cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurements of the specific activity of the nucleoside triphosphate pool of sea-urchin embryos following 8-3H-guanosine administration.

Abstract The nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) pool during the early development of sea-urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Each NTP pool was measured at four stages between the eight-blastomere stage and the early blastula stage, as was the specific activity of each NTP following an initial administration of 8-3H-guanosine. Unexpectedly high UTP (uridine-5′-triphosphate) concentrations and radioactivity levels in UTP were observed. Studies of the sea-urchin, Strongilocentrotus purpuratus, also revealed elevated levels of 8-3H-guanosine incorporation into UTP. The present procedure was found to be suitable for the unequivocal identification of UTP.
Absence of enhanced sympathoadrenal activity and behaviorally evoked cardiovascular reactivity among offspring of hypertensives.

To determine whether offspring of hypertensives show enhanced sympathetic nervous system activity, we evaluated several indices of sympathoadrenal activation and cardiovascular responsiveness to behavioral stimuli among 90 normotensive, young adult men having either one or two hypertensive parents (PH+-, PH++) or normotensive parents only (PH--) (n = 30/group). Measurements included heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) reactions to three mental stressors (the Stroop test, mental arithmetic, mirror tracing), a cold pressor test, postural adjustment (60° upright tilt), isometric exercise and bicycle ergometry, as well as the 24-h excretion of catecholamines (epinephrine [E], norepinephrine [NE]) and venous plasma catecholamine concentrations, both at rest (seated and supine) and in response to the Stroop test and upright tilt. The three groups did not differ in age, education, body mass index (BMI), estimated aerobic fitness, resting HR, cardiac preejection period (PEP) and PEP:LVET (left ventricular ejection time) ratio, 24-h Na or K excretion, or fasting lipids, insulin or plasma renin activity. Resting systolic and diastolic BP varied as a function of parental hypertension, and were significantly higher in PH++ than among PH-- subjects (P < .05). No significant group difference was observed on any measure of plasma or urinary catecholamines, nor did offspring of hypertensives (PH++ or PH+-) show greater HR or BP reactions than PH-- subjects to any of the several laboratory challenges. In sum, we find no evidence of enhanced sympathetic activity or heightened cardiovascular responsiveness among normotensive young adults who are familially predisposed to essential hypertension.
Light emission from the slow mode of tunnel junctions on short period diffraction gratings.

The emission of light from metal-oxide-metal tunnel junctions has been studied as a probe of the interaction of the tunneling current with the surface plasmon polaritons of the tunneling junction structure. The slow mode, with large fields in the oxide layer, is most directly coupled to the tunneling current. In this experiment, diffraction gratings with periods between 70 and 100 nm provide the momentum for the slow mode to radiate. We report the unambiguous measurement of the direct emission from the slow mode showing that it does contribute to the light emission.
Spectral absorption properties of ordinary and fully deuteriated chlorophylls a and b

The spectral absorption properties of fully deuteriated chlorophylls a and b, ordinary chlorophylls a and b, and methyl chlorophyllides a and b, isolated in a state of high purity, have been compared. Substitution of phytyl by methyl did not affect the wavelengths of the absorption maxima or the ratio of the absorption at the principal maxima. Deuteriation reduced the absorption in proportion to the molecular weight of the deuteriated pigments. Deuteriation also shifted the absorption maxima to slightly shorter wavelengths, an effect attributable primarily to the 6 deuterium atoms attached to carbon atoms in the conjugated system.
The evolution of the apoid endophallus, its phylogenetic implications, and functional significance of the genital capsule (Hymenoptera, Apoidea)

Abstract An eversible endophallus is present in most groups of bees. Its presence or absence and its morphological variation were studied in 122 species, representing nine families of bees. An eversible endophallus is absent in the sphecoid wasps and other aculeate Hymenoptera, as well as in the bee families Colletidae and Oxaeidae, and part of the subfamily Andreninae of the Andrenidae. It is suggested that the families Colletidae and Oxaeidae may represent early offshoots in bee phylogeny. Extremely complex endophalli occur in some groups of bees: a positive correlation between complex endophalli and polyandrous mating system was found, suggesting that sexual selection may be the evolutionary force shaping endophallic morphology. The function of the endophallus, as well as of other parts of the external genitalia, was studied in specimens in copula of Nomia nevadensis and Perdita albipennis. The study of the mechanics of copulation was extended to other species, showing that the several sclerotized part...
Residential EMF exposure and childhood leukemia: meta-analysis and population attributable risk.

