cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compact and Tunable Forward Coupler Based on High-Impedance Superconducting Nanowires

Developing compact, low-dissipation, cryogenic-compatible microwave electronics is essential for scaling up low-temperature quantum computing systems. In this paper, we demonstrate an ultracompact microwave directional forward coupler based on high-impedance slow-wave superconducting-nanowire transmission lines. The coupling section of the fabricated device has a footprint of $416\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}{\mathrm{m}}^{2}$. At 4.753 GHz, the input signal couples equally to the through port and forward-coupling port (50:50) at $\ensuremath{-}6.7\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{dB}$ with $\ensuremath{-}13.5\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{dB}$ isolation. The coupling ratio can be controlled with dc bias current or temperature by exploiting the dependence of the kinetic inductance on these quantities. The material and fabrication processes are suitable for direct integration with superconducting circuits, providing a practical solution to the signal distribution bottlenecks in developing large-scale quantum computers.
Disengaging elections? Political interest, number of elections, and turnout in elections to the European Parliament:

Since direct elections to the European Parliament began in 1979, variations in voting behavior in European Parliament elections from national elections have raised interesting questions about polit...
Understanding the behavior and ecology of Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) on an important feeding ground in the Gulf of Alaska

Population declines and demographic changes of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), have been documented throughout this species’ range, though information on natural and anthropogenic mechanisms related to these changes are not fully understood. To provide insights into marine behaviors and survival of Chinook salmon, 40 pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs), that collected environmental data, were attached to large (69–100 cm FL) Chinook salmon caught in the marine waters of Cook Inlet, Alaska. PSATs provided evidence of predation on tagged Chinook salmon by ectothermic and unconfirmed predators, and provided valuable information about the migratory characteristics and occupied depths and temperatures of this species while occupying Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Alaska. The results from this study suggest that late-marine mortality of Chinook salmon of a variety of stock-origins by apex predators is more common in Cook Inlet than previously thought, and may be used to improve our understanding this species’ population dynamics. Furthermore, results from this study adds to the existing knowledge of marine habitat use by Chinook Salmon and may be useful in assessing the vulnerability and interactions between this species and anthropogenic activities.
Magnetoencephalography in Epilepsy Research and its Perspectives

Magnetoencephalographic studies of patients with epilepsy are still in their infancy, and the clinical value of magnetoencephalography (MEG) is uncertain [see Sato and Smith (1985) and Sato et al. (1987) for overviews]. The possible importance of such studies derives from an understanding of some simple clinical and epidemiologic data on epilepsy. Epilepsy occurs in about 0.5% of the population of the United States, and 10% to 20% of the patients do not respond to medical therapy. Many of the more than 300,000 patients with intractable epilepsy may be helped by surgical therapy. Currently, however, no more than several thousand patients per year are considered for epilepsy surgery, and fewer are operated on. Patients are generally considered good candidates for epilepsy surgery if they are refractory to medical therapy and if a concurrence of information from several sources points to a safely resectable (usually single) epileptogenic zone (Porter, 1984). Information from-computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically combined with information from functional testing, including neuropsychological testing, and, perhaps most importantly, electroencephalographic (EEG) examinations in an attempt to localize the epileptogenic focus. In many patients, this information is inconclusive, and invasive testing must be performed, including prolonged monitoring with implanted depth or subdural electrodes or intraoperative recording from the cortical surface, called electrocorticography (ECoG). For certainty of localization, depth (or subdural) recordings of seizures are considered by many the gold standard. These procedures are not without risk, and are technically difficult, time consuming, and costly.
The Stimulatory Effect of Luteinizing Hormone on Adenosine 3',5'-Monophosphate Accumulation in Corpus Luteum Slices

The presence of adenosine 3‘,5‘-monophosphate was demonstrated in bovine luteal tissue. The addition of luteinizing hormone to incubating slices of a bovine corpus luteum caused a rapid accumulation of this cyclic nucleotide which preceded the increase in progesterone synthesis. This effect appeared to be specific for luteinizing hormone. Puromycin did not inhibit this action of luteinizing hormone on cyclic AMP accumulation. In view of the previous finding that exogenous cyclic AMP added to incubating slices can mimic the effect of luteinizing hormone on steroidogenesis, these results indicate that the cyclic nucleotide is a mediator of this action of luteinizing hormone. An increase in the concentration of cyclic AMP has also been demonstrated in a human corpus luteum stimulated in vitro by human chorionic gonadotropin.
Large-scale hybrid dynamic simulation employing field measurements

Simulation and measurements are two primary ways for power engineers to gain understanding of system behaviors and thus accomplish tasks in system planning and operation. Many well-developed simulation tools are available in today's market. On the other hand, large amount of measured data can be obtained from traditional SCADA systems and currently fast growing phasor networks. However, simulation and measurement are still two separate worlds. There is a need to combine the advantages of simulation and measurements. In view of this, This work proposes the concept of hybrid dynamic simulation which opens up traditional simulation by providing entries for measurements. A method is presented to implement hybrid simulation with PSLF/PSDS. Test studies show the validity of the proposed hybrid simulation method. Applications of such hybrid simulation include system event playback, model validation, and software validation.
Flecainide Associated Torsade De Pointes: A Potential Case of Reverse Use Dependence

