cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Possible 3 + state in Be 12 from the Be 11 ( d , p ) reaction

A simple calculation indicates that the observed energy and width of a state at 6.02(15) MeV in Be 12 , populated in the Be 11 ( d , p ) reaction, are consistent with expectation for the first 3 + state with dominant configuration Be 10 (ground state) × ( 2 s 1 / 2 ) ( 1 d 5 / 2 ) .
Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured Cux (Mn1.5-x/2Co1.5-x/2)O4 as an interconnect coating for solid oxide fuel cell

Manganese-Cobalt Oxide (MCO) spinel oxide is a promising composition as a protective coating for the metallic interconnects of a SOFC. In an effort to reach better properties, such as suitable thermal expansion match, good electrical conductivity, and fine structural stability, various elements have been doped in the spinel structure. In this study, the effect of Cu addition as a dopant on the electrical properties of MCO spinel is investigated. Powders with a nominal composition Cux(Mn1.5-x/2Co1.5-x/2)O4 (x=0, 0.15, and 0.3) were successfully synthesized based on the sol-gel Pechini method. The phase composition and microstructure of the synthesized powder were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The XRD results revealed that a pure phase with a spinel structure was obtained for different amounts of doped samples. The microstructural characteristics of the synthesized powders revealed that the average particle size of the powder decreased from about 84nm to 52nm with the introduction of Cu. To evaluate the effect of Cu on the sintering behavior of MCO, the powder was pressed and sintered at 1200°C for 2h. The density measurement and FESEM results showed that the addition of Cu promotes the sintering mechanism, and the density was improved. In addition, the electrical properties of the samples were evaluated using the 2probe direct current technique at different temperatures. The results revealed that the addition of 0.3 Cu increased the electrical conductivity of the sample from 0.102 to 0.218 S.cm-1 at 800°C. This significant improvement can be attributed to the promotion of sintering and also facilitating electron flow by substitution of Cu+2 cations in the spinel structure.
Obeying Orders: Atrocity, Military Discipline and the Law of War

A soldier obeys illegal orders, thinking them lawful. When should we excuse his misconduct as based in reasonable error? How can courts convincingly convict the soldier's superior officer when, after Nuremberg, criminal orders are expressed through winks and nods, hints and insinuations? Can our notions of the soldier's "due obedience," designed for the Roman legionnaire, be brought into closer harmony with current understandings of military conflict in the contemporary world? Mark J. Osiel answers these questions in light of new learning about atrocity and combat cohesion, as well as changes in warfare and the nature of military conflict. Sources of atrocity are far more varied than current law assumes, and such variations display consistent patterns. The law now generally requires that soldiers resolve all doubts about the legality of a superior's order in favor of obedience. It excuses compliance with an illegal order unless the illegality - as with flagrant atrocities - would be immediately obvious to anyone. But these criteria are often in conflict and at odds with the law's underlying principles and policies. Combat and peace operations now depend more on tactical imagination, self-discipline, and loyalty to immediate comrades than on immediate, unreflective adherence to the letter of superiors' orders, backed by threat of formal punishment. The objective of military law is to encourage deliberative judgment. This can be done, Osiel suggests, in ways that enhance the accountability of our military forces, in both peace operations and more traditional conflicts, while maintaining their effectiveness. Osiel seeks to "civilianize" military law while building on soldiers' own internal ideals of professional virtuousness. He returns to the ancient ideal of martial honor, reinterpreting it in light of new conditions, arguing that it should be implemented through realistic training in which legal counsel plays an enlarged role rather than by threat of legal prosecution. Obeying Orders thus offers a compelling answer to the question that has most haunted the moral imagination of the late twentieth century: the roots - and restraint - of mass atrocity in war.
Expression and characterization of a lepidopteran general odorant binding protein.

Abstract Olfaction in moths involves the transport of volatile, hydrophobic odorant molecules through the aqueous interior of the antennal sensory hairs by soluble odorant binding proteins. Two subfamilies of the 17 kDa general odorant binding proteins, GOBP1 and GOBP2, are 47–57% identical to each other and 21–57% to the pheromone binding proteins (PBP s ); identity within a GOBP subfamily exceeds 78% in all lepidopteran species examined. However, the ligands for GOBPs are unknown. In order to investigate odorant specificities of GOBPs, recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli using PCR-prepared expression cassettes based on the cDNA sequences of GOBP1 and GOBP2 from Manduca sexta . Both soluble and insoluble recombinant GOBPs (rGOBP s ) were obtained, and the inclusion body GOBPs were solubilized, refolded and purified. The soluble and refolded rGOBPs were purified by preparative isoelectric focusing (IEF), gel filtration, and finally by ion-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). Only rGOBP2, but not rGOBP1, was crossreactive with an anti-GOBP2 ( Antheraea polyphemus ) antiserum, rGOBP2, but not rGOBP1, could be photoaffinity labelled by the diazoacetate pheromone analog [ 3 H]-6E,11Z, 16:Dza. For rGOBP2, plant odors such as (Z)-3-hexen-l-ol (3Z-6:OH), geraniol, geranyl acetate, and limonene showed significant competition for binding; binding specificity was sensitive to pH and to salt concentrations. Circular dichroism (CD) confirms that, as with the pheromone binding proteins, GOBP2 is predominantly a-helical. Although the characterization of rGOBP1 has resisted analysis, rGOBP2 is readily prepared and studied. We suggest that GOBP2 may be broadly tuned to a class of “green” and floral odors.
Hybrid finite element/waveguide mode analysis for infinite phased arrays of cavity radiators

