cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survey of American Indian alcohol statutes, 1975-2006: evolving needs and future opportunities for tribal health.

Objective: American Indians and Alaska Natives have the nation's highest morbidity and mortality owing to alcohol but also have opportunities to employ policies that could reduce the harmful effects of drinking. As sovereign nations, federally recognized tribes can adopt policies that are highly likely to have a beneficial impact on alcohol problems. The most recently published nationwide research on American Indian alcohol policies (conducted some 30 years ago) suggested that tribal policies may help minimize adverse consequences related to drinking. However, much has changed in Indian country during the last few decades, including redefinitions of relationships among tribes, states, and the federal government; recognition of tribes not previously acknowledged by federal authorities; and the advent of gaming and casinos. These developments raise numerous questions regarding the adoption and implementation of policies pertaining to alcohol. Method: This project used the Federal Register to catalog alcohol statutes adopted by the 334 federally recognized tribes in the lower 48 states between 1975 and 2006. Tribes that do not have an alcohol policy have, by default, retained federal prohibition. Results: During the 30-year study period, the percentage of tribes with statutes that permit alcohol increased from 29.2% to 63.5%. Later policies showed increases in complexity, such as tribal licensing requirements and facility restrictions to accompany increases in gaming and tourism. Conclusions: These data are highly relevant to Native decision makers as they attempt to develop and implement policies that will minimize the harmful effects of alcohol among indigenous peoples. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs 69: 183-191, 2008). Language: en
Gliding mycoplasmas are inhibited by cytochalasin B and contain a polymerizable protein fraction.

Studies are presented on the effect of cytochalasin B (CB) on the growth of five Mycoplasma species, three Acholeplasma species, and one Spiroplasma species. The three gliding mycoplasma species (M) gallisepticum, M pneumoniae and M pulmonis are the only mycoplasmas inhibited by CB. These are the only prolaryotes reported to be inhibited by CB. This suggested that these three mycoplasmas might have some sort of cytoskeletal structure. A protein fraction has been isolated from M gallisepticum which polymerizes in 0.6 M KC1 and depolymerizes when KC1 is removed. This fraction contains a major 58,000-dalton protein, a 46,000-dalton protein, and a minor 87,000-dalton protein.
Testosterone Deficiency and Prostate Cancer: Emerging Recognition of an Important and Troubling Relationship

This is an extraordinary time for those interested in the relationship between testosterone (T) and prostate cancer (PCa). For two thirds of a century we have been rigidly single-minded in our concern that a higher T level represented a risk for PCa despite all evidence to the contrary [1]. Now, we are witnessing the emergence of a new concept, one that finally fits the natural history of PCa. Specifically, I am referring to the association of PCa with testosterone deficiency, also termed hypogonadism, or more simply, low T. The focus on high T as a risk for PCa comes directly from the original observation by Huggins that reducing T to castrate levels causes PCa to regress. If lowering T makes PCa shrink, it seems logical that increasing T should make PCa grow. Huggins asserted this himself, although it turns out his assertion was based on only a single patient [1]. Yet multiple T trials of up to 36 mo in duration have failed to demonstrate any dramatic acute increase in PCa, and at least 16 longitudinal studies, involving several hundred thousand men, have consistently failed to show any long-term risk in PCa development from higher levels of endogenous T [1]. A critical shortcoming of the focus on high T is that it utterly fails to account for the high prevalence of PCa at an age when men are older and their T levels have declined and the absence of clinical PCa when men are young and have their highest lifetime T levels. I believe if a Martian scientist landed on Earth, was provided with this epidemiologic data,
Enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation via atomic layer deposition of TiO2 on fluorine-doped tin oxide nanoparticle films

TiO2 is an exemplary semiconductor anode material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting electrodes due to its functionality, long-term stability in corrosive environments, nontoxicity, and low cost. In this study, TiO2 photoanodes with enhanced photocurrent density were synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of TiO2 onto a porous, transparent, and conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide nanoparticle (nanoFTO) scaffold fabricated by solution processing. The simplicity and disordered nature of the nanoFTO nanostructure combined with the ultrathin conformal ALD TiO2 coatings offers advantages including decoupling charge carrier diffusion length from optical penetration depth, increased photon absorption probability through scattering, complimentary photon absorption, and favorable interfaces for charge separation and transfer across the various junctions. We examine the effects of porosity of the nanoFTO scaffold and thickness of the TiO2 coating on PEC performance and achieve an optimal photocurrent of 0.7 mA cm−2 at 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl under 100 mW cm−2 AM 1.5 G irradiation in a 1 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, the fundamental mechanisms behind the improvements are characterized via cyclic voltammetry, incident photon-to-current efficiency, transient photocurrent spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and are contrasted with those of single crystal rutile TiO2 nanowires. The strategies employed in this work highlight the opportunities inherent to these types of heteronanostructures, where the lessons may be applied to improve the PEC conversion efficiencies of other promising semiconductors, such as hematite (α-Fe2O3) and other materials more sensitive to visible light.
The Nature of Treatment Selection in Coronary Artery Disease Experience with Medical and Surgical Treatment of a Chronic Disease

