cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum states of the endohedral fullerene Li@C60.

We present a theoretical study of the eigenstates of the endohedral fullerene Li@C60 for the case that the C60 cage is assumed to be stationary. These eigenstates represent the three-dimensional nuclear dynamics of a Li atom confined to the interior of the carbon cage. The potential function employed, based on density functional theory calculations that we performed, has a variety of minima corresponding to complex hindered rotations of the Li atom in a shell about 1.5 A from the cage center. The energies and wave functions of the lowest 1200 states have been calculated, and the characteristic features of selected states and the far-IR spectrum are discussed. An interesting result of the calculations is the finding that the ground-state eigenfunction can become strongly localized when the cage atoms are just slightly perturbed from icosahedral symmetry.
Geography of the cubic connectedness locus: Intertwining surgery

Abstract We exhibit products of Mandelbrot sets in the two-dimensional complex parameter space of cubic polynomials. Cubic polynomials in such a product may be renormalized to produce a pair of quadratic maps. The inverse construction intertwining two quadratics is realized by means of quasiconformal surgery. The associated asymptotic geography of the cubic connectedness locus is discussed in the Appendix.
Dog walking: its association with physical activity guideline adherence and its correlates.

Abstract Objective We examined the prevalence and correlates of dog walking among dog owners, and whether dog walking is associated with meeting the American College of Sports Medicine/American Heart Association physical activity guidelines. Methods In March 2008, we mailed a survey to dog-owning clients from two San Diego County veterinary clinics. Useable data were obtained from 984 respondents, and 75 of these completed retest surveys. We assessed associations between potential correlates and dog walking (i.e., yes/no dog walking for at least 10 min in past week). Results Test–retest reliability of measures was generally high. Approximately one-third of the sample (31.5%) were not dog walkers. Proportions of dog walkers versus non-dog walkers meeting United States guidelines were 64.3% and 55.0%, respectively. Dog walking was independently associated with meeting guidelines in a multivariate model (odds ratio = 1.59, p = 0.004). Three variables were independently associated with dog walking in a multivariate model: dog encouragement of dog walking, dog-walking obligation, and dog-walking self-efficacy. Conclusion Dog walking was associated with meeting physical activity guidelines, making it a viable method for promoting physical activity. Dog-walking obligation and self-efficacy may be important mediators of dog walking and may need to be targeted if interventions are to be successful.
Further Factorial Validity Assessment of Scores on the Quick Discrimination Index (Qdi)

This study examined the factorial validity of scores on the Quick Discrimination Index (QDI) across three geographically dispersed samples. A multisample LISREL analysis, incorporating Bagozzi and ...
β-MoO3 produced from a novel freeze drying route

Powdered samples of {beta}-MoO{sub 3} have been produced by the gentle heat treatment of freeze-dried molybdic acid at 350{degree}C for 1 hr. The samples, yellow-green in appearance, contained varying amounts of the thermodynamically stable {alpha}-MoO{sub 3}, depending upon the time and temperature of heat treatment. Neutron diffraction data were collected at 300 K. all peaks, not attributable to {alpha}-MoO{sub 3}, were indexed on the basis of a monoclinic cell, P2{sub 1}/c, {alpha} = 7.1228(7), b = 5.3660(6), c = 5.5665(6), {beta} = 92.01(1){degree}, V = 212.62(6){angstrom}{sup 3}. The structure, which is related to ReO{sub 3}, contains two crystallographically independent octahedra. Both show evidence of disorder at the Mo and O sites. Two distinct orientations of a short mo-O distance, suggestive of the type of molybdenyl bond observed in both the {alpha} and {beta}{prime}-forms, are primarily responsible for the observed disordering.
Cloning and characterization of a maize cDNA encoding phytoene desaturase, an enzyme of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway.

To study regulation of the plastid-localized maize carotenoid biosynthetic pathway, a cDNA encoding phytoene desaturase (PDS) was isolated and characterized. The DNA sequence of the maize Pds cDNA was determined and compared with available dicot Pds genes. The deduced PDS protein, estimated at 64.1 kDa (unprocessed), had a dinucleotide binding domain and conserved regions characteristic of other carotene desaturases. Alignment of available PDS sequences from distantly related organisms suggests that Pds has potential as a phylogenetic tool. By use of heterologous complementation in Escherichia coli, maize PDS was shown to catalyze two desaturation steps converting phytoene to ζ-carotene. RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) mapping was used to place Pds on chromosome 1S near viviparous5 (vp5), and RT-PCR (reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) analysis indicated reduced Pds transcript in vp5 mutant relative to normal endosperm. Other phytoene-accumulating mutant endosperms, vp2 and white3 (w3), showed no difference in Pds transcript accumulation as compared with normal endosperm counterparts. RT-PCR analysis of Pds transcript accumulation in developing endosperm showed Pds was constitutively expressed. Therefore, endosperm carotenogenesis is not regulated by increasing the level of Pds transcripts.
Differential effects of dietary fats on sympathetic nervous system activity in the rat

