cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conditional cumulants in a weakly non-linear regime

We introduce conditional cumulants as a set of unique statistics closely related to N-point correlation functions and to cumulants of moments of counts in cells. We show that they can be viewed in three equivalent ways: (i) as particular integrals of the N-point correlation functions, (ii) as integrated monopole moments of the bispectrum, and (iii) as statistics associated with neighbour counts. As monopole statistics, they carry similar information to the cumulants SN, the most widely spread higher-order statistics usually measured from counts in cells. While it has been proved that counts in cells can only be approximately corrected for edge effects, we show that well-tested, edge-corrected estimators can be successfully adapted for conditional cumulants. Since edge-effect errors typically dominate large scales, it is expected that it will be possible to measure conditional cumulants with higher accuracy in the interesting large-scale regime. To lay the theoretical ground work for future applications, we compute the predictions of weakly non-linear perturbation theory for conditional cumulants. We demonstrate the use of edge-corrected estimators in a set of simulations and measure conditional cumulants, and compare the results with our theoretical predictions in real and redshift space. We find excellent agreement, especially on scales 20 h −1 Mpc. Owing to their advantageous statistical
Overview and patient selection for carotid endarterectomy

This article reviews the risk factors, natural history, and treatment options for the management of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease. Preoperative considerations and indications for surgical intervention are also reviewed. Algorithms for the management of symptomatic and asymptomatic stenoses are presented.
Direct effects of fatty acids and other charged lipids on ion channel activity in smooth muscle cells

A variety of fatty acids increase the activity of certain types of K+ channels. This effect is not dependent on the three enzymatic pathways that convert arachidonic acid to various bioactive oxygenated metabolites. One type of K+ channel in toad stomach smooth muscle cell membranes in activated by fatty acids and other single chain lipids which possess both a negatively charged head group and a sufficiently hydrophobic acyl chain. Neutral lipids have no effect on K+ channel activity, while positively charged lipids with a sufficiently hydrophobic acyl chain suppress channel activity. Acyl Coenzyme A's, which do not flip across the bilayer, act only from the cytosolic surface of the membrane, suggesting that the binding site for channel activation is also located there. This fatty acid-activated channel is also activated by membrane stretch. Moreover, this mechanical response is either mediated or modulated by fatty acids. Thus, fatty acids and other charged single chain lipids may comprise another class of first or second messenger molecules that target ion channels.
Insulin stimulates the translocation of protein kinase C in rat adipocytes

Abstract Insulin-induced changes in protein kinase C were examined in cytosol and membrane fractions of rat adipocytes enzymatically after Mono Q column chromatography and by immunoblotting. During a 5–20 min period of insulin treatment, cytosolic protein kinase C decreased by approximately 50%, whereas membrane protein kinase C increased nearly 2-fold. These findings suggest that insulin stimulates the translocation of protein kinase C in rat adipocytes.
The effects of economic development on life cycle wage rates and labor supply behavior in Malaysia

Abstract This paper uses retrospective earnings and work history data on a sample of Malaysian married couples to estimate the determinants of earnings and family labor supply. The sample data are merged with aggregate time series data on the Malaysian economy so that the effects of both individual and aggregate determinants of wage rates are explored. Dissaggregation of the analysis by cohort, education and race permits estimation of the differential impact of ecomomic development on different groups. The results syggest substantial variation in the extent of participation by different groups in the development process.
Self-Transcendence and Activities of Daily Living: The Woman with the Pink Slippers

The number of older adults in our population is steadily increasing. Many older adults continue to remain active and care for themselves. However, differences exist in older adults' ability to perform activities of daily living. The purpose of the study was to explore relationships among self-transcendence (ST), health status (SHS), and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) in noninstitutionalized older adults. The 88 participants were primarily widowed, White women, 65 years of age and older (M = 73.4), who perceived their health positively, and had 12 years or more of education. Findings included statistically significant relationships between ST and ADL and SHS and ADL. Twenty-two percent of the variance in ability to perform ADL was explained by SHS, and an additional 6% was explained by ST. Nurses are encouraged to explore factors that contribute to older adults' ability to remain independent.
The probability that a linear system is consistent

Pertaining to his work on cryptography, Jack Levine recently asked the following question. If one randomly chooses a system of 10 equations and 4 unknowns with coefficients from the integers modulo n, then what is the probability that one has chosen a consistent system? This paper answers this question. Counting arguments involving elementary linear algebra are the only tools needed.
Regiospecific and sequential P–C bond activation/cluster transformations in the reaction of PhCCo2MoCp(CO)8 with the diphosphine ligands 2,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)maleic anhydride (bma) and 3,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)-5-methoxy-2(5H)-furanone (bmf)

