cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new model for how O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase binds DNA

Human methyltransferase (hAT) catalyzes the transfer of an alkyl group from the 6-position of guanine to an active site Cys residue. The physiological role of hAT is the repair of alkylated guanine residues in DNA. However, the repair of methylated or chloroethylated guanine bases negates the effects of certain chemotherapeutic agents. A model of how hAT binds DNA might be useful in the design of compounds that could inactivate hAT. We have used computer modeling studies to generate such a model. The model utilizes a helix-loop-wing DNA binding motif found in Mu transposase. The model incorporates a flipped out guanine base in order to bring the methylated oxygen atom close to the active site Cys residue. The model is consistent with a variety of chemical and biochemical data.
Transient liquid-phase bonding in the NiAl/Cu/Ni system -- A microstructural investigation

A transmission electron microscopy based investigation of microstructural development in NiAl-Ni transient liquid bonding, using commercial purity copper interlayers, is presented in this article. The article considers the mechanisms of isothermal solidification in NiAl/Cu/Ni joints and the influence of copper diffusion from the joint centerline on the microstructures of the adjacent NiAl and Ni substrates. Changes in the microstructure of the bond centerline due to entry of aluminum (from the NiAl substrate) and Ni (from both the NiAl and the Ni substrates) are discussed. Transfer of aluminum from the NiAl substrate to the Ni substrate is also examined. The precipitation of bothLl2 typeγ′ andB2 typeβ phases at the joint centerline is investigated. Precipitation ofγ′ within both the NiAl and Ni substrates is considered. The formation ofAl typeγ phases in the NiAl substrate is also examined.
Investigating Cell Surface Galectin-Mediated Cross-Linking on Glycoengineered Cells

The galectin family of glycan-binding proteins is thought to mediate many cellular processes by oligomerizing cell surface glycoproteins and glycolipids into higher-order aggregates. This hypothesis reflects the known oligomeric states of the galectins themselves and their binding properties with multivalent ligands in vitro, but direct evidence of their ability to cross-link ligands on a cell surface is lacking. A major challenge in fundamental studies of galectin–ligand interactions is that their natural ligands comprise a heterogeneous collection of glycoconjugates that share related glycan structures but disparate underlying scaffolds. Consequently, there is no obvious means to selectively monitor the behaviors of natural galectin ligands on live cell surfaces. Here we describe an approach for probing the galectin-induced multimerization of glycoconjugates on cultured cells. Using RAFT polymerization, we synthesized well-defined glycopolymers (GPs) functionalized with galectin-binding glycans along th...
Quaternion Based Model for 6-DOF Vehicles With Application to a Low Earth Orbiter

In this paper an alternative model based on quaternions for the translational and attitude dynamics of a 6DoF vehicle is presented. Specifically, the properties of unit quaternions, well suited to embody rotations in three-dimensional spaces, are used for representing the most important modes related with attitude dynamics, while full quaternions, that allow the representation of rotations and magnifications at the same time, are used for the modeling of the translational dynamics. Simulation results are also included, as an application of the proposed approach to the control of a Low Earth Orbiter and a self-guided artillery projectile.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on the skeletal resistance to parathyroid hormone

Role of 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D on the skeletal resistance to parathyroid hormone. Hypocalcemia in chronic renal failure (CRF) has been attributed in part to a skeletal resistance (S.R.) to the calcemie action of parathyroid hormone (PTH) as a consequence of low levels of 1,25 (OH) 2 D 3 . To further elucidate the role of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 in the genesis of S.R., the calcemie effect of infusion of synthetic b-PTH 1- 34 was examined in dogs before and after 7, 90 and 180 days of CRF. The maximum increment in ionized calcium after the infusion of PTH in the normal dogs was 1.15 ± 0.13 mg/dl, decreased to 0.84 ± 0.09 after 7 days, 0.68 ± 0.1 after 90 days and to 0.66 ± 0.11 mg/dl after 180 days of CRF. Thereafter, the dogs received 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , 0.5 µg daily for seven days and the studies were repeated. No improvement in the calcemie response to PTH was observed (0.57 ± 0.26 mg/100 ml). Subsequently, a parathyroidectomy (PTX) was performed and 24 hours later the studies were repeated. After the infusion of PTH the calcemie response returned to normal (0.93 ± 0.14 mg/dl). Further studies were performed in a group of four uremic dogs receiving no 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , in which a PTX was performed 24 hours prior to the infusion of PTH. For this group, the increase in serum ionized calcium was 0.99 ± 0.11 mg/dl. These values were not statistically different from normal dogs. In summary: (1) renal insufficiency was characterized by an abnormal calcemie response to PTH; (2) the administration of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 did not correct the S.R. to PTH; and (3) PTX performed 24 hours before the infusion of PTH restored the calcemie response to normal. These data suggest that high levels of endogenous parathyroid hormone desensitized the skeleton to the administration of exogenous PTH. These studies indicate that low values of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 are not directly responsible for the skeletal resistance to PTH in chronic renal failure.
"Stretching factory performance beyond world class, an organizational approach"

