cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast Post-Hoc Normalization for Brain Inspired Sparse Coding on a Neuromorphic Device

Exploration of novel computational platforms is critical for the advancement of artificial intelligence as we approach the physical limitations of traditional hardware. Biologically accurate, energy efficient neuromorphic systems are particularly promising for enabling future breakthroughs because of their ability to process information in parallel and to scale using extremely low power. Sparse coding is a signal processing technique which has been known to model the information encoding in the primary visual cortex. When sparse solutions are solved using local neuron competition along with the unsupervised dictionary learning that mimics cortical development, we can build an end to end, hardware to software, brain inspired solution to a machine learning problem. In this article, we perform a detailed comparison of sparse coding solutions generated classically by orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) implemented on a conventional digital processor with spike-based solutions obtained using the Intel Loihi neuromorphic processor. A novel “post-hoc” normalization technique to shorten simulation time for Loihi is presented along with analysis of optimal parameter selection, reconstruction errors, and unsupervised dictionary learning for Loihi approaches and their classical counterparts. Preliminary results show that both the Loihi full simulation approach and the post-hoc normalization approach are well suited to neuromorphic processors and operate in a size, weight and power regime that is not accessible by classical approaches. Ultimately, the use of this normalization technique allows for faster and, often, better solutions than demonstrated previously.
A Rural Perspective on COVID-19 Responses: Access, Interdependence and Community

Much of the press on the pandemic has been focused on urban environments where the virus was quick to spread and the numbers of cases are high. Beyond the greater risk for COVID-19-related health complications, rural populations are particularly susceptible to disruptions in the economic infrastructure of their communities. This study explores the impacts of COVID-19 on rural communities and the responses of nonprofit and other community infrastructures. Using a strengths-based approach and mixedmethods design, this qualitative research asked rural residents and nonprofit leaders about their needs, challenges, and assets as a result of COVID-19. Themes relative to access, interdependence, and community emerged from a priori categories. The research offers implications for both nonprofit education and rural nonprofit leadership.Subscribe to JNEL
A SURVEY OF STOCHASTIC MODELS FOR BOD AND DO IN STREAMS

The primary indicators of water quality in streams are the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO). At each distance t downstream from a source of (organic) pollution, the BOD and DO must be considered as random variables due to the nondeterministic nature of environmental conditions. This paper surveys stochastic models for the prediction of BOD and DO at downstream points from the pollution source. Particular emphasis is on recently developed random differential equation approaches to the problem, which allow the computation of the probability distribution of BOD and DO at each t under various assumptions on random initial conditions and random rate constants.
The use of Carbohydrates in the Synthesis and Configurational Assignments of Optically Active, Non-Carbohydrate Compounds

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the practical applications of carbohydrates in asymmetric synthesis. The chapter also describes the application of carbohydrates for the synthesis and configurational proof of other biologically important molecules. Carbohydrates provide excellent chiral frameworks for mechanistic studies of asymmetric synthesis and serve as readily available and easily modified sources of asymmetric centers. The main essence of asymmetric synthesis is the creation of asymmetric centers under the influence of other asymmetric centers, in such a way that the resulting enantiomers or diastereoisomers are formed in unequal proportions. Asymmetric reactions can be divided into three types—namely, type 1 reactions in which optically active compounds are formed from achiral substrates and chiral reagents, or from achiral substrates and achiral reagents in chiral solvents, type 2 reactions in which new asymmetric centers are created in molecules that already possess one asymmetric center or more and in which the new asymmetric center may be liberated from the parent molecule by simple hydrolytic reactions, and type 3 reactions in which new asymmetric centers are created immediately adjacent to existing asymmetric centers in molecules that contain one asymmetric center.
Metabolism of human cervical tissues: A radioautographic study☆

Abstract Radioautograms of exocervical and endocervical tissue were analyzed from 6 pregnant and 10 nonpregnant premenopausal women after incubation of tissue samples with H 3 -thymidine in vitro. All of the tissue studied was obtained from hysterectomy specimens. Labeled endocervical glandular cells were seen in all cases although in some their number was small. The percentage of labeled nuclei in endocervical glands was higher in patients under the age of 40 and was generally higher in pregnant, than in nonpregnant patients of the same age group. The percentage of labeled nuclei in the stratified squamous epithelium of the exocervix varied widely from one case to the next and appeared to be unrelated to age, pregnancy, or the degree of chronic inflammation. The uptake of H 3 -thymidine by stromal cell nuclei was slightly but not significantly higher in pregnant versus nonpregnant patients.
Minimally invasive endoscopic transventricular hemispherotomy for medically intractable epilepsy: a new approach and cadaveric demonstration.

