cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Implementation of the Blowfish Cryptosystem

The Blowfish cryptosystem is a very fast and useful scheme, even though it was introduced over a decade ago. This cryptosystem consists of two parts, a subkey and S-box generation phase, and an encrypiton phase. A short introduction to both algorithms are given, along with a few notes about the Ciphertext Block Chaining (CBC) mode. Some general information about attacks are explained, along with information about some of the people who have worked to analyze and attempt to break Blowfish. An implementation of a Windows tool for encrypting files which uses Blowfish is also examined in this paper. The results of the encryption tool clearly demonstrate how fast the encryption is compared to the subkey and S-box generation. The secrecy of the cryptosystem is explained by using several test files of different types, as well as a study of the security with respect to the number of rounds. Finally, some possible extensions to the software tool to improve its usefulness based on the strength of Blowfish are given.
The effect of estrogens on the ovary of the hypophysectomized rat.

An ovarian weight increase in the hypophysectomized rat treated JLX. with diethylstilbestrol was first reported by Williams (1940). Estradiol dipropionate has been shown by Pencharz (1940) to produce a similar, but less marked, effect. Simpson and collaborators (1941), and Gaarenstroom and deJongh (1946) have demonstrated that this gain in ovarian mass in due to an increased number of healthy, solid, medium-sized follicles. The present study is concerned with quantitative aspects of the above phenomenon. METHODS Female rats of the Holtzman strain 24–25 days of age, weighing 45–50 gm. were hypophysectomized using the parapharyngeal approach. A few animals were also bilaterally adrenalectomized at the time of hypophysectomy. Injections were begun promptly after hypophysectomy in order to minimize the ovarian atrophy which occurs soon after removal of the pituitary gland. Estrogen was administered daily for 4 days in equally divided doses and the animals were killed by cervical fracture 48 hours after the la...
Hydroxyurea effects in the c3h mouse. I. Duodenal crypt cell kinetics.

Duodenal crypt cell kinetics in C3H mice have been studied before and after the injection of a single dose (3 mg/g body weight) of hydroxyurea (HU). This was done by autoradiographic analysis of crypt cells which had been labeled with tritiated 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine. This dose of HU kills the cells which are synthesizing DNA at the time of injection, inhibits DNA synthesis completely for 4–5 hr, and causes a partial synchronization of the cells when they recover from the inhibitory effects of HU. Duodenal crypt recovery is manifested by a decrease in the mean cell cycle time, an increase in the proliferating fraction, and a lengthening of the crypts. The acute cellular responses are apparently complete within 24–48 hr, but the length of the crypt has not returned to normal by 48 hr after HU administration.
Clinical Characteristics of Familial B-CLL in the National Cancer Institute Familial Registry

In an ongoing study, families with two or more living cases of B-CLL in first-degree relatives have been recruited through physician and self-referral. Since 1967, 28 kindreds with 73 cases of B-CLL have been enrolled within the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Familial B-CLL Registry. Medical, clinical, and demographic information have been obtained from private physicians, patient interview, hospital records, and death certificates. We used SEER Registry data to compare characteristics of sporadic B-CLL to familial B-CLL. The mean age at diagnosis was approximately 10 years younger among familial cases (57.9 × 12.1) than that observed in sporadic cases (70.1 × 11.9). A higher percentage of second primary tumors among familial CLL cases compared to reports in sporadic was also observed (16% vs. 8.8%). However, the transformation rate to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma does not appear to be different from that reported for sporadic cases. In conclusion, we observed some differences between familial and sporadic cas...
Friction constants of chain molecules with excluded volume

The validity of the Flory-Fox treatment of the friction constant is investigated for chains with excluded volume with the aid of theories due to Kirkwood and to Fixman. It is found that the effective hydrodynamic radius of a linear macromolecule is less affected by excluded volume than the radius of gyration, and hence that the Flory-Fox number P should decrease slightly with increasing molecular weight or solvent power.
A Micro-Power Two-Step Incremental Analog-to-Digital Converter

Integrated sensor interface circuits require energy-efficient high-resolution data converters. This paper proposes a two-step incremental A/D converter (IADC) which extends the performance of an $N$ th-order IADC close to that of a $(2N-1)$ th-order IADC. The implemented device uses the circuitry of a second-order IADC (IADC2) to achieve close to third-order SNR performance. The proposed circuit does not require very high opamp DC gain; the gain can be as low as 60 dB for 100 dB SNR data conversion. The implemented IADC achieves a measured dynamic range of 99.8 dB, and an SNDR of 91 dB for a maximum input 2.2 V $_{\rm PP}$ and a bandwidth of 250 Hz. Fabricated in 65 nm CMOS, the IADC's core area is 0.2 mm 2 , and it consumes only 10.7 µW. The measured FoMs are 0.76 pJ/conversion and 173.5 dB, both among the best reported results for IADCs. The measured results verify that the proposed two-step IADC is a more energy-efficient data conversion scheme than conventional high-order IADCs.
Proton temperature anisotropy constraint in the solar wind: ACE observations

