cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Importance of the Anticodon Sequence in the Aminoacylation of tRNAs by Methionyl-tRNA Synthetase and by Valyl-tRNA Synthetase in an Archaebacterium

The mode of recognition of tRNAs by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and translation factors is largely unknown in archaebacteria. To study this process, we have cloned the wild type initiator tRNA gene from the moderate halophilic archaebacteriumHaloferax volcanii and mutants derived from it into a plasmid capable of expressing the tRNA in these cells. Analysis of tRNAs in vivo show that the initiator tRNA is aminoacylated but is not formylated in H. volcanii. This result provides direct support for the notion that protein synthesis in archaebacteria is initiated with methionine and not with formylmethionine. We have analyzed the effect of two different mutations (CAU→CUA and CAU→GAC) in the anticodon sequence of the initiator tRNA on its recognition by the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in vivo. The CAU→CUA mutant was not aminoacylated to any significant extentin vivo, suggesting the importance of the anticodon in aminoacylation of tRNA by methionyl-tRNA synthetase. This mutant initiator tRNA can, however, be aminoacylated in vitro by the Escherichia coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase, suggesting that the lack of aminoacylation is due to the absence inH. volcanii of a synthetase, which recognizes the mutant tRNA. Archaebacteria lack glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase and utilize a two-step pathway involving glutamyl-tRNA synthetase and glutamine amidotransferase to generate glutaminyl-tRNA. The lack of aminoacylation of the mutant tRNA indicates that this mutant tRNA is not a substrate for the H. volcanii glutamyl-tRNA synthetase. The CAU→GAC anticodon mutant is most likely aminoacylated with valine in vivo. Thus, the anticodon plays an important role in the recognition of tRNA by at least two of the halobacterial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.
Can an evidence-based intervention reduce the rate of bloodstream infections in patients with venous catheters?

Can an evidence-based intervention reduce the rate of bloodstream infections in patients with venous catheters?
Assessment of educational personnel in the twenty-first century

It is increasingly apparent that the Western world is moving from an industrialized base to one which is knowledge-based. Smoke stack industries that called for precision, reliability, and efficiency are rapidly being replaced by new high technology industries that call for knowledge, service, information, and communication. The speed and intensity of the shift in the demands of the work world have already sent shock waves through the educational system. (Witness the spate of critical reports in 1983 followed by waves one and two of the reform movement.) It is clear that as schools grapple with the evolution of a new mission appropriate to the twenty-first century, managers will need to redefine their goals and the evaluation procedures they use to assess the accomplishment of these goals. Future expectations for teachers may be expected to vary dramatically from what we have traditionally known, with corresponding changes called for in our concepts of teacher effectiveness. To begin to reconceptualize assessment for the twenty-first century, we first need to understand the different demands of the two work worlds and their link to education.
Dysregulated CD4+ T cells from SLE-susceptible mice are sufficient to accelerate atherosclerosis in LDLr−/− mice

Objective Accelerated atherosclerosis is a major source of morbidity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the cause of SLE-accelerated atherosclerosis remains unclear. Methods CD4 + T cells from C57/Bl/6 (B6) or SLE-susceptible B6.Sle1.2.3 (B6.SLE) mice were transferred into LDLr −/− , Rag −/− mice. T cells were examined for cytokine production and expression of interleukin-10 receptor (IL-10R) and functional markers. T cells were isolated based on FoxP3 GFP expression and transferred to LDLr −/− , Rag −/− mice to establish a role for B6.SLE effector T cells (T eff ) in atherosclerosis. Results Mice receiving whole B6.SLE CD4 + T cells displayed no other SLE phenotype; however, atherosclerosis was increased nearly 40%. We noted dysregulated IL-17 production and reduced frequency of IL-10R expression by B6.SLE regulatory T cells (T reg ). Functional assays indicated resistance of B6.SLE T eff to suppression by both B6.SLE and B6 T reg . Transfer experiments with CD4 + FoxP3 − T eff and CD4 + FoxP3 + T reg from B6.SLE and B6 mice, respectively, resulted in increased atherosclerosis compared with B6 T eff and T reg recipients. T reg isolated from mice receiving B6.SLE T eff with B6 T reg had increased production of IL-17 and fewer expressed IL-10R compared with B6 T eff and T reg transfer. Conclusions Transfer of B6.SLE T eff to LDLr −/− , Rag −/− mice results in accelerated atherosclerosis independent of the source of T reg . In addition, the presence of B6.SLE T eff resulted in more IL-17-producing T reg and fewer expressing IL-10R, suggesting that B6.SLE T eff may mediate phenotypic changes in T reg . To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide direct evidence of the role of B6.SLE T eff in accelerating atherosclerosis through resistance to T reg suppression.
Comparison of alternative functional forms with application to agricultural input data

The goal in input demand analysis is to generate a system of equations relating factor shares and possibly total expenditures to input prices and output. Regression can then be used to produce estimates of elasticities or test hypotheses of interest. Generally, consideration is limited to systems derived from either production functions or the dual cost or profit functions, and the problem of specifying the functional form is that of approximating these unknown functions.
Optimal Control of Irrigation Scheduling Using a Random Time Frame

