cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellular Mechanisms of Catabolism Activated by Metabolic Acidosis

It is well established that chronic renal failure is associated with loss of lean body mass. Possible explanations for this problem include an inability to limit essential amino acid oxidation and protein degradation when dietary protein is limited by anorexia or therapeutically. Alternatively, uremia could directly stimulate protein catabolism. In rats, we have uncovered evidence that metabolic acidosis not only blunts the responses to a low-protein diet but also directly stimulates the degradation of muscle protein. In cultured muscle cells as well, acidification of the media stimulates protein degradation. The mechanisms for catabolism involve activation of the ATP-ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent pathway causing muscle protein degradation and stimulation of branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase activity causing degradation of branched-chain amino acids. Glucocorticoids are required but are not sufficient for these catabolic responses.
A psychophysical approach to dimensional separability

Combinations of some physically independent dimensions appear to fuse into a single perceptual attribute, whereas combinations of other dimensions leave the dimensions perceptually distinct. This apparent difference in the perceived distinctiveness of visual dimensions has previously been explained by the postulation of two types of internal representations -integral and separable. It is argued that apparent integrality, as well as its intermediate forms, can result from a single type of representation (the separable type), due to various degrees of correspondence between physical and separable psychological dimensions. Three experiments tested predictions of this new conceptualization of dimensional separability. Experiment 1 demonstrated that a physical dimension corresponding to a separable psychological dimension did not produce interference, whereas a physical dimension not corresponding to a separable psychological dimension did produce interference. Experiment 2 showed that the pattern of results obtained in Experiment 1 could not be accounted for by similarity relations between stimuli. Experiment 3 showed that degrees of correspondence could account for different amounts of interference as well as an inverse relationship between interference and condensation time. These findings imply that previous definitions of integrality are inadequate. Two new converging criteria are proposed, based on the invariance of perceived values on psychological dimensions and on the effect of rotating a configuration of stimuli in a multidimensional space. The present findings furthermore raise the possibility that a single type of internal representation may sufficiently account for all phenomena previously believed to arise from integrality.
Pharmaco-epidemiology—Drugs, arthritis, and neoplasms: industry contribution to the data

The real possibility that exogenous chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, increase risk of cancer is not a surprise. Epidemiologic systems to monitor exposure, as well as risk with or without such exposure, have been very hard to develop and very expensive to implement, and often have yielded ambiguous or questionably useful findings. The pharmaceutical industry is rising to the challenge of this situation, with attention to epidemiologic responsibilities and potential contributions deriving from them. This paper reviews the overall methodologic and public policy context surrounding pharmaco-epidemiology in the 1980s and then depicts an evolving program in pharmaco-epidemiology at one company, Burroughs Wellcome, as an example of one possible contributor. It discusses the company's epidemiologic approach to the question of association between treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, one of which is manufactured by Burroughs Wellcome Company (Imuran brand azathioprine) and a possible increased risk of neoplasms in patients receiving these drugs as treatment for their rheumatoid arthritis. The paper will highlight specific epidemiologic applications of data bases derived from the published literature as well as voluntary reporting to industry. It will describe a proactive program in the development and conduct of epidemiologic studies to address these difficult problems.
Intrathymic distribution of the two avian thymic parvalbumins.

Abstract Although parvalbumins are generally viewed as intracellular Ca2+buffers/transporters, avian species express two thymus-specific isoforms that may play alternative biological roles. These proteins, known as avian thymic hormone (ATH) and chicken parvalbumin 3 (CPV3), are conjectured to influence thymopoiesis. In this paper, we compare their intrathymic distributions. Isoform-specific monoclonal antibodies against ATH and CPV3 were labeled with fluorescein and Cy5, respectively, and then used to probe paraffin sections of chicken thymus tissue. Confocal microscopy of the stained sections reveals that ATH and CPV3 are both confined to the thymic cortex and that they are frequently coexpressed by a subset of epithelial cells. However, their expression patterns are not completely superimposible. Cortical epithelial cells are also observed that stain for just one of the two avian parvalbumin isoforms, albeit at lower frequency. Significantly, a subset of cortical thymocytes exhibits peripheral staining for one or both of the proteins. This result may imply the existence of plasma membrane receptors for the two proteins on select T-cell precursors. Alternatively, it may signal low level expression of the thymic parvalbumins by the thymocyte population.
Induction of the Human CYP1A2 Enhancer by Phorbol Ester

