cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of plasma-induced, nanoscale dielectric constant variations in carbon-doped CVD oxides by electrostatic force microscopy

Electrostatic force microscopy was used to detect nanoscale dielectric constant variations in two different, carbon-doped oxide low-k dielectrics deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition and subjected to oxidizing isotropic plasmas and inert gas isotropic plasmas. Samples were polished at 10\r{} to the sample normal to enhance the through-the-thickness spatial resolution. We observed that the technique was able to detect k{}~{}0.1 variations of dielectric constant with ~10 nm spatial resolution. We also observed that the oxidizing isotropic plasma caused damage to a depth of approximately 10-50 nm and that one of the carbon-doped oxides was more susceptible to plasma-induced damage. The estimated increase of dielectric constant from the oxidizing plasma was from k~2.5-3 to k>4-5. The damage from the inert gas plasma was observed to be deeper but less severe.
The role of the thalamus and basal ganglia in parkinsonian tremor

The mechanism of parkinsonian tremor may involve a central oscillator, peripheral feedback to the central nervous system (CNS), or both. The thalamus or the globus pallidus is the most likely site for a central oscillator and would be predicted to generate thalamic tremor-related activity characterized, respectively, by calcium spike-associated bursts and by maximal tremor-related activity in the pallidal relay nucleus of thalamus. Thalamic spike trains demonstrate neither of these characteristics. However, cross-correlation, latency, and transfer function analysis indicate that sensory feedback is a critical element in the relationship between thalamic activity and parkinsonian tremor. Therefore, thalamic spike train activity is most consistent with parkinsonian tremor being mediated by peripheral inputs involved in either an unstable reflex loop or sensory modulation of a central oscillator.
Living where the flow is right: How flow affects feeding in bryozoans

Bryozoans are suspension feeding colonial animals that remain attached to the substratum or other surfaces. How well a bryozoan can feed in a particular flow regime could help determine the distribution and abundance of that bryozoan. I tested how velocity of flow affects feeding rate in four species of bryozoans in the laboratory and how these species perform in different flow regimes in the field. I found that one species, Membranipora membranacea, had a higher ingestion rate than did the other three species at all velocities of flow tested. Membranipora also had a higher rate of ingestion at intermediate velocities, while velocity did not have as strong an effect on ingestion rate in the other three species. As predicted from the feeding experiments, all four species generally had greater abundance, attained a larger size, grew faster, and survived longer in flow regimes in which feeding is higher. Also as predicted, Membranipora had greater abundance, attained a larger size, grew faster, and survived longer than did the other three species both in slower and faster flow regimes in the field. Understanding how flow affects feeding can help predict the distribution and abundance of bryozoans in the field. Because especially efficient filterers like Membranipora can grow faster and have higher survival under a wide range of conditions of flow, this species may be able to outcompete many other species or take advantage of ephemeral habitats, thereby becoming a potentially effective invasive species as has been seen in the Gulf of Maine.
Identification of hydroxypyridinium cross-linking sites in type II collagen of bovine articular cartilage.

In mature cartilage, collagen fibrils are strengthened by covalent intermolecular bonds provided by 3- hydroxypyridinium cross-linking residues. To determine the location of these trifunctional cross-links within the type II collagen molecule, CNBr peptides were analyzed from pepsin-soluble collagen and from guanidine hydrochloride insoluble collagen of bovine articular cartilage. The presence of hydroxypyridinium residues in collagen alpha chains and CNBr-derived peptides was detected by their characteristic natural fluorescence. Quantitatively, about one in three alpha chains from pepsin-soluble collagen was found to contain a hydroxypyridinium residue. Its distribution in the chains was limited to two CNBr peptides, which were purified by column chromatography on CM-cellulose and Bio-Gel P-30 followed by slab-gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide. The composition and properties of the two peptides indicated that the main component of one was alpha 1(II)- CB9 ,7 and of the other alpha 1(II) CB12 . It was suspected that two amino-terminal telopeptides were cross-linked by hydroxylysylpyridinoline to alpha 1(II) CB9 ,7 and two carboxy-terminal telopeptides to alpha 1(II) CB12 . The properties of fluorescent CNBr peptides isolated from digests of insoluble cartilage collagen supported this conclusion. Cleavage of the 3- hydroxypyridinium ring by UV light was exploited to confirm the identity of the cross-linked peptides. On UV irradiation, one cross-linked peptide released alpha 1(II) CB9 ,7, and the other, alpha 1(II) CB12 . The findings indicate there are only two hydroxypyridinium cross-linking sites within the triple-helical region of the type II collagen molecule, probably placed symmetrically at opposite ends at residues 87 and 930, where telopeptide aldehydes are known to react to form the initial "head to tail" intermolecular bonds.
Ventricular Conduction Defects and the Risk of Incident Heart Failure in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Abstract Background We evaluated the risk of incident heart failure (HF) associated with various categories of ventricular conduction defects (VCDs) and examined the impact of QRS duration on the risk of HF. Methods and Results This analysis included 14,478 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who were free of HF at baseline. VCDs (n = 377) were categorized into right and left bundle branch blocks (RBBB and LBBB, respectively), bifascicular BBB (RBBB with fascicular block), indeterminate-type VCD (IVCD), and pooled VCD group excluding lone RBBB. During an average of 18 years' follow-up, 1,772 participants were hospitalized for incident HF. Compared with no VCD, LBBB and pooled VCD were strongly associated with increased risk of incident HF (multivariable hazard ratios 2.87 and 2.29, respectively). Compared with no VCD with QRS duration Conclusions VCDs except for isolated RBBB are strong predictors of incident HF, and HF risk is further increased as the QRS duration is prolonged >140 ms.
Future perspectives for the development of P-glycoprotein modulators

Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents constitutes one of the major obstacles to the successful treatment of cancer. While several mechanisms underlying drug resistance have been elucidated, the most widely studied mechanism involves the efflux of antineoplastic drugs from cancer cells by P-glycoprotein, the 170 kD glycoprotein product of the MDR-I gene. The observation that several compounds are able to inhibit P-glycoprotein in vitro created optimism that the problem of multidrug resistance in cancer could be quickly resolved by moving these compounds into the clinic. However, despite a large number of clinical trials with several different putative Pgp modulators, the value of Pgp modulation in clinical oncologic practice remains unresolved. While these initial trials have not answered the question of whether Pgp is an important mechanism of resistance in human cancers, or whether modulation of Pgp is likely to positively impact on the treatment of cancer, they have provided insights regarding the problems inherent in conducting trials of this nature. These clinical insights, along with knowledge gained from continued basic research on drug resistance mediated by Pgp and related transporters, will form a strong foundation for future research into the role of Pgp and Pgp modulation in the treatment of cancer. The ubiquitous nature of transporters and the high prevalence of transporter substrates among antineoplastic drugs, compel the development of modulators that can be used to prevent or reverse drug resistance.
Impaired up-regulation of type II corticosteroid receptors in hippocampus of aged rats

Several recent investigations have reported a decline of rat hippocampal corticosteroid-binding receptors (CSRs) with aging. This decline has been proposed to be an initial cause (through disinhibition) of the elevated adrenal steroid secretion that apparently occurs with aging; however, it could instead be an effect of corticoid elevation (through down-regulation). In order to assess the effects of age on CSR biosynthetic capacity in the absence of down-regulatory influences of endogenous corticoids, as well as to study aging changes in CSR plasticity, we examined the up-regulation of hippocampal CSR that follows adrenalectomy (ADX). The rat hippocampus contains at least two types of CSR binding and differential analysis of types I and II CSR was accomplished by selective displacement of [3H]corticosterone with RU-28362, a specific type II agonist. In young (3 months old) Fischer-344 rat hippocampus, up-regulation of type II binding above 2-day ADX baseline was present by 3-7 days and increased still further by 8-10 days post-ADX; type I CSR density did not change significantly between 1 and 10 days post-ADX. However, in aged (24-26 months old) rats, type II CSR up-regulation did not occur over the 10 day post-ADX period. Thus, the age-related impairment of type II up-regulation may reflect an intrinsic deficit in CSR biosynthesis or lability that is independent of the acute endogenous adrenal steroid environment.
Photovoltaic effect and optical properties of ferroelectric thin films made by sol-gel processing

ABSTRACTFerroelectric thin films including undoped and doped PZT (lead zirconate titanate), BaTiO3 (barium titanate), SBN (strontium barium niobate), KNbO3 (potassium niobate), PBN (lead bariumniobate), KNSBN (potassium sodium strontium barium niobate), and LiNbO3 (lithium niobate) weremade on silicon and fused silica substrates by a sol-gel process. A heterojunction effect was observedin ferroelectric thin films on both n-silicon and p-silicon through measurement of I- V characteristics,and by the demonstration ofa photocurrent effect. Transparent and preferentially orientated SBN thinfilms on fused silica substrates can be obtained by applying a d.c. electric field during heat treatment. The films have structral and optical anisotropies as well as photorefractive properties. Two-wave mixing experiment was demonstrated by using these films and a maxmum holographic efficiency ofnear 1 % was obtained. 1. INTRODUCTION In the past twenty years ferroelectric thin films have been extensively studied. Many applications,
Appearance of a Spring Maximum in Nuclear Test Debris in 1960

The existence of a spring maximum in fallout deposition due to the disruption of the tropopause in middle latitudes has been debated for the past several years. Evidence obtained from air filters indicates elevated levels of radioactivity from nuclear tests in surface air during April through July 1960.
Towards Efficient Reconstitution of the Human Mitochondrial DNA Replication Complex

