cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of binocular and motion-generated information on the perception of depth and height

The perception of distance and size in the presence of optical gradient information was investigated under four viewing conditions—binocular view with and without head motion, and monocular view with and without head motion. Subjects (60 adults) matched distance intervals (from 15 to 127 cm) and heights of a target triangle (from 5 to 15 cm) by adjusting the length of a metal tape. Both linear and power functions were fitted to each individual’s distance judgments, and the competing perceptual models were compared. For both models, it was found that binocular information was sufficient to specify relative, but not absolute, distance, that monocular information was sufficient to specify an orderly relation between target distance and judgment but not absolute distance, that average error was less in the binocular conditions, and that perceived distance was not affected in either condition by the addition of head motion. The analysis of size judgments revealed that monocular and binocular judgments did not differ, that matches made with and without head motion did not differ, and that, in all conditions, matches exceeded target heights by an average 30% to 40%. Judged size was also analyzed as a function of target distance. In all conditions but monocular view with head motion, the effect of distance was to increase size judgments. The distance judgments support the hypothesis (Purdy, 1958) that the binocular stimulus carries information that the monocular stimulus does not; they fail to support the hypothesis (Gibson, 1966) that observer motion adds information to the static stimulus. The size judgments support neither hypothesis but suggest an independence of perceived size from perceived distance.
Chronic pain and fibromyalgia: the regulatory perspective☆

Chronic pain is an important clinical entity that represents a currently unmet medical need. Relief of pain is an important public health goal for patients of all ages, from perinatal to geriatric. This article will describe some of the current regulatory issues in developing and approving drugs to treat chronic pain. It will also begin to familiarize the reader with the importance of the so-called 'label' and some of its roles to enable the best 'risk-benefit' decisions be made for, and by, patients with chronic pain.
Squamous cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid stroma

Two cases of squamous cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid stroma are presented. One tumor was located in the soft palate that metastasized to a neck lymph node; the epithelial and the spindle cell component of the tumor at the primary as well as at the metastatic site showed ultrastructural features of squamous cell carcinoma. The other case, a laryngeal tumor with spindle cell stroma, was shown by ultrastructural studies to be composed of proliferating fibroblasts. The diagnostic problems and the controversies regarding classification and behavior of these rare tumors of upper respiratory tract and upper gastrointestinal tract are discussed.
The pharmacokinetic behavior of the soy isoflavone metabolite S-(−)equol and its diastereoisomer R-(+)equol in healthy adults determined by using stable-isotope-labeled tracers

Background: The nonsteroidal estrogen equol occurs as diastereoisomers, S-(−)equol and R-(+)equol, both of which have significant biological actions. S-(−)equol, the naturally occurring enantiomer produced by 20–30% of adults consuming soy foods, has selective affinity for estrogen receptor-β, whereas both enantiomers modulate androgen action. Little is known about the pharmacokinetics of the diastereoisomers, despite current interest in developing equol as a nutraceutical or pharmaceutical agent. Objective: The objective was to compare the pharmacokinetics of S-(−)equol and R-(+)equol by using [13C] stable-isotope-labeled tracers to facilitate the optimization of clinical studies aimed at evaluating the potential of these diastereoisomers in the prevention and treatment of estrogen- and androgen-dependent conditions. Design: A randomized, crossover, open-label study in 12 healthy adults (6 men and 6 women) compared the plasma and urinary pharmacokinetics of orally administered enantiomeric pure forms of S-(−)[2-13C]equol, R-(+)[2-13C]equol, and the racemic mixture. Plasma and urinary [13C]R-equol and [13C]S-equol concentrations were measured by tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Plasma [13C]equol concentration appearance and disappearance curves showed that both enantiomers were rapidly absorbed, attained high circulating concentrations, and had a similar terminal elimination half-life of 7–8 h. The systemic bioavailability and fractional absorption of R-(+)[2-13C]equol were higher than those of S-(−)[2-13C]equol or the racemate. The pharmacokinetics of racemic (±)[2-13C]equol were different from those of the individual enantiomers: slower absorption, lower peak plasma concentrations, and lower systemic bioavailability. Conclusions: The high bioavailability of both diastereoisomers contrasts with previous findings for the soy isoflavones daidzein and genistein, both of which have relatively poor bioavailability, and suggests that low doses of equol taken twice daily may be sufficient to achieve biological effects.
Synthesis of aryl-substituted bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen complexes.

