cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of a Threaded Discussion Component on Student Satisfaction and Performance

This study examined the use of a threaded discussion component in conjunction with a peer taught psychology course. Six of the 12 sections of Psychology 106 were randomly assigned to use an online component in which students read and responded to a weekly question. The remaining classes completed the assignment on paper. Students evaluated their section of the class on a 5-point scale with questions regarding course satisfaction and involvement. The time students reported spending on the weekly assignment and the number of sentences that each group wrote were assessed and analyzed. Results from the questionnaire indicate that the traditional class sections reported levels of satisfaction that were significantly higher than those reported by the experimental group. Students in the traditional classes also spent more time on the weekly assignment and wrote significantly more sentences when completing the weekly task than did the classes using the online procedure.
The Scholar Who Coined the Term Ebonics: A Conversation with Dr. Robert L. Williams

On December 18, 1996, a controversial resolution was passed by the Board of Education of Oakland, California that recognized the legitimacy and significance of Ebonics in the cultural lives and in ...
Design, synthesis, and structural analysis of D,L-mixed polypyrrolinones. 1. From nonpeptide peptidomimetics to nanotubes

To expand the potential conformational space available to the polypyrroline structural motif, an open chain, D,L-alternating hexapyrrolinone was designed and synthesized. Structural studies, including solution NMR and X-ray crystallographic analysis, revealed that the hexapyrrolinone adopts a turn conformation both in solution and in the solid state, with aggregation in solution and a nanotube-like quaternary structure in the crystal.
Test intents: enhancing the semantics of requirements traceability links in test cases

Requirements traces establish links between requirements and software artifacts, such as source code, test cases and configuration files. Understanding which requirements are covered by test cases, i.e. requirements tracing in test cases, is an important concern in quality assurance of complex software systems. There is existing literature to obtain requirements traces in different software artifacts. In this work, we build upon existing requirements tracing methods for test cases and introduce test intents, i.e. which requirements test cases aim to test. We also propose a method to identify test intents, and show that our approach can identify the intents successfully on our case studies on four realistic software systems.
High‐fat diet increases NF‐κB signaling in the prostate of reporter mice

Background High-fat diet (HFD) is considered as a major risk factor for benign prostatic diseases and cancer in the Western world. Studies have shown an association between oxidative stress and prostatic diseases. NF-κB has been implicated in stress response and is deregulated in prostrate disorders; therefore, we sought to determine whether HFD could induce oxidative stress in the prostate which could contribute to prostatic diseases.
Joint rate and power control for coded cognitive radio networks

A cross-layer design in the presence of an underlying indeterminacy of propagation channels and interference levels is formulated for wireless cognitive networks, where the nodes are allowed to perform network coding. In lieu of full inter-system cooperation, statistics of signal-to-noise-plus-interference ratios (SINRs) and interference levels are leveraged to obtain optimal end-to-end session rates, network code design variables, and transmit-powers, while sharing spectral resources with incumbent primary systems in an underlay setup. Solution of the formulated optimization problem is hard to approach, mostly because of a lack of tractability of the resultant SINR distributions. Nonetheless, suitable approximations are employed to obtain an approximate convex problem, amenable to efficient solution. Numerical tests verify the ability of the proposed scheme to adapt network and physical layer parameters to the propagation environment.
A generalized model for total electrical characterization of bulk traps and interface properties in semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor structure: static, dynamic, and transient approaches

Summary form only given. The authors present a novel theoretical and experimental approach using independent static, dynamic, and transient measurements to analyze the double interfaces and volume trapping properties of SOI (silicon-on-insulator) materials. In particular, they develop a generalized model appropriate for the study of interfaces, bulk traps, and buried oxide properties using the inherent semiconductor-insulator-semiconductor (SIS) capacitor structure of the unprocessed SOI substrate. The model is based on the extension of conventional MOS capacitor theory to the two Si-SiO/sub 2/ interfaces of the SIS capacitor. The validity of the model is demonstrated by independent static, dynamic, and transient measurements on the SIMOX (separation by implantation of oxygen) based SIS capacitors. The results of this study reveal that the substrate-oxide interface has fewer electrically active defects than the film-oxide interface. >
AP-2γ Induces p21 Expression, Arrests Cell Cycle, Inhibits the Tumor Growth of Human Carcinoma Cells

