cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grab It! Biased Attention in Functional Hand and Tool Space

This study explored whether functional properties of the hand and tools influence the allocation of spatial attention. In four experiments that used a visual-orienting paradigm with predictable lateral cues, hands or tools were placed near potential target locations. Results showed that targets appearing in the hand’s grasping space (i.e., near the palm) and the rake’s raking space (i.e., near the prongs) produced faster responses than did targets appearing to the back of the hand, to the back of the rake, or near the forearm. Validity effects were found regardless of condition in all experiments, but they did not interact with the target-in-grasping/raking-space bias. Thus, the topology of the facilitated space around the hand is, in part, defined by the hand’s grasping function and can be flexibly extended by functional experience using a tool. These findings are consistent with the operation of bimodal neurons, and this embodied component is incorporated into a neurally based model of spatial attention.
LES of scalar mixing in supersonic mixing layers

Abstract Large eddy simulation (LES) of a compressible mixing layer is carried out to investigate scalar mixing in mixed supersonic-subsonic shear layers. The ability of two sub-grid models to predict scalar mixing in compressible shear layers is assessed in this study. The first one employs a conventional gradient diffusion model whereas the second one uses the linear eddy mixing (LEM) model. Comparison of the results using these two models with experimental data shows that the LEM sub-grid closure is capable of accurately capturing the effect of scalar mixing in supersonic shear layers within the framework of LES. In particular, mean and root mean square of the mixture fraction are in excellent agreement with data whereas the gradient closure is unable to capture the observed physics. These studies have established a new LES method that is capable of predicting the scalar mixing in compressible shear layers.
Stimulation of vascular smooth muscle sodium, potassium--adenosinetriphosphatase by vasodilators.

A ouabain-sensitive, Mg2+-dependent, Na+, K+-stimulated adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) isolated from canine mesenteric arteries was activated by the following vasodilators: hydralazine, diazoxide, PGE1, PGE2, PGA2, and minoxidil. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and isoproterenol also stimulated the ATPase, but PGF2α was ineffective. Since these vasodilators activate the adenylate cyclase of vascular smooth muscle, the effects of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and theophylline on the Na+, K+-ATPase were studied; both substances caused a concentration-dependent increase in enzymatic activity. Propranolol blocked the catecholamine-induced stimulation of Na+, K+-ATPase, and polyphloretin phosphate antagonized the effects of the prostaglandins. It is concluded that vasodilatation in response to these substances is associated with the stimulation of the Na+, K+-ATPase of vascular smooth muscle probably mediated through cyclic AMP.
Baby Steps or Big Steps? Elite Advocate Perspectives on U.S. Child Care Advocacy

U.S. families of all income levels struggle to find safe and appropriate child care. Widespread need and calls to address child care quality indicate potential for the coalescence of a social movement. What would it take to build a child care movement in the United States? This article reports data from a qualitative study of elite child care advocates' perceptions of opportunities and obstacles toward a movement to address U.S. child care policy. Respondents indicated that strategic divisions among interest groups hamper the creation of comprehensive policy. Advocates remain divided on how to exploit perceived political opportunities and struggle over framing of the U.S. child care crisis.
Compensation zone approach to avoid print‐through errors in mask projection stereolithography builds

Purpose – Print‐through results in unwanted polymerization occurring beneath a part cured using Mask Projection Stereolithography (MPSLA) and thus creates errors in its vertical dimension. In this paper, the “Compensation Zone approach” is presented to avoid this error.Design/methodology/approach – Compensation zone approach entails modifying the geometry of the part to be cured. A volume (compensation zone) is subtracted from underneath the CAD model in order to compensate for the increase in the Z dimension that would occur due to print‐through. Three process variables have been identified: thickness of compensation zone, thickness of every layer and exposure distribution across every image used to cure a layer. Analytical relations have been formulated between these process variables in order to obtain dimensionally accurate parts. The compensation zone approach is simulated on a test part with a slanted down‐facing surface.Findings – The simulation results show that the compensation zone approach can ...
Rapidly growing adenomatoid tumor extending into testicular parenchyma mimics testicular carcinoma

A 40-year-old man presented with a 1-month history of a large, painless, rapidly growing right scrotal mass. Examination, ultrasonography, and intraoperative inspection did not exclude an intratesticular tumor, and a radical orchiectomy was performed. Histology was typical for adenomatoid tumor, but gross and microscopic inspection revealed bundles of tumor extending from the tunica albuginea into the testicular parenchyma. In this case the rapid growth, large size, and the inability to exclude an intratesticular origin directed suspicion toward a malignant neoplasm. In hindsight, the tumor's unique pattern of extension into the adjacent testicular parenchyma confounded the preoperative diagnosis.
Eminence Choices in Three Musical Genres and Music Media Preferences

