cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a new genotype H wild‐type mumps virus strain and its molecular relatedness to other virulent and attenuated strains

A single clinical isolate of mumps virus designated 88-1961 was obtained from a patient hospitalized with a clinical history of upper respiratory tract infection, parotitis, severe headache, fever and lymphadenopathy. We have sequenced the full-length genome of 88-1961 and compared it against all available full-length sequences of mumps virus. Based upon its nucleotide sequence of the SH gene 88-1961 was identified as a genotype H mumps strain. The overall extent of nucleotide and amino acid differences between each individual gene and protein of 88-1961 and the full-length mumps samples showed that the missense to silent ratios were unevenly distributed. Upon evaluation of the consensus sequence of 88-1961, four positions were found to be clearly heterogeneous at the nucleotide level (NP 315C/T, NP 318C/T, F 271A/C, and HN 855C/T). Sequence analysis revealed that the amino acid sequences for the NP, M, and the L protein were the most conserved, whereas the SH protein exhibited the highest variability among the compared mumps genotypes A, B, and G. No identifying molecular patterns in the non-coding (intergenic) or coding regions of 88-1961 were found when we compared it against relatively virulent (Urabe AM9 B, Glouc1/UK96, 87-1004 and 87-1005) and non-virulent mumps strains (Jeryl Lynn and all Urabe Am9 A substrains).
Activities-Oriented Science Instruction for Students with Disabilities:

This article reports the findings of several extended classroom investigations in science education that include students with disabilities. In all cases, certified teachers implemented the science...
High‐Affinity Choline Transport Regulation by Drug Administration During Postnatal Development

: High-affinity choline transport sites specifically bind [3H]hemicholinium-3. Hemicholinium-3 binding sites are regulated by in vivo drug treatments in the same manner as these drugs alter acetylcholine release and high-affinity choline transport. The current study examines regulation of binding sites by in vivo drug administration for adult, day 15, and day 5 rats. Drugs or saline were administered intraperito-neally, and striatal and cortical membrane preparations were assayed. Control [3H]hemicholinium-3 binding increases twofold between postnatal days 5 and 15 only in striatum. After day 15, binding increases 2.7-fold in cortex and striatum. Nicotine treatment increases striatal and cortical hemicholinium-3 binding at all three ages, with greater percent increases at day 5. Haloperidol increases binding only in striatum, again with larger effects at day 5. Both striatal and cortical binding are reduced by oxotremorine; however, the magnitude of this effect is unchanged during development. Pentobarbital reduces binding only in striatum, with no developmental change. Atropine and apomorphine do not change binding from control values. In summary, all drug treatments effective in adults were already effective by day 5. Cholinergic terminals present early in development are regulated by similar nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic, dopaminergic, and sedative-hypnotic mechanisms as the adult. Changes in magnitude may be due to changes in drug metabolism or to developmental differences in regulation.
The effects of interactive video instruction in coping with speech fright

This article describes the nature and assessment of the first interactive videotape instruction (IVI) program for coping with speech fright. Formative evaluations indicate that students enjoyed the IVI program. One‐way analyses of variance indicate that the IVI program was as effective on speech fright and recall measures as lecture/linear videotape instruction by two outstanding public speaking instructors. Furthermore, students in the IVI condition achieved significantly higher immediate and delayed cognitive test scores and significantly greater reduction in speech fright over a four‐week period than did students in the control group. Implications for cost‐effective application of IVI in public speaking classes to help students cope with speech fright and suggestions for future research on IVI in oral communication are discussed.
Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in 144 Patients: Correlation of Aneurysm Size, Proximal Aortic Neck Length, and Procedure-related Complications

PURPOSE During endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, larger aneurysms often present formidable anatomic challenges to the insertion of the delivery catheter and graft deployment. The authors sought to evaluate whether large-diameter aneurysms and those with short proximal aortic necks might be associated with a higher frequency of insertion-related and short-term complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS From October 1999 to August 2000, 144 patients underwent elective endovascular graft placement for infrarenal AAA disease at the authors' institution. These patients were treated with use of the AneuRx bifurcated endoprosthesis. AAA size (maximum aneurysm diameter) and proximal aortic neck length were compared to estimated blood loss, operative time, accuracy of graft placement, presence of endoleak, intraoperative and postoperative complications (such as limb occlusion or vascular injury), length of hospital stay, and mortality. Statistical methods included correlation analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS There were 121 men and 23 women whose aneurysms ranged in size from 3 cm to 9.8 cm (mean, 5.6 cm; 95% CI, 5.4–5.8 cm). Endograft insertion was successful in all cases. There were three deaths within 30 days (2.1%) and seven deaths overall (4.9%). There were 43 intraoperative complications (29.9%) in 31 patients (21.5%), most of them minor. Patients with major intraoperative complications had significantly longer procedure times than those without complications (337 vs. 149 min; P P = .0404 and P = .0230, respectively), and decreased 30-day and overall survival ( P = .0240 and P = .0152, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Endovascular repair of large AAAs can be challenging; however, the size of the AAA does not influence the rate of complications. A short proximal aortic neck is the only significant risk factor for more serious complications.
NEUTRALIZED JUICE OF ACID‐TREATED CARROTS