Activating enhancer-binding protein 2γ (AP-2γ) is a member of the developmentally regulated AP-2 transcription factor family that regulates the expression of many downstream genes. Whereas the effects of AP-2α overexpression on cell growth are fairly well established, the cellular effects of AP-2γ overexpression are less well studied. Our new findings show that AP-2γ significantly upregulates p21 mRNA and proteins, inhibits cell growth, and decreases clonogenic survival. Cell cycle analysis revealed that forced AP-2γ expression induced G1-phase arrest, decreased DNA synthesis, and decreased the fraction of cells in S phase. AP-2γ expression also led to cyclin D1 repression, decreased Rb phosphorylation, and decreased E2F activity in breast carcinoma cells. AP-2γ binding to the p21 promoter was observed in vivo, and the absence of growth inhibition in response to AP-2γ expression in p21 (-/-) cells demonstrated that p21 caused, at least in part, AP-2-induced cell cycle arrest. Finally, the tumor growth of human breast carcinoma cells in vivo was inhibited by the expression of AP-2γ relative to empty vector-infected cells, suggesting that AP-2γ acts as a tumor suppressor. In summary, expression of either AP-2γ or AP-2α inhibited breast carcinoma cell growth; thus, these genes may be therapeutic targets for breast cancer.
Long range HH couplings and bond fixation in 2‐pyrones

We have determined the magnitudes of all possible four-, five- and six-bond HH couplings in four 2-pyrone derivatives. Substituents exert a negligible effect on the couplings. The allylic couplings are position-specific (J34 = 1·2; J45 ≤ 0·2; J56 = 0.8) and the observed pattern of alternating magnitudes is indicative of π-bond fixation. The allylic couplings can be translated into π-bond orders which agree well with results of recently published SCF-MO calculations on 2-pyrone. Finally, comparison of long range coupling constant data for 4,6-dimethyl-2-pyrone with those for related cyclic anhydrides and trans-1,3-pentadiene further supports the picture of 2-pyrone as a slightly perturbed butadiene, in agreement with extensive chemical and physical evidence.
A syntactic analysis of interpretive restrictions on imperative, promissive, and exhortative subjects

This paper investigates the interpretive restrictions on the subjects of imperative, promissive, and exhortative sentences—what we call the “jussive” clause types. It argues that the data cannot be explained by a theory that appeals only to semantic and pragmatic factors, and that an account crucially involving syntax is required. We propose that jussive clauses contain a functional head that bears a person feature. This head is an operator that, when in a sufficiently local configuration, binds the subject and enters an agreement relation with it. The restrictions in person features exhibited by the subjects are a consequence of this agreement relation. Moreover, we show that the syntactic structures produced by our analysis are compatible with a compositional semantics that yields the correct interpretation for imperatives and other jussives.
Identifying and Decreasing Barriers to Parent Involvement for Inner-City Parents

Previous studies demonstrate the positive effects of parental involvement on student grade point averages (GPAs), standardized tests scores, and other academic outcomes. Because of the positive role of parental involvement on youth academic achievement, many parents and school personnel desire more collaboration between the family and the school. However, obstacles often arise prohibiting such positive interactions, especially for inner-city African American parents. In this study, parents and school personnel at a predominantly African American inner-city high school completed in-depth interviews regarding the barriers to involving parents in their children’s education. Parents and school personnel identified barriers that fit into four descriptive categories: (a) time poverty, (b) lack of access, (c) lack of financial resources, and (d) lack of awareness. Suggestions for decreasing barriers were also discussed. Findings suggest that taking family context into consideration during the planning phases of ...
Risk for disciplinary infractions among incarcerated male youths: influence of psychiatric disorder

The authors examine the contribution of disorder to disciplinary infractions among incarcerated male youths. In all, 176 youths recently admitted to a secure assessment center self-administered the Voice Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children—IV. Demographic and justice-related data were abstracted from official records. Younger boys, minority youths, and those who stayed longer were found to infract more. Controlling for these factors, infraction risk was significantly lowered by anxiety, affective disorder, disruptive behavior, or substance use disorder (vs. no disorder), as well as more or more types of disorder. Youths with mental health concerns were less likely to infract. Results highlight the importance of employing systematic and universal screening rather than relying on observable management problems to identify mental health needs.
Asymmetric synthesis of salvinorin A, a potent kappa opioid receptor agonist.

The stereoselective synthesis of salvinorin A is described. A macrocyclic bis-Michael reaction cascade provides the requisite tricyclic skeleton as a single diastereomer.
Relativistic corrections in elastic e-D scattering

We have compared a simple nonrelativistic wave-function model of the deuteron to what we believe to be its completely relativistic counterpart, followingCutkosky (1) andJones (2). The result is an ansatz hich allows one to make a plausible modification of more sophisticated wave-function models to a manifestly covariant form. This ansatz is used in reanalyzing low momentum transfer elastic e-d scattering to yield the neutron charge-form factor. Our conclusion is that the surprisingly rapid curvature of this form factor at low momentum transfer as previously noted (2) remains and is even somewhat increased if the ansatz is used.
LUNG WATER IN PIGLETS EXPOSED TO HYPEROXIA AND NITRIC OXIDE (NO) † 1605

