cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale Borromean links for real

Borohydride reduction of a Borromean Ring (BR) complex containing six zinc(II) ions and 12 imine bonds has resulted in its demetallation, producing a neutral BR compound and also its free macrocycle, following cleavage of at least one of the imine bonds in the ethanolic reaction mixture.
Electrically-controlled two-dimensional gratings based on layers undulations in cholesteric liquid crystals

We developed electrically-switchable two-dimensional diffractive gratings with periodic refractive index modulation arising from layers undulations in cholesteric liquid crystal. Two-dimensional layer undulations occur above the threshold voltage when a planar cholesteric cell of thickness much larger than the cholesteric pitch is subjected to an electric field. The periodic structure of the layers undulations and corresponding spatial modulation of an average refractive index in the plane of a cell allows us to produce diffraction patterns with a square-type arrangement of diffraction maxima. The cholesteric cell can be switched by pulses of ac voltage between two states: one with flat layers of a planar cholesteric texture and another with square lattice of periodic director modulation associated with layer undulations that produces two-dimensional diffraction patterns. The periodicity of the developed two-dimensional phase gratings and intensities of the diffraction maxima can be tuned by changing the applied field magnitude. The diffractive properties of gratings are practically independent of the polarization state of the incident beam and can be optimized for different wavelengths by appropriately choosing the cholesteric pitch, cell thickness, and surface treatment. The potential applications include beam steering devices, optical waveguides, devices for splitting monochromatic beams and beam multiplexing.
The breeding ecology of Cancer gracilis (Crustacea: Decapoda: Cancridae) and the mating systems of cancrid crabs

Brachyuran crabs in the family Cancridae are found in a variety of habitats, ranging from ‘open’ sandy or muddy grounds to ‘structured’ rocky bottoms rich in refuge space. Cancer gracilis Dana inhabits shallow open habitats in the north-east Pacific Ocean. Females in all reproductive conditions aggregate in relatively small areas, where mating activity appears most intense. Maximum mating activity was observed towards the end of the spawning/hatching season (August). Females play an active role in mating, often initiating interactions with the prospective male partner. Mating in the field was non-assortative with respect to size. There was no indication of direct mate choice by either males or females; resolution of male-male competitive interactions was size-based. Males below minimum mating size (77 mm carapace width) had spermatophores in the vas deferens but did not react to receptive females. Sperm competition is likely because sperm can be retained across moults and multiple copulations are possible within a receptive period. Female spermathecae are of the ‘ventral’ type (contrary to what has been indicated for cancrids), and during intercourse are beyond the reach of male gonopods. Mechanisms to exclude competing sperm include male-produced sperm plugs and post-copulatory mate guarding. Results are discussed in the context of the ‘structured-to-open’ habitat gradient, which may underlay much of the diversity in cancrid reproductive ecology. We argue that, by comparison with C. magister (a larger size sympatric species also found in open habitats), (1) reproductive asynchrony and female gregariousness in C. gracilis increase the environmental potential for polygyny, resulting in a female defence polygynous mating system, and (2) reproductive asynchrony inflates the operational sex ratio, leading to stronger sexual selection.
Commentary on ‘Resveratrol commonly displays hormesis: Occurrence and biomedical significance’:

The plan of attack for this Commentary is threefold. First: to consider, place in perspective and judge some of the claims that have been advanced for resveratrol's utility. Second: to evaluate and judge the scientific basis and validity of the paper being commented upon. The judgment is very positive. Third: to place in perspective the importance of hormesis in being a major factor determining resveratrol's ultimate efficacy.
Use of Prehospital 12-Lead Electrocardiography and Treatment Times Among ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients With Atypical Symptoms

Objectives Guidelines advise that a prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) should be obtained in any patients with chest pain, yet up to 20% of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) do not present with chest pain. The objective was to determine the association of atypical presentations in the prehospital setting on the likelihood of receiving a prehospital ECG and subsequent time to reperfusion therapy. Methods This study used a data set that linked prehospital medical information from a statewide EMS data system with a clinical registry of treatment and outcomes data for patients with STEMI. Among 2,639 STEMI patients from 2008 to 2010, the association between non–chest pain presentations, prehospital ECG use, and reperfusion times among patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were examined. Inverse probability weights were used to account for observed baseline confounders. Results Overall, 318 of 2,639 patients (12.1%) presented without chest pain. A prehospital ECG was obtained in 2,021 of 2,321 (87.1%) patients with chest pain compared with only 230 of 318 (72.3%) without chest pain (odds ratio [OR] = 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.69 to 2.98). Among patients without chest pain, those who received a prehospital ECG had significantly shorter first medical contact (FMC) to device times (30.9% 90 minutes, adjusted OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.29 to 6.11, p < 0.01). Conclusions Over one-quarter of STEMI patients presenting without chest pain did not receive prehospital ECGs and had significantly longer FMC to device times. Future efforts are needed to promote the use of prehospital ECGs to achieve more rapid identification of STEMI patients with atypical presentations in the prehospital setting.
Sequential addition of reprogramming factors improves efficiency

