cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Future yield growth in field crops: what evidence exists?

Abstract Crop yields are an important determinant of C input into the soil and ultimately of soil organic carbon (SOC). Models to predict changes in SOC require crop yield and future yield growth information. In this review, yield trends for 11 major crops in the US for the period 1939–1994 are analyzed. Historical data are analyzed to detect evidence of a yield plateau. Yields are extrapolated to the year 2020 based on linear and exponential yield trends estimated in the paper. Forward-looking information on yield gaps, on the biological potential for future yield growth, and socio-economic determinants of yield growth is examined for evidence that yield growth may plateau in the near future. A linear model of yield growth indicates a compound annual rate of growth of between 0.7% and 1.3% per year for major US crops through 2020. Under an exponential model, growth rates could range up to 3% per year. This could lead to substantial increases in SOC if crop residues are retained. Biophysical limits, including those imposed by agronomic and tillage practices, do not appear to prevent rates of growth consistent with the linear model. How socioeconomic forces will affect future growth are subject to greater uncertainty.
Requirement for theta-bearing cells in lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-induced central nervous system disease.

THE immunopathological basis of the acutely fatal convulsive central nervous system (CNS) disease produced in adult mice following cerebral infection with lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) virus is well established1. Thus, a variety of immuno-suppressive treatments, given to adult mice inoculated intracerebrally with a potentially lethal dose of virus, produce a transient or permanent ablation of both the histological and clinical correlates of LCM. Permanently protected mice usually maintain high virus concentrations in their brains and blood for life2,3, presenting a picture which, on virological grounds, is strikingly similar to the lifelong virus carrier state arising in mice inoculated with LCM virus shortly after birth3,4.
The sequence-immunology correlation revisited: data for cetacean myoglobins and mammalian lysozymes.

Quantitative microcomplement fixation tests employing rabbit antisera were done to compare immunologically 13 cetacean myoglobins and 15 mammalian lysozymes c of known amino acid sequence. In both cases there was a strong correlation between immunological distance (y) and percent sequence difference (x), as had been found for several other globular proteins. For myoglobin the relationship could be described by y = 10.5x and for lysozyme by y = 8.5x. The coefficients in both of these equations are appreciably higher than the values of 5.1–6.9 reported for three other vertebrate globular proteins (bird lysozyme c, mammalian ribonuclease, and mammalian serum albumin), and they imply that rabbit antisera to mammalian myoglobins and lysozymes are more sensitive to evolutionary substitutions. A strong inverse correlation (r = -0.95) was found when the slope of the line relating y to x for these five data sets was plotted against the percent sequence difference between the rabbit's own protein and the proteins immunized with. Specifically, the cetacean myoglobins on average differ in amino acid sequence from rabbit myoglobin by less than 13% and exhibit the steepest slope (10.5), while bird lysozyme sequences differ by nearly 40% from rabbit lysozyme and exhibit the shallowest slope (5.1).
A cold neutron differential reflection spectrometer which utilizes cylindrical reflections

Abstract Cold neutron spectrometers of the differential reflection type have increased resolution if cylindrical reflectors, rather than planar reflectors, are utilized. The increased resolution of the cylindrical reflector results from the neutron beam-reflector angle of incidence remaining more constant over the beam area than is the case for planar reflectors.
The effect of oxygen tension on the growth and metabolism of WI‐38 cells

The effect of oxygen tension on cellular growth and metabolism was studied in actively growing WI-38 cells [>90% labeled nuclei (LN)] grown under atmospheres containing 5% CO2 and various combinations of O2 and N2. Cells grown under a partial pressure of oxygen (P) of 7.8 ± 3.5 mm Hg had a significantly slower growth rate, lower saturation densities and higher rates of glucose consumption and lactate production than did cells grown under a P of 44 ± 7 mm Hg. There were no significant differences in saturation density or the rates of glucose consumption or lactate production between cells grown under P 26 ± 4 mm Hg, 44 ± 7 mm Hg, or 134 ± 11 mm Hg. Population doubling time was slightly prolonged at a P of 134 mm Hg compared to a P of 44 mm Hg. Cells grown under a P of 291 ± 25 mm Hg showed only 20–30% of the growth rate and 10–20% of the saturation density of cells grown under a P of 134 mm Hg. Despite this reduced growth, cells grown under a P of 291 mm Hg consumed four to six times as much glucose and produced four to six times as much lactate per cell as cells grown at a P of 134 mm Hg. Cells grown under a P of 560 ± 38 mm Hg attached but did not proliferate. This toxic effect of oxygen on cell proliferation was reversible and was not due to an effect of oxygen on the media.
Pulmonary Toxicity Following Gastrointestinal Ingestion of Kerosene

