cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revealing the vacuum level in an infinite solid by real-space potential unfolding

Although real materials are finite in size, electronic structure theory is built on the assumption of infinitely large solids, which led to a longstanding controversy: where is the vacuum level? Here, we introduce an analytic real-space potential-unfolding approach to uncover the vacuum level in infinitely large solids. First-principles calculations show that, in the absence of a physical surface, the bulk band structure, often measured with respect to an average bulk potential, is offset by a hereto unknown and orientation-dependent bulk quadrupole with respect to the vacuum level. By identifying intrinsic contributions of a bulk solid to its surface and interface properties, our theory eliminates the ambiguities surrounding the physical origin of the band alignment between matters.
Naive Bayesian-Based Augmented Spatial Modulation (ASM) for VLC Systems

A machine learning (ML) based receiver for augmented spatial modulation (ASM) is constructed using a Naive-Bayesian classifier. The proposed approach reduces the system’s complexity. Its performance is compared with other eminent ML techniques.
Racial/ethnic differences in pregnancy-related hypertensive disease in nulliparous women.

Objective : Hypertension and cardiovascular disease rates vary by race/ethnicity in non-pregnant adults. We aimed to examine racial/ethnic differences in prevalence and severity of hypertensive diseases during pregnancy in nulliparous women. Design, Setting, Participants : Nulliparous women with singleton deliveries and electronic medical record data on demographics and pregnancy outcomes ( n =56,617) were selected from the Consortium on Safe Labor (2002– 2008). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate the adjusted odds of gestational hypertension, mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, chronic hypertension, superimposed preeclampsia, and unspecified hypertension for women who were non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and multiracial/other race/ethnicity, compared with non-Hispanic White women. Results : Non-Hispanic Black women had higher odds of entering pregnancy with chronic hypertension (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.84) and had higher odds of developing mild (AOR=1.26, 95% CI 1.10–1.45), severe (AOR=1.31, 95% CI 1.10–1.57) or superimposed preeclampsia (AOR=1.98, 95% CI 1.40–2.80) compared to non-Hispanic White women. Hispanic women and Asian/Pacific Islanders had higher odds of remaining normotensive (AOR=1.22, 95% CI 1.12–1.33 and AOR=1.55, 95% CI 1.31–1.84, respectively). Conclusions : Odds for specific gestational hypertensive diseases varied by race/ethnicity among women during their first pregnancy. Non-Hispanic Black women experienced more severe disease, while Hispanic women and Asian/Pacific Islanders had an overall decreased risk compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Patterns of racial/ethnic variation associated with hypertensive diseases during pregnancy were similar to racial/ethnic associations reported for adult onset cardiovascular disease, suggesting that there may be common pathways and shared risk factors. ( Ethn Dis . 2014;24[3]:283–289)
The Effect of Requests for Positive Evaluations on Customer Satisfaction Ratings

In order to focus service employees’ attention on delivering high levels of customer satisfaction, many companies directly reward (or punish) employees who deliver high (low) levels of satisfaction as reported in companies’ formalized satisfaction measurement processes. As a result, many frontline service employees attempt to influence their customers’ satisfaction evaluation by specifically asking them for positive ratings on surveys completed after the service encounter. Using psychological reactance theory, this research considers the impact of requests for positive evaluations on customers’ satisfaction and future intentions. The results indicate that customers who were asked to provide a positive evaluation actually report lower levels of satisfaction compared to customers who were not asked. The results also indicate that the request for positive evaluation has a negative influence on customers’ repurchase intentions and positive word-of-mouth intentions, but only for customers who had a more internal locus of control compared to those with a more external locus of control.
Through silicon via process for effective multi-wafer integration

We propose a novel 3D integration method, called Vertical integration after Stacking (ViaS) process. The process enables 3D integration at significantly low cost, since it eliminates costly processing steps such as chemical vapor deposition used to form inorganic insulator layers and Cu plating used for via filling of vertical conductors. Furthermore, the technique does not require chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) nor temporary bonding to handle thin wafers. The integration technique consists of forming through silicon via (TSV) holes in pre-multi-stacked wafers (> 2 wafers) which have no initial vertical electrical interconnections, followed by insulation of holes by polymer coating and via filling by molten metal injection. In the technique, multiple wafers are etched at once to form TSV holes followed by coating of the holes by conformal thin polymer layers. Finally the holes are filled by using molten metal injection so that a formation of interlayer connections of arbitrary choice is possible. In this paper, we demonstrate 3-chip-stacked test vehicle with 50 × 50 µm-square TSVs assembled by using this technique.
Initial condition for plasma transfer events

