cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serotonin degradation by homogenates of tissues from Heloderma horridum, the Mexican beaded lizard.

IN a previous report1, the finding of serotonin and of amine oxidase activity in the venom of Heloderma horridum was recorded. The purpose of this communication is to present results of studies which demonstrate that tissue homogenates of selected organs from two animals of this species degrade serotonin readily in an in vitro test system. In addition, the findings with respect to efforts to inhibit this activity with various compounds will be noted.
How effective are severe disciplinary policies? School policies and offending from adolescence into young adulthood☆

Based on the stage environment and the person environment fit perspectives, the current study examined the relation between school disciplinary policies and offending from adolescence into young adulthood. Using Waves I and III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (a.k.a., Add Health), hierarchical multinomial logistic regression models were utilized to test whether school disciplinary policies were related to offending patterns during adolescence and young adulthood. Descriptive results suggest that, overall, severe school policies were not associated with the course of offending. However, relations between individual characteristics (i.e., inattention and impulsivity) and offending patterns did appear to differ depending on the severity of disciplinary policies. Within schools with more severe policies, adolescents scoring higher on inattention were more likely to be in the adolescent-limited offender group over the persistent offender group. On the other hand, adolescents with high levels of impulsivity were more likely to be in the persistent group over the non-offender group within schools with more severe policies. The results suggest that severe policies may not be effective for all students and the policies, alone, may not be promising avenues for the prevention of offending during adolescence and young adulthood.
Fast mapping in healthy young adults: the influence of metamemory.

Several research studies suggest the significant role played by metamemory in lexical abilities of both adults and children. To our knowledge, there have been no studies to date that have explored the role of metamemory (Judgments of Learning) in fast mapping of novel words by adults. One hundred and twelve undergraduate students were given tasks of fast mapping and judgments of learning. A one-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance revealed that participants who performed well on fast mapping had superior global and item-by-item absolute prediction scores compared to poor performers. However, the good and poor performers did not significantly differ in their item-by-item relative predictive accuracy (Goodman–Kruskal gamma correlations) in the immediate as well as the delayed judgments of learning conditions. The possible reasons for inferior gamma correlations, the methodological issues for future research and the clinical implications for the assessment and treatment of adults with lexical deficits are discussed.
INTESTINAL LACTULOSE PERMEABILITY REFLECTS EXOCRINE PANCREATIC DYSFUNCTION

Our previous work suggested that increased intestinal permeability was related to the degree of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction in Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Others have suggested this finding represents a specific abnormality of CF. To further evaluate this question we studied CF (n=31) and non-CF (n=10) patients (Shwachman Syndrome) with variable degrees of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction They were categorized into pancreatic insufficient (PI) and pancreatic sufficient (PS) groups based on fecal fat balance studies. After an overnight fast, patients were fed 20 grams of lactulose and urine was collected for 8 hours. Urinary lactulose excretion (% intake) was determined by thin-layer chromatography. Mean urinary lactulose excretion was no different between CF and non-CF patients with either PI (2.10±1.21 and 1.92±0.76) or PS (0.63±0.49 and 0.61±0.34). There was a significant difference in lactulose excretion between PI and PS patients in CF and non-CF groups (p<0.0001 and p<0.013, respectively). This relationship was explained by comparing pancreatic function (trypsin output, units/kg/ hour) with urinary lactulose excretion in 26 patients. A non-linear inverse relationship was observed between the two parameters. A plot of the log(x) transformation of duodenal trypsin output against urinary lactulose excretion revealed a highly significant linear relationship (r=0.778, p=0.0001). These data confirm a direct relationship between intestinal lactulose permeability and the degree of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, unrelated to etiology.
Evaluation and extension of SGI Vizserver

SGI Vizserver enables remote visualization in a manner transparent to the user application by producing rendered output at geographically remote locations while utilizing the powerful pipeline and expansive memory of an Onyx2 Infinite Reality machine located at some centralized place. Since the communication of visualization imagery typically requires enormous bandwidth, Vizserver offers two built-in options for compression which provide high-quality images at interactive frame rates for local-area networks with bandwidths of 100 Mbps. However, these built-in compressors are not well suited to truly remote users who are separated from the server by great distances and connected through low- and very-low-bandwidth links. In this paper, we propose two external compression algorithms that connect to Vizserver via an API to achieve 1) greater flexibility in terms of the user’s control over distortion and bandwidth performance, and 2) better overall performance for truly remote users. Of all the techniques considered, we find that a simple frame-differencing scheme is best suited to very-low-bandwidth operation in that it achieves visually lossless performance at a frame rate higher than that of the built-in options, which saturate the network and incur substantial amounts of frame dropping.
Augmenting the bootstrap to analyze high-dimensional genomic data

