cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the arterial input function using a non-invasive wrist scanner

556 Objectives: The purpose of this study is to validate a wrist scanner which will eliminate the need for invasive sampling of arterial blood to determine an input function (a measure of radioactivity in blood as a function of time). Use of this device will minimize the discomfort to the patient and risk to medical personnel. Methods: The prototype is a compact 4 detector block system. Each block consists of a 4×8 array of 32 2×2×15mm3 LSO crystals and Avalanche Photodiodes. Efficiency, spatial resolution and temporal response of the system were measured using an anatomically correct wrist phantom. High resolution planar images were generated to determine if the artery can be visually separated from the vein. MicroPET images of a human wrist were obtained to determine if activity in the surrounding tissue would cause an unacceptable loss of signal for the artery. The scanner was then used in a PET study, where a human subject was injected with 6.1mCi of 11C Raclopride. Focal plane reconstruction method was used to generate planar images and a time activity curve was derived. Results: Data from the phantom studies demonstrated that when a solution containing 2μCi/cc was passed through the tube representing the artery, an efficiency of 4cps/nCi/cc was obtained. The MicroPET images show that the arterial signal is significantly higher than the contribution from the surrounding tissue. This background was estimated to contribute about 12% to the total observed arterial activity determined by drawing ROIs on the wrist image. The input function from these ROIs matched well with the invasive samples. The human scan demonstrated the feasibility of using the scanner in a clinical setting. Human scans will continue to optimize the placement of the detectors, and to determining both the amount and best placement of shielding around the wrist scanner to reduce background counts. The image derived input function from the wrist scanner will be compared to the invasive samples. Conclusions: The wrist scanner will enable noninvasive measurement of the input function, thereby eliminating invasive blood sampling. The next prototype will have 8 detectors. Monte Carlo based simulations have shown that this will increase the sensitivity by a factor of 3.4. Research Support (if any): DOE DE-AC02-98CH10886
Checking for Dimensional Correctness in Physics Equations

One of the key components of an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) is the mechanism for reasoning about the student’s input. The impact of this component extends far beyond the presentation of the lesson material to the success of the system itself. It affects how precisely the system can pinpoint student errors and thus the subsequent help that the system provides. This paper describes an example of a class of physics problems whose answers are most naturally represented as systems of algebraic equations. Analyzing such input requires not only an understanding of algebra but also knowledge of physics concepts. This paper describes a technique for determining the dimensional consistency of algebraic equations in physics using constraint propagation. Unlike other methods, it does not depend on the user defining the dimensions of each variable. Instead, it uses a knowledge base of well known physics variables combined with constraint propagation to determine both the dimensions of values (variables and constants) and also the dimensional consistency of an equation. The technique has been successfully tested on answers obtained from a class of college level introductory physics students.
A new pulsar - supernova remnant association.

We report high-resolution VLA observations which have revealed a compact, highly-polarized, flat-spectrum radio nebula on the western periphery of the galactic supernova remnant G 5.4-1.2. We argue that this radio emission is powered by the 125 msec pulsar PSR 1758-24 and that the pulsar is physically associated with G 5.4-1.2. We interpret the peculiar morphology of G 5.4-1.2 in terms of the “rejuvenation” hypothesis of Shull et al. and make several testable predictions of this model.
Human haemoglobin A2. II. The chemistry of some peptides peculiar to haemoglobin A2.

Abstract In comparing the δ-peptide chains of human haemoglobin A 2 with the corresponding (β) peptide chains in haemoglobin A the following amino acid replacements have been found: alanine (δ) for glutamic acid (β), threonine for serine, asparagine for threonine and serine for threonine.
Ceramic Processing of Boron Nitride Insulators

Fuel pin simulators (FPS), an example of which is shown in Fig. 1, are the prime elements of several test facilities at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). These experimental facilities are used to conduct out-of-reactor thermal-hydraulic and mechanical interaction safety tests for both light-water and breeder reactor programs. The FPS units simulate the geometry, heat flux profiles, and operational capabilities of a reactor core element under steady-state and transient conditions. They are subjected to temperatures as high as 1600°C (2900°F) and power levels as high as 57.5 kW/m (17.5 kW/ft) as well as severe thermal stresses during transient tests.
Can’t We All Get Along? Public Officials’ Attitudes toward Regionalism as a Solution to Metropolitan Problems in a Rust Belt Community:

Although regionalism has been touted as a possible solution to metropolitan problems such as fiscal equity, economic development, education, poverty, and fair-share housing, it nonetheless is met with great resistance in many communities. Through a survey, this study examines attitudes of 38 public officials in a “rust belt” community toward regionalism as a solution to their community’s problems. Analysis of the results of the survey indicates a belief in the benefits of regionalism and a willingness to consolidate a number of services, with the exception of consolidated planning and education services. Findings also confirm that the two strongest obstacles to regionalism are fear of loss of autonomy and jurisdiction-centered self-interests, while a factor favoring regional cooperation is trust. The overall findings reflect the shift from a Fordist-Keynesian framework to a neoliberal perspective on regionalism.
Restoration of plant cover in subalpine forests disturbed by camping: success of transplanting.