A dynamic programming model of irrigation scheduling is developed which accounts for stochastic weather conditions, results in simple irrigation decision rules, and can be operated on current microcomputers. The model employs heat unit intervals instead of chronological time to define the dynamic equations of the crop-soil system. Procedures are outlined for estimating the transition probabilities of climate within the heat unit intervals. When compared to maximum yield irrigation scheduling, the model increases net returns of corn, sorghum, and cotton by $10.00 to $30.00 per acre.
Photooxidation of 2,2′-indolylindolines to 2,2′-biindoles: Mild formation of ditryptophan crosslinks

Abstract 2,2′-Indolylindolines undergo facile photooxidation to form symmetrical fluorescent 2,2′-biindoles. The reaction proceeds slowly in air under ambient light, but direct irradiation facilitates the reaction. Peptide and N -glycosylated substrates are compatible with this mild photooxidation.
Rheology of solid methane and nitrogen: applications to TRITON

The existing information about the rheological properties of solid methane and nitrogen is reviewed. The main limitation is the absence of creep data for solid nitrogen, but estimated properties are derived on the basis of simple scaling arguments for van der Waals bonded materials. On Triton solid methane and most likely nitrogen are too soft to support any topography over billions of years. Topographic support by water ice-rich materials seems almost certain. Nitrogen and methane do not intermix by solid-state diffusion. The weakness (absence?) of the opposition effect on Triton can be explained by annealing of nitrogen grains, provided the latter have sizes characteristic of freshly deposited frost.
Local recurrence of rectal carcinoma after hand-sewn and stapled anastomoses

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 119 consecutive patients in whom potentially curative anterior resection of invasive rectal carcinoma was performed between 1976 and 1982. Seventy-six anastomoses were stapled and 43 were hand-sewn. The distributions of tumor stage, location, histologic grade, size, and margins of resection were similar for both groups. The probability of local recurrence by two years for middle rectal tumors was 26±7 percent for the group with stapled anastomoses and 10±7 percent for those with hand-sewn anastomoses (P=0.07, log-rank test). Local recurrence probabilities did not differ for upper rectal tumors (P=0.14) or lower rectal tumors (P=0.20). Anatomic considerations that encourage use of the stapler may explain our findings.
Threatened fishes of the world: Micropterus treculii (Vaillant and Bocourt 1874) (Centrarchidae)

Common name: Guadalupe bass. Conservation status: Considered threatened (Edwards 1980; Hubbs et al. 1991) and of conservation concern (Johnson 1987; USDI 1989). Identification: Medium-sized centrarchid (maximum TL=463 mm) with an elongated body. Ten to 12 dark, lateral bands 1/2 to 2/3 of body depth in height over yellowish brown to greenish olive background (Hubbs and Bailey 1942). D 9–11 (ten), 11–13 (12), A 3–4 (three), 9–11 (ten), P 14–16 (15–16). Photograph of 81 mm (TL) individual by Chad Thomas. Distribution: Endemic to the Brazos, Colorado, Guadalupe, and San Antonio river drainages of the Edwards Plateau and introduced in the Nueces drainage (Hubbs et al. 1991). Abundance: Historically up to 7% of fish assemblages (Edwards 1980). Habitat and ecology: Found in small to moderate size streams and rivers, except headwaters (Guillory 1978). Associated with runs and riffle tailraces (Boyer et al. 1977). Diet primarily of Ephemeroptera, Megaloptera, crayfish, and fish (Edwards 1980; Farquhar 1995). Reproduction: Spawns from March to August, but primarily April through June (Edwards 1980). Nest guarders, depositing eggs in siltfree cobble and gravel depressions (Boyer et al. 1977). Fecundity, on average, 4,200 eggs (Edwards 1980). Males mature by age 1 and females mature at age 2 (Edwards 1980). Threats: Introgressive hybridization with Micropterus dolomieu is the greatest threat to Micropterus treculii (Edwards 1979; Whitmore 1983; Morizot et al. 1991; Littrell et al. 2007). It has been extirpated from the Blanco River (Littrell et al. 2007) despite restorative stocking efforts. Reduced stream flow also threatens M. treculii (Edwards 1980; Bowles and Arsuffi 1993). Conservation action: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department established a stocking program in the Guadalupe drainage to decrease hybridization and no longer stocks M. dolomieu within the range of M. treculii. Data on the status of introgressed M. treculii populations is needed to effectively allocate restoration efforts.
Effect of sorbed carbon dioxide on the dynamic mechanical properties of glassy polymers

Effet plastifiant de CO 2 sur trois thermoplastiques a base de bisphenol A: polysulfone, polycarbonate et polyetherimide
Chronic fatigue syndrome: A new challenge for health care professionals

