cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Israel's religious vote in comparative perspective: an Africanist analysis

Invoking the framework of religion and politics, this article contrasts the explicitly Judaic dimension to the 2009 elections in Israel with the implicitly Muslim one in 2007 in Nigeria. It also highlights the organizational, political, and theological similarities between fundamentalist (qua haredi) Judaism in Israel and fundamentalist (qua Sufi) Islam in Nigeria. Despite the obvious dissimilarities between Israel and Nigeria in terms of demography, standard of living, and dominant religion, both are relatively young democracies in which religious belief, practice and identification occupy key roles in their respective political behaviour and electoral politics. Both polities have also experienced increasing politicization of religion since independence. Proponents of legislating sharia in Nigeria and halacha in Israel unwittingly share compatible policies. Similarities in the organization, leadership, and political functionality of ultra-Orthodox and Sufi religious brotherhoods in the Jewish state and n...
Exploring Connections between Environmental Education and Ecological Public Art

(2008). Exploring Connections between Environmental Education and Ecological Public Art. Childhood Education: Vol. 85, No. 1, pp. 13-19.
Use of Hands and Feet of Three-Toed Sloths (Bradypus variegatus) during Climbing and Terrestrial Locomotion

Bradypus does not drag itself along the ground, as has been often reported, except when on a smooth, hard surface. Limb-movement patterns are similar throughout terrestrial and climbing activities, but gaits vary from lateral-sequence, diagonal-couplet modes during terrestrial walking, to trots and diagonal-sequence, diagonal-couplet gaits during climbing of supports of small diameter. Bradypus and Choloepus move similarly when on the ground, and while climbing small caliber supports, but differ in their means of climbing larger supports and descending.
Ageing friends at a congenial meeting

Aging: An Exploration. By David Barash. University of Washington Press: 1983. Pp.240. $14.95, £12.75.
Determination of microwave phase and amplitude from power measurements

Although straightforward in principle, the extension of existing designs for automatic network analyzers (ANA's) to the higher microwave frequencies is difficult in the current state of the art. What appears to be needed is a basically different approach to the microwave detection problem. One promising alternative is provided by the so-called “six-port” techniques, which eliminate the need for modulation or for frequency conversion, local oscillators, phase detectors, etc. Recent theoretical studies have provided new insights into the basic concept and lead to “five-port” configurations which require three instead of four amplitude detectors. Of particular interest is the projected measurement dynamic range of 50–60 dB corresponding to a dynamic range requirement in the amplitude detectors of a nominal 20 dB or less.
Experimental study of migration depth for the photons measured at sample surface

Optical imaging of in vivo tissue and noninvasive optical assessment of deep tissue requires knowledge concerning photon migration paths in the medium. We used intralipid emulsion as a phantom medium to study the distribution of the migration paths. An incident and receiving optical fibers were placed on the medium surface. Light at 760 nm was used. An absorber was placed in the medium at different locations to intersect different photon paths. The study shows that the incident photons migrate to the detector through the paths distributed in a region shaped a 'banana', with its two end connecting the source and detector and it mid portion reaching deepest. This region has a core connecting the source and detector through which the photons have maximum probability to take. The path distribution in depth across the mid portion of the 'banana' and through the core can be described by a random walk model, with its maximum probability at a certain depth below the surface. In this study, this maximum probability depth ranged from 3 millimeters to about 7 or 8 millimeters. The path distribution across the mid portion of the 'banana' horizontally and through the core can be described by a normal probability function. These distributions are affected by the optical properties of the medium and the source-detector separation. This study indicated the capability of using surface optical measurement to image the optical property distribution of in vivo tissue and to assess deep tissue optical properties.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Light field transfer: global illumination between real and synthetic objects

We present a novel image-based method for compositing real and synthetic objects in the same scene with a high degree of visual realism. Ours is the first technique to allow global illumination and near-field lighting effects between both real and synthetic objects at interactive rates, without needing a geometric and material model of the real scene. We achieve this by using a light field interface between real and synthetic components---thus, indirect illumination can be simulated using only two 4D light fields, one captured from and one projected onto the real scene. Multiple bounces of interreflections are obtained simply by iterating this approach. The interactivity of our technique enables its use with time-varying scenes, including dynamic objects. This is in sharp contrast to the alternative approach of using 6D or 8D light transport functions of real objects, which are very expensive in terms of acquisition and storage and hence not suitable for real-time applications. In our method, 4D radiance fields are simultaneously captured and projected by using a lens array, video camera, and digital projector. The method supports full global illumination with restricted object placement, and accommodates moderately specular materials. We implement a complete system and show several example scene compositions that demonstrate global illumination effects between dynamic real and synthetic objects. Our implementation requires a single point light source and dark background.
Primitive and composite ground states in the fractional quantum hall effect

