cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal Distribution Control via Liouville Approach

Controlling a population of dynamic systems has been of great interest and importance in recent years due to its broad impact on diverse real-life applications, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in quantum physics, disease treatment in bio-medicine, and spiking patterns in neuroscience. Although optimal control of a single or multiple dynamic system has been a well-studied subject in both applied mathematics and systems engineering, effective methods for solving emerging optimal control problems involving a large population of nonlinear dynamic systems are underdeveloped. These burgeoning problems require robust control over the evolution of the entire population of dynamic systems, or at least, in the distributional sense. It is more challenging with the consideration of the control design involving nonlinear dynamics which has a very strong localized structure, i.e., every single sub-system follows a structurally identical dynamic. In this work, we first explore the dynamic model of a population system with Liouville equation that describes the evolution of the system population. Then, extending our previous work, we generate a robust numerical method, the iterative method, to find the desired optimal controls with both free- and fixed-endpoint conditions. Several practical examples are included in this paper to discuss the advantages and limitations of this iterative method.
Comparison of flow characteristics in a bench-scale system with commercial-scale pipelines: Use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

The challenges for scale-up are often encountered in cleaning operations during the interpretation of data from clean-in-place (CIP) research. The objective of this investigation was to design and characterize flow characteristics in a bench-scale system in a manner that evaluates scale-up to a commercial-scale CIP operation. A bench-scale temperature-controlled vessel was designed for evaluation of in-place cleaning, and for development of scale-up parameters. The wall shear stress was selected as the parameter for the comparison, as it is the significant parameter associated with deposit removal. Using the traditional prediction models, the wall shear stress of bench-scale ranged 0.015 to 4.99 Pa with impeller speeds from 50 to 900 rpm. For the commercial-scale with 0.022 m of inside diameter, prediction ranged from 1.43 to 7.90 Pa with the mean fluid velocity from 0.72 to 1.67 m/s. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to predict wall shear stress on the surfaces within the bench-scale and commercial-scale systems. The predicted wall shear stress values ranged from 0.016 to 2.42 Pa for surfaces within the bench-scale system, and from 1.33 to 7.20 Pa for the commercial-scale system. The differences between two calculation methods are attributed to the averaging the magnitude over the whole area and the overestimation of friction coefficients employed in the traditional prediction. The results confirm that CFD provided more reliable wall shear stress estimates for surfaces of interest. The wall shear stress estimates for a bench-scale compare favorably to estimates for a commercial-scale pie section in a CIP system. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The current investigation demonstrates that the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation provides accurate estimates for the scale-up parameters. Both academic and industrial researchers will benefit from the proposed methodologies to compare the flow properties of the bench-scale and commercial-scale CIP operation that facilitate the practical implementation of the systems.
Entrapment Neuropathies about the Elbow

The differential diagnosis of symptoms such as numbness, paresthesias, pain, or weakness in the hand must include entrapment neuropathies which can occur about the elbow region. Several potential entrapment sites have been described for the major peripheral nerves during their course down the upper arm and into the proximal forearm. With a well-directed history, physical and electrodiagnostic examination the localization of a specific entrapment site is possible.
MBA Program Reputation: Quantitative Rankings for Students, Employers, and Program Administrators

Widely publicized reports of fresh MBAs receiving multiple job offers with six-figure annual salaries leave a long-lasting general impression about the high quality of selected business schools. Business Week reports on a regular basis ranking of MBA programs based on qualitative ("subjective") surveys of students and employers. This paper ranks MBA programs using quantitative ("objective") data from three different points of view - students, employers, and MBA program administrators.
Not Just Another ABC Transporter

The ABC transporters are transmembrane proteins that move a wide variety of compounds into and out of cells. In her Perspective, [Davidson][1] explains what the structure of the second bacterial ABC transporter to be determined ([ Locher et al .][2]) tells us about the molecular mechanism of transport in this family. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/296/5570/1038 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/296/5570/1091
Problems in Intracellular Membrane Traffic

Eukaryotic cells operate an extensive and well regulated traffic of membrane-bound vesicles to: (a) transport intracellularly, and eventually discharge by exocytosis, macromolecular products; (b) take up by endocytosis molecules and particles from the environment; (c) transport macromolecules across epithelial barriers; and (d) move membranes from their site of assembly to their final locations. Vesicular transport appears to be the equivalent of a discontinuous circulatory system in which vesicles recycle between the termini of each transport pathway, so that balanced membrane distribution is maintained among cell compartments and the cell's surface. Although the general outline of the process is reasonably clear, much remains to be learned about the number and types of pathways, the types and quantities of membranes, and the rates of vesicular movement. Since each vesicular carrier finds its specific terminus (and fuses with it), vesicular traffic is strictly controlled. By analogy with the control of intracellular protein traffic, it may be assumed that vesicular traffic is regulated by the mutual recognition of protein signals and receptors affixed, in this case, with appropriate asymmetry to the surface of the interacting membranes. Since vesicular transport operates without loss of specific chemistry and function of various cellular membranes, cells can counteract effectively the randomization of membrane proteins and lipids, which becomes possible whenever two membranes establish continuity of their fluid bilayers, and when membrane is removed from one or both termini of a recycling pathway. Specific selection of termini and prevention of randomization among membrane components are major unsolved problems in vesicular transport. Their solution in terms of molecular interactions requires further work.
Adaptation of a flow-through leaching procedure for Mg/Ca paleothermometry

