cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Process Variability on Write Error Rate and Read Disturbance in STT-MRAM Devices

Spin-transfer torque magnetic random-access memory (STT-MRAM) is the most promising next-generation memory technology that combines the advantages of mainstream memory technologies, such as SRAM, DRAM, and flash. In the STT-MRAM, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) is used as a bit-cell to store the data, and its magnetic properties have a critical role in thermal noise-aware STT-switching operations. This work analyzes the impact of MTJ material and geometric parameter variations, such as saturation magnetization ( $M_{S}$ ), magnetic anisotropy ( $H_{K}$ ), damping factor ( $\alpha $ ), spin polarization efficiency factor ( $\eta $ ), oxide thickness ( $t_{OX}$ ), free layer thickness ( $t_{F}$ ), tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR), and cross-sectional area of free layer ( $A_{F}$ ) variations on write error rate (WER) and read disturbance rate (RDR) for reliable write and read operations, respectively. To evaluate the scalability of MRAM devices, we investigate both WER and RDR with a wide range of MTJ diameters between 90 and 30 nm, which corresponds to mainstream technology nodes from 40 up to 14 nm advance node. In our work, the Fokker–Planck (FP) numerical approach is mainly utilized for an efficient analysis, which allows for parametric variation and evaluates its impact on switching. Although the impact of material and geometric parameter variations on WER is decreased as MTJ scales down from 90 to 30 nm, the variation effect can be still critical with small MTJ diameter, and the most significant influential variation is $\eta $ , $M_{S}$ , $H_{K}$ , and $\alpha $ in that order. By contrast, the impact of material and geometric parameter variation on RDR increases in MTJ scaling, and we show that negative variations of $H_{K}$ and $M_{S}$ could be a critical bottleneck in 30 and 40 nm MTJ diameters. Our work finally emphasizes the necessity of the WER and RDR analysis by considering the parameter variation in MTJ scaling for practical STT-MRAM development.
Evaluating the BioTac’s Ability to Detect and Characterize Lumps in Simulated Tissue

Surgeons can detect and characterize tumors in open surgery by palpating tissue with their fingertips, but palpation is not currently possible in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Motivated by the goal of creating an automatic palpation tool for MIS, we evaluated the SynTouch BioTac sensor’s ability to detect and characterize lumps in simulated tissue. Models were constructed from silicone rubber with rigid spheres of three sizes embedded at three depths, plus models without embedded lumps. Electrode impedance and DC pressure were recorded as each model was indented into the BioTac at sixteen indentation depths up to 4.0 mm. Support vector machine classifiers were trained on subsets of the data and tested on trials from withheld models for three tasks: lump detection, lump size characterization, and lump depth characterization. The lump detection and lump size classifiers achieved relatively high accuracies, especially at the deepest indentation depths, but the lump depth classifier performed no better than chance.
Multicarrier transport in epitaxial multilayer graphene

Variable-field Hall measurements were performed on epitaxial graphene grown on Si-face and C-face SiC. The carrier transport involves essentially a single-type of carrier in few-layer graphene, regardless of SiC face. However, in multilayer graphene (MLG) grown on C-face SiC, the Hall measurements indicated the existence of several groups of carriers with distinct mobilities. Electrical transport in MLG can be properly described by invoking three independent conduction channels in parallel. Two of these are n- and p-type, while the third involves nearly intrinsic graphene. The carriers in this lightly doped channel have significantly higher mobilities than the other two.
Validation of the Mayo Adhesive Probability score as a predictor of adherent perinephric fat and outcomes in open partial nephrectomy.

Background Adherent perinephric fat (APF) contributes to surgical complexity and can be associated with adverse perioperative outcomes for partial nephrectomy (PN). The Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) score accurately predicts the presence of APF during robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Our primary aim is to validate MAP score as a predictor of APF in open partial nephrectomy (OPNx). Methods We reviewed 105 consecutive OPNx (100 patients) performed by a single surgeon with intraoperative determination of APF. We evaluated the ability of the MAP score to discriminate between those with APF and those without APF by estimating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC). The association of perioperative outcomes with APF was evaluated as well. Results Forty-three patients [49%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 39-59%] had intraoperative identification of APF. The MAP score had excellent ability to predict APF in OPNx (AUROCC, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74-0.92). APF was observed in 6% of patients with a MAP score of 0-1, 27% with score 2, 52% with score 3, 75% with score 4, and 90% with score 5. The presence of APF was associated with longer operative times (P=0.004) and higher estimated blood loss (EBL) (P=0.003). Although not statistically significant, our study did suggest that APF may be associated with postoperative complications and prolonged length of stay (LOS) (>3 days). Conclusions MAP score accurately predicts the presence of APF in patients undergoing OPNx. APF is associated with longer operative time and higher blood loss in OPNx.
MIMO System Identification by Randomized Active-Set Methods

