cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Pliocene–Pleistocene 40Ar/39Ar ages fill in temporal gaps in the Nicaraguan volcanic record

Abstract The volcanic record of western Nicaragua documents a significant lull in volcanic activity that has persisted from the late Miocene (~ 7 Ma) to the formation of the modern volcanic front around 350 ka. This study fills this gap for the first time with samples collected in Northwest Nicaragua between Cosiguina and San Cristobal volcanoes and with samples collected from the Nicaraguan Depression. We found two previously unknown volcanic units ranging from 3.6 to 1.3 Ma and the improved volcanic record allows us to reconstruct the geochemical evolution of the Nicaraguan arc. U/Th values increased by nearly threefold since the Miocene following the “carbonate crash” at 10 Ma, when dominantly carbonate sediment deposition shifted toward hemipelagic sediment deposition. This transition was thought to be abrupt, however our new data show that it took place gradually over the last 7 Ma. Northwest Nicaragua is a particularly interesting case study because it contains Middle Miocene volcanism on either side of the Nicaraguan Depression, the Coyol Formation (25–7 Ma) to the East and the Tamarindo Formation (14.7–11.7 Ma) to the West. The presence of Mid Miocene volcanism on either side of the Nicaraguan Depression has led to the hypothesis that the two coeval units, currently separated by ~ 100 km, were once connected and have since been separated by extension. Here, we present data suggesting that the Tamarindo and Coyol are geochemically distinct and therefore cannot be considered part of the same unit.
Waveguide multichannel immunoassay using photo-deprotection immobilization

A planar optical waveguide was used to simultaneously excite fluorescence due to antigen binding in three separate areas of immobilized antibody. Biotin labeled, polyclonal antibodies to goat, human, and rabbit IgG were immobilized through surface bound, photo-activated MeNPOC-biotin-bSA and avidin. Exposing the MeNPOC to UV light effectively uncaged the biotin molecule attached to the bSA and allowed avidin, followed by the biotin labeled antibody, to bind to the waveguide surface. Whereas a time intensive, non-specific binding prone step-and-repeat method is normally used to form the individual capture layers, we chose to pursue a combined deposition method involving sample wells (to separate the different capture antibodies) and photo-activated crosslinkers (to bind antibodies to the surface). The result was a covalently linked multi-component capture layer formed in a short period of the time. Specific and cross-reactive activities of this antibody array were gauged by sequentially injecting analyte specific to one antibody area at a time. Results suggested that the binding of each analyte occurred predominately in the correct area and, depending on the particular antibody, generated varying levels of cross reactivity. A comparison of results with previously acquired, physically adsorbed capture layer data did not infer one deposition technique was better than the other.
Ontogeny and Water Use of No-Tillage Sorghum Cultivars on Dryland

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] yields are strongly influenced by soil water content at planting and use of that water during the growing season. Sorghum on Pullman soils (fine, mixed, thermic Torrertic Paleustolls), however, usually does not use water from as deep in the soil as other crops, thus possibly not attaining its full yield potential. This study was conducted from 1986 to 1989 to determine whether eight sorghum hybrid cultivars grown under no-tillage conditions on a dryland Pullman clay loam at Bushland, TX, differed with respect to water use depth, growth, yield, yield components, total water use, and water use efficiency (...)
Interannual variation in the at‐sea behavior of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)

To be successful, marine predators must alter their foraging behavior in response to changes in their environment. To understand the impact and severity of environmental change on a population it is necessary to first describe typical foraging patterns and identify the underlying variability that exists in foraging behavior. Therefore, we characterized the at-sea behavior of adult female California sea lions (n = 32) over three years (2003, 2004, and 2005) using satellite transmitters and time-depth recorders and examined how foraging behavior varied among years. In all years, sea lions traveled on average 84.7 ± 11.1 km from the rookery during foraging trips that were 3.2 ± 0.3 d. Sea lions spent 42.7% ± 1.9% of their time at sea diving and displayed short (2.2 ± 0.2 min), shallow dives (58.5 ± 8.5 m). Among individuals, there was significant variation in both dive behavior and movement patterns, which was found in all years. Among years, differences were found in trip durations, distances traveled, and some dive variables (e.g., dive duration and bottom time) as sea lions faced moderate variability in their foraging habitat (increased sea-surface temperatures, decreased upwelling, and potential decreased prey abundance). The flexibility we found in the foraging behavior of California sea lions may be a mechanism to cope with environmental variability among years and could be linked to the continuing growth of sea lion populations.
Mechanisms of Metal Dusting Corrosion of Iron

