cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transparent Highly Ordered TiO2 Nanotube Arrays via Anodization of Titanium Thin Films

Titanium thin films, 400 nm to 1000 nm thick, fabricated by radio frequency (rf) sputter deposition are anodized in an electrolyte containing acetic acid and hydrofluoric acid to form optically transparent films of highly ordered titania nanotube arrays. Real-time monitoring of the anodization current, at a fixed potential, is used to controllably eliminate the Ti layer underneath the titanium oxide nanotube array without disturbing the architecture. Fabrication variables critical to achieving the transparent nanotube-array film include annealing temperature of the anodized, initially amorphous nanotube array and Ti-film sputter deposition variables, including rate, film thickness, and substrate temperature. Structural investigations on the transparent nanotube arrays reveal only the presence of the anatase phase even after annealing at 500 °C. In contrast, both rutile and anatase phases were observed in films with a metal layer underneath the nanotubes and annealed in an oxygen ambient above 430 °C. Rutile growth occurs at the nanotube–metal interface as metal oxidation takes place during annealing. The average refractive index of the transparent nanotube-array film is found to be 1.66 in the UV-vis range, with a calculated porosity of 67 %; the bandgap is determined as 3.34 eV, with a bandgap tail extending to 2.4 eV.
Multidrug resistance proteins affect drug transmission across the placenta

Objective We studied the role of multidrug resistance proteins in regulating transplacental transmission of corticosteroids and protease inhibitors. Study Design We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction and FACS analyses to study MDR1 (encodes P-glycoprotein) and MRP-1 expression in extravillous (HTR-8/SVneo) and villous (BeWo) trophoblast cells treated with saquinavir, a multidrug resistance protein substrate. We measured H3-dexamethasone and H3-ritonavir transfer across confluent, syncytialized BeWo cells before and after treatment with agents that inhibit multidrug resistance proteins. Results Compared with baseline expression, messenger RNA and protein levels were increased significantly in trophoblast cells after treatment with saquinavir. H3-dexamethasone and H3-ritonavir levels increased in BeWo cells after treatment with anti-P-glycoprotein antibodies or cyclosporine A. Transfer of H3-labeled drugs from the apical (eg, maternal) to basolateral (eg, fetal) side of the syncytialized BeWo cell monolayer was increased significantly when cells were pretreated with anti-P-glycoprotein antibodies. Conclusion Multidrug resistance proteins regulate drug levels in trophoblast cells and may mediate transmission of therapeutic agents across the placenta.
Biomolecular Chemistry of Isopropyl Fibrates

Isopropyl 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-phenoxy]-2-methylpropanoic acid and isopropyl 2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methylpropanoate, also known as fenofibrate and isopropyl (iPr) clofibrate, are hypolipidemic agents of the fibrate family. In a previously reported triclinic structure of fenofibrate (polymorph I), the methyl groups of the iPr moiety are located symmetrically about the carboxylate group. We report a new monoclinic form (polymorph II) of fenofibrate and a first structural description of iPr clofibrate, and in these the methyl groups are placed asymmetrically about the carboxylate group. In particular, the dihedral (torsion) angle between the hydrogen atom on the secondary C and the C atom of the carboxyl group makes a 2.74° angle about the ester O···C bond in the symmetric fenofibrate structure of polymorph I, whereas the same dihedral angle is 45.94° in polymorph II and -30.9° in the crystal structure of iPr clofibrate. Gas-phase density functional theory (DFT) geometry minimizations of fenofibrate and iPr clofibrate result in lowest energy conformations for both molecules with a value of about ±30° for this same angle between the OC-O-C plane and the C-H bond of the iPr group. A survey of crystal structures containing an iPr ester group reveals that the asymmetric conformation is predominant. Although the hydrogen atom on the secondary C atom of the iPr group is located at a comparable distance from the carbonyl oxygen in the symmetric and asymmetric fenofibrate (2.52 and 2.28 A) and the iPr clofibrate (2.36 A) structures, this hydrogen atom participates in a puckered five-membered ring arrangement in the latter two that is unlike the planar arrangement found in symmetric fenofibrate (polymorph I). Polar molecular surface area values indicate fenofibrate and iPr clofibrate are less able to act as acceptors of hydrogen bonds than their corresponding acid derivatives. Surface area calculations show that dynamic polar molecular surface area values of the iPr esters of the fibrates are lower than those of their acids, implying that the fibrates have better membrane permeability and a higher absorbability and hence are better prodrugs when these agents need to be orally administered.
Both homo and heterodimers of Marek's disease virus encoded Meq protein contribute to transformation of lymphocytes in chickens

