cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Higher order learning with graphs

Recently there has been considerable interest in learning with higher order relations (i.e., three-way or higher) in the unsupervised and semi-supervised settings. Hypergraphs and tensors have been proposed as the natural way of representing these relations and their corresponding algebra as the natural tools for operating on them. In this paper we argue that hypergraphs are not a natural representation for higher order relations, indeed pairwise as well as higher order relations can be handled using graphs. We show that various formulations of the semi-supervised and the unsupervised learning problem on hypergraphs result in the same graph theoretic problem and can be analyzed using existing tools.
The antibody-antigen interaction at an aqueous-solid interface: A study by means of polarized infrared ATR spectroscopy.

The determination of structural changes in antibodies due to their specific interaction with antigenic proteins is an important problem in understanding immunological responses. The method of polarized ATR infrared spectroscopy applied to protein films adsorbed on an appropriate solid surface can give information about the conformation of the polypeptide chains, as well as their orientation with respect to the surface. The adsorption of anti-rabbit serum albumin onto monomolecular films of rabbit serum albumin, bovine serum albumin, and ovalbumin, and of anti-ovalbumin onto films of rabbit serum albumin and ovalbumin at a Ge-aqueous interface have been studied by this technique. The intensity of the amide I absorption indicates that the strengths of binding of these three albumin proteins with anti-rabbit serum albumin is, under appropriate conditions, in the order rabbit > bovine ≫ ovalbumin; with anti-ovalbumin, it is ovalbumin ≫ rabbit. Since the frequencies of the amide I band appear near 1655 cm−1 for all the proteins and protein complexes studied, the major contributions to their conformation comes from α-helix and random-coil structures. The average orientation of the transition moments of the amide I and A bands has been shown to be about 75° with respect to the surface normal. This indicates that the polypeptides chains are on the average approximately parallel to the surface for all the systems studied. Consequently, the effect of the specific antibody-antigen interaction on the conformation and orientation of the former seems negligible in these films.
Component allocation to balance workload in printed circuit card assembly systems

Abstract Component allocation in printed circuit card assembly systems is a special case of the classical mixed-model assembly line balancing problem and involves assigning component types to machines to achieve specific production objectives. In this paper the component allocation problem is considered for the scenario where there are two or more placement machines (possibly nonidentical) and the objective is to balance, for every card type, a combination of the card assembly time and the machine setup time. A mathematical formulation of the problem is developed for a class of placement machines. Two alternative solution approaches are presented: a list-processing-based heuristic for a simple version of the problem, and a linear-programming-based branch-and-bound procedure for the general component allocation problem. Industrial case study results are presented for each approach that indicate expected throughput improvements of up to 8-10% over the company's current procedure, with much less direct effor...
Accumulation of copper, iron, manganese and zinc by four cotton cultivars

Abstract There has never been an intensive study of the micronutrient nutrition of cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) when growing on slightly acid soils. A basic understanding of the micronutrient uptake characteristics of cotton is needed to fully understand the nutritional requirements of modern cotton cultivars and to make efficient use of micronutrient fertilizers. A field study was conducted for two years to evaluate the Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn uptake characteristics of selected cotton cultivars that are representative of cultivars used in the southern United States. Four cultivars, Deltapine 90, Stoneville 825, Coker 315 and Paymaster 145, were grown on a non-irrigated Norfolk fine sandy loam (fine loamy, thermic, siliceous, Typic Paleudults) and a non-irrigated Decatur silt loam (clayey, thermic, kaolinitic, Rhodic Paleudults). Micronutrient uptake was evaluated by sampling whole cotton plants at 2-week intervals over the growing season, beginning at 15 days after plant emergence. The plants were partitioned into leaves, stems, burs, seed and lint. Leaves, stems, burs and seed were analyzed for Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Results of this study demonstrate that the four cultivars accumulated similar amounts of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn when grown on non-irrigated soils considered to have adequate levels of these elements. The cultivars also partitioned Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in a similar manner. Total Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn uptake when averaged over both soils and all four cultivars was 28 ± 14, 626 ± 277, 388 ± 184 and 103 ± 38 g ha −1 , respectively. This corresponded to an average accumulation of 4.0 ± 2.3 g Cu, 90 ± 18 g Fe, 56 ± 15 g Mn and 15 ± 0.6 g Zn for every 100 kg lint produced. Total Fe and Zn uptake was very similar for the two soils. However, total Cu and Mn uptake was lower on the norfolk soil as compared to the Decatur soil. Daily maximum accumulation of the elements occurred at 58 to 98 days after planting (first to fourth week of bloom), which was very close to the time of maximum dry-matter production. The data generated from this study should serve as useful baseline information regarding micronutrient uptake by cotton growing on slightly acid soils. On deficient soils this information could be used in making decisions regarding the use of micronutrient fertilizers.
Advanced characterisation techniques to understand welded structures

The scope of this special issue is to describe conventional characterisation technologies and some of the recent developments in advanced ex situ and in situ characterisation of weldments. It is th...
Book-indexes as building blocks for a cumulative index