Metal dusting is a severe form of corrosive degradation that Fe, Co, and Ni base high-temperature alloys undergo when subjected to environments supersaturated with carbon (a c > l). This corrosion process leads to the break-up of bulk metal into metal powder. The present study focuses on the fundamental understanding of the corrosion of Fe in carbon-supersaturated environments over the temperature range 350-1050°C. Building on earlier research, the role of deposited carbon in triggering corrosion is further clarified. The corrosion rate peaks at ∼575°C with a sharp decrease in rate on either side of the maximum. High-resolution electron microscopy reveals, in addition to metal particles, a mixture of graphitic carbon, amorphous carbon, and filamentous carbon in the corrosion product. While the presence of a surface layer of Fe 3 C is characteristic of corrosion up to 850°C, such a layer is absent at the higher temperatures. The focus of this research is to understand reaction mechanisms by characterizing interfacial processes at the nano level.
Non-Redox Assisted Oxygen–Oxygen Bond Homolysis in Titanocene Alkylperoxide Complexes: [Cp2TiIV(η1-OOtBu)L]+/0, L = Cl−, OTf−, Br−, OEt2, Et3P

The titanium(IV) alkylperoxide complex Cp2Ti(OOtBu)Cl (1) is formed on treatment of Cp2TiCl2 with NaOOtBu in THF at −20 °C. Treatment of 1 with AgOTf at −20 °C gives the triflate complex Cp2Ti(OOtBu)OTf (2), which is rapidly converted to the bromide Cp2Ti(OOtBu)Br (3) on addition of nBu4NBr. The X-ray crystal structures of 1 and 3 both show η1-OOtBu ligands. Complex 2 is stable only below −20 °C; 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR spectra suggest that it also contains an η1-OOtBu ligand. Removal of the chloride from 1 with [Ag(Et2O)2]BAr‘4 (Ar‘ = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3) yields the etherate complex [Cp2Ti(OOtBu)(OEt2)]BAr‘4 (4). Again, coordination of a fourth ligand to the Ti center indicates an η1-OOtBu ligand in 4. These peroxide complexes do not directly oxidize olefins or phosphines. For instance, the cationic etherate complex 4 reacts with excess Et3P simply by displacement of the ether to form [Cp2Ti(η1-OOtBu)(Et3P)]BAr‘4 (5). Compounds 1−5 all decompose by O−O bond homolysis, based on trapping and computational studies....
Collision-Induced Light Scattering in Gases. I. The Rare Gases: Ar, Kr, and Xe

Gaseous Ar, Kr, and Xe are observed at room temperature to scatter light into a broad frequency band whose intensity varies as the square of the density at low densities. Such scattering is attributed to an incremental polarizability due to the distortion of the electronic distributions of colliding atoms. Studies of the depolarization ratio show that the collision-induced spherical polarizability is negligible with respect to the induced anisotropy. Within experimental error, the (relative) integrated depolarized intensity at low densities and the second virial Kerr coefficient, to which it is directly related, are in agreement. Studies made at wave-number deviations of about 5 - 100 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ from the laser frequency show that the spectral shape is exponentiallike and the bandwidth is of the order of the duration of collision.
Effects of lithium and insulin on glycogen synthesis in L6 myocytes: additive effects on inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3

In insulin-sensitive L6 myocytes, insulin stimulated glycogen synthesis in a dose-dependent manner and lithium further stimulated glycogen synthesis at all insulin concentrations. Lithium alone at 20 mM stimulated glycogen synthesis to the degree similar to the maximal insulin response. Effects of lithium and insulin were fully additive for both glycogen synthesis and glycogen synthase activity. In L6 myocytes, insulin increased phosphorylation of Akt1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3 alpha and beta (GSK-3 alpha and beta), resulting in its activation and inactivation, respectively. Unlike insulin, lithium directly inhibited GSK-3 (both alpha and beta) without affecting phosphorylation of GSK-3. Moreover, lithium in vitro could further inhibit enzyme activity of GSK-3 (both alpha and beta) that was isolated from insulin-stimulated cells (thus already phosphorylated and inactivated by insulin). In summary, insulin increases glycogen synthesis by the Akt1/GSK-3/glycogen synthase pathway, but lithium increases glycogen synthesis by direct inhibition of GSK-3 in L6 myocytes. Inhibitory effects of lithium and insulin on GSK-3 (both alpha and beta) were additive, which may account, at least in part, for their additive effects on glycogen synthase activity and glycogen synthesis in L6 myocytes.
Prognostic impact of deletions at 1p36 and numerical aberrations in Ewing tumors.