What if your factory is already running quite well but you wanted to stretch its performance even further? What if you were not allowed to spend money to do it and you had to give up 15% of your staff at the same time? How would you enlist the help of the workforce? This paper describes the strategy, execution, and results of the efforts toward meeting such a challenge at Intel's Fab 20, in Hillsboro, Oregon, USA. This factory was able to significantly improve its performance through a well-managed yet simple behavioral approach, and won the prestigious Intel Quality Award as a result of their efforts. The size of Fab 20 is ~30k wafers/month and ~1500 total employees
Visual system development in the duck embryo

Abstract This research investigated the ontogeny of evoked activity in the visual system of the duck embryo. Field potentials were recorded from the optic tectum of Peking ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) after electrical stimulation of the contralateral optic nerve head or photic stimulation of the contralateral eye. Recordings were made in embryos on Day 10 of incubation through hatching. Electrical stimulation elicited negative potentials at the dorsal and ventral surfaces and positive potentials in the depths of the tectum in embryos on Day 11 and later. Polarity reversals occurred within 0.5 mm of the respective surfaces. Potentials were reduced or obliterated when stimulus frequencies were increased to 15 Hz. In older embryos, potentials were more widespread, more complex, larger in amplitude, shorter in latency, and of lower threshold than in younger embryos. These results are consistent with the generation of postsynaptic activity in the optic tectum of ducks on Day 11 of incubation. Responses to photic stimuli appeared much later in development: optic tectum responses on the 21st or 22nd day and electroretinogram on the 23rd day.
Application of Fourier-Based Transforms to Impedance Spectra of Small-Diameter Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Recent demonstrations of direct utilization of hydrocarbon fuels have stimulated an automotive interest in solid oxide fuel cells for reformerless auxiliary power units with high power density, high chemical-to-electrical efficiency, and low exhaust emissions. Furthermore, recent designs with small-diameter oxide tubes appear to be well-suited to accommodate repeated cycling under rapid changes in electrical load and in cell operating temperatures. To understand the limiting transient processes in these small-tube fuel cell designs, we applied an analysis approach which requires no a priori equivalent circuit model assumptions. This approach was applied to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data measured from such cells in the temperature range from 585 to 888°C In this way, the complex, overlapping arc EIS details (seen in Cole-Cole plots) were transformed in a network-model-independent way into a spectrum of relaxation times. We extended the deconvolution method to allow peak fitting and integration to calculate the resistances of individual processes within the cathode polarization, which becomes limiting in comparison to either anode or electrolyte at temperatures below about 700°C. With the new results, the process with the highest apparent activation energy can be targeted to improve cathode development.
A gate assist circuit for cross talk suppression of SiC devices in a phase-leg configuration

In a phase-leg configuration, the high switching-speed performance of silicon carbide (SiC) devices is limited by the interaction between the upper and lower devices during the switching transient (cross talk), leading to additional switching losses and overstress of the power devices. To utilize the full potential of fast SiC devices, this paper proposes a gate assist circuit using two auxiliary transistors and a diode to eliminate cross talk. Based on CMF20120D SiC MOSFETs, the experimental results show that this gate assist methodology is effective to suppress cross talk under different operating conditions, enabling turn-on switching losses reduction by up to 19.6%, and negative spurious gate voltage minimization within the maximum allowable negative gate voltage of the power devices without the penalty of reduced switching speed. Moreover, in comparison to the conventional gate driver with -2 V turn-off gate voltage, this gate assist circuit without a negative isolated power supply is more effective in enhancing the switching behavior of power devices in a phase-leg. Accordingly, the proposed gate assist circuit is a cost-effective solution for cross talk suppression.
Preliminary Design of the NRL Modified Betatron

The principal subsystems of the NRL Modified Betatron Accelerator (MBA) have been designed. These subsystems include the air-core magnets, the mechanical structure, the vacuum system, the injector accelerator, and the pulse power capacitor banks. The MBA concept uses an applied toroidal magnetic field, B? (2-5 kG) to improve the stability and confinement of a multikiloamp e-beam. Trapping of an injected beam will result from varying the Bz by a few Gauss during the first poloidal bounce period. Externally driven coils will compensate the diffusion of the self magnetic field to maintain equilibrium.
Establishing the baseline burden of influenza in preparation for the evaluation of a countywide school-based influenza vaccination campaign.

