cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A systematic procedure for deriving block-parallel, power efficient, digital filter architectures for highspeed data conversion

A systematic and highly intuitive procedure for deriving the digital filter realization of an arbitrary block-parallel and/or pipelined discrete-time transfer function H(z) is proposed. The method is based on simple block diagram and multi-rate (filter-bank) properties and is intended for low-power processing by reducing (a) the required system clock frequency and (b) the number of required multipliers by facilitating arithmetic resource sharing. We provide design examples for (classical) direct-form FIR and IIR filters as well as for specialized architectures such as fractional-delay Farrow (programmable FIR), lattice-ladder (IIR), Adaptive Phase Equalization (programmable IIR) and Multiplier-less MAXFLAT filters. The technique and examples presented are intended to serve as a high-speed filter realization reference for Digital and DSP ASIC developers.
Coronary Normograms and the Coronary-Aorta Index: Objective Determinants of Coronary Artery Dilatation

This is a prospective study to establish the normal ranges of the proximal left (LCA) and right (RCA) coronary artery diameters in normal children. Echocardiographic measurements of the internal diameters of the LCA, RCA, and the aortic annulus (AoA) were performed on 390 Asians with normal hearts, between the ages of 2 months to 8 years. The maximal diameters of the LCA and RCA in diastole were measured at predetermined sites. The LCA and RCA diameters correlated linearly with age, height, weight, body surface area, as well as the AoA (Pearson's R > 0.8, p <0.005). Regression equations and z-score graphs were constructed. The coronary-aorta index (coronary artery to aortic annulus ratio) falls within a narrow range- LCA/AoA = 0.15 +/- 0.02 (range 0.09-0.21), RCA/AoA = 0.13 +/- 0.02 (range 0.09-0.20). This is independent of age, sex, weight, height, and body surface area. We have established reference ranges for proximal coronary artery diameters in normal children. The regression equations and z-score graphs for the LCA and RCA provide objective determination of coronary size abnormalities. The coronary-aorta index can serve as a quick guide to detect coronary dilatation.
Molecular characterization of mutations in the hprt gene of normal human skin keratinocytes treated with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea: Influence of O6-alkylguanine alkyltransferase

O6-Alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) is responsible for repairing the O6-alkylguanine lesion in DNA. There is wide variation in the levels of AGT between organ and cell types, which appears to correlate with cell and tissue type sensitivity to the mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of alkylating agents. In order to investigate the role of AGT in modulating the frequency and types of mutations induced in one type of normal human parenchymal cells, we examined the types and frequency of mutations in the hypoxanthine (guanine) phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt) gene in 116 mutants derived from two N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-treated normal human skin keratinocyte cell lines. O6-Benzylguanine (O6-BZ; 5 μM × 2 hours) was used to specifically inhibit AGT activity before ENU treatment (0 to 5 mM × 1 hour). O6-BZ increased both the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of ENU by 1.8- and 3- to 5-fold, respectively. In both treatment groups, most of the mutations were base substitutions (72%). The proportion of GC to AT transitions in the O6-BZgroup (14/31) was twice that in the group treated with ENU alone, consistent with the loss of AGT activity in these cells. There was no strand specificity of GC to AT and AT to GC transitions in both groups. Base transversions accounted for 28% of total base substitutions. A lower than expected proportion of AT to TA transversions were observed in both cell lines, which decreased in the O6-BZ pretreated group. A strand bias was observed for GC to TA and AT to TA transversions. Most of the G to A and G to T base substitutions had one or more purines flanking 3′ to the mutated deoxyguanosines. There were more deletion mutants with the deletion of exon 1, 4, 6, and 8 in the BZ group than in the control group. These data, characterizing the mutational spectra of ENU in normal human keratinocytes treated in vitro, indicate that GC to AT and AT to GC transition mutations predominate in these cells depleted or not depleted of AGT. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 29:168–179, 1997. &copy 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Orbital configuration assignment of 4S/e/ doubly excited states of lithium isoelectronic sequence

Results of Hartree-Fock and multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock calculations using only two configurations (degenerate in zero order within the context of the nuclear-charge-expansion perturbation method) for 4S(e) doubly excited states of lithium isoelectronic sequence are used to propose an orbital configuration classification of these states extending the similar classification by Holoien and Geltman for 4S(e) states of lithium only.
Cultured myometrial cells establish communicating gap junctions

Abstract Myometrial cells were isolated and cultured from term rat uterus. The myometrial origin of the cultures was verified by antibody staining of cellular desmin and α-smooth muscle actin. The presence of functional gap junctions was indicated by transfer of radiolabeled nucleotide and microinjected Lucifer yellow dye. The cultured cells expressed mRNA recognized by a connexin43 gap junction cDNA probe. To our knowledge, this is the first report that isolated myometrial cells form gap junctions in culture.
Decreased sensitivity of mixed-function oxidases frompapilio polyxenes to inhibitors in host plants.