Abstract Thermolysis of the mixed-metal cluster PhCCo2MoCp(CO)8 (1) with the diphosphine ligand 2,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)maleic anhydride (bma) in CH2Cl2 leads to the sequential formation of the phosphido-bridged cluster Co2MoCp(CO)5[μ2,η2,η1-C(Ph)C C(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)](μ-PPh2) (3) and the bis(phosphido)-bridged cluster Co2MoCp(CO)4[η3,η1,η1-C(Ph)C CC(O)OC(O)](μ-PPh2)2 (4). 3 and 4 have been isolated and characterized in solution by IR and NMR (1H, 13C, and 31P) spectroscopies, and the solid-state structures have been established by X-ray diffraction analyses. Both clusters contain 48e- and exhibit triangular Co2Mo cores. The structure of 3 reveals the presence of a phosphido moiety that bridges the Co–Co vector and a six-electron μ2,η2,η1-C(Ph)C C(PPh2)C(O)OC(O) ligand that caps one of the Co2Mo faces. The X-ray structure of 4 confirms that the five-electron η3,η1,η1- C(Ph)C CC(O)OC(O) ligand is σ-bound to the two cobalt centers in an η1 fashion and π-coordinated to the molybdenum center through a traditional η3-allylic interaction. The reaction between PhCCo2MoCp(CO)8 and the chiral diphosphine ligand 3,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)-5-methoxy-2(5H)-furanone (bmf) proceeds similarly, furnishing the phosphido-bridged cluster Co2MoCp(CO)5 [μ2,η2,η1-C(Ph)C C(PPh2)C(O)OCH(OMe)](μ-PPh2) (6), followed by conversion to Co2MoCp(CO)4[η3,η1,η1-C(Ph)C CC(O)OCH(OMe)](μ-PPh2)2 (7). The identities of clusters 6 and 7 have been ascertained by solution spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallography. The overall molecular structure of cluster 6 is similar to that of cluster 3, except that the P–C(furanone ring) bond cleavage occurs with high regioselectivity and high diastereoselectivity. The cleavage of the remaining P–C(furanone ring) bond in cluster 6 gives rise to the bis(phosphido)-bridged cluster 7, whose structure is discussed relative to its bma-derived analogue 4. The diastereoselectivity that accompanies the formation of 6 and 7 is discussed relative to steric effects within the Co2Mo polyhedron. The cyclic voltammetric properties of cluster 3 have been examined, with three well-defined one-electron processes for the 0/+1, 0/−1, −1/−2 redox couples found. The composition of the HOMO and LUMO in 3 was established by extended Huckel MO calculations, with the data discussed relative to the parent tetrahedrane cluster 1.
Normal-tension glaucoma (Low-tension glaucoma).

Glaucoma is now considered an abnormal physiology in the optic nerve head that interacts with the level of intraocular pressure (IOP), with the degree and rate of damage depending on the IOP and presumably the degree of abnormal physiology. Diagnosis of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), defined as glaucoma without a clearly abnormal IOP, depends on recognizing symptoms and signs associated with optic nerve vulnerability, in addition to absence of other explanations for disc abnormality and visual field loss. Among the findings are a halo or crescent of absence of retinal pigment epithelium around the disc, bilateral pre-chiasmal visual field defects, splinter hemorrhages at the disc margin, vascular dysregulation (low blood pressure, cold hands and feet, migraine headache with aura, and the like), or a family history of glaucoma. Possibly relevant, is a history of hemodynamic crisis, arterial obstructive disease, or sleep apnea. Neurological evaluation with imaging is needed only for atypical cases or ones that progress unexpectedly. Management follows the same principle of other chronic glaucomas, to lower the IOP by a substantial amount, enough to prevent disabling visual loss. However, many NTG cases are non-progressive. Therefore, it may often be wisein mild cases to determine whether the case is progressive and the rate of progression before deciding on how aggressivene to be with therapy. Efforts at neuroprotection and improvement in blood flow have not yet been shown effective.
Karyotypes of the panamint kangaroo rat (Dipodomys panamintinus (Merriam))

Le rat KangourouDipodomys panamintinus a 4 sous-especes. Le representatif karyotype de 4 des sousespeces a 17 metacentriques et 14 chromosomes acrocentriques.Dipodomys panamintinus caudatus, geographiquement isole des autres, a 16 metacentriques et 15 chromosomes acrocentriques. Le nombre fondamental est 96 pour les especes.
Networks of Networks: Changing Patterns in Country Bandwidth and Centrality in Global Information Infrastructure, 2002–2010

Linkages between countries have changed significantly as the global information infrastructure has evolved over the past decade. We argue that communication infrastructure and political processes evolve together, and in this study we attempt to measure key structural changes in bandwidth and the centrality of digital nodes in Middle East and North Africa. Using a combination of bandwidth metrics and centrality indicators, we demonstrate how global information infrastructure evolved between 2002 and 2010, and how several countries in the Middle East rose to prominence as good nodes mediating strong intraregional networks.
Restoring Structure in Late‐Successional Sagebrush Communities by Thinning with Tebuthiuron

