cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ruminations on Teaching Projective Assessment: An Ideology, Specific Usages, Teaching Practices

This paper was written in reaction to current dissatisfaction with projective techniques. A credo for use of projective techniques emphasizes accountability, phenomenological equality, and an eventual "giving-away" of assessment procedures through education. The primary legitimate usage is nonpsychometric; an interview focused on growth in various contexts. Secondary usages include examples of procedural or methodological effects to provide specific information. Training practices germane to the credo and legitimate usages are presented.
When users are IT experts too: the effects of joint IT competence and partnership on satisfaction with enterprise-level systems implementation

Enterprise-level information systems (IS) are fundamental to businesses. Unfortunately, implementing these large-scale systems is a complex and risky endeavor. As a result, these initiatives must tap the expertise and active involvement of both the IS department and the enterprise's functional areas. Past studies focusing on IS implementation teams consistently identify the IS department as the source of technical expertise and leadership, while functional department team members are typically relegated to the role of business experts. However, unlike the past, many business professionals are knowledgeable about information technology (IT) and are increasingly capable of contributing to IS implementations from a technical perspective as well as a business perspective. This study examines how IT competence held by both the IS department and the user department stakeholders contributes to user satisfaction with the enterprise-level system implementation. Specifically, this research introduces a theoretically grounded construct, joint IT competence, which emerges when the IS department and user department stakeholders integrate their individually held IT competences. The study's results empirically demonstrate that joint IT competence is a key driver of user satisfaction in enterprise-level IS implementations. Although not as significant as joint IT competence, results show that partner-based leadership between the IS department and user stakeholders also influences user satisfaction with IS implementations.
Sequence survey of the Giardia lamblia genome

The parasitic protozoan Giardia lamblia represents one of the earliest diverging lineages in the evolutionary history of eukaryotic organisms as well as an important human pathogen. A representative sampling of gene sequences from this early diverging protozoan could provide insights into genotypic and phenotypic innovations associated with the origin of eukaryotes. Currently, known giardial gene sequences are heavily biased toward a few gene families, including variant surface proteins (VSPs), structural proteins, and ribosomal RNA genes. One-pass sequences of Giardia genomic DNA were obtained using vector flanking priming sequences on the ends of cosmids in two independent libraries. Comparisons of 2304 of these sequences against the GenBank database identified 205 potential giardial genes with BLAST scores P(n) < 10(9). These coding regions encompass a wide range of metabolic, repair, and signaling enzymes, and include some genes not predicted by our current understanding of Giardia biochemistry. The efficiency of identification of putative genes is consistent with earlier findings that coding regions in the Giardia genome are densely packed and do not appear to contain introns. Our current results suggest that direct genome sequencing is an efficient method for identifying giardial genes for evolutionary and biochemical studies.
An algorithm for fault-tree probabilities using the factoring theorem

Abstract This paper describes an algorithm (and implementation of the algorithm) called FACTOR for determining the probability of the top event in a fault tree. The methodology is exact and does not involve cut sets. It is primarily a top-down recursive approach that judiciously uses “factoring” in the form of the elementary equation P(F) = P(E) P(F|E) + P(E c ) P(F|E c ). While indiscriminate use of conditional probabilities in this form would be very inefficient, examples from the current literature show that the algorithm FACTOR often gives exact results in times comparable to recently published approximation methods implemented on mainframe computers. FACTOR is portable and was implemented and tested on a Macintosh microcomputer.
Linkage isomerism in nitrite reduction by cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase.

Nitrite reduction by cytochrome cd 1 nitrite reductase (cd 1 NIR) is currently accepted to involve coordination of the nitrite nitrogen atom to the ferrous d 1 heme. Here, density functional theory results are reported on the previously unexplored O-binding of nitrite to ferrous and ferric cd 1 NIR. Although the N-isomer (nitro) is energetically favored over the O-nitrite (nitrito), even one single strong hydrogen bond may provide the energy required to put the two isomers on level terms. When hydrogen bonding existent at the cd 1 NIR active site is accounted for in the computational model, the O-nitrite isomer is found to spontaneously protonate and thus yield a ferric-hydroxo species, liberating nitric oxide. An O-nitrite ferrous cd 1 NIR complex appears to be an energetically feasible intermediate for nitrite reduction. O-Coordination would offer an advantage since the end product of nitrite reduction would be a ferric-hydroxo/water complex, rather than the more kinetically inert iron-nitrosyl complex implied by the N-nitrite mechanism.
High-quality metamorphic compositionally graded InGaAs buffers

