cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The correlation of ATP-binding cassette 1 mRNA levels with cholesterol efflux from various cell lines

Studies show that lipid-free apoA-I stimulates release of cholesterol and phospholipid from fibroblasts and macrophages. ATP-binding cassette 1 (ABC1) is implicated in this release and has been identified as the genetic defect in Tangier disease, evidence that ABC1 is critical to the biogenesis of high density lipoprotein. We quantified levels of ABC1 mRNA, protein, and cholesterol efflux from J774 mouse macrophages +/- exposure to a cAMP analog. Up-regulating ABC1 mRNA correlated to increased cholesterol efflux in a dose- and time-dependent manner. mRNA levels rose after 15 min of exposure while protein levels rose after 1 h, with increased efflux 2-4 h post-treatment. In contrast to cells from wild-type mice, peritoneal macrophages from the Abc1 -/- mouse showed a lower level of basal efflux and no increase with cAMP treatment. The stimulation of efflux exhibits specificity for apoA-I, high density lipoprotein, and other apolipoproteins as cholesterol acceptors, but not for small unilamellar vesicles, bile acid micelles, or cyclodextrin. We have studied a number of cell types and found that while other cell lines express ABC1 constitutively, only J774 and elicited mouse macrophages show a substantial increase of mRNA and efflux with cAMP treatment. ApoA-I-stimulated efflux was detected from the majority of cell lines examined, independent of treatment.
Computer Mechanization of Six-degree of Freedom Flight Equations

Computer solution of six degrees of freedom flight equations, discussing advantages of using flight path axes for translational equations of motion
Psychotic-like experiences and interpersonal violence in the general population.

Background Research on the association of psychopathology and violence has mainly focused on severe but rare mental disorders, especially psychotic disorders. However, evidence is growing that psychotic disorders are continuous with common psychotic-like experiences in the general population. This study aimed to examine the association of psychotic-like experiences with violence in a general population sample.
Modification of the optical spectra of glass by metal ion implantation

Abstract We have carried out some exploratory investigations of the effect of metal ion implantation on the optical transmission characteristics of glass. The implants were done using the vacuum-arc-based high current metal ion implantation facility developed at Berkeley. The implanted doses were from 3 × 10 16 to 1 × 10 17 cm −2 and the energy was mostly 60 keV. A range of different metal ion species was used, including C, Al, Si, Ti, Fe, Ni, Cu, Y, Ag, Pt and Au. We used soda lime-silica glass (window glass), boron-silica glass (microscope slides), and tin oxide coated glass. The transmission of the glass samples to optical radiation in the wavelength range 300 to 2400 nm was measured. Here we outline the procedure and describe the results of the optical transmission measurements.
Novel Sequence Determinants in Peroxisome Proliferator Signaling

The gene encoding cytochrome P-450 4A6 (CYP4A6) is transcriptionally activated by peroxisome proliferators. This response is dependent on a strong enhancer element (Z) and weaker elements (X and -27). The peroxisome proliferator response is mediated by the binding of heterodimers containing the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) and the retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR alpha) to these elements. These peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPREs) contain imperfect direct repeats of the nuclear receptor consensus recognition sequence with a spacing of one nucleotide (DR1) (AGGTCA N AGGTCA). This DR1 motif is seen in the binding sites for other nuclear receptor complexes, such as ARP-1, HNF-4, and RXR alpha homodimers. Mutational analysis of the Z element reveals that the DR1 motif is required for the transcriptional activation of the CYP4A6 gene by peroxisome proliferators; however, deletion of sequences immediately upstream of this motif also abolishes this response. Oligonucleotides corresponding to truncated and mutated Z elements were assayed by gel retardation for binding to RXR alpha, PPAR alpha, and ARP-1. Deletions or mutations within six nucleotides 5' of the DR1 motif dramatically diminish PPAR alpha.RXR alpha binding without reducing the binding of either RXR alpha or ARP-1 homodimers, whereas mutation or deletion of the core DR1 sequences abolishes the binding of PPAR alpha.RXR alpha heterodimers and of RXR alpha or ARP-1 homodimers. Thus, the DR1 motif in the Z element is not sufficient to constitute a PPRE. Moreover, the binding of PPAR alpha.RXR alpha to the Z element requires sequences immediately 5' of the DR1. These sequences are conserved in natural PPREs and promote binding of PPAR alpha.RXR alpha heterodimers in preference to potential competitors such as ARP-1 and RXR alpha.
PIM and personality: what do our personal file systems say about us?