The electromagnetic proton cyclotron anisotropy instability may arise in collisionless plasmas in which the proton velocity distribution is approximately bi-Maxwellian with T⊥ p /T ||p > 1, where ⊥ and || denote directions relative to the background magnetic field B o . Theory and simulations predict that enhanced field fluctuations from this instability impose a constraint on proton temperature anisotropies of the form T⊥ p /T ||p - 1 = S p /β ||p αp where β ||p ≡ 8πn p k B T ||p /B o 2 , and the fitting parameters S p ≤ 1 and α p ≃ 0.4. Plasma and magnetic field observations from the ACE spacecraft reported here show for the first time that this constraint is statistically satisfied in the high speed solar wind near 1 AU, and magnetic power spectra provide evidence that this instability is the source of the constraint.
Apollo 15 green glass - Compositional distribution and petrogenesis

We have characterized a comprehensive suite of individual green-glass beads from Apollo 15 soil to determine interelement behavior and to constrain petrogenetic relationships. We analyzed 365 particles for trace elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis and analyzed 52 of them, selected to cover the compositional ranges observed for trace elements, for major elements by electron microprobe analysis. We confirm the observation of Delano (1979) that the beads comprise discrete compositional groups, although two of the groups he defined are further split on the basis of trace-element compositions. Each of the resulting seven groups has distinct average rare-earth abundances. The coherence between major- and trace-element data was masked in previous studies by imprecision, correlated error, and nonrepresentative sampling of the different groups. Most of the compositional characteristics of the green glasses can be explained by a model for batch equilibrium melting of a nearly homogeneous, ultramafic source region, when the complicating effects of high pressure and low oxygen fugacity are taken into account. The previously puzzling behavior of Ni and Co as apparently incompatible elements may arise from partial reduction of those elements to the zero oxidation state, resulting in low mineral/melt partition coefficients. The model also offers explanations for why the green glasses form boomerang-shaped trends on many two-element variation diagrams and why certain compositions (Groups A and D) are more abundant than glasses with other compositions.
Output organization of the feline entopeduncular and subthalamic nuclei.

Abstract Entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) cells which project to thalamic and non-thalamic sites were identified by antidromic discharge. Each population of cells, projecting to the ventral anterior nucleus of the thalamus (VA), centrum medianum (CM), the lateral habenula (LHB), and the pedunculopontine nucleus (PP), was distributed throughout the nucleus. While some cells projected to more than one region, particularly VA and CM, collaterals were not found in most cells. STN stimulation suppressed firing of some EPN cells for 80–120 msec in both barbiturate anesthetized and cerveau isolecats. Suppression of activity was detected in most EPN cells projecting to LHB (73%); of all cells in which suppression of activity was detected, 84% projected to LHB and 15% to VA.
1095. Gene_Induced Chondrogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Comparative Analysis of Candidate cDNAs

Articular cartilage is a highly specialized tissue that protects the ends of bones in diarthrodal joints. The cartilage extracellular matrix is maintained by chondrocytes that occupy the tissue at low density. Because articular cartilage is avascular, it has a poor capacity to regenerate; thus, the damage resulting from large injuries is considered permanent. Due to their ready availability and capacity to differentiate along numerous lineages, adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be useful in the development of cell-based therapies for cartilage repair. In this regard, gene transfer to MSCs can be used to achieve sustained expression of specific protein factors capable of inducing chondrogenic differentiation. In this study, using adenoviral mediated gene transfer and bone marrow derived MSCs in an aggregate culture system, we compared the relative condroinductive capacity of several cDNAs whose protein products have been associated with the induction or maintenance of the articular cartilage phenotype. First generation, E1, E3 deleted, serotype 5 adenoviral vectors carrying the complete cDNAs for TGF-b1, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) -2, BMP -4 , BMP- 7, Sox 9, indian hedgehog (IHH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were constructed using cre-lox recombination. As a source of MSCs, adherent, colony forming cells from the bone marrow of 3-week-old calves were isolated, cultured and used at low passage. Individual flasks of MSCs were infected with Ad.TGF-b1, Ad.BMP-2, Ad.BMP-4, Ad.BMP-7 and Ad.IGF-1 at doses sufficient to provide low ( 100 ng/ml) amounts of transgene expression per 24 hrs. Delivery of Sox-9 and Ad.IHH was performed over a wide range of viral doses. At 24 hours post infection, 2.0 x 10^5 cells of each culture were pelleted by centrifugation. The aggregates were cultured for 3 weeks in conical tubes in a defined, serum-free medium containing ascorbate 2-phosphate and dexamethasone. Chondrogenesis was determined using histologic staining for glycosaminoglycans and by immunohistochemistry for collagen types I and II. By this method, gene transfer and expression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 showed the greatest chondrogenic potential. This was followed to a lesser extent by TGF-b1 and then Sox-9 and IGF-1. Delivery of IHH or BMP-7 was met with only minimal chondrogenic activity which was only slightly greater than uninfected control cells. The potent activity of the secreted factors BMPs-2, -4 and TGF-b1 were expected and are consistent with the literature. The capacity to induce chondrogenesis through delivery of the Sox-9 transcription factor offers a promising intracellular alternative to the overexpression of secretable pleiotropic growth factors. The relative lack of chondroinduction following overexpression of IGF-1 and IHH is perhaps not surprising because these products thought to be more important for maintenance than induction of the chondrocytic phenotype. Future work will involve evaluation these genes in combinatorial studies.
Development of epiphyseal structure and function in Didelphis virginiana (Marsupiala, Didelphidae)