Object Surgery for medically intractable epilepsy secondary to unihemispheric pathology has evolved from more aggressive hemispherectomy to less aggressive variations of hemispherotomy. The authors propose a novel minimally invasive endoscopic hemispherotomy that should give results comparable to conventional open craniotomy and microsurgery. Methods Endoscopic transventricular hemispherotomy was performed in 5 silicon-injected cadaveric heads in the authors' minimally invasive neurosurgery laboratory. The lateral ventricle was accessed endoscopically through a frontal and occipital bur hole. White matter disconnections were performed to unroof the temporal horn and to disconnect the frontobasal region, corpus callosum, and fornix. Results Using an endoscopic transventricular approach, all white matter disconnections were successfully performed in all 5 cadavers. Conclusions The authors have demonstrated the feasibility of endoscopic transventricular hemispherotomy in a cadaveric model. The technique is s...
DNA Polymerases in Normal and Leukemic Human Hematopoietic Cells

DNA polymerase activities were assayed in bone marrow cells and peripheral leukocytes from normal people and patients with acute myelogenous, chronic lymphocytic, and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Extracts of subcellular components were fractionated by velocity sedimentation through sucrose density gradients and assayed using activated DNA as template. Two major DNA-dependent DNA polymerases were found in human cells with molecular weights of approximately 50,000 and 200,000 daltons, respectively. The DNA polymerase of high molecular weight is located in the soluble cytoplasmic fraction and is inhibited by N -ethylmaleimide. The low molecular weight polymerase is detected in extracts of nuclei and in the soluble fraction. It is resistant to inhibition by N -ethylmaleimide. In all cell types tested, total DNA polymerase activities were much higher in cytoplasmic than in nuclear extracts. Lymphocytes purified from normal peripheral blood had three to four times as much of both the high and low molecular weight polymerase activities per cell as purified granulocytes. Leukemic myeloblasts had 10 to 20 times as much cytoplasmic DNA polymerase activity as more mature leukocytes from normal peripheral blood. In general, immature granulopoietic cells contained higher total DNA polymerase activities than more mature granulocytes, and the major increases in polymerase activities were in the high and low molecular weight cytoplasmic enzymes rather than in the nuclear enzyme.
Deoxycytidylate synthesis and entry into the period of deoxyribonucleic acid replication in rabbit kidney cells.

Abstract With kidney cells cultured directly from the animal, increases in the labeling of the deoxycytidylate pool from 3H-cytidine and in deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase activity begin at about the time of initiation of DNA formation. Some of the possible causal interrelationships of these three changes have been examined. With the use of phleomycin to block DNA synthesis, it has been shown that neither the increase in dCMP nor the increase in polymerase activity is triggered by the act of DNA replication. Hydroxyurea reversibly blocks the rise in the labeling of the dCMP pool. With this inhibitor, it has been shown that the normal increase in the deoxyribonucleotide pool is not essential for the increase in DNA polymerase activity. Nor does the rise in the deoxyribonucleotide pool appear to be required for entry of a kidney cell into the period of DNA synthesis. When cells inhibited with hydroxyurea were irradiated with x-rays (which prevent entry into the replicative stage but have little effect upon the continuation of DNA formation), removal of the chemical inhibitor was followed by the synthesis of DNA.
Enterohepatic circulation is essential for regular cycling of duodenal migrating motor complexes in dogs.

Abstract The role of enterohepatic circulation and specific bile acids in the initiation and caudad migration of duodenal migrating motor complexes (MMCs) was investigated in conscious dogs. All dogs had spontaneous duodenal MMCs that migrated to the terminal ileum when bile flow was intact. During the first 3 days after total external biliary diversion, no MMCs originated in the duodenum. Instead, all MMCs originated in the jejunum and migrated to the ileum. During the next 4 days of total external biliary diversion, 81% of the MMCs originated in the jejunum and 19% in the duodenum. When normal bile flow was restored after 9 days of total external biliary diversion, regular duodenal MMCs resumed after a delay of 126 ± 27 minutes. Perfusion of individual bile acids or dogs' own bile, but not saline or alkaline solution, into the duodenum or perfusion of dogs' own bile directly into the ileum during total external biliary diversion restarted duodenal MMCs with a time lag of about 2 hours. The authors conclude that intact enterohepatic circulation is essential for the initiation of regular duodenal MMCs.
The Origin and Dynamical Effects of the Magnetic Fields and Cosmic Rays in the Disk of the Galaxy

The topic of this presentation is the origin and dynamical behavior of the magnetic field and cosmic-ray gas in the disk of the Galaxy. In the space available I can do no more than mention the ideas that have been developed, with but little explanation and discussion. To make up for this inadequacy I have tried to give a complete list of references in the written text, so that the interested reader can pursue the points in depth (in particular see the review articles Parker, 1968a, 1969a, 1970). My purpose here is twofold, to outline for you the calculations and ideas that have developed thus far, and to indicate the uncertainties that remain. The basic ideas are sound, I think, but, when we come to the details, there are so many theoretical alternatives that need yet to be explored and so much that is not yet made clear by observations.
Observations on the role of nuclear medicine in molecular imaging.