Camping has severely impacted soil and vegetation in many natural areas. Effective techniques for restoring native vegetation are needed, particularly at high elevations. This study assessed the effectiveness of transplanting and restoration treatments designed to improve the physical, biological, and chemical properties of soils (scarification and amendments of organic matter, compost, and soil inoculum), and ameliorate microclimatic conditions (application of a biodegradable mulch mat) on six closed campsites in subalpine forests in Oregon. Most transplants (68%) were still alive seven years after transplanting. Mean area and height of surviving transplants increased 39% and 19%, respectively, over the seven years. Transplanting success varied among species. Graminoids survived most frequently, while tree species grew most rapidly. Only 45% of the shrub transplants survived and the canopy area of most survivors decreased. Shrubs constitute about 70% of the undisturbed groundcover. The soil amendments, particularly addition of compost and organic matter, increased the growth of transplants but had little effect on survivorship. Effects were most pronounced for graminoids and diminished after the fourth year of the experiment. The application of a biodegradable mulch mat had no effect. Transplanting locally collected plants is an effective means of accelerating the restoration of damaged campsites in these subalpine forests. However, the more elaborate treatments were only modestly successful in increasing transplanting success. They did not overcome the difficulty of restoring sustainable populations of the shrubs Vaccinium scoparium and Phyllodoce empetriformis.
Hecke operators and an identity for the dedekind sums

Abstract If h , k ∈ Z , k > 0, the Dedekind sum is given by s(h,k) = ∑ μ=1 k μ k hμ k , with ((x)) = x − [x] − 1 2 , x∉Z , =0 , x∈Z . The Hecke operators T n for the full modular group SL (2, Z ) are applied to log η(τ) to derive the identities ( n ∈ Z + ) ∑ ∑ s(ah+bk,dk) = σ(n)s(h,k) , ad=n b( mod d) d>0 where ( h , k ) = 1, k > 0 and σ ( n ) is the sum of the positive divisors of n . Petersson had earlier proved (∗) under the additional assumption k ≡ 0, h ≡ 1 (mod n ). Dedekind himself proved (∗) when n is prime.
Partons and Their Transverse Momenta in Quantum Chromodynamics

It is argued that the parton distribution function ${\mathcal{P}}_{\frac{a}{A}}(x,{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}}_{T};\ensuremath{\zeta})$ is well defined and useful in quantum chromodynamics. Here $\ensuremath{\zeta}=\frac{{(2{P}_{A}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}n)}^{2}}{(\ensuremath{-}{n}^{2})}$ arises as a variable because of the use of the axial gauge $n\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}A=0$. An approximation for ${\mathcal{P}}_{\frac{a}{A}}(x,{k}_{T};\ensuremath{\zeta})$ is given which is obtained from an approximate solution of the Bethe-Salpeter equation in the axial-gauge ladder model.
Impact of neutronics considerations on the selection of solid breeder and multiplier materials and configurations

A large number of solid breeder materials have been proposed for fusion blankets. A study was performed to quantitatively compare the effect of solid breeder (SB) material choice on blanket attractiveness and to recommend priorities for focusing the solid breeder experiments. This paper summarizes the results of the extensive neutronics analysis which evaluated the achievable tritium breeding ratio (TBR) and the power multiplication factor (M) as key parameters. The study considered ten solid breeder materials (e.g., Li2O, Li2SiO3, LiAlO2), six neutron multipliers (Be, BeO, Pb, PbO, PbBi and and Zr5Pb3) and two coolants (helium and water). These breeder and multiplier materials were considered in six different design configurations which included homogenized breeder/multiplier mixtures and a separate multiplier zones. The general conclusions which can be made from the TBR results are that: (1) Be exhibits the most superior performance among neutron multiplier (M) candidates; (2) Li2O is the most attractive solid breeder candidate, showing the highest TBR for the unmultiplied, separate multiplier and homogeneous SB/M cases; (3) Li2O is the only solid breeder with a plausible chance of performing satisfactorily without a multiplier; (4) the homogeneous SB/Be cases show exceptional TBR performance and should be considered in the test program, (5) multi-region solid breeder multiplier (SB/M) cases show still excellent TBR performance; and (6) the TBR with water coolant in all cases is 5–10% higher than with helium coolant. The power multiplication results tend to vary in accordance with the TBR results and thus reinforce the above conclusions. There are two notable exceptions; the first is the case of Li7Pb2, which, although showing a high effective TBR of 1.22, exhibits a rather low M of 1.18. The other exception is that changes in 6Li enrichment affect M only slightly in all cases. The overall M is actually decreased due to the decrease of the radiative capture reaction rate in the structure material used in the blanket utilizing highly enriched lithium.
Positions of Thorium and Uranium in the Periodic Table