Abstract Induction of cytochrome (CYP) P4501A2 by such polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) can lead to the bioactivation of carcinogenic aromatic amines and heterocyclic amines. A 3MC response element was recently identified approximately 2.2 kb upstream of the transcription start site of the human CYP1A2 gene. Sequence analysis of this enhancer identified, in addition to a binding site for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, two other sequences, referred to as 5′AP1 and 3′AP1, each with complete homology to the phorbol 12- O -tetradecanoate 13-acetate (TPA) response element consensus sequence. Nuclear extracts from TPA-treated HepG2 cells protected both the 5′AP1 and 3′AP1 sequences against digestion with DNase I. Gel mobility shift and supershift assays revealed that TPA treatment of HepG2 results in increased binding activity of the AP-1 proteins, c-Jun, JunD, and c-Fos, to both sites. We transiently expressed, in HepG2, either a fragment containing both the 5′AP1 and 3′AP1 sites (−2.3pT81Luc) or only the 3′AP1 site (−2.2pT81Luc) cloned into a plasmid containing the luciferase gene under transcriptional control of the thymidine kinase promoter. TPA treatment of cells transfected with −2.3pT81Luc resulted in an approximately threefold induction of luciferase activity over untreated control cells, while the −2.2pT81Luc construction containing only the 3′AP1 site displayed an approximately sixfold induction. These studies suggest that the human CYP1A2 gene may be regulated by tumor promoters in addition to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
The facilitative effect of agent-produced motions on categorization in infancy

A tendency to focus on how people manipulate objects, as well as the perceptual correlates of this information, may help infants form categories. Fourteen-month-old infants were given experience with objects from two similar looking categories. The stimuli either remained stationary (Static condition), moved independently in category-specific ways (IM condition), or were moved by visible agents in category-specific ways (APM condition). Infants in the APM condition were more likely to learn, and to learn more rapidly, to differentiate between the categories in a discrimination-learning task, than were infants in the other conditions. Infants who observed category-specific motions produced by the Ex, but were not permitted to reproduce these motions themselves, learned at a rate that fell between that observed in the Static and IM conditions. These effects do not appear to be due to a general attention-enhancing effect of active manipulation.
Effect of activation of protein kinase C on CD45 isoform expression and CD45 protein tyrosine phosphatase activity in T cells

The T200/leukocyte common antigen (CD45) is a family of at least five large-molecular weight glycoproteins, which are differentially expressed on T cell subsets. The CD45 antigen consists of a variable heavily glycosylated exterior domain, a single membrane-spanning region, and a large cytoplasmic domain that has protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) activity. In this study, we examined the effects of activation of protein kinase C (PKC) on the phosphorylation and expression of CD45 isoforms and PTPase activity in human T cells. After activation of PKC by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), CD45RA expression rapidly increased within the first 24 h, whereas CD45R0 expression did not change within this time. However by 48 h, expression of CD45R0 also began to increase. Metabolic labeling showed that the rapid increment in CD45RA expression observed after PMA stimulation is primarily due to increased de novo synthesis of the 205-kDa and not the 220-kDa molecule. PMA treatment resulted in the phosphorylation of each CD45 isoform to a degree corresponding to its relative surface expression. Significantly, we found that the phosphorylation of CD45 by PKC activation down-regulated CD45 PTPase activity.
Why dilatation generators do not generate dilatations

We show that the Ward identities associated with broken scale invariance contain anomalies in renormalized perturbation theory. In low orders, these anomalies can be absorbed into a redefinition of the scale dimensions of the fields in the theory, but in higher orders this is not possible. Also, these anomalies cannot be removed by studying the Green's functions for objects other than canonical fields, e.g., currents. These results are established to first nontrivial order in perturbation theory by explicit Feynman calculations (which give us information at all momentum transfers), and in higher orders by the method of Callan and Symanzik (which gives information only at zero momentum transfer). The two approaches are consistent within their common domain of validity. Two appendices contain self-contained treatments of the formal canonical theory of scale and conformal transformations and of the derivation of Ward identities. In another appendix, we derive the Callan-Symanzik equations for Green's functions of currents, and show that no redefinition of scale dimension is necessary for these objects, although the other anomalies remain.
Stability of Geodesic Wave Maps in Dimensions d ≥ 3

We show that a wave map with initial data close to that of a geodesic wave map in the sense of H s , with s > n/2 in spatial dimensions n ≥ 3 can be continued globally in time, and stays close to the geodesic wave map in the critical Besov norm, and in the range of Sobolev spaces , with n/2 ≤ s′≤ s.
Agreement of Decision Analyses and Subsequent Clinical Studies in Infectious Diseases

Abstract Purpose Decision analysis techniques can compare management strategies when there are insufficient data from clinical studies to guide decision making. We compared the outcomes of decision analyses and subsequent clinical studies in the infectious disease literature to assess the validity of the conclusions of the decision analyses. Methods A search strategy to identify decision analyses in infectious disease topics published from 1990 to 2005 was developed and performed using PubMed. Abstracts of all identified articles were reviewed, and infectious disease-related decision analyses were retained. Subsequent clinical trials and observational studies that corresponded to these decision analyses were identified using prespecified search strategies. Clinical studies were considered a match for the decision analysis if they assessed the same patient population, intervention, and outcome. Agreement or disagreement between the conclusions of the decision analysis and clinical study were determined by author review. Results The initial PubMed search yielded 318 references. Forty decision analyses pertaining to 29 infectious disease topics were identified. Of the 40, 16 (40%) from 13 infectious disease topics had matching clinical studies. In 12 of 16 (75%), conclusions of at least 1 clinical study agreed with those of the decision analysis. Three of the 4 decision analyses in which conclusions disagreed were from the same topic (management of febrile children). Conclusions There was substantial agreement between the conclusions of decision analyses and clinical studies in infectious diseases, supporting the validity of decision analysis and its utility in guiding management decisions.
Secure Remote Electronic Voting