The data produced by high-throughput genomic techniques are often high dimensional and undersampled. In these settings, statistical analyses that require the inversion of covariance matrices, such as those pursuing supervised dimension reduction or the assessment of interdependence structures, are problematic. In this article we show how the idea of adding noise to the bootstrap, pioneered by Efron, and Silverman and Young, in the late seventies and eighties, can be used to overcome undersampling and effectively estimate the inverse covariance matrix for data sets in which the number of observations is small relative to the number of variables. We demonstrate the performance of this approach, which we call augmented bootstrap, on simulated data and on data derived from genomic DNA sequences and microarray experiments.
Crystal pulling with floating wetted shapers

Abstract In pulling single crystals using shapers that are wetted by the melt, the continuous drop of the melt level with respect to the shaper can cause the crystal cross-section to decrease significantly. In order to keep the melt at a constant level with respect to the shaper, we adopted floating shapers rather than the conventionally used fixed shapers. Stable floating wetted shapers have been prepared for the first time and they are stable even though they are made of a material which has a higher density than the melt. Furthermore, the shaper temperature is controlled, particularly in the area near the growth front of the crystal. In order to observe closely how these shapers performed during crystal growth, a low melting-point optical material NaNO 3 was chosen for crystal growth and aluminum as the shaper material. Round (2.5 cm diameter) and rectangular (3.2 cm x 1.9 cm) NaNO 3 single crystals were grown with excellent control over the cross-sectional shape and size. The growth front was very flat.
Stereotypical Knowledge and Age in Relation to Prediction of Public Support for Rehabilitation: Data from Taiwan

Studying public attitudes toward rehabilitation is not a new phenomenon. However, not much research is available on this topic from Asian countries. The present study explores public attitudes among Taiwanese people toward rehabilitation efforts in general, and the Rehabilitation and Protection Act (RPA) in particular. Using a sample of N = 333, we asked Taiwanese residents age d18 and older about their support for the RPA, and their support for rehabilitation initiatives for three types of criminals: drug offenders, violent offenders, and sex offenders. Using a univariate model, we found that only two variables—age and stereotypical knowledge—had a statistically significant effect on whether an individual supported rehabilitation initiatives. Findings also indicate overwhelming support for the RPA and rehabilitation in general. We discuss these findings in a cultural context, and make recommendations for future research.
Preference-aversion functions for alcohol after cholinergic stimulation of the brain and fluid deprivation

Abstract Rats, in which carbachol reliably produced a polydipsia when micro-injected into the nucleus reuniens, preoptic region, septum or anterior hypothalamus, were simultaneously offered a forced choice of 4, 8 and 12% ethyl alcohol. Although these alcohol solutions were readily accepted by animals deprived of all fluids for 23 hr, these same rats totally rejected even normally preferred alcohol concentrations following a micro-injection of carbachol in any of these chemo-sensitive regions. Thus, it appears that cholinomimetic stimulation of structures in the so-called limbic system “thirst-circuit” does not evoke the same drinking response as that produced by fluid deprivation.
Myocardial Salvage by Chimyl Alcohol: Possible Role of Peroxisomal Dysfunction in Reperfusion Injury

The results of this study suggest that reperfusion of ischemic myocardium may lead to the peroxisomal disorder both functionally and biochemically. An alkyl glycerol such as chimyl alcohol can protect the ischemic heart from the reperfusion injury probably by enhancing the plasmalogen synthesis.
Enhancement of the Photoluminescence of CdSe Nanocrystals Dispersed in CHCl3 by Oxygen Passivation of Surface States

An unusual enhancement of photoluminescence from CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) dispersed in air-saturated CHCl3 was observed as a function of time. Within two weeks, for samples kept in the dark, the photoluminescence intensity increased by as much as a factor of 6, based on the peak height, with no change in peak position or width. This enhancement can be attributed to the reaction of nanocrystals with dissolved oxygen, which results in surface passivation. CdSe NCs kept in the growth solution (TOP/TOPO) showed no photoluminescence increase.
Effect of pH on gramicidin-mediated changes in lightscattering, ion uptake, and ATP exchange in digitonin particles

Abstract 1. In the presence of a cation and ATP or succinate, gramicidin initiates a pH-dependent decrease in light scattering and proton release by digitonin-treated inner membrane preparations of rat liver mitochondria. The responses are greatest at pH 6.4, and decrease markedly as the pH is raised or lowered. Superimposed upon the initial proton release is a slower, linear loss of H + that depends upon the extra-/intra-mitochondrial proton concentration ratio. 2. At low pH, K + is more effective than Na + in yielding greater gramicidin-mediated light scattering changes in the presence of ATP, as well as a higher rate of respiration with succinate as substrate. At pH 8.0, however, the rate of respiration is more rapid with Na + than K + . 3. Ionic balance studies indicate that the ATP-mediated swelling of digitonin particles results from an uptake of Na + (or K + ) and retention of P i , the P i being formed from the gramicidin-stimulated ATPase. 4. The translocation of ATP is increased by gramicidin, but only in the presence of 5 mM Na + (or K + ). 5. The results are explained in terms of a gramicidin-mediated increase in membrane permeability to H + and monovalent cations, which leads to a pH-dependent activation of ATPase activity and an increased rate of ATP translocation.
Myelography of nonmass lesions in the spinal canal.

