cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tool steel coatings based on niobium carbide and carbonitride compounds

Abstract Although Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is extremely versatile in the palette of coating materials and substrates to which it can be applied, many potentially viable hard coating materials have yet to be explored for deposition on tool steels via PVD processing. Here one family of such coatings is explored: the niobium carbide and carbonitride system. By changing process variables, including bias voltage and working pressure, evaluating the mechanical properties through nanoindentation and correlating the results to microstructural observations by transmission electron microscopy, a preliminary survey of these coating materials and the preferred conditions for their production is presented. Under some conditions of deposition bias and pressure, niobium carbide can be produced with hardness and elastic modulus superior to titanium nitride films, reaching up to 37 GPa and 400 GPa, respectively, for coatings produced under deposition conditions that reduce intrinsic porosity. Nitrogen substitution for carbon leads to intermediate carbonitride compositions with mechanical properties that depend roughly linearly on composition, permitting a degree of tunability of the coating properties.
Technical debt aggregation in ecosystems

The members of the ecosystem encompassing our organization are affected by our decisions just as we are affected by their decisions. If an organization takes on technical debt with respect to a specific asset, that decision will affect users of the asset either directly or indirectly. In this position paper we distinguish between incurring technical debt directly and experiencing the effects of technical debt indirectly. We illustrate why two separate concepts are needed for a complete theory and provide examples from ecosystem models we have created for several organizations. The result is a model that produces good explanations for posited scenarios.
Microstructural defects in laser recrystallized, graphite strip heater recrystallized and buried oxide silicon-on-insulator systems: A status report

Abstract Laser recrystallized silicon-on-oxide, graphite strip heater recrystallized silicon-on-oxide and buried oxide by high dose oxygen ion implantation are three of the silicon-on-insulator technologies that are currently being evaluated for VLSI and VHSIC applications. This status report compares the microstructure of these materials. The main defects in both the laser and graphite strip heater recrystallized material are subgrain boundaries. The misorientations across the boundaries are normally less than one degree. The boundaries are formed by dislocation coalescence. The dislocations are generated by the stresses caused by the volume expansion during solidification of silicon droplets trapped in the solid silicon matrix. The droplets are caused by constitutional supercooling. Buried oxide SOI formed by high dose oxygen ion implantation has fewer crystallographic defects than the other two materials. The entire ion implanted area is a single crystal after high temperature annealing. The primary defects in epitaxial layers grown on implanted substrates are dislocations. The oxide/silicon interfaces are abrupt if the dose is large enough. The sharp interfaces are formed by an internal oxidation mechanism. The minimum MeV He ion channeling yield from epitaxial silicon layers grown on buried oxide is about 2.5%, the lowest of any SOI material.
Radial Solutions of Semilinear Elliptic Equations with Prescribed Numbers of Zeros

Abstract We study solutions u = u(t) of an initial value problem for u′′ + ((n − 1)/t)u′ + ƒ(u) = 0. Under certain conditions on the nonlinearity ƒ (for instance ƒ(u) = −|u|q + |u|q−1u, 1 2), we get the existence of some initial values, such that the related solutions converge to zero after having a finite number of zeros. One principal tool to prove this result is derived from the consideration of the relation between critical points and succeeding zeros of solutions of this initial value problem for ƒ(u) = |u|q−1u + o(|u|q) as |u| → 0.
Toward multi-target autotuning for accelerators

Producing high-performance implementations from simple, portable computation specifications is a challenge that compilers have tried to address for several decades. More recently, a relatively stable architectural landscape has evolved into a set of increasingly diverging and rapidly changing CPU and accelerator designs, with the main common factor being dramatic increases in the levels of parallelism available. The growth of architectural heterogeneity and parallelism, combined with the very slow development cycles of traditional compilers, has motivated the development of autotuning tools that can quickly respond to changes in architectures and programming models, and enable very specialized optimizations that are not possible or likely to be provided by mainstream compilers. In this paper we describe the new OpenCL code generator and autotuner OrCL and the introduction of detailed performance measurement into the autotuning process. OrCL is implemented within the Orio autotuning framework, which enables the rapid development of experimental languages and code optimization strategies aimed at achieving good performance on new platforms without rewriting or hand-optimizing critical kernels. The combination of the new OpenCL autotuning and TAU measurement capabilities enables users to consistently evaluate autotuning effectiveness across a range of architectures, including several NVIDIA and AMD accelerators and Intel Xeon Phi processors, and to compare the OpenCL and CUDA code generation capabilities. We present results of autotuning several numerical kernels that typically dominate the execution time of iterative sparse linear system solution and key computations from a 3-D parallel simulation of solid fuel ignition.
Gamma G subgroups in human fetal, cord, and maternal sera

Abstract IgG sugroup levels were measured in 39 paired maternal cord blood samples and in sera of fetuses of different ages. There appears to be relatively more IgG1 and less IgG2 and IgG3 in newborn sera than in maternal sera. IgG1–4 appears in fetal sera by 11–14 weeks but concentrations rise at different rates to newborn levels.
Calibration of a Texture-Based Model of a Ground-Water Flow System, Western San Joaquin Valley, Californiaa

