cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expanding the Rule Set of DNA Circuitry with Associative Toehold Activation

Toehold-mediated strand displacement has proven extremely powerful in programming enzyme-free DNA circuits and DNA nanomachines. To achieve multistep, autonomous, and complex behaviors, toeholds must be initially inactivated by hybridizing to inhibitor strands or domains and then relieved from inactivation in a programmed, timed manner. Although powerful and reasonably robust, this strategy has several drawbacks that limit the architecture of DNA circuits. For example, the combination between toeholds and branch migration (BM) domains is 'hard wired' during DNA synthesis thus cannot be created or changed during the execution of DNA circuits. To solve this problem, I propose a strategy called 'associative toehold activation', where the toeholds and BM domains are connected via hybridization of auxiliary domains during the execution of DNA circuits. Bulged thymidines that stabilize DNA three-way junctions substantially accelerate strand displacement reactions in this scheme, allowing fast strand displacement initiated by reversible toehold binding. To demonstrate the versatility of the scheme, I show (1) run-time combination of toeholds and BM domains, (2) run-time recombination of toeholds and BM domains, which results in a novel operation 'toehold switching', and (3) design of a simple conformational self-replicator.
The O-linked fucose glycosylation pathway. Evidence for protein-specific elongation of o-linked fucose in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

O-Linked fucose is an unusual form of glycosylation recently shown to modify the hydroxyls of serine or threonine residues at a strict consensus site within epidermal growth factor-like domains of several serum proteins. Here we demonstrate that Chinese hamster ovary cells modify numerous proteins withO-linked fucose and that the fucose is elongated on specific proteins. We have identified at least two forms ofO-linked fucose elongation in Chinese hamster ovary cells: a disaccharide (Glcβ1,3Fuc) and a larger oligosaccharide of indeterminate structure. Interestingly, it appears that the level of monosaccharide accumulates in the cells over time whereas the disaccharide does not. Analysis of the O-linked fucose-containing saccharides on individual proteins revealed that some proteins are modified with the monosaccharide only, whereas others are modified with monosaccharide and disaccharide, or monosaccharide and oligosaccharide. These results suggest that elongation of theO-linked fucose monosaccharide is a protein-specific phenomena. The presence of elongated O-linked fucose moieties suggests that a novel glycosylation pathway exists in mammalian cells with O-linked fucose as the core.
Adding a new dimension to physical design

Three-dimensional (3D) technologies have the potential to provide major benefits to integrated circuit design. An advanced 3D chip consists of multiple tiers of two-dimensional (2D) circuitry, stacked vertically over each other, with very small intertier distances. Such technologies offer numerous benefits over conventional 2D designs. First, by stacking multiple 2D tiers, it is possible to increase the number of transistors within a package: in other words, 3D offers increased integration using an approach that is orthogonal to device scaling. Second, the small intertier distances imply that the histogram of wire length distributions is significantly altered, enabling critical wires to be made very short. Third, 3D offers opportunities for integrating heterogeneous technologies into a single chip, enabling much more versatility in the types of chips we can build.Fundamentally, the shift from 2D to 3D is topological, and holds numerous physical design challenges. In addition, several effects that were critical in 2D are further accentuated in 3D. For example, the increased current required by a 3D stack, as compared to a 2D chip with the same footprint, brings forth twin problems: how do we get the current in (i.e., perform reliable power delivery), and how do we get the heat out (i.e., perform thermal management)? Solutions to problems such as these can come from the architectural level and go down to much finer granularities. This talk overviews prior work in the area, and surveys the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Modeling Noisy Data with Differential Equations Using Observed and Expected Matrices.

Complex intraindividual variability observed in psychology may be well described using differential equations. It is difficult, however, to apply differential equation models in psychological contexts, as time series are frequently short, poorly sampled, and have large proportions of measurement and dynamic error. Furthermore, current methods for differential equation modeling usually consider data that are atypical of many psychological applications. Using embedded and observed data matrices, a statistical approach to differential equation modeling is presented. This approach appears robust to many characteristics common to psychological time series.
2H Kinetic Isotope Effects and pH Dependence of Catalysis as Mechanistic Probes of Rat Monoamine Oxidase A: Comparisons with the Human Enzyme

Monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) is a mitochondrial outer membrane-bound flavoenzyme important in the regulation of serotonin and dopamine levels. Because the rat is extensively used as an animal model in drug studies, it is important to understand how rat MAO A behaves in comparison with the more extensively studied human enzyme. For many reversible inhibitors, rat MAO A exhibits Ki values similar to those of human MAO A. The pH profile of kcat for rat MAO A shows a pKa of 8.2 ± 0.1 for the benzylamine ES complex and pKa values of 7.5 ± 0.1 and 7.6 ± 0.1 for the ES complexes with p-CF3-1H- and p-CF3-2H-benzylamine, respectively. In contrast to the human enzyme, the rat enzyme exhibits a single pKa value (8.3 ± 0.1) with kcat/Km for benzylamine versus pH and pKa values of 7.8 ± 0.1 and 8.1 ± 0.2 for the ascending limbs, respectively, of kcat/Km versus pH profiles for p-CF3-1H- and p-CF3-2H-benzylamine and 9.3 ± 0.1 and 9.1 ± 0.2 for the descending limbs, respectively. The oxidation of para-substituted benzylam...
Kinetic studies of adsorbed CO electrochemical oxidation on Pt(335) at full and sub-saturation coverages