Marek' disease virus serotype-1, also know as Gallid herpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2), elicits T-cell lymphomas in chickens. The GaHV-2 genome encodes an oncoprotein, Meq, with similarity to the Jun/Fos family of proteins. We have previously shown that Meq homodimers are not sufficient to induce lymphomas in chickens. In this study, we investigated the role of Meq heterodimers in the pathogenicity of GaHV-2 by generating a chimeric meq gene, which contains the leucine zipper region of Fos (meqFos). A recombinant virus containing the meqFos gene in place of parental meq, rMd5-MeqFos, was not capable of transforming chicken lymphocytes, indicating that heterodimerization of Meq alone is not sufficient for transformation. In addition, the recovery of the oncogenic phenotype by a recombinant virus encoding one copy each of MeqGCN (homodimer) and MeqFos (heterodimer) conclusively demonstrates that both homo and heterodimerization of Meq are required for oncogenesis.
Neuronal communication: a detailed balancing act

What controls the functional connections between sending and receiving neurons? A new model suggests that each receiver circuit has a local switch that is controlled by the balance between excitation and inhibition.
Trajectory prediction for ballistic missiles based on boost-phase LOS measurements

This paper addresses the problem of the estimation of the trajectory of a tactical ballistic missile using line of sight (LOS) measurements from one or more passive sensors (typically satellites). The major difficulties of this problem include: the estimation of the unknown time of launch, incorporation of (inaccurate) target thrust profiles to model the target dynamics during the boost phase and an overall ill-conditioning of the estimation problem due to poor observability of the target motion via the LOS measurements. We present a robust estimation procedure based on the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm that provides both the target state estimate and error covariance taking into consideration the complications mentioned above. An important consideration in the defense against tactical ballistic missiles is the determination of the target position and error covariance at the acquisition range of a surveillance radar in the vicinity of the impact point. We present a systematic procedure to propagate the target state and covariance to a nominal time, when it is within the detection range of a surveillance radar to obtain a cueing volume. Mont Carlo simulation studies on typical single and two sensor scenarios indicate that the proposed algorithms are accurate in terms of the estimates and the estimator calculated covariances are consistent with the errors.
Modeling and mapping of atmospheric mercury deposition in adirondack park, new york.

The Adirondacks of New York State, USA is a region that is sensitive to atmospheric mercury (Hg) deposition. In this study, we estimated atmospheric Hg deposition to the Adirondacks using a new scheme that combined numerical modeling and limited experimental data. The majority of the land cover in the Adirondacks is forested with 47% of the total area deciduous, 20% coniferous and 10% mixed. We used litterfall plus throughfall deposition as the total atmospheric Hg deposition to coniferous and deciduous forests during the leaf-on period, and wet Hg deposition plus modeled atmospheric dry Hg deposition as the total Hg deposition to the deciduous forest during the leaf-off period and for the non-forested areas year-around. To estimate atmospheric dry Hg deposition we used the Big Leaf model. The average atmospheric Hg deposition to the Adirondacks was estimated as 17.4 g m yr with a range of −3.7–46.0 g m yr. Atmospheric Hg dry deposition (370 kg yr) was found to be more important than wet deposition (210 kg yr) to the entire Adirondacks (2.4 million ha). The spatial pattern showed a large variation in atmospheric Hg deposition with scattered areas in the eastern Adirondacks having total Hg deposition greater than 30 μg m−2 yr−1, while the southwestern and the northern areas received Hg deposition ranging from 25–30 μg m−2 yr−1.
Ca2+-regulatory function of the inhibitory peptide region of cardiac troponin I is aided by the C-terminus of cardiac troponin T: Effects of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations cTnI R145G and cTnT R278C, alone and in combination, on filament sliding

Investigations of cardiomyopathy mutations in Ca2+ regulatory proteins troponin and tropomyosin provide crucial information about cardiac disease mechanisms, and also provide insights into functional domains in the affected polypeptides. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-associated mutations TnI R145G, located within the inhibitory peptide (Ip) of human cardiac troponin I (hcTnI), and TnT R278C, located immediately C-terminal to the IT arm in human cardiac troponin T (hcTnT), share some remarkable features: structurally, biochemically, and pathologically. Using bioinformatics, we find compelling evidence that TnI and TnT, and more specifically the affected regions of hcTnI and hcTnT, may be related not just structurally but also evolutionarily. To test for functional interactions of these mutations on Ca2+-regulation, we generated and characterized Tn complexes containing either mutation alone, or both mutations simultaneously. The most important results from in vitro motility assays (varying [Ca2+], temperature or HMM density) show that the TnT mutant “rescued” some deleterious effects of the TnI mutant at high Ca2+, but exacerbated the loss of function, i.e., switching off the actomyosin interaction, at low Ca2+. Taken together, our experimental results suggest that the C-terminus of cTnT aids Ca2+-regulatory function of cTnI Ip within the troponin complex.
The Development of a Fine- and Microstructure Profiler

Abstract A new freely-falling ocean profiler for measuring finescale variations in temperature, salinity and horizontal velocity and microscale variations in temperature, conductivity, velocity and refractive index has been constructed. The High Resolution Profiler (HRP) features: full ocean depth capability, a microcomputer to control sampling, data storage and operations, solid state mass storage, and commercially available sensors. A special handling rig facilitates deployment and recovery at sea. Because the data are transferred electronically to a microcomputer for archiving, the instrument can be redeployed after use without opening the pressure case. Twenty to forty drops can be made before the battery needs to be replaced. Several different sensor configurations are possible, depending on the type of small-scale mixing process of interest. By observing both finestructure and microstructure with one instrument, it is possible to study the relationship between the finescale driving forces and the sm...
Brain imaging, culpability and the juvenile death penalty.