Our theory of the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect is reviewed. Arguments are presented that the fractionally charged quasiparticles associated with the effect are fermions. Wavefunctions for the 27 and 25 states are proposed, and estimates for the cohesive energies and gaps of these states are given.
Enhanced Blocking Temperature and Isothermal Control of Hysteresis Loop Shifts in Co/NiO/[Co/Pt] Heterostructures with Orthogonal Easy Axes

Heterostructures of Co 4 nm/NiO 1.1 nm/[Co 0.4 nm/Pt 0.6 nm] with mutually orthogonal easy axes allow for isothermal tuning of the hysteresis loop shifts along the applied field axis at room temperature, as well as displaying a greatly enhanced blocking temperature. The loop shifts can be varied up to 35 Oe through the application of moderate dc magnetic fields of 3 kOe. The presence of the [Co/Pt] multilayer with perpendicular anisotropy is responsible for a significant enhancement of the blocking temperature. For this thickness of NiO, the blocking temperature is expected to be well below 50 K, in contrast to the observed blocking temperature of 225 K. These effects may be tailored by a judicious choice of materials. The dependence of the loop shift on applied field will vary depending on the coercivity and remanance of the ferromagnetic layers. The enhancement of the blocking temperature is highly dependent on the in-plane and out-of-plane anisotropy constants of the intervening antiferromagnet. Both effects are directly relevant to a variety of modern spintronic applications.
Enzymes of phospholipid metabolism in rat pancreatic islets: Subcellular distribution and the effect of glucose and calcium

The effect of glucose and calcium on the activities of the phosphatidylinositol cycle enzymes, CDP-diglyceride inositol transferase, diacylglycerokinase, and lysophosphatidylcholine 2-acyltransferase in rat pancreatic islets was studied. Calcium inhibited the activity of CDP-diglyceride inositol transferase but had no effect on lysophosphatidylcholine 2-acyltransferase and diacylglycerokinase activites. Upon preincubation of islets in a concentration of glucose known to stimulate insulin release, the activity of lysophosphatidylcholine 2-acyltransferase, but not that of diacylglycerokinase or the CDP-diglyceride inositol transferase, was stimulated. Subcellular fractionation of pancreatic islets showed that secretory granule membranes were enriched in CDP-diglyceride inositol transferase, whereas lyso-phosphatidylcholine 2-acyltransferase activity was highest in the microsomal membranes. The activation of 2-acyltransferase by incubating islets in insulinotropic glucose, and the calcium sensitivity of CDP-diglyceride inositol transferase, suggest that these enzymes may have roles in regulation of insulin secretion.
Preservice Teachers’ Connections of Pedagogical Knowledge to Mentoring At-Risk Adolescents: Benefits and Challenges

Providing authentic encounters with secondary students may be a way to provide a realistic image of students’ academic challenges, and enhance preservice teachers’ skills, knowledge, and dispositions to better address the needs of their future academically, linguistically, socially, and culturally unique students. The purpose of our study was to examine preservice teachers’ experiences in mentoring at-risk high school adolescents. Specifically, we sought to identify the connections to pedagogy associated with their mentoring experience. Major findings generated five themes: (a) relationship building, (b) academic immediacy, (c) embracing a professional lens, (d) a student-centered pedagogical philosophy, and (e) self-efficacy.
Prognostic factors of early stage cervical cancer treated by radical hysterectomy

Background. This study was performed to identify pathologic and clinical features that best correlate with lymph node metastasis and disease free survival among patients with Stage I and II cervical cancer treated by radical hysterectomy. Methods. Three hundred-seventy patients with complete clinical information and pathologic material, including cone and cervical biopsies, were selected for analysis. Of these patients, 301 with clinical stages I and II disease were the subject of this paper. The results of patients with microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix, as defined by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (depth of invasion ≤3 mm and no lymph node vascular space invasion), were reported previously' and excluded from this analysis. Patients with small cell carcinoma of the cervix were found to have a very poor prognosis (disease free 5-year survival of 36%) and were also excluded from this analysis (Sevin BU, Nadji M, Metkoch MW, Lu Y, Averette HE. Unpublished data, 1995). Variables studied were patient age, weight, race, marital status, and economic status ; tumor size ; depth of invasion ; lymph node-vascular space involvement ; cell type ; tumor grade ; lymph node metastasis ; and number of lymph nodes removed. The influence of these variables on survival was examined by univariate analysis with use of Cox's regression model and the log rank test for comparison of survival curves. Results. Factors that predict disease free survival, ranked by degree of significance, were depth of invasion, tumor size, lymph node-vascular space invasion, number of positive nodes, tumor volume, clinical stage, and tumor extension to the vagina or surgical margins. Conclusions. Radical hysterectomy and bilateral lymphadenectomy is standard therapy for patients with Stage IB and IIA carcinoma of the cervix. A variety of surgically defined risk factors predict 5-year disease free survival, and many of these factors are related. Identification of independent risk factors requires a multivariate analysis of data.
Glancing angle x-ray study of the effect of oxygen on interface reactions in Al/Ni bilayers

