cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacteriophage self-counting in the presence of viral replication

When host cells are in low abundance, temperate bacteriophages opt for dormant (lysogenic) infection. Phage lambda implements this strategy by increasing the frequency of lysogeny at higher multiplicity of infection (MOI). However, it remains unclear how the phage reliably counts infecting viral genomes even as their intracellular number increases due to replication. By combining theoretical modeling with single-cell measurements of viral copy number and gene expression, we find that, instead of hindering lambda9s decision, replication facilitates it. In a nonreplicating mutant, viral gene expression simply scales with MOI rather than diverging into lytic (virulent) and lysogenic trajectories. A similar pattern is followed during early infection by wild-type phage. However, later in the infection, the modulation of viral replication by the decision genes amplifies the initially modest gene expression differences into divergent trajectories. Replication thus ensures the optimal decision—lysis upon single-phage infection, lysogeny at higher MOI.
Engagement in Favorite Activity and Implications for Cognition, Mental Health, and Function in Persons Living With and Without Dementia:

Little is known about the impact of engagement in personally meaningful activities for older adults. Thus, this study examines the impact of engagement in one’s favorite activity on cognitive, emot...
Tooth biomarkers to characterize the temporal dynamics of the fetal and early-life exposome.

BACKGROUND Teeth have unique histology that make this biomatrix a time-capsule for retrospective exposure analysis of fetal and early life. However, most analytic methods require pulverizing the whole tooth, which eliminates exposure timing information. Further, the range of chemicals and endogenous exposures that can be measured in teeth has yet to be fully characterized. METHODS We performed untargeted metabolomics on micro-dissected layers from naturally shed deciduous teeth. Using four liquid-chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry analytical modes, we profiled small molecules (<1000 Da) from prenatal and postnatal tooth fractions. In addition, we employed linear regression on the tooth fraction pairs from 31 children to identify metabolites that discriminate between prenatal and postnatal exposures. RESULTS Of over 10,000 features measured in teeth dentin, 390 unique compounds were annotated from 62 chemical classes. The class with the largest number of compounds was carboxylic acids and their derivatives (36%). Of the annotated exogenous metabolites (phthalates, parabens, perfluoroalkyl compounds, and cotinine) and endogenous metabolites (fatty acids, steroids, carnitines, amino acids, and others), 91 are linked to 256 health conditions through published literature. Differential analysis revealed 267 metabolites significantly different between the prenatal and the postnatal tooth fractions (adj. p-value < 0.05, Bonferroni correction), and 21 metabolites exclusive to the prenatal fraction. CONCLUSIONS The prenatal and early postnatal exposome revealed from dental biomarkers represents a broad range of endogenous and exogenous metabolites for a comprehensive characterization in environmental health research. Most importantly, this technology provides a direct window into fetal exposures that is not possible by maternal biomarkers. Indeed, we identified several metabolites exclusively in the prenatal fraction, suggesting unique fetal exposures that are markedly different to postnatal exposures. Expansion of databases that include tooth matrix metabolites will strengthen biological interpretation and shed light on exposures during gestation and early life that may be causally linked with later health conditions.
In-plane plasmon coupling in topological insulator Bi2Se3 thin films

The surface states of the 3D topological insulator (TI), Bi2Se3, are known to host two-dimensional Dirac plasmon polaritons (DPPs) in the terahertz spectral range. In TI thin films, the DPPs excited on the top and bottom surfaces couple, leading to an acoustic mode and an optical plasmon mode. Vertical coupling in these materials is, therefore, reasonably well-understood, but in-plane coupling among localized TI DPPs has yet to be investigated. In this paper, we demonstrate in-plane DPP coupling in TI stripe arrays and show that they exhibit dipole–dipole type coupling. The coupling becomes negligible when the lattice constant is greater than approximately 2.8 times the stripe width, which is comparable to results for in-plane coupling of localized plasmons excited on metallic nanoparticles or graphene plasmon polaritons. This understanding could be leveraged for the creation of TI-based metasurfaces.
Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation: Engineering and Biological Material Characterization