In Roper v. Simmons (2005), the U.S. Supreme Court banned the death penalty for offenders under the age of 18 years. Central to Simmons's defense was new brain imaging evidence suggesting that the regions of the brain responsible for decision making and impulse control are not as well developed in a
The Role of Histone Acetylation in Regulating Early Gene Expression Patterns during Early Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation

We have examined the role of histone acetylation in the very earliest steps of differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells in response to withdrawal of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) as a differentiation signal. The cells undergo dramatic changes in morphology and an ordered program of gene expression changes representing differentiation to all three germ layers over the first 3-5 days of LIF withdrawal. We observed a global increase in acetylation on histone H4 and to a lesser extent on histone H3 over this time period. Treatment of the cells with trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, induced changes in morphology, gene expression, and histone acetylation that mimicked differentiation induced by withdrawal of LIF. We examined localized histone acetylation in the regulatory regions of genes that were transcriptionally either active in undifferentiated cells, induced during differentiation, or inactive under all treatments. There was striking concordance in the histone acetylation patterns of specific genes induced by both TSA and LIF withdrawal. Increased histone acetylation in local regions correlated best with induction of gene expression. Finally, TSA treatment did not support the maintenance or progression of differentiation. Upon removal of TSA, the cells reverted to the undifferentiated phenotype. We concluded that increased histone acetylation at specific genes played a role in their expression, but additional events are required for maintenance of differentiated gene expression and loss of the pluripotent state.
Laser-Induced Graphitization on a Diamond (111) Surface

We report an atomistic simulation study of laser-induced graphitization on the diamond (111) surface. Our simulation results show that the diamond to graphite transition occurs along different pathways depending on the length of the laser pulse being used. Under nanosecond or longer laser pulses, graphitization propagates vertically into bulk layers, leading to the formation of diamond-graphite interfaces after the laser treatment. By contrast, with femtosecond (0.2-0.5 ps) laser pulses, graphitization of the surface occurs layer by layer, resulting in a clean diamond surface after the ablation. This atomistic picture provides an explanation of recent experimental observations.
Origins of an Obsession

Though many geometric shapes can be constructed from circles, this paper is about the geometric square. It will be demonstrated that while the square is not the easiest of the polygons to construct initially, it is both easily enlarged and easily subdivided. Step-by-step manipulations of the square provide an explanation for the architectural design of the Forum of Augustus.
Deterministic lateral displacement as a means to enrich large cells for tissue engineering.

The enrichment or isolation of selected cell types from heterogeneous suspensions is required in the area of tissue engineering. State of the art techniques utilized for this separation include preplating and sieve-based approaches that have limited ranges of purity and variable yield. Here, we present a deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) microfluidic device that is capable of separating large epithelial cells (17.3 ± 2.7 in diameter) from smaller fibroblast cells (13.7 ± 3.0 μm in diameter) as a potential alternative approach. The mixed suspension examined is intended to represent the content of digested rat cardiac tissue, which contains equal proportions of cardiomyocyte (17.0 ± 4.0 μm diameter) and nonmyocyte populations (12.0 ± 3.0 μm diameter). High purity separation (>97%) of the larger cell type is achieved with 90% yield in a rapid and single-pass process. The significance of this work lies in the recognition that DLD design principles can be applied for the microfluidic enrichment of large...
Modeling Ecological Constraints on Tropical Forest Management: Spatial Interdependence, Irreversibility, and Uncertainty

Abstract This paper presents a stylized spatial–intertemporal model for the economic management of tropical forests, a model that reflects ecological constraints, especially spatial interactions across plots and the irreversibility of some uses. The explicit recognition of the varied uses of forested land, spatial interdependence, irreversibility, and uncertainty leads to optimal patterns that have different structures and, in general, more forested area than those recommended by traditional models. Two “flexible” land uses and one spatial interaction term contribute to the quasi-option value. The spatial–intertemporal framework permits examination of important issues such as sustainability, forest fragmentation, and land recovery dynamics.
Quantitative modeling of compaction in the Holyoke flood basalt flow, Hartford Basin, Connecticut

