cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Picosecond absorption and circular dichroism studies of proteins

Picosecond absorption and circular dichroism (CD) studies of photosynthetic reaction centers (RC) from Rhodabacter Sphaeroides are reported. The transient absorption spectra obtained are consistent with previous studies and provide definitive evidence for the formation of the two charge transfer intermediates: (BChl2)+BPhL-QA and (BChl2)+BPhLQA+ with rate constants whose half lives are <10 picosecond and $OM200 picoseconds, respectively. The transient circular dichroism spectra of these two charge separated intermediates are characterized by a nonconservative CD band centered at 800 nm with similar shape and intensity. This result clearly demonstrates that the negative CD band at 814 nm arises from the exciton coupling of the bacteriochlorophyll dimer. This transient CD cannot be due to excitonic interactions between the pigments in the reaction center and suggest that the monomer bacteriochlorophyll is either intrinsically chiral through distortions induced by the surrounding protein structure or obtains rotational strength from coupled oscillator interactions with surrounding aromatic residues in the protein.
Assay of proteolytic enzyme activity using a 14C-labeled hemoglobin.

Abstract The measurement of total tissue protcolytic activity with a hemoglobin substrate labeled with K 14 CNO is described. The labeled hemoglobin is stable and its use offers several advantages, particularly in specificity and sensitivity over methods commonly in use.
Localization of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide and Its Messenger Ribonucleic Acid in the Rat Testis by Light and Electron Microscopic Immunocytochemistry and in Situ Hybridization

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating-polypeptide (PACAP) is a new member of the secretin/glucagon/vasoactive intestinal peptide family of peptides; it occurs as two amidated forms with 38 (PACAP38) and 27 (PACAP27) amino acids. Rabbit antisera against synthetic PACAP27 were characterized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One of the antisera, using a high antibody titer, recognized both PACAP27 and PACAP38 and was found useful for immunohistochemistry. The distribution and ultrastructural localization of PACAP-like immunoreactivity (PACAP-LI) in the rat testes at different stages of spermatogenesis were studied with this antiserum. Four oligonucleotide probes, each complementary to a different region covering a different intron-exon junction, were chosen to maximize hybridization based on the predicted secondary structure of PACAP messenger RNA. PACAP-LI was detected in the developing germ cells but not in either Sertoli or Leydig cells. Intense PACAP-LI was found in spermatids situated near the lume...
FATIGUE PROPERTIES OF NONFERROUS ALLOYS FOR HEAT EXCHANGERS, PUMPS, AND PIPING

Abstract : The fatigue behavior of 13 nonferrous alloys used for corrosion- resistant heat exchangers, pumps, and piping systems was investigated over a broad life spectrum of 100 to 100-million cycles. Both cast and wrought copper- base and nickel-base alloys were studied. It is concluded that wrought Monel and forged Ni-Al bronze have the highest fatigue strengths, whereas gun metal and valve bronze have the lowest. The effect of salt water on fatigue performance was not found to be highly significant. The use of Langer's equation to predict stress-cycle relationships gave satisfactory results for wrought alloys but appeared to be overly conservative for cast alloys.
Transesophageal Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Bronchopulmonary Vein Fistula Complicating Mitral Valve Replacement

A bronchopulmonary vein fistula (BVF) establishes a communication between a pulmonary vein and the alveolar space presumably secondary to alveolar rupture from increase in alveolar pressure. This rare fistula allows air to move continuously from the lungs to a pulmonary vein and into the left side of the heart causing systemic air embolization which is often fatal. We describe an adult patient undergoing a second mitral valve replacement surgery in whom intra-operative transesophageal echocardiography proved crucial in diagnosing BVF by showing persistent and increased streaming of air bubbles into the left heart from the left superior pulmonary vein during each positive pressure ventilation cycle with consequent inability to de-air the heart. This allowed initiation of appropriate management. The patient eventually had a fatal outcome from multiple organ infarcts.
EFFECTS OF BETA BLOCKERS ON MYOCARDIAL MECHANICS IN HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

Beta-blockers (BB) are the primary medical therapy in obstructive and nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, the effects of BB therapy on cardiac mechanics are unknown. In particular, it is unclear if decreasing gradients have salutary effects on myocardial mechanics or if BB
Axionic black holes and an Aharonov-Bohm effect for strings.

