cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elevations of local cerebral glucose utilization by the β-carboline ZK 93 426

The effects of the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist ZR 93,426, a beta-carboline, on local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) was examined by using quantitative in-vivo autoradiography with [3H]2-deoxyglucose. ZK 93,426 was found to increase local cerebral glucose utilization primarily in prefrontal, cingulate, olfactory and visual cortical regions, as well as the claustrum, nucleus accumbens, anteroventral thalamus, substantia nigra, and dorsal raphe nucleus. This pattern of changes of LCGU produced by ZK 93,426 seems to represent neither a mirror image of the metabolic effects of benzodiazepine receptor agonists nor the pattern of effects on LCGU induced by the partial inverse agonist beta-carboline FG 7142. The unique pattern of regional changes of glucose utilization induced by ZK 93,426 are discussed with respect to recent findings on its promnestic and antiamnestic properties in animals and humans. It is concluded that ZK 93,426 does not seem to fit into the conventional classification scheme of benzodiazepine receptor ligands; thus, the term 'selective inverse agonist' is proposed.
Aggregation of Dissociated Embryonic Chick Cells at 3° C

WHILE investigations of the effects of environmental factors on aggregation in vitro of dissociated embryonic cells were under way in this laboratory1, Curtis reported2 that “extensive visible coherent re-aggregation” occurred at 3° C in suspensions of embryonic chick limb bud cells in a medium without serum. He concluded that the cells were able to aggregate normally at low temperatures, and that horse serum inhibited cell aggregation at sub-optimal temperatures. These conclusions differed from the previously demonstrated3,4 and corroborated5 temperature-dependence of aggregation of trypsin-dissociated embryonic cells. Because versene (EDTA) was the dissociating agent used in Curtis's experiments, the possibility arose that, in contrast to trypsin-dissociated cells3–5, cells dissociated with versene might be able to aggregate normally at low temperatures; since such differences in aggregation behaviour between differently dissociated cells would be of obvious interest and usefulness in studies on cell adhesiveness, attempts were made to repeat and extend Curtis's results, using his experimental procedures.
Affordance-based design methods for innovative design, redesign and reverse engineering

Rather than developing methods to address problems as they occur, the effort in this paper is to formulate methods based on an explicit theory. Methods developed in this way have more scientific rigor because underlying propositions and assumptions are clearly articulated, thus the applicability and limitations of the methods are well defined. The underlying theory used in this work is that of affordance-based design, which has been developed by the authors in a recent series of papers, and is based in turn on the theory of affordances from perceptual psychology. This paper extends affordance-based design into prescriptive methods. A broad affordance-based design process is introduced together with methods for documenting affordances, methods for designing individual affordances, an affordance-based method for reverse engineering and redesign, the affordance structure matrix, and affordance-based selection matrices. Engineering examples used to illustrate the methods include the high level design of an automobile, comfort to automobile passengers, the meshing of gears, wear of gears, a vacuum cleaner, and automotive window switches.
Exercise-Induced Neuroprotection in the Spastic Han Wistar Rat: The Possible Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Moderate aerobic exercise has been shown to enhance motor skills and protect the nervous system from neurodegenerative diseases, like ataxia. Our lab uses the spastic Han Wistar rat as a model of ataxia. Mutant rats develop forelimb tremor and hind limb rigidity and have a decreased lifespan. Our lab has shown that exercise reduced Purkinje cell degeneration and delayed motor dysfunction, significantly increasing lifespan. Our study investigated how moderate exercise may mediate neuroprotection by analyzing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB. To link BDNF to exercise-induced neuroprotection, mutant and normal rats were infused with the TrkB antagonist K252a or vehicle into the third ventricle. During infusion, rats were subjected to moderate exercise regimens on a treadmill. Exercised mutants receiving K252a exhibited a 21.4% loss in Purkinje cells compared to their controls. Cerebellar TrkB expression was evaluated using non-drug-treated mutants subjected to various treadmill running regimens. Running animals expressed three times more TrkB than sedentary animals. BDNF was quantified via Sandwich ELISA, and cerebellar expression was found to be 26.6% greater in mutant rats on 7-day treadmill exercise regimen compared to 30 days of treadmill exercise. These results suggest that BDNF is involved in mediating exercise-induced neuroprotection.
Leasecraft Power System Leasecraft Power System

Various building blocks of the Fairchild Leasecraft Power System are described in detail after a brief description of the evolution of the Leasecraft spacecraft. The principle of maximum power transfer from a solar cell array has been employed in the power system advantageously. Results of detailed tradeoff studies are presented which led to the selection of the decentralized regulation concept utilizing a nondissipative unregulated main (power) bus approach. Finally the main features of the Leasecraft Power System, i.e., flexibility, reliability, input and output electrical characteristics, etc. are presented.
The record of major quaternary sea-level changes in a large coastal plain estuary, Chesapeake Bay, Eastern United States