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a new challenge to health care professionals. During the last decade, scientists have (a) created diagnostic criteria for CFS, (b) devised CFS assessment approaches, (c) collected CFS epidemiological data, and (d) formulated CFS treatment approaches. The CFS diagnostic criteria identify a subpopulation of individuals with this disorder, and those individuals might have a greater tendency to have psychiatric comorbidity. In addition, the initial CFS epidemiological data collected might have underestimated the prevalence of this disorder. If current estimated prevalence rates of CFS are inaccurate, these estimates could have detrimental public policy implications. Health care professionals need to assume a larger role in defining this syndrome, in developing more sensitive research strategies for collecting data with CFS samples, in conceptualizing more complex theories for understanding this disease, in conducting more rigorous CFS epidemiological research, and in devising more comprehensive treatment approaches for CFS.
Deposition of sulfur on Si(100)2 × 1: Surface restoration

Abstract Adsorption of sulfur on Si(100)2 × 1 surfaces, at RT, causes the gradual change of the reconstructed Si(100)2 × 1 to its original bulk-terminated Si(100)1 × 1 surface. The S adsorbate forms a (2 × 1) structure on the Si(100)2 × 1 and a (1 × 1) on the Si(100)1 × 1. Above 1 ML, S is imbedded into the Si bulk near the surface. The deposited S increases the work function, up to 1 ML, of the surface by about 0.3 ± 0.05 eV. Above 1 ML, as the S is diffused into the Si bulk, the work function decreases. Deposition of S causes a chemical shift of the Si(92 eV) peak of 1.5 eV indicating a strong SSi interaction.
Viral delivery of superoxide dismutase gene reduces cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity

Viral delivery of superoxide dismutase gene reduces cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity. Background Cyclosporine A (CsA) increases free radical formation in the kidney. Accordingly, this study investigated whether gene delivery of superoxide dismutase (SOD) reduced radical production and nephrotoxicity caused by CsA. Methods Rats were given adenovirus (Ad) carrying lacZ or Cu / Zn-SOD genes three days prior to CsA treatment. Histology, glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) and free radical adducts in urine were assessed. Results SOD activity was increased 2.5-fold three days after viral infection and remained at 2- and 1.6-fold higher 10 and 17 days later. Treatment with CsA for seven days decreased GFR by 70% in rats infected with Ad-lacZ as expected; however, the decrease was diminished significantly in rats receiving Ad-SOD. CsA treatment for two weeks caused a loss of brush border and dilation of proximal tubules, necrosis, and increased leukocyte infiltration into the kidney; these effects were minimized by SOD. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was attacked by the hydroxyl radical to produce a methyl radical. Indeed, administration of CsA with 12 C-DMSO in rats infected with Ad-lacZ produced a radical adduct with hyperfine coupling constants similar to 4-POBN/methyl radical adduct and another unknown radical adduct. CsA given with 13 C-DMSO produced a 12-line spectrum, confirming the involvement of hydroxyl radicals. Free radical adducts detected in urine were increased approximately fivefold by CsA, an effect blocked completely by SOD. Conclusions CsA increases free radical formation. Gene delivery of SOD blocks formation of free radicals, thereby minimizing nephrotoxicity caused by CsA.
Characterization of repairs to KrF 300mm wafer printability for 0.13μm design rule with attenuated phase-shifting mask

For sub-0.13um lithography, attenuated phase shifting mask (AttPSM) with optical proximity correction (OPC) is reported as one of the potential methods to achieve manufacturable process by using 248nm exposure wavelength. Unfortunately, the low-k1 imaging process in 130nm lithography imposes much more stringent requirements on defect repair, especially on AttPSM reticle. Therefore, the imperfect repairs will have a significant impact on wafer process window due to quartz damage and phase distortion caused by Ga+ ion stain removal and added carbon material, respectively. In this paper, we have prepared AttPSM test masks having programmed defects with various opaque defects. Each defect area was inspected with KLA-Tencor's SLF27 inspection system to acquire defect coordinates and image, simulated with AIMS to assess the intensity and transmission loss induced by repair process. All of masks were made by DuPont Photomasks Taiwan (DPT) by using the Jbx9000MV2 E-beam writer and dry Chrome etch process. All lithographic experiments were performed on 300mm wafer using high NA ASML AT750S scanner and high contrast CAR resist. In this study, we have focused on the impact of quartz damage and phase error on wafer process window by comparing the wafer CD and pattern profile through focus. In order to establish a efficient way to perform effective judgement on repair defect between mask shop and wafer fab, both AIMS and wafer results will be compared and correlated.
Fully developed multilayer polymer flows in slits and annuli

A numerical method has been developed for simulating fully developed multilayer shear flows of non-Newtonian fluids with arbitrary viscosity functions. Poiseuille and combined Poiseuille/Couette flows in both slits arid annuli may be modeled. The method employs a finite difference system where grid points lie on streamlines and move to their correct positions as the solution procedure converges. Interfaces are easily handled as particular stream lines with the equation of motion replaced by a boundary condition. The method is stable for high interface viscosity ratios and readily handles a large number of layers. Many authors have employed power law models to model multi-layer non-Newtonian flows. We find that the power law is sufficient to predict pressure gradients and interface positions in most cases, but gives unrealistically flat velocity profiles, even when truncated at finite viscosity. Results are presented for the Carreau fluid and for the rubber-like liquid with shear thinning via Wagner's strain functional.
Program library maintenance and monitoring

