cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multilevel modeling of spatially nested functional data: Spatiotemporal patterns of hospitalization rates in the US dialysis population

End-stage renal disease patients on dialysis experience frequent hospitalizations. In addition to known temporal patterns of hospitalizations over the life span on dialysis, where poor outcomes are typically exacerbated during the first year on dialysis, variations in hospitalizations among dialysis facilities across the US contribute to spatial variation. Utilizing national data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS), we propose a novel multilevel spatiotemporal functional model to study spatiotemporal patterns of hospitalization rates among dialysis facilities. Hospitalization rates of dialysis facilities are considered as spatially nested functional data (FD) with longitudinal hospitalizations nested in dialysis facilities and dialysis facilities nested in geographic regions. A multilevel Karhunen-Loeve expansion is utilized to model the two-level (facility and region) FD, where spatial correlations are induced among region-specific principal component scores accounting for regional variation. A new efficient algorithm based on functional principal component analysis and Markov Chain Monte Carlo is proposed for estimation and inference. We report a novel application using USRDS data to characterize spatiotemporal patterns of hospitalization rates for over 400 health service areas across the US and over the posttransition time on dialysis. Finite sample performance of the proposed method is studied through simulations.
S-Nitrosylation in Tumor Microenvironment

S-nitrosylation is a selective and reversible post-translational modification of protein thiols by nitric oxide (NO), which is a bioactive signaling molecule, to exert a variety of effects. These effects include the modulation of protein conformation, activity, stability, and protein-protein interactions. S-nitrosylation plays a central role in propagating NO signals within a cell, tissue, and tissue microenvironment, as the nitrosyl moiety can rapidly be transferred from one protein to another upon contact. This modification has also been reported to confer either tumor-suppressing or tumor-promoting effects and is portrayed as a process involved in every stage of cancer progression. In particular, S-nitrosylation has recently been found as an essential regulator of the tumor microenvironment (TME), the environment around a tumor governing the disease pathogenesis. This review aims to outline the effects of S-nitrosylation on different resident cells in the TME and the diverse outcomes in a context-dependent manner. Furthermore, we will discuss the therapeutic potentials of modulating S-nitrosylation levels in tumors.
A Mexican Autodefensa Facebook Group’s use of binarity, legitimization strategies, and topoi of religion, family and struggle

Abstract In recent years, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) has expanded from its earlier focus on right-wing discourse to also examining discourses of resistance in grassroots political movements around the world. At the same time, CDA has begun to explore the role of social media in these alternative discourses. In this study, I combine a CDA framework with a social media focus to investigate the online discourse of the Mexican Autodefensa (self-defense) movement (2013 to present), an armed grassroots movement formed by citizens to fight against drug cartel control. I analyze one Autodefensa’s Facebook page discourse, showing how their collective identity and ideology emerge in opposition to a cartel via the construction of binarity, which is developed through their increasingly explicit nomination and predication of themselves and the cartel. Also crucial to this ideology and identity construction is the use of topoi (argumentative shortcuts) regarding religion, family, and struggle, along with legitimization strategies of rationalization, altruism, reference to a hypothetical future, and appeal to emotions. This CDA study shows how an Autodefensa discursively constructs collective identity and ideology on Facebook as a righteous family-like unit with religious backing united in struggle to save their region from unjust cartel control.
Two-Layer Flows in Rotating Channels

The exchange flow between a marginal sea or estuary and the open ocean is often approximated using two-layer stratification. Two-layer models are most convincing when the interfacial region separating the upper and lower fluids is relatively thin. The exchange flow in the Strait of Gibraltar exhibits this behavior, at least at certain locations and times (Figure I.9). The vertical density and velocity profiles taken near the Camerinal Sill show a relatively sharp transition between slab-like upper and lower water masses. Elsewhere, the Gibraltar interface can be thicker and can contribute significantly to the overall mass budget for the strait. The Bab al Mandab (BAM) exchange flow experiences variations throughout the water column that are quite continuous (Figures 1.10.7 and 5.0.1). Under such conditions, a two-layer model might still give guidance provided that motions over the water column are associated with the lowest internal mode of the stratified shear flow.
Chapter 4 Procedures for the Isolation of the Mitotic Apparatus from Cultured Mammalian Cells

Publisher Summary This chapter describes procedures for the isolation of the mitotic apparatus from cultured mammalian cells. To accomplish a successful isolation, it is needed to (1) obtain a relatively pure population of mitotic cells, (2) stabilize the mitotic apparatus (MA), (3) release the stabilized MA from the remainder of the cell, and (4) fractionate the suspension to separate the released MA's from other cell components. The chapter focuses on the stabilization of MA, and releasing the stabilized MA from the remainder of the cell, as these are the most critical events in the isolation procedure. Methods for synchronizing cells and for fractionating suspensions of cell particles are available and are considered where needed. This chapter in the treatment of B Solution stabilizes the mitotic apparatus for studies where microscopy is involved.. A second function of this solution is to contract the chromosomes so that the spindle can be seen by phase-contrast microscopy. Although the poles of the spindle and spindle fibers can often be observed in MA suspended in “A solution,” the chromosomes that have little contrast are expanded and spread out on and around the spindle, making it difficult to see. Isolated chromosomes will expand and lose contrast at low concentrations of divalent cations and shrink and become refractile at high concentrations.
Changes in preferences of gestating heifers fed untreated or ammoniated straw in different flavors.

