cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Power·delay product in COSMOS logic circuits

In this simulation work, we use COSMOS logic devices—a novel single gate CMOS architecture recently announced [1]—in multi-input logic gates, assessing its performance in terms of power·delay product. We consider three different multi-input logic circuits: a two-input NOR gate, a three-input NOR gate, and a three-input composite NOR/NAND (NORAND) gate. For this power·delay analysis, the transient TCAD simulations are employed in a mixed-mode approach where circuit and device simulations are coupled together, culminating in the delay response of the circuits as well as the static/dynamic current components. The analysis shows that all circuits, except the 3-input NOR gate, has acceptable characteristics at low-power applications and static leakage limits all COSMOS circuits at high-bias conditions.
Use of a cold gas filter to characterize polyatomic vibrational state distributions: Application to SF6 + N2O

Abstract It is shown how a cold gas filter may be used to determine the vibrational state distribution of a polyatomic molecule. The method was applied to study the vibrational excitation of N 2 O produced by collisions with vibrationally excited SF 6 . It was found that the bending mode is metastable in comparison with the asymmetric stretching mode of N 2 O.
Instrumentation of the variable-angle magneto-optic ellipsometer and its application to m-o media and other nonmagnetic films

A new and comprehensive dielectric tensor characterization instrument is presented for characterization of magneto-optical recording media and non-magnetic thin films. Random and systematic errors of the system are studied. A series of TbFe, TbFeCo, and Co/Pt samples with different composition and thicknesses are characterized for their optical and magneto-optical properties. The optical properties of several non-magnetic films are also measured.
Clinical and pathologic spectrum of 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis: its relevance to the understanding of sex differentiation.

Abstract The condition termed "46,XY gonadal dysgenesis" is characterized by a 46,XY karyotype and incomplete testicular determination. It is likely the result of a mutation in the gene for the testicular determination factor or in another gene involved in the early stages of testicular differentiation. In view of the present interest in the identification of gene(s) initiating the differentiation of the embryonic gonads into testes, we have reviewed the phenotype of 15 patients with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis to use this information for future molecular studies. Seven patients presented a complete form, 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis, including streak gonads, normal Mullerian structures, and normal female external genitalia. The structure of the streak gonads in these patients presented some variation. Eight patients presented an incomplete form, 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis, with ambiguous external genitalia and partial development of Mullerian and Wolffian structures. Among them, 3 had bilateral dysgenetic testes, and 4 had a streak gonad on one side with a contralateral dysgenetic testis. The streak gonads showed ovarian stroma with occasional primitive sex cords devoid of germ cells. However, a primordial follicle was observed in 1 streak gonad. The dysgenetic testes showed disorganized seminiferous tubules and ovarian stroma. In some patients, the ovarian stroma was intermixed with testicular tissue, while in others, distinct ovarian and testicular portions were present. In 1 patient, the dysgenetic testis contained a focus of well-differentiated ovarian tissue with primordial follicles. Our observations support the hypothesis that streak gonads in 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis arise from fetal ovaries and that dysgenetic testes in the partial form in 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis develop from ovotestis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Acting for Endangered Species: The Statutory Ark

When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973, it did so in the belief that threats to emblematic creatures like bison or commercial crops such as fish could be resolved simply by placing limits on hunting and trade. Few lawmakers could have foreseen how the implementation of that law would change over the years, as the directive to save seemingly insignificant species would extend to the protection of entire ecosystems. As the courts have interpreted the law in the light of a better understanding of science, the ESA increasingly has become a tool used to block development projects and restrict private land use. Shannon Petersen has written a political and legal history of the Endangered Species Act that explains how and why this piece of legislation has become so controversial: a law hailed by many as one of the most intelligent ever written, reviled by as many as an ill-conceived impediment to progress. Others have recorded the ESA's relationship to the emergence of modern environmentalism; Petersen now addresses the legal history of the Act, showing how the courts created a far more powerful law than Congress originally envisioned and profoundly influenced environmental policy during the last decades of the twentieth century. Acting for Endangered Species demonstrates that litigation and judicial decision-making have played a far more important role in shaping the modern environmental movement than has been previously thought. It focuses on two major controversies that developed over the implementation of the Act: a Supreme Court-ordered delay in dam construction when a fish called the snail darter was declared endangered and a threat to logging in the Northwest in the interest of saving the spotted owl. In reviewing these seminal cases, Petersen demonstrates the complex interplay among government, science, environmentalism, and natural resource industries in shaping endangered species policy in America. The ESA is now over a quarter-century old and remains the broadest and most powerful law in the world for the protection of species; yet, as Petersen observes, it remains unclear whether the law has been successful. Acting for Endangered Species is a story of strategic lawsuits, broad judicial interpretations, and administrative retrenchment that have left the ESA itself on the brink of extinction, and it demonstrates the extent of environmental policy dilemmas in America today.
Time-Resolved Micro-Raman Thermometry for Microsystems in Motion

