cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implications of laser light characteristics on the Raman signal-to-noise ratio in diagnostic analysis of glioblastoma multiforme

The presented work is part of a study investigating the surgical diagnostic potential of Raman spectroscopy for the malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
DNA modification promoted by water-soluble nickel(II) salen complexes: a switch to DNA alkylation.

Abstract Reaction of a 17-base hairpin-forming oligonucleotide with [N,N′-bis(salicylaldehyde)- meso -1,2-bis(4-trimethylaminophenyl)ethylenediimino]nickel(II) perchlorate, 2 , and KHSO 5 produced two types of high molecular weight products, an alkaline-labile species and a nonalkaline-labile species, which co-migrated on gel electrophoresis. Upon treatment with piperidine, the base-labile derivative led to strand scission products only at accessible guanine residues that were not part of a Watson-Crick duplex. The formation of higher molecular weight species is proposed to occur via a highly reactive ligand-centered radical acting as a DNA alkylating agent.
Laser-phase transition analogy: Tricritical points

Abstract It is shown that laser behavior near threshold displays the non-equilibrium analogue of a tricritical point in the ( E , S , δ) phase space, where E is the field; S , the injected signal; and δ, the population inversion. These tricritical points appear easily accessible to experiments of the form done by Chebotayev et al. with saturable absorbers.
Prediction of loss factors of curved sandwich beams

Abstract In this paper an analytical model for the coupled flexural and longitudinal vibration of a curved sandwich beam system is described. The system consists of a primary beam and a constraining beam with a viscoelastic damping material forming the core. The governing equations of motion for the forced vibration of the system are derived using the energy method and Hamilton's principle. Both shear and thickness deformation in the adhesive layer are included in the analysis. A matrix equation for solving the system resonance frequencies and loss factors is obtained by using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. A parametric study has been conducted to evaluate the effects of curvature, core thickness and adhesive shear modulus on the system resonance frequencies and loss factors. The implications of this parametric study on the damping effectiveness of the system along with some design guidelines are presented in the paper.
On the numerical stability of Volterra integral equations with delay argument

Abstract Stability properties of numerical methods for Volterra integral equations with delay arguments are considered. Some suitable definitions for the stability of the numerical methods are included and also plots of the stability regions for particular cases are included.
The Delphi method—a complement to research

In making fire safety decisions the designer often finds that some input variables concerning his problems are chance variables. As detailed statistical data are rarely available the designer must rely largely on his expert judgment. With the application of the Delphi method such decisions can be optimized and formalized. The essence of the Delphi method is described and its use illustrated through an example related to the assessment of fire resistance requirements.
Observations of a Stationary Mountain Wave and its Associated Momentum Flux and Energy Dissipation

Abstract Analysis is presented of data obtained from instrumented aircraft flying in a mountain wave of moderate amplitude west of Denver, Colo., on 17 February 1970. Emphasis is placed on determination of the downward flux of westerly momentum generated by the wave, for which accurate measurements of vertical velocities on scales of order 50 km are essential. Three different methods are applied and compared: direct aircraft measurement, using vanes and an inertial platform; evaluation from the steady-state equation for conservation of potential temperature; and integration of the steady-state continuity equation. Each method produces errors, but by combining the results of the three methods a profile is obtained which agrees. fairly well with a steady-state theoretical prediction. An important side result is the discovery that gust-probe equipment is apparently not necessary for the direct aircraft measurement of wave momentum flux, but an inertial platform or similarly stable attitude reference level is...
Interconversion of benzylidyne and methylbenzyne triosmium complexes

Abstract Pyrolysis of H3Os3(CO)9(μ3-CC6H5) (1) in a sealed glass tube at 220°C gives the known methylbenzyne complex H2Os3(CO)9(μ3,η 2-C6H3CH3) (2), previously prepared from Os3(CO)10(NCCH3)2 and toluene. Similar pyrolysis (220°C) of 2 either as a solid or in tridecane solution shows significant conversion to 1, demonstrating reversibility. Pyrolysis of H3Os3(CO)9(μ3-CC6D5) (1-d5) provides 2, which shows scrambling of the deuterium atoms into all sites by 1H NMR. However, pyrolysis of a mixture of 1 and D2Os3(CO)9(μ3,η2-C6D3CD3) (2-d8) gives 2 which is also just partially deuterated in all proton sites. Thus, intermolecular hydrogen/deuterium exchange accompanies the benzylidyne/methylbenzene interconversion.
Using conditioned food aversions to protect blueberries from birds: Comparison of two carbamate repellents

Abstract This study compared the effectiveness of two carbamate repellents (trimethacarb and methiocarb) in protecting blueberry fields from fruit loss caused by birds (primarily Northern Mockingbirds, European Starlings and Northern Orioles). Methiocarb and trimethacarb reduced berry loss significantly in the treated plots by 25 and 52%, respectively, during the first week after application. Differences between the two repellents in effectiviness, however, were not statistically significant. Moreover, neither repellent reduced berry loss significantly in adjacent untreated plots. These results indicate that both repellants caused birds to avert only from treated berries, and not from the taste or sight of blueberries themselves.
A general theory of aversion learning.

