cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cat Hemoglobin: pH DEPENDENCE OF COOPERATIVITY AND LIGAND BINDING

Abstract Cat hemoglobin has been found to exist in three forms which differ in the cooperativity of oxygen binding at low and high pH values. Type I cat hemoglobin has a high cooperativity (n = 2.7 to 3.1) at both high (pH = 7.8 to 9.0) and low (pH = 6.5 to 6.9) pH values. Type II hemoglobin exhibits low cooperativity (n = 1.8 to 2.3) in the low pH range but high cooperativity in the high pH range. Types I and II have identical p(O2)hb50 values. Cat hemoglobin type III has a low cooperativity in both pH ranges. Results presented indicate that changes in the reactivity of sulfhydryl groups coincide with the difference in cooperativity among the three cat hemoglobin forms. Stored at 4° as a hemolysate, in the oxy form, type I hemoglobin gradually converts to type II and then type III cat hemoglobins. The conversion occurs much more slowly if purified cat hemoglobin is stored in the carbon monoxide form. Type III hemoglobin can be converted to type II hemoglobin by incubation with dithiothreitol. Molar equivalents of p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, 1.4 and 2.4, convert type I to type II and type III, respectively. Ultracentrifuge experiments indicate that the tetramer-dimer subunit dissociation constants of the liganded forms of types I and II of cat hemoglobin are pH-dependent. In addition, liganded cat hemoglobin dissociates about 10 times more readily than any other mammalian hemoglobin investigated. The results are discussed in light of known facts about the structure of cat hemoglobin and applied to an evaluation of the validity of the allosteric model for cooperativity of multi-subunit proteins.
Surface Mapping and Magnetoelectrocardiography

The most reliable predictor for sudden cardiac death is reduced systolic function of the left ventricle. There is no established single noninvasive electrophysiological parameter for detecting high risk patients for sudden cardiac death, although a combination of several parameters might be useful. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is widely used as a standard diagnostic tool, but there are certain limitations, as some ECGs may not provide sufficient information required for clinical decision as in patients with baseline ECG abnormalities, e.g., with ventricular hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease, or use of certain medications. Patients with a normal or nonspecific ECG, in spite of latent cardiac disease, are less likely to be hospitalized and consequently suffer adverse events, including increased mortality.1 Therefore, it is essential to have additional diagnostic tools to increase the probability of detecting individuals who are likely to suffer from adverse cardiac events.
Density functional theory and fluorocarboranes

Abstract Density functional theory (DFT) methods have been used to predict the geometries and a variety of energetic quantities of fluorinated closo -monocarborane clusters. Geometries were optimized at the local DFT level and energetics obtained at the gradient-corrected level. The species studied were CB 11 H 12 − , 2-, 7-, and 12-CB 11 H 11 F − , 7,8,9,10,11,12-CB 11 H 6 F 6 − (CB 11 H 6 F 6 − ), 1-H-CB 11 F 11 − , and fragments of the parent anion obtained by removing an H atom or an H − ion from a given cluster vertex. For the anions CB 11 H 12 − , 12-CB 11 H 11 F − , CB 11 H 6 F 6 − , and 1-H-CB 11 F 11 − , the optimized CB 11 cores were icosahedral cages with C 5 v symmetry. The predicted CB, BB, CH, BH, and BF bond distances are in good agreement with available experimental data and, in the case of CB 11 H 12 − , with bond distances predicted at the MP2 or Hartree–Fock levels of theory. The calculations show that dissociation of H − from CB 11 H 12 − or F − from CB 11 H 11 F − varies by more than 12 kcal mol −1 depending on which type of boron vertex is chosen (the dissociations are most endothermic for upper-belt BH and BF bonds). In contrast, the dissociation of H or F atoms varies by less than 2 kcal mol −1 for the three types of boron vertices. The calculations predict that 2-CB 11 H 11 F − is marginally more stable than 7-CB 11 H 11 F − or 12-CB 11 H 11 F − (the relative energies are 0, 0.91, and 0.17 kcal mol −1 , respectively), despite the observation that 12-CB 11 H 11 F − is the only isomer formed when CB 11 H 12 − is treated with liquid anhydrous HF. Therefore, the DFT results suggest that regioselective fluorination of CB 11 H 12 − under the conditions that have been used is under kinetic control.
The status of women in sisala society

Sisala women occupy an inferior position in society relative to men. This is especially true when one analyzes the economic system wherein men dominate the control of the means and relations of production. This article describes the sex-role ascription in the technical relations of production, sexual inequality in the reproduction of the conditions and relations of production, and relates this sexual asymmetry to the structural rules of virilocal residence, bridewealth, and agnatic inheritance rules. A case is presented which shows that the accumulation of independent wealth is possible during one woman's lifetime, but its transmission to another female or to the woman's agnatic descent group is prevented by the existence of strict rules of patrilineal inheritance. The social control of women is seen as located in the social structure, while the conditions which alter that structure over time are material changes which occur in an historical context.
Continuous automorphisms on locally compact groups

