cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metrology of Very Thin Silicon Epitaxial Films using Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

Non-destructive silicon epitaxial film thickness measurements have been performed using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) in the visible to near infrared range. The epitaxial films were grown by CVD at 700 - 900°C. It is shown that SE can simultaneously determine the epitaxial film thickness, the native oxide thickness, and the substrate dopant concentration. The epitaxial film thicknesses measured by SE are in excellent agreement with results of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The dopant concentrations measured by SE also agree well with SIMS results for n-type substrates, but are consistently higher than SIMS values for p-type substrates. This study shows that spectroscopic ellipsometry could be used in semiconductor manufacturing environments as a viable non-destructive technique for sub-0.5 μm silicon epitaxial film thickness measurement.
Multiple ion binding sites in Ih channels of rod photoreceptors from tiger salamanders.

The mechanism of ion permeation in K+/Na+-permeable I h channels of tiger salamander rod photoreceptors was investigated using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. I h channels showed features indicative of pores with multiple ion binding sites: in mixtures of K+ and thallium Tl+, the amplitude of the time-dependent current showed an anomalous mole fraction dependence, and K+ permeation was blocked by other permeant ions (with K 0.5 values: Tl+, 44 μM; Rb+, 220 μM and NH4 +, 1100 /gmM) as well as by essentially impermeant ions (Cs+, 22 μM Ba2+, 9200 μM) which apparently block I h by binding in the pore. In contrast, Na+ had little blocking action on K+ permeation. The block by all of these ions was sensitive to external K+ with the block by Cs+ being the least sensitive. Na+ was more effective than K+ in reducing the block by Tl+, Rb+ and NH4 +, but was less effective for the block by Cs+ and Ba2+. The blocking action of Cs+ and Ba2+ was non-competitive, suggesting that they block I h channels at independent sites. Based on the efficacy of block by the different ions, the degree to which K+ and Na+ antagonize this block and the noncompetitive blocking action of Cs+ and Ba2+, the permeation pathway of I h channels appears to contain at least three ion binding sites with at least two sites having a higher affinity for K+ over Na+ and another site with a higher affinity for Na+ over K+.
Resection and Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissection

Mediastinal lymph node assessment is an essential component of the surgical management of lung cancer. Traditionally, a potentially curative resection is considered to involve the complete resection of the primary tumor with microscopically benign resection margins, and a systematic dissection of lymphatic drainage to accessible mediastinal nodes. Defining the extent of lymph node involvement is important for accurate staging and prognostic guidance. Accurate lymph node assessment also guides the decision to use
Assembling colloidal clusters using crystalline templates and reprogrammable DNA interactions

Transient bridges of DNA have been used to direct the self assembly of microscopic spherical particles into a variety of crystal structures. Here, by selectively reprogramming the strength of the DNA interactions within such crystals we form colloidal clusters with well-defined valence and symmetry at high yield. We first form ‘host’ crystals containing a small proportion of ‘impurity’ particles bearing a unique DNA sequence, and then add soluble DNA strands that cause the host crystal to melt while preserving the nearest neighbor bonds around each impurity particle. This yields clusters with cubical and cuboctahedral symmetry from host crystals having BCC and FCC structures, respectively. Annealing of these clusters leads them to transform into lower free energy, but still highly symmetric forms, sometimes accompanied by the ejection of particles. The interactions between such clusters in principle could be further reprogrammed to allow hierarchical assembly processes.
RDA: New Cataloging Rules, Coming Soon to a Library near You!

Purpose – Article provides an overview (as of September 2006) of the genesis, history, and processes involved in creating the new cataloging rules, a work‐in‐progress, under the working title, RDA: Resource Description and Access. Also discusses structure and content, as well as possible uses outside of the library community.Design/methodology/approach – Describes the history of the new rules and how they are currently organized, as well as where to go to keep informed of the new rules.Findings – RDA will likely be adopted by libraries; because of its flexibility, there is a possibility that other non‐library and non‐MARC information communities will also be able to make use of this tool.Originality/value – Article is of great benefit to librarians who want an overview of RDA in a nutshell. Provokes thought on flexibility of the new rules, using them for other communications standards than MARC and for other metadata schemas.
The crystal structure of nitrophorin 4 at 1.5 å resolution: transport of nitric oxide by a lipocalin-based heme protein

