cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extreme volcanism on Io: Latest insights at the end of Galileo era

Galileo has now completed 7 years exploring Jupiter. The spacecraft obtained breathtaking views of the four major satellites, and studied Jupiter's clouds and atmospheric composition, rings, small satellites, and magnetic field. It had five successful close flybys and many distant observations of Io. Scientists already knew from Voyager and Earth-based astronomy that Io is by far the most volcanically active object in the solar system. Galileo has given us stunning color panoramas of Io's surface and unprecedented close views of erupting volcanoes (Figure 1) and the largest active flows observed anywhere. Among recent discoveries about Io, perhaps most astonishing since Voyager, is that some lavas possess emission temperatures greater than any lavas erupted on Earth today and possibly since the start of Earth's geologic history. The Io science community has identified three alternative interpretations of Io's hottest lavas: (1) ultramafic material similar to komatiite; (2) superheated lava; or (3) an ultra-refractory substance deficient in silica and rich in Ca-Al oxides.
Dissipation at singularities of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation through limits of regularisations

Abstract The possibility of physically relevant singular solutions of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLSE) with sustained dissipation into the singularity is considered through numerical study of a dissipative regularisation and its small dissipation limit. A new form of such dissipative solutions is conjectured for certain parameter ranges where this behaviour was previously not expected, involving a multi-focusing mechanism. A possible mechanism is discussed involving a new family of stationary singular solutions of the NLSE.
Comparison of calibration by delivery versus no net flux for quantitative in vivo microdialysis sampling

Abstract Various approaches to calibrating microdialysis probes were investigated both in vitro and in vivo in muscle and brain tissue. No differences were found between calibration by recovery, delivery or no net flux experiment in vitro. There was no concentration dependence of the extraction efficiency determined by recovery and the perfusate concentration in vitro. Calibration by delivery experiment was then compared to calibration by no net flux in vivo. No differences were found between the two approaches in muscle tissue for either acetaminophen or caffeine. In the brain, the extraction efficiency determined by delivery was higher for caffeine and lower for acetaminophen than the extraction efficiency determined by no net flux. For caffeine this was determined to be due to saturable active transport across the blood–brain barrier. This active transport resulted in the extraction efficiency being dependent upon the concentration of caffeine in the brain.
Effects of compression on glucose consumption in intervertebral disc

Nutrition supply is a concern for the health of avascular cartilaginous tissues such as intervertebral disc (IVD). Maintaining tissue integrity relies on cellular biosynthesis of extracellular matrix, which is an energy demanding process [1]. In the IVD, energy is mainly generated through glycolysis (i.e., glucose consumption). Metabolism of nutrients (e.g., oxygen and glucose) within the IVD depends on local concentrations of nutrients, and coupling effects between nutrient level and metabolic rate [2,3]. Our previous theoretical study had developed a new theoretical formulation by incorporating the metabolic rates of solutes into the mechano-electrochemical mixture theory [4,5]. By using this new theoretical model, the distribution of oxygen and lactate can be predicted within the IVD under static and dynamics compressions [4]. However, the effect of compression on glucose consumption in the IVD has not been studied. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of compression on glucose consumption in the IVD under static and dynamic unconfined compression numerically.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Substitution and stability effects in heteropolyacids : a theoretical analysis of the diversity of the Keggin ion

Abstract In this work, the redox effects and stability of a series of analogous [ X n Mo 12 O 40 ] (8−n)− and [ X n W 12 O 40 ] (8−n)− heteropolyanions are assessed. Both of these homologs display the α-Keggin structure in which a tetrahedral oxyanion helps to satisfy the coordination sphere of the metal oxide octahedron of the clathratic shell. Here, results from a series of semiempirical electronic-structure calculations are used to illustrate the electronic effects induced by chemical modifications. The stability trends produced in this work reliably trace the experimental trends and present the description of electronic features required for stabilization of the Keggin ion. In addition, understanding these electronic effects induced by chemical modification is critical in the rational design of heteropolymetallate catalysts.
A four cavity, high harmonic gyroklystron amplifier

This device is one of a family of gyrotubes in which a relativistic, rotating shell of electrons interacts synchronously with high-order azimuthal, cylindrical TE modes. Harmonic operation together with RF gyroresonant acceleration of the electron beam constitutes a compact, lightweight, moderate-power millimetre wave amplifier. Recent changes in our fifth harmonic, four cavity device include the doubling of the drift region lengths and the improvement of the electron gun, electron optics, and accelerator drive quality. The maximum observed gain was 45 dB and the peak output power was 600 W. Data from an improved diagnostic for axial velocity is presented along with results from the experiment, analytic theory and simulation.
Trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms in international relief and development personnel.