The synthesis and characterization of dimeric, aryl-substituted bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen complexes is described. In contrast to reduction with sodium amalgam where bis(chelate) iron compounds were isolated, stirring (ArPDI)FeBr2 or (MeBPDI)FeBr2 (PDI = 2,6-(ArN═CMe)2C5H3N; Ar = 2,6-Et2-C6H3N (EtPDI), 2,6-Me2-C6H3N (MePDI), 2-iPr,6-Me-C6H3N (Me,iPrPDI); MeBPDI = 2,6-(2,6-Me2-C6H3N═CPh)2C5H3N) with sodium naphthalenide resulted in isolation of the desired iron dinitrogen compounds as diamagnetic solids. Two examples, [(EtPDI)Fe(N2)]2(μ2-N2) and [(MeBPDI)Fe(N2)]2(μ2-N2), were characterized by X-ray diffraction. The solid state metrical parameters, in combination with infrared and Mossbauer spectroscopic data, establish ferrous compounds with doubly reduced chelates. Each new bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen compound was screened for the catalytic hydrogenation of ethyl-3-methylbut-2-enoate, and the compound bearing the smallest aryl substituent, [(MePDI)Fe(N2)]2(μ2-N2), offers significant improve...
Biosynthesis of monoterpenes: Partial purification and characterization of 1,8-cineole synthetase from Salvia officinalis☆

The heterocyclic monoterpene 1,8-cineole is one of the major components of the volatile oil produced by sage (Salvia officinalis), and soluble enzyme extracts prepared from young sage leaves catalyzed the anaerobic conversion of the acyclic precursor neryl pyrophosphate to 1,8-cineole. This enzymatic activity was partially purified by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatography on hydroxylapatite, and the bulk of the competing activities, including phosphatases, were removed from the preparation. Cineole synthetase activity had a pH optimum at 6.1. The rate of 1,8-cineole formation was linear up to 1 h, and up to a protein concentration of 450 μg/ml. A divalent cation was required for catalysis, and maximum activity was obtained with MnCl2 (1 mm). ZnCl2 was nearly as effective as MnCl2, and MgCl2 could substitute for MnCl2 only at tenfold higher concentrations. The apparent Km and V of the enzyme were 10−5m and 5.6 nmol/h-mg-ml, respectively. Inhibition of activity was observed at neryl pyrophosphate concentrations above 2 × 10−4m. Nerol, neryl phosphate, 6,7-dihydroneryl pyrophosphate, citronellyl pyrophosphate, and 3,7-dimethyloctyl pyrophosphate were inactive as substrates for 1,8-cineole biosynthesis, indicating that the pyrophosphate and both double bonds of neryl pyrophosphate were required for catalysis. Geranyl pyrophosphate and linaloyl pyrophosphate were converted to 1,8-cineole at only 9 and 15%, respectively, of the rate of neryl pyrophosphate. Thus, the enzyme was highly specific for neryl pyrophosphate. α-Terpineol and its phosphorylated derivatives were not converted to 1,8-cineole, and this observation, coupled with the resolution of cineole synthetase activity from α-terpineol synthetase activity, proved conclusively that α-terpineol was not an intermediate in 1,8-cineole biosynthesis. p-Hydroxymercuribenzoate strongly inhibited the conversion of neryl pyrophosphate to 1,8-cineole (90% inhibition at 4 × 10−5m); however, other thiol-directed reagents such as N-ethylmaleimide were much less effective. The enzyme was insensitive to NaF and to several other metabolic inhibitors. This is the first report on the properties of cineole synthetase, a novel enzyme which catalyzes both a carbocyclization and a heterocyclization.
Environmental mutagenesis: Past and future directions

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Environmental Mutagen Society, this article presents a personal reflection on the development of environmental mutagenesis as a unique scientific discipline. The events following the demonstration of chemical mutagenesis in the 1940s and leading to the formation of the Environmental Mutagen Society in 1969 are reviewed. Scientific progress and regulatory practices in the field of environmental mutagenesis during the twenty-five years since the founding of the Society are discussed, and speculation on the likely future of the field is presented.
The analysis of chlorofluorocarbons in the troposphere by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract An analysis of CF 2 Cl 2 and CFCl 3 in rural air samples collected in the Pacific Northwest by a gas chromatograph linked directly to a mass spectrometer is described. As little as 5 ppt of each chlorofluorocarbon is detectable in 20 cm 3 air samples. This is a significant improvement over the electron capture detector for the direct analysis of CF 2 Cl 2 in air samples representative of background levels. Present background concentrations in Washington state are reported to be 230 ± 8 and 128 ± 5 ppt ∗ for CF 2 Cl 2 and CFCl 3 , respectively.
Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyroscope Dead Band Suppression

The dead band at small rotation rate in the closed-loop interferometric fiber optic gyroscope (IFOG) is eliminated. The feedback-voltage dependent error causing the dead band is suppressed by applying a randomized voltage step to the phase modulator. A theoretical model is developed to analyze the error in comparison with the measured dead band. The experimental results with the suppression scheme implemented show no evidence of dead band at the rate of 0.001 deg/h.
Redrawing the Color Line

In 1903, W.E.B. Du Bois prophesied that the “problem of the twentieth–century is the problem of the color line,” by which he meant the tenacious black–white divide that has long characterized the n...
Dynamic regulation of K+ channel gene expression in differentiated cells