The advantages of a cumulative subject-index, built by merging the subject-indexes of books, are illustrated; and the conditions under which such cumulation would be feasible are discussed. A mathematical model for estimating the overlap between book indexes, applied to a sample of books belonging to the same subject area, show that the overlap is surprisingly small. Some statistical properties and grammatical features of book-indexes are described in an attempt to determine how much they depart from the characteristics of book-indexes ideally suited for cumulation. Possible reasons accounting for the great variability of index-entries are discussed.
High-performance low-power dual transition preferentially sized (DTPS) logic

We present a dual transition preferentially sized (DTPS) logic that uses two separate paths - one for the fast propagation of low-to-high signal and the other for fast propagation of high-to-low signal. DTPS logic is suitable for multistage buffers and critical sections of datapaths requiring good noise immunity and low power dissipation while achieving high performance. We derived formulas to obtain optimal tapering factors of multistage buffers based on preferentially sized (PS) inverters, and implemented DTPS logic using the optimal tapering factors. We fabricated datapaths based on static CMOS logic, domino logic, and DTPS logic in 0.18-/spl mu/m technology. DTPS logic shows 15% and 16% improvements in performance and power dissipation, respectively, over domino, and 42% improvement in performance compared to static CMOS.
IMAGE THEORY AND THE APPRAISAL OF EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: TO SCREEN OR NOT TO SCREEN?

ABSTRACT: The authors tested the predictions of image theory [Beach, 1990 Image theory: Decision-making in personal and organizational contexts. Chicester, England: Wiley] by examining the decision making processes underlying performance evaluation. Across three experiments, over 400 participants evaluated the performance of a book store employee with varying degrees of good and bad performance behaviors. Results indicated that: (1) performance judgments were linearly related to the number of good and bad behaviors present in the scenarios, (2) promotion decisions initially followed image theory’s screening process, as participants focused only on the employee’s bad behaviors, and (3) the introduction of a contrast manipulation (Experiment 2) resulted in participants abandoning the screening process for the promotion decision, until we included instructions against comparing employees (Experiment 3). Consistent with image theory, but moderated by contrast effects, promotion decisions relied on screening based solely on the employee’s bad behaviors, whereas performance judgments involved compensatory use of both the employee’s good and bad behaviors. We argue that how participants perceive the decision making scenario influences whether or not they will screen decisions.
The gel point as reference state: A simple kinetic model for crosslinking polybutadiene via hydrosilation

Abstract Kinetic data can be described in a simple model when using the gel point as reference state. This has been shown for crosslinking data on five high molecular weight polybutadienes (18 100–97 000 g/mol). Experiments were carried out under isothermal conditions with a constant amount of catalyst. Crosslinking took place by a hydrosilation reaction at vinyl sites which were randomly distributed along the backbone of the polybutadiene precursor molecules using the bifunctional aromatic silane p-bis(dimethylsilyl) benzene as connector. FTIR measurements showed that the hydrosilation reaction followed first order kinetics. The critical gel time, tc, was determined by the instant at which power law relaxation behavior was observed (i.e. tan δ = constant) over the two lowest decades in frequency. The main parameters that were observed to affect tc were the stoichiometric ratio, r, and the functionality of the polybutadiene, f. It was observed that the time to reach the gel point decreased with increasing precursor molecular weight (~f) of the polybutadiene. The gel time also decreased when increasing the initial amount of silane crosslinker. We were able to find a relationship between the gel time measured by the CFS technique and r and f by coupling the Flory-Stockmayer gelation theory with a simple first order kinetic curing scheme.
A question of semantics

I have been following with some interest the "controversy" over stack architecture of computers. Jack Lipovski [CAN, February 1978] countered Forest Baskett's suggestion [CAN, December 1977] that register machines are the wave of the future. J. Keedy [CAN, February 1978] argues against G. Myers case against [CAN, August 1977].
Pricing optional group term insurance: a new approach using reservation prices

Abstract Consider an employer who, through an insurer, provides optional group term life insurance to a group of employees. The employees are assumed to have mortality following a mixture mortality model where they have different mortality rates belonging to a common probability distribution. To reduce the effects of possible adverse selection, the insurer sets a maximum acceptable mortality level ( q M ). The insurer then uses a costly medical underwriting/exam to determine each applicant’s mortality level, q. If q > q M the employee is refused insurance otherwise insurance is granted. Each employee is assumed to have a reservation price for term insurance. Economic theory is used to determine the employees’ inverse aggregate demand function. This demand function is then used to determine the mortality cut-off level and premium that maximize the insurer’s expected profits. First order conditions and several necessary conditions for profit maximization are given.
Engineering steroid hormone specificity into aldo-keto reductases