International relief and development personnel may be directly or indirectly exposed to traumatic events that put them at risk for developing symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In order to identify areas of risk and related reactions, surveys were administered to 113 recently returned staff from 5 humanitarian aid agencies. Respondents reported high rates of direct and indirect exposure to life-threatening events. Approximately 30% of those surveyed reported significant symptoms of PTSD. Multiple regression analysis revealed that personal and vicarious exposure to life-threatening events and an interaction between social support and exposure to life threat accounted for a significant amount of variance in PTSD severity. These results suggest the need for personnel programs; predeployment training, risk assessment, and contingency planning may better prepare personnel for service.
SIMULATING SOME IMPACTS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS/TRANSPORTATION SUBSTITUTION

Abstract A number of authors have written about the potential for telecommuting—the substitution of computer and telecommunications technology for the journey to work—to occur in the coming decades. Although some research points out serious problems with telecommuting if the alternative is to work at home, significant benefits will accrue to employees if the substitution is trips to neighborhood workcenters (NWCs) versus trips to the central business district (CBD). This paper provides an assessment of the factors influencing the decision to undertake a substitution using NWCs as the major alternative. The impacts of these decisions on one urban area are simulated with respect to cost and time savings for commuters, reductions in gasoline consumption, and reductions in air pollution. The implications of these findings for future research in this area are discussed.
Effects of various trace metals on the binding of cadmium to rat hepatic metallothionein determined by the Cd/hemoglobin affinity assay

The Cd/hemoglobin affinity assay is finding increasing use as an indicator of metallothionein in a variety of biological tissues. Because the assay relies on the ability of heat-stable proteins to bind Cd, it is important to know the relative affinities of different trace metals to bind to such proteins, relative to Cd. This study examines the ability of 15 trace metals to prevent the binding of Cd to metallothionein using the Cd/hemoglobin affinity assay for metallothionein. Cd, Cu, Hg, and Ag were the only metals tested which significantly inhibited the binding of a fixed concentration (2 μm) of 109Cd to a crude preparation of rat hepatic metallothionein. As, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Th, and Zn had no inhibitory effect at the highest concentrations tested. However, As, Sn, Th, and Zn prevented the precipitation of hemoglobin at relatively low concentrations and, thus, could not be fully tested for inhibitory potency. Cu was the most potent inhibitor, producing more than 90% inhibition at 5 μm, followed by Ag, Hg, and Cd, which produced 76, 72, and 65% inhibition of cadmium binding at 5 μm, respectively. These results suggest that caution should be taken in interpreting metallothionein concentrations obtained by the Cd/hemoglobin affinity assay in tissues which contain relatively a high concentration of Cu, Ag, or Hg, relative to that of Cd.
Biofuels, Land Use Change, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Some Unexplored Variables

Greenhouse gas release from land use change (the so-called “carbon debt”) has been identified as a potentially significant contributor to the environmental profile of biofuels. The time required for biofuels to overcome this carbon debt due to land use change and begin providing cumulative greenhouse gas benefits is referred to as the “payback period” and has been estimated to be 100−1000 years depending on the specific ecosystem involved in the land use change event. Two mechanisms for land use change exist: “direct” land use change, in which the land use change occurs as part of a specific supply chain for a specific biofuel production facility, and “indirect” land use change, in which market forces act to produce land use change in land that is not part of a specific biofuel supply chain, including, for example, hypothetical land use change on another continent. Existing land use change studies did not consider many of the potentially important variables that might affect the greenhouse gas emissions o...
Relationship of calbindin D-28k and cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert of the monkey and the rat

Double-labeling immunocytochemistry reactions were carried out in the monkey and the rat nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) to determine the extent of overlap between cholinergic neurons and neurons immunoreactive for calbindin-D-28k (CaBP), a Vitamin D-dependent calcium binding protein. The results indicate that most, but not all, NBM cholinergic neurons in the monkey are immunoreactive for CaBP. On the other hand, none of the rat NBM cholinergic neurons are immunoreactive for CaBP.
Input-output linearization of general nonlinear processes

Two approaches are considered. The first approach is based on the original process model, while the second is based on an extended model that is control linear. Decoupling the output from measured and unmeasured disturbances is also investigated. The two approaches are evaluated via simulation for a chemical reactor model, in which the manipulated coolant flow rate appears nonlinearly.
God as the ultimate attachment figure for older adults.

Attachment to God among older adults is an area of research that has been neglected thus far. The existence of such an attachment was explored in a study of 109 elders aged 70–97. A modest proporti...
Do Breakfast Skipping and Breakfast Type Affect Energy Intake, Nutrient Intake, Nutrient Adequacy, and Diet Quality in Young Adults? NHANES 1999–2002

Objective: To assess the impact of breakfast skipping and type of breakfast consumed on energy/nutrient intake, nutrient adequacy, and diet quality.Design: Cross-sectional.Setting: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999–2002.Subjects: Young adults (20–39 years, n = 2615).Measures: A 24-hour dietary recall was used, with breakfast defined as self-reported. Covariate-adjusted sample-weighted means for the entire day's energy/nutrient intakes, mean adequacy ratio (MAR) for nutrient intakes, and diet quality (i.e., Healthy Eating Index [HEI]-2005) scores were compared using analysis of variance and Bonferroni's correction (p < 0.0167) among breakfast skippers (BS), ready-to-eat-cereal breakfast consumers (RTECC), and other breakfast consumers (OBC). Energy/nutrient intakes and food consumption at breakfast were also compared (p ≤ 0.05).Results: Twenty-five percent of young adults were BS, 16.5% were RTECC, and 58.4% were OBC. Intakes of total energy, percent energy from carbohyd...
Leiomyoma of the esophagus.