MIMO (multi-input multi-output) system identification is a particular instance of a parsimonious model selection problem. If the observed data is assumed to arise from a stable and low order plant, then the representing model should also be stable and have few poles in its realization. These constraints are challenging to impose in an L 1 or nuclear norm framework, especially when observations are non-uniformly sampled. This paper implements MIMO identification by randomized active-set methods, as realized by Fully Corrective Frank-Wolfe (FCFW). Reweighting pole-group penalties allow for further system sparsification while monotonically decreasing the regularized fitting error. Efficacy of the approach is shown on two examples.
Simulations of 3D-Printable biomimetic artificial muscles based on microfluidic microcapacitors for exoskeletal actuation and stealthy underwater propulsion

Abstract Practical artificial muscles are highly desirable in a wide range of applications, including strength augmentation in military exoskeletons, medical prosthetics for amputees, locomotion boosters for geriatric and handicapped patients, walker robots, and acoustically quiet underwater propulsion systems. So, artificial muscles have been a subject of active research through a variety of approaches, e.g. electromagnetics, pneumatics, hydraulics, thermal expansion/contraction, piezoelectrics, shape memory alloys, and electrically active polymers. Herein we propose a new approach based on a combination of microfluidics, 3D printing/additive manufacturing (AM), and electrostatic actuation. Back-of-the-envelope calculations promise 33 MPa generated stress under feasible conditions. Respective integral architectures are described. Individual devices and 2 × 2 arrays are analyzed through COMSOL simulations. Simulations predict 10–20 % strain, which is ample for most applications. Parameter sweeps in the simulations offer quantitative insights into optimal values for maximizing the output force density. The simulations demonstrate that alternative wiring schemes produce muscle or counter-muscle behavior of the same arrays, offering novel capabilities. The proposed technology promises a major impact on a range of important applications, e.g. exoskeletons, prosthetics, walker vehicles, and stealthy undersea propulsion.
Elapsed Century of a Forgotten Province—Pingyuan in Light of Ecological Changes and Communist Rule

In 1949, the Chinese Communist Party established a new province called Pingyuan among the borders of Hebei, Henan and Shandong provinces, then abolished it in 1952. Since then, Pingyuan has been fo...
An Analysis of Organizational Support for Alternative Work Arrangements in Public Accounting Firms

Prior research suggests that authentic organizational support is essential to effective implementation of AWAs in the auditing profession, yet studies consistently suggest that such support for AWAs is lacking. Using a sample of 133 public accounting professionals (and 67 public accounting partners), we explore whether several factors under the organization’s control can influence perceived organizational support for AWAs, and whether such support is linked with turnover intentions. We find that supervisor support for personal/family needs and procedural justice regarding AWA requirements are positively associated with perceptions of organizational support for AWAs. Greater perceived organizational support for AWAs is associated with lower turnover intentions. Supplemental analyses suggest that partners (as compared to non-partners) are less likely to recognize problems with support and perceived fairness of AWAs, suggesting the need for partners to solicit feedback from others within the firm as they revise AWA policies to meet increasing demand in the post-COVID-19 era.
LDPC codes and thresholds for partial response channels

Summary form only given. The ultimate performance limit or threshold of low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes is close to capacity over various memoryless channels (S.-Y. Chung, IEEE Trans. Info. Theory, vol. 47, pp. 657-670, 2001). Since the capacity of binary-input partial response (PR) channels is unknown, we estimate the capacity by calculating the threshold of capacity-approaching LDPC codes over these channels. We assume a BCJR equalizer for the channel and a sum-product message-passing decoder for the LDPC code. We also assume that the log-likelihood ratios (LLRs) in the channel BCJR and the LDPC decoder are Gaussian. We use our results to guide the design of decoder schedules that minimize the number of computationally expensive BCJR steps. The threshold calculation method can be used to optimize the left and right degree sequences of the LDPC code factor graph, using fast linear programming methods, to provide better thresholds than regular codes.
The Contrasting Bionomics of Culex Mosquitoes in Western North America

Mosquitoes in the genus Culex are the primary enzootic maintenance and bridge vectors of the North American encephalitides, now including West Nile virus. This review briefly summarizes the biology of three key vector species in western North America, Culex tarsalis, Cx. pipiens complex and Cx. stigmatosoma, focusing on the long history of research done in California. Topics reviewed include population genetic structure, larval ecology, autogeny, mating behavior, host-seeking behavior, host-selection patterns, and overwintering strategies. These attributes collectively have allowed the successful exploitation of anthropogenically altered ecosystems and enabled the role of these species as maintenance and bridge vectors of arboviruses.
Surface modeling of the corpus callosum from MRI scans

In this paper, the Bezier curve and surface are used to model the shape of the Corpus Callosum (CC) region from T1-weighted clinical MRI scans. We drive a closed form solution for the Bezier coefficients in 2D and 3D Euclidean spaces. The coefficients of the models are used for reconstruction of the CC contours and surfaces with varying degrees of accuracy, and constitute basis for discrimination between populations, and ways to enhance elastic registration of the CC. The discrimination ability of the Bezier curves and surfaces are evaluated against the Fourier Descriptors (FD) and Spherical Harmonics (SH) approaches.
Apogean–perigean signals encoded in tidal flats at the fluvio–estuarine transition of Glacier Creek, Turnagain Arm, Alaska; implications for ancient tidal rhythmites