The controversy over the possible association between magnetic field exposure and childhood leukemia has led several researchers to summarize the literature using meta-analysis. This paper reviews these previous meta-analyses and extends them by adding results from four studies published since the most recent analysis. The analyses include odds ratio calculations based on both dichotomous and continuous exposure models, heterogeneity analysis including subgroup summaries and meta-regression, "leave one out" influence analyses, and publication bias assessments. In addition, there is a review of some of the considerations of the exposure assessments used in the studies and their implications for cross-study comparisons. Finally, the results of the analyses using dichotomous and continuous exposure model are combined with national exposure data to estimate the population attributable risk of childhood leukemia among children in the US. If an association exists, as many as 175-240 cases of childhood leukemia in the US may be due to magnetic field exposure.
NMR spectra of phenoxysilanes with various silyl groups

Abstract Ten phenoxysilanes with various organic groups on the silicon were prepared and their 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra recorded. The groups on the silicon had only a small effect on the proton and carbon chemical shifts.
INCREASED MORTALITY IN CHILDREN WITH MILD VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY

An average of 3481 preschool-age rural Indonesian children were re-examined every 3 months for 18 months. The mortality rate among children with mild xerophthalmia (night blindness and/or Bitot's spots) was on average 4 times the rate, and in some age groups 8 to 12 times the rate, among children without xerophthalmia. Mortality increased, almost linearly, with the severity of mild xerophthalmia (night blindness, Bitot's spots, and the two combined). These relations persisted after stratification for respiratory disease, wasting, gastroenteritis, pedal oedema, and childhood exanthems. Mild vitamin A deficiency was directly associated with at least 16% of all deaths in children aged from 1 to 6 years. These results suggest that mild xerophthalmia justifies vigorous community-wide intervention, as much to reduce childhood mortality as to prevent blindness, and that night blindness and Bitot's spots are as important as anthropometric indices in screening children to determine which of them need medical and nutritional attention.
Social Disorganization and Neighborhood Fear: Examining the Intersection of Individual, Community, and County Characteristics

Fear has long been studied as a consequence of crime given the consistent and ubiquitous nature of fear as a reaction and the systematic variations in its consequences. Past research has shown significant variations in fear of crime at both the individual and ecological level. Here we implement a multi-level approach to understanding potential interactions between perceived safety in one’s neighborhood in relation to social disorganization indicators at the neighborhood level and crime rates at the county level. The nationally representative sample data (n = 2,610) used in this analysis combines individual level data collected in 2006 from the Panel Study of Religion and Ethnicity (PS-ARE) with ecological level data at the tract and county level from the 2000 US Census. The findings suggest a three level interaction negating the well known protection hypothesis of marriage and crime; this essentially means that as being married or cohabitating decreases the negative effects of being in a community with a high level of familial disruption (percent of divorced) increases, but that effect is substantively negatively tempered as the violent crime rate of the county rises.
TaqMan PCR for Detection of Vibrio cholerae O1, O139, Non-O1, and Non-O139 in Pure Cultures, Raw Oysters, and Synthetic Seawater

Vibrio cholerae is recognized as a leading human waterborne pathogen. Traditional diagnostic testing for Vibrio is not always reliable, because this bacterium can enter a viable but nonculturable state. Therefore, nucleic acid-based tests have emerged as a useful alternative to traditional enrichment testing. In this article, a TaqMan PCR assay is presented for quantitative detection of V. cholerae in pure cultures, oysters, and synthetic seawater. Primers and probe were designed from the nonclassical hemolysin (hlyA) sequence of V. cholerae strains. This probe was applied to DNA from 60 bacterial strains comprising 21 genera. The TaqMan PCR assay was positive for all of the strains of V. cholerae tested and negative for all other species of Vibrio tested. In addition, none of the other genera tested was amplified with the TaqMan primers and probe used in this study. The results of the TaqMan PCR with raw oysters and spiked with V. cholerae serotypes O1 and O139 were comparable to those of pure cultures. The sensitivity of the assay was in the range of 6 to 8 CFU g(-1) and 10 CFU ml(-1) in spiked raw oyster and synthetic seawater samples, respectively. The total assay could be completed in 3 h. Quantification of the Vibrio cells was linear over at least 6 log units. The TaqMan probe and primer set developed in this study can be used as a rapid screening tool for the presence of V. cholerae in oysters and seawater without prior isolation and characterization of the bacteria by traditional microbiological methods.
Regulation of hematopoiesis by retinoid signaling

The discovery that retinoic acid efficiently stimulates the terminal differentiation of granulocytic leukemia cells had a major impact on clinical hematology, but has also inspired research into the normal function of the retinoid signaling pathway during hematopoiesis. New animal models and loss-of-function approaches have successfully revealed requirements for the pathway at defined embryonic stages that are relevant for distinct hematopoietic cell populations. For example, novel insight has been gained regarding the function of retinoids in yolk sac hematovascular development, fetal erythropoiesis, T-cell homing, and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology. The lessons learned so far indicate that future development of sophisticated animal models will be needed to fully understand the intricacy and specificity of this complex signaling pathway, but that this effort will be productive and continue to inform both basic and clinical research on many fronts.
The Fifth Column---Two Digressions on Systems Analysis: Optimum Warehousing & Disappearing Orange Juice

Two essays on systems analysis: 1 The over-automated warehouse, or boredom, a union & the Canadian Legion, 2 The case of the missing orange juice, or the Gator Aid solution.
Financial incentives for surrogacy.