The continuing controversy concerning the treatment for acute hydrocarbon ingestions led to a study of the pulmonary effects of kerosene absorption from the gastrointestinal tract in dogs. Gastrostomies and cervical esophageal transections with a proximal esophageal fistula were performed on 11 dogs under general anesthesia. Following a return of normal bowel function each animal was given 20 cc/kg of a commercial-grade kerosene by gastrostomy tube. The dogs were randomly divided into two groups for necropsy at 24 and at 72 hours, and each dog had chest radiographs prior to instillation of the kerosene and at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours, depending on their group. The dogs were given an overdose of barbiturate for euthanasia. Tissue was randomly selected from the lungs and examined using standard microscopic and histologic techniques. No clinical complications were observed in any of the animals following the kerosene instillation. No radiologic or histologic evidence of pulmonary changes due to kerosene was found. The lack of pulmonary pathologic changes following kerosene ingestion in dogs protected from aspiration suggests that the treatment for kerosene poisoning should be confined to supportive measures. Induction of emesis is contraindicated in the management of hydrocarbon ingestion.
The Internet's World Wide Web and Political Accountability: New Media Coverage of the 1996 Presidential Debates

Despite extensive criticism in recent decades of political journalism, institutions are resistant to change and public discourse is left wanting. The situation suggests, in part, the need for more ...
What Do Invisible Friends Know? Imaginary Companions, God, and Theory of Mind

Theory of mind (ToM) research has been carried out in relation to a variety of human and nonhuman agents such as parents, friends, God, Mayan forest spirits, and animals. The present study adds a new agent to the list—the imaginary/invisible friend. Three types of ToM tasks were administered to 36 children, ages 2 to 8, who had invisible friends at the time of the tasks: occluded picture, background knowledge, and surprising contents tasks. The knowledge attributed to imaginary companions was compared to the knowledge attributed to God, as well as to a human and to a dog. Results showed that younger children tended to attribute knowledge to all agents, including imaginary friends. Older children treated God differently from all other agents, but the invisible friend was also treated differently from the human and the dog. Implications regarding cognitive development and anthropomorphism are considered, as well as for the in-between character of invisible friends.
Nucleon spectra in heavy ion collision prior to equilibrium

Abstract Energy spectra and angular distribution of nucleons emitted in intermediate energy heavy ion collisions prior to equilibrium are calculated. The spectra have two components: (a) promptly emitted particles (PEPS) or Fermi jets; (b) emission from a localized excited region at the interface of the two colliding ions. The results obtained with this model have been compared with experiment and the agreement is good.
EXPERIMENTAL. MODAL. ANALYSIS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Summary Experimental modal analysis techniques have been shown to be applicable to both laboratory test specimens and in situ test structures made of reinforced concrete. These techniques, in general, apply only to linear structures; however, many concrete structures are designed to remain in the linear, uncracked response region during dynamic excitation (nuclear power plant structures, for example). Data from the experimental analyses agreed well with finite-element modal analysis results, and the numerical models were further refined based on the experimental results. Because of the relatively low excitation levels required, these methods provide engineers with techniques for assessing the as-built condition of a structure without introducing damage into the structure. If a concrete structure is damaged, the experimental modal analysis methods could possibly be used to monitor its deterioration. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the sensitivity to damage of the experimentally determined modal properties. Also, methods must be found to determine, without prior modal data, if an in-situ structure is in a damaged state. These topics are being pursued by other researchers in the experimental modal analysis field.6 In its current form, experimental modal analysis methods can provide both practicing and research engineers with a valuable tool for verifying dynamic properties of reinforced concrete structures.
Gastric carcinoma; review of errors in diagnosis.

This paper is a review of errors which came within my survey and which were opportunely closely followed up. Browning said “Error has no end.” Not few are the errors in diagnosis, but while roentgenology may be indispensable, it becomes a menace if used to avoid thinking, and when x-ray and clinical evidence are at variance, reliance should be placed on the latter. The crying need is for physicians first and always to be aware and fearful of the worst malady, and then never try and escape the cold logic of medicine by following a path of least resistance in diagnosis and treatment.
Cardioprotective actions of oligotide, a single stranded polydeoxyribonucleotide complex, in myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion injury.

Abstract 1. The efficacy of oligotide, a single stranded polydeoxyribonucleotide complex, was examined in a feline model of myocardial ischaemia (MI: 90 min) and reperfusion (R: 270 min). Oligotide (15 mg kg-1 bolus) was administered intravenously 80 min after occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery (i.e., 10 min prior to R) and continued for an additional 280 min (10 mg kg-1 h-1 infusion). 2. Oligotide-treated cats showed significantly smaller myocardial necroses and lower cardiac myeloperoxidase activities (significantly lower neutrophil infiltration) in the necrotic zone as compared to MI+R cats receiving only vehicle. 3. LAD coronary arteries isolated from MI+R cats exhibited a significant endothelial dysfunction (i.e., reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation), and significantly increased adherence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) ex vivo. However, oligotide significantly preserved endothelial function and attenuated PMN adherence in ischaemic LAD coronary arteries. 4. Oligotide attenuated P-selectin expression on thrombin-stimulated platelets as well as PMN adherence to thrombin-stimulated coronary endothelium. Immunohistochemical examination in vivo revealed that oligotide treatment also significantly inhibited coronary endothelial P-selectin expression after 90 min MI and 20 min R. 5. Oligotide exerted a significant cardioprotection in MI+R injury. The mechanism appears to be related to attenuation of PMN-endothelial interaction and eventual infiltration into the ischaemic myocardium.
Liquid cell with plasmon lenses for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

