cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gating NO release from nitric oxide synthase.

We have investigated the kinetics of NO escape from Geobacillus stearothermophilus nitric oxide synthase (gsNOS). Previous work indicated that NO release was gated at position 223 in mammalian enzymes; our kinetics experiments include mutants at that position along with measurements on the wild type enzyme. Employing stopped-flow UV–vis methods, reactions were triggered by mixing a reduced enzyme/N-hydroxy-l-arginine complex with an aerated buffer solution. NO release kinetics were obtained for wt NOS and three mutants (H134S, I223V, H134S/I223V). We have confirmed that wt gsNOS has the lowest NO release rate of known NOS enzymes, whether bacterial or mammalian. We also have found that steric clashes at positions 223 and 134 hinder NO escape, as judged by enhanced rates in the single mutants. The empirical rate of NO release from the gsNOS double mutant (H134/I223V) is nearly as rapid as that of the fastest mammalian enzymes, demonstrating that both positions 223 and 134 function as gates for escape of the product diatomic molecule.
Thirty Years into the HIV Epidemic: Social Work Perspectives and Prospects

June 5, 2011, marked the thirtieth anniversary of the publication of the first case reports of HIV among gay men in San Francisco and Los Angeles, generally the point in time agreed upon as the sta...
The behaviour of particles in a sinusoidal velocity field

A non-linear Langevin equation has been developed that represents the general behaviour of free particles in a sinusoidal velocity field. Analysis shows that a linear drag law, in which the frictional force is directly proportional to the relative particle-fluid velocity (Stokes's law), does not result in a stable particle motion. However, a non-linear relation in which the drag is proportional to the square of the relative velocity (Newton's law) leads to the Mathieu equation, when it may be shown that stable particle trajectories may occur in certain ranges of frequency and amplitude. Stability criteria based on the Mathieu equation are applied to bubble-liquid systems in the sonic and ultrasonic regions, to liquid drop systems in pulse columns and to solid-liquid systems by using drag coefficients obtained from measurements of terminal velocities. The agreement between the theoretical and observed frequencies indicates that the velocity profile around a particle in a sinusoidal field is approximated by a quasi-steady state distribution and that transient effects may be neglected for the separated flow conditions considered in the present communication.
Viscosity Anomaly and Charge Fluctuations in Dilute AOT Microemulsions with X < 20

An experimental investigation of the viscosity and microstructure of AOT/water/n-decane inverse microemulsions examines the maximum in the low shear viscosity as a function of the molar ratio of added water to surfactant, X, at a fixed volume fraction of droplets. Dilute viscometry and dynamic and static light scattering link the phenomena directly to a maximum in the attraction between droplets around X = 8. The strength of the attraction is quantified by static light scattering and compared with estimates via Baxter's adhesive hard sphere model from the viscometric and dynamic light scattering data. Together these confirm the connection, though the latter values exceed those from static light scattering, presumably due to an inaccurate treatment of hydrodynamic interactions. The exchange of ions between droplets is demonstrated to produce an attraction of sufficient strength and appropriate dependence on X with much less than one charge per droplet.
Lipid composition of the helminth parasite Taenia crassiceps

Abstract 1. 1. Lipids account for 8.2% of the total dry weight of the larvae of Taenia crassiceps . 2. 2. Neutral lipids were the most abundant class, contributing 64% to the total lipid extract. 3. 3. The major components were cholesterol, triglycerides, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine. 4. 4. Five different glycolipids were detected; all were identified as glycosphingolipids. 5. 5. Octadecanoic, oleic, linoleic, docosanoic and docosahexaenoic were the major fatty acids of each lipid class.
EFFECT OF THE SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH GRAVES’ DISEASE, MYXEDEMA AND ACROMEGALY UPON THE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION (QO2) OF GUINEA PIG THYROID

IN A PREVIOUS PAPER (1) it was shown that the action of human serum upon the oxygen absorption of guinea pig thyroid tissue is determined by the algebraic sum of the concentration of thyroid hormone and thyrotropic hormone contained therein. Thyrotropic hormone raises 2O2, thyroid hormone lowers it. The hormones can be added to serum in such quantities that their actions completely cancel one another. In the present paper such an approach has been utilized for the study of the hormone balance in clinical disease. The determination of oxygen consumption (2O2) of thyroid tissue exposed to patients' serum was by the standard technique of Warburg. The technique of preparation of tissues and sera was described in the first paper (1). Observations were made in 5 cases of acromegaly, 4 of classic Graves' disease, 1 of the type of Graves' disease with dissociation of ophthalmopathy and thyrotoxicosis (2), 2 of untreated myxedema and 1 of treated myxedema (these 3 were all primary thyroid myxedema).
Active Silicon Photonic Devices and Integrated Circuits