Compaction in the Holyoke flood-basalt flow is modeled using a quantitative phase equilibrium routine based on the MELTS algorithm that is coupled with compaction-driven heat and mass transport equations. For a crystal–liquid mush that is cooling from both the top and the bottom, the compaction is qualitatively different in the upper and lower parts of the flow. The solid fraction in the lower part increases as a result of concurrent compaction and solidification. In contrast, cooling from the upper boundary results in an increase in viscosity and a decrease in permeability toward the top. This causes the velocity of the solid matrix to increase downward and the upper part to undergo dilation of the solid matrix. The result is an "S"-shaped profile for compatible elements, and an inverse profile for incompatible elements. The region of modeled maximum dilation matches the location of segregation sheets in the Holyoke flow. Discrepancy between observed deformation, as calculated from textural deformation of plagioclase chain networks versus compositional profiles, suggest some crystal accumulation and/or compaction prior to the formation of the plagioclase chains.
Field analysis and enhancement of multi-pole magnetic components fabricated on printed circuit board

Abstract A multi-pole magnetic component magnetized with a fine magnetic pole pitch of less than 1 mm is very difficult to achieve by using traditional methods. Moreover, it requires a precise mechanical process and a complicated magnetization system. Different fine magnetic pole pitches of 300, 350 and 400 μm have been accomplished on 9-pole magnetic components through the printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing technology. Additionally, another fine magnetic pole pitch of 500 μm was also fabricated on a dual-layered (DL) wire circuit structure to investigate the field enhancement. After measurements, a gain factor of 1.37 was obtained in the field strength. The field variations among different magnetic pole pitches were analyzed in this paper.
Collaborative Web caching based on proxy affinities

With the exponential growth of hosts and traffic workloads on the Internet, collaborative web caching has been recognized as an efficient solution to alleviate web page server bottlenecks and reduce traffic. However, cache discovery, i.e., locating where a page is cached, is a challenging problem, especially in the fast growing World Wide Web environment, where the number of participating proxies can be very large. In this paper, we propose a new scheme which employs proxy affinities to maintain a dynamic distributed collaborative caching infrastructure. Web pages are partitioned into clusters according to proxy reference patterns. All proxies which frequently access some page(s) in the same web page cluster form an “information group”. When web pages belonging to a web page cluster are deleted from or added into a proxy's cache, only proxies in the associated information group are notified. This scheme can be shown to greatly reduce the number of messages and other overhead on individual proxies while maintaining a high cache hit rate. Finally, we employ trace driven simulation to evaluate our web caching scheme using three web access trace logs to verify that our caching structure can provide significant benefits on real workloads.
Reaction of strained-ring heterocycles with a rhenium(V) dioxo complex

Epoxides and episulfides react stereospecifically with Tp‘ReO2, generated in situ from Tp‘ReO3 and PPh3 (Tp‘ = hydrido-tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate). A combination of direct atom transfer, res...
A fluorometric assay for measurement of protoporphyrinogen oxidase activity in mammalian tissue

The oxidation of protoporphyrinogen to protoporphyrin, which is catalyzed by the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase, is an important step in heme biosynthesis. We describe a fluorometric assay for protoporphyrinogen oxidase activity in mammalian tissues which measures the conversion of the non-fluorescent protoporphyrinogen to the fluorescent protoporphyrin. Using these assay conditions, the mean level of protoporphyrinogen oxidase activity in sonicated rat liver mitochondria was 12.3, and in sonicated human cultured skin fibroblasts was 1.97 nmol protoporphyrin/mg protein/h.
A Translational, Pharmacodynamic, and Pharmacokinetic Phase IB Clinical Study of Everolimus in Resectable Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: The altered PI3K/mTOR pathway is implicated in lung cancer, but mTOR inhibitors have failed to demonstrate efficacy in advanced lung cancer. We studied the pharmacodynamic effects of everolimus in resectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to inform further development of these agents in lung cancer. Experimental Design: We enrolled 33 patients and obtained baseline tumor biopsy and 2[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) imaging followed by everolimus treatment (5 or 10 mg daily, up to 28 days), or without intervening treatment for controls. Target modulation by everolimus was quantified in vivo and ex vivo by comparing metabolic activity on paired PET scans and expression of active phosphorylated forms of mTOR, Akt, S6, eIF4e, p70S6K, 4EBP1, and total Bim protein between pretreatment and posttreatment tissue samples. Results: There were 23 patients on the treatment arm and 10 controls; median age 64 years; 22 tumors (67%) were adenocarcinomas. There was a dose-dependent reduction in metabolic activity (SUV max : 29.0%, −21%, −24%; P = 0.014), tumor size (10.1%, 5.8%, −11.6%; P = 0.047), and modulation of S6 (−36.1, −13.7, −77.0; P = 0.071) and pS6 (−41.25, −61.57, −47.21; P = 0.063) in patients treated in the control, 5-mg, and 10-mg cohorts, respectively. Targeted DNA sequencing in all patients along with exome and whole transcriptome RNA-seq in an index patient with hypersensitive tumor was employed to further elucidate the mechanism of everolimus activity. Conclusions: This “window-of-opportunity” study demonstrated measurable, dose-dependent, biologic, metabolic, and antitumor activity of everolimus in early-stage NSCLC. Clin Cancer Res; 21(8); 1859–68. ©2015 AACR .
A 5.4-Mb Continuous Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Map of Human 9q34.1 between ABL and D9S114, Including the Tuberous Sclerosis (TSC1) Region

