cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AN EFFICIENT WEB-BASED WRAPPER AND ANNOTATOR FOR TABULAR DATA

In the last few years, several works in the literature have addressed the problem of data extraction from web pages. The importance of this problem derives from the fact that, once extracted, data ...
Benchmark Calculations with Correlated Molecular Wave Functions. 11. Energetics of the Elementary Reactions F + H2, O + H2, and H‘ + HCl

An explicit treatment of electron correlation is required to predict accurate energetics, barrier heights, and saddle point geometries for chemical reactions. Several theoretical methods for treating electron correlation (multireference configuration interaction, perturbation theory, and coupled cluster methods) have been thoroughly evaluated for the F(2P) + H2(X1Σg+) and O(3P) + H2(X1Σg+) abstraction reactions as well as for the H‘(2S) + HCl(X1Σ+) exchange reaction using correlation consistent basis sets. The basis set dependence of the reaction energy defects, barrier heights, and saddle point geometries have been determined for each theoretical method. Addition of diffuse functions to the basis set (aug-cc-pVnZ) was found to substantially increase the convergence rate. Calculations with the largest basis set (aug-cc-pV5Z) allowed an unambiguous comparison of the relative performance of each correlation method. For each reaction, the R-UCCSD(T) results closely parallel the most accurate MRCI results and...
The Strange Case of the Missing West Virginia Labor Force

The rate of labor force participation in West Virginia is far below all other states. This study finds that little of the participation rate gap can be attributed to traditional economic or institutional factors. For example, the high long-term unemployment rate in West Virginia accounts for less than 10 percent of the adult male participation gap. Most of the difference is associated with a large Appalachian population, and a high rate of federal disability benefits receipt. The latter, which we argue reflects tastes for nonmarket activities, also is a major factor in low participation rates of West Virginia adult females and teenagers. Unemployment does explain a significant portion of low participation rates for these groups. However, we estimate that a decline in the state's long-term unemployment rate to the nation's average would raise its aggregate participation rate by 3.9 percentage points, or just 28 percent of the total gap. It appears that nonparticipating West Virginians are not just “discouraged workers,” and that economic development policies should explore ways to increase aggregate labor supply, as well as labor demand.
Foveated endoscope objective design to combine high resolution with wide field of view

There is always a tradeoff between resolution and Field of View (FOV) in an imaging system. This limit can be due to the number of pixels in the detector, however a fundamental limit also exists in any optical system called the Space Bandwidth Product (SBP) which scales as the FOV area divided by the area of the diffraction limited spot. The SBP can only be increased by increasing the size of the optical system. In applications where the size of the optical system is constrained such as endoscopes, the SBC will ultimately limit the resolution or FOV. However, there is a way to provide both high resolution and a wide FOV without changing the total number of pixels in the image. The technique is called foveated imaging because is mimics this characteristic of the human eye in which the fovea has a higher resolution at the center of the FOV than the surrounding retina. A similar effect can be achieved optically by introducing a large amount of barrel distortion in the lens design. The result is an effective increase in the magnification at the center of the FOV, and reduced resolution but larger angular sampling at the edge. The stretching effect of the distortion can be compensated for computationally to provide an onscreen display that is not distorted, but merely appears blurred at the edges. Such an objective will enable for endomicroscopy while still providing "peripheral vision" to allow endoscopists to navigate and locate regions of interest.
Polymers from ortho aromatic tetraamines and aromatic dianhydrides

Aromatic heteropolymers were synthesized from aromatic tetraamines and dianhydrides; some of the polymers had a ladder-type structure. The properties and thermal stability of the polymer were studied. The experimental conditions yielding the imidazolone structure were determined on model compounds. Polymers containing mixed aromatic units in the chain were prepared from pyromellitic anhydride or 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, and 3,3′-diaminobenzidine, 3,3′,4,4′-tetraaminodiphenyl ether, 1,4,5,8-tetraaminonaphthalene, or 1,2,4,5-tetraaminobenzene. The polycondensations were carried out in melt and in solution (in melted phenol, pyridine, dimethylacetamide, 116% polyphosphoric acid). The inherent viscosities of a number of polymers synthesized by melt condensation were in the range of approximately 0.2–0.7; the higher polymers were obtained by carrying out the polycondensations in solution in 116% polyphosphoric acid; in this case, the intrinsic viscosities ranged from 1.1 to 1.8. Most of the polymers do not melt at 350°C. and are soluble in the usual organic solvents, but the ladder-type structure polymers were soluble only in concentrated sulfuric acid.
From advocacy to accommodation: A case study of the Orlando Magic's public relations efforts to secure a new arena

Abstract A case study of the Orlando Magic NBA franchise was conducted to understand media relations, community relations, and foundation efforts in support of a new or renovated arena, examining how either accommodation or advocacy was used when the franchise was in direct conflict with one (or many) of its publics. The contingency theory of accommodation in public relations served as the framework for understanding the franchises efforts. Over the time frame covered by the study, the organization was found to move along the continuum from advocacy to accommodation in its public relations efforts regarding the arena issue.
CO2–CH4 permeation in high zeolite 4A loading mixed matrix membranes

