cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of the cosmic ray techniques

It has been found that most advances of cosmic-ray physics have been directly related to the development of observational techniques. The history of observational techniques is discussed, taking into account ionization chambers, refinements applied to ionization chambers to make them suitable for an effective use in the study of cosmic radiation, the Wulf-type electrometer, the electrometer designed by Millikan and Neher, the Geiger-Mueller counter, the experiment of Bothe and Kolhoerster, the coincidence circuit, and a cosmic-ray 'telescope'. Attention is given to a magnetic lens for cosmic rays, a triangular arrangement of Geiger-Mueller counters used to demonstrate the production of a secondary radiation, a stereoscopic cloud-chamber photograph of showers, the cloud-chamber picture which provided the first evidence of the positive electron, and arrangements for studying photon components, mu-mesons, and air showers.
Genes critical for muscle development and function in Caenorhabditis elegans identified through lethal mutations

By taking advantage of a lethal phenotype characteristic of Caenorhabditis elegans embryos that fail to move, we have identified 13 genes required for muscle assembly and function and discovered a new lethal class of alleles for three previously known muscle-affecting genes. By staining mutant embryos for myosin and actin we have recognized five distinct classes of genes: mutations in four genes disrupt the assembly of thick and thin filaments into the myofilament lattice as well as the polarized location of these components to the sarcolemma. Mutations in another three genes also disrupt thick and thin filament assembly, but allow proper polarization of lattice components based on the myosin heavy chain isoform that we analyzed. Another two classes of genes are defined by mutations with principal effects on thick or thin filament assembly into the lattice, but not both. The final class includes three genes in which mutations cause relatively minor defects in lattice assembly. Failure of certain mutants to stain with antibodies to specific muscle cell antigens suggest that two genes associated with severe disruptions of myofilament lattice assembly may code for components of the basement membrane and the sarcolemma that are concentrated where dense bodies (Z-line analogs) and M-lines attach to the cell membrane. Similar evidence suggests that one of the genes associated with mild effects on lattice assembly may code for tropomyosin. Many of the newly identified genes are likely to play critical roles in muscle development and function.
Carbon monoxide modulates secretion of corticotropin-releasing factor from rat hypothalamic cell cultures.

Abstract The present study examined the actions of the putative gaseous neurotransmitter carbon monoxide (CO) on secretion of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) from cultured primary rat hypothalamic cells. 6 h treatment of cells with 100% gaseous CO, or with the heme analog, hematin (100 μM) which produces CO as a by-product of its metabolism, increased basal secretion of CRF to 207 ± 8% and 200 ± 65% of control respectively. Zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX) (0.3–100 μM), a selective inhibitor of CO formation, decreased CRF secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The changes in CRF secretion observed with hematin were attenuated during concurrent treatment with ZnPPIX. These studies suggest that basal secretion of CRF in the rat hypothalamus may be regulated by CO.
The impact of science on modern conceptions of rationality

If the discussion that we have reviewed and it is a discussion that has been going on for many decades seems inconclusive, it is perhaps because the discussion always assumes a kind of priority of rationality over goodness. The question is always whether there is any sense in which it can be called irrational to choose a bad end, as if goodness were on trial and rationality were the judge. To assume this stance, especially when one's assumptions about rationality are a largely unexamined collection of cultural myths and prejudices, is to prejudge the question of the status of value judgments in advance. In the remainder of this essay I propose to reverse the terms of the comparison and to ask not how rational is goodness, but why is it good to be rational? Asking what value rationality itself has will both force us to become clearer about the nature of rationality itself and about the assumptions we are prone to make concerning rationality and may enable us to see what is wrong with the way we think about the former question. Let us recall that when Max Weber introduced the modern fact value distinction, his argument against the objectivity of value judg ments was precisely that it is not possible to establish the truth of a value judgment to the satisfaction of all possible rational persons. From the very beginning it was the impossibility, or alleged im possibility, of rational proof that cast value judgments into a some what suspect light. Rationality has been putting value on trial for a long time. And in this context, rationality always means scientific rationality; it is the results of "positive science" that are said to be such that they can be established to the satisfaction of all rational persons. One reason for valuing rationality is obvious. Scientific rationality undeniably aids us in achieving various practical goals. While few educated people would subscribe to the view that we ought to pursue science solely for the sake of technological success, there is no doubt that the technological success of science is overwhelming in the most literal sense of that word. We live in an apparently endless
UVA-mediated activation of signaling pathways involved in skin tumor promotion and progression