BNORMALITIES OF CURVATURE of the spinal canal whether congenital, acquired, or idiopathic show a similar myelographic appearance in regard to the position of the spinal cord. The cord takes the shortest path through the abnormally curved segment and will project as a straighter structure within the canal, always more closely apposed to the concave side of the curve (Fig. IA). A neurologic defect directly related to the abnormal curvature is rare, but when present, it is usually caused by an associated problem, such as herniated disk or vascular ischemia from crowding of the thorax. The curved portion of the cord is particularly susceptible to vascular changes due to diminished blood flow (Fig. 1B). In spondylolisthesis, the subarachnoid space and its contents are compressed as they become more and more confined to the dorsal aspect of the spinal canal. The myelographic picture (Fig. 2) is one of a bilaterally and dorsally constricted Pantopaque column containing crowded nerve roots. This may be further exaggerated by osteoarthritic changes laterally about the apophyseal joints. Ventrally, the epidural space is wider because of forward slippage of the vertebra. This may obscure a herniated disk. However, the incidence of herniated disk is greater above the level of spondylolisthesis. Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal is a potentially hazardous situation whether in the cervical or lumbar areas. Cord compression secondary to osteophytic spurs in a cervical canal with a narrowed anteroposterior diameter is well known. A similar situation associated with minor disk herniation in the lumbar area can cause a “cauda equina syndrome.“8 The plain film will show narrow interpedicular distances with failure to flair caudally. The myelogram most clearly depicts the narrowed anteroposterior diameter of the canal, the herniated disk defect, and the compressed cauda equina (Fig. 3). Details pertaining to dysrhaphia, arthritis, and degenerative changes of the spinal canal are presented elsewhere in this issue.
Copper complexation by dissolved organic matter from surface water and wastewater effluent.

Abstract Organic matter from wastewater treatment plants (wastewater organic matter, WWOM) has not been extensively studied with respect to complexation with copper, unlike natural organic matter (NOM). Acid–base and copper titrations were conducted on both types of organic matter. Experimental copper complexation data were compared to predictions from the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model (WHAM) Version VI. We found that NOM and WWOM have ligands with similar proton binding, but the copper binding of WWOM is not well predicted by WHAM especially at low copper concentrations because the concentrations of ligands that are most important at the low copper concentrations (below 10−6 M) were found to be about 15 times higher in the WWOM. Consideration of sulfide present in the wastewater effluent does not fully explain this deviation. Due to the possibility that there exist nonhumics like biological macromolecules in WWOM, it may need to be considered as an alternative ligand to humics in toxicity and speciation predicting models like the biotic ligand model (BLM).
Mathematical modeling of alveolar clearance of chrysotile asbestos fibers from the rat lungs

Abstract A mathematical model describing the alveolar clearance of chrysotile asbestos fibers from the rat lungs at low mass burdens is developed in which the clearance rate is assumed to be a function of the fiber length. The model also accounts for the effect of fiber-splitting during clearance. An expression for the clearance rate is derived from the available data on fiber retention.
Paleofloristic and paleoclimatic changes in the tertiary of northern Latin America

Abstract Interpretation of vegetational history and paleoenvironmental change in northern Latin America must take into account the different paleophysiographic conditions prevailing in the region during the Tertiary. Fossil floras in the north (Mexico, northern Central America), such as the middle Pliocene Paraje Solo flora of southeastern Mexico, grew under continental conditions in an area with considerable physiographic relief. Thus any climatic change of potentially global or near-global extent (e.g., the Milankovitch variations) would produce comparatively significant changes in vegetation already stressed along altitudinal gradients. In contrast, fossil floras in the south (central and southern Central America), such as the middle(?) to late Eocene Gatuncillo flora of Panama, grew under insular conditions on low-lying volcanic islands. Thus climatic change of the same intensity would be buffered against, not only by the differences in latitude (18°N vs. 9°N), but by the different physical setting. The Gatuncillo flora and the Paraje Solo flora were both deposited during times of lowering temperatures, at the end of the Eocene and in the middle Pliocene, as shown on global paleotemperature curves derived from 18 O content of marine invertebrates. Yet, the Paraje Solo fflora, growing near the eastern terminus of the Transvolcanic Belt, reflects considerable change in composition (presence of Picea , no longer growing in the region) and arrangement of the paleocommunities (lowering of ecotones), while the Gatuncillo flora is very similar in composition to the low-land tropical vegetation of present-day southern Central America. The effect of different physiographies must be considered when attempting to compare or extend paleoclimatic trends between different parts of the neotropics, or between the neotropics and other regions of the world.
Tropospheric ozone and climate

