cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein-RNA cross-linking in the ribosomes of yeast under oxidative stress

Living systems have efficient degradative pathways for dealing with the fact that reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from cellular metabolism and the environment oxidatively damage proteins and DNA. But aggregation and cross-linking can occur as well, leading to a series of problems including disruption of cellular regulation, mutations, and even cell death. The mechanism(s) by which protein aggregation occurs and the macromolecular species involved are poorly understood. In the study reported here, evidence is provided for a new type of aggregate between proteins and RNA in ribosomes. While studying the effect of oxidative stress induced in the yeast proteome it was noted that ribosomal proteins were widely oxidized. Eighty six percent of the proteins in yeast ribosomes were found to be carbonylated after stressing yeast cell cultures with hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, many of these proteins appeared to be cross-linked based on their coelution patterns during RPC separation. Since they were not in direct contact, it was not clear how this could occur unless it was through the RNA separating them in the ribosome. This was confirmed in a multiple-step process, the first being derivatization of all carbonylated proteins in cell lysates with biotin hydrazide through Schiff base formation. Following reduction of Schiff bases with sodium cyanoborohydride, biotinylated proteins were selected from cell lysates with avidin affinity chromatography. Oxidized proteins thus captured were then selected again using boronate affinity chromatography to capture vicinal diol-containing proteins. This would include proteins cross-linked to an RNA fragment containing a ribose residue with 2',3'-hydroxyl groups. Some glycoproteins would also be selected by this process. LC/MS/MS analyses of tryptic peptides derived from proteins captured by this process along with MASCOT searches resulted in the identification of 37 ribosomal proteins that appear to be cross-linked to RNA. Aggregation of proteins with ribosomal RNA has not been previously reported. The probable impact of this phenomenon cells is to diminish the protein synthesis capacity.
Comment on the existence of a lower angular momentum cutoff in the fusion of heavy ions

Gauvin et al. have suggested that one possible explanation for the high thresholds of the reactions $^{74}\mathrm{Ge}(^{84}\mathrm{Kr}, xn)^{158\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{Er}$ is the existence of a lower limit to the angular momentum of the compound system formed in the fusion step. We note that such lower limits have, in fact, previously been observed in the collisions of water droplets. Investigation of such lower limits may provide interesting new information on nuclear properties.
Interactive clustering for navigating in hypermedia systems

This paper talks about clustering related nodes of an overview diagram to reduce its complexity and size. This is because although overview diagrams are useful for helping the user to navigate in a hypermedia system, for any real-world system these become too complicated and large to be really useful. Both structure-based and content-based clustering are used. Since the nodes can be related to each other in different ways, depending on the situation different clustered views will be useful. Hence, it should be possible to interactively specify the clustering conditions and examine the resulting views. We present efficient clustering algorithms which can cluster the information space in real-time. We talk about the Navigational View Builder, a tool that allows the interactive development of overview diagrams. Finally, we propose a 3-dimensional approach for visualizing these abstracted views.
Integrated Magnetics versus Conventional Power Filtering

Relative merits of the conventional low-pass power filtering methods in switched-mode power conversion are compared against the integrated magnetics technique. Both theoretical results and several practical design examples clearly illustrate that low profile, high power density switching dc-to-dc converters (in excess of 20W/cubic inch) for telecommunication applications are possible even employing moderate switching frequencies in 500kHz range provided an integrated magnetics technique is implemented.
Effect of La Doping on SnAg Solder Microstructure Evolution

In this paper, quantitative microstructure studies were performed on multiple length scales to investigate effect of La doping on SnAg lead free solder materials. Variables considered in this paper include doping amount, aging temperature and aging time. It was found that La doping refines the microstructure and reduces microstructure coarsening rate, but the inter-particle spacing remains unaffected. Therefore, higher La doping level leads to higher volume fraction of the eutectic phase due to the increased total number of Ag3 Sn particles.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The phantom leaf effect and its implications for near-death and out-of-body experiences

Article concerning the phantom leaf effect seen in Kirlian photography, which may help researchers better understand near-death and out-of-body experiences.
Endothelial Gene Expression in Regions of Defined Shear Exposure in the Porcine Iliac Arteries

The effect of hemodynamic shear stress on endothelial gene expression was investigated in the porcine iliac arteries. A novel statistical approach was applied to computational fluid dynamics simulations of the iliac artery flow field to identify three anatomical regions likely to experience high, medium, and low levels of time average shear stress magnitude. Subsequently, endothelial cell mRNA was collected from these regions in the iliac arteries of six swine and analyzed by DNA microarray. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated a strong tendency for genes upregulated or downregulated in one of the extreme shear environments (low or high, relative to medium) to be regulated in the same direction in the other extreme shear environment. This tendency was confirmed for specific genes by real-time quantitative PCR. Specifically, beta-catenin, c-jun, VCAM-1, and MCP-1 were all upregulated in low and high shear stress regions relative to the medium shear stress region. eNOS expression was not significantly different in any of the regions. These results are consistent with the notion that endothelial cells chronically exposed to abnormally low or high shear levels in vivo exhibit similar genetic responses. Alternative explanations of this outcome are proposed, and its implications for the role of shear stress in atherogenesis are examined.
Management of Acute Right Ventricular Failure in the Intensive Care Unit

