cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards the continuum limit of staggered weak matrix elements

I review the status of calculations of weak matrix elements and the spectrum using staggered fermions. Particular emphasis is placed on the approach to the continuum limit.
Geometrical renormalization approach to calculating optical properties of fractal carbonaceous soot

We develop a theoretical approach to calculating optical properties of carbonaceous soot in the long-wavelength limit. Our method is based on geometrical renormalization of clusters; it avoids both the inaccuracy of the dipole approximation in its pure form and the numerical complexity of rigorous direct methods of solving the EM boundary problem. The results are verified by comparison with the experimental measurements for specific extinction of diesel soot in the spectral region from 0.488 µm to 0.857 cm that were performed by Bruce et al. [Appl. Opt.30, 1537 (1991)]. The theory leads to analytical expressions that are applicable to different soots, with various geometrical properties and optical constants. We show that the functional form of the long-wavelength asymptote of the specific extinction can depend critically on a parameter characterizing the sample geometry, and we identify the critical value of this parameter.
Differential regulation of transcripts encoding cytosolic NADP-malic enzyme in C3 and C4 Flaveria species.

A cytosolic NADP-malic enzyme (CYTME) has been described previously in several plants, all C 3 species. CYTME is distinct from the chloroplastic NADP-malic enzyme (CHLME) that is highly active in C 4 species. We show that at least one CytMe gene is present in all Flaveria spp., including C 3 , C 4 , and C 3 -C 4 intermediate types. Based on the CytMe expression patterns in Flaveria pringlei (C 3 ) and Flaveria trinervia (C 4 ), we suggest CYTME has several distinct roles, including the supplying of NADPH for cytosolic metabolism, the supporting of wound response or repair, and the balancing of cellular pH in illuminated leaves. These three roles are likely correlated with CytMe mRNAs of apparent sizes 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 kb, respectively, which differ in the length of the 5′ untranslated regions. Various regulatory mechanisms involving RNA processing and translational efficiency are discussed.
Near-wall hydrodynamics in a scale-model circulating fluidized bed

Abstract The motion of clusters of particles at the wall of a circulating fluidized-bed (CFB) has been observed using a thermal-imaging technique for flow visualization. Dynamic properties of clusters adjacent to the wall were measured, including the residence time of the clusters at the wall and the velocities at which they travel. The properties were measured for variations in superficial gas velocity, external solids recirculation rate, density of the solid material, and average particle diameter. Average cluster velocities were measured in the range of 1.1–1.2 m s −1 , with little dependence seen on any of the operating conditions. Average cluster–wall contact times were measured in the range of 0.15–0.50 s, with some dependence on solid density observed. A simplified model for the motion of clusters near a wall has been developed, treating the clusters as permeable bodies traveling adjacent to a wall in a quiescent fluid. This model allows for the application of computational methods to study the flow in and around clusters, as well as the calculation of lift (normal to the wall ) and drag (parallel to the wall ) forces on the clusters. These simulations show the presence of a substantial drag force, which helps explain the magnitudes of the observed cluster velocities. The simulations also show the presence of a lift force, which can be used to predict the observed cluster–wall contact times. The agreement between the simulations and the measured contact times is an indication that the lifting force is the phenomenon governing the removal or shedding of clusters from the wall region.
Thermionic Emission from Tungsten and Thoriated Tungsten Filaments

The electron emission from pure and thoriated tungsten filaments has been investigated as a function of the applied potential over the entire range from a few volts retarding to 1400 volts accelerating including careful studies at zero field. The filaments were heated with pulsating currents from thyratrons to eliminate during the measurements any drop in potential along the filament. The energy distribution of electrons was found to be deficient in slow electrons. An empirical reflection factor of $R({p}_{x})=\mathrm{exp}\ensuremath{-}\frac{p_{x}^{}{}_{}{}^{2}}{2m\ensuremath{\omega}}$, where $\ensuremath{\omega}$ is a constant 3.05\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ erg, represents the observed data for all temperatures and all states of activation for the thoriated tungsten. Analysis shows that there is no disagreement between the new results and the experiments of Germer. Zero-field Richardson plots show that the reflection effect alters both the $A$ and $b$ of Richardson's equation. The resulting values after correcting for reflection are $A=204$ and $b=55,100$ for pure tungsten. This value of $A$ indicates a negative temperature coefficient of the work function of 4.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ volt per degree, which has been verified by an independent experiment. New data on the electron emission in accelerating fields are given for many states of activation, showing that there are large deviations from the Schottky mirror image theory. Becker's patch theory is discussed briefly and a simpler strip theory is developed which serves to represent the observed data as an empirical result. This analysis shows that the patch theory is not suitable to explain the reflection effect since it is independent of the state of activation of the filament.
Pressure-induced phase transformation in CdO: An ab initio constant-pressure study

A constant-pressure ab initio technique is used to study the behavior of CdO at high pressures. A phase transformation from the NaCl-type structure to the CsCl-type structure via a rhombohedral intermediate state is successfully observed through the constant-pressure simulation. This phase change is also analyzed from total energy calculations. Our transition parameters and bulk properties are comparable with available experimental and theoretical data.
Ocsyn, a novel syntaxin-interacting protein enriched in the subapical region of inner hair cells.