Analysts1 a the observed tropospheric ozone distribution has revealed that concentrations in the Northern Hemisphere were heger titan in the Southern Hemisphere. This finding and the earlier identification of the necessary photochemical reaction scheme2 has led Fishman and Crutzen1 to suggest that an appreciably larger in situ photochemical source of tropospheric ozone may exist in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere and to speculate that anthropogenic activity might he responsible for a considerable fraction of the heger ozone concentrations in the Northern Hemisphere. In the present study, we examine the influence of tropospheric ozone on climate. Ozone is an optically active gas, which absorbs and emite terrestrial IR radiation in the 8–10-μm region and absorbs solar radiation in the UV and visible. Hence, a change in ozone concentrations will perturb the radiative energy budget of the Earth–atmosphere system which may in turn perturb the climate.
A resonant printed-circuit sensor for remote query monitoring of environmental parameters

A new type of remote query sensor for monitoring pressure, relative humidity, and phase-transitions is presented. The sensor consists of a planar inductor-capacitor resonant circuit, the resonant frequency of which changes in response to different environmental parameters. The sensor does not require an internal power source, rather it responds to the interrogation field. A loop antenna is used to monitor the sensor.
Down regulation of Wnt signaling mitigates hypoxia-induced chemoresistance in human osteosarcoma cells.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of solid bone cancer and remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death for children and young adults. Hypoxia is an element intrinsic to most solid-tumor microenvironments, including that of OS, and is associated with resistance to therapy, poor survival, and a malignant phenotype. Cells respond to hypoxia through alterations in gene expression, mediated most notably through the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) class of transcription factors. Here we investigate hypoxia-induced changes in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, a key signaling cascade involved in OS pathogenesis. We show that hypoxia results in increased expression and signaling activation of HIF proteins in human osteosarcoma cells. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is down-regulated by hypoxia in human OS cells, as demonstrated by decreased active β-catenin protein levels and axin2 mRNA expression (p<0.05). This down-regulation appears to rely on both HIF-independent and HIF-dependent mechanisms, with HIF-1α standing out as an important regulator. Finally, we show that hypoxia results in resistance of human OS cells to doxorubicin-mediated toxicity (6–13 fold increase, p<0.01). These hypoxic OS cells can be sensitized to doxorubicin treatment by further inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (p<0.05). These data support the conclusion that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is down-regulated in human OS cells under hypoxia and that this signaling alteration may represent a viable target to combat chemoresistant OS subpopulations in a hypoxic niche.
Modulation by inositol of cholinergic- and serotonergic-induced seizures in lithium-treated rats.

Abstract Hippocampal and cortical EEG recordings in rats were used to monitor the in vivo modulation by lithium of responses to agonists for 5HT2/5HT1c serotonergic (DOI) and cholinergic (pilocarpine) receptors and the influence of inositol administration. Administration of DOI (8 mg/kg) or pilocarpine (30 mg/kg) to rats pretreated with lithium acutely (3 mmol/kg) or chronically (dietary, 4 weeks) resulted in seizures, whereas these doses did not cause seizures without lithium pretreatment. This indicated that lithium most likely affects a signal transduction process common to both systems, which is the phophoinositide second messenger system. To examine the potential influence of altered inositol levels on these responses, we tested the effects of infusions (10 mg, i.c.v.) of myo-inositol, a precursor of phosphoinositide synthesis, and of epi-inositol, an isomer not used for phosphoinositede synthesis. Administration of myo-inositol (10 mg) slightly reduced the incidence of seizures induced by acute lithium plus DOI but almost completely blocked seizures induced by acute lithium plus pilocarpine. This was surprising since seizures induced by acute lithium plus DOI were less severe than those after acute lithium plus pilocarpine, but myo-inositol was more effective in blocking the latter. Epi-inositol also blocked seizures under both conditions but it was less effective than myo-inositol after treatment with acute lithium plus pilocarpine. the latencies to seizures and/or severity of seizures were potentiated more by chronic than acute lithoum pretreatment with both DOI and pilocarpine, but attenuation by myo-inositol was less with each agonist after chronic lithium compared with acute lithium treatment. Peripheral administration of a high dose of myo-inositol blocked seizures induced by acute lithium plus pilocarpine, but the inositol treatment itself was toxic and caused seizures prior to pilocarpine administration, so the mechanism of action cannot simply be attributed to increased brain inositol levels. These results demonstrate that lithium modulates the in vivo responses to DOI and pilocarpine, most probably through an effect on the phosphoinositide signal transduction system. They also show that centrally administered myo-inositol modifies responses to these agents, but the effectiveness of epi-inositol and other results have leave unclear the mechanistic basis of its actions.
Identification of Structural Elements Involved in the Interaction of Simian Virus 40 Small Tumor Antigen with Protein Phosphatase 2A

