cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practical memory leak detection using guarded value-flow analysis

This paper presents a practical inter-procedural analysis algorithm for detecting memory leaks in C programs. Our algorithm tracks the flow of values from allocation points to deallocation points using a sparse representation of the program consisting of a value flow graph that captures def-use relations and value flows via program assignments. Edges in the graph are annotated with guards that describe branch conditions in the program. The memory leak analysis is reduced to a reachability problem over the guarded value flowgraph. Our implemented tool has been effective at detecting more than 60 memory leaks in the SPEC2000 benchmarks and in two open-source applications, bash and sshd, while keeping the false positive rate below 20%. The sparse program representation makes the tool efficient in practice, and allows it to report concise error messages.
Experimental studies on the eye of the frog embryo

1) If an entire eye is removed from an embryo ofRana palustris, the tissues of the head are incapable of regenerating a new one. 2) There is no development of an eye if all of the eye-forming region of the fore-brain is destroyed before the medullary folds have closed. 3) Destroying any part of the fore-brain except the eye-forming region does not interfer with the normal development of the eye. 4) The eye-forming tissue of the fore-brain appears to have the power of self-differentiation as it will develop into a more or less normal optic cup when removed from its connection with the rest of the brain and without the presence of a lens. 5) Any ectoderm of the head appears to have the power to produce a lens provided it receives the proper stimulus. 6) Contact between the optic cup and the ectoderm is not necessarily the stimulus that leads to the development of a lens, as a lens can be formed from the ectoderm when the optic cup is some distance beneath the surface of the body. 7) A lens-like structure may be formed from the ectoderm when there is no optic cup on the same side of the head. The process appears to be a self - differentiation of lens-forming tissue of the ectoderm. 8) It seems probably that, under certain conditions, a lens can develop from the upper edge of the optic cup as is the case in the regeneration of the lens in the eye ofTriton.
Modification of STIM1 by O-linked N-Acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) Attenuates Store-operated Calcium Entry in Neonatal Cardiomyocytes

Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) is a major Ca2+ signaling pathway responsible for regulating numerous transcriptional events. In cardiomyocytes SOCE has been shown to play an important role in regulating hypertrophic signaling pathways, including nuclear translocation of NFAT. Acute activation of pathways leading to O-GlcNAc synthesis have been shown to impair SOCE-mediated transcription and in diabetes, where O-GlcNAc levels are chronically elevated, cardiac hypertrophic signaling is also impaired. Therefore the goal of this study was to determine whether changes in cardiomyocyte O-GlcNAc levels impaired the function of STIM1, a widely recognized mediator of SOCE. We demonstrated that acute activation of SOCE in neonatal cardiomyocytes resulted in STIM1 puncta formation, which was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by increasing O-GlcNAc synthesis with glucosamine or inhibiting O-GlcNAcase with thiamet-G. Glucosamine and thiamet-G also inhibited SOCE and were associated with increased O-GlcNAc modification of STIM1. These results suggest that activation of cardiomyocyte O-GlcNAcylation attenuates SOCE via STIM1 O-GlcNAcylation and that this may represent a new mechanism by which increased O-GlcNAc levels regulate Ca2+-mediated events in cardiomyocytes. Further, since SOCE is a fundamental mechanism underlying Ca2+ signaling in most cells and tissues, it is possible that STIM1 represents a nexus linking protein O-GlcNAcylation with Ca2+-mediated transcription.
Genetic manipulation of Francisella tularensis

Francisella tularensis is a facultative intracellular pathogen that causes the disease tularemia. F. tularensis subsp. tularensis causes the most severe disease in humans and has been classified as a select A agent and potential bioweapon. There is currently no vaccine approved for human use, making genetic manipulation of this organism critical to unraveling the genetic basis of pathogenesis and developing countermeasures against tularemia. The development of genetic techniques applicable to F. tularensis have lagged behind those routinely used for other bacteria, primarily due to lack of research and the restricted nature of the biocontainment required for studying this pathogen. However, in recent years, genetic techniques, such as transposon mutagenesis and targeted gene disruption, have been developed, that have had a dramatic impact on our understanding of the genetic basis of F. tularensis virulence. In this review, we describe some of the methods developed for genetic manipulation of F. tularensis.
ACQUISITION OF SOCIAL SKILLS BY MENTALLY RETARDED ADULT TRAINING ASSISTANTS

Two moderately retarded adults were employed as assistant trainers with mentally retarded peers who were being trained in appropriate social behaviour. Using a multiple baseline across behaviours and subjects, it was found that the effective aspect of training was participating in and observing training of specific target behaviours rather than attention and social reinforcement for appropriate responses. Acquisition of target behaviours occurred in a short period of time and generalised to the natural environment (recreation hall).
Generalized Dirichlet tessellations

In this paper we study how to recognize when a dissection of the plane has been constructed in one of several natural ways each of which models some phenomena in the natural or social sciences. The prototypical case is the nearest-neighbor or Dirichlet tessellation.
Process-structure-property correlations in pulsed dc reactive magnetron sputtered vanadium oxide thin films

