the anther acquire them. The observed patterns of behavior are interpreted in terms of enzyme induction as a device for regulating DNA synthesis.
Bending the rules: steps toward semantically enriched graphical rewrite rules

Graphical rewrite rules, as a form of end user programming, suffer from their implicit underlying model. Interpretation of rewrite rules limited to syntactic properties makes it laborious for end users to define non-trivial behavior. Semantically enriched graphical rewrite rules have increased expressiveness resulting in a significantly reduced number of rewrite rules. This reduction is essential in order to keep rewrite rule based programming approaches feasible for end user programming. The extension of the rewrite rule model with semantics not only benefits the definition of behavior but additionally it supports the entire visual programming process. Specifically the benefits include support for defining object look, laying out scenes consisting of dependent objects, defining behavior with a reduced number of rewrite rules, and reusing existing behaviors via rewrite rule analogies. These benefits are described in the context of the Agentsheets programming substrate.
Effects of biogenic nitrate chemistry on the NO x lifetime in remote continental regions

Abstract. We present an analysis of the NO x budget in conditions of low NO x (NO x = NO + NO 2 ) and high biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) concentrations that are characteristic of most continental boundary layers. Using a steady-state model, we show that below 500 pptv of NO x , the NO x lifetime is extremely sensitive to organic nitrate (RONO 2 ) formation rates. We find that even for RONO 2 formation values that are an order of magnitude smaller than is typical for continental conditions significant reductions in NO x lifetime, and consequently ozone production efficiency, are caused by nitrate forming reactions. Comparison of the steady-state box model to a 3-D chemical transport model (CTM) confirms that the concepts illustrated by the simpler model are a useful approximation of predictions provided by the full CTM. This implies that the regional and global budgets of NO x , OH, and ozone will be sensitive to assumptions regarding organic nitrate chemistry. Changes in the budgets of these species affect the representation of processes important to air quality and climate. Consequently, CTMs must include an accurate representation of organic nitrate chemistry in order to provide accurate assessments of past, present, and future air quality and climate. These findings suggest the need for further experimental constraints on the formation and fate of biogenic RONO 2 .
Feature extraction from light-scatter patterns of Listeria colonies for identification and classification

Bacterial contamination by Listeria monocytogenes not only puts the public at risk, but also is costly for the food-processing industry. Traditional biochemical methods for pathogen identification require complicated sample preparation for reliable results. Optical scattering technology has been used for identification of bacterial cells in suspension, but with only limited success. Therefore, to improve the efficacy of the identification process using our novel imaging approach, we analyze bacterial colonies grown on solid surfaces. The work presented here demonstrates an application of computer-vision and pattern-recognition techniques to classify scatter patterns formed by Listeria colonies. Bacterial colonies are analyzed with a laser scatterometer. Features of circular scatter patterns formed by bacterial colonies illuminated by laser light are characterized using Zernike moment invariants. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering are performed on the results of feature extraction. Classification using linear discriminant analysis, partial least squares, and neural networks is capable of separating different strains of Listeria with a low error rate. The demonstrated system is also able to determine automatically the pathogenicity of bacteria on the basis of colony scatter patterns. We conclude that the obtained results are encouraging, and strongly suggest the feasibility of image-based biodetection systems.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency and malabsorption are highly prevalent in rural Mexican communities

Vitamin B-12 status of rural Mexicans was evaluated in two studies, 6 y apart. In the first, a single blood sample was collected from children and adults, including pregnant and lactating women. Prevalence of deficient plasma vitamin B-12 values ranged from 19% to 41% among groups, but plasma folate status was normal in all individuals. Breast milk vitamin B-12 concentration was low in 62% of samples. The second study was conducted in 219 children aged 18-36 mo in five communities, whose prevalence of deficient and low plasma vitamin B-12 concentrations, respectively, was 8% and 33% on entry, 3% and 22% 6 mo later, and 7% and 29% 12 mo later. Prevalence of low holotranscobalamin II concentrations, indicating malabsorption of the vitamin, averaged 18-40% across the three same periods. Both vitamin B-12 status indicators differed significantly between communities. The widespread vitamin B-12 deficiency was probably caused by malabsorption, perhaps exacerbated by low dietary intake and, for young children, maternal depletion of the vitamin.
Object-oriented programming of complex fault-tolerant real-time systems

