cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Site Susceptibility to Leaching by H2SO4 in Acid Rainfall

One of the major concerns about the terrestrial effects of acid rainfall has been the leaching of nutrient cations from forest soils and the consequences of this to forest growth. A concept that has proven useful in assessing soil leaching due to acid rainfall and many other manipulations is that of anion mobility in the soil2,3,4. This concept does not consider cation exchange reactions directly, but the sum of cations must balance the sum of anions, in meq/1, in the soil solution. Total ionic leaching can, therefore, be described by anion flux alone. Although much more basic research has been devoted to cation adsorption and exchange than to anion adsorption and exchange, the anion mobility concept has proven very valuable in explaining soil leaching processes in both undisturbed and disturbed condition2,3,4.
Periarteritis in Rats Given Single Injection of 4′-Fluoro-10-methyl-1,2-benzanthracene.∗

Summary1. A single subcutaneous injection of 2.14 mg of 4′-fluoro-10-methyl-1,2-benzanthracene in albino rats produced a severe and fatal periarteritis in 4 to 8 weeks. Similar lesions were seen after injection of one-half as much of this hydrocarbon, but they developed more slowly. Equivalent levels of 10-methyl-1,2-benzanthracene or the solvent alone were ineffective. 2. The most severe lesions were observed in pulmonary arteries; this finding is in accord with the cyanotic conditions of some rats. Hyaline necrotic lesions were observed in renal arterioles and glomerular capillaries. 3. A possible immunological basis for these lesions is discussed.
Numerical Modeling of Single-Pulse Gasdynamics and Performance of Pulse Detonation Rocket Engines

Pulse detonation rocket engines (PDREs) offer potential performance improvements over conventional designs bu tr epresent a challenging modeling task. A quasi-one-dimensional, finite rate chemistry computational fluid dynamics model for PDREs is described and implemented. Four different PDRE geometries are evaluated in this work: a baseline detonation tube, a detonation tube with a straight extension, and a detonation tube with two types of converging/diverging (CD) nozzles. The effect of extension length and CD nozzle area ratio on the single-pulse gasdynamics and performance of a PDRE is studied over a wide range of blowdown pressure ratios (1‐1000). The results indicate that a CD nozzle is generally more effective than a straight extension in improving PDRE performance, particularly at higher pressure ratios. Additionally, the results show that the blowdown process of the CD nozzle systems could be beneficially cut off well before the pressure at the endwall reaches the ambient value. The single-pulse performance results are also compared to some recent experimental measurements as well as a steady-state rocket system using similar modeling assumptions.
Birth order as a factor in presidential selection and performance

Abstract Birth order has long been assumed to have an impact on people's behavior, with first borns normally believed to differ from later borns in achievement motivation, and the like. This essay explores the relationship between birth order and presidential selection and performance. Generally, an analysis of American presidents suggests that birth order has rather little impact on the selection of a president and on the performance of a president once in office.
Millimeter‐wave spectroscopy of MgF: Structure and bonding in alkaline–earth monofluoride radicals

The pure rotational spectrum of the MgF radical in its ground electronic state (X 2Σ+) has been recorded using millimeter/submillimeter direct absorption techniques. Transitions arising from the v=0, 1, 2, and 3 vibrational modes of the main magnesium isotopic species, 24MgF, have been observed. In addition, spectra of the isotopomers 26MgF and 25MgF in the natural abundances of magnesium have been detected. Rotational and fine structure constants have been determined for these species, as well as hyperfine parameters for the fluorine nucleus (I=1/2). For 25MgF, the hyperfine structure was also resolved arising from the magnesium nucleus, which has I=5/2, yielding the 25Mg hyperfine and quadrupole constants. Comparison of these hyperfine parameters with those of the heavier alkaline–earth monofluorides and the free 25Mg+ atom suggests that there is an increase in covalent bonding in MgF vs its heavier fluoride counterparts. This behavior is also apparent in the hybridization of the wave function of the un...
Guided-mode resonance elements fabricated by microcontact printing method

Guided-mode resonance devices fabricated by microcontact printing methods are described. This fabrication process using elastomeric molds and UV curable polymers is simple and cost-effective. Initial results provide resonant elements useful in sensor applications.
Reduced dipsogenic responsiveness to intracerebroventricularly administered angiotensin II in estrogen-treated rats.

