cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transverse junction stripe laser with a lateral heterobarrier by diffusion enhanced alloy disordering

We report the first cw, room‐temperature multiple quantum well transverse junction stripe laser (MQW TJS) with an alloy disordered heterobarrier. The addition of a lateral heterobarrier by zinc diffusion enhanced alloy disordering reduces the laser threshold by a factor of 3 compared to standard transverse junction stripe lasers processed simultaneously. The reduction in threshold and excellent single mode performance of the MQW TJS are attributed to the superior carrier and optical confinement of a single heterojunction compared to a homojunction. We demonstrate for the first time lateral injection in a multiple quantum well where the diffused junction plays an active (not passive) role in the injection process and that the transition region between complete disorder and no disorder forms the active region of the laser.
Applications of image analysis to anatomic pathology: realities and promises.

Image Analysis in Pathology is viewed as an ancillary method meant to provide objective support in the resolution of difficult problems. Its Achilles heel is the process of nuclear segmetation (delimitation of the nuclear membrane) which is extremely difficult in pathology materials. Although interactive segmentation procedures are available no reliable fully automatic method has been described. The only application of image analysis that has truly succeeded in Pathology is DNA ploidy measurement. A very desirable application is the quantitation of immunohistochemical markers, which is technically challenging, has been resolved only in certain cases and is unlikely to have a general solution. Nuclear quantitation has repeatedly proven to be helpful in reaching differential diagnoses, in particular when based on size distributions of nuclear profiles rather than its average, but is hampered by the segmentation problem discussed above. Texture analysis of chromatin is an exciting, mathematically complex app...
2012 Top Financial Performers in the Club Industry

This study uses survey research to examine the financial performance of the U.S. club industry for 2012. One hundred and ten clubs submitted financial data to this study. 24 financial ratios, together with median key financial data from the balance sheet and the statement of activities were calculated for the sample. Results provide a better understanding of the key financial characteristics of top- and low-performing clubs in 2012. Results further show that regardless of the slight upturn in the U.S. economy in 2012, the financial results for the club industry in 2012 were mixed.
Synthetic cell biology.

Abstract Synthesis of data into formal models of cellular function is rapidly becoming a necessary industry. The complexity of the interactions among cellular constituents and the quantity of data about these interactions hinders the ability to predict how cells will respond to perturbation and how they can be engineered for industrial or medical purposes. Models provide a systematic framework to describe and analyze these complex systems. In the past few years, models have begun to have an impact on mainstream biology by creating deeper insight into the design rules of cellular signal processing, providing a basis for rational engineering of cells, and for resolving debates about the root causes of certain cellular behaviors. This review covers some of the recent work and challenges in developing these ‘synthetic cell’ models and their growing practical applications.
Application of particle swarm optimization and proximal support vector machines for fault detection

This paper presents a novel application of particle swarm optimization (PSO) in combination with another computational intelligence (CI) technique, namely, proximal support vector machine (PSVM) for machinery fault detection. Both real-valued and binary PSO algorithms have been considered along with linear and nonlinear versions of PSVM. The time domain vibration signals of a rotating machine with normal and defective bearings are processed for feature extraction. The features extracted from original and preprocessed signals are used as inputs to the classifiers (PSVM) for detection of machine condition. Input features are selected using a PSO algorithm. The classifiers are trained with a subset of experimental data for known machine conditions and are tested using the remaining data. The procedure is illustrated using the experimental vibration data of a rotating machine. The influences of the number of features, PSO algorithms and type of classifiers (linear or nonlinear PSVM) on the detection success are investigated. Results are compared with a genetic algorithm (GA) and principal component analysis (PCA). The PSO based approach gave test classification success above 90% which were comparable with the GA and much better than PCA. The results show the effectiveness of the selected features and classifiers in detection of machine condition.
A Nonlinear Viscoelastic Modeling of Fiber Metal Laminates

A new class of advanced composite materials namely the fibermetal laminates (FMLs) such as ARALL (Aramid Reinforced Aluminum laminate) and GLARE (Glass Reinforced Aluminum laminate) has been developed for primary load bearing components of aircraft fuselage and wings. The FML is composed of alternating layers of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) and aluminum sheets and shows good fatigue resistance. The metal layers are placed on the top and bottom of the laminate to provide good impact resistance and resistance to extreme environments (moisture, ultraviolet radiation and solvent). Krishnakumar (1994) has provided a survey of extensive works on manufacturing, testing, and modeling of the FMLs. The FMLs exhibit nonlinear viscoelastic and/or plastic behaviors due to the existence of FRP and metal alloy layers. The nonlinearity and time-dependent responses in the FMLs are intensified under high load levels, elevated temperatures, and humid environments. A predictive capability on the overall nonlinear viscoelastic response of the FMLs that recognizes different responses in the FRP and metallic layers becomes necessary. Literature indicates a few advances in this direction by the consideration of the elastic-plastic behavior and the use of classical lamination theory (Chen & Sun, 1989; Hashagen et al., 1995). Pindera et al. (1989) have carried out an experimental investigation of the creep response of ARALL laminates at 121°C. A pronounced viscoelastic behavior is observed in ARALL at stress levels below its proportional limit. Aluminum exhibits a nonlinear viscoelastic behavior while aramid-FRP shows a linear viscoelastic behavior. The classical lamination theory (CLT) was used to model the overall creep response of the laminates.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Microscopic calculation of the response function of the soft zone boundary phonon in SrTiO3

