cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipases of blood and tissues. I. Purification and properties of heparin-induced plasma lipase.

Abstract A new method for the purification of human heparin-induced plasma lipase has been developed. In the initial step, plasma containing heparin-induced lipase is extracted with ethyl ether and ethanol resulting in the formation of three layers. The intermediate layer contains approximately 90% of the original lipolytic activity at approximately tenfold concentration. By fractional precipitation with ethanol at a number of different pH levels the heparin-induced plasma lipase was concentrated 66-fold with a yield of 77% on the basis of lipolytic activity per weight of protein. Chemical, electrophoretic, and ultracentrifugal sedimentation studies on this enzyme preparation indicate the presence of one major and two minor components.
Preliminary Examination of a Cartoon-Based Hostile Attributional Bias Measure for Urban African American Boys

The current study illustrates how researchers developed and validated a cartoon-based adaptation of a written hostile attributional bias measure for a sample of urban, low-income, African American boys. A series of studies were conducted to develop cartoon illustrations to accompany a standard written hostile attributional bias vignette measure (Study 1), to determine initial psychometric properties (Study 2) and acceptability (Study 3), and to conduct a test–retest reliability trial of the adapted measure in a separate sample (Study 4). These studies utilize a participatory action research approach to measurement design and adaptation, and suggest that collaborations between researchers and key school stakeholders can lead to measures that are psychometrically strong, developmentally appropriate, and culturally sensitive. In addition, the cartoon-based hostile attributional bias measure appears to have promise as an assessment and/or outcome measure for aggression and bullying prevention programs conducted with urban African American boys.
Geometric effects in piezodialysis through charge-mosaic membranes

Abstract An explicit but highly schematic theory of the effect of the heterogeneity of charge-mosaic membranes on piezodialysis is given. An effect exists because the ions being transported through different parts of the membrane leave the feed bath at different points and also arrive in the filtrate bath at different points. The effect is always to reduce the salt flux through the membrane. The amount of reduction has been calculated for two geometric arrangements of the parts of the mosaic membrane, namely, alternating strips and a checkerboard of squares.
Response to Second-line Therapy Defines the Potential for Cure in Patients With Recurrent Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Implications for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract Background Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are not cured by initial therapy sometimes experience disease-free survival after autologous stem cell transplantation. Chemotherapy responsiveness before transplantation is a major predictor of outcome. Patients not responding to second-line regimens may receive third-line therapy in the hopes of achieving response, but outcome data are limited. Patients and Methods We identified patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL at Weill Cornell Medical Center for whom data on responses to second-line chemotherapy were available. Results A total of 74 patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who underwent second-line chemotherapy between 1996 and 2007 were identified. Of these patients, 27 (36%) did not respond. The median overall survival of nonresponding patients was 4 months, and only 1 patient (4%) survived for 1 year. The choice of third-line aggressive chemotherapy instead of less intensive approaches did not confer a survival benefit. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that patients with recurrent DLBCL not responding to second-line chemotherapy demonstrate dismal outcomes. Trials of novel regimens should be prioritized as management strategies for these patients. Our data provide an important benchmark in the evaluation of the potential clinical value of such approaches.
Decolonial Methodologies: Social Justice Perspectives in Intercultural Technical Communication Research

This article argues that many methodological approaches used in intercultural technical communication research are limited in addressing emerging social justice challenges in many post-colonial, developing, and unenfranchised/disenfranchised cultural sites, where professional communicators have begun conducting research. It offers decolonial approaches as an alternative by highlighting how these approaches are used in an intercultural research that investigates attempts to localize communication that accompanies sexuo-pharmaceuticals from one cultural context to another. The article also discusses some the challenges and benefits of such approaches.The ways in which scientific research is implicated in the worst excesses of colonialism remain a powerfully remembered history for many of the world's colonized peoples. It is a history that still offends the deepest sense of our humanity [1, p. 1].Global research raises many methodological and ethical challenges for technical communicators … because of the cr...
Prototyping a wireless sensing platform for acoustic emission signals collected by microphone arrays

In this paper, we present a wireless sensing prototype for condition monitoring using acoustic emission signals. It consists of a 4-member microphone array, a 4-channel 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a wireless node. The prototype will serve as a platform for sensor and algorithm developments for gearbox condition monitoring. In the TinyOS operation system, software interfaces are written in the nesC language to link the hardware with high-level programs. The prototype will eventually collect acoustic emission signals from the microphone array, convert them into digital data using the ADC, perform local signal processing and transmit the results to another wireless node or a base station. Two TinyOS programs are also written to test the functionality of the ADC and the wireless nodes. The programs also demonstrate that data collection and transmission for the one-channel case has been accomplished, though the four-channel case is still under development. Preliminary results and analysis are presented in the paper. Future improvements would involve microphone array filtering/denoising, four-channel data transfer, signal processing and decision making algorithms, and a high-level wireless transmission protocol.
Testing random number generators for microcomputer applications of Monte Carlo simulation