Hyperoxia causes an increase in lung water, whereas NO, with both antioxidant and oxidant properties, could ameliorate or exacerbate oxidant-induced lung injury. The objective of this study was to assess the individual and combined effects of these gases on lung water and respiratory function. Mixed strain piglets (11-21 days old) were exposed to room air (RA)(n=6); RA plus 50 ppm NO (RA/NO) (n=8); hyperoxia > 0.96 FiO2 (O2) (n=6); or O2 plus 50 ppm NO(O2/NO) (n=6) for a maximum of 5 d, or to the onset of marked respiratory distress. At the end of the exposure, animals were anesthetized, had blood drawn from the right atrium for serum protein measurement, and were then sacrificed. Pleural fluid was quantitated and the lungs were removed en bloc and weighed. The right lung underwent bronchoalveolar lavage with 175 ml of saline for protein measurement. A 10-gram lung sample from the left upper lobe was used to measure extravascular lung water (EVLW). Animals exposed to RA or RA/NO appeared normal after 5 days, whereas the O2 group, sacrificed at 113 ± 10 hrs, and the O2/NO group, sacrificed at 102 ± 17 hrs, had severe respiratory distress. RA animals, with or without NO, had no pleural fluid, but the O2 and O2/NO pigs had pleural effusions of 15.8 ± 31.7 ml and 45.5± 54.4 ml, respectively, not different from each other. In the RA and RA/NO groups, wet lung weight was not different (56.3 ± 12.2 g and 50.0± 10.9 g, respectively), nor was the EVLW/dry lung (4.3 ± 0.2 ml/g and 4.5 ± 0.2 ml/g). However, these measures were significantly greater (p<.01) in the O2 and O2/NO pigs (wet lung weights: 109.8 ± 22.4 g and 120.6 ± 35.1 g, respectively; EVLW/dry lung: 6.1 ± 0.8 ml/g and 6.9 ± 1.2 ml/g, respectively). These measurements were not significantly different between the two oxygen groups. The ratio of plasma proteins (mg/ml) to bronchoalveolar lavage proteins(mg/ml) in the O2 and O2/NO groups did not differ (85 ± 62 vs. 74 ± 53), but was significantly (P<.01) less than in the RA (1153 ± 397) and RA/NO (724 ± 325) groups. We conclude that breathing NO in room air does not increase lung water, and NO does not protect the lung water imbalance that occurs with hyperoxia.
Martiodrilus olivaceous and M. Panamensis, new earthworms from Colombia and Panama (Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae)

Two large (500-700 mm) species of Martiodrilus Michaelsen, 1937 are described from central Panama and southern Colombia. Both have polystomate nephridia, some reduced head segments, and complex folded typhlosoles. The first two conditions arc known from M. crassus Rosa 1896 and Thamnodriloides yunkeri Gates 1968. The systematic importance of polystomate nephridia and segment loss cannot be resolved without further information. Segment loss is common and variable within other glossoscoleeid genera. The two species differ as follows, the characteristics of M. olivaceous given first: tubercula pubertatis in xvii-xxv vs xviii-xxiv; small blood vessels parallel to the commissures and connected to the calciferous glands in vii-ix vs lacking these vessels; dorsal trunk ending in v vs ending in vii; intestinal nephridia with 40-50 nephrostomes vs 20-30; peptonephridia all stomate vs peptonephridia astomate in iv-vii; genital setae with 11 gouges in each of three rows, gouges ending 75 microns from tip vs 9 or 10 gouges per row, ending 200 microns from tip; spermathecae 1-4 pairs per segment each with its own duct vs 2 pairs per segment, the two of a side sharing a common duct.
Evidence of impurities in thiolated single-stranded DNA oligomers and their effect on DNA self-assembly on gold

The diversity of techniques used in the synthesis, treatment, and purification of the single-stranded DNA oligomers containing a thiol anchor group (SH-ssDNA) has led to a significant variation in the purity of commercially available SH-ssDNA. In this work, we use X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to study how the impurities present in commercially synthesized SH-ssDNA oligomers affected the structure of the resulting DNA films on Au. XPS results indicate that two of the purchased SH-ssDNA oligomers contain excess carbon and sulfur. The molecular fragmentation patterns obtained with ToF-SIMS were used to determine the identity of several contaminants in the DNA films, including poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), lipid molecules, and sulfur-containing molecules. In particular, the ToF-SIMS results determined that the excess sulfur detected by XPS was due to the presence of dithiothreitol, a reductant often used to cleave disulfide precursors. Furthermore, we found that the SH-ssDNA self-assembly process is affected by the presence of these contaminants. When relatively pure SH-ssDNA is used to prepare the DNA films, the P, N, O, and C atomic percentages were observed by XPS to increase over a 24-h time period. In contrast, surfaces prepared using SH-ssDNA containing higher levels of contaminants did not follow this trend. XPS result indicates that, after the initial SH-ssDNA adsorption, the remaining material incorporated into these films was due to contamination.
Reinterpretation of electron-stimulated desorption data from chemisorption systems