T he Ethics Committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), in their statement Ethical Issues in Surrogate Motherhood, a challenges the enforceability of surrogacy contracts, recommending ' . . . a specified period of time after birth during which the surrogate mother is free to depart from the preconception agreement and retain custody of the child." This opinion is in keeping with the New Jersey Supreme Court decision in Baby M affirming the right of a mother to change her mind about relinquishment after the birth of a baby, 2 a judicial opinion consistent with adoption laws in every state. Such positions recognize the difficulty of anyone, man or woman, to anticipate with certainty how they will feel after the birth of a baby. This is not a reflection on the fickleness of men or women. Rather it reflects an awareness of the profound and transformative nature of birth and parenthood, and the changes that usually occur when men or women suddenly find themselves parents. For both men and women, planned relinquishment may feel more like abandonment, and the depth of their sense of parental commitment may supercede promises made to others. Mary Beth Whitehead, trying to explain herself to the experts, said "I need my baby and my baby needs me. ''3 The ACOG committee, in supporting a fee to the surrogate mother, stops short of challenging the commercial practice of surrogacy altogether, a decision that warrants further reconsideration. The New Jersey Supreme Court was of the opinion in Baby M that surrogacy is "baby-bartering ''4 and stated "This is the sale of a child, or, at the very least, the sale of a mother's right to her child . . . . ,,5 Although some surrogacy contracts may require a fee be paid even if the baby dies, that loss is rare and does not change the nature of the agreement. The ACOG committee advises that "compensation should not be based on a successful delivery or on the health status of the child." The committee does not say "compensation should not be based on whether the mother decides to relinquish the child," because the bottom line of surrogacy is the purchase and sale of a child. Surrogacy, like prostitution, allows for the use of a woman's reproductive function for the pleasure of others. Although it is voluntary, it is also coercive. Prostitutes may defend the legitimacy of their profession and struggle to maintain self-esteem in the situation, but few would want their daughters to follow them. Even fewer of their "customers" would want their own daughters to become prostitutes. We should not romanticize the options © 1991 by The Jacobs Institute of Women's Health 1049-3867/91/$3.50
Attention to Emotion and Non-Western Faces: Revisiting the Facial Feedback Hypothesis

In a modified replication of Strack, Martin, and Stepper's demonstration of the Facial Feedback Hypothesis (1988), we investigated the effect of attention to emotion on the facial feedback process in a non-western cultural setting. Participants, recruited from two universities in Ghana, West Africa, gave self-reports of their perceived levels of attention to emotion, and then completed cartoon-rating tasks while randomly assigned to smiling, frowning, or neutral conditions. While participants with low Attention to Emotion scores displayed the usual facial feedback effect (rating cartoons as funnier when in the smiling compared to the frowning condition), the effect was not present in individuals with high Attention to Emotion. The findings indicate that (1) the facial feedback process can occur in contexts beyond those in which the phenomenon has previously been studied, and (2) aspects of emotion regulation, such as Attention to Emotion can interfere with the facial feedback process.
Copolymerization of methyl trans-β-benzoylacrylate with butadiene

A further study of the copolymerization of methyl trans-β-benzoylacrylate has been made. The copolymer prepared in a neutral recipe at 66% conversion contains 15.4% of combined ester from a charging stock which contains 20% of ester. The copolymer has some increased resistance over GR-S to special solvents but in general is an inferior rubber.
System Reliability Evaluation Considering Post-Fault Switching and Incomplete Redundancy

A method for computing system reliability indices considering the effect of switching actions that may be taken after a fault to restore service is presented. This method is useful in evaluating alternative sectionalizing schemes and devices. A method for computing the frequency and duration of overloading events in redundant systems possessing less than fully redundant capacity is also presented. This method is useful in evaluating the cost-reliability trade-offs of capacity reductions in redundant systems such as multitransformer substations or parallel cable circuits.
In defense of rawls against arrow and nozick

In A theory of Justice, John Rawls proposes a contractual theory based on our considered moral judgements as an alternative to the utilitarianism that has dominated modern moral philosophy. ~ The success of Rawls' theory has been widely challenged on various grounds. Nevertheless, critics generally have either urged that Rawls' theory is not an alternative to utilitarianism, being all but practically equivalent to it, or they have contended that Rawls' theory fails significantly to accord with our considered moral judgements) While I have reasons for objecting to some particular aspects of Rawls' theory that I have developed elsewhere, 3 it is my belief that the arguments that have been given have failed to establish either of these claims against Rawls' theory. In support of this belief, I wish to examine what I take to be representative arguments for each of these claims that have been put forth by Kenneth Arrow and Robert Nozick respectively, a I hope to show that neither of these arguments establishes its case against Rawls' contractual theory.
A practical solid-state beta spectrometer