This report presents our experience with the medical and surgical management of patients with coronary heart disease and uses this experience to document the role of a computerized medical information system in the long-term management of patients with a chronic disease. Of 781 consecutively evaluated patients, 402 were treated medically and 379 were treated with aortocoronary bypass surgery. At two years post-zero time, more than twice as many surgical survivors were pain free, but the survival was the same in the medical (83%) and surgical (85%) cohorts. The medically and surgically treated patients were compared with respect to 89 baseline characteristics. The cohorts were remarkably similar. Correction for baseline inequalities did not affect the fact that two-year survival was the same in both cohorts. One subgroup was identified in which surgically treated patients had a higher two-year survival. Other subgroups were identified in which therapy did not appear to affect two-year survival.
Pre-clinical assessment of DRF 4367, a novel COX-2 inhibitor: Evaluation of pharmacokinetics, absolute oral bioavailability and metabolism in mice and comparative inter-species in vitro metabolism

The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics and determine the absolute bioavailability and metabolism of DRF 4367, a novel COX-2 inhibitor, in mice. In addition, the in vitro metabolism of DRF 4367 was studied in mouse, rat, dog, monkey and human liver microsomes. Following oral administration, maximum concentrations of DRF 4367 were achieved after about 1 h. Upon intravenous (IV) administration, the concentration of DRF 4367 declined in a bi-exponential fashion with a terminal elimination half-life of 4.0 h. The elimination half-life was unchanged with route of administration. The volume of distribution and systemic clearance of DRF 4367 in mice were 0.80 l h−1 kg−1 and 0.14 l kg−1, respectively, after IV administration. The absolute oral bioavailability of DRF 4367 was 44%. In all species of liver microsomes examined, the primary route of metabolism for DRF 4367 was demethylation of benzyl methoxy to form a hydroxy metabolite (M1). The formation of this metabolite was mediated by CYP2...
Universal one- and two-component interfacing techniques

Many psychologists avoid using microcomputers in teaching and research laboratories because they lack the experience and knowledge necessary for interfacing. A $1 electronic component can connect external circuits into any computer. For output interfacing, circuits are available to control external devices with one or no additional components.
High-Order-Accurate Numerical Method for Complex Flows

A numerical method employing high-order-accurate (higher than third) upwind discretizations for solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations on structured grids is discussed. The inviscid fluxes are computed by a procedure based on a weighted essentially nonoscillatory interpolation of the characteristic variables and the Roe scheme. Application of the numerical method to a number of test cases of increasing complexity, that are prototypical for several of the key aspects of practical flows, demonstrates the accuracy and robustness of the method even when computing on distorted curvilinear grids. Significant reductions in computer time are possible when a second-order-accurate implicit Adams-Moulton scheme is employed for time integration. The combination of implicit time integration and high-order-accurate spatial discretization is shown to lead to significant savings in compute time as the grid resolution requirement is lowered and the time step can be increased.
A Survey of Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Microgrids using Networking Technologies

Intelligent buildings and microgrids are important parts of the future smart grid. The adoption and development process of the intelligent buildings has been slow. There are multiple technical and non-technical reasons. However, two recent trends have accelerated the research and application of the technologies related to this area. First, skyrocketing energy price and the global need for reducing fossil oil consumption for environmental sustainability combined with the fact that buildings are a significant source of energy consumption, making buildings intelligent and energy efficient will have huge impacts on the total CO 2 emission and hence global sustainability. Second, rapid popularity and maturation of mobile smart phone technology and Internet technologies like cloud computing enable smart phone holders to be aware of their energy consumption and participate in controlling and running their buildings with seamless Internet connections. Cloud computing enables active interactions between the consumer-side (buildings) and the provider-side (smart grids). Hence, combining energy efficiency and networking perspectives, in this paper, we investigate the key research topics through a broad survey on the latest developments in intelligent buildings and our vision of microgrids formed by such buildings. Our aim is to draw an overall picture of the current research and potential future applications. Moreover, we further summarize and discuss in detail a series of key issues and trends that can potentially motivate and impact the adoption and development of the intelligent building and microgrid technologies in the near future.
Surface effects on the phase separation of binary polymer blends