Late successional, dense Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush) stands restrict associated plant species production, resulting in a monotypic, shrub-dominated community that threatens biodiversity preservation and ecosystem function. Traditional practices to control A. tridentata can severely reduce or temporarily eliminate A. tridentata and other plant species. Thinning A. tridentata with low rates of the herbicide tebuthiuron enhances herbaceous plant production, community structure, ecosystem functioning, and biodiversity. Tebuthiuron was applied at rates of 0.11–1.0 kg ai/ha to A. tridentata-dominated plots at Ten Sleep (1979), Lander (1993), and Waltman (1993), Wyoming. Changes in A. tridentata canopy cover, associated plant species biomass, and community composition were evaluated 13 and 14 years post-treatment at Ten Sleep, and 2 and 4 years post-treatment at Lander and Waltman. At all sites A. tridentata canopy cover decreased proportionally with increased tebuthiuron rate. Biomass of grasses increased as shrub biomass and cover decreased with increasing tebuthiuron rate. Forb biomass varied between treatments across sample year and site. Shifts from shrub-dominated control to grass-dominated treatment plots were attributable to biomass differences of A. tridentata and 2–3 grass species among treatments. The number of plant species was not significantly different between treatments at any site. Similarity indexes revealed progressively greater dissimilar plant composition between the control and sequential treatment plots of increased tebuthiuron rate. Incremental rates of tebuthiuron produce gradual changes in plant species composition without reducing species richness, which may have utility in certain restoration projects.
Toward an Initial Conceptualization of Opportunity Creation Processes

Opportunities present important implications for entrepreneurs, managers, and organizations. Yet, an important debate relating to the nature of opportunities has emerged in the extant literature. O...
Late Results After Operations for Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction

The late results were evaluated of operations for the relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in young patients, 1 to 18 years old, from the National Heart Institute who were followed up for at least 5 years and from recently reported studies with an average follow-up duration of 5 or more years. The operative mortality rate for the combined series was low: 1.9 percent of 522 patients with valvular aortic stenosis, 6.0 percent of 222 patients with fixed subvalvular aortic stenosis and 5.5 percent of 18 patients with hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. From the National Heart Institute series, gradients early postoperatively were decreased to less than 50 mm Hg in 88 percent (30 of 34) of patients with valvular, in 68 percent (15 of 22) of patients with subvalvular and in 88 percent (8 of 9) of patients with hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Late survival rates for patients in the combined series were 90 percent (472 of 522), 86 percent (190 of 222), and 82 percent (14 of 17) in the three respective groups after mean follow-up periods of 5 to 14.4 years. All late survivors in the current series have had symptomatic improvement; 95 percent (58 of 61) are asymptomatic. However, actuarial analysis in these patients predicts that 50 +/- 8 percent of those with valvular and 44 +/- 10 percent of those with subvalvular aortic stenosis after 10 years will be free from the adverse postoperative events of residual or recurrent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, clinically significant aortic regurgitation, reoperation, endocarditis or late death. With use of the same adverse postoperative events to determine satisfactory late results from the combined series, it was found that 54 percent (281 of 522) of those operated on for valvular, 54 percent (120 of 222) of those operated on for subvalvular and 78 percent (14 of 18) of those operated on for hypertrophic subaortic stenosis had satisfactory late results 5 to 14 years after operation. Of the patients having unsatisfactory late results, major hemodynamic abnormalities were detected in 55 percent (23 of 42) within 1 year postoperatively. Thus it appears that operations for many children with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction are palliative. These patients should have early postoperative assessment and continuing long-term follow-up evaluation during childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
Notes on spline functions V. Orthogonal or Legendre splines

Abstract We follow the general program of generalizing to spline functions problems concerning polynomials. Let N and n be natural numbers, and let q = [ (n − 1) 2 ] , the integral part of (n − 1) 2 . The orthogonalization of the powers x k (k = 0, 1,…, N + 2q) in the interval [0, 1] by the Gram-Schmidt process leads to the monic Legendre polynomials x k (x) (k = 0, 1,…, N + 2q) . We now consider the class n−1 N [0,1] = {s(x)}, of splines s(x) of degree n − 1 in [0, 1]. These have the N − 1 knots 1 N , 2 N ,…, (N − 1) N if n is even, and the N knots 1 2N , 3 2N ,…, (2N − 1) N if n is odd. This family is found to depend on N + 2q + 1 parameters. It is shown how to construct an orthogonal basis gk,N(x) (k = 0,…, N + 2q) for this class of splines having the following two properties: 1. gk,N(x) Xk(x) if k = 0, 1,…, n − 1. 2. gk,N(x) = Xk(x) + 0(N−n) as N → ∞, for all integer k. They are called the Legendre splines.
Anatomic differences after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy and open prostatectomy: implications for radiation field design