Individual differences are prevalent in personal information management (PIM). There is large variation between individuals in how they structure and retrieve information from personal archives. These differences make it hard to develop general PIM tools. However we know little about the origins of these differences. We present two studies evaluating whether differences arise from personality traits, by exploring whether different personalities structure personal archives differently. The first exploratory study asks participants to identify PIM cues that signal personality traits. While the aim was to identify cues, these cues also proved surprisingly accurate indicators of personality. In a second study, to evaluate these cues, we directly measure relations between structure and traits. We demonstrate that Conscientiousness predicts file organization, particularly PC users' desktops. Neurotic people may also keep more desktop files. One implication is that systems might be customized for different personalities. We also advance personality theory, showing that personal digital artifacts signal personality.
A Successful Bootstrap Program for Infusion of Computer Competencies into a School of Education Curriculum

AbstractThis article describes the successful, low cost program for the infusion of computer competencies into the curriculum of the School of Education, University of Alaska, Anchorage. All students in the School of Education are required to become computer competent prior to graduation from any of the School's certification programs. Procedures used to develop competencies include laboratory exercises and units in the regular courses of the School's curriculum.
A new Na+-independent transport system for dipolar amino acids apparently corresponding to systems persisting after erythrocyte maturation in some mammalian genotypes.

On the basis of its absence in transport-deficient phenotypes, Young and his associates have discovered in the erythrocytes of sheep and horses a type of Na+-independent transport system that resembles Na+-dependent ASC somewhat in its amino-acid selectivity. These authors have stressed this similarity and accordingly suggested that System ASC might have lost its Na+-dependence in the course of the maturation of the erythrocyte, thus to generate a system of the new type, except in the phenotypes showing the transport-deficient erythrocytes.'*2 We have argued, however, that the cosubstrate Na+ plays a decisive role in generating and determining the recognition site of System ASC for the amino acid; hence that system could hardly retain its amino-acid selectivity in the absence of Na+.' We find it more likely that amino-acid binding not only would lose its pattern of selectivity among the amino acids, but would, in the absence of Na+, disappear entirely. Whichever of these alternative possibilities pertains to the life history of this transport system, the mutually accepted provisional designation, System asc, serves to recognize the similarities to System ASC, and by a recently accepted convention: to take note by its lower case letters of its Na+independence. In the course of studying the heterogeneity of the Na'-independent uptake of amino acids by the nucleated erythrocyte of the pigeon, we can summarize as follows: (1) These features assist in discriminating the new Na+-independent System asc from the classical System L: (a) The time-courses of the Na+-independent uptake of serine, threonine, cysteine, and alanine are very different (see Fig. 1, in Vadagama and Christensen') from the time-courses observed for the uptake of leucine, tryptophan, and the analogue 3-endoaminobicyclo [3.2.l]octane-3-carboxylic acid (BCO). (b) During the 10-minute uptake of threonine, System asc dominates, and leucine and BCO as substrates of System L cause only partial inhibition, whereas threonine, cysteine, serine, and alanine show an apparent tendency to saturate threonine inhibition completely (see Fig. 4 in Vadgama and Christensen'). These properties allowed us to discriminate for several amino acids their components of transport dominated by the new System asc, or by theclassical System L (FIG. 1). (c) System asc was readily inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide, whereas System L is relatively insensitive (FIG. 2).
Statistical characteristics of landmark-based localization performance

Landmark-based localization is a prevalent method to obtain the position information of objects, such as autonomous robots, in industries. This study investigated the performance characteristics of landmark-based localization based on the popular multilateration algorithm from new perspectives. Two performance metrics were used, namely, accuracy and precision, which are defined as the mean and standard deviation of root mean squared error over the entire localization region. The general formulations for the two metrics were obtained, and the computation was accomplished by Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation was performed under a simplified localization configuration, and the following system factors were systematically studied, namely, landmark layout, landmark number, target location distribution, and ranging error type. The quality of landmark layout was, for the first time, quantitatively assessed. Optimal layout can be obtained by minimization of the localization accuracy and precision values with regard to the quality index. It was found that the index represented by the area of polygon enclosed by the landmarks is an excellent measure of layout quality. Also, the improvement of localization performance can be achieved by distributing landmarks more evenly, using more landmarks, placing the target closer to the center of localization region, or reducing the ranging errors. Furthermore, it was also demonstrated that the findings in simulation are generally confirmed by the experimental results using active radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices.
Syndepositional formation of Fe-rich clays in tropical shelf sediments, San Blas Archipelago, Panama

Solid-phase chemistry of modern carbonate–siliciclastic marine sediments from the San Blas Archipelago, Panama, reveals the occurrence of an Fe–Mg authigenic clay facies that is dominated by a ∼7.1-A ferric clay mineral. These Fe-rich clays are highly susceptible to HCl-attack and can comprise a large fraction (up to 5.4 wt.% Fe) of the sediment. Some of the clays are clearly forming in the marine environment as they coat grains, infill carbonate micropores, and replace faecal pellets and carbonate shells. The mode of occurrence, structure, and ferric nature of the clay assemblage identifies the facies as verdine, which has odinite, a dioctohedral–trioctohedral Fe3+-rich 1:1 clay mineral as its key member. The verdine facies in San Blas occurs in suboxic sediments where iron reduction can be a prevalent organic carbon oxidation pathway. Sediment radiocarbon ages show that the San Blas verdine clays formed within the last few thousand years, and in some cases, the clays have been extensively converted into pyrite. The verdine clays most likely grew by incorporating terrestrially derived Fe and Al, seawater Mg, and pore water Si derived from biogenic opal dissolution. Similar clay formation processes may be common in other tropical nearshore environments where sediments are derived from highly weathered lateritic soils and may prove to be an important oceanic elemental sink.
The inveterate wanderer: study of Enhancer wandering on chromosome 3 in maize