[1] Mg/Ca ratios in planktonic foraminifera reflect calcification temperatures and are thus useful for sea surface temperature (SST) reconstructions. Despite the obvious utility of this paleoceanographic tracer, problems of dissolution, gametogenic calcification, and contaminant phases have thus far limited confidence in Mg/Ca-based reconstructions. Here we show strong evidence of Mg heterogeneity in foraminiferal calcite by sequentially measuring the composition of different forms of calcite (ontogenetic, gametogenic, diagenetic) in the same shells, while monitoring and removing contaminant phases. A new flow-through method combines chromatographic technology and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in a series of cleaning and dissolution reactions monitored continuously with time-resolved analysis (TRA). This combination of slow, controlled dissolution and TRA provides a complete elemental description of contaminant phases and sorts the cleaned calcium carbonate based on dissolution sensitivity. Examination of partially dissolved shells with electron microscopy suggests that the flow-through method simulates the natural dissolution sequence and effectively separates the different calcite domains within a single foraminiferal shell. Heterogeneity of Mg/Ca in foraminiferal calcite is clearly demonstrated in flow-through analysis. Foraminiferal shells have initially high Mg levels that decrease steadily throughout dissolution. Later dissolution yields lower Mg/Ca, which is likely due to a combination of subsurface calcification and biomineralization effects. Mg/Ca ratios from the most dissolution-sensitive (high-Mg) portions of surface-dwelling species in core tops are used to calculate calcification temperatures. A comparison of late Holocene core top data with World Ocean Atlas SST data indicates that the flow-through method does yield viable SST estimates. Furthermore, a depth transect in the eastern tropical Pacific suggests that this approach provides the opportunity to extract initial calcification temperatures despite partial dissolution of foraminiferal shells.
IT outsourcing in interagency collaborations: lessons from public safety networks

In this paper, we report on research in progress on how IT outsourcing fares in digital government settings. Our research is motivated by the twin goals of (1) analyzing the antecedents for successful IT outsourcing in the public sector and (2) understanding the role of collaboration between public agencies in their ability to achieve its outsourcing goals with a privately owned outsourcing vendor. Public Safety networks (PSNs) are collaborative initiatives created for facilitating communication and sharing information among various first responder agencies at different governmental levels and geographies. The interorganizational nature of PSNs makes their IT infrastructure extremely complex. Outsourced complex projects are especially dependent on the quality of outsourcing relationships. In the case of PSNs, this relationship is cross-sectoral, which, according to the literature, poses additional challenges. Our extensive data set includes more than seventy PSNs. Forty PSNs in the sample outsource; almost all report achieving their outsourcing goals. This satisfaction level is unusually high. We propose that the collaborative nature of the PSNs explains their ability to build successful relationships with a private IT outsourcing vendor. We review the IT outsourcing literature, present a preliminary analysis of our data set, and discuss the implications of our findings for the academic and practitioner communities in this poster session.
Galactose Repression of β-Galactosidase Induction in Escherichia coli

Beggs, William H. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis), and Palmer Rogers. Galactose repression of β-galactosidase induction in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 91:1869–1874. 1966.—Galactose repression of β-galactosidase induction in Escherichia coli was investigated to determine whether the galactose molecule itself is the catabolite repressor of this enzyme system. Without exception, β-galactosidase induction by cells grown in a synthetic salts medium with lactate or glycerol as the carbon source was more strongly repressed by glucose than by galactose. This relationship existed even when the organism was previously grown in the synthetic medium containing galactose as the source of carbon. Two observations suggested that the ability of galactose to repress β-galactosidase formation by Escherichia coli depends directly upon the cells' capacity to catabolize galactose. First, galactose repression of β-galactosidase synthesis was markedly enhanced in bacteria tested subsequent to gratuitous induction of the galactose-degrading enzymes with d-fucose. Second, galactose failed to exert a repressive effect on β-galactosidase in a galactose-negative mutant lacking the first two enzymes involved in galactose catabolism. Glucose completely repressed enzyme formation in this mutant. This same mutant, into which the genes for inducible galactose utilization had been introduced previously by transduction, again exhibited galactose repression. Pyruvate was found to be at least as effective as galactose in repressing β-galactosidase induction by cells grown in synthetic salts medium plus glycerol. It is concluded that the galactose molecule itself is not the catabolite repressor of β-galactosidase, but that repression is exerted through some intermediate in galactose catabolism.
Metabolsim of apoB and apoC lipoproteins in man: kinetic studies in normal and hyperlipoproteininemic subjects.