Abstract Steroid hormone transforming aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) include virtually all mammalian 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3α-HSDs), 20α-HSDs, as well as the 5β-reductases. To elucidate the molecular determinants of steroid hormone recognition we used rat liver 3α-HSD (AKR1C9) as a starting structure to engineer either 5β-reductase or 20α-HSD activity. 5β-Reductase activity was introduced by a single point mutation in which the conserved catalytic His (H117) was mutated to Glu117. The H117E mutant had a k cat comparable to that for homogeneous rat and human liver 5β-reductases. pH versus k cat profiles show that this mutation increases the acidity of the catalytic general acid Tyr55. It is proposed that the increased TyrOH 2 + character facilitates enolization of the Δ 4 -3-ketosteroid and subsequent hydride transfer to C5. Since 5β-reductase precedes 3α-HSD in steroid hormone metabolism it is likely that this metabolic pathway arose by gene duplication and point mutation. 3α-HSD is positional and stereospecific for 3-ketosteroids and inactivates androgens. The enzyme was converted to a robust 20α-HSD, which is positional and stereospecific for 20-ketosteroids and inactivates progesterone, by the generation of loop-chimeras. The shift in log 10 ( k cat / K m ) from androgens to progestins was of the order of 10 11 . This represents a rare example of how steroid hormone specificity can be changed at the enzyme level. Protein engineering with predicted outcomes demonstrates that the molecular determinants of steroid hormone recognition in AKRs will be ultimately rationalized.
HLA Class I Expression on Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells Correlates with T-Cell Infiltrationin Vivoand T-Cell Expansionin Vitroin Low Concentrations of Recombinant Interleukin-2☆

This study was carried out to determine whether HLA class I or class II expression on ovarian tumor cells and lymphocytic infiltration of the epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) tissues were responsible for the ability to expand tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in vitro in low concentrations of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2). Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using monoclonal antibodies that recognize framework determinants of either HLA class I or HLA class II or leukocyte differentiation antigens (LCA, CD3, CD4, and CD8). Cryostat sections of EOC had HLA class I and HLA class II expression on at least 5% of tumor cells in 18 of 20 specimens (90%). From another portion of the same tumor specimens T-cell lines were developed from TIL in low concentrations of rIL-2 (200-600 IU/ml) in 7 of 17 patients. Tumors from which TIL were expanded in vitro with rIL-2 had significantly higher proportions of HLA class I-positive tumor cells (73 +/- 10%) compared to tumors from which TIL failed to grow (40 +/- 10%) (P = 0.036). However, there was no difference in the proportions of HLA class II-positive tumor cells between the two groups. Tumor specimens of patients whose TIL were expanded in rIL-2 had significantly higher numbers per field (423 +/- 114 vs 154 +/- 20; P = 0.005) and proportions (90 +/- 3% vs 77 +/- 4%; P = 0.023) of infiltrating CD3+ cells, significantly higher numbers per field (115 +/- 44 vs 19 +/- 5; P = 0.003) and proportions (25 +/- 5% vs 11 +/- 2%; P = 0.017) of CD8+ cells and significantly higher numbers per field of CD4+ cells (318 +/- 101 vs 113 +/- 18; P = 0.025), in comparison to tumor specimens from patients whose TIL did not grow in vitro. Significant correlations were observed between the proportions of HLA class I-positive EOC tumor cells and the numbers of infiltrating LCA-positive cells (r = 0.67; P = 0.005) CD3+ cells (r = 0.70; P = 0.002), CD4+ cells (r = 0.69; P = 0.003), and CD8+ cells (r = 0.82; P = 0.001). The proportions of HLA class II-positive tumor cells correlated positively (r = 0.45; P = 0.049) only with the numbers of CD8+-infiltrating cells. In conclusion, we report here that HLA class I expression on EOC cells correlates with T-cell infiltration in vivo and T-cell expansion in vitro, in low concentrations of rIL-2.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett and American Reform, 1880-1930

The career and legacy of an extraordinary African American crusader; Pioneering African American journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931) is widely remembered for her courageous antilynching crusade in the 1890s; the full range of her struggles against injustice is not as well known. With this book, Patricia Schechter restores Wells-Barnett to her central, if embattled, place in the early reform movements for civil rights, women's suffrage, and Progressivism in the United States and abroad. Schechter's comprehensive treatment makes vivid the scope of Wells-Barnett's contributions and examines why the political philosophy and leadership of this extraordinary activist eventually became marginalized. Though forced into the shadow of black male leaders such as W. E. B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington, and misunderstood and then ignored by white women reformers such as Frances E. Willard and Jane Addams, Wells-Barnett nevertheless successfully enacted a religiously inspired, female-centered, and intensely political vision of social betterment and empowerment for African American communities throughout her adult years. By analyzing her ideas and activism in fresh sharpness and detail, Schechter exposes the promise and limits of social change by and for black women during an especially violent yet hopeful era in U.S. history.
Hardness anisotropy in BiSrCaCuO

Abstract Microhardness measurements with a Knoop indenter have been carried out on (0 0 1) surfaces of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 . They show an anisotropy of between 0.8 and 2.5 GPa. Indentations along the hard orientation have long and short diagonals in the ideal ratio of 7.11, but for one along a soft orientation the ratio can drop as low as 4. The log-log plot of long diagonal length against the load is linear, with a slope of 2. These observations indicate extreme ease of plastic flow in the high- T c superconducting material.
Screening Newborns for Multiple Organic Acidurias in Dried Filter Paper Urine Samples: Method Development

