cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OH as a Constituent of the Interstellar Medium

OH is at present the most ubiquitous molecule known in the interstellar medium. It is primarily associated with galactic continuum sources, both thermal and non thermal. The fraction of all sources showing OH decreases monotonically with galactic longitude away from the Galactic Center region. However, neither the projected density of OH nor the abundance relative to hydrogen or other molecules seems to depend on location within the galactic plane. OH also occurs in many dark dust clouds, where its density is typically 10-5-10-4 cm-3 and its abundance relative to hydrogen is very high. OH is not found in the heavily reddened stellar clusters of Reddish, in Wolf Rayet stars, in planetary nebulae, or in globules. Recent surveys have indicated that OH both in emission and in absorption, is highly correlated with H2CO in direction and in velocity. OH emission, but not absorption, is also highly correlated with anomalous H2O emission. These relationships are impor­tant in deciding between various processes for interstellar molecule formation. On present infor­mation, it appears that more than one such process is operative in different regions of the interstellar medium.
Young Transplant Surgeons and NIH Funding

Transplant surgeons have historically been instrumental in advancing the science of transplantation. However, research in the current environment inevitably requires external funding, and the classic career development pathway for a junior investigator is the NIH K award. We matched transplant surgeons who completed fellowships between 1998 and 2004 with the NIH funding database, and also queried them regarding research effort and attitudes. Of 373 surgeons who completed a fellowship, only 6 (1.8%) received a K award; of these, 3 subsequently obtained R-level funding. An additional 5 individuals received an R-level grant within their first 5 years as faculty without a K award, 3 of whom had received a prior ASTS-sponsored award. Survey respondents reported extensive research experience during their training (78.8% spent median 24 months), a high proportion of graduate research degrees (36%), and a strong desire for more research time (78%). However, they reported clinical burdens and lack of mentorship as their primary perceived barriers to successful research careers. The very low rate of NIH funding for young transplant surgeons, combined with survey results that indicate their desire to participate in research, suggest institutional barriers to access that may warrant attention by the ASTS and the transplant surgery community.
Hybrid fuzzy PID controller for buck-boost converter in solar energy-battery systems

We propose a hybrid fuzzy PID control system to prevent overshoot and oscillations in DC-DC buck-boost converter for solar-battery system. We designed and simulated a PID, a Fuzzy logic controller, and a hybrid fuzzy PID control system to stabilize the output voltage of the buck-boost converter. The performance results using dynamic response parameters of these controllers such as rise time, overshoot, peak time, and voltage oscillations are presented. Our results support the validity and advantages of the hybrid method.
The Happiness of Single Mothers: Evidence from the General Social Survey

A vast “single mothers’ well-being” literature exists but has not studied single mothers’ subjective well-being (SWB). This shortcoming is important since it has been shown that there are potentially large slippages between economic indicators and SWB. Using repeated cross-sectional data from the General Social Survey 1972–2008, we examine single mothers’ happiness in the US both in absolute terms and relative to other groups: all respondents who are not single mothers, all female respondents who are not single mothers, single childless women, and married mothers. In levels, we find a significant single-mother happiness deficit compared to other groups. This deficit is explained by being single, with the happiness of single mothers statistically indistinguishable from single women without children. Over time, however, the deficit has shrunk relative to all other groups except married mothers. We discuss possible explanations for our findings, including: changes to social welfare programs, increased labor force participation, compositional shifts in single motherhood, and stigma. Our findings are most consistent with compositional shifts and changes in the stigma associated with being a single mother.
Simple Signal-Based Wavefront Correction for In-Vivo Two-Photon Microscopy in Mouse Brain

We present a novel adaptive optics scheme for two-photon microscopy that is compatible with in-vivo mouse brain imaging. Signal-based modal optimization permits correction for both system and sample aberrations within 10-40 seconds.
Parallel computing for RF scattering calculations

Three-dimensional RF scattering calculations for objects of realistic complexity, which require parallel computational methods in order to be feasible for design tradeoff studies, are discussed. Two basic approaches to obtaining parallel speed improvements are vectorization and full parallel processing. In the latter category are shared-memory and distributed-memory multiprocessor machines. The approaches to parallel computation are reviewed, and the changes required to adapt RF scattering analysis to each major parallel architecture are considered. A comparison of conversion effort and execution performance is presented for representative computers. >
In Vivo Regulation of Grp78/BiP Transcription in the Embryonic Heart ROLE OF THE ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM STRESS RESPONSE ELEMENT AND GATA-4

