cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinematics of the northern Walker Lane: An incipient transform fault along the Pacific–North American plate boundary

In the western Great Basin of North America, a system of dextral faults accommodates 15%–25% of the Pacific–North American plate motion. The northern Walker Lane in northwest Nevada and northeast California occupies the northern terminus of this system. This young evolving part of the plate boundary offers insight into how strike-slip fault systems develop and may reflect the birth of a transform fault. A belt of overlapping, left-stepping dextral faults dominates the northern Walker Lane. Offset segments of a W-trending Oligocene paleovalley suggest ∼20–30 km of cumulative dextral slip beginning ca. 9–3 Ma. The inferred long-term slip rate of ∼2–10 mm/yr is compatible with global positioning system observations of the current strain field. We interpret the left-stepping faults as macroscopic Riedel shears developing above a nascent lithospheric-scale transform fault. The strike-slip faults end in arrays of ∼N-striking normal faults, suggesting that dextral shear diffuses into extension in the Great Basin. Coeval extension and dextral shear have induced slight counterclockwise fault-block rotations, which may ultimately rotate Riedel shears toward the main shear zone at depth, thus facilitating development of a throughgoing strike-slip fault.
Convective Performance of Package Based Single Phase Microchannel Heat Exchanger

Liquid cooling using integrated microscale heat exchangers are a promising future technology to address issues associated with integrated circuit thermal management. This paper reports the first results of microchannel heat exchangers fabricated directly in the back of silicon chips with integrated front side heaters and temperature sensors. These chips were mounted on organic substrates using C4 bumps and underfill and then these packages were mounted onto a motherboard using μPGA (Micro-Pin Grid Array) socket. The chips contained two metallic heaters; a 10 mm × 13 mm heater in order to provide uniform heating and a small 400 μm × 400 μm heater in order to simulate hotspots on actual microprocessors. The chips had multiple metallic temperature sensors distributed over the die area. Three different designs covering different widths and depths of microchannels were fabricated. The smallest width was 61 μm and the smallest depth was 180 μm. Thermal resistances and pressure drops of the three designs were measured. The best thermal resistance (junction to outlet of fluid) of 0.09 °C-cm2 /W, was obtained using a 61 μm wide and 272 μm deep microchannel. The chips were also tested under non-uniform heating conditions by powering the hotspot heaters up to a heat flux of 1250 W/cm2 . This paper was also originally published as part of the Proceedings of the ASME 2005 Heat Transfer Summer Conference.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Impulsiveness in pigeons living in the experimental chamber

Pigeons’ choices between larger, more delayed and smaller, less delayed reinforcers were examined while the pigeons lived in the experimental chamber for 23-h sessions. In Condition 1, 4 pigeons were food deprived prior to each session and exposed to one session every 4th day. Condition 2 was identical except that the pigeons began each session at their ad-lib weights. Condition 3 was identical to Condition 2 except that sessions were conducted on consecutive days. Condition 4 was identical to Condition 3 except that the subjects (2 pigeons from Conditions 1–3 plus a naive pigeon) could obtain reinforcers much less frequently. In all of the conditions, the pigeons consistently chose the smaller, less delayed reinforcers; the pigeons were impulsive. The restriction of food access caused a disruption in the diurnal pattern of feeding, but did not decrease impulsiveness even in this 23-h live-in procedure.
State Interests in Terminating Medical Treatment

Judicial reasoning in termination of treatment decisions has neglected valid state interests in the preservation of life and the ethical integrity of medicine. Courts must balance these interests against individual liberty, rather than assuming that patient autonomy is absolute.
Hyperuricemia induces a primary renal arteriolopathy in rats by a blood pressure-independent mechanism

Hyperuricemia is associated with hypertension and vascular disease, but whether this represents a causal relationship or an epiphenomenon remains unknown. We recently reported a model of mild hyper...
Very High Resolution 17O NMR Evidence for Displacive Behavior in Hydrogen-Bonded Solids: Squaric Acid

Magic angle sample spinning (MAS)7O NMR studies of the paraelectric-antiferroelectric phase transition (at TC = 373 K) of the model hydrogen-bonded compound squaric acid (H2C4O4 ) reveal a significant displacive component in the microscopic mechanism of the transition. The high resolution (400% enhancement over conventional MAS) was obtained by utilizing single crystals. All four oxygens were clearly shown to be chemically different at T TC impli...
Predicting Head Coaching Intentions of Male and Female Assistant Coaches: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

The specific aims of this study were twofold. First, we sought to apply the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, I. (2002). Construction of a standardized questionnaire for the Theory of Planned Behavior. Unpublished manuscript. [online]. Retrieved from http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~aizen/ ) to head coaching intentions among assistant coaches of women’s teams. We also aimed to establish the most important behavioral, normative, and control beliefs specific to male and female coaches’ head coaching intentions. We developed and validated a questionnaire to collect data through mailed surveys (n = 710, women = 466, men = 244). Findings supported the efficacy of the theory of planned behavior as a predictor of head coaching intentions in both men and women. Further, gender differences were noted on intentions, attitudes, and subjective norms; women coaches had lower scores than men on each. Finally, a few significant semi-partial correlations between the specific belief-based indicators and intentions were noted, and these did indicate relationships that distinguished the men from the women.
Tandem chain walking polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization for efficient synthesis of dendritic nanoparticles for bioconjugation.