Abstract We calculate the response function for the soft zone boundary phonon in SrTiO 3 , treating the quartic anharmonicity to second order. For T ⪆ T c the central component recently observed in inelastic neutron scattering experiments is obtained. This behavior occurs only when the soft phonon is treated self-consistently in intermediate states.
Spectroscopic measurements of selected water vapor lines with accurate absorber thickness

Abstract Measurements have been made on four lines in the vibration-rotation and ten lines in the pure rotation region of the water vapor spectrum. The major effort of the experimental procedure was the precise determination of absorber thickness. The technique used to measure this parameter produced an accuracy of better than 1 per Absorber thickness varied from 4.2 × 10-5 to 1.9 × 10-2 g/cm2. Spectrometer resolution varied from 0.55 to 1.21 cm-1. The results of these measurements are tabulated and compared with theoretical and other experimental results.
Thermal stability of water and hydroxyl on the surface of the Moon from temperature-programmed desorption measurements of lunar analog materials

Abstract The adsorption of molecular water onto lunar analog materials was investigated under ultra-high vacuum with the goal to better understand the thermal stability and evolution of water on the lunar surface. Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) experiments show that lunar-analog basaltic-composition glass is hydrophobic, with water–water interactions dominating over surface chemisorption. This suggests that lunar agglutinates will tend not to adsorb water at temperatures above where water clusters and multilayer ice forms. The basalt JSC-1A lunar mare analog, which is a complex mixture of minerals and glass, adsorbs water above 180 K with an adsorption profile that extends to 400 K, showing evidence for a continuum of water adsorption sites. Bancroft albite adsorbs more water, more strongly, than JSC-1A, with a well-defined desorption peak near 225 K. This suggests that mineral surfaces will adsorb more water than mare or mature (glassy, agglutinate rich) surfaces and may explain the association of water with fresh feldspathic craters at high latitudes. The activation energies for the thermal desorption of water from these materials were determined, and along with values from the literature, used to model the grain-to-grain migration of water within the lunar regolith. These models suggest that a combination of recombinative desorption of hydroxyl along with molecular desorption of water and its subsequent migration within and out of the regolith may explain observed diurnal variations in the distribution of water and hydroxyl on the illuminated Moon.
Role of the Residues of the 39-Loop in Determining the Substrate and Inhibitor Specificity of Factor IXa

The activation of antithrombin (AT) by heparin facilitates the exosite-dependent interaction of the serpin with factors IXa (FIXa) and Xa (FXa), thereby improving the rate of reactions by 300- to 500-fold. Relative to FXa, AT inhibits FIXa with ∼40-fold slower rate constant. Structural data suggest that differences in the residues of the 39-loop (residues 31–41) may partly be responsible for the differential reactivity of the two proteases with AT. This loop is highly acidic in FXa, containing three Glu residues at positions 36, 37, and 39. By contrast, the loop is shorter by one residue in FIXa (residue 37 is missing), and it contains a Lys and an Asp at positions 36 and 39, respectively. To determine whether differences in the residues of this loop contribute to the slower reactivity of FIXa with AT, we prepared an FIXa/FXa chimera in which the 39-loop of the protease was replaced with the corresponding loop of FXa. The chimeric mutant cleaved a FIXa-specific chromogenic substrate with normal catalytic efficiency, however, the mutant exhibited ∼5-fold enhanced reactivity with AT specifically in the absence of the cofactor, heparin. Further studies revealed that the FIXa mutant activates factor X with ∼4-fold decreased kcat and ∼2-fold decreased Km, although the mutant interacted normally with factor VIIIa. Based on these results we conclude that residues of the 39-loop regulate the cofactor-independent interaction of FIXa with its physiological inhibitor AT and substrate factor X.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Friction for MEMS Application

Adhesion and dry sliding friction are modeled and simulated using molecular dynamics principles in this study. The interaction between two aluminum surfaces is simulated since the focus of this study is on the atomic-scale frictional characterization of metallic microcomponents. The Morse potential function is used to calculate the intra-and inter-atomic forces between the atoms of the sliding surfaces. Results are presented that simulate the adhesion process when the surfaces come in contact. Also, the calculated coefficient of friction for various values of contact pressure, sliding speed and asperity level are presented. The general trends observed here agree with the results obtained by other researchers for different materials.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Glycolipids and phospholipids as natural CD1d-binding NKT cell ligands