Abstract Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with low particle loadings have been shown to improve the properties of pure polymers for many gas separations. Comparatively few reports have been made for high particle loading (≥50 vol.%) MMMs. In this work, CO2–CH4 feeds were used to study the potential of 50 vol.% zeolite 4A-poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) MMMs for natural gas separations. A low CO2 partial pressure mixed feed probed MMM performance below the plasticization pressure of PVAc and a high CO2 partial pressure mixed feed probed MMM performance at industrially relevant conditions above the plasticization pressure. Under both mixed feed conditions at 35 °C, substantial improvements in overall separation performance were observed. At low CO2 partial pressures, CO2 permeability roughly doubled with a nearly 50% increase in selectivity versus pure PVAc under the same conditions. For the high CO2 partial pressure feed, CO2 permeability remained effectively unchanged with a 63% increase in selectivity versus pure PVAc. Surprisingly, the performance of these PVAc based MMMs approached the properties of current “upper bound” polymers. Overall, this work shows that significantly improved performance MMMs can be made with traditional techniques from a low cost, low performance polymer without costly adhesion promoters.
Local Bandwidth Selection for Kernel Estimation of Population Densities with Line Transect Sampling

Summary. Seber (1986, Biometrics42, 267–292) suggested an approach to biological population density estimation using kernel estimates of the probability density of detection distances in line transect sampling. Chen (1996a, Applied Statistics45, 135–150) and others have employed cross validation to choose a global bandwidth for the kernel estimator or have suggested adaptive kernel estimation (Chen, 1996b, Biometrics52, 1283–1294). Because estimation of the density is required at only a single point, we investigate a local bandwidth selection procedure that is a modification of the method of Schucany (1995, Journal of the American Statistical Association90, 535–540) for nonparametric regression. We report on simulation results comparing the proposed method and a local normal scale rule with cross validation and adaptive estimation. The local bandwidths and normal scale rule produce estimates with mean squares that are half the size of the others in most cases. Consistency results are also provided.
Effects of Aging on the Morphology of Rubber-Brass Interfacial Layer

Abstract Adhesion between rubber compound and brass-plated steel tire cord is crucial in governing the overall performance of tires. The rubber-brass interfacial adhesion is influenced by the chemi...
Electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry of cytochrome c at a platinum electrode

Abstract The electron transfer rate of cytochrome c on Pt can be greatly enhanced by modifying the Pt surface with a monolayer of adsorbed trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridine)ethylene or 4,4′-bipyridyl, but not with a monolayer of adsorbed 1,2-bis(4-pyridine)ethane. The nature of these different electron transfer-promoting effects for the above three modifiers has been explained by their adsorption orientations on the Pt electrode.
On a new method for solving the Percus-Yevick equation for infinitely dilute binary solutions

The NR/Picard method [Gillan, M. J., 1979, Molec. Phys., 38, 1781] for numerically solving the Ornstein-Zernike equation for a neat dense fluid is extended to the calculation of g 12(r), the solvent-solute radial distribution function, for an infinitely dilute binary solution within the Percus-Yevick approximation. The method is numerically stable, rapidly convergent (<10 iterations), has only modest computer memory requirements, and is insensitive to the accuracy of the initial estimate of g 12(r).
Receptor-mediated effects of nicotine and its nitrosated derivative NNK on pulmonary neuroendocrine cells

Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) have been implicated in the development of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and pediatric asthma, and smoking is a risk factor for both diseases. We as well as others have shown that the alpha(7) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha(7) nAChR) regulates the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) in PNECs and SCLC. Serotonin is an autocrine growth factor for PNECs and SCLC and acts as broncho-constrictor. We found that nicotine and its nitrosated carcinogenic derivative 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) bind to the alpha(7) nAChR in SCLC and PNECs, resulting in the influx of Ca(2+), release of 5-HT, and activation of a mitogenic pathway mediated by protein kinase C (PKC), Raf-1, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-myc. Exposure to 10% CO(2) acted synergistically. Unstimulated SCLC cells from smokers demonstrated high base levels of 5-HT release and of individual downstream signaling components in comparison to PNECs. Subchronic exposure of PNECs to NNK up-regulated the alpha(7) nAChR and its associated serotonergic mitogenic pathway in PNECs, an effect that may contribute to the development of SCLC in smokers and pediatric asthma in children of mothers who smoke.
CT colonography of the unprepared colon: an evaluation of electronic stool subtraction