Glancing angle x-ray reflectivity and EXAFS measurements have been made on a series of UHV prepared Al/Ni bilayers with varying amounts of oxygen impurities. These samples show an intrinsic reacted region prior to annealing, and for clean samples further reaction occurs at 250 {degree}C. Oxygen is found to influence strongly the course of the reaction with an effect which depends on its location. A few percent O impurity within the Al film strongly suppresses the grain boundary diffusion path, which allows the growth of a smooth NiAl{sub 3} layer. Interfacial O exposures of 60 and 600 Langmuir both inhibit the initial reaction and raise the temperature at which further reaction occurs to as much as 300 {degree}C with an effect which depends on exposure. The thickness of the intrinsic reaction zone is about 60 A for clean samples, and is nearly eliminated for contaminated interfaces. The results indicate that surface/interface, grain boundary, and bulk diffusion all play important roles in the formation of these interfaces, and that each of these is influenced by O impurities.
Management of Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Brain hemorrhage is the most fatal form of stroke and has the highest morbidity of any stroke subtype. Intraventricular extension of hemorrhage (IVH) is a particularly poor prognostic sign, with expected mortality between 50% and 80%. IVH is a significant and independent contributor to morbidity and mortality, yet therapy directed at ameliorating intraventricular clot has been limited. Conventional therapy centers on managing hypertension and intracranial pressure while correcting coagulopathy and avoiding complications such as rebleeding and hydrocephalus. Surgical therapy alone has not changed the natural history of the disease significantly. However, fibrinolysis in combination with extraventricular drainage shows promise as a technique to reduce intraventricular clot volume and to manage the concomitant complications of IVH.
Analysis of methionine/selenomethionine oxidation and methionine sulfoxide reductase function using methionine-rich proteins and antibodies against their oxidized forms

Methionine (Met) residues are present in most proteins. However, this sulfur-containing amino acid is highly susceptible to oxidation. In cells, the resulting Met sulfoxides are reduced back to Met by stereospecific reductases MsrA and MsrB. Reversible Met oxidation occurs even in the absence of stress, is elevated during aging and disease, but is notoriously difficult to monitor. In this work, we computationally identified natural Met-rich proteins (MRPs) and characterized three such proteins containing 21–33% Met residues. Oxidation of multiple Met residues in MRPs with H2O2 and reduction of Met sulfoxides with MsrA/MsrB dramatically influenced the mobility of these proteins on polyacrylamide gels and could be monitored by simple SDS–PAGE. We further prepared antibodies enriched for reduced and Met sulfoxide forms of these proteins and used them to monitor Met oxidation and reduction by immunoblot assays. We describe applications of these reagents for the analysis of MsrA and MsrB functions, as well as the development of the assay for high-throughput analysis of their activities. We also show that all Met sulfoxide residues in an MRP can be reduced by MsrA and MsrB. Furthermore, we prepared a selenomethionine form of an MRP and found that selenomethionine selenoxide residues can be efficiently reduced nonenzymatically by glutathione and other thiol compounds. Selenomethionine selenoxide residues were not recognized by antibodies specific for the Met sulfoxide form of an MRP. These findings, reagents, assays, and approaches should facilitate research and applications in the area of Met sulfoxide reduction, oxidative stress, and aging.
Simulation of the impact of 3-D porosity distribution in metallic U–10Zr fuels

Abstract Evolution of porosity generated in metallic U–Zr fuel irradiated in fast spectrum reactors leads to changes in fuel properties and impacts important phenomena such as heat transport and constituent redistribution. The porosity is generated as a result of the accumulation of fission gases and is affected by the possible bond sodium infiltration into the fuel. Typically, the impact of porosity development on properties, such as thermal conductivity, is accounted for through empirical correlations that are dependent on porosity and infiltrated sodium fractions. Currently available simulation tools make it possible to take into account fuel 3-D porosity distributions, potentially eliminating the need for such correlations. This development allows for a more realistic representation of the porosity evolution in metallic fuel and creates a framework for truly mechanistic fuel development models. In this work, COMSOL multi-physics simulation platform is used to model 3-D porosity distributions and simulate heat transport in metallic U–10Zr fuel. Available experimental data regarding microstructural evolution of fuel that was irradiated in EBR-II and associated phase stability information are used to guide the simulation. The impact of changes in porosity characteristics on material properties is estimated and the results are compared with calculated temperature distributions. The simulations demonstrate the developed capability and importance of accounting for detailed porosity distribution features for accurate fuel performance evaluation.
SDZ 208-911, an amino-ergoline with partial dopamine agonist properties, dose dependently increases cocaine self-administration in the rat

