cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rare Structural Variants

In this chapter, we will briefly touch on the historical discoveries of large abnormalities in the structure of the human genome. It is now clear that more subtle structural variants are in fact ubiquitous and key to understanding the spectrum of risk for many human diseases. While many of these changes are individually rare, the aggregate burden in the population is significant. With this in mind, we give an overview of the technologies developed to assay these variants in a high-throughput manner at ever-increasing granularity, including array-based platforms and next-generation sequencing. We then focus on whole-exome sequencing, since many disease studies to date have adopted this approach. Throughout, we review some of computer software and algorithms available for extracting structural variant information from experimental data. We conclude with a comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of the various current technologies and provide a small sampling of emerging methods for investigating the range of structural variation in more detail.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Headaches in PHACE Syndrome

PHACE (posterior fossa brain malformation, hemangiomas, arterial anomalies, coarctation of the aorta and cardiac defects, and eye abnormalities) syndrome is a neurocutaneous disorder often involving the cerebral vasculature. PHACE patients appear to have early-onset and severe headaches more commonly than children without PHACE. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical features and prevalence of headache by conducting a cross-sectional survey of families in 2 large PHACE registries. Sixty-six percent of eligible families completed the survey in which 62.7% of respondents reported headaches. Average age of headache onset was 48.8 months. Females were more likely to have headaches (68.6% vs 30.8%, P = .014). Families reported associated migrainous features including nausea (62.5%), vomiting (37.5%), photophobia (75%), and phonophobia (75%). Headaches occurred at least weekly in 29.4%, lasted ≥1 hour in 85.4%, and led to ≥1 hospital admission in 15.7%. Three respondents with headaches had at least 1 ischemic stroke. We demonstrated that headaches are common among PHACE patients, develop at an early age, and have migrainous features.
Maintaining arc consistency algorithms during the search without additional space cost

In this paper, we detail the versions of the arc consistency algorithms for binary constraints based on list of supports and last value when they are maintained during the search for solutions. In other words, we give the explicit codes of MAC-6 and MAC-7 algorithms. Moreover, we present an original way to restore the last values of AC-6 and AC-7 algorithms in order to obtain a MAC version of these algorithms whose space complexity remains in O(ed) while keeping the O(ed2) time complexity on any branch of the tree search, where d is the size of the largest domain and e is the number of constraints. This result outperforms all previous studies.
Assessing the risk of entrainment by cutterhead dredges to juvenile lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) and juvenile pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus)

Summary Sturgeon are threatened by dredging, but there is no established protocol for determining risk of entrainment to different populations of wide-ranging species. We demonstrate that laboratory evaluations of swimming performance for individual populations are an effective way to describe susceptibility of entrainment. Using a Blazka-type swim tunnel, we quantified positive rheotaxis (head-first orientation into flowing water), endurance (time to fatigue), and behaviour (method of movement) of juvenile sturgeon in water velocities ranging from 10 to 90 cm s−1. Sturgeon representing four different populations of the United States were tested: two populations of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) and two populations of pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). Lake sturgeon from Lake Winnebago were weaker swimmers than those from the Wisconsin River, and pallid sturgeon from the Yellowstone River were weaker swimmers than those from the Atchafalaya River. Rheotaxis, endurance, and behavioural data were used to calculate an index of entrainment risk, ranging from 0 (unlikely) to 1.00 (inevitable), which was applied to hydraulic models of dredge flow fields. Risk of entrainment varied among populations but for all groups tested, substantial entrainment risk occurred only within a 1.25 m radius of the draghead and this risk could be significantly reduced or eliminated by reducing the diameter of the dredge pipe.
Selected population characteristics of the non-native catfish Hoplosternum littorale (Hancock, 1828) in central Florida, USA

This study reports the length-weight relationship (LWR), Fulton's condition factor ( K ), and sex ratio of the non-native catfish Hoplosternum littorale (Hancock, 1828) in Florida for the first time. Sampling was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 in Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area in Christmas, Florida. A total of 477 specimens were caught (6.4-13.5 cm TL). The allometric coefficient b of the LWR was greater than the isometric value ( b =3.11), suggesting positive allometric growth. The average value for Fulton's condition factor ( K ) was 1.396, with no significant differences between juvenile and adult size classes. The results present certain disparities from data recorded from the fishes' native range, suggesting that this freshwater invasive may be flourishing in Florida. In addition, a new maximum total length of the species is reported.
Periarticular Heterotopic Ossification After Multiple Knee Ligament Reconstructions A Report of Three Cases

Heterotopic ossification is a frequently encountered clinical and radiographic entity. There are no previous reports in the English literature of heterotopic ossification after arthroscopically assisted ligament reconstructions for knee dislocations. Further, a link between the PCL reconstruction and posterior capsular ossification has not been heretofore recognized. Our three cases should raise the clinical awareness of such an entity.
The hydrogen permeability of Cu–Zr binary amorphous metallic membranes and the importance of thermal stability