Mechanics of Elastic Waves and Ultrasonic NDE T. Kundu, University of Arizona, USA Modeling of Ultrasonic Field by Distributed Point Source Method D. Placko, Ecole Normale Superieure, Cachan, France T. Kundu, University of Arizona, USA Ultrasonic Systems for Industrial NDE D. Bray, Don E. Bray, Inc, USA Guided Waves for Plate Inspection T. Kundu, University of Arizona, USA Cylindrical Waveguides and Their Applications in Ultrasonic Evaluation J. Qu and L. Jacobs, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA Fundamentals and Applications of Nonlinear Ultrasonic NDE J. Cantrell, NASA Langely Research Center, USA Theory and Applications of Laser-Ultrasonic Techniques S. Krishnaswami, Northwestern University, USA Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducers: EMATS B. Maxfield, Industrial Sensors and Actuators, USA Ultrasonic NDE for Structural Health Monitoring: Built-In Diagnostics for Hot Spot Monitoring in Metallic and Composite Structures J.-B. Ihn and F. K. Chang, Stanford University, USA, Brillouin Scattering Measurement of SAW Velocities for Determining Near-surface Elastic Properties M. Beghi, Milano Polytechnic, Italy A. G. Every, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa P. Zinin, University of Hawaii, USA Theory and Applications of Acoustic Microscopy P. Zinin, University of Hawaii, USA Wieland Weise, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig, Germany Ultrasonic Characterization of Biological Cells J. Bereiter-Hahn and C. Blase, J. W. Goethe University, Germany Ultrasonic Characterization of Hard Tissues Kay Raum, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany Clinical Applications of Ultrasonic NDE Y. Saijo, Tohoku University, Japan
Geographic spread of the samsum or sword ant, Pachycondyla (Brachyponera) sennaarensis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The samsum or sword ant, Pachycondyla (Brachyponera) sennaarensis (MAYR, 1862), is a widespread, conspicuous ant in the savannas and open forests of sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. This ant is also common in villages and cities, where it is well known for its powerful sting that sometimes leads to anaphylactic shock in humans and even death. Recent first reports of P. sennaarensis from subtropical parts (> 23.4° N) of the Arabian Peninsula and Iran have led many researchers to conclude that populations of this ant are expanding. To evaluate this possibility, I compiled and mapped specimen records of P. sennaarensis from > 300 sites. I documented the earliest known P. sennaarensis records for 40 countries, including several for which I found no previously published records: Bahrain, Chad, India, Liberia, Mozambique, and Zambia. In 1925, when most of the world's ant fauna was still poorly documented, P. sennaarensis had already been collected from widely shattered locales in 26 countries across tropical Africa and Arabia. In addition, there is a single isolated 1896 record of P. sennaarensis from an apparently temporary population in tropical India. All P. sennaarensis records from subtropical sites north of 23.4° N (in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia) are from after 1950, except one record from just outside the tropics (Muscat, Oman; 23.6° N). It is possible that P. sennaarensis populations have lived in these subtropical areas for a long time, but are only now being reported, perhaps due to a recent population increase of this species. In fact, although the earliest specimen record from Iran dates to 2001, older residents of southeastern Iran remember the sting of P. sennaarensis from their childhood. Still, it is possible that P. sennaarensis has really expanded its geographic range northeastward into new regions during the past few decades. If true, and if populations of P. sennaarensis continue to spread eastward from Iran, through subtropical southern Pakistan, they could soon become established in tropical India, where this species may be expected to thrive.
Product development and innovation for developing countries

Purpose – Between the lack of incentives for larger international companies and the lack of resources of the local companies the majority of the people in less developed countries never benefit from new products. International companies generally offer modified product offerings to consumers in developing countries. To date, their attempts to penetrate the developing country markets have not been successful. The reasons for this failure in their attempts to succeed in these markets include the prohibitive cost of developing entirely new products for this market and the low‐income levels of the families in these countries. To succeed in developing countries, international companies have to observe and study their customers' needs and uncover the problem areas. There are many approaches available to accomplish this process including systematic innovation and the seven R's. Each approach focuses on the consumer and suggests a radical approach to developing new products. The purpose of this paper is to provid...
Observations cross-absorption modulation mediated by coherent population trapping in hot rubidium vapor

Using the four-level N-system discussed by Schmidt and Imamoglu, Opt. Lett. 21,1936(1996), we observe cross-absorption modulation in hot rubidium atoms. Quantum coherences from coherent population trapping create larger Kerr nonlinearities than conventional three-level cascade systems.
EXQUISITE CORPSES AND OTHER BODIES IN THE ELECTRA PLAYS

This essay explores the dynamics that surround the figuring and staging of bodies in the Electra plays – especially dead bodies, but also living ones that are represented as approximate and / or proximate to corpses. Interacting with such bodies intensifies agony and transport for characters and audiences alike, both of which affects plunge toward sublimity. At the same time the strongly gendered familial dynamics of pivotal scenes inflect the emotional shudder that attends them with a psychic recoil, as mothers haunt sons and sisters seek to lie down with brothers or other ‘wrong’ objects of affection. Focusing on how Orestes and especially Electra position themselves in relation to these bodies, the essay argues that they operate as sublime and uncanny objects, attracting the living into confrontation with their perverse pleasures and stimulating aesthetic and affective reactions that are central to tragic mimesis.
Effects of amplitude and frequency modulation with diode lasers, using higher harmonic detection

Wavelength modulation spectroscopy with diode lasers has been used by many researchers to perform sensitive measurements in gaseous media. However, there is one distinct complication that often arises from the use of diode lasers which is that frequency modulation, performed by modulation of the injected current, is accompanied by simultaneous amplitude modulation. In this paper, we treat the effects of simultaneous amplitude and frequency modulation and obtain a complete expression (accounting also for the phase difference between the two types of modulation), for the signal in a modulation spectroscopic experiment in which phase sensitive detection is performed at any harmonic of the modulation frequency.
Multidomain WENO Finite Difference Method with Interpolation at Subdomain Interfaces