Subjects in college classes (N = 413) were asked to list five compositions that should “live forever” in three categories: pop/rock, orchestral, and choral/operatic. The students also provided information regarding musical training listening habits, and ownership of audio equipment. Fewer than 50% of the subjects listed five compositions in any one category. Subjects with approximately 10 years of music training completed more entries in the orchestral and choral/operatic categories than did those with fewer years of study. Those who had 3 or more years of music study were better able to complete the music survey than were other subjects. Approximately equal numbers of subjects preferred to listen to music on tapes, radios, and compact disc (CD) formats. Generally, younger subjects listened to more music per day than did older subjects, and subjects who preferred to listen to music on CD players listened to music more hours per day than did subjects choosing other devices.
Photonic device particle accelerators and light sources

Laser-driven particle acceleration is revealing itself as a very promising future alternative to RF particle acceleration. The concept of this acceleration technology is to employ a photonic structure that controls an electromagnetic wave in such a way as to produce a continuous acceleration force along the electron beam trajectory. The electrons travel in a vacuum space, which eliminates scattering from matter and degradation of the particle beam.
A time-evolving weighted-graph analysis of global petroleum exchange

Networks have become an influential part of our society. New social ties are being formed or existing ties are removed in social networks. Technological networks, such as the Internet and power grid are heavily relied upon to perform daily tasks, and biological networks inspire us to develop and optimize processes. Much of the existing studies consider networks as unweighted graphs, predominantly because of lack of data and tools. However, weights influence the importance of nodes or links in a network, and considering the weights is realistic in graph analysis. Orthogonal to the weighted graphs, the evolution of graphs can help us predict the future state of a network. In this paper, we study the evolution of global petroleum exchange as a weighted graph. We analyze 17 years of global petroleum imports and exports data between all counties with samples and show that the countries' import and export increased. We also rank the most important countries according to important graph centrality metrics and our rankings vary based on the metric being used. The evolution of the global petroleum exchange graph represents that new ties between countries formed and the graph size increased.
Interactions of coherent structures in a film flow: Simulations of a highly nonlinear evolution equation

Numerical simulations of the evolution equation [14] for thickness of a film flowing down a vertical fiber are presented. Solutions with periodic boundary conditions on extended axial intervals develop trains of pulse-like structures. Typically, a group of several interacting pulses (or a solitary pulse) is bracketed by spans of nearly uniform thinned film and is virtually isolated: The evolution of such a “section” is modeled as a solution with periodic boundary conditions on the corresponding, comparatively short, interval. Single-pulse sections are steady-shape traveling waveforms (“cells” of shorter-period solutions). The collision of two pulses can be either a particle-like “elastic” rebound, or—and only if a control parameter S (proportional to the average thickness) exceeds a certain critical value, S c ≈ 1—a “deeply inelastic” coalescence. A pulse which grows by a cascade of coalescences is associated with large drops observed in experiments by Quere [39] and our S c is in excellent agreement with its laboratory value.
Differential Toxicity to Cd, Pb, and Cu in Dragonfly Larvae (Insecta: Odonata)

Odonate larvae are important organisms in aquatic ecosystems but have been rarely studied in laboratory toxicity tests. Only a few previous studies have been conducted on odonates and their responses to heavy metals. We exposed two species of libellulid larvae (Anisoptera: Libellulidae) to equimolar concentrations of cadmium, lead, or copper in 7-day survival tests. Larvae were tolerant of high concentrations of cadmium and lead, as no significant decrease in survival was observed at exposures as high as 0.893 and 2.232 mM, respectively. In contrast, larvae were more sensitive to copper exposure, demonstrating significantly decreased survival to exposures as low as 2.360 μM. In whole animal samples, larvae accumulated very high concentrations (>1000 μg/g dry weight) of all three metals in an exposure-related manner. Much of this accumulation could probably be attributed to adsorption or accumulation of metal within the exoskeleton, because odonate larvae are known to sequester metals into this material. Our results were generally consistent with previous observations indicating that odonates are tolerant to metal exposures, even in comparison with other aquatic invertebrates. However, there are few studies that have used odonates in toxicity tests and compared these organisms to other aquatic life. Based on their abundance and their simple requirements in the laboratory, we believe that odonate larvae can be useful toxicological model organisms.
An Improved Broadband Decoupling Sequence for Liquid Crystals and Solids

Recently we developed an efficient broadband decoupling sequence called SPARC-16 for liquid crystals ?J. Magn. Reson. 130, 317 (1998). The sequence is based upon a 16-step phase cycling of the 2-step TPPM decoupling method for solids ?J. Chem. Phys. 103, 6951 (1995). Since then, we have found that a stepwise variation of the phase angle in the TPPM sequence offers even better results. The application of this new method to a liquid crystalline compound, 4-n-pentyl-4'-cyanobiphenyl, and a solid, L-tyrosine hydrochloride, is reported. The reason for the improvement is explained by an analysis of the problem in the rotating frame.
A quantitative spatial analysis of the blood-spinal cord barrier II. Permeability after intraspinal fetal transplantation

