cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial memory and hippocampal function.

Abstract Rats with damage to the fimbria-fornix were tested for the post-operative retention of a preoperatively learned discrimination on a radial arm maze. The maze contained two sets of arms. One set, which never had food on them, comprised the “reference memory” task. The correct response on every approach to each arm in this unbaited set was to refrain from entering it. A second set of arms, each of which had one pellet of food on it at the beginning of a test, comprised the “working memory” task. The correct response to each of the arms in this baited set changed during a test. On the first approach to each of them, the correct response was to run down the arm and obtain the food there; on all subsequent approaches the correct response was to refrain from running down the arm because the food was no longer available. At the end of postoperative testing, performance on the reference memory task was normal, while performance on the working memory task was severely impaired by large lesions and slightly impaired by small ones. Rats with the most complete fimbria-fornix lesions showed no signs of improvement in working memory. This behavioural dissociation suggests a differential involvement of the hippocampus in working memory as compared to reference memory.
The effects of aging and population growth on health care costs

Aging and population growth both contribute importantly to the rise in health care costs. However, the percentage contribution of these factors declined between 1970 and 1990, and we expect a continued decline through 2005. Data indicate that the relative costs of treating patients age sixty-five and over grew more rapidly than did the costs of treating other patients. Sensitivity analyses indicate that regardless of whether these trends persist, the percentage contribution of aging and demography is likely to decline between 1990 and 2005. Application of our model through 2030 suggests that if current trends persist, aging will cause a major acceleration in the rise in costs.
Achieving appropriate design and widespread use of health care technologies in the developing world. Overcoming obstacles that impede the adaptation and diffusion of priority technologies for primary health care.

Objectives: To identify and describe constraints facing the development and dissemination of technologies appropriate for public health care challenges and solutions in the developing world. Methods: Review of lessons learned in development and introduction of numerous health technologies as experienced by a non-profit organization working on technologies for 25 years. Results: Many obstacles prevent appropriate technologies from reaching widespread use and acceptance. These include low profit margins in developing world markets, regulatory constraints, and the need for systems changes. Strong public/private-sector partnerships and realistic approaches to working in these environments make a difference. Conclusions: There is a growing awareness of the need for new technologies and experience with strategies that can make them happen. Some technologies with documented value for maternal care in developing world settings appear to be stuck short of widespread acceptance and use. Understanding the factors impeding their progress can enable the public sector and its collaborators to organize and facilitate their progress more effectively.
Assessment of the poloidal distribution of core plasma fueling and impurity sources in DIII-D

Abstract Measurements and modeling of the 2D poloidal D α intensity distribution in DIII-D low density L-mode and medium density ELMy H-mode plasmas indicate that the core plasma is predominately fueled near the divertor X-point region. The neutral deuterium and ion carbon emission were measured in the divertor and inner main chamber scrape-off layer (SOL) using a plasma imaging technique, covering 85% of the poloidal cross-section. Typically, the peak emission in the inner main SOL at the tokamak midplane was three orders of magnitude lower than in the divertor. For discharges with the ion B × ∇ B drift direction toward the lower divertor the UEDGE/DEGAS codes predict strong core plasma fueling from the significantly higher density and lower temperature plasma calculated in the inner divertor leg. The concomitant carbon ion flow reversal in the inner divertor leg enhances the leakage of carbon from the divertor into the main SOL, and hence into the core.
Characterization of the fibronectin‐attachment protein of Mycobacterium avium reveals a fibronectin‐binding motif conserved among mycobacteria

Mycobacterium avium is an intracellular pathogen and a major opportunistic infectious agent observed in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Evidence suggests that the initial portal of infection by M. avium is often the gastrointestinal tract. However, the mechanism by which the M. avium crosses the epithelial barrier is unclear. A possible mechanism is suggested by the ability of M. avium to bind fibronectin, an extracellular matrix protein that is a virulence factor for several extracellular pathogenic bacteria which bind to mucosal surfaces. To further characterize fibronectin binding by M. avium, we have cloned the M. avium fibronectin-attachment protein (FAP). The M. avium FAP (FAP-A) has an unusually large number of Pro and Ala residues (40% overall) and is 50% identical to FAP of both Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Using recombinant FAP-A and FAP-A peptides, we show that two non-continuous regions in FAP-A bind fibronectin. Peptides from these regions and homologous sequences from M. leprae FAP inhibit fibronectin binding by both M. avium and Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). These regions have no homology to eukaryotic fibronectin-binding proteins and are only distantly related to fibronectin-binding peptides of Gram-positive bacteria. Nevertheless, these fibronectin-binding regions are highly conserved among the mycobacterial FAPs, suggesting an essential function for this interaction in mycobacteria infection of their metazoan hosts.
Research challenges of autonomic computing