Each year more than 1,000,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) are diagnosed in the Unites States. Solar radiation has been described as an important etiological factor in the development of NMSC. UVA comprises the largest portion of solar radiation reaching the surface of the earth (90-99%) and has been described to lead to benign tumor formation as well as malignant cancers, squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). While much research has focused upon the effects of UVB radiation, little is known about UVA-induced signaling pathways and their role in tumor promotion. Here we focus on UVA-mediated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways and their role in activator protein-1 (AP-1) mediated transcription and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. AP-1 and COX-2 have been found to play a role in angiogenesis in other tissues. We propose UVA-mediated increases in AP-1 and COX-2 may play a role in tumor promotion through increases in interleukin-8 (IL-8) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Since MAPKs, specifically p38 and JNK, appear to play a major role in the expression of UVA-induced AP-1 and COX-2, pharmacological inhibitors may be of benefit in the chemoprevention of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Megahertz Pulse-Burst Laser and Visualization of Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interaction

The development and application of a Nd:YAG pulse-burst laser system, which is capable of operating at up to 1-MHz pulse repetition rate with high pulse energy and narrow spectral linewidth, is presented. The laser system can generate a burst of from 1 to 99 pulses over a maximum time interval of 100 µs. The average single pulse energy at 1:064µ is 10 mJ. This laser is paired with a new megahertz-rate charge-coupled device framing camera to obtain images of a Mach 2.5 e ow over a 14-deg angle wedge at a 500-kHz repetition rate. The sequential images clearly show the dynamic interaction between the incoming turbulent boundary layer and the unsteady oblique shock wave.
Resonance Raman scattering in InAs near the E1 gap

Abstract Measurements of resonance Raman scattering in InAs at 77°K near the E 1 gap have been extended to 2.73 eV. The peak in the resonance curve appears at about 2.66 eV, 70 meV above the optical gap, and gives a larger temperature shift of the resonance than previously reported. Resonance lineshapes are obtained for allowed TO and LO and for forbidden LO phonon scattering. The forbidden scattering intensities are consistent with selection rules predicted for linear q -dependent and/or surface electric field induced scattering mechanisms.
Qualitative analysis of student assignments: a practical look at ATLAS.ti

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the basic principles of qualitative analysis, and examine the practical application of these principles to analyze student assignments using the ATLAS.ti software.Design/methodology/approach – Student comments from an assignment are prepared for import into ATLAS.ti. The comments are coded, and then analyzed for patterns using ATLAS.ti and its mechanisms for exploring data and data patterns.Findings – ATLAS.ti offers myriad analytic tools that allow the researcher to quantify qualitative information through coding, data query, cross‐tabulation, and networked visualization of project design. By developing both technical expertise with the software, and developing familiarity with qualitative methodology, librarians can wield an effective means to assess and evaluate text‐based data, such as student assignments or surveys.Research limitations/implications – Because the ATLAS.ti software, and the qualitative analysis process itself is so complex, this article ...
The effects of high meltwater on the limnology of Lake Fryxell and Lake Hoare, Taylor Valley, Antarctica, as shown by dissolved gas, tritium and chlorofluorocarbons

Small changes in the availability of liquid water can have profound effects on the water levels, aqueous chemistry and biogeochemical dynamics of the closed-basin, perennially ice-covered lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. We have compiled the published and unpublished data on dissolved gas, tritium and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) for Lake Fryxell and Lake Hoare to determine the effects of a high meltwater year (2001–02 summer) on the lakes. The dissolved gas, tritium and CFC data indicate that the pulse of freshwater that flowed onto the surfaces of the lakes did not mix extensively with the upper water column. At the bottom of Lake Hoare, the measurable CFC and lower dissolved gas values suggest that the recent meltwater may have mixed with bottom waters. The probable mechanism for this transportation is weak density currents with c. 0.1–1.5% surface water being transported downwards in Lake Hoare. This deep water input, while not constant, may have a significant effect on the chemistry of the bottom waters in Lake Hoare over time. In Lake Fryxell, the tritium and CFC data indicate that the recent meltwater did not significantly affect the bottom water chemistry; therefore, weak density currents may not be present in Lake Fryxell.
Considerations on Life and Death: Medieval Asceticism and the Dissolution of the Self

This essay explores the question of whether medieval asceticism is annihilation of the self or a means of constituting the self. It reads Gary Lease's conclusion, that religion is programmed suicide, against studies of medieval asceticism that argue for an understanding of religion as an embodied discipline which forms the subject and provides a means of resisting social norms. It suggests that the project of understanding the forms of power embedded in particular concepts of religion requires not only historicizing the term "religion" but also analyzing concepts of self, body, and agency. Drawing on the writings of the twelfth-century monk Bernard of Clairvaux as a case study, it argues that Bernard's conception of religion described a variety of ways in which embodied discipline could form a subject, and that he employed these variations ideologically to define the boundaries of his community and Church.
Heterogeneous reallocation of presynaptic efficacy in recurrent excitatory circuits adapting to inactivity

