cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Machine-Assisted Parameter Synthesis of the Biphase Mark Protocol Using Event Order Abstraction

We present machine-assisted timing-parameter synthesis of the biphase mark protocol (BMP) [1] using event order abstraction (EOA)[2]. By using EOA, we separate the task of synthesizing parameter constraints that guarantee key safety properties of BMP into two parts: 1. Safety property verification of the protocol by a conventional untimed model-checker under the condition that "bad" event orders do not occur; and 2. Derivation of timing parameter constraints that are sufficient to exclude bad event orders in the protocol, using our tool MeTEOrS . Though the user has to provide information about bad event orders, the rest of the synthesis process is automated. With the case study presented in this paper, we provide the community with two new pieces of information about BMP. First, the synthesis process using EOA produces, as a by-product, a list of all "bad scenarios" of BMP that would happen when parameters are tuned incorrectly. Second, the MeTEOrS tool provides information about which parameter constraint in the finally derived conjunction of constraints is actually sufficient to exclude each of these bad scenarios.
Stress, Coping, and Immune Function

Stress is a fundamental process, characterizing individuals' interactions with their environments and responses to challenge. Appraisals of threatening or harmful challenges motivate individuals to take action to either eliminate these stressors or protect themselves from the stressor's negative impact. These appraisals and coping efforts elicit a series of specific and nonspecific cognitive, behavioral, and physiological responses. Stress responses, in turn, promote adaptation by mobilizing catabolic energies that support coping efforts. One response system that has received considerable attention is the immune system because of its role in the detection and elimination of pathogenic agents and its apparent sensitivity to stress hormones. Repeated or protracted exposures to stress appear to suppress immune system functioning and may contribute to increased vulnerability to infection and disease. Alterations in other stress response pathways appear to provide mechanisms through which many stress-related immune changes occur. By decreasing aspects of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological responding, stress reduction interventions are used to facilitate adaptation and have important implications for decreasing vulnerability to disease processes. Continued characterization of the beneficial as well as harmful effects of stress will improve our ability to identify modifiable risk factors (e.g., lifestyle, appraisal, coping, and social resources) for the negative consequences of stress and to promote adaptation. Keywords: coping; health; immunity; psychoneuroimmunology; stress; stress management
Transition state charge distribution in reactions of an acetyltyrosylchymotrypsin intermediate

Abstract The previously reported results implicating general base catalysis in the deacylation of furoylchymotrypsin have been confirmed with a specific acylenzyme, acetyltyrosylchymotrypsin. For nonaromatic amines extending over a range of basicity of 107·8 the rate varies by a factor of only four; the rate constants for the reaction of these amines are equal to approximately 200 m-1 s-1. Methoxyamine and ammonia are 16- and 10-fold, respectively, less reactive than the other amines. With four para-substituted anilines of pK 2.2 to 6.3 the rate is less than that for nonaromatic amines of equivalent basicity and the Brφnsted slope is equal to 0.52. Some unknown factor apparently prevents effective proton abstraction from attacking anilines. There is a deuterium isotope effect on the rates of reaction of ethylamine, formylhydrazine, and p-chloroaniline with the acetyltyrosylenzyme and this effect is equal to that for hydrolysis of the acylenzyme. The effects of basicity and deuterium oxide are consistent with a mechanism involving concerted (and effective) proton abstraction from the attacking amine. An alternate stepwise mechanism involving a rate-limiting diffusion of protonated His-57 away from an anionic tetrahedral intermediate, which predicts a zero Brφnsted β for basic amines and a β near unity for amines of pK less than 7, is not supported by the results.
Differential quantitation with a commercial blood culture tube for diagnosis of catheter-related infection.

Abstract Central-venous-catheter-related infection is readily diagnosed by comparing simultaneous quantitative cultures of blood samples obtained via the catheter and a peripheral vein. The DuPont Isolator 1.5 (Du Pont Co., Wilmington, Del.) microbial culture tube was evaluated as an aid in diagnosing catheter-related bacteremia and fungemia in children and was found to be a reliable and convenient laboratory device for determining whether a long-term central venous catheter is a focus of infection.
A proxy service for the xrootd data server

In data intensive sciences like High Energy Physics, large amounts of data are typically distributed and/or replicated to several sites. Although there exist various ways to store and access this data within a Grid environment, site security policies often prohibit end user access to remote sites. These limitations are typically overcome using a proxy service that requires limited network connections to and from remote sites. We present a novel proxy server for the xrootd data server that provides access to data stored in an object-oriented data store (typically in ROOT format). Our proxy service operates in a structured peer-to-peer environment and allows for fault tolerant and reliable access to remote data.
Laceration injuries and infections among workers in the poultry processing and pork meatpacking industries

