cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amygdala-ventral pallidum pathway decreases dopamine activity after chronic mild stress in rats.

Background Major depressive disorder affects more than 15% of the population across their lifespan. In this study, we used the well-characterized unpredictable chronic mild stress (CMS) model of depression to examine this condition. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were presented randomly with mild stressors for 4 weeks, with body weight and sucrose intake monitored weekly. Locomotor activity and elevated plus maze test/forced swim test were conducted on Week 5; ventral tegmental area dopamine (DA) neuron activity was assessed within 1 week after the behavioral test with three indices: DA neuron population activity (defined as the number of spontaneously firing DA neurons); mean firing rate; and percent burst firing (i.e., the proportion of action potentials occurring in bursts). Results Consistent with previous studies, we found that, compared with control subjects, rats that underwent the CMS procedure were slower in gaining body weight and developed anxiety- and despair-like behavior. We now report a significant decrease in DA neuron population activity of CMS rats, and this decrease is restored by pharmacologically attenuating the activity of either the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) or the ventral pallidum (VP). Moreover, pharmacological activation of the amygdala in nonstressed rats decreases DA neuron population activity similar to that with CMS, which is reversed by blocking the BLA-VP pathway. Conclusions The CMS rat depression model is associated with a BLA-VP-ventral tegmental area inhibition of DA neuron activity. This information can provide insight into the circuitry underlying major depressive disorder and serve as a template for refining therapeutic approaches to this disorder.
Homeland Insecurity: How Immigrant Muslims Naturalize America in Islam

There are approximately six million Muslims in the United States. They come from a great variety of backgrounds. Among the few things they have in common are Islam as a religion and their American experience. The latter produces some previously unencountered consequences, including the rise of English as the language of Muslim ummah (community) and the reality of being a “minority” in a non-Muslim society. The American experience also raises questions of citizenship, identity, and integration.
The 2012 Core Content of Medical Toxicology

In December 2011, the Medical Toxicology Subboard, composed of representatives from emergency medicine, pediatrics, and preventive medicine, approved a revised Core Content of Medical Toxicology. The Core Content encompasses the specialty of medical toxicology and outlines the areas of knowledge considered essential for the practice of medical toxicology. Functionally, the Core Content provides the organizational framework for the development of the medical toxicology certification and cognitive expertise examinations, and details the knowledge to be tested on those examinations, beginning with the 2014 examinations. In addition, the Core Content may serve as a template for the development of medical toxicology fellowship curricula. The previous version, initiated in 2000, approved in 2002, and published in 2004, will be retired and replaced by this new version. The first Medical Toxicology Core Content was developed to assist in the construction of the first examination in 1994. This document consisted of 22 major content areas and was organized, in part, by toxicant classification. Listed under most of these major content areas were exhaustive lists of drugs and toxicants of which a medical toxicologist was expected to have knowledge. In 2000, the Medical Toxicology Subboard embarked on a major revision of the original Core Content. This undertaking was initiated to update the 1994 Core Content, as well as to improve the framework that conceptualizes the expanding breadth of medical toxicology. In addition, the Subboard wanted to devise a conceptual document that would accommodate future discoveries and changes. A task force of Medical Toxicology Subboard members was convened to develop and draft the revised Core Content, and comments were solicited from stakeholders.
Self-Association of Organic Acids in Petroleum and Canadian Bitumen Characterized by Low- and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry†

We examine solution-phase aggregation for a whole crude oil, whole bitumen, and bitumen distillate fractions by negative-ion electrospray ionization [(−) ESI] detected by both high-resolution [Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR)] and low-resolution [linear quadrupole ion trap (LTQ)] mass spectrometry (MS). Aggregate formation for both crude oil and bitumens is concentration-dependent. At high concentrations (i.e., >1 mg/mL), the disruption of noncovalent interactions between heteromultimers by low-energy collision-activated dissociation (CAD) yields LTQ dissociation mass spectra with molecular-weight distributions identical to those observed by FT-ICR MS analysis at lower concentrations for purely monomeric species. These materials can exist as aggregates in solution even at high dilution (less than 0.1 mg/mL). We demonstrate the concentration and boiling point dependence for multimerization of polar acidic species in the Athabasca bitumen and bitumen distillates. Interestingly, the lowest ...
Consequences of spatial heterogeneity for ecosystem services in changing forest landscapes: priorities for future research

Changes in key drivers (e.g., climate, disturbance regimes and land use) may affect the sustainability of forest landscapes and set the stage for increased tension among competing ecosystem services. We addressed two questions about a suite of supporting, regulating and provisioning ecosystem services in each of two well-studied forest landscapes in the western US: (1) How might the provision of ecosystem services change in the future given anticipated trajectories of climate, disturbance regimes, and land use? (2) What is the role of spatial heterogeneity in sustaining future ecosystem services? We determined that future changes in each region are likely to be distinct, but spatial heterogeneity (e.g., the amount and arrangement of surviving forest patches or legacy trees after disturbance) will be important in both landscapes for sustaining forest regeneration, primary production, carbon storage, natural hazard regulation, insect and pathogen regulation, timber production and wildlife habitat. The paper closes by highlighting five general priorities for future research. The science of landscape ecology has much to contribute toward understanding ecosystem services and how land management can enhance—or threaten—the sustainability of ecosystem services in changing landscapes.
Microstrain and Capacity Fade in Spinel Manganese Oxides