CT colonography (CTC) is being extensively studied for its potential value in colon examinations, since it offers many advantages such as lower risk and less patient discomfort. However, CTC, like all other types of full structural colorectal examinations to date, requires complete bowel preparation. The inconvenience and discomfort associated with this preparation is an important obstacle to compliance with currently recommended colorectal screening guidelines. To maximize compliance, CTC would ideally be performed on an unprepared colon. However, in an unprepared colon residual stool and fluid can mimic soft tissue density and thus confound the identification of polyps. An alternative is to tag the stool with an opacifying agent so that it is brighter than soft tissue and thus easily recognized automatically and then reset to air values. However, such electronic stool subtraction in a totally unprepared colon is difficult to perform accurately for several reasons, including poorly labeled areas of stool, the need to accurately quantify partial volume effects, and noise. In this study the performance of a novel stool subtraction algorithm was assessed in unprepared CT colonography exams of 25 consecutive volunteers who had undergone colonoscopy with positive findings. Results showed 81% sensitivity to clinically relevant lesions > 1 cm with 0.52 false positives per patient compared to colonoscopy findings. Although further study and refinement of the stool subtraction process is required, CT colonography of the unprepared colon with electronic stool subtraction is feasible at detection levels comparable to the prepared colon.
Chylous cysts of the mesentery in infants

Summary Isolated mesenteric cysts form an interesting and rare group of abdominal tumors. They are presumed to arise from congenital bits of lymphatic tissue misplaced in the mesentery. A relatively small proportion of the total number of the mesenteric cysts contain chyle. These cysts may be found at any age and are relatively unusual in infancy. They present with abdominal swelling, occasional bouts of pain and nausea, and may rarely cause intestinal obstruction. Two cases of chylous mesenteric cysts in infancy are reported here. In one the cyst was an incidental finding in a case of malrotation and volvulus; in the second the cyst caused acute intestinal obstruction. Both cases were successfully managed by excision of the mesenteric cyst without intestinal resection.
Fracture of LiF bicrystals

The role of relative crystallographic orientation and grain boundary orientation on crack propagation in LiF bicrystals was investigated by using LiF bicrystals grown by the Czochralski method. Constant compliance specimens were fractured by driving a wedge through notched specimens, and the fracture load was measured using a calibrated load cell. The direction of crack propagation was dictated according to the misorientation angles, and the fracture load was observed to increase as the misorientation angles increased.
Imaging Tests, Provocative Tests, Including Exercise Testing in Women with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Evolving knowledge regarding sex differences in coronary heart disease has demonstrated that the prevalence, symptomatology, and pathophysiology of coronary atherosclerosis vary between genders. Women experience higher mortality rates and more adverse outcomes after acute myocardial infarction than men, despite a lower prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Based on recent insights into the complex pathophysiology of coronary heart disease which includes a spectrum of obstructive coronary artery disease and dysfunction of the coronary microvasculature and endothelium, the term ischemic heart disease is a more accurate term for discussion of coronary atherosclerosis specific to women. In women, with clinical features and risk factors for ischemic heart disease, the detection and evaluation of ischemic heart disease is challenging due to the diverse pathogenic mechanisms of ischemic heart diseases in women. In this article, we discuss noninvasive imaging tests, provocative tests, including exercise testing in women with suspected ischemic heart disease.
Application of Kalman filters in model-based fault diagnosis of a DC-DC boost converter

This paper illustrates how Kalman filters were used in a model-based fault diagnosis of a DC-DC boost converter. A time-averaging model was used with the Kalman filters to generate residual signals. Multiple signature faults were developed in fault scenarios to identify critical variations in the elements of a power converter using the adaptive estimation technique. Results show a very precise and accurate fault diagnosis of signature faults. The fault diagnosis shows a high performance in transients and against noise in the circuit.
Unique Insights into the Actions of CNS Agents: Lessons from Studies of Chlorpyrifos and Other Common Pesticides

The development of CNS drugs has been the most challenging task in drug design. Only an abysmal one per- cent of nervous system drugs tested in human clinical trials ever reach market. This is largely attributable to the difficul- ties in both identifying appropriate targets and in understanding the toxicology, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical prop- erties of therapeutic compounds. Pesticides have not attracted much attention in the field of CNS drug design. However, the toxicological and molecular actions of certain pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos and pyrethroids, have been well studied. Furthermore, recent epidemiological data have provided important insights into the actions of pesticides in the human brain. Therefore, in this review we seek to examine and summarize the toxicological and molecular actions of common pesticides, organophosphates and pyrethroids. We will also summarize and compare the effects of common pesticides on the neurological functions in animals and in humans. Common pesticides have been shown to act on molecular targets such as the serotonin receptors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the transcription factor CREB. Likewise, pesticides can affect multiple neurological functions, such as motor coordination, habituation, attention, cognition, and psychomotor development. A comprehensive review of the toxicological and molecular roles of pesticides in the CNS might provide insights into the actions of CNS agents.
Long-Term Efficacy of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotypes 8 and 9 in Hemophilia A Dogs and Mice