Acute failure of the right ventricle is a common challenge in the intensive care unit that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although often a complication of left ventricular failure, right ventricular failure is a distinct clinical entity, both in terms of its hemodynamic abnormalities and response to treatment. Effective management of right ventricular failure must consider the unique properties of the right ventricle and the pulmonary circulation, and their response to common pharmacologic and mechanical interventions. In this review, we present a contemporary approach to patients with acute failure of the right ventricle including strategies for mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic management, and mechanical circulatory support.
Preparation and characterization of cubic ZrO2 stabilized by Fe(III) and Fe(II)

Abstract Samples of cubic ZrO2 containing 2.5–40 at% Fe(III) were prepared by codecomposition of the nitrates. X-ray powder diffraction analysis and magnetic measurements indicated that α-Fe2O3 and ZrO2 form a solid solution up to 25 at% Fe Zr in the product. At this point, the solubility limit of a-Fe2O3 in ZrO2 is exceeded. The reduction of cubic zirconia samples containing 2.5–20 at% Fe(III) leads to the stabilization of iron(II) in the zirconia lattice. Reduction to metallic iron occurs at much higher temperatures than the reduction of bulk a-Fe2O3.
The frequency, sources, and correlates of sexual harassment among women in traditional male occupations

Sexual harassment has increasingly come to be recognized as a major problem confronting working women. Utilizing the results of a survey of women in traditional male occupations (N=160), this paper summarizes some new data on the amount, type, and sources of harassment experienced by this group. Interpreting these findings within the content of the larger theory of patriarchy, it also identifies and provides further clarification of some individual and organizational correlates of harassment. The data offer provisional support for recent theoretical claims that women in male-defined occupations occupy a particularly problematic position vis-`a-vis men. Over 75% of the respondents reported experiencing at least one form of harassment as compared to the 50% + generally cited for the population as a whole. Consistent with the general cultural patterns of sexual violation, incidence of harassment was found to be inversely related to the level of severity. Probably predicated at least partially on opportunity structure, peers were cited as the most frequent source of harassment, followed by supervisors, subordinates and clients. A number of individual correlates of harassment were also identified. As expected, married workers and older respondents reported lower levels of harassment. A curvilinear relationship was found to exist between length of employment and harassment. Finally, respondents who were employed as managers and engineers reported approximately equal levels of harassment, while those in the professions such as the sciences, computers, public administration, etc., reported significantly lower levels of harassment. Consistent with the thesis of organizational culpability in the prevalence and persistence of sexual harassment, individuals employed in firms perceived to have high equal employment opportunity for women reported significantly lower levels of harassment than those in firms with low opportunity.
Connected component histograms and image structures

Properties and the structure of an image can be studied through its various connected components. In this paper, we apply a theory of parameter-dependent connected components developed by us in a previous work to analyze the structure of an images.
Average heats of atomization and the IV VI compound semiconductors

Abstract The average heat of atomization has been used to correlate the composition and temperature limits of stability of the NaCl type (B1) structure among the IV–VI and other related compound semiconductors. A brief discussion is presented about the usefulness of this correlation in designing new solid solution compositions with the B1 structure among the IV–VI type compounds.
Epileptogenesis in the parahippocampal region. Parallels with the dentate gyrus.

: Limbic seizures have often been attributed to pathology in the hippocampus, such as the well described condition termed Ammon's Horn sclerosis, in which many of the hippocampal principal cells have degenerated. However, several studies in both the clinical and basic literature indicate that the parahippocampal region may also play an important role. This region sustains a characteristic pattern of damage in most animal models of epilepsy that is similar to that identified in humans with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. Perhaps the most striking aspect of parahippocampal pathology is the marked loss of neurons in layer III of the entorhinal cortex. The similarity of cell loss in layer III and cell loss in the hilus of the dentate gyrus is compared, as is the characteristic resistance of layer II neurons and dentate granule cells. Cellular electrophysiological results are used as a basis for the hypothesis that synaptic inhibition plays a role in the relative vulnerability of these neurons. Studies of neurogenesis in both areas is also discussed. It is proposed that this may be an additional factor that influences vulnerability in these areas.
Nanoscale architectural control of organic functional materials for photonics