It is shown that a black hole of fixed mass can carry arbitrary axionic charge. The unique static black-hole solution is found to have vanishing axion field strength but nonvanishing potential. The axion charge cannot be detected by point particles, but can be detected by strings in a process analogous to the Aharonov-Bohm effect. It is argued that the existence of axion charge may play a significant role in the late stages of black-hole evaporation.
Extra- and intracellular recordings from dorsal column postsynaptic spinomedullary neurons in the cat

Dorsal column postsynaptic (DCPS) spinomedullary neurons in the dorsal horn of spinal segments L6-S1 of adult cats anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital were identified by antidromic stimulation of cervical dorsal columns that were dissected free of, and electrically isolated from, the rest of the spinal cord. The neurons were categorized with respect to natural stimulation of their cutaneous receptive fields. An equal number of low-threshold mechanoreceptive and wide-dynamic-range neurons were found. No DCPS neurons could be classified as nociceptive-specific. All neurons received input from low-threshold mechanoreceptors with myelinated axons. There was no evidence that any neurons received monosynaptic input from unmyelinated, primary afferent fibers. The average conduction velocity of the antidromic responses was 45.7 m/s. Nearly half of the DCPS cells showed an antidromic spike followed by synaptically driven responses that were probably evoked by antidromic invasion into the intraspinal collaterals of A-beta primary afferent fibers that ascended the dorsal columns. Intracellularly recorded synaptic responses of DCPS neurons to dorsal column and receptive field stimulation usually consisted of an EPSP with overriding spike potentials followed by a prolonged IPSP whose amplitude decreased markedly as the stimulus frequency was increased in the range of 5 to 30 Hz. The results indicate that DCPS neurons constitute a projection system capable of signaling innocuous and tissue-damaging mechanical stimuli. The DCPS projection may play a role in the modulation of touch and pain perception.
Role of Discharge Parameters and Limiting Orifice Diameter in Radio-Frequency Glow Discharge-Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (rf-GD-AAS)

Studies are performed to evaluate the roles of discharge power and pressure as well as limiting orifice diameter on the production of free, gas-phase atoms with a radio-frequency glow discharge-atomic absorption spectrophotometry (rf-GD-AAS) atomizer. Results indicate that nominal pressures of ∼4 Torr Ar are optimal for conductive samples, whereas a pressure of ∼1 Torr is desired for nonconductive sample types. As might be expected, absorbance signals increase with increases in discharge power to a level of ∼30 W, though trade-offs between ablation rates and source stability exist at higher levels. Completely opposite to the bulk atomization characteristics, large limiting orifice diameters yield higher absorbances. Plasma stabilization times are seen to be on the order of 20 s after initiation of the plasma for conductive and nonconductive sample types. Despite limitations imposed by the current optical instrumentation, it is believed that rf powering in GD-AAS is a viable alternative to conventional dc-powered sources, with the advantage of direct analysis of nonconductive sample types.
Central bank intervention

Abstract This special issue of the Journal of International Finance, Institutions and Money contains 11 articles that consider aspects of central bank intervention. It is particularly timely to publish such a special issue since the topic of central bank intervention has been an important issue in international finance during the last decade. Monetary policy, trading rules, econometric evidence of the effects of intervention on exchange rates and future direction on research in this area constitute the sections in this special issue.
STUDIES OF ACETYLENE and OXYGEN ADSORPTION ON SILICON SURFACES BY LOW-ENERGY ELECTRON LOSS SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract Acetylene and oxygen adsorption on disordered and ordered silicon crystal surfaces of (111) orientation were studied by low-energy electron loss spectroscopy (ELS). There are marked structure-dependent differences in the ELS spectra in the presence of these adsorbates. A model for the acetylene molecule orientation on the silicon (111) ordered surface is proposed to explain the experimental results. ELS data suggest that the electrons in the silicon-oxygen chemisorption bond are more tightly bound on the disordered than on the silicon (111) surface with a (7 X 7) surface structure.
Dual-route communication of destination websites

Abstract To understand the communication route of destination websites, this study employed the elaboration likelihood model (ELM) which is a dual-route, multi-process model of persuasive message processing. That is, this study proposed a theoretical model for the dual-route persuasive process based on ELM, investigated its antecedents and consequences, and identified the moderating effect of involvement. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to test the validity of the conceptual model. The results indicate that highly involved people are inclined to elaborate on information (central route), while people with low involvement are likely to make judgments based on simple cues (peripheral route). Website design characteristics are an important antecedent of both central and peripheral-route persuasions. Attitudes resulting from careful consideration via the central route are more predictive of conation and behavior (further information searching and travel intentions) than those formed via the peripheral route. The study provides a foundation for further tourism research investigating the Internet as a persuasive tool, and suggests strategies for website designers.
Does Animal Ethics Need a Darwinian Revolution

A frequent argument is that Darwin’s theory of evolution has or should revolutionize our conception of the relation between humans and animals, though society has yet to take account of that revolution in our treatment of animals. On this view, after Darwin demonstrated the essential continuity of humans and animals, traditional morality must be rejected as speciesist in seeing humans as fundamentally distinct from other animals. In fact, the argument is of dubious merit. While there is plenty of room for improving our treatment of animals, it is unlikely that these shortcomings can be blamed on scientific ignorance, or that knowledge of the theory of evolution has any clear moral implications for our treatment of animals.
Ultrastructure of the prothoracic gland of variously aged female pupae of Xyleborus ferrugineus and associated ecdysteroid titers