Brain dopamine neurotransmission appears to be an important component of the neural pathways involved in the maintenance of intravenous (IV) cocaine self-administration in rats. The effects of a novel partial dopamine agonist, SDZ 208–911, on intravenous cocaine self-administration in rats was studied. SDZ 208–911 at a dose range of 0.025–1.6 mg/kg SC dose-dependently increased the number of lever presses and drug intake in rats exposed to limited (3-h) daily access to cocaine on a continuous reinforcement schedule (0.75 mg/kg per injection). This behavioral profile is similar to that observed following administration of dopamine antagonist drugs and has been hypothesized to reflect a compensatory increase in drug intake due to a reduction of the reinforcing efficacy of the drug, probably because of functional antagonism at the receptor site. These results suggest that dopamine partial agonists may act as functional dopamine antagonists in the face of pharmacologically induced activation of brain dopamine function.
Acute classroom exercise breaks improve on-task behavior in 4th and 5th grade students: A dose-response

Abstract This study was the first to directly compare the acute effects of 5, 10, and 20 min of classroom exercise breaks on on-task behavior. Methods In this within-subject experiment, 96 4th and 5th grade students, in 5 classroom groups, participated in each of four conditions: 10 min of sedentary classroom activity and 5, 10, 20 min of classroom exercise breaks led by research staff. On-task behavior was directly and systematically observed from videotapes before and after each condition. The post-test time-on-task scores were compared using a repeated measures mixed ANCOVA, adjusted for age, classroom, and the time-varying pre-test time-on-task. Results Time-on-task was significantly higher in students after 10 min of classroom exercise breaks compared to a sedentary attention control (87.6% vs 77.1%, d = .45, p = .004). Conclusions Ten minutes of classroom exercise breaks improved on-task behavior in children.
Fatty acid oxidation and cardiac function in the sodium pivalate model of secondary carnitine deficiency

Carnitine-deficiency syndromes are often associated with alterations in lipid metabolism and cardiac function. The present study was designed to determine whether this is also seen in an experimental model of carnitine deficiency. Carnitine deficiency was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats supplemented with sodium pivalate for 26 to 28 weeks. This treatment resulted in nearly a 60% depletion of myocardial total carnitine content as compared with control hearts. When isolated working hearts from these animals were perfused with 5.5 mmol/L glucose and 1.2 mmol/L palmitate and subjected to incremental increases in left-atrial filling pressures, cardiac function remained dramatically depressed. The effects of carnitine deficiency on glucose and palmitate utilization were also assessed in hearts perfused at increased workload conditions. At this workload, function was depressed in carnitine-deficient hearts, as were rates of 1.2-mmol/L [U-14C]-palmitate oxidation, when compared with control hearts (544 ± 37 v 882 ± 87 nmol/g dry weight · min, P < .05). However, glucose oxidation rates from 5.5 mmol/L [U-14C]-glucose were slightly increased in carnitine-deficient hearts. To determine whether the depressed fatty acid oxidation rates were a result of reduced mechanical function in carnitine-deficient hearts, the workload of hearts was reduced. Under these conditions, mechanical function was similar among control and carnitine-deficient hearts. Palmitate oxidation rates were also similar in these hearts (526 ± 69 v 404 ± 47 nmol/g dry weight · min for control and carnitine-deficient hearts, respectively). Our results show that work performed by hearts from carnitine-deficient animals is rate-limiting in the oxidation of palmitate. Despite this, our findings suggest that the sodium pivalate model of carnitine deficiency may prove to be useful for the investigation of functional and metabolic aspects of carnitine deficiency.
Phase transitions in natural zeolites and the importance of P H2O

Zeolites are low-density silicates with structures consisting of a negatively charged aluminosilicate framework that creates a system of uniform linked channels and cavities. Variable amounts of extraframework cations and H2O molecules occupy the channel system, and the H2O molecules are very responsive to changes in temperature, pressure and partial pressure of water (i.e. P H2O or relative humidity, RH). As the H2O molecules occupy much of the volume of the extraframework sites, a gain or loss of H2O molecules has a direct effect on the extraframework cations and an indirect effect on the framework. Temperature or RH-induced changes can result in both first- and second-order phase transitions, the latter resulting from continuous, minor changes in hydration state and cation position, and the former resulting from discrete changes in hydration state, which can cause similar shifts in cation position. Second-order transitions are typically reversible with no hysteresis, but first-order transitions exhibit...
High-capacity digital microwave radio systems

The design problems associated with high-capacity digital microwave radio systems and their present status are reviewed. Nonmilitary systems having transmission capabilities of about 90 Mbit/s or greater per radio bearer have been considered, those known to be under development operating within the approximate frequency range 8–21 GHz. At the lower-frequency end, repeater spacings are limited by multipath effects to about 60 km, whereas at the higher-frequency end, spacings are dominated by rain attenuation and are limited to a few kilometres. The effects of both types of fading and the calculation of repeater spacings are considered. Bandwidth utilisation is very important for digital systems, and the design criteria for suitable filtering schemes are discussed leading to possible overall radio-frequency-channel arrangements. Constraints imposed by the system design are discussed, and the consideration of available components leads to outlines of possible repeater arrangements.
A New Perspective on Preservice Teachers’ Video-Aided Reflection

AbstractThis article adds to the literature on video-aided professional development for teachers by presenting a schema-based framework for analyzing teachers’ video-aided reflection on their own teaching. Qualitative analysis of two novice teachers’ video-enhanced reflection was used to demonstrate how the framework could be used. Results emphasized the importance of participants’ prior knowledge as a major influence on their ability to reflect. The authors contend that this is important because prior knowledge should determine the kind of guidance participants need in order to benefit most from video-aided reflection.
Ultrastructure of intra-epithelial carcinomas of the breast.