Autonomic computing is a grand-challenge vision of the future in which computing systems will manage themselves in accordance with high-level objectives specified by humans. The IT industry recognizes that meeting this challenge is imperative; otherwise, IT systems will soon become virtually impossible to administer. But meeting this challenge is also extremely difficult, and will require a worldwide collaboration among the best minds of academia and industry. In the hope of motivating researchers in relevant areas to apply their expertise to this vitally important problem, I outline some of the main scientific and engineering challenges that collectively make up the grand challenge of autonomic computing, and provide pointers to initial efforts to address these challenges.
Guidelines for augmenting a library’s collection of South-east Asian materials

(1970). Guidelines for augmenting a library’s collection of South-east Asian materials. International Library Review: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 193-199.
OBDII data logger design for large-scale deployments

The basis for this research involves logging various sensor data from a large sample population of automobiles. The device necessary for such a task has to be capable of streaming On-Board Diagnostics and real-time GPS coordinates to a remote server for data logging. After discovering a multitude of web-based companies currently designing OBD tools, it became evident that the market was flooded with devices focused primarily on localized data logging versus remote logging for a large scale deployment. This led to a decision of compiling a device using the Arduino framework due to its affordability, support network, and overall adaptability. Using an Arduino Uno microprocessor, we were able to integrate GPS and GSM cellular shields for location and data streaming, respectively. An OBDII board was also obtained to access vehicle sensor data and other diagnostic information. The primary benefits of the proposed device include full access to any data available through OBDII/CAN protocols, and adaptability for on-device data processing and/or cellular transmission. With this tool, many future research opportunities arise including those in the fields of regional emissions analysis (our current focus), automated road condition notification, and adaptive maintenance strategies.
ASSESSMENT OF UPPER-EXTREMITY FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH SPASTIC DIPLEGIA BEFORE AND AFTER SELECTIVE DORSAL RHIZOTOMY

The upper-extremity function of 26 children (mean age 6.0 years) with spastic diplegia was assessed prior to and one year following selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). No significant change was found in upper extremity range of motion, muscle tone, or strength (MMT). A significant increase was noted in grasp strength bilaterally which could not be explained simply on the basis of maturation. Manipulation patterns were noted to improve significantly one year after SDR; however, this was proposed to be a maturation rather than intervention effect. Standardized test results revealed no significant improvement in functional hand use when the scores of children with spastic diplegia were compared with age-matched norms, to control for the effect of maturation. The significant improvement found in ability to toilet, dress and undress independently was most likely due to the effect of SDR on lower-extremity muscle tone. Further investigation with a matched control group would provide a conclusive result regarding the effect of SDR on upper extremity function and assist in understanding the maturation of hand function in children with spastic diplegia.
Extraction spectrophotometric determination of niobium in rocks with sulfochlorophenol S

Abstract After acid decomposition and potassium pyrosulfate fusion, niobium (1—26 ppm) is separated from interfering elements by extraction into methyl isobutyl ketone from 6 M H2SO4—2 M HF and back-extracted into water. The niobium—sulfochloro-phenol S complex is extracted into amyl alcohol.
A temperature programmed desorption study of the reaction of methylacetylene on Pt(111) and Sn/Pt(111) surface alloys

The adsorption and reaction of methylacetylene (H3CC≡CH) on Pt(111) and the p(2×2) and surface alloys were investigated with temperature programmed desorption, Auger electron spectroscopy and low energy electron diffraction. Hydrogenation of methylacetylene to form propylene is the most favored reaction pathway on all three surfaces accounting for ca 20% of the adsorbed monolayer. Addition of Sn to the Pt(111) surface to form these two ordered surface alloys suppresses the decomposition of methylacetylene to surface carbon. The alloy surfaces also greatly increase the amount of reversibly adsorbed methylacetylene, from none on Pt(111) to 60% of the adsorbed layer on the surface alloy. Methylacetylene reaction also leads to a small amount of desorption of benzene, along with butane, butene, isobutylene and ethylene. There is some difference in the yield of these other reaction products depending the Sn concentration, with the (2×2)-Sn/Pt(111) surface alloy having the highest selectivity for these. Despite previous experiments showing cyclotrimerization of acetylene to form benzene on the Pt–Sn surface alloys, the analogous reaction of methylacetylene on the alloy surfaces was not observed, that is, cyclotrimerization of methylacetylene to form trimethylbenzene. It is proposed that this and the high yield of propylene is due to facile dehydrogenation of methylacetylene because of the relatively weak H–CH2CCH bond compared to acetylene. The desorption of several C4 hydrocarbon products at low (<170 K) temperature indicates that some minor pathway involving C–C bond breaking is possible on these surfaces.
Renal dysfunction predicts attenuation of ischemic heart disease mortality risk from elevated glucose among treated hypertensive patients.

