cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transmission line matrix modeling of disperse wide-band absorbing boundaries with time-domain diakoptics for S-parameter extraction

A numerical modeling procedure based on Johns time-domain diakoptics approach with space interpolation techniques for efficient transmission-line matrix (TLM) analysis of two-dimensional microwave circuits is discussed. Frequency-dispersive boundaries are represented in the time domain by their characteristic impulse response or numerical Green's function (Johns matrix). Almost perfect wide-band absorbing boundary conditions have been obtained with this technique, permitting accurate characterization of waveguide discontinuities and compounds. The application of these techniques saves considerable computer run time and memory when compared with conventional TLM analysis. >
Illegal Media File Sharing: The Impact of Cultural and Demographic Factors

The purpose of this article is to examine the ethics and economics behind the illegal file-sharing phenomena. A model of media evasion that adjusts for demographics, locus of control, and cultural aspects is developed to examine individual behavior. Using an expanded survey instrument at three universities (a private Midwest Christian liberal arts school, a public Division II university, and a public historically black college), data are collected on both student attitudes toward and actual propensity to illegally download music and other forms of multimedia. With a total sample of 302 individuals, logistic regression results indicate that age and internal locus of control tendencies are positively associated with moral attitudes, while age is the only demographic variable that is negatively associated with reduced illegal behavior. The cultural/religious results indicate that (1) self-reported religiosity has no effect on a person's attitude toward the morality of file sharing, and (2) frequency of atten...
Totally umbilical submanifolds of quaternion-space-forms

Totally umbilical submanifolds of dimension greater than four in quaternion-space-forms are completely classified.
EGFR Mutation Is a Better Predictor of Response to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Non–Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Than FISH, CISH, and Immunohistochemistry

About 10% of patients with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) respond to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). More than 75% of “responders” have activating mutations in EGFR. However, mutation analysis is not widely available, and proposed alternatives (in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis) have shown inconsistent associations with outcome. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH), immunohistochemical analysis, and DNA sequencing were compared in this study of 40 NSCLC samples from TKI-treated patients. Response rates were 12 of 19 in EGFR-mutant vs 1 of 20 EGFR wild-type tumors (P = .0001), 7 of 19 FISH+ vs 4 of 17 FISH– tumors (not significant [NS]), 5 of 16 CISH+ vs 6 of 21 CISH– tumors (NS), and 3 of 9 immunohistochemically positive vs 7 of 22 immunohistochemically negative tumors (NS). EGFR mutation was associated with improved progression-free survival (P = .0004). Increased copy number (FISH or CISH) and protein expression (immunohistochemical) did not independently predict outcome. Thus, EGFR sequence analysis was the only method useful for predicting response and progressionfree survival following TKI therapy in NSCLC.
Extracellular peroxidases as indicators of growth in plant cell suspension cultures

Extracellular peroxidases were produced in plant cell suspension cultures in proportion to cell dry weight during exponential growth phase. This correlation was established for cell suspension cultures ofArtemesia annua, Coleus blumei, Pisum sativum andSalvia officinalis. The correlation was maintained when growth kinetics were altered by variations in initial sucrose concentrations in cell cultures ofArtemesia annua. This study indicated that extracellular perioxidases were readily measured indicators of growth in plant cell cultures.
Quantitative phase analysis by X-ray diffraction in the Co―W―C system

Determination des structures cristallines et des facteurs de structure pour les systemes WC, W 2 C, W 2 C(O), Co 3 W 3 C, Co 2 W 4 C et Co 6 W 6 C
Study of CO2 Diffusion and Adsorption on Calcined Layered Double Hydroxides: The Effect of Particle Size

This paper describes a study of CO2 diffusion and adsorption in layered double-hydroxide (LDH) adsorbents using a gravimetric method. Four different particle size fractions, namely, 53−75, 75−90, 90−180, and 180−300 μm, were used in the study. The LDH materials were calcined in situ prior to the experiments, which resulted in significantly higher CO2 adsorption capacities than previously reported. The CO2 adsorption was shown to follow a Sips-type isotherm, while the adsorption capacity at saturation was found to be independent of the particle size. Two models, the homogeneous surface diffusion model (HSDM) and the bidisperse pore model (BPM), were used to fit the experimental data and to estimate the diffusivities. The main assumption made in the BPM is that the adsorbent particle is an agglomerate of a number of equal-sized, single-crystal microparticles, and before a CO2 molecule is adsorbed in the microparticles, it has to diffuse through the intercrystalline porous region. Both models perform well in...
Conditioned medium from aged monkey fibroblasts stably expressing GDNF and BDNF improves survival of embryonic dopamine neurons in vitro