High-fidelity surface enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) of Rhodamine 6G and 2-mercaptopyrimidine liquid solutions are measured using a microfluidic delivery system constructed on a flat silver substrate. Microscopic plasmon lenses patterned in the silver film focus surface plasmons into a subwavelength spot which yields the light amplification required for SERS. The system provides an efficiency similar to traditional colloidal substrates, and allows multiple sample loading. We find that the main contribution to the spectra comes from the molecules directly attached to the silver surface, which gives strong evidence for the chemical enhancement of SERS.
Toward an operational stray light correction for the Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor

The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) onboard Landsat 8 was tasked with continuing thermal band measurements of Earth as part of the Landsat program. From first light in early 2013, there were obvious indications, such as nonuniform banding and varying absolute calibration errors, that stray light was contaminating the thermal image data collected from the instrument. Stray light in this case refers to unwanted radiance from outside the field-of-view entering the optical system and being recorded by the focal plane. Standard calibration techniques used to flat-field and radiometrically correct the data were not sufficient to adjust the image products to within the accuracy that the Landsat community has come to expect. The development of an operational technique to remove the effects of the stray light in the TIRS data has become a high priority. A methodology is presented that makes use of a stray light optical model developed for the instrument along with knowledge of the out-of-field area surrounding the TIRS earth scene. Two versions of the algorithm are proposed in which one method utilizes near-coincident image data from an external sensor while another novel method is proposed that makes use of TIRS image data itself without the need for external data. Preliminary results of the algorithm indicate that banding artifacts due to stray light are significantly reduced when the methods are applied. Additionally, initial absolute calibration error estimates of over 9K are reduced to within 2K when applying the correction methods. Although both variations of the proposed algorithm have significantly reduced the stray light effects, the fact that the latter method utilizing TIRS image data itself does not rely on any external data is a significant advantage toward the development of an operational stray light correction solution. Ongoing work is focused on operationalizing the algorithm and identifying and quantifying potential sources of error when applying the method.
Segment-Based Channel Assignment in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks

In the opportunistic spectrum sharing (OSS) paradigm, unlicensed users (a.k.a. secondary users) "opportunistically" operate in fallow licensed spectrum on a non-interference basis to licensed users (a.k.a. primary users). Each secondary user is equipped with a cognitive radio (CR) that has the capability to selectively operate in fallow licensed bands. In the OSS paradigm, the temporal and spatial spectrum variability caused by the primary users' spectrum utilization adds another dimension of complexity to the problem of channel assignment. Because existing channel assignment approaches (which were originally designed for conventional wireless networks)?such as link-based and flow-based approaches?do not consider spectrum variability, they do not offer the best trade-off in terms of complexity and performance. In this paper, we investigate the channel assignment problem In single radio Interface, CR ad hoc networks. We present a novel channel assignment scheme that assigns channels at the granularity of segments. The proposed scheme is significantly simpler than existing approaches, and offers several practical advantages. Using simulations results, we show that the proposed segment-based channel assignment strategy outperforms link-based channel assignment under realistic network conditions.
An efficient algorithm for identifying security relevant logic and vulnerabilities in RTL designs

For complex production hardware designs, a significant challenge is to decide where to look for security issues. Published approaches to information flow security analysis find all paths from signals for an asset to ports accessible by an adversary, such as a secret key to a point of disclosure. Although this can be beneficial in eliminating areas of the hardware designs that need not be reviewed, what is included is still overwhelmingly large for a proper review for security vulnerabilities. However, it is not necessary to review all of the paths, but instead to review access control mechanisms that limit information flow between adversary and asset. Our method of using multiple information flow paths allows us to identify access control mechanisms and evaluate whether they are used on every access to the asset. Our technique was used commercially in production hardware design to successfully find critical security issues before tape-in by pre-Si validation engineers at Intel.
An intronic alternative promoter of the human lactoferrin gene is activated by Ets

Abstract Lactoferrin expresses in a variety of tissues and involves in various aspects of host defense mechanisms. The lactoferrin gene is differentially regulated through multiple signaling pathways. Recently, an alternative form of human lactoferrin mRNA (ΔLF) was found in normal human tissues but absent from the tumor cells. In this study, we identified the transcription start sites of the ΔLF in mammary gland and bone marrow and demonstrated that the ΔLF is the product of an alternative (P2) promoter present in the first intron of the lactoferrin gene. The P2 promoter has high activity in Jurkat and U937 and low activity in RL95-2 and HEC-1B cell lines. Nonetheless, the promoter activity in HEC-1B cells was dramatically enhanced with overexpression of the Ets-1 transcription factor. The GFP-tagged lactoferrin is present in the cytoplasm whereas GFP-tagged ΔLF is found in both nucleus and cytoplasm as examined by fluorescence and confocal microscopy.
A framework for using OO mapping methods to rapidly configure ERP systems

