cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Residential expansion as a continental threat to U.S. coastal ecosystems

Spatially extensive analysis of satellite, climate, and census data reveals human-environment interactions of regional or continental concern in the United States. A grid-based principal components analysis of Bureau of Census variables revealed two independent demographic phenomena, α-settlement reflecting traditional human settlement patterns and β-settlement describing relative population growth correlated with recent construction in non-agricultural areas, notably in coastal, desert, and “recreational” counties and around expanding metropolitan areas. Regression tree analysis showed that β-settlement was differentially associated with five distinct combinations of seasonality, summer heat or cool, intensity of agriculture, and extent of “barren” land. Beta-settlement was greatest in coastal and desert areas, and coincided with national concentrations of threatened and endangered species.
Immanantal invariants of graphs

Abstract Something between an expository note and an extended research problem, this article is an invitation to expand the existing literature on a family of graph invariants rooted in linear and multilinear algebra. There are a variety of ways to assign a real n × n matrix K ( G ) to each n -vertex graph G , so that G and H are isomorphic if and only if K ( G ) and K ( H ) are permutation similar. It follows that G and H are isomorphic only if K ( G ) and K ( H ) are similar, i.e., that similarity invariants of K ( G ) are graph theoretic invariants of G , an observation that helps to explain the enormous literature on spectral graph theory. The focus of this article is the permutation part, i.e., on matrix functions that are preserved under permutation similarity if not under all similarity.
Nonlinear time-varying generalized state-space systems: An overview

This paper will review the current literature on nonlinear and time varying generalized state-space systems of the form F(t,y,y') = O.
The Association Between Conduct Problems and Maltreatment: Testing Genetic and Environmental Mediation

It is often assumed that childhood maltreatment causes conduct problems via an environmentally mediated process. However, the association may be due alternatively to either a nonpassive gene-environment correlation, in which parents react to children’s genetically-influenced conduct problems by maltreating them, or a passive gene-environment correlation, in which parents’ tendency to engage in maltreatment and children’s conduct problems are both influenced by a hereditary vulnerability to antisocial behavior (i.e. genetic mediation). The present study estimated the contribution of these processes to the association between maltreatment and conduct problems. Bivariate behavior genetic analyses were conducted on approximately 1,650 twin and sibling pairs drawn from a large longitudinal study of adolescent health (Add Health). The correlation between maltreatment and conduct problems was small; much of the association between maltreatment and conduct problems was due to a nonpassive gene-environment correlation. Results were more consistent with the hypothesis that parents respond to children’s genetically-influenced conduct problems by maltreating them than the hypothesis that maltreatment causes conduct problems.
Method for Scenario Selection and Probability Adjustment for Reliability and Active Traffic Management Analysis in a Highway Capacity Manual Context

This paper presents an optimization-based probability adjustment approach that enables an analyst to minimize the error and bias in estimating freeway reliability performance measures by using a small sample of reliability scenarios. The freeway facilities travel time reliability methodology proposed for the Highway Capacity Manual 2010 can produce up to 24,000 scenarios to be evaluated for estimating the travel time distribution. The methodology uses a deterministic scenario generation approach to account for any possible operational condition of freeway facilities. In addition to processing time considerations, the large number of scenarios poses analytical challenges because (a) a detailed assessment and scrutiny of individual scenarios cannot be performed and (b) the customized selection of active traffic management is infeasible. The proposed method allows the analyst to adjust the selected scenario probabilities to estimate the real-world freeway performance measure better with a manual biased sampl...
A Hamiltonian with a Subset of Normal Modes for Studying Mode-Specific Energy Transfer in Intermolecular Collisions†

A Hamiltonian is described in which some degrees of freedom are represented by normal modes and the remainder retain their complete couplings and anharmonicities. The classical equations of motion for this Hamiltonian may be efficiently integrated in Cartesian coordinates. This Hamiltonian is used to study the mode specificity of energy transfer in Ne-atom collisions with alkanethiolate chains and a monolayer of n-hexyl thiolate chains self-assembled on Au{111}. The intermolecular and intramolecular degrees of freedom for these chain and self-assembled monolayer (SAM) systems are represented by normal modes. Collinear collisions with n-hexyl and n-octadecyl thiolate chains show that only one mode is excited at low collision energies. Mode specificity is also observed in Ne-atom collisions with the SAM. As expected from the adiabatic/impulsive model of T → V energy transfer, higher frequency modes of the chains and monolayer are excited as the Ne-atom translational energy is increased. A comparison, betwee...
Prevalence of antiretroviral drug resistance in the HIV-1-infected urban indigent population in San Francisco: a representative study.

