cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dry Deposition of Particles: Comparison of Published Experimental Results with Model Predictions

Published particle depostion velocity data from well documented field and wind tunnel experiments are compared with the values predicted by Sehmel’s semi-empirical model. It is found that at low shear stresses the predicted values are systematically greater than the measured ones. The increase of deposition velocity towards low shear stress predicted by Sehmel, being not explicable by known physical processes, has not been verified by the experimental data either. Systematic discrepancies between measured and predicted velocities as a function of particle size are also found.
Monocrystalline perovskite wafers/thin films for photovoltaic and transistor applications

High-purity monocrystalline silicon has a long history in the development of photovoltaics; so far, it has dominant applications in modern computers with its profound implementations in transistors and chips. The success of silicon has shown that monocrystalline wafers/thin films of semiconducting materials with superior electronic properties are a good platform for optoelectronic and electronic applications. Recently, the newly emerging semiconducting materials of halide perovskites (HPs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their continuing success in high-efficiency solar cells. The demonstrated optoelectronic properties of HPs indicate that it could be a promising alternative to the silicon-based semiconducting industry. However, the prerequisite of high-efficiency devices is the material accessibility of monocrystalline HPs (mono-HPs), as per the lessons learned from monocrystalline silicon. Current HPs-based technologies, in terms of research areas such as solar cells, photodetectors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, and transistors, suffer a bottleneck in manufacturing mono-HP wafers/thin-film materials; hence, exciting results involving mono-HP devices are absent. State-of-the-art optoelectronic HP-based devices are exclusively built using polycrystalline thin films, which are limited in their performance due to issues such as grain-boundary defects, large trap density, and inhomogeneous charge transport. However, these issues can be resolved by utilizing mono-HPs. In this review, we provide in-depth analyses and discussions on the potential of mono-HPs in photovoltaics and transistor applications, and we present the remaining challenges, as well as promising research strategies, to provide a direction for future programs.
Plea Bargaining: Negotiated Justice

This chapter introduces another player in the criminal process, the prosecutor, who is instrumental in the determination of actual criminal punishments through the practice of plea bargaining. Under plea bargaining, which is a literal negotiation between prosecutors and defendants over criminal sentences, prosecutors exercise considerable discretion regarding both what charge to bring and what sentence to offer. The vast majority of criminal convictions in the United States are achieved in this way. The chapter reviews economic theories of this practice and emphasizes the trade-off between the resulting savings in trial costs and the risk of wrongful conviction. It concludes by examining how plea bargaining affects the goals of deterrence and corrective justice.
Review and critique of existing simplified models for predicting factory noise levels

This article is based on a report to the CSA Industrial Noise sub-committee in response to its request to study the need for and feasibility of revising the existing CSA standard procedure for predicting noise levels in factories. It reviews and attempts a preliminary evaluation of existing models for predicting noise levels in factories. The important factory-acoustic parameters and factory-noise characteristics are discussed. Six models are described, along with the extent to which they have been validated. The models are then evaluated with respect to what extent they take the various parameters into account, and predict the various characteristics. It is concluded that the models have significant merits and short-comings, and that they have not been adequately validated in comparison with reliable experimental results. It is further suggested that there may be scope for a new, more comprehensive simplified model
Characterizing the Effects of Diabetes and Obesity on Insulin and Leptin Levels amongst Pregnant Women.

Objective In this study, we assess the impact of obesity and diabetes on maternal brain and periphery, as well as fetal exposure to insulin and leptin, and two hormones that play an important role in regulating energy homeostasis. Study Design Fasting maternal plasma, fetal cord vein and artery plasma, and maternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected in 37 women (12 lean, nondiabetic [prepregnancy body mass index (BMI): 22.9 ± 1.7 kg/m2]; 12 overweight/obese nondiabetic [BMI: 37.8 ± 7.3 kg/m2]; 13 gestational/type 2 diabetes mellitus [BMI: 29.8 ± 7.3 kg/m2]) with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies undergoing elective Cesarean delivery. HbA1C, insulin, glucose, and leptin levels were measured. Results Compared with lean mothers, mothers with obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) had significantly lower CSF-to-plasma ratios of insulin. Moreover, mothers with obesity and DM had significantly lower cord arterial and cord venous to maternal plasma ratios of insulin, but not leptin, compared with lean mothers. There were no differences in CSF and cord blood insulin and leptin levels between obese and DM mothers. Conclusion Compared with lean individuals, mothers with obesity and DM have relative deficiencies in insulin exposure. The patterns observed in mothers with obesity and diabetes were similar highlighting the importance of the maternal metabolic environment in obesity and suggesting obese patients warrant further clinical focus.
Treatment of an Aggressive Orthotopic Murine Glioblastoma Model with Combination Checkpoint Blockade and a Multivalent Neoantigen Vaccine.