The phrase "molecular imaging" is unquestionably current and is receiving ever increasing use. For example, two organizations, the Institute for Molecular Imaging and the Academy of Molecular Imaging have recently been established with molecular imaging as their focus, with journal entitled "Molecular Imaging" and "Molecular Imaging and Biology," respectively. Furthermore, the two leading journals in the field of nuclear medicine have recently added this phrase to their covers-becoming the "European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging" and "The Journal of Nuclear Medicine-advancing molecular imaging." The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering is the newest institute of the NIH. With this degree of attention, it may be surprising that there is as yet no universally accepted definition of molecular imaging. Numerous diverse definitions, some quite complex, have been proposed. With some exceptions, they all refer to imaging in the living animal of function at the cellular or molecular level. Thus molecular imaging may be defined as the observation of biological function at the molecular level in health and disease through some process involving non-invasive imaging of the living mammals.
Vendor selection and order quantity allocation in volume discount environments

This article presents a multiobjective mixed integer programming approach to simultaneously determine the number of vendors to employ and the order quantities to allocate to these vendors in a multiple‐product, multiple‐supplier competitive sourcing environment. The selection process is driven by the price, delivery, and quality objectives of the buyer and subject to the capacity constraints of the vendors. In this context, the vendors offer discounts on total amount of sales volumes not on the quantity or variety of products purchased from them. The paper presents a solution methodology to the multiobjective problem. Results of a computational experiment suggest that real‐world applications of the proposed model are both computationally practical and realistic.
Balloon-Assisted Maturation (BAM) of the Arteriovenous Fistula: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure is currently a huge clinical problem. One approach to enhance the AVF maturation rate is an aggressive sequence of balloon angioplasty procedures, often known as balloon-assisted maturation. The goal of the current paper is to explore the pros and cons of this procedure and to try and better identify its impact on AVF maturation.
Reduced Susceptibility of DNA Methyltransferase 1 Hypomorphic (Dnmt1N/+) Mice to Hepatic Steatosis upon Feeding Liquid Alcohol Diet

Background: Methylation at C-5 (5-mdC) of CpG base pairs, the most abundant epigenetic modification of DNA, is catalyzed by 3 essential DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b). Aberrations in DNA methylation and Dnmts are linked to different diseases including cancer. However, their role in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has not been elucidated. Methodology/Principal Findings: Dnmt1 wild type (Dnmt1 +/+ ) and hypomorphic (Dnmt1 N/+ ) male mice that express reduced level of Dnmt1 were fed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing ethanol for 6 weeks. Control mice were pair-fed calorie-matched alcohol-free liquid diet, and Dnmtase activity, 5-mdC content, gene expression profile and liver histopathology were evaluated. Ethanol feeding caused pronounced decrease in hepatic Dnmtase activity in Dnmt1 +/+ mice due to decrease in Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b protein levels and upregulation of miR-148 and miR-152 that target both Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b. Microarray and qPCR analysis showed that the genes involved in lipid, xenobiotic and glutathione metabolism, mitochondrial function and cell proliferation were dysregulated in the wild type mice fed alcohol. Surprisingly, Dnmt1 N/+ mice were less susceptible to alcoholic steatosis compared to Dnmt1 +/+ mice. Expression of several key genes involved in alcohol (Aldh3b1), lipid (Ppara, Lepr, Vldlr, Agpat9) and xenobiotic (Cyp39a1) metabolism, and oxidative stress (Mt-1, Fmo3) were significantly (P,0.05) altered in Dnmt1 N/+ mice relative to the wild type mice fed alcohol diet. However, CpG islands encompassing the promoter regions of Agpat9, Lepr, Mt1 and Ppara were methylation-free in both genotypes irrespective of the diet, suggesting that promoter methylation does not regulate their expression. Similarly, 5-mdC content of the liver genome, as measured by LC-MS/MS analysis, was not affected by alcohol diet in the wild type or hypomorphic mice. Conclusions/Significance: Although feeding alcohol diet reduced Dnmtase activity, the loss of one copy of Dnmt1 protected mice from alcoholic hepatosteatosis by dysregulating genes involved in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.
Interrater reliability of assessing levator ani deficiency with 360° 3D endovaginal ultrasound

Introduction and hypothesis Three-dimensional endovaginal ultrasound has been used for evaluation of levator ani muscle deficiency. The aim of this study was to assess interrater agreement/reliability of 3D endovaginal ultrasound for scoring levator ani deficiency (LAD).
1000 days on orbit: lessons learned from the ACTEX-I flight experiment

This paper presents a review of the Air Force Research Laboratory advanced controls technology experiment program. Representing the first space-demonstration of smart structures technology, the ACTEX-I program has met or exceeded all program goals at each stage, beginning with the program initiation in 1991 through launch in 1996 to the conclusion of the Guest Investigator program and program conclusion in 1999. This paper will provide a summary of the ACTEX-I program from the AFRL perspective, focusing on lessons learned from the program both positive and negative.
Structure-Disrupting Ions: Detection of Qualitative Change in an Enzyme