SV40 small tumor antigen (small-t) was used as a model to identify structural elements involved in the interactions between regulatory proteins and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Using mutant proteins and synthetic peptides, we identified a small domain within small-t that is a major site for interaction with the dimeric form of PP2A. A series of small-t truncation mutants identified a region surrounding the first of two conserved cysteine clusters that was critical for interaction with PP2A. These mutants also identified additional regions of small-t that contribute to high affinity interaction. Deletion of residues 110–119, which encompass the first cysteine cluster, resulted in a protein that failed to bind to PP2A. Synthetic peptides that contained residues 105–122 of small-t blocked binding of small-t to PP2A. These peptides also inhibited the phosphatase activity of PP2A in a manner analogous to full-length small-t. The active small-t peptides adopt a β-strand structure that was essential for high affinity interaction with the PP2A dimer. Based on circular dichroism measurements, the same cysteine cluster-containing peptides that bind to PP2A also interact with zinc. Interaction with zinc required the conserved cysteines but was not required for interaction with PP2A.
Gravitationally induced electromagnetic radiation

A fully relativistic treatment is given to analyze the electromagnetic radiation induced by gravitational perturbations in extreme relativistic regions. For the sake of clarity, results are presented here for the simplest possible example: an uncharged mass $m$ falling radially into a field of a Reissner-Nordstr\o{}m solution. Explicit results governing the energetics of the process are found. The amount of electromagnetic radiation radiated can be of the order of magnitude of the gravitational one.
Co(II) and Co(III) complexes of m-benziphthalocyanine

The syntheses and structural elucidations of three different cobalt complexes of m-benziphthalocyanine are reported; both Co(II) and Co(III) complexes can be generated, and the ring undergoes partial oxidation upon metalation with Co(OAc)2x4H2O.
Microbiota impact on the epigenetic regulation of colorectal cancer

Mechanisms of colorectal cancer (CRC) development can be generally divided into three categories: genetic, epigenetic, and aberrant immunologic signaling pathways, all of which may be triggered by an imbalanced intestinal microbiota. Aberrant gut microbial composition, termed 'dysbiosis', has been reported in inflammatory bowel disease patients who are at increased risk for CRC development. Recent studies indicate that it is feasible to rescue experimental models of colonic cancer by oral treatment with genetically engineered beneficial bacteria and/or their immune-regulating gene products. Here, we review the mechanisms of epigenetic modulation implicated in the development and progression of CRC, which may be the result of dysbiosis, and therefore may be amenable to therapeutic intervention.
Evaluation of the proportion of the keto form of D-fructose and related 2-ketohexoses present in aqueous solution☆

Abstract The acyclic forms of D -fructose and some related compounds have been studied by absorption spectroscopy and circular dichroism. These compounds exhibit absorption and ellipticity bands near 275 nm attributed to the keto group of the acyclic form. At mutarotational equilibrium in aqueous solution, D -fructose exists to the extent of 2% in the acyclic form, whereas solutions of D -fructose 1-phosphate, D -fructose 6-phosphate, and D -fructose 1,6-diphosphate contain up to 10 times this proportion of the acyclic form. On the basis of circular dichroism spectra, these phosphoric esters, as well as certain disaccharides of D -fructose, could be differentiated with respect to the position of substitution. The differences in position and magnitude of the dichroic bands were related to specific, conformational features of these molecules.
Calculation of higher heating values of biomass materials and waste components from elemental analyses

Abstract Higher heating values on a dry basis (HHV2), measured and calculated from elemental analyses, of more than 140 biomass and waste component materials have been compared. The data were evaluated by six higher heating value formulas. The Vondracek formula was found to give the best agreement between calculated and measured heating values over a wide range (10–47 MJ/kg), judged by good linear correlation between measured and calculated HHV2 values. Standard reference materials also have been evaluated and shown generally to give good agreement. The calculation of higher heating values form elemental analyses is a good check for the reliability of a material's composition and heating value measurements in most cases. Materials with differences between calculated and measured higher heating values in excess of 6% should be considered suspect and examined closely.
Hierarchical rhombus-shaped ZnO array: Synthesis, formation mechanism and solar cell application

Abstract A simple synthesis route was designed to fabricate a novel hierarchical nanostructure consisting of a zinc hydroxide fluoride [Zn(OH)F] nanorod core with a shell of porous wrinkle textured zinc carbonate hydroxide [Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6]. By adding two precipitating agents, ammonium fluoride (NH4F) and urea [(NH2)2CO], the one-pot reactions realized sequential decomposition of the precipitating agents following a temperature ramp and the onset of a conformal shell of Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 to succeed the formation of a preferentially oriented Zn(OH)F nanorod forest. Single phase Zn(OH)F nanorods and Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 microspheres were also obtained in the absence of one of the precipitating agents. These two precursors in three configurations were transformed by calcination to porous ZnO nanostructures with the original morphologies and pore structures retained. Chemical reactions and the formation mechanisms are proposed and discussed for both of the precursors and the resulting products from the calcination. The ZnO nanostructures were successfully employed in dye-sensitized solar cells. The light-to-electricity conversion shows that the hierarchical ZnO transformed from core/shell structured Zn(OH)F/Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 exhibits significant enhancement to the short-circuit current density due to its large specific surface area and high growth density compared with the nanorod and microsphere counterparts, respectively.
APCR: an adaptive physical channel regulator for on-chip interconnects

