cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding specification languages through their model theory

This paper studies the design of specification languages through their model theory. We show how language constructs and specification idioms are deeply rooted in the underlying model theory. We also show that some problems are fundamentally difficult to specify due to the underlying foundation of the language. The languages we study are Alloy, Maude, and FORMULA. FORMULA attempts to handle a large class of specifications problems while utilizing constraint solvers for formal analysis.
Characterization of antibodies for osteopontin fragments in rheumatoid arthritis

CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIBODIES FOR OSTEOPONTIN FRAGMENTS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS by Shadi Sharif The pro-inflammatory cytokine osteopontin (OPN) is present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid. Osteopontin can be cleaved by thrombin (OPN-R) exposing a cryptic a4pi / OC9P1 integrin-binding motif (SVVYGLR). The C-terminal arginine in thrombin-cleaved OPN can be further cleaved by plasma carboxypeptidase B (CPB) abrogating thrombin-cleaved OPN's binding to the integrins (OPN-L). Specificity of antibodies against OPN-R and OPN-L were determined by Western blot and peptide blocking studies. Epitope mapping of antibodies revealed Anti-OPN-R and Anti-OPN-L recognize the bold amino acids from SVVYGLR and SWYGL respectively. AntiOPN-R and Anti-OPN-L ELISA were developed with sensitivity of 0.6 ng/ml. Significantly elevated OPN-R and OPN-L levels were detected from rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluids compared to osteoarthritis (OA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Furthermore, preferential adherence of fibroblast-like synoviocytes from joints to OPN-R rather than OPN-L, suggests thrombin-cleaved OPN may play a role in pathogenesis of RA which in turn is being regulated by CPB. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The work reported in this thesis was performed in the Hematology Research Laboratory at Stanford School of Medicine under the guidance of Dr. Lawrence Leung. It is to him that I am most indebted: for the flexibility that allowed me to attend classes, the financial support, and his invaluable guidance. Dr. William Murray was my advisor and chief motivator whose encouraging words inspired me to work hard. He unselfishly and graciously agreed to take me on as his graduate student despite his busy schedule. His kind words have been a true inspiration for me. I am truly grateful for the support and friendship he has shown me. To me he exemplifies a truly "caring teacher." However, he is not the only individual who has taught and guided me on my journey in the biology department. Dr. Abramson, my immunology professor—whose flexibility and patience have truly touched my heart—is another individual that I am indebted. I absolutely enjoyed my time in her class, and I will miss the intellectual stimulations that the immunology journal discussions brought me. I hesitate to name all other individuals who have taught me and supported me in the department, for there is a chance that I may forget someone. Thank you all. I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Xiaoyan Du for all her kindness, patience and guidance. I have learned a great deal of cellular biology and laboratory techniques from her. I hope to be able to some day pay it forward. This work would not have been possible without Dr. Timothy Myles who has taught me a great deal about protein purification. He did the initial purification and characterizations of the antibodies used in
Design factors that influence PCR amplification success of cross-species primers among 1147 mammalian primer pairs.

Background Cross-species primers have been used with moderate success to address a variety of questions concerning genome structure, evolution, and gene function. However, the factors affecting their success have never been adequately addressed, particularly with respect to producing a consistent method to achieve high throughput. Using 1,147 mammalian cross-species primer pairs (1089 not previously reported), we tested several factors to determine their influence on the probability that a given target will amplify in a given species under a single amplification condition. These factors included: number of mismatches between the two species (the index species) used to identify conserved regions to which the primers were designed, GC-content of the gene and amplified region, CpG dinucleotides in the primer region, degree of encoded protein conservation, length of the primers, and the degree of evolutionary distance between the target species and the two index species.
Regional Nitrogen Mass Balance Model for the Florida Peninsula

Prior to the industrial revolution, the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen was powered by the diffuse flux of energy from the sun. Atmospheric N2 was fixed into biomass using reduced compounds derived from photosynthesis, and some abiotic fixation occurred during electrical storms. The reduced products of photosynthesis also provided the means of returning fixed nitrogen to its less biologically active forms, N2 and N2O, through the process of denitrification. During the present century, these precultural fluxes of nitrogen have been greatly augmented on local and regional levels by the fixation of N2 into NOx during fossil fuel combustion and by the production of ammonia for fertilizer by the Haber process.
Evaluation of finite-element models and stress-intensity factors for surface cracks emanating from stress concentrations

