cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design, Construction and Commissioning of the Upgrade Radiation Damage Monitoring System of the CMS Hadron Forward Calorimeters

The CMS Hadron Forward Calorimeters cover pseudorapidities between 3.0 and 5.0 being exposed to the highest radiation levels in the CMS detector system. The calorimeter consists of quartz fibers as active media inserted into the steel absorber structure. The radiation damage of the quartz fibers is monitored using dedicated data taking by measuring the fraction of laser light intensity after traversing the quartz fibers.Recently, a new monitoring device based on solid state laser diode technology was designed, constructed and installed. The basic operational integrity was tested extensively prior to installation. The module was integrated into the front-end electronics in a similar way as the Phase I Upgrade LED calibration system.Here we describe the details of the radiation monitoring system and present the commissioning and integration phases.
Optimized Algorithms and Architectures for Montgomery Multiplication for Post-quantum Cryptography

Finite field multiplication plays the main role determining the efficiency of public key cryptography systems based on RSA and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). Most recently, quantum-safe cryptographic systems are proposed based on supersingular isogenies on elliptic curves which require large integer multiplications over extended prime fields. In this work, we present two Montgomery multiplication architectures for special primes used in a post-quantum cryptography system known as supersingular isogeny key encapsulation (SIKE). We optimize two existing Montgomery multiplication algorithms and develop area-efficient and time-efficient Montgomery multiplication architectures for hardware implementations of post-quantum cryptography. Our proposed time-efficient architecture is \(32\%\) to \(42\%\) faster than the leading one (depending on the prime size) available in the literature which has been used in original SIKE submission to the NIST standardization process. The area-efficient architecture is \(42\%\) to \(50\%\) smaller than the counterparts and is about \(3\%\) to \(11\%\) faster depending on the NIST security level.
The versatile plasmacytoid dendritic cell: Function, heterogeneity, and plasticity

Since their identification as the natural interferon-producing cell two decades ago, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) have been attributed diverse functions in the immune response. Their most well characterized function is innate, i.e., their rapid and robust production of type-I interferon (IFN-I) in response to viruses. However, pDCs have also been implicated in antigen presentation, activation of adaptive immune responses and immunoregulation. The mechanisms by which pDCs enact these diverse functions are poorly understood. One central debate is whether these functions are carried out by different pDC subpopulations or by plasticity in the pDC compartment. This chapter summarizes the latest reports regarding pDC function, heterogeneity, cell conversion and environmentally influenced plasticity, as well as the role of pDCs in infection, autoimmunity and cancer.
Using community-based participatory research strategies in age-friendly communities to solve mobility challenges

The number of older adults is steadily increasing in the United States and across the globe. Aging is linked to an increased risk of disability. Disabilities that limit one or more major life activities such as seeing, hearing, walking, and motor skills impact a person's ability to drive a car. Low utilization of alternative transportation by older adults and people with disabilities may put them at risk for social isolation. Social isolation is associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. While communities are challenged to create available, acceptable, accessible, adaptable and affordable mobility options, there are widely held, inaccurate biases around older adults' abilities to contribute to the development and improvement of alternative transportation options. Gerontological social workers are well-positioned to address this bias. This paper presents a case study of a large metropolitan county in the Midwest where community-based participatory research (CBPR) strategies were used to engage older residents to support the development of alternative transportation options supporting the tenets of environmental justice.
Characterizing correlations among disease severity measures in osteochondral tissues from osteoarthritic knees

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex disease with biologic, biomechanical, and clinical heterogeneity among patients. Relationships among OA tissue metabolism, histopathology, and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition have not been well characterized. It was hypothesized that moderate (r = .4-.69) to strong (r > .7) correlations exist among these different measures of disease severity in osteochondral tissues from OA knees. Joint surfaces were obtained from patients (n = 6) undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Osteochondral explants (n = 136) were created and cultured for 3 days. Culture media were collected for biomarker analyses, and tissue was assessed for viability, histological scoring, and ECM composition. Correlations among media biomarker concentrations, histological scoring, ECM composition, and viability were determined using a Spearman correlation. GRO-α, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 showed strong positive correlations to each other, and moderate positive correlations to NO, PGE2, and MMP-2. Total MMP activity, MMP-9, and MMP-13 had strong positive correlations to each other, and moderate positive correlations to MMP-1. MMP-2 had a moderate to strong positive correlations to histological scores (total and cartilage structure) and collagen content. MMP-2, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 had moderate negative correlations, and MMP-9 had a moderate positive correlation, to viability. GRO-α, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 had moderate positive correlations to collagen content. MMP-9, MMP-13, and total MMP activity had moderate negative correlations to tissue GAG. The data suggest links among proinflammatory and degradative pathways are present in OA osteochondral tissues. Further characterization of these links have the potential to delineate mechanisms of disease and diagnostic and therapeutic targets for knee OA.
Disorder broadening of even-denominator fractional quantum Hall states in the presence of a short-range alloy potential

