cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of maximum power for sequential circuits considering spurious transitions

With the high demand for reliability and performance, accurate estimation of maximum instantaneous power dissipation in CMOS circuits is essential to determine the IR drop on supply lines and to optimize the power and ground routing. Unfortunately, the problem of determining the input patterns to induce maximum current, and hence, the maximum power, is NP-complete. Even for circuits with small number of primary inputs (PIs), it is CPU time intensive to conduct efficiently search in the input vector space. The authors present an automatic test generation (ATG) based technique to efficiently generate tight lower bounds of the maximum instananeous power for CMOS sequential circuits under non-zero gate delays. Power dissipation due to spurious transitions has been considered by incorporating static timing analysis into the estimation process. Experiments were performed on ISCAS and MCNC benchmarks. Results show that the ATG-based technique is superior to the traditional simulation-based technique in both speed and performance. On average, for sequential circuits having over 10,000 gates (ISCAS-89 benchmarks), the ATG-based approach executes 981 times faster, and generates a lower bound which is 1.8 times better compared to simulation based approaches.
Trace element mobility during early diagenesis of volcanic ash: Applications to stratigraphic correlation

Abstract We have analyzed the relative mobility of trace elements in five rhyolitic and two basaltic tephra layers preserved in both altered and unaltered states, as a means of developing a rapid, whole-rock method for correlating altered tephra layers. The tephra layers were altered to zeolites or clay minerals in either saline-alkaline pore fluids, characteristic of small ephemeral lakes, or slightly more dilute pore fluids associated with perennial lakes and brackish coastal groundwaters. Comparison of whole rock trace elements analyses from the unaltered and altered portions of each tephra layer indicates that immobile elements, such as Ti, Zr, Hf, and Ta, retain their initial concentrations. Relatively more reactive alkaline and alkaline-earth elements, such as Rb, Sr, and Cs, are generally mobile. The lanthanide elements display variable mobility. The Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) generally retain their initial concentrations, whereas the Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE) are generally depleted in alkaline solutions but immobile in more dilute pore fluids. We suggest that differences between LREE and HREE mobility result from the combined effects of LREE partitioning into stable accessory minerals and HREE transport as solution complexes, although our data set was not designed for quantitative analysis of these proposed mechanisms. Where both the diagenetic environment, and the accessory mineral compositions are well-constrained, the trace element signatures of the unaltered and altered tephra layers can be used to correlate an altered tephra layer to its unaltered equivalent, and to distinguish between different altered tephra layers. Four of the seven altered tephra layers canbe distinguished on the basis of ratios of immobile elements, e.g. Zr Ti vs. Hf Ti . The remaining three, all W-type rhyolitic ashes, can be largely differentiated using cluster analysis on a combination of immobile elements and elements with similar mobilities.
K2/Kleisli and GUS: experiments in integrated access to genomic data sources

The integrated access to heterogeneous data sources is a major challenge for the biomedical community. Several solution strategies have been explored: link-driven federation of databases, view integration, and warehousing. In this paper we report on our experiences with two systems that were developed at the University of Pennsylvania: K2, a view integration implementation, and GUS, a data warehouse. Although the view integration and the warehouse approaches each have advantages, there is no clear "winner." Therefore, in selecting the best strategy for a particular application, users must consider the data characteristics, the performance guarantees required, and the programming resources available. Our experiences also point to some practical tips on how database updates should be published, and how XML can be used to facilitate the processing of updates in a warehousing environment.
Lipopolysaccharide of Pseudomonas solanacearum

Etude de la composition en sucres et en acides gras des lipopolyosides isoles a partir d'une souche virulente et de son mutant non virulent. Analyse de l'antigene O
Energetic limitations on suction feeding performance in centrarchid fishes.

SUMMARY Energetic analysis of ecologically relevant behaviors can be useful because animals are energetically limited by available muscle mass. In this study we hypothesized that two major determinants of suction feeding performance, the magnitudes of buccal volumetric expansion and subambient buccal pressure, would be correlated with, and limited by, available muscle mass. At least four individuals of three centrarchid species were studied: largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ), bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ) and green sunfish ( Lepomis cyanellus ). Buccal pressure was measured directly via cannulation of the buccal cavity with a catheter-tipped pressure transducer. Buccal expansion was estimated from lateral high-speed video (500 or 1000 Hz) sequences and published data on internal kinematics of largemouth bass. These estimates were calibrated from silicone casts made of the buccal cavity post-mortem. Estimated work and power were found to be significantly correlated with muscle mass over all individuals. The slopes of these relationships, estimates of mass-specific muscle work and power, were found to be 11±2 J kg –1 and 300±75 W kg –1 , respectively. These estimates are consistent with observations made of in vivo and in vitro muscle use and with digital particle image velocimetry measurements of water flow in feeding centrarchids. A direct trade-off between mean pressure and change in volume was observed, when the latter was normalized to muscle mass. We conclude that available muscle mass may be a useful metric of suction feeding performance, and that the ratio of muscle mass to buccal volume may be a useful predictor of subambient buccal pressure magnitude.
Influence of water on nucleation kinetics in silicate melt

