cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Construction and Characterization of “Spinach” Array for mRNA Live Cell Imaging

A recently reported “spinach” system labels RNAs with an aptamer sequence that specifically binds a small molecule and induces its fluorescence for imaging and was applied to image highly abundant tRNA and rRNA. Whether this tag can be used to image relatively low abundant mRNAs without affecting their biological functions remains to be verified. In order to enhance the brightness of spinach system and apply it for imaging of RNAs of low abundance, here we report a spinach array with tandem aptamer sequences to amplify its signal, and apply it to mRNA live cell imaging. We find that the spinach array increases the fluorescence intensity by more than 10-fold, and does not affect mRNA translation and degradation.
Solution Studies of ReVO(anti-d-penicillaminato-N,S,O)(syn-d-penicillaminato-N,S)

The known Re(V)=O complex of d-penicillamine (d-penH4; the subscript indicates the number of dissociable protons) is isolated as a neutral form, ReO(d-penH3)(d-penH2) (1). The complex is six-coordinate with one CO2- bound trans to the oxo ligand, resulting in a cis-N2, cis-S2, trans-O2 geometry. One carboxyl group is anti and the other is syn to the oxo ligand; only the anti-pen CO2- can coordinate. For 1, in high-pH solutions, we have found unusual 1H NMR spectral properties that have led to the discovery of a facile oxo ligand exchange process. 1 was also studied by acid−base titration, which revealed that the neutral-pH form (I) was [ReO(syn-d-penH2-N,S)(anti-d-penH2-N,S,O)]-. Significant spectroscopic changes occurred at pH ∼11 and above. The two sets of pen 1H NMR signals observed at neutral pH decreased in intensity as the pH was raised, and several original signals shifted. Simultaneously, one new set of pen signals emerged. These new signals also shifted with increasing pH. These results indicate ...
Diagnosis of Inter-Turn Short Circuit for a Polyphase Induction Motor in Closed-Loop Vector-Controlled Drives

The main objective of this paper is to develop and experimentally verify a new technique to detect an inter-turn short circuit in one phase of a stator winding of an induction motor energized from a vector-controlled drive. This is in order to overcome the fault masking difficulties associated with the concept of depending on the actual magnetic field pendulous oscillation between the conventional voltage and current space vectors with respect to a reference that is unaltered by the compensation action of the drive. This technique is based on the flux pendulous oscillation phenomenon. This flux pendulous oscillation is also described in this paper, this in addition to the magnetic field pendulous oscillation previously addressed in prior publications. The new approach has been verified through experimental results which are represented here.
Evolution of the Total Syntheses of Ustiloxin Natural Products and Their Analogues

Ustiloxins A−F are antimitotic heterodetic cyclopeptides containing a 13-membered cyclic core structure with a synthetically challenging chiral tertiary alkyl-aryl ether linkage. The first total synthesis of ustiloxin D was achieved in 31 linear steps using an SNAr reaction. An NOE study of this synthetic product showed that ustiloxin D existed as a single atropisomer. Subsequently, highly concise and convergent syntheses of ustiloxins D and F were developed by utilizing a newly discovered ethynyl aziridine ring-opening reaction in a longest linear sequence of 15 steps. The approach was further optimized to achieve a better macrolactamization strategy. Ustiloxins D, F, and eight analogues (14-MeO-ustiloxin D, four analogues with different amino acid residues at the C-6 position, and three (9R,10S)-epi-ustiloxin analogues) were prepared via the second-generation route. Evaluation of these compounds as inhibitors of tubulin polymerization demonstrated that variation at the C-6 position is tolerated to a cer...
Photochemistry and Photophysics of (p-Benzoylphenyl)diphenylmethyl and (p-Benzoylphenyl)bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)methyl Radicals in Different Solvents

The photochemical reactions of (p-benzoylphenyl)diphenylmethyl (1) and (p-benzoylphenyl)bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)methyl (2) in various solvents were investigated. The photophysical parameters of the first excited doublet state of the radicals were measured using spectroscopic and kinetic methods and led to a “molecular rotor” model to characterize the excited-state behavior. The charge-transfer excited state for both radicals was observed. Photoproducts separated from the photolysis of 1 and 2 in benzene suggest photodecomposition proceeds via H-abstraction (55%), fragmentation (20%), cyclization (10%), and addition (10%).
Adaptation of a clustered lumpy background model for task-based image quality assessment in x-ray phase-contrast mammography