Addition of a specific set of transcription factors reprograms somatic cell nuclei to a pluripotent state. Sequential addition of these factors, rather than the simultaneous exposure used in standard protocols, improves reprogramming efficiency. This sequential method favours a transition through a state with enhanced mesenchymal characteristics before driving an epithelial transformation on the way to the pluripotent state.
A technical review on safety in on-farm biomass production and storage systems: Status and industry needs

Abstract. There is a significant interest in biomass production ranging from government agencies to the private sector level, both inside and outside of the traditional production agricultural setting. This interest has led to an exponential increase in the research, development and production of biomass crops. However, much of this effort has focused on specific segments of the process, and more specifically, on the mechanics of these individual segments. From a review of scientific literature, little effort has been put into identifying, classifying and preventing safety hazards in overall on-farm biomass production systems. This paper describes the current status of the knowledge pertaining to health and safety factors of biomass production and storage in the US. This paper will also identify areas of standards development that the biomass industry will need from the agricultural safety and health community.
Characterization of a new antigen‐antibody system (su) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

A new antigen (Su) from calf thymus nuclear extract that reacts with sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is described. Antibodies to Su, demonstrated by immunodiffusion, were most frequently found in patients with a diagnosis of probable or definite SLE. Thirty-seven percent of patients with Su antibodies and a diagnosis of SLE were positive for antinuclear antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence, but lacked specific antibodies previously associated with SLE. Patients with Su antibodies exhibited a higher frequency of Raynaud's phenomenon, but exhibited a lower frequency of malar rash, alopecia, and arthritis when compared with SLE patients in previously published reports. The Su antigen is weakly acidic, heat-stable at 37 degrees C, heat-sensitive at 56 degrees C, resistant to DNase and RNase, but sensitive to trypsin. Its molecular weight approximated 154,000 daltons by Sepharose chromatography. The Su antibody may be associated with a subset of SLE patients with distinct clinical features, and may serve as a serologic marker for patients who are positive for fluorescent antinuclear antibodies but have no other detectable SLE-associated antibodies.
Moped safety in Honolulu, Hawaii

Between 1977 and 1990, mopeds in the city and county of Honolulu have more than tripled in number. There has also been a significant increase in the number of collisions involving mopeds. Using GIS tools and police crash reports for 1990, we describe the spatial and temporal patterns of moped collisions, identify the major causes and circumstances of these collisions, and identify the characteristics of moped riders involved in collisions. Our analysis demonstrates a spatial concentration around the University of Hawaii and tourist destinations. We compare resident and nonresident involvement in moped collisions. Based on these results, we provide several suggestions for improving moped safety among both residents and visitors.
Mesoscale modeling of electric double layer capacitors with three-dimensional ordered structures

Abstract This paper presents general mathematical formulations for simulating electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) with three-dimensional ordered structures. For the first time, a general set of boundary conditions was derived in order to account for the Stern layer without simulating it in the computational domain. These boundary conditions were valid for planar, cylindrical, and spherical electrode particles or pores. They made possible the simulations of EDLCs with complex geometries while rigorously accounting for both the Stern and diffuse layers. The model also simultaneously accounted not only for 3D electrode morphology but also for finite ion size and field-dependent electrolyte dielectric permittivity. It was used to faithfully simulate the complex structure of an EDLC electrode consisting of ordered bimodal mesoporous carbon featuring both macropores and mesopores. Areal and gravimetric capacitances were predicted based on non-solvated and solvated ion diameters. These two cases set the upper and lower bounds for the predicted capacitances. The capacitances predicted using non-solvated ion diameter were found to be in good agreement with experimental data reported in the literature. All surfaces contributed to the overall capacitance of EDLCs. The gravimetric capacitance of different bimodal carbons increased linearly with increasing specific surface area corresponding to constant areal capacitance.
Raman scattering as a technique of measuring film thickness: interference effects in thin growing films

Simultaneous Raman-scattering and interferometric-thickness measurements have been made during the growth of sodium sulfate films on Pt/10%Rh substrates. For the experimental geometry, the s-polarized Raman-scattered radiation exhibits oscillations in intensity as a function of film thickness, while no intensity oscillations are observed for the p-polarized Raman scattering. The experimental results are modeled by assuming the interference of the multiple reflections of the incident laser beam and the interference of the multiple reflections of the Raman-scattered radiation. The model predicts extreme oscillations in the Raman signal/film thickness relationship for the s-polarized Raman collection and only small oscillations for the p-polarized Raman collection, in qualitative agreement with the experimental results.
Currently available methods for platelet function analysis: advantages and disadvantages

