cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pore-scale study of capillary and dissolution trapping of CO2 in saline aquifers

Employing two-phase flow and species mass transfer simulations in natural rock samples, we establish a pore-scale description of CO2 migration pattern and its residual and dissolution trapping mechanisms in saline aquifers. Our results imply that wettability and fine-scale heterogeneity are key factors controlling the sweep efficiency of CO2 during the injection period. Furthermore, we elucidate how fractional-wettability controls the CO2 entrapment pattern and spatial distribution of residual CO2 ganglia during the post-injection period. It is found that the accumulation of CO2 ganglia and, as a result, their residual trapping, increases when the rock sample contains a larger portion of CO2-wet regions. We further characterize the physics of CO2 dissolution trapping occurring during the injection stage. Our study captures the underlying details of fine-scale characteristics that govern the dissolution behavior, such as the pore-scale distribution of species concentration, the evolution of phase distribution, CO2-brine interfacial area, and total mass of dissolved CO2 in brine. Finally, CO2 dissolution is quantified under different wettability conditions.
Energy Estimates for Symmetric Hyperbolic Integro-Differential Equations

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the Cauchy problem associated with the linear integro-differential equation where the partial differential equation is symmetric equation. The chapter discusses the symmetric hyperbolic differential equations by the use of a-priori L 2 estimates (so-called energy estimates). These estimates lead to the existence of unique weak solution. The estimates provide regularity results as well as show that that the solutions propagate with finite speed. The chapter proves energy estimates for which are analogous to the estimates found for symmetric hyperbolic differential equations. The chapter presents two examples associated with continuum mechanics for the materials with memory. The first example discusses the generalized linear theory with the electromagnetic theory for inhomogeneous anisotropic stable media with memory. The chapter discusses the constitutive relations proposed by Volterra.
Thalamocortical and corticocortical interactions in the somatosensory system.

Publisher Summary The classic feedforward model of touch provided a fundamental blueprint for the development of somatosensory research in the past five decades, a variety of experimental findings, and theoretical arguments demonstrate that, this model no longer offers an accurate description on how tactile perception emerges in the mammalian brain. Anatomical, physiological, and computational arguments favor the hypothesis that tactile perception emerges through interactive and recurrent interactions between multiple cortical and subcortical levels that define the mammalian somatosensory system. Central to this recurrent model of touch is the experimental demonstration that the massive corticofugal projections, that originate in the neocortex and reach most of the subcortical structures that form the somatosensory system, may play as relevant a role in tactile information processing as the parallel feed forward pathways of this system.
Candidate ordering and elimination in model-based fault diagnosis

A major step in model-based fault diagnosis is the generation of candidate submodules which might be responsible for the observed symptom of malfunction. After the candidates are determined, each subrnodule can then be examined in turn. It is useful to be able to choose the most likely candidate to focus on first so that the faulty parts can be located sooner. We propose here a systematic method for initial candidate ordering that takes into account the structure of the device and the discrepancy in outputs between the observed and expected values. We also give effective methods for a system to adjust its focus according to new information acquired during diagnosis. Under the single fault assumption, the average length of diagnosis (number of submodules evaluated) is O(logm), where m is the number of submodules.
The appearance of rod opsin during monkey retinal development

Purpose. To determine the temporal and spatial pattern of rod opsin appearance in Macaca monkey retina. Methods. Frozen sections from fetal day (Fd) 55 to adulthood (birth = Fd168) containing the entire horizontal meridian were stained using Rho4D2 monoclonal antiserum visualized with immunofluorescent labeling. At Fd66, Fd79, and Fd89, retinal samples taken at known eccentricities were studied from the opposite eye using standard electron microscope methods. Results. Rod opsin was detected at Fd66 in or near the fovea, and a second focus appeared at Fd75 to Fd77 near the optic disc in the nasal rod ring. The earliest opsin appeared in the apical stubs, which resembled the apical connecting cilium in the electron microscope. Staining of the entire cell body membrane, including the synaptic spherule, was present 4 to 7 days later. Opsin expression had a nasal bias with rods at the nasal ora labeled at Fd140, whereas temporal ora was not labeled until Fd155. Cell body labeling disappeared by Fd132 across central retina but persisted into the first postnatal year in far peripheral retina. Outer segment (OS) length measurements showed that rods in the rod ring had the longest OS between Fd115 and postnatal week 9. Rod OS at all retinal eccentricites continued to elongate between 11 months of age and adulthood. Conclusions. Rod opsin expression follows a foveal-to-peripheral gradient beginning at Fd66 and ending near birth. Rod opsin is detected first in the connecting cilium and slightly later in the entire cell membrane, and then cell membrane labeling disappears as the heavily labeled OS elongates. Although the first OS appear on rods near the fovea, these OS still are short at birth and do not reach adult length until after 2 years of age. The longest OS at birth are found on rods at the rod ring, suggesting that this region could have higher scotopic sensitivity than central retina at birth.
God and Morality