Background Although clinical trials testing immunotherapies in glioblastoma (GBM) have yielded mixed results, new strategies targeting tumor-specific somatic coding mutations, termed "neoantigens," represent promising therapeutic approaches. We characterized the microenvironment and neoantigen landscape of the aggressive CT2A GBM model in order to develop a platform to test combination checkpoint blockade and neoantigen vaccination. Methods Flow cytometric analysis was performed on intracranial CT2A and GL261 tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Whole-exome DNA and RNA sequencing of the CT2A murine GBM was employed to identify expressed, somatic mutations. Predicted neoantigens were identified using the pVAC-seq software suite, and top-ranking candidates were screened for reactivity by interferon-gamma enzyme linked immunospot assays. Survival analysis was performed comparing neoantigen vaccination, anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (αPD-L1), or combination therapy. Results Compared with the GL261 model, CT2A exhibited immunologic features consistent with human GBM including reduced αPD-L1 sensitivity and hypofunctional TILs. Of the 29 CT2A neoantigens screened, we identified neoantigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in the intracranial TIL and draining lymph nodes to two H2-Kb restricted (Epb4H471L and Pomgnt1R497L) and one H2-Db restricted neoantigen (Plin2G332R). Survival analysis showed that therapeutic neoantigen vaccination with Epb4H471L, Pomgnt1R497L, and Plin2G332R, in combination with αPD-L1 treatment was superior to αPD-L1 alone. Conclusions We identified endogenous neoantigen specific CD8+ T cells within an αPD-L1 resistant murine GBM and show that neoantigen vaccination significantly augments survival benefit in combination with αPD-L1 treatment. These observations provide important preclinical correlates for GBM immunotherapy trials and support further investigation into the effects of multimodal immunotherapeutic interventions on antiglioma immunity. Key points 1. Neoantigen vaccines combined with checkpoint blockade may be promising treatments.2. CT2A tumors exhibit features of human GBM microenvironments.3. Differential scanning fluorimetry assays may complement in silico neoantigen prediction tools.
Phosphoproteomics Reveals a Distinct Mode of Mec1/ATR Signaling in Response to DNA End Hyper-Resection

The Mec1/ATR kinase is crucial for genome maintenance in response to a range of genotoxic insults, although how it promotes context-dependent signaling and DNA repair remains elusive. Here we uncovered a specialized mode of Mec1/ATR signaling triggered by the extensive nucleolytic processing (resection) of DNA ends. Cells lacking RAD9, a checkpoint activator and an inhibitor of resection, exhibit a selective increase in Mec1-dependent phosphorylation of proteins associated with single strand DNA transactions, including the ssDNA binding protein Rfa2, the translocase/ubiquitin ligase Uls1 and the HR-regulatory Sgs1-Top3-Rmi1 (STR) complex. Extensive Mec1-dependent phosphorylation of the STR complex, mostly on the Sgs1 helicase subunit, promotes an interaction between STR and the DNA repair scaffolding protein Dpb11. Fusion of Sgs1 to phosphopeptide-binding domains of Dpb11 strongly impairs HR-mediated repair, supporting a model whereby Mec1 signaling regulates STR upon hyper-resection to influence recombination outcomes. Overall, the identification of a distinct mode of Mec1 signaling triggered by hyper-resection highlights the multi-faceted action of this kinase in the coordination of checkpoint signaling and HR-mediated DNA repair.
Beyond speech lateralization: a review of the variability, reliability, and validity of the intracarotid amobarbital procedure and its nonlanguage uses in epilepsy surgery candidates

While the intracarotid amobarbital procedure (IAP) was originally utilized to lateralize speech functions as an aid in the surgical treatment of epilepsy, additional uses for the IAP have emerged including: (1) the use of the IAP to predict post-surgical memory changes, including both global amnesia and smaller, yet significant, material-specific memory deficits; (2) the use of the IAP to provide confirmatory evidence of lateralization of seizure focus; and (3) the use of the IAP to predict post-surgical relief from seizures. While the literature on the IAP is extensive and growing, its utility is marred by the wide variability associated with the procedure itself from epilepsy center to center. This variability renders comparisons among IAP studies problematic and conclusions about IAP efficacy difficult. The variability associated with the amobarbital procedures, as well as the reliability and the validity of the IAP in its nonlanguage uses is reviewed here. A special emphasis is devoted to research conducted in the last decade. Also discussed is the future of the IAP including anticipated research directions.
Polymer-based thermoelectric materials: A review of power factor improving strategies

Abstract Thermoelectric (TE) materials are receiving increasing attention due to their ability to directly converting heat to electricity. They are used to harvest electrical energy from the wasted heat in order to increase the efficiency of global energy. Polymer-based TE materials are particularly fascinating to wearable and mobile devices due to their low density, good flexibility, and low toxicity. This review summarizes the recent breakthroughs and optimization strategies of polymer-based TE materials. Among a large number of different organic TE materials, those with remarkable TE performance are selected and divided into three categories, which are poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) derivatives, carbon nanotube/conductive polymer composites, and inorganic semiconductive nanomaterial/polymer composites. The effect of components and structures on the power factor are presented and discussed. Finally, some challenges are described and suggestions are provided for preparing the next-generation of polymer-based materials with high TE performance.
Administrative burden, social construction, and public support for government programs

