cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiplicative Position-aware Transformer Models for Language Understanding

Transformer models, which leverage architectural improvements like self-attention, perform remarkably well on Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks. The self-attention mechanism is position agnostic. In order to capture positional ordering information, various flavors of absolute and relative position embeddings have been proposed. However, there is no systematic analysis on their contributions and a comprehensive comparison of these methods is missing in the literature. In this paper, we review major existing position embedding methods and compare their accuracy on downstream NLP tasks, using our own implementations. We also propose a novel multiplicative embedding method which leads to superior accuracy when compared to existing methods. Finally, we show that our proposed embedding method, served as a drop-in replacement of the default absolute position embedding, can improve the RoBERTa-base and RoBERTa-large models on SQuAD1.1 and SQuAD2.0 datasets.
Advanced electrodes for electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices fabricated by reactive spray deposition technology

Abstract While different electrochemical devices require electrodes with different microstructures, thicknesses, and catalyst compositions, the reactive spray deposition technology (RSDT) process has been able to demonstrate flexibility to provide what is needed for each application. From developing porous electrodes with platinum group metal catalysts for fuel cell and electrolysis applications, to the fabrication of dense ceramic thin films for solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes, to the fabrication of novel electrodes for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the RSDT can be modified to fabricate these layers in a one-step process. Using a combustion flame, the heat generated from the flame is used to provide the energy for sintering ceramic particles into a dense layer and it can be used to decompose a precursor solution into a catalyst particle that contains the desired stoichiometry. The RSDT process has been shown to be an effective method for the development of electrode thin films.
Soybeans as Functional Foods and Ingredients

Providing authoritative information, Soybeans as Functional Foods and Ingredients covers soybean chemistry, health benefits, research, and product development. Readers can find answers to key questions such as: What are the nutrients and phytochemicals in soybeans? How can soybeans be utilized as food and as food ingredients so that general populations can reap the health benefits of soy? How can processing and breeding technology help expand soybean food and utilization? The editor's ability to integrate soy food processing and soy ingredient application into the discussion of the various health benefits of soy products sets this book a part from the competition.
CLF-based tracking control for UAV kinematic models with saturation constraints

This paper considers the trajectory tracking problem for unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). We assume that the UAV is equipped with an autopilot which reduces the twelve degree-of-freedom (DOF) model to a six DOF model with altitude, heading, and velocity command inputs. In this paper we restrict our attention to planar motion. One of the novel features of our approach is that we explicitly account for heading and velocity input constraints. For a fixed wing UAV, the velocity is constrained to lie between two positive constants, and therefore presents particular challenges for the control design. We propose a control Lyapunov function (CLF) approach. We first introduce a CLF for the input constrained case, and then construct the set of all constrained inputs that render the CLF negative. The control input is then selected from this "feasible" set. The proposed approach is then applied to a simulation scenario, where a UAV is assigned to transition through several targets in the presence of multiple dynamic threats.
Lipid-Induced Anabolic Resistance in Skeletal Muscle is Associated with Inflammation in Aging, but Not Obesity

The loss of skeletal muscle mass is observed in many pathophysiological conditions including, aging and obesity. Chronic inflammation is observed with aging and obesity may play a critical role in ...
Sequence specificity of tRNA-modifying enzymes: An analysis of 258 tRNA sequences

Abstract The specificity and recognition of tRNA-modifying enzymes may be accounted for in part by nucleotide sequences which are localized next to the modifiable nucleoside. In order to determine the sequence specificity of tRNA-modifying enzymes, we have surveyed 55 published tRNA sequences from Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and T4 phage. For each modified nucleoside, the nucleotide sequence surrounding the modification site was determined for all tRNAs known to contain the modified nucleoside. Subsequently all tRNAs not containing the modified nucleoside were examined for the absence of the putative recognition site. We present the detailed analysis of 12 modified nucleosides for which we found a strong correlation between the modified nucleoside and the local nucleotide sequence. This suggests that these sequences may be recognition sites for tRNA-modifying enzymes. For each of the 12 modified nucleosides we have indentified a recognition sequence present in the tRNA set containing the modification and not in the set without it. All 203 other published tRNA sequences were then examined to see if the sequence specificity rules apply to other organisms, including both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In several cases a good adherence was found, indicating conservation of the putative recognition sequences.
Bioinspired Nanomaterials for Tissue Engineering

Bioinspired nanomaterials play a crucial role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. For example, nanofibrous scaffolds provide a three-dimensional (3-D) template to guide new tissue formation and organization. The scaffold materials are intended to provide the characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM), both structurally and functionally, for tissue regeneration. It is beneficial for the scaffolds to mimic certain material characteristics of the natural ECM that cause cells to accelerate natural developmental and wound-healing processes. In this chapter, the three fabrication techniques for nanofibrous scaffolds (electrospinning, self-assembly, and phase separation), and their applications to tissue engineering, are briefly reviewed. Details are also included of many modification technologies for nanofibrous, nanocomposite, and nanostructured scaffolds. The characteristics of ECM-mimicking nanostructured biomaterials, which actively regulate many biological effects and cellular responses such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, which also be discussed. Examples of enhanced cellular functions, tissue functions, and regenerative outcomes are provided throughout the chapter, demonstrating the significance of biomimetic nanomaterials for tissue engineering and regeneration. Keywords: biomaterial; tissue engineering; biomimetic; drug release; nanofiber; nanoparticle
A Hybrid Parallel Preconditioner Using Incomplete Cholesky Factorization and Sparse Approximate Inversion

