cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elastic properties of bovine dentine and enamel

Abstract The elastic velocities in bovine dentine and enamel have been measured using ultrasonic interferometry. For four dentine specimens, the averages for the longitudinal and shear velocities are 3.6 × 10 5 cm/sec and 1.9 × 10 5 cm/sec. In the case of an identical number of enamel specimens, the averages are 5.4 × 10 5 cm/sec for the longitudinal velocity, and 3.2 × 10 5 cm/sec for the shear velocity. The average density measured for dentine was 2.2 g/cm 3 , and the average for enamel was 2.9 cm 3 . Young's moduli for the dentine and enamel were calculated to be 2. l × 10 11 dyn/cm 2 and 7.4 × 10 11 dyn/cm 2 , respectively. Since the structures of dentine and enamel are not isotropic, the values given above are orientation dependent. These averaged values are in reasonable agreement with the ultrasonic velocities for human teeth as determined by other workers.
Conservative management of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. A review.

Object Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can result in significant myelopathy. Surgical treatment for OPLL has been extensively documented in the literature, but less data exist on conservative management of this condition. Methods The authors conducted a systematic review to identify all reported cases of OPLL that were conservatively managed without surgery. Results The review yielded 11 published studies reporting on a total of 480 patients (range per study 1–359 patients) over a mean follow-up period of 14.6 years (range 0.4–26 years). Of these 480 patients, 348 (72.5%) were without myelopathy on initial presentation, whereas 76 patients (15.8%) had signs of myelopathy; in 56 cases (15.8%), the presence of myelopathy was not specified. The mean aggregate Japanese Orthopaedic Association score on presentation for 111 patients was 15.3. Data available for 330 patients who initially presented without myelopathy showed progression to myelopathy in 55 (16.7%), whereas the other 275...
The modern concept of association cortex

Although enormous amounts of new neuroanatomical, neurophysiological and neurobehavioral data have been gathered on the association cortices in the past decade, it seems more permissible now than ever to use this functionally loaded concept. Its generality helps enormously, but the modern recognition of multiple interactive neural systems all contributing to cognition has diffused previous concerns relating to strict localization.
Studies on the mechanism of carbon monoxide-induced vasodilation in the isolated perfused rat heart

We investigated the effects of dissolved CO on isolated potassium-arrested (K+) perfused rat hearts. Hearts from male Sprague-Dawley rats were perfused via the aorta with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 20 mm K+. Coronary flow (Qt) averaged 48.8 ± 1.6 (SE), 48.1 ± 1.7, and 55.6 ± 1.7 ml/min/g dry wt when the perfusate was equilibrated with 95% O2-5% CO2, 5% N2-90% O2-5% CO2, and 5% CO-90% O2-5% CO2, respectively. The change in Qt was statistically significant when CO was present in the perfusion medium, but was not significant when N2 was present. Furthermore, the effect was reversible because coronary flow returned to control levels when CO was removed. Myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) did not change significantly when hearts were perfused with either N2 or CO. The magnitude of CO-induced vasodilation was not affected significantly by the addition of either 5 μm propranolol, 2 μm phentolamine, 1 unit of adenosine deaminase, or 0.1 mm indomethacin to the perfusate. In addition, CO reversed the vasoconstrictive effects of the α-agonist methoxamine. These results indicate that CO exerts a vasodilatory effect on coronary vasculature that is not the result of decreased O2 content in the perfusate and is not mediated by adrenergic influences, adenosine, or prostaglandins.
The Connection between Coherent Structures and Low-Frequency Wave Packets in Large-Scale Atmospheric Flow

Abstract A theory is presented that addresses the connection between low-frequency wave packets (LFWPs) and the formation and decay of coherent structures (CSs) in large-scale atmospheric flow. Using a weakly nonlinear evolution equation as well as the nonlinear barotropic vorticity equation, the coalescence of LFWPs into CSs is shown to require packet configurations for which there is a convergent group velocity field. These LFWP configurations, which are consistent with observations, have shorter wave groups with faster group velocities upstream of longer wave groups with slower group velocities. These wave group configurations are explained by carrying out a kinematic analysis of wave focusing, whereby a collection of wave groups focus at some point in space and time to form a large amplitude wave packet having a single wave front. The wave focusing and the subsequent formation of CSs are enhanced by zonal variations in the background flow, while nonlinearity extends the lifetimes of the CSs. These res...
Development of a Smooth Trajectory Maneuver Method to Accommodate the Ares I Flight Control Constraints

Six degree-of-freedom (DOF) launch vehicle trajectories are designed to follow an optimized 3-DOF reference trajectory. A vehicle has a finite amount of control power that it can allocate to performing maneuvers. Therefore, the 3-DOF trajectory must be designed to refrain from using 100% of the allowable control capability to perform maneuvers, saving control power for handling off-nominal conditions, wind gusts and other perturbations. During the Ares I trajectory analysis, two maneuvers were found to be hard for the control system to implement; a roll maneuver prior to the gravity turn and an angle of attack maneuver immediately after the J-2X engine start-up. It was decided to develop an approach for creating smooth maneuvers in the optimized reference trajectories that accounts for the thrust available from the engines. A feature of this method is that no additional angular velocity in the direction of the maneuver has been added to the vehicle after the maneuver completion. This paper discusses the equations behind these new maneuvers and their implementation into the Ares I trajectory design cycle. Also discussed is a possible extension to adjusting closed-loop guidance.
Substance Abuse in Middle Eastern Adolescents Living in Two Different Countries: Spiritual, Cultural, Family and Personal Factors

