cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Allele-specific, selective amplification of a ribosomal RNA gene in tetrahymena thermophila

Abstract The amplification of ribosomal DNA during development of the somatic macronucleus In Tetrahymens thermophila was analyzed by genetic and molecular biological techniques. We have Identified an alternate form of the rDNA, structurally distinguishable from the wild-type by an extra cutting site for Bam HI in its nontranscribed spacer. The altered rDNA was Inherited in crosses in a simple Mendelian fashion, consistent with the presence of only one rRNA gene copy per haploid genome in the micronucleus. We therefore define a locus for the rRNA structural gene, the rdnA locus, with the allele determining the alternate form designated rdnA1 . In over 95% of T. thermophila clones heterozygous for the rdnA locus in the micronucleus ( rdnA1/rdn + ), the macronucleus, which develops from a division product of this micronucleus, contained almost exclusively rdnA1 -type amplified palindromic rDNA molecules. The rdnA1 allele is thus almost always dominant over the rdn + allele with respect to amplification. This genetic variant of the rdnA locus was used to show that the single, free, nonpalindromic rRNA genes, which are synthesized during rDNA amplification, are derived from micronuclear gene copies from both chromosomal homologs. We therefore conclude that in these heterozygotes, selective amplification of the rdnA1 allele is not caused by the production of only one type of free, single rRNA gene during amplification.
Educating the power industry workforce of the future

This is a summary of the presentation on the panel entitled "Power Industry Workforce of the Future" at the 2006 IEEE/PES GM in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
History of the National Kidney Foundation's research efforts

The research programs of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) are designed to foster research and training in renal disease by providing cutting edge, excellent, state of the art training in basic science, clinical, and translational research. Since the inception of the Fellowship training program in 1968, the beginning of the Young Investigator Grant program in 1987, and the establishment of the Clinical Scientist Award in 1994, hundreds of nephrologists and basic scientists have been supported by the NKF research programs. The annual budget for the various research and training programs of the NKF has increased from approximately $80,000 to more than $1,000,000 for the Fellowship training program, from about $90,000 to more than $400,000 for the Young Investigator Grant program, and from $50,000 to $500,000 annually for the Clinical Scientist award for a total of more than $2,000,000 annually, while future plans are to expand the research budget to almost $3,000,000 annually. In addition to these programs to support outstanding research and training from the national office, many Affiliate chapters of the NKF also support research and training as a mission. It is the goal of the NKF that the research supported by the NKF will ultimately be translated into improved quality of care for patients with kidney disease. Because progress in many diseases is hampered by a lack of knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of the disease, improved understanding of the mechanisms of renal disease will allow for the development of strategies to prevent or limit renal disease. The NKF is committed to continuing its focus on research and training as one of its major missions so that patients with kidney disease can live better lives in the next millennium.
Lame-Duck Diplomacy

The election of a president from another party should not constrain sitting presidents from pursuing foreign policy as they deem best. Here is a set of rules, however, to govern these transitions for both outgoing and incoming administrations.
Collagen–Glucosyl Transferase in Fibroblasts transformed by Oncogenic Viruses

SYNTHESIS of collagen—a principal product of fibroblasts—occurs in various cultured cells of fibroblastic and non-fibroblastic origin1–5. When tested in conditions allowing the maximal rate of collagen formation, virustransformed cells of fibroblastic origin produce less collagen per unit of protein synthesized than the non-transformed cells from which they were derived4. Some cells of non-fibroblastic origin synthesize collagen at about 5 per cent of the rate characteristic of fibroblasts, while in others collagen synthesis is virtually absent5. Thus synthesis of collagen is decreased (a) in virus-transformed cells of fibroblastic origin and (b) in cells of non-fibroblastic origin.
Quality of Whole Crop and Pressed Forage from Mechanically Dewatered Alfalfa, Red Clover, and Birdsfoot Trefoil

Forage harvesting techniques that reduce losses in yield and quality that normally occur during field wilting of silage and curing of hay are needed. A 2-yr field study was conducted to evaluate mechanical dewatering of first-cutting forage of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) harvested at four stages of maturity. Each species, grown on Plano silt loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, mesic Typic Argiudolls), was harvested at weekly intervals beginning on 27 May 1980 and 26 May 1981, and the forage was macerated and pressed at 6.9 × 10⁵ Pa for 2 min. Samples of the whole crop collected immediately after cutting and of the pressed forage were dried at 55°C to constant weight. Birdsfoot trefoil was the highest in N concentration of the three whole crops, and red clover was higher in N than alfalfa in 1 of the 2 yr. Pressed forage of alfalfa averaged 6.0 g kg⁻¹ less N than the whole crop. Pressed forage averaged 106, 151, and 49 g kg⁻¹ more neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than whole crop for alfalfa, red clover, and birdsfoot trefoil, respectively. Birdsfoot trefoil in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) was affected least by Pressing, and red clover IVDMD was affected most. Results of this 2-yr experiment indicate that mechanical dewatering reduced IVDMD and generally N, and increased NDF concentration. Differences in legume species response to pressing were substantial and would preclude generalization of mechanical dewatering responses across species. However, whole crop dry matter, N, and IVDMD predicted 0.81 or more of the variation in pressed forage IVDMD of the three species, indicating that pressed forage IVDMD predicted from whole crop composition. Contribution of the Dep. of Agronomy, University.of Kentucky, and the Dep. of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706. Research supported in part by the International Harvester Company. Article no. 86-3-215.
Day Roosts of Female Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes) in Xeric Forests of the Pacific Northwest