A hybrid finite element method (HFEM) has been developed for analyzing the scanning properties of cavity radiators imbedded in an infinite phased array. By expressing the transverse boundary fields in terms of waveguide modes on the cavity's feed side and Floquet modes on the radiating side, continuity conditions are imposed on the variational functional. Three-dimensional vector finite elements are used to expand the electric field inside the cavity. Validation results for the implementation of this approach in a computer code are presented. These results demonstrate that the method is accurate and versatile, correctly predicting the scanning performance of a large variety of practical array radiators. >
Peripheral astrophysical radiative capture processes.

We present a survey of the latest results for the astrophysical S-factors for the peripheral radiative capture reactions 7Be(p, γ)8B and α(d,γ)6Li.
Priority setting in government: Beyond the magic bullet

Abstract Priority setting can be a painful and divisive process, but it is a necessary activity—particularly in times of resource scarcity. In this article, the issue is examined from the perspective of planners in the public sector. First, the causes of ambivalence in tackling priorities are examined. Second, roles are suggested for agency planners to play to reduce this ambivalence. Finally, three different models for priority setting in the public sector are proposed — based on the premise that priority-setting processes should be tailored to match the situation. ‘One size does not fit all.’
Patent foramen ovale in liver transplant recipients does not negatively impact short-term outcomes

Aim Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common atrial septal defect that is largely asymptomatic and often undiagnosed. The impact of a PFO in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is unknown. Objective Assess the impact of PFO and physiologic intrapulmonary shunt (IPS) on the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent LT. Methods We performed a retrospective, intention-to-treat analysis of patients with PFO and controls without PFO who underwent LT at Mayo Clinic in Florida between 2008 and 2013. Patients with physiologic IPS were also analyzed. The cohorts were compared for baseline characteristics, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), postoperative oxygen requirements, 30-d cerebrovascular accidents, and mortality. Results Of the 935 patients who underwent LT, 10.4% had proven PFO by pre-LT echocardiogram. Control patients (n = 101) were statistically older than PFO and IPS (n = 56) patients, but similar in sex, BMI, Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, and left ventricular ejection fraction. PFO and IPS patients had similar length of stay in the ICU, mechanical ventilation times, post-LT oxygen requirements, and 30-d mortality compared to controls. Subgroup analysis showed similar outcomes for large PFO and IPS patients to controls. Conclusions The presence of PFO did not have a negative impact on perioperative LT outcomes.
Relaxation of a Goldstino-like mode due to supersymmetry breaking in Bose-Fermi mixtures

In the presence of nonrelativistic supersymmetry, a sharp fermionic collective mode similar to the Goldstino mode in high-energy physics was proposed to be realized in Bose-Fermi mixtures. The Goldstino mode is relaxed (i.e., decays) if supersymmetry is explicitly broken, which can be revealed as the broadening of the corresponding spectral function. We find that the situation shares many similarities with the electron-spin resonance in magnetic systems and adopt the well-known Kubo-Tomita theory to perform a general analysis of the spectral-function line-shape broadening of the Goldstino mode.
Spine Morphology and Plasticity in X-linked Mental Retardations

In the past several years, a multitude of genes has been linked to mental retardations in humans, in particular the most commonly occurring X-linked mental retardations. An emerging idea is that structural and functional abnormali- ties in spines and synapses are a common feature of mental retardations. Consistent with this concept, a number of genes that control synaptic function have been implicated in X-linked mental retardations. In this review we discuss aberrations in spine and synapse structure and function in X-linked human mental retardations and corresponding mouse models with mutations in genes that modulate synaptic structure and function. A thorough understanding of these synaptic structures and abnormalities would enhance our knowledge of the normal process of learning and understand how synaptic aberra- tions contribute to cognitive deficits such as those observed in mental retardations.
The activity-composition relationship of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in aqueous salt solutions: III. Vapor-liquid water equilibration of NaCl solutions to 350°C