A re-evaluation of the 3-D finite-element models and methods used to analyze surface crack at stress concentrations is presented. Previous finite-element models used by Raju and Newman for surface and corner cracks at holes were shown to have ill-shaped elements at the intersection of the hole and crack boundaries. These ill-shaped elements tended to make the model too stiff and, hence, gave lower stress-intensity factors near the hole-crack intersection than models without these elements. Improved models, without these ill-shaped elements, were developed for a surface crack at a circular hole and at a semi-circular edge notch. Stress-intensity factors were calculated by both the nodal-force and virtual-crack-closure methods. Both methods and different models gave essentially the same results. Comparisons made between the previously developed stress-intensity factor equations and the results from the improved models agreed well except for configurations with large notch-radii-to-plate-thickness ratios. Stress-intensity factors for a semi-elliptical surface crack located at the center of a semi-circular edge notch in a plate subjected to remote tensile loadings were calculated using the improved models. The ratio of crack depth to crack length ranged form 0.4 to 2; the ratio of crack depth to plate thickness ranged from 0.2 to 0.8; and the ratio of notch radius to the plate thickness ranged from 1 to 3. The models had about 15,000 degrees-of-freedom. Stress-intensity factors were calculated by using the nodal-force method.
The Beginning of Model Checking: A Personal Perspective

Model checking provides an automated method for verifying concurrent systems. Correctness specifications are given in temporal logic. The method hinges on an efficient and flexible graph-theoretic reachability algorithm. At the time of its introduction in the early 1980's, the prevailing paradigm for verification was a manual one of proof-theoretic reasoning using formal axioms and inference rules oriented towards sequential programs. The need to encompass concurrent programs, the desire to avoid the difficulties with manual deductive proofs, and the small model theorem for temporal logic motivated the development of model checking.
Jazz Consciousness: Music, Race, and Humanity

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Austerlitz Paul Year: 2005 Pages: 260 Publisher: Wesleyan University Press ISBN: 0-8195-6781-7 (hard cover). Prices: $65.00(hard cover).
Postischemic synaptic physiology in area CA1 of the gerbil hippocampus studied in vitro

After transient forebrain ischemia in the Mongolian gerbil, CA1b hippocampal pyramidal cells degenerate during a period of 2–4 d. We tested the hypothesis that this delayed neuronal death is preceded by excessive synaptic excitation. Hippocampal slices were prepared from gerbils that had been subjected to a 5 min occlusion of both common carotid arteries. Input/output curves demonstrated enhancement of the initial slope of the Schaffer collateral-commissural focally recorded EPSP at all stimulus currents between 5 and 10 hr after the ischemic insult. The duration of the focally recorded EPSP also increased. At the same time, the excitability of the CA1b pyramidal cells decreased. Thus, the EPSP brought fewer pyramidal cells to threshold than the same size EPSP in control slices. During the first 14 hr after ischemia, the antidromic population spike remained unaffected. By 24 hr after ischemia, however, the focally recorded EPSP and both orthodromic and antidromic population spikes were markedly depressed, and they declined further over the next 2 d. No recovery was detected. In the same slices, transient ischemia only mildly and reversibly affected the response of dentate granule cells to perforant path stimulation and did not affect their response to antidromic stimulation. Hippocampal slices adjacent to those used for electrophysiological recording were analyzed histologically. Examination of somatic argyrophilia confirmed that CA1b pyramidal cells suffered delayed neuronal death, whereas dentate granule cells remained intact. Pyramidal cell argyrophilia was, however, not detected until 2 d after these neurons had become virtually inexcitable. We conclude that CA1b pyramidal cells begin to lose electrophysiological function well before definite morphological signs of degeneration become visible. The observation of enhanced excitatory transmission 5–10 hr after reperfusion is consistent with the idea that delayed ischemic neuronal death results, at least in part, from excessive excitation.
When Parents Ask ... about Preterm Birth, Breastfeeding Success, Breast Cancer, or Waterbirth.

In this column, the author reviews research on four separate topics: the prevention of preterm birth, the effect of epidurals on breastfeeding success, the possible protective effect of lactation on breast cancer, and laboring in water. In two separate studies—a multisite study in the United States and a second study from Brazil—natural progesterone was shown to significantly reduce the incidence of preterm birth in women at high risk. A third study conducted in the United Kingdom examined the effect of clindamycin on preventing infection that can lead to preterm birth. A group of studies related to lactation found that early breastfeeding was more successful in women who did not have epidural anesthesia. In a Korean study, the lifetime duration of breastfeeding was associated with a significant reduction in breast cancer. Concerning waterbirth, Swiss researchers found that, when a woman labored in water, she regulated both water temperature and bathing duration to ensure that her body temperature and that of the fetus remained within a normal physiological range.
The Relational Nature of Leadership Identity Construction: How and When It Influences Perceived Leadership and Decision-Making

Abstract This paper empirically tests leadership identity construction theory (DeRue & Ashford, 2010), conceptually framing claiming and granting leadership as a negotiated process that influences leadership perceptions and decision-making in interdependent contexts. In Study 1a, an avatar video-based experimental vignette (replicated in Study 1b with a non-video scenario), we found that when a team member accepted an actor's leadership claim, observers' leadership ratings of the actor increased, whereas when the team member rejected the claim, observers' leadership ratings of the fellow team member increased. However, when an actor granted leadership, the fellow team member's response did not influence leadership ratings. Study 2 extended the conceptual model by identifying how claiming and granting influence leadership perceptions – through perceived competence – and when claiming and granting exert greatest influence, finding that women observers vary more in their responses to claiming and granting. The negotiated relational leader identity process ultimately influenced observer decision-making.
Mauritiella (Palmae) reconsidered.

