cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alaska: Glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park and Katmai National Park and Preserve

There are hundreds of glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ) and Katmai National Park and Preserve (KATM) covering over 2,276 km2 of park land (ca. 2000). There are two primary glacierized areas in KEFJ (the Harding Icefield and the Grewingk-Yalik Glacier Complex) and three primary glacierized areas in KATM (the Mt. Douglas area, the Kukak Volcano to Mt. Katmai area, and the Mt. Martin area). Most glaciers in these parks terminate on land, though a few terminate in lakes. Only KEFJ has tidewater glaciers, which terminate in the ocean. Glacier mapping and analysis of the change in glacier extent has been accomplished on a decadal scale using satellite imagery, primarily Landsat data from the 1970s, 1980 s, and from 2000. Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS), Thematic Mapper (TM), and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETMþ) imagery was used to map glacier extent on a park-wide basis. Classification of glacier ice using image-processing software, along with extensive manual editing, was employed to create Geographic Information System (GIS) outlines of the glacier extent for each park. Many glaciers that originate in KEFJ but terminate outside the park boundaries were also mapped. Results of the analysis show that there has been a reduction in the amount of glacier ice cover in the two parks over the study period. Our measurements show a reduction of approximately 21 km2, or −1.5 % (from 1986 to 2000), and 76 km2, or −7.7 % (from 1986/1987 to 2000), in KEFJ and KATM, respectively. This work represents the first comprehensive study of glaciers of KATM. Issues that complicate the mapping of glacier extent include debris cover (moraine and volcanic ash), shadows, clouds, fresh snow, lingering snow from the previous season, and differences in spatial resolution between the MSS, TM, or ETMþ sensors. Similar glacier mapping efforts in western Canada estimate mapping errors of 3–4 %. Measurements were also collected from a suite of glaciers in KEFJ and KATM detailing terminus positions and rates of recession using datasets including 15 min USGS quadrangle maps (1950/1951), Landsat imagery (1986/1987, 2000, 2006), and 2005 IKONOS imagery (KEFJ only).
MAGNETIC SUSPENSION AND GUIDANCE OF HIGH SPEED VEHICLES

On a etudie l'emploi de bobines supraconductrices pour la suspension et la direction des vehicules a grande vitesse. Un support magnetique est obtenu par le moyen de l'interaction du champ magnetique de bobines montees sur le vehicule avec des courants de Foucault induits dans un rebord guide fixe. On obtient des forces de guidage lateral par le meme mecanisme en fournissant le rebord guide d'embases verticales. Il est possible de rendre un tel systeme dynamiquement stable. Pour les tres grandes vitesses il est possible de calculer ces forces par la methode des images magnetiques, parce que le champ magnetique est limite par la haute frequence efficace a l'epaisseur de peau. Les images magnetiques sont formees comme si le rebord guide etait supraconducteur. On a fait l'analyse theorique d'un modele a deux dimensions en utilisant la methode de transformations de Fourier. Ces calculs demontrent que la conductivite finie fait entrer un rapport de la vitesse dans la force d'appui magnetique et determine une force de perte de resistance ou de freinage magnetique. Ces expressions ont ete modifiees d'une maniere semi phenomenologique pour mieux s'adapter aux resultats experimentaux. On discute ces resultats et quelques-unes des implications pour les systemes rapides de transport de masse.
Effect of Porcine Relaxin on Cyclic Nucleotide Levels and Spontaneous Contractions of the Rat Uterus

Relaxin has been known for some time to inhibit spontaneous uterine contractions in a number of species (Schwabe et al., 1978). Furthermore a number of studies have indicated that circulating factors in addition to steroid hormones regulate uterine contractility and responsiveness during pregnancy (Porter, 1972; Korenman et al., 1974; Porter and Downing, 1978). In the human, serum relaxin levels are elevated early in pregnancy, suggesting that this hormone may play a role in maintaining uterine quiescence during that period (Quagliarello et al., 1979).
Modular Power Electronics

In this chapter, the basics of modular power electronics such as power electronics building block (PEBB) and integrated power electronics module (IPEM) are discussed first followed by a review of common power electronics topologies for different renewable and distributed energy systems. Generalized power electronic topologies are formalized based on such applications that can be used to design modular power electronics interfaces. Those modular power electronics will be flexible to work with different sources, scalable to meet various power requirements, incorporating lower cost and improved reliability, and such modular power electronics can eventually improve the overall life-cycle cost for renewable and distributed energy systems.
Recombinant Pregnancy-Specific Glycoprotein 1 Has a Protective Role in a Murine Model of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

