cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Security of SoC firmware load protocols

The security architecture of modern systems-on-a-chip (SoC) is complex and critical to be done right and quickly. SoC security architects feel an acute need for new tool-supported specification and validation technologies. Aiming to stimulate research into creation of these technologies, in this paper we provide some industrial insights and initial solutions. Focusing on a concrete non-trivial example of security sensitive firmware load protocols, we show how to: (1) concisely specify the communication between IP blocks; (2) model the adversary; (3) debug and verify the protocol.
Evaluation of Optimal Hybrid Distributed Generation Systems for an Isolated Rural Settlement in Masirah Island, Oman

ABSTRACTThis paper summarizes the findings from a study that has been conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind in combination with the conventional power system; diesel systems in an isolated island of Masirah in Oman. The study has been conducted to determine the best sustainable generation system to meet the electrical load requirements for a small community of 500 residential buildings. A series of a simulation analyses have carried out to assess different distribution technologies including photovoltaics, wind and diesel for electrical generation in combination with storage batteries. It was found that the cost of energy could be reduced by as much as 48% compared to the cost under the idealized design currently used in the Masirah Island (i.e. Diesel Driven Generators). In particular, it was found that wind turbines in combination with storage batteries have a great impact in reducing the cost of generating electrical energy for the residential co...
CONTROL OF GIBBOSITY IN LEMNA GIBBA G3 BY ETHYLENEDIAMINE‐DI‐O‐HYDROXYPHENYLACETIC ACID (EDDHA)

SUMMARY Flat forms of Lemna gibba became gibbous in the presence of EDDHA. The degree of the gibbosity varied with the concentration of the chelate. The maximum convexity was observed at 10 and 20 ppm. This clearly suggested that both flat and gibbous forms belong to the same taxon and merely represent the morphological modifications under different nutritional conditions.
Nitrates versus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for congestive heart failure

The efficacy of nitrates versus that of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in heart failure may be evaluated based on 3 treatment aims: hemodynamic improvement, symptom relief, and survival benefit. Nitrates used in conjunction with hydralazine produce a relatively large increase in stroke volume and a prominent reduction of left ventricular filling pressure, whereas ACE inhibitors produce a comparatively modest increase in stroke volume with a prominent reduction in filling pressure. The effect of these drugs on arterial compliance has been evaluated using a modified Windkessel model of the circulation to define their mechanism of action. Nitrates appear to affect the large arteries and arterial bed as well as the venous circulation. Intermediate-term response to therapy is often evaluated by changes in exercise tolerance. A review of multicenter trials reveals that, although both ACE inhibitors and hydralazine/nitrate have favorable hemodynamic actions, the effect of hydralazine/nitrate on exercise capacity appears to be slightly better. ACE inhibitors and nitrates both may reduce dysfunctional myocardial remodeling, as evaluated in a canine model of chronic left ventricular dysfunction. The increase in the ejection fraction by these drugs and the decrease of plasma norepinephrine levels by ACE inhibitors may contribute to improved long-term survival. It appears, therefore, that the long-term benefits of nitrates and ACE inhibitors in heart failure probably relate to their ability both to affect cardiac remodelling and to relax vascular smooth muscle.
Structure/Function Analysis of the Sea Urchin Sperm Adhesive Protein Bindin

Abstract The functional domain structure of bindin, an adhesive protein component of the acrosomal granule of sea urchin sperm, has been analyzed using a series of carboxyl- and amino-terminal deletion analogs of recombinant bindin expressed in Escherichia coli . Bindin, which self-associates to form macromolecular aggregates, mediates the species-specific attachment of sperm to the egg surface as well as egg-to-egg agglutination in vitro by binding to egg surface-sulfated fucose-containing glycoconjugates. Cross-species egg agglutination activity and sperm adhesion were determined for two sea urchin species, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and S. franciscanus . We found that S. franciscanus sperm bindin agglutinates both S. franciscanus and S. purpuratus eggs whereas S. purpuratus sperm bindin displays a much more restricted specificity for homologous S. purpuratus eggs. Consistent with this result, cross-species sperm adhesion experiments demonstrate that S. franciscanus sperm also bind more efficiently to S. purpuratus eggs in comparison to S. purpuratus sperm attachment to S. franciscanus eggs. Recombinant S. purpuratus bindin demonstrates the same species-specific egg agglutination properties observed for sperm bindin. Deletion mutants of S. purpuratus bindin were tested for their ability to species specifically agglutinate eggs. We found that residues 1-74 or residues 122-236 can be deleted without a loss of the species-specific agglutination properties of bindin. Comparison of the bindin amino acid sequences from the two species reveals that all of the active deletion analogs have a central segment in common corresponding to residues 75 through 121 of S. purpuratus bindin, where the sequences are identical except for a single amino acid, Arg 77, which is an Ala residue in S. franciscanus . However, substitution of Arg 77 for Ala does not alter the species specificity of recombinant bindin, suggesting that the more divergent amino- and carboxyl-terminal sequences flanking the conserved central domain determine the species specificity of bindin and either end is sufficient to impart specificity. The amino- and carboxyl-terminal thirds of S. purpuratus bindin each contain two repeats of the sequence M G G P P/V. This sequence does not occur in S. franciscanus, which instead has five repeats of the sequence M G GA/V/QF/V/P. It is conceivable that these repeats, which vary in sequence in bindins from different species, constitute an important part of the species recognition mechanism.
Hypotetraploidy in erythroleukemia.