Purpose: Since the introduction of clinical x-ray phase-contrast mammography (PCM), a technique that exploits refractive-index variations to create edge enhancement at tissue boundaries, a number of optimization studies employing physical image-quality metrics have been performed. Ideally, task-based assessment of PCM would have been conducted with human readers. These studies have been limited, however, in part due to the large parameter-space of PCM system configurations and the difficulty of employing expert readers for large-scale studies. It has been proposed that numerical observers can be used to approximate the statistical performance of human readers, thus enabling the study of task-based performance over a large parameter-space. Methods: Methods are presented for task-based image quality assessment of PCM images with a numerical observer, the most significant of which is an adapted lumpy background from the conventional mammography literature that accounts for the unique wavefield propagation physics of PCM image formation and will be used with a numerical observer to assess image quality. These methods are demonstrated by performing a PCM task-based image quality study using a numerical observer. This study employs a signal-known-exactly, background-known-statistically Bayesian ideal observer method to assess the detectability of a calcification object in PCM images when the anode spot size and calcification diameter are varied. Results: The first realistic model for the structured background in PCM images has been introduced. A numerical study demonstrating the use of this background model has compared PCM and conventional mammography detection of calcification objects. The study data confirm the strong PCM calcification detectability dependence on anode spot size. These data can be used to balance the trade-off between enhanced image quality and the potential for motion artifacts that comes with use of a reduced spot size and increased exposure time. Conclusions: A method has been presented for the incorporation of structured breast background data into task-based numerical observer assessment of PCM images. The method adapts conventional background simulation techniques to the wavefield propagation physics necessary for PCM imaging. This method is demonstrated with a simple detection task.
Neurovascular bundle resection: Does it improve the margins?

Prior to the description of the anatomic nerve sparing radical prostatectomy, most men were rendered impotent following radical perineal or retropubic prostatectomies. The fact that these "erection" nerves were localized outside the prostate suggested the feasibility of totally eradicating localized prostate cancer with preservation of erectile function in selected cases. All of these studies collectively suggest that unilateral excision of neurovascular bundles will compromise potency rates in between 15% to 20% of cases. It seems logical to report the risk of extracapsular extension independently for the two sides of the prostate, especially since independent decisions are made relative to the nerve sparing status of the different sides. Extracapsular extension is a risk factor for positive surgical margins. Positive surgical margins represent an independent risk factor for biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy. The surgeon is left with the dilemma of whether to maximize potency at the risk of compromising cancer control. In cases with a 30% risk of side specific extracapsular extension, using the above assumption, the risk of developing a positive surgical margin and biochemical recurrence is only 4.7% and 2%, respectively.
Applying the Theory of Entropy to Practice

ABSTRACTThis article suggests how practicing engineering managers can apply the concept of entropy to their jobs of managing. The article reviews that entropy is a state property of a system and that it is related to the alternative future states of the system. Entropy is then used to explain the planning, organization, leadership, control, and motivation functions of management and why some aspects of management work as they do. This article attempts to bridge the gap between theory and practice in engineering management. Practicing engineering managers may be able to incorporate the suggestions made here into their daily routine. Further academic research of entropy in management may prove to be very useful.
Immunogenetic and ontogenetic studies of chickens with selective IgA deficiency and autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract In addition to spontaneous hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis, chickens of the obese strain (OS) have a high incidence of selective IgA deficiency. Elevated levels of serum IgM also occur in many OS chickens. The IgA deficiency begins by 2 weeks, the age when hypothyroidism is developing. Like thyroiditis, a greater incidence of IgA deficiency was noted in OS birds homozygous for the B 1 allele than for the B 4 allele of the major histocompatibility locus. Although IgA deficiency occurs in both sexes, it is found in a higher frequency in females than males (2:1). An abnormal ontogenesis of immunological competence may influence both traits.
Optimized structures of C60O and C60O2 calculated by a damped molecular dynamics optimization scheme

Abstract A newly developed universal parameter tight-binding molecular dynamics technique is used to optimize the structure of C60O and C60O2. The most stable complex for C60O is found to be the epoxide, in agreement with experimental results. Incorporation of two oxygens is found to break an underlying carbon-carbon bond. The electronic structures and Mulliken populations are also presented.
The Capabilities and Limitations of Remote Visual Methods to Detect Service-Induced Cracks in Reactor Components

Since 1977, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research has funded a multiyear program at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques employed for inservice inspection (ISI). Recently, the U.S. nuclear industry proposed replacing current volumetric and/or surface examinations of certain components in commercial nuclear power plants, as required by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI, with a simpler visual testing (VT) method. The advantages of VT are that these tests generally involve much less radiation exposure and examination times than do volumetric examinations such as ultrasonic testing (UT). However, for industry to justify supplanting volumetric methods with VT, an analysis of pertinent issues is needed to support the reliability of VT in determining the structural integrity of reactor components. As piping and pressure vessel components in a nuclear power station are generally underwater and in high radiation fields, they need to be examined by VT from a distance with radiation-hardened video systems. Remote visual testing has been used by nuclear utilities to find cracks in pressure vessel cladding in pressurized water reactors, core shrouds in boiling water reactors, and to investigate leaks in piping and reactor components. These visual tests are performed using a wide variety of procedures and equipment. The techniques for remote visual testing use submersible closed-circuit video cameras to examine reactor components and welds. PNNL has conducted a parametric study that examines the important variables that affect the effectiveness of a remote visual test. Tested variables include lighting techniques, camera resolution, camera movement, and magnification. PNNL has also conducted a laboratory test using a commercial visual testing camera system to experimentally determine the ability of the camera system to detect cracks of various widths under ideal conditions.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Multiple-injection affinity capillary electrophoresis to estimate binding constants of receptors to ligands.