The kinetics of apolipoproteins B and C were studied in 14 normal and hyperlipoproteinemic subjects after injection of exogenously 1251-labeled very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles. Plasma radioactivities of apoB and apoC were determined over a period of 4 days in VLDL (d < 1.006) and total radioactivity in intermediate (IDL) (1.006 < d < 1.019), low (LDL) (1.019 < d < 1.063), and high (HDL) (1.063 < d < 1.21) density lipoproteins. The data were analyzed by the use of a model, developed mostly from these data, with the following results. The VLDL particle undergoes a series of incremental density changes, most likely due to a number of delipidation steps, during which apoB stays with the particle until the density reaches the IDL range. There is, however, a loss of apoC associated with these delipidation steps. In our nor- mal subjects, all IDL apoB eventually becomes LDL. In our hyperlipemic subjects some of the apoB on IDL is also degraded directly. The apoC lost by VLDL and IDL recycles to HDL, and most of it is picked up again by newly synthesized VLDL. There is a slowdown of the step- wise delipidation process in all hyperlipemic individuals studied. Three additional features became apparent in the type 111 subjects. First, there is a significant increase (a factor of 2 compared to normal) in the apoB synthesis rate by way of VLDL; second, there is an induced direct apoB synthesis pathway by way of IDL (and/or LDL); third, a bypass of the regular stepwise VLDL delipida- tion pathway is induced by which VLDL particles lose apoC but none of their apoB, thereby forming a new particle with metabolic properties similar to LDL, but with a density still in the VLDL density range. Two type 111 patients treated with nicotinic acid and clofibrate showed a sharp decrease in their VLDL apoB synthesis rates. This was somewhat compensated by an increased IDL apoB synthesis rate. A type I patient on a medium chain triglyceride diet also showed a number of metabolic changes, including reduced VLDL apoB synthesis and the induction of considerable IDL andlor LDL apoB synthesis.
Critical Values For The Studentized Range Distribution

This table contains critical values Qα,k,v for the Studentized Range distribution defined by P(Q ≥ Qα,k,v) = α, k is the number of degrees of freedom in the numerator (the number of treatment groups) and v is the number of degrees of freedom in the denominator (s2).
Evolution of fibrils with special reference to flare activity

We show observational results on the pre-flare evolutions of Hα structures as well as the developments of Hα flares. It is shown that the chromospheric features are brought to a sheared state before flares due to motions of footpoints which correspond to particular sunspot motions. Generally in evolutions of the chromospheric features it is found that motions and reconnections of the footpoints play essential roles. The following three stages are found for development of the neutral line filament before flares: (1) formation of a filament as a result of reconnection; (2) increase of the shear of the filament due to the shear motion; and (3) reconnection of fine components of the filament to form an elongated component immediately before flares. We further show developments of two particular flares with and without the filament, and point out basic release processes of flares. The flare that occurred at the filament (July 5, 1974) started with the activation of the elongated component of the filament after the process (3). The main phase of a two-ribbon flare is considered as the rises of short components of the filament triggered by the rising motion of the elongated component. The flare of September 10, 1974 occurred at the region where fibrils connect the sunspots in distorted form. Pre-flare distortion was produced by translational rotation of the sunspot. Development of this two-ribbon flare is interpreted as being due to successive rises of the fibrils with a self-trigger mechanism.
Modelling crystal-field interaction for f-elements in LaCl3

Abstract The results of crystal field calculations in the framework of exchange charge model (ECM) are reported for trivalent lanthanide and actinide ions doped into LaCl 3 . Whereas the scalar strength of the model crystal field parameters is consistent with that previously determined by fitting the experimental data, the sign of the second-order parameter is found to be negative, in contrast to previous reports. The contribution from long-range electrostatic interactions exceeds that from the nearest neighboring ligands and leads to the negative sign of the second-order crystal field parameter. Other interaction mechanisms including overlap, covalency, and charge exchange are less important to the second order parameter, but dominate the fourth- and sixth-order parameters. This work provides a consistent interpretation of the previously controversial experimental results for both lanthanide and actinide ions in this classical host.
On a conjecture of M. N. Bleicher and P. Erdös

Let D(a, N) = min{nk: aN = Σ1k 1ni, n1 < n2 < … < nk, ni ∈ Z}, where minimum ranges over all expansions of aN, and let D(N) = max{D(a, N): 1 ≤ a < N}. Then D(MN) ≤ max{MD(N), ND(M)} ≤ D(M) D(N), establishing a conjecture made by M. N. Bleicher and P. Erdos.
Separate signals mediate hypoglossal motor neuron response to axonal injury.

