cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Guinea: The significance of the coup of April 1984 and economic issues

Abstract While external factors exacerbated underdevelopment, internal factors were probably the main causes of Guinea's troubles between 1958 and 1984. Guinea under military rule is profoundly affected by past economic and administrative mismanagement. With the assistance of international financial institutions, a stabilization and structural adjustment package is gradually bringing some balance to the economy. But austerity has bred new hardships, though of lesser magnitude than those of the preceding era. The government must balance public sentiment about increasing market prices for basic commodities against structural adjustment policy imperatives.
The role of parental influence in leadership

Abstract This study examined how parental influence may shape the leadership process. American college students majoring in management used the Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire to describe their management style. They next used the same instrument to describe their perceptions of the management style used by a person they nominated as an important early influence in the development of their own leadership style. Finally, the person they nominated completed the instrument. Correlations among the scales were used to examine how the early influence affected the subscale scores of the students. Results suggest that early influence was important and that some gender-related differences were operating. It appears that early influence operated most strongly through perceptions, that individuals modeled (rather than reacted against) the perceived style, and that the process operated most strongly for male students and for those whose early influence was male.
Mating-type heterokaryosis and selfing in Cryphonectria parasitica.

Abstract Selfing in the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica , occurs by two different genetic mechanisms. Most self-fertile isolates of C. parasitica are heterokaryotic for mating type, and the progeny from selfing segregate for mating type. Further, we resolved mating-type ( MAT ) heterokaryons into homokaryons of both mating types by isolating uninucleate asexual spores (conidia). However, because ascospore progeny, with rare exceptions, are not MAT heterokaryons, C. parasitica must lack a regular mechanism to maintain heterokaryosis by selfing. We hypothesize that heterokaryon formation may occur either because of recurrent biparental inbreeding, or by mating-type switching, possibly one involving some kind of parasexual process. The second mechanism found for selfing in C. parasitica occurred less frequently. Three single-conidial isolates ( MAT-1 and MAT-2 ) selfed and produced progeny that did not segregate for mating type. It is currently not known if meiosis occurs during ascospore formation by this mechanism. Index descriptors: Cryphonectria parasitica , Heterokaryosis, MAT , Mating type, Self-fertility, Self-incompatibility, Self-sterility
A three-dimensional MHD simulation of the interaction of the solar wind with the earth's magnetosphere - The generation of field-aligned currents

The time-dependent interaction of the solar wind with the earth's magnetosphere is simulated using a three-dimensional MHD model. The bow shock, magnetopause, magnetotail, and plasma sheet of the magnetosphere and Birkeland field-aligned currents that are dependent on the polarity of the z component of the IMF are produced. Twin convection cells and a dawn to dusk electric potential of 30-100 kV are detected at the equator in the magnetosphere. Four types of field-aligned currents are observed: region 1, region 2, dayside magnetopause currents in the dayside cusp region, and the dayside cusp currents for southward IMF. Region 1 and 2 field-aligned currents generated for all IMF conditions are 0.6-1.0 x 10 to the 6th A and 0.15-0.61 x 10 to the 6th A, respectively. The relationship between region 1 currents and field-aligned vorticity, and region 2 currents and pressure gradients are studied. The simulated data are compared with a theoretical analysis of the field-aligned currents and good correlation is observed.
Newly discovered role for Fas ligand in the cell-cycle arrest of CD4 + T cells

Fas Ligand (FasL) can induce apoptosis of Fas-bearing cells. It is expressed on the cell surface of many tumor cells, immune-privileged tissues and activated lymphocytes. We report here that FasL can itself transduce signals, leading to cell-cycle arrest and cell death in CD4+ T cells. In vitro, FasL engagement inhibited CD4+ T-cell proliferation, cell-cycle progression, and IL-2 secretion. In vivo, FasL engagement prevented superantigen-mediated CD4+, but not CD8+, T-cell expansion. These findings demonstrate that FasL engagement regulates cell-cycle progression, and show that FasL engagement in vivo has a potent anti-inflammatory effect specific for CD4+ T cells.
Preexposure to repeated low doses of zymosan increases the susceptibility to pulmonary infection in rats.

Chronic exposure to low levels of mold has been reported to increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. In the current study, the authors investigate the lungs' ability to clear an infection after repeated low-dose zymosan exposure. Exposure was conducted at a zymosan dose of 0.6 mg/kg body weight (bw) of rat, for a total of 4 doses, via intratracheal instillation during a 2 week period. Treated animals were allowed to recover for 1 week before pulmonary inoculation with Listeria monocytogenes. Bacterial clearance was determined by measuring colony-forming units cultured from the left lungs on days 3, 5, and 7 post bacteria infection. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on the right lungs to recover phagocytes and BAL fluid to measure lung injury and the inflammatory cytokines. In contrast to the authors' previously published study that showed a single high dose (2.5 mg/kg bw) of zymosan prior to infection accelerated bacteria clearance, the repeated low-dose zymosan suppressed bacteria clea...
The ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: success and failure.