With an objective of understanding the differences in the capacity retention behavior of LiMn 2 O 4 and the cation-substituted LiMn 2 - y M y O 4 (M = Li, Co. and Ni) spinel oxides, the peak broadening in the X-ray diffraction patterns on extracting lithium has been analyzed. An analysis of the LiMn 2 O 4 and LiMn 2 - y M y O 4 samples before and after treating at room temperature with acid or an oxidizing agent (NO 2 BF 4 ) or at 55°C with electrolyte reveals that the LiMn 2 O 4 system experiences a larger amount of microstrain during these treatments (lithium extraction) compared to the LiMn 2 - y M y O 4 systems. Additionally, the two cubic phases formed at lower lithium contents have a larger difference in lattice parameters in Li 1 - x Mn 2 O 4 compared to Li 1 - x Mn 2 - y M y O 4 . The observation of nearly the same amount of manganese dissolution in LiMn 2 O 4 and LiMn 2 - y M y O 4 suggests that the faster capacity fade in the former is due to the development of microstrain and the larger difference in lattice parameters between the two cubic phases.
Cross Modulation of Two Laser Beams at the Individual-Photon Level

Deterministic photon-photon interactions are a long-standing goal in optical science. Using an atomic ensemble inside a cavity, we demonstrate the mutual cross modulation of two continuous light beams at the level of individual photons. The originally uncorrelated beams derived from independent lasers become anticorrelated, as evidenced by an equal-time cross-correlation function ${g}^{(2)}=0.89(1)$, showing that one photon in one beam extinguishes a photon in the other beam with a probability of 11(1)%. With further technical improvements, our approach should enable the nondestructive continuous detection of traveling optical photons.
Critical Reviews: How we treat sickle cell patients with leg ulcers

The past five decades have seen an improvement in the mortality and morbidity of sickle cell disease (SCD) because of prophylaxis against infectious complications, improved and expanded red cell transfusions, implementation of hydroxyurea therapy, and advances in supportive care. Now that the majority of patients in the western hemisphere reaches adulthood, end organ diseases are frequent, which include vasculopathic complications such as chronic leg ulcers. The management of patients with leg ulcers requires the hematologist to lead a team of health care professionals, and investigates the presence of associated, but potentially still occult signs of vasculopathy, such as pulmonary hypertension, renal disease, priapism and retinopathy. These complications may be asynchronous, and long term careful screening is indicated, in order to ensure early diagnosis and intervention. It is crucial to address both the immediate consequences of pain, infection and disability, and long term effects on quality of life, employment and stigma associated with chronic ulceration. Recent insights into their pathophysiology may have practical implications. We propose a holistic approach to the management of patients' physical and emotional problems and mechanisms of ulcers formation and delayed healing. An overview of topical and systemic therapies for chronic ulcers is given, with the understanding that wound care therapy is best left to the wound specialists, medical and surgical, with whom the hematologist must keep an open line of communication. In the absence of evidence-based guidelines, our opinion is based on both a critical review of the literature and our personal clinical and research experience.
Linearly Rising Soliton Trajectories

Linearly rising soliton trajectories without parity partners are obtained from the nonlinear field equations of a Dirac field in four dimensions with universal Fermi self-interaction. The model is Lorentz and global-gauge invariant.
The determination of antenna patterns of n -arm antennas by means of bicomplex functions

A method is devised for calculating the antenna patterns of n -arm spiral or conical antennas and is applied specifically to the determination of the \Sigma and \Delta patterns. These calculations are greatly facilitated, if not rendered practically feasible, by the use of bicomplex functions which are described. It is found that in the vicinity of the antenna axis, circular polarization is obtained in the \Sigma pattern regardless of the nature of the antenna structure if n > 3 , and in the \delta pattern if n > 4 ; furthermore, each of these patterns is determined by the field at a single point.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE RETROGRADE ENDOUROLOGICAL TECHNIQUE FOR OBSTRUCTED ECTOPIC URETER

