cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3D interferometric optical tweezers using a single spatial light modulator

Hexagonal arrays of micron sized silica beads have been trapped in three-dimensions within an optical lattice formed by the interference of multiple plane-waves. The optical lattice design with sharply peaked intensity gradients produces a stronger trapping force than the traditionally sinusoidal intensity distributions of other interferometric systems. The plane waves were generated using a single, phase-only, spatial light modulator (SLM), sited near a Talbot image plane of the traps. Compared to conventional optical tweezers, where the traps are formed in the Fourier-plane of the SLM, this approach may offer an advantage in the creation of large periodic array structures. This method of pattern formation may also be applicable to trapping arrays of atoms.
Motivation losses in small groups: a social dilemma analysis

Theory developed to account for behavior in social dilemmas—situations in which - the rational pursuit of self-interest can lead to collective disaster—was applied to the analysis of group motivation losses. Two group motivation loss effects demonstrated in previous research, the social-loafing effect and the free-rider effect, were shown to follow from social dilemma theories. An experiment was performed to empirically demonstrate a third motivation loss effect, termed the sucker effect. It was hypothesized that group members would reduce their efforts if they had a capable partner.who free rode on their efforts, that is, who was capable of contributing to the group but would not. This prediction was confirmed. The effect was particularly strong in males. Potential remedies for such motivation losses were discussed.
‘Communication’ in weakly electric fish, Gnathonemus petersii (Mormyridae) II. Interaction of electric organ discharge activities of two fish

Abstract The electric organ discharges (EODs) of pairs of weakly electric fish, Gnathonemus petersii, were simultaneously recorded to study the significance of the EODs as communication signals. In a 400-litre tank a larger fish (12 to 15 cm) was passively moved within a shelter tube toward a smaller specimen (6 to 9 cm), either in steps or a continuous move. The movement was stopped at that distance when at least one fish significantly lowered or ceased its EOD activity. From this ‘threshold interfish distance’ the spatial range of a ‘communication field’ was found to extend about 30 cm from the fish. At threshold distances an EOD frequency increase caused a temporary EOD activity cessation in the second fish. The spontaneous irregular EOD pattern of the fish displaying the increased EOD rate changed into a regular one with almost equal time intervals between fish pulses.
Total Ionizing Dose Radiation Effects in Al 2 O $_{3}$ -Gated Ultra-Thin Body In $_{0.7}$ Ga $_{0.3}$ As MOSFETs

We have investigated total ionizing dose (TID) radiation effects in Al2O3-gated ultra-thin body In0.7Ga0.3 As MOSFETs. A non-monotonic dependence of the threshold voltage (Vth) on the X-ray radiation dose was observed and analyzed; the accompanying degradation in subthreshold swing (SS) likely is caused by non-uniform trapped charge in the near-interfacial Al2O3 rather than interface-trap generation. The off-current and gate breakdown voltage were independent of dose up to 6 Mrad(SiO2). Compared to the InP-free device, the device with an InP barrier is more vulnerable to TID effects in terms of Vth shift, SS, and mobility degradation.
Headspace liquid-phase microextraction of methamphetamine and amphetamine in urine by an aqueous drop.

Abstract This study developed a headspace liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) method by using a single aqueous drop in combination with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV detection for the determination of methamphetamine (MAP) and amphetamine (AP) in urine samples. The analytes, volatile and basic, were released from sample matrix into the headspace first, and then protonated and dissolved in an aqueous H3PO4 drop hanging in the headspace by a HPLC syringe. After extraction, this drop was directly injected into HPLC. Parameters affecting extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized. This method showed good linearity in the investigated concentration range of 1.0–1500 μg L−1, repeatability of the extraction (R.S.D.
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in the Surface Microlayer of the Niagara River

Abstract Concentrations of 18 chlorinated hydrocarbons were determined in the surface microlayer, subsurface water, and suspended solids at five stations along the length of the Niagara River in July 1981. The concentration of heptachlor epoxide in the unfiltered surface microlayer was greater than that in unfiltered subsurface water at all five stations by factors of 138 to 225; alpha-endosulfan and “total PCB” were similarly enriched in the surface microlayer at two stations each, by factors of up to 203 and 32, respectively. In addition, mass balances for the 18 compounds in the three “compartments” sampled showed that (i) at three stations there was more heptachlor epoxide in the unfiltered surface microlayer than associated with those suspended solids which were collected with a continuous flow separator from a depth of 1 to 2 m, and (ii) there was far more alpha- and gamma-BHC, dieldrin, and “total PCB” present in unfiltered subsurface water than associated with the suspended solids. This latter finding in particular necessitates a revision of earlier estimates of loading of at least some chlorinated hydrocarbons to Lake Ontario from the Niagara River, based solely on concentrations in the suspended solids fraction sampled with the same continuous flow separator.
Construction of shell-model interactions for Z >~ 50, N >~ 82 nuclei: Predictions for A=133-134 beta - decays.

