cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple Sclerosis Is Associated with Alterations in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function

In the LEW/N rat model, a decreased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to inflammatory and immune mediators confers susceptibility to the development of a variety of inflammatory and immune diseases, including experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. In humans with optic neuritis, early intervention with steroids is associated with a decrease in the number of patients who go on to develop multiple sclerosis (MS). The current study was designed to determine whether patients with MS show evidence of a hypoactive HPA axis. Thirteen patients with MS were studied at baseline and with provocative tests of HPA axis function [ovine CRH, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and ACTH stimulation]. Compared to matched controls, patients with MS had significantly higher plasma cortisol levels at baseline. Despite this hypercortisolism and in contrast to patients with depression who had similar elevations in plasma cortisol levels, patients with MS showed normal, rather than blunted, plasma ACTH responses to ovine CRH, suggesting that the pathophysiology of hypercortisolism in MS is different from that in depression. Patients with MS also showed blunted ACTH responses to AVP stimulation and normal cortisol responses to high and low dose ACTH stimulation. Taken together, these findings are compatible with data from studies of experimental animals exposed to chronic inflammatory stress, which showed mild increased activation of the HPA axis with increased relative activity of AVP in the regulation of the pituitary-adrenal axis. These data do not support a role for hypocortisolism in MS once the disease is established.
Lead (II)-catalysed solvolysis of 4,4'-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)benzhydryl amine in 50 per cent aqueous dimethyl sulphoxide.

Lead(II)-Catalysed Solvolysis of 4,4′-bis(N,N-Dimethylamino)-Benzhydryl Amine in 50 per cent Aqueous Dimethyl Sulphoxide
Selection of coplanar or noncoplanar beams using three-dimensional optimization based on maximum beam separation and minimized nontarget irradiation

Purpose: The design of an appropriate set of multiple fixed fields to achieve a steep dose gradient at the tumor edge, with minimal normal tissue exposure, is a very difficult problem, since a virtually infinite number of possible beam orientations exists. In practice we have selected beams in an iterative and often time-consuming process. This work proposes an optimization method, based on geometric and dose elements, to effectively arrive at a set of beam orientations. Methods and Materials: Beams are selected by minimizing a goal function including an angle function (beam separation for steep dose gradient at target edge) and a length function (related to normal tissue dose volume histogram). The relative importance of these two factors may be adjusted depending on the clinic situation. The model is flexible and can include case specific practical anatomic and physical considerations. Results: In extremely simple situations, the goal function yields results consistent with well-known analytical solutions. When applied to more complex clinical situations, it provides clinically reasonable solutions similar to those empirically developed by the clinician. The optimization process takes approximately 25 min on a UNIX workstation. Conclusion: The optimization scheme provides a practical means for rapidly designing multiple field coplanar or noncoplanar treatments. It overcomes limitations in human three-dimensional visualization such as trying to visualize beam directions and keeping track of the hinge angle between beams while accounting for anatomic/ machine constraints. In practice, it has been used as a starting point for physicians to make modifications, based on their clinical judgment.
Do Variants Associated with Susceptibility to Pancreatic Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes Reciprocally Affect Risk

Objectives Although type 2 diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer, the existence of shared genetic susceptibility is largely unknown. We evaluated whether any reported genetic risk variants of either disease found by genome-wide association studies reciprocally confer susceptibility.
Characteristics of ridge waveguides

The cut-off frequencies, impedances, mode separations and power capacities are accurately calculated from Maxwell’s equations for several double and single ridge waveguides. For the particular guides considered the ridge dimensions are varied over a wide range to include many cases previously not available in the literature. Waveguides having width to height ratios of 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 are considered in great detail.
The Internet, Web-Based Technologies, and User vs. Library Empowerment in Academic Institutions

When I interviewed for an academic library position back in the mid-1990s, I recall being asked a question by a faculty member on the search committee about the role of libraries and librarians in ...
Uncertainty compensation methods for quantitative hardness measurement of materials using atomic force microscope nanoindentation technique

Abstract We suggest uncertainty compensation methods for the quantification of nanoscale indentation using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The main error factors in the force–distance curves originated from the difference between theoretical and real shape of AFM tip during nanoscale indentation measurements. For the uncertainty compensations of tip shapes and misalignment of loading axis, we applied the enhanced tip geometry function and Y-scanner moving to the AFM measurements. Three different materials such as Si wafer, glass, and Au film were characterized with these compensation methods. By applying compensation methods, our results show the decreased values from 167% to 39% below 100 nm indenting depth compared with the literature values. These compensation methods applied to thin films will show the advanced quantitative analysis of hardness measurements using nanoscale indenting AFM.
Sequential signalling during Caenorhabditis elegans vulval induction