Abstract Background: Nitrophorins are nitric oxide (NO) transport proteins from the saliva of blood-feeding insects, which act as vasodilators and anti-platelet agents. Rhodnius prolixus , an insect that carries the trypanosome that causes Chagas' disease, releases four NO-loaded nitrophorins during blood feeding, whereupon the ligand is released into the bloodstream or surrounding tissue of the host. Histamine, a signaling molecule released by the host upon tissue damage, is tightly bound by the nitrophorins; this may facilitate the release of NO and reduce inflammation in the host. Results: Recombinant nitrophorin 4 (NP4) was expressed in Escherichia coli , reconstituted with heme, and found to bind NO and histamine in a manner similar to that of the natural protein. The crystal structure of NP4 revealed a lipocalin-like eight-stranded β barrel, with heme inserted into one end of the barrel. His59 ligates the proximal site on the heme, a solvent molecule (NH 3 ) ligates the distal site, and three additional solvent molecules occupy the distal pocket. Buried in the protein interior are Glu55 and three solvent molecules. A detailed comparison with other lipocalins suggests that NP4 is closely related to the biliverdin-binding proteins from insects. Conclusions: The nitrophorins have a unique hemoprotein structure and are completely unlike the globins, the only other hemoproteins designed to transport dissolved gases. Compared with the recently described structure of NP1, the NP4 structure is considerably higher resolution, confirms the unusual placement of ionizable groups in the protein interior, and clarifies the solvent arrangement in the distal pocket. It also provides a striking example of structural homology where sequence homology is minimal.
Supreme Court Asked to Consider Role of Post-Filing Evidence in Assessing Obviousness of Pharmaceutical Inventions

On January 20, 2015, Bristol-Myers Squibb petitioned for certiorari in Bristol-Myers Squibb v. Teva Pharmaceutical, asking whether an assessment of obviousness should "consider post-filing evidence showing the actual differences between a patented invention and the prior art." The district court had found patent claims directed towards Entacavir (an anti-hepatitis drug) obvious in view of structural similarity between the drug and a prior art compound, in spite of the fact that the prior art compound was highly toxic and therefore not a viable candidate for use as a human drug. A Federal Circuit panel affirmed the district court's decision to disregard the toxicity of the prior art compound because that toxicity was unknown at the time the patent application was filed, reasoning that since the relevant timeframe for assessing the obviousness of invention is prior to the filing of the application, toxicity data generated after the filing date is not probative of nonobviousness. While perhaps plausible on its face, this approach runs contrary to a well-established body of Federal Circuit case law standing for the proposition that post-filing evidence can be used to establish the nonobviousness of an invention. Although the Supreme Court denied certiorari, the question remains of great importance, particularly for the pharmaceutical industry. This short article reviews the status of this unsettled area of law, summarizing relevant precedent and the positions taken by amici representing the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, and also considering the divergent views of several Federal Circuit judges who have weighed in on the issue.
Lectin reactivity of PNPF, a polyornithine-binding neurite-promoting factor.

Abstract The fate of dissociated neurons from 8-day chick embryo ciliary ganglia, cultured in serum-containing media on polyornithine substrate, is influenced by two different macromolecular factors. The neurons will die within 24 h in the absence of CNTF, the eye-derived ciliary neuronotrophic factor. Even when supported by CNTF, however, ciliary neurons do not grow neurites unless the polyornithine substratum is coated with PNPF, a polyornithine-binding neurite-promoting factor. PNPF activity present in rat Schwannoma-conditioned medium has been shown to behave as a large, acidic, trypsin-sensitive molecule. In the experiments reported here the lectin reactivity of PNPF has been investigated. Using lectin affinity chromatography PNPF was found to bind to concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin from which it could be respectively eluted with the specific sugars α-methyl- d -mannoside and N-acetyl- d -glucosamine. PNPF did not bind to Ulex europacus or Dolichus biflorus agglutinins. Pretreatment of polyornithine-bound PNPF with concanavalin A before cell seeding prevented neurite outgrowth from ciliary neurons in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting neuronal survival. This inhibitory effect of concanavalin A could be removed with α-methyl- d -mannoside. Wheat germ agglutinin failed to inhibit the neurite-promoting effects of polyornithine-bound PNPF.
Measuring teacher perceptions of the “how” and “why” of student motivation

In the field of educational psychology, there is diverse and active research in motivation for learning and achievement. Many instruments exist for assessing students' motivation, primarily as self-report. Fewer instruments are available for assessing teachers' perceptions of their students' motivation, and fewer still for assessing teachers' perceptions of reasons for students' lack of motivation. Teachers' intervention strategies for motivation are linked to their causal perceptions. Therefore, it is important to assess those causal perceptions. In this paper, we offer evidence for the Perceptions of Student Motivation questionnaire, a new measure that offers evidence of validity and reliability for this purpose among high school teachers. It offers potential to increase efficiency and clarity of findings regarding teachers' perceptions of students' motivation.
The role of silica fume in mortar: Transition zone versus bulk paste modification

The influence of silica fume on mechanical properties of concrete remains an important technical and research topic. The objective of this paper is to report some preliminary results of an experimental program aimed at separating the two possible mechanisms above transition zone modification and bulk paste modification.
Asymptotic form of the mean spherical approximation for the internal energy of the classical one-component plasma

