cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Bonding and d-Electron Count in the Transition-Metal Carbides and Transition-Metal-Silicide Carbides with Discrete Linear M-C-M Units (M = Cr, Fe, Re) by Electronic Structure Calculations.

Electronic structures of the silicide carbides Tm(2)Fe(2)Si(2)C, Th(2)Re(2)Si(2)C, and ThFe(2)SiC and the carbide Ho(2)Cr(2)C(3) were calculated, using the extended Huckel tight binding method, to probe the d-electron counts of their transition metal atoms M (Cr, Fe, Re) the bonding of their linear M-C-M (M = Cr, Fe, Re) units. The nature of the short interlayer X.X (X = C, Si) bonds in Tm(2)Fe(2)Si(2)C, Th(2)Re(2)Si(2)C, and Ho(2)Cr(2)C(3) was also examined. Our study shows that the M-C bonds of the M-C-M units exist as double bonds. There is significant bonding in the interlayer Si.Si contacts of the silicide carbides R(2)M(2)Si(2)C (M = Fe, Re). The transition-metal atoms exist as d(10) ions in Tm(2)Fe(2)Si(2)C and Th(2)Re(2)Si(2)C. The d-electron count is slightly lower than d(10) in ThFe(2)SiC and close to d(5) in Ho(2)Cr(2)C(3).
Sensitivity Analysis for MOVES Running Emissions: A Latin Hypercube Sampling-Based Approach

In order to interpret how the uncertainty in the output can be apportioned to different sources of uncertainty in its inputs, it is critical to understand the MOVES model sensitivity. In this research, the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) model project level sensitivity tests on running emission were conducted through the analysis of vehicle specific power (VSP), scaled tractive power, and MOVES emission rates versus speed curves. This study tested the speed, acceleration, and grade - the three most critical variables for vehicle specific power for light duty vehicles and scaled tractive power (STP) for heavy duty vehicles. A Latin Hypercube sampling-based method for estimation of the "Sobal" sensitivity indices showed that the speed is the most critical variable among the three inputs for both VSP and STP. Acceleration and grades showed lower response to the main effects and sensitivity indices. No significant differences on emission rates were identified among the regulatory classes of heavy duty vehicles.
Free-Molecule-Microresistojet Performance Using Water Propellant for Nanosatellite Applications

Advances in microtechnology manufacturing and capability have led to an increased interest in microand nanosatellites. A propulsion system was designed to meet the on-orbit attitude control requirements for nanospacecraft. The free-molecule microresistojet, a low-cost, low-power, high propellant-storage density, and green propulsion system, was analyzed in this study to determine its ability to provide a slew maneuver for a typical 10-kg nanosatellite. Additionally, a free-molecule-microresistojet technology demonstrator was fabricated using traditional and microelectromechanical systems techniques. The technology demonstrator was analyzed and tested in this study to determine its performance characteristics when operating with water propellant. Experimental data show that the free-molecule microresistojet, with a heated wall temperature of 580K, can attain a specific impulse of 79.2 s with a thrust level of 129 N. For a given mass flow, higher thrust levels can be achieved by increasing the temperature of the free-molecule-microresistojet heater chip. The experimental results agree favorably with predicted values from kinetic theory. Applying the measured performance of the technology demonstrator to an optimized setup, the free-molecule-microresistojet system could provide a 45-deg slew of a typical nanosatellite in 60 s, which is acceptable for many nanosatellite applications.
“Stimulus-Seeking” Behavior in Schizophrenics and Nonschizophrenics

Sztmmary.-On the basis of previous theoretical formulations it was preclicted that schizophrenics would score lower on a test of stimulus-seeking behavior than would nonschizophrenics. The prediction was tested by comparing 74 schizophrenics with 40 nonschizophrenic psychiatric patients and 45 college students. The test of stimulus-seeking behavior was Howard's Maze A. The results supported the prediction. Differential performance was inconsequentially related to age, education, intelligence, and length of hospitalization.
Sulfonamide-induced reactions in desensitized patients with AIDS : The role of covalent protein haptenation by sulfamethoxazole

Abstract Background: Adverse reactions to sulfonamides cause significant morbidity in patients with AIDS. We have demonstrated previously a ≅40 kd sulfamethoxazole (SMX)-substituted protein in the serum of some individuals treated with SMX. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine patients with AIDS who had undergone SMX desensitization because of a prior history of SMX allergy for the presence of SMX-haptenated serum proteins and to determine whether these proteins, SMX-specific IgG antibodies, or both predict the development of subsequent clinical reactivity. Methods: Four patients with no history of allergy and in whom SMX prophylaxis was initiated and eight patients with AIDS who had undergone SMX desensitization because of prior allergy were evaluated. SMX-conjugated serum proteins were identified with an immunoblotting assay, and SMX-specific IgG antibodies were identified by ELISA inhibition. Results: One of the four patients receiving SMX prophylactic treatment demonstrated SMX-protein haptenation, none had detectable SMX-specific IgG antibodies, and none developed an SMX-associated reaction during the time in which they were followed. Of the eight patients who underwent SMX desensitization, six (75%) demonstrated SMX-protein haptenation, and three of these six (50%) subsequently developed SMX-induced cutaneous reactions. Only one of these six patients had detectable SMX-specific IgG antibodies. The two individuals who did not demonstrate SMX-protein haptenation have not developed a clinical reaction. Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that SMX haptenation, but not SMX-specific antibodies, may be important in the development of clinical sensitivity in patients with AIDS who have undergone SMX desensitization. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1998;101:371-8.)
Images in clinical medicine. Kawasaki's disease.

