cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Facile detection of acyl and peptidyl intermediates on thiotemplate carrier domains via phosphopantetheinyl elimination reactions during tandem mass spectrometry.

With the emergence of drug resistance and the genomic revolution, there has been a renewed interest in the genes that are responsible for the generation of bioactive natural products. Secondary metabolites of one major class are biosynthesized at one or more sites by ultralarge enzymes that carry covalent intermediates on phosphopantetheine arms. Because such intermediates are difficult to characterize in vitro, we have developed a new approach for streamlined detection of substrates, intermediates, and products attached to a phosphopantetheinyl arm of the carrier site. During vibrational activation of gas-phase carrier domains, facile elimination occurs in benchtop and Fourier-transform mass spectrometers alike. Phosphopantetheinyl ejections quickly reduce >100 kDa megaenzymes to <1000 Da ions for structural assignment of intermediates at <0.007 Da mass accuracy without proteolytic digestion. This “top down” approach quickly illuminated diverse acyl intermediates on the carrier domains of the nonribosoma...
Performance results of the high-gain Nd:glass engineering prototype preamplifier module (PAM) for the National Ignition Facility (NIF)

We describe recent, energetics performance results on the engineering preamplifier module (PAM) prototype located in the front end of the 1.8 MJ National Ignition Facility laser system. Three vertically mounted subsystem located in the PAM provide laser gain as well as spatial beam shaping. The first subsystem in the PAM prototype is a diode pumped, Nd:glass, linear, TEM00, 4.5 m long regenerative amplifier cavity. With a single diode pumped head, we amplify a 1 nJ, mode matched, temporally shaped (approximately equals 20 ns) seed pulse by a factor of approximately 107 to 20 mJ. The second subsystem in the PAM is the beam shaping module, which magnifies the gaussian output beam of the regenerative amplifier to provide a 30 mm X 30 mm square beam that is spatially shaped in two dimensions to pre- compensate for radial gain profiles in the main amplifiers. The final subsystem in the PAM is the 4-pass amplifier which relay images the 1 mJ output of the beam shaper through four gain passes in a (phi) 5 cm X 48 cm flashlamp pumped rod amplifier, amplifying the energy to 17 J. The system gain of the PAM is 1010. Each PAM provides 3 J of injected energy to four separate main amplifier chains which in turn delivers 1.8 MJ in 192 frequency converted laser beams to the target for a broad range of laser fusion experiments.
A counterexample to the theorem of Beppo Levi in three dimensions

An embedded resolution of singularities of an algebraic variety is one which is obtained by a succession of blowing-ups with non-singular centers, so that any non-singular ambient variety remains non-singular in the process. The traditional method is to blow up non-singular subvarieties contained in the locus of points where the Hilbert-Samuel function (which for hypersurfaces is the same as multiplicity) is maximal. Then the Hilbert-Samuel function at each point of the blown-up variety is at most that of the image of that point in the original variety ([2], p. 27, Theorem (0)). The aim is to find a finite sequence of blowing-ups at the end of which the Hilbert-Samuel function decreases strictly everywhere (cf. [-1, 3, 5]). In order to achieve this, the centers of blowing-ups in such a sequence must be sufficiently large: for example, every point with maximal Hilbert-Samuel function must belong to the center at some step. Hence a natural guess is to blow up maximal non-singular subvarieties contained in the locus of points with maximal Hilbert-Samuel function. This was known to work for surfaces: let X be a hypersurface in a three-dimensional regular variety. In this case Hilbert-Samuel function and multiplicity are equivalent sets of data. Let v be the maximal multiplicity of a singular point of X and let S c X be the subvariety consisting of all the points of multiplicity v. One can show that after finitely many point blowing-ups of X we can obtain the situation when S is a normal crossings subvariety ([4, 5], pp. 519-521). Theorem of Beppo Levi ([4, 5], p. 522). Assume that S is normal crossings. Blow up any maximal non-singular subvariety of S. 7hen the v-Jold stratum remains a normal crossings subvariety and after finitely many repetitions of this procedure becomes empty. If the analogous theorem were true in higher dimensions, one could use it to obtain a simple algorithm for resolution of singularities. The point of this paper, regretfully, is to give a simple counterexample in three dimensions. I thank Boris Youssin for asking me the question and Professor H. Hironaka for an encouraging discussion.
Cost effective Manufacturing Methods for structural Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) Components

MAN Technologie AG has been engaged in the field of ceramic matrix composites (C/SiC, SiC/SiC) for approximately 10 years. Two manufacturing methods have been developed with respect to economical series production:- Chemical Vapour Infiltration Process (CVI) with temperature and pressure gradients- Liquid Polymer Impregnation (LPI) and PyrolysisThe advantage of these methods is an essential reduction of process time compared to the conventional isothermal-isobaric CVI method, with equivalent material performance. The main material characterization data, such as strength/strain, thermal shock, dynamic fatigue and high temperature behaviour are described. Several components under development or in low volume preseries production are presented.Copyright © 1996 by ASME
Malacoplakia of epididymis