Let G be a non-compact locally compact topological group, O be a continuous automorphism on G. In his book, Ergodic Theory, HALMOS has shown that if the determinent of the linear transformation T on a finite dimensional real Euclidean space is 1, then T is not ergodic. He proved this by exhibiting a non-constant T-invariant continuous function on the Euclidean space. He asks how far these facts can be extended. Can an automorphism of a locally compact but non-compact group be an ergodic-measure preserving transformation ? Recently, RAJAGOPALAN [7] has proved that when G is abelian, then O is not ergodic with respect to the left Haar measure on G. In this note we shall prove that when G is a connected locally compact non-compact topological group, then O is not ergodic relative to the left Haar measure. In many cases, we shall show the existence of non-constant O-invariant real valued continuous functions on G. But we cannot expect this is true in general. For instance, let O be an automorphism on R". If the norm t10 IIof O is different from 1, then there is no non-constant O-invariant continuous function on R". We were informed that RAJAGOPALAN and KAUrMAN had reached the same results of this note. Notations and conventions: We shall use V to denote a vector group with dimension n > l , K a compact connected group. Assume there exists a continuous map z: K x V ~ V such that for each k~K, ~k(v)=z(v, k) is an automorphism on V, and zh~(v)= zh(zl,(v)). We shall write kv for z1,(v). Then we have the topological group H = V @ K [1, 2, 7], the semi-direct product of V and K. Let #, v be the identity elements of V and K respectively. All the automorphism mentioned in this note are onto and bicontinuous.
The effects of ionization on the structure of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibres

Abstract Extended periods of ionization of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA), namely Kevlar 149, fibres by sodium methylsulfinyl carbanions leads to a significant deterioration in the fibre tensile properties. The non-chain-breaking nature of the ionization suggests that hydrogen bonds among the PPTA chains in the intercrystalline regions also contribute to the axial strength of the fibres. Rinsing with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) following the ionization initially improves the tensile strength. With DMSO immersions of 10 h or longer, the tensile strength loss resumes, and can be explained by hydrolytic chain scission of the PPTA molecules in the intercrystalline regions. Ionization which does not affect the fibre strength of Kevlar 49 is effective for structural differentiation between Kevlar 49 and 149 fibres. In a similar fashion to ionization, etching by argon glow discharge produces little change in Kevlar 49 fibre structure and strength. The fact that both ionization and glow discharge treatment affect PPTA fibre properties similarly demonstrates that both reactions depend on the accessibility and precise microstructure of these fibres.
An adenovirus E1A protein domain activates transcription in vivo and in vitro in the absence of protein synthesis.

Summary We have shown previously that a synthetic peptide of 49 amino acids, encoding mainly adenovirus E1A protein domain 3 (PD3), functions as an autonomous transcriptional activator. Here we provide two lines of evidence showing that E1A transactivation does not require the induction of cellular protein synthesis. First, PD3 rapidly transactivates E1A-inducible early viral genes in the presence of inhibitors of protein synthesis, as demonstrated by microinjectionin situ hybridization experiments. Second, PD3 greatly stimulates transcription of E1A-inducible genes in vitro. Mutant PD3 peptides with single amino acid substitutions in conserved cysteine residues are defective in transactivation both in vivo and in vitro. Our findings provide compelling evidence that protein synthesis is not required for E1A transactivation, and support a model in which E1A modifies the activity of a preexisting cellular protein(s) involved in the regulation of transcription.
Characterization of dropouts with data read-back errors for digital magnetic-tape recorders

A data-acquisition system for characterizing dropouts in terms of data-recording errors is introduced. Data acquired with the system is presented, and a method of data analysis suggested. Dropouts, where the amplitude decreases to 10-15 percent nominal, are shown as the primary cause of data read-back errors. Possible applications of the techniques for data acquisition and analysis are discussed briefly.
Outer membrane protein A of Escherichia coli forms temperature-sensitive channels in planar lipid bilayers.

The temperature dependence of single-channel conductance and open probability for outer membrane protein A (OmpA) of Escherichia coli were examined in planar lipid bilayers. OmpA formed two interconvertible conductance states, small channels, 36–140 pS, between 15 and 37°C, and large channels, 115–373 pS, between 21 and 39°C. Increasing temperatures had strong effects on open probabilities and on the ratio of large to small channels, particularly between 22 and 34°C, which effected sharp increases in average conductance. The data infer that OmpA is a flexible temperature-sensitive protein that exists as a small pore structure at lower temperatures, but refolds into a large pore at higher temperatures.
Proportion of primes generated by strong prime methods

The numbers of primes generated by two prime generation methods are evaluated. The methods considered generate strong primes for cryptographic use in the RSA public-key cryptosystem. The results show that they generate sufficiently many primes to resist cryptanalytic attack by prime enumeration for the sizes of primes used to guard against factorisation attack.
Gene expression patterns and susceptibility to allergic responses.

