cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Interfraction Prostate Motion Using Megavoltage Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Purpose Determine the degree of interfraction prostate motion and its components measured by using daily megavoltage (MV) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Methods and Materials A total of 984 daily MV CBCT images from 24 patients undergoing definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Pretreatment couch shifts, based on physician registration of MV CBCT to planning CT data sets, were used as a measure of daily interfraction motion. Off-line bony registration was performed to separate bony misalignment from internal organ motion. Interobserver and intraobserver variation studies were performed on 20 MV CBCT images. Results Mean interfraction prostate motion was 6.7 mm, with the greatest single-axis deviation in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction. The largest positional inaccuracy was accounted for by systematic deviations in bony misalignment, whereas random deviations occurred from bony misalignment and internal prostate motion. In the aggregate, AP motion did not correlate with days elapsed since beginning therapy or on average with rectal size at treatment planning. Interobserver variation was greatest in the AP direction, decreased in experienced observers, and further decreased in intraobserver studies. Mean interfraction motion during the first 6 days of therapy, when used as a subsequent offset, reduced acceptable AP planning target volume margins by 50%. Conclusion The MV CBCT is a practical direct method of daily localization that shows significant interfraction motion with respect to conventional three-dimensional conformal and intensity-modulated radiotherapy margins, similar to that measured in other modalities.
Social and Ethical Dimensions of Nanoscale Science and Engineering Research

Continuing advances in human ability to manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular levels (i.e. nanoscale science and engineering) offer many previously unimagined possibilities for scientific discovery and technological development. Paralleling these advances in the various science and engineering subdisciplines is the increasing realization that a number of associated social, ethical, environmental, economic and legal dimensions also need to be explored. An important component of such exploration entails the identification and analysis of the ways in which current and prospective researchers in these fields conceptualize these dimensions of their work. Within the context of a National Science Foundation funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in nanomaterials processing and characterization at the University of Central Florida (2002–2004), here I present for discussion (i) details of a “nanotechnology ethics” seminar series developed specifically for students participating in the program, and (ii) an analysis of students’ and participating research faculty’s perspectives concerning social and ethical issues associated with nanotechnology research. I conclude with a brief discussion of implications presented by these issues for general scientific literacy and public science education policy.
Palaeochannel reconstructions from point bar deposits: a three-dimensional perspective

Quantitative determination of palaeochannel geometry and hydraulics from point bar deposits requires an understanding of the interaction between channel-bend migration, temporal and spatial variation of point bar geometry and facies, and outcrop orientation. This interaction is modelled with the aid of a computer program which predicts three-dimensional (3-D) geometry and grain size variation of point bars. Synthetic deposits are produced for the cases of down-valley bend migration and/or increase in channel-bend sinuosity. Two-dimensional (2-D) cross-sections in varying orientations across these simulated deposits display lateral-accretion bedset surface geometry, and variation in mean bedset grain size and local palaeocurrent orientation. Most cross-sections show point bar deposits thickening away from the meander-belt axis due to a lateral progression from thinner bend-exit deposits to thicker bend-apex deposits (caused by down-valley channel translation), and/or due to a progression from thinner low sinuosity deposits to thicker high sinuosity deposits caused by channel bend expansion. In association with this lateral thickening, bedset surfaces become steeper and more convex upwards while the variation in mean grain size up bedsets commonly increases. Down-valley point bar translation allows preservation only of deposits formed downstream of the band apex, and produces characteristic fining upwards sequences. Marked lateral and vertical variations in palaeocurrent directions due to varying channel orientation relative to a given cross-section are also predicted. These results indicate a need in palaeochannel reconstructions, for a more detailed examination of 3-D variations in bedset surface geometry, palaeocurrent orientation and grain size distribution within and between bedsets of laterally accreted sediment.
Endogenous Mu Opioid Systems and Suckling in the Neonatal Rat

Localized injections of the mu antagonist CTOP into intracisternal (i.c.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) sites altered the behavior of 1-day-old rat pups during continuous exposure to an artificial nipple. Blockade of mu opioid receptors by i.c. injection decreased oral responsiveness to the nipple, while blockade of receptors by i.c.v. injection of CTOP increased oral responsiveness. The injection of CTOP into the i.c. site produced a transient reduction in body weight gain in pups suckling from their mother, while injection into the i.c.v. site had no effect. When cesarean-delivered pups were tested prior to suckling, injection of CTOP into the i.c. site increased latency of the first nipple attachment and decreased total time attached to a surrogate nipple providing milk. Injection of CTOP into the i.c.v. site decreased latency to the first nipple attachment. The results indicate that there is a caudal population of opioid receptors that is involved in the initiation of suckling behavior and a rostral population that plays a role in decreasing responsiveness at the nipple.
Moderate protein intake improves total and regional body composition and insulin sensitivity in overweight adults