Recent progress in developing high-performance organic polymers for electro-optics and photonics is reviewed. A highly fluorinated hyperbranched aromatic polymer with the degree of branching around 0.51 was prepared by a mild one-step polyesterification of an AB2 type monomer. Further post-functionalization with and thermally cross-linking by aromatic trifluorovinyl ethers (TFVE) afforded thermally stable, low loss optical polymer with improved solvent resistance. By more precisely controlling the molecular nano-architecture, we have developed a series of highly fluorinated crosslinkable dendrimers. These materials possess most of the desirable properties needed for the fabrication of optical waveguides, such as high solubility in common organic solvents (up to 50 wt%), very low optical loss, and excellent thermal stability. To overcome the “nonlinearity-stability tradeoff,” a facile and reversibly crosslinkable NLO polymer system is developed that combines both advantages of high poling efficiency and good alignment thermal stability. By smartly controlling the poling and crosslinking processes through the reversible Diels-Alder (DA) reactions, it allows highly polarizable chromophores to be efficiently poled at the stage of low viscosity linear thermoplastic polymer. The resulting nonlinear optical polymer exhibits a combination of a very large r33 value (76 pm/V at 1.3 μm) and good temporal stability at 70°C.
A quantitative correlation of contour sensitivity with dendritic density in an identified visual neuron

Abstract Crayfish sustaining fibers are visual interneurons that are tonically excited by increases in illumination within their receptive fields. The receptive fields of sustaining fibers (SFs) are correlated with the two-dimensional position of their dendritic fields within the central neuropil. Dendritic branching patterns and contour sensitivity maps were obtained for SF 019 in several preparations. The contour sensitivity along the dorsal-ventral visual arc (which intersects 019's receptive field) is positively correlated with the variations in the spatial frequency of 019's dendritic arbor along the dorsal ventral midline of the neuropil. We conclude that an SF's receptive field is determined by the position and extent of its dendritic field and that sensitivity variations within the receptive field principally determined by changes in its dendritic density.
Partners or rivals?: toward a reappraisal of Japan–United States relations

Syed Javed Maswood. Japan and Protection: The Growth of Protectionist Sentiment and the Japanese Response. The Nissan Institute/Routledge Japanese Studies Series. London and New York: Routledge; Oxford: Nissan Institute for Japanese Studies, University of Oxford, 1989. Pp. xiii, 242. List of figures, list of tables, general editor's preface, acknowledgements, notes bibliography, index. A$ 105.00, cloth. S. Javed Maswood. Japanese Defence: The Search for Political Power. Singapore: Regional Strategic Program, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 1990. Pp. ix, 113. List of tables, acknowledgements, glossary, bibliography, index. US$12.00, paper.
Cognitive disruptions in stress-related psychiatric disorders: A role for corticotropin releasing factor (CRF).

Abstract This article is part of a Special Issue “SBN 2014”. Stress is a potential etiology contributor to both post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and major depression. One stress-related neuropeptide that is hypersecreted in these disorders is corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). Dysregulation of CRF has long been linked to the emotion and mood symptoms that characterize PTSD and depression. However, the idea that CRF also mediates the cognitive disruptions observed in patients with these disorders has received less attention. Here we review literature indicating that CRF can alter cognitive functions. Detailed are anatomical studies revealing that CRF is poised to modulate regions required for learning and memory. We also describe preclinical behavioral studies that demonstrate CRF’s ability to alter fear conditioning, impair memory consolidation, and alter a number of executive functions, including attention and cognitive flexibility. The implications of these findings for the etiology and treatment of the cognitive impairments observed in stress-related psychiatric disorders are described.
Deriving abstract transfer functions for analyzing embedded software

This paper addresses the problem of creating abstract transfer functions supporting dataflow analyses. Writing these functions by hand is problematic: transfer functions are difficult to understand, difficult to make precise, and difficult to debug. Bugs in transfer functions are particularly serious since they defeat the soundness of any program analysis running on top of them. Furthermore, implementing transfer functions by hand is wasteful because the resulting code is often difficult to reuse in new analyzers and to analyze new languages. We have developed algorithms and tools for deriving transfer functions for the bitwise and unsigned interval abstract domains. The interval domain is standard; in the bitwise domain, values are vectors of three-valued bits. For both domains, important challenges are to derive transfer functions that are sound in the presence of integer overflow, and to derive precise transfer functions for operations whose semantics are a mismatch for the domain (i.e., bit-vector operations in the interval domain and arithmetic operations in the bitwise domain). We can derive transfer functions, and execute them, in time linear in the bitwidth of the operands. These functions are maximally precise in most cases. Our generated transfer functions are parameterized by a bitwidth and are independent of the language being analyzed, and also of the language in which the analyzer is written. Currently, we generate interval and bitwise transfer functions in C and OCaml for analyzing C source code, ARM object code, and AVR object code. We evaluate our derived functions by using them in an interprocedural dataflow analyzer.
Evaluation of Insecticides for Control of the Southwestern Corn Borer in Southeastern Missouri 1967-69