Two main ideas for the process of solar wind plasma with the magnetopause are magnetic reconnection proposed by Dungey and viscous interaction of Axford and Hines. These are different in that with the first plasma gains energy with E J > 0, while with the second plasma loses energy so E J < 0. A plasma transfer event combines the two by starting with an electric field with an electromotive force (equatorial plane shows curl E, or electromotive force). The initial condition for a plasma transfer event is an inductive electric field with a finite curl E, not an electrostatic field. The immediate cause is a localized pressure pulse from the magnetosheath associated with erosion. The response by the plasma is through charge separation; that depends on local conductivities, but it is strictly limited because an electrostatic field has curl E = 0. The normal component of the magnetic field B n has a large effect on particle mobility across the magnetopause. With B n = 0 (tangential discontinuity) only the very small Pedersen conductivity must be used. A finite B n (rotational discontinuity) does permit separation to reduce the net electric field E∥ along the magnetic field. This involves an enhancement of E⊥ (otherwise curl E would be affected) that reverses in sign at the magnetopause. E × B does not reverse: solar wind plasma can go through the moving magnetopause, even onto closed field lines. A finite B n initiates magnetic reconnection. It is Bohm diffusion into the low latitude boundary layer, independent of the X-line. The plasma flow is a dynamo since the plasma must do work, the source of the viscous interaction that Axford and Hines had proposed. Observations reviewed here, both at the magnetopause and at low altitudes, provide evidence that resolves the nature of solar wind-magnetospheric interaction in favor of viscous interaction.
A New Paradigm for Conservation of Great Whales in the Urban Sea of the United States -- Species in Need of a "Green Night"

The great whales of the North Atlantic live, breed, and are now being injured and killed in the “Urban Sea” —a growing feature of the United States coastline resulting from coastal development. The primary threats to great whales are anthropogenic: vessel strikes and entanglement in commercial fishing gear. Despite their popularity as cultural icons, and federal and state protective regulations on the books, endangered whales increasingly suffer collateral damage from coastal commerce. Ample law and technology exist to eliminate these problems. Rather than advancing the protection of whales, however, government agencies and some nonprofit organizations have aggravated the problem through their lack of meaningful action. This essay examines systemic reasons why harmful entanglements in commercial fishing gear continue to occur and are likely to go on unabated into the future. The essay then proposes a paradigm shift for approaching these problems that will protect whales and will also benefit other wildlife in the ocean and its coastal
Politics and Film: The Political Culture of Film in the United States, by Daniel P. Franklin

The central argument of Politics and Film is that the content of today's mainstream movies is strongly driven by marketplace demand and audience tastes (or at least the film industry's best guesses...
Effect of Cryptorchidism and Orchidopexy on Inhibin Secretion by Rat Sertoli Cells

The present study explored the effects of experimental bilateral cryptorchidism (of 21-, 28-, and 35-days duration) and orchidopexy (14 and 42 days) in the adult rat on the secretion of inhibin by cultures of isolated Sertoli cells. Changes in serum levels of gonadotropins, testis weight, and spermatogenesis also were assessed to verify the effectiveness of the surgical procedures. Cryptorchidy resulted in a progressive decline in testicular weight and a loss of germ cells, associated with increasing serum levels of FSH and LH. Inhibin secretion in vitro became nondetectable by 28 days after surgery. At 42 days after orchidopexy, spermatogenesis showed qualitative recovery, with a small increase in testes weight. Levels of LH in the circulation declined, but only to twice the intact control levels. However, inhibin secretion and serum FSH levels returned to nearly normal values. These results indicate that bilateral cryptorchidism severely impairs the secretion of inhibin and possibly other Sertoli cell functions which may account, at least partly, for the increase in circulating FSH levels and the arrest of spermatogenesis. The effects of cryptorchidism on these parameters can be reversed to a large degree by orchidopexy.
Metabolism of saturated and polyunsaturated very-long-chain fatty acids in fibroblasts from patients with defects in peroxisomal beta-oxidation

The metabolism of [1-14C]lignoceric acid (C24:0) and [1-14C]tetracosatetraenoic acid (C24:4, n-6) was studied in normal skin fibroblast cultures and in cultures from patients with defects in peroxisomal beta-oxidation (but normal peroxisomal numbers). Cells from X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) patients with a presumed defect in a peroxisomal acyl-CoA synthetase, specific for fatty acids of carbon chain lengths greater than 22 (very-long-chain fatty acids; VLCFA), showed a relatively normal production of radiolabelled CO2 and water-soluble metabolites from [1-14C]C24:0. However, the products of synthesis from acetate de novo (released by beta-oxidation), i.e. C16 and C18 fatty acids, were decreased, and carbon chain elongation of the fatty acid was increased. In contrast, cell lines from two patients with an unidentified lesion in peroxisomal beta-oxidation (peroxisomal disease, PD) showed a marked deficiency in CO2 and water-soluble metabolite production, a decreased synthesis of C16 and C18 fatty acids and an increase in carbon chain elongation. The relatively normal beta-oxidation activity of ALD cells appears to be related to low uptake of substrate, as a defect in beta-oxidation is apparent when measurements are performed on cell suspensions under high uptake conditions. Oxidation of [1-14C]C24:4 was relatively normal in ALD cells and in the cells from one PD patient but abnormal in those from the other. Our data suggest that, despite the deficiency in VLCFA CoA synthetase, ALD cells retain a near normal ability to oxidize both saturated and polyunsaturated VLCFA under some culture conditions. However, acetate released by beta-oxidation of the saturated VLCFA and, to a much lesser degree, the polyunsaturated VLCFA, appears to be used preferentially for the production of CO2 and water-soluble products, and acetate availability for fatty acid synthesis in other subcellular compartments is markedly decreased. It is likely that the increased carbon chain elongation of the saturated VLCFA which is also observed reflects the increased availability of substrate (C24:0) and/or an increase in microsomal elongation activity in ALD cells.
Wildfire Perception and Community Change