Abstract We constructed a long-range restriction map of the tuberous sclerosis (TSC1) region of human chromosome 9q34, extending from ABL (T39-2-2) to D9S114. The physical map includes five genes and seven anonymous markers. The maximum distance between ABL and D9S114 is 5.4 Mb. The TSC1 critical region, between D9S149 and D9S114, has a maximum distance of 2.7 Mb. The ratio of genetic and physical distance in the region is 1 cM:600 kb. We also used Southern blot analysis and a radiation hybrid cell line, E6B, to exclude 3 genes—PBX3A, RXR α, and TAN1—from the AK1 to D9S114 interval. This excludes them as disease genes for tuberous sclerosis.
Effect of pyrethroids on [3H]kainic acid binding to mouse forebrain membranes

Abstract The effect of the pyrethroid insecticides, decamethrin, cis-permethrin, and trans-permethrin, was examined on the in vitro specific binding of [3H]kainic acid ([3H]KA) to receptor sites in mouse forebrain homogenates. All three pyrethroids gave rise to dose-dependent decreases in levels of specific binding. Decamethrin was the most potent in displacing bound [3H]KA giving rise to significant decreases at decamethrin concentrations of 10−7 m and above. Intracere-broventricular injections of the pyrethroids into unanesthetized mice gave rise to neurotoxic symptoms including hyperactivity, tremor, and tonic seizures. The order of potency of the three compounds in causing these symptoms of toxicity (decamethrin >cis-permethrin >trans-permethrin) was found to be the same as their order of potency in displacing bound [3H]KA from binding sites in the mouse brain. These preliminary results suggest that the neurotoxic actions of pyrethroids in mammals may be at least partially mediated via interactions with a kainic acid binding site.
Biosynthesis of thromboxane B2: assay, isolation, and properties of the enzyme system in human platelets.

Abstract The microsomal fraction of human platelets catalyzed the conversion of arachidonic acid to an unstable platelet-aggregating factor and a hydrolyzed product on thin-layer chromatography (TLC). This product was isolated on TLC, purified by silica gel column chromatography and identified by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as the hemiacetal derivative of 8-(1-hydroxy-3-oxopropyl)-9, 12L-dihydroxy-5, 10-heptadecatrienoic acid (thromboxane B2). The enzymatic activity was dependent upon methemoglobin and tryptophan as cofactors. Reduced glutathione had no effect either alone or in combination with other cofactors. Methemoglobin could be replaced by hematin or hemin; and tryptophan by 3-indolacetic acid or catecholamines. The apparent requirement for methemoglobin is due to the reductive activity of ferriprotoporphyrin IX. The reaction, however, catalyzed by the ferriprotoporphyrin IX in the thromboxane synthesizing system is different from that described for the decomposition of lipid peroxides. Certain transition metals and hydrogen donors, such as hydroquinone and ascorbate, which have been shown to stimulate the catalytic activity of ferriprotoporphyrin IX in the decomposition of 15-hydroperoxy-prostaglandin E1 are inhibitors of thromboxane B2 formation. This enzyme preparation also transformed eicosa-8, 11, 14-trienoic acid to an unknown product on TLC. The enzyme system was rapidly inactivated upon incubation in the reaction mixture.
PEER ADJUSTMENT AND BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN RECOVERED FROM CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE. • 1169

Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) is associated with a higher risk of developmental disabilities, including mental retardation and cerebral palsy. The current study assessed the effect of severe CLD on classroom peer adjustment and parent-reported behavior problems in 8-year-old children recovered from CLD. Twenty-four infants with neonatal CLD were prospectively enrolled, along with 26 controls who were similar in birth weight, gender, and maternal education. Infants in each group had birth weight <1500 grams, no major anomaly, and required assisted ventilation in the neonatal period. Infants in the CLD group had the same attributes and, in addition required supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks post-conceptional age. As part of an ongoing, longitudinal follow-up study of high-risk nursery graduates at 8 years of age, parents, teachers and children participated in a comprehensive follow-up clinic designed to assess medical, psychological, educational, and social development. Part of this assessment included completion of the Conners' Parent Rating Scale and Child Behavior Checklist. The child's teacher was surveyed about social and academic success. Teachers were not informed of students' past medical history. Forty percent of the children recovered from CLD were rated by their teachers as having unsatisfactory peer adjustment, compared with 6 percent of control children (Chi square = 5.8, p=<.01). Parents reported more behavior problems among the children who had CLD in the areas of aggression, attention, social difficulties, and somatic complaints on the CBCL, and in the domains of impulsivity-hyperactivity and learning difficulties on the Conners Scale (all p <.01). Neonatal CLD appears to be associated with long-term effects on behavior and socialization. Several studies have reported cognitive and academic deficiencies associated with prematurity and CLD, and differences appear to extend to other areas of function as well. While a few previous studies have linked prematurity to later behavior problems, none have investigated specific medical complications of prematurity and their possible association with behavioral-social problems. It will be important to elucidate the effects of such factors in order to improve anticipatory counseling and screening by neonatologists and other health care professionals.
The Effects of Positive and Negative Pre-Sleep Stimuli on Dream Experiences