A tandem polymerization methodology, chain walking polymerization (CWP) followed by atom transfer radical polymerization, was developed for efficient synthesis of nanoparticles for bioconjugation. Using the chain walking palladium-α-diimine catalyst (catalyst 1), dendritic polymers bearing multiple initiation sites were synthesized and used as macroinitiators for subsequent Cu(I)-mediated ATRP. Control of molecular weight and size of the water-soluble core−shell polymeric nanoparticles was achieved by tuning reaction conditions. Addition of an N-acryloyloxysuccinamide (NAS) monomer at the end of the ATRP afforded NHS-activated polymer nanoparticles. Conjugation with both small dye molecules and protein (ovalbumin) yielded nanoparticle conjugates with relatively high dye or protein per particle ratio. With the efficient synthesis and good biocompatibility, these nanoparticles may find many potential applications in bioconjugation.
System for automatically punching onto IBM cards the output of a 400-channel pulse height analyzer

Abstract The output typewriter drive of the RIDL 400-channel pulse height analyzer system has been adapted to drive the IBM Model 526 card punch without impairing any of the analyzer systems standard features. The card punch operates at close to maximum speed, stepping the analyzer along digit-by-digit by briefly closing the analyzer interlock. The analyzer “print” signal controls the starting and stopping of the punch exactly as in a typewriter readout. One 400-channel spectrum is punched onto 40 complete cards, which are also numbered serially and punched with an identifying tag, in approximately 3.5 min. No modifications are necessary on the card punch; a few interior signals must be brought to connectors or toggle switches in the analyzer system. One external chassis containing simple interlock and starting circuits and the serial-numbering device is used.
Exchange bias in Fe/Fe 3 O 4 core-shell magnetic nanoparticles mediated by frozen interfacial spins

The magnetization curves of monodisperse $\text{Fe}/{\text{Fe}}_{3}{\text{O}}_{4}$ core-shell and ${\text{Fe}}_{3}{\text{O}}_{4}$ hollow-shell nanoparticles reveal an unusual exchange-bias effect. Hysteresis measurements of core-shell particles at 5 K after field cooling exhibit a large loop shift associated with unidirectional anisotropy whereas ${\text{Fe}}_{3}{\text{O}}_{4}$ hollow-shell nanoparticles support much smaller shifts. Both core-shell and hollow-shell particles exhibit sharp demagnetization jumps at low fields associated with a sudden switching of shell moments. Temperature-dependent magnetization of core-shell particles at high fields shows a deviation between field-cooled and zero-field-cooled curves below 30 K, suggesting the presence of frozen spins at the interface. These frozen interfacial spins play an important role in mediating the exchange coupling between the ferromagnetic core and ferrimagnetic shell.
Work in Progress: An Assessment Framework for Measuring the Effectiveness of an Education Portal

Methods for determining a treatment's efficacy are continually evolving and improving, yet challenges clearly exist. Even now, assessment of large-scale, multi-dimensional, web-delivered programs brings with it a host of difficulties. We describe a framework for measuring the impact of PRISM (Portal Resources for Indiana Science and Mathematics), a digital resources library and a "community of practice" for Indiana teachers of middle school mathematics, science, and technology.
Surgical correction of vertebral axial rotation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Prediction by lateral bending films

The pre- and postoperative radiographs of 45 patients with scoliosis were compared with the preoperative lateral bending radiographs. The purpose was to compare correction of Cobb angle and apical vertebral rotation between preoperative lateral bending and operative spinal instrumentation. Twenty-one patients had Harrington instrumentation, 12 had Drummond/Wisconsin spinous process segmental instrumentation, and 12 had Texas Scottish Rite Hospital instrumentation. From the pre- and postoperative radiographs, each vertebra was marked and digitized for computerized measurements of Cobb angle and apical vertebral rotation. Correction of Cobb angle on the lateral bending radiograph averaged 22 +/- 10 degrees, which was less than that achieved at operation (Harrington 23 +/- 7 degrees, Drummond/Wisconsin 29 +/- 10 degrees, and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital 36 +/- 6 degrees; p < 0.01, paired t test). In contrast, correction of apical vertebral rotation on the lateral bending radiograph averaged 4 +/- 8 degrees, which was not significantly different from that achieved at operation (Harrington 1 +/- 8 degrees, Drummond/Wisconsin 1 +/- 7 degrees, and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital 4 +/- 8 degrees). Spinal instrumentation markedly corrected the Cobb angle but minimally corrected apical vertebral rotation. In contrast, preoperative lateral bending produced a similar proportional correction of both.
Beta-Arrestin Biased Signaling at a Class a GPCR: Modeling the ORG27569 Induced CB1/Beta-Arrestin 1 Complex

