cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype.

Purpose: In this research, a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype was developed and characterized through quantitative investigations and phantom studies. Methods: The prototype system consists of an x-ray source, a motorized rotation stage, and a CMOS detector with a pixel pitch of 0.05 mm. The x-ray source was operated at 120 kVp for this study, and the objects were mounted on the rotation stage 76.2 cm (R1) from the source and 114.3 cm (R2) from the detector. The large air gap between the object and detector guarantees sufficient phase-shift effects. The quantitative evaluation of this prototype included modulation transfer function and noise power spectrum measurements conducted under both projection mode and tomosynthesis mode. Phantom studies were performed including three custom designed phantoms with complex structures: a five-layer bubble wrap phantom, a fishbone phantom, and a chicken breast phantom with embedded fibrils and mass structures extracted from an ACR phantom. In-plane images of the phantoms were acquired to investigate their image qualities through observation, intensity profile plots, edge enhancement evaluations, and/or contrast-to-noise ratio calculations. In addition, the robust phase-attenuation duality (PAD)-based phase retrieval method was applied to tomosynthesis for the first time in this research. It was utilized as a preprocessing method to fully exhibit phase contrast on the angular projection before reconstruction. Results: The resolution and noise characteristics of this high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype were successfully investigated and demonstrated. The phantom studies demonstrated that this imaging prototype can successfully remove the structure overlapping in phantom projections, obtain delineate interfaces, and achieve better contrast-to-noise ratio after applying phase retrieval to the angular projections. Conclusions: This research successfully demonstrated a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype. In addition, the PAD-based method of phase retrieval was combined with tomosynthesis imaging for the first time, which demonstrated its capability in significantly improving the contrast-to-noise ratios in the images.
Broadening of the sodium D lines by rare gases

Broadening of the sodium resonance lines by noble gases has been measured by observing fluorescence while scanning a laser across the lines. The impact-broadened Lorentzian linewidth is determined from the normalised absorption, detected as fluorescence, in the 5-20 GHz region of the line wings. Comparison with theory indicates reasonable overall agreement, but the increased precision of these measurements indicates many discrepancies of as much as 25%.
Iterative Estimation of a Set of Linear Regression Equations

Abstract This article develops a method of calculating iterative estimates of the coefficients of a set of linear regression equations. There are p equations such that the explanatory variables are non-stochastic and it is assumed that the random disturbances of at least one pair of equations are correlated. Provided that either different explanatory variables enter the various equations or that if the same explanatory variables enter then the observations are different, it is possible to obtain estimators that are asymptotically more efficient than the simple one-at-a-time least squares estimators. The estimators developed herein are calculated recursively using the Gauss-Seidel method of iteration. It is shown that all of the iterations are asymptotically normal, and that in the limit the iterations have the same asymptotic distribution as the generalized least squares estimator proposed by Zellner. The iterative estimators directly exploit the correlations among the random disturbances. In addition p l...
Genetic differentiation in theAedes atropalpus complex. II. Chromosomal divergence betweenAe. atropalpus andAe. epactius

Analysis of meiotic chromosomes from hybrids betweenAedes atropalpus andAe. epactius has revealed that the two species are fixed for alternate arrangements of four inversions: a paracentric inversion of chromosome 1, two paracentric inversions of chromosome 2, and a pericentric inversion of chromosome 3. This chromosomal heterozygosity in the interspecific hybrids has resulted in extensive meiolic chromosomal asynapsis. Dicentric bridges, acentric fragments, and chromosomal breakage were also associated with the heterozygous inversions. This disruption of meiosis was sufficient to account for the partial sterility observed in interspecific hybrids. No chromosomal polymorphisms, aberrations, or reduction in fertility was observed in parental strains of intraspecific hybrids of the two species.
CONTROL OF THE CHLORINE DIOXIDE-IODINE-MALONIC ACID OSCILLATING REACTION BY ILLUMINATION

We show that illumination of the chlorine dioxide−iodine−malonic acid reaction with visible light suppresses oscillations and shifts the steady state of the reaction to lower concentrations of iodide ions. In the system with starch, illumination results in a strong decrease of the steady-state concentration of the triiodide−starch complex. We suggest a simple mechanism, in which iodine atoms produced by photodissociation of molecular iodine initiate reduction of chlorine dioxide to chlorite and oxidation of iodide ions to iodine. This results in a decreased amplitude of oscillations and, at more intense illumination, the cessation of oscillations. Illumination also lowers the steady-state concentrations of iodide and the triiodide−starch complex. Results obtained from numerical simulations are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Does Gender Impact the Perception of Negative Information Related to Celebrity Endorsers

