cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy optimal speed control of a producer--consumer device pair

We propose a modular approach for minimizing the total energy consumed by a pair of generic communicating devices (producer--consumer scenario) by jointly controlling their speed profiles. Each device (like a CPU, or disk drive) is assumed to have a controllable variable called its speed (e.g., a CPU's clock frequency, a disk drive's spindle motor speed) that affects its power consumption and performance (e.g., throughput, data transfer rate). The device and task models we analyzed were inspired by applications like CD recording (hard drive to CD drive data transfer) and data processing (disk drive to CPU data transfer). The proposed solution can be used for any pair of devices with convex (for continuous speed sets) or W-convex (a discrete version of a convex function for discrete speed sets) power--speed relationships. For discrete speed sets, the method operates directly on the power--speed values and does not require an analytical relationship between power and speed. The key to solving the two-device optimization problem was the observation that it could be split into two single device parametric optimization problems, where the parameters correspond to the common task that both the devices must execute. The following divide-and-conquer approach is proposed: [divide] the optimal speed policy and energy consumption of each device is derived as an analytical function of its task parameters; [conquer] the optimal values of these parameters are found by minimizing the sum of the parameterized energy functions and plugged back into the parameterized speed profiles. The main advantage of this approach is that each device can be characterized independently and this allows system designers to mix and match manufacturer-supplied device energy curves to evaluate and optimize different application scenarios. We demonstrate our approach using three device characterization examples (for a CD drive, hard drive, and a CPU) and two application scenarios (CD recording, MD5 checksum computation).
The effects of high-resistivity dust in electrostatic precipitation

In electrostatic precipitation of high-resistivity dust, the voltage drop across the collected layer of dust on the large electrodes may be high enough to cause electrical breakdown. This and other troubles usually can be eliminated by operating at a higher relative humidity or by liberal use of adhesives.
Dynamic interfacing of applications to geometric modeling services via modeler neutral protocol

Abstract An architecture was developed for standardizing communications between geometric modeling core systems and applications that require geometric modeling services, such as feature modelers, feature recognition and process planning systems. Since geometric kernels differ in the functionality and applications vary in the level of geometric services required, a multi-layered communication architecture was developed and implemented. The methodology is analogous to the X-Window standard for graphics display, albeit the domain is different. At the lowest level is a library of classes, named Geo-modeler, whose methods offer low level solid modeling services. The member methods of these classes are translated into geometric modeler specific commands. If and when STEP extends to this domain, these specific calls could be replaced by a standard dynamic protocol (such as standard SDAI calls) and the translation done by the vendor within his geometry kernel. On top of Geo-modeler there is another layer, called Geo-widgets, which is written entirely using Geo-modeler functions. At the highest level the Geo-tools are functions used commonly by generic applications. Feature applications can choose to use the library at any level. The intermediate layers (geo-tools, Geowidgets) make all geometry kernels appear to have the same functionality to applications, thus creating a ‘plug compatible’ environment between applications and the geometric modeling kernel. The architecture has been tested with ACIS ® and Parasolid ® for a variety of design and manufacturing applications.
Isolation of Onchocerca gibsoni tissue from frozen nodules for biochemical use.

Abstract A new procedure is described which enables gram quantities of adult Onchocerca tissue to be isolated from frozen connective tissue nodules, thus minimizing the risk of enzymatic degradation. Bovine connective tissue nodules containing adult Onchocerca gibsoni worms were obtained from Australia frozen at −70°C and sectioned while still frozen into 3 mm thick slabs. The sections were thawed immediately before use, worm segments removed, rinsed, pelleted, and flash frozen in liquid nitrogen. Quality of the isolated material was demonstrated by the presence of an intact adult epicuticle as determined by electron microscopy, and by the presence of viable uterine larvae and cells. This procedure is applicable to other nodule-forming worms such as Onchocerca volvulus and is suitable for investigations which require the isolation of labile molecules or those present in minute quantities.
Sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: premeiotic DNA synthesis, readiness and commitment

Abstract Sporulation and meiosis in yeast are studied under conditions of a relatively high degree of synchrony. This is achieved by the use of strains selected for their high sporulation ability and a sporulation procedure which involves transferring cells during logarithmic growth from acetate vegetative medium to a nitrogen-free sporulation medium. Premeiotic DNA synthesis, observed during sporulation between 4 and 8 h, differs from synthesis during vegetative growth in that the former utilizes internal pool precursors, while the latter does not show a comparable recycling of radioactive label from purines and pyrimidines. A sporulation deficient mutant that exhibits no premeiotic DNA synthesis suggests that premeiotic and vegetative DNA syntheses are under separate genetic controls. Two new developmental stages are recognized in sporulating cells. The first, referred to as readiness, is a stage in which the cells are able to sporulate in water without further stimulus by the sporulation medium, but will revert to mitotic growth upon transfer back to vegetative medium. This is a prolonged stage, beginning at 3 h, before premeiotic DNA synthesis starts and ending at 7 h, after the first cells finish their synthetic period. The developmental stage that follows is characterized by the inability of cells either to grow vegetatively or to sporulate, when transferred back to vegetative medium. This is a short-lived stage, detectable around 7 h in sporulation medium, that is, approximately at the time of meiotic prophase. Full commitment, beginning at 7–8 h, comes next and is evident by the normal sporulation of cells upon transfer to vegetative medium.
Tuning the Equilibrium Response Time of Meta‐Stable Photoacids in Ion‐Sensors by Appropriate Functionalization