Abstract Seismic-reflection surveys of the Chesapeake Bay, combined with geologic mapping and analysis of boreholes on the Delmarva Peninsula, provide evidence of at least three generations of the Susquehanna River system and three generations of the Chesapeake Bay. The evidence for ancient courses of the Susquehanna River is preserved as three distinct paleochannels, and evidence for ancient versions of the Chesapeake Bay is preserved as three sets of paleochannel fill beneath the bay and three generations of barrier-spit deposits on the southern Delmarva Peninsula. The paleochannels represent relative sea-level minima and the channel-fill and barrier-spit deposits represents relative sea-level maxima. A history of three major marine transgressions is recorded in the stratigraphy preserved in the filled paleochannels and in the overlying barrier-spit complexes: three systematic progressions from fluvial to estuarine to bay or nearshore marine environments. This sea-level record seems to be compatible with the saw-toothed pattern of the marine oxygen-isotope record and with the concept of glacial-interglacial terminations. It also seems to have a climax character in which most of the preserved evidence is related to the largest terminations and to the extreme sea-level positions that bound those terminations. The three paleochannel-fill and barrier-spit complexes appear to correspond to oxygen-isotope stages 1,5, and either 7 or 11; the three related paleochannels correspond to stages 2, 6, and either 8 or 12.
Accessing a Hidden Conformation of the Maltose Binding Protein Using Accelerated Molecular Dynamics

Periplasmic binding proteins (PBPs) are a large family of molecular transporters that play a key role in nutrient uptake and chemotaxis in Gram-negative bacteria. All PBPs have characteristic two-domain architecture with a central interdomain ligand-binding cleft. Upon binding to their respective ligands, PBPs undergo a large conformational change that effectively closes the binding cleft. This conformational change is traditionally viewed as a ligand induced-fit process; however, the intrinsic dynamics of the protein may also be crucial for ligand recognition. Recent NMR paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) experiments have shown that the maltose binding protein (MBP) - a prototypical member of the PBP superfamily - exists in a rapidly exchanging (ns to µs regime) mixture comprising an open state (approx 95%), and a minor partially closed state (approx 5%). Here we describe accelerated MD simulations that provide a detailed picture of the transition between the open and partially closed states, and confirm the existence of a dynamical equilibrium between these two states in apo MBP. We find that a flexible part of the protein called the balancing interface motif (residues 175–184) is displaced during the transformation. Continuum electrostatic calculations indicate that the repacking of non-polar residues near the hinge region plays an important role in driving the conformational change. Oscillations between open and partially closed states create variations in the shape and size of the binding site. The study provides a detailed description of the conformational space available to ligand-free MBP, and has implications for understanding ligand recognition and allostery in related proteins.
A Serendipitous Discovery of Isomotuporin-Containing Sponge Populations of Theonella swinhoei

An in-depth LCMS examination of 14 different collections of Indo-Pacific Theonella swinhoei sponges resulted in the discovery of four diastereomeric analogues of the cyclic pentapeptide motuporin. These motuporin analogues all contain a novel 2R configuration for the Adda amino acid. Additionally, one analogue has a unique nonoxygenated Adda amino acid. In all, 15 different compounds were observed by LCMS or isolated. The stereochemistries of the constituent amino acids were determined through a combination of the advanced Marfey technique and 1H NMR data.
Externalizing disorders: cluster 5 of the proposed meta-structure for DSM-V and ICD-11.

Background. The extant major psychiatric classifications DSM-IV and ICD-10 are purportedly atheoretical and largely descriptive. Although this achieves good reliability, the validity of a medical diagnosis is greatly enhanced by an understanding of the etiology. In an attempt to group mental disorders on the basis of etiology, five clusters have been proposed. We consider the validity of the fifth cluster, externalizing disorders, within this proposal. Method. We reviewed the literature in relation to 11 validating criteria proposed by the Study Group of the DSM-V Task Force, in terms of the extent to which these criteria support the idea of a coherent externalizing spectrum of disorders. Results. This cluster distinguishes itself by the central role of disinhibitory personality in mental disorders spread throughout sections of the current classifications, including substance dependence, antisocial personality disorder and conduct disorder. Shared biomarkers, co-morbidity and course offer additional evidence for a valid cluster of externalizing disorders. Conclusion. Externalizing disorders meet many of the salient criteria proposed by the Study Group of the DSM-V Task Force to suggest a classification cluster.
The use of short-acting nifedipine in pediatric patients with hypertension.