The mean spherical approximation for the internal energyU of the classical one-component plasma is solved exactly in the limit γ ≫ 1, where γ is the usual Coulomb coupling parameter. The result\({{\beta U} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{\beta U} {N = - \tfrac{9}{{10}}\Gamma + {\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$}\kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em\lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 6$}}\sqrt 3 \Gamma ^{{\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$}\kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em\lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 2$}}} + \Gamma ^{{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 6}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 6}} /15\sqrt 3 2^{{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 3}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 3}} + 0(\Gamma ^{ - {1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 6}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 6}} )}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {N = - \tfrac{9}{{10}}\Gamma + {\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$}\kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em\lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 6$}}\sqrt 3 \Gamma ^{{\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$}\kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em\lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 2$}}} + \Gamma ^{{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 6}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 6}} /15\sqrt 3 2^{{1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 3}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 3}} + 0(\Gamma ^{ - {1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 6}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} 6}} )}}\) is consistent with DeWitt's empirical analysis of the mean spherical approximation.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF NUCLEATION PHENOMENA WITHIN THERMAL BOUNDARY LAYERS—INFLUENCE ON CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION RATE PROCESSES†

In carrying out partial vapor condensations using actively cooled surfaces it is known that ‘mist’ formation can occur within thermal boundary layers (Rosner and Epstein, 1968), dramatically modifying total deposition fluxes. Using a combination of flash-evaporation (Rosner and Liang, 1986) and laser probing techniques, we report new experimental results on binary alkali salt (K2SO4 + Na2SO4) deposition from combustion gases showing that the deposition rate of potassium sulfate first increases with the addition of sodium sulfate until the concentration of Na2SO4 reaches a (target surface temperature dependent) ‘threshold’ value. Further increases in the concentration of Na2SO4 dramatically decrease the total deposition rate of K2SO4, implying that potassium sulfate-containing microdroplets are formed within the thermal boundary layer, which, despite their thermophoretic drift toward the target, are not collected as effectively as the ‘parent’ K2SO4-vapor species. Laser light scattering measurements clearl...
Thermal convection in a viscoelastic liquid

Abstract The onset of convection in a layer of viscoelastic liquid heated from below is investigated. It is shown that the nature of the convective solution depends strongly on the particular constitutive relation used to characterize the viscoelasticity. For certain models and certain parameter ranges the convection is supercritical and stable, while for other models and parameter ranges it can be subcritical and unstable. It is suggested that observations of convective behavior can provide a test for constitutive relations proposed for a particular liquid. A Fourier representation of the solution to the nonlinear problem is developed which is shown to admit aperiodic, or chaotic, solutions in a specific truncation that generalizes the classical Lorenz system for the Newtonian Benard problem.
On the origin of the unique properties of supported Au nanoparticles

The unique catalytic activity of supported Au nanoparticles has been ascribed to various effects including thickness/shape, the metal oxidation state, and support effects. Previously, we reported the synthesis of ordered Au monolayers and bilayers on TiOx, with the latter being significantly more active for CO oxidation than the former. In the present study, the electronic and chemical properties of ordered monolayer and bilayer Au films have been characterized by infrared reflection adsorption spectroscopy using CO as a probe and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. The Au overlayers are found to be electron-rich and to have significantly different electronic properties compared with bulk Au. The common structural features of ordered Au bilayers and Au bilayer nanoparticles on TiO2(110) are described, and the exceptionally high catalytic activity of the Au bilayer structure related to its unique electronic properties.
Vibrational energy transfer and relaxation in O2 and H2O.

Near-resonant vibrational energy exchange between oxygen and water molecules is an important process in the Earth's atmosphere, combustion chemistry, and the chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL). The reactions in question are (1) O 2 (1) + O 2 (0) → O 2 (0) + O 2 (0); (2) O 2 (1) + H 2 O(000) → O 2 (0) + H 2 O(000); (3) O 2 (1) + H 2 O(000) ↔ O 2 (0) + H 2 O(010); (4) H 2 O(010) + H 2 O(000) → H 2 O(000) + H 2 O(000); and (5) H 2 O(010) + O 2 (0) → H 2 O(000) + O 2 (0). Reanalysis of the data available in the chemical kinetics literature provides reliable values for rate coefficients for reactions 1 and 4 and strong evidence that reactions 2 and 5 are slow in comparison with reaction 3. Analytical solution of the chemical rate equations shows that previous attempts to measure the rate of reaction 3 are unreliable unless the water mole fraction is higher than 1%. Reanalysis of data from the only experiment satisfying this constraint provides a rate coefficient of (5.5 ± 0.4) x 10 -13 cm 3 /s at room temperature, between the values favored by the atmospheric and laser modeling communities.
The physical origin of torque and of the rotational second law