Herein, we present different functionalized meta-stable photoacids in ion-sensors to tune the equilibrium response time. As a proof of concept, two new meta-stable photoacids were synthesized, one contains an ether group and the other has an ester functional group. These functionalized meta-stable photoacids were elucidated in solution of ethanol and in ion-sensing films via pH and kinetic studies. In comparison from our previous work, the response time was reduced from hours to minutes by utilizing an ether functional group in the meta-stable photoacid.
A1 receptor mediated adenosinergic regulation of perifornical-lateral hypothalamic area neurons in freely behaving rats

The perifornical-lateral hypothalamic area (PF-LHA) plays a central role in the regulation of behavioral arousal. The PF-LHA contains several neuronal types including wake-active hypocretin (HCRT) neurons that have been implicated in the promotion and/or maintenance of behavioral arousal. Adenosine is an endogenous sleep factor and recent evidence suggests that activation and blockade of adenosine A(1) receptors within the PF-LHA promote and suppress sleep, respectively. Although, an in vitro study indicates that adenosine inhibits HCRT neurons via A(1) receptor, the in vivo effects of A(1) receptor mediated adenosinergic transmission on PF-LHA neurons including HCRT neurons are not known. First, we determined the effects of N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), an adenosine A(1) receptor agonist, on the sleep-wake discharge activity of the PF-LHA neurons recorded via microwires placed adjacent to the microdialysis probe used for its delivery. Second, we determined the effects of CPA and that of an A(1) receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-phenylxanthine (CPDX) into the PF-LHA on cFos-protein immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) in HCRT and non-HCRT neurons around the microdialysis probe used for their delivery. The effect of CPA on Fos-IR was studied in rats that were kept awake during lights-off phase, whereas the effect of CPDX was examined in undisturbed rats during lights-on phase. CPA significantly suppressed the sleep-wake discharge activity of PF-LHA neurons. Doses of CPA (50 muM) and CPDX (50 muM) that suppressed and induced arousal, respectively, in our earlier study [Alam MN, Kumar S, Rai S, Methippara M, Szymusiak R, McGinty D (2009) Brain Res 1304:96-104], significantly suppressed and increased Fos-IR in HCRT and non-HCRT neurons. These findings suggest that wake-promoting PF-LHA system is subject to increased endogenous adenosinergic inhibition and that adenosine acting via A(1) receptors, in part, inhibits HCRT neurons to promote sleep.
Enhancement of pancreatic and hepatic glutathione levels in rats during cyanohydroxybutene intoxication.

Abstract 1-Cyano-2-hydroxy-3-butene (CHB), a cruciferous plant product, is hepatotoxic, pancreatotoxic, and elevates glutathione (GSH) in liver and pancreas. Whether GSH elevation is preceded by a depletion related to toxic insult, or whether toxicity and GSH elevation are unrelated, is not known. To evaluate the temporal relationship between toxicity and GSH levels, male Fisher 344 rats (6/group) were given CHB (200 mg/kg po) and killed up to 96 hr after dosing. At death, histological and ultrastructural evaluations and GSH GSSG determinations were performed on liver and pancreas. In pancreas, dilatation of the cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) was evident from 2 hr, becoming progressively more severe 4 and 6 hr after CHB. Frank apoptosis and loss of zymogen granules was evident by 6 hr, becoming widespread by 12 hr. Recovery had commenced by 72 hr, and 50% of treated rats had normal pancreata by 96 hr. No hepatic lesions were observed at this dose. Pancreatic GSH was depressed below 20% at 2 and 4 hr, rose to a maximum of 540% by 12 hr, and remained elevated in treated rats throughout the study (275% at 96 hr). Hepatic GSH only fell to 50%, rose to 150–180%, and returned to normal by 96 hr. While this pattern of depletion and rebound following exposure to hepatotoxins is common, the exaggerated and persistent elevation of pancreatic GSH is unprecedented.
Gene expression analysis in sinonasal polyposis before and after oral corticosteroids: a preliminary investigation.