Platelets play a pivotal role in normal hemostasis, and derangement of their function can lead to hemorrhage or thrombosis. While progress has been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms leading to platelet adhesion, aggregation, shape change and secretion, clinically useful tests of platelet function have lagged. A number of dedicated platelet function instruments that are much simpler to use and are now utilized as point-of-care (POC) instruments have now become available. Some instruments have been incorporated into routine clinical use and can be utilized not only as general screening tests of platelet function but as monitors of antiplatelet therapy and to potentially assess both risk of bleeding and/or thrombosis. Some of the factors that differentiate these tests are sample volume requirements, the use of whole blood, the presence of shear, POC status, need for a technician and expense. The following is a review of some of the commonly used tests of platelet function, along with their advantages and disadvantages. The tests and pertinent instruments described are based on aggregation, shear stress platelet contribution to clot strength, flow cytometry and serum and urinary thromboxane metabolites.
The illusion of control, superstitious belief, and optimism

Two hundred and seventy five participants each filled out three questionnaires examining the illusion of control, optimism/pessimism, and paranormal belief. The illusion of control was related to overall paranormal belief, an effect primarily due to the superstition and precognition sub-scales on the PBS-R. Optimism was positively and pessimism negatively related to religiosity on the PBS-R, and pessimism was also positively related to the superstition sub-scale. No relationships between optimism or pessimism and the illusion of control were observed. Results are discussed in terms of superstition and the illusion of control both arising from circumstances that are inherently random or uncontrollable, and how multiple definitions of optimism or superstition could have effected the results.
ELECTROTRANSPORT OF INTERSTITIAL ATOMS IN YTTRIUM

Abstract The electrotransport velocities of carbon, oxygen and nitrogen in yttrium were determined in the temperature range of 1235 to 1460°C. Diffusion coefficients and effective charges were calculated for these elements for the same temperatures. Yttrium metal purified by the electrotransport method showed a decrease in oxygen content from 780 to 90 p.p.m. and an increase in the resistance ratio from 12 to 45.
Cellularity and structure of fresh human coronary thrombectomy specimens; presence of cells with markers of progenitor cells

Acute coronary syndromes and acute myocardial infarctions are often related to plaque rupture and the formation of thrombi at the site of the rupture. We examined fresh coronary thrombectomy specimens from patients with acute coronary syndromes and assessed their structure and cellularity. The thrombectomy specimens consisted of platelets, erythrocytes and inflammatory cells. Several specimens contained multiple cholesterol crystals. Culture of thrombectomy specimens yielded cells growing in various patterns depending on the culture medium used. Culture in serum-free stem cell enrichment medium yielded cells with features of endothelial progenitor cells which survived in culture for a year. Immunohistochemical analysis of the thrombi revealed cells positive for CD34, cells positive for CD15 and cells positive for desmin in situ, whereas cultured cell from thrombi was desmin positive but pancytokeratin negative. Cells cultured in endothelial cell medium were von Willebrand factor positive. The content of coronary thrombectomy specimens is heterogeneous and consists of blood cells but also possibly cells from the vascular wall and cholesterol crystals. The culture of cells contained in the specimens yielded multiplying cells, some of which demonstrated features of haematopoietic progenitor cells and which differentiated into various cell-types.
Solution phase-assisted reorientation of chromophores

Organic electro-optic materials, or "EO polymers," offer much higher nonlinearities than traditional crystalline materials, making these materials ideal for next generation electro-optic modulators. These materials require an additional processing step known as poling, which reorients the chromophores through the application of a high electric field. This effort will focus on corona poling, where a gas is ionized and the electric field across the sample is applied through the relocation of charged ions. The proposed technique avoids the need to raise the temperature of the material by applying the electric field while the material is deposited in solution phase. This process can overcome the thermal stability tradeoff in many organic electro-optic materials, and preliminary results indicate this process results in an enhancement in the electro-optic activity of the material.
Microsampling for Infrared and Emission Analyses

A commonly occurring problem which the analytical chemist faces is that of obtaining and transferring microamounts of sample. Many techniques are available for addressing this problem; however, they all entail the use of some type of carrier or transport media. Chlorinated solvents, which readily evaporate, are often used in it spectroscopy for this purpose and collodion may be used for the collecting of micro-samples in emission spectroscopy. Unfortunately the use of these materials may, at times, be of greater hindrance than help. For example, evaporating solvents may cause water to condense on the micro-sample which is not readily desorbed afterwards and the resultant infrared will give questionable absorption bands. Likewise with collodion for emission analyses, excess carrier at times will cause the sample to “pop” during the analysis and the sample will be lost. Other types of complications are occurring in the electronics industry where it is desired not to treat a contaminated part but just remove the contaminants for analysis. All these situations have led us to seek a means of collecting sample which is simple yet does not involve the use of transfer media.
Closing the Gap: Use of Student Volunteers in an Academic Library

