cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The positive charge reservoir for sprite-producing lightning

Abstract The close association of mesospheric sprites with positive ground flashes has led to the frequent assumption that positive charge is transferred from the top of a thunderstorm with positive-over-negative charge structure, from an altitude of 10 km or higher. Electrical and meteorological observations are reviewed which support a different picture: sprites are produced by laterally extensive mesoscale convective systems (MCS) in which the positive charge reservoir predominates in the 4–6 km ranges of altitude. The behavior of the surface electric field during the End-of-Storm Oscillation and the behavior of the vertical electric field above MCS during positive ground flashes both suggest a predominant in-cloud dipole moment with opposite polarity to that of the ordinary thundercloud. Lightning charge transfers of a few hundred Coulombs from the 4–6 km height range may be required for consistency with theories for sprite optical intensity and to account for ELF Q-burst intensity.
Complete nucleotide sequence of a cryptic plasmid from the ruminal bacterium Selenomonas ruminantium HD4 and identification of two predicted open reading frames.

A cryptic plasmid (pSR1) isolated from Selenomonas ruminantium HD4 was previously cloned into the HindIII site of pBR322 and a restriction map was constructed using HindIII, ClaI, BamHI, and PvuII (S. A. Martin and R. G. Dean, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 55(12), 3035-3038, 1989). Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of pSR1 revealed two major open reading frames (ORFs) located in the minus strand at different frames. Analysis of ORF-1 revealed that it has 325 amino acids with a predicted MW of 36,588, and ORF-2 has 379 amino acids with a predicted MW of 42,651. The ORF-1 amino acids showed 30 to 32% sequence homology to the hypothetical protein YtqA in Bacillus subtilis and another hypothetical protein in the thermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus. ORF-2 showed limited homology (23%) to the hypothetical protein ICFG in the photosynthetic cyanobacteria Synechocystis PCC6803.
Time-dependent behavior of a reattaching shear layer

Conditionally sampled velocities have been measured in a reattaching turbulent shear layer behind a rearward facing step in an effort to understand unsteady behaviour of reattaching flows. Laser-Doppler velocimeter measurements were conditionally sampled on the basis of instantaneous flow direction near reattachment. Conditions of abnormally short reattachment and abnormally long reattachment were considered. Ensemble-averages of measurements made during these conditions were used to obtain mean velocities and Reynolds stresses. In the mean flow, conditional streamlines show a global change in flow pattern which correlates with wall-flow direction. This motion can loosely be described as a "flapping" of the shear layer. Stresses shown also vary with the change in flow pattern. Yet, the global "flapping" motion does not appear to contribute much to the fluctuating energy in the flow. A second type of fluctuating motion (vortical) was observed. Spectral analysis of both wall static pressure and streamwise velocity show that the majority of energy in the flow resides in frequencies characteristic of roll-up and pairing of vortical structure seen in free shear layers (St = 0.2). Two-point velocity correlations also indicate a vortical behaviour of the flow. It is conjectured that the "flapping" is a disorder of the roll-up and pairing process occurring in the shear layer.
Temperature Effects on Pima Cotton Leaf Growth

Temperature is a primary environmental factor affecting cotton growth. Information on temperature effects on Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) growth is limited. The objective of this paper is to provide quantitative estimates of temperature effects on leaf emergence rates, the duration of leaf expansion, and rate of expansion. Pima cotton plants were grown from seed in naturally lit controlled environments with unlimited water and nutrients under five day/night temperature regimes ranging from 20/12 to 40/32°C. Weighted average daily temperature was calculated from 900-s average temperatures. Carbon dioxide was maintained at 350 μL L −1 during the daylight hours. Leaf area expansion and biomass accumulation were monitored from emergence to 64 d after emergence [...]
Research Applications of the Longitudinal Study of the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program

Current state and national disability and employment policy program and funding directives, such as the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 and the Workforce Investment Act o...
A New Synthesis of N-Substituted α-Amino Ketones

Abstract α-Amino ketones are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of a variety of substances, especially that of heterocyclic compounds, and their preparation and reactions continue to attract attention.1 Often, these compounds are prepared from the corresponding ketones or their α-bromo derivatives, but such syntheses may involve interfering side reactions and consequent difficulties in the isolation of the product.2 We now report a new synthesis of α-amino ketones which is based on a highly selective cleavage of α-lactams with organolithium compounds. This reaction is in sharp contrast to that of α-lactams with alkylmagnesium halides, which is claimed to effect an insertion-type alkylation of the acyl groups,3 although this claim has not been substantiated.4
Howard Kurtz, Media Circus: The Trouble with America’s Newspapers. New York: Times Books, 1993. 374 pp. Cloth, $25.