Fibroblasts derived from the cerebral cortex of an aged Bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) were utilized to express recombinant cDNAs encoding rat glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and human prepro brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by lipofection. The cells showed stable expression and secretion of biologically active proteins. Conditioned medium from fibroblasts expressing BDNF or GDNF increased the number of surviving mesencephalic tyrosine-hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons after 7 days in culture. The trophic effects of BDNF and GDNF were examined at two different plating densities of embryonic mesencephalic cells. At 50 000 cells/cm2 plating density, treatment of the mesencephalic cultures with BDNF-conditioned medium increased the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons by about 40% compared with vector-transfected control. At the same plating density, GDNF-conditioned medium increased the number of surviving tyrosine-hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons above the vector-transfected control by 30%. When the tissue was plated at a higher density, viz., 75 000 cells/cm2, the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons increased by 41% with BDNF-conditioned medium, and by 56% with GDNF-conditioned medium above vector-transfected controls. Conditioned medium from cells secreting GDNF was also found to reduce the number of apoptotic tyrosine-hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells by 50%.
Synthesis and pharmacology of 2-alkyl raloxifene analogs

Abstract A series of 2-alkyl and 2-cycloalkyl raloxifene analogs have been prepared and evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo models of estrogen/antiestrogen activity. In particular, the 2-cyclohexyl analogs show promise as potent selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMs).
Dynamic Optimization in the Design and Scheduling of Multiproduct Batch Plants

Dynamic batch processing provides additional transient operating freedom, that can stretch the limits of profitability under strict market, facility, and time constraints. This paper incorporates dynamic processing conditions for products in a multiproduct batch plant, as opposed to fixing the process by recipes, in the broader context of equipment design, production planning, scheduling, and inventory considerations. The objective is a general function of fixed design costs, operating costs, production revenues, etc. Decisions include stage processing times for products, transient stage operating policies, continuous design parameters, production capacity, and production schedules. The infinite dimensional optimal control problem for each operation is solved using collocation over finite time elements (Cuthrell, J. E.; Biegler, L. T. Comp. Chem. Eng. 1989, 13, 49. Logsdon, J. S.; et al. Trans. Inst. Chem. Eng. 1990, 68A, 434). Scheduling, with its combinatorial complexity, is addressed in the scope of fl...
A games-based approach for teaching the introductory programming course

Introductory programming courses in computer science aim at building an effective foundation for the development of programming skills. A prudent way to develop these skills is by emphasizing problem solving and logical thinking. This paper proposes a games-based approach, as a way of engaging students and developing these skills. Common mistakes of novice programmers in traditional courses are summarized. Word and number games are used to illustrate the potential benefits of a games-based approach, which minimizes such mistakes.
Effect of Concentrated Urea Solutions on the Infectivity and Haemagglutinin of Vaccinia Virus.

DURING preliminary experiments attempting to extract deoxyribonucleic acid from vaccinia virus by various physical and chemical means, we incidentally observed that after exposure to 8 M urea the infectious properties of the virus were rapidly lost in the cold, whereas the haemagglutinin titre was not reduced even after several hours at 37° in the presence of the reagent. These findings seemed sufficiently interesting to prompt the further investigations described in this communication.
PRODUCTION LINE SIMULATION USING STOCHASTIC TIMED PETRI-NET FOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING

Abstract As the complexity of manufacturing systems keeps increasing, the maintenance decision making grows more difficult as well. Therefore, the performance evaluation of different maintenance policies, or maintenance schedules, has to rely on simulations. In this paper, a modularized and flexible simulation package for manufacturing production systems has been developed using Stochastic Timed Petri-Nets (STPNs). By utilizing the basic functional modules, one can quickly build production lines with different configurations and maintenance policies. A maintenance decision support tool has also been developed in this paper, together with the simulation package, to provide maintenance decision support.
Hyperspectral and multispectral above-water radiometric measurements to monitor satellite data quality over coastal area

The Long Island Sound Coastal Observational platform (LISCO) near Northport, New York, has been recently established to support satellite data validation. LISCO has both multispectral and hyperspectral radiometers for ocean color measurements. LISCO offers the potential for improving the calibration and validation activities of current and future Ocean Color satellite missions, as well as for satellite intercomparisons and spectral characterization of coastal waters. The multispectral measurements (SeaPRISM system) are part of the NASA AERONET - Ocean Color Network. In addition, LISCO expand observational capabilities for the continuous monitoring and assessment of the hyperspectral (HyperSAS system) and polarized properties Results of measurements made by both the multi- and hyper-spectral instruments, in operation since October 2009, are presented. Intercomparisons between HyperSAS and SeaPRISM data has been carried out, permitting the quantification of the main sources of uncertainty. The three main OCR satellites, MERIS, MODIS and SeaWiFS, have been evaluated against the LISCO dataset of quality-checked measurements of SeaPRISM and HYPERSAS. A first attempt of validation of the hyperspectral imagery provided by the HICO satellite mission is also presented.
A hierarchical framework for mapping and quantitatively assessing program and learning outcomes

We have developed an outcome-based Hierarchical Quantitative Assessment (HQA) scheme that is comprehensive, open-ended, and recursive. Our web-based tool enables the user to structure sets of outcomes into levels, to define maps relating outcomes in adjacent levels, and to enter measures for the lowest level outcomes. The tool recursively calculates the transitive closure of the corresponding Directed Acyclic Graph, which induces relations among outcomes and weighted quantitative measures across levels. We used HQA to integrate our computing program outcomes and measures with those required for ABET CAC accreditation.
Microbial degradative activity in pesticide pretreated soil