Recent studies have determined that K+ channel gene expression is dynamically controlled in endocrine, cardiac, and neuronal cells. This regulation is induced by physiological stimuli (e.g., hormones, transmitters, depolarization), drugs (e.g., opiates) and with pathophysiological conditions (e.g., seizures, hypertension). In many cases, alterations in subunit expression are driven by transcriptional changes. Furthermore, resultant changes in excitability can be produced within hours because of the rapid turnover of Kv-channel proteins. Finally, the consequences of altering K+-channel subunit are complex because a single gene product can participate in forming functionally distinct homomeric and heteromeric channels in the same cell. Thus, regulating K+-channel genes constitutes a novel mechanism for producing intricate long-term changes in excitability.
Upper airway mechanics and post-hypoxic ventilatory decline during NREM sleep

Termination of hypoxia results in a transient ventilatory decline referred to as post-hypoxic ventilatory decline (PHVD). We wished to determine whether PHVD is due to changes in ventilatory motor output or upper airway mechanics. We studied 19 healthy normal subjects (15 men, 4 women) during stable non-REM (NREM) sleep. Subjects were exposed to multiple episodes of brief (3 min) hypoxia that terminated with one breath of 100% FIO2. Minute ventilation (V I), tidal volume (V T), timing, and upper airway resistance (R ua) were measured during the control, hypoxia, and for the first six breaths immediately after cessation of hypoxia. In addition, we measured diaphragmatic electromyograms (EMGdia) via surface electrodes in four subjects. V I and V T decreased during the recovery period to a nadir of 81and 83% of room air control, respectively. However, there was no significant change in respiratory frequency or upper airway resistance during the post-hypoxic recovery period. Decreased V I was associated with a comparable decrease in EMGdia. We conclude that: (1) PHVD occurs in normal humans during NREM sleep, (2) there is no evidence of post-hypoxic frequency decline in humans during NREM sleep, and (3) PHVD is centrally mediated and not driven by upper airway mechanics.
Violet and blue light blocking intraocular lenses: photoprotection versus photoreception

Aim: To analyse how intraocular lens (IOL) chromophores affect retinal photoprotection and the sensitivity of scotopic vision, melanopsin photoreception, and melatonin suppression. Methods: Transmittance spectra of IOLs, high pass spectral filters, human crystalline lenses, and sunglasses are used with spectral data for acute ultraviolet (UV)-blue photic retinopathy (“blue light hazard” phototoxicity), aphakic scotopic luminous efficiency, melanopsin sensitivity, and melatonin suppression to compute the effect of spectral filters on retinal photoprotection, scotopic sensitivity, and circadian photoentrainment. Results: Retinal photoprotection increases and photoreception decreases as high pass filters progressively attenuate additional short wavelength light. Violet blocking IOLs reduce retinal exposure to UV (200–400 nm) radiation and violet (400–440 nm) light. Blue blocking IOLs attenuate blue (440–500 nm) and shorter wavelength optical radiation. Blue blocking IOLs theoretically provide better photoprotection but worse photoreception than conventional UV only blocking IOLs. Violet blocking IOLs offer similar UV-blue photoprotection but better scotopic and melanopsin photoreception than blue blocking IOLs. Sunglasses provide roughly 50% more UV-blue photoprotection than either violet or blue blocking IOLs. Conclusions: Action spectra for most retinal photosensitisers increase or peak in the violet part of the spectrum. Melanopsin, melatonin suppression, and rhodopsin sensitivities are all maximal in the blue part of the spectrum. Scotopic sensitivity and circadian photoentrainment decline with ageing. UV blocking IOLs provide older adults with the best possible rhodopsin and melanopsin sensitivity. Blue and violet blocking IOLs provide less photoprotection than middle aged crystalline lenses, which do not prevent age related macular degeneration (AMD). Thus, pseudophakes should wear sunglasses in bright environments if the unproved phototoxicity-AMD hypothesis is valid.
Schema therapy for borderline personality disorder

This article presents the Schema Therapy (Young, Klosko, & Weishaar, 2003) approach to the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Schema therapy draws on the cognitive-behavioral, attachment, psychodynamic, and emotion-focused traditions and conceptualizes patients who have borderline personality disorder as being under the sway of five modes or aspects of the self. The goal of the therapy is to reorganize this inner structure. To this end, there are four core mechanisms of change that are used in this therapy: (1) limited reparenting, (2) experiential imagery and dialogue work, (3) cognitive restructuring and education, and (4) behavioral pattern breaking. These interventions are used during the three phases of treatment: (1) bonding and emotional regulation, (2) schema mode change, and (3) development of autonomy.
Hospital-acquired infections in the neonatal intensive care unit-Klebsiella pneumoniae

Klebsiella pneumoniae is medically the most important organism of the Klebsiella species. It is responsible for a significant proportion of hospital-acquired infections including septicemias, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and soft tissue infections especially in the immunocompromised hosts such as the neonate. The hands of healthcare workers and the gastrointestinal tract of hospitalized infants serve as reservoirs for the transmission of the organism and are responsible for multiple hospital outbreaks. In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of outbreaks caused by multidrug resistance K. pneumoniae organisms or the extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing K. pneumoniae. The problems associated with extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing organisms include difficulties in accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing, limited treatment options and increased morbidity and perhaps mortality. Hence, prevention through implementation of strict infection control guidelines, effective hand washing and judicious use of antimicrobials such as third generation cephalosporins is important to effectively reduce the morbidity associated with this infection.
Modeling, validation, and co-design of IBM Blue Gene/Q: tools and examples