We have recently developed a preconditioning scheme that can be viewed as a hybrid of incomplete factorization and sparse approximate inversion methods. This hybrid scheme attempts to deliver the strengths of both types of preconditioning schemes to accelerate the convergence of Conjugate Gradients (CG) on multiprocessors. We provide an overview of our algorithm and report on initial results for some large sparse linear systems.
Gain-of-function mutations in TnsC, an ATP-dependent transposition protein that activates the bacterial transposon Tn7

The bacterial transposon Tn7 encodes five genes whose protein products are used in different combinations to direct transposition to different types of target sites. TnsABC + D directs transposition to a specific site in the Escherichia coli chromosome called attTn7, whereas TnsABC + E directs transposition to non-attTn7 sites. These transposition reactions can also recognize and avoid "immune" targets that already contain a copy of Tn7. TnsD and TnsE are required to activate TnsABC as well as to select a target site; no transposition occurs with wild-type TnsABC alone. Here, we describe the isolation of TnsC gain-of-function mutants that activate the TnsA+B transposase in the absence of TnsD or TnsE. Some of these TnsC mutants enable the TnsABC machinery to execute transposition without sacrificing its ability to discriminate between different types of targets. Other TnsC mutants appear to constitutively activate the TnsABC machinery so that it bypasses target signals. We also present experiments that suggest that target selection occurs early in the Tn7 transposition pathway in vivo: favorable attTn7 targets appear to promote the excision of Tn7 from the chromosome, whereas immune targets do not allow transposon excision to occur. This work supports the view that TnsC plays a central role in the evaluation and utilization of target DNAs.
Residential Treatment Compared With Outpatient Treatment for Tobacco Use and Dependence

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of outpatient vs residential treatment for tobacco dependence in a large referral practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed data from 2 cohorts of cigarette smokers who received either comprehensive outpatient or intensive 8-day residential treatment for tobacco dependence between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2007. Self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence from smoking at 6 months was obtained via telephone interview. Logistic regression was used to assess the likelihood of increased abstinence with residential treatment. RESULTS Overall, 4327 cigarette smokers received comprehensive outpatient treatment for tobacco dependence, and 226 smokers received treatment in an intensive 8-day residential program. Compared with outpatients, residential patients smoked more cigarettes per day (mean ± SD, 31.1±14.4 vs 21.2±11.2), had more severe nicotine dependence (Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence score, 6.9±2.0 vs 5.1±2.3), and were more likely to have been treated for alcoholism (58/222 [26%] vs 649/4327 [15%]) or depression (124/222 [56%] vs 1817/4327 [42%]; P CONCLUSION Compared with smokers who received outpatient treatment, those who received residential treatment had more severe tobacco dependence. Residential treatment for tobacco dependence was associated with a significantly greater odds of 6-month smoking abstinence compared with outpatient treatment among smokers in a referral clinic setting.
Rehabilitation following Microfracture of the Knee

Postoperative rehabilitation programs following articular cartilage repair procedures will vary greatly among patients and need to be individualized based on the nature of the lesion, the unique characteristics of the patient, and the type and detail of each surgical procedure. These programs are based on knowledge of the basic science, anatomy, and biomechanics of articular cartilage as well as the biological course of healing following surgery. The goal is to restore full function in each patient as quickly as possible by facilitating a healing response without overloading the healing articular cartilage. The purpose of this article is to overview the principles of rehabilitation following microfracture procedures of the knee.
The first phenalenyl-based neutral radical molecular conductor

We report the preparation, crystallization, and solid-state characterization of a spiro-biphenalenyl radical. The crystal structure shows that the radical is monomeric in the solid state and withou...
Antithrombotic effects of combining activated protein C and urokinase in nonhuman primates.