Two-shell-model interactions are constructed in the model space of the five proton and six neutron orbits just above the double shell closure at $^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$. One interaction uses the two-body matrix elements calculated by Kuo and Herling for use near $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$. For the other, the proton-proton two-body matrix elements are replaced with effective ones of Kruse and Wildenthal and selected proton-neutron matrix elements were varied in order to better reproduce the known energy spectra of $^{134}\mathrm{Sb}$. The main difficulty in this construction is the determination of the neutron single-particle energies. This determination was done by comparison of theoretical and experimental (d,p) spectroscopic factors for the N=83, Z=54, 56, and 58 isotones. The \ensuremath{\Delta}J\ensuremath{\ne}0 first-forbidden ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ decays of $^{133}\mathrm{Sn}$(7/${2}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$), $^{134}\mathrm{Sn}$(${0}^{+}$), $^{134}\mathrm{Sb}$(${0}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$), and $^{134}\mathrm{Sb}$(${7}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$) were considered in order to exemplify the application of these interactions.
A humanin analog decreases oxidative stress and preserves mitochondrial integrity in cardiac myoblasts.

Abstract A potent analog (HNG) of the endogenous peptide humanin protects against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (MI–R) injury in vivo, decreasing infarct size and improving cardiac function. Since oxidative stress contributes to the damage from MI–R we tested the hypotheses that: (1) HNG offers cardioprotection through activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms leading to preservation of mitochondrial structure and that, (2) the activity of either of a pair of non-receptor tyrosine kinases, c-Abl and Arg is required for this protection. Rat cardiac myoblasts (H9C2 cells) were exposed to nanomolar concentrations of HNG and to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Cells treated with HNG in the presence of H2O2 demonstrated reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP levels and mitochondrial structure. HNG induced activation of catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) within 5 min and decreased the ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione within 30 min. siRNA knockdown of both Abl and Arg, but neither alone, abolished the HNG-mediated reduction of ROS in myoblasts exposed to H2O2. These findings demonstrate an HNG-mediated, Abl- and Arg-dependent, rapid and sustained activation of critical cellular defense systems and attenuation of oxidative stress, providing mechanistic insights into the observed HNG-mediated cardioprotection in vivo.
Immediate hedonic response to smoking lapses: relationship to smoking relapse, and effects of nicotine replacement therapy

Smoking lapses represent an important juncture between smoking cessation and relapse. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been shown to decrease the risk of progression from lapse to relapse. We hypothesized that this effect might be mediated via decreases in reinforcement from smoking lapses. We assessed 169 subjects who lapsed during treatment in a double-blind placebo-controlled study of high-dose (35 mg) nicotine patch. Following their first lapse, using an electronic diary, subjects recorded the amount they smoked, and rated the pleasantness and satisfaction (“hedonic rating”) and the aversiveness of smoking. Subjects were then followed and assessed for further lapses and relapses. Subjects who smoked more during the first lapse had greater risk of progression [second lapse: hazard ratio (HR)=1.16, confidence interval (CI)=1.01–1.32; relapse: HR=1.22, CI=0.97–1.54]. Subjects with higher hedonic ratings of the first lapse also had a greater risk of progression to the second lapse (HR=1.08, CI=1.02–1.14) and to relapse (HR=1.26, CI=1.11–1.41). Aversive ratings had no bearing on progression. As expected, active treatment reduced the risk of both a second lapse (HR=0.54, CI=0.39–0.78) and a relapse (HR=0.22, CI=0.11–0.45). Importantly, however, NRT had no effect on hedonic ratings, amount smoked during the first lapse, or aversive ratings. Hedonic response to an initial lapse predicted progression to relapse, but this did not mediate the effect of NRT on progression.
Development of a four-grade and four-segment electrodialysis setup for desalination of polymer-flooding produced water

Abstract An electrodialysis (ED) setup with an 11 m 3 /h water treatment scale was designed based on a small experimental device. The setup adopts four-grade and four-segment (four-GS) reversal electrodialysis (EDR) technology to desalinate polymer-flooding produced water (PFPW). The removal rate of total dissolved solids (TDS) with different flow rates was measured with different grades and segments. The operating performance of this setup was determined to meet design standards. The maximum treatment capacity and the optimal operation conditions of the tested setup were studied. The design standards were met only by adopting a four-GS ED setup. The maximal capacity of the four-GS ED setup for treating PFPW was 5 m 3 /h. The optimal operating condition and results were at an operating electric current of 86 A, 62.5% production rate of diluted treated PFPW, 0.89 kW∙h/m 3 energy consumption, and 78.7% TDS removal rate. Under optimal conditions, the treated PFPW has two beneficial uses. First, the diluted treated PFPW is feasible for preparing polymer solutions. Second, the concentrated treated PFPW is feasible for replacing the original PFPW as the injecting water in the water-flooding process for high permeability layers.
Recent advances in GFP folding reporter and split-GFP solubility reporter technologies. Application to improving the folding and solubility of recalcitrant proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