Abstract We synthesized three compositions of amorphous metallic Cu–Zr (Zr=37, 54, 60 at%) membranes by splat quenching. We measured the thermal properties with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). We tested hydrogen permeability of the membranes before and after Pd coatings. Experimentally, we found that the hydrogen permeability of the alloys is lower than that predicted by existing modeling results; we hypothesize this may be the result of oxides formed on the surface of our membranes. The formation of oxides is composition dependent. The permeability change during the testing time indicates that hydrogen has promoted structural change at a temperature lower than the glass transition temperature (Tg). Our original experimental results show that thermal stability is critical for hydrogen separation applications in amorphous metallic membranes.
Lipids enhance α1-adrenoceptor pressor sensitivity in patients with chronic kidney disease

Background: Dyslipidemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may contribute to hypertension (HT) by altering neurocirculatory control. To test this notion, we quantified the effects of acutely increasing levels of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and triglycerides on α 1 -adrenergic pressor sensitivity and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in subjects without diabetes with CKD.Methods: α 1 Pressor sensitivity was determined before and after increasing NEFA and triglyceride levels with a fat emulsion and heparin infusion in 8 subjects with stage 2 to 3 CKD (glomerular filtration rate, 56 ± 6 mL/min by 125 I-iothalamate clearance). Seven subjects with HT and 8 normotensive control (CO) subjects with normal renal function and matched to patients with CKD also were studied. Results: Fasting NEFA levels were greater in patients with CKD than in CO subjects (585 ± 98 versus 321 ± 32 μmol/L; P 1 Pressor sensitivity, defined as the phenylephrine dose that increased mean blood pressure (BP) by 20 mm Hg, was greatest (lowest dose) in subjects with CKD (0.83 ± 0.11 μg · kg −1 · min −1 ), followed by those with HT (1.08 ± 0.19 μg · kg −1 · min −1 ) and CO subjects (1.34 ± 0.19 μg · kg −1 · min −1 ; P 1 pressor sensitivity in all 3 groups and reduced BRS in the CKD and CO groups. Conclusion: These observations suggest that the dyslipidemia prevalent in patients with stage 2 to 3 CKD may contribute to HT by enhancing α 1 pressor sensitivity and impairing baroreflex function.
Navier–Stokes Solution for Steady Two-Dimensional Transonic Cascade Flows

Calcul par la methode de Navier-Stokes de l'ecoulement transsonique bidimensionnel permanent a travers une grille d'aubes
Substance P increases rat aortic albumin permeability.

Abstract We tested the hypothesis that exogenous substance P (SP) could enhance rat aortic permeability to plasma albumin. Fluorescein-labeled bovine serum albumin was used as the tracer. In vivo normalized albumin mass transfer rates (x10−8 cm/sec) were 9.16 ± 1.73, 14.20 ± 2.76 (P
Effects of columnar and point defects on magnetic hysteresis curves produced by three-dimensional vortices in layered superconductors

Using parallel three-dimensional molecular dynamics simulations of line-like coupled pancake vortices, we consider the effect of inter-layer coupling strength and pinning correlation on the magnetization curves of anisotropic superconductors. Columnar pins produce the largest critical current and are insensitive to layer interaction strength. Point pins are increasingly effective at pinning the vortices as the inter-layer interaction strength drops.
An experimental study on the repair of concrete crack by electrochemical technique

In this paper, the electrodeposition method for repair of reinforced concrete with cracks, based on the electrochemical technique, is presented. The aim of electrodeposition in a concrete repair method is to fill the cracks in concrete and to coat the concrete surface by electrodeposits of chemical compounds. Investigations on concrete specimens with drying-shrinkage cracks were conducted in this study. The results indicate that electrodeposits formed on the concrete surface are able to close concrete cracks and to coat the concrete surface. In addition, the investigations show that the presence of electrodeposits led to improvement of the concrete watertightness and protection against detrimental materials.
Security, democracy, and development in U.S.-Latin American Relations

This volume examines inter-American security issues in the United States and Latin America, and explores the impact of global changes on the Western Hemisphere. Differing economic, political and strategic potential and influence in the emerging world system is discussed.
Functions of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in an anemia-induced zebrafish model of cardiomyopathy are location dependent