Micro-Raman thermometry has been demonstrated to be a feasible technique for obtaining surface temperatures with micron-scale spatial resolution for microelectronic and microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs). However, the intensity of the Roman signal emerging from the probed device is very low and imposes a requirement of prolonged data collection times in order to obtain reliable temperature information. This characteristic currently limits Roman thermometry to steady-state conditions and thereby prevents temperature measurements of transient and fast time-scale events. In this paper, we discuss the extension of the micro-Raman thermometry diagnostic technique to obtain transient temperature measurements on microelectromechanical devices with 100 μs temporal resolution. Through the use of a phase-locked technique we are able to obtain temperature measurements on electrically powered MEMS actuators powered with a periodic signal. Furthermore, we demonstrate a way of obtaining reliable temperature measurements on micron-scale devices that undergo mechanical movement during the device operation.
K/Na ratio of Cenozoic igneous rocks of the western United States

Abstract The potassium and sodium content of chemically analysed Cenozoic igneous rocks from about 150 areas of the western United States has been examined. For each area a plot of the molecular proportion K 2 O (K 2 O + Na 2 O) [Niggli's k-value] is shown, and the projected k-value determined at 50 and 60 weight per cent SiO2. The k-values are plotted and contoured on maps of the western United States. These maps show that potassium is least abundant relative to total alkali (when rocks of the same SiO2 content are compared) in a zone along the Pacific Coast, becomes more abundant eastward, and is highest in the Colorado Plateau and Northern Rocky Mountains. These k-value variations can be related to regional variations in the abundance of certain trace elements and of different types of older granitic rocks, and to Bouguer gravity maps. This correspondence indicates that the alkali ratio of Cenozoic igneous rocks is closely related to the character of the crust where the rocks are formed.
Differential stability of beta-sheets and alpha-helices in beta-lactamase: a high temperature molecular dynamics study of unfolding intermediates

beta-Lactamase, which catalyzes beta-lactam antibiotics, is prototypical of large alpha/beta proteins with a scaffolding formed by strong noncovalent interactions. Experimentally, the enzyme is well characterized, and intermediates that are slightly less compact and having nearly the same content of secondary structure have been identified in the folding pathway. In the present study, high temperature molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out on the native enzyme in solution. Analysis of these results in terms of root mean square fluctuations in cartesian and [phi, psi] space, backbone dihedral angles and secondary structural hydrogen bonds forms the basis for an investigation of the topology of partially unfolded states of beta-lactamase. A differential stability has been observed for alpha-helices and beta-sheets upon thermal denaturation to putative unfolding intermediates. These observations contribute to an understanding of the folding/unfolding processes of beta-lactamases in particular, and other alpha/beta proteins in general.
The preparation of 145Pm from neutron-irradiated 144Sm

Abstract Millicurie amounts of 18-yr145Pm were prepared by 144 Sm(n , γ) 145 Sm → EG 145 Pm by utilizing a total integrated thermal neutron flux of ≈ 2·4 × 1022 n/cm2. The 145Pm activity was chemically isolated by cation chromatography. High resolution measurements with a Ge(Li) crystal showed gamma rays of energies 67·0 ± 0·2 keV and 72·2 ± 0·2 keV associated with 145Pm decay. The ratio of the photon intensities I (72·2) I (67·0) = 3·0 ± 0·5 .
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitor-Induced Hypertension: Basics for Primary Care Providers

Frequently, primary care providers continue to manage the overall medical care of cancer patients. With newer and often more potent antitumor agents, patients may present to their local physicians with drug-induced toxicities such as hypertension induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. It is imperative that these healthcare providers are aware of basic aspects of this drug class, as its use has increased significantly in the last several years. Uncontrolled or malignant hypertension due to these agents should be recognized readily and treated early to prevent more severe outcomes. This overview provides a brief background on the role of VEGF and angiogenesis in tumor metabolism as well as theories of the mechanism of VEGF inhibitors and hypertension. Helpful clinical practice aspects including the types of inhibitors used in the United States and their pharmacologic characteristics will be discussed. Also, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension induced by vascular endothelial growth factors are reviewed. A summary of key aspects of this drug class and hypertension is included.
A young patient with multiple myeloma.