It is estimated that the percentage of students using illicit substances by sixth grade has tripled over the last decade not only in developed countries but in developing countries as well probably due to the transition to a more Western society. Although much has been done to understand the mechanisms underlying substance abuse, few studies have been conducted with minority ethnic and religious groups such as Middle Eastern Youth. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether there are differences in factors contributing to substance abuse in adolescents from Lebanon versus the U.S.A. and to decipher the role of spirituality, religion, and culture among other factors that may influence substance abuse. A correlational cross-sectional design was used with adolescents living in two different countries: Los Angeles, California and Beirut, Lebanon. Muslim adolescents had significantly less rates of alcohol and substance use than Christians in both Lebanon and Los Angeles. More years lived in the U.S.A. increases the likelihood of abuse for both Muslims and Christians. Attachment to God and family was negatively associated with substance abuse. These results among others facilitate a better understanding of the influence of culture, religion, family and personal factors on substance abuse. Culturally sensitive interventions could benefit from the findings of this pilot study.
Terminated Capacitor-Discharge Firing of Electroexplosive Devices

By terminating the discharge of energy into an insensitive electroexplosive device, firing-energy parameters can be determined. A simple capacitor-discharge system providing exponential pulses terminated at an adjustable width is described. Basic theory and application to testing are discussed.
Streptomycin in Miliary Tuberculosis and Tuberculous Meningitis

Summary Hematogenic tuberculosis can be healed by streptomycin. The author stresses the fact that up to now only about 10–15 % of the cases have been cured, that a number of factors concerning streptomycin still are obscure, that streptomycin is toxic and that its effect is mainly bacteriostatic. Resume La tuberculose hematogene peut ere guerie par la streptomycine. L'auteur insiste sur le fait que jusqu'ici seulement 10* 15 % des cas ont ete gueris, que nombres de facteurs concernant la streptomycine sont encore obscurs, que la streptomycine est toxique et que son effet est surtout bacterioststique. Zusammenfassung Haematogene Tuberkulose kann durch Streptomycin geheilt werden. Der Autor betont die Tatsache, dass bis jetzt ungefahr 10–15 % der Falle geheilt wurden, dass in Bezug auf da.s Streptomycin eine Reihe Faktoren noch dunkel sind, dass Streptomycin toxisch und sein Effekt hauptsachlich bakteriostatisch ist. Sumario La tuberculosis hematogena se puede curar mediante estreptomicina. El autor hace recalcar que entre el diez y el quince por ciento de los casos se han curado, que no se conocen bien todavia un gran nuimero de factores relacionados con la estreptomicina, que la estreptomicina es toxica y que sus efectos son principalmente bacteriostaticos.
Phosphatidylserine peroxidation/externalization during staurosporine-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells

Although oxidative stress is commonly associated with apoptosis, its specific role in the execution of the apoptotic program has yet to be described. We hypothesized that catalytic redox interactions between negatively charged phosphatidylserine (PS) and positively charged cytochrome c released into the cytosol, along with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), results in pronounced oxidation and externalization of PS, and subsequent recognition of apoptotic cells by macrophages. By using staurosporine, a protein kinase inhibitor that does not act as a prooxidant, we were able to induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells without triggering the confounding effects of non-specific oxidation reactions. Through this approach, we demonstrated for the first time that PS underwent a statistically significant and pronounced oxidation at an early stage (2 h) of non-oxidant-induced apoptosis while the most abundant phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine, did not. Glutathione (GSH), the most abundant cytosolic thiol, also remained unoxidized at this time point. Furthermore, PS oxidation and the appearance of cytochrome c in the cytosol were concurrent; PS externalization was followed by phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. These findings are compatible with our proposed roles for oxidative PS-dependent signaling during apoptosis and phagocytosis.
Reasoning: Installation Process Step Instructions as an Automated Assembly Time Estimation Tool

Assembly time estimation is an important aspect of mechanical design and is important for many users throughout the life-cycle of a product. Many of the current assembly time estimation tools require information which is not available until the product is in the production phase. Furthermore, these tools often require subjective inputs which limit the degree of automation provided by the method. The assembly of a vehicle depends on information about the product and information describing the process. The research presented in this paper explains the development and testing of an assembly time estimation method that uses process language as the input for the analysis.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Purification and properties of 2, 3-diphosphoglyceric acid phosphatase from human erythrocytes☆