We reported total correction of blood coagulation plasma factor VIII (FVIII) activity, using adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) vectors for liver-specific gene transfer in hemophilia A mice. We now show, irrespective of immunosuppression or route of administration, total long-term correction of hemophilia A mice with pseudotyped AAV8 and AAV9 vectors. We delivered two FVIII vectors, one expressing canine heavy chain and the other expressing canine light chain. Interestingly, when these vectors were given by hepatic portal vein to hemophilia A dogs, only modest FVIII levels were seen despite the species-specific transgene. No dogs treated developed FVIII inhibitors. However, of three dogs treated with AAV8 vector, the single male, given 1.25 x 10(13) genome copies per vector per kilogram (GC/vector/kg), maintained a level of >4.5% for more than 2 years. In contrast, the two female dogs expressed only 2% FVIII activity despite receiving higher doses of 1.52 x 10(13) and 3 x 10(13) GC/vector/kg, respectively. On the other hand, a male dog treated with AAV9 vector at a low dose (6 x 10(12) GC/vector/kg) maintained FVIII levels of 2-2.5% of normal without bleeding for 200 days (observation ongoing). Although hemophilia A mice were not predictive of vector efficacy in dogs, the two treated male dogs became symptom-free for long periods. Even so, translation of these robust vectors either in appropriate large animals or human beings remains challenging.
An improved split-cell apparatus for the measurement of tensile strength of powders

Measurement of the tensile strength of powder compacts is useful for determining the magnitude of the cohesive forces which cause powders to agglomerate. A split-cell apparatus has been developed which contains major improvements on previous devices, including separation of the split-cell from the base unit to allow higher packing densities. A piezoelectrically controlled translation device provides a means of vibration-free, variable speed application of the tensile load. A compact DC operated force transducer is used to measure the tensile load to an accuracy better than 0.1%. Several other design and procedural improvements also make the present method simpler and more efficient. Typical plots of tensile stress against time and tensile strength against packing density are shown for carbon black.
Diagnosis of mixed acid-base disorders in diabetic ketoacidosis

In diabetic ketoacidosis, a mixed acid-base disorder is suggested when the anion gap increase (ΔAG) does not equal the bicarbonate decrease (ΔHCO3), or when the ΔAG/ΔHCO3 ratio does not equal 1.0. It is widely assumed that ΔAG/ΔHCO3 is significantly different from 1.0 when it is less than 0.8 or greater than 1.2. The validity of these ratio limits were examined by analyzing a normal control group of 68 subjects and 27 diabetic ketoacidosis admissions that had no evidence of mixed disorders. In the 27 ketoacidosis admissions, regression analysis showed that AAG was predicted to equal ΔHCO3, as expected in pure anion gap acidosis: ΔAG = 1.0ΔHCO3 (r = 0.744, p < 0.001). It was found that AAG is significantly different from ΔHCO3 when they differ by more than 8 mEq/L, and equivalently, ΔAG/ΔHCO3 is significantly different from 1.0 when it is less than (1.0 – 8/ΔHCO3) or greater than (1.0 + 8/ΔHCO3). These criteria from regression analysis suggested that 4% of the 27 pure anion gap acidoses, and 3% of the control group, had mixed disorders. In contrast, the ratio limits of 0.8 and 1.2 suggested 56% of the pure anion gap acidoses, and 94% of the control group, had mixed disorders. It was concluded that mixed disorders are overdiagnosed by the ratio limits of 0.8 and 1.2. Mixed disorders are more accurately detected by noting whether ΔAG and AHCO3 differ by more than 8mEq/L.
Hypoglycemia associated with the use of gatifloxacin.

ABSTRACT: We present the histories, clinical findings, and hospital course of three patients who developed hypoglycemia after receiving gatifloxacin. Possible mechanisms for the hypoglycemia are outlined. Case 1 A 89-year-old diabetic male receiving glyburide was given a single dose of gatifloxacin for bronchitis. Thirteen hours later, he was found to be unresponsive with a blood glucose level of 34 mg/dL. The hypoglycemia resolved within 24 hours of stopping gatifloxacin. Case 2 A 80-year-old nondiabetic woman with end-stage renal disease and recent surgery was treated with gatifloxacin, cefepime, and metronidazole for pneumonia. Sixteen hours later, her serum glucose level was 61 mg/dL, and over the next 24 hours was as low as 39 mg/dL. The hypoglycemia resolved within 40 hours of stopping gatifloxacin. Case 3 A 58-year-old diabetic man receiving glyburide was admitted for myocardial infarction and renal failure. Twelve hours after receiving gatifloxacin for pneumonia, his blood glucose level was 60 mg/dL and was as low as 42 mg/dL between 2 and 22.5 hours of a second dose of gatifloxacin. The hypoglycemia resolved within 24 hours of stopping gatifloxacin. Conclusions Gatifloxacin use may precipitate hypoglycemia in diabetic patients receiving oral hypoglycemic agents and in nondiabetic patients with chronic renal failure. Discontinuation of gatifloxacin results in improvement in glucose homeostasis.
Imaging MAMA detector systems

Imaging multianode microchannel array (MAMA) detector systems with 1024 x 1024 pixel formats have been produced for visible and UV wavelengths; the UV types employ 'solar blind' photocathodes whose detective quantum efficiencies are significantly higher than those of currently available CCDs operating at far-UV and EUV wavelengths. Attention is presently given to the configurations and performance capabilities of state-of-the-art MAMA detectors, with a view to the development requirements of the hybrid electronic circuits needed for forthcoming spacecraft-sensor applications. Gain, dark noise, uniformity, and dynamic range performance data are presented for the curved-channel 'chevron', 'Z-plate', and helical-channel high gain microchannel plate configurations that are currently under evaluation with MAMA detector systems.
Behavior associated with parturition in captive Rocky Mountain mule deer.