Background Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and renal dysfunction are recognized as independent risk factors for adverse heart outcomes. This study examines the interaction of renal dysfunction and IFG (≥110 mg/dL) upon the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality among treated hypertensive subjects. Methods Subjects were 9918 participants in a worksite-based antihypertensive treatment program in New York City (1981 to 1999) with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (estimated by Cockcroft and Gault formula) observed for a mean follow-up of 9.6 ± 5.0 years (range 0.5–20.0 years). Outcome events were IHD deaths (n = 337) ascertained from the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazard models were constructed for the entire cohort to assess the interaction and then stratified by moderate renal dysfunction (MRD; GFR 60-30 mL/min/1.73 m2). Age and sex adjusted rates were calculated within MRD and NKF-defined categories. Hazard ratios for IFG were calculated within MRD strata. Results The interaction product term of MRD and IFG significantly improved (P = .001) a Cox proportional hazard model after adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors. Among participants with GFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 the IHD mortality hazard ratio for IFG was 1.47 (95% CI = 1.09–1.99; P = .012). Conversely, among participants with MRD, the IHD mortality hazard ratio for IFG was 0.44 (95% CI = 0.21–0.94; P = .034). Conclusions These results suggest an attenuating effect modification of GFR on IHD mortality risk associated with IFG among treated hypertensive subjects. Whether the observed qualitative interaction is simply statistical or reflects a biological counter-regulatory mechanism requires additional study.
Recovery of Volatile Organic Solvent Compounds from Air by Ceramic Membranes

Defect-free γ-Al2O3 and La2O3-modified γ-Al2O3 membranes were prepared for recovery of acetone from nitrogen by multilayer diffusion and capillary condensation mechanisms. There existed an optimum range for acetone permeance (∼8 × 10-7mol/m2·s·Pa) and acetone−nitrogen separation factor (∼1000) with respect to membrane temperature or feed composition. Hysteresises of acetone permeability and separation factor were also found between desorption and adsorption. The La2O3-modified γ-Al2O3 membrane appears to be the most effective for use in the VOC recovery process as compared to polymeric, Vycor, and unmodified γ-Al2O3 membranes.
Theory of quantum dot spin lasers

We formulate a model of a semiconductor Quantum Dot laser with injection of spin-polarized electrons. As compared to higher-dimensionality structures, the Quantum-Dot-based active region is known to improve laser properties, including the spin-related ones. The wetting layer, from which carriers are captured into the active region, acts as an intermediate level that strongly influences the lasing operation. The finite capture rate leads to an increase of lasing thresholds, and to saturation of emitted light at higher injection. In spite of these issues, the advantageous threshold reduction, resulting from spin injection, can be preserved. The "spin-filtering" effect, i.e., circularly polarized emission at even modest spin-polarization of injection, remains present as well. Our rate-equations description allows to obtain analytical results and provides transparent guidance for improvement of spin-lasers.
Geomorphic and human influence on large-scale coastal change

Abstract An increasing need exists for regional-scale measurements of shoreline change to aid in management and planning decisions over a broad portion of the coast and to inform assessments of coastal vulnerabilities and hazards. A recent dataset of regional shoreline change, covering a large portion of the U.S. East coast (New England and Mid-Atlantic), provides rates of shoreline change over historical (~ 150 years) and recent (25–30 years) time periods making it ideal for a broad assessment of the regional variation of shoreline change, and the natural and human-induced influences on coastal behavior. The variable coastal landforms of the region provide an opportunity to investigate how specific geomorphic landforms relate to the spatial variability of shoreline change. In addition to natural influences on the rates of change, we examine the effects that development and human modifications to the coastline have on the measurements of regional shoreline change. Regional variation in the rates of shoreline change is a function of the dominant type and distribution of coastal landform as well as the relative amount of human development. Our results indicate that geomorphology has measurable influence on shoreline change rates. Anthropogenic impacts are found to be greater along the more densely developed and modified portion of the coast where jetties at engineered inlets impound large volumes of sediment resulting in extreme but discrete progradation updrift of jetties. This produces a shift in averaged values of rates that may mask the natural long-term record. Additionally, a strong correlation is found to exist between rates of shoreline change and relative level of human development. Using a geomorphic characterization of the types of coastal landform as a guide for expected relative rates of change, we found that the shoreline appears to be changing naturally only along sparsely developed coasts. Even modest amounts of development influence the rates of change and the human imprint override the geomorphic signal. The study demonstrates that human activities associated with creating and maintaining coastal infrastructure alter the natural behavior of the coast over hundreds of kilometers and time spans greater than a century. This suggests that future assessments of vulnerability, based largely on rates of change along developed coastlines, need to take the role of human alterations into account.
28N foundry reticle requal challenges and solutions for IC fabs