We study energy gaps of the $\ensuremath{\nu}=7/2$ and $\ensuremath{\nu}=5/2$ fractional quantum Hall states in a series of two-dimensional electron gases containing alloy disorder. We found that gaps at these two filling factors have the same suppression rate with alloy disorder. The dimensionless intrinsic gaps in our alloy samples obtained from the model proposed by Morf and d'Ambrumenil are consistent with numerical results, but are larger than those obtained from experiments on pristine samples published in the literature. The disorder broadening parameter has large uncertainties. However, a modified analysis relying on shared intrinsic gaps yields consistent results for both the $\ensuremath{\nu}=5/2$ and $7/2$ fractional quantum Hall states and establishes a linear relationship between the disorder broadening parameter and alloy concentration. Furthermore, we find that we can separate contributions to the disorder broadening of the long-range and short-range scattering.
Age-replacement policies under age-dependent replacement costs

We consider a stochastically deteriorating system with self-announcing failures that require immediate reactive replacement. For such a system, we consider an age-replacement policy (without minima...
Hate speech as a structural phenomenon

Hate speech is more than just expression used to malign people based on their fixed identity characteristics. It is a tool deployed by those with various forms of power to maintain their social, po...
Aging of male and female gametes

Abstract The aging process in humans is a known contributor to declining fertility in both sexes. In females, this decline is abrupt and represents a complete barrier to a woman's ability to conceive. In contrast, the impact of aging on male fertility is far more subtle. In fact, men of advanced ages are capable of fathering children but as their age increases, so does the risk of various abnormalities in the offspring. This chapter will focus on the aging process in gametes and how this may contribute to infertility, embryo quality, and offspring health. We assess where the field is currently, what the future holds, and how this work may affect patient care.
Photoreceptor Disc Enclosure Is Tightly Controlled by Peripherin-2 Oligomerization.

Mutations in the PRPH2 gene encoding the photoreceptor-specific protein PRPH2 (also known as peripherin-2 or rds) cause a broad range of autosomal dominant retinal diseases. Most of these mutations affect the structure of the light-sensitive photoreceptor outer segment, which is composed of a stack of flattened “disc” membranes surrounded by the plasma membrane. The outer segment is renewed on a daily basis in a process whereby new discs are added at the outer segment base and old discs are shed at the outer segment tip. New discs are formed as serial membrane evaginations, which eventually enclose through a complex process of membrane remodeling (completely in rods and partially in cones). As disc enclosure proceeds, PRPH2 localizes to the rims of enclosed discs where it forms oligomers which fortify the highly curved membrane structure of these rims. In this study, we analyzed the outer segment phenotypes of mice of both sexes bearing a single copy of either the C150S or the Y141C PRPH2 mutation known to prevent or increase the degree of PRPH2 oligomerization, respectively. Strikingly, both mutations increased the number of newly forming, not-yet-enclosed discs, indicating that the precision of disc enclosure is regulated by PRPH2 oligomerization. Without tightly controlled enclosure, discs occasionally over-elongate and form large membranous “whorls” instead of disc stacks. These data show that the defects in outer segment structure arising from abnormal PRPH2 oligomerization are manifested at the stage of disc enclosure. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The light-sensitive photoreceptor outer segment contains a stack of flattened “disc” membranes that are surrounded, or “enclosed,” by the outer segment membrane. Disc enclosure is an adaptation increasing photoreceptor light sensitivity by facilitating the diffusion of the second messenger along the outer segment axes. However, the molecular mechanisms by which photoreceptor discs enclose within the outer segment membrane remain poorly understood. We now demonstrate that oligomers of the photoreceptor-specific protein peripherin-2, or PRPH2, play an active role in this process. We further propose that defects in disc enclosure because of abnormal PRPH2 oligomerization result in major structural abnormalities of the outer segment, ultimately leading to loss of visual function and cell degeneration in PRPH2 mutant models and human patients.
Eupnea and gasping in vivo are facilitated by the activation of 5-HT2A receptors.

Previous in vitro studies suggest that 5-HT2A receptors contribute to eupnea and are necessary for fictive gasping. The current study shows that the impaired gasping displayed by neonatal TPH2−/− m...
When the IOM Speaks: IOM Quality of Care Committee and Report

On July 7, 1998, I received an invitation from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to become a member of the Committee on Quality of Health Care in America. The Committee, chaired by Bill Richardson of the Kellogg Foundation, was an outgrowth of an IOM Roundtable on Quality of Care, chaired by Mark Chassin and Robert Galvin.
Biological-Physical Interactions in the Sea: Marine Ecodynamics