This study addressed the question of how the epiphyses of growing mammals change their external shape and internal architecture during postnatal development. Ontogenetic transformations in the external form and internal structure of the fore- and hindlimb epiphyses were examined in a mixed cross-sectional sample of Didelphis virginiana using two methods: morphometric analysis of linear epiphyseal dimensions and histological staining of serially sectioned epiphyses. Metric data indicate that Virginia opossums are born with relatively short hindlimbs and long forelimbs, but by the time they are weaned their hindlimbs are longer than their forelimbs. Functional integration of the locomotor system in D. virginiana involves a decoupling of fore- and hindlimb growth rates so that between birth and weaning, femoral length, diaphyseal cross-sectional area, and articular surface area increase at a significantly faster rate than the corresponding humeral dimensions. Histological results demonstrate that these differences in growth rate are reflected in morphology of the humeral and femoral growth plate and epiphyseal cartilages. The humeral cartilages exhibit a level of cellular organization characteristic of more mature limb elements at earlier developmental stages compared to the femoral cartilages, which assume this anisotropic structure relatively later in postnatal development. Results presented here also reveal that the formation of articular cartilage and the initiation of epiphyseal ossification in D. virginiana are both correlated with the development of independent positional behaviors prior to weaning. These histological data, therefore, suggest that mechanical loading associated with the postnatal onset of locomotor and postural development may provide an important stimulus for the progression of ossification and the formation of articular cartilage in the epiphyses of growing mammals. J. Morphol. 239:283-296, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A triple stain of reticulin, glypican-3, and glutamine synthetase: a useful aid in the diagnosis of liver lesions.

Context.— The correct histologic diagnosis of mass lesions of the liver can be difficult, especially in biopsy samples. Reticulin, glypican-3, and glutamine synthetae are stains that can help disti...
Suspected clopidogrel resistance in a patient with acute stent thrombosis

Background A 67-year-old man with supraventricular tachycardia associated with angina underwent coronary angiographic assessment. This investigation revealed mild coronary artery disease in his left main coronary artery and significant stenosis of the ramus medianus (left intermediate artery). A drug-eluting stent was deployed and treatment with clopidogrel and eptifibatide started. The patient subsequently developed chest pain accompanied by hypotension, hypoxemia and electrocardiographic changes that indicated acute myocardial infarction. Emergency angiography revealed occlusion of the ramus medianus despite clopidogrel therapy. Investigations Coronary angiography, hypercoagulable work up and platelet function tests. Diagnosis Acute stent thrombosis and suspected clopidogrel resistance, culminating in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention. Management Warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel drug therapy.
The Nature of Electronic Coupling between Ferrocene and Gold through Alkanethiolate Monolayers on Electrodes: The Importance of Chain Composition, Interchain Coupling, and Quantum Interference

Cyclic voltammetry was used to measure electron-transfer rate constants of self-assembled mixed monolayers on gold electrodes formed by coadsorption of a redox-active ferrocene-based alkanethiol [(η5C5H5)Fe(η5C5H4)CO2(CH2)5X(CH2)6SH, where X = −CH2− or −O−] and a diluent alkanethiol [CH3(CH2)4Y(CH2)6SH, where Y = −CH2− or −O−]. The replacement of a methylene link by an ether link in the redox-active component leads to a significant reduction in the rate of electron transfer and results from a decrease in the electronic coupling through the chain. The corresponding replacement in the diluent leads to a smaller, but measurable, decrease in rate constantsuggesting that intermolecular electronic coupling pathways also contribute to the electron transfer.
Remapping German‐Jewish Studies: Benjamin, Cartography, Modernity

By examining the entangled places of encounter, exchange, and contamination between German and Jewish, this article argues that German modernity and Jewish modernity are deeply, precariously, and indissociably intertwined. Drawing on its methodology from the field of “mobility studies” (the study of bodies moving through spaces), I argue that we must interrogate the medium in which cultural history is composed and turn our attention to the visualization of narratives of movement, dislocation, and dispersal. I look to Walter Benjamin's urban reflections, the history of modern cartography, the emergence of the railway system, and a web-based mapping project called “HyperCities” in order to show how the history of German/Jewish modernity might be mapped as layered networks and sites of encounter.
A new synthesis of C-functional ferrole complexes