The challenge is to build, on top of standard operating systems, complex fault tolerant real time systems that operate fast enough to meet real time deadlines even under fault conditions, using an approach that simplifies the application programming. The Realize system, being developed at the University of California, Santa Barbara, aims to meet that challenge.
High sensitivity trace gas sensor for planetary atmospheres: miniaturized Mars methane monitor

Highly sensitive trace gas measurements in planetary atmospheres can yield information about a planet’s atmosphere and surface. One prominent example is methane in the Martian atmosphere, which could originate biogenically and provides answers to one of the most intriguing questions in planetary science: “Does life currently exist on Mars?” Recently, in situ measurements by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) have resulted in an upper limit of 1300 parts per trillion by volume (pptv), whereas previous measurements using terrestrial telescopes and an instrument orbiting Mars reported significantly higher values of 10,000 pptv or more. These results are not necessarily contradictory, due to the possibility of spatial and temporal variability of the trace gas concentration. Thus, more measurements will be required to gain clarity. The concept of a miniaturized Mars methane monitor, a high spectral resolution, midinfrared spectrometer observing the sun through the Mars atmosphere from either the Mars surface, a Mars balloon or plane, or a Mars orbiting satellite is presented. The instrument would measure atmospheric methane and water vapor volume mixing ratios with equal or higher precision than the tunable laser spectrometer on MSL. The spectrometer concept uses the spatial heterodyne spectroscopy technique, which has previously been used for ground- and space-based observations of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Characterization Of Er-Doped III-V Nitride Epilayers Prepared by Mombe

Er-doped AIN epilayers have been grown using metal-organic molecular beam epitaxy (MOMBE) with controlled Er densities. Cell temperatures greater than 1000°C were required for the Er solid source in order to achieve significant Er concentrations in the epilayers. Er densities in the 1019 to 1020 cm−3 range were confirmed using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), quantified using implanted standards. The epilayers were optically excited using an argon-ion laser and infrared luminescence spectra were measured over the temperature range 13 to 300 K. The spectra are centered at 1.54 μm and display features typical of the Er3+ configuration. These data demonstrate that high densities of Er atoms can be incorporated in AIN films during epitaxial growth and that the Er atoms give rise to the intra-4f transitions of the trivalent Er3+ ion.
Molecular Subtypes in Breast Cancer Evaluation and Management: Divide and Conquer

In the 19th century, the Scottish surgeon, Dr. Thomas Beatson, recognized that some, but not all, cases of advanced breast cancer would regress in response to “hormonal therapy,” which he administe...
Precise RSSI with High Process Variation Tolerance

A receiving signal strength indicator (RSSI) built with transconductance amplifiers is presented. The RSSI achieves high tolerance to process variations by utilizing the unique nature of branch currents in a transconductance amplifier. These branch currents are used to implement a current-mode rectifier and amplitude clipping circuit that are tolerant of process variations. An on-chip offset control loop permits the entire RSSI to be realized with only one external component. In 0.18 mum CMOS with a 1.8V supply, the RSSI draws 2.5mA and provides 80dB of offset suppression and more than 70dB of log-linear range with less than +/-2dB error due to process variation.
Efficient implementations of 2-D noncausal IIR filters

