cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Screening and identification of insertion mutants from Bipolaris eleusines by mutagenesis based on restriction enzyme-mediated integration.

Ophiobolin A is sesterterpenoid-type phytotoxin and may be an important candidate for development of new crop protection and pharmaceutical products. The restriction enzyme-mediated integration (REMI) method was used to introduce the plasmid pSH75 into the ophiobolin A-producing filamentous fungus Bipolaris eleusines. A total of 323 stable transformants were obtained, all of which were capable of growing on potato-dextrose agar medium containing 200 μg mL−1 hygromycin B. The transformation frequency was about 4–5 transformants μg−1 plasmid DNA. An ophibolin A-deficient transformant (B014) was assessed and the presence of the hph gene in this transformant was confirmed by PCR. The cell-free cultural filtrates of this transformant showed significantly less inhibition on mycelial growth of the fungal pathogen Rhizoctoni solani but little effect on barnyard grass as opposed to that of the wild-type B. eleusines. There was no detectable amount of ophiobolin A in B014 samples measured with HPLC. This research suggests REMI as a potential approach for improving the production of ophiobolin A by B. eleusines via genetic engineering to upregulate certain genes responsible for desired biosynthetic pathways.
Dilute-nitride active regions on GaSb for mid-infrared semiconductor diode lasers

We present the first room-temperature photoluminescence from GaSb-based dilute-nitrides, enabled by minimizing the incorporation of non-radiative defects. This material system could provide a pathway for covering the 3–5 μm regime with diode lasers.
Fibrinogen and von Willebrand's factor adsorption are both required for platelet adhesion from sheared suspensions to polyethylene preadsorbed with blood plasma.

Previous studies showed that platelet adhesion to biomaterials from static suspensions was greatly increased by the adsorption of even very small amounts (<5 ng/cm2) of fibrinogen (Fg). In this study, the sensitivity of platelet adhesion to Fg was reexamined by measuring platelet adhesion under flow conditions. The role of adsorbed von Willebrand's factor (vWf) was also studied. Polyethylene (PE) tubing was preadsorbed with Fg, vWf, vWf-deficient plasma, and Fg-deficient plasma or serum with added Fg, and Fg adsorption measured with 125I Fg. Platelets in a red blood cell suspension were passed through the tubes at either low (50 s−1) or high (500 or 1000 s−1) shear rates and adhesion measured with an improved LDH assay. Adhesion from flowing suspensions measured after preadsorption with afibrinogenemic plasma or serum was very low, but increased greatly with addition of Fg. Less than 10 ng/cm2 of adsorbed Fg was enough to greatly enhance platelet adhesion. Adhesion at high shear was also strongly affected by vWf, as platelet adhesion at 500 s−1 to PE preadsorbed with vWf-deficient plasma decreased by more than tenfold compared to adhesion at 50 s−1, but platelet adhesion to PE preadsorbed with normal plasma increased about eightfold when shear rate was increased. The results show that very low amounts of adsorbed Fg are able to support platelet adhesion under shear flow. However, adsorbed vWf also appears to play an important cofactor role in platelet adhesion to biomaterials, as its presence greatly augments platelet adhesion under high shear. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2005
Thermal inactivation of a bacterium-bacteriophage system.

Abstract The thermal inactivation rate at 47 °C. of the complex, E. coli B bacterium-T2r bacteriophage, is much higher than that of either free bacteria or free phage and increases with time of incubation of the complex at 37 °. The maximum rate of inactivation, that for the complex after 12–14 min., was about tenfold greater than that for the initial complex. Complexes developed for 14 min. or more burst and release active phage particles immediately on heating at 47 °. The number of free phage particles released by heating at 47 ° increased sharply with time of growth beyond 14 min. The yield of active phage obtained from this premature lysis was consistent with data in the literature on premature lysis effected by cyanide and 5-methyltryptophan.
Four Common Pesticides, Their Mixtures and a Formulation Solvent in the Hive Environment Have High Oral Toxicity to Honey Bee Larvae

Recently, the widespread distribution of pesticides detected in the hive has raised serious concerns about pesticide exposure on honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health. A larval rearing method was adapted to assess the chronic oral toxicity to honey bee larvae of the four most common pesticides detected in pollen and wax - fluvalinate, coumaphos, chlorothalonil, and chloropyrifos - tested alone and in all combinations. All pesticides at hive-residue levels triggered a significant increase in larval mortality compared to untreated larvae by over two fold, with a strong increase after 3 days of exposure. Among these four pesticides, honey bee larvae were most sensitive to chlorothalonil compared to adults. Synergistic toxicity was observed in the binary mixture of chlorothalonil with fluvalinate at the concentrations of 34 mg/L and 3 mg/L, respectively; whereas, when diluted by 10 fold, the interaction switched to antagonism. Chlorothalonil at 34 mg/L was also found to synergize the miticide coumaphos at 8 mg/L. The addition of coumaphos significantly reduced the toxicity of the fluvalinate and chlorothalonil mixture, the only significant non-additive effect in all tested ternary mixtures. We also tested the common ‘inert’ ingredient N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone at seven concentrations, and documented its high toxicity to larval bees. We have shown that chronic dietary exposure to a fungicide, pesticide mixtures, and a formulation solvent have the potential to impact honey bee populations, and warrants further investigation. We suggest that pesticide mixtures in pollen be evaluated by adding their toxicities together, until complete data on interactions can be accumulated.
Effect of Small Monetary Incentive and Demographic Characteristics on Response Rate of Self-Administered Questionnaire Mailed to Rural Women.

