cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmentally regulated expression of two transcripts for heme oxygenase-2 with a first exon unique to rat testis: control by corticosterone of the oxygenase protein expression

Heme oxygenase (HO)-2, the constitutive cognate of oxidative stress inducible HO-1 (HSP32), degrades heme to biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and iron. The highest levels of HO-2 are found in the testis. Previously we identified multiple HO-2 homologous transcripts that differ in size and use three different 5' UTRs that form the untranslated first exon of the gene (referred to as rHO-2, rHO-2-1 and rHO-2-2) and two poly(A) signals. Also, we have characterized a functional glucocorticoid response element (GRE) in the promoter region of rHO-2. In this study, we have examined the structural basis for size heterogeneity of HO-2 transcripts and whether expression of HO-2 at mRNA and protein levels is subject to regulation by corticosterone. Age and tissue-dependence of transcript expression were examined as well. Our data indicate that the remarkable increase in HO-2 mRNA in adult rat testis is due primarily to generation of two HO-2 homologous transcripts of approx. 2.1kb and approx. 1.45kb size that use rHO-2 and are unique to this tissue, and that rHO-2 is not used within other organs. These transcripts are not present in the brain, kidney, thymus, heart, spleen, liver, or in prepubertal 14day old rat testis. The testis-specific transcripts contain all of the coding region exons present in the approx. 1.3kb and approx. 1.9kb transcripts that are common to all organs, including the adult and prepubertal rat testis. Differential use of the poly(A) signals accounts for the difference in size of these two transcripts. Treatment of newborn rats with corticosterone for 5days, starting on day 2 after birth, induced HO-2 protein expression in the testis as detected by Western blotting. In adult rat testis, corticosterone treatment, however, was not an effective regulator of HO-2 transcript populations or levels. The findings suggest that HO-2 levels in the testis are controlled by glucocorticoids; and that developmental and tissue-specific factor(s) determine generation of transcripts unique to the organ. The apparent exclusive use of rHO-2 by the mature testis is consistent with the possibility that HO-2 may play a role in male reproduction.
Latency-associated sense transcripts are expressed during in vitro human cytomegalovirus productive infection.

Published studies have identified novel sense transcripts in latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. These cytomegalovirus latency-associated transcripts (CLTs) have start sites upstream from the MIE gene productive start site (PSS). We evaluated the expression of the sense CLTs in an in vitro HCMV productive infection. Transcripts with initiation sites upstream from the PSS were detected in infected human fibroblasts using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) analysis. DNA sequencing of 5' RACE PCR products confirmed that the start sites were consistent with sense CLT expression. Furthermore, ribonuclease protection assay analysis showed that transcripts initiating at the latent start site-1 were most abundant at late times postinfection after transcription from the PSS had decreased. In addition, transcription consistent with sense CLT expression was identified in HCMV-infected dTHP-1 cells, monocyte-derived macrophages, and endothelial cells, as well as in clinical isolate-infected human fibroblasts. These findings clearly demonstrate the expression of sense CLTs during in vitro HCMV infection.
Mycorrhizal fungus colonization of Pinus resinosa Ait. Transplanted on northern hardwood clearcuts

Abstract An ordered succession in mycorrhizal fungus colonization occurred on red pine ( Pinus resinosa Ait.) root systems transplanted on three recently-cleared northern hardwood sites in northern Michigan, U.S.A. Ordered changes were related to tree age from transplanting, and were demonstrated experimentally by quantification of mycorrhizal morpho-types, laboratory isolation of fungi from mycorrhizae, physiological categorization of fungi recovered from mycorrhizae and surveys of fruiting bodies associated with seedlings and transplants. With increasing plantation age, (1) the number of non-mycorrhizal root tips encountered declined to zero, (2) the common nursery mycorrhizae decreased in abundance, (3) new mycorrhizal types (especially Cenococcum and Suillus ) became more abundant, (4) cellulolytic fungi and ectendomycorrhizal fungi were isolated from mycorrhizae less frequently, and (5) ectomycorrhizal fungi were isolated from mycorrhizae more frequently. The number of apparently different mycorrhizal fungus species isolated from mycorrhizae increased from five in the first year after transplanting to 22 in the fourth year.
Utility of a standardized sign-out card for new medical interns

Conscientious sign-out between medical interns is important for the continuity of care of hospitalized patients. We developed a standardized sign-out card that prompted the intern going off duty to transmit patient care information to the intern on call. The card was tested in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial in which one group of interns used the card, and another group did not. Any instance of poor sign-out was reported on a questionnaire completed by the intern who had been on call the previous night. The group using the sign-out cards reported poor sign-out on 8 nights (5.8% of questionnaires), and the control group reported it on 17 nights (14.9% of questionnaires, p=.016). The card was time-effective and inexpensive, resulted in more complete data recording, and possibly decreased the morbidity associated with poor sign-out.
Numerical study of generalized Lipmann‐Schwinger integral equation including surface topography

