cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of photoinhibition: photochemical reaction center inactivation in system II of chloroplasts

Photoinhibition of photosynthesis is manifested at the level of the leaf as a loss of CO2 fixation and at the level of the chloroplast thylakoid membrane as a loss of photosystem II electron-transport capacity. At the photosystem II level, photoinhibition is manifested by a lowered chlorophyll a variable fluorescence yield, by a lowered amplitude of the light-induced absorbance change at 320 nm (ΔA320) and 540-minus-550 nm (ΔA540–550), attributed to inhibition of the photoreduction of the primary plastoquinone QA molecule. A correlation of the kinetics of variable fluorescence yield loss with the inhibition of QA photoreduction suggested that photoinhibited reaction centers are incapable of generating a stable charge separation but are highly efficient in the trapping and non-photochemical dissipation of absorbed light. The direct effect of photoinhibition on primary photochemical parameters of photosystem II suggested a permanent reaction center modification the nature of which remains to be determined.
Thermodynamic characterization of ethidium bromide binding to a unique site on a yeast tRNAPhe

A self-consistent thermodynamic characterization of the binding of ethidium to yeast phenylalanine-specific tRNA at 25°C, pH 7.0, in 11 nM MgCl2, 375 nM NaCl, and 25 mM sodium phosphate has been obtained. Two ethidium molecules bind per tRNA under these conditions. The stronger site has a dissociation constant equal to 1.9 ± 0.5 μM and ΔHdis°′ = 12 ± 1 Kcal/mol, and the weaker sites has a dissociation constant equal to 24 ± 9 μM and ΔHdis°′ = 8.9 ± 1.5 Kcal/mol. The average calorimetric ΔHdis°′ for the to sites 10.6 ± 0.4 kcal/mol. The thermodynamics of binding to the stranger sites are most probably the thermodynamics of interaction between A·U (6) and A·U (7), the unique site identified by Jones and Kearns. The binding is enthalpically driven and classical hydrophobic interactions do not appear to be important in the binding reaction.
The status of the milliped genus Merodesmus COOK, 1897. (Polydesmida: Gomphodesmidae)

It is suggested that Merodesmus compactilis (GERST.), a not uncommon gomphodesmid in southeastern Kenya known so far only from females, is conspecific with the later-named Sigodesmus monocerus Cook, known only from males. Cook's name is thereby considered a junior subjective synonym of compactilis, and provides the opportunity to include genitalic characters in an emended diagnosis of Merodesmus.
Hormesis and toxic torts

Policy implementation of hormesis has to date focused on regulatory applications. Toxic-tort litigation may provide an alternative policy venue for real-world applications of hormesis. Businesses and government entities, who are sued by individuals claiming to have been injured by exposure to very low levels of toxic substances may defend those cases by deploying hormesis to argue that such exposures were unlikely to be harmful. The threshold issue in using hormesis in toxic-tort defense is whether such evidence will be admissible under applicable standards for scientific evidence, which will likely turn on whether hormesis is deemed to be ;generally accepted' in the relevant scientific community. Given the relatively novel status of hormesis, its admissibility will likely be a close call, but is likely to be held admissible in favorable circumstances. If admissible, hormesis is likely to receive a fairer and more even-handed consideration than in regulatory decisions, where regulatory agencies are bound by policy-based default assumptions that limit their receptivity to new concepts such as hormesis. The perception of hormesis by juries will likely be the critical factor for determining the utility of hormesis in toxic-tort litigation, and this perception is likely to be affected by the presentation and circumstances in the individual case.
Field emission and photofield emission energy distributions from LaB6

Abstract Energy distributions of electrons emitted from a LaB6(100) field emission tip are reported. Field emission energy distributions obtained with tip temperature greater than 1000 K show significant density of states effects at energies above EF. The polarization dependence of the photofield emitted current taken with laser illumination of energy hω = 2.710 eV provides evidence for photoexcitation into bulk states before electron emission into the vacuum.
Effects of High‐Energy Electrons and Gamma Rays Directly on Protein Molecules

High-energy electrons and gamma rays ionize molecules at random along their trajectories. In each event, chemical bonds are ruptured, releasing radiolytic products that diffuse away. A solution of macromolecules is mostly water whose principal radiation products are H(+) and OH(-). These can diffuse to and react with macromolecules; this indirect action of radiation is responsible for 99.9% of the damage to proteins. In frozen samples, the ionizations still occur randomly and water is still the principle molecular target, but diffusion of radiation products is limited to only a very small distance. At very low temperatures, essentially all the radiation damage to macromolecules is due to primary ionizations occurring directly in those molecules. Therefore, proteins in frozen solutions are only 10(-3) to 10(-4) as sensitive to radiation as in the liquid state. Every molecule that suffered a direct ionization is destroyed; the only surviving molecules are those that escaped ionization. The survival of frozen proteins after irradiation is a direct measure of the mass of the active structures and independent of the presence of other proteins.
A model for piloting pathways for computational thinking in a general education curriculum

