cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meeting the Institute of Medicine's 2030 US Life Expectancy Target.

Objectives. To quantify the improvement in US life expectancy required to reach parity with high-resource nations by 2030, to document historical precedent of this rate, and to discuss the plausibility of achieving this rate in the United States.Methods. We performed a demographic analysis of secondary data in 5-year periods from 1985 to 2015.Results. To achieve the United Nations projected mortality estimates for Western Europe in 2030, the US life expectancy must grow at 0.32% a year between 2016 and 2030. This rate has precedent, even in low-mortality populations. Over 204 country-periods examined, nearly half exhibited life-expectancy growth greater than 0.32%. Of the 51 US states observed, 8.2% of state-periods demonstrated life-expectancy growth that exceeded the 0.32% target.Conclusions. Achieving necessary growth in life expectancy over the next 15 years despite historical precedent will be challenging. Much all-cause mortality is structured decades earlier and, at present, older-age mortality red...
The Dangerous Goodness of Democracy

The reason for our inveterate devotion to these millennial ideas is to be found in the nature of our kind of democracy.1 Ours is the only country in which the public at large participates actively in the daily conduct of government; it is the only one in which the opinions of amateurs on foreign affairs are listened to by statesmen and taken seriously by them; consequently it is the only one in which the moral standards of the general public are decisive in the making of policy.2
Polymer Bound Bimetallic Complexes as Surface Reactants on Semiconductor Electrodes

The photolytic splitting of water into H2 and O2 has attracted considerable interest because of its potential importance as a component in the development of a hydrogen fuel based economy. Several of the techniques which have been examined utilize the broad spectral absorbance of n- and p- type silicon semiconductors’ as the principal method of harvesting sunlight. The solar energy collected by the silicon semiconductors can be utilized immediately to drive the water splitting reaction by immersing the semiconductors in an aqueous medium.
Representing 3D Space in Working Memory: Spatial Images from Vision, Hearing, Touch, and Language

The chapter deals with a form of transient spatial representation referred to as a spatial image. Like a percept, it is externalized, scaled to the environment, and can appear in any direction about the observer. It transcends the concept of modality, as it can be based on inputs from the three spatial senses, from language, and from long-term memory. Evidence is presented that supports each of the claimed properties of the spatial image, showing that it is quite different from a visual image. Much of the evidence presented is based on spatial updating. A major concern is whether spatial images from different input modalities are functionally equivalent—that once instantiated in working memory, the spatial images from different modalities have the same functional characteristics with respect to subsequent processing, such as that involved in spatial updating. Going further, the research provides some evidence that spatial images are amodal (i.e., do not retain modality-specific features).
Application of N-Acetylcysteine in Pulmonary Disorders

In clinical medicine, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is frequently used for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose and as a renal protection medication for patients undergoing radiologic evaluation with contrast dyes, which can be nephrotoxic. For several decades now, NAC has also been routinely applied to the treatment of inflammatory pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF) to loosen thick mucus. The earliest published studies of the chemistry of NAC and its ability to reduce the viscosity of airway secretions were performed in 1963. However, only a few clinical studies have evaluated the efficacy of inhaled NAC in improving lung function over the long term, and none have determined that inhaled NAC is of obvious clinical benefit for CF patients when applied in this mode (Reas, J Pediatr 62:31, 1963; Duijvestijn and Brand, Acta Paediatr 88:38–41, 1999; Howatt and DeMuth, Univ Mich Med Cent J 32:82–85, 1966). In vitro, NAC has been demonstrated to reduce the viscosity and elasticity of mucus when directly in contact with airway secretions. This may make sputum easier to clear; however, thinner secretions could potentially be harder to expectorate due to this reduced viscosity. In addition, NAC is a very acidic compound (pH 2.2) and when inhaled results in airway irritation, induction of cough, and bronchospasm. Manufacturers therefore suggest that individuals receive pretreatment with a bronchodilator prior to inhalation. It has been suggested that induction of cough by inhaled NAC, rather than mucolysis, may explain any beneficial effect of NAC on expectoration. Thus, there is little published data to support using NAC in this mode.
p73 Is Required for Ovarian Follicle Development and Regulates a Gene Network Involved in Cell-to-Cell Adhesion

We report that p73 is expressed in ovarian granulosa cells and that loss of p73 leads to attenuated follicle development, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation, resulting in decreased levels of circulating progesterone and defects in mammary gland branching. Ectopic progesterone in p73-deficient mice completely rescued the mammary branching and partially rescued the ovarian follicle development defects. Performing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on transcripts from murine wild-type and p73-deficient antral follicles, we discovered differentially expressed genes that regulate biological adhesion programs. Through modulation of p73 expression in murine granulosa cells and transformed cell lines, followed by RNA-seq and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, we discovered p73-dependent regulation of a gene set necessary for cell adhesion and migration and components of the focimatrix (focal intra-epithelial matrix), a basal lamina between granulosa cells that promotes follicle maturation. In summary, p73 is essential for ovarian folliculogenesis and functions as a key regulator of a gene network involved in cell-to-cell adhesion and migration.
Unmasking Criminal Enterprises: An Analysis of Bitcoin Transactions

With the rise of cryptographic ransomware, Bitcoin has found a niche as the standard currency for ransoms. While Bitcoin is pseudonymous, it provides no guarantee of untraceability. As a result, another niche has arisen–Bitcoin money laundering. Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) have previously been used in a number of applications where traditional pattern recognition falls short. In this paper, HMMs are inferred from transactions in the public blockchain in an attempt to link users, events, and enterprises. We introduce a proof-of-concept algorithm to infer HMMs from the Bitcoin blockchain.
Social Media in Neurosurgery: Using ResearchGate.