Abstract In previous experiments we utilized quantitative autoradiography to temporally describe vascular permeability of a radiolabeled vascular tracer following spinal contusion injury in the rat. In the present report we compare these findings with permeability assessments following fetal grafting in the contused rat spinal cord. At 10 days postinjury, Embryonic Day 14 spinal tissue was grafted into the lesioned spinal cord of Sprague–Dawley rats. At 7, 14, and 28 days postgrafting the α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) technique was used to assess blood-to-tissue transfer rates in graft and host tissue over several segments of the injured spinal cord. Regional changes in permeability were assessed using four distinct image analysis techniques. Using these methods, we have previously shown that contusion injury alone results in a chronic relapse in vascular permeability. The present data indicate that fetal transplants at 7 days postgrafting have AIB transfer rates that are significantly above uninjured control levels and are similar in magnitude to neighboring host spinal tissue. In addition, permeability in 14- and 28-day intraspinal grafts decreased relative to that of the 7-day transplant group, but remained significantly elevated at and rostral to the injury epicenter. Alternately, graft and host tissue in regions caudal to the injury epicenter (e.g., T10–L2) acquired a functional barrier to AIB as early as 14 days posttransplantation. These experiments suggest that graft development occurs in a different manner or at a different rate in segments of the injured spinal cord rostral and caudal to the injury site. Additionally, it appears that vascular permeability of the injured spinal cord can be influenced by the process of intraspinal transplantation.
Effect of Circadian Phase on Memory Acquisition and Recall: Operant Conditioning vs. Classical Conditioning

There have been several studies on the role of circadian clocks in the regulation of associative learning and memory processes in both vertebrate and invertebrate species. The results have been quite variable and at present it is unclear to what extent the variability observed reflects species differences or differences in methodology. Previous results have shown that following differential classical conditioning in the cockroach, Rhyparobia maderae, in an olfactory discrimination task, formation of the short-term and long-term memory is under strict circadian control. In contrast, there appeared to be no circadian regulation of the ability to recall established memories. In the present study, we show that following operant conditioning of the same species in a very similar olfactory discrimination task, there is no impact of the circadian system on either short-term or long-term memory formation. On the other hand, ability to recall established memories is strongly tied to the circadian phase of training. On the basis of these data and those previously reported for phylogenetically diverse species, it is suggested that there may be fundamental differences in the way the circadian system regulates learning and memory in classical and operant conditioning.
Optimizing synchroton-based x-ray lithography for 0.1 μm lithography

Abstract Of the many factors affecting the image intensity distribution, the variables that can be controlled are source spectrum, source spatial coherence, proximity gap, mask linewidth bias, and absorber thickness. To obtain the highest quality aerial image, all of these parameters must be optimized simultaneously. We describe an optimization of the spectrum of the Helios synchrotron, located at IBM's Advanced Lithography Facility (ALF) [1]. To obtain a spectrum better suited to 0.1 μm-linewidth x-ray lithography, the vacuum window should be changed from Be to 2 μm of Si. We present experimental results on the strength of SiN x windows for use as vacuum windows and propose a fabrication procedure for making beamline windows. Using the determined optimum spectrum, we summarize the results of a previous optimization study [2] of the x-ray aerial image. This optimization is performed using a rigorous electromagnetic model that accounts for diffraction in the absorber, source partial coherence, and diffraction in the proximity gap. The aerial image of 0.1 μm features at a gap of 10 μm is optimized.
Common expression of an unusual CD45 isoform on T cells from patients with large granular lymphocyte leukaemia and autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome.

Summary. Patients with T-cell large granular lymphocyte (T-LGL) leukaemia and autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) share many features, including autoimmunity and an expansion of (cytotoxic) T cells, which in ALPS patients express an unusual (B220) isoform of CD45, corresponding to an altered O-glycosylation profile. Here we showed that T-LGL leukaemia cells also expressed this B220 isoform. We hypothesize that B220+ T cells constitute proliferating T cells that have become competent to undergo apoptosis, but that constitutive (ALPS) or functional (T-LGL) defects prevent this process. Altered O-glycosylation of the extracellular domains of CD45 may have consequences for this tyrosine phosphatase as a regulator of cell proliferation and survival.
Characterization of two cDNAs encoding glutathione S‐transferases in rice and induction of their transcripts by the herbicide safener fenclorim

The safener fenclorim (4,6-dichloro-2-phenyl-pyrimidine) induces glutathione S-transferases (GSTs; EC 2.5.18) in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Lemont), including those with activity toward pretilachlor [2-chloro-2′,6′-diethyl-N-(2-propoxyethyl)acetamide] and this is associated with increased tolerance to this herbicide. In this study, we report on the isolation and characterization of two partial cDNA clones encoding GSTs in rice. The two cDNA clones were isolated by using GST-specific degenerate primers and the RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) technique from control (unsafened) and fenclorim-treated (safened) rice roots, respectively. Sequence analyses demonstrated that the two cDNAs share 60% amino acid sequence identity and 62% nucleotide sequence identity, appearing to represent two different rice GSTs (RGST I and II). Southern blot analysis with the two clones confirmed the presence of at least three GST genes in the rice genome. Northern blotting with the two clones as probes showed that the GST gene(s) are constitutively expressed in roots of unsafened rice seedlings. Treatment with the safener fenclorim induced the expression of the rice GST gene(s). The fenclorim-mediated induction of mRNA expression coincided with a concomitant induction of total GST activity toward pretilachlor in roots of fenclorim-safened rice. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequence alignment of the two rice cDNAs with sequences of other plant GSTs showed that RGST I seems to be more closely related to wheat GSTs, while RGST II is more closely related to the maize GST I and IV isozymes.
Effects of nerve growth factor on glutathione peroxidase and catalase in PC12 cells.

: Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a member of the neuro- trophin family and is required for the survival and maintenance of peripheral sympathetic and sensory ganglia. In the CNS, NGF regulates cholinergic expression by basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. NGF also stimulates cellular resistance to oxidative stress in the PC12 cell line and protects PC12 cells from the toxic effects of reactive oxygen species. The hypothesis that NGF protection involves changes in antioxidant enzyme expression was tested by measuring its effects on catalase and glutathione per- oxidase (GSH Px) mRNA expression in PC12 cells. NGF increased catalase and GSH Px mRNA levels in PC 12 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. There was also a corresponding increase in the enzyme activities of catalase and GSH Px. Thus, NGF can provide cytoprotection to PC12 cells by inducing the free radical scavenging enzymes catalase and GSH Px.
Phase transitions in near stoichiometric iron sulfide

Abstract The phase transition between the NiAs-type structure (P63/mmc) and the troilite structure ( P 6 2c ) in FeS has been examined in synthetic samples in high-temperature X-ray diffraction and DTA experiments, re-examined by Landau theory. The low temperature spin-flip and para- to ferroelectric transition was also studied. It is found experimentally that the NiAs-type to troilite transition is first-order and, by re-examination of Landau theory, that this is required by the Lifshitz condition but not by the Landau conditions. The low-temperature transition is found to occur with no discontinuity in lattice parameters. It is therefore argued that the low-temperature phase, which is known to be ferroelectric, has a trigonal space group symmetry that is a polar subgroup of P 6 2c , namely P31c.
Sunlight ultraviolet irradiation and BRAF V600 mutagenesis in human melanoma

The incidence of melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, continues to increase in the Western world. In addition to genetic alterations in high- and low-susceptibility genes identified for melanoma, somatic mutations in BRAF gene occur frequently in human melanoma and are distinctively linked to sun exposure. Of significance is a single hotspot codon, i.e., BRAF V600, wherein up to 92% of all mutations arise. Recent work in our laboratory has demonstrated that solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation triggers mutagenesis through induction of various DNA lesions, many of which capable of producing similar types of mutations, as those seen in BRAF V600 variants in human melanoma. In this review article, we have discussed application of “DNA damage-targeted mutagenicity” of solar UV-irradiation for determining the mechanistic involvement of sunlight UV in BRAF V600 mutagenesis in human melanoma. We envision that establishing “DNA-damage derived mutagenesis” in this exceptionally unique target gene may resolve the underlying mechanism(s) of melanoma-genesis, thus helping define preventive and therapeutic measures against this malignant disease. Hum Mutat 0, 1–9, 2008. © 2008, Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cross regulation of decapentaplegic and Ultrabithorax transcription in the embryonic visceral mesoderm of Drosophila

The Drosophila decapentaplegic gene (dpp) encodes a TGF-beta family member involved in signal transduction during embryonic midgut formation. The shortvein (shv) class of cis-regulatory dpp mutants disrupt expression in parasegments 4 and 7 (ps4 and ps7) of the embryonic visceral mesoderm (VM) surrounding the gut and cause abnormalities in gut morphogenesis. We demonstrate that cis-regulatory elements directing expression in ps4 and ps7 are separable and identify DNA fragments that generate ps4 and ps7 expression patterns using reporter gene constructs. dpp reporter gene expression in both ps4 and ps7 is autoregulated as it requires endogenous dpp+ activity. Reporter gene ps7 expression requires the wild-type action of Ultra-bithorax (Ubx), and abdominal-A. Furthermore, the expression of certain Ubx reporter genes is coincident with dpp in the VM. Both the mis-expression of Ubx reporter genes in the developing gastric caecae at ps4 and its normal expression in ps7 are dependent upon endogenous dpp+ activity. We conclude that dpp both responds to and regulates Ubx in ps7 of the visceral mesoderm and that Ubx autoregulation within this tissue may be indirect as it requires more components than have previously been thought.
A Lasting Provocation

L: We began by researching the lifespan of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, a building that began as a Byzantine church, became a mosque, and then a secular museum. We wondered what alterations might have been made to the space to accommodate these uses and what kind of a performance we might make in response. In the space of our work, we wanted to consider these changes not as conflicting theologies, but as movements encountered on different planes. But we lacked the funds to travel to Turkey, and instead found ourselves researching a building in Zagreb, Croatia, where the tour of our previous performance took us—a round building that was a museum, then a mosque, then a museum again.
Coaxial electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone), multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and polyacrylic acid/polyvinyl alcohol scaffold for skeletal muscle tissue engineering.