Abstract Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is an immune-mediated reaction that can occur after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in which donor T cells recognize the host antigens as foreign, destroying host tissues. Establishment of a tolerogenic immune environment while preserving the immune response to infectious agents is required for successful bone marrow transplantation. Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 1 (PSG1), which is secreted by the human placenta into the maternal circulation throughout pregnancy, likely plays a role in maintaining immunotolerance to prevent rejection of the fetus by the maternal immune system. We have previously shown that PSG1 activates the latent form of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β), a cytokine essential for the differentiation of tolerance-inducing CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Consistent with this observation, treatment of naive murine T cells with PSG1 resulted in a significant increase in FoxP3+ cells that was blocked by a TGF-β receptor I inhibitor. We also show here that PSG1 can increase the availability of active TGF-β in vivo. As the role of CD4+FoxP3+ cells in the prevention of aGVHD is well established, we tested whether PSG1 has beneficial effects in a murine aGHVD transplantation model. PSG1-treated mice had reduced numbers of tissue-infiltrating inflammatory CD3+ T cells and had increased expression of FoxP3 in T cells compared with vehicle-treated mice. In addition, administration of PSG1 significantly inhibited aGVHD-associated weight loss and mortality. On the other hand, administration of PSG1 was less effective in managing aGVHD in the presence of an alloimmune reaction against a malignancy in a graft-versus-leukemia experimental model. Combined, this data strongly suggests that PSG1 could be a promising treatment option for patients with aGVHD following bone marrow transplantation for a nonmalignant condition, such as an autoimmune disorder or a genetic immunodeficiency.
Catalytic enantioselective synthesis of carbocyclic and heterocyclic spiranes via a decarboxylative aldol cyclization.

The synthesis of a variety of enantioenriched 1,3-diketospiranes from the corresponding racemic allyl β-ketoesters via an interrupted asymmetric allylic alkylation is disclosed. Substrates possessing pendant aldehydes undergo decarboxylative enolate formation in the presence of a chiral Pd catalyst and subsequently participate in an enantio- and diastereoselective, intramolecular aldol reaction to furnish spirocyclic β-hydroxy ketones which may be oxidized to the corresponding enantioenriched diketospiranes. Additionally, this chemistry has been extended to α-allylcarboxy lactam substrates leading to a formal synthesis of the natural product (−)-isonitramine.
Room-Temperature Nonaqueous Polyvalent Metal - Sulfur Batteries

Electrochemical energy storage with a room-temperature lithium-sulfur (Li-S) chemistry is gaining overwhelming attention as a promising next-generation rechargeable battery technology for a broad range of applications.1 Beyond Li, sulfur batteries with other anode chemistries, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and aluminum are recently receiving considerable attraction as well.2 In comparison to lithium anode, Ca, Mg, and Al particularly offer multiple advantageous features in terms of safety, materials cost, and abundance. Therefore, rechargeable battery systems with Mg-S, Ca-S, and Al-S chemistries are promising low-cost options for the development of safe, large-scale electrical energy storage technologies. However, the research on these battery chemistries/technologies is still in its infancy and is currently hampered by many critical challenges. Based on our research into the Li-S, Na-S, K-S, Mg-S, Ca-S, and Al-S batteries,3-8 this presentation will first compare the similarities and differences between the above six battery chemistries. Then, key efforts and significant endeavors toward the success in operating the Mg-S, Ca-S, and Al-S batteries will be particularly presented. Electrolytes play the most important role toward the reversible operation of these polyvalent metal – sulfur batteries. Next, multiple strategies to enhance the cycling performances of Mg-S, Ca-S, and Al-S batteries will be discussed. Specially, advanced cathode matrix materials and unique cathode structures will be detailed in this presentation. Finally, the critical challenges and future research and development directions for developing polyvalent metal – sulfur batteries will be prospected. References A. Manthiram, Y. Z. Fu, S. H. Chung, C. X. Zu and Y. S. Su, Chem Rev, 2014, 114, 11751-11787. X. W. Yu and A. Manthiram, Small Methods, 2017, 1, 1700217. A. Manthiram and X. W. Yu, Small, 2015, 11, 2108-2114. X. W. Yu and A. Manthiram, Energy Storage Mater, 2018, 15, 368-373. X. W. Yu and A. Manthiram, Acs Energy Letters, 2016, 1, 431-437. X. Yu and A. Manthiram, Chem-Us, 2018, 4, 1200-1202. X. Y. A. Manthiram, Adv Energy Mater, 2017, 7, 1700561. X. W. Yu, M. J. Boyer, G. S. Hwang and A. Manthiram, Chem-Us, 2018, 4, 586-598.
A Model for Automated Food Logging Through Food Recognition and Attribute Estimation Using Deep Learning

The past few decades have witnessed an increase in dietary ailments, majorly caused due to unhealthy food habits. According to experts, mobile-based diet monitoring and assessment systems can capture real-time images of various food items as well as analyze the nutritional content present in it and can be very convenient to use and assist in improving food habits. This can help people lead a healthier lifestyle. This proposed model provides an innovative system that can automatically estimate various food attributes like the nutrients and ingredients by classifying the food image that is given as input. The approach involves the use of different types of deep learning models for accurate food item identification. Apart from image recognition and analysis, the food ingredients, nutrients and attributes are obtained and estimated by extracting words which are semantically related from a large collection of text, accumulated over the Internet. Experimentation has been performed with the Food-101 dataset. The proposed system assists the user to obtain the nutritional value of the food item in real-time which is effective and simple to use. The proposed system also provides supporting features such as food logging, calorie tracking and healthy recipe recommendations for self-monitoring of the user.
Exploiting MPEG-7 texture descriptors for fast H.264 mode decision

