cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and their association with fusiform rust gall development

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNAs that can have large-scale regulatory effects on development and on stress responses in plants. The endemic rust fungus Cronartium quercuum f. sp. fusiforme causes fusiform rust disease in pines, resulting in the development of spindle-shaped galls (cankers) on branches or stems. This disease is the most destructive disease of pines in the southern USA. To test whether miRNAs play roles in fusiform rust gall development, we cloned and identified 26 miRNAs from stem xylem of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), which belong to four conserved and seven loblolly pine-specific miRNA families. Forty-three targets for nine of these 11 families were experimentally validated in vivo. Sequence analysis suggested that the target cleavage site may be determined not only by the miRNA sequence but also by the target sequence. Members of three loblolly pine-specific miRNA families target a large number of non-protein coding transcripts, and one of these families could also initiate secondary phased production from its target of a putative trans-acting short interfering RNA (ta-siRNA). Expression of 10 of these 11 miRNA families was significantly repressed in the galled stem. PCR-based transcript quantification showed complex expression patterns of these miRNAs and their targets in the galled tissues and in tissues surrounding the gall. We further predict 82 plant disease-related transcripts that may also response to miRNA regulation in pine. These results reveal a new genetic basis for host-pathogen interactions in the development of fusiform rust gall.
THz thermal radiation enhancement using electromagnetic crystals

In this paper, a new idea on thermal radiation based THz source utilizing EM crystals (also known as electromagnetic band gap structures, or EBG) is introduced. Preliminary theoretical and experimental results are reported and give promising indications that carefully designed EM crystal thermal radiators may be useful in thermal imaging and identification applications and enable a new type of low cost and high performance THz source.
Realtime MPEG video via software decompression on a PA-RISC processor

This paper describes the first software implementation of an MPEG video decoder that runs at realtime rates of 30 frames per second, on a general purpose microprocessor. Previously, realtime MPEG decoding could only be achieved by using special-purpose MPEG or video chips, with "programmability" either nonexistent or limited to low-level firmware. In this paper, we describe how synergistic software and hardware optimizations allow us to implement realtime, high-fidelity MPEG video and audio decompression in a software video player written in C, running on a PA-RISC microprocessor in the entry-level HP712 workstations. The PA-7100LC microprocessor described here is a fully-compliant PA-RISC 1.1 general purpose processor with a few generic instructions added to speedup parallel arithmetic on subword (16-bit) data.
Binding of Anti-SSA Antibodies to Apoptotic Fetal Cardiocytes Stimulates Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA)/uPA Receptor-Dependent Activation of TGF-β and Potentiates Fibrosis

In congenital heart block (CHB), binding of maternal anti-SSA/Ro Abs to fetal apoptotic cardiocytes impairs their removal by healthy cardiocytes and increases urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)/uPA receptor (uPAR)-dependent plasmin activation. Because the uPA/uPAR system plays a role in TGF-β activation, we evaluated whether anti-Ro binding to apoptotic cardiocytes enhances plasmin-mediated activation of TGF-β, thereby promoting a profibrosing phenotype. Supernatants from cocultures of healthy cardiocytes and apoptotic cardiocytes bound by IgG from a mother whose child had CHB (apoptotic-CHB-IgG [apo-CHB-IgG]) exhibited significantly increased levels of active TGF-β compared with supernatants from cocultures of healthy cardiocytes and apoptotic cardiocytes preincubated with IgG from a healthy donor. Treatment of the culture medium with anti-TGF-β Ab or TGF-β inhibitor (SB431542) abrogated the luciferase response, thereby confirming TGF-β dependency. Increased uPA levels and activity were present in supernatants generated from cocultures of healthy cardiocytes and apo-CHB-IgG cardiocytes compared with healthy cardiocytes and apoptotic cardiocytes preincubated with IgG from a healthy donor, respectively. Treatment of apo-CHB-IgG cardiocytes with anti-uPAR or anti-uPA Abs or plasmin inhibitor aprotinin prior to coculturing with healthy cardiocytes attenuated TGF-β activation. Supernatants derived from cocultures of healthy cardiocytes and apo-CHB-IgG cardiocytes promoted Smad2 phosphorylation and fibroblast transdifferentiation, as evidenced by increased smooth muscle actin and collagen expression, which decreased when fibroblasts were treated with supernatants from cocultures pretreated with uPAR Abs. These data suggested that binding of anti-Ro Abs to apoptotic cardiocytes triggers TGF-β activation, by virtue of increasing uPAR-dependent uPA activity, thus initiating and amplifying a cascade of events that promotes myofibroblast transdifferentiation and scar.
Fuscumol and fuscumol acetate are general attractants for many species of cerambycid beetles in the subfamily Lamiinae