Flecainide has been known to cause torsades de pointes (TdP) in patients with structural heart disease and its mechanism has been attributed to use-dependency. We present a patient with flecainide-induced TdP in the absence of any other precipitating factors. This case highlights potential reverse use dependence associated with flecainide resulting in TdP.
Effects of printed-circuit-board layout on power switch case-to-ambient thermal resistance

In many modern power electronics applications, it is desired to package the power switches tightly with their control and driving circuitry in order to reduce the size. Thermal management, therefore, has become an important issue. Minimization of the case-to-ambient thermal resistance R/sub /spl theta/CA/ is a crucial measure for high-density power packaging. In this paper, electrical models were established for typical layouts to illustrate the heat transfer paths on the 2-layer and 4-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs). Trends of the thermal resistance change according to the variation of layout patterns are presented and verified by a series of experiments, which provides engineers with design guidelines for optimizing PCB layouts.
Preliminary Memorandum in Regard to the Possibilities of a University Board of Health

(1917). Preliminary Memorandum in Regard to the Possibilities of a University Board of Health. American Physical Education Review: Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 202-206.
Widely tunable micromachined optical filter with adjustable tuning characteristics

We designed a new tunable filter with a top DBR structure of Al/sub 2/O/sub 3//GaAs and demonstrated a tunable filter using this design. Adjustable tuning characteristics were achieved by removing excess nitride, providing greater yield during the release process, as well as being able to achieve a flexible structure afterward. The mechanical and optical measurements both demonstrate realization of a narrow linewidth, broad tuning range optical filter.
Coronary Physiology: Basic Concepts and Clinical Applications.

The routine clinical application of coronary physiology has become available with the introduction of Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) over 20 years ago. The premise of FFR is to assess the hemodynamic significance of a coronary stenosis by comparing distal coronary pressure to the aortic pressure as a surrogate for coronary flow. Since the original description by Pijls and colleagues in 1993, more than 1500 articles have been published containing the keyword “FFR”, and coronary pressure measurements have become mainstream. Nevertheless, despite convincing clinical trial evidence demonstrating the benefits of FFR, clinical adoption remains low with only about 10% of coronary angiograms undergoing an FFR evaluation. This issue of Interventional Cardiology Clinics is dedicated to coronary physiology, providing an excellent overview of the basic concepts, historical advances in the field, clinical trial evidence, practical applications, and future developments. The authors are international experts in coronary physiology and have significantly contributed to the scientific progress in this space. In addition to an in-depth discussion on FFR (including its limitations and pitfalls), there is a focus on Coronary Flow Reserve in
Integrin Priming Dynamics: Mechanisms of Integrin Antagonist-Promoted αIIbβ3:PAC-1 Molecular Recognition

This investigation addressed the paradox that disintegrins and small RGD-ligands readily bind to the resting αIIbβ3 integrin, while macromolecules with similar integrin recognition motifs require an activated, or primed, receptor. Three structurally similar pharmaceutical integrin antagonists (eptifibatide, tirofiban, and roxifiban) were each incubated with resting αIIbβ3; after drug wash-out, the receptor’s ability to recognize PAC-1, an activation-dependent IgM with an RYD integrin-targeting site was measured. Their promotion of PAC-1:αIIbβ3 binding (solid phase assay), eptifibatide > tirofiban > roxifiban, correlated with their ability to shift the receptor to an open conformer, as measured by analytical ultracentrifugation. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) demonstrated that PAC-1 bound rapidly (kon ∼5 × 105 l/mol-s, 25 °C) and tightly (Kd ∼1 nM) to eptifibatide-primed integrins, captured on a biosensor using an IgG specific for αIIb’s cytoplasmic domain. Varying the interval between integrin capture an...
Effect of Low Temperature, Diet Density, and Pelleting on the Preference of Broilers for High Fat Rations

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine whether a previously observed preference of broiler chicks for high fat vs. low fat rations would also be noted: 1) under cold conditions, 2) when energy and nutrient density are increased, and 3) when the physical texture of test rations is equalized by pelleting. In the first experiment conducted in unheated houses under winter conditions, diets compared were A) low-fat low density, B) high fat-high density, and C) high fat-low density. These were offered in pairs (A vs. B, A vs. C, B vs. C) to broiler chicks 4 to 7 weeks of age. A highly significant preference was shown for the high fat-high density diet over both low density diets and for the high fat-low density over the low fat-low density diet. In the second experiment high fat and low fat rations were presented in either mash or pelleted form. Regardless of physical texture, the high fat diet was again preferred by a highly significant (P≤ .01) margin. The relative position of feeders had no apparent influence on the pattern of feed consumption.
REM sleep deprivation up-regulates adenosine A1 receptors

Abstract Adenosine receptor binding was determined in the brains of rats deprived of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep for 48 and 96 h using [ 3 H] l -phenylisopropyladenosine. Adenosine A 1 receptors ( B max ) were significantly increased in the cortex and corpus striatum, and this increase was sleep-specific. Endogenous adenosine was assayed in microwave-fixed brain tissue and no significant changes were found in REM-deprived rats.
Carotid intima-media thickness is associated with incident heart failure among middle-aged whites and blacks: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.