Abstract Monte Carlo simulation is a venerable method of solving probabilistic modeling problems, but has historically been thought of as a mainframe technique because of its computational burden. With the great increases in the speed and power of microcomputers, there is increasing interest in microcomputer-based Monte Carlo techniques applied to probabilistic environmental modeling. Effective Monte Carlo simulation requires fast, accurate random number generators and generator performance is often software and hardware specific. This paper describes a package of diagnostic programs titled RANDALIZE that has been developed to interrogate proposed random number generators to determine if they yield sufficiently random variates with the desired probabilistic properties. The methods used to interrogate a random number sequence are defined and illustrated. Methods for interpreting the results are discussed. Example results are presented to illustrate program functions.
Molecular and functional aspects of menstruation in the macaque

Much of our understanding of the molecular control of menstruation arises from laboratory models that experimentally recapitulate some, but not all, aspects of uterine bleeding observed in women. These models include: in vitro culture of endometrial explants or isolated endometrial cells, transplantation of human endometrial tissue into immunodeficient mice and the induction of endometrial breakdown in appropriately pretreated mice. Each of these models has contributed to our understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms of menstruation, but nonhuman primates, especially macaques, are the animal model of choice for evaluating therapies for menstrual disorders. In this chapter we review some basic aspects of menstruation, with special emphasis on the macaque model and its relevance to the clinical issues of irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).
Reactivity of paper residues produced by a hydrothermal pretreatment process for municipal solid wastes

Yields of gases, water, water-soluble organics, and water-insoluble char are reported for hydrothermal pretreatment of paper dunnage at several conditions. Chars are characterized in terms of chemical composition, slurry-forming properties, and pyrolysis properties. Pyrolysis yields, relative reactivities, and kinetic parameters for evolution of volatile organic components from isolated chars were determined by Pyromat micropyrolysis. For both the water-insoluble chars and solvent-extracted chars, pyrolysate yields decreased with increasing pyrolysis severity, and the temperature of maximum evolution rate for a constant heating rate (T max ) increased. The extracted residues have less low-temperature evolution and narrower evolution profiles overall. Kinetic analysis used the T max shift (approximate) and discrete distribution methods. Except for one sample, all of the extracted chars have similar kinetic parameters, i.e., activation energies in the range of 54-56 kcal/mol and frequency factors in the range of 10 15 s -1 . The exception was from the most severe pretreatment conditions and exhibited much higher activation energies. FTIR analyses of the extracted chars and isolated extracts indicate the structures of the extracted chars are very similar, except for the most severe pretreatment sample. The results are used to assess the suitability and limitations of a parallel reaction model for pyrolysis of paper, especially for modeling hydrothermal pretreatment of gasifier slurry feeds.
Speciation in coral-reef fishes

Covering <0·1% of the ocean’s surface, coral reefs harbour about one-third of all marine fishes or c. 5000 species. Allopatry (geographic isolation) is believed to be the primary mode of speciation, yet few biogeographic barriers exist between reefs, and most reef fishes have a pelagic larval stage capable of extensive dispersal. Under these circumstances, why are there so many species of reef fishes? Since most biogeographic barriers in the oceans are either spatially or temporally permeable on a relatively short time frame, the requirement of isolation during allopatric speciation is hard to satisfy. Evidence from empirical and theoretical studies, the biological characteristics of coral reefs, and a reanalysis of biogeographic barriers indicate that sympatric speciation is possible but not common at small spatial scales and that parapatric speciation is a common (and probably the prevalent) mode of diversification in coral-reef fishes. Regardless of the speciation mode, previous hypotheses of accelerated diversification in the Pleistocene due to sea level fluctuations are not supported by phylogenetic analyses. Recent developments in the area of comparative genomics can fuel a new revolution in the way marine speciation is studied.
Binding of enzymes of glycogen metabolism to glycogen in skeletal muscle.

Abstract The distribution of glycogen synthetase, phosphorylase, and amylo-1,6-glucosidase in subcellular fractions was studied in human and rabbit skeletal muscle. All glycogen synthetase and 60–70% of phosphorylase and amylo-l,6-glucosidase were sedimented with the microsome-glycogen fraction. These enzymes were redistributed to the final supernatant when glycogen was either digested by glucamylase or metabolically utilized in vitro , and the process was reversed by the addition of glycogen. Redistribution of the enzymes to the final supernatant also followed depletion of glycogen by sustained tetanus in vivo . When glycogen was separated from microsomes by filtration, the enzymes passed through the filter with glycogen. These results suggest that the principal enzymes of glycogen synthesis and degradation are bound to the polysaccharide rather than to membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Worst case performance of weighted buddy systems

In this paper we have studied the worst case performance of the weighted buddy system of memory management. Specifically we have derived lower bounds of two system parameters NETREQ and NETALLOC for a weighted buddy system in case of unrestricted request sequence and stated a few preliminary results for those parameters in case of allocation only request sequence. We have also given bounds for the same system parameters for exact-fit memory management algorithms to compare the results with those for buddy systems.
Health care financing: recent experience in Africa.