We determined the prevalence of antiretroviral (ARV) resistance in HIV-1 infected indigent persons in San Francisco, California. Three hundred and twenty-seven subjects (159 (49%) ARV naive, and 168 (51%) ARV-experienced), were recruited during 1996–97 and 1999–2000. Plasma HIV-1 viral load quantification and genotypic resistance testing were performed. Twice as many subjects received nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) or protease inhibitors (PIs); resistance mutation prevalences were 30%, 14% and 16% respectively. Risk of any resistance mutations was strongly and independently associated with prior ARV exposure (OR = 1.3 per year of exposure, P < 0.0001) and with ARV exposure prior to HAART (OR = 2.5, P = 0.015). Prevalences of primary ARV resistance mutations among both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced subjects in this indigent urban population are low compared to other observational cohorts, are directly related to le...
Robust Spatial Autoregressive Modeling for Hardwood Log Inspection

Abstract We explore the application of a stochastic texture modeling method toward a machine vision system for log inspection in the forest products industry. This machine vision system uses computerized tomography (CT) imaging to locate and identify internal defects in hardwood logs. The application of CT to such industrial vision problems requires efficient and robust image analysis methods. This paper addresses one particular aspect of the problem of creating such a computer vision system, namely, the use of image texture modeling for wood defect recognition. In particular, we contribute the first application of spatial autoregressive (SAR) modeling to wood-grain texture analysis of CT images of hardwood logs. Thereto a circularly shifted correlation approach is developed to discriminate the circular texture patterns on the cross-sectional CT images of logs. A robust algorithm for parameter estimation is applied to obtain model parameters associated with individual defects occurring inside a log. Based on the estimated model features, a simple minimum distance correlation-classifier is constructed which classifies an unknown defect into one of the prototypical defects. Experimental results from the proposed method, applied to CT images from different red oak wood, are given and show the efficacy of our approach.
High-Pressure Microfluidic Control in Lab-on-a-Chip Devices Using Mobile Polymer Monoliths

We have developed a nonstick polymer formulation for creating moving parts inside of microfluidic channels and have applied the technique to create piston-based devices that overcome several microfluidic flow control challenges. The parts were created by completely filling the channels of a glass microfluidic chip with the monomer/solvent/initiator components of a nonstick photopolymer and then selectively exposing the chip to UV light in order to define mobile pistons (or other quasi-two-dimensional shapes) inside the channels. Stops defined in the substrate prevent the part from flushing out of the device but also provide sealing surfaces so that valves and other flow control devices are possible. Sealing against pressures greater than 30 MPa (4500 psi) and actuation times less than 33 ms are observed. An on-chip check valve, a diverter valve, and a 10-nL pipet are demonstrated. This valving technology, coupled with high-pressure electrokinetic pumps, should make it possible to create a completely integ...
A comparison of Sheldon's and Parnell's methods for quantifying morphological differences

Comparison of Sheldon's somatotype and Parnell's phenotype scores on 102 normal male university students showed significant differences between all three matched pairs of components. Shared variances were 35% for endomorphy and Fat, 44% for mesomorphy and Muscularity, and 74% for ectomorphy and Linearity. Parnell's Muscularity scores averaged nearly one point less than Sheldon's mesomorphy scores. Although both systems exhibit redundancy, neither seems reduceable to two scores. Because both systems show twice as many correlations with a variety of psychological measures as would be expected by chance, it would be useful to include either or both systems routinely in psychological studies.
Degenerative change in symptomatic scaphoid nonunion

A retrospective radiographic analysis of 64 patients with symptomatic scaphoid nonunions without previous surgical treatment was accomplished. The results showed a high frequency of degenerative changes occurring in a predictable sequence. For nonunions of 4 years duration, 75 % of patients had radioscaphoid changes, and for those of 9 years duration 60 % of the patients had midcarpal changes. The pattern of arthritis in scaphoid nonunion is that of scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist resulting from rotary subluxation of the distal scaphoid fragment. The radius-proximal scaphoid fragment joint and the radiolunate joint were consistently spared from degenerative changes, even with severe arthritis. Instability was progressive and associated with an earlier onset of arthritis. Patients with symptomatic scaphoid nonunions appear to have a significant likelihood of arthritis developing.
Effects of management practices on reflectance of spring wheat canopies.

The effects of available soil moisture, planting date, nitrogen fertilization, and cultivar on reflectance of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) canopies were investigated. Spectral measurements were acquired on eight dates throughout the growing season, along with measurements of crop maturity stage, leaf area index, biomass, plant height, percent soil cover, and soil moisture. Planting date and available soil moisture were the primary agronomic factors which affected reflectance of spring wheat canopies from tillering to maturity. Comparisons of treatments indicated that during the seedling and tillering stages planting date was associated with 36 percent and 85 percent of variation in red and near infrared reflectances, respectively. As the wheat headed and matured, less of the variation in reflectance was associated with planting date and more with available soil moisture. By mid July, soil moisture accounted for 73 percent and 69 percent of the variation in reflectance in red and near infrared bands, respectively. Differences in spectral reflectance among treatments were attributed to changes in leaf area index, biomass, and percent soil cover. Cultivar and N fertilization rate were associated with very little of the variation in the reflectance of these canopies.
The 3'-terminal nucleotide sequences of T7 DNA.