Fifteen insecticidal compounds were evaluated over a 3-year period for control of Diatraea grandiosella (Dyar). The most effective insecticides were monocrotophos, diazinon, endrin, carbfuran, and Gardona® (2-chloro-1-(2,4,5-trichlorphcnyl)vinyl dimethyl phosphate). Compounds that gave promising results were Dasanit® ( O,O -diethyl O -[ P -(methylsulfinyl)pheny] phosphorothioate) and Bayer 77049 ( O,O -diethyl O -2-quinoxaliuyl) phosphorothioate). The other 8 compounds gave ineffective control.
Instability and liquefaction of granular materials

Abstract Stability postulates by Drucker and by Hill are applicable to solid metal. When applied to granular material exhibiting nonassociated flow, these concepts of stability imply that the material may be unstable when exposed to certain stress paths inside the failure surface. Series of triaxial tests on fully saturated and partly saturated specimens have been performed under drained and undrained conditions to study the regions of stable and unstable behavior. The stability postulate by Drucker and by Hill do not capture the conditions for stable and unstable behavior of granular materials. The experimentally determined conditions for which granular materials are stable, conditionally unstable, and unconditionally unstable are discussed.
Tradeoff in two winter-active wolf spiders: increased mortality for increased growth

A number of arthropods, including some spiders, forgo diapause as an overwintering strategy and are instead active at low temperatures. The higher metabolic rates and periodic foraging behavior associated with winter activity, however, can be incompatible with high levels of freeze avoidance. This is thought to be due, in part, to increased ice nucleators in the gut after feeding events and physiological complications brought on by accumulating certain cryoprotectants. To characterize the relationship between winter activity and cold hardiness, this study quantified the seasonal resistance to freezing in two common wolf spiders of hardwood forests in the eastern USA, Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz) and Schizocosa stridulans (Stratton) (Araneae: Lycosidae). Individual spiders were collected from a deciduous forest in Kentucky from August 2012 to March 2013 and were subjected to supercooling point (SCP) determination assays. Contrary to many invertebrates with high cold hardiness, mean SCP of S. ocreata and S. stridulans remained constant throughout the study, which we subsequently determined was their lower lethal temperature. Interestingly, daily low temperatures within the leaf litter occasionally fell below the mean SCP of the spiders, subjecting them to a significant risk of freezing during winter. To determine whether this high risk was a result of winter predation, we fed spiders varying quantities of prey, but found no significant association between consumption and SCP. Despite exposure to potentially lethal temperatures, Schizocosa did not seasonally augment their cold hardiness to better survive. This suggests an ecological tradeoff, where these spiders appear to assume increased mortality risk in exchange for maximized growth opportunity during a time of year when few competitors are active. We posit that the increased fitness benefits associated with early maturation and larger size in spring help to sustain these abundant spider populations.
Importance of extracellular domains for ligand binding in the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor.

The role of putative extracellular sequences for ligand binding in the TRH receptor was examined using deletion or substitution mutations. Each mutant receptor was transiently expressed in TRH receptor-minus GH(1)2C(1)b rat pituitary cells, and binding of 4 Nu Mu [3H]pGlu-N(tau)-MeHis-Pro-NH2 ([3H] MeTRH) was measured. When binding was not detected, signal transduction at 10 microM MeTRH was measured to assess receptor expression. Deletion of most of the N-terminal sequences (Glu(2)-Leu(22)), including two potential glycosylation sites, had no effect on the affinity of the receptor for MeTRH. Segmental deletions or simultaneous substitution of multiple amino acid residues in the first, second, or third extracellular loop (EL1, EL2, or EL3) resulted, however, in total loss of [3H]MeTRH binding, suggesting important roles for the loop sequences in either receptor expression or ligand binding. Individual substitutions were made to test further the role of the specific extracellular loop sequences in TRH bind...
Computing correspondences in a sequence of non-rigid shapes

Abstract Image correspondences are computed using a new relaxation technique applied to edge features. Each image is represented by a network of nodes connected by branches. The nodes represent the locations of corners or other conspicuous points on the contours of the image. The branches may be real image contours or imaginary lines drawn to link the nodes. Nodes in one image are matched to nodes in the next image using a measure of the length and angular separation between connecting branches. An iterative relaxation scheme searches for consistency in the structure and relative motion of neighboring branches and nodes, and rewards the matching probability of each node accordingly. Around 15–20 iterations are needed for convergence. The matching process favors structural rigidity on a local scale, while allowing global image-to-image deformations to occur, as in the case of fluid motion. Examples are given as evidence that the algorithm can match patterns undergoing distortion, rotation, and scaling.
Research problems for consultation-liaison psychiatry in the DRG era

Psychiatry needs to conduct more rigorously designed empirical research studies to demonstrate its cost-effectiveness, especially since the DRG era is becoming more firmly established. The effectiveness of psychiatric intervention can be evaluated on its abilities to improve physical functioning as well as its improvement of psychosocial symptoms and cost savings. Some of the problems in consultation-liaison research are discussed, including the potentially confounding influences of demographic variables, type and severity of somatic disease, time since diagnosis, level of psychosocial stress, and initial level of physical functioning. Several types of research measures used in assessing physical and psychosocial functioning are discussed, and some of the dilemmas for psychiatry in utilizing individual versus standardized research interventions are explored.
Developmental trends of sleep-disordered breathing in Prader-Willi syndrome: the role of obesity.