Background Increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is associated with subclinical left ventricular myocardial dysfunction, suggesting a possible role of carotid IMT in heart failure (HF) risk determination. Methods and Results Mean far wall carotid IMT, measured by B-mode ultrasound, was available for 13 590 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study participants aged 45 to 64 years and free of HF at baseline. HF was defined using ICD-9 428 and ICD-10 I-50 codes from hospitalization records and death certificates. The association between carotid IMT and incident HF was assessed using Cox proportional hazards analysis with models adjusted for demographic variables, major CVD risk factors, and interim CHD. There were 2008 incident HF cases over a median follow-up of 20.6 years (8.1 cases per 1000 person-years). Mean IMT was higher in those with HF than in those without (0.81 mm±0.23 versus 0.71 mm±0.17, P P Conclusions Increasing carotid IMT is associated with incident HF in middle-aged whites and blacks, beyond risks explained by major CVD risk factors and CHD. This suggests that carotid IMT may be associated with HF through mechanisms different from myocardial ischemia or infarction.
Matrix Operations on a Multicomputer System with Switchable Main Memory Modules and Dynamic Control

This paper presents an analysis and evaluation of the performance of a multicomputer system (SM3) in supporting two basic matrix operations, namely multiplication and inversion. The system supports the efficient execution of the above mentioned operations by 1) achieving a high-bandwidth data transfer among computers by switching main memory modules, 2) supporting network partitioning, 3) employing a hardware communication and synchronization scheme, 4) using a distributed control technique, and 5) providing means to dynamically transfer control. Timing equations are derived and evaluated in an attempt to analyze the performance. Different cases which arise due to the relative sizes of memory modules and matrices during matrix multiplication are analyzed. The cases of partial and maximal pivoting during inversion are also analyzed. The SM3 system is compared quantitatively and qualitatively to a hypercube architecture.
In situ photoelectrochemical characteristics of the n-CdTe | acetic acid solution interface by FTIR-ATR

Abstract Fourier transform IR attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy has been used to investigate the adsorption of acetic acid on the n-CdTe photoelectrode in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions. Electromodulated spectra associated with different adsorbates are observed. Acetonitrile as a solvent is adsorbed on the CdTe surface. A blue shift of v(C≡N) (2460 cm− 1) is observed. Illumination affects the blue shift of the adsorbed acetonitrile. Current oscillations were observed under illumination in the anodic region of the cyclic voltammogram. Acetic acid, which is a bidentate ligand, is adsorbed on the CdTe surface. It reduces the blue shift caused by acetonitrile. The absorption intensities of the OH bending and CO stretching modes change under illumination. The photo-Kolbe reaction is present. In aqueous solution, the intensity of the CO bending mode increases when the electrode potential becomes more positive. The adsorbent effects and electrochemical Stark effects related to the different adsorption models are discussed.
Influence of Localized Excited States on the Transition Moment Directions of Charge Transfer Complex Absorptions

The influence of localized excited (LE) states on the spectroscopy of charge transfer (CT) complexes has been examined for a series of complexes formed between methyl-substituted benzene donors and 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene as acceptor in 1,2-dichloroethane and octanenitrile solvents. A molecular orbital model was used to describe the appearance of multiple CT absorption bands that occur in the spectra of these complexes. The influence of LE states in these CT absorptions was explored using time-resolved linear dichroism spectroscopy where the direction of the CT transition moment vector (TMV) was used to probe the magnitude of intensity borrowing. The TMV directions for each of the observed CT transitions within the absorption spectra were determined for several complexes. In some cases, the observed CT transitions were interpreted as being pure CT transitions; in others the observed transitions are influenced significantly by a LE transition. The correlation between the TMV directions and the transition energy suggests that the magnitude of intensity borrowing is influenced not only by the energy difference between the CT and LE transitions but also by the specific character of the transitions under consideration.
Beyond the yes-no question: measuring parent-adolescent communication about sex.

The measurement of sex-related communications has improved in recent years in several ways: more differentiated self-report measures, the use of multiple reporters, the situating of sex-related communication within the context of general communication, and the use of innovative measures such as observational methods and ethnographic techniques.
Simple linear filtering of time series data on a programmable calculator.

Abstract A program is presented for the Texas Instruments SR-52 calculator which calculates moving averages of time series data. In addition to providing averages the programs also keeps track of which data item in a sequence to enter next.
Clinical and radiographic correlations in breast cancer patients with osseous metastases.