Cathode hysteresis in the reactive pulsed dc sputtering of a vanadium metal target was investigated to correlate the structural and electrical properties of the resultant vanadium oxide thin films within the framework of Berg’s model [Berg et al., J. Vac. Sci. Technol. A 5, 202 (1987)]. The process hysteresis during reactive pulsed dc sputtering of a vanadium metal target was monitored by measuring the cathode (target) current under different total gas flow rates and oxygen-to-argon ratios for a power density of ∼6.6.W/cm2. Approximately 20%–25% hysteretic change in the cathode current was noticed between the metallic and oxidized states of the V-metal target. The extent of the hysteresis varied with changes in the mass flow of oxygen as predicted by Berg’s model. The corresponding microstructure of the films changed from columnar to equiaxed grain structure with increased oxygen flow rates. Micro-Raman spectroscopy indicates subtle changes in the film structure as a function of processing conditions. The...
Characterization of Nonstoichiometric Ti 1+ x Se 2 Prepared by the Method of Modulated Elemental Reactants

The method of modulated elemental reactants (MER) is used to prepare the layered compound Ti1+x Se2. Using a thin-film precursor prepared by sequentially depositing elemental titanium and selenium by physical vapor deposition, the binary compound is readily formed by short-duration annealing at 350°C. x-Ray diffraction indicates that TiSe2 layers in the film are highly oriented with the c-axis of the layers perpendicular to the substrate. Temperature-dependent electrical resistivity and Hall coefficient measurements for the MER-prepared specimen reveal temperature dependence that is distinct from crystalline stoichiometric TiSe2 in bulk form. The room-temperature Seebeck coefficient was measured to be −134 μV/K, which is opposite in sign and significantly larger in magnitude than stoichiometric crystalline TiSe2, suggesting that carrier transport in the disordered film is markedly different from the bulk crystalline material.
Axial symmetry of bound baryon number-two solution of the Skyrme model

Abstract In a Skyrme model for strong interactions we have obtained numerically the baryon number-two field configuration of minimum energy. We find that this static solution of the equations of motion has an axial symmetry. Its binding energy is 70 MeV with respect to the sum of the energy of two skyrmions with baryon number one. The baryon density of this solution has the shape of a donut (i.e., homotopic to a torus).
The contribution of tourism development to economic growth in the Korean economy

Abstract This study investigates the causal relations between tourism growth and economic expansion for the Korean economy by using Engle and Granger two-stage approach and a bivariate Vector Autoregression (VAR) model. Two principle results emerge from this study. First, the results of a cointegration test indicate that there is no long-run equilibrium relation between two series. Second, the outcomes of Granger causality test imply the one-way causal relationship of economic-driven tourism growth. The hypothesis of tourism-led economic growth is not held in the Korean economy. This consequence is supported by testing the sensitivity of causality test under different lag selections along with the optimal lag.
Toward using borehole temperatures to calibrate an isotopic paleothermometer in central Greenland

Abstract Analysis of borehole temperatures in ice sheets can improve the accuracy of isotopic paleothermometry by making possible independent calibrations of isotope-temperature relations. Here we present a preliminary calibration of the δ18O paleothermometer for central Greenland. A numerical thermal model converts isotope-derived surface-temperature histories to temperature-depth profiles. Comparison with measured borehole temperatures allows calibration of the paleothermometer using formal inverse techniques.
A Standard System of Characterization for Olefin Metathesis Catalysts

The success of olefin metathesis has spurred the intense investigation of new catalysts for this transformation. With the development of many different catalysts, however, it becomes increasingly difficult to compare their efficiencies. In this article we introduce a set of six reactions with specific reaction conditions to establish a standard for catalyst comparison in olefin metathesis. The reactions were selected on the basis of their ability to provide a maximum amount of information describing catalyst activity, stability, and selectivity, while being operationally simple. Seven of the most widely used ruthenium-based olefin metathesis catalysts were evaluated with these standard screens. This standard is a useful tool for the comparison and evaluation of new metathesis catalysts.
Inhibition of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glyceroneogenesis and fatty acid synthesis in rat adipose tissue by quinolinate and 3-mercaptopicolinate

