cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global-scale coherence modulation of radiation-belt electron loss from plasmaspheric hiss

Simultaneous measurements of structured radiation-belt electron losses (in the form of bremsstrahlung X-rays) and plasmaspheric hiss (which causes the losses) reveal that the loss dynamics is coherent with the hiss dynamics on spatial scales comparable to the size of the plasmasphere. The Van Allen radiation belts, consisting of energetic particles trapped in the Earth's magnetosphere, partly overlap with the plasmasphere, a region of high density that co-rotates with the Earth. Where this overlap occurs there is electron loss in the radiation belts. Long-term observations to date have been consistent with the theory that electron loss is due largely to interaction with an electromagnetic plasma wave called plasmaspheric hiss, but the temporal and spatial dynamics of the loss process remained unclear. This study uses simultaneous measurements of radiation-belt electron loss and plasmaspheric hiss to show that losses in the form of bremsstrahlung X-rays generated within the Earth's atmosphere arise from hiss-scattered electrons colliding with atmospheric neutrals after removal from the radiation belts. Loss dynamics are coherent with the hiss dynamics on spatial scales comparable to the size of the plasmasphere, and are subject to change on timescales as short as 1 to 20 minutes. Over 40 years ago it was suggested that electron loss in the region of the radiation belts that overlaps with the region of high plasma density called the plasmasphere, within four to five Earth radii1,2, arises largely from interaction with an electromagnetic plasma wave called plasmaspheric hiss3,4,5. This interaction strongly influences the evolution of the radiation belts during a geomagnetic storm, and over the course of many hours to days helps to return the radiation-belt structure to its ‘quiet’ pre-storm configuration. Observations have shown that the long-term electron-loss rate is consistent with this theory but the temporal and spatial dynamics of the loss process remain to be directly verified. Here we report simultaneous measurements of structured radiation-belt electron losses and the hiss phenomenon that causes the losses. Losses were observed in the form of bremsstrahlung X-rays generated by hiss-scattered electrons colliding with the Earth's atmosphere after removal from the radiation belts. Our results show that changes of up to an order of magnitude in the dynamics of electron loss arising from hiss occur on timescales as short as one to twenty minutes, in association with modulations in plasma density and magnetic field. Furthermore, these loss dynamics are coherent with hiss dynamics on spatial scales comparable to the size of the plasmasphere. This nearly global-scale coherence was not predicted and may affect the short-term evolution of the radiation belts during active times.
Subclonal components of consensus fitness in an RNA virus clone.

Most RNA virus populations exhibit extremely high mutation frequencies which generate complex, genetically heterogeneous populations referred to as quasi-species. Previous work has shown that when a large spectrum of the quasi-species is transferred, natural selection operates, leading to elimination of noncompetitive (inferior) genomes and rapid gains in fitness. However, whenever the population is repeatedly reduced to a single virion, variable declines in fitness occur as predicted by the Muller's ratchet hypothesis. Here, we quantitated the fitness of 98 subclones isolated from an RNA virus clonal population. We found a normal distribution around a lower fitness, with the average subclone being less fit than the parental clonal population. This finding demonstrates the phenotypic diversity in RNA virus populations and shows that, as expected, a large fraction of mutations generated during virus replication is deleterious. This clarifies the operation of Muller's ratchet and illustrates why a large number of virions must be transferred for rapid fitness gains to occur. We also found that repeated genetic bottleneck passages can cause irregular stochastic declines in fitness, emphasizing again the phenotypic heterogeneity present in RNA virus populations. Finally, we found that following only 60 h of selection (15 passages in which virus yields were harvested after 4 h), RNA virus populations can undergo a 250% average increase in fitness, even on a host cell type to which they were already well adapted. This is a remarkable ability; in population biology, even a much lower fitness gain (e.g., 1 to 2%) can represent a highly significant reproductive advantage. We discuss the biological implications of these findings for the natural transmission and pathogenesis of RNA viruses.
Evaluation of human dendritic cell vaccine coexpressing a SOCS1 inhibitor, tumor-associated antigen, and TLR ligand

2723 Dendritic cell (DC)-based tumor vaccine represents a promising therapeutic approach, but has only achieved limited success in the clinic. The major obstacle is that the current DC vaccine immunization only elicits weak CTL responses against self tumor-associated antigens that are insufficient to break self-tolerance at the host level. Recent studies indicate the immunostimulatory potency of DCs is inhibited by negative regulators of proinflammatory signal transduction pathways such as the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS1). SOCS1 is an inducible, negative feedback regulator of JAK/STAT signal transduction pathways and the inhibition of SOCS1 significantly enhances the sensitivity of mouse bone-marrow-derived DCs to stimulation with TLR agonists. In this study, we investigated the immunostimulatory potency of a human PBMC-derived DC vaccine that coexpresses a SOCS1-siRNA, tumor-associated antigen, and TLR agonist. We constructed and produced a recombinant adenovirus (Ad-siSSF) which co-expresses hSOCS1-siRNA, tumor-associated antigen (a transdominant negative survivin mutant), and bacterial flagellin, a ligand for TLR5. We also generated a recombinant adenovirus (Ad-S) expressing the transdominant negative survivin mutant as control. We found that human PBMC-derived DCs transfected with Ad-siSSF showed enhanced expression of co-stimulatory molecules such as CD40, CD80, CD86 and chemokine receptors such as CCR7, in comparison with human DCs transfected with Ad-S or Ad-CMV controls. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and Rantes, were produced by human DCs transfected with Ad-siSSF. In vitro assays further demonstrated that the transduced human DCs had an enhanced migration function in response to chemokines. Further study is under way to investigate the immunostimulatory potency of the human DC vaccine to activate antigen-specific CTL responses in vitro and in SCID-hu mouse models.
Urbanized Ecosystems: Conceptualization to Application