Abstract A 1200-fold purification of an enzyme from human erythrocytes which hydrolyzes 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (2, 3-DPG) to Pi and 3-phosphoglyceric acid (3-PGA) is described. The preparation is free of acid phosphatase and phosphoglycerate mutase. Enzyme activity is enhanced 37-fold by 20mM bisulfite. Dithionite and cyanide also cause stimulation. The pH optimum is 7.5 and the K m for 2,3-DPG is 4×10 −5 M. Enzyme activity is inhibited by both 3-PGA and 2-PGA. It is believed that this enzyme, and not PGA mutase which in the presence of inorganic pyrophosphate has this same phosphatase activity, is the physiological intracellular phosphatase for 2,3-DPG in erythrocytes.
SOS Induction by Stabilized Topoisomerase IA Cleavage Complex Occurs via the RecBCD Pathway

Accumulation of mutant topoisomerase I cleavage complex can lead to SOS induction and cell death in Escherichia coli. The single-stranded break associated with mutant topoisomerase I cleavage complex is converted to double-stranded break, which then is processed by the RecBCD pathway, followed by association of RecA with the single-stranded DNA.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of phosphonate analogues of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

A new series of phosphonate side chain analogues of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1) have been synthesized. Antiproliferative activities of theses analogues (8a,b and9a,b) using human keratinocyte cell shows that analogues which have natural A-ring show higher activity than unnatural A-ring series and almost equally active to 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1) at 1 μM level.
Modification of Serratia marcescens anthranilate synthase with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate.

Abstract The glutamine-dependent activity of Serratia marcescens anthranilate synthase was inactivated by pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and sodium cyanide. The reaction was specific in that the ammonia-dependent activity of the enzyme was unaffected. The inactivation was stable to dilution or dialysis but was reversed by dithiothreitol. The enzyme contains dissimilar subunits designated anthranilate synthase components I (AS I) and II (AS II). Incorporation of [ 14 C]NaCN demonstrates that modification was limited to one to two residues per AS I · AS II protomer. An active site cysteine is involved in the glutamine-dependent activity. Modification by pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and NaCN blocked affinity labeling of the active site cysteine by the glutamine analog 6-diazo-5-oxo- l -norleucine and reduced alkylation of the active site cysteine by iodoacetamide. These results suggest modification is at the glutamine active site. Initial modification by iodoacetamide did not prevent pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent incorporation of 14 CN showing that the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate modification did not involve the essential cysteinyl residue. These results suggest that modification of a lysyl residue in the glutamine active site of anthranilate synthase reduces the reactivity of the essential cysteinyl residue resulting in the loss of the amidotransferase activity.
Magnesium interaction with the surface of calcite in seawater.

Magnesian calcite overgrowth containing 4 (± 2) mole percent magnesium carbonate forms on calcite exposed to natural seawater near the ocean surface. This magnesian calcite is approximately 30 percent less soluble in seawater than pure calcite. The formation of the magnesian calcite of reduced solubility may have a major influence on calcite accumulation in deep sea sediments.
Thermal Decomposition of N-nitrosopiperazine

Abstract Thermal decomposition of n-nitrosopiperazine (MNPZ) was measured in 0.2 8 m aqueous piperazine (PZ) loaded with 0.1 to 0.3 mol CO 2 /equiv N from 100 to 165 °C. In 8 PZ with 0.3 mol CO 2 /equiv N, MNPZ thermal decomposition follows Arrhenius temperature dependence with an activation energy of 94 kJ/mol and a rate constant of 10.2 *10 -6 s -1 at 135 °C. MNPZ decomposition is dependent on PZ concentration and CO 2 loading, but independent of stainless steel ions and stainless steel surface.
Movement and Persistence of Chloropicrin, Vapam, and Methylisothiocyanate in Untreated Southern Pine and Douglas-Fir Timbers

Untreated Douglas-fir and southern pine timbers were inoculated with brown-rot and white-rot fungi as vapor-sensing agents to evaluate the movement and distribution of fungitoxic concentrations of chloropicrin, Vapam, and methylisothiocyanate (MIT). Residual fumigant in timbers was determined by a bioassay with Gloeophyllum trabeum. The fumigants were introduced into 2. 54-cm-diameter holes at timber midlength. Fumigants diffused throughout the cross-sectional area of both southern pine and Douglas-fir. The brown-and white-rot fungi generally showed similar tolerance to the fumigants. Chloropicrin killed most fungal cultures in both timbers 0.30 m from the treatment centerline (CL) within 1 week after treatment. Vapam and MIT were effective at 0.30 m from CL by 4 weeks. At 0.61 m from CL, the fumigants were ineffective in killing cultures implanted in southern pine. In Douglas-fir, Vapam was also ineffective at this distance, but chloropicrin and MIT were effective. In both southern pine and Douglas-fir, none of the fumigants killed cultures implanted at 1.22 m from CL. Bioassay of cores removed from fumigated southern pine timbers showed little residual fungistatic effect beyond 0.30 m. Residual fungistatic effect decreased in chloropicrin-and Vapam-treated southern pine 1 year after treatment and was not present in MIT-treated pine at 2 years after treatment. In Douglas-fir, all fumigants showed a residual fungistatic effect at 0. 61 m from CL 2 years after treatment. In Vapam-and MIT-treated timbers, the residual fungistatic effect had decreased by 3 years after treatment. By contrast, a residual fungistatic effect was detected in chloropicrin-treated Douglas-Fir at 1.22 m from CL at 3 years after treatment, and the effect was still present a year later.
Reaction Dynamics of Zr and Nb with Ethylene