The occurrence of selenium in agricultural drain water from the western San Joaquin Valley, California, has focused concern on the semiconfined ground-water flow system, which is underlain by the Corcoran Clay Member of the Tulare Formation. A two-step procedure is used to calibrate a preliminary model of the system for the purpose of determining the steady-state hydraulic properties. Horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivities are modeled as functions of the percentage of coarse sediment, hydraulic conductivities of coarse-textured (Kcoarse) and fine-textured (Kfine) end members, and averaging methods used to calculate equivalent hydraulic conductivities. The vertical conductivity of the Corcoran (Kcorc) is an additional parameter to be evaluated. In the first step of the calibration procedure, the model is run by systematically varying the following variables: (1) Kcoarse/Kfine, (2) Kcoarse/Kcorc, and (3) choice of averaging methods in the horizontal and vertical directions. Root mean square error and bias values calculated from the model results are functions of these variables. These measures of error provide a means for evaluating model sensitivity and for selecting values of Kcoarse, Kfine, and Kcorc for use in the second step of the calibration procedure. In the second step, recharge rates are evaluated as functions of Kcoarse, Kcorc, and a combination of averaging methods. The associated Kfine values are selected so that the root mean square error is minimized on the basis of the results from the first step. The results of the two-step procedure indicate that the spatial distribution of hydraulic conductivity that best produces the measured hydraulic head distribution is created through the use of arithmetic averaging in the horizontal direction and either geometric or harmonic averaging in the vertical direction. The equivalent hydraulic conductivities resulting from either combination of averaging methods compare favorably to field- and laboratory-based values.
Time‐Dependent Effects of Hydrophobic Amine‐Containing Drugs on Lysosome Structure and Biogenesis in Cultured Human Fibroblasts

ABSTRACT Many weakly basic amine‐containing drugs are known to be extensively sequestered in acidic lysosomes by an ion trapping‐type mechanism. The entrapment of drugs in lysosomes has been shown to influence drug activity, cancer cell selectivity, and pharmacokinetics and can cause the hyperaccumulation of various lipids associated with lysosomes. In this work, we have investigated the prolonged time‐dependent effects of drugs on lysosomal properties. We have evaluated two amine‐containing drugs with intermediate (propranolol) and high (halofantrine) relative degrees of lipophilicity. Interestingly, the cellular accumulation kinetics of these drugs exhibited a biphasic characteristic at therapeutically relevant exposure levels with an initial apparent steady‐state occurring at 2 days followed by a second stage of enhanced accumulation. We provide evidence that this secondary drug accumulation coincides with the nuclear localization of transcription factor EB, a master regulator of lysosome biogenesis, and the appearance of an increased number of smaller and lipid‐laden lysosomes. Collectively, these results show that hydrophobic lysosomotropic drugs can induce their own cellular accumulation in a time‐dependent fashion and that this is associated with an expanded lysosomal volume. These results have important therapeutic implications and may help to explain sources of variability in drug pharmacokinetic distribution and elimination properties observed in vivo . © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:3287–3296, 2014
Multiscale liquid drop impact on wettable and textured surfaces

The impact of microscopic liquid drops on solids with a variety of surface characteristics is studied using numerical simulations. The focus is on relatively low impact velocities leading to bouncing or spreading drops, and the effects of wettability. Molecular dynamics and lattice Boltzmann simulation methods are used for nanometer-sized and continuum drops, respectively, and the results of the two methods are compared in terms of scaled variables. We consider surfaces which are flat, curved or pillared, with either homogeneous interactions or cross-shaped patterns of wettability. In most situations we observe similar drop behavior at both length scales; the two methods agree best at low impact velocities on wettable surfaces while discrepancies are most pronounced for strongly hydrophobic surfaces and for higher velocities.
Track Two Diplomacy and Regional Security in the Middle East

Over the past decade former, and sometimes current, adversaries in the Middle East increasingly have been engaged in unofficial multilateral regional security dialogues, a form of track two diplomacy. Despite the proliferation of such dialogues, we know very little about them. This article reviews the nature and content of a variety of track two security dialogues among Arabs and Israelis and evaluates the impact of such activities. What have such dialogues accomplished to date, and what are their limitations? By what standards should we measure success and failure? How can such dialogues be improved in the Middle East and other conflictual regions? The article suggests that those who expect track two to lead to major policy shifts in track one (the official negotiating process) will be disappointed and perceive such dialogues as a failure. However, if we evaluate track two based on what the process itself produces, both in terms of changing regional perceptions among its participants and impacting regional security policy in an incremental fashion, we are more likely to see its value. In this sense, the research supports arguments made by other students of negotiation who suggest that outcomes are not always the sole objective or the appropriate measure of success for international negotiations; the negotiation process itself also has value. Despite problems and limitations, track two diplomacy has proved an important mechanism in building regional understanding and knowledge in the arms control and regional security realm. Such diplomacy could also be applied to other issues and regions during the lengthy process of building peace among adversaries.
ROUTE CHOICE ON FREIGHT NETWORKS WITH CONCAVE COSTS AND EXCLUSIVE ARCS