Sensory (hair) cells of the inner ear contain two specialized areas of membrane delivery. The first, located at the cell base, is the afferent synapse where rapid delivery of synaptic vesicles is required to convey information about auditory signals with exceedingly high temporal precision. The second area is at the apex. To accommodate the continuous movement of stereocilia and facilitate their repair, recycling of membrane components is required. Intense vesicular traffic is restricted to a narrow band of cytoplasm around the cuticular plate, which anchors stereocilia. Our previous analyses showed that SNARE proteins (syntaxin 1A/SNAP25/VAMP1) are concentrated at both poles of hair cells, consistent with their involvement in membrane delivery at both locations. To investigate further the molecules involved in membrane delivery at these two sites, we constructed a two-hybrid library of the organ of Corti and probed it with syntaxin 1A. Here we report the cloning of a novel syntaxin-binding protein that is concentrated in a previously uncharacterized organelle at the apex of inner hair cells.
Computer graphics software packages: Evaluating and selecting production materials

Finally, in evaluating software packages, “what you need to do is work with the package and match it up with your needs.” Your preference for software will depend on your own background and how you like to work with a package. If you are learning to use a package, you may need to work with it for some time. The longer you work with it, you may form a whole new opinion. Software also changes. There are updates that may improve its capability, so even though you may not like the package now, you may want to reconsider it as new versions come along
Idiopathic giant cell myocarditis after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and interleukin‐2 immunotherapy: a case report

BACKGROUND Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is used in the treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Sudden death is a rare complication of IL-2 treatment. METHODS A patient with lymphoma underwent chemoradiotherapy myeloablation and autologous stem cell transplantation. The stem cells were cultured in IL-2 (6000 IU/mL) for 24 hours prior to infusion. After engraftment, treatment with IL-2 (1.8 x 106 IU/m2/day administered subcutaneously) was begun. After 4 days of treatment, the patient suddenly died. An autopsy was performed. RESULTS Histologic examination of the myocardium revealed a diffuse, lymphocytic infiltrate with scattered, multinucleated giant cells and foci of myocardial degeneration consistent with giant cell myocarditis. The lymphocytes were predominantly CD4 positive T cells, and the majority of these cells stained with antibodies for perforin, suggesting an unusual cytolytic role for these lymphocytes. DNA end-labeling of myocardial tissue sections revealed numerous apoptotic myocytes within the lymphocytic infiltrate. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of giant cell myocarditis in association with high dose chemotherapy, transplantation, and IL-2 immunomodulation. The authors suggest that the cytokine imbalance produced by IL-2 may have initiated a preferential activation of T helper cells and an autoimmune phenomenon manifesting as giant cell myocarditis. Cancer 1998;83:1231-1236. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Motives and methods for leaving the gang: Understanding the process of gang desistance

Abstract Purpose This study examined the process of leaving the gang. Gang membership was conceptualized in a life course framework and the motives for why and methods for how one leaves the gang were analyzed. Methods Data were gathered from a sample of 84 juvenile arrestees in Arizona, all of whom left their gang. Motives for leaving the gang were organized into factors internal (push) and external (pull) to the gang, while methods for leaving the gang were organized into hostile and non-hostile modes of departure. Motives and methods were cross-classified and their correlates were examined, notably in relation to gang ties—persisting social and emotional attachments to the gang. Results Push motives and non-hostile methods were the modal responses for leaving the gang. While it was not uncommon to experience a hostile departure from the gang, most former gang members reported walking away without ritual violence or ceremony. This method was conditional on the motive for departure, however. None of the individuals leaving the gang for pull or external reasons experienced a hostile departure. While gang ties persisted regardless of motive or method, retaining such ties corresponded with serious consequences. Conclusions A life course framework is capable of organizing similarities between leaving the gang and desistance from other forms of crime and deviant groups. The process of gang desistance is consistent with asymmetrical causation. Due to limited attention to this process, a typology is introduced as a basis for understanding leaving the gang in relation to desisting from crime.
Psychiatry resident-led tutorials increase medical student knowledge and improve national board of medical examiners shelf exam scores