Ewing's sarcoma, peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors, and Askin tumors are referred to as Ewing tumors (ETs), and are characterized by high MIC2 expression and a t(11;22)(q24;q12) or other rearrangements involving 22q12. In addition to these constant aberrations, facultative numerical and structural aberrations have been reported: gains of chromosomes 8 and 12, the unbalanced translocation t(1;16), and deletions at the short arm of chromosome 1. To evaluate the frequency and to study the biological impact of these facultative aberrations, we analyzed tumor specimens from 58 ET patients by classical cytogenetics and/or in situ hybridization techniques and compared these data with clinical parameters. Gains of chromosomes 8 and 12 were detected in 55% (32/58) and 24% (14/58) of the cases, respectively. Loss of chromosome 16 or der(16)t(1;16) chromosomes were found in 20% (10/51); deletions at 1p36 were observed in 18% (9/51) of the cases evaluated. The presence of these aberrations did not correlate with age and sex of the patients, with the location of the primary tumor or with the extent of disease at diagnosis by chi-square analysis and Fisher's exact test. Patients with tumors harboring gains of chromosome 8 showed a slightly better clinical outcome (n = 14/30, P = 0.17), whereas gains of chromosome 12 did not influence the clinical outcome (n = 7/30, P = 0.63). However, Kaplan and Meier analysis revealed that deletions at the short arm of chromosome 1 were associated with an unfavorable outcome in patients with localized disease (n = 6/22; P = 0.004). Genes Chromosomes Cancer 24:243–254, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Condensation/Hydrogenation of Biomass-Derived Oxygenates in Water/Oil Emulsions Stabilized by Nanohybrid Catalysts

The synthesis of fuel-range molecules by condensation of biomass-derived furfural and acetone has been studied in a biphasic emulsion system. Nanohybrids composed of basic oxide nanoparticles fused to carbon nanotubes have been used to simultaneously stabilize water/oil emulsions and catalyze the condensation reaction. Under the same conditions, higher conversions and higher fractions of fuel-range condensation products (C8–C13) have been obtained in the emulsion compared to those obtained in the single phase. Furthermore, when using metallized nanohybrids these emulsions have been used to hydrogenate the oil-soluble condensation products. Both model compounds and synthetic bio-oil mixtures have been used to demonstrate that catalytic emulsion systems could be effective for upgrading complex mixtures, such as pyrolysis oil.
“My Religion Picked My Birth Control”: The Influence of Religion on Contraceptive Use

This research investigates the influence of religious preference and practice on the use of contraception. Much of earlier research examines the level of religiosity on sexual activity. This research extends this reasoning by suggesting that peer group effects create a willingness to mask the level of sexuality through the use of contraception. While it is understood that certain religions, that is, Catholicism does not condone the use of contraceptives, this research finds that Catholics are more likely to use certain methods of contraception than other religious groups. With data on contraceptive use from the Center for Disease Control's Family Growth Survey, a likelihood probability model is employed to investigate the impact religious affiliation on contraception use. Findings suggest a preference for methods that ensure non-pregnancy while preventing feelings of shame and condemnation in their religious communities.
Assisted reproductive technology, congenital malformations, and epigenetic disease

In the 3 decades since the birth of the first in vitro fertilization-conceived child, assisted reproduction technologies were rapidly assimilated into clinical care and are now responsible for 1% to 3% of all livebirths in North America and Europe. The rate of congenital anomalies is low (4% to 6%), though it represents a modest increase over the background rate of major malformations (3%). Additionally, emerging studies of imprinting and epigenetic conditions, those genetic disorders due to changes in DNA transcription without change in DNA sequence, suggest that the preimplantation period is vulnerable to perturbations. Review of these studies provides clinically useful information and a basis for investigations of the long-term effects of assisted reproduction technology on the children conceived.
The IRB Is Key

In his response to a letter on his Perspective “ Homo experimentalis evolves” ([1][1]) (31 October 2008, p. [672][2]), J. A. List replies that the economic research he conducted did not require informed consent by the unwitting participants because the study yielded interesting results and did no harm. The response concludes, “Those cases in which there are minimal benefits of informed consent but large costs are prime candidates for relaxation of informed consent.” There are certainly grounds for dispensing with informed consent in social sciences research, and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) have guidelines for doing so. However, there are no general rules that cover every instance, and the investigator does not have the authority to make the decision about when the guidelines apply. Instead, exemptions are granted by IRBs only on a case-by-case basis. In this case, the appropriate question is, did List submit his research protocol to his supervising IRB and request an exemption? The decision to dispense with informed consent is not the author's. 1. 1.[↵][3]1. J. A. List , Science 321, 207 (2008). [OpenUrl][4][Abstract/FREE Full Text][5] # Response {#article-title-2} As my letter suggests, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are a necessary condition and serve an invaluable role; I wrote, “Local Research Ethics Committees and Institutional Review Boards in the United States serve an important role in monitoring such activities.” All of my research has IRB approval, and I suspect from W. R. Lovallo's concerns that he and I agree on all aspects of subject approval. In my own research, I have been even more stringent than IRB requirements—I do not deceive subjects and always ensure that they are better off due to my experiment. These conditions are certainly not a constraint in all, or even many, IRBs that I am aware of. On another note, some researchers do not have Local Research Ethics Committees and Institutional Review Boards. Outside the United States, researchers in the social sciences must rely largely on their own moral principles. I view my letter as also speaking to these scholars and letting them know that strict standards need to be followed. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.322.5902.672a [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1. in text" [4]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DScience%26rft.stitle%253DScience%26rft.aulast%253DList%26rft.auinit1%253DJ.%2BA.%26rft.volume%253D321%26rft.issue%253D5886%26rft.spage%253D207%26rft.epage%253D208%26rft.atitle%253DECONOMICS%253A%2BHomo%2Bexperimentalis%2BEvolves%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1126%252Fscience.1156716%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F18621657%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [5]: /lookup/ijlink/YTozOntzOjQ6InBhdGgiO3M6MTQ6Ii9sb29rdXAvaWpsaW5rIjtzOjU6InF1ZXJ5IjthOjQ6e3M6ODoibGlua1R5cGUiO3M6NDoiQUJTVCI7czoxMToiam91cm5hbENvZGUiO3M6Mzoic2NpIjtzOjU6InJlc2lkIjtzOjEyOiIzMjEvNTg4Ni8yMDciO3M6NDoiYXRvbSI7czoyNDoiL3NjaS8zMjMvNTkxNS83MTMuMi5hdG9tIjt9czo4OiJmcmFnbWVudCI7czowOiIiO30=
Evaluation of the Criollo breed Romosinuano as purebred and crossbred cows with Brahman and Angus in Florida: I. Reproduction and parturition,,

