cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An examination of the implementation and effectiveness of process improvement initiatives in manufacturing operational systems

This research examines the rate of implementation and the level of effectiveness of six process management initiatives in four manufacturing industries. The results of this survey-based research indicate that there has not been a mad rush to adopt all available initiatives. Rather, individual industries appear to favour different mixes of these initiatives. Moreover, most of the respondents indicated that the initiatives that they had chosen were effective in meeting their operational and strategic needs. This study concludes by presenting specific conclusions relevant to manufacturing systems in the studied industries.
Single Molecule Probes of Lipid Membrane Structure

Biological membranes are highly heterogeneous structures that are thought to use this heterogeneity to organize and modify the function of membrane constituents. Probing membrane organization, structure, and changes therein are crucial for linking structural metrics with function in biological membranes. Here we report the use of single-molecule fluorescence studies to measure membrane structure at the molecular level. Several groups have shown that polarized total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy using p-polarized excitation can reveal single-molecule orientations when spherical aberrations are introduced into the optics train. We use this approach to measure the orientation of fluorescent lipid analogs doped into Langmuir−Blodgett films of DPPC and arachidic acid. We compare two commonly used fluorescent lipid analogs, BODIPY-PC and DiIC18, which have their fluorophores located in the tailgroup and headgroup, respectively. We find the tilt orientation of BODIPY-PC is very sensitive to the sur...
Developmental maturation of passive electrical properties in retinal ganglion cells of rainbow trout

We investigated the electrotonic and anatomical features of the dendritic arbor in developing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Cell anatomy was studied by filling individual cells with fluorescent, membrane-bound dyes and using computer-assisted image reconstruction. Electrotonic properties were characterized through an analysis of charging membrane currents measured with tight-seal electrodes in the whole-cell mode. We studied developing RGCs in the peripheral growth zone (PGZ) of a fish retina. The PGZ presents a developmental time-line ranging from pluripotent, proliferating cells at the extreme edge, to mature, fully developed retina more centrally. In the PGZ, RGCs mature through three histologically distinct zones (in developmental sequence): bulge, transition and mature zones. In the most peripheral three-quarters of the bulge zone, cells have rounded somas, lack dendritic extensions and some are coupled so that membrane-bound dyes traverse from one cell to its immediate neighbours. In the more central quarter of the bulge, cells' dendrites are few, short and of limited branching. In the transition zone dendritic arbors becomes progressively more expansive and branched and we present a morphometric analysis of these changes. Regardless of the size and branching pattern of the developing RGC dendritic arbor, the ratio of the diameters of parent and progeny dendrites at any branching nodes is well described by Rall's 3/2 power law. Given this anatomical feature, the RGC passive electrical properties are well described by an equivalent electrical circuit consisting of an isopotential cell body in parallel with a single equivalent cylinder of finite length. We measured the values of the electrical parameters that define this equivalent circuit in bulge, transition and mature RGCs. As RGCs develop the electrical properties of their dendritic arbor change in an orderly and tightly regulated manner, not randomly. Electrically, dendritic arbors develop along either of two distinct modes, but only these modes: isoelectrotonic and isometric. In isoelectrotonic growth, electrotonic properties are constant regardless of the absolute dimensions of the dendritic arbor or its branching geometry. These cells maintain unvarying relative synaptic efficacy independently of the size or pattern of their dendritic arbor. In isometric growth, in contrast, electronic properties change, but the ratio of the changing electrotonic length to electrotonic diameter is constant. In these cells relative synaptic efficacy decreases linearly as dendrites extend.
Mind the correct basis set: A case study for predicting gas phase acidities of small compounds using calculations from first principles

Some of the most popular computational methods have been utilized to determine a dependency of the acidity trend of the first-row hydrides on a choice of basis set. For about three decades, methyl anion ( CH3−) was known as the strongest base but after Tian et al. were able to produce the gas phase lithium monoxide anion (LiO–) they discovered it was a stronger base than CH3− (Tian et al., Proc Natl Acad Soc USA 2008, 105, 7647). Furthermore, the authors confirmed their experimental results using high-level ab initio methods, namely W1 and W2C composite methods, as well as complete active space-averaged quadratic coupled cluster and Brueckner Doubles with triple excitation contribution (BD(T)) within the aug-cc-pVQZ basis set. These methods are highly demanding in terms of the computational effort as well as a level of expertise needed from the user to correctly conduct such calculations. We have shown that the proper acidity trend, that is, ΔHacid298K(CH4)<ΔHacid298K(LiOH), can be obtained with less expensive, ”black-box” type methods if only the basis set is properly chosen. Our results prove that the diffuse augmented basis sets are absolutely necessary for appropriate predictions of acidities. Our calculations show that the correct order of ΔHacid298K is achieved by augmenting relatively small cc-pVXZ (X = D,T) basis sets. A similar effect is observed for the family of Pople's basis sets. Our estimate for ΔHacid298K(LiOH) with CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ was 423.8 kcal/mol, which agrees very well with the experimental value 425.7 ± 6.1 kcal/mol. An important finding is that the proper acidity trend may be reversed if the basis sets are not correctly selected. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neighborhood Enfranchisement and Urban Redevelopment