Figure 1. Photographs of a four-year-old boy show the typical features of Kawasaki's disease. These features include bilateral nonexudative conjunctivitis (Panel A); dry, fissured, erythematous lips and a “strawberry” tongue (Panels A and B); erythematous and edematous hands and feet (Panels C and D); an erythematous truncal rash (Panel E); and a desquamating perineal rash (Panel F). the patient also had anterior cervical lymphadenopathy and sterile pyuria but none of the other complications of the disease. The child recovered uneventfully after receiving treatment with intravenous immune globulin and aspirin.
Optical modes in a partially waveguided cavity

Abstract The behavior of the optical beam in an FEL cavity is well understood in both the long- and short-wavelength limits. At long wavelengths the optical mode interacts strongly with the walls, which act as a waveguide. At short wavelengths the optical beam in an FEL is undisturbed by the walls; it propagates as a simple Gaussian. We are interested in the intermediate regime, where, as the wavelength increases, the optical mode grows and begins to feel the influence of the walls, causing the mode shape to distort and losses to occur. Using a Fox-Li technique to propagate in free space and a decomposition of the Gaussian beam into waveguide modes inside the undulator, we calculate the changes in mode shape and cavity losses as the wavelength increases. The resulting theory and numerical calculations are an important consideration for the design of mid- to far-infrared FEL systems.
Dynamics of 12C+12C in a realistic time-dependent, Hartree-Fock model

Abstract A calculation of the dynamics of head-on collision for the ions 12C+12C, at initial energies of 1.6, 3.2, 4.8, 6.4, 8.0 and 12.8 MeV/A is described. A realistic phenomenological reaction matrix model is used in a T.D.H.F. scheme. Neutrons and protons are treated separately; direct and exchange Coulomb forces are included as well as spin-orbit forces. At the lowest energies, a molecular state of 24Mg is observed.
RNF8-Dependent Histone Modifications Regulate Nucleosome Removal during Spermatogenesis

During spermatogenesis, global nucleosome removal occurs where histones are initially replaced by transition proteins and subsequently by protamines. This chromatin reorganization is thought to facilitate the compaction of the paternal genome into the sperm head and to protect the DNA from damaging agents. Histone ubiquitination has been suggested to be important for sex chromosome inactivation during meiotic prophase and nucleosome removal at postmeiotic stages. However, the mechanisms regulating these ubiquitin-mediated processes are unknown. In this study, we investigate the role of the ubiquitin ligase RNF8 during spermatogenesis and find that RNF8-deficient mice are proficient in meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) but deficient in global nucleosome removal. Moreover, we show that RNF8-dependent histone ubiquitination induces H4K16 acetylation, which may be an initial step in nucleosome removal. Thus, our results show that RNF8 plays an important role during spermatogenesis through histone ubiquitination, resulting in trans-histone acetylation and global nucleosome removal.
Survey of Herbal Retailers: Comparison of Pharmacist and Non-Pharmacist Involvement

The use of alternative medical therapies has increased greatly over recent years. We conducted a survey of over one hundred local pharmacists and non-pharmacist retailers of health food products (NPRs) to assess pharmacy and pharmacist involvement in the sale of herbal products. Nearly all pharmacies sold herbal products, but only 2.1% of pharmacists reported training specific to herbal therapy. Pharmacists were more likely to recommend an herbal preparation to a customer than to actually use the product, and few pharmacists routinely informed their customers of potential adverse effects. Pharmacies are dedicated to the sale of herbal preparations, but pharmacists lack significant training in the area, raising questions about their ability to provide adequate patient service.
Exploring the Link between Business Strategy and Social Impact: Comparing Poverty Impact Profiles

Interest and investment in enterprise-based approaches to achieving social impact continues to grow. While recent research has led to greater understanding of the impacts of specific enterprises, c...
Anterograde degeneration study of the cortical projections of the lateral geniculate and pulvinar nuclei in the tree shrew (Tupaia glis).