Background Neurosurgery is a unique field, which would benefit greatly from increased global collaboration, furthering research efforts. ResearchGate is a social media platform geared toward scientists and researchers. Objective This study evaluated the use of ResearchGate for neurosurgical research collaboration and compared the ResearchGate score with more classic bibliometrics. ResearchGate is a unifying social platform that can strengthen global research collaboration (e.g., data sharing) in the neurosurgery community. Methods Publicly available metrics on 3718 neurosurgery clinical faculty and residents in Canada and the United States were obtained from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Web site. The following metrics were collected: program name, clinician name, sex, attending (yes or no), resident (yes or no), postgraduate year (if resident), and ResearchGate profile (yes or no). ResearchGate score and its components and h index excluding self-citations were collected. Fellows were not included. Results Of the 3718 total individuals included, 1338 (36.0%) were present on ResearchGate, comprising 181 women (13.5%) and 1157 men (86.5%). Women and men were present in similar proportions (33.8% of women and 36.3% of men) (χ2 [1, N = 3718] = 1.26; P = 0.26). More faculty were present on ResearchGate than residents (62.4%) (χ2 [1, N = 3718] = 11.42; P = 0.001). A strong positive monotonic correlation between h index and ResearchGate score was shown (rs [1292] = 0.93; P Conclusions ResearchGate may be a useful platform to increase neurosurgical networking and research collaboration. Its novel bibliometrics are strongly correlated with more classic platforms.
Feasibility of an app-based mindfulness intervention among women with an FMR1 premutation experiencing maternal stress.

Abstract Background: Women who carry an FMR1 premutation (PM) allele and are mothers of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) experience elevated maternal stress. In-person mindfulness sessions have been shown to be effective in alleviating maternal stress-related outcomes among mothers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our prior studies indicate women with a PM are at risk of social anxiety, a potential barrier to in-person mindfulness sessions. Aim: The main goals of this pilot study were to assess feasibility and adherence of an app-based mindfulness training program among mothers of children with FXS and to explore stress, social outcomes, and potential barriers to social support. Methods: Participants (n = 18) completed questionnaires to assess stress and social anxiety, an app-based mindfulness program, and a semi-structured follow-up interview. Results: Thirteen out of 18 (72%) participants completed the mindfulness program; of those, 10 (77%) found it helpful. Eight out of 18 (44%) participants met criteria for social anxiety and 11 (61%) reported having difficulties reaching out for help when needed. Women with social anxiety and those experiencing barriers to social support were more likely to find the program helpful. Conclusions: This study provides guidance for future mindfulness-based interventions to alleviate maternal stress in mothers of children with FXS.
Direito e Literatura: repensando a diversidade de gênero através de uma perspectiva literária

Por meio de uma interpretacao literaria, este estudo tem por escopo problematizar a delimitacao de estereotipos no meio social. Dessa forma, contextualizando as imposicoes morais e comportamentais com os personagens literarios do romance Senhora, de Jose de Alencar, objetiva-se propiciar uma dialetica queer de reconhecimento da diversidade de genero. Portanto, a representacao feminina personificada em Aurelia apresenta quebra de estereotipos, quando esta assume, no romance, comportamentos especificos ao genero masculino. Nesse aspecto, o meio social e cultural tambem sao problematizados como delimitadores do comportamento do individuo. O caminho utilizado para producao do presente trabalho foi o metodo de raciocinio dedutivo, e o metodo de procedimento escolhido foi o qualitativo. Desse modo, contextualizando as ideologias e posicionamentos sociais do seculo XIX com a sociedade do seculo XXI, ha possiblidades de construir uma narrativa epistemologica queer voltada para o reconhecimento da diversidade. Logo, o romance Senhora fornece subsidios para uma discussao sobre os papeis normativos do genero masculino e feminino, assim como os conflitos morais e sociais que giram em torno do individuo na sociedade pos-moderna.
Chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 2 deficiency and tumor suppression