“Closing the Gap” is a volunteer program started by the Student Government Association of Illinois State University, allowing the library to stay open longer hours to meet student needs. The program is a collaborative effort between Milner Library and student leaders to bring in student volunteers from across the student body. This article outlines how the program began and how it works, including recruiting volunteers, training, and scheduling. In addition, lessons learned along the way are shared.
NOx evolution by soybean leaves treated with salicylic acid and selected derivatives

Abstract Experiments were conducted using soybean ( Glycine max [L.] Merr. var. “Hobbit”) leaves to measure the effects of selected salicylate derivatives on nitrate and nitrite metabolism. Salicylic acid was previously shown to act as a powerful stimulator of nitrate reduction and a herbicide synergist when used in combination with a number of different photosynthetic inhibitor herbicides. The experiments presented in this paper offer evidence that the converse is true, i.e., that a number of salicylic acid derivatives can function as stimulators of nitrate reduction and as herbicide synergists when used in combination with a single photosynthetic inhibitor herbicide. Salicylic derivatives were compared with salicylic acid for their ability to stimulate nitrate reduction. The degree of stimulation of nitrate reduction was measured as rate of gaseous NO x evolved from soybean leaves. Salicylic acid and 17 salicylate derivatives were tested and only salicin failed to cause NO x evolution. The halogen derivatives were found to be the most effective, and 5-chlorosalicylanilide not only caused stimulation of nitrate reduction, but also apparently interfered with the photosynthetic electron flow necessary for nitrite reduction.
Developing a Dynamic Envelope/Lighting Control System with Field Measurements

The feasibility of an intelligent venetian blind/lighting control system was tested in a 1:3 scale model outdoors under variable sun and sky conditions. The control algorithm, block direct sun and meet the design workplane illuminance level, was implemented using commercially available and custom designed blind and lighting systems hardware. While blocking direct sunlight, the blinds were properly controlled to maintain the design workplane illuminance within a tolerance of -10%, +25% when there was sufficient daylight. When daylight levels alone were inadequate, the electric lighting control system maintained the design workplane illuminance. The electric lighting could be turned off if a user-specified time period at minimum power was exceeded. Lighting energy savings of 51-71% (southwest) and 37-75% (south) was attained for the period from 8:00 to 17:00 on clear sunny days, compared to a fixed, partially closed blind with the same lighting system. Practical details for implementation and commissioning are discussed. The impact of control variations, such as profile angle, time step interval, and control area, on energy demand is investigated.
Dlx‐1 and Dlx‐2 expression in the adult mouse brain: Relationship to dopaminergic phenotypic regulation

Expression of the homeodomain-containing transcription factors Dlx-1 and Dlx-2 in the lateral (LGE) and medial (MGE) ganglionic eminences, subpallial embryonic structures, is required for generation of telencephalic interneurons. LGE- and MGE-derived progenitors migrate and populate a number of forebrain structures, including the cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb (OB). Previous reports focusing on embryogenesis of telencephalic neurons in Dlx-1 and Dlx-2 null mice suggested a specific role for these genes in expression of the OB dopamine (DA) phenotype. We have investigated whether these genes also are expressed in adult brain, especially in those pallial derivatives, such as the OB, hippocampus, and possibly cortex, where neurogenesis continues in adults. With a highly sensitive, nonradioactive in situ hybridization technique and both DLX-2 and pan DLX antisera, widespread expression of both genes was found in adult mouse fore- but not mid- or hindbrain. The adult unilateral naris closure paradigm was employed to establish a causative role for Dlx in regulating tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression; TH is the first enzyme in DA biosynthesis. TH mRNA, but not Dlx expression, was significantly down-regulated in the OB ipsilateral to closure. These findings suggest that Dlx-1 and -2 do not play a direct role in DA phenotypic differentiation and TH gene regulation in adult OB. The widespread expression of Dlx mRNA and protein in the adult brain suggests that these genes may have additional roles in mature animals.
Echelle crossed grating millimeter wave beam scanner.