Abstract To study the interrelationships of phospho enol pyruvate carboxykinase and glyceroneogenesis in adipose tissue, investigations with two effectors of the hepatic carboxykinase, Fe 2+ and Mn 2+ , and two inhibitors of the enzyme and of gluconeogenesis in liver, quinolinic acid and 3-mercaptopicolinic acid, were carried out. Incubating adipose tissue cytosol with 30 μM Fe 2+ or 100 μM Mn 2+ prior to assaying for phospho enol pyruvate carboxykinase activity doubled the enzyme activity. Inhibition of the enzyme by quinolinate alone was minimal. Adding 30 μM Fe 2+ to the cytosol decreased the K 0.5 (concentration that gives 50% inhibition) for quinolinate to 0.4 mM and the K 0.5 for mercaptopicolinate from 200 to 14 μM. Activating the enzyme with 100 μM Mn 2+ did not lower the K 0.5 values and adding 500 μM Mn 2+ to the cytosol completely interfered with the enhancement of inhibition induced by Fe 2+ . Each inhibitor interfered with 14 C incorporation into glyceride glycerol from labeled pyruvate, alanine and lactate in suspensions of adipocytes. Adding 1 mM Mn 2+ to the adipocyte suspension almost completely prevented the inhibition of pyruvate and alanine incorporation into glyceride glycerol, but adding the Mn 2+ or 250 μM Fe 2+ to the adipocytes in the absence of inhibitors did not enhance glyceride glycerol formation. Adding 250 μM Fe 2+ to the adipocytes did not enhance inhibition of lipid synthesis by mercaptopicolinate or quinolinate. Mercaptopicolinate did not inhibit glyceride glycerol, fatty acid, total lipid or CO 2 production from glucose. The lack of activation of glyceride glycerol synthesis by added Fe 2+ or Mn 2+ , the lack of enhancement of pyridine carboxylate inhibition by Fe 2+ and the interference with inhibition by Mn 2+ are compatible with the idea that a transition metal ion similar to Fe 2+ , if not Fe 2+ itself, is available to, or loosely bound to, the adipose tissue carboxykinase in vivo. Taken together with the results of previous work which showed ferroactivator (a cytosol protein necessary for Fe 2+ activation of the carboxykinase) to be present in adipose tissue, the present results indicate that the control of the adipose tissue carboxykinase may be similar to the enzyme in liver. Fatty acid synthesis was also diminished by the inhibitors, albeit to a lesser extent than was glyceride glycerol formation. It is hypothesized that this was secondary to decreased esterification caused by the lack of glycerol 3-phosphate from inhibition of the carboxykinase. Decreased esterification would lead to a build-up of fatty acyl CoA which inhibits fatty acid synthesis.
Detection of feigned cognitive impairment: The two-alternative forced-choice method compared with selected conventional tests

A two-alternative forced-choice test, two putative malingering tests, and four neuropsychological tests were administered to 105 prison inmates (51 males and 54 females) and 108 university students (54 males and 54 females) in one of three conditions: naive faking, coached faking, and control. Six of the seven tests differentiated faking subjects from controls, but only the forced-choice test differentiated between naive and coached faking. Even though only 11% of the faking subjects performed below the level of chance on the forced-choice test, this test was more sensitive than other tests in distinguishing between faking subjects and controls. The putative malingering tests were the least sensitive measures. The most salient difference between inmates and students was that faking inmates did not respond to a bogus difficulty manipulation in the forced-choice test. The results indicate that the forced-choice method is a sensitive means of detecting dishonest performance even when scores do not fall below chance.
An empirical analysis of productivity and complexity for flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract Investment in flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) and other advanced manufacturing technology is meant to achieve benefits including higher quality products, lead time reductions, less work in process, and a number of other performance outcomes. This paper studies the relationship of productivity performance of FMS as they become more complex. Complexity, within this paper, is measured by the number of numerically controlled machine tools and industrial robots within a system. Productivity analysis is completed using data envelopment analysis with the inputs consisting of complexity measures and the outputs consisting of process/inventory reduction, lead time reduction, unit cost reduction and personnel reduction measures.
Advances in primary sclerosing cholongitis

Abstract Primary sclerosing cholongitis is an increasingly recognized chronic cholestatic liver disease. It frequently occurs in association with chronic ulcerative colitis and is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. The cause is unknown, although many mechanisms have been considered, including infectious, toxic, and immunologic. The prognosis varies. No adequate treatment exists, although a number of potential treatments have been evaluated in uncontrolled trials, and the results of controlled trials have only recently been reported. Liver transplantation has recently been shown to be an effective treatment for end-stage disease. These various advances in our understanding of primary sclerosing cholangitis are reviewed.
Hypodiploidy and serum immunoglobulin concentrations in the elderly.

Abstract Chromosome analyses and Ig level determinations were carried out on seventeen aged men and women, 83–100 years of age. In men, significant correlations were found between hypodiploidy and IgA ( ϒ = 0.95) and between monosomy C and IgG ( ϒ = 0.79) while in women, monosomy G and IgG were significantly correlated ( ϒ = 0.73). The emergence of significant correlations between chromosome loss and Ig levels in this study provides support for a relationship between age-associated chromosomal changes in T cells and the immunologic response of B cells.
Improved overall trends but persistent racial disparities in emergency department visits for acute asthma, 1993-2005