Abstract A system for the rapid and routine measurement of unknown beta-ray energies has been developed. It uses a cooled lithium-drifted silicon detector, and is accurate to within ±2% for single-component spectra. Descriptions of the electronic and mechanical systems are included, as well as sample spectra.
Energy Dependence of Abstractive Versus Dissociative Chemisorption of Fluorine Molecules on the Silicon (111)-(7x7) Surface

Scanning tunneling microscopy and monoenergetic molecular beams have been used to obtain real-space atomic images of the competition between abstractive and dissociative chemisorption. The size distribution of Si-F adsorbates on the Si(111)-(7x7) surface was examined as a function of the incident translational energy of the F2 molecules. For F2 molecules with 0.03 electron volt of incident energy, the dominant adsorbate sites were isolated Si-F species. As an F2 molecule with low translational energy collides with the surface, abstraction occurs and only one of the F atoms chemisorbs; the other is ejected into the gas phase. For F2 molecules with 0.27 electron volt of incident energy, many adjacent Si-F adsorbates (dimer sites) were observed because F2 molecules with high translational energy collide with the surface and chemisorb dissociatively so that both F atoms react to form adjacent Si-F adsorbates. For halogens with very high incident energy (0.5-electron volt Br2), dissociative chemisorption is the dominant adsorption mechanism and dimer sites account for nearly all adsorbates.
Collaborative Care for the Treatment of Depression in Primary Care With a Low-Income, Spanish-Speaking Population: Outcomes From a Community-Based Program Evaluation

Objective: This study sought to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of a collaborative care model with a predominantly Hispanic, low-income population in a primary care setting and (2) examine depression outcomes with a subpopulation of preferentially Spanish-speaking patients compared with non-Hispanic white participants. Method: The data were collected from September 2006 through September 2009 at the study site, the People’s Community Clinic, Austin, Texas. Data collection was part of an evaluation of the Integrated Behavioral Health program, a collaborative care model of identifying and treating mild-to-moderate mental disorders in adults in a primary care setting. A bilingual care manager provided supportive counseling and patient education and systematically tracked patient progress in a patient registry. A consulting psychiatrist evaluated patients with diagnostic or treatment concerns. The study retrospectively examined changes in depression scores among 269 subjects as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the primary outcome measure. The PHQ-9 is a self-report of frequency of symptoms for each of the 9 DSM-IV criteria for depression. Logistic regression models compared race/ethnicity and language group combinations on their odds of achieving clinically meaningful depression improvement when background characteristics were controlled for. Results: Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients had significantly greater odds of achieving a clinically meaningful improvement in depression at 3-month follow-up (odds ratio [OR] = 2.45, P = .013) compared to non-Hispanic whites. The finding for greater improvement in the Spanish-speaking population remained after controlling for age, sex, medical comorbidities, prior treatment, and baseline depression scores. Conclusions: The results suggest a model of care that is effective for a population at great risk for marginal mental health care, non–English-speaking Hispanics. Attention to patient preferences in primary care is essential to improve quality of depression treatment and may improve outcomes. In light of previous research that demonstrates insufficient evidence-based guidelines for patients with limited English proficiency and evidence that evaluation of patients in their nonprimary language or through an interpreter can lead to inaccurate mental health assessments, this study suggests an opportunity to improve the quality of mental health care for non–English-speaking Hispanics in the United States.
Kalman filtering for improving radio-frequency hand motion crane control

A novel hand-motion crane control system was developed that improves performance by providing: 1) an intuitive control interface and 2) an element that reduces the complex oscillatory behavior of the payload. Hand-motion control allows operators to drive a crane by simply moving a hand-held radio-frequency tag through the desired path. Real-time location sensors track the movements of the tag and its position is used in a feedback-loop to drive the crane. However, tag measurements are corrupted by noise. It is important to understand the noise properties so that appropriate filters can be designed to mitigate the effects of noise and improve tracking accuracy. This paper quantifies the measurement noise for two possible situations during hand-motion control: when the tag is 1) located in open space inside the sensor coverage zone, and 2) is placed near large machinery. This paper also presents a Kalman filter that adapts to the noise characteristics of the workspace to minimize the tag-tracking error.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Second Positive Phototropism in the Avena Coleoptile

A method has been developed whereby the second positive phototropism can be observed separately from the first positive and negative phototropic responses which also occur in oat coleoptiles. Although the second positive phototropic response has often been referred to as the base response, photoreception for it is shown to occur mainly in the apical 3 mm of the coleoptile. The Bunsen-Roscoe reciprocity law, so typical of first positive phototropism, does not apply to the second positive responses, and the amount of curvature increases linearly with the duration of the stimulus. However, although this linear proportionality between stimulus duration and response is the major factor determining response at all intensities tested, the intensity of the stimulus does influence the response somewhat. The action spectrum for the response shows no activity above 510 nm and has peaks at 375 and 450 nm. In all but one particular it closely resembles the action spectrum for the first positive phototropism, and it is concluded that the same, or similar, pigments may well be the photoreceptors for both types of response. The identity of this blue light absorbing pigment is not known.
Mirror image stereoisomers of the major benzo[a]pyrene N2-dG adduct are bypassed by different lesion-bypass DNA polymerases in E. coli