The consequences of redevelopment for working and lower class neighborhoods depend upon the extent to which their in terests are represented within the local regime and upon the economic situation ...
Black Swan and the Corn Maiden

Our responsibility as educators is to encourage our students to engage their minds and imaginations in visioning for themselves ethical frameworks that will serve them well as they experience the chaos of living. We consider how to facilitate seeing and creating the world differently by reframing ideas and enlivening them through alternative media forms. Through their own investigations, actions, perceptions and engagements, students construct their own realities. We provide an example of how both students and their teachers can empower an emancipatory framing through the use of reflection, metaphor and story.
Chiral symmetry and the charge asymmetry of the ss distribution in the proton

Recently it has been suggested that a sizeable fraction of the strange and charm quarks in a nucleon--the so-called intrinsic strangeness or charm''--have momentum distributions which extend to large {ital x}{sub {ital b}{ital j}}. This effect is enhanced if these virtual heavy quarks live long enough so that many interactions with the rest of the nucleon can occur. It is shown that the same mechanism responsible for the intrinsic component also leads to a sizeable charge asymmetry of the corresponding spin and momentum distributions.
Role of membrane gangliosides in the binding and action of bacterial toxins

Gangliosides are complex glycosphingolipids that contain from one to several residues of sialic acid. They are present in the plasma membrane of vertebrate cells with their oligosaccharide chains exposed to the external environment. They have been implicated as cell surface receptors and several bacterial toxins have been shown to interact with them. Cholera toxin, which mediates its effects on cells by activating adenylate cyclase, bind with high affinity and specificity to ganglioside GM1. Toxin-resistant cells which lack GM1 can be sensitized to cholera toxin by treating them with GM1. Cholera toxin specifically protects GM1 from cell surface labeling procedures and only GM1 is recovered when toxin-receptor complexes are isolated by immunoadsorption. These results clearly demonstrate that GM1 is the specific and only receptor for cholera toxin. Although cholera toxin binds to GM1 on the external side of the plasma membrane, it activates adenylate cyclase on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane by ADP-ribosylation of the regulatory component of the cyclase. GM1 in addition to functioning as a binding site for the toxin appears to facilitate its transmembrane movement. The heat-labile enterotoxin ofE. coli is very similar to cholera toxin in both form and function and can also use GM1 as a cell surface receptor. The potent neurotoxin, tetanus toxin, has a high affinity for gangliosides GD1b and GT1b and binds to neurons which contain these gangliosides. It is not yet clear whether these gangliosides are the physiological receptors for tetanus toxin. By applying the techniques that established GM1 as the receptor for cholera toxin, the role of gangliosides as receptors for tetanus toxin as well as physiological effectors may be elucidated.
Osteology of Archaeornithomimus asiaticus (Upper Cretaceous, Iren Dabasu Formation, People's Republic of China)

ABSTRACT The remains of the omithomimid dinosaur Archaeomithomimus asiaticus from the Upper Cretaceous of the People's Republic of China are described and comparisons made with the bones of Elaphrosaurus, Gallimimus, Struthiomimus, Ornithomimus, Dromiceiomimus, Deinocheirus, and Allosaurus. The diagnosis of the Ornithomimidae of Russell (1972) is expanded to include the characters of Elaphrosaurus and Archaeomithomimus. Some of the remains from the Arundel Formation of Maryland that have been referred to Archaeomithomimus affinis are probably ornithomimid but are generically and specifically indeterminate.
On quantization of the field in dielectrics

Since the 1940s, the macroscopic Maxwell equations of continuum electrodynamics have been employed as the basis for quantization of the electromagnetic field in a dielectric. [1, 2] Equations of motion for two-level atoms embedded in a dielectric, as well as the spontaneous emission rate, can be derived from the macroscopic quantization. Recently, we derived equations of motion for embedded atoms using the microscopic Dirac quantization of th e field in the vacuum with discrete oscillators. [3] There are substantial qualitative differences in the results of the two methods that are due to the difference between the continuum and atomistic models of electrodynamics in matter.
Recent Developments in the use of Acoustic Sensors and Signal Processing Tools to Target Early Infestations of Red Palm Weevil in Agricultural Environments1

ABSTRACT Much of the damage caused by red palm weevil larvae to date palms, ornamental palms, and palm offshoots could be mitigated by early detection and treatment of infestations. Acoustic technology has potential to enable early detection, but the short, high-frequency sound impulses produced by red palm weevil larvae can be difficult to distinguish from certain similar sounds produced by other insects or small animals, or by wind-induced tapping noises. Considerable research has been conducted to develop instruments and signal processing software that selectively amplify insect-produced sounds and identify signal features that distinguish sounds produced by a particular target insect from those produced by other causes. Progress has been made in identifying unique spectral and temporal patterns in the sounds produced by larvae during movement and feeding activities. This report describes some of the new instrumentation and signal analyses available for early, reliable detection of red palm weevil larv...
Measured partition coefficients for parent and alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in 114 historically contaminated sediments: Part 2. Testing the KOCKBC two carbon–type model