Fat feeding stimulates sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in rats. To determine if fats vary in their potency as stimulants of the SNS, [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) turnover was measured in heart and interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) of animals fed lab chow diets supplemented with safflower oil, coconut oil, or medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). At 5 days, all three fats accelerated [3H]NE turnover in heart and did so equally, but only when the fat supplement represented an increase in energy intake. However, after 14 days, safflower oil and coconut oil but not MCT increased [3H]NE turnover in heart compared with turnover rates obtained in animals fed isoenergetic amounts of chow. Furthermore, the stimulatory effect of safflower oil on [3H]NE turnover was statistically greater than that seen in animals fed equivalent amounts of coconut oil. In vivo synthesis of NE assessed by accumulation of dopamine (DA) in heart following inhibition of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (D beta H) was likewise highest in safflower oil-fed rats and lowest in those fed MCT. Thus, sympathetic activation by dietary fat varies among different fats, suggesting a role for fatty acid intake in dietary regulation of the SNS.
Open-loop Predictive Control of Plasma Etching of Tungsten Using an In Situ Film Thickness Sensor

Automated control schemes would greatly improve the reproducibility of plasma-assisted etching processes. In this paper we report on the application of an in situ metal film thickness sensor to control a plasma tungsten etch process. The process consists of an anisotropic step to control line profile and remove as much tungsten as possible, followed by an isotropic step which etches through to the underlying layer. In typical operations, a pilot wafer is measured off-line to determine the initial tungsten thickness. An etch time for the first step is then calculated before processing the entire lot. Single wafer lots require the elimination of a pilot wafer. Recently, we integrated a metal film thickness sensor (based on the technology of eddy currents) into a single-wafer plasma tungsten etch module. Our control strategy uses the sensor in a feedforward manner. A measurement of the tungsten film thickness is made in situ prior to processing. Process control software adjusts the etch time for the wafer based on the measured thickness and the predicted etch rate for the equipment settings. The etch rate is calculated from an empirical model obtained using response- surface methodology. A three-fold decrease in wafer-to-wafer variability in final thickness after the etch step was realized compared to that for the deposited thickness.
A fast high-order method to calculate wakefields in an electron beam

In this paper we report on a high-order fast method to numerically calculate wakefield forces in an electron beam given a wake function model. This method is based on a Newton-Cotes quadrature rule for integral approximation and an FFT method for discrete summation that results in an O(Nlog(N)) computational cost, where N is the number of grid points. Using the Simpson quadrature rule with an accuracy of O(h4), where h is the grid size, we present numerical calculation of the wakefields from a resonator wake function model and from a one-dimensional coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) wake model. Besides the fast speed and high numerical accuracy, the calculation using the direct line density instead of the first derivative of the line density avoids numerical filtering of the electron density function for computing the CSR wakefield force. I. INTRODUCTION
Effect of temperature on the interfacial properties of silicates

Electrochemical properties of silicate minerals govern their behavior in processes such as flocculation and enhanced oil recovery that can occur at elevated temperatures. Knowledge of these properties as a function of temperature can be helpful in developing an understanding of the role of these interfacial properties at non-ambient temperatures. The zeta potential of sodium kaolinite and quartz has been determined as a function of temperature in this work. Both systems exhibited markedly different behavior at higher temperatures and also exhibited significant hysteresis. The results were examined in terms of possible dissolution of the minerals and surface reactions at different temperatures.
Hospitalization and Cognitive Decline: Can the Nature of the Relationship Be Deciphered?

Background Evidence for a relationship between hospitalization and incident cognitive decline exists mainly in the literature focusing on critical care hospitalization. Recent studies, however, have also found an association between noncritical care hospitalization and the development of cognitive decline. Objective This article will review the literature pertaining to hospitalization and cognitive decline, including hospitalizations for both critical and noncritical care, and in medical and surgical patients. The article will also explore the various factors that have been implicated in the development of cognitive decline and dementia. Methods Review of the literature was completed using PubMed and Medline search programs. Results Several articles supporting evidence for the association between hospitalization and cognitive decline are available. Evidence for potential mediating factors also does exist. Conclusions There is evidence to support an association between hospitalization and development of cognitive decline. Factors that could mediate this association include, but may not be limited to, delirium, medications, stress, and depression. There is a need for further research in this area in order to better understand the underlying pathophysiology involved in the development of cognitive decline and dementia and to determine if preventive measures might be beneficial in decreasing risk for cognitive decline for patients who are hospitalized.
Isolation of Primary Myofibroblasts from Mouse and Human Colon Tissue