A review of the electron-stimulated-desorption (ESD) literature shows that many of the features of ESD that are difficult to rationalize within the model of Menzel, Gomer, and Redhead can easily be interpreted using the Auger decay model, which has recently been developed to explain ESD from transition-metal oxide surfaces. Specifically, the Auger model helps to explain the charge state of the desorbing species, the high-energy (\ensuremath{\sim} 30-40 eV) onset behavior that is seen, the differences in thresholds for positive and neutral desorbates, ESD cross-section and isotope-effect data, and the high kinetic energies of desorbing particles. The success of the Auger picture for ionically bonded surfaces suggests a number of new applications of ESD, including the deduction of reaction paths in surface chemistry and the study of the evolution of surface oxides.
Re-entry thermal/structural finite-element modeling/analysis of Shuttle wing configurations

This paper describes a finite-element technique and modeling approach for an efficient and effective thermostructural analysis of structures with a reusable surface insulation (RSI) -type thermal protection system (TPS), with emphasis on its applications to current technological problems such as those of the Space Shuttle. Past modeling techniques and thermal analysis approaches are briefly discussed to illustrate current capabilities and analysis and modeling difficulties. The basic requirements for an effective unified thermal/structural approach are detailed. The finite-element formulations used are exact for steady-state heat transfer, and for transient heat transfer they can be implemented in conjunction with either an implicit algorithm or an explicit algorithm. Analysis of several wing configurations indicates that the explicit algorithm results are in good agreement, with only an insignificant loss in accuracy, when compared to results using an implicit algorithm. The technique and modeling procedures demonstrate that the approach can be applied and extended to efficiently and accurately analyze large sections of the shuttle wing configurations that are subjected to re-entry heating, with significant savings in model sizes and computational times. b
A behavioral analysis of dog bites to children

Approximately one million dog bites occur yearly in the United States, and 60% to 70% of these are to children. Although the majority of dog bites are not serious, some are disfiguring or, on rare occasions, fatal. Bites are disruptive and stressful but also are preventable. This paper reviews the epidemiology of dog bites, examines the conditions under which bites occur, and discusses behavioral factors related to the dog and to the child that determine whether a bite will occur. Dog bites then are compared with other childhood injuries, and strategies for intervening both before and after a dog bite occurs are discussed.
Highly oriented diamond deposited using a low pressure flat flame

Abstract A multi-step process for the achievement of highly oriented, 〈100〉 textured diamond films on silicon using flat flame deposition has been developed. First, a bias-enhanced technique was used to achieve oriented nuclei on a Si 〈100〉 substrate in a microwave plasma reactor. Substrates were then transferred to the combustion system and rapidly grown into coalesced 〈100〉 films at a growth rate of 4–5 μm/h. X-ray texture analysis was used to characterize the films. It showed a 12 ° misalignment of the crystallites with respect to the surface normal, while the azimuthal misalignment was measured to be 20 °.
Mothers, babies, perception.

Previous research findings suggest that there is a sensitive period immediately following the birth of a baby and that the contact between mother and baby is a significant variable in the development of the maternal caregiving activities. Based on this assumption, this study was undertaken to explore whether the increased infant contact which occurs in rooming-in situations is related to a more positive maternal perception of the baby. The mothers’ perceptions of their babies were measured at two days and four weeks postpartum, using Broussard’s Neonatal Perception Inventory. It was hypothesized that mothers in a rooming-in setting would demonstrate higher positive scores on the NPI at both observations than would‘mothers in a traditional setting. The study was carried out in the maternity units of three mid-western community hosptals, using samples of 46 rooming-in mothers and 35 mothers in a traditional setting. The findings did not support the hypotheses. Rather, the results suggest that mothers in
Expert systems: Present and future

Abstract This paper aims to forecast the evolution of expert systems over the coming 5–10 years. To do so, the authors introduce a conceptual model that identifies four major areas that contribute to expert systems. The paper discusses advances in each of these four areas and relates these to changes in expert systems technology. The paper then ties quantitative trends with these qualitative advances to anticipate what expert systems will be like in the 1990s.
Effect of Temperature and Pressure on the Resistance of Four Alkali Metals

The electrical resistance of lithium, sodium, potassium, and rubidium has been measured as a function of pressure to over 500 kbar at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 296\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Lithium exhibits an initial rise in resistance, a first-order phase transition at 70 kbar with a large resistance crop, and a very gradual rise in resistance at high pressure. Sodium has a rise in resistance with pressure at both 77 and 296\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The high-temperature isotherm exhibits a very broad maximum at high pressure. For potassium, the 296\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K isotherm shows a rise by a factor of 50 in 600 kbar. The 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K isotherm shows a sluggish transition at 280 kbar and a very sharp transition at 360 kbar. The latter is almost certainly martensitic. Both isotherms for rubidium have qualitatively similar behavior: a rise in resistance which accelerates with increasing pressure, a discontinuous rise at 190 kbar (210 kbar at 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K), and a broad maximum at high pressure. The discontinuous rise is probably due to a electronic transition.
Compositional Development of Performance Models in Poems