Objectives The National Children's Study (NCS) is a longitudinal observational study that will examine the effects of genetics and environment on the health and development of children in the United States. The NCS is in a Vanguard, or pilot phase, so it is important to determine the feasibility, acceptability and cost of different data collection methods. The purpose of this study was to determine whether demographic characteristics differed in self-administered questionnaire (SAQ) completion rates, and to examine response rates when a $2 incentive was included with the mailed questionnaire. Methods Subjects for the study (~500) were being followed by a local call center and were mailed SAQs. Women who did not complete their last telephone event were eligible. Women were randomized to receive a $2 bill incentive with their SAQ (approximately 250 women in each group). Results Approximately 450 women comprised the final sample. In the incentive group, 35% of SAQs were returned, which was significantly higher than the 27% returned in the non-incentive group (p<0.001). No significant differences in completion rates based on demographic characteristics were seen, except in divorced women. The final cost per completed SAQ was $12.51 in the incentive group compared to $7.57 for the non-incentive group. Conclusions Adding a $2 bill as an incentive significantly increased response rates of hard-to-reach rural women completing mailed questionnaires about pregnancy information. Future research should focus on different incentive amounts and types and how they influence response rates.
Mapping near-field localization in plasmonic optical nanoantennas with 10 nm spatial resolution

Quantifying the near-field localization in plasmonic optical nanoantennas is fundamentally important to understand and optimize the design and fabrication of nanostructures for various applications. Here, the near-field localization in optical gap nanoantennas that are in resonance or near-resonance with 633 nm excitation wavelength is directly visualized in real space with 10 nm spatial resolutions, mapping the amplitude and phase characteristics of the in-plane and out-of-plane vector components selectively. While large field amplitude is observed in the gap for the in-plane component, the narrow gaps that are not resolved in the topographic image have been clearly observed in the optical images when the out-of-plane component is mapped, suggesting that the lateral optical resolution can surpass the radius of curvature of the probing tip. The effects of various structural parameters and metallic adhesion layer on the extent of field localization have been discussed, providing important insight in designing and fabricating plasmonic optical devices.
Age‐related Asynchrony of Knowledge and Action

Children's ability to act in accordance with rules was assessed in 2 experiments. Experiment I included 66 children, aged 31, 33.5, or 36 months, who performed 2 tasks. In a forced-choice, deductive sorting task, children were told 2 rules (if-then statements) and then required to use the rules to sort items. A knowledge task tested children's knowledge about which rule's antecedent condition held true for each item. Rules were either based on natural categories (e.g., vehicles vs. musical instruments) or ad hoc categories (e.g., things found inside the house vs. things found outside). Children in the 2 younger age groups performed better on the knowledge task than on the sorting task. The 36-month-olds performed equally well on both tasks. In Experiment 2, groups of 12 32.25-month-olds received either the knowledge task, the sorting task, or a mnemonically supported version of the sorting task. The group that received the knowledge task performed better than the other groups, which did not differ. This result undermines the possibility that differential performance on the knowledge and sorting tasks is due to a difference in memory demand. Taken together, the results of Experiments 1 and 2 imply a relatively rapid, age-related change culminating in the ability to execute systematically rules that require access to extant knowledge.
Accuracy and reliability of infrared thermography in the diagnosis of arthralgia in women with temporomandibular disorder.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of infrared thermography in the diagnosis of arthralgia in women with temporomandibular disorder. Methods: Thirty women aged between 18 and 40 years were recruited for the study. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders was used to allocate the volunteers to the control group (n = 15) and arthralgia group (n = 15). Both groups were submitted to infrared thermography of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), followed by a punctual analysis of the images. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for the comparison of skin surface temperature between groups. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the reliability of the infrared image analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the accuracy of the diagnosis. Results: Skin temperature was significantly greater over the left (P = .004) and right (P = .012) TMJ in the arthralgia group. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.841 to 0.874. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.598 to 0.675. Conclusion: Excellent intrarater and interrater reliability was found in the analysis of the infrared images of the TMJ. However, infrared thermography demonstrated a low accuracy in the diagnosis of arthralgia in women with temporomandibular disorder. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2013;36:253-258) Key Indexing Terms: Temporomandibular Joint Disorder; Skin Temperature; Thermography
Determination of Cr particle sizes in thin dilute Cr-in-Cu films from measurement statistics