The transposition of the maize transposable element Enhancer (En) had been focused on one chromosome 3 for several generations. From the a1-m(Au) allele with an autonomous En, a new En reporter allele a1-m(r)3927-1, was isolated that undergoes very infrequent and late excision events, producing one or two small spots in the aleurone. This allele is seriously impaired in its capacity to excise. Coincident with the origin of this allele, an En was located at a site close to the a1 locus. From this initial insertion site, the movement of this En was followed for three to four generations in 974 families with a higher transposition rate of this En (50% of the testcross progeny) than that found in a previous study of En transposition. This is the first case reported where a particular En was followed for more than three generations. The higher rate of wanderings of this En along the same chromosome led to the term ‘vagabond’ En (En vag ). Genetic evidence that En may transpose from a replicated donor site to an unreplicated site is provided. Speculative mechanisms on the origin of a1-m(r)3927-1 and En vag are discussed.
Outcomes of child sexual contacts: patterns of incarcerations from a national sample.

Abstract Objective: In a test of the relationships between sexual touching before puberty and later incarcerations during adolescence and adulthood, two theoretical models were examined. These models focus on examination of crime from the developmental origins of criminals and the adaptive and maladaptive outcomes of early experiences. Method: Data were taken from the National Health and Social Life Survey to study the sexual touching and social origin variables in childhood and incarceration variable during teen years. The sample was a stratified, random sample of 3,362 adults (18 to 59 years of age) throughout the United States. Results: Data support inferences from the two interrelated models. Respondents reporting touching before puberty were significantly more likely to experience incarceration. They were also more likely to engage in behaviors as teenagers that were associated with an increased probability of jailing. Such behaviors include sexual promiscuity and early departure from the parental family. Conclusions: These findings are consistent for first jailing as a teenager and as an adult, as well as for those with short (less than a week) or longer (a week or more) spells of incarceration. Prepubertal sexual touching has a significant and enduring effect on later adolescent and adult incarcerations.
Purification of sea nettle nematocyst toxins by gel diffusion.

Abstract Sea nettle nematocysts were separated from tentacular debris by zonal centrifugation. The nematocyst fluid was separated into twenty-five lethal components and one additional fraction which was capable of rupturing lysosomes.
The effect of shear forces on the microstructure and mechanical properties of epoxy–clay nanocomposites

The objective of this work is to understand the effect of shear force on the properties of epoxy–clay nanocomposites. The shear force was controlled by changing the revolutions per minute on a mechanical mixer. Differences in the aspect ratio of clay layers and differences of clay particle distribution in the epoxy matrix were caused by shear force. Shear force mechanism on epoxy–clay nanocomposites' intercalation/exfoliation were compared with the other mechanism already suggested. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were utilized to investigate the degree of exfoliation and morphology. The mechanical and thermal properties were also studied to demonstrate the effect of shear force. This study revealed that appropriate shear force and mixing time on nanocomposite preparation was required to achieve the desired properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3465–3473, 2006
Frontiers of imagination: Feminist worlds

Abstract New Feminist scholarship in diverse disciplines, including the social sciences, suggests a distinctive female reality which finds itsbesr literary expression in contemporary speculative fiction by women. Feminist utopias, in particular, delineate alternative societies in which ‘female’ values predominate. In novels by Marge Piercy, Doris Lessing, Ursula Le Guin and many other women, readers may discover holistic and dynamic worlds different from both our current reality and the patriarchal tradition of utopian speculation. When women imagine the ‘good society’, dualistic divisions, often ranked hierarchically in current power structures, tend to disappear, Feminist speculative fiction heals such schisms as those between male and female, matter and spirit, public and private rights, ends and means, even technology and ecology. Although these ‘utopias’ are not perfect, nor intended to be, their depiction of more balanced and integrated societies affords a fresh perspective on traditional political and cultural problems. Ultimately, then, the newly released female imagination may provide us not only a fascinating literature but substantive directions for actual change.
Equilibrium studies of uranyl complexes—IV Reactions with carboxylic acids

Abstract Equilibria involved in the interaction of uranyl ion and phthalic, maleic, oxalic, malonic, succinic and propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acids in aqueous solutions have been investigated by means of potentiometric measurement of hydrogen ion concentration at 25° and ionic strength 1·00 (KNO3). Phthalic and maleic acids form complexes with a 1:1 molar ratio of ligand to metal ion, with log K1 = 4·38 ± 0·03 and 4·46 ± 0·05, respectively. Malonic acid forms complexes having molar ratios of 1:1 and 1:2, with log K1 = 5·66 ± 0·02 and log K2 = 4·00 ± 0·02. Oxalic acid interacts strongly with uranyl ion to form a complex having a 1:2 molar ratio of metal to ligand (log β2 = 9·1 ± 0·2). The interactions of uranyl ion with succinic and with 1,2,3-propane tricarboxylic (tricarballylic) acid are very weak. Potentiometric measurements carried out over a wide range of concentration indicate that all of these ligands form only mononuclear uranyl chelates in the pH range 2–4.
Health information technology and physician perceptions of quality of care and satisfaction.