Ultrastructure of intraepithelial carcinomas of the breast is discussed. 2 questions were asked: 1) Can electron microscopy confirm the results derived from light microscopic studies that carcinomas of the breast go through an intraepithelial phase? 2) If the answer to that question is yes can the neoplasma with the familiar features of intraductal carcinomas and lobular carcinomas in situ be considered as being noninfiltrating throughout and by extension nonmetastasizing? It was postulated that many of the tumors which fulfill the light microscopic criteria of intraductal carcinomas and of lobular carcinomas in situ are ultrastructurally already invasive even through no stromal invasion is recognized with the light microscope. It is concluded that until more exacting histologic criteria are established the light microscopic diagnosis of in situ noninfiltrating carcinomas of the breast should be understood to mean that stromal invasion can be neither demonstrated nor ruled out.
Continuous course radiation therapy and concurrent combination chemotherapy for squamous cell head and neck cancer

Concurrent radiation therapy and chemotherapy is a promising approach to the treatment of squamous cell head and neck cancer. Toxicity, however, has required either scheduled breaks in radiation therapy administration or compromise in chemotherapy dose intensity. We describe the toxicity and results in 19 patients treated at diagnosis with a continuous course of radiation therapy and intensive concurrent combination chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin. Toxicity among these 19 patients was significant, including mucositis, myelosuppression, and weight loss, and aggressive supportive efforts were required. No toxic deaths occurred, however. At the end of treatment, all patients had achieved complete control of their primary-site tumor. Primary-site resection was not required in any patient for tumor control, but neck dissections were performed in selected individuals with involved nodes at diagnosis. No patient recurred at the primary site and only a single patient recurred in the neck. We conclude that this chemoradiotherapy schedule is very effective, albeit toxic. Toxicity, however, can be managed with appropriate aggressive supportive measures. Confirmation of these encouraging treatment results will require performance of a randomized clinical trial.
Slings and arrows of rudeness: incivility in the workplace

Obnoxious behaviour has become endemic in the workplace. Some of the worst offences are: not turning off mobile phones in meetings; leaving a jammed printer, gossiping, and snapping at coworkers. Yet, it is this small stuff that relentlessly grinds down collegial working relationships. Incivility is at the low end of the continuum of workplace abuse. Workplace incivility is not violence or harassment or even open conflict, although it can build up to any of those things. Links between the work environment and indicators of employee loyalty, commitment, and productivity show this is not a “fluff” issue. In addition, a recent study on workplace incivility reveals that rude employees and managers can cost a company millions of dollars a year. This paper will look at a definition of incivility in the workplace, the causes of poor behaviour, the costs to organizations, and what employers can do to help.
A Near-Infrared Optomechanical Intracranial Pressure Microsensor

We present a wireless and power-free, optomechanical, implantable microsensor that can potentially be used to accurately monitor intracranial pressure (ICP) over long periods of time. The developed microsensor vertically integrates a glass mini-lens with a two-wavelength quantum dot (QD) micropillar that is photolithographically patterned on an ICP-exposed silicon nitride membrane. The operation principle is based on a novel optomechanical transduction scheme that converts ICP changes into changes in the intensity ratio of the two-wavelength, near-infrared fluorescent light emitted from the QDs. The microsensor is microfabricated using silicon bulk micromachining, and it operates at an ICP clinically relevant pressure dynamic range (0-40 mmHg). The microsensor has a maximum error of less than 15% throughout its dynamic range, and it is extremely photostable. We believe that the proposed microsensor will open up a new direction not only in ICP monitoring but in other pressure-related biomedical applications.
The origin and antiquity of syphilis revisited: An Appraisal of Old World pre‐Columbian evidence for treponemal infection

For nearly 500 years, scholars have argued about the origin and antiquity of syphilis. Did Columbus bring the disease from the New World to the Old World? Or did syphilis exist in the Old World before 1493? Here, we evaluate all 54 published reports of pre- Columbian, Old World treponemal disease using a stand- ardized, systematic approach. The certainty of diagnosis and dating of each case is considered, and novel informa- tion pertinent to the dating of these cases, including radiocarbon dates, is presented. Among the reports, we did not find a single case of Old World treponemal dis- ease that has both a certain diagnosis and a secure pre- Columbian date. We also demonstrate that many of the reports use nonspecific indicators to diagnose treponemal disease, do not provide adequate information about the methods used to date specimens, and do not include high-quality photographs of the lesions of interest. Thus, despite an increasing number of published reports of pre-Columbian treponemal infection, it appears that solid evidence supporting an Old World origin for the disease remains absent. Yrbk Phys Anthropol 54:99-
High-pressure liquid chromatographic identification of drugs used in management of arthritis