Abstract The potent mutagen/carcinogen benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P) is metabolically activated to (+) -anti- B[ a ]PDE, which induces a full spectrum of mutations (e.g., G-to-T, G-to-A, −1 frameshifts, etc.) via its major adduct [+ta]-B[ a ]P-N 2 -dG. We recently showed that the dominant G-to-T mutation depends on DNA polymerase V (DNAP V), but not DNAPs IV or II, when studied in a 5′-T G sequence in E. coli . Herein we investigate what DNAPs are responsible for non-mutagenic bypass with [+ta]-B[ a ]P-N 2 -dG, along with its mirror image adduct [−ta]-B[ a ]P-N 2 -dG. Each adduct is built into a 5′-T G sequence in a single stranded M13 phage vector, which is then transformed into eight different E. coli strains containing all combinations of proficiency and deficiency in the three lesion-bypass DNAPs II, IV and V. Based on M13 progeny output, non-mutagenic bypass with [−ta]-B[ a ]P-N 2 -dG depends on DNAP IV. In contrast, non-mutagenic bypass with [+ta]-B[ a ]P-N 2 -dG depends on both DNAPs IV and V, where arguments suggest that DNAP IV is involved in dCTP insertion, while DNAP V is involved in extension of the adduct-G:C base pair. Numerous findings indicate that DNAP II has a slight inhibitory effect on the bypass of [+ta]- and [−ta]-B[ a ]P-N 2 -dG in the case of both DNAPs IV and V. In conclusion, for efficient non-mutagenic bypass (dCTP insertion) in E. coli , [+ta]-B[ a ]P-N 2 -dG requires DNAPs IV and V, [−ta]-B[ a ]P-N 2 -dG requires only DNAP IV, while DNAP II is inhibitory to both, and experiments to investigate these differences should provide insights into the mechanism and purpose of these lesion-bypass DNAPs.
RNA processing generates the mature 3' end of yeast CYC1 messenger RNA in vitro

In whole cell extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, incubation of precursor mRNA transcripts encoding the sequences essential in vivo for forming the 3' end of the iso-1-cytochrome c mRNA (CYC1) revealed an endonuclease activity with the characteristics required for producing the mature mRNA 3' end. The observed cleavage in vitro is (i) accurate, occurring at or near the polyadenylation site of CYC1 RNA, (ii) 30 to 50 percent efficient, (iii) adenosine triphosphate dependent, (iv) specific for the 3' ends of at least two yeast pre-mRNA's, and (v) absent with related pre-mRNA's carrying mutations that abolish correct 3' end formation in vivo. In addition, a second activity in the extract polyadenylates the product under appropriate conditions. Thus, the mature 3' ends of yeast mRNA's may be generated by endonucleolytic cleavage and polyadenylation rather than by transcription termination.
Improving Accuracy and Precision of Travel Time Samples Collected at Signalized Arterial Roads with Bluetooth Sensors

Time-stamped, media access control addresses, acquired from Bluetooth-enabled devices to collect travel time data, have received significant attention in the past few years. Research has focused mainly on the application of Bluetooth technology to obtain travel time data on freely flowing roads. A few studies have addressed the use of Bluetooth data collection systems on arterial roads, particularly with respect to travel times between signalized intersections, with questionable accuracy. The objective of this research was to develop a methodology to collect accurate and precise travel time data between signalized intersections, with the use of a data collection system that had a Bluetooth basis. The developed methodology utilized received signal strength indicator (RSSI) data to improve significantly the accuracy of intersection-to-intersection travel time samples. Test results on a busy arterial road showed that the travel time samples generated with the RSSI method were significantly better (i.e., had ...
Skin lysyl oxidase activity is not rate limiting for collagen crosslinking in the glucocorticoid-treated rat.

Lysyl oxidase activity in the skin of rats receiving triamcinolone diacetate (12 mg/kg) for three consecutive days was decreased by sixty-four percent as compared to control values. A decrease of lysyl oxidase activity was observed twelve hours after the initial glucocorticoid injection. The decreased lysyl oxidase activity was accompanied by a forty-nine percent decrease of acetic acid extractable collagen. There was also a forty-two percent decrease in the α/β ratio of the acetic acid soluble skin collagen of glucocorticoid-treated animals. These data indicate that although skin lysyl oxidase activity is decreased by glucocorticoid treatment. the crosslinking of acid extracted collagen as measured by the α/β ratio and collagen solubility is increased. Accordingly lysyl oxidase activity is not rate limiting for collagen crosslink formation in the skins of rats treated with glucocorticoids.
Compressible Navier–Stokes Equations with Zero Heat Conductivity

Abstract We study the large-time behavior of solutions of the compressible Navier–Stokes equations without heat conductivity. Acoustic waves are dissipative due to the viscosity. Entropy waves are nondissipative due to lack of heat conductivity. Thus the system is of composite type, the simplest prototype of this class of nonlinear partial differential equations. We study the nonlinear interactions of waves using a combination of energy method, weighted energy method, and pointwise estimates.
Oxide electronics: Upward mobility rocks!

