cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
School Names as Cultural Arenas: The Naming of U.S. Public Schools after Martin Luther King, Jr.

The commemoration of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) is a growing movement in many American cities and towns. School naming is an important yet underanalyzed part of this project. A recent struggle in Riverside, California over naming a high school for MLK is used as a springboard for: (1) conceptualizing school names as cultural arenas for debating student and community identity and (2) conducting a general study of the types of U.S. public schools named for King. As illustrated in California, school naming can be interpreted by one social group as a means of integrating and inspiring students historically and viewed by another group as a means of drawing boundaries around students in terms of race and local heritage. According to 1997-1998 data, 110 public schools bear King's name. They are located most often in the central cities of large and mid-size urban areas. King's name is most frequently found on schools that teach early and middle grades. Schools named for Martin Luther K...
Nucleotide sequence of the major early region of bacteriophage φ29

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of the left end of bacteriophage φ29 DNA has been determined. Together with data reported earlier (Yoshikawa et al., 1981), this sequencing comprises the major early genetic region of this viral genome (5708 bp). Computer analysis of the DNA sequences revealed that there are up to fifteen open reading frames which could encode polypeptides containing more than thirty amino acids. The DNA sequence also revealed a number of potential regulatory signals, promoters and ribosome binding sites. The initiation and the termination of transcription and probable early gene products are discussed.
Quantitative changes in hippocampal structure following long-term exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: possible mediation by glucocorticoid systems

Although cannabinoids exert strong effects on brain function, there have been no extensive analyses of the long-term effects of cannabinoids on mammalian brain structure. Consequently, we conducted quantitative light and electron microscopic studies on the brains of rats treated chronically with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (5× weekly for 8 months — approximately 30% of the life-span). In these studies, we found significant THC-induced changes in hippocampal structure: specifically, THC-treated animals exhibited decreased neuronal density and increased glial cell reactivity (i.e. an increase of cytoplasmic inclusions). In addition, we confirmed prior reports of THC-induced increases in adrenal-pituitary activity, since both adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone were elevated substantially during an acute stress. However, the animals appeared to be only minimally affected behaviorally by the doses used (highest dose: 8 mg/kg) and no effects of THC were observed on several ultrastructural variables, including synaptic density. The observed hippocampal morphometric effects of chronic THC are similar to apparent glucocorticoid-dependent changes that previously have been found to develop in rat hippocampus during normal aging. Given that cannabinoids and steroids are similar in chemical structure in several respects, therefore, the present results seem to raise the possibility that chronic THC exposure may alter hippocampal anatomical structure by interactions with, or mimicry of, aderenal steroid activity.
Photoaddressing Of High Speed Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulators

Switching speeds of photoaddressed liquid crystal spatial light modulators are currently limited to several milliseconds. This is due in part to the choice of liquid crystal (nematic), and in part to the choice of photoaddressing schemes. In this paper we describe two methods for making photoaddressed liquid crystal spatial light modulators with microsecond response times.
Negotiating borders between separate male and female workspaces

This paper describes a conference in Saudi Arabia where it is customary for women to cover themselves, showing only face and hands, and to have separate conference rooms. An underlying theme is whether it is possible to have collaborative and a consequential exchange of ideas in a culture that operates differently from standard Western educational practice. The conference, held in Riyadh, was “The First International Conference on Assessment & Evaluation” and the subject was “Admission Criteria in Higher Education.” This paper discusses both the different cultural communication practices and the subject matter of the conference, which was global college admissions, problems in teaching dominant languages such as Arabic and English, and writing assessment methods. Four main themes were 1) the controversy surrounding attempts to quantify “non-cogs” (non-cognitive indicators) in the admissions process, 2) descriptions of cultural differences in global college admissions tests, 3) the importance teaching and testing L2 (second languages) by focusing on language as a means of communication rather than a set of rules, and 4) problems in achieving rater consistency in local writing assessments. In conclusion and contrary to Western expectations, the separation of men and women did not inhibit intellectual exchange but instead encouraged it.
Negotiating learning cultures at a distance: MIT academics teach corporate engineers

MIT's System Design & Management program (SDM) is a distance education master's degree program in engineering and management for industry employees that hopes to overcome some of the typical barriers to organizational learning. The author has collected a variety of data on the SDM program, and this paper discusses some of the results so far. Findings focus on the technology used for distance learning, the students' ability to apply their learning in the workplace, and the difficulty for students and faculty to adapt to the distance learning setting.
Virtual cut-through: A new computer communication switching technique

Abstract In this paper a new switching technique called virtual cut-through is proposed and its performance is analyzed. This switching system is very similar to message switching, with the difference that when a message arrives in an intermediate mode and its selected outgoing channel is free (just after the reception of the header), then, in contrast to message switching, the message is sent out to the adjacent node towards its destination before it is received completely at the node; only if the message is blocked due to a busy output channel is a message buffered in an intermediate node. Therefore, the delay due to unnecessary buffering in front of an idle channel is avoided. We analyze and compare the performance of this new switching technique with that of message switching with respect to three measures: network delay, traffic gain and buffer storage requirement. Our analysis shows that cut-through switching is superior (and at worst identical) to message switching with respect to the above three performance measures.
Ultrastructural autoradiographic analysis of RNA in isolated human lung mast cells during secretion and recovery from secretion.