A high protein intake (~40% of energy intake) combined with aerobic and resistance exercise training is more closely associated with improved body composition and cardiovascular risk profile than a traditional protein intake (~15% of intake) combined with moderateintensity aerobic exercise. However, there is concern that such high-protein diets may adversely affect health. We therefore tested the hypothesis that moderate protein intake (~25% of energy intake) would elicit similar benefits on body composition and metabolic profile as high protein intake. Twenty-four overweight/obese men and women (body mass index [BMI] = 32.2 ± 3.4, percentage of body fat [%BF] = 37.3 ± 8.0) were matched for BMI and %BF and randomly assigned to one of 3 groups for a 3-month nutrition/exercise training intervention: (1) high-protein diet (~40% of energy intake) and combined high-intensity resistance and cardiovascular training (HPEx, n = 8, 5 female and 3 male), (2) moderate-protein diet (~25% of energy intake) and combined high-intensity resistance and cardiovascular training (MPEx, n = 8, 5 female and 3 male), or (3) high-protein diet only (HPNx, n = 8, 5 female and 3 male). Total and regional body composition (dual-energy xray absorptiometry), insulin sensitivity (insulin sensitivity index to the oral glucose tolerance test), insulin-like growth factor–1 (IGF-1), IGF binding protein–1 (IGFBP-1), IGF binding protein–3 (IGFBP-3), and blood lipids were measured at baseline and after the intervention. All groups experienced significant (P b.05) and similar losses of body weight, BMI, and total and abdominal %BF, and similar improvements in insulin sensitivity (HPEx, 6.3 ± 1.2 vs 9.5 ± 0.98; MPEx, 6.2 ± 1.4 vs 8.4 ± 1.6; HPNx, 3.7 ± 1.1 vs 7.0 ± 1.1; insulin sensitivity index to the oral glucose tolerance test; P b .05) and leptin levels. Furthermore, the HPEx group demonstrated decreases in total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides, and increases in IGF-1 and IGFBP-1. The MPEx group experienced decreases in TC, whereas the HPNx group had increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, TC to high-density lipoprotein, IGF-1, and IGFBP-1. In conclusion, moderate protein intake elicits similar benefits in body composition and insulin sensitivity as a high-protein diet. These findings may have practical implications for individuals interested in diets containing elevated dietary protein.
Photorelaxation is not attenuated by inhibition of the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway.

Photorelaxation of arteries by ultraviolet (UV) light is hypothesized to result from nitric oxide (NO) released from photoactivable stores. Recently, a study reported enhanced photorelaxation of aorti
Homicide by heart attack

We report here the case of a 53-year-old man who suddenly fell to the ground after being involved in a physical aggression by two younger men. Forensic autopsy revealed no significant injury except for slight, pale abrasions on the face. There were extensive signs of hypertensive and severe coronary artery atherosclerosis, corresponding to the data available from clinical history. The cause of death was established as acute myocardial ischemia due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, probably related to the physical and/or emotional stress due to the aggression. We discuss medico-legal aspects of the death.
Autobiography, Writing & Drawing, German Unification: Günter Grass in the Lausitzer Braunkohlerevier

Two decades after its composition, Grass published Unterwegs durch Deutschland nach Deutschland. Tagebuch 1990 , much of which details his sojourn in the lignite strip-mining districts of Lusatian Saxony. There he obsessively rendered the ecological devastation in charcoal drawings, powerful pictures later shot through the printed text. The moonscape images become metaphors for the widespread socio-economic destruction of East Germany at the hands of misguided Communist policies. Additionally, Grass’s agenda reflects his take on war-time experience in the Waffen SS ; in 1945, he was wounded and became a POW in the very region he crisscrosses in 1990 arguing his opposition to the hurried Western Anschluss of the Eastern nation. Finally, the journal offers Grass’s corrective critique of Chancellor Kohl’s campaign promises of “blooming landscapes” sure to come with the unification of the two Germanys. (RES)
Electrical Stimulation of Mesencephalic Noradrenergic Pathway: Effects on Luteinizing Hormone Levels in Blood of Ovariectomized and Ovariectomized, Steroid-Primed Rats

This study examined the effect of electrical stimulation of the dorsal mesencephalic tegmentum (DMT) region on blood LH levels in long term ovariectomized (OVX), pentobarbital- anesthetized rats, with the aim of activating the principal ascending noradrenergic (NE) bundle. In OVX unprimed rats, electrical stimulation (with parameters of 100 Hz, 0.5-msec effective biphasic pulses, 150–200 μA, and 15 sec on/off for up to 1.5 h) of the DMT region inside the ascending NE bundle either completely or partially inhibited the pulsatile pattern of blood LH levels characteristic of OVX animals; stimulation outside the NE bundle was ineffective. Pretreatment of OVX rats with a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, p-chlorophenylalanine (320 mg/kg, ip) 71 h before electrical stimulation of the DMT did not affect the stimulation-induced inhibition of pulsatile LH release. On the other hand, pretreatment of OVX rats with a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, α-methyl-p-tyrosine (250 mg/kg, ip) 4.5 h before electrical stimulation ...
Reinforcing NiTi Superelastic SMA for Concrete Structures