Abstract The reaction of 1-methoxyallenyllithium with Fe3(CO)12, followed by addition of benzoyl chloride, resulted in the formation of a ferrole in which there is a benzoate substituent on the α-carbon atom of the ferracyclopentadiene ring and a methoxy group on the β carbon atom. The structure of the product was determined by X-ray crystallography.
The nucleotide sequence of phenylalanine tRNA from Mycoplasma sp. (Kid)

Phenylalanine tRNA from Mycoplasma sp. (Kid) was purified and characterized. The tRNA can be aminoacylated by phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase from both Mycoplasma and E. coli. In a tRNA-dependent cell-free E. coli amino acid incorporating system programmed with poly U pure Mycoplasma tRNAPhe was fully active in promoting phenylalanine incorporation, even in direct competition with homologous E. coli tRNAPhe. Since the Mycoplasma tRNA lacks isopentenyladenosine, or any related hypermodified nucleoside, it appears that the presence of such nucleosides in tRNA is not an absolute requirement for protein synthesis.
Toward a storage ring with no shear

One barrier to the attainment of a crystalline ordered state for a well-cooled beam in a storage ring will be the viscous heating by the shear induced in the bending fields of the ring. Shear will transfer some of the energy of coherent motion to thermal energy and may prevent reaching the very low temperatures required for formation of the ordered state. A concept for a ring is proposed in which shear within a monoenergetic beam of finite size is substantially reduced by means of combined electrostatic and magnetic fields within the bending elements.
Photoionization of carbonyl sulfide: threshold resonance features in outer-valence-shell partial cross sections

Abstract Computational studies are reported in the static-exchange approximation of the outer-valence-shell (3π −1 , 9σ −1 , 2π −1 , 8σ -1 ) partial-channel photoionization cross sections of carbonyl sulfide. The calculated values are found to be in general agreement with corresponding dipole (e,2e) and synchrotron-radiation PES studies, although quantitative discrepancies between theory and experiment remain in specific channels and spectral intervals. Projection procedures and Stieltjes-orbital diagnostics aid in the identification of resonance-like 4π(π * ) and 10σ(σ * ) features present in near threshold regions, and of a higher-lying 11σ(σ * ) feature in the (8σ −1 ) channel, clarifying the origins of the spectral shapes of the measured cross sections.
Parental Influence on Early Adolescent Substance Use: Specific and Nonspecific Effects

This study examined both the substance-specific and nonspecific, or generalized, effects of parent substance use, attitudes toward use, and behavior regarding use on adolescent initiation and maintenance of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana use. Data from 645 target adolescents and their parent(s) regarding their own use and parents' attitude, cautionary statements, and negative consequences were used to predict both the onset of using each substance and the transition from use to nonuse during the following year. Results indicated that not only did parents' influence specific to a given substance affect adolescent use of that same substance, but parents `nonspecific or generalized influence predicted the onset and maintenance of other substance use. Furthermore, parent modeling, attitude, cautionary statements, and consequences were all significant predictors of adolescent initiation and maintenance of substance use. Interactions of the parental influence variables with gender, age, and parents' marital...
Interactions of hydrogen with Pd and Pd/Ni alloy chain-functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes from density functional theory.

Density functional theory is employed to study Pd and Pd/Ni alloy monatomic chain-functionalized metallic single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT(6,6)) and semiconducting SWNT(10,0), and their interac...
Estimating the fatigue stress concentration factor of machined surfaces

Abstract In this study the effects of surface texture on the fatigue life of a high-strength low-alloy steel were evaluated in terms of the apparent fatigue stress concentration. An abrasive waterjet was used to machine uniaxial dogbone fatigue specimens with specific surface quality from a rolled sheet of AISI 4130 CR steel. The surface texture resulting from machining was characterized using contact profilometry and the surface roughness parameters were used in estimating effective stress concentration factors using the Neuber rule and Arola–Ramulu model. The steel specimens were subjected to tension–tension axial fatigue to failure and changes in the fatigue strength resulting from the surface texture were assessed throughout the stress–life regime (103≤Nf≤106 cycles). It was found that the fatigue life of AISI 4130 is surface-texture-dependent and that the fatigue strength decreased with an increase in surface roughness. The fatigue stress concentration factor (Kf) of the machined surfaces determined from experiments was found to range from 1.01 to 1.08. Predictions for the effective fatigue stress concentration ( K f ) using the Arola–Ramulu model were within 2% of the apparent fatigue stress concentration factors estimated from experimental results.
A Galerkin model for nonlinear glass plates

Abstract Von Karman plate equations have been found to be satisfactory for the nonlinear stress analysis of thin glass plates. Here a Galerkin approach is used to solve the stress and deflections in a rectangular glass plate used as a window panel using the von Karman equations. The plate is assumed to be simply supported with zero in-plane forces on the boundary. Harmonic functions are used in the Galerkin model. An efficient iterative procedure is employed to obtain the final results.
Designing Asynchronous Circuits using NULL Convention Logic (NCL)