Abstract A simple procedure has been developed for determining short nucleotide sequences at 3′ termini of duplex DNA molecules. The DNA is incubated at 11 °C with the T4 DNA polymerase and a single α- 32 P-labeled deoxynucleoside triphosphate. The enzyme sequentially degrades each strand from the 3′ terminus until a mononucleotide is released which can be replaced by transfer from the 32 P-labeled triphosphate. Subsequent reaction consists of alternating removal and replacement of the 32 P-labeled nucleotide, and the enzyme never penetrates deeper into the strand. These reactions result in the steady-state incorporation of about one mole of radioactive nucleotide per mole of strand at a unique position in the sequence at or near the original 3′ terminus. In separate experiments, the DNA is labeled with each of the four 32 P-labeled nucleotides and the strands of the DNA are separated to permit independent analysis of the two termini. Sequence information is obtained from the 32 P-labeled strands by nearest-neighbor analyses and from a related method for identifying the terminal nucleotide of each strand. Using this method on phage T7 DNA, a trinucleotide sequence at the terminus of each strand was determined. The r strand terminates with the sequence pApGpA and the l strand terminates with the sequence pCpCpT.
Aluminum enhancement of plant growth in acid rooting media. A case of reciprocal alleviation of toxicity by two toxic cations

The generally rhizotoxic ion Al3+ often enhances root growth at low concentrations. The hypothesis that Al3+ enhances growth by relieving H+ toxicity was tested with wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.). Growth enhancement by Al3+ only occurred under acidic conditions that reduced root elongation. Al3+ increased cell membrane electrical polarity and stimulated H+ extrusion. Previous investigations have shown that Al3+ decreases solute leakage at low p H and that the alleviation of H+ toxicity by cations appears to be a general phenomenon with effectiveness dependent upon charge (C3+ >C2+ >Cl+ ). Alleviation of one cation toxicity by another toxic cation appears to be reciprocal so that Al3+ toxicity is relieved by H+ . It has been argued previously that this latter phenomenon accounts for the apparent toxicity of ALOH2+ and Al(OH)+2 . Reduction of cell-surface electrical potential by the ameliorative cation may reduce the cell-surface activity of the toxic cation.
Enhancement of pulmonary vasculature in pulmonary consolidation as seen by computed tomography

Computed tomography of the chest is often useful in evaluating lung consolidation and endobronchial obstruction. Our case demonstrates a consolidated lung associated with endobronchial obstruction and an interesting finding of enhanced pulmonary vasculature contrasted against surrounding pulmonary parenchyma of low density. We believe this represents the computed tomography appearance of drowned lung.
Dynamic Longitudinal Antibody Responses during Borrelia burgdorferi Infection and Antibiotic Treatment of Rhesus Macaques

Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi elicits robust yet disparate antibody responses in infected individuals. A longitudinal assessment of antibody responses to multiple diagnostic antigens following experimental infection and treatment has not previously been reported. Our goal was to identify a combination of antigens that could indicate infection at all phases of disease and response to antibiotic treatment. Because the rhesus macaque recapitulates the hallmark signs and disease course of human Lyme disease, we examined the specific antibody responses to multiple antigens of B. burgdorferi following infection of macaques. Five macaques infected with strain B31 and 12 macaques infected with strain JD1 were included in the analysis. Approximately half of these animals were treated with antibiotics at 4 to 6 months postinoculation. Antibody responses to several B. burgdorferi recombinant antigens, including OspC, DbpA, BBK32, OspA, and OppA-2, were measured at multiple points throughout infection. We have previously shown a decline in the response to the C6 peptide following antibiotic treatment. Responses to OspA and OspC, however, were variable over time among individuals, irrespective of antibiotic treatment. Not every individual responded to BBK32, but anti-DbpA IgG levels were uniformly high and remained elevated for all animals. All responded to OppA-2, with a decline posttreatment that was slow and incomplete. This is the first demonstration of B. burgdorferi OppA-2 antigenicity in nonhuman primates. The combination of DbpA, OspC, OspA, and OppA-2 with the C6 diagnostic peptide has the potential to detect infection throughout all disease phases.
Sustained and transient downregulation of Src kinases in response to nerve growth factor and epidermal growth factor, respectively

Within a search for novel points of divergence in the signalling of differentiative nerve growth factor (NGF) and mitogenic epidermal growth factor (EGF) in PC12 cells, in the present study, I comparatively analysed the impact of these growth factors on the in situ activation status of Src kinases. By probing total cell extracts and anti-P-Tyr immunoprecipitates with a phosphorylation site-specific antibody targeting a conserved site of positive regulation of the overall family of Src kinases, a sustained and a transient downregulation of the immunoprecipitable subpopulation of nominally active Src kinases is detected in response to NGF and EGF, respectively. As the recovery of immunoreactive Src kinases is greater from cells being lysed while in suspension than from adherent cells, the possibility that NGF reduces the stability of Src kinases by upregulating cell adhesiveness is preliminarily explored and discussed.
Location and longing: the nicotine craving experience in virtual reality.