We have improved our green fluorescent protein (GFP) folding reporter technology [Waldo et al., (1999) Nat. Biotechnol. 17, 691–695] to evolve recalcitrant proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The target protein is inserted into the scaffolding of the GFP, eliminating false-positive artifacts caused by expression of truncated protein variants from internal cryptic ribosome binding sites in the target RNA. In parallel, we have developed a new quantitative fluorescent protein tagging and detection system based on micro-domains of GFP. This split-GFP system, which works both in vivo and in vitro, is amenable to high-throughput assays of protein expression and solubility [Cabantous et al., (2005) Nat. Biotechnol. 23, 102–107]. Together, the GFP folding reporter and split-GFP technologies offer a comprehensive system for manipulating and improving protein folding and solubility.
Effects of Psychoanalytically-Derived Interpretations: A Verbal Conditioning Paradigm?

the verbal conditioning studies, the number of attempts to manipulate relevant ' variables is minimal. Lack of such attempts in a controlled laboratory setting may be because it is often assumed that psychotherapy is an intricate and complex process which is difficult to simulate in the rigid experimental situation. Some therapists have indicated that experimental analysis might destroy what they term the essence of the therapeutic situation. Furthermore, there is Iitde agreement among therapists concerning the nature of the process or the definition of the techniques employed. The present writers feel that until attempts are made to determine the relevant variables and parameters. psychotherapy will remain a faith rather than a scientific system. A preliminary step in an experimental approach to psychotherapy might be that of determining the function of various techniques utilized by therapists. The interpretive process is one such technique which warrants investigation. In psychoanalytically-oriented theories the interpretation is viewed as a force thac makes conscious those unconscious motivations which determine the patient's behavior. Bramrner and Shosuom (1960) have defined interpretations as a means of presenting the pztient with certain hypotheses for consideration. Thus, interpretations are generally defined as an attempt by the therapist to impart meaning or insight to the client in order to aid him in the resolution of his problem. Rogers (1942) feels, however, that therapeutic processes are often delayed by the use of interpretations. Regardless of the disagreement as to the desirability or effect of inrerpretations, it is generally agreed that they do have a significant influence on the patient's behavior. Kanfer ( 1961 ) , for example, has found thac mean duration of speech may be significantly altered by interpretations. A behavioral analysis of the process might begin with rhe observation that an interpreration is a response made by the therapist to a certain class of behavior emitted by the patient. The influence of interpretations, or many other variables, might then be determined by a systematic observation of the reinforced class of response. The present study utilizes this approach in an attempt to investigate the effects of psychoanalytically-derived interpretations on verbal behavior.
Real-time Mueller matrix measurement for particulate systems

In long-range applications, a laser beam propagating through atmosphere or particulate systems is depolarized due to multiple scattering. The transfer function of the state of polarization is given by the Mueller matrix associated to that system. We present here a systematic study of the polarization transfer function associated with multiple scattering systems. Real-time measurements of the Mueller matrix are presented for systems with various optical densities. We have specifically addressed the problem of noise reduction by overdetermining the Mueller Matrix. Experimental results of depolarization effects due to multiple scattering are shown for standard media that mimic atmospheric, plum or underwater propagation. This method aims at: (1) accounting for depolarization effects in long-range target identification and (2) remote monitoring and characterization of particulate systems.
Cation impurity diffusion in CoO and NiO

Abstract Impurity diffusion of 59Fe, 54Mn, 46Sc, 88Y, 95Zr and 95Nb in both CoO and NiO, and of 22Na in CoO has been measured as a function of temperature (1000–1600° C) in air by the tracer-sectioning technique. It has been shown that the larger ions diffuse more rapidly and have a smaller activation energy than do smaller ions for transition-metal impurity ions having the same valence. The absolute values of the divalent-impurity diffusion coefficients in CoO and NiO are comparable to the self-diffusion coefficients of Co and Ni, respectively. The diffusion coefficients of the bivalent impurity ions are smaller than those of the divalent impurity ions in these oxides. The activation energies for impurity diffusion in CoO and NiO are discussed in terms of the ionic size and the charge state of the diffusing ions.
Scaling Up Political Ecology: The Case of Illegal Pesticides on Fresh Vegetables Imported into the United States, 1996–2006

Compliance with regulations on pesticide residues in food is a major health and safety issue, as well as a signal about the complex set of ecological, social, and regulatory relationships. This article presents a multiscale analysis of data from analytical chemistry tests of pesticide residues conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on fresh vegetables from 1996 to 2006. Empirical findings include: (1) domestic vegetables have lower adverse (illegal) residue rates than imported produce; (2) adverse rates vary greatly by country of export and do not correspond to a nation's relative wealth or region; (3) intensity of testing (tests per kilogram of vegetables imported) varies considerably by country; (4) vegetables with high adverse rates are generally minor crops or vegetables with above-ground edible portions, and (5) fourteen pesticides out of 476 account for two thirds of all violations. Based on this analysis, and primary and secondary data on farmers' pesticide use, I develop a political ec...
Time as a Major Barrier to Sustainable Development