Propelled by the recent renaissance of oxides, a material has emerged with sufficient purity and perfection to join those select materials that show the fractional quantum Hall effect: ZnO.
Avoiding Cyberspace Catastrophes through Smarter Testing

The Heartbleed bug highlighted a critical problem in the software industry: inadequately tested software results in serious security vulnerabilities. Available testing technologies, combined with emerging standards, can help tech companies meet increasing consumer demand for greater Internet security.
Relief of itch by scratching: state-dependent inhibition of primate spinothalamic tract neurons

Itch is relieved by scratching, but the neural mechanisms that are responsible for this are unknown. Spinothalamic tract (STT) neurons respond to itch-producing agents and transmit pruritic information to the brain. We observed that scratching the cutaneous receptive field of primate STT neurons produced inhibition during histamine-evoked activity but not during spontaneous activity or activity evoked by a painful stimulus, suggesting that scratching inhibits the transmission of itch in the spinal cord in a state-dependent manner.
Sirtuins at a Glance

Sirtuins are NAD-dependent deacetylases that are highly conserved from bacteria to human and SIR2 was originally shown to extend lifespan in budding yeast ([Imai et al., 2000][1]; [Kaeberlein et al., 1999][2]). Since then, sirtuins have been shown to also regulate longevity in other lower organisms
Trouble with physics: Time to follow beauty?

Aesthetics is the most reliable guide as we seek a more complete theory of matter beyond the standard model, argues Frank Wilczek
Controlled release of vancomycin from thin sol-gel films on implant surfaces successfully controls osteomyelitis.

Peri-prosthetic infection remains a serious complication of joint replacement surgery. Herein, we demonstrate that a vancomycin-containing sol-gel film on Ti alloy rods can successfully treat bacterial infections in an animal model. The vancomycin-containing sol-gel films exhibited predictable release kinetics, while significantly inhibiting S. aureus adhesion. When evaluated in a rat osteomyelitis model, microbiological analysis indicated that the vancomycin-containing sol-gel film caused a profound decrease in S. aureus number. Radiologically, while the control side showed extensive bone degradation, including abscesses and an extensive periosteal reaction, rods coated with the vancomycin-containing sol-gel film resulted in minimal signs of infection. µCT analysis confirmed the radiological results, while demonstrating that the vancomycin-containing sol-gel film significantly protected dense bone from resorption and minimized remodeling. These results clearly demonstrate that this novel thin sol-gel technology can be used for the targeted delivery of antibiotics for the treatment of periprosthetic as well as other bone infections. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 701–709, 2009
Backtracking tactics in the backtrack method for SAT

Backtrack is an exhaustive search method by consecutively extending partial solutions. Backtracking is a step of backtrack, which occurs when extensions cannot go deeper. So far, people have taken the depth-first backtracking tactic as default in backtrack methods. This paper discusses backtracking tactics for the SAT problem. We propose a category of new backtracking tactics that are better than the depth-first backtracking tactic in our computational experiments.
Demand Response Using Linear Supply Function Bidding

In this paper, we consider an abstract market model for demand response where a supply function bidding is applied to match power supply deficit or surplus. We characterize the resulting equilibria in competitive and oligopolistic markets and propose distributed demand response algorithms to achieve the equilibria. We further show that the equilibrium in competitive market maximizes social welfare, and the equilibrium in oligopolistic market has bounded efficiency loss under certain mild assumptions. We also propose distributed demand response algorithms to achieve the equilibria.
Towards Remote Sensing via Atmospheric Lasing

We present the characterization of remote coherence brightened lasing in atmosphere. Using this backward propagating beam in conjunction with conventional laser sources, we show the feasibility of remote sensing impurities through novel coherent Raman techniques.
Self-tuning control feedforward for multivariable systems with arbitrary interactor matrix

A general multivariable self tuning controller based on the generalized minimum variance strategy is proposed to control a plant with arbitrary interactor matrix and subject to measurable disturbances plus stochastic disturbances. The way of choosing the weighting polynomial matrices in the performance index is investigated to assign the closed-loop poles at the prescribed positions and achieve the best rejection of measurable disturbances acting on the controlled plant. Moreover, some techniques of updating on-line the weighting polynomial matrices are presented and the decoupling self-tuning control algorithms are obtained for a class of multivariable systems. Simulated examples are described which illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithms.
Opacification of the visual axis after cataract surgery and single acrylic intraocular lens implantation in the first year of life.