Abstract The effect of dissolved NaCl on equilibrium oxygen and hydrogen isotope fractionation factors between liquid water and water vapor was precisely determined in the temperature range from 130–350°C, using two different types of apparatus with static or dynamic sampling techniques of the vapor phase. The magnitude of the oxygen and hydrogen isotope effects of NaCl is proportional to the molality of liquid NaCl solutions at a given temperature. Dissolved NaCl lowers appreciably the hydrogen isotope fractionation factor between liquid water and water vapor over the entire temperature range. NaCl has little effect on the oxygen isotope fractionation factor at temperatures below about 200°C, with the magnitude of the salt effect gradually increasing from 200–350°C. Our results are at notable variance with those of Truesdell (1974) and Kazahaya (1986), who reported large oxygen and hydrogen isotope effects of NaCl with very complex dependencies on temperature and NaCl molality. Our high-temperature results have been regressed along with our previous results between 50 and 100°C (Horita et al., 1993a) and the low-temperature literature data to simple equations which are valid for NaCl solutions from 0 to at least 5 molal NaCl in the temperature range from 10–350°C. Our preliminary results of oxygen isotope fractionation in the system CaCO3-water ± NaCl at 300°C and 1 kbar are consistent with those obtained from the liquid-vapor equilibration experiments, suggesting that the isotope salt effects are common to systems involving brines and any other coexisting phases or species (gases, minerals, dissolved species, etc.). The observed NaCl isotope effects at elevated temperatures should be taken into account in the interpretation of isotopic data of brine-dominated natural systems.
Balancing Our Epistemic Goals

There are two ways of looking at our duty in the matter of opinion-ways entirely different, and yet ways about whose difference the theory of knowledge seems hitherto to have shown very little concern. We must know the truth; and we must avoid error-these are our first and great commandments as would-be knowers; but they are not two ways of stating an identical commandment, they are two separable laws.... [H]e who says, "Better go without belief forever than believe a lie!" merely shows his own preponderant private horror of becoming a dupe.
Analysis of modified bases in DNA by stable isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry: 5-Methylcytosine

Abstract A sensitive assay for 5-methylcytosine in DNA has been developed based on stable isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. 5-([2H3]-Methyl)cytosine and [methyl-2H3]thymine have been synthesized as internal standards for analysis of DNA following acid digestion, conversion of pyrimidines to volatile t-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives, and separation in 3 min by gas chromatography. Submicrogram amounts of DNA have been analyzed for 5-methylcytosine content in the range 0.02–1.5 mol%. The estimated limit of quantitative measurement is 0.3 pmol of methylated base in a DNA hydrolysate. The method is compared with other techniques for quantitative measurement of methylated bases in DNA, and 5-methylcytosine levels and precision of analysis for calf thymus, pBR322, and ΦX-174 DNAs are reported and compared with literature values. The method can readily be adapted to the accurate high-sensitivity analysis of other methylated bases in DNA.
Note: A local-search heuristic for large set-covering problems

In this note we describe a local-search heuristic (LSH) for large non-unicost set-covering problems (SCPs). The new heuristic is based on the simulated annealing algorithm and uses an improvement routine designed to provide low-cost solutions within a reasonable amount of CPU time. The solution costs associated with the LSH compared very favorably to the best previously published solution costs for 20 large SCPs taken from the literature. In particular, the LSH yielded new benchmark solutions for 17 of the 20 test problems. We also report that, for SCPs where column cost is correlated with column coverage, the new heuristic provides solution costs competitive with previously published results for comparable problems. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Two kinds of short-term memory and the serial position effect

The Ss were required to recall lists of eight letters which were presented either simultaneously or successively. Four rates of presentation were used; each rate for eight different lists. It was found that primacy was operative for successive presentation, and that both primacy and recency were operative for simultaneous presentation.
Enhanced Design of Vibration Energy Harvester Using Dual Masses

A type of dual-mass vibration energy harvester, where two masses are connected in series with the energy transducer and spring, is proposed and analyzed in this paper. The dual-mass vibration energy harvester is proved to be able to harvest more energy than the traditional single degree-of-freedom (DOF) one when subjected to harmonic force or base displacement excitation. The optimal parameters for maximizing the power output in both the traditional and the new configurations are discussed with taking the parasitic mechanical damping of the system into account. In consistent of the previous literature, we find that the optimal condition for maximum power output of the single DOF vibration energy harvester is when the excitation frequency equals to the natural frequency of the mechanical system and the electrical damping due to the energy harvesting circuit is the same as the mechanical damping. However, the optimal conditions are quite different for the dual-mass vibration energy harvester. It is found that two local optimums exist, where the optimal excitation frequency and electrical damping are analytically obtained. The local maximum power of the dual-mass vibration energy harvester is larger than the global maximum power of single DOF one. Moreover, at certain frequency range between the two natural frequencies of the dual-mass system, the harvesting power always increases with the electrical damping ratio. This suggests that we can obtain higher energy harvesting rate using dual-mass harvester. The sensitivity of the power to parameters, such as mass ratio and tuning ratio, is also investigated.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Parent participation program in pediatric oncology; a preliminary report.