Abstract We radiotracked 25 adult female fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes) to day roosts in xeric ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests on the east side of the Cascade range in Washington and Oregon from 2001 to 2003. Bats were tracked for an average of 9.6 days/bat ± 0.1 SE for a total of 240 roost-days. Bats used 118 roosts, 93% of which were in the crevices of rocks. Pregnant females chose horizontal crevices 58.8% of the time, whereas lactating (60.9%) and postlactating (75%) females selected vertical crevices more often. There was no difference in crevice length or crevice width among roosts in rocks used by pregnant, lactating, and postlactating females. Snags were used as roosts on only 6 occasions, and all were in ponderosa pines situated within a single watershed. The largest emergence count of fringed myotis that we recorded was 118 bats from a ponderosa pine snag. Snags used as roosts were larger in diameter, taller in height, and extended farther above the local canopy than random snags. B...
Endoscopic verification of the sphenoid sinus.

Background: Differentiating between posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses can be difficult endoscopically. Anatomic relationships should guide surgery, irrespective of the ability to verify them with image guidance. The authors sought to verify an anatomic landmark found to be useful during endoscopic sinus surgery: the ability to see the sphenoid floor with a 0-degree nasal endoscope. Methods: The angle formed by a nasal endoscope placed at the sphenoid ostium and the mucosa of the sphenoid floor was measured in 93 consecutive sphenoid sinuses radiologically. Angles of view of 3 common endoscopes were directly measured and compared to the radiologic measurements. Results: The angle to the most inferior aerated portion of the sphenoid sinus averaged 113.6 degrees with a range of 77 to 145 degrees. The angle of view of the 3 endoscopes was found to be 38.1 degrees, 46.7 degrees, and 44.4 degrees. With these angles of view, the most inferior aerated portion of 100% of the radiologically assessed sinuses could not be seen with these endoscopes. Conclusion: Inability to see the mucosa of the floor of the sphenoid sinus with a 0-degree nasal endoscope appears to be a reliable finding. Individual variations that may affect this finding such as hypoplasia or severe mucosal edema should be identified preoperatively on imaging. In their absence, the inability to see the floor of an entered sinus with a 0-degree nasal endoscope provides another reliable clue to the position of the sphenoid sinus during endoscopic sinus surgery. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Functional damage thresholds of hafnia/silica coating designs for the NIF laser

Studies into the functional damage thresholds of hafnia/silica thin film coatings for the NIF laser have been conducted on two different-sized substrates: 50-mm-diam test substrates and full-sized (412 x 412 mm) NIF mirror substrates. For both studies, the optics were raster scanned by Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers emitting 1064-nm light with 10- ns pulse lengths. The coatings tested were primarily high reflectors, although polarizing beam splitter and anti- reflective thin films were tested on the small substrates. Tests were performed to find the functional damage threshold: the minimum fluence at which a damaged optic degrades the performance of the NIF laser, or, experimentally, the minimum fluence at which a damaged site begins to grow. Thus, the concern is with finding not only the fluence that caused a pit (for example) but also the fluence at which that pit begins to grow with subsequent laser shots. After a site begins a growth phase, the growth rate is measured as a function of fluence. This provides some information for predicting the optic lifetime for given operating limits of the laser.
Braille Touch: mobile touchscreen text entry for the visually impaired

We present a demonstration of BrailleTouch, an accessible keyboard for blind users on a touchscreen smartphone (see Figure 1). Based on the standard Perkins Brailler, BrailleTouch implements a six-key chorded braille soft keyboard [1]. We will briefly introduce audience members to the braille code, and then allow them to hold the BrailleTouch prototype and enter text, with the aid of a visual chart of the braille alphabet.
1‐Ethyl‐1,4‐dihydro‐4‐oxo‐7‐(pyridinyl)‐3‐quinolinecarboxylic acids. I. Synthesis of 3‐ and 4‐(3‐aminophenyl)pyridine intermediates

A series of substituted 3- and 4-(3-aminophenyl)pyridines has been prepared as intermediates for the synthesis of some 1-alkyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-7-pyridinyl-3-quinolinecarboxylic acids. The Hantzsch, Hauser and other pyridine syntheses were used. 4-(3-Aminophenyl)pyridine was prepared via 3-(4-pyridinyl)-2-cyclohexen-1-one using the Semmler-Wolff reaction.
Stabilization and scalable block preconditioning for the Navier-Stokes equations