Computational thinking has been identified as a necessary fundamental skill for all students. University curricula, however, are currently not designed to provide such knowledge to a broad student population. In this paper, we report on our experiences in the development of a model for incorporating computational thinking into the undergraduate, general education curriculum at Towson University. We discuss the model in terms of eliciting faculty interest, institutional support, and positive student response. In the first two years of this NSF-funded three-year project, we have developed, piloted and assessed five computational thinking general education courses - an Everyday Computational Thinking course, and four discipline-specific computational thinking general education courses. Initial assessments show promising and significant student, instructor and administration interest in computational thinking as a basis in courses covering multiple disciplines within the general education curriculum.
An application of the branch, bound, and remember algorithm to a new simple assembly line balancing dataset

The simple assembly line balancing problem (SALBP) is a well-studied NP-complete problem for which a new problem database of generated instances was published in 2013. This paper describes the application of a branch, bound, and remember (BB&R) algorithm using the cyclic best-first search strategy to this new database to produce provably exact solutions for 86% of the unsolved problems in this database. A new backtracking rule to save memory is employed to allow the BB&R algorithm to solve many of the largest problems in the database.
Literature inside Literature: Aspects of Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse

(1985). Literature inside Literature: Aspects of Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse. English in Education: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 66-77.
20. Utility of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E6 and L1 DNA levels for anal cancer screening in HIV-infected individuals

Background In this prospective study we evaluate the sampling performance of HPV16 DNA E6 and L1 levels in detecting anal intraepithelial neoplasm using either a moistened Dacron swab (DS) or cytobrush (CB). Methods: We recruited HIV-infected (n = 57) and organ-transplanted subjects (n = 3) with an abnormal anal Pap smear who presented for high-resolution anoscopy (HRA). Prior to HRA, the first 30 subjects underwent sampling with a moistened DS, and the next 30 with a CB. HRA was then performed in the usual fashion. Samples were tested for HPV16 DNA E6 and L1 DNA using a validated qPCR technique. Anal biopsies were taken as per standard-of-care and categorised as negative, AIN 1/warts, or AIN 2 or 3. Results: 59 of 60 samples had adequate DNA and were evaluated for the comparison of HPV16 E6 and L1 DNA levels. A CB performed better than the DS in detecting low positive and positive levels of HPV16 E6 DNA (P = 0.01). We then further evaluated the correlation of HRA-directed biopsies and HPV16 DNA E6 levels. There was a positive correlation of HRA-directed biopsy results stratified by increasing histological levels with HPV16 E6 DNA (P = 0.018, Kruskal–Wallis test). Conclusions: A CB performed better than DS for molecular HPV testing. If molecular testing is included in anal cancer screening, consideration should be made for co-sampling with both a DS for cytology and CB for HPV testing. Further studies evaluating the sample yields should be performed to assist in implementation of anal cancer screening programs in defined populations of at-risk individuals.
Glomus tumor of the penis

Glomus bodies are superficial specialized arteriovenous anastomoses, which assist in thermal regulation. The glomus tumor, a rare benign lesion typically occurring on extremities and classically subungual, is believed to represent hyperplasia of glomus bodies. Since it was initially described by Masson in 1924, only 3 previous cases of penile glomus tumors have been reported.*-3 CASE REPORT D. B., a 9-year-old white boy, presented with a painless penile mass 2 weeks in duration. Physical examination demonstrated a 2 cm. nontender, noninflammatory, subcutaneous, freely mobile mass on the ventral left side of the penis immediately proximal to the glans (fig. 1). Excisional biopsy revealed 3 distinct lesions of sequential depth, the last of which extended deeply to Buck’s fascia and required meticulous dissection from the corporeal body. Convalescence was uneventful and the patient remains free of recurrence 6 years later. Histological examination showed 3 similar lesions comprising mantles of glomus cells several layers thick immediately adjacent to a vascular lumen (fig. 2). Layers of glomus
Evaluation of a gallium-palladium-tin alloy for restorative dentistry

Mechanical and physical properties of an alloy having unusual potential for use in restorative dentistry are reported by the National Bureau of Standards. Biological and clinical testing must still be done, but this gallium-palladiumtin alloy is shown to have superior strength and resistance to flow.
An efficient method for transposing large matrices and its application to separable processing of two-dimensional signals

An attempt is made to transpose an arbitrary matrix when the total number of matrix elements is too large to store them all in random-access memory. This problem is often a computational bottleneck in large computed-imaging problems. A simple algorithm for obtaining the transposed matrix using only two read/write passes over the data is derived. This algorithm is efficient for a wide range of practical problems. The first step of the algorithm reorders the data in a form that permits efficient access to the data either by row or by column. Thus, if the only reason for constructing the transpose is to provide efficient access to the data for processing along the slow dimension of a two-dimensional data set, the matrix transpose can be eliminated simply by storing the data in this intermediate form. Furthermore, this reordering can be performed in place with a single read/write pass over the data. >
New tunnel diode for zero-bias direct detection for millimeter-wave imagers