Abstract Chronic administration of two doses of estradiol benzoate (30 and 46 μg/kg/day) reduced the drinking response to acute administration of either isoproterenol (25 μg/kg, s.c.), the β-adrenergic agonist, or angiotensin II (Ang II) (200 μg/kg, s.c.). The drinking response to intracerebroventricular administration of Ang II (40 ng/kg), but not carbachol (800 ng/kg), was also attenuated in estrogen-treated rats. An assessment of the Ang II binding in a diencephalic block of tissue from estrogen-treated rats revealed a significant reduction compared to untreated controls. The results suggest, but do not prove, that the reduced drinking response observed in estrogen-treated rats may be related to a reduction in the number of Ang II receptors in the brain.
A multivariate indexing system for hygiene in relation to the risk of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in chickens

Abstract An indexing system for hygiene variables was developed using data collected on chicken flocks in Southern California. Thirteen risk factors related to hygiene were analyzed with stepwise multiple logistic regression to develop a model combining information on factors significantly associated with the risk of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection. The index was constructed from variables found in the model from random subsamples of 70 and 50% of the study population and was cross-validated on the remaining 30 and 50% of the samples respectively. The index correctly identified 91 and 90% of the infected flocks in the remaining 30 and 50% of the subsamples respectively.
Adaptation and Coping in Childhood and Adolescence for those at Risk for Depression in Emerging Adulthood

Emerging adulthood is a time of great possibility and of considerable risk. This qualitative study explored the adaptation and coping strategies used over time by twenty-five emerging adults. Respondents were selected from a longitudinal community study cohort of 26-year-olds and had experienced adversity in early life. Participants mentioned using a variety of strategies, such as active evasion, seeking support, and “letting go,” in order to cope with difficulties. These strategies varied by context and according to respondents’ developmental level at the time of the adversity. Flexibility in understanding life circumstances and in choosing coping strategies to deal with specific adversities was noted as beneficial through childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood.
Incorporation of 18Oxygen into Peptide Mixtures and Analysis with Multi‐Dimensional Chromatography and Mass‐Spectroscopy

Abstract Enzymatic labeling with 18oxygen has the potential to become a widely applied method of isotope labeling for differential protein expression analysis by mass spectrometry because it is not amino acid specific and the reagents are cost‐effective and readily available. In this work, we investigate experimental parameters that affect efficient 18O incorporation with a model bovine serum albumin protein system and then use optimized chemistries for labeling the c‐terminus of peptides in a yeast proteome. Additionally, the role of sample handling, including the use of liquid chromatography was examined. An analytical methodology was developed which demonstrates the application of multi‐dimensional chromatography in conjunction with enzymatic labeling.
Developing a transparent shading device as a daylighting system

A transparent shading device is developed as an alternative to opaque or translucent materials. The objectives are to create a new design of transparent blinds with improved daylighting performance and to simulate its daylighting performance. The application of a triangular cross-section for the slats and the use of clear plastic and a silver reflective coating as the materials for the new blinds utilize the principles of optics in this design. A case study analyses and compares the daylighting performance of the new transparent blinds, commercially available opaque blinds, and the previously patented transparent blinds. Results from a limited simulation of the three systems indicate the interior illuminance and daylighting performance are best for the new blinds. Un dispositif pare-soleil transparent a ete mis au point comme alternative aux materiaux opaques ou translucides. Les objectifs sont de creer des stores transparents de conception nouvelle presentant des performances ameliorees en eclairage natu...
The changing structure of US agriculture and implications for research in agribusiness firms

Substantial structural changes in US agriculture have major impacts on farms and supporting agribusiness firms. These changes are reflected by a reduction in the scope of the on-farm agricultural production sector and a greater reliance on purchased technology in the form of service capital and intermediate inputs. Agribusiness firms that take advantage of growing opportunities to develop new technologies and embody them into marketable service capital will benefit from the structural changes.
Rigidity for Nonnegatively Curved Metrics on S 2 × R 3

We address the question: how large is the family of complete metricswith nonnegative sectional curvature on S 2 × R3? We classify theconnection metrics, and give several examples of nonconnection metrics.We provide evidence that the family is small by proving some rigidityresults for metrics more general than connection metrics.
Homage to Olivier Coussy

(2010). Homage to Olivier Coussy. European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 389-392.
Stable isotope geochemistry, edited by John Valley and David R. Cole, Reviews in mineralogy and geochemistry, Vol. 43 (series editors Paul H. Ribbe and Jodi J. Rosso)

Book Review: Stable Isotope Geochemistry, J. Valley, D. R. Cole. Reviews in mineralogy and geochemistry, Vol. 43 (series editors Paul H. Ribbe and Jodi J. Rosso), Mineralogical Society of America and the Geochemical Society, Washington, DC, USA (2001).
The role of endothelial activation in dengue hemorrhagic fever and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

The loss of the endothelium barrier and vascular leakage play a central role in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic fever viruses. This can be caused either directly by the viral infection and damage of the vascular endothelium, or indirectly by a dysregulated immune response resulting in an excessive activation of the endothelium. This article briefly reviews our knowledge of the importance of the disruption of the vascular endothelial barrier in two severe disease syndromes, dengue hemorrhagic fever and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Both viruses cause changes in vascular permeability without damaging the endothelium. Here we focus on our understanding of the virus interaction with the endothelium, the role of the endothelium in the induced pathogenesis, and the possible mechanisms by which each virus causes vascular leakage. Understanding the dynamics between viral infection and the dysregulation of the endothelial cell barrier will help us to define potential therapeutic targets for reducing disease severity.
Effects of β-FNA on sympathoadrenal, cardiovascular, and analgesic responses to DAMPGO at rest and during stress