Designing Asynchronous Circuits using NULL Convention Logic (NCL) begins with an introduction to asynchronous (clockless) logic in general, and then focuses on delay-insensitive asynchronous logic design using the NCL paradigm. The book details design of input-complete and observable dual-rail and quad-rail combinational circuits, and then discusses implementation of sequential circuits, which require datapath feedback. Next, throughput optimization techniques are presented, including pipelining, embedding registration, early completion, and NULL cycle reduction. Subsequently, low-power design techniques, such as wavefront steering and Multi-Threshold CMOS (MTCMOS) for NCL, are discussed. The book culminates with a comprehensive design example of an optimized Greatest Common Divisor circuit. Readers should have prior knowledge of basic logic design concepts, such as Boolean algebra and Karnaugh maps. After studying this book, readers should have a good understanding of the differences between asynchronous and synchronous circuits, and should be able to design arbitrary NCL circuits, optimized for area, throughput, and power. Table of Contents: Introduction to Asynchronous Logic / Overview of NULL Convention Logic (NCL) / Combinational NCL Circuit Design / Sequential NCL Circuit Design / NCL Throughput Optimization / Low-Power NCL Design / Comprehensive NCL Design Example
Transcriptional regulation by STAT6

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are critical mediators of cytokine signaling. Among the seven STAT proteins, STAT6 is activated by IL-4 and IL-13 and plays a predominant role in the immune system. However, there is increasing evidence that STAT6 may function in other tissues and organ systems. IL-4, IL-13, and STAT6 promote humoral immunity, clearance of helminthic parasites as well as the pathogenesis of allergic disorders like asthma, food allergies, and atopic dermatitis. In this review, we will describe our current understanding of the biological functions of STAT6 and summarize recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which STAT6 regulates transcription.
Doxycycline levels in serum and prostatic tissue in man.

Abstract Doxycycline was administered orally to 25 patients who were scheduled for prostatectomy because of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Serum antibiotic levels were monitored throughout the trial which lasted between one and five days immediately preceding the prostatectomy. Tissue levels determined after prostatectomy averaged 1.63 microgram per gram, well above the basic therapeutic level of 0.6 microgram. The ratio of serum to prostate-fluid levels was 1 :1 by the second day of doxycycline administration.
Discrimination of the Language Behavior of College- and Middle-Aged Encoders.

Language samples of college and middle‐aged respondents were syntactically analyzed in order to determine if the use of college students is appropriate for generalizations to other elements of the population. Multiple Discriminant Analysis was employed to determine correct classification of written language samples based on syntactic categories. Twenty‐two college‐aged subjects and 22 middle‐aged subjects responded to a TAT‐type photograph. The correct classification of college and middle‐aged subjects was 93.18%. A second MDA calculated on a three‐way distinction (college/nursing home employees/educators) yielded 90.91% discriminability. Utilizing a four‐way distinction (freshmen/sophomores/nursing home employees/ educators], the correct classification was 81.82%. Finally, an MDA calculated for male/female resulted in 68.18% discriminability. These results cast doubt on the validity of a “science of sophomores.”
Evaluation of differently colored bucket traps for black cutworm and armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Differently colored bucket traps were tested to determine if the capture of male moths would be affected. Four colorswere tested: yellow top with white boltom (yellow-white), green top with a white boltom (green-white), all white (white), and all green (green). The traps were baited with sex pheromones of black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), and armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth). For black cutworms, the yellow/white (mean, 46.1) trap captured significantly more male moths, followed by the white (mean, 23.1) and green-white trap (mean, 21.6). Capture of moths in the green trap was significantly less (mean, 10.9) than for any of the other trap types. For capture of armyworm, the yellow-white and white traps were not significantly different. Similar to capture of A. ipsilon , moth capture of P. unipuncta (mean, 1.2) in the green trap was significantly less than in the white (mean, 6.5) and yellow-white (mean, 4.8) traps. The yellow-white traps caught significantly more bumblebees than did each of the other traps. Where traps are to be used for both noctuid species and capture of bumblebees is undesirable, the white trap is acceptable.
Effect of salicylate on muscle phosphorylase.

DURING the course of an investigation of the effects of salicylate on glucose metabolism it was observed that incubation of the isolated rat diaphragm in a Krebs–Ringer bicarbonate medium containing salicylate caused a loss of glycogen from the muscle. Such an observation had been made previously by Smith and Jeffrey1, who employed a phosphate medium with higher levels of salicylate. Under the conditions of our experiments, however, the loss of glycogen from the diaphragm occurred mainly within the first 30 min. of incubation and thereafter occurred at a much slower rate despite the fact that muscle glycogen was still present in abundant amounts (a paper describing this and other effects of salicylate on glucose metabolism is in preparation). In an attempt to explain the alteration in rate of glycogenolysis occurring after 30 min., assays were carried out of active (a form) and total (a + b form) phosphorylase present in the muscle.
Summer zooplankton dynamics in the limnetic and littoral zones of a humic acid lake