Given increasing political and financial commitments to wildfire preparedness, risk policy demands that risk identification, assessment, and mitigation activities are balanced among diverse resident groups. Essential for this is the understanding of residents' perceptions of wildfire risks. This study compares wildfire-risk perceptions of Pennsylvania residents with those of Minnesotans living in natural-amenity-rich communities. Natural-amenity-driven migration shifts land-use patterns and social conditions, making it important to understand if and how such changes affect residents' perceptions of wildfire. Key informant interviews suggest land use and contrasting values associated with sociodemographic shifts were intertwined with wildfire-risk awareness, concern, and mitigation. In both study areas, local social interactions were impaired by geospatial and sociocultural barriers related to land use and population change. Barriers included perceived threats to quality of life, conflicting needs for economic development, and homes built in isolated locations. As a result, residents did not agree on community-wide notions of wildfire risk and response. Further, residents' ideas about the potential for a wildfire disaster did not correspond to those of risk managers. Although some places were attempting to overcome these challenges, many informants said their communities were overwhelmed with the effects of change. Finding common notions of wildfire risk is critical precisely because resident participation is crucial to hazard management. In these localities, rural community development can facilitate capacities to address wildfire risk in the context of landscape and social change.
Generation and Error Characterization of Pararell-Perspective Stereo Mosaics from Real Video

There have been attempts in a variety of applications to add 3D information into an image-based mosaic representation. Creating stereo mosaics from two rotating cameras was proposed by [Huang & Hung, 1998], and from a single off-center rotating camera by [Ishiguro, et al, 1990], [Peleg & Ben-Ezra, 1999], and by [Shum & Szeliski, 1999]. In these kinds of stereo mosaics, however, viewpoints — therefore the parallax — are limited to images taken from a very small area. Recently our work at UMass ([Zhu, et al, 1999, Zhu, et al, 2001a, Zhu, et al, 2001b]) has been focused on parallel-perspective stereo mosaics from a dominantly translating camera, which is the typical prevalent sensor motion during aerial surveys. A rotating camera can be easily controlled to achieve the desired motion. On the contrary, the translation of a camera over a large distance is much harder to achieve in real vision applications such as robot navigation ([Zheng & Tsuji, 1992]) and environmental monitoring ([Kumar, et al, 1995, Schultz, et al, 2000, Zhu, et al, 2001a]). In an applications to environmental monitoring, we have previously shown ([Zhu, et al, 1999, Zhu, et aI, 2001a, Zhu, et al, 2001b]) that image mosaicing from a translating camera raises a set of different problems from that of circular projections of a rotating camera.
Preventive healthcare of infants in a region of Lebanon: parental beliefs, attitudes and behaviors.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate healthcare seeking behaviors of mothers for themselves and their infants in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, to identify attitudes and beliefs towards the preventive healthcare of infants and to assess whether a healthcare-based intervention program would be accepted by the population. Methods: Ninety-two interviews were conducted with women who had delivered a live birth in two hospitals in the Bekaa. The hospitals selected attracted women from different socioeconomic classes. Results: Differences were found in adequacy of healthcare utilization based on household size, number of children and prenatal care utilization. There was a higher perception of barriers to healthcare by parents who did not seek adequate preventive care for their infants. Mothers of infants who had inadequate care had a lower perception of severity of illness and of physicians’ ability to prevent illness. The population believes strongly that medical professionals are reliable sources of health information and guidance. Infants’ mothers and grandmothers are important sources of healthcare-related information. Conclusions: Rates of preventive infant healthcare in the Bekaa need improvement. Any intervention must target mothers and grandmothers, as they appear to influence the medical care of infants. Other targets include parents of larger families. Dissemination of information regarding the seriousness of illness and the ability to prevent illness is required. The medical profession may influence health choices made by this population. However, further investigation of healthcare barriers, especially economic and geographic barriers, is needed. In preparing to improve healthcare utilization for infants in the Bekaa, local, regional and international organizations should refer to the population’s beliefs, attitudes and behaviors described in this study, as these findings may aid in planning interventions that are likely to positively impact mothers and infants.
Ion transport across lingual epithelium is modulated by chorda tympani nerve fibers