Serial metastatic bone series on 12 patients with skeletal metastases from carcinoma of breast were studied. Changes in the clinical and radiographic parameters of the patients were correlated. Patients were all treated on a research protocol evaluating “medical adrenalectomy” with aminoglutethimide or surgical adrenalectomy. Seventeen clinical changes were noted in twelve patients. Sixteen of these observations demonstrated positive clinical correlations with concurrent skeletal radiographs. A lytic bone pattern correlated clinically with progressive tumor growth. A blastic bone pattern was present when objective clinical data indicated disease remission.
Academic Achievement, Violent Victimization, and Bullying Among U.S. High School Students

The authors examined the relationship between adolescents' experiences with violent victimization and academic achievement. Data from the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey were analyzed for males (N = 8,537) and females (N = 7,816). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate the relationship between academic achievement and violent victimization. Among males and females, 6.6% and 4.4%, respectively, earned grades of mostly Ds or Fs during the past year. Among males, those earning mostly Ds or Fs had an increased odds of having been injured in a fight (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.5-3.3) or threatened at school (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3-2.9) when compared to males who earned mostly As or Bs. Moreover, those who earned mostly Cs were at increased odds of having been threatened at school when compared to males who earned mostly As or Bs (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.9). Among females, those earning mostly Ds or Fs had a higher odds of having been bullied at school (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3 ), threatened at school (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3), or violently victimized by an intimate partner (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4-3.0) when compared to females who earned mostly As or Bs. Similar findings were observed when examining females earning mostly C grades. Academic achievement is linked to victimization patterns among male and female adolescents. Although the temporality of the relationship is unclear, the strength of the associations increase as academic achievement decreases.
Effects of Guided Bone Regeneration Around Commercially Pure Titanium and Hydroxyapatite-Coated Dental Implants. II. Histologic Analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine which treatment of a large osseous defect adjacent to an endosseous dental implant would produce the greatest regeneration of bone and degree of osseointegration: barrier membrane therapy plus demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA), membrane therapy alone, or no treatment. The current study histologically assessed changes in bone within the healed peri-implant osseous defect. In a split-mouth design, 6 implants were placed in edentulous mandibular ridges of 10 mongrel dogs after preparation of 6 cylindrical mid-crestal defects, 5 mm in depth, and 9.525 mm in diameter. An implant site was then prepared in the center of each defect to a depth of 5 mm beyond the apical extent of the defect. One mandibular quadrant received three commercially pure titanium (Ti) screw implants (3.75 × 10 mm), while the contralateral side received three hydroxyapatite (HA) coated root-form implants (3.3 × 10 mm). Consequently, the coronal 5 mm of each implant was surrounded ...
Is it better to burn or bury waste for clean electricity generation

The use of municipal solid waste (MSW) to generate electricity through landfill-gas-to-energy (LFGTE) and waste-to-energy (WTE) projects represents roughly 14% of U.S. nonhydro renewable electricity generation. Although various aspects of LFGTE and WTE have been analyzed in the literature, this paper is the first to present a comprehensive set of life-cycle emission factors per unit of electricity generated for these energy recovery options. In addition, sensitivity analysis is conducted on key inputs (e.g., efficiency of the WTE plant, landfill gas management schedules, oxidation rate, and waste composition) to quantify the variability in the resultant life-cycle emissions estimates. While methane from landfills results from the anaerobic breakdown of biogenic materials, the energy derived from WTE results from the combustion of both biogenic and fossil materials. The greenhouse gas emissions for WTE ranges from 0.4 to 1.5 MTCO2e/MWh, whereas the most agressive LFGTE scenerio results in 2.3 MTCO2e/MWh. W...
Using White Noise to Probe Actomyosin Cycling Kinetics During Shortening and Lengthening in Drosophila Flight Muscle Fibers

Our laboratory routinely measures demembranated muscle fiber mechanics using small amplitude sinusoidal length perturbation analysis and estimates kinetics of actomyosin cycling and myosin attachment time. We have developed a complementary measurement technique using small, random changes in muscle length (white-noise length stimuli) that simultaneously cover a broad frequency spectrum, comparable with the sinusoidal length perturbations. We find the white-noise technique provides a description of the viscoelastic properties that is consistent with sinusoidal analysis measurements, rapidly capturing much of the physiological behavior associated with contracting muscle fibers. The white-noise technique samples a vast range of system behavior in a fraction of the time required to complete sinusoidal analysis, and does not require the linear response underlying sinusoidal analysis methods. Thus, we combined the white-noise stimuli with a linear shortening and lengthening transients to probe cross-bridge cycling behavior during these periods of varied load. Preliminary measurements using demembranated dorsal longitudinal flight muscle fibers from Drosophila melanogaster indicate faster cross-bridge cycling kinetics during lengthening and slower cycling during shortening, compared to isometric contraction. During isometric contraction we estimate a myosin attachment time of 5.0 ms, and 4.6 versus 5.5 ms during the lengthening and shortening transients, respectively. These initial applications of the white-noise system analysis technique show promise for future studies probing molecular processes that underlie complicated length transients associated with normal muscle contraction.
Attitudes and factors related to seeking mental health treatment among medical and dental students.