The prothoracic glands of female pupae of Xyleborus ferrugineus at three ages (0-h, 48-h and 72-h-old) were examined for ultrastructural changes that correlate with high titers of ecdysteroids in the entire pupa.
Soft X-Ray Imaging Of Hydrated Biological Specimens

Soft x-ray microscopy was proposed as an exciting new technique almost two decades ago. However, it is only recently with the advent of high resolution recording substrates such as polymethyl methacrylate and the development of synchrotron and pulsed x-ray sources (that can deliver a tuneable x-ray dose in nanoseconds or minutes) that soft x-ray contact microscopy has developed into a significant biological research tool. X-ray photos between the carbon and nitrogen absorption edges (3.1 - 4.4nm) penetrate short airpaths, water and thick specimens without significant diffraction or scattering effects and at dosages and exposure times that produce significantly less damage than charged particle imaging methods. Because the x-ray contact replica is formed by the differential absorption of soft x-rays by the biological specimen itself, small intracellular structures (such as membranes and intracellular organelles) can be clearly imaged at spatial resolutions approaching those of conventional scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This paper presents results obtained from the imaging of hydrated biological subcellular structures (isolated macromolecules found in the ground substance of cartilage and isolated muscle filaments) using soft x-rays from a stationary target and pulsed plasma x-ray source.
A process ontology for persons and their development

Abstract Persons are socio-cultural emergents—emerging progressively in the bio-psychological development of the individual. Persons are special kinds of agents, crucially characterized by their abilities to participate in the constitution of emergent social ontologies. I will present a model of these special bio-cultural relationships, and argue that modeling these relationships requires revisions in conceptions about the ontology of social realities, the relationships between agency and cognition, and naturalism and normativity.
Classical Economists and the Corporation

The purpose of this article is to explain why economists have neglected the corporation in their theorising. Adam Smith is the founder of mainstream economic theory. In Smith's eighteenth‐century world most things were produced by individuals or by family firms. Smith naturally took the individual entrepreneur as his theoretical unit of analysis, and Smith's theory was at least adequate for the times. But even though the economies of the English‐speaking world have evolved beyond the free enterprise of competing individual capitalists to the current system of corporate capitalism, economic theory has remained much the same. While the American economy is now composed mainly of huge corporate units of production, mainstream economic theory is still referring to “individual” producers. Other social sciences focus a great deal of attention on organisational and individual behaviour within the corporate form of organising economic activity. The work of sociologist Rosabeth Moss Kanter and of psychologist Michael Maccoby are excellent recent examples. Yet economics, at least the mainstream of the discipline, focuses upon the behaviour of individual entrepreneurs rather than corporate managers. In short, orthodox economic theory lacks a serious treatment of the corporation.
EFFECT OF BACTERIAL COLONIZATION ON THE ABSORPTION AND FLUORESCENCE PROPERTIES OF DETRITAL PARTICULATES

Bacteria, when packed in high cellular concentrations, are able to affect the spectral absorptionefficiency of detrital matter. Fluorescence analysis indicated that bacteria can be recognized by theiremission properties, when settled on natural organic particulates, such as cellulose or chitin. Similar
Passive transfer of methacholine sensitivity from man to monkey

A model of human allergic disease, in which nonhuman primates were infused with serum from allergic humans and challenged with appropriate antigen, was used to determine whether the animals also develop hyperreactive airways characteristic of asthma. Anesthetized monkeys were insufflated with increasing concentrations of methacholine aerosol, and changes in pulmonary function were measured. Airway reactivity as assessed by the dose of methacholine aerosol culminating in apnea was determined after infusion of serum from allergic or nonallergic humans or with heated allergic serum. A comparison of the results indicated that only infusion of unheated serum from allergic humans resulted in an increase in airway reactivity to aerosolized methacholine. These results suggest that a factor in the serum of allergic humans may play a role in the hyperreactivity of airways characteristic of asthma.
America, the EU and strategic culture: renegotiating the transatlantic bargain

America, the EU and strategic culture: renegotiating the transatlantic bargain, by A. Toje, London, Routledge, 2009, 246 pp., £23.50 (paperback), ISBN-10: 0415490332 Asle Toje's study of the first ...
Dispersion of the Kerr effect in nitrobenzene at visible wavelengths; Analysis and interpretation

Abstract An analysis of the wavelength dispersion of the Kerr constant B in liquid nitrobenzene, for the 476.5–676.4 nm region, is presented in conjunction with experimental data obtained by a novel electro-optic modulation technique (FDEOM method) using laser sources. The effect in question is approached via a Sellmeier-type formulation in the framework of molecular theory. A fitting of the corresponding empirical and theoretical formulas is also included; the goodness of fit verifies the applicability of the adopted model.
Solution of state-space equations via block-pulse functions