Psychiatry residents have tremendous potential as educators. The authors envisioned residents as small-group tutors, efficiently assessing and correcting knowledge deficits using cases with discussion prompts and teaching points. They empirically tested whether this improves knowledge acquisition. Senior residents delivered eight tutorials during clerkship, which covered child and adolescent psychiatry, anxiety, mood, psychotic, cognitive, and substance use disorders. A 50-item multiple-choice quiz was administered at the beginning and end of clerkship. National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) shelf exam scores from intervention year were compared to the 4 years prior to resident involvement. Mean score on the initial quiz was 34.5 ± 3.7 and 41.8 ± 3.5 on second attempt (p < 0.001). Mean score for NBME psychiatry subject exam during intervention year was 83.2 ± 8.9 and for the four prior years was 78.0 ± 9.3, which was significant (p = 0.002). Resident-led tutorials provide an effective means of increasing psychiatric knowledge and improving performance on NBME subject exams.
The Three Mile Island Unit 2 Reactor Building Gross Decontamination Experiment: Effects on Loose Surface Contamination Levels

In March 1982, the gross decontamination experiment was conducted in the Three Mile Island Unit 2 reactor building (RB). The intent of the experiment was twofold: (a) to determine which of several ...
Understanding ciliated epithelia: the power of Xenopus.

Ciliated epithelia are important in a wide variety of biological contexts where they generate directed fluid flow. Here we address the fundamental advances in understanding ciliated epithelia that have been achieved using Xenopus as a model system. Xenopus embryos are covered with a ciliated epithelium that propels fluid unidirectionally across their surface. The external nature of this tissue, coupled with the molecular tools available in Xenopus and the ease of microscopic analysis on intact animals has thrust Xenopus to the forefront of ciliated epithelia biology. We discuss advances in understanding the molecular regulators of ciliated epithelia cell fate as well as basic aspects of ciliated epithelia cell biology including ciliogenesis and cell polarity. genesis 50:176–185, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
XBP-1 Is a Cell-Nonautonomous Regulator of Stress Resistance and Longevity

The ability to ensure proteostasis is critical for maintaining proper cell function and organismal viability but is mitigated by aging. We analyzed the role of the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPR(ER)) in aging of C. elegans and found that age-onset loss of ER proteostasis could be reversed by expression of a constitutively active form of XBP-1, XBP-1s. Neuronally derived XBP-1s was sufficient to rescue stress resistance, increase longevity, and activate the UPR(ER) in distal, non-neuronal cell types through a cell-nonautonomous mechanism. Loss of UPR(ER) signaling components in distal cells blocked cell-nonautonomous signaling from the nervous system, thereby blocking increased longevity of the entire animal. Reduction of small clear vesicle (SCV) release blocked nonautonomous signaling downstream of xbp-1s, suggesting that the release of neurotransmitters is required for this intertissue signaling event. Our findings point toward a secreted ER stress signal (SERSS) that promotes ER stress resistance and longevity.
Heritabilities and genetic variation for preharvest sprouting in progenies of Clark's Cream white winter wheat

Preharvest sprouting resistance is a major breeding criterion in many regions where white wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is produced. Availability of genetic sources of sprouting resistance should significantly advance this goal. Objectives of the present investigation were to determine heritabilities and genetic variation of sprouting resistance in progeny of six susceptible genotypes and Clark's Cream, a cultivar with excellent sprouting resistance. Sixty-five randomly selected F2:F3 lines from the six parental combinations were evaluated in blocks-within-replication designs at two locations during 1984–85. Falling number, α-amylase activity, and sprouting percentage in simulated rain were usually more favorable in F2:F4 grain than in grain of the susceptible parents and frequently equalled levels in grain of the resistant parent. Broad sense heritability estimates were moderate to high for falling number and α-amylase activity, low to moderate for visual sprouting, and inconsistent for embryo germination in ABA. Phenotypic correlations with sprouting were significant most often for falling number and least often for the agronomic traits, days to heading and kernel weight. We concluded that increased preharvest sprouting resistance is an attainable objective when genetic sources of strong resistance and appropriate selection criteria, such as sprouting after simulated rain, are used.
USING A NEURAL NET TO PREDICT ITEM DIFFICULTY