In this article the emphasis is on the importance of organism-organism interactions in examining the energy flow in marine ecosystems. The ecodynamical study must include physical, chemical, and biological processes as they are coupled in a nonlinear fashion. In particular, the fluid dynamical understanding of the flow pattern around organisms is needed for providing insights into the interaction processes.
Does Past Criminal Behavior Predict Future Criminal Behavior

Past behavior does not always predict future behavior, and all candidates with criminal histories should not be automatically denied licensure or employment as nurses. Instead, such candidates should undergo standardized psychological assessment, and a trained clinical professional should interpret the results. Integrating psychological theory and assessment into the licensure and employment decision-making process could benefit certain ex-offenders, potential employers, and society as a whole.
Demonstration of repeat-pass POLINSAR using UAVSAR: The RMOG model

In this paper we show our first POLINSAR results using the Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). UAVSAR is a L-band repeat-pass polarimetric and interferometric system designed for measuring vegetation structure and monitoring crustal deformations. In order to extract canopy height from POLINSAR data and account for temporal decorrelation, we formulate a physical model of the temporal-volumetric coherence, random motion over ground (RMOG) model. Canopy height extracted from single-baseline UAVSAR data using the RMOG model is shown to be in agreement with canopy height measured by the Land, Vegetation, and Ice Sensor (LVIS) lidar.
Essential embryonic roles of the CKI-1 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor in cell-cycle exit and morphogenesis in C. elegans

Following a phase of rapid proliferation, cells in developing embryos must decide when to cease division and then whether to survive and differentiate or instead undergo programmed death. In screens for genes that regulate embryonic patterning of the endoderm in Caenorhabditis elegans, we identified overlapping chromosomal deletions that define a gene required for these decisions. These deletions result in embryonic hyperplasia in multiple somatic tissues, excessive numbers of cell corpses, and profound defects in morphogenesis and differentiation. However, cell-cycle arrest of the germline is unaffected. Cell lineage analysis of these mutants revealed that cells that normally stop dividing earlier than their close relatives instead undergo an extra round of division. These deletions define a genomic region that includes cki-1 and cki-2, adjacent genes encoding members of the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. cki-1 alone can rescue the cell proliferation, programmed cell death, and differentiation and morphogenesis defects observed in these mutants. In contrast, cki-2 is not capable of significantly rescuing these phenotypes. RNA interference of cki-1 leads to embryonic lethality with phenotypes similar to, or more severe than, the deletion mutants. cki-1 and -2 gene reporters show distinct expression patterns; while both are expressed at around the time that embryonic cells exit the cell cycle, cki-2 also shows marked expression starting early in embryogenesis, when rapid cell division occurs. Our findings demonstrate that cki-1 activity plays an essential role in embryonic cell cycle arrest, differentiation and morphogenesis, and suggest that it may be required to suppress programmed cell death or engulfment of cell corpses.
Greed and Fear in Financial Markets: The Case of Stock Spam E-Mails

Using a rich dataset of stock spam e-mails as a laboratory, we test and find support for three behavioral finance theories related to investor attention, ambiguity, and overweighting of low probability outcomes. First, we find that both the dollar volume and return on the peak day of the spam campaigns (SCs) are significantly higher compared to those on randomly selected non-spam dates. In addition, SCs reduce the number of zero trading days while the campaign is underway. Second, e-mails with a target price have significantly higher abnormal dollar volume and abnormal return on the peak day of the SC than e-mails without a target price. Thus, individual investors favor bets with unambiguous payoffs, which supports the ambiguity hypothesis. Finally, when the target price indicated in spam e-mails is about 53 times the current price, the abnormal return of the SC peaked at 31%. We document a nonlinear relationship between abnormal return on the peak day of the SCs and the premium implied in the spam e-mail...
Alpha‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex‐dependent succinylation of proteins in neurons and neuronal cell lines

Reversible post-translation modifications of proteins are common in all cells and appear to regulate many processes. Nevertheless, the enzyme(s) responsible for the alterations and the significance of the modification are largely unknown. Succinylation of proteins occurs and causes large changes in the structure of proteins; however, the source of the succinyl groups, the targets, and the consequences of these modifications on other proteins remain unknown. These studies focused on succinylation of mitochondrial proteins. The results demonstrate that the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) can serve as a trans-succinylase that mediates succinylation in an α-ketoglutarate-dependent manner. Inhibition of KGDHC reduced succinylation of both cytosolic and mitochondrial proteins in cultured neurons and in a neuronal cell line. Purified KGDHC can succinylate multiple proteins including other enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle leading to modification of their activity. Inhibition of KGDHC also modifies acetylation by modifying the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. The much greater effectiveness of KGDHC than succinyl-CoA suggests that the catalysis owing to the E2k succinyltransferase is important. Succinylation appears to be a major signaling system and it can be mediated by KGDHC. Reversible post-translation modifications of proteins are common and may regulate many processes. Succinylation of proteins occurs and causes large changes in the structure of proteins. However, the source of the succinyl groups, the targets, and the consequences of these modifications on other proteins remains unknown. The results demonstrate that the mitochondrial α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) can succinylate multiple mitochondrial proteins and alter their function. Succinylation appears to be a major signaling system and it can be mediated by KGDHC.
Conformations of the alternating (C-T)n sequence under neutral and low pH