We derive the rotational form of Newton's second law τ=Iα from the translational form F→=ma→ by performing a force analysis of a simple body consisting of two discrete masses. Curiously, a truly rigid body model leads to an incorrect statement of the rotational second law. The failure of this model is traced to its violation of the strong form of Newton's third law. This leads us to consider a slightly modified non-rigid model that respects the third law, produces the correct rotational second law, and makes explicit the importance of the product of the tangential force with the radial distance: the torque.
Conservation of Mammalian Secondary Sperm Receptor Genes Enables the Promoter of the Human Gene to Function in Mouse Oocytes

The human zona pellucida is an extracellular sheath composed of three major proteins (ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3) which surround the ovulated egg and mediate the initial interactions with sperm. Although fertilization is relatively species-specific and human sperm will not bind to mouse zona, there is a high degree of conservation between the coding regions of human ZP3 and mouse Zp-3 (the primary sperm receptor) genes. We now report the characterization of the human ZP2 gene and demonstrate that the sequences of its coding regions are 70% identical with those of the mouse Zp-2 (the secondary sperm receptor) gene. In addition, the first 300 bp of the 5' flanking regions of human ZP2 and mouse Zp-2 are highly conserved. This region of 5' flanking DNA contains a previously described 12-bp DNA sequence (element IV) that forms an oocyte-specific DNA-protein complex important for mouse Zp-2 and Zp-3 promoter activity. Human element IV forms a DNA-protein complex in gel mobility shift assays when incubated with human or mouse ovarian extracts. The formation of this complex is inhibited with molar excess of either human or mouse element IV sequences and is not present in extracts of testes, uterus, spleen, lung, or kidney. The human promoter region (0.3 kbp), coupled to a luciferase reporter gene and microinjected into the nuclei of 50-microns-diameter mouse oocytes, results in reporter gene activity at a level comparable to that of the homologous mouse promoter. Clustered point mutations in element IV in either the mouse or the human sequence dramatically decrease reporter gene activity. These results indicate that the similarity between mouse Zp-2 and human ZP2 genes enables the human promoter to utilize the heterologous transcription machinery in mouse oocytes. The observed transcription may involve the recognition of promoter sequences in element IV by conserved transcription factor(s).
Significant Elements in the Relationship of Long-Married Couples.

A descriptive study of factors in the lifestyle of fifty couples married an average of 55.5 years and an average age of seventy-nine years provided data for this report. The non-random sample was heterogeneous using traditional socio-economic indicators. Life-Satisfaction (LSI-Z), Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment scores, and perception of health were all high. More than half the sample were now or had been sexually active within the past five years. Independence, commitment, companionship and qualities of caring were significant elements in these long-lasting marriages.
Foodborne Campylobacter: Infections, Metabolism, Pathogenesis and Reservoirs

Campylobacter species are a leading cause of bacterial-derived foodborne illnesses worldwide. The emergence of this bacterial group as a significant causative agent of human disease and their propensity to carry antibiotic resistance elements that allows them to resist antibacterial therapy make them a serious public health threat. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are considered to be the most important enteropathogens of this genus and their ability to colonize and survive in a wide variety of animal species and habitats make them extremely difficult to control. This article reviews the historical and emerging importance of this bacterial group and addresses aspects of the human infections they cause, their metabolism and pathogenesis, and their natural reservoirs in order to address the need for appropriate food safety regulations and interventions.
Multiple stored-product insect pheromone use in pitfall traps

Monitoring programs for stored-product insects in warehouses and processing plants are directed at the detection of several species. Pheromone lures for certain species are commercially available, but little is known about the interaction between pheromones from different species used in the same trap. This research examines the effect of the paired interaction of synthetic pheromones used in the same trap on the effectiveness of trapping Rhyzopertha dominica, Tribolium castaneum and Trogoderma variabile. The Rhyzopertha dominica pheromone can be used in the same trap with pheromones for Tribolium castaneum and Trogoderma variabile. The pheromone of Trogoderma variabile does not appear to impact adversely on the trap catch of Tribolium castaneum, but the opposite is not true. There appears to be a repellent effect caused by Tribolium castaneum pheromone on the trap catch of Trogoderma variabile, but not sufficient to preclude its use in the same trap. Using a single trap to monitor two insect species will result in reduced cost, associated with the purchase of less traps and reduced labor in maintaining pest surveillance programs.
The use of maxillary sinus endoscopy in the diagnosis of orbital floor fractures