High-resolution passive millimeter wave imaging cameras require per pixel detector circuitry that is simple, has high sensitivity, low noise, and low power. Detector diodes that do not require bias or local oscillator input, and have high cutoff frequencies are strongly preferred. In addition, they must be manufacturable in large quantities with reasonable uniformity and reproducibility. Such diodes have not been obtainable for W-band and above. We are developing zero-bias square-law detector diodes based on InAs/Alsb/GaAlSb heterostructures which for the first time offer a cost-effective solution for large array formats. The diodes have a high frequency response and are relatively insensitive to growth and process variables. The large zero- bias non-linearity in current floor necessary for detection arises from interband tunneling between the InAs and the GaAlSb layers. Video resistance can be controlled by varying an Alsb tunnel barrier layer thickness. Our analysis shows that capacitance can be further decreased and sensitivity increased by shrinking the diode area, as the diode can have very high current density. DC and RF characterization of these devices and an estimate of their ultimate frequency performance in comparison with commercially available diodes are presented.
High-resolution birefringence imaging in three-dimensional stressed models by Fourier polarimetry

Recently several polarimetric techniques have been suggested, designed deliberately for automatic whole-field birefringence imaging in photoelastic models with essentially three-dimensional stresses. In general, these techniques are feasible for mapping three optical parameters that determine birefringence in a given case. However, the difficulty in attaining a high level of data accuracy over the whole image persists. There remains a problem of precise imaging in regions where the mutual interference of three given parameters inevitably causes accuracy deterioration. We show how to correct such imperfections in an imaging polarizer–sample–analyzer (PSA) Fourier polarimetry technique, as suggested earlier [Appl. Opt.41, 644 (2001)]. The given technique (a method developed so that it maps the phase, the azimuth, and the ellipticity angles of an elliptic retarder) particularly fails to provide precise imaging in regions where the phase is either close to null or approaches π-multiple values and in intervals where the ellipticity angle falls into the proximity of ±π/4 values. These drawbacks can be successfully overcome by incorporation of a compensator into a PSA polarimeter arrangement. Although use of a compensator in the polarimeter makes the original technique more complicated, we demonstrate that the compensator allows two important issues to be resolved. First, it provides precise imaging for each of three optical parameters through the whole accessible intervals of the parameters regardless of the absolute value of the parameter. In addition, it gives a sign of phase that remains undefined in the PSA techniques. Theoretical considerations are presented and are followed by experimental data that illustrate the improved accuracy capabilities of the compensator-enhanced technique.
The impact of a change in tacrolimus monitoring immunoassay techniques on clinical decision making.

Context—Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant that undergoes therapeutic drug monitoring. The laboratory at our institution changed its immunoassay techniques from the fluorescence polarization immunoassay to the cloned enzyme donation immunoassay.Objective—To evaluate the relationship between the 2 assays and to determine the impact of the change on clinical decision making.Design—A retrospective study of patients admitted to the hospital during the assay transition period. Tacrolimus values for the 2 assays were collected for 4 weeks and compared.Setting—An academic health center.Patients—Liver transplant patients hospitalized from February 18, 2008, to March 18, 2008.Main Outcome Measure—The primary outcome was the agreement between the results of the 2 immunoassays. Secondary outcome was agreement of clinical decision making with established patient-specific therapeutic ranges or with a 30% difference in absolute values between the assays.Results—Seventy-nine pairs of tacrolimus concentrations were colle...
Epidemiology of fetal alcohol syndrome among American Indians of the Southwest

Abstract The epidemiological features of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) were examined among American Indians in the southwestern United States. All FAS suspects were screened in specific populations of Navajo, Pueblo, and Plains culture tribes. A total of 115 alcohol‐affected children were identified. The incidence of FAS was found to be highly variable from one cultural group to the next, ranging from 1.3 per 1,000 births (1/749) for the Navajo to 10.3 (1/97) for the Plains. The pattern of age‐specific prevalence indicates an increase over the past fifteen years. The overall rate of mothers who have produced fetal alcohol children was 6.1 per 1,000 women of childbearing age with a range of 4 to 33 per 1,000. These maternal prevalence rates were important for the accurate prediction of public health risk because 25 per cent of all mothers who had produced one affected child had also produced others. The average per mother was 1.3 alcohol‐affected children. Other findings indicate that the mothers of these c...
Molecular biology: no exception to reversibility.

Histone proteins, which serve as scaffolds for packaging DNA, can be modified in numerous ways. It's been thought that one modification, methylation, is irreversible — but that view must now change.
Regulation of ProMMP-1 and ProMMP-3 activation by tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2/matrix-associated serine protease inhibitor.