BACKGROUND We have determined in vivo the relative antithrombotic efficacy and hemostatic safety of combining low-dose activated protein C (APC) and urokinase (urinary plasminogen activator, u-PA), two natural proteins that regulate thrombogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS To model acute thrombotic responses of native blood under conditions of arterial flow, thrombogenic segments of Dacron vascular graft (VG) were incorporated into chronic exteriorized femoral arteriovenous (AV) access shunts in baboons. Thrombus formation on VG was determined by measuring 1) the deposition of autologous 111In platelets using real-time scintillation camera imaging, 2) the accumulation of 125I fibrin, 3) segment patency by Doppler flow analysis, and 4) blood tests for thrombosis, including plasma concentrations of platelet factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin, fibrinopeptide A (FPA), and D-dimer. Treatments consisting of low-dose and intermediate-dose APC (0.07 or 0.25 mg/kg.hr), u-PA (25,000 or 50,000 IU/kg.hr), or the combination were administered for 1 hour by continuous intravenous infusion. In untreated controls, platelets and fibrin accumulated rapidly, reaching plateau values at 1 hour of 15.1 +/- 3.8 x 10(9) platelets and 7.8 +/- 2.2 mg fibrin. Although the low-dose APC or u-PA alone did not decrease either platelet or fibrin deposition significantly, this combination moderately reduced both platelet and fibrin accumulation (7.3 +/- 2.6 x 10(9) platelets, p less than 0.05; 3.9 +/- 0.6 mg fibrin, p less than 0.05). Furthermore, intermediate-dose APC or u-PA reduced thrombus formation by half when administered alone (p less than 0.001 for both platelet and fibrin deposition), and the combination markedly interrupted the accumulation of platelets (3.0 +/- 1.0 x 10(9) platelets, p less than 0.001) and fibrin (1.3 +/- 0.6 mg fibrin, p less than 0.001). During active treatments, all VG segments remained patent. Hemostatic plug forming capability, as measured by template bleeding times, remained normal during all experiments (p greater than 0.05). The T50 clearance time for APC activity was not affected by the concurrent administration of u-PA. u-PA alone increased the plasma levels of D-dimer, FPA, and, interestingly, APC, implying that during pharmacological activation of the fibrinolytic system, thrombin activity was released, and the protein C pathway was activated. CONCLUSIONS A combination of intermediate-dose APC and u-PA produce substantial and efficient antithrombotic effects without impairing hemostatic function.
Comment on Cameron's censored logistic regression model for referendum data

Abstract T. A. Cameron (A new paradigm for valuing non-market goods using referendum data: Maximum likelihood estimation by censored logistic regression, J. Environ. Econom. Management 15, 355–379 (1988)) presents what she terms a new paradigm for interpreting referendum data derived from contingent valuation surveys for nonmarket resources. We show that since her model is a reparameterization of the usual logistic regression model, asymptotic standard errors can be derived for the maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters in either model from the other. We also argue that computational convenience in deriving demand relationships or elasticities depends more on the choice of welfare measure than on the choice of a parameterization.
Phenotypic differences between esophageal and gastric intestinal metaplasia

Intestinal metaplasia is a cancer precursor in the esophagus and the stomach. Marked differences exist between the carcinogenic processes in the two locations in terms of natural history and clinical significance. We investigated biopsies from 52 patients with Barrett's esophagus and from 50 patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia in an attempt to throw light on their pathogenic processes. Morphologic characteristics, presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and markers of differentiation, inflammation, and proliferation were evaluated by histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. The area covered by incomplete type of intestinal metaplasia and the proportion of sulfomucins were significantly higher in the esophagus than in the stomach. Immunoreactivity with MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, Das-1, cytokeratins 7 and 20, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 antibodies was also significantly greater in Barrett's esophagus than in gastric intestinal metaplasia. In gastric intestinal metaplasia, the presence of MUC1, MUC5AC, Das-1 and cytokeratin 7 was restricted to areas with the incomplete type of metaplasia. Cell proliferation (Ki-67) was significantly higher in Barrett's esophagus than in gastric intestinal metaplasia. H. pylori was absent in all of the patients with Barrett's esophagus, while it was present in 70% of the patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia. Our observations made clear that Barrett's esophagus shares some phenotypic characteristics with gastric intestinal metaplasia, leading us to suggest that both could arise in response to injuries with eventual carcinogenic potential. However, the progression to more advanced lesions could be modulated by the nature of the carcinogenic insult.
High Spatial Resolution Imaging Mass Spectrometry of Human Optic Nerve Lipids and Proteins

The human optic nerve carries signals from the retina to the visual cortex of the brain. Each optic nerve is comprised of approximately one million nerve fibers that are organized into bundles of 800–1200 fibers surrounded by connective tissue and supportive glial cells. Damage to the optic nerve contributes to a number of blinding diseases including: glaucoma, neuromyelitis optica, optic neuritis, and neurofibromatosis; however, the molecular mechanisms of optic nerve damage and death are incompletely understood. Herein we present high spatial resolution MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) analysis of lipids and proteins to define the molecular anatomy of the human optic nerve. The localization of a number of lipids was observed in discrete anatomical regions corresponding to myelinated and unmyelinated nerve regions as well as to supporting connective tissue, glial cells, and blood vessels. A protein fragment from vimentin, a known intermediate filament marker for astrocytes, was observed surrounding nerved fiber bundles in the lamina cribrosa region. S100B was also found in supporting glial cell regions in the prelaminar region, and the hemoglobin alpha subunit was observed in blood vessel areas. The molecular anatomy of the optic nerve defined by MALDI IMS provides a firm foundation to study biochemical changes in blinding human diseases.
A Biphasic Model for Micro-Indentation of a Hydrogel-Based Contact Lens

