cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloud networking and communications [Guest Editorial]

IEEE Communication Magazine published a feature topic on cloud computing in September 2012. This Special Issue on the same topic recognizes the proliferation of cloud networking and its importance in our lives today. Cloud architectures are continuously evolving, driven by challenges in multiple areas, for example: ? Scalability of computing, storage, and bandwidth resources ? Capacities of switches, routers, and gateways ? Efficient utilization of resources ? Dynamic service creation ? Competitive cost structures for users and service providers ? Reliability of applications and hardware ? Privacy of user, data, and several other areas These challenges arise as a typical cloud consists of tens of thousands of servers, exabytes of storage, terabits per second of bandwidth, and tens of hundreds of users at a time. Creation of such a massive infrastructure would not have been possible without the advancements in virtualization of computing, storage, and networking resources. Virtualization becomes a necessity when hundreds or thousands of user requests arrive dynamically to a cloud, each having different storage, compute, and bandwidth demands. In such a dynamic environment, physical resource provisioning and management of client requests are impractical, if not altogether impossible.
Lincoln Steffens: The Muckraker Reconsidered

partial truth here has left an impression that is fundamentally misleading. The root of the misconception may be traced to John Chamberlain's 1932 view that Steffens' sympathy for the Russian revolution was balanced by the idea that a solution could be found in Mussolini's coercive State (2). Granville Hicks has pointed out that Steffens was saying, in effect, that Mussolini made use of methods that might be used by Right and Left, but the fascists had failed while the Communists were likely to succeed (3). There is perception in the notion that Steffens's view of Mussolini only supported his basic view that Communism represented the inherent tendencies of the modern era.
A RecA Filament Capping Mechanism for RecX Protein

The RecX protein is a potent inhibitor of RecA protein activities. RecX functions by specifically blocking the extension of RecA filaments. In vitro, this leads to a net disassembly of RecA protein from circular single-stranded DNA. Based on multiple observations, we propose that RecX has a RecA filament capping activity. This activity has predictable effects on the formation and disassembly of RecA filaments. In vivo, the RecX protein may limit the length of RecA filaments formed during recombinational DNA repair and other activities. RecX protein interacts directly with RecA protein, but appears to interact in a functionally significant manner only with RecA filaments bound to DNA.
The Purdue Shyness Rating Scales: Psychometric Properties and Congruence between Mother and Teacher Ratings.

The Purdue Shyness Scales for parents and teachers were developed based on the conception of shyness as an approach-avoidance motivational conflict, and were tested for their psychometric properties. Additionally, congruence of mothers' and teachers' perceptions of shyness was examined. Sixty-seven 4- and 5-year-old children, their mothers, and 21 daycare teachers participated. Results demonstrated adequate test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity. Mothers' ratings of their child's shyness were moderately correlated with teacher ratings, though cross-tabulation of shyness categories (high, low, and average) demonstrated significant non-overlap between mothers' and teachers' assessments; This was the case for both the Purdue Shyness Rating Scales and the EAS Temperament Scale. Significantly higher correlations of teacher ratings of shyness with sociability and activity than mother ratings of shyness with sociability and activity suggest that teacher assessment...
Analysis of watermarking techniques for graph coloring problem

We lay out a theoretical framework to evaluate watermarking techniques for intellectual property protection (IPP). Based on this framework, we analyze two watermarking techniques for the graph coloring (GC) problem. Since credibility and overhead are the most important criteria for any efficient watermarking technique, we derive formulae that illustrate the trade-off between credibility and overhead. Asymptotically we prove that arbitrarily high credibility can be achieved with at most 1-color-overhead for both proposed watermarking techniques.
Gas and aerosol sampling from high temperature, transient pressure environments

Abstract The equations used to calculate the mass or volume of a gas sampled from a high temperature, transient pressure environment are developed. The equations and criteria developed are useful for designing systems that sample aerosols from nuclear reactors during a loss of coolant test. The equations describe an aerosol sampling system that functions in a high temperature, steadily decreasing pressure environment. The aerosol sampling system includes a dilution gas to reduce the temperature and particle concentration of the incoming sample and a critical orifice at the outlet of the sampling train to provide a constant gas velocity through an inertial aerosol sizing device (e.g., cascade or virtual impactor). Calculated gas sample volumes were compared to measured volumes using laboratory scale test apparatus. The calculated and measured volumes agreed to within 0.3 liters for initial pressures as high as 4 × 10 5 Pa, transient times on the order of 1 to 10 minutes and for total sample volumes less than 13.1 liters. Finally, the equations are able to accurately predict the undesirable back flow regime where the gas from the sampling train flows back into the reactor plenum. The regime must be avoided to insure that the sampling train will collect the desired aerosol.
Orthotropic properties of loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) strands