AbstractSuperelastic (SE) shape memory alloy (SMA) is an advanced material that may be used as an alternative to conventional reinforcing steel in civil engineering structures to control residual deformations. The most common SE SMA type is an alloy of nickel and titanium (NiTi), which has been used in medical instruments and aerospace industries. A state-of-the-art review was conducted and factors that affect stress-strain behavior of SE SMA were identified. Subsequently, a simple constitutive stress-strain model was adopted from the literature, and mechanical properties for SE SMA that are of interest to structural engineering were defined. A procedure was proposed to extract mechanical properties of reinforcing SE SMA from test data obtained according to a standard test, and the range for each property was determined. Comprehensive seismic analyses of a bridge column were carried out to determine the effect of each mechanical property on the moment-curvature and force-displacement relationships. Then, ...
Accuracy of intraoperative frozen section diagnosis in head and neck surgery: experience at a university medical center.

We performed 2,210 intraoperative frozen sections on 258 patients from the Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Service in 1990 and 1991. Surgery involved a wide variety of benign and malignant lesions. Techniques included biopsies for diagnosis, simple excisions, thyroid and salivary gland surgeries, lymph node biopsies, composite resections with radical neck dissections, laryngectomies, and skull base surgeries. During the 2-year period, 1,947 (88.1%) sections were requested for evaluation of surgical margins, 258 (11.7%) for diagnosis, and five (0.2%) cases for tissue identification. There was disagreement between the frozen section and permanent section in 46 (2.1%) cases, and the deferral diagnosis rate was 0.8%. Disagreements were the result of sampling errors in 33 and interpretive errors in 13 cases. There were six (0.3%) false-negative diagnosis of malignancy and four (0.2%) false-positive diagnoses of malignancy. Three of these had an impact on patient care as discussed. We recommend careful sampling and sectioning of small biopsies and the need for vigilant communication between surgeon and pathologist.
Update on Alzheimer's disease therapeutics.

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Clinically, it is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment and the emergence of neuropsychiatric disturbances. In recent years, many drug candidates aimed at disease modification have advanced into large, randomized controlled trials, but none have demonstrated efficacy in slowing down the relentless progression of AD. While the exact cause of AD is still being fervently investigated, the field is moving toward earlier identification and treatment of the disease, as it is believed this may be the main reason for so many clinical trial failures. There are currently four main mechanisms of action that are being actively developed in AD therapeutics: Drugs aimed at reducing Aβ production, notably secretase inhibitors; Drugs aimed at reducing Aβ plaque burden via inhibition of aggregatio or disruption of aggregates; Drugs aimed at promoting Aβ clearance via active or passive immunotherapy; and Drugs aimed at preventing tau protein phosphorylation. In this review, recent findings from clinical and preclinical studies in each of these categories will be discussed, as well as a category entitled ' other therapies,' that includes treatments that do not fit under a single mechanism of action, but represent rational interventions for the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's disease.
Watching the dragon: global television news about China

News about China has become ubiquitous, yet we know very little about how China is presented in the global media. This study presents a content analysis of television news coverage about China that was collected systematically in 15 nations and territories around the world in early 2008. The findings showed that only a small percentage of foreign television news focused on China. As expected, coverage of China was dominated by topics such as internal politics, foreign affairs, business, and the economy. Surprisingly little attention was paid to the cultural and social aspects of China's society. While most of the actors in the news about China came from politics and business, the study also found a significant number of actors who were regular Chinese citizens. The study concluded that foreign television news about China is insufficient and one-dimensional: more attention needs to be paid to the coverage of cultural and social issues in China.
On the remarkable accuracy of the vortex lattice method

Abstract Integral equations with Cauchy type singular kernels are of frequent occurrence in aerospace engineering and usually require solution by complicated numerical techniques because of singularities in the solution itself. The cases of steady or unsteady planar subsonic wing theory are typical and recently a simple, but remarkably accurate, method known as “Vortex Lattice” has been found very satisfactory. In this paper a simplified analog (the finite Hilbert transform) or the equation of two-dimensional incompressible thin wing flow, is studied and several important points concerning this discretization proved. For instance, it is unique and does not require external imposition of trailing-edge conditions; the singularities in the solution are automatically generated without the use of special loading functions —provided a specific and unique spacing for the collocation points is adhered to; the accuracy is of second order for all bounded input functions, and the behavior of the system for different collocation points smoothly generates different but useful singular solutions.
A common RNA recognition motif identified within a defined U1 RNA binding domain of the 70K U1 snRNP protein

We have defined the RNA binding domain of the 70K protein component of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein to a region of 111 amino acids. This domain encompasses an octamer sequence that has been observed in other proteins associated with RNA, but has not previously been shown to bind directly to a specific RNA sequence. Within the U1 RNA binding domain, an 80 amino acid consensus sequence that is conserved in many presumed RNA binding proteins was discerned. This sequence pattern appears to represent an RNA recognition motif (RRM) characteristic of a distinct family of proteins. By site-directed mutagenesis, we determined that the 70K protein consists of 437 amino acids (52 kd), and found that its aberrant electrophoretic migration is due to a carboxy-terminal charged domain structurally similar to two Drosophila proteins (su(wa) and tra) that may regulate alternative pre-messenger RNA splicing.
Calcareous Deposits in the Renal Sac of a Molgulid Tunicate