Allergic diseases are due to hypersensitive immune responses against otherwise innocuous allergens, and involve the dysregulated expression of numerous genes in cells from both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Allergic diseases are characterized by the enhanced production of type 2 T helper (Th2) cytokines, including interleukin-4, -5 and -13. These cytokines induce many of the pathophysiologic hallmarks of allergy, and their expression is tightly regulated at the level of gene transcription by both positively and negatively-acting transcription factors. In this review, the authors summarize data indicating that some of these factors represent checkpoints in the development of allergic diseases. Th2 gene expression is also controlled at the level of chromatin remodeling, and the implications of chromatin-based Th2 gene regulation in allergic disorders is also discussed. The differentiation of Th2 cells from naive precursors is critically dependent upon instruction received from dendritic cells, alt...
On the variability of the inflation rate

The variability of the inflation rate is studied by means of phase plane analysis and a related Markov chain analysis. Empirical results are presented for four Latin American countries using the Markov chain analysis. The empirical results suggest that an inflation rate of 17-18 percent per year might reasonably be interpreted as a critical rate below which inflation decelerates and above which it accelerates. A policy implication is that an inflation rate above this critical level might warrant extreme measures, such as price controls, in order to shock the system back to an inflation rate below the critical level, at which point the system becomes self-correcting.
Caught in the middle

Cartoonist Sandra Boynton has captured in a single cartoon the dilemma faced by middle managers at all levels. The cartoon shows a bewildered, hapless cat standing between a large, pointing, barking dog on one side and a small, distraught yapping dog on the other.When you were promoted or promised promotion, you were probably not warned about all the ways in which you would be “caught in the middle”. In this presentation, I want to talk about some of the ways in which you can be in the middle.
Broadband miniature fiber optic ultrasound generator

This paper presents the design, fabrication and characterization of a broadband miniature fiber optic ultrasound generator based on photoacoustic (PA) ultrasound generation principle for biomedical ultrasound imaging and ultrasound non-destructive test (NDT) applications. A novel PA generation material, gold nanocomposite, was synthesized by directly reducing gold nanoparticles within polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) through a one-pot protocol. The fiber optic ultrasound generator was fabricated by coating the gold nanocomposite on the tip of the optical fiber. The efficiency of the PA generation using gold nanocomposite was increased 10(5) compared to using aluminum thin film and 10(3) compared to using graphite mixed within epoxy. The ultrasound profile and the acoustic distribution have been characterized. The amplitude of the generated ultrasound signal was as high as 0.64 MPa and the bandwidth was more than 20 MHz. This paper also demonstrated its capability for ultrasound imaging of a tissue specimen.
Divergence-Lq and divergence-measure tensor fields and gradient flows for linear growth functionals of maps into the unit sphere

Divergence-Lq and divergence-measure tensor fields are introduced and their properties are analyzed. These measure-theoretic tools are then used to study the gradient flow of linear growth functionals of maps into the unit sphere. A BV-solution concept is introduced and the existence of such a solution is established for the flow using the energy method together with a regularization and a penalization technique. Based on the analytical results, practical fully discrete finite element methods are then proposed for computing weak solutions of the gradient flow, and the convergence of the proposed numerical method is also proved.
‘They shared a laboratory together’: Feminist collaboration in the academy

Abstract Virginia Woolf's comment that ‘Chloe liked Olivia. They shared a laboratory together’ suggests both the dimensions of female friendship not represented in literary tradition and also a model of female scholary cooperation. ‘Feminist Collaboration in the Academy’ looks at the ways in which feminists can relate to and combat the academy's prevalent image of the isolated and usually male scholar. Describing their experience of working together on an anthology of feminist essays, the authors discuss the theoretical implications and problems of feminist collaboration in the academy.
Analysis and distribution of swainsonine and related polyhydroxyindolizidine alkaloids by thin layer chromatography

A spray reagent which is sensitive and specific for polyhydroxyindolizidine glycosidase inhibitors such as swainsonine and castanospermine has been developed for their visualization on thin layer chromatographic plates. The method involves treatment of the plates with a sequential system consisting of 10% acetic anhydride in benzene, followed by Ehrlich's reagent. This technique has been used to follow the isolation and purification of minor alkaloidal constituents from Astragalus lentiginosus and Castanospermum australe. The occurrence of swainsonine and its N-oxide in a number of Astragalus and Oxytropis species has been investigated. Species previously incriminated as locoweeds on the basis of field observations were all shown to contain the alkaloid and it was also found to occur in additional species. The highest levels of swainsonine were found in the seeds and pods, with lesser amounts in the leaves and stems, and none detectable in the roots.
Typestate-oriented programming

Objects model the world, and state is fundamental to a faithful modeling. Engineers use state machines to understand and reason about state transitions, but programming languages provide little support for reasoning about or implementing these state machines, causing software defects and lost productivity when objects are misused.We propose Typestate-Oriented Programming as a natural extension to the object paradigm, where objects are modeled not just in terms of classes, but in terms of changing states. Each state may have its own representation and methods which may transition the object into a new state. A flow-sensitive, permission-based type system helps developers track which state objects are in. First-class typestates are a powerful abstraction that will help developers model and reuse objects more efficiently and correctly.
Involvement of pertussis toxin sensitive G-proteins in conditioned fear-potentiated startle: possible involvement of the amygdala.