Congenital distal ureteral obstruction is commonly due to ureteral ectopia with or without ureterocele. We report ureteral dilation using a minimally invasive retrograde endourological technique as definitive treatment for an obstructed ectopic ureter. CASE REPORT A female newborn with the VACTERL syndrome (vertebral defects, and atresia, cardiovascular anomalies, tracheoesophageal fistula, radial and renal anomalies, and limb defects) presented with bilateral hydronephrosis, hypoplastic right heart, sacral agenesis and imperforate anus. Physical examination, ultrasonography and mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) scintigraphy revealed a dilated right ureter with evidence of distal obstruction (fig. 1, A and B). Cystoscopic evaluation shortly after birth demonstrated a dilated single system ureter inserting into the bladder neck. Due to the impending need for open cardiac surgery, retrograde ureteral dilation was performed to relieve the obstruction. Over an Amplatz super stiff wire the ureter was progressively dilated to 16Fr (fig. 2). Postoperative radiographic evaluation included ultrasound, which showed complete resolution of the hydronephrosis (fig. 1, C). Voiding cystourethrography performed 3 months after surgery revealed no reflux. Although MAG3 demonstrated accumulation of contrast material in the upper collecting system, prompt drainage was noted following the administration of furosemide (fig. 1, D). The patient has been free of infection and hydronephrosis during the first 15 months of followup. DISCUSSION
AUGUSTINE'S ADVICE FOR COLLEGE TEACHERS: EVER ANCIENT, EVER NEW

: St. Augustine's short treatise Instructing Beginners in Faith (De Catechizandis Rudibus) is one of his less well known works, but it provides some fascinating insights on pedagogy that are applicable to college teaching. For Augustine, education is best understood as a relationship of love, where teacher and learner function in a reciprocal system. If the teacher is enthusiastic, the students respond, drawing even more energy from the teacher. If the teacher is dull, or if the students are unresponsive, the learning environment spirals downward. Augustine's relational analysis allows him to diagnose and prescribe cures for some of the problems contemporary college and university teachers often encounter in their classrooms.
Work in progress - ShelbySim: A holistic pedagogy-oriented simulator for computer systems

ShelbySim is a student-friendly, pedagogy-oriented integrated development environment for designing, simulating, and evaluating a wide range of multidisciplinary, computer-based systems-engineering concepts and applications. Its components emphasize software, hardware, and a holistic combination of the two in realistic operational contexts. The software component provides a Java-like object-oriented programming language, Shelby, a full-fledged, transparent compiler with extensive logging, tracing, and inspection capabilities, and a runtime system for executing its programs. The hardware component supports designing and implementing conceptualized representations of embedded systems and computer architectures, which interoperate with the software. The interfacing, simulation, and evaluation components provide a flexible, interactive framework for running controlled experiments on the software and hardware. The simulation also generates extensive data for quantitative performance analysis, evaluation, and reporting.
Is host-plant quality responsible for the populational pulses of salt-marsh planthoppers (Homoptera: Delphacidae) in northwestern Florida?

. 1 Rare populational pulses of the sibling species of plant-hoppers Prokelisia dolus Wilson and P.marginata (Van Duzee) occur along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Densities at least three standard deviations ahove the average number of adult planthoppers per stem host plant are exhibited during these pulses. 2 This context of rare local irruptions provides a basis for testing a component of T. C. R. White's hypothesis, which states that the trigger for insect outbreaks is an increase in the nutritional quality, in terms of available nitrogen, of host-plant tissue. 3 In the field, over approximately five generations of these hoppers (9 months), we elevated foliar nitrogen in host plants substantially by fertilizing, six times, salt-marsh plots of 10 m2 with ammonium nitrate. No densities approaching a populational pulse occurred in either fertilized or unfertilized plots during the course of this study or in the year following. Fertilization did increase adult densities in the spring but this increase deteriorated over the summer months and was lost in the autumn. Host plants in fertilized plots retained high levels of nitrogen for at least the second year. 4 Several very dense pulses, of more than thirty adult hoppers per stem, occurred at other sites during the course of this study. Host-plant nitrogen in a pulse site did not differ from that found in host plants immediately adjacent to the pulse. We conclude that increased foliar nitrogen is not the proximate cause of the populational pulse behaviour exhibited by these planthoppers. 5 We speculate that these pulses result from behavioural aggregation of adult hoppers.
Regenerator Placement and Waveband Routing in Optical Networks with Impairment Constraints

Waveband networks allow multiple lightpaths to be aggregated and routed as wavebands, resulting in fewer switch ports. In an impairment-aware waveband network, a lightpath needs to be electronically regenerated before its signal to noise ratio reaches an unacceptable level. However, when a lightpath in a waveband needs to be regenerated the entire waveband needs to be demultiplexed into wavelengths resulting in additional wavelength ports at a node. Regenerator placement in a waveband network should be done so as to facilitate banding of lightpaths and to reduce the total cost of switch ports in the network. We formulate the regenerator placement problem in an impairment constrained waveband network as an integer linear program (ILP). We compare the performance of the heuristics with an ILP for a small size network. Results demonstrate that the proposed band-aware reachability graph heuristic yields solution that are very close to the ILP. We study the performance of the heuristics on larger networks and study their effectiveness in reducing the combined cost of optical switch ports and electronic regenerators.
Analysis of frequency of pulmonary atelectasis in patients undergoing pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap reconstruction