Natural killer T (NKT) cells have been shown by a number of studies to play a protective role against cancers, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases. Several glycolipids and phospholipids derived from mammalian, bacterial, protozoan and plant species have recently been identified as natural ligands (antigens) for NKT cells. Some of these glycolipid/phospholipid ligands have now been crystallized in forms bound to CD1d molecules, and the tertiary structure of these complexes has finally been revealed. This review is intended to list natural NKT cell ligands identified to date, and discuss how their structures relate to their propensity to bind CD1d molecules and, as a consequence, stimulate NKT cells.
Numerical Study of a Multipurpose Power Generator Using the Finite Element Method

Analytical and experimental analyses of a variable electromotive-force generator (VEG) show the advantages of this modified generator in hybrid electric vehicle and wind turbine applications with enhancing the fuel efficiency and expanding the operational range, respectively. In this study, electromagnetic analysis of a modified two-pole DC generator with an adjustable overlap between the rotor and the stator is studied using 3-D finite element simulation in ANSYS. The generator stator is modeled with two opposite pole pieces whose arcs span between 15° to 90° in the counterclockwise direction and −15° to −90° in the clockwise direction. A semicircular cylinder whose arc spans between −90° and 90° is used to model the generator rotor. A tetrahedral mesh is used to provide a solution for changes in the electromotive force at different frequencies and overlap ratios. For a constant electromagnetic flux density and fixed number of coils, the changes in the electromotive force at different overlap ratios between the rotor and the stator are obtained in static conditions. There is a very good correlation between the results from simulation and those from analytical and experimental studies.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Observations from an analysis of the US Army’s Reserve Officer Training Corps leadership assessment and development course

This study analyzed data from the US Army’s Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) leader development and assessment course (LDAC) leader development program. A quantitative analysis using data spanning 11 years and over 47,000 leadership assessments using 16 leader dimensions allowed for a multivariate logistic regression analysis that determined the nature and duration of activities that had the greatest influence on the overall leader development rating. A descriptive analysis using frequency distributions provides insights to the influences of gender, race, and age on the leadership assessments. Current and future leader development programs can adjust or incorporate findings from this study to enhance programs and more effectively achieve stated outcomes.
A Process and Outcome Evaluation of an Agricultural Crime Prevention Initiative

Agricultural crime victimization—including theft of farm crops, livestock, pesticides, and equipment—and efforts to address it remain largely ignored despite the potential of such crime to adversely affect the lives and businesses of farmers and increase the costs of food to consumers. The Agricultural Crime, Technology, Information, and Operations Network (ACTION) initiative, located in California's central valley, was recently developed to combat such crime. The authors present findings from a process and outcome evaluation of this program. The findings are limited by the design of the study but nonetheless suggest that efforts to increase guardianship measures among farmers (e.g., marking equipment and livestock and using surveillance equipment), to “harden targets” (e.g., locking tractors and storing chemicals in locked storage sheds), and to arrest and prosecute offenders may help reduce agricultural crime victimization.
Shallow lake trophic status linked to late Holocene climate and human impacts

Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina, USA is a large (162 km2) and shallow (mean depth = 1 m) coastal lake, which was significantly modified to support agricultural activities following European settlement in 1850. Paleolimnological proxies measured on a 400-cm sediment core collected from Lake Mattamuskeet reveal shifts in organic matter input and primary producer community structure in response to climatic and human impacts on the lake during the late Holocene. Stratigraphic changes in organic matter content, nutrients, metals, lignin phenols and photosynthetic pigments were used to divide the sediment core into three intervals. Interval I includes sediment deposited between A.D. 360–1584 and indicates a clear-water, sand-bottom state with low algal abundance. In addition, the lake catchment area experienced two significant fires during this interval that were recorded as charcoal layers in the core around A.D. 360 and A.D. 1435 (calibrated 14C AMS dates). Trophic structure changed with the onset of Interval II (A.D. 1584–1860) when total algal abundance increased, and the primary producer community was comprised primarily of diatoms, chrysophytes, cryptophytes and cyanobacteria. During this interval there was also an increase in terrestrial organic material input into the lake as well as a shift in plant type from woody gymnosperms to non-woody angiosperms as determined from lignin data. Sediment deposited in Lake Mattamuskeet following European settlement (Interval III, A.D. 1860-present) suggests a dramatic increase in organic-matter deposition, metals, primary-producer abundance and the onset of cyanobacterial dominance. Sedimentary evidence indicates that shallow-water primary producers can respond rapidly to climate change and human development.
A Nutrition Education Model For Training and Updating EFNEP Aides