Resume L'anastomose ileo-anale avec reservoir est apparue comme l'operation de choix chez la plupart des malades atteints d'une rectocolite hemorragique. L'operation est generalement couronnee de succes car le risque de mortalite est faible, la morbidite acceptable et la qualite de vie amelioree. Plusieurs facteurs peuvent influencer ses resultats: la technique chirurgicale, les complications, l'âge, le sexe, l'etat nutritionnel des patients, le degre d'immunosuppression, la nature et la severite de la mala-die causale. Les echecs augmentent legerement avec le recul du temps (
Purification of the Serine Palmitoyltransferase Complex Responsible for Sphingoid Base Synthesis by Using Affinity Peptide Chromatography Techniques

Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), a membrane-bound enzyme of the endoplasmic reticulum, catalyzes the condensation of palmitoyl coenzyme A (CoA) and L-serine to produce 3-ketodihydrosphingosine. This enzyme contains at least two different subunits, named the LCB1 and LCB2 proteins. In the present study, we expressed a FLAG- and His(6) peptide-tagged version of the hamster LCB1 protein in a Chinese hamster ovary cell mutant strain lacking the endogenous LCB1 subunit and purified SPT from the cells near to homogeneity by affinity peptide chromatography. The endogenous LCB2 protein was co-purified with the tagged LCB1 protein in purification of SPT. In various aspects, including optimum pH, acyl-CoA specificity, and sphingofungin sensitivity, the activity of purified SPT was consistent with the activity detected in lysates of wild-type Chinese hamster ovary cells. The optimum concentration of palmitoyl-CoA for 3-ketodihydrosphingosine formation by purified SPT was approximately 25 microM, and the apparent K(m) of L-serine was 0.28 mM. Competition analysis of the SPT reaction with various serine analogs showed that all of the amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups of L-serine were responsible for the substrate recognition of the enzyme. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of purified SPT, together with immunoprecipitation analysis of metabolically labeled LCB proteins, strongly suggested that the SPT enzyme consisted of the LCB1 and LCB2 proteins with a stoichiometry of 1:1.
Angular distributions of neutrons elastically scattered from O18

Abstract The angular distributions of neutrons elastically scattered from O18 were measured for neutron energies between 405 and 2702 keV by the recoil-particle method. For these measurements, a proportional counter filled with carbon dioxide enriched to 97.2% in O18 was irradiated with neutrons, and the recoil spectra were recorded by a 256-channel pulse-height analyser. Subtraction of the carbon recoil spectra yielded the O18 spectra. The results were analysed in conjunction with the total neutron cross-section measurements of Vaughn et al., using one- and two-level nuclear dispersion theory. New states in O19 have been located at excitation energies of 5.097, 6.13, and 6.20 MeV. Definite spin and parity assignments of 3 2− , 1 2− , and 5 2+ , have been made to the states at excitation energies of 4.587, 5.097, and 5.43 MeV respectively. In addition, probable spin and parity assignments of 3 2+ , 1 2− , and 7 2− , have been made to the states at excitation energies of 6.13, 6.20 and 6.271 MeV respectively. In the excitation energy region near 5.5. MeV, there is definite evidence for an additional level, for which a probable assignment of 1 2− has been made.
Pitfalls in the history and diagnosis of female sterility

Abstract 1. 1. A case of female sterility is reported in which the careful reading of the hysterosalpingogram intimated an abnormality as the cause of sterility. Its presence was verified at subsequent operation, and the sterility was cured by simple corrective surgery. 2. 2. A thorough investigation of the internal genital organs is essential in each sterility case, irrespective of the clinical history or bimanual findings. 3. 3. Hysterosalpingography is an indispensable aid in the diagnosis of sterility. 4. 4. When the application of all available diagnostic procedures fails to reveal the cause of sterility, exploratory laparotomy is justified to establish a definite diagnosis.
Further results on possible root locations of 2-D polynomials

Some further results on possible root locations of two-dimensional (2-D) polynomials are presented. It is established that the distinguished boundary of the unit bidisc being free of zeros is a nongeneric property of 2-D polynomials. The result is illustrated by a simple example.
Anticonvulsant Activity of Substituted Benzoylpyridines

Abstract: A series of substituted benzoylpyridines was prepared and evaluated for their ability to prevent convulsions induced by electroshock. Results of regression analysis indicate that electronreleasing substituents enhance anticonvulsant activity in this series. A log P 0 of 2.66 was found, which is near the average value of 2 found for 16 series of hypnotics.
Ultrafast exciton dynamics in donor-acceptor conjugated polymers