Weddellite (calcium oxalate dihydrate) and calcite (anhydrous calcium carbonate phase) are components of concretions in the renal sac of the ascidian tunicate Molgula manhattensis. The presence of weddellite along with urate in the concretions suggests a resemblance to human kidney stones, although, unlike the latter, the concretions in Molgula do not seem to be pathologic deposits.
Single cell sorting identifies progenitor cell population from full thickness bovine articular cartilage.

Summary Objective To date, no approved clinical intervention successfully prevents the progressive degradation of injured articular cartilage that leads to osteoarthritis (OA). Stem/progenitor cell populations within tissues of diarthrodial joint have shown their therapeutic potential in treating OA. However, this potential has not been fully realized due in part to the heterogeneity of these subpopulations. Characterization of clonal populations derived from a single cell may help identify more homogenous stem/progenitor populations within articular cartilage. Moreover, chondrogenic potential of clonal populations from different zones could be further examined to elucidate their differential roles in maintaining articular cartilage homeostasis. Method We combined Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and clonogenicity screening to identify stem/progenitor cells cloned from single cells. High-efficiency colony-forming cells (HCCs) were isolated, and evaluated for stem/progenitor cell characteristics. HCCs were also isolated from different zones of articular cartilage. Their function was compared by lineage-specific gene expression, and differentiation potential. Results A difference in colony-forming efficiency was observed in terms of colony sizes. HCCs were highly clonogenic and multipotent, and overexpressed stem/progenitor cell markers. Also, proliferation and migration associated genes were over-expressed in HCCs. HCCs showed zonal differences with deep HCCs more chondrogenic and osteogenic than superficial HCCs. Conclusion Our approach is a simple yet practical way to identify homogeneous stem/progenitor cell populations with clonal origin. The discovery of progenitor cells demonstrates the intrinsic self-repairing potential of articular cartilage. Differences in differentiation potential may represent the distinct roles of superficial and deep zone stem/progenitor cells in the maintenance of articular cartilage homeostasis.
eRHIC: The electron ion collider at BNL

Addition of a high intensity & high energy polarized electron/positron beam facility to the already existing Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) complex so that electrons/positron from that facility could collide with the RHIC hadron beams, would significantly enhance RHIC’s ability to explore fundamental and universal aspects of QCD. We present here the high lights of the physics program that could result as a result of such a RHIC upgrade.
Optical constants of B and P doped Ge1-yCy alloys on Si substrates

Ge 1-y C y alloys are meta-stable and challenging to produce due to the large disparity between the atomic sizes of Ge and C. However, this same disparity results in an alloy system that potentially spans a wide range of bandgaps, refraction indices, and lattice constants. As such, it has potential as a Si lattice matched material for use in Si based waveguides, detectors, modulators, and other devices. The performance of these devices, however, depends on the refractive indices, which are not well known in these alloys. We present the results of comprehensive measurements of refractive index, energy bandgap, and free carrier absorption versus doping level. In situ B and P doped 550 nm Ge 1-y C y alloy films were grown on Si (100) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. The infrared optical transmission spectra were measured at room temperature. The indices of refraction were obtained from the amplitude of the interference fringes at sub-bandgap photon energies. Hall effect measurements were employed to measure the carrier concentrations. The refractive index of our Ge 1-y C y alloys was nominally 4.01, and decreased with increasing B and P concentration.
Lack of Heparan Sulfate Expression in B-Cell Lines: Implications for Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus and Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Infections

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and its murine homolog, murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68), are lymphotropic viruses that establish latent infection in their host. Surprisingly, while B cells are the main viral reservoir in vivo, B-cell lines are poorly permissive to infection by either MHV68 or KSHV. Here, we report that most B-cell lines express very little to no cell surface heparan sulfate (HS), a glycosaminoglycan that is essential for infection by these viruses. We found that Ext1, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of HS, was expressed at a low level in these cells. Transfection of B-cell lines with Ext1 restored high HS expression at the cell surface. Overexpression of Ext1 in murine A20 and M12 B-cell lines increased MHV68 surface binding and enhanced the efficiency of infection. Finally, although it was not sufficient to allow efficient infection, the expression of HS on BJAB cells promoted KSHV binding at the cell surface. Thus, our results indicate that MHV68 and KSHV cycles are blocked in B-cell lines at the binding step due to a lack of surface HS.
Non-patient related variables affecting levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in urine biospecimens.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic protein proposed to be an important biomarker for the prediction of tumour growth and disease progression. Recent studies suggest that VEGF measurements in biospecimens, including urine, may have predictive value across a range of cancers. However, the reproducibility and reliability of urinary VEGF measurements have not been determined. We collected urine samples from patients receiving radiation treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and examined the effects of five variables on measured VEGF levels using an ELISA assay. To quantify the factors affecting the precision of the assay, two variables were examined: the variation between ELISA kits with different lot numbers and the variation between different technicians. Three variables were tested for their effects on measured VEGF concentration: the time the specimen spent at room temperature prior to assay, the addition of protease inhibitors prior to specimen storage and the alteration of urinary pH. This study found that VEGF levels were consistent across three different ELISA kit lot numbers. However, significant variation was observed between results obtained by different technicians. VEGF concentrations were dependent on time at room temperature before measurement, with higher values observed 3–7 hrs after removal from the freezer. No significant difference was observed in VEGF levels with the addition of protease inhibitors, and alteration of urinary pH did not significantly affect VEGF measurements. In conclusion, this determination of the conditions necessary to reliably measure urinary VEGF levels will be useful for future studies related to protein biomarkers and disease progression.
Integrated multi-tap transformer for reconfigurable multimode matching networks

