cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The SOA formation model combined with semiempirical quantum chemistry for predicting UV-Vis absorption of secondary organic aerosols.

A new model for predicting the UV-visible absorption spectra of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) has been developed. The model consists of two primary parts: a SOA formation model and a semiempirical quantum chemistry method. The mass of SOA is predicted using the PHRCSOA (Partitioning Heterogeneous Reaction Consortium Secondary Organic Aerosol) model developed by Cao and Jang [Environ. Sci. Technol., 2010, 44, 727]. The chemical composition is estimated using a combination of the kinetic model (MCM) and the PHRCSOA model. The absorption spectrum is obtained by taking the sum of the spectrum of each SOA product calculated using a semiempirical NDDO (Neglect of Diatomic Differential Overlap)-based method. SOA was generated from the photochemical reaction of toluene or α-pinene at different NOx levels (low NOx: 24–26 ppm, middle NOx: 49 ppb, high NOx: 104–105 ppb) using a 2 m3 indoor Teflon film chamber. The model simulation reasonably agrees with the measured absorption spectra of α-pinene SOA but underestimates toluene SOA under high and middle NOx conditions. The absorption spectrum of toluene SOA is moderately enhanced with increasing NOx concentrations, while that of α-pinene SOA is not affected. Both measured and calculated UV-visible spectra show that the light absorption of toluene SOA is much stronger than that of α-pinene SOA.
The century of biology: three views

The claim that the twenty-first century will be the century of biology could turn out to be true in three very different ways. One view is that developments in biotechnology will help to treat diseases and improve life. Another view is that changes in the biosphere will lead to extreme scarcity and endanger billions of humans. A third view is that biotechnology and climate change will further bifurcate the world into people with good health prospects and people with poor health prospects. I describe these views and show how they involve different accounts of the ethical issues that we will face and the ethical virtues that we will need to cultivate.
Teaching ethics without ethics to teach

Changes in American society have brought both increased concern for solving practical problems and decreased concern for whether foundational ethical theory can be, or needs to be, understood when solving them. A systematic study of newly established institutes of applied ethics reveals that the directors of all of them claim that ethical theory, or knowledge of the ultimate bases for moral appeals inherent in human nature, is not necessary for proposing solutions. Quotations from claims of directors of five prominent institutes are cited as evidence for the thesis that teaching applied ethics without teaching theoretical foundations of ethics is the ‘main line’ policy today.
Optical properties of sugars. VI. Circular dichroism of amylose and glucose oligomers

The CD spectra of amylose, the maltose oligomers, cellobiose, and the cyclodextrins are measured in aqueous solution to 1640 A. Two bands are found in this region. An examination of chromophorically equivalent but conformationally different glucans demonstrates that the CD of glucans is sensitive to conformation. However, the conformation of the subunits in the maltose oligomer series appears independent of chainlength. The conformations of the interior maltosyl groups of this series are all approximately equivalent. A comparison of the amylose and cycloamylose spectra indicates that amylose is substantially biased in its chirality. Since there is little chainlength dependence, the oligomers should have a similar chirality bias. The butanol complex of amylose, which is believed to have a V-form helical conformation, has a CD similar to free aqueous amylose. This is consistent with conformational calculations on amylose which predict that the maltosyl subunits of amylose are restricted to a small region on its conformational map which includes the V-form helix. It is also consistent with the idea that amylose a loosely wound and extended helix in aqueous solution.
ELCAP operational experience

Abstract This paper documents our experience in conducting a major field program to acquire end-use electrical consumption data from a diverse set of commercial and residential buildings throughout the Pacific Northwest. This field program, known as the End-Use Load and Consumer Assessment Program (ELCAP), was initiated in August 1983. As of May 1989, data was being acquired from 390 residential structures and 111 commercial buildings, with 16 million hourly records collected monthly that occupied 2050 megabytes (MB) of electronic storage. This data volume doubled by 1991. A data acquisition program of this size can incur many difficulties. Recruiting sample homes, designing and fabricating data acquisition equipment and sensors, defining protocols, installing and maintaining equipment, acquiring, processing, verifying, and characterizing data all posed challenges, even to those of us with extensive experience in these areas. Because of the ground-breaking character of the study, there was little guidance available, and we made (and overcame) our share of mistakes. We believe that this chronicle of our experience will be useful to others embarking on large-scale end-use load studies.
Effects of land uses on solid-phase distribution of micronutrients in selected vertisols of the Mississippi River Delta