The reactions of transition metal (M) atoms Zr and Nb with ethylene (C2H4) were studied using the technique of crossed molecular beams. Angular and velocity distributions of MC2H2 products following H2 elimination were measured at collision energies between 5 and 23 kcal/mol using electron impact and 157 nm photoionization mass spectrometry. Photodepletion studies identify that the atomic reactants are predominantly in their ground electronic states and that the observed MC2H2 products result primarily from reactions of these ground-state atoms. Center-of-mass product angular distributions derived from the data indicate that reactions involve the formation of intermediate complexes having lifetimes longer than their rotational periods. Product translational energy distributions demonstrate that a large fraction of excess available energy is channeled into product internal excitation. Wide-angle nonreactive scattering of metal atom reactants following decay of long-lived MC2H4 association complexes was als...
6-MBOA affects testis size, but not delayed-type hypersensitivity, in white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus)

Many rodents use day length to time reproduction to occur when resources are abundant, but some species also use supplementary environmental cues. One supplementary cue is the plant-derived compound, 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (6-MBOA). Most rodents grow their gonads in response to 6-MBOA in their diets, but it is presently unknown whether they also use 6-MBOA to adjust other aspects of physiology, specifically their immune systems. 6-MBOA is structurally similar to melatonin, and seasonal changes in rodent immune activities are often mediated by melatonin. We therefore predicted that white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), which breed seasonally and are reproductively sensitive to melatonin, would adjust their immune systems when fed 6-MBOA. 6-MBOA treated mice in long day lengths regressed their testes to a greater extent than mice fed a standard diet, or mice kept in short day lengths and fed 6-MBOA or a standard diet. One type of immune activity (delayed-type hypersensitivity) was not affected by 6-MBOA, however, although responses were greater in short versus long day mice. In sum, P. leucopus responded reproductively to 6-MBOA, although differently than other species; immune activity was unaffected. Other aspects of the immune system, especially in herbivorous rodents, may be affected by 6-MBOA and thus warrant further study.
Abstract 1241: Tcf7, a mediator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, is upregulated in mammary glands of BK5.ATF3 mice, without prior development of mammary tumors

We previously showed that in a transgenic model (BK5.ATF3) in which the transcription factor ATF3 is overexpressed in cytokeratin 5 (CK5)-expressing cells, parous female mice develop mammary carcinomas with about 70% incidence between 6 months and one year of age. In these mice, ATF3 is overexpressed in cell nuclei in the myoepithelial cell layer (basal layer) of normal mammary glands, and in the basal cell layers of the tumors, in addition to expression in epidermis and other CK5-expressing epithelia. Non-parous, female transgenic mice exhibited a high incidence of squamous metaplastic lesions in the mammary glands between 14 and 32 weeks of age. These lesions showed dysregulation of cytokeratin expression, but no other molecular defects in non-parous mammary glands have been described. Several genes in the EGFR-MAPK pathway and in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are misregulated in the mammary tumors that arise in parous transgenic mice. When expression of these genes was compared between normal mammary glands from transgenic and non-transgenic mice, the only genes that showed significant differences were Lef1 and Tcf7, two members of the family of transcription factors that dimerize with β-catenin to mediate Wnt-induced transcription. These genes were overexpressed by 2.5-3-fold in the transgenic mammary glands. A mouse mammary tumor cell line, EMT6, was found to have high levels of expression of both Atf3 and Tcf7, but not Lef1. Expression of Atf3 was knocked down by 97% in EMT6 cells 48 hrs post-treatment with Atf3-specific siRNA. This resulted in about a 70% decrease in expression of Tcf7, and a similar decrease in expression of cJun, a known target of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This is consistent with the possibility that Tcf7 is a target gene for Atf3, and may be involved in the early stages of tumorigenesis in this model. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1241.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha is an autocrine growth regulator during macrophage differentiation.

Abstract Previous experiments have revealed the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) transcripts in all murine bone marrow-derived macrophage colonies isolated from days 5 through 9 of differentiation in vitro. These results implicated a role for TNF-alpha gene expression during macrophage differentiation. Antisense oligomers to the initiation region of the TNF-alpha message were used to inhibit its expression, thus allowing the role of TNF-alpha gene expression in controlling the differentiation of macrophages to be determined. Results showed that TNF-alpha regulated the proliferation of macrophages during differentiation. Cells isolated on day 3 were exclusively vulnerable to the effects of blocking TNF-alpha gene expression, displaying a 30% increase in proliferation over control cells or sense oligomer-treated cells. Thus, in the absence of TNF-alpha gene expression, cells maintained proliferation instead of undergoing terminal differentiation. Exogenous TNF-alpha was capable of rescuing day 3 antisense-treated cells, therefore maintaining normal levels of proliferation. In contrast, blocking interleukin 1 beta gene expression by antisense oligonucleotide treatment had no effect on proliferation. Addition of exogenous recombinant murine or human TNF-alpha decreased the total cell number 25-50% regardless of whether cells were grown in medium containing colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). These results suggested that exogenous TNF-alpha suppressed proliferation of early hematopoietic progenitors, whereas endogenous TNF-alpha regulated proliferation of macrophage progenitors. The number of differentiated, adherent macrophages on day 5 of differentiation in vitro was increased by TNF-alpha treatment of GM-CSF-induced macrophages but was suppressed in CSF-1-induced macrophages. These findings suggest that distinct TNF receptor expression and/or signaling is induced in differentiating macrophages stimulated with either growth factor.
Quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from soils: Scientific basis and modeling approach