The purpose of this report is to present observations made on two captive Rocky Mountain mule deer during parturition. Both does were two years old and had not previously borne young. Observations, made at a distance not exceeding 6 meters, were facilitated by tameness of the deer which had been hand-raised as fawns. Does were confined in a vegetated, 0.32 hectare pen with other deer as part of a research colony located 3.2 kilometers west of Fort Collins, Colorado. Time durations are summarized in tabular form.
Anharmonic decay of subnanosecond acoustic phonons in LaF3:Pr3 +

Abstract Using a semiconductor switching technique, we generate subnanosecond far infrared pulses and investigate the anharmonic decay rates of high frequency acoustic phonons in LaF3:Pr3 + (0.5%). We generated a nonequilibrium phonon population at 113 cm− 1 and obtained phonon transients of the decay products at 55 and 75 cm− 1.
D, He and Li sputtering of liquid eutectic Sn–Li

The absolute sputtering yields from bombardment of D + , He + and Li on liquid tin-lithium eutectic have been measured and modeled at energies between 200 and 1000 eV. The Ion-surface InterAction Experiment (IIAX) has been optimized to reliably measure the absolute sputtering yield of many ion-target combinations including solid and liquid lithium. A Colutron ion source is used to create and accelerate gaseous or metal ions onto a liquid metal target. The bombarding ions are mass-selected through an E X B filter and decelerated near the target. The target can be rotated in order to provide variation in the angle of incidence. Deuterium plasma from a hollow cathode source is used to remove any remaining oxides. Upon melting of the sample a thin oxide layer forms and is cleaved by an in situ arm. Results show that sputtering yields from liquid tin-lithium are larger than pure lithium. In addition, modeling with VFTRIM-3D confirms that Li atoms segregate to the surface of liquid tin-lithium. This is consistent with results of ion fraction of sputtered atoms, which show a sputtered-atom ion fraction of 65% for liquid tin-lithium, equal to pure liquid lithium, and <10% for solid tin-lithium.
Posttranscriptional regulation of GAP-43 gene expression in PC12 cells through protein kinase C-dependent stabilization of the mRNA

We have previously shown that nerve growth factor (NGF) selectively stabilizes the GAP-43 mRNA in PC12 cells. To study the cellular mechanisms for this post-transcriptional control and to determine the contribution of mRNA stability to GAP-43 gene expression, we examined the effects of several agents that affect PC12 cell differentiation on the level of induction and rate of degradation of the GAP-43 mRNA. The NGF-mediated increase in GAP-43 mRNA levels and neurite outgrowth was mimicked by the phorbol ester TPA, but not by dibutyryl cAMP or the calcium ionophore A12783. Downregulation of protein kinase C (PKC) by high doses of phorbol esters or selective PKC inhibitors prevented the induction of this mRNA by NGF, suggesting that NGF and TPA act through a common PKC-dependent pathway. In mRNA decay studies, phorbol esters caused a selective 6-fold increase in the half-life of the GAP-43 mRNA, which accounts for most of the induction of this mRNA by TPA. The phorbol ester-induced stabilization of GAP-43 mRNA was blocked by the protein kinase inhibitor polymyxin B and was partially inhibited by dexamethasone, an agent that blocks GAP-43 expression and neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells. In contrast, the rates of degradation and the levels of the GAP-43 mRNA in control and TPA-treated cells were not affected by cycloheximide treatment. Thus, changes in GAP-43 mRNA turnover do not appear to require continuous protein synthesis. In conclusion, these data suggest that PKC activity regulates the levels of the GAP-43 mRNA in PC12 cells through a novel, translation-independent mRNA stabilization mechanism.
Adsorption of Sulfur on Ag/Al2O3 and Zn/Al2O3 Surfaces: Thermal Desorption, Photoemission, and Molecular Orbital Studies

The interaction of S2 with Ag/Al2O3 and Zn/Al2O3 surfaces has been investigated using thermal desorption mass spectroscopy, core- and valence-level photoemission, and ab initio self-consistent-field calculations. The sticking coefficient of S2 on clean alumina is small (<0.1) at temperatures between 300 and 700 K. In the S2/Al2O3 system, there is an energy mismatch between the orbitals of the molecule and the bands of the oxide, and the reactivity of S2 on pure alumina is very low. The adsorption of sulfur on Ag/Al2O3 and Zn/Al2O3 surfaces induces strong perturbations in the electronic properties of the admetals and oxide support. In the Ag/Al2O3 and Zn/Al2O3 systems, the supported metal clusters (or particles) provide a large number of electronic states that are very efficient at donating charge into the S2(2πg) orbitals, inducing in this way the breaking of the S−S bond and the formation of admetal sulfides (AgSx and ZnSy). The larger the electron transfer from the supported metal into the S2(2πg) orbit...
User models of reasoning and understanding in app inventor