Screening urine for inherited and acquired organic acidurias in newborns has the potential of preventing severe disease, mental retardation, and death. A method for screening dried urine filter paper samples for acidic markers of at least 20 different metabolic conditions has been developed. These conditions include, among others, maple syrup urine disease; methylmalonic, propionic, isovaleric, glutaric, and hydroxymethylglutaric acidurias; methylcrotonylglycinuria; medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency; inherited vitamin responsive disorders (B12, biotin, B2), and acquired deficiencies of these vitamins. The preparation of the urine extract is identical to the method we use to screen infants for neuroblastoma. Screening is based on a highly sensitive and specific determination of eight organic acid markers by an automated computerized gas chromatography mass spectrometry system using selected ion monitoring. The markers used for screening are methylmalonic acid, 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid, glutaric acid, propionylglycine, isovalerylglycine, 3-methylcrotonylglycine, hexanoylglycine, and 3-phenylpropionylglycine. The extraction efficiencies of these acids from dried filter paper were similar to extraction from water, ranging from about 40% to 80%, except for propionylglycine which showed a low extraction efficiency of 11–13%. The stability of these acids on filter paper exposed to room air and temperature over a period of 15 d was adequate for the use of this collection method for organic aciduria screening. Normal levels, adjusted to urinary creatinine, were established for these acids in 519 urine filter paper samples obtained from 3-wk-old newborns. This screening method was tested on samples obtained from 12 patients with known organic acidurias including stored urine filter paper collected at 3-wk of age from two infants later found to have organic acidurias.
Electronic energy gap of molecular hydrogen from electrical conductivity measurements at high shock pressures.

Electrical conductivities were measured for liquid D2 and H2 shock compressed to pressures of 10-20 GPa (100-200 kbar), molar volumes near 8 cu cm/mol, and calculated temperatures of 2900-4600 K. The semiconducting energy gap derived from the conductivities is 12 eV, in good agreement with recent quasi-particle calculations and with oscillator frequencies measured in diamond-anvil cells.
Phosphorylation of the carboxy‐terminal repeat domain in RNA polymerase II by cyclin‐dependent kinases is sufficient to inhibit transcription

Cdc2 kinase triggers the entry of mammalian cells into mitosis, the only cell cycle phase in which transcription is globally repressed. We show here that Cdc2 kinase phosphorylates components of the RNA polymerase II transcription machinery including the RNA polymerase II carboxy-terminal repeat domain (CTD). To test specifically the effect of CTD phosphorylation by Cdc2 kinase, we used a yeast in vitro transcription extract that is dependent on exogenous RNA polymerase II that contains a CTD. Phosphorylation was carried out using immobilized Cdc2 so that the kinase could be removed from the phosphorylated polymerase. ATPγS and Cdc2 kinase were used to produce an RNA polymerase 110 that was not detectably dephosphorylated in the transcription extract. RNA polymerase 110 produced in this way was defective in promoter-dependent transcription, suggesting that phosphorylation of the CTD by Cdc2 kinase can mediate transcription repression during mitosis. In addition, we show that phosphorylation of pol II with the human TFIIH-associated kinase Cdk7 also decreases transcription activity despite a different pattern of CTD phosphorylation by this kinase. These results extend previous findings that RNA polymerase 110 is defective in preinitiation complex formation. Here we demonstrate that phosphorylation of the CTD by cyclin-dependent kinases with different phosphoryl acceptor specificities can inhibit transcription in a CTD-dependent transcription system. J. Cell. Biochem. 64:390–402. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Insensitivity of the spider heart to solitary wasp venom

Abstract 1. 1. The heart and associated tissues of spiders that had been stung by a mud-dauber wasp were examined for responses to the toxin. Microelectrode recordings of myocardial cell membrane depolarizations were obtained from spontaneously beating hearts in situ . Transmission electron microscopic examination was made of the cardiac ganglion, myocardium and hemocytes. 2. 2. The myocardial cell depolarizations in paralyzed and unparalyzed spiders were 20–40 mV in amplitude and 300–500 msec in duration. The depolarizations did not display an overshoot, and individual excitatory synaptic potentials were seen in the responses. Therefore, the normal electrical events in the heartbeat, which is neurogenic, were not interrupted by the toxin. 3. 3. No alteration in the ultrastructure of the cardiac ganglion, neuromuscular synapses, myocardial cells or hemocytes was apparent in the material obtained from paralyzed spiders.
The use of chiral iron complexes in mechanistic studies: The decarbonylation of carbonyl(pentahapto-cyclopentadienyl)triphenylphosphineiron acyls

Abstract Photochemical decarbonylation of (+)-( R )-( h 5 -C 5 H 5 )Fe(CO)(Ph 3 P)C(O)Et gave (-)-( S )-( h 5 -C 5 H 5 )Fe(CO)(Ph 3 P)Et 43% optically pure, thus establishing the stereochemical course of the reaction at the iron center.
Evaluation of a fan out stem based fault simulation in sequential circuits