There are many barriers to sustainable development, including just defining what sustainable development is; trying to making connections between sustainability issues that exist at different scale...
Using a Standard License for Individual Electronic Journal Purchases

AbstractThis article describes a pilot project in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Libraries in which a standard library license (based directly on the CLIR/NERL/NELINET license) was sent to publishers of individual electronic journals as the initial step in arranging for e-journal access, rather than working first with the publisher's own license. Serials Review 2003; 29:302–304.
What are people dying of on high air pollution days

The air pollution disasters in London in 1952, the Meuse valley in 1930, and in Donoroa, Pennsylvania, in 1948 made it clear that extremely high levels of particulate-based smog could produce large increases in the daily mortality rate. Recent studies of fluctuations in daily air pollution and daily mortality have reported associations at much lower concentrations in London during the 1960s and in Philadelphia, Steubenville, Santa Clara, St. Louis, Utah valley, Detroit, and eastern Tennessee in the 1970s and 1980s. Whether these associations are causal or not is a matter of considerable public health concern. If the detailed pattern of the deaths at these lower concentrations appeared similar to the pattern in London, this would strengthen the argument for causality. To examine this issue, the death certificates from Philadelphia were examined on the 5% of the days with the highest particulate air pollution and the 5% of the days with the lowest particulate air pollution during the years 1973-1980. There was little difference in weather between the high and low pollution days, but total suspended particulate matter concentrations averaged 141 micrograms/m3 on the high pollution days versus 47 micrograms/m3 on the low pollution days. The relative risk of dying on the high pollution days was 1.08 P < 0.0001. The relative increase was higher for COPD (1.25) and pneumonia (1.13). Deaths were also elevated for heart disease and stroke; however, there was a substantial increase in the reports of respiratory factors as contributing causes for those underlying causes of death. Dead-on-arrival deaths and deaths outside of hospitals and clinics were also disproportionately increased. This paralleled the pattern seen in London in 1952. The age pattern of the relative risk of death was also similar. This adds to the evidence that the association is causal.
The Role of Extrinsic Cues in Consumer Decision Process in Online Shopping Environments

Online merchants must learn how to compensate for the absence of a physical environment by using distinct cues in the form of site features, functionalities, and utilities to enhance online purchase intentions in the minds of consumers. Drawing on the cue-utilization research in marketing, the author extends the notion of extrinsic cues to online consumer decisions. In this research, the author explores the existence, relative importance, and salience of extrinsic cues in online consumer decision processes. Using a sample of 205 online shoppers, the author finds that web interface cues, transaction cues, and vendor image cues are important predictors of online purchase intentions. This paper also examines the individual effects of specific cues to assess the relative importance of these cues. The findings indicate that security-related cues have relatively higher positive association compared with other cues. Though nice site layout and design emerge as significant cues, information content and vendor image have greater positive association with online purchase intentions.
Benign notochordal cell tumors of the spine: natural history of 8 patients with histologically confirmed lesions.

Background Notochord-related lesions of the spinal column include benign notochordal cell tumors (BNCTs), ecchordosis physaliphora, both generally considered benign lesions, and chordomas, which represent malignant tumors. The histological similarity of these lesions to the notochord and each other and their strong predilection to the axial skeleton have led to the hypothesis that these lesions represent a continuum of malignant transformation from notochordal remnants, BNCTs, and finally chordomas. Objective To present a cohort of biopsy-proven BNCTs with a description of radiographic features, histology, and follow-up to help elucidate the optimal management of these lesions. Methods A retrospective chart review identified 13 patients with notochordal rest lesions confirmed by histology. Histologic inclusion criteria included notochordal features without evidence of septation, myxoid matrix, nuclear atypia, or mitotic figures. Tumors exhibiting evidence of cortical expansion or destruction were excluded. The natural history and histological and radiographic features were examined. Results Sixteen spinal lesions from 8 patients met the diagnostic criteria for BNCTs, identified on imaging after the patient presented with back pain. Radiographically, all lesions were hypointense on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences and hyperintense on T2-weighted and short T1 inversion recovery. The median radiographic follow-up was 21.6 months (range, 8.5-71.2 months). None of the lesions exhibited radiographic or symptomatic progression. Conclusion Although limited by short follow-up, our series confirms that these lesions may be safely observed without evidence of malignant transformation, which emphasizes the importance of distinction of BNCT from chordoma at diagnosis and the possibility of close follow-up for these lesions instead of aggressive treatment indicated in patients with chordomas.
Gender differences dominate sleep disorder patients' body problem complaints