The economic realities of health sector development in Africa have been analyzed in this paper. Both the global and national macroeconomic context has been defined. Given the available data it is clear that most African countries face increasingly serious economic realities such as a slow or even declining economic growth a depressed food production situation and increasing dependence on external financial assistance. Given the limited but increasingly available 1981 and 1982 data the economic situation in many countries is more constrained than those indicated by the data contained in this paper. In this context the potential competitive situation facing governmental health care systems was reviewed. In addition the diversity in the sources of health expenditures between countries in Africa was highlighted. These data provide clear evidence that governments clearly do not finance the entire health care system. The potential for governments to finance either an expansion of or improvments to the government component of their health care systems is then reviewed. Despite this diversity the data show a tendency that expenditures for defense or health and education are substitutes in respect to the proportion of a governments budget allocated to each. The data suggest that if defense expenditures were reduced by 10% health expenditures could be increased by at least 25%. Finally in the last section of the paper a brief review of the alternative financing mechanisms being tested in Africa suggest that a number of different packages are being tested and implemented. At the present time however little information is known about: 1) the amount of revenue generated from each mechanism; 2) the cost of administering each alternative mechanism; 3) how each mechanism functions at the community level; 4) how various financing mechanisms are combined to fund a specific program; 5) the effect of each mechanism on patterns of utilization; and 6) the incidence of the benefits and costs of each alternative mechanism. Local community based funding mechanisms are being widely experimented with.
Ezines: A Constructivist Instructional Activity for Teaching Diagnosis and Psychopathology

ABSTRACT Ezines (electronic zines) are independently made, online publications that can provide creative, pedagogical possibilities for constructivist learning in counselor education and, specifically, the diagnosis class. Making ezines about mental disorders and psychopathology allows students to engage in active learning about important topics while incorporating such constructivist principles as meaning and knowledge construction, multiple perspectives, and contextual thinking. The purpose of this article is to describe an innovative, constructivist learning strategy that involves the use of ezines in teaching diagnosis and psychopathology.
Tropical Pacific sea‐surface temperatures and preceding sea level pressure anomalies in the subtropical North Pacific

[1] The correspondence of sea-surface temperature (SST) anomalies to changes in antecedent large-scale sea level pressure anomalies is investigated using reanalysis data. By statistically examining linearly coupled precursor sea level pressure fields and subsequent SST fields for different lag periods, it is possible to isolate a precursor mode of sea level pressure (SLP) variability in the central subtropical North Pacific that precedes variations in the January–March El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) by approximately 12–15 months. A sea level pressure index, which captures the important characteristics of this precursor mode of variability, is developed and evaluated. It is shown that both analyzed and observed versions of the index are significantly correlated with the January–March ENSO one year later. The SLP index is then used to examine the evolution of the surface circulation and temperature structures leading up to mature ENSO events. Initially, the January–March subtropical North Pacific SLP anomalies are associated with changes in the intensity of the subtropical trade wind regime over the North Pacific, as well as with SST anomalies over the eastern equatorial Pacific and subtropical central Pacific. In agreement with the correlation statistics associated with the SLP and lagged NINO3.4 indices, both the sea level pressure field and the SST field subsequently develop ENSO-like structures over the course of the following year. Significant discussion of these results and pertinent areas of future research are provided within the broader context of the ENSO system.
Commemorations and the Shaping of Modern Poland

Introduction Part one: The early period 1. Polish Phoenix: The Kraszewski Jubilee of 1879 2. The Relief of Vienna, 1683-1883: Celebrating Victory Part two: The 'nineties 3. Eloquent Ashes: The Translation of Adam Mickiewicz's Remains 4. Poland Has Not Yet Perished: From the Third of May to the Kosciuszko Insurrection 5. Bronzing the Bard: The Mickiewicz Monuments of 1898 Part three: The first years of the twentieth century 6. Teutons versus Slavs? Commemorating the Battle of Grunwald 7. Poles in Arms: Insurrectionary Legacies Conclusion
Box office archaeology: refining Hollywood's portrayals of the past

Box office archaeology: refining Hollywood's portrayals of the past, Julie M. Schablitsky (ed), Walnut Creek, California, Left Coast Press, 2007, p. 256, ISBN 978-1-59874-056-1 (pbk): £14.99/ISBN 9...
An unusual bony reaction to a vegetable foreign body in a tendon-sheath