High order finite difference WENO methods have the advantage of simpler coding and smaller computational cost for multi-dimensional problems, compared with finite volume WENO methods of the same order of accuracy. However a main restriction is that conservative finite difference methods of third and higher order of accuracy can only be used on uniform rectangular or smooth curvilinear meshes. In order to overcome this difficulty, in this paper we develop a multidomain high order WENO finite difference method which uses an interpolation procedure at the subdomain interfaces. A simple Lagrange interpolation procedure is implemented and compared to a WENO interpolation procedure. Extensive numerical examples are shown to indicate the effectiveness of each procedure, including the measurement of conservation errors, orders of accuracy, essentially non-oscillatory properties at the domain interfaces, and robustness for problems containing strong shocks and complex geometry. Our numerical experiments have shown that the simple and efficient Lagrange interpolation suffices for the subdomain interface treatment in the multidomain WENO finite difference method, to retain essential conservation, full high order of accuracy, essentially non-oscillatory properties at the domain interfaces even for strong shocks, and robustness for problems containing strong shocks and complex geometry. The method developed in this paper can be used to solve problems in relatively complex geometry at a much smaller CPU cost than the finite volume version of the same method for the same accuracy. The method can also be used for high order finite difference ENO schemes and an example is given to demonstrate a similar result as that for the WENO schemes.
Mid-infrared Biomedical Applications

Uses of mid-IR biophotonics technology are poised to make important contributions to medicine. Mid-IR biophotonics delivery systems including biomedical lasers and delivery waveguides have become more mature and great progress in mid-IR spectroscopy has been made. The next decade should realize some important mid-IR medical devices exploring some of the fundamental mid-IR biophotonics principles and features summarized in this chapter.
Activation of Host Defense Mechanisms by Elevated Production of H2O2 in Transgenic Plants

Active oxygen species have been postulated to perform multiple functions in plant defense, but their exact role in plant resistance to diseases is not fully understood. We have recently demonstrated H2O2-mediated disease resistance in transgenic potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants expressing a foreign gene encoding glucose oxidase. In this study we provide further evidence that the H2O2-mediated disease resistance in potato is effective against a broad range of plant pathogens. We have investigated mechanisms underlying the H2O2-mediated disease resistance in transgenic potato plants. The constitutively elevated levels of H2O2 induced the accumulation of total salicylic acid severalfold in the leaf tissue of transgenic plants, although no significant change was detected in the level of free salicylic acid. The mRNAs of two defense-related genes encoding the anionic peroxidase and acidic chitinase were also induced. In addition, an increased accumulation of several isoforms of extracellular peroxidase, including a newly induced one, was observed. This was accompanied by a significant increase in the lignin content of stem and root tissues of the transgenic plants. The results suggest that constitutively elevated sublethal levels of H2O2 are sufficient to activate an array of host defense mechanisms, and these defense mechanisms may be a major contributing factor to the H2O2-mediated disease resistance in transgenic plants.
NASA's Metrology and Calibration program

The success of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's scientific and engineering projects is often based on the capability and quality of the metrology and calibration programs of its field centers and facilities. A Metrology and Calibration Working Group, having representation from each of the NASA field centers and facilities, was established to develop and implement a program to provide a centralized direction and agency wide focus. A brief history of the Group is presented. The development of the Group's operating philosophy, the long term objectives, the measurement research and development program, and review of accomplishments is discussed.
EA-lect: an evolutionary algorithm for constructing logical rules to predict election into Cooperstown

While several papers exist focusing on the question of election into the Baseball Hall of Fame election, all of them use the same method for building a model: regression analysis. Problems with this include the fact that regressions are continuous functions, and thus have trouble modeling binary problems. While there are some methods that work reasonably well, a logical rule, which can be evaluated to only true or false, seems to be a better option for several reasons. In regression models, since the results are continuous, it is possible to get an answer other than just 1 or 0 for a binary problem. Because of this, an arbitrary cutoff to what is to be considered a positive example must be made. Instead, through the use of genetic algorithms, a logical rule, which can evaluate any example to either true or false (1 or 0) can be found. The rules found by this system are extremely accurate, with training accuracies around 99% and testing accuracies just lower at 97%.
A mobile-IP based mobility system for wireless metropolitan area networks