Abstract The Mississippi River Delta (U.S.A.) is the major agricultural and aquacultural base where many crops and fishes are sensitive to micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn). Zinc is a common yield-limiting factor for rice and was reported to increase rice yields grown on some Delta soils. Soil/sediments in fish ponds of the Delta are drained and disposed for improving the conditions of bottoms. Bioavailability of micronutrients in soils is controlled by distribution between solution and solid-phase and further among various solid-phase compounds. The effects of land uses on distribution and bioavailability of micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Mn) in Mississippi River Delta have not been studied. The objectives of this study were to determine effects of land uses on solid-phase distribution of micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Mn) and Fe in selected vertisols of the Mississippi River Delta alluvial plain. Land uses include upland forest, rice fields and short- and long-term of catfish production. Micronutrients Cu and Zn and Fe and Mn in fresh soils were fractionated into seven operationally defined solid-phase components. Iron and Zn were mainly present in the stable residual fraction (60–70% of the total Zn and 50–60% of the total Fe), Mn mainly in labile fractions (70–80% of the total Mn, including soluble plus exchangeable, carbonate bound, Mn oxide bound, and organically bound fractions), and Cu in the potentially labile fractions (40–50% of the total Cu in amorphous and crystalline Fe oxide bound fractions). Partitioning of these elements into solid-phase fractions varied with land uses. Mn, Fe and Zn in catfish pond soils were higher in labile fractions and lower in potential labile fractions than paddy and forest soils. Paddy and forest soils had higher Fe, Mn and Zn in potential labile fractions. Drying caused redistribution of metals in solid-phase components with possibably lower potential bioavailability and mobility. In conclusion, land uses strongly affect micronutrient distribution in solid-phase components in the selected vertisols of the Mississippi River Delat alluvial plain. The results of the present study may be applicable to other river delta areas of the world.
Lyapunov-based exact stability analysis and synthesis for linear single-parameter dependent systems

We propose a class of polynomially parameter-dependent quadratic (PPDQ) Lyapunov functions for assessing the stability of single-parameter-dependent linear, time-invariant, (s-PDLTI) systems in a non-conservative manner. It is shown that the stability of s-PDLTI systems is equivalent to the existence of a PPDQ Lyapunov function. A bound on the degree of the polynomial dependence of the Lyapunov function in the system parameter is given explicitly. The resulting stability conditions are expressed in terms of a set of matrix inequalities whose feasibility over a compact and connected set can be cast as a convex, finite-dimensional optimisation problem. Extensions of the approach to state-feedback controller synthesis are also provided.
Transmission Controllability And Contrast Ratio Of Pcgh-Liquid Crystal Cells

SummaryTransmission Controllability (TC) andcontrast ratio (CR) of PCGH liquid crystalcells with 6, 9 and 12pm thickness have beenobtained from the transmission versus wave-length data. Both TC and CR depend on thepolarization of the incident light withrespect to homogeneous wall alignment andthe wavelength of incident light. TC decreases and CR increases with increasingcell thickness. TC and CR attain maximawhen the incident light is polarizedparallel to the homogeneous wall alignmentand the wavelengths are restricted to 600to 650nm range. PCGH cells with one polar -izer have better TC.CR products than thetwisted nematic and dynamic scattering cellsin 600 to 650nm range.We have also observed anomalous trans-mission dips in transmission vs. voltagecharacteristics of PCGH -cells. These dipsoccur only in 400 to 500nm wavelength range.The magnitude of the dip is dependent onthe history of the cell and the sweep rateof voltage. Further study is in progressto understand this anomalous behavior.
Measuring “gender ideological identity”: Vignettes for young men and women

Abstract Authors have noted the difficulty inherent in empirically documenting gender as a personal identity, which is frequently mis-operationalized as an ideology. In this paper I build on the pioneering work of Kroska (2000) and discuss the development of a set of character vignettes to measure “gender ideological identity.” Whereas Kroska's original vignettes were created for middle-age adults already established in marital and parental roles, these vignettes were collaboratively developed using the help of undergraduate sociology students and target a younger audience of men and women in the early stages of family formation. Construct validity of the vignettes is done using data collected from undergraduate students ( N = 482) and is followed by a discussion of the findings.
Identification of biomarkers indicative of barotrauma and recovery in black rockfish Sebastes melanops

A Sebastes-specific complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray was developed to identify potential biomarkers involved in the capture stress and recovery of Sebastes species if they are assisted in returning to their original depth of capture following barotrauma. Black rockfish Sebastes melanops were exposed to simulated decompression from 450 kPa (c. 35 m depth) (which resulted in barotrauma) and subsequent recompression. Sebastes melanops were sampled for liver tissue at days 3, 15 and 31 post-barotrauma. Potential candidate genes were identified from the microarray and then quantitative real-time PCR (qrt-PCR) was used to validate expression levels in biological replicates. Six potential biomarkers associated with the innate immune system were identified that were up-regulated in liver tissue at 3 days post-barotrauma: complement C1q-like protein 2, complement component C3, complement regulatory plasma protein, serum amyloid A-5, c-type lysozyme and hepcidin precursor type I. In addition, complement c1q was correlated to the presence of a ruptured swimbladder, providing further support that this gene may be a good biomarker of injury and recovery. Immune genes were no longer up-regulated at day 31 post-barotrauma, a good indication of recovery in S. melanops.
Correction of a Liquid Lens for 3D Imaging Systems