A novel technique for exploring the use of indexing metadata in improving coding efficiency is proposed in this paper. The technique uses an MPEG-7 descriptor as the basis for a fast mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC encoders. The descriptor is used to form homogenous clusters for each frame, within which limited available coding modes for each macroblock are defined. The coding mode of an already coded macroblock that belongs to the same cluster in the same frame as well as the statistics of the coding modes of similar clusters in previous frames, are used for limiting the range of available coding modes within each cluster. The results show that the proposed algorithm is able to achieve an average of 47% time-saving when compared to the full search method and 21% when compared to the fast mode decision algorithm employed in the JM12.2 reference H.264 software encoder. In both cases, results yield only a small degradation in rate-distortion performance and a negligible loss in subjective quality.
Multiplatform computational analysis of mast cells in adrenocortical carcinoma tumor microenvironment

Abstract Background Immunotherapeutic response failure of adrenocortical carcinomas highlights a need for novel strategies targeting immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment to overcome tumor resistance and enhance therapeutic response. A recent study explored a new link between tumor mast cell infiltration and improved outcomes in patients with adrenocortical carcinomas. We further dissect the role of mast cells in the tumor microenvironment of adrenocortical carcinomas by examining the tumor mast cell expression signatures and mast cell activity within the tumor microenvironment to provide additional insight into potential novel immunotherapeutic targets. Methods Using the CIBERSORTx computational immunogenomic deconvolution algorithm to analyze adrenocortical carcinoma tumor gene messenger RNA expression data (The Cancer Genome Atlas, N = 79), we estimated the abundance of tumor immune infiltrating mast cells and assessed prognostic potential of mast cell signaling genes as pro or antitumor signatures, as well as examined the impact on overall and disease-free survival. Results We stratified mast cell signaling genes with survival prognostic values (overall survival, disease-free survival, P Conclusion The deconvolution analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data identified mast cell infiltration in the adrenocortical carcinoma microenvironment as predominantly associated with antitumor activity. Future studies stemming from our findings may help define the role of mast cells in the tumor microenvironment and the impact on patient survival in patients with adrenocortical carcinomas. Modulation of tumor mast cell infiltration may serve as a potential target for novel synergistic immunotherapies for the treatment and improved survival of patients with adrenocortical carcinomas.
Clinical outcomes of stereotactic magnetic resonance image-guided adaptive radiotherapy for primary and metastatic tumors in the abdomen and pelvis

PURPOSE Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) delivers ablative doses with excellent local control. However, implementing SBRT for abdominal and pelvic tumors has been limited by the risk for treatment-related gastrointestinal toxicity. MRI-guided radiotherapy may ameliorate these risks and increase the therapeutic ratio. We report the clinical outcomes of stereotactic MRI-guided adaptive radiotherapy (SMART) for primary and metastatic tumors in the abdomen and pelvis. METHODS From November 2014 to August 2017, the first 106 consecutive patients with 121 tumors in the abdomen and pelvis were treated with SMART at a single institution. Of the cohort, 41.5%, 15.1%, and 43.4% had primary, locally recurrent, and oligometastatic tumors, respectively. SMART was delivered using a tri-cobalt-60 gantry with on-board 0.35 Tesla MRI with respiratory breath-hold and daily adaptive re-planning when anatomically necessary. A median of 40Gy in five fractions was prescribed. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v.4.03 was used to score treatment-related toxicities. Local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Of the 510 treatments, seventy-one (13.9%) were adapted. Fatigue, nausea, and pain were the most common acute toxicities. 0.9 and 0% of patients experienced acute grade three and four toxicities, respectively. 5.2 and 2.1% of patients experienced late grade three and four toxicities, respectively. After a median follow-up of 20.4 months, the 2-year LC rate was 74% on a per-lesion basis. Two-year LC was 96% for lesions that were treated with BED10 ≥100 versus 69% for BED10 <100 (p = 0.02). PFS was significantly different between patients with and without locally controlled tumors (2-year PFS 21 vs. 8%, p = 0.03). Two-year OS was 57% for the entire cohort. CONCLUSIONS Favorable LC and PFS outcomes were observed with minimal morbidity for tumors in the abdomen and pelvis treated with SMART. Future prospective clinical trials to validate these findings are warranted.
Bulkhead Tests Program at Port of Toledo, Ohio

Tests described include measurements made on steel in order to obtain bending moment in sheet piling and stresses in anchor tie rods; measurements were also made using observation wells to determine relationship between Lake Erie water levels and ground-water levels behind bulkhead both for design purposes and as indication of effectiveness of bulkhead drainage features.
Conclusions and Directions for Future Work