A recursive algorithm is developed for the piecewise-constant solution of dynamic equations via block-pulse functions φj(t),where j=1,2,...,m. For 1≤j≤m (where j and m are integers) and final timeT, each block-pulse function φj(t) is defined by φj(t)=1 for (j−1)T/m≤t<j T/m and φj(t)=1otherwise. Compared with Walsh function approaches, the proposed method is simpler to compute, is more suitable for computer programming, and provides the same accuracy. Also, a discrete-time solution is derived for a zero-input state equation.
Middle Preclassic Interregional Interaction and the Maya Lowlands

The lowland Mayas are seldom mentioned in discussions of early Mesoamerican interactions, which commonly focus on the Gulf coast Olmecs. But such connections are evidenced by the occurrence of anthropomorphic fired-clay figurines and other artifacts (including obsidian, greenstone, bark beaters, and shell), reviewed herein. Figurines co-occur with a distinctive architectural complex in the southern lowlands but are absent in the north; other artifacts are variably present north–south and east–west. These goods relate to the development of societal complexity and cosmopolitical power, and helped support the roles of nascent elites, particularly in linkages with ancestors. Their variable distributions suggest that the lowland Mayas participated, but selectively, in early interaction spheres.
Integrative Analysis of Somatic Mutations Altering MicroRNA Targeting in Cancer Genomes

Determining the functional impact of somatic mutations is crucial to understanding tumorigenesis and metastasis. Recent sequences of several cancers have provided comprehensive lists of somatic mutations across entire genomes, enabling investigation of the functional impact of somatic mutations in non-coding regions. Here, we study somatic mutations in 3′UTRs of genes that have been identified in four cancers and computationally predict how they may alter miRNA targeting, potentially resulting in dysregulation of the expression of the genes harboring these mutations. We find that somatic mutations create or disrupt putative miRNA target sites in the 3′UTRs of many genes, including several genes, such as MITF, EPHA3, TAL1, SCG3, and GSDMA, which have been previously associated with cancer. We also integrate the somatic mutations with germline mutations and results of association studies. Specifically, we identify putative miRNA target sites in the 3′UTRs of BMPR1B, KLK3, and SPRY4 that are disrupted by both somatic and germline mutations and, also, are in linkage disequilibrium blocks with high scoring markers from cancer association studies. The somatic mutation in BMPR1B is located in a target site of miR-125b; germline mutations in this target site have previously been both shown to disrupt regulation of BMPR1B by miR-125b and linked with cancer.
Response perseveration in rats exposed to alcohol prenatally

Abstract Pregnant female rats consumed liquid diets containing either 35, 17, or 0% of the total calories as ethanol. Offspring of these females were tested for spontaneous alternation at 21 days of age and for several learning in a T-maze shock-escape paradigm at 20–21 days of age. In the spontaneous alternation test, rats exposed to alcohol prenatally took more trials than controls to enter the goal compartment opposite to that initially entered. In the T-maze escape study, alcohol-exposed offspring made more mistakes prior to criterion and more mistakes per trial than controls when the previously incorrect goal was made safe during reversal learning. In both studies linear dose-response functions were found. Furthermore, there was a significant tendency for the within-group variability to increase as the level of prenatal exposure increased, perhaps indicating that the incidence as well as the severity of behavioral dysfunction was dose dependent. The results are intepreted in terms of a delay in the development of a central inhibitory system.
Extracellular hydrolysis of formyl peptides and subsequent uptake of liberated amino acids by alveolar macrophages.

Abstract The mechanism of accumulation of radioactive label from fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe by guinea pig alveolar macrophages was investigated. The binding of fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe to macrophages reached equilibrium within 5 min at 4°C, but equilibrium could not be achieved at temperatures where fNle-Leu-Phe stimulated superoxide anion production is observed (e.g., 21–23°C). At this temperature a rapid phase of initial binding of fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe to its receptor was followed by continued accumulation of cell-associated radioactivity which was linear and was dependent on the extracellular pH, i.e., the rate increased as the pH was lowered from pH 8 to pH 6. Examination for possible intracellular hydrolysis of fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe revealed the presence of extensive amounts of [ 3 H]phenylalanine, both cell-associated and in the medium. The increases in cell-associated [ 3 H]phenylalanine correlated in time and pH with cell-associated radioactivity that was accumulated after stimulation with fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe. The addition of 1 mM unlabelled phenylalanine blocked the long term accumulation of label from fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe by macrophages. 1 mM phenylalanine had no measureable effect on fNle-Leu-Phe stimulated O − 2 production, fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe hydrolysis or on fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe binding to its receptor. These results indicated that the long term accumulation of radioactivity by alveolar macrophages was due to extracellular hydrolysis of fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe followed by transport of liberated [ 3 H]phenylalanine into the cells. A high affinity ( K m = 3.56·10 −8 M) transport system for phenylalanine was measured in alveolar macrophages, which was not stimulated by the addition of fNle-Leu-Phe. The extracellular hydrolysis of fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe could not be attributed to release of macrophage enzymes into the medium. The responsible proteinase appears to be membrane bound and has a K m for the hydrolysis of fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe of 2.6·10 −7 M which is similar to the K d (1.5·10 −7 M) for fNle-Leu-Phe binding. Taken together, these data suggest that for the alveolar macrophage: (1) formyl peptides are not internalized by a receptor-mediated process; (2) a surface proteinase can catalyze the hydrolysis of formyl peptides; and (3) [ 3 H]phenylalanine formed by fNle-Leu-[ 3 H]Phe hydrolysis is transported into the interior of the macrophage.
Longitudinal Vaginal Septum Resection Using the Ligasure Device.