Abstract Global climate change is one of the most important issues of contemporary environmental safety. A scientific consensus is forming that the emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane, from anthropogenic activities may play a key role in elevating the global temperatures. Quantifying soil greenhouse gas emissions is an essential task for understanding the atmospheric impacts of anthropogenic activities in terrestrial ecosystems. In most soils, production or consumption of the three major greenhouse gases is regulated by interactions among soil redox potential, carbon source and electron acceptors. Two classical formulas, the Nernst equation and the Michaelis–Menten equation, describe the microorganism-mediated redox reactions from aspects of thermodynamics and reaction kinetics, respectively. The two equations are functions of a series of environmental factors (e.g. temperature, moisture, pH, Eh) that are regulated by a few ecological drivers, such as climate...
Robotic extraperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy: Development of a technique.

Abstract Objectives To develop a robotic technique for extraperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy in cadavers followed by application in a patient with advanced cervical cancer. Methods Two fresh frozen female torso cadavers were used to develop the correct placement of the robotic column and trocars, respectively, to allow for a safe and adequate performance of aortic lymphadenectomy using the da Vinci S system. The resulting technique was applied to a patient with cervical cancer Stage IB2 presenting with enlarged aortic nodes. Results Appropriate sites for trocar and robotic column placement were identified in the female cadavers. In the patient, the operating, docking, and console times were 103, 3.5, and 49 minutes, respectively. The blood loss was 30 ml. Selective removal of 5 enlarged aortic nodes revealed no evidence of metastases. Conclusion Robotic extraperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy is feasible provided there is proper robotic trocar and column placement. The operating time and number of aortic nodes selectively removed by robotics in this patient are within the range of those reported with an extraperitoneal systematic aortic lymphadenectomy by laparoscopy.
Solvent effects on fluorine chemical shifts in chloroalkanes and alcohols

Abstract Fluorine chemical shifts are reported for 1,1,1,10,10,10-hexafluorodecane in 14 monochloroalkanes and 13 structurally related alcohols. After adjustment to correct for bulk magnetic susceptibility effects, the shifts in the chloroalkanes can be correlated using an empirical equation in which the independent variables are the solvent refractive index and a quantity ξ which depends on the cohesive energy density. The variation with ξ suggests a volume of mixing effect similar to that recently postulated for fluorine shifts in hydrocarbon solvents. It does not appear profitable to include a reaction-field contribution calculated in the usual way from the solvent dielectric constant. The alcohol results are significant mainly in that for each solvent pair, ROH and RCI, the adjusted chemical shifts are nearly equal. This would appear to rule out sizable shielding contributions attributable to the formation of weak CF …HO hydrogen bonds.
Automating performance bottleneck detection using search-based application profiling

Application profiling is an important performance analysis technique, when an application under test is analyzed dynamically to determine its space and time complexities and the usage of its instructions. A big and important challenge is to profile nontrivial web applications with large numbers of combinations of their input parameter values. Identifying and understanding particular subsets of inputs leading to performance bottlenecks is mostly manual, intellectually intensive and laborious procedure. We propose a novel approach for automating performance bottleneck detection using search-based input-sensitive application profiling. Our key idea is to use a genetic algorithm as a search heuristic for obtaining combinations of input parameter values that maximizes a fitness function that represents the elapsed execution time of the application. We implemented our approach, coined as Genetic Algorithm-driven Profiler (GA-Prof) that combines a search-based heuristic with contrast data mining of execution traces to accurately determine performance bottlenecks. We evaluated GA-Prof to determine how effectively and efficiently it can detect injected performance bottlenecks into three popular open source web applications. Our results demonstrate that GA-Prof efficiently explores a large space of input value combinations while automatically and accurately detecting performance bottlenecks, thus suggesting that it is effective for automatic profiling.
A Novel Human-Based Receptor Antagonist of Sustained Action Reveals Body Weight Control by Endogenous GLP-1

Ex-4 (9-39)a is a well characterized GLP-1 receptor antagonist that suffers from two notable limitations, its nonhuman amino acid sequence and its relatively short in vivo duration of action. Comparable N-terminal shortening of human GLP-1 lessens agonism but does not provide a high potency antagonist. Through a series of GLP-1/Ex-4 hybrid peptides, the minimal structural changes required to generate a pure GLP-1-based antagonist were identified as Glu16, Val19, and Arg20, yielding an antagonist of approximately 3-fold greater in vitro potency compared with Ex-4 (9-39)a. The structural basis of antagonism appears to result from stabilization of the α helix combined with enhanced electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with the extracellular domain of the receptor. Site-specific acylation of the human-based antagonist yielded a peptide of increased potency as a GLP-1 receptor antagonist and 10-fold greater selectivity relative to the GIP receptor. The acylated antagonist demonstrated sufficient duration...
British and American Exchange Policies: II. The American Experience