Abstract Each chorda tympani (CT) nerve innervates taste cells in fungiform papillae on one side of the anterior two-thirds of mammalian tongues. In this study, three effects of unilateral CT transection were investigated: (1) the persistence of taste cells on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides; (2) the ability of the CT to modulate ion transport across the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of canine lingual lingual epithelia; and (3) the effect on contralateral CT responses. Unilateral transection of dog CT caused the mean number of taste buds/fungiform papilla on the ipsilateral side to decrease from five to zero by 29–30 days after surgery. Taste buds reappeared after 44 days but in reduced numbers (two taste buds/papilla). This reappearance of taste buds after 44 days is consistent with the time predicted for the CT to regenerate and each the anterior portion of the tongue. The number of taste buds/papilla remained unchanged on the contralateral side. Measurements of the short-circuit current (Isc) across bothe ipsilateral and contralateral sections of isolated canine lingual epithelia were performed at various times after unilateral CT transection. Both sides responded similarly. The Isc began to decline after 3 days, reached a minimum after ∼ 18 days (∼ 40% of control Isc) and increased to control values after ∼ 40 days. This includes experiments performed 30 days after surgery, when no taste buds were present on the ipsilateral side and the Isc was 80% of control values. For all times after CT transection, amiloride, an epithelial Na+ channel blocker, inhibited Isc. Thus, epithelial cells in dog tongue have amiloride-inhibitable pathways. These results show that proteins involved in active Na+ transport across lingual epithelia can be modulated by CT nerve fibers.
Performance of MIL-STD-188-181C CPM SATCOM with Reduced State Demodulation

The Continuous Phase Modulation (CPM) waveform defined in the MIL-STD-188-181C Satellite Communications standard has a thirty-two state trellis structure. The complexity of the maximum-likelihood sequence estimator used to demodulate this signal is further increased because the CPM signal has two modulation indices (h-values) that require that the decoder store two sets of path metrics ? one for each of the h-values. This paper describes a set of approaches which can be taken to reduce the complexity of the trellis structure of the CPM signal without significantly reducing the demodulation performance for the range of signal to noise ratio values required by the UHF Satellite Communications standard. The first state reduction method uses Ungerboeck-style set partitioning. The resulting decoder structure is described and the performance of the reduced state decoder is provided. Another approach utilizes a completely different 4-state trellis structure with branch transitions defined that take advantage of the differential properties of the CPM modulation.
Holy War in Modern Judaism? "Mitzvah War" and the Problem of the "Three Vows"

"Holy war," sanctioned or even commanded by God, is a common and recurring theme in the Hebrew Bible. Rabbinic Judaism largely avoided discussion of holy war for the simple reason that it became dangerous and self-destructive. The failed "holy wars" of the Great Revolt and the Bar Kokhba Rebellion eliminated enthusiasm for it among the survivors engaged in reconstructing Judaism from ancient biblical religion. The rabbis therefore built a fence around the notion through two basic strategies: to define and categorize biblical wars so that they became virtually unthinkable in their contemporary world and to construct a divine contract between God, the Jews, and the world of the Gentiles that would establish an equilibrium preserving the Jews from overwhelming Gentile wrath by preventing Jewish actions that could result in war. The notion of divinely commanded war, however, was never expunged from the repertoire of Jewish ideas. Remaining latent, it was able to be revived when the historical context seemed to require it. Such a revival occurred with the rise of Zionism and particularly after the 1967 and 1973 wars.
Improving the efficiency of Bayesian inverse reinforcement learning

Inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) is the task of learning the reward function of a Markov Decision Process (MDP) given knowledge of the transition function and a set of expert demonstrations. While many IRL algorithms exist, Bayesian IRL [1] provides a general and principled method of reward learning by casting the problem in the Bayesian inference framework. However, the algorithm as originally presented suffers from several inefficiencies that prohibit its use for even moderate problem sizes. This paper proposes modifications to the original Bayesian IRL algorithm to improve its efficiency and tractability in situations where the state space is large and the expert demonstrations span only a small portion of it. The key insight is that the inference task should be focused on states that are similar to those encountered by the expert, as opposed to making the naive assumption that the expert demonstrations contain enough information to accurately infer the reward function over the entire state space. A modified algorithm is presented and experimental results show substantially faster convergence while maintaining the solution quality of the original method.
Exchange rates and market power: evidence from the petrochemical industry

Abstract This paper takes a microeconometric approach to the study of exchange rate pass-through in imperfectly competitive markets. We provide evidence for the hypothesis that incomplete exchange rate pass-through can be attributed to non-competitive conduct by foreign firms. A unique feature of our approach is the use of highly disaggregated industry data which is compatible with the behavioral assumptions of a homogeneous-product oligopoly model. We employ a panel data set consisting of location- and product-specific price and cost data for 29 traded petrochemicals for the US, Germany and Japan during 1982 to 1993. Our empirical estimates indicate that German and Japanese firms exercised (statistically) ‘significant’ market power in the US petrochemical market during our sample period.
Determination of Mesopore Size Distributions from Argon Adsorption Data at 77 K