Recent evidence that the heart is not a terminally-differentiated organ has provided more credence to investigations of pathways involved in inducing cardiomyocyte (CM) hyperplasia as a therapy for heart disease. Here, we leveraged zebrafish as a novel vertebrate model of cardiomyopathy to explore the therapeutic potential based on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In the anemia-induced zebrafish model of cardiomyopathy (tr265), we detected differently regulated CM hyperplasia and CM hypertrophy in the compact region and the trabecular region. To assess the effects of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway on these two regions, the anemia line was crossed with heat shock-inducible transgenic fish to upregulate or downregulate the pathway. Upregulation resulted in increased cardiomyocyte hyperplasia in the heart and increased cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the trabecular region, while downregulation resulted in reduced cardiomyocyte hyperplasia in the heart and reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the trabecular region. Importantly, upregulation of the pathway resulted in improved fish survival, while downregulation decreased it. In summary, our data suggested that (1) the compact region and the trabecular region respond differently during cardiac remodeling; (2) activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway might exert a cardioprotective function via promoting cardiomyocyte hyperplasia.
A historical contextualization of Sephardi apostates and self-styled missionaries of the seventeenth century

The article historicizes the behavior of a handful of penurious travelers of Jewish origin who were tried by the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions in the seventeenth-century. Their crime was having themselves repeatedly baptized. In some cases, they also presented themselves to local conversos (the baptized descendants of Iberian Jews) and religious authorities as expert Jewish indoctrinators. Mostly unpublished and hitherto under-explored inquisitorial documents reveal that essentially the actions of these transients were not exotic. Rather, they replicated and, on occasion, parodied cultural models found among contemporary diasporic Sephardim, both ideals and modes of social and religious conduct.
Factors associated with late HIV testing for Latinos diagnosed with AIDS in Los Angeles

Abstract Latinos are more likely to test late for HIV infection compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. A population-based interview study was used to examine factors associated with late HIV testing for Latinos diagnosed with AIDS in Los Angeles County (LAC) to develop more effective HIV testing outreach strategies. Latinos testing for HIV within one year of an AIDS diagnosis were considered as late testers, while those diagnosed with AIDS more than one year after an HIV diagnosis were defined as non-late testers. After adjusting for age, education, country of birth, and injection drug use in a logistic regression analysis, completion of the interview in Spanish was the main factor associated with late testing (adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.9, 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs): 1.4, 6.0). Latinos testing late for HIV were also more likely to test due to illness (p<0.0001) and less likely to test as part of a clinical screening (p<0.0001). Late testers were more likely to receive their f...
Endoscopic variceal sclerosis compared with distal splenorenal shunt to prevent recurrent variceal bleeding in cirrhosis. A prospective, randomized trial.

Study objective To define the roles of endoscopic variceal sclerosis and distal splenorenal shunt in the prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. Design A prospective, randomized clinical trial with crossover for those failing therapy. The median follow-up was 61 months. Setting A private, tertiary-referral university hospital. Patients Seventy-two patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were drawn from a total of 420 patients treated during a 4.5-year interval. Treatments Endoscopic variceal sclerosis or distal splenorenal shunt. Measurements and main results Survival was significantly (P = 0.02) improved in patients randomly assigned to receive sclerotherapy: 13 of these 37 (35%) patients failed sclerotherapy and required surgical rescue. A survival advantage (P = 0.01) was seen in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis who had this combined therapy; however, in patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis, survival for those receiving sclerotherapy and surgical rescue was not significantly (P = 0.36) different from that of patients receiving distal splenorenal shunt. Control of variceal bleeding was significantly (P less than 0.001) better in the distal splenorenal shunt group (34 of 35 [97%] compared with 15 of 37 [41%] in the sclerotherapy group). Using death, uncontrolled rebleeding, or shunt thrombosis as the endpoints resulted in no significant difference between treatment groups. Hepatocyte function and portal perfusion were significantly better maintained in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis who were managed by sclerotherapy rather than shunt (P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Endoscopic sclerotherapy with surgical rescue for uncontrolled bleeding is the optimum therapy for patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and variceal bleeding. Survival is similar in nonalcoholic patients treated with either distal splenorenal shunt or endoscopic sclerotherapy, but shunting provides better control of variceal bleeding.
Derivation of airflow characteristics for back-draft dampers

In an effort to improve building energy and indoor air quality models, relations to describe the airflow characteristics of back-draft dampers were determined. In particular, two equations were developed to represent the relationship between pressure drop and airflow rate for one-blade and multi-blade back-draft dampers. The equation for multi-blade dampers was validated by comparing the predicted results with available Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) 500-D test data. The results showed that these two equations can be used to model the airflow characteristics of back-draft dampers.
Cyclone tracks and wintertime climate in the mid-atlantic region of the USA