Abstract Background School-based influenza vaccination campaigns could mitigate the effects of influenza epidemics. A large countywide school-based vaccination campaign was launched in Knox County, Tennessee, in 2005. Assessment of campaign effects requires identification of appropriate control populations. We hypothesized that contiguous counties would share similar pre-campaign patterns of influenza activity. Methods We compared the burden of influenza emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations between Knox County (Knox) and eight counties surrounding Knox (Knox-surrounding) during five consecutive pre-campaign influenza seasons (2000–01 through 2004–05). Laboratory-defined influenza seasons were used to measure the weekly incidence of medically attended acute respiratory illnesses (MAARI) attributable to influenza in school-aged children 5–17 years old (campaign target) as well as in other age groups. Seasonal rates of MAARI attributable to influenza for Knox and Knox-surrounding counties were compared using rate ratios. Results During five consecutive influenza seasons, MAARI attributable to influenza showed synchronous temporal patterns in school-aged children from Knox and Knox-surrounding counties. The average seasonal rates of ED visits attributable to influenza were 12.37 (95% CI: 10.32–14.42) and 13.14 (95% CI: 11.23–15.05) per 1000, respectively. The respective average seasonal influenza hospitalization rates for Knox and Knox-surrounding were 0.38 (95% CI: 0–0.79) and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.07–0.85) per 1000 children. Rate ratio analyses indicated no significant differences in the incidence of MAARI attributable to influenza between school-aged children from Knox and Knox-surrounding counties. Estimates for other age groups showed similar patterns. Conclusion Before the Knox school-based influenza vaccination campaign, influenza resulted in an average of about 12 ED visits and 0.4 hospitalizations per 1000 school-aged children annually in Knox County. Since similar morbidity was observed in surrounding counties, they could serve as a control population for the assessment of the campaign effects.
Frequency Effects in Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing Dynamic Coefficients

This paper examines the effects of damped vibrational frequencies on the linear reduced dynamical stiffness and damping coefficients of tilting-pad journal bearings. The frequency ratio (damped frequency/running speed) can be used to judge the accuracy of employing synchronously reduced linear coefficients in rotordynamic stability analyses. The use of these coefficients can result in simpler formulations of the system dynamical equations of motion and solution techniques as well as reduced computational and analysis time. Results presented here indicate that synchronously reduced bearing dynamical coefficients are generally adequate for stability analyses with positively preloaded tilting-pad bearings. Plots of dynamic coefficients are included for a five-pad bearing. Presented at the 37th Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 10–13, 1982
Molecular relaxation dynamics of aqueous macrocycles: 15C5-Water mixtures

Abstract The molecular dynamics of water adjacent to hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups of organic molecules is a problem eminently relevant in biophysics. To this end complex permittivities ϵ* = ϵ′ - Jϵ″ in the frequency range 1–90 GHz for 15C5 crown ether-water mixtures of compositions XH2O = 0.034, 0.31 and 0.68 at 25°C are reported. Physical properties of the mixtures such as shear viscosities, densities and static permittivities are also reported. In addition Raman spectra of the crown ether-water mixture have been collected. Both the crown ether bands (COC and CH2 stretch) as well as the water OH stretch have been studied. The crown ether bands have been analyzed. The dielectric relaxation behavior is characterized by the delay time of the polarization remaining almost constant up to XH2O = 0.68 in accord to the viscosity pattern. The relaxation spectrum departs more and more from the Debye model upon addition of water. The Cole-Davidson distribution function seems best able to describe the data. The dielectric data are interpreted qualitatively by a modified Glarum theory envisaging cooperative rotation of the crown ether and collisions with water-molecules.
Contact resistance as a measure of the superconducting order parameter

We have shown experimentally that the electrical contact resistance between a thin copper wire and a bulk superconductor contains a small contribution that varies with temperature below Tc. The observed temperature dependence is always close to that of the energy gap in the superconductor.
Negative control mechanism with features of adaptation controls Ca2+ release in cardiac myocytes

The central paradox of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling is that Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR), an inherently self-regenerating process, is finely graded by surface membrane Ca2+ current (ICa). By using FPL64176, a novel Ca2+ channel agonist that reduces inactivation of ICa, a rapid negative control mechanism was unmasked at the Ca2+ release level in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. This mechanism terminates CICR independently of the duration of trigger ICa and before the sarcoplasmic reticulum becomes depleted of Ca2+. In its ability to be reactivated by incremental increases in trigger ICa, this mechanism differs from conventional inactivation/desensitization and is similar to the mechanism of increment detection or adaptation described for intracellular Ca2+ release channels. These results indicate that ryanodine receptor adaptation regulates Ca2+ release in cardiac muscle, accounting for or contributing to the graded nature of CICR and, additionally, permitting stores to reload at later times during Ca2+ entry.
The [216:1 Ratio]: bridging the growing support gap through proactive deployment of emerging technologies

Philadelphia University has developed radically as an entity since 1992. In 2002-2003, the University technology infrastructure was forced to evolve in response to selective pressure from a series of catastrophic worm (Blaster, Nachi, Sasser) incidents that crippled the network. In response, new technologies were deployed to protect the students, faculty and staff. The University became more agile and innovative with its technologies and is able to do more with less. The number of support incidents on the student network, along with specific types relating to viruses and spyware, has dropped exponentially. This is due to the implementation of various technologies and containment strategies outlined within the paper. Coupling these technologies with an active response team of six students, we are able to support the entire resident campus body (~1300 students). Thus emerges our ratio of 216 students to each student staffer. This paper represents a case study of the technologies and methodologies that enable an optimized support structure in the wake of forced evolution.
Optical spectroscopic studies of the sorption of UO2+2 species on a reference smectite