Aggregate-enabled ultrafast exciton dynamics in dithienopyrrole-benzothiadiazole based donor-acceptor conjugated polymers were investigated to address factors affecting the material performance in optoelectronic and photonic devices such as OPV, OLED, power limiters and polariton lasers.
On the purposeful coarsening of smooth vector fields

This paper argues for the possibility of purposely approximating smooth vector fields with highly localized variability in terms of piecewise smooth vector fields for the purpose of analyzing the bifurcation characteristics of the corresponding dynamical systems. Here, emphasis is placed on the changes in system response that result as a periodic trajectory begins to incorporate a brief flow segment in the region of high variability under variations in some system parameter. In particular, it is shown that tools from the theory of grazing bifurcations in piecewise-smooth systems may be employed to qualitatively predict the bifurcation scenario associated with such a transition both in terms of the shape of the branch of periodic trajectories and in terms of the persistence of a local attractor in the vicinity of the original periodic trajectory.
Intracranial schwannoma presenting as a subfrontal tumor: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE : Intracerebral schwannomas not associated with cranial nerves account for less than 1% of surgically treated schwannomas of the central and peripheral nervous system. Subfrontal schwannomas are extremely rare, with only 15 cases reported to date. CLINICAL PRESENTATION : A 33-year-old man presented with a 4-month history of progressive headaches and lethargy. Radiographic studies revealed a large subfrontal tumor thought to be a meningioma preoperatively. INTERVENTION : The patient underwent a craniotomy for resection of his tumor. Intraoperatively, a large extra-axial tumor arising from the floor of the left frontal fossa was encountered. CONCLUSION : Microscopic examination of the tumor revealed a schwannoma. Several theories on the possible origin of intracerebral schwannomas have been considered. Because of the age of the patient at presentation, many authors have postulated a developmental origin for these lesions. However, extra-axial schwannomas not associated with cranial nerves often present later in life, suggesting a different pathogenesis for this subgroup.
A wider web, a wider world

The spread of the internet combined with the rise of participatory media platforms like weblogs and video sharing sites means that it's possible to receive first hand news and opinion from virtually any corner of the globe. Some early internet theorists - John Perry Barlow, Nicholas Negroponte - predicted that the pervasiveness of the internet would lead towards increasingly internationalized communications, interaction and governance. Evidence suggests that these predictions were too optimistic. Interest in international information is limited, and the vast majority of online communication is domestic. This may lead us to worry about the echo chambers Cass Sunstein predicts, or towards a state of "imaginary cosmopolitanism", where we erroneously believe we can access a global perspective on issues and events.If the internet is not inexorably leading to a cosmopolitan perspective, it remains a powerful tool for building international perspective and understanding. A group of people positioned to build understanding between cultures - bridge figures - can help lead interested parties - xenophiles - into international dialog using online tools to enable translation, filtering and contextualization of content. This talk explores the evidence to support a theory of imaginary cosmopolitanism, the dangers of an insufficiently globalized internet, and possible solutions towards building increased international connections online.
Clinical application of a novel video camera laryngoscope: a case series venturing beyond the normal airway☆

The McGRATH Video Laryngoscope Series 5 is an example of indirect laryngoscopic equipment. Experience using this device to safely intubate the trachea of awake and asleep patients with known or anticipated difficult airways is presented.
Vitamin D levels in adults with Crohn's disease are responsive to disease activity and treatment.

Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease although it is not clear if this is cause or effect.1,2 Noted variations in Crohn’s disease (CD) prevalence and activity according to geographic latitude and seasons have been postulated to occur because of seasonal fluctuations in vitamin D levels.3,4 Epidemiological and clinical studies have associated serum vitamin D levels with the risk of developing CD and levels of disease activity with established disease.5,6 Although these associations suggest causality, they have not been universally confirmed.7,8 However, a single trial of vitamin D was shown to decrease disease activity scores in a small cohort of patients with CD, suggesting therapeutic benefits from elevating vitamin D levels.9 Studies of vitamin D in patients with inflammatory bowel disease predominantly report serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), an inactive precursor that circulates in the blood and has a half-life of 1 month.2 Conversion of 25(OH) D to active 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)D) is performed by the enzyme CYP27B1, an enzyme now known to be expressed by many circulating immune cell types.10,11 The active 1,25(OH)D activates the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which eventually binds to VDR-response elements in the target cell’s genome. Local production of 1,25(OH)D by expression of CYP27B1 in the microenvironment is now recognized as a paracrine pathway of immune regulation.12 Numerous in vitro studies have provided mechanistic explanations for the potential immunoprotective effects of vitamin D.13 Binding sites for the VDR have been identified in genes associated with CD, and vitamin D has been shown to enhance the production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and induction of regulatory T cells.14–16 However, patients treated with vitamin D have also been noted to have increased IL-6 levels and an expansion of CD4+ T cells.17 Other studies on the effect of vitamin D on proliferation of T lymphocytes have produced conflicting results.18,19 Vitamin D also plays a role in the ability of human macrophages to kill intracellular bacteria, and dysfunction in this process has been associated with the risk of CD.20,21 There is recent evidence to support a protective role for vitamin D within epithelial cells against intestinal inflammation, independent of immune cells.22 If low vitamin D levels are a consequence of inflammation, these should correlate with disease activity and be reversed by treatment of the underlying inflammation. Previous studies in patients have reported that low vitamin D levels were associated with lower quality of life and higher disease activity scores.6,23 Little is known about the effects of treatment of active CD with antitumor necrosis factors (anti-TNFs) on vitamin D pathways. We sought to measure vitamin D, VDR, and CYP27B1 levels in the peripheral blood of patients with CD, correlate with biomarkers, and to determine how these were affected by anti-TNF treatment.
Phase‐matched second‐harmonic generation in a polymer waveguide