A nutrition education model was developed for training and updating EFNEP aides and home economists without requiring face-to-face contact with the nutrition specialist. The model incorporated six modules that focused on pertinent nutrition topics. Each consisted of a self-instruction guide for the home economists, a teaching package with audiovisual materials for the aides' training session, and lesson plans with handouts for aides' use with their homemakers. Pilot testing of the first two modules (without employing a control group) indicated that the approach was feasible. The design for testing the remaining four modules included an experimental group, made up of EFNEP aides who attended training sessions between pre- and posttesting, and a control group, made up of aides who attended the sessions after posttesting was completed. Experimental aides had significantly greater gains in nutrition knowledge than control aides for three of the four modules. Aides and home economists rated the modules favorably, and aides particularly enjoyed the role-playing activities. The aides felt that the information and skills gained from the sessions would be helpful to them when working with homemakers.
Why Compositionality Won’t Go Away: Reflections on Horwich’s ‘Deflationary’ Theory

Paul Horwich argues for a 'deflationary' account of compositionality, according to which, … the compositionality of meaning imposes no constraint at all on how the meaning properties of words are constituted'. We have arrived at a tentative diagnosis, which is that Horwich fails to enforce several distinctions that turn out to be crucial. For example, sometimes he puts his main conclusion in the way we just quoted but sometimes, even on the following page, he puts it like this: 'understanding one of one's own complex expressions (non-idiomatically) is, by definition, nothing over and above understanding its parts and knowing how they are combined'. We propose, in what follows, to consider how Horwich's deflationary account of compositionality fares if the distinction between theories of meaning and theories of understanding is properly attended to. Here's how we think it all turns out: - Horwich is right to claim that compositionality is neutral with respect to the metaphysics of understanding expressions when 'understanding' refers to a (merely) dispositional state; but not when it refers to an occurrent state. - Horwich is right strictu dictu to claim that compositionality is neutral with respect to the character of lexical meanings, but only strictu dictu. - Compositionality taken, together with other constraints that semantic theories are required to satisfy, reduces the options in the theory of lexical meaning to a bare minimum. The first part of the paper is about compositionality and understanding, the second part is about compositionality and lexical meaning.
Self-derogation and social position: Interaction effects of sex, race, education, and age

The present study investigates the individual and interaction effects of sex, race, education, and age upon self-derogation. Data were collected by survey research methods from a sample (N=500) of the adult population of Harris County (including the city of Houston), Texas. Self-Derogation was measured by a factorially derived index. The individual effects of the social positions upon self-derogation were generally statistically nonsignificant and/or not uniform throughout the population. However, strong interaction effects were observed. Self-derogation was relatively great among: less educated white females; more educated Negro males; and less educated white males, aged 50–59. It was suggested that systematic consideration of the interaction effects of social positions would account for much of the inconsistency apparent in the related literature and would lead to further hypotheses regarding the genesis of negative self-attitudes.
A Human HAP1 Homologue CLONING, EXPRESSION, AND INTERACTION WITH HUNTINGTIN

Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by the expansion of a glutamine repeat in the protein huntingtin. The expanded glutamine repeat is thought to mediate a gain of function by causing huntingtin to abnormally interact with other proteins. We previously identified a rat huntingtin-associated protein (HAP1) that binds to huntingtin; HAP1 binds more tightly to huntingtin with an expanded glutamine repeat than to wild type huntingtin. Identification of the human homologue of HAP1 is necessary for investigation of the potential role of HAP1 in HD pathology. Here, we report the cloning of a human HAP1 homologue (hHAP) that shares 62% identity with rat HAP1 over its entire sequence and 82% amino acid identity in the putative huntingtin-binding region. The hHAP gene encodes a 4.1-kilobase transcript and a 75-kDa protein which are specifically expressed in human brain tissues. Its expression in Huntington's disease brains is reduced in parallel with a decreased expression of huntingtin. While two isoforms of rat HAP1 are expressed at similar levels in rat brain, only a single major form of hHAP is found in primate brains. In vitro binding, immunoprecipitation, and coexpression studies confirm the interaction of hHAP with huntingtin. The in vitro binding of hHAP to huntingtin is enhanced by lengthening the glutamine repeat. Despite similar binding properties of rat HAP1 and hHAP, differences in the sequences and expression of hHAP may contribute to a specific role for its interaction with huntingtin in humans.
Identification and antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial isolates from burned patients.

Abstract We retrieved bacterial blood isolates from 397 adult burned patients admitted over a 7-year period. Sixty-two patients (15·6 per cent) developed true-positive bacterial blood cultures (judged non-contaminants), and of these 30 (48·4 per cent) expired. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24 isolates), Staphylococcus aureus (19) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (19) were the most frequent isolates. In vitro susceptibilities of 149 isolates were determined to 12 antibiotics (gentamicin, amikacin, ticarcillin, piperacillin, mezlocillin, azlocillin, cefazolin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefoperazone, thienamycin and ticarcillin-clavulinic acid) using agar diffusion assay. Thienamycin proved the most active agent (97 per cent of isolates susceptible). Cefoperazone was the most active cephalosporin (95 per cent susceptible). Twenty-eight organisms demonstrated multiple drug resistance; patients with such organisms had a 71 per cent mortality. Thienamycin was the most active agent against such isolates ( 27 28 susceptible). Susceptibilities of all 149 isolates to combinations of antibiotics were calculated, assuming no synergism or antagonism; some combinations of third-generation cephalosporins with the newer penicillins may prove to be as effective as combinations including aminoglycosides.
Retina update: 30th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Retinal Specialists