1. Exchange Policy, 1933–34, 686. — 2. Gold Buying and Exchange Depreciation, 690. — 3. Exchanges, Prices and Economic Conditions, 1933–34, 696. — 4. Economic Conditions Here and Elsewhere, 1933, 698. — 5. Exchange Depreciation and Prices of International Commodities, 700. — 6. Exchange Depreciation and Farm Prices, 709. — 7. Sectional Price Movements, 714. — 8. Depreciation and the Balance of Payments, 716. — 9. The Balance of Trade and Depreciation, 718. — 10. Conclusion, 722
The Deficit Syndrome and Eye Tracking Disorder May Reflect a Distinct Subtype Within the Syndrome of Schizophrenia

Although many researchers suspect that schizophrenia is a heterogeneous syndrome, identification of valid subtypes has been surprisingly difficult. Both the deficit syndrome and eye tracking disorder have been proposed as meaningful subtypes within schizophrenia. Despite a significant amount of research in these two areas, most of it has been conducted in parallel. Recent evidence suggests that the two phenomena are associated directly with each other. A review of the literature reveals that they share a common pattern of validators, ranging widely from risk factors to neurocognitive measures, that distinguishes them from other subjects with schizophrenia. This common pattern of validators suggests that the two phenomena share an underlying pathophysiology. Furthermore, a modest amount of evidence suggests that the deficit syndrome and eye tracking disorder each reflect a distinct subtype of schizophrenia, not simply a more severe form. If valid, then the evidence would suggest that the deficit syndrome and eye tracking disorder reflect the same distinct subtype within the syndrome of schizophrenia. Although this theory is in the early stages of development, it may prove useful for dissecting the heterogeneity in schizophrenia.
Novel Copolymers of Styrene and Di‐ and Trimethoxy Ring‐Substituted 2‐Cyano‐N,N‐dimethyl‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propenamides

Electrophilic trisubstituted ethylene monomers, di‐ and trimethoxy ring‐substituted 2‐cyano‐N,N‐dimethyl‐3‐phenyl‐2‐propenamides, RC6H3CH˭C(CN)CON(CH3)2 (where R is 2,3‐(OCH3)2, 2,4‐(OCH3)2, 2,5‐(OCH3)2, 2,6‐(OCH3)2, 3,4‐(OCH3)2, 3,5‐(OCH3)2, 2,3,4‐(OCH3)3, 2,4,5‐(OCH3)3, 2,4,6‐(OCH3)3, 3,4,5‐(OCH3)3), were synthesized by potassium hydroxide catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation of ring‐substituted benzaldehydes and N,N‐dimethyl cyanoacetamide, and characterized by CHN elemental analysis, IR, 1H‐and13C‐NMR. Novel copolymers of the ethylenes and styrene were prepared at equimolar monomer feed composition by solution copolymerization in the presence of a radical initiator, ABCN at 70°C. The composition of the copolymers was calculated from nitrogen analysis, and the structures were analyzed by IR, 1H and 13C‐NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. High Tg of the copolymers in comparison with that of polystyrene indicates a substantial decrease in chain mobility of the copolymer due to the high dipolar character of the trisubs...
Glucocorticoid-Treated Mice Are an Inappropriate Positive Control for Long-Term Preclinical Studies in the mdx Mouse

Background Dmdmdx (mdx) mice are used as a genetic and biochemical model of dystrophin deficiency. The long-term consequences of glucocorticoid (GC) treatment on dystrophin-deficient skeletal and heart muscle are not yet known. Here we used systematic phenotyping to assess the long-term consequences of GC treatment in mdx mice. Our investigation addressed not only the effects of GC on the disease phenotype but also the question of whether GCs can be used as a positive control for preclinical drug evaluations.
Durability of porous systems impregnated with dicyclopentadiene-modified sulphur

Abstract The effectiveness of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)-modified sulphur in improving the durability of impregnated portland cement systems is assessed. Portland cement paste and porous vycor glass samples were impregnated with modified and unmodified sulphur and some samples were heated to 180°C. Comparison of the measured modulus of elasticity with values calculated from mixture rules provided a qualitative measure of the adhesion between matrix and impregnant. Changes in length and modulus of elasticity with time of exposure at 100 per cent RH were monitored and formed the basis of durability assessment. Samples impregnated with DCPD-modified sulphur and heated at 180°C showed the least distress. It is concluded that two factors control durability: interaction of the matrix with the impregnant, which influences the rate of ingress of water to the interface, and interaction between water and solid surfaces at the interface.
Isolation and purification of diacylglycerol acyltransferase from germinating soybean cotyledons