3D imaging systems are currently being developed using liquid lens technology for use in medical devices as well as in consumer electronics. Liquid lenses operate on the principle of electrowetting to control the curvature of a buried surface, allowing for a voltage-controlled change in focal length. Imaging systems which utilize a liquid lens allow extraction of depth information from the object field through a controlled introduction of defocus into the system. The design of such a system must be carefully considered in order to simultaneously deliver good image quality and meet the depth of field requirements for image processing. In this work a corrective model has been designed for use with the Varioptic Arctic 316 liquid lens. The design is able to be optimized for depth of field while minimizing aberrations for a 3D imaging application. The modeled performance is compared to the measured performance of the corrected system over a large range of focal lengths.
Unstructured surface mesh adaptation using the Laplace-Beltrami target metric approach

This paper develops a set of adaptive surface mesh equations by using a harmonic morphism, which is a special case of a harmonic map. These equations are applicable both to structured and unstructured surface meshes, provided that the underlying surface is given in a parametric form. By representing the target metric of the mesh as a sum of a coarse-grained component and a component quadratic in surface gradients, an improved surface mesh may be obtained. The weak form of the grid equations is solved using the finite element approximation, which reduces the grid equations to a nonlinear, algebraic set. Examples of structured and unstructured meshes are used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach.
Cofactor D Functions as a Centrosomal Protein and Is Required for the Recruitment of the γ-Tubulin Ring Complex at Centrosomes and Organization of the Mitotic Spindle

Abstract Microtubules are highly dynamic structures, composed of α/β-tubulin heterodimers. Biosynthesis of the functional dimer involves the participation of several chaperones, termed cofactors A-E, that act on folding intermediates downstream of the cytosolic chaperonin CCT (1, 2). We show that cofactor D is also a centrosomal protein and that overexpression of either the full-length protein or either of two centrosome localization domains leads to the loss of anchoring of the γ-tubulin ring complex and of nucleation of microtubule growth at centrosomes. In contrast, depletion of cofactor D by short interfering RNA results in mitotic spindle defects. Because none of these changes in cofactor D activity produced a change in the levels of α-or β-tubulin, we conclude that these newly discovered functions for cofactor D are distinct from its previously described role in tubulin folding. Thus, we describe a new role for cofactor D at centrosomes that is important to its function in polymerization of tubulin and organization of the mitotic spindle.
MUTANTS OF ACETOBACTER XYLINUM AND BACTERIUM XYLINOIDES WHICH DO NOT PRODUCE CELLULOSE

Some properties of non-cellulose-forming mutants of Acetobacter xylinum and Bacterium xylinoides have been studied. Unlike the parent cultures, none of the mutant isolates oxidized ethanol and most of them showed proteolytic activity.
Aluminum induced anemia: Pathogenesis and treatment in patients on chronic hemodialysis

Aluminum induced anemia: Pathogenesis and treatment in patients on chronic hemodialysis. The baseline hematologic status of 27 patients with modest degrees of aluminum overload was examined. In addition, hematologic data were evaluated in 19 of these patients during and after treatment with DFO. Although neither severe anemia nor microcytosis was observed pretreatment, there was a significant correlation between hemoglobin level and degree of aluminum burden as determined by bone surface aluminum staining (r = -0.58; P
Brains Don't Play Dice—or Do They?

Life is often unpredictable. The brain thus needs to draw on past experience to prepare for future events. It does so by associating sensory stimuli, such as an odor, with desirable or undesirable outcomes. The smell of burning wood, for example, can evoke the soothing recollection of a cozy campfire or the traumatic memory of a burning house. It is through such associations that sensory stimuli that are a priori neutral become endowed with meaning. But life is full of possibilities. So how are associative brain centers able to account for an infinite number of possible associations?
Identification and molecular characterization of a yeast myosin I.

The family of myosin motors is comprised of numerous classes distributed among a diverse set of organisms and cell types. We have identified an unconventional myosin gene (MYO3) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and show that it is member of a subclass of unconventional myosin proteins originally found only in the amoeboid organisms Dictyostelium and Acanthamoeba. Identification of this protein in these genetically and morphologically divergent organisms suggests that it will be ubiquitous in eukaryotes and that it has a role in the basic functions of the eukaryotic cell. We have constructed a strain of yeast missing 99% of the MYO3 coding sequence. This mutation has no observable phenotypic effect, placing MYO3 into a growing class of yeast genes which are dispensable under laboratory conditions, perhaps due to genetic redundancy. Alignment of MYO3 with other unconventional myosins shows that it shares with a subset of them a previously unrecognized region of homology in the tail; this region falls within a domain identified as important for mediating nonspecific electrostatic interactions with membranes. The existence of this region suggests that it may be involved in mediating specific protein-protein interactions, possibly helping to localize this myosin to specific membranes or membrane regions. In addition, we show that “classic” myosin I proteins share a region of hyper-proline-richness 10 amino acids before the SH3 domain. Proline-rich regions have recently been implicated as SH3 binding sites, which suggests that this region might be involved with regulating or in other ways interacting with SH3 domains. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Bedside Placement of Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Pulmonary emboli in a critically ill patient population is an occurrence that may be reduced with appropriate utilization of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. Complications both during transfer or transport of critically ill patients who are dependent upon multiple intravenous drips, ventilators and intensive monitoring may be reduced with bedside placement of inferior vena cava filters. Over the last decade, investigators have been developing techniques for bedside IVC filter placement based on intravascular ultrasound techniques. We discuss and detail a single venous access technique of IVC filter placement using intravascular ultrasound.
Antibody Solubility Behavior in Monovalent Salt Solutions Reveals Specific Anion Effects at Low Ionic Strength