Major architectural innovations in the compute node have been introduced in the IBM Blue Gene®/Q, including programmable Level 1 (L1) cache data prefetching units to hide memory access latency, hardware support for transactional memory (TM) and speculative execution (SE), an enhanced five-dimensional integrated torus network, and a high-performance quad floating-point SIMD (single-instruction, multiple-data) unit. In this paper, we present the tools and methodology that we used to model, co-design, and validate these new features from early concept phase through design implementation. Early in the design cycle, we made extensive use of an architectural simulator, BGQSim, capable of executing unmodified binary Blue Gene/Q code for single as well as multiple nodes. As the hardware description language for the chip implementation became available, we complemented BGQSim with a cycle-accurate and cycle-reproducible, large-scale field-programmable gate array-based platform, Twinstar, to validate the implementation against performance targets and functional specifications. Through specific examples, we show the effectiveness of these tools in co-developing the hardware and software of Blue Gene/Q, allowing us to meet the design targets at an aggressive project schedule.
Maize global transcriptomics reveals pervasive leaf diurnal rhythms but rhythms in developing ears are largely limited to the core oscillator.

Background: Plant diurnal rhythms are vital environmental adaptations to coordinate internal physiological responses to alternating day-night cycles. A comprehensive view of diurnal biology has been lacking for maize (Zea mays), a major world crop. Methodology: A photosynthetic tissue, the leaf, and a non-photosynthetic tissue, the developing ear, were sampled under natural field conditions. Genome-wide transcript profiling was conducted on a high-density 105 K Agilent microarray to investigate diurnal rhythms. Conclusions: In both leaves and ears, the core oscillators were intact and diurnally cycling. Maize core oscillator genes are found to be largely conserved with their Arabidopsis counterparts. Diurnal gene regulation occurs in leaves, with some 23% of expressed transcripts exhibiting a diurnal cycling pattern. These transcripts can be assigned to over 1700 gene ontology functional terms, underscoring the pervasive impact of diurnal rhythms on plant biology. Considering the peak expression time for each diurnally regulated gene, and its corresponding functional assignment, most gene functions display temporal enrichment in the day, often with distinct patterns, such as dawn or midday preferred, indicating that there is a staged procession of biological events undulating with the diurnal cycle. Notably, many gene functions display a bimodal enrichment flanking the midday photosynthetic maximum, with an initial peak in mid-morning followed by another peak during the afternoon/evening. In contrast to leaves, in developing ears as few as 47 gene transcripts are diurnally regulated, and this set of transcripts includes primarily the core oscillators. In developing ears, which are largely shielded from light, the core oscillator therefore is intact with little outward effect on transcription.
Nonstructural geometric discontinuities in finite element/multibody system analysis

Existing multibody system (MBS) algorithms treat articulated system components that are not rigidly connected as separate bodies connected by joints that are governed by nonlinear algebraic equations. As a consequence, these MBS algorithms lead to a highly nonlinear system of coupled differential and algebraic equations. Existing finite element (FE) algorithms, on the other hand, do not lead to a constant mesh inertia matrix in the case of arbitrarily large relative rigid body rotations. In this paper, new FE/MBS meshes that employ linear connectivity conditions and allow for arbitrarily large rigid body displacements between the finite elements are introduced. The large displacement FE absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is used to obtain linear element connectivity conditions in the case of large relative rotations between the finite elements of a mesh. It is shown in this paper that a linear formulation of pin (revolute) joints that allow for finite relative rotations between two elements connected by the joint can be systematically obtained using ANCF finite elements. The algebraic joint constraint equations, which can be introduced at a preprocessing stage to efficiently eliminate redundant position coordinates, allow for deformation modes at the pin joint definition point, and therefore, this new joint formulation can be considered as a generalization of the pin joint formulation used in rigid MBS analysis. The new pin joint deformation modes that are the result of C0 continuity conditions, allow for the calculations of the pin joint strains which can be discontinuous as the result of the finite relative rotation between the elements. This type of discontinuity is referred to in this paper as nonstructural discontinuity in order to distinguish it from the case of structural discontinuity in which the elements are rigidly connected. Because ANCF finite elements lead to a constant mass matrix, an identity generalized mass matrix can be obtained for the FE mesh despite the fact that the finite elements of the mesh are not rigidly connected. The relationship between the nonrational ANCF finite elements and the B-spline representation is used to shed light on the potential of using ANCF as the basis for the integration of computer aided design and analysis (I-CAD-A). When cubic interpolation is used in the FE/ANCF representation, C0 continuity is equivalent to a knot multiplicity of three when computational geometry methods such as B-splines are used. C2 ANCF models which ensure the continuity of the curvature and correspond to B-spline knot multiplicity of one can also be obtained. Nonetheless, B-spline and NURBS representations cannot be used to effectively model T-junctions that can be systematically modeled using ANCF finite elements which employ gradient coordinates that can be conveniently used to define element orientations in the reference configuration. Numerical results are presented in order to demonstrate the use of the new formulation in developing new chain models.
Structural Performance of Self-Cementitious Fly Ash Concretes with Glass Aggregates