ELEMENT 90 of the Periodic Table, thorium, ordinarily appears as the first element of the actinide series, appended below cerium at the bottom of Table 1. This construction gives the impression that thorium is the second member of a series starting with actinium in the scandium group, just as cerium is the second member of a series starting with lanthanum in the scandium group. From the point of view of alloying behaviour it is inconsistent to consider thorium as related to the scandium group. During the course of a continuing investigation into the alloying behaviour of scandium and titanium group elements with the platinum metals, it was noted that thorium behaves as if it were a member of the titanium group. Evidence is given in Table 1 in which the crystal structure of an intermetallic compound of composition AB 3 is identified in the usual manner by the prototype of the compound family. Crystal structure data pertaining to certain of these compounds have been published1, and for the remainder will be published shortly.
Wall vibrations induced by flow through simulated stenoses in models and arteries

Abstract The paper describes a series of model and in vivo experiments in which vessel-wall vibrations. due to flow through simulated arterial stenoses, are investigated. The model studies utilize various axisymmetric constrictions inserted into two different flexible tubes. The flow through the models is steady, with the Reynolds numbers Re, ranging from 400 to 5000. Wall vibration intensity, I, a measure of the wall vibration amplitude, is found to be described by: I = K( D d ) 4 (Re) 2.2 where the coefficient K is dependent in part upon tube wall properties, D is the unobstructed vessel diameter, and d is the lumen diameter of the stenosis. Frequency spectra of wall vibrations and the axial position of maximum vibration intensity are also described. The in vivo studies utilize similar constrictions inserted into canine femoral arteries, and a qualitatively similar relation between wall-vibration intensity and fluid-dynamic parameters was observed. The results of this study correlate closely with the hydrodynamics of a separated, axisymmetric, bounded jet.
Parathyroid biopsy to facilitate the preservation of functional parathyroid tissue during thyroidectomy

Background The preservation of viable parathyroid tissue, either by preserving parathyroid glands in situ with an intact blood supply or by autotransplantation, is an integral element of thyroid surgery. There is a general impression that nonviable parathyroid glands can be recognized on the basis of black or purple-black discoloration of the gland. We came to believe that this is not a reliable way to assess the viability of parathyroid glands because we observed that when we excised parathyroid glands (with the intention of reimplanting them) in situations where it was not feasible to preserve their blood supply, they did not become discolored. Methods To assess the status of the parathyroid blood supply, we performed incisional biopsies of suspected parathyroid glands during 14 consecutive thyroid operations (9 hemithyroidectomies, 1 completion thyroidectomy, 4 total thyroidectomies), and observed the biopsy site for evidence of active bleeding. Results Thirty-four of 36 possible parathyroid glands were histologically confirmed. Seventeen bled actively from the biopsy site and were preserved in situ. The other 17 were felt to be nonviable: 5 were severely discolored (black) and either no bleeding or minor venous oozing was seen when they were biopsied; 12 with normal coloration (3 were harvested prior to biopsy), did not bleed actively following an incisional biopsy. Parathyroid glands that were judged to be devascularized were autotransplanted into the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Conclusions The absence of discoloration is not a reliable way to determine whether the parathyroid blood supply is intact. Biopsy of the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery facilitates the identification of devascularized parathyroid glands that can be salvaged with autotransplantation. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 21: 442–446, 1999.
Power and bandwidth studies for W-band free-electron masers

Abstract Power and bandwidth studies for a high power W-band (≈94 GHz) FEM amplifier is presented for a helical wiggler/cylindrical waveguide configuration using 3D ARACHNE simulation code (H.P. Freund, T.M. Antonsen, Jr., Principles of Free-electron Lasers, 2nd edn., Chapman & Hall, London, 1996, Ch. 5). Using a 300 kV/20 A electron beam with a normalized emittance of 95 mm mrad, a 600 G wiggler field with a 0.88 cm period, and a strong guide field of 20 kG, efficiencies of greater than 8% are possible with a FWHM bandwidth of 4.5 GHz.
Classification of people walking and jogging/running using multimodal sensor signatures

In this paper, we address the issues involved in detecting and classifying people walking and jogging/running. When the people are walking, sensors observe the signals for a longer period compared to the case in which people are jogging. To identify fast-moving people, one must make the decision based on the few telltale signals generated by a person jogging: a higher impact of a foot on the ground, which can be monitored by seismic sensors; the panting noise observed through an acoustic sensor; or a higher Doppler from an ultrasonic sensor, to name few. First, we investigate the phenomenology associated with seismic signals generated by a person walking and jogging. Then, we analyze ultrasonic signatures to distinguish the characteristics associated with them. Finally, we develop the algorithms to detect and classify people walking and jogging. These algorithms are tested on data collected in an outdoor environment.
Spectral Asymptotic for the High-Dimensional Euler Top

In this paper, we compute the leading coefficient in the asymptotic expansion of the joint eigenvalues for the high-dimensional Euler Top. We also prove a central limit theorem for the same eigenvalues.
Skin Allograft Rejection Is Suppressed in Mice Lacking the Antiviral Enzyme, 2′,5′-Oligoadenylate-Dependent RNase L