Abstract The speciation of UO 2+ 2 (uranyl) on a reference smectite (SAz-1 from Cheto, Arizona, USA) has been investigated by electronic emission and Raman vibrational spectroscopies. The spectroscopic studies have been done on uranyl-bearing clays prepared from aqueous solutions of uranyl nitrate in the pH range from ~2.5 to 7 and high initial ionic strength (~0.1–0.3 M). The uranyl loading levels in these samples ranged from ~0.1% to ~53% of the reported cation exchange capacity (~1.2 meq/g). Vibronically resolved emission spectra have been obtained for all samples. These spectra vary significantly in intensity and band-shape as a function of uranyl concentration in the clays and the equilibrium pH of the solutions from which the clays were prepared. For most clay samples the measured emission spectrum is a composite of spectra from multiple uranyl emitters. At the lowest loading levels a uranyl sorption complex with an apparent vibronic spacing of ~750 cm −1 dominates the spectra. At intermediate loading levels an additional uranyl sorption complex also having an apparent vibronic spacing of ~ 750 cm −1 is present at an approximately constant concentration ratio to the species in the most dilute samples. At the highest loading levels, a uranyl sorption complex with a vibronic spacing of ~ 850 cm −1 dominates the spectra. Raman spectra have been obtained for the more concentrated uranyl/clay samples. Two distinct bands (855 cm −1 and 883 cm −1 ) are seen in the spectral region of the totally symmetric uranyl stretch. The 855 cm −1 band correlates with the dominant high-coverage species, while the 883 cm −1 band arises from an additional sorption complex. Comparison of these results with aqueous solution spectral data suggests that monomeric uranyl moieties are responsible for the observed spectral responses in the clay samples, and the multiple spectral components are a result of occupancy by these moieties in several structurally and/or energetically different sites within the clay. It is proposed that the uranyl species responsible for the dominant components in the emission spectra in the low and intermediate coverage clay sample are sorbed to amphoteric edge site(s). The uranyl species responsible for the dominant component in the emission spectrum and the 855 cm −1 Raman band in the high-coverage clays is proposed to be exchanged into the fixed charge site(s). The additional complex identified by the Raman band at 883 cm −1 is also proposed as a sorption complex at fixed-charge sites.
Consistent Spatial Homogenization in Transport Theory

In this paper, a new spatial homogenization method in transport theory is developed that reproduces the heterogeneous solution by using conventional flux-weighted homogenized cross sections. By int...
Commentary: the role of cell migration in the ontogeny of the lymphoid system.

The foundations of experimental hematology were laid by histologists, and while their contributions were enormous, they were limited in their interpretation of very dynamic processes by the static ...
On the non-uniqueness of minimal projections in ℓ1n and discrete Walsh projections

Abstract We prove that every minimal projection of l 1 n onto k dimensional space ( k ≠ 1 , n − 1 ) that has a non-zero matrix in the canonical basis is not unique minimal. This leads to the complete characterization of uniqueness of the discrete Walsh projections.
The Effectiveness of Computer-Based Adult Education: A Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis of findings from twenty-four controlled evaluations showed that computer-based education (CBE) usually has positive effects on adult learners. CBE raised the examination scores of such students by 0.42 standard deviations in the average study—a moderate-size but statistically significant effect. Two study features appeared to be related to the size of achievement effect reported in the studies: type of use of CBE and publication source for the studies. CBE also reduced substantially the amount of time needed for instruction. Reliable conclusions could not be reached about affective or long-term cognitive effects of CBE because of the small number of studies that investigated such effects.
Poloidal magnetic fields in superconducting neutron stars

We develop the formalism for computing the magnetic field within an axisymmetric neutron star with a strong Type II superconductor core surrounded by a normal conductor. The formalism takes full account of the constraints imposed by hydrostatic equilibrium with a barotropic equation of state. We specialize to purely poloidal magnetic fields and develop the "most dipolar case" for which we find that the surface field strength is $\simeq H_b\epsilon_b/3\simeq 3\times 10^{12}$ G, where $H_b$ is the magnetic field at the outer edge of the core and $\epsilon_b R$ is the thickness of the normal shell. This value only depends on the equation of state of nuclear matter. We also find that the quadrupolar distortion of the star is $\sim 10^{-9}$.
Chlordimeform: a pesticide acting upon amine regulatory mechanisms.