Objective: To evaluate the use of short-acting nifedipine for treatment of severe hypertension in children. Study design: A retrospective chart review of 520 nifedipine doses given for severe hypertension in 117 pediatric patients was completed. Nifedipine dose, systolic and diastolic blood pressures before and within 2 hours of the dose, and side effects were recorded. Pre- and post-dose mean arterial pressure (MAP) and percent reductions in MAP and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were calculated. Age, dose, primary diagnosis, and use of other antihypertensive agents were examined with respect to blood pressure reduction. Results: Of the doses received, 35% were associated with ≥25% reduction in MAP, a degree of MAP reduction previously associated with hypertension treatment complications. MAP percent reduction was correlated with nifedipine dose adjusted for weight (r = 0.24, P <.001). Mean nifedipine doses per kilogram were larger in patients who had ≥25% MAP reduction compared with those who had <25% MAP reduction (0.26 ± 0.12 mg/kg vs 0.21 ± 0.11 mg/kg, F = 29.01, P <.001). Adolescents received lower nifedipine doses per kilogram and had lower percent reduction in blood pressure compared with younger children. No clinically significant side effects were noted after administration of nifedipine. Conclusion: Precipitous reductions in blood pressure are ameliorated by decreasing the initial nifedipine dose to ≤0.25 mg/kg in pediatric patients. Short-acting nifedipine use in pediatric patients with hypertension in a hospital setting is safe. (J Pediatr 2001;139:34-7)
Peak-shift study in high-density magnetic tape recording

This paper examines the influence of magnetic tape, read-write head, and other recording parameters on peak shift encountered in high-density recording. In particular, the effect of prior erase polarity on peak shift is discussed. A technique for examining the remanent moment in a sample of the recorded tape track as a function of write current, density, and angle from the plane of the oxide coating is described.
Differential racemization of aspartate and serine in human myelin basic protein

L-Aspartate and L-serine were found to undergo amino acid racemization in brain myelin basic protein (MBP) of aging humans. The observed racemization was different in each chromatographically purified MBP isoform. Pepsin digestion of MBP produced three peptides, each of which exhibited different degrees of racemization of the same amino acids. MBP isolated by the same method from rat and guinea pig brain showed little accumulation of D-amino acids. Total MBP isolated from SDS-polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis of total human myelin proteins (delipidated myelin) was racemized to the same extent as purified MBP, indicating that the racemization observed was not an artifact of the isolation procedure. Myelin proteolipid protein from the same gel was racemized approximately half as much as MBP. The age and environment of the aspartates and serines in myelin proteins may strongly affect their observed racemizations.
Effects of Adhesive Thickness on Global and Local Mixed Mode I/II Interfacial Fracture of Bonded Steel Joints

Interfacial toughness and interfacial strength, as two critical parameters in an interfacial traction-separation law, have important effect on the fracture behaviors of bonded joints. In this work, the global and local tests are employed to investigate the effect of adhesive thickness on interfacial energy release rate, interfacial strength, and shapes of the interfacial traction-separation laws. Basically, the measured laws in this work reflect the equivalent and lumped interfacial fracture behaviors which include the cohesive fracture, damage and plasticity. The experimentally determined interfacial traction-separation laws may provide valuable baseline data for the parameter calibrations in numerical models. The current experimental results may also facilitate the understanding of adhesive thickness-dependent interface fracture of bonded joints.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Surface and interface properties of alumina via model studies of microdesigned interfaces

The ability to produce controlled-geometry, controlled-crystallography internal voids in ceramics has made possible several new model experiments for studying the high-temperature properties of surfaces and interfaces in ceramics. Recent advances have enabled the production of more complex microdesigned internal defect structures, and have exploited new means of examining them, thus, broadening the range of problems that can be addressed. A particular topic of concern is the effect of surface energy anisotropy on both the driving force for and the mechanism of shape changes. This paper reviews and previews recent research focussing on improving our understanding of surface diffusion in ceramics. Rayleigh instabilities provide one means of examining morphological evolution. The modelling of Rayleigh instabilities in materials with surface energy anisotropy is reviewed, and the results of experiments utilizing microdesigned pore arrays in sapphire are summarized. In a material with anisotropic surface energy and a facetted Wulff shape, the driving force for shape changes hinges on both the absolute and relative surface energies. Microdesigned pore structures have been used to determine the stable surfaces in both undoped and doped sapphire and to provide the relative values of the energies of these stable surfaces. Nonequilibrium shape, controlled-crystallography cavities have been introduced into undoped sapphire, and the effect of crystallographic orientation on their morphological evolution has been studied. Comparisons of the results with predictions of models of surface-diffusion-controlled evolution indicate that surface-attachment-limited kinetics (SALK) play an important role.
Adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity in rats maintained at a reduced body weight

Male rats fed a cellulose-diluted diet maintained a reduced body weight. Adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity decreased after two days of cellulose feeding, but was not different from chow-fed control levels with weight stabilized at 90% or 70% of the control group. Plasma triglyceride concentration decreased with weight loss and remained depressed with stabilized reduced weight. Regaining lost weight had no effect on LPL activity when compared with chow-fed controls or with levels obtained for the weight-reduced group. However, plasma triglyceride concentration returned to chow-fed control levels with weight gain. The disparity between these results and those obtained in obese human beings lends support to the hypothesis that the increase in adipose tissue LPL activity in weight-reduced obese human beings is indicative of a defect in regulation of adipose tissue metabolism.
Implications of hole vs electron transport properties for high speed Pnp heterojunction bipolar transistors