ABSTRACT: Protein solubility was measured using the crystalline precipitate of a recombinant therapeutic antibody, in monovalent salt solutions containing KF, KCl, and KSCN (up to ∼0.7 M) at different pH conditions. For all three anions, the antibody solubility demonstrated complex behavior, both monotonic and nonmonotonic, with dependence on pH and salt concentration. At pH 7.1, close to the isoelectric point (p I ) of 7.2, a typical salting-in behavior was observed with the salting-in constants of 12.7, 8.0, and 2.8 M for KSCN, KCl, and KF, respectively, suggesting that the anions follow the order of SCN − > Cl − > F − for increasing antibody solubility. Nonmonotonic behavior, as described by an initial solubility decrease followed by a solubility increase with ionic strength, was observed at pH 5.3, far below its p I . The effectiveness of the anion for reducing the solubility followed the order of SCN − > Cl − > F − . After the solubility reached the minimum, the anion's effectiveness for raising the antibody solubility was in agreement with that at pH 7.1. The mechanisms for the above phenomena are discussed based upon specific binding of the anions to the antibody surface. The mechanistic view of anion binding and its charge neutralization effect at pH 5.3 was supported by the results from the effective charge and zeta-potential measurements.
Physiological responses of dogwood (Cornus florida) to infestation by the dogwood borer (Thamnosphecia scitula)

SUMMARY Studies of a healthy dogwood tree (Cornus florida) and one suffering from a chronic infestation of Thamnosphecia scitula revealed some physiological responses of dogwood to insect damage. In high light the stomatal resistances, measured with a diffusion porometer, of leaves from the infested tree were more than double those of leaves from the healthy tree, indicating that the stomata were not open as wide in the infested tree. The greater stomatal resistance and the curling of leaves from the infested tree implied a deficiency of water, but measurements with a pressure chamber revealed only slight differences in dehydration between the two trees. Furthermore, the leaf curling was not relieved by allowing infested leaves to absorb water and attain full turgor. Leaves from the infested tree contained 35 % more reducing sugars and 63 % more sucrose, but only about half the nitrogen and ash of the healthy counterparts. Photosynthesis was significantly depressed, but dark respiration was not modified in leaves of infested compared with healthy trees. Leaves from the infested tree were 85 % as large and exhibited a 35 % greater specific leaf weight than those from the healthy tree. The conductance of water by stems from the infested tree was only 61–78 % of that by the healthy tree. It is suggested that the inferred disruption of the vascular system by insect activity alters the distribution of minerals and metabolites, hastens senescence and stomatal closure, and modifies growth by diminishing stem conductance, slowing photosynthesis, reducing leaf area, and changing leaf morphology.
Oregon Health Go Local: A Retrospective Look

MedlinePlus® Go Local is the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health's Internet resource that allows individuals to find health services in their local communities. Oregon Health Go Local recently joined the network of active Go Local projects. This article describes the planning and development of Oregon Health Go Local, with a discussion of the success and challenges of initiating such a project. Funding, marketing, volunteer coordination, data acquisition, and taxonomy are discussed.
Evaluación del Habla y Tratamiento para Pacientes con Fisura Palatina

Este compendio fue escrito a raiz de una mision que se llevo a cabo para la intervencion de fisuras labiales y palatinas. Dicha mision se llevo a cabo en Villahermosa, Mejico, entre el 4 y e...
THE BOND RATING GAME REVISITED: WHAT INFORMATION CAN LOCAL OFFICIALS USE?