Sixty lesions were placed in the pulvinar nucleus or the lateral geniculate nucleus of the tree shrew, and degenerated axons and their terminals were traced to the cortex. In all but two of the animals the electrode approached the thalamic target through the cerebellum and midbrain, thus sparing the cortex and thalamic nuclei other than the target nuclei. The results show that the pulvinar nucleus projects in a topographic fashion to an extensive cortical zone that includes areas 18, 19 and several temporal areas below 19. While there are several architectonic areas in its cortical target, no corresponding subdivisions could be established within the pulvinar nucleus, and its projections are best explained in terms of a single topographic organization. Further, since the pulvinar nucleus receives fibers from the superficial layers of the superior colliculus, its extensive cortical target can be regarded as primary visual cortex. The lateral geniculate nucleus projects in a precisely topographic fashion to area 17. Further, our evidence suggests that each layer of the lateral geniculate nucleus projects to a horizontal strip within the fourth or granular layer of area striata. With respect to the question of the relation between ocular dominance and location in area 17, the pattern of projections from the lateral geniculate nucleus does not reveal ocular dominance columns in layer IV of the tree shrew. In contrast to our results Hubel and Wiesel ('68, '69) have shown that in the monkey there are vertical columns of cells in layer IV driven by either the homolateral or the contralateral eye. The case for the cat (Hubel and Wiesel, '62, '65) may be different from either of the other two species, thus posing the problem of discovering the mammalian plan and departures from the prototypical organization.
Interactions between diphenylcarbazide, zinc, cobalt, and manganese on the oxidizing side of photosystem II

The inhibition of DPC-mediated DCIP photoreduction by exogenous MnCl2 in Tris-treated photosystem II (PSII) membrane fragments has been used to probe for amino acids on the PSII reaction center proteins, including D1His337, that provide ligands for binding manganese [Preston, C., & Seibert, M. (1990) in Current Research in Photosynthesis (Baltscheffsky, M., Ed.) Vol. I, pp 925-928, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands; Preston, C., & Seibert, M. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 9615-9624 and 9625-9633]. At a concentration of 200 microM, DPC is photooxidized at both a high-affinity and a low-affinity site in PSII at approximately the same initial rate. Addition of 10 microM MnCl2 noncompetitively inhibits DPC photooxidation at the high-affinity site, with a Ki of 1.5 microM, causing a decrease of about 50% in the overall DCIP photoreduction rate. The high-affinity site for Mn binding was deconvoluted into four independent components. In earlier work, the inhibition was attributed to the tight association of either Mn2+ or Mn3+ with the PSII membrane. We report here that inhibition of DPC photooxidation may involve two different types of high-affinity, Mn-binding components: (a) one that is specific for Mn, and (b) others that bind Mn, but may also bind additional divalent cations, such as Zn and Co, that are not photooxidized by PSII. These conclusions are based on the observations that (a) DPC photooxidation can be inhibited by Zn2+ and Co2+; (b) Zn2+ and Co2+ interact with Mn2+ in a nonmutually exclusive manner, suggesting that they may share some binding components with Mn2+; (c) high-affinity Mn2+ (but not Zn2+ or Co2+) inhibition of DPC photooxidation is accompanied by nondecaying fluorescence emission, following a single saturating flash, indicating efficient electron donation by Mn2+ to YZ+; (d) Mn2+ photooxidation in the presence of DPC is not inhibited by Zn2+ or Co2+; and (e) kinetic modeling of the interaction between high-affinity Mn2+ and DPC in PSII indicates inhibition of steady-state Mn2+ photooxidation by DPC, but allows for a single photooxidation of Mn2+. We conclude that Mn inhibition of DPC photooxidation can be used to identify Mn-binding sites of physiological importance, and suggest that the Mn-specific component of the high-affinity, Mn-binding site involves the ligand to the first Mn bound during photoactivation (i.e., Asp170 on D1, as found by other investigators).
Comparative renal excretion of VX-702, a novel p38 MAPK inhibitor, and methotrexate in the perfused rat kidney model.

Context: VX-702 is a novel p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor being developed to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Objective: To characterize the renal excretion profile of VX-702 using the isolated perfused rat kidney (IPRK) model. Methods: Studies were performed to assess the dose linearity of VX-702 excretion and to evaluate the effect of inhibitors of organic anion (probenecid) and organic cation (cimetidine) transport systems on VX-702 disposition. VX-702 excretion was studied over a range of doses targeting concentrations between 100 and 600 ng/mL. VX-702 (600 ng/mL) was also co-perfused with probenecid (1 mM) and cimetidine (2 mM). The results were compared to parallel experiments performed with methotrexate (MTX). Results: VX-702 excretion was linear over the range of doses studied, and clearance data were consistent with net reabsorption by the kidney. Transport inhibition studies indicate that VX-702 is not a substrate for renal organic anion and organic cation transport systems. MTX (500 ...
From meltdown to recovery: Towards a new understanding of the Asian financial crisis of 1997 and its aftermath

There is no easy explanation for the Asian financial crisis of 1997. The current literature focusses on structural weaknesses, mismanagement and international capital flows as the primary causes of the Asian financial crisis. This paper seeks to highlight some important factors that have been left out by the current literature. The author argues that three external shocks carry some responsibility for causing and extending the crisis: the devaluation of the Chinese yuan in 1994; Japan's recession; and the strengthening of the US dollar in foreign exchange markets. The second section analyses some of the reasons for Asia's remarkable economic recovery, principally by evaluating the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF); while the IMF was a key actor, it was an improved external environment that fuelled Asia's recovery. The paper concludes by outlining what else the crisis‐affected Asian countries need to do to continue on the path towards economic recovery.
Task-Centered Context Manager for Customer Relationship Management Systems