(E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-ol (fuscumol) is an important component of male-produced aggregation pheromones for several species of cerambycid beetles in the genus Tetropium (subfamily Aseminae ⁄ Spondylidinae). Here, we describe the experiments that tested the hypothesis that fuscumol and ⁄ or fuscumol acetate also are general attractants for species in the cerambycid subfamily Lamiinae. At field sites in northwestern Indiana and central Texas (USA), panel traps baited with fuscumol or its acetate captured 331 lamiine beetles, compared to 11 beetles captured in control traps. Three species were attracted to traps baited with fuscumol as a single component, whereas another four species were attracted to fuscumol acetate alone. Surprisingly, fuscumol acetate also attracted two species in the subfamily Cerambycinae: Xylotrechus colonus (Fabricius) (males of which produce a pheromone composed only of stereoisomers of 2,3-hexanediol and 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one), and Obrium maculatum (Olivier) (for which a pheromone has yet to be identified). In an independent field experiment in east-central Illinois (USA), traps baited with fuscumol and ⁄ or its acetate captured 136 beetles of eight lamiine species, all but one species of which were also captured in the other experiment. Blending fuscumol and its acetate did not inhibit responses of species to either of the individual compounds, but synergized their activity for one species. Our results support the hypothesis that fuscumol and fuscumol acetate are widespread pheromone components or attractants for a variety of cerambycid species, especially lamiines in the tribe Acanthocinini.
Efficacy of high-level disinfectants for reprocessing GI endoscopes in simulated-use testing ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Background: There has been recent public concern regarding the adequacy of current practices for flexible endoscope reprocessing. High-level disinfection is defined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a minimum of 6-log reduction of mycobacteria under a worst-case scenario. Several agents are currently approved by the FDA, but published data on their relative efficacies against mycobacteria are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of these agents for high-level disinfection. Methods: In simulated-use testing, video endoscopes (5 colonoscopes and 5 duodenoscopes) were each inoculated with 9.0 × 10 7 colony-forming units of Mycobacterium chelonae . Cleaning was performed by using a standardized protocol. Each endoscope was then subjected to chemical disinfection with Cidex (2.0% glutaraldehyde) at 20°C for 20 minutes, Sporox (7.5% hydrogen peroxide) at 20° for 30 minutes, and Steris 20 (0.2% peracetic acid) at 50°C to 56°C for 12 minutes using the Steris System 1 processor. Although not FDA-approved, tests were also conducted by using 70% isopropyl alcohol at 20°C for 20 minutes. These results were compared with disinfection with ethylene oxide gas. All channels were sampled for M chelonae before and after manual cleaning and after disinfection. Results: Cleaning alone resulted in an average log reduction of 3. Cidex, Sporox, Steris 20, ethylene oxide gas, and isopropyl alcohol, in combination with manual cleaning, each achieved a 6-log or greater reduction of the mycobacterial inoculum. No organisms were recovered from any channel after reprocessing with ethylene oxide and Steris 20. Conclusions: Commercially available high-level disinfectants are equally efficacious for reprocessing flexible GI endoscopes when used in conjunction with cleaning and in accordance with recommended guidelines.
Combined modality treatment with high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost for locally advanced prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose This is a retrospective review of our experience using high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy boost for prostate cancer. Methods and materials During the study period, we recommended external beam radiotherapy (45 Gy) and HDR boost (18 Gy in three fractions) combined with hormonal therapy (HT) for 2 months before and during radiotherapy to patients with at least one of the following risk features: pretreatment prostate-specific antigen >10, Gleason score (GS) ≥7, and clinical T3 disease. Additional HT for 2 years after radiotherapy was recommended for patients with GS >7. To patients whose risk of positive nodes exceeded 15%, we recommended whole pelvic radiotherapy. We administered HDR via single implant, and all fractions were given within 24 h. Results This report is based on our initial 64 patients treated with HDR boost. The median follow-up was 50 months (range 25–68 months). The 4-year estimates of overall and disease-free survival were 98% and 92%, respectively. One patient experienced late grade 4 gastrointestinal toxicity. Conclusions HDR brachytherapy is an effective means of delivering conformal prostate radiotherapy, and may be used with whole pelvic radiotherapy and HT.
Polyamines are necessary for synthesis and stability of occludin protein in intestinal epithelial cells

Occludin is an integral membrane protein that forms the sealing element of tight junctions and is critical for epithelial barrier function. Polyamines are implicated in multiple signaling pathways ...
Pulmonary vasodilator response to vagal stimulation is blocked by N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in the cat.

The effect of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of endothelium-derived relaxing factor production, on the vasodilator response to efferent vagal stimulation was investigated in the pulmonary vascular bed of the intact-chest cat under conditions of controlled blood flow and constant left atrial pressure. When pulmonary vascular tone was increased with U46619, efferent vagal stimulation decreased lobar arterial pressure in a stimulus-frequency-dependent manner. The decreases in lobar arterial pressure were enhanced by pretreatment with reserpine, were blocked by atropine, and were not altered by propranolol, indicating that the neurogenic vasodilator response was cholinergic in nature. The decreases in lobar arterial pressure in response to vagal stimulation and to exogenously administered acetylcholine were reduced after administration of L-NAME (100 mg/kg i.v.). Although L-NAME decreased pulmonary vasodilator responses to vagal stimulation and to acetylcholine, responses to adenosine, nicorandil, lemakalim, isoproterenol, prostaglandin E1, sodium nitroprusside, and 8-bromo-cGMP, agents that act by a variety of mechanisms, were not decreased. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that efferent vagal stimulation releases acetylcholine, which dilates the pulmonary vascular bed by stimulating the production of nitric oxide or a labile nitroso compound from L-arginine.
Efficient summarization of URLs using CRC32 for implementing URL switching