We determined how a food's flavor and digestibility, along with an animal's recent experiences, influenced food preference and intake. In three experi- ments, pregnant heifers were fed a basal ration (7.75 kg/animal) of alfalfa, barley, corn silage, and a vitamin/ mineral supplement from 1500 to 2200. Exp. 1 deter- mined the influence of recent exposure to flavored straw. Animals were divided into two groups (n = 16/ group) and fed either untreated or ammoniated straw with digestibilities of 43 and 58%, respectively. Within each group, half of the heifers were fed maple-flavored straw and the other half were fed coconut-flavored straw from 1100 one day to 0900 the next day, with no base ration. We then offered straw in both flavors from 1000 to 1200 for the next 5 d. Animals fed maple-fla- vored straw for 1 d generally preferred coconut- over maple-flavored straw for the next 5 d, whereas animals previously fed coconut-flavored straw preferred maple- flavored straw (P < 0.001). The change in preference was stronger when animals were fed untreated com- pared with ammoniated straw. Experiments 2 and 3 determined the influence of offering straw in different flavors, either in sequence (Exp. 2) or simultaneously (Exp. 3). In Exp. 2, we offered heifers (n = 16) straw in three flavors (maple from 0900 to 1100, coconut from 1100 to 1300, and unflavored from 1300 to 1500) and compared their intake with that of heifers (n = 16) of- fered unflavored straw throughout the day. In Exp. 3, we compared intake of heifers (n = 16) simultaneously offered straw in three flavors (coconut, maple, and un- flavored) with that of heifers (n = 16) offered only unfla- vored straw from 1000 to 1500. In both experiments, straw intake and preference differed between heifers offered straw in a variety of flavors as opposed to only unflavored straw (P < 0.05), but animals fed a variety of flavors did not consistently eat more than those fed only one flavor. During a post-trial preference test, heif- ers previously restricted to straw in one flavor for 5 d preferred straw in alternative flavors, whereas heifers fed straw in all three flavors preferred unflavored straw. Changes in preference were stronger for heifers fed untreated compared with ammoniated straw. Col- lectively, our results suggest that palatability, as evi- denced by changes in preference and intake, is dynamic and depends on a food's flavor and nutritional quality and an animal's recent experiences with the food. with the postingestive effects of nutrients and toxins, and in concert they influence palatability (Rolls, 1986;
Deposit Feeding and Coastal Oceanography

Deposit feeders satisfy their nutritional requirements from the organic fraction of ingested sediment. This nonconunittal statement masks a number of problems and controversies that have occupied the efforts of nutritional biologists, biological oceanographers, and sedimentologists. The exact mode of nutrition of deposit feeders is of great interest to those working on nutrient recycling in the water column. Deposit feeders may ingest and assimilate phytodetritus and they may influence the rate of mineralization and return of dissolved nutrients to the water column. In some cases detritus is probably digested and assimilated directly. but sonic detritus is relatively indigestible and may have to be cycled through the microbiota before it becomes available to deposit feeders. The effects of deposit feeders on the physical and chemical properties of sediments can strongly influence sediment resuspension and transport. These interactions explain why deposit feeders are of central importance in coastal oceanography and why the resolution of certain specific problems may take oceanographic research in alternate directions. It is the purpose of this introductory chapter to outline the major issues and to place them in perspective.
Velocity-Time Estimation as a Function of Target Speed and Concealment Extent

Eighteen subjects performed a velocity judgment task in which a target was displayed briefly and then disappeared from view. The subjects were required to estimate the time taken by the target to reach a final goal position. When the time data were converted to velocity estimates (concealment distance divided by concealment time estimate), a linear relationship between the mean and standard deviation of the estimated velocity was observed. A greater magnitude of error was associated with the slow target speeds than with the fast speeds, and with the long rather than the short concealment distances. Two distinct response patterns were evident when constant error was used as the time error measure. Some subjects responded with increasing negative constant error to decreases in target speed and increases in concealment distance, while other subjects responded to the same conditions with increased positive constant error. Differential perceptual responses to differences in task difficulty are proposed to acco...
Series interconnection of DC-DC converters for output control

A well-controlled switching regulator is imperative for the development of modular power supply for applications such as the airplane and the satellite design. The approach described here involves using the SCBU technology, with which DC-DC converters can be connected in series to provide a regulated and boosted output voltage.
Electric field effects in the polymerization of α-methylstyrene