This paper evaluates the usefulness of information on the municipal bond rating process derived from the institutional/descriptive literature versus that obtained from large-scale statistical studies. Although the descriptive literature can provide in-depth information on the workings of the rating process and on how it applies to specific communities, statistical analysis is necessary to examine the overall outcomes of the process and to provide insights in those cases where the descriptive literature remains vague or inconclusive. However, to be fully effective, the results of statistical research must be incorporated into sources of information which are helpful to those local officials who are actually playing the bond rating game.
Biologically active Arg-Gly-Asp oligopeptides assume a type II beta-turn in solution

The sequence Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) has been found to be the consensus sequence of matrix proteins for binding cell surface receptors (integrins). Studies with synthetic peptides containing the RGD sequence show that the biological activity of these oligopeptides is removed upon a conservative substitution of Glu for Asp in the RGD sequence. Two-dimensional 1H NMR methods were used to investigate the secondary structures in aqueous solution for two such oligopeptides of differing biological activity. The sequence Tyr-Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro, which binds to selected integrins, is found to assume a type II beta-turn at both pH 4 and 7. In contrast, the sequence Tyr-Gly-Arg-Gly-Glu-Ser-Pro, which does not interfere with integrin-mediated cell attachment, is found to assume a type I or III beta-turn at both pH 4 and 7. This comparison confirms not only that oligopeptides can assume a secondary structure in aqueous solution, but also that these structures may be important to biological functions.
Chemical synthesis of high molecular weight poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate)

Abstract The reaction of optically active β-butyrolactone with γ-butyrolactone in the presence of a distannoxane complex as a catalyst at 100°C yielded a high molecular weight poly)(3-hydroxybutyrate-co4-hydroxybutyrate).
Morphological divergence between cave and surface populations of the digger crayfish, Fallicambarus fodiens (Cottle, 1863) (Decapoda, Cambaridae)

Fallicambarus fodiens (Cottle, 1863), the digger crayfish, is widespread across lowland woods and other wetlands of the eastern United States. More recently, F. fodiens was discovered in two caves located in the Perryville Karst system in southeastern Missouri. We performed multivariate analyses to explore whether morphological divergence has occurred between cave and nearby surface populations of F. fodiens . Our results revealed that cave individuals had significantly longer antennae relative to surface individuals, and that cave females had longer abdomens relative to surface females. Sexual dimorphism, independent of habitat, was also found. Males had larger chelae and longer antennae, and females had larger tails. The presence of morphologically distinct F. fodiens in caves of the Perryville Karst further increases the already high biodiversity of this karst system. The Perryville Karst is associated with urban and agricultural areas, so the cave fauna should be closely monitored to guard against a potentially detrimental impact from urban and agricultural pollution sources. Fallicambarus fodiens (Cottle, 1863), l'ecrevisse fouisseuse, est largement distribuee dans les bois de faible altitude et autres zones humides de l'est des Etats Unis. Plus recemment F. fodiens a ete decouverte dans deux grottes localisees dans le systeme karstique de Perryville dans le sudest du Misssouri. Nous avons realise des analyses multifactorielles pour explorer si des divergences morphologiques sont apparues entre les populations proches de F. fodiens des grottes et celles de la surface. Nos resultats revelent que les individus des grottes ont significativement des antennes plus longues par rapport aux individus de surface, et que les femelles des grottes ont des abdomens plus longs que les femelles de surface. Un dimorphisme sexuel, independant de l'habitat, a aussi ete trouve. Les mâles ont des pinces plus larges et de plus longues antennes, et les femelles ont un abdomen plus large. La presence de F. fodiens morphologiquement distinctes dans les grottes karstiques de Perryville augmente encore la, deja grande, biodiversite de ce systeme karstique. Le karst de Perryville est associe a des zones urbaines et agricoles, donc la faune des grottes devrait etre soigneusement controlee pour la proteger contre un impact destructeur potentiel a partir de sources de pollution urbaines ou agricoles.
Larval transport during winter in the SABRE study area: results of a coupled vertical larval behaviour–three-dimensional circulation model

A three-dimensional circulation model was used in conjunction with larval fish vertical behaviour models to study the interaction between larval vertical distribution, advection and the outcome of larval transport along the central portion of the east coast of the United States. The circulation model was forced by tides, a northern boundary inflow, and winds. Vertical behaviour models were developed for Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and spot (Leiostomus xanthurus). The purpose of this modelling effort was to investigate the transport pathways of Atlantic menhaden and spot larvae from offshore spawning grounds to estuarine nursery habitats. The coupled circulation and behavioural model demonstrated the importance of along-shelf transport in what is generally thought to be a ‘cross-shelf’ problem. Cross-shelf transport was associated with bathymetric features, such as shoals. Both physical (e.g. wind) and biological (e.g. changes in larval behaviour) events were responsible for many of the observed patterns in larval transport. Overall, larval transport was determined by circulation but was modified by larval vertical distributions.
A design complexity comparison method for loop-based signal processing algorithms: particle filters

This paper presents a method for evaluating design complexity of a class of algorithms with characteristics that are common for many loop-based signal processing real-time applications. The method is not only used for evaluations, but can also be transformed to the actual implementation. The model transforms the data-flow structure of the algorithms to hierarchical pipelined architecture where control structure derivation is straightforward. The proposed method is used to estimate design complexity of two particle filtering algorithm: the sample importance resampling particle filter (SIRF) and the Gaussian Particle Filter (GPF) applied to the bearings-only tracking problem.
Teams release first reports on Cameroon Lake