This memorandum describes the organization of the SLAC Triplex Program Library, and the methods to be used for its maintenance. Also described is an important maintenance tool, the Library Monitoring System.
Texture and Creep Anisotropy in Zirconium Alloys

Zirconium (Zr) alloys are best known for their use in nuclear reactor applications. A hexagonally close-packed structure with a low c/a ratio and very limited slip systems leads to strong textures in these alloys during fabrication processes. These alloys are used in cladding applications for encapsulating fuel pellets, and undergo various stress conditions in-service. Hence, it is necessary to understand the creep properties of Zr alloys to predict the life of reactor claddings. Due to the unique texture, the creep deformation of these alloys is anisotropic in nature. The texture of Zircaloys was determined by X-ray diffraction experiments, and expressed in terms of pole figures and crystalline orientation distribution functions. Biaxial creep testing of thin walled tubing was used to study the creep anisotropy. Creep loci evaluation based on the experimental data and model predictions are compared. It is found that the models can predict the creep loci for recrystallized alloy very well. However, they fail to explain the behavior of the cold worked alloys. When stress enhancements due to the grain boundary sliding are taken into account, the predicted creep loci correlated well with that constructed from the experimental data.
Advanced responsive tactically effective military imaging spectrometer (ARTEMIS): system overview and objectives

The Advanced Responsive Tactically-Effective Military Imaging Spectrometer (ARTEMIS) is under development for tactical military applications and is the primary payload for the TacSat-3 satellite. The optical design for the telescope, imaging spectrometer, and high resolution imager is described.
Isotopic and archaeological interpretations of diet in the central mississippi valley

Abstract This study will compare archaeological and isotopic characterizations of diet, specifically the role of maize, for Woodland, Mississippian, and Oneota populations from the North American midcontinent. Archaeological interpretations have tended to associate maize dependence with the rise of major centres, such as Cahokia. These models, based upon volume and ubiquity of maize in village site middens and features, frequently contrast the key role of maize in regional centres with the situation in smaller, remote communities. Mississippian inhabitants of frontier villages, for instances, are assumed to be less maize-dependent than their counterparts in larger and more complex communities. Recent analyses of stable carbon isotope ratios have, however, called into question standard archaeological interpretations. A series of δ 13 C values that characterize the period of agricultural intensification in the central Mississippi and Illinois river valleys identifies significant maize dependence at locations some distance from Cahokia during its period of major regional influence. Time transgressive trends apparent in maize ubiquity for the Cahokia region also stand in contrast to those seen in diachronic sequences of δ 13 C values. In this paper, we present newly generated δ 13 C values for five sites from the central Mississippi and Illinois river regions. Archaeological and isotopic evidence for maize-dependence is evaluated for biases that may underlie the seeming contradictory diachronic and synchronic patterning evident in the two data sets.
The reactivity of self recording: A case report of a drug abuser

A 21-year-old college student self-recorded drug taking and drug-related thoughts as part of a behavioral assessment program. Following 3 weeks of self-recording drug-taking behavior, the frequency of dexedrine tablet ingestion was markedly reduced and remained at a substantially reduced level for the duration of the self-recording period. The frequency of drug-related thoughts similarly diminished during the self-recording period. Self-recording as both assessment and therapy for drug abuse is discussed.
Increased DHT levels in androgenic alopecia have been selected for to protect men from prostate cancer

Androgenic alopecia, a condition characterized by increased levels of DHT could have been selected for due to the benefits that prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) has on the prostate. A DHT metabolite can increase the transcription of prostaglandin D2 synthase through estrogen receptor beta. The increase of PGD2 can decrease the risk of prostate cancer and proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, the mechanisms behind male pattern baldness may also curtail the advancement of prostate cancer.
Quaking and PTB control overlapping splicing regulatory networks during muscle cell differentiation

Alternative splicing contributes to muscle development, but a complete set of muscle-splicing factors and their combinatorial interactions are unknown. Previous work identified ACUAA (“STAR” motif) as an enriched intron sequence near musclespecific alternative exons such as Capzb exon 9. Mass spectrometry of myoblast proteins selected by the Capzb exon 9 intron via RNA affinity chromatography identifies Quaking (QK), a protein known to regulate mRNA function through ACUAA motifs in 3 ′ UTRs. We find that QK promotes inclusion of Capzb exon 9 in opposition to repression by polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTB). QK depletion alters inclusion of 406 cassette exons whose adjacent intron sequences are also enriched in ACUAA motifs. During differentiation of myoblasts to myotubes, QK levels increase two- to threefold, suggesting a mechanism for QK-responsive exon regulation. Combined analysis of the PTB- and QK-splicing regulatory networks during myogenesis suggests that 39% of regulated exons are under the control of one or both of these splicing factors. This work provides the first evidence that QK is a global regulator of splicing during muscle development in vertebrates and shows how overlapping splicing regulatory networks contribute to gene expression programs during differentiation.
Poultry enteric inflammation model with dextran sodium sulfate mediated chemical induction and feed restriction in broilers