Abstract The rare incidence of a piece of wood embedded in the sheath of an extensor tendon of a toe is described. There was no infection, but inflammatory reaction appeared to lead to osteosclerosis in the related metatarsal. The mechanism of this change is discussed.
Aqua-Net Mate: A real-time virtual channel/modem simulator for Aqua-Net

As the theory behind underwater acoustic networks (UANs) becomes more mature, there is an increasing interest in testing it in reality. Because real field tests are costly, a protocol is usually simulated before it is tested. At present, a simulation program is generally separated from its real companion, which doubles the effort to develop a protocol and possibly makes a significant difference between the simulation and reality results because of the ways they are implemented. In order to address these issues, we introduce Aqua-Net Mate, a real-time virtual channel/modem simulator specifically designed for Aqua-Net, a well-developed UAN networking framework. Aqua-Net Mate is yet transparent to Aqua-Net, allowing Aqua-Net to run in simulation mode without any modification. Aqua-Net Mate is highly extensible and configurable. It also unified parameter configuration and real-time schedule. More importantly, Aqua-Net Mate emulates real acoustic modems by employing a new state machine design. Comparison between simulations with Aqua-Net Mate and past lake tests shows that Aqua-Net Mate can effectively evaluate field test results and the state machine design can accurately capture the behaviors of real modems.
Computable choice functions for computable linear orderings

A choice set for a computable linear ordering is a set which contains one element from each maximal block of the ordering. We obtain a partial characterization of the computable linear order-types for which each computable model has a computable choice set, and a full characterization in the relativized case; Every model of the linear order-type α of degree ≤ d has a choice set of degree ≤ d iff α can written as a finite sum of order-types, each of which either has finitely many blocks, or has order-type n · η for some integer n.
Air Flow Induced in Enclosed Inclined Chutes of Material Handling Systems

Abstract Air entrained within enclosed inclined chutes conveying solid materials may contribute, unless exhausted, to the dispersion of dust in work areas. Quantities of air induced calculated from equations developed from the dynamics of free-falling particles do not often compare well with field measurements. A modified form of the theoretical equation including an efficiency factor derived from the geometry of the chute system gives fairly good agreement between computed and observed rates of air flow. A nomogram solution is given to aid the engineer in determining where exhaust will be required and what volume need be exhausted to achieve dust control.
High Voltage TAL Performance

The performance of a two-stage, anode layer Hall thruster was evaluated. Experiments were conducted in single and two-stage configurations. In single-stage configuration, the thruster was operated with discharge voltages ranging from 300 to 1700 V. Discharge specific impulses ranged from 1630 to 4140 sec. Thruster investigations were conducted with input power ranging from 1 to 8.7 kW, corresponding to power throttling of nearly 9: 1. An extensive two-stage performance map was generated. Data taken with total voltage (sum of discharge and accelerating voltage) constant revealed a decrease in thruster efficiency as the discharge voltage was increased. Anode specific impulse values were comparable in the single and two-stage configurations showing no strong advantage for two-stage operation.
Second form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in mouse: immunocytochemistry reveals hippocampal and periventricular distribution

Hypothalamic GnRH (GnRH-I) is known and named for its role in regulating reproductive function in vertebrates by controlling release of gonadotropins from the pituitary. However, another form of GnRH of unknown function (pGlu-His-Trp-Ser-His-Gly-Trp-Tyr-Pro-Gly; GnRH-II) is expressed in the mesencephalon of all vertebrate classes except jawless fish. Here we show with immunocytochemical staining that the GnRH-II peptide is localized to the mouse midbrain as in other vertebrates, as well as in cells surrounding the ventricles and in cells adjacent to the hippocampus. Staining of adjacent sections using GnRH-I antibody revealed that the distribution of GnRH-I does not overlap with that of GnRH-II.
Modelling data-driven CO2 sequestration using distributed HPC cyberinfrastructure

In this paper we lay out the computational challenges involved in effectively simulating complex phenomena such as sequestering CO2 in oil and gas reservoirs. The challenges arise at multiple levels: (i) the computational complexity of simulating the fundamental processes; (ii) the resource requirements of the computationally demanding simulations; (iii) the need for integrating real-time data (intensive) and computationally intensive simulations; (iv) and the need to implement all of these in a robust, scalable and extensible approach. We will outline the architecture and implementation of the solution we develop in response to these requirements, and discuss results to validate claims that our solution scales to effectively solve desired problem sizes and thus provides the capability to generate novel scientific insight.
La souris: un modèle et un outil pour la compréhension des maladies humaines

Jacques Monod avait l'habitude de dire qu'au niveau le plus elementaire de la genetique, ce qui etait vrai pour Escherichia coli devait probablement l'etre encore plus pour l'elephant. Poursuivant ce genre de raisonnement, les geneticiens de la souris justifient souvent leurs recherches sur cette espece en considerant que les mammiferes sont suffisamment semblables entre eux pour que les maladies de la souris puissent servir de modeles aux maladies de l'homme.
Intracellular site of assembly of TMV-RNA and protein