Objective To characterize gene expression in sinonasal polyps and to gain insight into change in expression after oral corticosteroid treatment. Study Design and Methods Nasal polyps were obtained before and after oral corticosteroid treatment and gene expression was analyzed with a focused gene array technique. Results Pretreated sinonasal polyps demonstrated high gene expression for chemokine and leukotriene receptor genes (CCR2, CCR5, CX3CL1, and LTB4R) in all patients. After treatment, the global effects of corticosteroids were evident on gene expression. Conclusions Gene array techniques hold promise as a research method in sinonasal polyposis. The potential benefits, as well as the potential challenges, in using these research methods will be discussed.
Paraformaldehyde Compared with Formic Acid As a Direct-Cut Silage Preservative

Abstract In two experiments, direct-cut grasslegume forage ensiled with planned 2.5% of 90% formic acid and forage ensiled with .5% paraformaldehyde in the dry matter were compared. In the second experiment untreated silage was compared also. In 1971 the two silages were fed ad libitum as the sole ration for 50 days to 30 dairy heifers paired on body weight. In 1972 the three silages were fed in the same way for 91 days to 24 dairy heifers blocked on body weight. Daily gains averaged over the 2 yr were nearly identical on formic and paraformaldehyde silages (812 versus 817g) and considerably better than on untreated silage (258g) in the 2nd yr. These gains resulted from comparable intakes (256 versus 263kcal digestible energy/kg .75 ), partial feed conversions (8.4 versus 9.1 Mcal digestible energy for growth/kg gain) and energy digestibilities (59.2 versus 58.8%) of formic and paraformaldehyde silages. These data on the untreated silage were 230, 18.9, and 58.8. Formic acid and paraformaldehyde were equivalent in producing gain per metric ton of stored forage (111 versus 114kg), which was considerably greater than that of untreated silage (41kg).
Microstructure-sensitive modeling of high cycle fatigue

Abstract Strategies are described for microstructure-sensitive computational methods for estimating variability of high cycle fatigue (HCF) crack formation and early growth in metallic polycrystals to support design of fatigue resistant alloys. We outline a philosophy of employing computational simulation to establish relations between remote loading conditions and microstructure-scale slip behavior in terms of Fatigue Indicator Parameters (FIPs) as a function of stress amplitude, stress state and microstructure, featuring calibration of mean experimental responses for known microstructures. Effects of process history (carburization and shot peening) and resulting residual stresses are considered in the case of subsurface crack formation at primary inclusions in martensitic gear steel. The need to characterize extreme value correlations of microstructure attributes coupled to the local driving force (i.e., features) for HCF crack formation is outlined, along with a strategy involving a set of FIPs relevant to different mechanisms of crack formation. Surface to subsurface transitions are considered in terms of competing mechanisms in the transition from HCF to very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regimes.
In vitro strain adaptation of CWD prions by serial protein misfolding cyclic amplification

We used serial protein misfolding cyclic amplification (sPMCA) to amplify the D10 strain of CWD prions in a linear relationship over two logs of D10 dilutions. The resultant PMCA-amplified D10 induced terminal TSE disease in CWD-susceptible Tg(cerPrP)1536 mice with a survival time approximately 80 days shorter than the original D10 inoculum, similar to that produced by in vivo sub-passage of D10 in Tg(cerPrP)1536 mice. Both in vitro-amplified and mouse-passaged D10 produced brain lesion profiles, glycoform ratios and conformational stabilities significantly different than those produced by the original D10 inoculum in Tg(cerPrP)1536 mice. These findings demonstrate that sPMCA can amplify and adapt prion strains in vitro as effectively and much more quickly than in vivo strain adaptation by mouse passage. Thus sPMCA may represent a powerful tool to assess prion strain adaptation and species barriers in vitro.
Identification Of Magnetic Aftereffect Model Parameters: Comparison Of Experiment And Simulations

Previously, several aftereffect models were proposed in which Preisach type hysteresis transducers are driven by stochastic inputs. Such inputs model random thermal perturbations which are the source of aftereffect phenomena. In this article, we compare experimental and numerical simulation results for the first time in order to verify the proposed models, and present an identification procedure to determine aftereffect model parameters. Numerical simulations of the aftereffect model show the well known log t-type decay in magnetization whose rate reaches a maximum near the coercive field. Comparison of these with experimental results from /spl gamma/-Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ recording media show excellent agreement. Based on this comparison, we propose a practical procedure to identify the stochastic parameters of the aftereffect model.
Thermocline Variability in Different Dynamic Regions

Abstract The response of thermocline circulation to a variable wind forcing is investigated with quasigeostrophic models. The physical mechanism responsible for the different variability features in various dynamic regions has been highlighted. Special attention is given to the role of density advection that is forced by wind-driven currents in affecting baroclinic thermocline variability. The strong density advection in the Rhines–Young pool can effectively balance the variability induced by local Ekman pumping, resulting in weak baroclinic variability in the pool zone. In contrast, the lack of density advection in the shadow zone enables the local Ekman pumping to force significant baroclinic variability there. The variability in the barotropic field and the western boundary current system is also discussed.
Perceived Impact of Resident Work Hour Limitations on Medical Student Clerkships: A Survey Study

AbstractPurposeTo assess medical students’ perceptions of the impact of recent Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education policies limiting resident work hours on students’ clerkship experiences, resident teaching, and quality of patient care.MethodIn May/June 2003 and May/June 2004, an or
Microfabrication of extraction electrodes for local-electrode atom probes