Recurrent excitatory circuits face extreme challenges in balancing efficacy and stability. We recorded from CA3 pyramidal neuron pairs in rat hippocampal slice cultures to characterize synaptic and circuit-level changes in recurrent synapses resulting from long-term inactivity. Chronic tetrodotoxin treatment greatly reduced the percentage of connected CA3-CA3 neurons, but enhanced the strength of the remaining connections; presynaptic release probability sharply increased, whereas quantal size was unaltered. Connectivity was decreased in activity-deprived circuits by functional silencing of synapses, whereas three-dimensional anatomical analysis revealed no change in spine or bouton density or aggregate dendrite length. The silencing arose from enhanced Cdk5 activity and could be reverted by acute Cdk5 inhibition with roscovitine. Our results suggest that recurrent circuits adapt to chronic inactivity by reallocating presynaptic weights heterogeneously, strengthening certain connections while silencing others. This restricts synaptic output and input, preserving signaling efficacy among a subset of neuronal ensembles while protecting network stability.
Halo-tag mediated self-labeling of fluorescent proteins to molecular beacons for nucleic acid detection

We report here the generation of a fluorescent protein (FP)-based dual molecular beacon (MB) system for nucleic acid detection. Halo-tag mediated conjugation was used for the site-specific decoration of MBs with two different FP fusions, thereby enabling easy detection of target sequences by fluorescence resonance energy transfer or FRET. Enhanced intracellular delivery was demonstrated by simply tethering a well-known TAT peptide sequence to the N-terminus of the fusion proteins.
Modeling the role of IGF-1 on extracellular matrix biosynthesis and cellularity in intervertebral disc.

The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a well-known anabolic agent for intervertebral disc (IVD), promoting both proteoglycan (PG) biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Accordingly, it is believed that IGF-1 may play a central role in IVD homeostasis. Furthermore, the exogenous administration of IGF-1 has been proposed as a possible therapeutic strategy for disc degeneration. The objectives of this study were to develop a new computational framework for describing the mechanisms regulating IGF-mediated homeostasis in IVD, and to apply this numerical tool for investigating the effectiveness of exogenous administration of IGF-1 for curing disc degeneration. A diffusive–reactive model was developed for describing competitive binding of IGF-1 to its binding proteins and cell surface receptors, with the latter reaction initiating the intracellular signaling mechanism leading to PG production and cell proliferation. Because PG production increases cell metabolic rate, and cell proliferation increases nutritional demand, nutrients transport and metabolism were also included into the model, and co-regulated, together with IGF-1, IVD cellularity. The sustainability and the effectiveness of IGF-mediated anabolism were investigated for conditions of pathologically insufficient nutrient supply, and for the case of exogenous administration of IGF-1 to degenerated IVD. Results showed that pathological nutrients deprivation, by decreasing cellularity, caused a reduction of PG biosynthesis. Also, exogenous administration of IGF-1 was only beneficial in well-nourished regions of IVD, and exacerbated cell mortality in malnourished regions. These findings remark the central role of nutrition in IVD health, and suggest that adequate nutritional supply is paramount for achieving a successful IGF-based therapy for disc degeneration.
On the possibilities of thermal energy conversion in lakes

Abstract The paper discusses the possibility of extracting electrical energy from the thermal energy stored in stratified lakes. Three situations are examined, an open lake or pond acting as a solar collector, a combination of waste heat and solar energy, and selective withdrawal of warm and cold streams from a stratified hydroelectric reservoir. Approximate calculations of the energy returns are made for typical conditions. The returns are limited by environmental factors as well as a short operating season. By using the deep stratified Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Michigan and Ontario) as solar collectors, a few thousand megawatts of electrical power could be produced in the Great Lakes Basin during the summer months. This power could be produced on a year‐round basis by a single large nuclear generating station.
Evaluation of lipid peroxidation in red blood cells by monitoring the uptake of sucrose and phenol red

Red blood cells (RBCs) are prone to lipid peroxidation by virtue of their function as oxygen carriers, and also because of their lipid composition. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content using thiobarbituric reagent is widely used to quantify lipid peroxidation. In this study we compare MDA assay with a newly developed assay that evaluates the uptake of sucrose and phenol red into RBCs under peroxidative stress. Both sucrose and phenol red uptake show significantly higher correlation with incubation time compared with MDA assay. Furthermore, phenol red uptake into RBCs on treatment with H(2)O(2) has a direct linear proportional relationship, whereas it is hyperbolic with MDA. The assay also clearly shows that uptake of sucrose or phenol red is specific for intact cells (RBCs) prior to hemolysis. Assay validation is carried out by using known lipid peroxidation-causing agents, such as ferrous ions, and also by using peroxidation inhibitors such as alpha-tocopherol. This new method can be applied efficiently to evaluate lipid peroxidation in RBCs as well as other cells and tissues.
Knowledge discovery through games and game theory