The stiffness and hydraulic permeability of soft contact lenses may influence its clinical performance, e.g., on-eye movement, fitting, and wettability, and may be related to the occurrence of complications; e.g., lesions. It is therefore important to determine these properties in the design of comfortable contact lenses. Micro-indentation provides a nondestructive means of measuring mechanical properties of soft, hydrated contact lenses. However, certain geometrical and material considerations must be taken into account when analyzing output force-displacement (F-D) data. Rather than solely having a solid response, mechanical behavior of hydrogel contact lenses can be described as the coupled interaction between fluid transport through pores and solid matrix deformation. In addition, indentation of thin membranes ( approximately 100 microm) requires special consideration of boundary conditions at lens surfaces and at the indenter contact region. In this study, a biphasic finite element model was developed to simulate the micro-indentation of a hydrogel contact lens. The model accounts for a curved, thin hydrogel membrane supported on an impermeable mold. A time-varying boundary condition was implemented to model the contact interface between the impermeable spherical indenter and the lens. Parametric studies varying the indentation velocities and hydraulic permeability show F-D curves have a sensitive region outside of which the force response reaches asymptotic limits governed by either the solid matrix (slow indentation velocity, large permeability) or the fluid transport (high indentation velocity, low permeability). Using these results, biphasic properties (Young's modulus and hydraulic permeability) were estimated by fitting model results to F-D curves obtained at multiple indentation velocities (1.2 and 20 microm/s). Fitting to micro-indentation tests of Etafilcon A resulted in an estimated permeability range of 1.0 x 10(-15) to 5.0 x 10(-15) m(4)N s and Young's modulus range of 130 to 170 kPa.
Density-functional calculations of the surface tension of liquid Al and Na

Calculations of the surface tensions of liquid Al and Na are described using the full ionic density functional formalism of Wood and Stroud (1983). Surface tensions are in good agreement with experiment in both cases, with results substantially better for Al than those found previously in the gradient approximation. Preliminary minimization with respect to surface profile leads to an oscillatory profile superimposed on a nearly steplike ionic density disribution; the oscillations have a wavellength of about a hardsphere diameter.
Comparison of cytoplasmic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from rat liver and muscle.

Cytoplasmic NAD-linked l -glycerol-3-P dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.8) appears as a single major zone of enzymic activity when homogenates from skeletal muscle of rats weighing 120–200 g (10–14 weeks) are examined by polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing. Muscle homogenates from rats weighing 250–350 g (16–24 weeks) generally showed two major zones of glycerol-3-P dehydrogenase activity on electrofocused gels. Homogenates from the younger, smaller rats which initially had only one major form of the enzyme were able to generate the second and more acidic form of the enzyme on standing for several days at 4°. Rat liver and muscle glycerol-3-P dehydrogenases did not resolve from one another when mixed homogenates were analyzed by gel electrofocusing and by disc electrophoresis. Apparently homogeneous liver and muscle enzyme preparations also failed to resolve from one another on cellulose acetate electrophoresis, although both could be resolved from the rabbit muscle enzyme. The amino acid compositions of rat liver and muscle glycerol-3-P dehydrogenases are very similar but appear to differ in their contents of glutamic acid-glutamine and of methionine. Evaluation of the significance of these differences requires confirmatory analysis of the rat muscle enzyme.
Molecular phylogeny of Archaea from soil

Cultivation methods have contributed to our present knowledge about the presence and diversity of microbes in naturally occurring communities. However, it is well established that only a small fraction of prokaryotes have been cultivated by standard methods and, therefore, the prokaryotes that are cultivated may not reflect the composition and diversity within those communities. Of the two prokaryotic phylogenetic domains, Bacteria and Archaea, members of the former have been shown to be ubiquitous in nature, with ample evidence of vast assemblages of uncultured organisms. There is also now increasingly compelling evidence that the Archaea, which were once thought to occupy a limited number of environments, are also globally widespread. Here we report the use of molecular phylogenetic techniques, which are independent of microbial cultivation, to conduct an assessment of Archaea in a soil microbial community. Small subunit ribosomal RNA genes of Archaea were amplified from soil and cloned. Phylogenetic and nucleotide signature analyses of these cloned small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences revealed a cluster of Archaea from a soil microbial community that diverge deeply from the crenarchaeotal line of descent and has the closest affiliation to the lineage of planktonic Archaea. The identification and phylogenetic classification of this archaeal lineage from soil contributes to our understanding of the ecological significance of Archaea as a component of microbial communities in non-extreme environments.
Temporal artery‐based forehead flap

The historical development of the forehead flap is reviewed, and an operative experience using delayed and nondelayed techniques in 30 cases is described. The reliability of the forehead flap is evaluated with regard to patient morbidity and correction of deformity and dysfunction in such sites as the cheek, lip, corner of the mouth, floor of the mouth, tongue, pharyngeal wall, and tonsil. Analyses include length of hospital stay and complications, as well as the relationship of these factors to the methods employed in the reconstructive processes. The advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques are illustrated using individual cases.
Hyperkeratotic mycosis fungoides restricted to the palms