Electrochemical measurements were performed to characterize the kinetics of adsorbed CO oxidation on the surface of the stepped Pt(s)-[4(111)×(100)]Pt(335) single crystal electrode. For CO adsorbed to full coverage at 0.1 V (versus the reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) in 0.5 M H2SO4 at ambient temperature (23 °C), oxidation of the layer gave 7.6 × 1014 ± 0.3 CO/cm2 as the saturation CO coverage, just below the average value reported for CO on Pt(335) in ultra high vacuum (8.3 × 1014 ± 0.6 CO/cm2). In potential step measurements carried out between 0.75 and 0.9 V, the peak region in the current–time transient was consistent with the surface reaction between adsorbed CO and adsorbed oxide as rate limiting. Plotting the log of the rate constant for the surface reaction versus potential gave a Tafel slope of 79 mV per decade, consistent with responses for CO electrochemical oxidation on structurally related stepped Pt electrodes. For CO coverages below saturation, current–time transients were more stable in 0.05 M H2SO4 than in the higher concentration electrolyte. Numerically solving the rate equations to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model of adsorbed CO electrochemical oxidation reproduced the main features in current-time transients measured at 0.7 V in 0.05 M H2SO4 for sub-saturation CO coverages. The results provide new insights into CO oxidation on Pt at sub-saturation coverage and confirm that anions play a role in CO surface chemistry.
Acides aminés libres chez les larves de Crangon septemspinosa (Caridea). Variation de leur taux de l'éclosion à la métamorphose. Leur rôle au cours du développement et leur importance dans la nutrition

1. Les variations du pool des acides amines au cours du developpement larvaire de Crangon septemspinosa et leurs relations avec la nutrition de cette espece en elevage ont ete envisagees. 2. Bien que les acides amines essentiels presentent des variations tres reduites comparees a celles des nonessentiels, une uniformite certaine est apparue. Le taux de chaque acide amine passe au cours du developpement par deux maxima, l'un au stade III, l'autre au dernier stade larvaire, juste avant la metamorphose. Chacun de ces pics est suivi d'une chute plus ou moins rapide du taux des acides amines. 3. Nous avons tente d'expliquer pour chacun d'eux ces variations en fonction de leur role dans le metabolisme general et la croissance. L'apport complementaire de certains acides amines aux periodes d'intense incorporation (qui correspondent aux phases critiques du developpement) permettrait peut-etre de pallier certaines difficultes rencontrees en elevage.
Axonal transport of dopamine-β-hydroxylase and acetylcholinesterase in human peripheral neuropathy

Abstract The content and axonal transport of dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) were measured in biopsy samples of sural nerve from 20 normal subjects and from more than 50 patients with various types of peripheral neuropathy. In a smaller series of cases the dynamics of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were also examined. Judged from the rate of accumulation of enzyme activity against a ligature during incubation in vitro, the normal average transport velocity of DBH was 1.8 mm/h. However, only 25% of the enzyme appeared to be transported and true velocity was estimated at 7.2 mm/h. Similar calculations placed the normal average velocity of AChE at 1.0 mm/h, the amount transported at 14%, and the true velocity at 7.1 mm/h. Statistically significant reductions in average transport velocity of DBH were observed in nerves from patients with hereditary sensory neuropathy types I and II and with hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy types II and III. In the latter condition (Dejerine - Sottas disease) transport was almost zero although the DBH activity per unit weight of nerve was normal. Significant reduction in average transport velocity of DBH but normal enzyme content was also observed in uremic neuropathy. In nerves from patients with diabetic neuropathy, both content and average velocity of DBH were reduced, and likewise those of AChE. Because the size of the transported fractions of these enzymes appeared normal in the diabetic nerves, the reduced average velocity probably reflected a real slowing of transport. These observations make it likely that rapid axonal transport of proteins is compromised in certain types of peripheral nerve disease in man.
12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate promotes tumors prior to initiation in two-stage promotion

Abstract The tumor promoter 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and the non-promoter mezerein both induce ornithine decarboxylase activity in mouse epidermis by a route which can be blocked by indomethacin. In two-stage tumor promotion experiments in mice with mezerein as the stage II promoter, TPA was effective as the stage I promter whether it was applied before or after an initiating dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a ]anthracene (DMBA). There appear to be at least 4 events in promotion, only 3 of which are caused by second stage promoters.
Nuclear-orientation measurement of parity admixture in the 501-keV gamma transition in $sup 180$Hf/sub m/