Abstract A Parent Participation Program for the care of children ill with a neoplastic disease is described. The primary aim of the program has been to develop a team approach of professional personnel and parents in the care of the child afflicted with a long-term fatal illness. Studies of the Program after its initial eighteen months have defined some of the limits of medical care and parental responsibility that can be safely assigned and the experiences encountered have brought the problems more clearly into focus. The program is considered to be still in its infancy, and many avenues of improvement remain as yet unexplored. The aims of the program involve significant benefits to the patient, the parents, and the profession as well. The results observed to date indicate that these aims can be realized. Further reports of this program will be forthcoming as additional experience is gained.
α4 integrin is expressed in a subset of cranial neural crest cells and in epicardial progenitor cells during early mouse development

By RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses of early stage mouse embryos, we find that alpha 4 integrin gene is expressed in migratory cranial neural crest cells originating from the presumptive forebrain, midbrain, and rhombomeres 1 and 2 of the presumptive hindbrain. alpha 4 is also expressed in epicardial progenitor cells in the septum transversum that migrate to the heart.
Robust nonlinear control of a hypersonic aircraft in the presence of aerothermoelastic effects

Hypersonic flight conditions produce temperature variations that can alter the flight dynamics. A nonlinear temperature dependent, parameter varying state-space representation is proposed to capture the aerothermoelastic effects in a hypersonic vehicle. This model includes an uncertain parameter varying state matrix, an uncertain parameter varying non-square (column deficient) input matrix, and a nonlinear additive bounded disturbance. A Lyapunov-based continuous robust output feedback controller is developed that yields global exponential tracking of a reference model, despite the presence of disturbances that do not satisfy the linear-in-the parameters (LP) assumption.
Effects of selected water quality variables on the persistence of tannic acid and related compounds under simulated aquaculture conditions

Abstract Tannins have potential commercial applications in aquaculture for the prevention of piscine diseases and off-flavor in fish. Selected water quality variables, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, light intensity, total hardness and total alkalinity, and available nutrients found in fish ponds were examined for their influence on the fate of gallic acid, methyl gallate, propyl gallate, and tannic acid. It was determined that total hardness and alkalinity were the most effective factors in the dissipation of tannin compounds. High levels of selected water quality variables were significantly different from low levels in their ability to transform tannin compounds. It was also found that natural suspended solids were effective in precipitating 60% of the methyl gallate and 81.3% of the propyl gallate per week from solution. Abiotic processes, such as physical transportation and chemical transformation, affected the fate of tannin compounds in a simulated fish pond. This study may guide the use...
Natural springs: Prediction of the structure and mechanical response of biomolecular chains

Abstract In this paper we report first the application of the adaptive simulated annealing (ASA) global optimization method for structure determination of biomolecules, using the Empirical Conformation Energy Program for Peptides ( ecepp /2) potential. A dominant right-handed alpha-helical conformation is found for an ( l -Ala) model, and the approach is noted to be an efficient and robust algorithm for conformational analysis. The prediction of biomolecular structure then enables the evaluation of the mechanical response of any biomolecular chain. In particular, in this study we compare on a theoretical basis the ‘spring-like’ microscopic mechanical response of alpha-helical biopolymers having a reinforcing intra -molecular hydrogen-bonding network to analogous synthetic extended-chain polymers. The theoretical verification of the absence of compressive buckling in biopolymer chains with alpha-helical structures rationalizes the molecular elasticity and resistance to ‘kinking’ of alpha-helical strands, and hence the apparent prevalence in nature of such coiled coils. This new understanding of the structure-to-function relationships in biopolymers may also explain, in part, the pivotal role of the alphahelix in biological systems as a requirement for superior compressive mechanical properties. Indeed, by developing a combination of approaches for the prediction of structure and the mechanical response of biomolecular chains, we gain new guidance for the synthesis of motifs consistent with molecular frameworks optimized by nature.
The synthesis, and UV-Vis, electrochemical, photochemical and intervalence characterization of tetraammine and tris chelated ruthenium(II) complexes bound to the bridging ligand dipyrido(2,3-a;2′,3′-h)phenazine (dpop)

Abstract A series of ruthenium(II) complexes coordinated to the bridging ligand dipyrido(2,3- a ;2′,3′- h )phenazine (dpop) has been prepared and the spectroscopic, electrochemical, photochemical and intervalence properties studied. The mono and bimetallic [((NH 3 ) 4 Ru) n (dpop)] 2 n + ( n = 1, 2) ions display lowest energy MLCT transitions at 629 (ϵ = 7.3 × 10 3 M −1 cm −1 ) and 755 (ϵ = 18 × 10 3 M −1 cm −1 ) nm, respectively, in CH 3 CN, with higher energy MLCT and IL transitions. The Ru 2+/3+ centered couples are more positive than those reported for similar bis-bipyridylruthenium(II) dpop complexes, and the bimetallic [((NH 3 ) 4 Ru) 2 (dpop)] 5+ mixed valence ion displays an IT absorption band at 1670 nm (ϵ = 1250 M −1 cm −1 ) in D 2 O. The [(dpop) 3 Ru] 2+ ion has a lowest energy MLCT transition at 512 nm (ϵ = 22 × 10 3 M −1 cm −1 ) in CH 3 CN, and displays an emission maximum at 710 nm with oxygen sensitive intensity. Irradiation of the [(dpop) 3 Ru] 2+ ion at 546 nm in de-oxygenated CH 3 CN produces the release of a dpop ligand with Φ = 6 × 10 −4 mol/E.
A meta-analysis of estimates of the AIDS incubation distribution