The case of a 45-year-old Latin American man, who presented to the Dermatology Clinic with a 6-month history of hyperkeratotic lesions confined to the palms and the palmar aspects of the digits of both hands, is discussed. Biopsy of these lesions revealed the classic histologic findings of mycosis fungoides. The clinical and histologic differential diagnosis of mycosis fungoides is considered.
Diacylglycerol partitioning and mixing in detergent micelles: relevance to enzyme kinetics

Abstract For many of the enzymes that utilize or produce diacylglycerols, detergent mixed micelles are often used in assay systems to solubilize the lipophilic substrates or products. The assumption is often made that the diacylglycerol (DAG) is solubilized and well mixed throughout the population of micelles during the time course of the assay. In the present work the partitioning and exchange dynamics of diacylglycerols (from dihexanoyl-DAG to didecanoyl-DAG) in a variety of detergent micelles have been studied by NMR and fluorescence methods. In all detergents, the longer the DAG chain lengths, the more detergent is required for solubilization. However, efficiency of solubilization varies tremendously with Triton X-100 the most efficient (i.e. the least detergent is required), and deoxycholate the least efficient in solubilizing DAG. The mixing and exchange dynamics of pyrene-labeled DAG molecules in these micelles (measured by stopped-flow fluorescence) were fastest for Triton X-100 and slowest with charged bile salt micelles. Of the detergent systems characterized, Triton X-100 appears to be the optimal detergent for use in assays of enzymes that interact with DAG (β-octylglucoside and diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine have good exchange dynamics, but higher amounts of these detergents are needed to solubilize DAG). Bile salt micelles provide the least solubilization and the slowest exchange kinetics (so slow that this could be a significant problem in some enzyme assays). This information on DAG behavior in micelles is discussed with respect to assays of an enzyme that generates DAG as product (phospholipase C) and one that uses DAG as substrate (DAG kinase). Although slow exchange of DAG occurs in some micelle systems, this does not appear to be a rate-limiting step in the kinetics for either of these enzymes.
The birth of the (gay) clinic.

Abstract We apply and extend Philo (2000) ׳s arguments about Foucault׳s Birth of the Clinic as an inspiration for health geography and the study of governance of gays. Philo identified three spaces through which he argued disease is framed: disease tabled, embodied, and institutionalized. These focus attention on the spatialities through which the medical gaze is power-laden. We adopt this framework empirically through an historical geography of an urban public health system engaged with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the “homosexual” population of Seattle, Washington in the 1970s. It reveals the interaction of homophobia, heteronormativity and resistances across places typically understudied in queer historical geography. Our findings also extend this framework, however, by revealing other spaces that were important in the urban politics of sexual health: the gay city, the gay doctor, and the gay community. We suggest, therefore, that these and other spaces may be helpful in other health geographies interested in the dynamics of sexuality, governmentality, and urban public health.
Replacement of rooted macrophytes by filamentous macroalgae: effects on small fishes and macroinvertebrates

In aquatic environments around the globe, rooted macrophytes have been replaced by filamentous macroalgae. The consequences of such shifts in vegetative habitat for fauna are poorly understood. Given differences in morphology and life history characteristics of rooted macrophytes and filamentous macroalgae, we hypothesized that these habitat types were not functionally redundant for small-bodied fishes and macroinvertebrates. We examined this hypothesis in spring-fed Florida rivers characterized by decreases in native rooted macrophytes and concomitant increases in filamentous macroalgae. Although faunal densities were generally greater in filamentous macroalgae than in rooted macrophytes, differences in the community assemblage structure suggest that the two types of vegetative habitat do not function interchangeably. Accordingly, continued replacement of rooted macrophytes with filamentous macroalgae is expected to affect the small fish and macroinvertebrate community, as well as higher trophic levels that depend on it.
Facilitating competency development in sustainable agriculture and food systems education: a self-assessment approach

The need to develop students’ professional and personal competencies via sustainable agriculture and food systems education has recently received much attention; however, implementing competency-based education is challenging. This paper demonstrates how educators can approach identifying and teaching foundational competencies and assessing their students’ competency development. Using the case of a Food Systems class in an undergraduate Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems major at a US land-grant university, we discuss the philosophical and practical aspects of implementing competency-based education and analyse data from students’ use of a competency self-assessment framework in 2009 and 2010. We demonstrate specific analyses that instructors can use for assessing competency development in other contexts. The analysis and results from the case, discussed in depth, demonstrate that the use of these types of competency-based frameworks provides rich opportunities for multiple analyses that can connec...
A note on Parikh maps, abstract languages, and decision problems

Abstract We consider formulas similar to Presburger formulas, but extended by allowing the predicate | (for divides), but not allowing universal quantification of the resulting expressions. The solution sets for such formulas are known to be not semilinear, in general. We show that some results concerning decidability questions for classes of languages with effectively constructible semilinear Parikh maps can be extended to languages whose effectively constructible Parikh maps are solutions to these new formulas, which we call “modular”. We suggest that modularity may offer a natural extension of semilinearity, in which many previously established results may remain valid.
Modification of an Ion Source for the Production of Microampere 4He- Beams