We investigate methods of using CRC32 for compressing Web URL strings and sharing of URL lists between servers, caches, and URL switches. Using trace-based evaluation, we compare our new CRC32 digesting method against the existing Bloom filter and incremental CRC19 methods. Our CRC32 method requires less CPU resources, generates equal or smaller size digests, achieves equal collision rates, and simplifies switching.
Conductivity of Sheared Suspensions of Ellipsoidal Particles with Application to Blood Flow

The change in the electrical conductivity of blood observed in Couette and Poiseuille flow is discussed. Theoretical calculations considering the motion of red cells in Couette flow are presented. The red cells are considered as insulating ellipsoids in a conducting medium (plasma). The cell orientation distribution is used to calculate the change in conductivity with flow.
Decreased IRS Signaling Impairs β-Cell Cycle Progression and Survival in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing S6K in β-Cells

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the S6K arm of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in regulation of β-cell mass and function. Additionally, we aimed to delineate the importance of in vivo S6K activation in the regulation of insulin signaling and the extent to which alteration of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) signaling modulates β-cell mass and function. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The current experiments describe the phenotype of transgenic mice overexpressing a constitutively active form of S6K under the control of the rat insulin promoter. RESULTS Activation of S6K signaling in these mice improved insulin secretion in the absence of changes in β-cell mass. The lack of β-cell mass expansion resulted from decreased G 1 -S progression and increased apoptosis. This phenotype was associated with increased p16 and p27 and decreased Cdk2 levels. The changes in cell cycle were accompanied by diminished survival signals because of impaired IRS/Akt signaling. CONCLUSIONS This work defines the importance of S6K in regulation of β-cell cycle, cell size, function, and survival. These experiments also demonstrate that in vivo downregulation of IRS signaling by TORC1/S6K induces β-cell insulin resistance, and that this mechanism could explain some of the abnormalities that ultimately result in β-cell failure and diabetes in conditions of nutrient overload.
Automatic Code Generation: Facilitating New Teaching Opportunities in Engineering Education

Model-Based Design in industry relies heavily on automatic code generation technology. The need to obtain code for different configurations such as rapid prototyping, hardware-in-the-loop simulation, and processor-in-the-loop simulation introduces extensive code generation from high-level models and to be cost effective and competitive requires the automation of this code generation. This paper shows some of the issues that embedded systems engineers have to negotiate as a consequence of this. It indicates that there is a shift in required skills from the algorithmic to the architectural level. As such, automatic code generation technology provides an opportunity in academia to better prepare students to be successful in the field of embedded control system design by including such architectural aspects in the curriculum, while shifting focus of algorithm design from creation to inspection.
A theory of collusion with partial mutual understanding

Unlawful collusion is when …rms have a mutual understanding to coordinate their behavior for the purpose of achieving a supracompetitive outcome. Given the legal focus on mutual beliefs, this paper initiates a research program to explore how much and
Farm Operations Cooperative in Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to examine farm operations cooperatives in Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. All the members of the six (6) selected groups were used for the study. The data which were collected with the use of questionnaire and interview schedule were analyzed with the use of frequency counts, percentages and tobit regression model. Most of the members were females and were also mostly married. Most of them were educated formally and had average household size of 5 persons and average farm size of 2.5 ha. They had an average farming experience of 13 years and most of them had no contact with extension agents. Most (76.50%) household had members that emigrated from households. They subscribed to these groups because of reduction of labour cost, timely execution and conclusion of farm operations, exchange of ideas and information, expansion of farm size and reduction of drudgery involved in farming. They were mostly satisfied with their various groups. They however had challenges ranging from irregular meeting attendance, inadequate access to extension service, bloated membership strength to lateness to work. Inadequate membership strength was also a constraint to few of the groups. The farmers’ decision to subscribe to their various groups was informed or influenced by their marital status, level of education, household size, farm size, farming experience, extension visit and contact with other farmers, and emigration of household members. It was recommended that extension agents should establish frequent contacts with the various groups and educate them on the importance of time and regular meeting attendance. The groups with bloated membership strength should be split into two groups while farmers need to be encouraged to subscribe to those groups with inadequate membership strength.
Heat effects among migrant and seasonal farmworkers: a case study in Colorado