Abstract Background A longitudinal vaginal septum might present as a nonobstructive or obstructive type. Both can result in dyspareunia, difficult tampon insertion, persistent vaginal bleeding despite tampon placement, and dysmenorrhea. Surgical correction is warranted for symptomatic cases. Case We present a 16-year-old female adolescent with a complex cloacal anomaly, uterine didelphys, longitudinal vaginal septum, and other congenital anomalies. The patient was unable to use tampons during menses because of the small caliber on both vaginal canals. We performed a longitudinal vaginal septum resection using the Ligasure (Medtronic, Inc, Doral, FL) device. We were able to resect the vaginal septum without difficulty. Summary and Conclusion Our case introduces an innovative and safe alternative to the surgical management of a longitudinal vaginal septum, particularly useful in a confined surgical space.
New EPA focus on sustainability.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is at its best when it views its role as not just custodial but as cutting edge, providing leadership and prescribing answers to key environmental problems ([1][1]). EPA Administrator Michael Leavitt is challenging the agency to find creative ways to
I. Kant: Letter to Friedrich August Nitsch (1794)

Nouvelle traduction anglaise d'une lettre de Kant a son eleve F. A. Nitsch, datee du 31 octobre 1794. Face aux difficultes que celui-ci rencontre aupres du public anglais a l'occasion de ses cours sur la philosophie kantienne, le philosophe de Konigsberg encourage l'enseignement de la metaphysique et l'initiation a la raison speculative en vue d'une elevation du monde sensible au monde suprasensible.
Tryptophol levels in mice injected with pharmacological doses of tryptophol, and the effect of pyrazole and ethanol on these levels

Abstract Pyrazole (1, 2-diazole) and ethanol inhibited the conversion of exogenous tryptophol (indole-3-ethanol) to indole-3-acetic acid and potentiated the sleep-inducing and hypothermic effects of tryptophol in mice. The increase in brain tryptophol concentration correlated well with the increase in sleep time after pyrazole treatment. We suggest that tryptophol may be involved in ethanol-induced “sleep” and in the lethargy observed in animals infected with African trypanosomes.
Phosphorus: A Quick Reference

This article gives a brief overview of phosphorus. The author addresses the main functions of phosphorus in the body, the causes and manifestations of hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia, and suggests further readings.
The effects of lithium on the phosphoinositides and inositol phosphates ofNeurospora crassa

As lithium increased in the growth medium (0–47.4 mM), dry weight, cell wall mass, chitin synthase activity, [3H]leucine and [3H]adenine incorporation decreased. The levels of the phosphoinositides decreased over 80% while inositol, glycerophosphoinositol (GPI), and the inositol phosphates increased or decreased only slightly. To determine if changes in the phosphoinositides, GPI, and the inositol phosphates occurred soon after exposure to lithium, high concentrations of lithium (47.4 mM) were added to 24-h cultures. At various times after the addition of lithium, mycelial samples were removed and analyzed for changes in the above compounds. In response to lithium, inositol monophosphate accumulated 3.2-fold in 3 h. The activities of enzymes associated with the synthesis of the phosphoinositides and inositol phosphates next were assayed. Inositol 1-phosphate and inositol-4-phosphate phosphatases were the most sensitive to inhibition by lithium. When the enzymes were assayed, their activities were inhibited 92 and 94%, respectively, by lithium chloride (3 mM). Inositol-1,4-phosphate phosphatase and Ca2+-dependent phosphoinositidase also were inhibited 68 and 32%, respectively, by lithium. The possibility that a phosphatidylinositol cycle exists inNeurospora is discussed.
Textural modification of soya bean/corn extrudates as affected by moisture content, screw speed and soya bean concentration

Summary A Clextral BP-10 (type BC45) co-rotating twin-screw extruder was used for texture modification of extrudates. Dry materials were mixed in a mixer for 15 min at low speed before extrusion. Moisture content 21–23% and addition of soya bean flour (0–40%) showed significant influences on the texture of the extrudates. Addition of soya bean flour in the range from 0 to 40% increased the diametrical expansion ratio (P < 0.01), decreased the hardness (P < 0.01) and modifies specific volume and chewing behaviours of the extrudates. Increasing moisture content in the range from 21 to 23%, however, significantly decreased specific volume (P < 0.01), and increases hardness (P < 0.01) of the extrudates. The hardness and crispness of the extrudates at fracturability of 110 g were graded higher than 6.0 by 30 and 27 of 34 consumer panelists, respectively. Consumer purchase intent showed the highest score of 5.5 in a 9-point hedonic scale when sample fracturability was at 110 g.
Pay-As-You-Go: low-overhead hard-error correction for phase change memories