Malacoplakia localized to the epididymis is described. Ultrastructural study revealed the presence of bacterial bodies in phagolysosomes of malacoplakic macrophages. The possible role of the phagocytosed bacteria in the pathogenesis of malacoplakia is briefly discussed.
Search for nuclei containing two strange quarks

This paper discusses a search for nuclei containing two strange quarks performed at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The goals and approach of experiment E885 are reviewed. Preliminary missing mass spectra for a subset of the data are presented, showing sensitivity for {Xi} hypernuclei and H particle searches. Existence of an angular correlation between pions in the sequential decay of {Lambda}{Lambda} hypernuclei is suggested on theoretical grounds.
The relationship between the intensity of light phases and the extent of phase shifts of the circadian rhythm in the eclosion rate of Drosophila pseudoobscura.

The advance as well as the dealy phases of the circadian system of Drosophila pseudoobscura respond in a similar manner to exposure to light signals of 15-minute duration and different intensities. The response, measured by the extent of phase shifts four to five days after the signals, is complete at an intensity of 10 lux; light signals of higher intensities such as 3000 and 10000 lux effect phase shifts of similar time course and magnitude as light signals of 10 lux. Light pulses of intensities below 10 but above 1 lux induce phase shifts of a lesser degree. The response of the system to light signals in this range appears to be a graded one. Low light intensity signals of 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 lux induce “reversing transients,” i.e., transients having a direction opposite to that seen in the subsequent steady state, whereas light pulses of higher intensities do not induce reversing transients.
On the Bethe–Sommerfeld conjecture for certain periodic Maxwell operators

Abstract The Bethe–Sommerfeld conjecture states that the spectrum of the stationary Schrodinger operator with a periodic potential in dimensions higher than 1 has only finitely many gaps. After work done by many authors, it has been proven by now in full generality. Another case of a significant interest, due to its importance for the photonic crystal theory, is of a periodic Maxwell operator, where apparently no results of such kind are known. We establish here that in the case of a 2 D photonic crystal, i.e. of the medium periodic in two variables and homogeneous in the third one, if the dielectric function is separable, the number of spectral gaps of the corresponding Maxwell operator is indeed finite. It is also shown that, as one would expect, when the medium is near to being homogeneous, there are no spectral gaps at all.
Agitoxin Footprinting the Shaker Potassium Channel Pore

In voltage-dependent K+ channels, each of the four identical subunits contributes one pore loop to the central ion selectivity unit at the interface between the subunits. The pore loop is also the target for scorpion venom peptide inhibitors. These inhibitors bind at the pore entryway between the four subunits and can assume any one of four orientations. The orientations become distinguishable only if the binding site symmetry is disrupted. We have used mutagenesis and site-directed chemical modification to alter pore loop amino acids in either one or four subunits. The effects of these alterations on inhibitor affinity define the eccentricity of amino acids in the pore entryway and imply a different secondary structure for the amino and carboxyl ends of the pore loop.
The Effect of Unions on Labor Markets and Economic Growth: An Analysis of State Data

Despite voluminous research on unions, there still is no consensus on how unions affect a state's economy. Using a panel of 48 U.S. states for the 1978–1994 period, we estimate a series of simultaneous equations to analyze how unions affect various economic barometers. This provides measures for the partial correlations between unions and performance. The model is then re-estimated using regional dummies to capture fixed effects and to highlight regional differences in the slope of the Phillips curve. We find that unions adversely affect unemployment rates and the growth rates of gross state product (GSP), productivity, and population, while increasing the rate of wage inflation. The impact on the employment growth rate is negative but not significant. A test for fixed effects reveals regional differences in GSP growth. Regional differences in popu-lation growth are not significant. Also, the slope of the Phillips curve is significantly dif-ferent across regions.
An historical perspective on the future of the military-industrial complex

Abstract Recent geopolitical changes have raised expectations of substantial future cuts in U.S. defense spending. Such speculation implies a significant weakening of the American military-industrial complex. This article offers an interpretation of the military-industrial complex that differs both conceptually and historically from the consensus in the literature. Rather than conceptualizing the military-industrial complex as a network of groups, an objectifiable entity shaded, often implicitly, in conspiratorial tones, it is argued that the military-industrial complex should be conceived of as a system of five institutions. These institutions reflect evolving patterns of behavior and their origins can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. An historical analysis of this system of institutions is developed to support the conclusion that the underlying dynamics that spawned and sustained the military-industrial complex in the past are likely to continue in the near future even with a diminished Soviet threat.
Turning Feral Spaces into Trendy Places: A Coffee House in Every Park?