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the pH of juice from acid-treated carrots could be adjusted with NaOH to that of juice from water-treated carrots without the formation of a coagulum and without damage to juice flavor. Juice was extracted from carrots which had been heated 5 min in water or in 0.05N acetic acid. The pH of juice from the acid-treated carrots was adjusted with NaOH to that of juice from the hot water-treated cairots. A coagulum did not form in the pH adjusted juice upon processing. As compared with juice from the water-treated carrots, pH adjusted juice had better flavor and was only slightly more yellow.
The Sin of Ian McEwan's Fictive Atonement: Reading his Later Novels

Ian McEwan is arguably the best living British novelist. His most successful novel, Atonement, was recently made into an internationally successful film. And indeed, through analysis of his novels, it is clear that Ian McEwan believes literature—precisely as fictive—might very well bear the task of atonement for postmodernity. His novels, though, are patently hopeless, (even as they are truly well-written). Because McEwan doesn't accept or see the causes of sin as such—formally understood as rebellion against the Creator—his diagnostic aesthetic of our postmodern malaise is incomplete and ineffectual. The literary or fictive atonement that he would achieve through his novels does not satisfy. This article aims to lay bare the philosophico-literary characteristics of Ian McEwan's later novels. The ultimate goal of this critical reading, though—tending toward an “evangelical lection”—is to transfigure McEwan's imaginative and creative virtuosity for otherwise disappointed Christian readers, precisely by envisioning his novels in the dark light of their redemptive deficit. Thus, the literary or fictive atonement that Ian McEwan's atheism cannot achieve might be saved apropos the Judeo-Christian revelation of divine atonement.
Selective olefin metatheses—new tools for the organic chemist: A review

The use of olefin metathesis in synthesis has significantly expanded with the development of tunable, functional group tolerant olefin metathesis catalysts. These structurally defined catalysts have found extensive use in organic synthesis through ring-closing metathesis (RCM) methods. More recently, numerous examples of selective cross-metatheses, including ring-opening metatheses (ROM) and tandem ring-opening/ring-closing metatheses have been reported.
Epithelial sodium channel regulated by differential composition of a signaling complex.

Hormonal control of transepithelial sodium (Na+) transport utilizes phosphatidylinositide 3′-kinase (PI3K) and Raf–MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)–ERK-dependent signaling pathways, which impact numerous cell functions. How signals transmitted by these pathways are sorted and appropriately transmitted to alter Na+ transport without altering other physiologic processes is not well understood. Here, we report the identification of a signaling complex that selectively modulates the cell surface expression of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), an ion channel that is essential for fluid and electrolyte balance in mammals. Raf-1 and the ubiquitin ligase, Nedd4-2, are constitutively-expressed inhibitory components of this ENaC regulatory complex, which interact with, and decrease the expression of, cell surface ENaC. The activities of Nedd4-2 and Raf-1 are inhibited cooperatively by the PI3K-dependent kinase serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1), and the Raf-1-interacting protein glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ1), which are aldosterone-stimulated components of the complex. Together, SGK1 and GILZ1 synergistically stimulate ENaC cell surface expression. Interestingly, GILZ1 and SGK1 do not have synergistic, and in fact have opposite, effects on an unrelated activity, FKHRL1-driven gene transcription. Together, these data suggest that GILZ1 and SGK1 provide a physical and functional link between the PI3K- and Raf-1-dependent signaling modules and represent a unique mechanism for specifically controlling Na+ transport without inappropriately activating other cell functions.
Temperature-induced ordering of metal/adsorbate structures at electrochemical interfaces.

The influence of temperature changes in water-based electrolytes on the atomic structure at the electrochemical interface has been studied using in situ surface X-ray scattering (SXS) in combination with cyclic voltammetry. Results are presented for the potential-dependent surface reconstruction of Au(100), the adsorption and ordering of bromide anions on the Au(100) surface, and the adsorption and oxidation of CO on Pt(111) in pure HClO4 and in the presence of anions. These systems represent a range of structural phenomena, namely metal surface restructuring and ordering transitions in both nonreactive spectator species and reactive adsorbate layers. The key effect of temperature appears to be in controlling the kinetics of the surface reactions that involve oxygenated species, such as hydroxyl adsorption and oxide formation. The results indicate that temperature effects should be considered in the determination of structure−function relationships in many important electrochemical systems.
Conserved Polar Residues Stabilize Transmembrane Domains and Promote Oligomerization in Human Nucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase 3