Background Although migrant and seasonal farmworkers are highly vulnerable to ambient heat because of their working conditions, heat effects in this population have been rarely studied. Objectives We estimated effects of heat on mean daily counts of clinic visits among migrant and seasonal farmworkers by taking advantage of a unique longitudinal medical records database in the USA. Methods We compiled a daily weather and clinic visit data set based on data from a health centre in Colorado for the summer of 2013. A total of 14 481 patients were included in our analysis, including 150 migrant farmworkers and 231 seasonal farmworkers with an average of 3 and 4 visits per day. We used Poisson regression to estimate the associations between heat and daily all-cause or cardiovascular-specific clinic visits among migrant or seasonal farmworkers or other stratified patients. We defined heat effects as the percentage difference in average daily counts of clinic visits, comparing 90–50th centiles of daily mean apparent temperature, a composite index accounting for both temperature and humidity. We conducted a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact of adjustment for ozone levels and different heat definitions. Results Estimates of heat effects on average daily clinic visits among migrant farmworkers were positive (88.0%, 95% CI: 26.2% to 180.0%). We did not observe statistically significant associations between heat and clinic visits among other stratified groups. Conclusions Our study appears to be the first to link heat effects with clinic data among migrant and seasonal farmworkers. This research suggests possible significant impact of heat on migrant farmworkers and provides justifications for further studies.
Spectrophotometric determination of paraoxonase within mouse carrier red blood cells

A method has been developed to continuously measure paraoxonase activity spectrophotometrically in carrier red blood cells (RBCs) containing paraoxonase. This enzyme has a broad substrate specificity that includes parathion, paraoxon, soman, sarin, di-isopropyl fluorophosphate and many other organophosphorus compounds. Paraoxon is hydrolysed by paraoxonase to the less toxic 4-nitrophenol and diethyl phosphate. Determination of enzymic activity was based on the liberation of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of mouse RBCs. Paraoxonase was encapsulated within murine RBCs by hypotonic dialysis with subsequent resealing and annealing. The enzyme within resealed RBCs actively hydrolyses paraoxon in biological fluids to its less toxic metabolites. Paraoxonase incorporated within RBCs, like other enzymes, was found to be quite stable once encapsulated into RBCs and this formed the basis for this spectrophotometric method. Increasing absorbance at 400 nm indicated paraoxon hydrolysis and was the basis employed to determine enzymic activity. The Km of the enzyme within erythrocytes was 0.04 mM. This method offers a convenient, rapid and continuous way to monitor paraoxonase activity inside the carrier cell.
Reconsidering Treaty-Making in India: An Argument for Reform Through the Prism of International Investment Agreements

India is a federal parliamentary democracy largely modelled on the Westminster system. For countries which follow that constitutional model, foreign relations and treaty-making are the traditional “prerogatives” carried out by the executive branch of Government. This article argues that in its current form, treaty-making in India is a homogeneous and blindfolded attempt to replicate the common law system. To substantiate, the article focuses on the law and practice of Indian International Investment Agreements [IIAs]. The article also reviews treaty-making in comparative jurisdictions, i.e. U.S.A., U.K., Canada and Australia. Drawing on from recent reforms introduced in these countries, the article makes several recommendations for building a consensus-driven and consultative approach to enhance the role of Indian Parliament and State Governments in the field of treaty-making.
Incidence and clinical significance of hemidiaphragmatic paresis in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy during cervical plexus block anesthesia.

Summary:This study was designed to investigate the incidence and clinical consequences of hemidiaphragmatic paresis in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy using cervical plexus block anesthesia. In 28 patients, diaphragmatic motion was evaluated by fluoroscopy 20 min after cervical plexus blo
The effect of built-up litter on the parasite ova and oocysts of poultry.

Abstract BUILT-UP litter has been widely proclaimed by poultrymen during the past several years as the answer to many of their disease problems, especially that of cecal coccidiosis. By the term built-up litter is meant the continued rearing of successive groups of young chickens on the same litter without any change. The original litter is started as a fresh litter, four or five inches deep, of either corn cobs, shavings, straw or other materials and left in the poultry house after the brood is reared; another brood of baby chicks is started on the same litter. None of the fecal material or litter is removed; stirring is recommended if the litter cakes. Some fresh litter may be added as needed. This litter and fecal material is allowed to remain for each successive brood and none is removed until the built-up litter becomes eight to twelve inches deep. It has also been . . .
Effects of Plant Pathogens on the Fate of Soil-Applied (14C]Carbofuran in Corn Plants

The effects of common root rot and leaf rust diseases of corn plants on the translocation and metabolism of soil-applied (5 ppm) [14C]carbofuranin corn were investigated. The corn diseases studied were caused by the fungi Giberella zeae (Schw.) Petch or Puccinia sorghi Schw., respectively. Both root rot and leaf rust affected the translocation of [14C]carbofuranfrom soils into the plant tissue. Soil-applied radiocarbon accumulated in the diseased organs of the plants, i.e., in roots of corn with root rot and in leaves of plants with rust, which contained 1.4 and 1.7 times more radiocarbon than roots or leaves from control plants, respectively. The amounts of 14C translocated into leaves were directly related to the transpiration stream, which was increased in both root rot and leaf rust-infected plants. Carbofuran was the major compound recovered from control leaves, amounting to 42% of all organic-soluble radiocarbon present. Similar amounts were isolated as 3-hydroxycarbofuran. Leaves from plants with root rot, however, contained primarily 3-hydroxycarbofuran (50% of organic-soluble 14C) and considerably less carbofuran (24% of organic-soluble 14C). Conversely, leaves with rust contained more carbofuran (47% of organic-soluble 14C) and slightly less 3-hydroxycarbofuran than did control leaves. Based on analyses by gas-liquid chromatography, concentrations of carbofuran in leaves from control plants and from plants with root rot or rust amounted to 8.8, 3.7, and 16.7 ppm, respectively.
Vitamin D and Bone Health