The incidence of pulmonary atelectasis following head and neck surgery is not well reported. This study retrospectively evaluated the incidence of pulmonary atelectasis in 161 head and neck cancer patients, with 152 being evaluable. There were 90 patients evaluated following pectoralis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction with their effective flap size and 71 nonflap patients as a control group. Clinical findings were correlated to radiographic scores. Of pectoralis musculocutaneous flap patients screened for preexisting pulmonary disease (PEPD), nine of 45 (20%) demonstrated pulmonary atelectasis in the first 24 hours compared with 10 of 39 or 25.6% nonflap controls. Major pulmonary atelectasis was not found in the pectoralis musculocutaneous flap patients by scoring criteria, and in only one of 39 (2.6%) nonflap patients. In flaps larger than 40 cm2, the incidence was eight of 37 (21.6%), with no major pulmonary atelectasis noted. Only one of nine (11.1%) patients with radiographic pulmonary atelectasis exhibited clinical symptoms (three of 10 or 30% control). In patients with PEPD and pectoralis musculocutaneous flaps, 22 of 45 (48.9%) had evidence of pulmonary atelectasis in contrast to 13 of 32 or 40.6% controls. There were two of 45 (4.4%) who had major pulmonary atelectasis with zero of 32 in the nonflap group. For flaps larger than 40 cm2, the incidence was 19 of 39 (48.7%) with two of 39 (5.1%) scored as major pulmonary atelectasis. The clinical correlation for this group and the major pulmonary atelectasis group was each approximately 50% compared to 15.4% for nonflap patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intrinsic UV absorption spectrometry observed with a liquid core waveguide as a sensor technique for monitoring ozone in water

The industrial use of ozone as a sanitizing agent in water treatment and food processing in recent years calls for sensor technologies for monitoring ozone in water for process control. Ozone molecules absorb UV light with a peak absorption wavelength at 254 nm. This property has been used in this work to develop a simple sensor technology for online, real-time continuous monitoring of trace ozone in water. A Teflon AF2400 tube filled with pure water forms a liquid core waveguide (LCW), which is used as a long-path-length optical absorption cell. This pure water filled tube was deployed into a water sample. Ozone molecules dissolved in the water sample permeate through the Teflon AF2400 tube wall and dissolve in water filled in the tube. This prevents interference species from entering the LCW, and eliminates interferences. The optical absorption signal of the long-path-length cell at 254 nm measured by guiding light through the LCW is used as a sensing signal. This simple structured sensor does not involve any chemical reagent, is reversible, and has a response time <4.5 minutes. It can be used to detect ozone in water samples down to 3.6 × 10−9 mol L−1.
A Multilayered Metamaterial-Inspired Miniaturized Dynamically Tunable Antenna

A multilayered metamaterial-inspired antenna with a pixel grid loading structure is introduced. The antenna consists of two patterned metal layers separated by a thin dielectric film. The first layer contains a folded monopole antenna surrounded by a metal pixel-based loading structure, whereas the second layer consists of a photoconductive pixel grid utilized to tune the antenna. Appropriate pixel configurations to produce a desired performance are implemented in simulation using a binary genetic algorithm (GA) and a MATLAB-HFSS (high-frequency simulation software) interface. HFSS simulations show that the antenna can be tuned over a wide frequency range by appropriate choice of pixel states on the second layer, using a variety of conductivities. As a proof of concept, the pixel grid on the second layer is initially made of a metal conductor. Multiple antenna configurations corresponding to a wide frequency range are constructed using a multilayer fabrication method. The measured reflection coefficients and radiation patterns are shown to be in good agreement with HFSS simulations, successfully demonstrating the ability to tune the antenna using the pixel grid on the second layer.
Comment on Briskin's Note

Recently, in a note by Lawrence E. Briskin [Briskin, Lawrence E. 1970. A note on Trauth and Woolsey's integer programming article. Management Sci.1611, July 651.], it was pointed out that LIP1, an integer programming code, gave a wrong answer. I have now accumulated some years of bitter experience in attempting to solve several hundred integer programming problems with an ever increasing set of algorithms. I am therefore prepared to state that a wrong answer should hardly surprise anyone who has done much computational work in integer programming.
Wavelength insensitive phase-matched second-harmonic generation in partially deuterated KDP

We have experimentally determined the spectrally noncritical phase-matching behavior of type I frequency doubling in potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) and its dependence on deuteration level in partially deuterated KD*P. Our results are in agreement with predictions based on available refractive-index data. The first-order wavelength-sensitivity parameter ∂Δk/∂λ for type I doubling of 1.053-μm light vanishes for a KD*P crystal with a deuteration level of 12 ± 2%. Calculations of this effect in other KDP analogs are presented, and the possibility of finding materials that have spectrally noncritical behavior for other phase-matched processes is discussed.
Multiple Audiences and Reputation Building in International Conflicts