The focus of this book has been to describe the algorithms and Computer-Aided Design tools available for the synthesis of sequential circuits. As mentioned in the introduction, optimization is an integral facet of synthesis. We have concentrated on describing the theoretical and practical aspects of optimization-based sequential logic synthesis.
The International Monetary Fund in the Global Economy: Global finance and IMF lending to Mexico, 1983–1995

The results of the statistical analysis in the previous chapter clearly indicate that changes in patterns of financial globalization have had significant and sizeable effects on IMF lending policies. This link between international capital flows and IMF policies occurs through two channels. First, private debt composition – specifically, the amount and distribution of G-5 commercial bank exposure to IMF borrowing countries – determines the intensity and heterogeneity of preferences among the Fund's major shareholders. Second, private debt composition – specifically, whether capital flows consist of bank lending rather than bond financing, and (to a lesser extent) whether the borrowers are sovereign governments or private actors – also shapes the IMF staff's expectations about the availability of catalytic financing. As the foregoing statistical analysis illustrates, these factors explain a substantial portion of the variation in IMF loan size and conditionality during the last two decades. Nonetheless, large-sample statistical analysis provides only a partial picture of the political economy of IMF lending. In particular, while quantitative analysis enables us to identify broad cross-national trends in IMF behavior over time, it does not elucidate the causal chain linking changes in financial globalization to IMF lending outcomes, nor does it explain how and to what extent the Fund's G-5 principals and the IMF staff take each of these factors into account in specific cases.
Contributions to the Problem of Approximation of Equidistant Data by Analytic Functions

Introduction. Let there be given a sequence of ordinates $$ \left\{ {{y_n}} \right\}\quad \left( {n = 0, \pm 1 \pm 2, \ldots } \right), $$ corresponding to all integral values of the variable x = n. If these ordinates are the values of a known analytic function F(x), then the problem of interpolation between these ordinates has an obvious and precise meaning: we are required to compute intermediate values F(x) to the same accuracy to which the ordinates are known. Undoubtedly, the most convenient tool for the solution of this problem is the polynomial central interpolation method. It uses the polynomial of degree k — 1, interpolating k successive ordinates, as an approximation to F(x) only within a unit interval in x, centrally located with respect to its k defining ordinates. Assuming k fixed, successive approximating arcs for F(x) are thus obtained which present discontinuities on passing from one arc to the next if k is odd, or discontinuities in their first derivatives if k is even (see section 2.121). Actually these discontinuities are irrelevant in our present case of an analytic function F(x). Indeed, if the interpolated values obtained are sufficiently accurate, these discontinuities will be apparent only if we force the computation beyond the intrinsic accuracy of the y n.
Acquired nonsurgical complete atrioventricular block in a child with endocardial cushion defect

Acquired nonsurgical complete atrioventricular block is uncommon in children. We report an 11-year-old asymptomatic girl with endocardial cushion defect who gradually developed progressive conduction abnormality and complete atrioventricular block prior to open heart surgery. To our knowledge, a gradual progressive, nonsurgical, acquired atrioventricular block in endocardial cushion defect has not been described before. This report discusses the possible pathogenesis of acquired nonsurgical complete atrioventricular block in endocardial cushion defect and reviews the literature.
(Trimethylsilyl)vinyllithium: I. The reaction of(1- and trans-2-bromovinyl)trimethylsilane with lithium metal

Abstract (1- and trans-2-bromovinyl)trimethylsilane react rapidly with lithium in ether, however, dehydrohalogenation and coupling reactions preclude good yields of the lithium reagent. In situ trapping with excess trimethylchlorosilane yields trans-bis(trimethylsilyl)ethylene and demonstrates >80% conversion to lithium reagents. In this latter case, prolonged reaction with lithium leads to reductive silylation of the derivative product and formation of 2,2,4,4,7,7-hexamethyl-6-(trimethylsilyl)-2,4,7-trisilaoctane.
Comparative Effectiveness Research Priorities at Federal Agencies: The View from the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institute on Aging, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

In the last year increased attention has been focused on translating federally sponsored health research into improved health for Americans. Since the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on February 17, 2009, this focus has been accelerated by ARRA funds to support Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER). A high proportion of topical areas of interest in CER affect the older segment of the population. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) have supported robust research portfolios focused on aging populations that meet the varying definitions of CER. In this short paper we briefly describe the research missions of the AHRQ, NIA, and VA. We then review the various definitions of CER as put forward by the Congressional Budget Office, the Institute of Medicine, and the ARRA established Federal Coordinating Council; as well as important topics for which CER is particularly needed. Finally, we set forth approaches in which the three agencies support CER involving the aging population and outline opportunities for future CER research.
Introduction to a Cultural Evolutionary Theory of Normativity