Both vitamin D insufficiency and bone disease are widespread in cystic fibrosis (CF). Various factors related to CF pathophysiology contribute to an insufficient vitamin D status in CF, including malabsorption, insufficient intake, decreased sunlight exposure, and low body fat. Although vitamin D deficiency is a concern for bone health, several other extra skeletal co-morbidities such as lung impairment, inflammation, diabetes, and depression have been linked to low vitamin D status in CF. Likewise, in addition to vitamin D, other factors such as vitamin K, calcium, and physical activity are major nutrition-related contributors to bone health in CF. Optimization of bone mineral density (BMD) is important, as bone disease contributes to increased fracture risk, impaired lung function, and exclusion for lung transplant candidacy. A critical component of the prevention and treatment of CF-related bone disease is maintenance of adequate nutritional status. Although clinical trial evidence for many vitamin D and bone health outcomes is lacking in CF, guidelines for the prevention and management of both vitamin D deficiency and bone disease in CF are available.
Application of HACCP in Logistics Operation Management

Applying the managing idea of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point in logistics operation management, the paper analyzes the harm and behavior may produced in logistics operation and takes relevant measures to prevent or correct them.
Experiences in Using Database of Chinese Scientific and Technical Periodicals

Combined with the application of Database of Chinese Scientific and Technical Periodicals,the retrieval method technique,exiting method are introduced in this paper.And related suggestions to improve the database are put forward.
Research progress on used oil regeneration using membrane separation technology

Referring to the literature overseas,the development and research progress of some fundamental issues,such as the effect of membrane separation,strengthening measures and the influential factors are reviewed on separating.Preliminary researches showed that the membrane separation technology can be effective especially in the removal of oxalate substance,mechanical impurities in the waste oil,while the reclaimed oil can be reused even as base oil.Most studies indicate that the main influential factors are membrane pore size,operating temperature and pressure.According to the character of the waste oil,five ways to strengthen the membrane separation are summarized to solve the serious membrane fouling and small flux during the regeneration of waste oil using membrane separation technology,along with the advantages and disadvantages of the various ways.Finally the direction needing to further study in the future are pointed out.
Behavioral aspects of diabetes mellitus in childhood and adolescence.

This article discusses diabetes as a chronic illness, paying particular attention to the formidable coping problems that the disease presents for the affected child and his family. Discussed are patient characteristics, environmental influences, physician behavior, and the role of the psychiatric consultant.
A template-based approach to the modification of binding properties of globular proteins I: Background and motivations.

1 Contact information: ivjeffeke@gmail.com PeerJ Preprints | https://doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.2160v1 | CC BY 4.0 Open Access | rec: 24 Jun 2016, publ: 24 Jun 2016
Perceptions of University Policies to Prevent Sexual Assault on Campus Among College Students in the USA

The purpose of this study is to assess correlations between attitude, opinions, and perceptions of sexual assault on campus and perceptions of university policies related to sexual assault among college students. Students (N = 507) at a large public university in the intermountain west region of the USA completed a survey in February and March 2015. Multivariable multiple regression was conducted to test the association between perceptions of students regarding university polices on sexual assault and individual factors. The factors that were predictive for student perceptions of sexual assault policy importance included student gender, affiliation with a campus organization, previous report of sexual assault to university officials, and adherence to particular anti-rape attitudes. Attitudes and perceptions of sexual assault may be very important for successful implementation of university policies related to sexual assault.
Governance Transformation: On the Path Toward a More Nimble, Strategic College.

![Figure][1] ![Figure][1] Over the last 2 decades, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) has seen significant growth and change in membership, size, mission, and scope of the College itself. During this period, the ACC's Heart House headquarters was moved from Bethesda, Maryland,
Selective CVD tungsten as an alternative to blanket tungsten for submicron plug applications on VLSI circuits

The authors discuss the major reasons and solutions for selectivity loss during selective tungsten deposition. By applying these solutions to the selective process the nucleation count on the dielectric can be reduced to less than 1 nuclei/cm/sup 2/. In addition, a novel process has been developed in most photoresist is used as a sacrificial layer and an antinucleation layer is used to reduce the tungsten nucleation count on the surface of the dielectric to 0 nuclei/cm/sup 2/. The chemistry involved in producing a low-resistance contact on 0.7- mu m-diameter contacts is also discussed. Electrical test results showing contact resistance data on 0.7- mu m-diameter via chains with corresponding bridging data are presented. >
A GaAs MESFET 16*16 crosspoint switch at 1700 Mbits/sec