We present a two-dimensional, active, millimeter-wave, electronic beam scanner, with Doppler capabilities for stand-off imaging. The two-dimensional scan is achieved by mapping the millimeter wave spectrum to space using a pair of crossed gratings. The active transceiver and heterodyne quadrature detection allow the measurement of the relative phase between two consecutive measurements and the synthesis of the scene’s Doppler signature. The frame rate of the imager is currently limited by the sweep rate of the vector network analyzer which is used to drive the millimeter wave extenders. All of the beam steering components are passive and can be designed to operate at any wavelength. The system design, characterization and measurements are presented and further uses and improvements are suggested.
Immune Responses to Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Antigens in Cystic Fibrosis and Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is well documented. Aspergillus fumigatus is the causative agent of ABPA, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa particularly the mucoid variety has been frequently isolated from the sputum of patients with CF. This study investigates the cellular and humoral immune response to both A fumigatus and P aeruginosa antigens in patients with CF and ABPA (CF/ABPA), CF only, and healthy controls. The A fumigatus and P aeruginosa antigen specific IgE and IgG in sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture supernatants (PBMC sups), lymphoproliferation to antigens, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were measured. Results indicate significant elevated levels of A fumigatus specific IgG (A fumigatus-IgG) and Paeruginosa-IgE in serum. Significant P aeruginosa-IgG was measured in PBMC sups. The concanavalin A nonbinding A fumigatus antigen, previously shown to induce specific T-cell responses in vitro in patients with ABPA, elicited significant lymphoproliferative response in a greater proportion of patients with CF/ABPA and not in CF or controls, underlining the importance of this antigen in the diagnosis of ABPA. In contrast, a greater proportion of the CF group responded to P aeruginosa antigens compared with the controls and CF/ABPA. Hence, the CF and CF/ABPA groups respond to both P aeruginosa and A fumigatus antigens with the former group responding strongly to P aeruginosa and the latter to A fumigatus antigens.
Selective alteration by triiodothyronine of amino acid transport in embryonic bone.

The effect of 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) on the intracellular accumulation of 20 amino acids by embryonic chick bone has been investigated. T3 had no effect on intracellular concentrations of the acidic and basic amino acids tested, but did influence the accumulation of certain neutral amino acids. At appropriate amino acid concentrations, T3 stimulated the concentrative accumulation of free intracellular tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, cycloleucine, histidine, leucine and methionine; inhibited that of glycine, valine and isoleucine; and did not influence that of other neutral ammo acids tested. For each responsive amino acid, the effect of T3 on uptake disappeared if amino acid concentration was sufficiently increased. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence in embryonic chick bone of a minimum of 2 sites for the active transport of neutral amino acids, designated “A” and “L.” The amino acids whose accumulation was influenced by T3 are those with relatively high specificity for transport a...
Diagnosis and grading of outflow obstruction

Urodynamic data from 66 male patients with obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia were analyzed. Criteria for grading the severity of outflow obstruction based on uroflowmetry, post void residual urine, maximum bladder contraction (Pmax), and pressure during voiding (Pvoid) were developed. In selected cases, voiding cystourethrography also may be needed. These criteria help determine the need for prostatectomy. Unnecessary prostatectomies can then be avoided and can lead to significant reduction in mortality, morbidity, and health care expenses.
Abstract 5056: Signaling pathways critical for insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-mediated disruption of MCF-10A acini formation

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and IRS-2 are important adaptor proteins in insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) signaling. IRS-1 and IRS-2 are expressed during mammary gland development and also in human breast tumors. In order to study the role of IRS-1 and IRS-2 in breast tumorigenesis, we overexpressed both IRS proteins in immortalized, non-transformed human mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells. It has been shown that MCF-10A cells form uniform, empty-lumen acini in three dimensional (3D) culture. We previously showed that overexpression of either IRS-1 or IRS-2 in MCF-10A cells disrupted the acini in 3D culture and resulted in extensive proliferation and disrupted apical-basal polarity. In both IRS-1 and IRS-2 overexpressing MCF-10A cells, an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation and association with p85 of both IRS proteins indicated that IRS-mediated signaling was activated. siRNA knockdown of the overexpressed IRS proteins reversed the disruption of MCF-10A acini, confirming that this is indeed an IRS-related event. In order to identify the critical effectors in IRS-mediated disruption of MCF-10A polarity and growth, we used small molecule inhibitors to screen multiple kinase signaling pathways upstream and downstream of the IRS proteins. Inhibition of Rac or atypical PKC (aPKC) didn't affect MCF-10A cell acini formation, however it abolished the IRS-mediated disruption of MCF-10A acini formation. Consistent with this, knockdown of Rac and aPKC by siRNA suppressed IRS-mediated disruption in acini formation. Rac belongs to the family of GTPase that regulates cell motility. aPKC is a key component of the PAR polarity complex, and has previously been shown to be involved in IRS-signaling in adipocytes. While the signaling mechanism of Rac and aPKC in the IRSs-induced disruption of acini is still unknown, we found that another component in the PAR polarity complex Par3 may associate with IRS proteins and leads to dissociation of the polarity complex. Taken together, overexpression of IRS-1 and IRS-2 disrupts the MCF-10A acini in 3D culture in part through Rac and aPKC pathways. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5056.
A Pilot Study Comparing Two Nonword Repetition Tasks for Use in a Formal Test Battery