The Enterprise Object Model captures and transforms user requirements into detailed configuration settings for ERP software, reducing ERP system configuration effort and maintenance costs.
Resonance impact ionization in superlattices

Abstract We propose an enhancement of the electron or hole impact ionization coefficients (α or β) by introducing resonant impact ionization states into the (conduction or valence) band by using suitable lattice matched multilayer heterojunctions (superlattices). Model calculations for the AlAs:GaAs superlattice indicate resonance enhancements can occur over a wide range of energy gaps (1.54–1.9 eV). The gap can be varied by choosing the appropriate ratio of the alternating layer thickness. This effect should be useful for improving the signal/noise ratio of avalanche photodiodes significantly.
Discounting of reward sequences: a test of competing formal models of hyperbolic discounting.

Humans are known to discount future rewards hyperbolically in time. Nevertheless, a formal recursive model of hyperbolic discounting has been elusive until recently, with the introduction of the hyperbolically discounted temporal difference (HDTD) model. Prior to that, models of learning (especially reinforcement learning) have relied on exponential discounting, which generally provides poorer fits to behavioral data. Recently, it has been shown that hyperbolic discounting can also be approximated by a summed distribution of exponentially discounted values, instantiated in the µAgents model. The HDTD model and the µAgents model differ in one key respect, namely how they treat sequences of rewards. The µAgents model is a particular implementation of a parallel discounting model, which values sequences based on the summed value of the individual rewards whereas the HDTD model contains a nonlinear interaction. To discriminate among these models, we ascertained how subjects discounted a sequence of three rewards, and then we tested how well each candidate model fit the subject data. The results show that the parallel model generally provides a better fit to the human data.
ON THE GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE OF CERATOCYSTIS ULMI.

Abstract The properties of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from a number of sources have been investigated by various workers, but none have reported the enzyme to be inhibited by iodoacetate. This enzyme from Ceratocystis ulmi , the Dutch elm disease fungus, while possessing many properties similar to those of the enzyme from other sources, is inhibited by iodoacetate; it appears to require free SH groups for enzymic activity. Complete protection against iodoacetate and 5,5′-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoate) inhibition could be obtained if the enzyme were first allowed to incubate with NADP before adding the inhibitors, and p -chloromercuribenzoate inhibition could be partly reversed by the addition of cysteine.
TWO DIMENSIONAL DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF FETAL CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS

We have evaluated the use of two-dimensional (2-D) pulsed Doppler echocardiography (DE) in conjunction with M-mode and 2-D imaging to assess the electromechanical status of fetuses with cardiac arrhythmias. Using duplex imaging systems we have evaluated DE flow velocity tracings in 20 human fetuses (gestational ages 18-38 weeks) with cardiac arrhythmias. Waveform analysis of atrioventricular valve (AVV) and great vessel flows have demonstrated the hemodynamic effects of isolated atrial ectopic beats in 18 of these patients. DE was more sensitive than M-mode in detecting ectopic atrial activity (18/18 cases versus 14/18 cases). In one patient with atrioventricular block DE showed the abnormal relationship between atrial and ventricular activity. DE analysis of great vessel flows has demonstrated the impact of arrhythmias on fetal cardiovascular function and has documented the presence of postextrasystolic potentiation in the human fetus. Disturbed flow patterns were found in an hydropic fetus with SVT with retrograde vena caval flow due to tricuspid insufficiency and decreased diastolic flow in both the ductus arteriosus and descending aorta. Flow patterns normalized after transplacental therapy. DE has added to the sensitivity and accuracy of the in utero evaluation of fetal arrhythmias and has increased our understanding of the flow disturbances that they cause.
Manipulating the Circadian and Sleep Cycles to Protect Against Metabolic Disease

Modernization of human society parallels an epidemic of metabolic disorders including obesity. Apart from excess caloric intake, a 24/7 lifestyle poses another important challenge to our metabolic health. Recent research under both laboratory and epidemiological settings has indicated that abnormal temporal organization of sleep and wakeful activities including food intake is a significant risk factor for metabolic disease. The circadian clock system is our intrinsic biological timer that regulates internal rhythms such as the sleep/wake cycle and also responses to external stimuli including light and food. Initially thought to be mainly involved in the timing of sleep, the clock and/or clock genes may also play a role in sleep architecture and homeostasis. Importantly, an extensive body of evidence has firmly established a master regulatory role of the clock in energy balance. Together, a close relationship between well-timed circadian/sleep cycles and metabolic health is emerging. Exploiting this functional connection, an important holistic strategy toward curbing the epidemic of metabolic disorders (e.g. obesity) involves corrective measures on the circadian clock and sleep. In addition to behavioral and environmental interventions including meal timing and light control, pharmacological agents targeting sleep and circadian clocks promise convenient and effective applications. Recent studies, for example, have reported small molecules targeting specific clock components and displaying robust beneficial effects on sleep and metabolism. Furthermore, a group of clock-amplitude enhancing small molecules (CEMs) identified via high-throughput chemical screens are of particular interest for future in vivo studies of their metabolic and sleep efficacies. Elucidating the functional relationship between clock, sleep and metabolism will also have far-reaching implications for various chronic human diseases and aging.
Condensed states of nucleic acids. III. Ψ(+) and Ψ(−) Conformational transitions of DNA induced by ethanol and salt