The palm genusMauritiella is reconsidered, and six species are placed in synonymy withMauritia.
Jerusalem artichoke growth, development, and field storage. I. Numerical assessment of plant part development and dry matter acquisition and allocation

Abstract Expanding commercial interest in the use of inulin as a bulking agent for artificial sweeteners, dietary fiber health supplement, fat replacement for processed foods, feed stock for fructose syrups, and a wide range of potential industrial products, has stimulated research on inulin‐containing crops such as the Jerusalem artichoke. To better understand the developmental physiology of the crop and to identify potential breeding objectives, the temporal pattern of development of individual plant parts (shoots, branches, leaves, flowers, stolons, tubers, and roots) and the allocation of dry matter into the same plant parts were monitored in the cultivar ‘Sunchoke’ over the entire growing season and during in situ field storage during the early winter, 32 weeks after planting. While number of shoots (∼9) peaked in week 10, the number of branches (42.8), stolons (49.4), and tubers (85.5) reached a maximum 24–28 weeks after planting. Number of leaves (∼525) peaked between weeks 20–24 after planting, as...
Ribonucleotide reductase as a site of inhibition of DNA synthesis by the dialdehyde derivatives of purine nucleosides

Summary The dialdehyde derivatives of the purine nucleosides, prepared by the periodate-oxidation of the parent nucleoside, inhibit nucleic acid synthesis in Ehrlich tumor cells in vitro. The derivatives were shown to be inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase activity in cell-free extracts prepared from Ehrlich tumor cells. It was shown that there was excellent correlation between the inhibition of DNA synthesis and the conversion of cytidine to deoxycytidine nucleotides via the ribonucleotide reductase step in intact cells. There was not a corresponding correlation with fluorodeoxyuridine, methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside and actinomycin-D.
Effects of ammonia on selected hepatic microsomal enzyme activity in mice

Atmospheric ammonia (NH/sub 3/) is produced by a number of industrial sources however it is the biological action of urease-containing bacteria upon urine and fecal waste products that is responsible for producing NH/sub 3/ in laboratory animal facilities. Since NH/sub 3/ is a primary irritant, studies emphasizing the pulmonary toxicity of both acute and repeated exposures have appeared. Since the mouse has proven to be a sensitive animal model for use in NH/sub 3/ toxicity studies and work in the rat has produced only minimal microsomal changes, the present study was undertaken to determine whether acute or repeated exposure to NH/sub 3/ gas inhibits selected microsomal enzyme activity in the mouse.
Investigation of asphalt concrete layer strains from wide-base tires

The application of a continuum-based finite-layer mechanistic model to evaluate pavement strain response under moving traffic loading generated from wide-base tires is presented. The model incorporates important pavement response factors such as the noncircular contact area, complex contact stress distributions (normal and shear), vehicle speed, and viscoelastic material characterization. Results of a parametric study in which two typical thin and thick pavement sections were subjected to traffic loading moving at different speeds are included. The impact of vehicle speed on the strains induced in the asphalt concrete layer is consistent with the results from several field studies. The study reveals that especially in the case of thick pavements, the fatigue failure mechanism resulting from wide-base tires is different from those generated by conventional tires. With thick pavements longitudinal fatigue cracks are expected when wide-base tires are used.
Assistive technology use among adolescents and young adults with spina bifida.

Objectives. We sought to determine the use of assistive technology among a population of individuals with spina bifida. Methods. We performed a descriptive analysis of individuals aged 13 to 27 years diagnosed with myelomeningocele (n = 348) using data obtained from an existing database at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. We summarized disease characteristics, utilization of assistive technology, community and self-care independence, and other variables. Results. Eighty-four percent of the respondents lived with at least 1 of their natural parents. Fifty-seven percent used wheelchairs, 35% used braces, and 23% used walking aids. Independent self-care was a common skill, but 72% reported limited participation in structured activities. Half were aged 18 years or older; of those, only 50% had completed high school and 71% were unemployed. Those aged younger than 18 years were all still in school (100%). Conclusions. Adolescents and young adults with spina bifida rely on assistive technology and specialized care routines to maintain their health. Assistive technology use for mobility is common; little is known about secondary complications associated with use of these technologies or the use of assistive technology to address learning disabilities and other societal barriers. Underutilization of assistive technology could delay successful transitions to independent living and community participation. (Am J Public Health. 2007;97:330‐336. doi:10.2105/ AJPH.2004.050955)
Toward vital status sweeps: A case history in sequential monitoring