Summary Eleven patients with leiomyoma of the esophagus were seen at the University of Nebraska Hospitals from 1950 through 1969. We identified the lesion at operation in nine patients and at autopsy in two patients. Eight of the nine patients who came to operation presented with dysphagia or pyrosis. The two patients in whom we made the diagnosis at autopsy were free of symptoms which we could attribute to leiomyoma. Barium swallow examination established the correct preoperative diagnosis in five of the nine patients. We visualized the leiomyoma at esophagoscopy in four of five patients, including one patient in whom the tumor was not demonstrated by barium swallow. The leiomyoma was enucleated in eight patients and resected with the distal esophagus in the ninth patient in order to manage a large tumor associated with an epiphrenic diverticulum. Operation relieved the symptoms in all nine operative patients. We encountered no complications and had no operative deaths. Leiomyoma of the esophagus, although rare, should be considered as a cause of dysphagia and pyrosis. This lesion may be suspected from the history and radiographic and endoscopic characteristics. Operation confirms the diagnosis, rules out malignancy, relieves symptoms, and allows correction of associated esophageal disease.
Smoking and alcohol consumption in relation to risk of thyroid cancer in postmenopausal women

Abstract Background : Few cohort studies have examined smoking and alcohol consumption in relation to risk of thyroid cancer, and their findings are conflicting. Methods : We therefore assessed the association of smoking and alcohol intake with risk of thyroid cancer in a cohort of 159,340 women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative. Over 12.7 years of follow-up 331 cases of thyroid cancer, of which 276 were papillary thyroid cancer, were identified. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results : Compared to never smokers, ever smokers did not have altered risk. Current smokers had reduced risk for all thyroid cancer (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29–1.00) and for papillary thyroid cancer (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15–0.78); however, the number of current smokers among cases was small. No associations or trends were seen for amount smoked, age of starting smoking, or age at quitting. Smokers of ≥40pack-years had a significantly reduced risk of papillary thyroid cancer (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21–0.89). In contrast, women who had smoked for Conclusion : Our findings suggest that current smoking and having higher pack-years of exposure are associated with a modestly reduced risk of thyroid cancer, whereas alcohol consumption does not appear to affect risk.
Mentoring partnerships for minority faculty and graduate students in mental health services research.

Objective The authors developed mentorship programs to train minority junior faculty and advanced graduate students in mental health services research.
A problem in prediction theory

A new kind of « prediction problem » is defined and studied, first for certain special distributions and then generally. The general results are connected with conjugate trigonometric series.
A Delphi Study of the Basic Principles and Corresponding Care Goals of Holistic Nursing Practice

This descriptive, non-experimental study using the Delphi survey process identified basic holistic health principles for which holistic nurse practitioners agreed guide their healing practice. Seventeen expert holistic nurse practitioners (and AHNA leaders) comprised the respondent group. On the average these practitioners have been nurses for 25 years and holistic practitioners for 11 years. Seventy percent of the group completed all three Delphi rounds indicating their agreement regarding 25 principles of holistic health, their applicability to practice, and care goals related to each principle. A high level of consensus was reached regarding 17 principles. In addition to affirming principles related to unity, interdependence, evolution, energy fields, and interactions, the AHNA expert nurse practitioners strongly emphasized spirituality. The group addressed reality as a unified whole, not limited by the material universe, supporting a practice model based on holographic perspectives.
The in-betweeners: MAIT cells join the innate-like lymphocytes gang.

![Figure][1] Insight from David Margulies Recent studies of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells indicate that they respond to a range of pathogen-derived vitamin metabolites presented at the cell surface by the evolutionarily conserved and nonpolymorphic MHC-related class I-like
Acetic Acid Methods for Chromosome Studies at Prophase and Metaphase in Meristems

Monobromobenzene and monobromonaphthalene proved easier to handle than paradichlorobenzene and acenaphthene, and at least as effective for inhibiting spindle formation, for shortening and straightening chromosomes to permit accurate counts and size comparisons. For prophase studies, methyl alcohol pretreatment was found effective in revealing centromeres, heterochromatin, and knobs. The following schedules were found simple and effective.For metaphase chromosomes: (1) Remove root tip from germinating seed and place in saturated aqueous monobromonaphthalene for three hours. (2) Pour solution from vial and replace with a mixture of 70 volumes 95% ethanol and 30 volumes glacial acetic acid. Leave in fixative at least two days. (3) Remove opaque tip from root and macerate in a drop of acetic-orcein. Cover, heat to near boiling, flatten by pressing slide, cover down, onto a thick blotter.For prophase chromosomes: (1) Remove root tip from germinating seed and place in 3% aqueous methanol for three hours. (2) Po...
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene deletion facilitates angiogenesis after myocardial infarction.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are postulated to be necessary for neovascularization during wound healing. MMP-9 deletion alters remodeling postmyocardial infarction (post-MI), but whether and to...
Analysis of random common-mode rejection ratio in op-amps