Abstract Nerve transection causes decreased choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression and apperance of nerve growth factor receptor (NGFr) in hypoglossal motor neurons. Topical application of vincristine to the hypoglossal nerve blocks axonal transport of WGA for more than one week and causes loss of ChAT but no appearance of NGFr. These results indicate that loss of ChAT is related to interruption of axonal transport, but another signal induces de novo expression of NGFr.
Analyzing functional genomic differences yields oncogenes and chromosomal breakpoints in ALL and AML

Analyzing functional genomic differences yields oncogenes and chromosomal breakpoints in ALL and AML
Characterization of two independent mechanisms by which interferon-induced gene expression is down regulated.

Abstract Interferons (IFNs) induce the expression of a variety of cellular RNAs. Phorbol esters can inhibit IFN-induced expression of some of these RNAs, including ISG-54K. The actions of phorbol esters on IFN-activated ISG-54K transcription are cell specific and are reversed by inhibitors of protein synthesis. In those cell lines in which phorbol esters inhibit IFN-induced ISG-54K transcription, prolonged IFN exposure also induces a "desensitized state" such that further IFN exposure no longer induces ISG-54K expression. IFN-induced desensitization is also reversed by inhibitors of protein synthesis. Experiments are described to determine whether the mechanism by which phorbol esters inhibit IFN-activated ISG-54K expression is the same as the mechanism by which prolonged exposure to IFN makes cells refractory to further induction of ISG-54K expression. Cultured cells treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) for 72 h are desensitized to phorbol esters such that further addition of phorbols does not inhibit IFN-induced ISG-54K expression. In both naive and TPA-desensitized human fibroblasts or WISH cells, prolonged IFN treatment induced a desensitized state that was reversible by cycloheximide. This observation suggests that the mechanisms by which prolonged IFN treatment and phorbol esters inhibit ISG-54K expression are independent.
Interface state analysis using integrated room temperature gated photoluminescence

A gated room temperature integrated photoluminescence (PL) technique for estimating interface state densities in III-V metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structures is described. The use of gated low temperature spectral PL has already been demonstrated to be more sensitive than conventional 1 MHz capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements. Room temperature integrated PL was measured on InP MIS structures and interface state densities of ∼ 1012 (cm2eV)−1 were calculated, similar to those reported earlier. Furthermore, the elimination of spectroscopic and cryogenic equipment makes this technique simpler and more cost effective than the spectral method, more comparable to C–V measurements.
Effect of Process Management on the Emission of Organosulfur Compounds and Gaseous Antecedents from Composting Processes

Pilot-scale studies were performed to assess the effects of aeration rate and initial moisture content on the emissions of odorous organosulfur compounds and nonodorous gaseous antecedents from synthetic food waste (SFW) and biosolids composting processes. In the SFW studies peak organosulfur emissions occurred at an airflow rate of 0.16 L/min-kg VS. Emission rates (mol/time) and total aerobic biological activity (cumulative mass of O 2 consumed) were lower at 0.07 L/min-kg VS, possibly because the slightly higher temperatures encountered at this rate suppressed microbial activity. Emission rates were progressively lower at 0.32 and 0.65 L/min-kg VS, likely because of higher oxygen levels. As moisture content increased from 45 to 55% (H 2 O/g wet weight), peak emission rates generally increased. In the biosolids studies organosulfur emissions decreased as aeration rate increased. In both the SFW and biosolids studies CO was emitted prior to the detection of organosulfur compounds. Additionally, average correlation coefficients relating the emission rate of CO with the emission rate of organosulfur odors were 0.67 for the SFW trials and 0.75 for the biosolids trials. These results suggest that CO may be a good antecedent compound for the early warning of odors from composting processes.
The analysis of ocean optical data

A new oceanographic instrument to measure underwater optical, biological and physical properties simultaneously has been built and used extensively at sea. The Bio-Optical Profiling System (BOPS) was designed for the rapid acquisition of data to accommodate shipboard 'synoptic' sampling strategies, often in conjunction with concurrent aircraft and satellite sensors. The data rates and associated quantity of data from the BOPS are some orders of magnitude larger than those traditionally encountered in optical oceanography. The rapid acquisition of optical data in a wide range of environmental conditions requires new methodologies in ocean optical data analysis.
Epoxy acids in the lipid polymer, cutin and their role in the biosynthesis of cutin.