Several studies that attempted to predict item difficulty using linear weighted composites have been done at ETS and elsewhere. The variables in the composites were coded item characteristics. The validity of these predictions was evaluated using multiple correlations between predicted and actual item difficulties. Results of these studies indicate that the validities of the linear predictions were not zero, but neither were they high. Also, success varied with the particular prediction task attempted, with validities varying from .45 to .77. The figures were promising, but more precision would be helpful for item design and test specification. The present study sought to improve on the validity of the linear predictions by using a “neural net,” a technique that is widely used for nonlinear prediction and is borrowed from artificial intelligence applications. Predictions made using the neural net might be more accurate than those made using linear prediction for two reasons: (a) the latter is a special case of neural net prediction, one in which the variables do not interact, and (b) it is thought that item characteristics do interact to produce item difficulty. Unfortunately, it was found that using the neural net did not lead to substantial improvement in prediction when using the same characteristics as arguments that had proven superior for linear prediction. Perhaps the performance of the neural net did not compare more favorably with that of linear prediction because the variables used had already been chosen to be optimal for linear prediction. For this reason, in an extension of the original project, variables that were optimal for the neural net were sought using a search procedure known as “genetic algorithm.” As used in this study, the genetic algorithm is a constrained search procedure intended to find the best of a fixed number of predictors, that is, the same number used in linear prediction. Applying the genetic algorithm did, indeed, lead to improved prediction. And as expected, most of the variables that were effective in linear prediction did not survive the search. However, it proved to be useful to use the variables that were effective in linear prediction as the starting set for the genetic algorithm, rather than using a randomly selected set. Only two variables were found that were useful for prediction in both the linear system and a neural net; several other variables were found that might be useful in a neural net application but were not effective in a linear application. Substantial capitalization on chance was noted in this study, which can weaken the substantive inferences. Finally, results of this study indicate that the performance of the genetic algorithm could be improved by including chromosomes that contain variables found to be effective in a linear prediction system.
Cumulative depression episodes predict later C-reactive protein levels: a prospective analysis.

Background Depression is associated with elevated levels of the inflammation marker C-reactive protein (CRP); yet, the direction of this association remains unclear. This study tested bi-directional longitudinal associations between CRP and depression in a sample of adolescents and young adults. The study compared the effect of current depression with the effect of cumulative episodes of depression over time. Methods Nine waves of data from the prospective population-based Great Smoky Mountains Study ( n = 1420) were used, covering children in the community aged 9 to 16, 19, and 21 years old. Structured interviews were used to assess depressive symptoms, depression diagnosis, and cumulative depressive episodes. Bloodspots were collected at each observation and assayed for CRP levels. Results CRP levels were not associated with later depression status. In contrast, all depression-related variables displayed evidence of association with later CRP levels. The associations with depressive symptoms and diagnostic status were attenuated after controlling for covariates, particularly body mass index, smoking, and medication use. The effect of cumulative depressive episodes, however, continued to be significant after accounting for a range of covariates. Body mass index, smoking behavior, and recent infections may mediate a portion of the effect of cumulative episodes on later CRP, but cumulative depressive episodes continued to predict CRP levels independently. Conclusions The occurrence of multiple depressive episodes exerted the greatest effect on later CRP levels. This suggests that risk for the diseases of middle and old age—cardiovascular and metabolic disease—may begin in childhood and depend, in part, on long-term emotional functioning.
The role of lymphadenectomy and radiation therapy for malignant mixed Müllerian uterine cancers

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: Does treatment sequence and type of hysterectomy improve outcomes? B.C. Orr, J.F. Lin, S. Beriwal, R.P. Edwards, J.L. KelleyIII, A.B. Olawaiye, J.T. Comerci, M. Huang, M. Courtney-Brooks, P. Sukumvanich. UPMC—Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, Bay Area Gynecology Oncology, Los Gatos, CA, USA, University of PittsburghMedical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
The 5′ and 3′ Splice Sites Come Together Via a Three Dimensional Diffusion Mechanism

We present evidence that the splice sites in mammalian pre-mRNAs are brought together via a three dimensional diffusion mechanism. We tested two mechanisms for splice site pairing: a lateral diffusion ('scanning') model and the currently favored three dimensional diffusion ('jumping') model. Two lines of evidence that distinguish between these two models are presented. The first utilized bipartite splicing substrates tethered by double-stranded RNA stems predicted to provide either a moderate or severe block to splice site pairing via a scanning mechanism. Splice site pairing via a jumping mechanism was expected to be unaffected or affected minimally. The second approach utilized a flexible poly(ethylene glycol) moiety within the intron. This insertion was predicted to reduce scanning efficiency but not the efficiency of a three dimensional diffusion mechanism. The best explanation for the data with the bipartite RNAs is that splice site pairing occurs through three dimensional diffusion. Kinetic analysis of the poly(ethylene glycol) containing substrate showed that neither the lag phase nor the initial rates of mRNA production and spliceosome assembly were affected by this insertion. Therefore, both experimental approaches supported the three dimensional diffusion model of splice site pairing.
Together or apart: A study of hand surgery professional organizations

There are currently two medical specialty societies representing hand surgeons in the United States, the older American Society for Surgery of the Hand, or ASSH, and the younger American Association for Hand Surgery, or AAHS. Is there a need for two organizations representing seemingly similar constituencies? In this essay, I explore the history and past relationships between the ASSH and the AAHS, discuss their current similarities and dissimilarities, and suggest a possible course for the near future for both organizations. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Allocation of onroad mobile emissions to road segments for air toxics modeling in an urban area