Background Emergency department (ED) visits for acute asthma provide an important marker of morbidity. Objective To describe the epidemiology of ED visits for acute asthma. Methods We obtained data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 1993 to 2005, and used the primary diagnosis code for asthma (493) to identify cases. We calculated national estimates by using assigned patient visit weights and national rates per 1000 US population with demographic-specific population data from the US Census Bureau. Results From 1993 to 2005, there were approximately 23,800,000 asthma visits, representing 1.8% of all ED visits, or an overall rate of 6.7 visits per 1000 US population. The national visit rate rose between 1993 and 1998 ( P trend = .05), but was stable (or possibly decreasing) from 1998 to 2005 ( P trend = .07). Although rates for white subjects decreased by 25% from 1998 to 2005 ( P trend = .02), the rates for black subjects remained constant ( P trend = .80). The overall asthma-related ED visit rate was highest among the following groups: age P trend = .02 and .03, respectively), whereas inhaled β-agonist and inhaled corticosteroid administration was stable ( P trend = .09 and .34, respectively). Conclusion Although asthma-related ED visit rates showed a significant upward trend from 1993 to 1998, our results support the emerging view that the asthma epidemic may have reached a plateau. Nevertheless, the higher visit rates observed among specific demographic groups and widening disparities, particularly among black subjects, remain problematic and warrant further investigation.
Analysis of the DNA duplication 17p11.2 in Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth neuropathy type 1 pedigrees Additional evidence for a third autosomal CMT1 locus

We have restudied two clinically typical Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy type 1 (CMT1; also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy 1) pedigrees that were previously reported to be unlinked to the regions of proximal chromosome 1q and chromosome 17p by multipoint linkage analyses. In these two pedigrees, there is no evidence for linkage to additional DNA markers that flank and span the CMT1A locus on chromosome 17p 11.2, and a duplication associated with CMT1A is not present in these pedigrees. These findings confirm that the CMT1 locus in these two pedigrees does not map to chromosome 17p11.2 or 1q, and provide further evidence for the existence of a third autosomal locus for CMT1.
Lipoprotein(a). A genetic risk factor for premature coronary heart disease.

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) can be defined as a lipoprotein particle having as a protein moiety apolipoprotein B-100 (the protein associated with low-density lipoprotein) disulfide-linked to apolipoprotein(a), the distinctive glycoprotein of Lp(a) that is homologous to plasminogen. Several forms of Lp(a) occur in the circulation. This polymorphism is related to the apolipoprotein(a) size heterogeneity that is controlled by the several alleles of the apolipoprotein(a) gene. High plasma levels of Lp(a) have been correlated with an increased risk for atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease by a mechanism that is as yet undefined. Pathogenicity may also derive from Lp(a) particles that have been modified by events believed to occur when Lp(a), after traversing the artery endothelium, reaches the intima. Aside from several promising leads, there are no universally accepted ways to lower high plasma Lp(a) levels. At this time, it is best to target efforts toward the modifiable risk factors by using appropriate diets and exercise programs and, whenever necessary, drug therapy. (JAMA. 1992;267:3326-3329)
"An America Not Quite Mechanized": Fanchon and Marco, Inc. Perform Modernity

This article seeks a fresh understanding of live motion picture theater prologues through an aesthetic and industrial case history of the Fanchon and Marco "Ideas", baroque stage revues that assumed no logical relationship to the films with which they billed. Fanchon and Marco's prologues, which traveled the West Coast Theatre chain throughout the 1920s, deliberately eschewed east coast variety's reverent borrowing from European high culture. The Ideas playfully spectacularized the absurdity and distraction that characterized modern experience and made Fanchon and Marco's prologue brand a national sensation, even as synchronized sound shorts competed for billing on theater programs.
A longitudinal study of depression, pain, and stress as predictors of sleep disturbance among women with metastatic breast cancer.

Objective Sleep disturbances are common among women with breast cancer and can have serious consequences. The present study examined depression, pain, life stress, and participation in group therapy in relation to sleep disturbances in a sample of women with metastatic breast cancer.
Phosphorus Partitioning of Soybean Lines Containing Different Mutant Alleles of Two Soybean Seed‐Specific Adenosine Triphosphate‐Binding Cassette Phytic Acid Transporter Paralogs

Seed phytate is a repository of P and minerals in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeds that limits P and mineral bioavailability for monogastric animals (e.g., humans, swine [Sus scrofa], and poultry [especially chicken, Gallus domesticus]) due to insuffi cient digestive tract phytase activity. We previously identifi ed epistatic recessive mutations affecting two paralogous adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette phytic acid transporter genes (one a nonsense mutation in Lpa1 and the other a missense mutation in Lpa2) as the molecular genetic basis in the ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutant low phytate soybean line M153. An additional mutant low phytate line, M766, contained one single nucleotide polymorphism within the ninth intron of the Lpa1 locus as well as a nonsense mutation in Lpa2. The objectives of this research were to clarify the genetics underlying the low phytate phenotype in line M766 and to determine P partitioning in new combinations of mutant alleles from M766 and M153. Inheritance of nonsense alleles affecting both low phytic acid (Lpa) genes (one from M153 and one from M766) led to the production of viable seeds that contained transgressive reductions in total seed phytate and signifi cantly higher levels of inorganic phosphate than has been reported for nontransgenic soybean material and will allow effi cient molecular selection of soybeans with even greater reductions of phytate for improved quality soybean meal.
COALITION FORMATION WITH LEARNING FROM PREDECESSORS: A CASE OF DYNAMIC POSITIVE EXTERNALITY