In the customer relationship management (CRM) environment, agents tend to multitask. But the current CRM systems are not task-centered and therefore hinder the agent’s multitasking performance. We proposed the task-centered context manager, which better matches the agent’s mental model by focusing on the tasks that an agent is working on. The task-centered context manager automatically creates contexts, each for a separate task. It provides a flexible context switching mechanism for agents to easily go back and forth between tasks. And its priority-driven interface helps agents focus on important tasks. A formative usability evaluation indicated that our task-centered context manager was very well received by participating agents as evidenced by the overall System Usability Scale score of 88.5.
Subtext: uncovering the simplicity of programming

Representing programs as text strings makes programming harder then it has to be. The source text of a program is far removed from its behavior. Bridging this conceptual gulf is what makes programming so inhumanly difficult -- we are not compilers. Subtext is a new medium in which the representation of a program is the same thing as its execution. Like a spreadsheet, a program is visible and alive, constantly executing even as it is edited. Program edits are coherent semantic transformations.The essence of this new medium is copying. Programs are constructed by copying and executed by copy flow: the projection of changes through copies. The simple idea of copying develops into a rich theory of higher-order continual copying of trees. Notably absent are symbolic names, the workhorse of textual notation, replaced by immediately-bound explicit relationships. Subtext unifies traditionally distinct programming tools and concepts, and enables some novel ones. Ancestral structures are a new primitive data type that combines the features of lists and records, along with unproblematic multiple inheritance. Adaptive conditionals use first-class program edits to dynamically adapt behavior.A prototype implementation shows promise, but calls for much further research. Subtext suggests that we can make programming radically easier, if we are willing to be radical.
Biaxially oriented polypropylene film in power capacitors

The use of polymer dielectrics, particularly biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), has revolutionized power distribution around the world. BOPP film of sub mil thickness has displaced impregnated Kraft paper because of superior dielectric performance, lower cost, and small volume. The polypropylene molecule has a unique set of properties which combine stable dielectric properties in the operating temperature and frequency range along with an adequate dielectric constant. High levels of orientation and a small unbalance of orientation are required to produce films of high dielectric strength over large areas of film. Control of thickness uniformities to approximately ± 5 percent are critical to the reliable operation of the capacitor under load and to control of capacitance in the product. A special fibrillated surface is required which promotes complete impregnation by the dielectric fluid. This surface is acquired by the development of a specific crystal morphology at one surface of the film. No additives are used to promote this crystalline structure since most additives effect dissipation factor and generate unwanted heat. Similarly, control of contamination (ppm and ppb) is a key factor in the manufacture of film power capacitors.
A study of nucleation and fatigue behavior of an aerospace aluminum alloy 2024-T3

The fatigue failure process exploits the weakest links (discontinuities) within the test material, which act as nucleation sites for crack origins. This paper summarizes the results of a study on the 2024-T3 aluminum alloys in different forms (clad and unclad), loading directions, thickness and environment. Microstructural features such as particles, grain size, and clad layer, which dominate fatigue performance have been identified, classified, and statistically characterized. Two distinct mechanisms were found to be responsible for crack nucleation. Constituent particles were found to be the crack origins in unclad sheets. There was almost no evidence of multiple nucleation sites in the unclad material. The fatigue crack origins in clad sheets, however, were located at the surface of the clad. No constituent particles were found to be associated with crack nucleation. Multi-nucleation sites were observed in the clad material.
Archaeal chromatin proteins: different structures but common function?

Chromatin proteins promote chromosome flexibility in vivo, maintaining a compact yet decondensed template that permits polymerase accessibility. All Archaea have at least two types of chromatin proteins, and diversity in the chromatin protein population appears to prevent polymerization of a single type of protein. Of the numerous chromatin proteins that have been described in Archaea, only two — histones and Alba homologs — are present in all archaeal phyla. Although their structures and complexes with DNA have no similarities, their functions probably overlap as mutants that lack single chromatin proteins are viable.
The presence of a polymorphism at the translation initiation site of the vitamin D receptor gene is associated with low bone mineral density in postmenopausal mexican‐American women

We examined the association of bone mineral density (BMD) with a polymorphism in the gene encoding the vitamin D receptor (VDR) that causes a change in the predicted protein sequence. The polymorphism results from a C-to-T transition and creates an initiation codon (ATG) three codons proximal to a downstream start site. The polymorphism can be defined by a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using the restriction endonuclease FokI. The presence of a FokI site, designated f, allows protein translation to initiate from the first ATG. The allele lacking the site (designated F), initiates from a second ATG site. Thus, translation products from these alleles are predicted to differ by three amino acids with the f variant elongated. In a group of 100 postmenopausal Mexican-American Caucasian women, subjects with the ff genotype (15% of the study population) had a 12.8% lower BMD at the lumbar spine than FF subjects (37% of the population) (p = 0.01). Heterozygote (Ff) subjects (48% of the population) had an intermediate BMD. This association between BMD and genotype was not apparent at the femoral neck or forearm. Over a 2-year follow-up period, a decrease in BMD at the femoral neck was greater in ff compared with FF subjects (-4.7% vs. -0.5%, p = 0.005). This trend was not apparent at the lumbar spine or forearm. There were no differences between genotype groups in measurements of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), calcitriol, parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin, or urinary pyridinolines. We conclude that the FokI polymorphism of the VDR gene correlates significantly with decreased BMD at the lumbar spine and with an increased rate of bone loss at the hip in ff subjects. We emphasize that these initial data should be interpreted with caution but that the utility of this polymorphism as a genetic marker to determine BMD and osteoporosis risk warrants further study in larger populations with subjects of diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Cyberterrorism: Are you at risk?