The thesis of this essay is that our experience of moral obligation makes sense most fully on the supposition that the moral law emanates from a transcendent source. The argument for the thesis goes as follows. The moral law has a cause. If the moral law has a cause, then that cause must be either natural (i.e. entirely confined to the physical, sensible world) or supernatural (i.e. transcending the physical, sensible world). If the cause of the moral law is natural, then it must be either biological instinct or man-made custom. If the cause of the moral law is either biological instinct or man-made custom, then the moral law does not override instinct and custom. But the moral law does override instinct and custom. So, it is not the case that the cause of the moral law is natural. So, the cause of the moral law is supernatural. If the cause of the moral law is supernatural, then that cause must be some sort of morally good mind or person (God). So, the cause of the moral law must be some sort of morally good mind or person (God).
Laboratory studies of till deformation with implications for Des Moines Lobe motion and sediment transport

Pervasive deformation of subglacial till has been suggested as the primary mechanism of motion and sediment transport for many modem glaciers and portions of Pleistocene ice sheets. Unfortunately, standard field observations of the geologic record are insufficient to determine whether basal tills have experienced the high strains required of this model. To establish field criteria for identifying highly sheared till, a ring-shear device is used to study both clast-fabric development and mixing between lithologically-distinct till units as a function of shear strain. In some experiments, the relation between the alignment of prolate clasts and shear strain is explored. The results indicate that a strong fabric develops in the direction of shearing at low strains and remains strong with continued deformation. Thus, clast fabric can be used to distinguish otherwise featureless tills that have been sheared from those that have not. Other experiments are performed to investigate if the degree of mixing between subglacial till layers provides a means of estimating bed shear strain. Two lithologically distinct Pleistocene tills are added as discrete layers to the ring-shear device and sheared parallel to their contact. The results indicate that mixing across the contact is diffusive and proportional to the cumulative shear strain. Using diffusion theory to model this mixing allows the maximum bed shear strain to be estimated from mixing profiles measured across the contact between these two tills in the field. These laboratory observations were used, together with other data, to help determine the primary flow mechanism of the Des Moines Lobe. Reconstructions of the lobe from geomorphic data reveal that motion occurred at its base, and results of consolidation tests on basal till samples indicate that the lobe was near floatation. Field measurements of fabric and mixing in the basal till of the lobe indicate that bed deformation was not significant. This is supported by the results of a theoretical model of plowing and sliding that predicts, albeit with some uncertainty, that motion should have occurred at the bed surface, rather than at
Application of the polarimetric matched image filter (PMIF) technique to clutter removal in POL-SAR images of the ocean environment

Image contrast optimization between two rough surface classes, which is based strictly on polarimetric filtering and therefore requires no digital image processing techniques, is considered. The approach is tested on a complete polarimetric synthetic aperture radar image of the San Francisco Bay area. Optimal transmitted polarizations are found for each image pixel and the results are analyzed statistically using a set of joint 2-D histograms. The image response to the optimal incident polarization is simulated digitally by adjusting the receiver polarization according to the modes of the histograms. The corresponding images are computed and displayed with significant image contrast improvement. >
Why Do Distressed Companies Choose Delaware? An Empirical Analysis of Venue Choice in Bankruptcy

We analyze a sample of large Chapter 11 cases to determine which factors motivate the choice of filing in one court over another when a choice is available. We focus in particular on the Delaware court, which became the most popular venue for large corporations in the 1990s. We find no evidence to suggest that Delaware's popularity was driven by managers or equity holders seeking a procedure friendly to their interests. Instead, debt structure differences, specifically, the fraction of assets financed with secured debt, and court characteristics, particularly a court's level of experience, are the most important factors driving the choice of venue. While Delaware does not appear significantly different with respect to deviations from absolute priority in favor of equity or likelihood of producing reorganizations, it does differ along the dimension of speed. Controlling for other factors, we find that a Delaware reorganization is between 140 and 190 days faster than an equivalent case in another court. Given that speed benefits secured creditors most, we conclude that Delaware's popularity in the 1990s was unlikely to have resulted from a pro-debtor bias combined with a manager or equity holder preference for Delaware.
Digital Public Media Networks to Advance Broadband and Enrich Connected Communities

