cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear generalization of the quasiparticle random phase approximation for description of anharmonic effects in vibrational spectra: Application to the even Ni isotopes

The theory of anharmonic nuclear vibrational motion (nonlinear equations-of-motion method) developed in the preceding paper is applied to $^{60,62,64}\mathrm{Ni}$, which exhibit one and two phonon quadrupole collective states. A model Hamiltonian consisting of a modified pairing plus quadrupole interaction is studied first by comparing the results of the nonlinear equations-of-motion method with those of an exact diagonalization. Contrary to popular opinion, the model chosen fails to produce a vibrational spectrum, except in the case of $^{60}\mathrm{Ni}$, and, as a consequence, the nonlinear equations-of-motion method, designed specifically to describe vibrational spectra, accords well with the exact calculations only for this case. A simple method is then described, within the framework of the nonlinear equations-of-motion method, for refining the model Hamiltonian so as to bring it into accord with experiment. In practice, it is found that a simple additional parameter in the Hamiltonian suffices to yield descriptions of the quadrupole states in Ni isotopes comparable in precision to the most up-to-date versions (modified, adjusted, etc.) of the surface delta interaction model.
Low-grazing-angle radar backscatter from the ocean surface

A series of simultaneous, low-grazing-angle (<0.1 degrees ) radar backscatter measurements were made with the L-, S- and C-band radars located on the Island of Roi-Namur, Kwajalein, MI. Using a variety of waveforms, coherent data were recorded in contiguous 1.26 km steps from 8 to 60 km ranges in sea state 3 and state 5 conditions. The author presents new, detailed spectral measurements at very low grazing angles to ranges well beyond the horizon. These measurements demonstrated the coherency of radar returns from beyond the horizon, and the existence and contribution of clear air turbulence to low-grazing-angle sea clutter data. Coherency was demonstrated in that meaningful Doppler spectra existed to 60 km ranges. The upwind spectrum was observed to be bimodal over the entire measurement range; one component moved at the wind speed and the other at approximately one-quarter wind speed. The principal and orthogonal polarisations of each component in the upwind direction were analysed separately.
Thin Film InN/Anatase Bilayers as a Substitute Dye/Semiconductor Interface for Solar Cells

The electronic properties of an InN/anatse bilayer, proposed as a replacement for the dye/semi-conductor interface in Dye Sensitized Solar Cell[1, 2], are measured. RF sputtered thin films of anatase and InN are used as the “dye” replacement. . Two types of InN film are prepared: polycrystalline samples deposited at high temperature, with an optical band gap of 1 eV. Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence, X-ray Diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the samples. The resistance in the dark and under illumination are measured. The samples deposited at high temperature are crystalline and have a sheet resistivity ≈ 4 Ω/⁐, and display no photoconductivity. The partially amorphous samples have sheet resistivity of ≈ 500Ω/⁐. Since both types of InN films, including high quality (based on band gap) polycrystalline InN, do not show increased conductivity with light, we conclude that a solar cell based on an InN/anatase bilayer is not feasible.
Cyclic AMP response element binding proteins: a cornucopia of transcription factors.

The expression of many cellular genes in higher eukaryotes is controlled by hormones. At the level of transcription the regulation of genes is mediated through the interactions of DNA-binding proteins with specific DNA promoter elements which are generally located in the 5′-flanking regions of the genes upstream from the transcription start sites (1–3). In the circumstances of the steroid and thyroid hormones, substances that readily pass through the plasma membrane and enter cells, the DNA-binding proteins are the hormone receptors themselves (4). Binding of ligand to the receptor either evokes translocation of the receptor to the nucleus where it binds to the DNA control element and activates transcription (steroid hormone receptors) and/or activates prebound receptors (T3, retinoic acid receptors).
Line Shapes and Configuration Interaction of Exciton Resonances

To describe optical absorption in insulators and semiconductors the random-phase-approximation formulation of the dielectric response is extended to include resonant as well as scattering states. Characteristic interference effects are obtained within this generalized random-phase approximation for exciton resonances both above and below the direct absorption threshold, and these give rise to intrinsic asymmetries in the line shapes. The absorption is described in terms of a collective phase shift $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ and the electron-hole scattering channels ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{l{l}^{\ensuremath{'}}}$. In the presence of Raman (interband) scattering the collective phase shift becomes complex. As an example the ultraviolet absorption spectrum of solid xenon, as measured by Baldini, is analyzed. Theoretical line shapes are in good agreement with the experimental ones. Configuration interaction between families of resonances is invoked to explain the anomalies in the binding energies and oscillator strengths of $\ensuremath{\Gamma}(\frac{1}{2})$ and $L(\frac{3}{2})$ excitons in solid xenon.
Fringe Sharpening in Divided Beam Interferometers

The development of sharpened fringes in long path length interferometers (like the Twyman-Green, Mach-Zehnder, and series) by intensity and by multiple reflection is described. The cause of the extreme localization of some of the multiple-reflection fringe patterns is discussed.
Developmental increases in expression of neurofilament mRNA selectively in projection neurons of the lamprey CNS.