Abstract Cytogenetic study of a case of erythroleukemia in a 9-year-old white male showed a modal number of 72 with tetraploidy of several chromosomes and duplication of markers. The disease had a very rapid initial response to therapy. The uniqueness of this karyotype and its relationship to previously reported cytogenetic studies on erythroleukemia are discussed.
Measuring fibrosis: is seeing really believing?

Chronic liver disease is a rising global health problem. However, despite vast advances in medical technology, liver biopsy remains the gold standard in assessing disease severity [1]. Biopsy was historically utilized solely for diagnostic purposes; however, with the advent of therapeutic options, biopsy is now additionally utilized in therapeutic decision making and determining prognosis. However, the procedure itself is not without complications and limitations, and patients are reluctant to undergo multiple biopsies during treatment. This has fueled efforts in developing non-invasive methods to measure fibrosis. Early detection of fibrosis allows for identification of patients who require therapy to prevent evolution to cirrhosis. In a recent systematic review by Smith and Sterling [2], non-invasive methods (clinical demographics, serum biomarkers, imaging modalities, breath tests, and complex models) used either alone or in combination were reported. Many non-invasive measures are shown to detect cirrhosis, but are not established in differentiating between stages of fibrosis. Each seems to have its own advantages and disadvantages. Of the imaging techniques, ultrasound holds the most promise due to its widespread availability. Ultrasound-Based Measures of Fibrosis
Analysis of chimerism within specific leukocyte subsets for detection of residual or recurrent leukemia in pediatric patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Analysis of chimerism within specific leukocyte subsets for detection of residual or recurrent leukemia in pediatric patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Down-State Model of the KvAP Full Channel

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels have at least two distinct conformations, an “up” state, corresponding to the open/activated state of the channel, and a “down” state, corresponding to the resting state of the channel. Kv channels are tetramers that consist of a central pore domain (PD) and four peripheral voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) that respond to changes in the transmembrane (TM) potential. The PD opens and closes via mechanical coupling to the VSDs, which undergo large conformational changes as the TM potential changes. The molecular mechanism of these changes is poorly understood, because the Kv crystal structures reported to date are exclusively in the up state. We have recently reported a down-state model of the isolated VSD of KvAP that is consistent with existing experimental data. Based on this down-state model, we have now generated a down-state model for the KvAP full channel using targeted molecular dynamics. We used the end point of an equilibrated simulation of the KvAP full channel in the up state as a starting point and four symmetrically arranged down-state VSDs as targets. The PD was unconstrained during the simulation. Preliminary results suggest that, as expected, steric interactions between the S4-S5 linker and the intracellular half of S6 result in a measurable narrowing of the pore. We compare our model to the closed-state structure of the KcSA channel (2001, Science 280: 69), which consists of a Kv-homologous PD but no VSD, and to the Kv1.2 mammalian channel down-state model of Pathak et al (2007, Neuron 56: 124). This work is supported by NIH grants GM74637 and GM86685 and NSF grant CHE-0750175, and we are grateful for the allocation of computer time on the NSF-supported Teragrid resources provided by the Texas Advanced Computing Center.
Ionospheric control of the magnetosphere: conductance

Abstract. It is well known that the ionosphere plays a role in determining the global state of the magnetosphere. The ionosphere allows magnetospheric currents to close, thereby allowing magnetospheric convection to occur. The amount of current which can be carried through the ionosphere is mainly determined by the ionospheric conductivity. This paper starts to quantify the nonlinear relationship between the ionospheric conductivity and the global state of the magnetosphere. It is found that the steady-state magnetosphere acts neither as a current nor as a voltage generator; a uniform Hall conductance can influence the potential pattern at low latitudes, but not at high latitude; the EUV generated conductance forces the currents to close in the sunlight, while the potential is large on the nightside; the solar generated Hall conductances cause a large asymmetry between the dawn and dusk potential, which effects the pressure distribution in the magnetosphere; a uniform polar cap potential removes some of this asymmetry; the potential difference between solar minimum and maximum is ∼11%; and the auroral precipitation can be related to the local field-aligned current through an exponential function. Key words. Ionosphere (ionosphere-magnetosphere interactions; modelling and forecasting; polar ionosphere)
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Laminates With Cross Cracks