Abstract In apple skin slices oleic acid-1-14C was incorporated specifically into 18-hydroxyoleic acid, 10,18-dihydroxystearic acid and 9,10, 18-trihydroxystearic acid of cutin, whereas stearic acid-1-14C was not converted into these acids. Palmitic acid-1-14C, but neither palmitoleic acid-10-14C nor palmitelaidic acid-10-14C, was converted into 16-hydroxypalmitic acid and 10,16-dihydroxypalmitic acid. Based on this tracer evidence a pathway for the biosynthesis of hydroxy C18 acids is proposed which involves hydration of the double bond of ω-hydroxyoleic acid and epoxidation followed by hydration. The proposed epoxy intermediate was identified in cutin by LiAlD4 treatment followed by mass spectrometry.
Microfluidic Thermally Activated Materials for Rapid Control of Macroscopic Compliance

Macroscopic structures that undergo rapid and reversible stiffness transitions can serve as functional polymeric materials for many applications in robotics and medical devices. Thermomechanical phase transitions can provide a suitable mechanism for transient control of mechanical properties. However, the characteristic time scale for actuation is large and dictated by the dimensions of the structure. Embedding vascular networks within bulk polymers can reduce the characteristic length scale of the material and permit rapid and reversible thermomechanical transitions. Here we report perfusable bulk materials with embedded microvascular networks that can undergo rapid and reversible stiffness transitions. Acrylate-based thermoplastic structures exhibit storage moduli with a dynamic range between E' = 1.02 ± 0.07 GPa and E' = 13.5 ± 0.7 MPa over time scales as small as 2.4 ± 0.5 s using an aqueous thermal perfusate. The spatiotemporal evolutions of temperature profiles were accurately predicted using finite element simulation and compared to experimental values. Rigid-compliant transitions were leveraged in a demonstration in which a microvascularized device was used to grasp an external object without the aid of moving parts.
Beyond moderation: dynamics of political Islam in Pakistan

Concerned with a rising tide of religious radicalism within Pakistan, many observers have wondered why moderates do not speak out against militancy. This article explores that question, arguing that the term ‘moderate’ as used in Pakistan has conflicting meanings and is both more complicated and less useful as a tool of analysis than it once seemed. In particular, the inadequacy of extant definitions is best reflected in the reassertion of a radical Sunni Barelvi subculture and in the growing rift between some leading Islamist parties and the Pakistani Taliban. This article argues in conclusion that ideological factors are typically given undue weight in explaining why and when Pakistanis choose to ‘speak out’ against militancy and that a narrow, minimalist rendering of ‘moderate’ provides the most useful definition for those trying to understand the new fault lines emerging within Pakistani Islam.
A research agenda for mobile usability

The turn of this decade marked a renewed interest for mobile usability research within the field of Human Computer Interaction. A challenge, however, exists in that many scholars define and operationalize usability differently. With the introduction of mobile commerce circa 1999, a review of relevant peer-reviewed literature would highlight areas of past emphasis and opportunities for future empirical research specific to mobile usability.This work-in-progress presents a research agenda for mobile usability that consists of two parts. First, a framework is adapted for the taxonomy of empirical mobile usability studies. Second, results of a qualitative review of 45 empirical mobile usability studies include: i) a summary of the core and peripheral usability dimensions measured; ii) a detailed analysis of contextual factors studied; and iii) key findings that provide the basis for a research agenda in mobile usability.
Digital filters for application to data analysis in electron energy-loss spectrometry

Abstract One of the more difficult problems associated with data analysis in electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in the analytical electron microscope is related to detection of relatively small edges superimposed on large background signals. Although generic background modeling routines have been developed to simulate the shape of the background through least-squares fitting routines using either polynomial, log-polynomial, or power-law functions for the case of small edges located in the less than 300 eV, their operation is at best marginal. Digital filters have been used in X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) with some success during the last few years. However, their direct application to EELS has generally met with limited success due to the complexity of spectral shapes in EELS relative to XEDS. In this paper we shall review the limitations as well as the advantages of using digital filters in EELS, concentrating on their use for the low-energy-loss regime.
Processing–structure–tribological property interrelationships of zinc titanate coatings grown by atomic layer deposition

Abstract The growth defect structure and properties of the zinc titanate (Zn x Ti y O z ) coating system have been tailored via the selective variation of atomic layer deposition (ALD) parameters to obtain different crystallographic zinc titanate phases, namely hexagonal ilmenite ZnTiO 3 and cubic spinel Zn 2 TiO 4 . Amongst the phases with textured or random grain orientations, the (104) textured ZnTiO 3 coatings with a defective (low stacking fault energy) structure exhibited excellent tribological behavior for an oxide coating. Steady-state sliding friction coefficients of ~ 0.12 and ~ 0.2 were measured in humid air and dry nitrogen, respectively, even after ex situ annealing at 550 °C. High resolution TEM with selected area electron diffraction revealed that the (104) planes have extensive stacking faults bordered by partial dislocations, which serve as a pathway for dislocations to glide parallel to the sliding direction and hence achieve low interfacial shear/friction, i.e. “deck-of-cards” shear. These ternary coatings with low crystallographic shear strength exhibit ductile behavior during sliding contact and thereby generate smoother wear surfaces compared to brittle microcrystalline oxide coatings, and thus are a potential candidate for high temperature solid lubrication.
Melanoidin and aldocyanoin microspheres - Implications for chemical evolution and early Precambrian micropaleontology