Considerable research suggests that cigarette craving is complex, with psychological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects that are inadequately captured by typical craving assessments that focus on level of severity. That is, the experience of craving, for cigarette smokers, remains poorly understood. This study immersed smokers in different virtual reality (VR) scenarios (with and without cigarette cues present), collected detailed craving assessments, and analyzed the data using a multidimensional analytic approach. Non-treatment-seeking, nicotine dependent smokers (N = 22) experienced two different virtual reality scenarios, one with cigarette cues and one without, and rated 24 descriptors related to craving. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) models demonstrate that smokers’ experience of craving is qualitatively, structurally different under VR smoking cue conditions versus neutral conditions. This finding sheds new light on the complexity of craving as well as implications for its measurement.
Indexing and keyword search to ease navigation in lecture videos

Lecture videos have been commonly used to supplement in-class teaching and for distance learning. Videos recorded during in-class teaching and made accessible online are a versatile resource on par with a textbook and the classroom itself. Nonetheless, the adoption of lecture videos has been limited, in large part due to the difficulty of quickly accessing the content of interest in a long video lecture. In this work, we present “video indexing” and “keyword search” that facilitate access to video content and enhances user experience. Video indexing divides a video lecture into segments indicating different topics by identifying scene changes based on the analysis of the difference image from a pair of video frames. We propose an efficient indexing algorithm that leverages the unique features of lecture videos. Binary search with frame sampling is employed to efficiently analyze long videos. Keyword search identifies video segments that match a particular keyword. Since text in a video frame often contains a diversity of colors, font sizes and backgrounds, our text detection approach requires specialized preprocessing followed by the use of off-the-shelf OCR engines, which are designed primarily for scanned documents. We present image enhancements: text segmentation and inversion, to increase detection accuracy of OCR tools. Experimental results on a suite of diverse video lectures were used to validate the methods developed in this work. Average processing time for a one-hour lecture is around 14 minutes on a typical desktop. Search accuracy of three distinct OCR engines - Tesseract, GOCR and MODI increased significantly with our preprocessing transformations, yielding an overall combined accuracy of 97%. The work presented here is part of a video streaming framework deployed at multiple campuses serving hundreds of lecture videos.
Direct Binding Of Divalent Cations To The S4 Region In Eag Family K+ Channels Reveals A Closed Conformation Shared With Kv1 Channels

Voltage-gated K+ channels share a common voltage sensor domain (VSD) consisting of four transmembrane helices, including a highly mobile S4 domain. Nevertheless, it is an open question as to whether functionally diverse voltage-gated K+ channels, such as Shaker channels and the sub-threshold ether-a-go-go (EAG) family channels, will also share common conformational changes during voltage gating. EAG channels have a unique divalent binding site formed by two family-specific acidic charges in S2 and S3. However, the conformational similarity between this divalent-bound state and models of Shaker closed states has been difficult to assess in the absence of constraints for S4 position. We show here that divalent cations slow the activation rate of two EAG family channels (Kv12.1 and Kv10.2) by directly binding to the S4 domain and locking it to those acidic charges on neighboring helices. Histidine 328 in the S4 of Kv12.1 favors binding of Zn2+ and Cd2+, while the homologous residue Serine 321 in Kv10.2 contributes to high affinity binding of Mg2+ and Ni2+. This novel finding provides definitive constraints for the positions of S2, S3 and S4 in a deep closed state. Homology models of Kv12.1 and Kv10.2 VSD structures based on a closed state model of the Shaker family delayed rectifier K+ channel Kv1.2 match divalent binding constraints precisely. Thus our results suggest remarkable conformational conservation between EAG and Shaker family channels early in the activation pathway, despite large differences in voltage sensitivity, activation rates and activation thresholds.
Using pectoral fin rays as a non-lethal aging structure for smallmouth bass: precision with otolith age estimates and the importance of reader experience

We evaluated the potential utility of pectoral fin rays as non-lethal aging structures for smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). We compared age estimates among three reading pairs and against sectioned sagittal otolith age estimates for precision. Reading pair bias was not detected, although the highest rates of age estimate agreement occurred between reading pairs with high and moderate aging experience. Precision of otolith and fin ray age estimates were equivalent based on between-structure comparisons of average percent error and coefficient of variation. However, fin rays underestimated fish age compared to otoliths for older fish, especially when aged by less-experienced readers. Pectoral fin rays may provide a non-lethal alternative to otoliths for aging smallmouth bass, particularly for younger fish (≤age 4) or when experienced readers conduct aging. Additional evaluations of fin rays as smallmouth bass aging structures are needed, including validation using known-age fish and documentation of ...
Nondestructive imaging of surface and sub-surface defects in thin-films with super spatial resolution using evanescent microwave fields