Abstract Medical and dental students (N =315) were surveyed about current psychological distress, treatment status, perfectionism, and attitudes about mental health services. Although 23.8% of the students reported clinical levels of distress, only 7.6% of the sample reported receiving mental health treatment. Many students expressed concern about the stigma of seeking professional help, and distressed students who were not in treatment had higher levels of socially-prescribed perfectionism and held more negative attitudes about mental health services than distressed students seeking help.
Isolation and partial characterization of intestinal calcium-binding proteins from the cow, pig, horse, guinea pig, and chick

Abstract 1. 1. Intestinal calcium-binding proteins have been isolated in high purity from mucosal tissue of the cow, pig, horse, guinea pig, and chick. The proteins from all species exhibit rapid, although not identical, electrophoretic mobilities and possess high affinities for calcium. 2. 2. The intestinal calcium-binding proteins of mammalian origin exhibit a molecular size of approx. 11 000 by calibrated gel filtration and 9000 on the basis of amino acid composition. The analogous chick protein was found to be about 27 000–28 000 molecular weight by these methods. 3. 3. The amino acid composition of each intestinal calcium-binding protein has been determined and indicates a considerable degree of similarity, especially among the mammalian species. 4. 4. Immunoassay procedures have failed to show any species cross-reactivity when tested against antiserum prepared in response to either the bovine or chick intestinal calcium-binding protein.
Bayesian Updating of Toxic Leakage Scenarios

A simple illustration of different potential causes for leakage of toxic waste containers in a depository illustrates how knowledge of a leakage event can be used to update the probability that one basic cause is more likely than another. The method invoked for this analysis is that of Bayesian probability. The point of doing the work is to show how one can come to grips with the most likely reasons for such a leakage. In turn, such improved knowledge, gleaned from the actual leakage events that occur, allows one to better design options for remediating the depository site based on using the potential causes of leakage and their improved likelihood of being correct. The example shows how one can decide between different leakage causes based on measurement of particular leakage events.
High-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy consistently results in high quality dosimetry.

Purpose We performed a dosimetry analysis to determine how well the goals for clinical target volume coverage, dose homogeneity, and normal tissue dose constraints were achieved with high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy. Methods and Materials Cumulative dose-volume histograms for 208 consecutively treated HDR prostate brachytherapy implants were analyzed. Planning was based on ultrasound-guided catheter insertion and postoperative CT imaging; the contoured clinical target volume (CTV) was the prostate, a small margin, and the proximal seminal vesicles. Dosimetric parameters analyzed for the CTV were D90, V90, V100, V150, and V200. Dose to the urethra, bladder, bladder balloon, and rectum were evaluated by the dose to 0.1 cm 3 , 1 cm 3 , and 2 cm 3 of each organ, expressed as a percentage of the prescribed dose. Analysis was stratified according to prostate size. Results The mean prostate ultrasound volume was 38.7 ± 13.4 cm 3 (range: 11.7-108.6 cm 3 ). The mean CTV was 75.1 ± 20.6 cm 3 (range: 33.4-156.5 cm 3 ). The mean D90 was 109.2% ± 2.6% (range: 102.3%-118.4%). Ninety-three percent of observed D90 values were between 105 and 115%. The mean V90, V100, V150, and V200 were 99.9% ± 0.05%, 99.5% ± 0.8%, 25.4% ± 4.2%, and 7.8% ± 1.4%. The mean dose to 0.1 cm 3 , 1 cm 3 , and 2 cm 3 for organs at risk were: Urethra: 107.3% ± 3.0%, 101.1% ± 14.6%, and 47.9% ± 34.8%; bladder wall: 79.5% ± 5.1%, 69.8% ± 4.9%, and 64.3% ± 5.0%; bladder balloon: 70.3% ± 6.8%, 59.1% ± 6.6%, and 52.3% ± 6.2%; rectum: 76.3% ± 2.5%, 70.2% ± 3.3%, and 66.3% ± 3.8%. There was no significant difference between D90 and V100 when stratified by prostate size. Conclusions HDR brachytherapy allows the physician to consistently achieve complete prostate target coverage and maintain normal tissue dose constraints for organs at risk over a wide range of target volumes.
Designing BEE: a hardware emulation engine for signal processing in low-power wireless applications

This paper describes the design of a large-scale emulation engine and an application example from the field of low-power wireless devices. The primary goal of the emulator is to support design space exploration of real-time algorithms. The emulator is customized for dataflow dominant architectures, especially focusing on telecommunication-related applications. Due to its novel routing architecture and application-specific nature, the emulator is capable of real-time execution of a class of algorithms in its application space. Moreover, the dataflow structure facilitates the development of a highly abstracted design flow for the emulator. Simulations and practical measurements on commercial development boards are used to verify that real-time emulation of a low-power TDMA receiver is feasible at a clock speed of 25 MHz.
Use and misuse of social stratification in consumer behavior research