The 2-5A/RNase L system is a regulated RNA decay pathway that mediates some of the antiviral and tumor suppressor activities of the interferons. Previously, we demonstrated that RNase L-null mice have increased susceptibility to viral infections and are partially deficient in induced and spontaneous apoptosis. To determine if RNase L functions in cellular, as well as innate, immunity, skin allograft rejection and contact hypersensitivity (CHS) experiments were performed in RNase L+/+ and RNase L-/- mice. Although no consistent alterations in CHS were found, we did observe a delay of 5 days in the acute rejection of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) disparate skin allografts in mice lacking RNase L. Accordingly, histologic examinations of the allografts harvested from RNase L-/- mice revealed a dramatic reduction in inflammatory infiltrates, suggesting a delay in T-cell priming or a deficiency in immune cell trafficking. Results consistent with a proinflammatory role for RNase L extend the kn...
A Traffic Engineering Model for Air Taxi Services

Abstract We propose a single-provider model for on-demand air taxi services. Data from a discrete-event model support a “flow model,” which describes the aggregate flow of passengers and aircraft for an air taxi service provider without specifying event-level operation. Using a set of hypothetical scenarios for air taxi network operation, we evaluate the accuracy of the flow model against the outputs of the discrete-event model. Finally, we illustrate how the flow model can be applied towards the optimal pricing of passenger fares for a single air taxi service provider.
Multifunctional optical waveguide chips

Based on polymeric materials, the possibilities of monolithic integration of various optical waveguide components are discussed and, especially, the efforts to realize the functions of optical modulation and amplification on a single optical chip are made. Exploration of more capabilities of optical waveguides is also emphasized. The work on exploring functions of optical waveguides for the applications in WDM components and photonic phased-array radar systems are presented and multifunctional optical waveguide chips with the explored functions are fabricated.
Glutathione: Is it an evolutionary vestige of the penicillins?

Abstract Glutathione is structurally similar to the precursor of the antibiotics found in the fungi of the genus Penicillium and Cephalosporium. The structural similarity is such to permit the rearrangement of glutathione to form the β-lactam ring, common to many antibiotics. The possibility exists that glutatione may have evolved away from an antibiotic role in cells with the evolutionary development of specialized cells of immune systems.
On the origin of the enlarged melodic octave.

The perceptual octave is larger than the physical octave, i.e., most listeners perceive that two tones are an octave apart when their frequency ratio is greater than 2. This result is known as the octave enlargement effect. There are two theories for the effect, one of them a central template theory, the other a peripheral timing theory. In principle, it is possible to determine which theory is better by discovering whether or not octave enlargement occurs for centrally generated dichotic pitches such as the Huggins pitch. Experiments show that octave enlargement does indeed occur for Huggins pitch. This is the result predicted by the central template theory, but it can be argued that the result does not entirely eliminate the timing theory. A detailed examination of the two theories shows that each requires revision in order to make the octave enlargement prediction follow logically from its premises. The central template theory requires the auditory system to differentiate excitation caused by different...
Valence-Band Photoemission in La and Pr: Connections with the Ce Problem

Energy distribution curves from La and Pr were taken from 32 to 80 eV photon energies. Above 50 eV the valence-band photoemission in La is very weak, implying that previous studies of Ce have underemphasized the $4f$ contributions. Pr exhibits two peaks attributable to $4f$ electrons, similar to the structures in Ce.
Spider-Ant Associations: An Updated Review of Myrmecomorphy, Myrmecophily, and Myrmecophagy in Spiders

This paper provides a summary of the extensive theoretical and empirical work that has been carried out in recent years testing the adaptational significance of various spider-ant associations. Hundreds of species of spiders have evolved close relationships with ants and can be classified as myrmecomorphs, myrmecophiles, or myrmecophages. Myrmecomorphs are Batesian mimics. Their close morphological and behavioral resemblance to ants confers strong survival advantages against visually hunting predators. Some species of spiders have become integrated into the ant society as myrmecophiles or symbionts. These spider myrmecophiles gain protection against their own predators, live in an environment with a stable climate, and are typically surrounded by abundant food resources. The adaptations by which this integration is made possible are poorly known, although it is hypothesized that most spider myrmecophiles are chemical mimics and some are even phoretic on their hosts. The third type of spider-ant association discussed is myrmecophagy—or predatory specialization on ants. A table of known spider myrmecophages is provided as is information on their biology and hunting strategies. Myrmecophagy provides these predators with an essentially unlimited food supply and may even confer other protections to the spiders.
α-Glycerophosphate Dehydrogenase Response to Thyroxine in Thyroidectomized, Thiouracil-Fed and Temperature-Adapted Rats