The minimal human mitochondrial DNA replisome, comprising mitochondrial DNA polymerase (Pol γ), mitochondrial DNA helicase (mtDNA helicase) and mitochondrial single-stranded binding protein (mtSSB) was reconstituted. Assembly of these replication factors on the minicircle template, resembling the replication fork in vivo, supported the rolling-circle DNA replication. Quantitative analysis of the product formed from the minicircle template with the radioactive label on the primer strand or on the incoming ribonucleotides yielded consistent results, which demonstrated the poor efficiency (less than 1% active fraction) of the reconstituted replisome described (Korhonen et al., 2003). We sought to screen conditions to optimize the assembly of the replisome. The optimized assembly of replisome improves the replication efficiency to ∼14%. The relative low efficiency may indicate a poor assembly of mtDNA helicase or that the mitochondrial replisome in vivo comprises unidentified essential components. Notably, we found that stimulation of processive DNA synthesis by mtSSB occurs over a narrow range of salt concentration. We obtained more quantitative reconstitution the human mitochondrial replisome using a small synthetic replication fork and measured the kinetics of coupled DNA unwinding and polymerization. Optimal reconstitution was achieved by preincubation of the DNA with the polymerase, helicase and two of the four deoxyribonucleotides. Following the addition of the remaining two nucleotides, 80% of the primers were extended with a half-life of 84 seconds.
Stem cells: Close encounters with full potential

Conferring stem-cell potential on mature cells is not easy. A decisive impediment to this process has now been identified, and its elimination allows almost all mature cells to efficiently adopt a stem-cell identity. See Article p.65 Somatic cells can be reprogrammed to pluripotency by expression of exogenous factors,classically Oct4, Sox2,Klf4 and c-Myc (OSKM). During reprogramming, only a fraction of the cells converts into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The nature of rate limiting barrier(s) that prevent the majority of cells to convert into iPS cells remains elusive and it is unknown whether iPS cell reprogramming can be rendered deterministic and very efficient. Jacob Hanna and colleagues now show that the combination of 2i/LIF growth conditions, OSKM overexpression and neutralizing the Mbd3/NURD co-repressor results in deterministic and synchronized reprogramming to pluripotency. Using this approach, they found that almost 100% of mouse and human somatic cells convert into naive iPS cells after only seven days of OSKM induction.
Glass dynamics: Diverging views on glass transition

Analysis of the best available data on the behaviour of a large number of glass-forming organic liquids suggests that the widespread belief that a glass ceases to flow below its transition temperature could be wrong.
Circumferential and longitudinal cyclic strain of the human thoracic aorta: Age-related changes

Objective We developed a novel method using anatomic markers along the thoracic aorta to accurately quantify longitudinal and circumferential cyclic strain in nondiseased thoracic aortas during the cardiac cycle and to compute age-related changes of the human thoracic aorta. Methods Changes in thoracic aorta cyclic strains were quantified using cardiac-gated computed tomography image data of 14 patients (aged 35 to 80 years) with no visible aortic pathology (aneurysms or dissection). We measured the diameter and circumferential cyclic strain in the arch and descending thoracic aorta (DTA), the longitudinal cyclic strain along the DTA, and changes in arch length and motion of the ascending aorta relative to the DTA. Diameters were computed distal to the left coronary artery, proximal and distal to the brachiocephalic trunk, and distal to the left common carotid, left subclavian, and the first and seventh intercostal arteries. Cyclic strains were computed using the Green-Lagrange strain tensor. Arch length was defined along the vessel centerline from the left coronary artery to the first intercostal artery. The length of the DTA was defined along the vessel centerline from the first to seventh intercostal artery. Longitudinal cyclic strain was quantified as the difference between the systolic and diastolic DTA lengths divided by the diastolic DTA length. Comparisons were made between seven younger (age, 41 ± 7 years; 5 men) and seven older (age, 68 ± 6 years; 5 men) patients. Results The average increase of diameters of the thoracic aorta was 14% with age from the younger to the older (mean age, 41 vs 68 years) group. The average circumferential cyclic strain of the thoracic aorta decreased by 55% with age from the younger to the older group. The longitudinal cyclic strain decreased with age by 50% from the younger to older group (2.0% ± 0.4% vs 1.0% ± 1%, P = .03). The arch length increased by 14% with age from the younger to the older group (134 ± 17 mm vs 152 ± 10 mm, P = .03). Conclusions The thoracic aorta enlarges circumferentially and axially and deforms significantly less in the circumferential and longitudinal directions with increasing age. To our knowledge, this is the first quantitative description of in vivo longitudinal cyclic strain and length changes for the human thoracic aorta, creating a foundation for standards in reporting data related to in vivo deformation and may have significant implications in endoaortic device design, testing, and stability.
Major, minor and trace element mass fractions determined using ED-XRF, WD-XRF and INAA for three synthetic mullite reference materials (NCS HC 14807; NCS HC 14808; and NCS HC 14809) and five stream sediment reference materials (GBW 07302; GBW 07310; GBW 07311; GBW 07312; and GBW 07405)

This paper is the third in a series of characterization studies conducted by the Center for Applied Isotope Studies, University of Georgia, and the Research Reactor Center, University of Missouri–Columbia, on clay and sediment reference materials. Major, minor and trace element mass fractions were determined using wavelength dispersive and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and instrumental neutron activation analysis for three synthetic mullite certified reference materials (NCS HC 14807–14809) distributed by the China National Analysis Center for Iron And Steel and five geological stream sediment certified reference materials (GBW 07302, 07310–07312, 07405) distributed by the National Research Center for Certified Reference Materials in China. We report mass fractions for 10 major elements as oxides and the following minor and trace elements: As, Ba, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Eu, Hf, La, Lu, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, U, V, Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr.
Changing management and outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma: evaluation of 501 patients treated at a single comprehensive center.