Neurofilaments of the sea lamprey are unique in being homopolymers of a single subunit (NF-180). Digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes complementary to NF-180 were used to determine the distribution and timing of expression of neurofilament message in the brain and spinal cord of the lamprey. In the brainstem, detection of NF-180 mRNA was restricted to neurons with axons projecting to the spinal cord or the periphery. The majority of brainstem neurons, whose axons project locally, did not express NF-180 within the detection limits of this technique. NF-180-positive neurons included cells with a wide range of axon diameters, suggesting neurofilament mRNA expression was linked to axon length rather than caliber. To further evaluate this hypothesis, expression was studied in animals of different developmental stages between larvae and adults. In younger (shorter) larvae, the large Mauthner and rhombencephalic Muller cells did not express NF-180 mRNA, even though their axons are among the largest caliber in the animal and extend the entire length of the spinal cord. In contrast, many other reticulospinal neurons, whose axons are smaller in diameter than those of the Muller and Mauthner cells, expressed NF-180 message throughout larval development. Furthermore, neurons of the cranial motor nuclei did not express NF-180 until later developmental stages and the extraocular motor neurons did not label until metamorphosis. Therefore, while detectable neurofilament mRNA expression in the lamprey is restricted to neurons with long axons, its expression in this population of neurons appears to be developmentally regulated by factors still not determined. It is postulated that need for NF message is determined by a balance between the volume of axon to be filled and the rate of turnover of NF in that axon. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Necrolytic migratory erythema associated with a glucagon‐producing primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in a cat

Background In humans, necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is a syndrome with a characteristic skin rash that is associated most often with a pancreatic glucagonoma and is recognized as part of the glucagonoma syndrome. In veterinary medicine, NME (also called as superficial necrolytic dermatitis, hepatocutaneous syndrome or metabolic epidermal necrosis) has been described in dogs in association with chronic liver diseases or, less frequently, glucagonoma, but NME associated with glucagonoma has not previously been reported in cats. Case report A 6-year-old male neutered domestic short hair cat was diagnosed with NME associated with a glucagon-producing primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (hepatic carcinoid). The cat presented with a 2 week history of vomiting and anorexia, and a 5-cm-diameter liver mass was detected by abdominal ultrasound. The cat exhibited general weakness, crusted skin lesions and pain in all four limbs. It was euthanized 11 months after the initial presentation. Histopathological review of the paw pads revealed the classic ‘red, white and blue’ lesion composed of parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, epidermal hydropic change and hyperbasophilia of the deep epidermis. The liver mass was diagnosed as a neuroendocrine carcinoma (hepatic carcinoid). Neoplastic cells were strongly immunoreactive for glucagon. Conclusion and clinical importance This is the first case report of NME associated with a glucagon-producing primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in a cat.
A note on perfect Gaussian elimination

Abstract We extend a result of D. J. Rose [9] on perfect Gaussian elimination for symmetric matrices. It is proved that the restriction that all pivots are to be chosen along the main diagonal can be removed without loss of generality.
Polar, Functionalized Diene-Based Materials. 4. Polymerization Studies of 2,3-Bis(4-ethoxy-4-oxobutyl)-1,3-butadiene and Copolymerization with Styrene

New ester and acid functionalized diene-based polymers were successfully synthesized by bulk and solution homopolymerizations and copolymerizations with styrene. The ester-containing diene chosen, 2,3-bis(4-ethoxy-4-oxobutyl)-1,3-butadiene, followed typical free-radical kinetics. For the bulk polymerizations, number-average molecular weights of 13 × 103−80 × 103 g/mol and polydispersities of 2.0−4.0 were seen. Solution polymerizations did not exhibit a chain transfer to solvent effect, but rather showed a dependence on chain transfer to monomer, with the highest molecular weight of 96 × 103 g/mol obtained in cumene. Copolymerizations with styrene led to random copolymers, with the expected increase in the glass transition temperature as the styrene concentration increased. Functional modification of the homopolymer from a diester to a diacid was obtained in quantitative yields via saponification in tetrahydrofuran and water. This modification elevated the glass transition temperature of the polymer from −...
Global effects of feature-based attention in human visual cortex

The content of visual experience depends on how selective attention is distributed in the visual field. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans to test whether feature-based attention can globally influence visual cortical responses to stimuli outside the attended location. Attention to a stimulus feature (color or direction of motion) increased the response of cortical visual areas to a spatially distant, ignored stimulus that shared the same feature.
Enhanced cell adhesion and mature intracellular structure promoted by squaramide-based RGD mimics on bioinert surfaces.