The transcriptional activation of GRP78, which controls multiple signaling pathways of the unfolded protein response, has been used extensively as an indicator for the onset of endoplasmic reticulum stress in tissue culture systems. Here we investigate the mechanism of Grp78 induction during mouse embryonic development. Our results reveal that in transgenic mouse models, reporter gene activity driven by the Grp78 promoter is strongly activated during early embryonic heart development but subsides in later stages. This activation is strictly dependent on a 100-base pair region of the Grp78 promoter containing the endoplasmic reticulum stress response elements (ERSEs). Previous studies establish that endoplasmic reticulum stress induces in vivo binding of YY1 and the nuclear form of ATF6 to the ERSE. Since the expression of YY1 as well as ATF6 is ubiquitous in the mouse embryo, activation of the Grp78 promoter in the early embryonic heart may involve a specific mechanism. Here we report that GATA-4, a transcription factor essential for heart development, binds to the Grp78 promoter in vivo and activates the ERSE, which does not contain a consensus GATA binding site. GATA-4 cooperatively activates the Grp78 promoter with YY1, and the DNA binding domain of YY1 is necessary and sufficient for this cooperation. In addition, GATA-4 activation of the Grp78 promoter is enhanced by the nuclear form of ATF6, and this synergy is further potentiated by YY1. These results suggest that during early heart organogenesis, Grp78 can be activated through cooperation between the cell type-specific transcription factors and ERSE-binding factors.
Modeling of distortion after densification during liquid-phase sintering

Liquid-phase sintering (LPS) is a technique widely used to sinter hard and heavy metals such as tungsten carbide and tungsten heavy alloys. LPS involves formation of a liquid phase during sintering that promotes fast densification. However, the ratio of liquid to solid, microstructure and external forces (gravity, component/substrate friction) act to promote distortion as a function of sintering time and temperature. To understand and control distortion during LPS, a numerical model is being developed to solve continuity and momentum equations using a finite-element technique. In this article, transient distortion under gravity is calculated as a function of surface tension, density, and viscosity of the material. The effect of the friction force due to the component support during isothermal sintering is also evaluated and compared with experimental data acquired by in-situ recording of distortion during sintering.
DEMAND SHOCKS: EVIDENCE FROM A VECTOR AUTOREGRESSION MODEL OF MEXICO'S RECESSION AND RECOVERY IN THE 1990s

We analyze the recession and recovery of Mexico during the 1990s by estimating a vector autoregression of aggregate expenditures. The model suggests that, in addition to fiscal, monetary, and exchange rates policies, “expectational” shocks played a significant role in the 1995 recession but not in the insuring recovery. This indicates that when policy factors explain only a portion of the shocks, the public's pessimism and anxiety about the future should be considered important in policymaking. Finally, contrary to the conventional believe that depreciation will raise economic growth, this study finds that Peso depreciation will bring about a recession. [E32, C32]
Chromite symplectites in Mg-suite troctolite 76535 as evidence for infiltration metasomatism of a lunar layered intrusion

Abstract Despite the very low chromium concentrations in its cumulus olivine (∼140 ppm), lunar troctolite 76535 contains large amounts of Cr sporadically, but highly concentrated, in symplectite assemblages consisting of Mg–Al-chromite and two pyroxenes. Previously proposed symplectite formation mechanisms include crystallization of trapped interstitial melt, diffusion of Cr from cumulus olivine, and/or remobilization of cumulus chromite grains. These mechanisms would imply that the highly Cr-depleted nature of Mg-suite parental magmas and their source materials inferred from cumulus olivine may be illusory. We have conducted a detailed petrologic and textural study of symplectites, as well as chromite veins, intercumulus assemblages, olivine-hosted melt inclusions and clinopyroxene-troilite veins in 76535 with the goals of constraining the origin of the symplectites, and the degree of Cr-depletion in Mg-suite magmas relative to other lunar basalts. Orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene in melt inclusions are depleted in Cr relative to their symplectite counterparts, averaging 900 and 1200 ppm vs. 7400 and 8100 ppm Cr 2 O 3 , respectively. Olivine in contact with symplectite assemblages may exhibit a diffusion profile of Cr going into olivine, whereas olivine boundaries away from symplectites show no diffusion profile. There is also a distinct lack of primary chromite as inclusions in cumulus phases and melt inclusions. Multiple textural observations, melt inclusion chemistry, and modeling of chromite–olivine equilibrium rule out previously proposed symplectite formation mechanisms, and strongly suggest that chromite was not a primary crystallization product of the 76535 parental magma. Accordingly, the post-cumulus addition of Cr and Fe is required to produce the symplectites. After considering multiple models, the addition of Cr and Fe to 76535 via infiltration metasomatism by an exogenous chromite-saturated melt is the model most consistent with multiple textural and geochemical observations. Failure of models that call upon Cr diffusion out of olivine grains imply that the observed Cr-depleted nature of olivine observed in many Mg-suite lithologies is a primary feature of the Cr-depleted nature of the Mg-suite parental magmas and their source materials. This substantial depletion of Cr in the magma relative to mare basalt magmas still requires a satisfactory explanation in order to be consistent with Mg-suite petrogenetic models and currently accepted bulk-Moon compositions. Additionally, if the intimate interaction of migrating melts with early lunar crustal lithologies was a widespread phenomenon after LMO solidification, it provides another mechanism by which to reset or delay closure of radiogenic isotopic systems and explain the Mg-suite-ferroan anorthosite age overlap.
A depth controlled tow system for hydrographic and current measurements with applications