AbstractAlternative concretes are needed to reduce the significant environmental impact of ordinary portland cement concrete construction. This paper reports findings from a study that evaluated the structural performance of environmentally friendly concretes made with self-cementitious fly ashes as the sole binders and pulverized reused glass as the aggregate. Such an evaluation is essential to moving these new concretes out of the laboratory and into general structural applications. Six reinforced beams (two each of three designs) were tested using three fly ash binders and a conventional concrete control mix (total of 24 beams). The beams were configured to evaluate the performance of the concretes under three different failure mechanisms: (1) tension-controlled failure, in which the concrete crushes after the longitudinal steel yields; (2) compression-controlled failure, in which the concrete crushes before yielding of the longitudinal steel; and (3) shear-controlled failure, in which the concrete cra...
Design, integration and characterization of a novel paper-based wireless sensor module

In this paper, the first ever wireless “System On Paper” is introduced. A paper based wireless sensor module verifies the feasibility of this technology. Inkjet printing of conductive nano-particle silver ink, as well as the efficient integration of sensor active and passive devices and power source, reported in this paper, set the foundation for the development of low-cost light-weight autonomous nodes for cognitive intelligence applications.
STI management and control in North America IUSTI region

In the USA, approximately 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur annually,1 primarily affecting adolescents and young adults.2 Direct and indirect costs to the USA for STIs are estimated to be $10–17 billion dollars per year (table 1).3 Issues of health inequity and health disparities make STIs a prime target for management and control. STIs present numerous barriers to routine clinical care and diagnosis because of the associated stigma, costs and confidentiality issues. Furthermore, even if tested, many infected patients (30%–74%) never return for routine test results or are lost to follow-up for treatment.4 View this table: Table 1 Estimated annual burden and cost of STDs in the USA In Canada, between 1997 and 2007, both the number and rate of reported cases increased for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and infectious syphilis.5 All three STIs increased more dramatically among middle-aged adults. ### Age and health disparities #### Age Youth of the USA represents the most vulnerable population and bears much of the burden of sexually transmitted disease (STDs). Studies indicate that one in four sexually active adolescents will acquire an STD (figure 1). The chlamydia rate in the young adolescents is astounding: 3329.3/100 000 and 3273.9/100 000 in 15–19 and 20–24 years women, respectively, versus 1234.0 and 511.7/100 000 for ages 25–29 and 30–34 years, respectively.2 Figure 1 Chlamydia prevalence in sexually active women 14–24 years in the USA by age and race. NH, non-Hispanic. In Canada, between 1997 and 2007, chlamydia rates increased by 86.8% among adults aged 15–29 years (p<0.0001) and 165.9% among adults aged 40 to 59 years old (p<0.0001).5 Similarly, the increases for gonorrhoea were 133.3% (p<0.0001) and 210.2% (p<0.0001), respectively. Syphilis rates increased fivefold among younger adults compared with an increase of 11-fold among middle-aged adults (p<0.0001) since 1997.5 The reported rate ratios (younger:middle age) decreased over time for chlamydia (p<0.0001), gonorrhoea (p<0.0001) and syphilis (p=0.005). Men …
Emerging issues in the discussion of active learning

Earlier chapters address a broad range of strategies for effectively engaging students in the learning process. While each chapter answers a number of questions about active learning approaches, each also highlights emerging issues in the discussion of involving students in learning.
The fundamental basis for therapeutic plasmapheresis in autoimmune diseases

Abstract The application of therapeutic plasmapheresis (TP) to an autoimmune disease is made with careful attention to immunological mechanisms in the underlying disease process, its tempo, and its severity in the individual patient. The initial volume and frequency of TP, type of replacement plasma, and the type and intensity of any concomitant immunosuppressive drug therapy are designed with regard to the management of the particular disease process. During a course of successive plasmaphereses, the initial treatment parameters are constantly under re-evaluation and adjustment to meet changes in the patient's medical status. Published protocols often are unnecessarily rigid because they derive from statistical considerations necessary for study design, and should be viewed as flexible guidelines. This article first deals with the fundamental basis for TP, and then examines selected disease specific protocols in this light.
A burst-mode word-serial address-event link-II: receiver design

We present a receiver for a scalable multiple-access inter-chip link that communicates binary activity between two-dimensional arrays fabricated in deep submicron CMOS. Recipients are identified by row and column addresses but these addresses are not communicated simultaneously. The row address is followed sequentially by a column address for each active cell in that row; this cuts pad count in half without sacrificing communication capacity. Column addresses are decoded as they are received but cells are not written individually. An entire burst is written to a row in parallel; this increases communication capacity with integration density. Rows are written one by one but bursts are not processed one at a time. The next burst is decoded while the last one is being written; this increases capacity further. We synthesized an asynchronous implementation by performing a series of program decompositions, starting from a high-level description. Links using this design have been implemented successfully in three generations of submicron CMOS technology.
Adolescent heavy episodic drinking: Neurocognitive functioning during early abstinence