Turnagain Arm is a macrotidal fjord-style estuary. Glacier Creek is a small, glacially fed stream which enters the estuary tangentially near Girdwood, Alaska. Trenches and daily sedimentation measurements were made in a mudflat along the fluvio–estuarine transition of Glacier Creek during several summers since 2003. Each year, the flats appear to erode during the winter and then accrete vertically in the spring and summer. In each of the years studied, tidal laminae in vertically thickening and thinning laminae bundles were deposited by twice daily tides in neap–spring tidal cycles. In 2004, bundles of thickening and thinning laminae couplets were noted in trenches cut into the flats. Five laminae bundles alternated between thicker and thinner bundles, corresponding to the perigean (high spring) and apogean (low spring) tides. Well-preserved apogean–perigean cycles have rarely been documented in modern tidal flat sediments. At this location, vertical accretion of tidal rhythmites with well-developed neap–spring cyclicity is possible because of the near-complete removal of the flat from the previous year, which creates accommodation space for vertical accretion without significant reworking. Macrotidal conditions, no reworking by infaunal invertebrates, protection from the main tidal channel by a gravel bar and protection from storm waves and fluvial erosion by a recess in the sedge marsh that surrounds the flats all aid in preservation of rhythmites during aggradation. The position of the flats relative to tidal range allows for accumulation of complete spring cycles and incomplete neap cycles. In the summer of 2004, apogee and perigee were closely aligned with the new and full moons, resulting in successive strong perigee and apogee tides which probably aided in the accumulation of successive thick–thin spring cycles encoding the apogean and perigean tidal cycle. The apogean–perigean signal was not observed in subsequent years.
Compartment fire experiments: Comparison with models

Abstract Twenty full-scale compartment fire experiments suitable for model comparison were conducted. Ceiling jet temperatures, surface heat fluxes and heat transfer coefficients which have not been previously reported are discussed. The ceiling jet temperatures 0·10 m below the ceiling show the effects of compartment ventilation, near-field entrainment conditions and burner location on the ceiling jet. Net and radiant incident heat fluxes to the upper and lower-walls and the floor are estimated. Combined (radiation and convection) interior heat transfer coefficients for the three surfaces are reported. As compartment fire models such as CFAST and FIRST continue to develop in sophistication, it is important that they be compared to experimental data. Data at three heat release rates: 330, 630 and 980 kW, are used to evaluate these comprehensive compartment fire models and two simpler models for the upper-layer gas temperature. CFAST predicts upper-layer gas temperatures 150–260°C hotter than the measured bulk outflow gas temperatures. The increased temperatures appear to be due to insufficient heat transfer through the compartment surfaces. FIRST predicts upper-layer gas temperatures that are slightly cooler (on average, 20C) than the measured bulk outflow gas temperatures. The two simpler models are within 40°C, on average, of the measured upper-layer gas temperatures
Flies, manure, and window screens: medical entomology and environmental reform in early-twentieth-century US cities

Abstract This paper traces responses to house flies in US cities as health departments attempted to control pollution and disease in the early twentieth century. It speaks to other historical geographies about the state, citizens, and the urban environment by showing how medical entomology prescribed contradictory changes to civic and domestic space, and how urban people and nature resisted these changes. With the advent of medical entomology, health reformers came to see house flies as agents that wove the entire city together as an interconnected ecology, carrying diseases from neighborhood to neighborhood and across the threshold of the home. But different reformers argued for quite distinct exercises of power in the urban landscape and ecological processes. Some physicians and entomologists argued that the state must modernize networks of fly-breeding organic matter, most notably horse manure and human waste. Such interventions were intended to be preventive and holistic, and aimed to protect all city dwellers. Other reformers, however, doubted the capacity of the state to tame material flows of waste, and instead sought changes to domestic space that would require householders – especially women – to shore up the boundaries of the house against flies. When city governments adopted these distinct interventions they encountered quite distinct sorts of resistance because of the house fly's tight links with urban nature and domestic practices.
Equilibrium and Kinetic Analyses of the Interactions between Vitamin B12 Binding Proteins and Cobalamins by Surface Plasmon Resonance