Abstract A pesticide disposal site was identified which had been exposed to various pesticides for several years. The degradative activity of this soil was assessed using several herbicides and a marker compound, 4‐chlorophenol. The phenol was converted to CO2 and other polar products within 157 days in culture. Propanil (3,4‐dichloropropionanilide) was converted to 3,4‐dichloroaniline. Diuron [N'‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐N,N‐dimethylurea] and Trifluralin [2,6‐dinitro‐N,N‐dipropyl‐4‐(trifluoromethyl) benzenamine] were not degraded over the time period studied. In liquid cultures with a soil inoculum, propanil was completely degraded in 155 hours. These studies showed that the soil from the disposal site was active in degrading several different types of chemicals and may serve as a source for the isolation of degraders.
Saphenous Vein Graft Aneurysm

A58-year-old white woman who had undergone 3-vessel coronary artery bypass graft surgery in 1988 presented with a 5-month history of chest pressure at rest. At the time of her coronary artery bypass operation, the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) was used to graft the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Separate saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) were placed to the obtuse marginal branch (OM) of the left circumflex (LCx) and posterior descending (PDA) coronary arteries. A chest roentgenogram revealed a mass in the middle …
943-14 Termination and Suppression of Experimental Atrial Flutter by Quinidine: Effects on Dispersion of Repolarization and Conduction

Recent studies in our canine crush-injury (CI) model of atrial flutter (AFL) suggest that elimination of dispersion of repolarization is an important antiarrhythmic effect of newer class 3 antiarrhythmic drugs. However, the effects of class 1a antiarrhythmic drugs on dispersion of repolarization and its relation to termination and suppression of AFL have not been studied. Therefore, the effects of quinidine 10) were studied in 8 dogs, using a 56-electrode plaque placed over the CI to map activation patterns during AFL and its induction and termination, and to measure effective refractory periods (ERP) at all 56 electrodes and conduction velocity (CV) parallel to the CI, before and after 0 (10 mg/kg over 10 min, then 3 mg/kg/hr). Results Induction of AFL at baseline was due to unidirectional block below the CI. a terminated AFL in only 3 dogs, due to conduction block below the CI, occurring either abruptly or following premature eccentric activation of the reentry circuit. Sustained AFL was reinducible after a in 5 dogs, and nonsustained AFL in 3. Mean overall ERP increased 14% from 112 ± 11 msec at baseline to 128 ± 15 msec after a (p l 0.001). ERP was longer below CI than above (115 ± 10 ms vs 109 ± 10 ms, p l 0.001). and this difference was not eliminated by a (133 ± 14 ms vs 123 ± 14 ms, p l 0.001). Overall dispersion of ERP (9.9 ± 2.3 msec) was unchanged by a (1 0.0 ± 1.3 msec, p = NS). The number of adjacent electrodes with ERP difference ≥20 msec (14.4 ± 10.4) was also not changed by a (12.5 ± 7.9, P = NS). CV was slower below the CI than above at baseline (0.7 ± 0.1 vs 0.9 ± 0.1 mis,p l 0.001), and this difference was unchanged by a (0.6 ± 0.1 vs 0.8 ± 0.1 mis,p l 0.001). although CV was slowed overall(p l 0.01). a prolonged AFL cycle length 57% from 123 ± 12 to 198 ± 37 msec (p l 0.01). Conclusion 1) Baseline dispersion of ERP and CV is important for initiating and sustaining AFL in this model. 2) The class 1a drug quinidine is relatively ineffective in terminating and suppressing AFL in this model, because it prolongs ERP less than AFL cycle length and it does not eliminate dispersion of ERP or CV
Increasing achievement motivation and work productivity in a chronic psychiatric population

Abstract The major goal of this study was to determine if social reinforcement for behavior in a simulated work activity would increase achievement motivation, work interest, and simulated work activity production. Forty-five chronic psychiatric patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: work sample with praise, work sample without praise, and a no-treatment control group. A 3 (between) × 2 (within) analysis of variance was run for each dependent measure, that is, achievement imagery, work interests, and simulated work production. The main effect for the interaction between trials and treatment was significant on each dependent measure. Follow-up Duncan Multiple Range Tests indicated that the praise group showed a significant improvement on each dependent measure, pre to post, as well as significantly greater improvement than the no-treatment control group and/or the work sample without praise group. These results are discussed in terms of the procedure used as a method for increasing motivation and in terms of possible generalization of results to other treatment situations.
Pretransitional behavior at the reentrant nematic-isotropic phase transition in a lyotropic liquid crystal.