We here report the boron trifluoride diethyletherate initiated polymerization of χ-methylstyrene in 1,2-dichloroethane. With platinum foil electrodes and an applied electric field of 1–3kV/cm, the initial rate of disappearance of monomer is the same in the absence or presence of the electric field. The rate of formation of polymer at high conversions, however, decreases when the electric field is imposed. The NMR, UV absorption, and fluorescence spectra of the polymers are affected by the field, whereas the IR, ESCA spectra, and melting point of the polymer are unaffected by the field. To probe the reasons for these field effects, we obtained oxidation and reduction potentials of monomer, solvent, and initiator by polarographic or cyclic voltammetric methods. All the components of the system were easily reduced or oxidized. Also, when the anode and cathode were separated by a sintered glass disk, the amount of polymer formed in the anode compartment was greater than that in the cathode compartment. These results suggest that the observed electric field effects are due to electrochemical reactions rather than to the second Wien effect.
Laboratory development in collaboration with industry

The challenge of how to provide the very best education for engineering students is a complex one, and here the authors addresses one aspect of that problem, namely the development of effective teaching laboratories. He believes that this is an extremely important part of the engineering students' education, particularly when one considers that many of these students will go to work in industry, often as design engineers. Indeed, Bloom's well known taxonomy of educational objectives suggests that educators need to push students' understanding beyond simply learning and applying facts, to enable them to combine ideas and make critical judgements. The ability to evaluate evidence and use it to make sound judgements is also viewed as a sign of maturity in the Ferry model of intellectual development, often used in engineering. It is clear that an education which effectively prepares one for a career as a design engineer must help develop this type of critical thinking, and many educators believe that active learning via a properly designed laboratory is an excellent vehicle for doing just that.
Financial Leverage and Expected Stock Returns: Evidence from Pure Exchange Offers

This paper tests Modigliani-Miller proposition 2, which states that expected stock returns should increase in financial leverage. Past cross-sectional studies have uncovered evidence contradicting this proposition. We employ a time-series approach which allows us to better control for the firm's unlevered (business) risk i.e. asset betas. In addition, we allow for time-varying (non-zero) debt betas, use different measures of financial leverage and consider the Fama-French 3-factor model as an alternative to the CAPM. Using a sample of pure capital structure changes in the form of exchange offers, we find that implied asset betas change after the offer has closed and by too much to be consistent with proposition 2. We conclude that the factor loadings of highly levered companies are too low and find some supporting evidence from a simple trading strategy involving firms with extreme levels of financial leverage.
Physiology of the LES.

SUMMARY The purpose of this review is to consider the neuromuscular mechanism of LES contractility both by itself and in relation to the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) complex in order to appreciate the intricacies of EGJ valvular function.
Throughput characteristics of free-space-optical mobile ad hoc networks

Wireless networking has conventionally been realized via radio-frequency-based communication technologies. Free-Space-Optical (FSO) communication with an innovative multi-element node design leverages spatially-diverse optical wireless links; making it a viable solution to the well-known diminishing per-node throughput problem in large-scale RF networks. Although it has the advantage of high-speed modulation, maintenance of line-of-sight between two FSO transceivers during a transmission is a crucial problem since FSO transmitters are highly directional. In this paper, we present our simulation efforts to make high-level assessments on throughput characteristics of FSO-MANETs while considering properties of FSO propagation and existence of multiple directional transceivers.
A comparison of precession and obliquity effects in a Cretaceous paleocllmate simulation

A set of 36 perpetual-season simulations with an atmospheric GCM are used to investigate the effects of precession and obliquity variations on mid-Cretaceous climate. Climatic variables such as surface temperature, pressure and moisture transport suggest that the mid-Cretaceous climate system is more sensitive to precession than to obliquity in most regions, even at high latitudes. Obliquity variations affect our simulations primarily by modulating the western extent of the precession-enhanced continental monsoons. As a result, sensitivity to obliquity can be important at low, as well as high, latitudes.
Biosensor Förster resonance energy transfer detection by the phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.

We present here the phasor approach to biosensor Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) detection by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and show that this method of data representation is robust towards biosensor design as well as the fluorescence artifacts inherent to the cellular environment. We demonstrate this property on a series of dual and single chain biosensors, which report the localization of Rac1 and RhoA activity, whilst performing concomitant ratiometric FRET analysis on the acquired FLIM data by the generalized polarization (GP) approach. We then evaluate and compare the ability of these two methods to quantitatively image biosensor FRET signal as a function of time and space. We find that with lifetime analysis in the phasor plot each molecular species is transformed into a two-dimensional coordinate system where independent mixtures of fluorophores can be distinguished from changes in lifetime due to FRET. This enables the fractional contribution of the free and bound state of a dual chain biosensor or the low and high FRET species of a single chain biosensor to be quantified in each pixel of an image. The physical properties intrinsic to each biosensor design are also accurately characterized by the phasor analysis; thus, this method could be used to inform biosensor optimization at the developmental stage. We believe that as biosensors become more sophisticated and are multiplexed with other fluorescent molecular tools, biosensor FRET detection by the phasor approach to FLIM will not only become imperative to their use but also their advancement.
Time and data distribution systems at the Fermilab accelerator