As the Internet is used for more and more secure transactions, such as shopping, banking, submitting tax returns, etc., several institutions and companies have proposed using the Internet as a medium for remote electronic voting, either as an alternative or replacement for traditional poll site and paper absentee ballot systems. This paper reviews the requirements of such systems, compares the security of such systems to the traditional systems, and proposes several concepts to bring remote electronic voting closer to fruition, addressing issues of secure remote machines.
Comparison of the optical, thermal and structural properties of Ge–Sb–S thin films deposited using thermal evaporation and pulsed laser deposition techniques

Abstract Thin films of Ge 23 Sb 7 S 70 glass were prepared by thermal evaporation (TE) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) techniques. We measured their thermal, optical and structural properties and compared with those of the parent bulk. The probe penetration temperature ( T p ) of the bulk glass, measured using a micro-thermal analyzer, was found to be 412 ± 10 °C, while those of the TE and PLD films were 468 and 470 ± 10 °C, respectively. The refractive index of the bulk and thin films was measured by ellipsometry and ultraviolet–visible–near infrared transmission spectroscopy, and we show that the films have similar refractive indices, which are lower than those of the parent bulk glass. Using micro-Raman spectroscopy, the structure of the film was investigated. The films contain homopolar Ge–Ge bonds and a lower number of homopolar S–S bonds compared to bulk material, which leads to an increase in the proportion of corner shared GeS 4/2 units in the films as compared to the bulk glass. Comparison of structural entities associated with each deposition process showed that the TE film possesses a lower number of S–S bonds and a slightly higher number of SbS 3/2 units compared to the PLD film. These structural changes lead to a more interconnected glass network, and therefore to a higher viscosity at elevated temperatures, as well as a higher refractive index, presumably through increased density. Post-deposition of annealing of these films causes their thermal and optical properties to revert to a more bulk-like state, suggesting that these property differences are due to a difference in the thermal histories of the bulk and film glass networks. For the first time to our knowledge, the refractive index of the bulk glass in the 0.6–10.6 μm range, measured using the prism coupling technique, is also presented.
Defining the precautionary principle: an empirical analysis of elite discourse

The precautionary principle (PP) has gained influence in environmental politics as a ‘policy principle’ – an idea that can spur policy change. Yet, exact definitions of the PP remain elusive, making evaluation of its actual political influence difficult. Given the controversy over the PP's meaning and policy utility, broader empirical analysis of its public formulations is overdue. Elite discourse on the PP is analysed in the search for a dominant formulation among 238 articles in a variety of disciplines. The modal PP formulation is found to be a mix of stronger and weaker elements, broadly resembling Principle 15 of the 1992 Rio Declaration. The data suggest that the principle has become weaker over time, and that its critics formulate it more strongly than proponents. Contrary to some assertions, however, American and European authors do not differ significantly in their interpretations of the PP.
Gowda et al. Respond

We are delighted that our article has stimulated novel analyses regarding the relationship between food insecurity and well-being. Theall et al. describe how there were no significant associations found between food security and inflammation among a younger age group (adolescents aged 12–17 years) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study population 1999–2006 that we used to investigate these relationships in adults (aged ≥ 18 years). The author postulates that the health risks of food insecurity in adolescence thus primarily may be related to obesity through overconsumption of lower-priced, high-caloric foods. This is an interesting hypothesis, and one that we agree with: changes in dietary intake are a major mechanism by which food insecurity may predispose to adverse health outcomes in both adults and adolescents. Two issues should be noted when examining the link between C-reactive protein (CRP) and food security in young people. First, the association between high-sensitivity CRP and adverse health outcomes is not as well established among children as among adults, and data are lacking regarding the appropriate ranges or cutoffs for these inflammatory markers among adolescents. It is also possible that our results linking food insecurity to CRP in adults result from cumulative effects of living in low-income, food-insecure households. Second, the measurement of food security may also be a limitation when focusing on adolescents. Although there are child-specific questions included in the household food-security measure, the applicability of the adult-specific questions and the interpretation of these questions by adolescents raise concerns about the validity of this measure in children.1 For example, adults in the household may buffer younger members from the household’s financial constraints. Young people’s physical well-being might not be affected until the household’s food insecurity has become severe; these situations might be rare in the United States, given the existing safety net programs.2–4 It would be interesting to know whether the analyses by Theall et al. were similar across the different measures of food insecurity (e.g., household or child food security). Using child-specific questionnaires to explore the impact of food insecurity on children and adolescent well-being is an important area of future research. Providing healthy nutrition campaigns for adolescents likely will be important, but cannot be wholly successful if not linked with programs aimed at alleviating the food-insecurity burden of their adult guardians.
The impact of robots on socio-environmental fields