Gut inflammation is a cardinal event occurring in various gastrointestinal diseases regardless of etiology. A potential mechanism of action for antibiotic growth promoters and probiotics is alleviation or attenuation of such inflammation. In vivo inflammation models and markers to quantify changes in inflammation, such as paracellular leakage and tight junction function, are necessary tools in the search for methods to reduce enteric inflammation. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and feed restriction (FRS), and fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d; 3 to 5 kDa) marker were evaluated for induction and assessment of enteric inflammation in broilers. Three independent experiments were conducted where birds received an inflammation inducer treatment and an oral gavage of FITC-d (2.2 mg/bird) 2.5 h before killing on d 4, followed by measurement of serum FITC-d levels and release of FITC-d from different regions of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) to evaluate tight junction function. Experiment 1 tested control (CON) and DSS; Experiments 2 and 3 evaluated CON, DSS, and FRS. In all experiments DSS, as well as FRS in Experiments 2 and 3, showed higher (P<0.05) leakage of FITC-d into serum than CON, but FRS was not different from DSS. The amount of FITC-d retained in duodenal and cecal tissue was affected (P<0.05) by FRS in Experiments 2 and 3, and DSS affected FITC-d retention in duodenum only, suggesting differences in gut passage or absorption/adsorption. In conclusion, DSS oral gavage and FRS could induce leaky gut, with changes in serum FITC-d and migration of FITC-d from GIT.
Abdominal Liposuction in Colostomy Patients

Reports in the literature are few concerning abdominal liposuction in ileostomy or colostomy patients, but there have been no reports of significant infectious complications or intestinal perforation. The procedure appears safe. The recommendation is to vigorously clean the patient’s skin from neck to knees, utilize the tumescent technique, which takes advantage of the antibacterial effect of lidocaine in buffered bicarbonate, inject an intravenous wide-spectrum antibiotic, and perform a wide double covering of the stoma site and bag with adhesive sterile drapes.
Primer on Medical Genomics Part VII: The Evolving Concept of the Gene

The draft sequence of the human genome was reported 2 years ago, and the task of filling gaps and polishing the sequence is nearing completion. However, despite this remarkable achievement, there is still no definitive assessment of the number of genes contained in the human genome. In part, this uncertainty reflects our growing understanding of the complexity and diversity of gene structure. Examples of complex gene structure are considered in the context of a discussion about the evolution of our understanding of gene structure and function.
Missed It By That Much: Austin on Norms of Truth

A principal challenge for a deflationary theory is to explain the value of truth: why we aim for true beliefs, abhor dishonesty, and so on. The problem arises because deflationism sees truth as a mere logical property and the truth predicate as serving primarily as a device of generalization. Paul Horwich, attempts to show how deflationism can account for the value of truth. Drawing on the work of J. L. Austin, I argue that his account, which focuses on belief, cannot adequately accommodate the complex role that truth plays in the norms governing assertion and similar speech acts.
Geomorphic perspectives on the sterkfontein australopithecine breccias

Abstract Breccias in the upper Sterkfontein cave system levels have yielded artifact assemblages as well as Homo and Australopithecus africanus remains. As mapped by the author, this sytem can be subdivided into a northern sector, comprising small, bedding-controlled passageways, and a southern one with large galleries controlled by subvertical fracture zones and partly filled with two generations of external, detrital sediment. A four-stage model describes the development of these deposits. The implications of this study include: (1) The caves formed in one rather than two phases, as a result of structural rather than watertable controls. (2) The lowest strata of both depositional generations, 50–60 m below the hillcrest are probably the oldest. T. C. Partridge's Sterkfontein Formation only includes approximately the upper half of the stratigraphic column recognized here. Deposits underlying those he described are also fossiliferous and probably substantially older than the 2·8+ million year age attributed to the lower units of the Sterkfontein Formation. (3) The Sterkfontein Formation, as defined by Partridge, is a composite stratotype, comprising one surface exposure and another underground, at mid to upper levels in the system. Their stratigraphic relationships are obscure and since the lower boundary of the Formation also is in doubt, erection of a formal stratotype is premature. Deep-lying breccias may ultimately warrant another component, extending the Sterkfontein Formation to the lowest known levels of the cave system.
Verification of VHDL designs using VAL

VAL (VHDL Annotation Language) uses a small number of new language constructs to annotate VHDL hardware descriptions. VAL annotations, added to the VHDL entity declaration in the form of formal comments, express intended behavior common to all architectural bodies of the entity. Annotations are expressed as parallel processes that accept streams of input signals and generate constraints on output streams. VAL views signals as streams of values ordered by time. Generalized timing expressions allow the designer to refer to relative points on a stream. No concept of preemptive delayed assignment or inertial delay are needed when referring to different relative points in time on a stream. The VAL abstract state model permits abstract data types to be used in specifying history dependent device behavior. Annotations placed inside a VHDL architectural body define detailed correspondences between the behavior specification and architecture. The result is a simple but expressive language extension of VHDL with possible applications to automatic checking of VHDL simulations, hierarchical design, and automatic verification of hardware designs in VHDL.
Commentary: Public Health Contributions