Abstract Steady-state rates and induction times for crystal nucleation in lithium disilicate melt depend exponentially on water content (up to 975 ppm). Time-dependent crystal number densities exhibit self-similar behavior as a function of water content, thereby allowing for a description of all data by a universal curve. This behavior provides a powerful tool for predicting crystallization histories, implies that mechanisms involved in nucleation are accelerated by water, and suggests that no new reaction pathways arise with the addition of water. The influence of water on crystal nucleation cannot be solely explained by the effect of water on viscosity; in addition, the free energy barrier to nucleation is ∼ 8% with an addition of water from 130 to 975 ppm.
Ovarian development in red-sided garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis: relationship to mating.

Female red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) exhibit a complex array of behavioral patterns. females may mate once, more than once, or not at all in the spring of the year, and a high percentage of female may mate in late summer before returning to winter hibernacula. The role of mating in the induction of ovarian growth in this species is complicated by this pattern of spring and late summer mating. Females hibernatedin the laboratory that mate on emergence in the spring exhibit higher frequencies of ovarian recrudescence than females that do not mate when exposed to males. Yet neither male courtship nor mating in the spring is required for ovarian development. However, mated and unmated females collected in the field in the spring of the year do not differ in frequencies of ovarian recrudescence. Ovarian growth in unmated females collected in the spring parallels the incidence of mating in the previous late summer. Thus, mating may influence the initiation of ovarian growth, but the effect can occur immediately (from spring mating) or be stored over winter (from late summer mating). Large year-to-year variation in reproductive rates of female red-sided garter snakes suggests that other factors such as nutrition and stored energy reserves may modify the effects of mating on ovarian growth.
Development of a high pressure-differential turbine blade cooling system

A convective-film system of high pressure-differential turbine blade cooling is presented. The results of calculating the thermal-hydraulic blade state using the KW3D software are given.
Total Synthesis of Thiostrepton. Retrosynthetic Analysis and Construction of Key Building Blocks

The first phase of the total synthesis of thiostrepton (1), a highly complex thiopeptide antibiotic, is described. After a brief introduction to the target molecule and its structural motifs, it is shown that retrosynthetic analysis of thiostrepton reveals compounds 23, 24, 26, 28, and 29 as potential key building blocks for the projected total synthesis. Concise and stereoselective constructions of all these intermediates are then described. The synthesis of the dehydropiperidine core 28 was based on a biosynthetically inspired aza-Diels-Alder dimerization of an appropriate azadiene system, an approach that was initially plagued with several problems which were, however, resolved satisfactorily by systematic investigations. The quinaldic acid fragment 24 and the thiazoline-thiazole segment 26 were synthesized by a series of reactions that included asymmetric and other stereoselective processes. The dehydroalanine tail precursor 23 and the alanine equivalent 29 were also prepared from the appropriate amino acids. Finally, a method was developed for the direct coupling of the labile dehydropiperidine key building block 28 to the more advanced and stable peptide intermediate 27 through capture with the highly reactive alanine equivalent 67 under conditions that avoided the initially encountered destructive ring contraction process.
Polymer electrolytes based on cross-linked linear poly(ethylenimine) hydrochloride/phosphoric acid systems

Abstract A series of polymer electrolyte gels was made by cross-linking linear poly(ethylenimine) hydrochloride (LPEI–HCl, DP ca. 2000) with malonaldehyde (generated in situ) in aqueous solutions containing varying concentrations of phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4 ) in the range of 0.35 ≤ x ≤ 4.16 mol/polymer repeat unit. After dehydration at 150 °C, four-probe a.c. conductivity measurements were carried out in the 60–150 °C range under reduced pressure and with no humidification. Conductivity at 110 °C ranged from 2 × 10 − 7 S/cm for cross-linked PEI–HCl with x = 0.35 H 3 PO 4 to 8 × 10 − 3 S/cm for x = 4.16 H 3 PO 4 . The apparent energy of activation for conduction decreased with increasing H 3 PO 4 concentration and was lowest (11 kJ/mol) for the sample with x = 4.16 H 3 PO 4 . The highest conductivity observed was 1.1 × 10 − 2 for the x = 4.16 H 3 PO 4 sample at 150 °C. Infrared spectroscopy of the LPEI–HCl shows a distinct, broad band between 2200 and 2500 cm − 1 due to NH 2 + , which decreases with increasing cross-linking but reappears with increasing amounts of phosphoric acid. A second, very broad feature has an extensive, high frequency wing that contains a relatively smaller amount of N–H stretching contributions from covalently bonded hydrogen. Bands in the P–O stretching region (1200–900 cm − 1 ) and the O–P–O bending region (700–400 cm − 1 ) do not indicate the presence of discrete PO 4 3− units, even at low H 3 PO 4 concentrations. Although the spectra are consistent with such species as phosphate dimers, trimers, or even polyphosphates, it is not possible at this time to rule out a distribution of protonated PO 4 units, i.e. H n PO 4 ( n −3) . Only a few bands of the cross-linked PEI host exhibit frequency shifts and intensity changes with addition of the H 3 PO 4 and subsequent heating. These bands occur in the range from 700 to 900 cm − 1 and are comprised of a complex mixture of C–N stretching, CH 2 rocking, and C–C stretching motions. This suggests that the oxygen atoms of the phosphate entities interact with the protonated NH groups on the PEI backbone via a hydrogen bonding interaction.
Development of the Extremely Low Probability of Rupture (xLPR) Version 2.0 Code