One of the important nonideal factors causing op-amp errors is the common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR). The CMRR of CMOS op-amps and its statistical characteristics are thoroughly analyzed. The random and deterministic CMRR of a two-stage CMOS op-amp are derived. The statistical characteristics of the total CMRR are discussed. A definition of the CMRR for processes is given. A sample amplifier has been designed for high-speed and high-precision applications. The simulated performances of the op-amp are shown. >
Cranial autonomic symptoms in pediatric migraine are the rule, not the exception

Objective: The presence of cranial autonomic symptoms often leads to a misdiagnosis of “sinus headache” in adult migraineurs, leading to unnecessary treatments and delaying appropriate migraine therapy. In this study, we examined the frequency of cranial autonomic symptoms in pediatric/adolescent patients with migraine. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all pediatric and adolescent patients with migraine evaluated by a single investigator at 4 different sites over the course of the study period. Results: Of 125 pediatric migraineurs, 62% had at least one cranial autonomic symptom based on current International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition (ICHD-II) criteria, and 70% based on proposed ICHD-III criteria. The majority had more than one cranial autonomic symptom and the symptoms tended to be bilateral. Age, sex, laterality of headache, presence of aura, and whether migraine was episodic vs chronic did not influence the likelihood of having cranial autonomic symptoms. Conclusions: In pediatric/adolescent migraine, the presence of cranial autonomic symptoms appears to be the rule rather than the exception. Clinicians should be careful to consider migraine when evaluating a child with headache and associated ocular or nasal symptoms so as to avoid giving a misdiagnosis of sinus headache.
Peptide scanning for thyrotropin receptor T-cell epitopes in mice vaccinated with naked DNA.

Vaccinating mice with DNA encoding the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), the major autoantigen in Graves' disease, induces memory T cells that secrete interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in response to TSHR antigen. We used a panel of 29 synthetic TSHR peptides encompassing the ectodomain and three extracellular loops to identify T-cell epitopes after TSHR-DNA vaccination of BALB/c, NOD.H-2h4, and AKR/N mice. These strains were chosen because of their previous use in animal models of thyroid autoimmunity. In initial studies, challenge of splenocytes with TSHR protein induced IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production in all three strains of mice. BALB/c mice recognized three peptides, all in the TSHR A subunit. These peptides differed from the four peptides recognized by nonobese diabetic (NOD mice NOD H-2h4). Three of the latter were also in the A subunit. The fourth was within the intervening C peptide region excised on TSHR cleavage into A and B subunits. Because of high and erratic responses in AKR/N mice, thei...
Improving GPS-based vehicle positioning for Intelligent Transportation Systems

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have emerged to utilize different technologies to enhance the performance and quality of transportation networks. Many applications of ITS need to have a highly accurate location information from the vehicles in a network. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the most common and accessible technique for vehicle localization. However, conventional localization techniques which mostly rely on GPS technology are not able to provide reliable positioning accuracy in all situations. This paper presents an integrated localization algorithm that exploits all possible data from different resources including GPS, radio-frequency identification, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, and dead reckoning. A localization algorithm is also introduced which only utilizes those resources that are most useful when several resources are available. A close-to-real-world scenario has been developed to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms under different situations. Simulation results show that using the proposed algorithms the vehicles can improve localization accuracy significantly in situations when GPS is weak.
Vertical partitioning for database design: a graphical algorithm

Vertical partitioning is the process of subdividing the attributes of a relation or a record type, creating fragments. Previous approaches have used an iterative binary partitioning method which is based on clustering algorithms and mathematical cost functions. In this paper, however, we propose a new vertical partitioning algorithm using a graphical technique. This algorithm starts from the attribute affinity matrix by considering it as a complete graph. Then, forming a linearly connected spanning tree, it generates all meaningful fragments simultaneously by considering a cycle as a fragment. We show its computational superiority. It provides a cleaner alternative without arbitrary objective functions and provides an improvement over our previous work on vertical partitioning.
Target tracking with binary proximity sensors: fundamental limits, minimal descriptions, and algorithms