Rugged topographies and general heterogeneities in the near-surface sediments have a significant influence on exploration seismic data recorded at the free surface. To remove the near-surface effect on seismic data, a thorough understanding of wave propagation in the shallow subsurface region is needed. The physical effect of wave propagation in the near-surface region characterized by volume heterogeneities and rugged topographies can be described by a generalized Lipmann-Schwinger integral equation (GLSIE). By virtue of the GLSIE, in this paper I develop an efficient numerical method for the study of wave scattering in complex near-surface areas.
Electrochemical and NMR characterization of octanethiol-protected Au nanoparticles

Abstract Three octanethiol-protected Au nanoparticle samples having average particle sizes of 1.7, 2.1 and 2.8 nm, respectively are synthesized and characterized by electrochemical differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and 1 H-/ 13 C-NMR. The potentials of zero charge, E pzc , of the Au nanoparticles are found to be particle size dependent. They are −0.654, −0.449 and −0.203 V (w.r.t the Ag ∣ AgCl ∣ 3 M Cl − reference electrode) as the particle size increases from 1.7 to 2.1 and to 2.8 nm, reflecting a change in the work function of the systems. However, based on the particle double-layer capacitances measured by DPV and the particle sizes by transmission electronic microscopy, the converging value of the dielectric constant, e , of the protecting octanethiol layer is found to be 3.2±0.3. On the other hand, the 1 H-/ 13 C-NMR characterization shows that the significant line broadening observed for the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) lines of the C3–C8 carbons and the associated protons, once the octanethiols are bound to the metal surface, is mainly due to the reduction in motion of the species. In addition, the large particle size dependent down-field shift observed for the NMR signal from the 13 C-labeled α-carbon indicates an underlying electronic metal-ligand bonding mechanism for the shift and the width of the corresponding peak, in accordance with the E pzc versus particle size relationship.
On the Number of Even and Odd Latin Squares of Orderp+1

Abstract It is shown that given an odd primep, the number of even latin squares of orderp+1 is not equal to the number of odd latin squares of orderp+1. This result is a special case of a conjecture of Alon and Tarsi and has implications for various other combinatorial problems, including conjectures of Rota and Dinitz. The proof counts even and odd latin squares modulop3. This counting uses properties of isotopisms, cyclic neofields, and orthomorphisms of Z p.
A pioneer synthesis of conjugates of a thymic peptide hormone and polyamines

Abstract To synthesize peptidic derivatives of polyamines, sequential reactions were designed for the polyfunctional peptides and polyfunctional amines which utilize specific protection and deprotection. Utilizing these reactions, a thymic nonapeptide, a lymphocyte-differentiating hormone, was coupled with spermidine and spermine to yield, respectively: Glp-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn-NH(CH2)3NH(CH2)4NH2; Glp-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn-NH(CH2)3NH(CH2)4NH(CH2)3NH2. Both conjugates inhibited rather than stimulated incorporation of [3H]-thymidine into DNA at levels 20-fold that of spermine. This activity is less than that based on the percent of the spermine moeity (ca. 20%) in the conjugate.
Multimodal Activation of the Ubiquitin Ligase SCF by Nedd8 Conjugation

Conjugation of ubiquitin-like protein Nedd8 to cullins (neddylation) is essential for the function of cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRLs). Here, we show that neddylation stimulates CRL activity by multiple mechanisms. For the initiator ubiquitin, the major effect is to bridge the ~50 A° gap between naked substrate and E2 ~ Ub bound to SCF. The gap between the acceptor lysine of ubiquitinated substrate and E2 ~ Ub is much smaller, and, consequentially, the impact of neddylation on transfer of subsequent ubiquitins by Cdc34 arises primarily from improved E2 recruitment and enhanced amide bond formation in the E2 active site. The combined effects of neddylation greatly enhance the probability that a substrate molecule acquires ≥ 4 ubiquitins in a single encounter with a CRL. The surprisingly diverse effects of Nedd8 conjugation underscore the complexity of CRL regulation and suggest that modification of other ubiquitin ligases with ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins may likewise have major functional consequences.
Fishing and Natural Mortality of Adult Largemouth Bass in a Tropical Reservoir

Abstract Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, an intensively studied sport fish of temperate North America, has been introduced into tropical regions, but with little evaluation of fishing or natural mortality rates. Previous research in Puerto Rico suggested that annual mortality rates are high, but whether the extended spawning season (nearly 6 months annually), high angler harvest, or a combination was the cause of the elevated mortality was unresolved. Using ultrasonic telemetry, we tracked 44 adult largemouth bass over an 18-month period to quantify patterns of natural, fishing, and total mortality. Using a general capture–recapture model, we estimated the annual instantaneous rates of fishing (0.584, SE = 0.164) and natural mortality (0.310, SE = 0.122). Natural mortality varied seasonally and generally increased during periods of spawning activity; however, fishing mortality was fairly consistent throughout the study. Given the relatively high fishing mortality rate, restrictions on harvest could...
Editing operations for irregular vertices in triangle meshes