Abstract The present study evaluated the effects of intraventricular or intracerebral administration of pertussis toxin on fear-potentiated startle (a measure of conditioned fear) and shock sensitization (a measure of unconditioned fear). In Experiment 1 all animals were unilaterally implanted with cannulae into the lateral ventricle 1 week prior to 2 days of fear conditioning (ten light-shock pairings on each of 2 days). Five days later, animals were infused with either 1 μg pertussis toxin or saline and tested for fear-potentiated startle 24 h after infusion and tested for shock sensitization 26 or 50 h after infusion. Pertussis toxin blocked the ability of a light conditioned stimulus to facilitate startle but did not alter the ability of acute footshock to increase startle amplitude in the same animals. In Experiment 2 bilateral infusion of 1 μg pertussis toxin into the basolateral nuclei of the amygdala, but not the interpositus nuclei of the cerebellum, also blocked fear-potentiated startle when animals were tested 6 h after infusion. These findings suggest a role for pertussis toxin sensitive G-proteins, perhaps within the amygdala, in the expression of conditioned but not unconditioned fear.
Bisphosphonate Therapy and Atypical Fractures

With its continued successin improving bone mineral density and reducingthe incidence of some fractures associated withlow bone mass, longer-term data regardingbisphosphonate use have become available. Al-though described before the Food and DrugAdministration’s (FDA) approval and widespreadclinical use of bisphosphonates, an uncommonvariant of subtrochanteric and femoral shaft frac-tures thought to be associated with prolonged bi-sphosphonate therapy has captured the attentionof the osteoporosis community. These so-calledatypical femoral fractures occur after minimaltrauma and have a distinct configuration and ra-diographic appearance compared with typicalosteoporotic fractures. Although there is noevidence to suggest a cause-and-effect relation-ship, several studies have established an associa-tion between long-term bisphosphonate therapyandatypicalfemoralfractures.
The role of knife sharpness in the slitting of plastic films

An experimental apparatus has been built that provides information on forces associated with slitting plastic films. The apparatus uses commercially available scissors as an analogue to the counter-rotating knife blades used in industry. Cutting forces were measured using sharp and worn blades at a range of slitting speeds from 0.05–2.5 m s−1. Two important film-base materials were studied; the first was polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the second, acetal butylate. The influences of speed and knife-edge radius were measured for each base material. For the PET-based film, the forces increased as the blade became dull and decreased with cutting speed. At low speeds, the force required to cut the acetal butylate film was independent of speed, but a sharp decrease in force was observed at a speed that depended upon the blade sharpness. An empirical model for the slitting process has been developed that can estimate the forces measured.
Perfect light absorbers with multiplexed plasmon resonance metal structures

By multiplexing different sized structures within the unit cell of the gap-mode plasmon resonance structure, perfect light absorption has been achieved with broader near-perfect absorption of light.
A technique for in vitro culture of canine valvular interstitial cells.

Abstract Objective To develop a method for in vitro culture of canine valvular interstitial cells (VICs). Animals, materials and methods Canine VICs were isolated from the distal third of the anterior mitral valve leaflet using an explant technique and maintained in cell culture. Molecular phenotyping of the cultured cells was performed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. Results Cells resembling fibroblasts migrated from canine mitral valve explants and were maintained in culture for up to eight passages. Establishment of the valve explant required collagen but once established, subsequent passages grew on non-coated plastic plates. At confluence the cultured cells exhibited the characteristic whorled pattern of fibroblasts in culture. The isolated valve cells expressed vimentin but not platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule or von Willebrand's factor, consistent with the molecular phenotype of VICs. Conclusions VICs can be readily isolated from canine mitral valve leaflets and successfully maintained in culture using standard culture techniques. The described techniques permit the study of bioactive VICs in a controlled environment and may be a useful in vitro model for investigation of cellular and molecular alterations associated with canine chronic degenerative valve disease.
Why I Am Not SHY: A Reply to Tononi and Cirelli

In a recent article I reviewed an influential theory of sleep function, the “synaptic homeostasis hypothesis (SHY.)” According to SHY, sleep renormalizes synapses that are potentiated during prior wakefulness. I concluded that while SHY is a seminal theory with important implications about sleep function and the brain, its underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. In an accompanying article, the authors of SHY responded at length. Their reply is thoughtful and provocative, but unfortunately many of the points I raised were not accurately represented or addressed. In this brief commentary, I attempt to clarify some points of confusion. I also explain why any theory of sleep function is incomplete without an understanding of the underlying cellular mechanisms.
Titration curves of colloidal surfaces. I. Human epidermis