Abstract Purpose To investigate the anatomy of the pelvis following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compared to the anatomy of the pelvis following open prostatectomy (OP), and to determine if postoperative radiation field design should take surgical approach into consideration. Methods and materials This report is a retrospective review of the postoperative pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for all OP patients (10) and all RARP patients (15) who presented consecutively to the radiation oncology clinic and subsequently underwent MRI scanning between January 2007 and December 2008. All patients who presented are included in the study. We measured 13 distinct anatomic distances, and we used t tests to examine mean differences in each of the parameters between RARP and OP and analysis of variance to examine mean differences controlling for length of follow-up MRI postsurgery (in days) and body mass index as covariates. Results Of the measurements, we found that the superior levator separation is statistically significantly greater in the post-RARP group than in the post-OP group (P Conclusions The pelvic anatomy after RARP is considerably different from that after OP. The current standard field design for post-prostatectomy radiation is defined by the post-OP pelvis. Our data support that the clinical target volume borders be expanded posteriorly and laterally in men who have undergone RARP. As RARP continues to become a more widespread surgical option for the management of localized prostate cancer, radiation field design may need to be adjusted.
A randomized trial of coenzyme Q10 in patients with statin myopathy: Rationale and study design

Background Statins are the most commonly prescribed and effective medications for reducing low-density lipoprotein levels. Some patients experience myopathic symptoms during statin treatment. The etiology is not known, but depletion of mevalonate pathway metabolites, including coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), has been suggested. Despite a lack of conclusive evidence supporting its utility, CoQ10 supplementation has been recommended to patients who experience myalgic symptoms. Objective The Co-Enzyme Q10 in Statin Myopathy study is designed to examine the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on the extent and intensity of muscle pain during treatment with simvastatin. Methods We will recruit patients with a documented history of myalgia during statin treatment. The presence of statin-related myalgia will be confirmed in a crossover run-in trial during which the presence and absence of symptoms will be documented during statin and placebo treatment, respectively. Individuals experience myalgic symptoms while taking statins but not placebo will be randomized to receive simvastatin 20 mg daily plus either 600 mg daily of CoQ10 or placebo. Muscle pain intensity will be documented during weekly phone calls via use of the Brief Pain Inventory, Short Form. Treatment will continue for 8 weeks or until muscle symptoms are reported continuously for 1 week or become intolerable, and then subjects will crossover to the alternative treatment (CoQ10 or placebo). Results This study is an ongoing clinical trial. Conclusions This study will determine the utility of CoQ10 for reducing pain intensity in myalgic patients and will provide guidance for clinicians treating patients with hypercholesterolemia who are intolerant to statins.
Surface Analysis of Electrodes from Cells Containing Electrolytes with Stabilizing Additives Exposed to High Temperature

We have conducted a detailed investigation of the effect of thermal stabilizing additives, including dimethyl acetamide (DMAc), N-methyl pyrrolidone, vinylene carbonate (VC), and vinylethylene carbonate (VEC), on the reactions of the electrolyte with the surface of the electrodes in lithium-ion cells. Cells were constructed with mesocarbon microbead anodes, LiNi 0.8 Co 0.2 O 2 cathodes, and 1.0 M LiPF 6 in 1:1:1 ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate/dimethyl carbonate electrolyte with and without electrolyte additives. The cells were stored sequentially at 55, 60, and 65°C for 10 days at each temperature. The cells were then dismantled, and the surfaces of the electrodes were analyzed via a combination of infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy. The surface of the electrodes extracted from cells containing the baseline electrolyte contained thick surface films composed of electrolyte decomposition products. The addition of 1% DMAc inhibits the reaction of the electrolyte with surface of the electrodes, especially on the anode. The addition of 1.5% VC results in the formation of poly(vinylene carbonate) on both electrodes and inhibits the reaction of electrolyte with the electrodes, especially the cathode. The addition of 1.5% VEC or 10% DMAc did not significantly impede the reaction of the electrolyte with the electrodes.
Structural features of the low-density lipoprotein receptor facilitating ligand binding and release.

The LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) is a modular protein built from several distinct structural units: LA (LDLR type-A), epidermal growth factor-like and β-propeller modules. The low pH X-ray structure of the LDLR revealed long-range intramolecular contacts between the propeller domain and the central LA repeats of the ligand-binding domain, suggesting that the receptor changes its overall shape from extended to closed, in response to pH. Here we discuss how the LDLR uses flexibility and rigidity of linkers between modules to facilitate ligand binding and low-pH ligand release.
The quark-hadron transition in systems with net baryon number

The transition from quark matter to hadronic matter is examined in systems with arbitrary chemical potentials corresponding to net baryon number. In the hadron phase, both a Reid-type potential for nucleons and the ππ potential derived from Weinberg's effective lagrangian have been included. In the quark phase, a linear confining potential has been considered. Results are most sensitive to the slope of the confining potential, although qualitatively the behavior of the thermodynamic properties remain unchanged. The critical baryon density is found to remain roughly constant for all temperatures below the critical temperature, T c , then falls rapidly to zero as T → T c . Below T c this density is about 30 n 0 for K = 0.18GeV 2 (the slope of the quark potential) and 23 n 0 for K = 0.10GeV 2 .
Slack and the performance of state-owned enterprises