Magnetic susceptibility measurements are reported for the ternary system potassium laurate, 1-decanol, and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$O below the reentrant isotropic-nematic phase transition. The susceptibility was found to diverge with increasing temperature and exhibit a mean-field-like exponent. The results are analyzed and discussed in terms of micellar anisometry controlling the supercooling temperature and thus driving the reentrant transition.
Feminism and Theatre

Acknowledgements General Editor's Preface Foreword E.Aston Traditional History: A Feminist Deconstruction Women Pioneers Personal Theatre Radical Feminism and Theatre Materialist Feminism and Theatre Women of Colour and Theatre Towards a New Poetics Notes Bibliography Index
Recombination and Reaction Dynamics Following Photodissociation of CH3OCl in Solution

We observe the dynamics of the products following the photodissociation of methyl hypochlorite (CH3OCl) at 267 nm in solution. An ultraviolet charge-transfer transition reveals the evolution of Cl atoms in carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane, 1,4-dichlorobutane, and chlorocyclohexane, and the data suggest that Cl atoms rapidly form a complex with the solvent. The Cl atom signal decays in 300 ps or less as a result of diffusive geminate recombination and bimolecular reaction. Diffusive geminate recombination consumes roughly 30% to 60% of the fragments that initially escape the solvent cage, while the remaining Cl atoms either react with excess CH3OCl or abstract a hydrogen atom from the solvent. Reaction with CH3OCl plays a significant role in carbon tetrachloride, dichloromethane, and 1,4-dichlorobutane, where the hydrogen abstraction reaction is relatively slow, but the faster decay of Cl atoms in chlorocyclohexane is a result of hydrogen abstraction from the solvent. A weak absorption due to the meth...
Comparative pharmacokinetics of benzodiazepines in dog and man

The pharmacokinetic parameters disposition half-life, metabolic clearance, volume of distribution, intrinsic clearance of unbound drug, and (distributive tissue volume/unbound fraction in tissue) were compared for 12 benzodiazepines in dog and man. With the exception of volume of distribution, statistically significant correlations were obtained when parameters were plotted on a double logarithmic grid. In general, benzodiazepines were metabolized more rapidly and exhibited greater tissue distribution in dog than in man. The variability in parameters was such, however, as to make extrapolations from one species to another subject to considerable error.
Arterial reconstruction for radial artery occlusion.

This study was designed to detail the history and symptoms of symptomatic radial artery vaso-occlusive disease and to evaluate the results of radial artery reconstruction. Thirteen patients with symptomatic vaso-occlusive disease of the radial artery unresponsive to management by nonoperative modalities were managed with arterial reconstruction. All cases were treated with reversed interpositional vein grafting from the radial artery in the forearm (end-to-side) to the deep arch distally (end-to-end). Patients completed preoperative and postoperative assessments of symptoms and function, cold sensitivity (cold intolerance), and digital microvascular perfusion (isolated cold stress test evaluation with laser Doppler fluxmetry). At the follow-up examination all vascular grafts were patent, as determined by Allen's testing and Doppler ultrasound. The patients reported symptoms and functional status that demonstrated significant improvement following reconstruction. Microvascular evaluations demonstrated a significant improvement in digital microvascular perfusion as assessed by laser Doppler fluxmetry and digital temperature recordings with a resultant resolution of ischemic pain, numbness, and ulceration.
fHLH: becoming a blended family

In this issue of Blood, Zhang et al from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital report the occurrence of presumably synergistic single heterozygous mutations in two genes involved in cytotoxic function of lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH),
A QUANTITATIVE METHOD FOR THE DETECTION OF INDIVIDUAL SUBMICROMETER SIZE SULFATE PARTICLES

Abstract A quantitative method for the analysis of individual submicrometer size sulfate particles has been developed. It is based on the reaction of the sulfate ion with barium chloride and can be applied only to soluble sulfates. The method is specific for sulfates. Carbonates, sulfites and nitrates can be distinguished from sulfates. The size of the halo depends on the size of the particle, the thickness of the barium chloride film and the relative humidity at which the reaction takes place. By fixing the values of the last two parameters, a single correlation can be established between the halo and the particle size. The method requires sampling time in the order of minutes for clean air to seconds for very polluted areas. An example of the application of the method to atmospheric aerosol is shown.
Protein kinase A modulates an endogenous calcium channel, but not the calcium-activated chloride channel, in Xenopus oocytes.

Abstract In Xenopus oocytes, Ca 2+ influx through an endogenous voltage-gated Ca 2+ channel activates a transient outward Cl − current ( I CI(Ca )), which is potentiated by cAMP increase. The site of cAMP effect appears to be the Ca 2+ channel instead of the Ca 2+ -activated Cl − channel, because cAMP potentiates the Ba 2+ current through the Ca 2+ channel in a similar way to the I Cl(Ca) , and cAMP does not potentiate the Ca 2+ -dependent CI − current in cells treated with Ca 2+ ionophore. Using the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) and PKA inhibitors, it was shown that PKA is both necessary and sufficient for the cAMP effect on I CI(Ca) . Furthermore, the cAMP/PKA-mediated potentiation of I cI(Ca) was inhibited by both type 1 and type 2A protein phosphatases.
Health care utilization among homeless adolescents and young adults