Abstract A body with variable positive lift controlled by shipboard command has been towed for a total of 8000 km since 1973 without fairing or special winch. The system operates on a single conductor wire sharing power, data, and control signals with transmission to shipboard by frequency shift key modulation. Examples of constant depth, isopleth following, and rapid and step-like vertical sampling are presented. Depths of 800m at a tow speed of 3 m s −1 , with a controlled vertical lift of up to 200 m, have been achieved. Three developments of secondary bodies, towed by the controlled fish, are described. They carry commercially available sensors measuring pressure, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, speed, heading, pitch, and roll. Experience with a towed acoustic back-scattering current sensor system is described.
Relative Length Frequency: A Simple, Visual Technique to Evaluate Size Structure in Fish Populations

Abstract I developed a way to rapidly evaluate the size structure of fish populations designed to be readily understood by a wide audience. Relative length frequency compares the length frequency of fish from a particular water body with an average developed for a region. This technique is analogous to relative weight, relative condition, or relative growth, which are used to compare the condition or growth of fish in a particular water body with rangewide or regional standards. Relative length frequency can be used in conjunction with relative weight or relative growth to rapidly identify factors potentially limiting fish production. I demonstrate this method with data on largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides from Washington State and roundtail chub Gila robusta from Arizona that were collected during standardized electrofishing surveys.
Thermocapillary migration of droplets: an exact solution for small Marangoni numbers

Abstract The thermocapillary motion of immiscible spherical droplets placed in an unbounded fluid with a linear temperature distribution is analyzed. For small Marangoni numbers, an exact solution to the Navier-Stokes equations has been found. The velocity field and the terminal velocity of the droplet are the same as those calculated by previous workers in the small Reynolds number limit. Hence the range of applicability of their results has been extended to arbitrary Reynolds numbers, so long as Ma = PrRe remains small (i.e., the convection of energy can be neglected). The shape of the droplet has also been calculated, when the deformations from the spherical shape are small. The results are qualitatively in agreement with the previous results, in the limit Pr → 0, that droplets of the same density as the host fluid do not deform at all, that bubbles tend to deform oblately, and that droplets with the denser fluid inside tend to elongate in the flow direction.
Developing a catalog of software & hardware

MIT has diverse and decentralized computer assets, ranging from small microcomputers to supercomputers. Not surprisingly, centralized support for each computer user requires more resources than are available. The Catalog of Computer Hardware and Software at MIT was developed as one way to tap into local expertise within this environment.
Effects of nanoparticles on the nucleation and devitrification temperatures of polyol cryoprotectant solutions

To investigate the efficiency of nanoparticles as nucleation agents in polyol cryoprotectant solutions at cryogenic temperatures, the nucleation and devitrification temperatures of these solutions with different concentrations of diamond, gold, copper–nickel, and silicon nanoparticles were measured through differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that ice growth in these cryoprotectant solutions is prominently accelerated by nanoparticles and the devitrification temperatures of cryoprotectant solutions are significantly lowered by nanoparticles. These findings can be used to improve the efficiency of cell cryopreservation procedures and open numerous avenues of investigations regarding the application of nanoparticles in cryogenics.
Web-Based Computational Chemistry Education with CHARMMing II: Coarse-Grained Protein Folding

A lesson utilizing a coarse-grained (CG) G-like model has been implemented into the CHARMM INterface and Graphics (CHARMMing) web portal (www.charmming.org) to the Chemistry at HARvard Macromolecular Mechanics (CHARMM) molecular simulation package. While widely used to model various biophysical processes, such as protein folding and aggregation, CG models can also serve as an educational tool because they can provide qualitative descriptions of complex biophysical phenomena for a relatively cheap computational cost. As a proof of concept, this lesson demonstrates the construction of a CG model of a small globular protein, its simulation via Langevin dynamics, and the analysis of the resulting data. This lesson makes connections between modern molecular simulation techniques and topics commonly presented in an advanced undergraduate lecture on physical chemistry. It culminates in a straightforward analysis of a short dynamics trajectory of a small fast folding globular protein; we briefly describe the thermodynamic properties that can be calculated from this analysis. The assumptions inherent in the model and the data analysis are laid out in a clear, concise manner, and the techniques used are consistent with those employed by specialists in the field of CG modeling. One of the major tasks in building the G-like model is determining the relative strength of the nonbonded interactions between coarse-grained sites. New functionality has been added to CHARMMing to facilitate this process. The implementation of these features into CHARMMing helps automate many of the tedious aspects of constructing a CG G model. The CG model builder and its accompanying lesson should be a valuable tool to chemistry students, teachers, and modelers in the field.
Social Nature: Theory, Practice, and Politics