An approximate 3-dimensional analysis to study the effects of a system of transverse and longitudinal matrix cracks in cross-ply laminates is given. The method considers a repeating unit cell containing three subcells in every one of which the displacement vector is expanded to second order. The equilibrium equations, in conjunction with continuity conditions of displacements and tractions, together with the appropriate loading and boundary conditions, provide a system of equations for the elastic field variables. The dependence of the effective axial stiffness and Poisson’s ratio of the laminate on the cross-cracks density is given. The Poisson’s ratio appears to be a good indicator for the state of damage of the laminate. The distribution of the axial displacement and stress in the cracked laminate is shown.
Brief Report: IRF5 systemic lupus erythematosus risk haplotype is associated with asymptomatic serologic autoimmunity and progression to clinical autoimmunity in mothers of children with neonatal lupus

Objective Variation in the interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) gene has been associated with risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and this association is largely dependent upon anti-Ro autoantibodies. This study was undertaken to determine if the IRF5 genotype is associated with maternal diagnosis or progression of autoimmunity. Methods Genotyping of haplotype-tagging polymorphisms in IRF5 was performed in 93 subjects of European ancestry who were recruited to the Research Registry for Neonatal Lupus. All subjects had high-titer anti-Ro autoantibodies and had a child with neonatal lupus (NL); allele frequencies were compared to those in nonautoimmune controls. The mothers had SLE, Sjogren's syndrome (SS), or undifferentiated autoimmune syndrome (UAS), or were asymptomatic. Results The SLE risk haplotype of IRF5 was enriched in all anti-Ro–positive subjects except in those with SS (odds ratio [OR] 2.55, P = 8.8 × 10−4). The SLE risk haplotype was even enriched in asymptomatic individuals with anti-Ro antibodies (OR 2.69, P = 0.019). The same haplotype was more prevalent in subjects who were initially asymptomatic but developed symptomatic SLE during followup (OR 5.83, P = 0.0024). Interestingly, SS was associated with 2 minor IRF5 haplotypes, and these same haplotypes were decreased in frequency in mothers with SLE and those with UAS. Conclusion The IRF5 SLE risk haplotype was associated with anti-Ro antibody positivity in asymptomatic individuals, as well as with progression to SLE in asymptomatic anti-Ro–positive individuals. SS in mothers of children with NL was associated with different IRF5 haplotypes. These data suggest that IRF5 polymorphisms play a role in serologic autoimmunity in humans and may promote the progression to clinical autoimmunity.
The comparative release of FGF1 by hypoxia and temperature stress.

AbstractThe signal peptide-less FGF gene family prototype, FGF1 is released in response to temperature stress in vitro as a latent reducing agent-sensitive homodimer non-covalently complexed with the extravesicular p40 domain of p65 synaptotagmin (Syt)1. Because FGF1 is well recognized as an angiogenesis factor in vivo and angiogenesis is known to be induced by hypoxia, we examined the release of FGF1 and p40 Syt1 under conditions of hypoxia and temperature stress using a chemostatic microcarrier cell culture system. We report that like the pathway used by FGF1 and p40 Syt1 release under temperature stress, hypoxia also induces the release of FGF1 and p40 Syt1 with similar kinetic and pharmacologic properties including the requirement for functional cysteine residues. Lastly, FGF1 and p40 Syt1 release in response to hypoxia and temperature stress is sensitive to lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase inhibitors suggesting that arachidonic acid metabolism may play an important role in the mechanism of FGF1 releas...
UTILIZATION OF CIBACRON BLUE 3G-A SEPHAROSE 6B IN THE ISOLATION AND ENRICHMENT OF PYRUVATE, PHOSPHATE DIKINASE, ALANINE DEHYDROGENASE, AND PHOSPHOENOLPYRUVATE CARBOXYLASE FROM MITOMYCIN-PRODUCING STREPTOMYCES VERTICILLATUS

Pyruvate, phosphate dikinase (E.C. 2.7.9.1) has been demonstrated in mitomycin-producing Streptomyces verticillatus. Low levels of activity are detectable in noninduced cultures; however, in alanine or pyruvate containing media the enzyme activity is induced 20 to 40 fold. Assays for the dikinase are subject to very large interferences if pyruvate kinase and adenylate kinase are present together. or if alanine dehydrogenase is present. Chromatography of dialyzed cell-free extracts of induced S. verticillatus on Cibacron Blue 3G-A Sepharose 6B affords a clean separation of the dikinase from these interfering enzymes which are present in this organism. While the dikinase is eluted in the early fractions, pyruvate kinase and alanine deh drogenase are retained on the column. The dikinase is inhibited by free Cibacron 3G-A Blue and therefore its non-binding to the dye Sepharose column is presently unexplained. Dikinase activity has been detected in two of four strains of Streptomyces tested and it was found to be absent in rifamycin-producing Nocardia mediterranei. Lactate dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.27) activity could not be detected in S. verticillatus, but alanine dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.4.1.1) has been purified 75 fold in a single step by elution with 0.25 mM NADH from Cibacron Blue 3G-A Sepharose 6B. Further studies have shown the presence of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (E.C. 4.1.1.31) in extracts of S. verticillatus. This acetyl coenzyme A activated enzyme readily binds to the dye columns and can be specifically eluted with acetyl-coenzyme A. It presumably interacts with the dye on the column by way of its allosteric site.
The use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in ALS patients. A need for improved determination of intervention timing.