![Figure][1] A 23-year-old female presented with progressive low back pain for several weeks. She had been diagnosed with dermatomyositis at the age of 3 and received corticosteroids episodically for 5 years until her rheumatologic condition achieved complete remission. Magnetic resonance
Improved methods for determination of variability in patient positioning for radiation therapy using simulation and serial portal film measurements

Variability in patient positioning was determined by analyzing simulation and portal film measurements for 318 portals in 51 patients treated with external beam radiotherapy to the head and neck. Several indicators of error in patient positioning were examined: random error, a measure of the deviation of all portal films from the average portal film position, systematic error, a measure of the difference between the average portal film and the simulation film, and total uncertainty, a measure of the overall deviation, including both random and systematic uncertainties. The median differences noted were 0.4 cm, 0.6 cm, and 0.7 cm, for Random Error, Systematic Error, and Total Uncertainty, respectively. The treatment fields analyzed in this study show a substantial treatment-to-treatment and simulation-to-treatment variability in patient positioning. The methods described provide an improved means for the systematic analysis of variability in patient positioning.
Brain serotonin depletion by p-chlorophenylalanine or lesions of raphe neurons in rats.

Abstract Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) and 15–24 hr later their behavior was rated in an observation chamber. Their behavior was compared with rats which had lesions in the dorsal and median raphe nuclei to deplete brain serotonin. In spite of a comparable lowering of brain serotonin, lesioned rats did not display exaggerated sexual or aggressive behavior.
How and how well do pediatric radiology fellows learn ultrasound skills? A national survey

Ultrasound (US) comprises a significant portion of pediatric imaging. Technical as well as interpretive skills in US imaging are consequently fundamental in training pediatric radiologists. Unfortunately, formalized technical education regarding US imaging in pediatric fellowships has lagged. We surveyed pediatric fellows and program directors regarding US scanning education to improve this experience moving forward. We conducted an online survey from February 2011 to March 2011 of all United States pediatric radiology body imaging fellows and fellowship program directors. Questions posed to fellows assessed their educational US experiences during their residencies and fellowships. Directors were asked to evaluate US educational opportunities in their programs. Among the respondents, 43.9% of fellows undertook on-call US scanning without a sonographer during residency, 23.3% during fellowship; 41.8% of fellows and 58.6% of program directors reported that their fellowship had a dedicated curriculum to facilitate independent US scanning. Both fellows and program directors cited the volume of cases requiring immediate dictation as an obstacle to scanning. Fewer program directors than fellows identified lack of sufficient staffing as an obstacle, but more identified fellow disinterest. Program directors and fellows alike rated independent US scanning as highly important to pediatric radiologists’ future success. Pediatric radiology fellowship directors and fellows agree that technical US skills are crucial to the practice of pediatric radiology. However, the groups identify different obstacles to training. As US instruction is developing in undergraduate medicine and subspecialists are acquiring point-of-care US skills, pediatric radiology education should address the obstacles to US training and formalize a curriculum at the fellowship level.
Representation and manipulation of data structures in APL

Methods for the representation of complex data structures in APL, a programming language based on rectangular arrays and a multiplicity of functions, are presented. Data structures considered are: strings and sets, stacks and queues, tables, linked lists, and LISP-like structures. The material provides insight into the nature of data structures and should aid in establishing future requirements for primal and base languages.
Neuromuscular Disorders Associated with Paraproteinemia

Neuromuscular disorders associated with monoclonal gammopathies are usually uncovered in approximately 10% of patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy complaints. This discovery should prompt further evaluation for underlying plasma cell dyscrasias. The most frequent monoclonal disorders associated with neuropathy are smoldering myeloma, multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, solitary plasmacytoma, systemic immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis, POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes), and cryoglobulinemia. If these are excluded by careful evaluation the patient is classified as having monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Diagnostic criteria, risk stratification to determine prognosis, and current management for these disorders are reviewed in this article.
Dorsomedial hypothalamus mediates autonomic, neuroendocrine, and locomotor responses evoked from the medial preoptic area.

Previous studies suggest that sympathetic responses evoked from the preoptic area in anesthetized rats require activation of neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus. Disinhibition of neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus in conscious rats produces physiological and behavioral changes resembling those evoked by microinjection of muscimol, a GABAA receptor agonist and neuronal inhibitor, into the medial preoptic area. We tested the hypothesis that all of these effects evoked from the medial preoptic area are mediated through neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus by assessing the effect of bilateral microinjection of muscimol into the DMH on these changes. After injection of vehicle into the dorsomedial hypothalamus, injection of muscimol into the medial preoptic area elicited marked increases in heart rate, arterial pressure, body temperature, plasma ACTH, and locomotor activity and also increased c-Fos expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, a region known to control the release of ACTH from the adenohypophysis. Prior bilateral microinjection of muscimol into the dorsomedial hypothalamus produced a modest depression of baseline heart rate and body temperature but completely abolished all changes evoked from the medial preoptic area. Microinjection of muscimol just anterior to the dorsomedial hypothalamus had no effect on autonomic and neuroendocrine changes evoked from the medial preoptic area. Thus, activity of neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus mediates a diverse array of physiological and behavioral responses elicited from the medial preoptic area, suggesting that the latter region represents an important source of inhibitory tone to key neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus.
Are Finite Population Corrections Appropriate When Profiling Institutions