We studied it age, gender, diagnostic status, and psychiatric features affected 291 consecutive sleep disorder patient's body complaints on a brief checklist. Gender had a strong impact on all four (tested) dependent measures, with women reporting more distress than men. Age produced significant regressions on two measures, with younger patients complaining more than older. Presence of psychiatric features was associated with more complaints on one dependent measure - previously found to reflect internal medicine patients' emotional distress. The results of regression analyses were largely supported by follow-up ANOVAs. However, contrasting insomniac versus hypersomniac versus all other sleep disorder diagnoses did not affect body complaints on any dependent measure. The results caution against combining males and females to compare self-reported distress between sleep disorders.
Airborne GMTI using MIMO techniques

The performance of a ground moving target indicator (GMTI) radar is strongly driven by the length of the radar aperture, as longer apertures enable lower minimum detectable velocity (MDV) and better target geolocation. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques can enable the use of long sparse array geometries while avoiding the adverse sidelobe effects typical of such arrays. In 2009 an experiment was conducted at Ft. Devens, MA to collect MIMO GMTI data on instrumented ground targets. A reconfigurable S-band antenna array was programmed to transmit both conventional single-input multiple-output (SIMO) and MIMO waveforms. Analysis of the data indicates improved detection performance with the MIMO techniques compared to the conventional SIMO approach.
Triune ethics: The neurobiological roots of our multiple moralities

Triune Ethics Theory (TET) is a psychological theory developed to meet three goals. First, it attempts to harvest critical findings from neurobiology, affective neuroscience, and cognitive science and to integrate them into moral psychology for the purpose of informing psychological research on the moral life of persons. In contrast to dominant theories that focus on top-down, deliberative reasoning (e.g., Kohlberg), TET is a bottom-up theory that focuses on motivational orientations that are rooted in evolved unconscious emotional systems shaped by experience that predispose one to react to and act on events in particular ways. Second, it seeks to explain differences in moral functioning through a person by context interaction. Individuals differ in early emotional experiences that influence personality formation and behavior in context, while at the same time situations can evoke particular reactions, which vary with personality. Third, it suggests the initial conditions for optimal human moral development.
Modeling Squeeze-Film Damping of Electrostatically Actuated Microplates Undergoing Large Deflections

A model for the dynamics of electrostatically actuated microplates undergoing large deflections under the effect of squeeze-film damping is presented. The model predicts the quality factors of microplates under a wide range of gas pressures and applied electrostatic forces up to the pull-in instability. The model utilizes the nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli beam equation, the von Karman plate equations, and the compressible Reynolds equation. The static deflection of the microplate is calculated using the beam model. Analytical expressions are derived for the pressure distribution in terms of the plate mode shapes around the deflected position using perturbation techniques. The static deflection and the analytical expressions are substituted into the plate equations, which are solved using a finite-element method. Several results are presented showing the effect of the pressure and the electrostatic force on the structural mode shapes, the pressure distributions, the natural frequencies, and the quality factors.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN LEGAL SERVICES: Individual Attorney Decisions in Work Priorities

This article explores the issues of professional decision-making in legal resource allocation by examining theoretical models of professional decision-making, and applying them in the provision of legal services for the poor. Data collected from time sheets completed by attorneys in an urban legal services program suggest the relative importance of bureaucratic, external, client-centered, ideology, personal, and role concept factors in allocating time for practice routines. The implications of these findings for the rational (i.e., cost benefit) determination of the value of legal services are discussed.
A quaternary complex number CCD adder (abstract only)

Complex number arithmetic occurs frequently in digital signal processing and power systems analysis. Normally, complex numbers are given two binary words, with one word for each component (real and imaginary). Therefore, the standard binary implementation of complex numbers requires several real arithmetic operations. Besides, the two components of each complex number must be tracked down at every stage of the computation. Different digital representations for complex numbers have been proposed in an effort to reduce these problems. Knuth [1] has proposed an unconventional single component representation of complex numbers whereby the radix is chosen to be (2j) with the digit set comprised of the first four positive integers (0, 1, 2, 3). This is in contrast with the conventional two components representation with binary radix whether in Cartesian or Polar coordinates. Knuth's representation leads to simple and interesting arithmetic in the complex field [2] [3].In this paper, the realization of a quaternary (4-valued) complex number adder using charge coupled devices (CCD's) is presented. The adder is based on Knuth's complex number system. The design employees multi-valued CCD gates (inhibit, fixed-overflow, addition, constant) [4]. These gates constitute a functionally complete set of operators in the charge domain i.e. any function can be represented using only these four gates. In addition, CCD technology has the inherent advantages of low power consumption, high packing density and MOS compatibility, which make it suitable for VLSI implementation. On the other hand, the low speed problem of CCD's remains to be solved.Any complex number is representable in Knuth's system as follows: X =
Phosphine oxide containing aromatic polyester