Polar residues play essential roles in the functions of transmembrane helices by mediating and stabilizing their helical interactions. To investigate the structural and functional roles of the conserved polar residues in the N- and C-terminal transmembrane helices of human nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 3 (NTPDase3) (N-terminus, S33, S39, T41, and Q44; C-terminus, T490, T495, and C501), each was singly mutated to alanine. The mutant proteins were analyzed for enzymatic activities, glycosylation status, expression level, and Triton X-100 detergent sensitivity. The Q44A mutation decreased Mg-ATPase activity by approximately 70% and abolished Triton X-100 detergent inhibition of Ca-dependent nucleotidase activities while greatly attenuating Triton X-100 inhibition of Mg-dependent nucleotidase activities. The polar residues were also mutated to cysteine, singly and in pairs, to allow a disulfide cross-linking strategy to map potential inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bond interactions. The resul...
Travel narrative and the ends of modernity

In her important new book, Travel Narrative and the Ends of Modernity, Stacy Burton sets out to trace the evolution of the travel book in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. This is an ...
My war with the AHA

F or the past twenty-three years I have been a practicing historian in three different academic departments, and during that time I have had an intermittent, generally difficult relationship with my professional organization, the American Historical Association. Were this story merely of personal interest I would keep it to myself, but I am persuaded that it is not. My various dealings with the AHA, which have now come to an end, illustrate the direction the historical profession has taken during the last twenty years, and the extent to which the association now belongs to a very narrow ideological group, quite intolerant of those who do not share their approaches. My experience is, I know, anything but unique, and it therefore deserves the attention of a wider audience, most of whom have no idea what is going on within the humanities today. It was relatively early in my career, in 1983 I believe, that I first decided to propose a panel at the annual meet ing of the association. Having published my first book in 1980, Economic Diplomacy and the Origins of the Second World War, I had re turned to one of the most controversial issues in European history, the responsibility for the outbreak of the First World War, and I had had an article with a somewhat new view of Germany's responsibility accepted by the Journal of Modern History. That has been a leading journal on this issue since its founding in the 1920s. I thought it might be the basis for one paper on a panel on new views of the outbreak of the war. For the other papers I recruited William C. Fuller, Jr., the author of a book on Russian civil-military relations in the late imperial period, and Douglas Porch, who had already published several books on the French army in the early twentieth century. (The AHA did not yet have a rule, later adopted, that any panel submitted had to include women as well as men.) With Germany, France, and Russia covered by established young scholars (we were all in our thirties at that time), and having recrui ted another well-known authority on the per iod,Joachim Remak, to chair the panel, I didn' t see how we could miss. I was wrong. Upon receiving notice that our panel had been rejected, I called the then-chairman of the program committee, whom I knew slightly, to ask what had happened. He replied that a member of the commit tee had
Flow and Heat Transfer of Nanoencapsulated Phase Change Material Slurry Past a Unconfined Square Cylinder

Numerical solution is carried out to analyze the effect of nanoencapsulated phase change material (NEPCM) slurry on forced convection heat transfer of steady laminar flow past an isothermal square cylinder. The base fluid is water while the NEPCM particles material is n-octadecane with an average diameter of 100nm. A parametric study was performed for different volume fraction of nanoparticles ranging from 0% to 30%, two melting temperature ranges, i.e., 10K and 20K, and different inlet Reynolds numbers ranging from 15 to 45. The governing equations of flow and energy are solved simultaneously using a finite volume method (FVM) on collocated grid arrangement. It was found that for both NEPCM slurry and pure water, local and average heat transfer coefficients increases with increasing Reynolds number. The results of heat transfer characteristics of slurry flow over the square cylinder showed remarkable enhancement relative to that of the base fluid. The enhancement intensifies for higher particle volume concentrations and higher Reynolds numbers. However, utilizing the slurry can cause higher shear stress on the wall due to higher viscosity of mixture compared to the pure water. The melting temperature range of NEPCM particles has slight effect on heat transfer, although with increasing volume fraction and Reynolds number, lower melting range leads to higher heat transfer coefficient. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4025903]
A flotation method for determining extent of weevil infestation in peas.

Peas damaged by the pea weevil, Bruchus pisorum (L.), have a lower density than undamaged peas. Damaged peas may be removed from a sample by flotation in a salt solution containing 300 g of sodium chloride per liter of water. It then becomes necessary, in determining extent of damage, to examine individually only those peas which have floated. Soaking floated peas in water facilitates detection of weevil entrance holes.
The inflammatory response in transgastric surgery: gastric content leak leads to localized inflammatory response and higher adhesive disease

Background Risk of gastric spillage during transgastric surgery is a potential complication of NOTES procedures. The aim of this study was to determine risk outcomes from gastric spillage in a rat survival model by measuring local and systemic inflammatory markers, adhesive disease, and morbidity.
Meta-analysis of the relationship between intelligence and inspection time