Skeletal muscle repair after injury usually results in scar tissue and decreased functionality. In this study, we coaxially electrospun poly(e-caprolactone), multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and a hydrogel consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylic acid (PCL-MWCNT-H) to create a self-contained nanoactuating scaffold for skeletal muscle tissue replacement. This was then compared to electrospun PCL and PCL-MWCNT scaffolds. All scaffolds displayed some conductivity; however, MWCNT incorporation increased the conductivity. Only the PCL-MWCNT-H actuated when stimulated with 15 and 20 V. The PCL, PCL-MWCNT, and hydrogel only scaffolds demonstrated no reaction when 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 V were applied. Thus, all components of the PCL-MWCNT-H scaffold are essential for movement. All three PCL-containing scaffolds were biocompatible, but the PCL-MWCNT-H scaffolds displayed more multinucleated cells with actin interaction. After tensile testing, the MWCNT-containing scaffolds had higher strength than the rat and pig skeletal muscle. Although the mechanical properties were higher than muscle, the PCL-MWCNT-H scaffold shows promise as a potential bioartificial nanoactuator for skeletal muscle.
Effect of Temperature on Modal Variability of a Curved Concrete Bridge under Ambient Loads

This paper reports on the effect of temperature on the modal properties for a curved posttensioned bridge. The goal has been to explore how ambient vibrations based on routine traffic excitation can be used as part of a long-term bridge monitoring approach. This requires the establishment of a baseline that incorporates the sensitivity of the measured modal properties. The ambient vibration characteristics are based on both the health of the structure and the environmental and operational conditions which may mask normal changes due to structural changes. The primary environmental influence on the structural modal properties is temperature. A database developed over a 5 year period to explore bridge monitoring techniques has been used to evaluate how temperature variations influence the modal properties. The results show that the variability of measured modal parameters due to temperature should be well understood and quantified prior to the establishment of a baseline for use in damage assessment algorithms.
A 1.94 to 2.55 GHz, 3.6 to 4.77 GHz Tunable CMOS VCO Based on Double-Tuned, Double-Driven Coupled Resonators

This paper presents a multi-band CMOS VCO using a double-tuned, current-driven transformer load. The dual frequency range oscillator is based on enabling/disabling the driving current in the secondary port of the transformer. This approach eliminates the effect of switches connected directly to the VCO tank whose capacitance and on-resistance affect both the tuning range and the phase noise of a typical multi-band oscillator. The relation between the coupling coefficient of the transformer load, selection of frequency bands, and the resulting quality factor at each band is investigated. The concept is validated through measurement results from a prototype fabricated in 0.25 ?m CMOS technology. The VCO has a measured tuning range of 1.94 to 2.55 GHz for the low frequency range and 3.6 to 4.77 GHz for the high frequency range. It draws a current of 1 mA from 1.8 V supply with a measured phase noise of -116 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from a 2.55 GHz carrier. For the high frequency band, the VCO draws 10.1 mA from the same supply with a phase noise of -122.8 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from a 4.77 GHz carrier.
Impacts of nitrogen fertilization on volatile organic compound emissions from decomposing plant litter

Nonmethane volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are reactive, low molecular weight gases that can have significant effects on soil and atmospheric processes. Research into biogenic VOC sources has primarily focused on plant emissions, with few studies on VOC emissions from decomposing plant litter, another potentially important source. Likewise, although there have been numerous studies examining how anthropogenic increases in nitrogen (N) availability can influence litter decomposition rates, we do not know how VOC emissions may be affected. In this study, we measured the relative contribution of VOCs to the total carbon (C) emitted from decomposing litter and how N amendments affected VOC emissions. We incubated decomposing litter from 12 plant species over 125 days, measuring both CO2 and VOC emissions throughout the incubation. We found that VOCs represented a large portion of C emissions from a number of the litter types with C emissions as VOCs ranging from 0% to 88% of C emissions as CO2. Methanol was the dominant VOC emitted, accounting for 28–99% of total VOC emissions over the incubation period. N additions increased CO2 production in 7 of the 12 litter types by 5–180%. In contrast, N additions decreased VOC emissions in 8 of the 12 litter types, reducing net VOC emissions to near zero. The decrease in VOC emissions was occasionally large enough to account for the increased CO2 emissions on a per unit C basis, suggesting that N additions may not necessarily accelerate C loss from decomposing litter but rather just switch the form of C emitted. Together these results suggest that, for certain litter types, failure to account for VOC emissions may lead to an underestimation of C losses from litter decomposition and an overestimation of the effects of N additions on rates of litter decomposition.
Water quality response to a pulsed-flow event on the Mokelumne river, California