Two new classes of organic microspheres are described. One of them (melanoidin) is synthesized from amino acids and sugars in heated aqueous solutions. The other (aldocyanoin) is formed in aqueous solutions of ammonium cyanide and formaldehyde at room temperature. The general properties of these microspheres, including conditions of synthesis, size and shape, mechanical and pH stability, and solubility, are compared with corresponding properties of other protocell model systems. It is concluded that melanoidin and aldocyanoin microspheres are plausible candidates for precellular units in the primitive hydrosphere. Since the bulk of the organic carbon in early Precambrian sediments is insoluble kerogen-melanoidin, it is suggested that some Precambrian microfossils may be abiotic melanoidin microspheres.
Sound production in Etheostoma oophylax (Percidae) and call characteristics correlated to body size

Sound production in fishes is common in marine and freshwater species, however there are still many vocal species for which sound production has not been documented. This paper is the first account of sound production in the Guardian Darter (Etheostoma oophylax). Laboratory recordings revealed that males produced several vocalizations, including single pulse knocks, multi-pulsed purrs, and tonal drums. All vocalizations were documented during agonistic and courtship encounters, including spawning. We also investigated possible correlations between call characteristics and male size. Male standard length was found to be correlated to inter-pulse interval of purrs, as well as the slope of the drum vocalizations. Determining a link between male size and acoustic characteristics could be the first step in documenting mate or male-male assessment by acoustic communication in darters.
Synthesis and structural characterization of the peptide epitope of the ovarian cancer biomarker CA125 (MUC16)

A highly conserved region of 21 amino acids flanked by cysteine residues, contained within a larger repeated domain, has been proposed to be the antibody-binding site in the ovarian cancer biomarker CA125 (MUC16). In this study solid-phase peptide synthesis with Fmoc protection chemistry was used to assemble a 21-mer peptide corresponding to the most frequently occurring antibody binding sequence in CA125. Potentially significant sequence variants were also synthesized. Peptide secondary structure was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, revealing the consensus sequence peptide to be largely unstructured at physiological pH whether the cysteine residues were reduced or were oxidized to form an intramolecular disulfide bond. Substitution of serine for proline at position 8 (P8S) results in β-sheet formation in peptides involved in intramolecular disulfide bonds. This β-sheet structure does not persist in peptides incapable of intramolecular disulfide bonding because of sequence nor in peptides treated with the reducing agent dithiothreitol. In CA125, P8S is predicted to occur in ∼25% of repeat domains, suggesting that this structural motif is a non-negligible contributor to overall structure and function. These findings suggest that future structural characterization efforts of CA125 should be especially mindful of the amino acid sequence and oxidation state of the protein.
Polarization dependence of diffuse terahertz radiation

We measure the polarization of diffusively propagating single-cycle terahertz pulses in a random medium. Coherent detection allows us to observe the temporal dependence of the two different polarization orientations
RE-EXAMINATION OF THE FAULT MODEL FOR THE NIIGATA EARTHQUAKE OF 1964

The source mechanism of the Niigata earthquake of 1964 (Ms≈7.5) is re-studied in detail on the basis of the P wave first motion, S wave polarization angle, long-period surface wave, aftershock, precise levelling, tide gage, and tilt measurement data. The long-period surface wave data and geodetic data are interpreted consistently in terms of a thrust fault reaching the earth's surface and having a dip of 56° toward N81°W, a dimension of 80km (length)×30km (width), and an average dislocation of 3.3m. The seismic moment is 3.2×1027 dyne·cm. The stress drop is estimated to be 70bars. This value is not very different from the stress drops obtained for moderate to large shallow earthquakes which occurred in the Japanese islands. The fault plane geometry obtained here is slightly different from that determined from the P wave first motions. Combining this result with the weak beginning of the initial P waves, we may interpret the entire faulting process in terms of a multiple faulting which consists of the two events: the initial localized rupture is followed, after about 4sec, by the major faulting, which is responsible for the excitation of long-period waves.
Correlation analysis of hyperspectral absorption features with the water status of coast live oak leaves

A total of 139 reflectance spectra (between 350 and 2500 nm) from coast live oak (Quercus Agrifolia) leaves were measured in the laboratory with a spectrometer FieldSpecÂ½Pro FR. Correlation analysis was conducted between absorption features, three-band ratio indices derived from the spectra and corresponding relative water content (RWC, %) of oak leaves. The experimental results indicate that there exist linear relationships between the RWC of oak leaves and absorption feature parameters: wavelength position (WAVE), absorption feature depth (DEP), width (WID) and the multiplication of DEP and WID (AREA) at the 975 nm, 1200 nm and 1750 nm positions and two three-band ratio indices: RATIO975 and RATIO1200, derived at 975 nm and 1200 nm. AREA has a higher and more stable correlation with RWC compared to other features. It is worthy of noting that the two three-band ratio indices, RATIO975 and RATIO1200, may have potential application in assessing water status in vegetation.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Synthesis and characterization of high purity, single phase GaN powder