Abstract This paper examines the implications of differences in hole and electron transport properties on the microwave performance potential of InP-based Pnp HBTs. In particular, the carrier mobility, diffusion length, saturation velocity and ballistic transport properties for holes vs electrons are compared and their implications for Pnp device performance, such as the current gain and high frequency performance. The effects of the doping level on the mobility and minority carrier lifetime are included using empirical models fit to the available experimental data. The results show that, while the hole's transport properties are inferior to those for the electron, the minority carrier lifetime is larger for holes than electrons so that the hole diffusion length in the base is smaller but comparable to the electron's. As a result, Pnp HBTs with adequate current gain can be achieved with only a modest reduction in the base width compared with the Npn. For the device's microwave performance, the hole's characteristics determine the base transit time and the collector delay time, which limit the Pnp HBT's high frequency performance.
Contemporary or Future Choosers?: A Research Note

Research on the life-stage preferences of young adolescents is discussed through a comparison of the methods and findings of two independent interview studies which included a question on this topic. The comparability of the samples and differences in the questioning procedures are shown. The conclusion of one study, that young adolescents can be characterized as "contemporary" choosers, is questioned with the results of the second, where a "future" preference is suggested by the data. Additionally, a significant sex difference is found in young adolescents' nominations of an "ideal age to be". Issues in the conduct of life-course research with adolescents are raised from the comparison of the two studies.
Introducing Functional Data Analysis to Managerial Science

In this article, we introduce functional data analysis (FDA), a set of statistical tools developed to study information on curves or functions. We review fundamentals of the methodology along with previous applications in other business disciplines to highlight the potential of FDA to managerial science. We provide details of the three most commonly used FDA techniques, including functional principal component analysis, functional regression, and functional clustering, and demonstrate each by investigating measures of firm financial performance from a panel data set of the 1,000 largest U.S. firms by revenues from 1992 to 2008. We compare results obtained from FDA with hierarchical linear modeling and conclude by outlining ideas for future micro- and macro-level organizational research incorporating this methodology.
NMR study of the chain microstructure of P(MMA-co-MAA)

The usefulness of proton and carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy in characterizing the chain microstructure (i.e., sequence distribution and tacticity) of methyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid (MMA-MAA) copolymers has been investigated. Because the comonomers have such similar structures, assessment of chain tacticity and sequence distribution required computer simulation of spectra to circumvent the problems of resonance overlap. The computer analysis used 1H and 13C chemical shift data on homopolymers and "sterically-defined" copolymers, Bernoullian and Markovian statistics for the respective tactic and sequence distributions, and a Lorentzian lineshape program to generate a theoretical spectrum. The generating parameters that produced simulation of both the 1H and 13C spectra provided the basis for describing the triad microstructure of the copolymers. This method of characterizing the microstructure was applied to copolymers of similar composition but different preparative histories. The results indicated that free-radical polymerization in toluene yielded a heterogeneous copolymer system while free-radical polymerization in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and emulsion polymerization yielded relatively homogeneous systems.
THE TRANSLINEAR PRINCIPLE: A GENERAL FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTING CHAOTIC OSCILLATORS

In this Letter, we propose a class of nonlinear dynamic translinear circuits as a viable tool for the rapid and systematic implementation of chaotic oscillators in analog integrated circuits. In this regard, our primary focus is on multiple-input translinear element (MITE) networks and their particular merits. We also describe, as an illustrative example, our monolithic implementation of the Lorenz equations, and report on results from a test chip fabricated in a 0.5 μm CMOS process through MOSIS. We also show that Chua's circuit can be implemented easily in our framework.
ECOHYDROLOGY OF A RESOURCE‐CONSERVING SEMIARID WOODLAND: EFFECTS OF SCALE AND DISTURBANCE