The relationship between cyclone tracks and the climate has been studied for over two centuries. Most studies, however, describe only qualitatively the link between these phenomena. Thus, the understanding of the true nature of this relationship is not complete. The goal of this work is to help fill this lack of understanding by describing quantitatively the relationship between cyclone tracks and wintertime climate in the mid-Atlantic region of the USA. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA), which is used to help achieve this goal, is a statistical technique that finds the optimum correlation between two fields of data. Canonical correlation analyses are performed to relate a gridded cyclone frequency data set to precipitation, snowfall, and temperature data sets for the winter seasons from 1930 to 1989. The results of these analyses reveal a strong correlation between an abundance of cyclones in the Ohio Valley, and below normal precipitation and snowfall amounts, and above normal temperatures across most of the mid-Atlantic region. Conversely, an abundance of storms along the southeastern Atlantic coast is associated with above normal precipitation and snowfall amounts, and lower than normal temperatures over the region. Since these relations are described by the first canonical variable pair in each analysis, they represent the strongest relationship between the data fields. Therefore, these results indicate that the oscillation between the frequency of Ohio Valley cyclones and the frequency of Atlantic coastal cyclones plays an important role in the year-to-year patterns of wintertime climate in the US mid-Atlantic region.
Pedigree assessment using RAPD-DGGE in cereal crop species

The introduction of molecular biology methodologies to plant improvement programs offers an invaluable opportunity for extensive germplasm characterization. However, the detection of adequate DNA polymorphism in self-pollinating species remains on obstacle. We have optimized a denaturing-gradient-gel electrophoresis (DGGE) system which, when used in combination with random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, greatly facilitates the detection of reproducible DNA polymorphism among closely related plant lines. We have used this approach to estimate pedigree relationships among a spectrum of plant materials in wheat, barley and oat. Based on analysis with one or two primers, we were able to distinguish soft from hard winter wheat, and 2-rowed from 6-rowed barley. Further analysis with additional primers allowed resolution of polymorpisms even among closely related lines in highly selected populations. We placed 17 cultivars of oat into two distinct clusters that differed significantly from previous oat pedigree assessments. We believe that DGGE-RAPD is a superior method for detecting DNA polymorphism when compared to RFLP, agarose-RAPD, or polyacrylamide-RAPD methods.
Photoluminescence Switching of Charged Quantum Dot Films

A quantitative study of the absorption and photoluminescence (PL) of charged CdSe/CdS nanocrystal films is reported. Unlike CdSe, where the PL was unstable under reducing condition, the CdSe/CdS nanocrystals can be kept under reducing bias in their charged state for tens of minutes, and the PL intensity can be switched quickly and reversibly. Thin films of CdSe/CdS quantum dots are stably reduced to −IV oxidation state without evidence for surface charges or generation of surface nonradiative recombination sites. Upon charging, the quantum dot films exhibit rapid and reversible switching of photoluminescence intensity as well as stable photoluminescence characteristics. The extent of PL quench is not just dependent on the number of carriers but also on their quantum states. The 1Pe electron quenches the luminescence 8 times more than the 1Se electron. The CdSe/CdS nanocrystals also exhibit reduced threshold for stimulated emission in their charged state.
Independent predictors of cesarean delivery in women with diabetes.

Objectives: To identify independent risk factors for Cesarean delivery in women with pregnancy complicated by diabetes.Methods: Retrospective analysis of pregnancies from 5735 diabetic women delivering liveborn infants. Maternal demographic, medical, obstetric historical factors and index pregnancy obstetric, glycemic and neonatal outcome parameters were evaluated for association with Cesarean delivery after a trial of labor. Individual risk factors were analyzed for association by χ2and ANOVA. Independent predictors of Cesarean delivery and adjusted relative risk (RR) were identified by stepwise logistic regression.Results: Trial of labor waspermitted in 90.8% and 59.4% of women without (n=4643) and with prior Cesarean delivery (n=1092) and was successful in 85.2% and 56.9%, respectively. Eleven independent predictors were found. Five were related to obstetric history and maternal age: prior Cesarean delivery (RR 5.34, 95% CI 3.94–7.25), no prior live birth (RR 3.17, 95% CI 1.98–5.07), no prior vaginal d...
Parameters affecting reproducibility in capillary electrophoresis.

It is well known that poor quantitative reproducibility substantially limits the practical implementation of capillary electrophoresis (CE) separations in chemical analysis. The principal sources of variance in observed peak areas are irreproducible flow rate, which influences on-column detector response, and inconsistent injection volume or amount. An overview of studies by researchers to address the reproducibility issue will be presented. In addition, current efforts in our laboratory to assess sources of quantitative variance for separations of dansylated amino acids using an automated CE system are presented and related when appropriate to the body of existing knowledge on this important topic. A comparison of different injection methods (hydrostatic vs. electrokinetic) and approaches (e.g., high vs. low pressure), the effect of random changes in electroosmotic flow (EOF) due to air bubbles in the CE capillary, and choice of certain peak integration parameters in terms of peak area reproducibility are presented. Under optimum conditions relative standard deviation (RSD) values in raw peak area are typically 2.0%. With nonoptimum conditions (e.g., with air bubbles in capillary), RSD values can substantially degrade. However, normalizing with retention times, internal standards, or observed electrophoretic current produces RSD values in a range of 1.4-2.3%.
Intent Recognition in a Powered Lower Limb Prosthesis Using Time History Information