Background: Previous work has implicated isolated, control human lung mast cell granules in RNA metabolism using multiple methods of high-magnification imaging based on different mechanistic principles. These methods have demonstrated ribosomes, RNA, U1snRNP and uridine in, around and attached to secretory granules. Methods: Here, we have extended these studies using ultrastructural autoradiography of radiolabeled uridine incorporation in degranulating and recovering mast cells. Results: We found that control cells incorporated uridine into granules, with values that decreased dramatically in conjunction with stimulated histamine secretion and granule extrusion, and that granule stores of tritiated uridine increased together with the reconstitution of secretory granules in recovering mast cells. Conclusion: These findings support a possible new role for secretory granules in RNA metabolism in mast cell biology.
Identification of novel CBP interacting proteins in embryonic orofacial tissue

Abstract cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP) plays an important role as a general co-integrator of multiple signaling pathways and interacts with a large number of transcription factors and co-factors, through its numerous protein-binding domains. To identify nuclear factors associated with CBP in developing orofacial tissue, a yeast two-hybrid screen of a cDNA library derived from orofacial tissue from gestational day 11 to 13 mouse embryos was conducted. Using the carboxy terminus (amino acid residues 1676–2441) of CBP as bait, several novel proteins that bind CBP were identified, including an Msx-interacting-zinc finger protein, CDC42 interaction protein 4/thyroid hormone receptor interactor 10, SH3-domain GRB2-like 1, CCR4-NOT transcription complex subunit 3, adaptor protein complex AP-1 β1 subunit, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B subunit 1 (α), and cyclin G-associated kinase. Results of the yeast two-hybrid screen were confirmed by glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays. The identification of these proteins as novel CBP-binding partners allows exploration of new mechanisms by which CBP regulates and integrates diverse cell signaling pathways.
Visualizing Postendocytic Traffic of Synaptic Vesicles at Hippocampal Synapses

We have investigated mechanisms in postendocytic processing of synaptic vesicles at hippocampal synapses, using synaptobrevin/vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) tagged with variants of the green fluorescent protein. Following exocytosis, VAMP is retrieved at synaptic and adjoining axonal regions. Retrieved VAMP-containing vesicles return to synaptic vesicle clusters at a rate slower than endocytosis. Vesicles containing a different protein, synaptophysin, recluster at a similar rate, suggesting common vesicular intermediates for the two proteins. Activity prolongs the time taken by endocytosed vesicles to return to synapses. Exogenous calcium buffers slow endocytosis but have no additional effect on the time course of reclustering. In contrast, the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine does not affect endocytosis but slows reclustering. Finally, since VAMP can move freely on surface membranes, sustained synaptic activity leads to mixing of this vesicular component between adjacent synapses.
Gender and Wisdom: A Brief Overview

This issue of Research in Human Development grew out of a workshop organized by Dr. Judith Gluck and held at the Alpen Adria University of Klagenfurt, Austria, in July 2008. It had two goals: first...
115 THE EFFECT OF TRANSFUSION ON CARDIAC OUTPUT AND SYSTEMIC OXYGEN TRANSPORT IN PREMATURE INFANTS

The hemoglobin (Hgb) in a premature infant usually falls to 8-10 gm/dl at 6 weeks of age. Infants 4-6 weeks old are often transfused above this range in the NICU if requiring supplemental oxygen or ventilator support. We measured cardiac output (CO) and calculated systemic oxygen transport (SOT) [CO × O2 content of arterial blood] in infants to evaluate if maintaining these higher Hgbs actually improved oxygen transport to tissues. CO was measured by pulsed-Doppler echocardiography in the ascending aorta before and within 2 hours following transfusion with 10cc/kg packed cells. 2-3 DPG, % fetal Hgb, and arterial blood gases were measured before and after transfusion. Infants less than 4 weeks of age (n=5) were compared to infants 4-8 weeks old (n=5). In the younger infants the mean Hgb went from 10.3 to 13.3 gm/dl (within normal range for their age) and CO was 186 (±52) cc/kg/min before transfusion and 187 (±35) cc/kg/min after transfusion. SOT rose by 19% in these infants. In the older infants, Hbg went from 11 to 13.3 (above the normal range for age) and CO fell from 204 (±57) cc/kg/min to 141 (±52) cc/kg/min (p<.01), and SOT fell by 19%. We conclude that maintaining Hgb in neonates above the normal range for their age may not improve oxygen transport to tissues, but may actually cause a decrease in oxygen delivery.
EFFECTS OF HEXYLRESORCINOL ON NITELLA