The Federal Communications Commission’s broadband workshops and several recent reports have documented national deficits in both the communications infrastructure and the narrative content necessary to involve the entire population in democratic decision making or to foster widespread economic and social flourishing. Information gaps are especially keen in the areas of investigative journalism, effective teaching materials, and content directed to underserved, minority, and poor populations. A number of these reports have called on digital public media – building on, but also transcending, the legacy public broadcasting system – to help correct these deficits. Our research suggests that there are tremendous opportunities to use digital public media to drive broadband adoption and exploit broadband capacity for the public purposes that animate this proceeding. In theory, and in the best traditions and highest aspirations of American communications policy, these networks can maximize the “social dividend” of broadband technology. The potential is there, and can be realized if public media systems become more diverse, open, networked, innovative, technologically sophisticated, and focused on a service mission to meet public needs where the market will not go. We offer specific proposals in connection with this proceeding to further the efforts that many in the public media community are undertaking to realize this potential.
An Exploration of the Relationship between Ethnicity, Attention Problems, and Academic Achievement

There has been longstanding concern about achievement differences across ethnic groups. Inattention is a significant factor associated with underachievement, and higher ratings of inattention have ...
The Impact of Changing Antiseptic Skin Preparation Agent used for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) Procedures on the Risk of Infection

Background: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is a major complication that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Recent data suggested a relationship between the antiseptic agent used for skin preparation at time of CIED procedure and risk for infection. Methods: On April 30, 2011, we changed the antiseptic agent used for skin preparation at our tertiary care facility from chlorhexidine-alcohol to povidone-iodine for all CIED procedures. We retrospectively reviewed records of all patients who underwent CIED procedure 1 year before and after the change. CIED infection was defined as pocket or endovascular systemic infection that required removal within 1 year of the index procedure. We examined if the change affected the risk of CIED infection. Results: A total of 2,792 patients underwent 2,840 CIED procedures; 1,748 (61.5%) had implantable cardioverter defibrillator procedures and 1,092 (38.4%) had permanent pacemaker procedures. Chlorhexidine-alcohol agent was used in 1,450 (51.1%) procedures, and povidone-iodine agent was used in 1,390 (48.9%). After 1 year of follow-up, 31 patients (1.09%) developed CIED infection that required system removal. The 1-year infection rate was 1.1% among both antiseptic agent groups and there were no significant differences in the infection presentations among both groups (P = 0.950). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that risk factors for infection within 1 year included age, diabetes, and African American race. Conclusion: In one large cohort of patients undergoing CIED procedures, the antiseptic agent used for skin preparation (chlorhexidine-alcohol vs povidone-iodine) was not associated with increased risk of developing CIED infection. (PACE 2014; 00:1‐7) Cardiac implantable electronic device, pacemaker, defibrillator, infection, complication, outcome
Feedback congestion controller for ATM networks using a neural network traffic predictor

One of the fundamental challenges facing broadband information transport is to determine congestion control strategies to support multiple classes of traffic in the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) based networks. Monitoring the buffer status is the most commonly used mechanism to detect congestions in ATM networks. However, in static feedback controllers defining the threshold of the buffer for congestion is not so direct and the degree of source rates to be regulated is not so clear, either. In this paper, we propose an explicit congestion mechanism for ATM networks using an artificial neural network to predict the traffic arrival patterns. The predicted data rate in conjunction with the current queue information of the buffer is used to generate a value that will inform the source to reduce its transmission rate. The results of a simulation study are presented which suggest that our mechanism provides a simple and effective traffic management for ATM networks. Cell loss due to congestion shows a 5 to 10 times improvement compared with the static approach. Transmission delay of our ANN controller is also smaller.
Chaotic Motions of a Dual-Spin Body

The dynamics ofa dual-spinner subject to the action of an internal oscillatory torque and Coulomb friction between the two linked bodies is investigated. The conditions for existence of transverse homoclinic points and homoclinic tangency of chaotic motions are obtained using Melnikov's method. Through long-term numerical integration of the equations of motion, steady-state chaotic attractors are also found and studied numerically by varying the forcing amplitude.
Single and Multiple Binding of β-Cyclodextrin and Polymeric β-Cyclodextrins to Luminescent Ruthenium(II) α-Diimine Complexes

A comprehensive study of the binding interactions between ruthenium complexes with multiple binding sites and monomeric and polymeric β-cyclodextrins is presented. A variety of different binding mo...
1390 THE USE OF BARBITURATE THERAPY IN SEVERE PERINATAL ASPHYXIA: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

The possible cerebral sparing effects of thiopental were evaluated in 32 severely asphyxiated neonates assigned to either a thiopental treatment (T) or a control (C) group which received standard medical therapy. All infants required assisted ventilation and had neurologic manifestations of asphyxia. Two of the following 3 criteria were also required: 1) Evidence of fetal distress 2) 5′ Apgar ≤4 and 3) Base Excess <-15 mEq/L at ≤1 hr of age. (T) was begun at a mean of 2 hrs. It was given as a constant infusion delivering 30 mg/kg within 2 hrs and was continued at a lower dose for 24 hrs. Seizures occurred in 76% (T) and 73% (C) at a mean age of 1.6 and 2.5 hrs, respectively. Hypotension requiring treatment occurred in 88% (T) and 60% (C). Developmental assessments were performed at 12 mos. of age or greater in 17 infants and at 6 mos. in 2. There were no significant differences in neurologic, cognitive or motor outcomes between groups. Deteriorating performance over time was a consistent trend in both groups. Treatment of the severely asphyxiated neonate with thiopental at these dosages and postnatal age does not appear to have a cerebral sparing effect, and may be associated with significant hypotension.
Organosulfur oxoacids. Part 2. A novel dimethylthiourea metabolite — Synthesis and characterization of the surprisingly stable and inert dimethylaminoiminomethane sulfonic acid