Reputational theory of conflict behavior dates back to Schelling’s seminal work on bargaining and continues to find both its advocates and critics to date. The authors do not take sides in this debate about the relevance of reputation for bargaining behavior but rather take a modified approach to reputations for resolve and probe some aspects that were largely underexplored in past research. The authors develop the argument that, if facing multiple strategic rivals and having failed in past disputes, a state has an incentive to invest in its reputation for resolute behavior by initiating and escalating conflicts. Their focus is then on both general and immediate deterrence, and while it was standard to tie reputation to a deterrer’s past, the authors direct the attention to the challenger’s reputation as a potential motivator for its conflictual behavior. This new focus is validated, and the related expectations supported, in the findings from their empirical analysis of strategic rivalries from 1816 to 1999.
A power quality monitoring system: a case study in DSP-based solutions for power electronics

Programmable digital signal processors (DSPs) are emerging as the processors of choice in monitoring and control of high-end power electronics systems. This paper adopts a case study approach to illustrate a development methodology for DSP-based solutions. The unique features of DSP chips that make them ideal for real-time applications are highlighted. Power electronics systems where DSPs have been used are indicated. A case study in which a DSP-based solution was developed for a power quality monitoring application is presented. Through the case study, the issues involved in adopting a system architecture, selecting a DSP, and developing software for an application are discussed. The methodology described in this paper presents broad guidelines which can be intelligently applied to develop DSP-based solutions to meet specific requirements.
Phosphorylation of paramyxovirus phosphoprotein and its role in viral gene expression

Paramyxoviruses include many important human and animal pathogens such as measles virus, mumps virus, human parainfluenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus, as well as emerging viruses such as Nipah virus and Hendra virus. The paramyxovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase consists of the phosphoprotein (P) and the large protein. Both of these proteins are essential for viral RNA synthesis. The P protein is phosphorylated at multiple sites, probably by more than one host kinase. While it is thought that the phosphorylation of P is important for its role in viral RNA synthesis, the precise role of P protein phosphorylation remains an enigma. For instance, it was demonstrated that the putative CKII phosphorylation sites of the P protein of respiratory syncytial virus play a role in viral RNA synthesis using a minigenome replicon system; however, mutating these putative CKII phosphorylation sites within a viral genome had no effect on viral RNA synthesis, leading to the hypothesis that P protein phosphorylation, at least by CKII, does not play a role in viral RNA synthesis. Recently, it has been reported that the phosphorylation state of the P protein of parainfluenza virus 5, a prototypical paramyxovirus, correlates with the ability of P protein to synthesize viral RNA, indicating that P protein phosphorylation does in fact play a role in viral RNA synthesis. Furthermore, host kinases PLK1, as well as AKT1 have been found to play critical roles in paramyxovirus RNA synthesis through regulation of P protein phosphorylation status. Beyond furthering our understanding of paramyxovirus RNA replication, these recent discoveries may also result in a new paradigm in treating infections caused by these viruses, as host kinases that regulate paramyxovirus replication are investigated as potential targets of therapeutic intervention.
SENSORY AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SWEET POTATO CHIPS MADE BY VACUUM-BELT DRYING

Sweet potato chips were produced by vacuum-belt drying and compared to deep-fat fried (DFF) chips. Two thicknesses (0.8 and 1.5 mm) and four drying temperatures (100, 120, 140C and mixed temperature [T-mix] = 100/120/140C) were investigated. Vacuum-belt dried (VBD) chips exhibited a similar texture to those DFF while maintaining their natural color and β-carotene content. T-mix chips were found to have the greatest likability. VBD products prepared at the lower temperatures maintained L* C* h values closest to unprocessed sweet potatoes. Environmental scanning electron microscopy micrographs demonstrated that T-mix chips possessed the most uniform cell structure. VBD chips prepared at the T-mix conditions, along with DFF chips, had the lowest degree of hardness but exhibited high fracturability. The former gave a hardness of 504.7 g force with 7.75 fracture peaks, while the latter had a hardness of 500.6 g force and 9.25 fracture peaks. VBD chips manufactured at the lower temperatures retained 55.5 to 65.9% of the sweet potato's β-carotene content, while those prepared at 140C or by frying retained only 33.1 to 34.2%. Practical Applications Sweet potatoes are a major world food crop, and a valuable source of carotenoids, vitamin C and dietary fiber. Drying and other thermal processes have been employed to preserve sweet potatoes and to convert them into an ingredient form that is convenient for use in food products. Furthermore, there has been a rising demand for low-fat, healthy fruit- and vegetable-based snack items. This study examines the applicability of relatively low-temperature vacuum drying as a process to remove water without substantially altering the vegetable's phytonutrients, yet, can create a structure that produces crispness. Vacuum-belt drying at 100–120C, or at a specific temperature combination, can yield sweet potato chips that are crisp, have good color, retain a marked quantity of β-carotene and are well-liked by consumers.
Thermal Characterization of a Three-Dimensional (3D) Chip Stack