A screening procedure was developed for the identification of drugs used in the clinical treatment of arthritis. Each glucocorticoid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or tranquilizer was characterized by its retention on a reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatographic column and by the ratio of the response of dual UV detectors (254 and 280 nm). Although the retention times of all 14 drugs examined were < 4 min, each drug could be distinguished easily from the other drugs in the series.
Nanometrology optical ruler imaging system using diffraction from a quasiperiodic structure

This work demonstrates wafer-scale, path-independent, atomically-based long term-stable, position nanometrology. This nanometrology optical ruler imaging system uses the diffraction pattern of an atomically stabilized laser from a microfabricated quasiperiodic aperture array as a two-dimensional optical ruler. Nanometrology is accomplished by cross correlations of image samples of this optical ruler. The quasiperiodic structure generates spatially dense, sharp optical features. This work demonstrates new results showing positioning errors down to 17.2 nm over wafer scales and long term stability below 20 nm over six hours. This work also numerically demonstrates robustness of the optical ruler to variations in the microfabricated aperture array and discretization noise in imagers.
Degradation of force-loaded pursuit tracking performance in a dual-task paradigm.

Fifty-four subjects performed pursuit tracking on a specially modified pursuit rotor. Each subject tracked for 2 min at each of three levels of force, both with and without a simultaneous auditory attention task. The presence of the auditory task resulted in a significant degradation of tracking performance. This degradation was most severe for the females in the sample. Performance degradation was also related to the position along the tracking path in which the tracking occurred. Performance on the auditory task was significantly affected both by the difficulty level of the task, and by the amount of force exertion required on the pursuit rotor. Results are discussed in terms of task compatibility and cockpit design.
Contrast effects in instrumental differential conditioning with a non-nutritive liquid reinforcement

Rats were assigned either to one of three treatment groups which experienced identical xylose S− incentives and S+ rewards that differed in volume and/or concentration from the S− reward, or to a control group which always received the S− incentive. These groups received differential conditioning for 134 acquisition and 68 reversal trials. Negative simultaneous contrast effects (CEs) were observed during acquisition and reversal training. These CEs were greater the larger the difference in volume and/or concentration between the S+ and S− incentive values.
ZnTe/MnTe: A new metastable wide gap II–VI heterostructure

Abstract Optical characteristics of a new metastable wide-gap II–VI semiconductor heterostructure ZnTe/MnTe are reported. Single ZnTe/MnTe quantum wells show strong n = 1 exciton resonance manifesting, for example, in pronounced enhancement of the Raman cross-section. Pseudomorphic nature of the structures is inferred from strain induced shifts in the optical phonon spectrum.
Early chemical evolution of nucleic acids: a theoretical model

Recent experimental work suggests a possible cyclical pathway for early prebiotic oligonucleotide formation that involves (i) dry-state (nontemplate) synthesis of random copolymers with mixed 2',5' and 3',5' bonds, (ii) passage of these oligomers into solution at low temperatures, and (iii) a preferential hydrolysis of the 2',5' bond in any short helices that have formed. This early system could have selected for complementary sequences that were largely 3',5'-linked, but may not have selected efficiently for a single enantiomer of ribose.
Severed channels probe regulation of gating of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator by its cytoplasmic domains.

Opening and closing of a CFTR Cl− channel is controlled by PKA-mediated phosphorylation of its cytoplasmic regulatory (R) domain and by ATP binding, and likely hydrolysis, at its two nucleotide binding domains. Functional interactions between the R domain and the two nucleotide binding domains were probed by characterizing the gating of severed CFTR channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Expression levels were assessed using measurements of oocyte conductance, and detailed functional characteristics of the channels were extracted from kinetic analyses of macroscopic current relaxations and of single-channel gating events in membrane patches excised from the oocytes. The kinetic behavior of wild-type (WT) CFTR channels was compared with that of split CFTR channels bearing a single cut (between residues 633 and 634) just before the R domain, of split channels with a single cut (between residues 835 and 837) just after the R domain, and of split channels from which the entire R domain (residues 634–836) between those two cut sites was omitted. The channels cut before the R domain had characteristics almost identical to those of WT channels, except for less than twofold shorter open burst durations in the presence of PKA. Channels cut just after the R domain were characterized by a low level of activity even without phosphorylation, strong stimulation by PKA, enhanced apparent affinity for ATP as assayed by open probability, and a somewhat destabilized binding site for the locking action of the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog AMPPNP. Split channels with no R domain (from coexpression of CFTR segments 1–633 and 837–1480) were highly active without phosphorylation, but otherwise displayed the characteristics of channels cut after the R domain, including higher apparent ATP affinity, and less tight binding of AMPPNP at the locking site, than for WT. Intriguingly, severed channels with no R domain were still noticeably stimulated by PKA, implying that activation of WT CFTR by PKA likely also includes some component unrelated to the R domain. As the maximal opening rates were the same for WT channels and split channels with no R domain, it seems that the phosphorylated R domain does not stimulate opening of CFTR channels; rather, the dephosphorylated R domain inhibits them.
Mass transfer rates from a sphere in potential flow: moderate peclet numbers