Abstract A phosphine oxide containing aromatic polyester has been synthesized by the direct polycondensation reaction of bis[4-( m -carboxyphenoxy)phenyl]phenylphosphine oxide (m-BCPPO) and 4,4′-isopropylidene-diphenol (bisphenol A). The presence of phosphine oxide linkages in the backbone gives this polymer superior properties: namely thermo-oxidative stability, high char yield and solubility in common organic solvents.
High-pressure viscosity of glycerol measured by centrifugal-force viscometry

As a liquid approaches its glass transition temperature Tg, its viscosity increases rapidly. The glass transition can be induced either by lowering the temperature through Tg or by increasing the pressure (and thereby the density) at constant temperature. The effect of temperature on viscosity is well studied, but the density dependence of viscosity close to Tg is less well understood. Here we report measurements of the viscosity of glycerol, one of the most widely studied glass-forming liquids, at pressures of up to 3 GPa using centrifugal-force viscometry in a diamond-anvil cell. We find that free-volume theory1,2, which ascribes an incom-pressible hard-sphere volume to the molecules, provides a good description of the viscosity over the entire pressure range (and by extrapolation, up to the glass transition at ∼5 GPa). We are thus able to predict the effect of pressure on Tg and on the glass fragility (the structural breakdown in the liquid close to the transition).
A broadband, millimeter wave, asymmetrical Marchand balun in 180 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology

A silicon-compatible, broadband, millimeter wave Marchand balun operating at a center frequency of 65 GHz is presented. This balun is asymmetrical and broadside-coupled and exhibits excellent performance over a 30–90 GHz frequency range. The gain imbalance is −1.6 dB at 30 GHz, and +0.6 dB at 90 GHz, with a phase imbalance of ± 5.2 degrees, respectively. The balun exhibits good insertion loss and isolation over the frequency range of interest. To the authors' knowledge, this is the widest bandwidth millimeter wave balun reported to date.
The effect of aminophylline on urticarial skin reactions.

Abstract 1. 1. Aminophylline was administered intravenously to thirty-five patients with allergic reactions, mostly urticarial. 2. 2. Complete relief was obtained in fifteen of these, and partial relief in eleven. 3. 3. Aminophylline appeared to have an effect comparable to that of epinephrine in cases of urticaria.
Phase Relationships in the System Fe3Al2Si3O12-Mg3Al2Si3O12-H2O at 2.0 Kilobars

The phase relationships in the system Fe 3 Al 2 Si 3 O 12 -Mg 3 Al 2 Si 3 O 12 -H 2 O (almandine-pyrope-H 2 O) were investigated at 2.0 kb fluid pressure, under controlled oxygen fugacities defined by the fayalite + magnetite + quartz buffer. The stable garnet in the range of temperatures investigated is essentially almandine; the maximum pyrope content found at 648° C was 22 mole percent. The phase relationships are strongly influenced by bulk composition, especially near that of almandine. At high temperatures, garnet coexists in equilibrium with quartz + 2 spinels, cordierite + quartz + spinel, and cordierite + olivine + spinel; at lower temperatures, it is in equilibrium with quartz + chlorite + spinel, cordierite + chlorite + quartz, cordierite + orthoamphibole + chlorite, and cordierite + orthoamphibole + spinel, both in the order of increasing pyrope component in the bulk composition. In the compositional range where garnet is not stable, the anhydrous assemblage, cordierite + olivine + spinel, is in equilibrium with the hydrous equivalent, cordierite + chlorite + olivine which, in turn, coexists with the more hydrous assemblage, cordierite + chlorite + talc. At temperatures above 800° C, olivine from bulk compositions richer in pyrope component than Am 65 Pr 35 gives way to orthopyroxene which has a limited compositional range. In all cases, garnet is more ferruginous than the coexisting ferromagnesian silicates. The results indicate that only an iron-rich chlorite is stable in rocks that contain an almandine-rich garnet and quartz. They also indicate that the contact metamorphic assemblage, cordierite + anthophyllite + almandine-rich garnet, has a large field of stability at 2 kb fluid pressure.
CONTRAfold: RNA secondary structure prediction without physics-based models

Motivation: For several decades, free energy minimization methods have been the dominant strategy for single sequence RNA secondary structure prediction. More recently, stochastic context-free grammars (SCFGs)have emergedas an alternative probabilisticmethodology for modeling RNA structure. Unlike physics-based methods, which rely on thousands of experimentally-measured thermodynamic parameters, SCFGs use fully-automated statistical learning algorithms to derive model parameters. Despite this advantage, however, probabilistic methods have not replaced free energy minimization methods as the toolofchoiceforsecondarystructureprediction,astheaccuraciesofthe best current SCFGs have yet to match those of the best physics-based models. Results: In this paper, we present CONTRAfold, a novel secondary structure prediction method based on conditional log-linear models (CLLMs), a flexible class of probabilistic models which generalize upon SCFGs by using discriminative training and feature-rich scoring. In a series of cross-validation experiments, we show that grammarbased secondary structure prediction methods formulated as CLLMs consistently outperform their SCFG analogs. Furthermore, CONTRAfold, a CLLM incorporating most of the features found in typical thermodynamic models, achieves the highest single sequence prediction accuracies to date, outperforming currently available probabilistic and physics-based techniques. Our result thus closes the gap between probabilistic and thermodynamic models, demonstrating that statistical learning procedures provide an effective alternative to empirical measurement of thermodynamic parameters for RNA secondary structure prediction. Availability:SourcecodeforCONTRAfoldis availableat http://contra.
Distinct molecular mechanisms regulate cell cycle timing at successive stages of Drosophila embryogenesis