Noel Castree and Bruce Braun, eds. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2001. xiv and 249 pp., maps, diags., photos., notes, refs., and index. $31.95 paper (ISBN 0-631-21568-9). This book is a fine collection of...
When Leaders Are Challenged: Dealing With Involuntary Members in Groups

Leading groups can be challenging and difficult. Leading groups in which members are involuntary and negative increases the level of difficulty and creates new dynamics in the group leading process. This article proposes specific skills and strategies for dealing with three specific issues related to involuntary members in groups: groups where all members are involuntary; groups where some members are involuntary; and groups with open membership where involuntary members join groups that are already in progress. The emphasis is on leaders using creative and multi-sensory interventions to insure that members are actively engaged in the group process.
Continuous Remote Mobile Identity Management Using Biometric Integrated Touch-Display

AbstractWhile enriching the user experiences, the developmentof mobile devices and applications introduces new securityand privacy vulnerabilities for the remote services accessed bymobile device users. A trusted and usable authentication architecturefor mobile devices is thus in high demand. In this paper,we leverage a unified structure, consisting of transparent TFTbasedfingerprint sensors, touchscreen, and display, to propose anovel identity management mechanism that authenticates usersof touch based mobile devices for accessing the local devicesand remote services. Our solution differs from the previous onetimeand enforced authentication approaches through two novelfeatures: (i) user transparent authentication process, requiringneither password nor extra login steps and (ii) continuousidentity management based on fingerprint biometric, where eachuser-to-device touch interaction is used toward authentication.Moreover, we introduce two different security scenarios, one forlocal identity management, and the second extended solution forremote identity management. Finally we employ TRUST (TrustReinforcement based on Unified Structural Touch-display) tosolve the identity challenge in cyber space.
The effect of one probabilistic verbal association upon the concomitant acquisition of a second association

Summary The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of one probabilistic verbal association upon performance on a concomitantly presented association. A modified paired-associate procedure was employed in which a stimulus word was presented on each trial with one of two response words. The probability ratio of the two response words was varied for different groups. Two such stimulus word-response word combinations were presented to fourteen groups. The probability of the two response words of each association was varied to provide for the study of response-word probabilities of .9-.1, .8-.2, .7-.3, and .6-.4 presented with a second association having response word probabilities of 1.0-0, .9-.1, .8-.2, .7-.3, and .6-.4. It was found that A 1 response frequency for the .8 and .7 conditions increased as a function of the response probability of the association concomitantly presented. Alternation and run tabulations were performed which suggested that S s were influenced by the sequential characteristics of the two associations in the .8 and .7 probability conditions. The relation of the present experiment to other probabilistic studies, language behavior, and association theory was discussed.
Construction and operation of a video-based visual colorimeter for atmospheric research

Abstract A new visual colorimeter for quantifying perception of color and brightness of natural objects seen through the atmosphere is described. The instrument is basically a small video monitor controlled by a portable computer. The advantages of a video system over conventional visual colorimeters are discussed. Experimental results show that under controlled laboratory conditions the precision of the color matches is about 4%, and the accuracy is about 5%.
Portal Vein Embolization: Rationale, Technique, and Current Application

Portal vein embolization (PVE) is a technique used before hepatic resection to increase the size of liver segments that will remain after surgery. This therapy redirects portal blood to segments of the future liver remnant (FLR), resulting in hypertrophy. PVE is indicated when the FLR is either too small to support essential function or marginal in size and associated with a complicated postoperative course. When appropriately applied, PVE has been shown to reduce postoperative morbidity and increase the number of patients eligible for curative intent resection. PVE is also being combined with other therapies in novel ways to improve surgical outcomes. This article reviews the rationale, technical considerations, and current use of preoperative PVE.
Kounis syndrome during general anaesthesia and administration of adrenaline.

During the course of anaphylaxis, occurrence of myocardial ischaemia has been known, which have recently been named as Kounis syndrome [1]. Regarding treatment for this syndrome, early intravenous administration of adrenaline is the key points for managing anaphylaxis [2–4] but adrenaline can aggravate myocardial ischaemia. Moreover, whether adrenaline is effective or not is controversial [5,6]. We report a case of Kounis syndrome during general anaesthesia in which administration of adrenaline was effective in both anaphylactic shock and myocardial ischaemia, and discuss perioperative problems about diagnosis and therapy. A 61-yr-old man was scheduled for varicose vein stripping. He had in good health, had no past history suggestive of allergy, and took no medications. The operation began uneventfully under spinal anaesthesia. Ten minutes after the start of surgery, the patient became confusional, severely hypotensive and tachycardic. Ephedrine, phenylephrine and noradrenaline were administered in addition to rapid infusion of normal saline but the patient remained hypotensive and tachycardic. Fifteen minutes after occurrence of hypotension, the ECG revealed ST segment elevation in a MCL5 lead. We suspected that hypotension was caused by left ventricular dysfunction as a result of myocardial ischaemia, and started nitroglycerin and noradrenaline continuously. But the patient's condition remained unchanged. A few minutes later, the anaesthetist noticed a mildly or moderately erythematous rash at the patient's face for the first time and
One-Benefit learning: cost-sensitive learning with restricted cost information

