cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Positron annihilation above the positronium formation threshold in e+–H scattering

Abstract A multichannel theory for the positron annihilation above the positronium formation threshold based on the modified Faddeev equation is presented. Its relation with the one channel effective charge formula is discussed. Application to the positron–hydrogen scattering has been carried out. A number of positron–electron direct annihilation cross sections in the Ore gap between Ps(1s) and H ( n = 2) thresholds are reported. A sharp increase in the calculated annihilation cross section near a Feshbach resonance and followed by an even more drastic decrease of the annihilation cross section across the resonant energy is found for all first S, P and D wave Feshbach resonances.
Terminal sequences do not contain the rate-limiting decay determinants of E.coli cat mRNA

The mechanism of E. coli chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) mRNA decay was investigated. Alteration of the 5' untranslated terminus does not appear to have an effect on the turnover rate of the mRNA. Similarly, changes at the 3' terminus of the message, including the addition of a stable stem and loop structure, do not affect the half-life of the message. The data suggest that 5' and 3' terminal untranslated sequences do not contain the rate-limiting determinants for cat message decay. Decay rates for various segments of the cat mRNA were measured and indicate that all regions of the message have similar stabilities. The current model of cat mRNA degradation involves a rate-limiting endonucleolytic decay event that occurs internal to the message followed by degradation of the cleavage products.
The Shape of a Hole is Perceived as the Shape of its Interior

In typical figure–ground displays the figure has shape and is perceived as being in front, whereas the ground is shapeless and recedes to the back. The recent literature on the visual perception of holes has questioned the nature of this coupling between shape and depth both theoretically and empirically. In this paper we provide a theoretical framework that clarifies the underlying issues and we report new evidence supporting the view that the shape of a hole is perceived as the shape of its interior region. Palmer, Davis, Nelson, and Rock (2008 Perception, 37, 1569–1586) showed that the shape of the interior region of a hole is remembered as such, even though the surface visible through it is perceived as farther in depth. The present paper extends this evidence to perceiving holes. Participants performed a speeded shape-matching task in which they compared a surrounded interior region (of either a hole or an object) or its exterior complement with one of several shapes. The results indicate that holes ...
Proton Radiation Therapy for Pediatric Craniopharyngioma.

Background Radiation therapy (RT) is used for pediatric craniopharyngioma in the definitive, adjuvant, or salvage settings. Proton RT may be useful owing to tumor proximity to eloquent anatomy. We report clinical outcomes for a large cohort treated with proton therapy. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients (≤21 years) treated with surgery and proton therapy for craniopharyngioma between August 2002 and October 2018. Clinical characteristics, treatment course, and outcomes were recorded. Acute toxicity was graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. Late toxicity was assessed using neuroendocrine, neuro-ophthalmologic, and neuropsychological testing. Results Among 77 patients, median age at diagnosis was 8.6 years (range, 1.3-20); median age at radiation was 9.6 years (range, 2.3-20.5). Most common presenting symptoms were headache (58%), visual impairment (55%), and endocrinopathy (40%). Patients underwent a median of 2 surgical interventions (range, 1-7) before protons. At initial surgery, 18% had gross total resection, 60% had subtotal resection, and 22% had biopsy/cyst decompression. Median RT dose was 52.2 Gy (relative biologic effectiveness). Common acute toxicities were headache (29%), fatigue (35%), and nausea/vomiting (12%). Only 4% developed any acute grade 3 toxicity. Nine patients experienced cyst growth requiring replanning or surgical decompression. At a median of 4.8 years from RT (range, 0.8-15.6), there were 6 local failures and 3 deaths, 2 related to disease progression. Effect of tumor and treatment contributed to late toxicity including Moyamoya syndrome (13%), visual impairment (40%), and endocrine deficiency requiring hormone replacement (94%). Subclinical decline in functional independence and adaptive skills in everyday life was detected at follow-up. Conclusions Surgery and proton therapy results in excellent disease control for pediatric craniopharyngioma. Severe acute toxicity is rare. Late toxicities from tumor, surgery, and radiation remain prevalent. Endocrine and ophthalmology follow-up is necessary, and neuropsychological testing may identify patients at risk for treatment-related cognitive and adaptive functioning changes.
The Physical Environment and Action Team Performance: Evidence From NASCAR Pit Crews

In this study we examine the relationship between two elements of the physical environment (workspace density and temperature) and performance in an action team context. We hypothesize that high levels of workspace density are beneficial for team performance and high temperature is detrimental to team performance. We further hypothesize that team processes will moderate these relationships. Using data on NASCAR pit crews, we found that workspace density behaved as we expected, as the highest performance levels held for teams with good team processes in an environment of high workspace density. For temperature, however, teams with better team processes actually suffered the most loss in performance due to high temperature. These findings suggest a need for more research on the effect of physical environmental factors on team performance.
Inversion of Proterozoic extensional faults: An explanation for the pattern of Laramide and Ancestral Rockies intracratonic deformation, United States

The Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau, and Midcontinent, regions of the North American cratonic platform, display similar styles and patterns of Phanerozoic deformation. In these regions, movement on basement-penetrating faults during the late Paleozoic Ancestral Rockies event and/or during the Mesozoic-Cenozoic Laramide event generated flat-topped uplifts bordered by outward-verging, monoclinal forced folds. We suggest that these structures, divided into two sets on the basis of orientation (west to northwest and north to northeast), formed by inversion of Proterozoic extensional-fault systems. In this model, Proterozoic rifting events formed weak faults in the cratonic platform crust, and these faults were reactivated by stress transmitted during Phanerozoic compressional orogenies. If this model is correct, the pattern of Ancestral Rockies and Laramide contractional structures reflects the trends of Proterozoic extensional faults, and regional variation in forced-fold vergence reflects the control of antecedent fault dips on fault-propagation fold geometry during inversion. Late Proterozoic rifts formed throughout Rodinia, so inversion tectonics likely occurred in cratonic platforms worldwide.
A gradient titration apparatus for determining spectrophotometric binding isotherms.

Abstract The construction of an automatic gradient titration apparatus using a multichannel peristaltic pump and a recording spectrophotometer is described. The ability of the apparatus to faithfully generate continuous spectrophotometric binding isotherms was tested in experiments studying the interaction of DNA with neutral red. The method has been shown to require low volumes of reactants, and complete binding curves can be produced in less than 15 min. The apparatus was also used to perform automatically the method of continuous variations in experiments determining the binding stoichiometry of calmagite and magnesium ion.
Needed Research in Social Psychiarty

occur are no longer the province of any artificially circumscribed subject matter. No summary of these trends can be attempted here. (4) For the purpose of the present article, research in social psychiatry will be pragmatically regarded as a scientific study dealing with the way in which elements of social organization are related to the development of neurotic or psychotic behavior, its treatment, or its prevention. To the extent that its focus
Impaired defense of core temperature in aged humans during mild cold stress

Aged humans often exhibit an impaired defense of core temperature during cold stress. However, research documenting this response has typically used small subject samples and strong cold stimuli. T...
Influence of Music Training on Pre-Attentive Auditory-Neural Processing Across the Lifespan

Music training has been shown to enhance auditory sensory-memory for acoustic features and augment sensitivity to acoustic changes in spectrally rich stimuli for children and young adults. Less is ...
Visual tools for information retrieval

This paper introduces a novel representation that can be used as a visualization tool as well as a visual query language to help users search for information. High-level visual retrieval tools are described that enable users to explore, manage, and relate large information spaces to their interests. The following tools are developed: (1) The query outliner enables users to structure and edit complex queries. (2) The query spreadsheet is a novel representation that visualizes all the possible relationships among N variables, and it allows users to specify Boolean queries graphically. Arbitrarily complex queries can be created by using the query spreadsheets as building blocks and organizing them in a hierarchical structure. (3) The query overview displays the complete structure of a complex query and it can be used as a navigation tool. The presented visual framework has applications in such areas as information retrieval, electronic mail filtering, human resource management or financial portfolio management. >
Aromatase inhibitors and antiepileptic drugs: a computational systems biology analysis.

Background: The present study compares antiepileptic drugs and aromatase (CYP19) inhibitors for chemical and structural similarity. Human aromatase is well known as an important pharmacological target in anti-breast cancer therapy, but recent research demonstrates its role in epileptic seizures, as well. The current antiepileptic treatment methods cause severe side effects that endanger patient health and often preclude continued use. As a result, less toxic and more tolerable antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are needed, especially since every individual responds differently to given treatment options. Methods: Through a pharmacophore search, this study shows that a model previously designed to search for new classes of aromatase inhibitors is able to identify antiepileptic drugs from the set of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Chemical and structural similarity analyses were performed using five potent AIs, and these studies returned a set of AEDs that the model identifies as hits. Results: The pharmacophore model returned 73% (19 out of 26) of the drugs used specifically to treat epilepsy and approximately 82% (51 out of 62) of the compounds with anticonvulsant properties. Therefore, this study supports the possibility of identifying AEDs with a pharmacophore model that had originally been designed to identify new classes of aromatase inhibitors. Potential candidates for anticonvulsant therapy identified in this manner are also reported. Additionally, the chemical and structural similarity between antiepileptic compounds and aromatase inhibitors is proved using similarity analyses. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a pharmacophore search using a model based on aromatase inhibition and the enzyme’s structural features can be used to screen for new candidates for antiepileptic therapy. In fact, potent aromatase inhibitors and current antiepileptic compounds display significant - over 70% - chemical and structural similarity, and the similarity analyses performed propose a number of antiepileptic compounds with high potential for aromatase inhibition.
Limnological measures related to climate change in the Hubbard Brook Valley, USA