Infinitely various are the modifications of light and sound, whence they are each capable of supplying an endless variety of signs, and, accordingly, have been each employed to form languages; the one by the arbitrary appointment of mankind, the other by that of God himself. A connection established by the Author of Nature, in the ordinary course of things, may surely be called natural; as that made by men will be called artificial. GEORGE BERKELEY, 1733
Race, Political Empowerment, and Minority Perceptions of Judicial Fairness†

Objective. Recent studies of the impact of black elite electoral success on the system-supporting attitudes of black citizens have yielded mixed, but generally unimpressive, empirical results. We extend this limited research by examining the effects of the presence of black judicial officials on public attitudes toward a state judicial system. Methods. We employ data from a telephone survey of citizens in Mississippi and develop multivariate models to test for the effects of black judges on citizens' evaluations of the fairness of judges, equity in sentences, and overall impartiality of the state judicial system. Results. We find no systematic evidence that the election of black judicial officials ameliorates the suspicions of the black public regarding the fairness of the state courts. Conclusions. Our findings are in line with other recent studies on the limited effects of black elite electoral success on the attitudes of the black public and generally support a “political reality” model of political trust rather than an “empowerment model.”
Sentinel lymph node metastasis in experimental melanoma: relationships among primary tumor size, lymphatic vessel diameter and 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin clearance.

Background: This study was designed to investigate the relationships among primary tumor size, lymphatic vessel diameters, the incidence of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis and lymphatic clearance from murine footpad melanomas.
Enhanced directivity with array gratings

A planewave, incident on a panel, produces an acoustic trace wavelength that propagates along the surface of the panel. The trace wavelength excites the panel into vibration, creating structural waves within the panel that propagate. These structural waves can be purposely Bragg scattered, creating replicas of the trace wavenumber. The replicas are shifted in wavenumber precisely by the inverse of the periodic separation distance l. Hence, in principle, it should be possible to resolve the acoustic trace wavelength from one of the shifted replicas of the panel's response. The incident angle can then be ascertained from the replicated trace wavelengths.
Effect of Adsorption on Crystal Nucleation in Binary Droplets: Implication for the Formation of Nitric Acid Hydrate Particles

The adsorption of surfactant molecules at the droplet-vapor interface can affect the droplet surface tension and thus alter the rate of surface-stimulated crystal nucleation. Recently, we have shown that if the condition of partial wetting holds for at least one crystal facet then the crystallization process is most likely to initiate at the droplet surface. Here, we outline an adsorption model to determine the main physical characteristics of the interior and surface layer of a binary droplet. The theoretical model is illustrated by numerical calculations for aqueous nitric acid droplets. As expected, an increase in the surfactant concentration in the droplet interior lowers the droplet surface tension, which has an impeding effect on the surface-stimulated crystallization. However, we show that an increase in the surface-to-volume ratio of a droplet favors crystal nucleation at the surface not only kinetically but also thermodynamically. This occurs because for a given droplet composition smaller droplets have a higher surface tension. Thus, the impeding effect of a soluble surfactant on the surface mode of crystal nucleation becomes weaker as the droplet size decreases. Our results also show that for a fixed overall droplet composition the excess surface coverage decreases with decreasing droplet radius. The effect of organic contaminants on crystallization in aqueous nitric acid droplets is also qualitatively studied.
Understanding public resistance to messages about health disparities

Advocates and policymakers strategically communicate about health disparities in an effort to raise public awareness, often by emphasizing the social and economic factors that influence these disparities. Previous research suggests that predisposing political orientation and values related to self-reliance and personal responsibility may produce resistance to such messages. In this study, the authors culled 4 messages about the causes of disparities in life expectancy from public discourse and randomly presented them to a nationally representative sample of 732 Americans. Three indicators of message resistance were measured: belief that messages are weak, elicitation of anger, and production of counterarguments. Expected political differences in message resistance were identified, with Republicans perceiving messages to be weaker, arousing less anger, and eliciting more counterarguing than for Democrats. Among 3 messages that described the social determinants of health disparities, a message that identifi...
Iodination of anilines and phenols with 18-crown-6 supported ICl2-.