Dynamic modes of political economic regulation impact provision for the parks system in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Green spaces during Milwaukee's first liberal era consisted mostly of private propertie...
Myths of Education

come barren and mankind perish. Pedagogical mythology of this day is similar to ancient myths in that both are humankind's attempts to explain the world and the things he/she sees in it. People use myths to justify an established social pattern together with its traditions and rituals. But should myths and unsubstantiated practices be the basis for making decisions which affect the schooling of children? We would all undoubtedly resound with a "No", but a closer scrutiny finds us adhering to myths and practices which are counter to truths.
Impact of critical process and formulation parameters affecting in-process stability of lactate dehydrogenase during the secondary drying stage of lyophilization: A mini freeze dryer study

The stresses during the secondary-drying stage of lyophilization were investigated using a controlled humidity mini-freeze-dryer [Luthra S, Obert J-P, Kalonia DS, Pikal MJ. 2007. Investigation of drying stresses on proteins during lyophilization: Differentiation between primary and secondary-drying stresses on lactate dehydrogenase using a humidity controlled mini freeze-dryer. J Pharm Sci 96: 61-70.]. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), was formulated in: (1) Tween 80, (2) citrate buffer, and (3) both Tween 80 and citrate buffer. Protein activity recovery was measured as a function of relative humidity (RH), product temperature, and drying duration. Studies were also conducted with different concentrations of sucrose, sorbitol, and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). LDH stability was affected to a small extent by RH and significantly by drying temperature and duration. Complete stabilization of LDH was observed when lyophilized with sucrose and PVP but only a partial stabilization was observed with sorbitol. The mini-freeze-dryer enabled studying the process parameters independently, unlike a conventional study where these effects are generally convoluted. The results suggest that the stability of the protein is a function of the dynamics of the system during lyophilization. The origin of the stabilization effect of sucrose, which could, in principle, be attributed both to direct interaction with the protein or vitrification of the protein was elucidated using lyoprotectants that can either hydrogen bond well with the protein (sorbitol) or form a good glass (PVP). It appears both effects are required for complete stabilization of the protein.
Adolescent nutritional awareness and use of food labels: Results from the national nutrition health and examination survey

Awareness of federal nutrition programs and use of the nutrition facts label are associated with reduced risk for obesity and increased intake of fruits and vegetables. Relationships between nutrition programs, use of food labels and risk for overweight and obesity have rarely been evaluated in adolescents. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005–6, we evaluated the frequency of nutrition awareness of USDA and CDC nutrition programs and use of food labels in adolescents. Risk for overweight (BMI ≥ 85-94th percentile) and obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) was assessed in relation to nutrition awareness and label reading. Most adolescents (92.4%) were aware of the Food Guide Pyramid. Fewer (43.5%) were aware of the 5-A-Day Program, and even less (29.3%) were aware of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Less than 25% of adolescents decided which foods to purchase by reading material on the nutrition facts label. There were significant racial and ethnic differences in awareness of federal nutrition programs with Mexican-Americans having the lowest levels of awareness of the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid in comparison with other groups. Non-Hispanic whites had higher and African-American adolescents had lower frequencies of reading fat information on the nutrition label in comparison to Mexican-American and other Hispanics. Awareness of other nutrition programs or of other information on the nutrition facts label was not associated with increased or decreased risk for overweight or obesity. Use of the nutrition facts panel information is low among US adolescents. Additionally, less than half of adolescents are aware of federal nutrition programs including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Future studies should evaluate avenues to make nutrition information more accessible to young Americans.
Phosphorylation of the Histone Deacetylase 7 Modulates Its Stability and Association with 14-3-3 Proteins

Class II histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a role in myogenesis and inhibit transcriptional activation by myocyte enhancer factors 2. A distinct feature of class II HDACs is their ability to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm in a cell type- and signal-dependent manner. We demonstrate here that treatment with the 26 S proteosome inhibitors, MG132 and ALLN, leads to detection of ubiquitinated HDAC7 and causes accumulation of cytoplasmic HDAC7. We also show that treatment with calyculin A, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, leads to a marked increase of HDAC7 but not HDAC5. The increase in HDAC7 is accompanied by enhanced interaction between 14-3-3 proteins and HDAC7. HDAC7 mutations that prevent the interaction with 14-3-3 proteins also block calyculin A-mediated stabilization. Expression of constitutively active calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase I stabilizes HDAC7 and causes an increased association between HDAC7 and 14-3-3. Together, our results suggest that calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase I-mediated phosphorylation of HDAC7 acts, in part, to promote association of HDAC7 with 14-3-3 and stabilizes HDAC7.
Heart failure and regenerative cardiology.