Abstract Purpose To report the incidence and risk factors for secondary surgical intervention to treat visual axis opacification (VAO) after cataract surgery and acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during the first year of life. Methods A retrospective review of 29 eyes of 20 patients receiving a hydrophobic acrylic (AcrySof; Alcon, Fort Worth, TX) IOL implantation was conducted. All eyes underwent primary posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL). Results Average age at surgery was 4.8 ± 3.7 months, and average follow-up was 33.4 ± 16.1 months. Eleven of 29 (37.9%) eyes developed VAO requiring secondary surgical intervention at a median of 4.8 months (95% confidence interval 3.4 to 6.2). Average age at surgery for eyes that subsequently opacified was 3.8 ± 3.0 months compared with 5.4 ± 4.0 months for those whose visual axis remained clear (P = 0.26). The relative risk of subsequent VAO surgery was 2.7 for primary surgery performed at or before the first 6 months of life. Opacification was significantly related to eyes with associated ocular anomalies (eg, anterior segment dysgenesis, iris hypoplasia, or persistent fetal vasculature) with a relative risk of 8.6 (P Conclusions When cataract and IOL surgery was undertaken within the first year of life, a secondary surgical procedure was required in 37.9% of eyes to maintain a clear visual axis. Most secondary surgery for VAO occurred within the first 6 months after surgery. Postoperative opacification was most common in eyes with associated ocular anomalies.
A preliminary investigation of communication techniques for local and remote access to image databases

A software technique which allows users to examine images remotely while minimizing transmission time, is discussed. The technique provides a browsing capability, making it possible to roam over larger images, to zoom to various resolution levels, and to specify subregions of interest in the image to display at full resolution. The software permits analysts to remotely submit images for processing and to review the processing result. The capabilities of the technique under varying conditions and the speed at which imagery can be displayed over direct connect serial lines are discussed and examples of the imagery at various levels of resolution are presented.
Polarization dependent effects of radiation on wavelength division multiplexers

The effects of radiation on fused biconical taper wavelength division multiplexers are presented. The polarization sensitivity of these devices before and after irradiation is discussed. Preliminary results on the effects of irradiating different regions of the device, and comparisons between the effects of proton and Co 60 radiation sources are also given. A theoretical model that takes into account the index change in the Ge-doped cores of the optical fibers used to make these devices agrees well with experimental observations. This indicates that index changes in the fiber may be primarily responsible for the effects of radiation on these devices.
Risk, Trade, Recovery, and the Consideration of Real Options: The Imperative Coordination of Policy, Marketing, and Finance in the Wake of Catastrophe

Abstract Recovery from societal and market catastrophe is a daunting process that requires multifunctional, systemic, and long-term efforts. Humanitarian aid and donor assistance are rarely sufficient. Trade and other forms of direct investment in devastated markets offer another kind of recovery assistance. However, risks encountered in recovering economies can deter firms from investing. The authors apply a real-options framework to examine the financial feasibility of trading with recovering economies; they apply the framework to the countries of the war-disintegrated former Yugoslavia. The real-options framework considers the value of managerial flexibility in the presence of risks. The authors discuss implications for policy, marketing management, export development, and economic and societal recovery in several contexts.
Altered Channel Activity Of RyR1-R163C From Malignant Hyperthermia Mutation Knock-in Mouse

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening pharmacogenetic syndrome that can be triggered in susceptible individuals by exposure to volatile anesthetics and/or depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents. The pathophysiology of this syndrome is not yet fully understood. Using junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) from the skeletal muscle of heterozygous mice carrying the RyR1-R163C MH mutation we directly assessed how RyR1-R163C channels function under varied Ca2+ and redox conditions. It was previously reported that myotubes expressing RyR1-R163C were significantly more sensitive to stimulation by pharmacological and physiological activators such as caffeine, 4-chloro-m-cresol and K+-induced depolarization than Wt whereas the EC50 RyR1-R163C for Ca2+ activation was not altered. Consistent with these findings, the present study demonstrated that the equilibrium and association kinetics of [3H]ryanodine binding to SR from RyR1-R163C mice was significantly enhanced compared to Wt in the presence of 50nM-3μM Ca2+. [3H]ryanodine binding to SR from RyR1-R163C mice was also less sensitive than Wt to inhibition by reducing glutathione redox potentials. Direct measurements of single RyR1-R163C channels incorporated in BLM revealed that the majority of reconstituted channels exhibited very high open probabilities (Po > 0.9) with prolonged mean open dwell times and decreased mean closed times, compared to Wt. RyR1-R163C channels had dramatically enhanced channel open probability even in the presence of <100nM cytosolic Ca2+ or 3-5mM reduced glutathione (GSH). These data show that RyR1-R163C has altered sensitivity to regulation by cytoplasmic Ca2+ and GSH. Supported by AR52354
Cheating on Multiple-Choice Exams: Monitoring, Assessment, and an Optional Assignment.