Long-term monitoring within the Hubbard Brook Valley revealed changes in many climate and limnological variables known to affect the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. The Hubbard Brook Valley is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, USA, and is the site of integrated, long-term ecological, biogeochemical, and hydrological studies. Mean annual temperatures in 2 headwater streams on south-facing slopes of the Hubbard Brook Valley declined ~2 °C from 1966 to 1983 and then showed a small (~1 °C) and variable increase thereafter. No significant change in temperature was observed in 3 north-facing, headwater streams. Reliable records of ice-in and ice-out have been maintained since 1968 for Mirror Lake at the base of the Hubbard Brook Valley. The duration of ice cover on Mirror Lake has declined since 1968 at a significant rate of about −0.475 d/yr as a result of earlier ice-out (0.203 d/yr) rather than later ice-in dates. Since about 1996 the duration of ice cover has become much more variable with a nonsignificant change in ice cover duration. Evaluating how various temperature-sensitive components of aquatic ecosystems in the Hubbard Brook Valley change (amount and timing) in the future will be important to developing a better understanding of limnological responses to climate change.
Competition-driven repositioning

We study competition as an impetus for firms to reposition�to abandon their current positioning strategy and adopt a new one. We predict that as a strong firm moves closer, competition erodes the profitability of situated firms and prompts them to reposition. We expect this effect is pronounced the greater difference in competitive strength. However, we expect that countervailing forces exist such that the viability of alternative positions and the opportunity cost of abandoning a current position mitigate this effect. Evidence from a natural experiment in China's satellite television industry supports our hypotheses. This research adds to the existing literature on repositioning, which emphasizes the phenomenon as opportunity-driven, and to the competitive interaction literature, which typically does not distinguish between noncounterattack strategies
Evolution of tensile residual stress in thin metal films during energetic particle deposition

Physical-vapor-deposited thin metal films often exhibit tensile residual stresses. We studied the stress evolution in thin Cr films and found that increasing bombardment with energetic particles (atoms or ions) at low energies leads to an increase of tensile stress to a maximum followed by a rapid decrease. Microstructural characterization by transmission electron microscopy revealed that two different microstructures are observed for the same level of tensile stress: films processed at low bombardment had columnar porosity while no porosity was observed in films processed at higher bombardment. The observed stress evolution is interpreted by considering how the mean interatomic distance (and hence the force) in the intercolumnar regions is modified by energetic particle bombardment.
An improved two-antenna direction of arrival (DOA) technique inspired by human ears

In this paper, we propose a novel human ears inspired DOA technique by placing a lossy scatter between two antennas, which introduces a large magnitude difference between the two received signals. The proposed technique can eliminate the ambiguity at high frequency caused by d Lt lambda/2 and achieve a better sensitivity. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated through several numerical examples. Future work will be concentrated on experimental demonstrations of high performance DOA systems using only two antennas.
Variable resolution particle filter

Particle filters are used extensively for tracking the state of non-linear dynamic systems. This paper presents a new particle filter that maintains samples in the state space at dynamically varying resolution for computational efficiency. Resolution within siatespace varies by region, depending on the belief that the true state lies within each region. Where belief is strong, resolution is fine. Where belief is low, resolution is coarse, abstracting multiple similar states together. The resolution of the statespace is dynamically updated as the belief changes. The proposed algorithm makes an explicit bias-variance tradeoff to select between maintaining samples in a biased generalization of a region of state space versus in a high variance specialization at fine resolution. Samples are maintained at a coarser resolution when the bias introduced by the generalization to a coarse resolution is outweighed by the gain in terms of reduction in variance, and at a finer resolution when it is not. Maintaining samples in abstraction prevents potential hypotheses from being eliminated prematurely for lack of a sufficient number of particles. Empirical results show that our variable resolution particle filter requires significantly lower computation for performance comparable to a classical particle filter.
Parkinson syndrome: Heterogeneity of etiology; heterogeneity of pathogenesis?