Abstract The local-electrode atom probe (and scanning atom probe) is a recently proposed innovation in atom probe technology. An important step in it's development is the fabrication of suitable local-extraction electrodes. Several techniques are currently being devised to fabricate these electrodes. One uses focused ion beam milling to drill an aperture at the apex of a conical nickel shell. Electrodes are also being fabricated using various micromachining techniques on silicon. The feasibility of optical alignment of specimen and electrode is explored. Optically transparent electrodes are under development to facilitate the use of this alignment technique. This paper discusses details of the electrode fabrication processes and presents initial results.
Interleukin-1 Mediates Induction of Tolerance to Global Ischemia in Gerbil Hippocampal CA1 Neurons:

A series of experiments was performed to determine the role of interleukin (IL)-1 in the induction of tolerance to global ischemia in Mongolian gerbils. In Group I, a 2-min “preconditioning” ischemia protected CA1 hippocampal neurons in gerbils subjected to 3.5 min ischemia 3 days later. CA1 neuronal density was: sham, 171 ± 3/mm; 3.5 min ischemia, 30 ± 30/mm; 2 and 3.5 min ischemia 162 ± 6/mm. Experiments in Group II addressed the role of IL-1 in the induction of tolerance by sublethal ischemia. Arterial IL-1α and IL-Iβ became elevated between 1 and 3 days after a 2-min ischemic exposure. IL-1α was: sham, 6.4 ± 0.6 ng/ml; and 2-day, 10.2 ± 1.2 ng/ml. IL-1β was: sham, 6.4 ± 0.5 ng/ml; and 2-day, 17.3 ± 2 ng/ml. Recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) i.p. blocked ischemic tolerance induction by 2-min preconditioning ischemia: 2-min ischemia + vehicle, 162 ± 6/mm; and 2-min ischemia + IL-1ra, 67 ± 17/mm. Experiments in Group III assessed the capacity of IL-1 to induce tolerance to brain ischemi...
Sex differences in electrophysiological and behavioral responses to NaCl taste

We tested the hypothesis that sex differences in preference for NaCl are attributable to estrogen-mediated alterations in gustatory processing. Electrophysiological responses of the chorda tympani nerve to NaCl were blunted by estrogen treatment in ovariectomized female rats, suggesting that females are less sensitive to concentrated NaCl solutions during high estrogen conditions. In contrast, after a taste aversion was conditioned to 150-mM NaCl, estrogen- and oil-treated ovariectomized rats generalized the aversion to a lower concentration of NaCl than did males, suggesting that females are more sensitive to the taste of dilute NaCl solutions regardless of estrogen. Thus, sex differences in NaCl preferences may be attributable to differences in NaCl taste processing that involve both acute and developmental effects of estrogen.
Securing Web servers against insider attack

Too often, "security of Web transactions" reduces to "encryption of the channel" - and neglects to address what happens at the server on the other end. This oversight forces clients to trust the good intentions and competence of the server operator - but gives clients no basis for that trust. In this paper, we apply secure coprocessing and cryptography to solve this real problem in Web technology. We present a vision: using secure coprocessors to establish trusted coservers at Web servers and moving sensitive computations inside these co-servers; we present a prototype implementation of this vision that scales to realistic workloads; and we validate this approach by building a simple E-voting application on top of our prototype. By showing the real potential of COTS secure coprocessing technology to establish trusted islands of computation in hostile environments - such as at Web servers with risk of insider attack - this work also helps demonstrate that "secure hardware" can be more than a synonym for "cryptographic accelerator".
Investigation of Equal Magnitude Respiratory Gating in Quantitative Myocardial SPECT

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of respiratory gating in myocardial SPECT using different numbers of gates where each gate contains an equal magnitude of heart and diaphragm motion. The 4D NURBS-based Cardiac-Torso (NCAT) phantom was used to generate 96 3D phantoms equally spaced over a complete respiratory cycle modeling the activity distribution from a typical Tc-99m Sestamibi study with the maximum movement of the diaphragm and heart set at 4 cm (heavy breathing). The 96 time frames were grouped to simulate various gating schemes (4, 6, 8, and 10 gates) in which each gate contained an equal magnitude of respiratory motion (1/3, frac14, 1/5, and 1/6 the total motion respectively). Projection data, including effects of attenuation, collimator-detector response and scatter, from each respiratory gate and each gating scheme were generated and reconstructed using the OS-EM algorithm with correction for attenuation using gated attenuation maps. Bull's-eye polar plots were generated from the reconstructed images for each gate. Two regions-of-interest were placed over the lateral and inferior walls, and their average intensity ratio was determined. A ratio that deviates from 1 indicates a non-uniformity artifact caused by RM. Our results indicate that the RM artifacts are less prominent in gates near end-expiration and more prominent near end-inspiration. The artifacts are reduced the most when going from the ungated case to the gated case. We conclude that respiratory gating is an effective way to reduce RM artifacts. Effective implementation of respiratory gating to further improve quantitative myocardial SPECT requires optimization of the gating scheme based on the amount of respiratory motion of the heart during each gate and the placement of the gates within the respiratory cycle.
AR&MS Workshops in reliability-engineering education