Abstract We have investigated the use of a continuous, linear grading scheme for compositionally graded (metamorphic) In x Ga 1− x As buffers on GaAs grown using MOCVD, which can be used as virtual substrates for optical emitters operating at wavelengths >1.2 μm. Graded buffer quality, as quantified by threading dislocation density (TDD) measurements, was investigated for a range of different graded buffer designs and growth parameters. The best graded buffers obtained had TDD 4 cm −2 , at a final composition of x =0.346. MOCVD reactor configuration was found to play a key role in obtaining the best graded buffers. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements were carried out on doped and undoped quantum-well separate confinement heterostructures (QW-SCH) that were re-grown on these buffers. The results showed that these buffers can serve as high-quality strain-relaxed templates for optoelectronic devices operating in the 1.2–1.5 μm wavelength region, and it is expected that with further refinement, high-quality virtual substrates can be made that will allow operation even beyond 1.6 μm.
Effects of hydrostatic pressure on magnetostructural transitions and magnetocaloric properties in (MnNiSi)1−x(FeCoGe)x

"This work was supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Ireland Wales Programme (INTERREG 4A). DR acknowledges the support of the Russian Foundation for basic Research through grant 10-01-93112."
Genotoxicity, toxicity, and carcinogenicity of the antihistamine methapyrilene (MTR 07216)

The antihistamine methapyrilene hydrochloride (MP) has been shown to be a potent hepatocarcinogen in rats, but not in hamsters or guinea pigs. This finding is in contrast to the relative nongenotoxicity of this compound. MP has been evaluated for genotoxicity in a wide variety of short-term tests and has generally demonstrated little genotoxic activity. One exception to this is the mouse lymphoma L5178Y mutagenesis assay, in which MP produced a very significant increase in small colony mutants with concomitant chromosomal damage in these cells. MP also induced positive responses in several cell transformation assays. One potentially very significant effect of MP is that it induces a large increase in hepatic cell proliferation coupled with mitochondrial proliferation in the livers of treated animals. This effect is discussed as a possible mechanism of liver tumor induction in rats.
Identity versus determinism: Émile Meyerson׳s neo-Kantian interpretation of the quantum theory

Abstract Despite the praise his writing garnered during his lifetime, e.g., from readers such as Einstein and de Broglie, Emile Meyerson has been largely forgotten. The rich tradition of French epistemologie has recently been taken up in some Anglo-American scholarship, but Meyerson—who popularized the term epistemologie through his historical method of analyzing science, and criticized positivism long before Quine and Kuhn—remains overlooked. If Meyerson is remembered at all, it is as a historian of classical science. This paper attempts to rectify both states of affairs by explicating one of Meyerson׳s last and untranslated works, Reel et determinisme dans la theorie quantique, an opuscule on quantum physics. I provide an overview of Meyerson׳s philosophy, his critique of Max Planck׳s interpretation of quantum physics, and then outline and evaluate Meyerson׳s neo-Kantian alternative. I then compare and contrast this interpretation with Cassirer׳s neo-Kantian program. Finally I show that, while Meyerson believes the revolutionary new physics requires "profoundly" modifying our conception of reality, ultimately, he thinks, it secures the legitimacy of his thesis: that science seeks explanations in the form of what he calls "identification." I hope my research will enable a more general and systematic engagement with Meyerson׳s work, especially with a view to assessing its viability as a philosophical method today.
Ab Initio Determination of Tryptophan Fluorescence Quenching by Histidine Cation in HP35-N27H, Barnase, and T4Lysozyme

The fast folding, 35-residue villin headpiece, HP35, has been at the center of numerous protein folding rate simulations. Eaton et al. have experimentally followed the folding with the N27H mutant, plausibly because the protonated His27 quenches the fluorescence from Trp23 in the folded form by electron transfer, but not when unfolded. Because of this, at least in some simulations of the folding, a major criterion for the folded form is close proximity of His27 to Trp 23. Protonated His is indeed a potent quencher of Trp fluorescence in solution and in some, but not all, proteins. For quenching to occur the energy of the Trp-to-His charge transfer(CT) state must be low enough to be in resonance with the excited state of the Trp. This resonance is dictated by the electric potential difference between the Trp and His due to local protein environment. In some proteins the electric field enables quenching, and in others it does not. We have carried out QM-MM simulations of quenching by His cation for Trp23 in in villin, Trp94 in barnase and Trp138 in Q105H T4 lysozyme using ab initio electronic coupling [Callis et al J. Phys. Chem. B; 2007; 111(35); 10335-10339] Preliminary results indicate that for villin and T4 lysozyme the lowest CT state is that of the amide backbone of Trp. In contrast, the lowest CT state for barnase has His cation as the electron acceptor. We have also computed electronic coupling matrix elements between 3-methylindole and imidazole cation for all three proteins. The average coupling is 58, 329, and 2 cm-1 for the T4 lysozyme, barnase, and villin cases, respectively, suggesting that the change of Trp fluorescence upon folding in villin is not because of queching by His27.
Arab American Women Negotiating Identities

Compared to the literature available on other ethnic groups in the United States, there is very little information about school experiences of Arab Americans (Nieto, 2003). This study examines the ways that Arab American women reported positioning themselves when faced with difficult situations related to stereotypical images of Arabs and Arab Americans invoked in educational settings. The theoretical framework of the study is a sociocultural-linguistic view of identity (Bucholtz & Hall, 2005) that posits identity as largely constructed and situated within context. The content and discourse analysis showed that there were 2 components to the women's positioning: internal and interactional. Their internal positioning ranged from extreme frustration to mild annoyance. Their interactional positioning ranged from remaining silent to speaking up forcefully and challenging the stereotype. Both internal and external positionings depended on the nature and directness of the stereotype.
Trapping and intramyocardial distribution of microspheres with different diameters in cat and rabbit hearts in vitro.