A number of important breakthroughs in the past decade have focused attention on Si as a photonic platform. We review here recent progress in this field, focusing on efforts to make lasers, amplifiers, modulators and photodetectors on or in silicon. We also describe progress in silicon photonic integrated circuits. The impact active silicon photonic integrated circuits could have on telecommunications and on silicon electronics is reviewed.
The StarLight space interferometer: optical design and performance modeling

The StarLight mission aimed to place the first formation flying optical interferometer into space in year 2006. Utilizing two spacecraft to form a long baseline Michelson interferometer, it would measure white light fringes on a number of partially resolved stars of magnitudes >5 in the wavelength range 600 to 1000 nm. The interferometer baseline is variable between 30 and 125 m, and also has a fixed 1.3 m mode. The spacecraft are flown in a parabolic geometry which requires an optical delay line to build up more than 14 m of delay on one arm of the interferometer. To obtain high fringe visibility, starlight wavefront, pointing and intensity must be preserved through 22 reflections from mirrors and beamsplitters. The alignment of a total of 27 optics is maintained through careful thermal design and the use of two actuated mirrors on each arm. This paper describes the optical layout, including the beam combiner design which allows star tracking, optical system alignment and fringe formation on a single CCD. The effects of diffraction of the starlight transferred from a distant spacecraft and from optical surface imperfections are modeled. Other contributors to the visibility budget and the resulting variation of fringe visibility across the focal plane are discussed.
Encoding and decoding messages with chaotic lasers

We investigate the structure of the strange attractor of a chaotic loss-modulated solid-state laser utilizing return maps based on a combination of intensity maxima and interspike intervals, as opposed to those utilizing Poincar{acute e} sections defined by the intensity maxima of the laser ({dot I}=0,{umlt I}{lt}0) alone. We find both experimentally and numerically that a simple, intrinsic relationship exists between an intensity maximum and the pair of preceding and succeeding interspike intervals. In addition, we numerically investigate encoding messages on the output of a chaotic transmitter laser and its subsequent decoding by a similar receiver laser. By exploiting the relationship between the intensity maxima and the interspike intervals, we demonstrate that the method utilized to encode the message is vital to the system{close_quote}s ability to hide the signal from unwanted deciphering. In this work alternative methods are studied in order to encode messages by modulating the magnitude of pumping of the transmitter laser and also by driving its loss modulation with more than one frequency. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Database e-portfolio systems: A critical appraisal

Abstract This article surveys trends in the e-portfolio boom, relating the development of database portfolio systems to portfolio pedagogy. As the market for enterprise-level database systems has grown, portfolio has spread to become a term used to describe systems from assessment initiatives to institutional portals to academic records management tools. After examining materials and demonstration sites, I found that despite sometimes hyperbolic marketing, database portfolio systems have a troubling and mixed relationship to portfolio pedagogy. The article first discusses central concepts—not of portfolios per se, but of portfolio pedagogy. The article then surveys the development of the boom in enterprise database systems and chronicles prominent trends in those systems. Finally, the article makes critical recommendations for realigning database portfolio systems with portfolio pedagogy, and calls for greater involvement of computers and writing scholars in the development of database portfolios.
Does a pulsed food supply to the benthos affect polychaete recruitment patterns in the Northeast Water Polynya

Abstract Recently, researchers have discovered that deep-sea species from many phyla exhibit distinct seasonality in reproductive effort. Many of these studies describe the seasonality as correlating with pulsed sedimentation of phytodetritus to the benthos. The Northeast Water Polynya provides an ideal system in which to test whether a compressed season of pelagic productivity corresponds to recruitment patterns in benthic organisms. We took sediment cores at a station nine times between 30 May and 11 August 1993 and assessed seasonal patterns in recruitment and benthic pigment concentration. Two distinct, but compositionally different, peaks in benthic pigment concentration were observed during this period. While total polychaete recruitment showed a broad mid-summer peak in intensity, at the taxonomic level of family and below, peaks were sharper and suggested seasonal recruitment events. No support, however, was identified for synchrony of reproduction with pulses of sedimenting food from the water column, indicating that food limitation does not explain reproductive patterns in this region. Trophic dynamics, including differential feeding, predation, and survival patterns among recruits, may provide a mechanism for the observed lag time between pulses of food and recruitment, but additional study is required to resolve the determining factors.
The political economy of fertility

This paper studies the political economy of fertility. Specifically, I argue that fertility may be a strategic choice for ethnic groups engaged in redistributive conflict. I first present a simple conflict model where high fertility is optimal for each ethnic group if and only if the economy’s ethnic diversity is high, institutions are weak, or both. I then test the model in a cross-national dataset. Consistent with the theory, I find that economies where the product of ethnic diversity and a measure of institutional weakness is high have increased fertility rates. I conclude that fertility may depend on political factors.
Edwin Grant Conklin (1863–1952) and the Great Divide: Creation Versus Evolution