(1994). Howard Kurtz, Media Circus: The Trouble with America’s Newspapers. New York: Times Books, 1993. 374 pp. Cloth, $25. American Journalism: Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 284-286.
The effect of diabetic control on very low-density lipoprotein-Triglyceride metabolism in patients with type II diabetes mellitus and marked hypertriglyceridemia

Abstract We examined the effect of diabetic control on very low-density lipoprotein-triglyceride (VLDL-TG) metabolism in six patients with type II (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and marked hypertriglyceridemia. VLDL-TG transport was determined using 3H-glycerol as an endogenous precursor of VLDL-TG, and the resultant kinetic data were evaluated by multicompartmental analysis. Studies were performed in the hypertriglyceridemic diabetic subjects during poor diabetic control and again after 3 months of diabetic treatment, and the results were compared to studies in nondiabetic normolipidemic subjects and nondiabetic subjects with familial forms of hypertriglyceridemia. In the poorly controlled diabetics, mean VLDL-TG synthesis was threefold higher than in the normolipidemic subjects, and the mean fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of VLDL-TG was only one-third of the normals. With diabetic treatment, plasma triglyceride levels fell by more than 50%, but remained fourfold higher than the normals. This was associated with a decrease in mean VLDL-TG synthesis to a level similar to that observed in the genetic hyperlipidemic subjects, but still 2.6-fold higher than the normals. In addition, the mean FCR rose after diabetic control to a level slightly above that of the genetic hyperlipidemic subjects, but remained less than one-half of the normal value. However, the response of VLDL-TG kinetics to diabetic treatment was not uniform. In four subjects, control of hyperglycemia ameliorated the hypertriglyceridemia primarily by decreasing VLDL-TG overproduction. In the other two subjects, diabetic treatment had a greater effect on the FCR than an overproduction of VLDL-TG. Thus, in this select group of diabetic, hypertriglyceridemic subjects, poor diabetic control contributed to both VLDL-TG overproduction and low FCRs. Failure of diabetic treatment to restore VLDL-TG kinetic parameters to normal suggests that the hypertriglyceridemia was due not only to diabetes mellitus but also to an additional abnormality affecting lipoprotein metabolism. Furthermore, the finding of two types of kinetic response to diabetic treatment suggests that underlying presumably familial abnormalities of lipoprotein transport are important in determining the effect of diabetes on VLDL-TG metabolism.
Institutional Investors, Payout Policy, and Agency Costs

This paper seeks to determine if institutional investors influence corporate payoutpolicies. Specifically, this study testswhether institutional investors encourage higher payouts in firms with higherfree cash flow and poor growth opportunities. Firm and year fixed effectregressions examining the effect of changes in institutional investor levels tosubsequent changes in payout levels are used. For robustness, difference-GMM regressions and regressions for different time periods are ran on the samerelationship. Increased institutional ownership leads to increases in total payouts, especially in firms with high free cash flow and poor investment opportunities. According to agency-based free cash flow theory, stockholders should prefer that the management of firms with higher free cash flow and poor investment opportunities increase payouts to shareholders. The results indicate that institutional shareholders reduce agency costs by encouraging management to raise payouts, thus benefiting institutional investors and non-institutional shareholders.
Identification of a 65000 dalton virion envelope protein of human cytomegalovirus

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) specific monoclonal antibodies were shown to react with a broadly migrating 65-52 kDa virion envelope protein. These antibodies efficiently neutralized CMV in vitro (greater than 98% plaque reduction), suggesting that this envelope protein was an important target of neutralizing antibodies. This virion envelope protein was shown to be antigenically and electrophoretically distinct from a more abundant 68 kDa virion protein. The relationship between these virion proteins is discussed.
Phase-Dependent Superconductive Current Density in a Superconductor _ Normal Metal _ Superconductor Junction atT =TCN

A general equation for the phase-dependent supercurrent density across the weak-link is obtained, from which we find that Jmax at T = TCN decreases very slowly with dN when compared with Jmax at T near TCS.
Development of human palmar and digital flexion creases

To determine the timing of the development of the various palmar and digital creases, we examined the hands of 100 human fetuses obtained after therapeutic abortion. The fetuses ranged in age from 7 to 19 fetal weeks, with age being established by menstrual period dates and ultrasound examination before termination. Our observations show that palmar and digital creases develop between 8 and 13 fetal weeks. Digital creases are well defined by 10 weeks; palmar creases are consistently seen by 13 weeks of gestation. The volar pads are present from 8 to 14 fetal weeks. A hand malformation or specific insult that occurs before the time of crease development and that alters the form or function of the fetal hand can cause secondary alterations increase patterns of the hand.
A kinetic study of ammonia synthesis: modeling high-pressure steady-state and forced-cycling behavior

Abstract The kinetics of ammonia synthesis under non-steady conditions on promoted industrial iron catalysts are not well understood. Although classic models, such as the one proposed by Temkin and Pyzhev [ Acta Physicochem. 12 , 327–356 (1940)], fit steady-state data and are widely used in commercial reactor design, they fail to describe cycling kinetic behavior. A phenomenological adsorption/desorption (A/D) model is developed,the parameters of which are fit to experimental data from a differential reactor. This model predicts observed experimental integral reactor forced-cycling and steady-state behavior for several temperatures and pressures. Moreover, the model obeys thermodynamic equilibrium constraints. The existence of nitrogen storage in the bulk phase of iron catalysts is confirmed, but we show that it does not directly affect either steady-state or time-dependent ammonia production. Also, several potential pitfalls in kinetic modeling are exposed.
Mitochondria are fast Ca2+ sinks in rat extraocular muscles: a novel regulatory influence on contractile function and metabolism.