Phase Change Memory (PCM) suffers from the problem of limited write endurance. This problem is exacerbated because of the high variability in lifetime across PCM cells, resulting in weaker cells failing much earlier than nominal cells. Ensuring long lifetimes under high variability requires that the design can correct a large number of errors for any given memory line. Unfortunately, supporting high levels of error correction for all lines incurs significantly high overhead, often exceeding 10% of overall memory capacity. Such an overhead may be too high for wide-scale adoption of PCM, given that memory market is typically very cost-sensitive. This paper reduces the storage required for error correction by making the key observation that only a few lines require high levels of hard-error correction. Therefore, prior approaches that uniformly allocated large number of error correction entries for all lines are inefficient, as most (> 90%) of these entries remain unused. We propose Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG), an efficient hard-error resilient architecture that allocates error correction entries in proportion to the number of hard-faults in the line. We describe a storage-efficient and low-latency organization for PAYG. Compared to the previously proposed ECP-6 technique, PAYG requires 3X lower storage overhead and yet provides 13% more lifetime, while incurring a latency overhead of < 0.4% for the first five years of system lifetime. We also show that PAYG is more effective than the recent FREE-p proposal.
Captioned Videotapes and Second‐Language Listening Word Recognition

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of captioned videotapes on advanced, university-level ESL students' listening word recognition. A total of 118 ESL students participated in the study. The videotaped materials consisted of episodes from two separate educational television programs concerning whales and the civil rights movement. The results for both passages revealed that the availability of captions significantly improved the ESL students' ability to recognize words on the videotapes that also appeared on the subsequent listening-only (listening stems and alternatives) multiple-choice tests. Recommendations for using captions to enhance second language student listening and reading comprehension are included.
FPGA latency optimization using system-level transformations and DFG restructuring

This paper describes a system-level approach to improve the latency of FPGA designs by performing optimization of the design specification on a functional level prior to high-level synthesis. The approach uses Taylor Expansion Diagrams (TEDs), a functional graph-based design representation, as a vehicle to optimize the dataflow graph (DFG) used as input to the subsequent synthesis. The optimization focuses on critical path compaction in the functional representation before translating it into a structural DFG representation. Our approach engages several passes of a traditional high-level synthesis (HLS) process in a simulated annealing-based loop to make efficient cost tradeoffs. The algorithm is time efficient and can be used for fast design space exploration. The results indicate a latency performance improvement of 22% on average versus HLS with the initial DFG for a series of designs mapped to Altera Stratix II devices.
Effects of the third order transfer maps and solenoid on a high brightness beam

We present a sketch of the formulation for obtaining Lie algebraic transfer maps for the solenoid through third order and its effect on the beam of charged particles. We discuss simulation results showing effects of solenoids on the laser driven high brightness photoelectrons for the proposed alternate injection system for Brookhaven Accelerator Test Facility. >
A simple technique for on-line measurement of contractions of single smooth muscle fibers under current or voltage clamp.

This paper describes a simple technique for routine on-line measurement of length and unloaded, isotonic contractions of single smooth muscle fibers during electrophysiological experiments. The fiber is held by the recording electrode itself, stretched straight in a fastflowing stream of solution. The video image of the fiber is measured on-line by a simple computer program. Unlike other optical methods of tracking fiber length, the technique does not require a rigid one-dimensional contraction of the fiber. The technique is reliable and easy to use, and readily compatible with current clamp, voltage clamp, and rapid reversible application of neurotransmitters and drugs.
Extensive belowground carbon storage supports roots and mycorrhizae in regenerating scrub oaks

Portions of a regenerating scrub oak ecosystem were enclosed in open-top chambers and exposed to elevated CO2. The distinct 13C signal of the supplemental CO2 was used to trace the rate of C integration into various ecosystem components. Oak foliage, stems, roots and ectomycorrhizae were sampled over 3 years and were analyzed for 13C composition. The aboveground tissue 13C equilibrated to the novel 13C signal in the first season, while the belowground components displayed extremely slow integration of the new C. Roots taken from ingrowth cores showed that 33% of the C in newly formed roots originated from a source other than recent photosynthesis inside the chamber. In this highly fire-prone system, the oaks re-establish primarily by resprouting from large rhizomes. Remobilization from belowground C stores may support fine roots and mycorrhizae for several years into stand re-establishment and, therefore, may explain why belowground tissues contain less of the new photosynthate than expected. Though it has been shown that long-term cycles of C storage are theoretically advantageous for plants in systems with frequent and severe disturbances, such patterns have not been previously examined in wild systems.
Adding power to Haseman and Elston’s (1972) method