Organizational slack has been recognized as critical to firm performance, although its impact is not always positive. Slack may be used to fuel innovation or alternatively excess resources may be squandered on pet projects. However, most research on slack is rooted in studying private firms in developed economies, especially the United States. Whether prior research on organizational slack can readily inform our understanding of state-owned enterprises’ (SOEs) behavior is questionable since SOEs prioritize goals such as social welfare and full employment differently than do the privately owned enterprises (POEs). The differences between SOEs and POEs influence their sources and use of slack due to the nature of their ownership, budget constraints, and agency relations. To bring insight to this issue we develop an institutional change lifecycle model to study the relationship between slack and the economic and social aspects of SOE performance.
Voting schemes for which it can be difficult to tell who won the election

We show that a voting scheme suggested by Lewis Carroll can be impractical in that it can be computationally prohibitive (specifically, NP-hard) to determine whether any particular candidate has won an election. We also suggest a class of “impracticality theorems” which say that any fair voting scheme must, in the worst-case, require excessive computation to determine a winner.
Immunochemical study of the diphtheria toxin-fluorescent antitoxin system.

Six fluorescent diphtheria antitoxins were prepared. These products were then examined for excess adsorbed fluorescein, chemically bound fluorescein, and reactivity toward diphtheria toxin and toxoid. Particular attention was paid to antitoxic potency loss inasmuch as it was desired to find optimum methods of preparation wherein maximum labeling and, therefore, higher sensitivity could be obtained with maximum retention of activity. The fluorescence of the floccules formed at the equivalence point in the immunochemical titration of toxin with fluorescent antitoxin was shown to be directly proportional to the biological potency of the toxin.
Health Issues and the Pala Indian Reservation, 1903-20

Joel R, Hyer investigates health conditions on one Indian reservation in Southern California during the first two decades of the twentieth century. Hyer contends that unsanitary conditions on the Pala Reservation actually facilitated the s read of diseases among local CupeAo, Luisefio, and Kumeyaay Indians. P He a so describes how the United States federal overnment employed doctors, f field matrons, and others to promote good hea th and combat disease among Indians at Pala. The author asserts that, despite their altrustic intentions, some of these government workers attempted to discourage local indigenous peoples from consulting their shamans for medical attention-Native healers whose ex- tensive knowledge of roots and herbs had cured many form of illness for years. In addition, the teacher at the redrvation's day school sought to prevent the spread of disease among her Indian pupils by exposing them to American modes of health care. Furthermore, Hyer maintains that one national health program, the "Save the Babies" cgmpaign, was successful on the Pala Reserva- tion because Indian mothers believed in it and followed specific guidelines to lower mortality rates among their own children. Throughout his essay, the au- thor addresses the pressures of assimilation and acculturation that were so ac- cute at this time in the United States. Hper concludes by suggesting that many of his findings reflect broader health trends on Indian reservations throughout the United States during this period.
Petrology of the Dry Branch, Georgia, Kaolin Deposits

Samples from kaolin deposits in the Dry Branch, Georgia, area were examined in’ oriented thin section, by X-ray diffraction, and as carefully disaggregated sand-sized grains. The object was to determine the orientation of kaolinite crystals with respect to any gross stratification in the deposits and with respect to their mineral precursors.
Significance of the fractional excretion of urea in the differential diagnosis of acute renal failure

Significance of the fractional excretion of urea in the differential diagnosis of acute renal failure. Background Fractional excretion of sodium (FE Na ) has been used in the diagnosis of acute renal failure (ARF) to distinguish between the two main causes of ARF, prerenal state and acute tubular necrosis (ATN). However, many patients with prerenal disorders receive diuretics, which decrease sodium reabsorption and thus increase FE Na . In contrast, the fractional excretion of urea nitrogen (FE UN ) is primarily dependent on passive forces and is therefore less influenced by diuretic therapy. Methods To test the hypothesis that FE UN might be more useful in evaluating ARF, we prospectively compared FE UN with FE Na during 102 episodes of ARF due to either prerenal azotemia or ATN. Results Patients were divided into three groups: those with prerenal azotemia ( N = 50), those with prerenal azotemia treated with diuretics ( N = 27), and those with ATN ( N = 25). FE Na was low only in the patients with untreated plain prerenal azotemia while it was high in both the prerenal with diuretics and the ATN groups. FE UN was essentially identical in the two pre-renal groups (27.9 ± 2.4% vs. 24.5 ± 2.3%), and very different from the FE UN found in ATN (58.6 ± 3.6%, P Na Na . By contrast 89% of this latter group had a FE UN Conclusions Low FE UN (≤35%) was found to be a more sensitive and specific index than FE Na in differentiating between ARF due to prerenal azotemia and that due to ATN, especially if diuretics have been administered.
Dimerization of FGFR3 in Living Cells

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) transduce biochemical signals via lateral dimerization in the membrane plane. Yet, our knowledge about the thermodynamics of RTK dimerization in cellular membranes is very limited. We are working to develop a FRET-based methodology to measure the dimerization free energies for RTKs in cells. We measure FRET with high spectral resolution, and we calculate the FRET efficiencies with high precision for each pixel of the cellular membrane. Here we present data for Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3, an RTK that is critical for skeletal development. Since this receptor is activated by the ligand fgf1, we compare the FRET efficiencies with and without ligand. Consistent with the expectation that fgf1 stabilizes the FGFR3 dimer, we see an increase in the FRET signal.
Global environmental problems