Your company could be a victim of malicious online blackmail—or worse. The perpetrators can be motivated by greed, the desire for revenge, a criminal mind, or a political agenda. The authors reveal which companies are at highest risk, what kinds of attacks are likely, and what companies can do to protect themselves. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Analysis of Social Change.

(1973). An analysis of social change. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 12, Beyond Teacher Competence, pp. 44-53.
The determinants of granulocyte yield in 1198 granulocyte concentrates collected from unrelated volunteer donors mobilized with dexamethasone and granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor: a 13-year experience.

Before the mid-1990s, granulocyte transfusion therapy was limited by collection techniques that yielded a cell dose that was often marginal. With the introduction of recombinant human granulocyte–colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), it was discovered that a single subcutaneous administration of G-CSF in normal donors followed by leukapheresis 12 to 16 hours later harvested three times the number of functionally normal neutrophils compared with corticosteroid pretreatment;1 the addition of corticosteroids resulted in even higher donor neutrophil counts.2 Previous work by our group3,4 and others5,6 using sub-cutaneous G-CSF at 5 μg per kg 18 hours before and 8 mg of oral dexamethasone 12 hours before granulocytapheresis showed that the mean granulocyte yield ranges from 5.5 × 1010 to 7.2 × 1010. The donor's neutrophil count at the time of leukapheresis is a key determinant of the granulocyte yield with any stimulation regimen; it ranges from 5.6 × 109 per L with dexamethasone alone to 13.6 × 109 per L with G-CSF alone to 28.9 × 109 per L with combined G-CSF and dexamethasone (G-CSF/dex).3 The purpose of this study was to explore the donor and procedural characteristics that affect neutrophil response to G-CSF/dex and granulocyte collection yield. Donor demographic and laboratory variables and the specifics of G-CSF dosing are some of the key variables that we considered.
Comparison of two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography and intracardiac hemodynamics for quantification of mitral stenosis.

Abstract Forty-three patients with mitral stenosis (MS) were studied to assess the relation of catheter-derived pressure gradient half-time ( P 1 2 ), mitral valve areas (calculated by the Gorlin formula and 2-dimensional echocardiography [2-D echo]) to mitral valve areas derived from Doppler pressure half-time ( T 1 2 ) in order to establish an accurate line-drawing method in nonlinear velocity tracings and to revalidate the use of the empiric constant of 220 ms as the T 1 2 that predicts a 1.0-cm2 mitral valve area. Mitral valve area could be quantified by 2-D echo in 39 of 43 patients and by Doppler in 31 of 34 patients, for a success rate of 91 %. A reliable technique for measuring Doppler T 1 2 in nonlinear Doppler velocity tracings was a “mid-diastolic” line-drawing method, validated with the “anatomic” mitral valve area by 2-D echo (r = 0.89) and with the “hemodynamic” mitral valve area by the Gorlin formula (in pure MS without regurgitation) (r = 0.95). By both Doppler T 1 2 and hemodynamic P 1 2 , the use of 220 ms to predict a mitral valve area of 1.0 cm2 was validated. Each T 1 2 and P 1 2 had an exponential inverse relation to the mitral valve area by the Gorlin formula in pure MS. Doppler and 2-D echocardiographic quantification of MS are complementary. Reliable measurement of P 1 2 in nonlinear velocity tracings is achieved by a mid-diastolic line-drawing method and use of the equation 220 ms/T 1 2 = mitral valve area accurately quantifies MS.
Fluorescence spectral properties of cyanine dye-labeled DNA oligomers on surfaces coated with silver particles

We examined the fluorescence spectral properties of DNA oligomers, labeled with Cy3 or Cy5, when bound to quartz surfaces coated with metallic silver particles. Prior to binding of labeled DNA the surfaces were treated with polylysine or 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane or were coated with avidin for binding of biotinylated oligomers. The fluorescence intensities were increased an average of 8-fold on these surfaces. Despite the increased emission intensity, the photostability of the labeled DNA was the same or higher on the silver-coated surfaces than on the uncoated slides. The time-integrated intensities, that is the area under the intensity plots with continuous illumination, increased an average of 6-fold. In all cases the lifetimes were dramatically shortened on the silver particles, indicating an over 100-fold increase in the radiative decay rates. These results suggest the use of substrates containing silver particles for increased sensitivity of DNA detection on DNA arrays.
The Drosophila fs(1)Ya protein, which is needed for the first mitotic division, is in the nuclear lamina and in the envelopes of cleavage nuclei, pronuclei, and nonmitotic nuclei