Controlled water releases from reservoirs (i.e. artificial floods) are used as a management technique to remove fine sediments and detrital materials from spawning gravels, mobilize gravel bars and clear encroaching brush from stream banks. The effects of a managed release event on water quality were investigated on the lower Mokelumne River in the western Sierra Nevada, California. The managed release was characterized by an increase in flow over a 4-day period (from 11 to 57 m3 s−1). Automatic pump samplers were used to collect samples for water quality from 0.7, 16.4, 37.4 and 54.4 km below Camanche Dam. These sampling sites provided water quality data for three distinct stream reaches: a gravel and sand-textured substrate reach (0.7–16.4 km), a reach characterized by lentic conditions associated with a small reservoir (16.4–37.4 km), and fine sand and silt-textured substrate reach (37.4–54.4 km). Water samples were analysed for total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen, ammonium (NH4-N), nitrate (NO3-N), total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), foecal coliforms and E. coli. Chemographs for all constituents exhibited spikes in concentration with each increase in streamflow for the rising limb. Fluxes of TSS, total P and total N released from the 0.7 to 16.4 km reach were 322, 0.32 and 0.70 Mg, respectively. The small reservoir acted as a sink for particulate materials retaining about 50% of TSS, 48% of total P and 43% of total N. However, the reservoir acted as a source of dissolved nutrients (NO3-N = 0.28 Mg and SRP = 0.055 Mg). The stream reach below the reservoir (37.4 to 54.4 km) was a source of particulate materials, dissolved nutrients and bacteria, possibly due to agricultural and urban inputs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of a novel large-field cone bipolar cell type in the primate retina: evidence for selective cone connections.

Parallel processing of visual information begins at the first synapse in the retina between the photoreceptors and bipolar cells. Ten bipolar cell types have been previously described in the primate retina: one rod and nine cone bipolar types. In this paper, we describe an 11 th type of bipolar cell identified in Golgi-stained macaque retinal whole mount and vertical section. Axonal stratification depth, in addition to dendritic and axonal morphology, distinguished the "giant" cell from all previously well-recognized bipolar cell types. The giant bipolar cell had a very large and sparsely branched dendritic tree and a relatively large axonal arbor that costratified with the DB4 bipolar cell near the center of the inner plexiform layer. The sparseness of the giant bipolar's dendritic arbor indicates that, like the blue cone bipolar, it does not contact all the cones in its dendritic field. Giant cells contacting the same cones as midget bipolar cells, which are known to contact single long-wavelength (L) or medium-wavelength (M) cones, demonstrate that the giant cell does not exclusively contact short-wavelength (S) cones and, therefore, is not a variant of the previously described blue cone bipolar. This conclusion is further supported by measurement of the cone contact spacing for the giant bipolar. The giant cell contacts an average of about half the cones in its dendritic field (mean ± S.D. = 52 ± 17.6%; n = 6), with a range of 27-82%. The dendrites from single or neighboring giant cells that converge onto the same cones suggest that the giant cell may selectively target a subset of cones with a highly variable local density, such as the L or M cones.
Natural Disasters and Existential Concerns A Test of Tillich’s Theory of Existential Anxiety

Existential anxiety is hypothesized to be a core human issue in a great deal of theoretical and philosophical writing. Fostering the empirical understanding of the expression of these concerns may ...
Issues in identification of control-oriented thermal models of zones in multi-zone buildings

There is significant recent interest in applying model-based control techniques to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This requires a predictive model of the building's thermal dynamics. Due to the complexity of the underlying physical processes, usually system identification techniques are used to identify parameters of a physics-based model. We investigate the effect of various model structures and identification techniques on the parameter estimates through a combination of analysis and experiments conducted in a commercial building. We observe that a second order model can reproduce the input-output behavior of a full-scale model (with 13 states). Even a single state model has enough predictive ability that it may be sufficient for control purposes. We also show that the application of conventional techniques to closed-loop data from buildings (that are collected during usual operation) leads to poor estimates; their inaccuracy becomes apparent only when forced-response data is used for validation where there is sufficient difference among various inputs and outputs. The results of this investigation are expected to provide guidelines on do's and don'ts in modeling and identification of buildings for control.
Veni, vidi, vici via videodisc: A simulator for instructional conversations

Abstract Using motion-picture-quality video and sound, videodisc-based materials can provide highly motivating course segments for second language learning. The supplementation of the audio medium with natural visual context provides for techniques which fit in well with modern theories of language acquisition. Under microcomputer control, such materials can be highly interactive and individualized. At the moment, the costs of both videodisc production and playback hardware are high, but there are good prospects for future reductions in cost.
Effects of rate of loading on viscoelastic supraspinous ligament inflammation and cumulative lumbar disorder.

COMMENTARY ON: Pinski SE, King KB, Davidson BS, et al. High-frequency loading of lumbar ligaments increases proinflammatory cytokines expression in a feline model of repetitive musculoskeletal disorder. Spine J 2010:10:1078–85 ( in this issue ).
Academic Pharmacologists: Confronting New Challenges in Educational Programs of Graduate and Health Care Professionals

Pharmacologists belong to a special fraternity, one whose members love to study drugs, even though we may have highly individualized viewpoints about what aspect of drug action delights our intellectual curiosities. Still it is this passion to understand everything about a drug that drives our need to uncover the essence of a chemical's effect on living cells and tissues, and ultimately how it exerts its therapeutic benefits. In this sense, pharmacology is a discipline key to the health sciences in that it bridges basic and clinical endeavors, as well as between professional practices.
Fair Variable Transmission Power Control

Despite its success in saving energy and increasing spatial reuse, the use of variable transmission power control in wireless multihop networks has consequences to fairness. We study a variant of the hidden terminal problem resulting from link asymmetries, and its impact on expected node throughput. We give a model relating the transmission power level and backoff window size to throughput. Based on the analysis, we propose a localized algorithm to set the contention window size of a medium access control protocol according to the transmission power level. In simulation our protocol achieves the highest fairness index among several approaches.
Rationale for the treatment of solid tumors with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib.