This paper presents a reconfigurable multimode matching network employing a multi-tap transformer designed in 130 nm CMOS. By combining a multi-tap transformer and a bank of switched capacitors, it is shown that frequency matching in 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 5–10 GHz bands, is achievable and thus supports multiple standards such as Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g/n, WiMAX, and UWB.
Human β2-glycoprotein I attenuates mouse intestinal ischemia/reperfusion induced injury and inflammation.

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced injury results from a complex cascade of inflammatory components. In the mouse model of intestinal IR, the serum protein, β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) binds to the cell surface early in the cascade. The bound β2-GPI undergoes a conformational change which exposes a neoantigen recognized by naturally occurring antibodies and initiates the complement cascade. We hypothesized that providing additional antigen with exogenous β2-GPI would alter IR-induced tissue injury. Administration of human but not mouse β2-GPI attenuated IR-induced tissue damage and prostaglandin E2 production indicating a physiological difference between β2-GPI isolated from the two species. To investigate whether structural features were responsible for this physiological difference, we compared the chemical, physical and biochemical properties of the two proteins. Despite possessing 76% amino acid identity and 86% sequence homology, we found that mouse β2-GPI differs from the human protein in size, carbohydrate chain location, heterogeneity and secondary structural content. These data suggest that the structural differences result in mouse Ab recognition of soluble human but not mouse β2-GPI and attenuated IR-induced injury. We conclude that caution should be exercised in interpreting results obtained by using human β2-GPI in a mouse model.
Granularity and elasticity adaptation in visual tracking

The observation models in tracking algorithms are critical to both tracking performance and applicable scenarios but are often simplified to focus on fixed level of certain target properties such as appearances and structures. In this paper, we propose a unified tracking paradigm in which targets are represented by Markov random fields of interest regions and introduce a new way to adapt observation models by automatically tuning the feature granularity and model elasticity, i.e. the abstraction level of features and the modelpsilas degree of flexibility to tolerate deformations. Specifically, we employ a multi-scale scheme to extract features from interest regions and adjust the parameters of the potential functions of the MRF model to maximize the likelihoods of tracking results. Experiments demonstrate the method can estimate translation, scaling and rotation and deal with deformation, partial occlusions, and camouflage objects within this unified framework.
Code generation from hybrid systems models for distributed embedded systems

Code generation from hybrid system models is a promising approach to producing reliable embedded systems. This approach presents new challenges as the precise semantics of the model are hard to capture in the code. A framework for generating code was introduced for single threaded/processor environments. We extend it by considering code generation for distributed environments. We also define criteria for faithful implementation of the model. To this end, we define faulty and missed transitions. For preventing faulty transitions, we build on the idea of instrumentation we have developed for sound simulation of hybrid systems. Finally, we present sufficient conditions to avoid missed transitions and provide examples.
The Use of a Multipath Cell as a CO 2 –N Gas Laser Amplifier and Oscillator

A multipath cell using a modified White mirror system has been operated as an amplifier and as an oscillator at the 10.6-μ CO2 transition of the CO2–N2 gas laser. An oscillator tube efficiency of 33% and an amplifier power gain of 8.7 have been obtained. With a specific gas mixture, the amplifier saturated output power is approximately one-half that of the maximum oscillator output.
Full-system chip multiprocessor power evaluations using FPGA-based emulation

The design process for chip multiprocessors (CMPs) requires extremely long simulation times to explore performance, power, and thermal issues, particularly when operating system (OS) effects are included. In response, our novel FPGA-based emulation methodology models a full CMP design including applications and an OS. Activity counters programmed into the cores feed per-component microarchitectural power models. These models achieve under 10% error compared to detailed gate-level simulations. Our method retains software flexibility, but offers up to 35x speedup compared to corresponding full-system software simulations. We present our approach by emulating a 2-core Leon3 cache-coherent multiprocessor running Linux and parallel benchmarks. In an example case study, our emulated system uses activity counts (a proxy for temperature) to guide process migration between the CMP cores. Overall, this paper's methodology makes possible detailed power and thermal studies of CMPs and their operating systems.
An immunocytochemical analysis of the vacuolar proton pump in Dictyostelium discoideum