The large increase in liver and kidney α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) activity following the administration of thyroxine (T4) was used as a tool for the study of a variety of problems in thyroid metabolism. Changes in liver and kidney GPD paralleled the changes in metabolic rate and liver slice QO2) but the magnitude of the alteration in enzyme activity was much greater and more sensitive. The GPD activity in liver and kidney increased in proportion to the amount of T4 administered, and a determination of such dose-response curves under a variety of experimental conditions showed that thyroidectomized rats were more sensitive to T4 than were intact rats. Similarly, rats maintained at an environmental temperature of 5 C were more sensitive to T4 than were rats kept at room temperature (23 C), and the latter were more sensitive than those kept at 35 C. The endogenous secretion of thyroxinelike activity by the normal euthyroid was estimated by this enzyme procedure to be approximately 1 μg L-T4/100 g...
Transcription initiation and a RNA polymerase binding site upstream of the purE gene of the Archaebacterium Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum strain ΔH

DNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RNAP) purified from the thermophilic archaebacterium Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum strain ΔH has been shown to bind specifically to DNA in the intergenic region upstream of the purE gene cloned from this species. The RNAP binding site has been limited to a 41 bp region of DNA which contains the Box A archaebacterial promoter sequence, 5′ATTAAATA. Transcription of the purE gene appears to initiate in vivo at three locations 20–22 bp downstream of the Box A sequence and 27–29 bp upstream of the ATG translation initiation codon of the purE gene.
Marginal cost-based pricing of wheeling transactions and independent power producers considering security constraints

Various proposed pricing policies for wheeling transactions and independent power producers under open transmission access do not compensate, in a direct manner, parties who participate in maintaining network security and provide the system reactive power requirements. Within this paper, a pricing structure that provides such compensation, based on physically meaningful price components, is developed. Prices determined by the proposed method reflect the cost of incurred losses and those of satisfying network security constraints. The effects of security constraint specifications on price calculations is investigated. Results are presented for the IEEE 6- and 30-bus test systems.
In vivo gene delivery of XIAP protects against myocardial apoptosis and infarction following ischemia/reperfusion in conscious rabbits

Abstract Aims We tested the hypothesis that an in vivo gene delivery of the pro-survival protein XIAP (X-chromosome linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein) protects against myocardial apoptosis and infarction following ischemia/reperfusion. Main methods Nineteen rabbits were chronically instrumented with a hydraulic occluder placed around the circumflex coronary artery. Adenovirus harboring XIAP (Ad.XIAP; 1 × 1010 pfu/ml) or β-galactosidase (5 × 109 pfu/ml), as a control, was constructed and transfected into the heart using a catheter placed into the left ventricle accompanied by cross-clamping. 1–2 weeks after gene delivery, myocardial ischemia was induced by a 30-min occlusion followed by reperfusion for four days. Protein expression was determined by Western blot and apoptosis (% of myocytes) was quantified by TUNEL staining. Key findings Myocardial infarct size, expressed as a fraction of the area at risk, was reduced in Ad.XIAP (n = 5) compared to control (n = 7) rabbits (21 ± 3% vs. 30 ± 2%, p Significance The current findings demonstrate that overexpression of XIAP via in vivo delivery in an adenovirus can reduce both myocardial apoptosis and infarction following ischemia/reperfusion, at least in part, due to the ability of XIAP to inhibit caspase-3. These findings confirm previous work suggesting a link between myocardial apoptosis and infarction i.e., anti-apoptotic therapy was effective in reducing myocardial infarct size.
Descartes and the cylindrical helix

Abstracts In correspondence with Mersenne in 1629, Descartes discusses a construction involving a cylinder and what Descartes calls a “helice.” Mancosu has argued that by “helice” Descartes was referring to a cylindrical helix. The editors of Mersenne’s correspondence (Vol. II), and Henk Bos, have independently argued that, on the contrary, by “helice” Descartes was referring to the Archimedean spiral. We argue that identifying the helice with the cylindrical helix makes better sense of the text. In the process we take a careful look at constructions of the cylindrical helix available to Descartes and relate them to his criteria for excluding mechanical curves from geometry.
Oxidants and Ca+2 induce PGC-1α degradation through calpain

Peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a transcriptional coactivator known to mediate mitochondrial biogenesis. Whereas PGC-1α transcription is regulated by a variety of signaling cascades, the mechanisms of PGC-1α degradation have received less investigation. Thus, we investigated the mechanisms responsible for PGC-1α degradation in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC). Amino acid sequence analysis of the PGC-1α protein revealed three PEST sequence-rich regions, predictive of proteolysis by calpains and/or the proteasome. Under basal conditions, treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide resulted in rapid degradation of PGC-1α (t1/2 = 38 min), which was blocked by the proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin, but not the calpain inhibitor calpeptin. Oxidant exposure resulted in the degradation of both endogenous and adenovirally over-expressed PGC-1α, which was inhibited by calpeptin but not epoxomicin. Thapsigargin-induced release of ER Ca2+ also stimulated calpain-dependent, epoxomicin-independent degradation of PGC-1α. Finally, Ca2+ addition to lysates of RPTC over-expressing PGC-1α resulted in calpeptin-sensitive, epoxomicin-insensitive degradation of PGC-1α. In summary, we suggest two distinct mechanisms regulate PGC-1α: basal PGC-1α turnover by proteasome degradation and oxidant- and Ca2+-mediated PGC-1α degradation through calpain.
A computer-aided VLSI layout system