Most leading-edge IC fabs continue to use direct reticle inspection for "early warning" detection of haze defects before they print on wafers. This inspection strategy enables fabs to cost-effectively maintain the highest product yields possible. As design rules advance from 45/40 nm nodes to 32/28 nm, mask pattern sizes continue to shrink while increasing in pattern density. More layers are exposed on 193nm immersion scanners, and as a result, reticle requal inspection requirements become more challenging in order to meet sensitivity and inspectibility performance. In this paper, we examine some of the inspection challenges 32/28 nm logic mask designs present. New reticle requal requirements created by aggressive SRAF and higher MEEF mask designs used at these nodes are first examined. A new and improved inspection technology to support requal requirements at this level is introduced and tested. These data are analyzed to evaluate the overall inspection capability and sensitivity of this new product designed to meet 32/28 nm foundry reticle requal needs for high-volume production in IC fabs.
The impact of array mutual coupling on propagation-based key establishment

Theoretical analyses and practical protocol implementations have demonstrated the concept of using reciprocal electromagnetic propagation as a basis for establishing secret encryption keys that enable secure communication between two radios. Recent studies have extended this concept, demonstrating that when multiple-antenna radios are used for such key establishment, the key rate, or the number of bits that can be generated for each channel estimate, can be increased (C. Chen and M. A. Jensen, IEEE Trans. Mobile Computing, 10, 205–215, 2011). However, these prior studies have largely ignored the impact of antenna mutual coupling on the achievable key establishment performance.
Suppression of Leakage Current in a Relativistic Magnetron Using a Novel Design Cathode Endcap

In relativistic magnetrons, explosive electron emission cathodes are typically used to generate the electron flow in the crossed field between the coaxial electrodes. Electrons that axially leave the interaction space and the cathode edge reduce magnetron efficiency, which can lead to window breakdown when axial microwave extraction is used, e.g., a magnetron with diffraction output. Because of this, numerous publications have been devoted to different solutions of decreasing the leakage current and protecting the dielectric window from electron bombardment. In this paper, we present the results of our initial experiments to suppress leakage current in the well-known A6 magnetron using a thin dielectric coating on a cathode endcap that is extended downstream of the interaction space in a uniform magnetic field. We found that using a relatively thin dielectric coating on a polished graphite endcap with radius that extends beyond the cathode radius decreased the leakage current from over 1 kA down to about 10 A.
SHELL: Oral Language and Early Literacy Skills in Kindergarten and First-Grade Children

Abstract Since learning to read is a complex process, there are a diverse set of prerequisite skills, including both language and literacy related skills. This article reports on a battery of oral language and early literacy tests, called the SHELL. The battery contains measures of oral language development (a narrative production task, a picture description task, a definitions task, and a superordinates task), as well as comprehension, vocabulary, and early literacy measures (both emergent literacy and early reading and spelling.) In addition to presenting the tasks and the scoring systems for the SHELL, we also provide information about performance on these tasks by participants in the Home-School Study of Language and Literacy Development, a longitudinal project that is collecting interview, interactional, and outcome data on low-income children from age three to age ten at home and at school. Descriptive, correlational, and predictive analyses based on scores for SHELL-K (when the children were five y...
FINANCIAL SERVICES: INCREASING YOUR MARKETING PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY

A comparative study was made by Coopers and Lybrand on the importance of various management areas. Of the executives surveyed in the early 1980's, only 29 percent perceived marketing as being most important. In 1985, 64 percent of the respondents felt that the most important area of the firm was marketing.
Behavioral Characterization of a White-Throated Sparrow Homozygous for the ZAL2m Chromosomal Rearrangement

The white-throated sparrow is rapidly becoming an important model in the genetics of social behavior because of a chromosomal rearrangement that segregates with a behavioral phenotype. Within a population, 50 % of individuals are heterozygous for a rearranged chromosome 2 (ZAL2m). These birds sing more and are more aggressive than the other 50 %, who lack the rearrangement. A disassortative mating system, in which heterozygotes almost never interbreed, ensures that ZAL2m/2m homozygotes are extremely rare. Here, we provide the first systematic characterization of such a homozygote, a hatch-year female. Her plumage was atypical of her age and sex, resembling that of an adult male. She was extremely vocal and aggressive, dominating her opponents in behavioral tests. Her phenotype was thus an exaggerated version of a typical ZAL2/2m heterozygote, supporting the hypothesis that alleles inside the ZAL2m rearrangement confer high aggression and further emphasizing this species’ value as a model of social behavior.
Impact of Ceramic Components in Gas Turbines for Industrial Cogeneration