Abstract Dispersion models are useful tools for setting emission control priorities and developing strategies for reducing air toxics emissions. Previous methodologies for modeling hazardous air pollutant emissions for onroad mobile sources are based on using spatial surrogates to allocate county level emissions to grid cells. A disadvantage of this process is that it spreads onroad emissions throughout a grid cell instead of along actual road locations. High local concentrations may be underestimated near major roadways, which are often clustered in urban centers. Here, we describe a methodology which utilizes a Geographic Information System to allocate benzene emissions to major road segments in an urban area and model the segments as elongated area sources. The Industrial Source Complex Short Term dispersion model is run using both gridded and link-based emissions to evaluate the effect of improved spatial allocation of emissions on ambient modeled benzene concentrations. Allocating onroad mobile emissions to road segments improves the agreement between modeled concentrations when compared with monitor observations, and also results in higher estimated concentrations in the urban center.
Maternal behavior: A determinant of amphetamine toxicity in rats

At 130 days of age, 31 female rats that had been subjected in infancy to handling, mother-separation, both, or neither, were injected with d-amphetamine (100 mg/kg, 50 mg/ml, i.p.). The subjects from handled, mother-present litters were the only group that showed increased latency to death. This finding indicated that the maternal behavior elicited by early handling, rather than early handling or maternal presence alone, resulted in reduced amphetamine toxicity in the offspring, tested in adulthood.
Do radioactive decay events follow a random poisson-exponential?

Abstract A series of 250,000 disintegration time intervals examined statistically was found to depart significantly from the Poisson-exponential distribution. The character of the discrepancy suggested possible instrumental error. It is recommended that the experiment be repeated.
Oxygen Cost of Walking in Hemiplegic Patients

A preliminary study was carried out to compare the walking speed (WS), walking distance, oxygen consumption and oxygen cost in hemiplegic patients. In the first test of 10-min walking, observation of WS and walking distance revealed the boundary areas between the patients who depended on a wheelchair (group D, n=18) and those who did not and could walk alone (group I, n=26). The boundary WS and boundary walking distance ranged from 20.1 to 30.0 m/min and from 201 to 300 meters, respectively. In the second test which focused on the boundary WS, oxygen consumption and oxygen cost of groups TI (7 patients of group I), BI (5 of group I), BD (3 of group D) and TD (3 of group D) were measured. As a result, oxygen consumption and oxygen cost of TI, BI, BD and TD were13.6, 10.0, 14.5 and 10.0 ml/kg/min and 0.351, 0.358, 0.628 and 0.779 ml/kg/m, respectively. TI walked at a speed of more than 30.1 m/min, BI and BD walked at the boundary WS, and TD walked at a speed of less than 20.0 m/min.The values of oxygen cost differed remarkably between the groups BI and BD. BI walked more efficiently than BD.
Synthesis and Aqueous Chemistry of α-Acetoxy-N-nitrosomorpholine: Reactive Intermediates and Products

α-Acetoxy-N-nitrosomorpholine (7) has been synthesized starting by the anodic oxidation of N-acetylmorpholine in methanol. The 55% yield of N-nitrosomorpholinic acid, after cyanide-for-methoxy group exchange and hydrolysis, is an improvement of ∼10-fold over our original 10-step method, and this is readily converted to 7. A study of the kinetics of decomposition of 7 in aqueous media at 25 °C and 1 M ionic strength was conducted over the pH range from 1 to 12. The reaction exhibited good first-order kinetics at all values of pH, and a plot of the log of k0, the buffer-independent rate constant for decomposition, against pH indicated that a pH-independent reaction dominates in the neutral pH region whereas acid- and base-catalyzed reactions dominate in the low and high pH regions, respectively. Reaction at neutral pH in the presence of increasing concentrations of acetate ion results in a decrease in the value of kobsd, to an apparent limiting value consistent with a common-ion inhibition by the capture, a...
Phase warping and differential scrambling attacks against OFDM frequency synchronization

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is used in many modern communications systems. Timing and frequency synchronization in an OFDM system are critical to performance and must be carried out early and often. Current synchronization methods, such as those developed by Schmidl and Cox [1], were not designed to be robust to adversarial signals. A series of attacks against the preamble synchronization stage have been developed and demonstrated to debilitate OFDM receivers. Multiple attacks against the frequency offset error estimation stage are discussed, and some possible improvements to OFDM synchronization algorithms are suggested.
USE OF CYCLOSPORIN A IN ESTABLISHING EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS-TRANSFORMED HUMAN LYMPHOBLASTOID CELL LINES

We have investigated the potential for using cyclosporin A to increase the efficiency with which Epstein-Barr virus-transformed human lymphoblast lines can be prepared. Use of this immunosuppressive drug has permitted the development of a procedure with success rates exceeding 95% despite the processing of very large numbers of samples.
GRAFFITI AND BUILDING USE: THE 1968 ELECTION