Background We evaluated changes in therapy and outcome for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) over time in a large cohort of Western patients managed at one U.S. medical center. Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients with HCC treated at one U.S. medical center was performed. Analyses were stratified by time intervals 1990–1996 (pre-Milan) and 1997–2004 (post-Milan) to examine impact of UNOS criteria adapted from the post-Milan experience with OLT on treatment and survival. Results From 1990 to 2004, 501 patients were identified, 170 (34%) pre-Milan and 331 (66%) post-Milan. Seventy-four (15%) underwent OLT, 99 (20%) had partial hepatectomy (PH), 51 (10%) had ablative therapy (Ablate), 84 (16%) had embolic treatment (Embo), and 194 (39%) had chemotherapy or supportive care (C/SC). Median survival for all patients was 11 months. By time interval, median overall survival (OS) was better for post-Milan patients as compared with the pre-Milan group (13 months vs. 7 months, P = 0.02). On multivariate analysis OLT had the strongest association with improved survival of all factors examined (Odds ratio 12.4, 95% CI 7.7–20.5). Conclusions In this series, treatment post-1996 is associated with improved survival, likely due to improvements in selection criteria and outcomes for liver transplantation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:81–88. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Lignin-derived oak phenolics: a theoretical examination of additional potential health benefits of red wine

Lignin-derived phenolic compounds can be extracted from oak barrels during the aging of red wine, and it is hypothesized that these compounds may contribute to the health benefits of red wine by their antioxidant, radical-scavenging, or chemopreventive activities. Density functional calculations (B3LYP/6-311++G**) support the radical-scavenging abilities of the oak phenolics. Sinapaldehyde, syringaldehyde, syringol, and syringylacetone all have bond dissociation energies that are lower than resveratrol and comparable to the flavonoid catechin. Molecular docking studies of the oak phenolics with known resveratrol protein targets also show that these compounds dock favorably to the protein targets. Thus, lignin-derived oak phenolics, although found in small concentrations, may contribute to the beneficial antioxidant, chemopreventive, and cardioprotective effects of red wine.
Integration of Health Care Economics for Addiction Treatment in Clinic Care

Abstract Over the past decade, radical changes have occurred in the availability and funding of treatment services for individuals with addictive disorders. Traditional inpatient and residential treatments have been replaced by outpatient settings. “Standard” addiction treatments, such as 28-day inpatient hospitalizations, are largely a thing of the past. The process of treatment planning has also changed. Treatment decisions now depend on third-party coverage rather than severity of illness. The procedures for determining eligibility and obtaining authorization for treatment are often ponderous and impersonal and determined through administrative procedures that are external to the treatment facility. The criteria used to determine the type of treatment seem arbitrary rather than clinically based.
Mean and fluctuating gas phase velocities inside a circulating fluidized bed

Abstract Gas phase velocities is an area in circulating fluidized beds (CFB) that has traditionally received little attention. The dynamics and motion of particles or clusters inside the bed has been the main focus of research. This is because particles dominate the fluid mechanics and heat transfer inside a CFB. However, gas phase motions also effect particle motion. Gas eddies or fluctuations can play an important role in transporting particles to and from the wall. They also help in providing a uniform temperature throughout the bed by promoting mixing. This paper deals with how particles effect the mean and fluctuating gas velocities throughout the cross-section of a riser. Gas velocities were measured inside a cold scale model CFB using a shielded hot wire anemometer. At the centerline, typical mean gas velocities were measured which were approximately twice the superficial gas velocity. These high velocities are likely caused by the negligible net gas upflow in the annulus region. The presence of many dense, downward flowing clusters in the annulus makes this a reasonable assumption. Previous work on gas phase turbulence in two phase flows has typically used either laser measurement techniques in very small diameter risers or in larger risers with very low particle concentration. The general results have shown that smaller particles, on the same order of magnitude as those typically used in CFB and FCC reactors, tend to damp out the gas phase fluctuations. This implies that gas phase motion behaves close to a laminar fashion. This present research measures gas phase fluctuations with typical particle concentrations inside a CFB (∼1–5%). The results indicate that at larger particle concentrations where clusters are formed, the gas phase fluctuations increase dramatically. This suggests that length scales based on cluster size, as opposed to particle size, should be used in estimating the increased levels of gas fluctuations caused by the solid phase. Hence, models which ignore the effect of clusters on the gas or which treat the gas phase as laminar like flow, yield a misleading picture of the flow dynamics inside a CFB riser.
Impurity measurements in the textor plasma edge using deposition probe techniques

Abstract Passive deposition probe techniques were used to characterize the impurities in the plasma edge region of the TEXTOR tokamak. Measurements were made as functions of radius, direction, and time using single crystal silicon collectors. Analysis of the probes was accomplished by Rutherford backscattering (RBS). The results indicate low impurity levels without impurity accumulation for 2.5 sec TEXTOR discharges.
Studies on the bacteriophage MS2. IV. The 3'-OH terminal undecanucleotide sequence of the viral RNA chain.