Microsphere trapping was determined in isolated perfused Langendorff hearts of cats and rabbits with 7.9-, 8.6- and 14.6-μm microspheres. Only the largest spheres were completely trapped whereas significant and relevant fractions of the smaller spheres were found in the perfusate leaving the heart. These fractions were 8.3 and 3.0% of the total activity for the cat and 6.7 and 2.1% for the rabbit hearts.
The Genomes, Proteomes, and Structures of Three Novel Phages That Infect the Bacillus cereus Group and Carry Putative Virulence Factors

ABSTRACT This article reports the results of studying three novel bacteriophages, JL, Shanette, and Basilisk, which infect the pathogen Bacillus cereus and carry genes that may contribute to its pathogenesis. We analyzed host range and superinfection ability, mapped their genomes, and characterized phage structure by mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The JL and Shanette genomes were 96% similar and contained 217 open reading frames (ORFs) and 220 ORFs, respectively, while Basilisk has an unrelated genome containing 138 ORFs. Mass spectrometry revealed 23 phage particle proteins for JL and 15 for Basilisk, while only 11 and 4, respectively, were predicted to be present by sequence analysis. Structural protein homology to well-characterized phages suggested that JL and Shanette were members of the family Myoviridae, which was confirmed by TEM. The third phage, Basilisk, was similar only to uncharacterized phages and is an unrelated siphovirus. Cryogenic electron microscopy of this novel phage revealed a T=9 icosahedral capsid structure with the major capsid protein (MCP) likely having the same fold as bacteriophage HK97 MCP despite the lack of sequence similarity. Several putative virulence factors were encoded by these phage genomes, including TerC and TerD involved in tellurium resistance. Host range analysis of all three phages supports genetic transfer of such factors within the B. cereus group, including B. cereus, B. anthracis, and B. thuringiensis. This study provides a basis for understanding these three phages and other related phages as well as their contributions to the pathogenicity of B. cereus group bacteria. IMPORTANCE The Bacillus cereus group of bacteria contains several human and plant pathogens, including B. cereus, B. anthracis, and B. thuringiensis. Phages are intimately linked to the evolution of their bacterial hosts and often provide virulence factors, making the study of B. cereus phages important to understanding the evolution of pathogenic strains. Herein we provide the results of detailed study of three novel B. cereus phages, two highly related myoviruses (JL and Shanette) and an unrelated siphovirus (Basilisk). The detailed characterization of host range and superinfection, together with results of genomic, proteomic, and structural analyses, reveal several putative virulence factors as well as the ability of these phages to infect different pathogenic species.
Pronouns, Names, and the Centering of Attention in Discourse

Centering theory, developed within computational linguistics, provides an account of ways in which patterns of interutterance reference can promote the local coherence of discourse. It states that each utterance in a coherent discourse segment contains a single semantic entity—the backward-looking center—that provides a link to the previous utterance, and an ordered set of entities—the forward-looking centers—that offer potential links to the next utterance. We report five reading-time experiments that test predictions of this theory with respect to the conditions under which it is preferable to realize (refer to) an entity using a pronoun rather than a repeated definite description or name. The experiments show that there is a single backward-looking center that is preferentially realized as a pronoun, and that the backward-looking center is typically realized as the grammatical subject of the utterance. They also provide evidence that there is a set of forward-looking centers that is ranked in terms of prominence, and that a key factor in determining prominence—surface-initial position—does not affect determination of the backward-looking center. This provides evidence for the dissociation of the coherence processes of looking backward and looking forward.
Utility of polymer-supported reagents in the total synthesis of lamellarins.

Four solid-supported reagents have been utilized in the multistep synthesis of lamellarins. The use of Amberlyst A-26 Br3- and polymer bound pyridine hydrobromide perbromide (PVPHP) for keto α-bromination of the less studied ortho-substituted acetophenone derivatives selectively furnished the corresponding monobromination products (phenacyl bromide derivatives), which were used directly in condensation reactions with benzyldihydroisoquinoline mediated by Amberlyst A-26 NaCO3-. The 2H-pyrrole carbonates subsequently underwent intramolecular Friedel−Crafts transacylation followed by lactonization to provide the lamellarin skeleton. Alternatively, Amberlyst A-26 NaCO3- effectively served as base in condensation reaction of benzyldihydroisoquinoline with α-nitrocinnamate derivatives to provide the corresponding 2-ethoxycarbonyl pyrroles, which smoothly underwent O-debenzylation reaction followed by lactonization to furnish the lamellarin skeleton. The novel Amberlyst-15 mediated lactonization reactions effect...
Minicomputer monitored social behavior of mice with hippocampus lesions.