During the induction of the Caenorhabditis elegans vulva, cell signalling causes initially equipotent cells to express a reproducible pattern of cell fates. The position of the anchor cell determines the pattern of vulval precursor cell fates, such that the closest precursor cell (P6.p) expresses the primary cell fate, the next closest cells (P5.p and P7.p) both express the secondary cell fate, and each of the precursor cells located at a distance (P3.p, P4.p and P8.p) express the tertiary cell fate (Fig. 1a). We present data indicating that this stereotypical pattern of cell fates can be generated by sequential signals. We identified genetic mosaic animals in which P5.p and P7.p were defective in the anchor-cell signal-transduction pathway and observed that these cells adopted the secondary cell fate, indicating that anchor-cell signal transduction is not required for the expression of the secondary cell fate. These results suggest that the anchor cell induces P6.p to express the primary cell fate, and that P6.p subsequently induces P5.p and P7.p to express the secondary cell fate.
INFLUENCE OF MODULATED STRUCTURES ON ORDERING DYNAMICS IN CUAU

Abstract Using a microscopic model, we have studied the evolution of microstructure in a model metallic alloy. The Hamiltonian was derived from the effective medium theory of cohesion in metals (EMT): an approximation scheme for integrating out the electronic degrees of freedom and constructing an effective classical Hamiltonian. The alloy chosen for this study was CuAu which exhibits a sequence of first-order phase transitions: disordered → modulated → ordered . To describe the dynamics of ordering, a free energy functional was constructed from the EMT Hamiltonian and used in a Langevin equation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of predicting microstructure in alloys starting from a description based on the electronic structure of alloys. The simulations exhibit interesting features in late-stage growth which are attributed to the presence of the modulated phase as a metastable phase in the ordered regime.
Local Packing Environment Strongly Influences the Frictional Properties of Mixed CH3- and CF3-Terminated Alkanethiol SAMs on Au(111)

Compositionally mixed, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) derived from 16,16,16-trifluorohexadecanethiol and a normal alkanethiol, either hexadecanethiol or pentadecanethiol, were formed on Au(111) substrates. The relative composition of the films was determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and was found to approximately equal the equimolar composition of the isooctane solution from which they were formed. The frictional properties of the mixed films were measured on the nanometer scale using atomic force microscopy and were observed to decrease when the chain length of the CH3-terminated component was shortened by one methylene unit (i.e., when hexadecanethiol was replaced by pentadecanethiol). For comparison, the frictional properties of a mixed-chain-length CH3-terminated SAM derived from hexadecanethiol and pentadecanethiol in a 1:1 ratio was also examined. In contrast to the mixed CF3/CH3 system, the latter mixed-chain-length system exhibited relatively higher friction when compared to single...
Cranberry phenolics-mediated antioxidant enzyme response in oxidatively stressed porcine muscle

Abstract The antioxidant response mechanism by which phenolic phytochemicals show their positive benefits in animal systems is not very well understood. The ability of cranberry juice powder (CP), ellagic acid (EA), rosmarinic acid (RA) and their synergies to mediate a cellular antioxidant response in oxidatively stressed porcine muscle tissue was investigated. Results indicated that treatment with CP, EA, RA and their synergies reduced or helped counter oxidative stress as indicated by the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA). It was also observed that CP, EA, RA and their synergies stimulated the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) linked to the accumulation of free proline suggesting a possible coupling of proline biosynthesis with PPP. This coupling of proline-linked pentose phosphate pathway could be involved in the stimulation of cellular antioxidant enzymic response by replenishing the cellular needs for NADPH 2 . As a consequence these exogenous phenolic treatments resulted in the stimulation of cellular antioxidant enzyme systems involving superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase, which correlated well with the decreased MDA formation. This suggested that exogenously treated phenolic phytochemicals could be reducing the oxidative stress in porcine muscle by stimulating the PPP linked to proline biosynthesis and by the activation of the cellular antioxidant enzyme system. The results also suggest that pure exogenous phenolics, EA and RA appeared to be effective when they were present in a cranberry phenolic background, suggesting a possible synergistic mode of action between EA, RA and cranberry phenolics in mediating a cellular antioxidant enzyme response.
Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Annealed Sulfonated Poly(styrene-b-[ethylene/butylene]-b-styrene) Block Copolymers

Abstract Solution cast films of lightly sulfonated styrene-b-[ethylene-co-butylene]-b-styrene, (sSEBS) block copolymers were annealed for various times at 120 °C and thermal transitions are evaluated using dynamic mechanical analysis. Increased annealing time and increase in degree of sulfonation increases Tg for the PS phase while Tg for the EB phase is practically unchanged, and in some cases, there is suggestion of a relaxation due to EB–PS inter-phases. Annealing has a minor effect on the rubbery plateau storage modulus. Thus, annealing primarily alters the PS block phase. EB–PS phase separation appears to be refined with increasing SO3H content. The region of rubber elasticity extends to higher temperatures with increased degree of sulfonation. A high temperature dynamic mechanical transition that is tentatively attributed to disruption of SO3H—rich sub-domains within the PS block domains shifts to higher temperature with annealing.
Cell contact induces an increase in pinocytotic rate in cultured epithelial cells