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2)/matrix-associated serine protease inhibitor (MSPI), a 32- to 33-kDa Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor, inhibits plasmin and trypsin. Because plasmin and trypsin are involved in the activation of promatrix metalloproteases proMMP-1 and proMMP-3, we investigated the role of TFPI-2/MSPI in the activation of these proenzymes. Both plasmin and trypsin activated proMMP-1 by converting the 53-kDa proenzyme to the partially active 43-kDa polypeptide; this activity was inhibited by TFPI-2/MSPI. Similarly, TFPI-2/MSPI inhibited the conversion of 66-kDa proMMP-3 to the activated 45- and 30-kDa polypeptides by plasmin and trypsin. Because plasmin is involved in the physiological activation of proMMP-3, we tested whether TFPI-2/MSPI inhibits the activation of proMMP-3 by HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells and urokinase-charged HeLa cells. We found that the inhibitor inhibited proMMP-3 activation by HT-1080 cells and urokinase-charged HeLa cells. Collectively, our results suggest that TFPI-2/MSPI indirectly regulates MMP-1- and MMP-3-catalyzed matrix proteolysis by regulating the activation of proMMP-1 and proMMP-3.
Idiopathic degeneration of the aortic valve: A common cause of isolated aortic regurgitation

To establish the etiology of isolated aortic valvular regurgitation, histologic examination was carried out on 27 consecutive surgically removed aortic valves from patients with aortic regurgitation. In 12 patients, the regurgitation was due to rheumatic or syphilitic valvular disease or a congenital bicuspid aortic valve. In the remaining 15, no etiology was apparent. In the latter group, seven aortic valves were identified by the surgeon as redundant and eight as thickened and retracted. Despite these gross differences, the histologic features of the 15 valves were similar and consisted of increased and disorganized elastic and collagen fibers, with variable quantities of acid mucopolysaccharide and calcium. Although small foci of myxomatous stroma were present, they did not differ substantially from those observed in age-matched competent aortic valves removed at necropsy, nor were they as extensive as described in reports of floppy aortic valves. Idiopathic degeneration was the most common cause of aortic regurgitation, occurring in more than half of the surgically treated patients. An underlying defect in the synthesis of collagen or elastic fibers, similar to that described in mitral valve prolapse, may be an important feature in aortic valve degeneration.
Radiographic response of brain metastasis after linear accelerator radiosurgery.

Background: Radiographic response of brain metastasis to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) over time has not been well characterized. Being able to predict SRS-induced changes in tumor size over time may allow improved counseling of patients and potentially earlier recognition of poor response to SRS. Objective: To quantify the rate of change in size of metastatic brain tumors after treatment with a linear accelerator (LINAC) SRS. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with single metastatic brain tumors treated with LINAC SRS at the University of Florida between 1992 and 2009 who had at least one MRI after treatment. A total of 218 patients with 406 follow-up MRI scans were included in the study. Tumor area was calculated by measuring the largest tumor area on axial imaging and using the equation for area of an ellipse. Primary outcome was percent change in tumor size. The contribution of several factors including gender, primary tumor histology, synchronous or asynchronous presentation, prior treatment, primary tumor control, and SRS dose were examined using multivariate analysis. Results: Mean patient age was 58.3 years (range 4–86), and 48.6% of patients were female. Sixty-three percent of patients had primary tumor control and 70.6% had asynchronous presentation of their brain metastases. SRS peripheral dose range was 1,000–2,250 cGy with a median of 1,750 cGy. The mean percent size change was –22.6% with a mean rate of change of –7.0% per month. The median percent change was –49.7% with a median rate of change of –8.8% per month. The median follow-up was 4.8 months (range 0.3–52.5). Female gender and melanoma histology were found to be significant predictors of an increase in tumor size. Lack of previous surgical resection was a significant predictor of a decrease in tumor size after SRS. Other factors tested with multivariate analysis, including age, synchronicity of presentation, dose, dose volume, Karnofsky performance score, and primary tumor control, were not significant in predicting tumor size change after SRS. Conclusion: In this study, brain metastases decreased in size by a median of 50% for a median follow-up of 4.8 months after SRS. The overall rate of decrease was 9% per month after treatment with SRS. Melanoma histology was a predictor of poor tumor control.
A socio-economic method for estimating future air pollutant emissions—Chicago case study

This paper presents the development of an econometric-emission model to formulate future anthropogenic emission inventories for different societal and climate change scenarios. Our approach is to formulate the emission projections for a given scenario into growth factors that can be used to project forward the 1999 National Emission Inventory (NEI99). The process involves (1) mapping NEI99 source classification code (SCC)-based emissions into the sector or standard industrial classification (SIC)-based representation used by the econometric model, (2) developing a sectoral emission intensity (EMI) defined as the sector emissions per unit of sector economic output and the mechanism to consider EMI variations over time, (3) using the resulting EMI with econometric models and future emission activities to project future emissions, (4) and then mapping the emissions back to the original NEI99 format. As a case study, we apply the model to project emissions in the Chicago metropolitan area. The results show that the model is a fast, flexible, yet reasonable tool to produce a wide range of emission scenarios that are specific to regions, and would prove valuable for future air quality and other impact studies. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A robust and efficient triangulation-based optimization algorithm for stochastic black-box systems

Abstract Optimization of process variables is an important, yet difficult, task for systems-level analysis and design of complex stochastic systems. Here, we introduce the Simplex-Triangulation Optimization (STO) algorithm to optimize stochastic black-box systems efficiently in fewer iterations than other comparable algorithms without requiring gradient information or detailed initial guesses. The STO algorithm is shown to converge linearly. Several test functions are utilized to compare the STO algorithm to the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Finite Difference Stochastic Approximation (FDSA) algorithms, which are often used for parameter optimization in stochastic systems.
Mesoscale assimilation of rain-affected observations