A highly crystalline iodinating reagent, {[K·18-C-6]ICl2}n, was synthesized in high yield (93%). The trihalide is supported by an 18-crown-6 macrocycle and forms a coordination polymer in the solid state. This reagent iodinates anilines and phenols efficiently under mild conditions. Controlled mono-iodination with anilines was easily achieved while poly-iodination was observed with phenols.
A Maximum Likelihood Method for Power Law Distributions ThatDoes Not Break Down When the Slope Is Close to Unity

A general maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method is given to analyze experimental data with a power law form with any power exponent which does not break down for a power close to −1. It contrasts thereby with a standard procedure that does. It can be extended to a power law with an exponential tail and more generally to other distribution forms. Inasmuch as the theoretical value of the power for dye-sensitized charge recombination in semiconductors systems, and for certain charge injection, is −1 (Chen, W.; Marcus, R. A., J. Phys. Chem. C, accepted), the present correction to the current MLE method has immediate application to the data in these systems, but it is equally applicable to other systems, regardless of whether the power is −1.
Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Carbonyl (2,4-Dinitrophenyl)hydrazones with Detection by Diode Array Ultraviolet Spectroscopy and by Atmospheric Pressure Negative Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

The (2,4-dinitrophenyl)hydrazones of carbonyls are separated by liquid chromatography and detected by ultraviolet spectroscopy (diode array detector) and by atmospheric pressure negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Results are presented for 78 carbonyls including 18 1-alkanals (from formaldehyde to octadecanal), 16 other saturated aliphatic carbonyls (5 C4−C7 aldehydes and 11 C3−C9 ketones), 16 unsaturated aliphatic carbonyls (9 C3−C11 aldehydes and 7 C4−C9 ketones), 13 aromatic carbonyls (including hydroxy- and/or methoxy-substituted compounds), 10 C2−C10 aliphatic dicarbonyls, 3 aliphatic carbonyl esters, and 2 other carbonyls. Isomers were observed for α,β-unsaturated ketones and saturated carbonyls that bear other oxygen-containing substituents, e.g. methoxyacetone, 2-furaldehyde, and the 3 carbonyl esters. For all but two of the carbonyls studied, the base peak in the negative APCI mass spectrum was the M − 1 ion (NO2)2C6H3NNCR1R2 (R1 = H for aldehydes), where M is the molecular mass of th...
All is not relative: Essential shared values and the press

Reporters and editors share values. If there were no shared values essential to the practice of journalism, it would be impossible to distinguish a journalist from other mass communicators. The set of journalistic values provides the base for an argument that journalists are pluralists, not relativists.
Families and schools together: Early behavioral intervention with high risk children

Scatter, an index of variability of daily written classwork around the child's baseline accuracy mean, was used to identify the most inconsistent and the most stable performance among students in 13 classrooms (grades 2–5). At baseline, inconsistent students differed significantly from stable students on prior identification as educationally handicapped, math and reading classwork consistency and accuracy, and 5 self-, peer-, and teacher-rating variables. Inconsistent students were randomly assigned within classes to experimental (20) and control (20) conditions. Families of the former children wrote and carried out contracts specifying rewards for teacher-notification of a daily mean which equaled or exceeded the child's baseline mean. Intervention brought significant reductions in scatter in the target academic subject and borderline increases in accuracy and selfratings of academic success compared to the control condition. After intervention, only math and reading accuracy and teacher identification of underachievers discriminated between the stable and experimental groups. Consensus between teachers indicated clinically significant improvement in 75% of children in the experimental condition.
Probability models for blackjack poker

For simplicity in calculation, previous analyses of blackjack poker have employed models which employ sampling with replacement. In order to assess what degree of error this may induce, the purpose here is to calculate results for a typical hand where sampling without replacement is employed. It is seen that significant error can result when long runs are required to complete the hand. The hand examined is itself of particular interest, as regards both its outstanding expectations of high yield and certain implications for pair splitting of two nines against the dealer's seven. Theoretical and experimental methods are used in order to determine whether the calculation can be truncated after the dealer's fifth card without significant loss of accuracy. Less than one tenth of one percent difference is observed between the fifth card truncated expectation and the experimentally obtained expectation.
Design of a Self-Actuating, Traction Drive System for High-Speed Ratios

Traction drive systems offer unique advantages over geared systems. They will typically run quieter and they can be designed to eliminate all backlash. Furthermore, rolling elements are easy to manufacture and the rolling motion will produce very efficient power transmission. In this paper the authors describe a two-stage, self-actuating, traction drive system that has been fabricated to produce a speed ratio of 50:1. Given specific values for coefficients of friction, the geometry of each stage of the device must be designed to ensure self-actuation. In addition, dimensions of the drive rollers and output rings for the two stages must be selected to ensure that one stage does not cause the other stage to overrun.© 2003 ASME
Role of Nitric Oxide in Hepatic Injury following Acute Endotoxemia

Hepatocytes from control and endotoxemic rats were cultured for 40 hours in 96-well dishes in medium containing 0-5 micrograms/ml of lipopolysaccharide in the presence or absence of 50 U/ml IFN gamma. Nitric oxide production was quantified by the accumulation of nitrite in the culture medium by the Greiss reaction. Hepatocyte proliferation and protein synthesis were measured by (3H)thymidine (TdR) and (3H)leucine (Leu) incorporation, respectively. Results are the mean +/- standard error of triplicate wells from four experiments.
Computing handle and tunnel loops with knot linking