Antisera were generated in rabbits against the vacuolar proton pump (V-H(+)-ATPase) purified from Dictyostelium discoideum. The antisera inhibited V-H(+)-ATPase but not F1-ATPase activity and immunoprecipitated and immunoblotted only the polypeptide subunits of the V-H(+)-ATPase from cell homogenates. Immunocytochemical analysis of intact cells and subcellular fractions showed that the predominant immunoreactive organelles were clusters of empty, irregular vacuoles of various sizes and shapes, which corresponded to the acidosomes. The cytoplasmic surfaces of lysosomes, phagosomes and the tubular spongiome of the contractile vacuole also bore the pump antigen. The lumina of multivesicular bodies were often stained intensely; the internalized antigen may have been derived from acidosomes by autophagy. Antibodies against V-H(+)-ATPases from plant and animal cells cross-reacted with the proton pumps of Dictyostelium. Antisera directed against the V-H(+)-ATPase of Dictyostelium decorated a profusion of small vacuoles scattered throughout the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, epithelial cells, macrophages and fibroblasts. The pattern paralleled that of the endocytic and acidic spaces; there was no clear indication of discrete acidosomes in these mammalian cells. We conclude that the V-H(+)-ATPase in Dictyostelium is distributed among diverse endomembrane organelles and is immunologically cross-reactive with the proton pumps on endocytic vacuoles in mammalian cells.
In situ localization of the sites of paraquat action

Abstract. Effects of paraquat were monitored by electron microscopic, cytochemical, and in vivo spectrophotometric procedures. Electron microscopy of paraquat-treated pea leaf discs indicates that the chloroplasts are affected primarily with both thylakoid dilation and apparent lamellar fusions, resulting in a ‘honeycomb’ of lamellae. No ultra-structural effects were noted when leaf discs were incubated in both DCMU and paraquat. Paraquat-induced peroxide was located cytochemically along the stroma lamellae, on the ends of the grana stack and in the dilated thylakoids. Less destruction was noted in those samples where peroxide was precipitated by cerium chloride, indicating that peroxide or one of its products is one of the major causes of paraquat toxicily. In C4 plants mesophyll plastids exhibited much more peroxide deposition than was detected in bundle sheath plastids. No plastid peroxide depositions were noted in a photobleaching mutant that is resistant to paraquat. In situ cytochrome f oxidation-reduction was followed during paraquat treatments and resulted in a hastening of the dark re-reduction of cytochrome f after only 1 h of treatment. This effect was prevented by DCMU or CeCI3. Electron transport, as measured by cytochrome f oxidation-reduction, was completely obliterated by a 24 h paraquat treatment. These in situ studies on paraquat confirm previous studies that the primary effect in the light is on the plastid and involves peroxide or further products generated by peroxide.
Upholding the Principles of Autonomy, Beneficence, and Justice in Phase I Clinical Trials

This commentary discusses the importance of maintaining the three core principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice in phase I clinical trials.
MINOR PLANET 2008 ED69 AND THE KAPPA CYGNID METEOR SHOWER

Until recently, the kappa Cygnids (IAU#12) were considered an old shower, because the meteors were significantly dispersed in node, radiant, and speed, despite being 28-38° inclined. In 1993, an outburst of kappa Cygnids was observed, which implied that this meteoroid stream was relatively young, instead. At least some dust was still concentrated in dust trailets. Until now, no active comet parent body was known, however, and the wide 22° dispersion of nodes was difficult to explain. This work reports that a minor planet has been discovered that has the right orbital dynamics to account for the kappa Cygnids. Minor planet 2008 ED69 is intrinsically bright, with H = 16.7 ± 0.3, and moves in a highly inclined orbit (i = 36.3°). With one node near Jupiter's orbit, the perihelion distance, longitude of perihelion, and node quickly change over time, but in a manner that keeps dust concentrated for a long period of time. The stream is more massive than the remaining body, and a form of fragmentation is implicated. A break-up, leaving a stream of meteoroids and at least the one remaining fragment 2008 ED69, can account for the observed dispersion of the kappa Cygnids in Earth's orbit, if the formation epoch is about 2-3 nutation cycles ago, dating to around 4000-1600 BC. Most of that debris now passes close to the orbit of Venus, making the kappa Cygnids a significant shower on Venus.
OCEANIC CRUSTAL BASEMENT: A COMPARISON OF SEISMIC PROPERTIES OF D.S.D.P. BASALTS AND CONSOLIDATED SEDIMENTS