Abstract Objective To examine across seven countries the relationship between physician office information system capacity and the quality of care. Design Multivariate analysis of a cross-sectional 2006 random survey of primary care physicians in seven countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States. Main outcome measures coordination and safety of care, care for chronically ill patients, and satisfaction with practice of medicine. Results The study finds significant disparities in the quality of health care between practices with low information system capacity and those with high technical capacity after controlling for within country differences and practice size. There were significant physician satisfaction differences with the overall experience of practicing medicine by information system level. Conclusions For policy leaders, the seven-nation survey suggests that health systems that promote information system infrastructure are better able to address coordination and safety issues, particularly for patients with multiple chronic conditions, as well as to maintain primary care physician workforce satisfaction.
Considering processing cost in network simulations

In many network simulations and models the cost of processing a packet is considered negligible or overly simplified. The functionality of routers is steadily increasing and complex processing of packet payloads is being implemented (deep packet classification, encryption, content transcoding). We show two examples where processing cost can contribute to a significant portion of the overall packet delay. To enable a more precise consideration of processing delay, we present a tool called NPEST (Network Processing Estimator). NPEST is a framework on top of which packet processing functionality can be implemented and simulated using an actual processor simulator. NPEST can be programmed in C and greatly simplifies the implementation and simulation process as compared to using network processor simulators. The results derived from NPEST can either be used directly or be aggregated to processing statistics for network simulations. We present such results for two prototype applications: IP forwarding and IP security. We also show a comparison between the results obtained from NPEST and an Intel IXP1200 network processor.
Lipid Oxidation, Color, Volatiles, and Sensory Characteristics of Aerobically Packaged and Irradiated Pork with Different Ultimate pH

Irradiation and storage increased lipid oxidation of normal and pale-soft-exudative (PSE) muscles, whereas dark-firm-dry (DFD) muscle was very stable and resistant to oxidative changes. Irradiation increased redness regardless of pork-quality type, and the increases were proportional to irradiation dose. Irradiation increased the production of sulfur-containing volatiles, but not lipid oxidation products. The total volatiles produced in normal and PSE pork were higher than the DFD pork. Some volatiles produced in meat by irradiation evaporated during storage under aerobic packaging conditions. Nonirradiated normal and DFD pork had higher odor preference scores than the nonirradiated PSE, but irradiation reduced the preference scores of all 3 pork-quality types. Cette etude determine et compare les effets d'une irradiation sur l'oxydation lipidique, les composes volatils indesirables et la couleur de viande de porc normale, pâle, molle et exsudative (PSE) et sombre, ferme et seche (DFD), emballee en aerobie, pendant un entreposage frigorifique. La viande de porc DFD, generalement peu utilisee a cause de sa sensibilite microbienne, est plus stable et resistante a l'oxydation lipidique causee par l'irradiation que la viande normale.
The Gradual Shift of Wealth and Power from African American Males to African American Females

Throughout history up to the 21st century, in almost all societies, males have dominated economic and political systems. However, we are witnessing a reverse of this trend in the United States, where within the African American population black females are becoming the most dominant group instead of black males. The paper provides numerous examples of the factors for this gradual major shift in economic and political leadership within the African American population.
Recurrent laryngeal nerve activation by α2 adrenergic agonists in goats

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that respiratory and apneas induced by alpha 2 agonists in anesthetized goats are associated with an increase of upper airway expiratory-related activity, rather than a general depression of breathing. Activities of phrenic (Phr) and recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLN) were recorded in response to the alpha 2 agonists clonidine (0.5-3.0 microgram.kg-1 i.v.) or guanabenz (7.0-20.0 micrograms.kg-1 i.v.) in ten chloralose-anesthetized goats. Injection of either alpha 2 agonist resulted in respiratory arrhythmias with a greater than seven-fold increase in TE and a 30% reduction in TI. During apneas RLN expiratory-related activity remained tonic until the next Phr burst, consistent with our hypothesis. Cessation of Phr activity during hypocapnia also resulted in a tonic increase of RLN expiratory activity; and injection of NaCN (50 micrograms.kg-1 i.v.) increased Phr and RLN inspiratory activities, while attenuating RLN expiratory-related activity. Inspiratory and expiratory-related activity of RLN motoneurons appear to be reciprocally modulated by alpha 2 agonists or changes in central or peripheral chemoreceptor drive. The results indicate that central apneas and respiratory arrhythmias may be associated with alpha 2-adrenoceptor modulation of laryngeal expiratory-related activity.
UNUSUAL COURSES OF ACUTE LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA (ALL)