This study compares several block-oriented preconditioners for the stabilized finite element discretization of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. This includes standard additive Schwarz domain decomposition methods, aggressive coarsening multigrid, and three preconditioners based on an approximate block LU factorization, specifically SIMPLEC, LSC, and PCD. Robustness is considered with a particular focus on the impact that different stabilization methods have on preconditioner performance. Additionally, parallel scaling studies are undertaken. The numerical results indicate that aggressive coarsening multigrid, LSC and PCD all have good algorithmic scalability. Coupling this with the fact that block methods can be applied to systems arising from stable mixed discretizations implies that these techniques are a promising direction for developing scalable methods for Navier-Stokes.
Reproductive conditions of the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) in the Hudson River

Ninety-four prespawning adult Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) were sampled in the Hudson River for age, sex, body size, gonad weight, fecundity, mature oocyte size, and plasma concentrations of gonadotropins, sex steroids, and vitellogenin during the spring spawning migrations in 1992 and 1993. In males, the age and total length ranged from 12 yr to 19 yr and from 133 cm to 204 cm and in females from 14 yr to 36 yr and from 197 cm to 254 cm. The majority of males were 13–16 yr old, and females were 16–20 yr old. Some females had residual atretic ovarian bodies, presumably remaining from a previous spawning and indicating iteroparity. Pre-ovulatory condition was recognized by migration of the germinal vesicle or by germinal vesicle breakdown and by significantly elevated plasma gonadotropins, progesterone, and vitellogenin. All pre-ovulatory females were captured upriver from Hudson River kilometer 136. Individual fecundity ranged from 0.4 million to 2.0 million eggs and oocyte diameter from 2.4 mm to 2.9 mm, and both characters exhibited a significant (p<0.05) positive relationship with female body size. Iteroparous females, tentatively identified by the presence of atretic bodies remaining in the ovary from a previous spawning, had significantly (p<0.05) higher fecundity and produced larger eggs, compared with females spawning presumably for the first time.
Toxicity of Cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum II given in a two‐hour outpatient regimen of diuresis and hydration

A two-hour program of hydration with 2 liters of 0.45% saline-5% dextrose and diuresis with furosemide and mannitol was employed to administer cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) on an outpatient basis; 760 courses were administered to 158 patients. The dose was 50 mg/M2 every three to four weeks, and was given in combination with other anti-neoplastic agents in all but two patients. Only eight patients (5.13%) ever became azotemic. Of these, only three ever had serum creatinine determinations greater than 2 mg/dI, and azotemia was reversible in two months in all but one. Risk of azotemia did not increase with increasing cumulative dose. There were two anaphylactoid reactions, one sudden death, and two cases of hearing loss. Nausea and vomiting were universal, and often severe. This program of hydration and diuresis allows convenient outpatient administration of this drug with minor risk of mild nephrotoxicity.
The effect of platelet activating factor on different phases of murine in vitro fertilization.

Our purpose was to examine the effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) in different phases of mouse in vitro fertilization and optimal parameters that would enhance the fertilization rate.
China's regional sustainability and diversified resource allocation: DEA environmental assessment on economic development and air pollution

Abstract Environmental protection, including the prevention of air pollution and health hazard materials such as PM2.5 and PM10, is now a very serious policy issue in China after attaining the rapid economic growth and development. The PM stands for “Particular Matter”, indicating the size of both solid particles and liquid droplets found in air. Unfortunately, the economic development has produced a serious healthcare problem in not only China and other surrounding nations. To enhance people's healthcare and appeal a good national image to the world, China is recently looking for the new industrial and environmental policy direction to attain social sustainability in terms of economic development and environmental prevention. To discuss policy implications on the new policy direction, this study utilizes Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for assessment on its regional performance by incorporating PM2.5 and PM10 as undesirable outputs, along with two disposability concepts (i.e. natural disposability and managerial disposability). No previous DEA study has incorporated the amount of PM2.5 and PM10 in empirical investigation. Using a simulated data set for the period of 2013–2014, this study measures the efficiency of municipality cities under four different types of regional classifications. The empirical results indicate that the Chinese government should distribute its economic resources to cities, which locate in the northwest region (including Lanzhou, Xining, Yinchuan and Urumqi), and reinforce more strict regulation on energy consumptions for environmental prevention in major cities (e.g. Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Chongqing). The industrial policy change from the economic growth to the environment protection is essential for the future of China, which is currently the second largest economic power in the world. The environmental protection can enhance the China's image of contributing in economics, industry and environmental protection to all other nations. It can be envisioned that the new policy effort reduces the regional imbalance and increases the social sustainability in China. The empirical findings and policy implications discussed in this study are applicable to not only China but also other industrial and developing nations and those are useful in guiding their industrial and environmental policy development.
A complementary molecular-model (including field and current) for TDDB in SiO 2 dielectrics