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) desorption partition coefficients between black carbon and water (K(BC)) were determined using 114 historically contaminated and background sediments from eight different rural and urban waterways. Black carbon was measured after oxidation at 375 degrees C for 24 h. Organic carbon-water partition coefficients (K(OC)) required for the calculation of K(BC) values were determined for two- to six-ring parent and C1- to C4-alkyl PAHs based on the lower range of measured K(OC) values from the same sediments and comparisons to literature K(OC) values. Approximately 2,050 log K(BC) values were determined on sediments having a range of total organic carbon from 0.3 to 42% by weight, black carbon from 0.1 to 40% by weight, and total PAH concentrations (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 16 parent PAHs) from 0.2 to 8,600 microg/g. Contrary to expectations, PAH partitioning was not better explained using the combined K(OC) and K(BC) models rather than the simple K(OC) model (i.e., K(BC) values for each individual PAH ranged nearly three orders of magnitude). No effect of PAH concentration on measured K(BC) values was apparent. Values of K(BC) also showed no trends with total organic carbon, black carbon, or the presence or absence of a non- aqueous phase liquid. Multiple linear regression analysis with K(OC) and K(BC) as fitted values also failed to explain the variance of the experimental data (r(2) values typically less than 0.20, and standard errors greater than two orders of magnitude). These results demonstrate that models of PAH partitioning that account for different carbon types, although useful for understanding partitioning mechanisms, cannot yet be used to accurately predict PAH partitioning from historically contaminated sediments.
Declining Numbers of Foreign Students and America's Science and Engineering Enterprise

The enterprise of science and engineering (S&E) is powerfully affected by the role of immigrants in institutions of higher education and in US labour markets (Freeman et al., 2004). Especially since the 1970s and increasingly in the 1990s, educational institutions and labour markets have experienced steady increases of foreign students and workers and have come to expect more of the same. Yet, since 2001 there have been notable downturns in the number of foreign students applying and attending US institutions of higher education.
Effect of colchicine on estrogen action II. Translocation of 17β-estradiol cytosol receptor complex into the nucleus

Colchicine has previously been shown in our laboratory to inhibit 17β-estradiol stimulation of uterine water uptake in the immature rat measured 6 h after administration of the agents. We sought to determine whether this effect was mediated through colchicine action on translocation of estradiol receptor complex into the uterine cell nucleus. The time course of estradiol effect on uterine water uptake was followed with and without concurrent colchicine administration up to 6 h after administration. At no time during this period did there appear to be any influence of colchicine on translocation of the estradiol receptor complex into the nucleus. Examination of physical chemical characteristics of the nuclear estradiol receptor complex after estradiol and estradiol plus colchicine treatments revealed no observable differences. Thus, colchicine inhibition of estradiol-stimulated uterine water retention does not appear to be mediated through inhibition of nuclear translocation of estradiol-receptor complex nor to be due to any reduced retention time of estradiol-receptor complex in uterine nuclei.
Identification of the proton pathway in bacterial reaction centers: cooperation between Asp-M17 and Asp-L210 facilitates proton transfer to the secondary quinone (QB).

The reaction center (RC) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides uses light energy to reduce and protonate a quinone molecule, Q(B) (the secondary quinone electron acceptor), to form quinol, Q(B)H2. Asp-L210 and Asp-M17 have been proposed to be components of the pathway for proton transfer [Axelrod, H. L., Abresch, E. C., Paddock, M. L., Okamura, M. Y., and Feher, G. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 97, 1542-1547]. To test the importance of these residues for efficient proton transfer, the rates of the proton-coupled electron-transfer reaction k(AB)(2) (Q(A-*)Q(B-*) + H+ Q(A-*)Q(B)H* --> Q(A)Q(B)H-) and its associated proton uptake were measured in native and mutant RCs, lacking one or both Asp residues. In the double mutant RCs, the k(AB)(2) reaction and its associated proton uptake were approximately 300-fold slower than in native RCs (pH 8). In contrast, single mutant RCs displayed reaction rates that were or =10(3)-fold) upon replacement of both Asp-L210 and Asp-M17 with Asn. Similar, but less drastic, differences were observed for k(AB)(1), which at pH > or =8 is coupled to the protonation of Glu-L212 [(Q(A-*)Q(B))-Glu- + H+ --> (Q(A)Q(B-*)-GluH]. These results show that the pathway for proton transfer from solution to reduced Q(B) involves both Asp-L210 and Asp-M17, which provide parallel branches to the proton-transfer pathway and through their electrostatic interaction have a cooperative effect on the proton-transfer rate. A possible mechanism for the cooperativity is discussed.
A Pre-Irradiation Indicator for Total-Dose Ionizing Radiation-Sensitivity