Polysomnographic recordings of 43 children and adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) were inspected and classified into 5 age groups. The effect of age and body mass index (BMI) on measures of breathing, oxygen saturation, and sleep efficiency were analyzed. Body mass index (BMI) increased significantly between early childhood and preadolescent groups. Subjecting the data to analysis of variance showed an overall significant effect of BMI but no age effect on breathing parameters and oxygen saturation. Increased BMI was associated with decreased oxygen saturation and with higher apnea/hypopnea index. Sleep efficiency index was significantly lower in adults than in young children, preadolescent, and adolescent groups. These findings emphasize the role of obesity in the development of sleep-related breathing abnormalities and nocturnal oxygen desaturation in patients with PWS. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Students' Academic Competitiveness and Their Involvement in the Learning Process

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between students' academic competitiveness and their involvement behaviors (i.e., student motives for communicating with their instructors, out-of-class communication with their instructors, and classroom participation). Considering the desire inherent among academically competitive students to outperform other students, it was predicted that students' academic competitiveness would be related positively to their involvement behaviors. Participants (N=246) completed a series of self-report measures. The results of Pearson correlation analyses largely provided support for the hypothesized association among students' academic competitiveness and their involvement in the learning process.
Grad’s 13 Moment Equations in a Modified Form

We describe a hierarchy of formal expansions that represent the Fourier transform of a solution of the Boltzmann equation. The constructed approximations are based on the family of weighted Taylor expansions. The first two representations correspond to the Maxwellian and to the Gaussian expansions. The third representation has a weight that generalizes the Gaussian and it depends on the first 13 moments of the Boltzmann density f. It can be shown that this weight is Galilean invariant and it is close to the Gaussian, providing that the heat fluxes are not too large. The 13 moment weight yields a revised form of Grad’s 13 moment expansion for the Boltzmann equation. In search for the entropy dissipation inequality, we also examine the relation between Levermore’s 14 moment and Grad’s 13 moment expansion. First, we show that the coefficients of the Godunov potential are described by a system of partial differential equations, with coefficients that depend on the Fourier transform of the Levermore’s density fΛ. Then, we argue that the same Taylor expansion exploited in the Grad’s scheme can be used to approximate Levermore’s 14 moment density. We also show that the weighted Taylor expansions are related to a formal solution of the Hamburger problem.
Analysis of mRNA expression for genes associated with regulatory T lymphocytes (CD25, FoxP3, CTLA4, and IDO) after experimental infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus of low or high virulence in beef calves

Immunosuppression caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has been associated with lymphocyte depletion, leukopenia and impairment of leukocyte function; however, no work has been done on the relationship between BVDV and regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs). The objective of this study was to compare the mRNA expression of genes associated with Tregs (CD25, FoxP3, CTLA4, and IDO), after experimental infection of beef calves with low (LV) or high (HV) virulence BVDV. Thirty BVDV-naive calves were randomly assigned to three groups. Calves were intra-nasally inoculated with LV (n=10, strain SD-1) or HV (n=10, strain 1373) BVDV or BVDV-free cell culture medium (control, n=10). Quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine the expression of target genes in tracheo-bronchial lymph nodes and spleen on day 5 post-infection. The mRNA expression of CD25 was up-regulated in tracheo-bronchial lymph nodes of LV (P<0.05), but not in HV compared to the control group. The expression of FoxP3 and CTLA4 was not increased in tracheo-bronchial lymph nodes of either of the BVDV-inoculated groups. A dramatic up-regulation of IDO mRNA was observed in tracheo-bronchial lymph nodes of LV (P<0.05), but not HV compared to the control calves. In conclusion, experimental infection with BVDV did not provide evidence of Treg activation based on expression of FoxP3 and CTL4. Differential expression of CD25 and IDO mRNA on day 5 post-infection with HV or LV BVDV might reflect temporal differences in transcription occurring during the immune response elicited by these viral strains, or differences in viral infectivity of the host cells.
Phytolith variability in Zingiberales: A tool for the reconstruction of past tropical vegetation