The objectives of this work were to compare reproduction and parturition traits of the Criollo breed Romosinuano as straightbred and crossbred cows with Angus and Brahman, to estimate heterosis and direct and maternal genetic breed effects, and to describe calf loss, cow removals from the project, the occurrence of calving difficulty, inadequate calf vigor at birth, and udder problems by cow breed groups. Cows (n = 404) were born from 2002 to 2005. After their first exposure to bulls as young cows, in all subsequent breeding seasons crossbred cows were bred to bulls of the third breed, and straightbred cows were bred to bulls of the other two breeds. Calving records (n = 1,484) from 2005 to 2011 were used to create calving and weaning rate and calving interval (excluding the interval between 2 and 3 yr of age). Final models for these traits included sire breed-dam breed interaction, cow age within year, and random animal effects. Heterosis estimates for Romosinuano-Brahman calving and weaning rate were 0.06 ± 0.02 and 0.07 ± 0.03 (P < 0.05); those for Brahman-Angus were twice as large (0.13 ± 0.03 and 0.14 ± 0.03, respectively; P < 0.001). Estimates of Brahman direct effects on calving and weaning rate were -0.12 ± 0.04 and -0.14 ± 0.05 (P < 0.05); however, Angus direct effects were beneficial for both traits (0.1 ± 0.05, P < 0.05). The effect of heterosis was to reduce calving interval by -49.2 ± 9.9 and -37.2 ± 9.7 d for Romosinuano-Brahman and Brahman-Angus, respectively (P < 0.001). Romosinuano and F1 cows sired by Romosinuano and out of Angus dams had the most occurrences of difficult births as a proportion of cows that calved (0.028 and 0.025, P = 0.04). Angus-sired crossbred cows and Brahman cows had the most occurrences of udder problems as a proportion of lactating cows (0.14 to 0.21, P < 0.04). There were more Brahman-sired cows that died or were culled as a proportion of those cows that began the project (0.1 to 0.28, P < 0.02) than cows in the other breed groups. Romosinuano-Brahman and Romosinuano-Angus cow performance was acceptable, but for most traits, those pairs of breeds had lower heterosis than Brahman-Angus.
Computerized tomographic localization of clinically-guided sacroiliac joint injections

Abstract:Objective:The goal of this study was to use computed tomographic (CT) scanning to localize clinically guided sacroiliac (SI) joint injections and identify other structures affected by this procedure.Design:A prospective, double-blind, correlational outcome study design was used. Injection o
Formation of silicon oxide nanowires in nanomaterial synthesis experiments based on the usage of tube furnace

In an effort to synthesize doped ZnO nanowires, SiOx nanowires were obtained accidently. In the experiment, mixed powders containing chemicals such as ZnO, graphite, Ga2O3, and In2O3 were placed in the center of a tube furnace, where the temperature was set to 1200 °C and the vacuum was approximately 27 Pa. Silicon wafers were placed around the vicinity of the furnace exit to collect the expected nanomaterials. After prolonged heating, grey layers were found on top of one wafer located inside the furnace. The layer showed no adhesion to the substrate. Characterization by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) revealed that this layer consisted of SiOx nanowires. Formation of Si-containing liquid drop and the subsequent growth of SiOx nanowires out of it are suggested as the growth mechanism.
Fourth U.S. computer chess championship

The following are the games from Round 2 of the tournament held at ACM '73. The games from Round 3 will appear in the next issue of the Newsletter. (Games from the other rounds appeared in Newsletter issues No. 42 and 43.)
Silicon nitride, a new diffusion mask

Although in the last decade silicon dioxide has been used extensively as a diffusion mask in semiconductor device fabrication, it has many limitations. It fails to mask many important diffusants such as gallium, aluminum, zinc, and oxygen. The masking properties of silicon nitride have been investigated. The results show that silicon nitride masks not only the same diffusants as silicon dioxide but also many diffusants where silicon dioxide fails.
ADRKNOCORTICAL FUNCTION AND CORTISOL METABOLISM IN OLD AGE