Abstract For many years social stratification has been accorded the position of an important influence on consumer behavior and a body of research has been produced in which stratification was a key explanatory variable. In this paper the use of social stratification in consumer behavior research is critically evaluated. The authors identify and examine four important areas where stratification research needs to be strengthened. Guidelines are then set forth to help consumer researchers more effectively address each of the areas in further studies involving social stratification. An empirical example of the role of stratification in consumer banking behavior illustrates the application of the suggested research guidelines.
Tumor induction in intact and regenerating liver of adult rats by a single treatment with methylazoxymethanol acetate

Methylazoxymethanol (MAM) acetate was given once i.p. to intact adult rats and to rats at 24 h after partial hepatectomy. In each group, tumors developed as early as 10 months. The incidence of neoplastic nodules and of hepatocellular carcinomas in the carcinogen-treated intact adult rats was approximately 70% and, in the rats treated after partial hepatectomy, it was approximately 80%. The data suggest that both dividing and resting liver cells are sensitive to the tumor-initiating effects of methylazoxymethanol acetate.
Note on the invariance of response latency in shuttlebox avoidance learning

Abstract Rats trained to avoid shock by running in a shuttlebox showed an orderly increase over trials in the probability of avoidance but no corresponding change over trials in the latency of the avoidance response. Both responding in the presence of shock (escapes) and responding prior to shock onset (avoidances) appeared to be stationary in time. Latencies were found to vary with different experimental conditions but in every case to be invariant over trials.
2-Amino-5-(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)-1-methylimidazol-4(5H)-one N,N-dimethylformamide monosolvate.

The crystal structure of the title compound, C13H15N3O3·C3H7NO, was determined as part of a larger project focusing on creatinine derivatives as potential pharmaceuticals. The mol­ecule is essentially planar, in part because of intra­molecular hydrogen bonding. Inversion-related pairs of mol­ecules result from inter­molecular hydrogen bonding. The π systems of 2-amino-5-(3,4-dimethoxy­benzyl­idene)-1-methyl­imidazol-4(5H)-one and an inversion-related mol­ecule over­lap slightly, indicating a small amount of π–π stacking. Bond lengths, angles and torsion angles are consistent with similar structures, except in the imidazolone ring near the doubly bonded C atom, where significant differences occur.
The Increased Affinity and Decreased Selectivity of the HPV6 E2ΔLL Mutant Stems from a Decrease in DNA Bending in the Mutant Complex

The human papillomavirus type 6 E2 protein binds the 5'-AACCG-NNNN-CGGTT-3' DNA consensus sequence, where NNNN is a linker region. The wild-type (WT) protein only binds A/T rich linker regions in a binding process kinetically characterized by a fast phase followed by a slow phase, whereas the E2ΔLL mutant shows enhanced affinity for both A/T and G/C rich linker sequences with a significantly sped up fast phase. To rationalize these observations, we performed long molecular dynamics simulations of the WT bound to DNA with AATT and CCGG linkers, and of E2ΔLL bound to the same sequences. It was found that the DNA bending angle was decreased to 25° for both E2ΔLL-DNA complexes, while the bending angle was 60° in the WT complexes. The decreased bending angle lowers the DNA distortion energy in the mutant complexes, explaining the increased binding affinity of the E2ΔLL protein. Moreover, the reduction in bending energy increases the population of pre-bent structures, which explains the enhanced fast phase of binding in the mutant. In contrast to earlier hypotheses which focused on increased protein flexibility, our simulations show that the increased binding affinity and decreased selectivity of the mutant stems from a decrease in DNA bending.
Comparative molecular topography of botulinum neurotoxins from Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium botulinum type E.

Production of botulinum-like neurotoxin by a non-Clostridium botulinum organism has profound implications in the epidemiology of the disease botulism. Molecular topography of the approximately 150 kDa neurotoxic protein produced by Clostridium butyricum (strain 5839) and its activation kinetics were examined and compared with a serologically related botulinum neurotoxin produced by C. botulinum type E to further characterize the butyricum neurotoxin. Botulinum neurotoxin was fully activated within 30 min of incubation with trypsin, whereas butyricum neurotoxin achieved maximum activation within 5 min of incubation. Molecular topography of the two neurotoxins was analyzed in terms of secondary structures and the surface accessibilities of the polypeptide domains containing aromatic amino acids. The secondary structure parameters of the butyricum neurotoxin (alpha-helix 22%, beta-sheet 41% and random coil 37%), as estimated from the far ultraviolet circular dichroic spectra, appeared similar to that of botulinum neurotoxin. (Singh, B.R. and DasGupta, B.R., (1989) Mol. Cell. Biochem. 86, 87). Second derivative ultraviolet spectral analysis revealed 37 and 41 Tyr residues exposed on the surface of butyricum and botulinum neurotoxins, respectively, suggesting a differential surface accessibility of polypeptide segments containing Tyr residues. Fluorescent Trp residues in both the botulinum type E and butyricum neurotoxins were in a relatively hydrophobic environment as indicated by the blue-shifted emission maxima (334 nm). About half of the fluorescent Trp residues of both proteins were accessible to acrylamide, a neutral fluorescence quencher, and appeared to be in a similar molecular environment. The ionic surface probe, I-, quenched the Trp fluorescence of botulinum significantly, but not that of butyricum neurotoxin. Thus, a considerable number of fluorescent Trp residues were apparently located on the surface of the botulinum, but not on that of the butyricum neurotoxin. Botulinum and butyricum neurotoxins, indistinguishable by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, migrated differently in the absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate suggesting difference(s) in their surface charge distribution. These results provide the first report of the secondary and tertiary structure parameters of the neurotoxin produced by a non-botulinum species and comparison of the molecular topography of the neurotoxin with the antigenically related botulinum neurotoxin type E.
Accessibility of Middle Schools' Web Sites for Students with Disabilities.