5867 Changes in chromatin structure brought about by various factors are known to play a critical role in gene regulation. Epigenetic regulation and alterations in chromatin structure allow various nuclear factors to access certain regions of DNA to carry out DNA replication, repair, recombination, and transcription. The chromatin modifiers are classified broadly into two classes: histone-modifying enzymes and ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling factors. Chromodomain helicase DNA binding proteins (CHD) are a group of highly conserved proteins sharing sequence motifs and functional domains and are classified under the group of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling factors. CHD2 is one of the poorly characterized CHD proteins. The human gene encoding CHD2 is mapped to chromosome15q26.2. This region has been associated with rare genetic disorders that lead to growth retardation, cardiac defects and early post natal lethality. In an effort to understand the functional role of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 2 (Chd2) in mammals, we have generated a Chd2 mutant mouse model. Our data show that Chd2 is an essential protein in mammals and regulates hematopoietic stem cell differentiation along the erythroid lineage. The Chd2 protein also appears to play a critical role in tumor suppression as the Chd2 heterozygous mutant mice are highly susceptible to lymphomas. In addition, Chd2 mutant cells exhibit cell cycle defects, accumulate higher levels of the chromatin associated DNA damage response mediator, γH2AX, and exhibit an aberrant DNA damage response after X-ray irradiation. In essence our data indicate that the chromatin remodeling protein, Chd2, functions in tumor suppression by affecting DNA damage responses.
Transient Chemogenetic Inhibition of D1-MSNs in the Dorsal Striatum Enhances Methamphetamine Self-Administration.

The dorsal striatum is important for the development of drug addiction; however, the role of dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) expressing medium-sized spiny striatonigral (direct pathway) neurons (D1-MSNs) in regulating excessive methamphetamine intake remains elusive. Here we seek to determine if modulating D1-MSNs in the dorsal striatum alters methamphetamine self-administration in animals that have demonstrated escalation of self-administration. A viral vector-mediated approach was used to induce expression of the inhibitory (Gi coupled-hM4D) or stimulatory (Gs coupled-rM3D) designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) engineered to specifically respond to the exogenous ligand clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) selectively in D1-MSNs in the dorsal striatum. CNO in animals expressing hM4D increased responding for methamphetamine compared to vehicle in a within subject treatment paradigm. CNO in animals that did not express DREADDs (DREADD naive-CNO) or expressed rM3D did not alter responding for methamphetamine, demonstrating specificity for hM4D-CNO interaction in increasing self-administration. Postmortem tissue analysis reveals that hM4D-CNO animals had reduced Fos immunoreactivity in the dorsal striatum compared to rM3D-CNO animals and DREADD naive-CNO animals. Cellular mechanisms in the dorsal striatum in hM4D-CNO animals reveal enhanced expression of D1R and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). Conversely, rM3D-CNO animals had enhanced activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk1/2) and Akt in the dorsal striatum, supporting rM3D-CNO interaction in these animals compared with drug naive controls, DREADD naive-CNO and hM4D-CNO animals. Our studies indicate that transient inhibition of D1-MSNs-mediated strengthening of methamphetamine addiction-like behavior is associated with cellular adaptations that support dysfunctional dopamine signaling in the dorsal striatum.
Rhamnolipids Induced by Glycerol Enhance Dibenzothiophene Biodegradation in Burkholderia sp. C3

Abstract In highly urbanized areas, pollution from anthropogenic activities has compromised the integrity of the land, decreasing soil availability for agricultural practices. Dibenzothiophene (DBT) is a heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon frequently found in urbanized areas, and is often used as a model chemical to study the microbial transformation of pollutants. The potential for human exposure and its health risk makes DBT a chemical of concern; thus, it needs to be environmentally managed. We utilized glycerol to stimulate Burkholderia sp. C3 in order to degrade DBT in respect to ① DBT biodegradation kinetics, ② bacterial growth, ③ rhamnolipid (RL) biosynthesis, and ④ RL secretion. Under an optimum glycerol-to-DBT molar ratio, the DBT biodegradation rate constants increased up to 18-fold and enhanced DBT biodegradation by 25%–30% at day 1 relative to cultivation with DBT alone. This enhancement was correlated with an increase in bacterial growth and RL biosynthesis. Proteomics studies revealed the enzymes involved in the upper and main steps of RL biosynthesis. The RL congeners Rha-C10-C10, Rha-Rha-C10-C10, Rha-Rha-C10-C12, and Rha-Rha-C12-C12 were identified in the medium supplemented with glycerol and DBT, whereas only Rha-C12-C12 was identified in cultures without glycerol or with RL inhibitors. The studies indicated that glycerol enhances DBT biodegradation via increased RL synthesis and bacterial growth. The results warrant further studies of environmental biostimulation with glycerol to advance bioremediation technologies and increase soil availability for agricultural purposes.
How to build an infinite lottery machine

An infinite lottery machine is used as a foil for testing the reach of inductive inference, since inferences concerning it require novel extensions of probability. Its use is defensible if there is some sense in which the lottery is physically possible, even if exotic physics is needed. I argue that exotic physics is needed and describe several proposals that fail and at least one that succeeds well enough.
Synthesis of Amphiphilic and Double Hydrophilic Star-like Block Copolymers and the Dual pH-Responsiveness of Unimolecular Micelle