In this study the influence of old age on adrcnocortical function and cortisol metabolism was investigated, along with renal, hepatic and thyroid function in 15 young men (25–40 years old) and 50 old men (60–96 years old). By the criteria of 8-a.m. plasma levels of free and conjugated 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OH-CS) and the plasma corticoid response to ACTH stimulation, no significant change in adrenocortical function could be demonstrated with advancing age. However, there was a progressive and significant decrease in the urinary excretion of 17-OH-CS with aging. Following intravenous administration of a standard dose, cortisol disappeared from the circulation at a significantly slower rate in the old men. The maximal levels of plasma conjugated 17-OH-CS observed after cortisol infusion were statistically the same for all ages, but the rate of decay from peak values was slower in the older subjects. These alterations in cortisol metabolism were associated with a significant increase in the level of ...
Location and Interaction of the Different Types of Zeins in Protein Bodies

Summary Maize storage proteins, wins, can be divided into three classes, α, β, and γ. Although these were defined by solubility properties, differences in their amino acid compositions, structures, and gene organization have also been noted. We have investigated the organization and assembly of the three types in protein bodies by 1) immunogold localization, and 2) assay of the ability of α-zein, the major type, to form protein bodies following injection of its mRNA into Xenopus oocytes. We found that the x-wins in general are uniformly distributed throughout the protein body while the β- and γ-wins are primarily found at the periphery. The α-zein by itself can form protein bodies in oocytes, but these are not as dense as those formed when all wins are present. A model for involvement of β- and γ-wins in protein body formation is proposed.
The dilated electron propagator: a bi-orthogonal approach

Abstract We propose a dilated electron propagator for direct calculation of resonance energies and lifetimes associated with anions of closed-shell atoms. The treatment employs a bi-orthogonal basis set obtained by a bi-variational SCF procedure for dilated atomic hamiltonians. Equations for the dilated electron propagator correct through second order in electron interaction are presented. Higher-order and renormalized treatments are suggested and a computational strategy outlined.
Growth, survival, and foraging abilities of early life history stages of blue tilapia,Oreochromis aureus, and largemouth bass,Micropterus salmoides

I compared growth, survival, and foraging abilities of early life history stages of blue tilapia,Oreochromis (=Sarotherodon = Tilapia) aureus, and largemouth bass,Micropterus salmoides, at equivalent prey (zooplankton) densities in the laboratory. Survival and growth of blue tilapia exceeded those of largemouth bass and, at comparable ages, blue tilapia were superior to largemouth bass in ability to prey on zooplankton; the enhanced survival and growth of blue tilapia appeared to result from their larger initial (egg) size. Predatory abilities of the species at equivalent sizes were similar. The success of blue tilapia in colonizing new systems and rapidly achieving high abundances in Florida may be a consequence of large initial size.
A BAYESIAN PERSPECTIVE ON TAGUCHT'S APPROACH TO QUALITY ENGINEERING AND TOLERANCE DESIGN

Abstract An impetus for the new revolution in quality technology has been Professor Genichi Taguchi's approach to quality engineering, best exemplified by his call for off-line quality control. However, much of the literature on this topic appears to be fragmented between engineering, statistics and quality control journals, each emphasizing a point of view that is pertinent to its readership. A consequence of the above is that there has been some difficulty in developing an appreciation for the totality of die approach, its key ingredients, and the several excellent contributions of many others in this important subject. In this paper, we attempt to help alleviate this difficulty by pointing out that an encompassing perspective on Taguchi's philosophy can be provided by statistical decision analysis. The subject deals with decision making in the face of partial or no information, and prescribes that an optimum decision is one that maximizes expected utility. The role of experimental design is to obtain p...
Some applications of tritiated uridine to studies of mammalian cells in vitro.

Abstract Application of tritiated uridine to cells in vitro has revealed a factor in mouse and rabbit serum which was required for the incorporation of this isotope in normal mouse spleen cells but which had relatively little effect on cells from leukemic spleens. The nature of this factor is at present unknown. Radiouridine has been found to be advantageous in the measurement of immunocytotoxicity. It seemed particularly well suited to the determination of viability or functional competence of cultured cells, properties difficult to determine by dyes, such as trypan blue. The existence of a substance in normal rabbit serum which (in the presence of guinea pig serum) inhibited incorporation of radiouridine without evidence of cytotoxicity, was also revealed by radiouridine. This substance may be related to a heat stable factor in guinea pig serum which itself markedly depressed incorporation of uridine into cells, again without cytotoxicity. The activity of this factor is increased on heating and does not appear to be asparaginase.
On the Renewal Function for the Weibull Distribution

A series expansion is developed for the renewal function associated with the Weibull distribution. The expansion is valid for all values of the time t, and the coefficients of the powers of t are easily calculated numerically by a recursive procedure.
Electrospray droplet exposure to gaseous acids for reduction of metal counter-ions in nucleic acid ions