An exclusive arc carries flow for just one origin-destination pair. A shared arc carries flow for more than one origin-destination pair. This paper shows that the optimal route for each origin-destination pair can be found from the optimal flows on the shared arcs alone. The optimal shared arc flows can be found with an exhaustive search over the feasible region for these flows. Because logistics networks can often be reduced to independent subnetworks, each with a small number of shared arcs, the procedure should have wide application.
The influence of Bi and Al content on the deep levels in InGaP and AlInGaP solar cell structures

InGaP/InGaAs/Ge 3-juction solar cells have proved to the most effective solar cells for space applications. Recently, AlInGaP was proposed as a top layer, which has the future prospects of super high efficient solar cells. However, the efficiency of the AlInGaP based multi-junction solar cells that are under investigation is not up to the expected levels. In order to understand the reason behind this low efficiency, we have explored role of Al content on native defects in the performance of AlGaInP solar cells. In addition, we have also explored the interaction of Bi on p-type InGaP and p-type AlInGaP solar cell structure. The Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) was used to investigate the different characteristics of these observed defects and their possible role in low lifetime/efficiency of the solar cells. The four types of solar cell structures under investigation showed four electron traps and two hole traps. Detailed depth profile analysis showed that the hole traps generated in the Bi doped InGaP and Bi doped AlInGaP act as strong recombination centers. In view of this study, it has been concluded that the deep levels induced by Al Impurity and Bi impurity plays an important role in the low efficiency of InGaP/AlInGaP solar cells.
On the theoretical determination of the alignment sensitivity of electric and magnetic devices

In the computer design of electric and magnetic devices, when the fields can be derived from a scalar potential satisfying the Laplace equation, integral equation methods are powerful tools, particularly in 3-d problems. A certain Fredholm integral equation of the first kind, used first to obtain the potential, may be utilized a second time with a different right-hand side to obtain directly the rate of change in potential due to a change in the position of an electrode or magnet pole-piece. The new right-hand side of the integral equation is formulated in simple terms. Knowledge of this rate of change suggests itself to two types of applications: alignment sensitivity study and improved numerical optimization of electromagnetic devices.
THE GEOGRAPHY OF INSECURITY: SPATIAL CHANGE AND THE FLEXIBILIZATION OF LABOR IN METRO MANILA

There has been considerable attention in the urban studies literature to the implications of spatial change associated with globalization for the urban poor in advanced economies, but much less so ...
Differentiating idiopathic inflammatory myopathies from metabolic myopathies

The metabolic myopathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases, including glycogenoses, disorders of lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial myopathies, that result primarily from inborn errors of metabolism. Most of these metabolic defects cause medical conditions that manifest early in life. Nevertheless, clinical presentations during the teenage years and adulthood are increasingly being recognized. Many of the clinical manifestations of these diseases are difficult to differentiate from those observed in the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, especially polymyositis. A directed evaluation using the clinical, laboratory, and genetic approaches summarized in this article, however, should allow for the differentiation of most metabolic myopathies from polymyositis and other forms of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. The diagnosis of a metabolic myopathy should be considered in patients who appear to have polymyositis but lack the characteristic changes of inflammation found on EMG, MRI, or muscle histology, or in such patients who are refractory to immunosuppressive therapy. The forearm ischemic exercise test is especially useful to screen for some inborn errors of glycogen metabolism or glycolysis and for myoadenylate deaminase deficiency. Thorough analysis of muscle tissue, including histology, histochemistry, biochemistry, and occasionally electron microscopy, is often necessary to make the diagnosis of a metabolic myopathy. Advances in molecular biology methods and knowledge of the precise genetic defects associated with these metabolic defects are dramatically increasing our capacity to diagnose patients with a widening range of myopathies. It is expected that, with further understanding of the mechanisms of the metabolic and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, the differentiation of these disorders into their pathogenetic components, and the capacity to diagnose them will continue to improve. These are essential factors in improving genetic counseling and eventually the therapy of these serious, and currently incurable, disorders.
Fibres of poly (methoxy-2-ethyl-hexyloxy) phenylenevinylene prepared from the soluble, fully conjugated polymer

Abstract Electrically conductive fibres were prepared of poly (methoxy-2-ethyl-hexyloxyphenylenevinylene), which is soluble in its conjugated form, employing a simple wet-spinning process, without the need of a precursor-conversion reaction. The enhanced processibility of the polymer, however, comes at the expense of a reduction in both mechanical and electrical properties in comparison with the unsubstituted parent polymer.
Lateral and focal shifts of phase-conjugated beams in photorefractive materials.