The myofibroblast is a stromal cell of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that has been gaining considerable attention for its critical role in many GI functions. While several myofibroblast cell lines are commercially available to study these cells in vitro, research results from a cell line exposed to experimental cell culture conditions have inherent limitations due to the overly reductionist nature of the work. Use of primary myofibroblasts offers a great advantage in terms of confirming experimental findings identified in a cell line. Isolation of primary myofibroblasts from an animal model allows for the study of myofibroblasts under conditions that more closely mimic the disease state being studied. Isolation of primary myofibroblasts from human colon tissue provides arguably the most relevant experimental data, since the cells come directly from patients with the underlying disease. We describe a well-established technique that can be utilized to isolate primary myofibroblasts from both mouse and human colon tissue. These isolated cells have been characterized to be alpha-smooth muscle actin and vimentin-positive, and desmin-negative, consistent with subepithelial intestinal myofibroblasts. Primary myofibroblast cells can be grown in cell culture and used for experimental purposes over a limited number of passages.
Model of Neonatal Infant Blood Oxygen Saturation

In this work, three different black box models were designed to model the blood oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) of a neonatal infant. The inputs into each of the models where fraction of inspired oxygen, heart rate, and respiratory rate. The three modeling types used were fuzzy logic, neural network, and a transfer function model. Each model was trained on a window of data. The models were tuned using a design of experiments and the optimum window size was found for each model. The models were tested to see how long the model adequately represents the future SpO2 . The best model was found to be the transfer function model which adequately modeled the future SpO2 for an average of 51.8 seconds.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The etiology of pericarditis.

1) The general autopsy incidence of pericarditis is 5.95 per cent. This figure changes very little from year to year. 2) The incidence of pericarditis due to bacterial invasion is definitely decreased since the advent of the chemotherapeutic and antibiotic agents. 3) Pericarditis secondary to uremia, cardiovascular diseases and malignancy are increased as the population grows older.
Measurement of the stratospheric hydrogen peroxide concentration profile using far infrared thermal emission spectroscopy

The first unequivocal measurement of hydrogen peroxide in the stratosphere have been made, a concentration profile obtained from a balloon platform using Fourier transform thermal emission spectroscopy in the far infrared. Measurements were made using the 112/cm R-Q5 branch of the rotational-torsional spectrum, with some confirmation from the 94/cm R-Q4 branch. The volume mixing ratio of H2O2 is 1.6 x 10 to the -10th at 38.4 km, decreasing to 0.6 x 10 to the -10th at 23.8 km, with uncertainties of about 16 percent. These measurements are compared to a recent stratospheric model calculation.
Response to open peer commentaries on "ritual male infant circumcision and human rights".

The authors thank the commentators for their thoughtful remarks. We have arranged our responses to the commentators thematically; within each section we start first with general comments before dis...
More Than Lions and Tigers and Bears: Creating Meaningful Field Trip Lessons

Although most teachers agree that a field trip is an important educational experience for their students, many struggle with finding a way to make it connect with their classroom curriculum. Creating an effective field trip involves creating an effective lesson plan and using the resources of the museum, zoo, or aquarium to foster inquiry and learning. By incorporating the learning cycle into their field trip, students are able to use their explorations with animal-based exhibits to develop basic life science concepts.
Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in primary breast cancers predicts dissemination of cancer cells to the bone marrow

Purpose Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) plays a role in breast cancer progression at various stages starting from pre-malignant phenotype to clinical metastasis. Breast cancer metastasizes commonly to the bone and preclinical studies suggest an involvement of COX2 in this process. Detection of disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow of patients at the time of surgery correlates with the subsequent development of clinical bone metastasis. Therefore, to investigate whether COX2 is important for breast cancer metastasis in humans, we analyzed COX2 protein expression by immunostaining of primary tumors from 112 operable stages I, II, or III patients and determined its correlation with bone marrow micrometastasis (BMM). Methods We detected COX2 protein in primary tumors by immunostaining with a monoclonal antibody, and tumor cells present in the bone marrow by immunostaining for epithelial cytokeratins and by morphological criteria. Results COX2 expression in primary breast cancer correlated with BMM in a highly statistically significant manner (P = 0.006). Our statistical analyses of correlations of the COX2 positivity in primary tumor with other clinically relevant indicators revealed that COX2 positivity correlates with high nuclear grade (P = 0.0004). Furthermore, we were able to detect COX2 protein in BMM by immunostaining. Conclusions These studies indicate that COX2 produced in primary breast cancer cells may be vital to the initial development of BMM that may subsequently lead to osteolytic bone metastases in patients with breast cancer, and that COX2 inhibitors may be useful in halting this process.
Tube flow of non-Newtonian polymer solutions: Part II. Turbulent flow