Abstract A molecular physics-based complementary model, which includes both field and current, is introduced to help resolve the E versus 1/E TDDB model controversy that has existed for many years It is shown here that either TDDB model can be valid for certain specified field, temperature, and molecular bonding-energy ranges. For bond strengths ox
Integrity of functional self-assembled monolayers on hydrogen-terminated silicon-on-insulator wafers

Abstract Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers are commonly used to design microelectronics, energy conversion, and sensing devices. Thin solid films on the surfaces of SOI wafers have been a subject of numerous studies. However, SOI wafers modified by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) that can also be used as functional device platforms have been investigated to a much lesser extent. In the present work, tert-butoxycarbonyl (t-boc, (CH3)3–C–O–C( O)–)-protected 1-amino-10-undecene monolayers were covalently attached to a H-terminated SOI (1 0 0) surface. The modified wafers were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to confirm the stability of the SAM/Si interface and the integrity of the secondary amine in the SAM. The transmission electron microscopy investigation suggested that this t-boc-protected 1-amino-10-undecene SAM produces atomically flat interface with the 2 μm single crystalline silicon of the SOI wafer, that the SiOx and both available Si/SiOx interfaces are preserved, and that the organic monolayers are stable, with apparent thickness of 1.7 nm, which is consistent with the result of the density functional theory modeling of the molecular features within a SAM.
Effect of the length of the substituents on the phase structure and transition behavior of a series of laterally attached side-chain liquid-crystalline polynorbornenes

A series of polynorbornenes (PNBEs) with 1,4-bis[(3′-fluoro-4′-n-alkoxyphenyl)ethynyl]benzene mesogens (n = 1–12, where n is the number of methylene units in the substituents of the mesogens) laterally attached to polymer backbones through a one-carbon spacer were previously synthesized by the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of the corresponding norbornene-based monomers. Differential scanning calorimetric results showed that the first-order transition temperatures exhibit an odd–even alternation, especially when PNBEs have lower values of n. PNBE (n = 8), similar to the previously studied PNBEs (n = 9–12), shows a smectic C (SC) phase at room temperature (Kim, Pugh, and Cheng, Macromolecules, 33, 8983, 2000.) According to one- and two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray scattering experiments, PNBEs (n = 2–7) exhibit a nematic (N) phase with SC fluctuations, whereas for PNBE (n = 1), only an N phase is observed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 3029–3037, 2001
Trade-off between efficiency and linearity in an RF-power amplifier

RF-power amplifiers are used in a variety of applications including radio and TV transmitters, wireless communications, satellite communication systems and RF-power heating. Power efficiency and amplifier linearity are two key parameters which play a significant role in the design of modern power amplifiers. It is well known that driving the amplifier into its non-linear region, e.g. Class C operation, may improve efficiency, but it will also lead to increased distortion. This article examines the trade-off between efficiency and linearity quantitatively and advances a useful design rule.
1049 An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in a day care center

Over a period of 2 months, 23 of 53 (43%) children attending a day care center and 15 of 104 (14%) household contacts developed diarrhea. Stool specimens from the children, their household contacts and personnel were cultured for Salmonella. Shiaella. Yersinia. Campylobacter, Aeromonas and Vibrio spp. organisms. Viral cultures were performed and presence of Rotavirus RNA was determined. Each specimen was tested for the presence of protozoal cysts and for helminth ova. The rapid dimethyl sulfoxide modified acid fast stain was used to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts. Cryptosporidium cocysts were identified in 13 of 2o (65%) symptomatic children tested, compared to 3 of 27 (11%) asymptomatic children (P<0.001). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in parents with diarrhea (15%) was not significantly different from the prevalence in parents without diarrhea (3%). Enteropathogenic bacteria, rotavirus and other protozoan parasites were ruled out as the cause of the diarrhea. Enteroviruses were cultured from 40% of the symptomatic children and 37% of the asymptomatic children. The pattern of appearance of new cases suggested human to human transmission. Diarrhea in family members was strongly associated with the presence of an ill child and especially a child with proven cryptosporidiosis. The present report shows that Cryptosporidium should be added to the list of organisms that can cause outbreaks of diarrhea in day care centers.
Should thrombolysis be contraindicated in patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations

Objectives: To report the successful and uncomplicated use of systemic thrombolysis for massive pulmonary embolism in a patient with a known cerebral arteriovenous malformation and to suggest that the presence of an unruptured arteriovenous malformation or aneurysm should not be considered an absolute contraindication to systemic thrombolysis. Design: Case report. Setting: A 16-bed adult neuroiogic/medical intensive care unit in a university hospital. Patients: A patient developed a massive pulmonary embolism the morning after elective cerebral embolization of a large unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Intervention: Radial artery catheterization, arterial blood gas measurements, mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, pulmonary perfusion scan, echocardiogram, head computed tomography, heparin therapy, and systemic recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy. Measurement and Main Results: The patient required emergent mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support for respiratory and hemodynamic failure. Echocardiogram showed acute right heart failure, and pulmonary perfusion scan demonstrated massive pulmonary embolism. Despite intravenous heparin therapy, the patient had worsening hypotension and acidosis and we therefore treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Within the next day the patient was weaned from vasopressor support and extubated. Neurologic examination remained normal, and follow-up head computed tomography revealed no evidence of intracranial hemorrhage. Conclusion: Known arteriovenous malformations or aneurysms are considered a contraindication to thrombolysis, although the true risk of thromboiysis-precipitated intracranial hemorrhage is unknown. We believe that this risk is low in the setting of a previously unruptured arteriovenous malformation or aneurysm. The decision to use systemic thrombolysis in a patient with a known vascular malformation should be individualized. From the Neurogenetics Branch (CJS). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Heath, Bethesda, MD; and the Department of Neurology (JCH) and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine , University of California, San Francisco.
Nycthemeral variation in thermal dehydration-induced thirst

Abstract Temporal variation in spontaneous water intake in rats is well established but little is known about temporal variation in water intake following dehydration. In the present study different male Sprague-Dawley strain rats were exposed without water for 3 h to either a 25°C or a 40°C environment every 4 h for 20 h. The rats were then allowed access to water in a 25°C environment for 2 h. Rats exposed to 25°C showed significant temporal variation in evaporative water loss, urine output, urine sodium and potassium excretion, water intake, and percent rehydration with higher values occurring during the night. Rats exposed to 40°C had greater evaporative water loss, urine sodium excretion, feces output and water intake than the rats exposed to 25°C and had temporal variations which were similar to those of the rats exposed to 25°C. The robust effects of thermal-dehydration on water balance in rats are additive to rather than interactive with the effects of time of day.
Kamlet-Taft solvatochromic parameters of eight alkanolamines

The frequency maxima of four solvatochromic probes were measured (25, 50, and 75 °C) in eight liquid alkanolamine solvents. Additionally, the indices of refraction of the alkanolamine solvents were measured. The frequency maxima were used to calculate solvatochromic interaction parameters. The values of the solvatochromic parameters did not vary greatly from one alkanolamine to another; however, the values of the solvatochromic parameters were high, indicating strong interaction abilities in these solvents.
Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Is Involved in the Degradation of p53 Protein in the Bryostatin-1-induced Differentiation of the Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia NB4 Cell Line

Overexpression of mutant p53 has been reported to promote tumorigenicity in several cancers. However, despite its potential importance, the signals regulating mutant p53 protein expression are not known. Here we show that a form of p53 that is incapable of binding DNA is overexpressed in the acute promyelocytic leukemia NB4 cell line. Our results demonstrate that treatment of NB4 cells with bryostatin-1, which induces differentiation in this cell line, leads to hyperphosphorylation of this DNA binding-impaired form of p53 via mitogen-activated protein kinase. After this phosphorylation, the p53 protein is degraded by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. Furthermore, we show that inhibition of p53 hyperphosphorylation blocks p53 protein degradation and cell differentiation. In addition, inhibition of the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway also blocks p53 protein degradation and cell differentiation. These findings suggest a role for mitogen-activated protein kinase in the degradation of the DNA binding-impaired form of p53 protein and in the bryostatin-induced differentiation observed in this cell line. The implications of these results with respect to the functional significance of p53 phosphorylation and degradation in cell differentiation are discussed.
A numerical calculation of the excitation of helium II based on the hard-sphere model

Abstract In this letter we would like to report some numerical computations of a hard-sphere Boson system at liquid helium density. These computations are based on an exact iteration process from non-local field operators and with the core diameter taken as 2.1 A. The Hamiltonian includes only the repulsive hardcore taken into consideration via the algebra for these field operators developed in refs. 1 and 2. The numerical answer we obtained at liquid helium density shows apparently no zero-momentum condensate. However, the excitation spectrum is very close to the experimental one. It is interesting to point out also that such a conclusion implies that the three-body term treated by Wu in the dilute case actually contributes zero here.
Electron transfer through solid-electrolyte-interphase layers formed on Si anodes of Li-ion batteries

Abstract Solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films are formed on the electrode surfaces due to aggregation of products of reduction or oxidation of the electrolyte. These films may grow to thicknesses in the order of 50-100 nm and contain a variety of organic and inorganic products but their structure is not well defined. Although in some cases the films exert a passivating role, this is not always the case, and these phenomena are particularly more complex on Silicon anodes due to swelling and cracking of the electrode during lithiation and delithiation. Since the driving force for SEI growth is electron transfer, it is important to understand how electron transfer may keep occurring through the heterogeneous film once the bare electron surface is covered. Here we introduce a novel approach for studying electron transfer through model films and show preliminary results for the analysis of electron transfer through model composite interfacial systems integrated by electrode/SEI layer/electrolyte. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are used to identify deposition of SEI components, and a density functional theory/Green's function approach is utilized for characterizing electron transfer. Three degrees of lithiation are modeled for the electrodes, the SEI film is composed by LiF or Li2O, and the ethylene carbonate reduction is studied. An applied potential is used as driving force for the leakage current, which is evaluated as a function of the applied potential. Comparative analyses are done for LiF and Li2O model SEI layers.
A synopsis of the obligate and facultative insect parasitic nematodes.