Important issues involving the assimilation of rain-affected observations using an adjoint mesoscale modeling system are addressed in this study. The adjoint model of the explicit moist physics parameterization is included in the modeling system, which allows for the calculation of gradients with respect to the initial hydrometeor concentrations (cloud water/ice, rain, snow, and graupel). Cloud-scale idealized four dimensional variational data assimilation experiments demonstrate the benefit of assimilating precipitation information and the ability of the adjoint model to produce useful gradients with respect to the hydrometeor fields. The agreement between model fields and observations is greater (especially for the early forecast hydrometeor fields) when rainy observations are incorporated into the assimilation process versus only assimilating conventional model data (windspeeds, temperature, pressure). Additional data assimilation experiments are conducted with microwave radiances. These data improve the initial precipitation structure of a tropical cyclone. These experiments are promising steps for the incorporation of rain-affected observations in operational data assimilation systems.
1121 VALPROIC ACID IN THE TREATMENT OF INTRACTABLE SEIZURES

45 patients with intractable seizures are being treated with a new anticonvulsant, valproic acid (VPA). Two separate protocols are being followed. VPA was initially added to previous drugs. The first protocol involves 19 patients with simple or complex absence seizures. Maximum VPA dose is 60 mgm/Kgm/day. 6 hr EEGs were obtained initially, after two weeks of placebo and after 10 weeks of VPA. EEG analysis included the number and duration of electrical seizures. All patients show clinical improvement. 14 have a 75-100% reduction in clinical seizures. 5 are seizure free; none on less than 60 mgm/Kgm/day. In 6, clinical improvement cannot be correlated with the degree of EEG improvement. The second protocol involves 26 patients with mixed seizure types. Maximum VPA dose is 30 mgm/Kgm/day. Routine EEGs were done initially and after reaching stable maximum dosage, 13 patients are improved. 7 have a 75-100% reduction in clinical seizure frequency and 6 a 33-74% reduction. 3 patients are not improved. EEGs show no significant change. No patient is seizure free at a 30 mgm/Kgm/day dosage. VPA was effective against a variety of intractable seizure types. There was no consistent correlation between clinical and EEG improvement. No serious side effects or exacerbations of seizures occurred.
Mechanism and Stability Study of Gold Electrodeposition from Thiosulfate-Sulfite Solution

Electrodeposition of gold from a basic “fresh” and “used” thiosulfate-sulfite solution containing 0.02 M Na3Au(S2O3)2 has been investigated on Au and Pt electrodes using various electroanalytical techniques (CV, LSV, RDE), controlled potential electrodeposition, as well as constant current and pulse current deposition. It was proposed that irreversible one electron reduction to goldrun in “fresh” solution-at the Pt electrode starts from Au(S2O3)(SO3)25−, a mixed gold thiosulfate –sulfite complex with a high stability constant (log β = 30.8). A diffusion coefficient of 1.77 × 10−6 cm2/s for Au (S2O3) (SO3)25− was calculated from the slope of the linear plot ipν1/2 obtained with a Pt electrode, which is lower than the value of diffusion coefficient (D = 4.6 × 10−6 cm2/s) obtained for the Au (S2O3)23− complex (log β = 26.0) present in the “used” solution. The voltammograms for gold deposition on the Au electrode were significantly different from those on Pt indicating that the electron transfer was influenced by the coupled chemical reaction. The natures of possible chemical reactions are discussed. © 2014 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0411412jes] All rights reserved.
Deforestation dynamics and policy changes in Bolivia's post-neoliberal era

This work compares the effects of neoliberal and post-neoliberal land-use policies on forest cover along the Corredor Bioceanico of southeastern Bolivia to determine if rates of agriculturally driven forest clearance have changed since the Morales’ administration came to office in 2005. Satellite image analysis, supported by semi-structured interviews with farmers and representatives of key institutions, shows that deforestation for commercial agriculture in Santa Cruz continues and has increased in certain “hotspots”. Previous research has shown that the environmental effects of neoliberalism on forest cover are varied, but more broadly, reduced state intervention has meant less environmental regulation and greater deforestation, while strong government is better able to curtail deforestation. Although neoliberal policies triggered an unprecedented level of forest clearing in Bolivia, rates have generally continued to increase and can be indirectly linked to the administration's new agrarian reform and pro-environmental regulations. This trend is counterintuitive and stems from unanticipated responses such as deforestation through fire to prove productive use under the reform's socio-economic function requirements. Given increased regulation and enforcement of forest clearing and burning under Morales, in contrast to the neoliberal era, our analyses suggest that rates will continue to increase under the current political climate, which has further polarized the opposition in Santa Cruz.
Soil mineralogy at the Mars Exploration Rover landing sites: An assessment of the competing roles of physical sorting and chemical weathering