This paper presents a new formulation for cost-sensitive learning that we call the One-Benefit formulation. Instead of having the correct label for each training example as in the standard classifier learning formulation, in this formulation we have one possible label for each example (which may not be the correct one) and the benefit (or cost) associated with that label. The goal of learning in this formulation is to find the classifier that maximizes the expected benefit of the labelling using only these examples. We present a reduction from One-Benefit learning to standard classifier learning that allows us to use any existing error-minimizing classifier learner to maximize the expected benefit in this formulation by correctly weighting the examples. We also show how to evaluate a classifier using test examples for which we only the benefit for one of the labels. We present preliminary experimental results using a synthetic data generator that allows us to test both our learning method and our evaluation method.
Unwrapping of Nucleosomes Detected by Time-Lapse AFM

The dynamics of chromatin provide the access to DNA within nucleosomes and therefore, this process is critically involved into the regulation of chromatin function. The questions, such as the range of opening of the nucleosome, and the mechanism whereby the opening occurs and propagates, remain unknown. Here we applied single molecule time lapse AFM imaging to directly visualize the dynamics of nucleosomes and identify the mechanism of the large range DNA exposure. With this technique, we are able to observe the process of unwrapping of nucleosomes. The unwrapping of nucleosomes proceeds from the ends of the particles, allowing for the unwrapping of DNA regions as large as dozens of base pairs. This process may lead to a complete unfolding of nucleosomes and dissociation of the histone core from the complex. The unwrapping occurs in the absence of proteins involved in the chromatin remodeling that require ATP hydrolysis for their function. This suggests that the inherent dynamics of nucleosomes can contribute to the chromatin unwrapping process. There is an electrostatic interaction of DNA with positively charged histone core and the AFM substrate; therefore a balance between these interactions is a driving force for unwrapping. Transiently unwrapped DNA segments can be trapped by electrostatic interactions with the surface increasing the probability for the next unwrapping step. We speculate that interaction of chromatin with surfaces within the cell including the surfaces of remodeling proteins involved into the interaction with chromatin can contribute to the chromatin dynamics facilitating unwrapping of the chromatin. Therefore, APS-mica can play a role of a model system for elucidating of the role of electrostatic interactions of chromatin with intracellular surfaces in regulation of the chromatin dynamics and genes activity.The work is supported by grants EPS-0701892, PHY-0615590 (both NSF) and GM062235 (NIH).
Land plant evidence compatible with gradual, not catastrophic, change at the end of the Cretaceous

Field study of the fossil and sedimentary record across the Cretaceous–Tertiary (K–T) boundary in Wyoming and Montana has been combined here with a reassessment of the published record of terrestrial palynomorphs to test recent hypotheses that a universal biotic catastrophe caused by an asteroid1–3, cometary impact4 or a supernova5 terminated the Cretaceous. Evidence from land plants is particularly critical because plants form the base of the terrestrial food chain. Thus, massive disruptions of the Earth's vegetation by the postulated effects of a cosmic disaster (blocking of solar radiation for several years by a dust cloud1, severe atmospheric heating1,4,6,7 or ionizing radiation5) would have an amplified effect on the land fauna. However, I report here that the geographically uneven and generally moderate levels of extinction and diversity change in the land flora, together with the non-synchroneity of plant and dinosaur extinctions, contradict hypotheses that a catastrophe caused terrestrial extinctions.
Utility of some rapid estimations of intelligence in a college population.

To test the efficiency of some commonly used rapid estimations of intelligence with the restricted range of talent represented in the typical college research population, the WAIS and Quick Test were administered to 56 college undergraduates. Additionally, the Shaw and Doppelt short forms of the WAIS were computed, the latter achieving the highest predictive accuracy by correlating .79 with the WAIS Full Scale IQ. The Quick Test attained the highest correlation (.67) with the Vocabulary subtest of the WAIS.
Multiply Connected 3-D Transient Problem With Rigid Motion Associated With $\mbi T\hbox{-}\mmb\Omega$ Formulation