Development of instrumentation into MIT App Inventor will allow me to extract patterns of usage, or "trajectories" including working around problems, that programmers employ while working on their projects. These trajectories will be analyzed to develop user models of reasoning and understanding in App Inventor. A comparison study will explore the cognitive differences between blocks-based programming and an equivalent text-based language with identical available high-level abstractions. This work will conclude with a new model of blocks-based cognition, and likely create many recommendations for language development, both visual and textual, and improvements to App Inventor technology and pedagogy.
Spherical Indentation Testing of Polymers at Various Temperatures

Contact mechanics for indentation testing with spherical indenter is very attractive. Numerous projects have established equations to define strain and stress distribution in order to obtain stress-strain relationship from a single indentation experiment. Also a large number of studies have focused on metallic materials with the objective of estimating the yield point. The subject of this work is to analyze the behavior of various polymeric materials during spherical indentation testing at various temperature in order to observe the relationship between the indentation behavior and compression stress-strain behavior of the same materials as a function of temperature. Thermal effects on the indentation data are used to understand the actual effects of the mechanical properties on the indentation behavior. In addition to the load, displacement, and frequency specific stiffness information, topographic analysis of the residual indentation print is used to accurately estimate the contact area, therefore, validate the indentation models for contact depth calculations using spherical indentation. Results presented in this article include spherical indentation data obtained on PMMA and Polycarbonate over a range of temperature from 5°C to l00°C.
Effect of gibberellins on growth of pea seedling internode

Elongation of internode segments of dwarf pea seedlings excised 4 mm below the plumular hook was stimulated by GA3 but not by GA1 or GA5. However, all three gibberellins induced cell elongation in the region from which this segment was isolated on application to intact seedlings. It is concluded that GA1 and GA5 are converted to a GA3-like hormone. Measurement of epidermal cell elongation in the epicotyl further indicates that GA3 or a GA3-like hormone may be the functional form of the hormone required for cell elongation.
Simple Linear Estimation of the Parameters of the Logistic Distribution from a Complete or Censored Sample

Abstract Linear unbiased estimators which maintain high efficiency relative to the best linear unbiased estimators are proposed for the parameters of the logistic distribution. In the complete sample case, the estimators of location and scale are, respectively, a trimmed mean and the mean deviation about the sample median with an adjustment for bias. The same computational forms are applied to a Windsorized sample in the cases of symmetric and upper one-sided censoring.
Intravenous hedgehog agonist induces proliferation of neural and oligodendrocyte precursors in rodent spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a glycoprotein molecule that upregulates the transcription factor gli-1 and plays a critical role in the proliferation of endogenous neural precursor cells when directly injected into adult rodent spinal cords after injury. OBJECTIVE: To use small-molecule agonists of the hedgehog pathway in an attempt to replicate these findings with intravenous administration. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Saline treatment control groups were divided into a contusion injury group and a noninjury sham group; Shh agonist treatment groups were divided into an injury group and a noninjury sham group. Shh agonist Ag11.1 was administered to the treatment groups and saline to the control groups. Injections were performed on days 1 and 4 after surgery. On day 14, 1 group was sacrificed, and injured spinal cord portions were removed for explant cultures. After 7 days in culture, specimens were fixed for immunostaining neural precursor cells, and cell counts were taken. RESULTS: Histological analysis demonstrated cystic cavitary lesions with a rim of white-matter sparing in all specimens. In animals treated with hedgehog agonist for a contusion injury, a significant increase in the number of nestin- and musashi-1-positive neural precursor cells at the rim of the cavity was noted. CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in the number of 04-positive oligodendrocyte precursors compared with uninjured controls and BrdU-positive cells, reproducing the findings of previous studies using direct Shh protein injection, which demonstrated spared white matter and increased recovery.
Probing the catalytic mechanism of sulfite reductase by X-ray crystallography: structures of the Escherichia coli hemoprotein in complex with substrates, inhibitors, intermediates, and products.

To further understand the six-electron reductions of sulfite and nitrite catalyzed by the Escherichia coli sulfite reductase hemoprotein (SiRHP), we have determined crystallographic structures of the enzyme in complex with the inhibitors phosphate, carbon monoxide, and cyanide, the substrates sulfite and nitrite, the intermediate nitric oxide, the product sulfide (or, most likely, an oxidized derivative thereof), and an oxidized nitrogen species (probably nitrate). A hydrogen-bonded cage of ligand-binding arginine and lysine side chains, ordered water molecules, and siroheme carboxylates provides preferred locations for recognizing the common functional groups of these ligands and accommodates their varied sizes, shapes, and charged without requiring substantial structural changes. The coordination geometries presented here suggest that the successively deoxygenated sulfur and nitrogen species produced during catalysis need not alter their orientation in the active site to adopt new stable coordination st...
MM-induced osteolysis: partners in crime