Robots – machines with artificial intelligence, physical movement, and environmental awareness – are increasing in sophistication and areas of use. Robots entered society in substantial numbers only 40 years ago as factory labour. They now occupy homes, hospitals, farms, and battlefields as an unpaid caste in a split-labour market. Their capacity for autonomous behaviour and experiential learning permits them to team with humans in some tasks while replacing them in others. Task sharing has shaped robot evolution toward an android model. As they displace humans, robots will thin out the social capital upon which human solidarity depends. While not a ‘species’ threat, their use as industrial and military tools concentrates wealth and power, sharpens class conflict, and increases international inequality. Because they lack the biological dependence that is the structural basis for environmental care, their deployment tends to erode environmental sustainability as well as reciprocity-based human social solidarity.
Ferritin Blocks Inhibitory Effects of Two-Chain High Molecular Weight Kininogen (HKa) on Adhesion and Survival Signaling in Endothelial Cells

Angiogenesis is tightly regulated through complex crosstalk between pro- and anti-angiogenic signals. High molecular weight kininogen (HK) is an endogenous protein that is proteolytically cleaved in plasma and on endothelial cell surfaces to HKa, an anti-angiogenic protein. Ferritin binds to HKa and blocks its anti-angiogenic activity. Here, we explore mechanisms underlying the cytoprotective effect of ferritin in endothelial cells exposed to HKa. We observe that ferritin promotes adhesion and survival of HKa-treated cells and restores key survival and adhesion signaling pathways mediated by Erk, Akt, FAK and paxillin. We further elucidate structural motifs of both HKa and ferritin that are required for effects on endothelial cells. We identify an histidine-glycine-lysine (HGK) -rich antiproliferative region within domain 5 of HK as the target of ferritin, and demonstrate that both ferritin subunits of the H and L type regulate HKa activity. We further demonstrate that ferritin reduces binding of HKa to endothelial cells and restores the association of uPAR with α5β1 integrin. We propose that ferritin blocks the anti-angiogenic activity of HKa by reducing binding of HKa to UPAR and interfering with anti-adhesive and anti-proliferative signaling of HKa.
Imaging electromagnetic fields using the magnetic resonance absorption spectrum of a paramagnetic gas

Abstract The magnetic component of an electromagnetic field confined to a cavity resonator operating in the 3.2 cm wavelength region has been mapped using the noninvasive technique of electron paramagnetic resonance imaging. The active agent used for this purpose was molecular oxygen. One- and two-dimensional images were obtained of the fields in each of two distinct cylindrical cavity resonators. These images were found to correspond to the general features of those predicted by waveguide theory.
An update on visible and near infrared calibration of satellite instruments

Abstract Additions, corrections and general updates are provided to complement Price (1987) on calibration of visible-near infrared satellite instruments.
Effects of alloying additions on the microstructures, mechanical properties and weldability of Fe3Al-based alloys

Abstract Several alloys based on the Fe28Al5Cr (atomic per cent) composition were produced to study the effects of alloying with Mo, Nb, Zr, B and C on microstructures, mechanical properties, and weldability. Optical microstructures were examined before and after heat treatments of 1 h at 750 °C, as well as after selected higher temperature anneals. Tensile properties at room temperature and 600 °C and creep-rupture properties at 593 °C and 207 MPa were determined and correlated with alloying additions. Judgments as to weldability of selected alloy compositions were made by determining the hot-crack susceptibility. The results indicate that all of these properties of iron aluminides are very sensitive to alloying additions. Some combinations of the above elements resulted in refined grain sizes, increased recrystallization temperatures, and strengthening of the base alloy (through solid solution effects, as well as the formation of precipitates) in both tension and creep-rupture tests. Increased strength, however, was generally produced at the expense of room temperature ductility and weldability. The results suggest that the design of useful iron aluminide compositions will depend on the application, with the composition being modified to provide either room temperature ductility and weldability or strength, as prescribed by the intended application.
Resistance to Fracture of Three All‐Ceramic Systems

