cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Techniques for Fast Multicore Simulation

One of the challenges in the design of multicore architectures concerns the fast evaluation of hardware design-tradeoffs using simulation techniques. Simulation tools for multicore architectures tend to have long execution times that grow linearly with the number of cores simulated. In this paper, we present two hybrid techniques for fast and accurate multicore simulation. Our first method, the Monte Carlo Co-Simulation (MCCS) scheme, considers application phases, and within each phase, interleaves a Monte Carlo modeling scheme with a traditional simulator, such as Simics. Our second method, the Curve Fitting Based Simulation (CFBS) scheme, is tailored to evaluate the behavior of applications with multiple iterations, such as scientific applications that have consistent cycles per instruction (CPI) behavior within a subroutine over different iterations. In our CFBS method, we represent the CPI profile of a subroutine as a signature using curve fitting and represent the entire application execution as a set of signatures to predict performance metrics. Our results indicate that MCCS can reduce simulation time by as much as a factor of 2.37, with a speedup of 1.77 on average compared to Simics. We also observe that CFBS can reduce simulation time by as much as a factor of 13.6, with a speedup of 6.24 on average. The observed average relative errors in CPI compared to Simics are 32% for MCCS and significantly lower, at 2%, for CFBS.
Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane) Inhibits Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand-Induced NF-κB Activation in Osteoclast Precursors and Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis

Numerous studies have indicated that inflammatory cytokines play a major role in osteoclastogenesis, leading to the bone resorption that is frequently associated with cancers and other diseases. Gene deletion studies have shown that receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) is one of the critical mediators of osteoclastogenesis. How RANKL mediates osteoclastogenesis is not fully understood, but an agent that suppresses RANKL signaling has potential to inhibit osteoclastogenesis. In this report, we examine the ability of curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a pigment derived from turmeric, to suppress RANKL signaling and osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 cells, a murine monocytic cell line. Treatment of these cells with RANKL activated NF-kappaB, and preexposure of the cells to curcumin completely suppressed RANKL-induced NF-kappaB activation. Curcumin inhibited the pathway leading from activation of IkappaBalpha kinase and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation to IkappaBalpha degradation. RANKL induced osteoclastogenesis in these monocytic cells, and curcumin inhibited both RANKL- and TNF-induced osteoclastogenesis and pit formation. Curcumin suppressed osteoclastogenesis maximally when added together with RANKL and minimally when it was added 2 days after RANKL. Whether curcumin inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis through suppression of NF-kappaB was also confirmed independently, as RANKL failed to activate NF-kappaB in cells stably transfected with a dominant-negative form of IkappaBalpha and concurrently failed to induce osteoclastogenesis. Thus overall these results indicate that RANKL induces osteoclastogenesis through the activation of NF-kappaB, and treatment with curcumin inhibits both the NF-kappaB activation and osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL.
Palliative care and advance care planning for patients with advanced malignancies

Patients diagnosed with an advanced cancer frequently have a very limited life expectancy and need to understand their prognosis in order to make good choices about care. Advance care planning (ACP) is an important aspect of this care but can be especially difficult to address. Most patients and families prefer direct and honest communication, but they may interpret the information they are given in very different ways. In addition, oncologists strive to communicate honestly and sensitively, but often struggle with the best approach. Finally, standardization of ACP is challenging because patients have highly individualized values, traditions and social and family dynamics that guide their preferences. Palliative Care is a rapidly growing field that specializes in communication and patient-centered approaches to care. Treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic cancer should prioritize early discussions of ACP to ensure high quality endof- life care. When available, this care should be delivered through careful integration with palliative care specialists.
The parabolas and circles in RHEED patterns