30th Anniversary Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Retinal SpecialistsLas Vegas, NV, USA, 25–29 August 2012The 30th Anniversary Annual Conference of the American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS) was held in August 2012 at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas, NV, USA. The annual meeting is one of the premier updates in medical and surgical retina. Members of the ASRS, residents, nonmember fellows in training and guests sponsored by an ASRS member in attendance are able to attend this annual meeting.
Justice for All? A Cross-Time Analysis of Toxics Release Inventory Facility Location

This paper contributes to the environmental justice literature by addressing several outstanding issues in a single study. Using a cross-time data set that allows us to control for the prevalent “chicken-and-egg” or “which-came-first” problem, we analyze the relative importance of poverty and race/ethnicity in an analysis that includes economic costs, potential legal costs, and potential collective action. Because the most appropriate functional form is not obvious, we use several methods, including Tobit, Poisson, and ordinary least squares, on different forms of the dependent variable. In every case, controlling for the population present at the time of disamenity location and controlling the other factors mentioned, we find evidence of disproportionate collocation based on race/ethnicity, but not on poverty alone. We also find that the potential for collective action decreases the likelihood of receipt of the studied disamenities.
Dynamic Analysis of a Serpentine Belt Drive With a Decoupler/Isolator

Belt drives employing a single, flat serpentine belt tensioned by a passive tensioner are found in automotive engine Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) where the crankshaft supplies power to accessories like alternators, air-conditioning compressors, pumps, etc. [1]. When the FEAD undergoes forced vibration due to crankshaft excitation, dynamic tension fluctuations can cause the belt to slip on the accessory pulleys [2]. The probability of belt slip increases with the peak drop in belt tension over the pulley during steady state operation [3]. In this paper, one possible solution is analyzed, using a decoupler to isolate/separate the accessory inertia (e.g. alternator) from the FEAD system. This is achieved by placing between the pulley and the accessory a combination of a one-way rigid clutch and an isolator spring. In this study, the rotational response of a typical FEAD is extended to include the clutch and isolator. An analytical solution is then obtained by considering it as a piecewise-linearized system moving about an equilibrium angular displacements. The performance of the ordinary FEAD with regard to tension fluctuation is then compared to that of the system equipped with a decoupler/isolator. The results obtained indicate that within the practical working range of engine speeds, use of either an isolator or a decoupler-isolator could significantly lower the dynamic tension drop across the accessory pulley.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
A mass spectrometric validated high-performance liquid chromatography procedure for the determination of folates in foods.

A series of five food reference materials (RM) that had certified values of folate concentrations and five frozen food samples were analyzed for 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHFA) and folic acid (FA) using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with fluorescence detection that was validated using an HPLC mass spectrometry (MS) method with electrospray ionization. Identical sample specimens were extracted and analyzed in triplicate using both instrumental methods, and a comparison was made of the mean values of 5-MTHFA and FA resulting from these determinations. The analytes were isolated on either a high capacity strong anion exchange solid phase extraction column (HPLC method) or a phenyl Bond Elut column (MS method) prior to analyses. For quantification of the analytes by MS, 13C-labeled 5-MTHFA and FA were added to samples as internal standards prior to enzymatic digestion and conversion of the polyglutamate forms of 5-MTHFA to the monoglutamic acid. Quantification of FA and 5-MTHFA...
Promoting positive youth development by understanding social contexts.

“During the past two decades, positive youth development (PYD) has challenged a dominant stereotype of youth as carriers of risk and focused instead on their potential and the contributions that yo...
Factors Affecting Performance in an Introductory Sociology Course

This study examines factors affecting students’ performances in an Introductory Sociology course over five semesters. Employing simple and ordered logit regression models, the author explains final grades by focusing on individual demographic and educational characteristics that students bring into the classroom. The results show that a student's overall grade point average (GPA) and the number of class days missed are significant predictors of performance in the Introductory Sociology course. Findings also identify minority status and grade level as contributory factors in explaining differences in superior performance in the course. Given that the results of this study offer evidence for commonly held assumptions about the positive association between regular class attendance and good grades, it is recommended that students be encouraged to attend more class sessions. The study also confirms that students who do well in an Introductory Sociology course generally do well in other subjects, as validated b...
Two new tetracyclic diterpenes from the defense secretion of the neotropical termite

Abstract Xray and spectral data are presented for two new tetracyclic diterpenes isolated from a termite soldier defensive secretion.
Charge recombination from the P+Q- A state in reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas viridis