All-ceramic restorations have become an attractive alternative to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, but their strength is still an important issue. The purpose of this study was to compare the in vitro fracture resistance of three all-ceramic systems: IPS Empress, In-Ceram, and Procera AllCeram. Thirty dies were replicated from a master die using high filler resin with a modulus of elasticity similar to dentin. Ten cores each of In-Ceram and Procera were fabricated to a thickness of 0.5 mm. The remaining porcelain was applied using a sculpting device to produce a crown with a final thickness of 1.0 mm axially and 2.5 mm occlusally. Ten IPS Empress crowns were mixed to the same dimensions and were pressed by the manufacturer. The internal surfaces of all the crowns were etched and silanated prior to cementation with a resin cement (Panavia 21). The cemented samples were loaded in an Instron machine until fracture. The mean fracture loads were: IPS Empress, 222.45 (+/- 49) kg; In-Ceram, 218.8 (+/- 36) kg; Procera AllCeram, 194.20 (+/- 37) kg. Tukey's test showed no statistically significant differences among the three all-ceramic systems at p < .05.
The Department of Energy Delivers: Energy-Efficient Industrial Technologies & Programs

Le Bureau des Technologies Industrielles anime des ateliers qui permettent aux acteurs industriels americains de mettre en place une nouvelle philosophie de gestion de leurs activites. Cette nouvelle strategie vise a ameliorer l'efficacite energetique, a reduire les emissions polluantes, a augmenter leur productivite et a favoriser le developpement economique. Ces ateliers permettent aux industriels de definir leurs propres besoins pour atteindre ces buts et de developper des partenariats tres fructueux.
Experimental economics and experimental computer science: a survey

In surprisingly many computer science research projects, system outcomes may be influenced by computerized or human agents with different economic incentives. Such studies include P2P networks, routing protocols, agent systems, and attacker-defender security games. Even the most technical system raises a pressing economic question: what incentives will drive the success or failure of deployment?Traditional computer science techniques, in isolation, may overlook factors that are critical to the overall outcome: In these situations, human-subject experiments may form a useful complement, broadening our understanding through the formulation and testing of economically motivated hypotheses.I argue that these efforts can benefit from the large body of work that has been conducted in the field of experimental economics in the last 30 to 40 years. I discuss the methodology of experimental economics and review recent work that falls on the boundary of computer science and economics experiments and is likely unfamiliar to many professionals and researchers in technical fields.
Bcl-2 prevents abnormal mitochondrial proliferation duringetoposide-induced apoptosis

At the late stage of etoposide-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells, marked by condensation of chromatin, mitochondria increase in numbers. There is also a drastic increase in mitochondrial DNA content. This increase in mitochondrial numbers and DNA content is an indicator of mitochondrial proliferation during apoptosis. These proliferating mitochondria exhibit abnormal morphology and are impaired, which is demonstrated by decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content. The described apoptosis-induced abnormal mitochondrial proliferation was inhibited by overexpression of Bcl-2 protein, which also diminishes mitochondrial impairment. The increase in mitochondrial DNA levels correlated with elevated expression of one of the regulators of mitochondrial DNA replication, mtSSB. Our data suggest that proliferation of mitochondria may be an integral part of a cascade of apoptotic events.
Near-threshold fatigue crack propagation in ultra-high strength steel: influence of load ratio and cyclic strength

Fatigue crack propagation behavior of an ultra-high strength steel (300-M) has been investigated in humid air over a very wide spectrum of growth rates from 10/sup -8/ to 10/sup -1/ mm/cycle. Particular emphasis has been devoted to the influence of mean stress (or load ratio R = K/sub min//K/sub max/) and microstructure on fatigue crack growth near the threshold stress intensity for crack propagation, ..delta..K/sub 0/. Increasing the load ratio from R = 0.05 to 0.70 was found to lead to increased near-threshold growth rates, and a decrease in the threshold stress intensity. Similarly, increasing material strength, by varying the microstructure through quench and tempering and isothermal transformation, resulted in higher near-threshold growth rates, and a marked reduction of ..delta..K/sub 0/. These effects are contrasted with behavior at higher growth rates. The infuence of strength on ..delta..K/sub 0/ is rationalized in terms of the cyclic hardening or softening response of the material, and hence it is shown that cyclic softening can be beneficial to fatigue crack propagation resistance at very low growth rates. The results are discussed in the light of crack closure and environmental contributions to fatigue crack growth at low stress intensities.
Species specificities of l-glutamic acid decarboxylase: Immunochemical comparisons.

Abstract The relationship of catfish brain l -glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) with those from other species were examined by comparing the extent of their interactions with antibodies against catfish brain GAD. Several immunochemical methods, such as immunodiffusion, inhibition of enzyme activity and microcomplement fixation tests were employed for these studies. Antibodies against GAD from catfish brain were observed to cross-react with the enzymes from goldfish, frog, chick and turtle. Rabbit and bovine GAD did not cross-react with these antibodies. In the presence of the antibodies, enzymes from goldfish, frog. Drosophila , chick and crayfish were inhibited 27, 46, 32, 38 and 57% respectively. Enzymes from all the other species examined were not affected at all. Microcomplement fixation tests showed that goldfish, frog and chick GAD were quite similar in immunoreactivities. These immunochemical studies demonstrated that GAD from lower vertebrates such as chick, goldfish and frog and some invertebrates such as Drosophila and crayfish are closely related to catfish GAD. In contrast, mammalian GAD shows little or no cross-reactivity with antibodies against catfish GAD.
Epileptogenic properties of cobalt and related metals applied directly to cerebral cortex of rat.