The U.S. scientific and medical teams sent to Cameroon by the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance of the Agency for International Development (AID) to investigate the cause of the lethal gas release at Lake Nyos, Cameroon, have submitted their preliminary reports to the agency. While neither team could reach definitive conclusions without the opportunity to conduct laboratory analyses on their samples, they were able to make tentative statements about what may have occurred at the volcanic crater lake on the evening of August 21, 1986 (Eos, September 2, 1986, p. 659). At this early stage, it seems most likely that the gas release was triggered by a limnological phenomenon, such as an overturn of the lake, rather than by a sudden injection of volcanic gases. The origin of the gas seems most likely to be magmatic, but a biogenic origin has not been ruled out.
Counterion Binding on Charged Spheres: Effect of pH and Ionic Strength on the Mobility of Carboxyl-Terminated Dendrimers

Capillary electrophoresis was used to study the effect of pH on the mobility of carboxyl-terminated dendrimers ranging from generation two to five. Even though the net charge for G5 (−972) is much higher than that of G2 (−36), its electrophoretic mobility is lower. Titration studies reveal that the effective surface charge density of G5 is lower than the geometric surface charge density, which we attribute to counterion binding. The results suggest a critical condition for nonspecific counterion binding to spheres, analogous but not identical to the well-known Manning condition for counterion condensation on polyelectrolytes.
PCR primers and amplification methods for 12S ribosomal DNA, the control region, cytochrome oxidase I, and cytochrome b in bufonids and other frogs, and an overview of PCR primers which have amplified DNA in amphibians successfully.

New primers (N = 24) for the amplification and sequencing of the complete or near complete 12S ribosomal DNA, about 1000 bp of the control region, 390 bp of cytochrome oxidase I, and the near complete cytochrome b are described. The 12S ribosomal DNA primers successfully amplify DNA in tetrapods; other primers successfully amplify DNA in bufonoids and other anurans. An overview of published literature and sequence data banks identified 170 mitochondrial and 96 nuclear DNA primers that have been used or are highly likely to be useful in amphibians. Primer sequences, their locations within genes, and sequence location and identity in Xenopus and human and/or mouse are presented for each primer. The utility of each primer was estimated by identifying the smallest, yet most inclusive, taxonomic category within which each primer has been successful. Primers from all published sources are mapped together. We hope that these new primers, as well as the list of primers that have been useful in amphibians, will encourage further systematic and population genetic studies of amphibians.
The functional impact of bilateral reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background The use of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has been increasing. However, many recommend against bilateral RTSA because of concerns over lack of internal rotation (IR) and the resultant difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs). Methods Data on 15 consecutive patients who underwent staged bilateral primary RTSA for cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) were retrospectively reviewed. All operations were performed by a single surgeon. The mean follow-up was 33.4 months from the second RTSA. The mean age of the patients at the time of the first operation was 72.9 years. The mean duration between arthroplasties was 21.6 months. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and yearly with standardized clinical examinations and outcome measures questionnaires. Results On both operative sides, elevation showed significant improvement from preoperative values; however, external rotation, abduction, and IR did not show significant improvement at an average follow-up of 33.4 months. Functional outcome scores of both RTSA shoulders showed significant improvement from preoperative values; however, the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores on either shoulder did not show significant improvement. Evaluation of the outcome measures questionnaire revealed that all patients were able to perform perineal hygiene after their RTSAs. Conclusion Bilateral RTSA results in marked improvement in forward elevation, pain, and functional outcomes, and carries a high rate of satisfaction in subjective patient assessment. Common ADLs that require significant IR, such as perineal care, were not problematic in the cohort.
EHF monolithic phased arrays-a stepping-stone to the future

Current EHF monolithic phased-array technology is assessed; near-term technology needs are evaluated; and future developments in this field are projected. It is noted that such arrays are thought to be able to satisfy cost, real-estate, aerodynamic and radar-cross-section constraints. Test results on multielement monolithic subarrays operating at 20 and 44 GHz are examined. Finally, the connection between current state-of-the-art subarray technology and Smart Skins, the projected omnipotent phased array of the future, is discussed. >
Enhanced operator function model: A generic human task behavior modeling language

Task analytic models are extremely useful for human factors and systems engineers. Unfortunately, there is no standard language for describing task models. We present an xml-based task analytic modeling language. The language incorporates features from Operator Function Model and extends them with additional task sequencing options and conditional constraints. This language's use is illustrated via a radio alarm clock example. In addition, parsing, visualization, and development tools are discussed.
Echinoid is essential for regulation of Egfr signaling and R8 formation during Drosophila eye development