A probability sample of Californian homeless females was examined for health service utilization, comparing adolescents to older women. Adolescent homeless women reported higher outpatient visit use. Possessing public health insurance increased the odds of outpatient visits. Future research might use the outpatient setting to aid adolescents in exiting homelessness.
Initiation by yeast RNA polymerase II at the adenoviral major late promoter in vitro

Transcription of the yeast CYC1 promoter fused to a sequence lacking guanosine residues provided a rapid, sensitive assay of initiation by RNA polymerase II in yeast extracts. Initiation was enhanced by yeast and mammalian activator proteins. The adenoviral major late promoter fused to the G-minus sequence was transcribed in yeast extracts with an efficiency comparable to that observed in HeLa extracts, showing that promoters as well as transcription factors are functionally interchangeable across species. Initiation occurred at different sites, approximately 30 and 63 to 69 base pairs downstream of the TATA element of the adenoviral promoter in HeLa and yeast extracts, respectively, distances characteristic of initiation in the two systems in vivo. A component of the transcription system and not the promoter sequence determines the distance to the initiation site.
Implications of Changes in Labor Standards: A Computational Analysis for Mexico

In this paper, we study the economics of one form of inadequate labor standards in Mexico. In particular, it is often alleged that Mexican workers are misinformed about the inherent danger of the jobs they perform and, accordingly, are not fully compensated for accepting these hazards. We provide a simple theoretical model of the implications of this informational problem for real wages, employment, and safety levels. Given the ambiguity that results in some of these predictions, we simulate the effects of tighter enforcement of safety standards in a computable general-equilibrium model of the Mexican economy. Our results indicate that such enforcement has a noticeably positive impact on the economic welfare of workers. It is also possible for capital owners to gain welfare in a Pareto improvement, due to induced increases in demand for capital for risk abatement purposes. Welfare gains for workers are strengthened if we allow for capital imports. Finally, enforcing the labor standard tends to move workers into the safer sectors, while output and exports expand in those sectors as well.
Fbxw7α- and GSK3-mediated degradation of p100 is a pro-survival mechanism in multiple myeloma

Fbxw7α is a member of the F-box family of proteins, which function as the substrate-targeting subunits of SCF (Skp1/Cul1/F-box protein) ubiquitin ligase complexes. Using differential purifications and mass spectrometry, we identified p100, an inhibitor of NF-κB signalling, as an interactor of Fbxw7α. p100 is constitutively targeted in the nucleus for proteasomal degradation by Fbxw7α, which recognizes a conserved motif phosphorylated by GSK3. Efficient activation of non-canonical NF-κB signalling is dependent on the elimination of nuclear p100 through either degradation by Fbxw7α or exclusion by a newly identified nuclear export signal in the carboxy terminus of p100. Expression of a stable p100 mutant, expression of a constitutively nuclear p100 mutant, Fbxw7α silencing or inhibition of GSK3 in multiple myeloma cells with constitutive non-canonical NF-κB activity results in apoptosis both in cell systems and xenotransplant models. Thus, in multiple myeloma, Fbxw7α and GSK3 function as pro-survival factors through the control of p100 degradation.
Sequence-specific and conformation-dependent binding of yeast telomerase RNA to single-stranded telomeric DNA

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein reverse trans-criptase responsible for the maintenance of one strand of telomere terminal repeats. The mechanisms whereby telomerase recognizes chromosomal ends are not fully characterized. Earlier studies showed that the yeast telomerase RNP could bind the dG-rich strand of yeast telomeres with high affinity and sequence specificity. Further analysis of telomerase-telomere complex formation in vitro as described in this report led to the following conclusions. First, telomerase binding to short DNAs is magnesium-dependent, while binding to long DNAs is magnesium-independent, consistent with the existence of more than one interaction site. Second, binding is likely to be mediated largely through the RNA subunit of telomerase (TLC1), because de-proteinated TLC1 RNA also binds telomeres with high affinity and sequence specificity, and exhibits the same length and divalent cation dependence as telomerase RNP. The crucial role of RNA in binding is further supported by the ability of TLC1 transcripts synthesized in vitro to form stable complexes with telomeric DNA. Finally, results from deletion analysis and RNase H-mediated cleavage suggest that a specific conformation(s) of the RNA is required for stable binding, and that non-template regions of the TLC1 RNA may contribute directly or indirectly to the stability of the RNA-DNA complex.
Soft science: living cells, soft glasses and mechanics of the cytoskeleton

We report a scaling law that governs both the elastic and frictional properties of a wide variety of living cell types, over a wide range of time scales and under a variety of biological interventions. This scaling identifies these cells as soft glassy materials existing close to a glass transition, and implies that cytoskeletal proteins may regulate cell mechanical properties mainly by modulating the effective noise temperature of the matrix. The practical implications are that the effective noise temperature is an easily quantified measure of the ability of the cytoskeleton to deform, flow and reorganize.
The AneuRx stent-graft since FDA approval: single-center experience of 230 cases.