A variance-based method of analysis is described in which the clump size (average number of solute atoms aggregated together) of one atomic species (solute) in a matrix can be determined from a set of composition measurements taken from volumes which contain a much greater number of solute atoms than the clump size. The observed variance of the solute concentration measurements, each of which is computed from a discrete number of counts, is compared to an expected variance derived from a statistical model, assuming a random distribution of solute atoms measured with the same number of counts. The difference between the expected and observed variance indicates the clump size. This method is used to determine the degree of segregation of Cr in thin films of Cr in Cu. The films are produced by evaporation of bulk billets of the desired composition, and the concentration of Cr is measured with high resolution electron beam induced X-ray spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). Cr is practically insoluble in Cu at room temperature: the degree of segregation is determined by the kinetics of the evaporation. From sets of composition data taken from small volumes (tens to hundreds of thousands of atoms total, and a few hundred atoms of Cr), we calculate an average Cr clump size of eight atoms or less, and we conclude that the average Cr clump size is less than 20 atoms.
Point mutation in the NF2 gene of HEI-193 human schwannoma cells results in the expression of a merlin isoform with attenuated growth suppressive activity

Abstract Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic disorder characterized by the formation of bilateral schwannomas of the eighth cranial nerve. Although the protein product of the NF2 gene (merlin) is a classical tumor suppressor, the mechanism by which merlin suppresses cell proliferation is not fully understood. The availability of isolated tumor cells would facilitate a better understanding of the molecular function of merlin, but primary schwannoma cells obtained from patients grow slowly and do not yield adequate numbers for biochemical analysis. In this study, we have examined the NF2 mutation in HEI-193 cells, an immortalized cell line derived from the schwannoma of an NF2 patient. Previous work showed that the NF2 mutation in HEI-193 cells causes a splicing defect in the NF2 transcript. We have confirmed this result and further identified the resultant protein product as an isoform of merlin previously designated as isoform 3. The level of isoform 3 proteins in HEI-193 cells is comparable to the levels of merlin isoforms 1 and 2 in normal human Schwann cells and several other immortalized cell lines. In contrast to many mutant forms of merlin, isoform 3 is as resistant to proteasomal degradation as isoforms 1 and 2 and can interact with each of these isoforms in vivo . Cell proliferation assays showed that, in NF2 −/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts, exogenously expressed merlin isoform 3 does exhibit growth suppressive activity although it is significantly lower than that of identically expressed merlin isoform 1. These results indicate that, although HEI-193 cells have undetectable levels of merlin isoforms 1 and 2, they are, in fact, not a merlin-null model because they express the moderately active growth suppressive merlin isoform 3.
First-principles calculations and thermodynamic modeling of the Ni–Mo system

The phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the Ni–Mo system were analyzed by combining a first-principles approach and calculation of phase diagram (CALPHAD) technique. The first-principles calculation results indicate that Ni 2Mo and Ni8Mo are stable in addition to Ni3Mo and Ni4Mo, and-NiMo is not stable at 0 K, both in contradiction to the existing phase relationships in the Ni–Mo system. The enthalpies of the mixing of the bcc and fcc solid solution phases were also predicted by first-principles calculations using the special quasirandom structures. In the present work, the non-stoichiometric -NiMo and Ni3Mo phases were modeled using three- and two-sublattice models, respectively. The Ni2Mo, Ni4Mo and Ni8Mo phases were treated as stoichiometric compounds. Based on the first-principles data from the present work and experimental data in the literature, the Gibbs energy functions of individual phases were evaluated, and a new Ni–Mo phase diagram was presented. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Effect of an adjacent base on detection of a point mutation by restriction enzyme digestion.

While routinely mapping point mutations within the arginase locus of a collection of hyperargininemic patients, we discovered that a base immediately outside a restriction endonuclease recognition site (TaqI) can eliminate cleavage of this site by this enzyme. The genetic lesion lay in a base immediately flanking a TaqI recognition site within exon 8 of the arginase locus and abolished cutting by approximately 80%. We wish to emphasize the necessity of heeding subtle cues frequently encountered while generating restriction enzyme data, because neither Southern blot maps nor endonuclease digestion of polymerase chain reaction amplified products of exon 8 accurately predicted where the point mutation lay. To our knowledge, this is the first instance of inhibition of cleavage by flanking bases occurring on natural (nonsynthetic) D DNA substrates, i.e., within the clinical setting of characterization of a human genetic disorder.
A correlative microscopical analysis of differentiating ovarian follicles of mammals.