Abstract The Drosophila melanogaster fs(1)Ya gene encodes a nuclear envelope protein needed to initiate embryonic cleavage divisions. In cleavage stage embryos the fs(1)Ya gene product is localized to the nuclear envelope in a cell cycle dependent manner. We show here that fs(1)Ya protein is also present in polar bodies of early cleavage stage embryos as well as in endoreplicating yolk nuclei. This observation suggests that the fs(1)Ya protein is necessary but not solely responsible for embryonic mitosis. Furthermore, cell cycle stage dependent nuclear localization is also seen for ectopically produced fs(1)Ya protein in tissue culture cells, neuroblasts, and male accessory glands, which are free of maternal products. We therefore conclude that cell cycle dependent nuclear localization does not require any exclusively maternal products. Finally, our immunoelectron microscopy shows that the fs(1)Ya protein distribution parallels that of lamin, indicating that it is a nuclear lamina protein.
Molecular pathogenesis and cellular pathology of spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 neurodegeneration

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is unique among CAG/polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat diseases due to dramatic intergenerational instability in repeat length and an associated cone-rod dystrophy retinal degeneration phenotype. SCA7 is caused by a polyQ expansion in the protein ataxin-7. Like other neurodegenerative diseases caused by polyQ expansion mutations, the spectrum of clinical severity and disease progression worsens with increasing polyQ length. Several potential mechanisms for the molecular pathogenesis of polyQ-expanded ataxin-7 have been suggested. These include, but are not limited to, alteration of endogenous ataxin-7 function, abnormal processing and stability of polyQ ataxin-7, and alteration of transcriptional regulation via interaction of polyQ-expanded ataxin-7 with other transcriptional regulators. Ataxin-7’s normal function as a transcription factor may contribute to the selective vulnerability of specific cellular populations in SCA7, and the resolution of the mechanistic basis of this pathogenic cascade is a major focus of SCA7 disease research. PolyQ-expanded ataxin-7 can cause non-cell autonomous neurodegeneration in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Advances in understanding SCA7’s molecular basis have led to important insights into cell-type specific neurodegeneration. We expect that further study of ataxin-7 normal function, insights into the molecular basis of SCA7 neurodegeneration, and the development of therapeutic interventions for SCA7 will greatly influence related endeavors directed at other CAG/polyQ repeat diseases.
Liposome Steady-state Anisotropy Of E.coli Total Lipid Extracts: A Tool To Better Understand Antibiotic Translocation In A Bacterial Environment

The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is a protective diffusion barrier preventing the free entry of solutes into the periplasm. At the same time, the embedded proteins (Omp's for Outer Membrane Proteins) fulfil a number of tasks that are crucial to the bacterial cell, such as solute and protein translocation, as well as signal transduction. Since a large number of years, a lot of simple membranar models with synthetic lipids such as POPC, POPG, DMPG….allowed scientists to better understand porin insertions and antibiotic translocation/interaction. As any molecular phenomena, it is better to study it in their own environment. With the availability of well characterized E.coli total lipid extract phospholipids, in vitro model membranes such as liposomes and proteoliposomes can be created and antibiotic translocation investigated in a bacterial environment, as close as possible to the existing membranes.In this study, the effects of porins on the structural order of lipid membranes was investigated by measuring, as a function of temperature, the steady-state fluorescence anisotropy (rS) of TMA-DPH and DPH incorporated into liposomes and proteoliposomes of E.coli total lipid extract phospholipids. DPH, embedded in the bilayer, can give informations about lipid diffusion. TMA-DPH, anchored at the aqueous interface of the phospholipid bilayer, allow us to better understand Omp's/antibiotic interactions.By using those probes, we were able to obtain information on the effects caused by the insertion of Omp's into the core and at the interface regions of the bilayer. This information, correlated with other membrane models, can be of considerable interest in establishing a possible relationship between the lipid composition of the phospholipid bilayer surface and antibiotic translocation.
A Parameterization of Transient Eddy Heat Flux on a Beta-Plane.

Abstract A parameterization of transient eddy heat flux is developed which incorporates baroclinic wave behavior in a continuously stratified fluid on a β-plane. The meridional and vertical heat transports are more sensitive to forced changes in the mean state than suggested by earlier parameterizations. This strong response is analogous to the rapid flux variation in a two-level model near neutral stability. A scheme for applying the parameterization to observed mean zonal flow is suggested and computed fluxes are similar in magnitude and structure to observed eddy heat flux. The flux modeling is consistent with the stronger dependence on meridional temperature gradient and large seasonal variation of the vertical eddy scale observed in lower latitudes.
A Dissolving Technique for Thin Platelet Preparation from Bulk Single Crystals

Dichroism studies1 of single crystals in electronic spectroscopy of transition metal complexes often require very thin parallel crystal platelets of usually less than 1 mm in thickness. This limitation on thickness arises from the often relatively high molar extinction coefficients, ∈ (ranging from 10 to 103 liter cm−1 mole−1), for spin-allowed Laporte forbidden bands in electronic spectra of transition metal complexes.2 The molar extinction coefficient for single crystals can be defined as ∈ = 2.303 O.D./bc where O.D. is the optical density, b is the thickness of the crystal in centimeters, and c is the concentration in moles per liter (usually in the order of 5 to 10 moles/liter for solid transition metal complexes). Thus to experimentally observe transmission bands in the normal optical density region of 2.0 or less, it is imperative either to dilute the compound by isomorphous doping in a nonabsorbing host crystal or, as is more often the case, to prepare very thin single crystal platelets from the bulk crystal.
Session Discussion: Dynamic Risk Preferences, Poverty Traps, and Thresholds*