Orthotropic properties of loblolly pine strands were measured from growth ring numbers 1–10 and 11–20 using digital image correlation (DIC). Eight elastic properties (E L , E R , E T , G LR , G LT, υLR, υLT, and υRT) and five strength values (σL, σR, σT, τLR, and τLT) of loblolly pine strands were measured. Compliance matrices were derived and used to calculate the maximum normal and shear strains. With the increment of growth ring number, elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) generally increased, whereas shear strength decreased. Statistical comparison showed that elastic moduli, Poisson’s ratio, and UTS were highly dependent upon orientation of strands with loading direction. Only elastic modulus and UTS from the longitudinal-radial plane strands were significantly different by the two growth ring positions. More distinctive orthotropic properties of loblolly pine strands from growth ring numbers 11–20 were found associated with more consistent failure modes.
Depression in the community dwelling elderly: do clinical and sociodemographic factors influence referral to psychiatry?

Background Little is known about the reasons why depressed elderly patients are referred to the old age psychiatric services. Reasons for referral of depressed younger patients have been clarified however they may not be generalisable to an older population. Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine which clinical and sociodemographic factors influence referral of patients with late life depression from primary care. Methods Twenty-eight people were identified with depression in a day hospital referred by their general practitioner. These were compared with fifty-two people with depression in the community who had not been referred to the psychiatric services. Results Having a more severe depression (p = 0.0016) and having co-morbid anxiety (p = 0.0017) meant you were more likely to be referred to the day hospital. Gender did not appear to influence referral from general practitioners. Conclusions It appears that severity of depression and having higher levels of anxiety make it more likely that you will be referred by your general practitioner to the old age psychiatry services. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Angiomyolipome avec invasion vasculaire pendant la grossesse

Les angiomyolipomes (AML) sont des tumeurs rares et benignes composees d'adipocytes, de cellules musculaires lisses, et de vaisseaux sanguins. On a egalement rapporte qu'ils sont generalement trouves dans le rein mais peuvent toucher le foie, l'ovaire, la trompe uterine, le cordon spermatique, le palais, et le colon. Le plus souvent, ils sont une decouverte scanographique fortuite et restent sans importance ; cependant, certaines caracteristiques telles que la taille, la presence d’anevrysmes, et le siege peuvent transformer cette maladie en une entite representant un danger pour la vie. Nous decrivons le cas d'une femme enceinte de 30 ans avec des AMLs renaux bilateraux avec invasion de la veine renale droite et extension de la tumeur dans la veine cave inferieure. La malade etait consideree a risque significatif d'expansion rapide hormono-dependante, d'embolisation, et d'embolie pulmonaire representant un danger pour la vie pendant la grossesse et a ete operee pour nephrectomie droite et exerese de la tumeur de la veine cave. Nous rapportons le premier cas de nephrectomie elective avec exerese de la tumeur de la veine cave compliquant une grossesse. Les risques principaux de rupture, d'hemorragie spontanee, d’insuffisance renale, et de thrombus tumoral ont ete evites, demontrant de ce fait qu'en depit de la grossesse, une chirurgie reussie peut etre faite pendant le deuxieme trimestre pour traiter les AMLs compliques.
Congenital lung disease in the adult: guide to the evaluation and management.

A high index of suspicion is required to consider the diagnosis of adult congenital lung disease because of the rarity of presentation in adulthood. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for evaluation of these lesions and a guide to management. Adults may be asymptomatic, and the ab
Adult outpatient tracheostomy care: Practices and perspectives

ObjectivesTo determine the attitudes, opinions, and current practice of adult outpatient tracheostomy care from the surgeon and primary care physician's perspective.Study DesignMultidisciplinary ph...
Do you sincerely want to be cited? Or: read before you cite

Do you sincerely want to be cited? Prestige depends on the number of times your academic paper gets cited. But that need not be a measure of how good it is, nor even of how many times it is actually read. Mikhail Simkin and Vwani Roychowdhury explain their theory of the unread citation.
A reassignment of the 13C‐NMR spectrum of the alkaloid ajmaline through the use of two‐dimensional nmr techniques

The reassignment of the 13C chemical nmr spectrum of the alkaloid, ajmaline, is reported. An earlier assignment based on analogy to other alkaloids and deductions from molecular orbital theory was found to be partially in error. The present study uses broadband decoupled (both dimensions) proton-carbon shift correlation and long-range proton-carbon chemical shift correlation techniques. These experiments, in conjunction with earlier work by others on the assignment of the proton spectra, suffice to now unequivocably assign the 13C nmr spectrum of the title compound.
Mechanisms of antiarrhythmic drug actions and their clinical relevance for controlling disorders of cardiac rhythm.