Abstract The rate of decay of the flash-oxidized primary electron donor, P+, from the state P+Q−A was studied in reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas viridis, containing only the primary menaquinone electron acceptor (QA). At 295 K, in 100 mM NaCl and in the presence of o-phenanthroline, the rate of recombination was 470 ± 15 s−1 at pH 7 and 570 ± 20 s−1 at pH 9. The rate at ambient temperatures varied somewhat with viscosity, pH and ionic strength. Between 310 K and 275 K, the temperature dependences of the rate, at pH 7 and pH 9, were linear in an Arrhenius plot, with apparent activation energies of 0.20 eV and 0.16 eV, respectively. At lower temperatures, however, the dependences deviated from this behavior. In 60% glycerol (pH 7) the recombination rate was 370 ± 10 s−1 at 295 K. As the temperature was lowered, the rate decreased but leveled off to a value of 105 ± 5 s−1 at 170 K and was independent of temperature from 170 K to 100 K. In 60% ethylene glycol, the temperature dependence was similar, but the rate fell to a minimum of 75 s−1 at 170 K and then increased slightly at lower temperatures; it finally became temperature independent, with a value of about 100 s−1, at 110 K. The overall temperature dependence is consistent with charge recombination by two competing pathways: a direct electron-tunneling process which dominates at low temperature (less than 250 K), and a thermally activated process via a higher energy state, M, which decays rapidly to the ground state. The indirect route dominates at high temperature (above 250 K). Taking into account the contribution from the low-temperature pathway, the activation energy (enthalpy) for the activated process, in aqueous buffer, was determined to be 0.25 eV (at pH 7) and 0.19 eV (at pH 9). A likely candidate for M is P+I− (PF), where I is the intermediate bacteriopheophytin electron acceptor, and energetic arguments are presented in favor of this assignment. If a rate of decay of P+I− to the ground state, derived from the experimental value, was used in the description of the thermally activated P+Q−A recombination process, the free-energy gap separating M and P+Q−A could be estimated to be 0.27–0.28 eV, placing it about 0.95 eV above the ground state and 0.30 eV below the excited singlet state, P∗. This may imply additional relaxation compared to P+I− in the pico- to nanosecond time range of the forward pathway. The lack of an observable magnetic-field effect on the recombination process through P+I− can be explained by the expected rapid cycling between P+I− and P+Q−A, with the latter providing an efficient spin-rephasing state. The pH dependence of the recombination kinetics could be accounted for if the influence of protonation on the I−QA IQ−A equilibrium was taken into account. Further implications of the identity of M with P+I− are discussed.
Activation of the human delta-globin gene promoter in primary adult erythroid cells.

Restoration of the CCAAT box or insertion of an erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF) binding site in the delta promoter activates its expression in several erythroid cell lines. We extended these studies using a novel primary human adult erythroid cell (hAEC) system to investigate these effects at the late erythroblast stage. Restoration of the CCAAT box at −70 bp, or insertion of an EKLF binding site at −85 bp or −95 bp in the promoter significantly increased delta globin gene expression in hAEC. Our results demonstrate that the altered CCAAT box (CCAAC) and the lack of an EKLF binding site in δ-globin contribute to its low level of expression in the hAEC model as well.
Ash data from combustion sources: Results of Tier 4 of the National Dioxin Study

Abstract Combustion ash samples were analyzed from 74 sites representing 22 combustion source categories. These data were correlated with plant process operating parameters and existing dioxin/furan data from stack tests. Fly ash data were found to be a qualitative indicator of dioxin/furan concentrations in the stack gas.
LIKING OF GIVEN NAMES AND NICKNAMES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO PERCEIVED ATTRACTIVENESS AND SEX-APPROPRIATENESS '

Summary.-College students rated their own first, middle, and njcknames as to likability, attractiveness, and masculinity or femininity. They reported preferring their first names to their middle names and also found them more attractive. First names were better liked and found more attractive and sex-appropriate than were nicknames. Middle names were rated as more attractive and sex-appropriate than were nicknames. In general, persons who liked their first or middle names also rated them as more attractive and sex-appropriate. Liking of nicknames was related to their attractiveness. Previous research on attitudes towards personal names has indicated that most people like their names (Eagleson, 1945) but prefer their first names to their middle names (Joubert, 1985; Strumpfer, 1978). Personality factors associated with more positive attitudes towards personal names include having higher self-esteem (Boshier, 1968; Joubert, 1991; Strumpfer, 1978; Strunk, 1958) and greater social desirability (Joubert, 1991). Very limited research has been done with persons' attitudes towards their own nicknames although both Busse (1983) and Joubert (1985) reported that most of their respondents liked theirs at least somewhat. Neither of these studies included data that allowed comparisons of attitudes about nicknames against those towards the legal names. This study attempted to address this deficiency. This study also explored the relationships between the liking of these names and certain perceived characteristics of the names themselves. Specifically, we hypothesized that first names, middle names, and nicknames which were viewed as more attractive and more appropriate for that person's sex would be better liked by the bearer.
Decision Trees Predicting Tumor Shrinkage for Head and Neck Cancer: Implications for Adaptive Radiotherapy.