The real potential of broadband wireless networks lies with mobility. A hot debate is centered on building metropolitan area networks using WiMAX technology based on the IEEE 802.16 standards. Good mobility management schemes enable it to become the disruptive solution that fulfills the promises of ubiquitous computing with broadband access everywhere that was left unsatisftable with the Wi-Fi and 3G cellular solutions. The wide area coverage and co-existence of multiple wireless access technologies pose a challenge to mobility in the metropolitan network. Complications arise from the hierarchical structure of the network and the seamless handoff requirement to maintain steady streaming media coverage without interruption. It also stems from the lack of cellular type infrastructure to support fast moving users. We study the issues associated with providing mobility in a wireless metropolitan network. We propose a mobility management scheme based on the integration of hierarchical micro-mobility, fast handoff and vertical handoff It is demonstrated that this scheme can perform well under traffic loads. The network is subjected to an application that provides public health informatics services to the metropolitan area. These experimental results can provide suggestion on how to construct the next generation wireless networks.
Action of phospholipase A2 on unmodified phosphatidylcholine bilayers: organizational defects are preferred sites of action.

The hydrolytic action of the bee venom phospholipase A2 on phosphatidylcholine bilayers is studied under a variety of conditions that introduce alterations in the packing, such as those induced by sonication, gel to liquid crystalline phase transition, and osmotic shock. Two phases of hydrolysis could be resolved under a wide range of experimental conditions. With the various forms of the bilayers one observes only a partial hydrolysis of the total available substrate during the first phase. However, the fraction of the substrate hydrolyzed in the first phase changes with the form of the available substrate, with the amount of the enzyme added, with the temperature, with the phase transition characteristics of the substrate, and by the sonication of the substrate. The second phase of hydrolysis is generally observed when a certain concentration of the products has been produced during the first phase of hydrolysis. These observations are interpreted to suggest that the bee venom phospholipase A2 preferentially catalyzes hydrolysis of the substrate available at or near the defects in the organization of the substrate in the bilayers.
Have We Made Ourselves Inaccessible?: Plowshares Disarmament Activists' Rhetoric of Marginality

AbstractCivil disobedience actions designated as "Plowshares actions" were first committed by Philip and Daniel Berrigan and others in 1980, in response to nuclear proliferation and as a way to galvanize the Catholic Left following the Vietnam War era, during which the Berrigans had risen to national prominence for their anti-war demonstrations. Still active today, the Plowshares perform ritualized "symbolic disarmaments" that are accompanied by a rhetoric characterizing the actions as successful even though they do not bring about the political change for which the activists seem to aim. This paper examines the rhetoric of marginality that the Plowshares construct by analyzing four accusations that are routinely leveled against them—bad parent, criminal/prisoner, martyr, and ineffective fool—to show how Plowshares activists, through the lens of theology and via metaphor, refashion these accusations into adornments. The activists recode and claim "marginality" because it is understood as necessary to auth...
Mediational techniques and conceptual frameworks in archaeology A model in ‘mapwork’ at Teotihuacán, Mexico

A recent trend in archaeology has been to turn reflexive attention upon the methods employed by archaeologists in field practice. In this article, I take a step back to consider the map as a fundamental conceptual framework that archaeologists utilize in directing their methods and formulating interpretations. I explore what a map ‘does' for the consideration of a site. I work around this question with the ‘Millon map’ of Teotihuacan, Mexico as a case study. Building upon ideas expressed by Alfred Gell and Roland Barthes, I argue that maps cannot be utilized as independent, self-contained media, as maps ‘work’ via an inherent mutuality of subjective and objective elements. In archaeological discourse, this is best expressed by the integration of photography and graphic representation. Finally, I offer an example of integrated ‘mapwork’ through a novel interpretation of space at Teotihuacan. It is reiterated that media such as maps operate as conceptual frameworks and so predispose certain interpretations....
The microbe-derived short chain fatty acid butyrate targets miRNA-dependent p21 gene expression in human colon cancer.

Colonic microbiota ferment non-absorbed dietary fiber to produce prodigious amounts of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that benefit the host through a myriad of metabolic, trophic, and chemopreventative effects. The chemopreventative effects of the SCFA butyrate are, in part, mediated through induction of p21 gene expression. In this study, we assessed the role of microRNA(miRNA) in butyrate's induction of p21 expression. The expression profiles of miRNAs in HCT-116 cells and in human sporadic colon cancers were assessed by microarray and quantitative PCR. Regulation of p21 gene expression by miR-106b was assessed by 3′ UTR luciferase reporter assays and transfection of specific miRNA mimics. Butyrate changed the expression of 44 miRNAs in HCT-116 cells, many of which were aberrantly expressed in colon cancer tissues. Members of the miR-106b family were decreased in the former and increased in the latter. Butyrate-induced p21 protein expression was dampened by treatment with a miR-106b mimic. Mutated p21 3′UTR-reporter constructs expressed in HCT-116 cells confirmed direct miR-106b targeting. Butyrate decreased HCT-116 proliferation, an effect reversed with the addition of the miR-106b mimic. We conclude that microbe-derived SCFAs regulate host gene expression involved in intestinal homeostasis as well as carcinogenesis through modulation of miRNAs.
Patients' perceptions of the usefulness and outcome of patch testing.