Synthesis of high-purity, single-phase gallium nitride (GaN) powder has been achieved by reacting molten Ga with flowing ammonia (NH3) in a hot wall tube furnace. The optimum temperature, NH3 flow rate, and position of the boat in the hot wall tube furnace relative to the NH3 inlet for the complete reaction to pure GaN for our system were 975 °C, 400 standard cubic centimeters per minute (seem) and 50 cm, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data revealed the GaN to be single phase with a = 3.1891 A, c = 5.1855 A, in space group P63mc, Z=2 and Dx =6.089 g cm−3. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a particle size distribution in the crushed material between 1 and 5 μm with most of the particles being ≍1 μm.
Umbilical catheters and arterial blood pressure monitoring.

The natural frequencies, damping coefficients, and accuracies of umbilical artery catheters were determined. The damping coefficients for the 3.5, 5.0, and 8.0 French catheters were 0.40 ± 0.04 (mean ± SD), 0.42 ± 0.05, and 0.19 ± 0.02, respectively. The natural frequencies were 24.2 ± 3.2 Hz (mean ± SD), 18.4 ± 3.5 Hz, and 26.8 ± 2.9 Hz, respectively. Measurements obtained with 3.5 and 8.0 French catheters were within 6% of the reference pressure at all pressures and rates tested. With the 5.0 French catheter, however, error greater than 10% from the reference pressure occurred when the rate was 200 pulses per minute or greater and the applied maximum pressure was 100 mm Hg or more.
Calcium oscillations in anterior pituitary cells.

I. Introduction OVER the last two decades it has become evident that intracellular Ca2+ signals are critically important for the control of cellular activities including excitability, exocytosis, and contraction, as well as cell growth, differentiation, and division. Elevations of [Ca2+]i occur spontaneously or in response to agonist stimulation and are commonly expressed as prominent Ca2+ oscillations in single cell studies. Such oscillations are dependent on the entry of Ca2+ and/or its release from intracellular stores. In many cell types, both mechanisms are involved in the generation of Ca2+ oscillations. The cellular pathways involved in the regulation of Ca2+ entry include VSCC, receptor- and second messenger-operated Ca2+ channels, and mechanically operated Ca2+ channels. Ca2+ discharge from intracellular Ca2+ pools also occurs through calcium channels; one of these is the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]-sensitive- and another is the ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channel (1). In pit...
Phenyl--Sepharose chromatography of membrane proteins solubilized in Triton X-100

Abstract Chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose provides a convenient means of concentrating “membrane” proteins, which bind Triton X-100, and of separating them from “soluble” proteins, which do not bind the detergent. As an example, chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose has been used in the purification of tissue factor from human brain and placenta. Triton X-100 extracts of brain and placenta are separated into two distinct protein fractions when chromatographed on phenyl-Sepharose. One fraction elutes in detergent-free buffer, whereas the other elutes only after saturation of the column with Triton X-100. The absence of proteins in fractions eluted prior to detergent saturation of the column suggested that, in the presence of Triton X-100, protein binding to phenyl-Sepharose occurred as a complex with the detergent. A propylene glycol concentration gradient eluted bound proteins and Triton X-100 over the same concentrations of propylene glycol.
Site preference of substitutional additions to triple-defect B2 intermetallic compounds

Abstract The site preferences of substitutional ternary and higher-order additions to triple-defect type B2 intermetallic compounds are studied. A simple equation that is able to predict the site preference of dilute additions is given. The only parameters needed for this equation are the standard enthalpies of formation at the equiatomic composition. General equations that are able to calculate defect concentrations and substitutional atom distributions for dilute as well as non-dilute additions are also given. These equations use bond energies of atom pairs as parameters. This study shows the site preferences of dilute additions are not always in agreement with predictions based on the direction of the solubility lobes on ternary Gibbs isotherms. The site preference of dilute additions is controlled by the relative strength of bonds formed between the component elements. The addition atoms are distributed in such a way as to favor the formation of stronger bonds over that of weaker bonds. The predictions for dilute additions to NiAl, FeAl and CoAl are compared with experimental results in the literature. There are good agreements between the predictions of the model and the experimental results. The same methodology can be applied to substitutional additions to intermetallic compounds of other crystal structures such as the important Ll 2 , structure. It is also argued that the calculation of defect concentrations and substitutional atom distributions based on this type of methodology is critical for the understanding of physical and mechanical properties of ternary and higher-order intermetallic compounds.
A model of successful collaboration and integration of help desk/computer training services and resources