New computerized and powered lower limb prostheses are being developed that enable amputees to perform multiple locomotion modes. However, current lower limb prosthesis controllers are not capable of transitioning these devices automatically and seamlessly between locomotion modes such as level-ground walking, stairs and slopes. The focus of this study was to evaluate different intent recognition interfaces, which if configured properly, may be capable of providing more natural transitions between locomotion modes. Intent recognition can be accomplished using a multitude of different signals from mechanical sensors on the prosthesis. Since these signals are non-stationary over any given stride, and gait is cyclical, time history information may improve locomotion mode recognition. The authors propose a dynamic Bayesian network classification strategy to incorporate prior sensor information over the gait cycle with current sensor information. Six transfemoral amputees performed locomotion circuits comprising level-ground walking and ascending/descending stairs and ramps using a powered knee and ankle prosthesis. Using time history reduced steady-state misclassifications by over half (p < 0.01), when compared to strategies that did not use time history, without reducing intent recognition performance during transitions. These results suggest that including time history information across the gait cycle can enhance locomotion mode intent recognition performance.
Carrier Densities and Mobilities in Pyrolytic Graphite

Based on conductivity, Hall effect, and magnetoresistance measurements an attempt is made to describe the behavior of current carriers in the layer planes of well-ordered pyrolytic graphite. The total carrier concentration decreases from approximately 11\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ at room temperature to less than 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ at very low temperatures, in good agreement with single-crystal results. The average mobility, which is strongly dependent upon the crystallite size, was found to exceed 3000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/v-sec at liquid nitrogen temperature in specimens deposited at 2500\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C; the mobility ratio ($\frac{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{e}}{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{h}}$) appears to remain temperature independent and equal to 1.08\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01.
Isolation, genomic organization, and expression analysis of the mouse and rat homologs of MEFV, the gene for familial Mediterranean fever

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a recessive disorder characterized by episodes of fever with serositis or synovitis. Recently the FMF gene (MEFV) was cloned; the protein product, pyrin/marenostrin, is thought to regulate inflammation in myeloid cells. In this manuscript we report the mouse and rat homologs of MEFV. The murine gene contains ten exons with a coding sequence of 2304 bp, while the rat homolog has nine exons with a coding sequence of 2253 bp. A considerable amino acid sequence homology was observed between the mouse and human (47.6% identity and 65.5% similarity) and between the mouse and rat genes (73.5% identity and 82.1% similarity). The predicted rodent proteins have several important domains and signals found in human pyrin, including a B-box zinc finger domain, Robbins-Dingwall nuclear localization signal, and coiled-coil domain. However, perhaps because of an ancient frame-shift mutation, neither the mouse nor the rat protein has an intact C-terminal B30.2 domain, in which most FMF-associated mutations have been found in human MEFV. Nevertheless, like the human gene, mouse Mefv is expressed in peripheral blood granulocytes but not lymphocytes. Consistent with its expression in granulocytes, Mefv was detected at high levels in the primary follicles and marginal zones of the splenic white pulp. Mefv is localized on mouse Chromosome (Chr) 16, region A3-B1, extending a region of synteny with human Chr 16p13.3. Development of knockout and knockin mouse models may provide further insights into the functional evolution of this gene.
College Student Stressors, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation:

This study was designed to explore whether stressors from college-related activities and stressors from general life experiences differed in their power to predict depression and suicidal ideation in college students. In a sample of 165 college undergraduates, depression was predicted by both sources of stress whereas past and current suicidal ideation were predicted only by general life stress.
Photoacoustic imaging of the near-infrared fluorescent protein iRFP in vivo

Genetically encoded probes powerfully and non-invasively target specific tissues, cells, and subcellular locations. iRFP, a novel near-infrared fluorescent protein with low quantum yield whose absorption and fluorescence maxima are located at wavelengths longer than the Q-band of hemoglobin absorption, is ideal for PAT. Here, we report on an in vitro comparison of iRFP with other far-red fluorescent proteins, and its use in imaging a mouse tumor xenograft model. In an in vivo experiment, we stably transfected iRFP into MTLn3 adenocarcinoma cells and injected them into the mammary fat pad of female SCID/NCr mice, then imaged the resulting tumors two and three weeks post injection. The contrast increase from the protein expression was high enough to clearly separate the tumor region from the rest of the animal.
Gate dielectrics for Si, SiC, and GaN as synthesized by jet vapor deposition

The principle of the Jet-Vapor Deposition (JVD) technique for thin dielectric deposition will be introduced, the properties of JVD silicon nitride (SiN), silicon oxide, and oxide/nitride/oxide (ONO) stacks as MOS gate dielectrics for Si, SiC, and GaN will be presented.
On Theories for Reacting Immiscible Mixtures