ENDOCYTOSIS is the process by which cells internalise part of the plasma membrane in association with extracellular components; they engulf large particles by phagocytosis and internalise components in the fluid phase by pinocytosis. Discrimination of phagocytosis from pinocytosis has been based on the size of the particle and the amount of energy required to internalise it, phagocytosis being inhibited more readily by metabolic poisons than pinocytosis1–3. This is consistent with the view that more energy is required to internalise a large surface area than is needed for a small surface area. Vasiliev et al.4 described “contact inhibition of phagocytosis”: when cultured epithelial cells, but not fibroblasts, became confluent, the rate of phagocytosis decreased considerably. I report here that confluent cultured epithelial cells are not inhibited in their ability to undergo pinocytosis, but exhibit a greater rate of pinocytosis than do non-confluent cells. This difference is not due to diffusable factors, but is the result of cell contact.
Activation and deactivation rates of recombinant GABA(A) receptor channels are dependent on alpha-subunit isoform

The role of subunit composition in determining intrinsic maximum activation and deactivation kinetics of GABA(A) receptor channels is unknown. We used rapid ligand application (100-micros solution exchange) to examine the effects of alpha-subunit composition on GABA-evoked activation and deactivation rates. HEK 293 cells were transfected with human cDNAs encoding alpha1beta1gamma2- or alpha2beta1gamma2-subunits. Channel kinetics were similar across different transfections of the same subunits and reproducible across several GABA applications in the same patch. Current rise to peak was at least twice as fast for alpha2beta1gamma2 receptors than for alpha1beta1gamma2 receptors (reflected in 10–90% rise times of 0.5 versus 1.0 ms, respectively), and deactivation was six to seven times slower (long time constants of 208 ms versus 31 ms) after saturating GABA applications. Thus alpha-subunit composition determined activation and deactivation kinetics of GABA(A) receptor channels and is therefore likely to influence the kinetics and efficacy of inhibitory postsynaptic currents.
Effects of a Walking Intervention Using Mobile Technology and Interactive Voice Response on Serum Adipokines Among Postmenopausal Women at Increased Breast Cancer Risk

Practical methods to reduce the risk of obesity-related breast cancer among high-risk subgroups are lacking. Few studies have investigated the effects of exercise on circulating adipokines, which have been shown to be associated with obesity and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a walking intervention on serum adiponectin, leptin, and the adiponectin-to-leptin ratio (A/L). Seventy-one overweight and obese postmenopausal women at increased risk of developing breast cancer were stratified by BMI (25–30 kg/m2 or >30 kg/m2) and randomized to a 12-week, two-arm walking intervention administered through interactive voice response (IVR) and mobile devices. The intervention arms were IVR + coach and IVR + no-coach condition. Pre–post changes in serum adiponectin, leptin, and the A/L ratio were examined using mixed regression models, with ratio estimates (and 95 % confidence intervals [CI]) corresponding to postintervention adipokine concentrations relative to preintervention concentrations. While postintervention effects included statistically significant improvements in anthropometric measures, the observed decreases in adiponectin and leptin (ratio = 0.86, 95 % CI 0.74–1.01, and ratio = 0.94, 95 % CI 0.87–1.01, respectively) and increase in A/L ratio = 1.09, 95 % CI 0.94–1.26) were not significant. Thus, these findings do not support significant effects of the walking intervention on circulating adipokines among overweight and obese postmenopausal women. Additional studies are essential to determine the most effective and practical lifestyle interventions that can promote beneficial modification of serum adipokine concentrations, which may prove useful for obesity-related breast cancer prevention.
Mobilization of Ca+ from Intracellular Stores in transfected Neuro2a cells by activation of multiple opioid receptor subtypes

In neuronal cell lines, activation of opioid receptors has been shown to mobilize intracellular Ca2+ stores. In this report, we describe the excitatory actions of opioid agonists on murine neuroblastoma neuro2a cells stably expressing either delta, mu, or kappa opioid receptors. Fura-2-based digital imaging was used to record opioid-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Repeated challenges of delta, mu, or kappa opioid receptor expressing cells with 100 nM [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]-enkephalin (DADLE), [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), or trans-(+/-)-3,4-dichloro N-methyl-N-(2-[1-pyrollidinyl] cyclohexyl) benzene acetamide (U-50488H), respectively, elicited reproducible Ca2+ responses. Non-transfected neuro2a cells did not respond to opioid agonists. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ from the bath prior to and during agonist challenge did not affect significantly the agonist-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i, indicating that the response resulted from the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Naloxone reversibly inhibited responses in all three cell lines, confirming that they were mediated by opioid receptors. Expression of cloned opioid receptors in neuro2a cells, coupled with digital [Ca2+]i imaging, provides a model system for the study of opioid receptors and opioid-activated signaling processes. The fact that all three receptors coupled to the same intracellular signaling mechanism suggests that the primary functional difference between opioid responses in vivo results from their selective localization.
Overlay accuracy calibration