The 3′-OH terminus of bacteriophage MS2 RNA was selectively labelled with 3H. This was achieved by oxidation of the free 2′, 3′-diol group with sodium periodate to a dialdehyde, and reduction of the latter with tritiated sodium borohydride. Treatment of this RNA with alkali and separation of the hydrolysis products confirmed that only the terminal adenosine residue had been labelled. For the determination of the 3′-OH terminal sequence, RNA randomly labelled with 32P was admixed with terminally tritiated RNA, or, alternatively, the 32P-labelled RNA itself was terminally tritiated. Hydrolysis with ribonuclease T1 resulted in a mixture of oligonucleotides terminating in guanylic acid and a decanucleoside nonaphosphate containing the 3H label. This terminal oligonucleotide was isolated by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex and DEAE-cellulose columns at different pH values and in the presence of 7 m-urea. The 3H label served to localize the terminal sequence and to estimate the purity. Alkaline hydrolysis of the isolated product indicated the composition (2 Ap, 2 Up, 5 Cp)A while pancreatic ribonuclease hydrolysis showed that each adenylic acid residue was followed by cytidylic acid. The complete sequence was established by partial hydrolysis with snake venom phosphodiesterase. The stepwise degradation products so obtained were labelled with 3H in the terminal nucleoside by the same procedure used for the entire RNA molecule, and then separated according to chain length. In this way, the nucleotide composition of each product could be determined on the basis of 32P activity, while its terminal nucleoside was determined on the basis of 3H activity. Both sets of data confirmed each other. The results, together with the known specificity of the ribonuclease T1, which had released the sequence, establish that MS2 RNA ends in …GpUpUpApCpCpApCpCpCpA. It is suggested that the termination signal for the translation into polypeptides is located at the left of this sequence and that the latter may be important for the initiation of replication.
Sweating responses in the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

Abstract o 1. In contrast to man, in chimpanzees, rapid, heavy sweating is concentrated around the axillae rather than the chest and back. 2. Chimpanzees were unable to maintain a constant body temperature at ambient temperatures (Ta) above 37°C. 3. Evaporative water loss at Ta around 37°C were more than double that at 18·7°C. 4. A chimpanzee suffered heat stroke at Ta of 40°C.
Growth hormone signalling and its regulation: Preventing too much of a good thing

Growth hormone (GH) is a major growth-promoting and metabolic regulatory hormone. Interaction of GH with its cell surface GH receptor (GHR), by virtue of receptor dimerization, causes activation of the GHR-associated cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, JAK2. Several signalling pathways, including the STAT5, PI3 kinase and MAP kinase pathways, are thereby accessed, resulting in various biochemical and biological cellular signalling outcomes which are rapidly becoming deciphered. Various mechanisms probably exist to terminate, modulate and prevent GH signalling. Some of these mechanisms regulate receptor abundance and/or availability while others may alter the responsiveness of downstream signalling molecules to receptor engagement. In this review, recent insights into modulation of GH signalling are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on mechanisms of homologous and heterologous desensitization and on the likelihood that inducible GHR proteolysis, in addition to causing GH binding protein generation, may also serve as an important mechanism of heterologous GHR downregulation.
Nuclear wars: The relationship between the micronucleus and the macronucleus in ciliate protists

Summary Ciliates segregate their germinal and somatic functions into two different nuclei. Although mutually dependent, the somatic macronucleus and germinal micronucleus each have selfish interests, resulting in conflict that is resolved in different ways in different ciliates. By retaining certain somatic functions, the micronucleus insures its continued presence, and its need for sexual rejuvenation insures frequent sex. On the other hand, the macronucleus has acquired the ability to transmit traits independently of the micronucleus, and it has evolved the ability to recombine genes as well as initiate the development of its replacement. In rare instances, the macronucleus acquires essential micronuclear somatic functions, resulting in the elimination of the micronucleus.
Sparse-rotary oscillator array (SROA) design for power and skew reduction

This paper presents a unique rotary oscillator array (ROA) topology---the sparse-ROA (SROA). The SROA eliminates the need for redundant rings in a typical, meshlike rotary topology optimizing the global distribution network of the resonant clocking technology. To this end, a design methodology is proposed for SROA construction based on the distribution of the synchronous components. The methodology eliminates the redundant rings of the ROA and reduces the tapping wirelength, which leads to a power saving of 32.1%. Furthermore, a skew control function is implemented into the SROA design methodology as a part of the optimization of the connections among tapping points and subtree roots. This control function leads to a clock skew reduction of 47.1% compared to a square-shaped ROA network design, which is verified through HSPICE.
The effect of sulfur on CO adsorption/desorption on Pt(S)-[9(111) X (100)]

