cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LIVE ATTENUATED BACTERIAL VACCINES: NEW APPROACHES FOR SAFETY AND EFFICACY

Problems arising from reversion to virulence in genetically attenuated bacterial vaccines can be overcome by the combination, in one strain, of multiple temperature-sensitive mutations of identical phenotype. Immunogenicity of attenuated strains may be enhanced by incorporation of mutations which permit limited replication in the vaccinee (thereby increasing antigen mass while minimising the possibility of vaccine reactions) and the expression of genes coding for antigens which are synthesised only during infection of the host.
Choosing What Is Advantageous: The Relationship between Epideictic and Deliberative Syncrisis in Hebrews

This study examines deliberative syncrisis and its relationship to epideictic syncrisis in Hebrews, with a view to addressing the question of whether the rhetoric of Hebrews is ultimately epideictic or deliberative in its overall tenor and aim. Building on a previous study of epideictic syncrisis in Hebrews, the study argues that epideictic syncrisis is consistently in service in Hebrews to deliberative syncrisis, providing it with both the logical premise and the topical theme by which it advances the argument. This relationship is key, the study argues, both to Hebrews' structure and to its aim, which are decidedly deliberative in nature.
Contemporary tectonic deformation of the Basin and Range province, western United States: 10 years of observation with the Global Positioning System

[1] We have estimated patterns and rates of crustal movement across 800 km of the Basin and Range at ∼39° north latitude with Global Positioning System surveys in 1992, 1996, 1998, and 2002. The total rate of motion tangent to the small circle around the Pacific-North America pole of rotation is 10.4 ± 1.0 mm/yr, and motion normal to this small circle is 3.9 ± 0.9 mm/yr compared to the east end of our network. On the Colorado Plateau the east end of our network moves by ∼1–2 mm/yr westerly with respect to North America. Transitions in strain rates delimit six major tectonic domains within the province. These deformation zones coincide with areas of modern seismicity and are, from east to west, (1) east-west extension in the Wasatch Fault zone, (2) low rate east-west extension centered near the Nevada-Utah border, (3) low rate east-west contraction between 114.7°W and 117.9°W, (4) extension normal to and strike-slip motion across the N10°E striking Central Nevada Seismic Zone, (5) right lateral simple shear oriented N13°W inside the Walker Lane Belt, and (6) shear plus extension near the Sierra Nevada frontal faults. Concentration of shear and dilatational deformation across the three westernmost zones suggests that the Walker Lane Belt lithosphere is rheologically weak. However, we show that linear gradients in viscosity and gravitational potential energy can also effectively concentrate deformation. In the Basin and Range, gradients in gravitational potential are spatially anticorrelated with dilatational strain rates, consistent with the presence of horizontal variations in viscosity of the lithosphere.
On a theorem of kemer

Kemer has shown that the standard identitys n implies some Capelli identityd m. We prove thatm is bounded above by a subexponential function ofn.
Theory of FID NMR signal dephasing induced by mesoscopic magnetic field inhomogeneities in biological systems.

Abstract A theory of the NMR signal dephasing due to the presence of tissue-specific magnetic field inhomogeneities is developed for a two-compartment model. Randomly distributed magnetized objects of finite size embedded in a given media are modeled by ellipsoids of revolution (prolate and oblate spheroids). The model can be applied for describing blood vessels in a tissue, red blood cells in the blood, marrow within trabecular bones, etc. The time dependence of the dephasing function connected with the spins inside of the objects, si, is shown to be expressed by Fresnel functions and creates a powder-type signal in the frequency domain. The short-time regime of the dephasing function for spins outside the objects, se, is always characterized by Gaussian time dependence, se∼exp[−ζk(t/tc)2], with ζ being a volume fraction occupied by the objects, tc being a characteristic dephasing time, and the coefficient k depending on the ellipsoid's shape through the aspect ratio of its axes (a/c). The long-time asymptotic behavior of se is always “quasispherical”-linear exponential in time, se∼ exp(−ζCt/tc), with the same “spherical” decay rate for any ellipsoidal shape. For long prolate spheroids (a/c)«1, there exists an intermediate characteristic regime with a linear exponential time behavior and an aspect-ratio-dependent decay rate smaller than (ζC/tc).
Immunoaffinity-purified opiate receptor specifically binds the δ-class opiate receptor ligand, cis-(+)-3-methylfentanylisothiocyanate, SUPERFIT

Using an antibody generated against the opiate receptor on NG108-15 cells, we recently purified the putative receptor from this hybrid cell line. We herein report that the purified receptor complex specifically binds tritiated cis-(+)-3-methylfentanylisothiocyanate (SUPERFIT), with the predominant binding associated with a 58 kDa polypeptide chain. Consistent with these findings is the in situ labeling of a 58 kDa protein with [3H]SUPERFIT on NG108-15 cells.
The asymptotics of solutions of singularly perturbed functional differential equations: Distributed and concentrated delays are different