Administrative burden imposes costs on citizens as they interact with government. A high level of administrative burden in programs is linked to negative outcomes for those engaging with the policy, such as reduced take-up. However, despite the negative effects, the mass public is often supportive of greater administrative burden for government programs, and research suggests that high levels of burden can increase favorability toward government social programs, at least for some individuals. However, research suggests that these attitudes may be affected by how target populations associated with programs are socially constructed. In this paper, we explore whether the effect of information about high and low administrative burden on program approval is influenced by the social construction of participants. Using a survey experiment, we examine how the relationship between burden and program attitudes differs across programs as well as across different types of applicants. Our results suggest the effect of burden on program approval varies by the social construction of program participants, providing insight into the role of social construction in the relationship between burden and support for government aid.
Potential error from using ZT to optimize thermoelectric performance

Despite known shortcomings, the dimensionless figure of merit, ZT, continues to be the most widely used material performance metric in thermoelectrics research. Here, we expose yet another potential drawback of using the ZT to evaluate new thermoelectric materials. Specifically, by comparison with more accurate methods of estimating thermoelectric material energy conversion efficiency, we find that using the ZT as the optimization criterion could possibly lead to erroneous conclusions about the optimal doping density when optimizing performance. Using a simple semiconductor model, we find that optimal doping densities as determined using the ZT could be in error by a factor of two or more, potentially contributing a relatively small but non-negligible loss in device efficiency that could be easily avoided by using modern methods for estimation of material conversion efficiency.
Issue Framing and U.S. State Energy and Climate Policy Choice

Experimental and case study research has highlighted the importance of issue framing to the adoption of state renewable energy and climate change policies. Yet this relationship has not been tested within broader models of state policy adoption. We fill this gap by exploring the relationship between issue‐framing patterns and climate/renewable energy policy activity across the 50 U.S. states, controlling for other well‐known determinants of state environmental policy choice. Our results confirm that framing patterns for these issues vary markedly between states and regions and that a higher proportion of frames highlighting the economic benefits of climate change and renewable energy policies is positively associated with state policy activity. These results further confirm the importance of new issue frames related to economic benefits in subnational climate and renewable energy politics. 实验研究和案例研究强调了议题建构对州级可再生能源及气候变化政策采纳的重要性。不过，这一关系还未在更广的州级政策采纳模式中加以验证。通过探究美国50州的议题建构模式和气候/可再生能源政策活动之间的关系，同时控制州级环境政策选择的其他决定因素，我们填补了该研究空白。研究结果证实了两点，第一，议题建构模式在各州和区域之间差异显著；第二，更高比例的、强调气候变化和可再生能源政策的经济利益的议题建构，与州政策活动呈正相关。该研究结果进一步证实了强调次国家气候和可再生能源政治的经济利益的新议题建构的重要性。 La investigacion experimental y de estudios de caso ha destacado la importancia del encuadre de problemas para la adopcion de politicas estatales de energia renovable y cambio climatico. Sin embargo, esta relacion no ha sido probada dentro de modelos mas amplios de adopcion de politicas estatales. Cubrimos este vacio explorando la relacion entre los patrones de encuadre de problemas y la actividad de politicas de energia renovable / clima en los 50 estados de EE. UU., Controlando otros determinantes bien conocidos de la eleccion de politicas ambientales estatales. Nuestros resultados confirman que los patrones de encuadre para estos temas varian notablemente entre estados y regiones y que una mayor proporcion de marcos que destacan los beneficios economicos del cambio climatico y las politicas de energia renovable se asocia positivamente con la actividad de las politicas estatales. Estos resultados confirman aun mas la importancia de los nuevos marcos tematicos relacionados con los beneficios economicos en el clima subnacional y las politicas de energia renovable.
Consequential choices: A language ideological perspective on learners' (non-)adoption of a dialectal variant

This article employs a language ideological framework to explore how particular language attitudes and beliefs shaped one group of U.S. students' choices to avoid producing a dialectal variant, Castilian Spanish [θ], in the context of an undergraduate Spanish pronunciation class. An analysis of ethnographic data points to the significance of three common beliefs that frame the appropriate use of [θ] in idealized monolingual terms that are incongruous with a U.S. national identity. The instructor mobilized these beliefs at key moments to establish normative expectations that discouraged learners from producing [θ]. Students also alluded to these beliefs and the consequences of being unable to use [θ] appropriately to explain their decisions to eschew this variant following the class. These findings suggest that language attitudes and beliefs shape learners' choices to adopt dialectal variants in production as an effect of language ideologies on the L2 development of phonology and sociolinguistic competence.
The selective S-methylation of sulfhydryl groups in proteins and peptides with methyl-p-nitrobenzenesulfonate