The effect of a chemically heterogeneous surface pattern on the microscopic phase separation of a thin film composed of a binary polymer blend has been studied using a three-dimensional self-consistent field method and a Monte Carlo method based on the “bond fluctuation model.” The surface motif can be transferred from the surface into the polymer bulk to a depth of several nanometers, and such transfer alters the morphology of the bulk phase. The presence of the surface motif weakens the repulsion between unlike species and improves the miscibility of the blend. Miscibility enhancement is maximized when the characteristic area of the surface motif is comparable to the area of a polymer coil in the bulk. Blends containing semirigid chains are slightly more effective in the transfer of a surface pattern, but the effect on miscibility is significantly smaller.
Confucian educational philosophy and its implication for lifelong learning and lifelong education

This paper, from historical and philosophical perspectives, presents Confucian education philosophy, a philosophy that is argued is a philosophy of lifelong learning. Examined and illustrated are t...
Genome-wide recruitment to Polycomb-modified chromatin and activity regulation of the synovial sarcoma oncogene SYT-SSX2

SYT-SSX is the oncogene associated with synovial sarcoma (SS), a stem cell disease. SYT-SSX is thought to be responsible for sarcoma initiation and development. It interacts with components of Polycomb and SWI/SNF complexes, the two epigenetic controllers that maintain the heritable status of differentiation-specific genes in the stem/progenitor cell. Through these associations SYT-SSX is thought to alter gene expression programs by epigenetic mechanisms. Recently, we reported that SYT-SSX2 reprograms mesenchymal stem cells and myoblasts by dictating their commitment to the neural lineage while disrupting their normal differentiation. This reprogramming was due to the direct occupancy of proneural genes by the SYT-SSX2 nuclear complex. To gain a clear understanding of SYT-SSX2 control of gene expression networks, we conducted a thorough genome-wide analysis to determine the mechanism of its recruitment and identify signature sets of epigenetic markers that would predict its targeting and transcriptional activity. SYT-SSX2 was recruited to distinct loci across all chromosomes, and an overwhelming number of Polycomb-modified sites enriched with the trimethylated histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3) formed the main recruiting module for SYT-SSX2. Not all SYT-SSX2/H3K27me3-occupied genes had altered expression, denoting the requirement for additional signals upon oncogene binding. Differential binding and epigenetic patterns distinguished upregulated and downregulated genes. Most activated genes had SYT-SSX2 sites enriched with H3K27me3 within their body or near their transcription start site (TSS) whereas a majority of downregulated genes were characterized by SYT-SSX2/H3K27me3-rich regions at long-range, or by modifications associated with transcription activation within the gene body or near the TSS. Hierarchical and functional clustering identified H3K27me3 as the dominant epigenetic marker associated with SYT-SSX2 binding and gene expression. Notably, this analysis revealed a cluster of upregulated neuronal genes densely covered by H3K27me3, consistent with programming toward the neural lineage by SYT-SSX2 observed previously. The data analysis revealed that Polycomb complexes or their modified chromatin and their stably silenced differentiation programs seem to be the main target for SYT-SSX2, suggesting that their perturbation is at the center of tumorigenesis driven by the oncogene. Further research into this mechanism is crucial to the full understanding of SS biology.
Thorough Clinical Assessment: The Hidden Foundation of Evidence-Based Practice:

Evidence-based practice (EBP) has refocused social work practice and education. The current social work literature, and that of allied professions, includes very little discussion of assessment in ...
Predicting Fatigue Life Under Spectrum Loading in 2024-T3 Aluminum Using a Measured Initial Flaw Size Distribution

Measured cracked particle distributions were used in conjunction with a closure-based life prediction package (FASTRAN 3.8 [1]) to predict fatigue life distributions under a spectrum load (FALSTAFF — Fighter Aircraft Loading STAndard For Fatigue [2]) in 2024-T3 aluminum. A single crack model was assumed and no threshold stress intensity factor was used. Simulations were done at maximum stress levels of 175, 205, and 275 MPa. The resulting fatigue life distributions were compared at different levels of probability of failure. At all levels, predicted fatigue lives were within a factor of two or better of experimental fatigue lives. This indicates both that the single-flaw model can be a reasonable approximation for life prediction and that it is not necessary to truncate initial flaw size distributions at some threshold level.
Traffic analysis in anonymous MANETs

This paper addresses the problem of non-intrusive traffic analysis of anonymous mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The goal is to trace down the destination of a certain source node with the minimum dependency on the underlying network infrastructure. Specifically, it is assumed that nodes in the network do not participate in tracing, the eavesdropper is not allowed to tamper traffic, and both the payload and the packet headers are encrypted at every hop. To deal with these constraints, a timing-based approach is taken, which identifies potential destinations by estimating end-to-end flow rates based on node transmission activities. Furthermore, it is shown that as routes change due to node movement, the tracing method quickly converges to the true destination by exploring topology diversity. The proposed method is proved to be consistent under mild conditions and shown to perform well even in the presence of intersecting flows and chaff traffic.
X-ray image subtraction by digital means