The present study investigated the rate and pattern of neuropsychological recovery in heavy episodic drinking teens during the initial days to weeks of abstinence from alcohol. Adolescents (ages, 16-18 years) with histories of heavy episodic drinking (HED; N = 39) and socio-demographically similar control teens (CON; N = 26) were recruited from San Diego area schools. HED and CON were comparable on 5th grade standardized math and language arts test performance to ensure similar functioning before onset of substance use. Participants were administered three neuropsychological test batteries with 2-week intervals during a 4-week monitored abstinence period. HED teens performed worse overall than CON on tests of prospective memory (p = .005), cognitive switching (p = .039), inhibition task accuracy (p = .001), verbal memory (p's < .045), visuospatial construction (p's < .043), and language and achievement (p's < .008). The statistically significant group × time interaction for block design demonstrated normalization within the 4 weeks of abstinence for the HED (p = .009). This study identified cognitive performance deficits associated with heavy episodic drinking in adolescence during early abstinence and with sustained 4-week abstention. These findings suggest alcohol-related influences on several underlying brain systems that may predate the onset of alcohol abuse or dependence or take longer than 4 weeks to recover.
Edge-Based Prediction for Lossless Compression of Hyperspectral Images

We present two algorithms for error prediction in lossless compression of hyperspectral images. The algorithms are context-based and non-linear, and use a one-band look-ahead, thus requiring a minimal storage buffer. The first algorithm (NPHI) predicts the pixel in the current band based on the information from its context. Prediction contexts are defined based on the neighboring causal pixels in the current band and the corresponding co-located causal pixels in the reference band. EPHI extends NPHI using edge-based analysis. Prediction is performed by classifying the pixels into edge and non-edge pixels. Each pixel is then predicted using information from pixels in the same edge class within the context. Empirical results show that the proposed methods produce competitive results when compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms with comparable complexity. On average, the edge-based technique (EPHI) produced the best overall result, over the images in the test dataset
The state of lipid rafts: from model membranes to cells.

▪ Abstract Lipid raft microdomains were conceived as part of a mechanism for the intracellular trafficking of lipids and lipid-anchored proteins. The raft hypothesis is based on the behavior of defined lipid mixtures in liposomes and other model membranes. Experiments in these well-characterized systems led to operational definitions for lipid rafts in cell membranes. These definitions, detergent solubility to define components of rafts, and sensitivity to cholesterol deprivation to define raft functions implicated sphingolipid- and cholesterol-rich lipid rafts in many cell functions. Despite extensive work, the basis for raft formation in cell membranes and the size of rafts and their stability are all uncertain. Recent work converges on very small rafts <10 nm in diameter that may enlarge and stabilize when their constituents are cross-linked.
A model to predict reverberant decay time in reflective spaces for wireless applications

A simple model for predicting the characteristic energy decay time of wireless RF emissions in confined, reflective spaces is presented. Based on this cavity decay time, accurate estimates of room quality factor, diffuse (multi-path) insertion loss, and average electric field components are possible. Spaces of interest for model applications include aircraft cabins, below-deck compartments in ships, automobile interiors and metallic building or room enclosures. Decay time predictions are shown to be in excellent agreement with measured data from two different reverberant spaces over the 1–14 GHz frequency range.
The Westward Drift and Geomagnetic Secular Change

Summary Short-term fluctuations in the length of the day on the order of a decade are discussed in relation to fluctuations in westward drift of the outer part of the Earth’s core. Decreases in the Earth’s rotation rate noted near 1910 and 1965 are shown to be correlated with decreases in westward drift of the Earth’s magnetic eccentric dipole, which probably originates fairly deep within the Earth’s core. If the outer 200-km thickness of the core moves approximately as does the eccentric dipole field, the changes in angular momentum implied for this part can explain the observed changes in the length of the astronomical second, on the basis of conservation of angular momentum. Other estimates of westward drift in the core based on higher-degree harmonic terms give a lower westward drift, and also seem to show less precision in the estimates of flow in the core. These discrepancies are unexplained. Since quite early times it has been known that the Earth undergoes several small and little-understood motions additional to its motion about the Sun, the precessional motion, and the daily rotation (Munk & MacDonald 1960). Astronomical observations on the Moon and stars during the past century have shown that the Earth’s rotation is non-uniform (Brouwer 1952). Since the Earth’s total angular momentum changes very slowly during centuries of time, effects noted during only a few decades suggest that compensatory motions within the Earth’s interior would seem required when fluctuations in surface rotation are observed (Munk & Revelle 1952; Vestine 1952). The main possibility for such motions, which could yield internal angular momentum changes within decades, would seem to be in the Earth’s fluid metallic core. Accordingly it is of interest to estimate possible changes in the rotation of the core expected to compensate for fluctuations in angular momentum of the mantle indicated by changes in the length of day. Since the Earth’s field is thought to originate in a hydromagnetic core, the geomagnetic field lines may be firmly attached to the surface flow in the core. Therefore, field lines moving about on the Earth’s surface may show whether such compensatory motion in the core takes place. Previous work establishing such connection has unhappily been less certain than desired (Kalinen 1949; Vestine 1952; Smirnov 1965). Vestine (1952) showed that if the Earth’s eccentric dipole motion is monitored at five-year intervals since 1840, it undergoes a westward drift of about 0-30”/yr7 except for several five-year intervals centred near 1910, for which the westward drift is perceptibly reduced (to less than half), corresponding to an increase in the angular velocity of the core. This occurred at a time when the mantle and crust slowed down, so that the day became longer.
Confirmation Bias in the Analysis of Remote Sensing Data