Abstract This study replicated and extended Kranzler and Jensen's [Intelligence 13 (1989) 329] meta-analysis of the relationship between inspection time (IT) and intelligence (IQ). Separate meta-analyses were conducted on obtained correlations (r's) between IT and general IQ for the total sample and for studies using samples of adults and children. Two new meta-analyses were also conducted. The first compared the IT–IQ r between visual and auditory IT; the second compared the r between strategy users and nonusers. For the total sample (N>4100), the r was −.51 after correction for artifactual effects (−.30 prior to correction). No statistically significant difference was observed between the mean corrected r of −.51 for adults and −.44 for children. The mean corrected r for visual and auditory IT measures were −.49 and −.58, respectively, suggesting that the relationship between IT and IQ is comparable across type of IT task. The mean corrected r of −.77 for strategy nonusers was statistically significantly higher than the r of −.60 for strategy users. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed.
Reconstructing the marine 187Os/188Os record and the particulate flux of meteoritic osmium during the late Cretaceous

Abstract Paired analyses of Os isotope composition and concentration of bulk sediment and leachable Os in a metalliferous pelagic clay sequence from the North Pacific, ODP Site 886C, are used to reconstruct the marine Os isotope record and the particulate meteoritic Os flux between 65.5 and 78 Ma. Measured 187Os/188Os of bulk sediments ranges from approximately 0.64 to 0.32 and those of leach analyses are very similar to bulk analyses. Hydrogenous Os dominates the sedimentary Os inventory throughout most of the studied interval. As a result the measured 187Os/188Os of leachable Os approximates that of contemporaneous seawater. The ODP 886C record shows rising 187Os/188Os in the deepest portion of the core, with a local maximum of 0.66 close to 74 Ma. The 67–72 Ma portion of the record is characterized by nearly constant 187Os/188Os ratios close to 0.6. The structure of the marine Os isotope record from ODP 886C differs markedly from the seawater 87Sr/86Sr curve, which rises monotonically throughout the time interval studied here. Calculated particulate meteoritic Os fluxes are between 0.5 and 2 pg cm−2 kyr−1 throughout most of the studied interval. Two discrete intervals of the core (one of which is within Cretaceous Tertiary, boundary KTB interval) are characterized by higher fluxes of meteoritic Os. Excluding these two intervals, the average background flux of particulate meteoritic Os is roughly half of that estimated from analyses of Cenozoic marine sediments. These are the first Os isotope data to provide evidence of resolvable temporal variations in the background flux of particulate meteoritic material to the Earth.
Correlates of Depression and Marital Dissatisfaction: Perceptions of Marital Communication Style

It has been suggested that variables that predict marital dissatisfaction may also serve to predict depression symptoms, especially in women. The current study explored, in a community sample of married individuals, the associations among marital dissatisfaction, depression symptoms, and perceptions of marital communication styles (i.e., self-silencing and the demand–withdraw communication pattern). Analyses were conducted separately by sex in order to test for expected sex differences. For men and women, depression symptoms were correlated with self-silencing and wife-demand and husband-withdraw communication; furthermore, for women, self-silencing mediated the association between marital dissatisfaction and depression symptoms. As expected, depression symptoms were more highly associated with being in the demanding role for women than for men. Results suggest that perceptions of interactions with one’s spouse, as well as gender-related expectations of how both husband and wife should interact, may be im...
Study of highly ionizing particles at mountain altitude

The inspiration for this experiment was the widely acknowledged peculiar nature of the "Centauro" class of ultrahigh-energy interactions discovered at Mt. Chacaltaya about a decade ago by a Brazil-Japan collaboration. The rate of Centauro events is quite low, \ensuremath{\sim}0.02 ${\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$${\mathrm{yr}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Among the proposed explanations is the possibility that they might be initiated by a highly charged primary particle. To look for such particles we deployed a series of CR-39 plastic track detectors with large collecting power at the summit of White Mountain, California (603 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$). Two experiments have been completed and analyzed: a single layer with a 10-${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$yr exposure, and three layers in coincidence with a 0.025-${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$yr exposure. In the first experiment, the single layer was adopted to maximize the collecting area at some sacrifice in velocity information. The results demonstrate the superiority of CR-39 as a detector of highly ionizing particles ($\frac{Z}{\ensuremath{\beta}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}30$) and its particular suitability as a collector of very rare particles. The performance of the plastic was evaluated by examining the high density of tracks due to slow, light ions. The low-energy spectra of nuclei with $Z\ensuremath{\le}3$ have been measured and are found to be consistent with spectra calculated from a model where the source of ions is atmospheric collisions of energetic hadrons. This is the first time that energetic Li has been identified at mountain altitude and that enough He has been seen to permit measurements of its energy spectrum. A density \ensuremath{\sim} ${10\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ of fast particles with $Z\ensuremath{\ge}4$ found in individual layers is consistent with the exposure received in a 10-hour commercial jet flight. A fast-scanning method was used to examine the entire single-layer array. In the interval $30\ensuremath{\lesssim}\frac{Z}{\ensuremath{\beta}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}100$, no events were found, from which we infer an upper limit of 0.4 ${\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$${\mathrm{yr}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (95% C.L.) on the flux of electrically charged particles with $\frac{Z}{\ensuremath{\beta}}\ensuremath{\sim}30 \mathrm{to} \ensuremath{\sim}100$ and on the flux of superheavy magnetic monopoles with $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.02$. Two objects were located which, if they are indeed tracks, would correspond to particles with $\frac{Z}{\ensuremath{\beta}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}100$, with abundance \ensuremath{\sim}0.2 ${\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$${\mathrm{yr}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Without sheets in coincidence, it is impossible to distinguish these objects from certain flaws in the plastic. A new detector, with three layers interleaved with absorbers and with an area of 20 ${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$, will correct this shortcoming and be able to measure the spectra of light elements to higher energies as well.
Experimental Cataract Surgeryelectron Microscopy