This review on antiarrhythmic drugs traces the evolution of the fundamental mechanisms of action of drugs that have been used to control disorders of cardiac rhythm. It describes the very earliest data from experimental studies that dealt with the effects of acute and chronic administration of drugs in whole animals combined with the measurements of the action potential duration and the effective refractory period in isolated tissues. Antiarrhythmic drugs were found to have properties consistent with the block of fast sodium channel conduction, adrenergic blockade, repolarization block, and the block of slow-channel mediated conduction especially in the atrioventricular node. Over the past 15 years, the attention has focused on atrial tissue with atrial fibrillation emerging as the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice. Druginduced increases in refractoriness as a function rate and in wavelength (product of refractoriness and conduction velocity), and a reduction in numbers of wavelets have been found to be critical in the conversion of atrial fibrillation and maintenance of sinus rhythm. The continued development of newer pharmacologic agents is likely to lead to the resolution of the controversy regarding rhythm versus rate control in various clinical subsets of the arrhythmia by controlled clinical trials.
Coupled endo-exodeoxyribonuclease activity from Hela cell nuclei can function in an excision repair mode in vitro

A single strand specific coupled endo-exodeoxyribonuclease activity has been purified and characterized from the nuclei of HeLa cells(7). The novelity of this activity is in the nature of its associated endo and exonuclease activities. Due to this aspect the ability of this activity to work in unison with DNA polymerase molecules in the process of DNA repair synthesis was investigated.
Alcohol-induced depressive-like behavior is associated with cortical norepinephrine reduction

Abstract Although strong positive association between alcoholism and depression is a common epidemiological observance, the causal relationship and the neurobiological substrates of such observations are far from clear. We have reported that chronic daily exposure to a relatively high dose of alcohol in rats can induce or exacerbate an already existing depressive-like behavior (Pharm Biochem Behav 91:97–103, 2008). Moreover, these effects of alcohol were blocked by pretreatment with desipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, implicating a role for the biogenic amines in this type of depressive symptoms. In order to further delineate the involvement of specific neurotransmitters in alcohol-induced depressive symptoms, we examined the concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) in the frontal cortex and hippocampus following alcohol administration as well as pretreatment with two antidepressants, nomifensine and imipramine selective NE/DA and NE/5-HT uptake inhibitors, respectively. Adult female Wistar and Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats were exposed to alcohol via inhalation chambers (3 h/day for 10 days) to achieve daily blood alcohol concentration of approximately 150 mg%. On day 11, the animals were evaluated for general locomotor activity (LCA) and performance in the forced swim test (FST), followed by neurochemical analyses. As expected WKY rats had lower LCA and higher immobility in the FST compared to Wistar rats. WKY rats also had lower levels of all three biogenic amines compared to Wistar rats in both areas. However, only cortical NE was reduced in both strains following alcohol administration. Treatments with nomifensine and imipramine blocked the behavioral and most of the neurochemical deficits caused by alcohol in both strains. These results implicate cortical NE as a major player in alcohol-induced depression. Moreover, it is suggested that selective NE uptake inhibitors may be of particular therapeutic potential in co-morbid condition of alcoholism and depression.
Computational Studies Compared to Electrochemical Measurements of Intercalation of Cationic Compounds in Wyoming Montmorillonite

Lattice energy minimizations and molecular dynamics calculations for a selected series of metal complexes with similar metal centers and ligand geometry were performed and were compared to experimental measurements of shifts in redox potentials observed when the complexes are intercalated into negatively charged Wyoming montmorillonite. An excellent correlation between computational trends and experimental trends was observed for nonequilibrium measurements. The results are not dependent on the size of the metal complex or the absolute magnitude of the interaction with the clay surface, but are related to the relative electrostatic energies of the reduced and oxidized complexes. The results are strongly influenced by the distribution of charge within the complex.
Dopamine modulation of the In vivo acetylcholine response in the Drosophila mushroom body

Olfactory sensory information in Drosophila is transmitted through antennal lobe projections to Mushroom Body neurons (Kenyon cells) by means of cholinergic synapses. Application of acetylcholine (ACh) and odors produce significant increases in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in these neurons. Behavioral studies show that Kenyon cell activity is modulated by dopaminergic inputs and this modulation is thought to be the basis for an olfactory conditioned response. However, quantitative assessment of the synaptic inputs to Kenyon cells is currently lacking. To assess neuronal activity under in vivo conditions, we have used the endogenously-expressed camgaroo reporter to measure [Ca2+]i in these neurons. We report here the dose-response relationship of Kenyon cells for ACh and dopamine (DA). Importantly, we also show that simultaneous application of ACh and DA results in a significant decrease in the response to ACh alone. In addition, we show inhibition of the ACh response by cyclic adenosine monophosphate. This is the first quantitative assessment of the effects of these two important transmitters in this system, and it provides an important basis for future analysis of the cellular mechanisms of this well established model for associative olfactory learning. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
Cocaine-induced proliferation of dendritic spines in nucleus accumbens is dependent on the activity of cyclin-dependent kinase-5.