Analysis of remote sensing data requires a mix of technical data analysis and expert judgment. Although there is considerable empirical evidence that expert judgments reflect substantial biases, the impact of judgment biases in remote sensing and similar types of technical data analyses has not been investigated. In particular, judgment research suggests that experts are prone to a confirmation bias-where focus on a proposed hypothesis leads the expert to seek and overweigh confirming versus disconfirming evidence. In technical data analysis, this predicts a tendency toward false positives in interpretation-concluding that sensor data support a hypothesis when they do not. In this paper, we empirically examine confirmation bias in technical data analysis of remote sensing data, along with an approach to mitigating this bias that systematically promotes consideration of alternative causes in the analysis. Results suggest that analysts do exhibit confirmation bias in their technical data analysis of remote sensing data, and furthermore, that structured consideration of alternative causes mitigates this bias.
Individual- and neighborhood-level education influences the effect of obesity on prostate cancer treatment failure after prostatectomy

Purpose The relationship between obesity and prostate cancer (CaP) treatment failure is complex and may vary by patient- and neighborhood-level educational attainment. We evaluated whether patient- and neighborhood-level education is associated with the effect of obesity on biochemical recurrence.
Phylogeny of North American fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae): implications for the evolution of light signals

Representatives of the beetle family Lampyridae ("fireflies", "lightningbugs") are well known for their use of light signals for species recognition during mate search. However, not all species in this family use light for mate attraction, but use chemical signals instead. The lampyrids have a worldwide distribution with more than 2000 described species, but very little is known about their phylogenetic relationships. Within North America, some lampyrids use pheromones as the major mating signal whereas others use visual signals such as extended glows or short light flashes. Here, we use a phylogenetic approach to illuminate the relationships of North American lampyrids and the evolution of their mating signals. Specifically, to establish the first phylogeny of all North American lampyrid genera, we sequenced nuclear (18S) and mitochondrial (16S and COI) genes to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of 26 species from 16 North American (NA) genera and one species from the genus Pterotus that was removed recently from the Lampyridae. To test the monophyly of the NA firefly fauna we sequenced the same genes from three European lampyrids and three Asian lampyrids, and included all available Genbank data (27 additional Asian lampyrids and a former lampyrid from Asia, Rhagophthalmus). Our results show that the North American lampyrids are not monophyletic. Different subgroups are closely related to species from Europe, Asia and tropical America, respectively. The present classification of fireflies into subfamilies and tribes is not, for the most part, supported by our phylogenetic analysis. Two former lampyrid genera, Pterotus and Rhagophthalmus, which have recently been removed from this family, are in fact nested within the Lampyridae. Further, we found that the use of light as a sexual signal may have originated one or four times among lampyrids, followed by nine or four losses, respectively. Short flashes originated at least twice and possibly three times independently among our study taxa. The use of short flashes as a mating signal was replaced at least once by the use of long glows, and light signals as mating signals were lost at least three times in our study group and replaced by pheromones as the main signal mode.
STRUCTURE OF SODIUM BORATE GLASSES AS AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE

A series of sodium borate glasses, varying from 0 to 30% of Na2O in chemical composition and containing 0.1% of cobalt oxide as coloring agent, was prepared by melting in platinum and casting disks of proper size for measurement of spectral transmission up to the softening temperature of the glass. A General Electric automatic recording photoelectric spectrophotometer was used for the measurements. The change in color of the chromophore was correlated with the structures of the glasses, which have been deduced by Biscoe and Warren. Measurements made at higher temperatures indicated that abrupt changes in spectral transmission occurred near the transformation temperatures of the various glasses. Transmission curves of glasses at room temperature showed variations at about 15% of Na2O, which were correlated with the known breaks in physical properties of these glasses occurring near this composition. Theoretical deductions indicated that stable configurations in the glasses should exist near those compositions containing 10 and 20% of Na2O.
Early Childhood Education and Care Content for the Social Work Curriculum

Social workers are poised to play an important role in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings; however, they need the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful contribution. T...
A Method to Predict Infinity Values for Biexponential Processes