Multiple-injection affinity capillary electrophoresis (MIACE) is used to determine binding constants (K b) between receptors and ligands using as model systems vancomycin and teicoplanin from Streptomyces orientalis and Actinoplanes teichomyceticus, respectively, and their binding to D-Ala-D-Ala peptides and carbonic anhydrase B (CAB. EC 4.2.1.1) and the binding of the latter to arylsulfonamides. A sample plug containing a non-interacting standard is first injected followed by multiple plugs of sample containing the receptor and then a final injection of sample containing a second standard. Between each injection of sample, a small plug of buffer is injected which contains an increasing concentration of ligand to effect separation between the multiple injections of sample. Electrophoresis is then carried out in an increasing concentration of ligand in the running buffer. Continued electrophoresis results in a shift in the migration time of the receptor in the sample plugs upon binding to their respective ligand. Analysis of the change in the relative migration time ratio (RMTR) or electrophoretic mobility (μ) of the resultant receptor–ligand complex relative to the non-interacting standards, as a function of the concentration of ligand yields a value for K b. The MIACE technique is a modification in the ACE method that allows for the estimation of binding affinities between biological interactions on a timescale faster than that found for standard ACE. In addition sample volume requirements for the technique are reduced compared to traditional ACE assays. These findings demonstrate the advantage of using MIACE to estimate binding parameters between receptors and ligands.
Biologic Enhancement of a Common Arthroscopic Suture

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of an arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) coating on a high-strength nonabsorbable polyester/polyethylene (PE/PEE) suture material commonly used in orthopaedic procedures. Methods Human bone and tendon specimens were isolated and cultured. The cells were then plated in known densities in the presence of RGD-coated and uncoated PE/PEE suture and allowed to adhere for predetermined time periods. The RGD-coated and uncoated control sutures were then removed and assayed for cell osteoblast and tenocyte adhesion and proliferation. Results The RGD-modified suture showed a statistically significant increase in both adhesion and proliferation of human tenocytes when compared with uncoated controls ( P Conclusions The RGD peptide sequence can be effectively coupled with commercially available PE/PEE suture. RGD-coated suture is able to stimulate the adhesion and proliferation of human tenocyte cells in vitro, as well as withstand standard sterilization and storage conditions. Furthermore, the acid hydrolysis process did not affect the strength of the suture material. Clinical Relevance RGD-modified suture materials have the potential to create favorable biologic responses when used in common orthopaedic procedures.
Male Prison Rape: A Search for Causation and Prevention

This research utilises a content analysis methodology to examine the issue of male rape among prison populations within the United States. The physical and psychological aspects of rape are described by professionals, victims, and aggressors. The inmate terminology related to prison rape such as Punk and Jocker are defined to show the social structure of the prison sexual subculture. Previous theories of prison rape concerning racism, power, and sexual deprivation are discussed and analysed. Racism perpetrated against white inmates by black inmates is indicated to be the single causal factor in prison rape. Both quantitative and qualitative data indicate a prevalence of predominantly black rapists and white victims nationwide for the last 40 years. The controversial issues of conjugal visits, home furlough release, or allowing homosexual behaviour in prisons are debated as possible solutions to remedy prison sexual assault. The debate concerning the issuance of condoms in prison to prevent the transmission of the AIDS or HIV virus during rape attacks is discussed. The inmate classification system is presented as one viable solution to reduce the number of prison rapes. The scheme of inmate classification is to identify violent sexual aggressors and separate them from the general non-violent prison population. The author also considers separation by racial and ethnic categories since literary evidence shows ‘lack racism'’ to be the common denominator in most prison sexual assaults and rapes of predominantly white inmates.
Concentrations, accumulations, and inventories of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in sediments of the Great Lakes

The chronology of PCDD/F accumulation was determined in sediment cores from Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Ontario and two small “control” lakes. Accumulation rates began increasing about 1940, increased to maxima at 1970 ± 10 yr, and then declined to the present rates that are 30−70% of the maxima. The observed accumulations ranged from 90% of their current PCDD/F inputs from subregional atmospheric (air parcels having higher concentrations of PCDD/F than remote air due to local sources) and/or non-atmospheric sources. We also compared the sedimentary accumulations to estimates of atmospheric deposition. The PCDD/F accumulation rates in the control lakes were similar t...
Synthesis of 2‐naphthalene‐d7‐sulfonic acid