In 1959, c. p. snow (1), the British scientist and novelist, delivered the Rede Lecture in the Senate House, Cambridge, UK. It was later published as “The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution.” This highly controversial essay brought to the fore the notion that there existed a lack of communication between science and the humanities. Although it spurred disparaging remarks, as well as outrage from many proponents of the British educational system [cf. F. R. Leavis (2)] and more recently, by Stephen Jay Gould (3), a sober reading of Snow’s argument tends to give credence to his premise that the use of vastly different languages, modes of reasoning, and lack of interest had prevented any mutual understanding between the two camps. Although the disparity appears to have narrowed over the years, e.g., medical schools and biomedical departments now welcome applications from students whose earlier studies had concentrated on literature, philosophy, and related nonscientific subjects, it remains a disconcerting presence in discourses on climate change, pollution, tsunamis, and other global concerns. These are not the subjects of this essay, but there are issues that today raise similar concerns. I refer here to the great divide between science and religion. This was brought to mind by a recent feature article in The New York Times, entitled “College Is Torn: Can Darwin and Eden Coexist?” (4). It focuses on Bryan College, an evangelical Christian college, named after William Jennings Bryan (the prosecutor at the
Biogenesis of Mitochondria in Germinating Peanut Cotyledons

The increase in respiratory activity in germinating peanut cotyledons has been correlated with an actual increase in mitochondria. Using sucrose gradient centrifugation, it was shown that succinoxidase activity is associated with a well-defined band of cell particulates of uniform density, size and ultrastructure. During germination the population of succinoxidase-containing particles increases, as shown by enzymatic assay, protein assay and direct particle counts with the phase contrast microscope.
Roentgenographic re-examination of the internal anatomy of the Taussig-Bing heart

Abstract A modification of the Wright double-contrast x-ray technique was used to clarify the internal anatomy of the original Taussig-Bing heart. The valves and ventricular outflow tracts were re-examined by marking internal structures with wires and radiopaque contrast material and then obtaining radiographs in standard and special views. These radiographs show valve positions and demonstrate that the pulmonary artery straddles the ventricular septal defect, and receives the outflow tracts of both left and right ventricles.
Evaluation of an Unsteady Flamelet Progress Variable Model for Autoignition and Flame Lift-Off in Diesel Jets

An unsteady flamelet progress variable (UFPV) model is evaluated for modeling autoignition and flame lift-off in diesel jets. Changes in injection pressure, orifice diameter, ambient temperature, density, and O2 concentration are considered. In implementing the model in a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) code, a look-up table of reaction source terms is generated as a function of mixture fraction Z, stoichiometric scalar dissipation rate χst and progress variable Cst by solving the unsteady flamelet equations. It is assumed that the probability density functions (pdfs) of Z, χst, and Cst are statistically independent, and presumed functions are employed for the pdfs. Comparisons with experimental results show that the model is able to predict ignition delay and flame lift-off with reasonable accuracy in the RANS simulations. The quantitative agreement between computed and measured results depends on the definitions employed to quantify autoignition time and lift-off height, but, in general, the agre...
The noradrenergic component contributing to spinal fentanyl-induced antinociception is supraspinally mediated.

1. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fitted with intrathecal (i.t.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) catheters. Fentanyl was injected either i.t. or i.c.v., and the antinociceptive efficacy of fentanyl was evaluated using the tail-flick analgesiometric assay. 2. Fentanyl dose-dependently elevated tail-flick latency (TFL) following i.c.v. or i.t. administration. The antinociceptive effects of fentanyl were reversed by naltrexone. 3. Experiments were also designed to evaluate the effects of serotonin and alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists on i.t. or i.c.v. fentanyl-induced elevations in TFL. 4. Phentolamine administered i.t. reversed both the spinal and supraspinal antinociceptive effects of fentanyl, whereas i.t. methysergide did not significantly alter the i.t. or i.c.v. effects of the mu agonist. 5. These data suggest that fentanyl-induced antinociception does not rely on local serotonergic neuronal activation. Due to the highly lipophilic nature of fentanyl, it is possible that the noradrenergic component contributing to spinal fentanyl-induced analgesia is supraspinally-mediated.
Office Design and Organizations: 2. The Testing of a Hypothetical Model

This paper describes the test of a hypothetical model which is an attempt to explain the relationship between the layout of office interiors and the structure of the organizations housed in them. The theoretical basis for the study was described in the first part of this paper.
FORMAL ASPECTS OF PROCEDURES: THE PROBLEM OF SEQUENTIAL CORRECTNESS

A formal, model-based approach is proposed for the development and evaluation of the sequences of actions specified in procedures. The approach employs methodologies developed within the discipline...
Rat brain hexokinase: glucose and glucose-6-phosphate binding sites and C-terminal amino acid of the purified enzyme.