Over the last two decades, there has been growing interest in comparative performance evaluation of health institutions. Small hospitals and small nursing home facilities might have too few eligible cases for sufficiently precise comparisons in a single year (or other standard reporting period). An analyst might be tempted to use the smaller standard error estimates obtained under the finite population sampling model (FPSM), rather than those obtained under a superpopulation model. We argue that the FPSM does not properly represent the reliability of quality profiling information in such situations . We consider alternative methods for obtaining adequately precise profiles for small institutions, including moving averages and hierarchical models.
Counseling Women with Epilepsy

All persons with epilepsy have a right to timely, accurate, culturally sensitive information that will help them manage their seizures and their lives successfully. The goals of counseling are to provide guidance for women with epilepsy in making informed choices, to promote self-management practices that will decrease health risks, and to provide comprehensive answers about relevant issues. Four broad areas that should be covered in counseling women with epilepsy include access to care, unique health needs of women with epilepsy, personal care and safety, and social and community relationships. These are described here in more detail.
SU‐E‐I‐141: Repeat Rates and Their Effect on Dose in Transitioning from Screen/Film to Full‐Field Digital Mammography

Purpose: To investigate any change in the number of extra views acquired for screening mammography in transitioning from screen/film (SFM) to full field digital mammography (FFDM) and the resulting effect this had on total dose. Methods and Materials: This was a retrospective study of screening mammograms performed at our institution over a four year period. A total of almost 50,000 screening exams were performed during the last two years of SFM use and the first two years of FFDM implementation with a 24 × 29 cm detector. The picture archiving and communications system was used to view and record the number of images taken per screening procedure for all digital exams, whereas the radiology information system was the source for repeat analysis for the SF period. Results: Of the 23,516 patients who received screening mammograms on FFDM equipment, 36.5% had more than the standard four‐views (craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique views of each breast). There were 15.5% who had a total of 5 images, 12.1% had 6 images, 3.3% had 7 images, and 5.6% had 8 or more images. The total repeat rate averaged over all patients was 14.1%. In contrast, preliminary results show that the repeat rate for patients undergoing SFM screening for an equivalent 2 year period was close to 5.5%. As for dose, there was, on average, an 18% decrease in mean glandular dose per view in going from SFM to FFDM imaging. This dose saving is decreased considerably when the number of extra views is taken into consideration. Conclusions: A notable increase in the total repeat rate for screening mammograms was observed once the switch from SFM to FFDM occurred. These extra views had the undesired effect of offsetting some of the dose savings afforded by the digital equipment.
Target pricing: Demand-side versus supply-side approaches

Abstract The practice of target pricing has been a key factor in the success of Japanese manufacturers. In the more commonly known demand-side approach, the target price for the supplier equals the manufacturer's market price less a percent margin for the manufacturer but no cost-improvement expenses are shared. In the supply-side approach, cost-improvement expenses are shared and the target price equals the supplier's cost plus a percent margin for the supplier. Using a general oligopoly and Cournot duopoly models, we characterize the equilibrium and optimal policy for each approach under various conditions. We find that sharing cost-reduction expenses allows the manufacturer using the supply-side approach to attain competitive advantage in the form of increased market share and higher profit, particularly in industrial conditions where margins are thin and price sensitivities are high.
Failure of HPV E6 to rapidly degrade p53 in human HeLa x PNET cell hybrids

The ability of the E6 protein from high risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) to degrade p53 via the ubiquitin pathway plays a major role in the development of cervical carcinomas. We have previously generated cell hybrids between a p53 null peripheral neuroepithelioma (PNET) cell line and a cervical carcinoma HeLa cell line which exhibits efficient E6-mediated degradation of p53. All of the resulting hybrids expressed HPV 18 E6 from the HeLa parent and some of the hybrids additionally expressed HPV 16 E6. Surprisingly, in spite of abundant E6 expression, the hybrids expressed relatively high steady-state levels of the wild-type p53 protein. We then examined the hybrids to determine whether other components of the E6-mediated degradation pathway were missing or nonfunctional. Specifically, we determined that the E6-associated protein (E6-AP), essential for E6-mediated degradation, was expressed. We further verified that these hybrids had a functional ubiquitination pathway, which suggests that this phenomenon is not due to a general defect in this pathway. We therefore conclude that other unidentified, possibly cell-specific factors can play a role in the E6-mediated degradative process and may act to inhibit this process.
Enhanced sinterability of alumina particles by pretreating in liquid ammonia