The VLSI layout system is suggested as a practical approach for solving large and complex problems introduced by today's VLSI technology. Computer-based design aids are introduced which are utilized to effectively reduce design time and to increase product quality. A hierarchical description of VLSI circuits is utilized to partition the problem into manageable tasks. Each phase of the VLSI chip design cycle is discussed with special emphasis on layout techniques. The hierarchical VLSI layout system is applicable to the design of "semicustom" or master-slice VLSI circuits. The placement and placement optimization portions of the proposed system have been implemented. Routing and routing optimization techniques are currently being developed.
Effect of Electrolytes on Arterial Muscle Contraction

The effect of specific electrolyte changes and of desoxycorticosterone on the responsiveness of vascular smooth muscle to epinephrine was studied using rabbit aortic strips. Low sodium increases, while high sodium decreases the epinephrine response. Conversely, low potassium decreases, while high potassium increases the epinephrine response. Desoxycorticosterone potentiates the epinephrine response in a manner qualitatively similar to that of high potassium, but different from that of low sodium potentiation.
Obscure But Important Hiatuses in Stratigraphic Columns: ABSTRACT

The thesis is advanced that virtually all stratigraphic columns exposed on land and penetrated in wells, including those of continental-shelf areas, contain hiatuses of varied nature, the aggregate geologic-time value of which may exceed that of the rock or unconsolidated sediment in the columns. Obscurity of the hiatuses--difficulty in recognizing them--is related mainly to objective features but certainly does not exclude subjective factors. Importance is judged by the amount of continuous time represented by the gaps and by their value in indicating causes for the hiatuses as well as their significance for determining basic principles that apply to time-stratigraphic classification. End_Page 627------------------------------ Briefly analyzed examples call attention to physical and biological aspects of obscure and even problematical breaks in selected areas at or near boundaries of (1) the Permian and Triassic, (2) the Cretaceous and Paleocene, (3) the Silurian and Devonian, (4) the Devonian and Mississippian, and (5) the Pennsylvanian and Permian; and of minor stratigraphic divisions on (6) the flanks of the Nashville dome and (7) on the northern Mid-Continent stable platform. It is concluded that the obscurity of hiatuses is unrelated to their importance and that pulsatory, more or less localized, differential crustal subsidence furnishes the main control for sedimentary accumulations and the "breaks" within them. End_of_Article - Last_Page 628------------
Model for tramformations of the clathrin lattice in the coated vesicle pathway

Transport of receptors by the coated vesicle pathway entails assembly of clathrin triskelions into a lattice in conjunction with receptors in a membrane. The processes by which the receptors are concentrated, the lattice is assembled, transformed into a cage during vesiculation, and subsequently removed from pinched off vesicles are not understood in regard to mechanism, energetics or control. Tubulin and actin assembly are looked to for analogies applicable to clathrin. The present model supposes that clathrin assembly is energy linked and can be described by kinetic equations of the same general form as those for treadmilling in linear polymers. The coat lattice assembles in a steady state involving the degradation of a high energy form of the clathrin triskelions. Diffuse endocytosis receptors are assumed to be associated with individual triskelions and to be able to trigger clustering and coated pit formation by influencing the assembly kinetics of the bound triskelions. A generalization of the treadmilling scheme is proposed by which the kinetic parameters associated with clathrin polymerization can shift simultaneously for an entire lattice to favor alternatively net assembly or disassembly. This shift is effected by a coordinated conversion of the lattice bound receptors. The conversion of the receptors in turn depends on some global property of the membrane compartments (arguably pH, calcium concentration or transmembrane voltage) which is likely to change as a consequence of vesiculation. Thereby, lattice disassembly can be coordinated with the topological conversion from coated pit to coated vesicle.
Semiconductor terahertz detectors and absorption enhancement using plasmons

As novel applications using terahertz radiation are developed, there is an increased demand for sensitive terahertz detectors. This has led to new approaches for enhancing the response of terahertz detectors. Results were recently reported on the terahertz response of a p-type AlGaAs/GaAs, n-type GaAs/AlGaAs, n-type GaN/AlGaN, and p-type GaSb/GaSb Interfacial Workfunction Internal Photoemission detectors. The use of surface plasmon coupling due to metal grids is one approach discussed here to enhance the performance of these terahertz detectors. Due to the greatly enhanced near fields of the plasmons, the absorption would be increased leading to improved detectors. Results are presented on the enhancement of absorption by plasmon effects in a thin film coupled with a metal grid.
The role of divacancies in void swelling