Contrary to previous findings, graffiti collected from a small southwestern college at national election time, 1968, did not show a preponderance of items related to important social issues, the election and Vietnam. The graffiti likewise were not specific to building use. More research is suggested before graffiti are considered valid unobtrusive measures of the social and political climate.
System-level memory optimization for high-level synthesis of component-based SoCs

The design of specialized accelerators is essential to the success of many modern Systems-on-Chip. Electronic system-level design methodologies and high-level synthesis tools are critical for the efficient design and optimization of an accelerator. Still, these methodologies and tools offer only limited support for the optimization of the memory structures, which are often responsible for most of the area occupied by an accelerator. To address these limitations, we present a novel methodology to automatically derive the memory sub-systems of SoC accelerators. Our approach enables compositional design-space exploration and promotes design reuse of the accelerator specifications. We illustrate its effectiveness by presenting experimental results on the design of two accelerators for a high-performance embedded application.
Discipline about deadlines

One of a teacher's most difficult tasks is passing judgment on other people in ways that may seriously affect their lives.
A Structural Study of GDP-4-Keto-6-Deoxy-D-Mannose-3-Dehydratase: Caught in the Act of Geminal Diamine Formation

Di- and trideoxysugars are an important class of carbohydrates synthesized by certain plants, fungi, and bacteria. Colitose, for example, is a 3,6-dideoxysugar found in the O-antigens of Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, and Vibrio cholerae, among others. These types of dideoxysugars are thought to serve as antigenic determinants and to play key roles in bacterial defense and survival. Four enzymes are required for the biochemical synthesis of colitose starting from mannose-1-phosphate. The focus of this investigation, GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-d-mannose-3-dehydratase (ColD), catalyzes the third step in the pathway, namely the PLP-dependent removal of the C3‘-hydroxyl group from GDP-4-keto-6-deoxymannose. Whereas most PLP-dependent enzymes contain an active site lysine, ColD utilizes a histidine as its catalytic acid/base. The ping-pong mechanism of the enzyme first involves the conversion of PLP to PMP followed by the dehydration step. Here we pre...
Institutional innovation and agricultural development

Abstract This paper elaborates a theory of institutional innovation in which shifts in the demand for institutional change are induced by changes in relative resource endowments and by technical change. The supply of institutional innovations responds to advances in social science knowledge and changes in cultural endowments. Case studies drawing on (1) innovations in land tenure and labor relations in the Philippines; (2) export promotion and import substitution of agricultural commodities in East Asia; and (3) farm commodity policy in the United States are presented. Elements of a general institutional innovation model are outlined.
A taxonomic revision of Timonius subgen. Pseudobobea (Valeton) S. P. Darwin (Rubiaceae)

Abstract DARWIN, S. P. (2010). A taxonomic revision of Timonius subgen. Pseudobobea (Valeton) S. P. Darwin (Rubiaceae). Candollea 65: 217–240. In English, English and French abstracts. Twenty-one species, distributed from Sulawesi (Indonesia) to Rossel Island (Louisiade Archipelago) through the Moluccas (Indonesia) and Papua New Guinea, are assigned to Timonius subgen. Pseudobobea (Valeton) S. P. Darwin, a new taxon based on Timonius sect. Pseudobobea Valeton (Rubiaceae, Guettardeae). Nine new species are described: Timonius akunensis S. P. Darwin, Timonius bracteoides S. P. Darwin, Timonius carrii S. P. Darwin, Timonius clathratus S. P. Darwin, Timonius leptocalyx S. P. Darwin, Timonius moluccanus S. P. Darwin, Timonius reflexus S. P. Darwin, Timonius repertus S. P. Darwin, and Timonius rosselensis S. P. Darwin. Species of the new subgenus are distinctive in having usually vertically oriented fruit pyrenes, reflexed calyx lobes, and leaf blades with corivate venation. Lectotypes are designed for the name...
Modulation of cell adhesion systems by prenatal nicotine exposure in limbic brain regions of adolescent female rats

Maternal smoking during pregnancy (MS) has long-lasting neurobehavioural effects on the offspring. Many MS-associated psychiatric disorders begin or change symptomatology during adolescence, a period of continuous development of the central nervous system. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Given that cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) modulate various neurotransmitter systems and are associated with many psychiatric disorders, we hypothesize that CAMs are altered by prenatal treatment of nicotine, the major psychoactive component in tobacco, in adolescent brains. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with nicotine (3 mg/kg.d) or saline via osmotic mini-pumps from gestational days 4 to 18. Female offspring at postnatal day 35 were sacrificed, and several limbic brain regions (the caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala) were dissected for evaluation of gene expression using microarray and quantitative RT-PCR techniques. Various CAMs including neurexin, immunoglobulin, cadherin, and adhesion-GPCR superfamilies, and their intracellular signalling pathways were modified by gestational nicotine treatment (GN). Among the CAM-related pathways, GN has stronger effects on cytoskeleton reorganization pathways than on gene transcription pathways. These effects were highly region dependent, with the caudate putamen showing the greatest vulnerability. Given the important roles of CAMs in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity, our findings suggest that alteration of CAMs contributes to the neurobehavioural deficits associated with MS. Further, our study underscores that low doses of nicotine produce substantial and long-lasting changes in the brain, implying that nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy may carry many of the same risks to the offspring as MS.
The Distribution of Foreign Direct Investment in China