A technique providing the means to predict the ionizing radiation- sensitivity of devices possessing insulator-semiconductor structures without requiring irradiation is described. This technique is highly amenable to commercial on-line procedures for controlling processes and hardness-assurance lot-sampling, as well as for process-related hardening investigations. (WHK)
COMPENSATORY RESPONSES TO LOSS OF WARMING-SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES

Climate warming-induced plant species loss is likely to be nonrandom and based on species-specific susceptibility to changing climate. We examined the ecological consequences of losing shallow-rooted forbs, a group of species we predict to be adversely affected by climate change based on their response to experimental warming. After three years of experimental species removal, tap-rooted forbs and grasses were able to fully compensate for the loss of shallow-rooted forbs with increased biomass production. Moreover, the remaining plant community yielded a larger biomass response to nitrogen addition when shallow-rooted forbs were removed, possibly because removal led to increased soil moisture. We conclude that, although shallow-rooted forbs share a common response to warming, their loss did not affect community-level biomass. However, the loss of shallow-rooted forbs could result in increased sensitivity to perturbations, such as changing nutrient availability. Our results demonstrate that realistic, nonrandom scenarios of species loss do not necessarily follow the general pattern of decreased productivity and dampened response to nitrogen addition with species loss that is predicted by theory and many experimental results. Further examinations of nonrandom species loss in other ecosystems are needed to further improve our understanding of the consequences of human-driven species loss.
Cerebral microbleeds in a multiethnic elderly community: demographic and clinical correlates.

Background Microbleeds, small perivascular collections of hemosiderin manifested radiologically as hypointensities on gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are important markers of small vessel pathology. Despite their clinical relevance, little is known about their prevalence and demographic correlates, particularly among ethnically diverse older adults. We examined demographic and clinical correlates of regional microbleeds in a multi-ethnic cohort and examined categorization schemes of microbleed distribution and severity.
Comparisons between small business data base (USEEM) and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment data: 1978–1986

The BLS versus USEEM comparison generally points out some major classification differences in the data sets particularly in the classification and growth of larger establishments. USEEM and BLS data generally agree as to the direction of employment growth over the 1978 to 1986 period. Differences occur in 7 of the 63 comparisons of employment growth — but BLS attributes a greater proportion of growth to larger reporting units, USEEM to smaller establishments. BLS and USEEM data have concurring positive or negative growth rates for all size classes in the construction, wholesale trade, services, and finance, insurance, and real estate industries.
Analysis of the mutant HLA-A*0201 heavy chain H74L: impaired TAP-dependent peptide loading.

Abstract A mutation of the HLA-A∗0201 heavy chain at position 74 from histidine to leucine (H74L) resulted in a molecule with an interesting phenotype. H74L-expressing targets were recognized by peptide-specific HLA-A∗0201-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes at lower peptide concentrations than wild type HLA-A∗0201. H74L’s improved ability to sensitize cells for lysis was due to its enhanced capability to bind exogenous peptide. Furthermore, this phenotype of improved exogenous binding and functional recognition was not peptide-specific. In contrast, the H74L molecule failed to present the HIV-1 HLA-A2-restricted pol peptide when expressed and processed endogenously. The inability to bind endogenous pol could be rescued by preceding the pol peptide with a signal sequence. The defect affecting endogenous presentation, therefore, appeared to be limited to the TAP-dependent pathway. Surprisingly, the H74L heavy chain was able to enter the defined MHC class I pathway and associate with β2M, calreticulin, tapasin, and TAP. Despite the presence of the H74L heavy chain at the TAP complex, H74L was functionally inefficient at loading TAP-dependent peptides. H74L may help elucidate further steps in the process of loading TAP-dependent peptides into the class I cleft.
Feasibility evaluation of multi-point sensing for hetero-core spliced optical fiber sensor using the internet-standard protocol

This paper describes a feasibility evaluation of multi-point sensing for hetero-core spliced (HC) optical fiber sensor network by using the internet-based protocol. This sensor is able to serve as a medium for data communications and as a sensor in the same fiber line simultaneously. In our previous study, we have successfully developed an optical fiber sensor network integrating data communications and sensing function using the (HC) optical fiber sensor. In order to extend the application of sensor network and remotely manage it, a network management method is required. We proposed and constructed an internet-based remote data acquisition sensor network by using one of the standard operation and maintenance protocols for the internet - Simple Network Management Protocol. This study aims to distinguish the status of fiber optics sensors for the management of the sensor network. The sensor network has been verified and the results demonstrated that the data communications is successfully performed in the systems while distinguishing status of HC optical fiber sensors.
Calcium transport in epithelial cells of the intestine and kidney