Urban areas are among the largest anthropogenic uses in terms of appropriation of land, energy, materials, and biological primary production, as well as in the alteration of the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, water, and nitrogen. Despite their significance in these respects, coherent descriptions and analyses of urban areas regarding the flux and cyclic processes of energy, materials, information and costs are relatively scarce. There exists an opportunity to investigate urban areas as analogous to ecosystems, thus allowing a complex, dynamical systems approach to be applied to the planning and management of built environments. Similar to how an ecologist studies natural environments within the hierarchal scale of an ecosystem, this novel approach is based on the investigation of urban areas as ecosystems onto themselves, or as urbanized ecosystems . Such an approach is scalable and transferable to neighborhoods, communities and regional applications. The intent of this paper is to conceptualize urbanized ecosystems within a socio-ecological framework, so as to provide a basis for informed decision- and policymaking. Towards this end, this paper presents a methodology, Urbanized Ecosystems™ (UrbEcoSys™), developed as a proof of concept application for the Village of Oak Park, Illinois in 2009. This community was first conceptualized as a complex, dynamical ecosystem, based on scoping, inventorying, and assessing its critical variables and relationships as represented by the flux and cyclic processes of energy, materials, costs, and information. This conceptualization allowed a more formalized level of inquiry in the form of a system model. Findings in the form of baseline metrics were then used to develop alternative policy scenarios, which were then assessed relative to their alignment with the village’s overall vision and policy. The outcomes from this assessment could then be used to support an informed decision- and policymaking process, prioritized within the municipal budget’s allocation of finite resources.
Molecular characterization of nosA, a Pseudomonas stutzeri gene encoding an outer membrane protein required to make copper-containing N2O reductase.

Abstract A Pseudomonas stutzeri gene (nosA) encoding an outer membrane protein was cloned into the broad-host-range vector pRK290 and expressed in a mutant lacking the protein. Deletion analysis identified the approximate extent of the nosA region which was sequenced, and it was found to contain an open reading frame encoding 683 amino acids including a presumed signal sequence of 44 amino acids. The putative processed form had a molecular weight of 70,218, characteristics typical of outer membrane proteins, and considerable amino acid sequence homology with Escherichia coli BtuB. A short stretch of amino acids was homologous with the E. coli TonB-dependent outer membrane proteins, BtuB, IutA, FepA, and FhuA, suggesting a homologous function: interaction with a periplasmic protein or uptake of a specific substrate.
Quantitation of response to therapy in calcium urolithiasis

The physico-chemical basis for the action of various drugs in calcium nephrolithiasis may be described in terms of changes produced in the urinary state of saturation (APR), limit of metastability (FPR), or in crystal growth. The validation of this scheme for drug action requires further correlation of objective responses to drug therapy, described in terms of urinary crystallisation, with the clinical response.
Role of mitochondrial hOGG1 and aconitase in oxidant-induced lung epithelial cell apoptosis

Abstract 8-Oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (Ogg1) repairs 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroxyguanine (8-oxoG), one of the most abundant DNA adducts caused by oxidative stress. In the mitochondria, Ogg1 is thought to prevent activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in response to oxidative stress by augmenting DNA repair. However, the predominance of the β-Ogg1 isoform, which lacks 8-oxoG DNA glycosylase activity, suggests that mitochondrial Ogg1 functions in a role independent of DNA repair. We report here that overexpression of mitochondria-targeted human α-hOgg1 (mt-hOgg1) in human lung adenocarcinoma cells with some alveolar epithelial cell characteristics (A549 cells) prevents oxidant-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis by preserving mitochondrial aconitase. Importantly, mitochondrial α-hOgg1 mutants lacking 8-oxoG DNA repair activity were as effective as wild-type mt-hOgg1 in preventing oxidant-induced caspase-9 activation, reductions in mitochondrial aconitase, and apoptosis, suggesting that the protective effects of mt-hOgg1 occur independent of DNA repair. Notably, wild-type and mutant mt-hOgg1 coprecipitate with mitochondrial aconitase. Furthermore, overexpression of mitochondrial aconitase abolishes oxidant-induced apoptosis whereas hOgg1 silencing using shRNA reduces mitochondrial aconitase and augments apoptosis. These findings suggest a novel mechanism that mt-hOgg1 acts as a mitochondrial aconitase chaperone protein to prevent oxidant-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis that might be important in the molecular events underlying oxidant-induced toxicity.
Hyperfine structure in the CF3Br photodissociation laser