Information from 12 studies is combined to estimate the AIDS incubation distribution with greater precision than is possible from a single study. The analysis uses a hierarchy of parametric models based on a four-parameter generalized F distribution. This general model contains four standard two-parameter distributions as special cases. The cases are the Weibull, gamma, log-logistic, lognormal distributions. These four special cases subsume three distinct asymptotic hazard behaviors. As time increases beyond the median of approximately 10 years, the hazard can increase to infinity (Weibull), can plateau at some constant level (gamma), or can decrease to zero (log-logistic and lognormal). The Weibull, gamma and 'log-logistic distributions' which represent the three distinct asymptotic hazard behaviors, all fit the data as well as the generalized F distribution at the 25 percent significance level. Hence, we conclude that incubation data is still too limited to ascertain the specific hazard assumption that should be utilized in studies of the AIDS epidemic. Accordingly, efforts to model the AIDS epidemic (e.g., back-calculation approaches) should allow the incubation distribution to take several forms to adequately represent HIV estimation uncertainty. It is recommended that, at a minimum, the specific Weibull, gamma and log-logistic distributions estimated in this meta-analysis should all be used in modeling the AIDS epidemic, to reflect this uncertainty.
Tetravalent lanthanides—I Sodium praseodymium(IV) fluorides

Abstract The compounds NaPrF5 and Na2PrF6 containing tetravalent praseodymium have been prepared by oxidation of the chlorides with elemental fluorine at elevated temperatures. The compounds were identified by X-ray diffraction methods. Further proof of the tetravalency of the praseodymium was obtained by absorption spectrophotometry and by iodometry.
Multi-ion fluid simulation of tokamak edge plasmas including non-diffusive anomalous cross-field transport

The two-dimensional, multi-ion, fluid code UEDGE is used to simulate the sophisticated transport of impurities in the tokamak edge plasma. The UEDGE model incorporates the effects of non-diffusive intermittent cross-field transport by using anomalous convective velocities whose spatial profile is adjusted for each ion charge state to match available experimental data. The simulations of low-confinement (L-mode) shots indicate that: (i) anomalous convective transport dominates in the far scrape-off layer; (ii) different impurity charge states have different magnitudes and signs in their convective velocities; and (iii) chamber wall sputtering is an important source of impurities.
Effectiveness of melodic intonation therapy in a case of aphasia following right hemisphere stroke

Background: The use of Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) in the clinical setting is suggested to be based on several criteria; however, some persons with aphasia not meeting these criteria may still benefit from this approach.Aims: The purpose of this research was to explore the effectiveness of utilising MIT to improve expressive language in a person with global aphasia following right hemisphere stroke.Methods & Procedures: A participant with global aphasia following right hemisphere haemorrhagic stroke completed a 7-week treatment programme utilising MIT. Sessions were held 5 days a week, for two and a half hours per day. Non-linguistic cognitive activities (COG) were also utilised briefly in each session as a break (BRK) from MIT. The Aphasia Diagnostic Profiles (ADP), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association-Functional Assessment of Communication Skills and the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 were administered pre- and post-treatment to assess for the treatment-related change.Outcomes ...
Gender Labor: Transmen, Femmes, and Collective Work of Transgression

This article takes femme/FTM sexual relationships as a point of departure to consider gender itself as a form of labor, or to illustrate how gender subjectivities are constituted by various labors required of, and provided by, intimate others. Analysis focuses on the work that women do in relationships with transgendered men, specifically the work that they do to validate and celebrate their partners’ masculinity. ‘Gender labor’ extends beyond the work people do to achieve our own gender coherence; it also describes emotional, physical, and sexual care-taking efforts aimed at suspending self-focus and helping others achieve the varied forms of gender recognition they long for. Though gender labor is both given and received by all people, the author argues that it weighs down most heavily on feminine subjects, the people for whom caring, sex and other ‘labors of love’ are naturalized, expected or forced.
Mathematical and Experimental Methods for Design and Evaluation of Membrane Oxygenators

Three categories of membrane oxygenators are considered: passive flow, secondary flow induced by the mainstream, secondary flow induced by an external application of energy. The current status of mathematical methods for analysis of fluid mechanics, O2 and CO2 exchange for these categories are briefly reviewed. Emphasis is given to approximate methods for calculation of gas exchange. Practical methods for experimental design optimization studies are outlined; these methods are extended to evaluation of O2 and CO2 exchange in clinical operation. A new method for estimation of internal ventilation and perfusion maldistribution and diffusion resistance is described. A brief assessment of blood damage in clinical application of the oxygenator is presented from the point of view of deterioration of gas exchange performance.
Book reviews and faculty book selection