Abstract This paper illustrates the differences between systems with distributed delays and systems having only concentrated delays in what concerns the asymptotic rates of solutions of singularly perturbed linear retarded functional differential equations. An example of a system with distributed delays shows that the introduction of a “slow” variable coupled with the “fast” variable may decrease the asymptotic rates of solutions observed when the perturbation parameter is close to zero. Such a situation cannot happen for ordinary differential equations, or even for differential-difference equations.
Effects of Starch Properties and Thermal-processing Conditions on Surimi–Starch Gels

Effects of starch and thermal-processing conditions on texture, microstructure, and color of surimi–starch gels were investigated by measuring shear stress, shear strain and color values, as well as microstructure. The influences of starch on texture of surimi–starch gels depended on the concentration and modification of starch as well as the ratio of amylose and amylopectin. Starch increased the gel strength of surimi–starch gels more effectively at low concentration (30 g/kg). Modification, which facilitated starch granule to swell easily, could increase gel strength. The more amylopectin in test starches, the stronger the surimi–starch gels became. The influence of heating temperature on texture depended on the gelatinizing properties of the individual starch. The larger granules of starch, observed by light microscope, resulted in stronger gels. The color (L* and b*) of surimi–starch gels also depended on concentration and properties of starch. The more the granule swelled, the lower the L* value and the b* value of gels.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of silica-coated FePt nanocrystals.

Colloidal FePt nanocrystals, 6 nm in diameter, were synthesized and then coated with silica (SiO2) shells. The silica shell thickness could be varied from 10 to 25 nm. As-made FePt@SiO2 nanocrystals have low magnetocrystalline anisotropy due to a compositionally disordered FePt core. When films of FePt@SiO2 particles are annealed under hydrogen at 650 °C or above, the FePt core transforms to the compositionally ordered L10 phase, and superparamagnetic blocking temperatures exceeding room temperature are obtained. The SiO2 shell prevents FePt coalescence at annealing temperatures up to ∼850 °C. Annealing under air or nitrogen does not induce the FePt phase transition. The silica shell limits magnetic dipole coupling between the FePt nanocrystals; however, low temperature (5 K) and room temperature magnetization scans show slightly constricted hysteresis loops with coercivities that decrease systematically with decreased shell thickness, possibly resulting from differences in magnetic dipole coupling betwee...
Effect of Substrates on Naproxen-Polyvinylpyrrolidone Solid Dispersions Formed via the Drop Printing Technique

ABSTRACT Solid dispersions have been used to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, drug solid-state phase, compositional uniformity, and scale-up problems are issues that need to be addressed. To allow for highly controllable products, the drop printing (DP) technique can provide precise dosages and predictable compositional uniformity of active pharmaceutical ingredients in two-/three-dimensional structures when integrated with edible substrates. With different preparation conditions, DP was conducted to fabricate naproxen (NAP)–polyvinylpyrrolidone solid dispersions with chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films as the substrate. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, second harmonic generation microscopy, and atomic force microscopy analyses were performed to characterize the microstructure and spatial distribution of NAP in the solid dispersions. The results identified that composition, temperature, and substrate type all had an impact on morphology and crystallization of samples. The surface energy approach was combined with classical nucleation theory to evaluate the affinity between the nucleus of NAP and substrates. Finally, the collective results of the drug were correlated to the release profile of NAP within each sample.
Marital satisfaction, job satisfaction, and task distribution in the homemaker job

Abstract Several facets of the homemaker job were analyzed in terms of the dynamic relationship between husband and wife. Seventy-one husband and wife pairs completed a questionnaire which assessed satisfaction with the homemaker job, marital satisfaction, distribution of responsibility for homemaker tasks between husband and wife, and other variables. Wives' satisfaction with the homemaker job was found related to the degree to which husbands assumed responsibility for homemaker tasks and to the husbands' attitudes toward women in general. Wives' marital satisfaction was found related to the interaction of wives' employment status (job holder or full-time homemaker) and satisfaction with the homemaker job. Directions for future research in this area were suggested.
Structural changes related to the magnetic transitions in hexagonal InMn O 3

Two magnetic ordering transitions are found in InMnO3, the paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition near ~118 K and a lower possible spin rotation transition near ~42 K. Multiple length scale structural measurements reveal enhanced local distortion found to be connected with tilting of the MnO5 polyhedra as temperature is reduced. Strong coupling is observed between the lattice and the spin manifested as changes in the structure near both of the magnetic ordering temperatures (at ~42 K and ~ 118 K). External parameters such as pressure are expected to modify the coupling.
Accurate corneal thickness measurement using ultrasound

In this study, we developed a faster and more accurate method for the detection of corneal thickness using an ultrasonic pulse-echo method. After a ultrasound pulse was transmitted to the cornea, the echo was received in radio frequency. The corneal thickness was calculated from the time interval between the two echoes reflected at front and rear interfaces of the cornea. The time interval between two echoes was obtained by detecting the peaks of the digitized echoes. A phase-adjusting method, which is superior to the often-used interpolation approach, was used to improve the time resolution. Based on this method, a MCS-8031 microprocessor based pachymeter for measuring corneal thickness was developed. The center frequency of the ultrasonic transducer works was 30MHz and the echoes were digitized at a 180MHz sampling frequency. The device showed an accuracy of 1 micrometers for 10 repeated measurements.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Adolescent Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Aging and the Elderly.