Genetic discoveries over the past 15 years indicate that distinct etiologic triggers can cause nigrostriatal degeneration. These discoveries indicate that Parkinson disease (PD) is actually a syndrome (Parkinson syndrome [PS]), a cluster of signs and symptoms associated with dysfunction of a specific organ or system. Differing etiologies can give rise to common syndromic features. Hepatic failure, for example, has genetic, toxic, and infectious causes. Similarly, the nigrostriatal degeneration associated with the defining motor features of PS—resting tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity—can result from different genetic causes. There are also hints of heterogeneity in sporadic PS. Clinicians, for example, have long suspected that tremor-predominant PS has a more benign course than PS dominated by postural instability and gait disorder, the so-called PIGD variant. It is increasingly clear that several brain circuits degenerate in PS and there is evidence that subjects with PS may differ in the degree of involvement of nondopaminergic brain systems. For example, degeneration of corticopetal basal forebrain cholinergic projections is common in PS but imaging evidence from Shimada et al.1 shows relative sparing of this system in some subjects with longstanding sporadic PS.
Dietary Fiber Decreases the Metabolizable Energy Content and Nutrient Digestibility of Mixed Diets Fed to Humans

Food labeling regulations implemented by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration emphasize nutrient composition and energy content of foods. Dietary energy and digestibility of complex foods can be affected by the content and type of dietary fiber. The metabolizable energy (ME) content and apparent digestibility of dietary fiber in human diets are difficult to assess. Fiber can affect the digestibility of fat and protein and, subsequently, the ME content of the diet. This study was conducted to measure the ME content of nine diets with different fat and fiber concentrations. Diets varied in level of fat (18, 34 or 47% of energy) and level of total dietary fiber (3, 4 or 7% of diet dry matter) and were consumed for 2 wk. Subjects (n = 17) consumed three diets (14 d for each diet) containing different levels of fiber and one level of fat. Food consumption was measured and all urine and feces were collected during a 5-d period. Combustible energy, protein, fat, total dietary fiber (TDF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were measured in composite samples of food and feces, and urine was analyzed for combustible energy and nitrogen. Metabolizable energy and apparent digestibility coefficients were calculated. Overall, increasing fiber intake decreased fat and protein digestibility. As a consequence of these interactions, the ME content of the diets decreased as fiber intake increased, and TDF and NDF had similar effects on the ME value. A published empirical formula accurately predicted the ME content of diets using either TDF or NDF.
Angiotensin Subtype-2 Receptors Inhibit Renin Biosynthesis and Angiotensin II Formation

Renin is regulated by angiotensin subtype 1 (AT1) receptor, but it is unknown whether angiotensin subtype 2 (AT2) receptor contributes to this regulation. We hypothesized that AT2 receptors inhibit angiotensin II (Ang II) through inhibition of renin biosynthesis. We monitored changes in renal Ang II, renin mRNA and protein expression, and plasma renin concentration (PRC) in response to renal cortical administration of the AT1 receptor blocker valsartan or the AT2 receptor blocker PD 123319 (PD) in conscious rats administered low sodium intake (LS). Renal interstitial Ang II increased by 47-fold in response to LS and increased further in response to valsartan or PD by 67-fold and 61-fold from normal sodium diet (NS) and by 41% and 29% from LS, respectively. Renin mRNA increased 63% during LS, and either valsartan or PD increased it further by 600% and 250% from NS and 538% and 187% from LS, respectively. Similarly, renal renin content and PRC increased in response to LS and increased further in response to combined LS and valsartan or PD administration. Immunostaining for renal renin protein demonstrated an increase in its expression in juxtaglomular and tubular cells during LS and increased further during AT1 or AT2 receptor blockade. These data demonstrate for the first time to our knowledge that AT2 receptors regulate the renin-angiotensin system activity via inhibition of renin synthesis.
Adrenergic responsiveness: FEV1 and symptom differences in Whites and African Americans with mild asthma.

Decision-making about inhaler use is, in part, determined by the ability of asthmatic patients to compare their symptoms over time and to recall the previous response to the bronchodilator during an episode of asthma. The perception of airway symptoms across varied ethnic and cultural groups are poorly understood. Study purpose was (1) to determine if African Americans and Whites with mild asthma could accurately perceive bronchodilation and (2) to identify the word descriptors they used to describe their breathing. Sixteen African American and 16 White patients (34.5 ± 9.7 years old, mean±SD) with mild atopic asthma (FEV1 ≥70% predicted normal) were given increasing doses of an inhaled bronchodilator (Albuterol) after a methacholine challenge. Albuterol (180 μ g) was given, by spacer, at 15 min intervals until the FEV1 increased < 5%. Borg, VAS, and Word Descriptors were collected at baseline and after each dose of Albuterol. Baseline FEV1 after Methacholine provocation was 1.94 ±. 39 L for African Ameri...
Sensor-fused navigation and manipulation from a planetary rover

This paper describes the development of advanced rover navigation and manipulation techniques for use by NASA's Sample Return Rover. These techniques include an algorithm for estimating the change in the rover's position and orientation by registering successive range maps from the rover's hazard avoidance stereo camera pair and the fusion of this information with the rover's wheel odometry. This map registration technique is also extended to register range maps to an a priori model-based range map for relative rover position and orientation determination. Finally, a technique for the robust and precise positioning of a rover- mounted manipulator using visual feedback from the rover's stereo pair is presented. Experimental results for each of these techniques is documented in this paper.
Paleotemperature estimation from dicotyledonous wood anatomical characters