The central role of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the regulation of calcium balance is well established. By increasing the absorption of calcium in the intestine and the reabsorption of filtered calcium in the kidney tubule, the hormone maintains an appropriate calcium balance. The cellular mechanisms that underlie the increase in calcium transport in epithelial cells in response to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 are beginning to be defined. These events include an increase in the movement of calcium across the apical membrane of the cell, an increase in the movement of calcium across the cell, and an increase in the extrusion of calcium at the basolateral portion of the cell. In this Prospects article, I will discuss the nature of the various processes and proteins involved in transcellular calcium movement, and I will attempt to highlight various future areas of research.
Simulating polychromatic retinal images

Software to simulate the polychromatic retinal image formed in the eye in the presence of different types of spectacles, contact and intraocular lenses has been developed. This software convolves point spread functions at multiple visible wavelengths with spectral data for an object to create a simulated blurred polychromatic image.
Simulations of scattering matrix and coherency matrix for Pol-SAR applications of soil and vegetated surfaces using 3-D numerical solutions of Maxwell equation (NMM3D)

Scattering matrices (S VV , S HH , S VH , S HV ) are calculated from numerical 3D solutions of Maxwell equations (NMM3D). Using the simulated scattering matrices, we compute the polarimetric speckle and the coherency matrix for Pol-SAR applications. Results from NMM3D are examined by the comparison with theoretical distributions, including amplitude, phase difference, and amplitude ratio. Surface roughness dependence with entropy, anisotropy, and alpha angle from the ensemble average of coherency matrix is also studied. In this paper, we calculate polarimetric statistics of rough surface at C-band (5.4GHz) with 40 degree incidence. In addition, we study complete polarimetry of vegetated surface using distorted born approximation with surface scattering from NMM3D. Numerical Maxwell Method in 3D (NMM3D) with near field precondition was applied.
What Lies Lurking below the Soil: Beyond the Archaeobotanical View of Flotation Samples

The fungi Cenococcum graniforme (geophilum) produces mycorrhizae associations known as sclerotia. These millimeter size, black ball-like structures which often appeal in archaeobotanical flotation samples have gone unremarked in the archaeological literature, but may provide another indicator for environmental reconstruction.
Inhibitor of DNA binding 1 as a secreted angiogenic transcription factor in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by enhanced blood vessel development in joint synovium. This involves the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), allowing for de novo vessel formation and pro-inflammatory cell infiltration. Inhibitor of DNA Binding 1 (Id1) is a transcription factor characteristic of EPCs that influences cell maturation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to examine Id1 levels in synovial fluid (SF) and endothelial cells (ECs), respectively. Immunohistology was used to determine the expression of Id1 in synovial tissue (ST). Human dermal microvascular EC (HMVEC) migration and tube forming assays were used to determine if recombinant human Id1 (rhuId1) and/or RA SF immunodepleted Id1 showed angiogenic activity. We also utilized the RA ST severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse chimera to examine if Id1 recruits EPCs to RA synovium. ST samples immunostained for Id1 showed heightened expression in RA compared to osteoarthritis (OA) and normal (NL) ST. By immunofluorescence staining, we found significantly more Id1 in RA compared to OA and NL vasculature, showing that Id1 expressing cells, and therefore EPCs, are most active in vascular remodeling in the RA synovium. We also detected significantly more Id1 in RA compared to OA and other arthritis SFs by ELISA, which correlates highly with Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 16 (CXCL16) levels. In vitro chemotaxis assays showed that Id1 is highly chemotactic for HMVECs and can be attenuated by inhibition of Nuclear Factor κB and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Using in vitro Matrigel assays, we found that HMVECs form tubes in response to rhuId1 and that Id1 immunodepleted from RA SF profoundly decreases tube formation in Matrigel in vitro. PCR showed that Id1 mRNA could be up-regulated in EPCs compared to HMVECs in response to CXCL16. Finally, using the K/BxN serum induced arthritis model, we found that EC CXCR6 correlated with Id1 expression by immunohistochemistry. We conclude that Id1 correlates highly with CXCL16 expression, EPC recruitment, and blood vessel formation in the RA joint, and that Id1 is potently angiogenic and can be up-regulated in EPCs by CXCL16.
DNA strand arrangement within the SfiI-DNA complex: Atomic force microscopy analysis

The SfiI restriction enzyme binds to DNA as a tetramer holding two usually distant DNA recognition sites together before cleavage of the four DNA strands. To elucidate structural properties of the SfiI-DNA complex, atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging of the complexes under noncleaving conditions (Ca2+ instead of Mg2+ in the reaction buffer) was performed. Intramolecular complexes formed by protein interaction between two binding sites in one DNA molecule (cis interaction) as well as complexes formed by the interaction of two sites in different molecules (trans interaction) were analyzed. Complexes were identified unambiguously by the presence of a tall spherical blob at the DNA intersections. To characterize the path of DNA within the complex, the angles between the DNA helices in the proximity of the complex were systematically analyzed. All the data show clear-cut bimodal distributions centered around peak values corresponding to 60 degrees and 120 degrees. To unambiguously distinguish between the crossed and bent models for the DNA orientation within the complex, DNA molecules with different arm lengths flanking the SfiI binding site were designed. The analysis of the AFM images for complexes of this type led to the conclusion that the DNA recognition sites within the complex are crossed. The angles of 60 degrees or 120 degrees between the DNA helices correspond to a complex in which one of the helices is flipped with respect to the orientation of the other. Complexes formed by five different recognition sequences (5'-GGCCNNNNNGGCC-3'), with different central base pairs, were also analyzed. Our results showed that complexes containing the two possible orientations of the helices were formed almost equally. This suggests no preferential orientation of the DNA cognate site within the complex, suggesting that the central part of the DNA binding site does not form strong sequence specific contacts with the protein.
Two‐electron repulsion integrals over Gaussian s functions