This article reports the results of an oral history project that used adolescents to interview elderly informants. The adolescents had considerable misinformation about aging and anxiety about the later stages of the life cycle. They also had negative stereotypes toward the elderly. The adolescents who participated in the project expressed enthusiasm for the project and admiration for the elderly they interviewed. However, participation in the project did not significantly impact upon beliefs and attitudes toward aging or the elderly. Factors that might account for these results, and implications of these results, are discussed.
Feasibility of Analytical Procedures and Unit Operations for the Distinction between Organic, Natural or Conventional Foods

ABSTRACT Currently there are no valid instruments which could fulfil the need for a method to routinely distinguish between natural, organic and conventional foods. The potential of a simple paper chromatographic method to distinguish between organically and conventionally grown food is discussed and the feasibility of unit operations for the distinction between “minimally” and “highly” processed food is examined. It is concluded to be very difficult to use unit operations as a basis for distinction because of the differences and the complexity in the number, kind, scale and intensity of unit operations involved in food processing.
Composition, nucleation, and growth of iron oxide concretions

Abstract Iron oxide concretions are formed from post depositional, paleogroundwater chemical interaction with iron minerals in porous sedimentary rocks. The concretions record a history of iron mobilization and precipitation caused by changes in pH, oxidation conditions, and activity of bacteria. Transport limited growth rates may be used to estimate the duration of fluid flow events. The Jurassic Navajo Sandstone, an important hydrocarbon reservoir and aquifer on the Colorado Plateau, USA, is an ideal stratum to study concretions because it is widely distributed, well exposed and is the host for a variety of iron oxide concretions. Many of the concretions are nearly spherical and some consist of a rind of goethite that nearly completely fills the sandstone porosity and surrounds a central sandstone core. The interior and exterior host-rock sandstones are similar in detrital minerals, but kaolinite and interstratified illite–smectite are less abundant in the interior. Lepidocrocite is present as sand-grain rims in the exterior sandstone, but not present in the interior of the concretions. Widespread sandstone bleaching resulted from dissolution of early diagenetic hematite grain coatings by chemically reducing water that gained access to the sandstone through fault conduits. The iron was transported in solution and precipitated as iron oxide concretions by oxidation and increasing pH. Iron diffusion and advection growth time models place limits on minimum duration of the diagenetic, fluid flow events that formed the concretions. Concretion rinds 2 mm thick and 25 mm in radius would take place in 2000 years from transport by diffusion and advection and in 3600 years if transport was by diffusion only. Solid concretions 10 mm in radius would grow in 3800 years by diffusion or 2800 years with diffusion and advection. Goethite (α-FeO (OH)) and lepidocrocite (γ-FeO (OH)) nucleated on K-feldspar grains, on illite coatings on sand grains, and on pore-filling illite, but not on clean quartz grains. Model results show that regions of detrital K-feldspar in the sandstone that consume H+ more rapidly than diffusion to the reaction site determine concretion size, and spacing is related to diffusion and advection rates of supply of reactants Fe2+, O2, and H+.
The onset of sodium retention in experimental cirrhosis in rat is related to a critical threshold of liver function

Although sodium retention is a common coplication in advanced liver disease, the relationship between liver and kidney function in cirrhosis has not been well established. The objective of this study was to investigate this relationship in an experimental model of cirrhosis induced in phenobarbital-treated rats by weekly intragatric adminstration of carbon terachloride. Liver function, measured by the aminopyrine breath test, and urinary sodium excretion on a constant salt diet, were measured weekly. Administation of carbon tetrachloride led to cirrhosis, sodium retention, ascites and a reduction in liver function as measured by the amino pyrine breath test in all 15 rats surviving the first 8 wk. The time to develop sodium retention (defined as a decridese in urinary sodium excretion rate to less than 0.3 mmol/24 hr) varied from 9 to 19 wk. The aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination was reduced from 24 × 10−3 min −2 2 × 10−3 at the start of carbon tetrachloride administration by 61% ± 10% at the time sodium retention occurrred. A linear decrease was seen in aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination in the weeks preceding the onset of sodium retention. Sodium retention occurred when aminopyrine breath test rate contant of elimination was reduced to a critical threshold of 10 × 10−3 ± 1 × 10−3 min−1, and then permitted to recover above this level by withdrawal of carbon tetrachloride. Sodium retention occurred when the aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination fell below the threshold; this was followed by spontaneous diuresis when aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimnation in the weeks preceding the onset of sodium retention. Sodium retention occurred when aminopyrine breath test rate contant of elimination was reduced to a critical threshold of 10 × 10−3 ± 1 × 10−3 min−1, and then permitted to recover above this level by withdrawal of carbon tetrachloride. Sodium retention occurred when the aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination fell below the treshold: this was followed by spontaneous diuresiss when aminopyrine breath test rate constant of elimination improved above 10 × 10−3 ± 1 × 10−3 min−1. the onset of sodium retention preceded the onset of ascites in all rats. Theses results indicate a critical threshold of hepatic function in the phenobarbital, carbon terachloride model of cirrhosis, below which sodium retention followed by ascites formation occurs.(HEPATOLOGY 1990; 11:779-786.)
Control system simulation in North America