Abstract Electrospray ionization (ESI) of oligonucleotides in either polarity mode often yields a distribution of ions at each charge state that vary in the number and identities of metal counter-ions present, thereby complicating the appearance of the mass spectrum. A variety of approaches designed to treat or modify the solution subjected to ESI have been introduced to deal with this issue. A new procedure has been developed in which chemical vapors are introduced into a region prior to the atmosphere/vacuum interface of a QqTOF instrument along with the usual counter-current nitrogen gas intended to facilitate droplet desolvation. Acidic vapors can be introduced to shift the charge state distribution of samples subjected to either positive or negative nanoelectrospray ionization as well as to reduce the number of metal counter-ions observed in DNA, siRNA and LNA ions. To remove the metal counter-ions and improve the signal levels when ionizing in the negative nanoelectrospray mode, vapors of weak acids such as acetic acid and formic acid can be mixed with the curtain gas and introduced in front of the instrument interface. For positive nanoelectrospray generated ions, the introduction of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid and trifluoroacetic acid helps to reduce the metal counter-ion incorporation and results in an increase in signal levels. The vapor addition approach is not equivalent to adding acid directly in the solution as it preserves non-covalent interactions, as seen with the preservation of the siRNA duplex during acid vapor introduction into the interface.
Using group selection to evolve leadership in populations of self-replicating digital organisms

This paper describes a study in the evolution of distributed cooperative behavior, specifically leader election, through digital evolution and group selection. In digital evolution, a population of self-replicating computer programs exists in a user-defined computational environment and is subject to instruction-level mutations and natural selection. Group selection is the theory that the survival of the individual is linked to the survival of the group, thus encouraging cooperation. The results of experiments using the Avida digital evolution platform demonstrate that group selection can produce populations capable of electing a leader and, when that leader is terminated, electing a new leader. This result serves as an existence proof that group selection and digital evolution can produce complex cooperative behaviors, and therefore have promise in the design of robust distributed computing systems.
Communication cost estimation for parallel CFD using variable time-stepping algorithms

Variable time-stepping algorithm can greatly reduce the execution time of parallel CFD by allowing each parallel CFD process to select its own computation and communication time-steps according to the computational stability conditions. However, this algorithm significantly complicates the task of deriving the cost function for computer load balancing. Computer load balancing for parallel CFD requires a cost function that generally uses the elapsed CFD execution time as the cost. The cost function consists of three components: the computation cost, the communication cost, and the idle cost. Since the execution of parallel CFD using variable time-stepping approach causes the change the load of of computer and network even in a single user environment, the cost function should be derived based on the measurement of the parallel CFD execution time. The derived cost function can be used for predicting the elapsed time of future program execution. In this paper, the derivation of communication cost function for a parallel CFD using variable time-stepping algorithm is described. The accuracy of the communication cost function is demonstrated by two test cases and has been successfully used in dynamic computer load balancing.
In situ sensors for monitoring and control in molecular beam epitaxial growth of Hg 1−x Cd x Te

The current status of the implementation and refinement of two wafer state sensors forin situ monitoring and control during molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth of Hg1−xCdxTe will be reported. First a rapid scan spectral ellipsometer has been developed and employed for precisely measuring compositions of Hg1−xCdxTe alloys during growth. MBE films in the composition range x = 0.20 to 0.30 have been grown andin situ spectra taken at the growth temperature (180°C) and at room temperature. The MBE films were treated as single layers without the need to invoke any surface film (due to surface roughness, oxide, or of any different composition) as required for exsitu data. The least squares fit over the whole spectral range was used as a measure of the precision. The film composition was also determinedex situ by wavelength dispersive analysis of x-rays and by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry after verifying that there was no lateral variation. A precision of better than ±0.0015 has so far been demonstrated usingin situ spectral ellipsometry for Cd composition or CdTe mole fraction, x, measurements. This compares with ±0.003 for single wavelength ellipsometry. The composition of Hg1−xCdxTe films were also monitored during growth. A spectral pyrometer based on a FTIR spectrometer has also been developed for substrate temperature measurements during growth. The spectral pyrometer measures both the emission and reflectance to give the emissivity of a growing sample over a range of wavelengths spanning the peak of the grey body emission. From the reflectivity measurements, the thickness (in excess of 1 µm) of the growing film is also determined from the interference fringes. The spectral ellipsometer is only capable of measuring thicknesses up to C.a 5000°A (i.e. optically thin). Excellent agreement is obtained between thein situ (at growth temperature) andex situ (at room temperature) thickness measurements. The small discrepancy can be explained by the refractive index of Hg1−xCdxTe being 5% higher at the growth temperature than at room temperature. The combination ofin situ sensors now provides a means of continuously monitoring the composition and thickness of the growing Hg1−xCdxTe film.
Chronic liver dysfunction in multitransfused hemophiliacs.