A series of amphiphilic star-like triblock copolymers with well-defined molecular architectures, molecular weight, and narrow polydispersity were successfully synthesized by sequential atom transfe...
Isiaiah Berlin: The History of Ideas as Psychodrama

The paper discusses the question whether Berlin was a philosopher rather than a historian of ideas, and why the answer matters for an assessment of his political theory.
ITO-free flexible transparent conductive electrodes for organic and hybrid light emitting diodes

Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are promising candidates for the lighting revolution of the 21st century. Along with the ever-ongoing quest for stable emitter materials, strategies for improved out-coupling of light, cost- and energy efficient low temperature processing in particular ITO-free flexible transparent conductive electrodes need further attention to boost OLED technologies, because ITO fails to be mechanically stabile upon bending and the scarcity of indium translates into high and volatile prices. In this contribution we report on the design, realisation and characterization of a number of different low temperature processes for printed and spray coated TCE on flexible low cost substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), based on printed Ag and Cu nano-particle, particle-free and nano-wire inks. We will show that the attained highly ITO-free electrodes on PET show superior optical, electrical and mechanical performance as compared to PET/ITO samples.
Learning Human Navigation Behavior Using Measured Human Trajectories in Crowded Spaces

As humans and mobile robots increasingly coexist in public spaces, their close proximity demands that robots navigate following navigation strategies similar to those exhibited by humans. This could be achieved by learning directly from human demonstration trajectories in a machine learning framework. In this paper, we present a method to learn human navigation behaviors using an imitation learning approach based on generative adversarial imitation learning (GAIL), which has the ability of directly extracting navigation policy. Specifically, we use a large open human trajectory dataset that was experimentally collected in a crowded public space. We then recreate these human trajectories in a 3D robotic simulator, and generate demonstration data using a LIDAR sensor onboard a robot with the robot following the measured human trajectories. We then propose a GAIL based algorithm, which uses occupancy maps generated using LIDAR data as the input, and outputs the navigation policy for robot navigation. Simulation experiments are conducted, and performance evaluation shows that the learned navigation policy generates trajectories qualitatively and quantitatively similar to human trajectories. Compared with existing works using analytical models (such as social force model) to generate human demonstration trajectories, our method learns directly from intrinsic human trajectories, thus exhibits more human-like navigation behaviors.
Cancer surveillance awareness and practice among families at increased risk for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background Early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an important goal for improving survival. Individuals who meet published guidelines for surveillance may be underidentified, and family communication about risk represents a pathway to increasing participation in surveillance. We investigated the uptake of and barriers to surveillance in at-risk relatives of clinic patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective record review of patients with personal or family history of PDAC evaluated over 12 months. The first relative presenting to clinic (proband) reported surveillance status and reasons for nonparticipation for at-risk relatives. Descriptive analyses and Fisher's exact tests were conducted to evaluate differences in surveillance participation. Results Among 193 at-risk relatives, 21% were in surveillance. The primary reasons for nonparticipation were lack of awareness (36%) and lack of interest (24%). Neither the sex nor the cancer status of probands impacted surveillance. At-risk relatives with familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) who also carried relevant pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) were more likely to undergo surveillance than those with FPC or PGVs alone (P = .003). Among families with PGVs, 59% of relatives potentially eligible for surveillance had not completed genetic testing. Conclusion PDAC surveillance is underutilized in high-risk families. Communication interventions to address informational needs and decisional support could improve outcomes.
TOWARDS OPERATIONALIZING WHITE MALE ACCOUNTABILITY IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPMENT INTERROGATING IMPACTS OF AND SOLUTIONS TO OVERREPRESENTATION UTILIZING RELATIONAL ETHICS FRAMEWORKS

Numerical metrics demonstrate that white men are demographically overrepresented in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology development, research, and media coverage. This overrepresentation creates immediate and downstream harms that corporations and technologists in industry and the academy alike must contend with to ensure the creation of AI technologies, AI development organizations, and AI research institutions that are ethical, fair, accountable, transparent, and beneficial to all people. After defining the problem of overrepresentation and exploring why this problem is vital to address, this paper will posit a two-pronged theoretical solution to be implemented: (1) increasing white male accountability in AI technology spaces and (2) moving away from an underlying utilitarian or deontological ethical foundation and towards a relational ethical foundation. Using that theoretical analysis the paper will then present a model for taking this two-pronged theoretical solution from theory into practice by providing specific recommendations for operationalizing the proposed framework at the levels of AI technology development.
An orthogonal metabolic framework for one-carbon utilization.