Preparations of erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from normal individuals show similar degrees of inhibition by neutral salts. Preparations from Caucasian subjects with different hereditary deficiency syndromes differ from each other and from normal subjects, indicating a qualitative difference in these specific "deficient" enzymes. Sensitivity to neutral salts may be a means of detecting an amino acid substitution.
A motivational analyses of the reticular activating system

Abstract In 51 rats electrode pairs were chronically implanted with spacing 1 mm. apart from rat to rat to make a grid of the tegmentum. In each case three tests were made: a self-stimulation test for positive reinforcement; an escape test for negative reinforcement; and an EEG test for cortical arousal. The main results were these: all points yielding escape at very low thresholds were clustered in the dorso-medial tegmentum just below the tectum and just lateral to the central grey; all points yielding self-stimulation at high rates were clustered ventrally, usually below and lateral to the medial lemniscus; and points yielding arousal at very low thresholds were clustered in the lateral tegmentum, half-way up from the ventral surface. As for interactions between the three effects, all points yielding escape at low thresholds also yield arousal at low thresholds; al points yielding self-stimulation at high rates yielded arousal at moderately high thresholds; and some points yielded both moderate escape and moderate self-stimulation. Finally, there definitely were points which yielded arousal at low thresholds and which yielded no other motivational effects.
Buprenorphine effects on cigarette smoking.

Cigarette smoking increased during administration of buprenorphine, an opioid mixed agonist-antagonist, in comparison to drug-free baseline in seven heroin addicts maintained on buprenorphine for 24 days (P<0.01–0.001). Ascending buprenorphine doses (0.5–8.0 mg/day) were associated with significant increases in cigarette smoking at doses of 2.0 mg/day sc and above. Cigarette smoking during 10 days of buprenorphine maintenance at 8 mg/day was significantly higher than during the buprenorphine induction phase (P<0.01). Six subjects given placebo buprenorphine over 14 days showed no change in cigarette smoking. The placebo group self-administered heroin for 10 days, and cigarette smoking increased significantly during heroin use (P<0.001). The rate of cigarette smoking defined by intercigarette intervals was highest during the 10 days of high-dose buprenorphine maintenance or placebo plus heroin self-administration. Both groups requested significantly more cigarettes at intervals of 0–10, 11–20, and 21–30 min than during the drug-free baseline. These data confirmed previous findings that opioid agonist administration is associated with increased cigarette smoking and suggest that buprenorphine has primarily agonist effects on cigarette smoking.
Locating the nodes: cooperative localization in wireless sensor networks

Accurate and low-cost sensor localization is a critical requirement for the deployment of wireless sensor networks in a wide variety of applications. In cooperative localization, sensors work together in a peer-to-peer manner to make measurements and then forms a map of the network. Various application requirements influence the design of sensor localization systems. In this article, the authors describe the measurement-based statistical models useful to describe time-of-arrival (TOA), angle-of-arrival (AOA), and received-signal-strength (RSS) measurements in wireless sensor networks. Wideband and ultra-wideband (UWB) measurements, and RF and acoustic media are also discussed. Using the models, the authors have shown the calculation of a Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) on the location estimation precision possible for a given set of measurements. The article briefly surveys a large and growing body of sensor localization algorithms. This article is intended to emphasize the basic statistical signal processing background necessary to understand the state-of-the-art and to make progress in the new and largely open areas of sensor network localization research.
Cancellation of Unnatural Reaction Torque in Variable-Gear-Ratio

Variable-gear-ratio steering, also known as active steering, is an advanced steering technology which enhances the driver’s comfort and vehicle operability. However, one big problem, namely the unnatural reaction torque created by the variable actuator, restricts the further practical-use of the variable-gear-ratio steering. This paper proposes a control method to cancel the unnatural torque using a simple concept called friction relocation. Effectiveness of the method is experimentally confirmed using a hardware-in-the-loop simulator.
Twenty-five years of ecological recovery of East Fork Poplar Creek: review of environmental problems and remedial actions

In May 1985, a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit was issued for the Department of Energy’s Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12 Complex) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA, allowing discharge of effluents to East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC). The effluents ranged from large volumes of chlorinated once-through cooling water and cooling tower blow-down to smaller discharges of treated and untreated process wastewaters, which contained a mixture of heavy metals, organics, and nutrients, especially nitrates. As a condition of the permit, a Biological Monitoring and Abatement Program (BMAP) was developed to meet two major objectives: demonstrate that the established effluent limitations were protecting the classified uses of EFPC, and document the ecological effects resulting from implementing a Water Pollution Control Program at the Y-12 Complex. The second objective is the primary focus of the other papers in this special series. This paper provides a history of pollution and the remedial actions that were implemented; describes the geographic setting of the study area; and characterizes the physicochemical attributes of the sampling sites, including changes in stream flow and temperature that occurred during implementation of the BMAP. Most of the actions taken under the Water Pollution Control Program were completed between 1986 and 1998, with as many as four years elapsing between some of the most significant actions. The Water Pollution Control Program included constructing nine new wastewater treatment facilities and implementation of several other pollution-reducing measures, such as a best management practices plan; area-source pollution control management; and various spill-prevention projects. Many of the major actions had readily discernable effects on the chemical and physical conditions of EFPC. As controls on effluents entering the stream were implemented, pollutant concentrations generally declined and, at least initially, the volume of water discharged from the Y-12 Complex declined. This reduction in discharge was of ecological concern and led to implementation of a flow management program for EFPC. Implementing flow management, in turn, led to substantial changes in chemical and physical conditions of the stream: stream discharge nearly doubled and stream temperatures decreased, becoming more similar to those in reference streams. While water quality clearly improved, meeting water quality standards alone does not guarantee protection of a waterbody’s biological integrity. Results from studies on the ecological changes stemming from pollution-reduction actions, such as those presented in this series, also are needed to understand how best to restore or protect biological integrity and enhance ecological recovery in stream ecosystems. With a better knowledge of the ecological consequences of their decisions, environmental managers can better evaluate alternative actions and more accurately predict their effects.
Variability in nomenclature used for nevi with architectural disorder and cytologic atypia (microscopically dysplastic nevi) by dermatologists and dermatopathologists.