Abstract The binding of glucose and glucose-6-P by pure rat brain hexokinase has been studied by using an ultrafiltration procedure [ H. Paulus (1969) Anal. Biochem. 32, 91–100 ]. Each mole of enzyme (molecular weight 98,000) binds 1 mole of glucose or 1 mole of glucose-6-P. The dissociation constant for the enzyme-glucose complex (0.04 m m ) is in excellent agreement with the kinetically determined Km for this substrate. The dissociation constant for the enzyme-glucose-6-P complex was estimated to be 1.3 μ m , substantially lower than values of 7–8 μ m obtained by alternative methods. This discrepancy appears to be due to retardation of the passage of the charged glucose-6-P through the ultrafiltration membrane, resulting in an effective increase in the ligand concentration at the membrane surface and thereby a decrease in the apparent dissociation constant. No appreciable retardation of the passage of the uncharged glucose molecule was observed. The binding of glucose-6-P (but not glucose) is prevented in the presence of Pi. This is in accord with a previously suggested model in which binding of Pi is considered to stabilize the enzyme in a conformation having little, if any, affinity for glucose-6-P. Serine was found as a C-terminal amino acid. The method used would not have detected C-terminal proline or tryptophan residues, and thus these cannot be excluded by the present experiments. However, in view of other results indicating that rat brain hexokinase consists of a single polypeptide chain, it seems probable that serine is indeed the only C-terminal amino acid in the molecule.
Stem cells stat, please!

Over the past decade, cytokine-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells have largely replaced bone marrow as a source of stem cells for both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Only 2 cytokines, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage–CSF (GM-CSF),
All-Atom Molecular Dynamic Simulations of Pulmonary Surfactant Protein Sp-B Interacting with Lipid Bilayers

Pulmonary lung surfactant protein B (SP-B) is a hydrophobic protein with 79 residues, from the saposin superfamily. The saposin superfamily proteins have a conserved pattern of 3 intra-chain disulfide bonds. SP-B associates with phospholipids at the air/water interface of the lungs and plays an essential role in respiration. Its mechanism appears to relate to SP-B's ability to modify the structures of phospholipid bilayers and monolayers. An experimental 3D structure of SP-B has not yet been determined. It is possible to produce homology models of SP-B based on other saposin superfamily proteins such as NK-Lysin, Saposin B, and Saposin C. However, the homology is relatively low and it is not known exactly which segments of SP-B are helical. More importantly, it is not clear if SP-B forms a closed structure, as in NK-lysin, or a more open structure, as in Saposin C. Whether SP-B is open or closed vastly modifies the hydrophobic surface that is exposed and the consequent mechanisms for interacting with the phospholipids. In this work, we start with different homology model structures for SP-B and different initial topologies for SP-B interacting with POPC lipid bilayers. Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out using GROMACS with the all-atom force field OPLS-AA.
CW laser action in acentric NdAl3(BO3)4 and KNdP4O12

Abstract We report low-threshold, room-temperature, cw lasing in two new high-Nd-concentration materials, NdAl 3 (BO 3 ) 4 and KNdP 4 O 12 , the first ones with acentric space groups. For both materials, thresholds below 1 mW and slope power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20% have been measured. Fluorescence spectra and lifetimes have been measured in Nd x Gd 1− x Al 3 (BO 3 ) 4 and Nd x Gd 1− x P 4 O 12 .
Photodecomposition of DDA

The photodecomposition of aqueous solutions of 2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl) acetic acid (DDA) was slow in sunlight and rapid in the laboratory, producingp,p′-dichlorobenzophenone (DCB),p-chlorobenzaldehyde,P-chlorophenol, and several unidentified polar products.p,p′-Di-chlorobenzilic acid, andp,p′-dichlorobenzhydrol gave rise to the same photoproducts, while bis-(p-chlorophenyl) methane (DDM) and chlorobenzilate were converted only to DCB. DCB andp-chlorobenzaldehyde proved to be resistant to photodegradation but gradually producedP-chlorobenzoic acid which, in turn, formedp-hydroxybenzoic and benzoic acids, probably the last environmentally detectable links in the long chain of DDT degradation to CO2 and water.
Women and Weight Gain in Urban India: Evidence from the National Family Health Surveys (1998–2006)

While malnutrition remains an important public health concern in poor countries, particularly among the rural and urban poor, overweight and obesity are emerging as important public health concerns for urban individuals. Globalization of the fast food industry and shifts in physical activity patterns in urban areas can result in different risks for overweight and obesity by socioeconomic status and sex for urban and rural residents. We examined Indian National Family Health Survey data, focusing on the association between urban residence and gains in body mass index among women (ages 15–49) in two survey rounds. We constructed multivariate models to assess the individual-level variation in BMI and the likelihood of becoming overweight or obese, finding that urban living is strongly associated with gains in BMI among women in India. Large cities have the highest proportions of overweight and obese women while spatial regression results suggest spatial clustering of higher BMIs in urbanized areas districts. Urban clustering of overweight and obesity may predict the future burden of chronic diseases for India but will benefit from further evaluation based on finer resolution data.
Regulation of 2'5'-oligo(A) polymerase activity in quiescent human fibroblasts treated with interferon.