We present our experience with 27 patients with symptoms of alveolar hypoventilation, a precursor to respiratory failure, to demonstrate variability in symptoms, physiologic status and outcome of intervention. They represent 27 consecutive patients who tolerated NIPPV for more that 4 hours per 24-h period for more than 2 weeks. All patients received neurological consultation, electromyography and met criteria for ALS according to El Escorial diagnostic criteria. To assess respiratory status, spirometry was measured in sitting and when possible, in the supine positions. Resting arterial blood gases were available in 22 patients. Orthopnea was the most common symptom at the time of institution of NIPPV. No correlation existed between age at institution of NIPPV, duration of effective use of this technology or vital capacity and duration of effective use of NIPPV. The lack of correlation between vital capacity at the institution of NIPPV and duration of its effectiveness suggest that more sensitive indicator...
Effects of light on phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity in dark-grown Zea mays (L.) seedlings

Abstract The effects of continuous white light on phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity in Zea mays L. roots and mesocotyls was studied. White light increased enzyme specific activity in both roots and mesocotyls. Anthocyanin accumulation in roots and mesocotyls in continuous white light up to 48 h correlated with the kinetics of light-induced PAL specific activity, anthocyanin biosynthesis lagging several hours behind light-induced PAL specific activity. When illumination was given for varying time periods followed by a dark period which ended 48 h after the beginning of the illumination period, kinetics of anthocyanin biosynthesis based on time in the light corresponded well with the light-induced PAL specific activity, indicating a possible causal relationship. Level of enzyme activity per unit of fresh weight was increased by light in both root and mesocotyl, however, total enzyme activity per mesocotyl was not changed by light as was total enzyme activity per root.
Geometries and vibrational frequencies for silanone, silanoic acid and silicic acid

Abstract The geometries of silanone, H2SiO, silanoic acid, (HO)HSiO, and silicic acid, (HO)2SiO, have been calculated using gradient techniques with 3-21G and DZ + P basis sets. The SiO bond length is found not to be strongly dependent on the substitution of OH for H. Vibrational frequencies have been calculated by numerical differentiation of the gradient at the 3–21G level. Good agreement with experiment is found after uniform scaling. For the three compounds considered, the frequency for the SiO stretch is found to increase as OH is substituted for H, confirming the experimental result.
Central anandamide deficiency predicts stress-induced anxiety: behavioral reversal through endocannabinoid augmentation.

Stress is a major risk factor for the development of mood and anxiety disorders; elucidation of novel approaches to mitigate the deleterious effects of stress could have broad clinical applications. Pharmacological augmentation of central endogenous cannabinoid (eCB) signaling may be an effective therapeutic strategy to mitigate the adverse behavioral and physiological consequences of stress. Here we show that acute foot-shock stress induces a transient anxiety state measured 24 h later using the light–dark box assay and novelty-induced hypophagia test. Acute pharmacological inhibition of the anandamide-degrading enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), reverses the stress-induced anxiety state in a cannabinoid receptor-dependent manner. FAAH inhibition does not significantly affect anxiety-like behaviors in non-stressed mice. Moreover, whole brain anandamide levels are reduced 24 h after acute foot-shock stress and are negatively correlated with anxiety-like behavioral measures in the light–dark box test. These data indicate that central anandamide levels predict acute stress-induced anxiety, and that reversal of stress-induced anandamide deficiency is a key mechanism subserving the therapeutic effects of FAAH inhibition. These studies provide further support that eCB-augmentation is a viable pharmacological strategy for the treatment of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
Utility and limitations of biplane transesophageal echocardiographic automated border detection for estimation of left ventricular stroke volume and cardiac output

Recent echocardiographic ABD algorithms can estimate LV volume on-line from a single long-axis plane. The objective of this study was to assess the capability and limitations of transesophageal ABD to estimate stroke volume and cardiac output in patients before and after coronary artery bypass surgery by correlating these data with simultaneous thermodilution measurements. ABD data were acquired on-line from the transverse-plane four-chamber view and the longitudinal-plane two-chamber view and calculated by automated area-length and Simpson's rule formulas for volume. Thirty-three studies were attempted in 18 patients. Technically adequate ABD data were available in all patients from at least one view. Twenty-two (67%) of 33 studies from the four-chamber view and 27 (82%) of 33 studies from the two-chamber view were technically adequate. Cardiac output by all ABD methods was significantly correlated with thermodilution values (r range 0.72 to 0.89; SEE range 0.48 to 0.55 L/min). The two-chamber view underestimated cardiac output slightly, by an average of 0.4 L/min, whereas the four-chamber view consistently underestimated cardiac output by an average of 1.9 L/min. The area-length and Simpson's rule algorithms produced similar results. Biplane transesophageal ABD is an alternative method for estimating cardiac output; the two-chamber view in particular has potential for on-line volume determination.
Ospar 98/3: an environmental turning point or a flawed decision?