Abstract To elucidate further the role of mu-opioid receptors in mediating analgesia and cardiovascular function at rest and during stress, rats were pretreated ICV with either saline (5 μl) or β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA, 5 nmol/5 μl), a noncompetitive opioid receptor antagonist that inactivates irreversibly mu receptors, 2 days prior to [D-Ala2,N MePhe4, Gly5-ol]enkephalin (DAMPGO, 1 nmol, ICV) administration. Pretreatment with β-FNA blocked DAMPGO-induced analgesia as measured by the tail-flick test. DAMPGO also produced an increase in blood pressure (BP), sympathoadrenal outflow, and a bradycardia. Pretreatment with β-FNA converted the DAMPGO-induced bradycardia to a tachycardia, significantly reduced the DAMPGO-induced increase in epinephrine by 60%, and the norepinephrine response by 45%, and attenuated mildly the increase in BP due to DAMPGO. In saline-treated rats, restraint stress evoked an increase in HR, BP, and plasma catecholamines. Pretreatment with β-FNA partially attenuated the increase in HR in response to stress. In the presence of DAMPGO, restraint stress resulted in a further bradycardia, which was significantly blocked by pretreatment with β-FNA. Stress also produced increases in BP and plasma catecholamines, which were not prevented by pretreating rats with β-FNA. These results indicate that β-FNA may not have inactivated all the receptors accessible to DAMPGO which control BP, or alternatively, β-FNA may selectively inactivate a subtype of mu receptors. In addition, brain mu opioid receptors appear to be significantly involved in mediating supraspinal analgesia and regulating parasympathetic outflow to the heart and sympathoadrenal release of catecholamines.
Masked repetition priming effects on naming in aphasia: A Phase I treatment study

Background: It has been suggested that lexical access deficits in aphasia may be the result of impaired automatic activation of the networks that support language processing, a system that operates implicitly, outside conscious awareness. This raises the question of whether there might be a way to address rebuilding these implicit networks directly, rather than through the explicit treatment protocols that are typical of aphasia therapy. Masked priming is one method by which the language system can be automatically activated, while limiting or preventing the influence of conscious, explicit processing. Aims: This Phase I study was undertaken to investigate the potential effectiveness of masked repetition priming as a treatment for anomia. Methods & Procedures: This study used a single-participant, ABA, multiple-baseline repeated-probe design. A total of 22 training sessions were completed across 4 weeks. Training involved repeated presentation of masked repetition primes paired with target pictures prior ...
Exercise in Chronic Disease: Physiological Research Needed

Regular exercise training may be important for many patients with chronic disease, but research is needed to justify incorporation of exercise into their routine care. Education of health care providers on the importance of exercise is also needed to effectively pursue research and for exercise to be incorporated as a part of the health care plan.
A model for the dry deposition of particles to natural water surfaces

Abstract More realistic estimates of the deposition velocity, for aerosol particle deposition on natural water surfaces, are obtained by modifying earlier resistance models to include the effects of wave breaking and spray formation in high winds and particle growth in the humid regions near the air/water interface. Both processes act to enhance deposition by shunting the high transfer resistance to a smooth water surface. The result is to drastically reduce the dependence of deposition velocity on particle size; however, the deposition velocity is still substantially below the limiting value set by atmospheric turbulence.
Using 1-D 1H and 2-D 1H J-resolved NMR metabolomics to understand the effects of anemia in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Anemia is a widespread hematological disorder in vertebrates. In channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), anemia is a persistent problem in culture environments, however, its causes and physiological impacts are not well understood. To better understand the symptoms and characterize associated biomarkers of anemia, 1-D 1H and 2-D 1H J-resolved NMR were used to analyze metabolite changes in healthy and anemic channel catfish kidney and liver tissue. Additionally, standard physiological analytical techniques were used to analyze blood plasma. NMR analyses revealed energy sources such as glucose were depleted and many metabolites associated with anaerobic metabolism or alternative energy pathways such as lactate, creatine, alanine, acetate and myo-inositol had changed. Energy demanding processes were reduced, such as muscle function, as indicated by reductions in taurine and inosine, and protein synthesis. Stress and oxidative stress related metabolites changed, with increases in valine, leucine and isoleucine and decreases in glutathione. Inhibitory neurotransmitters such as 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) increased, and excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamine and glutamate generally decreased, although there were tissue-specific differences. Immune function also decreased in anemic fish. Blood analyses revealed decreased respiratory gas transport capabilities through reductions in erythrocytes and hemoglobin-markers. Taken together, these tissues and analytical techniques produced complementary results, and metabolite expression in anemic channel catfish was similar to that observed in other vertebrates exposed to anoxia, severe hypoxia or experiencing oxidative stress from deficiencies in iron homeostasis.
Algorithmic program diagnosis