One of the great issues in ethical philosophy is the relationship of "is" to "ought." Any attempt to naturalize ethics faces a further complicating issue: the relationship of nature to nurture - of genetically-transmitted motivators to learned behaviors. This paper introduces a fully naturalized theory of normativity that attempts to negotiate these complications. The paper is in three parts. Part I offers a model of the relationship between learned behaviors and genetically-transmitted behavioral predispositions or motivators. It asks and answers three questions: (1) Why have we evolved the capacity to carry and facilitate the evolution of learned behaviors? (2) How are learned behaviors motivated? (3) To what extent does it matter whether a behavior is learned or genetically transmitted? Based on the model developed in Part I, Part II then defines normativity - by which I mean simply the set of all of our "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts" - in purely functional evolutionary terms. Again, Part II is organized around three questions: (1) Why have we evolved a capacity to feel that we should or should not behave in particular ways? (2) What is the relationship of reason to this capacity? (3) Why is goodness adaptive? Part III, finally, explores the relationship between "is" and "ought": (1) Does "is" constrain "ought"? (2) To what extent is "is" evidence of "ought"? (3) If absolute moral facts exist independently from adaptivity, can we access them?
Solar Ultraviolet Variability Over Time Periods of Aeronomic Interest

The solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a primary energy source for planetary atmospheres and is also a tool for remote sensing of the planets. The solar UV radiation from mostly below 300 nm dissociates molecules, ionizes the neutral atmosphere, and affects many chemical cycles in the atmospheres. In addition, solar photons scatter off the molecules and atoms in the atmospheres and provide a method of remote sensing the composition and density of the atmospheres. For such aeronomic studies, accurate values of the solar UV irradiance, primarily shortward of 200 nm, are needed over time periods of days to decades. A planet's orbital motion around the Sun and the intrinsic solar variability are the primary causes of the variation of the solar intensity at a planet. The insolation changes caused by the orbital motion are easily calculated as the inverse square of the Sun-planet distance; however, the intrinsic solar irradiance variability is more complicated and is strongly dependent on wavelength and time. The primary short-term irradiance variability over several days is caused by the solar rotation, which has a mean period of 27 days. The primary long-term variability is related to the solar dynamo that reverses the solar magnetic field and is known as the 11-year solar cycle. The variations observed during solar cycle 22 (1986-1996) are the basis for creating some reference spectra of the solar UV irradiance for use in comparative aeronomic studies. From these reference spectra, the solar cycle variability as a function of wavelength can be characterized as 15% and less at wavelengths longward of 160 nm, as 15% to 70% between 160 and 65 nm, and as a factor of 1.5 to 7 between 65 and 1 nm. The magnitude of the 27-day rotational variability is usually no more than one third of the solar cycle variability. There is not a smooth transition of variability between wavelengths, but instead the amount of intrinsic solar variability depends on the source of the radiation in the solar atmosphere. In general, the coronal emissions vary the most, then the transition region emissions vary somewhat less, chromospheric emissions vary even less, and finally the photospheric emissions vary the least, perhaps only 0.1% at the longest UV wavelengths.
Customer service and marketing at the defense technical information center

The purpose of this paper is to give some idea of the development of the customer services and marketing programs at the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC): how they came to be; some of our visions and objectives for the future; and, in general, how our organizational structure is geared to meeting customer needs. DTIC's customer service and marketing program will be discussed in light of the historical perspective of marketing in the federal government environment and the emergence of customer service issues in information services
Solution of the multistate voter model and application to strong neutrals in the naming game.

We consider the voter model with M states initially in the system. Using generating functions, we pose the spectral problem for the Markov transition matrix and solve for all eigenvalues and eigenvectors exactly. With this solution, we can find all future probability probability distributions, the expected time for the system to condense from M states to M-1 states, the moments of consensus time, the expected local times, and the expected number of states over time. Furthermore, when the initial distribution is uniform, such as when M=N, we can find simplified expressions for these quantities. In particular, we show that the mean and variance of consensus time for M=N are 1/N(N-1)(2) and 1/3(π(2)-9)(N-1)(2), respectively. We verify these claims by simulation of the model on complete and Erdős-Renyi graphs and show that the results also hold on these sparse networks.
Conduction through thin titanium dioxide films