The study examines the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements by examining how a respondent's gender impacts identification with a celebrity spokesperson and the processing of negative information about that celebrity's behavior. The authors found that negative information is harmful to both celebrities’ reputations and sponsors’ brands across a variety of effectiveness measures. Gender congruency between consumers and celebrities did impact attitudes, but was not found to interact with the processing of negative information. Implications for advertisers are addressed.
Effect of unilamellar vesicle size on ethanol-induced interdigitation in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine

Abstract Unilamellar liposomes are widely used as model membranes to represent and study the properties of biological membranes and as potential drug delivery systems. It is well established that ethanol and other amphiphiles induce the interdigitated LβI phase in multilamellar vesicles of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). However, all of the work on this phase has been performed using the hand shaken multilamellar preparations. In the present report, we have studied the induction of interdigitation in a series of unilamellar vesicles prepared by sonication and by extrusion. The methods used to characterize the vesicles were freeze fracture electron microscopy and quasielastic light scattering (QELS). Two fluorescence methods were used to detect interdigitation, the DPH fluorescence quenching method (Nambi, P., Rowe, E.S. and McIntosh, T.J. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 9175-9182) and the pyrene-PC fluorescence method (Komatsu, H. and Rowe, E.S. (1991) Biochemistry 30: 2463-2470). It was found that sonicated vesicles are not stable in the presence of interdigitating concentrations of ethanol; they form higher aggregates at all temperatures examined. The behavior of the extruded vesicles was different from that of the SUV; each size studied was stable in the presence of ethanol, although they exhibited an increase in size. It was shown that extruded vesicles having a 200-nm or greater diameter become interdigitated in the presence of ethanol. The threshold concentration for interdigitation in vesicles is greater than that for MLVs and it decreases with increasing vesicle size, approaching the MLV value for the largest vesicles.
What Works in Therapy: Further Thoughts on Improving Clinical Practice for Children with Language Disorders

Purpose In this response to Kamhi (2014), the author reviewed research about what does and does not help children with language impairment (LI) to learn grammatical features and considered how that research might inform clinical practice. Method The author reviewed studies about therapy dose (the number of learning episodes per session) and dose frequency (how learning episodes are spaced over time) and also reviewed studies about dose form, including input characteristics and therapy strategies. Conclusion Although the research is limited, it offers implications for how clinicians do therapy. Children with LI need many learning episodes clustered together within sessions but spread out over time across sessions. Input must be grammatical and consistent while providing varied exemplars of the target features. Learning episodes should actively engage children in producing utterances with the target form, but only after they have had the chance to hear some utterances with that feature. The author suggests ...
Survey of state water quality monitoring programs

Budget changes, whether positive or negative, in water quality management agencies often mean a change in resources available for water quality monitoring. Many state agencies are currently facing monitoring budget cuts and, as a result, are reevaluating their monitoring programs. Such evaluations make use of a number of information sources, not the least of which are monitoring activities in other states. This article reports results of a survey of all fifty state water quality monitoring programs. Twenty questions were asked in the general areas of fixed-station monitoring, special studies, and biological monitoring. Each state was contacted by telephone at least twice during the survey. Fixed-station monitoring is conducted by 48 of 50 states. An average of 75 stations per state are sampled, generally on a monthly basis. There is a large variation in the way data are analyzed by the states; water quality indices and plots of concentration or loading over time are the most common methods. All but three states conduct special studies, but only seven repeat the studies on a regular basis. Special studies are generally problem specific as opposed to basin oriented. Biological monitoring is performed by 33 states; however, this is an area in which budget cuts are having a noticeable impact. In some cases, biological monitoring is being completely eliminated or suspended. Macroinvertebrate sampling is performed quarterly to biannualiy by 50% of the states; 75% of the states that sample macroinvertebrates do so annually. Periphyton sampling is performed by 33% of the states. Over 50% of the states are in the process of revising, or have revised, their monitoring program during the past five years. However, only four states had a detailed rationale and operating procedure for the entire monitoring system. Results of the survey are, therefore, averages of existing monitoring programs. Average results do not necessarily represent ideal situations, but do give an indication of how states are coping with their monitoring responsibilities.
Azithromycin extraction from municipal wastewater and quantitation using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