We consider a simple multi-period model where the entry cost varies with respect to the number of firms that have entered previously. In the non-cooperative outcome, there is clustered entry among the firms in the last period; hence, the full potential of learning is not expropriated. When firms are allowed to form coalitions, the non-cooperative outcome is dominated; thus, there is a gain in efficiency. We also find that full efficiency is obtained when a grand coalition is formed. The implications of policies on coalitions as well as on individual firms are also discussed.
A Dual-Cost Heuristic For The Capacitated Lot Sizing Problem

Abstract This paper examines a mathematical programming method of accounting for capacity costs for the deterministic, multi-item, single operation lot sizing problem. With the capacity constraints of CLSP removed with Lagrangian relaxation, the problem decomposes into a set of uncapacitated single product lot sizing problems which are solved with dynamic programming. The Lagrangian dual costs are updated by subgradient optimization. Feasible solutions (production plans within the capacity limitations) are constructed with a heuristic smoothing procedure. The dual-cost heuristic gave solutions which were better on average than the other algorithms tested (and was faster than some comparable algorithms).
Optimal and Efficient Algorithms for Summing and Prefix Summing on Parallel Machines

The problem of designing efficient parallel algorithms for summing and prefix summing for certain classes of the LogP model is studied. We present optimal algorithms for summing and show that any optimal summing algorithm must have a certain inherent structure. Moreover, we present optimal or near-optimal algorithms for prefix summing for both non-commutative and commutative binary operators. Furthermore, we show that the optimal algorithms for prefix summing for these two types of operators are not equivalent.
Developmental pharmacodynamics of cyclosporine.

Objective To determine the relationship between human development and in vitro cyclosporine (INN, ciclosporin) pharmacodynamics. Methods Fifty-six subjects ranging in age from 3 months to 39 years were studied in this prospective laboratory investigation at a university children's hospital and clinical pharmacology laboratory. Peripheral blood monocytes were separated from whole blood and cultured with phytohemagglutinin A (5 μg/mL) and cyclosporine (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2500, and 5000 ng/mL). Peripheral blood monocytes cultures were assayed for cell proliferation and supernatant interleukin-2 concentration with use of radionuclide DNA tagging and enzyme-linked immosorbent assay, respectively. After concentration-effect modeling, summary pharmacodynamic parameters, including the maximal drug effect (Emax) and cyclosporine concentration at which 50% of maximal effect (IC50) and 90% of maximal effect (IC90), were determined. These parameters were compared between four consecutive subject age groups: infants (0–1 years), children (>1–4 years), preadolescents (>4–12 years), and adults (>12 years). Results The peripheral blood monocytes of the infants showed a twofold lower mean IC50 (peripheral blood monocyte proliferation) and sevenfold lower mean IC90 (interleukin-2 expression) than peripheral blood monocytes from older subjects. The three older age groups were similar with respect to mean IC50 and Emax (peripheral blood monocyte proliferation). Lymphocyte subtype proportions measured in peripheral blood monocytes preparations from each age group were generally similar. The experimental conditions (eg, general anesthesia and cyclosporine solvents) did not affect peripheral blood monocytes proliferation, but the highest experimental cyclosporine concentration (ie, 5000 ng/mL) was associated with decreased peripheral blood monocytes viability. Conclusions Cyclosporine pharmacodynamics in vitro are related to age. This factor, if neglected, may be a source of iatrogenic risk during pediatric immunosuppressive therapy. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1999) 66, 66–75;
Digital Image Restoration by Constrained Deconvolution

The fundamental identity between the operations of vector convolution and polynomial multiplication is exploited to provide a general-purpose alternative to the method of spatial filtering for digitally deconvolving noisy, degraded images of incoherently illuminated objects. The method is remotely related to those of linear programming, but differs significantly from them in its exploitation of the special properties of convolution. Sampled image arrays are treated as points in euclidean n space. The convolution relation, together with bounds on individual recorded and point-spread image irradiance values, defines a set of linear constraints on the restored image-irradiance values. These constraints define a convex region of possible restorations in n space. A method is described for selecting a point (i.e., an estimate of the restored image) from near the center of this region. The human viewer may then readjust the original constraints to reflect the new information revealed by his interpretation of the restored-image estimate. The deconvolution calculations can then be repeated with the readjusted constraints, to yield a possibly better estimate. The method is applicable to restoration problems in which both the recorded image and the point-spread image contain noise. Furthermore, it is applicable to any problem requiring the numerical solution of a convolution equation involving measured data. The connection with Fourier-transform theory and comparison with spatial-filtering methods are touched upon briefly. A few computer restorations are shown, to illustrate the practicality and potential of the method.
Effect of temperature gradient on the current oscillations in moving charge-density waves.

Current oscillations generated by moving charge-density waves split into several distinct components under the application of a temperature gradient. The observation of more than two components clearly demonstrates that oscillating currents are not created at the contact terminals. It is suggested that the collective mode breaks, under the influence of a temperature gradient, into several coherent domains, each generating a different oscillation frequency.
Presence of chloride-formate exchange in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac cells.