Abstract The continuous circles and parabolas which occur in Kikuchi line arrays in RHEED patterns have been interpreted as arising from surface resonance channelling effects. Similar circles and parabolas have also been observed in transmission patterns and may be attributed to channeling along rows of planes of atoms in the bulk crystal. We have made further observations on InP (110), GaAs (110) and Pt (111) surfaces and comparisons of the circles and parabolas, obtained in reflection and transmission as a function of incident beam direction. Differences observed in intensity and position of these features may represent the difference between bulk and surface channelling phenomena. Observations have also been made on the temperature dependence of the Kikuchi line features.
Evidence That the Fourth Ligand to the [2Fe-2S] Cluster in Animal Ferrochelatase Is a Cysteine CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ENZYME FROM DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Abstract In a previous study, site-directed mutagenesis experiments identified three of the four ligands to the [2Fe-2S] cluster in animal ferrochelatase as conserved cysteines in the COOH-terminal extension, Cys-403, Cys-406, and Cys-411 in human ferrochelatase (Crouse, B. R., Sellers, V. M., Finnegan, M. G., Dailey, H. A. & Johnson, M. K. (1996)Biochemistry 35, 16222–16229). The nature of the fourth ligand was left unresolved, and spectroscopic studies raised the possibility of one noncysteinyl, oxygenic ligand. In this work, we report two lines of evidence that strongly suggest the fourth ligand is a cysteine residue. Cysteine at position 196 in human recombinant ferrochelatase when changed to a serine results in an inactive enzyme that is lacking the [2Fe-2S] cluster. Furthermore, whole cell EPR studies demonstrate that in the C196S mutant the cluster fails to assemble. Additionally, the cloning and expression of Drosophila melanogaster ferrochelatase has allowed the identification, by EPR and UV-visible spectroscopy, of a [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster with properties analogous to those of animal ferrochelatases. The observation that Drosophila ferrochelatase contains only four conserved cysteines at positions 196, 403, 406, and 411, is in accord with the proposal that these residues function as cluster ligands. In the case of the ferrochelatase iron-sulfur cluster ligands, NH2—Cys-X 206-Cys-X 2-Cys-X 4-Cys—COOH, the position distant from other ligands may lead to a spatial positioning of the cluster near the enzyme active site or at the interface of two domains, thereby explaining the loss of enzyme activity that accompanies cluster degradation and reinforcing the idea that the cluster functions as a regulatory switch.
Fluorometric assay for detection and quantitation of polyamidoamine dendrimers.

Abstract Polyamidoamine dendrimers are protein-like nanomaterials that have many potential biological applications. Research studies using dendrimers often require their detection and quantitation. This article describes a simple, inexpensive, and rapid fluorometric assay based on the ability of dendrimers to bind the fluorescent probe, 8-anilino-1-naphthalene-sulfonic acid. This interaction leads to an enhanced fluorescence intensity of the dye that shows a linear relationship with dendrimer concentration. The procedure is applicable to dendrimers that have various surface functional groups and internal cores. Amine- and hydroxyl-terminated dendrimers gave the best calibration curves under alkaline conditions (pH 7.4). Carboxyl-terminated dendrimers required acidic conditions for their measurement. The assay for dendrimers with an amine surface and an ethylene diamine core was accurate between 0 and 100 μM and produced a within-run coefficient of less than 5%. Under the assay conditions used, the fluorescence signal strength was dependent on type of surface group and core length of the dendrimer.
Variation of the metabolites of Chromodoris funerea: comparison of specimens from a palauan marine lake with those from adjacent waters

1. 1. Five sesterterpenes, 12-epi-scalarin (1), deoxoscalarin (2), luffariellin-C (3), luffariellin-D (4) and a “ketodeoxoscalarin” (9) were isolated from eight specimens of Chromodoris funerea collected at Kaibakku Lake, Palau. 2. 2. Comparison of the metabolite content of these specimens with metabolites of C. funerea collected in Iwayama Bay supports the hypothesis that the nudibranch can distinguish allelochemicals from other metabolites and that it is not dependent on a specific sponge diet. 3. 3. The bold numbers above refer to the structural diagrams in the figures.
Structural equation models are modelling tools with many ambiguities: Comments acknowledging the need for caution and humility in their use

Abstract My goal is to provide background and perspective on the use and interpretation of structural equation models (SEMs). SEMs are complex procedures with many assumptions, intricacies, and pitfalls. I hope to give a commentary that complements the primers done by Iacobuci and deepen the users' knowledge of the procedures. But I acknowledge that this effort is at best an incomplete introduction into SEMs and cannot do justice to the many issues (and controversies) associated with it.
A β1,4-galactosyltransferase is required for convergent extension movements in zebrafish

Our understanding of how complex carbohydrates function during embryonic development is still very limited, primarily due to the large number of glycosyltransferases now known to be involved in their synthesis. To overcome these limitations, we have taken advantage of the zebrafish system to analyze the function of complex carbohydrates during development by down-regulating the expression of specific glycosyltransferases. Herein, we report the identification of the zebrafish ortholog of mammalian beta1,4-galactosyltransferase I, beta4GalT1, and its requirement for proper convergent extension movements during gastrulation. beta4GalT1 is expressed in the oocyte and throughout the embryo during the first 24 h of development. Knockdown of zebrafish beta4GalT1 by two independent morpholino oligonucleotides results in embryos with a truncated anterior-posterior axis, as well as elongated somites and moderate defects in the patterning of the head mesenchyme. Co-injection of zebrafish beta4GalT1 mRNA returns galactosyltransferase activity to control levels and rescues the defects produced by morpholino oligonucleotides. In situ hybridizations of various molecular markers reveal that the axial mesoderm of epiboly stage embryos is abnormally widened in beta4GalT1 morphants, indicative of abnormal convergent extension. Consistent with this, the rate of anterior-posterior axis elongation is reduced relative to control-injected embryos, similar to that seen in known convergent extension mutants. Among the many potential substrates for beta4GalT1 is laminin, a principle component of the extracellular matrix that supports cell movements such as those that occur during convergent extension. Previous in vitro studies have shown that the galactosylation status of laminin directly influences its ability to support cell spreading and migration. In this regard, laminin isolated from beta4GalT1 morphant embryos is poorly galactosylated, which may contribute to defective cell migration during convergent extension movements. This work demonstrates that zebrafish can be used to identify critical developmental roles for specific glycosyltransferases that would not be obvious otherwise, such as an absolute requirement for beta4GalT1 during convergent extension movements.
Quiescent complement in nonhuman primates during E coli Shiga toxin-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic microangiopathy