A fuzzy logic based expert system has been developed that automatically allocates electronic attack (EA) resources in real-time over many dissimilar platforms. The platforms can be very general, e.g., ships, planes, robots, land based facilities, etc. Potential foes the platforms deal with can also be general. The initial version of the algorithm was optimized using a genetic algorithm employing fitness functions constructed based on expertise. A new approach is being explored that involves embedding the resource manager in a electronic game environment. The game allows a human expert to play against the resource manager in a simulated battlespace with each of the defending platforms being exclusively directed by the fuzzy resource manager and the attacking platforms being controlled by the human expert or operating autonomously under their own logic. This approach automates the data mining problem. The game automatically creates a database reflecting the domain expert's knowledge, it calls a data mining function, a genetic algorithm, for data mining of the database as required. The game allows easy evaluation of the information mined in the second step. The measure of effectiveness (MOE) for re-optimization is discussed. The mined information is extremely valuable as shown through demanding scenarios.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Spontaneous Ca++ oscillations in astrocytes initiate high-frequency oscillations in model hippocampal network

Tonic-Clonic (TC) seizures typically follow episodes of high frequency oscillations (HFOs). The dynamics of these HFOs have been studied in various types of animal and computational seizure models. Hippocampal slice experiments have shown high frequency activity can be decoupled through the use of gap-junction blockers[1]. This has generally been attributed to gap-junctions between neurons, however we hypothesize that this may be caused by blocking gap-junctions been astrocytes. To test this hypothesis we constructed a model network consisting of three distinct cell populations (Figure ​(Figure1).1). Spontaneous calcium oscillations through astrocytes cause a release of glutamate driving the neuronal population to fire with high frequency (100-140 Hz) oscillations. By decreasing gap-junction conductance within the pyramidal and basket cell populations no noticeable difference in high frequency power was seen in the time-frequency analysis, suggesting that HFOs may not require electrical coupling between neurons. Next, to test the role of calcium waves in generation of high frequency activity we decreased gap-junction conductance between all astrocytes. This resulted in a decrease in HFO power between 100-140 Hz. These results of the simulations suggest that spontaneous calcium waves through astrocytic gap junctions may induce high-frequency activity in reduced hippocampal pyramidal populations. Pathology studies of patients with mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy have shown an increase in astrocytic connexin43 expression, the main component in astrocyte gap-junctions[2]. The results of this experiment open a new opportunity in targeted drug therapies for epileptics, one that specifically targets astrocyte gap-junctions. Figure 1 A reduced three cell hippocampal circuit. The curved arrows correspond to gap-junction coupling within the population. Gliotransmitter effects are modeled as inward current into the neuronal population following elevation in calcium within astrocytes. ...
The presence of masked antiribosomal P autoantibodies in healthy children.

Objective. To determine if antiribosomal P (anti-P) autoantibodies are present in healthy children. Methods. Sera from healthy children were screened for anti-P by conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot techniques. Sera were also treated with immobilized ribosomal P antigens on nitrocellulose strips; affinity-purified fractions were tested for anti-P by high-sensitivity immunoblot. The relative binding affinities were compared for affinity-purified anti-P antibodies from healthy children and adults, and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. IgG fractions of anti-P-depleted sera from healthy children were assessed for inhibition of autolo-gous anti-P activity. Results. Conventional serologic screening showed no IgG nor IgM anti-P in 88 untreated sera. IgG anti-P were unmasked in all 79 sera treated by the membrane batch affinity technique. IgM anti-P were identified in 27 of the treated sera; the percentage of positive sera decreased with increasing age (X 2 for linear trend P = 0.00081). Affinity-purified anti-P from children had relative binding affinities similar to those of anti-P from other groups. Sera from healthy children contained inhibitory IgG antibodies to anti-P. Conclusion. These results show that anti-P autoantibodies are present in all healthy children. The majority of these autoantibodies are masked by IgG antibodies, suggesting concordant development of a regulatory network.
Comparison of the Antibacterial Activities of Sisomicin and Gentamicin Against Gram-Negative Bacteria

Sisomicin was found to be more active on a weight basis than gentamicin against Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella sp., and indole-positive Proteus. Gentamicin was more active than sisomicin against Escherichia coli, Serratia sp., Enterobacter sp., and Proteus mirabilis. Both antibiotics were very active against methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus.
Alkynol endo-Cycloisomerizations and Conceptually Related Transformations

The discovery of new chemical transformations permits exploration and development of novel synthesis strategies. This account describes the invention of endo-selective cycloisomerizations of alkynyl alcohols, and mechanistically related transformations of terminal alkynes tethered to nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur nucleophiles (see diagram). The synthetic utility of these new transformations is exemplified in applications to anti-AIDS nucleosides, polycyclic ethers, and oligosaccharides.
Reporting of mortality associated with pediatric and congenital cardiac surgery.