Annarosa Leri1, Toru Hosoda1, Jan Kajstura1 & Piero Anversa2† †Author for correspondence 1Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, NY 10595, USA 2Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Vosburgh Pavilion, Room 302, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, NY 10595, USA Tel.: +1 914 594 4168; Fax: +1 914 594 4406; E-mail: piero_anversa@ nymc.edu ‘The bizarre behavior of hematopoietic stem cells has surprised and distressed many of us; they disobey the dogma of embryonic specification and with elegant and plastic arabesques undergo unexpected metamorphoses.’
A mixed methods assessment of students' flow experiences during a mobile augmented reality science game

Current studies have reported that secondary students are highly engaged while playing mobile augmented reality (AR) learning games. Some researchers have posited that players' engagement may indicate a flow experience, but no research results have confirmed this hypothesis with vision-based AR learning games. This study investigated factors related to students' engagement – as characterized by flow theory – during a collaborative AR, forensic science mystery game using mobile devices. School Scene Investigators: The Case of the Stolen Score Sheets is a vision-based AR game played inside the school environment with Quick Response codes. A mixed methods approach was employed with 68 urban middle school students. Data sources included pre- and post-surveys, field observations and group interviews. Results showed that neither gender nor interest in science was an important predictor of variability in flow experience. Gaming attitude uniquely predicted 23% of the variance in flow experience. Student flow experience features included a flash of intensity, a sense of discovery and the desire for higher performance. The findings demonstrated a potential for mobile AR science games to increase science interest and help students learn collaboration skills. Implications for future research concerning mobile AR science games are discussed.
Morphologically Well-defined Gold Nanoparticles Embedded in Thermo-Responsive Hydrogel Matrices

Nanocomposite materials consisting of colloidal gold (Au) nanoparticles embedded in thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogels are synthesized. Thiol groups that bind to both Au3+ ions and colloidal Au are incorporated into the side-chains of the PNIPAm hydrogels through copolymerization. This report describes formation of morphologically well-defined Au nanoparticles with varying long-term stability inside the hydrogel matrices containing adjustable concentrations of thiols. Compared with the non-Au containing PNIPAm hydrogels, the Au-PNIPAm nanocomposite hydrogels have shown higher degrees of equilibrium swelling and different temperature-triggered phase transitions. It is hypothesized that these remarkable changes in hydrogel bulk properties are related to the different morphologies and sizes, and possibly the amount of surface charges, of the Au nanoparticles.
The n ‐ CdSe Photoelectrochemical Cell: Wavelength‐Dependent Photostability

Etude de la variation en fonction du temps d'une cellule photoelectrochimique a electrode en n-CdnSe a Fe(CN 6 ) en solution aqueuse de potasse pour differentes longueurs d'onde. Amelioration de la stabilite de l'electrode par une couche de surface de CdFe II/III (CN) 6 provoquee par photoelectrochimie
Mediation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and apoptotic signaling by resveratrol following muscle disuse in the gastrocnemius muscles of young and old rats

Hindlimb suspension (HLS) elicits muscle atrophy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in skeletal muscle. Increases in oxidative stress can have detrimental effects on muscle mass and function, and it ...
The role of dilation and cementation in the formation of cataclasite in low temperature deformation of well cemented quartz-rich rocks

Abstract An important textural component of cataclasites in quartz-rich rocks deformed at low temperatures is a fine-grained ( In fault zones, where cataclasite is well developed and shearing is unequivocal, the fine-grained quartz matrix representing up to 50% of the fault rock volume has characteristics similar to those in the tabular bands. We interpret these volumes to be in many cases a result of cement precipitation rather than as a product of comminution. If correct, then the brittle deformation of well cemented, quartz-rich rocks deformed at low temperatures involves much more dilation and cementation than previously recognized.
Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Cirrhosis

Clinical Scenario A man was referred to liver transplantation clinic for the evaluation of enlarging abdominal girth and welling of feet during the preceding 2 months. The patient was Cambodian native who immigrated to the United States 5 ears ago. The patient was first diagnosed with chronic hepatitis virus (HBV) infection shortly after his entry into the United tates. However, he was not further evaluated, treated, or folowed. He had no personal or family history of liver disease or iver cancer. Physical examination of the abdomen showed mild epatosplenomegaly with positive shifting dullness from a oderate amount of ascites. There was no abdominal tenderess. Laboratory results included platelet count, 95,000/ L; spartate aminotransferase, 100 U/L; alanine aminotransferase, 5 U/L; and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, 13. Viral erology showed hepatitis B surface antigen–positive and entigen–positive and HBV DNA of 5 million IU/mL. Serum lpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was normal at 4 ng/mL. An abdominal ltrasound (US) showed cirrhotic liver contour and evidence of ortal hypertension. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed arge esophageal varices. The patient was started on the followng medications: spironolactone and furosemide for the ascites, ropranolol for the varices, and entecavir for HBV. Patient was urther assessed and then listed for liver transplantation. During the ensuing 12 months, the patient had substantial linical improvement including resolution of ascites as well as epatitis B e seroconversion. He also underwent abdominal US nd serum AFP measurement on a 6-month interval. An abominal US performed 18 months after his presentation howed a new 2.1-cm hyperechoic nodule in the right lobe of he liver along with mild elevation of serum AFP at 22 ng/mL. subsequent triphasic abdominal computed tomography (CT) can showed a 2.2-cm well-circumscribed vascular mass that ad arterial enhancement and venous washout, thus meeting he radiographic diagnosis criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma HCC) of the American Association for the Study of Liver isease (AASLD). The patient underwent transarterial chemombolization and subsequently received a liver transplant. Four ears later, the patient is doing well with satisfactory liver unction with no evidence of recurrent HBV or HCC.
Interleukin-4-dependent immunoglobulin G1 isotype switch in the presence of a polarized antigen-specific Th1-cell response to the trypanosome variant surface glycoprotein.