Abstract Purpose: The goal of the current study was to evaluate the ability to diagnose the presence of an inferior orbital wall fracture through the use of a transantral endoscopy technique at bedside. Patients and Methods: Seven trauma patients with initial axial computed tomography (CT) scan findings consistent with an orbital floor fracture were studied. Before endoscopy, the patients underwent a coronal CT scan with 3-mm cuts for later comparison with the endoscopic findings. The surgeon performing the endoscopy procedure was blinded to the results of the coronal CT scan. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and measurement for enopthalmos were performed before endoscopy. The endoscopic procedure was performed at the bedside using local anesthesia. A trocar was used in the canine fossa to gain access to the maxillary sinus. A 30 ° and then a 70 ° endoscope were introduced through the trocar to evaluate the integrity of the orbital floor (ie, maxillary sinus roof). The degree of mucosal injury of the orbital floor and the presence of blood or orbital contents in the sinus were recorded. The ophthalmologic examination was repeated after completion of endoscopy. Results: The endoscopic procedure was able to be completed in all patients. There was no change in the ophthalmologic examination in any patient as a result of endoscopy. In six of the seven patients studied, the endoscopic findings correlated with the need for surgical intervention to repair the orbital floor predicted on the basis of coronal CT scan. This was determined by the degree of injury to the orbital floor and the presence of hematoma, exposed bone, or fat. In the remaining case, endoscopy was not diagnostic for the presence of a fracture because only ecchymosis of the orbital floor was noted. Conclusions: The ability to perform endoscopy under local anesthesia at the bedside is useful in those trauma patients whose concomitant injuries may prohibit other diagnostic modalities.
Myelin/oligodendrocyte-specific protein: a novel surface membrane protein that associates with microtubules.

Only a few proteins are known to be exclusively expressed in central nervous system (CNS) myelin. A novel surface membrane protein expressed only in CNS myelin and oligodendrocytes of higher vertebrates has been identified by a monoclonal antibody. This CNS myelin/oligodendrocyte-specific protein, IMOSP, has a molecular weight of 48 kDa and a pI of : Approximately 6.7. In the presence of the monoclonal antibody, MOSP remains on the surface of cultured oligodendrocytes but becomes associated with cytoplasmic microtubules. Our results suggest that MOSP plays an important role in membrane/cytoskeleton interactions during the formation and maintenance of CNS myelin. MOSP also may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of diseases of CNS myelin.
WIND EROSION AND PM10 EMISSIONS FROM AGRICULTURAL FIELDS ON THE COLUMBIA PLATEAU

Research to investigate relations between simultaneous processes of soil erosion by wind and PM10 emissions from dry land fields on the Columbia Plateau, Washington, has been initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture — Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Washington State University. Dry land agriculture is the primary cropping system world-wide but is constantly threatened by erosive winds which reduce the soil resource and/or remove fines which are the most active soil portion for plant production. Soils on the Columbia Plateau are very fine-grained containing more than 4 per cent of freely occurring aggregates or particles less than 10 μm aerodynamic diameter. Analysis from eight wind events show that significant relations exist between total mass of soil in both horizontal (saltation) and vertical (suspension) transport. The data suggest that by limiting horizontal soil erosion, emitted dust can be simultaneously reduced. Aggressive conservation tillage can be an effective weapon in reducing soil erosion by maintaining surface residue and roughness.
Operational analysis and improvement of a spent nuclear fuel handling and treatment facility using discrete event simulation

Spent nuclear fuel handling and treatment often require facilities with a high level of operational complexity. Simulation models can reveal undesirable characteristics and production problems before they become readily apparent during system operations. The value of this approach is illustrated here through an operational study, using discrete event modeling techniques, to analyze the Fuel Conditioning Facility at Argonne National Laboratory and to identify enhanced nuclear waste treatment configurations. The modeling approach and results of what-if studies are discussed. An example on how to improve productivity is presented.
A bayes procedure for selecting the population with the largestpth quantile

The Bayes method is seldom applied to nonparametric statistical problems, for the reason that it is hard to find mathematically tractable prior distributions on a set of probability measures. However, it is found that the Dirichlet process generates randomly a family of probability distributions which can be taken as a family of prior distributions for an application of the Bayes method to such problems. This paper presents a Bayesian analysis of a nonparametric problem of selecting a distribution with the largestpth quantile value, fromk≧2 given distributions. It is assumed a priori that the given distributions have been generated from a Dirichlet process.
Smoking during pregnancy and intention to quit: A profile of methadone-maintained women

The present study characterized cigarette smoking patterns (self-report, carbon monoxide, and cotinine), health-risk perceptions, attitudes, and quitting intentions among pregnant methadone-maintained women (n = 50) enrolled in comprehensive perinatal drug treatment. At baseline, women expressed only moderate motivation and self-efficacy for smoking cessation, and 60% were in the precontemplation stage of change for quitting. Follow-up assessment during pregnancy (n = 40) showed no change in self-reported cigarettes per day or cotinine values. Despite recognition of the personal and fetal health risks of smoking and high social support for quitting, none of the women stopped smoking and few demonstrated reduction. Compared to other pregnant smokers, this sample is characterized by many of the factors associated with difficulty in quitting. Innovative harm-reduction strategies and nicotine replacement medications deserve scientific attention in this high-risk group of tenacious smokers.
Affective Reactions to Social Comparison: The Effects of Relative Performance and Related Attributes Information about Another Person