Quasi‐phase‐matched second‐harmonic generation has been observed in a periodically poled nonlinear optical polymer waveguide. Key elements in this demonstration include novel nonlinear optical polymers that can be spin coated, the design and fabrication of periodic electrodes for periodic poling and the optimization of waveguide parameters to obtain single‐mode waveguides with a large overlap between fundamental and harmonic modes. Phase matching of the d33 nonlinear optical coefficient occurs over a distance L=230 μm.
Use of a Simple Clinical Tool for Airway Assessment to Predict Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

OBJECTIVE Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes. We aimed to test the hypothesis that maternal Mallampati class (MC), as a marker for OSA, is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of term births (≥ 37 weeks). Fetal anomalies and aneuploidy were excluded. Primary outcome was small for gestational age (SGA). Secondary outcomes included preeclampsia, neonatal cord arterial blood gas pH < 7.10 and < 7.05, base excess < - 8 and < - 12 mEq/L. Outcomes were compared between mothers with low MC airways and high MC airways using logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 1,823 women met the inclusion criteria. No significant differences were found in the risk of SGA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-1.2), preeclampsia (aOR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-1.9) or neonatal acidemia (aOR 0.8, 95% CI 0.3-2.0), between high and low MC. CONCLUSION High MC is not associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.
Correlation of Kinetic Parameters and Thermal Behavior of Segmented Polyurethane Elastomers with Biological Responses

Abstract Kinetic studies of thermal degradation of 16 segmented polyether polyurethane samples, containing various amounts of 3,4‐diaminotoluene and dibutyltin diacetate as additives, were carried out by thermogravimetry. From a single dynamic thermogravimetric experiment, the temperatures of initiation of degradation, 10, 25, and 50% (w/w) of degradation, as well as the activation energies for degradation, were determined. The activation energies were computed from the thermogravimetric curves using Broido's graphical approximation method, which applies to first‐order decomposition kinetics. The results of stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicate that the biological responses to elastomer samples, such as tissue culture, hemolysis, intramuscular implant, intradermal irritation, systemic toxicity, and histopathological rating, and the cumulative biological response index are highly correlated with thermal stability and kinetic measurements of the materials.
Potentials and Perils of E-Business in China

The E-business market in China is growing at an exponential rate. In 2013, the business volume is expected to reach $285 billion which surpasses the level in the U.S. As a result, there is a gold rush to China to participate in the market. This article discusses the potential but also points out the perils. This paper also focuses on the competition in the Chinese E-business market, and reveals that the Chinese online business is almost completely monopolized by only one seller, Taobao, which accounts for 81.2% of the whole E-business market. This article further considers the tax burden of the Internet commerce transaction which found that the Chinese government imposes a value-added tax at a rate of 17%. This rate is much higher than the sales tax rate at 7% in the U.S. Additionally, this article investigates the problem of counterfeited products and infringement of intellectual property rights. It discovered that this problem is rampant in China. The losses in international trade amount to $360 billion a year. Eighty percent of the counterfeited products were originated in China. The problem is extremely serious. Moreover, this article offers many planning strategies for operating an E-business in China. Despite the perils, this article concludes that the benefits of running an E-business in China outweigh the risks.
Species crossreactivity of human progesterone receptor monoclonal antibodies: Western blot analysis

The crossreactivity of monoclonal antibodies (hPRa 1, 2, 3 and 6) generated against human progesterone receptor was examined in six mammalian and an avian species using the techniques of sodium-dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis. Immunoreactive bands were detected on protein blots of receptor-containing preparations from human endometrial carcinoma grown in nude mice, human T47D breast cancer cells, rabbit, cow and mouse uteri, and chick oviduct. No receptor-associated, immunoreactive bands were detected in rat, guinea pig or hamster uteri. The number and molecular weights of the receptor subunits detected varied between species, and only human progesterone receptor displayed electrophoretic microheterogeneity in its high molecular weight subunit. These data demonstrate that the human progesterone receptor antibodies recognize epitopes not common to all species.
An animal model for the study of topical medications in sinusitis.