Abstract Highly selective molecular binding and the subsequent dynamic protein assemblies control the adhesion of mammalian cells. Molecules that inhibit cell adhesion have the therapeutic potential for a wide range of diseases. Here, we report an efficient synthesis (2–4 steps) of a class of squaramide molecules that mimics the natural tripeptide ligand Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) that mediates mammalian cell adhesion through binding with membrane protein integrin. In solution, this class of squaramides exhibits a higher potency at inhibiting mammalian cell adhesion than RGD tripeptides. When immobilized on a bio-inert background formed by self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols on gold films, squaramide ligands mediate vastly different intracellular structures than RGD ligands. Immunostaining revealed that the focal adhesions are smaller, but with a larger quantity, for cells adhered on squaramides than that on RGD ligands. Furthermore, the actin filaments are also more fibrous and well distributed for cell adhesion mediated by squaramide than that by RGD ligands. Quantification reveal that squaramide ligands mediate about 1.5 times more total focal adhesion (measured by the summation of the area of all focal adhesions) than that by natural RGD ligands. This result suggests that cell adhesion inhibitors, while blocking the attachment of cells to surfaces, may induce more focal adhesion proteins. Finally, this work demonstrates that immobilizing new ligands on bioinert surfaces provide a powerful tool to study mammalian cell adhesion.
ON EFFECTIVE ENERGY REFLECTANCE OF PARTICULATE MATERIALS

This paper investigates the effective energy reflectance of materials comprised of a continuous matrix embedded with fine-scale particles of different electric permittivity and magnetic permeability. The specific objective is to determine under what conditions will increasing the particulate volume fraction initially increase (or decrease) the overall reflectance from a pure-matrix base state and, with further increase in volume fraction, reverse the trend, i.e. decrease (or increase) the effective reflectance. The importance of this condition is that it indicates when the correlation of a specific level of reflectance to a specific volume fraction of particles may not be unique, even when the properties of the particles and matrix are fixed.
Effects of Feeding Fusarium moniliforme Culture Material, Containing Known Levels of Fumonisin B1, in the Young Turkey Poult

The effects of feeding Fusarium moniliforme culture material, containing known concentrations of fumonisin B1 (FB1), were studied in turkey poults. Day-old poults were allotted randomly to dietary treatments containing 0, 0.41, 0.82, 1.23, 1.64. 2.87, 4.10, 5.33, 6.56, and 7.79% fumonisin culture material (FCM). These levels of FCM supplied 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 175, 250, 325, 400, and 475 mg FB1/kg of feed. Each dietary treatment was fed to six pen replicates of six poults each for 21 d. Poults fed FCM that supplied 325 to 475 mg FB1/kg diet had lower (P or = to 175 mg FB1/kg. Poults fed FCM that supplied 400 and 475 mg FB1/kg diet had increased (P or = to 75 mg FB1 /kg are toxic to young turkeys.
Incorporating auxiliary information for improved prediction in high-dimensional datasets: an ensemble of shrinkage approaches

With advancement in genomic technologies, it is common that two high-dimensional datasets are available, both measuring the same underlying biological phenomenon with different techniques. We consider predicting a continuous outcome Y using X, a set of p markers which is the best available measure of the underlying biological process. This same biological process may also be measured by W, coming from a prior technology but correlated with X. On a moderately sized sample, we have (Y,X,W), and on a larger sample we have (Y,W). We utilize the data on W to boost the prediction of Y by X. When p is large and the subsample containing X is small, this is a p>n situation. When p is small, this is akin to the classical measurement error problem; however, ours is not the typical goal of calibrating W for use in future studies. We propose to shrink the regression coefficients β of Y on X toward different targets that use information derived from W in the larger dataset. We compare these proposals with the classical ridge regression of Y on X, which does not use W. We also unify all of these methods as targeted ridge estimators. Finally, we propose a hybrid estimator which is a linear combination of multiple estimators of β. With an optimal choice of weights, the hybrid estimator balances efficiency and robustness in a data-adaptive way to theoretically yield a smaller prediction error than any of its constituents. The methods, including a fully Bayesian alternative, are evaluated via simulation studies. We also apply them to a gene-expression dataset. mRNA expression measured via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction is used to predict survival time in lung cancer patients, with auxiliary information from microarray technology available on a larger sample.
Human Corneal Epithelial Cells Synthesize ELR−α-Chemokines in Response to Proinflammatory Mediators

The purpose of this study was to characterize the synthesis of α -chemokines IP-10, MIG, and I-TAC by human corneal epithelial cells (HCE) following exposure to proinflammatory mediators. Supernatants were collected from HCE cultures stimulated with individual or combinations of TNF-α, IL-1α, and IFN-γ, and assayed for α -chemokines by ELISA. RT-PCR was used to detect IFN-γ receptor mRNA. Activation of STAT1 was determined by Western blotting. Stimulation of HCE with either IL-1α or TNF-α increased IP-10 protein synthesis up to 6-fold, whereas insignificant levels of MIG and I-TAC were induced. The epithelial cells were found to express IFN-γ receptors constitutively. Exposure to the ligand resulted in STAT1 phosphorylation and production of nanogram amounts of IP-10, I-TAC, and MIG. When HCE were stimulated with combinations of TNF-α and IFN-γ, or IL-1α and IFN-γ, the levels of IP-10 and I-TAC secreted were > 150-fold higher than that produced following exposure to a single cytokine. In contrast, MIG pro...
Cationic antimicrobial peptides disrupt the Streptococcus pyogenes ExPortal.