The mammalian ovary has been studied by optical microscopy and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy with the purpose of presenting an integrated view of the differentiating mammalian follicle. During follicular development, changes in the granulosa cells are particularly noteworthy and include dramatic modifications in cell shape coincident with antrum formation. The cytoplasmic processes of those granulosa cells immediately surrounding the oocyte, as well as the more peripheral granulosa cells comprising a second and third layer, traverse the zona pellucida, infrequently interdigitate with the microvilli of the egg, and make both desmosomal and gap junction contacts with the oocyte. The zona pellucida is thus distinguished by numerous fenestrations of varying diameters. The membrana limitans (basal lamina) is a bipartite structure composed of (a) a homogeneous stratum upon which the peripheral layer of granulosa cells rests, and (b) an outer region of collagen-like fibers. The specific advantages and limitations of the different methodologies utilized to study folliculo-genesis are discussed.
Abolition of the behavioral effects of cholecystokinin following bilateral radiofrequency lesions of the parvocellular subdivision of the nucleus tractus solitarius.

Abstract Cholecystokinin (CCK) has been implicated as a signal for the syndrome of satiety in a variety of species. Several lines of evidence point to a peripheral site of action for the behavioral effects of CCK. Peripheral CCK receptors appear to activate a gut-brain pathway involving the sensory fibers of the vagus nerve. To investigate the central anatomical substrate of this visceral-behavioral control system, the terminal regions of the sensory tract of the vagus were lesioned. Selective destruction of the parvocellular subdivisions of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) blocked the effects of acute doses of CCK on exploratory behaviors. Sham lesions and lesions destroying only the remaining regions of the NTS or the vagal motor nulei had no effect on baseline exploratory behaviors and did not influence the ability of CCK to decrease spontaneous exploratory behaviors. These findings delineate the first central site along the ascending sensory pathway which appears to mediate the satiety-related behavioral effects of CCK.
RelM: reliable multicast for mobile networks

In this paper we present a protocol for providing reliable multicast message delivery in mobile networks. Our protocol efficiently tracks message delivery and allows for reliable message delivery in an environment where the mobile multicast group experiences frequent adds and drops. Furthermore, our protocol allows group changes and message tracking to be handled locally, which translates to shorter breaks in service as mobile users move from cell to cell. RelM is implemented on top of reliable multicast IP protocols developed for high-speed networks and thus allows multicast groups to contain both fixed and mobile users.
Cervicogenic causes of vertigo.

Purpose of reviewHerein we discuss the recent literature concerning cervicogenic vertigo including vertigo associated with rotational vertebral artery syndrome, as well as whiplash and degenerative disturbances of the cervical spine. We conclude with a summary of progress regarding diagnostic method
Long-lasting changes in morphine sensitivity following amygdaloid kindling in mice

Abstract Mice tested at either 3, 27 or 90 days following their last amygdala kindled convulsion exhibited a marked increase in response to morphine compared to controls. Kindled animals showed a higher incidence of clonic convulsions and an exaggerated Straub tail response, both of which could be blocked by naloxone pretreatment. The changes in response to morphine produced by kindling may provide a model for studying the long-lasting effects of convulsions.
Phase transitions in mechanically comminuted Fe78B13Si9 amorphous ribbon

Abstract Characterization of mechanically comminuted Fe 78 B 13 Si 9 amorphous ribbon was performed by means of differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The amorphous structure remained unaltered on comminution in cases where powders were produced in brittle fracture modes. When powders were heavily deformed plastically during comminution, the amorphous structure was partially crystallized into Fe 3 B and α-Fe. The large amount of Fe 3 B phase observed suggests that the formation of Fe 3 B is strain induced. On heating these powders, an endothermic reaction took place at temperatures immediately above the temperature range in which the two exothermic reactions associated with the crystallization of α-Fe and Fe 3 B occurred. On subsequent cooling, an exothermic reaction occurred as a reverse reaction of that endothermic. This pair of reactions indicates the occurrence of a reversible first-order phase transition, which is attributed to a stress-induced thermoelastic martensitic transition of Fe 3 B. The magnitude of the reversible thermal effect decreased when the cycle was repeated owing to thermal relaxation of the elastic stress fields formed during comminution.
Collecting Data To Assess SARS Interventions

With cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) occurring across geographic regions, data collection on the effectiveness of intervention strategies should be standardized to facilitate analysis. We propose a minimum dataset to capture data needed to examine the basic reproduction rate, case status and criteria, symptoms, and outcomes of SARS.
Neuropsychological and quality of life outcomes 12 months after unilateral thalamic stimulation for essential tremor

Objectives: To evaluate the one year cognitive, mood state, and quality of life (QoL) outcomes of unilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor (ET). Methods: 40 patients diagnosed with ET completed comprehensive neuropsychological assessments about one month before and three and 12 months after DBS electrode implantation. Data were subjected to multivariate analyses, and significant results were further analysed using univariate techniques. Results: Analyses revealed statistically significant improvements on a cognitive screening measure and in aspects of fine visuomotor and visuoperceptual functions, verbal memory, mood state, and QoL. No group-wise declines in cognition were observed, but more patients showed declines than improvements on language and visual memory tests. Semantic verbal fluency declined significantly in four (10%) of the patients. In these four patients, diminished lexical verbal fluency was present at baseline. Conclusion: Cognitive, mood, and QoL outcomes after one year of DBS for ET are favourable; there were no overall deleterious effects on cognition, and DBS was accompanied by a significant reduction in anxiety and improvements in quality of life. However, preoperative verbal fluency diminution may predispose to further fluency declines after DBS.
A new routing algorithm for multirate rearrangeable Clos networks