Performance models are software systems in which the components implement abstractions of the behavior of a total system. This paper describes a capability for semiautomatic development of performance models of computer systems spanning applications, operating systems, and hardware by composition from a library of components. Compositional development of performance models is a domain-specific instance of the general problem of software component reuse or design reuse. The concepts enabling compositional development of performance models in POEMS are encapsulation of analysis-level objects with associative interfaces and hierarchical dynamic data flow graphs as a structuring model. Objects with associative interfaces will be called compositional objects. Compositional objects and hierarchical dynamic data flow graphs provide a framework for the development of performance models that incorporate multiple modes of evaluation, span multiple semantic domains, span multiple levels of abstraction, and parallel implementation. Algorithms for composition through associative interfaces with automatic generation of parallel executables for the performance models will be defined.
Attraction of Hawaiian Ground Litter Invertebrates to Protein Hydrolysate Bait

This study addressed the potential effects on Hawaii's unique fauna of protein bait sprays used in fruit fly eradication programs. We sampled the ground litter-inhabiting invertebrates attracted to protein hydrolysate-baited pitfall traps at six localities on the island of Kauai. Twenty-two taxa and possibly 30 species were found in significantly higher numbers in treatment than in control traps. A diverse fauna, including species of land snails (Gastropoda), isopods (Isopoda), millipedes (Diplopoda) and insects (nine families), was attracted to the bait. Flies in the family Drosophilidae may be particularly susceptible to bait sprays, with at least eight species demonstrating attraction. Traps in high-elevation native forest attracted the highest number of species (20) and the most native species (11). The number of native species attracted to the bait decreased with elevation and the proportion of native vegetation, so that no native species were recovered from the two low-elevation agricultural areas. The potential effect of using protein hydrolysate bait sprays for alien fruit fly control in Hawaii is discussed.
Effects of altered lignin biosynthesis on phenylpropanoid metabolism and plant stress

Modification of lignin in bioenergy feedstocks has become a common strategy to increase saccharification and biofuel yield. The lignin biosynthetic pathway in several plant species has been dissected and key enzymes have been manipulated in transgenic plants. Recent analyses of lignin-modified plants have shown that decreasing lignin biosynthesis can alter carbon flow within the phenylpropanoid pathway and indirectly affect the synthesis of other secondary metabolites, many of which can play important roles in plant–environment interactions. In addition, lignin modifications have also been shown to induce the expression of various stress response-related genes. Examining and understanding these indirect effects of lignin modification on stress-related processes are essential, since they could ultimately impact the performance of low-lignin bioenergy feedstocks under agronomic field conditions. Recent efforts to characterize such effects will be discussed in this review.
Optical properties of electron and hole traps in Ag-doped aluminoborate glass☆

Abstract From a wide variety of experiments on silver doped aluminoborate glass which include thermoluminescence, thermal bleaching and enhancement of radiation induced absorption and emission spectra, after glow spectra, luminescence and absorption spectra of the unirradiated glass, and effects due to dopants other than silver, a number of Ag° and Ag 2+ -like centers were identified in the irradiated glass. The Ag + ions in aluminoborate glass act as both electron and hole traps. The afterglow and thermoluminescence emissions are attributed to thermal release of trapped electrons and their recombination with some Ag 2+ centers; this results in emissions characteristic of Ag + ions. The possible transitions associated with Ag + , Ag°, and Ag 2+ centers in glass are discussed.
Cryptosporidium parvum Infection Involving Novel Genotypes in Wildlife from Lower New York State

Cryptosporidium, an enteric parasite of humans and a wide range of other mammals, presents numerous challenges to the supply of safe drinking water. We performed a wildlife survey, focusing on white-tailed deer and small mammals, to assess whether they may serve as environmental sources of Cryptosporidium. A PCR-based approach that permitted genetic characterization via sequence analysis was applied to wildlife fecal samples (n = 111) collected from September 1996 to July 1998 from three areas in lower New York State. Southern analysis revealed 22 fecal samples containing Cryptosporidium small-subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA; these included 10 of 91 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) samples, 3 of 5 chipmunk (Tamias striatus) samples, 1 of 2 white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) samples, 1 of 2 striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) samples, 1 of 5 racoon (Procyon lotor) samples, and 6 of 6 muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) samples. All of the 15 SSU PCR products sequenced were characterized as Cryptosporidium parvum; two were identical to genotype 2 (bovine), whereas the remainder belonged to two novel SSU sequence groups, designated genotypes 3 and 4. Genotype 3 comprised four deer-derived sequences, whereas genotype 4 included nine sequences from deer, mouse, chipmunk, and muskrat samples. PCR analysis was performed on the SSU-positive fecal samples for three other Cryptosporidium loci (dihydrofolate reductase, polythreonine-rich protein, and beta-tubulin), and 8 of 10 cloned PCR products were consistent with C. parvum genotype 2. These data provide evidence that there is sylvatic transmission of C. parvum involving deer and other small mammals. This study affirmed the importance of wildlife as potential sources of Cryptosporidium in the catchments of public water supplies.
Current-induced guiding and beam steering in active semiconductor planar waveguide