Abstract Azithromycin is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent that is approved in the United States for use in humans. Due to azithromycin's low rate of metabolism it is likely to be found in wastewater treatment plants, where its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity could lead to development of resistance in bacteria. A liquid–liquid extraction using K2CO3 and methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE) was used to extract azithromycin from 10 ml aliquots of wastewater. Liquid chromatography was performed using a Luna C18(2) (30 mm × 2.0 mm) column with a mass spectrometer friendly mobile phase containing 50:24:2:24 acetonitrile, methanol, tetrahydrofuran, and 0.04 M ammonium hydroxide. The mass spectrometer used an electrospray source with positive ionization and an ion trap detector. A linear standard curve from 5 to 200 pg/ml was validated and used to quantitate azithromycin in wastewater.
Safety and Tolerability of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Effects on Biomarkers in Healthy Adults: Results from a Randomized Masked Trial

Background There are few carefully-designed studies investigating the safety of individual probiotics approved under Investigational New Drug policies.
Simultaneous extraction of multiple orientational constraints of membrane proteins by 13C-detected N-H dipolar couplings under magic angle spinning.

Abstract A 13 C-detected N–H dipolar coupling technique is introduced for uniaxially mobile membrane proteins for orientation determination using unoriented samples. For proteins undergoing rigid-body uniaxial rotation in the lipid bilayer, the intrinsic equality between the dipolar coupling constants measured in unoriented samples and the anisotropic coupling measured in static oriented samples has been shown recently. Here, we demonstrate that the orientation-sensitive backbone N–H dipolar couplings can be measured with 13 C detection using 2D and 3D MAS correlation experiments, so that maximal site resolution can be achieved and multiple orientational constraints can be extracted from each experiment. We demonstrate this technique on the M2 transmembrane peptide of the influenza A virus, where the N–H dipolar couplings of various residues fit to a dipolar wave for a helical tilt angle of 37°, in excellent agreement with data obtained from singly 15 N-labeled samples.
Morse-Smale Regression

This article introduces a novel partition-based regression approach that incorporates topological information. Partition-based regression typically introduces a quality-of-fit-driven decomposition of the domain. The emphasis in this work is on a topologically meaningful segmentation. Thus, the proposed regression approach is based on a segmentation induced by a discrete approximation of the Morse–Smale complex. This yields a segmentation with partitions corresponding to regions of the function with a single minimum and maximum that are often well approximated by a linear model. This approach yields regression models that are amenable to interpretation and have good predictive capacity. Typically, regression estimates are quantified by their geometrical accuracy. For the proposed regression, an important aspect is the quality of the segmentation itself. Thus, this article introduces a new criterion that measures the topological accuracy of the estimate. The topological accuracy provides a complementary mea...
Current Practice in Pulmonary Function Testing

More than 30 million Americans have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, with internists, pediatricians, and family physicians providing most of their medical care. Recent management guidelines for asthma and COPD recommend regular use of spirometry for the diagnosis and management of these disorders. Because of the development of easy-to-use office-based spirometers, an increasing number of physicians have ready access to spirometry. Beyond simple spirometry, various tests are available from many pulmonary function laboratories for more detailed evaluation of patients with respiratory disorders. For these reasons, all physicians who care for patients with pulmonary disease must understand basic pulmonary function testing and have a fundamental understanding of more sophisticated tests. A series of performance standards has been developed for improved accuracy and precision of pulmonary function tests. Physicians responsible for administering and interpreting pulmonary function tests, even simple spirometry, must be aware of relevant guidelines. This concise review addresses current indications for pulmonary function testing, provides an overview of the studies commonly available in modern pulmonary function laboratories, and includes comments on basic interpretation and testing standards.
Islam and the Dinka of the Southern Sudan from the Pre-Colonial Period to Independence (1956)

The resistance to Islam by the Dinka peoples of the Southern Sudan, up until the independence period of 1956, can be explained in that Dinka society could, in no way, utilize Islam culturally, politically, or religiously. Rather, the vibrant and ecologically powerful Dinka life-system remained impervious to most outside forces.
Effects of diethyldithiocarbamate and nickel chloride on glutathione and trace metal concentrations in rat liver.