This study examines B-cell immunoglobulin (Ig) class-switching events in the context of parasite antigen-specific Th-cell responses in experimental African trypanosomiasis. Inbred mice were infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, and the coordinate stimulation of Th-cell cytokine responses and B-cell responses to the trypanosome variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) was measured. The cytokines produced by T cells in response to VSG, at both the transcript and protein levels, were gamma interferon and interleukin-2 (IL-2) but not IL-4 or IL-5. Isotype profiles of antibodies specific for VSG showed that IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3 switch responses predominated; no VSG-specific IgE responses were detected. To determine whether cryptic IL-4 responses played a role in promoting the unexpected IgG1 switch response, IL-4 knockout mice were infected; the cytokine responses and Ig isotype profiles of IL-4 knockout mice were identical to those of the wild-type control mice except for dramatically reduced IgG1 levels in response to VSG. Thus, these results revealed an IL-4-dependent component of the VSG-driven B-cell Cμ-to-Cγ1 switch. We speculate that an IL-4 response is mediated primarily by cells other than T lymphocytes since IL-4-secreting but parasite antigen-unresponsive, “background” cells were detected in all infected mice and since infected nude mice also displayed a detectable IgG1 switch response. Overall, our results suggest that B-cell clonal stimulation, maturation, and Ig class switching in African trypanosomiasis may be partially regulated by unusual mechanisms that do not include antigen-specific Th1 or Th2 cells.
Genera in the family Agaricaceae : evidence from nrITS and nrLSU sequences

The circumscription of the family Agaricaceae, its genera and their characters are investigated. Analyses of the ITS and LSU sequence data, separately and in combination result in exclusions and reorganization. Notholepiota areolata, a secotioid species from New Zealand, Cystoagaricus with brown, irregular-knobby spores, and Leucopholiota with gelatinized hymenophoral trama and amyloid spores, fall outside the family Agaricaceae. In the reorganization, long accepted tribe and genus definitions are amended, viz.: (1) Macrolepiota and Chlorophyllum separately are monophyletic, but not together; (2) Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus together form one large monophyletic clade, that also includes polyphyletic Sericeomyces; (3) Lepiota, Cystolepiota and Melanophyllum together form a monophyletic clade; (4) Secotiation has happened within several clades (e.g. Agaricus and Chlorophyllum), though not in the Leucoagaricus/Leucocoprinus clade, nor in the lineage of Macrolepiota proper; gasteroid and most secotioid species in the course of adaptation acquire coloured spores; and (5) the monovelangiocarpic Chamaemyces fracidus appears to be basal to the family and provides clues to the morphology of the ancestral Agaricaceae. Trama and developmental characters characterize the different clades, whereas spore characters play a minor role.
Sum-frequency spectroscopy as a novel probe of molecular chirality

Sum-frequency spectroscopy is being developed as a novel tool with monolayer sensitivity to probe vibrational and electronic chirality of chiral molecules.
Studies on the therapy of pancreatic insufficiency.

Summary Fat and nitrogen balance studies have been carried out on dogs deprived of most of their external pancreatic secretion by ligation of the major ducts. Enteric-coated pancreatin and Viokase administered at 21% of the nitrogen intake have a marked and equal effect in reducing the excessive fecal nitrogen and fat loss. Papain, purified for manufacturing purposes, when fed at a level of 2% of the dietary nitrogen, results in a considerable improvement in the creatorrhea and sometimes in the steatorrhea. Higher levels of supplementation have no greater effect. Papain is not as effective as pancreatin or Viokase. Tween 80 or aureomycin under the conditions of this study did not reduce the fecal loss of nitrogen or fat.
Two-Photon Excitation of 4'-Hydroxymethyl-4,5',8-Trimethylpsoralen

— Psoralens are a class of pharmaceutical agents commonly used to treat several cutaneous disorders. When irradiated with a mode-locked titanium: sapphire (Ti: sapphire) laser tuned to 730 nm, an aqueous solution of 4'-hydroxymethyl-4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (HMT) emits blue light. The emission spectrum is centered at 452 nm and is identical to that obtained by one-photon excitation with UVA excitation, and its magnitude depends quad-ratically on the intensity of laser excitation. These results suggest that two-photon excitation occurs to a potentially photochemically active state. To estimate the two-photon absorption cross section, it was first necessary to measure the emission quantum yield of HMT using 365 nm excitation at room temperature that resulted in a value of 0.045 ± 0.007. The two-photon absorption cross section of HMT at 730 nm is therefore estimated to be 20 ± 10−50 cm4 s (20 Goppert-Mayer). The excited-state photophysics and photochemistry of psoralens suggest potential applications to cutaneous phototherapy in diseases such as psoriasis and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
High gradient induction accelerator