Abstract By studying colloidal charge density at various pH levels, titration curves of the surface of human epidermis were determined. Normal Donnan potentials were measured and the Donnan ratios estimated. Colloidal charge densities were calculated from Donnan ratios. Displaced Donnan potentials were measured by replacing an isotonic saline solution by a one-tenth dilution at any pH. These potentials depend on the ionic conductances as well as on the Donnan ratios. Theoretical calculations from observed Donnan potentials and standard values of ionic conductances gave values in agreement with the experiments. The potentials and titration curves were independent of the location of the reference junction. At low pH, epidermis was found to have a positive charge of about 0.15 equiv./kg. water. At pH 7.4, the charge was of the same magnitude but negative. The isoelectric point was found to be near pH 4.5. Approximately half the acid-binding groups were found between pH 2.2 and 2.9.
Regulation of Adrenal Growth. Differences in the Effects of ACTH in Normal and Dexamethasone-Suppressed Guinea Pigs1

One injection of 5 U of ACTH stimulated net synthesis of guinea pig adrenal DNA, RNA and protein, and significantly increased gland weight within 24 hr. The sensitivity of adrenal growth response to ACTH was proportionately greater in desamethasone-suppressed animals than in normals. In both groups, however, the adrenal growth response to a second injection of ACTH was inhibited by effects of the first injection. This diminished sensitivity to ACTH of nucleic acid and protein synthesis, observed as steroidogenic response increased, could be overcome by further treatment with ACTH. The effect of ACTH upon adrenal growth is therefore biphasic. The period of decreased sensitivity of adrenocortical growth response is of longer duration than the stimulatory effect of ACTH, since further response is limited for at least another 24 hr. (Endocrinology 83: 956, 1968)
The home environment and family asthma management among ethnically diverse urban youth with asthma.

While the pediatric psychology literature underscores the importance of illness related aspects of the home environment for optimal family asthma management, little is known about the contribution of more global aspects of the home environment (e.g., family routines/schedule, quality of stimulation provided to child) to asthma management in ethnic minority and urban families. The goals of this study were to: 1) explore ethnic/racial group differences in global and specific dimensions of home environment quality among Latino, non-Latino white (NLW), and African American urban children with asthma; and 2) examine associations between the quality and quantity of support and stimulation within the home environment, as measured by the HOME Inventory, and family asthma management in this sample. Urban, low-income children (N=131) between the ages of 6 and 13 with asthma and a primary caregiver participated in a multi-modal assessment including an in home observation and semi structured interviews to assess aspects of home environment quality and family asthma management practices. While controlling for poverty, no ethnic group differences were found in the global home environment; however, there were significant differences in specific dimensions (e.g. Family Participation in Developmentally Stimulating Experiences, and Aspects of the Physical Environment) of home environment quality. Across the whole sample, home environment quality predicted family asthma management. When examining this association for specific ethnic groups, this finding did not hold for the Latino subsample. The results highlight the need to consider ethnic group differences in non-illness specific aspects of the home environment when addressing families’ asthma management strategies.
We Must Live Elsewhere: The Social Construction of Natural Immunity in Mary Shelley’s The Last Man

This article takes as its premise that personal and political catastrophes inform but do not determine the political and poetic texture of Mary Shelley’s apocalyptic plague narrative, The Last Man (1826). Despite charges of nihilism and anti‐Romantic conservatism, Shelley offers several sites of social resistance to natural disaster that renovate, rather than reject, the idealism of the earlier generation of Romantics. In particular, this article explains the development of Shelley’s lifelong struggle with the ideal of androgyny through the narrator of the frame tale and the critically neglected Evadne. Further, the author uses Kant’s concept of cosmopolitanism as “unsocial sociability” to track a discourse of race and species in Verney’s encounters with a diseased “negro half clad” and an abandoned dog. Through this sustained narrative genealogy, Shelley employs a shrewdly revisionist strategy that continuously rewrites notions of community and companionship in the variable terms of gender, race, and spe...
On Sensitive Rank Tests for Comparing the Effects of Two Treatments on a Single Group.

The rank testRn of Cronholm and Revusky [1965] in effect doubles the number of comparisons carried out in the Mann-Whitney test between “Treated” and “Control” subjects chosen from a single group ofn and triples the asymptotic Pitman efficiency against shift alternatives by using a series ofn — 1 subexperiments. However, the full series can be too costly or time-consuming. It is shown thatj appropriately chosen subexperiments will permit one to make at leastj/(j+1) of the number of comparisons possible underRn, with large sample efficiency ofj/(j+2) relative toRn against shift alternatives and small sample efficiency greater than that,j=2, 3, ...,n — 2. The resulting test criterion is a sum ofj independent Mann-Whitney test statistics. Its null distribution is tabulated forn≤10 and small sample efficiency comparisons are carried out forn=10.
Fully atomistic models of the surface of amorphous polyethylene