We describe an interactive editing framework that provides control over the type, location, and number of irregular vertices in a triangle mesh. We first provide a theoretical analysis to identify the simplest possible operations for editing irregular vertices and then introduce a hierarchy of editing operations to control the type, location, and number of irregular vertices. We demonstrate the power of our editing framework with an example application in pattern design on surfaces.
General ultrasound speckle models in determining scatterer density

In medical ultrasonography, speckle model parameters are dependent on scatterer density and regularity, and can be exploited for use in tissue characterization. The purpose of the current study is to quantify the goodness-of-fit of two models (the Nakagami and K distributions), applied to envelope data representing a range of clinically relevant scattering conditions. Ground truth data for computing goodness-of-fit were generated with envelope simulators. In the first simulation, 100 datasets of various sample sizes were generated with 40 scatterer densities, ranging from 0.025 to 20. Kolmogorov-Smirnov significance values quantified the goodness-of-fit of the two models. In the second simulation, densities ranged from 2 to 60, and additional scattering parameters were allowed to vary. Goodness-of-fit was assessed with four statistical tests. Although the K distribution has a firm physical foundation as a scattering model, inaccuracy and high standard deviation of parameter estimates reduced its effectiveness, especially for smaller sample sizes. In most cases, the Nakagami model, whose parameters are relatively easy to compute, fit the data best, even for large scatterer densities.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
BARCODE-ALL: accelerated and cost-effective genetic risk stratification in acute leukemia using spectrally addressable liquid bead microarrays

BARCODE-ALL: accelerated and cost-effective genetic risk stratification in acute leukemia using spectrally addressable liquid bead microarrays
An optimal parallel algorithm for planar cycle separators

We present an optimal parallel algorithm for computing a cycle separator of ann-vertex embedded planar undirected graph inO(logn) time onn/logn processors. As a consequence, we also obtain an improved parallel algorithm for constructing a depth-first search tree rooted at any given vertex in a connected planar undirected graph in O(log2n) time on n/logn processors. The best previous algorithms for computing depth-first search trees and cycle separators achieved the same time complexities, but withn processors. Our algorithms run on a parallel random access machine that permits concurrent reads and concurrent writes in its shared memory and allows an arbitrary processor to succeed in case of a write conflict.
Literacy, reading, and writing in the medieval West

Over the last quarter century, a plethora of studies on literacy, reading, and writing in medieval Europe have contributed significantly to our understanding of medieval society and culture. Nevertheless the sheer number of these studies and their authorship by scholars in several different disciplines have obscured the relationships between these studies, their common themes and their differences. This essay seeks to survey this literature and its background, to explicate its contributions to the field of medieval history, and to suggest avenues for future study. It also reveals how approaches developed outside medieval studies were borrowed and adapted by medievalists, and how the study of literacy, reading, and writing in the Middle Ages has, in turn, influenced the work of ancient and modern historians.
Scattering Operator for Elastic and Inelastic Resonant X-Ray Scattering

We show that, in the fast collision approximation, the scattering operator for resonant x-ray scattering can be expressed in terms of simple spin-orbital moment operators ${\mathit{M}}^{(\mathit{k})}$(l,s) of the valence shell involved in the resonance. This theory is applicable to the analysis of a broad range of resonant x-ray elestic and inelastic scattering and absorption experiments involving rare earth, actinide, and transition elements.
ABCA3 Deficiency: Neonatal Respiratory Failure and Interstitial Lung Disease

ABCA3 is a member of the ATP Binding Cassette family of proteins, transporters that hydrolyze ATP in order to move substrates across biological membranes. Mutations in the gene encoding ABCA3 have been found in children with severe neonatal respiratory disease and older children with some forms of interstitial lung disease. This review summarizes current knowledge concerning clinical, genetic, and pathologic features of the lung disease associated with mutations in the ABCA3 gene, and also briefly reviews some other forms of childhood interstitial lung diseases that have their antecedents in the neonatal period and may also have a genetic basis.
A Multitransition CO and CS (2-1) Comparison of a Star-forming and a Non-Star-forming Giant Molecular Cloud