Although they possess a well-characterized ability to porate the bacterial membrane, emerging research suggests that cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs) can influence pathogen behavior at levels that are sub-lethal. In this study, we investigated the interaction of polymyxin B and human neutrophil peptide (HNP-1) with the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes. At sub-lethal concentrations, these CAPs preferentially targeted the ExPortal, a unique microdomain of the S. pyogenes membrane, specialized for protein secretion and processing. A consequence of this interaction was the disruption of ExPortal organization and a redistribution of ExPortal components into the peripheral membrane. Redistribution was associated with inhibition of secretion of certain toxins, including the SpeB cysteine protease and the Streptolysin O (SLO) cytolysin, but not SIC, a protein that protects S. pyogenes from CAPs. These data suggest a novel function for CAPs in targeting the ExPortal and interfering with secretion of factors required for infection and survival. This mechanism may prove valuable for the design of new types of antimicrobial agents to combat the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Resolving Binary Stars and their Circumstellar Environments with the CHARA Array

This paper provides a summary of binary star research conducted at the CHARA Array. The high angular resolution provided by the longest baselines of the interferometer can resolve binaries down to sub-milli-arcsecond separations. Combining the visual orbit of a binary with spectroscopic radial velocity variations of the components provides a measurement of the stellar masses and distance to the system. This paper provides an overview of interferometric methods used to resolve binaries and a table of orbits that have been resolved spatially using the CHARA Array. In addition to mapping the orbits of binary stars, the six telescopes in the array provide excellent coverage on the sky for studying the circumstellar environments within binary systems and investigating tidal effects within interacting binaries.
Explaining English Language Proficiency Among Adolescent Immigrant Students

This study aims to increase understanding of factors that account for academic English language proficiency in a sample of 274 adolescent first-generation immigrant students from China, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Central America, and Mexico. Previous research has shown the importance of English language proficiency in predicting academic achievement measured by GPA and achievement tests. The present study describes the academic English language proficiency of immigrant youth after, on average, 7 years in the United States and models factors that contribute to variation. Findings show that although differences in individual student characteristics partially explain variation in English language proficiency, the schools that immigrant youth attended are also important. The amount of time that students spent speaking English in informal social situations is predictive of English language proficiency. These findings demonstrate that social context factors directly affect language learning among adolescent...
Muscle Lesions in Beige (Chediak-Higashi Syndrome) and Heterozygous C57BL/6J Mice:

Muscles from male and female C57BW6J Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) and phenotypically normal mice with the bgJ allele were studied microscopically and histochemically for the presence of basophilic cytoplasmic structures seen by other investigators in muscles of CHS mice of the SB/k strain. Triceps brachii, gastrocnemius, quadriceps femoris, and biceps femoris muscles were examined. Multiple basophilic cylindrical lesions were present in hematoxylin and eosin-stained muscle from all groups. Lesions were positive for esterase, Sudan black, and periodic acid-SchiK Lesions were only seen in type I1 muscle fibers. Type I muscle cells comprised less than an estimated 5% of the total muscle fibers in the four muscles examined. Scores were assigned based on the presence or absence of lesions in each muscle. Male mice of both phenotypes had significantly more lesions (P 0.05) between lesions of pheno- typically normal female and female CHS mice. Basophilic cytoplasmic structures did not prove to be a mani- festation of the CHS trait. Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is an inherited disease characterized by excessively large cytoplasmic granules, oculocutaneous albinism, photophobia, a bleeding tendency, and reduced resistance to infec- tion.17 Enlarged granules occur in many cell types in- cluding those of the pancreas, pituitary, liver, adrenal cortex, spleen, kidney, scent gland, bone marrow, hair, skin, iris, and gastric and duodenal mus~osa.'~J~ The disorder is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, and the trait in mice has been designated Muscle lesions have been reported in CHS mice of the SB/Le strain.yJ2 These lesions consist of single or multiple cylindrical structures within the cytoplasm devoid of myofibrils, are basophilic when stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and are positive with reactions for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), non-specific esterase, l2 and Sudan black.I0 Negatively reactive areas are present when stained for myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and the oxidative enzyme succinic dehydrogenase (SDH).y Electron microscopic studies disclosed that these core-like lesions consisted of either membranous structures in parallel-tube or honey-comb configurations or amorphous, flu@ ma- terial with no recognizable cellular organelles present in the core-like structures." There were no reports of similar lesions in any of the other species with CHS. Preliminary studies with C5 7BL/6 J beige mice were unable to confirm the observations made with SB/Le beige mice. The present study was designed to deter- mine whether skeletal muscle lesions of the type de- scribed above are present in C57BL16J beige mice.
Transmission Electron Microscopy Studies of Electrical Active GaAs/GaN Interface Obtained by Wafer Bonding