Abstract While the problems of over-fishing and eutrophication continue largely unchecked, the Ospar Commission, which exists to improve the quality of European seas, requires governments, the public and the oil companies to find £20 billion to remove millions of tons of steel to demonstrate its commitment to the mantra that ‘the seas are not dustbins’. The decision, taken in 1998, was made despite a paucity of evidence to identify the environmental impact redundant rigs create, despite the absence of scientific support to demonstrate that removal is the best practicable environmental option and in the knowledge that the decision had more to do with a green anti-oil agenda than with improving marine quality. It may be shown in the fullness of time not to be in the best interests of the environment. Moreover, and perhaps more importantly, the manner in which the decision was made is lacking in important respects.
InGaAs channel MOSFET with self-aligned source/drain MBE regrowth technology

InGaAs is a promising alternative channel material to Si for sub-22 nm node technology because of its low electron effective mass (m*) hence high electron velocities. We report a gate-first MOSFET process with self-aligned source/drain formation using non-selective MBE re-growth, suitable for realizing high performance scaled III-V MOSFETs. A W/Cr/SiO2 gate stack was defined on thin (4 nm/2.5 nm) InGaAs/InP channel by an alternating selective dry etch technique. A 5 nm Al2O3 layer was used as gate dielectric. An InAlAs bottom barrier provided vertical confinement of the channel. An in-situ H cleaning of the wafer leaves an epi-ready surface suitable for MBE or MOCVD regrowth. Source/Drain region were defined by non-selective MBE regrowth and in situ molybdenum contacts. First generation of devices fabricated using this process showed extremely low drive current of 2 μA/μm. The drive current was limited by an extremely high source resistance. A regrowth gap between source/drain and gate was the cause for high source resistance. The gap in the regrowth was because of low growth temperature (400 °C). A modified high temperature growth technique resolved the problem. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Export production of particles to the interior of the equatorial Pacific Ocean during the 1992 EqPac experiment

Abstract Twenty-four time-series, moored sediment traps were deployed between 2/2/92 and 1/27/93 along 140°W at 9°N, 5°N, 2°N, 0°, 2°S, 5°S and 12°S at water depths of approximately 1200 m and 2200 m, and 700 m above the bottom. The opening/closing of the traps was synchronized at 17-day periods, for 21 events, covering a total of 357 days. The average annual particle flux in the ocean's interior (2.2 to 4.4 km deep) from 5°N to 5°S was 28.5 g m−2 year−1, with 34.8 g−2 year−1 the maximum annual flux at the equator. Sixty-six per cent of settling particles were carbonate; 24% biogenic SiO2 and 5% organic carbon. The onset of tropical instability waves, marking the year's El Nino/post-El Nino boundary, was associated with a succession of intervals with greater organic carbon and opal at 5°N, 2°S and 5°S that occurred synchronously with a meridional oscillation of instability waves, while net carbon flux during El Nino and post-El Nino periods did not change. Although organic carbon flux increased at 5°N, 2°S and 5°S during the post-El Nino period, it was counterbalanced by decreases at the upwelling stations (2°N and the equator), resulting in no net carbon flux increase across the 5°N to 5°S region. In February/March 1992, only 0.34% of the organic carbon fixed by primary production over the 5°N to 5°S zone arrived in the ocean's interior. In August/September that year, zonal average of organic carbon flux increased slightly to 0.5% of primary production. Very little carbon reached the interior depths of the upwelling stations; however, the fraction of export was higher at the 5°N, 2°S and 5°S stations. The pattern of variability of particle flux at the shallow depths was observed also in deeper traps, without temporal offsets, suggesting a settling particle residence time shorter than the 17-day timeseries resolution during most of this experiment.
Supporting the Inclusion of a Student with Asperger Syndrome: A Case Study using Conjoint Behavioural Consultation and Self‐management