We use data from the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (CAST) to demonstrate the sensitivity of sequential monitoring to the timeliness of survival data. In CAST vital status sweeps were not routinely performed prior to the times of sequential analysis. Examination of the delay between death and reporting of death shows that the change in the time of sequential analysis by even as few as several months can have dramatic impact on the results of the sequential analysis.
Radiation-assisted synthesis of iridium and rhodium nanoparticles supported on polyvinylpyrrolidone

The controlled synthesis of rhodium (Rh) and iridium (Ir) nanoparticles was carried out by gamma irradiation of aqueous solutions containing the metal precursor salt and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The nanoparticles were synthesized at various PVP and precursor concentrations with absorbed doses between 20 and 60 kGy. Nanoparticles with average sizes of 2.4 and 2.6 nm and narrow particle size distributions were obtained at metal precursor/PVP concentrations of 6/0.3 and 6/3 mM for Ir and Rh when irradiated at 60 kGy. The interaction of the nanoparticles surfaces with the PVP was studied.
Steric Pressure between Membrane-Bound Proteins Opposes Lipid Phase Separation

Cellular membranes are densely crowded with a diverse population of integral and membrane-associated proteins. In this complex environment, lipid rafts, which are phase-separated membrane domains enriched in cholesterol and saturated lipids, are thought to organize the membrane surface. Specifically, rafts may help to concentrate proteins and lipids locally, enabling cellular processes such as assembly of caveolae, budding of enveloped viruses, and sorting of lipids and proteins in the Golgi. However, the ability of rafts to concentrate protein species has not been quantified experimentally. Here we show that when membrane-bound proteins become densely crowded within liquid-ordered membrane regions, steric pressure arising from collisions between proteins can destabilize lipid phase separations, resulting in a homogeneous distribution of proteins and lipids over the membrane surface. Using a reconstituted system of lipid vesicles and recombinant proteins, we demonstrate that protein-protein steric pressure creates an energetic barrier to the stability of phase-separated membrane domains that increases in significance as the molecular weight of the proteins increases. Comparison with a simple analytical model reveals that domains are destabilized when the steric pressure exceeds the approximate enthalpy of membrane mixing. These results suggest that a subtle balance of free energies governs the stability of phase-separated cellular membranes, providing a new perspective on the role of lipid rafts as concentrators of membrane proteins.
Quantitative left ventricular contractility analysis under stress: a new practical approach in follow-up of hypertensive patients

Excessive sympathetic activity and stress-induced left ventricular (LV) hypercontractility have been described in hypertensive LV hypertrophy. Recent quantitative data have shown that hypertensive LV hypertrophy is associated with preserved global LV function. However, progression of uncontrolled hypertension have detrimental effects on both the ejection fraction (EF) and LV contractile response to stress. Hypertensive LV hypertrophy has some common characteristics, including preserved global LV systolic function and LV volume with heart failure with preserved EF (HFPEF), which makes it difficult to differentiate between the two conditions at rest. Studies suggest that adopting an efficient antihypertensive therapy regimen may positively effect on the LV contractile capability in patients with long-standing hypertension. Evaluation of quantitative LV contractility under stress may be beneficial to differentiate between the hypertensive LV hypertrophy and HFPEF. It may also assist in developing a more effective modality in medical management of patients with hypertensive heart disease.
A possible link between off-equatorial warm anomalies propagating along the NECC path and the onset of the 1997-98 El Nino

n n By examining sea surface height (SSH) from the TOPEX/Poseidon (T/P) altimeter and upper-ocean temperature/current data from the NCEP reanalysis product, a well-defined, shallow pathway has been identified of subsurface temperature anomalies along the Pacific North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC). A physical picture is developed to demonstrate how oceanic-atmospheric anomalies leading to the 1997-98 El Nino may be generated in the tropical Pacific climate system. Prior to its onset, a preconditioned oceanic state is set in the west during 1995-96, characterized by elevated sea level, depressed thermocline and warm temperature anomalies in the western boundary along 6-10 degrees N. With the seasonal intensification of the NECC in the fall, the warm anomalies propagated coherently eastward along the relatively shallow NECC subsurface pathways (centered about 100 m), from the western boundary in mid-1996 to near the date line in late 1996 and early 1997. As the thermocline shoals eastward and upward along the NECC, the subsurface anomalies were exposed to the surface near the date line, likely initiating warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies north of the equator in late 1996, Due to the convergence of mean subsurface circulation onto the equator, the equatorward flows helped move these initially subsurface-produced SST anomalies southward onto the equator, which would induce westerly wind anomalies.
Preference for wine is associated with lower hip fracture incidence in post-menopausal women

Background Past studies of relationships between alcohol and hip fracture have generally focused on total alcohol consumed and not type of alcohol. Different types of alcohol consist of varying components which may affect risk of hip fracture differentially. This study seeks to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption, with a focus on type of alcohol consumed (e.g. beer, wine, or hard liquor) and hip fracture risk in post-menopausal women.
Two-phase thermal-hydraulic simulations with COMMIX-2