The limnetic and littoral zooplankton were studied during summer 1989 in Triangle Lake, a humic acid (pH 4.9) bog lake in Ohio, USA. The limnetic zooplankton showed low species richness and biomass, and dominance by the rotifers Kellicottia bostoniensis and Polyarthra vulgaris. In the littoral, species richness and biomass were markedly higher, and the crustaceans Alona guttata, Ceriodaphnia quadrangula, Chydorus sphaericus, Simocephalus serrulatus and Tropocyclops prasinus, and the rotifer Ascomorpha ecaudis were the dominants. The extreme rotifer dominance and lack of cladocerans in the limnetic zone were likely the result of Chaoborus predation. A pronounced mid-summer decline in cladoceran biomass in the littoral was likely due to predation by T. prasinus and Utricularia (bladderwort).
Collection of solid debris for the National Ignition Facility

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is slated to come online in 2010. While the first planned experiments will be focused on achieving ignition, a variety of subsequent experiments are planned for the facility, including measurement of cross sections and astrophysical measurements. In order to successfully execute several of these planned experiments, the ability to collect solid debris following a NIF capsule shot will be required. We are currently developing a solid debris collection capability at NIF, and several design ideas will be presented. In addition, potential uses for solid collection as well as planned experiments to test credible designs will be discussed.
Detection of Resistance to Gatifloxacin and Moxifloxacin in Streptococcus pneumoniae with the VITEK 2 Instrument

A group of 72 pneumococcal isolates resistant or intermediate to levofloxacin and 124 pneumococcal isolates susceptible to fluoroquinolones were tested by the VITEK 2 instrument using investigational test cards and by a broth microdilution reference method. The VITEK 2 instrument performed well, detecting 52 of 60 (86.7%) gatifloxacin-resistant isolates and 22 of 23 moxifloxacin-resistant isolates, and did not falsely classify any susceptible isolates as resistant.
Warfarin maintenance dosages in the very elderly.

Purpose. The effect of age on maintenance dosages among elderly patients with a stable International Normalized Ratio (INR) was studied. Methods. The records of all patients monitored by an anticoagulation clinic between October 2000 and July 2002 were randomly selected for review. Data collection continued until at least 50 patients were enrolled in each of the following age groups: 50 years of age, had to have had a targeted INR of 2–3, and had to have had two consecutive INR values within the targeted range not more than 60 days apart. Results. A total of 532 patient charts were reviewed, and 253 met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The mean ± S.D. age of the patients was 80.6 ± 7.8 years (range, 55–98 years). Atrial fibrillation or flutter was the most common indication for treatment. The mean daily warfarin dose was significantly lower with increasing age; the mean ± S.D. daily dose for patients younger than 75 years was 4.9 ± 2.6 mg/day, while that for patients 85 years or older was 3.5 ± 2.6 mg/day. Conclusion. The warfarin dosage for maintenance therapy in elderly patients, especially those older than 75 years, appeared to be inversely related to age.
Efficient hardware implementation of a new pseudo-random bit sequence generator

In this paper we propose a new linear congruential generator (LCG) based pseudo random bit-sequence generator (PRBG) and its hardware implementation. Linear congruential generators (LCGs) of the form x i+1 = ax i + b(mod m), have been used to generate pseudorandom numbers. However these generators have been known to be insecure. The proposed PRBG couples four such LCGs and is secure. A preliminary proof of security is outlined in this paper. The PRBG generates bit-sequences that pass all NIST pseudo randomness tests. Our PRBG has a very efficient hardware implementation because the modulo operation is with respect to 2n as opposed to p × q in the Blum-Blum-Shub (BBS) generator, where p and q are large prime numbers. We also show that the hardware implementation can be easily pipelined, thereby increasing the throughput in spite of the hardware having large word-length inputs (n ≥ 128). A 4-stage pipelined hardware was implemented in VHDL for n = 128 and the synthesized hardware was simulated. Simulation results showed a 2.81 fold increase in throughput (number of pseudo-random bits output per unit time) compared to the non-pipelined version.
A Method for Predicting VLSI-Device Reliability Using Series Models for Failure Mechanisms

A series model is used to determine the intrinsic reliability of an integrated circuit. An analysis of electromigration in the interconnect system of a 200 000 transistor VLSI device, shows that the failure rate exceeds 10 FIT (failures per 109 hours) within 2 years when operating at a temperature of 800 C. These results indicate the importance of fundamental wear-out mechanisms as factors in VLSI device reliability, under usual operating conditions. The analysis, as applied to a generic chip, predicts that temperature, burn-in, and complexity all adversely affect the device reliability. The paper demonstrates the feasibility of using the information available in the design database together with specific failure models to predict (during the design phase) the reliability of an IC. These techniques can be used to develop a CAD tool for reliability prediction.
Ex vivo activity of BCL-2 family inhibitors ABT-199 and ABT-737 combined with 5-azacytidine in myeloid malignancies

Novel targeted therapies for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other advanced myeloid malignancies are urgently needed. Recently we reported results from in vitro studies comparing ...
Acute kidney injury associated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