Caterpillars ofPapilio polyxenes, the black swallowtail, feed on umbellifers that contain both toxic furanocoumarins and methylenedioxyphenyl compounds such as myristicin and safrole. These phytosynergists enhance the toxicity of furanocoumarins by inhibiting mixed-function oxidases (MFOs), the detoxification enzymes responsible for metabolizing furanocoumarins. In model substrate assays, MFOs fromP. polyxenes are twice as active as MFOs fromHeliothis zea, a generalist herbivore not adapted to feeding on either furanocoumarins or furanocoumarin/phytosynergist combinations.P. polyxenes MFOs are 10 and 46 times less sensitive to inhibition by myristicin and safrole, respectively, thanH. zea MFOs and eight times less sensitive to inhibition by safrole than MFOs fromPapilio troilus, a closely related species that does not encounter furanocoumarin/phytosynergist combinations in its diet. Higher MFO activity and decreased sensitivity to MFO inhibitors are important adaptations that allow black swallowtail caterpillars to feed on many umbelliferous plants.
Surface-Freezing Transitions and Novel Tilted Hexatic Phases in Smectic Liquid-Crystal Films

We report the first unambiguous identification in a thermotropic liquid crystal of a hexatic smectic- $L$, a phase with molecular tilt direction intermediate between those of the smectic- $I$ and smectic- $F$, using electron diffraction in free-standing films of 5-(4\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}-hexyl,3\ensuremath{'}-fluoro-p-terphenyl-4-oxy)-pentanoic acid ethyl ester. Our structural data directly support the proposed explanation of the unusual stripe phase observed optically. We also describe multiple surface-freezing transitions which occur at lower temperatures and involve novel tilted crystal phases.
Salvage surgery after radiotherapy failure in T1-T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx.

Background This study was undertaken to analyze the clinical course of patients who developed local (primary) recurrence after high-dose irradiation of T1–T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx. Methods Between May 1977 and December 1989, 247 patients with previously untreated T1 and T2 invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx were treated for curative intent with radiotherapy. Local recurrence occurred in 26 of 247 patients (11%). Successful surgical salvage was defined as no evidence of recurrent cancer for at least 2 years after salvage surgery and continuously thereafter. Results Two patients refused to undergo salvage surgery and one patient had unresectable disease. Of 23 patients who underwent salvage surgery, 19 had a total laryngectomy and 4 had a voice-sparing procedure. One patient who was continuously free of disease, died less than 24 months after salvage surgery; this patient was excluded from all local control and survival analyses, leaving 22 patients available for analysis. Successful salvage was achieved initially in 13 (59%) of the 22 patients. Two patients with local failure after voice-sparing salvage surgery underwent completion laryngectomy; one was salvaged, so that 14 of 22 (64%) were ultimately salvaged. The rate of successful salvage did not correlate with preirradiation T stage, time to failure after irradiation, or time from clinical suspicion of recurrence to histologic proof. In a subgroup of patients (those with positive margins, tumor extension into the soft tissues of the neck, or two or more adverse histologic features), the risk of local-regional recurrence after salvage laryngectomy was 80%. Conclusions There are few data in the literature regarding the clinical outcome of patients whose tumors are not controlled by initial radiotherapy. This series and previous publications from other institutions indicate that most patients who develop primary failure undergo salvage surgery, which is successful in approximately 50–80% of the patients. The rate of surgical complications is acceptable and is related to radiotherapy dose. At our institution, most patients who had recurrence after radiotherapy underwent total laryngectomy. More than 50% of the patients who experienced recurrence after irradiation originally had tumors of such extent that they would have required total laryngectomy if surgery had been recommended instead of radiotherapy for the initial treatment. It is reasonable to consider reirradiation in patients with a very high risk of local-regional recurrence after salvage laryngectomy. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Presynaptic Homeostatic Signaling System Composed of the Eph Receptor, Ephexin, Cdc42, and CaV2.1 Calcium Channels

The molecular mechanisms underlying the homeostatic modulation of presynaptic neurotransmitter release remain largely unknown. In a screen, we isolated mutations in Drosophila ephexin (Rho-type guanine nucleotide exchange factor) that disrupt the homeostatic enhancement of presynaptic release following impairment of postsynaptic glutamate receptor function at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. We show that Ephexin is sufficient presynaptically for synaptic homeostasis and localizes in puncta throughout the nerve terminal. However, ephexin mutations do not alter other aspects of neuromuscular development, including morphology or active zone number. We then show that, during synaptic homeostasis, Ephexin functions primarily with Cdc42 in a signaling system that converges upon the presynaptic CaV2.1 calcium channel. Finally, we show that Ephexin binds the Drosophila Eph receptor (Eph) and Eph mutants disrupt synaptic homeostasis. Based on these data, we propose that Ephexin/Cdc42 couples synaptic Eph signaling to the modulation of presynaptic CaV2.1 channels during the homeostatic enhancement of presynaptic release.
Experimental Measurements of Two-dimensional Planar Propagating Edge Flames