Under modern vigorous ALL-treatment, prolonged survival of over 10 years (y) despite relapse can be observed occasionally: R.E. (f): Diagnosis Sept. 62 (age 12 ¼ y), first relapse 1 y later, 8 successive relapses within the next 9 y. CNS-leukemia developed after 11 ¾ y. She could be maintained in satisfactory condition during the final relapse lasting 4 y (1), but finally died from leukemia after 14 y of disease. A.T.(m) had insufficient treatment for his ALL from diagnosis in June 64 (age 14) to Dec. 64, when he relapsed. Under better treatment he remained in complete remission (CR) for 10½ y (off treatment for 5½ y). Relapse July 75, morphology and cytochemistry suggestive for AML. He died within 2½ months, 11 ¾ y after diagnosis. U.S. (m): Diagnosis in Feb. 67 (at 2 ¼ y). Bone marrow CR for 10 ¼ y until Hay 77 despite a first episode of CNS-leukemia in Aug. 69 already, and repeated CNS disease since 1971. At present (June 77) he is again in CR. K.M.(m): Diagnosis March 67 (age 2 ¼ y). After 1 year in CR seizures suggested CNS-leukemia, but CSF was normal. In March 69 (after 2 y) his bone marrow showed 17% blasts, but after an intensive DNM-course (with severe side effects) he remained in CR (8 ¼ + y, total disease duration 10 ¼ y). He is off treatment since 3½ y. - These cases show that prolonged survival is rarely compatible with frequent relapses. However, bhe final outlook for these children with rare exceptions remains bad.
Hydrogen sulfide removal from anaerobic digester gas

Abstract A pilot-scale iron-sponge hydrogen sulfide purifier was constructed and tested. A synthetic digester gas [consisting of 66·7% nitrogen (substitute for methane), 33·1% carbon dioxide and 0·2% hydrogen sulfide] was used in the tests. Rates of sponge bed utilization and, later, sponge bed revivification, were determined. A mathematical description of the rate and locus of removal of hydrogen sulfide within the purifier was developed and evaluated with laboratory data. There was a close correlation between predicted and observed values.
Preliminary ecotoxicological characterization of a new energetic substance, CL-20.

Abstract A new energetic substance hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (or CL-20) was tested for its toxicities to various ecological receptors. CL-20 (e-polymorph) was amended to soil or deionized water to construct concentration gradients. Results of Microtox (15-min contact) and 96-h algae growth inhibition tests indicate that CL-20 showed no adverse effects on the bioluminescence of marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri and the cell density of freshwater green algae Selenastrum capricornutum respectively, up to its water solubility (ca. 3.6 mg l −1 ). CL-20 and its possible biotransformation products did not inhibit seed germination and early seedling (16–19 d) growth of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ) and perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ) up to 10 000 mg kg −1 in a Sassafras sandy loam soil (SSL). Indigenous soil microorganisms in SSL and a garden soil were exposed to CL-20 for one or two weeks before dehydrogenase activity (DHA) or potential nitrification activity (PNA) were assayed. Results indicate that up to 10 000 mg kg −1 soil of CL-20 had no statistically significant effects on microbial communities measured as DHA or on the ammonium oxidizing bacteria determined as PNA in both soils. Data indicates that CL-20 was not acutely toxic to the species or microbial communities tested and that further studies are required to address the potential long-term environmental impact of CL-20 and its possible degradation products.
Parathyroid and bone response of the diabetic patient to uremia

Abstract Parathyroid and bone response of the diabetic patient to uremia. Biochemical and radiologic indices of bone disease were assessed in 26 insulin-dependent diabetic patients and 28 nondiabetic patients with endstage kidney disease. The two groups were comparable in age, sex, duration of renal failure, and length of time on dialysis. Diabetic patients showed significantly lower serum calcium and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels than nondiabetic patients. iPTH was not related to total serum calcium, but was positively correlated with serum phosphorous (r = 0.37, P Reponses parathyroidienne et osseuse de malades diabetiques en uremie. Les indices biochimiques et radiologiques d'osteopathie ont ete determines chez 26 malades diabetiques insulino-dependants et 28 malades nondiabetiques avec une nephropathie terminale. Les deux groupes etaient comparables en âge, sexe, duree de l'insuffisance renale, et duree de la dialyse. Les malades diabetiques avaient un calcium serique et une hormone parathyroidienne immuno-reactive (iPTH) significativement plus faibles que les malades nondiabetiques. iPTH n'etait pas reliee au calcium serique total, mais etait positivement correlee avec le phosphore serique (r = 0,37, P
Computation of Waveform Sensitivity Using Geometric Transforms for SSTA