Haseman and Elston1 proposed a model-free method for testing linkage between a polymorphic marker and a quantitative trait locus from data on a sample of independent sib pairs. In that method the squared sib-pair trait difference is regressed on the estimated proportion of alleles shared by the sibs at a marker locus, a negative regression coefficient suggesting linkage. It is possible to obtain more power by modelling the sib covariance, as in the variance component method of linkage analysis, and yet retain a method that is computationally fast, involving only linear regression. To do this it is only necessary to change the dependent variable from the squared trait difference to the difference between the squared mean-corrected sum and the squared trait difference. The method can accommodate sibships of arbitrary size by using generalized least squares and can be made more powerful by weighting the two components. The method is robust in large samples in the presence of any trait distribution, and, in the case of ascertained samples, the mean can be chosen to maximize power.
Suppression of HLA expression by lentivirus-mediated gene transfer of siRNA cassettes and in vivo chemoselection to enhance hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Current approaches for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and organ transplantation are limited by donor and host-mediated immune responses to allo-antigens. Application of these therapies is limited by the toxicity of preparative and post-transplant immunosuppressive regimens and a shortage of appropriate HLA-matched donors. We have been exploring two complementary approaches for genetically modifying donor cells that achieve long-term suppression of cellular proteins that elicit host immune responses to mismatched donor antigens, and provide a selective advantage to genetically engineered donor cells after transplantation. The first approach is based on recent advances that make feasible targeted down-regulation of HLA expression. Suppression of HLA expression could help to overcome limitations imposed by extensive HLA polymorphisms that restrict the availability of suitable donors. Accordingly, we have recently investigated whether knockdown of HLA by RNA interference (RNAi) enables allogeneic cells to evade immune recognition. For efficient and stable delivery of short hairpin-type RNAi constructs (shRNA), we employed lentivirus-based gene transfer vectors that integrate into genomic DNA, thereby permanently modifying transduced donor cells. Lentivirus-mediated delivery of shRNA targeting pan-Class I and allele-specific HLA achieved efficient and dose-dependent reduction in surface expression of HLA in human cells, and enhanced resistance to allo-reactive T lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity, while avoiding non-MHC restricted killing. Complementary strategies for genetic engineering of HSC that would provide a selective advantage for transplanted donor cells and enable successful engraftment with less toxic preparative and immunosuppressive regimens would increase the numbers of individuals to whom HLA suppression therapy could be offered. Our second strategy is to provide a mechanism for in vivo selection of genetically modified HSC and other donor cells. We have uniquely combined transplantation during the neonatal period, when tolerance may be more readily achieved, with a positive selection strategy for in vivo amplification of drug-resistant donor HSC. This model system enables the evaluation of mechanisms of tolerance induction to neo-antigens, and allogeneic stem cells during immune ontogeny. HSC are transduced ex vivo by lentivirus-mediated gene transfer of P140K-O6-methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMTP140K). The MGMTP140K DNA repair enzyme confers resistance to benzylguanine, an inhibitor of endogenous MGMT, and to chloroethylating agents such as BCNU. In vivo chemoselection enables enrichment of donor cells at the stem cell level. Using complementary approaches of in vivo chemoselection and RNAi-induced silencing of HLA expression may enable the generation of histocompatibility-enhanced, and eventually, perhaps “universally” compatible cellular grafts.
Adult Height and Risk of Breast Cancer among US Black Women

Adult height has been positively associated with the risk of breast cancer in a number of recent investigations. The authors assessed height in relation to breast cancer risk in a case-control study of US black women aged 25-69 years; 674 hospital patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and 1,155 controls hospitalized for nonmalignant conditions unrelated to height were interviewed. After control for multiple confounders, the relative risk estimate for women or = 61 inches (> or = 154.9 cm) tall, there was little indication of any variation in risk with increasing height. The findings suggest that short stature is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer in US black women.
Re‐examination of the 2003 North American electrical blackout impacts on regional air quality

[1] Aircraft measurements have been utilized to capitalize on the 2003 North American electrical blackout as an unplanned event providing a unique opportunity to assess the impacts of power plants on air quality. Here we adopt a modeling approach using CMAQ with a direct sensitivity technique, DDM-3D, to quantify how emissions reductions from different sources impacted ozone and particulate matter. Simulated air quality fields were able to reproduce both the regular surface observations and airborne measurements before and during the blackout. Sensitivity results show that blackout-linked power plant SO2 emissions reductions led to a sulfate concentration reduction of 22% at Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, while power plant NOx emissions reductions had very limited (∼4%) impacts on O3. These results are lower than the estimates presented in previous studies. Results also suggest that over much of the region, on-road mobile NOx emissions reductions linked to the blackout had a larger impact on O3.
Perennial forage legume growth in acidic soils from the major series of the Appalachian Hill‐Lands