Abstract Treatment of human foreskin fibroblast cultures with interferon results in a dose-dependent increase in 2′,5′-oligo(A) polymerase activity and inhibition of encephalomyocarditis virus RNA synthesis. Confluent fibroblasts continuously treated with 100 units/ml of interferon show an increase in 2′,5′-oligo(A) polymerase activity for the first 24 hr and a subsequent decrease in activity that is correlated with an attenuation of the antiviral state. Possible reasons for this decrease in 2′,5′-oligo(A) polymerase activity have been investigated. No changes in the growth characteristics of the quiescent fibroblasts have been detected upon treatment with interferon. Enzymatic activities that degrade 2′,5′-oligo(A) are not increased upon prolonged treatment with interferon. We conclude that the 2′,5′-oligo(A) polymerase activity in quiescent fibroblasts is unstable and is possibly subject to regulatory mechanisms, which prevent maintenance of high levels of this enzymatic activity.
Impact of economic changes on the diet of Chukotka Natives.

This paper describes and analyses changes in food composition and nutritional preferences among the Chukchi and Yupik of coastal Chukotka in the last 15 years. The economic collapse of the infrastructure of Chukotka region has resulted in many indigenous northerners reverting to the traditional subsistence economy. Relatively expensive market foods are being replaced by cheaper ones, and by more readily available local foods. Percent contribution of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates to total caloric intake has not changed substantially, but sources of the major nutrients have become different. In 1985, local marine mammals accounted for about half of the consumed meat (55%), while in 2000 the share of it increased to 89 %. Market fats and oils are also being substituted by the fat of marine mammals. However, the contemporary diet of the natives of coastal Chukotka differs significantly from the traditional one. The meat of seals and gray whales (small sized and less dangerous to harvest) remains seasonally accessible, but can not be stored for long times. There is an insufficient amount of walrus and bowhead whale meat, which can be prepared in traditional style by fermentation, and stored for a long time. This probably also provides a specific protection against Helicobacter pylori. The young people today are more oriented towards local food-stuff: 76 % Coastal Chukchee and Yupik under the age of 30 indicated a preference for native foods over European ("Russian") ones, while this share is lower (66 %) among people older than 30 years. Overall, 86 % of natives consider that whale hunting, as the main source of food, should be increased (in 1985, only 45% suggested so). (Int J Circumpolar Health 2004; 63(3):235-242) Keywords: Chukchi, demography, economic changes, food composition, market food, nutrition, nutritional preferences, traditional food, Yupik
Understanding drug release from poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) gels

Experimental and mathematical studies were performed to understand the release mechanism of small molecular weight compounds from poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) polymer gels (trademarked Pluronic by BASF Corp.) of various concentrations. Studies of the diffusion coefficient of solutes in the polymer gels were performed using a novel technique to predict movement of drugs within the gel as release occurs. Studies were also performed to determine the diffusion coefficient of water in the polymer gel, as it is this parameter that controls the dissolution rate of the polymer, and in turn, the drug release rate. A model was formulated and solved numerically to determine the controlling release mechanism. By parameter modification, this algorithm for determining the overall mass of drug released from a drug loaded gel can be used for a number of drugs and for a wide range of initial polymer concentrations. Drug release data were obtained with a novel experimental setup and were used to verify the accuracy of the overall solution of the model. The results of the model indicate that although the rate of polymer dissolution ultimately controls the drug release, about 5% of the release is due to diffusion at the gel/liquid interface, giving rise to a slightly non-linear release. It was also found that agitation speed greatly affects the dissolution rates of these polymer gels.
Animal Models of Head Trauma

Animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are used to elucidate primary and secondary sequelae underlying human head injury in an effort to identify potential neuroprotective therapies for developing and adult brains. The choice of experimental model depends upon both the research goal and underlying objectives. The intrinsic ability to study injury-induced changes in behavior, physiology, metabolism, the blood/tissue interface, the blood brain barrier, and/or inflammatory- and immune-mediated responses, makes in vivo TBI models essential for neurotrauma research. Whereas human TBI is a highly complex multifactorial disorder, animal trauma models tend to replicate only single factors involved in the pathobiology of head injury using genetically well-defined inbred animals of a single sex. Although such an experimental approach is helpful to delineate key injury mechanisms, the simplicity and hence inability of animal models to reflect the complexity of clinical head injury may underlie the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical trials of neuroprotective therapeutics. Thus, a search continues for new animal models, which would more closely mimic the highly heterogeneous nature of human TBI, and address key factors in treatment optimization.
Communication: satisfying fermionic statistics in the modeling of open time-dependent quantum systems with one-electron reduced density matrices.