An automatic cut generation algorithm is applied to treat multiply connected regions in three-dimensional transient solutions including rigid motion. In the cutting domains, the zero curl condition of vector potential T is strongly imposed. A new algorithm is developed to guarantee that the generation of every cutting domain will reside on either the stationary region or on the moving region without touching or crossing the mesh coupling interface so that the difficulty of coupling the nonconforming mesh between stationary and moving parts can be avoided. In addition, a much convenient and reliable scheme is introduced to handle periodic boundary conditions.
Fluorescence Emission of Disperse Red 1 in Solution at Room Temperature

In this article, we report the fluorescence emission of Disperse Red 1 in solution at room temperature and pumping at 532 nm with a 25 mW diode laser. We have measured its fluorescence quantum yield in methanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and phenol obtaining values as high as 10-3 in the aliphatic alcohols. The excitation spectra of Disperse Red 1 in all four solvents as well as its excitation anisotropy in glycerol are presented. Applying a Gaussian decomposition method to the absorption spectra along with the support from the excitation spectra, the positions of the different transitions in this pseudo-stilbene azobenzene dye were determined. Solvatochromic and isomerization constraint effects are discussed. Calculations using density functional theory at TD-B3LYP/6-31G*//HF/6-31G* level were performed to interpret the experimental observations.
IF-LCM: laser capture microdissection of immunofluorescently defined cells for mRNA analysis rapid communication.

IF-LCM: Laser capture microdissection of immunofluorescently defined cells for mRNA analysis. Background The next phase of the molecular revolution will bring functional genomics down to the level of individual cells in a tissue. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) coupled with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can measure gene expression in normal, cancerous, injured, or fibrotic tissue. Nevertheless, targeting of specific cells may be difficult using routine morphologic stains. Immunohistochemistry can identify cells with specific antigens; however, exposure to aqueous solutions destroys 99% of the mRNA. Consequently, there is an overwhelming need to identify specific tissue cells for LCM without mRNA loss. We report on a rapid immunofluorescent LCM (IF-LCM) procedure that allows targeted analysis of gene expression. Methods A LCM microscope was outfitted for epifluorescence and light level video microscopy. Heat filters were added to shield the image intensifier from the laser. Frozen sections were fluorescently labeled by a rapid one minute incubation with anti–Tamm-Horsfall antibody and an ALEXA-linked secondary antibody. Fluorescently labeled thick ascending limb (TAL) cells were detected by low light level video microscopy, captured by LCM, and mRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR for basic amino acid transporter, Tamm-Horsfall protein, and aquaporin-2. Results The immunofluorescently identified TAL could be cleanly microdissected without contamination from surrounding tubules. The recovery of RNA following rapid immunofluorescence staining was similar to that obtained following hematoxylin and eosin staining, as assessed by RT-PCR for malate dehydrogenase. Conclusions We conclude that the new apparatus and method for the immunofluorescent labeling of tissue cells targeted for LCM can isolate pure populations of targeted cells from a sea of surrounding cells with highly acceptable preservation of mRNA. Since the TAL is minimally injured following ischemia, identification of the different responses between TAL and surrounding tissue in damaged kidneys may provide new therapeutic targets or agents for the treatment of acute renal failure.
Wavelet study of approach-wind velocity and building pressure

Application of wavelet transform (WT) to study approach wind speed and building roof pressure is described in the paper. The WT is briefly introduced and employed in two illustrative examples, and in analysis of wind-tunnel data. The local wavelet spectra and other WT-based quantities are presented. Significant variation in the local energy, not accounted for in Fourier spectra analysis, is noted. Further study of these variations and their effects on wind-induced loading, as well as investigations of physical processes associated with patterns exhibited by the WT results, are desired.
Circularly polarized millimeter-wave imaging for personnel screening

A novel polarimetric millimeter-wave imaging technique has been developed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for concealed weapon detection applications. Wideband millimeter-wave imaging systems developed at PNNL utilize low-power, coherent, millimeter-wave illumination in the 10-100 GHz range to form high-resolution images of personnel. Electromagnetic waves in these frequency ranges easily penetrate most clothing materials and are reflected from the body and any concealed items. Three-dimensional images are formed using computer image reconstruction algorithms developed to mathematically focus the received wavefronts scattered from the target. Circular polarimetric imaging can be employed to obtain additional information from the target. Circularly polarized waves incident on relatively smooth reflecting targets are typically reversed in their rotational handedness, e.g. left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) is reflected to become right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). An incident wave that is reflected twice (or any even number) of times prior to returning to the transceiver, has its handedness preserved. Sharp features such as wires and edges tend to return linear polarization, which can be considered to be a sum of both LHCP and RHCP. These characteristics can be exploited for personnel screening by allowing differentiation of smooth features, such as the body, and sharper features present in many concealed items. Additionally, imaging artifacts due to multipath can be identified and eliminated. Laboratory imaging results have been obtained in the 10-20 GHz frequency range and are presented in this paper.
Topochemical diacetylene polymerization in layered metal phosphate salts