PURPOSE To compare a single-center experience with the AneuRx stent-graft system before and after FDA approval to results from the multicenter phase II clinical trial. METHODS The medical records of 230 consecutive patients (218 men; mean age 74 years) undergoing AneuRx stent-graft implantation for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) exclusion since September 1999 were reviewed to collect patient characteristics, aneurysm morphology, procedure variables, perioperative morbidity, mortality, and short-term outcome. These data were compared to the 30 patients treated at our institution during the AneuRx phase II clinical trial and to the overall multicenter trial data. Stent-graft difficulty was categorized from 1 (straight neck and access of appropriate size) to 4 (proximal neck 60 degrees and/or difficult access) based on aneurysm morphology. RESULTS Data from the 30 patients enrolled in the phase II trial at our institution were comparable in terms of patient characteristics and procedure variables to patients treated after FDA approval and to the multicenter data. However, the proportion of cases involving aneurysms with a more complex morphology (levels 3 and 4) rose 22% after FDA approval, reflecting a change in referral patterns. Our postoperative endoleak and morbidity rates increased nonsignificantly with respect to our own phase II experience (17% versus 6%, 18% versus 11%, respectively); however, they were not significantly different from the multicenter data. Reintervention was performed in 15 of 38 endoleak cases, mostly type I. Only 5 (2.1%) cases had a persistent endoleak at the time of discharge. CONCLUSIONS Since FDA approval of the AneuRx device, our endovascular practice has changed toward the management of increasingly more complex AAAs. Although we are attempting more challenging cases, we are able to maintain similarly high short-term success rates while offering stent-grafting to an increasing number of patients. These results suggest that more patients may be candidates for endoluminal graft placement than determined by the clinical trial selection criteria, provided that strict surveillance and long-term follow-up is maintained.
Initiating Reform in Total Communication Programs

Although total communication is a major communication approach used in the education of deaf students, the field has not undertaken to critically examine the role or the impact of using signs. Furthermore, teachers have received little preparation in the use of various types of signing and, for the most part, are able to dictate how they sign in their classrooms. As a result, there is much inconsistency in the signing behavior of teachers. In this paper, it is suggested that new policies that stress the explicit roles of sign communication and language are needed for total communication programs. Initially, a brief overview of selected research is given.
Inter-core prefetching for multicore processors using migrating helper threads

Multicore processors have become ubiquitous in today's systems, but exploiting the parallelism they offer remains difficult, especially for legacy application and applications with large serial components. The challenge, then, is to develop techniques that allow multiple cores to work in concert to accelerate a single thread. This paper describes inter-core prefetching, a technique to exploit multiple cores to accelerate a single thread. Inter-core prefetching extends existing work on helper threads for SMT machines to multicore machines.Inter-core prefetching uses one compute thread and one or more prefetching threads. The prefetching threads execute on cores that would otherwise be idle, prefetching the data that the compute thread will need. The compute thread then migrates between cores, following the path of the prefetch threads, and finds the data already waiting for it. Inter-core prefetching works with existing hardware and existing instruction set architectures. Using a range of state-of-the-art multiprocessors, this paper characterizes the potential benefits of the technique with microbenchmarks and then measures its impact on a range of memory intensive applications. The results show that inter-core prefetching improves performance by an average of 31 to 63%, depending on the architecture, and speeds up some applications by as much as 2.8×. It also demonstrates that inter-core prefetching reduces energy consumption by between 11 and 26% on average.
The fat facets gene is required for Drosophila eye and embryo development

In a screen for mutations affecting Drosophila eye development, we have identified a gene called fat facets (faf) which is required for cell interactions that prevent particular cells in the developing eye from becoming photoreceptors. Analysis of eyes mosaic for faf+ and faf- cells shows that faf is required in cells near to, but outside, normal developing photoreceptors and also outside of the ectopic photoreceptors in mutant facets. faf is also essential during oogenesis, and we show that a faf-lacZ hybrid protein is localized via the first 392 amino acids of faf to the posterior pole of oocytes. Posterior localization of faf-lacZ depends on oskar. oskar encodes a key organizer of the pole plasm, a specialized cytoplasm at the posterior pole of embryos. The pole plasm is required for germ cell formation and contains the determinant of posterior polarity, encoded by nanos. Although other pole plasm components are required for localization of nanos RNA or for nanos protein function, faf is not. We have cloned the faf gene, and have shown that it encodes two similar large (approximately 300 × 10(3) M(r)) proteins that are unique with respect to other known proteins.
Multivariate probability density deconvolution for stationary random processes

The kernel-type estimation of the joint probability density functions of stationary random processes from noisy observations is considered. Precise asymptotic expressions and bounds on the mean-square estimation error are established, along with rates of mean-square convergence, for processes satisfying a variety of mixing conditions. The dependence of the convergence rates on the joint density of the noise process is studied. >
Using a Hybrid Method for Formalizing Informal Stakeholder Requirements Inputs