Conjoint behavioural consultation (CBC) is an indirect form of service delivery that combines the resources of home and school to meet the academic, social and behavioural needs of children. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the utility of CBC as a service delivery model for supporting the inclusion of a student with Asperger syndrome in a mainstream setting. A case study methodology was employed to assess the effectiveness of an evidence‐based intervention (self‐management) delivered in the context of the CBC model. Results indicated a significant increase in teacher ratings of behavioural control (on‐task and compliant behaviour) from baseline to treatment. Clinically meaningful changes in parent and teacher perceptions of challenging behaviour were evident. Measures of treatment acceptability and effectiveness, treatment integrity and consumer satisfaction also yielded positive results. This exploratory study provides support for the use of CBC as a framework by which to join parents and teac...
Vav1 and PI3K are required for phagocytosis of β-glucan and subsequent superoxide generation by microglia

Microglia are the resident innate immune cells that are critical for innate and adaptive immune responses within the CNS. They recognize and are activated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) present on the surface of pathogens. beta-glucans, the major PAMP present within fungal cell walls, are recognized by Dectin-1, which mediates numerous intracellular events invoked by beta-glucans in various immune cells. Previously, we showed that Dectin-1 mediates phagocytosis of beta-glucan and subsequent superoxide production in microglia. Here, we report that the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav1 as well as phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) are downstream mediators of what is now recognized as the Dectin-1 signaling pathway. Both Vav1 and PI3K are activated upon stimulation of microglia with beta-glucans, and the two proteins are required for phagocytosis of the glucan particles and for subsequent superoxide production. We also show that Vav1 functions upstream of PI3K and is required for activation of PI3K. Together, our results provide an important insight into the mechanistic aspects of microglial activation in response to beta-glucans.
B-mode ultrasonography of the bull testicle

The scrotum and testicles from 20 bulls aged 6 mo to 10 yr were obtained from a slaughterhouse and ultrasonically scanned to determine the normal echographic anatomy Ultrasonically, the normal bull testicle was homogeneous and moderately echogenic. The mediastinum testis was a linear structure in the center of the testicle and was slightly more echogenic than the parenchyma. The head and tail of the epididymis were easily identified on all testicles, but the epididymal body and ductus deferens were difficult to identify consistently. Ultrasound scanning of the testicles may prove to be a valuable noninvasive diagnostic technique for evaluating testicular diseases in bulls.
Covert Penetration Systems Future Strategic Aircraft Missions Will Require A New Sensor System Approach

This paper discusses past, present and future strategic aircraft requirements for ingress and egress, then focuses on the tech-nologies of the CO 2 Laser Radar and the Automatic Target Recognizer. Present systems currently consist of a mix of various sensors which are not correlated until each is presented to the operator. Additionally, active sensors are highly detectable by threat warning systems, while passive sensors do not provide critical range information. CO 2 Laser and AIR tech-nologies will significantly contribute to the resolution of these issues.
Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition of Linear and Cross-linked Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) for Use as Thin-Film Hydrogels

Initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) is able to synthesize linear and cross-linked poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) thin films, in one step, from vapors of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), ethylene glycol diacrylate (EGDA), and tert-butyl peroxide (TBPO) without using any solvents. This all-dry technique also allows control of the cross-link density by adjusting the partial pressure of the cross-linking agent EGDA in the vapor phase. Films with specific cross-link densities and hence thermal, wetting, and swelling properties can be created in one single vacuum processing step. Through selective thermal decomposition of the initiator TBPO, films with well-defined chemical structures and full functionality retention can be deposited, which is evident in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. These spectroscopic methods also facilitate determination of EGDA incorporation in the cross-linked films based on the fact that HEMA contains a hydr...
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Proton Transport Near the Surface of a Phospholipid Membrane

The structural and dynamical properties of a hydrated proton near the surface of DMPC membrane were studied using a molecular dynamics simulation. The proton transport between water molecules was modeled using the second generation multistate empirical valence bond model. The proton diffusion was found to be inhibited at the membrane surface. The potential of mean force for the proton adsorption to the membrane surface and its release back into the bulk water was also determined, yielding a small barrier in each direction. An efficient algorithm for Ewald summation calculations for the multistate empirical valence bond model is also introduced.
X-ray resonant magnetic scattering from structurally and magnetically rough interfaces in multilayered systems. II. Diffuse scattering

The theoretical formulation of x-ray resonant magnetic scattering from rough surfaces and interfaces is given for the diffuse (off-specular) scattering, and general expressions are derived in both the Born approximation (BA) and the distorted-wave Born approximation for both single and multiple interfaces. We also give in the BA the expression for off-specular magnetic scattering from magnetic domains. For this purpose, structural and magnetic interfaces are defined in terms of roughness parameters related to their height-height correlation functions and the correlations between them. The results are generalized to the case of multiple interfaces, as in the case of thin films or multilayers. Theoretical calculations for each of the cases are illustrated as numerical examples and compared with experimental data of magnetic diffuse scattering from a Gd/Fe multilayer.
Achieving low-cost UMTS networks via pricing