Repeated exposure to cocaine produces an enduring increase in dendritic spine density in adult rat nucleus accumbens. It has been shown previously that chronic cocaine administration increases the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase-5 in this brain region and that this neuronal protein kinase regulates cocaine-induced locomotor activity. Moreover, cyclin-dependent kinase-5 has been implicated in neuronal function and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, we studied the involvement of this enzyme in cocaine’s effect on dendritic spine density. Adult male rats, receiving intra-accumbens infusion of the cyclin-dependent kinase-5 inhibitor roscovitine or saline, were administered a 28-day cocaine treatment regimen. Animals were killed 24–48 h after the final cocaine injection and their brains removed and processed for Golgi–Cox impregnation. Our findings demonstrate that roscovitine attenuates cocaine-induced dendritic spine outgrowth in nucleus accumbens core and shell and such inhibition reduces spine density in nucleus accumbens shell of control animals. These data indicate that cyclin-dependent kinase-5 is involved in regulation of, as well as cocaine-induced changes in, dendritic spine density.
Geographic range and structure of cryptic genetic diversity among Pacific North American populations of the non-native amphipod Grandidierella japonica

Reconstructing the invasion history of aquatic invasive species can enhance understanding of invasion risks by recognizing areas most susceptible to invasion and forecasting future spread based on past patterns of population expansion. Here we reconstruct the invasion history of the Japanese amphipod Grandidierella japonica Stephensen 1938 combining information from historical collection data with molecular genetic data to better understand post-invasion range expansion and anthropogenic connectivity across the Pacific coast of North America. Compilation of collection data from bays and estuaries of the Pacific North American coast show many new localities have been colonized in the last two decades, moving outward from harbors and bays with high commercial traffic into smaller coastal locations dominated by local recreational traffic. DNA barcode sequence data for G. japonica reveals two distinct clades: one found in San Francisco Bay and sites to the north, and one also found in San Francisco Bay and sites to the south. The two clades differ by an average 7.28 % genetic distance, large enough to consider these invasive amphipods two separate species. Both northern and southern clades exhibit low levels of genetic diversity, suggesting a single introduction event for each. The presence of cryptic diversity within this invasive amphipod highlights the need for more extensive study of the invasive and native populations of aquatic invasive invertebrates to address questions of taxonomy, diversity, and invasion history.
Increase of ablation rate using burst mode femtosecond pulses

We investigate the ablation rates of metals and dielectrics using a Ti:sapphire oscillator. Prior work on burst ablation has been performed using high-power lasers and significant increases were observed. These two modalities will be compared.
Risk Factors for Complications and Morbidity After Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

AbstractPurpose: With recognition of the efficacy of surgical therapy for prostate cancer, there has been a marked increase in the number of radical prostatectomies performed, and substantial changes in surgical technique and perioperative management have decreased the morbidity of this procedure. We assessed the rate of perioperative complications with time and the risk factors for these complications, particularly age, operative time and co-morbidity.Materials and Methods: A detailed review of all medical records of a consecutive series of 472 patients treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy by 1 surgeon between 1990 and 1994 was performed to document any complication within 30 days postoperatively. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification recorded by the staff anesthesiologist was used as a standard index of co-morbidity.Results: Major complications were identified in 46 patients (9.8%), minor complications in 101 (21.4%) and none in 341 (72.2%). There were 2 dea...
In Situ Surfactant Washing of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Oils from a Contaminated Field Site: Phase II Pilot Study

An in situ surfactant washing process was previously developed and successfully pilot-tested at a field site contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and oils (Abdul et al., 1992). A second phase of the pilot study, conducted the following year at the same site, confirmed the technical viability of this process. The results of the phase II study surpassed the predictions of the long-term performance of this technology based on the phase I results. Soil cores taken from the plot before the phase I and phase II studies and after the phase II study showed mass reduction and redistribution of the contaminants. A continuous column washing study using the same contaminated soil showed consistency with field results. The amounts of PCBs removed in the laboratory and field studies, respectively, are 7% and 10% after 5.7 pore volume (PV) washings (phase I) and 19% and 24% after 8 PV washings (phase II). More than 85% of the PCBs were removed from the laboratory soil column after 105 PV washings. This study supports the phase I study which indicates that the in situ surfactant washing process is a viable remediation technology for hydrophobic contaminants.
Non-stationary interference mitigation in continuous phase modulated signals using estimation subtraction

Mitigating non-stationary narrowband interference from a continuous phase modulation (CPM) signal is a challenge due to the correlation present in CPM signal samples. For such a scenario, use of a time-varying linear prediction error filter (TVLPEF) based on a decorrelating time-varying autoregressive (DTVAR) model was proposed earlier. TVLPEF based mitigation of the interference from a CPM signal resulted in symbol error rate (SER) performance that degraded for signal-to-interference ratios (SIRs) of −20 dB to 10 dB. The deterioration is attributed to increased interference prediction error. An estimation subtraction approach to mitigate non-stationary interference from a CPM signal is investigated. First, the interference parameters - such as instantaneous frequency, rate of change, phase, and amplitude - are estimated using a DTVAR model; then the estimates are refined using nonlinear optimization. The proposed estimation subtraction approach realizes notable SER performance improvements for SIR of −20 dB to −5 dB.
Reprogramming of cells using modified mRNA