The conformational response of calf thymus DNA to solvent conditions altered by varying amounts of ethanol and NaCl has been monitored by circular dichroism (CD). These measurements, which extend over a much greater range of conditions than previously examined, reveal (above critical concentrations of ethanol and salt) a condensed form of the macro-molecule with unusually large positive ellipticity in the 250–300-nm region [the Ψ(+) state]. Mere increase in NaCl concentration at constant 35% (v/v) concentration of ethanol suffices to convert such Ψ(+) samples—via a series of intermediate forms with CD spectra resembling those of A-DNA, then B-DNA—into Ψ(−) states having anomalously large negative ellipticity similar to the well-known Ψ(−) forms produced by above-critical concentrations of poly-(ethylene oxide) and salt. These ethanol/salt-induced transitions are all completely reversible and can occur without formation of any visible precipitates. We suggest that they represent predominantly tertiary structural changes of B-form DNA molecules analogous to the changes which occur in several other systems where Ψ(+) ⇌ Ψ(−) interconversion has been reported. A “skein-of-yarn” model for the condensed tertiary (and quaternary, i.e., aggregated) state of the DNA affords one possible explanation for the inversions of ellipticity in all these cases. Such a model accords well with the accepted description of cholesteric liquid crystals.
5A11 antigen is a cell recognition molecule which is involved in neuronal-glial interactions in avian neural retina

In continuing efforts to identify cell-surface molecules involved in cell-cell interactions in the developing avian retina, we identified a monoclonal antibody, the 5A11 antibody, which possessed the ability to interfere with contact-dependent glial cell maturation in vitro. We sought to determine the molecular and biochemical identity of the glycoprotein recognized by this antibody, and using additional criteria, establish whether the 5A11 antigen is indeed a cell-recognition molecule in the developing retina. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrate that in the hatchling chick retina and in live cultures of embryonic retina cells, the 5A11 antigen is predominantly associated with Muller glial cells whereas little is observed on neuronal elements. Microsequencing of the major component isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography identifies the HT7 antigen (Seulberger et al.: EMBO Journal 9:2151-2158, 1990), a unique member of the immunoglobulin super gene family (IGSF), as a homologous if not identical protein to the 5A11 antigen. The HT7 antibody, furthermore, recognizes affinity purified 5A11 antigen, and both the HT7 antibody and additional probes generated against the 5A11 antigen recognize a major polypeptide of 45.5 kDa and a minor band of 69 kDa on Western blots of membrane preparations from neural retina. To verify that the 5A11 antigen mediates cell-cell recognition events in the developing neural retina, we examined the consequences of adding antibody to monolayer cultures of dissociated embryonic retina cells and to dissociated retina cells in rotation-mediated suspension culture. Addition of the 5A11 antibody to monolayer cultures results in alteration in the development of the stereotypic arrangement of neurons and glia characterized by a reduction in the number and complexity of neural extensions upon the glial-derived flat cells. Similarly, addition of antibodies generated against the 5A11 antigen to dissociated cells in rotation cultures significantly reduces retina cell reaggregation as monitored by computer-assisted image analysis of cell aggregate size. These data and the identification of the 5A11 antigen as a member of the IGSF establish a role for the 5A11 antigen as a novel recognition molecule in the developing neural retina.
A four-quadrant analog divider multiplier with 0.01% distortion

A 600MHz transconductance amplifier exhibiting 1% gain compression at 300MHz and 80% of full range with 0.2% thermal distortion, using cascomp technology, will be reported.
Delayed carotid-cavernous fistula and multiple cranial neuropathy following basal skull fracture

A case of basilar skull fracture associated with palsies of the 3rd through 10th cranial nerves on the ipsilateral side is presented. Three months after the initial injury, despite return of significant ocular movement, proptosis and conjunctival congestion heralded the onset of an ipsilateral carotid-cavernous fistula. Angiography revealed the presence of a carotid-cavernous fistula; however, the ipsilateral carotid artery was occluded in the neck. A single pathophysiological mechanism is proposed to account for this unique series of events.
Arbitrary frequency tunable radio frequency bandpass filter based on nano-patterned Permalloy coplanar waveguide (invited)