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) produce ribosome-inactivating Shiga toxins (Stx1, Stx2) responsible for development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and acute kidney injury (AKI). Some patients show complement activation during EHEC infection, raising the possibility of therapeutic targeting of complement for relief. Our juvenile nonhuman primate (Papio baboons) models of endotoxin-free Stx challenge exhibit full spectrum HUS, including thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and AKI with glomerular thrombotic microangiopathy. There were no significant increases in soluble terminal complement complex (C5b-9) levels after challenge with lethal Stx1 (n = 6) or Stx2 (n = 5) in plasma samples from T0 to euthanasia at 49.5 to 128 hours post-challenge. d-dimer and cell injury markers (HMGB1, histones) confirmed coagulopathy and cell injury. Thus, complement activation is not required for the development of thrombotic microangiopathy and HUS induced by EHEC Shiga toxins in these preclinical models, and benefits or risks of complement inhibition should be studied further for this infection.
Si-Metal interface reaction and bulk electronic structure of silicides☆

Abstract We summarize synchrotron radiation photoemission results for cleaved, bulk 3d transition metal disilicides and for the interfaces of Si(111)Cr, Si(111)Ti, Si(111)Ca, and Si(111)Sm.
Synthesis, characterization and polymerization of acetylacetate, acetylacetamide or acetylacetanilide substituted cyclic imino ethers, new metal chelating monomers and polymers

New cyclic imino ether monomers, functionalized with acetylacetoxy, acetylacetamide, or acetylacetanilide moieties are described for the first time. These monomers readily form metal complexes. Also, it is shown that these monomers may be cationically homo- or copolymerized with other cyclic imino ethers, to provide polymers having metal complexing ability. The monomers have potential applications in a wide variety of applications.
Redefining the Community College Transfer Mission

Current patterns of student tranfer from and to the community college need to be considered in examining the community college transfer mission. These patterns demonstrate that two sets of students--those who begin their postsecondary education by enrolling at community colleges and those who begin at four-year colleges--take community college courses in their desire to attain the baccalaureate. When these transfer patterns are examined for their effect upon baccalaureate attainment, it can be demonstrated that they help both sets of students save on college costs, and they speed up time-to-degree for four-year students. The effect upon the quality of education attained is less clear. Given the reality of these transfer patterns, the community college transfer mission needs to be redefined as facilitating baccalaureate degree attainment for college students in general, not just for students who begin their undergraduate education in the two-year college.
Selective involvement of the spinal trigeminal nucleus in the conditioned nictitating membrane reflex of the rabbit.

Abstract These experiments were performed to test the hypothesis that a region associated with the trigeminal nuclear complex is selectively involved in mediating the classically conditioned nictiting membrane reflex in the rabbit. Microinjections of Lidocaine were used to produce a temporary, localized block of neural activity following the conditioning of the reflex using a standard tone/air puff-paired stimulus paradigm. Data indicate that the injection of Lidocaine at the medial pars oralis/reticular formation junction results in a selective suppression of the conditioned reflex.
A Comparison of 9th and 10th Grade Boys'and Girls' Bullying Behaviors in Two States

This paper compared the bully behaviors of 250 9th and l0th grade boys and girls in four schools in Texas and Nebraska. Nearly one-third of girls and one-fifth of boys observed bullying often. The most common kind of bullying for both boys and girls was hurtful teasing and name-calling. Boys bullied using more physical violence, while girls reported less; however, both boys and girls indicated they were threatened with harm more than 26% of the time when bullied.
The formation of ordered structures in InGaN layers

We investigated atomic ordering in InxGa1−xN layers for x between 0.03 and 0.28 using transmission electron microscopy. We demonstrate that {1 0 −1 1} facets play a role in 1:1 ordering. Deviations in composition from x = 0.5 are accommodated by the formation of small ordered regions embedded in a short-range ordered or disordered matrix.
Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma

An unusual cystic renal tumour is described which resembles, superficially, the solitary multilocular cyst of the kidney, but which shows appreciable amounts of proliferating undifferentiated renal blastema. We believe that this tumour represents a partially differentiated nephroblastoma and that, as such, it provides support for the theory that Wilms' tumour is capable of undergoing maturation to a fully differentiated, benign cystic lesion.
Relationship of sequential and simultaneous preference as assessed by conjugate reinforcement.