The effect of the parity nonconserving nuclear force on the 501-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ transition of $^{180}\mathrm{Hf}$ has been confirmed by a remeasurement of the angular distribution asymmetry of the radiation emitted by $^{180}\mathrm{Hf}^{m}$ polarized at temperatures down to 16 mK. A difference of 1% was observed between the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray intensities parallel and antiparallel to the nuclear polarization direction. When the results of the present study are averaged with previous nuclear polarization experiments and compared with the results of circular polarization experiments, It is deduced that the parity mixing can be uniquely assigned to an irregular $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{E}2$ multiple, rather than to a higher order irregular multiple such as $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{M}3$. Assuming a vanishing $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{M}3$ component, the present study yields $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=\frac{〈\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{E}2〉}{〈M2〉}=\ensuremath{-}0.026\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.002$, and the global average from all measurements is $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=\ensuremath{-}0.030\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.002$.
Muslim punks online: A diasporic Pakistani music subculture on the Internet

This article seeks to explore how Internet media is shaping transnationally-mediated South Asian music subcultures. Rather than serve as a literature review of new media and South Asian popular culture, this paper is especially interested in how particular music websites, discussion forums, social networking sites, and IP-based technologies in general are facilitating the creation of progressive South Asian virtual spaces. One particular South Asian musical scene, ‘Taqwacore’, a transnational Muslim punk music scene, is used as a case study. Reference is made to other non-Muslim diasporic South Asian musical scenes including Asian electronic music and Bhangra as well to contextualize Taqwacore. Ethnographic research (participant observation and interviewing) was conducted both online and offline using Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, blogs, discussion groups, and face-to-face meetings.
A large pliopithecine molar from Germany and some notes on the Pliopithecinae.

A lower molar of a large-bodied pliopithecine from the West German locality of Salmendingen is described and attributed to the taxon Anapithecus cf. hernyaki. This identification is
Isolation and characterization of cardiac sarcolemma.

A procedure was developed for the isolation of cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles. These vesicles are enriched about ten-fold (with respect to the tissue homogenate) in K+-stimulated p-nitrophenylphosphatase, (Na+ + K+)-ATPase, 5'-nucleotidase activities and sialic acid content, all of which are believed to be components of the sarcolemma. The sarcolemma of tissue culture cardiac cells were radioiodinated and the distribution of this radioiodine paralleled the distribution of the other membrane markers above. There was very little contamination of the sarcolemmal fraction by sarcoplasmic reticulum (as judged by Ca2+-ATPase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities) or inner mitochondrial membranes (as judged by succinate dehydrogenase activity). There may, however, be some contamination by outer mitochondrial membranes (as judged by monoamine oxidase and rotenone-insensitive NADH cytochrome c reductase activities) which have rarely been monitored in cardiac sarcolemmal preparations. The purity of this preparation is good when compared with other cardiac sarcolemmal preparations. This preparation should be very useful in studying the roles of the cardiac sarcolemma (e.g. in excitation contraction coupling and Ca2+ binding).
In Defense of the “Frames, then Content” (FC) Perspective on Speech Acquisition: A Response to Two Critiques

Most of the two foregoing articles critical of our “frames, then content” (FC) perspective (one article is by Giulivi, Whalen, Goldstein, Nam, and Levitt, while the other is by Oller) involve differing views of three favored consonant-vowel co-occurrence patterns which we predicted in infants, and found in both babbling and first words, and, to a lesser degree, in dictionary counts of 10 languages. We believe these findings indicate an initial “frame dominance” in that most early CV production results simply from a syllable-level elevation-depression cycle of the mandible—a “motor frame.” In contrast, Giulivi et al. believes that the favored forms, and apparently some others, result from a “synergistic” simultaneous delivery of consonant and vowel gestures already available at babbling onset. Both critiques contend that more of the overall variance in CV production in babbling, beyond the three favored categories, results from movements produced by other articulators (particularly the tongue) than we do. ...
Structural effects of concrete lining for concrete-lined corrugated steel pipes

This article presents the results of an analytical study on the structural behaviour of buried concrete-lined corrugated steel pipe (CLCSP). CLCSP combines the hydraulic characteristics of concrete pipe with an extended service life compared to unlined corrugated pipe. It is typically factory manufactured and shipped to the jobsite for roadway drainage applications. However, recent investigations have also demonstrated the ability to rehabilitate deteriorating metal culverts using a spray-on mortar lining approach. Since the primary intent of the concrete liner of manufactured CLCSP is to prevent abrasion and corrosion and improve the hydraulic performance, design guides for metal culverts lined with concrete have not been developed. A better understanding of the structural significance and the effect of the concrete lining on the strength of CLCSP is therefore needed. This study evaluated the structural effects of the concrete lining in CLCSP using finite element analysis and detailed soil modelling and ...
Multisided arrays of control points for multisided Bézier patches