This paper develops a new algorithm for fault simulation in sequential circuits. Surrogate fault simulation extracts faults from combinational logic and propagates stored faults. Estimates indicate that the one period execution time for all critical steps varies with the first power of the number of gates as opposed to the second power as does a parallel fault simulation.
Absence of Nonlinear Response in the Quasistochastic Model

The full nonlinear governing equations for the quasistochastic model, which describes the motion of a Brownian charge carrier in an external electric field, are solved for the stationary current response. We find that the nonlinear response is identical to the linear response obtained earlier by Lebowitz and Rubin.
An innovation in 3-D drilling trajectory design using concept of constant curvature

This paper focuses on the use of the 3-D drilling trajectory equations derived from the concept of constant curvature. It is shown that the constant curvature equations are specially useful for horizontal drilling. Three examples of using the constant-curvature method are presented to demonstrate the practical usefulness of the proposed concept. The results obtained reveal that the well trajectory with constant curvature is not only consistent with directional performance of deflection tools, but also yields less dogleg severity. This, in turn, should increase the fatigue life of drillstring elements passing through the curved segments of the hole. Finally, drag and torque computations show that, thanks to less dogleg severity, the drag and torque are expected to be less in holes designed to have constant wellpath curvature.
The Darwinian trope in the drama of the commons: variations on some themes by the Ostroms

Abstract This paper focuses on several of the major themes and strategies from the work of the Ostroms on the topic of the commons. It decants some concepts and approaches that foreshadow how we might best build upon the foundations they have established, perhaps prompting a discussion that will suggest both the challenges for the next decade and how we might address them.
Theoretical Thermochemistry: Ab Initio Heat of Formation for Hydroxylamine

Theoretical methods are necessary to predict thermodynamic values for chemicals when sufficient experimental data or reliable estimations are not available. Hydroxylamine (HA) is an example of a highly reactive and poorly characterized compound with important industrial applications. In this work, the heat of formation for gaseous hydroxylamine is calculated, under standard conditions, using isodesmic reactions at several levels of theories, including HF, B3P86, B3LYP, MP2, MP3, MP4, CCSD(T), G2, G2MP2B3, G3B3, G3, and CBS-Q, and several basis sets, including Dunning correlation consistent and Pople-style. To gauge the computed HA values, the gaseous hydrogen peroxide heat of formation is calculated by the same methods and compared with experimental data. Also, for comparison with a traditional empirical approach, the HA heat of formation is calculated by the Benson group contribution method. On the basis of our calculations we recommend an average value of −11.4 kcal/mol for the gaseous HA heat of format...
Cluster candidates from the USNO-A2.0 catalogue

We present the results of a systematic search of the USNO-A2.0 astrometric catalogue for stellar clusters which may have been missed in previous searches performed by eye. This analysis results in the rediscovery of a few hundred known open and globular clusters and the discovery of eight new candidate open clusters.
Are humans good intuitive statisticians after all? Rethinking some conclusions from the literature on judgment under uncertainty.

Abstract Professional probabilists have long argued over what probability means, with, for example, Bayesians arguing that probabilities refer to subjective degrees of confidence and frequentists arguing that probabilities refer to the frequencies of events in the world. Recently, Gigerenzer and his colleagues have argued that these same distinctions are made by untutored subjects, and that, for many domains, the human mind represents probabilistic information as frequencies. We analyze several reasons why, from an ecological and evolutionary perspective, certain classes of problem-solving mechanisms in the human mind should be expected to represent probabilistic information as frequencies. Then, using a problem famous in the “heuristics and biases” literature for eliciting base rate neglect, we show that correct Bayesian reasoning can be elicited in 76% of subjects - indeed, 92% in the most ecologically valid condition - simply by expressing the problem in frequentist terms. This result adds to the growing body of literature showing that frequentist representations cause various cognitive biases to disappear, including overconfidence, the conjunction fallacy, and base-rate neglect. Taken together, these new findings indicate that the conclusion most common in the literature on judgment under uncertainty - that our inductive reasoning mechanisms do not embody a calculus of probability - will have to be re-examined. From an ecological and evolutionary perspective, humans may turn out to be good intuitive statisticians after all.
Palladium (II)-catalyzed alternating copolymerization of alkenes with sulfur dioxide

Abstract Cationic palladium(II) complexes of the type [L 2 Pd(CH 3 )(CH 3 CN)]BF 4 (L 2 = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (Dppp) or 1,2-bis(2,5-dimethylphospholano)benzene (Me-Duphos)) were found to catalyze the alternating copolymerization of ethene, propene and cyclopentene with sulfur dioxide, as well as the terpolymerization of ethene, propene and sulfur dioxide. The resultant materials are high melting solids with an alternating alkene-SO 2 structure and an exclusive head-to-tail enchainment for propene.
Cloning of multiple ERα mRNA variants in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus), and differential expression by tissue type, stage of reproduction, and estrogen exposure in fish from polluted and unpolluted environments