Background Rhinosinusitis after functional endoscopic sinus surgery often is recalcitrant to conventional medical management. Topical therapies have been popularized as a method to deliver powerful medications to diseased mucosa while limiting systemic toxicity. The aim of this study was to develop an animal model that will provide objective data in studying the efficacy of topical medications and establish a platform for translation to human clinical trials. Methods The maxillary sinus ostium of white rabbits was obstructed with a pledget through an antrostomy created in the anterior face of the maxilla. The sinus was inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) and 7 days later the antrostomy was reopened, the ostial obstruction was removed, and a single lumen catheter was placed. Normal saline was irrigated through the catheter for 7 days in one group of rabbits while a control group received no irrigation. At the end of 7 days, the rabbits were euthanized, analyzed under light microscopy, and bacterial counts of the nasal lavage were determined. Results Sinusitis was confirmed in all rabbits 7 days after inoculation. Purulence, mucosal, and underlying bony inflammation persisted in both the control and the saline irrigation groups at study end. Nasal lavage bacterial counts were persistently elevated throughout the study period, indicative of bacterial viability. Conclusion An animal model has been created for the study of topical medications in sinusitis. A novel catheter delivery system within an unoccluded maxillary sinus is described that will aid in efficacy studies of topical medications in the management of recalcitrant rhinosinusitis.
One size fits all

12 This paper describes the major activities that were conducted in order to complete the successful commissioning of the spacecraft and instruments. Included are activities which did not execute as planned and took significant effort and resolve it took to overcome. As a result, Terra is now beginning to produce world class science.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cell death, cell proliferation, and estimates of hair cell life spans in the vestibular organs of chicks

We have examined the level of on-going cell death in the chick vestibular epithelia using the TUNEL method and compared this to the rate of on-going cell proliferation. Utricles contained 22.6 +/- 6.8 TUNEL-labeled cells (mean +/- s.e.m.) while saccules contained 15.1 +/- 4.0, with approximately 90% being labeled hair cells. In separate experiments, chicks were given a single injection of BrdU and killed 2 h later. Utricles contained 116.9 +/- 6.5 BrdU-labeled cells (mean +/- s.e.m.) and saccules contained 41.0 +/- 2.2. After 24 h in culture, utricles treated with 1 mM neomycin contained 115.5 +/- 38.9 TUNEL-labeled cells, an increase of 270% over controls. After 48 h, neomycin-treated saccules contained 40.9 +/- 7.8, an increase of 152% over controls. The majority of labeled cells were in the hair cell layer. Thus, neomycin exposure results in an apoptotic death of hair cells. The in vivo data measured here were used to estimate that the average life span of utricular hair cells in young chickens is approximately 20 days, in sharp contrast to the life spans assumed for hair cells in humans.
A martini-glass clinopyroxene from the moon

Apollo 11 igneous rock vug clinopyroxene composite crystal with tabular pigeonite nucleus and subcalcic augite precipitation
INVESTIGATION OF A NEW KIND OF ENERGETIC NEUTRAL EXCITATION IN SUPERFLUID HELIUM.

We present evidence for the existence of a new kind of neutral excitation generated in superfluid helium in the presence of a ${\mathrm{Po}}^{210}$ $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle source..The flux of neutral excitations is negligibly small above 0.6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and increases as the temperature is decreased. The neutral excitations travel in the liquid at low temperatures through distances greater than 1 cm without appreciable scattering or attenuation. They produce ${\mathrm{He}}_{2}^{+}$ ions and electrons at the free surface of the liquid, and positive ions and electrons at a suitably arranged metal plate immersed in the liquid. Experiments indicate that these neutral excitations are not photons. A possible model for the neutral is some kind of exciton. In addition, we also present evidence that, at temperatures below 1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, electrons within superfluid helium may emerge from the liquid into the vapor above its surface when they arrive at the liquid surface trapped in vortex rings. No such behavior is observed for positive ions.
On the effect of random errors in gridded bathymetric compilations

[1] We address the problem of compiling bathymetric data sets with heterogeneous coverage and a range of data measurement accuracies. To generate a regularly spaced grid, we are obliged to interpolate sparse data; our objective here is to augment this product with an estimate of confidence in the interpolated bathymetry based on our knowledge of the component of random error in the bathymetric source data. Using a direct simulation Monte Carlo method, we utilize data from the International Bathymetric Chart of the Arctic Ocean database to develop a suitable methodology for assessment of the standard deviations of depths in the interpolated grid. Our assessment of random errors in each data set are heuristic but realistic and are based on available metadata from the data providers. We show that a confidence grid can be built using this method and that this product can be used to assess reliability of the final compilation. The methodology as developed here is applied to bathymetric data but is equally applicable to other interpolated data sets, such as gravity and magnetic data.
The intermittency effect in photographic exposure