A development thrust for the adoption of ceramic components in industrial gas turbines, now being sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, may have a considerable impact on the growth rate and ultimate capacity of the cogeneration sector.The economic justification for cogeneration rests on the ability to undercut the cost of purchased power after taking credit for the useful heat recovery, and it is frequently marginal after consideration of fuel, maintenance, and pollution control devices. After reviewing briefly the factors contributing to the economic viability of cogeneration systems, this paper presents arguments to show how the use of ceramics in industrial gas turbine can be instrumental in reducing installation and operating costs. Improved gas turbines based on ceramic materials technology also will provides means for meeting environmental protection requirements without the use of back end flue gas treatment, and will be able to utilize byproduct industrial gaseous and liquid fuels more effectively. These improvements can increase substantially the economic return from cogeneration systems, and are expected to result in increased cogeneration capacity and a sustained market for industrial gas turbines.Predictions are made of the size of the U.S. industrial gas turbine cogeneration market. The annual fuel savings resulting from displacement of utility generation capacity could amount to 2 × 1017 joules (2 × 1014 Btu’s) by the year 2010.© 1992 ASME
Incommensurability and judgment

The most challenging problem confronting decision theorists is that of understanding how we choose in situations involving incommensurable alternatives. In simplest terms the thesis of incommensurable choice can be stated as follows: there are situations in which we must choose between alternative actions, social states, theories, or interpretations, when there is no apparent basis for comparing these alternatives. Beyond its formulation, however, there is little about the problem that is easily dealt with. The widely discussed treatment of incommensurability by Thomas Kuhn in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, for example, is only one part of a much more extensive literature.1 Incommensurability has not only been assigned a crucial role in the progress of science but has also been seen as a major consideration in politics, economics, law, and ethics. It has been used to challenge our most commonly accepted concepts of science, rationality, and choice as well as the value of utilitarian, formalist, and empiricist modes of thought. At the same time, however, the existence of the problem of incommensurability has been denied, its formulation held to be unclear, and claims for significance disputed.2 This skepticism is warranted, for a great deal remains unclear about incommensurability despite, and in no small part because of, the extensiveness of the discussion.
Maternal Epistemological Perspectives and Variations in Mental State Talk

Purpose This study examined how complexity of maternal epistemological beliefs predicted mothers' and children’s talk about the mind. Method Twenty-eight mothers of 5- to 10-year-olds completed a m...
Arbitrage and the Forward Gold Premium: Reply

In commenting upon my use of the expected return on gold to explain levels of Swaps and Roosa Bonds in existence,' John S. Hodgson has pointed out that "Covered interest arbitrage between the dollar and gold should establish a positive relationship between the rate of interest on dollar securities and the forward gold premium." In view of this possibility Hodgson, in effect, suggests that my series on the forward rate on gold should be adjusted to remove the impact of changes in the return on dollars upon the expected return on gold. Hodgson's comment could also be taken to suggest a problem of multicollinearity in my study 2 of the factors determining dollar-gold holdings by central banks. I will first deal with Hodgson's suggestion regarding adjustment of the expected return on gold series and then make some general remarks about empirical portfolio studies suggested by Hodgson's comment. To correct for the impact of the return on dollars upon the expected return on gold, Hodgson suggests estimating (where symbols 3 are as defined in my original article and RED= return on Eurodollars)
Hydrodynamic Flow with Steady and Preserved Vorticity

In the absence of non-conservative body force and viscous action, the dynamical equations of an incompressible fluid deliver isochoric circulation-preserving motions. According to Cauchy’s vorticity formula ([1], p. 173), the vector JF −1 ω is preserved at all material particles in a circulation-preserving motion, where co is the present vorticity, F is the deformation gradient relative to a fixed initial configuration, and J ≡ det F = 1 in an isochoric motion. It is obvious that the property of preserving JF−1 ω is generally different from the preservation of vorticity itself. Indeed, under the assumption of the circulation-preserving property, the condition of preserving J ω is equivalent to the purely spatial criterio n * that the velocity vector v be stationary in the direction of the vorticity, ω · ∇ v = 0 [1, p. 175]. Since the latter criterion is trivially satisfied in a plane motion, all plane hydrodynamic flows are included in the class of vorticity-preserving hydrodynamic flows **. Yet this class may contain few inherently three-dimensional motions since the condition ω · ∇ v = 0 requires the material vortex-lines to proceed in rigid translational motions.
Conservation justice in metropolitan Cape Town: A study at the Macassar Dunes Conservation Area