In order to determine appropriate cooling solutions for 3D chip stacks in various cases, it is important to have a better understanding of the total thermal resistance of a 3D chip stack. For this purpose, precise thermal resistance measurements and modeling of each component of a 3D chip stack are important. The thermal resistance of interconnection is considered to be one of the thermal resistance bottlenecks of a 3D chip stack. In this study, a steady-state thermal resistance measurement method is employed for the thermal resistance measurement of interconnection. The thermal resistance of the 200 μm pitch C4's (Pb97Sn3) jointed samples are measured and the thermal conductivity of C4's is derived to be 18–24 W/mK. With regard to the thermal resistance of a silicon substrate, the thermal resistance of a silicon substrate with various interconnection pitches and diameters has already been modeled by considering the concentrated heat flow to interconnection, as presented in ICEP 2008.[15] Based on the modeled data, the thermal resistance reduction by underfill with various interconnection pitches and diameters is also studied.
Toxicological studies on silver nanoparticles: challenges and opportunities in assessment, monitoring and imaging

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are becoming increasingly prevalent in consumer products as antibacterial agents. The increased use of Ag NP-enhanced products may lead to an increase in toxic levels of environmental silver, but regulatory control over the use or disposal of such products is lagging due to insufficient assessment on the toxicology of Ag NPs and their rate of release into the environment. In this article we discuss recent research on the transport, activity and fate of Ag NPs at the cellular and organismic level, in conjunction with traditional and recently established methods of nanoparticle characterization. We include several proposed mechanisms of cytotoxicity based on such studies, as well as new opportunities for investigating the uptake and fate of Ag NPs in living systems.
Polymeric Carbon Dioxide

Synthesis of polymeric carbon dioxide has long been of interest to many chemists and materials scientists. Very recently we discovered the polymeric phase of carbon dioxide (called CO{sub 2}-V) at high pressures and temperatures. Our optical and x-ray results indicate that CO{sub 2}-V is optically non-linear, generating the second harmonic of Nd: YLF laser at 527 nm and is also likely superhard similar to cubic-boron nitride or diamond. CO{sub 2}-V is made of CO{sub 4} tetrahedra, analogous to SiO{sub 2} polymorphs, and is quenchable at ambient temperature at pressures above 1 GPa. In this paper, we describe the pressure-induced polymerization of carbon dioxide together with the stability, structure, and mechanical and optical properties of polymeric CO{sub 2}-V. We also present some implications of polymeric CO{sub 2} for high-pressure chemistry and new materials synthesis.
Issues in the Design and Simulation of a MEMS VCO based Phase-Locked Loop

The loop dynamics of a radio-frequency (RF) micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based charge-pump phase-locked loop (CPLL) have been investigated using a continuous time analysis. This analysis reveals the bandwidth limitations of a PLL due to the MEMS varactor. A technique is presented to overcome the inherent low bandwidths by modifying the loop filter circuit. A 1.56GHz PLL is designed and simulated for a Global Positioning System (GPS) application using this technique
Enhancing Global Competitiveness through Experiential Learning: Insights into Successful Programming.

International exposure of students is very essential in today’s globalized world. Experiential learning, such as study abroad, plays a major role in developing global competencies in students, making them more marketable globally. This paper highlights one experiential activity that injects global competencies in students, thereby making them more valuable to the organizations that utilize their services.
Restricting the Scope of the Establishment Clause in Rosenberger v Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia

In Rosenberger v. Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia, the Supreme Court held that a public university’s refusal to pay the printing costs of a religious periodical published by a recognized student organization constituted viewpoint discrimination in violation of the Free Speech Clause, since the university had paid similar costs for all other student publications. The Court also ruled that the Establishment Clause could not be used to exclude religious viewpoints from a public forum, where such exclusion would violate the Free Speech Clause if the speech were nonreligious.
Evolutionary Origins of Aging

How we search for anti-aging interventions depends on what we think aging is. Surprisingly, the origin and significance of aging are unresolved questions of evolutionary theory, because experiments have diverged starkly from theoretical expectations. If we think that aging is a process of stochastic degradation, then we seek interventions that will repair the damage. If we think aging is a side-effect of fertility, we may look at ways that fertility hormones can be manipulated. But if we think that aging is an independent genetic program, with no other purpose than to assure our demise, then the most effective approach will be to discover what clocks trigger the self-destruction, and to seek interventions that reset the body’s primary clocks.
On-line instrumentation in psychology: Dildo or the real thing?

The impact of laboratory digital computers as reflected by research publications is evaluated.
General Theories and the Fundamental Explananda of Marketing

Is a general theory of marketing possible? If so, what would it look like? This article (1) briefly examines the nature of theory in marketing, (2) explores the characteristics of general theories ...
EARLY DETECTION OF SQL INJECTION ATTACKS

SQL Injection (SQLI) is a common vulnerability found in web applications . The starting point of SQLI attack is the client-side (browser). If attack inputs can be detected early at the browse side, then it could be thwarted early by not forwarding th e malicious inputs to the server-side for further processing.This paper presents a client-side approach to detect SQLI attacks 1 . The client-side accepts shadow SQL queries from the server-side and checks any deviation betweenshadow queries with dynamic q ueries generated with user supplied inputs. We measure the deviation of shadow query and dynamic query based on conditional entropy metrics and propose four metrics in this direction. We evaluate the approach with three PHP applications containing SQLI vul nerabilities. The evaluation results indicate that our approach can detect well-known SQLI attacks early at the client -side and impose negligible overhead.
An ionic liquid dependent mechanism for base catalyzed β-elimination reactions from QM/MM simulations.