Conduction through TiO2 films of thickness 100 to 450 A have been investigated. The samples were prepared by either anodization of Ti evaporation of TiO2, with Au or Al evaporated for contacts. The anodized samples exhibited considerable hysteresis due to electrical forming, however it was possible to avoid this problem with the evaporated samples from which complete sets of experimental results were obtained and used in the analysis. Electrical measurements included: the dependence of current and capacitance on dc voltage and temperature; the dependence of capacitance and conductance on frequency and temperature; and transient measurements of current and capacitance. A thick (3000 A) evaporated TiO2 film was used for measuring the dielectric constant (27.5) and the optical dispersion, the latter being similar to that for rutile. An electron transmission diffraction pattern of a evaporated film indicated an essentially amorphous structure with a short range order that could be related to rutile. Photoresponse measurements indicated the same band gap of about 3 ev for anodized and evaporated films and reduced rutile crystals and gave the barrier energies at the contacts. The results are interpreted in a self consistent manner by considering the effect of a large impurity concentration in the films and a correspondingly large ionic space charge. The resulting potential profile in the oxide film leads to a thermally assisted tunneling process between the contacts and the interior of the oxide. A general relation is derived for the steady state current through structures of this kind. This in turn is expressed quantitatively for each of two possible limiting types of impurity distributions, where one type gives barriers of an exponential shape and leads to quantitative predictions in c lose agreement with the experimental results. For films somewhat greater than 100 A, the theory is formulated essentially in terms of only the independently measured barrier energies and a characteristic parameter of the oxide that depends primarily on the maximum impurity concentration at the contacts. A single value of this parameter gives consistent agreement with the experimentally observed dependence of both current and capacitance on dc voltage and temperature, with the maximum impurity concentration found to be approximately the saturation concentration quoted for rutile. This explains the relative insensitivity of the electrical properties of the films on the exact conditions of formation.
Not All Hate Crimes are Created Equal: An Examination of the Roles of Ambiguity and Expectations in Perceptions of Hate Crimes

The present set of studies investigated extra-legal factors in cases depicting bias-motivated assault. Study one focused on sexual orientation motivated hate crime. In this study, participants (N = 240) read a trial transcript depicting an assault on a man during a gay pride parade. The victim’s sexual orientation was varied (i.e., he either stated he was or was not gay) as was the victim’s involvement in the parade (i.e., he was either a spectator, marching in it quietly, or marching in it and shouting a pro-gay slogan). Results indicated that beliefs about whether or not the defendant should be convicted, victim blame and perceptions of the victim differed significantly among all conditions. Study two focused on hate crime motivated by race, specifically committed against Native American Indians (NAI). Inclusion in the minority group (victim is NAI vs. victim is not NAI) and involvement (watching parade vs. marching quietly in parade vs. marching and shouting in parade) were varied within the context of a bias-motivated assault that occurred during a Native American Heritage Pride Parade. Results indicated differences in victim blame based in group inclusion and differences in beliefs the crime was a hate crime based on involvement.
On the Equations for the Flow and the Magnetic Field within the Earth

Abstract In this paper we study the equations for the flow and the magnetic field within the earth. The existence and uniqueness of the global solutions can be proven when the dimension n = 2, using some integral estimates. The asymptotic behaviors of the solutions and the existence of a compact attractor will be considered. When n = 3, the existence and uniqueness of local solutions will be obtained.
High performance liquid chromatography studies on the interactions of cis-Pt(NH3)2−(H2O)22+ with guanine and methylated g

Time dependence studies, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), on the reaction between cis-diamminediaquoplatinum and guanine, N1-methylguanine, N7-methylguanine, N9-methylguanine, and N1 ,N7-dimethylguanine are reported. Each reaction gave rise to eight or more compounds; the major components have been prepared and characterization by 1H and 195Pt nuclear magnetic resonance has been attempted. Species of the form ((NH3)2Pt(NO3)-(G-H)-(NO3)-Pt(NH3)2)+, (NH3)2,Pt(G-H)(NO3) monomer and (NH3)2Pt(G-H)(NO3) dimer, where G-H indicates the guanine monoanion, are postulated.
Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum percutaneous radiofrequency-assisted valvotomy and balloon dilation versus surgical valvotomy and blalock taussig shunt

Abstract OBJECTIVE We compared the result of radiofrequency (RF)-assisted valvotomy and balloon dilation with closed surgical valvotomy and Blalock Taussig (BT) shunt as primary treatment in selected patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS). BACKGROUND Patients with PA-IVS who have mild to moderate hypoplasia of the right ventricle (RV) and patent infundiblum have the greatest potential for complete biventricular circulation. The use of RF or laser wires to perforate the atretic valve followed by balloon dilation provides an alternative to surgery. METHODS Between May 1990 and March 1998, 33 selected patients underwent either percutaneous RF valvotomy and balloon dilation (group 1, n = 21; two crossed over to group 2) or surgical valvotomy with concomitant BT shunt (group 2, n = 14). Second RV decompression by balloon dilation or right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction were performed if necessary. Patients who remained cyanosed were subjected to transcatheter trial closure of the interatrial communication. Partial biventricular repair was offered to those with inadequate growth of the RV. RESULTS The primary procedure was successful in 19 patients in group 1. There was one in-hospital death and two late deaths. Of the remaining 16 survivors, 12 achieved complete biventricular circulation, 7 of whom required no further interventions. Two patients required repeat balloon dilation, 1 RVOT reconstruction and 2 transcatheter closure of interatrial communication. Two patients underwent partial biventricular repair. In group 2, there were 3 in-hospital deaths after the primary procedure and 1 patient died four months later. All survivors (n = 10) required a second RV decompression, 8 by balloon dilation and 2 by RVOT reconstruction, after which, two patients died. Of the final 8 survivors, 7 achieved complete biventricular circulation, 5 after coil occlusion of the BT shunt and 2 after closure of interatrial communication. CONCLUSIONS Radiofrequency valvotomy and balloon dilation is more efficacious and safe compared with closed pulmonary valvotomy and BT shunt in selected patients with PA-IVS.
Protein flexibility: coordinate uncertainties and interpretation of structural differences.