Abstract Laser emission between the 2 P 1 2 and 2 P 3 2 states of Br has been observed during flash photolysis of CF 3 Br. The total emission consists of transitions between several hyperfine levels of these states; the time behavior of the individual emissions from these transitions indicates that photodissociation of CF 3 Br preferentially pumps Br 2 P 1 2 ( F = 1).
Perceived accuracy of fortune telling and belief in the paranormal.

(2001). Perceived Accuracy of Fortune Telling and Belief in the Paranormal. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 141, No. 1, pp. 159-160.
Relating UV-B radiation screening effectiveness of foliage to absorbing-compound concentration and anatomical characteristics in a diverse group of plants

The ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B, 300 nm) screening effectiveness of foliage of a diverse group of plants was examined by measuring epidermal transmittance and depth of penetration of UV-B with a fiberoptic microprobe. In addition, the concentration of UV-B-absorbing compounds and various anatomical characteristics were measured to assess whether they were useful predictors of UV-B screening. Sun foliage of naturally growing individuals of seven species were sampled in each of six life forms comprising two evergreen groups (gymnosperms and angiosperms) and four deciduous angiosperm groups (trees, shrubs and vines, herbaceous dicotyledons, and grasses). There was significant life-form variation in epidermal transmittance and depth of penetration of UV-B, concentration of UV-B-absorbing compounds (leaf-area basis), epidermal (including cuticle and hypodermis) thickness, and specific leaf area. Values of these parameters tended to be related to leaf longevity, with the most notable differences apparent between evergreen and deciduous species. The mean epidermal transmittance and depth of penetration of UV-B in foliage averaged 4% and 32 μm in evergreens, compared to 28% and 75 μm in deciduous species. These values are conservative estimates since the microprobe was oriented in foliage such that much of the side- and backscattered UV-B was ignored. The strongest predictors of epidermal transmittance and depth of penetration were epidermal thickness and the concentration of absorbing compounds, which averaged 32 μm and 1.50 A cm−2 in evergreens, but only 19 μm and 0.99 A cm−2 in deciduous foliage. However, the variation found in these relationships implies that additional factors warrant consideration in assessing UV-B-screening effectiveness. The relatively ineffective screening of UV-B by foliage of many deciduous plants suggests they may be more responsive to enhanced UV-B than evergreen species.
Finding the process edge: ITIL at Celanese:

Celanese, a global leader in the chemical industry, had spent a number of years implementing a single instance ERP solution and integrating the divisional IT functions into a shared services model. Around 2007, after years of application and IT service growth, many in Celanese IT believed that their internal operations were in desperate need of tighter coordination and process discipline. They looked to Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) to guide their process integration effort. This case describes the first three years of the IT organization's journey with the ITIL process framework.
Construction of consistent discrete and continuous stochastic models for multiple assets with application to option valuation

Monte Carlo, discrete stochastic, and stochastic differential equation models are constructed from first principles for multiple assets. The different stochastic models are shown to be consistent in the estimation of mutual fund values. The models are applied to the calculation of European call option prices. It is shown that option prices are insensitive to the form of the stochastic model's diffusion term. In addition, a general n-dimensional Black-Scholes partial differential equation is derived for option prices. Computational examples illustrate that the Black-Scholes partial differential equation and the stochastic differential equation models are consistent in estimating option prices.
Lipase production by Geotrichum candidum from sauerkraut brine.

Sauerkraut brine could serve as a substrate for the production of extracellular lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) byGeotrichum candidum ATCC 34614. The fungus produced the highest specific activity (more than 140 units/mg protein) when cultivated in shake flasks for 72 h at 30°C in the brine, with a small amount of olive oil (0.3%, v/v) as an enzyme inducer. Lipase activity was recovered from the culture filtrate by fractionation with acetone and the yield was as high as 59%.
Role of Distributed Interbristle Friction Force on Brush Seal Hysteresis