Abstract UV- and X-ray induced polymerization of diacetylene groups in layered salts of 3,5-octadiyne bisphosphate (ODBP) with di- and trivalent metals (Zn, Mg, Mn, Ca, Cd, La, Y, and Sm) was studied. Diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectra were used to monitor the course of the polymerization reactions. From these spectra, it was found that the highest degree of polymerization was obtained with the Zn, Mg, and Mn salts; short-chain oligomers were formed with La, Y, and Sm, while the Ca and Cd salts had the lowest reactivity. These trends can be rationalized in terms of structural models for the juxtaposition of diacetylene groups in the monomeric salts and on the basis of the similarity of the spacing of phosphate coordination sites in the basal plane (4.8 A for Zn, Mg, and Mg, and 5.6 A for La, Y, and Sm) and the polydiacetylene repeat distance (4.93 A). The nucleation and growth of the polymeric phase within these layered solids followed inverse exponential kinetics and could be fitted to the Avrami equation (M. Avrami, J. Chem. Phys. 7, 1103 (1939)).
A proposed project termination audit model

Project postmortem analysis, if conducted at all, is generally cursory. Often organizational pressures preclude an independent and comprehensive examination of completed projects. A project audit or outcome evaluation can be extremely constructive and a valuable tool for both the technical and managerial organization. Not only can it help focus on objectives and the accomplishment of those objectives, but it can also provide guidance to the conceptual, formative, and operational phases of future projects.
Touch based interactive NURBS modeler using a force/position input glove

Non-Uniform Rational B-spline (NURBS) surfaces form an integral part of commercial modeling systems because of its ability to represent freeform as well as common analytic shapes. The creation of complex NURBS in design environments is a tedious process because very few tools exist, that allow a designer to design intuitively in real-time. Standard input devices such as the mouse and the keyboard do not provide the designer with direct and easy capabilities for surface manipulation. We have developed a NURBS modeling system that allows the designer to edit NURBS surfaces in real-time using a pressure sensitive sculpting/molding input device designed to be worn as a glove called the ModelGlove. This input device is equipped with force and position sensors for quantifying touch and intent of the designer. A virtual block deforms in a physically realistic manner in response to the user’s direct manipulation of a hard or soft real physical object. The dynamic behavior of the NURBS model in response to the force and position input obtained from the ModelGlove, produces highly natural shape variations. Experimental results show the potential of the system for product and concept design applications.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
SUPPRESSION OF BEHAVIOR BY TIMEOUT PUNISHMENT WHEN SUPPRESSION RESULTS IN LOSS OF POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT1

This investigation, using rats as subjects and punishment by timeout for responses maintained on a ratio schedule, sought to determine whether behavior would be suppressed by timeout punishment when such suppression also reduced reinforcement density or frequency. A series of experiments indicated that timeout punishment suppressed responding, with the degree of suppression increasing as a function of the duration of the timeout period. Suppressive effects were found to decrease as a function of increases in deprivation (body weight) and were eliminated when the punished response also was reinforced. It was concluded that timeout can produce aversive effects even when loss of reinforcement results. An alternative interpretation of the findings, based on the effects of extinction periods and delay of reinforcement on chained behavior, was discussed.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of the Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu10.0Ni12.5Be22.5 bulk metallic glass forming liquid: glass formation from a strong liquid

Abstract The flow properties of Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu10.0Ni12.5Be22.5 have been measured both in the liquid and supercooled liquid state, spanning 15 orders of magnitude in viscosity. We used beam bending experiments in the vicinity of the glass transition regime and concentric cylinder rheometry near the liquidus temperature to find very large viscosities for a metallic system of 2 Pa s in the equilibrium liquid. The temperature dependence of the viscosity is discussed in the framework of the Adam–Gibbs entropy model as well as the free volume model for viscous flow. The thermodynamic functions on the one side and the specific volume on the other have been measured previously and allow for a detailed comparison of the two phenomenological descriptions.
A morphological study of Ptilimnium

The genusPtilimnium, a native of the southeastern states, is composed of five species. Two of these were previously placed inHarperella because the plants bore phyllodes instead of finely dissected compound leaves. Investigation shows that these “Harperella” species,P. nodosum andP. fluviatile, have a haploid chromosome number of 6.P. capillaceum, P. nuttallii, andP. costatum have haploid numbers of 7, 7, and 16, respectively. Seedling studies support the thesis that these five species belong to the same genus.P. fluviatile andP. viviparum have been combined because of the lack of distinguishing characters. Connecting links have been discovered between the seemingly isolated localities in the Potomac River valley and northern Alabama.P. texense, a taxon of possible hybrid origin, needs further cytological clarification.
Mercury contamination and effects on survival of American avocet and black-necked stilt chicks in San Francisco Bay.