Objectives: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole effectively treats community-acquired soft tissue infections and urinary tract infections, both of which occur in patients with risk factors for renal impairment. We systematically studied the adverse renal effects of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in a middle-aged veteran population. Methods: We reviewed complete electronic records for all patients who, during a 3 year period, had received ≥6 days of treatment with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and for whom a baseline and follow-up determination of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were available. Results: Of 573 patients who met inclusion criteria, 64 (11.2%) had increases in both serum creatinine and BUN that met predetermined criteria for acute kidney injury (AKI): in 33 (5.8%), AKI was judged likely due to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole; in 28 (4.9%), possibly due to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole; and in 3 (0.52%), unrelated to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Five additional patients (0.9%) had elevations only in serum creatinine. In nearly all cases likely due to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, AKI resolved promptly after discontinuation of therapy, but one patient required dialysis. Pyuria appeared in only 2 of 37 patients who had urinalyses; eosinophiluria was not observed. In a multivariate model, patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus had increased risk for renal insufficiency, especially if these conditions were considered poorly controlled. Conclusions: In a middle-aged male inpatient population treated for a minimum of 6 days, AKI is much more common with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole therapy than previously reported. Intrinsic renal impairment rather than interstitial nephritis or competition for creatinine clearance appears responsible for the great majority of cases, and neither an effect of dose nor duration was detected in a univariate analysis. Impairment is transient if therapy is discontinued.
Genetic networks that regulate development in Dictyostelium cells.

INTRODUCTION 135 AGGREGATION 135 Aggregation Gene Network 137 POSTAGGREGATION 138 Cell-Type-Specific Genes 138 Postaggregative Gene Network 139 CELL TYPE SPECIALIZATION 140 Network That Regulates Cell Type Specialization 141 CULMINATION 142 Network That Regulates Culmination 145 NETWORKS OF NETWORKS 146 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 147 REFERENCES 147
Global 1 degree monthly sea surface temperature comparisons

Comprehensive global comparisons have been made between two satellite-based sea surface temperature (SST) products and related blended satellite/in situ SST products. The satellite SST data sets were those derived from advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) data using the modified Pathfinder SST (MPSST) and operational NOAA SST (ONSST) algorithms (collectively referred to as satellite SST data). The blended satellite/in situ data included the NOAA Optimal Interpolation (OI) and 2-dimensional variational analysis (2DVAR) SST data sets, and the UK Meteorological Hadley Center Global Sea-Ice and Sea Surface Temperature (HADISST) data set (collectively referred to as "analysis SST data"). Global monthly comparisons for co-located 1 degree squares using standard statistics were computed. Only data from each SST data set from 1985-1997 were used in these comparisons and the satellite data were separated into day/night time periods. Statistics for each comparison set (e.g. MPSST/OI, ONSST/OI etc.) were then generated to determine the global mean bias, RMS differences, standard deviation of bias, and correlation values. These statistics were examined to determine how well the MPSST product performs with respect to the ONSST on a monthly and seasonal basis. Preliminary results indicate that with respect to the mean bias, the ONSST comparisons generally have a lower bias in the low variability central ocean basin region while the MPSST has the significantly lower bias in high variability areas (e.g. western boundary currents). The RMS difference comparisons indicate that the ONSST is on average lower during the nighttime while the MPSST performs better during the daytime.
Modelling and forecasting seasonal precipitation in Florida: A vector time-domain approach

Some major stages of vector autoregressive (AR) modelling consisting of specification, order determination, estimation, diagnostic checking, and forecasting are described. To illustrate the utility of multivariate AR models for climate teleconnection research, the seasonal Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and a precipitation index in Florida are modelled jointly. Two bivariate AR processes, order one and order four, are selected as candidate models to represent the joint series. To make a comparison of model performance, one-season-ahead forecasts of Florida precipitation are generated from the bivariate AR models, as well as from a simple regression model, for recent years that are independent from the period on which the model is constructed. Results show that seasonal forecasts from the two-dimensional, order-one model are somewhat better than the other two models. One new and important finding of this study is that, in addition to winter precipitation forecast skill, there is also a forecast skill for autumn precipitation. The physical mechanisms by which these teleconnections might arise are briefly discussed. Other applications of vector models are suggested.
A model for formation of dust, soil, and rock coatings on Mars: Physical and chemical processes on the Martian surface