Brush seals comprised of closely packed fine-diameter wires are an important innovation in seal technology for turbo-machinery. During service, brush seal bristles are subjected to a complex system of forces that are associated with various working loads including-but not limited to-aerodynamic forces, bristle tip/ rotor contact force, and interbristle interactions. The latter interactions are associated with contact forces that are exerted onto a bristle by adjacent fibers, as both forces and displacements are transmitted throughout the fibrous network. Such interbristle contact forces can be represented as uniformly distributed loads along the lateral surface of the fiber, or as applied discrete loads at various locations along the bristle length. In this paper, the role that uniformly distributed interbristle friction force plays in brush seal hysteresis is examined and reported. The origin of this frictional load is attributed to conjugate interbristle shear forces that arise due to compaction and aggregate displacement of the bristle pack during service. This, in turn, gives rise to a uniformly distributed internal micromoment that resists bending deformation. Numerical studies are reported for a brush seal whose bristle tips are subjected to rotor induced loading that is associated with bristle/rotor interference or eccentric rotation of the shaft. In order to extend the range of applicability of numerical solutions, results are reported in terms of nondimensional brush seal design parameters. Results indicated that interbristle friction force can give rise to a delayed filament displacement as well as an incomplete bending recovery of bristles. The latter phenomenon can inevitably result in hysteretic "gapping," i.e., the formation of an annular or crescent space between the rotor and bristle tips, thereby increasing vulnerability of the seal to leakage.
University to supervise ship construction

Under the management of the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, two 41-m research ships will be built for the National Science Foundation. The ‘multi discipline’ vessels are designed to accommodate equipment for a wide range of oceanographic research, including geophysical investigations and studies of fisheries, food resources, and pollution. The ships will cost a total of $5.9 million, but each is expected to cost about 25% less per year to operate than a 51.7-m vessel that is currently used by Miami. The smaller size of the new ships will produce the savings through reduced fuel costs, according to a Miami ship operations staff member.
Pathway-selective sex differences in the metabolic clearance of propranolol in human subjects

This study determined the total clearance of propranolol and the partial clearances through each of its three primary metabolic pathways after administration of an 80 mg single oral dose in 28 young, white subjects (13 women; 15 men). The oral clearance of propranolol was significantly higher (63%, p less than 0.02) in the men (65.7 +/- 7.7 ml/min/kg; mean +/- SE) than in the women (40.2 +/- 6.2 ml/min/kg). This sex difference was mainly attributable to a 137% higher clearance through the P-450-mediated side-chain oxidation in the men (p less than 0.001). There was also a 52% higher clearance through glucuronidation in the men (p less than 0.02). In contrast, the clearance through the P-450-mediated ring oxidation was not different between men and women. After administration of simultaneous intravenous doses of hexadeuterium-labeled drug (0.1 mg/kg) to 11 of the subjects, there were no differences between men and women in volume of distribution or half-life. Moreover, there were no sex differences in plasma and blood binding of propranolol. This study thus demonstrates that higher plasma levels of propranolol occur in women than in men after oral doses and suggests that some drug metabolizing enzymes, but not others, are regulated by sex hormones in human beings.
Efficient quadratic detection in perturbed arrays via Fourier transform techniques

Matched-field beamforming used in combination with a generalized likelihood ratio test is the most common detector structure in array processing situations. Unfortunately, various array perturbations caused by phase, calibration, propagation effects, or modeling errors can cause the sensor observations to become only partially correlated, limiting the performance of traditional matched-field beamformers that assume perfect coherence of the signal wavefronts. Quadratic array processing is optimal for many perturbed array problems; however, direct implementation poses a significant computational burden. We show that under certain conditions, the optimal quadratic detector for dealing with perturbed arrays can be approximately realized efficiently and robustly employing only discrete Fourier transforms to deal with spatial processing. In addition, we show that the proposed spatial processing allows for convenient integration of conventional frequency-domain methods for angle-of-arrival searches. Our proposed array detection structure provides the robustness and performance benefits of complicated quadratic processing at a computational cost comparable with that of traditional matched-field beamforming.
Resource Dependency and Agent Theories: A Framework for Exploring Nonprofit Leaders' Resistance to Lobbying

Despite the widely recognized benefits of nonprofit advocacy, many nonprofits are reluctant to partake in lobbying activities. This qualitative inquiry utilizes resource dependency and agency theories as a framework for exploring the lobbing behaviors of nonprofits in North Carolina. The findings indicate that nonprofit managers do in fact lobby, but use alternative language for their lobbying activities so that they can control external resources available through political action while maintaining positive relationships with organizational stakeholders who hold negative perceptions of lobbying behavior. They also educate stakeholders on lobbying as an organizational necessity. Implications for practice and research are provided.
The safety-critical software evaluation assistant (SEA)

The Computer Safety and Reliability Group at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is researching the evaluation of software used in safety-critical applications. This paper describes one, of the research and development efforts currently underway to model the software evaluation process and to develop a software evaluation tool. One of the primary techniques available for determining the safety of software proposed for use in safety-critical applications is to evaluate the software development process and the resulting products. This model of the evaluation process was influenced by several factors the underlying motivation was to identify, control and reduce the risk inherent in building safety-critical software systems. This prototype tool, the Software Evaluation Assistant (SEA), assists and guides evaluators as they analyze safety-critical software. SEA describes specific evaluation goals, provides a brief overview of the specific evaluation process, identifies potential, risks of not performing the evaluation, identifies the skills required to carry out the evaluation of a particular topic, identifies the material that should typically be available for the evaluation, and poses questions used to examine and rate the software item.
Cost-effective integration of three-dimensional (3D) ICs emphasizing testing cost analysis