[1] Soils in Gusev Crater and Meridiani Planum derive primarily from a surface dominated by basalt. The modal mineralogy of primary (igneous) and secondary (alteration) phases in the soils is estimated using Mossbauer, MiniTES, and APXS spectra. Primary minerals include plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine with less common apatite, magnetite, and chromite. Secondary phases are dominated by sulfates, and include nanophase oxides, chlorides, hematite, and are assumed to include amorphous silica and phyllosilicates. Most soil chemical compositions overlap with basalts indicating that despite the presence of a secondary component in the soils, they have not been significantly chemically weathered. We modeled the significance of olivine dissolution by acid-S by iteratively removing the molar FeOT + MgO component (olivine proxy) from the mean bulk compositions of the Gusev rock classes Adirondack, Algonquin, and Irvine until none remained. Regardless of modeling conditions, acid-S alteration cannot account for many soils in Gusev Crater that are either depleted or enriched in molar FeOT + MgO, although it is a process capable of explaining some soil compositions. Based on a rock and mineral mixing model, supports our hypothesis for soil formation that consists of surface comminution by impact gardening, followed by compositional modification by hydrodynamic sorting and admixing of secondary components, including phyllosilicates and sulfates. Such a physical process can produce the range of molar FeOT + MgO in soils by concentrating or depleting specific minerals. For example, dust and fine sands are enriched in molar FeOT + MgO relative to coarse sand, which suggests accumulation of more mafic phases in finer grain fractions.
Colony founding in Myrmecocystus mimicus wheeler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and the evolution of foundress associations

1. Field studies of the honey ant Myrmecocystus mimicus have revealed that colonies are often founded by groups of foundresses ranging in size from 2–9 females, with groups of 2–4 females being most common. Founding nests are also aggregated together in patches which are distant from existing M. minicus colonies. 2. Laboratory experiments have shown that colony founding involves inter-colony raiding: the brood from neighboring incipient colonies is transported by workers from one nest to another. Ultimately all of the brood ends up in a single nest chamber which the workers adopt as their own. Workers frequently abandon their mothers in favor of these nests. We conclude that competition among founding nests favors foundress associations and that inter-colony raiding is a natural consequence of aggregated pleometrotic founding nests. 3. A general theory of the evolution of foundress associations is developed which describes the conditions under which foundress associations will be favored. It is shown that the evolution of foundress groups of particular sizes depends on the shape of the colony productivity function. Increasing relatedness among foundresses will generally result in a larger optimum foundress group size. Production data on foundress groups of different sizes gathered in the laboratory on M. mimicus are analyzed using the theory developed. It is shown that the size of foundress associations expected on the basis of the theory is very near the value observed in nature.
Epitaxial growth and characterization of silicon carbide films

Abstract Silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxial layers have been grown in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system designed and fabricated in our laboratory. Silicon tetrachloride–propane as well as silane–propane were used as precursor gases. The hot zone was designed based on simulation by using numerical modeling. Growth rates up to 200 μm could be achieved. A new growth-assisted hydrogen etching was developed to show the distribution of the micropipes present in the substrate. Higher growth rate was observed on off-axis (0 0 0 1) 4 H SiC compared to the on-axis (0 0 0 1) wafer and growth mechanism was explained.
STABLE SPLITTINGS OF CLASSIFYING SPACES OF FINITE GROUPS: BRIDGING THE WORK OF BENSON-FESHBACH AND MARTINO-PRIDDY

We provide a direct connection between the work of David Benson and Mark Feshbach [2], and the work of John Martino and Stewart Priddy [9] on stable splittings of classifying spaces of finite groups.
Bose-Einstein Condensates with Large Number of Vortices

We show that as the number of vortices in a three dimensional Bose-Einstein condensate increases, the system reaches a ``quantum Hall'' regime where the density profile is a Gaussian in the $\mathrm{xy}$ plane and an inverted parabolic profile along $z$. The angular momentum of the system increases as the vortex lattice shrinks. However, Coriolis force prevents the unit cell of the vortex lattice from shrinking beyond a minimum size. Although the recent MIT experiment is not exactly in the quantum Hall regime, it is close enough for the present results to be used as a guide. The quantum Hall regime can be easily reached by moderate changes of the current experimental parameters.
The effects of cytomegalovirus serology on graft and recipient survival in cadaveric renal transplantation: implications for organ allocation

The potential benefits from allocating donated cadaveric kidneys based on donor and recipient cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology remain controversial. We estimated graft survival and recipient survival using bivariate Kaplan-Meier models and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models for 24,543 first cadaveric renal transplantations performed in the United States between 1989, coinciding with the introduction of ganciclovir, and 1994. The effects of donor and recipient CMV serology were estimated, and the implications of these estimates for CMV-based allocation of cadaveric kidneys were considered. From Kaplan-Meier estimates, the 3-year impact of CMV-seropositive donor kidneys was a 3.6% reduction in graft survival and a 2.4% reduction in recipient survival for CMV-seronegative recipients, and a 3.9% reduction in graft survival and a 3.0% reduction in recipient survival for CMV-seropositive recipients. Multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated an adverse impact of donor CMV seropositivity regardless of recipient CMV status. D-/R- CMV serologic pairs had the best 3-year outcomes, with 73.4% graft survival and 87.7% recipient survival. D+/R+ CMV serologic pairs were found to have the worst 3-year outcomes, with 68.4% graft survival and 83.1% recipient survival, and were significantly worse than D+/R- pairs in terms of recipient survival. The maximum estimated impact of a program allocating donor kidneys to maximize the number of D-/R- CMV serologic pairs, assuming no impact on HLA mismatches, was a 0.1% reduction in aggregate 3-year graft survival and a 0.2% reduction in aggregate recipient survival. An alternative program allocating donor kidneys to minimize the number of D+/R+ pairs had no estimated effect on either graft or recipient survival. We conclude that during the ganciclovir era, CMV continues to have an important impact on first cadaveric renal transplantation. However, even under ideal conditions, CMV-based kidney allocation to either maximize the number of D-/R- pairs or minimize the number of D+/R+ pairs is likely to provide little benefit to the population of cadaveric renal transplant recipients.
Photofragmentation of Vanadium Oxide Cations