Two sets of nonwords (with and without true morphemes) were compared for their ability to differentiate students in Grades 1 through 12 with and without language impairment (36 each; N = 72) on a nonword repetition task. Results indicated that either nonword type could contribute to differential diagnosis.
Split: II. Authomated synthesis of hybrid liquid separation systems

In previous articles we described the concepts underlying the development of SPLIT (Separation Process Layout by Invention and Testing), a blackboard-based integrated software environment (Wahnschafft et al., 1991a) for the automated synthesis of separation processes and presented a methodology (Wahnschafft et al., 1991b) for the systematic synthesis of flowsheets incorporating methods that cannot accomplish complete separations, i.e. high purity and high recovery, in single-unit processes. We discuss the knowledge base of the current prototype system and illustrates the realization of the synthesis methodology. Emphasis is on the capability of SPLIT to synthesize complex process structures for the separation of highly nonideal multicomponent mixtures. The quick screening methods used for the selection of separation methods and agents are demonstrated on a number of examples involving azeotrope-forming systems
Out of the ashes of a federation, two new constitutions

As the revelers toasted to the new year of 1993 the Czech-Slovak Federation expired and was succeeded by two independent states, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. This was the result of almost three years of constitutional negotiations which ended in deadlock when the Slovak side demanded a confederation or a "union" and the Czech side refused to accept anything but a "functional federation." In the face of the "no exit" situation the two sides agreed, with the blessing of the Federal Parliament,1 on an orderly breakup and on a dense network of international agreements between the nascent Republics defining their future relations.2 The Soviet style 1968 federal constitution of Czecho-Slovakia defined the basic institutional structure of the two component Republics, including governments headed by Prime Ministers and legislatures ("the National Councils"), but it authorized the Republics to adopt their own basic instruments. Neither Republic took advantage of this empowerment during the Communist regime. It was only during the closing months of 1992 that the Republic legislatures adopted new constitutions in anticipation of the impending breakup. The Slovak National Council acted first.
Solution verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification for a series of gas cell experiments at NRL

Summary form only given. A series of gas-cell experiments were performed at NRL to be able to validate dry air chemistry/collision models available in Particle-in-Cell (PIC) codes for cavity System Generated Electromagnetic Pulse (SGEMP). The experimental setup is a co-axial power feed which transitions to a disk-shaped cathode. The electron beam then passes through a thin anode foil and then a pressure foil, which separates the vacuum diode from the gas cell; scattering and propagation in the foils is energy and angle dependent. The peak electron energy entering the gas cell is about 90 keV and the pulse-duration is about 100ns. In addition to voltage and current measurements at various locations, a feature of these experiments is laser interferometry, which measures the line-integrated electron density at various locations in the gas cell for a gas pressures ranging from 50 mTorr to 300 Torr. This paper will analyze the numerical error as well as aleatory and epistemic uncertainty. PIC and Monte Carlo electron transport algorithms are inherently stochastic in nature; therefore, an extension to Richardson extrapolation is developed to obtain an error bound on the simulations. To account for aleatory and epistemic uncertainty we use second order probability, an inner aleatory loop sampling the approximate distribution of variation in parameters in the experiment with an outer epistemic loop varying the parameters of the distribution and model form. By including both aleatory and epistemic uncertainty and numerical error, the simulation can be compared with the NRL gas cell experiment.
Relations in SO(3) supported by geodetic angles

We consider rotations A, B of finite order in SO(3), about axes separated by an angle of restricted type, and attempt to classify the possible group relations between A and B . We show that the relations responsible for the symmetries of Platonic solids have consequences far beyond that simple geometric setting.
Computing with structured neural networks

The authors are concerned with how one can design, realize, and analyze networks that embody the specific computational structures needed to solve hard problems. They focus on the design and use of massively parallel connectionist computational models, particularly in artificial intelligence. They describe a computing environment for working with structured networks and present some sample applications. Throughout, they treat adaptation and learning as ways to improve structured networks, not as replacements for analysis and design. >
Chromosomal ARS1 Has a Single Leading Strand Start Site

Initiation sites for DNA synthesis in the chromosomal autonomously replicating sequence (ARS)1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were detected at the nucleotide level. The transition from discontinuous to continuous synthesis defines the origin of bidirectional replication (OBR), which mapped adjacent to the origin recognition complex binding site. To ascertain which sites represented starts for leading or lagging strands, we characterized DNA replication from ARS1 in a cdc9 (DNA ligase I) mutant, defective for joining Okazaki fragments. Leading strand synthesis in ARS1 initiated at only a single site, the OBR. Thus, replication in S. cerevisiae is not initiated stochastically by choosing one out of multiple possible sites but, rather, is a highly regulated process with one precise start point.
Feminist Views on the English Stage: Women Playwrights, 1990–2000. By Elaine Aston. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003; pp. 238. $75 cloth.