The structures of the (C-T)n sequence at two different pHs have been analyzed by 500 MHz 2D-NMR using a modified DNA decamer d(CT[m5C]TCU[m5C]UCT) as a model system. The chemical modifications serve to perturb the monotonous C-T repeat, and consequently to yield a better chemical shift dispersion. The results reinforce our earlier suggestion that there are three major pH-depedent confonnational species: two antiparallel-stranded (APS) duplexes at pH 7 and pH 3, and a different structure near pH 5. Structural refinement of the decamer duplexes at pH = 7.5 and pH = 2.9 using 2D-NOE data suggests that the C : T or C+ : T base pairs are continuously stacked. Exchangeable proton NMR spectra at pH 7.5 and pH 2.9 are consistent with C : T or C+ : T base pairing schemes in which a water molecule bridges the two bases.
Knee moments during run-to-cut maneuvers are associated with lateral trunk positioning

Non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries account for approximately 70% of ACL ruptures and often occur during a sudden change in direction or pivot. Decreased neuromuscular control of the trunk in a controlled perturbation task has previously been associated with ACL injury incidence, while knee abduction moments and tibial internal rotation moments have been associated with ACL strain and ACL injury incidence. In this study, the association between movement of the trunk during a run-to-cut maneuver and loading of the knee during the same activity was investigated. External knee moments and trunk angles were quantified during a run-to-cut maneuver for 29 individuals. The trunk angles examined were outside tilt (frontal plane angle of the torso from vertical), angle between the ground reaction force (GRF) and the torso in the plane containing the GRF and shoulders (torso-GRF_shoulders); and angle between GRF and torso in the plane containing the GRF and pelvis (torso-GRF_pelvis). Significant positive associations were found between torso angles and peak knee abduction moments (outside tilt, p=0.002; and torso-GRF_shoulders, p=0.036) while a significant negative association was found between peak tibial internal rotation moment and outside tilt (p=0.021). Because the peaks of these moments occur at different times and minimal axial rotation moment is observed at peak knee abduction moment (-0.29±0.46%BW*ht), the positive association between peak knee abduction moment and torso lean suggests that increasing torso lean may increase ACL load and risk of injury.
Rotational excitation in molecular collisions: A strong coupling approximation

Abstract A generalization of Takayanagi's fully quantum mechanical strong coupling approximation for rotationally inelastic collisions, valid for small energy exchange, is discussed and tested numerically on a model problem. The method is computationally very simple, and the results are most encouraging.
Fluorogenic Membrane Overlays to Enumerate Total and Fecal Escherichia coli and Total Vibrionaceae in Shellfish and Seawater.

Three assays were developed to enumerate total and fecal Escherichia coli and total Vibrionaceae in shellfish, seawater, and other foods and environmental samples. Assays involve membrane overlays of overnight colonies on nonselective agar plates to detect β-glucuronidase and lysyl aminopeptidase activities for E. coli and Vibrionaceae, respectively. Cellulose membranes containing the substrates 4-methylumbeferyl-β-D-glucuronide (MUG) produced a bright blue fluorescence when overlaid onto E. coli, while L-lysyl-7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin produced green fluorescent foci when overlaid onto Vibrionaceae family members. A multiplex assay was also developed for simultaneously enumerating total E. coli and total Vibrionaceae in oysters and seawater. Overall, 65% of overlaid E. coli (non-O157:H7) were MUG-positive, compared with 62% as determined by the most-probable-number-MUG assay. The overlays are rapid, simple, and cost effective for quantification purposes. This research provides practical alternatives for monitoring bacterial indicators and potential pathogens in complex samples, including molluscan shellfish.
87Sr/86Sr variability in Puerto Rico: geological complexity and the study of paleomobility

Abstract The temptation to use biogeochemical techniques to resolve issues of paleomigration is evident and well intentioned. Knowledge of radiogenic strontium isotope baselines in a region of interest is a sine qua non of such archaeological studies of paleomobility. Here, we present the first detailed study of baseline 87Sr/86Sr values for the island of Puerto Rico. The high degree of 87Sr/86Sr variability present in this corpus of modern Puerto Rican bedrock and terrestrial malacological samples (0.70406–0.70909) is a testament to the complex geology of that island. This diversity of 87Sr/86Sr values makes parsing issues of origin a difficult and highly contingent task. Given these complexities, regional studies seeking to assess paleomigration by such isotopic means should proceed with a great deal of caution.
A Griffith crack problem for a nonhomogeneous medium