Abstract There are great challenges ahead in the field of insect nematology, as members of most insect orders are known to have nematode parasites. A few aspects of nematode parasitism of insects have been given. The host external and internal effects, host behavior, and incidents of host mortality resulting from nematode parasitization is discussed. Microscopical examination is usually necessary for classifying nematodes. A modification of a method for the fixing and mounting of insect parasitic nematodes is provided. A key to the obligate and the facultative nematode parasites of insects is presented. The families Mermithidae, Tetradonematidae, Diplogasteridae, Rhabditidae, Steinernematidae, Panagrolaimidae, Allantonematidae, Syrphonemetidae, Neotylenchidae, Sphaerulariidae, Entaphelenchidae, Aphelenchoididae, Thelastomatidae, and Carabonematidae have been included. Reference has been made to original literature for descriptions and diagrams of nematodes of each family as an aid to identification.
Modeling of current-voltage characteristics of CdS/CdTe solar cells

An analytical model is developed to study the current–voltage characteristics of CdS/CdTe thin film solar cells by incorporating exponential photon absorption, carrier trapping, and carrier drift in the CdTe layer. An analytical expression for the external voltage dependent photocurrent is derived by solving the continuity equation for both electrons and holes. The overall load current is calculated considering the actual solar spectrum. It is found that the solar cell efficiency critically depends on the hole transport in the CdTe layer and the recombination current dominates over the ideal diode current. The theoretical model is fitted with the published experimental data and shows a very good agreement.
Technical Note: Controlled experimental aquarium system for multi-stressor investigation of carbonate chemistry, oxygen saturation, and temperature

As the field of ocean acidification has grown, researchers have increasingly turned to laboratory experiments to understand the impacts of increased CO 2 on marine organisms. However, other changes such as ocean warming and deoxygenation are occurring concurrently with the increasing CO 2 concentrations, complicating the understanding of the impacts of anthropogenic changes on organisms. This experimental aquarium design allows for independent regulation of CO 2 concentration, O 2 levels, and temperature in a controlled environment to study the impacts of multiple stressors. The system has the flexibility for a wide range of treatment chemistry, seawater volumes, and study organisms. Control of the seawater chemistry is achieved by equilibration of a chosen gas mixture with seawater using a Liqui-Cel ® membrane contactor. Included as examples, two experiments performed using the system have shown control of CO 2 at values between approximately 500 and 1400 μatm and O 2 at values from 80 to 240 μmol kg −1 . Temperature has been maintained to 0.5 °C or better in the range of 10–17 °C. On a weeklong timescale, the system has achieved variability in pH of less than 0.007 pH units and in oxygen concentration of less than 3.5 μmol kg −1 . Longer experiments, over a month in duration, have been completed with control to better than 0.08 pH units and 13 μmol kg −1 O 2 . The ability to study the impacts of multiple stressors in the laboratory simultaneously, as well as independently, will be an important part of understanding the response of marine organisms to a high-CO 2 world.
An Improved A-C Network Analyzer

This type of a-c network analyzer with its low volt-ampere base has proved to be of reliable design over a number of years of actual operating experience. The improved analyzer described in this paper incorporates many new features, including direct-reading master instruments, a fuller complement of generator instruments, pushbutton selection for meter readings, and complete factory assembly and testing. These features should further increase the usefulness of this tool in power-system design.
Local-moment paramagnetism in liquid tin-manganese alloys, and the occurence of a residual paramagnetism

Abstract Magnetic susceptibility measurements on alloys of manganese in liquid tin show the manganese ions to posses localized magnetic moments of effective magneton number 4.33 ± 0.03. The alloys also exhibit a residual paramagnetism, equivalent to 365 μ e.m.u./mole of Mn at infinite temperature.
Cerebral Laterality in Homosexual Males: Preliminary Communication Using Magnetoencephalography

MEG-based auditory M100 source location in the left and right hemispheres of 8 strictly homosexual and 9 strictly heterosexual males were compared to determine if this measure of interhemispheric laterality varies as a function of sexual orientation. MEG fields evoked by auditory tone pips were recorded from left and right hemispheres in response to contralateral ear stimulation. The source of the 100-msec latency component, generated in the superior temporal gyrus, was estimated using a least squares inverse solution algorithm. Auditory sources in heterosexual men were significantly further anterior in the right hemisphere compared to the left hemisphere. Source locations in the homosexual men did not exhibit significant interhemispheric asymmetry, being similarly located in both hemispheres. Findings suggest an anatomic and/or functional difference in the superior temporal gyrus of at least some homosexual men.
Gravlee Jet Irrigator as a Screening Method