A survey is presented examining a variety of different techniques, some old and some new, for extending the construction of standard three sided and four sided Bezier patches to n-sided surface patches.Standard triangular and rectangular Bezier patches can be defined either explicitly using Bernstein blending functions or recursively using de Casteljau pyramid algorithms based on barycentric coordinate functions. Underpinning both of these constructions are control points organized into triangular and rectangular arrays. Thus to extend the notion of Bezier patches to multisided schemes, we need to construct multisided arrays of control points and we need to generalize either the Bernstein basis functions or the barycentric coordinate functions to polygonal domains. But what exactly are multisided arrays of control points, and how precisely do we construct Bernstein basis functions or barycentric coordinates for polygonal domains? There is no single answer to any of these questions: different answers lead to different types of multisided Bezier schemes.Here we focus on different techniques for indexing multisided arrays, including Greek gnomons, spider webs, planar tessellations, fractal gaskets, Minkowski sums, and lattice polygons. For each of these indexing sets, we provide, whenever possible, either the associated bivariate Bernstein blending functions or the barycentric coordinate functions and the associated de Casteljan pyramid algorithm for the corresponding polygonal domains.
Equilibrium moisture contents of cracked and whole corn (maize)

Abstract The equilibrium moisture contents of finely cracked; medium cracked; coarsely cracked; whole, damaged; and whole, undamaged corn (maize) kernels were determined at 43 and 75% relative humidities and 30°C. Cracked and whole corn equilibrated to the same moisture contents. This indicates that differences in progeny production of Cryptolestes ferrugineus in an earlier study were not caused by differences in equilibrium moisture content of the types of corn used.
Truncating mutations in the ACVR2 gene attenuates activin signaling in prostate cancer cells.

Abstract Activins are classified as members of the TGFβ superfamily of signaling molecules and both activin and TGFβ ligands signal through structurally and functionally related serine/threonine kinase receptors. Defects in these signaling pathways have been associated with the initiation and progression of the cancer phenotype. Inactivating mutations in the TGFβ type II receptor gene, TGFβR2 , have been identified in a variety of tumors and cell lines, particularly those with microsatellite instability (MSI). More recently, mutations in the activin type II receptor gene, ACVR2 , were identified in colon and pancreatic cell lines and tumors with MSI. Because prostate tumors appear to have a high incidence of MSI, we analyzed prostate cancer cell lines, with and without MSI, for ACVR2 and TGFβR2 mutations. Our analysis of 6 prostate cell lines revealed mutations in the ACVR2 gene in 22Rv-1, LAPC-4, DU145, and LNCaP cells and mutations in the TGFβR2 gene in 22Rv-1 and LAPC-4. PC3 and H660 cells were wild-type for ACVR2 and TFGβR2 . All of the ACVR2 mutations were truncating mutations, and using an activin response assay, we demonstrate that truncating mutations of the ACVR2 gene result in a significant reduction in activin mediated cell signaling. Inactivation of ACVR2 is a common event in prostate cancer cells suggesting it may play an important role in the development of prostate cancer.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Latent Infection and Sporulation of Monilinia fructicola on Prune Fruit

Two studies were conducted to determine the effects of water content (WC) on sporulation on thinned fruit and the effects of wetness duration, inoculum density, and temperature on secondary infection of prune fruit by Monilinia fructicola, the main causal pathogen of brown rot in California. In the first study, sporulation intensity and duration of sporulation of the pathogen were tested on inoculated thinned fruit with five levels (67.2, 53.8, 40.3, 26.9, and 13.4%) of WC. Regression analyses showed that both sporulation intensity and duration of sporulation increased as WC of thinned fruit increased. The predicted difference in duration of sporulation between fruit with 13.4 and 67.2% WC was about 3 days. In the second study, three inoculum concentrations (8,000, 16,000, and 24,000 conidia per milliliter) of M. fructicola were atomized onto prune fruit on trees in an orchard. Inoculated fruit and shoots were covered with plastic bags to maintain wetness duration for 4, 8, 12, or 16 h. An overnight freezing and incubation technique was used after harvest to determine the proportion of fruit with latent infection. Regression analysis demonstrated that inoculum concentration and wetness duration were significant factors affecting secondary infection. Temperature was less important. Increased inoculum concentration and wetness duration increased the percentage of fruit with latent infections. Increased temperature decreased the percentage of fruit with latent infections.
for the M300 Workstation

In case you haven't read or thought enough about ways to define the function keys on the M300 Workstation, here is another possible set of definitions. These definitions stem from my frustration with the present lack of a TAB key for the OCLC Cataloging Subsystem; it seems as though I spend considerable time each working day with the right or left arrow pressed, waiting for the cursor to reach the middle of a line of text.
One-dimensional block adaptive IIR filters

We present the block implementation of adaptive infinite impulse response filters based on least-mean-square algorithm and output-error formulation. This approach leads to a reduction in overall computational complexity and to a fast implementation involving parallel processors or serial processors and fast Fourier transform techniques. Computer simulations are also provided to demonstrate the practical applications of the proposed adaptive filters.
Computer-mediated group support, anonymity, and the software inspection process: an empirical investigation