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) studies of GaAs/GaN interfaces, obtained by direct wafer bonding, are presented. TEM observations show that most of the interface area was well bonded. A thin oxide layer, confirmed by EDX, was present at the interface in the well-bonded regions. Plan-view TEM studies showed the presence of two dislocation networks in such regions. They formed to accommodate: (1) tilt between bonded crystals and (2) strain, which appeared during sample cooling due to mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients. Asymmetrical, often elongated, cavities, formed on the GaAs side, were present at the interface between the well-bonded regions. It was shown by EDX that the walls of these cavities are covered with native oxide.
Weather-Related Decision Errors: Differences across Flight Types:

Aviation incidents involving poor weather may be related to cognitive and contextual factors that lead pilots to continue with flights in the face of cues suggesting that doing so could be hazardou...
SCANNING TUNNELING SPECTROSCOPY OF THIN FILMS OF HIGH TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTORS

In this paper recent results in the synthesis of thin films of Y-Ba-Cu-O and their characterization by scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, resistivity and critical currents will be briefly reviewed.
Microbial diversity and dynamics in multi- and single-compartment anaerobic bioreactors processing sulfate-rich waste streams

We investigated bacterial and archaeal community structures and population dynamics in two anaerobic bioreactors processing a carbohydrate- and sulfate-rich synthetic wastewater. A five-compartment anaerobic migrating blanket reactor (AMBR) was designed to promote biomass and substrate staging, which partially separates the processes of methanogenesis and sulfidogenesis in the middle and outer compartment(s) respectively. The second reactor was a conventional, single-compartment upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor. Both reactors, which were seeded with the same inoculum, performed well when the influent chemical oxygen demand (COD)/SO(4) (2-) mass ratio was 24.4. The AMBR performed worse than the UASB reactor when the influent COD/SO(4) (2-) mass ratio was decreased to 5.0 by raising the sulfate load. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses of bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed that the increase in sulfate load had a greater impact on bacterial diversity and community structure for the five AMBR compartments than for the UASB reactor. Moreover, bacterial community profiles across AMBR compartments became more similar through time, indicating a converging, rather than a staged community. While similar populations were abundant in both reactors at the beginning of the experiment, fermenting bacteria (clostridia, streptococci), and sulfate-reducing bacteria became more abundant in the AMBR, after shifting to a higher sulfate load, while a novel Thermotogales-like population eventually became predominant in the UASB reactor. A similar shift in the community structure of the hydrogenotrophic methanogens in the AMBR occurred: representatives of the Methanobacteriaceae out-competed the Methanospirillaceae after increasing the sulfate load in the AMBR, while the archaeal community structure was maintained in the UASB.
Electrochemical catalytic behavior for platinum functionalized TiO2 nanotube arrays in PEM fuel cells

Conventional carbon electrode supports for platinum used in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell assemblies have issues related to carbon corrosion at typical cell operating and transient conditions. This corrosion gives rise to the evolution of greenhouse gases such as CO2, eventually degrading the carbon support and causing a loss of the catalyst specific area necessary to achieve the desired electrochemical performance. In this study, preliminary results are presented for Pt-functionalized TiO2 nanotube arrays as cathode catalyst supports for PEM fuel cells. The electrochemically synthesized TiO2 nanotube arrays were functionalized by different weight % of Pt via a solution-based approach using a dilute aqueous salt solution of hexachloroplatanic acid. Electron-beam based characterization techniques were used to study the structural and morphological features of the as-synthesized TiO2 nanotube arrays and functionalized Pt/TiO2 nanotube arrays. The electrochemical performance of the functionalized TiO2 nanotube arrays was studied by using cyclic voltammetry.
Morphological variation and the definition of species in the snake genus Tropidophis (Serpentes, Tropidophiidae)

SYNOPSIS. Historically, the definition of species in the Neotropical snake genus Tropidophis has been difficult because of intraspecific variation in scalation and a paucity of specimens of most taxa. There were 13 species recognized at the time of t he last review in 1960, but additional species have since been discovered and a taxonomic review and update is needed. Data on morphological variation are presented here and used to clarify the status of the described taxa. Because many taxa are allopatr ic with their closest relatives, it is necessary to make decisions as to their status as species or subspecies. As a gauge of spec ies status in the genus, character divergence in ten pairs of closely related sympatric species was examined. Typically, such species are differentiated by two non-overlapping colour pattern differences, often in combination with a diagnostic (non-overlapping) or overlapping difference in scalation. Using this criterion, seven taxa previously considered as subspecies are here elevated to species status, whereas seven other taxa are retained as subspecies, although in some cases they are allocated to different spe cies. As a result, the genus Tropidophis is considered here to comprise 29 species, 26 of which are West Indian and 15 of those are restricted to Cuba.
Utilization and outcomes of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator, 1987 to 1995.