The notion of program correctness with respect to an interpretation is defined for a class of programming languages. Under this definition, if a program terminates with an incorrect output then it contains an incorrect procedure. Algorithms for detecting incorrect procedures are developed. These algorithms formalize what experienced programmers may know already.A logic program implementation of these algorithms is described. Its performance suggests that the algorithms can be the backbone of debugging aids that go far beyond what is offered by current programming environments.Applications of algorithmic debugging to automatic program construction are explored.
Implementation of the morphological shared-weight neural network (MSNN) for target recognition on the Parallel Algebraic Logic (PAL) computer

The morphological shared-weight neural network (MSNN) is an effective approach to automatic target recognition. Implementation of the network in parallel is critical for real-time target recognition systems. Although there is significant parallelism inherent in the MSNN, it is a challenge to implement it on an SIMD parallel computer consisting of a large array of simple processing elements. This paper discusses issues related to detection accuracy and throughput in implementing the MSNN on the Parallel Algebraic Logic computer.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identification of a ToxR-activated gene, tagE, that lies within the accessory colonization factor gene cluster of Vibrio cholerae O395

The nucleotide (nt) sequence has been determined for a Vibrio cholerae ToxR-activated gene designated tagE that is located within a cluster of genes required for efficient intestinal colonization. The tagE gene encompasses 909 nt and is predicted to encode a 303-amino-acid (aa) protein with an estimated molecular mass of 34,468 Da. Computer-assisted similarity searches revealed that TagE possesses aa sequence similarity with Escherichia coli OrfU and Staphylococcus simulans lysostaphin, two proteins that are involved in cell-wall biosynthesis and peptidoglycan degradation, respectively. The role, if any, that TagE plays in the accessory colonization factor phenotype is currently under investigation.
Origin and Evolution of Protein Fold Designs Inferred from Phylogenomic Analysis of CATH Domain Structures in Proteomes

The spatial arrangements of secondary structures in proteins, irrespective of their connectivity, depict the overall shape and organization of protein domains. These features have been used in the CATH and SCOP classifications to hierarchically partition fold space and define the architectural make up of proteins. Here we use phylogenomic methods and a census of CATH structures in hundreds of genomes to study the origin and diversification of protein architectures (A) and their associated topologies (T) and superfamilies (H). Phylogenies that describe the evolution of domain structures and proteomes were reconstructed from the structural census and used to generate timelines of domain discovery. Phylogenies of CATH domains at T and H levels of structural abstraction and associated chronologies revealed patterns of reductive evolution, the early rise of Archaea, three epochs in the evolution of the protein world, and patterns of structural sharing between superkingdoms. Phylogenies of proteomes confirmed the early appearance of Archaea. While these findings are in agreement with previous phylogenomic studies based on the SCOP classification, phylogenies unveiled sharing patterns between Archaea and Eukarya that are recent and can explain the canonical bacterial rooting typically recovered from sequence analysis. Phylogenies of CATH domains at A level uncovered general patterns of architectural origin and diversification. The tree of A structures showed that ancient structural designs such as the 3-layer (αβα) sandwich (3.40) or the orthogonal bundle (1.10) are comparatively simpler in their makeup and are involved in basic cellular functions. In contrast, modern structural designs such as prisms, propellers, 2-solenoid, super-roll, clam, trefoil and box are not widely distributed and were probably adopted to perform specialized functions. Our timelines therefore uncover a universal tendency towards protein structural complexity that is remarkable.
Noun modification, pseudo-articles, and last resort operations in Arvantovlaxika and in Romanian☆

Abstract Since the seminal work by Cinque [Paths Towards Universal Grammar, Georgetown University Press, Washington, DC, 85], it has been widely assumed that nouns in the Romance languages, as opposed to nouns in English, raise to an intermediate projection between DP and NP thus deriving the word order difference between the English construction the illegal occupation ( of Iraq ) and the Spanish equivalent la ocupaci o n ilegal ( de Irak ) . In this paper, I compare two Balkan Romance languages: Romanian and Arvantovlaxika, a dialect of Aromanian spoken in Thessaly, Greece. Arvantovlaxika, probably because of its contact with Greek, seems to have lost its ability to move the noun. The purpose of this paper is to study the consequences of such a loss with regards to modification by different types of adjectives and to the different realizations of the definite article in both languages. Because of the syntactic similarity that exists between Arvantovlaxika and Romanian, these two languages offer fertile ground for the study of microvariation. Different types of adjectives will be considered: descriptive adjectives, cardinal adjectives, demonstratives, ordinal adjectives and, finally, superlative adjectives. Following Giusti [Functional Structure in DP and IP, Oxford University Press, New York, 54] and the minimalist framework of Chomsky [Step by Step: Essays on Minimalist Syntax in Honor of Howard Lasnik, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 89; Ken Hale: A Life in Language, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1], it will be argued that the realization of the enclitic definite article both in Arvantovlaxika and in Romanian as well as the realization of cel in Romanian are last resort operations, necessary to carry out the checking of a φ-features and an EPP feature on D. Some further consequences regarding the generation of ordinal adjectives and the hierarchy of adjectives proposed by Cinque [Paths Towards Universal Grammar, Georgetown University Press, Washington, DC, 85] and Bruge [Categorie Funzionali del Nome Nelle Lingue Romanze, Cisalpino, Milano] will be explored.
The onset of collagen synthesis in sea urchin embryos.