Many applications seek to identify features like 'handles' and 'tunnels' in a shape bordered by a surface, embedded in three dimensions. To this end, we define handle and tunnel loops on surfaces which can help identify these features. We show that a closed surface of genus g always has g handle and g tunnel loops induced by the embedding. For a class of shapes that retract to graphs, we characterize these loops by a linking condition with these graphs. These characterizations lead to algorithms for detection and generation of these loops. We provide an implementation with applications to feature detection and topology simplification to show the effectiveness of the method.
Studies of verapamil binding to human serum albumin by high-performance affinity chromatography

The binding of verapamil to the protein human serum albumin (HSA) was examined by using high-performance affinity chromatography. Many previous reports have investigated the binding of verapamil with HSA, but the exact strength and nature of this interaction (e.g. the number and location of binding sites) is still unclear. In this study, frontal analysis indicated that at least one major binding site was present for R- and S-verapamil on HSA, with estimated association equilibrium constants on the order of 10(4)M(-1) and a 1.4-fold difference in these values for the verapamil enantiomers at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C. The presence of a second, weaker group of binding sites on HSA was also suggested by these results. Competitive binding studies using zonal elution were carried out between verapamil and various probe compounds that have known interactions with several major and minor sites on HSA. R/S-Verapamil was found to have direct competition with S-warfarin, indicating that verapamil was binding to Sudlow site I (i.e. the warfarin-azapropazone site of HSA). The average association equilibrium constant for R- and S-verapamil at this site was 1.4 (+/-0.1)x10(4)M(-1). Verapamil did not have any notable binding to Sudlow site II of HSA but did appear to have some weak allosteric interactions with l-tryptophan, a probe for this site. An allosteric interaction between verapamil and tamoxifen (a probe for the tamoxifen site) was also noted, which was consistent with the binding of verapamil at Sudlow site I. No interaction was seen between verapamil and digitoxin, a probe for the digitoxin site of HSA. These results gave good agreement with previous observations made in the literature and help provide a more detailed description of how verapamil is transported in blood and of how it may interact with other drugs in the body.
Evaluation of Egg-Laying Strains of Chickens in Different Housing Environments: Role of Genotype by Environment Interactions,

Abstract Relative performance levels were compared for White Leghorn pullets of a selected and an unselected control strain in different laying-house environments in each of two experiments. Experiment 1 involved single-bird cages, separated-strain flocks in floor pens, and intermingled-strain flocks in floor pens. In addition, Experiment 2 included a three-bird cage environment. Genotype by environment interactions were detected in Experiment 1 for egg and body weights and in Experiment 2 for rate of lay after sexual maturity, livability, egg weight, hen-housed rate of lay, egg mass, body weight, and body weight gain. Although fewer genotype by environment interactions were found in Experiment 1, there was a distinct tendency for the strains to differ (or fail to differ) in similar ways in each of the three environments compared in the two experiments. Pullets of the more aggressive and socially dominant selected strain were generally superior in performance to unselected strain pullets when they were intermingled in floor pens, but those differences tended to disappear when pullets of the two strains were kept in separated-strain flocks. These results are taken as indirect evidence supporting the conclusion that differences in stress associated with the social environment may contribute to genotype by housing environment interactions for performance traits. Selected strain pullets generally were superior to unselected strain pullets when kept in cages with unlimited feed available. Unselected strain pullets put on excessive weight in cages as indicated by both linear and curvilinear regression analyses; the lighter the pullets were in body weight the greater the number of eggs laid after 40 weeks old. However, under the same conditions, selected strain pullets were, on the average, near optimal body weight for maximum egg production during the latter part of the laying year.
Social norm based incentive mechanisms for peer-to-peer networks

In this paper, we build an analytical framework for the design and analysis of a new family of social norm based incentive mechanisms for peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. With this framework, we provide conditions on network parameters under which we can construct social norm equilibrium that induces peers to contribute their resources in their self-interest. Using an illustrative example of a social norm, we study the impacts of network parameters and non-strategic peers on the performance.
Undetected Hangman's Fracture in a Patient Referred for Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Neck Pain Following Trauma