Abstract The COMMIX-2 computer code has been developed for steady/unsteady, three-dimensional thermal-hydraulic analysis of reactor components under normal and off-normal operating conditions. To permit analysis of a wide spectrum of flow conditions, i.e., from homogeneous and equilibrium to nonhomogeneous and nonequilibrium conditions, we have provided two alternative models. One is the two-fluid model, and the other is the homogeneous equilibrium model. The new concept of volume porosity, surface permeability, distributed resistance, and distributed heat source is implemented in the code to permit modeling of a flow domain with stationary solid objects. The present paper briefly describes the unique features of the COMMIX-2 computer code and presents the results of two two-phase numerical simulations with COMMIX-2. One simulation is the transient-boiling experiment in a seven-pin hexagonal fuel assembly. The other is boiling due to blockage in a square fuel assembly. The converged results of numerical simulation and comparison with measurement demonstrate the two phase simulation capability of the COMMIX-2 computer code.
The moonlighting decision of unmarried men and women: Family and labor market influences

This paper investigates the moonlighting behavior of unmarried adults. Moonlighting theory hypothesizes that individuals who face labor supply constraints may possess an enhanced incentive to work for more than one employer at a time, but previous research in moonlighting literature has not investigated the influence of labor market constraints empirically. Unmarried men and women, an increasingly prevalent demographic group, face somewhat unique familial and economic circumstances. Unlike married individuals, they do not have access to intra-household income sources and, yet, they may have children present in their household. Empirical results suggest a relationship between labor market constraints and moonlighting likelihood that is consistent with theory and suggest that a larger immediate and extended family may be associated with a lesser probability of moonlighting.
Recurrence textures for human activity recognition from compressive cameras

Recent advances in camera architectures and associated mathematical representations now enable compressive acquisition of images and videos at low data-rates. In such a setting, we consider the problem of human activity recognition, which is an important inference problem in many security and surveillance applications. We propose a framework for understanding human activities as a non-linear dynamical system, and propose a robust, generalizable feature that can be extracted directly from the compressed measurements without reconstructing the original video frames. The proposed feature is termed recurrence texture and is motivated from recurrence analysis of non-linear dynamical systems. We show that it is possible to obtain discriminative features directly from the compressed stream and show its utility in recognition of activities at very low data rates.
The language divide. The importance of training in the use of interpreters for outpatient practice.

PURPOSE: Provision of interpreter services for non-English-speaking patients is a federal requirement. We surveyed clinicians to describe their experience using interpreters. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we surveyed clinicians in three academic outpatient settings in San Francisco (N=194) regarding their most recent patient encounter which involved an interpreter. Questions about the visit included type of interpreter, satisfaction with content of clinical encounter, potential problems, and frequency of need. Previous training in interpreter use, languages spoken, and demographics were also asked. Questionnaires were self-administered in approximately 10 minutes. RESULTS: Of 194 questionnaires mailed, 158 were completed (81% response rate) and 67% were from resident physicians. Most respondents (78%) were very satisfied or satisfied with the medical care they provided, 85% felt satisfied with their ability to diagnose a disease and treat a disease, but only 45% were satisfied with their ability to empower the patient with knowledge about their disease, treatment, or medication. Even though 71% felt they were able to make a personal connection with their patient, only 33% felt they had learned about another culture as a result of the encounter. Clinicians reported difficulties eliciting exact symptoms (70%), explaining treatments (44%), and eliciting treatment preferences (51%). Clinicians perceived that lack of knowledge of a patient’s culture hindered their ability to provide quality medical care and only 18% felt they were unable to establish trust or rapport. Previous training in interpreter use was associated with increased use of professional interpreters (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4 to 7.5) and increased satisfaction with medical care provided (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 6.6). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians reported communication difficulties affecting their ability to understand symptoms and treat disease, as well as their ability to empower patients regarding their healthcare. Training in the use of interpreters may improve communication and clinical care, and thus health outcomes.
Studies on Mechanism of Glucose Synthesis in Diabetic and Normal Rat Liver

Glucose synthesis and enzymatic activities of various CO 2 -fixing enzymes have been studied in normal and diabetic liver preparations. A three-fold increase in pyruvate carboxylase and α-ketoglutarate carboxylase has been observed in alloxan-diabetic, anti-insulin serum and cortisol treated liver preparations as compared to normal. The increased glutarate carboxylase activity was found to be localized in the mitochondrial fraction. In addition a sixfold increase in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was observed. Studies on net glucose synthesis show that combination of pyruvate and glutamate are far more effective than any single substrate. Furthermore, oxaloacetate utilization was found to be increased in diabetic and cortisol treated rat livers. Based on these results a pathway for gluconeogenesis has been formulated. It is suggested that increased gluconeogenesis observed in diabetic animals involves CO 2 fixation with pyruvate and glutamate giving rise to increased formation and utilization of oxaloacetate.
On network partitioning algorithm of large-scale CMOS circuits