Abstract Rates of mass transfer have been numerically investigated for the case of a sphere in a potential flow. It is demonstrated that a single equation can predict the steady-state rate of mass transfer from a sphere in a potential flow for the total range of Peclet numbers.
Optimal design of a two-layered elastic strip subjected to transient loading

Abstract Analytical solutions play a very important role in the validation of numerical codes. However, exact analytical solutions involving optimal design of transiently loaded multilayered structures, are rare in the literature. In this paper, we solve an optimal design problem involving wave propagation in a two-layered elastic strip subjected to transient loading. We obtain explicit formulas for the stress in each layer using the method of characteristics, and then use these results to identify the designs that provide the smallest stress amplitude. The derived analytical results are then successfully used to validate a previously developed, hybrid computational optimization software.
Drift by drift: effective population size is limited by advection

Genetic estimates of effective population size often generate surprising results, including dramatically low ratios of effective population size to census size. This is particularly true for many marine species, and this effect has been associated with hypotheses of "sweepstakes" reproduction and selective hitchhiking. Here we show that in advective environments such as oceans and rivers, the mean asymmetric transport of passively dispersed reproductive propagules will act to limit the effective population size in species with a drifting developmental stage. As advection increases, effective population size becomes decoupled from census size as the persistence of novel genetic lineages is restricted to those that arise in a small upstream portion of the species domain. This result leads to predictions about the maintenance of diversity in advective systems, and complements the "sweepstakes" hypothesis and other hypotheses proposed to explain cases of low allelic diversity in species with high fecundity. We describe the spatial extent of the species domain in which novel allelic diversity will be retained, thus determining how large an appropriately placed marine reserve must be to allow the persistence of endemic allelic diversity.
Experimental test of a Nash-efficient mechanism for collective choice with compensation☆

Abstract The social conflict over siting hazardous facilities presents a formidable problem in public decision making. Collective choice mechanisms incorporating compensation have been proposed to resolve such conflicts but existing mechanisms have theoretical shortcomings. We test a new mechanism that has Pareto efficient, individually rational, Nash equilibria. We investigate behavior and convergence in multiperiod mechanisms with computer simulations and laboratory experiments. In both the simulations and the laboratory experiments, the new mechanism outperformed existing mechanisms. However, in the laboratory, the mechanism was unable to solve the difficult coordination problem of reaching a Nash equilibrium under conditions of incomplete information. A one period version of the mechanism based on max-min behavior significantly outperformed the multiperiod mechanism.
HIERARCHICAL TREE-STRUCTURES AS ADAPTIVE MESHES

New adaptive mesh refinement algorithms provide an opportunity to utilize the same hierarchical tree-structures developed for multipole-based particle simulations in grid-based simulations of both continuum and particle problems. Representing both a multipole method simulation and an adaptive mesh simulation with this same structure provides a natural formalism with which to unite these two classes of solvers. This paper discusses how both methods exploit the same basic principle of locality evident in many systems, such as those governed by Poisson's Equation, and introduces issues and potential problems to be addressed in an implementation. The locality of the systems and the resulting algorithms provide important benefits for implementations on massively parallel computers.
Nanometer precision positioning robots utilizing optimized scratch drive actuators

Abstract A novel surface micromachined robot powered by a gold wire tether is presented. The micro robot is capable of pushing a 2 mm ×2 mm ×0.5 mm chip over 8 mm across an insulated silicon wafer. The micro robot uses a unique assembly and packaging process and is created from large arrays of scratch drive actuators (SDA) connected to a gold wire tether bonded prior to release in an HF acid bath. The robot can be bonded to a ceramic substrate to create a movable platform that can be transferred to other driving surfaces where assembly line positioning tasks can be performed. A device model has been derived to define optimum SDA plate design for any fabrication process based only on material properties and geometry. The driving signal has also been optimized, consuming much less electrical power than previously published signals. Because the step size of the individual SDA is approximately 30 nm, the tethered SDA robots are expected to achieve similar placement precision for chip sized components. The SDA robot (Scratchuator) demonstrates the potential for low cost nanometer positioning of chip sized components for alignment and flip chip assembly as well as precision sample positioning for surface analysis.
Electromagnetic power absorption due to bumps and trenches on flat surfaces

This paper presents a study of the absorption of electromagnetic power that results from the interaction of electromagnetic waves and cylindrical bumps or trenches on flat conducting surfaces. Configurations are characterized by means of adequately selected dimensionless variables and parameters so that applicability to mathematically equivalent (but physically diverse) systems can be achieved easily. Electromagnetic fields and absorption increments caused by such surface defects are evaluated by means of a high-order integral equation method which resolves fine details of the field near the surface, and which was validated by fully analytical approaches in a range of computationally challenging cases. The computational method is also applied to problems concerning bumps and trenches on imperfect conducting planes for which analytical solutions are not available. Typically, we find that absorption is enhanced by the presence of the defects considered, although, interestingly, absorption can also be significantly reduced in some cases—such as, e.g., in the case of a trench on a conducting plane where the incident electric field is perpendicular to the plane. Additionally, it is observed that, for some small-skin-depths large-wavelengths, the absorption increment is proportional to the increase in surface area. Significant physical insight is obtained on the heating that results from various types of electromagnetic incident fields.
SNP'ing at nasopharyngeal cancer susceptibility: for whom the bell TOLLs.