Abstract Concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and 4 trace metals (Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn) were measured in livers from rats treated with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC, 0.67 or 1.33 mmol/ kg, i.m.) and NiCl 2 (0.25 or 0.50 mmol/kg, s.c.), singly or in combination. In rats treated with DDC or NiCl 2 , singly, hepatic GSH was diminished at 4 h and returned to control levels (or slightly above) at 17 h. In rats that received DDC plus NiCl 2 , hepatic GSH was not diminished at 4 h and was increased 1.4–1.8-fold at 17 h. Hepatic GSSG was diminished at 4 h after NiCl 2 treatment and returned to control values at 17 h; hepatic GSSG did not differ from control values at 4 h or 17 h after treatment with DDC, alone or combined with NiCl 2 . Hepatic Ni was below the detection limit (∼ 20 nmol/g) in control and DDC-treated rats; hepatic Ni was increased to 53 ± 26 (S.D.) nmol/g at 17 h after treatment with NiCl 2 alone, and was increased 6-fold (308 ± 63 nmol/g in rats that received Ni plus DDC. Under the same conditions, hepatic Zn was increased 33% or 41%, respectively, in rats that received NiCl 2 or DDC, singly, and was not further increased by combined treatment; hepatic Cu and Mn concentrations were unaffected by NiCl 2 or DDC, singly, but were diminished in rats that received NiCl 2 and DDC. This study suggests: (a) that increased hepatic uptake of Ni is largely responsible for the synergistic induction of heme oxygenase activity in rats treated with NiCl 2 and DDC; and (b) that increased hepatic uptake of Zn contributes to the induction of hepatic metallothionein by NiCl 2 and DDC.
The fluorescent antibody test for malaria.

(1971). The Fluorescent Antibody Test for Malaria. CRC Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 601-619.
Surface structure of niobium-doped potassium tantalate KTa1 − xNbxO3 obtained from helium atom scattering studies

Helium atom scattering experiments have been carried out on the (001) surface of KTaO(3) doped with 6, 10 and 15% Nb, produced by cleaving in situ single crystal samples. Several phenomena were observed through He atom diffraction measurements, including metastable behavior immediately after cleaving, reconstruction of a fraction of the surface to (2 × 1) domains after thermally cycling the surface temperatures, and the distribution of step heights of terraces at the surface as multiples of the unit cell dimension of ∼ 4 A. In addition, a large hysteresis effect was found in the (100) azimuth in the variation of surface reflectivity with surface temperature; a much smaller hysteresis effect was found in the (110) azimuth. The hysteresis effects appear for all Nb doping concentrations. Finally, small oscillations in the specular and Bragg diffraction intensities near the surface temperature 80 K were also observed.
Refractive index gradient detection of biopolymers separated by high-temperature liquid chromatography

Abstract A refractive index gradient (RIG) detector has been successfully applied in both mobile phase gradient (MPG) and thermal gradient (TG) microbore liquid chromatography (μLC). The RIG detector is based upon probing the radial RIG of the material passing through a small-volume z -configuration flow cell with a 390-μm internal radius. The optimum RIG sensitivity was at a position of 225μm offset parallel to the flow cell center axis. This optimum position was probed by a 200μm diameter collimated laser beam produced by fiber optic techniques. The performance of MPG-μLC and TG-μLC with RIG detection was evaluated using mixtures of n -alkanes and 1,2-diacylphosphatidylcholines (a class of phospholipid biopolymers). Baseline drift for the gradient separations was found to be quite small, in contrast to the performance one would obtain using conventional RI detection. Furthermore, the detection limit for the integrated RIG signal was routinely 2.10 −8 RI units (3 × baseline root mean square noise). The technique of TG-μLC with RIG detection was found to dramatically reduce the analysis time for the biopolymer separation, while providing detection limits below 100 ng injected phospholipid.
The structure of amorphous Ge

Abstract Small angle X-ray scattering experiments, along with radial distribution analysis, have been carried out on amorphous Ge prepared by three methods: evaporation, sputtering and electrodeposition. The small angle scattering shows that the void distributions in the three types of Ge differ considerably, while their radial distribution functions show that the short range order (SRO) is essentially the same. The SRO is shown to be well fitted by the results of recent computer simulations of the deposition process. The accumulated evidence supports the continuous random network model for amorphous Ge.
Changes in circulating levels of neuroendocrine and thymic hormones during aging in rats: a correlation study.

It is well established that during early life the thymus gland and the neuroendocrine system influence each other's maturation. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that the immune and neuroendocrine systems also function as a bidirectional network during adult life. In order to assess possible changes in the thymicneuroendocrine network during aging, we undertook to measure and correlate the circulating levels of several neuroendocrine and thymic hormones in young (3 month) and old (26 month) male Sprague-Dawley rats. Sequential plasma samples were obtained from chronically cannulated, nonstressed animals every 30 min for 5 h. Two days later rats were killed between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and trunk serum was obtained. All hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay. Growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), thyrotropin (TSH) and corticosterone were measured in plasma, whereas thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thymosin α1 (Tα1) and thymosin β4 (Tβ4) were determined in trunk serum. The circulating levels of T3, PRL, corticosterone and Tβ4 did not show significant differences between young and old rats, whereas GH, T4, Tα1, and thymus weight showed a significant age-related reduction. The anterior pituitary (AP) weight and plasma TSH were significantly higher in old than in young rats. Three pairs of parameters showed highly significant levels of linear correlation: AP weight vs. Tα1; thymus weight vs. T4 and Tα1 vs. T4 (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Our results suggest that thymus involution during aging has a significant impact on serum Tα1 levels, but not on Tβ4, and that some age changes in thyroid and thymic function are closely correlated in the rat.
Using the structure of the abstract to clarify and organize students' thinking