Reconstructing paleovegetation is an important part of understanding ancient ecosystems. Phytoliths are preserved even when other fossil evidence (pollen, macrofossils) is not, and can provide evidence for the diversity and distribution of taxa or vegetation that may otherwise have a poor fossil record. Understanding the range of morphologies within plants will help provide better paleovegetation inferences and paleoecological reconstructions. Groups such as the gingers and their relatives (Order Zingiberales) can be ecologically informative and have been used as indicators of frost-free environments. Phytolith morphology in Zingiberales was surveyed from vegetative and reproductive organs of 36 genera and all eight extant families and from the extinct taxon Spirematospermum. Druse, trough, and hat-shape phytoliths are found in vegetative organs and are diagnostic at the family level, while seed phytoliths consistently differ from vegetative material and are highly variable. Druses are produced by Cannaceae, Costaceae, Strelitziaceae, and rarely by Marantaceae. Troughs are produced by Heliconiaceae and Musaceae and the two families are distinguishable by the depth of the central concavity. Hat-shaped morphotypes are found in Lowiaceae and Marantaceae, with those of Lowiaceae being larger in size. Zingiberaceae largely produced silica sand. Marantaceae phytoliths were variable. Globular and tabular morphotypes are among the least diagnostic and are produced in some form in most families. Spirematospermum produced silica sand. Phytoliths suggest that Spirematospermum is most closely related to Zingiberaceae, and not to Musaceae. These results provide support for distinguishing between zingiberalean families. Recognition of these morphotypes in fossil phytolith assemblages can provide evidence for (sub)tropical vegetation and distinctions can be made between microhabitats such as moist, high-light forest gaps vs. shaded understory, with the potential to produce more nuanced paleovegetation reconstructions.
ENERGY DETERMINATION FROM MULTIPLE MESON PRODUCTION BY 6.3-Bev PROTONS IN NUCLEAR EMULSION

864 stars produced by the 6.3-Bev proton beam of the Berkeley Bevatron were observed in nuclear emulsion. The average number of shower particles was 2.7 prongs per star. The energy of the primary particle was determined by three different methods: (a) the median angle method; (b) Castagnoli's method; (c) Cocconi's graphical method. It is found that the results of these three methods are in good agreement with each other and are high in each case by a factor of 2. (auth)
"Nut case: what does it mean?": understanding semantic relationship between nouns in noun compounds through paraphrasing and ranking the paraphrases

A noun compound (NC) is a sequence of two or more nouns (entities) acting as a single noun entity that encodes implicit semantic relation between its noun constituents. Given an NC such as 'headache pills' and possible paraphrases such as: 'pills that induce headache' or 'pills that relieve head-ache' can we learn to choose which verb: 'induce' or 'relieve' that best describes the semantic relation encoded in 'headache pills'? In this paper, we describe our approaches to rank human-proposed paraphrasing verbs of NCs. Our contribution is a novel approach that uses two-step process of clustering similar NCs and then labeling the best paraphrasing verb as the most prototypical verb in the cluster. The approach performs the best with an average Spearman's rank correlation of 0.55. This approach, while being computationally simpler, gives a better ranking than the current state of the art. The result shows the potential of our approach for finding implicit relations between entities especially when the relations are not explicit in the context in which the entities appear, rather they are implicit in the relationship between its constituents.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: Assessing symptoms and activity level

Current approaches to the diagnosis and assessment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) rely primarily on scales that measure only the occurrence of various symptoms related to CFS. Such approaches do not provide information on either the severity of symptoms or on fluctuations in symptom severity and activity level that occur over time. As a result, these measures do not reflect the complexities and the interrelations among symptoms. By obscuring the fluctuating nature of CFS and its high variability, current assessment procedures may prevent health care professionals from understanding the complexities of this disease. The present study provides two CFS case studies to illustrate the advantages of using self-reporting rating scales in combination with a device used to measure the frequency and intensity of activity. The implications of this assessment system, which captures the symptom dynamics and variability involved in CFS, are discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 55: 411–424, 1999.
GENE TREES AND ORGANISMAL HISTORIES: A PHYLOGENETIC APPROACH TO POPULATION BIOLOGY.

A "gene tree" is the phylogeny of alleles or haplotypes for any specified stretch of DNA. Gene trees are components of population trees or species trees; their analysis entails a shift in perspective from many of the familiar models and concepts of population genetics, which typically deal with frequencies of phylogenetically unordered alleles. Molecular surveys of haplotype diversity in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have provided the first extensive empirical data suitable for estimation of gene trees on a microevolutionary (intraspecific) scale. The relationship between phylogeny and geographic distribution constitutes the phylogeographic pattern for any species. Observed phylogeographic trees can be interpreted in terms of historical demography by comparison to predictions derived from models of gene lineage sorting, such as inbreeding theory and branching-process theory. Results of such analyses for more than 20 vertebrate species strongly suggest that the demographies of populations have been remarkably dynamic and unsettled over space and recent evolutionary time. This conclusion is consistent with ecological observations documenting dramatic population-size fluctuations and range shifts in many contemporary species. By adding an historical perspective to population biology, the gene-lineage approach can help forge links between the disciplines of phylogenetic systematics (and macroevolutionary study) and population genetics (microevolution). Preliminary extensions of the "gene tree" methodology to haplotypes of nuclear genes (such as Adh in Drosophila melanogaster) demonstrate that the phylogenetic perspective can also help to illuminate molecular-genetic processes (such as recombination or gene conversion), as well as contribute to knowledge of the origin, age, and molecular basis of particular adaptations.
Analyzing multi-hop routing feasibility for sensor data harvesting using mobile sinks