Abstract Conservation justice, a concept analogous to environmental justice, suggests that local communities are entitled to receive fair treatment and meaningful involvement in the development and implementation of conservation policy. In this study, of an urban conservation project in Cape Town, South Africa, we contribute to the ongoing conversation about the importance of community-based conservation approaches. Conservationists must work to plan and implement projects in ways that are not only acceptable to stakeholders, but inspire local community involvement in achieving conservation goals. Given its location in the impoverished Cape Flats region of metropolitan Cape Town and its unique ecological and conservation value, the Macassar Dunes Conservation Area warrants a conservation justice approach. We conducted semi-structured interviews with members of interested and affected communities, then analyzed stakeholder perspectives on biodiversity protection, fencing, and informal housing. The results suggest that despite disparity among groups in needs and perspectives, conservation projects have potential to deliver tangible benefits to all stakeholder groups. A belief in conservation is universal across stakeholder lines, but contrasting needs and perspectives of the studied groups lead to conflicting views on important issues of implementation. An understanding of different stakeholder groups’ specific needs and interests is therefore essential for successful implementation of sustainable urban conservation projects.
A Review of Cooling in Microchannels

Advancements in electronic performance result in a decrease in device size and increase in power density. Because of these advancements, current cooling mechanisms for electronic devices are beginning to be ineffective. Within the localized hot spots, the materials of the components are reaching temperature values that can lead to improper functioning of the device. Many techniques have been successful in the past, such as heat sinks, cavities or grooves, micro pin-fins, etc., but still do not provide adequate cooling necessary to maintain temperature values low enough for the electronic components to operate. Microchannels, with their large heat transfer surface to volume ratio, cooled with either gas or liquid coolant, have shown some potential. By modifying the walls of the microchannel with fins, pins, or grooves, the cooling performance can be improved. A possible fin material used to increase the surface area of a microchannel is carbon nanotubes, which possess excellent thermal and mechanical prope...
Formation of strong fronts in the 2-D quasigeostrophic thermal active scalar

The formation of strong and potentially singular fronts in a two-dimensional quasigeostrophic active scalar is studied through the symbiotic interaction of mathematical theory and numerical experiments. This active scalar represents the temperature evolving on the two dimensional boundary of a rapidly rotating half space with small Rossby and Ekman numbers and constant potential vorticity. The possibility of frontogenesis within this approximation is an important issue in the context of geophysical flows. A striking mathematical and physical analogy is developed between the structure and formation of singular solutions of this quasi-geostrophic active scalar in two dimensions and the potential formation of finite time singular solutions for the 3-D Euler equations. Detailed mathematical criteria are developed as diagnostics for self-consistent numerical calculations indicating strong front formation. These self-consistent numerical calculations demonstrate the necessity of nontrivial topology involving hyperbolic saddle points in the level sets of the active scalar in order to have singular behaviour; this numerical evidence is strongly supported by mathematical theorems which utilize the nonlinear structure of specific singular integrals in special geometric configurations to demonstrate the important role of nontrivial topology in the formation of singular solutions.
The C-terminal sequence encodes function in serine proteases.

Serine proteases of the chymotrypsin family have maintained a common fold over an evolutionary span of more than one billion years. Notwithstanding modest changes in sequence, this class of enzymes has developed a wide variety of substrate specificities and important biological functions. Remarkably, the C-terminal portion of the sequence in the protease domain accounts fully for this functional diversity. This portion is often encoded by a single exon and contains most of the residues forming the contact surface in the active site for the P1–P3 residues of the substrate, as well as domains responsible for the modulation of catalytic activity. The evolution of serine proteases was therefore driven by optimization of contacts made with the unprimed subsites of the substrate and targeted a relatively short portion of the sequence toward the C-terminal end. The dominant role of the C-terminal sequence should facilitate the identification of function in newly discovered genes belonging to this class of enzymes.
Flash EEPROM threshold instabilities due to charge trapping during program/erase cycling

Charge trapping over the channel can occur from program/erase cycling of Flash memory cells, increasing the cell threshold voltage and causing threshold shifts in retention tests when charges detrap. The empirical characteristics of these effects are discussed. Trapping has a square-root dependence on program/erase cycle count. Detrapping scales with the logarithm of time and is thermally accelerated with an activation energy of 1.1 to 1.2 eV. Detrapping has only a weak dependence on electric field. These mechanisms are intrinsic, yet there is a wide variation in behavior from one cell to another related to Poisson statistical variations. Common reliability characterization methods need to be re-thought in light of the characteristics of this and other mechanisms. In particular, performing extensive program/erase cycling with no delays between cycles is unrealistic for this mechanism, and alternative distributed-cycling schemes are proposed.
Distribution in tissue homogenates, and the nature of the linkage of injected proteins to subcellular particles.