Metabolic engineering often entails concurrent engineering of substrate utilization, central metabolism and product synthesis pathways, inevitably creating interdependency with native metabolism. Here we report an alternative approach using synthetic pathways for C1 bioconversion that generate multicarbon products directly from C1 units and hence are orthogonal to the host metabolic network. The engineered pathways are based on formyl-CoA elongation (FORCE) reactions catalysed by the enzyme 2-hydroxyacyl-CoA lyase. We use thermodynamic and stoichiometric analyses to evaluate FORCE pathway variants, including aldose elongation, α-reduction and aldehyde elongation. Promising variants were prototyped in vitro and in vivo using the non-methylotrophic bacterium Escherichia coli. We demonstrate the conversion of formate, formaldehyde and methanol into various products including glycolate, ethylene glycol, ethanol and glycerate. FORCE pathways also have the potential to be integrated with the host metabolism for synthetic methylotrophy by the production of native growth substrates as demonstrated in a two-strain co-culture system. Chou, Lee and Zhu et al. describe a synthetic metabolic pathway for C1 compound utilization using formate, formaldehyde and methanol as substrates.
Building Household Food-Security Measurement Tools from the Ground Up

For impact evaluation and for planning and targeting decisions, local organizations in developing countries need tools for assessing household food security that go beyond measuring food availability to include access to food and perceptions of food insecurity. This paper explores the potential for developing direct measures of household food security that include such components and that are based on an in-depth understanding of the experience of food insecurity at the household level. This process was used successfully to develop the US Food Security Measure. The US approach and examples of efforts in developing countries are reviewed, along with relevant conceptual and measurement issues. The potential portability and challenges to use of the US approach in developing countries are discussed. The elements needed to apply this approach are outlined, along with operations research needed for developing such experientially based measures.
Structural Sensitivity Analysis in Controller Synthesis

The concept of structural control loop constraints is introduced to formulate a new approach to the synthesis of process control systems. The synthesis is formulated within the framework of model reference schemes (or inferential control, internal model control) whereby the fundamental limitations to perfect control can be systematically analyzed. A structural sensitivity analysis and screening strategy is developed to assess the control quality offered by different control systems. The use of the technique is illustrated by some physical examples.
Who is to blame

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the various actors responsible for the recent tragedy at a clothing factory in Bangladesh. Rather than focusing on the actual factory owner, it evaluates the broader structural and institutional factors, plus a particular Western retailer strategy of fast fashion, that together explain the practical inevitability of such tragedies. Design/methodology/approach – As a case study of a particular incident, it presents data from newspaper accounts and descriptive statistics to evaluate the broader context of an industrial accident. Findings – By examining the full context of the incident, it becomes apparent that there were systemic issues that effectively encouraged many parties to engage in workplace policies that almost inevitably can lead to accidents or at least labor abuses. Finally, blame is apportioned to Western consumers whose insatiable appetite for “fashionable” goods merely feeds a retail system that was set up to resolve earlier supply chain problems and ende...
Caterpillars escape predation in habitat and thermal refuges

Author(s): Karban, R; Grof-Tisza, P; Mcmunn, M; Kharouba, H; Huntzinger, M | Abstract: 1. Climate and, therefore, abiotic conditions, are changing rapidly, and many ecological interactions depend on them. In this study, how abiotic conditions mediate a predator-prey interaction were examined. 2. Caterpillars of Platyprepia virginalis (Boisduval) (Arctiidae) were found previously to be more abundant in wet habitats and thick litter cover compared with drier habitats and little or no litter. We hypothesised that wet litter provided caterpillars with refuges from an important ant predator, Formica lasioides. It was further hypothesised that caterpillars would be able to move at lower temperatures than ants, thus providing them with a thermal refuge. 3. In the lab, caterpillars were more likely to escape ant predation and survive on wet litter and at lower temperatures. At all temperatures, ant recruitment was lower in wet litter than dry litter although ants were more active on litter than bare soil. Thus, wet litter may serve as a habitat refuge for caterpillars from ants. 4. Caterpillars were able to maintain activity at temperatures 8-14°C lower than F. lasioides. Thus colder temperatures may serve as a thermal refuge for caterpillars from ants. 5. It was hypothesised that caterpillars can escape ant predation when precipitation causes wet litter and at temperatures that they experience commonly in the field. This mismatch between caterpillars and their predators in ability to tolerate wet litter and low temperatures may affect their field distribution and abundance. Expected future warmer and drier conditions may not provide these refuges.
On the stability of nonlinear reaction-diffusion processes

The stability of a nonlinear reaction-diffusion process and its convergence rate can be determined very simply, based on an extension of the recently developed tools of contraction theory. This paper extend our earlier results [9] to the case where the diffusion term is itself nonlinear and where a convection term is also introduced. The results have applications to observer design for distributed processes, enhancement of video signals, and approximation netwroks for estimation and control.
Power supply noise-aware 3D floorplanning for system-on-package

We develop the first power supply noise-aware floorplanning for 3D system-on-package. Our 3D floorplanner aims at reducing the amount of decoupling capacitance (decap) needed to suppress the simultaneous switching noise. We perform footprint-aware decap insertion to minimize the area overhead of the 3D structure. Our effective decap distance concept allows functional blocks to access decaps in other layers.
AN ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE-DEFICIENT MUTANT OF THE NEMATODE CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS

Within a set of five separable molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase found in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, previously reported differences in kinetic properties identify two classes, A and B, likely to be under separate genetic control. Using differences between these classes in sensitivity to inactivation by sodium deoxycholate, a screening procedure was devised to search for mutants affected only in class A forms. Among 171 previously isolated behavioral and morphological mutant strains examined by this procedure, one (PR946) proved to be of the expected type, exhibiting a selective deficiency of class A acetylcholinesterase forms. Although originally isolated because of its uncoordinated behavior, this strain was subsequently shown to harbor mutations in two genes; one in the previously identified gene unc-3, accounting for its behavior, and one in a newly identified gene, ace-1, accounting for its selective acetylcholinesterase deficiency. Derivatives homozygous only for the ace-1 mutation also lacked class A acetylcholinesterase forms, but were behaviorally and developmentally indistinguishable from wild type. The gene ace-1 has been mapped near the right end of the X chromosome. Gene dosage experiments suggest that it may be a structural gene for a component of class A acetylcholinesterase forms.
Pediatric endopyelotomy: The Washington University experience

AbstractPurpose: Endopyelotomy has gained acceptance as minimally invasive therapy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults. Its role in the treatment of pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction remains controversial. We report our experience with antegrade endopyelotomy for treating pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction.Materials and Methods: A total of 17 patients 3 months to 17 years old underwent endopyelotomy as primary treatment for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (8) and after failed open pyeloplasty with secondary endopyelotomy performed a mean of 12 weeks open pyeloplasty (9). Standard antegrade percutaneous techniques were used. Electrosurgical incision of the ureteropelvic junction at a posterolateral orientation was done in each case. Internal ureteral stents remained in place for 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively.Results: In 5 of the 8 patients (62 percent) treated primarily the outcome was successful at a mean followup of 38 months (range 25 to 53). Failures occurred at 6 we...
Estimating Residential Carbon Footprints for an American City

The proliferation of online emission calculators and the growing popularity of carbon footprint assessments recently underscores an emerging interest among Americans in understanding their personal environmental impacts, especially in relation to greenhouse gas emissions. While studies have quantified carbon footprints at a variety of geographic scales using economic data, or a combination of economic and census data, few have produced results that were immediately useful for local-scale emission reduction efforts. The authors explore the feasibility of utilizing block group level census data to estimate the residential carbon footprint of an American city. A census-based emission model was adapted from the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Individual Emission Calculator. Block group census data were used as surrogates for household energy consumption and transportation related carbon emissions. Although lacking some of the finer nuances of individual behavior assessments, this approach enables analysis of a continuous urban landscape with a relatively high degree of data resolution using Geographic Information Systems GIS and standard desktop-software. The model output, paired with choropleth and dasymetric visualizations, illustrate that census data can be successfully adapted to estimate the residential carbon footprint for Austin, Texas, and by extension, any other American city with equivalent census data coverage.
A Synopsis of Rozella and Rozellopsis

Rozella is interpreted in the original sense of Cornu and includes thus only species with posteriorly uniflagellate zoospores. Pleolpidium Fischer accordingly becomes a synonym of this genus. In it...
Placental and luteal steroidogenesis in the pregnant rhesus monkey

Progesterone, 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone, estrone and estradiol-17beta concentrations were estimated by radioimmunoassay in blood plasma from uterine, uteroovarian and femoral veins of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on days 22, 49, 128 and 160 of gestation. Steroids were consistently more concentrated in uterine and uteroovarian that in femoral venous plasma and in many cases levels in the uteroovarian vein were also higher than those in the uterine vein indicating luteal secretion of both progestins and estrogens thoughout gestation. In some animals, however, the corpus luteum appeared quiescent. As reflected in the decline in the uterine venous progesterone/estradiol-17beta concentration ratio, a shift in steroid contribution from the uterus and its contents occurred between days 22 and 49 of gestation with progesterone declining more rapidly than estradiol-17beta. Progesterone/20alpha-dihydroprogesterone was higher in both uterine and uteroovarian than in femoral venous plasma suggesting peripheral metabolism of progesterone to 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone.
“JUST EVERY MOTHER'S ANGEL”: An Analysis of Gender and Ethnic Variations in Youth Gang Membership

Few studies of gangs have explored both ethnic and gender variations in the experience of gang membership. Based on an analysis of interviews with 48 youth from a number of ethnic gangs in Hawaii, this article explores boys' and girls' reasons for joining gangs. The results suggest that although gang members face common problems, they deal with these in ways that are uniquely informed by gender and ethnicity. The interviews also confirm that extensive concern about violent criminal activities in boys' gangs has distracted researchers from exploring the wide range of activities and experiences gangs provide their members. Girls and boys growing up in poor and violent neighborhoods turn to the gangs for many reasons, and the gangs themselves take on a variety of forms in response to the diverse challenges facing their members. Most important, the interviews reveal that girls and boys, even those in the same ethnic groups, inhabit worlds that are heavily influenced by gender. As a result, male and female gan...
Effects of endothelin-1 on signal transduction in UMR-106 osteoblastic cells