Background: Although a nevus with the microscopic features of a ‘dysplastic nevus’ is commonly seen, the nomenclature used to describe such a lesion has been thought to be inconsistent. A 1992 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference sought to unify nomenclature and suggested that the term ‘nevus with architectural disorder’ be used along with a comment on melanocytic atypia. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional mail survey to determine preferred terminology as well as the level of adherence to the NIH-recommended nomenclature. All 856 active members of the American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) and 1100 (13.0%) of the 8471 active members of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) were surveyed. Results: Five hundred and thirty-three ASDP members and 483 AAD members who fulfilled eligibility criteria completed the questionnaire. The term ‘dysplastic nevus’ was favored by the largest number of responders (favored by 39.1% of ASDP members and 62.3% of AAD members), while the 1992 NIH Consensus Conference-recommended terminology was the second most popular term (25.3% of ASDP and 15.1% of AAD members). Dermatopathologists (OR = 1.9, p = 0.0001) and those who had dual training in dermatology and dermatopathology (OR = 1.6, p = 0.02 for ASDP members; OR = 2.3, p = 0.02 for AAD members) were more likely to adhere to the 1992 NIH Consensus Conference nomenclature. Conclusions: Despite attempts to unify nomenclature for microscopically dysplastic nevi through the NIH Consensus Conference, wide variation in terminology persists.
Clumping behavior as a strategy against drilling predation: Implications for the fossil record

Abstract Drilling gastropod predators are of particular interest to paleontologists, because predatory drill-holes in marine invertebrates serve as one of the rare sources of data for the study of ancient predator-prey interactions. Modern laboratory studies are an important part of predation research providing valuable ecological insight and constraining fossil evidence and interpretations. Previous studies have shown that mussels use clumping behavior against durophagous predation [Okamura, B., 1986. Group living and the effects of spatial position in aggregations of Mylitus edulis . Oecologia 69, 341-347.; Lin, J., 1991. Predator-prey interactions between blue crabs and ribbed mussels living in clumps. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 32, 61-69.], but its role against drilling predation had not been explored. In this study, we explore the effect of clumping on predator success (drill-hole frequency) and prey handling (drill-hole position) using the mussel, Mytilus trossulus , as prey and the gastropod, Nucella lamellosa , as drilling predator. We assigned mussels to two groups: in one, mussels were allowed to clump together with their byssal threads, and in the other, they were kept separate. We observed a significant decrease in the drilling frequency within the group containing clumped mussels, confirming that clumping acts as a successful anti-predatory strategy against drilling predators. The use of clumping as an effective strategy against multiple types of predators may relax the trade-offs associated with aggregated lifestyles [Bertness, M.D., Grosholz, E., 1985. Population dynamics of the ribbed mussel, Geukensia demissa : the costs and benefits of an aggregated distribution. Oecologia 67, 192-204.]. The increased benefit and unchanged metabolic cost of clumped living alters estimates of individual fitness with evolutionarily significant implications (e.g., eliminating the need to invoke group or species selection to explain the adaptive benefit of an aggregated lifestyle). In spite of potential differences in prey handling and grappling due to clumping, mean drill-hole placement and variation in drill-hole placement showed no significant differences between the two groups. These observations suggest that comparison of predation intensities across clumping and non-clumping taxa must consider the anti-predatory effect of this behavior.
Stabilization of MOS structures by Boron ion implantation

Bias and temperature stress measurements have been used to study the effect of11B ion implantation into MOS structures. The boron energies were selected so that the projected range of the implanted distribution was approximately equal to the device oxide thickness. Boron ion doses ranged from 1011to 2 × 1012/cm2. The bias temperature stress consisted of 106V/cm applied at 300°C for 5 min. In all cases, the stability of the implanted capacitors was found to be significantly improved over the unimplanted.
Physicochemical model of solid-liquid solubilities using NMR measured equilibrium constants