The conserved regulators of cell cycle progression—Cyclins, Cdc2 kinase, and String phosphatase (Cdc25)—accommodate multiple modes of regulation during Drosophila embryogenesis. During cell cycles 2-7, Cdc2/Cyclin complexes are continuously present and show little fluctuation in abundance, phosphomodification, or activity. This suggests that cycling of the mitotic apparatus does not require cytoplasmic oscillations of known regulatory activities. During cycles 8-13 a progressive increase in the degradation of Cyclins at mitosis leads to increasing oscillations of Cdc2 kinase activity. Mutants deficient in cyclin mRNAs suffer cell cycle delays during this period, suggesting that Cyclin accumulation times these cycles. During interphase 14, programmed degradation of maternal String protein leads to inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdc2 and cell cycle arrest. Subsequently, mitoses 14-16 are triggered by pulses of zygotic string transcription.
Multiscale variety in complex systems

number of variations in control that is necessary for effective response. The Law of Requisite Variety does not consider the components of a system and how they must act together to respond effectively. Here we consider the additional requirement of scale of response and the effect of coordinated versus uncoordinated response as a key attribute of complex systems. The components of a system perform a task, with a number of such components needed to act in concert to perform subtasks. We apply the resulting generalization—a Multiscale Law of Requisite Variety—to understanding effective function of complex biological and social systems. This allows us to formalize an understanding of the limitations of hierarchical control structures and the inadequacy of central control and planning in the solution of many complex social problems and the functioning of complex social organizations, e.g., the military, healthcare, and education systems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 9: 37– 45, 2004
Impact of Sunlight and Humic Acid on the Deposition Kinetics of Aqueous Fullerene Nanoparticles (nC60)

Nanoparticle transport in natural settings is complex due to interactions with the surrounding environment. In this study, the impact of UVA irradiation and humic acid (HA) on deposition of aqueous fullerene nanoparticles (nC60) on a silica surface as a surrogate for natural sediments was studied using packed column experiments and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring under various solution conditions. Surface oxidation of nC60 induced by UVA irradiation greatly retarded its deposition due to the increased negative surface charge and hydrophilicity. Dissolved HA, once adsorbed onto the nC60 surface, also hindered its deposition mainly through steric hindrance forces. The extent of this effect depended on the properties and the amount of HA adsorbed, which is a function of ionic strength and HA concentration. HA has limited adsorption on UVA-irradiated nC60 and is expected to play a less important role in its stability. HA immobilized onto the silica surface had a variable effect on nC60 deposition, depending on the complex interplay of Derjaguin−Landau−Verwey−Overbeek (DLVO) and non-DLVO interactions such as electrostatic interaction, steric hindrance, and hydrogen bonding as well as HA molecular conformation. These results highlight the importance of environment-induced changes in nC60 surface chemistry in its fate and transport in aquatic environments.
A survey of united states periodontists' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to tobacco-cessation interventions

Background: Because of the clear causal relationship between smoking and periodontal disease, and the negative effect of smoking on wound healing, it is of great importance to evaluate the tobacco-cessation interventions provided by periodontal practices. The use of tobacco-cessation interventions in clinical practice can be measured by whether the practitioner uses any of the “5 A's” defined by the 2008 United States Public Health Services Clinical Practice Guideline.Methods: Surveys were mailed to 1,000 active members of the American Academy of Periodontology. The surveys assessed the periodontists' demographic information, educational and professional background, knowledge and attitudes about tobacco cessation, and use of interventions in the daily practice of periodontics.Results: Data were collected from 231 periodontists via a self-administered survey. Most (92%) believed that tobacco cessation is a responsibility of the dental profession. A pattern of declining levels of involvement was seen as the...
The impact of sequence parameter values on phylogenetic accuracy

An accurately inferred phylogeny is important to the study of evolution. Factors affecting the accuracy of an inferred tree can be traced to several sequential steps leading to the inference of the phylogeny. We have examined here the impact of some features of nucleotide sequences in alignments on phylogenetic (topological) accuracy rather than any source of error during the process of sequence alignment or choice of the method of inference (as is usually done). Specifically, we have studied (using computer simulation) the implications of changing the values of the following five parameters, individually and in combination: sequence length (l), nucleotide substitution rate (r), nucleotide base composition (?), the transition-transversion rate ratio (?), and the substitution rate heterogeneity among the sites (?). An interesting, and unexpected, result was that ? has a strong positive relationship with phylogenetic accuracy, especially at high substitution rates. This simulation-based work has implications for empirical researchers in the field and should enable them to choose from among the multiple genes typically available today for a more accurate inference of the phylogeny being studied.
Is There a Role for Human Herpesvirus–6 in the Course of Multiple Sclerosis?