To the Editor.— Endometrial cancer is a highly curable disease in its earliest stage. We agree with Twiggs et al (235:2748, 1976) that the symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding demand evaluation by surgical fractional curettage. On the other hand, we feel that the Gravlee jet endometrial irrigation technique may be of value as a screening method for detection of occult endometrial cancer in asymptomatic women at risk for this disease. In our experience with endometrial irrigation in screening asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, we have cytologically or histologically demonstrated each of five endometrial carcinomas that were diagnosed in a group of 40 patients who were then subjected to uterine curettage under anesthesia. 1 These tumors were histologically well differentiated or partially differentiated. It is further remarkable that the cervical-vaginal Papanicolaou smear was negative in each of these five patients. We do not feel that the irrigation technique
Locating phasor measurements and detecting cutset angles in power systems

The phase angle can measure the static stress in a power grid, and large phase-angle difference can indicate the instability of a grid. Ubiquitous placement of phasor measure units in a wide area can be costly and data intensive. Following the definition of the cutset proposed by Dobson et al. (2010), we develop optimization models to identify a cutset across which there is the largest angle difference. Locating phasor measurement units along the cutset can measure the instability between the partitioned areas. Results show that our method can increase awareness of the stress in a power system.
Kriging metamodeling for approximation of high-dimensional wave and surge responses in real-time storm/hurricane risk assessment

Abstract One of the important recent advances in the field of hurricane/storm modeling has been the development of high-fidelity numerical models that facilitate accurate but also computationally intensive simulations of hurricane responses. For efficient implementation in probabilistic hurricane risk assessment, that typically requires simulation of a large number of hurricane scenarios within the coastal regions of interest, combination with metamodeling approaches has been recently proposed. In this work, kriging is investigated for this purpose, focusing on implementation for real-time assessment, i.e. for evaluating risk during an incoming event (and prior to the hurricane/storm making landfall), and on facilitating the development of efficient standalone tools. An important characteristic of this application is that the model output is very high dimensional, since the hurricane response is calculated in a large coastal region and potentially at different time instances. This makes it impractical to establish a different metamodel for each different output. Considering, though, the potential –spatial and/or temporal- correlation between the different outputs combination with principal component analysis (PCA) is proposed here. This analysis extracts a much smaller number of latent outputs to approximate the initial high-dimensional output. A separate metamodel is then developed for each latent output. Comparisons between kriging with and without PCA and between kriging and moving least squares response surface approximations are discussed in terms of both computational efficiency (speed) and memory requirements. Both these are important considerations when discussing the development of standalone tools that can efficiently run in personal laptops (or even smartphones) of emergency response managers. The impact of the number of latent outputs considered is investigated in this context, and also the optimal selection of basis and correlation functions for the kriging is discussed. Finally for calculating risk the prediction error stemming from the metamodel is explicitly addressed (i.e., the assessment does not rely only on the mean kriging response). The proposed approach is demonstrated for real-time hurricane risk assessment for the Hawaiian Islands, focusing in the region around Oahu.
Lunar ultramafic glasses, chondrules and rocks.

Analysis of all samples returned by lunar missions before Apollo 15 has shown green glasses of ultramafic composition in soil and microbreccia samples. Ultramafic glasses in Apollos 11 and 14 and Luna 16 samples are rare and similar to each other in composition but different from any of the rocks collected at these sites. Details of work regarding Apollo 15 ultramafic green glasses are discussed together with questions of the origin of all green glasses.
Evolution of a non-Abelian cosmic string network

We describe a numerical simulation of the evolution of an S3 cosmic string network which takes fully into account the noncommutative nature of the cosmic string fluxes and the topological obstructions which hinder strings from moving past each other or intercommuting. The influence of initial conditions, string tensions, and other parameters on the network’s evolution is explored. Contrary to some previous suggestions, we find no strong evidence of the “freezing” required for a string-dominated cosmological scenario. Instead, the results in a broad range of regimes are consistent with the familiar scaling law, i.e., a constant number of strings per horizon volume. The size of this number, however, can vary quite a bit, as can other overall features. There is a surprisingly strong dependence on the statistical properties of the initial conditions. We also observe a rich variety of interesting new structures, such as light string webs stretched between heavier strings, which are not seen in Abelian networks.
Optical Spectroscopic Investigations of Model β-Sheet Hairpins in Aqueous Solution

In this contribution we report optical spectroscopic data on a series of designed β hairpins previously shown by NMR to contain a substantial population of β-sheet structure. These models contain a designed hydrophobic cluster and a dPro-Gly sequence to promote formation of a turn geometry. FTIR, electronic and vibrational CD (ECD and VCD) spectra for these small peptides are comparable to expected bandshapes for peptides of high β-sheet content. The dPro-Gly sequence provides a better turn motif than Asn-Gly as measured by its β-sheet spectral characteristics. IR and VCD spectra are in qualitative agreement with theoretical simulations based on transfer of parameters from ab initio quantum mechanical force field and intensity computations for the turn and strands. These calculations provide assignments for some distinguishing modes in both IR and VCD spectra. Increased sheet structure can be induced in these hairpins by use of mixed solvent conditions. Thermal denaturation studies reveal that these hairp...
Multiple positive and negative regulators of signaling by the EGF-receptor