PURPOSE. The ultrafast extraocular muscles necessitate tight regulation of free cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ). Mitochondrial Ca 2+ influx may be fast enough for this role. In the present study, three hypotheses were tested: (1) Mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake regulates [Ca 2+ ] i and production of force in extraocular muscle; (2) mitochondrial content correlates with their use as Ca 2+ sinks; and (3) mitochondrial content in extraocular muscle is determined by the transcription factors and coactivators that initiate muscle adaptation to aerobic exercise. METHODS. Extraocular and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were used to examine how the Ca 2+ release agonists caffeine and 4-chloro-3-ethylphenol (CEP), calcimycin (a Ca 2+ ionophore) and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP; a mitochondrial uncoupler) alter [Ca 2+ ] i and force transients. Mitochondrial volume density and capillary density were analyzed by stereology and citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase by biochemical assays. Real-time PCR measured mRNAs of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. RESULTS. Caffeine, CEP, and calcimycin increased resting [Ca 2+ ] i to a greater extent in EDL. Peak tetanic [Ca 2+ ] i increased in extraocular muscle with caffeine and CEP. CCCP augmented peak tetanic and submaximum [Ca 2+ ] i and force significantly more in extraocular muscles. Mitochondrial volume density and capillary density were three times greater, and citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase were only ∼2-fold higher in extraocular muscle. Calcineurin Aa, calcineurin B, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ were more abundant in extraocular muscle. CONCLUSIONS. These data support the hypothesis that mitochondria serve as Ca 2+ sinks in extraocular muscles. The high mitochondrial content of these muscles may partly reflect this additional function. It is likely that mitochondrial Ca 2+ influx increases the dynamic response range of the extraocular muscles and matches metabolic demand to supply.
Operant behavior suggests attentional gating of dopamine system inputs

Abstract Neurophysiological recording experiments in the dopamine system by Schultz and colleagues (Science 275 (1997) 1593–1598) suggest that neurons there are involved in learning to predict rewards and assess behaviors using the temporal-difference algorithm. One aspect of this theory which is undeveloped and experimentally underconstrained is its assumption of an exhaustive input representing all stimuli and their history over time. We use the algorithm to model operant choice between concurrent variable interval schedules—a key animal conditioning experiment—and show that animals’ subtly suboptimal performance resembles the behavior of the algorithm with a more limited input representation. This limitation may reflect the operation of an attentional mechanism gating the inputs to the dopamine system.
Locomotion in restricted space: Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of stoopwalking and crawling

Abstract Stoopwalking and crawling are compulsory gait techniques in some occupational settings, as in low-seam coal mines (where vertical space may be less than 122 cm). Nine participants, six males and three females (mean = 35 years + 17 SD), participated in a study examining kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) responses to natural cadence stoopwalking, four-point crawling (all fours), and two-point crawling (knees only). EMG data were collected from knee extensors and flexors, and a motion analysis system was used to obtain kinematic data. The average gait velocity for stoopwalking was 1.01 (±0.32) m/s with an average cadence of 112.8 steps/min and stride length of 1.04 m. Four-point crawling velocity averaged 0.50 (±0.20) m/s, with average cadence of 86.3 steps/min and stride length of 0.69 m. Two-point crawling exhibited the slowest velocity (0.32 m/s) and shortest stride length (0.40 m); however, cadence was greater than four-point crawling (96.8 steps/min). EMG findings included prolonged contraction of both knee extensors and flexors (compared to normative data on normal walking), increased relative activity SD of the flexors (versus extensors) in two-point crawling, and decreased thigh muscle activity in four-point crawling. Interlimb coordination in four-point crawling trials indicated trot-like, no limb pairing, and near pace-like limb contact patterns. Presence or absence of kneepads had no impact on kinematic or EMG measures (p > 0.05); however, subjects complained of discomfort without kneepads (especially in two-point crawling). Results of this study have implications for work performed in underground coal mines, as well as emergency or evacuation considerations.
Nucleolar dominance and ribosomal RNA gene silencing