A correlation of turbulent tube-flow friction factors for non-Newtonian polymer solutions, based upon the fluid property τ1/2 defined in Part I, has been found to represent data taken on seven solutions of Natrosol hydroxyethylcellulose in ½- and 1-in, I.D. smooth tubes, with an average accuracy of 10.8%. Also, for these seven solutions, this correlation gives somewhat more accurate predictions of the point of transition into turbulent flow than are made by the Ryan-Johnson stability theory. The correlation must be considered only provisional, however, because it does not simplify to the limiting case of extremely dilute solutions. Plausible extensions based on models of steady-flow non-Newtonian viscosity behavior, and other possible correlation schemes utilizing viscoelastic fluid properties, are briefly discussed.
A novel method for direct application of phospholipids to giant excised membrane patches in the study of sodium-calcium exchange and sodium channel currents

Effects of membrane phospholipids on Na+-Ca2+ exchange and Na+ channel currents were studied in giant excised cardiac sarcolemmal patches. Phospholipids were suspended in an inert vehicle of α-tocopherol acetate and hexane and were then directly applied to the side of patch electrodes at a short distance from the tip during current recording. Phosphatidylserine strongly stimulated outward Na+-Ca2+ exchange current and altered the kinetics of cytoplasmic Na+- and Ca2+-dependent secondary modulation. This effect was partially reversed by phosphatidylcholine. Prolonged treatment with phosphatidylserine eliminated the inactivation transient normally observed upon rapid application of cytoplasmic Na+ but left cytoplasmic Ca2+ dependence largely intact. In such cases, subsequent chymotrypsin treatment removed cytoplasmic Ca2+ dependence, but had no further stimulatory effect, indicating maximum alleviation of inactivation by phosphatidylserine. While these results indicate that phosphatidylserine acts on a cytoplasmic, protease-sensitive regulatory domain of the exchanger, phosphatidylserine also stimulated the exchange current after deregulation by chymotrypsin, indicating an effect on the exchange mechanism itself. As in other myocyte preparations, cardiac Na+ currents in giant patches undergo a time-dependent negative shift in the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation. Loss of phosphatidylserine from the cytoplasmic leaflet (i.e. loss of transbilayer asymmetry of phosphatidylserine distribution) does not appear to be the underlying cause, since phosphatidylserine did not reverse this shift, despite stimulation of Na+-Ca2+ exchange current in the same patches.
Impact of Obesity on Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy

Background & Aims An inadequately cleansed colon can lead to missed lesions, repeat procedures, increased cost, and complications from colonoscopy. Because obesity, with its known link to colorectal neoplasia, might be associated with inadequate bowel cleansing, we investigated the impact of increased body mass index (BMI) on quality of bowel preparation at colonoscopy. Methods All colonoscopy procedures performed at a tertiary referral center during a 4-month period were evaluated. Bowel preparation was assigned a unique composite outcome score that took into account a subjective bowel preparation score, earlier recommendation for follow-up colonoscopy as a result of inadequate bowel preparation, and the endoscopist's confidence in adequate evaluation of the colon. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the role of BMI in predicting an inadequate bowel preparation. Results During the study period, 1588 patients (59.1% female; mean age, 57.4 ± 0.34 years) fulfilled inclusion criteria. An abnormal BMI (≥25) was associated with an inadequate composite outcome score ( P = .002). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, both BMI ≥25 ( P = .04) and ≥30 ( P = .006) were retained as independent predictors of inadequate bowel preparation. Each unit increase in BMI increased the likelihood of an inadequate composite outcome score by 2.1%. Additional independent predictors of inadequate preparation exponentially increased the likelihood of an inadequate composite outcome score; 7 additional risk factors identified 97.5% of overweight patients with an inadequate composite outcome score. Conclusions Obesity is an independent predictor of inadequate bowel preparation at colonoscopy. The presence of additional risk factors further increases the likelihood of a poorly cleansed colon.
Repression of UV induction of λ prophage by caffeine

Abstract Caffeine was found to function as a repressor of UV-induced λ prophage when added to the post-irradition culture medium with both uvrB+ and uvrB− strains of E. coli K12. Caffeine functioned as a repressor of λ induction at high but not low inducing doses of UV. Caffeine alone at concentrations above 10 mg/plate functioned as an inducer of λ prophage.
Increased repair in DNA growing point regions after treatment of human lymphoma cells with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine.

Abstract Benzoylated naphthoylated DEAE-cellulose columns can be used to separate DNA growing point regions from the bulk of the DNA. We used the columns to estimate DNA excision repair in both fractions. Repair induced by acetoxy acetyl aminofluorene (AAAF), bromomethyl benz(α)anthracene (BMBA), and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) occurs to an equal extent in growing point and non-replicating regions of the DNA. Excision repair induced by methyl nitrosourea (MNNU) and methyl nitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG) occurs to a greater extent in growing point regions of the DNA. The overall amount of methyl nitronitrosoguanidine-induced alkylation is the same for replicating and non-replicating regions of the DNA treated in vitro. We conclude that there is some special interaction between methyl-nitronitrosoguanidine and the growing point region in vivo. We suppose that strand displacement and branch migration return DNA lesions at the growing point to a double stranded configuration at which repair is possible.
Manifest Hostility Level and Hostile Behavior