Precisely regulated Egfr activity is essential for normal development and cell differentiation. We demonstrate that the transmembrane protein Echinoid is required to downregulate Egfr activity in the developing Drosophila eye, ensuring a normal array of R8 photoreceptor neurons. Echinoid is an L1-type transmembrane molecule that is expressed in all cells of the eye imaginal discs and, unlike many other Egfr inhibitors, does not appear to be regulated transcriptionally. Echinoid co-precipitates with Egfr from cultured cells and eye imaginal discs, and Egfr activity promotes tyrosine phosphorylation of Echinoid. These observations suggest that Echinoid inhibits Egfr through direct interactions.
Expression of m157, a Murine Cytomegalovirus-Encoded Putative Major Histocompatibility Class I (MHC-I)-Like Protein, Is Independent of Viral Regulation of Host MHC-I

A murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)-encoded protein, m157, has a putative major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) structure and is recognized by the Ly49H NK cell activation receptor. Using a monoclonal antibody against m157, in this study we directly demonstrated that m157 is a cell surface-expressed glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored protein with early viral gene kinetics. Beta-2 microglobulin and TAP1 (transporter associated with antigen processing 1) were not required for its expression. MCMV-encoded proteins that down-regulate MHC-I did not affect the expression of m157. Thus, m157 is expressed on infected cells in a manner independent of viral regulation of host MHC-I.
Direct, indirect and pleiotropic effects of candidate genes on internalizing disorder psychopathology

Background Twin studies of internalizing disorders suggest that their high co-morbidity is partially explained by shared genetic risk. Few studies have investigated pleiotropic effects of well-validated candidate genes across phenotypes. Method Subjects were 928 Caucasian patients who presented to an out-patient clinic specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. We constructed latent dimensional phenotypes across the internalizing spectrum (neuroticism, extraversion, depression, generalized anxiety, panic/agoraphobia, social phobia, post-traumatic stress, and obsessions-compulsions) by combining diagnostic criteria with other clinical indicators. We selected multiple variants in four evidence-based candidate genes (SLC6A4, COMT, GAD1, RGS2) with previously reported effects on several of these phenotypes. We conducted genetic association testing of their direct and indirect effects as well as gene × stress interactions (G × E). Results We detected 19 nominally significant main effect associations for the 10 polymorphisms tested among the eight phenotypes (24%). These were generally phenotype non-specific, showing pleiotropic effects across multiple domains. The majority of observed sharing was between depression, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some of these were best explained by mediational models in which genes increase liability for disorders indirectly via their effects on temperament. Limited G × E effects were detected between variants in SLC6A4 and both panic/agoraphobia and post-traumatic stress. Conclusions Examining just a few candidate genes for their potential roles in internalizing phenotypes, we found moderate support for the shared effects of several polymorphisms. These findings highlight the richness and complexity by which genes potentially contribute to psychopathology via pleiotropy, moderation by stress, and mediation by temperament.
Predictability of SST in a Stochastic Climate Model and Its Application to the Kuroshio Extension Region

The influence of deterministic forcing on SST predictability is investigated in a zero-dimensional, stochastic, coupled atmosphere‐ocean climate model. The SST anomaly predictability time is found to be very sensitive to the properties of the deterministic forcing. Comparison of the amplitudes of the deterministic and stochastic forcing terms, for example, as determined from linear regression analysis, may give a misleading impression of their relative importance. The importance of instead comparing the time-integrated forcing terms is emphasized. The conditions under which the model exhibits preferred timescales and the conditions under which the model power spectrum approaches that of a univariate Markov process (red noise) are also determined. The idealized model results are complemented with an analysis of climate observations for the Kuroshio Extension region. Observational errors and unresolved components of the enthalpy budget limited the maximum timescale considered to about 4 yr. This analysis revealed that the advection of anomalous geostrophic currents is a minor source of SST variability and not the limiting factor in determining SST predictability in that region, at least for the timescales considered.
Challenging the "embarrassingly sequential": parallelizing finite state machine-based computations through principled speculation

Finite-State Machine (FSM) applications are important for many domains. But FSM computation is inherently sequential, making such applications notoriously difficult to parallelize. Most prior methods address the problem through speculations on simple heuristics, offering limited applicability and inconsistent speedups. This paper provides some principled understanding of FSM parallelization, and offers the first disciplined way to exploit application-specific information to inform speculations for parallelization. Through a series of rigorous analysis, it presents a probabilistic model that captures the relations between speculative executions and the properties of the target FSM and its inputs. With the formulation, it proposes two model-based speculation schemes that automatically customize themselves with the suitable configurations to maximize the parallelization benefits. This rigorous treatment yields near-linear speedup on applications that state-of-the-art techniques can barely accelerate.
The Use Of Debates Of Current Economic Issues As An Aid For Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Economics is exciting because it can deal effectively with critical public policy issues. Unfortunately, this aspect of economics is usually left for more advanced courses. Consequently many students find principles of economics boring and not relevant to the real world. The use of public policy issues can foster greater student involvement in the learning process with a higher level of critical thinking skills.
Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Demonstrate Arrhythmic Potential