Ionic liquids have been proposed to induce a mechanistic change in the reaction pathway for the fundamentally important base-induced β-elimination class compared to conventional solvents. The role of the reaction medium in the elimination of 1,1,1-tribromo-2,2-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethane via two bases, piperidine and pyrrolidine, has been computationally investigated using methanol and the ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and hexafluorophosphate [BMIM][BF4] and [BMIM][PF6], respectively. QM/MM Monte Carlo simulations utilizing free-energy perturbation theory found the ionic liquids did produce a reaction pathway change from an E1cB-like mechanism in methanol to a pure E2 route that is consistent with experimental observations. The origin of the ionic liquid effect has been found as: (1) a combination of favorable electrostatic interactions, for example, bromine-imidazolium ion, and (2) π–π interactions that enhance the coplanarity between aromatic rings maximizing the electro...
Abstract LB-275: Genome-wide analysis of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) binding sites reveals vitamin D role mediating autophagy in luminal-like breast cancer cells

The active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3), regulates gene expression through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Even though 1,25D3 is still best known as a regulator of bodily calcium homeostasis, 1,25D3 has a plethora of physiological actions which include immune and nervous system modulation, cellular proliferation and differentiation. Epidemiological and model studies have revealed the cancer-protective properties of 1,25D3 in colon, prostate and notably in breast. We are actively investigating the anti-proliferative properties of 1,25D3 in a panel of human breast cancer cell lines. We found that 1,25D3 induces autophagy in several luminal-like breast cancer cell models, but not in basal-like or mesenchymal-like models. We performed VDR and signaling partner RXR whole-genome ChIP-seq analysis to uncover all of the direct 1,25D3 target genes involved in regulation of metabolism and autophagy. Our preliminary studies suggest that energy regulation as an important aspect of 1,25D3 anti-proliferative properties in luminal-like breast cancer cells Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-275. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-275
Pure Erythroid Leukemia Mimicking Megaloblastic Anemia in a Bone Marrow: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall

The differential diagnosis between acute erythroid leukemia and megaloblastic anemia can be very challenging. Herein we report a case of pure erythroid leukemia that was diagnosed as megaloblastic anemia on the initial bone marrow biopsy. The patient was a previously healthy 60-year-old man who had pancytopenia. His serum vitamin B12 was slightly low. A bone …
Using Mixed Chemical Modifiers in Determination of Lead in Blood and Urine by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

[Objective]Using mixed chemical modifiers to improve the determination of lead in blood and urine by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.[Methods]Through comparing the effects of five chemical modifiers and optimizing the test condition of graphite furnace,lead in blood and urine were determined by directly diluting.[Results]A mixture of 0.2% ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and 0.05% magnesium nitrate solution was used as chemical modifier for the blood samples containing lead.A mixture of 4% ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and 6% ascorbic acid solution was used as chemical modifier for the urine samples containing lead.The linear ranges of blood and urine lead determination respectively were 3-100μg/L and 6.7-80μg/L respectively.The detection limits were 0.9μg/L and 2.0μg/L respectively.The relative standard deviations(RSD)were less than 5%.The addition standard recovery rates were 92.1%-104.0%.[Conclusion]Using mixed chemical modifier to facilitate lead determination in blood or urine is sensitive,accurate and of good reproducibility,low cost,and ease to popularize.This method is suitable for the detection of bulk samples.
Cellular handling of unoccupied and agonist-stimulated cholecystokinin receptor determined by immunolocalization

Cellular handling of receptor molecules is an important mechanism for the regulation of appropriately sensitive hormone-stimulated signaling. Until now, our understanding of the cellular handling of the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor has been largely limited to following a tagged ligand through the cell. In the present work, we report the application of unique CCK receptor antisera directed toward intracellular domains, which permitted the immunolocalization of this molecule independently of its occupation with ligand. The CCK receptor antisera were also useful in Western blotting and immunoprecipitation of this receptor. Unstimulated CCK receptors remained on the surface of both recombinant stable rat CCK-A receptor-bearing Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO-CCKR) cells and native rat pancreatic acinar cells and did not constitutively internalize. Agonist stimulation of the CHO-CCKR cells resulted in the prompt internalization of a subset of surface receptors, representing those that were occupied with ligand. Unoccupied receptors remained on the surface, uninfluenced by the stimulated signaling pathways. Consistent with this, CCK receptor phosphorylation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatment did not stimulate receptor internalization. After internalization, we observed substantial receptor recycling to the plasma membrane. These insights provide the first evidence that CCK receptor internalization occurs as a direct result of an induced conformational change and presumed bimolecular interaction, rather than as an effect of a signaling event.
Photoprotection and High Light Responses