(1960). Manifest Hostility Level and Hostile Behavior. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 52, No. 1, pp. 165-171.
Epitaxial superconducting thin films Tl0.78Bi0.22Sr1.6Ba0.4Ca2O9−δ on (001) YSZ synthesized by laser ablation and post-annealing in pure argon

Abstract Epitaxial superconducting thin films of Tl 0.78 Bi 0.22 Sr 1.6 Ba 0.4 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 9−δ ((Tl,Bi)-1223) on (001) YSZ single crystal substrate have been successfully synthesized by laser ablation and post-annealing in a tube furnace with flowing pure argon through the tube all the time during annealing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) θ–2θ spectra showed that the films are c -axis aligned 1223 phase with a small amount of intergrown 1212 phase, while XRD φ-scans revealed that the films are also a - and b -axes aligned, with an epitaxy of the &.lang;100&.rang; of (Ti,Bi)-1223 film on the &.lang;110&.rang; of the YSZ substrate. Four-terminal electrical transport measurements showed that the zero-resistance transition temperature ( T c ) was 108.5 K, and the critical current density ( J c ) at 77 K and zero field was 1.1 × 10 6 A/cm 2 , both for the entire film width and for a patterned bridge. The magnetic field dependent transport J c suggest that (Tl,Bi)-1223 films on (001) YSZ have better flux-pinning properties than high- J c (Tl,Bi)-1223 films on (001) LaAlO 3 .
FTIR studies of spatial effects of the ignition transition during the oxidation of CO on Pt/SiO2

This communication examines the nature and origin of spatial effects during dynamic behavior in the oxidation of CO on Pt/SiO2. In situ FTIR spectroscopy and sensitive catalyst surface temperature measurements are used to show experimentally for the first time that the ignition transition occurs in a spatially non-uniform manner. Results are provided both in the absence and in the presence of gas-phase gradients. FTIR microscopy techniques are used to examine the spatial distribution of adsorbed species on the catalyst at a microscopic level. The FTIR microscopy and temperature measurements are combined with optical microscopy to explain the spatially non-uniform transition during ignition in terms of the activity distribution on the catalyst. It has been found that the Pt/SiO2 catalyst has a bimodal distribution of crystallites consisting of large irregularly distributed crystallites detectable by optical microscopy, as well as smaller, more uniform crystallites detectable by TEM measurements.
The activity of nickel on sodium-neutralized silica-alumina

Abstract A series of 8% Ni SiO 2 -Al 2 O 3 catalysts was prepared with increasing amounts of preimpregnated sodium up to 2.37 wt%. Magnetic susceptibility and hydrogen adsorption showed the dispersion of the nickel relatively unaffected by the sodium and insignificant poisoning of the metal surface. Cumene dealkylation, benzene hydrogenation, ethane hydrogenolysis, and cyclopropane hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis were studied with a pulse reactor. These experiments indicate that (i) the acidity of the support decreased with Na neutralization, (ii) benzene hydrogenation and ethane hydrogenolysis were not affected, and (iii) cyclopropane conversion and selectivity to hydrogenation decreased considerably with increasing Na content. Poisoning titration with H2S showed moderate changes in the site concentration and revealed isomerization on the support. The pattern of cyclopropane activity was attributed partly to a dual-functional effect and partly to the possible formation of an active overlay.
Preoperative assessment of left ventricular function in patients selected for direct myocardial revascularization.

Abstract Left ventricular performance was studied in 36 patients selected for aorta-to-coronary artery bypass grafts. Derangement of left ventricular function was found to be present in patients with single-vessel disease and symptoms only of angina pectoris. Progressively more severe ventricular impairment was demonstrable in patients with multiple vessel involvement and a history of previous myocardial infarction. The 3 operative deaths occurred in the patients whose ventricular performance was most severely depressed. Early postoperative studies suggest that ventricular performance may be favorably influenced by direct myocardial revascularization.
Therapeutic potential of interleukin 1 inhibitors in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by steatosis and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β. IL-1β, type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1R1), and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) are all important regulators of the IL-1 signaling complex, which plays a role in inflammation. Furthermore, IL-1β maturation is dependent on caspase-1 (Casp-1). Using IL-1Ratreated mice as well as 3 mouse models deficient in regulators of IL-1β activation (Casp-1 and ASC) or signaling (IL-1R1), we found that IL-1β signaling is required for the development of alcohol-induced liver steatosis, inflammation, and injury. Increased IL-1β was due to upregulation of Casp-1 activity and inflammasome activation. The pathogenic role of IL-1 signaling in ALD was attributable to the activation of the inflammasome in BM-derived Kupffer cells. Importantly, in vivo intervention with a recombinant IL-1Ra blocked IL-1 signaling and markedly attenuated alcohol-induced liver inflammation, steatosis, and damage. Furthermore, physiological doses of IL-1β induced steatosis, increased the inflammatory and prosteatotic chemokine MCP-1 in hepatocytes, and augmented TLR4-dependent upregulation of inflammatory signaling in macrophages. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Casp-1-dependent upregulation of IL-1β and signaling mediated by IL-1R1 are crucial in ALD pathogenesis. Our findings suggest a potential role of IL-1R1 inhibition in the treatment of ALD.
Wire sizing and spacing for lithographic printability optimization