To test the hypothesis that alternative splicing could be an adaptive mechanism for populations subject to multi-generational estrogenic exposures, we compared estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) splicing variants in two populations of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus): one resident in an estrogenic polluted environment (New Bedford Harbor, NBH, MA, USA) and one from a relatively uncontaminated reference site (Scorton Creek, SC, MA, USA). In total we identified 19 ERα variants, each with deletions of one or more coding exons. Four of the variants with potential functional relevance were analyzed by qPCR to test for population differences in expression by tissue type, site, sex, seasonal reproductive status and estrogen treatment. Significantly, a 5'-truncated short form variant (ERαS) was highly expressed in liver and ovary, and was associated with seasonal reproductive activity in SC but not NBH fish. Both ERαS and the full-length long variant (ERαL) were estrogen-inducible (ERαS>ERαL) but the induction response was lower in NBH than in SC fish. In contrast, NBH killifish were hyper-responsive to estrogen as measured by expression of two other estrogen responsive genes: vitellogenin (Vtg) and aromatase B (AroB). Most strikingly, two ERα deletion variants (Δ6 and Δ6-8), lacking ligand binding and activation function domains, were identified in a subset of NBH fish, where they were associated with reduced responsiveness to estrogen treatment. Together, these results support the hypothesis that alternative splicing of the esr1 gene of killifish could be an autoregulatory mechanism by which estrogen modulates the differential expression of ERα, and suggests a novel and adaptive mechanistic response to xenoestrogenic exposure.
Direct analysis of bacterial glycerides by Curie-point pyrolysis—mass spectrometry

Abstract Pyrolysis—mass spectrometry with pattern recognition has been used to characterize ten bacteria based on their glyceride distributions. Peaks have been identified which allow differentiation of triglycerides and phospholipids. Results are also presented which demonstrated that the phospholipids are thermally desorbed intact. Pattern recognition techniques showed that each genus had a characteristic distribution of glycerides. The results from this study are compared to a previously published Py-GC/MS study of glyceride distributions in bacteria. This comparison shows that direct Py-MS has similar capabilities for distinguishing bacteria based on glyceride distributions as the Py-GC/MS methods.
Theory of morphological neural networks

The theory of classical artificial neural networks has been used to solve pattern recognition problems in image processing that is different from traditional pattern recognition approaches. In standard neural network theory, the first step in performing a neural network calculation involves the linear operation of multiplying neural values by their synaptic strengths and adding the results. Thresholding usually follows the linear operation in order to provide for non-linearity of the network. This paper presents the fundamental theory for a morphological neural network which, instead of multiplication and summation, uses the non-linear operation of addition and maximum. Several basic applications which are distinctly different from pattern recognition techniques are given, including a net which performs a sieving algorithm.
Structure and Internal Dynamics of Poly(ethylene oxide) Catenanes in the Melt

Monte Carlo simulations have been performed for catenanes composed of coarse-grained poly(ethylene oxide) in the melt. Simulations have also been performed for melts of single rings, in which the ring has a mass that is the sum of the masses of the two rings in a catenane. The numerical results from the simulations are compared with the predictions of an analytical expression derived for a very simple model of the catenanes. The simple model provides a rough approximation to the average asymmetries of the conformations, but it substantially underestimates the sizes. The internal motions of the catenanes are dominated by the movement of a bead relative to the center of mass of the other ring in the catenane.
First things first: spindle orientation and mitotic progression

The events of mitosis must occur in a precise sequence and in rapid succession to achieve proper chromosome segregation. At each key stage, mitotic checkpoints monitor whether everything is as it should be before proceeding, ensuring orderly progression through mitosis. Now, a new checkpoint has been identified that blocks anaphase onset in response to misoriented mitotic spindles.
cousin marriage in rural China: more and less than generalized exchange

An examination of the custom of cousin marriage in Dongyang County in the late premodern and modern period suggests a critique of Levi-Strauss's formulations regarding generalized exchange in China. While the analysis takes account of Bourdieu's critique of structuralism (1977), it stops short of dispensing altogether with the notion of elementary structure. The article rather proposes a model of Chinese kinship in which protein chains of structure, both more diverse in kind and more limited in scope than the classification generalized exchange would imply, exist in a context of otherwise diversified ties between households. In the Chinese kinship universe, all nonagnatic cousins within three generations are marked by the designation biao as potential nodes upon which such chains may be constructed. [marriage strategies and patterns, conceptions of kinship space, cousin marriage, elementary structures of kinship, China]
DECOMPOSITION RATES OF RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL INDIUM CHELATES IN SERUM

The rates at which six small aminopolycarboxylate chelates of trivalent111In and three protein-bound chelates of111In deliver indium to the serum protein transferrin have been studied in sterile human serum at pH 7.3, 37°C. Sterically hindered chelates containing a substituent on an ethylene carbon of EDTA decompose with rates in the range 0.03 to 0.11% per day—one to two orders of magnitude slower than other chelates. Only small differences are observed between rates of decomposition for low-molecular-weight chelates and for protein-bound chelates having analogous structures.
COMPARISONS OF BELIEFS ABOUT THE NATURE OF KNOWLEDGE AND LEARNING AMONG POSTSECONDARY STUDENTS

The purpose of this study is to assess postsecondary students' beliefs about the nature of knowledge and learning, or epistemological beliefs. Comparisons were made between junior college students and university students and between technological science majors and social science majors on their degree of belief in simple knowledge, certain knowledge, innate ability, and quick learning. Junior college students were more likely to believe in simple, certain knowledge, and quick learning. University students were more likely to believe in innate ability. Technological science majors were more likely to believe in quick learning. Background variables, such as age, gender, and parental education, also contributed to differences between groups. Two-year institutions, as well as four-year institutions, might want to consider students' epistemological beliefs as possible factors affecting academic performance, attrition rate, and transfer difficulties.
State of the art laryngeal imaging: research and clinical implications.