A GaAs MESFET 16x16 crosspoint switch has been fabricated on a 3-mm x 4-mm chip using a 1-μm super buffer logic (SBL) design containing approximately 10000 FETs and operating at 800 mW of power. A 99% confidence bit error rate (BER) better than 1*10/sup -3/ was obtained at 1.7 Gb/s rate using a 2/sup 7/ -1 pseudorandom NRZ (nonreturn-to-zero) sequence. The BER test was done on one path using a probe card. The chip has 255 out of 256 good crosspoints. The bad crosspoint was a repeating error from a mask defect. An advanced refractory-gate MESFET process was used to fabricate the chip. A lightly doped drain structure was used to reduce parasitic gate capacitance while maintaining acceptable source resistance, to reduce short-channel effects, to increase breakdown voltage compared to devices where the heavy source/drain implant is directly self-aligned to the gate edge. >
The Unforeseen Costs of Going to Trial: The Vitality of 212(C) Relief for Lawful Permanent Residents Convicted by Trial

Before 1996, a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) who was made deportable by a criminal conviction could apply for discretionary relief from deportation under section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This relief, commonly known as “212(c) relief,” was repealed in 1996. In 2001, the Supreme Court confronted the issue of whether an LPR with a pre-1996 deportable conviction could apply for 212(c) relief in his later post-repeal removal proceedings. The Court decided that an LPR who pleaded guilty to his pre-1996 conviction could still apply for 212(c) relief following the 1996 repeal. The status of those LPRs who were convicted of their pre-1996 offense after a trial remained unclear. Today, the courts of appeals are split on whether LPRs convicted at trial before the repeal of section 212(c) have access to this relief from deportation in their post-1996 removal proceedings stemming from that conviction. This Note examines and synthesizes the different approaches and resolutions of the courts of appeals. This Note then undertakes an analysis of whether the repeal of 212(c) relief is impermissibly retroactive as to LPRs subject to post-1996 removal proceedings for pre-1996 convictions at trial. Finally, this Note argues that 212(c) relief should remain available to all LPRs in post-1996 removal proceedings stemming from their pre-1996 convictions, whether the conviction was by plea agreement or by trial.
An accurate and fast alignment-free method for profiling microbial communities.

Determining abundances of microbial genomes in metagenomic samples is an important problem in analyzing metagenomic data. Although homology-based methods are popular, they have shown to be computat...
Impacts of Telecommuting on Nonmandatory Activity Participation: Role of Endogeneity:

Telecommuting has been regarded as an alternative work arrangement that provides higher levels of resilience and flexibility for the workforce. To provide a robust estimation of telecommuting activity, it is important to understand the extent of telecommuting and the underlying factors that contribute to telecommuters’ decisions. One line of discussion in behavioral decisions (including telecommuting) is the endogeneity issue, also referred to as simultaneity in cause and effect. The question is whether certain activity travel behaviors are the causes of telecommuting adoption or telecommuters are manifesting such behaviors because they telecommute. For instance, are people traveling more or farther because of the higher spatial–temporal freedom brought by telecommuting, or are they choosing to or having to telecommute because they already have those activity arrangements (e.g., take care of kids) in place. Exploring such interrelationships between the choice to telecommute, activity travel plans, and oth...
Assays of adrenal GPCR signaling and regulation: Measuring adrenal β-arrestin activity in vivo through plasma membrane recruitment.

Abstract Production and secretion of catecholamines and aldosterone from the adrenal gland are regulated by various adrenal G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including α2-adrenergic (auto)receptors (ARs) and angiotensin receptors. These hormones, in turn, regulate cardiac function and play important pathophysiological roles in heart failure (HF). Recent studies have identified the GPCR adapter proteins β-arrestins, specifically β-arrestin1, as an important mediator of the GPCR-dependent production of these hormones in the adrenal gland. Upon GPCR agonist activation, β-arrestins translocate from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane to interact with the phosphorylated and active receptor and mediate its G protein-independent signaling. Here, we describe a simple and fast Western blotting-based technique for measuring adrenal β-arrestin plasma membrane recruitment in vivo, as an (indirect) index of its activity toward various agonist-activated adrenal GPCRs in vivo.
Mortality hotspots: Nitrogen cycling in forest soils during vertebrate decomposition