CO (3-2), CO (1-0), and CS (2-1) observations of clumps in the cold, low-luminosity cloud G216-2.5 discovered by Maddalena & Thaddeus are compared to the star-forming Rosette molecular cloud. The comparisons suggest that the clumps in a cloud may be characterized as being either dormant, incipient star forming, or star forming. In the Rosette molecular cloud, each set accounts for, respectively, 80%, 10%, and 10% of the total mass, but in G216-2.5, nearly 100% of the clumps are dormant. The physical conditions of the clumps in both clouds suggest a mass agglomeration evolutionary sequence from dormant to star-forming clumps. Detailed results for the clumps in both clouds are as follows. Clump excitation conditions are remarkably uniform in G216-2.5 but show wide variation in the Rosette. CO (3-2) integrated intensities and the ratio of (3-2) to (1-0) emission are significantly greater in the star-forming cloud and greatest of all in those clumps with embedded IRAS sources. The ratio of CO (3-2) to (1-0) line widths is also greater in the Rosette cloud. Peak clump CO (1-0) temperatures are greater in the Rosette than G216-2.5, implying higher gas kinetic temperatures, and are highest of all for those clumps associated with IRAS sources. The ratios of peak CO (3-2) to (1-0) temperatures, however, are comparable in the two clouds, which implies that the volume density of emitting gas in the clumps in each cloud is similar, nH2 103 cm-3. The CS observations indicate the presence of denser gas, nH2 ~ 105 cm-3, in the clumps in each cloud. CS integrated intensities are generally an order of magnitude weaker than 13CO emission in each cloud, but the ratio of the two is a factor of 2 less in G216-2.5. CS to 13CO line width ratios are also lower in G216-2.5, which suggests that there is a deficiency of dense gas relative to the Rosette. Again, the star-forming clumps in the Rosette possess the highest ratios. In addition, CO (2-1) emission was mapped over the central region of G216-2.5 and compared to a CO (1-0) map. The ratio of (2-1) to (1-0) integrated intensities increases toward the clump edges, which is opposite to the Sakamoto et al. study of the Orion molecular cloud. High-resolution 13CO (2-1) maps of one clump in each cloud are compared to 13CO (1-0) maps for evidence of further fragmentation. The (2-1) radial profile is steeper than the (1-0) profile in each clump but decreases at the same relative rate in the two clumps despite their different absolute sizes. We conclude that the differences between clouds and clumps that are forming stars are most readily apparent in the warmer, denser gas traced by the CO (3-2) and CS (2-1) observations and note that there are two starless clumps in the Rosette molecular cloud with CO properties that are more characteristic of the star-forming clumps than the other starless clumps: these are the best candidates for the sites of future star formation in the cloud.
Simulation Methods for Lévy-Driven Continuous-Time Autoregressive Moving Average (CARMA) Stochastic Volatility Models

We develop simulation schemes for the new classes of non-Gaussian pure jump Levy processes for stochastic volatility. We write the price and volatility processes as integrals against a vector Levy process, which makes series approximation methods directly applicable. These methods entail simulation of the Levy increments and formation of weighted sums of the increments; they do not require a closed-form expression for a tail mass function or specification of a copula function. We also present a new, and apparently quite flexible, bivariate mixture-of-gammas model for the driving Levy process. Within this setup, it is quite straightforward to generate simulations from a Levy-driven continuous-time autoregressive moving average stochastic volatility model augmented by a pure-jump price component. Simulations reveal the wide range of different types of financial price processes that can be generated in this manner, including processes with persistent stochastic volatility, dynamic leverage, and jumps.
Collateral Consequences of a Collateral Penalty: The Negative Effect of Felon Disenfranchisement Laws on the Political Participation of Nonfelons*

Objective. Felon disenfranchisement (FD) policies are said to not only prohibit (ex)felons from voting, but also reduce the political influence of particular groups that are most affected by FD laws. This study tests several hypotheses regarding the role of socialization on individual-level political participation to examine the claims that nonfelons’ probability of voting is reduced by strict FD laws. Methods. The study uses multilevel modeling and two separate individual-level data sets of those registered to vote to examine the effect of FD laws on the probability of voting. Results. The findings demonstrate that strict FD laws reduce the probability of voting for blacks, but not whites, while the results are mixed for several other demographic groups. Conclusions. Beyond the direct removal of ex-felons from the voter pool, FD policy can undermine the mechanism of political socialization, leading to potentially greater biases in the electoral arena than previously thought. The growing literature on felon disenfranchisement laws, or laws prohibiting those convicted of a felony from voting whether during their sentence or beyond, has established that these laws come with a broad set of political implications. Beyond the well-established disparity of the effects of direct restrictions on ex-felons’ voting between whites and racial/ethnic minority groups, emerging evidence suggests that disenfranchisement also creates indirect effects with consequences for minority participation, representation, and broader political outcomes. Specifically, previous studies found that felon disenfranchisement can dilute the votes of minorities in communities with high concentrations of felons (Clement and Keough, n.d.; King and Mauer, 2004), alters the outcomes of redistricting schemes
COX-2-Derived Prostacyclin Confers Atheroprotection on Female Mice

Female gender affords relative protection from cardiovascular disease until the menopause. We report that estrogen acts on estrogen receptor subtype alpha to up-regulate the production of atheroprotective prostacyclin, PGI2, by activation of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). This mechanism restrained both oxidant stress and platelet activation that contribute to atherogenesis in female mice. Deletion of the PGI2 receptor removed the atheroprotective effect of estrogen in ovariectomized female mice. This suggests that chronic treatment of patients with selective inhibitors of COX-2 could undermine protection from cardiovascular disease in premenopausal females.
A metallization and bonding approach for high performance carbon nanotube thermal interface materials