The goal of the ARM (2) teaching faculty RAM techniques; (3) initiating and supporting research in RM (4) updating textbooks; and (5) determining what should be taught, where in the education process, and to whom. It is pointed out that if engineering faculties are successful in integrating RAM into the engineering curriculum and culture, all engineers will be: taught to design for reliability; trained in the techniques for doing it effectively; and convinced of its importance and cost-effectiveness in the design of a product. >
Punishment and Race

This article criticizes the standard way philosophers pose issues about the core practices of criminal justice institutions. Attempting to get at some of the presuppositions of posing these issues in terms of punishment, I construct a revised version of Rawls's ‘telishment’ case, a revision based on actual features of contemporary criminal justice practices in the USA. In addressing the implications of ‘racialment’, as I call it, some connections are made to current philosophical discussions about race. I conclude with brief remarks about the importance of race to philosophical discussion as such.
Computerized Morphometric Analysis of Pathological Prion Protein Deposition in Scrapie-Infected Hamster Brain

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs or prion diseases) are characterized by a constellation of typical though variable pathological changes in the brain. Deposition of disease-associated abnormal prion protein (PrP(Sc)) is the pathological feature of TSEs most consistent and accessible for quantification. However, the evaluation of PrP(Sc) deposits detected by immunohistochemical techniques has been traditionally based on arbitrarily assigned semiquantitative scores. This approach is limited by its subjectivity and bias, yielding considerable variability. In this study, we used MetaMorph 6.1 image analysis software for quantitative analysis of immunostained PrP(Sc) deposits in the CNS of hamsters infected with the 263K strain of scrapie agent. Computerized morphometric analysis (CMA) allowed unambiguous detection of even minimal amounts of immunostained PrP(Sc). CMA values for intensity of staining and area stained correlated well with semiquantitative scores, providing reproducible quantitative data and objective criteria for analyzing PrP(Sc) deposition. CMA provides a simple and reliable method for improved and consistent diagnosis of TSEs that may also be used to quantify other immunostained biomarkers.
RAIR: Interference Reduction in Regionalized Networks-on-Chip

With the advent of many-core systems capable of hosting multiple concurrently running applications, the traffic characteristics of networks-on-chip (NoCs) may exhibit new regional behaviors. By recognizing and exploiting these traffic behaviors, the effectiveness of NoC interference reduction techniques can be greatly improved. However, few works have investigated these regional behaviors and their potential impact on interference, leaving the opportunity largely unexplored. In this paper, we identify and characterize regional behavior in NoC and propose RAIR, a region-aware interference reduction technique that not only removes any restrictions on the inter-region traffic patterns, but also captures and exploits regional behavior throughout the design, thus improving the effectiveness of interference reduction. Evaluation using a cycle-accurate simulator shows that RAIR can improve the average packet latency by up to 17% on synthetic traffic patterns and up to 26% on PARSEC benchmarks compared to state-of-the-art interference reduction techniques.
TREATMENT OE A RECURRENT KERATOACANTHOMA WITH ORAL ISOTRETINOIN

Background. Keratoacanthoma is a benign epithelial tumor that occurs on the sun-exposed skin of elderly people. Development of KAS on functionally and cosmetically important areas such as the face poses the therapeutic challenge to minimize functional and cosmetic damage. Oral isotretinoin (Accutane, Roche Laboratories) has been reported to be an effective treatment of multiple as well as solitary keratoacanthomas. Case Report. A 45-year-old man with a large keratoacanthoma on the nasal ala, recurrent after surgical excision, was treated with 1 mg/kg/day (80 mg/day) oral isotretinoin (Accutane). Cessation of tumor progression was evident within 1 week after initiation of therapy, and tumor regression was evident within 2 weeks. Tumor size diminished rapidly over the ensuing weeks and complete resolution at 12 weeks was confirmed by biopsy. Conclusion. An initial trial of oral isotretinoin is an alternative to immediate surgical excision for the treatment of large keratoacanthomas in instances when tumor removal would cause considerable cosmetic deformity.
Data-driven methods for threshold determination in time- series based damage detection

Structural vibration monitoring has received a lot of attention from the research community in the past few years. The objective is to create automatic structural assessment techniques that can be realized through programmed vibration analysis. Till now many vibration-based damage features have been proposed, yet to truly automate the damage identification process, reliable damage threshold construction techniques are also need. In this paper, two data-driven methods based on resampling and nearest neighbor rule are applied for threshold construction for damage features from autoregression (AR) analysis of vibration signals. Both threshold calculation techniques are rooted in empirical feature probability estimation. The proposed thresholds are then tested on features extracted acceleration measurements collected from a 5 DOF test specimen. The resampling method is applied to Mahalanobis distance of AR model coefficients, while the nearest neighbor rule is used on a combination of coefficient distance feature and the residual autocorrelation feature. Both methods perform well in this case study.
Multiscale Validation of an Operational Model of Forest Inventory Attributes Developed with Constrained Remote Sensing Data