NRC Standard Review Plan (SRP) 3.6.3 describes Leak-Before-Break (LBB) assessment procedures that can be used to assess compliance with the 10CFR50 Appendix A, GDC-4 requirement that primary system pressure piping exhibit an extremely low probability of rupture. SRP 3.6.3 does not allow for assessment of piping systems with active degradation mechanisms, such as Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) which is currently occurring in systems that have been granted LBB approvals.Along with a series of existing qualitative steps to assure safety in LBB-approved lines experiencing PWSCC, NRC staff, working cooperatively with the Electric Power Research Institute through a memorandum of understanding, is developing a new, modular based, comprehensive piping system assessment methodology to directly assess compliance with the regulations. This project, called eXtremely Low Probability of Rupture (xLPR), will model the effects and uncertainties of relevant active degradation mechanisms and the associated mitigation activities. The resulting analytical tool will be comprehensive with respect to known and significant materials challenges (PWSCC, etc.), vetted with respect to the technical bases of models and inputs, flexible enough to permit analysis of a variety of in-service situations and adaptable such as to accommodate evolving and improving knowledge.A multi-year project has begun that has been focused on the development of a viable method and approach to address the effects of PWSCC as well as define the requirements necessary for such a modular-based assessment tool. As reported in a previous paper, the first version of this code was developed as part of a pilot study, which leveraged existing fracture mechanics based models and software coupled to both a commercial and open source code framework to determine the framework and architecture requirements appropriate for building a modular-based code with this complexity. The pilot study focused on PWSCC in pressurizer surge nozzles, and was meant to demonstrate the feasibility of this code and approach and not to determine the absolute values of the probability of rupture.This paper examines the plans for the xLPR Version 2.0 model which will broaden the scope of xLPR to all LBB-approved primary piping in pressurized water reactors (PWR), using an incremental approach that incorporates the design requirements and lessons learned from previous iterations. After a review of the Version 1.0 final results, this paper will document the plans for Version 2.0 including the revised management structure, the technical scope, and the progress in the code development effort to date.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Finite deformations of metal cylinders subjected to electromagnetic fields and mechanical forces

Abstract Strong electromagnetic (EM) fields coupled with mechanical loads may have a profound effect on deforming bodies. The continuum description of the plastic deformation of solids under electric fields and mechanical loads essentially involves the coupling of the field equations of continuum mechanics with Maxwell's equations. This analysis considers the effects of large EM fields on solid metal cylinders undergoing plastic deformations. Other researchers have used an electroplastic effect to explain previous EM and mechanically loaded experimental results. We examine whether it is necessary to invoke this controversial mechanism. First, we consider only EM loading and solve the transient EM distribution in a solid metal cylinder. This determines the EM time scales as compared to thermal diffusion time scales. Next, at the continuum level, we present the mechanical problem of quasi-static finite compressive deformations incorporating thermal expansion, strain hardening, strain rate sensitivity, thermal softening, and heat conduction. A viscoplastic model that is applicable over a wide range of strain rates (10 −4 –10 6 s −1 ) characterizes the material response. Finally, we consider a metal cylinder subjected to uni-axial mechanical loading as well as high axial current pulses. The material is assumed to be isotropic with the plastic incompressibility constraint. The deformations are assumed to remain axisymmetric and no instabilities in the cylinder are considered. Coupled effects of Joule heating and the Lorentz force on the quasi-static deformations are examined.
Total neutron cross sections at 1.44 eV

Abstract Neutron transmission cross sections of several elements, separated isotopes and compounds have been measured at the indium resonance energy 1.44 eV.
The “Two and One–Half Dimensional” Relativistic Vlasov Maxwell System