In software inspection, a key principle endorsed by Fagan (1986) is openness. However, scholars have recently questioned the efficacy of openness. For example, some argue that ego-involvement and personality conflicts that become more transparent due to openness might impede inspection. Still others point out that familiarity and (preexisting) relationships among inspection team members negatively affect the comprehensiveness in detection of defects. This brings up concerns if the openness as originally envisioned by Fagan may in fact lead to suboptimal outcomes. As the trend towards computer-based inspection continues, we believe that anonymity could play a positive role in overcoming some of the drawbacks noted in team-based inspection. Drawing upon the literature on software inspection and group support systems, this research proposes possible influences of group member anonymity on the outcome of computer-mediated software inspection and empirically examines the validity of the posited relationships in a set of controlled laboratory experiments. Two different inspection tasks with varying levels of software code complexity are employed. While both the control groups (i.e., teams without anonymity) and treatment groups (i.e., teams with support for anonymity) consume more or less the same time in performing the inspection tasks, the treatment groups are more effective in identifying the seeded errors in the more complex task. Treatment groups also express a more positive attitude toward both code inspection tasks. The findings of the study suggest a number of directions for future research.
Characterization of Na+‐Dependent Phosphate Uptake in Cultured Fetal Rat Cortical Neurons

Our laboratory has recently cloned and expressed a brain- and neuron-specific Na + -dependent inorganic phosphate (P i ) cotransporter that is constitutively expressed in neurons of the rat cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. We have now characterized Na + -dependent 32 P i cotransport in cultured fetal rat cortical neurons, where >90% of saturable P i uptake is Na + -dependent. Saturable, Na + -dependent 32 P i uptake was first observed in primary cultures of cortical neurons at 7 days in vitro (DIV) and was maximal at 12 DIV. Na + -dependent P i transport was optimal at physiological temperature (37°C) and pH (7.0-7.5), with apparent K m values for P i and Na + of 54 ± 12.7 μM and 35 ± 4.2 mM, respectively. A reduction in extracellular Ca 2+ markedly reduced (>60%) Na + -dependent P i uptake, with a threshold for maximal P i import of 1-2.5 mM CaCl 2 . Primary cultures of fetal cortical neurons incubated in medium where equimolar concentrations of choline were substituted for Na + had lower levels of ATP and ADP and higher levels of AMP than did those incubated in the presence of Na + . Furthermore, a substantial fraction of the 32 P i cotransported with Na + was concentrated in the adenine nucleotides. Inhibitors of oxidative metabolism, such as rotenone, oligomycin, or dinitrophenol, dramatically decreased Na + -dependent P i import rates. These data establish the presence of a Na + -dependent P i cotransport system in neurons of the CNS, demonstrate the Ca 2+ -dependent nature of 32 P i uptake, and suggest that the neuronal Na + -dependent P i cotransporter may import P i required for the production of high-energy compounds vital to neuronal metabolism.
Mechanical Performance of the LARP Nb $_{3}$ Sn Quadrupole Magnet LQS01

As part of the effort towards the development of Nb 3Sn magnets for future LHC luminosity upgrades, the LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP) has fabricated and tested the quadrupole magnet LQS01. The magnet implements 3.4 m long Nb 3Sn coils contained in a support structure characterized by an external aluminum shell segmented in four sections. The room temperature pre-load of the structure is obtained by shimming load keys through bladders, pressurized during the loading operations and removed before cool-down. Temperature compensated strain gauges, mounted on structure components and coil poles, monitor the magnet's mechanical behavior during assembly, cool-down and, excitation. During the first test, LQS01 reached the target gradient of 200 T/m; the gauge data indicated that the aluminum shell was pre-tensioned to the target value estimated by numerical models, but a lack of pre-load was measured in the coil inner layer during ramping. As a result, the test was interrupted and the magnet disassembled, and inspected. A second test (LQS01b) was then carried out following a re-loading of the magnet. The paper reports on the strain gauge results of the first test and the analysis performed to identify corrective actions to improve the coil pre-stress distribution. The mechanical performance of the magnet during the second cool-down and test is then presented and discussed.
A pulsed low-voltage swing latch for reduced power dissipation in high-frequency microprocessors

We have reported previously (Pong-Fei Lu et al., 2004) a low-swing latch (LSL) with superior performance-power tradeoff compared to the conventional pass-gate master-slave latch. In this paper, hardware results are presented for the proposed LSL with pulsed clock waveforms. The motivation is to combine low-voltage swing with pulsed signals to further reduce overall system power in high-frequency microprocessors. We have designed a 65-bit accumulator loop experiment to mimic a microprocessor pipeline stage. The local clock buffer design features a mode switch to toggle between two-phase (c1/c2) master-slave clocking and one-phase pulsed (c2 only) clocking. Our data show that 15-25% system power saving can be achieved in pulsed mode compared to non-pulsed mode. Power contribution from individual components is also presented
Portable neutron energy spectrometer utilizing microstructured semiconductor neutron detectors (MSND)