Commentary to:Functional Variant in the 3’-untranslated Region of Toll-Like Receptor 4 is Associated with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma RiskChang Song, Li-Zheng Chen, Ru-Hua Zhang, Xing-Juan Yu and Yi-Xin ZengCB&T, Volume 5, Issue 10
How Isospin Violation Mocks ``New'' Physics: $π^0-η,η'$ Mixing in $B\to ππ$ Decays

An isospin analysis of $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$ decays yields $\mathrm{sin}2\ensuremath{\alpha},$ where $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\equiv}\mathrm{arg}[\ensuremath{-}{V}_{\mathrm{td}}{V}_{\mathrm{tb}}^{*}{/(V}_{\mathrm{ud}}{V}_{\mathrm{ub}}^{*})]$ and ${V}_{\mathrm{ij}}$ is a CKM matrix element, without hadronic uncertainty if isospin is a perfect symmetry. Isospin, however, is broken not only by electroweak effects but also by the u and d quark mass difference. The latter drives ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\eta},{\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ mixing and converts the isospin-perfect triangle relation between the $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}$ amplitudes to a quadrilateral. The combined isospin-violating effects impact the extracted value of $\mathrm{sin}2\ensuremath{\alpha}$ in a significant manner, particularly if the latter is small.
Bax Protein Expression Is Increased in Alzheimer's Brain: Correlations with DNA Damage, Bcl-2 Expression, and Brain Pathology

We have shown that many neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) labeling for DNA strand breaks, and upregulation of Bcl-2 is associated with neurons exhibiting nuclear DNA fragmentation, while downregulation of Bcl-2 is associated with tangle-bearing neurons in AD brains. Consequently, we examined the expression of bcl-associated X (Bax) protein in AD brain. Immunoreactivity for Bax was seen in neurons and microglia of the hippocampal formation, and was elevated in the majority of AD cases as compared to control cases. Interestingly, 3 transitional cases, which had mild degeneration changes, exhibited relatively high levels of Bax immunoreactivity. Most Bax-positive neurons showed either TdT-labeled nuclei or Bcl-2 immunoreactivity. Although Bax immunoreactivity was detected within most early tangle-bearing neurons, many Bax-positive neurons did not colocalize with later-stage tangle-bearing neurons. In regions containing relatively few tangles in mild AD brains, many TdT-labeled neurons were immunolabeled with Bax antibody and most of them lacked evidence of neurofibrillary changes. These findings suggest that Bax may contribute to neuronal cell death in AD. Furthermore, DNA damage and the upregulation of Bax appear to precede tangle formation or may represent an alternative pathway of cell death in AD.
Localized ferromagnetic resonance in inhomogeneous thin films.

The effect of sample inhomogeneity on the ferromagnetic resonance linewidth is determined by diagonalization of a spin wave Hamiltonian for ferromagnetic thin films with inhomogeneities spanning a wide range of characteristic length scales. A model inhomogeneity is used that consists of size $D$ grains and an anisotropy field ${H}_{p}$ that varies randomly from grain to grain in a film with thickness $d$ and magnetization ${M}_{s}$. The resulting linewidth agrees well with the two-magnon model for small inhomogeneity, ${H}_{p}D\ensuremath{\ll}\ensuremath{\pi}{M}_{s}d$. For large inhomogeneity, ${H}_{p}D\ensuremath{\gg}\ensuremath{\pi}{M}_{s}d$, the precession becomes localized and the spectrum approaches that of local precession on independent grains.
Human P450 Microarrays for In Vitro Toxicity Analysis: Toward Complete Automation of Human Toxicology Screening

The development of a tool that can provide early-stage predictive toxicology data may accelerate the identification of safer drug candidates, and thereby improve the clinical progression of drug candidates to pharmaceuticals. Such a system would require an accurate and reliable technique that is amenable to the large number of drug candidates that must be screened in the lead discovery and optimization stages of drug development. A key component of predictive toxicology is the ability to harness the metabolite-generating capacity of human cytochromes P450, which are involved in first-pass drug metabolism function of the liver. We have miniaturized P450 catalysis into a microarray format consisting of up to 11,200 isolated P450 reactions, each in 5 nL sol-gel spots, on a single functionalized glass microscope-size biochip. This dramatic scale down from more conventional 96 and 384-well plate scales (at least a 1000-fold reduction in volume) did not adversely affect P450 catalytic activity. Based on the fun...