Abstract 32P was presented for 2, 4, and 6 hours to the “third” leaves of young tobacco plants during the period of exponential rise (18–24 hours after inoculation) in the amount of extractable, infectious TMV. Immediately after the 32P-labeling periods, nuclear, chloroplast, and enriched mitochondria organelle fractions and cytoplasmic fractions were isolated from the infected leaves. 32P-TMV was isolated from each organelle and the cytoplasmic fraction by precipitation with carrier TMV and a TMV-antiserum. Of the newly synthesized 32P-TMV nucleoprotein, 85% or more was found in the cytoplasmic extracts. Apparently, the assembly of TMV-RNA and protein into nucleoprotein particles occurs in the region of the cell devoid of organelles visible in the light microscope.
Isolation and Identification of Two New Diterpene Glycosides from Nicotiana tabacum

Two new diterpene glycosides containing 20-hydroxygeranyllinalool were isolated and identified from Nicotiana tabacum. These compounds consisted of five molecules of glucose and/or rhamnose. The locations of the aglycone and glycosides in the molecules were determined by 2D-NMR with the HMBC technique. The structures were (6E,10E,14Z)-20-hydroxygeranyllinalyl-3-O- [alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside-20-O- [beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1 --> 2)]-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 6)]-beta-D- glucopyranoside and (6E,10E,14Z)-20-hydroxygeranyllinalyl-3-O- [alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4)]-beta-D-glycopyranoside-20-O- [alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4)]-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 6)]-beta-D- glucopyranoside.
Feature-negative effect in rats’ discrimination learning in the runway

In two experiments, rats were trained on a successive go/no-go discrimination problem in the runway in which the positive (8+) and negative (8-) discriminanda were differentiated by the presence or absence of a distinctive feature. The feature in Experiment 1 was a series of flash­ ing lights over the runway. In Experiment 2, the feature was a pretrial reinforcement (Phase 1), or pretrial reinforcement versus pretrial nonreinforcement (Phase 2). The feature signaled S+ trials in feature-positive (FP) groups and S- trials in feature-negative (FN) groups. The original discrimination was reversed in Phase 2 of both experiments. With the exception of the pretrial nonreinforcement groups in Experiment 2, there was an asymmetry in discrimination learning in both phases of both experiments favoring superior discrimination learning by FN subjects over FP subjects, a feature-negative effect. Implications of the results for an informa­ tion processing account of asymmetries in learning feature discriminations are discussed. Jenkins and Sainsbury (1969) reported an asym­ metry in pigeons' learning of a successive go/no-go discrimination in which the positive (S+) and neg­ ative (S-) discriminanda were differentiated by a distinctive stimulus (feature), presented on S+ trials in the feature-positive (FP) case and on S- trials in the feature-negative (FN) case, in the direction of faster learning of FP discriminations than FN dis­ criminations. This asymmetry, called the feature­ positive effect (FPE), is quite pervasive, having been obtained across a considerable range of experimental procedures, learning tasks, types of features, and species (see Hearst, 1978, in press, for reviews). The generality of the FPE has been taken to indicate that a fundamental psychological principle (or bias), per­ haps due to the innate organization of the nervous system, underlies its occurrence (Hearst, 1978; Newman, Wolff, & Hearst, 1980). Hearst (in press) has suggested that the FPE may be related to some effects in human learning and information process­ ing characterized by a bias favoring the presence over the absence of a stimulus as a source of information. The two experiments reported here investigated feature-discrimination learning in rats, employing for the first time a successive go/no-go discrimina­ tion problem in the runway. Previous feature-learning experiments with rats have demonstrated a FPE in appetitive barpress situations (Crowell & Bernhardt, 1979; Halgren, 1974, Lea, 1974) and in conditioned suppression (Reberg & Leclerc, 1977). Whether the
Isolation and characterization of the bovine hypothalamic growth hormone releasing factor

A 44 amino acid peptide with high intrinsic growth hormone releasing activity was isolated from 500 bovine hypothalami by means of acid extraction, immunoaffinity chromatography, gel filtration, and two steps of reverse phase HPLC. The growth hormone releasing factor was structurally characterized by gas phase sequence analysis. Reverse phase liquid chromatography of the native peptide and synthetic replicates showed that the molecule possesses an amide rather than a free acid at its carboxyl terminus. The structure of the peptide was established as: Tyr Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala -Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Asn-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Arg-Asn-Gln -Gly-Ala-Lys-Val-Arg-Leu-NH2 using approximately 2 nmol of material.
Nonconvex differential calculus for infinite-dimensional multifunctions