Abstract The operation of the Fermilab accelerator has become increasingly complex over the last several years with the commissioning of the Tevatron and Antiproton Source. Four special purpose communication links have been developed to broadcast time, beam synchronization, and machine data. These links have greatly facilitated the multi-mode operation of the accelerator complex. The most sophisticated of these links is the Tevatron clock (TCLK). Up to 256 unique events may be encoded onto TCLK with typical resolution of 100 ns. 123 events have been assigned to date. Beam-sychronized clocks have been implemented for both the Main Ring and Tevatron. These clocks operate at approximately 7.5 MHz and are derived from the Main Ring and Tevatron rf systems. Beam diagnostics, beam transfers between machines, and placement of colliding proton and antiproton bunches are coordinated by encoded events on these clocks. A custom integrated circuit was designed to accommodate detection of the serially encoded events present on both Tevatron and beam-synchronous clocks with a minimum of circuit overhead. The final link, MDAT, broadcasts machine data — most notably the value of bending current for both the Main Ring and Tevatron. Each of these links is distributed throughout the accelerator complex and is integrated into a significant number of control system components.
Increased ICAM-1 expression in the early stages of murine chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is considered to be a model for scleroderma, and vascular changes are considered to be important in that disease. We have examined the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) using monoclonal antibodies and immunohistochemistry in very early murine cGVHD. ICAM-1 is found on a number of cell types including endothelial cells. It is the natural ligand for LFA-1 found on leukocytes. Adherence of leukocytes to ICAM-1 positive cells is mediated by LFA-1 and this binding is thought to play an important role in a number of cell adhesion events in immune reactions. Experimental cGVHD across minor histocompatibility barriers is established by the iv inoculum of B10.D2 spleen cells into a sublethally irradiated BALB/c host. Ear and skin biopsies were taken at Days 0-5 and from Days 14 to 120 postinoculum. In comparison to the control group (BALB/c spleen cells given to a sublethally irradiated BALB/c host), the cGVHD mice show increased ICAM-1 expression by Day 3 on endothelial cells and mononuclear cells (MNC) and on fibroblast-like cells by Day 4. By Day 14, there are increasing numbers of ICAM-1-expressing cells and increased epidermal reactivity for ICAM-1; and finally, an increased number of LFA-1 positive infiltrating MNC. These changes wane by Day 28 and are gone by Day 120. These results support the concept that ICAM-1/LFA-1 interactions play a role in the immune regulation of cGVHD. The very early upregulation of ICAM-1 on the endothelium indicates that this cell type may be playing a primary role in cGVHD, and this model should provide a simple system in which to test regulation of endothelial activation in vivo.
A "next generation" architecture for HTTP

The paper discusses HTTP-NG, a comprehensive rethinking of the Web's underlying protocol. It provides a framework for defining new Web applications, a powerful messaging system, and a multiplexing transport layer.
Structure and Stability of Si(114)-(2 x 1)

Abstract : We describe a recently discovered stable planar surface of silicon Si(114) This high-index surface, oriented 19.5 degrees away from (001) toward (111), undergoes a 2 x 1 reconstruction. We propose a complete model for the reconstructed surface based on scanning tunneling microscopy images and first-principles total-energy calculations. The structure and stability of Si(114)-(2 x 1) arises from a balance between surface dangling bond reduction and surface stress relief, and provides a key to understanding the morphology of a family of surfaces oriented between (001) and (114).
Maternofetal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus-1: the role of antibodies to the V3 primary neutralizing domain.

Maternofetal Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1: the Role of Antibodies to the V 3 Primary Neutralizing Domain
Target detection in optically scattering media by polarization-difference imaging

Polarization-difference imaging (PDI) was recently presented by us as a method of imaging through scattering media [Opt. Lett. 20, 608 (1995)]. Here, PDI is compared with conventional, polarizationblind imaging systems under a variety of conditions not previously studied. Through visual and numerical comparison of polarization-difference and polarization-sum images of metallic targets suspended in scattering media, target features initially visible in both types of images are shown to disappear in polarization-sum images as the scatterer concentration is increased, whereas these features remain visible in polarization-difference images. Target features producing an observed degree of linear polarization of less than 1% are visible in polarization-difference images. The ability of PDI to suppress partially polarized background variations selectively is demonstrated, and discrimination of target features on the basis of polarization information is discussed. Our results show that, when compared with conventional imaging, PDI yields a factor of 2-3 increase in the distance at which certain target features can be detected.
The dynamics of loosely jointed structures