These papers constitute a renewed search for an alternative to what Just and Michelson describe as the "classic" utility function-a concave function of current wealth plus contemporaneous income. The motivation for this search can be viewed as a response to Matthew Rabin's demonstration that uniform concavity has incredible implications for behavior (e.g., Rabin and Thaler). The remedy Just and Michelson seek is (explicitly or implicitly) an indirect utility function in first-period income, albeit with both concave and convex segments, such that the decision-maker can be "risk-averse" or "risk-loving," depending on the range of outcomes for the decision in question. A unifying theme of the session is that nonconvexities in transaction costs and asset returns, especially capital-stock thresholds, induce the appearance of risk preferences without the contrivance of exogenous risk preferences in first-period income. Buschena and Zilberman assume that the prototypical decision maker has different concave utility functions for different status levels. Assuming that the probability distribution of being in various status groups is a function of income in the current period, one can readily derive indirect utility functions of current-period income. For the two-status case, this results in a Friedman-Savage (FS) shaped indirect utility function. This helps underscore the presumption of both concave and convex segments, albeit by assuming the existence of "classic" utility functions in the first place. The intuition of the convex section in the middle of the FS function is clear enough; it stems from the prospect of a discontinuous jump to the high-status utility function. But one wonders why the function should be concave at very low incomes. Indeed, Lybbert and Barrett discuss the illustrative case of two thresholds-one at subsistence income and a "Micawber" threshold
Enzymes of phospholipid metabolism in airway secretions of patients with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and alveolar proteinosis.

Phospholipase A2, lysolecithinase, and lysolecithin-lysolecithin acyltransferase are present in the airway secretions of patients with asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), and alveolar proteinosis. Assays of these enzymes under the same conditions in extracts of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes, alveolar macrophages, and pig tracheal mucosa indicated that these extracellular airway enzymes were probably not derived from these cell types. Although the above three enzymes were present in secretions of all patients with these three diseases, large amounts of palmitoyl lysolecithin, free fatty acids, and dipalmitoyl lecithin were found only in patients having alveolar proteinosis and asthma. The amount of free fatty acids in these secretions was sufficient to inhibit both the lysolecithinase and the lysolecithin-lysolecithin acyltransferase, but not the phospholipase A2. These findings suggest that the large amount of dipalmitoyl lecithin, free fatty acids, and lysolecithin found in these secretions results from extracellular remodelling by these enzymes. Because the phospholipase A2 was present in large amounts, it was possible after delipidation to purify it to homogeneity. It is a stable enzyme with an apparent molecular weight of 75,000 as estimated by SDS-mercaptoethanol gel electrophoresis.
Cardiovascular Actions of Neuropeptide Y and Social Stress

Abstract Klemfuss, H., S. Southerland and K. T. Britton. Cardiovascular actions of Neuropeptide Y and social stress. Peptides 19(1) 85–92, 1998—The role of central neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the cardiovascular response to social stress was evaluated in freely moving rats using telemetry. In unstressed rats, intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of NPY and the selective Y 1 receptor agonist [Leu 31 , Pro 34 ]-NPY decreased blood pressure and heart rate, while the selective Y 2 agonist NPY 13–36 transiently raised blood pressure. NPY and [Leu 31 ,Pro 34 ]-NPY blunted elevations in blood pressure and pulse rate following exposure to the resident-intruder procedure, an established social stress paradigm. In contrast, the Y 2 agonist significantly augmented stress-induced pressor effects. These observations indicate that the hypotensive effects of ICV NPY appear to be mediated by the Y 1 receptor subtype and the NPY receptor subtypes may mediate opposing cardiovascular actions in response to stressful stimuli.
Functional minimization problems in image processing

In this work we wish to recover an unknown image from a blurry version. We solve this inverse problem by energy minimization and regularization. We seek a solution of the form u + v, where u is a function of bounded variation (cartoon component), while v is an oscillatory component (texture), modeled by a Sobolev function with negative degree of differentiability. Experimental results show that this cartoon + texture model better recovers textured details in natural images, by comparison with the more standard models where the unknown is restricted only to the space of functions of bounded variation.
Packing Modes of Distyrylbenzene Derivatives

A range of 1,4-distyrylbenzene derivatives were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction to investigate the effects of substitution on the resulting crystal lattices. Molecules in this report include 1,4-bis(2,2-diphenylethenyl)benzene (1), 1,4-bis(1-cyano-2,2-diphenylethenyl)benzene (2), 1,4-bis(1-cyano-2-phenylethenyl)benzene (3) 1,4-bis(2,5-dimethoxystyryl)benzene (4), 1,4-bis(3,5-dimethoxystyryl)benzene (5), 2,5-difluoro-1-(pentafluorostyryl)-4-(4-tert-butylstyryl)benzene (6), and 1,4-bis(4-nitrostyryl)benzene·2DMF (7). The lattice of each is described and contrasted in light of distyrylbenzene derivatives previously reported. The results of thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry are included to further examine the effect of substitution on crystal properties.
The New Sisters of the Road: Homeless Women and Their Children