Background and Purpose: This case report describes a patient referred for physical therapy treatment of neck pain who had an underlying hangman's fracture that precluded physical therapy intervention. Case Description: This case involved a 61-year-old man who had a sudden onset of neck pain after a motor vehicle accident 8 weeks before his initial physical therapy visit. Conventional radiographs of his cervical spine taken on the day of the accident did not reveal any abnormalities. Based on the findings at his initial physical therapy visit, the physical therapist ordered conventional radiographs of the cervical spine to rule out the possibility of an undetected fracture. Outcomes: The radiographs revealed bilateral C2 pars interarticularis defects consistent with a hangman's fracture. The patient was referred to a neurosurgeon for immediate review. Based on a normal neurological examination, a relatively low level of pain, and the results of radiographic flexion and extension views of the cervical spine (which revealed no evidence of instability), the neurosurgeon recommended that the patient continue with nonsurgical management. Discussion: In patients with neck pain caused by trauma, physical therapists should be alert for the presence of cervical spine fractures. Even if the initial radiographs are negative for a fracture, additional diagnostic imaging may be necessary for a small number of patients, because they may have undetected injuries that would necessitate medical referral and preclude physical therapy intervention.
Rotational thromboelastometry predicts thromboembolic complications after major non-cardiac surgery

Thromboembolic complications contribute substantially to perioperative morbidity and mortality. Routine laboratory tests do not detect patients with acquired or congenital hypercoagulability who may be at increased risk of perioperative thromboembolism. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a digitized modification of conventional thromboelastography that is stable and technically easy to use. We designed a prospective observational study to evaluate whether preoperative ROTEM can identify patients at increased risk for postoperative thromboembolic complications after major non-cardiac surgery. Preoperative ROTEM analysis using extrinsic rotational thromboelastometry (EXTEM), intrinsic rotational thromboelastometry (INTEM), and fibrinogen rotational thromboelastometry (FIBTEM) activators was performed on 313 patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. Patients’ medical records were reviewed after discharge for results of standard coagulation studies - partial thromboplastin time (PTT), international normalized ratio (INR), platelet count - and evidence of thromboembolic complications during their hospital stay. A thromboembolic complication was defined as a new arterial or deep venous thrombosis, catheter thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism diagnosed by ultrasound or spiral chest computed tomography. Ten patients developed postoperative thromboembolic complications, of whom 9 had received standard prophylaxis with subcutaneous enoxaparin or heparin. There was no indication of by PTT, INR, or platelet count. Preoperative EXTEM and INTEM activators that assess fibrin clot formation and platelet interaction indicated that these patients had significantly lower clot formation time (CFT) and significantly higher alpha angle (α) and maximum clot firmness (MCF), compared to patients without thromboembolic complications. There was no significant difference for any parameter using FIBTEM activator, which excludes platelet interaction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for these variables. INTEM clot firmness at 10 min (A10) was the best predictor of thromboembolic complications, with an ROC area under the curve of 0.751. Our results indicate that preoperative ROTEM assays that include fibrin clot and platelet interaction may detect patients at increased risk for postoperative thromboembolic complications after major non-cardiac surgery. Future studies need to evaluate the clinical utility and cost effectiveness of preoperative ROTEM and better define the association between ROTEM values and specific hypercoagulable conditions.
Modest but Variable Effect of Rifampin on Steady-State Plasma Pharmacokinetics of Efavirenz in Healthy African-American and Caucasian Volunteers

Efavirenz-based antiretroviral regimen is preferred during rifampin-containing tuberculosis therapy. However, current pharmacokinetic data are insufficient to guide optimized concurrent dosing. This study aimed to better characterize the effects of rifampin on efavirenz pharmacokinetics. Subjects were randomized to receive 600 mg efavirenz/day or 600 mg efavirenz with 600 mg rifampin/day for 8 days, with plasma samples collected for pharmacokinetic analysis over 24 h on day 8. Treatments were then crossed over after at least a 2-week washout period, and procedures were repeated. Efavirenz concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by noncompartmental analysis. Efavirenz pharmacokinetic differences between treatment periods were evaluated by paired t test. The coefficients of variation in efavirenz plasma AUC0-24 (area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h) were 50% and 56% in the absence and presence of rifampin, respectively. Of the 11 evaluable subjects (6 white, 5 black; 6 women, 5 men), the geometric mean AUC0-24 ratio on/off rifampin (90% confidence interval) was 0.82 (0.72, 0.92), with individual AUC0-24 ratios varying from 0.55 to 1.18. Five subjects had a 24-hour efavirenz concentration (C24) of <1,000 ng/ml on rifampin. They were more likely to have received a lower dose in milligrams/kilogram of body weight and to have lower efavirenz AUC0-24 values in the basal state. Although rifampin resulted in a modest reduction in efavirenz plasma exposure in subjects as a whole, there was high variability in responses between subjects, suggesting that efavirenz dose adjustment with rifampin may need to be individualized. Body weight and genetic factors will be important covariates in dosing algorithms.
Formulation and implementation of a ''residual-mean'' ocean circulation model