Abstract The sinterability of high purity alumina powders was enhanced by ultrasonication in liquid ammonia. The surfaces of the resulting powders contained agglomerated regions of submicron-sized particles that were metallic in appearance. When heated to 1400 °C, these particles densified into a solid with observable grain bonding and necking.
Assessing the sensitivity of egg yolk antibody testing for detecting Salmonella enteritidis infections in laying hens

The identification of infected commercial poultry flocks has become a pivotal component of efforts to reduce the incidence of egg-associated transmission of Salmonella enteritidis to humans. To assess the sensitivity with which testing for specific antibodies in egg yolks can be applied to detect S. enteritidis infection in laying chickens, groups of hens were orally inoculated with either 10(3), 10(5), or 10(7) cfu of a phage type 13a strain of S. enteritidis. Eggs from these hens were collected for 4 wk after inoculation and yolk samples were tested for antibodies to S. enteritidis flagella by ELISA. All hens that were inoculated with 10(7) cfu of S. enteritidis were detected as infected by the egg yolk ELISA when eggs were tested individually, as were up to 66 and 35% of hens inoculated with 10(5) or 10(3) cfu, respectively. Even when yolks from infected hens were diluted 1:10 in yolk from uninfected hens, specific antibodies could still be found in eggs from 31% of hens given 10(7) cfu of S. enteritidis and 13% of hens given 10(3) cfu. These results demonstrate that egg yolk antibody testing can provide a highly sensitive indication of prior exposure to S. enteritidis, and should accordingly be useful for verifying the effectiveness of programs designed to reduce the incidence of S. enteritidis infection in poultry.
Asphaltene analysis using size exclusion chromatography

Abstract A common technique used in coal liquefaction investigations is the asphaltene analysis, whereby products are separated into four major fractions (insolubles, preasphaltenes, asphaltenes and oils) by solvent extraction techniques. The fractions are defined by their solubility in organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, toluene and pentane. An instrumental method of analysis, using gel permeation liquid chromatography, was developed to reduce the problems with the conventional solvent separation. The technique relies upon the fact that the fractions differ in molecular size as well as solubility. The method uses one solvent (THF) and a single 100 A microstyragel column to separate the three soluble fractions. The trends in the data obtained with the molecular size separation agree with the trends obtained by conventional solvent separations on the same samples.
ONCE MORE: PROGRAMMED INSTRUCTION IN THE LANGUAGE FIELD: THE STATE OF THE ART1

An assessment is made here of the status of programmed instruction in the foreign language field. From available evidence, neither unbridled optimism nor gloomy pessimism is justified. On the contrary, the potential of the approach has barely been touched, and examples of successful development and use of programmed materials ought to encourage further efforts and act as an antidote to extremist views.
Contrast detection and near-threshold discrimination in human vision

Abstract Forced-choice psychometric functions were determined for the detection of sinewave gratings and contrast discrimination of near-threshold gratings at spatial frequencies of 0.5, 2 and 8 c/deg. Detection psychometric functions all had the same S-shaped form. Discrimination functions were almost linear except at the upper end. Both sets of data can be described well by a detection model with a positively accelerating relation between contrast and mean decision variable and a differencing decision rule. Results of a paired comparisons experiment were consistent with the model and indicate that decision variable variance is nearly constant over the range of contrasts used in these experiments. The implications of these results for several models of contrast detection and discrimination are considered.
Development and evaluation of quantitative functions for early selection of Populus clones.

Abstract The success of hybrid poplar planting programs depends on the selection of clones with desirable growth properties, matched to specific environmental conditions. Traditionally, tree geneticists have employed early height growth as an indicator of rotation age volume production. This approach was evaluated against selection functions based upon easily measured mensurational and morphological traits. A mixed planting of 12 clones of three Populus species was analyzed during three years of growth. Clonal and moisture regime variation and co-variation were examined for numerous measured and derived traits. A procedure was developed employing canonical correlation analysis to construct selection functions based on multiple mensurational and morphological traits. Results suggest that simple selection functions based upon easily measured traits are superior to early height growth for ranking hybrid poplar clones for total tree volume production.
Flow induction by pressure forces

A dual experimental/computational approach to the fluid mechanics of complex interactions that take place in a rotary-jet ejector is presented. The long-range goal is to perform both detailed flow mapping and finite element computational analysis. The described work represents an initial finding on the experimental mapping program. Test results on the hubless rotary-jet are discussed.
Differentiability of convolutions, integrated semigroups of bounded semi-variation, and the inhomogeneous Cauchy problem

If T = {T (t); t ≥ 0} is a strongly continuous family of bounded linear operators between two Banach spaces X and Y and f ∈ L 1(0, b, X), the convolution of T with f is defined by $$(T * f )(t) = \int\nolimits_{0}^{t} T(s)f(t - s)ds$$ . It is shown that T * f is continuously differentiable for all f ∈ C(0, b, X) if and only if T is of bounded semi-variation on [0, b]. Further T * f is continuously differentiable for all f ∈ L p (0, b, X) (1 ≤ p 0, the Cauchy problem has integral solutions for all f ∈ L 1(0, b, X). Integrated semigroups of bounded semi-p-variation are preserved under bounded additive perturbations of their generators and under commutative sums of generators if one of them generates a C 0-semigroup.
Intestinal lead and calcium absorption: effect of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and lead status.