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has played a major role in China's push toward a market-oriented economy. Recent inflows account for 40 percent of combined flows of FDI to all developing countries, making China the biggest developing country FDI recipient. This record is impressive, but certain problems must be overcome if FDI is to continue to help sustain the country's record growth rate and further its economic development. For one thing, FDI in China is highly concentrated geographically, and its sector distribution is highly uneven. The authors empirically analyze the geographic determinants of FDI in China. They find that FDI's geographical distribution in China is determined mostly by GNP, infrastructure development, level of general education, and coastal location. Although the sectoral distribution of FDI is coming into line with the rest of the world, in the past, FDI has been biased toward speculative types of investment, especially in the real estate sector.
Influence of Silicon and Phosphorous on the Mechanical Properties of Both Ferrite and Dual-Phase Steels

A study has been made of the influence of up to 2 pct Si and 0.42 pct P upon the strength and ductility of ferrites over a wide grain size range; the grain size was varied fromd −1/2 mm−1/2 = 4 to 14. Although the ductility decreased with increasing strength for all the alloys, the 2 pct Si alloy had the best combination of strength and ductility. The ferrites containing 2 pct Si and 0.2 pct P had greater uniform elongations than conventional HSLA steels at the same tensile strength; it is thought that the ductility of the ferrites is enhanced by the presence of Si while the ductility of conventional HSLA steels is reduced by the presence of carbide precipitates. With the theory for a composite of two ductile phases and the results for the fine-grained alloyed ferrites, the change in uniform elongation as a function of tensile strength was predicted for dual-phase (martensite plus ferrite) steels. Good agreement was found between the prediction and experimental results for dual-phase steels containing up to 0.2 pct P or 2 pct Si; the 2 pct Si alloy had the best combination of strength and ductility of all dual-phase steels so far reported. This study again emphasizes the importance of the high strength, high ductility ferrite in controlling the properties of dual-phase steels.
Error prediction for probes guided by means of fixtures

Probe guides are surgical fixtures that are rigidly attached to bone anchors in order to place a probe at a target with high accuracy (RMS error < 1 mm). Applications include needle biopsy, the placement of electrodes for deep-brain stimulation (DBS), spine surgery, and cochlear implant surgery. Targeting is based on pre-operative images, but targeting errors can arise from three sources: (1) anchor localization error, (2) guide fabrication error, and (3) external forces and torques. A well-established theory exists for the statistical prediction of target registration error (TRE) when targeting is accomplished by means of tracked probes, but no such TRE theory is available for fixtured probe guides. This paper provides that theory and shows that all three error sources can be accommodated in a remarkably simple extension of existing theory. Both the guide and the bone with attached anchors are modeled as objects with rigid sections and elastic sections, the latter of which are described by stiffness matrices. By relating minimization of elastic energy for guide attachment to minimization of fiducial registration error for point registration, it is shown that the expression for targeting error for the guide is identical to that for weighted rigid point registration if the weighting matrices are properly derived from stiffness matrices and the covariance matrices for fiducial localization are augmented with offsets in the anchor positions. An example of the application of the theory is provided for ear surgery.
Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms and radiation sensitivity of the lung assessed with an objective radiologic endpoin.

Abstract Background The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between radiation sensitivity of the lungs and candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in genes implicated in radiation-induced toxicity. Methods Patients with lung cancer who received radiation therapy (RT) had pre-RT and serial post-RT single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) lung perfusion scans. RT-induced changes in regional perfusion were related to regional dose, which generated patient-specific dose-response curves (DRC). The slope of the DRC is independent of total dose and the irradiated volume, and is taken as a reflection of the patient's inherent sensitivity to RT. DNA was extracted from blood samples obtained at baseline. SNPs were determined by using a combination of high-resolution melting, TaqMan assays, and direct sequencing. Genotypes from 33 SNPs in 22 genes were compared against the slope of the DRC by using the Kruskal-Wallis test for ordered alternatives. Results Thirty-nine self-reported Caucasian patients with pre-RT and ≥6 month post-RT SPECTs, and blood samples were identified. An association between genotype and increasing slope of the DRC was noted in G(1301) A in XRCC1 (rs25487) ( P = .01) and G(3748) A in BRCA1 (rs16942) ( P = .03). Conclusions By using an objective radiologic assessment, polymorphisms within genes involved in repair of DNA damage ( XRCC1 and BRCA1 ) were associated with radiation sensitivity of the lungs.
Participation as Assessment: Political Science and Classroom Assessment Techniques