Scanning and transmission electron microscopic examinations were performed on cat corneas after the steps usually taken to perform cataract extraction were completed. The endothelium did not replicate, but showed nuclear division or segmentation occasionally. In each case, the anterior segment was free from any evidence of inflammation one year after surgical treatment—unless a pseudophakos had been inserted: in some of these cases, significant numbers of white cells were present, a condition that may contribute to anterior segment complications from implants.
Cuba: A New History – By Richard Gott

Journalist Richard Gott has written an accessible narrative covering five hundred years of Cuba's history. Gott makes a virtue of being concise that casual readers will appreciate. This is also a d...
A comparative study of the efficacy of newer antiepileptic drugs on experimentally-induced febrile convulsions

In mice subjected to microwave diathermy, four new antiepileptic drugs were compared to phenobarbital for efficacy against experimentally induced febrile convulsions. Carbamazepine (10–50 mg/kg) and clonazepam (0.05–0.10 mg/kg) were ineffective against febrile seizures. Dipropylacetic acid (100–400 mg/kg) exerted effects similar to those of phenobarbital. N,N1-dimethoxymethyl-pheno-barbital (DMMP) elevated the febrile convulsive temperature threshold, depressed the rate of rise of body temperature, and decreased the intensity of the convulsion. At a dosage of 50 mg/kg, DMMP was more protective than phenobarbital (P < 0.001) in raising the convulsive threshold and in retarding the rate of rise of body temperature (P < 0.01). These antiepileptic effects of DMMP occurred at relatively non-toxic doses ( 10–200 mg/kg).
Evidence for Changes to the Northeast Pacific Wave Climate

SEYMOUR, R.J., 2011. Evidence for changes to the northeast Pacific wave climate. Journal of Coastal Research, 27(1), 194–201. West Palm Beach (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A large database of deep water wave buoy measurements over a 24-year period is created for four regions comprising the West Coast of the United States. The regional monthly mean significant wave height (MMSWH) is selected as the defining wave climate parameter and averaging multiple data sources within a region is found to significantly reduce data gaps. Two 12-year periods are compared, showing significant temporal variability but high correlation between regions, allowing the further collapse of the data to a northern and a southern region. Correlations between MMSWH records with three global-scale climate indices are investigated and only the North Pacific Index (NPI), a measure of atmospheric pressure in the Gulf of Alaska, shows strong correlation. The Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) is less correlated and the Pacific Decadal Index (PDO), which is a measure of ocean surface temperature, provides no significant correlation. A method for displaying multiple correlations is developed that shows the mean of all MMSWH records that occur at unique temporal combinations of two climate indices. The graphics depicting the mean wave height as a function of NPI and MEI for the two 12-year periods are shown to be very instructive in establishing why the two periods are so different. On the contrary, the same procedure with PDO substituted for MEI produces uniform distributions with little interpretive value. Century-scale variation in the climate indices is investigated, and significant linear trends are found for NPI and MEI, both consistent with causing increases in mean wave energy in these regions. Causal relationships for the observed correlations are discussed, and conclusions are reached indicating that global warming is a likely contributor to observed increases in wave intensity in the North Pacific.
Charge Trapping at Deep States in Hf–Silicate Based High- κ Gate Dielectrics

We have observed charge trapping during constant voltage stress in Hf-based high-K dielectrics at deep traps as well as at the shallow traps. ΔV FB and leakage current dependence on these deep traps further suggest that trapping at deep levels inhibits fast ΔV T recovery. The earlier findings where charge trapping seemed to be very transient due to the presence of a large number of shallow traps and trapped charge could be eliminated by applying a reverse direction electric field may no longer be valid. The experimentally observed trap energy levels from low-temperature measurements establish a relationship between the origin of the deep traps and their dependence on O vacancy formation in Hf-silicate-based films. Substrate hot electron injection gives rise to significant electron trapping and slow post-stress recovery under negative bias conditions, which confirms that O-vacancy-induced deep defects determine the transient behavior in Hf-silicate-based high-K gate dielectrics. It is further shown that negative-U transition to deep defects is responsible for trap-assisted tunneling under substrate injection. A fraction of the injected electrons remains trapped at the deep defects and gives rise to significant ΔV FB . This has the potential to be the ultimate limiting factor for the long-term reliability of Hf-based high-K gate dielectrics.
Effects of lung surfactant proteolipid SP-C on the organization of model membrane lipids: a fluorescence study