The presence of chloride-formate anion exchange in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and cardiac myocytes was investigated. Imposing an outward chloride gradient in sarcolemmal microsomes isolated from canine aorta stimulated [14C]formate uptake compared with the absence of a chloride gradient (24.3 +/- 2.33 versus 9.8 +/- 1.41 pmol/mg protein for 30 seconds, P < .03) and induced transient uphill [14C]formate uptake. The chloride-formate exchange was significantly inhibited in the presence of 1 mmol/L 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) or furosemide (57% and 61%, respectively). Incubation of rat cultured VSMCs in a medium containing [14C]formate resulted in uptake of formate that was significantly DIDS and furosemide sensitive (79.34 +/- 2.47, 43.03 +/- 2.37, and 44.65 +/- 1.68 pmol/mg protein for 4 minutes in control, DIDS, and furosemide groups, respectively). Preincubation of the VSMCs in chloride-free medium significantly reduced the DIDS-sensitive (36.31 versus 16.85 pmol/mg protein for 4 minutes, P < .001) and furosemide-sensitive (34.72 versus 8.78 pmol/mg protein for 4 minutes, P < .001) [14C]formate uptake. These results are compatible with the presence of chloride-formate exchange in VSMCs. Influx of [14C]formate into sarcolemmal vesicles isolated from canine heart was significantly higher in the presence of an outward chloride gradient than in its absence (18.1 +/- 2.3 versus 9.6 +/- 1.7 pmol/mg protein for 30 seconds, P < .03). The chloride-formate exchange was significantly inhibited in the presence of 1 mmol/L DIDS or furosemide (41% and 52%, respectively). We conclude that the distribution of chloride-formate exchange may be more universal than previously suggested.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Modeling and simulation of the communication networks in Smart grid

A reliable and secure communication network plays a significant role in Smart grid systems, which aims at coordinating generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption parts in power system. The scope of our work ranges from utility level to end consumption level. The major difficulties in this work can be summarized as follows: 1) Performance requirements from the viewpoint of network have not been clearly defined; 2) Model mapping from power system to communication networks is not straightforward. 3) Network performance has not been well-investigated. This paper proposes a communication network model for a typical program of smart gird. Moreover, application requirements, link capacity and traffic settings have been investigated. Simulation results validate the feasibility of this model and provide useful network performances which can satisfy both the non-real-time and real-time application requirements.
Word length and vowel duration in apraxia of speech: the use of relative measures.

Previous research has established that the duration of stressed word stem vowels is shorter in polysyllabic words than in monosyllabic words for normal speakers and for speakers with aphasia and apraxia of speech (AOS). However, the results are inconsistent across studies with regard to the magnitude and pattern of the duration reduction for apraxic speakers. We hypothesized that this inconsistency may be explained based on different relative measures of duration reduction. A speech sample was obtained from 10 aphasic speakers with AOS, 10 aphasic speakers without AOS, and 10 normal controls. As predicted, the use of two different relative measures resulted in different vowel reduction patterns, both of which were consistent with previous reports. The results further indicate that the production of polysyllabic words is particularly taxing in AOS and is associated with a substantial reduction of speaking rate compared to other aphasic and normal speakers.
MR angiography of the renal arteries

Abstract MR angiography (MRA) has shown considerable promise as a nonivasive tool in the evaluation of renal vascular morphology. There are two fundamental approaches to MRA of the renal arteries: time of flight and phase contrast imaging. Recently, three-dimensional, gradient-echo, gadolinium-enhanced MRA using breath-hold techniques also has been introduced. These techniques have made MRA of the renal arteries a very promising, noninvasive tool in the detection of main renal artery stenosis, with sensitivities between 90% and 100%. MRA is used most often in the evaluation of renal arteries of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms or allergies to iodinated contrast media, or when other noninvasive screening examinations have been inconclusive. One of the most helpful and unique applications of MRA is in patients who have accelerating hypertension and accelerating renal insufficiency. These patients often have preexisting unilateral renal artery stenosis with a new contralateral renal artery stenosis. Conventional angiography is risky in these patients because of possible contrast nephropathy. MRA, in such cases, is very helpful for differentiating between bilateral renal artery stenosis and end-stage nephrosclerosis.
Do we have any theories of group communication

The essay presents criteria for a “good theory” and then reviews advances in small group communication research during the 1980s. The fact that comparatively few scholars are dedicated to such research is then related to the criteria for good theory in discussions of, first, metaphors and imagination; second, puzzles and problems; and third, real‐world significance and outcomes. A call is made for the kind of research that will result in better small group theory.
Ductile crack initiation in steels

The process of ductile crack initiation has been investigated for a ferritic, pearlitic and a bainitic structural steel. A three-dimensional analysis has revealed that the ductile crack initiation occurs by formation of disconnected microcracks along the crack front. While the distribution of inclusions and highly strained regions governs the microcracking in the ferritic-pearlitic steel, the geometrical inhomogeneities produced by fatigue precracking act as the sites for formation of microcracks in the bainitic steel. In the latter steel, the size of the carbides is two orders of magnitude smaller than the crack tip opening produced by fatigue precracking, and hence, ductile crack initiation can not be modeled as the coalescence of the first microvoid with the crack tip.
A conformational switch in the inhibitory gamma-subunit of PDE6 upon enzyme activation by transducin.