Abstract In Arbacia punctulata and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus , two species of sea urchins, collagen synthesis begins during gastrulation and increases manyfold before reaching a plateau in the late pluteus stage. A collagen extraction method involving treatment with 0.1 M NaOH and hot 10% trichloroacetic acid provided the basis for a sensitive assay of collagen synthesis.
Meta-modeling and benefit transfer: the empirical relevance of source-consistency in welfare measures.

A common assumption within the meta-analysis and benefit transfer literature is that the validity of benefit predictions depends on the utility-theoretic consistency of welfare measures in underlying source studies. However, to date there exists little evidence as to the empirical relevance of this proposition in terms of the accuracy or efficiency of predicted benefits. Using Bayesian Model Search techniques we examine whether different portions of metadata, distinguished by underlying welfare construct, share common willingness-to-pay distributions. Applying our algorithm to two separate meta-datasets we find strong evidence of information sharing across welfare categories for a large subset of contexts. For cases where information sharing is indicated, substantial efficiency gains in predicted benefits can be achieved by pooling the underlying data.
High-pressure thermodynamic, electronic and magnetic properties of Ni

The thermodynamic, electronic and magnetic properties of Ni at high pressures have been calculated using the ab initio pseudopotential plane-wave method and the density-functional theory. The P-V-T equation of state is obtained from the Helmholtz free energy of the crystal in the quasiharmonic approximation. The pressure dependence of the thermal expansion coefficient, bulk modulus, electronic band structure, phonon spectrum and the magnetic moment are presented. The calculated results are in good agreement with the available experiment measurements.
Isolation and characterization of adenovirus-associated VA RNAs of human adenovirus type 7 ☆

Two genes for virus-associated VA RNAs in the human adenovirus type 7 (Ad7) genome are compared to Ad2, Ad4, Ad5, simian VA RNAs, and pol III transcripts of Epstein-Barr virus. The newly identified VA RNA-encoding genes of Ad7 contain two relatively conserved intragenic promoter (elements A and B), the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PK) active site-binding domain and transcriptional terminators. The conserved features extend to the VA RNA genes of simian and avian origin.
Preparing Fourth‐Year Medical Students to Teach During Internship

Interns are expected to teach medical students, yet there is little formal training in medical school to prepare them for this role. To enhance the teaching skills of our graduating students we initiated a 4-hour “teaching to teach” course as part of the end of the fourth-year curriculum. Course evaluations demonstrate that students strongly support this program (overall ratings 2000 to 2005: mean=4.4 [scale 1 to 5], n=224). When 2004 course participants were surveyed during the last month of their internship, 84% “agree” or “strongly agree” with the statement: “The teaching to teach course helped prepare me for my role as a teacher during internship” (2005: mean 4.2 [scale 1 to 5], n=45, response rate 60%). A course preparing fourth-year students to teach during internship is both feasible and reproducible, with a minimal commitment of faculty and resident time. Participants identify it as an important addition to their education and as useful during internship.
Gutzwiller projection for bosons

We apply Gutzwiller's variational method to the interacting Bose lattice gas. In contrast with the Fermi case, the Gutzwiller wave function for bosons can be treated with no further approximation in several limits. Furthermore, this wave function can be shown to be exact for large dimensionality, and also in arbitrary dimension for suitably chosen short-range interactions. At densities commensurate with the lattice, a superfluid-insulator transition is found. These results are compared with the fermionic case, and are applied to several interacting-boson systems.
A decade of hospital discharges related to eosinophilic esophagitis.

ABSTRACTEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a recently characterized chronic, allergic, gastrointestinal disorder. Using the Pediatric Health Information System, we report trends in diagnostic codes related to EoE in inpatients from 1999 through 2010. Esophagitis not elsewhere classifiable, EoE, and d
The Effect of Bone Cell Stimulatory Factors Can be Measured with Thymidine Incorporation Only Under Specific Conditions

This study examines the efficacy of using radiolabeled thymidine as a measure of bone cell DNA synthesis. The effect of a bone-active peptide on cell proliferation is assessed under different labeling conditions and it is shown that the apparent stimulation in DNA synthesis is due to an increase in participating cells and not to labeling artifacts. In another series of experiments we demonstrate how the use of carrier-free thymidine can cause erroneous results. From these data it is shown that only 10–28% of the cells in culture are participating in DNA synthesis. Therefore, under specific conditions, a 100% stimulation in thymidine incorporation by a mitogenic factor can be caused by as little as a 10% increase in the number of DNA synthesizing cells.
Inverse homogenization for evaluation of effective properties of a mixture

The paper deals with indirect evaluation of the effective thermal or hydraulic conductivity of a random mixture of two different materials from the known effective complex permittivity of the same mixture. The method is based on deriving information about the microstructure of the composite from measurements of its effective properties; we call this approach inverse homogenization. This structural information is contained in the spectral measure in the Stieltjes representation of the effective complex permittivity. The spectral measure can be reconstructed from effective measurements and used to estimate other effective properties of the same material. We introduce S-equivalence of the geometric structures corresponding to the same spectral measure, and show that the microstructures of different mixtures can be distinguished by the homogenized measurements up to the introduced equivalence. We show that the identification problem for the spectral function has a unique solution, however, the problem is extremely ill-posed. Several stabilization techniques are discussed such as quadratically constrained minimization and reconstruction in the class of functions of bounded variation. The approach is applicable to porous media, biological materials, artificial composites and other heterogeneous materials in which the scale of microstructure is much smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal.
Reduced glucose availability attenuates circadian responses to light in mice

To test whether circadian responses to light are modulated by decreased glucose availability, we analyzed photic phase resetting of the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity in mice exposed to fou...
Abnormal glutamate homeostasis and impaired synaptic plasticity and learning in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex.

Mice with inactivation of the Tuberous sclerosis complex-1 (Tsc1) gene in glia (Tsc1GFAPCKO mice) have deficient astrocyte glutamate transporters and develop seizures, suggesting that abnormal glutamate homeostasis contributes to neurological abnormalities in these mice. We examined the hypothesis that Tsc1GFAPCKO mice have elevated extracellular brain glutamate levels that may cause neuronal death, abnormal glutamatergic synaptic function, and associated impairments in behavioral learning. In vivo microdialysis documented elevated glutamate levels in hippocampi of Tsc1GFAPCKO mice and several cell death assays demonstrated neuronal death in hippocampus and neocortex. Impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP) with tetanic stimulation was observed in hippocampal slices from Tsc1GFAPCKO mice and was reversed by low concentrations of NMDA antagonist, indicating that excessive synaptic glutamate directly inhibited LTP. Finally, Tsc1GFAPCKO mice exhibited deficits in two hippocampal-dependent learning paradigms. These results suggest that abnormal glutamate homeostasis predisposes to excitotoxic cell death, impaired synaptic plasticity and learning deficits in Tsc1GFAPCKO mice.
A linguistic analysis engine for natural language use case description and its application to dependability analysis in industrial use cases

We present 1) a novel linguistic engine made of configurable linguistic components for understanding natural language use case specification; and 2) results of the first of a kind large scale experiment of application of linguistic techniques to industrial use cases. Requirement defects are well known to have adverse effects on dependability of software systems. While formal techniques are often cited as a remedy for specification errors, natural language remains the predominant mode for specifying requirements. Therefore, for dependable system development, a natural language processing technique is required that can translate natural language textual requirements into validation ready computer models. In this paper, we present the implementation details of such a technique and the results of applying a prototype implementation of our technique to 80 industrial and academic use case descriptions. We report on the accuracy and effectiveness of our technique. The results of our experiment are very encouraging.
A cross-layer approach for power-performance optimization in distributed mobile systems

The next generation of mobile systems with multimedia processing capabilities and wireless connectivity will be increasingly deployed in highly dynamic and distributed environments for multimedia playback and delivery (e.g. video streaming, multimedia conferencing). The challenge is to meet the heavy resource demands of multimedia applications under the stringent energy, computational, and bandwidth constraints of mobile systems, while constantly adapting to the global state changes of the distributed environment. In this paper, we present our initiatives under the FORGE framework to address the issue of delivering high quality multimedia content in mobile environments. In order to cope with the resource intensive nature of multimedia applications and dynamically changing global state (e.g. node mobility, network congestion), an end-to-end approach to QoS aware power optimization is required. We present a framework for coordinating energy optimizing strategies across various layers of system implementation and functionality and discuss techniques that can be employed to achieve energy gains for mobile multimedia systems.
Blind Optimization for Exploiting Hardware Features