A conventional method of removing unwanted background information from radiographic images is to use photographic techniques. An alternative approach is the digital processing of x-ray difference images. This approach offers the advantage over photographic methods in that it permits the performance of nonlinear operations, such as compensation for film characteristics, thus offering greater flexibility in the presentation of x-ray images and greater reliability in their interpretation. This paper describes the features and implementation of a new digital approach and presents experimental results obtained from processing two of sets angiograms.
Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking: Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behavior In Two U.S. Samples

Despite evidence of increasing waterpipe tobacco smoking prevalence among U.S. young adults, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and smoking patterns of waterpipe users in this population. To address this lack of knowledge, two convenience samples of U.S. waterpipe users were surveyed—one from a Richmond, Virginia, waterpipe cafe (n=101), the other from an Internet forum called HookahForum.com (n=100). Sixty percent reported first-time waterpipe use at or before age 18. Daily waterpipe use was reported by 19%, weekly use by 41%, and monthly use by 29%. Waterpipe use was more common during the weekend (75%) than during weekdays (43%). Forty-four percent reported spending ≥60 min smoking tobacco during a waterpipe session. The majority of waterpipe users owned a waterpipe (57%) and purchased it on the Internet (71%). Many waterpipe users smoked the sweetened and flavored tobacco (i.e., maassel), and fruit flavors were the most popular (54%). Past month use of cigarettes, tobacco products other than cigarettes or waterpipe, and alcohol was 54%, 33%, and 80% respectively, and 36% reported past-month marijuana use. Most waterpipe users were confident about their ability to quit (96%), but only a minority (32%) intended to quit. Most waterpipe users believed waterpipe tobacco smoking was less harmful and addictive than cigarettes. These results are from small convenience samples; more detailed study of a larger group of randomly sampled U.S. waterpipe tobacco smokers will be valuable in understanding this behavior and developing effective strategies to prevent it.
Thermodynamic Evaluation of the Interface Stability Between Selected Metal Oxides and Co

For an interface to be considered thermodynamically stable, the phases in contact must be in equilibrium with each other (connected by a stable tie-line) and have negligible mutual solubility on the phase diagram. The stability of Co based magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), with Co/MxO1-x/Co structures (M = Al, Gd, Hf, La, Mg, Si, Ti, Ta, Y and Zr), were evaluated with regard to these two conditions. Specifically, low temperature ternary isothermal phase diagrams were calculated and evaluated for the Co–M–O systems. All of these systems have at least one oxide in equilibrium with Co and thus have at least one thermodynamically stable tunnel barrier candidate for use in Co based MTJs. In light of the assumptions made in this analysis, along with the uncertainty in applying bulk enthalpy data to thin films, the current evaluation of interfacial stability serves as a first step in identifying suitable stable tunneling barrier materials in MTJs for detailed study.
Two-dimensional advective transport in ground-water flow parameter estimation

Nonlinear regression is useful in ground-water flow parameter estimation, but problems of parameter insensitivity and correlation often exist given commonly available hydraulic-head and head-dependent flow (for example, stream and lake gain or loss) observations. To address this problem, advective-transport observations are added to the ground-water flow, parameter-estimation model MODFLOWP using particle-tracking methods. The resulting model is used to investigate the importance of advective-transport observations relative to head-dependent flow observations when either or both are used in conjunction with hydraulic-head observations in a simulation of the sewage-discharge plume at Otis Air Force Base, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. The analysis procedure for evaluating the probable effect of new observations on the regression results consists of two steps: (1) parameter sensitivities and correlations calculated at initial parameter values are used to assess the model parameterization and expected relative contributions of different types of observations to the regression; and (2) optimal parameter values are estimated by nonlinear regression and evaluated. In the Cape Cod parameter-estimation model, advective-transport observations did not significantly increase the overall parameter sensitivity; however: (1) inclusion of advective-transport observations decreased parameter correlation enough for more unique parameter values to be estimated by the regression; (2) realistic uncertainties in advective-transport observations had a small effect on parameter estimates relative to the precision with which the parameters were estimated; and (3) the regression results and sensitivity analysis provided insight into the dynamics of the ground-water flow system, especially the importance of accurate boundary conditions. In this work, advective-transport observations improved the calibration of the model and the estimation of ground-water flow parameters, and use of regression and related techniques produced significant insight into the physical system.
Long circulating enzyme replacement therapy rescues bone pathology in mucopolysaccharidosis VII murine model