A well designed coplanar waveguide (CPW) based center frequency tunable bandpass filter (BPF) at 4 GHz enabled with patterned Permalloy (Py) thin film has been implemented. The operating frequency of BPF is tunable with only DC current without the use of any external magnetic field. Electromagnetic bandgap resonators structure is adopted in the BPF and thus external DC current can be applied between the input and output of the filter for tuning of Py permeability. Special configurations of resonators with multiple narrow parallel sections have been considered for larger inductance tenability; the tunability of CPW transmission lines of different widths with patterned Py thin film on the top of the signal lines is compared and measured. Py thin film patterned as bars is deposited on the top of the multiple narrow parallel sections of the designed filter. No extra area is required for the designed filter configuration. Filter is measured and results show that its center frequency could be tuned from 4 GHz to 4.02 GHz when the DC current is applied from 0 mA to 400 mA.
Gradient-index AR film deposited by the sol–gel process

Gradient-index alkali borosilicate antireflection films for use in laser systems were deposited by the sol-gel process. Laser damage thresholds of these films, measured with 1.06-microm 1-nsec pulses, were four times greater than thresholds of widely used, multilayer, antireflection coatings.
Eisenstein Series over Complex Quadratic Fields When the Class Number Exceeds One

INTRODUCTION In 1954, Hermann [IS] developed an explicit Hecke theory over totally real fields by using the ideal numbers of Hecke. For a field of class number h, he introduced modular forms which were actually vectors of Ir different functions. The author [7] developed the analogous theory for complex fields with h > 1. In 1982, Goldfeld et
Multicasting in delay tolerant networks: semantic models and routing algorithms

Delay tolerant networks (DTNs) are a class of emerging networks that experience frequent and long-duration partitions. These networks have a variety of applications in situations such as crisis environments and deep-space communication. In this paper, we study the problem of multicasting in DTNs. Multicast supports the distribution of data to a group of users, a service needed for many potential DTN applications. While multicasting in the Internet and mobile ad hoc networks has been studied extensively, due to the unique characteristic of frequent partitioning in DTNs, multicasting in DTNs is a considerably different and challenging problem. It not only requires new definitions of multicast semantics but also brings new issues to the design of routing algorithms. In this paper, we propose new semantic models for DTN multicast and develop several multicast routing algorithms with different routing strategies. We present a framework to evaluate these algorithms in DTNs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of multicasting in DTNs. Our objectives are to understand how routing performance is affected by the availability of knowledge about network topology and group membership and to guide the design of DTN routing protocols. Using ns simulations, we find that efficient multicast routing for DTNs can be constructed using only partial knowledge. In addition, accurate topology information is generally more important in routing than up-to-date membership information. We also find that routing algorithms that forward data along multiple paths achieve better delivery ratios, especially when available knowledge is limited.
Kuppfer Cells Trigger Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Development in Diet-induced Mouse Model through Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Production

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by lipid deposits within hepatocytes (steatosis), is associated with hepatic injury and inflammation and leads to the development of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocarcinoma. However, the pathogenic mechanism of NASH is not well understood. To determine the role of distinct innate myeloid subsets in the development of NASH, we examined the contribution of liver resident macrophages (i.e. Kupffer cells) and blood-derived monocytes in triggering liver inflammation and hepatic damage. Employing a murine model of NASH, we discovered a previously unappreciated role for TNFα and Kupffer cells in the initiation and progression of NASH. Sequential depletion of Kupffer cells reduced the incidence of liver injury, steatosis, and proinflammatory monocyte infiltration. Furthermore, our data show a differential contribution of Kupffer cells and blood monocytes during the development of NASH; Kupffer cells increased their production of TNFα, followed by infiltration of CD11bintLy6Chi monocytes, 2 and 10 days, respectively, after starting the methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet. Importantly, targeted knockdown of TNFα expression in myeloid cells decreased the incidence of NASH development by decreasing steatosis, liver damage, monocyte infiltration, and the production of inflammatory chemokines. Our findings suggest that the increase of TNFα-producing Kupffer cells in the liver is crucial for the early phase of NASH development by promoting blood monocyte infiltration through the production of IP-10 and MCP-1.
Molecular dynamics simulation of continuous current flow through a model biological membrane channel.

The conductance of sodium ions through a simplified channel-membrane system immersed in a reservoir of $1M$ NaCl in SPC/E water is examined by molecular dynamics simulation. An applied external potential of 1.1 V drives the ions and water through a channel of length 25 \AA{} producing a current of 19.6 pA, in reasonable agreement with experimental findings. The stream of ions and water molecules flows continuously because of the constant applied field and periodic boundary conditions. We also examine the potential profile across the simulation cell, the average density distributions of the various species in the reservoir and radially in the channel, and the ion velocity in the channel.
Ultrasonic micromotors: physics and applications