Compares the results of a faculty survey regarding importance of book reviews to the selection process to the actual percentage of reviewed titles requested. The survey found that faculty recognize the importance of book reviews to the selection process, but sometimes must recommend unreviewed titles owing to uneven coverage of Choice, the major review journal used for selection.
A Combined Spectroscopic and Biochemical Approach to Counting MscL Subunits

The mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL) is a homooligomeric, stretch activated membrane protein responsible for regulating osmotic pressure in bacteria and archaea. Increasing membrane tension activates the protein resulting in a ∼2.9 nS non-selective pore. Two MscL crystal structures have been solved in distinct conformations and oligomeric states. M. tuberculosis MscL is a non-conducting pentamer while S. aureus MscL is a partially expanded tetramer. The primary sequences of these proteins are 38% identical and 57% similar. Given their high relatedness, the structures raise interesting questions regarding the assembly and activation of MscL homologs. We have been interested in understanding the molecular determinants responsible for the differences between the two structures, specifically the switch between tetrameric and pentameric species. Using a combination of multi-angle light scattering and mass tagging followed by Blue Native PAGE, we have characterized the oligomeric states of several MscL homologs and chimeras. We find that the two methods are in good agreement with each other and single molecule measurements. Potential reasons for the differences in oligomeric states will be discussed.
A Note on the Hypergeometric Mean Value

Recent efforts to obtain bounds for the complete elliptic integral $${\pi \over 2} \cdot {_2F_1} \bigg(-{1 \over 2},{1 \over 2}; 1;r^{2}\bigg)$$ in terms of power means and other related means have precipitated the search for similar bounds for the more general 2F1(α,β;γ;r). In an early paper, B. C. Carlson considered the approximation of the hypergeometric mean values (2F1(−a,b;b + c;r))1/a in terms of means of order t, given by Mt(s,r):= (1 − s) + s(1 − r)t1/t. In this note, a refinement of one such approximation is established by first proving a general positivity result involving 3F2.
Stimulation with N-methyl-D-aspartate or kainic acid increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate-like immunoreactivity in turtle retina: involvement of nitric oxide synthase.

In brain and retina, stimulation with excitatory amino acids (EAA) can generate nitric oxide (NO) and increase levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Because nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has been found in retinas of all species examined to date, an NO signal-transduction pathway is likely to be present in all retinas. We tested the hypothesis that stimulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors in turtle retina would result in increases in cGMP through an NOS/NO/cGMP pathway. Following in vitro incubations of turtle eye cups with the glutamate receptor agonists, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or kainic acid (KA), we quantified the increases in cGMP-like immunoreactivity (cGMP-LI) by using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and localized the increased cGMP-LI by using an antibody against cGMP. Stimulation with NMDA or KA increased cGMP-LI in bipolar and amacrine cells as well as in some somata in the ganglion cell layer. Either KA or NMDA produced statistically significant increases in total retinal cGMP-LI by ELISA. To test the involvement of NO, we used the NOS inhibitors 7-nitroindazole and L-nitroarginine. Both inhibitors blocked virtually all of the KA- or NMDA-stimulated increases in cGMP-LI. These results indicate that activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors can increase cGMP in select retinal neurons. Differences between the agonist-evoked increases of retinal cGMP-LI suggest that there can be specificity in the activation of the NOS/NO/cGMP signal-transduction pathway by glutamate. This suggests that, in addition to short-term electrical changes, activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors also may produce longer term modulatory or metabolic effects involving NO/cGMP. J. Comp. Neurol. 404:75–85, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
High-throughput, high-sensitivity genetic mutation detection by tandem single-strand conformation polymorphism/heteroduplex analysis capillary array electrophoresis.

We present the first optimization of linear polyacrylamide (LPA)-based DNA separation matrixes for an automated tandem microchannel single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP)/heteroduplex analysis (HA) method, implemented in capillary arrays dynamically coated with poly(N-hydroxyethylacrylamide) (polyDuramide). An optimized protocol for sample preparation allowed both SSCP and HA species to be produced in one step in a single tube and distinguished in a single electrophoretic analysis. A simple, two-color fluorescent sample labeling and detection strategy enabled unambiguous identification of all DNA species in the electropherogram, both single- and double-stranded. Using these protocols and a panel of 11 p53 mutant DNA samples in comparison with wild-type, we employed high-throughput capillary array electrophoresis (CAE) to carry out a systematic and simultaneous optimization of LPA weight-average molar mass (Mw) and concentration for SSCP/HA peak separation. The combination of the optimized LPA matr...
GAS RETENTION CHRONOLOGY OF PETERSBURG AND OTHER METEORITES.