AbstractThis study was designed to investigate, in some detail, the relative effects of the hormonal form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) on duodenal Pb and Ca absorption as a function of dietary Pb level. When cholecalciferol-deficient chicks were chronically repleted with physiologic levels of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3), as the sole source of the vitamin, 203Pb and 47Ca absorption were enhanced over 4- and 8-fold, respectively. Ingestion of Pb during the repletion period had no significant effect on the intestinal Ca absorption response to 1,25-(OH)2D3 even at a very high dietary Pb level. The efficiency of intestinal 203Pb absorption was, however, significantly diminished by dietary Pb, in an apparent dose-dependent fashion. The results indicate that the extent to which systemic Ca homeostatic mechanisms influence intestinal Pb absorption is dependent, in large part, on Pb status.
Spin-Light Coherence for Single-Spin Measurement and Control in Diamond

The exceptional spin coherence of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond motivates their function in emerging quantum technologies. Traditionally, the spin state of individual centers is measured optically and destructively. We demonstrate dispersive, single-spin coupling to light for both nondestructive spin measurement, through the Faraday effect, and coherent spin manipulation, through the optical Stark effect. These interactions can enable the coherent exchange of quantum information between single nitrogen-vacancy spins and light, facilitating coherent measurement, control, and entanglement that is scalable over large distances.
Vertical integrated-gate CMOS for ultra-dense IC

We propose a vertical integrated-gate CMOS (VIG CMOS) technology which integrates multi-gate PMOS and NMOS together to significantly increase the transistor density for ultra-dense IC applications. A device model for the electric characteristics of ultra-thin double-gate and vertical surrounding-gate MOSFETs is developed and analytical solutions to the simplified nonlinear Poisson's equation with different boundary conditions are found. We discuss the involved physics in each mathematical solution and determine its applicable cases. The concentration of the induced inversion charge in the cylindrical Si body of a surrounding-gate MOSFET is found higher than that of a double-gate MOSFET. We also show that the control of a cylindrical inner Si body by the surrounding-gate is stronger than its control of an outer Si body shell.
Comparison of Performance Characteristics of Three Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Test Systems for Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis C Virus

We evaluated the performance characteristics of three real-time reverse transcription-PCR test systems for detection and quantification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and performed a direct comparison of the systems on the same clinical specimens. Commercial HCV panels (genotype 1b) were used to evaluate linear range, sensitivity, and precision. The Roche COBAS TaqMan HCV test for research use only (RUO) with samples processed on the MagNA Pure LC instrument (Roche RUO-MPLC) and Abbott analyte-specific reagents (ASR) with QIAGEN sample processing (Abbott ASR-Q) showed a sensitivity of 1.0 log10 IU/ml with a linear dynamic range of 1.0 to 7.0 log10 IU/ml. The Roche ASR in combination with the High Pure system (Roche ASR-HP) showed a sensitivity of 1.4 log10 IU/ml with a linear dynamic range of 2.0 to 7.0 log10 IU/ml. All of the systems showed acceptable reproducibility, the Abbott ASR-Q being the most reproducible of the three systems. Seventy-six clinical specimens (50 with detectable levels of HCV RNA and various titers and genotypes) were tested, and results were compared to those of the COBAS Amplicor HCV Monitor v2.0. Good correlation was obtained for the Roche RUO-MPLC and Abbott ASR-Q (R2 = 0.84 and R2 = 0.93, respectively), with better agreement for the Abbott ASR-Q. However, correlation (R2 = 0.79) and agreement were poor for Roche ASR-HP, with bias relative to concentration and genotype. Roche ASR-HP underestimated HCV RNA for genotypes 3 and 4 as much as 2.19 log10 IU/ml. Our study demonstrates that Roche RUO-MPLC and Abbott ASR-Q provided acceptable results and agreed sufficiently with the COBAS Amplicor HCV Monitor v2.0.
Recycling of Informational Units Leads to Selection of Replicators in a Prebiotic Soup