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on several major photoprotective responses to excess light that have been studied in Chlamydomonas, including repair of photo-oxidative damage, thermal dissipation of excess absorbed light energy, and changes in gene expression and metabolites that are involved in photosynthetic acclimation and induction of antioxidant defenses. An increase in light intensity induces short-term responses as well as longer-term responses. These responses are presented with research findings. The state transition component of NPQ is called qT, and it is involved in regulating the relative excitation of PS II and PS I. Regulation of gene expression and acclimation to high light is also described.
Experiments and Theories

The study of prebiotic evolution divides itself into three main stages, which one may label geophysical, chemical, and biological. The geophysical stage concerns itself with the early history of the earth and especially with the nature of the earth's primitive crust, ocean, and atmosphere. The chemical stage concerns itself with the synthesis, by natural processes operating within plausible models of the primitive atmosphere and ocean, of the chemical building blocks of life. When we speak of building blocks, we tend to think of the amino acids and nucleotide monomers out of which the proteins and nucleic acids in modern cells are built. The building blocks at the beginning of life may have been very different, but the majority of experiments exploring prebiotic synthesis have been aimed at the synthesis of amino acids and nucleotides. The biological stage concerns itself with the appearance of biological organization, with the building of a coordinated population of large molecules with catalytic functions out of a random assortment of building blocks. If the building blocks were amino acids or nucleotides, the large molecules would have been proteins or nucleic acids. But biological organization probably began with a far more heterogeneous population of molecules than we see in modern cells. Generally speaking, it can be said that the geophysical and chemical stages of prebiotic evolution are reasonably well understood. At least these two stages are in the hands of competent experts, and I have nothing significant to add to what the experts have reported.
Sound and contingency in Tess Lea’s Darwin

Tess Lea’s Darwin unfolds as at once autobiography, history, and ethnography, nimbly traversing a series of difficult questions that must face such an ambitious project. How might one account for a...
A Phase II Study of the TNF-α Inhibitor Etanercept and Thrice Weekly Rituximab: Evidence of Clinical Activity in the Absence of del(17p13.1) Genomic Abnormalities.

Abstract The monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab (Rituxan) induces the death of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells in part through apoptosis. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and other cytokines up-regulate bcl-2 and other anti-apoptotic proteins, thereby inhibiting apoptosis. In addition, TNF-α may play a role in the cytokine release syndrome and infusion toxicity associated with monoclonal antibody therapy. Therefore, antagonists of TNF-α represent potential therapeutic agents that may be able to decrease infusion toxicity and enhance rituximab-induced apoptosis. We initiated a phase II trial of etanercept in combination with rituximab in patients (pts) with relapsed CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), with the goals of increasing clinical activity of rituximab and reducing infusion toxicity through neutralization of TNF-α. Pts received etanercept 25 mg subcutaneously (SC) twice weekly during weeks 1–5 and rituximab 375 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) three times weekly during weeks 2–5. Stepped up dosing of rituximab was used with the first two rituximab treatments. From 12/02 to 10/03, 19 pts (14 male) with a median of 2 prior therapies (range 1–8) were enrolled. Therapy was generally well tolerated, although 5 pts developed grade 4 neutropenia and 5 pts developed grade 3–4 infection or neutropenic fever. Four of 19 pts achieved an NCI 96 partial response, with no responses in 8 pts with del(17p13.1), corresponding to loss of the p53 gene. In contrast, 4 of 11 pts without del(17p13.1) achieved a PR, including 1 pt with a complex karyotype. This study was stopped for interim analysis and has reopened, with the exclusion of patients with a del(17p13.1) based upon the response outcome above and a previous preliminary report by our group demonstrating that rituximab was ineffective for del(17p13.1) CLL (Cancer Res 63:36, 2003). We conclude that the combination of rituximab and etanercept has clinical activity in heavily treated, relapsed CLL pts without del(17p13.1), irrespective of prior rituximab treatment. Accrual to this study continues, and the results will be updated at the 2004 ASH meeting.
Symmetrical rigid body parameterizations for humanoid robots

In the field of robotics, it is now standard to describe the motion of robots relative to a fixed world frame. For example, the position and orientation of the distal link (or robot hand) is described as a rigid-body motion relative to the robot base. However, when it comes to the description of relative rigid-body position and orientation between individual robots in a multi-robot system (e.g., a group of humanoids performing specific tasks), assessing preferred relative rigid-body position and orientation of a robot relative to another would be more appropriate. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to have a “symmetrical” parameterization in which the corresponding parameters for a pair of robots in a group are calculated in the same way for the motion and its inverse. In this paper, we discuss the possible forms of this symmetrical parameterization for the rotations and rigid body motions. This extends and updates our previously presented work. We also present the properties of the symmetrical parameterizations in terms of product formulas. Due to its “symmetrical” property, this type of the parameterization has various potential benefits in the study of humanoid robots.