ABSTRACT This article examines the growing social problem of homeless women and their children. It provides a historical perspective, reasons for the increased incidence of family homelessness, the negative effects of homelessness on women and children, and programmatic responses. It also makes recommendations for effective program services and policy reforms. It urges family social workers to adopt a policy advocacy orientation. The article concludes that there is a need for further research to separate causes from effects when studying homeless women and children, and that researchers need to attend to the significance of gender for the social problem of family homelessness.
DRUG ACTION IN GALVANOTROPIC RESPONSES

Under strychninization involving reversal of reciprocal inhibition of the circular and longitudinal muscles, planarians and earthworms show reversed, i.e., anodal, galvanotropic responses, which neither nicotine nor atropine induce (in planarians). The results strengthen the conclusion (Crozier, 1926-27) that in causing reversal of inhibition strychnine acts primarily on central synapses or on homologous elements. Like other arthropods, on the other hand, Asellus is little affected by strychnine; no reversal occurs. Caffeine and atropine are even less effective. Nicotine evokes abnormal posture and movements, perhaps reversed, but no alteration of anodal galvanotropism.
Human movement summarization and depiction from videos

Human movement summarization and depiction from videos is to automatically turn an input video into high level action illustrations, in which the movements of the body parts are visualized using arrows and motion particles. Motion depiction compactly illustrates how specific movements are performed. Previous action summarization methods reply on 3D motion capture or manually labeled data, without which depicting actions is a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a novel scheme to automatically summarize and depict human movements from 2D videos without 3D motion capture or manually labeled data. The proposed method first segments videos into sub-actions with an effective streamline matching scheme. Then, to estimate human movement, we propose a novel trajectory following method to track points by using both body part detection and optical flow. With the estimated movement, we depict the human articulated motion with arrows and motion particles. Our experiments on a variety of videos show that the proposed method is effective in summarizing complex human movements and generating compact depictions.
Papers of Zygmunt Haupt, Polish Émigré Writer, Available at Stanford University Libraries

The papers of Zygmunt Haupt, Polish emigre writer and painter, are now fully processed and open to researches in the Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries.
Hyperspectral image compression with the 3D dual-tree wavelet transform

The complex dual-tree discrete wavelet transform is explored for the coding of hyperspectral imagery using a coder that has previously demonstrated efficient video-coding performance. A noise-shaping process increases the sparsity of the redundant transform-coefficient set, resulting in a high degree of regional coherency within the coefficient subbands. This coherency, as well as correlation across subbands, is exploited by a coding algorithm that performs set-partitioning using k-d trees. Prior experiments have shown that the proposed set-partitioning algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art JPEG2000 when coding video. However, experimental results indicate that the same coder fails to show similar gains when coding hyperspectral data, suggesting that hyperspectral data does not have properties that can be exploited by the increased directionality of the dual-tree transform.
Stress urinary incontinence: the evolution of the sling

Stress urinary incontinence is one of the most prevalent and costly problems encountered by the international medical community. The exact mechanism of stress incontinence remains elusive. Early management relied on behavioral modification but, as more advanced anatomic and urodynamic research surfaced, the focus shifted to surgical correction. Initial innovations provided a compressive force/hammock to support the urethra and bladder neck. For almost a century, the pubovaginal sling provided this support, with 70-90% cure rates at the expense of significant voiding dysfunction. Later work has highlighted the interaction of muscles and ligaments as a midurethral kinking mechanism to prevent leakage. With this knowledge came the advent of tension-free vaginal taping. Further modifications led to the development of other midurethral slings, producing similar cure rates while minimizing complications.
Contribution of Granulosa Cells and Follicular Fluid to Ovarian Estrogen Secretion in the Rhesus Monkey in Vivo

In order to ascertain which ovarian cell type within the follicle is the source of preovulatory estrogen secretion in vivo, ovarian venous, as well as peripheral venous, blood was collected prior to, 5 min, 30 min, and 120 min after the removal of follicular fluid and granulosa cells from 17 monkeys. In addition, estrogen, progesterone, and progestins were measured in the peripheral blood, ovarian venous blood, and follicular fluid of the follicle-containing and contralateral ovary in 24 monkeys, in order to prove that the preovulatory follicle is the principal source of estrogen. Estradiol was the principal estrogen and was secreted in larger amounts by the ovary with the large preovulatory follicle (7–10 mm in diameter) compared with the contralateral ovary. In 15 experiments ovarian venous estrogen (3934 ± 798 pg⁄ml, mean ± SE) in the vein draining the large follicle-containing ovary was usually 5–15-fold higher than peripheral plasma estrogen levels which were 307 ± 31 pg⁄ml. The contralateral ovary s...