Valid interpretations of conformational movements in protein structures determined by X-ray crystallography require that the movement magnitudes exceed their uncertainty threshold. Here, it is shown that such thresholds can be obtained from the distance difference matrices (DDMs) of 1014 pairs of independently determined structures of bovine ribonuclease A and sperm whale myoglobin, with no explanations provided for reportedly minor coordinate differences. The smallest magnitudes of reportedly functional motions are just above these thresholds. Uncertainty thresholds can provide objective criteria that distinguish between true conformational changes and apparent `noise', showing that some previous interpretations of protein coordinate changes attributed to external conditions or mutations may be doubtful or erroneous. The use of uncertainty thresholds, DDMs, the newly introduced CDDMs (contact distance difference matrices) and a novel simple rotation algorithm allows a more meaningful classification and description of protein motions, distinguishing between various rigid-fragment motions and nonrigid conformational deformations. It is also shown that half of 75 pairs of identical molecules, each from the same asymmetric crystallo­graphic cell, exhibit coordinate differences that range from just outside the coordinate uncertainty threshold to the full magnitude of large functional movements. Thus, crystallization might often induce protein conformational changes that are comparable to those related to or induced by the protein function.
Multi-level placement for large-scale mixed-size IC designs

In this paper we study the large-scale mixed-size placement problem where there is a significant size variation between big and small placeable objects (the ratio can be as large as 10,000). We have developed a multi-level optimization algorithm, MPG-MS, for this problem which can efficiently handle both large-scale designs and large size variations. Compared with the recently published work on large-scale mixed macro and standard cell placement benchmarks for wirelength minimization, our method can achieve 13% wirelength reduction on average with comparable runtime.
Role of the ArcAB two-component system in the resistance of Escherichia coli to reactive oxygen stress.

The global regulatory system ArcAB controls the anaerobic growth of E. coli, however, its role in aerobic conditions is not well characterized. We have previously reported that ArcA was necessary for Salmonella to resist reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aerobic conditions. To investigate the mechanism of ROS resistance mediated by ArcAB, we generated deletion mutants of ArcA and ArcB in E. coli. Our results demonstrated that both ArcA and ArcB were necessary for resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a type of ROS, and their function in this resistance was independent from H2O2 scavenge. Mutagenesis analysis of ArcA indicated that ROS resistance was mediated through a distinct signaling pathway from that used in anaerobic conditions. An abundant protein flagellin was elevated at both the protein and mRNA levels in the ΔarcA mutant as compared to the wild type E. coli, and deletion of flagellin restored the resistance of the ΔarcA mutant to H2O2. The resistance of the ΔarcA mutant E. coli to H2O2 can also be restored by amino acid supplementation, suggesting that a deficiency in amino acid and/or protein synthesis in the mutant contributed to its susceptibility to H2O2, which is consistent with the notion that protein synthesis is necessary for ROS resistance. Our results suggest that in addition to its role as a global regulator for anaerobic growth of bacteria, ArcAB system is also important for bacterial resistance to ROS in aerobic conditions, possibly through its influence on bacterial metabolism, especially amino acid and/or protein assimilation and synthesis.
A note on observation decorrelation, variances of residuals, and redundancy numbers

A technique for processing correlated observations suitable for large, sparse, least-squares adjustments is reviewed. Correlated coordinate differences derived from the Global Positioning System are used as illustrative examples. However, the methods examined are suitable for all types of correlated observations. The computation of variances of residuals, redundancy numbers, and marginally detectable errors is considered for sparse systems.
Carotid baroreflex responsiveness in normotensive African Americans is attenuated at rest and during dynamic leg exercise

Evidence suggests differences between African Americans (AA) and Caucasian Americans (CA) in cardiovascular responsiveness to physiological stressors. This study tested the hypothesis that carotid baroreflex (CBR) control of heart rate (HR) and blood pressure is reduced in AAs compared to CAs during exercise. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR were continuously recorded at rest and during leg cycling in 23 nonhypertensive male subjects (12 AA; 11 CA; age 19-26 yr). CBR control of HR and MAP was assessed with 5-sec pulses of neck pressure (NP, simulated hypotension) and neck suction (NS, simulated hypertension) ranging from +45 to -80 Torr. Across all NS stimuli (-20, -40, -60, -80 Torr) at rest, the AA group demonstrated attenuated CBR-mediated reductions in HR (AA, -8.9 ± 1.9 vs. CA, -14.1 ± 2.3 bpm; P<0.001) and MAP (AA, -6.4 ± 1 vs. CA, -7.8 ± 0.8 mmHg; P<0.05). Despite similar gain and magnitude of resetting observed in the modeled stimulus response curves, an attenuation among AAs persisted in HR (AA, -8.2 ± 1.6 vs. CA, -11.8 ± 3 bpm; P<0.05) and MAP (AA, -6.8 ± 0.9 vs. CA, -8.2 ± 1.1 mmHg; P<0.05) responses to NS during exercise. No differences in CBR-mediated HR and MAP responses to NP were detected between groups at rest or during exercise. These data suggest impairment in the ability to defend against a hypertensive challenge among AAs during steady-state exercise compared to their CA counterparts.
Overcoming the dynamic range problem in mass spectrometry-based shotgun proteomics