Abstract A boundary value problem of two bonded nonhomogeneous similar planes containing a crack is considered. Poisson's ratio is supposed to be uniform whereas the shear modulus varies and is a function of the distance from the plane of the crack. Using Fourier transforms the original problem is reduced to a singular integral equation with a weakly singular kernel. The integral equation is then solved numerically and crack energy and stress intensity factors are calculated.
Design of an experiment for the determination of an unknown coefficient in a nonlinear conduction-diffusion equation

Abstract A nonlinear conduction-diffusion equation is considered in which the coefficient representing conductivity is unknown and is to be determined from overspecified data. An experiment is described whereby this coefficient may be recovered from the data directly, without assuming, a priori, a specific functional form and appealing to techniques of parameter identification. Numerical experiments are presented which indicate that the method is very sensitive to data error. Recommendations are made as to how the approach might be modified.
Deceptive Impression Management: Does Deception Pay in Established Workplace Relationships?

We examine deceptive impression management’s effect on a supervisor’s ratings of promotability and relationship quality (i.e., leader–member exchange) via the mediating role of the supervisor’s recognition of deception. Extending ego depletion theory using social information processing theory, we argue that deceptive impression management in a supervisor-subordinate relationship is difficult to accomplish and the degree that deception is detected will negatively impact desired outcomes. Data collected from a matched sample of 171 public sector employees and their supervisors supported this model and indicated that recognition fully mediated the negative relationships between deceptive impression management with supervisor’s rating of promotability and relationship quality.
Of veins, valves, and vascular access!

Although venous valves have been implicated in the pathogenesis of discrete stenoses associated with dialysis vascular access dysfunction, especially in the context of cephalic arch stenosis,1 there is no documentation on (a) the histological presence or absence of valves in patients with dialysis access dysfunction, (b) the presence or lack of hypertrophy within these valves that are exposed to high flows, and (c) the cellular phenotype of venous valves in the context of dialysis access dysfunction. The images shown will attempt to provide answers to these questions (Figures 1 and 2).2, 3, 4
Population pharmacokinetics analysis of AMG 416, an allosteric activator of the calcium-sensing receptor, in subjects with secondary hyperparathyroidism receiving hemodialysis.

This study characterizes the population pharmacokinetics of AMG 416, an allosteric activator of the calcium-sensing receptor, in subjects with secondary hyperparathyroidism receiving hemodialysis. AMG 416 doses ranging from 2.5 to 60 mg were administered intravenously as single or multiple thrice weekly (TIW) doses at the end of hemodialysis during rinseback. The influence of demographics, concomitant medications, and other disease-related biomarkers on pharmacokinetic parameters was explored. The predictability of the final model was evaluated using bootstrapping and visual predictive checks. A 3-compartment linear pharmacokinetic model that accounts for the hemodialysis clearance best described the data. Plasma clearance (interindividual variability) was 0.564 L/h (14.0%CV). The hemodialysis clearance was 22.2 L/h. The volume of distribution at steady-state was approximately 624 L (82%CV). The mean time to achieve 90% steady-state predialysis concentrations with 3- and 6-hour hemodialysis TIW was 46 and 32 days, respectively. No statistically significant (P < .01) covariates effect was found on pharmacokinetic parameters. Bootstrapping and predictive checks supported model predictive ability. AMG 416 exhibits linear and stationary pharmacokinetics within the range of doses evaluated. Within the range of covariate values investigated, pharmacokinetically driven adjustments of AMG 416 dosing on the basis of these covariates were not warranted.
Neurosarcoidosis presenting as a retroclival mass

A head magnetic resonance imaging scan on a 22-year-old black woman with a 1-year history of brain stem symptoms showed a retroclival mass. Noninvasive studies were unhelpful in characterizing the lesion. Biopsy of the mass showed noncaseating granulomas, consistant with sarcoidosis. Symptoms improved on steroid treatment. Sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a retroclival mass; difficulties in the noninvasive investigation of neurosarcoidosis are discussed.
Growth and characterization of high purity single crystals of barium ferrite

Abstract High purity single crystals of barium ferrite have been grown with the use of a BaO flux. The detected residual impurities have a total concentration of 130 ppm (wt), of which 100ppm is due to platinum. While the crystals exhibit occassional inclusions of a barium rich phase, the predominant microstructural defects are voids, which exhibit two geometries; one spherical and one hexagonal. Magnetic and resistivity measurements have yielded values which are comparable to those reported in the literature. Room temperature effective linewidth measurements at 10 GHz indicate that eddy current losses are dominant for disk shaped samples thicker than ≈0.3 mm. Room temperature FMR linewidth measurementson a sample 0.04 mm thick exhibit a linear frequency response between 55 and 90 GHz, which is consistent with a Landau-Lifshitz damping mechanism.
A novel trench planarization technique using polysilicon refill, polysilicon oxidation, and oxide etchback