Following an earlier study documenting the relationships between wood anatomical features and climate, we examine the utility of dicotyledonous wood assemblages in assessing paleoclimate. The wood anatomy of dicotyledons from modern forest sites in North, Central, and South America, England, Africa, Malaysia, and the Pacific islands was used to derive equations to predict site mean annual temperature. The best equations gave estimates within 5 degrees C at validation sites. Because trees are physiologically active over a wide range in temperature throughout the year, it would be surprising if wood anatomical characters were more finely tuned to temperature. Mean annual temperature (MAT) was estimated from five fossil wood assemblages: Yellow-stone, Wyoming (early Eocene); Clarno Nut Beds, Oregon (middle Eocene); Post, Oregon (late Eocene); Vantage, Washington (middle Miocene); and Fejej, Ethiopia (Miocene). We used the two best equations to estimate paleotemperature at each site; the MAT estimates differed by 0.1 degrees C at Fejej and 5.7 degrees C at Yellowstone, with differences intermediate to these at the other fossil sites. Compared to present-day values, the paleotemperature estimates indicate that, at middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, mean annual temperatures were warmer in the Eocene and Miocene, whereas the near-equatorial Fejej site was the same temperature in the Miocene as it is today. Where possible, we compared the MAT estimates obtained using fossil woods with those obtained using fossil leaves, and found discrepancies of up to 13 degrees C. These differences may, in part, reflect the complicating effect of evolutionary trends in wood anatomical characters that may have been independent of climate change.
Maternal Nutrition Knowledge and the Demand for Micronutrient-Rich Foods: Evidence from Indonesia

This study applies both parametric and non-parametric techniques to a new household data set from rural Indonesia to explain previous findings of a reduced-form relationship between nutrition knowledge and child micronutrient status. Households of mothers with and without nutrition knowledge allocate identical budget shares to food; yet, within the food budget, ‘knowledge’ households allocate substantially larger shares to micronutrient-rich foods and smaller shares to rice than do ‘non-knowledge’ households. These differences are partially attributable to differences in maternal schooling, but nutrition knowledge has additional sources (in particular, access to the village health centre/posyandu) and independent explanatory power in conditioning the demand for micronutrient-rich foods.
Grasshopper Fecundity Responses to Grazing and Fire in a Tallgrass Prairie

Grasshopper abundance and diversity vary with management practices such as fire and grazing. Understanding how grasshopper life history traits such as fecundity respond to management practices is key to predicting grasshopper population dynamics in heterogeneous environments. Landscape-level experimental fire and bison grazing treatments at the Konza Prairie Biological Station (Manhattan, KS) provide an opportunity to examine how management affects grasshopper fecundity. Here we report on grasshopper fecundity for nine common species at Konza Prairie. From 2007 to 2009, adult female grasshoppers were collected every 3 wk from eight watersheds that varied in fire and grazing treatments. Fecundity was measured by examining female reproductive tracts, which contain a record of past and current reproductive activity. Body size was a poor predictor of fecundity for all species. Despite large differences in vegetation structure and composition with management regime (grazing and fire interval), we observed little effect of management on grasshopper fecundity. Habitat characteristics (grasshopper density, vegetation biomass, and vegetation quality; measured in 2008 and 2009) were better predictors of past fecundity than current fecundity, with species-specific responses. Fecundity increased throughout the summer, indicating that grasshoppers were able to acquire sufficient nutritional resources for egg production in the early fall when vegetation quality is generally low. Because fecundity did not vary across management treatments, population stage structure may be more important for determining population level reproduction than management regime at Konza Prairie.
The effect of motivational scaffolding on procrastinators' distance learning outcomes

The purpose of the research was to determine experimentally whether the addition of features to enhance learner motivation and collaboration, termed motivational scaffolding, to the ''traditional'' distance learning design improved engagement, and performance, particularly among procrastinators. Two versions of a web-based five-credit study skills course, both covering the same content and sharing all features save for the scaffolding, were compared: traditional-distance, and motivationally-scaffolded distance, during each of two terms. Motivational scaffolding consisted of using chat to run study skills support groups, where students were helped to stay on task, and instructor office hours. Students were classified as either high or low procrastinators, and randomly assigned to each version, and two instructors alternated between versions taught from one term to the other. Results showed that procrastinating students, for whom the lack of structure of distance learning may be problematic, performed better in the motivationally-scaffolded version than the traditional, while non-procrastinating students performed equally in both.
Timing error correction techniques for voltage-scalable on-chip memories

We describe new DVS-capable SRAM circuit techniques and sensing schemes that enable timing error correction for memories. The sensing scheme and circuit techniques enable aggressive voltage scaling and eliminate conventional design margins considering (i) inter- and intra-die process variations, (ii) local supply voltage variations, and (iii) temperature fluctuations. The proposed techniques enable the exploitation of address and data-dependent memory access delays, allowing additional voltage scaling within a given error recovery energy budget. Applications allowing a fraction of latent operations enable voltage-scaling below a critical voltage. Below this critical voltage point, occasional temperature, voltage and process variations induce timing errors in critical paths which are detected and corrected by the proposed circuits. Simulation results indicate that the techniques enable aggressive supply voltage-scaling to obtain power savings from 12 to 35%.
To Reason or Not to Reason: Is Autobiographical Reasoning Always Beneficial?.