A method has been developed to create vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) thermal interface materials that can be attached to a variety of metallized surfaces. VACNT films were grown on Si substrates using standard CVD processing followed by metallization using Ti/Au. The coated CNTs were then bonded to metallized substrates at 220 °C. By reducing the adhesion of the VACNTs to the growth substrate during synthesis, the CNTs can be completely transferred from the Si growth substrate and used as a die attachment material for electronic components. Thermal resistance measurements using a photoacoustic technique showed thermal resistances as low as 1.7 mm2 K W − 1 for bonded VACNT films 25–30 µm in length and 10 mm2 K W − 1 for CNTs up to 130 µm in length. Tensile testing demonstrated a die attachment strength of 40 N cm − 2 at room temperature. Overall, these metallized and bonded VACNT films demonstrate properties which are promising for next-generation thermal interface material applications.
Sequential analysis of an accelerated life model

Acceptance sampling can be both time‐consuming and destructive so that it is desirable to arrive at a sound lot disposition decision in a timely manner. Sequential sampling plans are attractive since they offer a lower average sample number than do matched single, double, or multiple sampling plans. Analogously, cumulative sum control charts offer the ability to detect moderate process shifts more rapidly than do Shewhart control charts applied to the same process. The inverse Gaussian distribution is flexible and is often the model of choice in accelerated life testing applications where early failure times predominate. Based on sequential probability ratio tests (SPRT), sequential sampling/ cumulative sum (CUSUM) plans provide timely, statistically based decisions. Presents SPRT and CUSUM results for the inverse Gaussian process mean. Also presents a simple goodness‐of‐fit test for the inverse Gaussian distribution which allows for model adequacy checking.
How Regulatory Focus Impacts the Process-by-Outcome Interaction for Perceived Fairness and Emotions

Abstract Judgments of fairness take into account at least two pieces of information—the outcome received and the process by which the outcome was assigned. Generally speaking, low levels of fairness are apt to be reported when the outcome is unfavorable and the allocation process is deemed inappropriate. In this study, we investigate how regulatory focus theory can further our understanding of the process by outcome interaction. Specifically, when individuals are working to add to their earnings (a promotion focus) the typical effect is observed. However, when individuals are focused on maintaining something that is their own (a prevention focus) the most negative emotion occurs when individuals are allocated an unfavorable outcome through a process that contains procedural safeguards.
Specificity of the transhydrogenase factor for chromatophores of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides and Rhodospirillum rubrum.

Abstract Extensive washing of chromatophores of Rhodospirillum rubrum and Rhodopseudomonas spheroides with dilute buffer results in a complete loss of the energylinked transhydrogenase activities of Rsp. rubrum but only a partial loss of the light-driven reaction in chromatophores of Rps. spheroides . It was not possible to reactivate the Rps. spheroides transhydrogenation with the Rsp. rubrum transhydrogenase factor nor with a protein fraction of Rps. spheroides isolated by procedures identical to that used for the isolation of the Rsp. rubrum transhydrogenase factor. The Rsp. rubrum factor is highly specific and cannot be replaced by a number of sulfhydryl compounds tested for reconstitution of Rsp. rubrum transhydrogenation. A published procedure for the isolation of a “transhydrogenase factor” from Rps. spheroides chromatophores yields a preparation having energy-dependent transhydrogenation when supplemented with dithiothreitol in the absence of added chromatophores.
Magnetic field of vortices crossing a superconductor surface.

The field distribution of a straight London vortex crossing the flat boundary of a uniaxial superconductor is evaluated. A superconducting half-space and a thin film are considered for a general crystal and vortex orientation relative to the surface. Vortex lattices in a film with a tilted crystal axis are distorted more strongly than in the bulk.
A correlation between time-overlapping solar flares and the release of energetic particles

The origin of a large corotating solar particle event in August 1970 is discussed. Proton data from spacecraft at five widely separated heliocentric longitudes are used to identify two distinct release points which are over 100 deg apart in solar longitude. Optical flare data show a high incidence of time-overlapping flares between plage regions close to the two release points, indicating a good connection between them. Unusual X-ray and radio emissions are also observed from these regions. The spectrum of the relativistic electrons in the corotating particle event is represented by a power law with an index gamma equal to approximately -4, considerably steeper than that usually observed from a solar flare. It is concluded that there is a large magnetic loop structure connecting points over 100 deg apart on the sun which is able to trap energetic protons and electrons from an earlier solar flare. Subsequent release of these particles establishes an intense, long-lived corotating event.
Interfacial chemistry of oxides on InxGa(1-x)As and implications for MOSFET applications