Christensen, N.l., Fountain, D. M. and Stewart, R. J., 1973. Oceanic crustal basement: a comparison of seismic properties of D.S.D.P. basalts and consolidated sediments. Mar. Geol., 15: 215-226. Compressional (V p) and shear (V s) wave velocities have been measured to 1.0 kbar for 14 cores of well-consolidated sedimentary rock from Atlantic and Pacific sites of the Deep Sea Drilling Project. The range of Vp (2.05-5.38 km/sec at 0.5 kbar) shows significant overlap with the range of oceanic layer-2 seismic velocities determined by marine refraction surveys, suggesting that sedimentary rocks may, in some regions, constitute the upper portion of layer 2. Differing linear relationships between Vp and Vs for basalts and sedimentary rocks, however, may provide a method of resolving layer-2 composition. This is illustrated for a refraction survey site on the flank of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where layer-2 velocities agree with basalt, and two sites on the Saya de Mallia Bank in the Indian Ocean where layer-2 velocities appear to represent sedimentary rock.
Some recent advances in time series analysis

Abstract : Research in time series analysis is conducted from many different viewpoints by researchers concerned with a wide range of concrete problems. Because researchers are spread so thinly over the field one may not perceive any feeling of progress in the theory of structure, analysis, and synthesis of time series models. It is the opinion of the author that the last few years have seen many highly applicable developments. The section headings are: (1) Time Series, Covariance, and Spectra; (2) Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces; (3) Spectral Estimation; (4) Autoregressive Spectral Estimation; (5) Estimation of Parameters of Moving Average and Mixed Schemes; (6) Equivalences Among Time Series, Approximation, and Control; (7) Probability Density Estimation; (8) Time Series Modeling and Identification. (Author)
Building ‘Special Capital’ for Entrepreneurial Development: Special Populations as Human Capital in the Context of Global Development:

Ten to twelve percent of the world population is identified as having one or more types of disability. This ecodeme has been historically known to be discriminated, marginalized, and disempowered by the lack of access to resources and to education. This article discusses the importance of adding special capital to the global human capital in the context of today's demanding contexts. Nevertheless, people with disabilities have the potential to be entrepreneurs in different ways: firstly, as entrepreneurs of the self, and, secondly, as economic and social growth agents, and thus directly or indirectly contributing to various innovations and discoveries. The need for inclusive development, ecological education, ecoducation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development calls for changes in the make-up and education of global biopower.
Dimensions of Stress in Junior Medical Students

Correlations of responses to a 31-item stress scale were factor analysed to determine areas of stress for 169 junior medical students. Factors describe Overwork, Learning, Future Concerns, Pressure...
Bilateral congenital ocular cysts.

This report presents an unusual case of bilateral congenital ocular cysts. These are in the spectrum of congenital cystic eye and microphthalmos with cysts. Diagnostic evaluation, including orbital B-scan ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is described. Pathologic evaluation of the orbital cysts was consistent with congenital cystic eye. An associated microphthalmic eye was not detected with serial sectioning of both specimens. Examination of the orbit at exploration as well as pre- and post-operative MRI scans failed to demonstrate the presence of a microphthalmic eye in either orbit. Failure to detect a microphthalmic eye clinically, by diagnostic imaging studies, or serial microscopic sections of the cysts supports the diagnosis of congenital cystic eye. This child has associated mild facial clefting (median cleft lip and cleft palate) and basal cephalocele. Histopathologically documented cases of ocular abnormalities associated with basal encephalocele have not been re...
Stepped Supply Voltage Switching for energy constrained systems

The energy consumed in switching the voltage on the power rail (V DD switching energy) is a significant overhead in systems using Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS) and/or power gating. In this work we propose and demonstrate the use of Stepped Supply Voltage Switching (SVS) for reducing V DD switching energy. We show the analysis, benefits, and overheads of using SVS for DSP algorithms implemented with voltage scalable adders and multipliers in simulation and silicon. SVS helps achieve 45% and 60% net savings in V DD switching energy while switching from 0.3V to 1.2V using one and two intermediate steps respectively. Power supply noise, another concern in systems using power gating or DVS, is also analyzed. SVS helps reduce noise by over 40%.
Cytochrome oxidase is the primary oxygen sensor in the cat carotid body.

The carotid body (CB) senses hypoxia of arterial blood and signals it by increasing the activity in the sensory nerve. Since glomus cells are the only elements that are innervated, by monitoring the activity of this nerve with P02 changes it is possible to gauze the oxygen sensing in this tissue. The consensus model is that upon 02 sensing the cell is depolarized which mobilizes Ca2+. This increase in intracellular Ca2+ increases the release of neurotransmitters which then act on the nerve endings to generate the signals. This neural signal then traveling to the brain-stem elicits various respiratory and cardiovascular responses. In fact, this tiny organ initiates the major respiratory reflex effects, because in it’s absence hypoxia decreases ventilation, and the animal succumbs to hypoxia.
Joint Mobilization Education and Clinical Use in the United States

Joint mobilization in the physical therapy evaluation and treatment of patients with synovial joint dysfunction has come into general use only within the past decade. The purposes of this study were 1) to collect survey data regarding the education of physical therapists in mobilization techniques, 2) to examine quantitative changes in entry-level curricula from 1970 to 1986, and 3) to examine basic and continuing education opportunities and determine whether physical therapists are making use of these opportunities. Using chi-square analysis, significant changes (p less than or equal to .01) were found in the number of entry-level programs offering instruction in joint mobilization techniques and in the interest in initiating or expanding relevant course work. In the survey of practicing physical therapists, the increase in the number of therapists who have had instruction in mobilization techniques was also found to be significant (p less than or equal to .01). These results would seem to indicate that mobilization techniques are becoming more widely used by physical therapists to treat joint dysfunction and that entry-level physical therapy education programs are making an attempt to prepare students by expanding curricula.
1-Chloro-2-methyl-3-nitro-benzene.