Elaine Aston begins Feminist Views on the English Stage by pondering why, given the optimism for English feminist theatre at the close of the 1980s, the 1990s saw a diminishing interest in women's voices. She asks, “If ‘masculinity and its discontents’ culturally and theatrically moved centre stage in the 1990s, what happened to women and to feminism?”(5) In order to counteract the prevailing view of the 1990s as a decade dominated by the overarching theme of “masculinity in crisis,” she focuses her book on women playwrights. Aston detects a theatrical backlash against the partial advances made by women playwrights during the 1980s, mirroring a backlash against feminism within popular culture in general. In contrast to the “shock fests” of the reemergent “angry young men,” who have often been charged with nihilism, she argues that the works she examines remain politically engaged. Aston explains that Feminist Views is motivated by her desire to prevent women playwrights from being “written out” of the theatrical record.
Solving eigenvalue problems by implicit decomposition

This paper presents three innovative methods for solving eigenvalue problems for differential equations based upon the techniques of implicit decomposition developed by Luo and Friedman. An eigenvalue problem can be written as an approximate algebraic system of the form [K]{X} + λ[M]{X} = 0 by employing finite elements. These methods provide robust techniques to compute the real eigenpair, λ and {X}, where [K] and [M] can be asymmetric, indefinite, and even singular.
Collective instabilities and high-gain regime in a free electron laser

Abstract We study the behavior of a free electron laser in the high gain regime, and the conditions for the emergence of a collective instability in the electron beam-undulator-field system. Our equations, in the appropriate limit, yield the traditional small gain formula. In the nonlinear regime, numerical solutions of the coupled equations of motion support the correctness of our proposed empirical estimator for the build-up time of the pulses, and indicate the existence of optimum parameters for the production of high peak-power radiation.
On the equivalence of two Welch-Berlekamp key equations and their error evaluators

We present two lemmas relating polynomials occurring in the derivations of the Welch-Berlekamp (WB) key equation for Reed-Solomon codes. The lemma provides the connection between the conventional Welch-Berlekamp form of the key equation and the nullspace-based derivation of Dabiri and Blake. The second lemma allows the error values for the Dabiri Blake formulation to be computed based on the error values for the Welch-Berlekamp form.
Hodgkin lymphoma in a renal transplant recipient associated with low peripheral blood Epstein-Barr virus genome copies.

Abstract Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders are often accompanied by >500 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome copies/105 lymphocytes, and they occur shortly after transplantation. Hodgkin lymphoma occurs rarely after transplantation, appearing a mean of 4.2 years posttransplant, and although Hodgkin lymphoma has strong associations with EBV, no quantitative analysis of peripheral blood EBV genome copies has been reported. A mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma developed in a 17-year-old boy 4 years after a renal transplant. Serial EBV genome copy numbers from blood by competitive polymerase chain reaction had been obtained to assess for lymphoproliferative disease. Epstein-Barr virus genome copy numbers peaked at 500 copies/105 lymphocytes 8 months prior to Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis but fell to 8 copies/105 lymphocytes at diagnosis. Reliance on EBV levels greater than 500 copies may result in delay of biopsy and diagnosis of Hodgkin disease in the posttransplant setting.
Radiation of ion acoustic waves in a dispersive positive ion-negative ion plasma

Experimental results that illustrate some properties of the radiation of a longitudinal ion acoustic wave launched from a solid metal disk antenna inserted in a dispersive positive-ion-negative-ion plasma are presented. The negative ions replace the free electrons in the plasma and increase the electron Debye length, hence increasing the dispersion of the plasma. It is observed that the radiation of waves in a dispersive media is significantly more complicated than in a nondispersive media. It is not possible to draw one universal radiation pattern for the radiation of the waves in this case, since so many frequency components are present in the wave and they change as the wave evolves. >
uSOL: A programming language for sensor networks

We present an event-driven synchronous programming environment for coordinating and reorganizing sensor networks. More precisely, we present a synchronous programming language uSOL (secure operations language with uncertainty) that has capabilities of handling service invocations asynchronously, provides strong typing to ensure enforcement of information flow and security policies, has constructs for handling uncertainty, and has the ability to deal with failures (both benign and byzantine) of network components.
FAYETTEVILLE GREEN LAKE, NEW YORK. I. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL LIMNOLOGY1