Abstract Fully atomistic models of very thin films of amorphous polyethylene are studied. The density profile of the thin films shows that the surface layer is thicker than the result obtained previously for thin films of poly(1,4- cis -butadiene), using a similar method. This difference in thickness of the surface layer is attributed to the fact that polyethylene is a stiffer chain than poly(1,4- cis -butadiene), as reflected by the difference in their characteristic ratios. The C-C bonds are randomly oriented in the interior of the film, but in the outer portion of the surface layer they have a slight preference for an orientation in the plane of the film. The contribution of the internal energy to the surface energy of the film is estimated to be 20 erg cm −2 , which is lower than the experimental value of 26 erg cm −2 reported in the literature for the surface energy. The roughness of the surface varies from 0 to 6 A as the radius of the spherical probe used in the measurement becomes smaller.
Study of Te inclusions in CdMnTe crystals for nuclear detector applications

The concentration, size and spatial distribution of Te inclusions in the bulk of CdMnTe crystals mined from two batches of ingots were studied. An isolated planar layer decorated with Te inclusions was identified in CdMnTe crystals from the second ingot. The internal electric field of a CMT crystal was probed by infrared (IR) imaging employing Pockels electro-optic effect. The effect of an isolated plane of Te inclusions on the internal electric-field distribution within the CdMnTe crystal was studied. Space charge accumulation around the plane of Te inclusions was observed, which was found to be higher when the detector was reverse-biased. The effects of the plane of Te inclusions on the electric-field distribution within the CdMnTe crystal, and the quality of CdMnTe crystals for nuclear detector applications are discussed.
Unified forward and inverse discrete cosine transform architecture and proposed VLSI implementation

A unified discrete cosine transform and inverse discrete cosine transform (DCT/IDCT) architecture is used in the design of a proposed single-chip VLSI implementation of this function. An 8-point by 1 organization of the DCT/IDCT is chosen to allow easy implementation of the 8 × 8 format under consideration for recommendation by the International Consultative Committee for Telephone and Telegraph (CCJTT) for 384 K-bit CODECs. Fast DCT and IDCT algorithms are merged into a single hardware architecture that is programmable with a single DCT/IDCT selection switch. To accomplish real-time 10 MHz video data processing, the basic system clock brings data in and sends data out each 100 ns. Eight pixels are loaded for simultaneous processing every 800 ns and the module of each pipeline stage processes these eight elements simultaneously. Algorithm simulations and experimental performance of integrated test sub-circuit prototypes indicate that this proposed new DCT/IDCT chip would be capable of the real-time proces...
Imperial Climatographies from Tyrol to Turkestan

AbstractThis article argues for the importance of Europe’s continental empires, Habsburg and Romanov, to the emergence of a physical-dynamical model of the global climate before World War I. It begins to identify a set of questions and methods that were distinctive of climatology as a continental-imperial science of “regionalization” with a global vision. The focus is on studies of mountain climatology by Heinrich von Ficker and A. I. Voeikov in the ecologically vulnerable regions of Tyrol and western Turkestan. This continental-imperial context deserves historians’ attention because it suggests a new model for the globalization of knowledge: not simply a matter of scaling up, globalization must be understood as a process of seeing across scales, of recognizing causal connections between local, regional, and planetary phenomena.
Anti-Individualism, Conceptual Omniscience, and Skepticism

Given anti-individualism, a subjectmight have a priori (non-empirical)knowledge that she herself is thinking thatp, have complete and exhaustiveexplicational knowledge of all of the conceptscomposing the content that p, and yetstill need empirical information (e.g.regarding her embedding conditions and history)prior to being in a position to apply herexhaustive conceptual knowledge in aknowledgeable way to the thought that p. This result should be welcomed byanti-individualists: it squares with everythingthat compatibilist-minded anti-individualistshave said regarding e.g. the compatibility ofanti-individualism and basic self-knowledge;and more importantly it contains the crux of aresponse to McKinsey-style arguments againstanti-individualism.
Application of Atomic Pair Distribution Function Analysis to Materials with Intrinsic Disorder. Three-Dimensional Structure of Exfoliated-Restacked WS2: Not Just a Random Turbostratic Assembly of Layers

The three-dimensional structure of metastable exfoliated-restacked WS2 (r-WS2) has been determined by the atomic pair distribution function (PDF) technique. We show that the structure of r-WS2is not a random turbostratic assembly of layers, as previously thought, but it can be better regarded as a monoclinic structure with considerable intrinsic disorder. At room temperature, the atomic-scale structure of r-WS2 is well described in the space group P1121 of the monoclinic system with four formula units in the cell, and lattice parameters a = 3.270(5) A, b = 5.717(5) A, c = 12.309(5) A, and γ = 88.43°. Analysis of the X-ray scattering data, collected with Synchrotron radiation (λ = 0.202 A) over a wide scattering angle, shows that the metastable material is built of layers of distorted (WS6) octahedral units, in contrast to hexagonal 2H-WS2 which is built of layers of perfect (WS6) trigonal prisms. A characteristic structural feature of the restacked material is that W atoms within a single layer form zigza...
Stability of sulfur slopes on Io