Nucleolar dominance is an epigenetic phenomenon that occurs in genetic hybrids and describes the expression of 45S rRNA genes inherited from one progenitor due to the silencing of the other progenitor's rRNA genes. Nucleolar dominance is a manifestation of rRNA gene dosage control, which also occurs in non-hybrids, regulating the number of active rRNA genes according to the cellular demand for ribosomes and protein synthesis. Ribosomal RNA gene silencing involves changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications, but the molecular basis for choosing which genes to silence remains unclear. Recent studies indicate a role for short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or structured regulatory RNAs in rRNA gene silencing in plants or mammals, respectively, suggesting that RNA may impart specificity to the choice mechanism.
A note on graph balancing problems with restrictions

We consider the graph balancing problem of providing orientations to edges in an undirected multi-graph to minimize the maximum load. We first obtain an FPTAS when the multi-graph is restricted to a tree. We also obtain some additional results for other restricted cases by showing equivalencies with related combinatorial problems.
Between fiction and reality in post-genocide Rwanda: Reflections on a social-psychological media intervention for social change

This article reflects on the potential and challenges of implementing social psychological interventions in the aftermath of genocide, specifically focusing on an education entertainment media campaign in Rwanda. The analysis is based on the author’s experience working with a non-governmental organization in producing "Musekeweya"—a very popular violence prevention and reconciliation radio drama. The article highlights the advantages of using fiction as an effective tool to communicate messages about violence and reconciliation, and provide a safe space to address sensitive topics in post-genocide contexts. In addition, it outlines some of the challenges of translating existing knowledge to interventions that promote reconciliation in specific socio-political settings, such as Rwanda, where the government has implemented a series of programs and policies to achieve unity and reconciliation. The paper ends with a discussion of future directions to further increase social and political psychology’s potential to inform effective social interventions in the aftermath of violence.
Diisopropyl-N,N-diethylcarbamylphosphonate complexes with lanthanide nitrates and chlorides☆

Abstract Solid adducts of lanthanide nitrates and chlorides with diisopropyl-N,N-diethylcarbamylphosphonate were prepared and studied. The La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, and Tb nitrate adducts were isolated and shown to have the structure The Dy, Er, Ho, and Yb nitrate adducts were difficult to isolate and were found to have no single, discrete structure. The chloride adducts of La, Pr, Sm, and Tb were isolated and assigned the structure
Electrochemical evaluation of glucose oxidase immobilized by different methods

Glucose oxidase electrodes were constructed on a platinum screen using polyacrylamide gel, glutaraldehyde crosslinking, and glutaraldehyde crosslinking with +0.04 volts dc on the platinum screen as the methods of enzyme immobilization. The electrodes were evaluated in an electrochemical cell for the oxidation of glucose at the enzyme electrode and the reduction of oxygen at a platinum auxiliary electrode, using constant current voltametry or under external load operation. The method of immobilization affected the extrapolated opencircuit potential as well as the half-cell potential and the steady current under external load operation. The charged glutaraldehyde electrode gave the best current performance; however, the small output (microamps) indicated that major problems in electron transfer from an enzyme catalyst to an external circuit must be resolved before such electrodes can be used in practical application.
Idiotae, Mathematics, and Artisans: The Untutored Mind and the Discovery of Nature in the Fabrist Circle

In his first work, the Dialecticae Institutiones of 1543, Peter Ramus urged those who wanted to learn the truth about the world not to approach scholars, but vineyard workers. “From their minds, as...
Coordination between a sophisticated and fictitious player

Successful coordination is a common and important social problem. Achieving it relies on the players’ ability to accurately anticipate future choices from known information. Individuals may not only lack this cognitive ability, but differ in it. Fictitious Play is an adaptive behavior where a myopic best response to the historical play of an opponent is selected. I consider the interaction between a fictitious player and a sophisticated player in 2 × 2 coordination games. The existence of coordination, the selection of equilibria, and the payoffs generated are analyzed.
Sedimentation on new ocean crust: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 37°N

Abstract Study of sediments from the FAMOUS area on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge reveals a broad range of properties over a small area. Inside the rift valley, sediment cover reflects asymmetric spreading and transport from topographic highs to lows on all scales. A relationship between grain size and depth can be described by a linear function, finer deposits increasing with depth. The primary mechanism is probably gravity transport of sediment resuspended by bioturbation. Episodic processes such as slumping appear less important. Bottom currents are active but their primary effect is the local formation of ripples and scour marks. The CaCO 3 content is anomalously low, probably because of dilution by volcanic material. An examination of benthic Foraminifera shows great variability. Porcelaneous forms are especially prominent at the rift axis, and a localized concentration of Rupertia near fracture zone A may be related to a hydrothermal system.
Sizing photovoltaic systems components for stand-alone operation

The practicality of using solar photovoltaic panels combined with batteries and controls to generate emergency power in Maine is presented. Solar power is becoming less costly and more available, making the design and fabrication of emergency power and lighting highly feasible. This paper discusses the sizing, design, construction, and testing of such a system. The distinctions between the total power available from the sun, the maximum theoretical power that can be extracted, and the actual power that is realized are discussed. Several manufacturers sell solar photovoltaic panels. The capabilities and costs for current systems are discussed. Advantages, disadvantages, and suggestions for improvement are presented.
Discrete-vortex simulation of flow over inclined and normal plates