Abstract Surface plasmon resonance biosensor analysis was used to evaluate the thermodynamics and binding kinetics of naturally occurring and synthetic cobalamins interacting with vitamin B12 binding proteins. Cyanocobalamin-b-(5-aminopentylamide) was immobilized on a biosensor chip surface to determine the affinity of different cobalamins for transcobalamin, intrinsic factor, and nonintrinsic factor. A solution competition binding assay, in which a surface immobilized cobalamin analog competes with analyte cobalamin for B12 protein binding, shows that only recombinant human transcobalamin is sensitive to modification of the corrin ring b-propionamide of cyanocobalamin. A direct binding assay, where recombinant human transcobalamin is conjugated to a biosensor chip, allows kinetic analysis of cobalamin binding. Response data for cyanocobalamin binding to the transcobalamin protein surface were globally fitted to a bimolecular interaction model that includes a term for mass transport. This model yields association and dissociation rate constants of ka = 3 × 107 M−1 s−1 and kd = 6 × 10−4 s−1, respectively, with an overall dissociation constant of KD = 20 pM at 30°C. Transcobalamin binds cyanocobalamin-b-(5-aminopentylamide) with association and dissociation rates that are twofold slower and threefold faster, respectively, than transcobalamin binding to cyanocobalamin. The affinities determined for protein–ligand interaction, using the solution competition and direct binding assays, are comparable, demonstrating that surface plasmon resonance provides a versatile way to study the molecular recognition properties of vitamin B12 binding proteins.
Evolution of the ATLAS PanDA workload management system for exascale computational science

An important foundation underlying the impressive success of data processing and analysis in the ATLAS experiment [1] at the LHC [2] is the Production and Distributed Analysis (PanDA) workload management system [3]. PanDA was designed specifically for ATLAS and proved to be highly successful in meeting all the distributed computing needs of the experiment. However, the core design of PanDA is not experiment specific. The PanDA workload management system is capable of meeting the needs of other data intensive scientific applications. Alpha-Magnetic Spectrometer [4], an astro-particle experiment on the International Space Station, and the Compact Muon Solenoid [5], an LHC experiment, have successfully evaluated PanDA and are pursuing its adoption. In this paper, a description of the new program of work to develop a generic version of PanDA will be given, as well as the progress in extending PanDA's capabilities to support supercomputers and clouds and to leverage intelligent networking. PanDA has demonstrated at a very large scale the value of automated dynamic brokering of diverse workloads across distributed computing resources. The next generation of PanDA will allow other data-intensive sciences and a wider exascale community employing a variety of computing platforms to benefit from ATLAS' experience and proven tools.
Analysis of anti-collision multi-tag identification algorithms in passive RFID systems

The major advantages of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology over barcodes are that the RFID-tagged objects do not require to be in line-of-sight with the reader for their identification and multiple objects can be read simultaneously. But when multiple objects are read simultaneously there is always a problem of collision which reduces the efficiency of the system. Performance of various dynamic framed slotted ALOHA (DFSA)-based anti-collision multi-tag identification algorithms is compared through extensive simulation results. In addition, a number of simple performance improvement techniques have also been investigated including improved estimation techniques for the number of tags in each read cycle and a low-complexity heuristic stopping criterion that can be easily implemented in the practical system.
Independents, Issue Partisanship and the Decline of Party

The growth in the electorate of those who classify themselves as independents and the recent tendency of partisans to vote for opposition party candidates constitute evidence of a general loosening of party ties. The argument of this article, however, is that reports of the demise of party have been exaggerated. Most independents lean in a partisan direction, and "leaners" are behavioral partisans almost the equal of weak identifiers. Moreover, a dimension of partisanship based on party issue intentions has important explanatory power and can be activated when issues with which the parties have been historically identified are salient. Although the findings fit the facts of the resurgence of partisanship in 1976, one cannot be sanguine that parties have regained their former role: partisans increasingly fail to perceive issue differences between the parties.
Fourier transform vibrational circular dichroism and the artifact problem

FTIR vibrational circular dichroism spectra ofβ-pinene are presented as an example of the artifact reduction capability of our new instrument design. The key to this advance is the incorporation of a lens after the sample to focus onto a relatively large detector. Baseline correction with just solvent becomes possible in some cases.
Steroid unresponsive anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis during pregnancy successfully treated with plasmapheresis.

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder resulting in neurological and psychiatric symptoms. It is rare during pregnancy and treatment is extremely challenging as little data exist to guide management. A 26-year-old woman presented at 22 weeks of gestation with intermittent headache and an acute episode of bizarre behaviour and grandiose delusions resulting in hospitalisation. The patient was worked up for encephalitis and was found to have anti-NMDA receptor antibody in cerebrospinal fluid as well as in serum. She was initially treated with high-dose steroids but failed to improve clinically and serologically. She was then treated with plasmapheresis and showed clinical and serological response. She had a successful delivery at 37 weeks and the baby did not show serological evidence of disease. This case adds to the sparse literature of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis during pregnancy and adds to the differential diagnosis of new onset psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy.
An electromechanical study of the transverse behavior of carbon fiber polymer-matrix composite

The transverse behavior of continuous carbon fiber epoxy-matrix composite was studied by measuring the 0° electrical resistance of a [90]32 composite during 0° tension and compression. The number of fiber-fiber contacts was found to decrease by 0.7% upon tension to 0.5% strain (resistance increasing) and increase by 1.1% upon compression to -0.5% strain (resistance decreasing), such that this number decreased with increasing strain and the resistance varied linearly with strain (fractional resistance change per unit strain = 2), until damage (probably matrix cracking) occurred and caused the resistance to increase with compressive strain beyond 1% (84 MPa stress) and increase abruptly with tensile strain beyond 0.5% (43 MPa stress). Prior to damage, the resistance varied with strain reversibly; slight reversibility was due to plastic deformation of the matrix.
Applications and Market of PVC for Piping Industry