With the current spatial resolution of 4 /spl mu/m at 1 GHz or 0.4 /spl mu/m at 10 GHz, the evanescent microwave probe (EMP) is capable of mapping nonuniformities and defects in a variety of materials including insulators, semiconductors, metals, biological, and botanical samples. Due to its large center frequency of operation, EMP can be operated with very fast scan rates approaching 10 cm/s. Since the method does not require physical contact with the sample, it can also be used to study "sticky", as well as, hot and cold surfaces. According to our recent studies, the spatial resolution of EMP can be improved by a factor of 40 in certain materials. Its principle of operation is based on producing decaying electromagnetic fields near a discontinuity in a micro-strip-line waveguide. EMP is a two-dimensional planar structure and it is possible to design and fabricate many parallel EMPs operating at different frequencies on silicon cantilever beams. Such an integrated parallel probe assembly will enable efficient, fast and hyper-spectral mapping of moving samples. There are manufacturing problems that can be addressed and solved by using fast scanning probes in an assembly or manufacturing environment to provide real-time information and feedback regarding the quality of deposited films. In this paper, we will discuss some recent experimental results and probe characteristics.
Code status discussions at hospital admission are not associated with patient and surrogate satisfaction with hospital care: results from the multicenter hospitalist study.

Background: Physicians may avoid code status discussions for fear of decreasing patient or surrogate satisfaction. Methods: Charts of patients admitted to medical services at 6 university hospitals...
Agent development with Jackal

Jackal is a Java-based tool for communicating with the KQML agent communication language. Some features that make it extremely valuable to agent development are its conversation management facilities, flexible, blackboard style interface and ease of integration. Jackal has been developed in support of an investigation of the use of agents in enterprisewide integration of planning and execution for manufacturing.
Activation of tryptophan hydroxylase from central serotonergic neurons by calcium and depolarization.

Abstract The activity of tryptophan hydroxylase in a low speed supernatant preparation from rat thalamus, midbrain and medulla pons. assayed in the presence of subsaturating concentrations of 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropteridine (6MPH 4 ), was enhanced 100 per cent by addition of 10 mM CaCl 2 to the reaction medium. A similar increase in activity was also observed if CaCl 2 (10 or 100 mM final concn) was added directly to the enzyme and the unbound CaCl 2 then removed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25. This increase in activity could not be reversed by the addition of ethylene glycol bis-(β-aminoethyl ether)- N , N ′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA). It was associated with a modest increase in V max (16 per cent) and an approximate doubling of the affinity of the enzyme for substrate and cofactor (apparent K m for tryptophan decreased from 79 to 46 μM; apparent K m for 6MPH 4 decreased from 148 to 101 μM). An increase in activity was also observed when tryptophan hydroxylase was prepared from slices of the brain preparation which had been (1) depolarized with a medium containing 66 mM KCl; (2) incubated overnight in an Na + -free medium or (3) treated with ouabain (0.05 or 0.1 mM), procedures believed to increase free intraneuronal levels of Ca 2+ . The increase in activity was, however, not observed when the slices were incubated in a Ca 2+ -free, K-rich medium to which 100 μM EGTA had been added. A kinetic analysis of the enzyme prepared from slices depolarized in K + revealed an increase in V max and a decrease in the apparent K max for substrate (74–45 μM) and artificial cofactor (177–118 μM). The activation observed after depolarization could not be reversed with EGTA.
Environmental oxidation rate of manganese(II): bacterial catalysis

Abstract A simple mass balance for dissolved manganese(II) in waters containing low levels of oxygen in Saanich Inlet indicates that the residence time for Mn(II) removal to the solid phase is on the order of a few days. The average oxidation state of Mn in particulate material sampled from the region of Mn removal was 2.3–2.7, and electron micrographs revealed structures characteristic of bacterially formed Mn precipitates. Radiotracer experiments utilizing 54 Mn(II) indicated that removal of Mn from solution in the region of active uptake was substantially blocked by a poison mixture, demonstrating that Mn(II) binding to particulates is catalyzed by bacteria in this environment.
Endophytic beauveria bassiana (balsamo) vuillemin in corn: The influence of the plant growth stage and ostrinia nubilalis (hübner)

A conidial suspension of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, was injected into corn plants at anthesis to suppress populations of the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The fungus colonized the plants and moved, primarily upward, within the pith, possibly along with plant photosyn‐thates. Beauveria bassiana injected into the corn plants significantly reduced the amount of European corn borer tunneling. Colonization of corn plants by B. bassiana was independent of European corn borer infestation. The impact of environmental conditions on the movement and colonization of the plants by B. bassiana is discussed.
Hierarchical Clustering of High- Throughput Expression Data Based on General Dependences