Abstract McBride T.K. and Brennecke J.F., 1993. Physicochemical model of solid-liquid solubilities using NMR measured equilibrium constants. Fluid Phase Equilibria, 85: 191-215. Mixed solvents are attractive media for many extraction processes because they can be used to control carefully the solubility of the solid in the solvent. In many cases the cosolvent can be chosen to interact in a specific chemical way with the solute, for example, through hydrogen bonding. In one of the systems studied here the solubility of β-naphthol in cyclohexane was significantly increased by the addition of acetone, which can hydrogen bond with the acidic proton on the β-naphthol. We have developed a simple physical/chemical theoretical model for these systems which explicitly includes the formation of hydrogen-bonded complexes, with the equilibrium for complex formation described by measured equilibrium constants. Previous chemical theory models of solid solubilities have only included adjusted equilibrium constants fitted to the solubility data. In reality the true interactions in solution include both the specific chemical interactions in the form of hydrogen bonding and non-specific physical interactions. We present measured equilibrium constants from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy data. These values are included with activity coefficients calculated from regular solution theory to create a model for predicting and understanding solid solubilities as a function of cosolvent strength. We compare the results using the physical/chemical theoretical model with experi- mentally determined solid solubilities and with predictions using UNIFAC group contribu- tion activity coefficients. The predictions provide a significant improvement over those obtained using only regular solution theory, as one would expect, but also compare favorably with those modeled by UNIFAC. The important contribution of this work is that, by using equilibnum constants determined by NMR spectroscopy, the model reflects the true species and interactions in solution and eliminates the need for fitted parameters.
Vapor pressure studies of self-association of alcohols in isooctane. I. the effect of chain length

Abstract A study of the vapor pressures of the primary alcohols L-propanol through L-octanol as a function of their concentration in isooctane at 25°C has been interpreted in terms of a self-association model. The results suggest that in fairly dilute solutions (0.05–1 M), the self-association tendencies of these alcohols are independent of chain length and can be described adequately with a monomer-pentamer association model. At higher concentrations and in the pure liquids, the extent of association increases with decreasing chain length. Standard free energies for the processes of transferring alcohol from its pure state to vapor, from its pure state to infinite dilution in isooctane, and from infinite dilution in isooctane to the vapor phase have been calculated. The methylene group contribution to the free energy of transfer of alcohol from infinite dilution in isooctane to the vapor phase has been shown to be a constant equal to 710 cal/mole of -CH2- groups.
Expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b1) by human preterm lung inflammatory cells☆

Using a previously published model of human BPD this study examines whether preterm lung inflammatory cells produce transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1), a cytokine pivotal in pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and whether TGF-beta1 expression is regulated by inflammation. Lung inflammatory cells (neutrophils and macrophages) recovered in the broncho-alveolar (BAL) fluid of premature infants intubated for respiratory distress after birth expressed TGF-b1 mRNA and protein. Total and bioactive TGF-beta1 were abundantly found in the BAL fluid of the same infants. In cell culture stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) did not result in any further expression of total or bioactive TGF-beta1 by neonatal lung inflammatory cells over constitutive concentrations. In conclusion, lung inflammatory cells from premature infants are a source of TGF-beta1 but LPS does not regulate TGF-b1 production in these cells.
Some methods of alleviating surface clogging in water spreading with emphasis on filters

Methods of preventing or alleviating clogging of soil pores when spreading water on soil surfaces or injecting water into aquifers for recharge are discussed. Observations of methods such as suction cleaning or scraping to remove clogging materials and restore the infiltration rate in some installed systems are pointed out. Certain past experimental work on the subject is reviewed. Of various filter materials used in infiltrometers at Bakersfield, sand ranging in size from 0.5 to 1.6 mm maintained a higher infiltration rate than ⅛ or ¼ inch pea gravel or the existing aquifer material. Information is given on particle size distribution of both the filter and aquifer materials. Head losses due to filters and within the underlying aquifer are shown.
Etiological hypotheses in a time-series case study of multiple behavior problems

A 15-year-old male was treated over a 20-month period for multiple behavior problems, including social isolation, family conflict, classroom behavior problems, scholastic underachievement, and impulsivity. Initial assessment data suggested that the problems were the result of a complex, interacting set of environmental, cognitive, and psychophysiological factors. Treatment was delivered and validated using a time-series design to test hypotheses generated by etiological theory. Discussion addresses the need for better use of psychopathological principles and etiological theory in clinical practice. The success of the case study suggests that this can be done by combining behavioral and psychometric clinical assessment, idiographic application of theory, an hypotheticodeductive approach to intervention, and time-series methodology.
Research in Mental Health: Social Etiology versus Social Consequences*