Abstract Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type VII is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme β-glucuronidase (GUS), leading to accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) effectively clears GAG storage in the viscera. Recent studies showed that a chemically modified form of GUS (PerT-GUS), which escaped clearance by mannose 6-phosphate and mannose receptors and showed prolonged circulation, reduced CNS storage more effectively than native GUS. Clearance of storage in bone has been limited due to the avascularity of the growth plate. To evaluate the effectiveness of long-circulating PerT-GUS in reducing the skeletal pathology, we treated MPS VII mice for 12weeks beginning at 5weeks of age with PerT-GUS or native GUS and used micro-CT, radiographs, and quantitative histopathological analysis for assessment of bones. Micro-CT findings showed PerT-GUS treated mice had a significantly lower BMD. Histopathological analysis also showed reduced storage material and a more organized growth plate in PerT-GUS treated mice compared with native GUS treated mice. Long term treatment with PerT-GUS from birth up to 57weeks also significantly improved bone lesions demonstrated by micro-CT, radiographs and quantitative histopathological assay. In conclusion, long-circulating PerT-GUS provides a significant impact to rescue of bone lesions and CNS involvement.
The Relationship Between Learning Orientation And Business Performance And The Moderating Effect Of Competitive Advantage: A Service Organization Perspective

This study examines the influence of learning orientation on business performance (the achievement of sales and profit objectives) in the context of pure service. The conceptual framework used in this research has been drawn from marketing, finance, and organizational behavior theory. Specifically, relationships related to learning orientation, sources of competitive advantage, and business performance have been identified. This research develops and tests a framework about learning orientation and its consequences in an organization. Specifically, this study focused on several research questions, including: 1)Is there a relationship between learning orientation and business performance in terms of the achievement of sales and profit objectives in pure service and service-reliantorganizations?, 2) Is there a relationship between learning orientation and competitive advantage in pure service and service-reliant organizations?, and 3) Does competitive advantage moderate the relationship between learning orientation and business performance in pure service and service-reliant organizations? A survey-based research methodology is used to explore these research questions and pertinent findings reported in the light of previous studies (Martinette, 2006, Martinette and Obenchain-Leeson, 2010). The findings of this study suggested that competitive advantage moderates the relationship between learning orientation and business performance in pure service and service-reliant organizations.
Ontogeny of epithelial modulation of airway smooth muscle function in the guinea pig

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ontogeny of guinea pig airway smooth muscle (ASM) responses and the epithelial modulation of these responses. Paired tracheal rings from fetal, newborn, and adult guinea pigs were studied. One of each pair was denuded of airway epithelium (AE) by gentle rubbing. Isometric tension was measured in rings mounted in organ baths filled with ‘Krebs’ solution. Cumulative dose-response curves were generated by adding either acetylcholine (ACh) or histamine over a concentration range of 1 0−8−10−4 M. Significant agent-specific, age-related differences in maximal contraction were seen for both ACh and histamine in intact tissues (Ach: for fetus 66.7 ± 6.2 × 10−2 g/mg wet wt, for newborn 51.4 ± 6.2, for adult 29.3 ± 2.6; histamine: for fetus 46.1 ± 5.1, for newborn 72.9 ± 6.0, for adult 25.3 ± 3.2). Similar differences in sensitivity to both agents were observed (EC50 with ACh: for fetus 0.80 ± 0.11×10−6 M; for newborn 0.85 ± 0.26 × 10−6 M; for adult 1.7 ± 0.20 × 10−6M; EC50 with histamine: for fetus 1.88 ± 0.50 × 10−6 M; for newborn 1.34 ± 0.16 × 10−6M; for adult 3.78 ± 0.75 × 10−6 M). Removal of AE caused a significant decrease in maximal responses to ACh in fetal tissue, a smaller, insignificant one for newborn and a nonsignifcant alteration for adult tissues. Age-related sensitivity difference was abolished with removal of AE to ACh but not to histamine. In conclusion, during development (1) maximum tension, expressed as force per tissue weight, when generated follows the pattern, fetus > newborn > adult with ACh and newborn > fetus > adult with histamine; (2) the EC50 pattern for both ACh and histamine was, fetus = newborn < adult; (3) for denuded tissue maximum tension by ACh was significantly decreased only in fetal trachea; and (4) removal of AE abolished the age-dependent difference in sensitivity to ACh, but not to histamine. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Genetic modifiers of nutritional status in cystic fibrosis