Background Workers in poultry processing and pork meatpacking have high rates of acute injuries and chronic disease among. The presence of zoonotic pathogens in these workplaces may interact with injury. Methods We investigated incidence of worker injuries, lacerations, and infections reported by 10 companies from 2004 to 2009 and calculated annual incidence rates by industry and company along with temporal trends and job-related risk factors. Results Average annual mean total injury rates were 6.4 per 100 workers (poultry) and 13.2 per 100 workers (pork). Average annual mean rates for lacerations were 1.8 per 100 workers (poultry) and 1.9 per 100 (pork). Sharp tools and animal products were most frequently reported as sources for lacerations. Animal products were most frequently reported as sources of infected lacerations. Conclusions The results indicate that these industries continue to have high injury rates. The results also suggest that zoonotic pathogens may be preventable health and safety risks. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:669–682, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Method for the Determination of Acetylsalicylic Acid in the Blood

The shift in the UV spectral absorption curves of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and salicylic acid (SA) produced by a change in pH has been used in the development of a method for the quantitation of these compounds. The differential spectral absorption curve of ASA exhibits a maximum at 300 mµ, while that of SA shows a maximum at 319 mµ and an isosbestic point at 300 mµ. The method is simple and specific for ASA and capable of determining the concentration of the ASA and SA in the blood after the ingestion of 10 gr. of aspirin.
Differential expression of costimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2 on microglial cells induced by Th1 and Th2 cells in organotypic brain tissue.

Autoreactive T-cells are involved in demyelination, neurodegeneration, and the recruitment of peripheral macrophages and nonspecific activated T-cells in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The ligation of costimulatory B7 molecules on microglia with CD28/CTLA-4 on T-cells is thought to be crucial to the onset and course of MS and its rodent model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). It is currently unclear as to how far the nature of infiltrating T-cells has an impact on the expression of the B7 molecules on microglia, the resident antigen-presenting cells (APCs) of the brain. We studied the expression of B7-1 and B7-2 on microglia after encounter with preactivated Th1 and Th2 cells from transgenic mice whose T-cells express a receptor (TCR) either specific to myelin basic protein (MBP) or ovalbumin (OVA) using murine organotypic entorhinal-hippocampal slice cultures (OEHSC). Our main finding was that Th1 cells downregulate the constitutive expression of B7-2 and induce B7-1 expression while Th2 cells do not induce this B7-1 upregulation. The main difference between MBP- and OVA-specific cells was seen in experiments were Th1 cells had direct contact to APCs but not to brain tissue. In contrast to MBP-specific Th1 cells, OVA-specific Th1 cells required the addition of antigen to upregulate B7-1 and downregulate B7-2. When the cells were allowed to have contact to brain tissue, no difference was seen in the pattern of B7 regulation between OVA- and MBP-specific T-cells. Our data suggest that T-cells are able to modulate B7 expression on microglial cells in the brain independent of antigen presentation through TCR/MHC-II ligation but presumably by soluble mediators.
Double-stranded siRNA targeted to the huntingtin gene does not induce DNA methylation

RNA interference is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of post-transcriptional gene silencing. Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) of 21-23 nucleotides generated from processing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) by ribonuclease III, Dicer, are widely used for selective sequence-specific gene silencing in a broad range of organisms. In plants, siRNA is associated with de novo RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) at the homologous target genomic region. To examine RdDM in somatic cells, human glioblastoma cell lines were treated with siRNAs homologous to the human huntingtin gene responsible for Huntington's disease. Methylation of CpG dinucleotides in the plasmid vectors expressing the dsRNAs and homologous genomic region was investigated by bisulfite-mediated genomic sequencing. Target regions of the siRNA in the huntingtin gene showed no significant change in the pattern of DNA methylation, and no CpG methylation was observed on the plasmid vectors. These results indicate that siRNA is not directly linked to DNA methylation at the target huntingtin genomic locus in human cells.
Evolution of river networks.

Why does a sheet of water flowing over an initially featureless surface spontaneously form a river network? To address this question, we construct a simple model which enables us to examine the shape and stability of individual river channels. We compare predictions for the geometry of fluvial channels with experimental data. In addition, we construct a lattice model which allows us to look at large-scale features of river networks and calculate their scaling relations.
On certain inconsistencies in berger equations for large deflections of plastic plates

Abstract Berger's approach to non-linear theory of elastic plates, in which the elastic energy due to the second strain invariant is disregarded, yields field equations often used because of its simplicity. It is shown that the method may lead to grave inaccuracies and even become meaningless if the edge of the plate is free to move in in-plane directions.
A trophoblast specific antigen, recognized by monoclonal antibody MA21, locates a unique trophoblast cell population in the murine placenta.