Endothelin-1 is now recognized to affect the functions of a number of tissues and to activate calcium/phospholipid second messenger pathways in target cells. In the present study, we characterized its effects on signal transduction in UMR-106 cells. To study calcium transients elicited by endothelin-1, cells were loaded either with fluo-3 (for the measurement of cytosolic free calcium) or chlortetracycline (for the measurement of intracellularly stored calcium) as fluorescent probes. Intracellular production of inositol phosphates and cyclic AMP was also measured. Endothelin-1 elicited dose-dependent cytosolic calcium transients with an ED50 of 20 nM. This effect was also seen in EGTA-containing or calcium-free medium; however, the signals were reduced in magnitude. The dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist nifedipine did not affect the response. Repeated administration of endothelin-1 resulted in homologous desensitization of the response. A 4 minute pretreatment with phorbol ester reduced the initial response to endothelin-1 in both calcium-containing and calcium-free media. A 24 h pretreatment with indomethacin had no effect on response. Using chlortetracycline as an indicator, a significant reduction in intracellularly stored calcium by endothelin-1 was observed. This was prevented by 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate, a blocker of calcium release from internal stores. Endothelin-1 also stimulated the dose-dependent production of inositol phosphates by UMR-106 cells. Indomethacin was also without effect on this process. The increase in inositol trisphosphates was seen within the same time frame as the increase in cytosolic calcium. Endothelin-1 did not influence cyclic AMP production over 5 minutes in these cells. In conclusion, endothelin-1 has a significant effect on UMR-106 osteoblastic cells to activate the calcium and inositol phosphate second messenger systems. Our findings raise the intriguing question of the physiologic role of endothelin-1 in bone metabolism.
3(S)-hydroxy-leukotriene B4 is a potent granulocyte chemotaxin in the guinea pig dermis.

Leukotriene B 4 (LTB4), a product of arachidonic acid metabolism by the 5-1ipoxygenase pathway, is a potent granulocyte activator proposed as an important mediator A. of inflammatory and immune responses. Catabolic processes inactivate LTB4, however, low levels of ethanol (2-10mM) interfere with normal B-oxidation of LTB4 ~ o.2oby hepatocytes resulting in the accumulation of a novel =~ metabolite, 3(S)-hydroxy-LTB 4 [3(S)-OH-LTB4] [1, 2]. This metabolite may well be the long-sought, ethanol-inducible ~ 0.15 chemotactic agent responsible for the recruitment of neutrophils into liver parenchyma and the subsequent ~ 0.10 tissue damage therein [3]. We assessed the ability of 3(S)OH-LTB4 to recruit granulocytes into the guinea pig skin by the dermal content of the neutrophil marker enzyme, ~ 0.0s myeloperoxidase (MPO), and by histology. SC-53228 {(+ )(S)-7-[3-[2-(cyclopropylmethyl)-3-methoxy-4 [(methylami.= no)carbonyl] phenoxy[proproxy]-3,4-dihydro-8-propyl~ o.oo 2H-l-benzopyran-2-propanoic acid} is a potent, orally active, second generation LTB~ receptor antagonist and B. we investigated its ability to antagonize the chemotactic activity of 3(S)-OH-LTB4 [4, 5].
Studies on the mechanism of capacitation: Changes in plasma membrane proteins of rat spermatozoa during incubation invitro☆

Abstract Plasma membrane from cauda epididymal rat spermatozoa underwent extensive polypeptide hydrolysis during incubation in Krebs Ringer bicarbonate medium. Hydrolysis was markedly increased by addition of 4 mg bovine serum albumin/ml of medium. Consistent with this result, expression of trypsin-like enzyme activity, attributed to release of acrosome contents, was higher in sperm cells from BSA containing medium.
A Comparison of Forest Classification using Hyperion and AVIRIS Hyperspectral Imagery

We test how well a cluster-based unsupervised classification algorithm separates forest land covers. Our test data, Hyperion and AVIRIS images taken in northern Virginia during autumn, provide two spectrally distinct land covers: pine forests and senescent deciduous forests. We find that the algorithm successfully separates these land covers for AVIRIS data that has been spatially aggregated to simulate 30-m Hyperion GSD. The algorithm does not successfully separate the land covers for the Hyperion data.
The shift mechanism of binuclear lanthanide(III)-silver(I) NMR shift reagents

Abstract The 1H NMR spectra of olefinic and aromatic substrates with shift reagents of the formula Ln(fod)3-Ag(fod) were analyzed for the presence of contact shifts. The method of internal ratios was utilized and provided no evidence for the presence of a contact shift mechanism. A second method that uses theoretical values for the lanthanide ions to separate the dipolar and contact shift contributions to the overall shifts was also employed. The results of this analysis were consistent with shifts that are purely dipolar in origin. The 1H NMR spectra of aromatic substrates with Gd(fod)3-Ag(fod) and Gd(fod)3-AgO2 CCF3 also provided no evidence for the presence of a contact shift mechanism. Complexation shifts with the binuclear reagents must be corrected for in these analyses.
Conscientious Objectors and the Second World War: Moral and Religious Arguments in Support of Pacifism