The portable neutron energy spectrometer is designed to identify an unknown neutron source. The spectrometer is cylindrical in shape with a diameter of 12 cm and a length of 33 cm. This allows for a large surface area for incident neutrons to interact with and sufficient moderating material to thermalize neutrons up to 14.1 MeV in energy. The spectrometer utilizes eleven 2 cm × 2 cm high-efficiency microstructured semiconductor neutron detector (MSND) devices. The detectors are arranged linearly along the central axis of the spectrometer. The spectrometer's volume consists of alternating layers of MSNDs, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and cadmium. The HDPE acts as a moderator for the epithermal and fast neutrons, allowing them to disperse energy linearly within the spectrometer's volume thereby, becoming thermalized and counted by the detectors. The 2 mm thick cadmium layer after each detector prevents thermal neutrons from backscattering to a previous detector. Extensive modeling of the portable spectrometer was conducted using MCNPS. The modeling was used to optimize the number of MSNDs and the thickness of the HDPE layers. Also, reference library templates for a variety neutron sources were simulated, including; 252Cf, 252Cf + D2O, PuBe, AmBe, and a 14.1 MeV fusion neutron source. A Figure-of-Merit calculation was used to identify the experimental neutron source. The spectrometer is a light-weight, portable, self-contained unit, weighing less than 20 lbs. It is powered by a rechargeable 6V battery contained within the main housing. The measurement data and identified neutron source information is displayed on the built-in LCD screen.
A Comparative Analysis of Neuro-fuzzy and Grammatical Evolution Models for Simulating Field-Effect Transistors

In this paper we have developed fuzzy inference system models for a field-effect transistor. The hope is to see if such techniques can be used for inventing future semiconductor based devices. Three modeling techniques have been used. Neuro Fuzzy based on grid partitioning and Neuro Fuzzy based on cluster partitioning create Sugeno Fuzzy Inference Systems, which are trained with a neural network back propagation method. The third modeling technique is based on Grammatical Evolution, where a grammar template in the form of rules is evolved using genetic algorithms based evolutionary techniques. This grammar template is based on the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System. Experimental results indicate that all models produce acceptable levels of performance, some even have an error rate that is nearly negligible.
Object impedance control for cooperative manipulation: theory and experimental results

The dynamic control module of the Dynamic and Strategic Control of Cooperating Manipulators (DASCCOM) project for aerospace robotics is presented. The cooperative manipulation problem is analyzed from a systems perspective, and the desirable features of a control system for cooperative manipulation are discussed. A control policy is developed that enforces a controlled impedance not of the individual arm endpoints, but of the manipulated object itself. A parallel implementation for a multiprocessor system is presented. The controller fully compensates for the system dynamics and directly controls the object internal forces. Most importantly, it presents a simple, powerful, intuitive interface to higher level strategic control modules. Experimental results from a dual two-link-arm robotic system show the effectiveness of the object impedance controller compared to other strategies, both for free-motion slews and environmental contact. >
Intraoperative Ultrasound-Guided Excision of Nonpalpable Breast Lesions

In order to determine if intraoperative ultrasound (US)-guided excision is a feasible procedure, we prospectively studied 15 female patients between July 1996 and December 1998 for US-detected nonpalpable breast lesions. Intraoperative US was used by the operating surgeon to identify the lesion, guide its excision, and evaluate the specimen to document complete removal. A control group of 15 female patients with mammographically detected nonpalpable lesions was used for comparison. These patients underwent preoperative needle localization, excision of the lesions, and specimen radiographs. Age, size of the lesion, total excised tissue volume, and operative time were documented in all cases. Fifteen patients aged 20-83 years (mean 51) underwent US-guided excision, which adequately localized all lesions, and excision was successful in all patients. Specimen US documented the lesion in all cases. Lesion size ranged from 0.7 to 2 cm (mean 1.1) and the total excised tissue volume averaged 30 cc. Mean operative time was 53 minutes (range 30-75 minutes). The 15 patients of the control group ranged in age from 32 to 82 years (mean 61). Excision was successful in all cases. Lesion size ranged from 1 to 2.5 cm (average 1.5) and the average excised tissue volume was 35 cc. Mean operative time was 50 minutes (range 30-75 minutes). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to age (p = 0.2), operative time (p = 0.5), and total excised tissue volume (p = 0.5). The size of the lesions did have a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01). There were no perioperative complications. In conclusion, US-guided excision of nonpalpable breast lesions is a feasible and effective technique. US documents results immediately, is of minimal discomfort to the patient, avoids the need for preoperative localization, allows the entire procedure to be performed in the operating room, does not require radiation, and provides the surgeon with a useful alternative in selected cases.
Neural network for maximum entropy restoration of nuclear medicine images

A modified neural network which uses maximum entropy as a constrained condition is proposed to restore the degraded images obtained by the detection of bremsstrahlung radiation from beta emitters. The restoration consists of two steps: estimation of the parameter of the neural network and reconstruction of the image. In the first step, the neural network is modified so that the neuron states can represent the image gray level directly. In the second step, the energy function minimization procedure is modified to get the maximum approach. The restoration performance and stability of the method are evaluated by applying it to simulated images and clinical studies acquired with a gamma camera. The restoration obtained proved to be more stable compared with other approaches. >
Self-Consistent Polarization of the Boundary in the Redistributed Charge and Dipole Scheme for Combined Quantum-Mechanical and Molecular-Mechanical Calculations