From a first-person perspective the presenters described thumbnail accounts of collaborative strategies undertaken to create a successful integration of Help Desk and Computer Training services and resources at California Lutheran University, a four-year liberal arts school. Concrete examples describing real life scenarios piqued and maintained poster session visitors' interests. Presenters encouraged and mentored visitors toward developing and articulating practical, creative methods for maximizing resources in their own IT departments. Strategies/programs set forth in the poster session included:Innovative "new-hire" orientation programs that reduce employee turnover campus-wideManagement of digital/online training materialsDevelopment of "just-in-time" in-house IT training programs based on employee-competency needCreation, facilitation, and maintenance of a weekly "tech tip" column in multiple campus publicationsIntegration of faculty, staff and student in-house trainingStudent body and student worker IT training and orientation programs.To stimulate dialogue with visitors, presenters encouraged discussion and questions while describing evidence of benefits rendered by the collaborative strategies. In addition, a glimpse of anticipated future projects were discussed as visitor interests indicated. Presenters also shared tips participants may wish to consider in order to create a more thorough integration of the Help Desk and Training functions at their own institutions.
A detrimental role for IgG and FcgammaR in Leishmania mexicana infection

The intracellular protozoan parasite Leishmania causes leishmaniasis, which is the second biggest killer worldwide among parasitic diseases, after malaria. As drug therapy for leishmaniasis is toxic and resistance is growing, a vaccine is an important weapon against this disease. Unfortunately, no effective vaccine exists for any human parasitic infection. Worse yet, nearly all effective vaccines whose mechanisms are known work through the induction of protective antibodies. Leishmania mexicana causes primarily chronic cutaneous disease. Not only are antibodies not effective at killing Leishmania, as it hides inside the parasitophorous vacuole of the host cell, but new research indicates that IgG antibodies may be crucial in suppressing the host immune response by generating an immunosuppressive interleukin-10 response. IL-10 is able to decrease the needed Th1-generated IFN-γ and downregulates production of nitric oxide, a required effector mechanism of parasite killing. We have been studying the pathways that the host uses to partially control L. mexicana infection, which include STAT4, IFN-γ, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, but found that the IL-12 pathway is suppressed by IL-10. We are now studying the mechanisms by which IgG, bound to parasites, can induce IL-10 through FcγR ligation and how this suppresses a healing immune response. We are examining which IgG isotypes bind to which FcγRs and whether macrophages are the necessary source of IL-10 for chronic disease. Elucidation of these mechanisms may help us to design vaccines that will not induce antibody-mediated immunosuppressive IL-10 responses.
Deregulation: Causes and Consequences

As a consequence of deregulation, there have been fundamental changes in the way transportation and communications firms are conducting business. Companies are finding that they must be driven by market opportunities and financial needs, not by regulatory considerations. Prices must be based on cost, operations must become more efficient, and consumer-oriented product niches must be found. Moreover, deregulation has added a new element in industrial dynamics, by fostering more relations between the various modes of transportation and by cross-fertilization in computer and telecommunication technology. All in all, a more competitive and innovative spirit emerges from deregulation.
Tree Realizations of Iterative Circuits

It is shown how any combinational function that can be described by a flow table—or equivalently—is realizable in iterative form—can be realized in tree form. The propagation delay is then proportional to the logarithm of n, the number of inputs, while the logic complexity is a linear function of n. These results are related to various implementations of high-speed binary adders and a proposed new high-speed adder circuit.
Sleep enhances implicit motor skill learning in individuals poststroke.

AbstractBackground: Although sleep has been demonstrated to be critical for learning and the consolidation of memories in neurologically intact individuals, the importance of sleep for learning in neuropathological populations remains unknown. Method: To assess the influence of sleep on implicit motor skill learning and memory consolidation post stroke, 18 individuals with stroke and 18 neurologically intact age-matched individuals were assigned to either the sleep group (slept between practice of a continuous tracking task and retention testing) or the no-sleep group (stayed awake between practice and retention testing). Results: Only the individuals post stroke who slept between practice and retention testing demonstrated implicit motor learning at retention. The individuals with stroke who did not sleep and both the agematched control groups (sleep and no-sleep) failed to demonstrate learning. These findings provide evidence that after stroke individuals can enhance implicit motor skill learning and mo...
Ductile L12Rh3Ti intermetallics for ultra-high temperature applications

Abstract The microstructures and deformation behavior at 25–1000 °C of Rh– x Ti ( x =15, 20, and 25 at.%) alloys were studied. The alloys were prepared by non-consumable electrode arc melting, The arc-melted buttons were isothermally forged at 1100 °C, and the mechanical properties at 25–1000 °C were evaluated by microhardness measurements, compression testing, and 3-point bend testing. The deformed specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy for the determination of the extent and nature of slip and by transmission electron microscopy for the identification of dislocation activity. Unlike many other high temperature intermetallics, the Rh–Ti alloys do exhibit room temperature ductility. The high temperature strength and creep resistances are superior in Rh–Ti alloys to some of the other high temperature intermetallics.