A new metabolite of the biologically active thiocarbamide dimethylthiourea (DMTU) has been synthesized and characterized. DMTU’s metabolic activation in the physiological environment is expected to...
On modeling chemisorption processes with metal cluster systems: H, O, N and S on the Pd(111) plane

Abstract We have applied the Stockholm rule to obtain stable binding energies for sulfur to clusters of up to 22 palladium atoms at the RECP Hartree—Fock+second-order perturbation theory (PT2) level in order to judge which clusters are suitable to be used in modeling atomic chemisorption. Using a suitable model cluster of the Pd(111) surface, we computed the perpendicular stretching potentials for H, O, N and S, the equilibrium PdX distances, and, the quadratic stretching force constants. The hydrogen and nitrogen bonds to the Pd(111) plane penetrate the surface and have a significant participation from metal atoms in the second layer. The oxygen and sulfur bonds are π type and are well localized in the chemisorption site.
Why African Churches Preach Politics: The Case of Zambia

In a brief foreword to a work on the influence of religious move ments on national and international politics, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter named the Southern African nation of Zambia as a good "case in point" of a country in which "the churches carried the trust of the people and made a decisive contribution to the reestablishment of democracy."1 This essay takes up Carter's observation and investigates church-state relations in Zambia from the colonial era to the present. Such studies are crucial because, as James E. Wood, Jr. has stated, "religion continues to play a prominent role in the political and social life of nation-states throughout the world."2 Focusing on the churches is justifiable because Christianity is the "continent's dominant religion at the level of government and of political life."3 Finally, "the prospect of finding . . . patterns among seemingly diverse ways in which religion and the social order interface is a challenge of the first order for social sciences."4
Numerical simulation of the viscous flow around a simplified F/A-18 at high angles of attack

A numerical method developed for solving the viscous flow around three-dimensional complex configurations is presently used to simulate the flow around a simplified F/A-18 configuration encompassing forebody, wing, leading-edge extension, faired-over inlet, and deflected wing leading-edge flaps, at Mach 0.243 and 30.3 deg angle of attack. The computational results show the details of the flowfield structure, including primary, secondary, and tertiary separation lines, the development of forebody and leading-edge extension vortex, and the burst of this vortex. A grid-refinement study is conducted to assess the effect of grid characteristics on solution accuracy. Substantial agreement is obtained between these results and flight data.
Effect of terrestrial stray light on observed solar magnetic signal

Terrestrial stray light is a troublesome problem for its serious effects on the ground-based measurement of solar photosphere magnetic field. In theory, it could be divided into large-spread-angle stray light (>10") and small-spread-angle stray light (~1"). In this paper we emphasize on the former and study its variation during a day of observation at Huairou Solar Observing Station of Nation Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences. We find a close correlation between the measured magnetic field and variation of local stray light.
On climatic changes

Abstract Some tentative ideas concerning correlations between solar radiation, gravity, and geomagnetism are given. It is suggested that long-term gravitational effects, associated with planetary configurations, may cause variable solar output.
Biochemical comparisons of resistance to wheat stem rust disease controlled by the Sr6 or Sr11 alleles

Abstract Near-isogenic lines of wheat carrying the Sr11 and sr11 alleles for resistance and susceptibility to race 56 of Puccinia graminis tritici were examined for total phenolic compounds and total peroxidase activity during infection. As in the case of the Sr6 allele, no significant changes in phenolic components were detected. Increases in total peroxidase with resistant reactions controlled by the Sr11 allele were similar to those found previously for the Sr6 allele and the same isozyme was responsible for the increase. Previous evidence obtained with the Sr6 allele indicated that this isozyme is not a causal factor in resistance. Because the genetic and physiological basis for resistance controlled by the Sr6 and Sr11 alleles is distinct, it is concluded that increased activity of the same isozyme in both instances is a result of a non-specific event analogous to wounding. Infected plants carrying the sr6 allele, with low peroxidase activity, produced much more ethylene than resistant infected plants. The relationships among ethylene production, disease reaction and peroxidase activity are not easily resolved.
Stress channelling in transversely isotropic elastic composites