Intravenously injected labeled proteins were recovered mostly in particulate fractions of rat liver homogenate. Distribution showed changes depending on the time elapsed from the injection. 131I-albumin undergoes an intraparticulate hydrolysis which shows the highest activity in the gradient fractions associated with the highest level of acid phosphatase. The labeled albumin-bearing particles separated at 27,000 g × 10 minutes released their radioactive protein at the same rate as acid phosphatase appeared in the medium, under the effect of such agents as distilled water, salts, homogenization, sonication and pH changes. The substitution of sucrose for distilled water or salts showed that the particles behave as an osmotic system as do lysosomes. These experiments prove that secondary lysosomes involved in the hydrolysis of foreign proteins, whose existence was shown by other authors only at the histochemical level, may survive the distrupting action of conventional homogenization and maintain many properties characteristic of primary lysosomes in addition to the ability of hydrolysing “in vitro” the engulfed material.
Real-time multivariable control of PECVD silicon nitride film properties

This paper reports on the application of quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) sensing to real-time multivariable control of film properties in a plasma-enhanced CVD silicon nitride process. Process variables believed to be most important to film deposition are defined (i.e., disilane pressure, triaminosilane pressure, and dc bias voltage) and their responses to system inputs are modeled experimentally. Then, a real-time controller uses this information to manipulate the process variables and hence film performance in real time during film deposition. The relationships between gas concentrations and film performance are shown explicitly where the controller was used to drive the concentrations to constant setpoints. Also, an experiment investigating the effects of an out-of-calibration mass flow controller demonstrates the compensating ability of the real-time controller. The results indicate that in situ sensor-based control using quadrupole mass spectrometry can significantly assist in optimizing film properties, reducing drift during a run, reducing run-to-run drift, creating a better understanding of the process, and making the system tolerant to disturbances.
The murine Polycomb-group gene eed and its human orthologue : Functional implications of evolutionary conservation

Similar to Drosophila, murine Polycomb-group (PcG) genes regulate anterior‐posterior patterning of segmented axial structures by transcriptional repression of homeotic gene expression. The murine PcG gene eed (embryonic ectoderm development) encodes a 441-amino-acid protein with five WD motifs which, except for the amino terminus, is highly homologous to Drosophila ESC (Extra Sex Combs). Here, sequence and expression analysis as well as chromosomal mapping of the human orthologue of eed is described. Absolute conservation of the human eed protein along with significant divergence at the nucleotide level reveals functional constraints operating on all residues. The human orthologue appears to be ubiquitously expressed and maps to chromsome 11q14.2‐ q22.3. Using the first WD motif of the b-subunit of the bovine G protein as a structural reference, the predicted locations of two previously identified eed point mutations (A. Schumacher et al., 1996, Nature 383: 250 ‐253) are also reported herein. The proline substitution (L196P) in the second WD motif of the l7Rn5 3354SB null allele maps to the internal core of the inner end of the b-propeller blade and is likely to disrupt protein folding. In contrast, the asparagine substitution (I193N) in the second WD motif of the hypomorphic l7Rn5 1989SB allele maps onto the surface of the b-propeller blade near the central cavity and may affect surface interactions without compromising propeller packing. These results illustrate the critical importance of all residues for eed function in mammals and support a model whereby the amino terminus might implement function(s) related to embryonic development in higher organisms. © 1998 Academic Press
Microarrays, deep sequencing and the true measure of the transcriptome.

Microarrays first made the analysis of the transcriptome possible, and have produced much important information. Today, however, researchers are increasingly turning to direct high-throughput sequencing - RNA-Seq - which has considerable advantages for examining transcriptome fine structure - for example in the detection of allele-specific expression and splice junctions. In this article, we discuss the relative merits of the two techniques, the inherent biases in each, and whether all of the vast body of array work needs to be revisited using the newer technology. We conclude that microarrays remain useful and accurate tools for measuring expression levels, and RNA-Seq complements and extends microarray measurements.
Thermal Dependence of Behavioural Performance of Anuran Amphibians

The thermal dependence of performance capacity was assessed in two anuran amphibians: Bufo boreas (western toad) and Rana pipiens (leopard frog). Quantitative measurements of performance showed that Bufo could sustain slow rates of walking for 10 min and cover greater distances than Rana, which initially jumped more vigorously but fatigued within 5 min. Changes in performance with changes in body temperature were virtually instantaneous, and performance exhibited no acclimation over 7 days. Within the range of temperatures studied, performance capacity increased with increasing body temperature and reached a maximum at 28 C in Bufo and 20 to 29 C in Rana. Performance capacity and the underlying metabolic processes had a similar thermal dependence within a species. The behavioural capacity for activity is apparently maximal for both species at body temperatures normally encountered in the field. Anuran behaviours requiring sustained activity (migration to breeding sites, mating, foraging) must therefore be markedly temperature-sensitive.
Glutamine synthetase activity and free amino acid pools of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) roots