A detailed behavioral analysis (24 hr/day) was made of four groups of socially interacting male CBA mice in a population cage during a 24-day period. The four groups were: hippocampus lesioned animals, cortical lesioned control animals, sham operated, and unoperated control animals. Each male was magnetically tagged, and individual transactions were detected using Hall Effect sensors located at the portals to each of the eight chambers in the population cage. The sensors interfaced with a minicomputer and teletype that produced 6-hr behavior profile reports for each male. The animals with hippocampus lesions exhibited significantly higher locomotor activity and patrol patterns that peaked on day 8 at a level five times that of the control groups. They also showed greater consistency of circadian activity rhythm over the 24-day period as well as greater crest-trough amplitude as compared to control groups. The animals with hippocampal lesions spent more time in the food chamber and included it more in their patrols than the control animals. Less aggression was observed in this group, and they failed to develop a social hierarchy with dominant-subordinate relationships. However, with time locomotor activity returned to normal, and increased flight responses were observed. The evidence suggests that the hippocampus may indeed be involved with the experience and control of emotion and social behavior.
Does post-exposural directional scanning offer a sufficient explanation for lateral differences in tachistoscopic recognition?

White's recent criticisms of experiments by McKeever and Huling are discussed. The points are made that, contrary to White's claim, McKeever and Huling never attributed all obtainable lateral recognition differences to effects of cerebral dominance and that White's criticisms in no way establish a directional scanning hypothesis as compatible with the results obtained under the conditions of the McKeever and Huling experiments. That the scanning hypothesis also fails to account for many other results obtained in recognition and recognition reaction time studies is indicated.
Radioactive decay lines from asymmetric supernova explosions

Abstract High energy emission from supernovae provide a direct window into the quantity and distribution of radioactive elements produced in these explosions. Combining supernova explosion calculations with 3D Monte Carlo γ-ray transport, I have studied the effect mixing and asymmetries have on the hard X-ray and γ-ray spectra. With sufficient spectral resolution, the emission line profiles from nickel decay have enough information to distinguish between spherical and mildly asymmetric supernova explosions.
On the robustness of regular systems of inbreeding

Half-sib, first cousin, half nth cousin, and nth cousin mating systems are robust in that small deviations from the mating structure will not significantly alter the levels of genetic identity or effect qualitative distinctions between the models. Substitution of nearest kin in matings may either increase or decrease the level of homozygosity depending on the mating structure; the effect of a single error in the mating structure is not an accurate indicator of the equilibrium resulting from recurrent errors. Models of mixed half nth cousin or nth cousin mating show that the relative frequency of the lowest order inbred mating essentially determines the level of homozygosity. Any positive relative frequency of more distant matings will reduce the probability of identity by descent under half-sib or first cousin mating to less than 1.
A compact and cost-efficient photoacoustic microscopy system with a pulsed laser diode excitation

Optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) has demonstrated the capability of mapping microvasculature and is promising for biomedical applications. However, the popularity of the PAM system is limited due to the use of expansive and bulky laser sources. In this paper, a compact and cost-efficient OR-PAM system with a laser diode excitation has been developed. The black threads, phantom made of polyethylene tubes filled with rat blood, and a mouse ear were imaged to evaluate the PAM and demonstrate its capability of imaging biological tissue.
Development of a dilatometer and its application to low-shrink unsaturated polyester resins

Two dilatometers are presented here that were developed for the use with, but not limited to, low-shrink unsaturated polyester resins. One of the dilatometers, made from a glass syringe and two aluminum plates, was limited to lower pressures. The other dilatometer, similar in design to the first, was made from a hydraulic cylinder and was capable of pressures to 500 psi. The dilatometers were calibrated and tested by the polymerization of styrene. Several low-shrink unsaturated polyester resins were cured in the dilatometers and the results of these experiments are given. The interactions of volume change, rheology change, conversion, and microstructure formation were also measured. Finally, the effect of pressure was considered.
Increased hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 gene expression in a rat model of intrauterine growth retardation and subsequent insulin resistance

Uteroplacental insufficiency and subsequent intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in humans and rats. Unsuppressed endogenous hepatic glucose production is a common component of the insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) mediates hepatic glucose production by controlling mRNA levels of glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase). We therefore hypothesized that gene expression of PGC-1 would be increased in juvenile IUGR rat livers, and this increase would directly correlate with hepatic mRNA levels of PEPCK, G-6-Pase, and FBPase, but not glucokinase. We found that IUGR hepatic PGC-1 protein levels were increased to 230 +/- 32% and 310 +/- 47% of control values at d 0 and d 21 of life, respectively. Similarly, IUGR hepatic PGC-1 mRNA levels were significantly elevated at both ages. Concurrent with the increased PGC-1 gene expression, IUGR hepatic mRNA levels of G-6-Pase, PEPCK, and FBPase were also significantly increased, whereas glucokinase mRNA levels were significantly decreased. These data suggest that increased PGC-1 expression and subsequent hepatic glucose production contribute to the insulin resistance observed in the IUGR juvenile rat.
Two new subvariants of virilizing adrenal hyperplasia.