Abstract CO adsorption/desorption on clean and sulfur covered Pt(S)-[9(111) × (100)] surfaces was studied using AES, TPD, and modulated beam experiments. CO desorption occurred from two states on the clean surface — a low temperature state associated with the (111) terraces and a high temperature state associated with the steps/defects. Thermal desorption results indicated that above small CO coverages conversion from the low temperature state into the high temperature state was activated and that back conversion was slow. Sulfur preferentially adsorbed at step/defect sites and decreased the population of the high temperature desorption state. Modulated beam experiments were performed in order to determine CO adsorption/desorption parameters as a function of sulfur coverage on the Pt crystal. The sticking coefficient and binding energy of CO decreased as the sulfur concentration increased. Sulfur adsorption at step/defect sites decreased the CO sticking coefficient only slightly but increased the effective rate constant for CO desorption significantly. Sulfur adsorption on the terraces affected CO adosrption more than sulfur at step sites. On the clean surface the effective rate constant for CO desorption was 1 × 10 15 s −1 exp ( −36.2 kcal/mole RT ) Desorption occurred from both terrace and step/defect sites, but the kinetics were characteristic of the step/defect sites. For the surface on which step/defect sites were blocked by sulfur the effective desorption rate constant was k eff = 1 × 10 13 s −1 exp (− 27.5 kcal/mole RT ) indicating an appreciable decrease in CO binding on the terraces, though sulfur-CO repulsive interactions had probably made keff larger than the true rate constant for desorption from clean (111) planes. The results showed clearly a compensation effect in activation energy and preexponential factor.
Improved multivariate prediction under a general linear model

Abstract Assuming a general linear model with known covariance matrix, several linear and nonlinear predictors are presented and their properties are discussed. In the context of simultaneous multiple prediction, a total sum of squared errors is suggested as a loss function for comparing predictors. Based on a rundamental relationship hetween prediction and estimation, a very general class of predictors is developed from which predictors with uniformly smaller risk than that of the classical best linear unbiased (i.e., universal kriging) predictor can be constructed.
Away from a unitary model of depression.

Traditional psychiatric and current behavioral models have presented depression as a unitary phenomenon with one primary cause. This paper posits that it is more conceptually and clinically useful to view depression as a label for a complex pattern of responses with a multiplicity of causes. When a client's presenting probem is “depression,” each of the problem areas characteristic of depression should be assessed, and the treatment procedure(s) should be matched to the problem area(s).
Effect of mersalyl on mitochondrial Mg++ flux

The mercurial mersalyl has little effect either on rapid Mg++ binding by isolated rat liver mitochondria or on the total Mg++ content of these organelles measured after 0.75 min of incubation at 20°C. The data do not support the previous suggestion that the increased permeability to K+ of mitochondria treated with mersalyl results from release of endogenous Mg++. An increased pH-dependence of unidirectional Mg++ flux into respiring rat liver mitochondria is suggested to arise indirectly from inhibition by mersalyl of pH shifts associated with exchanges of endogenous phosphate. In addition, mersalyl appears to have a stimulatory effect on Mg++ influx. Mersalyl also increases the average rate of unidirectional efflux of endogenous Mg++. The stimulatory effects of mersalyl on Mg++ flux are similar to, although quantitatively less than, the previously reported effects of mersalyl on mitochondrial K+ flux.
WE‐C‐BRB‐03: A Medium‐Dependent Correction‐Based Algorithm for Calculating Imaging Dose Resulting From KV X‐Rays

Purpose: Kilovoltage (kV) x‐rays are increasingly used in image‐guidedradiation therapy. Repeated imaging procedures add additional dose to patients. It has been shown that the dose to bone is 3–4 times higher than dose to soft tissue for kV x‐rays. Currently there is no model‐based dose calculation algorithm that can accurately calculate the dose from kV x‐rays. In order to account for the image‐guidancedose to patients in treatment planning it is necessary to develop an accurate algorithm for dose calculations that can be implemented in a commercial treatment planning system for patient dose calculations in the diagnostic energy range. Method and Materials: The new algorithm, referred to as the Medium‐Dependent Correction (MDC), takes into account both the medium physical densities and medium atomic numbers of the absorbing media. The MDC algorithm employs an empirically parameterized correction method which is applicable for arbitrary phantom geometry. The empirical parameters are optimized for a specific kV beam. The dose calculation accuracy of the MDC algorithm was benchmarked against that of Monte Carlo calculations for dose distributions resulting from head and neck and pelvic kV‐CBCT. Results: The dose distributions resulting from calculation using the MDC algorithm were compared to density‐corrected calculations using the Monte Carlo results as the gold standard. Density‐corrected calculations were shown to underestimate the dose to bone by 100–300% and overestimate the dose to soft‐tissue by 10–30%. The MDC algorithm calculated the dose to bone to within 10–30% and soft tissue to within 5–20%. Conclusion: The MDC calculation algorithm overcomes the shortcomings of existing model‐based density correction methods used in kV x‐rays. The algorithm offers similar accuracy to the Monte Carlo method with a fraction of the calculation time and could be implemented in a commercial treatment planning system to include imagingdose in patient treatment planning.
The Effects of Pictorial Versus Tangible Stimuli in Stimulus Preference Assessments