ABSTRACT In this study, the emotional and physical content of dreams was examined with post-sleep reports. In the first phase of the study, 45 students were asked to keep a dream diary for a week. The next week, the students were asked to look at a picture with positive, neutral, or negative affect in the evening before going to bed and then to record their dreams the following morning. Results showed that the pictures produced corresponding affect in morning dream reports, though physical elements of dreams and pictorial stimuli were not related to affect.
Notes on Interval Estimation of Odds Ratio in Matched Pairs under Stratified Sampling

We develop four asymptotic interval estimators and one exact interval estimator for the odds ratio (OR) under stratified random sampling with matched pairs. We apply Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the performance of these five interval estimators. We note that the conditional score test-based interval estimator with a monotonic transformation and the interval estimator based on the Mantel–Haenszel (MH) type point estimator with the logarithmic transformation are generally preferable to the others considered here. We also note that the conditional exact confidence interval can be of use when the total number of matched pairs with discordant responses is small.
First polymer in space identified in comet Halley

The heavy-ion mass spectrum obtained in the inner coma of comet Halley with the PICCA instrument on the Giotto spacecraft has been examined. Short polymer chains of polyoxymethylene and their decay products are identified as the source for the spectrum with six mass peaks between about 45 and 120 atomic mass units. The properties of polyoxymethylene are consistent with many of the unexpected observations in the coma.
Measurement and interpretation of heavy ion fusion excitation functions

Fusion excitation functions for /sup 32/S induced reactions on /sup 24/ Mg, /sup 27/Al, /sup 40/Ca and /sup 58/Ni are reported at incident /sup 32/S ion ene rgies of 65 to 132.5 MeV. Measurements were made using counter-telescopes with beams from Van de Graaff accelerators. From these data barrier heights and radii for fusion are extracted. These results are interpreted in terms of the nuclear diffuseness, and the nuclear attractive potentials at the fusion radii are deduced. Relative density overlaps at the fusion radius are estimated from electron scattering denslty distributions. Several parameterizations for the fusion radii and barrier heights are presented. Fusion cross sections are compared with reaction cross sections based on elastic scattering measurements coupled with optical model analysis. It is found that for the systems investigated, 90 plus or minus 10% of the reaction cross section results in fusion. (auth)
Hybrid control as a method for robot motion programming

This paper presents a class of fundamental control policies suitable for use in a novel method for designing and specifying the dynamic motion of robotic systems. Through recourse to formal stability mechanisms a hybrid control strategy (one that relies on switching of underlying continuous policies) with desirable performance characteristics is demonstrated to be both stable and expressive for programming such motions. The long term intent is to utilize slightly more general control methods of this form to drastically simplify the process of integrating and programming modular automated assembly systems.
A unified design space simulation environment for network-on-chip: fuse-N

Current uni-processor centric modelling methodology does not address the new design challenges introduced by MPSoCs, thus, calling for efficient simulation frameworks capable of capturing the interplay between the application, the architecture, and the network. Addressing these new challenges requires a framework that assists the designer at different abstraction levels of system design. This paper concentrates on developing a framework for unified simulation environment for NoCs (fuse-N), which simplifies the design space exploration for NoCs by offering a comprehensive simulation support. The framework synthesises the network infrastructure and the communication model and optimises application mapping for design constraints. The paper also proposes an efficient traffic aware scheduling algorithm that optimises the mapping problem by dynamically determining the latency by considering the communication and execution costs. The framework follows a top-down paradigm, where each design space component is implemented as modular components and all design constraints are captured and evaluated coherently. The proposed framework is a hardware-software co-design implementation using SystemC 2.1 and C++. Simulation results show the various design space explorations that can be performed by our framework.
Media access control for high-speed local area and metropolitan area communications networks

The features, architectures, and principles of key media access control (MAC) schemes for high-speed LAN and MAN systems are categorized and reviewed. These architectures are related to the hierarchical structure of a telecommunications network. An overview is given of the MAC protocol operation of key local- and metropolitan-area network systems, as defined by standards committees, covering current methods as well as approaches for future broadband integrated services digital networks. Modeling and analysis techniques are then reviewed for key classes of relevant MAC schemes, including fixed-assignment time-division-multiaccess (TDMA) schemes; demand-assignment reservation schemes, involving, in particular, pure packet-switched, pure circuit-switched and hybrid-switched integrated-services demand-assignment TDMA and time-division-multiplexing structures; demand-assigned polling procedures; and random-access policies. >
Radial transport of storm time ring current ions