Initial observations of phenomena in a prototype ultrasonic micromotor structure are presented. Small polysilicon blocks are translated and rotated using traveling ultrasonic flexural waves in thin membranes. The 2-micron-thick blocks ranged in size from 50 mu m square to 250 by 500 mu m. The acoustic wavelength was 100 mu m, and the few-megahertz transducer voltage was typically 5; motion was observed at voltages as low as 1.5 V. The acoustic wave power was about 1 mW. Linear motion quickly moved the blocks off of the 3 mm by 8 mm membrane region; stable rotational motion was also observed. Blocks moved linearly at about 10 mm/s and rotated at about 150 r.p.m., depending on the drive voltage. Motion was observed in air, vacuum, and helium ambients. >
Controlling Capital? Legal Restrictions and the Asset Composition of International Financial Flows

How effective are capital account restrictions? We provide new answers based on a novel panel data set of capital controls, disaggregated by asset class and by inflows/outflows, covering 74 countries during 1995-2005. We find the estimated effects of capital controls to vary markedly across the types of capital controls, both by asset categories, by the direction of flows, and across countries' income levels. In particular, both debt and equity controls can substantially reduce outflows, with little effect on capital inflows, but only high-income countries appear able to effectively impose debt (outflow) controls. The results imply that capital controls can affect both the volume and the composition of capital flows.
Decomposing U.S. Regional Incomes: A Reply

In receqt years there has been a resurgence of interest in the phenomenon of economic growth. The interest was sparked by the introduction of new models by Paul Romer and Robert Lucas.' The neoclassical Solow growth model, despite its influence over the years, has a fundamental flaw: growth is determined exogenously. The new models by Romer and Lucas solve for the growth rate of the economy endogenously. In these models, due to spillovers in capital or in human capital, growth can go on indefinitely. In a later work, Romer argued that increasing returns are necessary elements in models of technological innovations, which in turn form the foundation for endogenous growth models.2 The theoretical innovations in modeling growth stimulated a significant body of empirical work.3 In international trade, a similar revival began a few years earlier. The renewed interest centered on the works of Paul Krugman and Elhanan Helpman who adapted the Avinash Dixit-Joseph Stiglitz model of monopolistic competition to explain international trade.4 In the standard neoclassical Heckscher-Ohlin model, trade occurs because regions and nations exploit their comparative advantages in resources. However, in the new increasing returns models, trade occurs as regions and nations take advantage of economies of scale. While this latter motivation for trade was well known, it was largely neglected until it was modeled more rigorously. Once again, the innovations in modeling led to a significant body of empirical work in international trade.5 While these new increasing returns to scale models of growth and trade represent methodological breakthroughs in modeling spillovers or externalities, they also predict entirely different patterns of growth and development for regions and nations than their neoclassical counterparts. For the growth models, differences in regional or national income per capita rest on the differences in capital-labor ratios. The neoclassical theory, due to the diminishing returns to capital, predicts the convergence of income per capita across regions and nations. On the other hand, the new endogenous growth theory, due to spillovers, predicts the divergence of income per capita. For the trade models, differences in regional or national income per capita rest on differences in industrial structures. The neoclassical Heckscher-Ohlin model predicts the divergence or convergence of income per capita de-
Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Patient Outcome as an Adjunct to Histopathology: A Second Reference Standard in the Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Low-grade Gliomas

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) can predict patient outcome, specifically tumor progression, in low-grade gliomas (LGGs) and thus provide a second reference standard in the surgical and postsurgical management of LGGs. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with histologically diagnosed LGGs (21 low-grade astrocytomas and 14 low-grade oligodendrogliomas and low-grade mixed oligoastrocytomas) were studied with dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion magnetic resonance imaging. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare patients in different response categories (complete response, stable, progressive, death) with respect to baseline rCBV. Log-rank tests were used to evaluate the association of rCBV with survival and time to progression. Kaplan-Meier time-toprogression curves were generated. Tumor volumes and CBV measurements were obtained at the initial examination and again at follow-up to determine the association of rCBV with tumor volume progression. RESULTS: Wilcoxon tests showed patients manifesting an adverse event (either death or progression) had significantly higher rCBV (P0.003) than did patients without adverse events (complete response or stable disease). Log-rank tests showed that rCBV exhibited a significant negative association with disease-free survival (P 0.0015), such that low rCBV values were associated with longer time to progression. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated that lesions with rCBV less than 1.75 (n 16) had a median time to progression of 4620 433 days, and lesions with rCBV more than 1.75 (n 19) had a median time to progression of 245 62 days (P 0.005). Lesions with low baseline rCBV (1.75) demonstrated stable tumor volumes when followed up over time, and lesions with high baseline rCBV (1.75) demonstrated progressively increasing tumor volumes over time. CONCLUSION: Dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion magnetic resonance imaging may be used to identify LGGs that are either high-grade gliomas, misdiagnosed because of sampling error at pathological examination or that have undergone angiogenesis in the progression toward malignant transformation. This suggests that rCBV measurements may be used as a second reference standard to determine the surgical management/risk–benefit equation and postsurgical adjuvant therapy for LGGs.
Mobile system energy conservation for adaptive multimedia applications