The study of edge flames has received increased attention in recent years. This work reports the results of a recent study into two-dimensional, planar, propagating edge flames that are remote from solid surfaces (called here, free-layer flames, as opposed to layered flames along floors or ceilings). They represent an ideal case of a flame propagating down a flammable plume, or through a flammable layer in microgravity. The results were generated using a new apparatus in which a thin stream of gaseous fuel is injected into a low-speed laminar wind tunnel thereby forming a flammable layer along the centerline. An airfoil-shaped fuel dispenser downstream of the duct inlet issues ethane from a slot in the trailing edge. The air and ethane mix due to mass diffusion while flowing up towards the duct exit, forming a flammable layer with a steep lateral fuel concentration gradient and smaller axial fuel concentration gradient. We characterized the flow and fuel concentration fields in the duct using hot wire anemometer scans, flow visualization using smoke traces, and non-reacting, numerical modeling using COSMOSFloWorks. In the experiment, a hot wire near the exit ignites the ethane air layer, with the flame propagating downwards towards the fuel source. Reported here are tests with the air inlet velocity of 25 cm/s and ethane flows of 967-1299 sccm, which gave conditions ranging from lean to rich along the centerline. In these conditions the flame spreads at a constant rate faster than the laminar burning rate for a premixed ethane air mixture. The flame spread rate increases with increasing transverse fuel gradient (obtained by increasing the fuel flow rate), but appears to reach a maximum. The flow field shows little effect due to the flame approach near the igniter, but shows significant effect, including flow reversal, well ahead of the flame as it approaches the airfoil fuel source.
Trace metal research at Little Rock Lake, Wisconsin: Background data, enclosure experiments, and the first three years of acidification

Abstract Water-column and sediment-trap monitoring programs were used to investigate the important mechanisms regulating the biogeochemical cycling of Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the acidified and reference basins of Little Rock Lake, an oligotrophic seepage lake in northern Wisconsin. Background lake water concentrations of dissolved (0.4 μm pore-size filtered samples) metals were (μg l −1 ): Al, 7; Fe, 17; Mn, 12; Cd, 0.05; Cu, 0.3; Pb, 0.1; and Zn, 3. The two main basins of the lake were divided by a polyvinyl barrier, and stepwise acidification (2 years each at pH 5.6, 5.1 and 4.6) of the north basin with H 2 SO 4 began shortly after ice-out in April 1985. The south basin (annual average pH 6.1) is being maintained as a reference. Of the metals measured in this study, only dissolved Mn increased (from 12 to 30 μg l −1 ) when the north basin was acidified from pH 6.1 to 5.6; this was accompanied by a 70% decrease in the sedimentation rate of particulate Mn in this basin. Further acidification of the north basin to pH 5.1 resulted in a further increase in dissolved Mn (from 30 to 40 μg l −1 , a two-fold increase in dissolved Fe (from 30 to 60 μg l −1 ), and a 45% elevation in dissolved Al (to 15.5 μg l −1 ) over reference basin levels (10.7 μg l −1 ). No increases in dissolved Cd, Cu, Pb, or Zn were observed in the acidified basin during the first 3 years of acidification. Analysis of suspended particulate matter collected from both basins revealed lower levels of particulate Al, Fe, Mn, and Pb in the acidified basin, demonstrating that metals have reduced affinity for particulate matter at the lower pH of the acidified basin. Enclosure (i.e. limnocorral) experiments in the littoral and pelagic zones of the north basin in 1984 and in 1985 accurately predicted the pH levels at which dissolved Al, Fe, and Mn first increased in this basin.
Cooling and evolution of a supernova remnant.

Discussion of the structure, evolution, and cooling of an old supernova remnant, aimed at providing a theoretical framework for relating remnants with similar energies and environments but of different ages. Discussed evolution details include the Sedov-Taylor blast wave, the electron-ion equipartition and thermal conduction, the temperature sag and the dynamics in the process of transition to a dense shell, and the history of remnant luminosity.
The Media and the Foundations of Presidential Support: George Bush and the Persian Gulf Conflict

When the United States began its overt military conflict with Iraq in January 1991, the American news media focused attention powerfully and seemingly unceasingly on the Gulf crisis for a period of almost three months. Through analysis of data collected in a panel survey conducted before and after the war, we found that paralleling this surge in media coverage were significant alterations in the ingredients of Americans' assessments of George Bush's job performance. After the war, these assessments were based much more on citizens' beliefs about his effectiveness in managing the conflict, and much less on their confidence in his handling of other foreign relations matters or the domestic economy. We found as well that these shifts were regulated by citizens' levels of political knowledge, exposure to political news, and interest in the war. Greater shifts were associated with higher levels of knowledge and lower levels of exposure and interest. These findings challenge traditional views of these dimensions of political involvement and support an alternative view derived from contemporary psychological theories of information processing.
Evaluation of contractile state by maximal ventricular power divided by the square of end-diastolic volume.