We explore fundamental performance limits of tracking a target in a two-dimensional field of binary proximity sensors, and design algorithms that attain those limits. In particular, using geometric and probabilistic analysis of an idealized model, we prove that the achievable spatial resolution Δ in localizing a target's trajectory is of the order of 1overρ R, where R is the sensing radius and ρ is the sensor density per unit area. Using an Occam's razor approach, we then design a geometric algorithm for computing an economical (in descriptive complexity) piecewise linear path that approximates the trajectory within this fundamental limit of accuracy. We employ analogies between binary sensing and sampling theory to contend that only a "lowpass" approximation of the trajectory is attainable, and explore the implications of this obervation for estimating the target's velocity.We show through simulation the effectiveness of the geometric algorithm in tracking both the trajectory and the velocity of the target for idealized models. For non-ideal sensors exhibiting sensing errors, the geometric algorithm can yield poor performance. We show that non-idealities can be handled well using a particle filter based approach, and that geometric post-processing of the output of the Particle Filter algorithm yields an economical path description as in the idealized setting. Finally, we report on our lab-scale experiments using motes with acoustic sensors to validate our theoretical and simulation results.
On the study of metal&#8212;Semiconductor contacts

An iterative error-minimizing multiparameter computer technique is used to establish values for a six-parameter model of a metal-GaAs barrier based on measurements of temperature, current and the voltage split resulting from rectification at the contact. The most important feature of the technique is that it is not necessary to make assumptions regarding contact area, effective electron mass, and barrier heights. Rather, these parameters emerge from the computation as best-fitting computed values. The agreement between the computed contact area and the known physical electrode area is taken as an indicator of the validity of the procedure and of the consistency of the experimental data. Thermionic-field emission theory is proved quantitatively correct using this technique. Also, this technique constitutes a new method of establishing the value of the effective electron mass. For GaAs m* = 0.0677.
Lymphatic endothelial cells - key players in regulation of tolerance and immunity

The lymphatic vasculature provides routes for dendritic cell and lymphocyte migration into and out of lymph nodes. Lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) control these processes by expression of CCL21, sphingosine-1-phosphate and adhesion molecules. LEC express MHC-I and MHC-II, but not costimulatory molecules, and present antigen on MHC-I via both direct and cross presentation. Whether LEC present to CD4 T cells on MHC-II is unknown. Interestingly, LEC express antigens otherwise restricted to a small number of peripheral tissues in an Aire independent manner. Direct presentation of peripheral tissue antigens (PTA) to CD8 T cells results in abortive proliferation and deletion, due to both a lack of costimulation and active PD-L1 engagement. Autoimmunity develops when deletion is subverted, suggesting that LEC presentation of PTA could lead to human disease if PD-1 signaling were impaired by genetic polymorphisms, or aberrant costimulation occurred during inflammation. The expression of additional inhibitory molecules, which are not involved in LEC-mediated deletion, suggests that LEC may have additional immunoregulatory roles. LEC express receptors for several immunomodulatory molecules whose engagement alters their phenotype and function. In this review we describe the role of LEC in distinct anatomical locations in controlling immune cell trafficking, as well as their emerging role in the regulation of T cell tolerance and immunity.
Interactive developmental toxicity of radiofrequency radiation and 2-methoxyethanol in rats.

Concurrent exposures to chemical and physical agents occur in the workplace; exposed workers include those involved with the microelectronics industry, plastic sealers, and electrosurgical units. Previous animal research indicates that hyperthermia induced by an elevation in ambient temperature can potentiate the toxicity and teratogenicity of some chemical agents. We previously demonstrated that combined exposure to radiofrequency (RF; 10 MHz) radiation, which also induces hyperthermia and is teratogenic to exposed animals, and the industrial solvent, 2-methoxyethanol (2ME), produces enhanced teratogenicity in rats. The present study replicates and extends the previous research investigating the enhanced teratogenicity of combined RF radiation and 2ME exposures. The interactive dose-related teratogenicity of RF radiation (sham exposure or maintaining colonic temperatures at 42.0oC for 0, 10, 20, or 30 min) and 2ME (0, 75, 100, 125, or 150mg/kg) was investigated by administering various combinations of RF radiation and 2ME to groups of rats on gestation days 9 or 13; gestation-day 20 fetuses were examined for external, skeletal, and visceral malformations. The results are consistent with and extend our previous research findings. Synergism was observed between RF radiation and 2ME for some treatment combinations, but not for others. The study also clarified which gestational periods, RF radiation exposure durations, and 2ME doses would be most informative in future interaction studies to determine the lowest interactive effect level. Day 9 exposures generally evidenced little effect by 2ME, either by itself or in combination with RF radiation. In contrast, day 13 exposures resulted in highly significant effects from 2ME and RF radiation. The structures showing strong evidence of effects from both 2ME and RF radiation after exposure on gestation day 13 were the forepaw digits, forepaw phalanges, hindpaw digits, hindpaw phalanges, hind limbs, metacarpals, and metatarsals. Statistical analyses did not show a global synergistic effect, but did show evidence for a synergistic effect at intermediate levels of the dose ranges. Future research will address potential interactions at lower doses. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
New Fluorescent Tools for Watching Nanometer-Scale Conformational Changes of Single Molecules