Abstract The prospect of enhanced device performance from III–V materials has been recognized for at least 50 years, and yet, relative to the phenomenal size of the Si-based IC industry, these materials fulfilled only specific niches and were often referred to as “the material of the future” [1] . A key restriction enabling widespread use of III–V materials is the lack of a high quality, natural insulator for III–V substrates like that available for the SiO2/Si materials system [2] . The prospect of impending scaling challenges for technologies based on silicon metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) devices has brought renewed focus on the use of alternate surface channel materials from the III–V compound semiconductor family. The performance of the traditional MOSFET device structure is dominated by defects at the semiconductor/oxide interface, which in turn requires a high quality semiconductor surface. In this review, reflecting the authors’ current opinion, the recent progress in the understanding of the dielectric/III–V interface is summarized, particularly in regard to the interfacial chemistry that impacts the resultant electrical behavior observed. The first section summarizes the nature of the oxidation states of surface oxides on InxGa1−xAs. Then the atomic layer deposition of such oxides on the InxGa1−xAs surface is summarized in view of the interfacial chemical reactions employed. Finally the resultant electrical properties observed are examined, including the effects of substrate orientation. Portions of this review have been published previously [3] , [4] .
Clusters of galaxies and the hot intracluster medium

Abstract The luminous material in clusters of galaxies falls primarily into two forms — the visible galaxies and the X-ray emitting intracluster medium. The hot intracluster medium is the major observed baryonic component of clusters with a mass equal to or greater than that of the stellar matter. In this paper we review the structure and morphology of rich clusters as inferred from X-ray observations of the ICM. We also discuss changes in the efficiency of galaxy formation for different clusters and the origin of the intracluster medium.
Fuel cell technology: nano-engineered multimetallic catalysts

Fuel cells represent an attractive technology for tomorrow's energy vector because hydrogen is an efficient fuel and environmentally clean, but one of the important challenges for fuel cell commercialization is the preparation of active, robust and low-cost catalysts. The synthesis and processing of molecularly-capped multimetallic nanoparticles, as described in this report, serves as an intriguing way to address this challenge. Such nanoparticles are exploited as building blocks for engineering the nanoscale catalytic materials by taking advantage of diverse attributes, including monodispersity, processability, solubility, stability, capability in terms of size, shape, composition and surface properties. This article discusses recent findings of our investigations of the synthesis and processing of nanostructured catalysts with controlled size, composition, and surface properties by highlighting a few examples of bimetallic/trimetallic nanoparticles and supported catalysts for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction.
Constitutive Proteolysis of the ErbB-4 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase by a Unique, Sequential Mechanism

The heregulin receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB-4 is constitutively cleaved, in the presence or absence of ligand, by an exofacial proteolytic activity producing a membrane-anchored cytoplasmic domain fragment of 80 kD. Based on selective sensitivity to inhibitors, the proteolytic activity is identified as that of a metalloprotease. The 80-kD product is tyrosine phosphorylated and retains tyrosine kinase activity. Importantly, the levels of this fragment are controlled by proteasome function. When proteasome activity is inhibited for 6 h, the kinase-active 80-kD ErbB-4 fragment accumulates to a level equivalent to 60% of the initial amount of native ErbB-4 (∼106 receptors per cell). Hence, proteasome activity is essential to prevent the accumulation of a significant level of ligand-independent, active ErbB-4 tyrosine kinase generated by metalloprotease activity. Proteasome activity, however, does not act on the native ErbB-4 receptor before the metalloprotease-mediated cleavage, as no ErbB-4 fragments accumulate when metalloprotease activity is blocked. Although no ubiquitination of the native ErbB-4 is detected, the 80-kD fragment is polyubiquitinated. The data, therefore, describe a unique pathway for the processing of growth factor receptors, which involves the sequential function of an exofacial metalloprotease and the cytoplasmic proteasome.
Cyclooxygenase-2 mediates microglial activation and secondary dopaminergic cell death in the mouse MPTP model of Parkinson's disease

Background Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays an important role in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Among many inflammatory factors found in the PD brain, cyclooxygenase (COX), specifically the inducible isoform, COX-2, is believed to be a critical enzyme in the inflammatory response. Induction of COX-2 is also found in an experimental model of PD produced by administration of 1-methy-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).
On design of error-correcting reversible variable length codes

We propose an algorithm for construction of reversible variable length codes (RVLCs) with good error-correcting properties. The error-correcting properties are evaluated by a metric called the free distance, which is always greater than one in the case of the proposed RVLCs. Since variable length codes (VLCs) typically have free distance equal to one, the proposed RVLCs exhibit significant improvement in symbol error rate relative to VLCs constructed using standard methods.
Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone in the Fetal and Neonatal Lamb. III. Release of LH by the Pituitary in Vivo in Response to Crude Ovine Hypothalamic Extract or Purified Porcine Gonadotrophin Releasing Factor