Historically multiple sclerosis (MS) has been associated with many different viruses, including several members of the Herpesviridae family. However, no human or animal virus has been identified as a true “cause” of MS; rather, the epidemiologic and diagnostic data suggest that viral infection may be a cofactor affecting the pathogenesis of MS. Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus associated with a common childhood illness, roseola, and this virus is one of those most recently associated with MS. During the past decade, a number of investigations have examined anti—HHV-6-specific antibody responses, HHV-6 viral DNA, or HHV-6 presence in central nervous system (CNS) tissue in both MS patients and controls. There is a growing body of evidence associating HHV-6 infection of the CNS with MS in at least a subpopulation of patients, although the specific factors that define the vulnerable subpopulation(s) of MS patients have not been elucidated. This evidence is provocative but not definitive...
The Advantages and Difficulties of the Humean Theory of Property

In recent years there has been growing interest in the contrast between Humean theories of property, on the one hand, and Lockean and Rousseauian theories, on the other. The contrast is a broad and abstract one, along the following lines.
Primary socialization theory: it all begins with the family.

This commentary is a discussion of primary socialization theory emphasizing the centrality of family processes on adolescents' affiliation with deviant peers and subsequent deviant behaviors. The focus of the discussion is the persistent influence of family processes well into adolescence. An empirical model illustrating these processes is presented. The model is based on a sample of 257 runaway adolescents and indicates that the effects of an abusive family on adolescent behaviors are largely transmitted via affiliation with deviant peers. The author concludes that primary socialization theory would be strengthened by greater emphasis on the persistent influence of family on adolescent behaviors. Implications for family-based prevention programs are discussed.
Two Successive Reactions on a DNA Template: A Strategy for Improving Background Fluorescence and Specificity in Nucleic Acid Detection

We report a new strategy for template-mediated fluorogenic chemistry that results in enhanced performance for the fluorescence detection of nucleic acids. In this approach, two successive templated reactions are required to induce a fluorescence signal, rather than only one. These novel fluorescein-labeled oligonucleotide probes, termed 2-STAR (STAR = Staudinger-triggered α-azidoether release) probes, contain two quencher groups tethered by separate reductively cleavable linkers. When a 2-STAR quenched probe successively binds adjacent to two mono-triphenylphosphine-(TPP)-DNAs or one dual-TPP-DNA, the two quenchers are released, resulting in a fluorescence signal. Because of the requirement for two consecutive reactions, 2-STAR probes display an unprecedented level of sequence specificity for template-mediated probe designs. At the same time, background emission generated by off-template reactions or incomplete quenching is among the lowest of any fluorogenic reactive probes for the detection of DNA or RNA.
Beyond (financial) accessibility: inequalities within the medicalisation of infertility

There is a significant class disparity within the provision of medical treatments for infertility in the United States. Common explanations attribute this inequality to financial inaccessibility due to sparse insurance coverage and exorbitant costs. However, little is known as to why disparities still exist without the presence of such constraints, such as in states with comprehensive insurance coverage of infertility treatments. Drawing on in-depth interviews with women of low socioeconomic status (SES), this paper aims to explore the structural and political barriers to receiving medical care for infertility within the United States context. The paper argues that much of the invisible, unidentified treatment disparities of infertility stem from the social control mechanism of medicalisation. Medicalisation perpetuates the stratified system of reproduction through its structural inaccessibility and the institutionalised classism apparent within medicine's reproductive health practices and policies. The women in this study, however, actively and creatively identified ways to overcome the reproductive limits with which they were faced. In doing so, their solutions served both to accept and reject dominant norms of motherhood and medicine.
Host usage and seasonal activity patterns of Ixodes kingi and I. sculptus (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs in a Colorado prairie landscape, with a summary of published North American host records for all life stages

ABSTRACT We examined host usage and seasonal activity patterns of the nymphal stage of the ticks Ixodes kingi and I. sculptus within a prairie rodent community in north-central Colorado. Ixodes kingi was commonly encountered on both northern grasshopper mice (Onychomys leucogaster) and thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus), whereas I. sculptus frequently infested S. tridecemlineatus but was absent from O. leucogaster. Low numbers of ticks of both species were collected from deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and Ord's kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ordii). Nymphal loads of I. kingi and I. sculptus increased dramatically on commonly infested rodent species from spring (May-June) to summer (July-August). Further, rodents trapped on prairie-dog towns tended to experience increased nymphal loads of I. kingi (O. leucogaster, S. tridecemlineatus) but decreased loads of I. sculptus (S. tridecemlineatus) following plague epizootics among prairie dog populations. A summary of published North Am...