Liver dysfunction and exposure to the hepatitis B antigen were assessed by serum transaminase (SGPT and SCOT) levels and HBsAg and anti-HBs during a three year period in a group of 118 patients with factor VIII or factor IX deficiency. The 107 HBsAg negative patients were divided into four groups according to their mode of therapy. Persistently abnormal transaminase values were present in 51 per cent of patients with a large exposure to factor VIII concentrates, in 43 per cent with a small factor VIII exposure and in 37 per cent exposed to prothrombin complexes. This was contrasted with abnormalities in 8 per cent of patients treated only with cryoprecipitate. The incidence and degree of serum transaminase abnormality appeared independent of a past history of jaundice. All patients without persistent antigenemia who had been treated with pooled plasma products showed antibodies to HBsAg. High titer anti-HBs prior to initial fraction therapy appeared protective against jaundice. The eleven patients with persistent antigenemia had significantly higher transaminase levels than the HBsAg negative group.
Neurologic consultations in a general hospital. Spectrum of latrogenic disease

In a prospective study of 1,500 neurologic consultations during 1978 and 1984 within the Johns Hopkins Hospital, iatrogenic neurologic conditions were found in 14 percent of patients. The most common antecedents were angiography, cardiac surgery, and immunosuppression. Neurologists found previously unsuspected significant neurologic conditions in 27 percent of patients. Determining the underlying causes of delirium posed a special diagnostic problem. The accuracy of general physicians and surgeons in the application of criteria for brain death was low. Consultations for solely medical-legal reasons are increasing. These findings indicate the need for improved surveillance of neurological injury in hospitals, earlier recognition of delirium and research into its mechanisms, and additional education about criteria for brain death.
Drinking elicited by cholinergic stimulation of CNS fibers

Abstract Carbachol, eserine and atropine were injected into limbic system sites in the brain of the rat. In previous studies, carbachol and eserine were found to elicit the drinking of water at identical loci in limbic system nuclei. Furthermore, atropine injection into one site has been found to inhibit drinking-to-carbachol in another site. In the present study, only carbachol was found effective in the fornix-hippocampal commissure region and in the corpus callosum; no drinking was elicited by eserine. In addition, atropine injection into the fornix-hippocampal commissure region inhibited drinking-to-carbachol in the septal region. One explanation for these data is that the fibers of limbic system cholinergic nuclei are sensitive to the cholinomimetic, carbachol. Eserine may be ineffective because there are relatively few synapses and little available acetylcholine in fiber bundles. Although other possible explanations are discussed, this one would seem to warrant further exploration.
New X-ray beam position monitors with submicron resolution utilizing imaging of scattered X-rays at CHESS

Abstract At CHESS’ A, F and G wiggler beam lines three new video beam position monitors (VBPMs) have been commissioned. These new VBPMs utilize X-rays scattered from the graphite filter (A and F line) or from a beryllium window (G-line) as the white wiggler beam passes through them. As the X-rays scatter in all directions from the scattering medium, a slit camera creates an image of the beam’s footprint on a fluorescent screen. This image is then viewed by a CCD camera and analyzed using a computer program to calculate the intensity centroid, the beam profile and integrated intensity. These data are delivered to the CHESS signal archiving system for storage and display. The new systems employ digital cameras. These cameras are free of the noise inherent to the analog systems with long video signal connections. As a result, the beam position data delivered by the new systems are more reliable and accurate as shown by beam position traces using different beam position monitors on the same beam line.
Myoelectric prostheses : a long-term follow-up and a study of the use of alternate prostheses

Forty-four patients who had had a total of forty-seven amputations of an upper extremity and who had had a myoelectric prosthesis for more than two years were evaluated retrospectively for the amount of use of the prosthesis, the use of any other prosthesis, and the demographic factors that might be related to use of the prosthesis. The average duration of follow-up was five years (range, twenty-five months to seventeen years). Forty of the forty-four patients also had a conventional prosthesis. Twenty-two patients (50 per cent) rejected the myoelectric prosthesis completely; thirteen (32 per cent) of the forty patients who also had a conventional prosthesis rejected the conventional prosthesis completely. The patients who used the myoelectric device the least were employed in occupations that required high-demand use of the prosthesis (lifting of more than 4.5 kilograms [ten pounds] or repetitive manual labor) or were receiving or seeking Workers' Compensation, or both.
Predicting Age-Related Differences in Visual Information Processing using a Two-Stage Queuing Model