2-Naphthalene-d7-sulfonic acid, required as an internal standard for the analysis of organic compounds in water by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, was synthesized in one step from commercially available naphthalene-d8 and sulfuric acid-d2. A high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed to separate 1- and 2-naphthalene-d7-sulfonic acids. The electron impact mass spectrum and isotopic purity of the 2-naphthalene-d7-sulfonic acid were determined.
The effect of energy straggling on the relationship between cross-sections and thick target yields

The standard relationship between the yield of a reaction in a thick target and the reaction cross-section is modified by consideration of energy straggling effects. An expression which includes the lowest order corrections is derived and these correction terms are shown to be small in most cases for beam energies above 60 keV and below the region where relativistic effects modify the energy loss mechanism.
Challenges and Stressors of African American Armed Service Personnel and Their Families

Abstract African American armed service personnel and their families bear great burden in times of war in their effort to protect and secure the nation's civil liberties and freedoms. Paradoxically, they have benefited from a system that is arguably more open and inclusive than American civilian society, but at the same time many have suffered hardship and tragedy resulting in ongoing concerns, challenges, and complications. Military families also experience unique and ongoing stressors that place them at risk of marital, familial, and communal distress. To address this overwhelmed cohort's needs, an empirically based justice model is proffered to direct clinical and community change.
Fabrication of microchannel structures in fluorinated ethylene propylene.

A new technique for fabrication of channel structures with diameters down to 13 μm in fluorinated ethylene propylene (also known as poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene), FEP) is described. The technique is based on the unique property of a dual-layer fluoropolymer tubing consisting of an outer layer of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and an inner layer of FEP. When heated (>350 °C), the outer PTFE layer shrinks while the inner FEP layer melts, resulting in filling of all empty space inside the tubing with FEP. The channel structures are formed using tungsten wires as templates that are pulled out after completion of the shrinking and melting process. While several analytical devices have been reproducibly prepared and shown to function, this report describes a single example. A microreactor coupled to an electrochemical flow cell detects the biuret complex of the natively electroinactive peptide des-Tyr-Leu-enkephalin.
The changing structure of the renewable industry – implications for a green transition to sustainable energy

This paper investigates the transition process from carbon to renewable energy. How a transition occurs, whose values are solicited and whose voices are listened to will determine the contours of the future economy. Section 1 will briefly discuss the current contours of global energy. Section 2 will discuss the large international oil companies (IOCs) as a possible obstacle to the transition to renewable energy. Section 3 will discuss the current structure of the solar and wind sectors of the renewable energy industry. Section 4 will offer suggestions for green economics for a democratic and equitable transition. And Section 5 will offer concluding comments.
The electrical conductivity of poly(divinylbenzene) films

Abstract Conductivity measurements reported previously for thin films of poly(divinylbenzene) have been interpreted in terms of a quantum mechanical tunneling conductivity mechanism. Quantum mechanical tunneling of carriers through thin spots (∼5–45 A) in films having dielectric thickness of a few hundred A is more consistent with the reported current-voltage-temperature characteristics than the previously suggested Richardson-Schottky mechanism.
The effects of incentive regulation in the telecommunications industry: A survey

We review recent empirical studies of the performance of incentive regulation in the telecommunications industry. These studies provide evidence that productivity, infrastructure investment, profit levels, telephone penetration, and new service offerings have increased under incentive regulation. Service rates have generally remained stable or decreased slightly, and service quality does not appear to have been affected adversely. There is no evidence that incentive regulation has led to streamlined regulatory proceedings. Strong evidence that incentive regulation has reduced the costs of providing telephone service has not yet materialized.
The vertical component of the heart vector

Abstract When a dipole is immersed in a homogeneous right cylinder of arbitrary cross section, the vertical component is equal to kAV y , where k is the conductivity, A is the cross-sectional area, and V y is the mean potential difference between bottom and top surfaces. By means of experiments in an accurate, life-size, Plexiglas thorax model, it was shown that this equation is valid when using the left-leg-to-head lead for V y , provided that a certain fraction of the sagittal component of the dipole moment is added to V F - V H . For 11 representative dipole locations in the heart volume, this ratio, K, is 0.15, on the average. A new system of measuring the mean vertical voltage was tested, but was found to have no advantage over the simple foot-head lead. Changes in dipole location in a mediumsized heart can cause changes in the observed value of the vertical component of up to 16 per cent. Changes of location in the sagittal direction have much more effect than shifts parallel to the frontal plane. A generalized Burger equation for the foot-head lead was derived, with the factor resistivity divided by area common to all three vector components. A vector lead for the vertical component is proposed. Absolute magnitudes and directions of the spatial vector for one indicidual are given, on the assumption of a homogeneous thorax of mean resistivity equal to 500 ohm-cm. The peak value of the depolarization moment was 3.2 ma.-cm.
The Stroessner Era: Authoritarian Rule In Paraguay