Single-molecule biophysics has been serving biology for more than two decades. Fluorescence microscopy is one of the most commonly used tools to identify molecules of interest and to visualize biological events. Here we describe some of the most commonly used fluorescence imaging tools to measure nanoscale movements and the rotational dynamics of biomolecules.
Optimizing control flow in loops using interval and dependence analysis

We present a novel loop transformation technique, particularly well suited for optimizing embedded compilers, where an increase in compilation time is acceptable in exchange for significant performance increase. The transformation technique optimizes loops containing nested conditional blocks. Specifically, the transformation takes advantage of the fact that the Boolean value of the conditional expression, determining the true/false paths, can be statically analyzed using a novel interval analysis technique that can evaluate conditional expressions in the general polynomial form. Results from interval analysis combined with loop dependency information is used to partition the iteration space of the nested loop. In such cases, the loop nest is decomposed such as to eliminate the conditional test, thus substantially reducing the execution time. Our technique completely eliminates the conditional from the loops (unlike previous techniques) thus further facilitating the application of other optimizations and improving the overall speedup. Applying the proposed transformation technique on loop kernels taken from Mediabench, SPEC-2000, mpeg4, qsdpcm and gimp, on average we measured a 2.34X speedup when running on a UltraSPARC processor, a 2.92X speedup when running on an Intel Core Duo processor, a 2.44X speedup when running on a PowerPC G5 processor and a 2.04X speedup when running on an ARM9 processor. Performance improvement, taking the entire application into account, was also promising: for 3 selected applications (mpeg-enc, mpeg-dec and qsdpcm) we measured 15% speedup on best case (5% on average) for the whole application.
Vertebroplasty increases compression of adjacent IVDs and vertebrae in osteoporotic spines

Abstract Background context Approximately 25% of vertebroplasty patients experience subsequent fractures within 1 year of treatment, and vertebrae adjacent to the cemented level are up to three times more likely to fracture than those further away. The increased risk of adjacent fractures postaugmentation raises concerns that treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures with vertebroplasty may negatively impact spine biomechanics. Purpose To quantify the biomechanical effects of vertebroplasty on adjacent intervertebral discs (IVDs) and vertebral bodies (VBs). Study design A biomechanics study was conducted using cadaveric thoracolumbar spinal columns from elderly women (age range, 51–98 years). Methods Five level motion segments (T11–L3) were assigned to a vertebroplasty treated or untreated control group (n=10/group) such that bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular architecture, and age were similar between groups. Compression fractures were created in the L1 vertebra of all specimens, and polymethylmethacrylate bone cement was injected into the fractured vertebra of vertebroplasty specimens. All spine segments underwent cyclic axial compression for 115,000 cycles. Microcomputed tomography imaging was performed before and after cyclic loading to quantify compression in adjacent VBs and IVDs. Results Cyclic loading increased strains 3% on average in the vertebroplasty group when compared with controls after 115,000 cycles. This global strain manifested locally as approximately fourfold more compression in the superior VB (T12) and two- to fourfold higher axial and circumferential deformations in the superior IVD (T12–L1) of vertebroplasty-treated specimens when compared with untreated controls. Low BMD and high cement fill were significant factors that explained the increased strain in the vertebroplasty-treated group. Conclusions These data indicate that vertebroplasty alters spine biomechanics resulting in increased compression of adjacent VB and IVD in severely osteoporotic women and may be the basis for clinical reports of adjacent fractures after vertebroplasty.
Temporal and spatial variation in bird and human use of beaches in southern California

Southern California’s beaches can support a remarkable diversity of birds along the Pacific Flyway. We asked whether seasonal, annual, and spatial factors affect bird richness and abundance on public beaches. To do so, we conducted three years of monthly bird surveys on 12 sandy beaches in Ventura California. Across all surveys, we counted 22 shorebird species, 8 gull species, 24 other water bird species, and 24 landbird species. Sanderling, western gull, Heerman’s gull, willet, marbled godwit, and whimbrel were the most abundant members of the bird community. Beach wrack was uncommon, particularly where beaches were groomed, and did not have a large effect on bird abundance, though it was positively associated with overall bird richness. Beaches near estuaries tended to be wide, and such beaches had a higher richness and abundance of birds. Beaches with shallow slopes tended to have more gulls and shorebirds. People and (illegal) unleashed dogs were common, particularly at beaches fronted by houses. The abundance and richness of shorebirds and the richness of other waterbirds was lower where human activity was high. Bird richness and abundance was strongly affected by season, with the highest density of birds being seen during the fall shorebird migration. Gull abundance peaked earlier (August-September) than shorebird abundance (October through December). A brief pulse of shorebirds also occurred in May due to spring migration. Comparing these data with surveys in the 1990’s found no evidence for a decline in shorebirds over time, though black-bellied plover appear to still be recovering from the strong 1997-1998 ENSO. Opportunities to conserve birds on these beaches are limited, but could include enforcing leash laws and setting up human exclosures near estuary mouths.
In Situ Resolution and Overlay Measurement on a Stepper