Une theorie a deja ete proposee au sujet des materiaux a fibres de renforcement ou l'on supposait que ces dernieres etaient inextensibles et uniformement distribuees dans un composite considere comme incompressible. Cependant, quelques unes des predictions de cette theorie semblent etre fondamentalement en desaccord avec la theorie classique de l'elasticite. Il est demontre ici que les resultats inattendus de cette theorie correspondent en fait a des cas limites de la theorie classique de l'elasticite pour des materiaux a isotropie transversale.
Bioabsorption Qualities of Chitosan- Absorbable Vascular Templates

PURPOSE:The scope of endovascular surgical techniques has expanded to include the treatment of diseases considered at one time to be amenable only to surgical treatment. The development of the biodegradable template follows as an extension of current permanent stent technology. The goal of our project is to develop and test chitosan as an absorbable template for the vascular system.Ultrapure chitosan, heparin sodium salt and lysozyme, and contrast agents MD-76R and Oxilan-350 were used to give radioopaque quality. Prototype chitosan vascular templates were obtained by a dip coating method in which alternate layers of chitosan were coagulated with nonsolvents or heparin. The amount of loaded and released heparin was determined using Azure II colorimetric assay. In vitro enzymatic degradation of templates was evaluated using lysozyme solutions in phosphate buffered saline. Mechanical properties were analyzed using the Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer, DMA-7 (Perkin Elmer, Foster City, Calif.). The microstructure of freeze-dried templates was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE SEM) using an LEO 982 electron microscope (Zeiss, Thornwood, NY).In vivo deployment of the templates was undertaken in 10 full-sized pigs (Sus scrofa). After open expose and control of the iliac artery, a closed balloon catheter technique was used to advance and place the balloon catheter and template. The balloon was then expanded, deploying a Palmaz stent with a chitosan template anchored distally. Patency and deployment of the stent-template complex was confirmed by an arteriogram. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks poststent placement, and arterial sections were taken for microscopic analysis. The amount of chitosan remaining was estimated to determine an in vivo rate of absorption.On hematoxilyn and eosin staining of the section arterial samples, a marked inflammatory response was noted and progressed with duration of in vivo contact. A giant cell foreign body reaction coupled with intense intimal hyperplasia and organized thrombus was also noted and progressed with duration of time in vivo. Also noted was the degradation of the template material with only small remnants of material noted within the giant cell by week 4. Clinically, none of the pigs developed limb ischemia or evidence of thromboembolic events.In this in vivo study, the chitosan template proved to be biodegradable but elicited an intense thrombotic and foreign body reaction despite heparin bonding. Further investigation is ongoing as to decreasing the thrombogenic and antigenic qualities of the template materials by either alteration of the base material or addition of bioactive side chains.
HEREDITARY TRICHODYSPLASIA: MARIE UNNA'S HYPOTRICHOSIS

This is a study of eight members of one family with Marie Unna hypotrichosis occurring in five generations. All affected individuals were born with widespread facial "milia", sparse scalp hair and decreased body hair. Laboratory studies including urinary amino acids and plasma testosterone were normal. On histologic examination the hair follicles of the scalp showed proliferation of the internal root sheath and horn pearl formation in the lower third of the follicle. Abnormal hairs were flat and ribbon-like and twisted at irregular intervals. Extensive peeling of the cuticle was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy. Electron microscopy of the hair shafts revealed intracellular fractures of the cuticular cells, increased interfibrillar matrix and fractures of the cortical cell fibrils and fractures of the medullary cells. X-ray diffraction studies were normal. On amino acid analysis of affected hairs a small decrease in cysteine-cystine and an increase in methionine content was noted. Since the hair shafts are clearly abnormal in this disorder, the name hereditary trichodysplasia is suggested. The condition is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
Use of an interactive home product display activity to facilitate active learning in a nonprescription medicines course

Abstract Objectives To describe the implementation and impact on student learning of an interactive over-the-counter product and diagnostic device display in a nonprescription medicines course. Methods Self Care and Home Care (four credits) is a required course offered in the third professional year of the pharmacy curriculum. The course is structured according to disease state modules that include didactic lecture supplemented by case-based review sessions. Students are additionally required to participate in a one-hour home product display activity session as a culmination of the semester's course work. During this activity, students rotate through product stations and complete a worksheet that requires the evaluation of product labeling to determine appropriate patient counseling. This interactive session is intended to better prepare students for providing patient counseling on the use of these products. A survey was developed and distributed for the Spring 2011 semester to assess the utility and impact of this activity on student learning. Results On the post-activity survey, all categories of product-specific knowledge evaluated showed improvement from the pre-activity evaluation. Over 90% of students indicated that participation in this activity reinforced information covered in class, enhanced confidence in explaining the use of self-care products, and rated this activity as enjoyable and valuable. Fewer students (79.2%) reported participation in this activity provided new information. Conclusions An interactive, hands-on product display with readily available over-the-counter diagnostic devices and medications enhanced student learning and product knowledge. This activity can be implemented in other programs seeking to expand the promotion of nonprescription medicines education.
Creating directed double strand breaks with the Ref protein: a novel RecA-dependent nuclease from bacteriophage P1