Abstract Given its role in cellular metabolism, the proteasome could prove to be a critical target that can be exploited in treating cancer. In preclinical studies, several mechanisms for bortezomib’s activity in multiple myeloma cells have been identified (e.g., NF-κB inhibition); antitumor activity with bortezomib has been seen in myeloma patients, thereby supporting the validity of the preclinical work. Similar mechanisms may be in play in solid tumors, and cell culture and xenograft data suggest bortezomib may be active in a wide range of tumor types. One promising possibility is the use of bortezomib for the treatment of chemoresistant tumors. Chemoresistance can be caused by a number of cellular factors; NF-κB is a prominent instigator of chemoresistance, and proteasome inhibition was an effective means of preventing NF-κB activation in myeloma and several solid tumor laboratory studies. However, the inhibition of NF-κB may not be the only mechanism for antitumor activity. This review explores the use of proteasome inhibitors to subvert intrinsic resistance mechanisms, disrupt inducible chemoresistance, or augment the mechanisms of action of standard chemotherapeutics. Thus, in addition to providing another target for anticancer treatment, proteasome inhibition may also provide a means to treat refractory tumors.
Abiotic mosaics affect seasonal variation of plant resources and influence the performance and mortality of a leaf-miner in Gambel’s oak (Quercus gambelii, Nutt.)

Conceptual models of terrestrial trophic dynamics have emphasized the potential influence of various abiotic factors, though empirical studies have found generalities to be scarce. Progress may result through an increased use of experimental gradients in tandem with existing, natural gradients of abiotic factors that are more difficult to manipulate. Along an elevation/climatic gradient, a fertilization experiment was conducted to examine the impact of environmentally induced variation in foliar nitrogen on tri-trophic interactions for Phyllonorycter sp., a leaf-miner (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), in Rocky Mountain white oak, Quercus gambelii. Microclimate determined the relative effect of host-plant and natural-enemy effects for Phyllonorycter sp. Cooler, more humid microclimates resulted in a higher biomass payoff (total biomass/density). Further, increased seasonal variation in foliar nitrogen content at warmer, drier sites significantly increased parasitism rates. Fertilization treatments increased foliar nitrogen content and resulted in increased early-instar mortality. Fertilization treatment also acted in a non-linear fashion with microclimate to influence spatial patterns in parasitism rates. Overall, microclimate was found to affect characteristics of each trophic level, including host-plant nitrogen dynamics, Phyllonorycter sp. performance, and parasitism rates. Additionally, nutrient availability altered patterns of parasitoid-related mortality in Phyllonorycter sp. within microclimates. These results suggest that local topographic variation in combinations of abiotic factors, or abiotic mosaics, has important effects for spatial patterns of tri-trophic interactions.
Meningitis Caused by Candida Species: An Emerging Problem in Neurosurgical Patients

Three cases of candida meningitis were encountered in a 3-year period in our hospital ; all occurred in neurosurgical patients. We describe these three cases and review the 15 cases of neurosurgery-related candida meningitis previously reported in the English-language literature. Data regarding these 18 patients formed the basis for our review. Most patients with candida meningitis had recently received antibacterial agents, and it is notable that 50% of patients suffered from antecedent bacterial meningitis. The CSF analysis revealed neutrophilic pleocytosis that was indistinguishable from that of bacterial meningitis. The overall mortality was 11%. Administration of amphotericin B combined with flucytosine appeared to be the best therapeutic approach for candida meningitis.
Ansa-titanocene pyrrolyl complexes: The synthesis and structural characterization of [Me2Si(C5Me4)2]Ti(NC4H4)X (X = H, Me, Cl and NC4H4) and [Me2Si(C5Me4)(C5Me3CH2)]Ti(NC4H4)

A series of titanium–pyrrolyl compounds, namely [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 ) 2 ]Ti(NC 4 H 4 )X (X = H, Me, Cl, NC 4 H 4 ) and [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 )(C 5 Me 3 CH 2 )]Ti(NC 4 H 4 ) has been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Analysis of the Ti NC 4 H 4 bond lengths in these complexes indicates that pyrrolyl does not, by comparison to dialkylamido, act as an efficient π-donor ligand. The fulvene complex [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 )(C 5 Me 3 CH 2 )]Ti(NC 4 H 4 ) is obtained via thermal elimination of CH 4 and H 2 from [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 ) 2 ]Ti(NC 4 H 4 )Me and [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 ) 2 ]Ti(NC 4 H 4 )H, respectively. The latter transformation is reversible, with [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 )(C 5 Me 3 CH 2 )]Ti(NC 4 H 4 ) reacting with H 2 to give [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 ) 2 ]Ti(NC 4 H 4 )H at room temperature. In accord with this reversibility, treatment of [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 ) 2 ]Ti(NC 4 H 4 )H with D 2 results in incorporation of deuterium into the hydride and one ring methyl group of each cyclopentadienyl ring of the [Me 2 Si(C 5 Me 4 ) 2 ] ligand.
Proton Affinity of the Oxyanion Hole in the Active Site of Ketosteroid Isomerase