Abstract Decomposing animals alter soil biogeochemical cycles, and these natural ephemeral nutrient patches (or ‘hotspots’) are important for maintaining landscape heterogeneity and enriching local biodiversity. Soil nitrogen (N) enrichment associated with decomposing animals has been documented, but to date an integrated systems-level understanding of the fate and rates of N compound transformations is lacking. The goal of this study was to develop a comprehensive view of temporal changes in N biogeochemical cycling during vertebrate decay. Vertebrate decomposition significantly altered soil N cycling, and was divided into three main biogeochemical phases based on soil chemistry. Phase one included initial and early decay, distinguished by oxic soils with low, background carbon and N cycling rates. Fluid release and insect colonization during active and advanced decay, defined as phase two, stimulated soil microbial communities, particularly those able to degrade phospholipids and nucleic acids. This resulted in anaerobic soils, 250 times greater ammonium and ten times greater carbon dioxide than background, and the highest 15N-enrichment rates. The final biogeochemical phase, encompassing the early and late skeletal stages, was characterized by enhanced nitrification and denitrification as evidenced by significantly elevated nitrate, dissolved organic nitrogen, and enhanced nitrous oxide release. As a result of decay and multiple synchronous processes, soil δ15N was enriched by 6–10‰ above background, demonstrating the influence of decay on soil isotopic signatures. This work provides a systems-level synthesis of N redistribution during animal decay and has significant implications for our understanding of nutrient turnover rates and dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems.
In Defense of Self-care

This article focuses on the concept of “self-care” in ministry. I begin by exploring contemporary critiques of self-care as self-indulgent and theologically inadequate. I contend that such critique...
U.S. nationwide reconnaissance of ten infrequently monitored antibiotics in municipal biosolids

Ten infrequently monitored antibiotics in biosolids were examined in archived American sewage sludges (n = 79) collected as part of the 2006/2007 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey. This study inspected the occurrence of amoxicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, furazolidone [proxy metabolite: 3-(2-nitrobenzylidenamino)-2-oxazolidinone (NP-AOZ)], nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid, oxytetracycline, spiramycin, sulfadimidine, and sulfadimethoxine in sewage sludges after nearly a decade in frozen storage. Six antibiotics were detected at the following average concentrations (ng/g dry weight): amoxicillin (1.0), nalidixic acid (19.1), oxolinic acid (2.7), erythromycin (0.6), oxytetracycline (4.5), and ampicillin (14.8). The remaining four were not detected in any samples (<method detection limit, ng/g dry weight): sulfadimethoxine (<0.5), sulfadimidine (<1.0), spiramycin (<2.0), and NP-AOZ (<20.0). This study provides the first data on spiramycin, NP-AOZ, and nalidixic acid in U.S. sewage sludges. This study also provides new data on the losses of 5 antibiotics during long term frozen storage (-20 °C) in comparison to the 2006/2007 U.S. EPA Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey.
Assertion Training for Women

In the past several years there has been an increasing amount of both popular and professional attention to the area of assertive behavior. Popular books, articles, and newspaper articles on assertion have proliferated (e.g., Alberti & Emmons, 1978; Bower & Bower, 1976; M. D. Galassi & Galassi, 1977; Gambrill & Richey, 1976; Osborn & Harris, 1975) and reviews of the research literature have been prominent in the professional journals (e.g., Heimberg, Montgomery, Madsen, & Heimberg, 1977; Hersen, Eisler, & Miller, 1973a; Rathus, 1975; Rich & Schroeder, 1976). At least two factors have most likely contributed to this growing interest in assertion. First, the value of assertive behavior as a type of interpersonal interacting has increased. This increased value has undoubtedly been influenced by the growth of the various human rights groups, especially those directed at women’s rights. A key emphasis in the feminist movement has been on women asserting themselves by standing up for their rights and expressing their opinions and preferences in ways likely to be attended to by others. In the last several years, almost all national magazines directed toward women have published at least one article on assertion; assertion training groups are heavily attended by women;1 several popular assertion books have been written especially for women (e.g., Baer, 1976; Bloom, Coburn, & Pearlman, 1975; Butler, 1976; Phelps & Austin, 1975).
Seneca on Comets and Ancient Cometary Theory in Natural Questions 7

Seneca's focus on comets in Natural Questions 7 concentrates our attention on a phenomenon that is in a sense familiar but so distant, known but so unknown; they are obscurities that ‘both fill and escape our eyes’ (7.30.4), and which challenge us to project the mind's eye beyond the limits of our ordinary vision as we seek insight into nature's mysteries. The broad aim of this paper is to argue that Seneca's treatment of comets shapes, and actively applies in inventive ways within the text, a mindset that moves restlessly from narrow, more ‘terrestrial’ ways of reflecting upon the universe towards an unfettered mode of investigation that looks daringly beyond the limits of the visible and known to speculate on what lies beyond. This mindset proceeds by conjecture and ‘neither with any assurance of finding [the truth] nor without hope’ (7.29.3), but it nevertheless follows the ‘right’ (Senecan) path even in possible error: it reaches dynamically beyond conventional confines—in this case, the zodiac—to engage with the universal immensity in ways that aspire to that main Senecan goal in the Natural Questions as whole, ‘to see the all with the mind’ (cf. animo omne uidisse, 3 pref. 10).
Neuropeptide Synthesis in Astrocytes: Possible Trophic Roles