Abstract This paper presents a historical review of control system simulation in North America from around 1970 until the present. The subject is divided into the topics of Regulation, Supervisory Control, and Optimized Building Controls. Different research efforts and simulation programs that have made a significant contribution to advancing the state of the art are reviewed. The current emphasis and what the author believes will be some future trends in this important field are also discussed.
Relativistic Calculations for Photoionization Cross Sections and the Spin Orientation of Photoejected Electrons from Potassium, Rubidium, and Cesium Atoms

By using relativistic Hartree-Fock equations which automatically take the spin-orbit interaction into account, we calculate the single-particle states for photoejected electrons from heavy alkali-metal atoms. We derive an expression for the perturbation function $x$. Our results are in fair agreement with the experiments, but more accurate calculations including electron correlations are desirable.
Capacity utilization: Theoretical models and empirical tests

Abstract This paper examines the determinants of industry capacity utilization in 40 chemical product industries over a period of roughly two decades. A series of testable hypotheses are developed based on three operations research models of capacity expansion: the Manne model, the Newsboy model, and the Whitt-Luss model. The hypotheses are tested on the chemical industries sample using multiple regression analysis. The empirical results are consistent with most predictions derived from the Newsboy and Whitt-Luss models, which suggests that firms made expansion decisions in a manner roughly in accordance with these models. Capacity utilization was positively related to capital intensity and the trend rate of demand growth, and was negatively related to demand variability, geographic plant dispersion, and plant ‘lumpiness’. The magnitude of investment scale economies and the extent of multi-plant operation had little effect on capacity utilization.
Aspects of vent sizing for homopolymerization reactors in polypropylene plants based on pilot plant studies

Abstract A model has been developed for vapour generation and fluid discharge during total blackout in homopolymerization reactors used for polypropylene production. Normal safety measures on a plant blackout would be injection of a killer to stop the polymerization reaction, followed by controlled blowdown from the reactors. Safety-relief valves are provided as a backup to these systems. For predicting the performance of the relief system, a model has been developed that considers formation of a settled bed of polypropylene/catalyst and boiling of the propylene in the interstitial spaces. The model agrees well with pilot plant studies of discharge rate versus time at constant pressure. On the basis of this model, vent sizing of the plant is discussed.
A Multiscale Framework for Predicting Fracture Toughness of Polycrystalline Metals

Microstructure has a strong influence on fracture toughness of materials through the activation of different fracture mechanisms. To tailor the fracture resistance through microstructure design, it is important to establish relations between microstructure and fracture toughness. A multiscale computational framework based on the Cohesive Finite Element Method (CFEM) is introduced to facilitate relations between microstructure and the fracture toughness of ductile polycrystalline materials. This material design framework includes 3D image based microstructure reconstruction, 3D meshing, and finite element implementation. It allows the material fracture toughness to be predicted through explicit simulation of fracture processes involving arbitrary crack paths, crack tip microcracking, and branching. Cohesive elements are embedded both within the grains and along the grain boundaries to resolve the different material separation processes. The calculations carried out concern Ti-6Al-4V alloy and focused on the two primary fracture mechanisms which are correlated with microstructure characteristics, constituent properties, and deformation behaviors. The methodology is potentially useful for both the selection of materials and tailoring of microstructure to improve fracture resistance.
Mode-locking of an Er:Yb:glass laser with single layer graphene

Pulses as short as 260fs have been generated in an Er:Yb:glass laser by saturable absorber mode-locking using graphene as the only mode-locking mechanism. These novel saturable absorbers present a low-cost, ultra-broadband alternative to traditional SESAMs.
Symmetry-protected Topological Phases, Generalized Laughlin Argument and Orientifolds