The motion of a collisionless plasma is modeled by solutions to the Vlasov–Maxwell system. The Cauchy problem for the relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system is studied in the case when the phase space distribution function f = f(t,x,v) depends on the time t, \(\) and \(\). Global existence of classical solutions is obtained for smooth data of unrestricted size. A sufficient condition for global smooth solvability is known from [12]: smooth solutions can break down only if particles of the plasma approach the speed of light. An a priori bound is obtained on the velocity support of the distribution function, from which the result follows.
Actors' and observers' attributions for success and failure: A comparative test of predictions from Kelley's cube, self-serving bias, and positivity bias formulations

Abstract An experiment was conducted to test implications of Kelley's cube, self-serving bias, and positivity bias formulations for attributions associated with success and failure on a test of “abstract reasoning.” Subjects either experienced or observed outcomes on three tasks. They then made attributions for only the third outcome, which was either a success or a failure. The first task was of the same type and had the same outcome as the third task, thus providing the information that the outcome being attributed was high in consistency. The second task was of a different type than the first and third tasks, and its outcome either did or did not differ from their outcomes, thus varying information about the distinctiveness of the outcome being attributed. Consensus was manipulated by presenting false norms, ostensibly from a previous experiment. In contrast to previous research, the present study included thorough checks on all of these informational manipulations. Regardless of attributor role (actor or observer), subjects attributed success more to internal than to external factors and attributed failure more to external than to internal factors. These findings indicate a general bias toward positive evaluations. Discussion centers on possible alternative interpretations of these findings, restrictions on their generality, and the limitations that they seem to impose on the applicability of the other two formulations.
Discriminable effects of phencyclidine analogs evaluated by multiple drug (PCP versus other) discrimination training

This study tested structural analogs of phencyclidine (PCP) using drug discrimination procedures to determine which analogs produced discriminable effects similar to those of PCP. It also tested the utility of multiple-drug discrimination training (PCP versus other drugs or saline) as a method for increasing the specificity produced by training. All discrimination training took place in two-lever operant compartments using FR-10 reinforcement of presses on the correct lever. During training, rats were required to concurrently discriminate PCP from one or more other drug conditions. Rats in group 1 discriminated PCP (lever 1) versus saline (lever 2). Rats in group 2 discriminated PCP (lever 1) versus saline, fentanyl, phenobarbital, amphetamine, or mescaline (lever 2). In both groups 1 and 2, the required discriminations were rapidly learned. The percentage of PCP choices and the ED50 doses obtained during tests for generalization did not differ significantly in groups 1 and 2. Drugs to which responding on the PCP lever generalized included 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine, N-3thyl-1-phenylcyclohexylamine, 1-phenylcyclohexylamine, ketamine, 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)morpholine, 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]morpholine, N,N-diethyl-1-phenylcyclohexylamine, N-(iso-propyl)-1-phenylcyclo-hexylamine, N-methyl-1-phenylcyclohexylamine, N-(n-propyl)-1-phenylcyclohexylamine, Dextrorphan, (dl)-N-allyl-N-normetazocine, N-N-dimethyl-1-phenylcyclo-hexylamine N-(n-butyl)-1-phenylcyclohexylamine, 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]pyrrolidine, and N-(s-butyl)-1-phenylcyclohexylamine, in agreement with previous reports. Rats in group 3 discriminated PCP (lever 1) versus saline, cyclazocine, dextrorphan, phenobarbital, or mescaline (lever 2). this discrimination was learned slowly, and asymptotic accuracy was low, thus demonstrating one of the limitations of drug discrimination training paradigms that require the concurrent discrimination of several drugs.
Cause of mortality in 5-year survivors of childhood cancer.

Survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer are at risk for long-term effects of disease and treatment. The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study assessed overall and cause-specific mortality in a retrospective cohort of 20,690 5-year survivors. Eligible subjects were individuals diagnosed with cancer (from 1970 to 1986) before the age of 21 who had survived 5 years from diagnosis. Underlying cause of death was obtained from death certificates and other sources, then and coded and categorized as recurrent disease, sequel of cancer treatment, or non-cancer-related. Age and sex standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using United States population mortality data. The cohort demonstrated an 8.2-fold excess in overall mortality (95% confidence interval, 7.9 to 8.5). Recurrence of the original cancer was the leading cause of death among 5-year survivors, accounting for 57% of deaths. Statistically significant excess mortality rates were seen due to subsequent malignancies (SMR = 15.0), along with cardiac (SMR = 6.9), and pulmonary (SMR = 8.7). There was no increase seen for automotive accidents (SMR = 1.0), other accidents (SMR = 1.3), or suicide (SMR = 1.0). While recurrent disease remains a major contributor to late mortality in 5-year survivors of childhood cancer, significant excesses in mortality risk associated with treatment-related complications exist up to 25 years after the initial cancer diagnosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:723–726. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The influence of age on the thresholds of compensatory stepping and dynamic stability maintenance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of age on compensatory-stepping thresholds and dynamic stability maintenance in response to postural disturbances. It was hypothesized that, with older age, anterior but not posterior stepping thresholds would be reduced. Thirteen young adults (31.1 ± 0.8 years), 11 middle-aged adults (57.6 ± 2.5 years), and 11 older adults (73.8 ± 5.3 years) participated in this study. Surface translations were delivered as subjects stood on a microprocessor-controlled treadmill. Subjects were instructed to "try not to step". Stepping thresholds were defined as the largest displacement at a given peak treadmill-belt velocity for which a subject could prevent stepping. The margin of stability was calculated to estimate the minimum dynamic stability at the stepping thresholds. Age-related declines in the ability to prevent forward steps were apparent. Anterior stepping thresholds were reduced with age. The minimum margin of stability associated with anterior stepping thresholds was not influenced by age. Therefore, smaller disturbance displacements caused middle-aged and older subjects to become dynamically unstable to the point of stepping. Posterior stepping thresholds were not influenced by age. It is concluded that an age-related decline in anterior, but not posterior, stepping thresholds was due to an impaired ability to maintain dynamic stability after a disturbance.
Sp3 repression of polymorphic human NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 gene promoter

Human NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) gene-containing 29-bp deletion/insertion polymorphic promoters were found to be associated with susceptibility to Parkinson's disease. Here, we demonstrate that the NQO2 gene is differentially expressed by the polymorphic promoters in human fibroblasts and Hep-G2 cells transfected with NQO2 gene reporter constructs. Promoter containing the 29-bp insertion polymorphism demonstrated significantly lower NQO2 gene expression. Deletion mutagenesis and DNase I footprinting analysis of the promoter without the 29-bp insertion identified three protected regions (region A, B, and C). Band- and supershift and transfection assays showed binding of transcription factor Sp1 to regions A and B, which regulated expression of the NQO2 gene. Similar studies of the NQO2 gene promoter with the 29-bp insertion polymorphism showed that regions A and C were identical and contributed similarly as in the promoter without the 29-bp insertion to NQO2 gene expression. However, region B was found to be inserted with 29-bp DNA element and bound to both Sp1 and Sp3. Binding of Sp3 led to repression of NQO2 gene transcription by the promoter containing the 29-bp insertion polymorphism. These studies also suggest that alterations in NQO2 activity might be an important factor in susceptibility to Parkinson's disease.
The effect of intergender conflict on sex-role attitudes

This study explored conditions under which initially multidimensional attitudes change and coalesce into unidimensionality. One hundred twenty-one college students participated in a pretest-posttest control group experimental design involving a prejudice reduction simulation. One group was exposed to overt statements and action that supported traditional male dominance. This group exhibited significantly more modern sex-role attitudes than did the other groups; and the former's attitudes shifted to unidimensionality while the others' attitudes did not. The data also suggest independence between techniques that produce racial/liberalism and sexrole attitude modernity.
Modal Operators for Coequations

Abstract We present the dual to Birkhoff's variety theorem in terms of predicates over the carrier of a cofree coalgebra. We then discuss the dual to Birkhoff's completeness theorem, showing how closure under deductive rules dualizes to yield two modal operators acting on coequations. We discuss the properties of these operators and show that they commute, and we prove the invariance theorem, which is the formal dual of the completeness theorem.
Distribution System Reliability Performance

Techniques are presented for the estimation of service interruptions initiated in the distribution system. Average service interruption rates and restoration times are calculated from failure rate and repair time data for equipment and lines. A quantitative method is suggested for evaluating the economic consequences of service interruptions. Calculations of reliability performance and its economic consequences are made for representative distribution circuits.
Molecular modeling of crosslinked graphene–epoxy nanocomposites for characterization of elastic constants and interfacial properties

Abstract The mechanical properties of crosslinked graphene/epoxy nanocomposites have been investigated using molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics simulations (MD). The influence of graphene nanoplatelet concentrations, aspect ratios and dispersion on elastic constants and stress–strain responses are studied. The cohesive and pullout forces at the interface of G–Ep nanocomposites are also investigated. The simulated MD models were further analyzed through radial distribution function, molecular energy and atom density. The results show significant improvement in Young’s modulus and shear modulus for the G–Ep system in comparison to neat epoxy resin. The graphene concentrations in the range of 1–3% and graphene with low aspect ratio are seen to improve Young’s modulus. The dispersed graphene system is seen to enhance in-plane elastic modulus than the agglomerated graphene system. The cohesive and pullout forces versus displacements data were plotted under normal and shear modes in order to characterize interfacial properties. The cohesive force is significantly improved by attaching chemical bonding at the graphene–epoxy interface. It appears that elastic constants determined by molecular modeling and nanoindentation test methods are comparatively higher than the micromechanics based predicted value and coupon test data. This is possibly due to scaling effect.
Evidence for the symbiotic origin of mitochondria