Many middle schools use the Web to disseminate and gather information. Online barriers often limit the accessibility of the Web for students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accessibility of home pages of a sample of middle schools. The authors located 165 Web sites using a popular online directory and evaluated the sites for accessibility. A software program quantified the number of accessibility errors at each site. Most middle school home pages had accessibility problems, and the majority of them represented severe concerns that should be given a high priority for improvement. The good news is that the majority of the errors can easily be corrected. The work reflects a need for middle schools to continuously examine the accessibility of their home pages. Direction for improving accessibility is provided.
Globally optimum multiple object tracking

Robust and accurate tracking of multiple objects is a key challenge in video surveillance. Tracking algorithms generally suffer from either one or more of the following problems, excluding detection errors. First, objects can be incorrectly interpreted as one of the other objects in the scene. Second, interactions between objects, such as occlusions, may cause tracking errors. Third, globally-optimum tracking is hard to achieve since the combinatorial assignment problem is NP-Complete. We present a modified Multiple-Hypothesis Tracking algorithm, MHT, for globally optimum tracking of moving objects. The system defines five states for tracked objects: appear, disappear, track, split, and merge, and these states cover all the interactions of object pairs. After the detection of objects in the current frame, a resemblance matrix is computed for every object pair. We convert the two-dimensional resemblance matrix into a three-dimensional state-likelihood structure and use a MHT technique to solve the state-assignment problem in 3D. This prevents incorrect assignments due to local minima in the assignment process. Moreover, the method models occlusion cases with the split and merge states. Finally, this method approximates a globally optimum state assignment in polynomial time complexity.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Origins of replication and gene regulation.

Eukaryotic chromosomes appear to consist of many replicons, the time of replication of which is probably controlled by specific origins. However, plasmids without specific eukaryotic origins may also replicate in some cells when injected into nuclei or transferred during transformation. The efficiency and the mechanisms of their initiation are still uncertain. A number of reports are cited which indicate that natural eukaryotic DNAs initiate their replication from specific origins. The nature of these origins are known in only a few instances and no general conclusions can yet be given about the nucleotide sequences involved. Short dispersed repeats of the Alu type appear to function as origins since they enhance the efficiency of replication of vector plasmids in Xenopus eggs. Certain sequences from a variety of eukaryotic DNAs also enhance the replicative potential of plasmids in yeast cells. The common features of such initiators or enhancers is uncertain. If dispersed repeats are origins in mammalian chromosomes, the number appears to be excessive. Either only a subset are functional, or the functional ones are only suborigins in larger replicons in which master origins (not yet isolated) function in the regulation of the timing of replication.
On the similarities of the insect brain and pattern recognition algorithms

We will describe the computational similarities between information processing in the insect brain and pattern recognition algorithms like support vector machines and the perceptron. The structural organization of the Mushroom bodies, the location of Hebbian learning, and the presence of inhibition can be framed in a convex optimization problem which is equivalent to the SVM. It is also noteworthy to show that simplified models of neurons can be mapped into realistic ones and vice versa. However, the mechanisms to keep the activity levels of neurons under controlled activity can be challenging in realistic neural networks, and perhaps this is the reason why there are some feedback control circuits in the Antennal Lobe and the Mushroom Bodies.
Apolar ortho-phenylene ethynylene oligomers: conformational ordering without intermolecular aggregation

This paper describes the characterization of solvent induced folding behavior for non-polar (NP) alkoxy substituted ortho-phenylene ethynylene (o-PE) oligomers. Oligomers of lengths up to nine units have been shown to adopt helical conformations in heptane by NMR and CD spectroscopy, while chloroform promotes extended conformations. Surprisingly, the molar ellipticity values found in heptane for these oligomers are very small compared to other literature values of meta-phenylene ethynylene (m-PE) folded systems; however, comparable molar ellipticity values were found for a closed macrocyclic o-PE suggesting the weak ellipticity is a molecular-feature rather than a quality of folding indicator.
PLATE TECTONICS, PALEOMAGNETISM AND THE TECTONIC HISTORY OF THE N.E. PACIFIC

The geology of Alaska has long been recognized as very complex. Recent paleomagnetic data, combined with paleogeographic reconstructions based on the concepts of plate tectonics, indicate that at least the southern parts of Alaska may be made up of a number of slivers of continental material rafted up along the western edge of North America.
Altered angiogenic balance in ulcerative colitis : A key to impaired healing?