Several modifications of the ion source of a model EN Tandem Van de Graaff Accelerator have increased the production of 4He- beams by a factor of 100 over that first obtained with the source (~10 nA). While using H2 gas for charge exchange, the replacement of the source drift tube by a screen and the installation of a system for precise adjustment of the button alignment with respect to the extractor electrode increased the output to 150 nA at the ion source. Recently potassium vapor has been used for charge exchange. Since the introduction of this technique, 4He- beam currents of 1. 2 ?A have been regularly produced. The 4He+ ions from a duoplasmatron ion source are accelerated to 20 keV and passed through the standard exchange canal which is modified by the addition of a potassium vapor chamber. Analyzed 4He++ beams of 0.3 to 0.8 ?A have been obtained with terminal voltage between 1.8 and 6 MV. The modified source has been used with K-vapor exchange for continuous periods of up to 120 hours without deterioration of source performance. Normal operation with H2 gas exchange for other beams is possible without the interruption of the source operation.
Analysis of β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate in plasma by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry

Abstract A method for measuring the branched chain hydroxy acid β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate (HMB, a product of leucine catabolism) has been described. A [ 2 H 6 ]HMB internal standard was added to plasma and standards, and samples were extracted with diethyl ether, backextracted into neutral phosphate, dried, and derivatized for gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The natural HMB was monitored at 175 amu and the deuterated HMB was monitored at 181 amu. Standard curves were linear to at least 25 μm and were quantitatively recovered from plasma. Basal concentrations of plasma HMB were from 1 to 2 μ m in sheep and inereased three- to fourfold when leucine's α-ketoacid (α-ketoisocaproate, KIC) was fed to lambs. This method can also be adapted to quantitate KIC and other branched chain ketoacids in plasma during the same run.
A method of producing a three-dimensional cathode ray tube display

A method of producing a true three-dimensional cathode ray tube display has been developed. It has been used to plot three-dimensional vectorcardiograms, bar graphs, and would probably be useful to research in visual perception.
Metabolism of dimethylsulfoniopropionate and glycine betaine by a marine bacterium

The metabolism of the methylated osmolytes glycine betaine (GB) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) was studied in a bacterium (strain MD 14–50) isolated from a colony of the cyanobacterium Trichodesmium. MD 14–50 when grown on DMSP cleaved dimethylsulfide (DMS) from DMSP and oxidized acrylate. In contrast to DMSP, GB was metabolized by sequential N-demethylations. Low concentrations (100 μM) of DMSP or GB allowed the growth of MD 14–50 on glucose at higher salinities than in their absence. At elevated salinities, DMSP was accumulated intracellularly with less catabolism and DMS production. Thus, DMSP and GB were catabolized by different mechanisms but functioned interchangeably as osmolytes.
Origins, Homelands and Migrations: Situating the Kura-Araxes Early Transcaucasian 'Culture' within the History of Bronze Age Eurasia

This paper summarizes current understanding of the emergence, nature and subsequent southwestern and southeastern spread of the Early Transcaucasian (ETC) or Kura-Araxes 'culture-historical community' (Russian: obshchnost') and then places this complex cultural phenomenon in the context of the larger Early Bronze Age world of the Ancient Near East and the western Eurasian steppes.
Anticonvulsants attenuate amyloid β-peptide neurotoxicity, Ca2+ deregulation, and cytoskeletal pathology

Increasing evidence supports the involvement of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and an excitotoxic mechanism of neuronal injury in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, approaches aimed at preventing Aβ toxicity and neurofibrillary degeneration are undeveloped. We now report that anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproic acid) can protect cultured rat hippocampal neurons againsts Aβ- and glutamate-induced injury. Each of the anticonvulsant attentuated the elevated of intracellular free calcium levels [(Ca2+)i] elicited by Aβ or glutamate suggesting that their neuroprotective mechanism of action involved stabilization of [Ca2+]i. These compounds were effective at clinically relevant concentrations (carbamazepine, 100 nM-10 μM; phenytoin, 100 nM-1 μM; valproic acid, 100 nM-100 μM). The anticonvulsants suppressed glutamate-induced alterations in tau and ubiquitin immunoreactivities. Compounds that stabilize [Ca2+]i may afford protection against the kinds of insults believed to underlie neuronal injury in Alzheimer's disease.
The Use of Integer Programming in Dairy Sire Selection