Purpose of Review—This paper provides a review of the latest advances in videostroboscopy, videokymography and high-speed videoendoscopy, and outlines the development of new laryngeal imaging modalities based on optical coherence tomography, laser depth-kymography, and magnetic resonance imaging, published in the past 2 years. Videostroboscopy and Videokymography: Image quality has improved and several image processing and measurement techniques have been published. High-speed videoendoscopy: Significant progress has been made through increased sensitivity and frame rates of the cameras, and the development of facilitative playbacks, phonovibrography and several image segmentation and measurement methods. Clinical evidence was presented through applications in phonosurgery, comparisons with videostroboscopy, normative data, and better understanding of voice production. Optical coherence tomography: Latest developments allow for the capture of dynamic high resolution cross-sectional images of the vibrating vocal fold mucosa during phonation. Depth-kymography: New laser technique allowing recording of the vertical movements of the vocal folds during phonation in calibrated spatial values.
A SIMPLE MODEL FOR PREDICTING POLYMER IGNITION IN A THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYZER

Abstract Ignition of three polymers (PP, PS and PVA) in air was studied using a DuPont 951 thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Time to ignition and ignition temperature were reported as a function of furnace temperature which varied between 550–700°C. The suitability of a simplified model to predict time to ignition was tested. The predicted value of time to ignition was heavily dependent on the assumed sample layer thickness (D). For example, when the average particle diameter, dp, was ~0.5 mm, assigning D a value of D = 2 dp (i.e. two layers of particles in sample pan) produced a good estimate of the time to ignition. However for dp ~1 mm, a good estimate was obtained when D was chosen equal to dp. The results indicated a deviation from experimental values of less than 15% at 700° C.
Ontogenetic feeding shifts in the meiobenthic harpacticoid copepod Nitocra lacustris

14C-radiolabelling experiments indicate that adult stages of the salt-marsh harpacticoid copepod Nitocra lacustris (Schmankevitsch) receive a large part of their nutrition through the ingestion and assimilation of certain diatoms. An abundance of empty diatom frustules occurs in the gutpellet contents of field-collected individuals. Naupliar stages do not ingest diatoms in the laboratory, and nauplii from the field do not contain frustules in their gut pellets. Ingestion of diatoms in the laboratory first occurs during the second or third copepodite stage. 3H-radiolabel expeiments and grazing experiments using bacterium-sized beads adhering to the diatoms indicated that both adults and nauplii ingest bacteria adhering to the outer mucus coating of the diatoms (and probably ingest the diatom mucus itself). Adults ingest bacteria (and probably mucus exopolymer) coincidently while ingesting diatoms. The nauplii ingest these components by scraping the outer surface of the diatoms. SEM observations indicate that diatoms are not punctured by the nauplii during feeding. While diatom mucus and associated bacteria play an (as yet unquantified) role in the nutrition of the adults, these components may comprise the bulk of food resources for naupliar stages.
Analysis of isothermal annular jets: Comparison of computational fluid dynamics and experimental data

A computational fluid dynamics technique was developed for the simulation of airflow through an annular jet. The technique used a commercial simulation package with a Reynolds stress model for the simulation of turbulent flows. The model parameters were calibrated using available experimental data for circular and annular jets. It was found that, after this calibration, the computational results agreed well with experimental data (specifically, with the velocity magnitude, velocity decay rate, and the velocity spreading rate). The jet geometry studied was based on industrial melt-blowing nozzles. The velocities studied varied from the low subsonic incompressible range to nearly sonic conditions. Based on both the computational and experimental results, a correlation was proposed that predicts the centerline velocity profiles in both the near- and far-field regions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 909–922, 2004
The stabilizing effects of genetic diversity on predator-prey dynamics