Chip Multi-Processor (CMP) architectures have become mainstream for designing processors. With a large number of cores, Network-On-Chip (NOC) provides a scalable communication method for CMP architectures, where wires become abundant resources available inside the chip. NOC must be carefully designed to meet constraints of power and area, and provide ultra low latencies. In this paper, we propose an Adaptive Physical Channel Regulator (APCR) for NOC routers to exploit huge wiring resources. The flit size in an APCR router is less than the physical channel width (phit size) to provide finer granularity flow control. An APCR router allows flits from different packets or flows to share the same physical channel in a single cycle. The three regulation schemes (Monopolizing, Fair-sharing and Channel-stealing) intelligently allocate the output channel resources considering not only the availability of physical channels but the occupancy of input buffers. In an APCR router, each Virtual Channel can forward a dynamic number of flits every cycle depending on the run-time network status. Our simulation results using a detailed cycle-accurate simulator show that an APCR router improves the network throughput by over 100% in synthetic workloads, compared with a traditional design with the same buffer size. An APCR router can outperform a traditional router even if the buffer size is halved.
A high-performance elastomeric patch clamp chip.

Ion channels play key roles in cell physiology and underlie a broad spectrum of disorders. To this day, the gold standard for studying ion channels is the patch clamp technique. Patch clamping involves careful positioning of a fine-tipped glass micropipette onto the surface of the cell to form a high-resistance (>1 GΩ) seal (“gigaseal”), a procedure that is laborious, vibration-sensitive, and not easily amenable to automation. In addition, the solution inside the pipette cannot be easily exchanged. Recently reported patch clamp chips offer the potential of increased throughput, but to date the overall per-cell performance of most designs has been very low when compared to pipettes, and/or the fabrication process is prohibitively expensive. Here we demonstrate a replica-molded elastomeric patch clamp chip incorporating nanofabricated constrictions, which delivers high-stability gigaseals, with success rates comparable to those of pipettes, using rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells. The high stability enables exchanges of both the extracellular and intracellular solution during whole-cell recordings. In a sample of 103 experiments, 66 cells (64%) were successfully immobilized at the patch aperture; 38 cells (58% of immobilized cells, 37% of all cells) were successfully gigasealed; and 25 cells (65% of gigasealed cells, 34% of immobilized cells, 24% of all cells) were successfully perforated for whole-cell access. In the last group of 27 experiments, 79% of the cells could be immobilized, of which 68% could be gigasealed and 46% perforated for whole-cell access, indicating that dexterity is important.
22-nm fully-depleted tri-gate CMOS transistors

At the 22-nm technology node, fully-depleted tri-gate transistors were introduced for the first time on a high-volume manufacturing process. Fabricated on a bulk silicon substrate, these transistors feature a third-generation high-k + metal-gate technology and a fifth generation of channel strain techniques resulting in the highest drive currents yet reported for NMOS and PMOS. The use of tri-gate transistors provides steep subthreshold slopes (∼70 mV/decade) and very low DIBL (∼50 mV/V) values that are critical for low voltage operation. Self-aligned contacts are implemented along with the tri-gate transistors to eliminate restrictive contact-to-gate registration requirements from scaling the gate pitch. This enables an SRAM cell size of 0.092 μm2. High yield and reliability have been demonstrated on multiple microprocessors.
Superstrong coupling regime of cavity quantum electrodynamics

We describe a qualitatively different regime of cavity quantum electrodynamics, the superstrong coupling regime. This regime is characterized by atom-field coupling strengths of the order of the free spectral range of the cavity, resulting in a significant change in the spatial mode functions of the light field. It can be reached in practice for cold atoms trapped in an optical dipole potential inside the resonator. We present a nonperturbative scheme that allows us to calculate the frequencies and linewidths of the modified field modes, thereby providing a good starting point for a quantization of the theory.
Graft polymerization of methyl acrylate–vinyl acetate mixtures onto starch

Starch-g-poly(methyl acrylate-co-vinyl acetate) copolymers having a range of poly(vinyl acetate) contents, were prepared by a ceric-initiated grafting procedure identical to that used to prepare starch-poly(methyl acrylate). A rapid analytical method using FTIR spectroscopy has been developed to determine the poly(vinal acetate) content of polymer grafts as well as ungrafted homopolymer. Selected polymers have been extrusion-processed to yield continuous plastic ribbons and their tensile properties have been measured
Soil C and N patterns in a semiarid piñon–juniper woodland: Topography of slope and ephemeral channels add to canopy–intercanopy heterogeneity