The use of plastic materials by the piping industry accounts for a significant volume of polymers. In this segment PVC represents the largest worldwide market for plastics. PVC is often used in plastic pressure pipe systems for pipelines in the water and sewer industries because of its inexpensive nature and flexibility. Pipes and fittings constitute the largest volume application at 40% of the marketplace. This paper discusses the piping extrusion process and the worldwide PVC market, emphasizing the Brazilian market. It is also presented a case study including an overall cost calculation for making an extrusion line for PVC piping.
Spectroscopic determination of molecular fields for octatetraene in n-alkane crystals

Abstract Octatetraene can be photoisomerized even when it is incorporated into a low-temperature n-alkane crystal. When this is done by irradiating the zero-phonon component of the S 0 → S 1 origin band with a single frequency laser, very narrow (less than 10 MHz) persistent holes can be burned. In previous studies of the effect of an externally applied electric field on these persistent holes, we found that the observed dependence of the hole profile on the external electric field is well described by a simple quantum mechanical model only if it includes an internal field intrinsic to the molecular site. That is, the octatetraene guest molecules see the vector sum of the applied field plus a well-defined internal field generated by the polar C-H bonds of neighboring molecules. In this paper, we use the internal field model to derive estimates of the local electric field at the guest molecule in other n-alkane hosts from the relative intensities of even symmetry to odd symmetry vibronic bands in the optical spectra.
Infinitesimal perturbation analysis of a queueing system with bursty traffic

We study aG/G/1 queueing system with a “bursty” arrival process. Based on a general model for such a bursty process, we derive infinitesimal perturbation analysis (IPA) derivative estimators of the mean system time with respect to various parameters of interest. The cases of both complete and partial state information are considered. To ensure unbiasedness and strong consistency of the estimators, different sample path representations are developed such that sample functions are continuous with respect to the particular parameter of interest. Some of these representations are applicable to a wider class of gradient estimation problems where sample path discontinuities arise. Simulation results are included to compare the convergence rates and variance properties of the different IPA estimators developed.
Bismuth Germanate as a High-Energy Gamma-Ray Detector

For the past several years the majority of experiments that detected gamma-rays above 10.0 MeV involved large volume NaI detectors with anticoincidence shields surrounding them. These shields serve two purposes: first, they veto cosmic ray events, and second, they reject gamma-ray events that do not deposit their total energy in the crystal. Recently bismuth germanate (Bi/sub 4/Ge/sub 3/O/sub 12/), or BGO, scintillators have been developed with many properties that may make them an attractive alternative to NaI in many applications. In this particular experiment the authors detect gamma rays following high-energy neutron capture using a white neutron source. The requirements of detector system are that it have good energy and time resolution, high efficiency, and low sensitivity to neutron backgrounds. Since the authors require an array of detectors to simultaneously measure the angular distribution of the radiation along with the excitation function, NaI detectors with anticoincidence shields seem impractical. They therefore decided to construct a detector system consisting of five 7.6-cm-long by 7.6-cm-diam-BGO scintillators spanning an angular range from 140 to 45 degrees in the reaction plane. A table lists some of the properties of BGO/sup 4/ and the values for NaI for comparison. For present application the advantages ofmore » BGO are its high average atomic number and its large density. Both these factors contribute towards improving the detector efficiency. The disadvantages of BGO are its lower light output (1/10 of NaI), its high index of refraction (n = 2.15), and its longer wavelength at maximum light output. In addition large BGO crystals often contain trapped bubbles, which scatter the light. All these factors tend to limit the resolution of the scintillator.« less
Synephrine pharmacokinetics and cardiovascular changes after ingestion of citrus aurantium dietary supplements

Background Ephedra-free weight loss dietary supplements (DS) containing Citrus aurantium (CA), a botanical source of the adrenergic amines synephrine (SYN) and octopamine, have rapidly replaced banned ephedra products, but have not been adequately studied. These DS may have some of the health risks associated with ephedra. We present novel data on CA PK/PD in humans. Methods In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 10 healthy adults took 1 oral dose of CA alone (Advantra Z®, (ADV) with 45 mg SYN), and a multi-component DS (Xenadrine EFX® (XEN) with 5.5 mg SYN), with a 1-week washout between treatments. Plasma drug levels were measured over 12 hours by LC-MS/MS. Results XEN but not ADV increased systolic and diastolic BP with peak changes over placebo at 2 hrs of 9.6 ± 6.2 mm Hg systolic (p=0.047), and 9.1 ± 7.8 mm Hg diastolic (p=0.002). Heart rate was increased at 6 hrs (16.7 bpm with XEN, p=0.011; 11.4 bpm with ADV, p=0.031). SYN Cmax was 2.8 ng/ml with ADV and 0.35 ng/ml with XEN. Caffeine Cmax was 5.1 mcg/ml with XEN. Plasma levels of octopamine were negligible. Dose-adjusted SYN PK were similar between treatments with tmax= 90 min, t1/2= 3.0 hrs, V/F= 16347 L, and CL/F= 88.9 L/min for XEN. Conclusions Ephedra-free weight loss DS have significant cardiovascular stimulant actions. These pressor effects are not likely caused by CA, since a 8-fold higher dose of synephrine (ADV) had no effect on blood pressure, but may be attributable to caffeine and other stimulants in the DS. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P5–P5; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.022
Metallothionein mRNA induction in HeLa cells in response to zinc or dexamethasone is a primary induction response