BACKGROUNDMaximal ventricular power (PWRmax) reflects contractile state and has the potential to be noninvasively determined. However, its sensitivities to preload, afterload resistance, and inotropic state are incompletely defined. The present study determines these dependencies and proposes a novel power-based contractile index that is little altered by load.METHODS AND RESULTSSeven open-chest, autonomically blocked dogs were instrumented with a proximal aortic flow probe, central aortic and ventricular micromanometers, and a conductance catheter for ventricular chamber volume. Preload was transiently reduced by left atrial hemorrhage, and afterload was increased by intra-aortic balloon inflation. Inotropic state was pharmacologically altered by lidocaine, dobutamine, propranolol, or verapamil. PWRmax was highly preload sensitive, altering 1.7 +/- 0.1-fold a given percent change in end-diastolic volume (EDV). This preload dependence was reduced by dividing PWRmax by EDV but was virtually eliminated when...
Interaction of Glucagon and Catecholamines in the Regulation of Serine Dehydratase1

During experiments directed at defining the role of various hormones in the regulation of the rat liver enzyme, serine dehydratase, it was observed that epinephrine inhibited the increase in enzyme activity normally attained following glucagon administration. Epinephrine was effective in inhibiting the normal glucagon induction when administered 1 hr before, 2 hr after or simultaneously with glucagon. Epinephrine did not inhibit the hydrocortisone induction of serine dehydratase. High doses of isoproterenol significantly decreased the high levels of serine dehydratase normally present in livers of diabetic rats and rats maintained on a high protein diet. The level of cAMP in the livers of rats receiving glucagon plus epinephrine was elevated over control values at time points between 5 and 20 min but was lower than the level in animals receiving only glucagon which remained elevated until at least 60 min after injection. Thus it is suggested that epinephrine antagonizes the normal glucagon stimulated indu...
Operation of avalanche diodes as c.w. amplifiers at fractions of the transit frequency

The operation of an avalanche diode as a self-pumped parametric amplifier at low current densities is described. Gains of up to 15 dB are obtained at frequencies of the order of one-quarter of the transit frequency, while the diode is providing its own pump at three-quarters of that frequency. A theory based on utilising a Read-diode approximation to the device is used to calculate the response of such an amplifier, and good agreement is found for both the gain and saturation characteristics of the device.
Automated edge detection versus manual edge measurement in analysis of brachial artery reactivity: a comparison study.

High resolution ultrasound, combined with computer imaging technology, is commonly used to measure changes in brachial artery diameter for the determination of endothelial-dependent vasodilation (EDD) and endothelial independent-vasodilation (EID). Currently, two methods of computerized edge-detection systems are in use to measure changes in artery diameter. One system involves the sonographer manually tracking the artery walls while the second system involves a computer automated edge-detection system that automatically tracks the artery wall. The purpose of this study was to compare the two types of computerized edge-detection systems for measuring vascular function and structure. One hundred fifty (female 70, male 80) participants agreed to participate. Baseline brachial diameter, carotid intima-medial thickness (cIMT), EDD and EID were measured by the two computerized edge-detection systems utilizing the same ultrasound B-mode image. Mean values (standard error) for baseline diameter, cIMT, EDD and EID were 3.53 (0.10) mm, 0.43 (0.01) mm, 5.72 (0.20)% and 22.17 (0.60)%, respectively for the manual edge-detection software system. Mean values for baseline diameter, cIMT, EDD and EID were 3.59 (0.10) mm, 0.44 (0.01) mm, 7.33 (0.30)% and 25.77 (0.60)%, respectively for the automated edge-detection software system. Bland-Altman plots displayed large variations between the two edge-detection methods for assessing cIMT and changes in artery diameter following brachial EDD and EID. The results of the study demonstrate that manual and automated computerized edge-detection systems track dynamic changes in brachial artery diameter and cIMT measures differently. Therefore, caution should be used when comparing research utilizing different computerized edge-detection systems for measuring vascular function and structure. (E-mail: will0188@umn.edu) Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.
The Ecology of Culiseta inornata in the Colorado Desert of California: Seasonal Abundance, Gonotrophic Status, and Oviparity of Adult Mosquitoes

In the Colorado Desert of California, female Culiseta inornata (Diptera: Culicidae) were active from Sept.-June, while males were active from Oct.-May. In airborne populations, during Oct. through Feb., nullipars comprised 40% or less of the empty females examined. Parous females alone were captured in Sept., and from Mar.-June. Among resting females, the occurrence of nullipars varied directly with changing population level in Oct. and Nov. (between 0 and 50% of empty females=nulliparous), but inversely with levels during Feb. and Mar. (100% of empty females=nulliparous). Aestival populations of C. inornata were inferred to consist of small numbers of females who either possess fully developed oocytes, or have completed at least one gonotrophic cycle. Male C. inornata do not survive the summer.
Recent Developments in the Study of Hypothalamic Hormones with Special Reference to LH-RH and Somatostatin