We propose a novel method of achieving beam steering in active GaAs-AlGaAs materials. Carrier-induced refractive index change effect is applied to form a channel waveguide in a slab structure. Current injection is used as a means to control, guide, and steer an optical beam between two active stripes. In a structure that was 710 /spl mu/m long, we have experimentally demonstrated waveguiding of an externally coupled optical beam and electrically induced steering of the beam over a 17-/spl mu/m lateral distance at the output facet. The results of theoretical analysis and modeling of the beam shift fit the experimental data well.
A flexible accelerator for Layer 7 networking applications

In this paper, we present a flexible accelerator designed for networking applications. The accelerator can be utilized efficiently by a variety of Network Processor designs. Most Network Processors employ hardware accelerators for implementing key tasks. New applications require new tasks, such as pattern matching, to be performed on the packets in real-time. Using our proposed accelerator, we have implemented several such tasks and measured their performance. Specifically, the accelerator achieves 25-fold improvement on the performance of pattern matching, and 10-fold improvement for tree lookup, over optimized software solutions. Since the accelerator is used for different tasks, the hardware requirements are small compared to an accelerator group that implements the same set of tasks. We also present accurate analytic models to estimate the execution time of these networking tasks.
Lava flooding of ancient planetary crusts - Geometry, thickness, and volumes of flooded lunar impact basins

The present study is concerned with the determination of the geometry, thickness, volumes, and style of emplacement of lava extruded onto an ancient planetary crust, giving particular attention to crustal regions characterized by the topography of impact basins. Attempts to establish thicknesses and volumes are based on four approaches, related to crater morphometry, crater penetration, stratigraphy, and geophysical techniques. The considered technique is applied to two areas related to lunar impact areas. The Orientale basin is investigated, taking into account the style of flooding, the geometry of deposits and implications for loading of the lithosphere, and aspects of lava thickness and vertical mixing. An analysis of the Archimedes-Apennine Bench region is also conducted, giving attention to the number of data points, rim heights of fresh lunar craters, and the premare nature of impact crater data points.
Distributed computation of a sparse cover in sensor networks without location information

In this paper, we present a distributed algorithm for detecting redundancies in a sensor network with no location information. We demonstrate how, in the absence of localization devices, simplicial complexes and tools from computational homology can be used in providing valuable information on the properties of the cover. In particular, we capture the combinatorial relationships among the sensors by the means of the Rips complex, which is the generalization of the proximity graph of the network to higher dimensions. Our approach is based on computation of a certain generator of the second homology of the Rips complex of the network relative to the boundary. We formulate the problem of detecting redundant sensors as an optimization problem to compute the sparsest generator of the second relative homology classes. We also demonstrate how subgradient methods can be used in solving this optimization problem in a distributed manner. Finally, non-trivial simulations are provided that illustrate the performance of our algorithm.
Not Quite By Accident

In the etiology of teleological functions, what role can be played by accidental occurrences? Douglas Ehring's essay “Accidental Functions” constructs a theory of ideological functions which makes it possible for objects to have functions even when their causal origins are due entirely to accident—be they natural functions (the function of the heart) or artifact functions (the function of a watch). Ehring constructs this view on the basis of a set of putative counterexamples aimed largely at the theories of Enc and Adams. Both of these theories block the attribution of ideological function to structures with entirely accidental causal histories—accidental in origin and in the way their effects are causally sustained.
Temperature-controlled Primer Limit for Multiplexing of Rapid, Quantitative Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays: Application to Intraoperative Cancer Diagnostics

Background: Rapid-cycling, real-time PCR instruments bring the opportunity for improved intraoperative detection of metastasis to sentinel lymph nodes. Rapid, standardized, and internally controlled assays need to be developed that are sensitive and accurate. Methods: We describe rapid, multiplexed, internally controlled, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (QRT-PCR) assays for tyrosinase and carcinoembryonic antigen mRNAs on the SmartCycler (Cepheid). We used a temperature-controlled primer-limiting approach to eliminate amplification of the endogenous control gene as soon as its signal had reached threshold. Positive-control oligonucleotide mimics were incorporated into all reactions to differentiate failed reactions from true negative samples. Results: The optimized assays for rapid QRT-PCR yielded results with threshold cycle values that were only 1–2 cycles higher than slower, more conventional protocols. In rapid PCR, the temperature-controlled multiplex assay was quantitative over a dynamic range of at least 15 cycles, compared with only 6 cycles for conventional multiplexing methods. All histologically positive lymph nodes examined were also QRT-PCR positive for the appropriate marker, and the exogenous, internal positive-control mimics produced signals in all negative samples. Conclusion: Internally controlled, rapid QRT-PCR assays can be performed in an intraoperative time frame and with sufficient sensitivity to detect histologically identified metastases to lymph nodes.
Implementation of a neural net expert system in the presence of don't care and don't know features