In this paper, we study the problem of finding routing algorithms on the multirate rearrangeable Clos networks which use as few number of middle-stage switches as possible. We propose a new routing algorithm called the “grouping algorithm”. This is a simple algorithm which uses fewer middle-stage switches than all known strategies, given that the number of input-stage switches and output-stage switches are relatively small compared to the size of input and output switches. In particular, the grouping algorithm implies that m=2n+?(n?1)/2k? is a sufficient number of middle-stage switches for the symmetric three-stage Clos network C(n,m,r) to be multirate rearrangeable, where k is any positive integer and r?n/(2k?1).
990-49 Inadequate Pre-Hospital Medical Therapy in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization: Results from the CAVEAT Trial

Background Patients with known coronary artery disease rnay be receiving inadequate medical therapy prior to referral for percutaneous coronary revascularization. Methods To examine the medical treatment of patients referred for percutaneous coronary revascularization, we analyzed pre-hospital treatment data and concomitant medical conditions from the CAVEAT I trial. Results Of the 1,012 patients referred for revascularization 68.3% had unstable angina, 17.6% had stable angina, 9.8% had chest pain after myocardial infarction, and 4.3% were asymptomatic with a positive functional study. Prior to PTCA or directional atherectomy (DCA), patients had low rates of treatment with aspirin, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and anti-lipid agents (Table). Pre-hospital medications were associated with the following conditions: aspirin-none, nitrates-none, calcium channel blockershypertension (p = 0.004) and absence of unstable angina (p = 0.046), beta blockers-hypertension (p = 0.01), and anti-lipid agents-hyperlipidemia (p = 0.0001) and number of diseased vessels (p = 0035). Conclusions These data strongly indicate that patients referred for percutaneous coronary revascularization have inadequate pre-hospital medical treatment. PTCA (N = 500) DCA (N = 512) Aspirin 60.4% 58.6% Nitrates 53.8% 51.8% Ca Blockers 49.0% 45.7% Beta Blockers 32.2% 34.8% Anti-lipid Agents 11.0% 11.1%
α-Tocopherol supplementation of allergic female mice inhibits development of CD11c+CD11b+ dendritic cells in utero and allergic inflammation in neonates

γ-Tocopherol increases responses to allergen challenge in allergic adult mice, but it is not known whether γ-tocopherol regulates the development of allergic disease. Development of allergic diseas...
Radio emission from young supernova remnants - Effects of an inhomogeneous circumstellar medium

The evolution of young supernova remnants has been modeled using a one-dimensional hydrodynamics code. Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities and the growth of Rayleigh-Taylor fingers have been included in the code. Turbulent dynamo amplification of magnetic fields and both turbulent and shock acceleration of relativistic electrons have been included macroscopically. From this, the distribution of synchrotron luminosity in the remnant has been calculated. It is found that the radio morphology of model remnants expanding into a homogeneous medium does not agree with observations. Expansion into a circumstellar medium with many small cloudlets does produce radio shells which agree with observations. It is suggested that supernova remnants reflect the interaction of ejected matter with a cloudy circumstellar medium. 77 refs.
A Discordant Universe of Pluralisms: Response to Wenman

In his recent essay, Mark Wenman highlighted parallels between Connolly’s theory of pluralism and earlier iterations of pluralism in the postwar period and the early twentieth century. Focusing on ...
Selective oxidation of ethane to ethylene in a dense tubular membrane reactor

Abstract Selective oxidation of ethane (SOE) to ethylene was studied in a dense tubular ceramic membrane reactor made of oxygen ion conducting fluorite structured Bi 1.5 Y 0.3 Sm 0.2 O 3 (BYS) at temperatures 825–875 °C. A dead-end tube and shell configuration was used where ethane was fed inside the tube and air was fed into the shell side of the membrane reactor system. At 875 °C, per pass ethylene yield of 56% with ethylene selectivity of 80% was obtained in the membrane reactor. Under reaction conditions, the oxygen permeation flux through the dense membrane is over an order of magnitude higher than those under oxygen permeation conditions with He as the purge. Oxygen permeation mechanism switches from p- to n-type electronic conduction under SOE reaction conditions. The BYS membrane after 2 days of SOE experiments remained in good integrity with some impurity phases formed on the membrane exposed to ethane.
A Double-Moment Multiple-Phase Four-Class Bulk Ice Scheme. Part II: Simulations of Convective Storms in Different Large-Scale Environments and Comparisons with other Bulk Parameterizations