Students in STEM fields, with mountains of details to report, are often overwhelmed by the mass of data and are frequently unable to synthesize, or even begin to write, a coherent narrative. The structure of the journal abstract is a powerful and underutilized tool that instructors can use to help overwhelmed students express their core ideas. This interactive process is a flexible technique that transfers ownership to the students, engaging them in defining and developing the message they will convey. With the focus on communication of key concepts rather than on writing, students discover the story they want to tell. As a result, students focus their thinking better, develop their material more thoroughly, and generate a richer description of their work. Instructors can also use the abstract framework to help students analyze published abstracts in peer-reviewed journals. Using this approach helps students develop stronger abstracts of their own work, thus enabling them to present themselves as knowledgeable members of their academic or professional communities.
Persistence of energy savings: What do we know and how can it be ensured

This paper presents a conceptual framework for analyzing persistence of energy savings, summarizes the limited experience of what we know about persistence, provides guidance for conducting retrospective and prospective persistence studies, and suggests strategies for ensuring persistence. Because this area of research is in its infancy, unequivocal conclusions about persistence would be premature. Accordingly, this paper provides guidance for both conducting research in this area and developing policies and mechanisms to help ensure the persistence of energy savings.
Mass flux and undertow in a surf zone

Abstract The mass of water carried shoreward by the breaking waves in a surf zone will, in a two-dimensional situation, be compensated by a seaward return flow, the undertow. It is shown that the undertow is driven by the local difference between radiation stress and the set-up pressure gradient which only balance each other in average over the depth. Turbulent shear stresses are required to maintain a steady situation. Comparison with measurements confirms the theoretical results.
A critical look at rare plant monitoring in the United States

Abstract The study of rate and endangered plant species has dramatically increased in recent years. This report describes three types of monitoring studies: inventory, survey and demographic. It also assess the efficiency and accuracy of the methods used in 172 monitoring projects in the United States, and makes recommendations for planning, methodology and administration. In particular, complex projects should undergo rigorous review of their goals and methods, lest they become expensive failures.
Architecture of distributed data base systems

Abstract Research and development over the last twenty years has culminated in the widespread use of data base management system (DBMS) software. As usage has grown, the desire to link and integrate separate data bases has resulted in substantial effort being directed towards the design of distributed data base systems. This paper presents the major architectures which have emerged for distributed data base systems. The architectures are compared and evaluated. Sixteen distributed data base management system (DDBMS) projects have been surveyed and classified according to the architectures. The various projects represent widely differing stages of effort: academic research, industrial testbeds, and commercial prototypes. The survey reviews important features of the DDBMSs. It does not attempt a qualitative performance comparison. The focus is instead on identification of overall architectural characteristics. The usefulness of the survey lies in the summary information which it imparts on current research, and in the classification scheme for generic distributed data base architectures which it provides.
A finite element procedure for multiscale wave equations with application to plasma waves

A finite element wave-packet procedure is presented to solve problems of wave propagation in multi-scale behavior. The proposed scheme combines the advantages of the finite element and spectral methods. The basic formulation is presented, and the capabilities of the procedure are demonstrated through the solution of some illustrative problems, including a problem that characterizes the mode-conversion behavior in plasmas.
Trends in acute mental health care: comparing psychiatric and substance abuse treatment programs.

This study compared psychiatric and substance abuse acute care programs, within both inpatient and residential modalities of care, on organization and staffing, clinical management practices and policies, and services and activities. A total of 412 (95% of those eligible) Department of Veterans Affairs' programs were surveyed nationwide. Some 40% to 50% of patients in psychiatric and substance abuse programs, in both inpatient and residential venues of care, had dual diagnoses. Even though psychiatric programs had a sicker patient population, they provided fewer services, including basic components of integrated programs, than substance abuse programs did. Findings also showed that there is a strong emphasis on the use of clinical practice guidelines, performance monitoring, and obtaining client satisfaction and outcome data in mental health programs. The author's suggest how psychiatric programs might better meet the needs of acutely ill and dually diagnosed patients (eg, by incorporating former patients as role models and mutual help groups, as substance abuse programs do; and by having policies that balance patient choice with program demand).
Reaction Mechanism of the ε Subunit of E. coli DNA Polymerase III: Insights into Active Site Metal Coordination and Catalytically Significant Residues