Software systems typically exploit only a small fraction of the realizable performance from the underlying microprocessors. While there has been much work on hardware-aware optimizations, two factors limit their benefit. First, microprocessors are so complex that it is unlikely that even an aggressively optimizing compiler will be able to satisfy all the constraints necessary to obtain the best performance. Thus, most optimizations use a simplified model of the hardware (e.g., they may be cache-aware but they may ignore other hardware structures, such as TLBs, etc.). Second, hardware manufacturers do not reveal all details of their microprocessors so even if the authors of optimizations wanted to simultaneously optimize for all components of the hardware, they may be unable to do so because they are working with limited knowledge. This paper presents and evaluates our blind optimization approach which provides a way to get around these issues. Blind optimization uses the insight that we can generate many variants of an application by altering semantic preserving parameters of an application; for example our variants can cover the space of code and data layout by shifting the positions of code and data in memory. Our optimization strategy attempts to find a variant that performs well with respect to an optimization objective. We show that even our first implementation of blind optimization speeds up a number of programs from the SPECint 2006 benchmark suite.
Prophylactic Defibrillator Implantation in Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

background Patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy are at substantial risk for sudden death from cardiac causes. However, the value of prophylactic implantation of an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) to prevent sudden death in such patients is unknown. methods We enrolled 458 patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 36 percent, and premature ventricular complexes or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. A total of 229 patients were randomly assigned to receive standard medical therapy, and 229 to receive standard medical therapy plus a single-chamber ICD. results Patients were followed for a mean (±SD) of 29.0±14.4 months. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 21 percent. The vast majority of patients were treated with angiotensin-converting–enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (86 percent) and beta-blockers (85 percent). There were 68 deaths: 28 in the ICD group, as compared with 40 in the standard-therapy group (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.40 to 1.06; P=0.08). The mortality rate at two years was 14.1 percent in the standard-therapy group (annual mortality rate, 7 percent) and 7.9 percent in the ICD group. There were 17 sudden deaths from arrhythmia: 3 in the ICD group, as compared with 14 in the standardtherapy group (hazard ratio, 0.20; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.06 to 0.71; P=0.006). conclusions In patients with severe, nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy who were treated with ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, the implantation of a cardioverter–defibrillator significantly reduced the risk of sudden death from arrhythmia and was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in the risk of death from any cause.
A Shift in Set: Examining the Presence of Agenda Setting on Twitter During the 2012 London Olympics

The purpose of this study was to determine whether agenda setting was present on Twitter during the 2012 London Olympics. In order to analyze the presence of agenda setting, tweets from the @London...
Growth Machines and Ballot Box Planning: The San Diego Case

: Growth machine theory is ambiguous about the chances of success of citizen groups fighting land-based elites, an ambiguity reflected in contrasting theoretical assumptions and empirical research. This paper suggests that a longitudinal frame of reference is necessary to understand the variety of outcomes of growth conflicts and that the importance of ballot box planning in contesting growth machines needs to be assessed. Growth conflicts in San Diego during 1970–1990 were studied. It was found that: (1) growth conflicts follow a dialectical pattern of action and reaction, (2) citizen groups, through initiatives, can significantly affect the quality and location of development, (J) the growth machine controls the playing field when long-term growth is challenged, (4) in combatting challenges to growth, the growth machine presents a united front only sporadically, and (5) environmental and growth control citizen groups rarely achieve consensus.
Adaptation and maladaptation: factors that influence the resilience of four Alaskan fisheries governed by durable entitlements

Sustainability of fisheries and fishery-dependent communities depends largely on the intrinsic characteristics of social, economic, and legal systems that determine who is allowed to fish and how fishing takes place. That is, fisheries sustainability is not a biological problem, it is a social problem. Social factors that contribute to or detract from sustainability are illustrated in four Alaskan fisheries as they have evolved over time. Each fishery has come to be managed under durable entitlements (DEs) in terms of their participation. DE programmes, such as limited entry permits and individual or community fishing quotas, can increase profitability and help fishers adapt to modest adverse changes in stock abundance, ex-vessel prices, or input costs, but the design characteristics of some DE programmes makes them vulnerable to larger perturbations. Moreover, although DE programmes increase choice and therefore resilience from the perspective of individuals, they can increase or decrease the resilience of fishery-dependent communities.
Mutations of Cxorf6 Cause a Range of Severities of Hypospadias

Abstract Purpose Mutations in CXorf6, a recently-described candidate gene involved in the development of male genitalia, have been found in patients with 46, XY disorders-of-sexual-development (46, XY DSD) and severe hypospadias. To date, there has been no data regarding CXorf6 in isolated hypospadias without DSD. This study aimed to characterize the potential role of CXorf6 in such patients. Material and Methods Forty-one patients with isolated hypospadias of various severity, and 30 controls were included. DNA was extracted from excess foreskin collected during surgery. Direct sequencing for coding exons 3-6 of CXorf6 and their flanking splice sites was performed. Secondary and tertiary structures of the protein were predicted using NNpredict and PHYRE engines. Results Four mutations (9.7%) were identified. One missense mutation (V432A) and two deletions (del324G, predicted to cause a stop codon L121X) occurred in patients with penoscrotal and proximal hypospadias. One patient with subcoronal hypospadias had a CAG repeat amplification in the second polyglutamine domain of CXorf6. Secondary structure prediction indicated that this insertion occurred in a helix element of the protein. The tertiary structure prediction showed an alteration of the shape of the protein and crowding between domains. We also found a high incidence of polymorphisms (12.2%) in hypospadiac patients, (haplotype N589S/P286S in 4 cases). Conclusions CXorf6 mutations occur not only in 46 XY DSD but also in isolated hypospadias of varying severity. We also describe the first CAG repeat amplification of CXorf6. However, the specific events associated with these mutations and the precise function of CXorf6 remain to be investigated.
Hybrid digital adaptive control for synchronous buck DC-DC converters