Males performed a task and then were led to believe they had performed worse, the same, or better than another male who appeared to be advantaged, similar, or disadvantaged with respect to performance-related attributes. When presented simultaneously with relative performance information, the comparison other's related attributes had surprisingly little impact on subjects' affective reactions (Experiment 1), even when attention was directed explicitly to the related attribute information (Experiment 2). When the comparison other's related attribute information was considered prior to the relative performance information, however, the related attribute information did have an impact on affective reactions (Experiment 3). The related attributes of another person may thus have a more circumscribed influence on one's affective reactions to performance than generally expected. Possible moderating and mediating factors are discussed.
The Special Sign Indeterminacy of the Direct-Fitting Parafac2 Model: Some Implications, Cautions, and Recommendations for Simultaneous Component Analysis

Parafac2 is the most flexible Simultaneous Component Analysis (SCA) model that produces an essentially unique solution. In this paper, we discuss how Parafac2’s special sign indeterminacy affects applications of SCA, and we reveal how an external criterion variable can be used to ensure that estimated Parafac2 weights are meaningfully signed across the levels of the nesting mode. We present an example with real data from clinical psychology that illustrates the importance of Parafac2’s special sign indeterminacy, as well as the effectiveness of our proposed solution. We also discuss the implications of our results for general applications of SCA.
Goal attainment scaling: A general method for evaluating comprehensive community mental health programs

A mental health enterprise may be described by either (a) rather general philosophical total mental health goals, or (b) highly diverse and individualized patient-therapist goals. Goals a. have not provided a workable framework for program evaluation. This paper proposes that evaluation be done in the framework of goals b. by setting up, before treatment, a measurable scale for each patient-therapist goal, and specifying, for each patient, a transformation of his overall goal attainment into a standardized T-score. This method, together with random assignment of patients to treatment modes, was devised to permit comparison of treatment modes within a program, but it also provides a good basis for a judgmental evaluation of the total program.
The role of augmentation therapy in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

AbstractBackground:Since the recognition of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) in 1963, interest in this condition has increased dramatically. A1ATD is now recognized as the only known genetic condition that leads to emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in many individuals with the condition. Augmentation therapy with plasma-derived alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) was first introduced in 1987.Objectives and scope:To review current evidence on the efficacy, tolerability and biochemical composition of commercially available A1AT augmentation therapies. Literature was sought via electronic searching of bibliographic databases (MEDLINE) and other sources. No language or time period settings were applied. This is a narrative, descriptive review rather than a formal, systematic review.Findings:Evidence of the therapeutic efficacy of A1AT augmentation therapy is beginning to accumulate, although further randomized, controlled trials are necessary. Clinical studies have reported reduced rates of ...
'Gaumont offers "La Russie rouge" and all Paris takes sides': Working-class activism in Paris cinemas, 1921–1922

In the autumn of 1921, protests broke out in Paris cinemas against the anti-Bolshevik documentary La Russie rouge. The protests were organised by branches of the Communist and Socialist Party. In an attempt to restore public order, police attended screenings of the film dressed as bourgeois filmgoers and used physical force to eject protestors. The government decision to police cinemas rather than ban the film only added to the anger of leftist organisations. Drawing on newspaper accounts and archive material such as government intelligence reports, I show how working-class audiences saw the appearance of La Russie rouge as a politically fraught intrusion into their communal spaces. In Paris, working-class cinemas served as local community houses, and the films shown there were integrated into a wider fabric of sociability constituted by community organisation, political activism, schooling, fund-raising, and non-cinematic forms of entertainment. Against this background, the self-consciously apolitical an...
Aggregate Investment and Political Instability: An Econometric Investigation

Although in theory the long-run effect of uncertainty on investment is ambiguous, available econometric evidence widely supports a negative association between aggregate investment and political instability. A shortcoming of this body of evidence is that it has failed to investigate the existence and direction of causality between these two variables. This paper fills this gap by testing for such causal and negative long-run relationship between political instability and investment. We find there is a causal relation going from instability to investment, but it is positive and particularly strong in low-income countries. This finding is robust to various sensitivity checks.
Object-based Image Compression