Abstract Part I of this study described a detailed four-class bulk ice scheme (4ICE) developed to simulate the hydro-meteor profiles of convective and stratiform precipitation associated with mesoscale convective systems. In Part II, the 4ICE scheme is incorporated into the Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) model and applied without any “tuning” to two squall lines occurring in widely different environments, namely, one over the “Pica) ocean in the Global Atmospheric Research Program's (GARP) Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE) and the other over a midlatitude continent in the Cooperative Huntsville Meteorological Experiment (COHMEX). Comparisons were made both with earlier three-class ice formulations and with observations. In both cases, the 4ICE scheme interacted with the dynamics so as to resemble the observations much more closely than did the model runs with either of the three-class ice parameterizations. The following features were well simulated in the COHMEX case: a lack of stratiform rain at the s...
Binding energies of chromium cations with fluorobenzenes from radiative association kinetics

Abstract The addition of electron-withdrawing substituents to an aromatic ring is expected to weaken the cation/π-face binding via electron withdrawal from the π system. In order to characterize this effect quantitatively in a well behaved model system, rates of radiative association of Cr+ with the complete set of fluorobenzenes, C6H6−nFn, where n = 0 − 6, were measured in the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Radiative association rates are very sensitive to the ion-neutral bonding strength, and well established kinetic modeling methods permit the extraction of binding energy values from association observations. Modeling was based on variational transition state theory, using Becke-3 Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) density functional theory-calculated vibrational frequencies and infrared emission intensities of the ion-neutral complexes. The resulting “experimental” binding energies were compared with B3LYP density functional theory calculations for these systems. The calculations indicate that an in-plane fluorine bridging binding site is favored for those neutrals having two adjacent fluorine substituents, while otherwise π-facial binding is favored. The “experimental” binding energies and the B3LYP density functional theory-calculated binding energies of the most favorable sites agree within about 10%. The π-face binding strength decreases by roughly 5 kcal mol−1 with each added fluorine substituent on the ring.
Parent of origin effects

A major weakness of most genome-wide association studies has been their inability to fully explain the heritable component of complex disease. Nearly all such studies consider the two parental alleles to be functionally equivalent. However, the existence of imprinted genes demonstrates that this assumption can be wrong. In this review, we describe a wide variety of different mechanisms that underlie many other parent of origin and trans-generational effects that are known to operate in both humans and model organisms, suggesting that these phenomena are perhaps not uncommon in the genome. We propose that the consideration of alternative models of inheritance will improve our understanding of the heritability and causes of human traits and could have significant impacts on the study of complex disorders.
CYCLIC TESTING OF BUILT-UP STEEL SHEAR LINKS FOR THE NEW BAY BRIDGE

Tests were conducted on two prototype steel shear links for the main tower of the new San Francisco-Oakland Bay self-anchored suspension bridge to evaluate the link force and deformation capacities. The links were built-up wide-flange sections, designed to yield in shear. A quasi-static loading protocol was used to test the links in reverse curvature, simulating the expected seismic demand. The link capacities exceeded the predicted demands from the Safety Evaluation Earthquake. The specimens behaved in a ductile manner until small cracks initiated at the end of the vertical fillet welds connecting the intermediate stiffeners to the link web. As the cracks propagated further, brittle fracture of the web ensued. The maximum shear strength was nearly twice the expected yield shear strength, a significantly higher overstrength than current codes recognize. Alleviating the stress concentration on the vertical fillet welds of the intermediate web stiffeners is necessary to avoid brittle fracture and to increas...
Viral disruption of the blood-brain barrier.

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) provides significant protection against microbial invasion of the brain. However, the BBB is not impenetrable, and mechanisms by which viruses breach it are becoming clearer. In vivo and in vitro model systems are enabling identification of host and viral factors contributing to breakdown of the unique BBB tight junctions. Key mechanisms of tight junction damage from inside and outside cells are disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and matrix metalloproteinase activity, respectively. Viral proteins acting in BBB disruption are described for HIV-1, currently the most studied encephalitic virus; other viruses are also discussed.
Fighting fragmentation: an enterprise framework for creating unified online workspaces

This paper describes Vanguard's efforts to create an enterprise-wide framework for producing unified online workspaces. This framework was developed to accommodate diverse business lines and job roles while leveraging cross-organizational components and services, providing for optimal scalability, flexibility and customizability, and ensuring cohesive user experiences. It addresses these goals by mapping business units, job roles and attributes to a core set of features/capabilities, thereby providing a consistent yet adaptable set of design patterns that can be leveraged in the creation of new workspaces and the further tailoring of existing ones. It is especially useful for large enterprises where a variety of job functions exist across multiple business lines and users struggle with moving between complex information spaces.
Departures From the Court The Political Landscape and Institutional Constraints

Previous findings on whether U.S. Supreme Court justices include strategic factors in their decisions to leave the Court have been mixed. We use ideological distance measures to capture the political landscape and retest the hypothesis that justices use strategic political considerations when making the decision to leave the Court. Using a Cox model of proportional hazards, we find that justices do take ideological distance from the Senate into account when making retirement decisions. Thus, the evidence indicates that justices engage in strategic behavior when contemplating retirement.
Inhomogeneity‐Packing Density Relations in Binary Powders—Experimental Studies

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the bulk specific volume of inhomogeneous binary powder mixtures, with a large size ratio, corresponds to the theoretical values calculated from known compositional inhomogeneity data. The theoretical calculations are based on the assumption that the body packs according to the Furnas model on a local scale. To minimize the effects of particle geometry, experiments were performed with glass microbeads.
Experimental and theoretical study of neutral AlmCn and AlmCnHx clusters.