ummary The epileptogenic effects of cobalt and of other metals close to it in the periodic table were examined in the rat. The metals were implanted on the cerebral cortex, and the seizure threshold to pentylenetetrazol was determined. Of the nine metals tested, only cobalt and nickel were epileptogenic. There was no difference with sex in the onset, degree, or duration of chronic epilepsy. When cobalt was removed 7 days after implantation, the seizure threshold to pentylenetetrazol gradually returned to control values. When cobalt was removed after 21 days, the seizure threshold remained low for up to 35 days. Resume On a etudie les effets epileptogenes du cobalt et d'autres metaux inscrits sur la table periodique. Les metaux etaient implantes dans le cortex cerebral et le seuil convulsivant au pentylenetetrazol a ete determine. Sur les neufs metaux testes, seulement le-cobalt et le nickel etaient epileptogenes. II n'y avait pas de difference dans les 2 sexes en ce qui concerne le debut, le degre et la duree de I'epilepsie chronique. Quand le cobalt etait enleve 7 jours apres L'implantation, le seuil convulsivant au pentylenetetrazol revenait progressivement aux valeurs de controle. Quand le cobalt etait enleve au bout de 21 jours, le seuil convulsivant demeurait bas pendant 35 jours. ZUSAMMEnfassung Die epileptogene Wirkung von Kobalt und anderen Metallen, die im periodischen System ihm benachbart liegen, wurden bei der Ratte untersucht. Die Metalle wurden im cerebralen Kortex implantiert und die Krampfschwelle gegenuber Pentylentetrazol bestimmt. Von den 9 getesteten Metallen waren nur Kobalt und Nickel epileptogen. Es bestanden keine Geschlechtsunterschiede hinsichtlich des Beginns, des Ausmasses und der Dauer der chronischen Epilepsie. Wenn Kobalt 7 Tage nach der Implantation wieder entfernt wurde, kehrte die Krampfschwelle gegenuber Pentylentetrazol allmahlich auf Werte zuruck, die bei Kontrolltieren gefunden wurden. Entfernte man Kobalt nach 21 Tagen, so blieb die Krampfschwelle fur einen Zeitraum bis zu 35 Tagen niedrig. RESUMEN Se han examinado en la rata los efectos epileptogenicos del Cobalto y otros metales que se situan en lugares proximos de la tabla periodica. Se implantaron dichos metales en la corteza cerebral y se determineo el umbral convulsivo para el pentilentetrazol. Solo el cobalto y el niquel mostraron capacidad epileptogenica. No se encontraron diferencias relacionadas con el sexo en lo que se refiere al comienzo, el grado o la duracion de la epilepsia cronica. Cuando se extrajo el cobalto 7 dias despues de su implantation el umbral convulsivo ai pentilentetrazol volvio gradualmente a los niveles control, permaneciendo bajo durante 35 dias. Acknowledgments This research was supported in part by U.S. Public Health Service Grant NS 07718, GRS 5-S01-FR 05433-09, Training Grant T01GM 00076, and a research grant from the Epilepsy Foundation of America.
A new accurate yield prediction method for system-LSI embedded memories

The authors propose a new accurate yield prediction method for system-LSI embedded memories to improve the productivity of chips. Their new method is based on the failure-related yield prediction method in which failure bits in memory are tested to see whether they are repairable or not by using built-in redundancies. The important concept of the new method is called "repairable matrix'' (RM). In RM, rm/sub ij/=1 means that i row redundancy sets and j column redundancy sets are needed for repair, where rm/sub ij/ is an element of the matrix. Here, RM can indicate all the candidate combinations of the number of row and column redundancy sets for repair. The new yield prediction method using RM solves two problems, "asymmetric repair'' and "link set.'' These have a significant effect on accurate yield prediction but have not yet been approached by conventional analytical methods. The calculation of yield by the new method is demonstrated in two kinds of advanced memory devices that have different design rules, failure situations, and redundancy designs. The calculated results are consistent with the actual yield. On average, the difference in accuracy between the new method and conventional analytical methods is about 5%.
The grand plans [ballistic missile defense]

The United States plans to use a layered approach to protect its forces and allies against short-range ballistic missiles, which have ranges less than 3500 km. Area defenses such as the land-based Theater High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) and the sea-based upper-tier defenses will cover broad areas. Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 and the sea-based lower-tier defenses will be a backup for targets missed by the upper tier and protect high-value targets such as airfields, ports, headquarters, and population centers. The Airborne Laser will aim to destroy missiles during the boost phase, when their rocket motors are burning and before they can deploy warheads, decoys, or submunitions. A theater battle management system will coordinate the system's many components.
Farm size and job quality: mixed-methods studies of hired farm work in California and Wisconsin