The recently developed redistributed charge (RC) and redistributed charge and dipole (RCD) schemes are electrostatic-embedding schemes to treat a quantum-mechanical/molecular- mechanical (QM/MM) boundary that passes through covalent bonds. In the RC and RCD schemes, the QM subsystem is polarized by the MM subsystem, but the MM subsystem is not polarized by the QM one; this results in an unbalanced treatment of the electrostatic interactions. In the work reported here, we developed improved schemes, namely, the polarized-boundary RC scheme (PBRC) and the polarized-boundary RCD (PBRCD) scheme, by adding self-consistent mutual polarization of the boundary region of the MM subsystem to the previous schemes. The mutual polarizations are accounted for in the polarized-boundary calculations by adjusting the boundary-region MM point charges according to the principles of electronegativity equalization and charge conservation until the charge distributions in both the QM subsystem and the polarizable region of the...
Pharmacogenetics and enzyme induction/inhibition properties of antiepileptic drugs

One of the major differences between the older antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and the newer AEDs is the potential of the older AEDs for significant interactions with other medications. Many of the drug-drug interactions involving the older AEDs are reciprocal, i.e., both drugs affect each other. In contrast, the newer AEDs have either no or limited drug interaction potential. Despite our extensive understanding of and our ability to predict drug-drug interactions, serious drug interactions still occur. More than 30% of all new seizures occur in the elderly, and because this population may be taking a variety of other medications the addition of an AED can have profound impact on these other therapies. In women, the use of enzyme-inducing AEDs can cause significant alterations of sex hormones and can decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives. In children and adults, the use of enzyme inducers may result in long-term endocrine effects, including bone loss and lipid, thyroid, and sex hormone abnormalities. Phenytoin and phenobarbital are metabolized by cytochrome P450 isozymes, with activity dependent on genetic polymorphism (CYP2C9, CYP2C19). The dosing of the newer AEDs is not affected by genetic polymorphism. The decreased induction and inhibition effects and the lack of significant genetic polymorphism of the newer AEDs allow increased ease of use and perhaps greater safety, especially for patients taking multiple medications.
Evidence-based Assessment of Adherence to Medical Treatments in Pediatric Psychology

Objectives Adherence to medical regimens for children and adolescents with chronic conditions is generally below 50% and is considered the single, greatest cause of treatment failure. As the prevalence of chronic illnesses in pediatric populations increases and awareness of the negative consequences of poor adherence become clearer, the need for reliable and valid measures of adherence has grown. Methods This review evaluated empirical evidence for 18 measures utilizing three assessment methods: (a) self-report or structured interviews, (b) daily diary methods, and (c) electronic monitors. Results Ten measures met the “well-established” evidence-based (EBA) criteria. Conclusions Several recommendations for improving adherence assessment were made. In particular, consideration should be given to the use of innovative technologies that provide a window into the “real time” behaviors of patients and families. Providing written treatment plans, identifying barriers to good adherence, and examining racial and ethnic differences in attitudes, beliefs and behaviors affecting adherence were strongly recommended.
Mapping the binding surface of interleukin-8 complexed with an N-terminal fragment of the Type 1 human interleukin-8 receptor

Interleukin-8 and its receptors are key mediators of immune and inflammatory responses. Heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy has been utilized to map the binding surface on interleukin-8 (IL-8) for an N-terminal fragment of the human Type-1 IL-8 receptor. A peptide corresponding to residues 1–40 of the IL-8 type 1 receptor (IL8-rl) was titrated into a sample of uniformly 15N-labeled IL-8. IL8-rl binds to IL-8 with a dissociation constant of 170 ± 50 μM assuming the peptide binds with a stoichiometry of one peptide per IL-8 monomer, exchanges rapidly (> 900 s−1) between free and bound states, and selectively perturbs the chemical environment of several IL-8 residues. The binding surface on IL-8 suggested by our results is comprised of residues in strand β3 of the β-sheet (Glu48 to Cys50), the turn preceding β3 (Ser44), the C-terminal α-helix (Val61) and the irregular N-terminal loop region (Thr123, Lys15, Phe17, His18, Lys20 and Phe21). The IL-8 dimer appears to present two symmetrical binding surfaces for the IL8-rl peptide, suggesting two receptor peptides may bind per dimer.
The future of left ventricular assist devices

The widespread acceptance of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in the treatment of heart failure has revolutionized the way end stage heart failure is treated. Advances in LVAD technology combined with a better understanding of patient selection has led to unparalleled survival as well as a reduction in the adverse event profile of these pumps. As our understanding of heart failure continues to grow, there is little doubt that LVADs will continue to play a pivotal role as a therapeutic option for those suffering from heart failure.
Perfluorooctanoic acid and chronic kidney disease: Longitudinal analysis of a Mid-Ohio Valley community.