Background: Improved nutrition early in life is associated with better pulmonary function for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, nutritional status is poorly correlated with the CFTR genotype. Objective: We investigated the extent to which modifier genes influence nutrition in children with CF. Design: BMI data were longitudinally collected from the CF Twin-Sibling Study and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry for twins and siblings from 2000 to 2010. A nutritional phenotype was derived for 1124 subjects by calculating the average BMI z score from 5–10 y of age (BMI-z5to10). The genetic contribution to the variation in BMI-z5to10 (ie, heritability) was estimated by comparing the similarity of the phenotype in monozygous twins to that in dizygous twins and siblings. Linkage analysis identified potential modifier-gene loci. Results: The median BMI-z5to10 was −0.07 (range: −3.89 to 2.30), which corresponded to the 47th CDC percentile. BMI-z5to10 was negatively correlated with pancreatic insufficiency, history of meconium ileus, and female sex but positively correlated with later birth cohorts and lung function. Monozygous twins showed greater concordance for BMI-z5to10 than did dizygous twins and siblings; heritability estimates from same-sex twin-only analyses ranged from 0.54 to 0.82. For 1010 subjects with pancreatic insufficiency, genome-wide significant linkage was identified on chromosomes 1p36.1 [log of odds (LOD): 5.3] and 5q14 (LOD: 5.1). These loci explained ≥16% and ≥15%, respectively, of the BMI variance. Conclusions: The analysis of twins and siblings with CF indicates a prominent role for genes other than CFTR to BMI variation. Specifically, regions on chromosomes 1 and 5 appear to harbor genetic modifiers of substantial effect.
Regulation of Sigma 54-Dependent Transcription by Core Promoter Sequences: Role of −12 Region Nucleotides

The tetranucleotide core recognition sequence (TTGC) of the sigma 54 promoter −12 recognition element was altered by random substitution. The resulting promoter mutants were characterized in vivo and in vitro. Deregulated promoters were identified, implying that this core element can mediate the response to enhancer-binding proteins. These promoters had in common a substitution at position −12 (consensus C), indicating its importance for keeping basal transcription in check. In another screen, nonfunctional promoters were identified. Their analysis indicated that positions −13 (consensus G) and −15 (consensus T) are important to maintain minimal promoter function. In vitro studies showed that the −13 and −15 positions contribute to closed-complex formation, whereas the −12 position has a stronger effect on recognition of the fork junction intermediate created during open-complex formation. Overall the data indicate that the −12 region core contains specific subsequences that direct the diverse RNA polymerase interactions required both to produce RNA and to restrict this RNA synthesis in the absence of activation.
Yield Estimation of Molecular QCA Memory Structures with Geometric Analysis

Nanoelectronic devices and circuits are likely to contain multiple defects and exhibit faulty behavior, especially as larger circuits are built. In this work, we will present a new method for estimating the yield of memory structures constructed from molecular QCA devices. This method takes patterns of missing cells that were found, via full physical simulation, to cause wire failures and compares them to the geometry of a defective memory-like circuit to determine if the memory-like circuit operates properly. The memory-like structure used here is 'snake' shaped and is a series of straight and bent wire segments. We vary the number of cells between the corners (the aspect ratio), the cell width of the wire segments, the total length of the memory structures, and the percentage of cells that are removed. Our results show that this new method is viable for yield estimation. We also show that computational speedups of several orders of magnitude are achieved by using this method.
RUBIDIUM AND CESIUM FLUXES IN MUSCLE AS RELATED TO THE MEMBRANE POTENTIAL

The reduction of membrane potential in frog sartorius muscle produced by rubidium and cesium ions has been studied over a wide concentration range and compared with depolarization occasioned by potassium ions. The constant field theory of passive flux has been used to predict the potential changes observed. The potential data suggest certain permeability coefficient ratios and these are compared with ratios obtained from flux data using radioactive tracers. The agreement of the flux with the potential data is good if account is taken of the inhibition of potassium flux which occurs in the presence of rubidium and cesium ions. A high temperature dependence has been observed for cesium influx (Q10 = 2.5) which is correlated with the observation that cesium ions depolarize very little at low temperatures. The observations suggest that cesium ions behave more like sodium ions at low temperatures and more like potassium ions at room temperature with respect to their effect on the muscle cell resting potential. The constant field theory of passive ion flux appears to be in general agreement with the experimental results observed if account is taken of the dependence of permeability coefficients on the concentrations of ions used and of possible interactions between the permeabilities of ions.
3D Chip stacking with 50 μm pitch lead-free micro-c4 interconnections

3D integration, using fine-pitch and high density vertical interconnects (TSVs), has been drawing considerable interest due to its promise for higher performance and smaller form factor. As the number of I/O increases and the pitch size decreases, interconnect joining process and reliability become critical in the assembly of 3D chip stacks. In this study, 3D chip stacks with more than 48,000 Pb-free solder micro-bump interconnects at 50 μm pitch were assembled and the joint reliability evaluated. Multiple bonding processes were developed, enhanced and characterized by investigating the influence of various bonding parameters such as atmosphere, compression mode and temperature profile on the joint formation. Various test vehicle sizes with multiple layers of thinned die were successfully assembled using the enhanced bonding profile. Underfilling of the narrow gaps between the stack dies was demonstrated using underfills with fine-particle fillers. The assembly yield and interconnection parasitic resistance was quantitatively studied as a function of the number of die layers. The reliability silicon die stacks integrated into modules with organic laminates was characterized by thermal cycling tests.
High glucose induced NF-κB DNA-binding activity in HAEC is maintained under low shear stress but inhibited under high shear stress: role of nitric oxide