CHLORDIMEFORM (also known as chlorphenamidine or Galecron) is a relatively new acaricide-insecticide of which the mode of action has not been elucidated. It is an economically important pesticide1,2 and is also an interesting compound from a toxicological point of view, as it is effective against many organophosphate and carbamate resistant pests3, and causes distinctly different symptoms in insects from conventional insecticides. In addition, it is of pharmacological interest because it belongs to a novel group of insecticides which possess a formamidine moiety.
Factors regulating the biosynthesis of various prostaglandins.

the Karolinska Institute working in collaboration with Professor B. Samuelsson. At that time we were able to develop thin-layer techniques which allowed quantitative measurement of the many different products appearing during prostaglandin biosynthesis. This led to the identification of the unusual pros t ag land in , l l -ke to -PGFl , , f rom reaction mixtures(Granstr8m et a1,1968),and a recognition that the oxidative cyclization most probably occurs after the liberation of the essential acid(Lands & Samuelsson,l968),by action of an acylhydrolase. Last year I began again to use those methods to examine in more detail the regulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis. A useful review of the factors in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins recognized up to that point was provided by Samuelsson in that year's Progress of Biochemical Pharmacology(Samuelsson,l969).
Predictive Dynamic Model of a Small Pressure Swing Adsorption Air Separation Unit

A predictive dynamic model of a small pressure swing adsorption (PSA) air separation process was developed for the purposes of evaluation, optimization, and control of oxygen generation systems on ...
A vertebrate myosin-I structure reveals unique insights into myosin mechanochemical tuning.

Myosins are molecular motors that power diverse cellular processes, such as rapid organelle transport, muscle contraction, and tension-sensitive anchoring. The structural adaptations in the motor that allow for this functional diversity are not known, due, in part, to the lack of high-resolution structures of highly tension-sensitive myosins. We determined a 2.3-A resolution structure of apo-myosin-Ib (Myo1b), which is the most tension-sensitive myosin characterized. We identified a striking unique orientation of structural elements that position the motor’s lever arm. This orientation results in a cavity between the motor and lever arm that holds a 10-residue stretch of N-terminal amino acids, a region that is divergent among myosins. Single-molecule and biochemical analyses show that the N terminus plays an important role in stabilizing the post power-stroke conformation of Myo1b and in tuning the rate of the force-sensitive transition. We propose that this region plays a general role in tuning the mechanochemical properties of myosins.
Design and thermoreflectance imaging of high-speed SiGe superlattice microrefrigerators

Over the past few years, thermoelectric (TE) materials have been receiving an increasing amount of attention owing to their promising potential for energy conversion and thermal management applications. Thermal characterisation techniques offer a powerful tool in investigating and optimizing the TE device performance. In addition, they can provide a better understanding of the underlying fundamental principles such as Peltier effects at the interfaces of the active medium. In this paper, we present the design and thermal characterisation of integrated highspeed microcoolers based on SiGe superlattices. The electrode metalisation is laid out as a coplanar waveguide, enabling to supply electrical pulses with short rise times to the coolers. We employ a variety of CCD-based transient thermoreflectance imaging methods to perform an extensive dynamic thermal analysis. These techniques provide 2-D temperature maps of the chip surface with ∼100ns temporal and submicron spatial resolution without the need to scan the sample. Net cooling in the 2 degree range is observed, with response times well below 1μs. This is almost two orders of magnitude faster compared to the best in the literature. The obtained images also confirm the previous observations that the Peltier cooling term responds faster than the Joule heating term, in agreement with their expected locality and associated thermal mass. This provides potential to study ultrafast electron-phonon interactions during Peltier effects.
Part two: Empirical rationale for teeth cleaning plant selection 1

Abstract Various types of ethnobotanical surveys have served to identify those plants throughout the world that are important in teeth cleaning. The empirical selection of several cultures has indicated that many of these species are selected because of the good dental hygiene they promote and other medicinal properties they possess. When pharmacological studies have been correlated with these data, many have been shown to possess substances of an antibiotic, analgesic, anticariogenic, or otherwise healing nature. Preliminary results from clinical trials with several chewing‐stick extract dentifrices are showing that the development of more efficacious and healing toothpastes from these sources is possible.
Hindlimb unloading has a greater effect on cortical compared with cancellous bone in mature female rats

This study was designed to determine the effects of 28 days of hindlimb unloading (HU) on the mature female rat skeleton. In vivo proximal tibia bone mineral density and geometry of HU and cage control (CC) rats were measured with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) on days 0 and 28. Postmortem pQCT, histomorphometry, and mechanical testing were performed on tibiae and femora. After 28 days, HU animals had significantly higher daily food consumption (+39%) and lower serum estradiol levels (-49%, P = 0.079) compared with CC. Proximal tibia bone mineral content and cortical bone area significantly declined over 28 days in HU animals (-4.0 and 4.8%, respectively), whereas total and cancellous bone mineral densities were unchanged. HU animals had lower cortical bone formation rates and mineralizing surface at tibial midshaft, whereas differences in similar properties were not detected in cancellous bone of the distal femur. These results suggest that cortical bone, rather than cancellous bone, is more prominently affected by unloading in skeletally mature retired breeder female rats.
Interactions between Mechanical and Biological Processes in Acute Lung Injury