In order to fulfill the ever tightening requirements of advanced node overlay budgets, overlay metrology is becoming more and more sensitive to even the smallest imperfections in the metrology target. Under certain circumstances, inaccuracy due to such target imperfections can become the dominant contribution to the metrology uncertainty and cannot be quantified by the standard TMU contributors. In this paper we describe a calibration method that makes the overlay measurement robust to target imperfections without diminishing its sensitivity to the target overlay. The basic assumption of the method is that overlay measurement result can be approximated as the sum of two terms: the accurate overlay and the measurement inaccuracy (independently of the conventional contributors). While the first term (the “real overlay”) is robust it is known that the overlay target inaccuracy depends on the measurement conditions. This dependence on measurement conditions is used to estimate quantitative inaccuracy by means of the overlay quality merit which was described in previous publications. This paper includes the theoretical basis of the method as well as experimental validation.
POLARIZATION OF VECTOR MESONS PRODUCED IN NUCLEON-NUCLEON COLLISIONS

The polarization of vector mesons produced in free nucleon-nucleon collisions near the threshold is studied. The calculation is made under the Born approximation, assuming a phenomenological nuclear potential obtained from $n\ensuremath{-}p$ scattering data for the interaction between nucleons. The vector meson produced is shown to be completely polarized (to the order of $\frac{m}{M}$) parallel to the direction of motion of the incoming nucleon for vector coupling between meson and nucleon, and perpendicular to this direction for tensor coupling; similar to the polarization produced by the interaction between a nucleon and a nuclear force field, as studied by Wentzel. In particular, the same effect is shown to exist for the reactions $p+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+n+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and $n+n\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+n+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ when the final proton and neutron fall into $^{3}s$ or $^{1}s$ deuteron states. The angular distribution of the out-going nucleons in the baricentric system for the inverse reactions can be employed as a means for detecting the polarization of the mesons. Cross sections for these reactions are also estimated.
Edge-transitive strips

A strip may be characterized as an infinite locally finite connected graph admitting an automorphism with finitely many orbits. First we show that all edge-transitive strips have even valence(s). We then characterize the edge-transitive planar strips as follows. For each integer kÂ?2, there exists a unique flag-transitive example with connectivity k; it is 4-valent and 4-covalent. By introducing multiple edges to these graphs or to the 2-way infinite path and then subdividing each edge, we construct all examples that are not vertex-transitive.
A unique regulator controls the activation threshold of quorum-regulated genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Quorum-sensing (QS) systems allow organisms, such as the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to link gene expression with their population density and the diffusion and flow characteristics of their environment. The leading hypotheses about QS systems' biological functions necessitate that QS-controlled gene expression be suppressed until a threshold culture density (the quorum) is reached. Despite a detailed understanding of QS in P. aeruginosa, known regulatory elements do not fully explain how the quorum threshold for gene activation is produced. Here we investigated the mechanism with a screening approach that used random gene activation. These experiments uncovered a regulator without close homologs in other species that produces the quorum expression threshold. Expression of this regulator (named QteE) reduces LasR protein stability without affecting LasR transcription or translation. QteE also independently reduces RhlR levels. Because QteE can block QS when signal levels are high, it could provide a mechanism for individual cells to exert autonomous control over their QS regulons. This unique regulator governs two central QS control points in P. aeruginosa and shapes the expression pattern thought fundamental to the biological functions of QS.
Integration of computer ethics into the CS curriculum: attachment or synthesis