Within the last decade, many people have become increasingly concerned with mankind's future on this planet. Aside from its profound philosophical aspects, the subject also attracts interdisciplinary scientific interest and, of course, international concern. For all of these reasons it seemed appropriate to organize an international symposium in with the global environment from a scientific viewpoint and review the current status of a variety of issues. We focused on the interaction of the environment—atmosphere, land, water and especially ocean—with ecological resources. These resources provide us with a healthful environment to live in and with food, probably the most basic resource.
The impact of political factors on military base closures

This paper investigates the political economy of military base closure in the United States. The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act was passed in 1988 in an attempt to insulate base closure and realignment from politic influence. The political pressure to influence the process remains strong, however, given the negative effects base closures can often have on a local economy. Using data from the 2005 BRAC round, we examine whether the current process insulates base closure and realignment from traditional political influences. We find no evidence of political influence on base closings.
Analysis of bacterial plasmid DNA by solid-phase microextraction

The extraction and preconcentration of DNA is a critical step in the analysis of microorganisms. In this study, a polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) sorbent coating was applied for the preconcentration of plasmid DNA (pDNA) from bacterial cells using solid-phase microextraction (SPME). PIL-based SPME devices were prepared by ultraviolet photoinitiated polymerization of a dicationic ionic liquid (IL)-based cross-linker and IL monomer on a nitinol support. pDNA was extracted from buffered aqueous solution using the PIL-based sorbent coating followed by the amplification of a target gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Extraction conditions for the method were optimized based on the relative intensities of PCR amplicon bands visualized on an agarose gel. Compared to a commercial polyacrylate sorbent coating, the PIL sorbent coating extracted greater quantities of pDNA. With an extraction time of 5 min, the PIL-based SPME technique was capable of preconcentrating a sufficient amount of template pDNA from a 20 ng mL−1 solution to allow detection of the amplicon on an agarose gel. Sequence analysis demonstrated that the sequence of the pDNA was unaltered following PIL-based SPME. The developed method was successfully employed for the analysis of pDNA from two different E. coli transformants in a dilute aqueous solution.
Knowledge Actors and Transnational Governance: The Private-Public Policy Nexus in the Global Agora

In the early 1990s I was asked to serve as an assessor for a PhD thesis submitted by a political science student at the Australian National University. In my experience, that work – dealing with t...
Gas-source molecular beam epitaxy and characterization of InGaAs/InGaAsP quantum well structures on InP

In this paper, we report the effect of using a group-V residual source evacuation (RSE) time on the interfaces of InGaAs/lnGaAsP quantum wells (QWs) grown by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy. High-resolution x-ray rocking curve and low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) were used to characterize the material quality. By optimizing the RSE time, a PL line width at 15K as narrow as 6.6 meV is observed from a 2 nm wide single QW, which is as good as or better than what has been reported for this material system. Very sharp and distinct satellite peaks as well as Pendellosung fringes are observed in the x-ray rocking curves of InxGa1−xAs/InxGa1−xASyP1−y multiple QWs, indicating good crystalline quality, lateral uniformity, and vertical periodicity. Theoretical considerations of the PL linewidths of InxGa1−xAs/InxGa1−xASyP1−y single QWs show that for QW structures grown with the optimized RSE time, the PL linewidth is mainly due to alloy scattering, whereas the contribution from interface roughness is small, indicating a good interface control.
Collisional perturbation of regular and irregular intramolecular dynamics: A classical dynamical study

Abstract Classical mechanics is used to study energy transfer in collinear atom-triatomic molecule collisions. Emphasis is placed upon the differences in dynamical behavior between ensembles of triatomic-molecule initial conditions corresponding to different categories of chaos (regular, vague or chaotic). Model potential surfaces are constructed from superpositions of Morse potentials in the three bond distances. In these collisions, there is a distinct hysteresis (or memory) effect: the character of the initial state is emphasized in the final inelastically scattered molecules, beyond that expected on the basis of a previous analysis of the intramolecular dynamics. In addition, some collisions illustrate a filtration effect: background “chaotic” elements of the initial molecular motion are damped during collision. Finally, a histogramic analysis of energy transfer in transitions to all available inelastic and dissociation channels is presented.
Conducting Research as a Visiting Scientist in a Women's Prison

Incarcerated populations have disparities in health risks and illness conditions meriting study, but the history of prison research is marred by unethical conduct. Ethical participation strategies are discussed in the context of studies implemented by the author in a state prison system. This study used ethnographic approaches, observed adherence to federal and institutional review board regulations and corrections department directives, and maintained continuous communication with vested interests to provide entry and long-term access for studies on female prisoners and their civilian infants. A culture clash between the punitive restrictive environment that serves the custody–control–care mission of corrections systems and the open inquiry environment needed for conduct of health research exists. Federal regulations protect prisoners as human subjects but additional vigilance and communication by researchers are required. Gaining and maintaining access to prison inmates for nursing research are leadership challenges that can be met within the caring and collaborative paradigm of nursing.
Factors affecting analyte transport through the sampling orifice of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer

Abstract Laser-excited ionic fluorescence has been used to study the effects of sample matrix, operating conditions, and load coil shielding on analyte ion transport efficiency through the sampling orifice of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Significant changes in ion transport efficiency result from changes in sample composition, RF forward power, nebulizer flow and torch shield configuration. The changes in ion transport efficiency correlate well with changes in the potential recorded on a single floating probe placed 1 mm upstream from the sampling orifice.
Thermal analysis of positive photoresist films by mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry is used to monitor the effect of temperature on positive photoresist and its two major components, a base resin and a photoactive compound. This technique is also used to identify the photolytic products of photoresist by exposing it in situ to ultraviolet radiation and to identify the resulting volatile products when it is heated after exposure. Quantitative data are obtained for the two major thermal products of photoresist, and the activation energy is calculated for the thermal degradation of the photoactive compound.
Logical design of a redundant binary adder

This paper investigates the logical design of a redundant binary adder with two input digits and one output digit, all in the digit set {1, 0, 1}. Redundant binary arithmetic structures in which all digit sets are {1, 0, 1} were first discussed by Avizienis in 1961. Borovec studied the logical design of a class of such binary adders and subtracters in 1968. At that time, a variation of the adder/subtracter was overlooked. This paper studies the logical design of this variation. The sum digit is still a function only of the digits in three adjacent digital positions of the operands. "Coupled don't cares" are encountered, but have not introduced too much difficulty. The nine distinct formats (under permutation and negation) of representing three values with two bits given by Robertson are used. The simplest adder/subtracter designs from this variation are less complex than the simplest designs previously known.
Mercury in aquatic systems in Antarctica

We have measured Hg concentrations in one of the most remote aquatic systems in the world, Taylor Valley (∼78°S), Antarctica. These measurements, along with the previous work of Vandal et al. [1998], provide baseline concentrations of Hg, as well as an assessment of Hg speciation, in a remote aquatic environment. Dissolved Hg concentrations in the surface waters of these lakes and glacial streams range from 0.10 to 0.44 ngL−1. These values are similar to those reported from other remote locations and suggest these values represent current baseline values globally.
What, if anything, is a cursor? Categories versus continua for determining locomotor habit in mammals and dinosaurs

Traditional categories of locomotor habit in mammals are largely based on variables that are continuous in nature, making intermediate forms difficult to evaluate quantitatively. Interpretations of these categories have varied greatly among authors, mainly owing to the inconsistent meanings ascribed to these essentially morphological variables. As a result, it is not clear whether these categories reflect any true locomotor influence, or if they can be applied in any form to non-mammalian taxa. In order to rectify these two difficulties, locomotor categories are rejected here in favour of a multivariate continuum. By basing this continuum on morphological variables that fulfil predictions of limb design under biomechanical theory, it can be tied to limb mechanics and applied to both extant and extinct animals alike. A series of such measurements were taken from a large sample of mammal and dinosaur hindlimb bones, and subjected to statistical testing. Patterns of variation in dinosaurs are similar to those seen in mammals, ranging between extremes traditionally designated as ‘cursorial’ and ‘graviportal’. An evaluation of dinosaur locomotor evolution in light of this continuum suggests that dinosaurs originated as small cursors, but that most lineages acquired a more mid-grade locomotor habit. Large taxa (sauropods, armoured ornithischians) were essentially graviportal, while smaller forms tended towards cursoriality; only coelurosaur theropods developed cursoriality at large body sizes. The discrepancy between large, graviportal herbivores and large, mid-grade to cursorial carnivores in Mesozoic communities argues against pursuit predation as a major influence in dinosaur locomotor evolution.
The structural basis of mode of activation and functional diversity: A case study with HtrA family of serine proteases

HtrA (High temperature requirement protease A) proteins that are primarily involved in protein quality control belong to a family of serine proteases conserved from bacteria to humans. HtrAs are oligomeric proteins that share a common trimeric pyramidal architecture where each monomer comprises a serine protease domain and one or two PDZ domains. Although the overall structural integrity is well maintained and they exhibit similar mechanism of activation, subtle conformational changes and structural plasticity especially in the flexible loop regions and domain interfaces lead to differences in their active site conformation and hence in their specificity and functions.
Rapid selective brain-cooling using head immersion and naso-oral perfusion in dogs

Utilizing a technique of selective surface head cooling and naso-oral perfusion, rapid profound cooling of the brain to 14-19 degrees C with maintenance of body temperature has been achieved in 24 dogs. Post perfusion, neurological examination of the animals were within normal limits, and neuropathological review of brain specimens demonstrated absence of tissue abnormality.
The influence of host plant variation and intraspecific competition on oviposition preference and offspring performance in the host races of Eurosta solidaginis