Abstract Argon and xenon data are presented for a thermal release study on a neutron-irradiated sample of the eucrite meteorite Petersburg. Xenon spallation corrections are made by the method of correlation systematics, and the relationship of lunar systematics to the systematics derived for the Angra dos Reis meteorite is discussed. Correlation systematics are also used in reevaluation of neutron-activation xenon data for other meteorites in which spallation effects are prominent. Petersburg has no excess Xe129 attributable to in situ decay of I129, and a Pu 244 U 238 ratio corresponding to onset of xenon retention 146 ± 14 million years after the chondrite St. Severin. The argon data show substantial loss of radiogenic Ar40 and do not define an Ar40-Ar39 plateau, establishing a lower limit K-Ar age of 4.35 × 109 yr, relative to an assumed age of 4.60 × 109 yr for St. Severin. Comparison with strontium data for other eucrites and the chondrite Guarena suggests an interval of 220 million years between fractionation from a rubidium-rich reservoir and the final cooling of Petersburg. The calcium-rich achondrite Lafayette has no detectable decay products of either I129 or Pu244, indicating a gas-retention formation time at least 350 million years after St. Severin. The current best value of the Pu 244 U 238 ratio in the chondrite St. Severin at the time of its formation is 0.0154 ± 0.0014, 21 per cent higher than previously reported.
Turbulent modeling of a vortex boundary layer flow

Abstract The boundary layer flow of an atmospheric vortex was analyzed by utilizing a two-equation model of turbulence together with the conventional boundary layer equations. Steady-state solutions were obtained from the time-dependent solutions by using a predictor-corrector, multiple iteration method. Surprisingly complicated flow patterns with four circulating regions (4-cell vortex) were predicted in a meridional plane of the boundary layer. The intrinsic nature of sharp-turning, large-shear, and high-swirl flow characteristics may provide explanations for the tremendous roars and extremely intensive damage to ground structures associated with tornadoes. The present results are in good agreement with the tornado dust clouds simulated in our laboratory as well as those observed in natural cases.
Formulation of analog neural network models and their solution on systolic array processors

Implementation issues of neural network formulations onto an available computer architectures are unique. In conventional signal and image processing, for example, many of the frequently performed mathematical operations, like convolutions and transformations, are matrix-vector operations. Computational requirements of these algorithms are met by parallel hardware architectures tailored for efficient handling of vector data. However, many neural network systems require more than just making the computation parallel. Implementation of neural network architectures, such as those exemplified by Grossberg's Boundary Contour System, involve the solution of hundreds of coupled ordinary non-linear differential equations. A neurocomputer whose basic computational unit performs integration, rather the usual arithmetic operations, would be ideal for these systems. The training of the back propagation network, similarly, can be expressed as a problem of solving a system of 8ttff, coupled ordinary differential equations for the weights which are treated as continuous functions of time. The ability to efficiently solve differential equations on digital and parallel computers is therefore quite important for the implementation of artificial neural networks. The central idea of a mapping, described in this paper, involves the replacement of differentiation operators and functions, in the given equation, respectively with the so-called differentiation matrices and function matrices. With the help of a so-called projection matrix, a differential equation is transformed into a rectangular vector-matrix equation which can then be solved on a systolic processor. The algorithm is computationally efficient and enables one to numerically compute, separately, the general solution for the homogeneous part and the particular solution for any specified forcing function.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Model-based flaw detection and classification in web materials

This paper describes the design and implementation of an inspection system that detects and classifies flaws in uniform web materials. The first part of this paper describes a general procedure for designing such an inspection system. The second part concentrates on a case study and details the specific algorithms and results. The overall inspection system design incorporates five subsystems: sensing, flaw detection, flaw characterization, feature analysis, and classification. The case study involves flaws consisting of bloblike structural elements; a specific spatial arrangement of the blobs is the major characteristics of the flaw class under study. The emphasis of the paper is on the recognition of the flaws independently of their position, orientation and size. The study incorporates analysis on synthetically generated flaws as well as the ones acquired on the production line.
CD40–CD40 ligand interactions in oxidative stress, inflammation and vascular disease

CD40 ligand (CD40L) and its receptor CD40 participate in numerous inflammatory pathways that contribute to multiple pathophysiological processes. A role for CD40-CD40L interactions has been identified in atherosclerosis, and such interactions are known to destabilize atherosclerotic plaques by inducing the expression of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases and pro-coagulant factors. The CD40-CD40L interaction has also been implicated in immune system disorders. Recent studies have suggested that CD40-CD40L interactions regulate oxidative stress and affect various signaling pathways in both the immunological and cardiovascular systems. Here, we discuss the emerging role of CD40-CD40L-mediated processes in oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways and vascular diseases. Understanding the roles and regulation of CD40-CD40L-mediated oxidative signaling in immune and non-immune cells could facilitate the development of therapeutics targeting diverse inflammatory diseases.
Ab initio Studies of Electronic Structure of Defects in PbTe