Abstract The cysteine residues in proteins and peptides may be quantitatively and selectively converted to the S-methyl derivatives by reaction with methyl-p-nitrobenzenesulfonate. Procedures are described for the reduction and methylation of a variety of proteins at pH 8.6 and 37°, together with the pH rate profile for the methylation of reduced glutathione at 25°. The methylation of S-sulfoinsulin B chain and an S-benzylcysteinyl pentapeptide was performed after removal of the protective groups by mercaptoethanol and sodium in liquid ammonia, respectively. Amino acid analysis of the various S-methylated proteins and peptides revealed no modifications other than the quantitative conversion of cysteine to S-methylcysteine. The specific radioactivity and amino acid analysis of 14C-methylcysteinyl rhodanese isolated after reaction with radioactive reagent revealed that the modifications were confined to the 2 cysteine residues in rhodanese monomer. Methylation of the presumed active site cysteine residue in papain occurred only in 7 m urea and was accompanied by inactivation of the enzyme; papain was refractive to the reagent in the absence of denaturing agents.
High-resolution x-ray imaging using Rowland-circle Bragg optics

A new approach to high-resolution imaging of radio-labeled agents based on Rowland circle x-ray optics is presented. Perfect-crystal Bragg optics is widely used in x-ray research due to its high reflectivity and excellent energy resolution. The nature of Bragg reflections directly correlates energy and spatial resolution, therefore yielding good imaging properties. Applied in a one to one focusing Rowland geometry, an array of spherically bent Bragg crystals can provide a large solid angle acceptance required for efficient imaging. The potential advantage over e.g. SPECT is twofold. First, focusing optics provides a 'virtual pinhole' which can effectively be inside the object under investigation and does not suffer from edge effects and scattering. Second, Bragg optics has an energy resolution of a few eV and discriminates against inelastic Compton scattering, a common source for image blurring. Studies using /sup 55/Fe and /sup 95m/Tc phantoms are presented, where a spatial resolution of less than 1 mm and 2 mm was achieved respectively.
Introduction to Computer Engineering: Hardware and Software Design

A one-semester, undergraduate course stressing the use of information transfer concepts necessary to analysis and design of modern digital systems. It is organized to provide an integrated overview of the various classes of digital information-processing systems and devices and the interrelationship between the hardware and software techniques that can be used to solve problems.
Partners Healthcare Order Set Schema: An Information Model for Management of Clinical Content

Developed by the Clinical Knowledge Management and Decision Support Group at Partners HealthCare and the Decision Systems Group at Harvard Medical School, the XML-based Order Set Schema presented in this chapter is the result of a broader enterprise-wide knowledge management effort to enhance quality, safety, and efficiency of provided care at Partners HealthCare while maximizing the use of new clinical information technology. We are in the process of deploying the Order Set Schema at two Partners-based, Harvard-affiliated academic medical centers the Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, so that existing content in the Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems at these two institutions can be successfully extracted and mapped into the proposed schema. In this way, “hardwired” knowledge could be mapped into taxonomies of relevant terms, definitions and associations, resulting in formalized conceptual models and ontologies with explicit, consistent, user-meaningful relationships among concepts to support collaboration, and content management that will promote systematic (a) conversion of reference content into a form that approaches specifications for decision support content; (b) development and reuse of clinical content while ensuring consistency in the information; and (c) support an open and distributed review process among leadership, content matter experts, and end-users. Further, incorporating metadata into our unified content strategy will improve workflow by enabling timely review and updating of content, knowledge life-cycle management, and knowledge encoding; reduce costs and; aid authors to identify relevant elements for reuse while reducing redundant and spurious content. Ultimately, we view our knowledge management infrastructure as a key element for knowledge discovery.
THE MAGSAT PRECISION VECTOR MAGNETOMETER

This paper examines the Magsat precision vector magnetometer which is designed to measure projections of the ambient field in three orthogonal directions. The system contains a highly stable and linear triaxial fluxgate magnetometer with a dynamic range of + or - 2000 nT (1 nT = 10 to the -9 weber per sq m). The magnetometer electronics, analog-to-digital converter, and digitally controlled current sources are implemented with redundant designs to avoid a loss of data in case of failures. Measurements are carried out with an accuracy of + or - 1 part in 64,000 in magnitude and 5 arcsec in orientation (1 arcsec = 0.00028 deg).
Government and Industry Led Operations to Curb Counterfeit Trade

The purpose of this chapter is to give a succinct overview of the leading multilateral organizations and industry associations that safeguard intellectual property rights. First, a quick overview of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization, the IP-related governance in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the enforcement of IP through the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). These four international agencies were selected for illustration purposes and many more global organizations could have been selected for this chapter. Second, a description of some of the principal industry associations that have IP at the forefront of their mandates—the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC), the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the Software Information Industry Association (SIIA), the Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and the International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI) are highlighted in this chapter. Again, these six associations were selected due to their high profile for collecting data on piracy in their respective market segments. There are many more trade associations that exist with strong linkages to IP protection.
Internet censorship in china: where does the filtering occur?