Abstract Conjugate reinforcement was used to compare sequential and simultaneous preferences of retarded and normal males. The purpose was to determine the relationship of subject preference when two stimuli were programed sequentially and when the same stimuli were offered simultaneously. A second concern was to compare subject response rates during sequential and simultaneous conditions. The results indicated that the operant preference during sequential and simultaneous conditions was synonomous for six ratardates and six normals and discrepant for eight retardates and two normals. Relevant to the second concern it was noted that four retardates and seven normals responded more during one of the two simultaneous conditions than during either of the sequential conditions.
The surface immobilization of the neural adhesion molecule L1 on neural probes and its effect on neuronal density and gliosis at the probe/tissue interface

Brain tissue inflammatory responses, including neuronal loss and gliosis at the neural electrode/tissue interface, limit the recording stability and longevity of neural probes. The neural adhesion molecule L1 specifically promotes neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival. In this study, we covalently immobilized L1 on the surface of silicon-based neural probes and compared the tissue response between L1 modified and non-modified probes implanted in the rat cortex after 1, 4, and 8 weeks. The effect of L1 on neuronal health and survival, and glial cell reactions were evaluated with immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis. Similar to previous findings, persistent glial activation and significant decreases of neuronal and axonal densities were found at the vicinity of the non-modified probes. In contrast, the immediate area (100 μm) around the L1 modified probe showed no loss of neuronal bodies and a significantly increased axonal density relative to background. In this same region, immunohistochemistry analyses show a significantly lower activation of microglia and reaction of astrocytes around the L1 modified probes when compared to the control probes. These improvements in tissue reaction induced by the L1 coating are likely to lead to improved functionality of the implanted neural electrodes during chronic recordings.
The effect of memory schemata on memory and the phenomenological experience of naturalistic situations

Two experiments document the effect of memory schemata in naturalistic situations. Participants in both experiments watched a short videotaped lecture in which the instructor enacted several schema-consistent actions (e.g. writing on a whiteboard) and schema-inconsistent actions (e.g. smoking a cigarette). Following the videotaped lecture, participants completed a recognition test and rated the phenomenological content of their memories. In both experiments, memory was more accurate for schema-inconsistent actions than for schema-consistent actions. Participants also indicated that their memories of schema-inconsistent actions were more vivid than schema-consistent actions. Interestingly, in Experiment 2, the false memory rate for typical items increased across both 48-hour and one week retention intervals. These results have important implications for the processes of normal human memory in everyday situations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non-Physician Providers as Clinical Providers in Cystic Fibrosis: Survey of US Programs

Background and Methods Non-physician providers (NPPs) including nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are important members of CF care teams, but limited data exist about the extent NPPs are involved in CF care. A subcommittee was established by the CF Foundation to gather information about current involvement of NPPs. Surveys were sent to adult, pediatric and affiliate CF program directors (PDs) and NPPs working in US CF programs. Results Responses were received from 108 PDs (49% pediatric, 34% adult, 17% affiliate). Overall, 53% of the 108 programs had NPPs and 70% had or planned to hire NPPs. Reasons for NPP use included ideal clinical role (75%), expansion of services (72%), and physician shortage (40%). The survey collected 73 responses from NPPs (96% NPs, 4% PAs) who worked in pediatric (49%), adult (29%), affiliate (3%), or multiple programs (19%). Training occurred on the job in 88% and from prior CF experience in 21%. NPPs provided coverage in outpatient clinics (82%), inpatient care (64%), and weekend and/or night call (22%). In addition to clinical roles, NPPs are involved in education (95%), research (81%), and leadership (55%). The major obstacle reported by PDs and NPPs was billing with only 12% of programs reporting NPP salaries covered by billing revenue alone. Salary support included hospital support (67%), billing (39%), center grant (35%), and other grant/contract (25%). NPPs bill for outpatient and inpatient care in 65% and 28% of programs, respectively. Conclusions NPPs are working with physicians in many centers and have the potential to help meet the increasing clinical workforce demands. Further evaluation of financial issues is indicated to continue the support of NPP jobs in CF. Roles and expectations need to be clearly defined. Initial and ongoing training standards and opportunities should be explored. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:398–404. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure and transformation characteristics of impurity stabilized phases on the Si(111) surface