Academic dishonesty is unethical. Exam cheating is viewed as more serious than most other forms (Pincus and Schmelkin 2003). The authors review the general cheating problem, introduce a program to conservatively identify likely cheaters on multiple-choice exams, and offer a procedure for handling likely cheaters. Feedback from students who confess and complete the assignment is positive.
Applications of the householder transformation to Ridge-type estimation methods

Ridge-type estimation methods, used as a means to overcome the effects of ill-conditioning in nonlinear inverse problems, have recently been modified to include the use of observation statistics in the solution process and to compute a different biasing parameter for each model variable. These ridge-type estimation methods have commonly been implemented using Cholesky decomposition techniques in lieu of standard matrix inversion. However, in many applications it is desirable touse more advanced Householder transformation methods in the solution process for enhanced computational efficiency and numerical stability. In this presentation, modifications of the Householder orthogonal transformation have been made in order to efficiently accomodate ridge-type estimation methods. Results have been verified and are provided in algorithmic form.
The Apparent Thresholds of Toxicity to Daphnia Magna for Chlorides of Various Metals When Added to Lake Erie Water

Abstract The apparent threshold concentrations of toxicity to Daphnia magna are presented for 25 cations when added to Lake Erie water. Various factors such as the specific toxic actions of the cations, high acidities, excessive osmotic pressures, and precipitates operated to kill daphnids when the salts used were above the thresholds. When factors other than the specific toxic actions may have been responsible for death at threshold concentrations they are described. The thresholds presented are compared with those found by other investigators for Daphnia and other animals, especially fish. In general the Daphnia and related forms are more susceptible to cations than are fish. Ecdysis is a critical period in the life of Daphnia, particularly in the presence of certain salts. Various explanations are advanced to account for this fact. Since daphnids are more susceptible at molting it is essential that exposure periods be long enough to provide sufficient time for all the experimental animals to molt when ...
Development of Transformer Neutrals DC Current Blocking Device in High Power System

The DC current through transformer neutrals was harmful for transformer operation and influenced system stability. Among several methods of limiting or eliminating neutrals DC current, series capacitor method, composed by capacitor and fault bypass system, was an ideal way. Several criterions must be followed, they were: no or less influence to relevant relays and automations; tolerance worst fault current and keep safety of transformers and neutrals; in normal system mode must ensure neutrals in capacitor ground state; once neutrals voltage overpass threshold, bypass system should be put into operation in limited time; economical and feasible for installation, testing & maintenance, etc. Capacitor had been adopted as main component, which had been inserted between transformer neutrals and earth. Bypass system had paralleled with capacitor and composed of a full- wave diode bridge rectifier, thyristor trigger circuit, pre-test circuit before capacitor-ground, fast breaker and other auxiliary components. When transformer neutrals in direct-ground state, and DC current through transformer neutrals over setting up value, a pre -trigger process of thyristor started to check whether bypass system run correctly, if right, device transferred neutral grounding state from direct-ground to capacitor-ground; when in capacitor-ground state, if system fault event occurred and terminal voltage surpassed threshold, trigger circuit had been fired to make neutrals to direct ground state as quickly as 20 us and simultaneously fast breaker operated and ensured metal ground below 25 ms. Built in control unit and recorder unit improved device automation and reliability .By remote terminal several devices could be monitored. For engineering required, the prototype model device had been produced. Factory test including big current surge endurance and automation characteristic showed this device could satisfy power system field application.
A comparative study of cardioactive agents from bivalve tissue.

Abstract 1. 1. Bioassay of gel fractions of extracts from bivalve hearts and ganglia has demonstrated the presence of cardioactive agents othe than acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and catecholamines. 2. 2. Two peaks of cardiac activity were present in all the tissues examined. Of these, only one had a consiste4nt, strong effect on bivalve hearts. This peak, previously referred to as Peak C, has been investigated in detail. 3. 3. The amino acid content, u.v. spectrum and pharmacological properties of Peak C were studied and criteria have thus been established for recognizing it. 4. 4. Peak C may have a physiological role in maintaining the rhythmicity of the heart.
Introduction to the special issue marine policy science, state and fishers knowledge in the Benguela ecosystem in Southern Africa

Abstract This Introduction places this special issue in the larger context of the history of research on marine policy, fishers knowledge and science. It also provides summaries of the contributions to the special issue and an assessment of the overall contribution of the special issue.
Image Position Encoding: an Efficient Data Structure for Random Processing of Large Digital Images

An error-free digital image encoding method is presented which has the format and data compression characteristics of run-length encoding, but allows for the determination of original image co-ordi...
Evaluation of serial grey scale ultrasound scans in a gynecologic oncology clinic

Fifty women with primary malignant neoplasms of the ovary, fallopian tube, or uterus were examined and followed with serial grey scale ultrasound scans of the abdomen and pelvis during the course of their oncologic management. Assessment of the usefulness of this technique to the clinican indicates that in 66% of the cases, serial ultrasound studies were considered contributory, confirming the clinical impression or adding new information. Twenty percent of the ultrasound examinations were misleading, but did not adversely effect clinical management. These cases have been analyzed in detail; technical problems and pitfalls are discussed. It is concluded that ultrasonography can make a contribution in the follow-up of patients with gynecologic malignancies when carefully correlated with the clinical assessment, but certain patients may be unsuitable for scanning.