The political culture of Paraguay the history of authoritarianism in Paraguay the ideological bases of the Stroessner era limited mobilization of the politics of control economic development and the pattern of co-optation the demise of the Stroessner regime the Stroessner era.
Biochemical genetics of altered acetylcholinesterase resistance to insecticides in the house fly

Resistance to the organophosphate insecticide tetrachlorvinphos was examined in a house fly (Musca domestica L.) strain with an altered acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of decreased sensitivity to inhibition by the insecticide. Genetic tests showed that both resistance and the altered AChE were controlled by semidominant gene(s) on chromosome II. The gene for resistance was five crossover units from the mutant marker stubby wing (stw). A house fly strain was prepared in which resistance was introduced in to a susceptible stw strain by recombination. Biochemical assays revealed that the altered AChE was introduced along with resistance. Assays of the AChE of resistant and susceptible stw strains by two independent methods showed that the enzyme from resistant flies was 30 times more slowly inhibited by tetrachlorvinphos than the enzyme from susceptible flies.
Infectious diseases in pediatric transplantation: Literature review 2006–2007

: Pediatric transplantation medicine is universally complicated by infection, with research interests divided roughly into the domains of prevention, surveillance, treatment, and the description of novel pathogens. Publication of these results is not easily centralized; here we review several key studies published in 2006–2007.
Anesthetic management of a patient with a single ventricle and modified Fontan procedure.

ECENT ADVANCES in surgical techniques and anesR thetic management have made possible the partial or complete correction of many congenital cardiac anomalies. During the past decade, procedures based on the concepts described by Fontan’ and by Kruetzer2 have been developed for the physiologic correction of tricuspid atresia and these have been modified and applied to other complex congenital anomalies. In the Fontan procedure systemic venous blood is directed from the right atrium into the lungs via the pulmonary arteries and pulmonary venous blood into the arterial circulation, thereby resulting in a physiologic correction of the congenital defect. Closure of the atria1 septal defect prevents mixing of oxygenated with deoxygenated blood. Patients treated with the Fontan procedure may attain adulthood and become candidates for noncardiac operations that necessitate anesthesia. The anesthetic management and rationale for this approach in a patient with a univentricular heart who had a modified Fontan procedure and who was scheduled for reduction mammoplasties are reported.
Increased plasma norepinephrine concentrations and metabolic rates following glucose ingestion in man.

Abstract The effects of glucose ingestion on plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), immunoreactive insulin (IRI), and glucose, and the resting metabolic rate (RMR) were examined in six normal males. Ingestion of the glucose (100 g) solution significantly increased all of these measures except E levels, compared with changes observed during a control experiment in which an equal volume of water was ingested. The initial (0–60 min) increase in plasma NE levels and the increase in the RMR following glucose was significantly greater than the smaller increases that occurred during the control experiment. Plasma IRI and glucose levels peaked 30–60 min after glucose consumption, then declined toward basal values. These data show that glucose intake causes an elevation of the RMR and sympathetic nervous system activity greater than that caused by other aspects of the testing solution, and are consistent with the possibility that the increase in RMR following glucose ingestion is related to elevated sympathetic nervous system activity.
The dynamics of land-use/transportation interactions and their planning implications

Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore theoretically the qualitative impacts of the planning and development processes on the spatial dynamic interactions between land use and transportation. Specifically, an idealized abstract example of the interactions between two homogeneous regions was studied with respect to various issues related to land use and transportation planning. The study took the form of systems of simple differential equations. Each equation represents the rate of change of either the land use or the transportation condition of a region. Investigation with the two-region model suggested a possibility of spatial and temporal fluctuations under certain planning conditions. By examining the conditions underlying the model equations, planning and developmental practices that may cause system instabilities were identified and discussed.
Localization of 5′-ectonucleotidase/phosphatase activity within the olfactory sensilla of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus

Previous electrophysiological studies have shown that the olfactory organ (antennule) of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, has external chemoreceptors, which are selectively stimulated by adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) when present in seawater. Subsequent biochemical investigations revealed that AMP can be rapidly dephosphorylated by 5′-ectonucleotidase/phosphatase activity associated with the olfactory sensilla (aesthetascs). In this study the deposition of cerium phosphate was used to examine the ultrastructural distribution of 5′-ectonucleotidase/phosphatase activity in aesthetascs. Utilizing AMP as substrate, we found dephosphorylating activity to be associated with the outer membranes of both dendrites and auxiliary cells. Moreover, this activity was specifically localized to a narrow band that approximately corresponds to the transitional zone where dendrites develop cilia and branch extensively to form the outer dendritic segments. A similar distribution of the cerium phosphate reaction product was found when β-glycerol phosphate was substituted for AMP. The alkaline-phosphatase inhibitor, levamisole, had no apparent effect on the deposition of reaction product when either AMP or β-glycerol phosphate was used as substrate. The ectoenzymatic activity in the transitional zone may be of importance in clearing exogenous chemoexcitatory nucleotides from this region.
A spectral transform approach to stochastic circuits