In this paper, we propose a framework for the efficient implementation of two-dimensional (2-D) noncausal infinite impulse response (IIR) filters, i.e., filter systems described implicitly by difference equations and boundary conditions. A number of common 2-D LSI filter operations, (including low-pass, high-pass, and zero-phase filters), are efficiently realized and implemented in this paper as noncausal IIR filters. The basic concepts involved in our approach include the adaptation of so-called direct methods for solving partial differential equations (PDEs), and the introduction of an approximation methodology that is particularly well suited to signal processing applications and leads to very efficient implementations. In particular, for an input and output with N/spl times/N samples, the algorithm requires only O(N/sup 2/) storage and computations (yielding a per pixel computational load that is independent of image size), and has a parallel implementation (yielding a per pixel computational load that decreases with increasing image size). Also, because our approach allows for the implementation of filters with space-varying coefficients on irregularly shaped domains, it should have applications in related areas like linear estimation, geophysical signal processing, or any field requiring approximate solutions to elliptic PDEs.
Molecular cloning and characterization of the cDNA coding for the biotin-containing subunit of the chloroplastic acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase.

We report the molecular cloning and sequence of the cDNA coding for the biotin-containing subunit of the chloroplastic acetylcoenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase (ACCase) of Arabidopsis thaliana (CAC1). The 3[prime] end of the CAC1 sequence, coding for a peptide of 94 amino acids, which includes a putative biotinylation motif, was expressed in Escherichia coli as a glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion protein. The resulting GST-CAC1 fusion protein was biotinylated in vivo, indicating that CAC1 codes for a biotin-containing protein. Antibodies generated to the GST-CAC1 protein reacted solely with the 38-kD biotin-containing polypeptide of Arabidopsis. Furthermore, these antibodies inhibited ACCase activity in extracts from Arabidopsis leaves. The deduced amino acid sequence of CAC1 has an apparent N-terminal chloroplast-targeting transit peptide. The CAC1 protein is coded by a single Arabidopsis gene, and its mRNA accumulates to the highest levels in organs that are undergoing rapid growth. The amino acid sequence of the CAC1 protein is most similar to the biotin carboxyl-carrier protein component of eubacterial ACCases. These characterizations identify CAC1 as the biotin-containing subunit of the plastidic, heteromeric ACCase of Arabidopsis. The results support the ancient origin of the two structurally distinct ACCases of plants.
Circadian variation of dsip-like material in rat plasma

Levels of delta-sleep-inducing peptide-like immunoreactivity (DSIP-LI) in rat plasma were measured by radioimmunoassay and found to exhibit a circadian rhythm that parallelled the normal rhythm for corticosterone. The maximal plasma levels of both substances were observed to occur at about 1700h. The lowest concentrations of DSIP-LI and corticosterone were detected at 2400h and 1000h, respectively. Exposure to constant levels of illumination abolished the rhythm of DSIP-LI. It is possible that the temporal parallelism between the levels of DSIP-LI and corticosterone may represent a functional relationship between both compounds.
The afferent input to the magnocellular division of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus in the monkey, Macaca fascicularis

The origin and termination of fibers to the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus, especially those to the medial, magnocellular part of the nucleus (MDm), have been studied using anterograde and retrograde axonal tracing methods, as well as electrophysiological recording. The results indicate that in addition to its well-known connections to and from the prefrontal cortex, MDm receives fibers from many parts of the basal forebrain, including the ventral pallidum and other parts of the substantia innominata, the amygdaloid complex, the primary olfactory cortex, entorhinal and perirhinal cortex, and the cortex at the pole of the temporal lobe. Lighter projections arise in the subiculum, the ventral insula, and the superior and inferior temporal gyri. The cells that project to MDm tend to be large, polymorphic neurons. Throughout most of the basal forebrain they are diffusely distributed through several nuclei or cortical layers, without obvious relation to nuclear or laminar boundaries. The major exception to this is in the ventral pallidum, where there is a dense concentration of cells that project to MDm. The lateral part of the mediodorsal nucleus (MDl) receives few if any fibers from the basal forebrain and temporal lobe, but is innervated by several brainstem structures, especially the superior colliculus, the substantia nigra, the medial vestibular nucleus, and the midbrain tegmental fields. In MDm, the fibers are distributed in irregular patches. Three-dimensional analysis indicates that these patches are often clustered into separate bands or columns at different anteroposterior levels. In addition, the strongest projections from the three major regions that innervate MDm are organized in a complex three-dimensional pattern. First, the fibers from the amygdaloid nuclei terminate most heavily (but not exclusively) in the rostral third of MDm. The parvicellular accessory basal amygdaloid nucleus and the amygdalohippocampal area project principally to the dorsal part of the nucleus. The parvicellular basal nucleus and the periamygdaloid cortex project to the ventromedial quadrant of MDm; and the magnocellular basal nucleus, the magnocellular accessory basal nucleus, and the lateral nucleus all project to the ventrolateral quadrant. Second, the substantia innominata projects preferentially to the caudal part of MDm. The medial part of the substantia innominata, especially the ventral pallidum, innervates the dorsomedial quadrant, while more caudal and lateral areas of this region project ventrolaterally. Third, the projections arising from the entorhinal and other temporal cortical areas terminate primarily in the mid-rostrocaudal level of MDm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
An e-business integration and collaboration platform for B2B e-commerce