Human studies and animal models suggest that mechanical as well as biological processes contribute to acute lung injury. While mechanical stresses and bacterial products can directly alter the endothelial and epithelial barriers in the lungs, a growing body of evidence suggests that synergistic interactions between low levels of mechanical stress and bacterial products in the lungs can cause or exacerbate acute lung injury. New approaches to disrupting these synergistic interactions between mechanical stress and innate immunity have the potential to reduce the incidence or improve the outcome of acute lung injury in humans.
Substrate-dependent electronic structure of an organic heterojunction

This work focuses on organic-organic heterojunctions (OOHs) formed between two small-molecule, low band-gap, semiconductors, tris{2,5-bis(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thieno}$[3,4\text{\ensuremath{-}}b,$$h,n]\text{\ensuremath{-}}1,4,5,$$8,9,12$ $\ensuremath{-}\text{hexaaza}\ensuremath{-}\text{triphenylene}$ (THAP), and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc). The organic layers are deposited on various substrates, and the energy level alignment between them is investigated by ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. The electronic structure of the OOH is found to depend on the work function of the organic underlayer predeposited on the different substrates. The vacuum level offset between THAP and CuPc, which consists of the sum of the interface dipole and the molecular level shift, varies from $0.26\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}1.37\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$. The interface dipole between the two organic films linearly changes with the work function of the organic underlayer.
Nd:YAG effective emission cross section using novel method based on laser performance data

We report a novel method for determining effective laser cross sections based on slope and threshold measurements of the laser transition. This method is demonstrated on the 1.06 µm line (R2→Y3) of Nd:YAG, where an effective emission cross section was found to be 30.6 ± 3.0 × 10−19 cm2.
Non-manual grammatical marker recognition based on multi-scale, spatio-temporal analysis of head pose and facial expressions

Abstract Changes in eyebrow configuration, in conjunction with other facial expressions and head gestures, are used to signal essential grammatical information in signed languages. This paper proposes an automatic recognition system for non-manual grammatical markers in American Sign Language (ASL) based on a multi-scale, spatio-temporal analysis of head pose and facial expressions. The analysis takes account of gestural components of these markers, such as raised or lowered eyebrows and different types of periodic head movements. To advance the state of the art in non-manual grammatical marker recognition, we propose a novel multi-scale learning approach that exploits spatio-temporally low-level and high-level facial features. Low-level features are based on information about facial geometry and appearance, as well as head pose, and are obtained through accurate 3D deformable model-based face tracking. High-level features are based on the identification of gestural events, of varying duration, that constitute the components of linguistic non-manual markers. Specifically, we recognize events such as raised and lowered eyebrows, head nods, and head shakes. We also partition these events into temporal phases. We separate the anticipatory transitional movement (the onset ) from the linguistically significant portion of the event, and we further separate the core of the event from the transitional movement that occurs as the articulators return to the neutral position towards the end of the event (the offset ). This partitioning is essential for the temporally accurate localization of the grammatical markers, which could not be achieved at this level of precision with previous computer vision methods. In addition, we analyze and use the motion patterns of these non-manual events. Those patterns, together with the information about the type of event and its temporal phases, are defined as the high-level features. Using this multi-scale, spatio-temporal combination of low- and high-level features, we employ learning methods for accurate recognition of non-manual grammatical markers in ASL sentences.
Wine demand in the United Kingdom and new world structural change: a source-disaggregated analysis

This study examines bottled wine demand in the United Kingdom (UK) by exporting country and assesses the structural adjustment in demand as indicated by the decline in imports since 2004. When comparing the two periods, 1995–2003 and 2005–2009, UK wine imports from Australia became more responsive to changes in aggregate wine expenditures (in real terms) in the latter period. The demand for French wines became more price inelastic in the latter period while the demand for other European wines became price elastic. If the UK government is concerned with decreasing alcohol consumption, an increase in the wine excise tax would lead to a relatively larger decrease in imports from Italy, Portugal, and Spain. The tax on French wines would lead to greater revenue, but a smaller decrease in French wine consumption. [EconLit citations: F14; Q11; Q17]. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Correlation of bristlecone pine ring widths with atmospheric 14 C variations: a climate–Sun relation

Recent measurements by Stuiver and Quay1 on wood growth during the past millennium confirm in an impressive way the contention that, in addition to being affected by the geomagnetic dipole moment, the production rate of 14C is mediated by interplanetary modulation arising from solar activity, of which the sunspot index is a measure. But Stuiver2, like others before him, finds no statistically significant correlation with climate indicators, including ring-width data and δ14C. However, the data presented here show a case of an unusually convincing correlation between variations of cosmic ray-produced 14C activity of the CO2 in the terrestrial atmosphere during the past five millennia3,4 and annual growth ring widths for bristlecone pine wood from one particular area, that of Campito Mountain in eastern California.
On the Cycle Index of a Product of Permutation Groups

A new and useful operation on permutation groups is defined and studied. A formula for the cycle index polynomial of the new group is obtained. Applications are given to the enumeration of symmetry types of Post functions.
Late Pleistocene Glaciation of Mono Basin, California