Prebiotic chemical reactions would have been greatly aided by a process whereby living materials could have been recycled under conditions of limiting resources. Recombination of RNA fragments is a viable means of recycling but has not been demonstrated. Using systems based on the Azoarcus group I intron ribozyme, computational Monte Carlo studies indicate that a moderate level of recycling activity, spontaneous or catalyzed, leads to the most robust selection scenarios. It is interesting that recycling leads to a threshold effect where a dominant species suddenly jumps to fixation. In conjunction, laboratory studies with the Azoarcus ribozyme corroborate these results, showing that mixtures of scrambled and/or deleteriously mutated molecules can recycle their component fragments to generate fully functional recombinase ribozymes. These studies highlight the importance of recombination and recycling jointly in the advent of living systems.
Cytokines regulate endotoxin stimulation of endothelial cell arginine transport

Background Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) stimulates transmembrane l -arginine transport in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs). The proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) mediate many of the pathophysiologic effects of endotoxemia and sepsis. Endothelial cells secrete TNF and IL-1 in response to endotoxin. We hypothesize that lipopolysaccharide stimulation of plasma membrane l -arginine transport is mediated via an autocrine cytokine loop involving TNF and IL-1. Methods. Confluent porcine PAECs were incubated with various concentrations of lipopolysaccharide, TNF, or IL-1, and arginine uptake was determined by assaying the uptake of 3 H- l -arginine in the presence or absence of Na + at different time points. PAECs were then incubated with lipopolysaccharide or saline solution after pretreatment with either anti-TNF antibody or IL-1-receptor antagonist, and transport was measured 12 hours later. Results. Lipopolysaccharide, IL-1, and TNF all increased both Na + -dependent and Na + -independent carrier-mediated l -arginine transport in a fashion that was both time and dose dependent. Maximal increases in stimulated arginine uptake occurred 8 hours after exposure to the cytokines and 12 hours after exposure to lipopolysaccharide. Pretreatment of endothelial cells with anti-TNF antibody blocked lipopolysaccharide stimulation of both Na + -independent and Na + -dependent transport by 100% and 90%, respectively. In addition, IL-1-receptor antagonist inhibited lipopolysaccharide stimulation of both Na + -independent and Na + -dependent transport by 65% and 85%, respectively. Conclusions. The marked increase in carrier-mediated l -arginine transport activity produced by lipopolysaccharide, IL-1, and TNF may represent an adaptive response by the pulmonary endothelium to support arginine-dependent biosynthetic pathways during sepsis. Furthermore, lipopolysaccharide stimulation of arginine transport is mediated in part through an autocrine mechanism involving IL-1 and TNF.
Social forces in the German Reformation

The period of the Reformation touches the interests of most people in one way or another and consequently receives attention from historians with a great variety of interests, running the gamut from dialectic materialism to theology. Much of this concern stems from our preoccupation with the strong revival of religion subsequent to the first World War and evinced in neo-scholasticism, Barthian evangelicalism, neo-orthodoxy, the Luther renaissance, the ecumenical movement, and similar manifestations, on the one hand, and our great concern with the widespread social tensions and revolutions which are springing up in all parts of the world and are keeping us poised on the brink of another world war.
Eliciting required characteristics for usable requirements engineering approaches

It has been reported that many software companies do not use existing requirements engineering approaches. This indicates that there is room and opportunity for improving the usability of existing requirements engineering approaches. This paper describes a market study intended to elicit a set of characteristics that could improve the usability of requirements engineering approaches. The survey is aimed toward software stakeholders such as developers, designers, customers, and managers at various software companies. The survey results are used to define a set of desirable characteristics for usable requirements engineering approaches and to suggest a set of guidelines that could help achieve the desirable characteristics.
Particle acceleration in disruption of the tail current sheet

Abstract The current sheet in the Earth's magnetotail is a favorite site for consideration of particle acceleration. One of the major findings from the AMPTE/CCE program is the occurrence of highly fluctuating magnetic field and particle acceleration in the near-Earth tail current sheet at substorm onsets. This phenomenon, called current disruption, signals a substantial reduction of the cross-tail current locally in association with the formation of the substorm current wedge. This high level of field fluctuation subsides with the magnetic field returning to a more dipolar configuration. The study of current disruption has rekindled interest in the near-Earth tail (|X| E ) current sheet as a substorm initiation site rather than the mid-tail (|X| ∼ 15–20 R E ) as advocated by the traditional near-Earth neutral line model. Furthermore, the study of this phenomenon has led to the development of a substorm onset model based on a current-driven plasma instability termed the cross-field current instability. We review here observations of particle acceleration during current disruption. We show that at least some current disruptions are initiated locally at |X| E and not by a disturbance travelling from the mid-tail region. Furthermore, we show observations indicating that local reversals in the north-south component of the magnetic field in the neutral sheet are not necessarily sites of intense particle energization, contrary to the expectation from magnetic reconnection theories. Comparison between observations and preliminary theoretical predictions of the cross-field current instability model gives reasonably good agreement. Local current reduction can lead to loss of equilibrium and a global field reconfiguration from a stretched state before current disruption to a relaxed state afterwards. This reconfiguration can lead to additional particle energization through the induced electric fields arising from this global field reconfiguration.
A note on vertical market foreclosure