Abstract In the present study, we investigated whether low shear (LS, 2 dyn/cm 2 ) favors high glucose (HG, 30 mM) induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity by regulating NO release in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). The results show that (i) under LS, the NF-κB activity of HAEC exposed to HG was significantly higher than HAEC in normal glucose (NG, 5.5 mM) ( P Nω -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME) but restored in its presence, while LS+HG induced NF-κB activity remains the same in the presence or absence of l -NAME. (iii) Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expression and quantitative detection of NO indicated that high shear stress significantly induced higher eNOS expression and NO production compared to low shear stress condition. Collectively, these data suggest that HS exerts a protective effect on HG induced NF-κB activity through NO mediated signaling. LS, on the other hand, may down-regulate eNOS expression resulting in reduced NO release, and thereby maintain high glucose induced NF-κB DNA-binding activity. These observations explain, in part, the mechanism by means of which hyperglycemia accelerates the focal development of atherosclerotic lesions in low shear (lesion prone) areas of the arterial tree.
Virtual Battery Models for Load Flexibility from Commercial Buildings

Frequency regulation is becoming increasingly important with deeper penetration of variable generation resources. Flexible loads have been proposed as a low-cost provider of frequency regulation. For example, the flexibility of loads with inherent thermal energy storage resides in their ability to vary their electricity consumption without compromising their end function. In this context, the aggregate flexibility of a collection of diverse residential air-conditioning loads has previously been shown to be well modeled as a virtual battery using first principles load models. This analytical method will not scale to more complex flexible loads such as commercial HVAC systems. This paper presents a method to identify virtual battery model parameters for these more complex flexible loads. The method extracts the parameters of the virtual battery model by stress-testing a detailed software model of the physical system. Synthetic examples reveal the effectiveness of the proposed identification technique.
Girls' Calcium Intake Is Associated with Bone Mineral Content During Middle Childhood

We examined longitudinally the association between calcium intake and total body bone mineral content (TBBMC) in 151 non-Hispanic white girls. Intakes of dairy, energy, and calcium were assessed using three 24-h dietary recalls in girls at ages 5, 7, 9, and 11 y. We assessed their total-body bone mineral content with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at ages 9 and11 y. Dairy foods comprised the major contributor (70%) to calcium intake over the 6-y period; 28% of calcium came from other foods, and 2% from supplements. By age 9 and 11 y, the majority of girls did not meet calcium recommendations. Higher calcium intake at ages 7 and 9 y was associated with higher TBBMC at age 11 y. Calcium intake at age 9 y was also positively associated with TBBMC gained from age 9 to 11 y. Calcium intake at age 11 y was not correlated with TBBMC at the same age. Relations between calcium intake and TBBMC did not differ for total calcium and for calcium from dairy sources, likely reflecting the fact that dairy products were the major source of calcium in this sample. Results from the present study provide new longitudinal evidence that calcium intake, especially calcium from dairy foods, can have a favorable effect on girls' TBBMC during middle childhood.
Cavity-enhanced resonant absorption in laser cooling of solids

We use an optical cavity to enhance the absorption of pump light in a laser cooling experiment. Nearly 90% pump absorption is obtained on resonance and cooling is demonstrated with Yb:ZBLAN glass.
Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness

The authors examine the facet structure of mindfulness using five recently developed mindfulness questionnaires. Two large samples of undergraduate students completed mindfulness questionnaires and measures of other constructs. Psychometric properties of the mindfulness questionnaires were examined, including internal consistency and convergent and discriminant relationships with other variables. Factor analyses of the combined pool of items from the mindfulness questionnaires suggested that collectively they contain five clear, interpretable facets of mindfulness. Hierarchical confirmatory factor analyses suggested that at least four of the identified factors are components of an overall mindfulness construct and that the factor structure of mindfulness may vary with meditation experience. Mindfulness facets were shown to be differentially correlated in expected ways with several other constructs and to have incremental validity in the prediction of psychological symptoms. Findings suggest that conceptualizing mindfulness as a multifaceted construct is helpful in understanding its components and its relationships with other variables.
SETG: An instrument for detection of life on Mars ancestrally related to life on Earth

Life on Mars, if it exists, may be related to life on Earth.12 This common ancestry hypothesis is supported by theoretical and experimental studies of meteoritic exchange between Earth and Mars, exchange that could have spread life between those planets. If so, we can target the basic building blocks of life, DNA or RNA, in our search. We are developing the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Genomes (SETG) instrument with the goal of isolating, extracting, and sequencing nucleic acids in-situ on Mars. Here we outline the major challenges and approaches to achieve this goal, with an emphasis on the sample preparation required to isolate nucleic acids from Mars-like samples. Looking for nucleic acids is not the most general approach to search for life on Mars. However, given the possibility of common ancestry, it is a critical part of any comprehensive life detection strategy, arguably unmatched in its ability to provide a highly sensitive and specific detection and characterization of any life on Mars related to life on Earth.
RNA Directed DNA synthesis: Identification in L5178Y mouse leukemic cells and distribution of the polymerase in a synchronized L5178Y cell population☆