In some ways the effects of hexylresorcinol on Nitella resemble those of guaiacol but in others they differ. Both substances depress the P.D. reversibly and both decrease the potassium effect. Hexylresorcinol decreases the apparent mobility of Na + and of K + . Guaiacol increases that of Na + but not of K + . The action of hexylresorcinol is more striking than that of guaiacol since 0.0003 M of the former is as effective as 0.03 M of the latter in depressing the P.D. It is evident that organic substances can change the behavior of inorganic ions in a variety of ways.
Purification of acid proteinase from Cannabis sativa L.

Abstract Edestinase, an acid proteinase, was found in the supernatant fraction obtained by centrifuging a homogenate of resting seeds of Cannabis sativa L. in phosphate buffer. When 50% ammonium sulfate was added to the supernatant at pH 7·5 the enzyme was found in a fatty layer that formed after high-speed centrifugation. However, if the supernatant were acidified to pH 3·4, then made to 50% ammonium sulfate, the enzyme precipitated upon centrifugation. After solubilization of this precipitate in pH 3·4 phosphate buffer, the enzyme was purified 25-fold. The proteinase contains only one component when examined by the analytical ultracentrifuge; the sedimentation coefficient is 1·34 and the estimated molecular weight, 20,000. By gel electrophoresis, there are at least three protein components present.
Interplay of light transmission and catalytic exchange current in photoelectrochemical systems

We develop an analytic current-voltage expression for a variable junction photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell and use it to investigate and illustrate the influence of the optical and electrical properties of catalysts on the optoelectronic performance of PEC devices. Specifically, the model enables a simple, yet accurate accounting of nanostructured catalyst optical and electrical properties through incorporation of an optical transmission factor and active catalytic area factor. We demonstrate the utility of this model via the output power characteristics of an exemplary dual tandem solar cell with indium gallium phosphide and indium gallium arsenide absorbers with varying rhodium catalyst nanoparticle loading. The approach highlights the importance of considering interactions between independently optimized components for optimal PEC device design.
Sex-specific effects of maternal anthropometrics on body composition at birth.

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess whether maternal factors that are associated with fetal lean and fat mass differ between sexes. Study Design Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort that delivered by scheduled cesarean section from 2004-2013. Maternal blood was collected before surgery for metabolic parameters. Placental weight and neonatal anthropometrics were measured within 48 hours. Anthropometric differences between sexes were assessed with the Student t test. Multiple stepwise regression analysis assessed the relationship between independent maternal variables and neonatal lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), or percentage of fat as dependent variables in male and female infants combined and separately. Results We analyzed 360 women with normal glucose tolerance and a wide range of pregravid body mass index (16-64 kg/m 2 ) and their offspring (male, 194; female, 166). Male infants had more FM (mean difference, 40 ± 18 g; P = .03) and LBM (mean difference, 158 ± 34 g; P Conclusion Our findings suggest that the body composition and inflammatory environment of the mother modulate the metabolic fitness of neonates, as predicted by fat and lean mass, in a sex-specific manner.
Non-binary information propagation: Modeling BGP routing churn

In this work, we generalize the commonly-used “binary” (or categorical) information propagation model to describe the propagation of a continuous-value node-property in a network. Most efforts so far focus on discrete states for nodes (i.e. healthy, sick). Here, we extend the above model to describe the propagation of a node property that is characterized by a real value. As a case study, we focus on routing messages at the Internet backbone (BGP level), which we refer to as routing instability or churn. Our goal is to develop the simplest possible model that can characterize the propagation of routing instability. To capture an important routing property (routing policies), we enrich the model in a non-trivial way. Varying our small set of model parameters, we show that our model can exhibit a wide range of behaviors, from fast “die-out” to non-zero steady-state and oscillations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that casts routing as a network-wide propagation problem and sets the stage for a theoretical analysis of routing instability, and the propagation of non-binary node properties in general.
Aging effect on risk of slipping after walkway perturbation training

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the interaction effect between aging and a new walkway perturbation training on risk of slip initiation. A new walkway perturbation training program was developed using an instrumented, split-belt treadmill. Five healthy older adults and five younger adults were involved in a laboratory study. An inertial measurement unit was attached to the subject’s low back region to record 3D acceleration. Transitional acceleration of whole body center of mass (TACOM) was computed to quantify the risk of slip initiation. The results indicated a significant interaction effect between aging and training on TACOM. In conclusion, the walkway perturbation training program successfully reduced the risk of slip initiation for the older adults. Furthermore, the implementation of a fall prevention program should consider the possible interaction effect between aging and training.
Sensitivity to acute cerebral ischemic injury in migraineurs A retrospective case-control study