A new type of compact induction accelerator is under development at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory that promises to increase the average accelerating gradient by at least an order of magnitude over that of existing induction machines. The machine is based on the use of high gradient vacuum insulators, advanced dielectric materials and switches and is stimulated by the desire for compact flash X-ray radiography sources. Research describing an extreme variant of this technology aimed at proton therapy for cancer will be described. Progress in applying this technology to several applications will be reviewed.
A Study of Information Diffusion over a Realistic Social Network Model

Sociological models of human behavior can explain population-level phenomena within social systems; computer modeling can simulate a wide variety of scenarios and allow one to pose and test hypotheses about the social system. In this paper, we model and examine the spread of information through personal conversations in a simulated socio-technical network that provides a high degree of realism and a great deal of captured detail. To our knowledge thisis the first time information spread via conversation has been modeled against a statistically accurate simulation of people's daily interactions within a specific urban or rural environment, capturing the points in time and space at which two people could converse, and providing a realistic basis formodeling human behavior during face-to-face interaction.We use a probabilistic model to decide whether two people will converse about a particular topic based on their similarity and familiarity. Similarity is modeled by matching selected demographic characteristics, while familiarity is modeled by the amount of contact required to convey information. We report our findings on the effects of familiarity and similarity on the spread of information over the social network. We resolve the results by age group, daily activities, time, household income, household size and examine the relative effect of these factors.For informal topics where little familiarity is required, shopping and recreational activities predominate; otherwise, home, work, and school predominate. We find that youths play a significant role in spreading information through a community rapidly, mainly through interactions in schools and recreational activities.
FOREIGN MANPOWER IN THE U.S. SCIENCES

Because of the recent public concern over the brain drain, this study attempts to measure the U.S. gain of highly skilled manpower. The paper discusses the serious short-comings of the data on gross immigration of scientists and engineers provided by the U.S. immigration authorities as a measure of true U.S. gains. In a case study of Swedish scientists and engineers it was found, for example, that whereas the U.S. data showed a gain of 106 Swedish scientists and engineers over a number of years, the net figure was only 26 after adjustment for remigration and the application of the proper OECD education criteria. The paper then reports the findings of a statistical study which uses the stock data on U.S. scientists in the National Register of Scientific and Technical Personnel to estimate the number of foreign born in this stock and analyse their characteristics with respect to age, educational attainment, and employment preferences. It was found that nearly 7 percent of all U.S. scientists are of foreign origin (foreign born and foreign secondary education), whereas 11.5 percent of all scientists with a Ph.D. are of foreign origin. The percentage among Ph.D. holders is highest in meteorology (22.3), followed by linguistics (18.7), physics (17.1) and statistics (14.6). The greatest percentage of scientists comes from Canada (10.4 per thousand), followed by Germany (8.3 per thousand) and the United Kingdom (6.7 per thousand). However, after adjustment of these data for the different sizes of the total foreign born population from each country in the U.S., it turns out that by this measure the greatest shares of scientists are supplied by the Japanese, followed by the Austrian-Swiss, Benelux and Canadians. The analysis of the age composition of all foreign born reveals that in the age groups that were 20–29, 45–54, and 65 and over in 1964 foreigners represent a smaller than average share, probably reflecting war casualties and education completed at a later age. Germans and Austrians are heavily concentrated in the group 55–64 years old in 1964, suggesting that a great share of scientists from these countries may have been victims of a brain push.
Covalent Labeling of Adenylyl Cyclase Cytosolic Domains with γ-Methylimidazole-2′,5′-dideoxy-[γ-32P]3′-ATP and the Mechanism for P-site-mediated Inhibition

A truncated first cytosolic domain of type V adenylyl cyclase (VC(1)) and a truncated second cytosolic domain of type II adenylyl cyclase (IIC(2)) were used alone and in the readily reversible complex (VC(1).IIC(2)) to evaluate interactions with each other and with reversible and irreversible P-site ligands. Enzyme activity was used to assess formation and dissolution of VC(1).IIC(2). The data suggest that binding of 2',5'-dideoxy-3'-ATP to VC(1) and IIC(2) prevented formation of VC(1).IIC(2) and that 2',5'-dideoxy-3'-ATP dissociation occurred slowly. To enable configuration specific cross-linking to the catalytic site, 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine 3'-[gamma-(1-methylimidazole)-triphosphate] (gamma-MetIm-2', 5'-dd-3'-ATP) and 2',5'-dd-adenosine 3'-(gamma-azidoanilido)-triphosphate (gamma-azidoanilido-2', 5'-dd-3'-ATP) were synthesized, the former also as its gamma-(32)P-labeled analog. gamma-Azidoanilido-2',5'-dd-3'-ATP exhibited an inhibitory potency comparable with that of 2', 5'-dd-3'-ATP. gamma-MetIm-2',5'-dd-[gamma-(32)P]3'-ATP labeled the individual VC(1) and IIC(2) domains comparably and covalently to approximately 20% within 1 h. Formation of VC(1).IIC(2) resulted in reduced labeling of VC(1) but enhanced labeling of IIC(2). The data imply that formation of the catalytically active VC(1).IIC(2) complex affects the interaction of each domain with the 2', 5'-dd-3'-ATP, the binding of which also affects the interaction between the two cytosolic domains, leading to a pseudo-irreversible inhibition.
Improving Negotiation Outcomes Between American And Chinese Partners: A Framework For Practice