Abstract There are numerous characteristics in which mitochondria resemble bacteria and differ from the enveloping eukaryotic cell. These similarities and differences have been offered in support of the symbiotic origin of mitochondria. Such evidence, no matter how striking, can be faulted as representing retained primitive genome if the characteristics being compared evolved prior to the divergence of protoeukaryotes from prokaryotes. In contrast, if a characteristic evolved after this evolutionary divergence, in response to a relatively recent environmental change, it could serve as a clear marker of the symbiotic event. The enzyme superoxide dismutase, which serves as a defense against oxygen toxicity, need not have existed prior to the accumulation of photosynthetic oxygen. It probably evolved after the appearance of blue-green algae and it was apparently evolved independently by prokaryotes and by protoeukaryotes. The superoxide dismutases found in prokaryotes and in mitochondria are remarkably similar in gross properties and in amino acid sequence; whereas the corresponding enzyme of the eukaryotic cytoplasm is entirely different. This represents support for the symbiotic origin of mitochondria which is not easily argued away.
An Evolutionarily Conserved Arginine Is Essential for Tre1 G Protein-Coupled Receptor Function During Germ Cell Migration in Drosophila melanogaster

Background G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play central roles in mediating cellular responses to environmental signals leading to changes in cell physiology and behaviors, including cell migration. Numerous clinical pathologies including metastasis, an invasive form of cell migration, have been linked to abnormal GPCR signaling. While the structures of some GPCRs have been defined, the in vivo roles of conserved amino acid residues and their relationships to receptor function are not fully understood. Trapped in endoderm 1 (Tre1) is an orphan receptor of the rhodopsin class that is necessary for primordial germ cell migration in Drosophila melanogaster embryos. In this study, we employ molecular genetic approaches to identify residues in Tre1 that are critical to its functions in germ cell migration. Methodology/Principal Findings First, we show that the previously reported scattershot mutation is an allele of tre1. The scattershot allele results in an in-frame deletion of 8 amino acids at the junction of the third transmembrane domain and the second intracellular loop of Tre1 that dramatically impairs the function of this GPCR in germ cell migration. To further refine the molecular basis for this phenotype, we assayed the effects of single amino acid substitutions in transgenic animals and determined that the arginine within the evolutionarily conserved E/N/DRY motif is critical for receptor function in mediating germ cell migration within an intact developing embryo. Conclusions/Significance These structure-function studies of GPCR signaling in native contexts will inform future studies into the basic biology of this large and clinically important family of receptors.
Formation Kinetics of Insulin-Based Amyloid Gels and the Effect of Added Metalloporphyrins

The kinetics of insulin-based amyloid gel formation has been studied using extinction and fluorescence detection. The process is treated as autocatalytic, and the kinetic profiles are fit using a nonconventional analysis involving a time-dependent rate constant (factor): k(t) = ko + kc(kct)n. The dependence of the kinetic parameters on initial solution conditions of concentration, pH, and ionic strength has been investigated. A mechanism is proposed in which the rate-determining step involves the activation of insulin solute species into partially unfolded, structurally modified monomers, which then aggregate. The influence of added metalloporphyrins on the rate and extent of gel formation is described. Metal derivatives of tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine prove effective at inhibiting the aggregation of insulin via pathways that depend on concentration and identity of the incorporated metal.
Compiler Support for Optimizing Memory Bank-Level Parallelism

Many prior compiler-based optimization schemes focused exclusively on cache data locality. However, cache locality is only one part of the overall performance of applications running on emerging multicores or many cores. For example, memory stalls could constitute a very large fraction of execution time even in cache-optimized codes, and one of the main reasons for this is lack of memory-level parallelism. Motivated by this, we propose a compiler-based Bank-Level Parallelism (BLP) optimization scheme that uses loop tile scheduling. More specifically, we first use Cache Miss Equations to predict where the last-level cache miss will happen in each tile, and then identify the set of memory banks that will be accessed in each tile. Using this information, two tile scheduling algorithms are proposed to maximize BLP, each targeting a different scenario. We further discuss how our compiler-based scheme can be enhanced to consider memory controller-level parallelism and row-buffer locality. Our experimental evaluation using 11 multithreaded applications shows that the proposed BLP optimization can improve average BLP by 17.1% on average, resulting in a 9.2% reduction in average memory access latency. Furthermore, considering memory controller-level parallelism and row-buffer locality (in addition to BLP) takes our average improvement in memory access latency to 22.2%.
Equation of state and collision rate tests of parton cascade models