4. Sundt TM, Zehr KJ, Dearani JA, Daly RC, Mullany CJ, McGregor CG, et al. Is early anticoagulation with warfarin necessary after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2005;129:1024-31. 5. Aramendi JI, Mestres CA, Martinez-Leon J, Campos V, Munoz G, Navas C. Triflusal versus oral anticoagulation for primary prevention of thromboembolism after bioprosthetic valve replacement (TRAC): prospective, randomized, cooperative trial. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2005;27: 854-60.
Archaeology as Built for the Tourists: The Anasazi Cliff Dwellings of Manitou Springs, Colorado

Anasazi-era archaeology sites have been extremely popular tourist attractions since the 1890s, but one site—the cliff dwellings in Manitou Springs, Colorado—stands apart because it is a fake. The site was constructed at the turn of the twentieth century as a more accessible tourist alternative to Four Corners-area Anasazi ruins. The story of its construction and how it continues to cater to its visitors offers insight into the ways in which archaeology sites function as tourist destination. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings forces scholars to consider questions of authenticity, authority, and how people engage the past.
Registration of Arkot 9811 and Arkot 9815 Germplasm Lines of Cotton

Arkot 9811 (Reg. No. GP-919, PI 658215 and Arkot 9815 (Reg. No. GP-920, PI 658216) are noncommercial breeding lines of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) that were released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in October 2009. Arkot 9811 was derived from a 1998 cross of 'FiberMax 989'and Arkot 9108. Arkot 9815 was derived from a 1998 cross of 'GC-251' and Ark 8717-17-13, an advanced breeding line that was derived from crossing two F 1 populations, one derived from crossing 'DES 119' and Miscot 7803-52 and the other one derived from crossing Miscot T8-27 and Miscot 8006. Lint yields of Arkot 9811 and Arkot 9815 were equal to two check cultivars in 15 Arkansas tests. Among the 32 entries evaluated in all 10 locations of a regional test in 2007, Arkot 9811 and Arkot 9815 produced the second and third highest lint yields, respectively. Basic yield and related yield components (number of seed per area, lint index, seed index, and fibers per seed) of Arkot 9811 were equal to those of 'DP 393'. Arkot 9815 produced fewer seed per area, higher lint percentage, and fewer fibers per seed than DP 393. Height and maturity of both lines were similar to those of DP 393. Fiber properties of Arkot 9811 and Arkot 9815 were inferior to those of DP 393, producing higher micronaire and shorter length. Both lines produced moderate leaf pubescence ratings but were less glabrous than DP 393; however, the bract trichome density of both lines was less dense than that of DP 393. Both lines expressed resistance to bacterial blight. Arkot 9811 expressed resistance to tarnished plant bug equal to that of 'SG 105', while Arkot 9815 expressed higher resistance than either check cultivar. The relative yield, maturity, and line-specific host-plant resistance traits make these lines valuable to cotton breeding programs.
Emerging drugs for hypogonadism

Male hypogonadism is a common endocrine problem that affects men of all ages. Recently, there has been a surge in testosterone use among middle-aged and older men who in the past may have been considered to have borderline or even normal testosterone levels. This increasing use of testosterone therapy among men has paralleled the increasing improvements in the development of treatments for male hypogonadism that have been made over the past few decades. Current therapies using transdermal formulations and long-acting injectables such as testosterone undecanoate are quickly replacing the old injectable testosterone esters. In recent years, pharmaceutical sales and prescription data have readily shown a shift in the testosterone marketplace towards greater use of slightly more expensive treatments such as transdermal therapies, which are easier to administer and yield more physiological levels of testosterone. On the horizon are several new compounds in development, such as selective androgen receptor modul...
Ft. McHenry tunnel study: Source profiles and mercury emissions from diesel and gasoline powered vehicles

Abstract During the fall of 1998, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection sponsored a 7-day study at the Ft. McHenry tunnel in Baltimore, MD with the objective of obtaining PM 2.5 vehicle source profiles for use in atmospheric mercury source apportionment studies. PM 2.5 emission profiles from gasoline and diesel powered vehicles were developed from analysis of trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and condensed aliphatic hydrocarbons. PM 2.5 samples were collected using commercially available sampling systems and were extracted and analyzed using conventional well-established methods. Both inorganic and organic profiles were sufficiently unique to mathematically discriminate the contributions from each source type using a chemical mass balance source apportionment approach. However, only the organic source profiles provided unique PAH tracers (e.g., fluoranthene, pyrene, and chrysene) for diesel combustion that could be used to identify source contributions generated using multivariate statistical receptor modeling approaches. In addition, the study found significant emission of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg 0 ), divalent reactive gaseous mercury (RGM), and particulate mercury (Hg(p)) from gasoline but not from diesel powered motor vehicles. Fuel analysis supported the tunnel measurement results showing that total mercury content in all grades of gasoline (284±108 ng L −1 ) was substantially higher than total mercury content in diesel fuel (62±37 ng L −1 ) collected contemporaneously at local Baltimore retailers.
‘We've Already Done that One’: Adolescents' Repeated Encounters with the Same Artwork