On some small scale each constituent of an immiscible mixture occupies a separate region of space. Given sufficient time and computing power, we could solve the continuum field equations and boundary conditions for this het erogenous system. This usually represents an enormously difficult task that is well beyond today's computational ca- pabilities. Mixture theories approximate this complex heterogeneous formulation with a set of field equations for an equivalent homoge- neous mat erial. In this work, we compare the theory for immiscible mixtures by Drumheller and Bedford with the theory of Passman, Nunziato, and Walsh. We describe the conditions under which these theories reduce to an equivalent formulation, and we also investigate the differences in their microinertial descriptions. Two variables play special roles in both theories. They are t he true material density and the volume fraction. Here we use a kinematical approach based on two new variables-t he true deformation gradient and the distention gradient. We show how the true deformation gra- dient is connected to the true material density and, in the absence of chemical reactions, the volume fraction is the inverse of the deter- minant of the distention gradient. However, when chemical reactions occur, the distention gradient and the volume fraction are not directly connected. We ako present a mixture model for a granuIar expIosive. This model is based upon the work of Baer and Nunziato, but our theory differs from their work in that we Present a three-dimension-al rnodd, `.. ` - - we cast the constitutive postulates in terms of the distention gradient rather than the volume fraction, and we incorporate elastic-plastic effects into the constitutive description of the solid granules.
Arid lands plants for fuel

Abstract By the year 2000, bioenergy could supply up to 20% of the United States' current energy consumption. Certain arid-land plants can be grown for direct whole-crop use as fuels, for conversion from biomass to fuels and feedstocks and for sources of hydrocarbon products. Arid-land plants offer two choices for energy production: as a solid, direct-burn fuel for steam, and for conversion to liquid fuels. Shrubs and herbs available in the near term (2–5 yr) include guayule ( Parthenium argentatum ), Russian thistle ( Salsola kali ) and creosote bush ( Larrea tridentata ). Liquid-fuel crops potentially available in the intermediate term (5–10 yr) include milkweed ( Asclepias spp.), rabbit bush ( Chrysothamus nauseosus ) and dogbane ( Apocynum cannabinum ). Tree crops potentially available in the long term (10–20 yr) include eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus spp.) and mesquite ( Prosopis spp.).
Role of Cu0 in Controlled/“Living” Radical Polymerization

Several propositions have been made about the mechanism in which Cu0 mediates controlled radical polymerization that include (1) exclusive activation of an alkyl halide initiator by exceptionally active Cu0 to generate a propagating radical and a CuI species, (2) instantaneous disproportionation of CuI into Cu0 and CuII in “catalytic” solvents such as DMSO, and (3) deactivation of the radical by CuII to establish an equilibrium between active and dormant polymer chains. It was further postulated that the activation and deactivation processes in this technique, entitled single-electron-transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP), occur via outer-sphere electron transfer (OSET) to produce alkyl halide radical anion intermediates. We report herein on our own investigation of the aforementioned mechanism using Cu complexes of tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6TREN). Model studies were employed to quantify disproportionation of CuI/Me6TREN in DMSO, DMF, and MeCN, where comproportionation of Cu0 with C...
Novel testis-specific protein-DNA interactions activate transcription of the mouse protamine 2 gene during spermatogenesis.

The mouse protamines are expressed exclusively in postmeiotic male germ cells and are crucial for the compaction of chromatin during the late stages of spermatogenesis. The temporal expression of the two mouse protamines is transcriptionally regulated in the testis. Recent studies have demonstrated that ubiquitous and testis-specific proteins bind to the promoter of the mouse protamine 2 (mP2) gene. We have performed in vitro transcription and mobility shift assays to characterize the functional significance of the protein-DNA interactions within 180 base pairs upstream of the mP2transcription start site. Deletion and mutational analyses reveal two positive regulatory sequences for mP2 transcription at positions −59/−47 and −83/−72 of the mP2 promoter. The proximal element at −59/−47 binds to a novel testis-specific protein we name protamine-activating factor 1 (PAF-1). PAF-1 reaches high levels in round spermatids at the time of mP2transcription. Deletion of the −59/−47 sequence results in about a 3-fold reduction of mP2 transcription in vitro. Although the PAF-1 binding site (PAF-responsive element, PAF-RE), contains the sequence GTCA present in the cAMP-responsive element and is very similar to the estrogen-responsive element, mobility shift assays revealed that neither the cAMP-responsive element modulator nor the estrogen receptor is the protein(s) binding to PAF-RE. Competition mobility shift assays reveal that the second positive regulatory element at −83/−72 binds a Y-box-binding protein. Using in vitro transcription assays, a 5-fold decrease in mP2transcription is seen when both the PAF-RE and this Y-box are deleted. These data suggest that the testis-specific PAF-1 and a Y-box-binding protein are needed to activate mP2 transcription in postmeiotic male germ cells.
Deliquescence of pharmaceutical systems