Abstract A reversible, second order surface phase transformation between the Si(111)−7 structure and a stable Si(111)−1 structure takes place in the temperature range of 865–890°C. Owing to the large difference in LEED intensity of first order diffracted beams from the two phases, the intensity is a very sensitive and rapidly responding measure of the surface state. A study of intensity, at constant temperature in the transformation range, disclosed fluctuations having a maximum amplitude in the middle of the transformation range. The fluctuations are invariably in the direction of increasing intensity, though never exceeding the intensity characteristic of the high temperature state. The time duration of the fluctuations is of the order of seconds and the fluctuations can be ascribed to impurities of similar life-time on the surface. These impurities are generated at microscopic points of high contact-resistance between the crystal and the tantalum current leads. The effect of a particular impurity was demonstrated by the deliberate addition of chlorine to the surface. The fluctuations, which are observed only in the transformation range, appear to possess characteristics of phenomena associated with the critical point of a second-order phase transformation and, as such, require further study. The high temperature 1 × 1 phase can be retained at room temperature by rapid cooling of the high temperature phase with adsorbed chlorine. A chlorine concentration of ≈ 4–5 % monolayer is necessary to maintain the high temperature phase in a metastable state at room temperature. The small chlorine concentration associated with the Si(111)1−(≈ 4–5 % Cl) structure at room temperature presumably does not contribute significantly to the observed LEED intensities and thereby permits a detailed study of intensity-voltage profiles of the stable 1× 1 structure. The surface structure of the quenched phase, Si(111)−1 (≈ 4−5% Cl), has been determined from the LEED intensity data interpreted with a single-scattering kinematic model. The resultant structure is an unreconstructed silicon surface with a slight contraction of the bond distance (≈4%) between a surface silicon atom and its next nearest neighbors. The similarity between the LEED intensity data for the high temperature 1×1 phase and the quenched room temperature structure suggests that at elevated temperatures, ≈ 900 °C and above, the unreconstructed surface is the stable equilibrium configuration. The mechanism by which chlorine impurities stabilize this structure down to room temperature is unknown, but their presence is necessary. The possibility that other impurities can stabilize this phase at room temperature is considered likely.
Trends in the BVDV serological response in the Upper Midwest.

Bovine viral diarrhoea continues to be an important disease affecting both beef and dairy animals of all ages. One of the quickest means of measuring bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) exposure and infection in the herd is a serum neutralization (SN) assay. Type 1 and type 2 BVDV SN results from the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at South Dakota State University were collected over a seven-year period (1995-2001) to determine any trends. These results indicated that in 1996, 31% of the animals had titres > or =512 while in 2001, 74% of the titres were > or = 512. There has been a progressive increase over the seven-year period in the number of cases with titres > or = 512 with the exception of 1999 when there was a slight decrease. When analyzing the titres greater than 512, a further increase was seen. In 1995, 80% of the titres were 2048. In 2001, 47% of the antibody levels were 4096. The most dramatic increase in titres occurred in 1997 and the percentage of animals with titres from 512-8192 has remained fairly constant for the last five years (1997-2001). This increase is in part due to more extensive use of vaccination but probably also reflects a rise in field infections. In the future, standardizing existing BVDV SN serology along with developing new BVDV serology methods is necessary to provide continuity for any full-scale eradication programme.
The validity of the information and vocabulary subtests of the WAIS

Performed an analysis of published data on the WAIS to ascertain whether the highly reliable Information and Vocabulary subtests can function as measures of intelligence in their own right. The median criterion-related validity coefficients of these two subtests were found to be 0.38. The Verbal and Full Scale IQs had median validity coefficients that surprisingly were not appreciably higher (.41 and 0.38, respectively). It was concluded that the addition of more WAIS subtests to a battery that already includes Information or Vocabulary will not result in any increase in predictive validity and that these additional tests, therefore, lack incremental validity.
A Novel Approach: Using Fiction by African American Women to Teach Black Women's History

The idea of using literature in the history classroom is not new. In a recent class I experimented with this methodology, exploring how literary works could be used to examine the intersections of race, class, and gender (along with skin color and even hair texture) in African American women's experiences in the United States.' The students in this small class were primarily seniors, and roughly 70 percent were African American women. The remaining 30 percent included a single African American male, and male and female students of European descent. The majority of the students had taken courses in either black studies or African American history, so most entered the course with at least a baseline knowledge of African American history. The summer and fall before teaching the course, I spent a great deal of time reading and selecting the material. I wanted works that were interesting, well written, and sophisticated but still accessible to undergraduates. I wanted to teach the course thematically but also chronologically when possible. In order to reach back into the eighteenth century, I chose to begin with an examination of The Collected Works of Phillis Wheatley, a poet who gave birth to the black female literary tradition during her short life (1753-1784). We would then move rapidly through time to land finally in the 1 990s with the popular novel by Terry McMillan, Waiting to Exhale. I initially intended that all ten books in the course be fictional, but, after agonizing for several weeks, I decided to include several nonfiction works as well. These late additions seemed especially suitable for discussions of family dynamics and urban poverty, as well as black women's organizational and club involvement. Each week I began the class with a mini-lecture discussing possible themes for
Analysis of layered composite plates using a high-order deformation theory