Background Studies have shown the effect of allergic contact dermatitis on quality of life, but few address the impact of patch testing. Objective We sought to determine patient satisfaction with patch testing, patients' perceptions of its usefulness, dermatitis outcomes, and recall of allergens. Methods After patch testing, surveys were mailed to 1453 patients. Results Response rate was 52.1%, 757 surveys returned: 518 women (68.4%) and 239 men (31.6%). More than 75% (578) of respondents were at least "somewhat satisfied" with the process; 51% (388) were "very satisfied." More than half (430, 58.3%) reported improved dermatitis. The 580 patients who had positive reactions remembered a mean of 51.0% of allergens; 198 of these (34.1%) remembered 100%. Of 2547 positive reactions to allergens, 1229 (48.3%) were remembered correctly. Limitations Limitations were reporting bias and individual interpretations of questions. Conclusion Although patients reported both satisfaction with patch testing and improvement in skin conditions, they forgot more than 40% of identified allergens. Techniques are needed to improve patient recall.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR ASSESSING LEVEL OF SERVICE EQUALLY ACROSS MODES

Transportation professionals base the level of service (LOS) for automobile, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit modes on various criteria, and therefore the LOS is calculated differently for each mode. The current classification schemes make total transportation performance and multimodal trade-off decisions difficult to assess, and the measures do not reflect expectations. The primary objective of this Florida Department of Transportation research project was to identify new approaches for developing an LOS system that planners can use to assess automobile, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit modes of travel equally. Aided by a systematic creative thinking approach, an expert panel identified the perceived values, the feasibility, and the benefits of each alternative approach. The panel also identified the difficulties and cautions associated with each of the alternatives. Furthermore, the expert panel concluded that the fundamental need in developing a method to assess LOS equally across modes would be to correlate the levels for each mode with user perceptions. On the basis of group discussions and in consideration of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the panel postulated that a hierarchy of transportation user needs would consist of five levels: safety and security (the most basic need), time, societal acceptance, cost, and comfort and convenience (the highest need). The next task in developing a method to assess LOS equally across modes should be the scientific evaluation of the hypothesis of a transportation user hierarchy of needs to determine its validity and effectiveness.
Estimation of viscosity profiles using velocimetry data from parallel flows of linearly viscous fluids: application to microvascular haemodynamics

An approach is presented that uses velocimetry data to estimate accurately the spatial distribution of viscosity in steady laminar parallel flows of incompressible linearly viscous fluids. The approach is generally applicable to Newtonian fluids with spatially varying viscosity or to particle-suspension flows where a non-uniform distribution of the particles contributes to spatial variations in the local effective viscosity of the suspension. Emphasis is placed on the application of these methods to steady axisymmetric blood flow in cylindrical glass capillary tubes and microvessels. In this context, the spatial variations in viscosity over the vessel cross-section are predicted where it is assumed that the rheological properties associated with a heterogeneous red blood cell suspension can be well approximated by a continuous generalized linearly viscous fluid having a spatially non-uniform viscosity. For such a fluid, an expression for the viscosity profile over the vessel cross-section is derived that satisfies the conservation principles of mass and momentum and depends upon the a priori determined velocity distribution, which is extracted from fluorescent micro-particle image velocimetry data obtained from microvessels in vivo. These profiles provide useful information about dynamic, kinematic and rheological properties of the flow that include expressions for the axial pressure-gradient component, the local shear stress distribution, and the relative apparent viscosity. In microvessels, the effect of the glycocalyx surface layer on the vessel wall is also accounted for in the analysis by modelling the layer as a uniformly thick porous medium. Velocimetry data are presented from in vivo measurements made in venules after the application of a light-dye treatment to degrade the glycocalyx. Results reveal that these methods are sufficiently sensitive to detect a reduction in glycocalyx thickness of –70% when compared with results from a separately published data set obtained from venules having an intact glycocalyx.
Asymmetric induction in the Michael Initiated Ring Closure reaction

Abstract The Michael Initiated Ring Closure reaction has been explored with an eye toward achieving asymmetric induction. The formation of three, five and six-membered rings was examined using compounds 1–7 as substrates. In the case of cyclopropane formation, diastereoselectivity was studied over a range of temperatures, the best results being obtained between −68 and −72 °C using lithium t-butylthiolate as the nucleophile and a 10-dicyclohexylsulfamoyl-D-isoborneol-derived auxiliary (72–78% yield, 50–56% de; note equation 5). An isokinetic point is believed to occur between −41 and −68 °C. No improvement in de was observed when the Oppolzer sultam was used instead (compound 18). The use of (−)-menthol and (−)-8-phenylmenthol derived auxiliaries led to substantially inferior results (2–6% de). Five and six-membered rings were formed in good to excellent yields (62–97%) with diastereomeric excesses reaching as high as 95% in the case of cyclohexyl ester formation, using lithium diisopropylamide as the nucleophile and the 10-dicyclohexylsulfamoyl-D-isoborneol-derived auxiliary. Note equations 7 and 8. As expected, cyclization affording the five-membered ring adducts proceeded substantially faster than those leading to the six. By conducting both reactions at low temperature, one can use this rate difference to assess the diastereomeric excess obtained in the conjugate addition of LDA to the six-membered ring precursor 7. The de obtained in this manner (ca. 95%) agreed within experimental error with that obtained when the reaction was conducted at a temperature where cyclization occurred.
Diffusion of Nickel in Silicon