Abstract The wake flow behind a normal or an inclined plate is predicted by a discrete-vortex method. The vortex shedding phenomenon at the leading and the trailing edges is simulated by a vorticity creation technique according to the Kutta condition. This approach required that the strengths and locations of discrete vortices just shed from the edges be determined such that their presence in the flow field will offset the potential flow singularities at the edges of the plate. For gross features in the flow, the current model closely reproduced the measured values of previous experiments. As to the microscopic features in the wake flow, the predictions by the current model compare favorably with the experiments and with the previous solutions also by discrete-vortex simulation. For similar or better solutions, this approach requires about half of the computing time reported by other discrete-vortex approaches.
Seasonal patterns of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in the leaves of the massachusetts cranberry

Abstract Leaf samples from cranberry plants in Wareham, Massachusetts were collected during the 1980–82 growing seasons and analysed for N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The seasonal patterns which emerged allowed the proposal of normal ranges for the elements and optimum times for sampling. The foliar nutrient levels obtained were compared to those for cranberries grown in other areas as well as to those for crops which are grown under similar conditions.
Intermediate inguinal ring

The purpose of this paper is to reintroduce the concept that the cremasteric muscle and fascie (intermediate spermatic covering) arise from an intermediate inguinal ring, similar to the internal spermatic fascia arising from the deep inguinal ring and the external spermatic fascia arising from the superficial inguinal ring. This will help students learn the anatomy of the inguinal region. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CD10 is expressed in cutaneous clear cell lesions of different histogenesis.

Background: CD10, the Common Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Antigen, is a neutral endopeptidase commonly used as a marker of early B-cell differentiation in the classification of lymphomas. Neoplasms of other histogenesis may express CD10, including renal cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the skin (MRCC) can simulate other more common clear cell lesions in which expression of CD10 has not been described. Methods: Fifty-two cutaneous clear cell lesions including xanthomas (CX), xanthelasmas (XA), xanthogranulomas (XG), balloon cell nevi (BCN), nodular/clear cell hidradenomas (CCH), and MRCC were examined by immunohistochemistry for the expression of CD10, noting frequency and pattern of labeling. Results: CD10 was expressed in 32/35 of the xanthomatous lesions (CX, XA, and XG), 3/3 MRCC, but only 2/8 BCN and 2/6 CCH. BCN and CCH expressed CD10 in fewer than 10% of the clear cells, whereas all MRCC and most xanthomatous lesions had labeling in greater than 10% (p < 0.001). Xanthomatous lesions exhibited a predominantly membranous pattern of labeling compared to the cytoplasmic pattern of MRCC (p < 0.025). Conclusions: Cutaneous clear cell lesions of different histogenesis express CD10, limiting its use as a specific diagnostic marker for MRCC. Among other clear cell lesions, however, BCN and CCH have a lower frequency of labeling than does MRCC, and xanthomatous lesions show a membranous pattern compared to the cytoplasmic pattern of MRCC, BCN, and CCH. This latter observation may be indicative of altered protein function or trafficking.
SLA-based resource allocation in cluster computing systems

Resource allocation is a fundamental but challenging problem due to the complexity of cluster computing systems. In enterprise service computing, resource allocation is often associated with a service level agreement (SLA) which is a set of quality of services and a price agreed between a customer and a service provider. The SLA plays an important role in an e-business application. A service provider uses a set of computer resources to support e-business applications subject to an SLA. In this paper, we present an approach for computer resource allocation in such an environment that minimizes the total cost of computer resources used by a service provider for an e-business application while satisfying the quality of service (QoS) defined in an SLA. These QoS metrics include percentile response time, cluster utilization, packet loss rate and cluster availability. Simulation results show the applicability of the approach and validate its accuracy.
Schizophrenia and the Self: Contributions of Psychoanalytic Self-psychology

This article explores the unique contribution of psychoanalyti c selfpsychology to an indepth understanding of the subjective experience of the self in schizophrenia. The author makes the argument that with creative adaptation Kohut's experience-near concept of the primacy of the self— its development and vicissitudes of fragmentation/cohesion—and the salience and legitimacy of selfobject needs in all human relationships can be applied to psychotic and schizophrenic experience. When so applied, there is reason to suspect that an important bridge to the subjective inner life of the schizophrenic patient will be achieved.
The War on Terrorism and the End of Human Rights

In response to the crimes of September 11, the U.S. has declared a War on Terrorism. By selectively combining elements of law with elements of war, Washington is able to maximize its ability to mobilize lethal force against terrorists and combat the risks they pose. But the new hybrid of war and law eliminates most traditional rights of military adversaries and those of innocents as well. It raises the troubling question of whether international human rights will be a casuality of the War on Terrorism.
Statically validating must summaries for incremental compositional dynamic test generation