Background—Cardiomyocytes (CMs) derived from pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and embryonal carcinoma cells (ECCs) have some but not all characteristics of adult myocytes. ESCs have shown the ability to engraft in areas of myocardial damage, which suggests their use in cell transplantation therapy for cardiomyopathy. We studied the arrhythmogenic properties of CMs differentiated from mouse ESCs and ECCs. Methods and Results—CMs derived in vitro were studied in the whole-cell patch-clamp mode. CMs from both sources showed action potential (AP) morphology heterogeneity, with reduced maximum upstroke velocities (dV/dt) and prolonged AP durations. CMs demonstrated prolonged, spontaneous electrical activity in culture. Frequent triggered activity was observed with and without pharmacological enhancement. Phase 2 or 3 early afterdepolarizations could be induced easily by Bay K8644 plus tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) or [TEA]o after Cs replacement for [K]i, respectively. A combination of bradycardic stimulation, hypokalemia, and quinidine resulted in early afterdepolarizations. Delayed afterdepolarizations could be induced easily and reversibly by hypercalcemia or isoproterenol. Conclusions—ESCs or ECCs differentiated into at least 3 AP phenotypes. CMs showed spontaneous activity, low dV/dt, prolonged AP duration, and easily inducible triggered arrhythmias. These findings raise caution about the use of totipotent ESCs in cell transplantation therapy, because they may act as an unanticipated arrhythmogenic source from any of the 3 classic mechanisms (reentry, automaticity, or triggered activity). (Circulation. 2002;106:1294-1299.)
Improved sex attractant blend for adult males of the glassy cutworm, Crymodes devastator (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

We reported previously (Steck et al. 1977) that equal-parts mixtures of (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald) and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac) attract male Crymodes devastator (Brace) moths to field traps, and that attraction is enhanced by incorporation of (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7-12:Ac) in the lure. During subsequent studies with sex lures for this species we discovered that (Z)-11-hexadecenol (Zll-16:OH) is much more effective than Z7-12:Ac as a trapping synergist.During 1978 many structural analogs of the sex attractant components were tested as lure synergists by adding 20% of each analog to a basic 2:l Z11-16:Ald + Z11-16:Ac lure, using numbers of males trapped as the criterion of effect. Z5- and Z7-10:Ac; Z5-, Z7-, and Z9-12:Ac; Z5-, Z7-, Z9-, and Z11-14:Ac; Z5-, Z7-, and Z9-16:Ac were tested in this way, as were the corresponding alcohols and aldehydes and Zll-16:OH. The (E) isomers of these along with Ell-16:Ald and E11-16:Ac were finally tested.
A specific mechanism of nonspecific inhibition.

Promiscuous small molecules plague screening libraries and hit lists. Previous work has found that several nonspecific compounds form submicrometer aggregates, and it has been suggested that this aggregate species is responsible for the inhibition of many different enzymes. It is not understood how aggregates inhibit their targets. To address this question, biophysical, kinetic, and microscopy methods were used to study the interaction of promiscuous, aggregate-forming inhibitors with model proteins. By use of centrifugation and gel electrophoresis, aggregates and protein were found to directly interact. This is consistent with a subsequent observation from confocal fluorescence microscopy that aggregates concentrate green fluorescent protein. β-Lactamase mutants with increased or decreased thermodynamic stability relative to wild-type enzyme were equally inhibited by an aggregate-forming compound, suggesting that denaturation by unfolding was not the primary mechanism of interaction. Instead, visualizati...
Parametric image formation using clustering for dynamic cardiac SPECT

Dynamic cardiac SPECT imaging can provide quantitative and possibly even absolute measures of physiological parameters. However, a dynamic cardiac SPECT study involves a number of steps to obtain estimates of physiological parameters of interest. One of the key steps involves the selection of regions of interest. In the past, this has been done manually or by using a semi-automatic method. We propose to use cluster analysis to segment the data to obtain improved parameter estimates. The algorithm consists of using a standard k-means clustering followed by a blood input fine-tuning procedure using fuzzy k-means performed to obtain a more accurate blood input function. Computer simulations were used to test the algorithm and to compute bias in kinetic rate parameters with and without the use of blood input fine-tuning. This was followed by performing eight studies in three canines and three studies in two patients with a dynamic cardiac perfusion SPECT protocol. The short-axis slice image data were used as input for the cluster analysis program as well as for a previously validated semi-automatic method. All of the time activity curves were fit to a two-compartment model. Parametric images of the wash-in rate parameter were obtained after cluster analysis. The wash-in rate estimates from the selected regions of interest with both of the methods were compared using microsphere derived flows as a gold standard in the case of canine studies. Our results suggest that in regions with low noise, cluster analysis provides parameter estimates comparable to the semi-automatic method in addition to providing improved visual defect localization and contrast. Moreover, the clustered curves have less noise and yield reasonable fits where with the semi-automatic method the fitting routine sometimes failed to converge. The use of clustering also required less manual intervention than the semi-automatic method. These results indicate that use of clustering may bring dynamic cardiac SPECT closer to clinical feasibility.