Abstract Activity of the enzyme glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2) was determined in vitro for roots of the marine angiosperm Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) collected from a population in Great Harbor, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, U.S.A. The GS synthetase activity was lowest in roots of plants collected from the shallow region of the eelgrass bed (12.0 μmol·g−1 (fresh wt)· h−1) and increased in the mid (3.0 m, 40.3 μmol·g−1 (fresh wt)·h−1) and deep (5.0 m, 72.3 μmol·g−1 (fresh wt)·h−1) plant collection depths. GS transferase activity increased with collection depth in a similar manner: shallow, 28.6 μmol·g−1 (fresh wt)·h−1; mid, 52.0 μmol·g−1 (fresh wt)·h−1; deep, 92.8 μmol·g−1 (fresh wt)·h−1. When sediment-embedded plants were held in continuous darkness for 2 days to create extended root anoxia, root GS activities nearly doubled. In contrast, in vivo incorporation of 14C-glutamate into glutamine and protein residue remained constant or declined under short-term hypoxia and anoxia. During aerobic recovery from anoxia, root labelling of glutamine and protein increased markedly. Free amino acid patterns of eelgrass roots growing in situ were determined over a diurnal cycle. Total free amino acid content was maximal at dawn and decreased 50% by noon. In contrast, the proportion of glutamine was lowest at dawn and maximal at noon for both shallow and deep-growing plants. Despite differences in depth-specific plant sizes, root/rhizome/shoot ratios, and relative growth rates, the daily whole plant nitrogen demand of shallow and deep growing plants were equivalent. When corrected for assay temperature response, the enzyme synthetase activities measured in vitro suggest that all of the plant nitrogen assimilation requirements can be met within daylight hours during the period of peak summer biomass.
A Comparison of Hispanic and White Adolescent Females' Use of Family Planning Services in California

CONTEXT: In California, the adolescent birthrate among Hispanics is three times that among whites. Because Hispanics are projected to make up one-half of the state’s adolescents by 2020, it is important to determine how cultural and health policy‐relevant factors are linked to this group’s use of family planning services. METHODS: Data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey were used to examine characteristics of Hispanic and white females aged 14‐17, including patterns of use of family planning services in the past year. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between selected characteristics and use of family planning services. RESULTS: Compared with white adolescents, Hispanic adolescents came from poorer families, had a poorer health status, less commonly had a regular source of primary health care and had lower rates of alcohol and drug use, and of sexual experience. Although the proportion of sexually experienced Hispanics who had used family planning services was similar to that of whites (34% and 27%, respectively), the proportion who had ever been pregnant and used such services was significantly larger (42% vs. 9%). In the multivariate analysis, Hispanic adolescents who had ever been pregnant were significantly more likely than whites who had not to have used family planning services in the past year (odds ratio, 11.6). CONCLUSIONS: A need exists for family planning programs to target Hispanic adolescents before they become pregnant, and to send a clear message that contraceptive services are available and should be used before a woman ever has a pregnancy. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2004, 36(4):157‐161
Simulating the performance of a class-based weighted fair queueing system

Class Based Weighted Fair Queueing (CBWFQ) is a very important router discipline that allows different types of Internet Protocol (IP) traffic like voice, video, and best effort data to receive the required quality of service measures they individually need. CBWFQ dynamically allocates the available bandwidth to each traffic class based on the class?s weight. This discipline is playing a vital role as IP brings these traffic classes together in a truly converged network. Under stress and in extreme emergencies, it is critical to be able to determine how the CBWFQ discipline will perform. In this paper, we present and discuss the critical role simulation has played in our development of performance analysis tools for the CBWFQ discipline.
Gene expression profile assays as predictors of distant recurrence-free survival in early-stage breast cancer.

The main prognostic factors for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC) include tumor size, nodal status, hormone receptor status, HER2/neu status, histology, and tumor grade. While these and other progno...
The Use of Micro-Mechanical Techniques, AFM and MFM to Access Surface Deformation in Multilayered Thin Films

Micro-mechanical techniques were used to introduce tailored deformations to a pre-written magnetic disk. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) were then used to map out the topography of the indentations and their effects on the underlying magnetic layers. The tailored deformation included pyramidal and conical indents, scratches and micro-wear tracks. The extent of topographic damage assessed by AFM was correlated with the carefully monittored normal and tangential forces of the microindenter. Sub-surface ‘damage’ was assessed by MFM, monitoring for loss of resolution in pre-written magnetic data tracks in the underlying magnetic layer. From the combination of micro-mechanical and MFM techniques, we have found that magnetic bit contrast degradation can be mechanically introduced by either physical damage or by shape modification of the magnetic coating. The indentation and scratch tests both confirm that static pressure alone is not sufficient to cause the magnetic bit degradation; however, wear is capable of introducing bit damage at much lower contact pressures. Surface corrugation generated by the wear process alters the geometry of the magnetic coating, thereby causing magnetic bit pattern degradation. Good correlation was found between the degree of disk surface damage and the degree of magnetic bit contrast degradation.