We develop two further numerical tests of parton cascade models: the ideal gas equation of state and the collision frequency tests. The equation of state test checks the initial momentum distribution generator and free expansion dynamics in periodic inhomogeneous geometries. The collision rate test is sensitive to spatial inhomogeneities and the collision algorithm. These tests are applied to the recently developed ZPC parton cascade model. The tests helped uncover unphysical correlations induced by one of the commonly used random number generators and showed the necessity of particle subdivisions for convergence to the exact analytic limit.
The legal/juridical space of computer games: From intellectual property to intellectual freedom

Computer games may seem mere entertainments, but they are a multi-billion dollar global business of multi-media stories that, beyond entertainment, teach, edify and offend. As with their predecessors — stories, poetry, song, books, cinema and video — the art, politics and business of their creation and commerce have substantial impact in the modern world. In response, the laws of modernity impact computer games. We examine how computer gaming is engaged in the transnational legal regime of intellectual property, personal and state rights and intellectual freedom.
Propagation of uncertainty in nasal spray in vitro performance models using Monte Carlo simulation: Part II. Error propagation during product performance modeling

Monte Carlo simulations were applied to investigate the propagation of uncertainty in both input variables and response measurements on model prediction for nasal spray product performance design of experiment (DOE) models in the first part of this study, with an initial assumption that the models perfectly represent the relationship between input variables and the measured responses. In this article, we discard the initial assumption, and extended the Monte Carlo simulation study to examine the influence of both input variable variation and product performance measurement variation on the uncertainty in DOE model coefficients. The Monte Carlo simulations presented in this article illustrate the importance of careful error propagation during product performance modeling. Our results show that the error estimates based on Monte Carlo simulation result in smaller model coefficient standard deviations than those from regression methods. This suggests that the estimated standard deviations from regression may overestimate the uncertainties in the model coefficients. Monte Carlo simulations provide a simple software solution to understand the propagation of uncertainty in complex DOE models so that design space can be specified with statistically meaningful confidence levels.
ProvenCare lung cancer: A multi‐institutional improvement collaborative

Geisinger's ProvenCareTM Program (for elective coronary artery bypass surgery, total hip replacement, and others) has shown that the principles of reliability science, facilitated by a robust electronic health record and institutional commitment, allow the re-engineering of complicated clinical processes. This eliminates unwarranted variation and promotes the completion of evidence-based elements of care. It has not been established that ProvenCare can be generalized to other institutions. Now, under the auspices of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, ProvenCare has been adapted to a multi-institutional collaborative for the care of the patient with resectable lung cancer. CA Cancer J Clin 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society, Inc.
More data needed to interpret link between suicide and FDA warning on antidepressants

It is hard to interpret Lu and colleagues’ data on an association between the US Food and Drug Administration’s recently introduced warning on antidepressants and increased …
Ten‐year Experience with an Emergency Medicine Resident Research Project Requirement

Background: Controversy exists regarding the value and quality of required emergency medicine (EM) resident scholarly projects. Objectives: To describe the research designs and presentation rate at national scientific meetings and the publication rate of EM resident scholarly projects at a university-based residency program. Methods: The authors reviewed the initial ten years (1993–2002) of resident scholarly projects from an EM residency program. Since the inception of the program, a formal research study has been required of all residents for residency graduation. Scholarly projects were reviewed and categorized by study design. Abstracts from the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) annual meetings were searched to identify projects presented at any of these national meetings. A PubMed search for resident and faculty investigators was performed, and faculty and graduated residents were queried to identify all resident scholarly projects published in peer-reviewed journals. Results: Eighty-seven residents produced 90 scholarly projects. Study designs were prospective data collection, 42 (47%); retrospective chart review, 38 (42%); survey, 5 (6%); animal, 4 (4%); and computer program development, 1 (1%). Of the 80 projects collecting patient data, 72 were conducted at a single center; 6, at two centers; and 2, at five centers each. Of the 42 prospective clinical studies, 27 (64%) were observational and 15 (36%) were interventional. Forty-six (51%) abstracts were presented at national meetings (SAEM, 20; ACEP, 19; AAEM, 3; and other, 4). Thirty-six (40%) of the projects have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Abstract presentation at national meetings (range, 13%–64% of projects per yr) and manuscript publication rates (range, 0–67% of projects per yr) were variable from year to year. Conclusions: Resident scholarly projects at one institution were equally likely to use a prospective or retrospective design, and most were conducted at a single center. More than half of the projects were presented at national research meetings, and more than a third were subsequently developed into manuscripts and published in peer-reviewed journals. When an original research study is required for satisfying the scholarly requirement for EM residency graduation, resident projects can contribute to the EM literature.
Plasma characteristics of a 17 cm diameter line-cusp ion thruster

A 17 cm line cusp argon ion thruster has been subjected to a variety of tests using collecting probes in an attempt to determine and understand its plasma properties. Plasma density, space potential and electron temperature have been mapped throughout the interior of the device for several sets of operating conditions. Electron and ion losses have been measured in and near the cusps. Correlations between interior plasma properties and external parameters such as discharge current and beam current are made where appropriate and are found to be understandable in terms of basic plasma concepts. However, a simple model, which cannot account for spatial variations of the plasma parameters, is not able to predict the performance of the device. Directions for further work are discussed.
Development of gluconeogenesis in pig liver slices.