Compositional dynamic test generation can achieve significant scalability by memoizing symbolic execution sub-paths as test summaries. In this paper, we formulate the problem of statically validating symbolic test summaries against code changes. Summaries that can be proved still valid using a static analysis of a new program version do not need to be retested or recomputed dynamically. In the presence of small code changes, incrementality can considerably speed up regression testing since static checking is much cheaper than dynamic checking and testing. We provide several checks ranging from simple syntactic ones to ones that use a theorem prover. We present preliminary experimental results comparing these approaches on three large Windows applications.
Validation of SDL-Based Architectural Design Models: New Coverage Criteria

As the capability to automatically generate code from different models becomes more sophisticated, it is critical that these models be adequately tested for quality assurance prior to code generation. Although simulation-based blackbox testing strategies exist for these models, it is important that we also employ white-box testing strategies similar to those used to test implementation code. More precisely, we apply coverage testing to architectural design models represented by SDL (Specification and Description Language). Our previous study [30] defined a methodology for automatic test generation with respect to structural-based criteria such as all-node and all-edge. Now, we propose new coverage criteria such as n-step message transfer and sender-receiver round-trip, aiming at the communication between SDL processes.
Characterization of a 90‐100 kDa tumor‐associated antigen in the sera of melanoma patients

Using allogeneic antibody, we previously described a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein in the urine of 68% of melanoma patients. This glycoprotein has been termed urinary-tumor-associated antigen (U-TAA). A murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for U-TAA (ADI-40F4) has been developed. By the use of ADI-40F4, U-TAA was detected in serum samples from 63% (33/52) of stage II and stage III melanoma patients, but from only 5% (1/20) of normal controls. This report describes the physical and immunochemical properties of U-TAA in the serum. The antigen elutes from a DEAE-Sephacel column in association with IgG in the void volume and as free antigen in a second peak. The molecular mass of the free antigen is 590-620 kDa and it sediments in the region of 28-29% sucrose by density gradient ultracentrifugation. Free antigen has an isoelectric point of 6.1. This high molecular weight antigen is composed of smaller subunits linked by reducible bonds. The ADI-40F4 reactive epitope resides on a 90-100 kDa subunit. These results provide evidence that U-TAA which is produced by melanoma cells in vitro is present in the circulation of melanoma patients.
Optimal grayscale morphological filters under the LMS algorithm

This paper presents a method for determining optimal grayscale function processing (FP) morphological filters such as close-opening (GO) and open-closing (OC). The proposed method utilizes the matrix representation of both CO and OC with the block basis matrix. With this representation, CO and OC are accomplished by local matrix operations rather than cascade operations. The LMS and back-propagation algorithms are utilized for obtaining the optimal block basis matrix for CO and OC. Some results of optimal morphological filters applied to 2D images are presented. >
Examining the impact of peer group selection on self-reported delinquency: a consideration of active gene-environment correlation

Research has yet to discount all sources of confounding in the relationship between an individual's delinquent behavior and that of his or her peers. One approach is to control for an active gene-environment correlation (rGE). Active rGE occurs when one selects into an environment based on genetic propensities. The current study utilizes twin data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine the impact of a direct measure of peer delinquency on self-reported delinquency while controlling for active rGE. The final analytic sample ranged between 456 and 524 dizygotic and 286 and 350 monozygotic twins, depending on the measures being analyzed. Using an augmented version of the DeFries-Fulker model, results revealed the peer effect was no longer statistically significant once genetic confounding (active rGE) was controlled. These findings support selection arguments and run counter to learning theory explanations. Keywords: Juvenile justice Language: en
Deterministic aperiodic nanostructures for photonics and plasmonics applications

This review focuses on the optical properties and device applications of deterministic aperiodic media generated by mathematical rules with spectral features that interpolate in a tunable fashion between periodic crystals and disordered random media. These structures are called Deterministic Aperiodic Nano Structures (DANS) and can be implemented in different materials (linear and nonlinear) and physical systems as diverse as dielectric multilayers, optical gratings, photonic waveguides and nanoparticle arrays. Among their distinctive optical properties are the formation of multi-fractal bandgaps and characteristic optical resonances, called critical modes, with unusual localization, scaling and transport properties. The goal of the paper is to provide a detailed review of the conceptual foundation and the physical mechanisms governing the complex optical response of DANS in relation to the engineering of novel devices and functionalities. The discussion will mostly focus on passive and active planar structures with enhanced light-matter coupling for photonics and plasmonics technologies.
Physical Aesthetics: An Introductory Physics Course Through Metaphor