In response to light, a photoreceptor G protein, transducin, activates cGMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE6) by displacing the inhibitory γ-subunits (Pγ) from the enzyme's catalytic sites. Evidence suggest...
Comparative in vitro interactions of ceftazidime, meropenem, and imipenem with amikacin on multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

To evaluate the possibility of an enhanced killing effect by ceftazidime, meropenem, or imipenem with amikacin 26 multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, to nine anti-pseudomonal antimicrobials of diverse chemical classes were studied. A modified time-kill curve procedure was used with a 16 micrograms/ml concentration of each antimicrobial, i.e. within the range of their serum level; a total of 248 killing-curves were performed. Any > or = 2 log10 decrease of viable cell counts by a combination compared to the most active single agent was considered an adequate enhanced killing effect. The latter was found to be mainly expressed at 24 h of growth and involved 30-50% of the tested isolates. The above findings were independent of the MIC level to any individual beta-lactam or to amikacin. It is concluded that there is no difference between the activity of the ceftazidime and amikacin combination and those of meropenem or imipenem with amikacin on multiresistant P. aeruginosa.
Molecular dynamics study on diameter effect in structure of ethanol molecules confined in single-walled carbon nanotubes

Equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to investigate the structural characteristics of ethanol molecules confined in single-walled, pristine armchair carbon nanotubes with a length of 2.5 nm and diameters ranging from 0.68 to 1.35 nm in an open ethanol reservoir at 298.0 K and 100.0 kPa by all-atom and united-atom models. Both models present similar results. Structural properties of confined ethanol molecules are analyzed in terms of the average number of hydrogen bonds, radial density distributions of methyl and hydroxyl groups, orientation distributions of the methyl−methylene bond, oxygen−hydrogen bond and dipole moment, and molecular conformations as a function of the diameter of carbon nanotubes. The results indicate that the behavior of the nonpolar part of confined ethanol molecules changes monotonically with the diameter, whereas that of the polar part changes non-monotonically. The different dependence on diameter indicates that the wall−fluid interactions determine the b...
Static and dynamic shifts of spectral lines

The relationship between static and dynamic contributions to line shifts in hydrogen plasmas is investigated with use of a set of approximations common to line-shape theories. It is shown that when the coupling between states of different principal quantum number is neglected, the asymmetry of the second-order width operator (due to detailed balance with the plasma) introduces a shift whose impact limit cancels approximately one-half of the second-order static shift. While the details of the calculation depend upon the approximations made, the primary conclusion that the second-order shift due to fluctuations can be as important as that due to static correlations does not. The possible implications of this result for plasmas with charged radiators are briefly discussed.
The neutron electric dipole moment in supersymmetric theories

Abstract The contribution to the intrinsic quark electric dipole moment (no spectators) due to gauge interaction in supersymmetric SU(3) C × SU(2) × U(1) theories is studied. To order g 4 [where g is the weak SU(2) coupling constant], we find that the contribution vanishes, as in the non-supersymmetric case. When the gluon and gluino radiative corrections are included, and supersymmetry is broken, the intrinsic quark electric dipole moment (iqedm) may provide a contribution to the neutron electric dipole moment, d n several orders of magnitude bigger [ d n / e ≈ 10 −28 cm] than the standard SU(2) C × SU(2) × U(1) gauge iqedm prediction (≈ 10 −34 cm).
Using standardized quantization for multi-party PPUF matching: foundations and applications

Hardware-based physically unclonable functions (PUFs) are elegant security primitives that leverage process variation inherent in modern integrated circuits. Recently proposed matched public PUFs (mPPUFs) use a combination of coordinated device aging and gate disabling to create two PUFs that securely realize identical input-output mappings. However, mPPUFs of any reasonable size allow for protocols between only a very limited number of parties. We propose quantization of possible delay values to enable matching of an unbounded number of arbitrary PPUF instances, improving stability in the presence of fluctuations in temperature or supply voltage while maintaining resiliency against a wide number of attacks.
Radiofrequency ablation guided by mechanical termination of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias originating in the right ventricular outflow tract.