It is predicted that when a dc electric field is present or when a probe beam contains temporal frequencies different from that of the pump waves a beam reflected from a photorefractive phase-conjugate mirror will experience lateral and focal shifts. These shifts are a consequence of angular dependence of the phase of the reflectivity and are similar to the Goos–Hanchen effect. The phenomenon becomes more pronounced near resonance.
Association of plasma soluble E-selectin and adiponectin with carotid plaque in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with premature atherosclerosis but the mechanisms underlying this association are not understood. The role of endothelial dysfunction is hypothesized. Methods In predominantly non-Caucasian patients with SLE ( N = 119) and controls ( N = 71), carotid ultrasonography was performed and circulating endothelial cells (CECs), soluble endothelial protein C receptor and gene polymorphism at A6936G, soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), and adiponectin were assessed. Results Carotid plaque was more prevalent among patients than controls (43% vs 17%, p = 0.0002). Mean CCA IMT was greater in patients compared to controls (0.59 ± 0.19 mm vs 0.54 ± 0.11 mm, p = 0.03). Among SLE patients, plaque was not associated with smoking, body-mass index, LDL, triglycerides, homocysteine, C-reactive protein, anti-ds DNA antibody, C3, C4, SLE activity, or medications. Age and levels of soluble E-selectin and adiponectin were significantly higher in the SLE patients with plaque compared to those without plaque in univariate and multivariate analyses. sE-selectin and adiponectin were found to serve as independent predictors of carotid plaque and that elevations were persistent over more than one visit. Unexpectedly, these biomarkers were present despite clinical quiescence. Conclusion Premature atherosclerosis is a consistent feature of SLE and extends across ethnicities. Higher levels of adiponectin may represent a physiological attempt to limit further endothelial damage already reflected by the elevation in sE-selectin and the observed increase in plaque represents overwhelming of this reparative process by atherogenic stimuli.
Banding isolated metaphase chromosomes by a sequential fluorescent G/Q technique

G/Q-banding is a new, rapid, fluorescent technique for banding isolated chromosomes that incorporates characteristics of both G- and Q-banding. G-bands, while easily characterized, are often inconsistent when using isolated chromosomes, and Q-bands, while reliable, fade rapidly under UV exposure, making prolonged observation and photography difficult. G/Q-banding combines these techniques to sequentially utilize quinacrine staining over Giemsa banding to produce slow-fading fluorescent G/Q-bands. The background fluorescence in G/Q preparations fades quickly under continued UV exposure, while the chromosomes remain brightly banded and can be observed and photographed for at least five minutes. G/Q-banding was extended to whole cell chromosome spreads and produced results identical to those obtained with isolated chromosomes. Whole cell karyotypes indicate that G/Q-bands generally correspond to Q-bands. Advantages of G/Q-banding as a unique and universal technique over current double-staining procedures are discussed.
A review of some fossil plant compressions associated with Mississippian and Pennsylvanian coal deposits in the central Appalachians, Illinois Basin, and elsewhere in the United States

Abstract Fossil plant compressions and impressions are abundantly associated with coals of Mississippian and Pennsylvanian age in the central Appalachians, Illinois Basin, and elsewhere in the United States. Remains of the aerial plant parts occur most commonly in shale directly overlying coal, especially in the vicinity of contemporaneous paleochannels. Most roots and a few stumps are found preserved in situ; however, most aerial plant fossils were transported prior to burial. There is good evidence that fossil plants preserved in roof shales are mostly the same types of plants from which the coal formed. Mississippian coal floras are lower in diversity than later ones. Quantitatively important plants include only 2 lycopod genera, 1 arthrophyte genus, 1 fern genus, and 5 seed fern genera. Pennsylvanian floras, on the other hand, include abundant representatives of 5 lycopod genera, 2 arthrophyte genera, 4 fern genera, 5 seed fern genera, and 1 coniferophytic genus. The swamp floras were never in equilibrium, though change appears to have been particulary rapid near the boundary between the Mississippian and the Pennsylvanian.
Uniform color spaces and natural image statistics.

Many aspects of visual coding have been successfully predicted by starting from the statistics of natural scenes and then asking how the stimulus could be efficiently represented. We started from the representation of color characterized by uniform color spaces, and then asked what type of color environment they implied. These spaces are designed to represent equal perceptual differences in color discrimination or appearance by equal distances in the space. The relative sensitivity to different axes within the space might therefore reflect the gamut of colors in natural scenes. To examine this, we projected perceptually uniform distributions within the Munsell, CIE L*u*v* or CIE L*a*b* spaces into cone-opponent space. All were elongated along a bluish-yellowish axis reflecting covarying signals along the L–M and S–(L+M) cardinal axes, a pattern typical (though not identical) to many natural environments. In turn, color distributions from environments were more uniform when projected into the CIE L*a*b* perceptual space than when represented in a normalized cone-opponent space. These analyses suggest the bluish-yellowish bias in environmental colors might be an important factor shaping chromatic sensitivity, and also suggest that perceptually uniform color metrics could be derived from natural scene statistics and potentially tailored to specific environments.
Beam Foil Spectroscopy of Heavy Ions at Energies from 20 to 238 MeV