Neutral AlmCn and AlmCnHx clusters are investigated both experimentally and theoretically for the first time. Single photon ionization through 193, 118, and 46.9 nm lasers is used to detect neutral cluster distributions through time of flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). AlmCn clusters are generated through laser ablation of a mixture of Al and C powders pressed into a disk. An oscillation of the vertical ionization energies (VIEs) of AlmCn clusters is observed in the experiments. The VIEs of AlmCn clusters change as a function of the numbers of Al and C atoms in the clusters. AlmCnHx clusters are generated through an Al ablation plasma-hydrocarbon reaction, an Al–C ablation plasma reacting with H2 gas, or through cold AlmCn clusters reacting with H2 gas in a fast flow reactor. The VIEs of AlmCnHx clusters are observed to vary as a function of the number of H atoms in the clusters. Density functional theory and ab initio calculations are carried out to explore the structures, ionization energies, and electronic structures of the AlmCn and AlmCnHx clusters. CC bonds are favored for the lowest energy structures for AlmCn clusters. H atoms can be bonded to either Al or C atoms in forming AlmCnHx clusters, with little difference in energy. Electron density plots of the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) for closed shell species and the singly occupied molecular orbitals (SOMOs) for open shell species of AlmCn and AlmCnHx clusters are presented and described to help understand the physical and chemical properties of the observed species. VIEs do not simply depend on open or closed shell valence electron configurations, but also depend on the electronic structure details of the clusters. The calculational results provide a good and consistent explanation for the experimental observations, and are in general agreement with them. All calculated clusters are found to have a number of low lying isomeric structures.
Facile regeneration vitreous microfibrous entrapped supported ZnO sorbent with high contacting efficiency for bulk H2S removal from reformate streams in fuel cell applications

In this study, a microfibrous carrier consisting of 3 vol.% of 8 µm (diameter) glass fibers is used to entrap 45 vol.% of 150 to 250 µm (diameter) SiO2 support particulates. ZnO is then nanodispersed onto the support by impregnation at the loading of 17 wt.%. At equivalent bed volumes, ZnO/SiO2-entrapped materials provide twofold longer breakthrough times for H2S (with a 67% reduction in sorbent loading) compared with packed beds of 1 to 2 mm commercial extrudates. Five-log reductions in H2S concentration with up to 75% ZnO utilization at breakthrough are achieved. H2S concentrations from 60 to 2000 parts per million in volume (ppmv) can be reduced to as little as 0.6 ppmv at 400°C in 30% H2O at a face velocity of 1.7 cm/s for layers as thin as 1.0 mm. At 500 to 600°C, ZnO/SiO2-entrapped materials provide much higher regenerability in air than do 1 to 2 mm commercial extrudates. The use of glass fibers permits greater than 50 regeneration cycles.
The maximum power principle: An empirical investigation

Abstract The maximum power principle is a potential guide to understanding the patterns and processes of ecosystem development and sustainability. The principle predicts the selective persistence of ecosystem designs that capture a previously untapped energy source. This hypothesis was investigated empirically in controlled and replicated tests conducted in planktonic microcosms. Microecosystems that developed under a pH-controlled light regime, in which light duration was altered based on changes in an ecosystem-controllable variable (water column pH), were compared with those that developed under fixed photoperiods. According to the principle, pH-decreasing (and power-increasing) organization should selectively persist under pH-controlled light. To assess changes in pH dynamics that occurred under the alternative selection regime, in which photoperiods were not linked with pH-affecting selection or organization, the microecosystems that developed under fixed photoperiods were subjected to pH-controlled light on the last day of each test. The daily light duration increased 506 min on average in microecosystems that developed under pH-controlled light and 412 min on average in microecosystems that developed under fixed photoperiods. Selective reinforcement of acid-secreting blue-green algae in response to CO2 and nutrient limitations could account for the greater increase in power acquisition in microecosystems that developed under pH-controlled light.
Skin lesions, angioedema, eosinophilia, and hypocomplementemia

A six-year-old girl with recurrent urticaria and angioedema, vasculitis, and probable renal disease exhibited marked blood eosinophilia, increased levels of serum IgE, circulating Clq precipitins, and hypocomplementemia with evidence of activation of complement by the classic pathway. Biopsies of skin and muscle revealed heavy infiltrations of the vessel walls with eosinophils. Immunofluorescence studies revealed deposition of IgM, IgE and C3 in the vessel walls. Exacerbations of the disease were associated with an increase in the eosinophil count and a decrease in the serum levels of C4 and C3. Remission was achieved with corticosteroid therapy. This patient has many features in common with the syndrome of skin lesions, angiodema, and hypocomlementemia recently described in adults.
Excitation of Spirals and Chiral Symmetry Breaking in Rayleigh-Bénard Convection