Abstract Loosely jointed structures have joint connections that exhibit non-linear lateral force–displacement behavior in bending. Examples include scaffolds, bleachers and other temporary frames. Formulated herein is a lumped parameter, dynamic sway model of a multi-bay, n-story scaffold with bilinear elastic joint connections. Responses are evaluated numerically for an approximate model: a two degree of freedom scaffold in plane sway motion caused by harmonic base excitation. Chaotic, quasi-periodic, and periodic responses are investigated over a practical range of non-dimensional system parameters. The results show that the type of response is especially sensitive to the magnitude of joint damping.
Sb–Cu–Li electrochromic mirrors

Abstract Switchable mirrors offer significant advantages over traditional electrochromic devices for control of incident light in architectural and aerospace applications due to their large dynamic ranges in both transmission and reflection in the visible and near infrared regimes. Here we describe construction and spectroscopic characterization of a complete electrochromic mirror device consisting of an antimony–copper alloy (40 at% Cu) active electrode coupled with an optically passive vanadium oxide counter electrode and a crosslinked polymer gel electrolyte. Transmittance and reflectance spectra in the visible–near IR (300–2500 nm) in both mirror and transparent states are reported. The photopic transmittance of the complete device varied from less than 3% to more than 20% during cycling, requiring about 40 min for complete switching in each direction. At the same time, the photopic reflectance varied from 40% to 25%. The crosslinked polymer improves the stability of the mirror electrode relative to that in a liquid electrolyte.
Direct recording of the initially excited and the solvent relaxed fluorescence emission spectra of tryptophan by phase sensitive detection of fluorescence.

Abstract Phase sensitive detection of fluorescence was used to directly record the initially excited and the solvent-relaxed emission spectra of N-acetyl-L-tryptophanamide in propylene glycol. Emission from the initially excited state was suppressed by adjusting the phase sensitive detector to be out of phase with the emission on the short wavelength side of the fluorescence spectrum. Then, the phase sensitive intensities revealed the emission spectrum of the solvent relaxed state. Similarly, the emission from the solvent relaxed state was suppressed by adjusting the detector to be out of phase with the emission on the long wavelength side of the spectrum, allowing the spectrum of the initially excited state to be directly recorded. Distinct emission spectra could be recorded when the solvent relaxation time was comparable to the fluorescence lifetime. At higher or lower temperatures, emission occurs predominantly from a single state, and suppression of the fluorescence signal at any arbitrary wavelength resulted in suppression of the entire emission. A simple theory is described which allows the spectral relaxation times to be estimated from the phase sensitive intensities. From this analysis we obtained an activation energy for spectral relaxation of 3 kcal/mol. This activation energy is smaller than that found for the temperature dependence of fluorescence depolarization, 7.8 kcal/mol. We attribute this difference to the smaller molecular motions required for spectral relaxation. The method of phase sensitive detection of fluorescence shows excellent resolving power and sensitivity, and this method should facilitate measurement of spectral relaxation around tryptophan residues in proteins.
Adsorption studies with gmelinite zeolites containing mono-, di- and tri-valent cations

Synthetic gmelinite zeolites are prepared via (i) hydrothermal conversion of strontium-containing zeolite Y and (ii) the use of a DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo [2,2,2] octane) polymer structure-directing agent. The synthetic materials are compared to a sample of natural gmelinite. The adsorption capacities of the three gmelinites after ion exchange with Na^+, Sr^(2+) and La^(3+) for adsorbates such as water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, nitrogen, n-hexane and cyclohexane are presented. It is shown on each type of gmelinite and independent of the degree of faulting, the adsorption capacities of nitrogen, propanol, n-hexane and cyclohexane increase when monovalent cations are replaced by multivalent cations. However, adsorbates such as water, methanol and ethanol do not show significant variations in adsorption capacity with exchangeable ion valency.
Effect of antimony on the phase equilibrium of binary AlSi alloys

Abstract Small additions of antimony to eutectic AlSi alloys cause an increase in eutectic undercooling. The undercooling results in a eutectic with primary αAl in its microstructure. The metastable AlSi phase diagram is constructed in order to explain the undercooling and the existence of αAl in the microstructure. A method of calculating the undercooling, ΔT, from fα, the volume fraction of αAl in the microstructure, is given. The ternary AlSiSb phase diagram is calculated. From the ternary system it is possible to predict overmodification of AlSi alloys is caused by the formation of the compound AlSb.
Surface diffusion of CO on Pt(111)