Autobiographical reasoning has been found to be a critical process in identity development; however, the authors suggest that existing research shows that such reasoning may not always be critical to another important outcome: well-being. The authors describe characteristics of people such as personality and age, contexts such as conversations, and experiences such as transgressions, which may hinder adaptive reasoning. They also propose alternatives to autobiographical reasoning for managing challenging events and constructing the life story, which include different kinds of meaning-making than those primarily focused on in the current literature. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An evaluation of memory consistency models for shared-memory systems with ILP processors

Relaxed consistency models have been shown to significantly outperform sequential consistency for single-issue, statically scheduled processors with blocking reads. However, current microprocessors aggressively exploit instruction-level parallelism (ILP) using methods such as multiple issue, dynamic scheduling, and non-blocking reads. Researchers have conjectured that two techniques, hardware-controlled non-binding prefetching and speculative loads, have the potential to equalize the hardware performance of memory consistency models on such processors.This paper performs the first detailed quantitative comparison of several implementations of sequential consistency and release consistency optimized for aggressive ILP processors. Our results indicate that hardware prefetching and speculative loads dramatically improve the performance of sequential consistency. However, the gap between sequential consistency and release consistency depends on the cache write policy and the complexity of the cache-coherence protocol implementation. In most cases, release consistency significantly outperforms sequential consistency, but for two applications, the use of a write-back primary cache and a more complex cache-coherence protocol nearly equalizes the performance of the two models.We also observe that the existing techniques, which require on-chip hardware modifications, enhance the performance of release consistency only to a small extent. We propose two new software techniques --- fuzzy acquires and selective acquires --- to achieve more overlap than allowed by the previous implementations of release consistency. To enhance methods for overlapping acquires, we also propose a technique to eliminate control dependences caused by an acquire loop, using a small amount of off-chip hardware called the synchronization buffer.
Middle Paleozoic strata of the Sierra Las Pintas, northeastern Baja California Norte, Mexico

Thesis, (M.S.) Geological Sciences Plate 1.Geologic map and cross section of Area 1, northern Sierra las Pinta, Baja California Norte, Mexico Plate 2.Geologic map and cross section of Area 2, southern Sierra las Pinta, Baja California Norte, Mexico
Ionic Mechanism of the Slow Afterdepolarization Induced by Muscarinic Receptor Activation in Rat Prefrontal Cortex

Haj-Dahmane, Samir and Rodrigo Andrade. Ionic mechanism of the slow afterdepolarization induced by muscarinic receptor activation in rat prefrontal cortex. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 1197–1210, 1998. The...
Discussion: Management for Decision Making

Bill Toussaint and John Kadlec provided examples of effective interdisciplinary research and outlined some of the advantages and requirements of such research. Harold Walker described the Virginia farm management training program for county agents and farmers. My discussion relates to (1) motivations for interdisciplinary research, (2) benefits from interdisciplinary approaches, (3) the role of the agricultural economist in interdisciplinary research and (4) the extension worker in applied research and management.
Effects of 9,10-Anthracenedione, 1,4-bis[[2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-ethyl]amino]-, diacetate on Cell Morphology and Nucleic Acids of Friend Leukemia Cells

Treatment of Friend leukemia cells for 18 hours with 9,10-anthracenedione, 1,4-bis[[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl]amino]-, diacetate (ANT) at concentrations up to 1.0 microgram/ml induced significant changes in cell metabolism and structure. Alterations in cell nucleic acid content were detected in cells stained with acridine orange under conditions such that DNA and RNA contents could be measured simultaneously by flow cytometry. Cells treated for 18 hours with ANT at concentrations of 0.05-0.1 microgram/ml became partially blocked at the G2 phase. In addition, about 30% of the cells became polyploid and demonstrated diplochromosomes at the 8C level of mitosis. The nuclear chromatin of blocked cells had an altered structure as reflected by a change in sensitivity of DNA in situ to denaturation induced by low pH. All viable cells treated with ANT for 18 hours at concentrations of 0.4-1.0 microgram/ml were blocked in G2 phase. These cells had significantly more RNA than did untreated cells. Transmission electron microscopic observations of thin-sectioned cells suggested that this increased RNA content in ANT-treated cells was mostly due to an approximately 50% increased cell diameter and partly due to a disproportionate increase in nucleolar size. In addition, electron microscopy revealed that ANT caused increased chromatin condensation and granulation. The drug had no apparent effect on production of the endogenous Friend murine leukemia virus.
The Enteric Nervous System