Reprogramming of cells for delivery of proteins at specific sites holds great promise for future clinical applications. Chitosan delivery agents in form of nano-spheres presents a readily available biodegradable option for controlled release of mRNA in the cytosol of the cells. In this work we are using Enhanced Green Fluorescent protein as a proof of concept to show for transfection of osteoblast cells with modified mRNA. Transfection was carried out using lipofectaime RNAiMAX.
Architecture, Control, and Management of Optical Switching Networks

We present dynamic circuit switching (DCS) as a new paradigm for telecom backbone networks. DCS is well suited for optical networks and can support emerging services such as bandwidth-on-demand more efficiently than other switching technologies.
Self-catalyzed destruction of cytochrome P-450: covalent binding of ethynyl sterols to prosthetic heme.

Abstract The hepatic pigment accumulated as a consequence of the self-catalyzed destruction of cytochrome P-450 by norethisterone (17-hydroxy-19-nor-17 alpha-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one), after acidic methylation and purification, consists of two virtually identical, probably isomeric, porphyrins. Radiolabeled norethisterone is incorporated into both porphyrin products. The major of the two porphyrins exhibits a mass spectrometric molecular ion exactly equivalent to the sum of norethisterone and dimethylprotoporphyrin IX, less two hydrogen atoms: unequivocably demonstrating covalent association of the sterol with this porphyrin in a 1:1 ratio. Cytochrome P-450 is therefore destroyed by self-catalyzed addition of norethisterone to its heme prosthetic group. Cytochrome P-450 is also destroyed by norgestrel (13-ethyl-17-hydroxyl-18, 19-dinor-17 alpha-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one) and by 1-ethynylcyclohexanol but not by 17-hydroxy-19-nor-17alpha-pregn-4,20-dien-3-one. The destructive potential is thus clearly a property of the propargylic alcohol function. A mechanism involving enzymatic oxidation of the triple bond is postulated.
Transcription Factor NF-κB: A Sensor for Smoke and Stress Signals

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) is a transcription factor that resides in the cytoplasm of every cell and translocates to the nucleus when activated. Its activation is induced by a wide variety of agents including stress, cigarette smoke, viruses, bacteria, inflammatory stimuli, cytokines, free radicals, carcinogens, tumor promoters, and endotoxins. On activation, NF-kappaB regulates the expression of almost 400 different genes, which include enzymes (e.g., COX-2, 5-LOX, and iNOS), cytokines (such as TNF, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and chemokines), adhesion molecules, cell cycle regulatory molecules, viral proteins, and angiogenic factors. The constitutive activation of NF-kappaB has been linked with a wide variety of human diseases, including asthma, atherosclerosis, AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Several agents are known to suppress NF-kappaB activation, including Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, and IL-10), interferons, endocrine hormones (LH, HCG, MSH, and GH), phytochemicals, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive agents. Because of the strong link of NF-kappaB with different stress signals, it has been called a "smoke-sensor" of the body.
Bifurcations on Potential Energy Surfaces of Organic Reactions

A single transition state may lead to multiple intermediates or products if there is a post-transition-state reaction pathway bifurcation. These bifurcations arise when there are sequential transition states with no intervening energy minimum. For such systems, the shape of the potential energy surface and dynamic effects, rather than transition-state energetics, control selectivity. This Minireview covers recent investigations of organic reactions exhibiting reaction pathway bifurcations. Such phenomena are surprisingly general and affect experimental observables such as kinetic isotope effects and product distributions.
Nuclear charge radii, nuclear moments, and nuclear structure

New and systematic measurements of nuclear charge radii and nuclear moments are providing a deeper insight into properties of nuclei. In this article, the implications of these new measurements on our understanding of collective properties of nuclei are discussed.
In vitro antibiotic synergy against Flavobacterium meningosepticum: Implications for therapeutic options

Flavobacterium meningosepticum is an unusual, highly resistant, gram-negative bacillus that is associated with neonatal meningitis and nursery outbreaks of meningitis. The optimal therapy for this infection is not known. We successfully treated three neonates with intravenous vancomycin and rifampin. We determined the in vitro activity of meropenem, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, linezolid (PNU-100766), and rifampin, alone and in combination, against four isolates of F. meningosepticum from neonates with sepsis and meningitis. MICs were determined by tube dilution, and fractional inhibitory concentrations were calculated with use of the checkerboard microtiter dilution technique. Synergy was observed between rifampin and vancomycin against three isolates, while combinations of vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, and linezolid showed an additive effect against all isolates. These results support the clinical evidence that the combination of vancomycin and rifampin is an appropriate regimen for neonatal meningitis due to F. meningosepticum. The combination of meropenem and vancomycin was antagonistic. The clinical efficacy of combinations including ciprofloxacin, newer quinolones, or linezolid for treating F. meningosepticum meningitis deserves further study.
Deformation textures produced in diamond anvil experiments, analysed in radial diffraction geometry.