Summary Two new clinical subvariants of virilizing adrenal hyperplasia are described, together with a current classification of the recognized clinical patterns. The two new subvariants are virilizing adrenal hyperplasia with (1) “late” sodium loss and (2) periodic fever. 1. In the first instance a girl with virilizing adrenal hyperplasia who had shown no overt signs of sodium loss in the first year of life is described. At the age of 14 months she went into a severe sodium-losing crisis, without having a previous history of such episodes. She has required therapy with desoxycorticosterone since that time. 2. The second patient is a boy with virilizing adrenal hyperplasia who, since the early years of life, had episodes of periodic fever, headaches, and/or abdominal pain, chilly sensation and/or shaking chills, flushing of the face, head, and ears, and prostration. He occasionally had nausea and vomiting and in two instances diastolic hypotension. In most of these attacks leukocytosis was present. Plasma 17-ketosteroid analyses suggest that the episodes of periodic fever and other symptoms and signs may be related to the presence of etiocholanolone in plasma. A classification of the different subvariants of virilizing adrenal hyperplasia is presented.
Toward the development of a BCI and gestural interface to support individuals with physical disabilities

In this paper, we describe a first step towards the development of a solution to support the movement and repositioning of an individual's limbs. Limb repositioning is particularly valuable for individuals with physical disabilities who are either bed or chair-bound, to help reduce the occurrence of contractures and pressure ulcers. A data gathering study has been performed examining attitudes towards using BCI and gestural devices to control a robotic aid to assist with the repositioning process. Findings from a preliminary study evaluating a controller interface prototype suggest that while BCI and gestural technologies may play a valuable role in limiting fatigue from interacting with a mouse or other input device, challenges are faced accurately identifying specific facial expressions (e.g. blinks). Future work would aim to refine algorithms to detect gestures, with a view to augmenting the experience when using a BCI and gestural device to control a robotic aid.
Global structure of static Euclidean SU(2) solutions

I investigate the structure of static Euclidean SU(2) fields by using both explicit solutions and topological and variational arguments. I characterize the general $|n|=1$ finite-energy static SU(2) field by the set of points (the zero-set) on which ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{b}}}^{0}$ vanishes, and argue that the Prasad-Sommerfield solution, which has an isolated point zero-set, is in fact the degenerate limit of a much wider class of (anti-) self-dual distribution solutions with 1-, 2-, or 3-dimensional zero-sets. In particular, I give arguments suggesting that there are (anti-) self-dual "string" configurations with a line segment as zero-set, and that these solve the source-free static Euclidean field equations. The possible role of such solutions as background fields in the quarkconfinement problem is discussed, and a program of numerical investigations is outlined.
Effects of GABA and glycine on the distal cells of the cyprinid retina.

Summary Two putative retinal neurotransmitters, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine, were applied to the isolated carp and goldfish retinas while intracellular recordings from horizontal cells and cones were made. At relatively low concentrations (0.1–1 mM), GABA consistently hyperpolarized dark-adapted H1 or L-type cone horizontal cells and cone photoreceptors, reduced light evoked responses and suppressed the on-transients. The effects of GABA on H1 horizontal cells were abolished when Co2+ was applied to the retina, indicating that GABA exerts its effects on the horizontal cells via the receptors. Thus GABA is likely to be involved in the feedback synapse between H1 horizontal cells and the cones. Low concentrations of glycine (0.1–1 mM), hyperpolarized a number of H2 or C-type horizontal cells and selectively abolished their dopolarizing responses to red light; thus glycine may be involved in synaptic pathways which mediate or modulate the depolarizing responses to red flashes in C-type horizontal cells.
Interactions among the SNARE proteins and complexin analyzed by a yeast four-hybrid assay

Exocytosis is one of the most crucial and ubiquitous processes in all of biology. This event is mediated by the formation of SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complexes, ternary assemblies of syntaxin, SNAP23/SNAP25 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 23 or 25 kDa), and synaptobrevin. The exocytotic process can be further regulated by complexin, which interacts with the SNARE complex. Complexin is involved in a Ca(2+)-triggered exocytotic process. In eukaryotic cells, multiple isoforms of SNARE proteins are expressed and are involved in distinct types of exocytosis. To understand the underlying biochemical mechanism of various exocytotic processes mediated by different SNARE protein isoforms, we systematically analyzed the interactions among syntaxin, SNAP23/SNAP25, synaptobrevin, and complexin by employing a newly developed yeast four-hybrid interaction assay. The efficiency of SNARE complex formation and the specificity of complexin binding are regulated by the different SNARE protein isoforms. Therefore, various types of exocytosis, occurring on different time scales with different efficiencies, can be explained by the involved SNARE complexes composed of different combinations of SNARE protein isoforms.
Experiments of shock associated noise of supersonic jets