China filters Internet traffic in and out of the country. In order to circumvent the firewall, it is helpful to know where the filtering occurs. In this work, we explore the AS-level topology of China's network, and probe the firewall to find the locations of filtering devices. We find that even though most filtering occurs in border ASes, choke points also exist in many provincial networks. The result suggests that two major ISPs in China have different approaches placing filtering devices.
Fracture of fatigue-loaded composite laminates

Abstract While the quasi-static fracture load of many composite laminates can be estimated with engineering accuracy, the fracture event itself has not been clearly characterized and is incompletely understood. When cyclic loading is present, the pre-fracture damage state is altered significantly, so that estimating strength (or residual strength) is greatly complicated. The present paper examines this complexity and attempts to assess the manner in which pre-fracture fatigue damage affects residual strength and the fracture event. It is found that the large strength reductions observed prior to failure at low load levels can be accounted for by internal stress redistribution and material degradation events. A careful chain of physical evidence in support of this approach is presented.
Inhibition of inter-microbial predation by chlorinated hydrocarbons

TIDAL or estuarine regions have traditionally served as sinks for municipal sewage. Some microbial predators in the sea feed on the enteric bacteria contained in such sewage1. Recently, the concentration of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the sea, especially in estuarine regions, has increased although it remains considerably below the concentration which directly affects the viability of predators or intestional pathogens. But, estuarine chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations are within a factor of 20 of those which we have observed to inhibit the chemotactic response of marine bacteria2. Because bacterial predators are chemotactic specifically to exudates of their prey3, inhibition of chemotaxis by chlorinated hydrocarbons may directly affect estuarine self-purification rates. We report here the impact of two chlorinated hydrocarbons, at concentrations observed to inhibit chemotaxis4, on enteric bacteria predation.
Optical recognition of hand-printed characters of any size, position, and orientation

This paper deals with the optical recognition of text data in documents such as engineering drawings, land-use and land-register maps, and utility maps. The automatic computer acquisition of these documents is performed through the basic steps of vectorization of the line-structure and recognition of the text data interspersed in the document. The latter data are usually handwritten by professional draftsmen, and may have any size, position, and orientation. We review some of the features appropriate to this particular OCR problem, and suggest a special recognition strategy. Numerous examples are given. The results obtained with a prototype system on actual land-register maps are reported.
Value-based reliability transmission planning

This paper presents a new value-based reliability planning (VBRP) process proposed for planning Duke Power Company's (DPC) regional transmission system. All transmission served customers are fed from DPC's regional transmission system which consists of a 44 kV predominately radial system and a 100 kV predominately nonradial system. In the past, any single contingency that could occur during system peak conditions and cause a thermal overload required the overloaded facility to be upgraded, regardless of the costs or the likelihood of the overload occurring. The new VBRP process is based on transmission system reliability evaluation and includes the following important elements: (1) a ten-year historical database describing the probabilities of forced outages for lines and transformers; (2) a five-year average load duration curve describing the probability of an overload should a contingency occur; (3) a customer outage cost data base; and (4) probabilistic techniques. The new process attempts to balance the costs of improving service reliability with the benefits or value that these improvements bring to these customers. The objective is to provide customers with their required level of reliability while minimizing the total cost of their electric service.
Crystal structure of the BARD1 BRCT domains.

The interaction of the breast tumor suppressor BRCA1 with the protein BARD1 results in the formation of a heterodimeric complex that has ubiquitin ligase activity and plays central roles in cell cycle checkpoint control and DNA repair. Both BRCA1 and BARD1 possess a pair of tandem BRCT domains that interact in a phosphorylation-dependent manner with target proteins. We determined the crystal structure of the human BARD1 BRCT repeats (residues 568−777) at 1.9 A resolution. The composition and structure of the BARD1 phosphoserine-binding pocket P1 are strikingly similar to those of the BRCA1 and MDC1 BRCT domains, suggesting a similar mode of interaction with the phosphate group of the ligand. By contrast, the BARD1 BRCT selectivity pocket P2 exhibits distinct structural features, including two prominent histidine residues, His685 and His686, which may be important for ligand binding. The protonation state of these histidines has a marked effect on the calculated electrostatic potential in the vicinity of P...
CO2 laser urethroplasty in the rabbit: a preclinical model.