Preface Pacifist Moral Argument Pacifism and the Selective Service Act of 1940 The Conscientious Objector Population Foundations of Pacifism Consequences and Moral Rules The Challenge of World War II Epilogue: The Legacy of World War II Conscientious Objection Appendix A: Obtaining the Interview Sample Appendix B: Religious Affiliation and Wartime Status of Interview Sample Appendix C: Interview Guide Bibliography Index
Clinical trial of panoramic dental radiography using a CCD receptor

The objective of this study was to evaluate the perceived clinical efficacy of a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector for panoramic radiography by comparing the images produced to conventional film/screen radiographs using the same machine and patient population. For clinical evaluation, 18 criteria were selected. These included overall assessment of the area of coverage, clarity of dental structures, clarity of bony outlines, specific anatomic details such as the maxillary sinus floor, mandibular canal and mandibular condyle, and region-by-region assessment of the dentition. Observers acted independently using identical optimal viewing conditions. Film and digital radiographs were evaluated separately. A five interval Likert rating scale was used. Digital images were rated superior to the conventional film radiographs for 14 criteria. Film radiographs marginally outperformed digital images for three criteria. For one criterion (periodontal bone status) the two modalities showed no difference in terms of the mean ratings. It was concluded that digital images are clinically equivalent to conventional film/screen images for panoramic dental radiography.
Coalition Formation and Players' Incentives

Summary Coalition formation in four-person groups (N = 160 male undergraduates) was studied by using two different power distributions, and two different monetary incentives. For the winner-take-all incentive there could be one and only one winner, whereas for the everyone-can-win incentive all players received money proportional to the number of points they had accumulated in the experiment. The incentive variable affected coalition formation patterns for one of the power distributions, but not for the other. The experiment provided some support for a recently introduced hypothesis, the Exclusion of the Top Dog Principle.
Effect of Staphylococcus enterotoxin B on the concurrent CD8(+) T cell response to influenza virus infection.

Abstract Bacterial superantigens have potent in vivo effects. Respiratory viral infections are often associated with secondary bacterial infections, raising the likelihood of exposure to bacterial superantigens after the initiation of the anti-viral immune response. In this study, the general and Vβ-specific effects of exposure to Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) during influenza virus infection on both the ongoing acute and the subsequent recall CD8 + T cell responses were analyzed, using the well-characterized murine influenza model system and tetrameric MHC/peptide reagents to directly identify virus-specific T cells. The results show that although superantigen exposure during the primary viral infection caused delayed viral clearance, there was remarkably little effect of SEB on the magnitude or TCR repertoire of the ongoing cytolytic T cell response or on the recall response elicited by secondary viral infection. Thus, despite the well-characterized immunomodulatory effects of SEB, there was surprisingly little interference with concurrent anti-viral immunity.
The Logic of Research Evaluation.

The authors offer suggestions about logical distinctions often overlooked in the evaluation of research, beginning with a strong plea not to treat technology as applied science, and especially not to treat research in technology as important only if it makes a contribution to scientific knowledge. They argue that the frameworks illustrated in this issue for the evaluation of technology centers and their research are superior to those used for evaluating science centers. Ways to improve the evaluation of research are suggested. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carbon dioxide emission rate of Kīlauea Volcano: Implications for primary magma and the summit reservoir

[1] We report a CO2 emission rate of 8500 metric tons per day (t d−1) for the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, several times larger than previous estimates. It is based on three sets of measurements over 4 years of synchronous SO2 emission rates and volcanic CO2/SO2 concentration ratios for the summit correlation spectrometer (COSPEC) traverse. Volcanic CO2/SO2 for the traverse is representative of the global ratio for summit emissions. The summit CO2 emission rate is nearly constant, despite large temporal variations in summit CO2/SO2 and SO2 emission rates. Summit CO2 emissions comprise most of Kīlauea's total CO2 output (∼9000 t d−1). The bulk CO2 content of primary magma determined from CO2 emission and magma supply rate data is ∼0.70 wt %. Most of the CO2 is present as exsolved vapor at summit reservoir depths, making the primary magma strongly buoyant. Turbulent mixing with resident reservoir magma, however, prevents frequent eruptions of buoyant primary magma in the summit region. CO2 emissions confirm that the magma supply enters the edifice through the summit reservoir. A persistent several hundred parts per million CO2 anomaly arises from the entry of magma into the summit reservoir beneath a square kilometer area east of Halemaumau pit crater. Since most of the CO2 in primary magma is degassed in the summit, the summit CO2 emission rate is an effective proxy for the magma supply rate. Both scrubbing of SO2 and solubility controls on CO2 and S in basaltic melt cause high CO2/SO2 in summit emissions and spatially uncorrelated distributions of CO2 and SO2 in the summit plume.