Planarization of polysilicon trench refill by the method of sequential oxidation and oxide etchback is reported. It is shown to result in an excellent wafer surface topography and improved wafer yield compared to the conventional planarization process that utilizes a blanket reactive ion etch removal of the refill. Trench capacitors with varying aspect ratios were fabricated and tested for gate yield, MOS interface characteristics, and gate oxide reliability. The measured MOS interface properties were excellent for trench capacitors planarized using the technique. The wafer yield was in excess of 90%, as compared to less than 65% for the conventional process. The uniformity of the planarization process across 4-in-diameter silicon wafers was also significantly improved. These results demonstrate that the process is attractive for fabricating high-density trench MOS structures in a manufacturing environment. >
Targeted protein destabilization reveals an estrogen-mediated ER stress response

Accumulation of unfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells leads to an unfolded protein response (UPR) that either restores homeostasis or commits the cells to apoptosis. Tools traditionally used to study the UPR are proapoptotic and thus confound analysis of long-term cellular responses to ER stress. Here, we describe an ER-localized HaloTag (ERHT) protein that can be conditionally destabilized using a small-molecule hydrophobic tag (HyT36). Treatment of ERHT-expressing cells with HyT36 induces acute, resolvable ER stress that results in transient UPR activation without induction of apoptosis. Transcriptome analysis of late-stage responses to this UPR stimulus reveals a link between UPR activity and estrogen signaling.
The MOC Reflex during Active Listening to Speech.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that active listening to speech would increase medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent activity for the right vs. the left ear. Method Click...
Nonstandard Meromorphic Groups

Extending the work of [A. Pillay, T. Scanlon, Meromorphic groups, Trans. AMS 355 (10) (2003) 3843-3859] on groups definable in compact complex manifolds and of [M. Aschenbrenner, R. Moosa, T. Scanlon, Groups in the theory of compact complex spaces, 2005] on strongly minimal groups definable in nonstandard compact complex manifolds, we classify all groups definable in nonstandard compact complex manifolds showing that if G is such a group then there are a linear algebraic group L, a definably compact group T, and definable exact sequence 1->L->G->T->1.
6- to 10-year experience using countersunk metal-backed patellas.

Abstract Three hundred two consecutive cementless total knee arthroplasties (Natural Knee, Intermedics Orthopedics, Inc., Austin, TX) were performed using a metal-backed, porous-coated patellar component. Fifty-nine patients died and 31 were lost to follow-up evaluation, resulting in 212 knees available for evaluation at 6 to 10 years. The mean follow-up period was 91 months. The mean modified Hospital for Special Surgery total knee score improved from 58 before surgery to 98 at the most recent follow-up visit. Mean patellar translation and tilt were 2.75 mm and 3.5°, respectively. There were no patellar lucencies nor loosening. Eleven patients (5%) underwent revision of the patellar component. Overall patellar survivorship was 96%. Comparatively good results can be achieved with the use of a metal-backed patellar component if component design, surgical technique, and patellar alignment are properly addressed.
Telomere biology in Metazoa

In this review we present critical overview of some of the available literature on the fundamental biology of telomeres and telomerase in Metazoan. With the exception of Nematodes and Arthropods, the (TTAGGG)(n) sequence is conserved in most Metazoa. Available data show that telomerase-based end maintenance is a very ancient mechanism in unicellular and multicellular organisms. In invertebrates, fish, amphibian, and reptiles persistent telomerase activity in somatic tissues might allow the maintenance of the extensive regenerative potentials of these species. Telomerase repression among birds and many mammals suggests that, as humans, they may use replicative aging as a tumor protection mechanism.
The 2 × 2 factorial design: Its application to a randomized trial of aspirin and U.S. physicians

The 2 x 2 factorial design calls for randomizing each participant to treatment A or B to address one question and further assignment at random within each group to treatment C or D to examine a second issue, permitting the simultaneous test of two different hypotheses. This design can increase the efficiency of large-scale clinical trials. The Physicians' Health Study, a randomized trial of aspirin and beta-carotene among U.S. physicians, illustrates some features and potential problems in the design and analysis of a factorial trial. The most common concern, interaction between treatments, is generally an advantage rather than a limitation of this design. Although such interactions are relatively uncommon, this design provides a means to measure an effect which otherwise might not be apparent. If the interaction is sufficiently severe, however, then loss of power is possible.
EFFECT OF SAMPLE WEIGHT AND ORIENTATION ON THE TEXTURE PRESS FORCE OF APPLE SLICES

Texture measurements of both fresh apple slices and steam-blanched apple slices were studied using the FTC Texture Press. Sample weights of 40, 70, 100, 130, and 160 g slices were tested and three orientations (crosswise, lengthwise and randomly) of slices in the standard shear compression cell. The maximum shearing force approaches a constant when the sample weight reaches 70 g for blanched slices. Sample weights of 100 g for fresh slices and 100–130 g for blanched slices are suggested by these test results. Crosswise or random orientation of slices in the cell is preferred. Polynominal models of the maximum force (N) versus sample weight (g) are given and shown to be a closer fit over simple linear models.
On a singular point in the Newtonian theory of hypersonic flow