This model is one of many possible scenarios to explain the generation of the current surface material on Mars using chemical, magnetic and spectroscopic data From Mars and geologic analogs from terrestrial sites. One basic premise of this model is that the dust/soil units are not derived exclusively from local rocks, but are rather a product of global, and possibly remote, weathering processes. Another assumption in this model is that there are physical and chemical interactions of the atmospheric dust particles and that these two processes create distinctly different results on the surface. Physical processes distribute dust particles on rocks and drift units, forming physically-aggregated layers; these are reversible processes. Chemical reactions of the dust/soil particles create alteration rinds on rock surfaces and cohesive, crusted surface units between rocks, both of which are relatively permanent materials. According to this model the dominant components of the dust/soil particles are derived from alteration of volcanic ash and tephra, and contain primarily nanophase and poorly crystalline ferric oxides/oxyhydroxide phases as well as silicates. These phases are the alteration products that formed in a low moisture environment. These dust/soil particles also contain a smaller amount of material that was exposed to more water and contains crystalline ferric oxides/oxyhydroxides, sulfates and clay silicates. These components could have formed through hydrothermal alteration at steam vents or fumeroles, thermal fluids, or through evaporite deposits. Wet/dry cycling experiments are presented here on mixtures containing poorly crystalline and crystalline ferric oxides/oxyhydroxides, sulfates and silicates that range in size from nanophase to 1-2 pm diameter particles. Cemented products of these soil mixtures are formed in these experiments and variation in the surface texture was observed for samples containing smectites, non-hydrated silicates or sulfates. Reflectance spectra were measured of the initial particulate mixtures, the cemented products and ground versions of the cemented material. The spectral contrast in the visible/near-infrared and mid-infrared regions is significantly reduced for the cemented material compared to the initial soil, and somewhat reduced for the ground, cemented soil compared to the initial soil. The results of this study suggest that diurnal and seasonal cycling on Mars will have a profound effect on the texture and spectral properties of the dust/soil particles on the surface. The model developed in this study provides an explanation for the generation of cemented or crusted soil units and rock coatings on Mars and may explain albedo variations on the surface observed near large rocks or crater rims.
Boundary layer clouds in a Global Atmospheric model: Simple cloud cover parameterizations

Abstract Subtropical boundary layer clouds have a fundamental role on the radiative budget of the atmosphere and on the modulation of the tropical circulations. The development of realistic parameterizations of these clouds in global atmospheric models is a major challenge. Unfortunately, this has been a difficult problem to solve in an acceptable way. In this paper, new and simple parameterization schemes for subtropical clouds are implemented in the U.S. Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System's (NOGAPS) forecast model. The parameterizations are partially based on large eddy simulation (LES) results and provide a substantial improvement when compared with observations and with the previous scheme. The global distribution of boundary layer clouds and of surface shortwave radiation is more realistic with this new scheme, particularly over the stratocumulus regions. The transition from stratocumulus to cumulus is well captured, the seasonal and diurnal cycles of stratocumulus are realistic, a...
DELAY OR PROBABILITY DISCOUNTING IN A MODEL OF IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR: EFFECT OF ALCOHOL

Little is known about the acute effects of drugs of abuse on impulsivity and self-control. In this study, impulsivity was assessed in humans using a computer task that measured delay and probability discounting. Discounting describes how much the value of a reward (or punisher) is decreased when its occurrence is either delayed or uncertain. Twenty-four healthy adult volunteers ingested a moderate dose of ethanol (0.5 or 0.8 g/kg ethanol: n = 12 at each dose) or placebo before completing the discounting task. In the task the participants were given a series of choices between a small, immediate, certain amount of money and $10 that was either delayed (0, 2, 30, 180, or 365 days) or probabilistic (i.e., certainty of receipt was 1.0, .9, .75, .5, or .25). The point at which each individual was indifferent between the smaller immediate or certain reward and the $10 delayed or probabilistic reward was identified using an adjusting-amount procedure. The results indicated that (a) delay and probability discounting were well described by a hyperbolic function; (b) delay and probability discounting were positively correlated within subjects; (c) delay and probability discounting were moderately correlated with personality measures of impulsivity; and (d) alcohol had no effect on discounting.
Functional Brain Activity Relates to 0–3 and 3–8 Hz Force Oscillations in Essential Tremor

It is well-established that during goal-directed motor tasks, patients with essential tremor have increased oscillations in the 0-3 and 3-8 Hz bands. It remains unclear if these increased oscillations relate to activity in specific brain regions. This study used task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare the brain activity associated with oscillations in grip force output between patients with essential tremor, patients with Parkinson's disease who had clinically evident tremor, and healthy controls. The findings demonstrate that patients with essential tremor have increased brain activity in the motor cortex and supplementary motor area compared with controls, and this activity correlated positively with 3-8 Hz force oscillations. Brain activity in cerebellar lobules I-V was reduced in essential tremor compared with controls and correlated negatively with 0-3 Hz force oscillations. Widespread differences in brain activity were observed between essential tremor and Parkinson's disease. Using functional connectivity analyses during the task evidenced reduced cerebellar-cortical functional connectivity in patients with essential tremor compared with controls and Parkinson's disease. This study provides new evidence that in essential tremor 3-8 Hz force oscillations relate to hyperactivity in motor cortex, 0-3 Hz force oscillations relate to the hypoactivity in the cerebellum, and cerebellar-cortical functional connectivity is impaired.
Placebo-Controlled Trial of Familiar Auditory Sensory Training for Acute Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Preliminary Report.

Background. Sensory stimulation is often provided to persons incurring severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), but therapeutic effects are unclear. Objective. This preliminary study investigated neuro...