Recent research in the area of stimulus-preference assessment has progressively improved the accuracy and efficiency of this technology for predicting reinforcer potency. One way to potentially improve the efficiency of the procedure might be to use pictorial representations of stimuli in the assessment rather than the stimuli themselves. To determine the feasibility of using pictorial stimuli in preference assessments, multiple-stimulus preference assessments were conducted with two adults diagnosed with mental retardation using both tangible stimuli and pictorial cards representing these same stimuli. The tangibles stimulus assessment produced greater variations in selection percentages than the pictorial assessment. Subsequent reinforcer assessments confirmed that stimuli predicted by the tangibles assessment were more potent reinforcers than those predicted by the pictorial assessment. The results are discussed in the context of improving stimulus-preference assessment technology.
A computer assisted instruction simulation model for teaching play callers football strategy

This paper describes a FORTRAN based interactive stochastic simulation model designed to assist collegiate football play callers evaluate various offensive strategies. The model exists and has been partially validated. The model contains several embellishments three of which include:1. An interactive interface language for easing the problem of input.2. On-line error diagnostics.3. The addition of the "Help" processor, an interactive routine designed to guide the novice user through the model.
Conformational stability, barriers to internal rotation, ab initio calculations and vibrational assignment of fluoroacetyl fluoride

Abstract The far infrared spectrum (350 to 35 cm −1 ) of gaseous fluoroacetyl fluoride has been recorded at a resolution of 0.10 cm −1 . The fundamental asymmetric torsion of the more stable trans conformer where the two fluorine atoms are trans to one another has been observed at 118.90 cm −1 with twelve upper state transitions falling to lower frequency. Additionally, the fundamental torsional transition of the cis conformer has been observed at 52.06 cm −1 with five excited states falling to lower frequency. From these data, the asymmetric torsional potential coefficients have been determined to be: V 1 = 86 ± 11; V 2 = 946 ± 33; V 3 = 407 ± 4; V 4 = 138 ± 20 and V 6 = −14 ± 7 cm −1 . The trans to cis and cis to trans barriers were calculated to be 1297 ± 26 (3.71 ± 0.07 kcal mol −1 ) and 803 ± 26 cm −1 (2.30 ± 0.07 kcal mol −1 ), respectively, with the energy difference being 494 ± 48 cm −1 (1.41 ± 0.14 kcal mol −1 ). From the temperature dependence of the Raman spectra the enthalpy difference between the conformations has been determined to be 456 ± 32 cm −1 (1.30 ± 0.09 kcal mol −1 ) and 695 ± 8 cm −1 (1.99 ± 0.02 kcal mol −1 ) for the gas and liquid, respectively. The structural parameters, conformational stabilities, barriers to internal rotation, and fundamental vibrational frequencies which have been determined experimentally, are compared to those obtained from ab initio Hartree—Fock gradient calculations employing both the 3-21G and 6-31G* basis sets, and to the corresponding quantities obtained for some similar molecules.
The importance of age effects on performance in the assessment of clinical trials

Abstract Forty young adult normal subjects, 10 Parkinson's disease patients and their 10 matched normal subjects, and 10 multiple sclerosis patients and their 10 matched normal subjects were evaluated in the Quantitative Examination of Neurological Function to determine age effects and the importance of selecting closely matched normal control groups for assessing the performance of patients. Where there are significant differences among the three normal subject groups, it is the oldest normal subject group that differs from the two younger subject groups. Significant decreases in performance with increasing age were found for the steadiness tests performed in the supported position, the sensation tests, two or five tests in the Neuro-Psychological Examination and tests requiring fine skilled movements primarily with the dominant hand. It was found that older subjects made fewer errors in coordinated tasks. A normalization technique, expressing performance as a percentage of normal function, was introduced. A method was developed to provide quantitative and meaningful indices of neurological function. The measure is obtained by averaging the percentage of normal function scores over several tests that belong to a primary category of neurological function. Young adult normal subjects do not perform significantly better than normal subjects in the age range of multiple sclerosis patients; however, young adult normal subjects do perform significantly better than normal subjects in the age range of Parkinson's disease patients, especially on tasks requiring fine skilled movements of the dominant hand and coordinated activities of the lower extremities. These results indicate that the performance of multiple sclerosis patients can be expressed as a percentage of the function of either age-matched normal controls or young adult normal controls. However, the performance of Parkinson's disease patients should be expressed only as a percentage of the function of age-matched normal controls.
Cost-effectiveness of using geotextiles in flexible pavements