Agrifood scholars have long investigated the relationship between farm size and a wide variety of social and ecological outcomes. Yet neither this scholarship nor the extensive research on farmworkers has addressed the relationship between farm size and job quality for hired workers. Moreover, although this question has not been systematically investigated, many advocates, popular food writers, and documentaries appear to have the answer—portraying precarious work as common on large farms and nonexistent on small farms. In this paper, we take on this question by describing and explaining the relationship between farm size and job quality for hired farm workers. To do so, we draw on data from two independently conducted, mixed-methods case studies—organic fruit and vegetable production in California, and dairy farming in Wisconsin—each of which offers a different set of insights into the farm size-job quality relationship. In both cases, larger farms fared better than or no worse than their smaller-scale counterparts for most job quality metrics investigated, though many of the advantages of working on large farms accrue disproportionately to white, U.S.-born workers. We explain that these patterns stem from economies of scale, industrialization, firm size itself, the dominant class identities and aspirations of farmers and their peers, as well as farmers’ and immigrant workers’ fears of immigration enforcement.
Preparation of SOFC Anodes by Electrodeposition

Anodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have been prepared by electrodeposition of either Co or Ni into a layer of porous yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), 60 μm thick. The YSZ, having 65% porosity, was prepared by tape casting with graphite pore formers and was attached to the dense YSZ electrolyte. After adding 10 vol % CeO 2 by impregnation of aqueous solutions of Ce(NO 3 ) 3 , followed by calcination at 723 K, the porous YSZ was made conductive by exposing it to n-butane at 1123 K to form a coating of carbon. As much as 40 vol % metal could be added to the porous layers, while the carbon could then be removed by exposing the anode to humidified H 2 at SOFC operating temperatures. The ohmic losses in cells containing 40 vol % Co or 30 vol % Ni were unaffected by heating to 1173 K. Finally, a cell with 15 vol % Cu and 15 vol % Co was prepared by electrodeposition of Cu onto electrodeposited Co. No carbon formation was observed on the Cu-Co anode following exposure to dry methane at 1073 K.
Triangulating How Things Look

Suppose you're unable to discriminate the colors of two objects. According to the triangulation view, their colors might nonetheless look di�耀erent to you, and that's something you can discover as a result of further comparisons. The primary motivation for this view is its apparent ability to solve a puzzle involving a series of pairwise indis- criminable objects. I argue that, due to visual noise, the triangulation view doesn't really solve the puzzle.
The Central Role of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Cardiovascular Fibrosis.

See related article, pp 158–166 Accumulating evidence indicates that aldosterone plays a predominant role in the pathobiology of cardiopulmonary vascular fibrosis. Mineralocorticoid receptor activation disrupts normal vessel architecture by promoting collagen and elastin degradation, as well as deposition of newly synthesized collagen, which has attendant consequences for both vascular structure and function. The clinical relevance of this concept is supported by epidemiological studies that have shown that vascular stiffness occurs before hypertension and link increased serum aldosterone levels to incident hypertension.1,2 Further support for this concept is found in selected patient populations, including patients with primary aldosteronism, congestive heart failure, and obesity, where evidence of mineralocorticoid receptor activation is associated with circulating markers of fibrosis and increased collagen turnover.3–5 Although these studies provide a framework to explore the association between aldosterone and fibrosis, arterial stiffness, and hypertension, they do not inform on the critical molecular mechanisms or relevant signaling pathways that initiate collagen synthesis and ultimately lead to vascular fibrosis. In this issue of Hypertension, Tarjus et al6 provide compelling evidence that neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL), or lipocalin-2 (Lcn2), is a key mediator of mineralocorticoid-stimulated vascular fibrosis. They convincingly show that NGAL/Lcn2 is associated with aldosterone levels and markers of collagen metabolism in nonhypertensive asymptomatic individuals with abdominal obesity. The authors also provide mechanistic insight to support the central role of Lcn2 by conducting studies in Lcn2 conditional knockout mice using the uninephrectomy/aldosterone infusion/salt model. Under these conditions, absence of Lcn2 expression is associated with lower blood …
Primate Spermatogonial Stem Cells Colonize Mouse Testes

In mice, transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells from a fertile male to the seminiferous tubules of an infertile recipient male results in progeny with donor-derived haplotype. Attempts to extend this approach by transplanting human testis cells to mice have led to conflicting claims that no donor germ cells persisted or that human spermatozoa were produced in the recipient. To examine this issue we used the baboon, a primate in which testis cell populations of several ages could be obtained for transplantation, and demonstrate that donor spermatogonial stem cells readily establish germ cell colonies in recipient mice, which exist for periods of at least 6 mo. However, differentiation of germ cells toward the lumen of the tubule and production of spermatozoa did not occur. The presence of baboon spermatogonial stem cells and undifferentiated spermatogonia in mouse seminiferous tubules for long periods after transplantation indicates that antigens, growth factors, and signaling molecules that are necessary for interaction of these cells and the testis environment have been preserved for 100 million years of evolutionary separation. Because germ cell differentiation and spermatogenesis did not occur, the molecules necessary for this process appear to have undergone greater divergence between baboon and mouse.
Numerical Design Optimization Methodology for Wideband and Multi-Band Inductively Degenerated Cascode CMOS Low Noise Amplifiers