Abstract A high-order plate bending displacement field is developed for the analysis of layered composite plates. The parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains is considered in the equation, and a mixed finite element model is introduced from the equation. The present finite element model is applied to thin and thick layered composite plate bending problems and its solutions are compared with threedimensional elasticity solutions.
Comparison of Cyclotron Resonance Width and Collision Frequency when the Scattering Force is of Short Range

The cyclotron resonance width Γ and the collision frequency ωf owe their existence to the same origin: the electronic transition among energy levels caused by the interaction between electrons and scatterers. By starting with the current correlation formulas and using the connected diagram expansion, both Γ and ωf can be calculated from one and the same collision operator in the case of an electron-impurity system. By assuming a weak Gaussian potential of a short range, it is explicitly shown that a) Γ is of the same order of magnitude as hωf and b) except in the 'extreme quantum limit' ħω0 ≫ kBT, Γ is a fraction of ħωf and levels off to about 1/4 ħωf.
Chaos game visualization of sequences

Abstract Iterated function systems can be used to produce a representation of complex images. It was recently shown that one can produce visual representation of the structure of long (2–100 K) sequences by reversing the IFS technique, using a fixed set of affine maps and having map selection controlled by the sequence. The resulting Chaos Game Representation (CGR) is a 1-1 map between plotted points and subsequences. Nonuniformity of distribution of subsequences produces nonuniformity in the CGR. The CGR is a picture of the sequence, often with visually striking features corresponding to sets of subsequences, thus a new set of questions and areas of investigation. This paper presents the technique, several examples using DNA sequences as examples of nonrandom sequences whose structure is of great independent interest, algorithms for approximating arbitrarily closely subsequences corresponding to observable features of the CGR, and a description of a program based on these algorithms that has useful for exploring features of CGRs. Finally, several extensions to the basic CGR algorithm are proposed.
Definitions and descriptions of networking tools

This paper provides a comprehensive description of intercomputer communications. The description includes: types of cabling, methods of cabling, network types, hardware employed in networks, software used to operate networks, protocols, file servers, and managers and vendors. A description of the design, development, implementation, and use of a system at a relatively small private institution is also provided.
Helium bubble growth at BCC twist grain boundaries

Abstract We study the growth of helium bubbles in α-Fe at low angle twist grain boundaries and in bulk using molecular dynamics and Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations. We describe the pressures and volumes of the helium bubbles and analyze the maximum pressure a bubble can sustain before emitting interstitial loops. We give a quantitative analysis of how these emitted loops behave differently in the bulk and at the grain boundary.
Screening Emergency Department Patients for Under-immunized Adolescents

Among 200 adolescents presenting to an emergency department in a city with high vaccination coverage, 11 (6%) were seronegative to rubella or varicella. Seronegative adolescents were older and more likely to be immigrants. ED screening for under-immunized adolescents may have a low yield in settings with high vaccine coverage.
Craniotopic defects of smooth pursuit and saccadic eye movement

I recorded smooth pursuit and saccadic eye movements in six patients with unilateral cerebral infarction. By comparing responses within the hemiranges of eye position to the right and left of the orbital midline and in rightward and leftward directions, I quantified craniotopic and directional ocular motor deficits. Two patients had ipsiversive gaze deviation and severe craniotopic defects in which they could not generate smooth pursuit or saccadic eye movement into the contralateral orbital hemirange. Three patients without gaze deviation generated worse smooth pursuit in the contralateral hemirange than in the ipsilateral hemirange, but each had symmetric saccades according to eye position. All patients with craniotopic pursuit defects also had directional smooth tracking asymmetries in which eye velocities were lower for targets moving ipsilaterally than for targets moving contralaterally. Craniotopic and directional defects were associated with damage in the frontal eye field region. Orbital position is taken into account by cerebral circuits that govern smooth pursuit and saccades.
Biometric identification via an oculomotor plant mathematical model

There has been increased interest in reliable, non-intrusive methods of biometric identification due to the growing emphasis on security and increasing prevalence of identity theft. This paper presents a new biometric approach that involves an estimation of the unique oculomotor plant (OP) or eye globe muscle parameters from an eye movement trace. These parameters model individual properties of the human eye, including neuronal control signal, series elasticity, length tension, force velocity, and active tension. These properties can be estimated for each extraocular muscle, and have been shown to differ between individuals. We describe the algorithms used in our approach and the results of an experiment with 41 human subjects tracking a jumping dot on a screen. Our results show improvement over existing eye movement biometric identification methods. The technique of using Oculomotor Plant Mathematical Model (OPMM) parameters to model the individual eye provides a number of advantages for biometric identification: it includes both behavioral and physiological human attributes, is difficult to counterfeit, non-intrusive, and could easily be incorporated into existing biometric systems to provide an extra layer of security.
Creating an automatic question answering text skimming system for non-visual readers