The beam foil spectra of beams of Ti, Cu, Ni, Br, Mo, I, W, and Au were surveyed in the wavelength region 5 to 60 nm for beam energies ranging from 20 to 238 MeV. Problems involved in making lifetime measurements for selected states were also investigated. 23 references.
Investigation of the Pore Structure of As-Prepared and Purified HiPco Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by N2/Ar AdsorptionImplication for H2 Storage

Open single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are attractive as potential storage media for hydrogen gas. The present paper investigates the micropore structure of HiPco SWNTs samples, as studied by nitrogen and argon adsorption technique at low pressures. The proportion of open SWNT is estimated with the Horvath−Kawazoe method. The results show that as-prepared samples may contain as much as 40% open SWNTs, whereas the oxidative purification process reduces this amount significantly. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy show that the Horvath−Kawazoe method is reliable for estimating the diameter of open SWNTs. In addition, the Horvath−Kawazoe method appears to be sensitive to species adsorbed in the outer grooves.
Wavelength switching in narrow oxide stripe InGaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs strained-layer quantum well heterostructure lasers

We have observed current‐controlled wavelength switching in narrow oxide stripe In0.17Ga0.83As‐GaAs‐Al0.20Ga0.80As strained‐layer single quantum well heterostructure lasers. Laser emission switches from the lowest (n=1) quantized state transition in the quantum well at low currents to the first excited state transition (n=2) at higher currents, with an energy difference of ≊50 meV. For currents near the switching point, we have also observed time‐dependent lasing behavior, with a switch in the laser emission from the n=1 to the n=2 transition. The order of this temporal switching (from n=1 to n=2) is opposite that observed in narrow stripe gain‐guided GaAs‐AlGaAs quantum well lasers, due to strong antiguiding in InGaAs lasers, which negates the effect of a thermal guide.
Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Density Affects Activation of MAP Kinase and Akt by Menadione and PDGF Homodimer BB

Abstract Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and protein kinase B (PKB or Akt) are major signal transduction molecules regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We examined how cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) at different cell densities respond to selected stimuli and how this is reflected in the two distinct (MAPK and Akt) and yet cross-talking signaling pathways. VSMC were cultured to 100% confluence, reaching contact inhibition, and to 60–70% confluence, as sparse, proliferating cells. They were treated with menadione (an intracellular generator of O−2) and/or platelet-derived growth factor homodimer BB (PDGF). In sparse cells, menadione or PDGF alone activated ERK, and together the effect was synergistic, whereas in confluent cells menadione's and PDGF's activations of ERK were, at most, additive. Activation of the upstream ERK kinase (MEK-1) paralleled ERK activation except in sparse cells in which the synergistic effects of menadione and PDGF on ERK could not be fully accounted for by MEK-1 activation. Another member of the MAPK family, p38, did not show significant changes. Akt activation by PDGF alone was present under both cell culture conditions; Akt activation is blocked by menadione. Co-incubation with the reducing agent dithiothreitol or calcium chelators (EDTA/EGTA) inhibited partially or completely menadione's effects on MEK/ERK and Akt pathways, as well as menadione's effects on PDGF-induced ERK and Akt activations. These data suggest that in VSMC, the state of cell confluence determines how distinct pathways of MAPK activation cross talk. In addition while PDGF may function as a survival factor by inducing Akt activation, menadione could promote apoptosis by inhibiting PDGF-induced Akt activation independent of cell density. The effects of menadione, but not those of PDGF, are more dependent on the cellular redox status and extracellular calcium.
Nth-nearest neighbor statistics for three-dimensional equilibrium arrays of monodisperse spheres

Abstract Measures based on mean N th-nearest neighbor distances efficiently characterize particle clustering and deviation from the equilibrium random state (ERS) in microstructures. Mean center-to-center distances to the N th-nearest neighbor particle have been determined for three-dimensional equilibrium ensembles of monodisperse spheres for N ≤ 200. Hard sphere distributions represent inhibited point processes, and for small N the inhibition effect was significant for volume fractions ranging from 0.01 to 0.40. Caution should therefore be exercised in comparing hard sphere distributions with point processes, even at low volume fractions. For volume fractions ≥ 0.20, a significant ordering-related oscillation arises in the inhibition ratio; the effect is sufficiently strong that at a volume fraction of 0.40 it extends over the entire range of N ≤ 200, and the inhibition ratio falls below unity for certain values of N . To enable calculation of the inhibition ratio for N ≤ 200, functions were fit to the data for the volume fractions considered in this investigation.
Ethylene perception by the ERS1 protein in Arabidopsis.