In this issue of Blood , Qiang and colleagues explore in detail the role of Wnt inhibition in the progression of multiple myeloma–induced OBLs. Shaughnessy and colleagues were the first to describe a potential role for the canonical Wnt inhibitor, dickkopf-1 (DKK1), 5 years ago when they reported
Thymosin beta 4 Suppression of Corneal NFκB: A Potential Anti-Inflammatory Pathway

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of thymosin beta 4 (Tbeta4) on NFkappaB protein levels, activation, phosphorylation, and nuclear translocation in a model of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-mediated corneal inflammation. Transformed and primary (HCET and HCEC) human corneal epithelial cells were stimulated with the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and treated or not with Tbeta4. Nuclear NFkappaB p65 subunit protein levels were assayed using ELISA, and activity was measured by determining NFkappaB binding to consensus oligonucleotides. NFkappaB p65 protein phosphorylation was also measured by ELISA. Nuclear translocation of NFkappaB p65 subunit was assayed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Compared to non-treated controls, Tbeta4 treatment significantly decreased nuclear NFkappaB protein levels, NFkappaB activity and p65 subunit phosphorylation in corneal epithelial cells after TNF-alpha stimulation. In TNF-alpha-stimulated corneal epithelial cells, NFkappaB p65 subunit translocation to the nucleus was observed using immunofluorescence microscopy. In contrast, Tbeta4 blocked nuclear translocation of the NFkappaB p65 subunit in TNF-alpha-stimulated corneal epithelial cells. TNF-alpha initiates cell signaling pathways that converge on the activation of NFkappaB, thus both are known mediators of the inflammatory process. Tbeta4, a protein with diverse cellular functions including wound healing and suppression of inflammation, inhibits the activation of NFkappaB in TNF-alpha-stimulated cells. These results have important clinical implications for the potential role of Tbeta4 as a corneal anti-inflammatory agent.
Face alive icon

In this paper, we propose a methodology to synthesize facial expressions from photographs for devices with limited processing power, network bandwidth and display area, which is referred as ''LLL'' environment. The facial images are reduced to small-sized face alive icons (FAI). Expressions are decomposed into the expression-unrelated facial features and the expression-related expressional features. As a result, the common features can be identified and reused across expressions using a discrete model constructed from the statistical analysis on training dataset. Semantic synthesis rules are introduced to reveal the inner relations of expressions. Verified by the experimental prototype system and usability study, the approach can produce acceptable facial expression images utilizing much less computing, network and storage resource than the traditional approaches.
Quantum Size Effects in Small Metallic Particles

Abstract Parallel to the development of surface science and catalysis research over the past 15 years has been the growth of a small but active inquiry, primarily by physicists, into the interesting physical properties expected of a collection of metallic particles or clusters of diameters less than 100 A. Although the focus of interest, approaches, and aims of this inquiry have differed greatly in the past from those of catalysis research, the fact that both fields study basically the same physical object leads one to expect their eventual convergence, and at the recently held First International Conference on Small Particles [l] it was clear that this has now taken place. However, since many scientists engaged primarily in the study of surfaces and catalysis are not presently familiar with the physicists' work on small particles, it is the purpose of this paper to provide an introduction to the motivations for their research, to its current state, and to some of its probable future directions. This shou...
Modeling TauD-J: A High-Spin Nonheme Oxoiron(IV) Complex with High Reactivity toward C–H Bonds

High-spin oxoiron(IV) species are often implicated in the mechanisms of nonheme iron oxygenases, their C–H bond cleaving properties being attributed to the quintet spin state. However, the few available synthetic S = 2 FeIV═O complexes supported by polydentate ligands do not cleave strong C–H bonds. Herein we report the characterization of a highly reactive S = 2 complex, [FeIV(O)(TQA)(NCMe)]2+ (2) (TQA = tris(2-quinolylmethyl)amine), which oxidizes both C–H and C═C bonds at −40 °C. The oxidation of cyclohexane by 2 occurs at a rate comparable to that of the oxidation of taurine by the TauD-J enzyme intermediate after adjustment for the different temperatures of measurement. Moreover, compared with other S = 2 complexes characterized to date, the spectroscopic properties of 2 most closely resemble those of TauD-J. Together these features make 2 the best electronic and functional model for TauD-J to date.
Reference and PDF-Manager Software: Complexities, Support and Workflow

In the past, librarians taught reference management by training library users to use established software programs such as RefWorks or EndNote. In today's environment, there is a proliferation of Web-based programs that are being used by library clientele that offer a new twist on the well-known reference management programs. Basically, these new programs are PDF-manager software (e.g., Mendeley or Papers). Librarians are faced with new questions, issues, and concerns, given the new workflows and pathways that these PDF-manager programs present. This article takes a look at some of those.
Arc-Flash Incident Energy Variations: A Study of Low-Voltage Motor Control Center Unit Configurations and Incident Energy Exposure