We generalize Laughlin's flux insertion argument, originally discussed in the context of the quantum Hall effect, to topological phases protected by non-on-site unitary symmetries, in particular by parity symmetry or parity symmetry combined with an on-site unitary symmetry. As a model, we discuss fermionic or bosonic systems in two spatial dimensions with CP symmetry, which are, by the CPT theorem, related to time-reversal symmetric topological insulators (e.g., the quantum spin Hall effect). In particular, we develop the stability/instability (or ``gappability''/``ingappablity'') criteria for nonchiral conformal field theories with parity symmetry that may emerge as an edge state of a symmetry-protected topological phase. A necessary ingredient, as it turns out, is to consider the edge conformal field theories on unoriented surfaces, such as the Klein bottle, which arises naturally from enforcing parity symmetry by a projection operation.
Evolution of Processes for Synthesis Gas Production: Recent Developments in an Old Technology

The manufacture of gas mixtures of carbon monoxide and hydrogen has been a vitally important part of chemical technology for about a century. Originally, such mixtures were obtained by the reaction...
Early agriculture in the Eastern Grand Canyon of Arizona, USA

Abandoned fields in Colorado River alluvium in the eastern Grand Canyon show signs of primitive agriculture. Presence of maize pollen in association with buried soils near Comanche Creek suggests that farming began prior to 3130 yr B.P. Cotton pollen, identified in buried soils near Nankoweap Creek, dates to 1310 yr B.P., approximately 500 years earlier than previously reported anywhere on the Colorado Plateau. Farming spanned three millennia in this reach of the canyon. Entrenchment, starting approximately 700 yr B.P., making water diversion to fields infeasible, was likely responsible for field abandonment. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Regional Variations in Support for Regional Governance

In a recent Urban Affairs Quarterly article, Gerston and Haas (1993, 154) hypothesized that support for regional governance in the suburbs is growing in the 1990s as a result of "perceived growth of urban problems." They offered proof from a survey of likely voters in Santa Clara County. However, three unique attributes of the San Francisco Bay Area may explain the support. Recent surveys indicate that strong support for regional governance extends to the nine-county Bay Area region. Resident surveys in Orange County and a recent Sacramento County election raise questions about growing support for regional governance. A survey of city planning directors in California indicates strong regional variations.
Statistical Analysis of Constituent Particles in 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy

Pitting corrosion is a primary degradation mechanism that affects the durability and integrity of aluminum alloy structures especially in aircraft. The heterogeneity of aluminum alloys is directly responsible for pitting corrosion because about 200 constituent particles per mm2 are on polished surfaces. Corrosion pits commence at surface particles and evolve into severe pits by sustained growth through particle clusters. Severe pits are nuclei for subsequent corrosion fatigue cracking. Thus, heterogeneous clusters of constituent particles are critical to the quality of aluminum alloys subjected to deleterious environments. Models for structural reliability including corrosion fundamentally depend on quantitative descriptions of the spatial statistics of the particles and particle clusters, including their location, size, and density. The primary purpose of this effort is to statistically estimate the distribution functions of the key geometrical properties of the constituent particles in 7075-T6 aluminum alloy and their role in pitting corrosion.
Determination of the enantiomers of verapamil and norverapamil in serum using coupled achiral-chiral high-performance liquid chromatography

An assay for the plasma concentration of the enantiomers of verapamil and its metabolite norverapamil has been developed using the improved version of the alpha 1-acid glycoprotein chiral stationary phase (CHIRAL AGP-CSP) coupled to a shielded hydrophobic phase (Hisep) column. The Hisep column was used to separate verapamil and norverapamil from the plasma components and from each other and to quantitate the total verapamil and norverapamil concentrations. The eluents containing verapamil and norverapamil are then selectively transferred to the CHIRAL AGP-CSP where the enantiomers were stereochemically resolved and the enantiomeric composition determined. The system is the first reported for the serum concentration of the enantiomers of verapamil after the clinical administration of the drug and the first to stereochemically resolve and quantitate the enantiomers of norverapamil.
The nonlinear mechanical behavior of brittle rock Part II — Stress-strain behavior during regions III and IV

Abstract The results of a theoretical investigation of the stress-strain properties of tight brittle rock undergoing local failure (microcracking) during regions III and IV are discussed. The microcracking process is approximated by a system wherein ellipsoidal-like voids are opening spontaneously as the applied stresses are increased above a critical level. The mathematical format of the strains due to microcracking is chosen so that only finite values of strain are permitted except at total failure. It is shown that the variation in the apparent moduli with applied stress is in accord with published experimental data.
Treatment of superior vena cava thrombosis with recombinant tissue type plasminogen activator.