The enteric nervous system is a collection of neurons in the gastrointestinal tract1 that constitutes the “brain of the gut” and can function independently of the central nervous system.2 This system controls the motility,3,4 exocrine and endocrine secretions,5 and microcirculation6 of the gastrointestinal tract; it is also involved in regulating immune and inflammatory processes.7 In the past decade, major advances in the understanding of the enteric nervous system have led to a greater appreciation of its importance in clinical medicine. In this review we highlight some of these advances. Development of the Enteric Nervous System The enteric nervous system . . .
The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs and the Didascalia Apostolorum: A Common Jewish Christian Milieu?

Recent discussion of the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs has been mired in a debate about whether the work is Jewish or Christian. But the nineteenth-century consensus was nearer the mark: the work is both Jewish and Christian, i.e. it comes from a Jewish Christian milieu. This study first adduces general considerations in favour of this hypothesis, then mounts a specific argument based on the similarities between the Testaments and the Didascalia Apostolorum. The two documents come from a similar time and place (Syria in the late second to early third century), but are on opposite sides: the Didascalia is arguing against the sort of Torah-observant Jewish Christianity that the Testaments advocate.
TURNAROUND BUMP REDUCTION IN A LINEAR HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR BY MECHANICAL MEANS

The Vertical Motion Simulator at NASA Ames Research Center utilizes custom nonhydrostatic hydraulic actuators to drive its roll, pitch, yaw and longitudinal axis. These actuators have operated flawlessly with one exception; they exhibit a phenomenon that is detrimental to the motion fidelity called “Turnaround Bump” (TAB). TAB occurs in all hydraulic actuators with seals at the onset of motion (extending or retracting) when the friction on the seals changes from the higher static (no motion) to the lower dynamic (motion) friction. The sudden change in the friction force causes an acceleration spike that can be felt by the pilot thus giving a false motion cue. In order to reduce TAB without going to costly hydrostatic actuators, a cost effective mechanism was designed that constantly rotates the piston rod end of the actuator so that the piston rod never stops moving relative to the seals even when the actuator stops moving in the linear direction.
Determination of DBP and DEHP Content in Baijiu(Liquor) by Stable Isotope Dilution GC-MS and Evaluation on Its Uncertainties

In this study, DBP and DEHP content in Baijiu(liquor) was determined by stable isotope dilution GC-MS, and the uncertainties source in the determination process was analyzed systematically. In the operation process, after liquor sample extraction and centrifugation, the upper-layer organic phase was determined by GC-MS with m/z149 and m/z153 as the quantitative ion pair in selective ions monitoring mode and deuterium isotope used as the internal standards, and each component introduced in the determination process was evaluated and synthesized. The experimental results showed that, DBP and DEHP presented a good linear relationship within the range of 0.2 ~2.0 mg/L with r ≥0.999,LOQ= 0.05 mg/kg, the average recoveries of DBP between 91.2 % to 100.4 % and its RSD with the range of 2.24 %~2.79 %(n=5), and the average recoveries of DEHP between 99.0 % to 110.6 % and its RSD within the range of 4.98 %~5.44 %(n=5). As the determination results of DBP and DEHP were 0.572 mg/kg and 0.251 mg/kg, their expanded uncertainties were 0.040 mg/kg and 0.025 mg/kg respectively(k=2,p=95 %). Such method was suitable for the determination of DBP and DEHP content in Baijiu(liquor). The uncertainties source in the determination mainly came from the preparation of standard solution, standard curve fitting, pretreatment of liquor samples and the analytical instrument.
Serological detection and analysis of Measles virus in 2008-2010 of Xicheng District,Beijing

Objective:In order to survilance characteristic of Measles,Methods: Use ELISA method to detect Measles IgM Ab in Xicheng district during 2008-2010.Results: In total 152 samples,the positive rate of MV IgM Ab was 22.81%(13/57),29.17%(14/48)and 46.81%(22/47)respectively from 2008 to 2010.Analyzed the age of patients,patients older than 24 years had the most positive cases but patients with the lower than 5 years old had highest positive rate.Conclusion: Our results suggested that the positive rate of MV IgM Ab detected were gradually increased from 2008 to 2010,particularly in 2010.
Surveillance systems and methods for monitoring the post-marketing safety of influenza vaccines at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Annual influenza vaccine safety monitoring is an important component of the influenza vaccination program in the United States to ensure that vaccines are safe, which is important for maintaining public trust in the national vaccination program. This is specially the case for influenza vaccines since the antigen composition of the viruses of which the vaccine is made often changes from one season to the next, based on the circulating strain of influenza virus.Areas covered: This review describes the two surveillance systems used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor the safety of influenza vaccines: 1) the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS); and 2) the Vaccine Safety datalink (VSD).Expert opinion: VAERS and VSD are used routinely to monitor the safety of influenza vaccines in the United States, and over the years they have demonstrated their value in monitoring vaccine safety since their implementation in 1990. Both systems, although different...
Induction of drug metabolism. 3. Further information of a new P-450 hemoprotein after treatment of rats with 3-methylcholanthrene.