This poster describes an approach to creating a system that will allow blind, low vision, dyslexic, and other non-visual readers to skim through documents for answers to questions. The ultimate goal is a system that gives the users information similar to that which a sighted individual obtains while skimming through a document for an answer to a question. To create this system, we will be incorporating open domain question answering (QA) techniques, word clustering techniques, and data gathered from visual readers skimming through documents. Ultimately the system will take a question and a text document and return a list of rated links that suggest where the answers within a document are likely to be located. This poster focuses on results of data gathered from individuals skimming through documents.
NON–AIDS-DEFINING CANCERS

As the AIDS epidemic advances, the spectrum of malignancies encountered is expanding. Several non-AIDS-defining cancers are seen in increased incidence in HIV-infected patients. These include basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, Hodgkin's disease, seminoma, and pediatric leiomyosarcoma. There appears to be an emerging role for various concurrent viral infections in the HIV-infected host that are likely implicated in the pathogenesis of AIDS-related neoplasms. It will be important to track the epidemiologic and biologic features of non-AIDS cancers in HIV-infected patients. It is likely that further clues about malignant transformation and oncogenesis unraveled in this setting will have broader clinical implications.
Corporate Taxation and the Financial Characteristics of Firms

This article provides estimates of the effects of corporate taxation on the financial characteristics of firms. For a large number of corporations the corporate tax is voluntary, as they have the choice of operating as an S corporation—a pass-through entity similar to a partnership. Given that firms appear to volunteer to pay an additional tax, this article examines the behavior of firms to identify the relationship between their choice to be subject to the corporate tax and tax minimizing strategies. Analyzing firms with positive and negative income separately, the results suggest that the probability a firm has chosen to be taxable increases with firm size and with activity consistent with mitigating both the corporate and individual tax on corpo rate income. In addition, there is strong evidence that the additional administrative burden caused by a lack of conformity between state and federal tax treatment of S corporations provides a significant disincentive to the use of pass-through corporations.
A combinatorial algorithm for minimizing the number of states of a deterministic finite automation

In this paper, we present an algorithm for producing the specifications of an equivalent minimal-state deterministic finite automation over a given alphabet, given the specifications of some deterministic finite-state automation over the same alphabet. The algorithm has been designed to be converted into formal code, and has been used as a programming tool in developing applications software, particularly in the area of compiler construction.
The Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 Requires a Cofactor to Activate Transcriptionally the Human BAX Promoter

An important regulator of the proapoptotic BAX is the tumor suppressor protein p53. Unlike the p21 gene, in which p53-dependent transcriptional activation is mediated by a response element containing two consensus p53 half-sites, it previously was reported that activation of the BAX element by p53 requires additional sequences. Here, it is demonstrated that the minimal BAX response element capable of mediating p53-dependent transcriptional activation consists of two p53 half-sites plus an adjacent 6 base pairs (5'-GGGCGT-3'). This GC-rich region constitutes a "GC box" capable both of binding members of the Sp family of transcription factors, including Sp1 in vitro, and of conferring Sp1-dependent transcriptional activation on a minimal promoter in cells. Mutations within this GC box abrogated the ability of p53 to activate transcription without affecting the affinity of p53 for its binding site, demonstrating that these 6 bases are required for p53-dependent activation. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the ability of p53 to activate transcription in cells and the ability of Sp1 to bind this response element in vitro. Mutations that inhibited Sp1 binding also blocked the ability of p53 to activate transcription through this element. Together, these results suggest a model in which p53 requires the cooperation of Sp1 or a Sp1-like factor to mediate transcriptional activation of the human BAX promoter.
Affecting Public Policy: What Is a Scientist to Do?

Having spent the past year serving as AGU's Congressional Science Fellow in the office of U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.), I had ample opportunity to ponder the question of what role (if any) scientists should play in developing public policy. One part of this question is easy to answer. Scientists do have a role, and they should not shy away from it. Scientists, like everyone else, are affected by public policies, and therefore they have an interest in ensuring that the best possible policies are enacted.
Fumbling the Future, Again

With more than 4 billion cell phones in the world, with growth that exceeds that of desktops and laptops, and with a total cost of ownership that makes cell phones affordable to more of the world than a PC will ever be, the market is responding. Yet the cell phone industry, governments, and researchers seemingly have little interest in cell phone security. We must start building security into cell phones to avoid fumbling the future.
A MODEL OF MARKETING INFORMATION FLOW : What Creatives Obtain and Want to Know from Clients

From an extensive literature review, we created a model of client-agency marketing information sharing, identifying five major failure points that can prevent critical marketing information from reaching creative staffers. We identified six specific types of marketing information (target audience demographic profile, customer product usage information, client's product performance information, competitors' product performance information, marketing strategy information, and a main selling point supplied by the client) that are considered critical to the creation of effective advertising. Using a "knowledge gap" analysis in a national survey of creative directors, copywriters, and art directors (N = 583), we demonstrate the existence of critical gaps where vital information often does not reach creative staffers. The lack of significant differences among creatives at different levels within agencies for how often information is provided imparted evidence that internal agency communication, or agency politi...
Performance Verification Testing for HET Wide-field Upgrade Tracker in the Laboratory