Diamond anvil cells may not only impose pressure upon a sample but also a compressive stress that produces elastic and plastic deformation of polycrystalline samples. The plastic deformation may result in texture development if the material deforms by slip or mechanical twinning, or if grains have a non-equiaxed shape. In radial diffraction geometry, texture is revealed by variation of intensity along Debye rings relative to the compression direction. Diffraction images (obtained by CCD or image plate) can be used to extract quantitative texture information. Currently the most elegant and powerful method is a modified Rietveld technique as implemented in the software package MAUD. From texture data one can evaluate the homogeneity of strain in a diamond anvil cell, the strain magnitude and deformation mechanisms, the latter by comparing observed texture patterns with results from polycrystal plasticity simulations. Some examples such as olivine, magnesiowuestite, MgSiO3 perovskite and e-iron are discussed.
A 50 GPC Hike Through the Lyα Forest

We have compiled a large sample (N ∼ 600) of low redshift (z ≤ 0.3) Lyα absorbers from HST archival data taken with the FOS (G130H) and GHRS (G140L) spectrographs. Comprised of 60 QSO sight lines, this dataset samples roughly 50 Gpc (△z ∼ 10) of the local Lyα forest. The resulting statistics are a dramatic improvement on what has been previously available for moderate column densities and compliment work being carried out with high resolution, narrow path length spectra that are sensitive to much lower column densities. We find that dN/dz =35.16 ± 2.27 for a limiting equivalent width of 0.24 A, and dN 2 /dzdw exceeds an exponential distribution for ω < 0.3 A. While preliminary results reveal no evidence of clustering, this large sample allows us to address line strength in future investigations. Additionally, low-redshift evolution, cosmic variance, and void statistics will be considered.
Asymptotics of Multivariate Sequences

Given a multivariate generating function F(z1, ?, zd)=?ar1, ?, rdzr11?zrdd, we determine asymptotics for the coefficients. Our approach is to use Cauchy's integral formula near singular points of F, resulting in a tractable oscillating integral. This paper treats the case where the singular point of F is a smooth point of a surface of poles. Companion papers treat singular points of F where the local geometry is more complicated, and for which other methods of analysis are not known.
Mechanical properties of silica xerogels

Strengths have been measured for silica xerogels using four-point bending. The silica xerogels studied are microporous with open porosity of 53 vol%. Strengths were measured on fresh samples, samples which had been outgassed at 250°C, samples which were exposed to ambient conditions for 2 d, and samples stored in ethanol. Fresh samples had strengths about 20 MPa which increased to 32 MPA with outgassing but returned to 20 MPa after exposure. The loss of strength could be arrested, but not reversed, by storing the samples in ethanol.
The Flow of Highway Traffic Through a Sequence of Synchronized Traffic Signals

We consider here the delays suffered by a car in passing through a long sequence of synchronized traffic signals, assuming that the density of traffic is low enough that one can neglect the interactions between cars, and that each car has a desired speed which it maintains at all times except when stopped by a traffic light. By considering the special case of equally spaced lights, we conclude that for short distances between lights the relative phase of the traffic lights that gives a minimum average delay per light depends upon the fraction of green time of the traffic cycle. For long distances between lights, it is found that the usual progressive timing of lights may cause greater delays than a random synchronization but in such cases there are other schemes of synchronization that are still better. Finally, some qualitative effects of velocity fluctuations are discussed.
Connection of Concrete Railing Post and Bridge Deck with Internal FRP Reinforcement

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer FRP reinforcement is a practical alternative to conventional steel bars in concrete bridge decks, safety appurtenances, and connections thereof, as it eliminates corrosion of the steel reinforcement. Due to their tailorability and light weight, FRP materials also lend themselves to the development of prefabricated systems that improve constructability and speed of installation. These advantages have been demonstrated in the construction of an off-system bridge, where prefabricated cages of glass FRP bars were used for the open-post railings. This paper presents the results of full-scale static tests on two candidate post-deck connections to assess compliance with strength criteria at the component connection level, as mandated by the AASHTO Standard Specifications, which were used to design the bridge. Strength and stiffness until failure are shown to be accurately predictable. Structural adequacy was then studied at the system post-and-beam level by numerically modeling the nonlinear response of the railing under equivalent static transverse load, pursuant to well-established structural analysis principles of FRP RC, and consistent with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications. As moment redistribution cannot be accounted for in the analysis and design of indeterminate FRP RC structures, a methodology that imposes equilibrium and compatibility conditions was implemented in lieu of yield line analysis. Transverse strength and failure modes are determined and discussed on the basis of specification mandated requirements.
Can polymerase chain reaction help distinguish benign from malignant lymphoid aggregates in bone marrow aspirates