Ethylene perception in Arabidopsis is controlled by a family of five genes, including ETR1 , ERS1 (ethylene response sensor 1), ERS2 , ETR2 , and EIN4 . ERS1 , the most highly conserved gene with ETR1 , encodes a protein with 67% identity to ETR1. To clarify the role of ERS1 in ethylene sensing, we biochemically characterized the ERS1 protein by heterologous expression in yeast. ERS1, like ETR1, forms a membrane-associated, disulfide-linked dimer. In addition, yeast expressing the ERS1 protein contains ethylene-binding sites, indicating ERS1 is also an ethylene-binding protein. This finding supports previous genetic evidence that isoforms of ETR1 also function in plants as ethylene receptors. Further, we used the ethylene antagonist 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to characterize the ethylene-binding sites of ERS1 and ETR1. We found 1-MCP to be both a potent inhibitor of the ethylene-induced seedling triple response, as well as ethylene binding by yeast expressing ETR1 and ERS1. Yeast expressing ETR1 and ERS1 showed nearly identical sensitivity to 1-MCP, suggesting that the ethylene-binding sites of ETR1 and ERS1 have similar affinities for ethylene.
Advice sharing between paired users in online travel planning

There have been few studies investigating the effects of collaboration on online shopping. In this paper, we consider an online shopping scenario where the user and a partner, who are not collocated, plan the travel collaboratively. We develop a research model based on Website Trust to explain the user's Website Intentions. To test the model, we conducted a field experiment with 605 individuals and a partner using LiveLook, an online co-browsing platform. A PLS analysis of the influence of advice sharing showed the following variance explained: Website Trust 20.6 percent, Website Enjoyment 55.2 percent, Perceived Control 59.4 percent, and Website Intentions 55.3 percent. We also show separate models for two different user interfaces: one for packaged travel and one for customizable travel. The resulting models show the packaged travel interface to have greater website intentions while the customizable travel interface has greater variance explained. Overall, the results shed light on the network of influences that advice sharing has in online travel planning.
Snake oil for the 21st century

Dermatology has been associated with quackery for at least a century. The dictionary defines a quack as "a pretender to medical knowledge or skill; ignorantly or falsely pretending to cure." The term quack is derived from quacksalver, or one who quacks like a duck in promoting his salves. Quacksalvers hacked many potions, including snake oil, with claims that it cured everything from dermatitis to rheumatism. With the current promulgation of skin "products" and their promotion and even sale by dermatologists, and the use of treatments of no proven efficacy, this association between dermatology and quackery is set to continue well into the 21st century. The list of offending treatments includes silicone gel sheets and onion extract cream (Mederma) for keloids, alpha-hydroxy acid creams and peels, topical ascorbic acid and phytonadione, "laser resurfacing," and cimetidine for warts, to name only a few.
FINE STRUCTURE OF THE DIATOM AMPHIPLEURA PELLUCIDA. I. WALL STRUCTURE

A description of the frustular morphology of Amnphipleura pellucida, based on electron micrographs of both entire frustules and sectioned material, is presented. The wall of the valve proper is of uniform thickness except for the thickened central nodule and the ribs surrounding the raphe. The regularly arranged punctae are about 60 m, in diameter. Their internal opening is covered by a thin, porous plate with pores about 6-8mu( in diameter. Each intercalary band contains an elongate chamber which opens to the interior of the cell by a series of oval foramina and to the exterior bv a slit between the valve mantle and intercalary band. The lower margin of the intercalary band contains a series of elongate foramina. Both types of foramina are covered, on the internal margins, by porous plates similar to those which cover the internal openings of the punctae. THE VALVE structure of Amphipleura pellucida Kuitz. has long been one of the classical test objects to determine the resolving power of microscope lenses. According to Neuhaus (1907), Woodward w as the first to obtain photographs (see Van Heurck 1880-81, pl. 17) demonstrating that the striae may be resolved into a series of "dots" or punctae. Zettnow (1893) was able to improve the quality of his photographs by using a combination of heavily filtered light and silver nitrate impregnation of the valve to increase contrast. Fraenkel and Pfeiffer (1889) published photographs of comparable quality. Kohler (1909), using uiltraviolet illumination, was able to resolve the valve structures with such clarity that the quality of his published photographs was not improved upon until Trivelli and Linke (1932), utilizing improved light sources and photographic emulsions, published their study. By the late 1930's, an impasse had been reached due to the physical limits of resolution by radiation that can be focused by glass or quartz lenses. The most obvious surface features of the valve of A. pellucida may be resolved by visible light if optical systems of sufficiently high numerical aperture (1.40 or above) are used with precise technique. More satisfactory resolution may be obtained by using radiation in the ultraviolet range, but this system of illumination is little used due to its technical difficulty and inconvenience. The basic structural features of the
Inflammation, insulin, and endothelial function in overweight children and adolescents: the role of exercise.