This article explores the way young people's responses to an image evolve when they engage with it repeatedly. An analysis of the sequential encounters of six adolescents with a Renaissance painting reveals that, as they gained experience with the picture, the youngsters probed for increasingly deeper layers of meaning in the work. Specifically, on their second encounter with the painting, the students showed greater sensitivity to visual information, and they incorporated their own experiences and knowledge into the meaning-making process more actively than on their first encounter. This study also shows that, once the participants had established a relationship with the artwork on their own terms, they seemed eager to discover contextual information about it. However, far from accepting this information as ‘authority’, the young viewers considered it critically and used it to deepen, expand and revise their personal visions of the painting.
Carboniferous U-Pb age of the Sebago batholith, southwestern Maine: Metamorphic and tectonic implications

Two phases (pink and white granite) of the Sebago batholith of southwestern Maine have been dated by the U-Pb zircon method. Identical upper concordia intercepts of both rocks indicate an intrusive age of 325 ± 3 m.y. for the batholith. The lower intercept of the pink-phase sample, 114 ± 13 m.y., is inferred to represent episodic lead loss due to the intrusion of the nearby Cretaceous Pleasant Mountain stock. The lower intercept of the white-phase sample, 18 ± 21 m.y., suggests only modern dilatancy lead loss. Monazites have ages of 272 m.y. (pink) and 282 m.y. (white) which are thought to be cooling ages. Rb-Sr whole-rock data have low initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios of 0.7031 (pink) and 0.7053 (white). These data, in conjunction with published 40 Ar/ 39 Ar, Rb-Sr, K-Ar, and fission-track ages, suggest that little or no uplift occurred in this part of New England until the Permian and that the uplift rate from 275 m.y. to 225 m.y. was ∼3 times as rapid as was the rate for 225 m.y. to the present. The Carboniferous age of the Sebago batholith suggests that currently accepted metamorphic and tectonic interpretations for southwestern Maine and for east-central New Hampshire require revision.
Counting efficiency of systems having both paralyzable and nonparalyzable elements

Electronics for processing random event trains may contain some elements which are paralyzable in combination with others which are nonparalyzable. An expression is derived which gives the counting efficiency or live time of such a system when its input is a Poisson random arrival process.
The pressure for dislocation loop punching by a single bubble

Abstract A detailed analysis is given on the energetics of bubble growth in a solid by prismatic loop punching. Interactions between the bubble and the dislocation loop are included as well as the effect of the loop proximity on the actual bubble volume. It is shown that there exists an attraction between bubble and loop and that the bubble volume increases gradually as the loop recedes from the bubble. As a result, there exists an energy barrier for loop punching which requires a significantly higher pressure than previously assumed. Furthermore, the critical pressure for loop punching reaches a nearly constant value with increasing bubble radius. The calculations are carried out for the case of nickel at room temperature, and it is predicted that helium within the bubbles is in the solid state.
Constitutive activation of phototransduction by K296E opsin is not a cause of photoreceptor degeneration.

Abstract The missense mutation Lys-296-->Glu (K296E) in the rhodopsin gene produces an opsin with no chromophore binding site and therefore is not activated by light. Nevertheless, the mutant opsin constitutively activates transducin in vitro and causes photoreceptor degeneration in vivo, possibly by continuously activating the phototransduction cascade, analogous to constant exposure to environmental light. We studied the K296E mutation in eight lines of transgenic mice. Each line developed photoreceptor degeneration with the rate of degeneration increasing monotonically as the ratio of mutant:wild-type opsin mRNA increased. At no time in the course of degeneration was there endogenous light adaptation in the retina as measured by the electroretinogram. The mutant opsin was found to be invariably phosphorylated and stably bound to arrestin. Light-independent activation of transducin was demonstrated only after the removal of arrestin and dephosphorylation of K296E opsin. Thus, K296E opsin in vivo does not activate the phototransduction cascade because it is shut off by photoreceptor inactivation mechanisms. Our data show that the K296E mutation does not cause photoreceptor degeneration by continuous activation of phototransduction.
A diatom record of climate and hydrology for the past 200 ka from owens lake, california with comparison to other great basin records