Abstract The surface diffusion of CO, reaction of CO with O, and surface diffusion of NO on Pt(111) have been investigated by laser-induced thermal desorption (LITD) for coverages between 1.0 × 10 14 and 4.1 × 10 14 molecules cm 2 and temperatures between 320 and 360 K. The diffusion coefficients for CO displayed Arrhenius behavior, D = D 0 exp (− E diff / RT ), with E diff remaining essentially coverage independent at 12.5 ± 1.0 kcal mol . The pre-exponential factor, D 0 , was 0.9 ± 0.3 cm 2 s , only by a factor of two over the coverage range studied. Compared to other similar surfaces for which CO diffusion data exist, the surface diffusion of CO on Pt(111) is very slow; at 300 K, ~ 100 times slower than on Rh(111) and more than three times slower than on Ru(001). For desorption from coadsorbed CO and O on Pt(111) at low temperature, LITD shifted the selectivity significantly from the oxidation pathway favored in conventional temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) to the reactant desorption pathway, showing that CO and O can be desorbed without reaction at sufficiently high heating rates. In a variant of the standard hole-filling surface diffusion technique, LITD was also used to demonstrate that coupled surface diffusion and surface reaction can be studied with LITD. Separate attempts were made to measure the surface diffusion coefficient of NO on Pt(111) in a similar temperature and coverage regime. An upper bound of 5 × 10 −10 cm 2 s at 320 K was determined based on the detection limit of the experimental system.
Eosinophils and itch: Partners in crime or strange bedfellows?

Itch is a noxious sensation that disturbs work and play during wakefulness and prevents rest and rejuvenation during sleep. Teleologically, itch must have conferred an evolutionary advantage. Etiologically, itch is not well understood. Itch has both similarities and differences to pain. An interesting difference is that pain can be superficial and deep, but itch is only superficial, affecting epithelial tissues and not solid organs. For example, cardiac, pancreatic, and renal pain are known, but cardiac, pancreatic, and renal itch are not. In addition to skin itch, mucosae can itch; patients with food allergy describe oral mucosal itching, and patients with yeast infection describe genital mucosal itching. In epithelial organs other than the skin and mucous membranes, ‘‘itch equivalents’’ exist; cough might be lung itch, dysphagia might be esophageal itch, and dysuria might be bladder itch. As our understanding of immunology has taken shape, itch often is found to be associated with TH2 immunologic responses, which logically have their origins in parasite resistance. However, anyone who has had poison ivy–induced dermatitis, classical delayed-type hypersensitivity, will fervently attest to the severe itching that is associated with a TH1 immunologic response. After their discovery by Paul Ehrlich in 1879, eosinophils quickly were associated with parasitic diseases and asthma. The prominence of eosinophils in skin infected with an ectoparasite, Sarcoptes scabiei, is an example of a relationship between eosinophils and itch; scabies is derived from the Latin word ‘‘to scratch.’’ Later observations showed that eosinophil granule proteins, even in the absence of intact eosinophils, were extensively deposited in patients with edematous and pruritic skin afflictions, such as urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and prurigo nodularis, conditions in which aberrant neurophysiologic reactivity is known. Lee et al, in their article entitled ‘‘Eosinophil-dependent skin innervation and itching following contact toxicant exposure in
Lower-hybrid instability in current-carrying plasmas

The stability of lower-hybrid waves in a collisional, fully ionized plasma carrying a field-aligned current is investigated. From the two-fluid equations in the cold-plasma approximation, a generalized dispersion relation and formulae for the real frequency ω I and growth rate ω R are derived. The results of a numerical study are presented showing the dependence of ω R and ω I on the angle between the direction of propagation and the magnetic field, the ratio of the electron drift velocity to the parallel phase velocity, and other plasma parameters. Lower-hybrid instability with electron drift velocity small compared with the parallel phase velocity is predicted.
Optical properties of transition metal oxide quantum wells

Fabrication of a quantum well, a structure that confines the electron motion along one or more spatial directions, is a powerful method of controlling the electronic structure and corresponding optical response of a material. For example, semiconductor quantum wells are used to enhance optical properties of laser diodes. The ability to control the growth of transition metal oxide films to atomic precision opens an exciting opportunity of engineering quantum wells in these materials. The wide range of transition metal oxide band gaps offers unprecedented control of confinement while the strong correlation of d-electrons allows for various cooperative phenomena to come into play. Here, we combine density functional theory and tight-binding model Hamiltonian analysis to provide a simple physical picture of transition metal oxide quantum well states using a SrO/SrTiO3/SrO heterostructure as an example. The optical properties of the well are investigated by computing the frequency-dependent dielectric functions. The effect of an external electric field, which is essential for electro-optical devices, is also considered.
Leadership Competencies for Academic Librarians: The Importance of Development and Fund-Raising.