To enable the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX), the McDonald Observatory (MDO) and the Center for Electro-mechanics (CEM) at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a new HET tracker in support of the Wide-Field Upgrade (WFU) and the Visible Integral-Field Replicable Unit Spectrograph (VIRUS). The precision tracker is required to maintain the position of a 3,100 kg payload within ten microns of its desired position relative to the telescope’s primary mirror. The hardware system to accomplish this has ten precision controlled actuators. Prior to installation on the telescope, full performance verification is required of the completed tracker in CEM’s lab, without a primary mirror or the telescope’s final instrument package. This requires the development of a laboratory test stand capable of supporting the completed tracker over its full range of motion, as well as means of measurement and methodology that can verify the accuracy of the tracker motion over full travel (4m diameter circle, 400 mm deep, with 9 degrees of tip and tilt) at a cost and schedule in keeping with the HET WFU requirements. Several techniques have been evaluated to complete this series of tests including: photogrammetry, laser tracker, autocollimator, and a distance measuring interferometer, with the laser tracker ultimately being identified as the most viable method. The design of the proposed system and its implementation in the lab is presented along with the test processes, predicted accuracy, and the basis for using the chosen method * .
Toxicologic studies on 2,4-dichlorophenyl-p-nitrophenyl ether.

Abstract Studies on 2,4-dichlorophenyl- p -nitrophenyl ether (TOK ® , a new selective herbicide, were undertaken in several animal species to characterize its toxicity. In rats, the single po LD50 ± SD value for technical grade TOK (95%) was 2.63 ± 0.13 g/kg as compared to 3.58 ± 0.14 g/kg for 100% TOK. It did not produce skin irritation in rabbits or cutaneous sensitization in guinea pigs. Rats on dietary levels of 100 and 500 ppm for 13 wk, and on 10, 100, and 1000 ppm for 97 wk, showed no definite differences in growth, feed consumption, and mortality, as compared to respective controls. In the 13-wk study in rats, liver-to-body weight ratios at all dietary levels of TOK, except for males on 100 ppm, were significantly higher. Kidney ratios were elevated for female rats on 12,500 ppm and above and for male rats on 2,500 and 12,500 ppm. In the 97-wk study, organ-tobody weight ratios showed significant increases for kidneys and liver for male rats only on the 1000 ppm diet. No dose-related effects were noted on hemograms, urinary findings, and in microscopic examination of tissues in both the subchronic and chronic studies. In a 2-yr study in dogs given 20, 200, and 2000 ppm diets, no adverse trends were noted on growth, feed consumption, hematology, urinary findings, BSP, SGOT, SAP, BUN, and histopathologic findings. Significantly higher liver-to-body weight ratios appeared only in dogs on the 2000 ppm diet. Three-generation reproduction studies in rats throughout 2 mating cycles revealed no adverse trends in fertility, gestation, viability, and lactation indices for rats on 10 and 100 ppm diets; however, 1000 ppm diet affected the incidence of stillbirths and decreased pup survival, to a point where no pups were available for the F 1b generation, and 100 ppm caused some increase in stillbirths. Overall, in these studies, the highest no-effect level found was 10 ppm.
Expression profiling reveals alternative macrophage activation and impaired osteogenesis in periprosthetic osteolysis

Interactions between periprosthetic cells and prosthetic wear debris have been recognized as an important event in the development of osteolysis and aseptic loosening. Although the ability of wear debris to activate pro-inflammatory macrophage signaling has been documented, the full repertoire of macrophage responses to wear particles has not been established. Here, we examined the involvement of alternative macrophage activation and defective osteogenic signaling in osteolysis. Using real-time RT-PCR analysis of periprosthetic soft tissue from osteolysis patients, we detected elevated levels of expression of alternative macrophage activation markers (CHIT1, CCL18), chemokines (IL8, MIP1 alpha) and markers of osteoclast precursor cell differentiation and multinucleation (Cathepsin K, TRAP, DC-STAMP) relative to osteoarthritis controls. The presence of cathepsin K positive multinuclear cells was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Reduced expression levels of the osteogenic signaling components BMP4 and FGF18 were detected. Expression levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and RANKL were unchanged, while the anti-osteoclastogenic cytokine OPG was reduced in osteolysis patients, resulting in elevated RANKL:OPG ratios. In vitro studies confirmed the role of particulate debris in alternative macrophage activation and inhibition of osteogenic signaling. Taken together, these results suggest involvement in osteolysis of alternative macrophage activation, accompanied by elevated levels of various chemokines. Increased recruitment and maturation of osteoclast precursors is also observed, as is reduced osteogenesis. These findings provide new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of osteolysis, and identify new potential candidate markers for disease progression and therapeutic targeting.