Argon adsorption at 77 K on ordered mesoporous silicas (MCM-41, SBA-15) with pore diameters up to 9 nm and on disordered mesoporous silicas with larger pore sizes was investigated, allowing us to successfully develop a method to calculate pore size distributions (PSDs) for cylindrical pores with diameters below 15 nm. It was found that for argon at 77 K the capillary condensation pressure tends to gradually increase as the pore diameter increases up to about 15 nm, whereas larger mesopores do not exhibit capillary condensation. The capillary evaporation pressure was much less clearly related to the pore size, and the steepness of the desorption branch was not always correlated with the degree of structural ordering of a given adsorbent. A good correlation was found between the positions of capillary condensation steps on nitrogen and argon adsorption isotherms at 77 K, whereas the correlation between the positions of capillary evaporation steps was much worse. Therefore, for argon adsorption at 77 K, the ...
A METHOD FOR THE UNIDIMENSIONAL SEPARATION OF PHOSPHOLIPIDS BY THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY.

Abstract A phenol—water—ammonia solvent system has been utilized to separate most of the known phospholipids and lysophospholipids on thin-layer plates of silica gel G. These compounds were identified by chromatography of their mild alkaline hydrolysis products, various staining reactions, and comparison with known compounds. An unknown radioactive phospholipid has been detected in pigeon pancreas lipids by means of this chromatographic method. A procedure is described which makes it possible to determine the radioactivity incorporated into the individual phospholipids with a high degree of precision.
ELECTRICAL RESPONSES FROM THE LATERAL-LINE NERVES OF FISHES : IV. THE REPETITIVE DISCHARGE.

The spontaneous discharge of impulses from the lateral-line nerves of trout and catfish has been examined. 1. Broken endings of nerve fibers supplying receptors of the lateral-lines of trout and catfish may be the source of a repetitive discharge of nerve impulses. 2. This injury discharge occurs more frequently in trout and may mask the spontaneous discharge from the receptor cells. Experiments indicate that the latter discharge is not the result of injury. 3. The injury discharge ceases in from 10 to 15 minutes. The spontaneous receptor discharge in trout may continue for an hour if the circulation remains intact. The receptor response also fails in from 10 to 15 minutes after failure of the circulation. 4. The receptor discharge, the injury discharge, or the summed discharges frequently become synchronized. The excitability of the fibers of the nerve trunk appears to vary synchronously, so that nerve impulses initiated in fibers from tactile receptors not contributing to the spontaneous discharge can be conducted only during the part of the cycle occupied by the spontaneous discharge.
Total dose radiation characteristics of SOI MOSFETs fabricated using ISLANDS technology

Total-dose-radiation results for n- and p-channel silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs fabricated using ISLANDS (oxidation of porous silicon) technology and subjected to Co-60 gamma radiation are reported. The back-gates of both n- and p-channel transistors were hard to 1 Mrad(Si) with either -5 or 0 V on the substrate during irradiation. The buildup of radiation-induced interface traps at the back-gate of n-channel MOSFETs compensated for the threshold voltage shift due to oxide-trapped charges. The front-gate hardness was similar to that of bulk MOSFETs. >
Component level prediction versus system level measurement of SABER relative spectral response

A 10-channel infrared (1.25-17.24 µm wavelength) radiometer known as SABER (Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry) is one of four experiments that will fly on the TIMED (Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere, Energetics, and Dynamics) mission that was successfully launched on 7 December 2001. Theoretical models of the relative spectral response (RSR) for each SABER channel were developed during the design and build of the instrument. The RSR calculations were then refined using a component level technique where theoretical predictions of filter transmittance were replaced with measurements from filter witness samples. During SABER ground calibration, full system measurements of RSR were performed using a Michelson step-scan interferometer to present an interferometrically modulated infrared source to the instrument with the resultant interferogram recorded by the instrument detectors. Fourier transform of this interferogram and correction of the resulting spectrum for the spectral ...
Understanding Date Rape Attitudes and Behaviors: Exploring the Influence of Race, Gender, and Prior Sexual Victimization

AbstractThis exploratory investigation examines the influence of race, gender, and prior sexual victimization on attitudes and behaviors related to date rape from a large sample of college students (n = 3,084) in the United States. The results of this study indicate that gender was a salient factor, with males more likely to subscribe to undesirable attitudes toward date rape and to engage in behaviors that increase the risk of both men and women perpetrating date rape. Findings also indicate that racial differences exist in that black students were less likely to subscribe to undesirable attitudes and to engage in sexual behaviors that increase the risk of perpetrating date rape than were white students. Finally, the analyses found previous sexual victimization experiences unexpectedly increased undesirable attitudes toward and behaviors associated with date rape. Implications of the results are discussed.
Development of bacterial artificial chromosome library resources for parasitoid Hymenoptera (Nasonia vitripennis and Nasonia giraulti: Pteromalidae)