A parameterization of mesoscale eddies in coarse-resolution ocean general circulation models (GCM) is formulated and implemented using a residual-mean formalism. In that framework, mean buoyancy is advected by the residual velocity (the sum of the Eulerian and eddy-induced velocities) and modified by a residual flux which accounts for the diabatic effects of mesoscale eddies. The residual velocity is obtained by stepping forward a residual-mean momentum equation in which eddy stresses appear as forcing terms. Study of the spatial distribution of eddy stresses, derived by using them as control parameters to ‘‘fit’’ the residual-mean model to observations, supports the idea that eddy stresses can be likened to a vertical down-gradient flux of momentum with a coefficient which is constant in the vertical. The residual eddy flux is set to zero in the ocean interior, where mesoscale eddies are assumed to be quasi-adiabatic, but is parameterized by a horizontal down-gradient diffusivity near the surface where eddies develop a diabatic component as they stir properties horizontally across steep isopycnals. The residual-mean model is implemented and tested in the MIT general circulation model. It is shown that the resulting model (1) has a climatology that is superior to that obtained using the Gent and McWilliams parameterization scheme with a spatially uniform diffusivity and (2) allows one to significantly reduce the (spurious) horizontal viscosity used in coarseresolution GCMs. � 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Morphology and Composition of Influenza A Virus Particles Are Not Affected by Low Levels of M1 and M2 Proteins in Infected Cells

We generated a recombinant influenza A virus (Mmut) that produced low levels of matrix (M1) and M2 proteins in infected cells. Mmut virus propagated to significantly lower titers than did wild-type virus in cells infected at low multiplicity. By contrast, virion morphology and incorporation of viral proteins and vRNAs into virus particles were similar to those of wild-type virus. We propose that a threshold amount of M1 protein is needed for the assembly of viral components into an infectious particle and that budding is delayed in Mmut virus-infected cells until sufficient levels of M1 protein accumulate at the plasma membrane.
Training physician-scientists for the 1990s.

The author describes a paradox: on the one hand, remarkable strides have been made in biomedical research that have created unparalleled opportunities for progress in the understanding, prevention, and treatment of human diseases; yet on the other hand, too few people are being adequately trained to actualize the promise of these advances. Concerns that have been raised in the past concerning the training of physician-scientists are reviewed and general statements are made about their current availability. The status and health of M.D.-Ph.D. programs are discussed, because many think this kind of program is an important mechanism for training the biomedical researchers of the future. New initiatives under way to encourage careers in research are considered and recommendations are made for the future support of research training and encouragement of the exceptional young people who are entering the research pipeline.
Energetics of quantum antidot states in the quantum Hall regime

We report experiments on the energy structure of antidot-bound states. By measuring resonant tunneling linewidths as a function of temperature, we determine the coupling to the remote global gate voltage and find that the effects of interelectron interaction dominate. Within a simple model, we also determine the energy spacing of the antidot-bound states, self-consistent edge electric field, and edge excitation drift velocity. @S0163-1829~98!50512-7# Quantum antidots in quantum Hall ~QH! regime were successfully used to demonstrate charge rigidity ~quantization! of a QH condensate and to measure the charge of elementary excitations, both in the integer and fractional QH effect. 1 In these experiments the quantized states were controlled electrostatically by a remote global gate, and therefore determination of the coupling parameter a between the gate voltage VG and the energy Em of the antidot-bound state at the chemical potential m, a5ud(Em2m)/dVGu, is necessary for quantitative interpretation of the results in terms of energy. In the case of quantum dots 2 this coupling is usually discussed within a phenomenological noninteracting electron model, which gives a in terms of geometrical capacitances only. On the other hand, for quantum antidots no attempt to measure or model the effect of a remote gate on energetics has been reported. In this paper we report experimental results on the energy structure of a quantum antidot in the quantum Hall regime. We study the energy spectrum of the antidot-bound states using the technique of thermal excitation. By measuring
Prediction in Selectionist Evolutionary Theory

Selectionist evolutionary theory has often been faulted for not making novel predictions that are surprising, risky, and correct. I argue that it in fact exhibits the theoretical virtue of predictive capacity in addition to two other virtues: explanatory unification and model fitting. Two case studies show the predictive capacity of selectionist evolutionary theory: parallel evolutionary change in E. coli and the origin of eukaryotic cells through endosymbiosis.
Peer-to-Peer Enterprise Data Backup over a Ren Cloud

Enterprise data backup is always a mission critical as well as resource straining operation. In the light of recent surge in near peta-byte databases universities are particularly searching for scalable solutions. Most world universities today are cluster connected via advanced research and education networks-known as RENs. This creates an excellent opportunity to build scalable distributed data-backup and recovery solutions by using each other's facilities. In this paper we present a network study for a distributed data-backup system which uses cloud like virtualization for almost indestructible data backup.
The value of social search: seeking collective personal experience in social Q&A