Recent experimental and clinical studies LH-RH and somatostatin were presented. Immunological approaches, such as determination of these hypothalamic hormones in the tissue and blood by RIA, immunohistochemical studies, and active or passive immunization of animals with LH-RH or somatostatin, provided much useful information on the physiological roles of these hormones. LH-RH has been found to be useful not only for diagnosis of various diseases but also for treatment of some type of hypogonadisms. Experimental data on somatostatin suggest a considerable potential for practical application of somatostatin in the clinical field. However, the possible suppressive effect of somatostatin on platelet aggregation should be seriously considered when it is used for clinical purposes.
Exploring RNA Condensation

DNA and RNA molecules both serve as genetic material inside viruses but the structure of packaged RNA molecules remain elusive. Moreover, RNA has more diverse functional roles than DNA. Differences between DNA and RNA duplexes are most evident upon addition of a condensing agent, such as the trivalent ion cobalt hexammine (CoHex). Under conditions where DNA condenses into insoluble precipitates, RNA molecules remain in solution (Physical Review Letters 2011, 106, 108101). In fact, x-ray scattering experiments suggest that in the presence of CoHex, short RNA helices form end-to-end stacked soluble structures. We study the physical origin of nucleic acid condensation by comparing four 25 base-paired helical constructs: DNA, RNA and a DNA-RNA hybrid of similar sequences and a homopolymeric DNA sequence. Recently, we used UV spectroscopy and Circular Dichoism (CD) to connect condensation propensity to spatial location of CoHex ions determined from molecular dynamics simulations (Nucleic Acids Research 2014, 42, 10823). Here, we use solution x-ray scattering to examine the pre-condensed phase and explore conditions that might effectively condense and package RNA.
Mucormycosis in a renal transplant recipient: Case Report and comprehensive review of literature

Mucormycosis is a rare but devastating infection. We present a case of fatal disseminated mucormycosis infection in a renal transplant patient. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression are the major predisposing factors to infection with Mucorales. Mucorales are angioinvasive and can infect any organ system. Lungs are the predominant site of infection in solid organ transplant recipients. Prompt diagnosis is challenging and influences outcome. Treatment involves a combination of surgical and medical therapies. Amphotericin B remains the cornerstone in the medical management of mucormycosis, although other agents have been used. Newer agents are promising.
Effects of Program and Patient Characteristics on Retention of Drug Treatment Patients.

Abstract Objective: To examine effects of program and patient characteristics on patient retention in residential drug treatment programs, outpatient drug-free programs (ODF), and methadone maintenance (MM) programs. Data sources/study setting: Patient data were based on admission and discharge records for individuals entering treatment programs in Los Angeles County during 1992 and 1993. Program data were collected from program directors via a mail survey. The study sample included 26,047 patients in 87 programs. The dependent variable was patient completion of a critical threshold of treatment (360 days for MM and 180 days for the other two modalities). We applied logistic regression hierarchical linear modeling analysis for each modality. Principal findings: Threshold retention rates were generally low in all three modalities (18.1% for residential programs, 22.9% for ODF, and 13.6% for MM). An articulated programmatic focus and low caseload increased patient retention in residential programs. A lower level of group therapy focus increased patient retention in ODF programs. A low programmatic focus and a low percentage of recovering staff were associated with high retention rates among MM patients. For ODF programs, none of the slopes showed random effects, while for residential and MM programs, some program factors contributed to the explanation of the random effects in several slopes (e.g., drug use severity). Conclusion: Program practice and service provision played important roles in determining patient retention in treatment. Service providers and planners should consider these key factors to improve retention of patients, which is likely to increase overall treatment effectiveness and efficiency.
A new preparative thin-layer chromatographic technique for using thicker layers

Abstract A method has been developed for the production and development of thick layers ranging from 1 8 in. to 1 2 in. thick. These layers do not have a supporting back plate, but are contained within a stainless-steel framework with thin stainless-steel wires stretched across the frame to help support the adsorbent layer. In this manner both surfaces of the plate are available for application of the sample and for the observation of separated zones. The layers were formed of silica gel with 20% gypsum binder based on the weight of the silica gel. A special chamber was constructed for development of the layers. The method was demostrated by the separation of a number of dyes. In contrast to running numerous thin-layer plates to obtain preparative amounts of colorless compounds, the thick layers provide a means for spraying the surface with a visualizing reagent, and then removing the thin surface layer once the zones are located and still leave adequate amounts of the unsprayed compounds for recovery.
Preclinical testing of tandutinib in a transgenic medulloblastoma mouse model.