In semiarid landscapes, the linkage between runoff and vegetation is a par- ticularly close one. In this paper we report on the results of a long-term and multiple-scale study of interactions between runoff, erosion, and vegetation in a pinon-juniper woodland in New Mexico. We use our results to address three knowledge gaps: (1) the temporal scaling relationships between precipitation and runoff; (2) the effects of spatial scale on runoff and erosion, as influenced by vegetation; and (3) the influence of disturbance on these relationships. On the basis of our results, we tested three assumptions that represent current thinking in these areas (as evidenced, for example, by explicit or implicit assump- tions embedded in commonly used models). The first assumption, that aggregated precip- itation can be used as a surrogate for total runoff in semiarid environments, was not verified by our findings. We found that when runoff is generated mainly by overland flow in these systems, aggregated precipitation amounts alone (by year, season, or individual event) are a poor predictor of runoff amounts. The second assumption, that at the hillslope and smaller scales runoff and erosion are independent of spatial scale, was likewise not verified. We found that the redistribution of water and sediment within the hillslope was substantial and that there was a strong and nonlinear reduction in unit-area runoff and erosion with in- creasing scale (our scales were slope lengths ranging fro m1mt o 105 m). Thethird assumption, that disturbance-related increases in runoff and erosion remain constant with time, was partially verified. We found that for low-slope-gradient sites, disturbance led to accelerated runoff and erosion, and these conditions may persist for a decade or longer. On the basis of our findings, we further suggest that (a) disturbance alters the effects of scale on runoff and erosion in a predictable way—scale relationships in degraded areas will be fundamentally different from those in nondegraded areas because more runoff will escape off site and erosion rates will be much higher; and (b) there exists a slope threshold, below which semiarid landscapes will eventually recover following disturbance and above which there will be no recovery without mitigation or remediation.
Equation of State of Neutron Star Matter

The physical properties of neutron star matter at supernuclear densities are highly uncertain and the associated equation of state is only very poorly known. This has its origin in numerous sources which are discussed in this paper.
Regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors in human myometrial smooth muscle cells by TGF-β1

The objective of the present study was to determine whether transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and the tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP) in myometrial smooth muscle cells. Using primary cultures of human myometrial smooth muscle cells we found that these cells express MMP-1, MMP-3, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA and protein, with significantly higher values of TIMP than MMP. We also found that TGF-beta1 (1 ng/ml) increased the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA, while it reduced the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNA, compared with untreated controls. In addition, TGF-beta1 slightly increased the production of TIMP-1, but not TIMP-2. Production of MMP-1 and MMP-3 was reduced by treatment with TGF-beta1, compared with the untreated control. A major portion of MMP-1 released into the culture-conditioned media was in complex with TIMP-1, and the levels of this complex were reduced by treatment with TGF-beta1. In conclusion, the data indicate that myometrial smooth muscle cells express MMP and TIMP mRNA and protein, and their expression is differentially regulated by TGF-beta1. Such a differential regulation of MMP and TIMP by TGF-beta may influence the rate of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover following tissue injury, induced during myomectomy and Caesarean section, or in leiomyomas during growth.
An Automated Method for Large-Scale, Ground-Based City Model Acquisition

In this paper, we describe an automated method for fast, ground-based acquisition of large-scale 3D city models. Our experimental set up consists of a truck equipped with one camera and two fast, inexpensive 2D laser scanners, being driven on city streets under normal traffic conditions. One scanner is mounted vertically to capture building facades, and the other one is mounted horizontally. Successive horizontal scans are matched with each other in order to determine an estimate of the vehicle's motion, and relative motion estimates are concatenated to form an initial path. Assuming that features such as buildings are visible from both ground-based and airborne view, this initial path is globally corrected by Monte-Carlo Localization techniques. Specifically, the final global pose is obtained by utilizing an aerial photograph or a Digital Surface Model as a global map, to which the ground-based horizontal laser scans are matched. A fairly accurate, textured 3D cof the downtown Berkeley area has been acquired in a matter of minutes, limited only by traffic conditions during the data acquisition phase. Subsequent automated processing time to accurately localize the acquisition vehicle is 235 minutes for a 37 minutes or 10.2 km drive, i.e. 23 minutes per kilometer.
Science, politics, and the GM debate in Europe

Europe today stands at a crossroad, facing challenges but also opportunities. In its intent to make Europe a leading technology-based economy by 2010, the European Commission has identified biotechnology and genomics as fields for future growth, crucial for supporting the agricultural and food processing industry. Since first commercialization in 1996, GM crop areas have grown at double-digit rates, making this one of the most rapidly adopted technologies in agriculture. However, in contrast to other world areas and despite European Commission support, Europe has found itself 'bogged-down' in a polemic between opponents and supporters of plant biotechnology. As a result, planted areas have remained small. This stalemate is due to a lack of political leadership, especially at the Member State level, all the more surprising in light of European early development and competitive advantage with crop biotechnology. This situation proves once again that, for cutting-edge innovations, a solid science base alone is not sufficient. Acceptance or rejection of new technologies depends on interlinked political, economic, and societal factors that create a favorable or unfavorable situation at a given time. This article will look at GM crops in Europe and the role science and politics have played in the introduction of crop biotechnology.
An algorithm to determine mutually exclusive operations in behavioral descriptions