For an open, time-dependent quantum system, Lindblad derived the most general modification of the quantum Liouville equation in the Markovian approximation that models environmental effects while preserving the non-negativity of the system’s density matrix. While Lindblad’s modification is correct for N-electron density matrices, solution of the Liouville equation with a Lindblad operator causes the one-electron reduced density matrix (1-RDM) to violate the Pauli exclusion principle. Consequently, after a short time, the 1-RDM is not representable by an ensemble N-electron density matrix (not ensemble N-representable). In this communication, we derive the necessary and sufficient constraints on the Lindbladian matrix within the Lindblad operator to ensure that the 1-RDM remains N-representable for all time. The theory is illustrated by considering the relaxation of an excitation in several molecules F2, N2, CO, and BeH2 subject to environmental noise.
Radiation and Atomic Literacy for Nonscientists

The student teams stand outside of their closed classroom door holding Geiger counters. Behind the door, the classroom has been salted with radioactive antiques, rocks, and commercially available sources. Their mission: safely locate the radioactive objects and quantify their radiation levels. Keenly aware that, thus far, they have only encountered background radiation, the team members wait expectantly, some uneasily, for this new task. Some of the team members are smiling, anticipating an experience something like a postapocalyptic Easter egg hunt. What will they find behind the door?
Revealed community equivalence scales

Abstract This paper estimates the equivalence scale revealed by discretionary community allocations of welfare benefits to poor households. I apply the proposed approach to a subsidized rice program in Indonesia in which villages designated program beneficiaries, and estimate the equivalence scale implicit in the beneficiaries they selected. I find that the “revealed community equivalence scale” for this program lies much closer to per capita expenditure than traditional demand-based equivalence scales, particularly in the poorest communities. This suggests that per capita expenditure may be closer to how poor communities actually compare households when allocating aid than previously thought.
Campaigns, Mobilization, and Turnout in Mayoral Elections:

Research on local turnout has focused on institutions, with little attention devoted to examining the impact of campaigns. Using an original data set containing information from 144 large U.S. citi...
Controlled attachment of gold nanoparticles on ordered titania nanotube arrays

Gold nanoparticles on titanium oxide support are known to have excellent properties suitable for photocatalytic applications such as water splitting, CO oxidation, etc. Recent advances in titania nanotube arrays synthesized by electrochemical anodization processes provide ideal supports for such applications. We report here for the first time the successful attachment of gold nanoparticles onto electrochemically-anodized titania nanotube arrays. A deposition-precipitation method has been used which is applicable for both low- and high-aspect ratio nanotubes, with lengths of the order of 0.5 µm and 5 µm respectively. Uniform coverage of gold nanoparticles both inside and outside the nanotubes has been achieved. Very good control over the gold nanoparticle diameters (in the range of 1–10 nm) and coverage percentage (up to 70%) has been demonstrated by adjusting the soaking time. With respect to immediate applications two specific results are promising: i) deposition of gold nanoparticles with diameters <5 nm, ideal for photocatalytic applications, has been achieved; ii) coalescence of nanoparticles to almost total coverage of the nanotube surfaces with a thin layer (∼10 nm) of metallic gold after very long exposure to the gold solution suggests the possibility of formation of localized Schottky barriers for current control.
Face-to-face bus design with built-in self-test in 3D ICs

This paper presents a bus structure, synchronization and test scheme for fast data transfer between logic dies in stacked 3D ICs using face-to-face (F2F) micro-bumps. The proposed design permits different designs, such as microprocessor, co-processor and accelerator, to be integrated together vertically with high bandwidth and low power, which is uniquely enabled by the dense F2F micro-bumps. We propose a new teleport-register-file structure and corresponding clock gating and switching techniques to synchronize data across multiple clock domains. Simultaneous bi-directional transfer is supported and 50% reduction of flip-flops compared with conventional synchronizer design. Moreover, a lightweight built-in-self-test (BIST) unit is integrated into the bus. The BIST unit allows for rapid stuck-at and transition fault testing of the 3D bus interconnects and associated logic, without the need for an external tester. BIST allows field testing and test/validation at later stages of 3D integration. The BIST architecture utilizes the architectures and functions inherent to the bus and requires little extra hardware or dedicated interconnects between dies. Functionality and performance demos are verified and simulated under .13 μm technology. The energy cost estimate is 0.22 pJ/bit and maximum bandwidth per area is 1.42 Tb/mm2.
Dopamine receptor responsivity in alcoholic patients before and after detoxification

Abstract Objective : To assess central dopamine receptor responsivity in alcoholic patients during their usual alcohol consumption and after detoxification. Method : Plasma prolactin levels were measured at 0, 30, 60, and 90 min after administration of 5 mg haloperidol i.m. in 21 hospitalized male alcoholic patients during usual alcohol consumption, and 13 days later (mean, range 7–17 days), after detoxification. The test was also performed in seven healthy male volunteers. The patterns of prolactin responses were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results : The prolactin responses to haloperidol increased significantly after detoxification compared to those during usual alcohol consumption (state×time interaction P P =0.03). Compared to controls, the responses of the patients before detoxification were lower (group-time interaction P =0.001), and the difference was not significant after detoxification ( P =0.19). The magnitude of plasma prolactin (PRL) responses were not related to duration of alcohol abuse, score in the Brief Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (BMAST) scale, or family history of alcoholism. Conclusions : Alcohol detoxification is accompanied by a normalization of the low responsivity of central dopaminergic receptors during alcohol abuse. The data support the hypothesis of a participation of the central dopaminergic system in alcohol dependence.
The New American History