The CB1 allosteric modulator, ORG27569 (ORG), is an inverse agonist of the G-protein signaling pathway and agonist of the beta-arrestin-1 pathway (Ahn et.al JBC 2013). The intracellular conformational change associated with arrestin-biased signaling is outward movement of the intracellular TMH7/HX8 elbow region away from TMH2 (Rahmeh et.al PNAS 2012). We report here a 1.4μs molecular dynamics study of ORG interacting with CB1R via the lipid bilayer that revealed productive binding: ORG entered CB1 via the TMH6/7 interface, interacting with Y6.57 and F7.35. Subsequently, direct interactions between EC3 loop and ORG induced an outward movement of the TMH7/HX8 elbow region creating an opening between TMH2/7 that permitted docking beta-arrestin-1 with CB1. The active human beta-arrestin-1 structure used for docking was derived from the phosphorylated V2R C-terminal peptide activated rat beta-arrestin-1 crystal structure (Shukla et.al. Nature 2013) via peptide removal and mutation to the human sequence. CB1 residues, T460/S462/S464/T465/T467/S468, in the distal C-terminus, important for beta-arrestin association (Daigle et.al. J Neurochem 2008), were phosphorylated and placed to interact with beta-arrestin-1 N-domain positively charged residues, including critical lysines K10/K11 (Ostermaier et.al. PNAS 2014). The arrestin finger loop residues 66-70(EDLDV) were modelled as helical, based on photoactivated rhodopsin and visual-arrestin peptide NMR studies (Feuerstein et.al. Biochemistry 2009). Two orientations of beta-arrestin-1 relative to CB1 were modelled to have the N-domain underneath the TMH7/HX8 region based on a recent visual-arrestin-1 fingerloop crystallized in Opsin (Szczepek et.al. Nature Comm 2014), or underneath the TMH5/6 IC3 loop based on a beta-arrestin-1 K77C/beta-2 adrenergic receptor TMH5 K5.78C crosslinking study (Shukla et.al. Nature 2014). MD simulations, in AMBER14 with the CHARMM36 forcefield, addressing stability of the two CB1/beta-arrestin-1 complexes in fully hydrated POPC bilayers will be presented. [Support: RO1 DA003934, KO5 DA021358 (PHR)]
Psychomotor performances of patients undergoing L-dopa therapy.

S~mnary.-1 l patients undergoing L-dopa therapy for Parkinson's disease were evaluated using 3 psychomotor measures designed to assess functioning of the upper extremity. The patients were tested prior to L-dopa therapy, when they had reached optimum dosages of L-dopa, and finally, during a period when they had been placed on a placebo. Significant differences were found on two of the three measures between pretreatment and L-dopa periods, and between pretreatment and placebo periods. No significant differences were found between L-dopa and placebo periods, however. The recent use of levodopa (L-dopa) in the management of Parkinson's disease has produced a number of studies which attest to the efficacy of this drug (Barbeau, 1961; Birkmayer & Hornykiewicz, 1961; Cotzias, et al., 1967; Yahr, et al., 1968; Cotzias, et al., 1969). This study is an attempt to measure change objectively and to evaluate three different tests of certain aspects of upper extremity motor performance ( 1 ) prior to the administration of L-dopa, (2) at a point when the patient is considered to be on optimum treatment dosages of Ldopa, and (3) following a period during which the patient has been on placebo. Ss were 11 patients out of an original group of 16 who were the initial group of patients at the Mayo Clinic to receive L-dopa therapy. Two of the remaining five patients were not tested because their mental or physical status prevented them from comprehending or executing the particular tasks; three other patients were excluded from the analysis because their data were incornplete. All patients had the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and had been so diagnosed for varying lengths of time ranging from 2 to 30 yr. (average, 5.6 yr ) They ranged in age from 40 to 77 yr. (average, 58.3 yr.) . Procedare
THE PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT OF HIGHLY EDUCATED WOMEN: THE IMPACT OF FAMILY

The purpose of this article is to examine factors related to the professional involvement of highly educated women. Three indicators of involvement are considered: nonemployment, part-time work, employment not making use of highest degree. The sample consists of 663 women who received high-level degrees from a large midwestern university between 1964 and 1974. Results indicate that both family role position and role bargaining outcomes play a major role in determining the level of involvement. Indicators of the latter, including previously untested measures of the timing of family and career beginnings and husband's moves for his wife's career, were important determinants of all three measures of involvement. As a caveat, we question the culturally pervasive assumption that lower involvement is necessarily negative. Information from a small number of in-depth interviews suggests that these women value an overall balance between work and family rather than consistently high levels of professional involvement. Future research must explore this possibility.
Expression of c-myc, c-myb, and c-sis in Fibroblasts from Affected and Unaffected Skin of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