The paper examines the aeroacoustics associated with model nozzles operating supersonically. In particular, the shock structure and radiated shock noise of Mach 1.5 and 2.0 nozzles are compared with those of a convergent nozzle over a wide nozzle pressure ratio range corresponding to a fully expanded Mach number between unity and 2.37. The nozzles were operated unheated both with and without a tab for screech tone suppression. The measurements show differences between the shock cell spacing of convergent and convergent-divergent nozzles, and the scaling relation appears to be a function of the exit-to-throat velocity ratio of each nozzle type. The acoustic measurements indicate the extent of the pressure ratio range where a C-D nozzle achieves a noise reduction benefit. At the design point of the Mach 1.5 nozzle, the total integrated sound power from this nozzle is 6 dB less than a convergent nozzle operating at the same pressure ratio and thrust
Autoregulation of a bacterial σ factor explored by using segmental isotopic labeling and NMR

Bacterial σ factors combine with the catalytic core RNA polymerase to direct the process of transcription initiation through sequence-specific interactions with the −10 and −35 elements of promoter DNA. In the absence of core RNA polymerase, the DNA-binding function of σ is autoinhibited by its own N-terminal 90 amino acids (region 1.1), putatively by a direct interaction with conserved region 4.2, which binds the −35 promoter element. In the present work, this mechanism of autoinhibition was studied by using a combination of NMR spectroscopy and segmental isotopic labeling of a σ70-like subunit from Thermotoga maritima. Our data argue strongly against a high-affinity interaction between these two domains. Instead we suggest that autoinhibition of DNA binding occurs through an indirect steric and/or electrostatic mechanism. More generally, the present work illustrates the power of segmental isotopic labeling for probing molecular interactions in large proteins by NMR.
Separate loci underlie resistance to root infection and leaf scorch during soybean sudden death syndrome.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars show differences in their resistance to both the leaf scorch and root rot of sudden death syndrome (SDS). The syndrome is caused by root colonization by Fusarium virguliforme (ex. F. solani f. sp. glycines). Root susceptibility combined with reduced leaf scorch resistance has been associated with resistance to Heterodera glycines HG Type 1.3.6.7 (race 14) of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). In contrast, the rhg1 locus underlying resistance to Hg Type 0 was found clustered with three loci for resistance to SDS leaf scorch and one for root infection. The aims of this study were to compare the inheritance of resistance to leaf scorch and root infection in a population that segregated for resistance to SCN and to identify the underlying quantitative trait loci (QTL). “Hartwig”, a cultivar partially resistant to SDS leaf scorch, F. virguliforme root infection and SCN HG Type 1.3.6.7 was crossed with the partially susceptible cultivar “Flyer”. Ninety-two F5-derived recombinant inbred lines and 144 markers were used for map development. Four QTL found in earlier studies were confirmed. One contributed resistance to leaf scorch on linkage group (LG) C2 (Satt277; P = 0.004, R 2 = 15%). Two on LG G underlay root infection at R8 (Satt038; P = 0.0001 R 2 = 28.1%; Satt115; P = 0.003, R 2 = 12.9%). The marker Satt038 was linked to rhg1 underlying resistance to SCN Hg Type 0. The fourth QTL was on LG D2 underlying resistance to root infection at R6 (Satt574; P = 0.001, R 2 = 10%). That QTL was in an interval previously associated with resistance to both SDS leaf scorch and SCN Hg Type 1.3.6.7. The QTL showed repulsion linkage with resistance to SCN that may explain the relative susceptibility to SDS of some SCN resistant cultivars. One additional QTL was discovered on LG G underlying resistance to SDS leaf scorch measured by disease index (Satt130; P = 0.003, R 2 = 13%). The loci and markers will provide tagged alleles with which to improve the breeding of cultivars combining resistances to SDS leaf scorch, root infection and SCN HG Type 1.3.6.7.
(p, γ) reaction studies on 60Ni