Objective: Migraine, particularly with aura, is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Recent data in migraine mutant mice suggest that cerebral hyperexcitability associated with migraine accelerates recruitment of ischemic penumbra into the core, resulting in faster infarct growth compared with wild type. We hypothesized that individuals with a history of migraine are more likely to exhibit increased recruitment of ischemic tissue into the infarct in acute stroke. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, we identified participants with reliably documented migraine history, measured lesion volumes on diffusion-weighted and perfusion-weighted MRI obtained within 72 hours of symptom onset, calculated the proportion of ischemic tissue on perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) hyperintense on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and compared the proportion of patients with no-mismatch pattern defined as DWI lesion >83% of PWI lesion. Results: Migraineurs (n = 45) were younger, more often female, less likely to have vascular risk factors, and more often had cervical artery dissection, but otherwise did not differ from controls (n = 27). A significantly larger proportion of migraineurs had no-mismatch pattern, indicating that the entire perfusion defect was recruited into the infarct by the time of MRI (22% vs 4% of migraineurs and controls, respectively; p = 0.044). The difference was even more prominent in migraineurs with aura (36% vs 4%, p = 0.019). The association between migraine and no-mismatch pattern persisted after adjustment for time to MRI ( p = 0.041). Conclusions: This case-control study supports the hypothesis that a history of migraine, particularly with aura, is associated with a no-mismatch pattern during acute ischemic stroke, consistent with data obtained in migraine mutant mice.
Injury patterns causing isolated foot compartment syndrome.

Background: The true incidence and primary predictors of foot compartment syndrome remain controversial. Our aim was to better define the overall incidence of foot compartment syndrome in relation to the frequency and location of various foot injuries. We hypothesized that (1) the incidence would increase in proportion to the number of anatomic locations of injury, (2) the incidence would be higher in association with hindfoot and crush injuries compared with any other injury categories, and (3) not only would the incidence associated with calcaneal fractures be lower than the often quoted 10% but foot compartment syndrome would also be fairly uncommon after such fractures. Methods: The National Trauma Data Bank was used to identify patients who had undergone a fasciotomy for the treatment of isolated foot compartment syndrome. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to identify only patients with foot injuries who had undergone fasciotomy for foot compartment syndrome. Results: Three hundred and sixty-four patients with an isolated foot compartment syndrome were identified. The highest incidence of foot compartment syndrome was seen in association with a crush mechanism combined with a forefoot injury (18%, nineteen of 106), followed by an isolated crush injury (14%, twenty-three of 162). Only 1% (thirty-two) of 2481 patients with an isolated calcaneal fracture underwent fasciotomy. An increase in the number of anatomic locations of injury did not appear to correspond to an increased incidence of foot compartment syndrome. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that injuries involving a crush mechanism, either in isolation or in combination with a forefoot injury, should raise suspicion about the possibility that a foot compartment syndrome will develop. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A dialectical theory of the decision to go to work: Bringing together absenteeism and presenteeism

Abstract The decision to not attend work (absenteeism) has been the focus of a great deal of inquiry; however, research is emerging on the importance of the decision to attend work when ill (presenteeism). Interestingly, despite being the outcome of the same decision, these constructs have developed relatively independently. We argue that absenteeism and presenteeism are strategies employees use to navigate the dialectical tensions in the supervisor–subordinate relationship. Thus, understanding the nature of those tensions, their context, and the strategies employed to manage the tensions can inform employees' decision to attend work.
The CBO In…nite-Horizon Model with Idiosyncratic Uncertainty and Borrowing Constraints

This paper describes the infinite-horizon general equilibrium model that, among other models, CBO uses for its analysis of the President’s budgetary proposals. Agents in the model live forever and face uninsurable, individual-specific working-ability shocks and borrowing constraints, and so they differ ex post in both income and wealth. The combination of idiosyncratic uncertainty and borrowing constraints affects household decisions about saving and working: households engage in precautionary saving to self-insure against uncertainty, and labor supply decisions are less elastic than in a standard infinite-horizon growth model. To show how the model behaves in an application, the paper analyzes a 10 percent reduction in income tax rates and compares the predictions under alternative assumptions about the level of uncertainty.
Tunnel junction interconnects in GaAs-based multijunction solar cells

Monolithic multijunction solar cell performance and manufacturing can be significantly affected by the scheme used to connect the component subcells. In the authors' recent record GaInP/GaAs tandem solar cells, they developed a GaAs tunnel junction interconnect doped with carbon and selenium that had a specific resistance at zero bias of <1 m/spl Omega/-cm/sup 2/ after annealing at 700/spl deg/C for 15 minutes, the approximate conditions for growing the upper cell in the tandem structure. The specific resistance of the unannealed tunnel junction is about an order of magnitude lower than previously reported results for GaAs tunnel junctions. When incorporated into a solar cell structure, the tunnel junction displays nonideal characteristics, including the absence of a negative resistivity region and poorer conductance for large reverse bias than for similar-magnitude forward bias. These characteristics are shown to originate in a nearby heterojunction formed when the tunnel junction is incorporated in the tandem cell device structure.
Rate of convergence in density estimation using neural networks