We evaluated whether mercury influenced survival of free-ranging American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) and black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) chicks in San Francisco Bay, California. Using radio telemetry, we radio-marked 158 avocet and 79 stilt chicks at hatching and tracked them daily until their fate was determined. We did not find strong support for an influence of in ovo mercury exposure on chick survival, despite observing a wide range of mercury concentrations in chick down feathers at hatching (0.40–44.31 μg g−1 fw). We estimated that chick survival rates were reduced by ≤3% over the range of observed mercury concentrations during the 28-day period from hatching to fledging. We also salvaged newly-hatched chicks that were found dead during routine nest monitoring. In contrast to the telemetry results, we found that mercury concentrations in down feathers of dead chicks were higher than those in randomly-sampled live chicks of similar age. However, capture site was the most important variable influencing mercury concentrations, followed by year, species, and hatching date. Although laboratory studies have demonstrated negative effects of environmentally relevant mercury concentrations on chick survival, our results concur with the small number of previous field studies that have not been able to detect reduced survival in the wild.
A Pressor Substance is Not Present in the Perfusate of Ischemic Kidneys

SummaryWe were unable to obtain a pressor substance in significant amounts from the ischemic kidney of hypertensive dogs by perfusing such kidneys for from 20 to 60 minutes with Locke's solution.
Better Social Welfare, Ukraine

To a large extent, the recent global economic‐financial crisis has not affected how the social welfare system in Ukraine provides assistance. While Ukraine did contribute more funds to help meet the greater demands for assistance during the crisis, the country did not maintain the value of social benefits in real terms (after discounting inflationary effects), and it introduced new eligibility qualifications that restricted the numbers of those able to apply for unemployment assistance, thereby easing the burden on the state. All in all, the crisis did not change the way politics is done in Ukraine, nor did it change the fact that the relatively passive and nascent civil society has remained largely inclined to let the state carry on developing and implementing social welfare policy in the same way as before. As such, acceptance and avoidance of the state largely has become the norm.
Performance analysis of CCHP and CHP systems operating following the thermal and electric load

Heating and cooling energy requirements for buildings are usually supplied by separated systems such as furnaces or boilers for heating, and vapor compression systems for cooling. For these types of buildings, the use of combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems or combined heating and power (CHP) systems are an alternative for energy savings. Different researchers have claimed that the use of CCHP and CHP systems reduces the energy consumption related to transmission and distribution of energy. However, most of these analyses are based on reduction of operating cost without measuring the actual energy use and emissions reduction. The objective of this study is to analyze the performance of CCHP and CHP systems operating following the electric load (FEL) and operating following the thermal load (FTL), based on primary energy consumption (PEC), operation cost, and carbon dioxide emissions (CDE) for different climate conditions. Results show that CCHP and CHP systems operated FTL reduce the PEC for all the evaluated cities. On the other hand, CHP systems operated FEL always increases the PEC. The only operation mode that reduces PEC and CDE while reducing the cost is CHP-FTL. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influences of temperature on growth of Streptococcus cremoris and Streptococcus lactis

Abstract Optimal growth temperatures in yeast extract broth for nine strains of Streptococcus cremoris , selected as representative of 45 strains, varied from 28 through 31C and averaged 29.3C. Maximal growth temperatures were 34.4 through 38.9C in broth and in litmus milk, with an average of 36.1C. The one strain of Streptococcus lactis had an optimal growth temperature of 31.5C and a maximum of 42C. Maximal growth temperatures for the nine strains of S. cremoris were 3.9 to 10.4C above the optimal temperatures, and strains with high optimal temperatures did not have necessarily correspondingly high minimal or maximal temperatures. Only three strains with low maximal growth temperatures apparently were damaged by treatment for 90min at 38.9C.
Is COX-2 a 'collateral' target in cancer prevention?

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) prevent colon and other cancers. The fact that NSAIDs inhibit the eicosanoid pathway prompted mechanistic drug-developmental work focusing on COX (cyclo-oxygenase) and its products. The increased prostaglandin E 2 levels and the overexpression of COX-2 in colon and many other cancers provided the rationale for clinical trials with COX-2 inhibitors for cancer prevention or treatment. However, one COX-2 inhibitor has been withdrawn from the market because of cardiovascular side effects, and there are concerns about a class effect. Evidence suggests that COX-2 may not be the only, or the ideal, target for cancer prevention; for example, COX-2 is not expressed in human aberrant crypt foci, the earliest recognizable pre-malignant lesion in the colon; COX-2 is expressed in less than half of the adenomas; in vitro data show that NSAIDs do not require the presence of COX-2 to prevent cancer; in familial adenomatous polyposis, the COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, had a modest effect, which was weaker than that of a traditional NSAID; and COX-2-specific inhibitors have several COX-2-independent activities, which may account for part of their cancer-preventive properties. The multiple COX-2-indpendent targets, and the limitations of COX-2 inhibitors, suggest the need to explore targets other than COX-2.