This paper presents a hybrid digital adaptive (HDA) controller for synchronous buck DC-DC converters. The proposed controller is a combination of a standard constant-frequency PWM control in the vicinity of steady state and a bank of linear switching surface controllers (SSC) with slopes adaptively selected by a supervisor away from the reference. The supervisor selects the appropriate switching surface slope based on the capacitor current estimate and the quantized output error. A stability analysis using Lyapunov functions is presented. Experimental results for a 1.3 V, 10 A synchronous buck converter demonstrate near time optimal responses for a wide range of step load transients.
Crystallographic-Orientation-Dependent Gate-Induced Drain Leakage in Nanoscale MOSFETs

The efficient and successful realization of low-power semiconductor devices demands, among other things, the ability to quantitatively model and minimize myriad leakage phenomena. We report herein a general physical model to quantitatively compute crystallographic-orientation-dependent gate-induced drain leakage (GIDL), and its numerical implementation in a continuum-based device simulator. This simulation model has been successfully compared with relevant experimental data derived from heavily doped vertical diodes and 45-nm silicon-based CMOS devices. Also, the process optimization of next-generation 32-nm low-power devices has been discussed in the context of GIDL.
Anisotropic Gent McWilliams Parameterization for Ocean Models

An anisotropic generalization of the Gent‐McWilliams (GM) parameterization is presented for eddy-induced tracer transport and diffusion in ocean models, and it is implemented in an ocean general circulation model using a functional formalism to derive the spatial discretization. This complements the anisotropic viscosity parameterization recently developed by Smith and McWilliams. The anisotropic GM operator is potentially useful in both coarse- and high-resolution ocean models, and in this study the focus is on its application in high-resolution eddying solutions, for which it provides an adiabatic alternative to the more commonly used biharmonic horizontal diffusion operators. It is shown that realistically high levels of eddy energy can be simulated using harmonic anisotropic diffusion and friction operators. Isotropic forms can also be used, but these tend either to overly damp the solution when a large diffusion coefficient is used or to introduce unacceptable levels of numerical noise when a small coefficient is used. A series of numerical simulations of the North Atlantic Ocean are conducted at 0.28 resolution using anisotropic viscosity, anisotropic GM, and biharmonic mixing operators to investigate the effects of the anisotropic forms and to isolate changes in the solutions specifically associated with anisotropic GM. A high-resolution 0.18 simulation is then conducted using both anisotropic forms, and the results are compared with a similar run using biharmonic mixing. Modest improvements are seen in the mean wind-driven circulation with the anisotropic forms, but the largest effects are due to the anisotropic GM parameterization, which eliminates the spurious diapycnal diffusion inherent in horizontal tracer diffusion. This leads to significant improvements in the model thermohaline circulation, including the meridional heat transport, meridional overturning circulation, and deep-water formation and convection in the Labrador Sea.
Reproduction and polychlorinated biphenyls in Fundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus) from new bedford harbor, massachusetts, USA

This investigation evaluated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) accumulation, survival, and reproduction in Fundulus heteroclitus from four stations along a gradient of increasing sediment contamination from West Island in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, USA, to the most contaminated area of the New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts, USA, Superfund site. Fish collected during their natural spawning season were held in the laboratory for 5 weeks. Liver concentrations of non-ortho- and mono-ortho-PCBs averaged 0.461, 9.48, 20.8, and 29.3 μg/g dry weight, with dioxin toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQs) of 0.006, 0.132, 0.543, and 1.56 ng/g; differences among stations were statistically significant. Females from two stations within the Superfund site had significantly greater mortality (30 and 23%) compared to those within West Island (0%), and growth was reduced. Progeny of fish from the most contaminated station exhibited significantly reduced survival (49%) and greater incidence of spinal abnormalities (26%) compared to those from West Island (70% survival, 7% spinal abnormalities). No differences in egg production or food consumption were observed. A significant residue-effect relationship was found between TEQs of liver PCBs and female mortality, consistent with that determined previously from laboratory exposures and validating TEQ as an effects indicator. Embryo and larval survival were inversely related to maternal liver TEQ.