Abstract At liberal arts institutions, physics faculty struggle with the daunting task of creating a Bachelor of Arts physics offering (often referred to as Physics for Poets) that is both engaging and approachable. Over the past several years, the author has worked toward a new educational paradigm that presents introductory physics as a set of physical metaphors rather than an incomplete collage of problem-solving equations. By engaging the physical metaphors from both traditional physics and art historical viewpoints, students are forced to integrate two seemingly disparate sets of information into a cohesive knowledge base.
Line map construction using a mobile robot with a sonar sensor

The objective of this study is to present a way to construct a line map of an unknown indoor environment using a mobile robot equipped with a single sonar sensor. The proposed procedure consists of two main steps. In the first step, the sonar sensor measurements from the robot surroundings are mapped into a two-dimensional occupancy grid map. In the second step, the Radon transform is used to extract the line parameters from the occupancy grid map. These parameters are subsequently used to represent the profiles of the detected objects as a representation of the robot environment. Applying a wall extension process to the resulting line map completes the process within the limits of resolution of the grid map. The presented experiments in this work have confirmed that the proposed line map construction approach is able to reconstruct the unknown indoor environment in spite of the uncertainty in sensor measurements
MAMMARY GLAND UPTAKE OF SODIUM TC-PERTECHNETATE IN A CAT WITH A DRUG-INDUCED GYNECOMASTIA

Sodium Tc-pertechnetate accumulated in the mammary glands of a male cat. It was determined that the uptake was attributable to gynecomastia induced by medroxyprogesterone acetate injections. Gynecomastia and pertechnetate uptake resolved following cessation of medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment.
In Vivo–Activated Cd4 T Cells Upregulate Cxc Chemokine Receptor 5 and Reprogram Their Response to Lymphoid Chemokines

Migration of antigen-activated CD4 T cells to B cell areas of lymphoid tissues is important for mounting T cell-dependent antibody responses. Here we show that CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)5, the receptor for B lymphocyte chemoattractant (BLC), is upregulated on antigen-specific CD4 T cells in vivo when animals are immunized under conditions that promote T cell migration to follicles. In situ hybridization of secondary follicles for BLC showed high expression in mantle zones and low expression in germinal centers. When tested directly ex vivo, CXCR5(hi) T cells exhibited a vigorous chemotactic response to BLC. At the same time, the CXCR5(hi) cells showed reduced responsiveness to the T zone chemokines, Epstein-Barr virus-induced molecule 1 (EBI-1) ligand chemokine (ELC) and secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC). After adoptive transfer, CXCR5(hi) CD4 T cells did not migrate to follicles, indicating that additional changes may occur after immunization that help direct T cells to follicles. To further explore whether T cells could acquire an intrinsic ability to migrate to follicles, CD4(-)CD8(-) double negative (DN) T cells from MRL-lpr mice were studied. These T cells normally accumulate within follicles of MRL-lpr mice. Upon transfer to wild-type recipients, DN T cells migrated to follicle proximal regions in all secondary lymphoid tissues. Taken together, our findings indicate that reprogramming of responsiveness to constitutively expressed lymphoid tissue chemokines plays an important role in T cell migration to the B cell compartment of lymphoid tissues.
Identification of a Cathepsin B-like Protease in the Crevicular Fluid of Gingivitis Patients

Crevicular fluid from gingivitis patients contains significant levels of a cysteine protease which was characterized as the lysosomal protease cathepsin B, as judged by substrate specificity, thiol dependence, pH optimum, kinetic parameters, pH stability, and inhibitor sensitivities. A highly-sensitive fluorometric assay procedure was used to establish the mean level of cathepsin B activity for 25 gingivitis patients.
A high-resolution electron gun for thermoplastic recording using prefocus deflection

A demagnification gun of high resolution was developed for thermoplastic recording by deflecting the electron beam at the entry of a large focusing lens. The unconventional approach of prefocus deflection allows close spacing between the "short" focusing lens and the target (phosphor screen or thermoplastic tape) required for demagnification and results in a gun with a relatively short length. The diameter of the focusing lens is about three times larger than the 25-mm diameter area to be scanned in order to keep spot distortions of the deflected beam at a minimum. Electrostatic focusing combined with magnetic deflection was selected. The special focusing lens that is used is shaped for low aberrations, increased demagnification and increased deflection sensitivity. Small deflection fields are required since the electron beam is being deflected in the accelerating field while the electron velocities are still low. The gun operates at 10 kv and delivers a 5-micron spot at 1µa. This corresponds to a resolution of 5000 spot diameters at average current densities in excess of 5 amp/cm2. In spite of the high resolution, the over-all length of the gun measured from the target is only 9 inches.
NOS‐2 signaling and cancer therapy