The 28 kDa epsilon subunit of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III is the exonucleotidic proofreader responsible for editing polymerase insertion errors. Here, we study the mechanism by which epsilon carries out the exonuclease activity. We performed quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations on the N-terminal domain containing the exonuclease activity. Both the free-epsilon and a complex epsilon bound to a theta homologue (HOT) were studied. For the epsilon-HOT complex Mg(2+) or Mn(2+) were investigated as the essential divalent metal cofactors, while only Mg(2+) was used for free-epsilon. In all calculations a water molecule bound to the catalytic metal acts as the nucleophile for hydrolysis of the phosphate bond. Initially, a direct proton transfer to H162 is observed. Subsequently, the nucleophilic attack takes place followed by a second proton transfer to E14. Our results show that the reaction catalyzed with Mn(2+) is faster than that with Mg(2+), in agreement with experiment. In addition, the epsilon-HOT complex shows a slightly lower energy barrier compared to free-epsilon. In all cases the catalytic metal is observed to be pentacoordinated. Charge and frontier orbital analyses suggest that charge transfer may stabilize the pentacoordination. Energy decomposition analysis to study the contribution of each residue to catalysis suggests that there are several important residues. Among these, H98, D103, D129, and D146 have been implicated in catalysis by mutagenesis studies. Some of these residues were found to be structurally conserved on human TREX1, the exonuclease domains from E. coli DNA-Pol I, and the DNA polymerase of bacteriophage RB69.
Multiscale networks for distributed consensus algorithms

We introduce a multiscale network construction that accelerates the convergence of distributed consensus algorithms on the network. Local update rules are given to account for node and edge failure, and the trade-off between performance and robustness of the multilevel network is investigated. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the improved convergence rate obtained using the new algorithm.
The Role of Driver Age and Gender in Motor Vehicle Fatal Crashes

This study compares the age and gender of at-fault drivers who were involved in fatal crashes and the corresponding driving errors that contributed to these crashes. This comparison provides insights that may help traffic engineers devise countermeasures to lessen the number of these unnecessary deaths. Data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) for the years 2001 through 2003 were used in this study. The analysis included passenger vehicles (automobiles, utility vehicles, minivans, and pickup trucks) involved in either single- or two-vehicle crashes. The driver responsible in each crash was identified through the driver error variable codes as listed in the FARS databases. Younger drivers (16 through 19 years of age) and the elderly (those 75 and older) were responsible for a disproportionate amount of fatality-related crashes. When combined these two groups accounted for only 6.4% of the total miles driven in 2001, but they were responsible for 83.1% of the fatal crashes attributed to drive...
Synthesis strategies for multicomponent separation systems with energy integration

The problem of synthesizing an optimal multicomponent separation system which is energy integrated is solved by a combined decomposition and dynamic programming technique. Dynamic programming is an optimization technique which allows the solution by decomposition of a multistage or serial optimization problem. Whenever the special serial structure is absent, again decomposition can be tried, but in this case it is by no means obvious how to decompose effectively the given problem into subproblems. In this paper the nonserial problem of synthesizing an energy integrated separation system is solved by decomposing the original problem so that a serial structure results.
REACTIVE OXYGEN METABOLISM IN INTERTIDAL FUCUS SPP. (PHAEOPHYCEAE)

Our previous research suggests that interspecific variation in stress tolerance in intertidal Fucus spp. (Phaeophyceae) is partially mediated by differences in the production of, or ability to detoxify, reactive oxygen. Here we report on the content of antioxidants (ascorbate, glutathione, carotenoids, and tocopherols) and protective enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) involved in reactive oxygen metabolism in three species of intertidal brown algae—Fucus spiralis L., F. evanescens C. Ag., and F. distichus L.—that differ in stress tolerance and position in the intertidal zone. Contents of the major antioxidants were similar in the three species and were not correlated with stress tolerance. The least stress tolerant species, F. distichus, had the lowest activity of reactive-oxygen-scavenging enzymes, although F. spiralis, the species with the highest stress tolerance, and F. evanescens contained similar activities of antioxidant enzymes on a fresh-weight basis. However, the activities of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase in F. evanescens are lower than those of F. spiralis when expressed on the basis of chlorophyll. These data show that the ratio between reactive oxygen protection and production might be more important than the absolute content of antioxidants and protective enzymes. It also shows the importance of localization of detoxifying mechanisms and avoidance of oxidative stress.
Biotinylation modifies red cell antigens.