Our previous work has shown that the CO2 laser can be successfully used in urethral reconstruction in a rat model. This new experiment investigates the use of the CO2 laser to perform a patch graft urethroplasty in the rabbit, as a preclinical model to its use in the repair of hypospadias in humans. Using sterile technique, a patch graft of preputial skin was welded in the repair of a standardized urethral defect in 10 rabbits. In another cohort, the same urethral defect was repaired using standard microsuture technique. In a control group the patch graft was placed with microsuture in a nonwatertight fashion. All animals were followed for 3 weeks. Histologic and radiologic analyses were done in a blinded fashion. Our study showed that CO2 laser repair, when compared to microsuture in urethral reconstruction, required 40% less operative time and produced better graft healing and less intraluminal scarring. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization of single copy transgenes in rice chromosomes

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful tool for visualizing the chromosomal location of targeted sequences and has been applied in many areas, including karyotyping, breeding and characterization of genes introduced into the plant genome. A simple, routine and sensitive FISH procedure was developed for localizing single copy genes in rice (Oryza sativa L.) metaphase chromosomes. We used digoxygenin-labeled endogenous or T-DNA sequences as small as 5.6 kb to probe corresponding endogenous sequences or the T-DNA insert in denatured rice metaphase chromosomes prepared from root meristem tissue. The hybridized probe sequence was labeled with cy3-conjugated anti-mouse IgG and visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Single copy and multiple copy introduced T-DNA sequences, as well as endogenous sequences, were localized on the chromosomes. The FISH protocol was effectively used to sereen the chromosomal location of introduced T-DNA and number of integration loci in rice.
Polyamines, ribonuclease and the improvement of oat leaf protoplasts

Abstract L-arginine and L-lysine delay spontaneous lysis of oat leaf protoplasts, preserve uniformity of chloroplast distribution in protoplasts and prevent protoplast aggregation and adhesion to the substratum. Osmotic shock, exogenous RNAase and cell-free centrifugal supernatant fractions of mechanically-lysed protoplasts all induce protoplast lysis; arginine and lysine protect against these stresses as well. Arginine and lysine also produce effects at the metabolic level that may be related to their morphological stabilization of protoplasts. For example, the RNAase activity of freshly extracted oat leaf protoplasts is low, but rises progressively as the protoplasts are incubated in vitro; the same rise occurs during incubation of excised leaves prior to protoplast extraction. The RNAase increase in both systems can be prevented by 10–50 mM L-arginine or L-lysine. Concomitantly, these compounds support higher levels of incorporation of [ 3 H] uridine into RNA. All the above effects can also be produced by polyamines (putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine) which are metabolically related to lysine and arginine; spermine is less effective at the concentrations tested.
SEMICONDUCTING CUBIC BORON NITRIDE

Abstract We present new developments in the preparation of semiconducting cubic boron nitride. The thin films were grown on (100) silicon substrates using electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion-assisted magnetron sputtering with the kinetic energy of the incident nitrogen ions controlled by a dc substrate bias. Using this technique we have been able to grow thick (up to 2 μm) boron nitride films containing 100% of the cubic phase. We have found that the relatively high nitrogen ion energy (∼ 100 cV), required to nucleate the cubic phase, can be reduced substantially (to ∼ 60 eV) once the cubic phase is formed, leading to reduced film stress, larger grain size (∼ 1000 A) and improved adhesion. The films have p -type conductivity. The carrier activation energy is 60 meV and we have observed Hall mobilities of 500 cm 2 V −1 s −1 at n a ≈ (5 × 10 18 cm −3 ).
Late-life and life history predictors of older adults’ high-risk alcohol consumption and drinking problems

Abstract Aims This prospective, longitudinal study focused on late-life and life history predictors of high-risk alcohol consumption and drinking problems during a 20-year interval as adults matured from age 55–65 to 75–85. Design, setting, participants A sample of older community residents ( N = 719) who had consumed alcohol in the past year or shortly before was surveyed at baseline and 10 and 20 years later. Measurements At each contact point, participants completed an inventory that assessed their alcohol consumption, drinking problems, and personal and life context factors. Participants also provided information about their life history of drinking and help-seeking. Results Older adults who, at baseline, had more friends who approved of drinking, relied on substances for tension reduction, and had more financial resources were more likely to engage in high-risk alcohol consumption and to incur drinking problems at 10- and 20-year follow-ups. With respect to life history factors, drinking problems by age 50 were associated with a higher likelihood of late-life high-risk alcohol consumption and drinking problems; having tried to cut down on drinking and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous were associated with a lower likelihood of high-risk consumption and problems. Conclusion Specific late-life and life history factors can identify older adults likely to engage in excessive alcohol consumption 10 and 20 years later. Targeted screening that considers current alcohol consumption and life context, and history of drinking problems and help-seeking, could help identify older adults at higher risk for excessive or problematic drinking.
The red blood cell glucose transporter presents multiple, nucleotide-sensitive sugar exit sites