A topological partitioning algorithm which decouples the large-scale CMOS circuits into numerous small-scale subcircuits, in which each subcircuit can be individually analyzed with better overall efficiency, is discussed. The parasitic couplings between the partitioned subcircuits are shown to be negligible in most digital circuits. Bidirectional coupling between cross-coupled subcircuits is studied and a decoupling criterion is derived. The flexibility offered by the decoupled structure can be fully taken advantage of by using: (1) the latency; (2) the event-driven operation; and (3) the regular structure of the partitioned subcircuits. An experimental program, as a result from the partitioning algorithm, demonstrates a three-order-of-magnitude speed improvement over the SPICE program. >
Winter Survival of the Entomogenous Fungus Nomuraea rileyi in North Carolina1

Laboratory-produced sclerotia (mummified cadavers of Heliothis virescens) and conidia of Nomuraea rileyi were held under field conditions from October 30, 1974 to August 8, 1975. Conidia were infectious after being held on the surface of the soil and in a glass vial for 138 and 209 days, respectively. Cadavers held on the surface of the soil began sporulating after 47 days. Infectious conidia were found on these cadavers for the entire sampling period (281 days). Infectious conidia were also present on cadavers buried 10 cm in the soil on the first sampling period (14 days) and last recorded at 194 days. N. rileyi was found to survive through the last sampling period (281 days) as was evident from the sporulation which occurred when the cadavers were placed at 27°C under laboratory conditions.
Prevention of coronary restenosis with radiation therapy: a review.

The problem of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty remains the major limiting factor of the procedure. Over the last 10 years, investigators have been studying the use of radiation therapy for preventing restenosis after angioplasty or stent placement. Since radiotherapy has been proven in other cases to be effective in disrupting the cell cycle regulatory proteins and thereby slowing or stopping growth, it was decided to apply the same principle to neointimal hyperplasia. To review the data that have emerged regarding vascular radiation with an emphasis on irradiated stents, 65 articles were reviewed and both pre-clinical and clinical experiments were included. Overall, studies with gamma and beta radiation show promising results. Endovascular gamma radiation has been shown effective in randomized trials, even at 3-year follow-up. Beta radiation is preferred because of greater safety and localization, and because it has also shown encouraging results in initial clinical trials, as well as in larger randomized studies. Consequently, the Federal Drug Administration has approved the use of both. In both types of endovascular brachytherapy, it seems the greater the dose, the better the initial response. Safety concerns include an increased incidence of late thrombosis and greater restenosis at margins. With irradiated stents, however, the situation is not as clear. At times, animal models have presented confusing results. These have ranged from significant suppression of hyperplasia to outright adverse effects of radiation on the vessel wall. While some clinical trials have been encouraging, others have not. Follow-up of up to 1 year has been disappointing so far. Many issues, such as the “candy wrapper” effect and rebound hyperplasia, must be dealt with before this becomes a viable form of therapy. It has become clear that radiation therapy in this setting, while having potentially great benefits, can cause deleterious effects as well. However, the mixed bag of positive and negative results seen so far, and the attractiveness of stents or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty being “restenosis-proofed,” eventually is cause for cautious optimism.
Hazardous materials highway transportation accident potentials in Virginia

A method was developed to estimate the number, types and locations of hazardous materials highway transportation accidents in Virginia. It was estimated that about 240 such accidents will occur over a ten year period. Forty one percent can be expected to involve flammable liquids, 23% combustibles, and 11% corrosives. Hazardous materials accident expectations were calculated for about 1600 sections of highway. The most dangerous routes, highway sections, and areas in the state were identified. Seventy five percent of the hazardous materials highway accidents can be expected to occur on 10 highways and 50% can be expected to occur in 14 of 100 county areas. Emergency response facilities and locations were also evaluated. Correlation density maps were developed to describe facilities.
Intrinsic limitations on the performance and reliability of high-k gate dielectrics for advanced silicon devices

This paper is based on a tutorial/contributed paper pairing that addresses intrinsic limitations for the substitution of high-k gate dielectrics for SiO2 and Si oxynitride alloys in order to extend the scaling of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuits and systems for at least another 15 to 20 years. An understanding of the intrinsic limitations of the these proposed alternative high-k dielectrics is developed in a systematic way by first addressing the electronic structure differences of these alternative dielectrics with respect to SiO2 and Si oxynitride alloys, and then addressing the issues related to the entire gate stack including: i) interfaces with Si substrate; ii) the gate electrode; and iii) internal dielectric interfaces between the high-k dielectric and interfacial layers, e.g., nitride SiO2 at the Si interface
Fibromixosarcoma em criança: registro de um caso