Summary Monoclonal antibody MA21 recognized a 44kDA plasma membrane protein on F9 teratocarcinoma cells, trophectoderm of mouse peri-implantation-stage blastocyst and ectoplacental cone cells of 5 day postcoitum implanted blastocyst (Vernon, Linnemeyer and Hamilton, 1989). We show here that this antigen is expressed by trophoblast cells of the maturing placenta. Immunohistochemical assays of early and mature placental tissue sections, indirect immunofluorescence labelling of placental cultures and blastocyst outgrowths in vitro, and immunoprecipitation of 35 S-labelled NP-40 extracts of placental cultures indicate the presence of a plasma membrane-associated antigen with the same characteristics as MA21 antigen of peri-implantation embryos and F9 teratocarcinoma cells. In sections of placentae, antigenpositive cells are always situated in a thin layer between trophoblastic giant cells and maternal tissue. In cultures of postimplantation stage embryos, attached trophoblast cells express MA21 antigen initially, but following transformation to the giant cell state, antigen is no longer expressed. These results indicate the presence of a plasma membrane protein antigen associated with a distinct population of cells believed to be, trophoblast. We believe that these cells are the foremost trophoblast cells opposing maternal decidua and that they may give rise to secondary trophoblastic giant cells.
Effective Post-insult Neuroprotection by a Novel Ca2+/ Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII) Inhibitor

Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a major mediator of physiological glutamate signaling involved in higher brain functions. Here, we show CaMKII involvement in pathological glutamate signaling relevant in stroke. The novel inhibitor tatCN21 was neuroprotective even when added hours after glutamate insults. By contrast, the “traditional” inhibitor KN93 attenuated excitotoxicity only when present during the insult. Both inhibitors efficiently blocked Ca2+/CaM-stimulated CaMKII activity, CaMKII interaction with NR2B and aggregation of CaMKII holoenzymes. However, only tatCN21 but not KN93 blocked the Ca2+-independent “autonomous” activity generated by Thr-286 autophosphorylation, the hallmark feature of CaMKII regulation. Mutational analysis further validated autonomous CaMKII activity as the drug target crucial for post-insult neuroprotection. Overexpression of CaMKII wild type but not the autonomy-deficient T286A mutant significantly increased glutamate-induced neuronal death. Maybe most importantly, tatCN21 also significantly reduced infarct size in a mouse stroke model (middle cerebral arterial occlusion) when injected (1 mg/kg intravenously) 1 h after onset of arterial occlusion. Together, these data demonstrate that inhibition of autonomous CaMKII activity provides a promising therapeutic avenue for post-insult neuro-protection after stroke.
Taxonomic selection of computer-driven visual display systems

Abstract A visual display taxonomy guide has been developed allowing a simulation designer to estimate requirements and cost ranges based on visual media selections and human visual limitations. The taxonomy was built from diverse research findings in training system development, instructional design, and human visual perception and performance studies. Results were coupled to basic engineering hardware design constraints associated with computer driven visual display systems. This approach yielded a decision structure based on a user query system and a list of outcomes based on those choices. The resulting list of outcomes is based on a set of training, perceptual and performance correlates of image specifications and display design characteristics. The user interface of the taxonomy was automated using a knowledge-based shell that illustrates and guides the specification process.
Observation of optical bleaching at 1.06 μm in AlInAs/AlGaInAs multiple quantum wells

Abstract We investigated the growth and optical properties of Al 0.48 In 0.52 As/Al 0.27 Ga 0.21 In 0.52 As multiple quantum wells. Conditions were established for the defect-free growth of Al 0.48 In 0.52 As by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy and multiple-quantum-well saturable absorbers were fabricated. Simulation of X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the interfaces in this system are abrupt without unintentional interface layers. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy proved that structural defects are absent for structures exceeding 6 μm in thickness. Room temperature photoluminescence displayed a nearly constant linewidth as the number of quantum-well periods is increased, further attesting to the optical quality of these structures. Using transient pump-probe optical techniques, we measured the absorbance bleaching decay of a saturable absorber. These measurements suggested that the bleaching lifetime is over 100 ns, which should be sufficient for Q-switching solid-state lasers.
Effect of pressure on gas permeability coefficients. A new application of free volume theory

The present work is a continuation of a general study of the effect of pressure on gas and vapor permeation through nonporous polymeric membranes. Permeability coefficients have been measured for 1,1-difluoroethylene (C2H2F2) and fluoroform (CHF3) in polyethylene at penetrant pressures up to 35 atm and at temperatures between -18 and 70°C. The permeability coefficient P for the 1,1-difluoroethylene—polyethylene system was found to increase with increasing pressure differential Δp across the membrane. Isothermal plots of log ΔP versus Δp are generally linear and can be represented by empirical relations of the form ΔP = P(0)exp{m Δp}, where P(0) and m are constants. The slope m of these isotherms decreases with increasing temperature. Plots of log P versus Δp for the fluoroform—polyethylene system are also linear, but exhibit negative slopes, i.e., P decreases with increasing Δp. An extension of Fujita's “free volume” theory of diffusion in polymers shows that the dependence of P on pressure reflects how the free volume of the polymer is affected by this pressure. An increase in the penetrant pressure may result in two opposing effects: (a) the concentration of the penetrant dissolved in the membrane is increased, thereby increasing the free volume, and (b) the hydrostatic pressure on the membrane is also increased, which causes a decrease in the free volume. If the overall effect is an increase in the free volume of the polymer, then P will also increase, and vice versa.
Pulsed-microwave-signal peak-power measurement improves