Overexpression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-A) has been documented in association with primary tumors and metastasis in medulloblastoma. Tumors from our genetically engineered sonic hedgehog-driven medulloblastoma mouse model overexpress PDGFR-A in primary tumors and thus
Transcription activation at Class I CAP‐dependent promoters

Catabolite gene activator protein (CAP)-dependent promoters can be grouped into three classes, based on the requirement for transcription activation and the position of the DNA site for CAP. Class I CAP-dependent promoters require only CAP for transcription activation and have the DNA site for CAP located upstream of the DNA site for RNA polymerase. Amino acids 156 to 162 of the promoter-proximal subunit of CAP are essential for transcription activation at Class I CAP-dependent promoters, but are not essential for DNA binding, and are not essential for DNA bending. In the structure of the CAP-DNA complex, these amino acids are located in a surface loop and form a cluster on the surface of the CAP-DNA complex. Amino acids 261, 265, and 270 of the alpha subunit of RNA polymerase are essential for response to transcription activation by CAP at Class I CAP-dependent promoters. Several lines of evidence indicate that transcription activation at Class I CAP-dependent promoters requires a direct protein-protein contact between amino acids 156 to 162 of the promoter-proximal subunit of CAP and a molecule of RNA polymerase bound adjacent to CAP on the same face of the DNA helix. It is a strong possibility that this direct protein-protein contact involves amino acids 261 and 265 of the alpha subunit of RNA polymerase.
Mechanics for stretchable sensors

Abstract In the past decade, high performance stretchable sensors have found many exciting applications including epidermal and in vivo monitors, minimally invasive surgical tools, as well as deployable structure health monitors (SHM). Although wafer based electronics are known to be rigid and planar, recent advances in manufacture and mechanics have made intrinsically stiff and brittle inorganic electronic materials stretchable and compliant. This review article summarizes the most recent mechanics studies on stretchable sensors composed of ceramic and metallic functional materials. The discussion will focus around the most popular “island plus serpentine” design where active electronic or sensing components are housed on an array of isolated, micro-scale islands which are interconnected by electrically conductive, stretchable, serpentine thin films. The mechanics of polymer supported islands, freestanding serpentines, and polymer supported serpentines will be introduced. The effects of feature geometry and polymer substrate on the stretchability, compliance, as well as functionality of the sensor system will be discussed in details. The tradeoff between mechanics and functionality gives rise to the challenge of simultaneously optimizing the structure and performance of stretchable sensors.
Cellular and molecular correlates of aging in the nervous system.

Abstract Three characteristic features of aging in the nervous system are reviewed: deficits in the regulation of nerve-cell calcium levels, increased leakage of synaptic transmitters and changes in neuronal arborization. In hippocampal cells and motor nerve terminals, the rate of calcium clearance from the immediate vicinity of the membrane decreases with age. There is further evidence of decreased rates of transmembrane Ca2+ flux in synaptosomal preparations from aged animals. Stimulation-evoked transmitter release, which is calcium dependent, appearsto increase at some neuromuscular junctions during aging; in contrast, high-K+-induced release in brain tissue appears to decline. A much more consitent age-related increase in “basal” transmitter efflux, under nonstimulated conditions, has been observed in both the peripheral and the central nervous system. This may be related to increased nerve-terminal arborization, which occurs in actively used muscles during aging. Likewise, dendritic branching becomes more extensive with moderate age; at advanced age, though, branching decreases. Furthermore, motor nerve terminal branching also decreases with age in muscles subject to disuse. This variability among morphologic features during aging illustrates the need to standardize ages and preparations when comparing these types of data.
Defective Degradation of Leukotrienes in Peroxisomal-Deficient Human Hepatocytes 161

Background: Chain-shortening via s-oxidation from the w-end has been recognized as the major pathway for the degradation of the biologically active cysteinyl leukotrienes (LT) as well as LTB4. The metabolic compartmentation of this pathway was studied in peroxisomal-deficient and human control hepatocytes. Subjects: Hepatocytes prepared from liver biopsies in a peroxisomal-deficient patient(Zellweger syndrome) and patients with normal peroxisomal function. Interventions: LT metabolism was studied in isolated hepatocytes by incubation with w-COOH-(3H)LTE4/LTB4. Analysis was done by HPLC, UV-detection and radioactivity measurement. Results: Incubation of human control hepatocytes with w-COOH-(3H)LTE4/LTB4 resulted in the formation of the corresponding s-oxidation products whereas s-oxidation derivatives were not detected as products formed by peroxisome-deficient hepatocytes. Conclusions: Results showed that peroxisomes play a major role in the s-oxidation of leukotrienes in humans.
Long-term results of surgical repair of bile duct injuries following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Abstract Background. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is associated with an increased incidence of bile duct injuries when compared with the open surgical technique. Long-term results of repaired injuries and hepatic damage associated with chronic biliary obstruction are lacking. Methods. From Aug 1, 1991 until Dec 1, 1999, there were 27 patients referred for management of complex biliary injuries that occurred during LC. Patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and placement of transhepatic catheters with computed tomography-guided biloma drainage when indicated. On the basis of the cholangiography findings, patients underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) and liver biopsy or were treated with nonsurgical interventions. Results. Twenty-one of 27 patients (77.8%) underwent HJ, and 16 of these 21 patients (76.2%) also underwent hepatic biopsy. In 1 patient, a recurrent stricture developed at 20 months after the initial repair; and, in a second patient, an episode of cholangitis developed in the postoperative period with the transhepatic catheters in place. Five of 16 patients (31.2%) demonstrated marked hepatic fibrosis with 4 (25%) of these patients showing evidence of evolving cirrhosis at the time of HJ. Conclusions. In this series with 55 months of follow-up, HJ repair of LC injuries was associated with an initial 95.2% success rate and an ultimate success rate of 100%. Despite this, delayed referral, averaging 12 months, was associated with significant hepatic injury in 5 of 16 (31.3%) patients who underwent biopsy. (Surgery 2000;128:668-77.)
Single-photon sources based on single molecules in solids