To determine whether the pituitary of the fetal and early postnatal lamb is able to respond to a hypothalamic stimulus, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured in jugular serum by radioimmunoassay after intracarotid injection of crude ovine hypothalamic extract (CHE) or purified porcine gonadotrophin releasing factor (GN-RF). Subsequent to administration of GNRF in utero to fetuses during the final quarter of gestation, concentrations of LH in serum rose to 7.6 ± 1.53 ng/ml (mean ± SE) above baseline levels within 11.1 ± 2.00 min. Concentrations of LH in the serum of either the uninjected mother or uninjected twin fetus remained unchanged. A significantly decreased response (1.1 ± 0.37 ng LH/ml) to the same dose of GN-RF was observed in neonatal lambs at 3 and 11 days of age whereas in 68-day-old lambs the response (6.8 ± 2.23 ng LH/ml) was similar to that of fetuses. Injection of either brain extract or saline failed to elevate levels of LH in serum. Repeated injections of GNRF at 1 hr intervals fo...
Test-Retest Reliability of Isokinetic Dynamometry for the Assessment of Spasticity of the Knee Flexors and Knee Extensors in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Abstract Pierce SR, Lauer RT, Shewokis PA, Rubertone JA, Orlin MN. Test-retest reliability of isokinetic dynamometry for the assessment of spasticity of the knee flexors and knee extensors in children with cerebral palsy. Objective To assess test-retest reliability of the peak resistance torque and slope of work methods of spasticity measurement of the knee flexors and extensors in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Design Test-retest reliability study. Setting Pediatric orthopedic hospital. Participants Fifteen children with CP. Intervention Knee extensor and flexor spasticity was assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer using passive movements at 15°, 90°, and 180°/s taken 1 hour apart. Main Outcome Measures Peak resistive torque and work were calculated. The relative and absolute test-retest reliability was calculated by using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots, respectively. Results Relative reliability was good (ICC>.75) for slope-of-work and peak resistance torque measurements at a velocity of 180°/s, whereas reliability of peak torque measurements was decreased (ICC Conclusions The measurement of spasticity of the knee extensors and flexors in children with CP using peak-resistance torque at 180°/s and the slope of work method has acceptable relative test-retest reliability. However, the absolute reliability of spasticity data should be considered cautiously.
SHORT-TERM FOREIGN FUNDS, A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN CHINA AND VICTIM COUNTRIES OF 1997 ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS

The 1997 Asian financial crisis inflicted serious economic damages to many Asian countries. However, China was conspicuously avoided being severely attacked by this crisis. This study compares the growth patterns of foreign short-term debt, the foreign debt structure and short-term foreign capital between China and victim countries both before and after the crisis. Evidence shows that China was aggressively using short-term foreign debt and short-term foreign capital in the last several years. This indicates that China is exposing itself to great financial risks.
Mars to Earth optical communication link for the proposed Mars Sample Return Mission Roving Vehicle

The Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission planed for 1989 will deploy a rover from its landing craft to survey the Martian surface. During traversals of the rover from one site to the next in search of samples, three-dimensional images from a pair of video cameras will be transmitted to earth; the terrestrial operators will then send back high level direction commands to the rover. Attention is presently given to the effects of wind and dust on communications, the architecture of the optical communications package, and the identification of technological areas requiring further development for MSR incorporation.
Flexible X-Y patches for face recognition

In this paper, illuminated by the great success of universal background modeling (UBM) for speech/speaker recognition, we present a new algorithm for face recognition. On the one hand, we encode each face image as an ensemble of X-Y patches, which integrate both local appearance and shape information. These X-Y patch representation provides the possibility to compare two spatially different patches, and consequently alleviates the requirement of exact pixel- wise alignment. On the other hand, we train the UBM based on the X-Y patches from the images of different subjects, and then automatically adapt the UBM for specific subject, and finally face recognition is conducted by comparing the ratio of the likelihoods from the model for specific subject and UBM. UBM elicits the algorithmic robustness to image occlusion since the occluded patches may not contribute evidence to any subjects. Comparison experiments with the state-of-the-art subspace learning algorithms, on the popular CMU PIE face database and with varieties of configurations, demonstrate that our proposed algorithm brings significant improvement in face recognition accuracy, and also show the algorithmic robustness to image occlusions.
The Dynamic Behavior of a Fixed-Bed Steam-Oxygen Coal Gasifier Disturbed by Water Influx II Model Development and Verification

A one-dimensional transient model has been developed to simulate the unsteady-state behavior of a fixed-bed coal gasifier disturbed by water injection. The resulting set of differential equations was solved numerically using a finite difference method. The validity of the model was first tested against the steady-state experimental data on the product gas composition and the gas production rate for different feed conditions, and the model has been further extended to include transient operation of the gasifier. The dynamic analysis includes the quantitative validation of the system response to changes in the feed condition-ither a step change or a rectangular-pulse type change. The simulation results show that the dynamic behavior has a quite different trend in the product gas composition than equilibrium models predict. Such a discrepancy occurs because dynamic behavior is controlled by the changes in the gasification reaction rate rather than a shift in equilibrium. The controlling mechanism can be elucidated in terms of the relative contribution by each gasification reaction.
Programming languages for scalable software extension and composition