Private-sector research has addressed the issue of leadership competencies as a part of defining the nature of effective leadership, the leadership qualities and areas of knowledge needed by those who contribute to organizational success, and the educational preparation needed by leaders. The societal, organizational, and competitive changes affecting academic libraries point to the need for effective leadership and the identification of leadership competencies for academic librarians. This article presents a rationale for the identification of an important component of such a statement of leadership competencies in the context of the knowledge and skills associated with development and fund-raising. This issue is key for professionals who play an important role in ensuring the value and viability of their employing organizations, as well as in articulating the relevance of academic library and information services to an array of potential funding sources. The research presented here describes the areas of expertise, experience, and skills associated with academic development positions in colleges and universities as a basis for identifying leadership competencies that are relevant to academic librarians and administrators.
Microhomogeneity assessments using ultrasonic slurry sampling coupled with electrothermal vaporization isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract Ultrasonic slurry sampling electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (USS-ETV-ICP-MS) is a very powerful technique for the direct analysis of solid materials prepared as slurries. The use of isotope dilution USS-ETV-ICP-MS (USS-ETV-ID-ICP-MS) for micro-homogeneity characterization studies of powdered reference materials based on elemental analyses, was investigated. Slurry analysis conditions were optimized taking into consideration density, particle size, analyte extraction, slurry mixing, analyte transport and sampling depth. Slurries were prepared using 1–20 mg of material and adding 1.0 ml of 5% nitric acid diluent containing 0.005% Triton X-100®. Three reference materials were analyzed (RM 8431a Mixed Diet, SRM 1548a Typical Diet and SRM 2709 San Joaquin Soil). Cu and Ni were determined in each material and Fe was also determined in RM 8431a Mixed Diet. ETV conditions were optimized and the benefit of using Pd as a carrier to enhance transport, combined with oxygen ashing was demonstrated. The accuracy of the method was verified by comparing analytical results with certified values. The precision of the method was demonstrated by comparing R.S.D.'s for slurry samples and aqueous standards and elemental ‘homogeneity’ was quantified based on the slurry sampling variability. The representative sample mass analyzed was calculated taking into consideration extraction of analyte into the liquid phase of the slurry. Representative sample masses of approximately 4 mg of RM 8431a provided slurry sampling variabilities of 10% or less for Cu, Fe and Ni. Representative sample masses of approximately 10 mg of SRM 1548a provided slurry sampling variabilities of approximately 10% for Cu and Ni. Representative sample masses of approximately 0.3 mg of SRM 2709 resulted in total analytical variabilities of less than 7%, highlighting the fact that the San Joaquin Soil is clearly the most homogeneous of the materials characterized.
Cement hydrate catalyzed hydrolysis of polyimide lightweight materials

Polymide (PI) resins which are produced by an in situ imidization condensation reaction of polyamic acid (PAA) precursors were evaluated for use as binders in high-temperature performance lightweight cement-filled material systems. Unfortuanately, the presence of partially hydrated cement in the system led to strength retrogression at room temperature. Significant mechanical failure was observed upon exposure of the specimens to steam at > 150°C. This was found to be due mainly to alkali catalyzed hydrolysis of the functionaries of unreacted PAA adjacent to the cement surfaces and the imide rings of PI matrices. The formation of Ca-complexed carboxylate salts derived from the hydrolysis resulted in chain scission of the polymer, thereby decreasing the mechanical strength, and making the composites unsuitable for use in aqueous environments.
V.L.F. emission from ring-current electrons

Characteristics of VLF emissions detected by satellite in association with enhancements of ring-current electrons during magnetic storms and substorms are described along with the associated enhancements in electron intensities and the anisotropies of the ring-current electron distribution. It is shown that the emissions are observed only when the satellite is outside the plasmasphere, that the beginning of the emissions coincides with the satellite's encounter with the large electron fluxes in that region, and that the increase in electron intensities associated with the observed emissions is limited only to low-energy electrons. The frequency distributions of emissions with peak frequencies above and below half the electron gyrofrequency at the equator is analyzed. The bimodal frequency distribution of the equatorial whistler-mode emissions is explained in terms of different production regions for emissions at frequencies above and below half the equatorial electron gyrofrequency.
L 1 subshell yields atZ=73 from the electron capture decay of181W

The TaL x ray spectrum from the electron capture decay of181W is analyzed into components characteristic of the threeL-subshells and theL1 subshell yields atZ=73 are determined to beΩ1=0.15±0.02,f12=0.23±0.05 andf13=0.32±0.02. A revised decay scheme for the decay of181W is proposed from measurements of x-ray and gamma intensities. A value of 0.97±0.08 for theK-conversion coefficient of the 153 keV transition is obtained and itsE2/M1 multipolarity mixing ratio,δ2(0.25) is deduced.
Effects of Azepexole on Opioid Receptors and Endogenous Opioid Release in the Guinea Pig Ileum