Using geotextiles in secondary roads to stabilize and reinforce weak subgrades has been a well-accepted practice over the past 30 years. However, from an economics point of view, a complete life-cy...
Modeling low-dose mortality and disease incubation period of inhalational anthrax in the rabbit

Abstract There is a need to advance our ability to conduct credible human risk assessments for inhalational anthrax associated with exposure to a low number of bacteria. Combining animal data with computational models of disease will be central in the low-dose and cross-species extrapolations required in achieving this goal. The objective of the current work was to apply and advance the competing risks (CR) computational model of inhalational anthrax where data was collected from NZW rabbits exposed to aerosols of Ames strain Bacillus anthracis. An initial aim was to parameterize the CR model using high-dose rabbit data and then conduct a low-dose extrapolation. The CR low-dose attack rate was then compared against known low-dose rabbit data as well as the low-dose curve obtained when the entire rabbit dose–response data set was fitted to an exponential dose–response (EDR) model. The CR model predictions demonstrated excellent agreement with actual low-dose rabbit data. We next used a modified CR model (MCR) to examine disease incubation period (the time to reach a fever >40 °C). The MCR model predicted a germination period of 14.5 h following exposure to a low spore dose, which was confirmed by monitoring spore germination in the rabbit lung using PCR, and predicted a low-dose disease incubation period in the rabbit between 14.7 and 16.8 days. Overall, the CR and MCR model appeared to describe rabbit inhalational anthrax well. These results are discussed in the context of conducting laboratory studies in other relevant animal models, combining the CR/MCR model with other computation models of inhalational anthrax, and using the resulting information towards extrapolating a low-dose response prediction for man.
Terrestrial helium degassing fluxes and the atmospheric helium budget: Implications with respect to the degassing processes of continental crust

The terrestrial degassing fluxes of He from continental crust, oceanic crust, mid-ocean ridges, subduction volcanism and hot-spot volcanism are estimated and/or reviewed. The only significant terrestrial sources of 3He are mid-ocean ridge (MOR) and subduction volcanism. The degassing of the continental crust (approximately equivalent to whole crustal production) represents ∼60% of the total terrestrial 4He degassing flux with MOR volcanism supplying an additional ∼22%. These terrestrial flux estimates are evaluated with regard to an atmospheric He budget, and the results strongly suggest a steady-state He atmosphere. To achieve a continental crustal degassing flux approximately equivalent to the whole crustal production, 4He must be released from the solid phase and transported from ∼40 km of crust to the atmosphere. A discussion of the mechanisms involved in this degassing process suggests the release of 4He by both small-scale and tectonic forcing functions. A much simplified model of pore-fluid transport in the crust suggests that this degassing flux can only be achieved by enhanced fluid/gas transport (advection/convection ). Fluid transport in the upper brittle crust is likely to be discontinuous, while in the lower ductile crust rapid transport by grain boundary diffusion is possible and consistent with theory. These results are in agreement with recent observations and theories on the magnitude of crustal fluid transport and strongly suggest that crustal fluid transport is ubiquitous, rapid and large-scale.
Simulation Studies on the Influence of Obstacle on Rolling Lunar Wheel

In order to investigate the influence of the road obstacles on the performance of the non-pneumatic tire, Finite Element Method (FEM) is utilized to model and simulate the dynamic impact of the obstacles on the running non-pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire consists of three major components: two inextensible circumferential membranes, a critical shear beam, and deformable spokes. The non-pneumatic tire fabricated of segmented cylinders is illustrated and the FEM model of pneumatic tire is presented in detail. The tire is treated as an elastic deformable body and the inertial effect is included. The road and obstacle is represented as analytical rigid bodies. The effects of obstacle height, obstacle fillet radius, and tire running speed are presented.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Modeling of the Torque Requirements for the Mixing and Dispersion of Silica into Rubber

Abstract A model for the evolution of torque requirements in the batch mixing of silica agglomerates in styrene-butadiene rubber has been developed. The analysis considers the rheology of suspensions as modeled by the Krieger-Dougherty equation but with modifications so that it can apply to a wider range of solids loading, and combines that with a separate model that expresses the kinetics of the dispersion of silica agglomerates. The model shows good agreement with the trends of experimental data, and thus can be used to make predictions about torque requirements for compounding commercial grades of silica into rubber, as related to dispersion, under practical mixing conditions.
Bayesian Proportional Odds Models for Analyzing Current Status Data: Univariate, Clustered, and Multivariate

Current status data commonly arise in many fields such as epidemiological studies and cross-sectional tumorigenicity studies. In this article, we propose a semiparametric Bayesian approach for analyzing current status data with the proportional odds model. The use of monotone splines for the baseline odds function and a novel data augmentation with Poisson latent variables enable simple updating all of the parameters in the posterior computation. The proposed approach shows good performance and is compared with the approach in Wang and Dunson (2010) in a simulation study. We also generalize the proposed approach to analyze clustered and multivariate current status data under the frailty proportional odds models.