BACKGROUND: Chemical biotinylation of red cell membranes may be useful for several clinical applications, including red cell survival studies. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To examine the possible effects of biotinylation on red cell antigens, standard hemagglutination assays were performed on matched sets of control and biotinylated red cells.The red cells were biotinylated at a final concentration of 2.0 pg of sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimide-biotin per cell, and antigen-negative cells were directly compared to antigen-positive cells when possible. The hemagglutination assays were graded in a blinded fashion. Forty-one red cell antigens from 21 of the 23 established blood group systems were tested. RESULTS: Hemagglutination based upon antibody binding to A, A 1 , M, N, S, s, P 1 , D, C, E, c, e, C w , Lu b , K, k, Kp b , Le a , Le b , Fy a , Fy b , Jk a , Jk b , Di a , Wr a , Wr b , Yt a , Xg a , Sc1, Do b , Co a , Ch, H, Ge2, Cr a , Kn a , I, and P was not affected by biotinylation. Unexpectedly, the hemagglutination of Di(b+) and LW(a+) red cells was blocked after biotinylation. Conversely, MH04 monoclonal anti-A agglutinated red cells expressing B only after biotinylation. BIRMA-1 monoclonal anti-A and polyclonal anti-A from sera did not agglutinate the biotinylated B red cells. CONCLUSION: Biotinylation of human red cells specifically modified their antigenicity, as measured by standard hemagglutination assays.
ON THE SENSITIVITY OF GRAVITY MODEL FORECASTS

In this paper we present a procedure for estimating small changes in gravity model forecasts in response to small changes in input values (trip end totals and/or parameter values). The procedure can be used to derive covariance matrices from which confidence intervals may be obtained and which may be used for tests of hypotheses. While this type of problem has been addressed by others, our approach is the only one that is conveniently applicable to the doubly constrained model and can accommodate the large numbers of origin and destination zones one typically encounters.
Chip-Scale Modeling of Electroplated Copper Surface Profiles

In this paper, a methodology for the characterization and modeling of pattern-dependent problems in copper interconnect topography is presented. For the electroplating process, the methodology consists of test structure and mask design to examine feature scale copper step height and the height of copper array regions as a function of underlying layout parameters. Semiempirical response surface models are then generated with model parameters extracted from conventional and superfill plating processes. Once the models are calibrated, layout parameters including pattern density, linewidth distributions, and line length are extracted for each cell in a 40 X 40 μm discretization of any random chip layout. Then, a chip-scale prediction is achieved by simulating generalized average heights for each grid cell across the entire chip. The prediction result shows root mean square errors of less than 1000 A for array height and around 500 A for step height. This methodology provides the first known chip-scale prediction of electroplated topography.
Stresses generated by impurities in diamond

Abstract Single dissolved nitrogen, boron or hydrogen atoms cause the diamond lattice around them to expand by 40%, 33.7% and 31%, respectively. Such large atomic strains generate short-range stresses around each dissolved impurity atom. If the impurity is dissolved uniformly in a diamond crystal, the atomic strains around each impurity atom will produce an overall uniform expansion that will not generate macro stresses in the diamond crystal. However, if the impurity is not dissolved uniformly, incompatible macrostrains will result that will generate large elastic stresses in the diamond crystal. These stresses may strengthen or weaken a diamond crystal depending on their magnitudes, signs (i.e. compression or tension) and spatial distributions in the crystal. An inhomogeneous distribution of impurities can be generated either by the appearance of higher order growth facets during crystal growth, which generate differential segregation of impurities between the high- and low-order crystal growth sectors or by temporal changes in growth conditions which generate radial impurity gradients. Since growth conditions control the distribution of impurities in the diamond, diamonds can be strengthened or weakened by different growth conditions.
Chemical scale studies of the Phe-Pro conserved motif in the cys loop of Cys loop receptors.