From the beginning of my teaching career I had been drawn to class participation (Cohen 1991; 1993). I enjoyed posing questions and problems to the class, and they seemed to enjoy the interaction. At the same time, intuitively I was drawn to discussion and participation as ways to enhance learning. Later I learned that these were part of what was known as “active learning,” and they really did have the ability to enhance student learning (Barr and Tagg 1995; Chickering, Gamson, and Barsi 1989; Pascarella and Terenzini 2005, 101–2). My faith bolstered, I continued to explore ways to actively engage students through developing thought-provoking questions, assigning in-class writing, utilizing small group work, and integrating short presentations. Eventually I began to share my ideas with colleagues at conferences and publish them in respected journals. I discussed what I was doing in class, the basic principles underlying my approach, the challenges it provided, and the hoped-for results when it came to student learning.
Effect of dietary calcium and phosphorus on intestinal calcium absorption and vitamin D metabolism.

Abstract To understand better dietary regulation of intestinal calcium absorption, a quantitative assessment of the metabolites in plasma and duodenum of rats given daily doses of radioactive vitamin D3 and diets differing in calcium and phosphorus content was made. All known vitamin D metabolites were ultimately identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography. In addition to the known metabolites (25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 25,26-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and 1,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3), several new and unidentified metabolites were found. In addition to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3, the levels of some of the unknown metabolites could be correlated with intestinal calcium transport. However, whether or not any of these metabolites plays a role in the stimulation of intestinal calcium absorption by low dietary calcium or low dietary phosphorus remains unknown.
Evacuation transportation modeling: An overview of research, development, and practice

This paper presents a review of highway-based evacuation modeling and simulation and its evolution over the past decade. The review includes the major components of roadway transportation planning and operations, including the current state of modeling in the forecasting of evacuation travel demand, distribution and assignment of evacuation demand to regional road networks to reach destinations, assignment of evacuees to various modes of transportation, and evaluation and testing of alternative management strategies to increase capacity of evacuation networks or manage demand. Although this discussion does not cover recent work in other modes used in evacuation such as air, rail, and pedestrian, this paper does highlight recent interdisciplinary modeling work in evacuation to help bridge the gap between the behavioral sciences and engineering and the application of emerging techniques for the verification, validation, and calibration of models. The manuscript also calls attention to special considerations and logistical difficulties, which have received limited attention to date. In addition to these concerns, the following future directions are discussed: further interdisciplinary efforts, including incorporating the medical community; using new technologies for communication of warnings and traffic condition information, data collection, and increased modeling resolution and confidence; using real-time information; and further model refinements and validation.
Bounds of stability in heat conduction with internal heat generation

Abstract The criterion for the existence of a steady-state temperature distribution in a plane slab or system with internal heat generation is critically examined. The rate of heat generation from the non-uniformly populated heat sources in the slab is assumed to be linearly dependent on the temperature differential between the slab and the environment. The critical combination of the parameters under which the system can function satisfactorily is found to depend not only on the manner in which the heat sources are populated but also on the boundary conditions imposed on the system. The results of this study thus indicate that an inadvertent change from the designed boundary conditions can significantly alter the life span of the system.
Coexistent gout and systemic lupus erythematosus.

We are unaware of any previous report concerning the coexistence of gout and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Since gout is a relatively common disease affecting over 500,000 Americans (l), it seems likely that it would occur in some patients with SLE. In fact, on the basis of disease prevalence data (2), approximately 100 cases of coexistent gout and SLE might be expected in the United States (Table 1). This report documents the first known case of coexistent gout and SLE, and the various factors that may contribute to the lack of association between these diseases are discussed. Case Report. The patient was a 48-year-old white man who was first seen at the Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Medical Center in November 1979 with nephrotic syndrome. He had a 10-year history of intermittent arthralgia of the ankles, feet, hands, and elbows, a 15-year history of intermittent urticaria, a positive LE cell test, and hypocomplementemia. The patient had been treated with 5-10 mg prednisone per day for 5 years. In 1978 he developed hypertension, 10-pound weight gain, and proteinuria. The serum uric acid was 13 mg/100 ml. He was placed on diuretics and continued on low dose prednisone, but by 1979 severe peripheral edema and fatigue developed. The patient denied a history of Raynaud's phenomenon, mucosal ulcerations, alopecia, and photosensitivity. The physical examination was remarkable for a blood pressure of 215/105 and 4+ pitting edema up to the knees. Laboratory data included hemoglobin 1 1.3 gm/ 100 ml, hematocrit 3 1.7%, white blood count 5,300, platelets 220,000, BUN 25 mg/100 ml, creatinine 1.9 mg/100 ml, uric acid 11 mg/100 ml, creatinine clear-