Success of software development depends on the quality of the requirements specification. Moreover, good - sufficiently complete, consistent, traceable, and testable - requirements are a prerequisite for later activities of the development project. Without understanding what the stakeholders really want and need, and writing these requirements, projects will not develop what the stakeholders wanted. During the development of the WinWin negotiation model and the EasyWinWin requirements negotiation method, we have gained considerable experience in capturing informal requirements in over 100 projects. However, the transition from informal representations to semi-formal and formal representations is still a challenging problem. Based on our analysis of the projects to date, we have developed an integrated set of gap-bridging methods as a hybrid method to formalize informal stakeholder requirements inputs. The basic idea is that orchestrating these gap-bridging methods through the requirements engineering process can significantly eliminate requirements related problems and ease the process of formality transition.
Optimizing equijoin queries in distributed databases where relations are hash partitioned

Consider the class of distributed database systems consisting of a set of nodes connected by a high bandwidth network. Each node consists of a processor, a random access memory, and a slower but much larger memory such as a disk. There is no shared memory among the nodes. The data are horizontally partitioned often using a hash function. Such a description characterizes many parallel or distributed database systems that have recently been proposed, both commercial and academic. We study the optimization problem that arises when the query processor must repartition the relations and intermediate results participating in a multijoin query. Using estimates of the sizes of intermediate relations, we show (1) optimum solutions for closed chain queries; (2) the NP-completeness of the optimization problem for star, tree, and general graph queries; and (3) effective heuristics for these hard cases.Our general approach and many of our results extend to other attribute partitioning schemes, for example, sort-partitioning on attributes, and to partitioned object databases.
Wavelength decorrelation of laser speckle from three-dimensional diffuse objects

Abstract The wavelength dependence of laser speckle produced by scattering from 3-D diffuse objects is considered. A simple Fourier transform relationship between the cross-spectral correlation function and an object's range profile is derived.
Damage and rock-volatile mixture effects on impact crater formation

We explored simple geologic strength and material response models to determine which have the capability to simulate impact-induced faulting, complicated ejecta patterns and complex crater shapes. This led us to develop models for material damage, dilatancy, and inhomogeneous materials (mixtures). We found that a strength degradation (damage) model was necessary to produce faulting in homogeneous materials. Both normal and thrust ring faults may occur and extend relatively deeply into the planet during the transient cavity radial expansion. The maximum depth of fault development is about the depth of maximum penetration by the projectile. Dilatancy in geologic materials may reduce the final bulk density compared to the pristine state because of irreversible fracturing. When we include the effects of dilatancy, the radial position of faulting is displaced because of greater upward motions. In addition, the late time crater profile is shallower and the expression of features such as central peaks and rings may be more pronounced. Both damage and rock-ice mixtures effect the distribution of ejecta. The excavation flow field within the heavily damaged region is similar to flow fields in Mohr-Coulomb materials with no zero-pressure strength. In the outer, less damaged zone within the excavation cavity, the material trajectories collapse back into the crater. This effect creates a zone of reduced ejecta emplacement near the edge of the final crater. In the case of rock-ice mixtures, energy is preferentially deposited in the more compressible volatile component and the ejecta pattern is dependent upon the location of shock-induced phase changes in the volatile material.
Molecular Determinants for Small Maf Protein Control of Platelet Production

MafG and p45 possess basic region-leucine zipper (bZip) domains and form a heterodimer called NF-E2, a key regulator of megakaryopoiesis. NF-E2 binds to the Maf recognition element (MARE) and activates transcription of many platelet genes. Since the bZip domain, which mediates DNA binding and heterodimerization, is the only functional domain established for MafG, it has been assumed that MafG is required only for p45 binding to MARE and to facilitate p45-mediated transcriptional activation. Analysis of the C-terminal region of MafG, which is distinct from the bZip domain, revealed that this region contains a nuclear matrix-targeting signal. We used a transgenic complementation rescue assay to delineate the function of the MafG C terminus in vivo. Transgenic mice expressing a mutant MafG protein lacking the C terminus (MafGΔC) were crossed into a MafG-null background. The compound mutant mice displayed severe thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly, which phenocopied p45-null mice. The MafG C terminus is essential for proplatelet formation and platelet gene activation but not for p45 binding to MARE. These results demonstrate that the MafG C terminus is required for NF-E2 function and suggest that efficient targeting of NF-E2 to a specific nuclear scaffold is important to achieve high-level activity.
Model and Code Development in Support of the Portfolio for Multiphase Flow Technology