Spiral-defect populations in low-Prandtl number Rayleigh-Benard convection with slow rotation about a vertical axis were measured in carbon dioxide at high pressure. The results indicate that spirals act like "thermally excited" defects and that the winding direction of a spiral is analogous to a magnetic spin. Rotation about a vertical axis, the spiral analog of the magnetic field, breaks the zero-rotation chiral symmetry between clockwise and counterclockwise spiral defects. Many properties of spiral-defect statistics are well described by an effective statistical-mechanical model.
Editorial: Publication of proceedings papers in Optical Engineering: A topic revisited--again!

This PDF file contains the editorial “Editorial: Publication of proceedings papers in Optical Engineering: A topic revisited--again!” for OE Vol. 32 Issue 09
"Incessant" atrioventricular (AV) reciprocating tachycardia utilizing left lateral AV bypass pathway with a long retrograde conduction time.

Two patients with incessant or nearly incessant episodes of atrioventricular (AV) reciprocating tachycardia were studied and were found to be unique because of the location of a slowly conducting retrograde AV bypass pathway in the left lateral position. During the tachycardia in both patients, negative P waves were present not only in ECG leads II, III, and aVF, but also in leads I and aVL. The R-P'/P'-R ratios were 1.3 and 1.9, respectively. Cardiac electrophysiologic study revealed that in both tachycardias, retrograde ventriculoatrial conduction occurred utilizing a concealed left lateral AV bypass pathway with a long conduction time. Verapamil prolonged conduction over the AV bypass pathway in both patients. One patient was successfully treated with oral verapamil. The other patient underwent successful surgical interruption of the AV bypass pathway.
Revised estimates of construction activity and emissions: Effects on ozone and elemental carbon concentrations in southern California

Abstract Emissions from diesel-powered construction equipment are an important source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). A new emission inventory for construction equipment emissions is developed based on surveys of diesel fuel use; the revised inventory is compared to current emission inventories. California's OFFROAD model estimates are 4.5 and 3.1 times greater, for NOx and PM respectively, than the fuel-based estimates developed here. The most relevant uncertainties are the overall amount of construction activity/diesel fuel use, exhaust emission factors for PM and NOx, and the spatial allocation of emissions to county level and finer spatial scales. Construction permit data were used in this study to estimate spatial distributions of emissions; the resulting distribution is well correlated with population growth. An air quality model was used to assess the impacts of revised emission estimates. Increases of up to 15 ppb in predicted peak ozone concentrations were found in southern California. Elemental carbon and fine particle mass concentrations were in better agreement with observations using revised emission estimates, whereas negative bias in predictions of ambient NOx concentrations increased.
An Investigation of Wax Patterns for Accuracy Improvement in Investment Cast Parts

In this paper, a methodology is proposed that makes use of computer-aided heat transfer simulation and experimentally derived factors for injection parameters, to predict wax pattern shrinkages in the investment casting process. The focus is on developing techniques for the early determination of optimum injection parameters to be used for wax pattern production so that resulting shrinkage can translate into an overall improvement in accuracy of the investment casting process.
Understanding microscopic binding of human microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 with substrates and inhibitors by molecular modeling and dynamics simulation.

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is a promising target for development of next-generation anti-inflammatory drugs. It is crucial for rational design of the next-generation anti-infla...
Water Binding and Ingredient Dispersion Pattern Effects on Surimi Gel Texture

Water binding, thermotransitional properties and the dispersion pattern of ingredients were studied in relation to their texture-modifying effects in surimi gels. The DSC-measured bound water (unfreezable at -30 degrees C) of surimi gels prepared with potato starch with and without pregelatinization highly correlated with compressive force (r=0.94) and inversely correlated with expresible moisture (R = -0.99) of the gels. For nonfish proteins, however, physically bound water contributed more than the DSC-measured bound water to gel strength. The ability to undergo thermal transition (size expansion and water absorption) and dispersion pattern of ingredients were responsible for the differences in texture-modifying effects.
The evolution of Enceladus

Evidence is adduced for several episodes of geologic resurfacing and extensional tectonism spreading over much of the history of the small, icy Saturn moon Enceladus. Resurfacing was the product of fresh material eruptions that may have contained ammonia, which may also have made melting in the interior more likely. Tidal dissipation seems to be the only heating mechanism capable of melting Enceladus. For the thermal properties of pure H2O, the orbital eccentricity would have to be higher than the present value of 0.0044 by a factor of 5-7 in order to maintain a molten interior, and may have to be greater by a factor of 20 in order to cause melting in an initially frozen body. Removal of eccentricity forcing would result in rapid eccentricity damping, freezing, and the cessation of tectonic activity.