The mechanical properties of elemental sulfur are such that the upper crust of Io cannot be primarily sulfur. For heat flows in the range 100-1000 ergs/sq cm sec sulfur becomes ductile within several hundred meters of the surface and would prevent the formation of calderas with depths greater than this. However, the one caldera for which precise depth data are available is 2 km deep, and this value may be typical. A study of the mechanical equilibrium of simple slopes shows that the depth to the zone of rapid ductile flow strongly controls the maximum heights for sulfur slopes. Sulfur scarps with heights greater than 1 km will fail for all heat flows greater than 180 ergs/sq cm sec and slope angles greater than 22.5 deg. The observed relief on Io is inconsistent with that anticipated for a predominantly sulfur crust. However, a silicate crust with several percent sulfur included satisfies both the mechanical constraints and the observed presence of sulfur on Io.
Antimicrobial peptides in animals and their role in host defences

Domesticated animals have a large variety of antimicrobial peptides that serve as natural innate barriers limiting microbial infection or, in some instances, act as an integral component in response to inflammation or microbial infection. These peptides differ in size, composition, mechanisms of activity and range of antimicrobial specificities. They are expressed in many tissues, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages and mucosal epithelial cells. There is a small group of anionic antimicrobial peptides found in ruminants and a much larger group of cationic antimicrobial peptides found in all domesticated animals. The cationic peptides include linear, helical peptides, linear peptides rich in proline and cysteine-stabilized peptides with a b-sheet and are commonly referred to as cathelicidins and defensins. These peptides are generally broad-spectrum for Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi (e.g. myeloid antimicrobial peptides, a-, b-defensins, and protegrins) or are specific to one of these groups (e.g. porcine cecropin P1, Bac5, Bac7, PR-39 and prophenin). Published by Elsevier B.V.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide: A major virulence factor, initiator of inflammation and target for effective immunity

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important bacterial pathogens encountered by immunocompromised hosts and patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) elaborated by this organism is a key factor in virulence as well as both innate and acquired host responses to infection. The molecule has a fair degree of heterogeneity in its lipid A and O-antigen structure, and elaborates two different outer-core glycoforms, of which only one is ligated to the O-antigen. A close relatedness between the chemical structures and genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes has been established, with 11 major O-antigen groups identified. The lipid A can be variably penta-, hexa- or hepta-acylated, and these isoforms have differing potencies when activating host innate immunity via binding to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The O-antigen is a major target for protective immunity as evidenced by numerous animal studies, but attempts, to date, to produce a human vaccine targeting these epitopes have not been successful. Newer strategies employing live attenuated P. aeruginosa, or heterologous attenuated bacteria expressing P. aeruginosa O-antigens are potential means to solve some of the existing problems related to making a P. aeruginosa LPS-specific vaccine. Overall, there is now a large amount of information available about the genes and enzymes needed to produce the P. aeruginosa LPS, detailed chemical structures have been determined for the major O-antigens, and significant biologic and immunologic studies have been conducted to define the role of this molecule in virulence and immunity to P. aeruginosa infection.
Novel applications of ECG monitoring for the quantification of noetic phenomena

Abstract A safety and efficacy study of nondrug, nondevice “noetic” medical interventions requires unique clinical trial design elements and tools. Although the precise mechanisms through which meditative or spiritual practices might influence clinical outcomes may be difficult to define, intuitively any such intervention that could meaningfully alter human physiology would be likely to be mediated through vascular tone, autonomic nervous system tone, or both. Continuous electrocardiographic monitoring in patients with coronary artery disease provides an objective, noninvasive modality through which coronary vascular insufficiency (ischemia) and spectro-temporal parameters of heart rate variability can be analyzed in an experienced core laboratory setting blinded to patient treatment assignments. We applied this approach in 150 patients with unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction undergoing invasive coronary catheterization and angioplasty who were randomized to one of five therapies (healing touch, stress relaxation training, imagery, double-blinded off-site intercessory prayer, or standard therapy) in the Monitoring & Actualization of Noetic TRAinings (MANTRA) Feasibility Pilot Study. Using a uniquely modified Marquette Electronics Tramscope 12-lead ST-Guard/MARS Holter “Unity” configuration (Milwaukee, WI), a “seamless” monitoring capability allowed monitoring to continue uninterrupted as patients went from the CCU to the catheterization lab and back to the CCU, creating a “rest-stress-recovery” data set similar to the common exercise stress test paradigm.
Numerical study of low- and high-temperature silane combustion

Self-ignition and flame propagation properties of silane combustion systems have been studied through computer simulations using a database of kinetic and thermodynamic information that is consistent with current understanding of the elementary processes. These new inputs include the mechanism for chain branching through the SiH3 radical, rate constants for the reactions of HO2 with silane and its breakdown products, and the reaction of SiO with oxygen. Over the entire temperature range, the simulations show two distinct mechanisms. At low temperatures, the kinetics of SiH3 is controlling, whereas at high temperatures, SiH2 chemistry is of key importance. The results demonstrate that the upper explosion limit and ignition at room temperature and 1 bar can be described by the same set of reactions. With the new database, many of the experimental observations can be reproduced, and predictions are made regarding dependencies on process parameters. These include the critical conditions for chain ignition, the dependence of the critical pressure on the ratio of silane and oxygen concentration, and the temperature dependence of the critical ratio of silane to oxygen concentration. A scenario for low-temperature ignition is presented. At high temperatures, the importance of condensation processes for accurate prediction of flame velocities is clear. For very lean flames, the maximum reaction rate occurs at the lower temperature region of the flame zone.
Oilseed Meal Effects on the Emergence and Survival of Crop and Weed Species