Objectives To assess subclinical inflammation, fasting insulin, and endothelial function before and after exercise in overweight children and adolescents. Study design Twenty-five children (body mass index [BMI] >85th percentile) were assessed for brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-induced dilation, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipids, glucose, insulin, oral glucose tolerance, body composition, aerobic fitness (peak oxygen uptake [VO 2 peak]), and blood pressure. Twenty of these persons were equally and randomly assigned to either 8 weeks of stationary cycling or to a non-exercising control group. Results A baseline correlation was found between CRP and fasting insulin (r = 0.62; P P 2 peak (exercise group = 21.8 ± 2.1 to 23.2 ± 1.5 mL/kg/minute vs control group = 23.4 ± 1.6 to 20.9 ± 2.2 mL/kg/minute; P P P Conclusions In overweight children and adolescents, CRP is independently associated with fasting insulin. Eight weeks of aerobic exercise improves fitness, HDL cholesterol, and endothelial function in this group.
Green's function formalism and quantum correction for finite-temperature baryon matter

Abstract A relativistic temperature Green's function formalism is used to find the one-loop quantum correction for infinite baryon matter with scalar and vector interactions. Effects on the equation of state and the baryon effective mass are analyzed.
THE PATHWAY BETWEEN HYALOID BLOOD AND RETINAL NEURONS IN THE TOAD Structural Observations and Permeability to Tracer Substances

The hyaloid vessels form a capillary network on the inner surface of the retina. These capillaries are embedded in the vitreous humor, and they lack a glial investment. The intercellular spaces of the retina communicate with the ocular cavity, as can be evidenced by following the penetration of tracer substances. Hence, there is an extracellular diffusion pathway between hyaloid capillaries and retinal neurons, without interposition of glial cells. Trypan blue and ferrocyanide were not detected within the vitreous humor nor the retina after systemic injection. To this extent, at least, the hyaloid capillaries functionally resemble central nervous system capillaries. Intravascular injections of horseradish peroxidase established the absence of vesicular transfer across the endothelium of the hyaloid capillaries. In addition, quintuple-layered junctions between endothelial cells prevented the intercellular passage of the enzyme. It is likely, therefore, that the only pathway across the endothelium of the hyaloid capillaries is through the plasmalemma of the endothelial cells.
913-117 Tc99m-Furifosmin Organ Clearance and Heart/Organ Ratio After Exercise and at Rest: Implication for Timing of Imaging

Tc99m-furifosmin (FF) has shown promising results in Phase III studies, We performed serial exercise (EX) and rest (R) FF planar imaging in 13 normal volunteers, using two same-day Tc-FF injections...
Effects of treadmill exercise on total and myocardial creatine phosphokinase

The percentage of increase in total and MB creatine phosphokinase (CPK) after treadmill exercise was determined in 29 patients—ten patients with ST segment depression greater than 1 mm (group 1) and 19 patients with no ST segment depression (group 2). Values were determined pretest and 6, 12, and 24 hours after exercise. The mean exercise duration was 8 min, 18 sec. Total CPK increased within the normal range 12 hours after exercise in group 1 patients exercising less than 8 min, 18 sec, and in all patients exercising longer. The MB CPK remained unchanged after exercise in all patients. These data suggest that while normal range variation of total CPK occurs after treadmill exercise testing, the myocardium does not release MB CPK, regardless of the level of treadmill exercise our patients performed or the development of presumed ischemic ST segment responses. Abnormal elevation of MB CPK suggests myocardial damage.
Genetic Parameter Estimation of Partial Egg Production Traits in Layers

Abstract Unver, Y., Oĝuz, I. and Akbas, Y. 2002. Genetic parameter estimation of partial egg production traits in layers. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 243–248. To estimate heritabilities of different partial egg production traits and their correlations with each other and to use it as a selection criteria, egg productions of 1980 animals from 43 sires and 8 dams per sire were used. Heritability estimates of the second period egg production were the, lowest based on sire and sire+dam variance components, while it was the lowest in the third period based on animal model. The highest heritability estimates were obtained for 31–40 weeks of age for all models used. Heritability estimates for animal model were generally close to heritability from sire model. Due to high correlations of sub-partial egg productions with 22–40 weeks of egg production, the former can be used as a selection criterion.
The mitochondrial ABC transporter Atm1p functions as a homodimer

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters constitute one of the largest families of proteins in evolution. The ATM1 gene of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes an ABC protein, which is localized to the mitochondrial inner membrane. A deletion of ATM1 results in the accumulation of up to a 30-fold excess of mitochondrial iron, loss of mitochondrial cytochromes and abnormalities of cytosolic iron metabolism. In this study, we have evaluated the role of conserved sequence elements in Atm1p in its function and dimerization in vivo. We report that conserved residues in the Walker A and B motifs of the nucleotide binding domain, which are required for ATP binding and hydrolysis, are essential for Atm1p function. In addition, we provide evidence that ATP binding is important for Atm1p dimerization.
The biophysical and geographical correlates of child malnutrition in Africa