Preface to the Revised and Expanded Edition - Eric Foner Introduction to the First Edition - Eric Foner Part I: Eras of the American Past 1. Beneficiaries of Catastrophe: The English Colonies in America - John M. Murin 2. The Revolutionary Generation: Ideology, Politics, and Culture in the Early Republic - Linda K. Kerber 3. Society, Politics, and the Market Revolution, 1815-1848 - Sean Wilentz 4. Slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction - Eric Foner 5. Public Life in Industrial America, 1877-1917 - Richard L. McCormick 6. Prosperity, Depression, and War, 1920-1945 - Alan Brinkley 7. America since 1945 - William H. Chafe Part II: Major Themes in American Experience 8. Intellectual and Cultural History - Thomas Bender 9. Western History - Richard White 10. Social History - Alice Kessler-Harris 11. U.S. Women's History - Linda Gordon 12. The History of the Family and the History of Sexuality - Estelle B. Freedman 13. African-American History - Thomas C. Holt 14. American Labor History - Leon Fink 15. Ethnicity and Immigration - Thomas B. Shenton and Kevin Kenny 16. Liberty and Power: U.S. Diplomatic History, 1750-1945 - Walter LaFeber About the Contributors
Osteoporosis medications used by older African-American women: effects of socioeconomic status and psychosocial factors.

This study examined the effects of socioeconomic status, knowledge and Health Belief Model variables on ever use of hormone therapy and other osteoporosis medications among older African–American women. One-hundred and two African–American women, 60 years old or older, randomly selected from Registers of Voters and a list of participants in educational activities of a university hospital, were interviewed in their homes. Data collected concerned knowledge of osteoporosis, Health Belief Model variables, and cues to action such as history of hysterectomy, personal and family history of cancer, bone mineral density testing, and discussion with a physician about osteoporosis. Socioeconomic status indicators included years of education and household income. The average respondent age was 71.1 years; 47% were current or previous users (ever users) of hormone therapy, and 11% were ever users of other osteoporosis medications. Knowledge of osteoporosis, (odds ratio = 1.4), Hormone therapy benefits, (odds ratio = 1.63), a hysterectomy (odds ratio = 4.35), and a family history of cancer (odds ratio = 4.0) increased the odds of ever using hormone therapy. Perceptions of susceptibility (odds ratio = 3.5) and discussion with a physician about osteoporosis (odds ratio = 6.4) increased odds of ever using other osteoporosis medications. Socioeconomic status mediated the effects of knowledge of osteoporosis on ever using hormone therapy. Efforts to promote bone health to older African–American women should focus primary efforts to increasing perceptions of susceptibility to fracture and persuading physicians to initiate discussions about fracture prevention with African–American patients before a fracture occurs.
McArdle's disease: Biochemical and molecular genetic studies

We have analyzed muscle biopsy specimens from 48 patients with biochemically proven phosphorylase deficiency (McArdle's disease) by sodium doDecemberylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), immunoblotting, and immunotitration (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]). Thirty-five of the 42 patients studied by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot, and 41 of the 48 patients studied by ELISA had no detectable enzyme protein. Six patients had Marchkedly Decemberreased phosphorylase protein by all three assays, and only 1 patient had a normal amount of protein. No apparent correlation existed between the presence or absence of enzyme protein and the clinical presentation or muscle glycogen concentration. Northern analysis was performed on muscle RNA in 4 patients: messenger RNA was normal in 2, abnormally short in 1, and absent in the fourth, indicating heterogeneity 0of the molecular lesion in McArdle's disease.
Epoxide hydrolase activities in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Epoxide hydrolase (EH) activity in Drosophila melanogaster cell fractions was characterized using juvenile hormone (JH III) and cis- stilbene oxide (CSO) as substrates. A comparison of detergents indicated that 0.3% Lubrol PX was relatively effective for solubilizing EH activity from the 20,000 and 100,000 g pellets. The effect of inhibitors, pH, temperature, salt and organic solvents on EH activity depended on the substrate and cell fraction tested, which suggested there were multiple activities present. For initial purification, polyethylene glycol was useful for precipitating EH activity from the 100,000 g supernatant.
A computational evaluation of the original and revised analytic hierarchy process