Summary 1. A series of experiments was conducted to measure the impact of plant genotype, plant growth rate, and intraspecific competition on the oviposition preference and offspring performance of the host races of Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae), a fly that forms galls on Solidago altissima and Solidago gigantea (Asteraceae). Previous research has shown that both host races prefer to oviposit on their own host plant where survival is much higher than on the alternate host plant. In this study, neither host race showed any relationship between oviposition preference and offspring performance in choosing among plants of their natal host species. 2. The larval survival of both host races differed among plant genotypes when each host race oviposited on its natal host species. In one experiment, altissima host race females showed a preference among plant genotypes that was not correlated with offspring performance on those genotypes. In all other experiments, neither the altissima nor gigantea host race demonstrated a preference for specific host plant genotypes. 3. Eurosta solidaginis had a preference for ovipositing on rapidly growing ramets in all experiments, however larval survival was not correlated with ramet growth rate at the time of oviposition. 4. Eurosta solidaginis suffered high mortality from intraspecific competition in the early larval stage. There was little evidence, however, that females avoided ovipositing on ramets that had been attacked previously. This led to an aggregated distribution of eggs among ramets and strong intraspecific competition. 5. There was no interaction among plant genotype, plant growth rate, or intraspecific competition in determining oviposition preference or offspring performance.
Mass spectrum of spin-zero mesons

The masses of the charmed spin-zero mesons are estimated using a phenomenological Lagrangian in which the fields transform according to the representation (4,4*) \ensuremath{\bigoplus} (4*,4) of chiral SU(4) \ensuremath{\bigotimes} SU(4). One new parameter, which is fixed by the mass of ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$, is required to predict the masses of the charmed spin-zero mesons. If $m({\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}})=2.8$ GeV, then $m({F}_{P})=2.57$ GeV, $m({D}_{P})=2.64$ GeV, $m({D}_{S})=2.99$ GeV, and $m({F}_{S})=3.1$ GeV are predicted. An analysis of the radiative decays of ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$ and $\ensuremath{\psi}(3.095)$ is given.
The Kinematics and Physical Conditions of the Ionized Gas in Markarian 509. II. STIS Echelle Observations

We present observations of the UV absorption lines in the luminous Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 509, obtained with the medium-resolution (λ/Δλ ≈ 40,000) echelle gratings of the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope. The spectra reveal the presence of eight kinematic components of absorption in Lyα, C IV, and N V, at radial velocities of -422, -328, -259, -62, -22, +34, +124, and +210 km s-1 with respect to an emission-line redshift of z = 0.03440, seven of which were detected in an earlier Far Ultraviolet Spectrographic Explorer (FUSE) spectrum. The component at -22 km s-1 also shows absorption by Si IV. The covering factor and velocity width of the Si IV lines were lower than those of the higher ionization lines for this component, which is evidence for two separate absorbers at this velocity. We have calculated photoionization models to match the UV column densities in each of these components. Using the predicted O VI column densities, we were able to match the O VI profiles observed in the FUSE spectrum. Based on our results, none of the UV absorbers can produce the X-ray absorption seen in simultaneous Chandra observations; therefore, there must be more highly ionized gas in the radial velocity ranges covered by the UV kinematic components.
Cornea microstructure and mechanical responses measured with nonlinear optical and optical coherence microscopy using sub-10-fs pulses

A combined nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM) and optical coherence microscopy (OCM) imaging system has been assembled in order to simultaneously capture co-registered volumetric images of corneal morphology and biochemistry. Tracking of cell nuclei visible in the OCM volume enabled the calculation of strain depth profile in response to changes in intraocular pressure for rabbit cornea stroma. Results revealed nonlinear responses with a depth dependent strain distribution, exhibiting smaller strains in the anterior and larger strains in the posterior stroma. Cross-sectional images of collagen lamellae, visible in NLOM, showed inhomogeneous collagen structure along the anterior-posterior direction that correlated well with the noted heterogeneous corneal mechanical responses.
The influence of a hand preference for acquiring objects on the development of a hand preference for unimanual manipulation from 6 to 14 months

Development of hand preferences for unimanual manipulation of objects was explored in 90 infants (57 males) tested monthly from 6 to 14 months. From a larger sample of 380 infants, 30 infants with a consistent left hand preference for acquiring objects were matched for sex and development of locomotion skills with 30 infants with a consistent right hand preference for acquisition and 30 with no preference. Although frequency of unimanual manipulations increased during 6-14 month period, infants with a hand preference for acquisition did more object manipulations than those without a preference for acquisition. Multilevel modeling of unimanual manipulation trajectories for the three hand-preference groups revealed that hand preferences for unimanual manipulation become more distinctive with age, and the preference is predicted by the hand preference for object acquisition. Infants with a right and left hand preference for object acquisition develop a right and left (respectively) hand preference for unimanual manipulation. However, the majority of infants at each month do not exhibit hand preferences for unimanual manipulation that are unlikely to occur by chance, even by 14 months. The results are consistent with a cascading theory of handedness development in which early preferences (i.e., for acquisition) are transferred to later developing preferences (i.e., for unimanual manipulation).