The bacteriophage P1-encoded Ref protein enhances RecA-dependent recombination in vivo by an unknown mechanism. We demonstrate that Ref is a new type of enzyme; that is, a RecA-dependent nuclease. Ref binds to ss- and dsDNA but does not cleave any DNA substrate until RecA protein and ATP are added to form RecA nucleoprotein filaments. Ref cleaves only where RecA protein is bound. RecA functions as a co-nuclease in the Ref/RecA system. Ref nuclease activity can be limited to the targeted strands of short RecA-containing D-loops. The result is a uniquely programmable endonuclease activity, producing targeted double-strand breaks at any chosen DNA sequence in an oligonucleotide-directed fashion. We present evidence indicating that cleavage occurs in the RecA filament groove. The structure of the Ref protein has been determined to 1.4 Å resolution. The core structure, consisting of residues 77–186, consists of a central 2-stranded β-hairpin that is sandwiched between several α-helical and extended loop elements. The N-terminal 76 amino acid residues are disordered; this flexible region is required for optimal activity. The overall structure of Ref, including several putative active site histidine residues, defines a new subclass of HNH-family nucleases. We propose that enhancement of recombination by Ref reflects the introduction of directed, recombinogenic double-strand breaks.
Negotiation Analysis: From Games to Inferences to Decisions to Deals

Exemplified by the pioneering work of Howard Raiffa and often expressed in the pages of Negotiation Journal, the emergent prescriptive field of “negotiation analysis” progressively developed from Raiffa's early contributions to game theory and to his later foundational work in statistical decision theory and decision analysis. Drawing from each of these fields but methodologically distinct from them, negotiation analysis has mainly adopted an “asymmetrically prescriptive/descriptive” orientation. It develops the best possible advice for what one or more parties should do conditional on empirically grounded assessment of what the other side(s) actually will do. An extensive negotiation analytic literature has developed, often making the traditional assumption of a well-specified and fixed situation for analysis. Relaxing this requirement, however, more recent work systematically puts the “setup” of a negotiation itself — its parties, their interests, their no-deal options, the sequence and process choices or design — into the realm of strategic and tactical choice.
Thermal management in inertial fusion energy slab amplifiers

As the technology associated with the development of solid-state drivers for inertial fusion energy (IFE) has evolved, increased emphasis has been placed on the development of an efficient approach for managing the waste heat generated in the laser media. This paper addresses the technical issues associated with the gas cooling of large aperture slabs, where the laser beam propagates through the cooling fluid. It is shown that the major consequence of proper thermal management is the introduction of simple wedge, or beam steering, into the system. Achieving proper thermal management requires careful consideration of the geometry, cooling fluid characteristics, cooling flow characteristics, as well as the thermal/mechanical/optical characteristics of the laser media. Particularly important are the effects of cooling rate variation and turbulent scattering on the system optical performance. Helium is shown to have an overwhelming advantage with respect to turbulent scattering losses. To mitigate cooling rate variations, the authors introduce the concept of flow conditioning. Finally, optical path length variations across the aperture are calculated. A comparison of two laser materials (S-FAP and YAG) shows the benefit of a nearly a-thermal material on optical variations in the system.
Continuous polymerization of ω‐lauryl lactam in an intermeshing corotating twin‐screw extruder

This article describes the synthesis of poly(ω-lauryl lactam) by a reactive extrusion process. Anionic ring-opening polymerization was performed in an intermeshing corotating twin-screw extruder. We investigated the evolution of conversion of ω-lauryl lactam as a function of reaction time, screw speeds, different feed rates, and different screw configurations along the screw axis in a twin-screw extruder. For comparison with continuous polymerization in a twin-screw extruder, we studied polymerization in an internal mixer, which was considered a batch reactor. We found the final conversion of ω-lauryl lactam made in a twin-screw extruder was higher than in an internal mixer. Higher molecular weights are found at lower screw speeds and feed rates. Melt viscosities and mechanical properties of the polymers were measured. Residence time, molecular weights, and shear mixing have the main effect on the mechanical properties of products. The twin-screw extruder performance was interpreted in terms of commercial software. It was found that twin-screw extruder reaction rate was higher than those in the batch reactor and increased locally with screw speed and feed rate. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 1605–1620, 2005
Defective rotavirus particle assembly in lovastatin-treated MA104 cells