The effect of divacancies on the growth kinetics of dislocation loops and voids has been investigated by incorporating into the rate equations the reactions of vacancy association, divacancy dissociation, divacancy-interstitial interaction, and divacancy loss to unsaturable sinks. Based on the available defect parameters for fcc metals, it was found that the general role of divacancies in diffusion processes is most important in Al and Ni, moderately important in Cu and Ag, and not important in Au. Since the previous analysis was based on the parameters of monovacancies and divacancies from available self-diffusion data, it is worthwhile to examine the sensitivity of the divacancy role in void swelling under irradiation by varying divacancy parameters, such as the binding energy of divacancy, and the preference factor of dislocation for divacancies. The defect generation rate, G, was taken as a constant for both monovacancies and interstitials, and zero for divacancies in the previous paper which is the case for an electron irradiation situation. During neutron or heavy-ion irradiation, displacement damage cascades may produce an appreciable population of divacancies. Therefore, the effect on void swelling of the divacancy source from depleted zones created by displacement cascades is investigated.
General-purpose kinetic global modeling framework for multi-phase chemistry

Spatially averaged (global) models are ubiquitous in plasma science, and the required data and equations are conceptually very similar for most applications. Unfortunately, it is common practice to implement a custom-developed software for each new global model; this unnecessary duplication of efforts negatively affects quality control and code maintenance. We present a general purpose kinetic global modeling framework (KGMf) designed to support plasma scientists in all modeling phases: collection and analysis of the reaction data, automatic construction of a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), time evolution of the system, and dynamical optimization of some target function. Alongside the description of the software, we present a few example tutorials.
Trehalose differentially inhibits aggregation and neurotoxicity of beta-amyloid 40 and 42.

A key event in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis is the conversion of the peptide beta-amyloid (Aβ) from its soluble monomeric form into various aggregated morphologies in the brain. Preventing aggregation of Aβ is being actively pursued as a primary therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Trehalose, a simple disaccharide, has been shown to be effective in preventing the deactivation of numerous proteins and in protecting cells against stress. Here, we show that trehalose is also effective in inhibiting aggregation of Aβ and reducing its cytotoxicity, although it shows differential effects toward Aβ40 and Aβ42. When co-incubated with Aβ40, trehalose inhibits formation of both fibrillar and oligomeric morphologies as determined by fluorescence staining and atomic force microscopy (AFM). However, when co-incubated with Aβ42, trehalose inhibits formation only of the fibrillar morphology, with significant oligomeric formation still present. When aggregated mixtures were incubated with SH-SY5Y cells, trehalose was shown to reduce the toxicity of Aβ40 mixtures, but not Aβ42. These results provide additional evidence that aggregation of Aβ into soluble oligomeric forms is a pathological step in AD and that Aβ42 in particular is more susceptible to forming these toxic oligomers than Aβ40. These results also suggest that the use of trehalose, a highly soluble, low-priced sugar, as part of a potential therapeutic cocktail to control Aβ peptide aggregation and toxicity warrants further study.
Analytic Models of Planetary Atmospheres: Occultation Transform Pairs

Abstract The occultation technique for the study of planetary atmospheres has been proven to be effective. Two integrals that are related to an Abel transform pair describe the fundamental connection between the vertical structure of atomspheric refractivity and its occultation signature. There has not been even one example of an exact analytic pair of solutions of these integrals for use as an aid to technique development and basic understanding of the occultation problem. Several exact pairs are developed here, where a different one of each pair is a simple power law and the other is a series of power-law terms. A method is outlined for representing characteristic atmospheric vertical structures and occultation signatures by superposition, and aspects of the results on exact pairs and on superposition are verified by comparison with known solutions for a gravitational lens.
Frequency evolution of radiatively assisted collisions of K Rydberg atoms.

Ramsey interference fringes are observed in the line shape of resonant Rydberg-atom--Rydberg-atom collisions occurring in the presence of a radiation field of frequency comparable to the inverse of the collision time. At low frequencies the fringes are phase dependent, but at high frequencies they are not. We present a theoretical interpretation based on a quasistatic field description which connects the low- and high-frequency regimes. In the high-frequency regime, this model gives results equivalent to those obtained using a ``dressed-atom'' approach.
What is computing?: bridging the gap between teenagers' perceptions and graduate students' experiences

Studies show that teenagers perceive computing to be boring, antisocial, and irrelevant to their lives. We interviewed 13 teenagers from local Atlanta schools and observed over 40 teenagers in after-school technology programs to learn more about their perceptions of computing. We then interviewed 22 graduate students in the Human-Centered Computing and Human-Computer Interaction programs at Georgia Tech in order to learn about the factors that motivated them to pursue degrees in computing. We found that teenagers perceived computing to be boring, solitary, and lacking real-world context, yet graduate students described their research as exciting, social, and having a direct and meaningful impact on the world around them. Our results suggest that there is an opportunity to increase interest in computing among teenagers by bridging the gap between their perceptions of computing and the actual opportunities that are offered in computing disciplines. In this paper, we first describe our interview results. We then discuss our findings and propose a design-based curriculum to teach teenagers core computing principles. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare and motivate them for careers in today's expanding, Internet-based, global economy. We suggest that by portraying computing as an innovative, creative, and challenging field with authentic, real-world applications, we may be able to motivate teenagers to become more excited to pursue careers in computing.
Knowledge, Technology, and Research in Cataloging