Abstract Astrocyte expression of neuropeptide genes is not only gene-and brain region-specific but occurs early in CNS development. Both somatostatin (SS) and met-enkephalin (ME) peak in astrocytes derived from embryonic day 20 animals and decrease to adult levels by 8 days postnatally. SS mRNA in cerebellar astrocytes also decreases, paralleling what is seen in vivo, whereas proenkephalin mRNA increases 3-fold, in comparison with a 10-fold increase in vivo. In order to test the hypothesis that the astrocyte-derived ME may be acting as a trophic factor, newborn rat pups were treated with the opiate antagonist naltrexone for 7–14 days. Nerve growth factor decreased developmentally in cerebellar and striatal astrocytes prepared from control animals: the decrease was partially prevented in astrocytes prepared from naltrexone-treated animals. Opiate receptors could not be detected on the astrocytes, suggesting an indirect effect of the endogenous opioid peptides. Cerebellar granule cells prepared from naltrexone-treated animals were more differentiated, with an increased content of neurofilament and glutaminase mRNAs. Exposure of cerebellar granule cells to 100 nM SS had the same differentiating effect. These results suggest that the astrocyte-derived peptides may function as CNS modelling agents (SS stimulatory and enkephalins inhibitory) by affecting neurite extension and neuronal phenotype early in CNS development, in part through effects on neurotrophic factor synthesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that astrocytes express some of the neuropeptide genes, including the angiotensinogen family, endothelins, enkephalins and somatostatin (reviewed in Ref. 9 ). Somatostatin (SS) expression occurs only in cerebellar astrocytes and is detectable as both mRNA and immunoactive processed peptides. 13 Proenkephalin (PE), in contrast, appears to be expressed in cultured type 1 astrocytes from all brain regions, 3, 6, 11, 13, 15, 17 as well as in astrocytes in vivo. 15, 18 Again, not only PE mRNA but also free enkephalin peptides have been detected. 6, 13, 14 These results suggest that astrocytes can express neuropeptide genes and are capable of enzymatically processing the precursors. Although the function of astrocyte-produced peptides is unknown, recent results which demonstrate highest expression at early CNS developmental times 14 suggest the possibility that the peptides could be acting as trophic factors. This possibility is supported by a large variety of data on non-transmitter effects of both neurotransmitters and neuropeptides (reviewed in Ref. 8 ). To examine this possibility further, we have studied the effects of the peptides on differentiated functions of neurons as well as astrocytes using both in vivo and culture model systems. The results support the concept that both enkephalin and somatostatin can exert trophic effects early in CNS development.
Sub-barrier transfer reactions in {sup 58}Ni+{sup 162}Dy

Measurements of few-nucleon transfer reaction probabilities and {ital Q}-value distributions have been made with a kinematic-coincidence detector system at sub-barrier energies in {sup 58}Ni + {sup 162}Dy. Both the one-neutron pickup and one-proton stripping reaction probabilities fall off as a function of the distance of closest approach as expected from semiclassical models; the measured two-neutron pickup probabilities fall off less steeply than expected, consistent with previous measurements. The origin of this {open_quote}{open_quote}slope anomaly{close_quote}{close_quote} is discussed. The measured transfer {ital Q}-value distributions are consistent with semiclassical expectations, both in terms of the optimum {ital Q} values ({ital Q}{sub opt}) and the widths of the {ital Q}-value distributions, except for the one-proton stripping channel {ital Q}{sub opt}, which is more negative than expected by approximately 3 MeV. {open_quote}{open_quote}Cold{close_quote}{close_quote} two-neutron transfer has been observed, and the probability of the cold portion of the two-neutron transfer is in agreement with the previous {gamma}-ray measurements and calculations. No enhanced quasielastic multipair transfer is observed, in contrast to some previous measurements. An upper limit of {ital P}{sub tr}{lt}10{sup 4} is placed on the quasielastic four-neutron pickup channel. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Biology of a problematic marine fungus, Dermocystidium sp. I. Development and cytology.

The life cycle of a nonfilamentous marine phycomycete, Dermocystidium sp., is described from its growth in axenic culture under controlled conditions. Reproduction occurs by vegetative means involving a process of cell enlargement and ecdysis modifiable by the methods of cultivation. Zoospores and sexuality were not observed. The results of inoculation studies with algae, phanerogam debris, and molluscs suggest that the fungus may be a free-living saprophyte in coastal waters.
Financial burden amongst cancer patients treated with curative intent surgery alone

Abstract Background The costs of cancer care in the US continue to increase and may have serious consequences for patients. We hypothesize that even cancer patients treated with curative-intent surgery alone experience substantial financial burden. Methods A questionnaire was administered to adult cancer patients who were treated with curative-intent surgery. Survey items included a validated instrument for measuring financial toxicity, the COST score. Demographic variables and survey responses were examined using Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. A multivariate general linear model was performed to examine the relationship between age and COST score. Results COST scores varied widely. 30% of respondents had a COST score of ≤24 (high burden). Younger participants reported more financial burden (p = 0.008). Respondents reported that financial factors influenced their decisions regarding surgery (14%) and caused them to skip recommended care (4.7%). Cancer care influenced overall financial health (38%) and contributed to medical debt (26%). Conclusion Curative-intent cancer care places a substantial portion of patients at risk for financial toxicity even when they don't require chemotherapy. Interventions should not be limited to patients receiving chemotherapy.