The Impact CS project, described in Dianne Martin's current and previous SIGCSE column, addresses Curriculum 91's mandate "to include the social and ethical implications of computing" in the curriculum. I have two concerns with this mandate. The mandate leaves open how to include the material and exactly what material to include to satisfy the mandate. For the past ten years the discussion about how to include the material has repeatedly focused on three methods of inclusion: have a separate course---taught by philosophy or CS, have a capstone project course, or integrate ethics into several of the CS courses. Since the initial mandate, the discussion of what to include has broadened to include the professional responsibilities of the computing practitioner. This broadening of the subject matter has contributed to favoring the integration approach as a method of inclusion. An approach which (ten years ago) has been empirically proven to be the most effective way to teach ethics.It may seem that we now have a clear path and Impact CS Report 3 provides us with the theoretical underpinnings to "integrate" computer ethics into the curriculum. But I think we still have one further issue to clear up. Material can be "integrated" into a course simply by adding another reading. We can attach the material to a course and treat it much the way ethics was treated in Curriculum 91, as an appendage to the real CS curriculum. The material could be "integrated" into the course in another way. We could show the unity of professional, social, and ethical issues with computer science. If professional, social, and ethical concerns are simply treated as an appendage, then teachers will leave these discussion for the last day of class (if there is time left). Teachers will feel that there is no time to include these issues in their classes; students will believe that ethics is included only to minimally meet the requirements of CSAB accreditation and they will not have a clear understanding of their professional responsibilities. On the other hand, we could teach professionalism and ethics as a part of computer science. Good computer science is a combination of the application of technical skill guided by professional responsibility. For example, we could demonstrate that doing good software design involves designing the software in an ethically sensitive way.I am concerned that, because of the use of terms like "units" and "stages" in Impact CS Report 3, some may interpret it as advocating "attaching" ethics units to courses, attaching units that are neatly separable from computer science. The material discussed in the "units" and "stages" of Report 3 can be synthesized with the CS curriculum in some fairly straightforward ways. In what follows I will summarize some of those ways and indicate some of useful resources to help you "demonstrate that ethical computer science is computer science.
From Imperial Gifts to Sex Slaves: Theorizing Symbolic Representations of the 'Comfort Women'

Since 1992, owing largely to the activism of Korean and Japanese women leaders, ex-comfort women and legal experts, a precedent-setting international debate has raged at the United Nations with regard to defining the 'comfort women' issue as a war crime and gross violation of women's human rights.The UN debate has radically shifted the paradigm for representing the comfort women, from prostitutes to sex slaves.This paper examines the multiple, competing symbolic representations of comfort women by theorizing the ideologies of three principal parties implicated in the debate as'patriarchal fascism','masculinist sexism' and 'feminist humanitarianism'. As a historical reality, the comfort women issue is complex, interpenetrating the dimensions of gender, social class, ethnicity and state powerThis paper argues that the categorical representations of comfort women as either prostitutes or sex slaves are only partial truths deriving from narrative frames that not only reveal the ideological stances of the opposing camps but also serve their partisan interests in the global post-Cold War politics of women's rights as human rights. The androcentric euphemism 'comfort women' (ianfu), an official coinage of imperial Japan, was used to refer categorically to young females of various ethnic and national backgrounds and social circumstances who became sexual laborers for the Japanese troops before and during the Second World War. In contrast, the soldiers came to refer to these women as the 'pi' (pronounced 'pea'), a Chinese term meaning goods or articles, which, as a slang term, stood for female genitals (Nishino 1992: 46). The issue of the comfort women used in wartime by the military of imperial Japan leaped to the attention of the world community nearly half a century after the end of the War, with a series of hearings by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), beginning in 1992. Since then, several formal hearings have been held by the UNCHR Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, as well as the UNCHR Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities (see Soh 1996). In addition, official investigations have been conducted by 'special rapporteurs' appointed by the UN. A 1996 report submitted by the special rapporteur Radhika Coomaraswamy defined the comfort system as a practice of 'military sexual slavery'.' The
Distributed linear programming and bargaining in exchange networks

Many engineering, economic, and social scenarios are modeled as neighboring agents in a network interacting with each other. In the setup we consider, neighboring agents (i) bargain over the possibility of matching with at most one other agent and (ii) agree on how to allocate a common good between them. In particular, we examine stable and fair outcomes called Nash bargaining solutions. Our main contribution is the design of continuous-time distributed dynamics that converge to these Nash solutions. The technical approach leads us to develop distributed dynamics for linear programming, the results of which are of independent interest. We invoke Lyapunov techniques to prove convergence and draw results from nonsmooth and set-valued analysis of dynamical systems. In the literature pertinent to bargaining problems of the form we consider, this control perspective is unique.
High-Resolution 89Y and 45Sc NMR Spectroscopic Study of Short-Range Structural Order in Nanocrystalline Y- and Sc-doped CeO2 and ZrO2

The effect of crystallite size on cation coordination environments and oxygen vacancy ordering has been investigated in micro- and nanocrystalline Y- and Sc-doped ZrO2 and CeO2 by using high-resolution 89Y and 45Sc magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy. Our results indicate that irrespective of crystallite size the vacancies are preferentially associated with the host cation (i.e., Zr) in Y-doped ZrO2 while they display a preference for the dopant cation (i.e., Sc) in Sc-doped ZrO2. On the other hand, vacancies prefer to be associated with the dopant cation in both Y- and Sc-doped CeO2. However, the reduction of crystallite size to a few nanometers shows an unexpected and remarkable effect of increasing randomness in the vacancy distribution in all materials. Such an effect is hypothesized to result from a higher degree of short-range structural disorder in the cation coordination environments in nanocrystals compared to that in their microcrystalline counterparts that con...
Design for low power and power management in IBM Blue Gene/Q