Three-dimensional (3D) ICs promise to overcome barriers in interconnect scaling by leveraging fast, dense inter-die vias, thereby offering benefits of improved performance, higher memory bandwidth, smaller form factors, and heterogeneous integration. However, when deciding to adopt this emerging technology as a mainstream design approach, designers must consider the cost of 3D integration. IC testing is a key factor that affects the final product cost, and it could be a major portion of the total IC cost. In 3D IC design, various testing strategies and different integration methods could affect the final product cost dramatically, and the interaction with other cost factors could result in various trade-offs. This paper develops a comprehensive and parameterized testing cost model for 3D IC integration, and analyzes the trade-offs associated with testing strategies and testing circuit overheads. With the proposed testing cost model, designers can explore the most cost-effective integration and testing strategies for 3D IC chips.
Noise in chaotic systems

Procedures which estimate the noisiness of complicated, aperiodic data are outlined here and considered in the context of transitional fluid flow, although similar questions arise in many other fields1,2. Because this is the initial formulation of these ideas only qualitative results are presented; any attempt to develop quantitative measures of randomness will be postponed until more testing and refinement of the procedures have been completed.
Quantitative measurement with the burst-mode laser Doppler anemometer☆

Abstract The burst-mode or individual realization laser Doppler anemometer is reviewed with attention to the manner in which the data are processed. The emphasis is on making quantitatively correct measurements so that corrections to the results are not necessary. Of particular importance are the residence time weighting and the manner in which the flow is seeded. Previous analyses are evaluated, and modest extensions are proposed. The well-known criteria for analog signal processing are shown to have their counterparts for burst-mode LDA signals. A detailed analysis of the effects of counter quantization errors on the measurements is presented. Also discussed are the effects of the polydispersity of the scatterers on the measurements.
Voltage Sensor Activation Facilitates Magnesium-Gated Channel Opening in BK Channels

Under physiological conditions, Mg2+ is an intracellular activator of Ca2+- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels. To investigate gating by Mg2+ acting through its low affinity site located under each S4 voltage sensor (Yang et al. 2007, 2008; Horrigan & Ma 2008), we studied a BK channel in which the high affinity Ca2+ sites in both the RCK1 domain and the calcium bowl were disabled by mutation. Using single-channel recording from inside-out patches to measure channel activation after voltage steps from −100 mV to +100 mV, we found that 10 mM Mg2+ reduces the latency to first opening after the voltage step and increases channel activation through an increase in the number of openings per burst and mean open duration. This suggests that Mg2+ can bind to both closed and open states of the channel, but it is not clear whether the closed-state binding occurs at the negative or positive potential. Therefore we recorded single-channel activity in macro-patches held at a constant −50 or −100 mV. At −50 mV, when the voltage sensors are occasionally activated, 10 mM Mg2+ decreases the duration of the closed intervals between bursts of activity and increases burst duration through an increase in the number of openings per burst and mean open duration. At −100 mV, when the voltages sensors are mainly deactivated, 10 mM Mg2+ has little effect on the closed intervals between bursts or mean open duration, and most of the bursts are unitary, consisting of a single brief opening. The above data are consistent with a model in which Mg2+ can bind to the BK channel in the closed conformation when the voltage sensors are activated. The bound Mg2+ then facilitates opening. Supported by NIH grant AR32805.
Identification of physically demanding patient-handling tasks in an acute care hospital

Abstract Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among nurses and other healthcare workers worldwide, and patient-handling tasks are a common precipitating event. Existing research has focused on patient-handling within long-term care facilities and has identified physically demanding patient-handling tasks within this context. It is not known, however, whether nurses in acute care facilities have similar exposures. Using on-site work sampling procedures and a subsequent survey, the primary aim of the present study was to identify, describe, and rank the physically demanding patient-handling tasks performed by nursing staff in an acute care facility. The 10 most physically demanding patient-handling tasks were identified and contrasted with earlier results. Compared to long-term care facilities, in which the majority of tasks have been shown to be associated with performance of activities of daily living, the most frequently observed tasks in the acute care facility were repositioning tasks. Differences in the types of transfers being performed across types of healthcare facilities, as well as across units within acute care facilities, highlight the importance of determining the patient-handling demands and needs that are unique to each type of healthcare facility. Generalizing across facilities or units may lead to incorrect assumptions and conclusions about physical demands being placed on nurses. Relevance to industry Knowledge of the most physically demanding tasks can facilitate future intervention efforts to control exposures and injury risks. Differences in physically demanding tasks likely exist between types of healthcare facilities and suggest distinct approaches are needed.
Circular dichroism and conformational properties of modeccin, a toxic protein