This article differentiates a social etiology model focused on identifying the social antecedents of one particular mental disorder from a social consequences model concerned with the overall mental health consequences of various social arrangements. In the social etiology model, people with disorders other than the one particular disorder singled out for investigation are implicitly classified as “well.” This disorder-specific model is inappropriate for the more general sociological task of identifying the consequences of various social arrangements, such as concentrated poverty, racial segregation, and gender stratification. It is problematic because these consequences are typically nonspecific, not limited to one particular disorder. From this perspective, persons classified as “well” in the disorder-specific model who have a different disorder are misclassified. Consequently, the impact of social arrangements is underestimated, and estimates of causal effects are biased. To address these problems, the full range of theoretically derived mental health outcomes needs to be simultaneously analyzed.
What determines growth direction in fungal hyphae

We used high-resolution video microscopy and image analysis to map the trajectory of the Spitzenkorper in growing hyphae of Neurospora crassa and to correlate it with growth directionality. The Spitzenkorper followed a tortuous trajectory produced by a dominant forward motion accompanied by frequent, transverse oscillations. In hyphae with a fixed growth direction, the regression line of the Spitzenkorper trajectory corresponded to the longitudinal axis of the hypha. A permanent change in growth direction, i.e., the establishment of a new growth axis, was correlated with a sustained shift in Spitzenkorper trajectory away from the existing cell axis. In meandering hyphae, changes in growth directionality occurred somewhat erratically but there was a strong compensatory tendency reversing directional shifts and maintaining an overall fixed direction of growth. Although external factors greatly affect hyphal growth direction (tropisms), they are probably not the primary determinants of growth directionality. Inhibitors of microtubules, but not of actin microfilaments, caused hyphae to lose their growth directionality-providing support for the idea that Spitzenkorper trajectory is determined internally by a growing scaffolding of cytoplasmic microtubules. The meandering morphology of N. crassa hyphae was duplicated by computer simulation in support of the idea that hyphal morphogenesis is controlled by the position of the Spitzenkorper functioning as a vesicle supply center.
Climb of extrinsic faults in silicon

Frank hexagonal loops, extrinsic stacking faults, and misfit dislocations can be generated through diffusion of very high concentrations of As in silicon. If a thin film of silicon containing such extrinsic faults and dislocations is quenched, the quenched-in vacancies annihilate the stacking faults at the locations where dislocations approach the faults. This paper discusses the probable mechanism of such fault annihilation. Durch Diffusion einer sehr hohen Konzentration von As in Silizium konnen hexagonale Frand-Schleifen, Fremdstorstellenstapelfehler und “misfit”-Versetzungen erzeugt werden. Wenn eine dunne Siliziumschicht, die solche Stapelfehler und Versetzungen enthullt. getempert. wird, dann annihilieren die eingefrorenen Leerstellen an den Stapelfehlern wo Versetzungen die Stapelfehler beruhren. Der wahrscheinliche Mechanismus einer solchen Stapelfehlerannihilation wird diskutiert.
Rural-Urban Differences in the Structure of Services for the Elderly in Upstate New York Counties

This research examines the impact of federal intervention and local community effort on the development of programs for the elderly. The study was designed, first, to gather longitudinal data on the structure of services for the elderly in 53 upstate New York counties for comparison with a study conducted in 1967 and, second, to measure the effectiveness of 43 counties with a County Office for the Aging (COFA) in mobilizing resources to increase services for the elderly. The findings reveal: (1) federal intervention has had the effect of an overall increase in services while at the same time decreasing rural-urban differences; (2) urban COFAs score consistently higher on the measures of community effectiveness; (3) the educational attainment of COFA directors is not a good predictor of success in mobilizing outside resources in both urban and rural counties; (4) in urban but not in rural counties, directors with administrator/planner experience have greater success in mobilizing outside resources.
Shift equivalence and the Jordan form away from zero

Only finitely many shift equivalence classes of non-negative aperiodic integral matrices may share a given diagonal Jordan form away from zero. The diagonal assumption is necessary.
Human corpus luteum: Presence of epidermal growth factor receptors and binding characteristics

Abstract Epidermal growth factor receptors are present in many reproductive tissues but have not been demonstrated in the human corpus luteum. To determine the presence of epidermal growth factor receptors and its binding charactoristics, we carried out studies on the plasma cell membrane fraction of seven human corpora lutea (days 16 to 25) of the menstrual cycle. Specific epidermal growth factor receptors were present in human corpus luteum. Insulin, nerve growth factor, and human chorionic gonadotropin did not competitively displace epidermal growth factor binding. The optimal conditions for corpus luteum-epidermal growth factor receptor binding were found to be incubation for 2 hours at 4° C with 500 μg plasma membrane protein and 140 femtomol 125 I-epidermal growth factor per incubate. The number (mean ± SEM) of epidermal growth factor binding sites was 12.34 ± 2.99 × 10 −19 mol/μg protein; the dissociation constant was 2.26 ± 0.56 × 10 −9 mol/L; the association constant was 0.59 ± 0.12 × 10 9 L/mol. In two regressing corpora lutea obtained on days 2 and 3 of the menstrual cycle, there was no detectable specific epidermal growth factor receptor binding activity. Similarly no epidermal growth factor receptor binding activity could be detected in ovarian stromal tissue. Our findings demonstrate that specific receptors for epidermal growth factor are present in the human corpus luteum. The physiologic significance of epidermal growth factor receptors in human corpus luteum is unknown, but epidermal growth factor may be involved in intragonadal regulation of luteal function.
Advances in accelerator based explosives detection systems