In this paper, we examine the value of social question-answering (Q&A) services as a platform for social search. We present a quasi-field study where we instructed 20 study participants to use a social Q&A service, Yahoo! Answers, for a period of one week, and interviewed them about their experience with Yahoo! Answers based on the questions (N=99) they posted to the site. The results indicate that participants turned to a social search system when they needed firsthand information, diverse perspectives, and others' value judgments. Participants also preferred social search systems over web search engines in situations where they could obtain tailored information, access original and non-popular information, filter out information, and interact with real people. Various strategies that participants employed to ensure that their questions would be likely to be answered were also identified. This study contributes to the field of information science by investigating a social Q&A service using the framework of social search from the information seeker's perspective. The results have implications for developers and designers of social search systems.
The structure and constituents of Kleinia aizoides DC

The microscopic structure of the leaf, stem, and root is described; it is featured by the presence of oil canals. The fresh leaves contain 95.83 per cent water and the dried leaves have 23.46 per cent ash. Other substances present are choline, fat, phytosterol, inulin, and citric, malic, and oxalic acids. A substance similar to vitamin K1 is indicated by infrared analysis and activity in chicks.
Teacher Recruitment in a School Reform State: Factors that Influence Applicant Attraction to Teaching Vacancies.

This study addressed applicant reactions to teaching positions announced in recruitment media. The independent variables were school classification based on standardized student achievement tests (in need of assistance, progressing, meets goal), signing bonus (10% initial signing bonus, no bonus), and teaching experience (experienced, inexperienced). The dependent variable was applicant rating of the job. The design was a 2 × 2 × (3 × S) split-plot ANOVA. Applicants rated jobs at in-need-of-assistance schools lower than jobs at progressing schools and meets-goal schools, and progressing schools were rated lower than meets-goal schools (ω = .52). Inexperienced teachers rated jobs more favorably than experienced teachers, holding all other factors constant (ω = .113). There was also a significant school classification by signing bonus interaction (ω = .02). Results affect teacher recruitment practice and future research.
Architectonics of Phage-Liposome Nanowebs as Optimized Photosensitizer Vehicles for Photodynamic Cancer Therapy

Filamentous M13 phage can be engineered to display cancer cell-targeting or tumor-homing peptides through phage display. It would be highly desirable if the tumor-targeting phage can also carry anticancer drugs to deliver them to the cancer cells. We studied the evolution of structures of the complexes between anionic filamentous M13 phage and cationic serum-stable liposomes that encapsulate the monomeric photosensitizer zinc naphthalocyanine. At specific phage-liposome ratios, multiple phage nanofibers and liposomes are interwoven into a "nanoweb." The chemical and biological properties of the phage-liposome nanoweb were evaluated for possible application in drug delivery. This study highlights the ability of phage-liposome nanowebs to serve as efficient carriers in the transport of photosensitizers to cancer cells.
Visualizing the Landscape of Selection Biomarkers in Current Phase III Oncology Clinical Trials

Selection biomarkers are disease-associated analytes whose measurement is either an essential step in patient screening or the primary objective of a clinical trial. The public database ClinicalTrials.gov contains information on most active phase III oncology clinical trials that can be examined for trends in the development of cancer therapies. But for selection biomarkers, such information is not easily accessible and so has not been examined in a comprehensive way. Here we provide a global analysis of selection biomarkers currently in use in the oncology phase III trial arena.
Amplification of optical delay by use of matched linearly chirped fiber Bragg gratings.

We describe the use of a matched linearly chirped fiber Bragg grating (FBG) pair as a key element in an adjustable optical delay line. This delay line has the unique property that the achievable optical group delay is orders of magnitude greater (factor of 10^2 in our experiment) than the actual physical displacement. We demonstrate operation of such an optical delay line over a delay range of 3.5 mm using a pair of matched 1300-nm chirped FBGs with a bandwidth of 20 nm each.
Impact of aerosols and atmospheric thermodynamics on cloud properties within the climate system

A combination of cloud-top and columnar droplet sizes derived from the multi Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) sensors reveals the sensitivity of the aerosols effect on cloud-precipitation process due to environmental vertical thermodynamic structure. First, the magnitude of aerosol indirect effect could be larger with the analysis of columnar droplet sizes than that derived from the cloud-top droplet sizes, since column-droplet size can account for the broader droplet spectra in the cloud layers. Second, a combination of cloud- top and columnar droplet sizes reveals that the warm rain process is prevented regardless of the aerosols concentration under a high static stability such as when a strong temperature inversion exists, while a high aerosol concentration suppresses the warm rain formulation under a low static stability.
Design considerations for a fuel cell powered dc-dc converter for portable applications

Fuel cells are emerging as primary power source for portable applications. The output voltage from a fuel cell suffers from a 2 to 1 variation from no load to full load. Furthermore, staking fewer cells in series results in a less complex fuel cell stack. In view of this a boost type dc-dc converter becomes necessary for powering the electronics. The purpose of this paper is to explore design considerations for a fuel cell powered dc-dc converter for portable applications. First, methods to determine electrical equivalent circuit for small portable fuel cells is discussed. The equivalent circuit is then employed to evaluate the system transient response for load changes and determine the effects of continues and discontinues conduction operation of the dc-dc converter on the fuel cell performance. Finally, experimental results on 20W and SOW PEM fuel cell powered dc-dc converters are presented.
Enhancing Conversation Skills in Children With Autism via Video Technology Which Is Better, "Self" or "Other" as a Model?