One of the main concerns of mobile operators towards deployment of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks is the investment cost. The costly radio access network, based on the network equipment required in a service area, prevents incumbents and new entrants from upgrading or building a new UMTS network. In this article, a novel, low-cost approach to the UMTS radio access network design is proposed. The approach employs the use of pricing incentives. This approach is based on the assumption that a pricing mechanism is in place to control excessive traffic load during peak periods. By incorporating this assumption into the network design, the network designer is able to relax certain design parameters, which may contribute to significant savings in equipment cost. Investigation is focused on the UMTS coverage and capacity planning, using the Net Present Value (NPV) financial analysis. For certain price-sensitivity levels, the analysis indicates that this approach provides a suitable strategy for mobile operators to comfortably move forward with UMTS upgrade and gain competitive edge in the wireless market.
Local autonomy in visual space

.— The adjacency principle is considered in the context of the two factor theory of perception which divides the sources of perceptual information into absolute and relative cues. The adjacency principle states that the effectiveness of relative cues between objects varies inversely with the perceived separation of the objects either in a frontoparallel plane or in depth. The evidence regarding this principle is discussed for paradigms in which a test object is displaced spatially with respect to either one induction object or two opposing induction objects. The mqjor cues examined for evidence regarding adjacency effects consists of binocular disparity, achromatic color induction. and relative motion.
Electron scattering tests of nuclear models

Abstract Microscopic nuclear models that have proven adequate for the understanding of transitions in 40 Ca, 51 V, and 52 Cr are used to generate elastic and inelastic electron scattering cross sections. The comparison to the data shows for the collective octupole transition in 40 Ca and for the elastic and quadrupole inelastic scattering from 52 Cr that the models provide too compact a charge or transition charge distribution. The microscopic model for 51 V, however, provides predictions in excellent agreement with the observations.
Structure function of off-mass-shell pions and the calculation of the Sullivan process

We construct a model for the pion (valence) structure function that fits the experimental data obtained in the study of the Drell-Yan process. The model may also be used to calculate the structure function of [ital off[minus]mass[minus]shell] pions. We apply our model in the study of deep-inelastic scattering from off-mass-shell pions found in the nucleon and are thus able to resolve a problem encountered in the standard analysis of such processes. The usual analysis is made using the structure function of [ital on[minus]mass[minus]shell] pions and requires the use of a soft [pi][ital NN] form factor that is inconsistent with standard nuclear physics phenomenology. The use of our off-mass-shell structure functions allows for a fit to the data for nonperturbative aspects of the nucleon sea'' with a pion-nucleon form factor of the standard form.
Diabetic skin ulcer classification for clinical investigations

Abstract Clinical investigations of diabetic foot ulcers and other chronic wounds require standardized classification of wounds in order to permit sound interpretation of results. Classification schemes should be based on objective criteria that reflect an underlying clinical rationale. Several wound classifications that have been proposed and applied in a variety of published studies are reviewed. The clinical investigator should select or develop a classification scheme that best complements the particular study objectives. Requirements may differ for investigations designed to clarify the epidemiology of chronic wounds, to define biomedical aspects of wound healing, or for randomized clinical trials of specific therapeutic agents or techniques.
Interaction blues: protein interactions monitored in live mammalian cells by β-galactosidase complementation

Clearly, the intracistronic β-galactosidase complementation method allows monitoring of protein–protein interactions in real time, in live cells, as shown by our analysis of protein interactions involved in cell signalling. Although it is still in the early stages of its development, high-throughput screens for antagonists of specific interactions can be readily envisioned at this time. Improvements will certainly be forthcoming, as well as a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. In vivo applications in developing transgenic mice are ongoing. In addition, the development of a ‘mammalian two-hybrid system’ might soon become a reality.
Diagnostic tools for REM sleep behavior disorder.

Summary Background Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep that results in motor behaviors. Diagnosis of RBD involves a clinical interview in which history of dream enactment behaviors is elicited and a subsequent overnight polysomnography (PSG) evaluation to assess for REM sleep without atonia (RWA) and/or observe motor behaviors during REM sleep. Therefore, the nature of RBD diagnosis involves both subjective and objective measurements that attempt to qualify and quantify the different diagnostic sub-criteria. Objectives The primary aim of the current study was to identify and summarize the available clinical measurements that have been used for RBD assessment. Methods Two major online databases (MEDLINE and PsycInfo) were searched for articles developing, validating, or evaluating psychometric properties of the RBD diagnostic criteria or methods used for diagnosis. Studies of adult subjects (18 years or more) that included sufficient psychometric data for validation were included. Results Fifty-eight studies were found to meet review criteria. The objective measurements for assessment of RBD reviewed included visual electromyographic (EMG) scoring methods, computerized EMG scoring methods, cardiac 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ( 123 I-MIBG) scintigraphy, actigraphy, behavioral classification and video analysis. Subjective measurements of RBD included interviews and questionnaires. Conclusion Sleep history may be sufficient for diagnosis of RBD in some populations. However, PSG is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. EMG scoring methods vary in definition used and there is no single accepted approach to scoring muscle activity. Additional validation studies are required for establishing cutoff scores for the different methods. Questionnaires were shown to be appropriate screening tools, yet further validation in different populations is necessary.
Rapid induction of anesthesia with high concentrations of halothane or sevoflurane in children.