The intermittency effect has been investigated with monochromatic light at several wave lengths between 2537A and 4358A. Light from a quartz mercury arc was reduced in intensity by known amounts using a set of wire mesh screens, and the beam passed through a rotating sector and was focused on the slit of a quartz spectrograph. The Eastman Speedway plates showed only a very small intermittency failure, independent of wave length, while the Wratten Panchromatic and Cramer Contrast Process gave a very considerable intermittency effect, increasing with an increase in wave length. The increase of the latent image as set forth by Brush was found not to exist, nor were the sector scale and intensity scale curves found to coincide as indicated by Weber. In attempting to check Weber’s results it was observed that the intermittency failure is in the same direction as the reciprocity failure, but of less magnitude. Further evidence is cited indicating that there is an intimate relation between the intermittency and reciprocity failures. For moderately high frequencies of flash the intermittency effect was found to increase exponentially with the ratio of rest to flash, being almost independent of the frequency of flash, but at very low frequencies of flash the effect was dependent on frequency and not on ratio. If the plate were previously exposed, the intermittency failure was found to be reduced, and if this previous exposure brought the latent image up to the foot of the straight line portion of the characteristic curve, the intermittency effect was found to be almost eliminated. The association of the intermittency effect with the underexposure region was further indicated by the fact, deduced from the relative shapes of continuous and intermittent characteristic curves, that the difference between them increases up to the foot of the straight line portion and then remains constant.
Linked Data—The Right Time?

When Tim Berners-Lee introduced linked data (2006), he emphasized that it was not just concerned with getting things up on the Web, but it was about making links between things so that people could...
Non-factorizable branes on the torus

Abstract This work discusses string compactifications on the torus with optional Z 4 × Z 4 or Z 2 × Z 2 orbifold action from the perspective of matrix factorizations. The method is brought to a level where model building on these backgrounds is possible. Whereas branes discussed in the literature typically wrap factorizable cycles, that is, cycles in H 1 ( T 2 , Z ) 3 ⊂ H 3 ( T 6 , Z ) , branes studied here can be in generic homology classes, can have arbitrary position and Wilson line, have full complex structure respectively Kahler moduli dependence and can be subject to any consistent orientifold action. It is shown how any desired D-brane can be constructed systematically. Three-point correlators can be computed as is demonstrated at hand of an example. Their normalization is not discussed.
Lubricant Characterization by Molecular Simulation

Lubrication is a phenomenon of immense practical importance and fundamental scientific interest, and the automobile engines of the future are envisioned by the Partnership for a New Generation Vehicle will require the development of improved lubricants that perform well at higher operating temperatures and higher engine speeds. The rheological properties of liquid alkanes of intermediate molecular sizes (C20H42-C40H82) are among the most important properties in lubricant performance. Though realistic study of these systems by molecular simulation has previously been limited by both high computational costs and the lack of potential models accurate over a wide range of physical conditions, the advent of massively parallel supercomputers has now made such studies possible. As an illustration of the ability of molecular simulation as a useful tool for lubricant development, we present the first molecular-simulation-based calculation of the kinematic viscosity index of an alkane liquid, viz. 2,6,10,15, 19,23-hexamethytetracosane, commonly called squalane. In the mass range of interest, squalane is one of the few commercially available isoparaffins and has been the subject of previous studies by molecular simulation (Mondello and Grest 1995; Mundy et al., 1997). Though numerous properties of a lubricant are important to end-use applications, the viscosity is considered most significant. Mundy et al. (1996) investigated the variation of decane’s viscosity with pressure, calculating its pressureviscosity coefficient by equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The kinematic viscosity index (VI) is another widelyused industrial characterization of automotive lubricants. It was proposed by Dean and Davis (1929) as an indication of an oil’s viscosity-temperature characteristics in terms of its Saybolt viscosities at 311 K (100°F) and 372 K (210°F). Two series of reference lubricating-oil fractions (H and L) were used for comparison. Series H exhibited little change of viscosity with temperature while the viscosities of series L oils exhibited large variation with temperature. Series H and L represented, respectively, the best and worst oils available in 1929. Series H oils were assigned a VI of 100, series L a
Selective deficits in erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid composition in adult patients with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder

Background Epidemiological and controlled intervention trials suggest that omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid deficiency represents a reversible risk factor for recurrent affective disorders. However, there is limited comparative information available regarding the n-3 fatty acid status and associated mood symptoms in medication-free patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD).
Transdermal gelation of methacrylated macromers with near-infrared light and gold nanorods