Abstract The lack of highly effective forage legume symbioses is thought to be a major constraint to the renovation of acidic soils of the Appalachian region for pasture use. A growth chamber experiment was initiated with 14 fresh soils, each of a different series, from diverse sites within the region to determine the need for rhizobial inoculation, and the soil chemical properties limiting growth, of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). Effective, naturalized populations of rhizobia producing acceptable (>50% maximum) shoot growth were found in few of the soils. Commercial rhizobial mixtures were effective in producing similarly acceptable growth in three soils for alfalfa and red clover, but only in one soil for white clover and birdsfoot trefoil. Soil rankings based on asymbiotic shoot growth were similar for all species, particularly when only the better soils were considered, and changed li...
A Geometrical and Highly Generalized Interpretation of Two-Element-Kinl One-Port Driving Functions

This paper presents in terms of a three-dimensional surface a technique for a visual as well as mathematical treatment of broad generality of the RL, RC and LC one-ports. An examination of the partial fraction terms of all the two-element series and parallel components which make up the canonic one-ports indicates that seven different types of terms are all that occur. The real and imaginary parts of all such functions for s = ? + j? may be represented geometrically by a surface in three-space. It is found that all the real and imaginary part functions are geometrically 1) a plane parallel or inclined to Aar the a, o plane; 2) the basic surface, given by 2 + 2' A > O, located in various positions with respect to the axes; or 3) a combination of the plane and basic surface. The driving function of any two-element-kind one-port is the sum of some combination of the real and imaginary part functions and so is represented by a sum of some combination of the canonic surfaces.
Computational complexity and information asymmetry in financial products

This paper introduces notions from computational complexity into the study of financial derivatives. Traditional economics argues that derivatives, like CDOs and CDSs, ameliorate the negative costs imposed due to asymmetric information between buyers and sellers. This is because securitization via these derivatives allows the informed party to find buyers for the information-insensitive part of the cash flow stream of an asset (e.g., a mortgage) and retain the remainder. In this paper we show that this viewpoint may need to be revised once computational complexity is brought into the picture. Assuming reasonable complexity-theoretic conjectures, we show that derivatives can actually amplify the costs of asymmetric information instead of reducing them. We prove our results both in the worst-case setting, as well as the more realistic average case setting. In the latter case, to argue that our constructions result in derivatives that “look like” real-life derivatives, we use the notion of computational indistinguishability a la cryptography.
TargetDB: a target registration database for structural genomics projects

Summary: TargetDB is a centralized target registration database that includes protein target data from the NIH structural genomics centers and a number of international sites. TargetDB, which is hosted by the Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB), provides status information on target sequences and tracks their progress through the various stages of protein production and structure determination. A simple search form permits queries based on contributing site, target ID, protein name, sequence, status and other data. The progress of individual targets or entire structural genomics projects may be tracked over time, and target data from all contributing centers may also be downloaded in the XML format. Availability: TagetDB is available at http://targetdb.pdb.org/
Recursive Hilbert-Huang Transform Method for Time-Varying Property Identification of Linear Shear-Type Buildings under Base Excitations

Abstract This paper presents a recursive Hilbert-Huang transform method for the time-varying property identification of shear-type buildings under base excitations. To overcome nonorthogonality and modal perturbation issues, all significant intrinsic mode functions of each signal and their Hilbert transforms were summed to track any variation of structural parameters of a multistory building over time. Given floor masses, both the stiffness and damping coefficients of the building were identified one by one from the top to bottom story. The overall accuracy of the identified parameters was measured by an index of accuracy based on the weighted root-mean-squared evaluation proposed in this study. One- and two-story shear buildings with abruptly, gradually, and periodically varying parameters were used as examples. The numerical results indicated that the proposed method is efficient, robust, and accurate in tracking variations of the properties of multistory buildings. Finally, the proposed method was appl...
Distinctions between optimal and expected support

Several commonly used support measures are discussed and described as either optimal or expected support. This distinction is based on whether the indices are based on a function of optimal and non-optimal hypotheses, or on the statistical expectation of clades. © The Willi Hennig Society 2010.
THE HISTORY OF NON-SECRET ENCRYPTION

Two of the most important techniques in public-key cryptography are the Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol and the RSA encryption system. These were discovered in the academic community in 1976 and 1978 respectively. It was widely rumoured that these techniques were known by UK government cryptographers prior to these dates, although this was not officially confirmed until December 1997. In fact these techniques were first discovered in the early 1970s at the United Kingdom's Communication-Electronics Security Group (CESG), the United Kingdom communications security group. Official confirmation came with the release of a technical paper by detailing the history of the discoveries.
Dynamics of a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS)

Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are microscopic mechanical systems coupled with electric or electronic circuits. MEMS have been extensively used as micro-scale high-quality oscillators, communication resonators, microphones, amplifiers and other micro-oscillators. In this investigation, mathematical model of a micro-mechanical resonator is developed subject to a full nonlinear model. The governing equation is a nonlinear parametric and hence, the stability of the system depends on the value of its parameters. The output signal of MEMS is not reliable when it is operating in a saturated or in an instable region. From a design viewpoint, a stability chart is needed to indicate the relationship between the parameters to determine when the system is stable, periodic, or unstable. Nondimensional and linearized model of the MEMS is studied and a stability diagram is developed for the system.