Angiogenesis is an essential component of ulcer healing since it assures delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the healing site. Previous studies demonstrated increased serum and tissue levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, the most potent angiogenic growth factor) in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) and animal models of UC. However, there is no explanation why the healing of UC-related mucosal injury is impaired despite increased expression of VEGF. Expression of angiogenesis inhibitors, angiostatin and/or endostatin, in UC has not been determined before. We examined expression of VEGF, angiostatin, and endostatin in two models of experimental UC. The results revealed that in addition to increased VEGF, both endostatin and angiostatin levels were markedly (2-3-folds) increased in colonic mucosa at early stage of experimental UC. This is the first demonstration that colitis triggers increase in angiostatin and endostatin levels. The results may explain why mucosal lesions heal slowly despite increased VEGF levels, and may provide a novel and mechanistic insight into UC.
PURIFICATION AND PARTIAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SINDBIS VIRUS.

Abstract Sindbis virus multiplies rapidly in chick fibroblast monolayers and yields high titers in the extracellular fluid before any cytopathic effect is evident and before cells become detached from the glass. Purification of the virus can therefore be undertaken from tissue culture fluid relatively uncontaminated by cellular debris. A simple purification procedure based on adsorption to AIPO 4 gel and differential centrifugation is described. The purified virus was found to be homogeneous by chromatography and by density gradient centrifugation in sucrose and in RbCl. Furthermore, purified virus labeled with P 32 was efficiently adsorbed to goose red blood cells under optimal conditions for hemagglutination. Chemical analyses showed that Sindbis virus is an RNA virus with a large amount of phospholipid and cholesterol. The virus differs markedly from the host cell both in RNA base ratios and in phosphatide ratios.
On the decay of 106In

Abstract The half-life for decay of 106 In has been measured to be 5.3±0.1 min . A magnetic lens spectrometer was used to investigate the positon spectrum of this isotope. Two positon components were found whose transition energies are 4.89±0.03 and 2.7±0.1 MeV . Seven gamma rays involved in the decay of 106 In have been resolved at energies of 0.53, 0.63, 0.86, 0.99, 1.66, 1.88 and 2.2 MeV. Beta-gamma coincidence measurements indicate the highest energy positon component to be coincident with only the 0.63 MeV gamma ray. In addition, the 2.7 MeV positon transition is coincident with gamma rays at 0.63, 0.86, 0.99, 1.66 and 1.88 MeV. The gamma rays at 0.63, 0.86 and 0.99 MeV were measured to be in coincidence. A search was made for the presence of an isometric state in the decay of 106 In with a half-life in the range from 0.5 sec to several hours. The investigation produced no evidence for the existence of such a state.
Anticoagulantly active heparin from clam (Mercenaria mercenaria).

Abstract Heparin was isolated from Mercenaria mercenaria by ion-exchange chromatography and was fractionated into two distinct populations with immobilized antithrombin. The high-affinity glycosaminoglycan accelerated dramatically the inhibition of purified human factors IIa and Xa via purified human antithrombin. Specific anti-factor IIa and anti-factor Xa activities were 363 and 348 U.S.P. units/mg, respectively. The highly active clam heparin exhibited a molecular weight of ~18,000 and contained ~2.5 sulfate groups per disaccharide. The intrinsic fluorescence of purified human antithrombin was enhanced in the presence of the high-affinity invertebrate glycosaminoglycan to an extent comparable to the level induced by vertebrate heparin. In addition, the critical tetrasaccharides containing 3- O -sulfated glucosamine residues, which constitute part of the unique antithrombin-binding domain of mammalian heparin, were also detected in high-affinity Mercenaria heparin.
Evolution of TFTR scrape-off plasmas with neutral beam injection

Langmuir probe radial scans were achieved for several types of neutral beam heated 0.8 MA discharges in TFTR. The I(V) characteristics were analysed to derive ne and Te profiles and extrapolated to infer the global particle confinement time τp(t). A one-dimensional edge model was used to infer transport coefficients before and during neutral beam injection. The model indicates that ionization in the scrape-off increases the ion flux to the limiter by a factor ∼ 2 and alters the transport coefficients.
Voltage variable microwave phase shifter

Results are given on the fabrication, test and theory of operation of a voltage-controlled, continuously variable phase shifter designed to operate from DC to 150 GHz. The device was fabricated in a way that makes it compatible with current gallium arsenide monolithic microwave circuit technology.