Received 17 May 2006; revised manuscript received 13 July 2006; published 19 October 2006 Understanding the detailed electronic structure of deep defect states in narrow band-gap semiconductors has been a challenging problem. Recently, self-consistent ab initio calculations within density functional theory using supercell models have been successful in tackling this problem. In this paper, we carry out such calculations in PbTe, a well-known narrow band-gap semiconductor, for a large class of defects: cationic and anionic substitutional impurities of different valence, and cationic and anionic vacancies. For the cationic defects, we study the chemical trends in the position of defect levels by looking at series of compounds RPb2n�1Te2n, where R is vacancy or monovalent, divalent, or trivalent atom. Similarly, for anionic defects, we study compounds MPb2nTe2n�1, where M is vacancy, S, Se or I. We find that the density of states near the top of the valence band and the bottom of the conduction band get significantly modified for most of these defects. This suggests that the transport properties of PbTe in the presence of impurities may not always be interpreted by simple carrier doping from bound impurity states in the gap concepts, confirming such ideas developed from qualitative and semiquantitative arguments.
Broadband spectral coupling in multiwavelength mode-locked semiconductor lasers

We demonstrate broadband spectral coupling in a novel multiwavelength mode-locked semiconductor laser, which is capable of coherently coupling the spectral phases over a range of six times that of the normal active mode locking. The physical mechanism responsible for the broad range coupling is observed to be intracavity four wave mixing generated by the dynamic carrier heating and cooling effects within the diode gain element.
Shear stress, the endothelium and the balance between flow-induced contraction and dilation in animals and man.

Dilation is the most commonly observed diameter change in blood vessels when intraluminal flow increases. However, at very high and low levels of vascular tone the response is constriction. This compl
Inactivation of yeast hexokinase by cibacron brilliant red 3B-A

Abstract Procion or Cibacron blue dyes, containing polynuclear aromatic rings and mono- and dichlorotriazine nuclei, immobilized on dextran matrices, have been used for over a decade to purify diverse groups of enzymes by dye-ligand chromatography. Comparatively less attention has been paid to investigating the nature of molecular interactions between similarly constituted red dyes and various enzymes so as to ascertain their potential and thus justify their use in the purification of enzymes by dye-ligand chromatography. We investigated and found that Cibacron brilliant red 3B-A, a monochlorotriazine dye, inhibited phosphotransferase activity of yeast hexokinase. The dissociation constant, KD, and the rate of dye-enzyme complex formation,were 120 μM and 0.1 min−1, respectively. The enzyme was protected from inactivation by sugar and nucleotide substrates. About 2 mol of the dye bound per mole of the enzyme. The chromophore of the dye showed absorption at 524 nm. The visible difference spectrum of increasing concentration of the dye and same concentrations of the dye plus a fixed concentration of hexokinase exhibited a maximum, a minimum, and an isosbestic point at 569, 501, and 512 nm, respectively. The difference spectrum of the dye and dye in 60% ethylene glycol showed a maximum and a minimum at 556 and 495 nm, respectively. The dye showed no visible difference spectrum in the presence of hexokinase modified at the active site by iodoacetamide, pyridoxal phosphate, and o-phthalaldehyde. Hexokinase modified by the dye coeluted with the unmodified enzyme during size-exclusion chromatography in the absence or presence of guanidinium hydrochloride. These results suggest that the dye interacts with the hydrophobic environment of the active site of the enzyme. Analysis of the kinetics of inhibition of hexokinase by model compounds and comparison of their computer-assisted three-dimensional representations with that of Cibacron brilliant red 3B-A suggest that 1-amino-8-naphthol-3,6-disulfonic acid may represent the minimum structure for the dye to bind.
Effect of L-DOPA on brain acetylcholine and choline in rats.

Abstract The effect of acute and chronic administration of l -DOPA on brain acetylcholine and choline was investigated in male rats. A single injection of l -DOPA had no effect on the concentration of acetylcholine in the brains of normal, oxotremorine and physostigmine treated animals. Chronic treatment with l -DOPA produced a small but significant increase in brain acetylcholine concentrations; however, brain choline concentrations were unchanged. The increase in brain acetylcholine may be due to an inhibitory effect of dopamine on central cholinergic neurons.
Bending of Internally Reinforced Rayon Fibers

An investigation is reported in which internally reinforced fibers were produced with a skin of rayon and cores of previously oriented nylon, polypropylene, and polyester fibers. The tensile mechanical properties and the moisture-regain characteristics are shown to be decoupled from each other, with the core controlling the tensile properties and the skin dominating the moisture regain. In this study, the dominance of the core on mechanical properties is demonstrated to include additionally bending rigidity, hysteresis, and work recovery. A Kawabata Pure Bending Tester was used with an adapted method for measuring the bending characteristics of individual fibers. The measured fiber-bending properties obtained by using the Kawabata unit are also shown to be consistent with other bending-measurement techniques and with tensile properties.