Abstract Great strides were made over the last several years in the development of nuclear-based explosive detection systems (EDS). Charged particle accelerators are playing an important role as the preferred source of interrogating radiation. Thermal neutron analysis, based on thermal neutron capture in nitrogen, is the most mature of the explosive detection techniques. It can employ a 252Cf radioisotope or a deuteron accelerator generating neutrons via (d, D), (d, Be) or even (d, T) reactions combined with a neutron moderator. Fast neutron analysis techniques, based on the (n,n'γ) processes for elemental discrimination, use deuteron accelerators to generate high energy neutrons, ≤, 14 MeV, continuous or pulsed. The role and experience of various accelerators in EDS are discussed.
Composition, Color, Microbiology, and Emulsifying Capacity of Egg Yolk and Ova Yolk Processed With or Without Follicles

Abstract Ova yolk preparations with follicles removed, follicles intact, and strained intact follicles were compared for composition, emulsifying capacity, color, and microbiological profile with egg yolks obtained from shell eggs. The strained intact follicle-containing preparation had significantly lower moisture than all other preparations. No other significant differences in composition were observed. All ova yolk preparations had significantly higher emulsifying capacities and more red coloration than egg yolk. When follicles were not removed, red coloration was significantly increased. Total aerobic plate count was not significantly different for any of the treatments tested and there were no recoverable Salmonella organisms observed for any sample.
Glycoprotein biosynthesis in yeast: purification and characterization of the endoplasmic reticulum Man9 processing α-mannosidase

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Man9-alpha-mannosidase, responsible for trimming Man9GlcNAc2 in the endoplasmic reticulum to Man8GlcNAc2, the substrate for oligosaccharide elongation, has been purified to homogeneity from stabilized microsomal membranes without employing autolytic digestion. The activity was solubilized by the zwitterionic detergent, 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethyl ammonio]-1-propanesulphonate (CHAPS), whose presence was necessary for maximal activity. Purification included Q-Sepharose ion-exchange chromatography, preparative isoelectric focusing and HPLC gel filtration on TSK 3000 matrix. Overall purification from post-nuclear supernatants was estimated to be 110,000-fold with a 50% recovery of activity. The purified enzyme hydrolysed Man9GlcNAc1,2 from thyroglobulin or oligosaccharide-lipid, but not invertase Man9GlcNAc, Man1 alpha 2Man1 alpha OCH3 or p-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside. Conversion of thyroglobulin Man9GlcNAc to Man8GlcNAc was linear with time and enzyme concentration, with an apparent Km of 0.2 mM and a specific activity of 220 IU/mg. Glc3Man9GlcNAc2 from oligosaccharide-lipid was as good a substrate as Man9GlcNAc, but the lipid-linked Man7GlcNAc2 isomer was hydrolysed at only 10% of this rate. Hydrolysis of defined isomers of IgM and bovine thyroglobulin Man6,7,8GlcNAc indicated that, for maximal alpha 1,2-mannosidase activity, only the alpha 1,2-linked terminal mannoses on the alpha 3 branch of the Man9GlcNAc precursor were dispensable. Isomers lacking the terminal alpha 1,2-linked mannose on the alpha 6 branch were hydrolysed at only approximately 10% of the maximal rate. The enzyme exhibited a pI of 5.3 and a pH optimum at 6.5. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the absence of reducing agents gave a single sharp band at 66 kDa, while in the presence of beta-mercaptoethanol equimolar amounts of two peptides, one of 44 kDa and one of 23 kDa, were obtained. Sizing on Sephacryl SF300, Superose 12 and TSK 3000 provided a holoenzyme mol. wt of 60-68 kDa, indicating that the isolated active form of the Man9-alpha-mannosidase was composed of one each of the sulphydryl-bonded dissimilar peptides. The enzyme bound to concanavalin A (ConA)-Sepharose and was eluted with alpha-methylmannoside, indicating the presence of high-mannose oligosaccharides. The Man9-alpha-mannosidase required low levels of Ca2+, which could be removed by EGTA. Activity was restored by Ca2+ or Zn2+, but not by Mg2+ or Mn2+.
A rendezvous before rejection: where do T cells meet transplant antigens?

Interactions between recipient T cells and donor endothelial graft cells may be an important mechanism for both acute and chronic rejection of vascularized allografts. This finding provides a starting point for investigations to develop novel ways of inducing long-lasting immunologic tolerance to donor antigens.
Commentary: Hoarseness in pellagra

Pellagra is the clinical manifestation of niacin deficiency. The classical manifestations of pellagra include diarrhea, dementia, and dermatitis, but not all patients with pellagra present with all three manifestations. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience Hiraga et al. present an interesting patient with pellagra who has laryngitis and hoarseness. Clinicians should remain alert for both the common and uncommon clinical manifestations of pellagra.