The functions of two conserved residues, Phe135 and Pro136, located at the apex of the Cys loop of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor are investigated. Both residues were substituted with natural and unnatural amino acids, focusing on the role of aromaticity at Phe135, backbone conformation at Pro136, side chain polarity and volume, and the specific interaction between the aromatic side chain and the proline. NMR spectroscopy studies of model peptides containing proline and unnatural proline analogues following a Phe show a consistent increase in the population of the cis conformer relative to peptides lacking the Phe. In the receptor, a strong interaction between the Phe and Pro residues is evident, as is a strong preference for aromaticity and hydrophobicity at the Phe site. A similar influence of hydrophobicity is observed at the proline site. In addition, across a simple homologous series of proline analogues, the results reveal a correlation between receptor function and cis bias at the proline backbone. This could suggest a significant role for the cis proline conformer at this site in receptor function.
Influenza A virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase cleaves influenza mRNA in vitro

Abstract We have investigated the endonuclease activity of the influenza A virus RNA polymerase in an in vitro assay with an artificial influenza-like mRNA containing a cap structure at its 5′ terminus, followed by a 10 nt s-globin mRNA sequence, and the 5′ and 3′ conserved termini of a truncated nucleoprotein (NP) cRNA influenza sequence. Results showed that partially purified virion ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) and micrococcal nuclease treated RNPs cleaved the artificial influenza-like mRNA substrate specifically at positions near the 5′ terminus to generate capped 14 and 15 nucleotide long RNA fragments which subsequently served as primers to initiate transcription. The endonuclease activity was completely blocked by addition of cap analog and competitively inhibited by added globin mRNA. Furthermore, an in vitro reconstituted influenza RNA transcription reaction containing a truncated NP vRNA as template, micrococcal nuclease treated RNPs and globin mRNA as primer, synthesized capped and uncapped full length (+) sense products. Enzyme kinetics showed that capped RNA was made earlier in the reaction; it reached a peak at 120 min and then declined. However, uncapped cRNA synthesis appeared later and remained as the dominant product later in the reaction. The nature of these products was confirmed by ribonuclease protection assays and by primer extension.
Population structure, spite, and the iterated Prisoner's Dilemma

Evolutionary stability (sensu Maynard Smith: Evolution and the Theory of Games, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982) of TIT FOR TAT (TFT) under the social ecology of the iterated Prisoner's Dilemma is a function of the number of pure TFT groups (dyads) in the population, relative to the social position of a focal invading defector. Defecting against TFT always raises the defector's relative intragroup fitness; when Axelrod's (Am. Polit. Sci. Rev. 75:306–318, 1981; The Evolution of Cooperation. New York: Basic Books, 1984) Evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) conditions are met, defection also lowers the absolute fitness of the defector. Here the retaliatory (punishing) character of TFT converts defection into spite, permitting pure TFT groups to sufficiently outproduce the defector for the latter's evolutionary suppression. Increasing the relative impact of spiteful defection on a population lowers the range of evolutionary stability for TFT. When individuals participate in multiple dyads, those participating in the greatest number of dyads are most likely to provide a vehicle for the successful invasion of defection. Within social networks, ESS conditions for TFT are thus individual specific. This logic is generalized to the context of an interated n-person Prisoner's Dilemma, providing a cooperative solution conceptually identical with TFT in the two-person game.
Dependence of the ultimate properties of a GR-S rubber on strain rate and temperature

Abstract The tensile strength and ultimate elongation of polymeric materials depend on both the temperature and experimental time scale. The mechanical properties of amorphous polymers at temperatures above their glass transition temperature Tg are more amenable to treatment in terms of molecular theories than are their mechanical properties at temperatures below Tg or the mechanical properties of crystalline polymers. For amorphous polymers at temperatures above Tg the viscoelastic properties in small deformations have been studied rather extensively, and several molecular theories—essentially identical—have been published. In contrast, few systematic studies have been made of the effect of time and temperature on the ultimate properties. Consequently, only a limited amount of data is available which can serve as a basis for developing and verifying molecular theories dealing with ultimate properties. A recent theory by F. Bueche treats the time and temperature dependence of tensile strength. According t...
Revising Biblical Translation: Luther's Lexical Choices in Matthew between 1522 ( Septembertestament ) and 1545, Compared with the Greek Source Text

After Martin Luther first translated and published the New Testament in 1522, he immediately began the work of revision—work that would last through his lifetime and beyond. Working with a group of biblical scholars, he made thousands of changes to the text, continuing until his death in 1546. Although some critics have seen Luther's earlier language as vulgar and coarse—particularly in the Gospels— and have suggested that he refined his language over time, others suggest that a more differentiated view is necessary. This article examines the lexical differences in the Gospel of Matthew between the Septembertestament of 1522 and the last Bible published during Luther's lifetime, in 1545. Major lexical changes are compared with the Greek source text, and assigned to three major classes: (I) changes that bring the translation closer to the original Greek meaning; (II) changes that diverge from a close rendering of the source text, for comprehension or esthetic reasons; and (III) changes that are neutral with regard to the source, originating from target language (German) considerations. Most major changes arise from either the source text or understandability considerations. The original lexical choices in the 1522 version are not as coarse or extreme as some have suggested.