The species of the genus Nasonia possess qualities that make them excellent candidates for genetic and genomic studies. To increase the wealth of genomic resources for the genus we constructed publicly available bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries for Nasonia vitripennis and Nasonia giraulti. Libraries have 36 864 clones each, empty-vector contents of ∼2% and average insert sizes of 113.1 and 97.7 Kb, respectively, representing 12 and 11 genome equivalents. The N. vitripennis library was used for genome sequence assembly and in efforts at positional cloning of a developmental gene. The genome assembly of N. vitripennis is currently composed on 6181 un-joined scaffolds. These BAC libraries can be used to identify and close regions between scaffolds of the genome assemblies of both species.
At last, functional glycomics

Microarrays made from naturally expressed glycolipids help winnow function from heterogeneous glycan structures.
The Intracellular Mobility of Nuclear Import Receptors and NLS Cargoes

We have investigated classical nuclear localization sequence (NLS) mediated protein trafficking by measuring biomolecular dynamics within living cells using two-photon fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. By directly observing the behavior of specific molecules in their native cellular environment, it is possible to uncover functional details that are not apparent from traditional biochemical investigations or functional assays. We show that the intracellular mobility of NLS cargoes and their import receptor proteins, karyopherin-α and karyopherin-β, can be robustly measured and that quantitative comparison of intracellular diffusion coefficients provides new insights into nuclear transport mechanisms. Import cargo complexes are assembled throughout the cytoplasm, and their diffusion is slower than predicted by molecular weight due to specific interactions. Analysis of NLS cargo diffusion in the cytoplasm indicates that these interactions are likely disrupted by NLS cargo binding. Our results suggest that delivery of import receptors and NLS cargoes to nuclear pores may complement selective translocation through the pores as a functional mechanism for regulating transport of proteins into the nucleus.
The effect of post-growth thermal events on growth-zoned garnet: implications for metamorphic P-T history calculations

We present a simple diffusion model for investigation of the effect of a post-growth thermal history on growth-zoned minerals. The model treats the mineral as a chemically closed system. Our treatment incorporates the effects of any thermal history into one essential parameter. We then demonstrate that the usability of zoned minerals in metamorphic P-T history calculations depends on the mineral grain size and the post-growth thermal history. Using garnet as an example, we show that while large garnets (>1 mm) are safe to use, garnets smaller than that that have experienced temperatures characteristic of upper greenschist or lower amphibolite facies metamorphism will yield seriously misleading information. The deviation of the calculated growth history from the true growth history can be greater than 100° C and is the greatest for the early part of the garnet history.
Evidence for a novel nitrate reductase in the dissimilatory iron-reducing bacterium Geobacter metallireducens

Nitrate induced the expression of a membrane-bound nitrate reductase in the strict anaerobe Geobacter metallireducens. A fraction from a DEAE cellulose column which showed nitrate reductase activity contained polypeptides of Mr, 18, 36 and 43 K and three c type cytochromes (Mr 28, 46 and 68 K). Western and Southern blot analysis revealed no homology between the nitrate reductase from G. metallireducens and the nitrate reductases from respiratory (Escherichia coli) and denitrifying bacteria (Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) which were shown to be related. These data, in addition to this organism's inability to use fumarate or formate, suggest that its nitrate reductase is novel.
Ranges of projectiles with 8 ≤ Z ≤ 20 in Ti, Fe, Ni, Cu, Ag, and Au for energies of 0.0125 to 12.0 MeV/nucleon

Electronic stopping powers of various light elements in Ti, Fe, Ni, Cu, Ag, and Au have been reported recently. Earlier, measurements were made for the stopping of /sup 1/6O in Ni, Ag, and Au. With the aid of the Northcliffe-Schilling stopping-power tables these values were extrapolated to values of E/A equal to 0.0125 and 12.0 MeV/amu. Ranges calculated from these stopping-power values and the stopping powers themselves are presented.
Total videothoracoscopic lobectomy versus open thoracotomy for early-stage non small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract Lobectomy remains the standard procedure for early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Advances in minimally invasive surgery allow lobectomy to be performed by videothoracoscopy (VATSLOBE). The objective of this study was to compare open thoracotomy (OPENLOBE) to VATSLOBE in the treatment of early-stage NSCLC. A retrospective review over a 6-year period at a single tertiary care center identified 31 patients treated by VATSLOBE. A comparison was made with 31 patients undergoing OPENLOBE during the same time period. The cases were matched for age, pulmonary function testing, tumor size, and comorbidities. The VATSLOBE technique was carried out using four 1 cm thoracoports, one of which was enlarged to a 4-6 cm access incision for lobe retrieval. OPENLOBE was performed by standard posterolateral thoracotomy. The VATSLOBE group had a longer operative time (214.03 min) compared to OPENLOBE (140.67 min). There was no difference in the extent of lymph node dissection or in morbidity between the two groups. VATSLOBE patients had their chest tubes removed earlier (4.77 vs. 8.16 days) and stayed in the hospital for a shorter time (7.07 vs. 11.94 days) compared to OPENLOBE patients. In this retrospective review, lobectomy performed by the videothoracoscopic approach was comparable to OPENLOBE in terms of lymph node dissection, morbidity, and long-term survival. VATSLOBE had the advantages of a shorter hospital stay and fewer days with a chest tube. Minimally invasive surgery for early-stage lung cancer should be further investigated in multi-institutional controlled trials.
Equilibrium coexistence of three amphiboles