Thrombotic occlusion of the superior vena cava is an uncommon but serious complication of chronic indwelling venous catheters. Several reports have shown thrombolytic therapy with intravenous streptokinase or urokinase to be effective in the treatment of this condition. We report a case of superior vena cava thrombosis in a 53-year-old woman receiving chemotherapy for breast carcinoma through a subcutaneously implanted venous access catheter who was successfully treated with peripheral infusion of recombinant tissue type plasminogen activator (rtPA). (Chest 1991; 99:1298-1301)
Brain Activation Modulated by Sentence Comprehension

The comprehension of visually presented sentences produces brain activation that increases with the linguistic complexity of the sentence. The volume of neural tissue activated (number of voxels) during sentence comprehension was measured with echo-planar functional magnetic resonance imaging. The modulation of the volume of activation by sentence complexity was observed in a network of four areas: the classical left-hemisphere language areas (the left laterosuperior temporal cortex, or Wernicke's area, and the left inferior frontal gyrus, or Broca's area) and their homologous right-hemisphere areas, although the right areas had much smaller volumes of activation than did the left areas. These findings generally indicate that the amount of neural activity that a given cognitive process engenders is dependent on the computational demand that the task imposes.
Sequencing by Hybridization of Long Targets

Sequencing by Hybridization (SBH) reconstructs an n-long target DNA sequence from its biochemically determined l-long subsequences. In the standard approach, the length of a uniformly random sequence that can be unambiguously reconstructed is limited to n = O(2(l)) due to repetitive subsequences causing reconstruction degeneracies. We present a modified sequencing method that overcomes this limitation without the need for different types of biochemical assays and is robust to error.
Rate constants for the gas‐phase reactions of O3 with a series of carbonyls at 296 K

Rate constants for the gas-phase reactions of O3 with the carbonyls acrolein, crotonaldehyde, methacrolein, methylvinylketone, 3-penten-2-one, 2-cyclohexen-1-one, acetaldehyde, and methylglyoxal have been determined at 296 ± 2 K. The rate constants ranged from <6 × 10−21 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for acetaldehyde to 2.13 × 10−17 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for 3-penten-2-one. The substituent effects of CHO and CH3CO groups on the rate constants are assessed and discussed, as are implications for the atmospheric chemistry of the natural hydrocarbon isoprene.
Careers within careers: Reconceptualizing the nature of career anchors and their consequences

Abstract Schein's seminal work on career anchors suggests that individuals develop “careers within careers” after their true abilities, needs, and values become crystallized through a variety of real-world work experiences. Moreover, once formed, these stable career identities (or “career anchors”) have significant consequences for individuals' career satisfaction and job stability. Despite the contribution of Schein's ideas, his model of career anchors is underspecified theoretically and empirical tests have been far from conclusive. In this article, we reconceptualize the nature of career anchors, reconsider Schein's original typology of career anchors, and present a series of propositions about the factors which moderate the relationships between career anchors and career outcomes. In addition, we suggest alternative methodologies for measuring and analyzing career anchor data and explore the implications of career anchor research for managing careers in organizations.
Moral muting in US newspaper op-eds debating the attack on Iraq

This article examines a distinct form of moral argumentation found to be common in a corpus of 500 editorials and opinion pieces written in 23 US newspapers and news magazines between August and October 2002 debating whether or not the US should attack Iraq. The purpose of the article is to delineate this communicative phenomenon, which we call moral muting . Moral muting occurs when a message either blunts the moral considerations involved in a case or presents an equivocal moral meaning. Moral muting overlaps with but is distinct from mitigation, and even when it involves mitigation, moral muting depends on devices that go beyond those generally associated with conversational mitigation. The examination of moral muting offered here contributes to a better understanding of moral communication in general and of the conduct of the American public sphere.
The tragedy of offensive realism: Classical realism and the rise of China

What is the realist position on how to deal with the rise of China? One prominent realist approach, associated with John Mearsheimer, calls for the US to do whatever it can to slow China’s rise. However, while this is a realist perspective, it is not the realist perspective. In particular, realist approaches that derive from a classical foundation suggest policies fundamentally different from those favored by Mearsheimer. This article argues that realism should return to some of its classical traditions. It reviews why, from a classical realist perspective, the rise of China must be viewed with alarm, but argues that Mearsheimer’s approach — offensive realism — is wrong, and dangerous. Many of these errors are rooted in structuralism; a classical realist approach, which allows for the influence of history and politics, provides greater analytical purchase and wiser policy prescriptions than offensive realism.
An engineering optimization method with application to STOL-aircraft approach and landing trajectories

An optimization method has been developed that computes the optimal open loop inputs for a dynamical system by observing only its output. The method reduces to static optimization by expressing the inputs as series of functions with parameters to be optimized. Since the method is not concerned with the details of the dynamical system to be optimized, it works for both linear and nonlinear systems. The method and the application to optimizing longitudinal landing paths for a STOL aircraft with an augmented wing are discussed. Noise, fuel, time, and path deviation minimizations are considered with and without angle of attack, acceleration excursion, flight path, endpoint, and other constraints.
High-order short-time expansions for ATM option prices of exponential Lévy models