The paper is concerned with generalized differentiation of set-valued mappings between Banach spaces. Our basic object is the so-called coderivative of multifunctions that was introduced earlier by the first author and has had a number of useful applications to nonlinear analysis, optimization, and control. This coderivative is a nonconvex-valued mapping which is related to sequential limits of Frechet-like graphical normals but is not dual to any tangentially generated derivative of multifunctions. Using a variational approach, we develop a full calculus for the coderivative in the framework of Asplund spaces. The latter class is sufficiently broad and convenient for many important applications. Some useful calculus results are also obtained in general Banach spaces.
Password-protected secret sharing

We revisit the problem of protecting user's private data against adversarial compromise of user's device(s) which store this data. We formalize the solution we propose as Password-Protected Secret-Sharing (PPSS), which allows a user to secret-share her data among n trustees in such a way that (1) the user can retrieve the shared secret upon entering a correct password into a reconstruction protocol, which succeeds as long as at least t+1 uncorrupted trustees are accessible, and (2) the shared data remains secret even if the adversary which corrupts t trustees, with the level of protection expected of password-authentication, i.e. the probability that the adversary learns anything useful about the secret is at most q/|D| where q is the number of reconstruction protocol the adversary manages to trigger and |D| is the size of the password dictionary. We propose an efficient PPSS protocol in the PKI model, secure under the DDH assumption, using non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs with efficient instantiations in the Random Oracle Model. Our protocol is practical, with fewer than 16 exponentiations per trustee and 8t+17 exponentiations per user, with O(1) bandwidth between the user and each trustee, and only three message flows, implying a single round of interaction in the on-line phase. As a side benefit our PPSS protocol yields a new Threshold Password Authenticated Key Exchange (T-PAKE) protocol in the PKI model with significantly lower message, communication, and server computation complexities then existing T-PAKE's.
Altered expression and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases in diabetic heart during cardioplegic arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background We investigated whether mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are changed in the hearts of patients with diabetes after cardioplegia and cardiopulmonary bypass (CP/CPB) operations. Methods Biopsies from the right atrial appendage were harvested pre- and post-CP/CPB from nondiabetic (ND) patients (n = 8, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) = 5.4 ± 0.12); patients with controlled diabetes (CDM) (n = 8, HbA1c = 6.5 ± 0.15); and patients with uncontrolled diabetes (UDM) (n = 8, HbA1c = 9.6 ± 0.3) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The expression and/or activation of the p38-MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK, and MKP-1 in the right-atrial tissues were analyzed by Western blotting. The vasomotor function of coronary arterioles was measured by videomicroscopy. Results The post-CP/CPB levels of total p38-MAPK were decreased in the 3 groups as compared with their pre-CP/CPB levels (P U46619 were significantly impaired in all 3 groups compared with pre-CP/CPB contractile responses. These impairments were more pronounced in the UDM group. Conclusion Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with changes in expression of and activation of MAPKs and vasomotor dysfunction in the setting of CP/CPB.
Shoot Blight of Lodgepole Pine Seedlings in Nebraska Caused by Sphaeropsis sapinea.

Shoot blight was observed on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loud.) seedlings in fall 1994 at the USDA Forest Service Bessey Tree Nursery, Halsey, NE. Shoots were stunted, cankered, and sometimes curled at the tips, and bore brown needles that often had been killed before full elongation. Pycnidia were present on necrotic needles and stems. Conidia from these pycnidia produced pure cultures of Sphaeropsis sapinea (Fr.:Fr.) Dyko & Sutton in Sutton. The fungus was identified based on cultural, pycnidial, and conidial characteristics and comparison with known isolates. Also, random amplified polymorphic DNA markers of isolates were consistent with those of the A morphotype of S. sapinea (1). The ability of each of the two recognized morphotypes of S. sapinea to cause shoot blight of lodgepole pine was tested by inoculation of potted, 2-year-old seedlings in a greenhouse. Elongating terminal shoots were wounded by removing a needle pair approximately 1 cm below the shoot apex. A plug cut from an act...
Identification of the human homologue of the early-growth response gene Snk, encoding a serum-inducible kinase.