Image compression frequently supports reduced storage requirement in a computer system, as well as enhancement of effective channel bandwidth in a communication system, by decreasing the source bit rate through reduction of source redundancy. The majority of image compression techniques emphasize pixel-level operations, such as matching rectangular or elliptical sampling blocks taken from the source data stream, with exemplars stored in a database (e.g., a codebook in vector quantization or VQ). Alternatively, one can represent a source block via transformation, coefficient quantization, and selection of coefficients deemed significant for source content approximation in the decompressed image. This approach, called transform coding (TC), has predominated for several decades in the signal and image processing communities. A further technique that has been employed is the deduction of affine relationships from source properties such as local self-similarity, which supports the construction of adaptive codebooks in a self-VQ paradigm that has been called iterated function systems (IFS). Although VQ, TC, and IFS based compression algorithms have enjoyed varying levels of success for different types of applications, bit rate requirements, and image quality constraints, few of these algorithms examine the higher-level spatial structure of an image, and fewer still exploit this structure to enhance compression ratio. In this paper, we discuss a fourth type of compression algorithm, called object-based compression, which is based on research in joint segmentaton and compression, as well as previous research in the extraction of sketch-like representations from digital imagery. Here, large image regions that correspond to contiguous recognizeable objects or parts of objects are segmented from the source, then represented compactly in the compressed image. Segmentation is facilitated by source properties such as size, shape, texture, statistical properties, and spectral signature. In particular, discussion addresses issues such as efficient boundary representation, variance assessment and representation, as well as a texture classification and replacement algorithms that can decrease compression overhead and increase reconstruction fidelity in the decompressed image. Contextual extraction of motion patterns in digital video sequences, using a frequency-domain pattern recognition technique based on interframe correlation, is described in a companion paper. This technique can also be extended to multidimensional image domains, to support joint spectral, spatial, and temporal compression.
Glycine betaine: reserve form of choline in Penicillium fellutanum in low-sulfate medium.

Choline is a major component of membranes and a structural component of some microbial cell wall polymers (12, 16, 20). In some bacteria and higher plants, choline is a precursor of the osmolyte glycine betaine (GB) (2, 3, 15). In Penicillium fellutanum cultured in a medium containing 3 M NaCl, 46 and 70 mM concentrations of the osmolytes choline-O-sulfate (COS) and GB, respectively, accumulated (14). Choline stimulates hyphal extension, inhibits initiation of branching (19, 22), and is an essential nutrient for growth of choline auxotrophs of Neurospora crassa (6) and Aspergillus nidulans (9, 10). COS is a known sulfate storage molecule in fungi (4, 5, 7), and it is also a known endogenous reserve source of choline that stimulates growth in choline-requiring auxotrophs of A. nidulans cultured in insufficient choline (11). However, Markham et al. (11) suggested that A. nidulans carrying mutations blocked in sulfate metabolism did not synthesize COS and that residual growth must have resulted from an unknown endogenous storage precursor of choline. We previously reported that, as phosphate in the nutrient medium becomes limiting, choline phosphodiesters of P. fellutanum extracellular glycopeptide (peptidophosphogalactomannan) provide phosphate and choline, and excess choline accumulates as cytoplasmic GB and COS (13, 14). This finding was exploited to determine the relationship between COS, GB, and choline in P. fellutanum under sulfate-limiting conditions. We assume that COS is a storage form of both sulfate and choline in filamentous fungi (11). This study was focused on determining if an alternative intracellular soluble precursor of choline or COS accumulates in P. fellutanum cultured in limiting sulfate or if the concentration of choline increases in the cytoplasm. Influence of phosphate concentration in the nutrient medium on accumulation of COS and GB. The sources of P. fellutanum, nutrients, and L-[methyl- 13 C]methionine, preparation of mycelial extracts, and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis have been described recently (14). The 13 C-methyl signals of COS (56.77 ppm) and GB (56.23 ppm) in extracts of mycelium from 200 ml of 8-day cultures in lowphosphate standard growth (LPSG) (2 mM Pi) or standard growth (SG) (20 mM Pi) medium containing L-[methyl- 13 C]methionine were integrated, and their magnitudes were compared with that of the 0.22% TSP [(trimethylsilane)-1-propanesulfonate] (0.00 ppm) signal, all as described previously (13, 14). COS in extracts of day-5 mycelium from LPSG and SG medium was 9.3 and 6.3 mg (dry weight) per g, respectively (14). No significant GB was found in extracts of SG mycelium. The increases in COS and GB in mycelium from LPSG medium may result from decreases in the requirements for choline and ethanolamine. No detectable soluble choline occurred in mycelium from LPSG medium. This suggests that COS and GB are the primary choline precursors or storage products. Age-dependent accumulation of COS and GB. Mycelium
The efficacy and equity of retransplantation: an experimental survey of public attitudes

Abstract Purpose : To measure the relative importance people place on prognosis and retransplantation status in allocating scarce transplantable livers. Methods : 138 subjects were asked to distribute scarce livers amongst transplant candidates with either a 70% chance or a 30% chance of surviving if transplanted. In one group of subjects, the prognostic difference was based on the presence or absence of a ‘blood marker.’ In the other group, the prognostic difference was based on whether candidates had been previously transplanted or not, with retransplant candidates having a 30% chance of surviving if transplanted. Results : Subjects answering the retransplantation survey gave a higher percentage of organs to the better prognostic group than subjects answering the blood marker survey, with a mean of 71.6% versus 65.0%, although this difference fell just short of statistical significance ( P = 0.0581). Retransplantation survey respondents were significantly less likely to want to ignore prognostic information than were blood marker respondents ( P = 0.026). Subjects in both survey groups were equally unwilling to abandon the poor prognostic groups with only 18% in each group choosing to give all the available organs to the better prognostic group. Conclusions : Respondents reacted more strongly to prognostic differences when they were due to retransplant status than to the results of a blood test. However, most people were not solely interested in the aggregate medical benefit brought by different allocation systems, but were also interested in the amount of benefit brought to the worst off.
Nematodes of Plummers Island, Maryland