Rotavirus is a non-enveloped virus that depends on cellular lipids for cell entry and associates with lipid rafts during assembly. However, the effects of cellular lipids on rotavirus assembly are still not fully understood. The present study analyzes the effects of lovastatin, an inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis, during rotavirus infection in MA104 cells with regard to viral growth and particle assembly. Following viral infection, a 2-log relative reduction of viral titers was observed in drug-treated cells, while viral mRNA levels in infected cells remained unaltered in both groups. Furthermore, the levels of some viral proteins in drug-treated cells were elevated. The observed discordance between the viral RNA and protein levels and the decrease in infectivity titers of viral progeny in the drug-treated cells suggested that the drug affects viral assembly, the viral proteins not being properly incorporated into virions. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis revealed that in drug-treated cells there was an increase in “empty-looking” rotavirus particles devoid of an electron-dense core as compared to the normal, electron-dense particles seen in untreated infected cells. The present study thus provides visual evidence of defective rotavirus particle assembly as a result of cholesterol depletion.
ARDS Network (NHLBI) studies: successes and challenges in ARDS clinical research.

To hasten the development of effective therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), in 1994, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute initiated a clinical network to carry out multicenter clinical trials of ARDS treatments. The ARDS Network is a clinical research network of approximately 42 hospitals, organized into 12 clinical sites. The goal of the Network is to efficiently test promising agents, devices, or management strategies to improve the care of patients with ARDS. Comprehensive information regarding all completed and ongoing ARDSNet clinical trials is available at www.ardsnet.org, but a brief summary is provided in this article.
Seasonal and interannual variations in deep-water particle fluxes in the Sargasso Sea and their relation to surface hydrography

Six years of almost continuous sediment trapping, with bimonthly sample recovery, in the deep Sargasso Sea reveal a pattern of annual flux variations as well as significant interannual differences. Spectral analysis of the data shows, however, that the temporal variability also has a large random component. Coherence among all constituent fluxes is very high, indicating that the composition of the sinking material is remarkably uniform throughout periods of greatly changing flux levels. The oxygen isotopic composition of tests of the epipelagic foraminifer Globigerinoides ruber intercepted by the trap at a depth of 3200 m represents a reliable recorder of near-surface hydrography one month prior to the tests' arrival in the trap. This tie between hydrographic changes at the surface and changes in quality and quantity of the sediment-trap samples reveals an inverse relationship between surface temperature and the amount of material sinking out of the euphotic zone and injected into deep water. That inverse relationship relates primary sedimentation in the deep sea to the annual cycle of seasons at the sea surface. As the period of lowest surface temperature coincides with the period of greatest mixed-layer depth, and thereby highest nutrient availability, it also confirms the close coupling of sedimentation, including that of abiogenic particles, in the open ocean to primary productivity.
STUDIES ON THE OXIDATION AND REDUCTION OF IMMUNOLOGICAL SUBSTANCES : IV. STREPTOLYSIN.

The "spontaneous deterioration" of streptolysin has been studied by the methods already used in investigations of the oxidation-reduction of blood pigments and of the lysins of other bacteria. From the results of this study, it may be concluded that the commonly observed "spontaneous deterioration" of streptolysin consists in the conversion of the originally active lysin to a hemolytically inactive oxidation product. This process is a reversible one, and the activity of the lysin is restored by reduction.
Artificial antifreeze polypeptides: α-helical peptides with KAAK motifs have antifreeze and ice crystal morphology modifying properties

Abstract Antifreeze polypeptides from fish are generally thought to inhibit ice crystal growth by specific adsorption onto ice surfaces and preventing addition of water molecules to the ice lattice. Recent studies have suggested that this adsorption results from hydrogen bonding through the side chains of polar amino acids as well as hydrophobic interactions between the non-polar domains on the ice-binding side of antifreeze polypeptides and the clathrate-like surfaces of ice. In order to better understand the activity of one of the antifreeze polypeptide families, namely the α-helical type I antifreeze polypeptides, four α-helical peptides having sequences not directly analogous to those of known antifreeze polypeptides and containing only positively charged and non-polar side chains were synthesized. Two peptides with regularly spaced lysine residues, GAA K AA K AAAAAAA K AA K AAAAAAA K AA K AAGGY-NH 2 and GAA LK AA K AAAAAA LK AA K AAAAAA LK AA K AAGGY-NH 2 , showed antifreeze activity, albeit weaker than seen in natural antifreeze polypeptides, by the criteria of freezing point depression (thermal hysteresis) and ice crystal modification to a hexagonal trapezohedron. Peptides with irregular spacing of Lys residues were completely inactive. Up to now, lysine residues have not been generally associated with antifreeze activity, though they have been implicated in some antifreeze polypeptides. This work also shows that lysine residues in themselves, when properly positioned on an α-helical polyalanine scaffold, have all the requisite properties needed for such an activity.
Analyzing 2D gel images using a two-component empirical bayes model