Wayne Fenton dedicated his career to addressing the unmet needs of people with mental illness. His commitment to a public health approach was made clear by his actions: he left behind a leadership role in Chestnut Lodge, an institution dedicated to treating individual patients, to accept a position at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that would permit him to influence, albeit more indirectly, the health of broad populations with mental illness. As we all know, Wayne continued to treat patients—an activity that led to his tragic death—in order to stay grounded in clinical reality and to serve individuals in need. Nonetheless, the focus of his work at NIMH had a far broader purview. He sought to influence the ways in which the government, industry, and academic approached treatment development and the ways in which current treatments were evaluated. Of the many tragedies resulting from Wayne's death, one is certainly the tragedy that he could not live to see the public health impact of his work play out to the benefit of people with mental disorders.
Developmental reprogramming of reproductive and metabolic dysfunction in sheep: native steroids vs. environmental steroid receptor modulators

The inappropriate programming of developing organ systems by exposure to excess native or environmental steroids, particularly the contamination of our environment and our food sources with synthetic endocrine disrupting chemicals that can interact with steroid receptors, is a major concern. Studies with native steroids have found that in utero exposure of sheep to excess testosterone, an oestrogen precursor, results in low birth weight offspring and leads to an array of adult reproductive/metabolic deficits manifested as cycle defects, functional hyperandrogenism, neuroendocrine/ovarian defects, insulin resistance and hypertension. Furthermore, the severity of reproductive dysfunction is amplified by excess postnatal weight gain. The constellation of adult reproductive and metabolic dysfunction in prenatal testosterone-treated sheep is similar to features seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Prenatal dihydrotestosterone treatment failed to result in similar phenotype suggesting that many effects of prenatal testosterone excess are likely facilitated via aromatization to oestradiol. Similarly, exposure to environmental steroid imposters such as bisphenol A (BPA) and methoxychlor (MXC) from days 30 to 90 of gestation had long-term but differential effects. Exposure of sheep to BPA, which resulted in maternal levels of 30-50 ng/mL BPA, culminated in low birth weight offspring. These female offspring were hypergonadotropic during early postnatal life and characterized by severely dampened preovulatory LH surges. Prenatal MXC-treated females had normal birth weight and manifested delayed but normal amplitude LH surges. Importantly, the effects of BPA were evident at levels, which approximated twice the highest levels found in human maternal circulation of industrialized nations. These findings provide evidence in support of developmental origin of adult reproductive and metabolic diseases and highlight the risk posed by exposure to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Initiator concentration dependence of the autoacceleration of polymerization rate

The dependence of the polymerization rate on initiator concentration over a wide range of conversion is analyzed by an equation derived on the assumption that the primary radical termination is important and another equation derived on the assumption of the chain length dependence of the termination. The analytical result by the former equation, is nearly equivalent to the result by the later when transfer predominates. Fujita-Doolittle theory is applicable to both results. In the apparent termination, small polymer radicals not exceeding the size of the segment play an important role.
Technological innovation – customer-centred or market-centred

Many businesses promise customer satisfaction to society. The typical Japanese way is customer-centred and different from the global approach, i.e., a market-centred one. More than the former, the latter approach promotes technological innovation. The author picked up two examples in technological innovations; one is software, the other is a control system. The software, Smallworld, is discussed as a network asset management tool. This software was originally developed in the UK to satisfy customers' potential needs. A US company acquired this original company and added more value to this tool. Now, this software is being sold in Japan through local partners. Another example is a generator control system. The typical Japanese design concept has a hierarchy configuration as master/slave while that of the US approach has an autonomous scheme. This difference results in a different business approach. A three-dimensional model explains the successful innovation processes.
Detecting global stride locality in value streams

Value prediction exploits localities in value streams. Previous research focused on exploiting two types of value localities, computational and context-based, in the local value history, which is the value sequence produced by the same instruction that is being predicted. Besides the local value history, value locality also exists in the global value history, which is the value sequence produced by all dynamic instructions according to their execution order. In this paper, a new type value locality, the computational locality in the global value history is studied. A novel prediction scheme, called the gDiff predictor, is designed to exploit one special and most common case of this computational model, the stridebased computation, in the global value history. Such a scheme provides a general framework to exploit global stride locality in any value stream. Experiments show that there exists very strong stride type of locality in global value sequences. Ideally, the gDiff predictor can achieve 73% prediction accuracy for all value producing instructions without any hybrid scheme, much higher than local stride and local context prediction schemes. However, the capability of realistically exploiting locality in global value history is greatly challenged by the value delay issue, i.e., the correlated value may not be available when the prediction is being made. We study the value delay issue in an out-of-order (OOO) execution pipeline model and propose a new hybrid scheme to maximize the exploitation of the global stride locality. This new hybrid scheme shows 91% prediction accuracy and 64% coverage for all value producing instructions. We also show that the global stride locality detected by gDiff in load address streams provides strong capabilities in predicting load addresses (coverage 63% and accuracy 86%) and in predicting addresses of missing loads (33% coverage and 53% accuracy).
Effect of Post Exposed Hydrogen on Chemisorbed Ethylene on Si(100)-(2×l)