The recent identification of RNA dependent DNA polymerase in acute leukemic cells from humans [ 1 ] leads to the question of whether the polymerase is present in other mammalian leukemic cells, particularly those available in large quantities from tissue culture. The initial finding of an RNA dependent DNA polymerase in oncogenic RNA viruses [2-61 and the presence of the polymerase in human leukemic cells provide a basis for gene amplification and leukemogenesis. The present study reports on the characteristics of an RNA dependent DNA polymerase from L5 178Y leukemic mouse cells. In addition the activity of the enzyme in a synchronous population was studied to determine whether the enzyme is active during the normal DNA synthesis (S) period or at other times in the cell cycle.
Landscape level differences in soil carbon and nitrogen: Implications for soil carbon sequestration

The objective of this research was to understand how land cover and topography act, independently or together, as determinants of soil carbon and nitrogen storage over a complex terrain. Such information could help to direct land management for the purpose of carbon sequestration. Soils were sampled under different land covers and at different topographic positions on the mostly forested 14,000 ha Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee, USA. Most of the soil carbon stock, to a 40-cm soil depth, was found to reside in the surface 20 cm of mineral soil. Surface soil carbon and nitrogen stocks were partitioned into particulate ({ge}53 {micro}m) and mineral-associated organic matter (<53 {micro}m). Generally, soils under pasture had greater nitrogen availability, greater carbon and nitrogen stocks, and lower C:N ratios than soils under transitional vegetation and forests. The effects of topography were usually secondary to those of land cover. Because of greater soil carbon stocks, and greater allocation of soil carbon to mineral-associated organic matter (a long-term pool), we conclude that soil carbon sequestration, but not necessarily total ecosystem carbon storage, is greater under pastures than under forests. The implications of landscape-level variation in soil carbon and nitrogen for carbon sequestration are discussed at severalmore » different levels: (1) nitrogen limitations to soil carbon storage; (2) controls on soil carbon turnover as a result of litter chemistry and soil carbon partitioning; (3) residual effects of past land use history; and (4) statistical limitations to the quantification of soil carbon stocks.« less
Structural studies on the mechanisms of antibody-mediated neutralization of human rhinovirus

Abstract Antibodies represent a major component of the mammalian immunological defense against picornavirus infection. The work reviewed here examines structural details of antibody-mediated neutralization of human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14) using a combination of crystallography, molecular biology and electron microscopy. The atomic structures of the Fab fragment from a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (Fab17-IA) and HRV14 were used to interpret the ∼25A resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the Fab17-IA/HRV14 complex. While there were not any observable antibody-induced conformational changes in the HRV14 upon antibody binding, there was evidence that charge interactions dominate the paratope-epitope interface and that the intact antibody might bind bivalently across icosahedral two-fold axes. Site-directed mutagenesis results confirmed that charge interactions dominate antibody binding and electron microscopy studies on the mAb17-IA/HRV14 complex confirmed that this neutralizing antibody binds bivalently across icosahedral two-fold axes.
Application of polynomial chaos in stability and control

The polynomial chaos of Wiener provides a framework for the statistical analysis of dynamical systems, with computational cost far superior to Monte Carlo simulations. It is a useful tool for control systems analysis because it allows probabilistic description of the effects of uncertainty, especially in systems having nonlinearities and where other techniques, such as Lyapunov's method, may fail. We show that stability of a system can be inferred from the evolution of modal amplitudes, covering nearly the full support of the uncertain parameters with a finite series. By casting uncertain parameters as unknown gains, we show that the separation of stochastic from deterministic elements in the response points to fast iterative design methods for nonlinear control.
Intraseasonal Nesting Activity of Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in Southeastern North Carolina

Abstract Intraseasonal nesting patters were determined for loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, one of the northernmost nesting concentrations along the east coast of North America. One hundred and twenty-seven nesting females were tagged with Inconel flipper tags and photographed, accounting for 83% of the 318 nests produced during the 1991 and 1992 nesting seasons. No female nested in both years. Nest production was similar both years. Most females (55.9%) nested once, 5.5% nested twice, 15.0% nested three times, 7.9% nested four times, 12.6% nested five times and 3.1% nested six times. The internesting interval averaged 13.7 d (range 10–18) in 1991 and 14.2 d (range 11–18) in 1992, and it was significantly influenced by seawater temperature. Intraseasonal nest site fidelity was signifcant; most multiple-nesting females (67.9%) confined their nesting activities within 4.8 km. Loggerheads in the northernmost part of their nesting range in the western North ...