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low molecular weight, heavy metal binding proteins unique in their high cysteine content and high affinity for Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Ag2+ and Cu2+ (refs 1–3). The synthesis of MTs is induced by zinc or cadmium in the liver and kidney4–8 and in cultured cells9–12. More recently MT induction by the steroid hormone dexamethasone (Dex) has been demonstrated in HeLa cells13 and adrenalectomized rats14. Because glucocorticoid hormones lead to an intracellular accumulation of zinc15–17, the question arises of whether the induction of MT gene expression by steroids is a ‘primary induction response’ (ref. 18), or due to elevated intracellular Zn2+. The glucocorticoid-induced transport of Zn2+ is dependent on concurrent protein synthesis10,19. We now show that, in contrast to glucocorticoid-stimulated Zn2+ transport, the Zn2+ and Dex induction of translatable MT-mRNA is independent of concomitant protein synthesis but not RNA synthesis; that is, MT induction by either agent is a primary induction response18.
THE NATURAL DESIGN OF HIERARCHY: BASKETBALL VERSUS ACADEMICS

The power-law correlation between frequency and rank is a physics characteristic of natural fl ow systems (river basins, demography) in accordance with the constructal law. Here we show that this robust characteristic is a consequence of their design as area-point and point-area fl ow systems that morph freely and compete for access on an area. The emergence of hierarchical design is illustrated with the rankings of university basketball programs. Although basketball rankings have the same character as the university rankings, there is no correlation between the two rankings. Academic excellence and basketball excellence are two different fl ow architectures on the same area, like the fl ow of humanity (demography) and the fl ow of water (river basins). Together, they show how the evolution of sports allows us to witness biological evolution in our life time.
Energy-comfort optimization using discomfort history and probabilistic occupancy prediction

Heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems consume a significant portion of the energy within buildings. Current HVAC control systems use simple fixed occupant schedules, while proposed energy optimization schemes do not consider past discomfort in making future energy optimization decisions. We propose a Model-based predictive control (MPC) algorithm that adaptively balances energy and comfort while the system is in operation. The algorithm combines occupancy prediction with the history of occupant discomfort to constrain expected discomfort to an allowed budget. Our approach saves energy by dynamically shifting discomfort over time based on its real time performance. The system adapts its behavior according to the past discomfort and thus plays the dual role of saving energy when discomfort is smaller than the target budget, and maintaining comfort when the discomfort margin is small. Simulation results using synthetic benchmarks and occupancy traces demonstrate considerable energy savings over a smart reactive approach while meeting occupant comfort objectives.
Changes in messenger ribonucleic acid encoding luteinizing hormone receptor, cytochrome P450-side chain cleavage, and aromatase are associated with recruitment and selection of bovine ovarian follicles.

The objective of this study was to investigate changes in expression of mRNAs encoding FSH receptor (FSHr), LH receptor (LHr), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P45% scc ), cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase (P450 c17 ), and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450β arom ) during recruitment and selection of bovine ovarian follicles. Dairy heifers (4-5 per group) were ovariectomized at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, or 96 h after initiation of the first follicular wave following estrus as determined by ultrasonography (Time 0 = initiation of follicular wave; mean < SEM = 42.0 ± 2.6 h after estrus). Expression of mRNAs encoding FSHr, LHr, P450 scc , P450 c17 , and P445 arom was detected by in situ hybridization and quantified by image analysis. Antral follicles were classified as healthy or atretic. Healthy follicles expressed higher (p < 0.01) amounts of mRNAs for gonadotropin receptors and steroidogenic enzymes than did atretic follicles, and expression of LHr, FSHr, P450 scc , P450 c17 , and P450 arom increased (p < 0.01) with follicular size and stage of the follicular wave. Expression of mRNAs for P450 ssc , P450 arom , and LHr was time-and size-dependent during recruitment and selection. During recruitment, expression of mRNAs for P450 scc and P450 arom was first detected in granulosa cells of 16 of 21 of the follicles 4-6 mm in diameter at 12 h. At 24 and 36 h, almost all follicles 6-9 mm in diameter, but not those 4-5 mm in diameter, expressed both P450 scc and P440 arom mRNA in the granulosa cells. At 48 h and thereafter, P450 scc and P450 arom mRNA were expressed predominantly in one healthy large follicle per cow with a few exceptions. Expression of LHr mRNA was first detected in granulosa cells at 36 h and was always found in granulosa cells of one follicle ≥ 8 mm per cow with exception of one cow at 36 h (no expression) and another two cows, one each at 36 and at 84 h (expression in 2 follicles). In addition, LHr mRNA expression in the granulosa cell layer was limited to follicles that also expressed mRNAs for P450 scc and P440 arom in the granulosa cells. in summary, follicular recruitment in cattle was associated with expression of P450 scc and P450 arom mRNA within granulosa cells, and the process of follicular selection was associated with initiation of LHr mRNA expression in granulosa cells.
Estimating contribution of anthocyanin pigments to osmotic adjustment during winter leaf reddening.