An equation is presented which allows infinity values for biexponential processes to be predicted in the early nonlinear phase when samples are taken at equal time intervals. This equation is independent of the value or ratio of the rate constants involved in the process. However, this method is very sensitive to noise normally associated with urine data.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Regulation of Gene Transcription: A Molecular Mechanism to Improve the Metabolic Syndrome

This review addresses the hypothesis that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly those of the (n-3) family, play pivotal roles as "fuel partitioners" in that they direct fatty acids away from triglyceride storage and toward oxidation, and that they enhance glucose flux to glycogen. In doing this, PUFA may protect against the adverse symptoms of the metabolic syndrome and reduce the risk of heart disease. PUFA exert their beneficial effects by up-regulating the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation while simultaneously down-regulating genes encoding proteins of lipid synthesis. PUFA govern oxidative gene expression by activating the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha. PUFA suppress lipogenic gene expression by reducing the nuclear abundance and DNA-binding affinity of transcription factors responsible for imparting insulin and carbohydrate control to lipogenic and glycolytic genes. In particular, PUFA suppress the nuclear abundance and expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and reduce the DNA-binding activities of nuclear factor Y, Sp1 and possibly hepatic nuclear factor-4. Collectively, the studies discussed suggest that the fuel "repartitioning" and gene expression actions of PUFA should be considered among criteria used in defining the dietary needs of (n-6) and (n-3) and in establishing the dietary ratio of (n-6) to (n-3) needed for optimum health benefit.
Chronic-Onset Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type I

A 6-month-old male infant presented to the pediatric gastroenterology elinic for maternal concerns of abdominal distention since birth. The abdom­ inal distention was not associated with vomiting or diarrhea and had not improved despite multiple formula changes. Past medical history was signifi­ cant for ,B-thalassemia. A physical exam revealed a well-appearing, develop­ mentally appropriate infant weighing 8.3 Kg (75th percentile). The liver edge was palpable 2-3 cm below the right costal margin and a spleen tip was palpable as well. The patient had no jaundice, ecchymoses, or ascites. Laboratory studies revealed an albumin 3 g/dL, SCOT 66 run, SePT 37 IU/L, alkaline phosphatase 868 IU/L, unconjugated bilirubin 1.7 mg/dL, conjugated bilirubin 0 mg/dL, and eel' 66 IU/L. Serum bile acids, lactate, pyruvate, hepatitis serologies, and an autoimmune panel were all normal. The patient had both a prolonged prothrombin time of 16.8 sec and a partial thromboplastin time of 51.6 sec. The serum a-fetoprotein was 119,000 /-lg/L. Ultrasound revealed hepatomegaly with increased echogenicity of the liver (Figure I). Apercutaneous liver biopsy revealed severe portal f brosis wi th fibrous septa forming a mixed nodular pattern. Necrotic hepatocytes as well as swollen hepatocytes with fat droplets were present (Figure 2). A diagnostic test confirmed the diagnosis.
Reduced rates of sulfentrazone plus chlorimuron and glyphosate in no-till, narrow-row, glyphosate-resistant Glycine max

Abstract Field studies were conducted in 1998 and 1999 to evaluate crop response, weed control, Glycine max yield, and economic returns of labeled (1×) and one-half labeled (½×) rates of early preplant (EPP) sulfentrazone plus chlorimuron and postemergence glyphosate, compared to glyphosate-alone systems in no-till, narrow-row, glyphosate-resistant G. max. Treatments containing a 1× or ½× rate of EPP sulfentrazone plus chlorimuron with glyphosate followed by (fb) a postemergence treatment of glyphosate provided 80 to 100% control of Xanthium strumarium, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, and Polygonum pensylvanicum and 82 to 100% control of Setaria faberi and Amaranthus rudis if glyphosate was applied mid-postemergence (MPOST) or late postemergence (LPOST). Glyphosate alone EPP fb glyphosate postemergence or sequential postemergence treatments of glyphosate provided 77 to 100% control of S. faberi, A. artemisiifolia, and P. pensylvanicum. Glycine max yield did not significantly differ between treatments that contai...
Quantum Gravitational Force Between Polarizable Objects.

Since general relativity is a consistent low energy effective field theory, it is possible to compute quantum corrections to classical forces. Here we compute a quantum correction to the gravitational potential between a pair of polarizable objects. We study two distant bodies and compute a quantum force from their induced quadrupole moments due to two-graviton exchange. The effect is in close analogy to the Casimir-Polder and London--van der Waals forces between a pair of atoms from their induced dipole moments due to two photon exchange. The new effect is computed from the shift in vacuum energy of metric fluctuations due to the polarizability of the objects. We compute the potential energy at arbitrary distances compared to the wavelengths in the system, including the far and near regimes. In the far distance, or retarded, regime, the potential energy takes on a particularly simple form: $V(r)=\ensuremath{-}3987\ensuremath{\hbar}c{G}^{2}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1S}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2S}/(4\ensuremath{\pi}{r}^{11})$, where ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1S}$, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2S}$ are the static gravitational quadrupole polarizabilities of each object. We provide estimates of this effect.