Given N i.i.d. observations {Xi}Ni=1 taking values in a compact subset of Rd, such that p* denotes their common probability density function, we estimate p* from an exponential family of densities based on single hidden layer sigmoidal networks using a certain minimum complexity density estimation scheme. Assuming that p* possesses a certain exponential representation, we establish a rate of convergence, independent of the dimension d, for the expected Hellinger distance between the proposed minimum complexity density estimator and the true underlying density p*.
Juvenile Polyps: a large pediatric cohort

Background Juvenile polyps, classified as hamartomatous lesions with neoplastic potential, are the most common gastrointestinal polyp of childhood. Risk factors for neoplasia include germline DNA mutations, a family history of juvenile polyps, and multiple polyps (≥3 or ≥5). Only a few large pediatric series (>100patients) of patients with juvenile polyps have been reported, with limited data about repeat surveillance colonoscopy and the incidence of neoplasia. The primary aim of this study was to identify a large cohort of children with one or more juvenile polyps for descriptive analysis of patient demographics, polyp number, location, repeat co1onoscopy, and neoplasia.
An approach to usable security based on event monitoring and visualization

The thorny problem of usability has been recognized in the security community for many years, but has, so far, eluded systematic solution. We characterize the problem as a gap between theoretical and effective levels of security, and consider the characteristics of the problem. The approach we are taking focuses on visibility -- how can we make relevant features of the security context apparent to users, in order to allow them to make informed decisions about their actions and the potential implications of those actions?
Phase stability of heteroepitaxial polydomain BaTiO3 thin films

The phase stability of ferroelectric, epitaxial, polydomain BaTiO3 thin films was examined using temperature-dependent x-ray diffraction (XRD) and in-plane electronic polarization measurements. The epitaxial BaTiO3 thin films were grown on MgO(100) substrates by a metal-organic chemical vapor deposition process. As-deposited and annealed BaTiO3 thin films with different domain structures were examined. Temperature-dependent plane-normal XRD analysis reveals well-defined phase transitions at 140 and 169 °C in the c- and a-oriented films, respectively. The measured Curie temperatures are consistent with those predicted by Landau-Ginsburg-Devonshire theory as applied to polydomain BaTiO3 thin films. Temperature-dependent in-plane electronic polarization measurements confirm that the 140 °C Curie temperature observed in the c-oriented film is a well-defined second-order paraelectric-ferroelectric transition.
NPY in alcoholism and psychiatric disorders

The NPY system may well be one of the most interesting target systems for development of treatments for alcohol dependence as well as mood disorders such as depression and anxiety syndromes. NPY is an endogenous anxiolytic compound, functions as an antidepressant, and is effective in modifying alcohol intake in high drinking states. Through receptor subtype specific compounds, the NPY system offers an interesting and innovative future approach for treatment designs. Selective Y2 receptor antagonists and/or Y1 agonists that are peripherally available and effectively penetrate the CNS are possible candidates. In conclusion, the NPY system offers attractive targets for development of future treatments for depression, anxiety, and alcohol dependence.
Improving Exposed Subsoils with Fertilizers and Crop Rotations

Irrigation-induced erosion and land leveling have decreased crop yields on approximately 800 000 ha of south-central Idaho silt loam soils. Previous attempts to increase subsoil productivity to that of the topsoil have not been successful on these soils. This study was conducted to find a method(s) for increasing the productivity of freshly exposed subsoil to that of the topsoil and to determine the factor(s) limiting subsoil production. A 4-yr study was initiated by removing the surface 0.3 m of topsoil from strips between undisturbed topsoil strips of a Portneuf silt loam (coarse-silty, mixed, mesic Durixerollic Calciorthid). Different crop rotations were established within the strips and fertility treatments were applied across the strips. The fertilizer treatments were conventional fertilizer application according to soil test, dairy manure, and two cottage cheese (acid) whey rates. During the fourth year, dry edible bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Viva) were grown on the entire plot area as a test crop. The application of 44 Mg manure ha-' in the spring and 93 Mg manure ha ' in the fall of 1991 (first year of study) was the only treatment that restored subsoil bean production to that of the topsoil plots. Plant Zn and soil organic C concentrations were the only measured factors that correlated with bean yield increases on the subsoil.
A new algorithm for training multilayer perceptrons