A new bathymetric map of Fayetteville Green Lake, New York, has been made. From morphometric parameters and an approximation of the density differential between the mixolimnion and monimolimnion ( Ap = 0.6 X lob3 g cmm3), a meromictic stability of 1,700 g-cm cme2 was estimated. From semimonthly measurements of temperature over a 2-yr period, the work of the wind in distributing summer mixolimnetic heat income ( 16,800 g cal cms2) was 760 g-cm cm-‘. Surface runoff from the 4.33 km2 drainage area of Green and Round Lakes supplies less than 50% of the observed outflow of Green Lake (3.3 x 10” m3/yr) in 1967. A theoretical replenishment time of the total Green Lake water mass was estimated as 2 to 3 years, or 1.0 to 1.7 years if the monimolimnion was considered static. Concentrations of major elements are given for the Green Lake water column and for groundwater of the area.
Photopic sensitivities to ultraviolet and visible wavelengths and the effects of the macular pigments in human aphakic observers

Psychophysical spectral sensitivities were obtained from aphakic human subjects in the photopic range. The foveal spectrum has a primary peak near 550 nm and a secondary peak about 0.7 log units lower around 380 nm. Off fovea, beyond most of the macular pigment, the curve is quite broad. While the peak is in the green, the gradual drop-off to 330 nm varies over only half a log unit. The two curves were compared in order to obtain an estimate of the macular pigments' spectrum. The macular pigments' curve has peaks at 460 and 490 nm as expected. It is broad and extends into the UV. These data suggest that the ocular media, including the macular pigments, have a profound effect on the spectral sensitivity.
Discovery of emerging patterns with immune network theory

This paper presents an immune network-based emergent pattern recognition method. The artificial immune network provides more flexible learning tools than neural networks and clustering technologies. With a neural network, a network structure has to be defined first. The immune network allows their components to change and learn patterns by changing the strength of connections between individual components. The presented computational model achieves emergent pattern recognition by dynamically constructing a network of feature vectors to represent the internal image of input data patterns. The immune network-based emergent pattern recognition approach has tested using a benchmark civil structure. The test result shows the feasibility of using the presented method for the emergent structural damage pattern recognition.
Retrospectives: Eugenics and Economics in the Progressive Era

During the Progressive Era, eugenic approaches to social and economic reform were popular, respectable and widespread. This essay documents the influence of eugenic ideas upon American economic reform, especially in the areas of immigration and labor reform, and tries to illuminate something of its causes and consequences.
A compiler generator for visual languages

Building a compiler for a visual programming language is a significant task, and is complicated by the difficulty in handling visual syntax. Object-oriented picture layout grammars are a grammar formalism for defining visual syntax that uses C++ to define graphical attributes and constraints. SPARGEN is a compiler-compiler that automatically generates a visual language compiler from an OOPLG specification. This paper describes how SPARGEN can be used to construct compilers for visual programming languages. >
Novel molecular imaging and nanophotonics detection principles and systems

The objective of this study is to present new methodologies, systems, and techniques for early cancer detection, assessment of disease, based on molecular imaging and nanophotonics concepts. The physical and engineering principles of a novel Near-Field Scanning Microscopy System operating on multispectral, Muller Matrix polarimetric/Stokes Polarization Parameter principles, for single-molecule imaging, tissue metabolic studies. In addition, the use of polar molecules, as new optical contrast agents for early cancer detection, is introduced and discussed. The system can be implemented with Mueller matrix/Stokes Polarization Parameters spectral difference (dual-energy) capabilities, providing both high contrast and high noise rejection.
Burning, tillage and herbicide effects on the soil microflora in a wheat-soybean double-crop system

Abstract As sustainable crop management systems are developed, an assessement of the effects of these practices on the soil microflora is essential to ensure maximum productivity. A 3-year field study was established to determine the effects of crop residue burning, no-till management and four preemergence herbicides on soil microorganisms. Numbers of actinomycetes, algae, bacteria, fungi and nitrifiers were evaluated during the soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merrill] growing season in a wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)-soybean double-cropping system. Residue burning and tillage had no effect on numbers of bacteria and nitrifiers. Non-disturbed (non-burned or no-till) plots had greater numbers of actinomycetes, algae and fungi 7 days after herbicide application each year, but the increases generally did not persist through the season. Herbicide application had no effect on microbial numbers. This is particularly important with recent increased emphasis on protection of soil and water resources from pesticide contamination. As new management systems are developed, their effects on biological properties must be carefully assessed, since the soil microflora play such a vital role.