We examined c-sis, c-myc, and c-myb proto-oncogene expression in fibroblasts cultured from affected and unaffected skin of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and from healthy donor skin. Total cellular RNA from cultured dermal fibroblasts was used in slot blot analysis and scanning densitometry or phosphorimaging to quantify steady-state levels of proto-oncogene mRNAs. PDGF B-chain levels in culture supernatants of fibroblasts were determined by ELISA. Our results demonstrate that steady-state levels of c-myc and c-myb mRNA were elevated 1.5- to 5.6-fold in intralesional fibroblasts from SSc patients as compared to other cells examined. Levels of c-sis mRNA and PDGF-B protein were comparable regardless of source. Elevated c-myc and c-myb expression may be indicative of, and may contribute to, fibroblast activation in SSc.
How Valuable Are Foreign Languages in General Education?1

Author's summary.— Foreign language study can be functional if the students and their needs are clearly understood. Stephens College is attempting to vitalize language courses through careful placement of students, through correlation of subject matter and related extra-class experiences, and by individualizing instruction. Varied means of evaluation lead to improvement.
Socializing economic theories of discrimination: Lessons from Survivor

Abstract This paper draws upon structural social psychological theories of small group dynamics to add predictive power to economic theories of discrimination. We first combine economic models of taste-based discrimination with social identity theory and hypothesize that discrimination is driven mainly by preferences or affinities that follow in-group/out-group boundaries. We also bring together status characteristics theory with economic views on information-based discrimination to alternatively hypothesize that discrimination is primarily driven by expectations of competency that are culturally linked to status characteristics. Predictions from both arguments are tested using data from the reality television show Survivor, a quasi-experimental setting that has compelling advantages for the study of discrimination. Specifically, we model the number of votes for elimination a contestant receives using sex, race, age, education, and group membership as explanatory variables. The results overwhelmingly support our integration of status characteristics theory and information-based models of discrimination. In the early episodes, when strategic considerations should lead contestants to value competency, low status individuals (women, minorities, and older contestants), receive more votes for elimination than high status contestants. However, as predicted from our refinement of information-based discrimination, this pattern is reversed in the later episodes. Here, when strategic considerations disfavor competency, it is high status contestants who are targeted more frequently. In contradiction to taste-based theories, discrimination tied to status characteristics is much more evident than voting according to in-group/out-group membership. We conclude by discussing the implications of our research for contemporary theories of discrimination.
Do genetic and individual risk factors moderate the efficacy of motivational enhancement therapy? Drinking outcomes with an emerging adult sample.

Research indicates that motivational enhancement therapy (MET) helps catalyze reductions in problem drinking among emerging adults. However, moderators of this intervention remain relatively unknown. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: (1) to test whether a single session of MET increased motivation to reduce drinking and drinking outcomes; and (2) to examine whether genetic dopamine D 4 receptor L (DRD4 L) and individual personality risk factors (impulsivity and novelty seeking) moderated the effects of the MET. These hypotheses were evaluated by randomly assigning a sample of emerging adult problem drinkers (n = 67) to receive a single session of MET or alcohol education. Follow-up data indicated that only individuals who were low in impulsivity, novelty seeking and/or who had the short DRD4 variable number of tandem repeats genotype evidenced differentially increased behavior change (taking steps toward reducing drinking) following the MET.
The Purposes for State Residential General Contractor Licensing in the United States

Justification of professional licensure for residential general contractors in the United States is a topic that has been debated for some time. Many believe license laws are enacted to protect consumers from unscrupulous builders or to guarantee quality construction. Others argue that they are enacted to limit entry to the profession. Others might think licensure fulfills both purposes. This study identifies the stated purposes for licensing residential general contractors and identifies the methods used to evaluate whether or not those purposes are being fulfilled. In addition, requirements for licensure are reported. Only about half the states require licensure for residential general contractors, and most find they lack the manpower to effectively regulate contractors and protect consumers. Because the main purpose of licensure is to protect the health and safety of consumers, and because states have a difficult time enforcing their own regulations, it can be argued that licensure may not be fulfillin...
Characterization of the Interaction Effect of Crumb Rubber Modified Binders Using HP-GPC

There have been many studies investigating the properties of crumb rubber modified (CRM) binders, but few that have attempted to quantify the specific effects that the addition of crumb rubber has on asphalt binders. The writers previously identified two major effects that crumb rubber has on binders: interaction effect (IE) and particle effect (PE). The IE results from the diffusion of the light fractions of the binder into the rubber particles and the PE is due to the addition of particulate matter to the binder. This study focused on providing a further explanation of the IE by characterizing 36 CRM and three base binders using high-pressure gel permeation chromatography (HP-GPC). Comparison of the molecular size distributions of the different binders verified that the IE is, in fact, due to the diffusion of lighter binder fractions into the rubber particles. Additionally, the IE may provide a simple means to determine the compatibility of binders with crumb rubber.
3' terminal nucleotides determine thermodynamic stabilities of mismatches at the ends of RNA helices.