Abstract. This paper summarizes the output of an imputation model that simultaneously estimates multiple operational-scale forest inventory attributes in the Laurentian mixed forest type of the United States. The model was constrained by national forest inventory privacy protocols and temporal uncertainties in feature and reference data. Estimates were most accurate at the county level and more variable across smaller spatial extents. Model development and validation highlighted that performance and reliability were influenced by our approach of using publicly available remote sensing predictors and ground reference data in model building. Comprehensive validation included diagnostics of the chosen model and leveraged multiscale independent data for analysis of lack-of-fit spatially and by individual feature variables. Relatively poor performance in some forest types pointed to an impact of temporal mismatch in the estimation of forest stocking in typically even-aged stands dominated by fast-growing speci...
Fuel Use in a Large, Dynamically Deployed Emergency Medical Services System

Introduction Emergency medical services (EMS) systems are a central component of the healthcare system, particularly for older patients. As currently configured, EMS transport is fundamentally petroleum dependent. Petroleum scarcity is an emerging public health concern, particularly for patient transport. Little is known regarding EMS fuel use, potential impacts of scarcity on operations, or strategies to minimize these impacts. Objective The objective of this study was to characterize the fuel use of a large, urban, hospital-based, dynamically-deployed EMS system, and to identify broad optimization categories to minimize EMS's petroleum dependence. Methods Fuel use was reviewed retrospectively using fuel purchasing and maintenance data from January 2007 through September 2008. Data on unit-hours, call volume, and patient transports also were collected. Data were processed using descriptive statistics. Results During the study period, a fleet of 35 diesel ambulances operated for 277,849 unit-hours and traveled 1,902,710 miles. Detailed mileage data were available for 66,527 unit-hours, 23.9% of the sample. Overall, vehicles averaged 6.6.89 (6.71, 7.08) miles per gallon (mpg), 11.5 (10.4, 12.6) miles were travelled per call, and 16.2 (14.8, 17.6) miles per transport; 2.7 (2.4, 2.9) gallons of fuel were used per transport. Conclusions In this EMS system, operations are fundamentally dependent on petroleum. Mileage estimates can serve as a baseline to evaluate interventions for reducing petroleum dependence and in contingency planning. As cost pressures increase and these interventions become more common, systematic evaluations will be important.
Convection initiation along soil moisture boundaries in the southern Great Plains.

Abstract Boundaries between two dissimilar air masses have been shown to be the focus region for convection initiation. One feature that has been shown to create these boundaries, as well as mesoscale circulation patterns conducive for convection, is soil moisture heterogeneities. These relationships have been validated in modeling studies, short-term field campaigns, and reanalysis of severe weather events. This study examines the role of soil moisture on convection initiation by using observational data over 7 yr (1998–2004) in the southern Great Plains. A key component to this research is the recently developed daily soil moisture product from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI). The locations of convection initiation, based on the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data, were compared to volumetric soil moisture values and volumetric soil moisture gradient values. The locations of convection initiation were also examined based on synoptic-type day. On s...
A Plasma Membrane-Associated Hyaluronidase Is Localized to the Posterior Acrosomal Region of Stallion Sperm and Is Associated with Spermatozoal Function

Sperm hyaluronidase has been implicated in sperm penetration of the extracellular matrix of the cumulus oophorus and may play a crucial role in gamete interaction and fertility in mammals. The objectives of this study were to characterize the enzyme activity of equine sperm hyaluronidase and to investigate its cellular distribution. Zymography of stallion sperm plasma membrane extracts was used to identify hyaluronidase activity in protein bands. Affinity-purified polyclonal IgG raised against equine sperm hyaluronidase was used to label fresh and capacitated stallion sperm, followed by indirect immunofluorescence. Equine sperm plasma membrane extracts displayed 3 major protein bands with potent hyaluronidase activity of approximately 54, 59, and 83 kDa. Under reducing conditions, a single protein band was observed at 62 kDa, although the reduced sample exhibited no enzyme activity. The polyclonal IgG labeled the postacrosomal region of stallion sperm and was redistributed over the acrosomal region during in vitro capacitation in a significant percentage of sperm cells. These studies suggest that a specific protein localized to the equine sperm head displays hyaluronidase activity, gets redistributed over the acrosomal region during capacitation, and may be important in fertility in this species.
Electromagnetic scattering from multilayer rough surfaces based on extended boundary condition formulation and transition matrix approach

The electromagnetic scattering of rough surface has been investigated extensively for the past decades. There exist analytical solutions to rough surface scattering such as small perturbation method (SPM) or Kirchhoff approximation (KA). These analytical solutions, however, are limited to either small or large roughness regimes. Recent efforts have been put forth to study scattering from multilayer rough surface in the application of deep soil moisture estimation. In this paper, multilayer rough surface scattering is analyzed based on an approach which combines extended boundary condition formulation (EBC) and transition matrix method. From the Floquet theorem, the Floquet modes translate into the coherent reflection and transmission coefficients in their corresponding scattering directions. To account for coherent multiple interactions between rough surface layers, transition matrix approach is used. Each Floquet mode direction is considered a port of a multiport system and network theory is used to characterize cascaded rough surface layers. Bistatic scattering coefficients are then obtained by incoherently averaging the power computed from the resultant Floquet modes in the scattering directions. Therefore, the electromagnetic wave interactions in multilayer rough surfaces are analyzed in a very efficient way by applying EBC to each rough surface and then cascading iteratively transition matrix of each layer interface. Finally, the results are validated against the analytical SPM solution to two-layer rough surface scattering.
Dynamic fluid flow stimulation on cortical bone and alterations of the gene expressions of osteogenic growth factors and transcription factors in a rat functional disuse model