Murine serum inducible kinase (mSnk) was recently cloned and characterized as an early-growth response gene involved in cell proliferation. Here we report the isolation and characterization of its human homologue, named hSnk. Sequence comparison shows that hSnk is highly conserved and its deduced protein sequence shares a significant amino acid identity with mSnk and rSnk proteins, as well as with other polo family kinase gene products. A survey ofhSnk expression reveals that while a wide variety of human tissues express a low to moderate level of hSnk transcripts, fetal tissues, testis, and spleen express the most abundant hSnk transcripts. In addition, serum stimulation rapidly induces hSnk expression in fibroblast cells, reaching the peak level of induction within one hour post treatment. Considering that Plk and Prk, two other known human polo-family kinases, control cell cycle checkpoint and cell cycle progression, our current observations suggest that hSnk may also play an important role in cells un...
A Review of the XRD Data of the Phases Present in the CaO-SrO-PbO System

X-ray powder patterns for the phases in the CaO-SrO-PbO ternary system, along with the corresponding crystal structures, were obtained from the literature and from the Powder Diffraction File. Available XRD patterns were compared with each other and with a simulated pattern for each phase, yielding a recommended reference pattern. The simulated powder patterns presented here deal with the phases found within the (Ca,Sr)2PbO4solid solution series and are recommended for the Powder Diffraction File (PDF).
Durability of Cement Stabilized Low Plasticity Soils

Three testing methods for predicting the durability of cement-stabilized soils—the tube suction (TS), 7-day unconfined compression strength (UCS), and wetting–drying durability tests—were tested and compared for their correlations and influence factors using a problematic low plastic silt clay from subgrade commonly encountered in Louisiana. A series of samples was molded at six different cement dosages (2.5, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, 10.5, and 12.5% by dry weight of the soil) and four different molding moisture contents (15.5, 18.5, 21.5, and 24.5%). The test results indicate that the water–cement ratio of cement-stabilized soil had the dominant influence on the maximum dielectric value (DV), 7-day UCS, and durability of stabilized samples tested, although the dry unit weight of cement-stabilized soil could cause the variation of the results. This study confirms that TS, 7-day UCS, and wetting-drying durability tests are equivalent in predicting durability, and tentative charts to ensuring the durability of cement-...
Atomic-potential parameters for H2 and D2: quantum corrections in the calculation of second-virial coefficients

Abstract First-order quantum corrections were introduced into the computation of the second-virial coefficients of H2 and D2. The quantum effects, for the studied two light molecules, are considerable even at the room temperature and become prominent at low temperatures. Atomic potentials, incorporating the quadrupole interactions, were employed in the calculations. Optimum atomic-potential parameters eH, σH, eD and σD were obtained from the nonlinear least-squares fit of the experimental second-virial coefficients. The fitted virial coefficients cover the temperature ranges of 173–423 and 153– 423 K for H2 and D2, respectively.
Multipath analyses of moving targets in enclosed structures using Doppler radars

In through-the-wall radar and urban sensing applications, detection, localization, and classification of targets are highly desirable. The presence of the targets inside buildings, and in close proximity of walls, floors, and ceilings, leads to a rich multipath environment. Multipaths can introduce false targets, thereby degrading target detection, localization, and classification performances. A multipath model based on the principles of ray tracing is advocated in this paper. We consider a diffused target moving in an enclosed urban structure being observed by a stationary Doppler radar. The model is verified using both simulated and experimental data. Further, we address the inverse problem of identifying the true Doppler peak given the Doppler spectrum, and show that the solution exists under partial knowledge of the angles of arrival.
Internal droplet circulation induced by surface-driven rotation

Abstract This paper presents a combined theoretical/experimental study of internal liquid circulation induced by droplet surface rotation. A numerical model is presented first, examining the fluid transport within a spherical liquid volume whose surface is subjected to rotation about a central axis. The model predicts that the steady-state motion established from spatially nonuniform surface rotation has a helical character and bears little resemblance to the toroidal internal flows developed within droplets under axisymmetric conditions. Similar internal flow patterns are predicted for temporally varying surface rotation occuring during droplet spin-up or spin-down. Planar laser-induced fluorescence is employed to provide high-resolution images of fluid flow developed within millimeter-sized suspended droplets that are exposed to steady laminar air streams to induce repeatable surface rotation. The predicted spiral flow patterns are corroborated by the pendant droplet visualization experiments, and suggest that nonuniform rotation or transient spinning may significantly alter interenal droplet dynamics.
Regional Distribution of Glutathione Peroxidase in the Adult Rat Brain

Glutathione peroxidase activity was measured in 10 areas of perfused adult rat brain with the use of a fluorometric assay coupled to NADPH oxidation. The caudate-putamen and the substantia nigra had the highest activities. Cortical areas and several nuclear areas had somewhat lower activity. Activity was lowest in a white matter structure (corpus callosum). High activity of glutathione peroxidase may be related to the need to reduce hydrogen peroxide arising in the course of monoamine metabolism.
Transformation pathways of hexachlorocyclopentadiene in the aquatic environment

Abstract -- An environmental assessment of the transformation and transport pathways of hexachlorocyclopentadiene (hex) in simulated aquatic ecosystems is presented. Hydrolytic and photolytic disappearance rate constants in distilled and natural waters and in sediment-water systems are given. Sediments in defined sediment-water systems do not significantly affect the disappearance rate constants, compared to distilled water values, for the hydrolytic and photolytic processes. Water solubility, octanol/water partition coefficient, and vapor pressure for hex are also reported and compared with literature values. Fate and transport assessment using an evaluative model indicates that hex will not likely reach substantial steady-state concentrations in the various compartments of the simulated ecosystems. The results also indicate that photolysis and, to a lesser extent, hydrolysis are the predominant degradation processes; export via the water column is the predominant transport process.
Tropical splenomegaly syndrome in New Guinea I. Natural history