Objective:To develop decision trees predicting for tumor volume reduction in patients with head and neck (H&N) cancer using pretreatment clinical and pathological parameters.Methods:Forty-eight pat...
The inaccessible set: A classification by query type of security risks in statistical database

Abstract The inaccessible set consists of those elements in a statistical database which cannot be compromised if queries of a certain fixed type are used. We define the size of the inaccessible set as a measure of the security of statistical databases; this measure has the property that it reflects changes in the type of the queries in a very direct way. We then derive several of these measures for various types of queries.
Enhanced Dynamics of Mismatched Base Pairs Associated with Msh2-Msh6 Recognition

The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system guards the integrity of genetic material by scanning and correcting errors in a post-replicative manner. In eukaryotic cells, the initiation of MMR is achieved by recognition by MutS homologs (Msh). The Msh2-Msh6 heterodimer plays this important initial role in recognizing single base mismatches and small insertion/deletion loops (IDL) in MMR. Although Msh2-Msh6 recognizes mismatched DNA with high affinity, the exact mechanism by which Msh2-Msh6 distinguishes different types of mismatched base pairs from a large excess of canonical Watson-Crick base pairs is still unknown. In this study, we use the intrinsic fluorescent probe 6-methylisoxanthopterin (6-MI, guanosine analog) in the context of the ATFAA (F = 6-MI) pentamer sequence where it exhibits enhanced fluorescence, to measure the binding affinity of S. cerevisiae Msh2-Msh6 to different single base pair mismatches. Fluorescence anisotropy measurements reveal the following order for Msh2-Msh6 mismatch bp binding affinity: A:A ≈ A:G > A:C ≈ G:T ≈ +T > T:T ≈ G:G > T:C ≈ G:C. Fluorescence intensity measurements suggest a greater degree of DNA distortion accompanies binding to well-recognized mismatches. We employ Forster resonance energy transfer to measure the bending angle and compare with that observed in MutS/Msh2-Msh6 co-crystal structures. We have also investigated DNA dynamics upon Msh2-Msh6 binding using time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Specific placement of the probe at the mismatch site or adjacent to it reveals significant local motion prior to protein binding. We observe that high affinity binding is associated with those mismatches that exhibit the greatest amount of motion. Protein binding stabilizes mismatch local motion, which is consistent with Phe intercalation at the site, as observed in Msh2-Msh6-DNA co-crystal structures.
MODELING DRIVERS' DIVERSION FROM NORMAL ROUTES UNDER ATIS USING GENERALIZED ESTIMATING EQUATIONS AND BINOMIAL PROBIT LINK FUNCTION

Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) provide travelers with real time traffic information to optimize their travel choices. The objective of this paper is to model drivers' diversion from their normal routes in the provision of ATIS. Five different scenarios of traffic information are used. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) framework with repeated observations and binomial probit link function is introduced and implemented. GEE with four different correlation structures including the independent case are developed and compared with each other and with regular Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE). A travel simulator was used. Sixty-five subjects have traveled 10 simulated trial days each on a 40-link realistic network with real historical congestion levels. The results showed that providing traffic information increases the probability of drivers' diversion from their normal routes. Adding advice to the pre-trip and/or en-route information encourages drivers to divert. Providing en-route in addition to the pre-trip information with or without advice increases the diversion probability. High travel time on the normal route and less travel time on the diverted route increase the probability of diversion. High-educated drivers are less likely to divert. Expressway users are more likely to divert from their normal routes under ATIS. Drivers' familiarity with the device that provides the information and high number of traffic signals on the normal route increase the diversion probability.
Immunohistochemical comparison of whisker pad cutaneous innervation in Swiss Webster and hairless mice

To establish the mouse mutant, hairless (Hr), as a useful model for future analyses of target–ending interactions, we assessed the cutaneous innervation in the whisker pad after loss of primary hair targets. Postnatal (P) development of fur in Hr begins similarly to that of “normal” Swiss Webster (SW) mice. Around P10, hairs are shed and the follicles rendered permanently incompetent. Hair loss progresses rostrocaudally until the entire skin is denuded. Substantial alterations in the distribution and density of sensory and autonomic endings in the mystacial pad vibrissal and intervibrissal fur innervation were discovered. Pilo-neural complexes innervating fur hairs were dismantled in Hr. Epidermal innervation in SW was rich; only a few endings expressed growth-associated protein-43 kdal (GAP), suggesting limited changes in axonal elongation. Innervation in Hr formed a dense layer passing upward through the thickened epidermis, with substantial increases among all types of endings. Vibrissal follicle–sinus...
Glow discharge source atomization for the laser-excited atomic fluorescence spectrometric studies of indium

Abstract A demountable glow discharge source has been used for the atomization of the analyte solutions deposited on graphite and copper rod cathodes. Indium atoms are sputtered-atomized from the cathode surface and are excited by a pulsed, frequency-doubled dye laser pumped by the nitrogen laser. Atomic fluorescence measurements were performed using the non-resonance fluorescence transition. The detection limits of indium in aqueous solutions (10μl) deposited on graphite and copper electrodes were 8 × 10−9 and 11 × 10−9g, respectively (8 ng and 11ng).
The role of belonging in engagement, retention and persistence in computer science (abstract only)