Abstract Background The patterns of adoption of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and the outcomes of its use have not been well documented in general, unselected populations. The purpose of this study was to document the impact of the ICD in widespread clinical practice. Methods We identified ICD recipients by use of the hospital discharge databases of Medicare beneficiaries for 1987 through 1995 and of California residents for 1991 through 1995. The index admission for each patient was linked to previous and subsequent admissions and to mortality files to create a longitudinal patient profile. Results The rate of ICD implantations increased >10-fold between 1987 and 1995, as both the number of hospitals performing the procedure and the volume of ICD implantations per hospital rose. Mortality rates within 30 days of ICD implantation decreased from 6.0% to 1.9%, and mortality rates within 1 year fell from 19.3% to 11.4%. Surgical interventions to revise or replace the ICD within the first year remained about 5%, however, and cumulative expenditures at 1 year ($46,000-$51,000) changed very little. ICD implantation rates varied >3-fold among different regions of the United States. Conclusions ICD use has expanded markedly during the study period, with improved mortality rates, but medical expenditures and rates of surgical revision remain high for ICD recipients. (Am Heart J 2002;144:397-403.)
Relaxation and Voltage-Controlled Oscillators

In the last two chapters, oscillators that were studied can be described or modeled in the steady state with the basic oscillator equation.
Word Structure, Markedness, and Applied Linguistics

This paper describes a theory of word structure which incorporates aspects of markedness theory. The theory is illustrated by an account of some facts of English phonotactics and of first and second language acquisition. The phonotactic phenomena serve as the basis for justifying a rich hierarchical structure of English words. The theory presented here is an extension and revision of the one described in Cairns (1982), where I justified a structure of English monomorphemic words which contains syllables ($) and feet (F) as labelled nodes subordinate to the root node word (W). With the exception of some word-initial syllables, all syllables are in bisyllabic or (under special conditions) trisyllabic feet. The first syllable of the English foot is labelled the head syllable ($h). $h enjoys special status in two ways: It is the repository of relative prominence (stress) and allows a greater variety of phonemes and combinations thereof than nonhead syllables. The theory of word structure is illustrated in this paper by an account of aspects of English consonant clusters, especially in the onset; the overall structure of the syllable is also a key focus, especially in the illustrations of the application of this approach to applied linguistics.
AEP: Carbon Capture and Storage

By October 2010, American Electric Power, the largest coal-fired, electric utility in the United States, had been operating a carbon capture and sequestration pilot plant for one year. Using a proprietary, Alstom chilled ammonia technology, AEP was capturing and sequestering 90% of the carbon dioxide in a small waste stream at its Mountaineer plant in West Virginia. As part of its larger carbon reduction strategy, AEP was launching construction of a $680 million demonstration plan, partially funded with DOE money. Mike Morris, AEP's chairman, was frustrated though, that Congress had not passed a cap-and-trade bill, and was worried how he would recover AEP's share of this huge investment. Could he find partners in this cutting-edge demonstration, or at least, add it to his utility rate base? Learning Objective: To learn about the challenges carbon causes for large electric utility companies.
Reasoning as though

It is sometimes useful to know that we can safely reason as though something were true, even when it almost certainly is not. This talk will survey instances of this phenomenon in computer science and molecular programming.
Making the Most of Multiple Measures: Disentangling the Effects of Different Dimensions of Race in Survey Research

The majority of social science research uses a single measure of race when investigating racial inequality. However, a growing body of work demonstrates that race shapes the life chances of individ...
Giorgio de Chirico and the Metaphysical City: Nietzsche, Modernism, Paris

The author reveals his critical slant in the book’s opening pages: ‘The de Chirico we love is, alas, the artist we must address more critically’ (p. xi). De Chirico can certainly appeal to those wh...
Acceptance of neurotology board certification among leaders in the field.

Introduction Neurotology board certification was born a decade ago and is available to otolaryngologists who specialize in clinical neurotology. The degree of participation in this voluntary program among leaders in the field has not been previously assessed. Methods The Web sites of ACGME accredited otolaryngology programs were used to identify chairpersons who self-identified as neurotologists. Past presidents of the American Neurotology Society (ANS) since 1997 were also evaluated. The participation of both groups in neurotology board certification (NC) was ascertained using the search tool available on the American Board of Otolaryngology Web site (aboto.org). Results Of the 26 chairmen (all were men) identified as neurotologists, 18 (69%) participated in NC. Ten of 13 past presidents (77%) of the ANS participated in NC. Combining the 2 groups, 28 (72%) of 39 leaders in neurotology in the United States participated in NC. Conclusion Adoption of the NC process among leaders in the field of neurotology in the United States has been robust, despite the significant costs entailed in participation.
Recovery of Mo/Si multilayers coated LTEM substrate

Extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) is a leading next generation lithography technology. The mask blank for EUVL consists of a low thermal expansion material substrate having a square photomask form factor that is coated with Mo/Si multilayers. One of the challenges in implementing EUVL is to economically fabricate multilayer-coated mask blanks with no printable defects. The starting substrates, due to the required tight specifications of flatness and defects, might have a very high manufacturing cost and hence a method to recover these substrates for reuse without compromising the properties will enable a lower cost for the masks. This paper details a potential approach to remove the damaged multilayers from the substrates without compromising the morphology and characteristics of the starting substrate. Furthermore, the process is applicable to optical elements of the EUV projection optics system that have reflective Mo/Si mirrors of various shapes.
The Historians' Dilemma

Against a backdrop of routine dishonesty from America's leaders, it seems like academic navel gazing to discuss "the ethical crisis in history." Recent corporate corruption-Enron and the rest-certainly dwarfs our poor power to add or detract. Indeed, the scandals in the Catholic Church over sexually abusive priests make us seem by comparison like, well, choirboys and -girls. Then there was the last presidential election, an ethical breakdown that would have made Richard Daley (the elder) blush. And of course since the election we have been subjected not just to lies-the phantom weapons of mass destruction, the absurd linking of Saddam Hussein with Al-Qaeda-but to an ongoing degradation of democratic political discourse. And these are the easy ones. We have not gotten to the ethics of corporate executives' salaries, new tax laws that will surely bankrupt the nation, money-soaked elections that drown democracy, a prison system that makes China look like the human rights poster child, a so-called Patriot Act that shreds our Bill of Rights, etc., etc., etc. Historians' ethical dilemmas are small by comparison. But they are not unrelated to these larger crises. A recent New York Times article described a study conducted by psychologists exploring the values and ethics of selected young professionals. The researchers bemoaned the lack of good mentoring for scientists, journalists, and actors, by which was meant, I think, that no one ever laid a fatherly hand on youthful shoulders and said do not tell lies, my son; cheat not, my daughter. But read a little deeper. The young subjects of the study were well aware of ethical issues. In fact, their so-called mentors were the problem. Senior scientists and managers in highly competitive (and lucrative) fields such as genetic engineering pushed their charges to publish findings prematurely, and sometimes young scientists interpreted the pressure to produce as an invitation to bend the protocols of good research. Similarly, youthful journalists spoke eloquently about fairness, objectivity, and their profession's mission to keep the public informed, but they saw themselves as not living up to these ideals. This was not merely a matter of personal failure: "They feel under the thumb of powerful editors, whose concern to best the competition all too often seems to dominate traditional journalistic values of fairness, objectivity and serving readers."'
The value of salt marsh edge vs interior as a habitat for fish and decapod crustaceans in a Louisiana tidal marsh

Flume nets of various lengths and a 3-m seine were used to sample the fishes and macrocrustaceans using a flooded Louisiana salt marsh and the adjacent tidal creek. The experiment allowed for species-specific comparisons of the flooded marsh at the creek edge versus the interior. Of the 37,667 organisms collected in flume nets from January through November 1989, 89% were decapods (nine species) and 11% were fish (29 species). An additional 18,539 organisms (75% decapods and 25% fish) were collected from concurrent seine samples taken from July through November. Comparison of catches among different flume lengths and low tide versus high tide seine collections revealed distinct patterns of marsh habitat utilization. Densities of most organisms were highest within 3 m of the water’s edge, but significant numbers of marsh-resident fish species used the interior marshes. The edge marshes appeared to be used by both transient and resident species; however, the interior marshes were used primarily by marsh-resident species (Cyprinodontiformes andPalaemonetes sp.) that are excellent food sources for adult transient-species. Four zonations of marsh use are described for transients, residents, and rare species.
Mechanism Analysis and Countermeasures of Steam Turbine Abnormal Operation by Improper Opening Sequence of Governing Valves

Improper opening sequence of steam turbine governing valve will cause steam flow excited vibration of steam turbine and high temperature of bearing metal,which serious influence the security of unit.The mechanism of failures caused by improper opening sequence of turbine governing valves is analyzed,and measures of changing valve opening sequence is adopted which eliminated these failures.It is proposed that the opening mode valve which acts on the steam turbine rotor lateral force as small as possible should be choose.It is considered that opening sequence steam turbine governing valve should be choose to make inlet steam in the flow passage of steam turbine uniform as much as possible,especially in the clearance of gland seal,and the serious uneven of steam seal gap should be forbidden during turbine steam seal clearance adjustment process,especially when the upstream seal gap is significantly greater than the downstream seal gap.
Studies on an Assay for Functional Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Antigen