Injectable hydrogels provide locally controlled tissue bulking and a means to deliver drugs and cells to the body. The formation of hydrogels in vivo may involve the delivery of two solutions that spontaneously crosslink when mixed, with pH or temperature changes, or with light (e.g., visible or ultraviolet). With these approaches, control over the kinetics of gelation, introduction of the initiation trigger (e.g., limited penetration of ultraviolet light through tissues), or alteration of the material physical properties (e.g., mechanics) may be difficult to achieve. To overcome these limitations, we used the interaction of near-infrared (NIR) light with gold nanorods (AuNRs) to generate heat through the photothermal effect. NIR light penetrates tissues to a greater extent than other wavelengths and provides a means to indirectly initiate radical polymerization. Specifically, this heating coupled with a thermal initiator (VA-044) produced radicals that polymerized methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) and generated hydrogels. A range of VA-044 concentrations changed the gelation time, yielding a system stable at 37 ° C for 22 min that gels quickly (~3 min) when heated to 55 ° C. With a constant irradiation time (10 min) and laser power (0.3 W), different VA-044 and AuNR concentrations tuned the compressive modulus of the hydrogel. By changing the NIR irradiation time we attained a wide range of moduli at a set solution composition. In vivo mouse studies confirmed that NIR laser irradiation through tissue could gel an injected precursor solution transdermally.
Investigation of doubly charged organic cations by electrospray ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

The production and detection of doubly charged organic cations were studied using a previously unreported approach—electrospray ionization coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Owing to its ultra-high mass resolution, accurate and stable mass calibration, multiple stages of collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) allowing tandem mass spectrometry and extremely long ion storage times (> 1 min), this technique has proven to be a powerful method for the detection and study of doubly charged organic compounds. CAD studies were used for the identification of ion–molecule reactions and for the investigation of the propensity towards gas-phase SN1 and SN2 reaction pathways. To date exclusively SN1-type reactions in the gas phase have been detected. Three doubly charged pyridinium salts were chosen as model compounds for this study.
Definitions of conflict and the legitimation of resources: The case of environmental risk.

This paper examines the social construction of conflict over environmental health and safety issues (i.e., environmental risk). Four explanations for such conflict are commonly offered in the environmental policy literature. We examine the interests served by each. We hypothesize that environmental policy professionals hold definitions of conflict consistent with the values and interests of the organizations for which they work and the professions of which they are members. These definitions enhance the legitimacy of the resources those groups possess in relative abundance. Data from a survey of risk professionals are generally consistent with these hypotheses. We conclude by generalizing beyond environmental conflict to identify ways in which disputes about the nature of a social problem or conflict are often at the same time struggles to determine the value of the resources available to social movements and their opponents.
Laparoscopic repair of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and limitations of laparoscopic repair of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries. Methods: Laparoscopic repair of an acute traumatic diaphragmatic laceration or chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia was attempted in 17 patients between January 1997 and January 2001. The patients in the study included 13 men and 4 women with a mean age of 33.2 years (range, 15–63 years). Nine patients had a blunt injury, and eight patients had a penetrating injury. Laparoscopic repair was attempted for eight patients during their hospitalization for the traumatic injury (mean, 2.3 days; range, 0–6 days) and for ten patients with a chronic diaphragmatic hernia (mean, 89 months; range, 5–420 months). The chronic diaphragmatic hernias-presented with abdominal pain (9/9), or vomiting (3/9). Results: Thirteen traumatic diaphragmatic injuries were repaired laparoscopically, and four (2 acute and 2 chronic) required conversion. Among the laparoscopically repaired diaphragmatic injuries, three defects (chronic) were repaired using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and nine were repaired primarily. The mean length of the diaphragmatic defects was 4.6 cm (range, 1.5–12 cm). The mean operative time was 134.7 min (range, 55–200 min). The mean estimated blood loss was 108.5 ml (range, 30–500 ml), and the postoperative length of stay was 4.4 days (range, 1–12 days). There were no intraoperative complications, but three patients developed pulmonary complications (atelectasis/pneumonia). Follow-up evaluation was available for 11 patients. There were no documented recurrences after a mean follow-up period of 7.9 months (range, 1 week to 24 months). Conversion resulted from a reluctance or inability to perform laparoscopic suture of transverse diaphragmatic lacerations longer than 10 cm anterior to the esophageal hiatus and adjacent to the pericardium (n = 2) or communicating with the esophageal hiatus (n = 2). One patient also required spleneotomy for an unrecognized splenic laceration that had occurred at the time of the original trauma. The four patients undergoing laparotomy had a mean postoperative discharge date of 8.7 days (range, 6–14 days). Conclusions: Laparoscopy is an alternative approach to repairing acute traumatic diaphragmatic lacerations and chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernias. Large traumatic diaphragmatic injuries adjacent to or including the esophageal hiatus are best approached via laparotomy.
Streaming Malware Classification in the Presence of Concept Drift and Class Imbalance