The thermodynamic stabilities of consecutive mismatches at the ends of RNA helices are determined by the 3′ terminal nucleotides. More than 40 RNA duplexes containing terminal motifs of 3 or more nucleotides were studied by optical melting experiments. Up to three noncanonical pairs of nucleotides at the end of RNA helices provide additional thermodynamic stability. 3′ nucleotides contribute more stability than 5′ nucleotides, and purines contribute more stability than pyrimidines. The additional stability of a second or third 3′ nucleotide stacking on a purine is the same for both dangling ends and consecutive terminal mismatches. Current predictions underestimate RNA duplex stabilities with terminal motifs by 1.4 kcal/mol on average, which is an order of magnitude in a binding constant at 37 °C. Accurate thermodynamic parameters for these terminal motifs will contribute to improvements in RNA secondary structure predictions, identification of microRNA targets, and design of siRNA therapeutics with fewer...
Two actin variants in developing axolotl heart

Abstract Heart development in the Mexican salamander, Ambystoma mexicanum has been studied using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy. At the preheart beat stage two forms of action, α and β, are present in the heart in approximately equal quantity, however, very few definitive thin filaments can be distinguished at this stage. Once the heart beat is initiated and heart development progresses α-actin increases relative to β-actin. This increase in muscle-specific actin is coincidental with the appearance of numerous thin filaments in the myocyte.
Modification of polyimide wetting properties by laser ablated conical microstructures

Abstract Laser texturing of Kapton ® HN polyimide was performed by low-fluence ablation using a pulsed, frequency tripled (349 nm) Nd:YLF laser. The laser was scanned in two dimensions in order to generate texture over a large area. The laser overlap percentage and fluence were varied and the resulting texture was studied. The texture features were inspected by electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS), while the static contact angle of de-ionized water was measured by a contact angle goniometer. Rounded bump features were formed at all fluences, which decreased in areal density with fluence and number of laser pulses. Conical microstructures or “cones” were also formed at most fluences. Cones were larger than the bumps and thus had lower areal density, which increased as a function of the number of laser pulses. The polyimide was hydrophilic before texturing, with a contact angle of approximately 76°. For most of the experimental conditions the contact angle increased as a result of texturing, with the contact angle exceeding 90° for some textured surfaces, and reaching values as high as 118°. In general, the surfaces with significant increases in contact angle had high density of texture features, either bumps or cones. The surfaces that experienced a decrease in contact angle generally had low density of texture features. The increase in contact angle from a wetting ( θ θ > 90°) cannot be explained by texturing alone. EDS measurements indicate that textured regions had higher carbon content than the untextured regions due to depletion of oxygen species. The increase in carbon content relative to the oxygen content increased the native contact angle of the surface, causing the transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic behavior. The contact angle of a textured surface increased as the relative spacing of features (diameter to spacing) decreased.
Implementing Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Inclusive Educational Settings: A Case Study

The purpose of this study was to describe a single case of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) implementation. Case study methodology was used to describe the perspectives of educational team members regarding AAC implementation for Joey, a high school junior with athetoid cerebral palsy. Benefits included greater intelligibility for Joey and subsequent comfort of the staff. Facilitators of Joey's AAC system use included the team's student-focused disposition and willingness to implement use of the device, Joey's increased intelligibility, peers' acceptance of the technology, and the resulting increase in Joey's socialization. Limited team cohesiveness, problem solving, and communication were the true barriers in this case. Implications of these facilitators and barriers are discussed and recommendations for school-based AAC implementation are made.
Communications capacity analysis for multiple-beam processing satellites

This paper analytically compares the communications capacity of various satellite payload architectures against a fixed quality of service (QoS) metric which is connection blocking probability. The effectiveness of the payload architectures is dependent on the payload switching technique, multiple access scheme, and the number of satellite antenna beams utilized. The payloads considered are an on-board circuit switch and an on-board asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switch. It is shown that a demand assigned multiple access scheme (DAMA) with an on-board ATM switch provides the best performance in terms of communications payload resource utilization. It is also shown that DAMA with a circuit-switched payload provides efficient performance if the number of satellite beams employed is small. Finally, it is shown that the degree of DAMA resource sharing allowed in the system strongly influences resource utilization performance. The sensitivity of these results to key system parameters is determined and further work in this area is proposed.
Near-infrared (0.8-4.0 μm) spectroscopy of Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, and Rhea

Spectral measurements from the ground in the time leading up to the Cassini mission at Saturn provide important context for the interpretation of the forthcoming spacecraft data. Whereas ground-based observations cannot begin to approach the spatial scales Cassini will achieve, they do possess the benefits of better spectral resolution, a broader possible time baseline, and unique veiewing geometries not obtained by spacecraft (i.e., opposition). In this spirit, we present recent NIR reflectance spectra of four icy satellites of Saturn measured with the SpeX instrument at the IRTF. These measurements cover the range 0.8-4.0 µm of both the leading and trailing sides of Tethys and the leading side of Rhea. The L-band region (2.8-4.0 µm) offers new opportunities for searches of minor components on these objects. Additionally, these data include 0.8-2.5 µm spectra of both the leading and trailing sides of Mimas and of the (mostly) trailing side of Enceladus. The spectrum of Enceladus shows activity near 2.25 µm that we interpret as a possible signature of NH3 ice. The presence of ammonia in the Saturn system is not unexpected, and may help explain the apparent recent geologic activity of Enceladus. Analysis of leading/trailing differences in H2O band depths, spectral slopes, and albedo imply a separate regime of surface modification for Mimas and Enceladus than for the more distant icy satellites (Tethys, Dione, Rhea). Aside from the potential NH3 on Enceladus, no other minor constituents are detected in these icy surfaces.
The Predictive Brain State: Asynchrony in Disorders of Attention?