Abstract Recently we have developed a dynamic hydraulic stimulation (DHS) as a loading modality to induce anabolic responses in bone. To further study the functional process of DHS regulated bone metabolism, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of DHS on cortical bone and its alterations on gene expressions of osteogenic growth factors and transcription factors as a function of time. Using a model system of 5-month-old hindlimb suspended (HLS) female Sprague–Dawley rats, DHS was applied to the right tibiae of the stimulated rats with a loading frequency of 2 Hz with 30 mmHg ( p – p ) dynamic pressure, 5 days/week, for a total of 28 days. Midshafts of the tibiae were analyzed using μCT and histology. Total RNA was analyzed using RT-PCR on selected osteogenic genes (RUNX2, β-catenin, osteopontin, VEGF, BMP2, IGF-1, and TGF-β) on 3-, 7-, 14- , and 21-day. Results showed increased Cort.Th and Ct.BV/TV as well as a time-dependent fashion of gradual changes in mRNA levels upon DHS. While DHS-driven fold changes of the mRNA levels remained low before Day-7, its fold changes started to elevate by Day-14 and then dropped by Day-21. This study further delineates the underlying molecular mechanism of DHS-derived mechanical signals, and its time-dependent optimization.
Software safety risk in legacy safety-critical computer systems

Safety-critical computer systems must be engineered to meet system and software safety requirements. For legacy safety-critical computer systems, software safety requirements may not have been formally specified during development. When process-oriented software safety requirements are levied on a legacy system after the fact, where software development artifacts don't exist or are incomplete, the question becomes 'how can this be done?' The risks associated with only meeting certain software safety requirements in a legacy safety-critical computer system must be addressed should such systems be selected as candidates for reuse. This paper proposes a method for ascertaining formally, a software safety risk assessment, that provides measurements for software safety for legacy systems which may or may not have a suite of software engineering documentation that is now normally required. It relies upon the NASA Software Safety Standard, risk assessment methods based upon the taxonomy-based questionnaire, and the application of reverse engineering CASE tools to produce original design documents for legacy systems.
MiTAP: a case study of integrated knowledge discovery tools

The MiTAP system was developed as an experimental prototype using human language technologies for the monitoring of infectious disease outbreaks. The system provides timely, multi-lingual, global information access to analysts, medical experts and individuals involved in humanitarian assistance and relief work. Each day, thousands of articles from electronic information sources spanning multiple languages are automatically captured, translated, tagged, summarized, and presented to users in a variety of ways. Over the course of the past year and half, MiTAP has become a useful tool for real users to solve real problems. The success of MiTAP is greatly attributed to its user-focused design that accommodates the imperfect component technologies and that allows users to interact with the system in familiar ways. We will discuss the problem, the design process, and the implementation from the perspective of services provided and how these services support system capabilities that satisfy user requirements.
Pediatric Exposures to Persistent Environmental Chemicals

Traditional risk factors are responsible for about 70% of the population attributable risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).1 Common environmental exposures are known to be responsible for some portion of the remaining 30%. Therefore, it is important to study chemicals like the class known as Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals (PFCs) or Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PSASs). Two of the most highly studied PFCs are Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA or C8) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS or C8S). PFCs are persistent in the environment and associations have been shown with a whole host of negative health outcomes in laboratory animals, including endocrine-disrupting properties as well as developmental effects.2 To make matters worse, PFCs have been detected in the blood of >98% of the US population3 and epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between PFOA and PFOS, and many negative health outcomes such as cancer,4 CVD,5 osteoarthritis,6 hyperuricemia,7 pregnancy-induced hypertension,8 endocrine disruption,9 dyslipidemia,10,11 and reproductive effects,12,13 often times even at baseline levels typical of the general population’s exposure level.
Reversible Merger of Membranes at the Early Stage of Influenza Hemagglutinin-mediated Fusion

Fusion mediated by influenza hemagglutinin (HA), a prototype fusion protein, is commonly detected as lipid and content mixing between fusing cells. Decreasing the surface density of fusion-competent HA inhibited these advanced fusion phenotypes and allowed us to identify an early stage of fusion at physiological temperature. Although lipid flow between membranes was restricted, the contacting membrane monolayers were apparently transiently connected, as detected by the transformation of this fusion intermediate into complete fusion after treatments known to destabilize hemifusion diaphragms. These reversible connections disappeared within 10-20 min after application of low pH, indicating that after the energy released by HA refolding dissipated, the final low pH conformation of HA did not support membrane merger. Although the dynamic character and the lack of lipid mixing at 37 degrees C distinguish the newly identified fusion intermediate from the intermediate arrested at 4 degrees C described previously, both intermediates apparently belong to the same family of restricted hemifusion (RH) structures. Because the formation of transient RH structures at physiological temperatures was as fast as fusion pore opening and required less HA, we hypothesize that fusion starts with the formation of multiple RH sites, only a few of which then evolve to become expanding fusion pores.
Intrasynaptosomal conversion of tyrosine to dopamine as an index of brain catecholamine biosynthetic capacity.