Single molecules in suitable host crystals have been demonstrated to be useful single-photon emitters both at liquid-helium temperatures and at room temperature. The low-temperature source achieved controllable emission of single photons from a single terrylene molecule in p-terphenyl by an adiabatic rapid passage technique. In contrast with almost all other single-molecule systems, terrylene single molecules show extremely high photostability under continuous, high-intensity irradiation. A room-temperature source utilizing this material has been demonstrated, in which fast pumping into vibrational sidebands of the electronically excited state achieved efficient inversion of the emissive level. This source yielded a single-photon emission probability p(1) of 0.86 at a detected count rate near 300?000 photons?s?1, with very small probability of emission of more than one photon. Thus, single molecules in solids can be considered as contenders for applications of single-photon sources such as quantum key distribution.
Crystallization of poly(tetramethyl-p-silphenylene-dimethylsiloxane) (TMPS-DMS) block copolymers: Morphology and kinetics

The crystallization behavior of random block copolymers of (tetramethyl-p-silphenylenesiloxane) and dimethylsiloxane has been studied over a wide range of temperature and composition. The copolymer melting temperature, glass transition temperature, rate of crystallization, crystallinity, and density decrease in magnitude as the dimethylsiloxane block content are raised in this two-component system. The crystal end-surface (interfacial) energy increases as the dimethylsiloxane mole fraction decreases in accord with other morphological observations. The morphological changes observed in these copolymers are consistent with the conclusions deduced from the crystallization kinetics. Negatively, birefringent spherulites are observed over the entire crystallization range investigated.
Molecular cloning of restriction fragments and construction of a physical and genetic map of the Escherichia coli plasmid R538-1.

Abstract A genetic and physical map of Escherichia coli plasmid R538-1 was constructed using restriction endonucleases and molecular cloning techniques. R538-1 DNA was cleaved into 12 fragments by endonuclease · R · Eco RI, 6 fragments by endonuclease R · Hin dIII, and 3 fragments by endonuclease R · Bam HI. The order of these fragments was determined by standard restriction fragment mapping techniques. Endo · R · Eco RI, endo · R · Hin dIII, endo · R · Bam HI, and endo · R · Pst I fragments obtained from R538-1 and ColE1-derived plasmids (pMB9, ColE1Ap r , and pBR322) were ligated in vitro and used to transform E. coli C600. Transformants were selected for antibiotic resistance markers carried by R538-1. Analysis of the R538-1 fragments contained in these hybrid plasmids permitted the construction of a genetic map of the R538-1 plasmid. The genetic map of this plasmid is very similar to that of plasmid R100.
The relationship of handedness to depression in male and female college students

Abstract In this study, I investigated the handedness patterns of groups of depressed and non-depressed male and female college students. For females, the rate of non-right-handedness was significantly greater in the depressed group than in the non-depressed group of subjects. No difference in handedness patterns was observed between the groups of depressed and non-depressed male subjects. I hypothesize that the observed association between handedness and depression among women may be attributable to the relationship of these two variables to a common third variable, sex-role behavior.
The effects of pairing non-preferred staff with preferred stimuli on increasing the reinforcing value of non-preferred staff attention

This two-part study conducted preference assessments for staff members in three adults with intellectual disabilities and then paired attention from non-preferred staff with preferred stimuli. All three participants reliably identified preferred and non-preferred staff in both verbal and pictorial preference assessments, they emitted a higher rate responses during progressive ratio schedules for attention from preferred than from non-preferred staff and emitted more approach responses to preferred than non-preferred staff. When attention from non-preferred staff was paired with preferred stimuli, break points and the rate of approaches to non-preferred staff systematically increased as a function of stimulus pairings. The paper discusses the implications of preparing staff to work with people with intellectual disabilities.
Capillary electrophoresis: the promise and the practice

The field of capillary electrophoresis has undergone rapid development over the past 10 years. Many advances have been made, but there are still some problems that must be addressed before the technique can reach its full potential.
Coscheduled distributed-Web servers on system area network