The judicial fear of vertical market foreclosure has been criticized severely in the academic literature. The focus of this criticism isnot that foreclosure is impossible; rather, it is that foreclosure is not a profitable business strategy. In this note, we show that this criticism is not valid under conditions of partial ownership. If effective vertical control can be achieved with partial ownership, vertical market foreclosure can be used to increase the partial owner's profits. We use theduPont (GM) litigation as a vehicle to explore this point.
Qing Colonial Administration in Inner Asia

(1998). Qing Colonial Administration in Inner Asia. The International History Review: Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 287-309.
Fatty Acids of the Lipids of Vegetables. I. Peas (Pisum sativum)a

SUMMARY Changes taking place in the fatty acids of the lipid material of the edible pea were investigated. Peas were held 1 year in storage at –17.8°C in the raw and enzyme-inactivated condition, to determine changes taking place in the fatty acids. Under these conditions, all of the several fatty acids in the phospholipid fraction showed large losses in the raw as contrasted with the enzyme-inactivated samples. At the same time the neutral fats in the same sample showed losses for all the unsaturated fatty acids in the raw when contrasted with those extracted from the enzyme-inactivated material. The fatty acids in the neutral fat and the free fatty acids of the raw material showed a net gain in the total quantity of palmitic acid. It seems possible that this increase came from the three unsaturated C18 acids.
Human retinal gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis shows advancing retinal degeneration despite enduring visual improvement

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) associated with retinal pigment epithelium-specific protein 65 kDa (RPE65) mutations is a severe hereditary blindness resulting from both dysfunction and degeneration of photoreceptors. Clinical trials with gene augmentation therapy have shown partial reversal of the dysfunction, but the effects on the degeneration are not known. We evaluated the consequences of gene therapy on retinal degeneration in patients with RPE65-LCA and its canine model. In untreated RPE65-LCA patients, there was dysfunction and degeneration of photoreceptors, even at the earliest ages. Examined serially over years, the outer photoreceptor nuclear layer showed progressive thinning. Treated RPE65-LCA showed substantial visual improvement in the short term and no detectable decline from this new level over the long term. However, retinal degeneration continued to progress unabated. In RPE65-mutant dogs, the first one-quarter of their lifespan showed only dysfunction, and there was normal outer photoreceptor nuclear layer thickness retina-wide. Dogs treated during the earlier dysfunction-only stage showed improved visual function and dramatic protection of treated photoreceptors from degeneration when measured 5–11 y later. Dogs treated later during the combined dysfunction and degeneration stage also showed visual function improvement, but photoreceptor loss continued unabated, the same as in human RPE65-LCA. The results suggest that, in RPE65 disease treatment, protection from visual function deterioration cannot be assumed to imply protection from degeneration. The effects of gene augmentation therapy are complex and suggest a need for a combinatorial strategy in RPE65-LCA to not only improve function in the short term but also slow retinal degeneration in the long term.
A model for interaction of two renewal processes with threshold level

A stochastic model is considered based on selective interaction between two dependent renewal processes and on the amount of the threshold level. In the neurophysiological context, a neuron fires if the amount of the excitation exceeds the specified threshold level. The interval distribution and the mean time between two successive neuron firing events are derived. Several special cases are discussed. Finally it is considered a modified model in which the threshold level is a random variable.
Experimental determination of the losses produced by the interaction of AC magnetic fields and transport currents in HTS tapes

Abstract This paper presents the results of a comprehensive series of measurements by our newly developed calorimetric technique of the ac losses in high quality BSCCO-2223 tape. The measurements encompass the losses due to the simultaneous application of ac transport currents and ac magnetic fields of the same frequency; parallel or perpendicular to the tape. The variation of the losses with peak current, peak applied magnetic field and phase between current and field is reported. The results confirm our previously published work in that the losses can be estimated by assuming that only in the perpendicular field orientation do the self and applied fields interact and also that the equations previously developed for estimating losses hold for tapes with a wide range of critical currents. Based on these ideas we are able to suggest equations predicting the effect of a phase difference on losses which gives reasonable agreement with measurements.
A model of the lightning discharge at Jupiter

Based on the lightning waveform and spectra observed by the Galileo Atmospheric Probe, we present a discharge, radiation, and propagation model of the Jovian lightning that explains the absence of detectable HF spherics along with the measurement of ELF whistler emissions by the Voyager radio and plasma wave instruments. We find that although there is signal attenuation in the ionosphere, the controlling factor in determining lightning detectability at Jupiter is the intrinsically slow nature of the lightning discharge itself. The proposed discharge model is not unique, but matches the observed spectrum which spans several frequency decades and provides a basis for comparing lightning discharge models for other planets.