The present study was designed to compare the efficacy of "self" versus "other" video-modeling interventions. Five children with autism ranging in age from 4 to 11 were taught to answer a series of conversation questions in both self and other video-modeled conditions. Results were evaluated using a combination of a multiple baseline and alternating treatments design. Three out of the five participants performed at levels of 100% accuracy at posttreatment. Results indicated no overall difference in rate of task acquisition between the two conditions, implying that children who were successful at learning from video in general, learned equally as well via both treatment approaches. Anecdotal evidence suggested that participants who were successful with video treatment had higher visual learning skills than children who were unsuccessful with this approach. Results are discussed in terms of a visual learning model for children with autism.
Validating the Interpersonal Communication Assessment Scale.

Despite the centrality of interpersonal communication in nursing, there are few psychometrically sound instruments to measure the communication competencies of undergraduate and graduate nursing students. This article reports on the development and testing of the Interpersonal Communication Assessment Scale (ICAS), which was designed to assess the communication competencies of students in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Retroductive triangulation, using both deductive and inductive methods, and the Model of Relational Competence guided the measure's conceptualization and development. We used responses from 531 (24%) undergraduate and graduate clinical faculty from 246 American Association of Colleges of Nursing member schools for the psychometric testing of the 54-item content-validated and pilot-tested ICAS . Exploratory-factor analysis resulted in a three-factor solution labeled as advocacy, therapeutic use of self, and validation. These factors accounted for 60% of the variance. Items that loaded .60 or higher were retained, resulting in a 23-item scale with a Cronbach's α of .96. The ICAS significantly differentiated the communication competencies of beginning and graduating students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The ICAS was found to have construct validity and internal consistency, underscoring its potential as a formative and summative tool to assess the interpersonal communication competencies of nursing students.
Global, seasonal cloud variations from satellite radiance measurements. II - Cloud properties and radiative effects

Cloud and surface radiative properties and their effects on the earth and surface radiation budgets are obtained based on global daily visible and IR radiance measurements. The magnitude of cloud property variations and their effects on radiation increase strongly with decreasing space/time scales. Cloud properties are systematically different between land and ocean, with ocean having larger cloud cover with somewhat larger optical thicknesses and lower cloud top altitudes. Although cloud variations appear to be the primary cause of regional radiation budget variability at 5-30 daytime scales, the effects of their seasonal variations at larger spatial scales are less important than the changes associated with changes in solar declination and atmospheric/surface temperatures. The largest seasonal variations in radiation occur in the 30-60 deg latitude band in each hemisphere. Although clouds have a net cooling effect on the global, annual mean radiation balance at both the top of the atmosphere and the surface, their net effect on regional, seasonal balances is much more varied.
Invisible Asian Americans: The Intersection of Sexuality, Race, and Education among Gay Asian Americans.

Most research on Asian American education has centered on addressing and deconstructing the model minority stereotype. While recent studies have highlighted the socioeconomic and cultural heterogeneity among Asian American students, few have examined how sexual identity and masculinity mitigate their academic experiences. In this article, we draw on the educational narratives of 35 Asian American gay men to address this gap. Though research on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students has emphasized bullying, our findings show that the relationship between sexuality and schooling is more nuanced than studies suggest. Our article reveals that while anti-gay bullying is prevalent, Asian American gay students play up aspects of their racial identity and even strategically capitalize on the model minority stereotype to evade harassment. Ultimately, our study highlights the need for educators to remain mindful of how the intersection of sexuality and race affect the school climate and educational ...
Effect of Physical Forces on Bladder Smooth Muscle and Urothelium

AbstractAbnormalities in bladder physiology may be due to obstruction (pressure) and/or neurological impairment. Clinically they can result in an increase in connective tissue and a decrease in bladder compliance. To study the effects of physical forces on the bladder without the influence of the nerves we developed a cellular model system by isolating the 2 major cell types in the bladder: smooth muscle and urothelial cells. Extracellular matrix protein biosynthesis by these 2 cell types in vitro has been characterized by metabolic labeling of proteins with [14C] radiolabeled proline and analysis by gel electrophoresis. These studies demonstrate that fetal bovine bladder smooth muscle and urothelial cells synthesize fibronectin and types I and III interstitial collagen.Since bladder cells exist in an active physical environment, we have attempted to simulate this at the cellular level. Using a device developed in our laboratory, we applied a precise and reproducible mechanical strain (physical force) to ...