Recent work on age-related differences in some types of visual information processing has qualitatively stated that younger adults are able to develop parallel processing capability, while older adults remain serial processors. A mathematical model based on queuing theory was used to quantitatively predict and parameterize age-related differences in the perceptual encoding and central decision-making aspects of a multiple-frame search task. Statistical results indicated main effects for frame duration, display load, age group, and session of practice. Comparison of the full model and a restricted model indicated an efficient contribution of the encoding speed parameter. The best-fitting parameter set indicated that (1) younger participants processed task information with a two-channel parallel system, while older participants were serial processors; and (2) perceptual encoding had a large impact on age-related differences in task performance. Results are discussed with implications for human factors design principles. SUCCESSFUL performance of many activities in the ^ daily lives of individuals of all ages relies heavily on the ability to process visual information. Theory on age-related differences in visual attention and information processing began to develop significantly about 30 years ago with the "distractability" hypothesis (Rabbitt, 1965), which stated that older adults are more susceptible to the, distracting features of irrelevant stimuli. Subsequent advances in theory have posited other mechanisms to account for age-related differences in visual information processing, including the "perceptual noise" hypothesis (Wright & Elias, 1979), the "target-distractor discrimination" hypothesis (Nebes & Madden, 1983), and the "spatial localization" hypothesis (Plude & Hoyer, 1985).
Progressive simulation-based design: A case study example on software defined radio

The increasing complexity of engineering systems and automation applications asks for systematic design processes and methodologies. In previous work, a progressive simulation-based design methodology was developed. This methodology views simulation as a driving force for designing and testing engineering systems and supports systematic transitions from simulation models to real system realization. This paper applies the methodology to the development of a cognitive radio network on software defined radio. The design process and results are presented.
A modified histogram approach for accurate self-characterization of analog-to-digital converters

A new approach for measuring the INL and DNL of an A/D converter that uses histogram information is introduced. Unlike most existing algorithms, this method does not require the generation of accurate input signals so offers potential for use in a Built-in Self-Test (BIST) environment. Multiple inputs are presented to the device under test and the histograms obtained at the output are analyzed to characterize both the device and the nonlinear input. Preliminary simulation results for a 10-bit flash ADC suggest this approach can measure INL to the 0.5LSB level with a low spectral purity input signal that is linear to less than the 4-bit level.
Effects of time, albuterol, and budesonide on the shape of the flow-volume loop in children with asthma

Background Assessment of asthma through spirometric analysis in children is challenging because of often normal FEV 1 values. Objective We used Mead's slope ratio (SR; ( d V ˙ / d V ) / ( V ˙ / V ) ) to analyze the shape of the flow-volume loop. Methods We analyzed the effects of time, albuterol, and budesonide on FEV 1 , FEV 1 /forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, forced expiratory flow from 25% to 75% of expired volume, and Mead's SR both early (between 75% and 50% of FVC, SR61) and late (between 75% and 50% of FVC, SR35) in exhalation in the Childhood Asthma Management Program cohort at baseline, 4 months, and the end of the study in participants who received either inhaled placebo or budesonide twice daily. Results In the placebo group both SR61 and SR35 improved over time. Bronchodilator consistently improved both SR61 and SR35, without change in degree of improvement over time. Similarly, in the budesonide group time and bronchodilator each independently improved both SR61 and SR35. At 4 months and the end of the study, patients receiving budesonide had significant improvements in SR61 relative to patients receiving placebo, which was independent of bronchodilator effect. Budesonide and placebo were not different with respect to prebronchodilator or postbronchodilator SR35. Conclusion Budesonide-treated patients have less concave flow-volume loops when compared with placebo-treated patients. Time and bronchodilator also make the flow-volume loop less concave. Furthermore, it appears that there are discrete bronchodilator- and corticosteroid-responsive components of airflow obstruction in pediatric asthma.
Cyber Security: An Obtainable Goal?

Summary form only given. With the rapid technology advancement and cost reduction, we have built an enormous large Internet. Many critical applications require information to be delivered over Internet. Many small devices like sensors are gradually deployed over Internet. These devices are designed to improve our daily life by monitoring our environment, collecting critical data, and executing special instructions. These devices have gradually become an essential part of our future Internet and most of them are connected to Internet via wireless technology. Unprecedented amount of data are collected by these devices. Security and privacy become great concern for this new world. To meet this challenge, Cyber Trust Program at National Science Foundation has adjusted its research funding directions. We will discuss the current and past research directions in cyber security. What progress has being made? What are missing? Why is it so hard to make cyber space secure? Is it possible that we can accomplish our goal to make cyber space secure?
Risk Stratification of Patients with Extraprostatic Extension and Negative Lymph Nodes at Radical Prostatectomy: Identifying Optimal Candidates for Adjuvant Therapy

Purpose: Randomized trials demonstrate a benefit to adjuvant radiation therapy after radical prostatectomy in patients with pathologically locally advanced tumors. However, limited data exist on natural history, specifically in men with extraprostatic extension, and wide variability in outcomes has been reported. We evaluated long-term outcomes in patients with pT3aN0 disease and determined predictors of recurrence in these men.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 20,744 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at our clinic between 1987 and 2011. Of these men 1,073 with pT3aN0 disease were identified who did not receive neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. Biochemical recurrence-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate stepwise selection was used to develop a prognostic model for biochemical recurrence.Results: Median followup after radical prostatectomy was 10.9 years, during which 449 patients experienced biochemical recurrence. On stepwise selection preoperative prostate ...