The requirement to measure peak power in microwave equipment such as defence radar has traditionally been met by a compromise using average-power measurements. A new generation of peak-power meters has been developed, so improving the reliability of, and confidence in, the equipment under test
High art, no art: The economic and aesthetic legitimacy of U.S. soap operas

Abstract This article examines how two types of legitimacy, economic and aesthetic, have unfolded for U.S. daytime soap operas. By constructing a history of soap operas, I describe how soap opera storytelling developed and later diffused across American genres and around the world. While soap operas gained widespread acceptance as a viable way to conduct business (economic legitimacy), they did not gain widespread acceptance as “works of art” (aesthetic legitimacy). I argue that soap operas did attain local aesthetic legitimacy in select groups (e.g., soap fans and producers) and postulate why that view is not shared more broadly. This article elucidates the mechanisms that foster and inhibit both economic and aesthetic legitimacy.
A theoretical interpretation of isotope effects in mixtures of light and heavy water—II

Abstract Solvent isotope effects for H 2 OD 2 O mixtures and for ionic hydration equilibria in such mixtures can be calculated from the structure difference between D 2 O and H 2 O and that between HDO and H 2 O and the relative amounts of the three waters. The behavior of acids in H 2 OD 2 O mixtures is considered in detail. Dissociation constants of acetic acid are calculated over the complete range of deuterium concentrations and found to agree with the experimentally determined ones. The Gross equation for the dependence of isotope effect on mole fraction of deuterium for acid-catalyzed reaction of substrates S proceeding via SL + transition states (LH or D) is derived from first principles.
Is it necessary to eliminate the posterior dose margin in prostate brachytherapy to achieve an acceptably low risk of late rectal morbidity

Abstract Purpose The use of a posterior dose margin in 125 I prostate brachytherapy is controversial. The posterior margin is often eliminated to lower the risk of late rectal morbidity (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group protocols 9805 and P-0019), but this may compromise the posterior prostate dose coverage. The purpose of this work is to determine whether it is necessary to eliminate the posterior margin to achieve an acceptably low risk of Grade 2 (bleeding/ulceration) late rectal morbidity. Methods and materials The present work is an extension of a previous study in which we reported the probability of Grade 2 late rectal morbidity (bleeding/ulceration) as a function of the maximum rectal dose. Here, we define the relationship between the maximum rectal dose and the width of the posterior dose margin. From this relationship, and the probability of late morbidity determined earlier, we assessed the probability of late rectal morbidity as a function of the width of the posterior dose margin. The present work was based on the preplans of 15 permanent 125 I prostate seed implants having volumes ranging from 19 to 78 cm 3 . All used peripheral loading with 125 I sources in the range 0.35–0.45 mCi. The maximum rectal dose was taken to be the isodose line coincident with the posterior edge of the prostate. The maximum rectal dose and the corresponding margin width were determined from the isodose distribution. The sensitivity of the relationship between the maximum rectal dose and the margin width to the prostate volume, the seed density, and the distance of the most posterior seeds from the posterior edge of the prostate was investigated. Results The maximum rectal dose is directly proportional to the margin width. This relationship is relatively insensitive to the prostate volume and the seed density, but is sensitive to the location of the posterior seeds relative to the posterior edge of the gland. Moving the seeds from 5 mm to 3 mm from the edge typically increased the maximum rectal dose by 17%. With the posterior seeds 3 mm from the edge, the maximum rectal doses that corresponded to 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm margins were 187 ± 6 Gy, 222 ± 8 Gy, 257 ± 11 Gy, 292 ± 14 Gy, and 327 ± 17 Gy, respectively. The corresponding probabilities that a patient will experience late rectal morbidity are ≤1%, ≤2%, ≤3%, ≤5%, and ≤7%, respectively. Conclusions Our results indicate that a 2–3-mm posterior dose margin can be used in prostate brachytherapy with a relatively low (2–3%) risk of Grade 2 (bleeding/ulceration) late rectal morbidity, provided the sources in the posterior row are implanted at least 3 mm from the edge of the prostate. A practical guideline is to keep the maximum rectal dose below 150% of the target dose.
Decision Making in the Absence of Successful Fact Finding: Theory and Experimental Evidence on Adversarial Versus Inquisitorial Systems of Adjudication