An examination of the Newtonian inviscid theory of hypersonic flow past a sphere is made in the neighbourhood of the singular point which occurs at θ = 60°. A uniformly valid theory is developed in this neighbourhood which exhibits the limiting detached ‘free-layer’ behaviour postulated by Hayes and Lighthill in the limit as γ → 1. A complete solution is obtained which gives details of streamline and shock wave shape, pressure distribution, etc. for γ − 1 small. Reasons are given why the empirical ‘modified’ Newtonian theory of Lees proves to be a good approximation to experimentally determined pressure distributions. A novel check to the theory is provided by a simple power-law relation between the pressure on the sphere surface and the distance of the shock wave away from sphere at the same point.
How many parking spaces does it take to create one additional transit passenger

Abstract This paper provides empirical evidence that increases in parking capacity at parking-constrained commuter rail stations in the Chicago area increases boarding. Depending upon the time period, definition of constraint and other independent variables used, between six-tenths and 2.2 additional boarders are associated with each additional parking space. Although there is some empirical evidence that increases in parking capacity slightly reduce boardings at adjacent stations, the net impact of additional parking on system-wide boarding is positive. A rudimentary benefit-cost analysis using very conservative estimates of benefits indicates that expansions of parking capacity at constrained stations have positive net social benefits.
Locally polar lattices

Abstract Lattices are studied and characterized in which all intervals above points are polar spaces.
Optical spectra of crystalline silicon particles embedded in an amorphous silicon matrix

Abstract Deuterated amorphous silicon films deposited by DC reactive magnetron sputtering were measured by Raman spectroscopy and TEM imaging. The films were found to consist of silicon crystallites embedded in an amorphous silicon matrix. The sub-band-gap optical spectra of these films were recorded using photocapacitance and transient photocurrent spectroscopy. These spectra reveal an amorphous silicon sub-band-gap spectrum together with a unique optical transition in the embedded c-Si particles. This transition corresponds to valence band electrons being optically inserted into empty levels lying within the amorphous silicon mobility gap. We believe these empty levels are associated either with the conduction band of the c-Si particles or with defect states at the crystalline–amorphous boundary.
The Cu/Al2O3/Al(111) interface: initial film growth and thermally induced diffusion of copper into the bulk

Abstract High-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy have been used to investigate the Cu/Al 2 O 3 /Al(111) interface at temperatures between 95 and 700 K. The copper overlayer was deposited by in situ evaporation, and the Al 2 O 3 substrate was prepared by controlled oxidation of an atomically clean Al(111) surface. It was found that the first monolayer of copper forms a smooth overlayer on the Al 2 O 3 /Al(111) substrate at 95 K. Heating the Cu/Al 2 O 3 /Al(111) layer causes an inward diffusion of the copper overlayer. The chemisorption of CO on the Cu/Al 2 O 3 /Al(111) substrate has been studied also and the results are compared to previous investigations of a Ni/Al 2 O 3 /Al(111) interface.
16S rRNA sequences reveal numerous uncultured microorganisms in a natural community

Microbiologists have been constrained in their efforts to describe the compositions of natural microbial communities using traditional methods. Few microorganisms have sufficiently distinctive morphology to be recognized by microscopy. Culture-dependent methods are biased, as a microorganism can be cultivated only after its physiological niche is perceived and duplicated experimentally. It is therefore widely believed that fewer than 20% of the extant microorganisms have been discovered, and that culture methods are inadequate for studying microbial community composition. In view of the physiological and phylogenetic diversity among microorganisms, speculation that 80% or more of microbes remain undiscovered raises the question of how well we know the Earth's biota and its biochemical potential. We have performed a culture-independent analysis of the composition of a well-studied hot spring microbial community, using a common but distinctive cellular component, 16S ribosomal RNA. Our results confirm speculations about the diversity of uncultured microorganisms it contains.
Hydrophobic motif phosphorylation is not required for activation loop phosphorylation of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1)