Electron probe and wet chemical analyses of amphibole pairs from the sillimanite zone of central Massachusetts and adjacent New Hampshire indicated that for a particular metamorphic grade there should be a restricted composition range in which three amphiboles can coexist stably. An unequivocal example of such an equilibrium three amphibole rock has been found in the sillimanite-orthoclase zone. It contains a colorless primitive clinoamphibole, space group P21/m, optically and chemically like cummingtonite with blue-green hornblende exsolution lamellae on (100) and (¯101) of the host; blue-green hornblende, space group C2/m, with primitive cummingtonite exsolution lamellae on (100) and (¯101) of the host; and pale pinkish tan anthophyllite, space group Pnma, that is free of visible exsolution lamellae but is a submicroscopic intergrowth of two orthorhombic amphiboles. Mutual contacts and coarse, oriented intergrowths of two and three host amphiboles indicate the three grew as an equilibrium assemblage prior to exsolution. Electron probe analyses at mutual three-amphibole contacts showed little variation in the composition of each amphibole. Analyses believed to represent most closely the primary amphibole compositions gave atomic proportions on the basis of 23 oxygens per formula unit as follows: for primitive cummingtonite (Na0.02Ca0.21− Mn0.06Fe2+2.28Mg4.12Al0.28) (Al0.17Si7.83), for hornblende (Na0.35Ca1.56Mn0.02Fe1.71Mg2.85Al0.92) (Al1.37Si6.63), and for anthophyllite (Na0.10Ca0.06Mn0.06Fe2.25Mg4.11Al0.47) (Al0.47Si7.53). The reflections violating C-symmetry, on X-ray single crystal photographs of the primitive cummingtonite, are weak and diffuse, and suggest a partial inversion from a C-centered to a primitive clinoamphibole. Single crystal photographs of the anthophyllite show split reflections indicating it is an intergrowth of about 80% anthophyllite and about 20% gedrite which differ in their b crystallographic dimensions. Split reflections are characteristic of all analyzed orthorhombic amphiboles so far examined from Massachusetts and New Hampshire except the most aluminous gedrites, and the relative intensity of the gedrite reflections is roughly proportional to the degree of Na and Al substitution. Thin sections of a few of these anthophyllite specimens show lamellae parallel to (010) that are just resolved with a high power objective.
Hierarchical Spline Models for Conditional Quantiles and the Demand for Electricity

Abstract Methods for estimating nonparametric models for conditional quantiles are suggested based on the regression quantile methods of Koenker and Bassett. Spline parameterizations of the conditional quantile functions are used. The methods are illustrated by estimating hierarchical models for household electricity demand using data from the Chicago metropolitan area. The empirical results show that lower quantiles of demand (“base-load”) vary only slightly across residential households. This variability is difficult to explain using household characteristics. However, upper quantiles of the demand distribution vary considerably and are systematically related to household characteristics and appliance ownership. The implications of analyzing mean demand behavior rather than various quantiles of the distribution of demand are also discussed.
Excretion of o,p′-DDT in Milk of Cows

Abstract Two groups of 4 cows each were fed 100 mg per day of either o,p′-DDT or p,p′-DDT for 20 days. Cows fed o,p′-DDT had milk fat amounts ± standard error of 1.82 ± .30 mg/kg for o,p′-DDD and .41 ± .08 mg/kg for o,p′-DDT from 10 through 20 days. The results for cows fed p,p′-DDT were 7.68 ± .69 mg/kg for p,p′-DDD and 2.47 ± .14 mg/kg for p,p′-DDT. No residues of o,p′-DDD and o,p′-DDT were detected 15 days after o,p′-DDT feeding stopped. The p,p′-DDD and p,p′-DDT were .72 ± .23 and .73 ± .05 mg/kg fat 15 days after p,p′-DDT feeding stopped.
Impact of socioeconomic factors on prostate cancer outcomes in black patients treated with surgery.

OBJECTIVES The role of socioeconomic factors in the worse outcome of black men with prostate cancer remains unclear. To determine whether socioeconomic factors affect prostate cancer outcomes, we studied a cohort of only black patients to minimize known confounding factors. METHODS We studied black men treated with radical prostatectomy at New York Veterans Administration Medical Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1990 and 2005. A centralized pathology review process determined the Gleason score of all cases. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence at both sites was defined as PSA of 0.2 or greater with a confirmatory rise. By matching patients' home zip codes to the U.S. Census Bureau database, we obtained corresponding socioeconomic data regarding median household income (income) and percentage of population with a high school (degree). We analyzed income, education, and clinical and pathological parameters for the whole cohort. RESULTS We studied 430 black patients. They resided in neighborhoods where median household income was $41,498.10 and mean percentage of high school graduates was 73.4%. A total of 88 patients (20.9%) had PSA recurrence. Median follow-up for survivors was 37 months. Neither income nor education evaluated as continuous or categorical variables were predictors of PSA recurrence. When evaluated as composite categorical variable, the combination of greater income and education did not predict disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS Data suggest that socioeconomic factors have limited impact on PSA recurrence in black men treated with radical prostatectomy. Thus, biologic factors might have a role in the poor outcomes in this population.
The Arctic in Play: Governance in a Time of Rapid Change