The effect of post adsorbed atomic hydrogen on the adsorption, desorption, and decomposition of ethylene on Si(100)−(2×1) has been studied using high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Exposures to atomic hydrogen of more than 1015 atoms/cm2 convert the initial (2×1) reconstruction of sp3-hybridized, di-σ bonded ethylene to a (1×1) structure. Furthermore, after post exposure to atomic hydrogen, the thermal desorption peak of molecular ethylene is shifted up by approximately 100 K and reduced in intensity. HREEL spectra for deuterated ethylene show the formation of a C-H bond after exposure to atomic hydrogen, whereas the C-C bond remains intact. We explain our data by an atomic hydrogen-driven conversion of the di-σ bonded ethylene to a mono-σ bonded surface ethyl. Thermal activation after post exposure to atomic hydrogen leads to decomposition of about 60% of the initial ethylene in contrast to the observed molecular desorption in the absence of hydrogen.
Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy inhibits intra-abdominal interleukin-1β stimulation of adrenocorticotropin secretion

Although interleukin (IL)-1 beta activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the mechanisms by which peripheral IL-1 beta acutely stimulates adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion are not clear. Recently, the vagus has been implicated in mediating peripheral cytokine signalling of the brain. To investigate a possible central mechanism for peripheral cytokine stimulation of the HPA axis, we tested the hypothesis that the vagus mediates IL-1 beta activation of the HPA axis by an intra-abdominal stimulus. We studied the effect of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy on plasma ACTH stimulation in rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) IL-1 beta. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or sham surgery 1 week prior to study. Rats were killed 1 and 2 h after i.p. saline (control) and low- (4 micrograms/kg) and high-dose (20 micrograms/kg) IL-1 beta. Vagotomy markedly attenuated plasma ACTH secretion at 2 h after high-dose IL-1 beta stimulation and abolished plasma ACTH secretion at 2 h after low-dose IL-1 beta stimulation. At 1 h after low-dose IL-1 beta, stimulation of plasma ACTH in vagotomized animals was also markedly diminished compared to sham animals. However, vagotomy did not alter stimulation of plasma corticosterone at 1 or 2 h after low-dose IL-1 beta or at 2 h after high-dose IL-1 beta. In addition, vagotomy did not alter stimulation of plasma ACTH or corticosterone secretion by insulin-induced hypoglycemia. We conclude that: (1) the vagus plays an important role in stimulation of ACTH secretion by intra-abdominal (i.p.) IL-1 beta; (2) stimulation of corticosterone secretion by i.p. IL-1 beta is not altered by vagotomy; and (3) the inhibitory effect of vagotomy on activation of the HPA axis appears to be specific for immune stimulation by cytokines.
Race and Ethnicity, Religion Involvement, Church-based Social Support and Subjective Health in United States: A Case of Moderated Mediation

Background: To test if social support and ethnicity mediate/moderate the association between religion involvement and subjective health in the United States. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of National Survey of American Life, 2003. Hierarchical regression was fit to a national household probability sample of adult African Americans (n = 3570), Caribbean Blacks (n = 1621), and Whites (n = 891). Frequency of church attendance, positive/negative church‑based social support, ethnicity, and subjective health (overall life satisfaction and self‑rated mental health) were considered as predictor, mediator, moderator and outcome, respectively. Results: Frequency of church attendance had a significant and positive association with mental health and life satisfaction among all ethnic groups. Frequency of church attendance was also correlated with positive and negative social support among all ethnic groups. Church‑based social support fully mediated the association between frequency of church attendance and overall life satisfaction among African Americans but not among Caribbean Blacks, or Whites. Church‑based social support, however, partially mediated the association between frequency of church attendance and overall mental health among African Americans but not among Caribbean Blacks or Whites. Conclusion: Ethnicity shapes how church‑based social support mediates the association between religious involvement and subjective health. Our results showed a moderating mediation effect of ethnicity and social support on the religious involvement‑subjective health linkage, in a way that it is only among African Americans that social support is a pathway for the beneficial health effect of religious involvement.
The effect of redistribution on migration: Evidence from the Israeli kibbutz☆

This paper tests a key theoretical prediction of public finance, that local redistribution induces sorting of the population so that less productive individuals are located in communities with more redistribution. Specifically, I use a longitudinal data set to test whether and to what extent the intensive redistribution practiced by Israeli kibbutzim encourages exit of more productive individuals and entry of less productive ones. The findings support the theoretical prediction. Kibbutz-leavers are more skilled than both stayers and other rural migrants and they earn higher wages upon exit than observably similar city natives and other migrants. In contrast, individuals who earn lower wages in the city are more likely to enter a kibbutz, but they are not more likely to move to other rural areas. These findings also support Borjas' hypothesis that migrants' self-selection depends on the difference in returns to skills between the origin and the destination.
Exploring the Status of Black Male Faculty Utilizing Data from the National Study of Postsecondary Faculty