This paper presents a modeling framework for characterizing the feasibility and impacts of multi-hop packet routing in sensor networks with mobile sinks. Data collection in sensor networks using mobile sinks has recently been investigated to improve energy performance at the cost of collection delay. Although the data collection can be accomplished with varying degrees of multi-hop routing, for a given data generation rate, as the extent of multi-hop routing increases, the round traversal time of the sink decreases. At the same time, the interference experienced by the mobile sink-to-sensor links and the consequent upload time go up. This paper characterizes these competing effects and develops a methodology for determining the extent of multi-hop routing that is feasible for given network and application parameters such as sensor data generation rate, wireless link capacity between sensors and mobile sink, the speed of the mobile sink and node density.
Communicating intimacy one bit at a time

In this paper, we present a study of 'minimal intimate objects': low bandwidth devices for communicating intimacy for couples in long-distance relationships. We describe a user study of a software intimate object built to communicate a single bit at a time. The results from both log data and journal entries suggest that even a one-bit communication device is seen by users as a valuable and rich channel for communicating intimacy, despite the availability of wider channels of communication such as email, instant messaging, and telephone. We suggest the constrained nature of the communication affords active reinterpretation by its users, and discuss the results in the context of the study of intimacy in human-computer interaction.
Dynamic Null Steering for Broadband Phased Array Antennas via Photonic Processing

This paper presents a novel architecture for independently steering broadband nulls for phased array antennas. Measurements taken over a ten percent fractional bandwidth on a three-element proof-of-concept system shows a null depth of better than 40 dB uniform across the entire band in this laboratory setup. The architecture presented is best suited for small antenna array applications, for example self-guided airborne munitions. In a fully integrated, optimized system, null depths of 50 - 70 dB or greater across a multi-gigahertz bandwidth are anticipated and the critical factors, which influence this performance, are examined.
Sensation seeking and involvement in chess

The present study examined the relationship between scores on the Sensation Seeking Scale [SSS; Zuckerman, M. (1979). Sensation seeking; beyond the optimal level of arousal. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.] and involvement in chess within a sample of 112 college students. Students who reported having played chess, and those with more chess experience, evidenced higher scores on both the Total SSS and the Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS) subscale, effects which were independent of gender. Higher scores on Disinhibition were also associated with greater chess experience. The present results provide further support for the validity of the TAS scale with regard to involvement in sports, and suggest that more attention be directed to the link between sensation seeking and involvement in low-risk, but theoretically relevant, sporting activities.
A Low-Cost Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Power Conditioner for Residential Utility

We describe a low-cost power-electronics system (PES) for a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power system which achieves an efficiency η > 93%. The PES comprises of a DC/DC boost converter followed by a soft-switched multi-level high-frequency (HF) inverter and an AC/AC converter. The DC/DC converter comprises zero-ripple boost inductor, which reduces the switching current ripple of the SOFC-stack output current, thereby, possibly improving the durability of the SOFC. Additionally, the design of the inductor yields higher power at a reduced cost. Finally, preliminary experimental results and efficiency estimates for individual subsystems of the PES are demonstrated.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Separately normal maps

It is shown that a separately normal map is holomorphic and a separately normal family which is separately uniformly normal is a normal family extending a result by Barth that a separately holomorphic map into hyperbolic spaces is holomorphic and a separately normal family of maps into hyperbolic spaces is a normal family.
Determination of Free Silica: Gravimetric and Spectrophotometry Procedures Applicable to Air-Borne and Settled Dust

Abstract Refinements contributing to the precision and accuracy of the phosphoric acid method can be made by the use of commercially available apparatus comprising a rotator and a voltage-controlled heater. Additional refinements include optimizing the conditions of analysis by digestion of orthoclase with phosphoric acid for varying lengths of time, use of correction curves to compensate for loss of quartz, and identification of undissolved minerals by means of a polarizing microscope. An eight-year study of the precision of the phosphoric acid method gave a mean standard deviation of 0.34 in the analysis of typical samples containing from- 3 to 50 per cent quartz. The recovery of quartz from the less-than-5-micron fraction of air-borne dust is about 95 per cent when the digestion time is reduced to 8 minutes. The method can be extended to samples of air-borne dust as small as 2 milligrams by spectrophotometric determination of the quartz as molybdisilicic acid.
Synthesis of cis,cis-4,8-dimethyl-cis-2,6-dioxadecahydroazulene