The current wave of interest in Arctic affairs has struck with startling speed and remarkable force. Fueled by the writings of pundits asking provocative questions (e.g., “who owns the Arctic?”), this wave has now captured the attention of policymakers and begun to trigger policy responses (e.g., the May 2008 Ilulissat Declaration from the five Arctic coastal states). This article examines these developments from the perspective of governance, raising questions about underlying drivers, the identity of relevant stakeholders, the framing of issues for consideration in policy settings, and the extent to which a new regime for the Arctic Ocean or an even more ambitious legally binding convention or treaty for the whole Arctic region is needed. The general conclusion is that many proposals on offer in this realm are simplistic but that there is a strong case for taking a number of pragmatic steps to address specific problems of governance in the far North during an era of rapid change.
Associations and interactions between SNPs in the alcohol metabolizing genes and alcoholism phenotypes in European Americans

Background Alcohol abuse and dependence are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and have a strong familial component. Several linkage and association studies have identified chromosomal regions and/or genes that affect alcohol consumption, notably in genes involved in the two-stage pathway of alcohol metabolism.
Measurement of peroxides in the volatile degradation products of polypropylene photooxidation

Like many polymers, polypropylene releases volatile degradation products as it oxidizes. Commercially available polypropylene was investigated for the release of volatile species with peroxidic activity upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation at room temperature by a wet-collection and derivatization method. While this method measures the collective nature of volatile products, they could consist of hydrogen peroxide and small hydroperoxides, peroxides, and peroxyacids, as this approach is sensitive to all such species. After an induction period, the rate of release of peroxides was found to increase to a steady value. These results are discussed in relation to the kinetics of the formation of another product of oxidation, carbonyls, a comparison that suggests that the volatile peroxides may be produced from the products of the photolysis of hydroperoxides formed in the polymer during oxidation.
The decision to access patient information from a social media site: What would you do?

Abstract Purpose The current study examined the prevalence with which healthcare providers use a social media site (SMS) account (e.g., Facebook), the extent to which they use SMSs in clinical practice, and their decision-making process after accessing patient information from an SMS. Methods Pediatric faculty and trainees from a medical school campus were provided a SMS history form and seven fictional SMS adolescent profile vignettes that depicted concerning information. Participants were instructed to rate their personal use and beliefs about SMSs and to report how they would respond if they obtained concerning information about an adolescent patient from their public SMS profile. Results Healthcare providers generally believed it not to be an invasion of privacy to conduct an Internet/SMS search of someone they know. A small percentage of trainees reported a personal history of conducting an Internet search (18%) or an SMS search (14%) for a patient. However, no faculty endorsed a history of conducting searches for patients. Faculty and trainees also differed in how they would respond to concerning SMS adolescent profile information. Conclusions The findings that trainees are conducting Internet/SMS searches of patients and that faculty and trainees differ in how they would respond to concerning profile information suggest the need for specific guidelines regarding the role of SMSs in clinical practice. Practice, policy, and training implications are discussed.
The specific heat of aluminum from 330 to 890°K and contributions from the formation of vacancies and anharmonic effects

Abstract The specific heat of high purity aluminum has been measured from 330 to 890°K with an estimated accuracy of ± 0.7 per cent, using dynamic adiabatic calorimetry. Identical data were obtained for the sample annealed or quenched in ice water from 600°C. The experimental specific heat at constant pressure was converted to that at constant volume using experimental data of molar volume, volume expansivity and isothermal compressibility reported in the literature. A theoretical specific heat at constant volume was obtained by using the Debye specific heat, with a single Debye temperature, to which an electronic specific heat was added. The excess specific heat was determined by the difference between the specific heat converted from the experimental data and the calculated specific heat. The excess specific heat was about 10 per cent of the total specific heat at 930°K. The formation of equilibrium monovacancies accounts for only about one per cent of the excess specific heat at 930°K. The remaining excess specific heat is assumed to be due to anharmonic lattice effects. and the temperature dependence agrees approximately with the theoretical predictions for aluminum.
Control of a pressure tank system using a decoupling control algorithm with a neural network adaptive scheme

The design of a multivariable adaptive decoupling controller and its application to a real-time pressure tank system is presented. The pressure tank is highly coupled and nonlinear. The developed algorithm allows the noise disturbance to be coloured and uses a modification of the Hopfield neural network to identify and track the system parameters. The control algorithm is tested, first in a simulation using an identified model and secondly in a real-time application to a pressure tank system. A very good control performance is reported.