Abstract The course of the tropical splenomegaly syndrome has been observed for periods of up to 6 1 2 years in 75 adults living in the Upper Watut Valley of New Guinea. During this time there were 27 deaths, 2 from septicaemia and another 8 from similar fulminating febrile illnesses. The mortality rate in those with Grade V splenomegaly was 57%, almost 3 times that of the remainder. Serial hospital assessment of 26 subjects demonstrated progression of the disease, characterized by further enlargement of the spleen and a fall in haemoglobin concentration in 9; increases in splenic red cell pool, in plasma volume and in serum IgM concentration were sometimes, but not invariably, associated. In none of the total group of 75 subjects was a decrease in spleen size observed. Thus the natural history of the tropical splenomegaly syndrome is that of a progressive disease with a high mortality in the fully developed case. Periodic fluctuations in the clinical severity of the disorder are frequently seen and are largely related to the occurrence of episodes of acute haemolysis; however, spontaneous remission has not been observed.
Information Processing Theory and Learning Disabilities A Commentary and Future Perspective

The present article reviews some assumptions related to the information processing framework. The major implications of previous articles are reviewed, as well as some conceptual ambiguities related to the role of the automaticity, prior knowledge, and executive functioning in explaining learning disabilities. The ecological validity of the information processing framework, as well as the limitations of differential theories, is discussed. Discussion is also given to: (a) identifying common denominations, (b) subgrouping, (c) isolating mental components underlying academic change, and(d) incorporating neuropsychological data into future research practice.
Outcomes Associated With Postoperative Delirium After Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND Delirium after surgery is a common condition that leads to poor outcomes. Few studies have examined the effect of postoperative delirium on outcomes after cardiac surgery. OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between delirium after cardiac surgery and the following outcomes: length of stay after surgery, prevalence of falls, discharge to a nursing facility, discharge to home with home health services, and use of inpatient physical therapy. METHODS Electronic medical records of 656 cardiac surgery patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS Postoperative delirium occurred in 161 patients (24.5%). Patients with postoperative delirium had significantly longer stays (P < .001) and greater prevalence of falls (P < .001) than did patients without delirium. Patients with delirium also had a significantly greater likelihood for discharge to a nursing facility (P < .001) and need for home health services if discharged to home (P < .001) and a significantly higher need for inpatient physical therapy (P < .001). Compared with patients without postoperative delirium, patients who had this complication were more likely to have received zolpidem and benzodiazepines postoperatively and to have a history of arrhythmias, renal disease, and congestive heart failure. CONCLUSIONS Patients who have delirium after cardiac surgery have poorer outcomes than do similar patients without this complication. Development and implementation of an extensive care plan to address postoperative delirium is necessary for cardiac surgery patients who are at risk for or have delirium after the surgery.
Passive Multiport RC Model Extraction for Through Silicon Via Interconnects in 3-D ICs

Parasitic RC behavior of VLSI interconnects has been the major bottleneck in terms of latency and power consumption of ICs. Recent 3-D ICs promise to reduce the parasitic RC effect by making use of through silicon vias (TSVs). It is therefore essential to extract the RC model of TSVs to assess their promise. Unlike interconnects on metal layers, TSVs exhibit slow-wave and dielectric quasi-transverse-electromagnetic modes due to the coupling to the semiconducting substrate. This TSV behavior can be simulated using analytical methods, 2-D/3-D quasi-static simulators, or 3-D full-wave electromagnetic simulators. This paper describes a methodology to extract parasitic RC models from such simulation data for interconnects in a 3-D IC.
Mother-infant spatial relationships in domestic goats

Abstract This study focused on spatial relationships between female domestic goats and their kids from birth to 15 weeks of age. Results indicate that goat mothers are primarily responsible for the initiation and maintenance of mother-infant contact only during the first week following parturition. A shift to infant responsibility for mother-infant proximity was seen during Week 2, and kids remained primarily responsible throughout all subsequent weeks of observation. Mothers and their young spent most of their time more than 10 mother-lengths from each other during the course of the study; this lack of close physical proximity was particularly evident during the infant's first 6–8 weeks following birth. Thereafter, kids exhibited significant increases in the amount of time spent in close proximity to their dams. This general trend in the development of mother-infant spatial relationships in domestic goats is similar to those reported for other “hider” ungulates, and confirms that the domestic goat has a “hider” rather than a “follower” type of mother-infant relationship.