As cluster-based Web servers are increasingly adopted to host a variety of network-based services, improving the performance of such servers has become critical to satisfy the customers' demands. Especially, the user response time is an important factor so that clients feel satisfied with the Web services. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of minimizing the response time of a server by exploiting the advantages of both user-level communication and coscheduling. We, thus, propose a coscheduled server model based on the recently proposed distributed PRESS Web server, where the remote cache accesses can be coscheduled on different nodes to reduce the response time. We experiment this concept using two known coscheduling techniques, called dynamic coscheduling (DCS) and DCS with immediate blocking. We have developed a comprehensive simulation testbed that captures the underlying communication layer in a cluster, the characteristics of various coscheduling algorithms, and the characteristics of the distributed server model to estimate the average delay and throughput with different system configurations. The accuracy of the VIA communication layer and the DCS mechanism is verified using measurements on a 16-node Linux cluster. Extensive simulation of four server models (PRESS over VIA, coscheduled PRESS model with DCS, with DCS and blocking, and Adaptive) using 32-node cluster configurations indicates that the average response time of a distributed server can be minimized significantly by coscheduling the communicating processes. The use of the DCS scheme reduced the average latency up to four times to the PRESS over VIA model that uses only user-level communication.
Spontaneous parametric down conversion in a nanophotonic waveguide

Recently, we verified that spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) is enhanced in a waveguide, in agreement with theory showing an inverse dependence on mode confinement [1]. Here we investigate highly-confined nanophotonic waveguides designed to maximize the SPDC rate. A theory modified to include highly-confined waveguides is used to calculate the spectral width and pair generation rates in a sample system. Pair generation rates exceeding 109/sec/nm/mW are predicted for periodically-poled KTP (PPKTP) nanophotonic waveguides. This results in an enhancement of the downconverted signal power greater than 45× that of low-index-contrast PPKTP waveguides and greater than 6500× that of bulk PPKTP crystals.
Immunocytochemical and ultrastructural correlates of the pineal inhibition of prolactin cell activity in blind-anosmic female rats.

The effects of the pineal gland on the light microscopic-immunocytochemical and ultrastructural appearance of pituitary mammotrophs were studied in female rats eight weeks after prepubertal blinding and olfactory bulbectomy.
Optimum Bandgap and Supply Voltage in Tunnel FETs

A physics-based analytic model of the ON- and OFF-currents in a homojunction tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) is used to understand the relationship between bandgap, gate length, ON-current, OFF-current, ON/OFF current ratio, and supply voltage to meet minimum energy requirements. The model, which applies to direct-bandgap semiconductors, is validated against numerical simulations to show that it captures the trends of more comprehensive simulations. The analytic model is then used to compare alternative channel materials for TFETs. Gate-all-around InAs nanowire and graphene nanoribbon TFETs are used as design examples at gate lengths of 10 and 15 nm and for an ON/OFF current specification of 10 5 . The results suggest that TFETs based on 2-D materials can be more energy efficient than semiconductor nanowire TFETs and conventional metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors for low-power logic.
Compressive response of multilayered pyramidal lattices during underwater shock loading

Abstract The quasi-static and dynamic compressive mechanical response of a multilayered pyramidal lattice structure constructed from stainless-steel was investigated. The lattices were fabricated by folding perforated 304 stainless steel sheets and bonding them to thin intervening sheets using a transient liquid-phase bonding technique. The resulting structure was attached to thick face sheets and the through thickness mechanical response was investigated quasi-statically and dynamically, in the latter case using a planar explosive loading technique. The lattice is found to crush in a progressive manner by the sequential (cooperative) buckling of truss layers. This results in a quasi-static stress strain response that exhibits a significant “metal foam” like stress plateau to strains of about 60% before rapid hardening due to truss impingement with the intermediate face sheets. During dynamic loading, sequential buckling of the truss layers was manifested as a series of transmitted pressure pulses measured at the back face of the test samples. The sequential buckling extended the duration of the back face pressure–time waveform and significantly reduced the transmitted pressure measured at the back face. The impulse transmitted to the structure is found to be about 28% less than that predicted by analytic treatments of the fluid-structure interaction for fully supported structures. This transmitted impulse reduction appears to be a consequence of the wet side face sheet movement away from the blast wave and is facilitated by the low crush resistance of the lattice structure.
Effect of meal frequency on glucose and insulin excursions over the course of a day

Background & aims: This study characterized the glucose and insulin responses to temporal alterations in meal frequency, and alterations in the macronutrient composition. Methods: Eight subjects underwent three separate 12-h meal tests: three high carbohydrate (3CHO) meals, 6 high carbohydrate meals (6CHO), 6 high-protein meals (6HP). Blood samples were taken at 15-min intervals. Integrated area under the curve (AUC) concentrations for glucose and plasma insulin were determined (total, 4-h, and 2-h blocks) for each meal condition. Results: Baseline glucose and insulin values were not different between study days. Peak glucose levels were highest on the 3CHO day; however the 12 h glucose AUC was higher during the 6CHO condition (p = 0.029) than 3CHO condition, with no difference in the insulin response. The 6HP condition resulted in a decreased glucose AUC (p = 0.004) and insulin AUC (p = 0.012) compared to 6CHO. Conclusions: In non-obese individuals, glucose levels remained elevated throughout the day with frequent CHO meals compared to 3CHO meals, without any differences in the insulin levels. Increasing the protein content of frequent meals attenuated both the glucose and insulin response. These findings of elevated glucose levels throughout the day warrant further research, particularly in overweight and obese individuals with and without type 2 diabetes