Drugs have been classified into two groups depending upon whether they form type I or type II difference spectra when they combine with microsomal hemoprotein. Using hexobarbital and aniline as representatives of type I and type II drugs, respectively, the effect that time administration of phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene might have on the binding of microsomal hemoprotein to these drugs was studied. Phenobarbital produced marked increases in type I and type II binding, but 3-methylcholanthrene caused an increase in type II binding only. These changes in the binding properties were reflected in the oxidation of hexobarbital and aniline; as the administration of 3-methylcholanthrene to rats was continued for 5 days, the microsomes from these animals increased their ability to oxidize aniline, but gradually lost their ability to oxidize hexobarbital. The type II binding site was much more stable to digestion with steapsin and to storage in the cold. Thus steapsin or cold storage produced much the same effect on the binding properties of microsomal hemoprotein as did the administration of 3-methylcholanthrene. These studies support the previous conclusion that the administration of 3-methylcholanthrene causes the formation of a new microsomal hemoprotein (cytochrome P1-450).
The Story of the Universe: Metaphors for Time in Astrophysical Cosmology

We human beings are aware of all sorts of time: the rising and setting of the sun, the regular phases of the moon, the seasons of the year and agricultural cycles, beating hearts, and flowing tides. Each marks the complexity of our ordinary day-to-day life. We are probably most conscious of the kinds of time that intimately affect us like our pulse, menstrual cycles, and sleeping patterns, but these rhythms are also traceable within, and often to, the larger cosmic cycles of recurrence. The succession of moments; patterns of repetition; and the accumulation, growth, and disintegration or death of people, objects, and institutions are built into the very structure of the world as we know it. ‘As soon as man comes to life, he is at once old enough to die.’1 Beginnings and endings, with intermediate flourishing and waning, structure non-human as well as human existence.
The role of aural recognition in L2 Spanish mood selection

It is widely recognized that the development of mood selection in Spanish poses a unique challenge for English-speaking L2 learners, but the role that aural mood recognition plays in this process has yet to be fully explored (Collentine, 2010). This present study, conducted with intermediate-advanced L2 Spanish students, considers issues of aural saliency for regular and irregular present subjunctive forms, and argues that if students cannot perceive mood modeled in spoken input, the necessary frequency-driven, form-meaning connections essential for acquisition could be hindered, impacting mood production (Ellis, 2002, 2009). These exploratory results suggest a positive correlation between phonological sensitivity to the present subjunctive form and target-like mood production, especially when coupled with mood noticing strategies. The outcome of this study offers insight into L2 mood selection development and adds support to pedagogical approaches that strengthen aural mood recognition and encourage explicit strategies for mood processing.
Application level investigation of system-level ESD-induced soft failures

Hardware and application level manifestations of ESD soft failures were characterized for a singleboard computer and similar products. Failures associated with the peripheral ICs occur independent of the application being run; the application-dependent failures are attributed to noise at the CPU.
The built environment, spatial scale, and social networks: Do land uses matter for personal network structure?:

In this study, we examine how different features of the built environment—density, diversity of land uses, and design—have consequences for personal networks. We also consider whether different features of the built environment have consequences for the spatial location of persons to whom one is tied by considering their distribution in local area, broader city region, and a more macro spatial scale. We test these ideas with a large sample of the Western United States for three different types of ties. Our findings suggest that the built environment is crucial for personal network structure, both in the number of social ties and where they are located.
Recent advances in (therapeutic protein) drug development

Therapeutic protein drugs are an important class of medicines serving patients most in need of novel therapies. Recently approved recombinant protein therapeutics have been developed to treat a wide variety of clinical indications, including cancers, autoimmunity/inflammation, exposure to infectious agents, and genetic disorders. The latest advances in protein-engineering technologies have allowed drug developers and manufacturers to fine-tune and exploit desirable functional characteristics of proteins of interest while maintaining (and in some cases enhancing) product safety or efficacy or both. In this review, we highlight the emerging trends and approaches in protein drug development by using examples of therapeutic proteins approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over the previous five years (2011–2016, namely January 1, 2011, through August 31, 2016).