Abstract Study Objective: To compare the characteristics of the rapid induction of anesthesia in pediatric patients with high concentrations of sevoflurane or halothane, and to determine the ability of anesthesiologists to correctly identify the anesthetic drug when administered in this fashion. Design: Randomized, prospective, open-label study. Setting: Academic university hospital Patients: 78 ASA physical status I and II healthy children scheduled for brief surgical procedures with general anesthesia and medicated with midazolam. Interventions: Assessments were made by 5 pediatric anesthesiologists and 18 anesthesiology residents. Sevoflurane or halothane was randomly selected for anesthetic induction. The anesthetic circuit was primed with the drug (8% sevoflurane or 4% halothane) in 50% nitrous oxide and oxygen. The anesthesiologists were blinded as to the anesthetics being administered. After completion of anesthetic induction, the anesthesiologists were asked to identify the anesthetic and to assess the quality and speed of induction. Measurement and Main Results: The pediatric anesthesiologists correctly identified the anesthetic in 55 of 78 assessments (70.5%). This figure is statistically better than what could be achieved by random guessing ( p p = 0.06). Speed of induction was subjectively felt to be faster with sevoflurane than halothane but there were no differences in actual induction time (sevoflurane group, 3.7 ± 2.7 min; halothane group, 3.7 ± 2.6 min). There were no differences in the quality of induction or the incidence of airway complications. The perceived incidence of tachycardia was significantly higher with sevoflurane than halothane(sevoflurane group, 74%; halothane group 20%). Conclusion: The induction of anesthesia with high concentrations of either halothane or sevoflurane can be safely accomplished. Pediatric anesthesiologists can differentiate between halothane and sevoflurane when either drug is given in high initial concentrations. The presence of tachycardia may have served as the primary clue in determining which drug was being used.
Comparison of histopathology in acute allograft rejection and recurrent hepatitis C infection after liver transplantation

Recurrent hepatitis C infection after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is frequent and may occur as early as a few weeks postoperatively. Early histopathological features of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may be modified by immunosuppressive therapy and can be difficult to differentiate from acute allograft rejection (AAR). Thus, we retrospectively compared histopathological features of liver biopsy specimens from two carefully selected patient groups: one with unequivocal recurrent hepatitis C, the other with unequivocal AAR. Index biopsy specimens obtained at the time of the appearance of liver test abnormalities after OLT and all serial liver biopsy specimens (2 to 13 per patient) were assessed under code and scored semiquantitatively for 44 histopathological variables. The index biopsy specimens from patients with recurrent HCV infection and AAR index biopsies (AAR-Ib) differed significantly (P < .05) for 11 features (10 features were statistically associated with AAR and 1 with early recurrence of HCV infection). Statistically significant features associated with AAR included bile duct injury with overlapping nuclei, lymphocytic infiltrates and necrosis, endothelialitis, portal inflammatory infiltrates containing eosinophils and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, hepatocyte mitoses, and zone 3 canalicular cholestasis. In contrast, the only statistically significant feature associated with early recurrent HCV was sinusoidal dilatation. Stepwise discriminant analysis showed that the presence of eosinophils in the portal inflammatory infiltrate, bile duct necrosis, and bile duct lymphocytic infiltrates were independently associated with AAR. However, serial biopsy specimens from patients with recurrent HCV infection showed statistically significant progression in scores for portal inflammation, portal lymphoid aggregates, and lobular inflammation. We conclude that (1) multiple histopathological features are associated with AAR; (2) early recurrent HCV infection is characterized by elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, positive HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and absence of diagnostic histopathological features; and (3) serial biopsies are needed to demonstrate progression of histopathological features of recurrent hepatitis C.
Inhibitory Effect of Carcinogenic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on the Splenomegaly of Friend and Rauscher Virus Leukemias.

Summary7,12-Dimethylbenz [a] anthracene and 3-Methylcholanthrene applied weekly to BALB/c mice by subcutaneous injection or skin painting inhibited the splenomegaly associated with Friend and Rauscher virus leukemias. The concomitant development of sarcomas and papillomas was unrelated to the result. Since the effect was mainly due to interference with the non-neoplastic components responsible for the splenomegaly, inhibition of splenomegaly in Friend and Rauscher virus leukemias is not considered to be a reliable index for testing of antileukemic drugs. Latent periods and survival times of the treated animals seemed to be prolonged indicating that a direct antineoplastic effect might play an additional role. The adrenals were not affected by the chemical carcinogens.