According to its circular dichroism (CD) spectrum, modeccin, a toxic lectin from the roots of the South African plantModecca digitata, is structurally similar to the ricins and abrins. In nearly neutral and weakly alkaline solutions (pH 7.6–9.0) the CD spectra of modeccin displayed a positive CD band at 190–195 nm and a negative band at 210–220 nm, indicating the presence of some α-helix and β-sheet structures. In the near-ultraviolet zone, we observed positive CD bands at 232 and 245 nm and weak negative bands at 285 and 293 nm. In more strongly alkaline solutions of pH 9.5–10.2 the CD bands in the farultraviolet zone were not affected, but the CD band at 232 nm diminished and the CD band at 245 nm was enhanced. These transitions were reversible. At pH 11.2–11.5 the CD band at 232 nm disappeared completely, and the CD bands in the far-ultraviolet diminished. The CD bands at 285 and 293 nm were affected very little by the alkali, and these bands were assigned to buried tryptophan side chains. Sodium dodecyl sulfate and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol disorganized the tertiary structure of modeccin and reconstructed the secondary structure into a new form with a higher helix content than in the native protein.
Simulation of Slag-Skin Formation in Electroslag Remelting Using a Volume-of-Fluid Method

A modified volume-of-fluid method is implemented in a fixed-grid, finite-volume model simulating transport phenomena, solidification, and electromagnetics. The VOF model agrees well with published results, and the complete model is used to investigate process variations in the electroslag remelting process, in which liquid metal is melted from a consumable electrode immersed in an electrically resistive slag. The molten metal sinks through the slag cap floating on the liquid metal pool while a slag skin freezes to the mold. Here a VOF tracks slag skin formation and its effects on melt rate with different current levels and ingot diameters.
Recent developments in the laser spallation technique to measure the interface strength and its relationship to interface toughness with applications to metal/ceramic, ceramic/ceramic and ceramic/polymer interfaces

This paper summarizes recent developments in the laser spallation technique for measuring the tensile strength of planar thin film interfaces. In this technique, a laser-produced compressive stress pulse in the substrate, reflecting from the coating's free surface, pulls the interface in tension and leads to its failure if the tensile amplitude is high enough. Earlier, the critical stress amplitude that accomplishes the removal of the coating was determined through a computer simulation of the process. Recently, the technique was modified so that the interface stress can be determined directly by recording the coating or substrate free-surface velocities using a Doppler interferometer. The recorded surface velocity is related to the interface stress via an elastic wave mechanics simulation. Interface strengths of several metal/ceramic, ceramic/ceramic and ceramic/polymer systems are summarized from our recent efforts. In addition, two developments, the first a novel interferometer to record velocities fro...
Accuracy of self-reported human papillomavirus vaccine receipt among adolescent girls and their mothers.

Abstract Purpose The use of self-report of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination status has several implications for clinical care and research. Reports of HPV vaccination history of adolescent girls (ages: 14–17 years) and their mothers were compared with medical chart data to assess the accuracy of HPV vaccine recall. Methods Adolescent girls (N = 74) and their mothers independently completed questionnaires regarding HPV vaccination history, which were compared with medical chart data to assess the accuracy of HPV vaccine recall. Results There were high levels of inaccuracy between actual HPV vaccination and self-report of vaccine receipt. Both mothers and daughters had poor recall of HPV vaccination, and were more likely to underestimate than overestimate the coverage. Girls who accurately reported their vaccination status were not more likely to have been sexually active in the past 2 months ( p = .75). Conclusions These findings have clinical and research implications, as self-report is relied on to assess young women's vaccination status in research settings or in the absence of medical records. These data address the still prevalent concern that HPV vaccination encourages adolescent sexual behavior. It is unlikely that sexual behaviors will change as a result of vaccination in the large percentage of girls who cannot recall being vaccinated.
A new geometry for field enhancement in surface-enhanced spectroscopy

Abstract We present calculations that indicate that for well-chosen materials a system consisting of a small sphere (diameter ≲400 A) suspended above a planar surface, is a good laser intensity amplifier and an interesting candidate for surface-enhanced spectroscopy. Use of SiC and doped InSb extends the frequency range of surface-enhanced spectroscopy to the infrared (≈200 to ≈1100 cm −1 ).
Influence of environmental conditions on dental composite flexural properties

Abstract Objective To determine if increased relative humidity and temperature simulating intraoral environmental conditions adversely affect flexural properties of dental composites. Methods Specimen fabrication followed ANSI/ADA specification 27 for resin-based filling materials, except that ambient laboratory conditions (47% relative humidity at 22 °C) or simulated intraoral conditions (90% relative humidity at 35 °C) were used when fabricating and polymerizing specimens. Ten specimens were made of each of three commercially available composites at each condition. As per the specification, after aging specimens in 10 ml of deionized water at 37 °C for 24 h, flexural properties were measured using a 3-point bend test. Results A two-factor ANOVA and Fisher's least significant difference (LSD) post hoc (α = 0.05) indicated there were significant differences in flexural modulus and strength as a function of material, with Z250 = TPH > Prodigy. However, neither flexural modulus nor flexural strength of any material was adversely influenced by fabrication conditions. Significance Although the flexural properties did not decrease with respect to fabrication conditions, the flexural modulus of some of the materials (TPH Spectrum and Z250) increased when specimens were fabricated at simulated intraoral temperature and relative humidity. Thus, simulation of these factors may be important in laboratory testing, since the resultant properties may better reflect flexural properties associated with dental composite restorations placed clinically.
REGIONAL APPLICATION OF AN INTEGRATED BIOGEOCHEMICAL MODEL TO NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND AND MAINE