With shrinking process node sizes, the inherent effect of process variations is playing a larger factor in defining the behavior of a circuit and this has resulted in the promotion of statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) as a method for estimating the yield of a circuit in terms of timing activities. The accuracy of SSTA depends on the accuracy of timing sensitivities as computed using a statistical delay calculation (S-DC) engine. The accuracy of the S-DC engine in turn depends on the accuracy and availability of the required information in the timing library. For statistical analysis, these libraries need to contain information on the effect that process variations have on the library timing data. New generation delay calculators also require change in waveform shape (waveform sensitivity) with process variation to be modeled in timing library for better accuracy. Waveform sensitivities are required for accurate computation of gate delay sensitivities for gates driving large interconnect loads or a large number of fanouts. However, modeling waveform sensitivities in the timing library increases the library size significantly (~40% per process parameter). Also in different scenarios the characterization of waveform sensitivities may not be possible. In this paper, we propose a technique for computing waveform sensitivities during analysis when such information is not part of the standard cell library. We use geometric transforms and the nominal waveform information, along with available sensitivities of the timing activities in non-linear delay models to derive waveform sensitivities. We show that using our approach the size of a statistical library with 700 cells is reduced by ~65% as compared to a statistical library with characterized waveform sensitivities. We also show that the computed waveform sensitivities provide an accuracy improvement of 15-20% in the computation of standard deviation.
Pressure anisotropy in global magnetospheric simulations: A magnetohydrodynamics model

[1] In order to better describe the space plasmas where pressure anisotropy has prominent effects, we extend the BATS-R-US magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model to include anisotropic pressure. We implement the anisotropic MHD equations under the double adiabatic approximation with an additional pressure relaxation term into BATS-R-US and perform global magnetospheric simulations. The results from idealized magnetospheric simulations confirm previous studies: pressure anisotropy widens the magnetosheath, increases the density depletion in the vicinity of the magnetopause, enhances the nightside plasma pressure, and introduces an eastward ring current. In addition, we find that the flow speed in the magnetotail is significantly reduced by including pressure anisotropy in MHD simulations. Our model is validated through comparing the simulations to the THEMIS data on both the dayside and nightside of the magnetosphere during quiet times. The comparison to the results from isotropic MHD simulations implies that although anisotropic MHD is comparable to isotropic MHD in matching the measurement, it improves the simulated plasma velocity in some cases.
Optimal correlation filter algorithms for holographically stored multiplexed filters

We develop several correlator algorithms for obscured inputs embedded in a background illumination and correlating with many filters multiplexed in holographic data storage. Computer simulations, done under zero background illumination and high cross-talk, show that it is possible to achieve correlation even when the match between the obscured input signal and the stored information is as small as 0.14%.
Alum:Redox-Sensitive Phosphorus Ratio Considerations and Uncertainties in the Estimation of Alum Dosage to Control Sediment Phosphorus

Abstract Alum dosage requirements to immobilize loosely-bound and iron-bound sediment phosphorus (P) fractions (i.e., redox-sensitive P fractions) in the surface sediments of eutrophic, Squaw Lake, Wisconsin, were determined using alum assay procedures developed by Rydin and Welch (1999). Since the lake exhibits a low buffering capacity (alkalinity = 25 mg Ca L−1), an alkalinity-based calculation could not be used to estimate alum dosage. Redox-sensitive sediment P fractions of surficial sediments, which represented 44% of the inorganic sediment P, were depleted by greater than 90% at an alum (as Al):redox-sensitive P binding ratio of ~ 100:1. Our results suggest that a higher dosage of alum, based on a higher alum:redox-sensitive P binding ratio requirement, is necessary to achieve effective control of sediment P in this lake. However, uncertainties still exist in the calculation of an alum dosage based on redox-sensitive sediment P concentration. More research is needed to validate optimal alum:redox-se...
THE EMERGENCE OF REGIONAL CULTIVAR SPECIALIZATIONS IN CALIFORNIA VITICULTURE

Centuries of evolution of viticultural patterns in Europe have established well-known associations between cultivars and viticultural regions. Though California's viticultural landscape is much younger than Europe's, scholars increasingly talk about cultivar specialization in California wine regions. This study uses data for recent years and location quotients to test the hypothesis of regional cultivar specialization in California. Support is found for the hypothesis, though not for each cultivar and region. Evidence suggests also that there are significant differences between California and Europe with respect to viticultural specialization. Two such differences are in physical geography and wine laws.
Cellular and geometric control of tissue growth and mitotic instability.

Abstract A mathematical model is presented for the control of growth by a diffusible mitotic inhibitor. The stability of growth is examined as a function of the values of the parameters describing the production, transport and decay of the mitotic inhibitor, and also as a function of the geometry of growth of the growing tissue. Comparisons are made between patterns of mitosis in the mathematical model and experimentally observed mitotic patterns in tissue culture experiments (Folkman & Hochberg, 1973). It is shown that cellular parameters which closely reproduce mitotic patterns for growth as a three-dimensional sphere, lead to self-limiting growth in three dimensions but limitless growth in two dimensions. This observation, that the stability of growth can depend on the geometry of growth is in agreement with earlier results from tissue culture experiments of Folkman & Hochberg (1973). Experimental approaches which can be used to study the relative effects of vascularization, nutrition, mitotic inhibition and growth geometry in normal and cancerous growth are suggested.
Review, discussion, and summary: toxicology.