It is postulated that a key function of attention in goal-oriented behavior is to reduce performance variability by generating anticipatory neural activity that can be synchronized with expected sensory information. A network encompassing the prefrontal cortex, parietal lobe, and cerebellum may be critical in the maintenance and timing of such predictive neural activity. Dysfunction of this temporal process may constitute a fundamental defect in attention, causing working memory problems, distractibility, and decreased awareness.
Production and Characterization of Maize Chromosome 9 Radiation Hybrids Derived From an Oat-Maize Addition Line

In maize (Zea mays L., 2n = 2x = 20), map-based cloning and genome organization studies are often complicated because of the complexity of the genome. Maize chromosome addition lines of hexaploid cultivated oat (Avena sativa L., 2n = 6x = 42), where maize chromosomes can be individually manipulated, represent unique materials for maize genome analysis. Maize chromosome addition lines are particularly suitable for the dissection of a single maize chromosome using radiation because cultivated oat is an allohexaploid in which multiple copies of the oat basic genome provide buffering to chromosomal aberrations and other mutations. Irradiation (gamma rays at 30, 40, and 50 krad) of a monosomic maize chromosome 9 addition line produced maize chromosome 9 radiation hybrids (M9RHs)-oat lines possessing different fragments of maize chromosome 9 including intergenomic translocations and modified maize addition chromosomes with internal and terminal deletions. M9RHs with 1 to 10 radiation-induced breaks per chromosome were identified. We estimated that a panel of 100 informative M9RHs (with an average of 3 breaks per chromosome) would allow mapping at the 0. 5- to 1.0-Mb level of resolution. Because mapping with maize chromosome addition lines and radiation hybrid derivatives involves assays for the presence or absence of a given marker, monomorphic markers can be quickly and efficiently mapped to a chromosome region. Radiation hybrid derivatives also represent sources of region-specific DNA for cloning of genes or DNA markers.
Development of Urinary Biomarkers for Internal Exposure by Cesium-137 Using a Metabolomics Approach in Mice

Cesium-137 is a fission product of uranium and plutonium in nuclear reactors and is released in large quantities during nuclear explosions or detonation of an improvised device containing this isotope. This environmentally persistent radionuclide undergoes radioactive decay with the emission of beta particles as well as gamma radiation. Exposure to 137Cs at high doses can cause acute radiation sickness and increase risk for cancer and death. The serious health risks associated with 137Cs exposure makes it critical to understand how it affects human metabolism and whether minimally invasive and easily accessible samples such as urine and serum can be used to triage patients in case of a nuclear disaster or a radiologic event. In this study, we have focused on establishing a time-dependent metabolomic profile for urine collected from mice injected with 137CsCl. The samples were collected from control and exposed mice on days 2, 5, 20 and 30 after injection. The samples were then analyzed by ultra-performanc...
A quantitative evaluation of two methods for preserving hair samples

Hair samples are an increasingly important DNA source for wildlife studies, yet optimal storage methods and DNA degradation rates have not been rigorously evaluated. We tested amplification success rates over a one-year storage period for DNA extracted from brown bear (Ursus arctos) hair samples preserved using silica desiccation and −20 °C freezing. For three nuclear DNA microsatellites, success rates decreased significantly after a six-month time point, regardless of storage method. For a 1000 bp mitochondrial fragment, a similar decrease occurred after a two-week time point. Minimizing delays between collection and DNA extraction will maximize success rates for hair-based noninvasive genetic sampling projects.
Twig beetles, Pityophthorus spp. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), as vectors of the pitch canker pathogen in California

Twig beetles in the genus Pityophthorus Eichhoff are known to be associated with the pitch canker pathogen, Fusarium circinatum, in California. Phoresy of the pathogen on these species has been reported to occur when insects emerge from diseased branches and when they infest disease-free, cut branch tips. To demonstrate that twig beetles can vector the pathogen, studies of phoresy and transmission were conducted in a native Monterey pine, Pinus radiata D. Don (Pinaceae), forest. Phoresy was confirmed for both Pityophthorus setosus Blackman and Pityophthorus carmeli Swaine, and P. setosus was shown to vector the pitch canker pathogen when contaminated with fungal spores and caged onto Monterey pine branches. When attractive baits were used to increase visitation to Monterey pines by P. setosus, baited trees were more likely to develop pitch canker than unbaited trees even though the beetles did not tunnel into the host to develop egg galleries. Therefore, twig beetles are competent as vectors of the pitch canker pathogen, and their vectoring activity, though requiring a wound, does not require that they establish egg galleries in the host.
On scrape off layer plasma transport