Abstract The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and its variants have long been used in numerous scientific and engineering applications. The present paper demonstrates that the original AHP and one of its variants have the potential to reach the wrong conclusion under certain circumstances. This paper examines the effectiveness of these two methods under the assumption that in reality the pairwise comparisons, which are used in these methods, take on continuous values. This assumption is made in order to capture the majority of the real world cases. The computational results in this paper demonstrate that when the above assumption is made, the AHP and the revised AHP might yield a different ranking of the alternatives than the ranking that would result if the actual relative importances were known. The same results also reveal a dramatic increase in the probability that an incorrect ranking occurs as the number of alternatives involved increases.
Revised Estimates of Growth Requirements and Lethal Temperature Limits of Juvenile Walleyes

Abstract The optimum temperature for growth of juvenile walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum) was estimated by rearing fish under a low light intensity (i.e., 5 1x). The upper lethal temperature was estimated by slowly raising the acclimation temperature 0.5°C/d until death occurred. The estimates of 26°C and 34.1°C, respectively, were similar to those observed for juvenile walleyes in outdoor experimental channels, but were higher than those determined in the laboratory by one of the present authors for Minnesota walleyes. Some possible sources of error include the light intensity differences between experiments, which can influence predator-prey interactions (ration levels) in laboratory tanks, and the methods of fish acclimation to lethal temperature.
One-stage R&D portfolio optimization with an application to solid oxide fuel cells

This paper provides an overview of the one-stage R&D portfolio optimization problem. It provides a novel problem model that can be solved with stochastic combinatorial optimization methods. Current solution methods are reviewed and a new method that scales to large problems, Stochastic Gradient Portfolio Optimization (SGPO), is proposed. Although SGPO is a heuristic method, we prove global convergence in certain conditions. SGPO is numerically compared to current optimization methods on a test case involving Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Cationic (Allyl)(arene)nickel(II) and (Allyl)(arene)palladium(II) Complexes

[(2-R-allyl)M(arene)]+ complexes (M = Pd, Ni; R = H, CH3, Cl; arene = mesitylene, hexamethylbenzene) have been synthesized via halide abstraction from the corresponding allyl halide dimers, [(allyl...
Far infrared dielectric loss and low frequency Raman scattering in chalcogenide glasses

Important information about the nature of the ubiquitous low frequency Raman peak (“Bose peak”), which is commonly observed in network glasses, can be obtained from a detailed comparison of the Raman Scattering and the far infrared dielectric loss. New dielectric loss data for vitreous As 2 Se 3 will be presented and interpreted in terms of a unified model for low frequency modes in this glass.
The Relationship between the Numbers and Distribution of some Antennal and Palpal Sense Organs and Host Preference in some Cuucoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Southern Africa

The mean number of antennal pits and the number of antennomeres which bear pits were determined in samples from 12 Culicoides species from southern Africa. Those species which are known to prefer avian hosts had more pits and more pit-bearing antennomeres than did those known to prefer mammals. Preference for mammals is indicated by 6 or fewer pit-bearing antennomeres and for birds by 12 or 13. A few species fall between these ranges and, as yet, adequate host preference data are lacking for them. The incidence of the pits on the proximal antennomeres might be used where the above 2 parameters are intermediate. The mean numbers of antennal sensilla basiconica appear to show no host relationship. The mean number of bulb-shaped sensilla in the palpal pits demonstrated host preference relationship for those species examined.
PyNAST: a flexible tool for aligning sequences to a template alignment

Motivation: The Nearest Alignment Space Termination (NAST) tool is commonly used in sequence-based microbial ecology community analysis, but due to the limited portability of the original implementation, it has not been as widely adopted as possible. Python Nearest Alignment Space Termination (PyNAST) is a complete reimplementation of NAST, which includes three convenient interfaces: a Mac OS X GUI, a command-line interface and a simple application programming interface (API). Results: The availability of PyNAST will make the popular NAST algorithm more portable and thereby applicable to datasets orders of magnitude larger by allowing users to install PyNAST on their own hardware. Additionally because users can align to arbitrary template alignments, a feature not available via the original NAST web interface, the NAST algorithm will be readily applicable to novel tasks outside of microbial community analysis. Availability: PyNAST is available at http://pynast.sourceforge.net. Contact: ude.odaroloc@thgink.bor
Perceptions of Sexual Risks and Injection for HIV among African American Women Who Use Crack Cocaine in Nashville, Tennessee

Significant health disparities in the rates of HIV infection primarily affect African American women. Although research has demonstrated that for some individuals HIV is connected to preventable high-risk behaviors related to substance use, a further examination of how these risks are perceived by the individuals involved in these activities is warranted. This study presents the results of 11 focus groups with 89 African American women who use crack cocaine in which respondents shared their perceptions of HIV risk behaviors. The results of this study suggest that women crack cocaine users in Nashville,Tennessee, are not injecting the drug. There appeared to be high levels of perceived sexual risks associated with the use of crack cocaine by some users; however, this was not universal, as many active users have internalized HIV prevention messages. The results of this study are significant in that further understanding of the means by which individuals experience their risk behaviors will enable more effective targeting of potential interventions to reduce the spread of HIV.