In this paper, we explain the techniques used in IBM Blue Gene®/Q Compute chips to achieve high energy efficiency. Architectural techniques include the choice of a power-efficient, throughput-oriented processor core with a SIMD (single-instruction, multiple-data) floating-point unit, as well as multiple frequency domains for moving data. Design techniques include clock gating and the use of multiple threshold voltage devices. From a systems perspective, power is reduced by using a speed binning technique that characterizes the manufacturing variability of chips during wafer test, permitting similar chips to be packaged on the same board and run at the lowest voltage possible. We describe the techniques used to monitor and manage the power and performance of the various subunits of the Blue Gene/Q chip. Details include the functioning of the environmental monitor and the performance counters. Using these facilities, we describe the framework to understand how the chip's subunits contribute to the total active and leakage power consumed. A power characterization technique for the development of application-dependent power projection models is presented. Differences between estimated power before chip tape-out versus measured power are discussed.
Turbulent fluctuations in the wakes of gasdynamic laser cusps

Reacting mixtures of flowing gases are at the heart of many modern high-power laser devices. Shear layers and wakes that separate coflowing streams in such devices present possibilities of energy density and optical distortions in the laser beams. The difficult task of assessing these fluctuations can be greatly eased if they can be predicted, at least for the case where chemical reactions are absent. A description is given of the gas density fluctuations in the wakes of nozzle cusps as used in gasdynamic lasers for a wide range of exit Mach and Reynolds numbers, nozzle heat transfer, and gas properties such as specific heat ratio and Prandtl number.
The Involvement of Pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties as Decision-makers in Respect of Their Own Learning Needs.

Abstract This article describes a small‐scale research project in a school for pupils with severe learning difficulties. The project considered the roles which may be played by pupils in identifying and monitoring their own learning needs. Teachers at the school implemented assessment and recording procedures, which aimed to enable pupils with severe learning difficulties to take a more active role in setting personal learning targets. Assessment materials were trialled, and observations conducted to gauge the skills, knowledge and understanding needed by pupils to play a full role in this process. On the basis of trialled materials a system was developed, and is being used in school to support both pupils and teachers.
Emergency Medicine Career Change: Associations with Performances in Medical School and in the First Postgraduate Year and with Indebtedness

Objective: Emergency medicine has been identified as the specialty that has gained the most young physicians who have changed their careers. To identify factors that may have contributed to such career changes, the authors compared the characteristics of three groups of physicians trained at their medical school: those who chose and stayed in emergency medicine, those who migrated into emergency medicine from other specialties, and those who moved out of emergency medicine. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted. The sample consisted of physicians who chose emergency medicine as their careers at graduation and stayed in the specialty (n= 24), those who migrated from other specialties into emergency medicine (n= 51), and those who moved out of emergency medicine (n= 10). This sample was obtained from a total of 2,173 graduates of Jefferson Medical College between 1978 and 1987. The three groups of physicians were compared according to their academic performances both during medical school and after graduation. The dependent variables were freshman and sophomore grade point averages (GPAs), written clinical examination scores, scores on National Board of Medical Examiners examination (Parts I, II, and III), and residency program directors' ratings. Age and indebtedness at medical school graduation and board certification status also were examined. Results: Those physicians who stayed in emergency medicine and those who migrated from other specialties into emergency medicine had similar measures of academic performance, but both of these groups had higher academic performance measures and higher board certification rates than did the physicians who moved out of emergency medicine. Those who stayed in emergency medicine had the highest mean debt in the senior year of medical school. Conclusions: High academic performance and high indebtedness are factors associated with choosing or staying in the specialty of emergency medicine.
A fluorometric assay for daunomycin and adriamycin in animal tissues

Abstract A fluorometric assay for adriamycin and daunomycin has been developed for rat tissues and mouse ascites cells. The method is based on the release of these drugs in bound forms by treatment with Ag + which reacts with purines and pyrimidines in RNA and DNA. Since Ag + is a precipitating agent for a variety of biological materials, the method has the advantage of low tissue blanks and may be used in the range of 0.2–10 μg. It is possible that the method may have broader application in comparative binding studies of other agents with nucleic acids.
Increased numbers of ion channels promoted by an intracellular second messenger

The anomalous rectifier potassium current in Aplysia neurons was examined to determine the immediate cause of an increase in conductance induced by serotonin and mediated by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate. Voltage-dependent cesium ion block and steady-state current power spectral density were measured under voltage clamp before and after application of serotonin. The amplitude of the anomalous rectifier conductance was increased by adding serotonin, but the shapes of the conductance-voltage curve and the power spectrum were not altered. Calculation of the number of functional channels and of the single-channel conductance from the power spectra indicates that the serotonin-induced increase in conductance resulted from an increase in the number of functional channels, while the single-channel conductance and the open-channel probability were unchanged.
Isochoric ( p, v, T ) measurements on CO 2 and (0.98 CO 2 +0.02 CH 4 ) from 225 to 400 K and pressures to 35 MPa