The present study utilized data from the 1993 and 1999 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty to describe the status of Black male full-time instructional faculty and staff in the academy. Data were also presented to show the degree to which certain characteristics (e.g., principle field of teaching, highest credentials attained, time spent on teaching, research, and service activities) of Black male faculty have changed in recent years. In addition, the study highlighted status measures of Black male faculty (e.g., academic rank, tenure status, and compensation) and discussed the extent to which the relative status of Black male faculty has changed during a six-year period.
Extending the Range of Beer's Law in FT-IR Spectrometry. Part I: Theoretical Study of Norton—Beer Apodization Functions:

Beer's law is obeyed when the measured value of absorbance varies linearly with concentration in the absence of chemical effects. The absorbance range over which bands measured on any type of spectrometer obey Beer's law depends on the ratio of the resolution to the full width at half-height of the analytical band, often called the resolution parameter, rho, and the instrument line shape (ILS) function of the spectrometer. Apodization functions are used widely in Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry to change the instrument line shape function. For Lorentzian bands, it is well known that when rho is about 1 and the spectrum is computed with a triangular apodization function, there is a negative deviation from Beer's law when the true peak absorbance is high, whereas the use of boxcar truncation results in a positive deviation. In this paper, the possibility of extending the linear range of Beer's law by applying optimized apodization functions of the type proposed by Norton and Beer has been investigated. This theoretical study shows that the linear range of Beer's law plots for spectra measured at moderate resolution can be extended to peak absorbances greater than 2 with the use of any of the Norton-Beer apodization functions. Linear plots of the apparent absorbance of a band against analyte concentration can be obtained even for bands of absorbance substantially greater than 3, although a nonzero intercept on the absorbance axis may be observed.
An observer for linear systems with randomly-switching measurement equations

Based on the algebraic transformation of a randomly switched linear measurement equation to a nonlinear, yet deterministic equation, an asymptotic observer is constructed for a class of systems encountered in manufacturing, telecommunications, and embedded control applications. The observer is shown to be locally and exponentially stable for any arbitrary switching sequence, and combines the algebraic transformation with the introduction of a Newton observer defined on the resulting nonlinear measurement equation.
Returning to the bench with adeno-associated virus 1 SERCA2a gene therapy.

B S 30. Wynn TA. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis. J Pathol. 2008;214: 199-210. 31. Shimkunas R, Zhang Z, Wenk JF, Soleimani M, Khazalpour M, AcevedoBolton G, et al. Left ventricular myocardial contractility is depressed in the borderzone after posterolateral myocardial infarction. Ann Thorac Surg. 2013; 95:1619-25. 32. Tsuda T, Gao E, Evangelisti L, Markova D, Ma X, Chu ML. Post-ischemic myocardial fibrosis occurs independent of hemodynamic changes. Cardiovasc Res. 2003;59:926-33.
Eigenvalue Problems for Elliptic Type Partial Differential Operators with Spectral Parameter Contained Linearly in Boundary Conditions

It is shown that the eigenfunctions of an elliptic type partial differential operator in a compact domain with an eigenvalue parameter contained linearly in the boundary condition form a basis of a corresponding Hilbert space.
Integración económica entre El Salvador y Guatemala: El impacto del establecimiento de una Unión Aduanera en la economía salvadoreña

ANALIZA EL IMPACTO ESPERADO DEL ESTABLECIMIENTO DE UNA UNION ADUANERA ENTRE EL SALVADOR Y GUATEMALA EN LA ECONOMIA SALVADORENA. PARA ELLO SE EVALUAN LAS IMPLICACIONES DE PASAR DE UN ESQUEMA DE LIBRE COMERCIO A UNA UNION ADUANERA: EL ESTABLECIMIENTO DE UN ARANCEL EXTERNO COMUN, LA ANULACION DE LAS REGLAS DE ORIGEN Y LA ELIMINACION DE CONTROLES FRONTERIZOS PARA LAS OPERACIONES COMERCIALES ENTRE AMBOS PAISES. EL ESTUDIO PREVE QUE LOS BENEFICIOS ASOCIADOS A ESTA POLITICA SUPERAN EL EFECTO NEGATIVO EN LOS SECTORES SALVADORENOS QUE SE VERIAN AFECTADOS POR UNA REDUCCION ARANCELARIA.
Computational discovery of single-layer III-V materials

Single-layer materials open up tremendous opportunities for nanoelectronic devices. Using a first-principles design approach we identify a previously unrecognized family of single-layer III-V materials. We determine their energetic and dynamical stability, identify a surprising reconstruction, and calculate their electronic properties using a hybrid density functional and the ${G}_{0}{W}_{0}$ method. Finally, we find that metal substrates stabilize these as-yet hypothetical materials. Our results provide guidance for experimental synthesis efforts and future searches of single-layer materials suitable for device applications.