In this paper, we develop a systematic design optimization methodology for inductively degenerated cascode CMOS low noise amplifiers (LNA) in fully integrated wideband and multi-band wireless systems. Leveraging an accurate analytical circuit model, we combine global and local numerical optimization techniques in a hierarchical manner to simultaneously determine the fixed and switchable passive component and device parameters in the LNA circuit necessary to meet user-specified performance requirements. To demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed design optimization methodology, we utilize the method to create 3 wideband and 3 multi-band LNA designs that meet a wide-range of impedance matching, noise figure, gain, power dissipation, and linearity requirements. The proposed method provides circuit designers with a fast and effective means for the rapid prototyping and design space exploration of wideband and multi-band inductively degenerated cascode CMOS LNAs.
Optimal estimation of clock values and trends from finite data

We show how to solve two problems of optimal linear estimation from a finite set of phase data. Clock noise is modeled as a stochastic process with stationary dth increments. The covariance properties of such a process are contained in the generalized autocovariance function (GACV). We set up two principles for optimal estimation; these principles lead to a set of linear equations for the regression coefficients and some auxiliary parameters. The mean square errors of the estimators are easily calculated. The method can be used to check the results of other methods and to find good suboptimal estimators based on a small subset of the available data
Optically transparent multi-suction electrode arrays

Multielectrode arrays (MEAs) allow for acquisition of multisite electrophysiological activity with submillisecond temporal resolution from neural preparations. The signal to noise ratio from such arrays has recently been improved by substrate perforations that allow negative pressure to be applied to the tissue; however, such arrays are not optically transparent, limiting their potential to be combined with optical-based technologies. We present here multi-suction electrode arrays (MSEAs) in quartz that yield a substantial increase in the detected number of units and in signal to noise ratio from mouse cortico-hippocampal slices and mouse retina explants. This enables the visualization of stronger cross correlations between the firing rates of the various sources. Additionally, the MSEA's transparency allows us to record voltage sensitive dye activity from a leech ganglion with single neuron resolution using widefield microscopy simultaneously with the electrode array recordings. The combination of enhanced electrical signals and compatibility with optical-based technologies should make the MSEA a valuable tool for investigating neuronal circuits.
A nonrandom interneuronal pattern in the developing frog spinal cord

In the developing spinal cord of the frog, Xenopus laevis, a population of interneurons assumes a pattern that represents a previously undescribed level of organization. Glyoxylic acid treatment and immunocytochemistry show that the neurons contain catecholamines and their synthetic enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase. Cells are located within the ependymal layer of the floor plate region of the larval spinal cord. The cells have several processes including a long one that projects toward the brain without fasciculating with other labeled processes. In addition, the cytoplasm of the catecholaminergic cells extends into the central canal, showing that they are a population of cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons. The spatial domain of catecholaminergic neurons starts abruptly at the boundary between the hindbrain and spinal cord and continues to the tip of the tail. The neurons occupy two longitudinal columns within the sheet of floor plate cells, which includes cells that do not exhibit the catecholaminergic phenotype. Unlabeled cells are intercalated between catecholaminergic cells in each column, giving the labeled cells the appearance of being spaced along the length of the spinal cord. This general arrangement is evident at the time of hatching. Spatial analysis showed that the position of cells along a column is not random. The nonrandom behavior is due to cells being excluded from the area immediately surrounding other catecholaminergic cells. Further analysis showed that the cellular pattern lacks segmental or other periodic repeats. Ultimately, the location of a cell within a column depends upon the position of its closest catecholaminergic neighbor. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Design and validation of an angle-resolved low-coherence interferometry fiber probe for in vivo clinical measurements of depth-resolved nuclear morphology

We present a novel Fourier-domain angle-resolved low-coherence interferometry (a /LCI) fiber probe designed for in vivo clinical application in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The a/LCI technique measures the depth-resolved angular scattering distribution to determine the size distribution and optical density of cell nuclei for assessing the health of epithelial tissues. Clinical application is enabled by an endoscopic fiber-optic probe that employs a 2.3-m-long coherent fiber bundle and is compatible with the standard 2.8-mm-diam biopsy channel of a gastroscope. The probe allows for real-time data acquisition by collecting the scattering from multiple angles in parallel, enabled by the Fourier domain approach. The performance of the probe is characterized through measurement of critical parameters. The depth-resolved sizing capability of the system is demonstrated using single- and double-layer microsphere phantoms with subwavelength sizing precision and accuracy achieved. Initial results from a clinical feasibility test are also presented to show in vivo application in the human esophagus.