Abstract Qualitative physical picture describing fast convective radial plasma transport in tokamak scrape off layer is suggested. It is based on the hypothesis of detachment of high density plasma blobs from the bulk plasma due to turbulence effects resulting in plasma stratification in the region around separatrix. These blobs extended along the magnetic field lines and having rather small cross-section in the perpendicular plane, propagate to the outer wall due to ∇ B plasma polarization and associated E → × B → drift.
BOUNDS IN MELTING SLABS WITH SEVERAL TRANSFORMATION TEMPERATURES

Abstract : The problem studied concerns the establishment of a uniqueness theorem and a comparison theorem, which are essential in the construction of bounds, for a multiphase slab which is insulated on one face and is heated in an arbitrary manner on the other. The material is assumed to possess an arbitrary but finite number of transformation temperatures. Each phase of the material may have distinct thermal properties, and each change of phase is assumed to take place at a given temperature and may be accompanied by the absorption of heat. (Author)
Initiation of breakdown in a 3-electrode plasma display panel cell

Summary form only given. Breakdown in an AC Plasma Display Panel (PDP) cell depends upon the electrode geometry and voltages, the initial wall charge, secondary emission coefficient, and the gas pressure and composition. Secondary electrons, ejected by ion impact on a dielectric-coated cathode, accelerate in the strong fields of the cathode fall, generating an avalanche of ionization events. The ions generated accelerate toward the cathode, sustaining the secondary current. When the electric field gradient is large over an electron scattering mean free path, electrons are not tied to the field lines, resulting in a spatial distribution of ionization-generated ions returning to the cathode. In this work, we consider a simple 3 electrode structure with a neon-xenon gas mixture. Using a Monte Carlo technique with the XOOPIC code, the ion distribution functions are mapped along the secondary emitting dielectric surface for the initial fields. An amplification factor can be defined along the secondary emitting surface which can be coupled with the spatial distribution of the ion flux. This technique provides a description of the initiation of the breakdown, including the locations where the discharge is amplified. The technique is readily extended to include mapping the amplification factor for discharges in progress, by including immobile space charge and surface charge.
Stokes shift spectroscopic analysis of multifluorophores for human cancer detection in breast and prostate tissues.

Stokes shift spectroscopy (S3) offers a novel and simpler way to rapidly recognize spectral fingerprints of multiple fluorophores in complex media such as in tissue. This spectroscopic technique can be used as an effective approach to detect cancer in tissue. The alterations of the measured S3 spectra between cancerous and normal tissues were observed in human breast and prostate samples. In order to obtain the optimal Stokes shift interval, Δλ i , for the purpose of breast/prostate cancer detection using S3, the S3 spectra of a mixed aqueous solution of tryptophan, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and flavin were measured with different Δλ i values. The experimental results analyzed using nonnegative least square method show that there is a reduced contribution from collagen and an increased contribution from tryptophan to the S3 signal of the cancerous tissue as compared with those of the normal tissue. This study indicates that the changes of relative contents of tryptophan and collagen in tissue shown by the S3 spectra may present potential native biomarkers for breast and prostate cancer detection. S3 has the potential to be a new armamentarium.
The reactive metabolite target protein database (TPDB) – a web-accessible resource

The toxic effects of many simple organic compounds stem from their biotransformation to chemically reactive metabolites which bind covalently to cellular proteins. To understand the mechanisms of cytotoxic responses it may be important to know which proteins become adducted and whether some may be common targets of multiple toxins. The literature of this field is widely scattered but expanding rapidly, suggesting the need for a comprehensive, searchable database of reactive metabolite target proteins. The Reactive Metabolite Target Protein Database (TPDB) is a comprehensive, curated, searchable, documented compilation of publicly available information on the protein targets of reactive metabolites of 18 well-studied chemicals and drugs of known toxicity. TPDB software enables i) string searches for author names and proteins names/synonyms, ii) more complex searches by selecting chemical compound, animal species, target tissue and protein names/synonyms from pull-down menus, and iii) commonality searches over multiple chemicals. Tabulated search results provide information, references and links to other databases. The TPDB is a unique on-line compilation of information on the covalent modification of cellular proteins by reactive metabolites of chemicals and drugs. Its comprehensiveness and searchability should facilitate the elucidation of mechanisms of reactive metabolite toxicity. The database is freely available at http://tpdb.medchem.ku.edu/tpdb.html
Evidence of Environmental Justice: A Critical Perspective on the Practice of EJ Research and Lessons for Policy Design*