E relatado o caso de crianca de 6 anos e sexo masculino com historia de cefaleia, diminuicao da acuidade visual e formacao de bosseladuras no crânio. Radiografias do crânio mostravam sinais de hipertensao intracraniana e grande area de osteolise na regiao parietal posterior a esquerda. A cintilografia cerebral evidenciou varias areas anormais de captacao. A pneumencefalografia mostrou distorcoes no sistema ventricular sem dilatacao. As angiografias forneceram imagens sugestivas de compressao na regiao parietal posterior a esquerda por provavel processo tumoral meningeo. Foi realizada craniectomia em area da osteolise, sendo verificado tratar-se de tumoracao infiltrante entre os folhetos da dura e pia-mater, estendendo-se para as zonas frontal, temporal e pareital, bilateralmente. O exame histopatologico mostrou tratar-se de fibromixosarcoma.
Cellular and molecular interactions regulating skeletogenesis

Skeletal development involves complex coordination among multiple cell types and tissues. In long bones, a cartilage template surrounded by the perichondrium is first laid down and is subsequently replaced by bone marrow and bone, during a process named endochondral ossification. Cells in the cartilage template and the surrounding perichondrium are derived from mesenchymal cells, which condense locally. In contrast, many cell types that make up mature bone and in particular the bone marrow are brought in by the vasculature. Three tissues appear to be the main players in the initiation of endochondral ossification: the cartilage, the adjacent perichondrium, and the invading vasculature. Interactions among these tissues are synchronized by a large number of secreted and intracellular factors, many of which have been identified in the past 10 years. Some of these factors primarily control cartilage differentiation, while others regulate bone formation and/or angiogenesis. Understanding how these factors operate during skeletal development through the analyses of genetically altered mice depends on being able to distinguish the effect of these molecules on the different cell types that comprise the skeleton. This review will discuss the complexity of skeletal phenotypes, which arises from the tightly regulated, complex interactions among the three tissues involved in bone development. Specific examples illustrate how gene functions may be further assessed using new approaches including genetic and tissue manipulations.
The Social Ecology of Rural Violence: Land Scarcity, the Organization of Agricultural Production, and the Presence of the State

This article develops a conceptual framework to study rural violence by extending the insights of human ecology. Four hypotheses are proposed regarding the effects of land distribution, collective ownership, and the organization of agricultural production on homicide rates. These hypotheses are tested using data from a census of all agricultural production units in a sample of Mexican municipalities. An unequal distribution of land is associated with higher rates of violence. Insecure property rights and the commodification of agricultural production are also conducive to more homicides. A fifth hypothesis is derived from a consideration of the state’s role in preventing violent conflict. In remote areas that historically have been far from the reach of the state, individuals are more likely to settle disputes violently. Topographical features are used to measure the accessibility of state institutions.
Modulation of 125I-insulin degradation by receptors in liver plasma membranes.

Abstract This study investigated the interactions of insulin with receptors in a purified mouse liver plasma membrane. Two processes were found when insulin was incubated with the liver plasma membranes at 30°C; 1) the binding of insulin to these membranes and 2) the degradation of insulin by one or more associated insulinases or proteases. These two activities were physically separated, analyzed, and it was found that bound insulin is a substrate for insulin degradation. In addition, the rate of degradation of free insulin in solution was found to be 1.1% degraded insulin/available insulin/min in a 30 minute period. This rate is compared to 25.3% degraded insulin/available insulin/min under similar conditions when insulin is bound to the plasma membranes. Thus, insulin binding was shown to aid in its degradation. These results suggest that a specific binding by at least one of the receptors for insulin orients the molecule such that its degradation is facilitated.
Targeted therapies: Further delineating bevacizumab's response spectrum

The use of antiangiogenic drugs, such as bevacizumab, represents an appealing intervention against cancer. However, not all malignancies are equally responsive to such treatment. Recent trials demonstrate the efficacy of this drug for advanced-stage cervical cancer and, despite limitations, bevacizumab provides an important clinical respite for most patients with progressive glioblastoma.
Pediatric issues in new therapies for hepatitis B and C.

Two antiviral treatments have been approved for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children: interferon (IFN)-α, 6 MU/m2 three times a week subcutaneously for 6 months, and lamivudine, 3 mg/kg/d orally for 12 months. Twenty-six percent to 58% of children treated with IFN become HBV DNA negative, and up to 38% become negative to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). Lamivudine, a nucleoside analogue that blocks viral replication by inhibition of the HBV polymerase, has been associated with comparable rates of seroconversion of HBeAg to anti-HBe. Loss of surface antigen occurs in less than 5% of patients treated with lamivudine, compared with 3% to 33% in those treated with IFN-α. Fifty percent to 65% of children treated with lamivudine clear HBV DNA after 12 months of therapy, but relapse rates have not been clarified. Patients treated with lamivudine develop drug-resistant (YMDD) mutants in the HBV polymerase at the rate of 16% to 32% per year. No treatments for children with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been approved by the FDA. However, published reports describe treatment with IFN monotherapy and combination therapy with IFN and ribavirin. Trials of PEG-IFN alone or in combination with ribavirin are in progress. Given the lack of data regarding treatment of HCV in children, it is generally agreed among pediatric hepatologists that the optimal treatment is within the context of randomized, controlled trials.
Working with battered women