Abstract Objective.—Although morphologic and immunologic clues are helpful in distinguishing benign from malignant lymphoid aggregates in bone marrow biopsies, there remain some cases in which it is not possible to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. Since the malignant aggregates are monoclonal B-cell proliferations, we sought to determine whether performing polymerase chain reaction for the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus would be helpful in distinguishing these 2 entities. Methods and Results.—Scrapings from unstained bone marrow aspirate smears or touch preparations of bone marrow biopsies from 15 patients with benign bone marrow lymphoid aggregates and 18 patients with malignant lymphoid infiltrates were analyzed for rearrangements of the FR3 region of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene locus by a heminested polymerase chain reaction procedure. All specimens had amplifiable DNA, as shown by amplification of the ras proto-oncogene. None of the 15 cases of benign bone marrow lymphoid aggregates demonst...
Synthesis of Ultrafine, Multicomponent Particles Using Phospholipid Vesicles

Because of their unique properties of self-assembly and selective ion permeability across the lipid bilayers, phospholipid vesicles were used as reaction vessels for the synthesis of ultrafine, multicomponent ceramic particles containing Y, Ba, Cu, and Ag. Chemical inhomogeneities in the system were limited to the individual particle size (< 50 nun), which was a considerable improvement over particles prepared using bulk precipitation routes. The consistent barium deficiency was a serious problem that arose when attempting to control the stoichiometry of the multicomponent system. Our experimental evidence suggests that chemical interactions between the barium cations and the vesicleforming phospholipid may inhibit the precipitation of barium salts. In a parallel study, we performed consolidation studies on vesicle-precipitated Ag2O particles before and after the removal of the phospholipid molecules. Particle packing was greatly improved in the surfactant coated particles. This demonstrates the multifunctionality of this biomimetic system in which the vesicle membrane simultaneously acts as: (i) a reaction cell for particle precipitation, (ii) an ion selective membrane that affects precipitation kinetics, (iii) a barrier to prevent spontaneous agglomeration of the ultrafine particles, and (iv) a lubricant/dispersantth atfacilitatesp article rearrangementd uring consolidation.
AMUSE: a minimally-unsatisfiable subformula extractor

This paper describes a new algorithm for extracting unsatisfiable subformulas from a given unsatisfiable CNF formula. Such unsatisfiable "cores" can be very helpful in diagnosing the causes of infeasibility in large systems. Our algorithm is unique in that it adapts the "learning process" of a modern SAT solver to identify unsatisfiable subformulas rather than search for satisfying assignments. Compared to existing approaches, this method can be viewed as a bottom-up core extraction procedure which can be very competitive when the core sizes are much smaller than the original formula size. Repeated runs of the algorithm with different branching orders yield different cores. We present experimental results on a suite of large automotive benchmarks showing the performance of the algorithm and highlighting its ability to locate not just one but several cores.
Atoms In Dense Plasmas

When laser light is focussed to intensities of 1014 — 1016 Watt/cm2 onto a cold solid, the target surface promptly rises to temperatures ~0.1 — 1 keV and produces a highly ionized plasma. Heat energy absorbed from the laser penetrates into the cold target by nonlinear electron heat conduction driven by enormous temperature gradients (~ 109 °K/cm). large thermoelectric and magnetic fields are generated, thermally produced x-rays are emitted and the heated material expands in high-velocity hydrodynamic flow. For all these processes the working fluid is a dense plasma of highly-charged ions. Because the densities and/or temperatures greatly exceed those available in previous laboratory plasma devices, we find many interesting new topics for scientific investigation.1,2,3,4
The job shop tardiness problem: A decomposition approach

An important criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of many manufacturing firms is their ability to meet due dates. In low to medium volume discrete manufacturing, typified by traditional job shops and more recently by flexible manufacturing systems, this criterion is usually operationalized on the shop floor through the use of prioritizing dispatching rules. The widespread use of dispatching rules has led to a number of investigations where the due date performance of various rules is compared. In contrast to previous research on dispatching rules, this paper proposes a new approach that _decomposes the dynamic problem into a series of static problems. These static problems are solved in their entirely, and then implemented dynamically on a rolling basis. To illustrate this approach, a specific heuristic is developed that constructs the schedule for the entire system by focusing on the bottleneck machine. Computational results indicate that significant due date performance improvement over traditional dispatching rules can be obtained by using this new approach.
Use of various offset settings in the Fenwal Amicus during hematopoietic progenitor cell collection to increase lymphocyte yield and reduce cross‐cellular contamination