Abstract The association between plant water stress and synthesis of red, anthocyanin pigments in leaves has led some plant biologists to propose an osmotic function of leaf reddening. According to this hypothesis, anthocyanins function as a solute in osmotic adjustment (OA), contributing to depression of osmotic potential ( Ψ π ) and maintenance of turgor pressure during drought-stressed conditions. Here we calculate the percent contribution of anthocyanin to leaf Ψ π during OA in two angiosperm evergreen species, Galax urceolata and Gaultheria procumbens. Both species exhibit dramatic leaf reddening under high light during winter, concomitant with declines in leaf water potential and accumulation of solutes. Data previously published by the authors on osmotic potential at full turgor ( Ψ π ,100 ) of G. urceolata and G. procumbens leaves before and after leaf reddening were used to estimate OA. In vivo molar concentrations of anthocyanin, glucose, fructose, and sucrose measured from the same individuals were converted to pressure equivalents using the Ideal Gas Law, and percent contribution to OA was estimated. Estimated mean OA during winter was −0.7 MPa for G. urceolata and −0.8 MPa for G. procumbens . In vivo concentrations of anthocyanin (3–10 mM) were estimated to account for ∼2% of OA during winter, and comprised Ψ π ,100 in both species. Glucose, fructose, and sucrose combined accounted for roughly 50 and 80% of OA for G. urceolata and G. procumbens , respectively, and comprised ∼20% of Ψ π ,100 . We observed that a co-occurring, acyanic species ( Vinca minor ) achieved similar OA without synthesizing anthocyanin. We conclude that anthocyanins represent a measurable, albeit meager, component of OA in red-leafed evergreen species during winter. However, due to their low concentrations, metabolic costliness relative to other osmolytes, and striking red color (unnecessary for an osmotic function), it is unlikely that they are synthesized solely for an osmoprotectant role.
The road to scientific supremacy

Scientific knowledge is a crucial factor in our struggle for survival and world peace but without the discoveries of basic research our technology cannot continue to advance. The chief of Naval Research discusses the ingredients of a basic research program that can assure our scientific supremacy.
A Subpopulation of Estrogen Receptors Are Modified by O-Linked N-Acetylglucosamine *

Estrogen receptors (ER) are ligand-inducible transcription factors regulated by Ser(Thr)-O-phosphorylation. Many transcription factors and eukaryotic RNA polymerase II itself are also dynamically modified by Ser(Thr)-O-linked N-acetylglucosamine moieties (O-GlcNAc). Here we report that subpopulations of murine, bovine, and human estrogen receptors are modified by O-GlcNAc. O-GlcNAc moieties were detected on insect cell-expressed, mouse ER (mER) by probing with bovine milk galactosyltransferase, followed by structural analysis. Wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose affinity chromatography also readily detected terminal GlcNAc residues on subpopulations of ER purified from calf uterus, from human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), or from mER produced by in vitro translation. These data suggest that greater than 10% of these populations of estrogen receptors bear O-GlcNAc. Site mapping of insect cell expressed mER localized one major site of O-GlcNAc addition to Thr-575, within a PEST region of the carboxyl-terminal F domain. Based upon their relative resistance to both hexosaminidase and to in vitro galactosylation, O-GlcNAc moieties appear to be largely buried on native mER. This dynamic saccharide modification, like phosphorylation, may play a role in modulating the dimerization, stability, or transactivation functions of estrogen receptors.
Defects formed from excess vacancies in aluminum

Abstract Three types of defects were observed in 99·999% aluminium after quenching from 540°c and ageing at 40°c to allow precipitation of excess vacancies: (1) hexagonal stacking-fault loops with Burgers vector ⅓ , (2) rhombus-shaped perfect loops of Burgers vector ½ and (3) octahedral voids with {111} faces. The effect of quenching conditions on the type of defect formed was investigated. Stresses during quenching and the concomitant motion of dislocations were found to result in perfect ½ loops. Quenching conditions that minimized stresses were found to result in ⅓ stacking-fault loops or voids.
Repair limit replacement

Hastings [1] introduced the concept of repair limits for replacement problems, the basic idea being that if, at a given time, the repair of a vehicle, for example, is sufficiently expensive, then it will be economical to replace the vehicle with a new one. Numerical results also demonstrated that repair limits decreased with age. In addition, it was assumed that, at a certain age, vehicles should be replaced whatever the repair cost. This paper addresses theoretical issues surrounding these questions.
Inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) by 4-phenylbutyrate results in increased junctional conductance between rat corpora smooth muscle cells.