In the course of investigating the preparation of a cis-decahydroazulene (bicyclo-[5.3.0]decane) ring system, a dioxa analog was synthesized as a model compound. This paper describes the preparation of the hitherto unknown heterocyclic system cis,cis-4, 8-dimethyl-cis-2, 6-dioxadecahydroazulene (IX).
Corporate Entrepreneurship Activities through Strategic Alliances: A Resource-Based Approach toward Competitive Advantage†

abstract Corporate entrepreneurship (CE) activities may significantly benefit from interfirm strategic alliances, although such benefits have not been sufficiently examined in the literature. In this paper, a resource-based framework is presented to examine how strategic alliances offer entrepreneurial firms needed resources that may not otherwise be available. We argue that CE activities are likely to lead to resource gaps. We compare various options to fill resource gaps, and identify the pros and cons of the alliance approach. We then discuss the resource conditions that provide competitive advantage for a firm, if alliances are properly used to help implement CE. Finally, we examine how different types of alliance (e.g. joint ventures, R&D alliances, and learning alliances) facilitate various CE activities, including innovation, corporate venturing, and strategic renewal.
Accessibility of graphics in technical documentation for the cognitive and visually impaired

With the U.S. government's new requirement for accessibility, companies such as IBM, are revising their method of selling products and solutions to ensure compliance. The delivery mechanism for information must be accessible to all users, including users with vision, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities.Users consume information from many different sources. An increasingly popular method of distributing information is using computers and the Internet. The Web houses volumes of documents and graphics available to anyone at any time. Paired with assistive technology such as Home Page Reader, the Internet makes information that would otherwise be restrictive accessible.However, as approachable as the Internet may be with its sheer volume of information, it does have limitations. The old saying about a chain, that it is only as good as its weakest link, aptly describes the Internet. Beside problems with retrievability and searchability, many other issues plague this vehicle of information. No matter how sophisticated HTML, DHTML, XHTML, and XML present information, the graphics within the body text are the weakest link, from the viewpoint of users with visual or cognitive impairments.This presentation is divided into two sections and explores how a method of creating and exporting graphics can improve the experiences of users with visual or cognitive impairments when viewing technical documentation: Clear, concise, and well-structured diagrams enable better comprehension for the cognitively impaired suffering from dyslexia and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).The Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) solution addresses many challenges for visually impaired people.
Blind spatiotemporal separation of second and/or higher-order correlated sources by entropy rate minimization

We propose a new entropy rate estimator for a second and/or higher-order correlated source by modeling it as the output of a linear filter, which can be mixed-phase, driven by Gaussian or non-Gaussian noise. Based on this estimator, we develop a new spatiotemporal blind source separation (BSS) algorithm, full BSS (FBSS), by minimizing the entropy rate of separated sources. FBSS provides more flexibilities in exploiting the temporal structures of sources than the state-of-the-art spatiotemporal BSS algorithms, which use AR models, and thus imply minimum-phase property of sources.
A tetrahedral coordination of Zinc during transmembrane transport by P-type Zn2+-ATPases

Abstract Zn 2+ is an essential transition metal required in trace amounts by all living organisms. However, metal excess is cytotoxic and leads to cell damage. Cells rely on transmembrane transporters, with the assistance of other proteins, to establish and maintain Zn 2+ homeostasis. Metal coordination during transport is key to specific transport and unidirectional translocation without the backward release of free metal. The coordination details of Zn 2+ at the transmembrane metal binding site responsible for transport have now been established. Escherichia coli ZntA is a well-characterized Zn 2+ -ATPase responsible for intracellular Zn 2+ efflux. A truncated form of the protein lacking regulatory metal sites and retaining the transport site was constructed. Metrical parameters of the metal–ligand coordination geometry for the zinc bound isolated form were characterized using x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Our data support a nearest neighbor ligand environment of (O/N) 2 S 2 that is compatible with the proposed invariant metal coordinating residues present in the transmembrane region. This ligand identification and the calculated bond lengths support a tetrahedral coordination geometry for Zn 2+ bound to the TM-MBS of P-type ATPase transporters.
Electron backscatter diffraction analysis of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–35mol%PbTiO3 single crystals grown by seeded polycrystal conversion

Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) has been applied to characterize Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 –35 mol%PbTiO 3 single crystals grown by the seeded polycrystal conversion method. Macroscopically triangular crystal growth fronts were shown to each be associated with discrete crystals that originated from slightly misoriented segments of an initially cracked single-crystal seed plate. Various types of crystal imperfections, including voids, second-phase regions, and polycrystalline matrix grains trapped within the grown region, were readily identified and distinguished from one another using EBSD. Further, it was shown that trapped matrix grains in the grown region had consistently small misorientations with respect to the grown single crystal and this may be qualitatively explained by a simple boundary energetics argument. The significance of the trapped grains is discussed.