SUMMARY Uncertainty over the future of cataloging and the gap between cataloging research and practice exist partially because of the rapid change in technology over this century. The role of technology is explored in its relation to cataloging knowledge and research. The history of technology in cataloging is examined: a conventional view of cataloging practice is followed by a critical review of impacts of technology on cataloging theories. Recommendations are made on some issues of cataloging research and the directions cataloging researchers and practitioners should take.
Liquid Bridges Between Balls: The Small Volume Instability

Stability for a liquid bridge between two solid balls is studied by cutting and scaling pieces of a standardized family of Delaunay surfaces. This theoretical framework is used to analyze the problem numerically.
Analytical techniques for the separation and SEM identification of heavy minerals in mudrocks

Heavy-mineral investigations must be preceded by effective heavy-mineral separation, identification, and determination of mineral compositions. Provenance determinations by heavy-mineral variations and direct measurement of the control of trace elements by heavy minerals in mudrocks has not been possible because of the difficulties in separating heavy minerals from the obscuring mass of the clay matrix. The technique to separate, identify, and determine the variability of heavy minerals in mudrocks presented here is nondestructive and works well with mudrocks of variable induration and maturation from mudstones to shales. This methodology uses lithium metatungstate for heavy-liquid separations of bulk samples and a combination of optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for identification and quantification of heavy-mineral proportions.
Information divergence measure for ISAR image registration

Entropy-based divergence measures have shown promising results in many areas of engineering and image processing. In this paper, a new generalized divergence measure, divergence, is proposed. Some properties such as convexity and its upper bound are derived. Based on the Jensen-Renyi divergence, we propose a new approach to the problem of ISAR (Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar) image registration. The goal is to estimate the target motion during the imaging time. Our approach applies Jensen-Renyi divergence to measure the statistical dependence between consecutive ISAR image frames, which would be maximal if the images are geometrically aligned. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method is efficient and effective.
A comparison of three mechanical models for cold roll bonding metal laminates

Laminate metal composites are often made through cold roll bonding two or more independent sheets to establish a strong, metallic bond between the metal layers without the incorporation of any liquid phase during subsequent annealing. During the bonding process, it is important to understand the nature of the bond formation within the roll bite, which additionally requires an in-depth understanding of the distribution of stresses and strains within the materials and their resulting deformation behavior. Until this understanding is developed, the design of roll bonding processes will continue to be trial and error and will remain problematic. In this paper, three recent roll bonding models are evaluated and recommendations are made for improving the validity and accuracy of the models, particularly the necessity for the incorporation of bonding criteria along with the mechanics of roll bonding.
Alternatives to merger—Joint ventures and other strategies

Abstract Mergers are plagued by organizational upheaval, enormous costs, ‘poison pills’, high turnover and a variety of other ills. Despite these problems, merger activity is increasing. Corporate executives pursue merger as a means to grow, improve profitability, reduce dependence on one industry, invest excess cash and improve the management of acquired companies. This article suggests alternative strategies that accomplish these objectives without the repercussions that accompany merger activity.
Type a behavior pattern and coronary heart disease in men and women.

Abstract In the United States, the risk of coronary heart disease is twice as great in men as in women. Men's excess vulnerability may be due in part to hormonal factors, but cultural factors appear to play a very important role. In the U.S. men smoke more than women and more often develop the hard-driving Type A Behavior Pattern, and these behavioral differences are major causes of men's higher rates of coronary heart disease. These sex differences in behaviour are strongly influenced by culture and socialization. Sex differences in socialization might be expected for the Type A behavior pattern, since this behavior pattern appears to contribute significantly to success in traditional male roles, but not to success in traditional female roles.
Microprocessors In Spectroscopic Applications Of Imaging Devices: Data Manipulation

The Optical Multichannel Analyzer (OMA 2 ) utilizes a microprocessor for detector control and for data acquisition; the same microprocessor is also used for data manipulation. This paper reviews the processing necessary to transform numbers aathered with a typical system into useful data which describe the optical source. Emphasis is on the data manipulation rather then experimental techniques. OMA 2 is a registered trademark of EG&G Princeton Applied Research Corporation. (EG&G PARC)© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
"Putting in Your Time": Faculty Experiences in the Process of Promotion to Professor.

The rank of professor or “full” professor represents the highest status possible for faculty members, and it is generally gained by attaining professional expertise and a national or international reputation. Beyond this, however, little is known about these individuals or the promotion process at this level. In this qualitative study of 10 faculty members at one research university in the United States, we sought to understand the experiences of individuals who had sought promotion to full professor. Through a socialization lens, we found that issues of time, a lack of clarity, and gender disparity were concerns for these faculty members.