Objective: To establish an immunoenzymatic assay for tissue factor pathway inhibitor antigen (fTFPI:Ag) in plasma. Methods: After rabbit thromboplastin was immobilized on microtiter plates, the appropriate amount of prothrombin complex concentrate and of heated plasma or recombinant TFPI was then added to the wells. TFPI was detected using a monoclonal antibody recognizing TFPI K1 and subsequently bound with HRP labelled second antibody. The levels of TFPI were calculated from HRP-substrate reaction. Results: (1)The full length TFPI had a significantly linear correlation with fTFPI : Ag (r = 0. 974), but the truncated TFPI1-161 did not (r = 0.582). (2)Polyclonal antibody specific for TFPI decreased the amount of fTFPI: Ag in dose-dependent manner while unspecific antibody did not affect it. (3)fTFPI: Ag was related to the thromboplastin-immobilized chromogenic assay and the diluted thromboplastin. clotting time, but not to amidolytic end point assay. (4) There were no significant correlations among fTFPI: Ag and total TFPI, TFPI containing K3 and truncated TFPI. (5) Compared with healthy adults. fTFPI: Ag in the patients with ischemic stroke was lower and it in patients with accute myocardiac infarction was higher. Heparin infusion induced remarkable increment of fTFPI: Ag in plasma. Conclusion: (1) fTFPI : Ag represents the antigen amount of full length TFPI. (2) fTFPI: Ag can reflect the changes in vivo of TFPI possessing anticoagulant activity.
Characteristics of Prison Hospice Patients: Medical History, Hospice Care, and End-of-Life Symptom Prevalence

Increasing numbers of prisoners in the United States are dying from age-related and chronic illnesses while incarcerated. This study is among the first to document characteristics of a population of prison hospice patients. Retrospective review of medical records for all patients admitted to the Louisiana State Penitentiary prison hospice program between January 1, 2004, and May 31, 2012 (N = 79) examined demographics, medical history, hospice diagnosis, length of stay, and end-of-life symptom prevalence on admission and during final 72 hours before death. Resulting data were contrasted with community-based end-of-life care study data, demonstrating a unique clinical profile of this group. As prisons consider adopting programs to meet the growing need for inmate end-of-life care, more research concerning the particular characteristics and unique needs of prison hospice patients will inform these efforts.
Synthesis and tribological behavior of novel wear-resistant PEEK–Ti3SiC2 composites

In this article, the authors report the synthesis and tribological behavior of Ti3SiC2–PEEK composites during dry sliding. These composites were designed by adding 5 vol.% (PEEK–5%312Si), 10 vol.% ...
Frankensteins and space odysseys: Our history with technology, our future with machines

Humans have always had a complex relationship with their technologies. Medicine and pre-scientific practices designed to relieve individual suffering and mitigate injury or disease have been a huma...
Biotechnology and the Public Health Response to Bioterrorism

The tragic events of September 11, 2001 have forced a reconsideration of international security. The role of relatively small, but well organized, terrorists groups in inflictingmass casualtiesmust be considered a real threat. InOctober 2001, Bacillus anthracis spores were intentionally released through the mailing of contaminated letters distributed through the United States postal service. Again, apparently small groups, or perhaps an individual, were able to utilize a biological agent as a weapon to cause death and affect relatively large areas of the United States, including the District of Columbia, Florida, Connecticut, New Jersey, andNew York.(1) Furthermore, the resulting hysteria and public response has focused recent attention on the use of biological agents as potential weapons. The use of the US postal system as an efficient “artificial mechanical vector” has served to remind us that the dispersion and transmission of intentional infections may share few similarities with naturally acquired infections caused by the same agent. Characterization of the intentionally released B. anthracis spores revealed that they were related to the Ames strain—a relatively wellstudied laboratory strain. Much media attention has been focused on the use
Deciliation in the puerperal fallopian tube.

Tubal segments obtained from patients at cesarean section and at intervals during the first 5 postpartum days were examined to evaluate puerperal changes in the tubal epithelium. The specimens of tubal epithelium were examined under the scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Ciliated cells were most densely distributed on the fimbria and in the ampulla, and were relatively sparsely distributed in the isthmus. Progressive diminution of numbers of ciliated cells and deciliation of individual cells were noted in specimens obtained during the puerperium. Nonciliated cells were in the resting stage at term pregnancy. Secretory activity returned during the puerperium.
Structure and Function of CheA, the Histidine Kinase Central to Bacterial Chemotaxis

Publisher Summary Protein histidine kinases (PHKs) regulate a wide variety of cellular responses in bacteria, fungi, and plants by initiating "phosphorelays" in response to environmental stimuli. The histidine kinase CheA couples changes in the ligand occupancy of transmembrane chemoreceptors to phosphorylation of the response regulator CheY; CheY directly modulates motion of the flagellar motor. Chemotaxis is the first signal transduction cascade where structures are known for all of the key protein components. The structure of CheA reveals a dimeric protein with each subunit composed of five domains. Each of the domains engenders a different functionality important for signaling such as histidine autophosphorylation, CheY recognition, dimerization, ATP binding, and receptor coupling. This chapter reviews how structural information has helped understand the chemistries and interactions among the CheA domains and other proteins in the chemotactic signal transduction cascade. Interesting structural relationships among these proteins and those involved in functionally unrelated systems provide general insights into how ATP utilization can control molecular motions and associations.