A fast version of the packpropagation algorithm based on the recursive least squares (RLS) technique is introduced. The added storage requirement and computation associated with RLS can be easily incorporated into the network architecture, and consequently the algorithm is still local. The enhanced algorithm performs consistently better than the backpropagation algorithm in a set of simulations involving two benchmark problems. >
CLANS: a high-level synthesis tool for high resolution data converters

A high-level synthesis tool, CLANS, that accepts data converter performance specifications and selects optimal block-level component specifications for noise-shaping coders is presented. CLANS both predicts the performance of multibit noise-shaping coders (both A/D and D/A converters) and determines optimal loop-filter transfer functions. The performance of CLANS' designs has been verified using both block-level simulation and experimental measurements on a CMOS prototype D/A converter. >
Sub-10nm nanolithography and direct pattern transfer on III-V compound semiconductor using sol-gel derived ZrO 2

A new approach for direct sub-10 nm pattern transfer using spin-coated ZrO2 is presented. The sample InP compound etching selectivity to ZrO2 is over 13:1 with highest aspect ratio of 35:1. The smallest feature is 9 nm.
Transcriptional regulation of Rex1 (zfp42) in normal prostate epithelial cells and prostate cancer cells.

Rex1 (zfp42) was identified by our laboratory because of its reduced expression in F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells after retinoic acid (RA) treatment. The Rex1 (Zfp42) gene is currently widely used as a marker of embryonic stem cells. We compared the transcriptional regulation of the human Rex1 gene in NTera-2 (NT-2) human teratocarcinoma, normal human prostate epithelial cells (PrEC), and prostate cancer cells (PC-3) by promoter/luciferase analyses. Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and Dax1 transcripts are expressed at higher levels in NT-2 and PrEC cells than in PC-3 cells. Co-transfection analyses showed that YY1 and Rex1 are positive regulators of hRex1 transcription in NT-2 and PrEC cells, whereas Nanog is not. Serial deletion constructs of the hRex1 promoter were created and analyzed, by which we identified a potential negative regulatory site that is located between -1kb to -0.4 kb of the hRex1 promoter. We also delineated regions of the hRex1 promoter between -0.4 kb and the TSS that, when mutated, reduced transcriptional activation; these are putative Rex1 binding sites. Mutation of a putative Rex1 binding site in electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) resulted in reduced protein binding. Taken together, our results indicate that hRex1 binds to the hRex1 promoter region at -298 bp and positively regulates hRex1 transcription, but that this regulation is lost in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. This lack of positive transcriptional regulation by the hRex1 protein may be responsible for the lack of Rex1 expression in PC-3 prostate cancer cells.
Learning dextrous manipulation skills using the evolution strategy

This paper presents an approach based on the evolution strategy for autonomous learning of dextrous manipulation primitives with a dextrous robot hand. We use heuristics derived from observations made on human hands to reduce the degrees of freedom of the task and make learning possible. Our system does not rely on simulation; all the experimentation is performed the 16-degree-of-freedom Utah/MIT hand. We present experimental results that show that accurate dextrous manipulation skills can be learned in a period of a few minutes. We also show the application of the learned primitives to perform an assembly task.
Contention-aware analysis of routing schemes for mobile opportunistic networks

A large body of work has theoretically analyzed the performance of routing schemes for mobile opportunistic networks. But a vast majority of these prior studies have ignored wireless contention. Recent papers have shown through simulations that ignoring contention leads to inaccurate and misleading results, even when studying sparse networks. In this paper, we analyze the performance of routing schemes under contention. To model contention we use our recently-proposed analytical framework which is applicable to any multi-hop wireless network. Then, we take into consideration the special characteristics of mobile opportunistic networks and compute the delays for four representative routing schemes for these networks. Finally, we use these delay expressions to answer practical questions in the context of designing more efficient routing schemes for mobile opportunistic networks.
Blocked LU Factorization on a Multiprocessor Computer

: This paper presents implementations of new methods solving LU factorization used in engineering applications. The implementations are done on the Alliant FX/80 mini supercomputer and use Level 3 Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms. Three ways of expressing the LU factorization in terms of blocked algorithms are considered. The performance of the blocked algorithms, using the parallel vector facilities, are compared with a no block algorithm using only subprograms of level I and 2 BLAS.
Broad-spectrum in vitro antibacterial activities of clay minerals against antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens

Objectives: The capacity to properly address the worldwide incidence of infectious diseases lies in the ability to detect, prevent and effectively treat these infections. Therefore, identifying and analysing inhibitory agents are worthwhile endeavours in an era when few new classes of effective antimicrobials have been developed. The use of geological nanomaterials to heal skin infections has been evident since the earliest recorded history, and specific clay minerals may prove valuable in the treatment of bacterial diseases, including infections for which there are no effective antibiotics, such as Buruli ulcer and multidrug-resistant infections. Methods: We have subjected two iron-rich clay minerals, which have previously been used to treat Buruli ulcer patients, to broth culture testing of antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria to assess the feasibility of using clay minerals as therapeutic agents. Results: One specific mineral, CsAg02, demonstrated bactericidal activity against pathogenic Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium marinum, and a combined bacteriostatic/bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus, penicillin-resistant S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Mycobacterium smegmatis, whereas another mineral with similar structure and bulk crystal chemistry, CsAr02, had no effect on or enhanced bacterial growth. The <0.2 mm fraction of CsAg02 and CsAg02 heated to 200 or 5508C retained bactericidal activity, whereas cation-exchanged CsAg02 and CsAg02 heated to 9008 Cn o longer killedE. coli. Conclusions: Our results indicate that specific mineral products have intrinsic, heat-stable antibacterial properties, which could provide an inexpensive treatment against numerous human bacterial infections.
Image denoising via wavelet-domain spatially adaptive FIR Wiener filtering

Wavelet domain denoising has recently attracted much attention, mostly in conjunction with the coefficient-wise wavelet shrinkage proposed by Donoho (see IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol.41, no.3, p.613-27, May 1995). While shrinkage is asymptotically minimax-optimal, in many image processing applications a mean-squares solution is preferable. Most MMSE solutions that have appeared so far are based on an uncorrelated signal model in the wavelet domain, resulting in scalar (pixel-wise) operations. However, the coefficient clustering often observed in the wavelet domain indicates that coefficients are not independent. Especially in the case of undecimated discrete wavelet transform (UDWT), both the signal and noise components are non-white, thus motivating a more powerful model. This paper proposes a simple yet powerful extension to the pixel-wise MMSE wavelet denoising. Using an exponential decay model for autocorrelations, we present a parametric solution for FIR Wiener filtering in the wavelet domain. This solution takes into account the colored nature of signal and noise in UDWT, and is adaptively trained via a simple context model. The resulting Wiener filter offers impressive denoising performance at modest computational complexity.
Rehabilitation forestry and carbon market access onhigh-graded northern hardwood forests

Decades of heavy-cutting and high-grading in the northeastern United States provide an opportunity for rehabilitation and increased carbon stores, yet few studies have examined the feasibility of using carbon markets to restore high-graded forests. We evaluated the effectiveness of rehabilitation on 391 ha of high-graded forest in Vermont, USA. Thirteen silvicultural scenarios were modeled over 100 years using the Forest Vegetation Simulator. Carbon offsets were quantified with the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) and American Carbon Registry (ACR) protocols and evaluated under voluntary and regulatory carbon price assumptions. Results indicate that management scenarios involving no harvest or low-intensity harvest yield the greatest incentives, yet these scenarios include a range of short-term rehabilitation options that provide flexibility for landowners. The choice of protocol also significantly influences results. Although ACR consistently generated more offsets than CAR for the same scenarios (p < 0.05),...
Short-Range Prediction in Isentropic Coordinates with Filtered and Unfiltered Numerical Models

Abstract Two limited-area prediction models in isentropic coordinates, one based on potential vorticity conservation and one using the primitive equations of motion, are tested on 50 synoptic cases chosen from winter and spring of 1972/73. Both models disregard diabatic processes, but incorporate variable terrain height. Numerical instabilities caused by overturning or entwining coordinate surfaces appear to be no problem in this approach, and the gravitational noise generated at the lower boundary in the primitive equation model is shown to remain well within acceptable limits. Skill scores based on displacement errors of surface cyclones and on correlations between predicted and observed sea-level pressure gradients indicate that neither model at this stage can compete with the six-level hemispheric model used by the National Weather Service. Of the two isentropic models, the one using primitive equations shows better skill than the potential vorticity model.
Rapid elicitation of salt appetite by an intravenous infusion of angiotensin II in rats

A role for the renal renin-angiotensin system in the direct stimulation of salt appetite in the rat remains controversial because attempts to elicit the behavior by intravenous administration of angiotensin II (ANG II) have been unconvincing. We recently demonstrated that depletion-induced salt appetite was attenuated by selective blockade of peripheral ANG II synthesis with an intravenous dose of converting enzyme inhibitor [captopril (Cap)] that does not block the synthesis of ANG II inside the blood brain barrier. We now show that intravenous ANG II at 30 ng/min rapidly reestablishes salt appetite in Cap-blocked rats. The mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) of unblocked, sodium-depleted rats was normal, but Cap-blocked, depleted rats had low MAP. An intravenous infusion of ANG II in Cap-blocked rats brought MAP into the normal range and elicited water and salt drinking within 90 min. Phenylephrine also normalized MAP but failed to elicit fluid intake in Cap-blocked, sodium-deficient rats. Sodium and water balances tended to be more positive during ANG II than during phenylephrine infusions. Thus circulating ANG II may stimulate both thirst and salt appetite by a direct action on the brain and not by causing natriuresis or by raising the blood pressure.
Knockout of Foxp2 disrupts vocal development in mice.