An integrated biogeochemical model (PnET-BGC) was applied to 60 Direct/ Delayed Response Program (DDRP) lake watersheds in northern New England and Maine to investigate processes regulating spatial and temporal patterns in lake SO42- concentra- tions, past changes in the acid-base status of soil and surface waters, and their response to future emission control -scenarios. Model simulations indicate that watershed elevation is an important factor influencing inputs of atmospheric S deposition to the watersheds and thus spatial patterns in lake SO42- concentrations. Wetland S retention, vegetation com- position, and thickness of surficial deposits were also found to influence lake SO42- con- centrations. Model simulations also suggest that decreases in lake SO42- concentrations observed during 1984-2001 were mostly a result of decreases in atmospheric S deposition. Decreases in lake SO42- concentrations were coupled with a near-stoichiometric decline in base cation concentrations. Comparison of atmospheric deposition of base cations and simulated drainage loss during this period indicates that decreases in atmospheric base cation deposition were partially responsible for decreases in lake base cation concentrations. Decreases in drainage loss of base cations were mainly a result of declines in net loss from soil exchange sites associated with decreases in SO42- leaching. Model forecasts generally suggest further decreases in SO42- concentrations and increases in acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) in lake water and soil percent base saturation (BS) at most of the DDRP lake watersheds under three future emission control scenarios, with the more aggressive control scenarios resulting in faster recovery from acidic deposition. Under an aggressive control scenario, surface water ANC is simulated to increase at a median rate of 0.30 Feq L-l yr-l in northern New England and 0.22 ,ueq L-l yr-l in Maine. However, although marked improvement is expected, recovery to background conditions will probably not occur before 2050.
Dosimetry of absorbed radiation in radiographic cephalometry.

Abstract Absorbed radiation was measured in various craniofacial tissues on an adult phantom (Alderson Rando) when conventional cephalometric radiographic techniques were used. The views examined were lateral, 45° oblique, posteroanterior, lateral temporomandibular joint tomograph, and basilar (submental-vertex). Absorbed radiation was expressed in micrograys for the individual views and for combinations of views as customarily used in orthodontics and oral surgery. These data are compared with findings of contemporary investigators and the magnitude of the doses is compared with those in the literature for periapical and panoramic surveys.
Observation of a time-reversal--like phase shift between competing multipoles in a nuclear gamma transition

The ratio of the matrix elements for two competing multipoles ($E2$ and $M1$) for the 129-keV transition in $^{191}\mathrm{Ir}$ was found to have an imaginary part with a phase angle of (-4.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ rad. This time-reversal-like phase shift may be attributed, at least in part, to quantum electrodynamical effects in the atomic final state. The observed phase shift, however, is somewhat larger than the atomic final-state phase calculated by Goldwire and Hannon.
Identification of a nucleic acid binding domain in eukaryotic initiation factor eIFiso4G from wheat.

Abstract Higher plants have two complexes that bind the m7G-cap structure of mRNA and mediate interactions between mRNA and ribosomal subunits, designated eIF4F and eIFiso4F. Both complexes contain a small subunit that binds the 5′-cap structure of mRNA, and a large subunit, eIF4G or eIFiso4G, that binds other translation factors and RNA. Sequence-specific proteases were used to cleave native cap-binding complexes into structural domains, which were purified by affinity chromatography. We show here that eIFiso4G contains a central protease-resistant domain that binds specifically to nucleic acids. This domain spans Gln170 to Glu443 and includes four of the six homology blocks shared by eIFiso4G and eIF4G. A slightly shorter overlapping sequence, from Gly202 to Lys445, had no nucleic acid binding activity, indicating that the N-terminal end of the nucleic acid binding site lies within Gln170 to Arg201. The binding of the central domain and native eIFiso4F to RNA homopolymers and double- and single-stranded DNAs was studied. Both molecules had highest affinity for poly(G) and recognized single- and double-stranded sequences.
Developmental regulation of calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase activity in an insect endocrine gland

The insect prothoracic gland produces ecdysteroids that elicit molting and metamorphosis, and neurohormone stimulation of steroidogenesis by this gland involves both Ca2+ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate second messengers. Prothoracic gland adenylate cyclase exhibits a complex Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) dependence, a component of which requires an activated Gs alpha for expression. A developmental switch in this system has been identified that correlates with a change in both regulation and function of the gland and involves the loss of sensitivity to extracellular Ca2+ at a time approximately concurrent with the loss of Ca2+/CaM sensitivity by the adenylate cyclase. The extent of cholera toxin activation of gland Gs alpha is lowered before this developmental switch. However, no alterations in Gs alpha levels or mobility are detected, suggesting that Gs alpha interaction with another component in the signaling pathway, perhaps adenylate cyclase itself, produces the apparent Ca2+/CaM dependence and influences the ability of toxin to modify Gs alpha.
Avian retinal ganglion cells resistant to degeneration after optic nerve lesion