Objective. This article gleans important lessons for environmental justice (EJ) policy from the empirical literature and demonstrates them using EJ analyses of Superfund sites. It constructively critiques the EJ literature and suggests some future directions for designing policy and framing the discourse. Methods. The research methods of many quantitative EJ studies are reviewed. To demonstrate sensitivity to researchers' choices, logit models are estimated to explain the nationwide distribution of Superfund sites (and deletions from the NPL) using various spatial scales, control variables, and definitions of proximity. Results. Most empirical EJ studies examine cross-sectional distributions for aggregated demographic measures, dwelling on the implied counterfactual or causal mechanism briefly, if ever. The EJ analysis for Superfund sites exhibits much sensitivity to modeling choices and to whether environmental conditions or policy impacts are modeled. Conclusions. The findings highlight the limitations of conventional EJ research designs. Several implications for the design of EJ policy are drawn, emphasizing the importance of clarity about counterfactuals and which sorts of impacts are relevant. Principles for a revised EJ policy framework are proposed.
A New Method for Collecting Clean Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Pupae of Known Age

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans L., are important pests of confined and pasture cattle. They have been reared in the laboratory to study their biology and to test new methods of control. Research on rearing modifications has concentrated on developing larval diets from materials locally abundant. Under current protocols, pupae form in the medium. Aggregations of pupae were located and removed, often with a considerable amount of extraneous material. Various methods have been developed to separate the pupae from waste material. We describe a method by which wandering larvae are enticed to leave the medium prior to pupariation. The larvae were attracted to a moist cloth on a shelf positioned at the end of the rearing pan. Almost 85% of the wandering larvae were collected on the shelf. This simplifies obtaining clean pupae and allows for collecting pupae of known age for experimental work. We also include data on the rate at which the larvae wandered onto the shelf under conditions we used in the laboratory.
Lymphocyte Transformation in Repeated Gonococcal Urethritis

In an attempt to ascertain whether cell-mediated hypersensitivity develops in the course of a naturally acquired gonorrhea infection, lymphocytes from men with gonococcal urethritis were cultured in vitro with a gonococcal antigen. The lymphocyte response was quantitated by a radioactive assay of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis. Lymphocytes from subjects without gonorrhea were cultured in a similar manner to determine the specificity of the reaction. The recurrent nature of many gonococcal infections allowed a concurrent evaluation of whether the intensity of the in vitro lymphocyte response is related to the history of previous exposure to the antigen concerned. This study revealed a significantly greater lymphocyte response to the gonococcal antigen in those with gonorrhea infections than in the nongonorrhea subjects (P < 0.01). The intensity and timing of the response were also consistent with specific lymphocyte stimulation.
Ceramics for Dental Applications: A Review

Over the past forty years, the technological evolution of ceramics for dental applications has been remarkable, as new materials and processing techniques are steadily being introduced. The improvement in both strength and toughness has made it possible to expand the range of indications to long-span fixed partial prostheses, implant abutments and implants. The present review provides a state of the art of ceramics for dental applications.
Making, Breaking and Sliding of Nanometer-Scale Contacts

The contact between an atomic force microscope tip and a sample surface can form an ideal single asperity of nanometer dimensions, where the interaction forces can be measured with sub- nanoNewton force resolution. Studies of contact, adhesion and friction for these nano-asperities have been carried out for a variety of tips and single crystal sample surfaces. The major result is the observation of proportionality between friction and true contact area for a variety of systems, and an impressive agreement with continuum mechanics models for contact area even at the nanometer scale. The relevant continuum models can in fact be understood in the framework of fracture mechanics.
Parallel VLSI-routing models for polymorphic processors array

This paper explores various parallel processing methods for concurrent multi-layer VLSI-routing. One approach is based on efficient execution of the maze routing algorithm on custom processing elements arranged in the form of a hexagonal array. The key features here are the mapping policy and the acceleration of three-dimensional search operations. Subsequently, parallel algorithms over a reconfigurable SIMD array is discussed to handle a wider range of routing applications. A routing framework is discussed that consolidates many of the existing specialized algorithms such as channel, switch-box and maze routers into one muting system. The concept of a total grid-graph is used to capture the state of the routing region and propose new and efficient parallel algorithms for cycle detection cycle elimination, and tree reduction on such graphs. The proposed algorithms scale well with increased problem sizes since they require only O (log(N)) time given a N/sup 2/-node grid-graph. Based on these algorithms, the paper develops two types of generalized detailed routers, each capable of finding paths concurrently spanning multiple layers. The first, called a parallel chord router, has the ability to compute various "useful" route patterns in close to constant time; the second is an adaptation of maze routing capable of simultaneously expanding from multiple pins. In addition, a parallel hill-climbing algorithm is discussed that can be used to improve a given route, if possible, by iteratively identifying and rewiring bends in the route.
Autoactivity of A5 neurons: role of subthreshold oscillations and persistent Na+current

A5 noradrenergic neurons play a key role in autonomic regulation, nociception, and respiration. The purpose of the present experiments was to characterize some of the intrinsic properties of A5 cel...
Traffic control in an ISDN multiplexor

A combination of synchronous and asynchronous transfer modes (STM/ATM) at a broadband ISDN (integrated services digital network) interface can lead to efficient multiplexing of isochronous and nonisochronous types of traffic if proper access and cell allocation controls are applied. The author examines traffic control at such a hybrid multiplex and presents results on its performance when operating with an access control that regulates the carried load of the blockable STM traffic according to system occupancy. Numerical results are presented. >