The FOXP2 gene is important for the development of proper speech motor control in humans. However, the role of the gene in general vocal behavior in other mammals, including mice, is unclear. Here, we track the vocal development of Foxp2 heterozygous knockout (Foxp2+/−) mice and their wildtype (WT) littermates from juvenile to adult ages, and observe severe abnormalities in the courtship song of Foxp2+/− mice. In comparison to their WT littermates, Foxp2+/− mice vocalized less, produced shorter syllable sequences, and possessed an abnormal syllable inventory. In addition, Foxp2+/− song also exhibited irregular rhythmic structure, and its development did not follow the consistent trajectories observed in WT vocalizations. These results demonstrate that the Foxp2 gene is critical for normal vocal behavior in juvenile and adult mice, and that Foxp2 mutant mice may provide a tractable model system for the study of the gene’s role in general vocal motor control.
Silver Stain for Ringed Sideroblasts: A Sensitive Method that Differs from Perls' Reaction in Mechanism and Clinical Application

A modified silver stain is described for the demonstration of ringed sideroblasts in bone marrow. It is more sensitive than Perls' reaction for that purpose, especially when iron stores of marrow are low or absent. Ringed sideroblasts may still be demonstrable by silver stain in cases of sideroblastic anemia without ringed sideroblasts, for which severe iron deficiency prevents detection of the abnormal sideroblasts by Perls' reaction. As iron has been reported to be present in mitochondria of ringed sideroblasts in the form of ferric phosphate, it is possible that the silver stain demonstrates the phosphate moiety and not the iron, thus explaining its greater sensitivity in iron deficiency as compared to Perls' reaction. Further study is necessary to confirm the staining mechanism, to elucidate the composition of iron deposits, and to explain the pathophysiology of sideroblastic anemia.
Temperature-Dependent Regioselectivity of Nucleophilic Aromatic Photosubstitution. Evidence That Activation Energy Controls Reactivity

Irradiation (λ > 330 nm) of 2-chloro-4-nitroanisole (1) at 25 °C in aqueous NaOH forms three substitution photoproducts: 2-methoxy-5-nitrophenol (2), 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol (3), and 3-chloro-4-methoxyphenol (4), in chemical yields of 69.2%, 14.3%, and 16.5%. The activation energies for the elementary steps from the triplet state at 25 °C were determined to be 1.8, 2.4, and 2.7 kcal/mol, respectively. The chemical yields of each of the three products were determined for exhaustive irradiations at 0, 35, and 70 °C. The variation with temperature of the experimental yields is reproduced almost exactly by the yields calculated with the Arrhenius equation. This indicates that activation energy is the fundamental property related to regioselectivity in nucleophilic aromatic photosubstitution of the SN2 Ar* type. The many methods proposed for predicting regioselectivity in reactions of this type have had limited success and have not been related to activation energy.
Epidemiological Investigation on Acute Pesticide Poisoning in Jiangyin City during 2001—2008

[Objective]To understand the regularity,features and extent of pesticide poisoning ,and to conduct pesticide poisoning prevention and control well in rural areas.[Methods]Report cards and individual questionnaire of pesticide poisoning in Jiangyin City during 2001—2008 were categorized and analyzed in terms of year,gender,age and toxic species.[Results]Totally 888 cases of acute pesticide poisoning were reported during 2001—2008,the mortality was 5.29%. Among which 141 cases were productively poisoned,without death case;747 were non-productively poisoned,with 47 death cases,the mortality was 6.29%. Most cases concentrated in 30~39 age group (227 cases,occupying 25.56%) and 40~49 age group (187 cases,occupying 21.06%). Male cases to female cases was 1:1.37. Methamidophos caused most cases (527 cases,occupying 59.35%).[Conclusion]The main cause for pesticide poisoning is non-productive poisoning,most cases are young women. Pesticide poisoning were mainly caused by organophosphorus pesticide.
Search strategies for optimal multi-way number partitioning

The number partitioning problem seeks to divide a set of n numbers across k distinct subsets so as to minimize the sum of the largest partition. In this work, we develop a new optimal algorithm for multi-way number partitioning. A critical observation motivating our methodology is that a globally optimal k-way partition may be recursively constructed by obtaining suboptimal solutions to subproblems of size k - 1. We introduce a new principle of optimality that provides necessary and sufficient conditions for this construction, and use it to strengthen the relationship between sequential decompositions by enforcing upper and lower bounds on intermediate solutions. We also demonstrate how to further prune unpromising partial assignments by detecting and eliminating dominated solutions. Our approach outperforms the previous state-of-the-art by up to four orders of magnitude, reducing average runtime on the largest benchmarks from several hours to less than a second.