Radial transport of energetic ions for the development of the main phase of geomagnetic storms is investigated with data from the medium energy particle analyzer (MEPA) on the Charge Composition Explorer spacecraft, which monitored protons, helium ions, and the carbon-nitrogen-oxygen group, which is mostly dominated by oxygen ions. From a study of four geomagnetic storms, we show that the flux increase of these ions in the inner ring current region can be accounted for by an inward displacement of the ring current population by 0.5 to 3.5 R(E). There is a general trend that a larger inward displacement occurs at higher L shells than at lower ones. These results are in agreement with previous findings. The radially injected population consists of the prestorm population modified by substorm injections which occur on a much shorter time scale than that for a storm main phase. It is also found that the inward displacement is relatively independent of ion mass and energy, suggesting that the radial transport of these energetic ions is effected primarily by convective motion from a large electric field or by diffusion resulting from magnetic field fluctuations.
The Role of Partitioning in the Numerical Solution of Sparse Systems

In the study of the numerical solution of sparse linear systems, several authors (Harary [1962A], Dulmage and Mendelsohn [1962A], Steward [1965A], Willoughby [1972A]) have considered the problem of ordering a sparse matrix so that it has a block structure which can be exploited efficiently for the solution of the system. We call this the “partitioning problem” and consider the related arithmetic and memory costs. In Section 3 we show that if the directed graph of the system is strongly connected then partitioning saves no arithmetic operations in an LU factorization but may save storage. On the other hand, if the directed graph of the system fails to be strongly connected, a reduction in both arithmetic and storage is possible. Some graph-theoretic preliminaries and useful operation counts are given in Section 2.
Music Plus One and Machine Learning

A system for musical accompaniment is presented in which a computer-driven orchestra follows and learns from a soloist in a concerto-like setting. The system is decomposed into three modules: the first computes a real-time score match using a hidden Markov model; the second generates the output audio by phase-vocoding a preexisting audio recording; the third provides a link between these two, by predicting future timing evolution using a Kalman filter-like model. Several examples are presented showing the system in action in diverse musical settings. Connections with machine learning are highlighted, showing current weaknesses and new possible directions.
Spatial and temporal information processing in the sea urchin embryo: modular and intramodular organization of the CyIIIa gene cis-regulatory system

The CyIIIa cytoskeletal actin gene of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is expressed specifically in the aboral ectoderm. In earlier work we identified a 2.3 kb cis-regulatory region that is necessary and sufficient for correct spatial and temporal expression of a CyIIIa.CAT gene. This region includes about 20 sites of specific protein-DNA interaction, at which at least nine different transcription factors may be bound. All except two of these factors have been cloned. In this work we have analyzed by deletion or mutagenesis each specific interaction. A specific function was identified for every binding site examined. These individual functions include control of amplitude and timing of expression at different phases of embryogenesis, and control of spatial expression. We show that particular negative regulatory interactions are required to repress expression of the CyIIIa.CAT construct in oral ectoderm and in skeletogenic mesenchyme at different stages. In further experiments we determined the overall functional organization of the CyIIIa cis-regulatory system, and we show that this system is modular in its regulatory structure. The ‘proximal module’ (with respect to the transcription start site) extends upstream for about 800 base pairs, and includes nine target sites serviced by six different transcription factors. Its major role is to establish CyIIIa expression in the aboral ectoderm territory as the blastomere founder cells are specified and the oral-aboral axis is determined, and to activate the CyIIIa gene late in cleavage. The ‘middle module,’ which lies upstream of the proximal module, acquires major control of CyIIIa function after the blastula stage. It includes six target sites, serviced by four different factors. The middle module is responsible for a sharp increase in expression occurring during gastrulation, mediated by the positively acting factors that bind within it. The middle module also includes sites at which two different negatively acting spatial control factors bind, the functions of which are required for correct spatial expression late in embryogenesis. The ‘distal module’ contains a number of sites at which a positively acting factor binds, but this module exercises no spatial regulatory function. Interactions within the distal module are required for the normal levels of function of both the proximal and middle modules.
Does high quality leader–member exchange accentuate the effects of organizational justice?

The current study examined interactions between leader – member exchange (LMX) and two dimensions of organizational justice—procedural and interpersonal. Results from a study of full-time employees (n = 283) in a diverse set of job types provide support for the notion that a high quality leader – member relationship (i.e., LMX) enhances the strength of the relationships between procedural and interpersonal justice and a variety of outcomes. Specifically, procedural and interpersonal justice perceptions were significantly associated with an employee's felt obligation to the organization, but only when that employee reported high quality relationships with their supervisors. Results of this study extend research that attempts to integrate the organizational justice and leadership literatures.
Conditioning on One-Step Survival for Barrier Option Simulations