The B2B e-commerce area is poised for tremendous growth. While this is a great opportunity for the system designers, the challenges are abundant as well. We list the requirements on an application platform for B2B e-commerce. We describe a framework-based approach to designing such a platform. We use design patterns to describe the frameworks on which the platform is based. These patterns illustrate how the platform supports collaborative business processes that integrate enterprise applications and trading partner systems. We present a programming model that enables the assembly of complex e-business applications on the platform.
Instar-Specific Phenology of Pandemis pyrusana and Choristoneura rosaceana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Washington Apple Orchards

Abstract Head capsule width was used to determine the instar specific phenology of the leafroller Pandemis pyrusana Kearfott and the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), attacking apple in Washington state during 2001–2003. In total, 7,012 P. pyrusana and 6,122 obliquebanded leafroller larvae were measured from apple orchards from mid-March to mid-September. Degree-day accumulations from each site were paired with the head capsule data to determine the periods during which different instars were present in the field. The implications of this work for pest management and biological control of leafrollers is discussed.
Ascertaining Directional Information From Incident Nuclear Radiation

Unprecedented capabilities for the detection of nuclear particles are presented by tensioned metastable fluid states which can be attained via tailored resonant acoustic systems such as the acoustic tensioned metastable fluid detection (ATMFD) systems. Radiation detection in tensioned metastable fluids is accomplished via macro-mechanical manifestations of femto-scale nuclear interactions. Incident nuclear particles interact with the dynamically tensioned metastable fluid wherein the intermolecular bonds are sufficiently weakened such that the recoil of ionized nuclei generates nano-scale vapor cavities which grow to visible scales. Ionized nuclei form preferentially in the direction of incoming radiation, therefore, enabling the capability to ascertain information on directionality of incoming radiation — an unprecedented development in the field of radiation detection. Nuclear particle detection via ATMFD systems has been previously reported, demonstrating the ability to detect a broad range of nuclear particles, to detect neutrons over an energy range of eight orders of magnitude, to operate with intrinsic detection efficiencies beyond 90%, and to ascertain information on directionality of incoming radiation. This paper presents advancements that expand on these accomplishments, thereby increasing the accuracy and precision of ascertaining directionality information utilizing enhanced signal processing-cum-signal analysis, refined computational algorithms, and on demand enlargement of the detector sensitive volume. Advances in the development of ATMFD systems were accomplished utilizing a combination of experimentation and theoretical modeling. Modeling methodologies include Monte-Carlo based nuclear particle transport using MCNP5 and complex multi-physics based assessments accounting for acoustic, structural, and electromagnetic coupling of the ATMFD system via COMSOL’s Multi-physics simulation platform. Benchmarking and qualification studies have been conducted with special nuclear material (SNM), Pu-based neutron-gamma sources, with encouraging results. These results show that the ATMFD system, in its current configuration, is capable of locating the direction of a radioactive source to within 30° with 80% confidence.Copyright © 2009 by ASME