Lipid-protein interactions of pulmonary surfactant-associated protein SP-C in model DPPC/DPPG and DPPC/DPPG/eggPC vesicles were studied using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements of two fluorescent phospholipid probes, NBD-PC and NBD-PG. These fluorescent probes were utilized to determine SP-C-induced lipid perturbations near the bilayer surface, and to investigate possible lipid headgroup-specific interactions of SP-C. The presence of SP-C in DPPC/DPPG membrane vesicles resulted in (1) a dramatic increase in steady-state anisotropy of NBD-PC and NBD-PG at gel phase temperatures, (2) a broadening of the gel-fluid phase transition, (3) a decrease in self-quenching of NBD-PC and NBD-PG probes, and (4) a slight increase in steady-state anisotropy of NBD-PG at fluid phase temperatures. Time-resolved measurements, as well as steady-state intensity measurements indicate that incorporation of SP-C into DPPC/DPPG or DPPC/DPPG/eggPC vesicles results in a increase in the fraction of the long-lifetime species of NBD-PC. The results presented here indicate that SP-C orders the membrane bilayer surface, disrupts acyl chain packing, and may increase the lateral pressure within the bilayer.
The use of flare structures in increasing the performance of passive UHF RFID tags within metal pipes

In this paper, the utility of flare structures in metal pipes are introduced as a mechanism to increase the performance of passive UHF RFID tags operating within these metallic structures. These performance enhancements are noted to exist predominantly in the tag gain, which is a fundamental factor determining RFID tag readability. Theory is presented to describe in detail the design requirements of flares that can be used to enable the utility of passive UHF RFID tags within the FCC allowed band of 902 MHz to 928 MHz in the US for use in the track and trace of high valued metal pipes used in the oil and gas industry.
Package-chip co-design to increase flip-chip C4 reliability

The magnitude of the I/O requirements for modern ICs continues to increase due to the growing complexity and size of ICs. The large I/O count found on most ICs have forced most designers to use flip-chip packaging instead of wire bonded packaging. Unfortunately, the solder bumps in flip-chip packages are susceptible to failure, especially in the presence of high temperatures which can cause large stresses and strains leading to mechanical failure of the bump. In this paper, we present a simplified stress/strain/fatigue model that can be used during floorplanning to optimize for package reliability. We also demonstrate a quadratic C4 bump placement method that can be used during floorplanning to increase C4 bump reliability. Our experimental results show that this co-optimization can increase the lifetime of C4 bumps by about 47× with only a modest 3% increase in HPWL wirelength.
Synoptic climatology of thermal low-pressure systems over south-western north America

Analyses of closed-isobar, non-migratory, thermal low-pressure frequencies are presented for an 11-year period, 1974–1984, over the south-western USA and north-western Mexico. Average onset and breakdown dates, preferred locations, and the vertical extent of the system are presented. The effect of upper level (500 mbar) flow on the presence of the thermal low and relationships between the system and precipitation in Arizona and western Mexico also are investigated. The analyses suggest a preferred region for the formation and sustenance of the thermal low near the south-west coast of the USA and the west coast of Mexico. Within this region exist two frequency maxima, centred over the desert regions of the American South-west and north-western Mexico and over the plateau highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental. The system is most prevalent from mid-June until mid-September and reaches its maximum vertical extent near 700 mbar in July and early August. This variation may be attributed to the zenithal progression of the sun, although short-term fluctuations in the strength of the system during the summer period probably are related to changes in cloud cover over the low. Specifically, precipitation in advance of 500-mbar troughs passing to the north of the system appears to be associated with the weakening of the thermal low, suggesting a negative feedback relationship that deserves further investigation.
Optimization of power MOSFETs for low power motor drive applications

This paper presents a method to optimize power MOSFETs for low power motor drive applications, particularly white appliances such as refrigerators and fans. For this, three essential factors are needed, which are a threshold voltage, capacitances, and body diode reverse recovery characteristics. These three factors must be controlled for reliability, stability and effective operation. Their optimization helps the application to withstand shoot-through induced by Cdv/dt and noise caused by excessively high dv/dt, and to reduce power losses. In addition, overall methods for the optimization of MOSFETs are provided in detail.
Variations in Plate Kinematics and Subduction Geometries: Unifying Explanation of Mesozoic and Cenozoic Deformation in Rocky Mountains Region: ABSTRACT