As the VLSI feature size has already decreased below lithographic wavelength, the printability problem due to strong diffraction effects poses a serious threat to the progress of VLSI technology. A circuit layout with poor printability implies that it is difficult to make the printed features on wafers follow designed shapes without distortions. The development of Resolution Enhancement Techniques (RET) can alleviate the printability problem but cannot reverse the trend of deterioration. Moreover, over-usage of RET may dramatically increase photo-mask cost and increase the cycle time for volume production. Thus, there is a strong demand to consider the sub-wavelength printability problem in circuit layout designs. However, layout printability optimization should not degrade circuit timing performance. In this paper, we introduce a wire sizing and spacing method to improve wire printability with minimal adverse impact on interconnect timing performance. A new printability model is proposed to handle partially coherent illuminations. The difficult problem of printability optimization due to its multimodal nature is handled with a sensitivity based heuristic in timing aware fashion. Lithographic simulation results show that our approach can improve the printability in term of EPE (Edge Placement Error) by 20%-40% without violating timing, wire width and spacing constraints.
Serum isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in Reye's syndrome

Serum levels of isocitrate dehydrogenase was determined in 12 Reye's syndrome patients and the enzyme levels were compared with serum ornithine carbamyl phosphate, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (aspartate aminotransferase), ammonia, and the stages of the disorder. Isocitrate dehydrogenase was elevated in 8 of the 12 patients and there was no direct correlation between elevated serum isocitrate dehydrogenase level and other clinical parameters.
Nedd4 is a specific E3 ubiquitin ligase for the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2D.

Abstract NMDA receptors are a family of glutamate-gated ion channels that regulate various CNS functions such as synaptic plasticity and learning. However hypo- or hyper-activation of NMDA receptors is critically involved in many neurological and psychiatric conditions such as pain, stroke, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, schizophrenia, and depression. Thus, it is important to identify mechanisms (such as by targeted ubiquitination) that regulate the levels of individual subtypes of NMDA receptors. In this study, we used a series of tagged, carboxy terminal constructs of GluN2D to identify associating proteins from rat brain. Of seven different GluN2D C-terminal fragments used as bait, only the construct containing amino acids 983–1097 associated with an E3 ubiquitin ligase, Nedd4. A direct interaction between GluN2D and Nedd4 was confirmed both in vivo and in vitro. This association is mediated by an interaction between GluN2D's C-terminal PPXY motif and the 2nd and 3rd WW domains of Nedd4. Of the four GluN2 subunits, Nedd4 directly interacted with GluN2D and also weakly with GluN2A. Nedd4 coexpression with GluN2D enhances GluN2D ubiquitination and reduces GluN1/GluN2D NMDA receptor responses. These results identify Nedd4 as a novel binding partner for GluN2D and suggest a mechanism for the regulation of NMDA receptors that contain GluN2D subunits through ubiquitination-dependent downregulation. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Glutamate Receptor-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity’.
Effect of cocaine on structural changes in brain: MRI volumetry using tensor-based morphometry

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in cocaine-dependent subjects to determine the structural changes in brain compared to non-drug using controls. Cocaine-dependent subjects and controls were carefully screened to rule out brain pathology of undetermined origin. Magnetic resonance images were analyzed using tensor-based morphometry (TBM) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) without and with modulation to adjust for volume changes during normalization. For TBM analysis, unbiased atlases were generated using two different inverse consistent and diffeomorphic nonlinear registration techniques. Two different control groups were used for generating unbiased atlases. Independent of the nonlinear registration technique and normal cohorts used for creating the unbiased atlases, our analysis failed to detect any statistically significant effect of cocaine on brain volumes. These results show that cocaine-dependent subjects do not show differences in regional brain volumes compared to non-drug using controls.
Lock-free pending event set management in time warp

The rapid growth in the parallelism of multi-core processors has opened up new opportunities and challenges for parallel simulation discrete event simulation (PDES). PDES simulators attempt to find parallelism within the pending event set to achieve speedup. Typically the pending event set is sorted to preserve the causal orders of the contained events. Sorting is a key aspect that amplifies contention for exclusive access to the shared event scheduler and events are generally scheduled to follow the time-based order of the pending events. In this work we leverage a Ladder Queue data structure to partition the pending events into groups (called buckets) arranged by adjacent and short regions of time. We assume that the pending events within any one bucket are causally independent and schedule them for execution without sorting and without consideration of their total time-based order. We use the Time Warp mechanism to recover whenever actual dependencies arise. Due to the lack of need for sorting, we further extend our pending event data structure so that it can be organized for lock-free access. Experimental results show consistent speedup for all studied configurations and simulation models. The speedups range from 1.1 to 1.49 with higher speedups occurring with higher thread counts where contention for the shared event set becomes more problematic with a conventional mutex locking mechanism.
Active and inactive modifications of trypsin induced by acetylation.