High-throughput expression technologies, including gene expression array and liquid chromatography--mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and so on, measure thousands of features, i.e., genes or metabolites, on a continuous scale. In such data, both linear and nonlinear relations exist between features. Nonlinear relations can reflect critical regulation patterns in the biological system. However, they are not identified and utilized by traditional clustering methods based on linear associations. Clustering based on general dependences, i.e., both linear and nonlinear relations, is hampered by the high dimensionality and high noise level of the data. We developed a sensitive nonparametric measure of general dependence between (groups of) random variables in high dimensions. Based on this dependence measure, we developed a hierarchical clustering method. In simulation studies, the method outperformed correlation- and mutual information (MI)-based hierarchical clustering methods in clustering features with nonlinear dependences. We applied the method to a microarray data set measuring the gene expression in cell-cycle time series to show it generates biologically relevant results. The R code is available at http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~tyu8/GDHC.
Bismuth oxide photocatalytic nanostructures produced by magnetron sputtering deposition

Abstract Nanowires of bismuth oxide were grown on Si substrates by unbalanced magnetron sputtering. Deposition time for the seed layer and oxygen partial pressure were varied to optimize the morphology of the resulting array of wires. A two step process involving variable oxygen flow rates was found to create the highest density of Bi2O3 nanowires in the array. Top-view and cross-sectional SEM micrographs suggested that the resulting Bi2O3 nanowires were approximately 300 nm in length with diameters of 100 nm at the base and 30 nm at the top. Investigation into the growth method suggests a self-catalytic process similar to vapor–liquid–solid growth. Band gap was determined by two different methods, using transmission spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry which gave values of 2.53 eV and 2.61 eV respectively. Degradation experiments using rhodamine 6G display a direct relationship between nanowire density and photocatalytic results.
Cold War, Deadly Fevers: Malaria Eradication in Mexico, 1955–1975

Marcos Cueto is a medical historian who describes the details of malaria eradication efforts in Mexico in the context of the Cold War era authoritarianism. His approach works overall, but occasionally he overreaches. Mr. Cueto asserts that the politics of the time allowed the medical community to be similarly authoritarian in forcing malaria eradication to be the accepted strategy. He states that the political climate relied on fear-based tactics of spreading anxiety about the communist threat and that similar strategies were used to gain public support for the malaria eradication effort, incorporating military jargon such as “enemy” mosquitoes and “campaigns” against disease into the public health lexicon. These campaigns included a propaganda arm in which pop stars became champions for the cause, to make the public sympathetic to their efforts. At one point, the author likens the strategy of screening persons for asymptomatic malaria parasitemia to the 1950s McCarthy-style witch hunts for hidden communists—stretching the analogy beyond tolerable limits. A recurring theme in the book is Mr. Cueto’s skepticism of new technologies, especially those introduced by other (non-Mexican) national or international organizations.He disparages the adoption of chloroquine, DDT, and smear microscopy as “magic bullet” strategies, claiming they distracted from rather than enhanced control efforts. He suggests that current efforts, which tout the use of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets and artemisinin-based combination therapy, are similarly flawed. He never really articulates proven alternatives to the adoption of new technologies, but he vaguely suggests relying on community-based broad public health programs at the grassroots level. I found the tone of the book a bit cynical and fatalistic. I got the impression that Mr. Cueto believes that all individuals and organizations attempting malaria eradication were doing so not for its own sake but rather as a front for other agendas such as centralizing national power in Mexico, furthering the international interests of capitalist countries, or personal glory. The author uses the fact that the eradication effort failed to support his contention that it was probably a bad idea in the first place. Fast forward to today when there is a renewed interest in malaria control efforts. Witness the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; the President’s Malaria Initiative; and pop stars such as Bono championing the cause, including the possibility of eradication. Sounds familiar. In light of the current progress of malaria control efforts in Mexico, where most states are now malaria free and the total number of cases has been steadily decreasing, Mexico is well on its way to achieving those original eradication goals. Thus, whether you agree with the author’s politics or not, if you are considering getting into the business of malaria eradication, you could benefit by reviewing this very detailed historical account of a malaria eradication effort that was unsuccessful.
A new infrared pyrometer for polymer temperature measurement during extrusion moulding

Abstract We describe a novel two-wavelength infrared system that we have developed for the on-line measurement of the temperature profiles of extruded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfibres. The key feature of the developed system is the use of two specific wavelengths that correspond to fundamental absorption bands of PET. The two wavelengths are located in the far infrared region, which allows accurate measurements even in the low-temperature range. Moreover, they are quite spaced out apart, which allows the achievement of a very good temperature resolution. A particular characteristic of the new infrared device is the use of mirror reflectors as collection optics to overcome problems of optical chromatic aberrations. On-line experimental data obtained from trials carried out on an industrial-scale extrusion die are presented and discussed
Disorder in the crystal structures of phases I and II of copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene

Abstract X-ray diffraction patterns for oriented and unoriented copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene are presented. They show a transition between 229 and 243K for a copolymer with about 3.4 CF 3 per hundred main chain carbon atoms. The lower temperature phase (II) appears to be similar to that of the homopolymer. A primary difference is the presence in the copolymer crystals of small longitudinal displacements of the molecules caused by the randomly located CF 3 groups. The displacements increase with increasing CF 3 concentration. The higher temperature phase (I) is similar to that of the homopolymer with a difference again being the longitudinal disorder of the copolymer. The difference disappears at higher temperatures as longitudinal disorder is introduced thermally in the homopolymer. At 296K (phase I) the molecular stems in a copolymer with about 3.4 CF 3 per hundred main chain carbon atoms are at an angle of 37.1 degrees with respect to the normal to the basal plane of the lamellas. In phase II, this number is the same within the limits of error.
Organizational transformation from the inside out: reinventing the MIT Center for Organizational Learning

This article provides experiential based insights into the process of organizational transformation, changing not only the organization’s structure and practice but also the thinking and quality of interaction among the people who compose it. It traces the two‐year change process undertaken at the MIT Center for Organizational Learning which resulted in a new self‐governed, non‐profit membership organization, the Society for Organizational Learning. It describes the context for the process, why it was undertaken, the key conceptual models that guided it, the results, what we learned and the implication for achieving fundamental change in contemporary organizations.
Biosynthesis of dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine by adenoma alveolar type II cells.

Adenomas induced in lungs of BALB/c mice by urethane treatment consist almost exclusively of pulmonary type II cells and, like normal type II cells, produce dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, the major lipid component of lung surfactant [Snyder, C., Malone, B., Nettesheim, P., and Snyder, F. (1973) Cancer Res. 33, 2437–2443]. In the present investigation, these adenomas were used for studying the biosynthesis of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine in the intact cells. Whole adenomas were incubated in Krebs-Ringer phosphate buffer or Medium 199 with [1-14C]palmitate, [1-14C]acetate, [U-14Clglycerol, or [1,3-14C,2-3H]glycerol and the synthesis of [14C]dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine was subsequently determined after its isolation by cryochromatography. The [1-14C]acetate was converted to [14C]palmitate, which was incorporated into disaturated phosphatidylcholine in the same manner as exogenous [1-14C]palmitate. After a 1-h incubation of either [1-14C]palmitate or [1-14C]acetate, approximately 60% of the [14C]phosphatidylcholine was disaturated while 75–80% of the label in the disaturated species was in the acyl group at the 2 position. The same results were obtained when minced lung was used instead of adenomas, except the incorporation rate was higher in the adenomas. It was concluded from these studies that palmitate, whether synthesized de novo or provided exogenously, enters a common pool before being used by the type II cells for the synthesis of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. When [1,3-14C,2-3H]glycerol was used to label phosphatidylcholine in the system, all molecular species, based on the degree of unsaturation, retained the same 3H14C ratio. This indicated that the dihydroxyacetone phosphate pathway is of no more significance for the synthesis of disaturated phosphatidylcholine than for the other molecular species. The study demonstrates the usefulness of the adenoma system as a model for studying surfactant biosynthesis in pulmonary type II cells and indicates that the major pathway by which palmitate enters dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine is by the deacylation and reacylation of phosphatidylcholine.
Web with art and computer science

This paper describes the integrative, cooperative instruction in web design that applies art in technical instruction (programming). Students work in an interdisciplinary style drawing upon concepts from programming, web design, computer graphics, art, and design, both in the form of interdisciplinary studies and in a web construction and design class. Examples of student work support presentation.
Enhancement of thermal diffuse scattering by surface defects.

The effect of surface defects on thermal diffuse scattering has been studied from the viewpoint of low-energy electron diffraction. It is concluded that thermal diffuse scattering can be enhanced significantly in the presence of surface defects, such as vacancies, adatoms, and steps. This effect basically results from surface imperfections that break up the periodic crystal ordering and lead to a deviation from the momentum-conservation law for electron-phonon scattering. This enhanced diffuse scattering has the largest effect at diffraction conditions under which the electron scatters out of phase between the top and second layers of surface atoms.
Sex Ratio in Chicks at Eight Weeks and Viability

Abstract THE sex ratio of Rhode Island Red chicks in a closed flock bred for high fecundity has always shown an excess of males at eight weeks of age (Hays, 1941, 1949). Landauer and Landauer (1931) recorded the sex of 2,329 chicks that died during the first two months after hatching and found a significant excess of males. Hutt (1949) after reviewing the literature is inclined to the belief that the mortality rate in male chicks is not always greater than in females. We have observed a wide variability in the sex ratio in families of pedigreed chicks at eight weeks of age. Naturally the question arises as to whether or not these variations are associated with viability as measured by mortality rate within the family. DATA AVAILABLE There was a total of 343 families of chicks hatched from 1938 to 1947 in a closed flock of Rhode Island Reds bred . . .
A chlorine isotope study of DSDP/ODP serpentinized ultramafic rocks: Insights into the serpentinization process