Stochastic computing (SC) processes data in the form of long pseudo-random bit-streams denoting probabilities. Its key advantages are simple computational elements and high soft-error tolerance. Recent technology developments have revealed important new SC applications such as image processing and LDPC decoding. Despite its long history, SC still lacks a comprehensive design methodology; existing methods tend to be ad hoc and limited to a few arithmetic functions. We demonstrate a fundamental relation between stochastic circuits and spectral transforms. Based on this, we propose a transform approach to the analysis and synthesis of SC circuits. We illustrate the approach for a variety of basic combinational SC design problems, and show that the area cost associated with stochastic number generation can be significantly reduced.
BIOCHEMICAL FACTORS IN ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE

Three decades of research in ethanol metabolism have established that alcohol is hepatotoxic not only because of secondary malnutrition, but also through metabolic disturbances associated with the oxidation of ethanol. Some of these alterations are due to redox changes produced by the NADH generated via the liver ADH pathway, which in turn affects the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and purines. Exaggeration of the redox change by the relative hypoxia, which prevails physiologically in the perivenular zone, contributes to the exacerbation of the ethanol-induced lesions in zone III. Gastric ADH also explains first-pass metabolism by ethanol; its activity is low in alcoholics and in females and is decreased by some H2 blockers. In addition to ADH, ethanol can be oxidized by liver microsomes: studies over the last 20 years have culminated in the molecular elucidation of the ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450 (P4502E1) which contributes not only to ethanol metabolism and tolerance, but also to the selective hepatic perivenular toxicity of various xenobiotics. Their activation by P4502E1 now provides an understanding for the increased susceptibility of the heavy drinker to the toxicity of industrial solvents, anesthetic agents, commonly prescribed drugs, over-the-counter analgesics, chemical carcinogens, and even nutritional factors such as vitamin A. Ethanol causes not only vitamin A depletion, but it also enhances its hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, induction of the microsomal pathway contributes to increased acetaldehyde generation, with formation of protein adducts, resulting in antibody production, enzyme inactivation, decreased DNA repair; it is also associated with a striking impairment of the capacity of the liver to utilize oxygen. Moreover, acetaldehyde promotes GSH depletion, free-radical-mediated toxicity, and lipid peroxidation. In addition, acetaldehyde affects hepatic collagen synthesis; both in vivo (in our baboon model of alcoholic cirrhosis) and in vitro (in cultured myofibroblasts and lipocytes); ethanol and its metabolite acetaldehyde were found to increase collagen accumulation and mRNA levels for collagen. This new understanding may eventually improve therapy with drugs and nutrients. Encouraging results have been obtained with some "super" nutrients. On the one hand, SAMe, the active form of methionine, was found to attenuate the ethanol-induced depletion in SAMe and GSH and associated mitochondrial lesions. On the other hand, phosphatidylcholine, purified from polyunsaturated lecithin, was discovered to oppose the ethanol-induced fibrosis by decreasing the activation of lipocytes to transitional cells, and possibly also by stimulating collagenase activity, an effect for which dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine, its major phospholipid species, was found to be responsible.
SIMD tabu search for the quadratic assignment problem with graphics hardware acceleration

This paper presents a single instruction multiple data tabu search (SIMD-TS) algorithm for the quadratic assignment problem (QAP) with graphics hardware acceleration. The QAP is a classical combinatorial optimisation problem that is difficult to solve optimally for even small problems with over 30 items. By using graphic hardware acceleration, the developed SIMD-TS algorithm executes 20 to 45 times faster than traditional CPU code. The computational improvement is made possible by the utilisation of the parallel computing capability of a graphics processing unit (GPU). The speed and effectiveness of this algorithm are demonstrated on QAP library problems. The main contribution of this paper is a fast and effective SIMD-TS algorithm capable of producing results for large QAPs on a desktop personal computer equivalent to the results achieved with a CPU cluster.
The Synergy of the Support Acid Function and the Metal Function in the Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of m-Cresol

The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of m-cresol is investigated as a model for the HDO of phenolic compounds from lignin pyrolysis. Pt catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 and SiO2 are effective for the conversion of m-cresol to toluene and methylcyclohexane at 533 K and 0.5 atm H2. Experiments using Pt/γ-Al2O3 show that the reaction proceeds by a combination of Pt-catalyzed hydrogenation and acid-catalyzed dehydration reactions. Dehydration of a partially hydrogenated oxygenate intermediate is most likely the dominant reaction pathway to toluene. The acidity of the γ-Al2O3 support was modified by base (K2CO3) and acid (NH4F) treatments, and increasing the number and strength of acid sites was found to increase the rate of HDO. Pt/SiO2 was more active for m-cresol HDO than Pt/Al2O3. The reaction rate on Pt/Al2O3 and Pt/SiO2 decreased after 5 h on stream, but Pt/Al2O3 regained initial reactivity after reductive treatment in H2.
Exciton Hierarchies in Gapped Carbon Nanotubes