Modeling and simulation of weapon systems and munitions is a key enabler for exploring warfighting capability needs and system operational opportunities, and translating emergent technologies to robust, validated solutions that fill needed design spaces rather than provide point designs of limited relevance and durability. The intent is to increase the breadth and depth of system engineering and to explore and validate design spaces that are either untestable, too difficult to test, or too expensive, and time-consuming to test. The desired end state of this portfolio is an integrated toolkit capability encompassing the investments, discoveries, and inventions pertaining to future systems. The high performance computing modernization program multiphase flow target response (MFT) portfolio sharply advances the state-of-the-art in precision and completeness of how we develop weapon systems and munitions. The goal of the MFT response portfolio is to develop an integrated, coupled computational toolset for solving complex weapon systems problems where multiphase flow and realistic detonation chemistry are important. The MFT portfolio focuses on solving a class of complex system problems for non-traditional, advanced munitions, specifically multiphase blast explosives, and the subsequent target response. Increased performance of multiphase blast weapons over conventional weapons is attributed to the presence of solid particulates, either non-reactive or reactive, enhancing the blast wave and impulse. The result of this portfolio is an enhanced capability to develop advanced munitions faster and at less cost by optimizing system designs computationally, which may be validated experimentally
Detecting mode hopping in semiconductor lasers by monitoring intensity noise

Mode-hopping semiconductor lasers exhibit intensity fluctuations which are correlated to the level of mode-hopping activity. It is shown that these fluctuations occur at a level that is easily measured and that mode hopping can be detected with a p-i-n photodiode and an AC voltmeter having microvolt sensitivity. A plot of intensity fluctuations versus laser case temperature and injection current displays periodicities in the conditions under which mode hopping occurs. These regularities are explained in terms of the peak gain wavelength passing the longitudinal mode wavelength as temperature changes. The occurrence of mode hopping is determined by junction temperature (which determines the relationship of the gain peak with longitudinal mode structure) and injection current (which determines mode-hopping frequency). The junction temperature is itself a function of case temperature and injection current. The stability map shows that precise control of the operating parameters is not sufficient to avoid mode hopping. It is necessary to have these parameters set properly. >
Making Markets: Think Tank Legislation and Private Property in Detroit

The growing literature on shrinking and declining cities portrays the problems of vacancy and abandonment as symptoms of the absence of capital, while the policy transfer literature views declining cities as unlikely sites for the incubation of neoliberal urban policy. This study examines how declining cities have become key sites for tailored market intervention, focusing on the collapse of Detroit's land market. Long-term decline has been exacerbated by legislative changes orchestrated by think tanks seeking to reinvigorate the market for private property while using homeownership for neighborhood stabilization. Analysis of legislative proceedings, tax foreclosure auction data, and interviews with developers, officials, and activists document the trajectory of these policies of market fundamentalism and indicate that the primary “stabilization” has involved a revitalization of the conditions for predatory capital accumulation in a declining city.
Tricking CARTO: Cryoablation of Supraventricular Tachycardia in Children with Minimal Radiation Exposure Using the CARTO3 System.

Background CARTO3 is frequently used during ablation but is not designed to allow visualization of non-CARTO3 ablation catheters. We describe how cryoablation catheters can be visualized and recorded using CARTO3 with minimal fluoroscopy (FLUORO) usage. Methods Retrospective review of patients ≤21 years undergoing cryoablation with CARTO3 from 2010 to 2013 for ablation of supraventricular tachycardia. After mapping with a Navistar catheter, the Navistar was removed and a cryocatheter was utilized. The cryocatheter was connected to the pin box via a jumper cable and the pin box was connected to the CARTO3 patient interface unit. Locations of ablation attempts with the cryocatheter were recorded with the “Create Snapshot” tool. Clinical characteristics and radiation doses were compared between patients undergoing cryoablation (cryoenergy [CRYO]) to an age- and diagnosis-matched control group (CONTROL) undergoing RF ablation. Results A total of 174 ablations were performed and 14 patients underwent cryoablation (CRYO, 13.3 ± 4.7 years, weight 42 ± 14 kg). Indications for cryoablation were: five atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (36%), four ectopic atrial tachycardia (29%), three concealed accessory pathways (21%), and two Wolff-Parkinson-White syndromes (14%). Acute success was achieved in all patients (100%) with no complications and one recurrence (7%). The site of successful cryoablation was successfully recorded on the CARTO3 system in all cases. Radiation doses were low and not different from an age-, era-, and diagnosis-matched control group undergoing RF ablation (CRYO 3.2 ± 0.8 mGy vs CONTROL 1.6 ± 0.4 mGy, P = 0.07). Conclusions Though a “closed” system, CARTO3 can be “tricked” to allow for the use of cryoablation, allowing clear catheter visualization, mapping, and recording of ablation lesions with minimal FLUORO usage.
Observation of a Curve Crossing Mechanism in the Field Ionization of Inner-Shell Excited Single ${\rm Xe}^{33+}{(2\bar{\rm p})}$ and Double ${\rm Xe}^{34+}{(2\bar{\rm s}2\bar{\rm p})}$ Vacancy States

Anomalous intensity dependent quenching of the Xe(L) hollow atom emission from the single Xe33+(2p) and double Xe34+(2s2p) vacancy 3d→2p transition arrays indicates the presence of a state-selective curve crossing mechanism for the field ionization of the excited 3d4 configuration by intense (2-3 × 1020 × W/cm2) 248-nm radiation.