Laser-induced fragmentation of mass-selected vanadium oxide cluster cations at 532 nm is investigated in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The major species observed in the initial mass distribut...
Tasks and communication as an avenue to enhance parenting of children birth-5 years: an integrative review.

Every day, normative functions of parenting and their significance are under-investigated. An integrative review of tasks and communication involved in parenting young children informed by Horowitz (1995) and Blumer (1969) was conducted.Research articles consistent with inclusion criteria were published from 1995 to 2013 and focused on parenting tasks and communication. Themes consistent with Horowitz and Blumer were identified. Nurses are reminded about the significance of attending to the everyday, normative work of parenting young children, the potential meaning derived from this work, and the importance of assessing parental development as well as the importance of continuing research in this area.
LIPOLYSIS OF FLUORESCEIN AND EOSIN ESTERS. KINETICS OF HYDROLYSIS.

Abstract A series of fluorescein and eosin esters have been prepared for use in the assay of the activity of lipase and acylase: the diacetyl, dipropionyl, dichloropropionyl, dibutyryl, divaleryl, and dicaproyl esters of fluorescein, and the diacetyl, dipropionyl, and dibutyryl esters of eosin. The eosin esters were found to hydrolyze extremely slowly in the presence of enzyme, even at pH's as high as 10.0. The rate of hydrolysis of the fluorescein esters by all enzymes except porcine pancreas lipase was found to decrease in the order: acetyl > propionyl > butyryl > valeryl > caproyl. With porcine pancreas, the divaleryl and dicaproyl esters of fluorescein had a higher rate of hydrolysis than the dibutyryl ester. Steapsin, porcine pancreas, and wheat germ lipase, as well as acylase, catalyze the hydrolysis of fluorescein esters to fluorescein. The order of activity is porcine pancrease > acylase > steapsin > wheat germ lipase. The kinetic and thermodynamic constants ( K′ m , k 3 , Δ E ∗ , Δ H′, Δ F′, Δ S′ ) for the hydrolysis of the various esters by four different enzymes are reported. Sodium taurocholate was found to increase the rate of chymotrypsin hydrolysis of the fluorescein esters. A decrease in Km, Δ E ∗ , ΔH, ΔF, and ΔS and an increase in k3 were observed when this bile salt was added to the chymotrypsin reaction solutions. No effect on lipase was observed, thus indicating that the probable effect of taurocholate on lipolytic hydrolysis is in the solubilization of the substrate.
Behavior in invasive New Zealand mud snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) is related to source population

Behavior can be an important determinant of invasion success. In the New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum), behavior is influential in predator avoidance and probably plays a role in dispersal. The present study investigated differences in behavior among populations of different asexual clones of this species and compared introduced populations characterized by various levels of invasiveness and New Zealand native clonal populations with respect to rheotactic, geotactic, photokinetic, and dispersal behaviors. There was a significant difference in behavior among populations in all behaviors evaluated. A population of a widespread clone (US1) behaved most differently from the other populations exhibiting differences in all behaviors including a greater propensity to disperse. These results indicate that there is a population and possibly a genotypic effect on behaviors in this freshwater snail, and this variation may help to explain why some clones are more invasive than others.
Temporal trends of influenza A (H1N1) virus seroprevalence following 2009 pandemic wave in Guangdong, China: three cross-sectional serology surveys.

Background To evaluate the temporal trends of seroprevalence to pH1N1 among the Guangdong population following 2009 H1N1 pandemic wave, we conducted three cross-sectional serology surveys in 2010. Methodology/Principal Findings Three surveys were carried out consecutively in 2010 from January 8 to January 24, from March 15 to April 10 and from August 23 to September 4. Sample populations comprising of 4725, 4727, and 4721 subjects respectively were randomly selected for study in these three surveys. The level of antibodies against pH1N1 was evaluated by hemagglutination inhibition assay. In survey 1, the seroprevalence of pH1N1 among all the subjects is 25.1%, declining to 18.4% in survey 2 and increasing to 21.4% in survey 3. Among vaccinated subjects, the seroprevalence was 49.0%, 53.0%, and 49.4% in the three consecutive surveys, showing no significant differences. In contrast, among non-vaccinated subjects, the seroprevalence declined significantly from 22.8% (survey 1) to 14.3% (survey 2) and subsequently increased to 18.1% (survey 3). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that seroprevalence to pH1N1 in non-vaccinated individuals correlated with the investigated order of the surveys, age, and region (all P<0.05). However, it was not correlated with gender (P = 0.650), seasonal influenza vaccination history (P = 0.402) and symptoms (P = 0.074). Conclusions/Significance In Guangdong, the seroprevalance to pH1N1 decreased initially and then rebounded modestly during the first 9 months following the 2009 pandemic wave. Our results suggest that the prevalence of pH1N1 is still correlated with age and population density during the post-pandemic period. An early end to the free pH1N1 vaccination program might be another important reason for the slight rebound in seroprevalance. Our study findings can help the Guangdong authorities to make evidence-based decisions about a long-term vaccination strategy and boost immunity in specific population groups (such as children and people living in the capital-city) to prevent further transmission in the future.
Centroid-moment tensor solutions for January–March 1991