Abstract The acetylation of trypsin with acetic anhydride results in a heterogenous mixture of acetylated derivatives. That fraction which is most fully acetylated (85–90%) is enzymically inactive, whereas the partially acetylated (about 50%) fraction is fully as active as unmodified trypsin. These two forms of trypsin may be further differentiated on the basis of their solubility properties, chromatographic behavior on DEAE-cellulose, and optical rotation. The implication of these results with respect to the structural requirements for enzymic activity is discussed.
Experimental demonstration of fully coherent quantum feedback.

In the conventional picture of quantum feedback control, sensors make measurements on a quantum system, a classical controller processes the results of the measurements, and semi-classical actuators act back on the system to alter its behavior. Quantum measurements are well known to yield probabilistic results and to introduce unavoidable disturbances in the system measured. Accordingly, quantum feedback is traditionally considered to be both probabilistic and destructive. This paper proposes and provides an experimental demonstration of an alternative method for quantum feedback control, in which sensors, controller, and actuators are themselves quantum systems that interact coherently with the system to be controlled. The resulting feedback loop preserves quantum coherence. Such coherent quantum feedback control is deterministic, non-destructive, and can be used to perform actions such as transferring quantum entanglement that are not possible using conventional feedback control of quantum systems.
Strategies for Advancing CO2 EOR in the Illinois Basin, USA☆

Abstract Storage of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) through enhanced oil recovery (EOR) activities offers the dual benefit of increased oil production and storage of anthropogenic CO 2 . In the Illinois Basin, USA (the Basin), there are no commercial-scale CO 2 EOR projects due to a number of obstacles, including the absence of a large-scale demonstration in the region and an economic supply of CO 2 . To address these issues, the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) conducted a study to assess the potential for CO 2 EOR at three strategically positioned fields in the Basin. The three fields—Assumption, Mattoon, and Forsyth—are located near two possible future sources of commercial CO 2 . The CO 2 EOR of the three fields was evaluated through characterization of the reservoir architecture and simulation of CO 2 EOR scenarios along with laboratory experiments to estimate the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP). The project provides site-specific estimates of CO 2 EOR application and could serve as an impetus for larger demonstration projects in the near future.
An Experimental Evaluation of Information Overload in a Production Environment

This paper reports the results of an experimental study of the relationship between the effectiveness of aggregate production planning decisions and the form of the information system used to support the decision making. The experiment, involving twenty two graduate business administration students devoting an entire week end to the decision making activity in a simulated, computer based environment, generated results showing significantly different performance according to the form in which information was presented. Decision makers given data summarized through the use of simple descriptive statistics 1 made higher quality decisions than those receiving the same data in standard formats, 2 had less confidence in the quality of their decisions, and 3 took longer to make their decisions.
A General Formulation for LMP Evaluation

The evaluation of locational marginal prices or LMPs, which constitute the basis of the new generation of market design in the U.S., is a critical need in the side-by-side operation of electricity markets and power systems. Their use in various applications such as congestion management and hedging requires specific LMP components in the computations. We provide a general formulation for the evaluation of the LMP components by making explicit use of the important role played by the nodes with generators with free capacity. On the other hand, the LMPs of the nodes without generation or with the generators at their limits are a function of the LMPs at the marginal nodes and the impacts of the network constraints, including the losses in the network. In the formulation, we pay special attention to the importance of the assumptions and specifications - the so-called policy specification - in the determination of the components. We obtain a very general formulation that brings under a single framework the different decomposition approaches that exist. The formulation's comprehensiveness brings numerous insights into the various decompositions, provides a platform for their comparative analysis, and allows us to understand the direct implications and the role of the policy specified. Moreover, the formulation reveals the limitations of any decomposition into the components due to the underlying structural interdependencies among them, which is clearly shown in this paper. We provide an example to illustrate the capabilities and the insights obtainable with the use of this formulation.
ICA with Reconstruction Cost for Efficient Overcomplete Feature Learning