In this paper we report on our experimental findings concerning the differences in decisional treatment between adversarial and inquisitorial systems where the proceedings fail to achieve explicit revelation of decisive facts. In particular, we use our data both: (1) to test the interesting hypothesis put forth by Shin (1998) that adversarial versus inquisitorial decision systems will differ in their reaction to the case of non-revelation in a predictably systematic manner; and (2) to shed some light on the purely distributional consequences of both procedures. While we find that our decision makers do not follow the inferential process postulated by Shin, it does appear that adversarial decision makers have a stronger tendency than inquisitorial decision makers to favor equal division of the amount at stake.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Antagonism and Fibrinolytic Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Fibrinolytic therapy for the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction unquestionably reduces mortality when administered within 12 hours of symptom onset. By promptly restoring antegrade perfusion, infarct size is limited, ventricular function is less compromised, and mortality rates are lowered. Although fibrinolytic therapy initially restores antegrade flow in the infarct vessel in the majority of patients, sustained, tissue-level reperfusion occurs in only approximately one fourth of patients. Thrombin and platelets associated with a coronary thrombus are not specifically targeted by fibrinolytic agents, but rather have paradoxically increased activity. These components contribute to the tendency for vessel reocclusion after initially successful reperfusion. Thus, adjunctive therapy with antithrombins and antiplatelet agents are essential in the successful treatment of a coronary thrombus. Although aspirin has been shown to reduce mortality in acute myocardial infarction, it is a weak antiplatelet agent that is pathway specific. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors are potent antiplatelet agents that block the final common pathway for platelet aggregation. Thus, the growing evidence of platelet preeminence in the pathophysiology of failed thrombolysis has lead to the study of combination drug therapy with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition and reduced dose fibrinolytic agents in the treatment of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. This article reviews the rationale, results, and clinical implications of the major trials of combination drug therapy in acute myocardial infarction.
Wave–Wave Interaction of Unstable Baroclinic Waves

Abstract Two slightly unstable baroclinic waves in the two-layer Phillips model are allowed to interact with each other as well as the mean flow. A theory for small dissipation rates is developed to examine the role of wave–wave interaction in the dynamics of vacillation and aperiodicity in unstable systems. It is shown that the form of the dissipation mechanism as well as the overall dissipation timescale determines the nature of the dynamics. In particular, dissipation proportional to potential vorticity is shown to expunge amplitude vacillation due to wave–mean flow interactions. Wave–wave interaction, however, can yield amplitude vacillation. As the dissipation is decreased, the solutions evolve from steady waves (although propagating) to periodic vacillation until finally at small dissipation rates, chaotic behavior is obtained. This occurs in a range of relative growth rates of the two waves which depends on the strength of the wave–wave and wave–mean flow interactions.
Trends in institutional affiliation of authors who publish in the three leading general interest economics journals

Abstract Trends in the institutional affiliation of authors of papers published in the American Economic Review, the Journal of Political Economy, and the Quarterly Journal of Economics are traced over the last four decades. The share of pages published in these three journals that were authored by faculty at universities employing the most prolific publishers declined markedly around 1970. Possible explanations include the expanded use of double-blind refereeing, the establishment of editorial committees, and increased emphasis on publishing at a broader set of research colleges and universities.
The shelf operation for congenital dislocation of the hip

Abstract A shelf operation is indicated when the acetabulum is found to be inadequate. It is not the operation of choice for the unreduced hip. The tibial bone peg shelt is favored because it creates a firmly anchored, strong shelf which can be accurately placed at the superior acetabular margin. Reduction of the congenital dislocation of the older patient should be preceded by a period of gradual skeletal traction. Open reduction and construction of the shelf should be accomplished with minimal trauma to the articular surfaces. Early motion following operation should be aided and encouraged, but full weight should not be borne until six months after construction of the shelf. The indications for, contraindications to, and the technique of the shelf operation have been described. Factors which may explain the failure of the shelf operation to correct the limp and permit painless motion with strength and stability in some patients subjected to this operation have been discussed.
Inventing Sincerity, Refashioning Prudence: The Discovery of the Individual in Renaissance Europe

In the Middle Ages both sides of human consciousness-that which was turned within as that which was turned without-lay dreaming or half awake beneath a common veil. The veil was woven of faith, illusion and childish prepossession, through which the world and history were seen clad in strange hues. Man was conscious of himself only as member of a race, people, party, family, or corporation-only through some general category. In Italy this veil first melted into air; an objective treatment and consideration of the state and of all things of this world became possible. The subjective side at the same time asserted itself with corresponding emphasis; man became a spiritual individual, and recognized himself as such. In the same way the Greek had once distinguished himself from the barbarian, and the Arab had felt himself an individual at a time when other Asiatics knew themselves only as members of a race. It will not be difficult to show that this result was due above all to the political circumstances of Italy.
Investigation of lateral interactions in chemisorption

Abstract It is believed that lateral interactions play an important role in chemisorption site selection. With the advent of angular resolved and polarization dependent photoemission spectroscopies, one is able to compare computed band structure with angular resolved photoemission data. This advance coupled with theoretical calculations provides an excellent opportunity for investigating direct (adsorbate-adsorbate) and indirect (through-substrate) lateral interactions at surfaces. We have modelled the chemisorption of oxygen on Al(111) using direct lateral interactions only (isolated monolayer). The calculated results provide a good framework for interpreting the data. For O 2 monolayer the direct lateral interactions are also appreciable and lead to significant dispersion in the calculated energy bands. We have also computed the electronic structure for two dimensional isolated layers of CO in ordered configurations observed on a Pd(100) surface. The shape and width of the 4σ-derived band is satisfactorily accounted for by this direct lateral interaction only model. Having demonstrated that direct lateral interactions lead to observable band dispersions, it is suggested that they might influence normal vibrational frequencies and ought to be included.
Ruthenium red reduces acetylcholine sensitivity and increases desensitization at the frog neuromuscular junction.