The research presented in the toxicology session of the Symposium on the Health Effects of Acid Aerosols significantly advances our understanding of the health effects of acid aerosols and clearly ...
Crises as Ill‐Structured Messes

The field of crisis management has been seriously impeded by its failure to develop appropriate frameworks for the study of crises. This state of affairs is due at the very least to two major issues: (1) outmoded and invalid views of the nature of crises, and (2) the widespread use of outmoded and inappropriate concepts of inquiry. It is our contention that crisis management deals with problems that are inherently ill-structured. The eminent social systems philosopher and scientist, Russell Ackoff (1999), has coined the term “mess” to describe such problems. A mess is a system of problems that are highly interactive (that is, strongly coupled), but it is not the sum of the separate problems themselves. A mess is the product of the interactions among the problems that constitute it. A crisis, then, is an ill-structured mess—a highly interactive set of problems, each of which is ill-structured. The problems that constitute a crisis are themselves complex systems, which, in turn, are members of other complex systems and so on and so forth. The end-result is that the field of crisis management is itself inherently ill-structured or a mess (Mitroff and Linstone 1992; Mitroff 2003). Moreover, the failure of crisis management experts to realize and to accept these ideas is responsible for much of the confusion and lack of progress in the field. Like Arjen Boin in the previous piece in this forum, we call for a serious reconsideration of the concepts that form the basis for the study of crisis management. Although, as the reader will soon see, we disagree with his emphasis on arriving at a common definition of key concepts. By definition, well-structured problems are the only kinds of problems about which stakeholders—both those who affect and those who are affected by them—can attain widespread agreement regarding …
Rebound responses to prolonged flexor reflex stimuli in human spinal cord injury

The purpose of this study was to examine the reflex effects of electrical stimulation applied to the thigh using skin electrodes, targeting the sensory fibers of the rectus femoris and sartorius, in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Thirteen individuals with SCI were recruited to participate in experiments using prolonged electrical stimuli on the right medial thigh over the regions of the sartorius and rectus femoris muscles. Three stimuli, spaced 20 s apart, were applied at 30 Hz for 1 s at four different intensities (15–60 mA) while subjects rested in a seated position. Isometric joint torques of the hip, knee and ankle, and electromyograms (EMGs) from six muscles of the leg were recorded during the stimulation. Early in the stimulation, a flexion response was observed at the hip and ankle, analogous to a flexor reflex; however, this response was usually followed by a “rebound” response consisting of hip extension, knee flexion and ankle plantarflexion, occurring in 10/13 subjects. Stimuli applied in a more lateral (mid thigh) electrode position (i.e. over the rectus femoris) were less effective in producing the response than medial placement, despite vigorous quadriceps activation. This complex reflex response is consistent with activation of a coordinating spinal circuit that could play a role in motor function. The reversal of the reflex pattern emphasizes the potential connection between skin/muscle afferents of the thigh, possibly including sartorius muscle afferents and locomotor reflex centers. This knowledge may be helpful in identifying rehabilitation strategies for enhancing gait training in human SCI.
Use of cultures in cellulitis: when, how, and why?

Correct management of patients with cellulitis poses both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Unless a wound is present, obtaining a specimen for culture to determine the causative organism may be difficult. Thus, initial therapy of cellulitis is usually empirical and based on clinical presentation, epidemiological clues, and statistical probabilities. In most cases, initial antimicrobial therapy targets the two most common etiologic agents – beta-hemolytic streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus [1]. Resistant organisms may occasionally be present, however, and unless they are identified, the prescribed antimicrobial therapy may be inadequate. An incorrect choice of initial treatment of cellulitis may delay discharge from the hospital and potentially increase morbidity and mortality. What type of culture to obtain?
Hypnosis and Electrodermal Responses

Abstract 45 paid male and female volunteer Sa were equally divided into three groups: (a) hypnosis instructions, (b) relaxation but no hypnosis instructions, and (c) no instructions. Following an EDOR habituation period to tone stimulation, the EDOR of all groups was conditioned by pairing the tone (CS) with a mild electric shock (UCS). Differential instructions followed conditioning and preceded extinction. Conditioned EDORs were unaffected by instructions. EDSF data support an enhanced relaxation interpretation of hypnosis which does not differ from a relaxed, but not hypnotized, condition. Revised interpretations of previous EDSF findings are suggested.
Advantage of high-surface-area charcoal for gastrointestinal decontamination in a human acetaminophen ingestion model.