Abstract A homogeneous preparation of the enzyme that catalyses triacylglycerol synthesis has been achieved for the first time from plant tissue. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.20) was solubilized from purified microsomes prepared from germinating soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. cv. Dare) cotyledons with the non denaturing zwitterionic detergent, CHAPS. The enzyme was isolated from CHAPS solubilized microsomal proteins and purified by Sepharose CL-4B chromatography and agarose gel electrophoresis. Purified diacylglycerol acyltransferase exhibited a single Schlieren image during analytical ultracentrifugation. The homogeneity of the enzyme was confirmed by high-pressure liquid chromatography using gel filtration columns. The purified enzyme was devoid of lipase (EC 3.1.1.3), glycerolphosphate acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.15), lysolecithin acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.23), acylglycerol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.22), and 1-acylglycerolphosphate acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.51) activities. Purified diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity was stable for three months at −20°C. Hyperbolic enzyme kinetics were observed using sn-1,2-diolein and stearoyl-CoA or oleoyl-CoA as substrates. The apparent Km using sn-1,2-diolein was 60 μM with stearoyl-CoA, and 113 μM with oleoyl-CoA. This report has documented a method by which highly purified diacylglycerol acyltransferase may be obtained from germinating soybean cotyledons.
Higher order methods for solving Volterra integrodifferential equations of the first kind

Abstract A highly accurate, diagonally implicit Runge-Kutta method (DIRK) is used for the numerical solution of linear Volterra integrodifferential equations of the first kind after converting the equations into equations of the second kind. The numerical method shows very good stability, and, as opposed to the first kind of equations, the second kind of equations are not ill-posed.
Diabetes Mellitus: Pathophysiology, Etiologies, Complications, Management, and Laboratory Evaluation—Special Topics in Diagnostic Testing. William E. Winter and Maria Rita Signorino. Washington, DC: AACC Press, 2002, 152 pp., $25.00 ($20.00 AACC members), softcover. ISBN 1-890883-62-X.

Progress over the past 25 years in our understanding of diabetes mellitus has been nothing short of extraordinary. Some of the most important advances include self-monitoring of blood glucose by patients, glycohemoglobin testing (the “A1c test”), results of clinical trials finally confirming the relationship between glycemic control and the development of diabetic complications, new classification schemes based on new insights into the genetics and etiologies of the different forms of diabetes, and new treatment strategies. Even for those in the field (basic scientists, laboratorians, and clinicians), it is difficult to keep pace …
1 Prominent proptosis in childhood thyroid eye disease. Abbreviated source.

(1997). 1 Prominent proptosis in childhood thyroid eye disease. Abbreviated source. Strabismus: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 57-58.
Photochemical modification of poly(ether sulfone) and sulfonated poly(sulfone) nanofiltration membranes for control of fouling by natural organic matter

Poly(ether sulfone) and sulfonated poly(sulfone) nanofiltration membranes were modified by UV irradiation and UV-assisted graft polymerization of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NVP) as a strategy for mitigating fouling by naturally-occurring organic compounds (NOM) found in surface waters. Exposure to UV (254 nm) alone increased membrane hydrophilicity, interpreted in terms of either the contact angle, θ, or surface wettability (cos θ). It was possible to increase cos θ above 0.94. FTIR analysis suggests that this was due, in part, to the formation of surface hydroxyl groups. The membrane structure was opened, as evidenced by increased clean water permeability. Fouling by natural organic matter (isolated from a surface water source using reverse osmosis) was reduced significantly, but conditions that minimized fouling also decreased solute (NOM as organic carbon) rejection. In contrast, it is possible to identify UV-assisted graft polymerization reaction conditions which significantly reduced fouling, with clean water permeability and solute rejection similar to as-received membranes. When short reaction times (10 s) were used, clean water permeability decreased and solute rejection increased, presumably as a result of pore blockage by graft polymer chains. The opposite behavior in each respect was observed for long irradiation time (180 s); however, while fouling tendency was reduced relative to as-received membranes, it was not reduced to the same extent as membranes irradiated for 60 s. This observation could be explained by an increase in pore fouling resulting from increased access to enlarged pores by larger molecular weight natural organic matter components.
Critical field deviations in superconducting Pb0.9Bi0.1

Abstract The thermodynamic critical field has been determined calorimetrically for Pb 0.9 Bi 0.1 . A prediction that the deviation function will be very large is not sustained. D ( t ) is only slightly larger than for pure Pb, in very good agreement with more recent calculations.
Differential Regulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Responsive Genes by the Duration of a Calcium Signal

We have investigated the cellular mechanisms by which changes in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) can differentially regulate gene expression. Two Ca2+ paradigms, involving prolonged and transient Ca2+ increases, were used. As a starting point, we studied the slow, prolonged elevation of Ca2+ caused by activation of 5-HT1 receptors. We had previously shown that 5-HT1 agonists inhibit calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) transcription and secretion. The Ca2+ ionophore, ionomycin, was used to produce a prolonged elevation of the Ca2+ signal similar to that generated by 5-HT1 receptor agonists. Ionomycin treatment of the neuronal-like CA77 cell line specifically inhibited mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase stimulation of the CGRP enhancer and two synthetic MAP kinase-responsive reporter genes (4- to 10-fold). We then showed that ionomycin repression of promoter activity involved selective induction of MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), but not MKP-2, and that overexpression of MKP-1 was sufficient to repres...
On precoding for maximum weighted energy efficiency of MIMO cognitive multiple access channels