The absorption spectra of a series of inhibitors bound at the active site of Δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerase from Pseudomonas putida were found to exhibit substantial variations in the contributions of the protonated and deprotonated forms. Systematic variation of the inhibitor solution pKa combined with a method of quantifying the contributions of each protonation state showed the oxyanion hole in the active site of wild-type Δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerase to have a proton affinity equal to a solution pKa of 10.05 ± 0.03, which is similar to the measured pKa (10.0) of the reaction intermediate. This observation supports the prediction of Cleland, Kreevoy, Frey, Gassman, and Gerlt that an enzyme utilizing a strong hydrogen bond for catalysis matches the proton affinity of the protein to the intermediate [Cleland, W. W., and Kreevoy, M. M. (1994) Science 264, 1887−1890; Frey, P. A., Whitt, S., and Tobin, J. (1994) Science 264, 1927−1930; Gerlt, J. A., and Gassman, P. G. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 11934−11952]. As the ...
Dopant diffusion under pressure and stress

The effects of stress on equilibrium point defect populations and on dopant diffusion in strained semiconductors are reviewed. The thermodynamic relationships presented permit the direct comparison of hydrostatic and biaxial stress experiments and of atomistic calculations of defect volumetrics for any proposed mechanism. Experiments on the effects of pressure and stress on the diffusivity of B and Sb are reviewed. The opposite effects of hydrostatic compression and of biaxial compression on the diffusivity are a consequence of the non-local nature of the point defect formation volume. Comparisons between these effects are made to determine quantitatively the anisotropy of the migration volume. The requirements to permit the prediction of the effect of an arbitrary stress state on diffusion in an arbitrary direction are discussed.
Control of mitochondrial structure and function by the Yorkie/YAP oncogenic pathway

Mitochondrial structure and function are highly dynamic, but the potential roles for cell signaling pathways in influencing these properties are not fully understood. Reduced mitochondrial function has been shown to cause cell cycle arrest, and a direct role of signaling pathways in controlling mitochondrial function during development and disease is an active area of investigation. Here, we show that the conserved Yorkie/YAP signaling pathway implicated in the control of organ size also functions in the regulation of mitochondria in Drosophila as well as human cells. In Drosophila, activation of Yorkie causes direct transcriptional up-regulation of genes that regulate mitochondrial fusion, such as opa1-like (opa1) and mitochondria assembly regulatory factor (Marf), and results in fused mitochondria with dramatic reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. When mitochondrial fusion is genetically attenuated, the Yorkie-induced cell proliferation and tissue overgrowth are significantly suppressed. The function of Yorkie is conserved across evolution, as activation of YAP2 in human cell lines causes increased mitochondrial fusion. Thus, mitochondrial fusion is an essential and direct target of the Yorkie/YAP pathway in the regulation of organ size control during development and could play a similar role in the genesis of cancer.
Dual-V CC 8T-bitcell SRAM array in 22nm tri-gate CMOS for energy-efficient operation across wide dynamic voltage range

A 14KB 8T-bitcell SRAM array is demonstrated in 22nm tri-gate CMOS with fine-grain dual-VCC assist techniques. VMIN limiting 8T-bitcell nodes are boosted selectively during read and write to improve overall chip-VMIN. Measurements show 130-270mV lower VMIN with 27-46% lower power at 0.4-1.6GHz for varying amounts of boosting, array activity and voltage regulator efficiency.
An assessment of the mental health of physicians specializing in the field of child neurology.

Abstract We assessed physicians working in the field of child neurology with the aim of improving the physicians' mental health. Our questionnaire included a burnout inventory and a general health questionnaire. We analyzed 29 responses from physicians in a variety of countries obtained through the Internet. According to their responses, 8 (27.5%) of the respondents had attained a burnout status, and 27 respondents (93.1%) had neurotic conditions. We found a greater percentage of physicians in poor mental health than we had found previously in assessments made in Japan. However, the respondents in the present survey had more positive styles for coping with stress. The length of time working as a physician affected respondents in Japan and internationally, whereas nationality or working environment (workplace, night shifts, and so on) did not. Consultants or mentors on work and assertive stress coping would be effective. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Electron Microscopy of the Human Seminiferous Tubules

The germinal epithelium of the testis is composed of different cell types which constantly undergo changes through a complicated combination of proliferation, differentiation and renewal. Clermont has postulated (1–3) that human germ cells are systematically arranged into six basic stages, and has proposed models for the development and renewal of spermatogonia in man. On the other hand other authors have stated that the cellular division and combinations in the human testis lack the synchronism and steadiness which is seen in other mammals (4–6).