Scheduling and binding are two major tasks in architectural synthesis from behavioral descriptions. The information about the mutually exclusive pairs of operations is very useful in reducing both the total delay of the schedule and the resource usage in the final circuit implementation. In this paper, we present an algorithm to identify the largest set of mutually exclusive operation pairs in behavioral descriptions. Our algorithm uses data-flow analysis on a tabular model of system functionality, and is shown to work better than the existing methods for identifying mutually exclusive operations.Interconnect Tuning Strategies for High-Performance Ics83590471abs.htm _Andrew B. Kahng, Sudhakar Muddu, Egino Sarto and Rahul SharmaSilicon Graphics, Inc.Interconnect tuning is an increasingly critical degree of freedom in the physical design of high-performance VLSI systems. By interconnect tuning, we refer to the selection of line thicknesses, widths and spacings in multi-layer interconnect to simultaneously optimize signal distribution, signal performance, signal integrity, and interconnect manufacturability and reliability. This is a key activity in most leading-edge design projects, but has received little attention in the literature. Our work provides the first technology-specific studies of interconnect tuning in the literature. We center on global wiring layers and interconnect tuning issues related to bus routing, repeater insertion, and choice of shielding/spacing rules for signal integrity and performance. We ad-dress four basic questions. (1) How should width and spacing be allocated to maximize performance for a given line pitch? (2) For a given line pitch, what criteria affect the optimal interval at which repeaters should be inserted into global interconnects? (3) Under what circumstances are shield wires the optimum technique for improving interconnect performance? (4) In global interconnect with repeaters, what other interconnect tuning is possible? Our study of question (4) demonstrates a new approach of offsetting repeater placements that can reduce worst-case cross-chip delays by over 30% in current technologies.
ACF consists of two subunits, Acf1 and ISWI, that function cooperatively in the ATP-dependent catalysis of chromatin assembly

The assembly of core histones and DNA into periodic nucleosome arrays is mediated by ACF, an ISWI-containing factor, and NAP-1, a core histone chaperone, in an ATP-dependent process. We describe the isolation of Drosophila acf1 cDNA, which encodes the p170 and p185 forms of the Acf1 protein in ACF. Acf1 is a novel protein that contains two PHD fingers, one bromodomain, and two new conserved regions. Human WSTF, which is encoded by one of multiple genes that is deleted in Williams syndrome individuals, is the only currently known mammalian protein with each of the conserved motifs in Acf1. Purification of the native form of Acf1 led to the isolation of ACF comprising Acf1 (both p170 and p185 forms) and ISWI. Native Acf1 did not copurify with components of NURF or CHRAC, which are other ISWI-containing complexes in Drosophila. Purified recombinant ACF, consisting of Acf1 (either p185 alone or both p170 and p185) and ISWI, catalyzes the deposition of histones into extended periodic nucleosome arrays. Notably, the Acf1 and ISWI subunits function synergistically in the assembly of chromatin. ISWI alone exhibits a weak activity that is ~3% that of ACF. These results indicate that both Acf1 and ISWI participate in the chromatin assembly process and suggest further that the Acf1 subunit confers additional functionality to the general ‘motor’ activity of ISWI.
A rapid reverse transcription-PCR assay for F+ RNA coliphages to trace fecal pollution in Table Rock Lake on the Arkansas-Missouri border.

Source determination of fecal contamination is imperative to efficiently reduce the fecal material load to environmental waters. This study developed primer pairs targeting three F+ RNA bacteriophages and a simple filtration sampling method to enumerate and identify coliphages in environmental waters. Water samples were collected seasonally for one year from the watershed of Table Rock Lake on the Arkansas–Missouri border in areas predisposed to fecal contamination. Collected samples were analyzed quantitatively with most probable number and plaque assays and qualitatively with reverse transcription-PCR. We demonstrated the usefulness of F+ RNA coliphages as an indicator of fecal contamination, but were unable to distinguish between human and non-human sources. F+ coliphage numbers in Table Rock Lake showed seasonal variation with the highest level of coliphage presence during the January sampling event.
Efficacy of Selected Insecticides Applied to Hybrid Rice Seed

Hybrid rice and insecticide seed treatments targeting rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, have altered the landscape of rice production. The effect of reduced seeding rates on seed treatment efficacy in hybrid rice has not been studied. During 2011 and 2012, an experiment was conducted at seven locations to determine the relationship between low seeding rates used in hybrid rice and efficacy of selected insecticidal seed treatments as measured by rice water weevil densities and yield. Labeled rates of thiamethoxam, chlorantraniliprole, and clothianidin were compared with higher rates of these products to determine if labeled rates provide an acceptable level of control of the rice water weevil. Study locations were divided into low, moderate, and high groups based on rice water weevil larval densities. All seed treatments and seed treatment rates reduced rice water weevil densities. However, there was no observed yield or economic benefit from the use of an insecticidal seed treatment in areas of low pressure. Differences in yield were observed among seed treatments and seed treatment rates in moderate and high pressure locations, and all seed treatments yielded better than the untreated plots, but these differences were not always economical. All seed treatments showed an economic advantage in areas of high weevil pressure, and there were no differences among seed treatment products or rates, suggesting that currently labeled seed treatment rates in hybrid rice are effective for rice water weevil management.
Optimizing multiphoton chemistry for 3D optical processes and technologies