—The potential for intrasynaptosomal conversion of tyrosine to dopamine was evaluated in the cell bodies (substantia nigra) and nerve terminals (caudate-putamen) of the nigral-striatal dopaminergic pathway. The conversion technique involves measurement of 14CO2 evolved from carboxyl-labelled tyrosine in the absence of both exogenous pteridine cofactor and DOPA decarboxylase. Evaluation of apparent Km values for tyrosine uptake and conversion and observed maximal velocities suggest that conversion is not limited by movement of substrate into the synaptosomes. The results, based on brain regional and subcellular distribution, are consistent with the localization of conversion in nerve endings and suggest a rapid and reliable measure for catecholamine biosynthetic capacity when structural integrity of the nerve ending is maintained.
Atmospheric Icing Climatologies of Two New England Mountains

Abstract The atmospheric icing climatologies of two New England mountaintops with different elevations are compared: Mount Mansfield in northern Vermont and Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Atmospheric icing, as measured with Rosemount ice detectors, is twice as frequent on Mount Washington with about 12 to 20 times greater intensities and 25 to 50 times more accretion as on Mount Mansfield. Most of Mount Mansfield icing events are of low intensity, with periods between icing events averaging 35 to 45 hours on both peaks. Return intervals of ice events by length, intensity, and accretion amount are tabled. Approximately one-half of all severe icing on the two peaks occurs during and immediately after cold front passages. Icing is most intense when lows are about 450 km to the east and high pressure centers are more than about 450 km distant. Prolonged accretion periods occur when coastal and inland storms merge or follow closely.
A unique 5’ translation element discovered in Triticum mosaic virus.

ABSTRACT Several plant viruses encode elements at the 5′ end of their RNAs, which, unlike most cellular mRNAs, can initiate translation in the absence of a 5′ m7GpppG cap. Here, we describe an exceptionally long (739-nucleotide [nt]) leader sequence in triticum mosaic virus (TriMV), a recently emerged wheat pathogen that belongs to the Potyviridae family of positive-strand RNA viruses. We demonstrate that the TriMV 5′ leader drives strong cap-independent translation in both wheat germ extract and oat protoplasts through a novel, noncanonical translation mechanism. Translation preferentially initiates at the 13th start codon within the leader sequence independently of eIF4E but involves eIF4G. We truncated the 5′ leader to a 300-nucleotide sequence that drives cap-independent translation from the 5′ end. We show that within this sequence, translation activity relies on a stem-loop structure identified at nucleotide positions 469 to 490. The disruption of the stem significantly impairs the function of the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) in driving translation and competing against a capped RNA. Additionally, the TriMV 5′ UTR can direct translation from an internal position of a bicistronic mRNA, and unlike cap-driven translation, it is unimpaired when the 5′ end is blocked by a strong hairpin in a monocistronic reporter. However, the disruption of the identified stem structure eliminates such a translational advantage. Our results reveal a potent and uniquely controlled translation enhancer that may provide new insights into mechanisms of plant virus translational regulation. IMPORTANCE Many members of the Potyviridae family rely on their 5′ end for translation. Here, we show that the 739-nucleotide-long triticum mosaic virus 5′ leader bears a powerful translation element with features distinct from those described for other plant viruses. Despite the presence of 12 AUG start codons within the TriMV 5′ UTR, translation initiates primarily at the 13th AUG codon. The TriMV 5′ UTR is capable of driving cap-independent translation in vitro and in vivo , is independent of eIF4E, and can drive internal translation initiation. A hairpin structure at nucleotide positions 469 to 490 is required for the cap-independent translation and internal translation initiation abilities of the element and plays a role in the ability of the TriMV UTR to compete against a capped RNA in vitro . Our results reveal a novel translation enhancer that may provide new insights into the large diversity of plant virus translation mechanisms.
Dismantling mandates in the treatment of heart failure

The Studies Of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD) trial is a landmark study in the management of heart failure. The treatment limb of this trial ([1][1]) demonstrated unequivocally that long-term administration of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril reduced mortality and
Balancing voice and protection in literacy studies with young children

One of the tensions in conducting participatory literacy research with young children is finding the balance between protection and voice. In this paper, we describe how we sought to create partici...
Critical Care Family Members' Satisfaction with Bereavement Experiences

Heideggerian hermeneutics is used to illuminate the dialogues of 23 participants who experienced the death of a family member in the critical care unit within the past year. Those constructs that were considered helpful and satisfying during the process of losing the family member included informati