Abstract The actions of Ruthenium Red on the synaptic membrane were studied at the neuromuscular junction of the frog Rana pipiens . Ruthenium Red blocks mitochondrial calcium transport and thus is expected to elevate the intracellular calcium level [ Alnaes and Rahamimoff (1975) J. Physiol., Lond . 248 , 285–306]. The postjunctional membrane sensitivity was reduced by Ruthenium Red as determined by (a) the amplitude of the miniature endplate potentials, (b) iontophoretic application of carbachol, (c) microperfusion of carbachol. Desensitization was assayed by measuring the decline in the amplitude of the postsynaptic depolarization produced during repetitive iontophoretic application of carbachol. Following Ruthenium Red treatment desensitization was increased. This action of Ruthenium Red was enhanced by raising the extracellular calcium concentration from 1.8 to 10 mM.
A method for bioassay of physical dependence on sedative drugs in dog.

A method for an economical bioassay of physical dependence on sedatives is presented. Dogs maintained on sodium pentobarbital (200 mg/kg/24 h i.v.) were given periodic graded reductions in maintenance dose, and subscales for measuring signs of abstinence were developed. Using these subscales the relative potencies compared with sodium pentobarbital were determined for sodium secobarbital (RP = 0.85) and methaqualone (RP = 0.14). Sodium thiopental and methaqualone were assayed and found to be equipotent (RP = 0.96) in reducing the signs of abstinence from sodium pentobarbital. The occurrence of convulsions, during periods of complete reduction of the maintenance drug, became less frequent the longer the dogs had been maintained on a constant dose of sodium pentobarbital.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Rigid C2-Symmetric Bis(ferrocenyl) Diol and Diamine Ligands

We report herein the asymmetric synthesis of C2-symmetric fused diferrocenyl diamine and diol ligands. The synthesis begins with the Cu(II)-mediated coupling of the diastereomerically and enantiome...
On-line coupling of subcritical water extraction with high-performance liquid chromatography via solid-phase trapping

Although ambient water is very polar and cannot dissolve many organic species, water at elevated temperatures behaves like a polar organic solvent. Thus, subcritical water has been proven to be an effective extraction fluid for several classes of organic compounds. While solvent trapping was used to collect the extracted analytes in most of previous subcritical water extractions, sorbent trapping has also been developed for subcritical water extraction. In this study, an on-line system for subcritical water extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was built and tested. A sorbent trap was used as the interface between subcritical water extraction and HPLC. Several shut-off valves have been utilized to switch the system from one mode to another (e.g., from the extraction mode to HPLC mode). The coupling technique of subcritical water extraction and HPLC eliminates the liquid-liquid extraction used in solvent trapping subcritical water extraction and provides higher sensitivity. Compared to the off-line system reported in an earlier work, the operation of this on-line system is even easier. Some peak broadening occurred after the coupling the water extraction with HPLC for the analytes studied. The performance of this on-line system was evaluated by the extraction and determination of caffeine, nitrotoluenes, polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorophenols and anilines.
Transductive and matched-pair machine learning for difficult target detection problems

This paper will describe the application of two non-traditional kinds of machine learning (transductive machine learning and the more recently proposed matched-pair machine learning) to the target detection problem. The approach combines explicit domain knowledge to model the target signal with a more agnostic machine-learning approach to characterize the background. The concept is illustrated with simulated data from an elliptically-contoured background distribution, on which a subpixel target of known spectral signature but unknown spatial extent has been implanted.
A meta-analytic investigation of the relationship between HRM bundles and firm performance

Human resource management bundles consisting of multiple complementary practices are typically considered superior to individual best practices in influencing firm performance. This study investigates the relationship between three such bundles (empowerment, motivation, and skill-enhancing) and business outcomes (retention, operating performance, financial performance, and overall performance ratings). A meta-analysis of 239 effect sizes derived from 65 studies reveals that HRM bundles have significantly larger magnitudes of effects than their constituent individual practices, are positively related to business outcomes, and display effect sizes that are comparable to or larger than those of high-performance work systems. These findings reaffirm the case for firm-level investments in synergistic HRM combinations and highlight the importance of investing in complementary practices. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved Capacitors for Broadcast and Television Receivers

There has been extensive publicity in recent years concerning radical changes anticipated for electronic components. Predications have been made that existing conventional components will soon be replaced with new solid state devices, thin film integrated circuits, and moletronic functional blocks.
A new automated method for the determination of serum alpha-amylase.