Abstract Carbon and nitrogen are crucial to semiarid woodlands, determining decomposition, production and redistribution of water and nutrients. Carbon and nitrogen are often greater beneath canopies than intercanopies. Upslope vs. downslope position and ephemeral channels might also cause variation in C and N. Yet, few studies have simultaneously evaluated spatial variation associated with canopy–intercanopy patches and topography. We estimated C and N upslope and downslope in an eroding pinon–juniper woodland for canopies beneath pinons (Pinus edulis) and junipers, (Juniperus monosperma), intercanopies, and ephemeral channels. Soil C and N in the surface and profile beneath canopies exceeded that of intercanopies and channels. Relative to intercanopies, channels had more profile C upslope but less downslope (profile N was not significant). Relative to upslope, profile C downslope for intercanopies was greater and for channels was less (profile N was not significant). Relative to profile, surface soil C and N exhibited less heterogeneity. Although some topographic heterogeneity was detected, results did not collectively support our redistribution hypotheses, and we are unable to distinguish if this heterogeneity is due to in situ or redistribution effects. Nonetheless, results highlight finer topographical spatial variation in addition to predominant canopy and intercanopy variation that is applicable for semiarid woodland management.
Epstein-barr virus infection is an early event in gastric carcinogenesis and is independent of bcl-2 expression and p53 accumulation

Abstract Ninety-five cases of adenocarcinoma of the stomach were evaluated for the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) using a sensitive in situ hybridization assay targeting Epstein-Barr virus—encoded RNA 1 (EBER1) transcripts. EBER1 was detected in 11 of 95 (12%) of cases. When present, the virus was localized to malignant epithelial cells and to dysplastic gastric epithelium, but was not seen in normal-appearing gastric epithelium or intestinal metaplasia. The EBV DNA was monoclonal in all three cases tested by Southern blot analysis of the EBV terminal repeat fragment. These findings suggest that the virus was present before malignant transformation. The presence of EBV was strongly associated with increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes; however, EBV was not associated with prolonged survival. Neither p53 nor bcl -2 were consistently detected in the EBV-associated tumors. Specifically, 6 of 11 EBV-positive carcinomas had accumulation of p53 protein by immunohistochemical analysis, which was similar to the prevalence of p53 accumulation in EBV-negative specimens and suggests that EBV infection does not substitute for p53 mutation during tumorigenesis. The bcl-2 oncoprotein was expressed in a third of the carcinoma specimens tested, but bcl-2 expression did not correlate with the presence of EBV or with expression of EBV latent membrane protein 1. In conclusion, EBV infection appears to precede malignant transformation in a significant fraction of gastric carcinomas, but neither bcl -2 expression nor p53 accumulation appear to be consistently associated with the presence of the virus.
On the role of autonomics in emerging grid ecosystems

Significant strategic investments are quickly realizing a pervasive computational infrastructure that integrates computers, networks, data archives, instruments, observatories, and embedded sensors and actuators. This in turn has the potential for enabling new paradigms and practices in computational science and engineering those that symbiotically and opportunistically combine computations, experiments, observations, and real-time information. However the ability of scientists to realize this potential is being severely hampered primarily due to the increased complexity and dynamism of the applications and the computing infrastructure. Autonomic computing has the potential to fundamentally address these challenges. In this talk, I will motivate autonomics for computational science and engineering. I will then describe research efforts at TASSL, Rutgers University as part of the NSF Center for Autonomic Computing aimed at enabling autonomic scientific and engineering applications that can address the challenges of (and benefit from) pervasive computational ecosystems.
Multiple Simulation Analysis for Probabilistic Cost and Schedule Integration

One of the major goals of the construction industry today is the quantification and minimization of the risk associated with construction engineering performance. When specifically considering the planning of construction projects, one way to control risk is through the development of reliable project cost estimates and schedules. Two techniques available for achieving this goal are range estimating and probabilistic scheduling. This paper looks at the integration of these techniques as a means of further controlling the risk inherent in the undertaking of construction projects. Least-squares linear regression is first considered as a means of relating the data obtained from the application of these techniques. However, because of various limitations, the application of linear regression was not considered the most appropriate means of relating the results of range estimating and probabilistic scheduling. Integration of these techniques was, therefore, achieved through the development of a new procedure called the multiple simulation analysis technique. This new procedure combines the results of range estimating and probabilistic scheduling in order to quantify the relationship existing between them. Having the ability to accurately quantify this relationship enables the selection of high percentile level values for the project cost estimate and schedule simultaneously.
Composition of the lipids in human milk: a review.

Recent publications on the composition of human milk are reviewed. The importance of proper sampling is discussed. Fat contents of 2.6–4.5% and cholesterol amounts of 200–650 mg/100 g fat were reported. The phytosterols in milk were increased by the consumption of these sterols. Phytosterols could contribute to the “total cholesterol” in milk if analyses are done colorimetrically. The fatty acid composition is remarkably uniform unless bizarre diets are consumed; the amounts of linoleic acid vary the most. Phospholipids contained more long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids than triacylglycerols.
Detrusor Contractility and Compliance Characteristics in Adult Male Patients With Obstructive and Nonobstructive Voiding Dysfunction