ABSTRACT The nematode fauna of Plummers Island, on the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., is virtually unknown. Only three species have been reported from the Island: Daptonema dubium (Butschli, 1873) Lorenzen, 1977, Isolaimium papillatum Cobb, 1920, and Tylolaimophorus cylindricum (Cobb, 1920) Goodey, 1963. We surveyed terrestrial and aquatic habitats on Plummers Island to begin to characterize its nematode fauna. Nematodes of 47 genera were found, representing 9 orders and 32 families, including an estimated 59 species. We provide diagnoses of the 3 species reported from the literature, a classified list of genera, their habitats and life stages found, and an estimate of the number of species found in each genus.
Anti-inflammatory influences on behavioral, but not cortisol, responses during maternal separation

Summary The present study examined the effect of anti-inflammatory agents on the behavioral and plasma cortisol responses of guinea pig pups during isolation in a novel environment. In Experiment 1, intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of interleukin-10 (IL-10), across a range of doses, significantly reduced passive behaviors of isolated pups. In Experiment 2, neither ICV IL-10 nor alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone affected the plasma cortisol response to the separation procedure. These results provide further evidence that the passive behaviors of isolated guinea pig pups are mediated by proinflammatory cytokines and indicate that cytokines do not affect behavior indirectly by means of an action on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal activity.
Human trafficking: Improving victim identification and service provision

The trafficking of humans is a serious issue. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) is the main legislative effort in the US that addresses this problem. Based on social work values, the article provides an assessment of the TVPA and suggests that service provision and victim identification need to be strengthened to better serve human trafficking victims. Global trends, efforts, and limitations in reducing trafficking are discussed. Specific interventions by social workers in victim identification and service provision are presented.
Simple multiwavelength time-division multiplexed light source for sensing applications.

We present a novel multiwavelength, time-division multiplexed laser design that continuously cycles through N spectrally narrow wavelengths, spending a specified, fixed time on each one. The design is based on a matched compressor/stretcher and a custom waveform generator applying modulation preferably to the gain medium. The realization discussed here utilizes a pulsed semiconductor optical amplifier in an all-fiber cavity containing fiber Bragg gratings. The laser cycles through 19 wavelengths in a 44 nm wide spectral band (1333-1377 nm) every 15 μs. The source contains no moving parts, offers high repetition rates, narrow spectral linewidths, and custom spectral profiling of the output.
Label-free electronic detection of growth factor induced cellular chatter on chemoreceptive neuron MOS (CvMOS) transistors

In this paper we present a novel label-free detection scheme to sense growth factor over-expression in tumor cells at the single cell level using a chemoreceptive neuron MOSFET (C?MOS) [1]. Tumor cell lines including A431, HeLa, TSE and NIH-3T3's were dispensed onto poly-Llysine-coated sensing gates with a limited dilution and their responses to EGF (epidermal growth factor) were recorded. A change in cell shape after stimulation is observed and is validated through SEM images on witness samples. Stimulation of downstream pathways upon EGF activation is detected through an abrupt change in threshold voltage and subthreshold slope indicating cell effects from both charge exchange and capacitance.
Emerging Concepts in the Analysis of Transcriptional Targets of the MYC Oncoprotein: Are the Targets Targetable?

Activation of the MYC oncoprotein is among the most ubiquitous events in human cancer. MYC functions in part as a sequence-specific regulator of transcription. Although early searches for direct downstream target genes that explain MYC’s potent biological activity were met with enthusiasm, the postgenomic decade has brought the realization that MYC regulates the transcription of not just a manageably small handful of target genes but instead up to 15% of all active loci. As the dust has begun to settle, two important concepts have emerged that reignite hope that understanding MYC’s downstream targets might still prove valuable for defining critical nodes for therapeutic intervention in cancer patients. First, it is now clear that MYC target genes are not a random sampling of the cellular transcriptome but instead fall into specific, critical biochemical pathways such as metabolism, chromatin structure, and protein translation. In retrospect, we should not have been surprised to discover that MYC rewires cell physiology in a manner designed to provide the tumor cell with greater biosynthetic properties. However, the specific details that have emerged from these studies are likely to guide the development of new clinical tools and strategies. This raises the second concept that instills renewed optimism regarding MYC target genes. It is now clear that not all MYC target genes are of equal functional relevance. Thus, it may be possible to discern, from among the thousands of potential MYC target genes, those whose inhibition will truly debilitate the tumor cell. In short, targeting the targets may ultimately be a realistic approach after all.