Abstract Eight DSDP/ODP cores were analyzed for major ion concentrations and δ37Cl values of water-soluble chloride (δ37ClWSC) and structurally bound chloride (δ37ClSBC) in serpentinized ultramafic rocks. This diverse set of cores spans a wide range in age, temperature of serpentinization, tectonic setting, and geographic location of drilled serpentinized oceanic crust. Three of the cores were sampled at closely spaced intervals to investigate downhole variation in Cl concentration and chlorine isotope composition. The average total Cl content of all 86 samples is 0.26 ± 0.16 wt.% (0.19 ± 0.10 wt.% as water-soluble Cl (XWSC) and 0.09 ± 0.09 wt.% as structurally bound Cl (XSBC)). Structurally bound Cl concentration nearly doubles with depth in all cores; there is no consistent trend in water-soluble Cl content among the cores. Chlorine isotope fractionation between the structurally bound Cl− site and the water-soluble Cl− site varies from − 1.08‰ to + 1.16‰, averaging to + 0.21‰. Samples with negative fractionations may be related to reequilibration of the water-soluble chloride with seawater post-serpentinite formation. Six of the cores have positive bulk δ37Cl values (+ 0.05‰ to + 0.36‰); the other two cores (173-1068A (Leg-Hole) and 84-570) have negative bulk δ37Cl values (− 1.26‰ and − 0.54‰). The cores with negative δ37Cl values also have variable Cl− / SO42 ratios, in contrast to all other cores. The isotopically positive cores (153-920D and 147-895E) show no isotopic variation with depth; the isotopically negative core (173-1068A) decreases by ∼1‰ with depth for both the water-soluble and structurally bound Cl fractions. Non-zero bulk δ37Cl values indicate Cl in serpentinites was incorporated during original hydration and is not an artifact of seawater infiltration during drilling. Cores with positive δ37Cl values are most likely explained by open system fractionation during hydrothermal alteration, with preferential incorporation of 37Cl from seawater into the serpentinite and loss of residual light Cl back to the ocean. Fluid / rock ratios were probably low as evidenced by the presence of water-soluble salts. The two isotopically negative cores are characterized by a thick overlying sedimentary package that was in place prior to serpentinization. We believe the low δ37Cl values of these cores are a result of hydration of ultramafic rock by infiltrating aqueous pore fluids from the overlying sediments. The resulting serpentinites inherit the characteristic negative δ37Cl values of the pore waters. Chlorine stable isotopes can be used to identify the source of the serpentinizing fluid and ultimately discern chemical and tectonic processes involved in serpentinization.
Spectroscopic and line‐narrowing properties of resonant sum and difference frequency generation

Three wave mixing is investigated with respect to its spectroscopic applications under fully resonant conditions. A theoretical study of the appropriate second order susceptibility χ(2) reveals interesting features both for sum and difference frequency generation. For difference frequency generation two different mechanisms are possible one of which allows the observation of resonances between excited states and the study of dephasing induced coherent emission. The coherence decay rate between the two excited states may be measured and also its pure dephasing rate. The line‐narrowing characteristics of the fully resonant χ(2) are studied with respect to correlation between the inhomogeneous distribution for different levels. The line‐narrowing capabilities are found to be partly complementary for the sum—and the two difference frequency resonance configurations. This leads to the suggestion of new line‐narrowing techniques which could provide information about type and amount of correlation in inhomogeneo...
Costs of drug abuse to society.

Background: The costs of substance abuse in the USA are enormous and varied. Seldom are they comprehensively assessed. A new study jointly published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) has done just this. Aims: Researchers for the economic cost of alcohol and drug abuse in the United States, 1992 used systematic cost-of-illness measurement methods to evaluate the burden drug abuse and dependency place on the US economy. This burden includes widespread disability, morbidity, premature death, and diversion of economic resources to drug-related activities. Conceptualizing, identifying, and measuring this burden was a major undertaking; the report describes the methods in detail. Method: Costs are measured as the value of resources used (direct costs) or lost during a one year period. As adopted here, the human capital approach estimates an individual’s value to society in terms of his or her production potential. The value of future lost earnings is discounted to present time. Finally, the study adopts a societal point of view that is consistent with the recommendations of the Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine that was convened by the U.S. Public Health Service in 1993. Therefore, this study considers all health and non-health outcomes and costs created by drug abuse and dependency for the entire population. Results: For drug abuse, the annual cost in 1992 is estimated at $98 billion. By 1995, this estimate rose to $110 billion after adjusting for inflation and population change. For 1988, a previous and similar study estimated a cost of $58 billion. The distribution of costs is of particular concern.