We present an efficient scheme to evaluate the [0] (m) integrals that arise in many ab initio quantum chemical two-electron integral algorithms. The total number of floating-point operations (FLOPS) required by the scheme has been carefully minimized, both for cases where multipole expansions of the integrals are admissable and for cases where this is not so. The algorithm is based on the use of a modified Chebyshev interpolation formula to compute the function exp(-T) and the integral F m (T)=f 0 1 u 2m exp(-Tu 2 ) du very cheaply
Bis-Adducts of Substituted Phenylethynyl on a Ru2(DMBA)4 Core: Effect of Donor/Acceptor Modifications

The reactions between arylethynes (either BuLi activated or Et3N assisted) and Ru2(RDMBA)4X2, where RDMBA is either N,N‘-dimethylbenzamidinate (R = H) or N,N‘-dimethyl-m-methoxybenzamidinate (R = m-MeO) and X is either Cl- or NO3-, resulted in the compounds Ru2(RDMBA)4(C⋮CC6H4Y)2 (Y = H (1a,b), 4-NO2 (2a,b), 4-CN (3a,b), 3-CN (4a,b), 4-NMe2 (5a,b); R = H (a), m-MeO (b)). The single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of 1b and 2a revealed the linear alignment of the arylethynyl ligands along the Ru−Ru vector. All of the compounds display two Ru-based one-electron processes, an oxidation and a reduction, and their electrode potentials correlate linearly with the Hammett constants of substituent Y. Compounds 5a,b display an additional pair of one-electron processes attributed to the oxidation of 4-NMe2 groups, on the basis of which an extensive electron delocalization along the metallayne backbone was inferred.
Correction to 'A modified priority based probe algorithm for distributed deadlock detection and resolution' (A.N. Choudhary et al.)

A line inadvertently omitted from a section of the pseudocode in the above paper (see ibid., vol.15, no.1, p.10-17, 1989) is provided. The correct reading of the section is given in full. >
Origin of the zone-center [001] LO-phonon anomaly in superconducting hcp transition metals

The long-wavelength phonon frequencies of the (001) LO branch of Ti, Zr, Hf, and Tc decrease with decreasing temperature, and eventually, at room or lower temperatures, this branch exhibits a dip at the zone center. It has been suggested that the anomalous behavior of the LO phonon in these metals is caused by the splitting of doubly degenerate electronic bands near the Fermi level by the lattice distortion corresponding to the zone-center (001) LO mode. In this note we present a simple model which relates the band splitting to the phonon anomaly. Using this model and the results of (non-self-consistent) frozen-phonon calculations for hcp, Zr, we have been able to estimate the size of the frequency dip at the zone center. A simple extension of this model provides a qualitataive understanding of the wave-vector and temperature dependence of the phonon frequencies of the (001) LO branch.
Synthesis and characterization of small platinum particles formed by the chemical reduction of chloroplatinic acid

Abstract The preparation of platinum particles by the chemical reduction of chloroplatinic acid has been investigated in detail. The morphology and size of the product depends on the nature of the reducing agent, the presence and type of protective agent, and the reduction conditions. By carefully controlling these parameters, platinum spheres (⋍20–30 A diam), strands (⋍60 A diam), and composites (⋍100–200 A) can be synthesized. Polyvinylpyrrolidone was found to be the optimum protective agent due to its low protective ratio and high purity. The distribution of particle diameters for the spherical particles can be described by a log-normal distribution function. This work lays the foundation for studies of the chemical and physical properties of these particles. The applicability of this chemical-reduction approach to other systems is also outlined.
A Study on Factors Affecting the Degradation of Magnesium and a Magnesium-Yttrium Alloy for Biomedical Applications