Summary form only given. Two-photon excitation provides a means of activating chemical or physical processes with high spatial resolution in three dimensions and has enabled the development of 3D fluorescence imaging, 3D optical data storage, and 3D lithographic microfabrication. We have developed a wide array of chromophores which hold great promise for two-photon applications. These molecules are based on a donor-/spl pi/-donor, donor-acceptor-donor, or acceptor-donor-acceptor structural motifs. The magnitude of the two-photon absorption cross section and the position of the two-photon absorption maximum can be controlled by varying the length of the conjugated bridge and by varying the strength of the donor and acceptor groups. In this way, chromophores have been developed which exhibit strong two-photon absorption in the range of 500-975 nm.
Myotonia atrophica with testicular atrophy: urinary excretion of interstitial; cell-stimulating (luteinizing) hormone, androgens and 17-ketosteroids.

The regular association of testicular atrophy and occasionally of other endocrine abnormalities with myotonia atrophica (dystrophia myotonica) has suggested that the disorder may represent a concatenated pluriglandular disturbance of endocrine origin and be susceptible to treatment by endocrine replacement therapy. An alternative interpretation is that myotonia atrophica, rather than reflecting a primary endocrine disturbance, is simply a manifestation of genetically linked degenerative phenomena seen in various tissues derived from embryonic ectoderm and mesoderm.
Mechanical Characterization of High Aspect Ratio Silicon Nanolines

In this study, we performed nanoindentation experiments on two sets of silicon nanolines (SiNLs) of widths 24 nm and 90 nm, respectively, to investigate the mechanical behavior of silicon structures at tens of nanometer scale. The high height-to-width aspect ratio (∼15) SiNLs were fabricated by an anisotropic wet etching (AWE) method, having straight and nearly atomically flat sidewalls. In the test, buckling instability was observed at a critical load, which was fully recoverable upon unloading. It was found that friction at the contact between the indenter and SiNLs played an important role in the buckling response. Based on a finite element model (FEM), the friction coefficient was estimated to be in a range of 0.02 to 0.05. The strain to failure was estimated to range from 3.8% for 90 nm lines to 7.5% for 24 nm lines.
Exact solution to stationary onset of convection due to surface tension variationin a multicomponent fluid layer with interfacial deformation

Abstract Stationary onset of convection due to surface tension variation in an unboundedmulticomponent fluid layer is considered. Surface deformation is included and general fluxboundary conditions are imposed on the stratifying agencies (temperature/composition) disturbance equations. Exact solutions are obtained to the general N-componentproblem for both finite and infinitesimal wavenumbers. Long wavelength instability may coexistwith a finite wavelength instability for certain sets of parameter values, often referred to asfrontier points. For an impermeable/insulted upper boundary and a permeable/conductive lowerboundary, frontier boundaries are computed in the space of Bond number, Bo, vsCrispation number, Cr, over the range 5×10−7 ⩽ Bo ⩽ 1. Theloci of frontier points in (Bo, Cr) space for different values of N,diffusivity ratios, and Marangoni numbers collapsed to a single curve in (Bo, DCr) space, where D is aMarangoni number weighted diffusivity ratio.
The GS-X Pump in Plant, Yeast, and Animal Cells: Structure, Function, and Gene Expression

This review addresses the recent molecular identification of several members of the glutathione S-conjugate (GS-X) pump family, a new class of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters responsible for the elimination and/or sequestration of pharmacologically and agronomically important compounds in mammalian, yeast and plant cells. The molecular structure and function of GS-X pumps encoded by MRP, cMOAT, YCF1. and AtMRP genes, have been conserved throughout molecular evolution. The physiologic function of GS-X pumps is closely related with cellular detoxification, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer drug resistance. Coordinated expression of GS-X pump genes, e.g., MRP1 and YCF1, and γ-glutamylcystaine synthetase, a rate-limiting enzyme of cellular glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis, has been frequently observed.
A comparison of geometrically bound random arrays in euclidean space

Geometrically bound linear, planar, and volumetric random array topologies are analyzed through a probabilistic approach to study the topological impact on beam pattern. The analysis assumes randomly distributed elements with uniform distribution to evaluate the statistically averaged beam pattern for linear, planar (square and circular), and volumetric (cubical, cylindrical, and spherical) geometries used to bound the array. Results show that many simple geometries share analytical similarities due to symmetry. Numerical results of the average beam pattern show good agreement to analytical solution and are shown for comparison.
AMPLITUDE FINE STRUCTURE IN THE CEPHEID P-L RELATION. I. AMPLITUDE DISTRIBUTION ACROSS THE RR LYRAE INSTABILITY STRIP MAPPED USING THE ACCESSIBILITY RESTRICTION IMPOSED BY THE HORIZONTAL BRANCH