MappingofIdiopathicVentricularArrhythmias. Background:Termination ofventricular tachycardia (VT) by mechanical pressure has been described for fascicular and postinfarction VT. Mechanical interruption of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VT/premature ventricular complexes [PVCs]) arising in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) has not been described in systematic fashion. Methods: Eighteen consecutive patients (13 females, age 49 ± 13 years, ejection fraction 0.55 ± 0.12) underwent mapping and ablation of RVOT VT or PVCs. In 7 patients, 9 distinct VTs (mean cycle length 440 ± 127 ms), and in 11 patients, 11 distinct PVCs originating in the RVOT were targeted. Mechanical termination was considered present if a reproducibly inducible VT was no longer inducible or if frequent PVCs suddenly ceased with the mapping catheter at a particular location. Endocardial activation time, electrogram characteristics, and pace-mapping morphology were assessed at this location. Radiofrequency energy was delivered if mechanical termination was observed. Results: All targeted arrhythmias were successfully ablated. In 7 of 18 patients (39%), catheter manipulation terminated the arrhythmia with the mapping catheter located at a particular site. Local endocardial activation time was earlier at sites of mechanical termination (−31 ± 7 ms) compared with effective sites without termination (−25 ± 3m s, P= 0.04). The 10-ms isochronal area was smaller in patients with mechanical interruption (0.35 ± 0.2 cm 2 ) than in patients without mechanical termination (1.33 ± 0.9 cm 2 , P = 0.01). At all sites susceptible to mechanical trauma, the pace map displayed a match with the targeted VT/PVC. All sites where mechanical termination of VT or PVCs occurred were effective ablation sites. Conclusions: Mechanical suppression at the site of origin of idiopathic RVOT arrhythmias frequently occurs during the mapping procedure and is a reliable indicator of effective ablation sites. Mechanical termination of RVOT arrhythmias may be indicative of a more localized arrhythmogenic substrate.
Measuring preschoolers' superstitious tendencies.

Abstract Superstitious behaviors have been studied extensively in adults and non-human species, but have not been systematically assessed in children. The purpose of the study is to develop and validate a method of measuring superstitious tendencies in young children based on an established learning paradigm. In two studies, 3–5-year-olds tapped a computer to make a target image appear. On half the trials, a sensory stimulus appeared at a random time before the target. Superstitious tendencies were measured by change in tapping during the presence of the sensory stimulus. Children's proportion of tapping increased during the presence of the sensory stimulus, indicating that children associated the sensory stimulus with the appearance of the target image, even though the two stimuli were not causally related. Implications for the development of superstitious tendencies and children's causal knowledge are discussed.
Newlyweds' Family-Formation Preferences

Abstract Newlyweds' preferences for the sex of their prospective children were explored via forced-choice surveys. The results indicate that the ideal family size has changed over the past 20 years from 3–4 children to 2–3 children. The desire to have children of both sexes has not changed. However, in families with an unequal gender ratio, a majority of boys was preferred over a majority of girls. Boys were preferred as first-born children among those with a preference, although the no preference option was chosen by nearly three quarters of the sample. There was great variance in the amount of agreement within couples on the ideal family formation, and there was more disagreement than agreement, indicating a potential source of conflict for newlyweds.
A reexamination of market returns, discount rate changes, and market efficiency*

This paper examines stock market reaction to Federal Reserve discount rate change announcements. By using hourly data, I am able to demonstrate that market reaction occurs only in the hour of announcement and only for those announcements that contain new information regarding macroeconomic policy. These results are robust even under the pre-1979 Federal funds rate-targeting policy contrary to the findings of Smirlock and Yawitz (1985) .
The Effect of Donor Cornea Epithelium Removal on the Incidence of Allograft Rejection Reactions

The most frequent cause of human corneal transplant failure is immunologic rejection. Surface antigenic determinants on nucleated cells are thought to prime the host's immune system for rejection. Greater than 90% of the nucleated cells of the cornea reside in the epithelium; therefore, one might expect that host sensitization and subsequent graft rejection could be modified by epithelium removal prior to transplantation. The major objective of this two-institution combined prospective and retrospective clinical study was to determine the effect of epithelium removal on the incidence of human corneal allograft rejection reaction. A retrospective study of 152 patients showed an incidence of 24.7% rejection reactions in patients with epithelium transplanted compared to 7.2% in the epithelium-removed group (P = 0.008). In the prospective study of 55 patients, there was a rejection incidence of 30% in the epithelium-on group versus 8.0% with epithelium removed (P = 0.04). The decision to remove graft epithelium, however, must be tempered by anticipation of postoperative healing problems.
A ripple theorem for PWM DC-to-DC converters operating in continuous conduction mode

It is well known that the switching ripple information is lost in a linearized average model of a PWM converter. In this work it is shown that the switching ripple component of any state in a PWM DC-to-DC converter operating in continuous conduction mode can be recovered with remarkable accuracy from the linearized, average, small-signal model of the converter by replacing the duty-ratio control signal, D/sub s/, with the AC component of the switching PWM drive signal, D/sub s/(t)-D, in the control-to-state transfer function. The theorem is very useful for estimating the peak-to-peak ripple in any state of a converter and is used here to determine, for the first time, the actual ripple in the zero-ripple, coupled Cuk converter as a function of the load.
Differential roles for NF-κB in endotoxin and oxygen induction of interleukin-8 in the macrophage

The alveolar macrophage is an important source of interleukin (IL)-8 during pulmonary injury. The IL-8 gene promoter sequence contains nuclear factor (NF)-κB, NF-IL6, and activator protein (AP)-1 b...