Deliquescence is a first order phase transition from solid to solution that occurs at a relative humidity (RH) that is characteristic to the crystalline compound. Such dissolution of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients can lead to detrimental physical and chemical instabilities. Furthermore, in systems containing more than one deliquescent component, the RH of the solid-solution transition will be lowered, leading to some level of dissolution at unexpectedly low RH conditions. Deliquescence lowering is independent of the ratio of the deliquescent components and therefore is of concern for any formulation containing two or more deliquescent compounds. Because chemical reactions occur much more readily in solution, deliquescence will enhance the degradation of labile APIs. RH fluctuations will lead to cycles of deliquescence and efflorescence (crystallization), which will contribute to particle agglomeration and caking. This review will address the phenomenon of deliquescence, the significance of deliquescence to pharmaceutical systems, measurement techniques, the kinetics and thermodynamics of deliquescence, the behavior of mixtures of deliquescent compounds (including phase diagrams and thermodynamics of binary systems), and consequences of deliquescence on chemical and physical stability.
The role of topos in the use of a Wobe particle

I. Egner, “The role of topos in the use of a Wobe particle”. In the paper I am trying to show how a speaker using the particle {ie271-1} in his utterance calls upon a contextual assumption that can be formulated as a topos. After formulating a working hypothesis according to which the particle {ie271-2} signals to the hearer that the speaker's utterance is justified, I use English and Wobe paraphrases of the examples quoted in order to make explicit that justification. Wobe paraphrases given by the informant suggest that in using {ie271-3} the speaker calls upon t contextual assumption that he feels is relevant in the speech situation. To the extent that this assumption is based on common sense knowledge, it seemed appropriate to use Ducrot's notion of topos to formulate it, e.g. (T) [The deeper one gets into the bush, the fewer white people he meets]. One of the examples quoted calls attention to the fact that the topos called upon by way of {ie271-4} may or may not be validated, i.e. confirmed in the speech situation. Finally, the validation or non-validation of a topos seems to determine the illocutionary value of a wh-question containing {ie271-5} as request for information or request for explanation respectively. (192 words)
Three-dimensional spectroscopy of vibrational energy relaxation in liquid methanol

Vibrational energy relaxation (VER) of neat methanol at ambient temperature is studied with a three-dimensional vibrational spectroscopy technique. The first two dimensions are represented by a time series of incoherent anti-Stokes Raman spectra at a given mid-IR pump frequency. The third dimension involves changing the mid-IR pump frequency within the manifold of CH and OH stretching transitions ν(CH) and ν(OH). Each 2D representation shows the VER dynamics occurring as a result of pumping a specific vibrational transition. The decay of the pumped transition into first-generation daughters, and the subsequent decay into second-, and even third-generation daughters can be monitored. The third dimension shows how VER depends on the nature of the pumped transition. Additional information about the buildup of excitation in the bath of lower-energy collective excitations (phonons) is obtained by monitoring the heating of CCl4 spectators in methanol−CCl4 mixtures. Three distinct stages are seen in VER of ν(CH)...
How Women’s Perceptions of Peer Weight Preferences Are Related to Drive for Thinness

The purpose of this study was to examine how women’s perceptions of their peers’ weight preferences were related to drive for thinness. First, we examined the degree to which women were accurate in their perceptions of the female body sizes that their male and female peers preferred. Second, we examined the perceived weight preferences of women’s female peers, male peers, close peers, and distant peers to determine whether women perceived these peer groups as having different weight preferences for women’s body size. Finally, we investigated whether drive for thinness was related to the degree that women felt discrepant from their peers’ weight preferences. One hundred and thirty-three women from a small, liberal arts college in the Northeastern United States completed an online survey that included measures of actual and perceived weight preferences, drive for thinness, and demographic information. Information on actual weight preferences were also collected from 44 men to provide information about male peers’ weight preferences. Results indicated that women underestimated the body size that both women and men most preferred. Second, women perceived their female peers as preferring a thinner female size than their male peers, and their distant peers as preferring a thinner body size than their close peers. Finally, women who perceived their body size as being discrepant from the preferences of their close peers’ weight preferences, particularly close female peers, exhibited greater drive for thinness.
Analogues of simple and complex cells in rhesus monkey auditory cortex

Receptive fields (RFs) of neurons in primary visual cortex have traditionally been subdivided into two major classes: "simple" and "complex" cells. Simple cells were originally defined by the existence of segregated subregions within their RF that respond to either the on- or offset of a light bar and by spatial summation within each of these regions, whereas complex cells had ON and OFF regions that were coextensive in space [Hubel DH, et al. (1962) J Physiol 160:106-154]. Although other definitions based on the linearity of response modulation have been proposed later [Movshon JA, et al. (1978) J Physiol 283:53-77; Skottun BC, et al. (1991) Vision Res 31(7-8):1079-1086], the segregation of ON and OFF subregions has remained an important criterion for the distinction between simple and complex cells. Here we report that response profiles of neurons in primary auditory cortex of monkeys show a similar distinction: one group of cells has segregated ON and OFF subregions in frequency space; and another group shows ON and OFF responses within largely overlapping response profiles. This observation is intriguing for two reasons: (i) spectrotemporal dissociation in the auditory domain provides a basic neural mechanism for the segregation of sounds, a fundamental prerequisite for auditory figure-ground discrimination; and (ii) the existence of similar types of RF organization in visual and auditory cortex would support the existence of a common canonical processing algorithm within cortical columns.
Streptomyces sp: A source of odorous substances in potable water