Abstract Diatoms from lake sediments beneath Owens Lake playa, Inyo County, California, document a nearly continuous paleolimnological record of climate and hydrologic change since the penultimate glacial-interglacial cycle based on a chronology established by radiocarbon, tephrochronology, and paleomagnetic control. Freshwater planktic diatoms (especially species of Stephanodiscus ), plagioclase feldspar-rich sediments with high magnetic susceptibility, and Juniperus -type pollen characterized the penultimate glaciation at Owens Lake. Saline diatoms dominated in the following interglacial period, and there are several episodes during which freshwater planktic diatoms became abundant between 100 and 50 ka that may represent interstadial climatic conditions. Saline diatoms fell to low values after 50 ka, but warm-season Aulacoseira species indicate episodes of significant summer precipitation in the hydrologic balance of Owens Lake prior to the last glacial maximum. By 25 ka, glacial environments were again characterized by abundant Juniperus , plagioclase feldspar, and Stephanodiscus species. Generally arid Holocene climates were recorded in Owens Lake by short-term fluctuations of saline and freshwater diatoms, desiccation, and oolitic sediments barren of diatoms. Comparison to paleoclimate records both north and south of Owens Lake suggest a southerly displacement of storm tracks originating from the Aleutian Low during glacial episodes.
Epidemiologic evidence for vitamin E in prevention of cardiovascular disease

Ecologic studies of vitamin E have shown that regions with relatively low dietary vitamin E tend to have higher rates of coronary heart disease (CHD), but it is difficult to adjust for other risk factors. Cross-sectional studies in individuals have yielded conflicting results, as have prospective studies based on stored blood samples. Two large prospective studies found that persons who had used vitamin E supplements for > or = 2 y had approximately 40% lower rates of CHD. Short durations and doses of < 100 IU/d had no significant effect. The effect of dietary vitamin E was modest and nonsignificant. Adjustment for a wide array of other coronary risk factors had little effect on the findings, which were specific for vitamin E and not other supplements. The only large, randomized trial found no material reduction in CHD risk for 50 IU vitamin E/d. The epidemiologic evidence suggests that high doses of vitamin E may reduce the risk of CHD.
LDPC coded modulation for terabit optical Ethernet

Polarization-multiplexed-QAM requires huge QAM constellations to reach Tb/s-range with commercially-available symbol rates. In this invited paper, we describe four techniques to enable multi-Tb/s Ethernet, while employing reasonable signal-constellation sizes: four-dimensional (4D)-coded-modulation, 4D-multiband-coded-OFDM, generalized-OFDM, and spatial-domain-based-coded-modulation.
Randomized Study of Placebo and Framing Information in Direct-to-Consumer Print Advertisements for Prescription Drugs

Background Research suggests that quantitative information in direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug ads may be helpful for consumers.
Client-network interaction in a real-time communication environment

A model for client-network interaction developed for the Tenet real-time protocol suite is presented. The model includes new mechanisms for the establishment and runtime management of real-time connections. By improving the information exchanged between the network and the clients, the model makes it possible to reduce the complexity of and the time required to establish a real-time connection, and increases the network utilization. A class of real-time communication service that supports adaptive quality of service is introduced, in order to enhance the ability of the network to deal with congestion situations. >
Development and application of a SAR training processor

In order to make the concepts of SAR more accessible to a general audience, a SAR Training Processor (STP) was developed. The SAR Training Processor was used in lecture and laboratory exercises for graduate-level Remote Sensing classes and for public seminars. The software allows the user to interactively visualize data and explore the effects of processing options. Users can view any intermediate processing results, modify the processing steps, and change processing parameters. The processor can be run either from the command line or from a graphical user interface. Examples of exercises that demonstrate SAR principles and strategies for using the STP are given.
Structure and evolution of ribonuclease P RNA in Gram-positive bacteria.

The sequences and structures of RNase P RNAs of some Gram-positive bacteria, e.g. Bacillus subtilis, are very different than those of other bacteria. In order to expand our understanding of the structure and evolution of RNase P RNA in Gram-positive bacteria, gene sequences encoding RNase P RNAs from 10 additional species from this evolutionary group have been determined, doubling the number of sequences available for comparative analysis. The enlarged data set allows refinement of the secondary structure model of these unusual RNase P RNAs and the identification of potential tertiary interactions between P10.1 and L12, and between L5.1 and L15.1. The newly-obtained sequences suggest that RNase P RNA underwent an abrupt, dramatic restructuring in the ancestry of the low-G+C Gram-positive bacteria after the divergence of the branches leading to the ‘Clostridia and relatives’ and the remaining low-G+C Gram-positive species. The unusual structures of the RNase P RNAs of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and M.floccularre are apparently derived from RNAs with Bacillus-like structure rather than from intermediate, partially restructured ancestral RNAs. The structure of the RNase P RNA from the photosynthetic Heliobacillus mobilis supports the relationship of this specie with Bacillus and Staphylococcus rather than the ‘Clostridia and relatives’ as suggested by the sequences of their small-subunit ribosomal RNAs.
Mineralized and unmineralized calderas in Spain; Part II, evolution of the Rodalquilar caldera complex and associated gold-alunite deposits