4-phenylbutyrate (4-PB) has been shown to increase the protein content in a number of cells types. One such protein is Connexin43 (Cx43). We show here that 4-phenylbutyrate exposure results in significantly elevated cell to cell coupling, as determined by dual whole cell patch clamp. Incubation with 5 mM 4PB for 24 hours or more nearly doubles junctional conductance. Interestingly, mRNA levels for Cx43 declined with exposure to 4-PB at the 48 hour time point while western blot analysis revealed not significant change in protein levels. These data are most consistent with stabilization of the existing Cx43 pool or alterations in the number of functional channels within an existing pool of active and silent channels. These data represent a baseline for testing the efficacy of increased connexin mediated coupling in a variety of multicellular functions including erectile function.
Penstemon miniatus (Scrophulariaceae): new combinations

Penstemon apateticus Straw is found to be synonymous withP. miniatus Lindl.Penstemon miniatus subsp.apateticus andP. miniatus subsp.townsendianus are presented as new combinations. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01CT127 00005
Scaling of small repeating earthquakes explained by interaction of seismic and aseismic slip in a rate and state fault model

Because of short recurrence times and known locations, small repeating earthquakes present a rare predictable opportunity for detailed field observations. They are used to study fault creeping velocities, earthquake nucleation, stress drops, and other aspects of tectonophysics, earthquake mechanics, and seismology. An intriguing observation about repeating earthquakes is their scaling of recurrence time with seismic moment, which is significantly different from the scaling based on a simple conceptual model of circular ruptures with stress drop independent of seismic moment and no aseismic slip. Here we show that a model of repeating earthquakes based on laboratory-derived rate and state friction laws reproduces the observed scaling. In the model, a small fault patch governed by steady state velocity-weakening friction is surrounded by a much larger velocity-strengthening region. Long-term slip behavior of the fault is simulated using a methodology that fully accounts for both aseismic slip and inertial effects of occasional seismic events. The model results in repeating earthquakes with typical stress drops and sizes comparable with observations. For a fixed set of friction parameters, the observed scaling is reproduced by varying the size of the velocity-weakening patch. In simulations, a significant part of slip on the velocity-weakening patches is accumulated aseismically, even though the patches also produce seismic events. The proposed model supplies a laboratory-based framework for interpreting the wealth of observations about repeating earthquakes, provides indirect evidence that rate and state friction acts on natural faults, and has important implications for possible scenarios of slip partition into seismic and aseismic parts.
Probabilistic component identification

Automatic component identification is an important step for many software engineering tasks and tools, from reverse engineering to program comprehension. Although being a topic of research for a long time, generally applicable solutions remain elusive with very low recall. Most component identification techniques impose structure on the software, therefore requiring substantial knowledge about the software, instead of inferring such structure.We propose PCI, a non-parametric, probabilistic algorithm to the problem of automatic component identification. The proposed approach uses structural, behavioural and lexical features of the software to infer the underlying structure and identify the components. In order to evaluate this approach, multiple experiments are performed on a software system for which components have previously been identified [by others]. The proposed algorithm is compared to two existing algorithms. The experiments measure precision and recall, and attempt to unveil the impact of each source of information on the accuracy of the approach. We find PCI outperforms the others most notably on recall, with improvements that go from 4x to 10x better recall.
Navigation of Welding Torch for Arc Welding Process

Abstract Torch position, traveling speed, and attitude play an important role in welding quality control for both manual and robotic arc welding process. Besides, their detection may facilitate welding process monitoring, welder training, as well as novel ways for many other interesting and useful applications. Yet, few research has been done in the torch navigation in manual arc welding process. In this paper, we describe and implement a Kalman-based framework to estimate the position, traveling speed, and attitude of a torch in manual welding process. The proposed framework makes use of an inertial navigation system (INS) mechanization algorithm, a Zero Velocity Update (ZUPT) methodology, and a unscented Kalman filter (UKF). The proposed measurement employs a low-price miniature wireless inertial measuring unit (WIMU) consisting of a tri-axial accelerometer, one tri-axial gyroscope and a magnetometer. The performance of the proposed scheme has been evaluated by welding simulations with different types of fit-ups. Statistics shows that the position errors are about 1% of the total traveled distance, which are considered acceptable for the intended manual welding applications.
Seasonal changes in organic carbon and C:N ratio in the major storage organs of Cepaea nemoralis (Mollusca: Pulmonata)

Abstract 1. 1. The carbon content and C:N composition of certain major storage organs of Cepaea nemoralis changes seasonally. 2. 2. The digestive and mature albumen glands can be characterized as high carbon, low nitrogen tissues having C:N ratios of 6.6:1 and 9.0:1 respectively compared to 3.7:1 for the tissues less the digestive gland. 3. 3. Both digestive gland and tissue less gland increase in carbon content before hibernation then decline gradually through winter and spring. 4. 4. In mature albumen glands, C:N ratio as well as dry weight increases before the reproductive period, then decreases thereafter.