The role of NO and cGMP signaling in tumor biology has been extensively studied during the past three decades. However, whether the pathway is beneficial or detrimental in cancer is still open to question. We suggest several reasons for this ambiguity: first, although NO participates in normal signaling (e.g., vasodilation and neurotransmission), NO is also a cytotoxic or apoptotic molecule when produced at high concentrations by inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS or NOS-2). In addition, the cGMP-dependent (NO/sGC/cGMP pathway) and cGMP-independent (NO oxidative pathway) components may vary among different tissues and cell types. Furthermore, solid tumors contain two compartments: the parenchyma (neoplastic cells) and the stroma (nonmalignant supporting tissues including connective tissue, blood vessels, and inflammatory cells) with different NO biology. Thus, the NO/sGC/cGMP signaling molecules in tumors as well as the surrounding tissue must be further characterized before targeting this signaling pathway for tumor therapy. In this review, we focus on the NOS-2 expression in tumor and surrounding cells and summarized research outcome in terms of cancer therapy. We propose that a normal function of the sGC-cGMP signaling axis may be important for the prevention and/or treatment of malignant tumors. Inhibiting NOS-2 overexpression and the tumor inflammatory microenvironment, combined with normalization of the sGC/cGMP signaling may be a favorable alternative to chemotherapy and radiotherapy for malignant tumors.
Effects of torsional dynamics on nonlinear generator control

The performance of a feedback-linearizing control for excitation control of a synchronous generator is investigated with respect to unmodeled dynamics of both the turbine generator unit and the transmission network. It is found that certain types of dynamics that were not modeled during the design of the control enter in a manner that does affect the performance of the control, but that preserves the linearity of the closed-loop system. Moreover, the control acts to decouple the dynamics associated with the machine from the dynamics of the transmission grid, thus preventing subsynchronous resonance between the two subsystems when a series capacitor is used to compensate the transmission line. The stability robustness of the feedback-linearizing control is investigated with respect to a structured uncertainty. The uncertainty considered corresponds to the spring modes of the generator shaft and enters in such a way that analysis by Kharitonov's theorem is feasible. It is shown that the control remains stable over a wide range of values of the shaft parameters. A sliding control is designed and compared to the feedback-linearizing control with respect to performance degradation for this type of uncertainty, and it is found that, because of the tight saturation limits on the control signal, the sliding control offers no discernable performance advantage for this type of structured uncertainty.
The Matrix as Metaphysics

The Matrix presents a version of an old philosophical fable: the brain in a vat. A disembodied brain is floating in a vat, inside a scientist’s laboratory. The scientist has arranged that the brain will be stimulated with the same sort of inputs that a normal embodied brain receives. To do this, the brain is connected to a giant computer simulation of a world. The simulation determines which inputs the brain receives. When the brain produces outputs, these are fed back into the simulation. The internal state of the brain is just like that of a normal brain, despite the fact that it lacks a body. From the brain’s point of view, things seem very much as they seem to you and me. The brain is massively deluded, it seems. It has all sorts of false beliefs about the world. It believes that it has a body, but it has no body. It believes that it is walking outside in the sunlight, but in fact it is inside a dark lab. It believes it is one place, when in fact it may be somewhere quite different. Perhaps it thinks it is in Tucson, when it is actually in Australia, or even in outer space. Neo’s situation at the beginning of The Matrix is something like this. He thinks that he lives in a city; he thinks that he has hair; he thinks it is 1999; and he thinks that it is sunny outside. In reality, he is floating in a pod in space; he has no hair; the year is around 2199; and
Debt-Financed Portfolio Stock: Less Egregious Tax Avoidance Method

Section 246A creates another situation in which a corporation's liabilities must be related to a specific type of asset: a dividend-paying stock. If the relationship is direct, the dividend received deduction is denied the corporate investor. As discussed in this article, in determining whether the relationship is direct the benefit of the doubt seems to run in the corporate investor's favor. The authors suspect that may be because an overzealous application of the statute would result in the corporation's income being taxed three times, which amounts to capital punishment.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor, an Example of a Multifunctional Trophic Factor with Neurotrophic Activity

All neurons are believed to require trophic factors for support of their survival and process growth. Conversely, neuronal atrophy and death after CNS injury or during aging have been ascribed to deficiencies of trophic factors (1). For many years, the only known neurotrophic factor (NTF) was nerve growth factor (NGF). Studies with NGF have led to significant insights into neuronal cell biology and development, particularly in the peripheral nervous system. Models constructed from its actions on sympathetic and sensory neurons have been generalized to principles guiding the growth of all neurons. The recent recognition that NGF is a NTF for cholinergic septal and basal neurons has allowed seminal studies on the regulation of neuronal growth in the CNS and holds potential implications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. But it also must be remembered that NGF is not a universal NTF, and that its targets in the CNS are limited to only a few populations of neurons (2–4). Even many of the other neuronal populations affected in Alzheimer’s disease, such as entorhinal cortical and hippocampal neurons, are not responsive to NGF. Therefore, many laboratories have searched for the novel NTFs hypothesized to exist for these other neurons, but the results have been frustrating. Only one other NTF closely resembling NGF in its chemistry and biological activity has been isolated, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). But as with NGF, most of the known targets of BDNF are peripheral sensory neurons (2,5,6).