The task for a clinician working with battered women is to address the configuration of the client's needs derived from the battering experience in the context of other life issues or problems that she may also face. Based on a conceptualization of problems experienced by battered women that is based on an integration of social learning theory, cognitive-behavioral theory, and feminist theory, a number of clinical issues are relevant. These include context as mediating factors, the role of a feminist perspective, clinical diagnosis, safety issues, self-determination, advocacy, and evaluating outcome. It is not appropriate to measure treatment efficacy by the recurrence of violence, as the batterer's use of violent behavior is an action for which the battered woman cannot be held responsible. However, establishing appropriate goals can be established based on a thorough understanding of the history of violence and abuse, the battered woman's strategic response to violence, the traumatic impact of violence on her, and the social and psychological context of her life. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An Analysis of a Group Therapy Experiment

It has been sensibly pointed out that people join groups for many different reasons and that, therefore, they will benefit in various ways from their experience in the groups. Most of the literature puts primary emphasis on what might roughly be called the socializing effect of the group: the patient's discovery that others have similar problems, that his difficulties are not due to a unique inadequacy; his identification with other group members; the training which the group provides in getting along with people; the development of friendly contacts in a controlled environment—these are usually presented as the most marked effects of group therapy.
Heme and oxygen: intermediates on the pathway to substrate oxygenation

Abstract In this tribute to the contributions of Professor Osamu Hayaishi, recent advances in structural biology, radiation chemistry and cryobiochemistry have been used to observe, characterize and define new intermediates in the reaction cycle of the cytochrome P450 monoxygenases. Key roles for water, stabilized in the active site of these mixed function oxidases by critical amino acid side chains, are documented, including proton transfer to aid in the catalytic processing of the heme-bound atmospheric dioxygen molecule. The precise three-dimensional structure of the ferrous–O2 adduct has been determined, together with the subsequent electron and proton transfers to generate “peroxo” and “hydroperoxo” intermediates. These states are stabilized by low temperature and characterized by a variety of spectroscopic methods. Raising the incubation temperature results in stepwise annealing and initiates the conversion to an oxygenated product and the ferric resting state of the enzyme.
A novel method for converting apolipoprotein B, the major protein moiety of human plasma low density lipoproteins, into a water-soluble protein.

Abstract We have developed a new technique to solubilize apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in aqueous solutions. The procedure involves stirring ApoB in 6 M guanidine/20 mM NH4Cl/NH4OH in the presence of cupric ammonia complexes at pH 9.7 for 20 h in N2, and then removing these reagents by a series of dialysis in N2. The resulting Cu(NH3)42+ -treated (Cu2+ -treated) ApoB is soluble in aqueous buffers of pH above 8.3 or below 3. Parallel experiments carried out on control proteins, human albumin, α-lactalbumin, and insulin, indicated no change in molecular weight and no creation of a new NH2-terminal amino acid after Cu2+-treatment. By Edman degradation, the Cu2+-treated ApoB showed no detectable NH2-terminal amino acid. These results showed that the mechanism of Cu2+-solubilization of ApoB was not due to the cleavage of peptide bonds. Electrophoresis on urea-polyacrylamide gel, Cu2+-treated ApoB showed the same number of bands as the non-treated ApoB in the separating gels (7%) near the cathode, suggesting the heterogeneity of ApoB. In SDS-polyacrylamide gel (10%), the reduced and Cu2+-treated ApoB migrated with the similar mobilities to the monomer or dimer of human albumin. Antibodies raised against Cu2+-treated ApoB gave at least two immunoprecipitin lines against the Cu2+-treated ApoB as well as the non-treated guanidine-HCI-soluble ApoB, suggesting the presence of non-identical subunits.
Moderating effects of sociotropy and autonomy on affective and self-esteem reactivity to daily stressors

We conducted a 10-day diary study that assessed daily stressors and end-of-day affect and self-esteem. We predicted that sociotropy would be associated with stronger sadness and self-esteem reactivity to daily interpersonal, but not achievement events, and that autonomy would be associated with the same pattern for daily achievement, but not interpersonal events. For the sample as whole, both daily interpersonal and achievement stressors were related to increased sadness and decreased self-esteem. As expected, the relationships involving interpersonal stressors were stronger for those high on sociotropy. However, the negative relationship between achievement stressors and self-esteem was also stronger for those high on sociotropy. Autonomy was associated with weaker self-esteem reactivity to interpersonal stressors. Our results are consistent with previous research on major life events, suggesting that sociotropy functions as a nonspecific vulnerability factor, and that autonomy’s role is unclear. Our results also suggest the heuristic value of a daily diary design to study the mechanisms underlying vulnerability factors’ role in the development and maintenance of depression.