Comprehensive isochoric (p, v, T) measurements have been obtained for (0.98 CO2+0.02 CH4) at densities from 1 to 26mol·dm−3. Supplemental isochoric (p, v, T) measurements have been obtained for high-purity CO2 at densities from 12 to 24 mol·dm−3. Measurements of p(T) cover a broad range of temperature, 225 to 400 K, at pressures to 35 MPa. Comparisons have been made with independent sources and with a predictive method based on corresponding states.
The effect of Δ1-tetrahydrocannabinol on the uptake of serotonin by rat brain homogenates

Abstract The uptake of 14C-serotonin by rat brain homogenates (synaptosomes) was inhibited by Δ1-tetrahydrocannabinol in concentrations of 1 × 10−7 M and greater. The antidepresdant agent desipramine had the same effect but showed greater potency, with a concentration as low as 1 × 10−8 M being needed to inhibit 14C-serotonin uptake.
The behavior of ceramic thermal barrier coatings on diesel engine combustion zone components

Abstract Partially stabilized zirconia ceramic thermal barrier coatings were plasma sprayed over an MCrAlY (M ≡ metal) bond coat on the valve faces and tulips, piston crowns and cylinder heads of two medium speed diesel engines to a specified total thickness of 0.015 in (0.4 mm). One engine was operated for 500 h on a test stand using a cyclic range of throttle settings that was representative of a locomotive engine's operation using number 2 diesel oil fuel. The other engine was operated in a towboat for 9000 h of service on the Inland Rivers, also using number 2 diesel oil fuel. Coating performance analyses were carried out on several parts after service. Coatings applied to piston crowns and cylinder heads generally performed in an acceptable manner. One type of coating on a valve face performed acceptably without coating loss or degradation. Two other types of coatings on valve faces failed for identifiable reasons. Overall, the durability of the coatings in a diesel engine combustion zone operating environment was promising.
Theobromine toxicity on sertoli cells and comparison with cocoa extract in male rats

Abstract The target cell(s) of theobromine toxicity on rat testes and reproductive toxicity induced by pure theobromine and cocoa extract are evaluated in the present studies. Theobromine (500 mg kg × 7 days) inhibited body weight gain in treated rats. Decreased cauda epididymal sperm reserve (38%), seminiferous tubule fluid (STF) volume (33%), lactate concentration in STF (22%), inhibition of binding activity of androgen binding protein (ABP, 21%) and reduced ABP content in STF were also observed in theobromine-treated animals. Cocoa extract containing an equivalent amount of theobromine did not produce significant toxicity in treated rats. Theobromine concentrations in serum and testes from pure theobromine-treated rats were 1.8- and 1.6-fold higher, respectively, than that in rats treated with cocoa extract. The results support Sertoli cells as the primary target cells of theobromine toxicity. The lower theobromine concentrations in serum and testes of cocoa extract-treated rats could account for the lower toxicity in these animals.
Specific binding of phorbol ester tumor promoters to intact primary epidermal cells from Sencar mice.

Abstract The binding of [20-3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]PDB) to intact living epidermal cells in monolayer culture was characterized. At 37 degrees C, the maximum specific [3H]PDB binding (binding displaceable by 30 microM unlabeled PDB) was attained in 15--20 min and was followed by a rapid decrease (down regulation) of radioactivity bound to the cells. The activity lost by the cells during this decrease was found in the incubation medium. Prior exposure of cells to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate) but not to phorbol for 2 hr at 37 degrees C caused approximately 55% reduction in the number of measurable binding sites for [3H]PDB. The down regulation was temperature sensitive; there was no loss of radioactivity after 1 hr at 4 degrees C. The specific binding of [3H]PDB at 4 degrees C reached equilibrium in 15--20 min and was saturable and freely reversible. At equilibrium, epidermal cells contained 1.2 x 10(5) binding sites per cell, and binding sites had a KD of 10 nM. Specificity of binding was shown by the observation that the biologically active phorbol esters PMA and 12-deoxyphorbol 13-decanoate inhibited the binding, whereas the inactive parent compound phorbol and the nonphorbol tumor promoter anthralin did not have any effect. The abilities of these compounds to inhibit [3H]PDB binding directly correlates with their tumor promoting activities. Epidermal cells exposed to retinoic acid or fluocinolone acetonide for 24 hr had similar [3H]PDB binding characteristics as untreated cells suggesting that inhibition of tumor promotion induced by these compounds is not mediated through alterations in the phorbol ester binding sites.
Activities Performed by Acute and Critical Care Advanced Practice Nurses: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Study of Practice