Cross-cultural negotiations between the United States and China at government level, business level as well as individual level are important for both countries. However, current empirical findings about the cross-cultural negotiations outcomes indicate that they tend to be inferior to those obtained in intra-cultural negotiations due to various barriers, which include differences of language, ethical systems, and a range of cultural traits from risk-propensity to individualism. For Americans bargaining with persons from collectivist cultures such as China can be especially difficult, compounded by group dynamics such as in-group favoritism, inter-group attributions, as well as, histories of conflict and suspicion of foreigners. Attaining to effective positive-sum bargaining requires, among other factors, a perception of one’s counterpart as ethical, a predictable process of information disclosure and the building of trust. These are especially important in cross-cultural negotiations involving Chinese partners. In this paper we review the barriers to effective cross-cultural bargaining between Americans and Chinese partners and provide a framework for improved outcomes, with a special focus on factors such as group dynamics, information disclosure and Confucian ethical framing. The framework could be useful tool for improving bargaining practices between government officials and business managers between the countries.
Clinical Evaluation of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The goals of the clinical evaluation of women with possible polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) include: (1) making the proper diagnosis (excluding other more serious diagnoses); (2) determining whether to screen for associated health complications of PCOS in the patient and/or her family members; (3) determining the appropriate current treatment; and (4) discussing a long-term management plan for the patient.
Overcoming the chemical instability on exposure to air of Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes by coating with spinel LiMn1.9Al0.1O4

Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes are facing a fundamental challenge of loss in performance as a result of air storage, hampering their practical application in lithium-ion batteries. We present here an investigation of extended air storage and a solution to overcome the chemical instability by coating the Ni-rich layered oxide with a Mn-based spinel oxide.
The Swarming of Polistes Wasps in Temperate Regions

It is a well known fact that social wasps in the tropics resort to swarming behavior when founding new colonies. The colonies of these wasps are perennial; nest building and the production of young go on continuously and, from time to time, as sociological conditions warrant, and as physiological conditions of the inmates dictate, portions of the family break away from the parent group and found new colonies, individually or co-operatively, elsewhere. It is also generally conceded that in temperate regions, social wasps do not go through swarming performances when founding new colonies. In fact very few social insects do so, for Wheeler tells us that “swarming does not occur in temperate regions, except in honeybees, which is really an Indian species, and in some ants, Formica exsectoides, etc.”1
District level competition in Mexico’s chamber of deputies: an embedded analysis

ABSTRACTWhy does Mexico’s mixed legislative system diverge from Duverger’s Law? Rather than rehash cultural and historical explanations, we suggest two institutional factors – a fused ballot and compulsory voting laws – may explain this divergence. Cross-national evidence controlling for these factors suggests Mexico is not an outlier and that the fused ballot encourages multiparty district competition. The results also suggest ways reforms could bring competition closer toward Duvergerian expectations.
Highly-uniform multi-layer ReRAM crossbar circuits

Resistive switching memories have been identified as an enabling technology for a variety of emerging computing applications, including neuromorphic and logic-in-memory computing. For example, analog tuning of the memory state combined with high integration density of memristors is needed for very compact implementation of synapses, the most numerous devices in artificial neural networks and would be essential for low energy implementations of large-scale neuromorphic circuits. One way to increase effective memristor density is by vertical monolithical integration of memristor crossbar circuits. Previous work on such circuits have focused on their use for digital memory applications. Only limited device statistics was typically reported, not sufficient for understanding prospects for computing applications. Here we report fabrication and detailed characterization results for a bilayer stacked metal-oxide memristor crossbar circuits. The experimental results show excellent uniformity for the memristors in both crossbar layers. Moreover, the utilized low temperature process flow is CMOS compatible and can be extended to multi-layer stacking.
Addressing potential pitfalls of reproductive life planning with patient-centered counseling

Engaging women in discussions about reproductive goals in health care settings is increasingly recognized as an important public health strategy to reduce unintended pregnancy and improve pregnancy outcomes. "Reproductive life planning" has gained visibility as a framework for these discussions, endorsed by public health and professional organizations and integrated into practice guidelines. However, women's health advocates and researchers have voiced the concern that aspects of the reproductive life planning framework may have the unintended consequence of alienating rather than empowering some women. This concern is based on evidence indicating that women may not hold clear intentions regarding pregnancy timing and may have complex feelings about achieving or avoiding pregnancy, which in turn may make defining a reproductive life plan challenging or less meaningful. We examine potential pitfalls of reproductive life planning counseling and, based on available evidence, offer suggestions for a patient-centered approach to counseling, including building open and trusting relationships with patients, asking open-ended questions, and prioritizing information delivery based on patient preferences. Research is needed to ensure that efforts to engage women in conversations about their reproductive goals are effective in both achieving public health objectives and empowering individual women to achieve the reproductive lives they desire.
Packaging of Ka-band patch antenna and optoelectronic components for dual-mode indoor wireless communication