Abstract Reactive changes in the retina and optic nerve were monitored by light and electron microscopy after optic nerve transection in the Japanese quail. Seventy to eighty percent of the ganglion cells underwent degenerative changes followed by cell death. The degenerative process began at approximately 1 week postaxotomy and stabilized at 1 month postaxotomy; as late as 2 months postaxotomy 20 to 30%of the ganglion cells persisted in a single discontinuous layer throughout the retina. These degeneration-resistant ganglion cells were morphologically intact; they abutted the inner plexiform layer, with which they maintained synaptic connection. Dendritic pattern analysis showed them not to be of the same morphologic type. Large myelinated optic fibers remained intact and ran in a parallel course toward the optic disc, where many ended in bulb-like processes in the proximal stump of the optic nerve. Some of these fibers showed evidence of sprouting at 2 months postaxotomy. Neither optic fibers nor sprouts penetrated the dense scar formed at the lesion site.
Regge Poles and Unequal-Mass Scattering Processes

It is not clear from the Regge representation that the asympotic form ${s}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}(u)}$ holds in the backward scattering of unequal-mass particles, because the cosine of the $u$-channel scattering angle remains small as $s$ increases. In this paper we use a representation for the scattering amplitude first suggested by Khuri to show that the form ${s}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}(u)}$ is valid throughout the backward region. However, in order to ensure the analyticity of the amplitude defined by the Khuri representation at $u=0$, it is necessary that Regge trajectories occur in families whose zero-energy intercepts are spaced by integers. Denoting the leading or parent trajectory by ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{0}(u)$, we find that daughter trajectories ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{k}(u)$ must exist, of signature ${(\ensuremath{-}1)}^{k}$ relative to the parent, satisfying ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{k}(0)={\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{0}(0)\ensuremath{-}k$. We then study Bethe-Salpeter models and find that this daughter-trajectory hypothesis is satisfied for any Bethe-Salpeter amplitude which Reggeizes in the first place. This fact follows elegantly from the four-dimensional symmetry of Bethe-Salpeter equations at zero total energy. Some phenomenological implications of the daughter-trajectory hypothesis are discussed. We have also characterized the behavior of partial-wave amplitudes in unequal-mass scattering at $u=0$ and find the hitherto unsuspected result $a(u,l)\ensuremath{\sim}{u}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}(0)}$, where $\ensuremath{\alpha}(u)$ is the leading $u$-channel Regge trajectory.
Large amplitude internal wave evolution studied by marine radar

This paper evaluates marine X-band radar's capability to retrieve interior ocean properties from internal wave (IW) sea surface signatures. In particular, we study the link between the wave-induced backscatter intensity modulation and the IW amplitude as well as the surface velocity convergence (and divergence). The radar measurements were complemented by shipborne ADCP and microstructure profiler measurements. This study's focus lies on data that were collected during the 12-hour tracking of a particularly energetic wave, with peak amplitudes above 20 m. Results indicate that hydrodynamic surface roughness modulation is the dominant backscatter mechanism. In addition, we show that the IW-induced radar backscatter intensity modulation correlates with both peak surface velocity gradients and IW amplitudes.
A simple and sensitive assay for ascorbate using a plate reader

We have developed a rapid, inexpensive, and reliable assay for the determination of ascorbate using a plate reader. In this assay, ascorbic acid is oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid using Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy) and then reacted with o-phenylenediamine to form the condensation product, 3-(dihydroxyethyl)furo[3,4-b]quinoxaline-1-one. The rate of appearance of this product is monitored over time using fluorescence. With this method, it is possible to analyze 96 wells in less than 10 min. This permits the analysis of 20 samples with a full set of standards and blanks, all in triplicate. The assay is robust for a variety of samples, including orange juice, swine plasma, dog plasma, and cultured cells. To demonstrate the usefulness of the assay for the rapid determination of experimental parameters, we investigated the uptake of ascorbate and two different ascorbate derivatives in U937 cells. We found similar plateau levels of intracellular ascorbate at 24 h for ascorbate and ascorbate phosphate. However, the intracellular accumulation of ascorbate via the phosphate ester had an initial rate that was three to five times slower than that via the palmitate ester. Only lower concentrations of the palmitate ester could be examined because the ethanol needed as solvent decreased cell viability; it behaved similarly to the other two compounds at lower concentrations. To come to these conclusions, only nine plates needed to be analyzed to provide us with the end result after only 7 h of analysis. This clearly demonstrates the strength of the plate reader assay, which allows the analysis of large-sample sets in a fraction of the time required for the methods that are most commonly used today. The assay is quick, is very economical, and provides results with uncertainties on the order of only 5%.