A computerized sire selection integer program, IPSIRE, was developed to test the optimality of solutions obtained by using MAXBULL, a popular computerized sire selection aid. The IPSIRE program uses an optimization software package and a compatible spreadsheet; MAXBULL uses linear programming techniques. The computer programs were compared using large and small data sets. Multiple combinations were run, varying the levels requested for PD fat percentage, PD type, and price paid per unit of semen. All other constraints were held constant. The objective function for all combinations maximized PD milk. The IPSIRE program exceeded MAXBULL by an average of $2.5 for PD dollars and 7.3 kg (16.1 lb) for PD milk using the small bull data base. Sire averages for traits PD type, PD fat percentage, and price paid were not different between the two programs. Similar trends were seen using the large bull data base. The IPSIRE program exceeded MAXBULL by an average of $1.2 for PD dollars and 4.1 kg (9.0 lb) for PD milk, whereas sire averages for PD fat percentage, PD type, and price paid were not different between programs. The goal for PD type had the least influence of the three goals on sire averages for PD milk. The goal for price paid had the greatest impact on realized PD milk; higher goals for price paid produced solutions with higher values for realized PD milk. The IPSIRE program required longer computational times for finding solutions that maximized PD milk than MAXBULL.
Synthetic peptides as nuclear localization signals.

The nuclear envelope defines a compartment boundary which is penetrated by pores that mediate a remarkable transport process. Precursor RNAs are retained in the nucleus, while processed messenger RNA1, transfer RNA2 and ribosomal subunits3 are transported to the cytoplasm. Proteins destined for the nucleus become localized soon after synthesis and again following mitosis, while cytoplasmic proteins are excluded4. The process is highly specific: a single base change in vertebrate initiator tRNAMet (tRNAimet) reduces the rate of export 20-fold5; a point mutation within the simian virus 40 (SV40) large-T antigen, converting Lys 128 to Thr (ref. 6) or Asn (ref. 7), prevents import. Lys 128 lies within a short ‘signal’ sequence which, when fused to large non-nuclear proteins, causes their accumulation in nuclei6–8. Regions of other eukaryotic proteins also seem to contain nuclear localization signals, although a single consensus sequence has not emerged9–13. We report here that a synthetic peptide containing 10 residues of large-T antigen sequence serves as a nuclear localization signal when cross-linked to bovine serum albumin (BSA) or immunoglobulin G (IgG) and microinjected in Xenopus oocytes. Substitution of Thr at the position of Lys 128 in this peptide renders it six- to sevenfold less effective. The uptake of peptide-linked BSA is saturable, and the rate is diminished by co-injection of free peptide. These findings are indicative of a receptor-mediated uptake process. With the use of anti-peptide antibodies, a family of proteins is revealed in nuclear but not cytoplasmic extracts of human lymphocytes which contain large-T antigen-like sequences.
Protein lipid interaction in bile: effects of biliary proteins on the stability of cholesterol–lecithin vesicles

Abstract The nucleation of cholesterol crystals is an obligatory precursor to cholesterol gallstone formation. Nucleation, in turn, is believed to be preceded by aggregation and fusion of cholesterol-rich vesicles. We have investigated the effects of two putative pro-nucleating proteins, a concanavalin A-binding protein fraction and a calcium-binding protein, on the stability of sonicated small unilamellar cholesterol–lecithin vesicles. Vesicle aggregation is followed by monitoring absorbance, and upon addition of the concanavalin A-binding protein fraction the absorbance of a vesicle dispersion increases continuously with time. Vesicle fusion is probed by a fluorescence contents-mixing assay. Vesicles apparently fuse slowly after the addition of the concanavalin A-binding protein, although inner filter effects confound the quantitative measurement of fusion rates. The rates of change of absorbance and fluorescence increase with the concentration of the protein, and the second-order dimerization rate constant increases with both the protein concentration and the cholesterol content of the vesicles. On the other hand, the calcium-binding protein has no effect on the stability of the vesicle dispersion. This protein may therefore affect cholesterol crystal formation not by promoting the nucleation process, but by enhancing crystal growth and packaging. Our results demonstrate that biliary proteins can destabilize lipid vesicles and that different proteins play different roles in the mechanism of cholesterol gallstone formation.
The reactivity of spectroscopically detected peroxy complexes of iron porphyrins

Abstract The coordination of alkyl peroxides by heme proteins is an important step in the functioning of several enzymes, (for example, peroxidases, cytochrome P 450 , estrogen synthase). Generally the reaction of peroxides with iron porphyrins in the absence of a proton results in the destruction of both porphyrin and peroxide. However, three distinct intermediates involving coordination of peroxides to iron porphyrins can be identified using spectroscopic techniques. The formation, spectroscopic characteristics and chemical behavior of these reactive intermediates are reviewed here.
WAVE FUNCTIONS FOR PARTICLES OF HIGHER SPIN

A simple method is presented for constructing wave functions for particles of arbitrary spin. These are helicity eigenstates and satisfy the Rarita-Schwinger equation. The wave functions are given explicitly.
Design and Implementation of SNMP Agent's Extension

This article introduces the protocol of network management, SNMP. Including network management modelthe development of SNMP and the choice of software packet. Using the free open net-snmp software packages, the article discusses the SNMP agents design scheme and the implement process based on Linux. Testing result illustrates that the module is able to monitor equipment remotely and efficiently, and the design method is practicable and instructive in other remote monitoring area with safety requirement.
Temporal signatures of radiation belt electron precipitation induced by lightning-generated MR whistler waves: 1. Methodology