Heterogeneity among prey in their susceptibility to predation is a potentially important stabilizer of predator-prey interactions, reducing the magnitude of population oscillations and enhancing total prey population abundance. When microevolutionary responses of prey populations occur at time scales comparable to population dynamics, adaptive responses in prey defense can, in theory, stabilize predator-prey dynamics and reduce top-down effects on prey abundance. While experiments have tested these predictions, less explored are the consequences of the evolution of prey phenotypes that can persist in both vulnerable and invulnerable classes. We tested this experimentally using a laboratory aquatic system composed of the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus as a predator and the prey Synura petersenii, a colony-forming alga that exhibits genetic variation in its propensity to form colonies and colony size (larger colonies are a defense against predators). Prey populations of either low initial genetic diversity and low adaptive capacity or high initial genetic diversity and high adaptive capacity were crossed with predator presence and absence. Dynamics measured over the last 127 days of the 167-day experiment revealed no effects of initial prey genetic diversity on the average abundance or temporal variability of predator populations. However, genetic diversity and predator presence/absence interactively affected prey population abundance and stability; diversity of prey had no effects in the absence of predators but stabilized dynamics and increased total prey abundance in the presence of predators. The size structure of the genetically diverse prey populations diverged from single strain populations in the presence of predators, showing increases in colony size and in the relative abundance of cells found in colonies. Our work sheds light on the adaptive value of colony formation and supports the general view that genetic diversity and intraspecific trait variation of prey can play a vital role in the short-term dynamics and stability of planktonic predator-prey systems.
Current conduction and reliability implications under current ramping stress of VLSI contacts

The current conduction mechanisms of VLSI contact structures have been studied using the current ramping stress method and two-dimensional device simulations. Because of Joule heating effect and the subsequent emergence of intrinsic carriers in the connecting diffusion region, reduction in electrical resistance is observed as the current ramps beyond a transition point. The transition temperature, experimentally determined I-V curve and current spread-out across the diffusion/well junction are confirmed by two-dimensional device simulations. The reliability implications and current-carrying capability of the contact/diffusion structure for VLSI applications are also discussed. >
Topical versus oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor therapy for pediatric glaucoma.

Purpose: Our purpose was to compare, in a crossover design, the hypotensive effect of oral acetazolamide (Diamox) and topical dorzolamide (Trusopt) in patients with pediatric glaucoma. Methods: All patients less than 18 years old who were switched from acetazolamide to dorzolamide without other intervention were reviewed. Intraocular pressures were obtained with either a Tono-Pen (Mentor Ophthalmics, Santa Barbara, Calif.) or applanation tonometer. Minimum follow-up times on acetazolamide and on dorzolamide were 1 month (mean 12.2±19.7 months) and 2 months (mean 8.2±5.1 months), respectively. The average dose of acetazolamide was 9.9±1.8 mg/kg/day. Results: Eleven eyes (11 patients) were included. Indications for crossover from oral to topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAl) therapy were intolerance to acetazolamide (6 eyes) and surgical intervention in the fellow eye (5 eyes). The mean age at the time of crossover was 7.4±3.0 years. A comparison of intraocular pressure (IOP) before addition of a CAI was made in 8 eyes. The mean IOP off of a CAI was 27.8±4.9 mm Hg. The mean IOP was reduced to 18.5±4.3 mm Hg on acetazolamide (mean percent IOP reduction 35.7%±15.6%, p<0.01) and to 22.2±5.4 mm Hg on dorzolamide (mean percent IOP reduction 27.4%±17.1%, p < 0.01). All 11 eyes showed an increase in IOP when switched from acetazolamide to dorzolamide, with a mean increase of 3.7±2.5 mm Hg (20.2%±13.7%, p < 0.01). Five eyes have remained controlled on dorzolamide and a topical β-blocker. Five eyes required further intervention for the control of glaucoma. One eye was switched back to acetazolamide for better IOP control. Conclusion: Although not as effective as oral acetazolamide, topical dorzolamide causes a significant IOP reduction in this group of pediatric glaucoma patients and appears to be well tolerated.
Delocalized electronic behavior observed in transition metal oxide clusters under strong-field excitation.

Heterogeneously composed clusters are exposed to intensity resolved, 100 fs laser pulses to reveal the energy requirements for the production of the high charge states of both metal and nonmetal ions. The ionization and fragmentation of group V transition metal oxide clusters are here examined with laser intensities ranging nearly four orders in magnitude (∼3 × 1011 W/cm2 to ∼2 × 1015 W/cm2) at 624 nm. The ionization potentials of the metal atoms are measured using both multiphoton ionization and tunneling ionization models. We demonstrate that the intensity selective scanning method can be utilized to measure the low ionization potentials of transition metals (∼7 eV). The high charge states demonstrate an enhancement in ionization that is three orders of magnitude lower in laser intensity than predicted for the atomic counterparts. Finally, the response from the various metals and the oxygen is compared to elucidate the mechanism of enhanced ionization that is observed. Specifically, the sequence of ion appearances demonstrates delocalized electron behavior over the entire cluster.
Gold-to-aluminum bonding for TAB applications

In an effort to reduce the bonding temperature for a TAB (tape automated bonding) application, a laser-processed gold-plated balltape was used for thermocompression bonding to aluminum. The effects of hardness, thickness, and morphology of the gold layer on thermocompression bonding were investigated. Thermocompression bonding of hard gold plated balltape was shown to be inferior to that of soft gold balltape. Thick plating of soft gold on balltape did not provide any advantage over the balltape with the standard thickness and morphology in terms of bonding to aluminum. An improved gold layer surface morphology was developed by controlling the plating rate. The new bumped tape structure was bonded at temperatures from 500 degrees C down to as low as 350 degrees C. The new balltape could be bonded using a shorter bonding time than the standard balltape at the equivalent temperature. >