• BACKGROUND Accreditation standards for certification programs require use of a testing mechanism that is job-related and based on the knowledge and skills needed to function in the discipline. • OBJECTIVES To describe critical care advanced practice by revising descriptors to encompass the work of both acute care nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists and to explore differences in the practice of clinical nurse specialists and acute care nurse practitioners. • METHODS A national task force of subject matter experts was appointed to create a comprehensive delineation of the work of critical care nurses. A survey was designed to collect validation data on 65 advanced practice activities, organized by the 8 nurse competencies of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Synergy Model for Patient Care, and an experience inventory. Activities were rated on how critical they were to optimizing patients’ outcomes, how often they were performed, and toward which sphere of influence they were directed. How much time nurses devoted to specific care problems was analyzed. Frequency ratings were compared between clinical nurse specialists and acute care nurse practitioners. • RESULTS Both groups of nurses encountered all items on the experience inventory. Clinical nurse specialists were more experienced than acute care nurse practitioners. The largest difference was that clinical nurse specialists rated as more critical activities involving clinical judgment and clinical inquiry whereas acute care nurse practitioners focused primarily on clinical judgment. • CONCLUSIONS Certification initiatives should reflect differences between clinical nurse specialists and acute care nurse practitioners. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2006;15:130-148)
PALATIN: a platform for interactive algorithms

In this paper, we outline the design of a platform, called PALATIN, that allows easy development and reliable and efficient execution of concurrent algorithms in a distributed, potentially unreliable environment. The platform consists of three parts: a philosophy of how to write code for concurrent data structures and algorithms, a C++ library called Spheres support this philosophy, and the design principles of the PALATIN platform itself that allows programs written in the Spheres environment to interact with each other across multiple sites. This is done by organizing the PALATIN platforms of these sites into a peer-to-peer system allowing programs to find and communicate with each other via remote method invocations.
The role of sex, gender, and education on depressive symptoms among young adults in the United States.

Abstract Background Men are less likely to experience depression and both women and men who self-assess as high in traits associated with masculinity are less likely to experience depression. Recent theoretical developments stress that the context of gender construction varies by other aspects of social status such as education. Methods Data come from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health Wave III, romantic relationship sub-sample, a nationally representative sample of middle and high school students in the U.S. in 1997. Wave III data were collected in 2001–2002 when they are ages 18–26. A subsample of individuals who were or currently are in a romantic relationship ( N =4302) were administered the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI). Results We find that femininity, not masculinity, results in less depressive symptoms among women regardless of education. Femininity is associated with less depressive symptoms among college educated men, but masculinity is associated with less depressive symptoms among non-college educated men. Sex differences in the association between gender traits and depression symptoms are smaller among those who have attended college. Conclusions Results stress the importance of context for understanding the relationship between sex, gender, and depression. Individuals benefit more from both masculinity and femininity with increased education. Conversely, those with less education may be penalized for sex–gender incongruent traits in terms of mental health. Limitations These analyses are cross-sectional, making causal inference impossible. This sample is limited to young adults who were or had been in a romantic relationship at the time of the survey.
Clinical ethical considerations in contraceptive care for teens.

The comprehensive review by Hartman, Monasterio, and Hwang provides current medical and scientific information about contraception for adolescents. This information should help any clinician feel competent to counsel and prescribe contraception to their adolescent patients.
An Exploratory Analysis of Individual Information Processing

Information-processing is an integral part of decision-making; yet the state of knowledge concerning the individual problem solver in his role as an information-processor is limited. This paper presents a conceptual framework for examining individual, task-oriented information-processing as a multi-stage process. Relationships between variables in the model are investigated at a research site which provides a number of the advantages of both a laboratory and a field environment. The “information element” is used as the basic unit of analysis. Data are examined via the multivariate statistical technique of canonical analysis. The implications of the study are also discussed.
Organoboranes—34 : General synthesis of chiral boronic and borinic esters via asymmetric hydroboration-displacement. carbenoidation of chiral borinic esters to acyclic ketones of high enantiomeric purities

Abstract Asymmetric hydroboration of appropriate alkenes with diisopinocampheylborane (Ipc2BH) or monoisopinocampheylborane (IpcBH2) produces intermediates that readily eliminate α-pinene on treat- ment with acetaldehyde, providing a direct, convenient route to chiral boronic esters of high enantiomeric purities. Mixed chiral trialkylboranes, readily prepared by stepwise hydroboration of appropriate alkenes with IpcBH2, eliminate α-pinene on treatment with acetaldehyde under very mild conditions. The procedure makes readily available chiral borinic esters of high enantiomeric purities. The synthetic utility of chiral borinic esters is demonstrated by converting them into acyclic ketones including an alarm pheromone of the ant Monica mutica.