Abstract The γ-ray spectra from the 60Ni(p, γ)61Cu reaction were measured for 27 isolated resonances. From these studies the Jπ assignment of the compound states in 61Cu were made. Moreover, a value for the El photon strength function k(El) = 1.03 × 10−9 MeV−3 was obtained from seven l = 0 resonances to the 16 low-lying states. This value was then compared with the theoretical estimates of El strengths as predicted from the s.p. and giant dipole resonance models. The distribution of partial radiative widths about their mean value was determined from a Monte Carlo technique and was found to be consistent with the Porter-Thomas distribution when the Γγ, ij were divided by the Eγ5 energy dependence. Values for the coefficients of the correlation R between Γλ, p and Γλ, γj and T between Γλ, yj and Γ λ, γƒ where f ≠ j, were computed with the values R = 0.14 and T = 0.39, respectively. Also the correlation coefficients C(〈 Γλ, yj〉, I3He, d, j) and C(〈Γ λ, yƒ 〉 I d, n , ƒ ) yielded the values ρ = 0.87 and ρ = 0.80 respectively. All these correlations which are found to be statistically significant, imply that the (p, γ) reaction in 60Ni is partly due to direct capture such as given by valence and doorway state contributions.
Fracturing of simulated high-level waste glass in canisters

Abstract Waste-glass castings generated from engineering-scale developmental processes at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory are generally found to have significant levels of cracks. This report discusses the causes and extent of fracturing in full-scale canisters of waste glass as a result of cooling and accidental impact.
Structural economy in the processing and representation Of gapping sentences

. The processing of ellipsis sentences can provide clues to their structure, as their structure can influence their processing. We present two studies examining the processing of a previously unexplored subclass of ellipsis sentence, gapping sentences in which one of the remnants is a preposed PP (PPGs). Like some other gapping structures, PPGs are ambiguous between readings in which a DP remnant is interpreted as a subject or as an object. However, we find that PPGs exhibit a weaker and more flexible object bias than other ambiguous gapping sentences (Carlson 2001a, 2002), one comparable to clausal ellipsis constructions like comparatives and replacives. We argue that this result supports the syntactic assumption that gapping is a nonuniform phenomenon: PPGs involve clausal conjunction on either reading, much like comparative ellipsis, while regular gapping has a nonellipsis alternative (Johnson 1996), which underlies the strong preference for an object reading.
Open, Closed, and Mixed Networks of Queues with Different Classes of Customers

We derive the joint equilibrium distribution of queue sizes in a network of queues containing N service centers and R classes of customers. The equilibrium state probabilities have the general form: P(S) - Cd(S) $f_1$($x_1$)$f_2$($x_2$)...$f_N$($x_N$) where S is the state of the system, $x_i$ is the configuration of customers at the ith service center, d(S) is a function of the state of the model, $f_i$ is a function that depends on the type of the ith service center, and C is a normalizing constant. We consider four types of service centers to model central processors, data channels, terminals, and routing delays. The queueing disciplines associated with these service centers include first-come-first-served, processor sharing, no queueing, and last-come-first-served. Each customer belongs to a single class of customers while awaiting or receiving service at a service center but may change classes and service centers according to fixed probabilities at the completion of a service request. For open networks we consider state dependent arrival processes. Closed networks are those with no arrivals. A network may be closed with respect to some classes of customers and open with respect to other classes of customers. At three of the four types of service centers, the service times of customers are governed by probability distributions having rational Laplace transforms, different classes of customers having different distributions. At first-come-first-served type service centers the service time distribution must be identical and exponential for all classes of customers. Many of the network results of Jackson on arrival and service rate dependencies, of Posner and Bernholtz on different classes of customers, and of Chandy on different types of service centers are combined and extended in this paper. The results become special cases of the model presented here. An example shows how different classes of customers can affect models of computer systems. Finally, we show that an equivalent model encompassing all of the results involves only classes of customers with identical exponentially distributed service times. All of the other structure of the first model can be absorbed into the fixed probabilities governing the change of class and change of service center of each class of customers.
High-performance liquid chromatographic peptide mapping and amino acid analysis in the sub-nanomole range.

Abstract By ensuring adequate gradient mixing and eliminating all major artifact peaks we have been able to obtain reproducible high-performance liquid chromatographic tryptic peptide maps on less than 50 pmol of protein. Likewise, a 10–20 fold improvement in the sensitivity of amino acid analysis has been achieved by analyzing the phenylthiocarbamyl derivatives of the free amino acids rather than the free amino acids themselves. This approach enables accurate amino acid compositions to be obtained on less than 50 ng of protein, providing that a simple correction is made for the background level of serine and glycine. We have been able to reduce the background level of these two amino acids to ca. 10 pmol each per sample by incinerating the hydrolysis tubes at 500°C prior to introduction of the sample and by using gas-phase as opposed to liquid-phase hydrolysis. Background corrections are not necessary when over 500 ng of protein are hydrolyzed. With this amount of protein, amino acid compositions, based on phenylthiocarbamyl amino acid analyses were, on average, found to be accurate to within ± 10%.
Single-Phase ac Impedance Modeling for Stability of Integrated Power Systems

To date, the only power system stability requirement that can be decomposed or quantitatively "flowed" down to component design requirements are impedance based. Impedance based requirements have been advanced for both dc and three-phase ac but none for single-phase ac interfaces. What are ultimately needed are universal stability requirements that are applicable to dc, single-phase ac, and three-phase ac interfaces as well as a measurement tool which can be used to enforce the requirements at all interfaces without changing the fundamental structure of the impedance measurement device. These advanced techniques should be applicable to all voltage levels currently in use by navy systems, including the anticipated 13.8 kV systems. This paper lays the groundwork for universal stability requirements by providing technical detail of the impedance analysis of the single-phase ac system. Model development and simulation of impedance extraction are presented.
On the relationship between fabric processing and ultraviolet radiation transmission.