The study of diffusion of nickel (Ni63) in silicon single crystals in the temperature range 450 to 800 °C supports the “dissociative diffusion mechanism” for this impurity. Rapid interstitial diffusion of Ni into Si is followed by a complex reaction of interstitials with vacancies resulting in particular concentration profiles of substitutional nickel. The production and diffusion of vacancies which has a great influence on this reaction, is discussed. The activation energy for diffusion of vacancies has been estimated to 44 kcal/mol and the self-diffusivity in silicon can be approximately described by .
Unusual Microseisms Seen in the Reelfoot Fault Zone, Northern Tennessee, from a Reflection Experiment

Abstract A swarm of microseisms with ground motions equivalent to earthquakes of M L -1 and smaller was fortuitously detected in 100 of 162, 14 sec-duration long-offset vibroseis shot gathers collected for a seismic reflection experiment near Mooring, Tennessee, directly over the Reelfoot fault zone on the afternoon of 16 November 2006. These natural events show up in the shot gathers as near-vertically incident P waves with a dominant frequency of 8–10 Hz and probably occurred at depths of greater than 10 km. The inferred seismicity rate of 250–1000 events per hour is 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than the background seismicity rate for the New Madrid seismic zone. This detection of microseismic swarms in the Reelfoot fault zone indicates active physical processes that may be similar to nonvolcanic tremor seen in the Cascadia and San Andreas fault zones and merits long-term monitoring to understand its source.
Post-radiation syndrome as a NO/ONOO– cycle, chronic fatigue syndrome-like disease

Post-radiation syndrome is proposed to be chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or a chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness, initiated by exposure to ionizing radiation. This view is supported by the nitric oxide/peroxynitrite (NO/ONOO-) cycle mechanism, the putative etiologic mechanism for CFS and related illnesses. Ionizing radiation may initiate illness by increasing nitric oxide levels via increased activity of the transcription factor NF-kappaB and consequent increased synthesis of the inducible nitric oxide synthase. Two types of components of the nitric oxide/peroxynitrite cycle have been studied in post-radiation syndrome patients and shown to be elevated. The symptoms and signs of post-radiation syndrome and its chronicity are similar or identical to those of chronic fatigue syndrome and can be explained as being a consequence of nitric oxide/peroxynitrite cycle etiology. While the data available to test this view are limited, it provides for the first time a comprehensive explanation for post-radiation syndrome.
Flux mobility properties associated with diamagnetism in hysteretic type II superconductors

Abstract Through appropriate cycles using both senses of the applied magnetic field magnetic energy can be stored in Type II superconductors that do not exhibit appreciable diamagnetism. An isothermal field cycle is performed so that the total magnetic moment is zero when H = 0. Upon heating in H = 0, the sample develops a magnetic moment which increases with temperature, goes through a maximum and decreases to zero at the critical temperature. Diamagnetic superconductors do not exhibit this phenomenon. The effect implies a mobility of internal field lines that is associated with diamagnetic behavior. The technique demonstrates preferential thermal stability of the field initially retained in superconductors exhibiting minimal diamagnetic behavior.
Effects of information feedback and reference tones on signal detection

In an auditory signal detection study feedback and no-feedback conditions were compared and the effect of introducing anchor or reference tones during the intertrial interval was investigated. Feedback increased the proportion of correct detections as did the presence of a strong anchor. The latter condition was also associated with a reduction of false alarms.
Thermodynamics and Mechanism of Protonated Cysteine Decomposition: A Guided Ion Beam and Computational Study

A quantitative molecular description of the decomposition of protonated cysteine, H+Cys, is provided by studying the kinetic energy dependence of threshold collision-induced dissociation (CID) with Xe using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). Primary dissociation channels are deamidation (yielding both NH3 loss and NH4 + formation) and (H2O + CO) loss reactions, followed by an additional six subsequent decompositions. Analysis of the kinetic energy-dependent CID cross sections provides the 0 K barriers for six different reactions after accounting for unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, multiple ion–molecule collisions, and competition among the decay channels. To identify the mechanisms associated with these reactions, quantum chemical calculations performed at the B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p) level were used to locate the transition states (TSs) and intermediates for these processes. Single point energies of the reactants, products, and key optimized TSs and intermediates are calculated at B3LYP, B3P86, and MP2(full) levels using a 6-311 + G(2d,2p) basis set. The computational characterization of the elementary steps of these reactions, including the structures of the final products, is validated by quantitative agreement with the experimental energetics. In agreement with previous work, deamidation is facilitated by anchimeric assistance of the thio group, which also leads to an interesting rearrangement of the intact amino acid identified computationally.
Validation of a Biofidelic LS-DYNA Model and Comparison vs. a Traditional ATD Finite Element Model for Assessing Knee-thigh-hip Injuries