Pricing financial options often requires Monte Carlo methods. One particular case is that of barrier options, whose payoff may be zero depending on whether or not an underlying asset crosses a barrier during the life of the option. This paper develops variance reduction techniques that take advantage of the special structure of barrier options, and are appropriate for general simulation problems with similar structure. We use a change of measure at each step of the simulation to reduce the variance arising from the possibility of a barrier crossing at each monitoring date. The paper details the theoretical underpinnings of this method, and evaluates alternative implementations when exact distributions conditional on one-step survival are available and when not available. When these one-step conditional distributions are unavailable, we introduce algorithms that combine change of measure and estimation of conditional probabilities simultaneously. The methods proposed are more generally applicable to terminal reward problems on Markov processes with absorbing states.
What is Wisdom and How Can We Develop It

Wisdom is the use of one’s intelligence and experience as mediated by values toward the achievement of a common good through a balance among (1) intrapersonal, (2) interpersonal, and (3) extrapersonal interests, over the (1) short and (2) long terms, to achieve a balance among (1) adaptation to existing environments, (2) shaping of existing environments, and (3) selection of new environments. This article discusses the balance theory of wisdom, and how wisdom can be assessed and developed.
Modeling and Analysis of Metal Interconnect Resistance of Power MOSFETs with Ultra Low On-Resistance

The issue of metal interconnect resistance becomes increasingly critical as the power MOSFET technology continues to advance. This paper introduces a three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) approach to model the influence of source metal on the performance of power MOSFETs with ultra low on-resistance. Various source metal interconnection designs for two commercial discrete packages, the D2PAK and DirectFET, are studied extensively using the newly developed FEA model. It is found that the number and location of wirebonds or solder pads as well as the interconnect layout all have considerable impact on the total on-resistance of a power MOSFET. Furthermore, the metal interconnect resistance imposes another limit on the lowest R DS(on that can be practically achieved on power MOSFETs even in light of the ever-decreasing silicon-contributed specific on-resistance.
Audit technology and preferences for auditing standards

Abstract This paper investigates factors associated with audit firm positions on Auditing Standards Board issues during the three-year period ending during 1984. The major finding is that firms with relatively structured audit technologies tend to favor proposed statements while firms with relatively unstructured technologies do not. Audit firm size is not associated with firm position. Also, Big 8 firms favoring proposed statements have lower staff-to-partner ratios and concentrate less in auditing. The staff-to-partner ratio is negatively associated with technology. The results' implications for auditing profession organization studies and auditing and financial reporting research are investigated.
Smooth view-dependent level-of-detail control and its application to terrain rendering

The key to real-time rendering of large-scale surfaces is to locally adapt surface geometric complexity to changing view parameters. Several schemes have been developed to address this problem of view-dependent level-of-detail control. Among these, the view-dependent progressive mesh (VDPM) framework represents an arbitrary triangle mesh as a hierarchy of geometrically optimized refinement transformations, from which accurate approximating meshes can be efficiently retrieved. In this paper we extend the general VDPM framework to provide temporal coherence through the run-time creation of geomorphs. These geomorphs eliminate "popping" artifacts by smoothly interpolating geometry. Their implementation requires new output-sensitive data structures, which have the added benefit of reducing memory use. We specialize the VDPM framework to the important case of terrain rendering. To handle huge terrain grids, we introduce a block-based simplification scheme that constructs a progressive mesh as a hierarchy of block refinements. We demonstrate the need for an accurate approximation metric during simplification. Our contributions are highlighted in a real-time flyover of a large, rugged terrain. Notably, the use of geomorphs results in visually smooth rendering even at 72 frames/sec on a graphics workstation.
Intra-rectal application of amifostine for prevention of late radiation rectal injury: preliminary results of a phase i dose escalation study

Purpose: Clinically symptomatic late injury to the rectal wall occurs in about 1/3 of patients with prostate cancer treated with external-beam irradiation. Reducing the physical dose to the anterior rectal wall without a similar reduction in the posterior peripheral zone is difficult due to the proximity of the prostate to the anterior rectal wall. Based on our previous observations in an animal model, that intrarectal application of amifostine resulted in very high concentrations of amifostine and its active metabolite WR-1065 in the rectal wall, a phase I dose-escalation clinical trial was undertaken.
Toca-1 Mediates Cdc42-Dependent Actin Nucleation by Activating the N-WASP-WIP Complex

An important signaling pathway to the actin cytoskeleton links the Rho family GTPase Cdc42 to the actin-nucleating Arp2/3 complex through N-WASP. Nevertheless, these previously identified components are not sufficient to mediate Cdc42-induced actin polymerization in a physiological context. In this paper, we describe the biochemical purification of Toca-1 (transducer of Cdc42-dependent actin assembly) as an essential component of the Cdc42 pathway. Toca-1 binds both N-WASP and Cdc42 and is a member of the evolutionarily conserved PCH protein family. Toca-1 promotes actin nucleation by activating the N-WASP-WIP/CR16 complex, the predominant form of N-WASP in cells. Thus, the cooperative actions of two distinct Cdc42 effectors, the N-WASP-WIP complex and Toca-1, are required for Cdc42-induced actin assembly. These findings represent a significantly revised view of Cdc42-signaling and shed light on the pathogenesis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.