The largest amplitude light curves for both RR Lyrae (RRL) variables and classical Cepheids with periods less than 10 days and greater than 20 days occur at the blue edge of the respective instability strips. It is shown that the equation for the decrease in amplitude with penetration into the strip from the blue edge, and hence the amplitude fine structure within the strip, is the same for RRL and the Cepheids despite their metallicity differences. However, the manifestation of this identity is different between the two classes of variables because the sampling of the RRL strip is restricted by the discrete strip positions of the horizontal branch, a restriction that is absent for the Cepheids in stellar aggregates with a variety of ages. To show the similarity of the strip amplitude fine structure for RRL and Cepheids, we make a grid of lines of constant amplitude in the H-R diagram of the strip using amplitude data for classical Cepheids in the Galaxy, LMC, and SMC. The model implicit in the grid, that also contains lines of constant period, is used to predict the correlations between period, amplitude, and color for the two Oosterhoff RRL groups in globular clusters. The good agreement of the predictions with the observations using the classical Cepheid amplitude fine structure also for the RRL shows one aspect of the unity of the pulsation processes between the two classes of variables.
Identical symptomatology but different diagnosis: Treatment implications of an OCD versus schizophrenia diagnosis

Background: Individuals with identical symptomatology may receive conflicting diagnoses, potentially leading to different treatments. The aims of this study were to assess diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) versus schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD).Methods: Participants (N = 82) were recruited from accredited doctoral programs. All participants were randomized to assess diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations for 15 vignettes. These were measured across three separate testing sessions.Results: Large discrepancies in treatment recommendations were found. All participants who selected OCD recommended psychotherapy while only 15.4% of participants who identified the same vignette as schizophrenia suggested psychotherapy. More than half the participants who reported schizophrenia selected antipsychotics as the primary response; medication was not a primary recommendation when the vignette was identified as OCD.Conclusion: Symptoms conc...
Enhancing Teacher Beliefs through an Inquiry-Based Professional Development Program.

Inquiry-based instructional approaches are an effective means to actively engage students with science content and skills. This article examines the effects of an ongoing professional development program on middle and high school teachers’ efficacy beliefs, confidence to teach research concepts and skills, and science content knowledge. Professional development activities included participation in a week long summer academy, designing and implementing inquiry-based lessons within the classroom, examining and reflecting upon practices, and documenting ways in which instruction was modified. Teacher beliefs were assessed at three time points, pre- post- and six months following the summer academy. Results indicate significant gains in reported teaching efficacy, confidence, and content knowledge from pre- to post-test. These gains were maintained at the six month follow-up. Findings across the three different time points suggest that participation in the professional development program strongly influenced participants’ fundamental beliefs about their capacity to provide effective instruction in ways that are closely connected to the features of inquiry-based instruction.
Radiotherapy for head and neck paragangliomas

Treatment options for benign paragangliomas include surgery, radiotherapy (RT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and observation. Patients who are elderly, infirm, and have a limited life expectancy may be followed. This is also a reasonable option for younger, healthier patients who have no evidence of progression on serial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Patients who require intervention are treated with either RT (45 Gy/25 fractions) or SRS (12.5-15 Gy) if resection would result in significant morbidity such as permanent cranial nerve deficits. The probability of tumor stabilization or regression after RT or SRS exceeds 95% and the probability of a significant complication is remote.
Electronic effects on the catalytic disproportionation of formic acid to methanol by [Cp*IrIII(R-bpy)Cl]Cl complexes

A series of [Cp*IrIII(R-bpy)Cl]Cl (R-bpy = 4,4′-di-R-2,2′-bipyridine; R = CF3, H, Me, tBu, OMe) complexes was prepared and studied for catalytic formic acid disproportionation. The relationship between the electron donating strength of the bipyridine substituents and methanol production of the corresponding complexes was analyzed; the unsubstituted (R = H) complex was the most selective for methanol formation.
Oral contraceptives in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are generally not prescribed for women with SLE due to the widely-held view that they may activate disease. This practice is based on the greater incidence of SLE in women than in men, biologic abnormalities od estrogen metabolism, murine models of lupus, several anecdotes of patients having disease flares while receiving exogenous hormones, and a single retrospective study in patients with pre-existing renal disease. In contrast, recent retrospective patient surveys, albeit limited by the absence of formal analyses of disease activity, suggest that the rate of flare is not significantly increased in patients taking OCs. The preexisting data are insufficient to warrant the dismissal of a potentially important birth control option in a disease which predominantly affects women in their reproductive years and whose fertility is not altered by the disease. In counseling patients regarding lupus and pregnancy, there are clinical predictors of pregnancy outcome; patients in remission tend to do well. The same principles may be true regarding advice on the use of OCs; patients with inactive or stable/moderate disease and at low risk for thrombosis may benefit without a change in lupus activity. OCs with the lowest estrogen content should be used and consideration given to progestin only pills in situations where there is some risk of increased clotting. Large prospective double-blind placebo-controlled studies inclusive of all ethnic groups should provide the basis for more definitive recommendations.