Oilseed crops are being widely evaluated for potential biodiesel production. Seed meal (SM) remaining after extracting oil may have use as bioherbicides or organic fertilizers. Brassicaceae SM often contains glucosinolates that hydrolyze into biologically active compounds that may inhibit various pests. Jatropha curcas SM contains curcin, a phytoxin. A 14-day greenhouse study determined that Sinapis alba (white mustard), Brassica juncea (Indian mustard), Camelina sativa, and Jatropha curcas applied to soil at varying application rates [0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5% (w/w)] and incubation times (1, 7, and 14 d) prior to planting affected seed emergence and seedling survival of cotton [Gossypium hirsutum (L.)], sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense), and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus). With each species, emergence and survival was most decreased by 2.5% SM application applied at 1 and 7 d incubations. White mustard SM incubated for 1 d applied at low and high rates had similar negative effects on johnsongrass seedlings. Redroot pigweed seedling survival was generally most decreased by all 2.5% SM applications. Based on significant effects determined by ANOVA, results suggested that the type, rate, and timing of SM application should be considered before land-applying SMs in cropping systems.
Stability of U.S. consumption expenditure patterns: 1996–1999

A cornerstone of macroeconomic analysis since the publication of Keynes’s General Theory in 1936 has been the strong belief in a stable aggregate consumption function. At the micro level, there has been an equally strong belief in invariant individual tastes and preferences. The usual approach in testing for structural stability is to examine consumption, expenditure, or demand functions estimated over different time periods for evidence of changes in marginal propensities to consume, price and income elasticities, and other parameters. The analysis in this chapter takes a different track. Rather than analyzing stability (or its absence) in terms of invariance in behavioral parameters (i.e., the coefficients in consumption, demand, or Engel functions), the focus is on direct relationships among exhaustive categories of expenditure, using household expenditure information from the ongoing quarterly BLS consumer expenditure surveys. Sixteen quarters of data for 1996 through 1999 are analyzed. The results provide strong empirical evidence in support of structural stability in underlying consumption relationships that account for about 85% of the variation in U. S. consumer expenditure.
Mechanism of p27 upregulation induced by downregulation of cathepsin B and uPAR in glioma

Cathepsin B and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) are overexpressed in gliomas. Deregulation of the G1 phase cell cycle machinery is a common feature of cancers. p27(Kip1) (p27) is one of the major cyclin-CDK regulators in the G1 phase. uPAR and cathepsin B downregulation was recently shown to induce p27 expression through PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling. Since uPAR and cathepsin B knockdown also decreased phosphorylation of ERK, we hypothesized that ERK also has a role to play in p27 induction. As induction of p27 is due to an increase in gene transcription, we investigated the roles of c-Myc and E2F1 transcription factors which have been shown to potently affect p27 promoter activity. In the present study, shRNA against cathepsin B and uPAR as well as specific inhibitors, Wortmannin (10 μM) and U0126 (10 μM), were used to determine the roles of AKT and ERK signaling on p27 expression. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that downregulation of both p-ERK and p-AKT downstream of EGFR and β1 integrin are involved in the p27 upregulation. Cathepsin B and uPAR downregulation induced E2F1 and decreased phosphorylaion of pocket proteins and c-Myc expression. CHIP analysis and luciferase expression studies confirmed the functional association of transcription factor E2F1 to the p27 promoter. Further, c-Myc-Max interaction inhibitor studies showed an inverse pattern of c-Myc and p27 expression. Also, cathepsin B and uPAR downregulation reduced tumor growth and increased p27 nuclear expression in vivo. In summary, cathepsin B and uPAR downregulation reduced p-ERK levels and c-Myc expression, increased expression of E2F1 and FOXO3a, decreased phosphorylation of pocket proteins and thus upregulated p27 expression in glioma cells.
Using speech, GUIs and buttons in police vehicles: field data on user preferences for the Project54 system

The Project54 mobile system for law enforcement developed at the University of New Hampshire integrates the control of disparate law enforcement devices such as radar, VHF radio, video, and emergency lights and siren. In addition it provides access to state and national law enforcement databases via wireless data queries. Officers using Project54 are free to inter-mix three different user interface modes: the device native controls; an LCD touchscreen with keyboard and mouse; and voice commands with voice feedback. The Project54 system was utilized by the New Hampshire State Police agency wide for a period of seven years spanning 2005 through 2011. This paper presents an analysis of user preferences in regard to user interface modes during the three years 2009 through 2011, obtained through logs of daily system use in approximately 200 police cruisers. Results indicate that most officers chose to use the touch screen controls frequently instead of the device native controls, but only a minority chose to use the speech command interface.