The Rodalquilar caldera complex is located in the western part of the Cabo de Gata volcanic field in southeastern Spain and is the first documented example of epithermal gold-alunite mineralization within a caldera in Europe. The Rodalquilar caldera is an oval collapse structure having a maximum diameter of 8 km and formed at 11 Ma from eruption of the Cinto ash-flow tuff. The oval Lomilla caldera, with a diameter of 2 km, is nested within the central resurgent dome of the older Rodalquilar caldera. The Lomilla caldera resulted from the eruption of the Lazaras ash-flow tuff which was ponded within the moat of the Rodalquilar caldera. The last phase of volcanic activity in the caldera complex was the emplacement of hornblende andesite flows and intru- sions. This magmatic event resulted in structural doming of the caldera, opening of fractures and faults, and pro- vided the heat source for the large hydrothermal systems which deposited quartz-alunite type gold deposits and base metal vein systems. The gold-alunite deposits are enclosed in areas of intense acid sulfate alteration and localized in ring and radial faults and fractures present in the east wall of the Lomilla caldera. Like other acid-sul- fate type deposits, the Rodalquilar gold-alunite deposits are closely related in time and space to porphyritic, inter- mediate composition magma emplaced along caldera structures but unrelated to the caldera forming magmatic system.
Biliary cystadenoma and cystadenocar cinoma: Gray scale ultrasound appearance

The gray scale echographic appearance of biliary cystadenoma/cystadenocarcinoma is described. The characteristic findings are a cystic, multiloculated intrahepatic mass with thick, highly echogenic internal septations. Findings are similar to those in pancreatic and ovarian cystadenomas/cystadenocarcinomas.
Radiation forces on dielectric and absorbing particles studied via the finite-difference time-domain method

Using the three dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, we calculate the radiation force from an incident plane wave on both dielectric and absorbing particles in the Lorentz-Mie regime via the Maxwell stress tensor approach. We find that the radiation force changes with particle permittivity, and we categorize the force into three regions: increasing, fluctuating, and constant. We discuss how particle size, shape, orientation and absorption affect the radiation force. A nanoscale solar sail is proposed based on our calculation. A detailed understanding of the optical force of a plane wave on particles in the Lorentz-Mie regime is fundamental for designing nanoscale solar sail systems and optical traps from a set of interfering plane waves.
Privacy-Preserving Distributed Profile Matching in Proximity-Based Mobile Social Networks

Making new connections according to personal preferences is a crucial service in mobile social networking, where an initiating user can find matching users within physical proximity of him/her. In existing systems for such services, usually all the users directly publish their complete profiles for others to search. However, in many applications, the users' personal profiles may contain sensitive information that they do not want to make public. In this paper, we propose FindU, a set of privacy-preserving profile matching schemes for proximity-based mobile social networks. In FindU, an initiating user can find from a group of users the one whose profile best matches with his/her; to limit the risk of privacy exposure, only necessary and minimal information about the private attributes of the participating users is exchanged. Two increasing levels of user privacy are defined, with decreasing amounts of revealed profile information. Leveraging secure multi-party computation (SMC) techniques, we propose novel protocols that realize each of the user privacy levels, which can also be personalized by the users. We provide formal security proofs and performance evaluation on our schemes, and show their advantages in both security and efficiency over state-of-the-art schemes.
Performance and Modifications of a 200 keV Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility

An air isolated 200 keV heavy ion Accelerator has been in operation for more than four years at our laboratory. We report on our experience with this machine and present a mass analysis for CO gas. The magnetic analyzing system has a stability of better than 0.01% without a feedback network. The 2 1/2 ton analyzing magnets are mounted on pneumatic feet allowing positioning of the two magnets in any desirable configuration. Described is the vacuum system which permits us to bombard targets essentially without carbon buildup. The machine is being modified to produce ions up to mass number 250u andan operating energy of 400 keV.
Molecular Nanoclusters as Precursors to Conductive Thin Films and Crystals.

Abstract : Research News: The fabrication of electrically conductive organic thin films and crystals is of both fundamental and technological interest. However, the mechanisms that control crystal structure and morphology during crystallization are not yet completely understood. In order to address these issues, we have employed scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopies to view the formation of molecular conductors on single crystal substrates. We have observed that these materials form ordered molecular nanoclusters, in which at least one dimension has molecular length scale. These nanoclusters evolve into thin films, and eventually, bulk crystals. The role of interactions between the substrate and organic overlayers, as well as the influence of intermolecular interactions within the molecular clusters, has been revealed. (jg)
Reversing The United States' Declining Competitiveness In The Marketing Of International Tourism: A Perspective On Future Policy

Insufficient attention to problems associated with the competitiveness in marketing international tourism has eroded the capacity of the United States to be a more competitive international tourist destination. This article offers a vision of what the U.S. must do to build on its formidable tourism strengths, including concrete first steps to control an uncertain future in the arena of international tourism to move the U.S. toward sustained competitiveness at home and abroad.