The variety of late Mesozoic through early Cenozoic tectonic elements and events in the Rocky Mountains region shows temporal and spatial correspondence with inferred variations in kinematics of plate interactions and geometries of subducted oceanic lithosphere. From this space and time correspondence and current understanding of subduction processes and responses, we suggest a unified explanation for the occurrence and genesis of these features. The following tectonic elements and events are regarded as genetic expressions of variations in subduction modes and geometries: (1) the history of igneous activity in the western United States, (2) the contrasting styles and loci of deformation along the foreland fold and thrust belt (Sevier style) and the basement-cored uplifts (Laramide style) bordering the northern and eastern margins of the Colorado Plateau, (3) the development and maintenance of the Colorado Plateau as a relatively rigid tectonic block, (4) the timing and geometry of End_Page 845------------------------------ subsidence in the foreland basin, (5) the disjunct history of subsidence and subsequent uplift of the Colorado-Wyoming-Utah (CWU) region beyond the foreland basin, and (6) the initial stability and subsequent subsidence of the High Plains region. During normal subduction, thin-skinned crustal deformation was continuous opposite the convergent margin. During the ensuing period of low-angle subduction, the Colorado Plateau region was underpinned by subducted lithosphere, anomalous subsidence occurred in the CWU locus, and deformation was transferred to the position of greatest contrast in mechanical properties of the crust (the eastern and northern boundaries of the plateau). Decoupling of subducted lithosphere from overlying lithosphere caused uplift and erosional stripping of the CWU region, crustal flexure to the east, and sediment accumulation on the High Plains. End_of_Article - Last_Page 846------------
Hypoxic and Hypercapneic Arousal Responses and Prediction of Subsequent Apnea in Apnea of Infancy

Hypoxic and hypercapneic arousal responses from quiet sleep were tested in 56 infants with apnea of infancy (one or more episodes of cyanosis, limpness, and apnea requiring vigorous stimulation or resuscitation with no treatable cause; age 6.8 ± 1.1 [SEM] months). Responses were compared with those of nine control infants ranging from 1 to 25 months of age. To assess hypercapneic arousal, the inspired Pco2 was rapidly increased during quiet sleep to 60 mm Hg or until arousal (restlessness, agitation, eye opening) occurred. All control infants and those with apnea of infancy aroused to hypercapnea, but control infants aroused at a lower inspired Pco2 (inspired Pco2 40.1 ± 2.6 mm Hg) than those with apnea of infancy (inspired Pco2, 46.9 ± 1.5 mm Hg, P
THE MEASUREMENT OF ABSOLUTE VISCOSITY BY THE USE OF CONCENTRIC CYLINDERS1

A method is described for the measurement of absolute viscosities of liquids, employing the torque exerted upon a stationary inner cylinder or spindle, suspended by means of a torsion member into the center of a fluid, when the cylindrical container is given a uniform angular motion. The “true” viscosity of the castor oil, used as a test fluid, is found by extrapolating values of apparent viscosity, given by spindles of various lengths but equal radii, to that value corresponding to infinite length. For the oil being used, the viscosity at 20°C is given by this method as 9.67 poises. Using this as the true value, the effective length and thereby the end effect in terms of additional length may be found for any spindle in a liquid of given finite boundaries. The end correction to length, so determined for a spindle of 0.5 cm. radius by 10 cm. length in the center of a liquid of boundaries 3.2 cm. radius by 13 cm. height, a system similar to that used in measuring glass viscosities, was found to be 0.44 cm.
Atom–Photon Interactions: Basic Processes and Applications, Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, Jacques Dupont-Rock, & Gilbert Grynberg. 1992; paperback edition issued in 1998. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (New York). 656 pp. $44.95. ISBN 0-471-29336-9.

When this remarkable book appeared in 1992, it became an instant classic. Combined with its precursor volume by the same authors, Photons and Atoms: An Introduction to Quantum Electrodynamics, these works deftly illuminate the central interactions between light and matter. I refer the reader to the excellent review of Atom–Photon Interactions: Basic Processes and Applications by T.A. Brian Kennedy (American Journal of Physics 61(6), 1993, p. 572).
A grid interface for distributed energy resources with integrated energy storage using a high frequency AC link

A multiport converter with a high frequency (hf) ac bus is proposed for use as a distributed energy resource (DER) to grid interface with an integrated energy storage system (ESS). The combination of DER and ESS allows the DER to provide load following, load leveling, power quality compensation, voltage and frequency control, and spinning reserve, as well as savings on deferred installation of new transmission lines and centralized power plants, reduced loads on existing transmission lines, increased grid security and reliability, and the potential to adjust power delivery to take advantage of the energy market. The use of the hf-ac bus allows the boost and dc-hf ac conversion functions to be combined into a single converter and reduces the size of the transformer and passives. The proposed design allows independent control of each of the DER and ESS inputs, allowing for modular design and ease of expansion for the system. The digest explores several of the challenges of the design and presents theoretical and simulated waveforms for one of the operating conditions. Seven possible operating conditions are identified, and the applicability of each operating condition is determined when the system is used for power generation, load leveling, and spinning reserve.
Monitoring Huntington’s disease progression through preclinical and early stages