We present evidence that the strong electron-electron (e-e) interactions in gapped carbon nanotubes lead to finite hierarchies of excitons within a given nanotube subband. We study these hierarchies by employing a field theoretic reduction of the gapped carbon nanotube permitting e-e interactions to be treated exactly. We analyze this reduction by employing a Wilsonian-like numerical renormalization group. We are so able to determine the gap ratios of the one-photon excitons as a function of the effective strength of interactions. We also determine within the same subband the gaps of the two-photon excitons, the single particle gaps, as well as a subset of the dark excitons. The strong e-e interactions in addition lead to strongly renormalized dispersion relations where the consequences of spin-charge separation can be readily observed.
Microtubules in basalt glass from Hawaii Scientific Driling Project #2 phase 1 core and Hilina slope, Hawaii: evidence of the occurrence and behavior of endolithic microorganisms

Elongate, fine tubes, approximately 1 microm wide and up to 200 microm long, extend from fractured surfaces, vesicle walls, and internal fractures into fragments of basalt glass in samples from the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project #2 phase 1 (HSDP #2(1)) core and the Hilina slope, Hawaii. Several features indicate that these tubes are microbial endolithic microborings: the tubes resemble many described microborings from oceanic basalt glass, their formation is postdepositional but restricted to certain but different ranges of time in the two sets of samples, and they are not uniformly distributed throughout glass fragments. Microtubules record several characteristic behaviors including boring into glass, mining, seeking olivine, and avoiding plagioclase. They also are highly associated with a particular form of glass-replacing smectite. Evidence of behavior should join morphological and geochemical criteria in indicating microbial alteration of basalt glass. In some samples, steeply conical tubes, approximately 10-20 microm in diameter tapering to 1 microm and commonly filled with smectite, appear to be modifications or elaborations of the microtubules. These also curve toward olivine and are associated with replacement smectite. In HSDP #2(1) samples, microtubules initiated at margins of shards before palagonite replaced those margins and are preserved during palagonitization. In fact, microtubules appear to have provided routes that enhanced the efficiency of water's reaching of unaltered glass. In Hilina Slope samples, the microtubules appear to postdate palagonitization because they initiate at the boundary between palagonite and unaltered sideromelane. Preservation of microtubules during palagonitization in samples together with recognition of other associated characteristics representing behavior suggests that such features may be recognizable in more heavily altered ancient rocks.
Halofenate: effectiveness of two dosage forms and two dose schedules.

Abstract Twenty patients with consistent hyperuricemia and hypertriglyceridemia were randomly allocated into treatment groups receiving 1 g of halofenate daily as tablets (1000 mg once daily) or capsules (500 mg twice daily) for 4 weeks. Serum uric acid levels were significantly reduced within 1 week. Triglyceride levels also fell promptly, but the reductions were less uniform and less pronounced. The effect on cholesterol was minimal in the limited time of the study. Asymptomatic decreases in serum bilirubin, albumin, and protein bound iodine occurred consistently. Although a few patients had serum creatine phosphokinase elevations, none were symptomatic. In those patients whose pretreatment triglyceride levels were above 250mg/100 ml there was a linear correlation between the percentage reduction of triglyceride and the dose of halofenate. No differences between tablets and capsules, or in dosage frequency, were discerned.
Automatic derivation of compiler machine descriptions

We describe a method designed to significantly reduce the effort required to retarget a compiler to a new architecture, while at the same time producing fast and effective compilers. The basic idea is to use the native C compiler at compiler construction time to discover architectural features of the new architecture. From this information a formal machine description is produced. Given this machine description, a native code-generator can be generated by a back-end generator such as BEG or burg. A prototype automatic Architecture Discovery Tool (called ADT) has been implemented. This tool is completely automatic and requires minimal input from the user. Given the Internet address of the target machine and the command-lines by which the native C compiler, assembler, and linker are invoked, ADT will generate a BEG machine specification containing the register set, addressing modes, instruction set, and instruction timings for the architecture. The current version of ADT is general enough to produce machine descriptions for the integer instruction sets of common RISC and CISC architectures such as the Sun SPARC, Digital Alpha, MIPS, DEC VAX, and Intel x86.
Mesoporous Polyhedral Cages and Shells Formed by Textured Self-Assembly of ZnO Nanocrystals

We report a new structure, mesoporous structured polyhedral drum and spherical cages and shells formed by textured self-assembly of ZnO nanocrystals, which are made by a novel self-assembly process during epitaxial surface oxidation. The cages/shells exhibit unique geometrical shapes, and their walls are composed of mesoporous and textured ZnO nanocrystals. The structures of the cages and shells are studied, and a growth mechanism is proposed to be a process following solidification of the Zn liquid droplets, surface oxidation, and sublimation.
Health problems, impairment and illnesses associated with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder among primary care and obstetric gynaecology patients.