In the title compound, C7H6ClNO2, the chloro, methyl and nitro substituents are situated next to each other in this order on the benzene ring, with the mean plane of the nitro group twisted away from the mean plane of the benzene ring by 38.81 (5)°.
Abstract 363: Trends in Body Mass Index Based on Socioeconomic Status: A Report from Project Healthy Schools

Background: Project Healthy Schools (PHS) is a school-based wellness program that aims to reduce childhood obesity and its associated long-term effects through educational and environmental initiatives. This study aims to explore BMI trends from 2004 to 2014 according to socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: From 2004-2014, sixth-grade BMI measurements from 23 schools were recorded at baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) (n=2,651). Schools were divided by SES based on area median household income. Mean BMI at BL and mean change in BMI between BL and FU are shown with 95% confidence intervals for the three SES groups at each year. Results: The high SES group had lower mean BMIs at BL than other groups each year. The trends suggest there was no difference between the low and middle SES groups at BL, although it appears low SES BMI is increasing over time. There were no notable differences in mean BMI change between groups. Conclusions: These data support previous studies showing lower BMIs in students from higher income areas. This validates the need to focus health interventions and nutritional efforts on lower SES groups. ![][1] ![][2] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/graphic-2.gif
On the Fragility of Nb-Ni Based and Zr55-x Tix(CuNi)18.25+yBe26.25-y Bulk Metallic Glasses

The heating rate dependencies of the glass transition temperature of the Ni 65 Nb 35 , Ni 60 Nb 35 Sn 5 , Ni 59.35 Nb 34.45 Sn 6.2 , Ni 60 (Nb 40 Ta 60 ) 34 Sn 6 , and Ni 57 Fe 3 Nb 35 Sn 5 metallic glass forming alloys were investigated with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The relaxation time for each DSC experiment was plotted versus inverse temperature and a Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman (VFT) type relation was fitted to the data. The fragilities of the alloys were characterized with the fragility parameter, D* , and the VFT temperature, T 0 , which are the fit parameters from the VFT relation. It was found that for the binary alloy D* = 6.2, for the ternary alloys D* = 11.0, and that for the quaternary alloys D* was between 16.4 and 19.0. The D* increases monotonically as the number of components in the alloy is increased. This trend is also seen in Zr based alloys.
Photoperiodic Control of Reproductive Diapause in Notonecta undulata

Examination of ovarian maturation in field-collected adults and observations of the reproductive development of adults reared under experimental photoperiods indicate that Notonecta undulata has 2 generations annually in Connecticut. Females of the 1st generation that become adults during July, when the photoperiod is greater than 14½ h, become reproductively mature and produce a second generation. Individuals that become adults after July or early August enter reproductive diapause. Diapause is terminated in most females by late October but little active vitellogenesis occurs during the autumn. Approximately 75% of the females reared at 22°C in the laboratory under a 15-h photoperiod (LD) oviposited within 4 wk after the adult molt, whereas less than 20% of the females reared under a 12-h photoperiod (SD) oviposited in the same period of time. SD females generally had terminal oocytes no longer than one-third the length of mature oocytes and their oocytes had little or no yolk. Oosorption occurred in the few SD females that developed mature oocytes. Photoperiods under which the nymphs were reared appeared to have no effect on the subsequent reproductive development of the adults. Low temperature (15°C) did not modify the effect of LD conditions in preventing diapause.
N Response of No-Till Dryland Winter Triticale Forage

ABSTRACTTriticale’s forage-yield response to fertilizer nitrogen (N) is impressive on soils testing low in available N. Our objectives were to (1) quantify the forage-yield response of dryland winter triticale to applied N and residual nitrate N and (2) fit the yield data to a regression equation based on both applied N and residual soil nitrates and use the fitted equation to calculate economic optimum N rates for this crop (EONR). Winter triticale was direct seeded no-till into wheat or millet stubble for four site years at the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) Central Great Plains Research Station. In each experiment (1995, 2007, 2009 and 2010) just prior to planting, the soil was sampled for nitrate-N. Replicated field plots were top-dressed with 0, 22, 34, 67, 90, 101 or 135 kg of N fertilizer per ha as urea-N. Yield and total biomass N was then measured in each plot in late spring each year. A relative yield N response equation, fitted to all four year...