AbstractPurpose: To understand better the contractility and compliance characteristics of the detrusor in patients with varying degrees of outlet obstruction, we analyzed urodynamic studies in elderly men with obstructive and nonobstructive voiding dysfunction.Materials and Methods: All patients were evaluated with video urodynamics, including cystometry, isometric tests, voiding profilometry and post-void residual measurement. Bladder compliance, detrusor contractility, detrusor reserve, detrusor instability and the severity of outlet obstruction were determined in each patient. Patients were stratified into 4 groups: urodynamically normal, detrusor instability, outlet obstruction and outlet obstruction with detrusor instability.Results: A significant correlation was found between the maximum isometric contraction pressure and the severity of obstruction in 168 patients. Maximum isometric contraction pressure was significantly greater in patients with than without obstruction, independent of detrusor ins...
Transparent conducting oxide (TCO) electrode based organic electro-optic (EO) modulator with ultra high switching voltage-size performance

Initial result of a TCO electrode based organic electro-optic modulator with new device structure which can achieve sub-1v, sub-1cm length is reported. High frequency structure design and simulation for 40GHz operation are discussed.
Effects of auditory fatigue on psychophysical estimates of cochlear nonlinearities

Two‐tone‐suppression (2TS) effects and cubic‐difference‐tone (CDT) levels were measured using a forward‐masking procedure, before and after exposure to an intense tonal stimulus. Changes in 2TS effects were consistent with a change in the nonlinearity, such that the system became more linear, in addition to changes due to attenuation of the primary stimuli F1 and F2. Changes in CDT levels could be accounted for on the basis of a temporary threshold shift at F1 and F2. These results indicate at least a partial dissociation of the mechanisms underlying 2TS and CDT generation.
Microcalorimetric, 13C NMR Spectroscopic, and Reaction Kinetic-Studies of Silica-Supported and L-Zeolite-Supported Platinum Catalysts for N-Hexane Conversion

Reaction kinetics measurements of n-hexane conversion over 4% Pt/SiO2 and 1% Pt/K(Ba)-L catalysts were made at a pressure of 3 atm and temperatures from 698 to 750 K. The rates of benzene and methylcyclopentane formation decrease with time during reaction over Pt/SiO2, while 1% Pt/K(Ba)-L does not deactivate significantly. Microcalorimetric measurements at 353 K show that the heat of carbon monoxide adsorption is the same on freshly reduced Pt/SiO2 and Pt/K(Ba)-L catalysts; however, carbonaceous species that accumulate on Pt/SiO2 during n-hexane conversion decrease the total number of adsorption sites and the number of sites that adsorb carbon monoxide strongly. The 1% Pt/K(Ba)-L catalyst retains the adsorptive properties of the freshly reduced catalyst. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of 13CO adsorption show that cluster-sized platinum particles are more resistant to deactivation by self-poisoning reactions than larger platinum particles. The greater catalyst stability and higher steady-state activity of L-zeolite-supported platinum catalysts may be attributed to the ability of L-zeolite to stabilize cluster-sized particles under reaction conditions. Differences in dehydrocyclization activity between catalysts may be related to differences in the number of strong adsorption sites that are present under reaction conditions.
Maternal alcohol abuse/dependence, children's behavior problems, and home environment: estimates from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth using propensity score matching.

Objective: Propensity score (PS) matching was used to investigate the relationship between maternal alcohol abuse (AA) and alcohol dependence (AD), based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria and three child outcomes: child behavior problems and two characteristics of the child's home environment as measured by the Home Observation and Measurement of the Environment-Short Form, cognitive stimulation and emotional support. Method: A cohort of children (N = 2,193; 49% female) whose mothers were drawn from the 1994 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth were stratified by gender and matched on maternal propensity to exhibit AA or AD. Results: After matching, sons of mothers with AA/AD had higher behavior problem scores (p ≤ .05), and daughters of mothers with AA/AD lived in homes with significantly less emotional support (p ≤ .05) and cognitive stimulation (p ≤ .005). Results were robust to alternative specifications of PS regressions. Conclusions: The findings sug...
Investigation of Copper Removal Mechanisms during CMP

In this paper we continue our (CMP) of copper mechanism study of the chemical mechanical polishing using a novel experimental approach. We investigated the effects of chemical reagents in the polishing slurry on the removal behavior of copper film during its CMP. More specifically, the friction and wear of the copper surface against a polyurethane pad were measured in the presence of slurries containing various chemical constituents and surface-treated abrasive particles. These slurries are typically formulated for Cu CMP in the industry. The surface qualities and wear mechanisms were then investigated using an atomic force microscope. The experimental results indicate that the copper removal mechanism in the presence of an abrasive and DI water alone was dominated by mechanical abrasion, while chemical dissolution of copper is much more pronounced when the slurry was added a complexing agent such as glycine, regardless the involvement of the strong oxidizer hydrogen peroxide. In the presence of a slurry consisting of hydrogen peroxide, glycine, and nanometer-sized silica particles, a series of electrochemical reactions promotes the rapid formation of copper oxide and the redeposition of Cu(OH) 2 precipitation. Based on these tribological investigations we attempt to describe the nature of the material removal, which is one of the key unanswered questions in the CMP community.