The implementation of a neural network acting as an expert system is discussed. In some cases a particular feature may not be appropriate to describe a particular object (don't care condition) or a particular feature cannot be extracted or is missing (don't know feature). It is shown how the traditional feedforward neural network cannot be trained on these types of features, and an alternate structure is shown that is optimal when the features are discrete and independent and errors are independent. The structure is highly regular. It is shown how to implement the network using operational amplifiers and logic gates. The application to a real-world problem of identifying ordnances is shown. >
Frontal–Parietal and Limbic-Striatal Activity Underlies Information Sampling in the Best Choice Problem

Best choice problems have a long mathematical history, but their neural underpinnings remain unknown. Best choice tasks are optimal stopping problem that require subjects to view a list of options one at a time and decide whether to take or decline each option. The goal is to find a high ranking option in the list, under the restriction that declined options cannot be chosen in the future. Conceptually, the decision to take or decline an option is related to threshold crossing in drift diffusion models, when this process is thought of as a value comparison. We studied this task in healthy volunteers using fMRI, and used a Markov decision process to quantify the value of continuing to search versus committing to the current option. Decisions to take versus decline an option engaged parietal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, as well ventral striatum, anterior insula, and anterior cingulate. Therefore, brain regions previously implicated in evidence integration and reward representation encode threshold crossings that trigger decisions to commit to a choice.
X-ray diffraction studies on CdTe at high pressure☆

The isothermal compressibility (χp) of CdTe (NaCl, B1 structure) is determined as χ32kb = 2.77 × 10−3 kb−1 and χ100kb = 1.01 × 10−3 kb−1 at room temperature by X-ray diffraction techniques at high pressure. At the transition of CdTe from the zincblende, B3, to B1 structure at 32 kb the lattice parameter of the B1 phase is a0 = 5.96 ± 0.01 A and the molar volume, VM, is 31.9 cm3/mole (ρ = 7.53 g/cm3). Transition to the conducting phase (“white tin”, b.c.t., A5 structure) is observed at 114 ± 5 kb. Cell dimensions at 119 kb are a0 = 5.66 ± 0.05 A c0 = 2.98 ± 0.05 A; VM = 28.7 ± 0.9 cm3/mole (ρ = 8.36 g/cm3). The intermediate phase of the NbO type reported by Rooymans has not been verified.
Flavopiridol, A Novel Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor, in Metastatic Renal Cancer: A University of Chicago Phase II Consortium Study

PURPOSE: Flavopiridol is the first cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor to enter clinical trials. Serum levels of flavopiridol obtained during phase I studies were sufficient to inhibit in vitro cancer cell growth. Because responses were observed in kidney cancer patients in the phase I trials, we performed a phase II trial of flavopiridol in this patient population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five minimally pretreated patients were accrued using a standard two-step mechanism. Flavopiridol (50 mg/m2/d) was administered by continuous infusion for 72 hours every 2 weeks, and response was evaluated every 8 weeks. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected at baseline, at completion of drug infusion, and on day 7 of the first therapy cycle, and cell cycle parameters after phytohemagglutinin and interleukin-2 stimulation were assessed. RESULTS: There were two objective responses (response rate = 6%, 95% confidence interval, 1% to 20%). The most common toxicities were asthenia, occurring in ...
The Impact of Global Capital Flows and Foreign Financing on U.S. Mortgage and Treasury Interest Rates

Almost 45 percent of U.S. Treasury securities and just under 20 percent of U.S. Agency securities (bonds and mortgage-backed securities (MBS)) are currently held by foreign investors. This paper addresses some key questions concerning these large foreign investments in U.S. Treasury and Agency securities: Are these investments sustainable? What is the likely impact on U.S. Treasury and mortgage interest rates if foreign investors begin to redeploy their investment resources? What could be the triggering or tipping points in China’s diversification strategy? We trace the increase in foreign holdings of U.S. securities, analyze the different possible scenarios that could unfold and their potential impact on interest rates, evaluate the likelihood and possible timing of the changes in demand, and consider and speculate on the political economy of China’s motivations and purchasing behavior.
Calcium as a Mediator of Salt Sensitive Hypertension

Dietary salt intake has long been recognized as a factor in clinical and experimental hypertensive disease. However, when attention remains narrowly focused on salt and/or sodium alone, the mechanism(s) by which increases in dietary, extracellular, or intracellular sodium lead to increases in blood pressure, still remain unclear. Increased tissue and presumably intracellular sequestration of sodium was initially observed by Tobian (1), accounted for prhps by now widely postulated circulating inhibitors of Na+ -K+ -ATPase, stimulated by the volume expansion of salt loading in salt sensitive hypertensive animals and humans (2). Linking calcium with sodium has led to a further understanding of salt-induced hypertension. Calcium is required as a final common mediator of smooth muscle contraction, and thus of peripheral vasoconstrictor tone, characteristically elevated in human hypertension (3). Parallel studies over the past three decades have also demonstrated the sodium dependence of cellular calcium uptake in arterial smooth muscle (4). This led to the much discussed hypothesis by which this sodium-calcium exchange mechanism may be involved in human hypertension (5).
An immunologically distinct β-adaptin on tubulovesicles of gastric oxyntic cells