[1] We present a novel technique designed to calculate the detailed differential number flux signature (as a function of energy and time) of precipitating radiation-belt electrons, driven by a magnetospherically reflecting (MR) whistler wave, initiated by a single cloud-to-ground lightning discharge. Our model consists of several stages. First, we calculate the MR whistler wave characteristics at 1° latitude intervals along a given field-line. This is accomplished using an extensive ray tracing and interpolation algorithm involving ∼120 million rays, and accounting for the effects of Landau damping, spatial, and temporal dispersion. We then use these wave characteristics to compute the pitch angle changes of resonant electrons by assuming that the interactions are linear, and independent between adjacent latitude and wave frequency bins. The pitch angle changes are transformed to precipitating flux using a novel convolution method and displayed as a function of particle energy and time at the feet of a given field line. We have calculated and compared the differential number flux signatures at the northern and southern feet of the L = 2.3 and L = 3 field lines, and found that precipitation onset and duration times increase with latitude (consistent with previous work). The precipitation consists of suprathermal Landau resonance electrons (E ≲ 10 keV) which are intense but contribute little to the total energy flux, a flux gap (10 keV ≲ E ≲ 80 keV) corresponding to a change in coupling mechanism from Landau resonance to gyroresonance, and a series of precipitation swaths (E ≳ 80 keV) corresponding to gyroresonance interactions. The swaths result in periodic maxima in the precipitated energy flux, which correspond to the equatorial traversals of the underlying MR whistler wave energy. Global precipitation signatures were computed for a number of lightning discharge latitudes and are presented in a companion paper (Bortnik et al., 2006).
Educational Participation and Innovativeness

AbstractThis is a study of 407 adults who were classified according to tendency to adopt farm practice innovations. Participation in activities of an educational nature was postulated to be related to openness to new Ideas and practices. Chi square analysis revealed that this participation was not Independent of tendency to adopt practices. Results were significant at the .01 and .001 levels. One-way analysis of variance showed some relationship between openness and age, formal schooling, and socio-economic status. Multiple covariance was done on participation scores, removing the effect of these variables. The results permitted the conclusion that the relationship between educational participation and this study's measure of innovativeness could not be explained by such factors as age, formal schooling, and socio-economic condition.
Determination of Zinc in Rubber Compounds A New Internal Indicator Method

Abstract Two internal indicator volumetric methods for the determination of zinc in rubber compounds have been devised and investigated. The first method is a wet-oxidation method employing nitric acid, bromine, and perchloric acid as oxidants, and p-ethoxychrysoidine, a new oxidation-reduction indicator for this use, as indicator. It is of general application to all types of rubber compounds. The second method, less generally applicable to rubber compounds, utilizes either the new indicator or the well-known indicator, diphenylbenzidine. This method depends on ashing of the sample, and cannot be used for the analysis of zinc in rubber compounds containing lead or silicates, since it has been found that no method in which the sample is ashed yields accurate results if these substances are present. Both methods use potassium ferrocyanide as the volumetric precipitant and potassium ferricyanide as an integral part of the indicator system. Both methods are applicable to other organic and inorganic zinc-conta...
Comparison of esterification methods for the gas chromatographic determination of indoprofen in plasma and urine

Abstract The advantages and disadvantages of the following esterification techniques for GC of carboxylic acid drugs have been studied: (1) boron trifluoride/methanol, (2) boron trifluoride/ 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, (3) diazomethane, (4) dimethylformamide dimethylacetal, and (5) 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole/methanol. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug, indoprofen (1) was employed as a model to evaluate the above methods in terms of: (a) accuracy and precision, (b) sensitivity, (c) convenience, (d) time required for analysis, and (e) applicability to biological fluids. The indoprofen homolog, dl-α-[4-(1-oxo-2-isoindolinyl)pyenyl] pentanoic acid (II) was employed as an internal standard for each method.
Hollow cathode sustained plasma microjets: Characterization and application to diamond deposition

Extending the principle of operation of hollow cathode microdischarges to a tube geometry has allowed the formation of stable, high-pressure plasma microjets in a variety of gases including Ar, He, and H2. Direct current discharges are ignited between stainless steel capillary tubes (d = 178 µm) which are operated as the cathode and a metal grid or plate that serves as the anode. Argon plasma microjets can be sustained in ambient air with plasma voltages as low as 260 V for cathode-anode gaps of 0.5 mm. At larger operating voltage, this gap can be extended up to several millimeters. Using a heated molybdenum substrate as the anode, plasma microjets in CH4/H2 mixtures have been used to deposit diamond crystals and polycrystalline films. Micro-Raman spectroscopy of these films shows mainly sp3 carbon content with slight shifting of the diamond peak due to internal stresses. Optical emission spectroscopy of the discharges used in the diamond growth experiments confirms the presence of atomic hydrogen and CH radicals.