The short-time asymptotic behavior of option prices for a variety of models with jumps has received much attention in recent years. In this work, a novel second-order approximation for at-the-money (ATM) option prices is derived for a large class of exponential Levy models with or without Brownian component. The results hereafter shed new light on the connection between both the volatility of the continuous component and the jump parameters and the behavior of ATM option prices near expiration. In the presence of a Brownian component, the second-order term, in time-t, is of the form , with d2 only depending on Y, the degree of jump activity, on σ, the volatility of the continuous component, and on an additional parameter controlling the intensity of the “small” jumps (regardless of their signs). This extends the well-known result that the leading first-order term is . In contrast, under a pure-jump model, the dependence on Y and on the separate intensities of negative and positive small jumps are already reflected in the leading term, which is of the form . The second-order term is shown to be of the form and, therefore, its order of decay turns out to be independent of Y. The asymptotic behavior of the corresponding Black–Scholes implied volatilities is also addressed. Our method of proof is based on an integral representation of the option price involving the tail probability of the log-return process under the share measure and a suitable change of probability measure under which the pure-jump component of the log-return process becomes a Y-stable process. Our approach is sufficiently general to cover a wide class of Levy processes, which satisfy the latter property and whose Levy density can be closely approximated by a stable density near the origin. Our numerical results show that the first-order term typically exhibits rather poor performance and that the second-order term can significantly improve the approximation's accuracy, particularly in the absence of a Brownian component.
Clinical cross-polarization optical coherence tomography assessment of subsurface enamel below dental resin composite restorations

A newly designed intraoral swept source cross-polarization optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT) imaging system was used to examine the integrity of the subsurface enamel below resin composite restorations placed in primary teeth. CP-OCT analysis was performed using images obtained from resin composite restoration in 62 (n=62) pediatric subjects. Clinical examination was performed by a single examiner prior to CP-OCT imaging and analysis. CP-OCT images are presented using a unique combined intensity image, where a false color scale is overlaid on the grayscale intensity image. There was a clear difference in the distribution of the mean-backscattered intensity (mR) between restorations recently placed and those possessing frank cavitation (Student’s t-test, P<0.0001). For mR above 15.49 dB, the sensitivity was 80% and specificity 86%. The Youden index J was 0.8 above 12.3 dB where sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 80%. CP-OCT imaging may be used to confirm the subsurface marginal integrity below resin composite restorations but with careful consideration of limitations of the imaging modality. CP-OCT imaging may be a useful adjunct to clinical visual investigation to confirm that a composite margin has a sound and well-adapted interface.
Measurement information content in fluorescent molecular tomography: Experimental results

We investigate the accuracy of fluorescent tomography in imaging deep objects in tissue using an information theoretic analysis of the information content of the measurements. Results are verified by experiments performed on a tissue phantom.
OPTICAL DETECTION OF SINGLE MOLECULES

Recent advances in ultrasensitive instrumentation have allowed for the detection, identification, and dynamic studies of single molecules in the condensed phase. This measurement capability provides a new set of tools for scientists to address important current problems and to explore new frontiers in many scientific disciplines, such as chemistry, molecular biology, molecular medicine, and nanostructured materials. This review focuses on the methodologies and biological applications of single-molecule detection based on laser-induced fluorescence.
Commentary: Antioxidants for Cancer: New Tricks for an Old Dog?

Traditionally, the main focus of the importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oncology is that these species induce DNA damage, leading to a predisposition to cancer. However, it has recently been shown that ROS may have an alternative activity, by modulating tumor cell signaling. Moreover, tumor cell signaling mediated by ROS is readily reversible upon treatment with antioxidants. This emerging evidence on the molecular effects of antioxidants on tumor cells, along with the evidence that the route of administration of antioxidants in earlier clinical trials for cancer could not achieve pharmacologically effective levels, suggests that antioxidants may serve as bona fide signal transduction modifiers for cancer. A re-examination of the current evidence and further study is clearly warranted.
Fast affine point matching: an output-sensitive method

A model-based recognition method that runs in time proportional to the actual number of instances of a model that are found in an image is presented. The key idea is to filter out many of the possible matches without having to explicitly consider each one. This contrasts with the hypothesize-and-test paradigm, commonly used in model-based recognition, where each possible match is tested and either accepted or rejected. For most recognition problems the number of possible matches is very large, whereas the number of actual matches is quite small, making output-sensitive methods such as this one very attractive. The method is based on an affine invariant representation of an object that uses distance ratios defined by quadruples of feature points. A central property of this representation is that it can be recovered from an image using only pairs of feature points. >
Eye Development and Retinogenesis