Independent Components Analysis (ICA) and its variants have been successfully used for unsupervised feature learning. However, standard ICA requires an orthonoramlity constraint to be enforced, which makes it difficult to learn overcomplete features. In addition, ICA is sensitive to whitening. These properties make it challenging to scale ICA to high dimensional data. In this paper, we propose a robust soft reconstruction cost for ICA that allows us to learn highly overcomplete sparse features even on unwhitened data. Our formulation reveals formal connections between ICA and sparse autoencoders, which have previously been observed only empirically. Our algorithm can be used in conjunction with off-the-shelf fast unconstrained optimizers. We show that the soft reconstruction cost can also be used to prevent replicated features in tiled convolutional neural networks. Using our method to learn highly overcomplete sparse features and tiled convolutional neural networks, we obtain competitive performances on a wide variety of object recognition tasks. We achieve state-of-the-art test accuracies on the STL-10 and Hollywood2 datasets.
Effect of morphology on the mechanical and rheo‐optical properties of a styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer

Abstract : The mechanical and rheo-optical properties of a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer of a given chemical composition are dependent upon the morphology of the polymer as affected by the solvent system from which a polymer film is cast. Films cast from methyl ethyl ketone and from toluene are compared. Properties found to differ are the stress-strain curve, the birefringence-strain curve, stress relaxation, birefringence relaxation and the dynamic mechanical spectra. (Author)
The China Money Puzzle: Will Devaluation of the Yuan help or Hurt the Hong Kong Dollar?

A Chinese yuan devaluation could affect the stability of the Hong Kong dollar. This paper studies two linkages. The first is that trade balance effect is studied through a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. The result shows that the net change in Hong Kong’s foreign reserve after a yuan devaluation is, in fact, negligible. The second is that psychological effect is studied by a survey of financial market participants. In spite of the small trade balance effect, all respondents believe that a yuan devaluation would lead to a panic selling of Hong Kong assets. Therefore, a yuan devaluation is bad for the Hong Kong dollar primarily through market psychology. D 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Locally Adaptive Sampling

In this paper, we introduce a class of Locally Adaptive Sampling schemes. In this sampling family, time intervals between samples can be computed by using a function of previously taken samples, called a sampling function. Hence, though it is a non-uniform sampling scheme, we do not need to keep sampling times. The aim of LAS is to have the average sampling rate and the reconstruction error satisfy some requirements. We propose four different schemes of LAS. The first two are designed for deterministic signals. First, we derive a Taylor Series Expansion (TSE) sampling function, which only assumes the third derivative of the signal is bounded, but requires no other specific knowledge of the signal. Then, a Discrete Time-Valued (DTV) sampling function is proposed, where the sampling time intervals are chosen from a lattice. Next, we consider stochastic signals. We propose two sampling methods based on linear prediction filters: a Generalized Linear Prediction (GLP) sampling function, and a Linear Prediction sampling function with Side Information (LPSI). In GLP method, we only assume the signal is locally stationary. However, LPSI is specifically designed for a known signal model.
Maize pollen longevity and distance isolation requirements for effective pollen control

to 10 000 yr has resulted in many distinct landraces of maize in south-central and southwestern Mexico (GoodPollen is an important vector of gene flow in maize (Zea mays man, 1988). L.). Experiments were conducted to investigate the duration of pollen Those who conserve maize genetic resources are conviability and the effectiveness of isolation distance for controlling gene flow. Pollen longevity was tested by collecting pollen at dehiscence and cerned that the introduction of improved varieties into exposing it in a thin layer in the open air and sunshine for prescribed these regions will result in the loss of genetic diversity. time periods before assessing pollen viability by measuring seed set Iltis (1974) proposed the creation of in situ conservation after pollination and scoring visual appearance. Isolation distance of germplasm to complement ex situ conservation stratefficacy was evaluated by growing 12.8-m
Big-time pigskin success - is there an advertising effect?

This article uses a combination of measures of big-time football success not examined in previous studies. Using updated data between 1990 and 2002 and adjusting for key academic variables, this article tested whether there is statistical evidence that SAT scores are influenced by success in a high-quality football program. Contrary to other publications that found a weak advertising effect or no advertising effect before 1990, the finding of this research is that there is a robust statistically significant positive impact for successful football teams during recent years on the quality of incoming freshmen, beginning with the incoming freshmen class of 1996. Hence, a strong athletic success advertising effect or positive externality does indeed exist for football after the formation of the bowl alliance in 1995.
Thiophene-based conducting polymer molecular actuators

Traditional conducting polymer actuators such as polypyrrole offer tremendous active stress at low actuation voltages but with moderate strain, strain-rate and efficiency. We report the synthesis of novel thiophene based conducting polymer molecular actuators, exhibiting electrically triggered molecular conformational transitions. In this new class of materials, actuation is the result of conformational rearrangement of the polymer backbone at the molecular level and is not simply due to ion intercalation in the bulk polymer chain upon electrochemical activation. Molecular actuation mechanisms results from (pi) $min(pi) stacking of thiophene oligomers upon oxidation, producing a reversible molecular displacement which is expected to lead to surprising material properties such as electrically controllable porosity and large strains. The hypothesis of active molecular conformational changes is supported by in situ electrochemical data. Single molecule techniques are considered for molecular actuator characterization. Mechanical properties of these new materials are currently being assessed.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.