As mobile systems become increasing prevalent, they are being called upon to run multimedia applications traditionally associated with the wired domain. Unfortunately, battery capacity is not keeping pace with system demand, driving the demand for energy efficiency. Unfortunately, the encapsulation of traditional layered designs limits the energy that can be saved because layers cannot cooperate. However, monolithic systems have been shown to be inefficient and unscalable. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a system consisting of multiple adaptive applications, and adaptive MAC and transport layers. We evaluate this system by implementing an adaptive video encoding application, showing that a layered approach sharing enough information can enable energy efficiency while maintaining sufficient isolation to allow the replacement of components without requiring a whole-system redesign.
Economics, demography, and epidemiology: an interdisciplinary glossary

This glossary focuses on the “borderland” between demography, economic history, economic theory, and epidemiology
ThinPrep Pap tests in patients with endometrial cancer: A histo‐cytological correlation

The aim of this retrospective study was to correlate cytological diagnoses of endometrial cancers in ThinPrep Pap tests with the histological diagnoses. ThinPrep specimens from 67 patients within 12 mo of the histological diagnosis of endometrial cancer were studied. Of this study sample, 89.6% had abnormal Pap tests. Abnormal Pap tests occurred in 96.8, 68.4, and 100% of patients with grades 1, 2, or 3 endometrial cancers, respectively. Of patients with endocervical involvement, 88.9% had positive or suspicious Pap tests, compared with 41.1% without endocervical involvement (LR = 7.85, P < 0.01). Of patients with ≥50% myometrial invasion, 78.9% had positive or suspicious Pap tests, compared with 34.8% with less than 50% invasion (LR = 10.97, P < 0.01). Positive or suspicious Pap tests were found in 59.5 and 32.1% of those with tumors ≥3 cm or <3cm, respectively (LR = 4.85, P < 0.05). Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:448–453. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Selenium Deficiency Decreases Antioxidative Capacity and Is Detrimental to Bone Microarchitecture in Mice

Selenium (Se), an essential mineral, plays a major role in cellular redox status and may have beneficial effects on bone health. The objective of this study was to determine whether Se deficiency affects redox status and bone microarchitecture in a mouse model. Thirty-three male C57BL/6J mice, 18 wk old, were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Mice were fed either a purified, Se-deficient diet (SeDef) containing ∼0.9 μg Se/kg diet, or Se-adequate diets containing ∼100 μg Se/kg diet from either selenomethionine (SeMet) or pinto beans (SeBean) for 4 mo. The Se concentration, glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) activity, and GPx1 mRNA in liver were lower in the SeDef group than in the SeMet or SeBean group. The femoral trabecular bone volume/total volume and trabecular number were less, whereas trabecular separation was greater, in the SeDef group than in either the SeMet or SeBean group (P < 0.05). Bone structural parameters between the SeMet and SeBean groups did not differ. Furthermore, Serum concentrations of C-reactive protein, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone were higher in the SeDef group than in the other 2 groups. These findings demonstrate that Se deficiency is detrimental to bone microarchitecture by increasing bone resorption, possibly through decreasing antioxidative potential.
Rediscovering Vitamin D

Over the past 2 years there has been a radical change in standard clinical practice with respect to vitamin D. As a result of a growing body of knowledge physicians are assessing the vitamin D nutritional status of their patients and prescribing aggressive repletion regimens of a vitamin D supplement. The present paper summarizes some basic information about this essential nutrient and reviews some of the more recent data implicating vitamin D deficiency in disease etiology with an emphasis on cardiovascular disease and cancer. Finally a rational approach to the dosing of vitamin D in different patient populations is provided. Keywords: Vitamin D deficiency; calcidiol; calcitriol; disease prevention; autoimmune; cardiovascular; cancer; mycobacterial infection; cathelicidin (Published: 8 November 2010) Citation: Libyan J Med 2010, 5 : 5648 - DOI: 10.3402/ljm.v5i0.5648
Coarsening Dynamics of Domains in Lipid Membranes

We investigate isothermal diffusion and growth of micron-scale liquid domains within membranes of free-floating giant unilamellar vesicles with diameters between 80 and 250 μm. Domains appear after a rapid temperature quench, when the membrane is cooled through a miscibility phase transition such that coexisting liquid phases form. In membranes quenched far from a miscibility critical point, circular domains nucleate and then progress within seconds to late stage coarsening in which domains grow via two mechanisms 1), collision and coalescence of liquid domains, and 2), Ostwald ripening. Both mechanisms are expected to yield the same growth exponent, α = 1/3, where domain radius grows as timeα. We measure α = 0.28 ± 0.05, in excellent agreement. In membranes close to a miscibility critical point, the two liquid phases in the membrane are bicontinuous. A quench near the critical composition results in rapid changes in morphology of elongated domains. In this case, we measure α = 0.50 ± 0.16, consistent with theory and simulation.