The interactions of the opioid and adrenergic systems were investigated in the guinea pig myenteric plexus longitudinal muscle preparation. Morphine and azepexole (a highly selective alpha 2-adrenergic agonist) inhibit the electrically induced contractions with ED50 of 1.9 X 10(-7) M and 3.1 X 10(-6) M, respectively. The effect of morphine but not that of azepexole was competitively antagonized by naloxone. Stimulation of the preparation at 10 Hz was used to induce endogenous opioid release that was unaffected by azepexole. The authors' findings indicate that the effects of morphine and azepexole are additive, but that there is no direct interaction between the opioid and adrenergic receptors in the ileum. These observations provide some additional insight into the ability of alpha 2-agonists to enhance the effects of opioids and inhalation anesthetics.
Evidence for pore‐forming ability by Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila is the cause of Legionnaires' pneumonia. After Internalization by macrophages, it bypasses the normal endocytic pathway and occupies a replicative phagosome bound by endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we show that lysis of macrophages and red blood cells by L. pneumophila was dependent on dotA and other loci known to be required for proper targeting of the phagosome and replication within the host cell. Cytotoxicity occurred rapidly during a high-multiplicity infection, required close association of the bacteria with the eukaryotic cell and was a form of necrotic cell death accompanied by osmotic lysis. The differential cytoprotective ability of high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycols suggested that osmotic lysis resulted from insertion of a pore less than 3 nm in diameter into the plasma membrane. Results concerning the uptake of membrane-impermeant fluorescent compounds of various sizes are consistent with the osmoprotection analysis. Therefore, kinetic and genetic evidence suggested that the apparent ability of L. pneumophila to insert a pore into eukaryotic membranes on initial contact may play a role in altering endocytic trafficking events within the host cell and in the establishment of a replicative vacuole.
“Intermittency” in high-energy and nuclear collisions

Abstract We calculate scaled factorial moments for ultra-relativistic collisions, using a cluster model that assumes only rough boost invariance of the cluster distribution and independent emission of pions from clusters. We find that the different moments are not independent, but are related by a simple scaling law. We show that the second moment contains the least statistical error, and is therefore the most useful for analyzing the behavior of the moments for small bin size. We also find that moments scale with the inverse of the rapidity density, if the cluster size is fixed. This scaling is not seen in the data; instead, the heavy-ion events contain larger clusters than are observed in the hadronic collisions. This disparity in cluster size indicates that spatial intermittency may be stronger in heavy-ion collisions than in the hadronic and light-ion collisions.
Seasonal and water-depth variations in sediment luminescence and in sedimentation from sediment trap samples at Gerlache Strait, Antarctic Peninsula

Sediment trap arrays were deployed in Brialmont Cove and Andvord Bay, eastern Gerlache Strait, from December 2001-March 2003. The recovered sediments (representing instantaneous deposition from the viewpoint of luminescence dating) encompass all the annual and local glaciomarine depositional processes. Magnetic susceptibility profiles were used to infer seasonality in the trap cores, and thus to select subsamples for luminescence measurements. Multi-aliquot infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) apparent ages were used to assess the effectiveness of 'clock zeroing' (by daylight) of light sensitive luminescence within fine silt polymineral samples from each trap depth. IRSL apparent ages for 24 samples indicate that the largest age-depth differences occur with the autumn season samples at both trap sites, suggesting a previously unrecognized and regional (within the Gerlache Strait) change in depositional controls in the autumn compared to other seasons. The apparent ages also indicate some differences between the fjords, and a more complex oceanographic regime at Andvord Bay than at Brialmont Cove. Dry-mass sediment fluxes varied from 0.4 to 0.7 g cm- 2 yr -1 , with the largest flux at Brialmont Cove (∼0.7 g cm -2 yr -l ) occurring in the bottom trap, whereas at Andvord Bay, the largest flux (∼0.6 g CM -2 yr -1 ) occurred in the middle trap (∼45 m above seafloor).
Measurement of Pu γ-ray intensities between 148 and 161 keV

Abstract Utilizing Pu isotopic standards characterized by the Institute for Nuclear Materials and Measurement (IRMM), New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) measured the γ-ray branching ratios of the 148.567-keV 241 Pu, the 152.72-keV 238 Pu, the 159.995-keV 241 Pu and the 160.28-keV 240 Pu γ-rays. The study reported here includes the measurement of four IRMM standards, utilizing three different detectors for a total of 16 spectra, finding branching ratios of (1.863 ± 0.008) × 10 −6 , (9.230 ± 0.068) × 10 −6 , (6.321 ± 0.040) × 10 −8 and (4.065 ± 0.017) × 10 −6 , γ/disintegration, respectively.
Die Konfiguration der 2.6‐Didesoxy‐2.6‐diamino‐hexopyranose aus Neomycin C

Durch direkten Vergleich wurde die Identitat der synthetischen 2.6-Didesoxy-2.6-diamino-d-glucose mit der aus Neomycin C erhaltenen 2.6-Didesoxy-2.6-diamino-hexopyranose bewiesen.
Gesture and Creating Zones of Proximal Development for Second Language Learning

This study investigated the role of gesture in and of itself and in conjunction with speech in creating zones of proximal development (ZPD) for second language learning and teaching. A university student of English, newly arrived in the United States, was videorecorded once a week in conversational interaction with an American graduate student, an ESL/EFL teacher, over two different periods lasting 15 weeks altogether. The view taken in the study of Vygotsky’s concept of the ZPD follows that of Newman and Holtzman (1993), who argued that it primarily concerns revolutionary activity, that learning and teaching transforms as a consequence of interacting in the ZPD, and that this affects all participants. Findings indicate the important role that gesture played both in promoting language learning and in facilitating positive interaction between the two participants, helping to create a sense of shared social, symbolic, physical, and mental space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]