Abstract Centroid-moment tensor solutions are presented for 150 earthquakes that occurred during the first quarter of 1991. The solutions are obtained using corrections for aspherical Earth structure.
The Alexander Technique in the world of design: posture and the common chair: Part I: the chair as health hazard

Abstract This article presents a critique of what may be thought of as the Western tradition of chair sitting and chair design. It begins by summarizing five principles of the Alexander Technique, which are applied to the problem of chair design. The surprisingly weak physiological and kinesthetic basis of chair design is described, raising the question of how and why the chair has become so important. To answer this question a brief history of chair development is presented. Part I concludes that the representation of social status has distracted chair designers and users alike from designing chairs for physical well-being. On the basis of this critique, Part II develops recommendations for body-conscious furniture and interiors.
MDM2 Can Promote the Ubiquitination, Nuclear Export, and Degradation of p53 in the Absence of Direct Binding

MDM2 can bind the N terminus of p53 and promote its ubiquitination and export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where p53 can then be degraded by cytoplasmic proteasomes. Several studies have reported that an intact MDM2 binding domain is necessary for p53 to be targeted for ubiquitination, nuclear export, and degradation by MDM2. In the current study, we examined whether the MDM2 binding domain of p53 could be provided in transthrough oligomerization between two p53 molecules. p53 proteins mutated in their MDM2 binding domains were unable to bind MDM2 directly and were resistant to MDM2-mediated ubiquitination, nuclear export, and degradation when expressed with MDM2 alone. However, these same p53 mutants formed a complex with MDM2 and were efficiently ubiquitinated, exported from the nucleus, and degraded when co-expressed with MDM2 and wild-type p53. Moreover, this effect required MDM2 binding by wild-type p53 as well as oligomerization between wild-type p53 and the MDM2 binding-deficient p53 mutants. Taken together, these results support a model whereby MDM2 binding-deficient forms of p53 can bind MDM2 indirectly through oligomerization with wild-type p53 and are subsequently targeted for ubiquitination, nuclear export, and degradation. These findings may have important implications regarding the DNA damage response of p53.
Structures and conformations of cyclopentane, cyclopentene, and cyclopentadiene

Abstract The structures and conformations of cyclopentane, cyclopentene, and cyclopentadiene have been investigated by SCF gradient ab initio computation with a double zeta basis set. For cyclopentane the half-chair (C2) and the envelope (Cs) forms were found to be isoenergetic, consistent with the experimentally observed free pseudorotation. The barrier to coplanarity of the ring is 4.3 kcal mol−1. Cyclopentene has a puckered Cs equilibrium conformation with a very low barrier to planarity. Cyclopentadiene has a planar ring. The compounds with 5, 3 and 1 methylene groups, respectively, show a decreasing tendency to form puckered rings as interaction between adjacent methylene groups becomes of less significance compared with the influence of angle strain which favors ring planarity. A corrected geometrical optimization of the half-boat (Cs) form of cyclohexene is also presented.
The incorporation of heat-denatured DNA by cells of the Ehrlich-Lettré ascites carcinoma in vitro

Abstract 1. Heat-denatured DNA was incorporated at 37°, but the incorporation into the cells and into the nuclear fraction was considerably less (70 %) than that found for native DNA. 2. The decreased incorporation was due only partially to increased degradation of incorporated heat-denatured DNA by the ascites cells. 3. Heat denaturation increased the binding of DNA to the cell surface. 4. The amount of DNA incorporated into the nuclear fraction at 4° was the same for both denatured and native DNA.
Reactions of triethyl phosphite with activated olefins

Abstract Reaction of triethyl phosphite with a series of α,β-unsaturated esters, ketones, aldehydes, amides and nitriles in protonating solvents proceeds smoothly to furnish β-substituted phosphonate esters. This process, termed hydrophosphinylation, is quite general in contrast to reduction and reductive dimerization, the alternative reaction pathways previously observed for dibenzoylethylene. The most active olefins (methyl vinyl ketone, crotonaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde) are transformed even at 0° to furnish analogous products, predominantly in the form of their acetals or ketals. Evidence bearing on the mechanism of these transformations, particularly that concerning the site of initial attack, the origin of acetal and ketal, and the role of the solvent is discussed.