Background: The relationship between a fabric's physical characteristics and ultraviolet radiation transmission has been widely discussed in the literature. However, very few studies have taken into account the ‘fiber-fabric construction-processing’ history of fabrics into consideration to fully elucidate the ultraviolet (UV) protection abilities of fabrics. This study reports the effect of fabric processing treatments, both chemical and bio-chemical, on the transmission of UV radiation (UVR) through selected white and undyed fabrics. Methods: Eight woven fabrics were selected to illustrate the effect of chemical processing on UVR transmission. Fabrics were characterized with respect to fiber chemistry, fabric construction, weight, thickness, and chemical processing history. Influence of fabric characteristics and processing on Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) were studied. Furthermore, a knit bleached cotton T-shirt fabric was treated bio-chemically and the effect of bio-chemical processing on UPF was investigated. Results: Physical characteristics of fabrics such as thickness, weight and cloth cover were shown to be only partly useful in explaining the UV protective abilities of fabrics in that the data show anomalies when only physical features of fabrics are considered without considering processing history. However, by taking into account the processing history of fabrics, the UPF values obtained can be fully explained. Conclusion: Chemical processing methods such as desizing and bleaching have a deleterious effect on UV transmission through fabrics. Bio-chemical processing such as the use of enzymes is comparatively benign and does not adversely impact the UV protective ability of cotton fabric.
Regional Variation in Preferences for Vernacular Houses

This paper tests 2 theories of relevance to design review and design guidelines. In Study I. a between-subjects design. III college students in Connecticut and 93 college students in Ohio judged goodness of example, familiarity, or preference for 6 houses. The results failed to uncover differences in response related to local experience, suggesting that global features of the houses may overcome local experience. In Study 2, a within-subjects design, 110 students from Connecticut and 49 from Ohio rated goodness of example, familiarity, and preference for the same 6 houses. Results indicate minor effects of goodness of example and familiarity on preference. The results show preference as multidimensional, reflecting knowledge structure, physical features, and connotative meanings.
Design of reliable software via general combination of N-version programming and acceptance testing

N-version programming (NVP) and acceptance testing (AT) are techniques for ensuring reliable computation results from imperfect software. Various symmetric combinations of NVP and AT have also been suggested. We take the view that one can insert an AT at virtually any point in a suitably constructed multi-channel computation graph and that judicious placement of ATs will lead to cost-effective reliability improvement. Hence, as a general framework for the creation, representation, and analysis of combined NVP-AT schemes, we introduce MTV graphs, and their simplified data-driven version called DD-MTV graphs, composed of computation module (M), acceptance test (T), and voter (V) building blocks. Previous NVP-AT schemes, such as consensus recovery blocks, recoverable N-version blocks, and N-self-checking programs can be viewed as special cases of our general combining scheme. Results on the design and analysis of new NVP-AT schemes are presented and the reliability improvements are quantified. We show, e.g., that certain, somewhat asymmetric, combinations of M, T, and V building blocks can lead to higher reliabilities than previously proposed symmetric arrangements having comparable or higher complexities.
Affective forecasting and its implications for medical ethics.

Through a number of studies recently published in the psychology literature, T.D. Wilson, D.T. Gilbert, and others have demonstrated that our judgments about what our future mental states will be are contaminated by various distortions. Their studies distinguish a variety of different distortions, but they refer to them all with the generic term “affective forecasting.” The findings of their studies on normal volunteers are remarkably robust and, therefore, demonstrate that we are all vulnerable to the distortions of affective forecasting.We are grateful for the questions and useful comments we received from our audience when material from this paper was originally presented. The insightful remarks helped us to appreciate what we needed to explain further and to see how our ideas applied to additional domains of medicine: Rhodes R. Affective forecasting and the implications for medical practice. Presented at Medicine Grand Rounds, North General Hospital, New York, Apr 19, 2006. Rhodes R, Strain JJ. Affective forecasting and its implications for medical ethics. Presented at Oxford-Mount Sinai Consortium on Bioethics, St. Thomas's Hospital, King's College London, Apr 24, 2006. Rhodes R. Affective forecasting and its implications for medical ethics near the end of life. Presented at Responding to End-of-Life Decisions: Perspectives from Medicine, Law, and Ethics, International Academy of Law and Mental Health, University of Montreal, May 5, 2006 and at the David Thomasma International Bioethics Retreat, Pellegrue, France, Jun 15, 2006.