Abstract Introduction Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an environmentally persistent chemical found at low-levels in the serum of almost all U.S. residents. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been positively associated with serum PFOA in prior cross-sectional studies and in one occupational mortality study, while other investigations have found no association between kidney function and PFOA. Methods We conducted a longitudinal analysis of chronic kidney disease among adults, aged ≥20 years, ( N =32,254) in a Mid-Ohio Valley community cohort, exposed to high PFOA levels from contaminated drinking water. Estimated retrospective yearly serum PFOA concentrations (1951–2011) were previously modeled in this population. Information about lifetime history of CKD diagnosis was collected during surveys in 2008–2011; self-reported CKD diagnoses were validated through medical record review. Using a Cox proportional hazards model, we retrospectively examined the association between validated adult onset CKD, and modeled PFOA exposure, from time of first exposure. We also analyzed data for the cohort prospectively, among people with no CKD diagnosis prior to enrollment in a baseline survey in 2005–2006. Both the full cohort and a non-diabetic subset were analyzed, retrospectively and prospectively. Results Neither in retrospective nor in prospective analyses did we find a significant ( α =0.05) trend between PFOA exposure and CKD. In the full cohort, estimated hazard ratios by quintile of cumulative serum PFOA in the retrospective analysis were 1.00 (referent), 1.26, 1.12, 1.12 and 1.24 (trend test for log cumulative exposure: p =0.80). Conclusion Our analyses suggest that CKD is not associated with exposure to PFOA.
NF-κB-dependent airway inflammation triggers systemic insulin resistance

Inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome) are associated with hyperglycemia, even in patients without a prior diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. It is unknown whether the lung inflammation itself or the accompanying comorbidities contribute to the increased risk of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. To investigate whether inflammatory signaling by airway epithelial cells can induce systemic insulin resistance, we used a line of doxycycline-inducible transgenic mice that express a constitutive activator of the NF-κB in airway epithelial cells. Airway inflammation with accompanying neutrophilic infiltration was induced with doxycycline over 5 days. Then, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps were performed in chronically catheterized, conscious mice to assess insulin action. Lung inflammation decreased the whole body glucose requirements and was associated with secondary activation of inflammation in multiple tissues. Metabolic changes occurred in the absence of hypoxemia. Lung inflammation markedly attenuated insulin-induced suppression of hepatic glucose production and moderately impaired insulin action in peripheral tissues. The hepatic Akt signaling pathway was intact, while hepatic markers of inflammation and plasma lactate were increased. As insulin signaling was intact, the inability of insulin to suppress glucose production in the liver could have been driven by the increase in lactate, which is a substrate for gluconeogenesis, or due to an inflammation-driven signal that is independent of Akt. Thus, localized airway inflammation that is observed during inflammatory lung diseases can contribute to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance.
Comparison of two warfarin regimens in the prevention of venous thrombosis following total knee replacement.

Abstract A prospective, randomized trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety of warfarin given in two regimens in prevention of venous thrombosis after total knee replacement. Adult patients scheduled for primary or revision total knee replacement were randomly assigned to receive either a "two-step" warfarin regimen beginning 10-14 days pre-operatively or, alternatively, to begin warfarin the night before surgery. Post-operatively, the dose was adjusted in both groups to achieve a target International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 2.2 and prophylaxis was continued until venography on post-operative days five through nine. Bleeding was assessed by surgical blood loss, transfusion requirements, changes in hematocrit, and clinically identified bleeding complications. The occurrence of deep vein thrombosis was nearly the same in the two treatment groups, 39% in patients randomized to the two-step regimen as compared to 38% in those beginning the night before surgery. The occurrence of proximal vein thrombosis was also similar, 5% versus 7% (p = NS). Patients in the two-step group received 1.33 +/- 1.26 transfusions compared to 0.95 +/- 1.22 in the night before group (p < 0.05) and also had a lower nadir post-operative hematocrit of 26.7 +/- 3.1 as compared to 28.5 +/- 3.2 (p < 0.0001). Major bleeding complications were associated with excessively prolonged INRs and occurred in five patients in the two-step group and two in the night before group. Patients in both groups who developed thrombosis had a significantly lower INR on post-operative days two and three compared to those without thrombosis. We conclude that a prophylactic warfarin regimen for prevention of deep vein thrombosis after total knee replacement beginning the night before surgery is more convenient and may be associated with less bleeding than a regimen beginning warfarin 10-14 days pre-operatively. Careful control of anticoagulant intensity is needed to achieve maximum effectiveness and avoidance of bleeding complications.
International Law as a Unitary System

When two states have a dispute, the other 188 states in the world are more than passive observers. They do not want the dispute to spread. They want the dispute to be resolved in a way that does not stimulate further related disputes. In brief, the uninvolved nations have an interest in peaceful conflict-resolution. That interest coincides with existing international law which is itself peace-seeking (international law shuns anarchy). International law is a coherent, complex, self-adapting, and purposive system; it makes its presence felt in all international disputes and controversies because it represents the aggregate interest of all the states not directly involved in a given dispute. There are many payoffs in conceptualizing international law as a system suggested in this paper, but by far the most important is to transfer zero-sum international wars and conflicts into n-person non-zero-sum games. These games involve maximin strategies of both conflict and cooperation. Indeed, they account for the vast amount of cooperation in the world - cooperation that accumulates over time even as disputes or wars cancel themselves out.