An enhanced Finite Element (FE) model of the human Knee-Thigh-Hip (KTH) is presented as a reliable mean for prediction of bone failure mechanism for a frontal knee impact. Improvements made to the original model are reported. The model is validated against a cadaver sled test. An identical finite element impact event was replicated with use of the LSTC dummy. The main terms of comparison were the axial femur force and the possibility to locate a potential bone fracture in the lower extremity. The KTH model gave more reliable results than the dummy model in terms of fracture prediction.
3D numerical study of pressure equalization in MHD flow in a rectangular duct with insulating flow channel insert

Abstract A flow channel insert (FCI) made of a Silicon Carbide (SiC) composite or foam is the key element of the dual-coolant lead-lithium (DCLL) blanket concept. Pressure equalization openings in the FCI wall are designed to equalize possible pressure differences in the flowing liquid metal (LM) between the bulk flow inside the FCI box and that in the thin gap between the FCI and the outer ferritic steel duct, thus reducing the mechanical stress in the FCI. In the present study, the MHD flow and associated pressure equalization effects are simulated with a numerical code in 3D. Two pressure equalization mechanisms have been identified and studied: one is due to LM flow through the flow equalization slot, and the other is due to induced electric currents flowing across the non-ideally insulating FCI wall. The second effect appears to both dominate and provide a more effective way of pressure equalization compared to the purely hydrodynamic mechanism. Parametric studies have been performed to address the impact of the FCI electrical conductivity, slot size, and the duct length. Finally, recommendations on the FCI design are proposed to result in more effective pressure equalization.
New integer representations as the sum of three cubes

We describe a new algorithm for finding integer solutions to x 3 + y 3 + z 3 = k for specific values of k. We use this to find representations for values of k for which no solution was previously known, including k = 30 and k = 52.
Latitudinal Distribution of O2on Ganymede: Observations with the Hubble Space Telescope☆

To help constrain the spatial variation of oxygen on Jupiter's satellite Ganymede, and hence have more clues to its mode of production and stability, we have obtained spectral data from the Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) for a single pole-to-pole latitudinal strip, along with several Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) images in three narrow band visible filters. All observations were made of the trailing hemisphere. In the FOS data we observe both visible absorptions at 0.577 and 0.627 μm, associated with dense-phase oxygen (compressed gases, liquids, or solids). Filter options limited the WFPC2 observations to wavelengths near the weaker oxygen absorption at 0.627 μm. These observations suggest that the dense-phase or dimer oxygen form is predominantly found in equatorial and mid-latitudes. The spectroscopic absorption feature appears in both bright and dark terrains but may be somewhat weaker in dark regions, which is consistent with the smaller mean photon path length in the surface in darker areas. Therefore, the abundance of oxygen appears more dependent on latitude and longitude constraints than surface albedo. At the highest latitudes, where the ratio spectra have a strong upturn toward the blue, the oxygen bands do not appear. This relation suggests that dimer oxygen and ozone (as seen by Galileo) have opposite trends with latitude. Possible causes include competition or variation in the preferred stable form, which depends on temperature, solar ultraviolet flux, and/or surface age; enhancement of O3at the poles due to plasma interactions; or viewing geometry effects that reduce the oxygen features at the poles when observed from Earth. The predominantly equatorial feature supports the production of O2through plasma bombardment and favors defect trapping over physical adsorption of the dimer molecules in the surface. We briefly consider the implications of Ganymede's magnetosphere for our understanding of O2and O3distribution on Ganymede.
Inhibition of murine macrophage IL-12 production by natural and synthetic DNA.

Abstract DNA is a complex macromolecule whose immunological properties vary with sequence and structure. To determine whether DNA can inhibit immune responses, the effects of mammalian DNA and synthetic phosphodiester (Po) and phosphorothioate (Ps) oligonucleotides (ODNs) on IL-12 production were tested using murine macrophages. With bacterial DNA as a stimulant, calf thymus DNA and human placenta DNA blocked IL-12 production by splenic and bone marrow macrophages. A (dG) 30 Po ODN and all single-base Ps 30 mer ODNs were also effective inhibitors. The Ps ODNs also blocked IL-12 production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and a stimulatory Ps ODN. With the J774 cell line, single-base Ps ODNs inhibited IL-12 production induced by bacterial DNA, LPS, and a stimulatory Ps ODN. Together, these results indicate that DNA has inhibitory properties, suggesting that mammalian DNA could limit immune activation during inflammation and counteract the effects of bacterial DNA.
Advances in Preventive Therapy for Estrogen-Receptor-Negative Breast Cancer