Abstract A simple automated method for the determination of serum α-amylase is described. It is based on a fluorescent starch substrate, possesses high sensitivity, linearity up to at least 1000 Somogyi units and permits processing of 30 samples per hour.
Impact of Soil Moisture–Atmosphere Interactions on Surface Temperature Distribution

AbstractUnderstanding how different physical processes can shape the probability distribution function (PDF) of surface temperature, in particular the tails of the distribution, is essential for the attribution and projection of future extreme temperature events. In this study, the contribution of soil moisture–atmosphere interactions to surface temperature PDFs is investigated. Soil moisture represents a key variable in the coupling of the land and atmosphere, since it controls the partitioning of available energy between sensible and latent heat flux at the surface. Consequently, soil moisture variability driven by the atmosphere may feed back onto the near-surface climate—in particular, temperature. In this study, two simulations of the current-generation Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) Earth System Model, with and without interactive soil moisture, are analyzed in order to assess how soil moisture dynamics impact the simulated climate. Comparison of these simulations shows that soil moist...
Long-term dry storage of an enzyme-based reagent system for ELISA in point-of-care devices

Lateral flow devices are commonly used for many point-of-care (POC) applications in low-resource settings. However, they lack the sensitivity needed for many analytes relevant in the diagnosis of diseases. One approach to achieve higher sensitivity is signal amplification, which is commonly used in laboratory assays, but uses reagents that require refrigeration and inherently requires multiple assay steps not normally compatible with POC settings. Enzyme-based signal amplification, such as the one used in ELISA, could greatly improve the limit of detection if it were translated to a format compatible with POC requirements. A signal-amplified POC device not only requires the reagents to be stored in a stable form, but also requires automation of the multiple sequential steps of signal amplification protocols. Here, we describe a method for the long-term dry storage of ELISA reagents: horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated antibody label and its colorimetric substrate diaminobenzidine (DAB). The HRP conjugate retained ∼80% enzymatic activity after dry storage at 45 °C for over 5 months. The DAB substrate was also stable at 45 °C and exhibited no detectable loss of activity over 3 months. These reagents were incorporated into a two-dimensional paper network (2DPN) device that automated the steps of ELISA for the detection of a malarial biomarker. These results demonstrate the potential of enzyme-based signal amplification for enhanced sensitivity in POC devices for low resource settings.
Heaviside's expansion of transition matrices

Recursive techniques, developed previously for obtaining the partial fraction expansion of a rational function, are now extended for evaluation of the state transition matrix. For the case of multiple and complex eigenvalues this method avoids the need for differential calculus and complex algebra, respectively.
Thermal Properties of Proteins in Chicken Broiler Tissues

The thermal behavior of breast and thigh muscles, blood and skin tissues of chicken broilers was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Onset temperature of transition (To), maximum thermal transition (Tmax) temperatures, and denaturation enthalpy (ΔH) were evaluated. Breast muscle exhibited a complex thermogram with five endothermic transitions at 57°C, 63°C, 67°C, 73°C, and 78°C at a heating rate of 10°C/min. Thigh muscle exhibited only three major transitions at 60°C, 66°C, and 76°C. Thermal curves of isolated protein fractions indicated that the thermal transitions in muscle corresponded to the denaturation of myosin, sarcoplasmic proteins, collagen and F-actin. An increase in the heating rate from 1.0° to 40°C/min significantly elevated the onset temperature of transition and major transition temperatures, as well as the enthalpy of denaturation. Enthalpy of the muscle system heated to various end-point temperatures, cooled and reheated, showed that myosin was completely denatured at 60°C, sarcoplasmic proteins at 70°C and actin at 80°C.
An inequality for positive definite matrices with applications to combinatorial matrices

Abstract If A ∈ M n ( C ) is a positive definite Hermitian matrix, d the average of the diagonal entries of A, and f the average of the absolute values of the off-diagonal entries of A, then det A ⩽ (d − f)n−1[d + (n − 1)f]. As a corollary we obtain a strengthening of Hadamard's inequality for positive definite matrices. The results can be used to prove inequalities for the determinants of (± 1) matrices, (0, 1) matrices, positive matrices, stochastic matrices, and constant-column-sum matrices.
The Perceptual Experience of Slope by Foot and by Finger

Historically, the bodily senses have often been regarded as impeccable sources of spatial information and as being the teacher of vision. Here, the authors report that the haptic perception of slope by means of the foot is greatly exaggerated. The exaggeration is present in verbal as well as proprioceptive judgments. It is shown that this misperception of pedal slope is not caused by calibration to the well-established visual misperception of slope because it is present in congenitally blind individuals as well. The pedal misperception of slope is contrasted with the perception of slope by dynamic touch with a finger in a force-feedback device. Although slopes feel slightly exaggerated even when explored by finger, they tend to show much less exaggeration than when equivalent slopes are stood on. The results are discussed in terms of a theory of coding efficiency.
G12 requirement for thrombin-stimulated gene expression and DNA synthesis in 1321N1 astrocytoma cells.