At any instant, the human erythrocyte sugar transporter presents at least one sugar export site but multiple sugar import sites. The present study asks whether the transporter also presents more than one sugar exit site. We approached this question by analysis of binding of [3H]cytochalasin B (an export conformer ligand) to the human erythrocyte sugar transporter and by analysis of cytochalasin B modulation of human red blood cell sugar uptake. Phloretin-inhibitable cytochalasin B binding to human red blood cells, to human red blood cell integral membrane proteins, and to purified human red blood cell glucose transport protein (GluT1) displays positive cooperativity at very low cytochalasin B levels. Cooperativity between sites and Kd(app) for cytochalasin B binding are reduced in the presence of intracellular ATP. Red cell sugar uptake at subsaturating sugar levels is inhibited by high concentrations of cytochalasin B but is stimulated by lower (<20 nM) concentrations. Increasing concentrations of the e1...
Quark loop calculations

Abstract Quark loop effects are studied with the stochastic matrix inversion algorithm. Z2 microcanonical noise is introduced to study the deviation from the orthonormality condition for finite configurations and compare with other noises. The results of the quark loops for various currents on a 163 × 24 lattice at β = 6.0 with Wilson fermion (κ = .148) are obtained for the Z2microcanonical noise. The results on the quark condensate, the topological susceptibility are given. We also discuss the feasibility for the two-point and three-point function calculations.
Assessing personnel practices in higher education: A cautionary note

Abstract Becker and Williams devised a procedure for gauging the extent to which an organization's composition is suggestive of discrimination or nondiscrimination. Their model and its associated statistical test suffer from two problems: (1) The test is so weak that it is difficult to dismiss the null hypothesis of no discrimination. (2) The model makes an overly simple assumption about departures from the organization, thereby understating the number of female employees who would be hired in an ideal, discrimination-free organization. These two mutually reinforcing problems make it hazardous to apply the Becker-Williams model.
Motivation and Language Learning with Students of Chinese

ABSTRACT The present study investigates the motivational factors of students who are from Asian and Asian-American backgrounds and learn Chinese at the university level in the United States. Seventy-seven students at the beginning and intermediate levels of proficiency participated in the study. The data were collected through a survey method. Factor analysis, regression procedures, t-tests, and correlation coefficients were used to address the research questions. The results of the study indicate that intrinsic interest in Chinese culture and the desire to understand one's own cultural heritage are the initial motivation for students to start learning the Chinese language. Expectations of learning task and effort keep students continuing their Chinese at the intermediate level. In addition, motivational factors correlate significantly with desired learning outcomes from the expectancy theory. Based upon the findings, recommendations are made to enhance students' motivation, expectancy, and self-efficacy in learning.
Differential Wilting among Soybean Genotypes in Response to Water Deficit

Genotypic differences for canopy wilting have been reported for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], but no wilting data have been published, and mechanisms for differences remain unresolved. In fi eld studies in 2002 and 2003, differences for wilting among 19 genotypes were consistent across years. Plant introductions (PI 416937 and PI 471938) were among the slowest wilting genotypes, and breeding lines (93705-34 and 93705-95) were among the fastest wilting. Row spacing (18 vs. 80 cm wide) did not affect wilting, indicating that lateral rooting did not contribute to genotypic differences. In a separate fi eld study, volumetric soil water content at 15- and 50-cm depths was generally greater for slow-wilting PI 416937 than for fast-wilting 93705-95. Wilting for both genotypes responded similarly to soil water content (r 2 = 0.63–0.74). In a growth chamber study, transpiration declined similarly for fast- and slow-wilting genotypes in response to soil water defi cit. Wilting response to soil water was the same for slow-wilting PI 416937 and fast-wilting genotypes 93705-34 and A5959. Slow-wilting 93705-36 began wilting at a lower soil water content than did PI416937, 93705-34, and A5959, indicating that more than one mechanism may be responsible for slow wilting.
Induction of NILE/L1 glycoprotein during neuronal differentiation of the embryonal carcinoma cell line EC 1003

Abstract A new clone of the mouse embryonal carcinoma cell line 1003 (EC 1003.16) can be maintained in an undifferentiated state in serum-containing medium. Shifting these cells to serum-free, hormonally defined medium causes them to differentiate morphologically and acquire a number of molecular properties characteristic of neurons. Whereas undifferentiated cells lack the NILE/L1 glycoprotein, expression of this neuronal cell adhesion niolecule is induced in the differentiating cells. Message for NILE/L1 becomes detectable after 5 days in serum-free medium, and cell-surface NILE/L1 can first be seen at this same time. Changes in two other cell adhesion molecules occur in parallel with the induction of NILE/L1. Fibronectin receptor is present on un- differentiated cells, but is down-regulated by the differentiating neurons. The neural cell adhesion molecule (N- CAM) undergoes a shift from the very adhesive adult form to the less adhesive, highly sialylated embryonic form. These changes would appear to emphasize the role of NILE/L1 in adhesive interactions involving differentiating neurons. Some changes in ganglioside expression also occur during EC 1003.16 differentiation. Undifferentiated cells express the D 1.1 ganglioside but lack gangliosides that are reactive with the monoclonal antibody A,B, Differentiating cells lose D 1.1 and become A,B,-positive. Since D 1.1 is characteristic of undifferentiated neuroepithelial cells and A,B, reactivity is a marker for several types of differentiated neurons, these changes in vitro appear to mimic events that occur in vivo.
Mechanisms of transmembrane signalling in human T cell activation