Preventing breast cancer is an effective strategy for reducing breast cancer deaths. The purpose of chemoprevention (also termed preventive therapy) is to reduce cancer incidence by use of natural, synthetic, or biological agents. The efficacy of tamoxifen, raloxifene, and exemestane as preventive therapy against estrogen-receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer is well established for women at increased risk for breast cancer. However, because breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, distinct preventive approaches may be required for effective prevention of each subtype. Current research is, therefore, focused on identifying alternative mechanisms by which biologically active compounds can reduce the risk of all breast cancer subtypes including ER-negative breast cancer. Promising agents are currently being developed for prevention of HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and include inhibitors of the ErbB family receptors, COX-2 inhibitors, metformin, retinoids, statins, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, and natural compounds. This review focuses on recent progress in research to develop more effective preventive agents, in particular for prevention of ER-negative breast cancer.
Measurements of tritium in satellite and rocket material, 1960–1961

Abstract Tritium concentrations in lead, steel, and aluminum components of four polar-orbiting satellites flown in 1960 and 1961 have been measured. Discoverer 17, in orbit for 2 days following the November 12, 1960 solar flare, contained a maximum tritium activity of 163 dpm/kg in lead and 56 dpm/kg in steel. This amount of tritium cannot be accounted for by nuclear interactions of galactic cosmic rays, geomagnetically trapped particles, or solar-flare protons or alpha particles. Tritium must have been present in the solar-particle stream, and minimum total flux of 5 × 10 6 tritons/cm 6 of energy greater than 90 Mev was received over the 2-day polar orbit from all sources. One rocket sample exposed November 13, 1960 to the solar-particle beam near the geomagnetic pole above Fort Churchill, Canada, also contained detectable amounts of tritium. The tritium in the solar-particle stream is probably produced by the reaction He 4 (p,2p)H 3 in the solar-flare acceleration region. The tritium concentration can be used as an indicator of the depth of the solar-flare acceleration region. Three other satellites, flown at times of no known major solar-particle arrival, contained smaller amounts of tritium. The tritium activity in these satellites is also too high to be explained by nuclear interactions, and apparently results from stopping in satellite material of tritium geomagnetically trapped in the Van Allen belts. The ratio of trapped tritons to computed protons varied from almost 20% a few weeks after the November 12 solar flare to about 1% 8 months after the flare. The apparent maximum mean life of the tritons injected into the trapping regions at the time of the flare was 2 to 3 months. The experimental results suggest the injection and trapping of solar-flare tritium as an important source of geomagnetically trapped tritons.
Synthesis and some characteristics of no-carrier added [18F]fluorotrimethylsilane

[18F]Fluorotrimethylsilane was prepared in 80% decay corrected yield by reaction of no-carrier added tetramethyl-ammonium fluoride (hydroxide as bulk anion) with chlorotrimethylsilane in 65% aqueous acetonitrile. The 18F gas was collected in a cold-trap at -130 degrees C and found to have an Ostwald solubility coefficient of 11.5 in paraffin oil. Accurate measurement of its aqueous solubility was precluded by hydrolysis. When rats were allowed to inhale [18F]fluorotrimethylsilane extensive uptake of 18F occurred in bone, demonstrating ready release of fluoride in vivo.
Glucose attenuates impairments in memory and CREB activation produced by an α4β2 but not an α7 nicotinic receptor antagonist.

Abstract Glucose improves memory for a variety of tasks when administered to rats and mice near the time of training. Prior work indicates glucose may enhance memory by increasing the synthesis and release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. To investigate if specific acetylcholine receptor subtypes may mediate some of the memory-enhancing actions of glucose, we examined the effects of subtype-specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists on memory in Fischer-344 rats and also examined the ability of glucose to reverse drug-induced impairments. Pre-training peripheral injections of methyllycaconitine (MLA) or dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHβE), which are specific α7 and α4β2 nicotinic receptor antagonists, respectively, dose-dependently impaired retention latencies in an inhibitory avoidance task when tested 7-days but not 1 h after training. Immediate post-training glucose injections attenuated the impairments, but were more effective in attenuating the DHβE-induced impairments. Likewise, peripheral or direct intrahippocampal injections of MLA or DHβE dose-dependently impaired spatial working memory scores on a spontaneous alternation task. Concurrent administration of glucose reversed DHβE- but not MLA-induced impairments. CREB phosphorylation downstream of cholinergic signaling was assessed 30 min after spontaneous alternation testing and intrahippocampal drug infusions. Both MLA and DHβE impaired hippocampal CREB phosphorylation; glucose reversed DHβE- but not MLA-induced deficits. The effectiveness of glucose in reversing DHβE- but not MLA-induced impairments in behavioral performance and CREB phosphorylation suggests that activation of α7 receptors may play an important role in memory enhancement by glucose.