Growth medium containing an aquatic actinomycete Streptomyces sp. was analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for the purpose of identifying substances that may represent potential odorous contaminants of water. Twenty-one odorous and nonodorous compounds were identified. Phenyl, C2, and C4 structures were predominant. Free fatty acids from C13 to C16 were detected and in some cases accompanied by their ethyl (C16) and butyl (C15 and C16) esters. The long-chain acids and esters had no detectable odor. Although goesmin, an earthy smelling substance with a low odor threshold, was detected, butyric acid was the principal metabolite under the growth conditions employed and represented the greatest potential as an odorous water pollutant under natural conditions.
Electron microscopic visualization of the folded chromosome of Escherichia coli

The folded Escherichia coli chromosome has been analyzed in the electron microscope following the Kleinschmidt spreading technique. In all cases, the DNA molecule appears intact and supercoiled. In addition, the membrane-associated form of the chromosome shows DNA fibers attached to one or two membrane patches. The DNA molecule is intact, as evidenced by the absence of free ends. Two types of DNA coiling are generally observed: (1) spirals with about four to seven turns per spiral, and (2) stretched plectonemic supercoils, more abundant on the outside of the complex where the spreading has been more extensive. The released folded chromosome appears to be less compact; it extends over a larger area and frequently breaks with the spreading. The intact molecules which can be found show the DNA concentrated in few nueleation areas, with one or a few interconnecting DNA fibers. The folded DNA has very few or no single strand nicks, as evidenced by its extensive supertwisting at high ethidium bromide concentrations.
Correlation of BTI induced device parameter degradation and variation in scaled Metal Gate / High-k CMOS technologies

The correlation between time-zero device parameter and BTI induced parameter degradation is studied in detail. The device overdrive remains the dominant factor in the ΔI dsat for ultra-narrow logic gates while ΔV Tlin shows a weak but measurable correlation to the time-zero value. The correlation has an impact on the σ-values of V Tlin for stressed devices and should be considered for more accurate circuit aging simulations.
A histopathologic evaluation of tissue reactions to the minimum effective doses of some endodontic drugs.

Abstract Minimal doses (0.0025 c.c.) of Cresatin, camphorated parachlorophenol, and formocresol were placed on cotton pellets in 10 mm. polyethylene tubes and implanted into the subcutaneous connective tissues in the backs of rats to determine the tissue reactions. Empty tubes and saline-filled tubes were used as controls. Microscopic slides were made of the tissues of animals killed at 3, 7, 14, and 30 days and examined. Formocresol produced the most severe reaction at 3, 7, and 14 days, but the tissues had recovered and were nearly normal at 30 days. Camphorated parachlorophenol produced moderate reactions at 3 and 7 days, with recovery to normal at 14 and 30 days with tissue growing into the tube openings. Cresatin produced an unexplained severe reaction at 7 days, with no reaction noticeable at 3, 14, or 30 days.
Low circulating vitamin D in obesity.

Previous studies demonstrated decreases in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in obese subjects. Studies were carried out to determine whether serum vitamin D is low in obesity. The results indicate that serum vitamin D is significantly lower in obese than in nonobese individuals and may contribute to lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in obesity.
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Upper extremity range of motion and isokinetic strength of the internal and external shoulder rotators in major league baseball players

Forty-one professional baseball players volunteered for upper extremity range of motion measurements and isokinetic testing for internal and external shoulder rotation. Pitchers demonstrated 9 degrees more external shoulder rotation with the arm abducted, 5 degrees more forearm pronation, and 9 degrees less shoulder extension on the dominant side compared with the dominant side of position players. Pitchers also demonstrated 9 degrees more external rotation in abduction, 5 degrees less shoulder flexion, 11 degrees less horizontal extension, 15 degrees less internal rotation in abduction, 6 degrees less elbow extension, 4 degrees less elbow flexion, and 5 degrees less forearm supination on the dominant side compared with their nondominant side. Position players demonstrated 8 degrees more external rotation in abduction, 14 degrees less horizontal extension, and 8 degrees less elbow extension on the dominant side compared with their nondominant side. Greater torque was produced by pitchers compared with position players for the dominant and nondominant arm at all test speeds for both mean peak and mean average torque. Greater torque was produced by the dominant arm compared with the nondominant arm also at all test speeds for both of these measurements. No difference was found between the rotation ratios for either arm, for either group, for all speeds.