Controlling degradation of magnesium or its alloys in physiological saline solutions is essential for their potential applications in clinically viable implants. Rapid degradation of magnesium-based materials reduces the mechanical properties of implants prematurely and severely increases alkalinity of the local environment. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the effects of three interactive factors on magnesium degradation, specifically, the addition of yttrium to form a magnesium-yttrium alloy versus pure magnesium, the metallic versus oxide surfaces, and the presence versus absence of physiological salt ions in the immersion solution. In the immersion solution of phosphate buffered saline (PBS), the magnesium-yttrium alloy with metallic surface degraded the slowest, followed by pure magnesium with metallic or oxide surfaces, and the magnesium-yttrium alloy with oxide surface degraded the fastest. However, in deionized (DI) water, the degradation rate showed a different trend. Specifically, pure magnesium with metallic or oxide surfaces degraded the slowest, followed by the magnesium-yttrium alloy with oxide surface, and the magnesium-yttrium alloy with metallic surface degraded the fastest. Interestingly, only magnesium-yttrium alloy with metallic surface degraded slower in PBS than in DI water, while all the other samples degraded faster in PBS than in DI water. Clearly, the results showed that the alloy composition, presence or absence of surface oxide layer, and presence or absence of physiological salt ions in the immersion solution all influenced the degradation rate and mode. Moreover, these three factors showed statistically significant interactions. This study revealed the complex interrelationships among these factors and their respective contributions to degradation for the first time. The results of this study not only improved our understanding of magnesium degradation in physiological environment, but also presented the key factors to consider in order to satisfy the degradation requirements for next-generation biodegradable implants and devices.
Projected changes in Arctic Ocean freshwater budgets

[1] Arctic Ocean freshwater budgets are examined from 10 models participating in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report. This includes an analysis of sea ice transport and storage, ocean transport and storage, and net surface flux exchange. Simulated budgets for the late 20th century are compared to available observations, followed by an analysis of simulated changes from 1950 to 2050. The consistent theme over this period is an acceleration of the Arctic hydrological cycle, which is expressed as an increase in the flux of water passing through the hydrologic elements. Increased freshwater inputs to the ocean from net precipitation, river runoff, and net ice melt result. While generally attended by a larger export of liquid freshwater to lower latitudes, primarily through Fram Strait, liquid freshwater storage in the Arctic Ocean increases. In contrast, the export and storage of freshwater in the form of sea ice decreases. The qualitative agreement between models for which the only common forcing is rising greenhouse gas concentrations implicates this greenhouse gas loading as the cause of the change. Although the models perform quite well in their simulations of net precipitation over the Arctic Ocean and terrestrial drainage, they differ significantly regarding the magnitude of the trends and their representation of contemporary mean ocean and sea ice budget terms. To reduce uncertainty in future projections of the Arctic freshwater cycle, the climate models as a group require considerable improvement in these aspects of their simulations.
Economic Implications and Cost-effectiveness of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and/or cardiac resynchronization therapy reduces mortality among several high-risk cohorts, primarily those with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure. Since the advent of these technologies, concerns regarding the high initial costs of device implantation have been considered a potential barrier to widespread adoption. Despite such concerns, the use of these devices for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death seems to be cost-effective when compared with national standards. Moreover, ICDs have been shown to be cost-effective in several health care systems and specialized populations such as those with high-risk long QT syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Enhanced feedback in balance rehabilitation using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board

Balance retraining is a critical part of rehabilitation for many individuals following neuro-trauma such as stroke. The WeHab system described in this paper is a low-cost rehabilitation instrument suite centered around the Nintendo Wii Balance Board that has the potential to enhance rehabilitation for patients with balance disorders. Using the WeHab system, therapists can lead patients through normal rehabilitation exercises with the added benefit of visual biofeedback based on center of pressure location. Patient improvement can be tracked by the WeHab system through objective analysis of trends both within a single session and from one session to the next. Pilot data from several patients receiving inpatient therapy using the WeHab system at the Wound Care center at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN, indicate the potential benefit that the system could bring to balance rehabilitation. Specifically, the details of and results from sit-to-stand, weight-shifting, and stepping activities are presented for pilot subjects. Further expansion of the WeHab system is planned, including incorporation of auditory feedback. Future work also includes more structured studies of the effects of the WeHab system on balance recovery.
Throughput performance of asymmetrically loaded FDDI networks

Presents exact throughput and stability analysis of the FDDI network system under general traffic configurations and a single asynchronous priority level of service. the authors obtain results relating each station's throughput to the system throughput. By exploiting these relations, the maximum throughput of a symmetrically loaded system and the throughput of a (nonsymmetrically) heavily or partially-heavily loaded system are derived. They develop a procedure for conducting throughput and stability analysis. They identify stable stations and compute the throughput levels attained by heavily loaded stations. >
Ultrafast exciton dynamics in semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes¶

To define the origin of the electronic excited states of single-walled carbon nanotubes, femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion and frequency-resolved transient absorption measurements were used for selective excitation/probing of particular nanotubes in a micelle-dispersed preparation enriched with individual nanotubes. Analysis of the temporal and intensity profiles of the transient signals enable one to unambiguously identify the excitonic nature of elementary excitations in semiconducting nanotubes, and the predominant dynamical process as a remarkable manifestation of exciton–exciton annihilation. These studies convincingly support the conclusion that the longest wavelength electronic excitations are of excitonic origin. In addition, evidence is shown for bi-exciton formation in single walled nanotubes. ¶We dedicate this paper to our friend and colleague Bob Harris, whose insights and capacity for wonder are a source of inspiration.
Bigger and better: the critical role of self-phase modulation in ultraprecise optical frequency combs