SUMMARY Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant progressive neurodegenerative disorder that typically begins in middle adulthood. The neurodegenerative process that underlies HD, however, likely begins many years before clinical diagnosis. Since genetic testing can identify individuals that will develop HD during this preclinical period, clinical trials aiming to slow disease progression will likely focus on this phase of the illness in an effort to delay disease onset. How to best measure the efficacy of potential disease-modifying therapies in preclinical HD remains a complex challenge. This article will review the clinical and imaging measures that have been assessed as potential markers of disease progression in preclinical and early symptomatic HD.
On-chip Stack Based Memory Organization for Low Power Embedded Architectures

This paper presents a on-chip stack based memory organization that effectively reduces the energy dissipation in programmable embedded system architectures. Most embedded systems use the notion of stack for implementation of function calls. However, such stack data is stored in processor address space, typically in the main memory and accessed through caches. Our analysis of several benchmarks show that the callee saved registers and return addresses for function calls call constitute a significant portion of the total memory accesses. We propose a separate stack-based memory organization to store these registers and return addresses. Our experimental results show that effective use of such stack-based memories yield significant reductions in system power/energy, while simultaneously improving the system performance. Application of our approach to the SPECint95 and MediaBench benchmark suites show a reduction of up to 32.5% reduction in energy in L1 data cache, with marginal improvements in system performance.
Voltage-mode-controlled PWM buck DC-DC converter with a proportional controller

Closed-loop small-signal characteristics are given for a voltage-mode-controlled PWM buck DC-DC converter with a proportional controller for continuous conduction mode (CCM). All parasitic resistances are taken into account. The following characteristics are presented at different values of the equivalent series resistance of the filter capacitor: control-to-output transfer functions, input-to-output transfer functions, and input and output impedances. >
Dual Incentives and Dual Asset Building: Policy Implications of the Hutubi Rural Social Security Loan Programme in China

The Hutubi Rural Social Security Loan programme is a policy innovation in a rural area of China, which loans savings in social security accounts back to peasants for them to buy assets for agricultural and other development. In contrast to the nationwide recession in rural social security, this programme has shown its success in proliferating rural social security funds and retaining social security participants. With a focus on the administrative data of the loan programme, this study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the loan programme and examine how asset building is possible for the poor when institutional incentives are offered. The findings show that when proper policy incentives are provided, poor peasants can build assets. The Hutubi programme may be a good model for other rural areas in China and other developing countries.
Image Registration: Enabling Technology for Image Guided Surgery and Therapy

Imaging looks inside the patient's body, exposing the patient's anatomy beyond what is visible on the surface. Medical imaging has a very successful history for medical diagnosis. It also plays an increasingly important role as enabling technology for minimally invasive procedures. Interventional procedures (e.g. catheter based cardiac interventions) are traditionally supported by intra-procedure imaging (X-ray fluoro, ultrasound). There is realtime feedback, but the images provide limited information. Surgical procedures are traditionally supported with pre-operative images (CT, MR). The image quality can be very good; however, the link between images and patient has been lost. For both cases, image registration can play an essential role -augmenting intra-op images with pre-op images, and mapping pre-op images to the patient's body. We will present examples of both approaches from an application oriented perspective, covering electrophysiology, radiation therapy, and neuro-surgery. Ultimately, as the boundaries between interventional radiology and surgery are becoming blurry, also the different methods for image guidance will merge. Image guidance will draw upon a combination of pre-op and intra-op imaging together with magnetic or optical tracking systems, and enable precise minimally invasive procedures. The information is registered into a common coordinate system, and allows advanced methods for visualization such as augmented reality or advanced methods for therapy delivery such as robotics
Predicting the pathogenesis of influenza from genomic response: a step toward early diagnosis

Infection with influenza virus does not always lead to symptomatic illness, but it is not currently possible to predict who will be severely affected and who will have mild or no symptoms. Gene expression profiling of biofluids might unlock the complex dynamics of response to acute respiratory virus infections such as influenza. A recent article by Alfred Hero and colleagues used transcriptional microarray analyses to follow the response to symptomatic and asymptomatic influenza infection over time, and revealed a role for type I IFN (IFNβ and IFNα) signaling and the NLRP3 inflammasome in determining the outcome in human infections.
Inductive cross shaped metal meshes on silicon substrate

Thin inductive metal meshes on silicon substrate have been studied in the infrared spectral region. The wavelength-dependent transmissions of meshes with cross shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped openings, and meshes with grating pattern were measured. The resonance wavelength and width of resonance were determined for various geometries of the openings. The Micro-Stripes program was used for the calculation of resonance wavelength and width of resonance of cross shaped metal meshes and best-fit formulas were developed for the presentation of the data. The dependence on the shape of the opening was studied for free standing thin meshes and meshes on a silicon substrate. The Wood anomaly was studied experimentally for cross, square, rectangular shaped meshes and for gratings on silicon substrate. A simple model for the dependence of the Wood anomaly on the refractive index is presented.