Several monoclonal antibodies directed against a number of T cell surface molecules are used to elucidate the role of these molecules (cell surface molecules) in T cell activation. The activation of T cells via these molecules are both antigen-dependent (CD3/TcR complex) and antigen-independent. Irrespective of their antigen-dependency, these monoclonal antibodies activate T cells by a classical signal transduction pathway, in which the binding of monoclonal antibodies to their cell surface receptors leads to activation of phospholipase C resulting in the the depolarization of plasma membrane, hydrolysis of IP2 and IP3 and DAG, the ‘second messengers’. IP3 leads to mobilization of intracellular calcium to contribute to an increase in [Ca++]i, whereas DAG causes activation and translocation of PKC and an increasing apparent affinity for Ca++. The role of IN in the mobilization of intracellular calcium is emerging. In addition, influx of extracellular calcium also contributes to increase in [Ca−+];. The increase in [Ca++]; following activation via some T cell surface antigen is predominantly due to intracellular mobilization of Ca−+ (e.g. CD3/TcR complex), whereas activation via other T cell surface antigen, the increase in [Ca+−]i is almost entirely due to an influx of extracellular calcium (e.g. CD5 antigen). All these molecules activate autocrine system of T cell growth, namely IL-2 production, IL-2 receptor expression and T cell proliferation.
Earthquake Patterns in Diverse Tectonic Zones of the Globe

We extend existing branching models for earthquake occurrences by incorporating potentially important estimates of tectonic deformation and by allowing the parameters in the models to vary across different tectonic regimes. We partition the Earth’s surface into five regimes: trenches (including subduction zones and oceanic convergent boundaries and earthquakes in outer rise or overriding plate); fast spreading ridges and oceanic transforms; slow spreading ridges and transforms; active continental zones, and plate interiors (everything not included in the previous categories). Our purpose is to specialize the models to give them the greatest possible predictive power for use in earthquake forecasts. We expected the parameters of the branching models to be significantly different in the various tectonic regimes, because earlier studies (Bird and Kagan in Bull Seismol Soc Am 94(6):2380–2399, 2004) found that the magnitude limits and other parameters differed between similar categories. We compiled subsets of the CMT and PDE earthquake catalogs corresponding to each tectonic regime, and optimized the parameters for each, and for the whole Earth, using a maximum likelihood procedure. We also analyzed branching models for California and Nevada using regional catalogs. Our estimates of parameters that can be compared to those of other models were consistent with published results. Examples include the proportion of triggered earthquakes and the exponent describing the temporal decay of triggered earthquakes. We also estimated epicentral location uncertainty and rupture zone size and our results are consistent with independent estimates. Contrary to our expectation, we found no dramatic differences in the branching parameters for the various tectonic regimes. We did find some modest differences between regimes that were robust under changes in earthquake catalog and lower magnitude threshold. Subduction zones have the highest earthquake rates, the largest upper magnitude limit, and the highest proportion of triggered events. Fast spreading ridges have the smallest upper magnitude limit and the lowest proportion of triggered events. The statistical significance of these variations cannot be assessed until methods are developed for estimating confidence limits reliably. Some results apparently depend on arbitrary decisions adopted in the analysis. For example, the proportion of triggered events decreases as the lower magnitude limit is increased, possibly because our procedure for assigning independence probability favors larger earthquakes. In some tests we censored earthquakes occurring near and just after a previous event, to account for the fact that most such earthquakes will be missing from the catalog. Fortunately the branching model parameters were hardly affected, suggesting that the inability to measure immediate aftershocks does not cause a serious estimation bias. We compare our branching model with the ETAS model and discuss the differences in the models parametrization and the results of earthquake catalogs analysis.
Thermostability of salmon hemoglobins

Abstract 1. 1. The thermostability of hemoglobins isolated from several species of Pacific salmon was investigated. Possessing many hemoglobin components, a determination of differential thermal stabilites was carried out by analysis using starch-gel electrophoresis and scanning densitometry. 2. 2. Heat denaturation of total hemoglobin is independent of pH. 3. 3. An increase in ionic strength destabilizes each of the hemoglobin systems studied. 4. 4. Anodal components of the adult pink and smolt coho are less resistant to heat denaturation. 5. 5. Specific anodal hemoglobin components are identified as to the extent of their thermostability and the nature of the interactions involved.