Clathrin and the gamma-adaptin subunit of the AP-1 clathrin adaptor have been previously identified on H-K-ATPase-rich tubulovesicles from gastric acid secretory (oxyntic) cells [C. T. Okamoto, S. M. Karam, Y. Y. Jeng, J. G. Forte, and J. Goldenring. Am. J. Physiol. 274 (Cell Physiol. 43): C1017-C1029]. We further characterized this AP-1 adaptor from rabbit and hog tubulovesicles biochemically and immunologically. Clathrin coat proteins were stripped from purified tubulovesicular membranes and fractionated by hydroxyapatite chromatography. The AP-1 adaptor appears to elute at 200 mM sodium phosphate, based on the presence of proteins in this fraction that are immunoreactive with antibodies against three of the four subunits of this heterotetrameric complex: the gamma-, mu1-, and sigma1-adaptin subunits. Although the putative beta-adaptin subunit in this fraction is not immunoreactive with the anti-beta-adaptin monoclonal antibody (MAb), this beta-adaptin is immunoreactive with polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) directed against the peptide sequence Gly625-Asp-Leu-Leu-Gly-Asp-Leu-Leu-Asn-Leu-Asp-Leu-Gly-Pro-Pro- Val640 , a region conserved between beta1- and beta2-adaptins that is thought to be involved in the binding of clathrin heavy chain. Immunoprecipitation of the AP-1 adaptor complex from this fraction with anti-gamma-adaptin MAb 100/3 resulted in the coimmunoprecipitation of the beta-adaptin that did not react with the anti-beta-adaptin MAb but did react with the anti-beta-adaptin PAbs. In contrast, immunoprecipitation of the AP-1 adaptor complex from crude clathrin-coated vesicles from brain resulted in the coimmunoprecipitation of a beta-adaptin that was recognized by both the anti-beta-adaptin MAb and PAbs. These results suggest that the tubulovesicular AP-1 adaptor complex may be distinct from that found in the trans-Golgi network and may contain an immunologically distinct beta-adaptin. This immunologically distinct beta-adaptin may be diagnostic of apical tubulovesicular endosomes of epithelial cells.
Abstract LB-72: Advocacy in Action: A Research Advocacy Program with a Multilateral Approach at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

The research advocacy program at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) is paving the way as a model for nationally-recognized research advocacy programs. As survivors and caregivers that come from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, research advocates at VICC are well-equipped to collaborate substantially in the development, oversight and dissemination of cancer research. Our approach is to provide VICC researchers with the “patient perspective”_to help guide and refine research at our institution so it is meaningful and relevant to patients/participants and to improve the credibility of cancer research and clinical trials in the community. This multilateral approach does not discriminate cancer as limited to one organ site or one demographic. Research advocates at VICC participate in a wide variety of advocacy activities. Opportunities to provide the “patient perspective” include attendance at research seminars, research project meetings, conferences and advocate meetings. Advocates also develop and deliver research advocacy presentations and participate/collaborate with other VICC and community programs, as well as the National Cancer Institute to facilitate academic/advocacy partnerships. To help guide research at VICC to ensure it is meaningful and relevant to patient/participants, advocates review and provide input on research development, design, clinical trials and informed consent. Advocates also develop patient oriented resources and tools for clinical trials, as well as serve as grant reviewers. To improve the credibility of cancer research and clinical trials in our community, advocates collaborate with local, regional and national organizations to facilitate advocacy participation and develop educational programs for the community to promote awareness of cancer research in clinical trials. One example is a novel educational outreach program entitled, “Mythbusters: Cancer Research in Jeopardy,” that aims to dispel common myths associated with cancer research and clinical trials. The research advocacy program at VICC uses a strategy to educate the community using an interactive program significantly increases knowledge. This interactive approach, as well as more traditional methods, allows our research advocates to take an active role in the direction of cancer research and treatment, and to tackle the important task of bridging the gaps between cancer researchers, survivors, caregivers and the community. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-72. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-72
EARLY (1-10 DAYS) READMISSION IS ASSOCIATED WITH A SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER 2-12 MONTHS POST-DISCHARGE ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY AMONG OLDER MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES HOSPITALIZED FOR HEART FAILURE WITH 30-DAY ALL-CAUSE READMISSIONS

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of 30-day all-cause readmission. It has been suggested that early 30-day readmissions may reflect suboptimal care during index hospitalization and may provide opportunities to improve outcomes. We examined the association of early (vs. late) 30-day all-cause