There has been significant progress in arc-flash research in recent years, but there has been little focus on how the internal configuration of equipment affects the released incident energy. The relationship between low-voltage motor control center (MCC) unit configurations and incident energy exposure resulting from an arc flash is examined in this article. Testing was conducted using actual MCC structures and units. The design of experiment (DOE) methodology was used to analyze several MCC configuration variables, including unit type, unit size, percent fill of unit, power wire size and length, location of the unit within the structure, and their relationships to incident energy as well as arcing duration and arcing current. The results from 24 arcing tests were analyzed, and the magnitude of incident energy measured during the events was observed to be related to the percent fill of components within the units and properties of interior unit surfaces.
OpenTuner: an extensible framework for program autotuning

Program autotuning has been shown to achieve better or more portable performance in a number of domains. However, autotuners themselves are rarely portable between projects, for a number of reasons: using a domain-informed search space representation is critical to achieving good results; search spaces can be intractably large and require advanced machine learning techniques; and the landscape of search spaces can vary greatly between different problems, sometimes requiring domain specific search techniques to explore efficiently. This paper introduces OpenTuner, a new open source framework for building domain-specific multi-objective program autotuners. OpenTuner supports fully-customizable configuration representations, an extensible technique representation to allow for domain-specific techniques, and an easy to use interface for communicating with the program to be autotuned. A key capability inside OpenTuner is the use of ensembles of disparate search techniques simultaneously; techniques that perform well will dynamically be allocated a larger proportion of tests. We demonstrate the efficacy and generality of OpenTuner by building autotuners for 7 distinct projects and 16 total benchmarks, showing speedups over prior techniques of these projects of up to 2.8x with little programmer effort.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) modulates the mutagenic effects produced by an alkylating agent in vivo

Recent reports suggest that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) inhibits tumorigenesis as well as exerts a protective effect against mutagenesis in vitro; however, there is no information on its ability to affect gene mutations induced in vivo. In this study, we have investigated the antimutagenic effects of ascorbic acid on the frequency of 6-thioguanine-resistant (6-TGr) T-lymphocytes produced in Fischer 344 rats dosed with the direct-acting alkylating agent, N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). The frequency of 6-TGr T-lymphocytes from the spleen measured five weeks after ENU treatment indicated that ENU produced a substantial mutagenic response. Pretreatment and/or post-treatment of rats with ascorbic acid administered in the drinking water appeared to inhibit the response, but the inhibition was statistically significant only when data from the various dosing schedules were pooled. In addition, there was no clear dose-dependency to the inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid. To further evaluate the time effects of the vitamin supplement on ENU mutagenicity, rats were exposed to the mutagen together with ascorbic acid, which was given continuously for the entire duration of the experiment. At specific times after ENU treatment, the frequency of 6-TGr T-cells was determined in lymphocytes isolated from the spleen and the thymus. Time-dependent increases in the frequency of 6-TGr T-cells were observed with ENU treatment; ascorbic acid significantly reduced the ENU-mediated mutagenic responses, most dramatically in the spleen at weeks 6 and 8 (P < 0.0001), and to a lesser extent in the thymus (P < 0.01 at week 6 and P < 0.006 at week 8). Our data suggest that ascorbic acid intake affects the in vivo mutagenicity of ENU, a direct-acting mutagen/carcinogen, and that the reported inhibitory effects of the antioxidant on carcinogenesis may be partially mediated by its effects on mutagenesis. Although it is difficult to extrapolate from rodent studies to humans, the results presented suggest an explanation for epidemiological data that link vitamin C ingestion with decreased cancer risk.
Mucins Suppress Virulence Traits of Candida albicans

Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen of humans, causing a variety of diseases ranging from super- ficial mucosal infections to deep-seated systemic invasions. Mucus, the gel that coats all wet epithelial surfaces, accommodates C. albicans as part of the normal microbiota, where C. albicans resides asymptomatically in healthy humans. Through a series of in vitro experiments combined with gene expression analysis, we show that mucin biopolymers, the main gel-forming constitu- ents of mucus, induce a new oval-shaped morphology in C. albicans in which a range of genes related to adhesion, filamentation, and biofilm formation are downregulated. We also show that corresponding traits are suppressed, rendering C. albicans im- paired in forming biofilms on a range of different synthetic surfaces and human epithelial cells. Our data suggest that mucins can manipulate C. albicans physiology, and we hypothesize that they are key environmental signals for retaining C. albicans in the host-compatible, commensal state. IMPORTANCE The yeast Candida albicans causes both superficial infections of the mucosa and life-threatening infections upon entering the bloodstream. However, C. albicans is not always harmful and can exist as part of the normal microbiota without causing disease. Internal body surfaces that are susceptible to infection by C. albicans are coated with mucus, which we hypothe- size plays an important role in preventing infections. Here, we show that the main components of mucus, mucin glycoproteins, suppress virulence attributes of C. albicans at the levels of gene expression and the corresponding morphological traits. Specifi- cally, mucins suppress attachment to plastic surfaces and human cells, the transition to cell-penetrating hyphae, and the forma- tion of biofilms (drug-resistant microbial communities). Additionally, exposure to mucins induces an elongated morphology that physically resembles the mating-competent opaque state but is phenotypically distinct. We suggest that mucins are potent antivirulence molecules that have therapeutic potential for suppressing C. albicans infections.