p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) is regulated by multiple phosphorylation events. Three of these sites are highly conserved among AGC kinases (cAMP dependent Protein Kinase, cGMP dependent Protein Kinase, and Protein Kinase C subfamily): the activation loop in the kinase domain, and two C-terminal sites, the turn motif and the hydrophobic motif. The common dogma has been that phosphorylation of the hydrophobic motif primes S6K1 for the phosphorylation at the activation loop by phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1). Here, we show that the turn motif is, in fact, phosphorylated first, the activation loop second, and the hydrophobic motif is third. Specifically, biochemical analyses of a construct of S6K1 lacking the C-terminal autoinhibitory domain as well as full-length S6K1, reveals that S6K1 is constitutively phosphorylated at the turn motif when expressed in insect cells and becomes phosphorylated in vitro by purified PDK1 at the activation loop. Only the species phosphorylated at the activation loop by PDK1 gets phosphorylated at the hydrophobic motif by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in vitro. These data are consistent with a previous model in which constitutive phosphorylation of the turn motif provides the key priming step in the phosphorylation of S6K1. The data provide evidence for regulation of S6K1, where hydrophobic motif phosphorylation is not required for PDK1 to phosphorylate S6K1 at the activation loop, but instead activation loop phosphorylation of S6K1 is required for mTOR to phosphorylate the hydrophobic motif of S6K1.
Flexural Performance of Rubberized Concrete Panels Reinforced with Polymer Grid

Abstract The disposal of discarded tires is a problem of significant proportion. In the present experimental study, rubber produced from the granulation of discarded tires was used as an additive t...
Effect of Mechanical Damage during Well Completion Activities on High Chrome Steel Tubulars in High H2S and CO2 Environments

High concentrations of H2S and CO2 make oil producing wells highly corrosive to normal steels alloys, such as carbon steel. The usual solution to this is high chrome steels alloys, such as ferritic stainless steel, i.e. 13Cr. These steels have a good service record in such environments, especially at operating temperatures below 150°C. However the passive film which provides protection can be easily damaged by mechanical activities such as wirelining. The lack of repassivation in these environments means that once damaged by mechanical action these tubulars suffer extensive localized corrosion. A comparison is made of the different workover methods which can exacerbate this problem, particularly wirelining. Where possible we recommend the use of coiled tubing.
Role of the Fyn kinase in calcium release during fertilization of the sea urchin egg.

Abstract Protein tyrosine kinase activity has been implicated as part of the signaling mechanism leading to the sperm-induced calcium transient following fertilization. In the present study, we have tested the role of the Fyn kinase in triggering the calcium transient by microinjecting domain-specific fusion proteins encoding regions of Fyn sequence as inhibitors of Fyn function in vivo. A fusion protein encoding the SH2 domain of Fyn caused an increase in the latent period between sperm–egg fusion and the beginning of the calcium transient and reduced the amplitude of the calcium signal. A fusion protein encoding the U + SH3 domains also caused a small increase in the latent period. Microscopic examination revealed that a large percentage of eggs injected with the U+SH3 or SH2 domains became polyspermic as a result of the delayed block to polyspermy. Affinity experiments demonstrated that the U+SH3 and SH2 domains of Fyn were capable of forming a stable complex with phospholipase Cγ from the sea urchin egg. The results suggest that the Fyn kinase participates in the signaling events leading up to the calcium transient and may directly regulate phospholipase Cγ activity at fertilization.
Possible Implications of Increased Carbon Dioxide Levels and Climate Change for Desert Ecosystems

Despite the considerable progress achieved during recent years in quantifying and modeling climatic and ecological processes caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, there are still major uncertainties regarding the potential effects of increasing concentrations of either CO2 (carbon dioxide) or future climate change in arid ecosystems. General Circulation Models predict varying patterns of moister or drier conditions in deserts for the next century, but the results of climatic and ecosystem modeling in relation to deserts in a future “greenhouse effect” climate are complex and contradictory. Nevertheless, if deserts do respond more dramatically to global temperature change, as they did during the Holocene and, especially the last interglacial era (130,000 years ago), they might act as globally significant sinks of carbon into soils and vegetation. Some growth chamber experiments have indicated that increased CO2 will significantly affect desert shrubs, whereas other chamber and field experiments suggest that rising levels of atmospheric CO2 may not dramatically affect desert ecosystems, although certain individual species may be strongly favored. It is difficult to make a firm statement whether there are any valid analogs between the climate changes of the past and future climate change induced by greenhouse gases.
Sons of the Soil, Migrants, and Civil War

Summary In nearly a third of ethnic civil wars since 1945, the conflict develops between members of a regional ethnic group that considers itself to be the indigenous “sons of the soil” and recent migrants from other parts of the country. The migrants are typically members of the dominant ethnic group who migrate in search of land or government jobs, often supported by the state with economic incentives and development schemes. This paper elaborates on the concept of a sons-of-the-soil conflict; presents descriptive statistics and empirical patterns; identifies a typical escalation sequence; illustrates the several steps with an account of the Tamil-Sinhalese conflict along with other cases; discusses the obstacles to negotiated settlements; and concludes with a suggestion on the role of grievances in explaining civil war onsets.
A test for convexity of a second-order surface

A test for the convexity (or concavity) of a second-order surface is proposed. The test is shown to be essentially a likelihood-ratio test and some of its properties, along with an approximate power function, are exhibited. Potential applications in a response surface setting are mentioned.