Objective: To compare the abilities of low-surface-area (LSA) vs 2 types of high-surface-area (HSA) activated charcoal given orally to adsorb acetaminophen in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, as demonstrated by the impact of these agents on the serum levels and area under the curve (AUC) in a simulated human overdose model. Methods: The main arm of the study was a prospective double-blind crossover trial in which 6 volunteers, serving as their own controls, ingested acetaminophen (50 mg/kg), followed randomly in 10 minutes by either powdered LSA charcoal (950 m2/g) or powdered HSA charcoal (2,000 m2/g) in a charcoal:drug ratio of 8:1. In a second arm of the study, 3 subjects additionally ingested an equal dose of a granular preparation of the HSA charcoal. Serial serum acetaminophen levels were analyzed at various intervals (30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 300 minutes postingestion), and a 5-hour AUC was calculated. The subjects also rated the charcoal preparations for palatability. Results: Serum acetaminophen levels were lower at all measured times in the groups receiving both forms of the HSA charcoal vs the LSA product. With the powdered HSA charcoal, comparison serum levels were significantly lower at 120 minutes postingestion and all times thereafter (p < 0.05), reaching high significance at 4 and 5 hours (p < 0.001). The subjects receiving the granular HSA charcoal also had consistently lower serum acetaminophen levels than did those receiving the LSA product, and the difference in mean serum levels was significant at the 4- and 5-hour sample (p = 0.012). Compared with the LSA charcoal, at the 4-hour postingestion sample, serum acetaminophen levels were reduced by 44% to 85% by the powdered HSA charcoal. The total AUC for the 5-hour study period was also significantly reduced by the powdered HSA product (p = 0.005) and the granular HSA product (p = 0.043). All the subjects rated the powdered HSA charcoal to be more palatable and easier to drink than the powdered LSA charcoal. Conclusion: The surface area of oral activated charcoal is a major determining factor in its ability to limit acetaminophen absorption and to fulfill its adsorptive role in GI decontamination. In a human acetaminophen overdose model, 2 types of HSA charcoal, when compared with equal doses of LSA charcoal, significantly reduced serum levels and total acetaminophen absorption as measured by the AUC.
Designing Visualizations for Biological Data

Visualization is now a vital component of the biological discovery process. This article presents visualization design studies as a promising approach for creating effective, visualization tools for biological data.
Soliton solutions of infinite component wave equations

Abstract Three dimensional moving solitons, including relativistic Fitzgerald contraction of lengths, are explicitly constructed as stationary solutions of infinite component wave equations.
Self-assembled composite nano-/micronecklaces with SiO2 beads in boron strings

Nano-/micronecklaces with SiO2 beads in boron strings were synthesized by simply sublimating the desired powders in a sealed quartz tube at high temperature. The boron strings have a rectangular cross section with width varying from 80to1000nm while the SiO2 beads bear either spindle or spherical shape with a size ranging from 100nmto5μm. The spacing between the SiO2 beads is uniform in each boron string. Both the boron strings and the SiO2 beads are amorphous and free of defects. The supersaturated vapors of silicon and oxygen induced the SiO2 bead formation.
Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors and Outcomes in the Twenty-First Century: Findings from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) is a longitudinal study supported by the National Institutes of Health to determine the disparities in stroke-related mortality across USA. REGARDS has published a body of work designed to understand the disparities in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of coronary heart disease (CHD) and its risk factors in a biracial national cohort. REGARDS has focused on racial and geographical disparities in the quality and access to health care, the influence of lack of medical insurance, and has attempted to contrast current guidelines in lipid lowering for secondary prevention in a nationwide cohort. It has described CHD risk from nontraditional risk factors such as chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, and inflammation (i.e., high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and has also assessed the role of depression, psychosocial, environmental, and lifestyle factors in CHD risk with emphasis on risk factor modification and ideal lifestyle factors. REGARDS has examined the utility of various methodologies, e.g., the process of medical record adjudication, proxy-based cause of death, and use of claim-based algorithms to determine CHD risk. Some valuable insight into less well-studied concepts such as the reliability of current troponin assays to identify "microsize infarcts," caregiving stress, and CHD, heart failure, and cognitive decline have also emerged. In this review, we discuss some of the most important findings from REGARDS in the context of the existing literature in an effort to identify gaps and directions for further research.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates biphasic elevation of cytoplasmic free calcium in GH3 cells. Further evidence that TRH mobilizes cellular and extracellular Ca2+.

TRH stimulation appears to be coupled to PRL secretion, at least in part, by elevation of the concentration of Ca2+ free in the cytoplasm ([Ca2+]i). We employed an intracellularly trapped fluorescent probe of Ca2+, Quin 2, to measure [Ca2+]i in GH3 cells, cloned rat pituitary tumor cells. Basal [Ca2+]i in GH3 cells incubated in medium containing 1.5 mM Ca2+ was 148 ± 8.6 nM (mean ± SE). TRH caused a biphasic elevation of [Ca2+]i to 517 ± 29 nM at less than 10 sec after TRH addition, followed by a decline towards the resting level over 1.5 min (first phase) and then a sustained elevation to 261 ± 14 nivi (second phase). We attempted to determine whether mobilization of cellular calcium or enhanced influx of extracellular Ca2+, or both, were involved in the elevation of [Ca2+]i during each of the two phases. In all experiments, the elevation of [Ca2+]i stimulated by TRH was compared with that induced by depolarization of the plasma membrane with high extracellular K+, which enhances Ca2+ influx. In medium w...