Self-phase modulation (SPM) is crucial to the production and expansion of optical frequency combs based on mode-locked lasers. I will review how SPM makes bigger and better frequency combs and discuss some of their applications.
Numerical Simulation of Hall Thruster Plasma Plumes in Space

Hall thrusters are an important form of electric propulsion that are being developed and implemented to replace chemical systems for many on-orbit propulsion tasks on communications and exploration spacecraft. A concern in the use of these devices is the possible damage their plasma plumes may cause to the host spacecraft. Computer models of Hall thruster plumes play an important role in integration of these devices onto spacecraft as the space environment is not easily reproduced in ground testing facilities. In this paper, an advanced hybrid particle-fluid model is applied to model the plumes of the Hall thrusters used on the Russian Express and European SMART-1 spacecraft. The results from the model are compared directly with measurements of ion current density and ion energy distributions taken in space by these spacecraft
A novel design to reduce losses at dielectric waveguide discontinuities

A novel approach to reduce losses of dielectric waveguide bends and junctions is examined in this paper. Ceramic material is added at the bend or the junction. The ceramic's dielectric constant, its shape and size, and position relative to the bend, are several parameters that can be varied to minimize the losses at the junction. Finite-difference time-domain analysis of a representative case is presented. >
Current variability on a narrow shelf with large ambient vorticity

signals, respectively, and with corresponding phase speeds of 0.85 and 1.7 m s � 1 . The phase trend in east-west direction of the 10-hour signal is consistent with unstable, growing waves. The 10- and 27-hour signals appear dominantly barotropic near the coast out to depths of at least 50 m, but the 10-hour signal displayed a 180� phase change between surface and bottom farther away from the shelf break at 160 m depth. The two dominant signals cannot be attributed to barotropic instability. INDEX TERMS: 4219 Oceanography: General: Continental shelf processes; 4520 Oceanography: Physical: Eddies and mesoscale processes; 4572 Oceanography: Physical: Upper ocean processes; KEYWORDS: shelf circulation, Florida Current, vorticity, flow instability, surface Doppler radar
Determination, mechanism and monitoring of knockdown resistance in permethrin-resistant human head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis.

Abstract Permethrin resistance has been reported worldwide and clinical failures to commercial pediculicides containing permethrin have likewise occurred. Permethrin resistance in head lice populations from the U.S. is widespread but is not yet uniform and the level of resistance is relatively low (∼ 4–8 fold). Permethrin-resistant lice are cross-resistant to pyrethrins, PBO-synergized pyrethrins and to DDT. Nix ® , when applied to human hair tufts following manufacturer's instructions, did not provide 100% control when assessed by the hair tuft bioassay in conjunction with the in vitro rearing system. Resistance to permethrin is due to knockdown resistance (kdr), which is the result of three point mutations within the α-subunit gene of the voltage-gated sodium channel that causes amino acid substitutions, leading to nerve insensitivity. A three-tiered resistance monitoring system has been established based on molecular resistance detection techniques. Quantitative sequencing (QS) has been developed to predict the kdr allele frequency in head lice at a population level. The speed, simplicity and accuracy of QS made it an ideal candidate for a routine primary resistance monitoring tool to screen a large number of louse populations as an alternative to conventional bioassay. As a secondary monitoring method, real-time PASA (rtPASA) has been devised for a more precise determination of low resistance allele frequencies. To obtain more detailed information on resistance allele zygosity, as well as allele frequency, serial invasive signal amplification reaction (SISAR) has been developed as an individual genotyping method. Our approach of using three tiers of molecular resistance detection should facilitate large-scale routine resistance monitoring of permethrin resistance in head lice using field-collected samples.
In-bore stiffness considerations for electromagnetic projectile armatures and boreriders

Experience with conventional tank cannons has shown that interaction between a projectile and gun bore determines the projectile muzzle exit conditions which greatly influences the subsequent out-of-bore flight and terminal accuracy. Significant effort has been devoted to examining this phenomenon and has led to the development of models capable of predicting the in-bore dynamic characteristics of projectile/tube interactions. These models have shown that the relative stiffness of the projectile boreriding surfaces can be a deterministic factor of the resulting in-bore motion. The armature of an EM projectile must serve a dual role, namely, provide a current path across the rails while also providing lateral support during the launch. This presents a conflict for the EM projectile designer who must ensure an armature stiff enough to maintain rail contact, yet have sufficient "spring" to absorb lateral disturbances imparted by the gun barrel. This paper reports the results of an in-bore dynamic analysis which examined the effects of varying armature and borerider stiffness. Analysis runs were conducted with a SLEKE II projectile model launched from the Task B railgun. The analysis found that maintaining equivalent contact stiffnesses for the boreriders of a saddleback sabot, such as the SLEKE II, minimizes the difference in transverse acceleration between the two contacts, thus reducing projectile in-bore balloting.