Hunger is a major problem in sub-Saharan Africa and unlike other world regions the problem seems to be worsening. This paper seeks to determine if when controlling for income and the health conditions biophysical and geographical variables help to explain variation in the rates of child malnutrition. The literature on this subject is inconclusive precisely because the survey data upon which most studies of malnutrition rely rarely include variables that measure these factors. Examples of biophysical and geographic factors often cited in the literature include the balance of rainfall to evapotranspiration the productivity of agricultural lands distance to urban areas topography the frequency of drought malaria endemicity and market access through road networks. This paper introduces these variables into an analysis of 367 sub-national units in Africa based on household demographic survey strata. Running a spatial error model and controlling for income only three variables were found to be significantly correlated with child malnutrition: drought prevalence the percentage of households with piped water and diarrheal disease prevalence. This contrasts with the findings of earlier studies that sought to introduce similar biophysical/geographical variables into analyses of child malnutrition and mortality as well as with ordinary least squares regression results presented in this paper which found much larger sets of biophysical and geographical variables to be significantly correlated with malnutrition thus highlighting the importance of addressing spatial autocorrelation in studies of this kind. The paper concludes with policy recommendations and a brief assessment of the strengths and shortcomings of continental scale analyses on the drivers of hunger and poverty.
The Superficial Morality of Color Blindness: Why “Equal Opportunity” May Not Be Enough?

Past racial subordination resulting in significant inequality creates a “transition problem” of determining how to deal fairly with the legacy of an unjust history. I show that – in the presence of continued social segregation and when human capital spillovers within social networks are important – the consequences of past discrimination may persist indefinitely, absent some racially egalitarian intervention. I conclude that under such conditions “color blindness” – that is, official indifference to race in the formulation of public policies – is NOT an adequate response to this problem, and that “affirmative action” (i.e., policies whose explicit objective is to create more equal social outcomes between racial groups) is ethically justified.
Dislocation core properties of aluminum: a first-principles study

Abstract We have employed the semidiscrete variational generalized Peierls–Nabarro model to study dislocation core properties of aluminum. The generalized stacking fault (GSF) energy surface entering the model is calculated by using first-principles density functional theory (DFT). Various core properties, including the core width, energetics and Peierls stress for different dislocations have been investigated. The correlation between the core energetics and the Peierls stress with the dislocation character has been explored. Our results reveal a simple relationship between the Peierls stress and the ratio between the core width and the atomic spacing.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Expression Masks the Antiinflammatory and Glucose Uptake Capacity of Insulin in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Objective— Insulin resistance of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been linked to accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetes; however, the effects of insulin on VSMCs remain controversial. Most VSMC insulin receptors are sequestered into insulin-insensitive hybrids with insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors (IGF1Rs). Thus we hypothesized that regulation of IGF1R expression may impact cellular insulin sensitivity. Methods and Results— IGF1R expression was increased in aortas from diabetic mice. IGF1R overexpression in VSMCs impaired insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation. Conversely, IGF1R downregulation by siRNA allowed assembly of insulin holoreceptors, enhanced insulin-induced phosphorylation of its receptor, Akt, Erk1/2, and further augmented insulin-induced glucose uptake. IGF1R downregulation uncovered an insulin-induced reduction in activation of NF-κB and inhibition of MCP-1 upregulation in response to TNF-α. Conclusions— Downregulation of IGF1R increases the fraction of insulin receptors organiz...
Crystal Structure of Uranyl Carboxylates

Uranyl-organic complexation in geologic fluids can have a profound impact upon uranium solubility and transport. Studies of uranyl organometallic crystal structures provide a basis for understanding complexation of the uranyl ion in solution. The crystal structures of several novel uranyl oxalates, synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions, have been determined. These structures demonstrate new features little seen or not previously known in this chemical system, in particular polymerization into infinite sheets and direct linkage of uranyl polyhedra. Further work on the chemistry of this and other systems of hexavalent uranium and low molecular weight carboxylic acids, especially formic acid, is likely to turn up new insights. Although a hierarchical scheme exists for classifying inorganic uranyl compounds [1], no similar work has been done for organic compounds. Such a hierarchy would have practical benefits, in particular making structural information more accessible and understandable to workers studying related problems such as the environmental transport of hexavalent uranium as dissolved organic complexes. We offer a simple scheme that classifies uranyl oxalate structures by analyzing the long-range structural features and the coordination environments of uranyl ions, which leads to a structural symbol that can be used to easily identify uranyl oxalates with common structural features. This system is equally applicable to other carboxylate complexes with the uranyl ion, and could be extended to apply to any organic complex of the uranyl ion.
Effect of papaya trunk angle on infestation by white peach scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

Two papaya (Carica papaya L.) seedlings growing in one planting hole often results in angular or non-vertical growth of the trees. Data on trunk angularity, or leaning, (deviation from the vertical line of reference) and white peach scale, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona Targioni-Tozzetti (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), densities on paired papaya trees were collected approximately 1 year after infestation of a papaya field was discovered. Paired trees showed a significantly higher degree of leaning than single trees. White peach scale densities were significantly higher on tree trunks with a greater departure from vertical in paired comparisons. Therefore, paired tree planting practices may facilitate the development of economic infestations of white peach scale populations in papaya orchards.