Introduction: Autologous HPC collection focus has been CD34+ cell yield but product content of other cells is important for patient survival, complications, and resource utilization. Methods: Prospective, paired study examining MNC and RBC offsets (opens and closes collect valve, respectively) was performed using Fenwal Amicus. Lymphocyte, CD34+ cell yields, and cross-cellular contamination were compared using different MNC/RBC offsets and retrospective Spectra data. Results: In paired comparisons, median lymphocyte yields were significantly different only between 0.0/7.0 (17.6 × 109) and 1.5/5.0 (14.5 × 109) offsets. CD34+ yields were not significantly different between offsets except 1.0/7.0 and 1.5/5.0 (230.3 vs. 156.7 × 106). Granulocytes, RBC, and PLT were significantly greater with higher RBC offset. Comparing all offsets, 1.5/5.0 collected fewer lymphocytes, granulocytes, RBC, and PLT. 1.5/6.0 offsets collected more lymphocytes than 1.5/5.0 but fewer granulocytes and RBC than others except 1.5/5.0. For 1.5/6.0 offsets, PLT content was higher than 1.5/5.0, equivalent to the other offsets, and less than Spectra. CD34+ yields for 1.5/6.0 offsets were equivalent to others except 1.0/7.0. Manufacturer's default (2.3/6.8) collected equivalent lymphocytes and CD34+ to all offsets (except 1.0/7.0) and Spectra. Cross-cellular contamination was higher than 1.5/5.0 and 1.5/6.0 but equivalent to others with more RBC and fewer PLT than Spectra. Conclusion: For maximum lymphocyte yield and minimum contamination, 1.5/6.0 offsets appear optimal. For minimum lymphocyte yield and contamination, 1.5/5.0 offsets would be preferred. Manufacturer's default has CD34+ cell and lymphocyte yields similar to 1.5/6.0 with greater contamination. Amicus can achieve lymphocyte and CD34+ yields similar to Spectra but has significantly less PLT removal. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Time-Series Approach to Estimate Soil Moisture Using Polarimetric Radar Data

Electromagnetic scattering from a rough surface is a function of both surface roughness and dielectric constant of the scattering surface. Therefore, in order to estimate soil moisture of a bare surface accurately from radar measurements, the effects of surface roughness must be compensated for properly. Several algorithms have been developed to estimate soil moisture from a polarimetric radar image, all with limited ranges of applicability. No theoretical algorithm has been reported to retrieve volumetric soil moisture of a vegetated surface. In this paper, we examine a different approach to estimate soil moisture that exploits the fact that the backscattering cross section from a natural object changes over short timescales mainly due to variations in soil moisture. We develop a model function that expresses copolarized backscattering cross sections (sigmahh and sigmavv) in terms of volumetric soil moisture using L-band experimental data for both bare and vegetated surfaces. In order to estimate soil moisture, two unknowns in the model function must be determined. We propose a viable approach to determine these two unknowns using combined radiometer and radar data. This time-series approach also provides a framework to utilize a priori knowledge on soil moisture to improve the retrieval accuracy of volumetric soil moisture. We demonstrate that this time-series algorithm is a simple and robust way to estimate soil moisture for both bare and vegetated surfaces.
Cell lysis on a microfluidic CD (compact disc)

Cell lysis was demonstrated on a microfluidic CD (Compact Disc) platform. In this purely mechanical lysis method, spherical particles (beads) in a lysis chamber microfabricated in a CD, cause disruption of mammalian (CHO-K1), bacterial (Escherichia coli), and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells. Interactions between beads and cells are generated in the rimming flow established inside a partially filled annular chamber in the CD rotating around a horizontal axis. To maximize bead–cell interactions in the lysis chamber, the CD was spun forward and backwards around this axis, using high acceleration for 5 to 7 min. Investigation on inter-particle forces (friction and collision) identified the following parameters; bead density, angular velocity, acceleration rate, and solid volume fraction as having the most significant contribution to cell lysis. Cell disruption efficiency was verified either through direct microscopic viewing or measurement of the DNA concentration after cell lysing. Lysis efficiency relative to a conventional lysis protocol was approximately 65%. In the long term, this work is geared towards CD based sample-to-answer nucleic acid analysis which will include cell lysis, DNA purification, DNA amplification, and DNA hybridization detection.
Folding Thermodynamics of Model Four-Strand Antiparallel β-Sheet Proteins

The thermodynamic properties for three different types of off-lattice four-strand antiparallel -strand protein models interacting via a hybrid Go-type potential have been investigated. Discontinuous molecular dynamic simulations have been performed for different sizes of the bias gap g, an artificial measure of a model protein's preference for its native state. The thermodynamic transition temperatures are obtained by calculating the squared radius of gyration Rg 2 , the root-mean- squared pair separation fluctuation B, the specific heat Cv, the internal energy of the system E, and the Lindemann disorder parameter L. Despite these models' simplicity, they exhibit a complex set of protein transitions, consistent with those observed in experimental studies on real proteins. Starting from high temperature, these transitions include a collapse transition, a disordered-to-ordered globule transition, a folding transition, and a liquid-to-solid transition. The high temper- ature transitions, i.e., the collapse transition and the disordered-to-ordered globule transition, exist for all three -strand proteins, although the native-state geometry of the three model proteins is different. However the low temperature transitions, i.e., the folding transition and the liquid-to-solid transition, strongly depend on the native-state geometry of the model proteins and the size of the bias gap.