Protein profiling using mass spectrometry technology has emerged as a powerful method for analyzing large-scale protein-expression patterns in cells and tissues. However, a number of challenges are present in proteomics research, one of the greatest being the high degree of protein complexity and huge dynamic range of proteins expressed in the complex biological mixtures, which exceeds six orders of magnitude in cells and ten orders of magnitude in body fluids. Since many important signaling proteins have low expression levels, methods to detect the low-abundance proteins in a complex sample are required. This review will focus on the fundamental fractionation and mass spectrometry techniques currently used for large-scale shotgun proteomics research.
Temporary Transvenous Catheter-Electrode Pacing of the Heart

Experience with 110 separate periods of transvenous cardiac pacing by means of a catheter-electrode in 91 patients has been reviewed. Indications for the use of the catheter-electrode included (1) complete heart block with and without Adams-Stokes syndrome, (2) other arrhythmias with and without cardiogenic syncope, (3) malfunction of previously implanted permanent pacemaker units, and (4) need for pacing during general surgical procedures in patients with a variety of rhythm disturbances. A case illustrating the combined use of drug therapy and catheter-electrode pacing in controlling paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia is presented. Only six deaths occurred in spite of the serious heart disease in all 91 patients in this series. Two were related to complications of temporary transvenous intracardiac pacing. The major complications associated with the procedure included perforation of the heart, bacteremia, acute myocardial infarction, cephalic vein phlebitis, and ventricular tachyarrhythmia. Minor proble...
Steric and Solvation Effects in Ionic SN2 Reactions

This paper explores the contribution of solvation to the overall steric effects of SN2 reactions observed in solution. The reactions of chloride ion with a series of alkyl chloronitriles, RCH(CN)Cl (R = methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl) were investigated both experimentally and theoretically. These reactions serve as a model system for the parent reactions, Cl− + RCH2Cl, which are too slow to measure. Each additional substitution at the β-carbon lowers the reactivity, clearly demonstrating a steric hindrance effect. The magnitude of the steric effect, however, is not significantly different in the gas phase and in solution. We conclude that the solvation energies of the corresponding SN2 transition states must be similar regardless of size of the substituent. This lack of size dependence in the current system is in sharp contrast with many other ionic systems such as ionization of simple alkyl alcohols, where solvation depends strongly on size. We propose that the weak size dependence results from the...
Ecology of Toxic Shock Syndrome: Amplification of Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1 by Materials of Medical Interest

Historically, the literature suggests that staphylococcal exoproteins, including enterotoxins, are stimulated by various physicochemical ecologic factors, many of which have been shown to stimulate production of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1). The propensity of different fibers and other substances to amplify TSST-1 production in toxic shock syndrome-associated strains of Staphylococcus aureus, as well as a comparative analysis of the underlying mechanisms of TSST-1 production, are reported. Two hundred twenty intravaginal devices or other products and materials and 60 experimental controls were examined for their propensity to induce TSST-1 production. Certain materials are superior to unaltered cotton in providing a more absorbent fiber - nutrients are efficiently drawn in, concentrating protein between fibers, and thereby creating an ideal physicochemical environment for the amplification of TSST-1 and other toxins. The greatest stimulation of TSST-1 was observed with (in decreasing order): polyester and carboxymethyl cellulose, polyacrylates, viscose rayon, gelatin foam, polyurethane, and cotton. No toxin was found with nasal tampons (polymer of polyvinyl acetal) or with vaginal cups (an elastomeric polymer). Results are discussed in terms of specific ecologic parameters from historical as well as recent perspectives.
Infrared heterodyne spectroscopy of atmospheric ozone.

The absorption spectrum of atmospheric ozone is measured within a 1/cm region at 1100/cm, using an IR heterodyne detector (spectrometer with CO2 local oscillator) developed for astronomical work. Absorption spectra obtained by passing radiation from the tunable diode laser through an absorption cell, heterodyne spectra of atmospheric ozone, and a predicted atmospheric spectrum are compared. Water vapor absorbing in the region of interest (1100/cm) is also considered. Preliminary results encourage the use of diode laser local oscillators in tunable heterodyne detector systems for spectroscopy of atmospheric ozone and remote high-resolution spectroscopy of atmospheric constituents and pollutants.