A direct means of observing both the location and the shape of the aerial image of a microlithographic stepper lens is described. Sub-micron resist structures, doped with a fluorescent dye, are swept through the aerial image as fluorescence is monitored. The resolution of this technique is not limited by optical wavelengths, but rather depends on the width of the fluorescent resist structures. Data are reported on the resolution and overlay error of a 5X reduction stepper. 60 hertz vibrational motions of the projected image with respect to the wafer were observed with peak to peak amplitudes as large as 0.3 microns.
Analog IC's in the submicron era: Trends and perspectives

As has been the case for digital technology, analog ICs have enjoyed dramatic improvements in performance and functionality per unit cost as a result of improvements and innovations at the technology, device, circuit, and architectural levels. This paper describes recent trends in the analog circuit area, subdividing the area into dedicated interface, general purpose, and semicustom products. The process technology trends and requirements for the three segments are discussed, and CAD tool and device modeling requirements in analog IC design in general are discussed.
Damage and Recovery of Riparian Sierra Palms after Hurricane Georges: Influence of Topography and Biotic Characteristics

Tropical forests are often shaped by disturbance events, especially in regions where hurricanes and other severe storms occur. We studied the effects of Hurricane Georges (September 1998) on the sierra palm (Prestoea acuminata var. montana) in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico. We established riparian transects along two headwater streams that were similar in size and location, but differed in riparian tree species composition and land-use history. Following Hurricane Georges, sierra palms were surveyed periodically for damage and recovery (measured by initial loss and subsequent regrowth of palm leaves), tree height, sun exposure, and production of inflorescences and infructescences. Palm height had the highest association with damage, with most damage occurring to canopy palms. Palm recovery (4 mo and 10 mo post-hurricane) was associated with high tree density, indicating that sun exposure was not limiting. Hurricane Georges likely reduced production of flowers and fruits in sierra palms for at least 10 mo following the storm, although production of new leaves was rapid. Although palms recovered quickly from defoliation after the hurricane, decreased reproduction resulted in reduced availability of fruit for terrestrial and aquatic consumers.
CIM Framework Architecture and Application Models

The SEMATECH CIM (computer integrated manufacturing) Framework defines an industry standard framework for semiconductor manufacturing information and execution systems (MIES). The CIM Framework architecture defines an object-oriented software component architecture building on CORBA and CORBA services specifications from the Object Management Group. Using this architecture, the CIM Framework Specification defines an application mode that specifies the interfaces and behavior of functional software components for MIES. There are component definitions for machine control, material movement, material management, process specification management, advanced process control, factory operations, dispatching, and labor management. Standard interface and behavior specifications for these MIES functions enable manufacturers to assemble and evolve manufacturing systems using components from different suppliers, inhouse development or legacy systems. In early 1998, SEMI Standards, the semiconductor industry standards organization, will ballot the CIM Framework for adoption as provisional standards. This paper provides an overview of the CIM Framework architecture and illustrates the form and content of the application models in the CIM Framework.
The effect of temperature change on membrane potential and conductance in Aplysia giant nerve cell

Abstract 1. 1. Temperature changes from 10 to 20°C produce a remarkable hyperpolarization of the membrane of the abdominal right giant cell of Aplysia californica. 2. 2. Addition of ouabain to the external solution reverses the effect of the temperature changes into a depolarization. 3. 3. The depolarization occurring at 20°C is the result of a higher temperature coefficient of sodium permeability compared with those of other ion species.
Active Viremia in Rotavirus-Infected Mice

Rotavirus circulates extraintestinally in animals used as models for rotavirus infection and in children. Rotavirus infection in mice was used to define host or viral factors that affect rotavirus viremia. Antigenemia was observed with homologous and heterologous rotaviruses, and neither age nor mouse strain genetics altered the occurrence of rotavirus antigenemia or viremia. Rotavirus RNA and infectious virus were present in sera and associated with the plasma fraction of blood in all infected mice. These findings indicate that antigenemia/viremia occurs routinely in rotavirus infections and imply that infectious rotavirus has access to any extraintestinal cell within contact of blood.
An improved age framework for late Quaternary silicic eruptions in northern Central America

Five new stepwise-heating 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ages and one new high-sensitivity 14 C date of ash-fall and ash-flow deposits from late Quaternary silicic volcanoes in northern Central America document the eruption rates and frequencies of five major rhyodacite and rhyolite calderas (Atitlan, Amatitlan, Ayarza, Coatepe- que, and Ilopango) located north of the basalt, ande- site, and dacite stratovolcanoes of the Central Ameri- can volcanic front. These deposits form extensive time- stratigraphic horizons that intercalate regionally, and knowledge of dates and stratigraphy provides a valua- ble framework for age determinations of more local- ized volcanic and nonvolcanic events. The new data, es- pecially when integrated with previous stratigraphic and dating work, show that all five calderas erupted several times in the past 200 ka and, despite a lack of historic activity, should be considered as active centers that could produce highly explosive eruptions again. Because of their locations near the highly vulnerable economic hearts of Guatemala and El Salvador, the risks of eruptions from these calderas should be care- fully considered along with risks of major earthquakes and volcanic front volcanoes, which are much more fre- quent but inflict less severe and extensive damage. This
Enhanced nonlinear optical phase response of an AlGaAs microring resonator