We study weighted energy efficiency maximization for multiple-input multiple-output cognitive multiple access channels under both secondary user transmit power constraint and primary user interference power constraint. Energy efficiency is defined as the ratio of weighted sum rate and energy consumption including both transmission and circuit energy consumption. The nonlinear (fractional programming) energy efficiency optimization problem is transformed into a series of parametrized convex optimization problems. A combination of bisection search method and cyclic coordinate ascent-based iterative water-filling algorithm is proposed to solve the parametrized problem. Computer simulation examples are provided to illustrate the proposed approach and to explore the trade-off between energy efficiency and spectrum efficiency.
Digital optical phase control in ridge-waveguide phase modulators

The authors report a digital optical phase modulation concept based on depletion-edge-translation p-n junction GaAs/AlGaAs ridge-waveguide modulators. Digital modulation is achieved by integrating in series several discrete waveguide modulators with lengths related by successive factors of two. To illustrate the concept, the authors fabricated and demonstrated a three-bit digital phase modulator with 45 degrees resolution. This structure represents the first photonic integrated circuit that performs direct digital-electronic to analog-optical conversion. >
A dynamic calibration scheme for on-chip process and temperature variations

A process and temperature variation calibration scheme is proposed in this paper. The proposed system uses the supply voltage and body bias to calibrate the device parameters to match those of a certain process corner that is determined by the system designer. This scheme is characterized by its ability to dynamically change the desired mapping target according to the computational load. Moreover, the proposed system provides the ability to detect and control the n- and p-type variations independently through the use of an all-n and all-p ring oscillators. The calibration system has been implemented and simulated in TSMC 90-nm technology. Simulation results show that the system was able to reduce frequency spread (sigma) from 75 MHz to an average of 10 MHz and frequency variations from 34% to 3.1%. The results also show the system's ability to compensate for dynamic load variations.
Processes of Native Nationhood: The Indigenous Politics of Self-Government

Over the last three decades, Indigenous peoples in the CANZUS countries (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States) have been reclaiming self-government as an Indigenous right and practice. In the process, they have been asserting various forms of Indigenous nationhood. This article argues that this development involves a common set of activities on the part of Indigenous peoples: (1) identifying as a nation or a people (determining who the appropriate collective “self” is in self-determination and self-government); (2) organizing as a political body (not just as a corporate holder of assets); and (3) acting on behalf of Indigenous goals (asserting and exercising practical decision-making power and responsibility, even in cases where central governments deny recognition). The article compares these activities in the four countries and argues that, while contexts and circumstances differ, the Indigenous politics of self-government show striking commonalities across the four. Among those commonalities: it is a positional as opposed to a distributional politics; while not ignoring individual welfare, it measures success in terms of collective power; and it focuses less on what central governments are willing to do in the way of recognition and rights than on what Indigenous nations or communities can do for themselves.
Informing Digital Cognitive Aids Design for Emergency Medical Work by Understanding Paper Checklist Use

We examine the use of a paper-based checklist during 48 simulated trauma resuscitations to inform the design of digital cognitive aids for safety-critical medical teamwork. Our analysis focused on team communication and interaction behaviors as physician leaders led resuscitations and administered the checklist. We found that the checklist increased the amount of communication between the leader and the team, but did not compromise the leader's interactions with the environment. In addition, we observed several changes in team dynamics: the checklist facilitated collaborative decision making and process reflections, but it also made some team members reactive rather than proactive. As the push toward digitizing medical work continues, we expect that paper checklists will soon be replaced by their digital counterparts. Designing interactive cognitive aids for medical domains, however, poses many challenges. Our results offer directions for how these tools could be designed to support medical work in increasingly digital environments.
The development of mini pentameric STR loci for rapid analysis of forensic DNA samples on a microfluidic system

There is increasing interest in developing methods for portable DNA analysis in mass disasters and criminal identification. Currently most forensic STR DNA analysis is performed by CE; however, these instruments are not portable and require long sample run times. One potential solution is the development of microfluidic systems for DNA typing. Unfortunately, fairly long (ca. 20 cm) separation channels are usually required for the proper resolution of multiplexed STR loci used in human identification. Commercially available systems like the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer have a small footprint and utilize chips with shorter channels and reduced resolution. Such portable systems might be valuable for evidence screening in remote locations. However, due to their lower resolution, most standard 4 base STR loci and their inherent 2 base variants will not resolve on such systems. In this paper, we discuss the development of reduced length pentameric (5 base) STR amplicons. Pentameric STRs have fewer variant alleles and are easier to separate due to the wider spacing between alleles. By incorporating novel denaturing sieving polymers in a short microfluidic channel, we demonstrate efficient separations on these chips. Such an approach can serve as a useful tool for rapid microfluidic DNA typing.