Moraines in the canyons of Mono Basin are separable into relative-age groups on the basis of clast-sound velocities in exposed boulders, moraine morphology, and weathering features on boulder surfaces. Tioga, Tenaya, Tahoe, and Mono Basin moraine deposits each have distinct weathering characteristics and therefore constitute different relative-age groups. The Tioga glacial episode at June Lake may postdate ∼25,200(?)-yr-old basaltic lavas, and the Tenaya episode may have occurred ∼30,700 yr ago. A comparison of the glacial and lacustrine records of Mono Basin over the past 40,000 yr, based on new interpretations of radiometric ages, is consistent with the hypothesis that maximum glacial and maximum pluvial periods were not necessarily synchronous.
Histopathology of four spontaneous neoplasms in three species of salmonid fishes

. Gross and histological descriptions of four different spontaneous neoplasms in three species of salmonid fishes are provided: thymic lymphoma and dermal fibrosarcoma, respectively, in two artificially reared sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum); renal papilliferous cystadenoma in a wild caught chinook salmon, O. tshawytscha (Walbaum); capillary haemangioma of the dermis in an artificially reared rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson. The frequency of occurrence of these and related tumour types, as reported in the literature, are compared in salmonid and non-salmonid fish.
Ontogenetic development of [3H]naloxone binding in rat brain.

To study the ontogenesis of an apparent opiate receptor, the high affinity, stereospecific binding of [3H]naloxone was measured in whole brains and several brain regions of the developing rat. Stereospecific binding of [3H]naloxone was first detected in whole rat brain at 15 days of gestation and by birth attained 40% of adult specific concentration of binding sites. Scatchard analysis indicated that developmental changes in stereospecific binding reflect increases in the number of sites with the equilibrium dissociation constant for [3H]naloxone remaining constant. At birth, caudal regions of the brain attained relatively higher levels of the binding site than the cortical regions. Treatment of pregnant rats with morphine or naloxone during the last week of pregnancy did not significantly affect the stereospecific binding of [3H]naloxone in the brains of their offspring.
Investigation of the reactivity of lead and Bismuth positive ions

Rate constant are determined for the association of O2, NH3, CH3Cl, CH3OH, CH3SH, and CH3NH2 to Pb+ and for NH3, CH3OH, CH3SH, and CH3NH2 to Bi+. The coefficients for Bi+ are generally equal to or larger than those for Pb+. The reactions of NH3, CH3Cl, and CH3OH displayed low pressure regime kinetics throughout the pressure range over which the measurements were made (0.2–1.2 Torr He), while CH3NH2 showed transition regime behavior. Methyl mercaptan, CH3SH, showed a combination of low pressure and transition regime behavior with the low pressure rate coefficients for Bi+ and Pb+ being 2.7×10−27 and 1.6×10−27 cm6 s−1, respectively. Oxygen is found to react extremely slowly (k30⩽3.2×10−31 cm6 s−1) and as such would have a very low probability of being attached to the radon progeny ions Pb+ or Bi+ in the atmosphere.
Ethical Issues in Evaluating the Effectiveness of Primary Prevention Programs

Abstract This paper focuses on the ethical issues surrounding the evaluation of prevention programs and aims to make those implementing and evaluating such programs more thoughtful about the complex considerations involved in these issues. Following an overview of the two main evaluation approaches, six premises which underlie evaluation are presented to provide a foundation for a discussion of the ethical issues which surround the evaluation of primary prevention programs. These issues include confidentiality of collected data, anonymity of reported data, denial of service, equitable allocation of scarce resources, and provision of evidence of program effects. Special attention is given to experimental evaluations because of the ethical concerns involved in the use of untreated controls in this design.
Rheology of associative thickener pigment and pigmented commercial latex dispersions

The rheology of both titanium dioxide dispersions and water-borne latex coatings thickened with hydrophobically-modified, water-soluble polymers (associative thickeners) is described. Five commercial latices were considered. The two dispersion types (i.e. pigment and pigment with latex) were thickened with hydroxyethyl cellulose and five commercial associative thickeners, and in each dispersion the levels of dispersing aid and formulation surfactant were varied above and below the optimum level. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was stabilized with a 5000 molecular weight poly(methacrylic acid) and a nonionic surfactant. The stabilized dispersions, thickened with a 700 000 viscosity average molecular weight hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and a variety of hydrophobically-modified, water-soluble polymers of lower molecular weight, exhibited shear-thinning behavior. The pigment dispersion containing HEUR-200, the highest molecular weight associative thickener, was not shear-thinning, whereas the other associative thickeners and HEC thickened TiO2 slurries were shear-thinning at lower polymer concentrations. Replacement of part of the pigment in a 32% non-volatiles by volume (NVV) formulation with one of five commercial latices reduced the pseudoplastic behavior of all the dispersions except HEUR-200, which exhibited a dramatic increase in shear-thinning with latex introduction as the particle size of the binder was decreased. Other matrix interactions and their influence on dispersion rheology in these ‘system-specific’ formulations are discussed.
H2O-induced instability of Al2O3/Ni3Al(110) and Al2O3/Ni3Al(111) thin films under non-UHV conditions