Malware, or malicious software, is capable of performing any action or command that can be expressed in code and is typically used for illicit activities, such as e-mail spamming, corporate espionage, and identity theft. Most organizations rely on anti-virus software to identifymalware, which typically utilize signatures that can only identify previously-seen malware instances. We consider the detection ofmalware executables that are downloaded in streaming network data as a supervised machine learning problem. Using malwaredata collected over multiple years, we characterize the effect of concept drift and class imbalance on batch and streaming decision tree ensembles. In particular, we illustrate a surprising vulnerability generated by precisely the aspect of streaming methods that seemed most likely to help them, when compared to batch methods.
Actionable identification of emergent teams in software development virtual organizations

We present a method for identifying emergent teams of developers who need to work together and coordinate, within larger software development organizations. Our goal is to identify these socio-technical constructs as they emerge, so that we can provide timely awareness and actionable recommendations to managers, technical leads and members of the emergent team alike. Our technique is rooted in the analysis of Social Networks, which are constructed from real-time traces of the activity of each individual developer within her development environment, contextualized with respect to her assigned tasks and the corresponding artifact working set.
Segment α 182‐198 of Torpedo californica acetylcholine receptor contains a second toxin‐binding region and binds anti‐receptor antibodies

Abstract The area around Cys-192 and Cys-193 is thought to be a functionally important part of the α-subunit of the acetylcholine receptor. We have synthesized peptide α 182-198 of the α-chain of the Torpedocalifornica acetylcholine receptor and investigated the binding to the peptide of α-bungarotoxin, cobratoxin and antibodies raised against acetylcholine receptor. The results showed that the synthetic peptide α 182-198 contains a second toxin-binding region and also binds a considerable fraction of anti-receptor antibodies. We also report here the toxin-binding activity of synthetic peptide a 125–148 of the human acetylcholine receptor which has been previously localized as a toxin-binding region in the α-chain of the Torpedo receptor.
Using attitude functions, self-efficacy, and norms to predict attitudes and intentions to use mobile devices to access social media during sporting event attendance

The recent years have observed an increased use of social media through mobile devices on different occasions. The present investigation examines why sports spectators use social media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter) while attending sporting events. Based on a cross-sectional survey of 466 participants who generally attended games with friends or family, structural equation modeling analysis revealed that social media use through a mobile device during sporting event attendance served four functions: information-based and game pleasure-based utilitarian functions, an ego-defensive function, and a value-expressive function. The first three functions, descriptive norms, and self-efficacy predicted attitudes toward social media use. When placed within a larger theoretical framework, attitudes, self-efficacy, descriptive norms, and the ego-defensive function predicted intentions to use social media during sporting event attendance. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
McIDAS-V: a powerful data analysis and visualization tool for multi and hyperspectral environmental satellite data

The Man computer Interactive Data Access System (McIDAS) project began over 30 years ago at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to analyze and visualize data from the first generation of geostationary weather satellites. McIDAS continues to provide a strong data analysis and visualization capability for the current environmental satellites. However, the next generation of operational remote sensing instruments under development for the NPOESS and GOES-R programs require software tools with expanded capability and performance to support innovative techniques for developing algorithms, visualizing data and products, and evaluating results. A project is underway at SSEC to develop the fifth generation of McIDAS, a java-based, open-source system for multispectral and hyperspectral researchers and algorithm developers that will provide powerful new data manipulation and visualization tools to work in this data rich environment. NASA EOS MODIS and AIRS data as well as MSG SEVERI and METOP IASI data are now being used in conjunction with in situ and gridded data to develop new analysis and product validation techniques in the McIDAS-V environment. This new data analysis and visualization system will support both researchers and operational users of the advanced measurement systems on NPOESS and GOES R.
A statistical analysis of expulsion limits in resistance spot welding

Expulsion is an important phenomenon in resistance spot welding. It involves loss of metal from the liquid nugget, which often results in the reduction of weld strength. Various models have been proposed to understand expulsion mechanisms. In these models the occurrence of expulsion is often treated as a deterministic event, and depicted by a line (boundary) in conventional lobe diagrams. In this study, statistical analysis is employed to explore expulsion with consideration of the influence of random factors. Models are built based on experimental data, and one steel and two aluminum alloys are used as examples. Expulsion probabilities are presented as a function of electrode force, welding current, and time. Analytical models and their graphical form of expression (contours and surfaces) are created to present expulsion limits under various combinations of welding parameters. This study provides not only quantitative model predictions on expulsion limits for the materials studied, but also a generic statistical methodology that can be used for analyzing expulsion in various material systems.
Two Views of the Geographic Distribution of Unemployment

This paper investigates the extent to which equilibrium and disequilibrium explanations can account for unemployment rate differentials between cities. It shows that shocks that disturb the steady-state relationship among the unemployment rates of metropolitan areas tend to be eliminated by mobility within a single year. It also shows that high unemployment areas tend to be those with attractive climates and amenities, high wages, and high unemployment insurance. It argues that the main effect of government programs that create jobs in high unemployment areas will be to lure additional job seekers to those areas.