Two-dimensional polyacrylomide gel electrophoresis (2D gel, 2D PAGE, 2-DE) is a powerful tool for analyzing the proteome of a organism. Differential analysis of 2D gel images aims at finding proteins that change under different conditions, which leads to large-scale hypothesis testing as in microarray data analysis. Two-component empirical Bayes (EB) models have been widely discussed for large-scale hypothesis testing and applied in the context of genomic data. They have not been implemented for the differential analysis of 2D gel data. In the literature, the mixture and null densities of the test statistics are estimated separately. The estimation of the mixture density does not take into account assumptions about the null density. Thus, there is no guarantee that the estimated null component will be no greater than the mixture density as it should be. We present an implementation of a two-component EB model for the analysis of 2D gel images. In contrast to the published estimation method, we propose to estimate the mixture and null densities simultaneously using a constrained estimation approach, which relies on an iteratively re-weighted least-squares algorithm. The assumption about the null density is naturally taken into account in the estimation of the mixture density. This strategy is illustrated using a set of 2D gel images from a factorial experiment. The proposed approach is validated using a set of simulated gels. The two-component EB model is a very useful for large-scale hypothesis testing. In proteomic analysis, the theoretical null density is often not appropriate. We demonstrate how to implement a two-component EB model for analyzing a set of 2D gel images. We show that it is necessary to estimate the mixture density and empirical null component simultaneously. The proposed constrained estimation method always yields valid estimates and more stable results. The proposed estimation approach proposed can be applied to other contexts where large-scale hypothesis testing occurs.
Differential expression of the translocated and the untranslocated c-myc oncogene in Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma cells carrying either a rearranged or unrearranged c-myc oncogene were examined with the use of probes from the 5' exon and for the second and third exon of the oncogene. The results indicate that the normal c-myc gene on chromosome 8 and the 5' noncoding and 3' coding segments of the c-myc oncogene separated by the chromosomal translocation are under different transcriptional control in the lymphoma cells. Burkitt lymphoma cells carrying a translocated but unrearranged c-myc oncogene express normal c-myc transcripts. In contrast, lymphoma cells carrying a c-myc gene rearranged head to head with the immunoglobulin constant mu region gene express c-myc transcripts lacking the normal untranslated leader.
Toward an interpretation of items used in field studies of mental illness.

Abstract Data from 1003 rural, Illinois heads of households are used toward three ends: (1) giving a plausible interpretation to items previously used in field studies of mental illness; (2) describing the level of two symptom types among subgroups in a rural population; (3) considering the importance of status variables and physiological malaise as factors in producing psychological stress. The interpretation given previously used “mental illness” items is that they measure psychological stress and physiological malaise. Both status and physiological variables are important for predicting psychological stress in individuals.
Absorption and Emission Sensitivity of 2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole to Solvents and Impurities.

2-(2′-Hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HBO) is known for undergoing intramolecular proton transfer in the excited state to result in the emission of its tautomer. A minor long-wavelength absorption band in the range 370–420 nm has been reported in highly polar solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). However, the nature of this species has not been entirely clarified. In this work, we provide evidence that this long-wavelength absorption band might have been caused by base or metal salt impurities that are introduced into the spectral sample during solvent transport using glass Pasteur pipettes. The contamination by base or metal salt could be avoided by using borosilicate glass syringes or nonglass pipettes in sample handling. Quantum chemical calculations conclude that solvent-mediated deprotonation is too energetically costly to occur without the aid of a base of an adequate strength. In the presence of such a base, the deprotonation of HBO and its effect on emission are investigated in dichloromethane and DMSO, the latter of which facilitates deprotonation much more readily than the former. Finally, the absorption and emission spectra of HBO in 13 solvents are reported, from which it is concluded that ESIPT is hindered in polar solvents that are also strong hydrogen bond acceptors.
Biotite–Brine Interactions under Acidic Hydrothermal Conditions: Fibrous Illite, Goethite, and Kaolinite Formation and Biotite Surface Cracking

To ensure safe and efficient geologic CO2 sequestration (GCS), it is crucial to have a better understanding of CO2–brine–rock interactions under GCS conditions. In this work, using biotite (K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(OH,F)2) as a model clay mineral, brine-biotite interactions were studied under conditions relevant to GCS sites (95 °C, 102 atm CO2, and 1 M NaCl solution). After reaction for 3–17 h, fast growth of fibrous illite on flat basal planes of biotite was observed. After 22–70 h reaction, the biotite basal surface cracked, resulting in illite detaching from the surface. Later on (96–120 h), the cracked surface layer was released into solution, thus the inner layer was exposed as a renewed flat basal surface. The cracking and detachment of the biotite surface layer increased the surface area in contact with solution and accelerated biotite dissolution. On biotite edge surfaces, Al-substituted goethite and kaolinite precipitated. In control experiments with water under the same temperature and pressure, neith...