Abstract Al 2 O 3 films, 7 A thick, grown on Ni 3 Al(1 1 0), undergo severe reconstruction and loss of long range order upon exposure to H 2 O at pressures above ∼10 −5 Torr at 300 K. The reconstruction process begins at the oxide surface, not the oxide/metal interface and is not associated with formation of a UHV-stable hydroxide phase. Similar exposures to O 2 have no effect. Al 2 O 3 films of similar thickness grown on Ni 3 Al(1 1 1) also reconstruct, but at longer exposure times at equal pressures.
Guidelines for authors of the IBM Systems Journal

It is important to have guidelines for the scope and breadth of papers being prepared for submission to a technical journal. This article provides information about the IBM Systems Journal and offers guidelines for prospective authors. The Systems Journal, and its audience are described, and the processing of papers is discussed, along with suggestions for content and structure. To further aid the writer in preparing clear, complete papers of high quality, a bibliography of technical writing references is included.
The effects of instructional set and autonomic perception on cardiac control.

Fifty-four Ss were divided into three instructional groups. One group was instructed to increase their heart rate (HR) every time a signal was presented; a second group was told to decrease their HR; and a control group was not instructed to change their HR in any direction. Results indicate that Ss can increase or decrease their HR in the absence of externalized feedback. These HR changes do not appear to be mediated by respiration or skin resistance variations. In addition, Ss were divided into groups on the basis of their APQ scores. The group with middle APQ scores displayed more HR control in both directions than Ss with high or low APQ scores. The study was replicated with 42 Ss and results support the HR increase but not the HR decrease findings.
Proteinuria in Children Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Objectives To determine the prevalence of proteinuria in a large cohort of children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and their longitudinal progression during treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy. Study design In a retrospective cohort study, 286 children infected with HIV were monitored with quantitative assays of proteinuria from January 1998 through January 2007, with monitoring of viral load, lymphocyte profiles, kidney function, and mortality rates. Proteinuria was quantitated by urine protein to creatinine ratio (Upr/cr). Results Ninety-four (33%) had proteinuria at baseline. Of these, 32 (11.2%) had nephrotic range proteinuria (Upr/cr ≥ 1.0). Initial screening was at 11 ± 0.3 years of age, with an average follow-up of 5.6 ± 0.1 years. The mortality rate was significantly greater in those with proteinuria. During the period of observation, 15 patients with nephrotic proteinuria died or had development of end-stage renal disease, and 16 showed improvement. Of those with intermediate range proteinuria (Upr/cr ≥ 0.2 P Conclusions Control of viral load with highly active antiretroviral therapy appears to prevent the progression of HIV-associated renal disease and improve survival rates in infected children.
A model curriculum for training in psycho‐oncology

The increased awareness of the cancer patient's psychosocial needs in the past few years has led to the development of training programs for health professionals working in oncology. Given the diversity of training goals, professionals involved in the care of patients, institutional resources and local needs, there is a lack of uniform criteria to train specialists in the field of psycho-oncology. This paper describes a model for a one-year curriculum the objective of which is to establish minimal standards of training to become a professional who is subspecialized in adult or child and adolescent psycho-oncology. The curriculum primarily consists of a didactic and a skills development components. Selection of trainees and faculty as well as teaching tools and evaluation of the curriculum are described. The second part of the model curriculum contains specific recommendations that address the particular educational needs of specific oncological disciplines (oncologists, nurses, social workers) and volunteers. In addition, the need for multidisciplinary teams in oncology settings is emphasized. Defining minimum standards for training across institutions and even nations will not only improve patient care but will also contribute to define psycho-oncology as a discipline.
Facing the Reality: The World Cannot Afford Uremia Therapy at the Start of the 21st Century

: Although remarkably successful in prolonging useful life, there is minimal probability that the majority of the world's population will benefit from contemporary therapy for irreversible renal failure because of its inordinately high cost in light of available resources. While affluent nations establish priorities for allocation of slots for maintenance dialysis or recipients of organ transplants, poor and developing countries must await the development of inexpensive, low technology treatments to substitute for absent kidney function. One attractive potential alternative to contemporary uremia therapy is the use of the intestine as a giant substitute and somewhat displaced nephron. Possible means of extracting wastes via the gut include ingestion of a mixed oral sorbent, instillation of bacterial crystallized enzymes to transform nitrogenous wastes to essential amino acids, or administration of high osmolality laxatives to promote diarrhea containing nitrogenous wastes. Any of these approaches may extract sufficient solute and water to sustain anephric life. An optimistic view of evolving uremia therapy is that within the next decade pills and purges for the poor may supplant more effective though expensive high technology approaches now encompassed in so-called modern nephrology.