Thrombin stimulation of 1321N1 astrocytoma cells leads to Ras-dependent AP-1-mediated transcriptional activation and to DNA replication. In contrast to what has been observed in most cell systems, in 1321N1 cells these responses are pertussis toxin-insensitive. The pertussis toxin-insensitive G-protein G12 has been implicated in cell growth and transformation in different cell systems. We have examined the potential role of this protein in AP-1-mediated transcriptional activation and DNA synthesis in 1321N1 cells. Transient expression of an activated (GTPase-deficient) mutant of Gα12 increased AP-1-dependent gene expression. This response was inhibited by co-expression of a dominant negative Ala-15 Ras protein. To determine whether the pertussis toxin-insensitive G12 protein is involved in the thrombin-stimulated DNA synthesis, an inhibitory antibody against the C-terminal sequence of Gα12 subunit was microinjected into 1321N1 cells. Microinjection of the anti-Gα12 resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of thrombin-stimulated DNA synthesis. In contrast, microinjection of nonimmune IgG or an antibody directed against the C terminus of Gα(o) did not reduce the mitogenic response to thrombin. Furthermore, microinjection of the anti-Gα12 antibody had no effect on fibroblast growth factor-stimulated DNA synthesis. These results demonstrate a specific role for Gα12 in the mitogenic response to thrombin in human astroglial cells.
Automatic determination of urine volume from weight of sample.

Abstract Urine excreted over 24 hours was collected into light-weight disposable containers and the measured volume compared with a volume calculated from the weight and specific gravity. Poor calibration of measuring cylinders, and personal errors in reading menisci, contributed to the inaccuracy of volumetric measurements. The calculation of the volume of each sample, using the measured specific gravity, an average specific gravity for a limited volume range, or the mean specific gravity of over 1000 samples, was found to be more precise than the methods used to determine the concentration of urinary constituents. The determination of weight, and hence a derived volume, is adaptable to on-line acquisition and processing of data for optimum efficiency in calculation of the excretion of urinary constituents.
A figure-of-merit for design of high performance inductive power transmission links for implantable microelectronic devices

Wireless power transfer through inductive coupling is used in many applications such as high performance implantable microelectronic devices (IMDs). Power transfer efficiency (PTE) and power delivered to the load (PDL) are two conventional inductive link design merits that determine the energy source and driver specifications, heat dissipation, power transmission range, and risk of interference with other devices. Unfortunately designing the inductive link to achieve a high PTE will drastically reduce the PDL and vice versa. Therefore, we are proposing a new figure-of-merit (FoM), which includes both PTE and PDL with proper weights, to help designers of inductive power transfer links to strike a balance between high PTE and PDL at the same time. Three design examples based on the PTE, PDL, and the new FoM have been presented for IMDs to demonstrate the usage and efficacy of the FoM. Our measurement results show that the inductive link optimized based on the FoM can achieved 1.65 times higher PTE than the one optimized for the PDL (72.5% vs. 44%) and at the same time provide 20.8 times larger PDL compared to the one optimized for the PTE (177 mW vs. 8.5 mW for 1 V driving voltage). The inductive links optimized for the PTE and PDL provide 24% higher PTE and PDL compared to the one optimized based on the FoM, respectively.
Rapid detection of drugs of abuse in saliva using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and microfluidics

We present a microfluidic device that detects trace concentrations of drugs of abuse in saliva within minutes using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Its operation is demonstrated using methamphetamine. The detection scheme exploits concentration gradients of chemicals, fostered by the laminar flow in the device, to control the interactions between the analyte, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), and a salt. Also, since all species interact while advecting downstream, the relevant reaction coordinates occur with respect to the position in the channel. The system was designed to allow the analyte first to diffuse into the side stream containing the Ag-NPs, on which it is allowed to adsorb, before salt ions are introduced, causing the Ag-NPs to aggregate, and so creating species with strong SERS signal. The device allows partial separation via diffusion of the analyte from the complex mixture. Also, the reproducible salt-induced NP aggregation decouples the aggregation reaction (necessary for strong SE...
Economic growth, repression, and state expenditure in non-democratic regimes

Abstract This paper examines how economic growth affects government spending in non-democracies. A robust finding is that positive growth induces a significant increase in defence spending but a decrease in non-defence spending in dictatorships, with little effect in democracies. Government spending is slightly sensitive to negative growth across regimes. Higher growth rate in a country than its neighbours induces more spending than their average. Corruption causes a reduction in defence spending but an increase in non-defence spending. Primary education stimulates non-defence spending but reduces defence expenditure, secondary education causing the opposite effect. An under-developed country spends less than a developed country.