In this paper, we present a RF/FSO dual mode communication module formed by a Ka-band patch antenna and optoelectronic components. A LED and a PiN diode are bonded on the patch antenna as the front-end transceiver of the FSO communication channel. The patch antenna is modified to accommodate LED/PiN assembly with minimized crosstalk between the RF channel and the optical channel. Both the simulation and the experimental measurement validate that the interference between the Ka-band RF signals and the visible/infra-red optical signal is negligible. This new module can achieve 5 Gbps end-to-end FSO data transmission with RF channel backup.
Scaling up farmer‐managed natural regeneration in Africa to restore degraded landscapes

We present examples of large-scale farmer-managed natural regeneration of woody species in Africa to create new agroforestry systems. We also analyze two cases in Ethiopia of large-scale natural regeneration. The available evidence shows that the average costs per hectare of promoting on-farm natural regeneration are low as soon as farmers are familiar with this practice and begin to spontaneously adopt it. Based on these cases, current ambitious forest restoration targets can be achieved, but this goal requires a shift from tree planting to assisted natural regeneration. We propose a scaling-up strategy for natural regeneration based on experience gained mainly in the West African Sahel.
Non-intrusive dynamic profiler for multicore embedded systems

Application profiling is an important step in the design and optimization of embedded systems. Accurately identifying and analyzing the execution of frequently executed computational kernels is needed to effectively optimize the system implementation, at both design time and runtime. Most previous profiling approaches are software based, which can incur significant overhead and may be prohibitive or impractical for profiling embedded systems at runtime. In addition, profiling methods typically focus on profiling the execution of specific tasks executing on a single core, but do not consider accurate and holistic profiling across multiple processor cores. Directly utilizing and naively combining isolated profiles from multiple processor cores can lead to significant profile inaccuracy. In this paper, we present a hardware-based dynamic application profiler for non-intrusively and accurately profiling software applications in multicore embedded systems. The profiler provides a detailed execution profile for computational kernels and maintains profile accuracy across multiple processor cores. The hardware-based profiler achieves an average error of less than 0.5% for the percentage execution time of profiled applications.
In Situ Wafer Curvature Relaxation Measurements to Determine Surface Exchange Coefficients and Thermo-chemically Induced Stresses

The curvature relaxation technique is a new, electrode-free, in situ technique for simultaneously measuring the chemical oxygen surface exchange coefficient (k) and stress state \(\left( \lambda \right)\) of a thin or thick, dense or porous mechano-chemically active film atop a dense inert substrate. This chapter presents (1) an overview of the technique, (2) a detailed derivation of the fitting equations used to extract k from curvature relaxation experiments, (3) a discussion of the technique’s benefits and limitations, and (4) sample MATLAB code to predict the stress distributions found within dense thin or thick film bilayers as a function of temperature.
First-principles calculations of the structural and optoelectronic properties of BSb1−x Asx ternary alloys in zinc blende structure

Abstract In this work, we studied the structural and optoelectronics properties of BSb1−xAsx ternary alloys in zinc blende structure. BSb1−x Asx’s properties were calculated by employing the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) formalism based on density functional theory (DFT). 16-atoms special quasi-random structures (SQS) are used to describe the disordered ternary alloys. The local density approximation (LDA) and both generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of Wu and Cohen (GGA-WC) and of Perdue et al. (GGA-PBEsol) have been used to calculate the structural properties. The obtained structural parameters of BSb1−xAsx are compared to available data reported in the literature. Our calculations show that the result obtained of lattice parameter with (GGA-PBEsol) approach is better than the (LDA), (GGA-WC). It is found that the variation of the lattice constant a(x) exhibits a small bowing parameter according to Vigard’s law. The optoelectronic properties were computed using the (LDA), (GGA-WC), (GGA-PBEsol) and (TB-mBJ) approximations. The calculated band gaps with the (TB-mBJ) approach are better than obtained by (LDA), (GGA-WC), (GGA-PBEsol) approximations. Our obtained value of band gap for BAs is in good agreement with the experimental data while for BSb a disagreement has been observed between our calculated value and the experimental value. Electronic band structure shows that BSb1−xAsx ternary alloys have an indirect band gap, for all arsenic concentrations (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). We observed that the incorporation of As into BSb leads to the reduction of the lattice constant a(x) and to the increase of the band gap Eg(x). In addition, both parts of dielectric function, absorption coefficient, conductivity optic, reflectivity, loss function, refractive index and extinction coefficient have been discussed.