Background Although psychiatric patients with eating disorders are known to be at risk for a variety of health problems, relatively little is known about eating disorders and associated health problems in other populations. An epidemiological study was conducted to investigate health problems and impairment associated with bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) among female primary care and obstetric gynaecology patients. Methods Psychiatric disorders, physical illnesses, disabilities, functional status and stress were assessed among 4651 female patients (age range:18 to 99 years) at 8 primary care and 7 obstetric gynaecology clinics throughout the United States. Results Two hundred eighty-nine women (62%) were diagnosed with BN or BED. The prevalence of BN was approximately 1% among young and middle-aged women. The prevalence of BED increased steadily from early (3.3%) through middle (8.5%) adulthood. Anxiety disorders, mood disorders and diabetes were much more common among women with BN or BED than among women without these eating disorders. Women with BN or BED reported markedly poorer functioning and much higher levels of disability, health problems, insomnia, psychosocial stress and suicidal thoughts than did women without BN or BED, after co-occurring psychiatric disorders were controlled statistically. Yet, fewer than one of ten cases of BN or BED was recognized by the patients' physicians. Conclusions Patients with BN or BED often experience considerable disability, impairment, distress and co-occurring illnesses. Increased recognition of eating disorders may be a crucial step towards encouraging more patients to seek treatment for these disabling conditions.
Molar ratio of fibrinogen--fibrin components D:E during digestion by plasmin and thrombin.

Abstract Purified components D and E when incubated separately with plasmin or thrombin under sterile conditions were completely hydrolyzed to small undetectable peptides on SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Plasmin hydrolyzed component E more slowly than component D. In unfractionated digests both components D and E are refractory to proteolysis by plasmin or thrombin. The molar ratio of D:E during the breakdown of fibrinogen by these enzymes was found to decrease gradually from 2.7 for the plasmin digests, or 5.0 for the thrombin digests, to less than 1. This was due to the earlier formation of component D, to its faster breakdown by plasmin as compared to component E, and to the formation of a new component of a mobility intermediate between that of component D and late component E. The affinity of component E for coomassie blue was found to be 1.5 times weaker than that of either component D or fibrinogen.
Puromycin: Two distinct behavioral effects with different temporal parameters in the pigeon

Abstract Pigeons were injected intracerebrally with either puromycin (PM) or control saline solution following training for one 12-min session on a visual discrimination. Injections were made either immediately following training, 1 hr later or 24 hr later. Retention testing 3 days after training showed that PM produced marked amnesia in the first two groups, but had no effect in the 24 hr condition. However, all PM groups were retarded subsequently in the number of days required to reach a 90% discrimination criterion. This differentiation of two separate behavioral effects with different temporal gradients suggests that PM may be working through two distinct physiological mechanisms.
A novel method for synchronizing a B cell lymphoma.

Abstract Certain sub-lines of the murine B cell lymphoma BCL 1 can be maintained in vitro and respond to cytokines including IL-2 and IL-5. BCL 1 cells, as well as other B lymphomas, are difficult to symchronize using conventional techniques such as thymidine block or DNA synthesis inhibition. We have found that BCL 1 cells maintained in Dulbecco's minimum essential medium (DMEM) with non-essential amino acids (NEAA) can be readily synchronized by culture in DMEM lacking NEAA. Within 10–18 h of medium replacement, 98% of BCL 1 cells are 2 N in DNA content, suggesting that these cells are arrested in G 0 /G 1 . This population of BCL 1 cells is viable and can be stimulated to enter S phase by culture in media containing NEAA; however, arrested cells did not appear to return synchronously into the cell cycle on addition of NEAA. A transient increase in levels of c- fos and c- myc mRNA was not detected after arrested BCL 1 cells were stimulated to enter S phase, suggesting that arrested cells are in the G 1 phase of the cell cycle, rather than G 0 . This technique for obtaining G 1 arrested B lymphoma cells may prove useful in the analysis of molecular events that occur in B cells as a function of cell cycle position.
Perturbation Solutions for Variable Energy Blast Waves.

Abstract The trajectory of and the flow field behind blast waves with time varying energy input is determined. Freeman's (1968) Lagrangean coordinate formulation is modified to include both the geometric factor, α, for plane, cylindrical and spherical shocks and also non-integer values of β, the energy input parameter, in a single computational algorithm. Numerical problems associated with vanishing density at the inner mass boundary or “piston face” are then examined and solved. Second order perturbation solutions about the solution for an infinite strength shock are then obtained in Sakurai's (1965) inverse shock Mach number expansion parameter for 0 ⩽ β α + 1. Tables and graphs of significant numerical coefficients are presented for comparison to, and extension of, results of other authors. Graphs of typical shock trajectories and flow field density, pressure and velocity variations are also presented and discussed.