Abstract • Several studies have shown that newborn pigs are unable to maintain normal blood sugar when fasted immediately after birth. Among the reasons postulated were a defect or late maturation in a key regulatory enzyme of gluconeogenesis. Recently, glucose-6-phosphate, fructose diphosphate and phosphopyruvate carboxylase activities were shown to be low in fetal tissue and to increase within 48 h to levels observed in older normal glycemic animals. The present study was undertaken to determine if an enzymatic defect existed in pyruvate carboxylase and to determine the rates of gluconeogenesis in pig liver with respect to development and maturation. • The hepatic enzyme pyruvate carboxylase was found to be low in 1-day-old pigs and to increase 3–4 fold within 4 days. In addition, fructokinase was found to be completely absent in newborn liver and to remain low in animals until 10 days of age. The conversion rate of fructose to glucose in liver slices was found to follow the enzymatic developmental pattern. • The conversion of precursor substrates such as lactate, pyruvate, glycerol and dihydroxyacetone to glucose did not occur in 1-day-old, 24-h-fasted piglets. A significant increase in hepatic gluconeogenesis occurred 2–6 days postnatally and a further increase was found at 10–16 days of life. • The present study demonstrates that the newborn pig liver has a decreased gluconeogenic capacity in comparison to older pig liver and that the low rate may help to explain why the neonatal pig has difficulty in maintaining normal blood glucose when fasted immediately after birth. The relatively low rate of lactate and pyruvate conversion to glucose for 1–3 days may possible be enzyme limited although both pyruvate carboxylase and phosphopyruvate carboxylase are elevated by the 3rd day of life to levels found in older normal glycemic fasted pigs.
Differential optical imaging in animal models using infrared transillumination

We demonstrate the use of diffuse optical imaging via transillumination to detect cancerous tissue in a rat animal model. In this imaging modality infrared radiation is transmitted through whole animal tissue. The radiation is nonionizing and uses endogenous contrast: namely deoxyhemoglobin (Hb) and oxyhemoglobin (HbO). Differential image analysis is performed to visualize the presence of cancerous tissue. Varying levels of inspired air and carbogen gases ensure a differential response in absorption by blood due to changing levels of Hb and HbO. We believe that this response may be sufficient to provide contrast in differential image analysis. The present method also sheds light on physiological challenges in whole animal imaging especially with respect to significant optical signals from healthy tissue. Specifically, we have seen strong signals from abdominal regions in normal rats indicative of diet related anomalous transmission. We have also been able to track the changes in optical signal during animal death.
Note on the Calculation of Angular Distributions in Resonance Reactions

This note is concerned with pointing out some labor saving devices in the calculation of transformation coefficients arising in the composition of angular momenta which are needed for the calculation of angular distributions of disintegration products arising in nuclear resonance reactions.
Democracy and business cycles: Evidence from portuguese economic history

The Portuguese Republic of 1910–1926 was characterised by extreme instability in the political and economic spheres. The authoritarian regime that succeeded the Republic claimed legitimacy asserting that democracy naturally implied fiscal and monetary instability. In this article we study the Republican period and the Monarchy that immediately preceded it, in order to test three hypotheses as to the roots of instability during the Republic: exceptionally high public expenditure made necessary by participation in World War I, the Fiscal Hypothesis; expansion of the money supply and increase in its variability, the Monetary Hypothesis; social and political unrest, facilitated by greater freedom in expressing grievances, the Democracy Hypothesis. Using standard econometric techniques we find strong evidence in favour of the Monetary and the Democracy Hypotheses but not in favour of the Fiscal Hypothesis. Moreover, our results support the view that political and monetary instability were mutually reinforcing phenomena. The examination of the two periods, Monarchy and Republic, reveals a strong positive association between political and economic cycles in the later, more democratic period.
Configuration‐dependent Raman bands of phospholipid surfaces: 2—Head group and acyl stretching modes in the 800–900 cm−1 region

Deuteration studies, hydration studies, melting studies and model compound studies are utilized to assign and interpret the 800–900 cm−1 region of the Raman spectra of the phospholipids dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine. Head group Raman bands in this region are shown to be sensitive to hydration and melting. The acyl carbon-carbon stretches, assigned to Raman bands appearing at 860–890 cm−1, are shown to be sensitive probes of molecular packing order, specifically in the acyl interface region.