Three embryonic tissue sources-the neural ectoderm, the surface ectoderm, and the periocular mesenchyme-contribute to the formation of the mammalian eye. For this reason, the developing eye has presented an invaluable system for studying the interactions among cells and, more recently, genes, in specifying cell fate. This article describes how the eye primordium is specified in the anterior neural plate by four eye field transcription factors and how the optic vesicle becomes regionalized into three distinct tissue types. Specific attention is given to how cross talk between the optic vesicle and surface ectoderm contributes to lens and optic cup formation. This article also describes how signaling networks and cell movements set up axes in the optic cup and establish the multiple cell fates important for vision. How multipotent retinal progenitor cells give rise to the six neuronal and one glial cell type in the mature retina is also explained. Finally, the history and progress of cellular therapeutics for the treatment of degenerative eye disease is outlined. Throughout this article, special attention is given to how disruption of gene function causes ocular malformation in humans. Indeed, the accessibility of the eye has contributed much to our understanding of the basic processes involved in mammalian development.
Total dose degradation of low-dropout voltage regulators

A low dropout voltage regulator that uses a lateral pnp transistor as a pass transistor in the output stage is evaluated for total dose degradation. Degradation occurs from two different mechanisms, one involving gradual degradation due to changes in internal reference voltage resulting in small changes in output voltage saturation characteristics; and the other causing the output voltage to fall to nearly zero because of gain degradation in the lateral pnp output transistor. Additionally, wide variability was observed between two different lots of devices, produced approximately 18 months apart. This illustrates the importance of lot-sample testing when these highly sensitive devices are considered for use in space.
Circuit partitioning with logic perturbation

Traditionally, the circuit partitioning problem is done by first modeling a circuit as a graph and then partitioning is performed on the modeling graph. Using the concept of alternative wires, we propose an efficient method that is able to preserve a local optimal solution in the graph domain while a different graph, representing the same circuit, is generated. When a conventional graph partitioning technique reaches a local optimal solution, our proposed technique generates a different graph that is logically equivalent to the original circuit, and that has equal or better partitioning solution. Faced with a different graph which is newly generated, together with a currently good partitioning solution, a conventional graph partitioning technique may then escape from the local optimum and continue searching for better solutions in a different graph domain. The proposed technique can be combined with almost any graph partitioner. Experiments show encouraging results.
Detecting runways in aerial imlages

We are pursuing the detection of runways in aerial images as part of a project to automatically map complex cultural areas such as a major commercial airport complex. This task is much more difficult that appears at first. We use a hypothesize and test paradigm. Hypotheses are formed by looking for instances of long rectangular shapes, possibly interrupted by other long rectangles. We use runway markings, mandated by standards for runway construction, to verify our hypotheses.
The North Carolina EMS Data System: A Comprehensive Integrated Emergency Medical Services Quality Improvement Program

AbstractBackground. The EMS Agenda for the Future describes emergency medical services (EMS) as the intersection between public health, public safety, and health care. The most comprehensive method to describe, evaluate, and optimize these systems of care is using a state EMS data system. A centralized EMS data system can be a valuable tool to identify, evaluate, target, and improve EMS service delivery and patient care. Significant barriers, however, still exist to the standardization of EMS data systems and infrastructure nationally. Indeed, there is no comprehensive measurement of EMS service delivery or patient volume at the national level. Objective. In this article, we describe the successful development of a fully integrated, statewide EMS data system for quality improvement of EMS service delivery and patient care in North Carolina. The article also provides a platform for linking EMS with emergency physicians, other health care providers, and public health agencies responsible for planning, disea...
Antiepileptic Drug Actions

Summary: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) vary in their efficacy against generalized tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and ab sence seizures, suggesting different mechanisms of action. Phenytoin (PHT), carbamazepine (CBZ), and valproate (VPA) reduced the ability of mouse central neurons to sustain high-frequency repetitive firing of action potentials (SRF) at therapeutic free serum concentrations. Phenobarbital (PB) and the benzodiazepines (BZDs), diazepam (DZP), clonazepam (CZP), and lorazepam (UP), also reduced SRF, but only at supratherapeutic free serum concentrations achieved in treatment of generalized tonicclonic status epilepticus. These AEDs interact with sodium channels to slow the rate of recovery of the channels from inactivation. The BZDs and PB enhanced 7-aminobutyric acid (GABA) responses evoked on mouse central neurons by binding to two different sites on the GABA,, receptor channel. BZDs increased the frequency of GABA receptor channel openings. In contrast, barbiturates increased the open duration of these channels. VPA enhanced brain GABA concentration and may enhance release of GABA from nerve terminals. Ethosuximide (ESM) reduced a small transient calcium current which has been shown to be involved in slow rhythmic firing of certain neurons. Reduction of SRF, enhancement of GABA-ergic inhibition, and reduction of calcium current may be, in part, the bases for AED action against generalized tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and absence seizures, respectively. Key Words: Anticonvulsants-Neuropharmacology-Membrane potentials-Calcium.