Retaining students in computer science (CS) majors has been a persistent topic among CS educators for almost two decades. Discussion and research has largely focused on improving student engagement in the academic experience in order to provide a more welcoming and compelling introduction to the field. Research has identified a wide variety of factors affecting student engagement in general, which in turn affects key outcomes including academic achievement, retention and persistence. Feeling connected to a community and sense of belonging can substantially influence student engagement. Our study suggests that this sense of belonging can also help mitigate student perceptions that influence them to be discouraged, especially about their ability to succeed, and leave computer science. In particular, support from extra-curricular as well as academic communities may lead students to perceive that ability is not a binary, fixed constraint, but a malleable gradient that can be influenced by factors within the student's control.
The effects of overexpression of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger on calcium regulation in hypertrophied mouse cardiac myocytes.

Abstract In cardiac hypertrophy and failure it has been shown that the amount of Na/Ca exchanger protein can increase. Several studies have investigated this modification in overt heart failure. However, the role of Na/Ca exchanger overexpression during the development of hypertrophy is unknown. To address this question we investigated Ca 2+ regulation in an early stage of cardiac hypertrophy before signs of heart failure occurred and evaluated the role of Na/Ca exchanger overexpression. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by a constant infusion of angiotensin II (Ang, 1 μg/min/kg) via an osmotic pump for 14 days. Thereafter, ventricular myocytes from either wild type (NON) or transgenic mice overexpressing the Na/Ca exchanger (TR) were isolated. Myocytes were loaded with indo-1 AM or fluo-4 AM to monitor cytoplasmic [Ca 2+ ] with all experiments performed at 37 °C. In myocytes exposed to Ang there was an increase in cell capacitance of more than 20% indicating cellular hypertrophy. Ca 2+ transients were prolonged in hypertrophied NON myocytes but not in TR myocytes. Action potentials had a less negative plateau in TR myocytes. Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca 2+ content, measured using rapid caffeine application, was greater in TR myocytes but unaffected by hypertrophy. Ca 2+ spark frequency was significantly greater in TR. Na/Ca exchanger overexpression prevented the prolongation of the Ca 2+ transient observed in hypertrophy and maintained a similar SR Ca 2+ leak suggesting a compensatory role in Ca 2+ regulation in hypertrophied cardiac myocytes from transgenic mice. We suggest this compensatory effect is mediated by increased SR Ca 2+ content and faster Ca 2+ removal via the Na/Ca exchanger.
Androgens modulate growth hormone-releasing factor-induced GH release from bovine anterior pituitary cells in static culture

Static primary cultures of bovine anterior pituitary (AP) cells were utilized to study the effect of sex steroids on basal growth hormone (GH) and GH-releasing hormone (GRF)-stimulated release of GH. The AP cells (5 × 105 cells/well) were allowed to attach for 72 hr and become confluent before treatments were imposed. Cells were incubated for an additional 24, 48 or 72 hr with either estradiol-17β (E2, 10−11 to 10−8 M), testosterone (T, 10−8 to 10−5 M), dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 10−9 to 10−6 M) or 5α-androstane-3α, 17β-diol (3α-diol, 10−11 to 10−8 M). Media were collected every 24 hr and GH concentrations determined by RIA. Incubation of calf AP cells with gonadal steroids did not affect (P>0.05) basal GH released at 24, 48, or 72 hr. In another experiment, calf AP cells were incubated with the same concentrations of the steroids for 24 hr, media harvested, cells washed and challenged in serum-free media for 1 hr with bovine GRF 1–44-NH2 (10−8 M). In non-steroid treated wells, GRF increased (P 0.05) GRF-induced GH release; however, preincubation with T (10−5 M) and DHT (10−9, 10−8 and 10−7 M) increased (P<0.05) GRF-induced GH release above control concentrations (195, 235, 190 and 185 ng/ml, respectively). At the doses tested, sex steroids did not affect basal release of GH, but androgens increased responsiveness of somatotropes to GRF.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Reveals The Role Of Cross-linkers In Semi-flexible Filament Assembly

Hierarchically ordered protein networks are formed in solution by the self-assembly of Factin, a semi-flexible biopolymer, in the presence of cross-linkers. We model the assembly of a 3D branching network of filament bundles using a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation, finding excellent agreement with experimental observations. We examine the role of cross-linker density on network morphology and filament curvature and observe a clear evolution from a loose single filament network to a network of bundles generated by cross-linker-induced branch points.
Thoracic venous congestion caused by thoracic disc herniation

We present what is to our knowledge the first reported case of thoracic disc herniation leading to venous congestive myelopathy (VCM), which was clinically and radiographically suggestive of Foix–Alajouanine syndrome (angiodysgenetic necrotizing myelopathy). In addition, we review current concepts in evaluating the etiology of VCM and discuss indications for surgery.