Large software systems are often constructed by reusing existing code. This dissertation describes several approaches that address the limitations of existing code reuse mechanisms such as class inheritance. The Polyglot design pattern enables software systems to be extended in a scalable way: the code required to extend the system is proportional to the amount of new functionality provided. This design pattern has been used to implement an extensible compiler framework. Nested inheritance is an object-oriented programming language mechanism that supports scalable extensibility in a safer, more natural way than the design pattern approach. Nested inheritance permits modular, type-safe extension of a package (including nested packages and classes), while preserving existing type relationships. Nested intersection extends nested intersection to enable composition and extension of two or more packages, combining their types and behavior while resolving conflicts with a relatively small amount of code. Nested intersection is implemented in the language J&. The utility of J& is demonstrated by using it to construct two composable, extensible frameworks: a compiler framework for Java, and a peer-to-peer networking system. Both frameworks support composition of extensions. For example, two compilers adding different, domain-specific features to Java can be composed to obtain a compiler for a language that supports both sets of features.
How family physicians distinguish acute sinusitis from upper respiratory tract infections: a retrospective analysis.

Background: The purpose of our study was to examine how physicians diagnose sinusitis in practice. We addressed three specific questions: (1) what clinical factors do physicians look for in evaluating and caring for patients with suspected sinusitis, (2) to what extent do physicians use transillumination and radiograph evaluations in diagnosing sinusitis, and (3) how does the diagnosis of sinusitis influence the decision to prescribe antibiotic therapy? Methods: We conducted a retrospective review using charts from 25 local family physicians who volunteered to participate in the study. After selecting a random sample of charts of adult patients treated for sinusitis and for upper respiratory tract infection (URI) by each physician, we reviewed the charts to determine the nature of the information collected to differentiate between sinusitis and URI. Results: Rhinorrhea, sinus tenderness, visualization of purulent secretions, and a history of sinusitis were significant predictors of the diagnosis of sinusitis. Antibiotics were prescribed for 98.4% of patients with sinusitis and 13.1% of patients with URI. Conclusions: This sample of physicians based the diagnosis of sinusitis on three prominent clinical findings, which were also significant factors in diagnosing sinusitis in previous studies. The history of sinusitis might influence patient and physician expectations for the diagnosis.
Caring for People Behind the Numbers: Measurement and Accountability for Health.

We're rapidly approaching the post-2015 era. In September, members of the United Nations General Assembly will cast their votes on the long-anticipated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At present, the proposed SDGs, which stand at 17 and are accompanied by 169 associated targets, are fueling the ubiquitous arguments for accurate, timely, and inclusive data. Global health constituencies are pushing for improved health worker and population health data. If proponents of the post-2015 Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health achieve their objectives,1 we can look forward to the entre of new, more accurate and frequent health workforce data and the addition of other essential health cadres: community health workers, dentists, health services managers, pharmacists, physical therapists, and public health professionals. On the population side, we hope for improved, descriptive population-based health data inclusive of those who are marginalized or living in remote rural locations as well as people who ...
Estimation of Weld Bead Geometry in Gas Metal Arc Welding of Aluminum Using Electrical Signals and Liquid Surface Model

While gas metal arc welding of aluminum has been widely implemented in automotive industry, it is prone to process disturbances. Therefore, an effective monitoring method is necessary to ensure the weld quality (e.g., weld bead height, width and penetration). In this study, an online method was developed to estimate the weld bead geometry using the combination of the real time welding signals, characteristics of weld bead geometry and a liquid surface model. The liquid surface model can represent the steady-state geometry of the weld pool with varying characteristics, such as volume, boundary conditions and surface tension. To model the geometry of the weld pool, the weld pool moved and updated its geometry in response to the merging of each new droplet. The detachment time and size of the new droplet were obtained by analyzing real time welding voltage and current. The surface tension was characterized by the effective contact angle measured under various welding conditions. Moreover, the effective contact angles and radius of arc-affected zone were introduced to significantly simplify the complicated thermal behavior during welding. Finally, the weld bead geometry was estimated using real welding signals in both globular and spray transfer modes and validated with the experimental results. This method predicts weld bead geometry with satisfied accurancy for engineering use and in a comparable speed as the welding speed; and thus can be applied as an online monitoring method for the weld bead quality.Copyright © 2015 by ASME and General Motors
The High-Income Rate Reductions: The Neglected Stepchild of the Bush Tax Cuts

Congress is considering allowing the Bush tax cuts' rate reductions for high-income households to expire at the end of 2010 while providing a deficit-financed extension of the middle-class portion of the tax cuts. This combination would damage economic growth by hiking marginal tax rates on saving and investment while swelling the budget deficit. The vulnerable state of the high-income rate reductions is largely due to the failure of supporters of the Bush tax cuts to make the economic-growth case for these reductions.