Signaling via the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-receptor family is subject to regulation and modulation by multiple ligands, effectors and negative regulators, as well as regulation by heterodimerization between family members and crosstalk between heterologous signaling pathways. Besides serving as a paradigm for receptor tyrosine kinases in general, this family is crucial for development and is often mutated or amplified in human tumors.
Elevated temperature electrospinning of aqueous gelatin solution and crosslinking for tissue engineering applications

ECM is useful in providing growth and support to the cells as well as engineered tissues. There are various techniques for producing artificial matrix constructs to simulate the ECM. These include wet spinning, phase separation, dry spinning, and electrospinning. Electrospinning has advantages over other techniques as it can produce scaffolds which have a high surface area to volume ratio. Electrospinning is also capable of producing nanofibers from synthetic polymers as well as from natural polymers Ref. [1]. Gelatin has been electrospun from several different solvents Ref. [2]. In this work we have chosen water as the solvent because of its inherent non-cytotoxicity. When gelatin is dissolved in water it will form a semi-solid gel. Heating the solution will prevent the formation of gel. Electrospun gel fibers will dissolve in water and physiological fluids. To overcome the gelation, an apparatus has been constructed that allows gel solution to be electrospun at elevated temperature. As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus consists of a small insulated enclosure large enough to fit the electrospinning syringe. Heated air is supplied by a heating coil that is connected to a low pressure pump. The heating coil is connected to the Variac by which air can be heated in proportion to the voltage. The Variac is connected to the temperature controller which can turn the Variac on and off relative to a set temperature.
A high‐resolution whole‐genome map of the distinctive epigenomic landscape induced by butyrate in bovine cells

This report presents a study utilizing next-generation sequencing technology, combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-seq) technology to analyze histone modification induced by butyrate and to construct a high-definition map of the epigenomic landscape with normal histone H3 and H4 and their variants in bovine cells at the whole-genome scale. A total of 10 variants of histone H3 and H4 modifications were mapped at the whole-genome scale (acetyl-H3K18-ChIP-seq, trimethy-H3K9, histone H4 ChIP-seq, acetyl-H4K5 ChIP-seq, acetyl-H4K12 ChIP-seq, acetyl-H4K16 ChIP-seq, histone H3 ChIP-seq, acetyl H3H9 ChIP-seq, acetyl H3K27 ChIP-seq and tetra-acetyl H4 ChIP-seq). Integrated experiential data and an analysis of histone and histone modification at a single base resolution across the entire genome are presented. We analyzed the enriched binding regions in the proximal promoter (within 5 kb upstream or at the 5'-untranslated region from the transcriptional start site (TSS)), and the exon, intron and intergenic regions (defined by regions 25 kb upstream and 10 kb downstream from the TSS). A de novo search for the binding motif of the 10 ChIP-seq datasets discovered numerous motifs from each of the ChIP-seq datasets. These consensus sequences indicated that histone modification at different locations changes the histone H3 and H4 binding preferences. Nevertheless, a high degree of conservation in histone binding also was presented in these motifs. This first extensive epigenomic landscape mapping in bovine cells offers a new framework and a great resource for testing the role of epigenomes in cell function and transcriptomic regulation.
Vibrational parameters in crystals: Rigid and non-rigid molecules

Abstract In 1956, Cruickshank developed the theory for and made the first applications of the analysis of molecular motion in crystals on the basis of observed anisotropic atomic vibration (displacement) parameters. In this review of some recent work in this area, I consider first the calculation of the mean square displacement amplitude (MSDA) of an atom in any direction and then consider the use of differences in MSDA for pairs of atoms along their interatomic line. When the data are good, these differences will be smaller than about 1 × 10 −3 A = for bonded pairs (the Hirshfeld criterion), unless one of the atoms is hydrogen or deuterium, or a transition metal atom in a complex in which certain static or dynamic distortions are present. The MSDA difference will also be small for all pairs of atoms in a rigid portion of the molecule. Thus scrutiny of patterns of MSDA differences can reveal information about patterns of internal motion. The rigid-body model of molecular motion, developed originally by Cruickshank, is reviewed briefly, and modifications of it to allow for internal motion (e.g., torsion) of groups of atoms that are themselves reasonably rigid are discussed. Estimation of the amplitudes of internal motion can, in favorable cases lead to plausible estimates of frequencies, force constants and barriers for such motion. Examples of such an analysis, and its limitations, are considered for torsional motions of groups such as methyl, trifluoromethyl and t-butyl.