We have constructed and characterized a 5 micron radius optical micro-ring resonator in AlGaAs. The device displays an enhanced nonlinear phase response at a length scale 100 times smaller than an ordinary AlGaAs waveguide
Transfer of the Western North American Species Gilia splendens to Saltugilia (Polemoniaceae), and the Taxonomic Affinities of Gilia scopulorum, Gilia stellata, and Gilia yorkii

Two new combinations, Saltugilia splen- dens (Douglas ex H. Mason & A. D. Grant) L. A. Johnson and S. splendens subsp. grantii (Brand) L. A. Johnson, are proposed for taxa transferred from Gilia Ruiz & Pavon on the basis of phylogenetic relation- ship. The affinities of G. scopulorum M. E. Jones, G. stellata A. Heller, and G. yorkii Shevock & A. G. Day, three species that have been allied with Saltugilia V. E. Grant & A. D. Grant when treated as a section of
A Survey of Mucilaginous Testa in Chamaesyce

Seeds of Chamaesyce were studied for presence of mucilaginous testa. Samples were selected to represent all major systematic sections within the genus. Observations were made with a dissecting microscope following brief hydration of seeds; additional SEM observations of both intact and fractured dry seeds were made for selected species. With few exceptions, most of Boissier's subsections test positively fo r seed mucilage; however, mucilage is generally absent in subsections Gymnadeniae and " Sclerophyllae ", for wich absence of mucilage is regarded as secondary loss from mucilagionus ancestors. Although mucilage production is associated with a well-defined subepidermal layer of macroesclereids, it is the surface layer of cells that actually secrete mucilage. Mucilage secreting cells and macroesclereids of mature testa are interpreted to develop from the epidermal layers of outer and inner integuments, respectively. Seed mucilages may play a role in seed hydration and/or seed dispersal.
A Supervised Low-Rank Method for Learning Invariant Subspaces

Sparse representation and low-rank matrix decomposition approaches have been successfully applied to several computer vision problems. They build a generative representation of the data, which often requires complex training as well as testing to be robust against data variations induced by nuisance factors. We introduce the invariant components, a discriminative representation invariant to nuisance factors, because it spans subspaces orthogonal to the space where nuisance factors are defined. This allows developing a framework based on geometry that ensures a uniform inter-class separation, and a very efficient and robust classification based on simple nearest neighbor. In addition, we show how the approach is equivalent to a local metric learning, where the local metrics (one for each class) are learned jointly, rather than independently, thus avoiding the risk of overfitting without the need for additional regularization. We evaluated the approach for face recognition with highly corrupted training and testing data, obtaining very promising results.
Democratic Methods of Defining Property Rights: A Study of California's Coastal Zone

Legislative choice and referenda represent two processes used to make collective decisions. Both have been employed to define property rights in the coastal zone. We describe these processes as they apply to the determination of property rights in California's coastal zone. Economic analysis is used to explain and evaluate the divergent results produced by each process.
Oxidative conversion as a means of detecting precursors to perfluoroalkyl acids in urban runoff.

A new method was developed to quantify concentrations of difficult-to-measure and unidentified precursors of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic (PFCA) and sulfonic (PFSA) acids in urban runoff. Samples were exposed to hydroxyl radicals generated by thermolysis of persulfate under basic pH conditions and perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors were transformed to PFCAs of related perfluorinated chain length. By comparing PFCA concentrations before and after oxidation, the concentrations of total PFAA precursors were inferred. Analysis of 33 urban runoff samples collected from locations around the San Francisco Bay, CA indicated that PFOS (2.6–26 ng/L), PFOA (2.1–16 ng/L), and PFHxA (0.9–9.7 ng/L) were the predominant perfluorinated compounds detected prior to sample treatment. Following oxidative treatment, the total concentrations of PFCAs with 5–12 membered perfluoroalkyl chains increased by a median of 69%, or between 2.8 and 56 ng/L. Precursors that produced PFHxA and PFPeA upon oxidation were more prevalent in r...
THE MYCORRHIZAE OF JUNIPERUS OSTEOSPERMA: IDENTITY OF THE VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL SYMBIONT, AND RESYNTHESIS OF VA MYCORRHIZAE

In Utah juniper, Juniperus osteosperma, an important tree of the western United States, both vesicular-arbuscular (VA) and ectomycorrhizae occur on excavated roots collected from natural, undisturb...