cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linker dependence of interfacial electron transfer rates in Fe(II)-polypyridine sensitized solar cells.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) convert solar energy to electricity employing dye molecules attached to a semiconductor surface. Some of the most efficient DSSCs use Ru-based chromophores. Fe-based dyes represent a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to these expensive and toxic dyes. The photoactive state of Fe-based chromophores responsible for charge-separation at the dye-semiconductor interface is, however, deactivated on a sub-picosecond time scale via the intersystem crossing (ISC) into a manifold of low-lying photo-inactive quintet states. Therefore, development of Fe-based dyes capable of fast interfacial electron transfer (IET) leading to efficient charge separation on a time scale competitive with the ISC events is important. This work investigates how linker groups anchoring a prototypical Fe-based dye [Fe(bpy-L)2(CN)2] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, L = linker group) onto the TiO2 semiconductor surface influence the IET rates in the dye–semiconductor assemblies. Linker groups investigated include carboxylic acid, phosphonic acid, hydroxamate, catechol, and acetylacetonate. We employ time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) to obtain absorption spectra of [Fe(bpy-L)2(CN)2] with each linker, and quantum dynamics simulations to investigate the IET rates between the dye and the (101) TiO2 anatase surface. For all attachments, TD-DFT calculations show similar absorption spectra with two main bands corresponding to the metal-to-ligand charge transfer transitions. The quantum dynamics simulations predict that the utilization of the hydroxamate linker instead of the commonly used carboxylic acid linker will lead to a more efficient IET and better photon-to-current conversion efficiencies in Fe(II)-polypyridine sensitized solar cells.
Who is my neighbor? A communitarian analysis of access to health care for immigrants

Immigrants lacking health insurance access the health care system through the emergency departments of non-profit hospitals. Because these persons lack health insurance, continued care can pose challenges to those institutions. I analyze the values of our health care institutions, utilizing a Walzerian approach that describes its appropriate sphere of justice. This particular sphere is dominated by a caring response to need. I suggest that the logic of this sphere would be best preserved by providing increased access to health insurance to this population. This access would marry the rights of these members of our community to access care to our responsibility to contribute to financing of the system. I close with some considerations on what it means to be a member of the community.
Creating initial cracks for interfacial fracture of ice

Abstract Ice is known for its ability to adhere well to surfaces. Often, this good adhesion creates significant problems, and thus methods are sought to reduce the strength of the adhesive bond between the ice and the substrate to which it is adhered. The first step in finding new methods for reducing ice adhesion is a good method to measure the strength of that adhesive bond. One approach to such a method is through interfacial fracture mechanics. The specimens that can be used in interfacial fracture mechanics testing all require a ‘good’ starter crack. Experience in fracture testing of ice shows that getting such a ‘good’ crack is not easy. This technical note presents both the method used to get such a ‘good’ starter crack for interfacial fracture mechanics testing of ice-substrate bonds, and also details the various failed methods which were attempted.
The assembly of organic radical anions between metal-borate scaffolds.

Metal–organic frameworks based on the Pb[B(Im)4]+ unit form layered structures analogous to those observed in clays and double layered hydroxide minerals. These layers can act as scaffolds for the organization of anionic organic guests. In this report, we use this scaffold to assemble TEMPO and PROXYL carboxylates in the interlayer spacings of Pb[B(Im)4](4-carboxy-TEMPO) 1 and Pb[B(Im)4](3-carboxy-PROXYL)(H2O) 2, respectively. The resultant materials are paramagnetic, and the organization of the radical units differs between the two compounds. This results in changes in electronic structure of the radical unit, as observed by EPR spectroscopy.
The Field of Values of a Matrix and Neural Networks

The field of values of a matrix, also known as the numerical range, is introduced in the context of neural networks. Using neural network techniques, an algorithm and a generalization are developed that find eigenpairs of a normal matrix. The dynamics of the algorithm can be observed on the complex plane. Only limited visualization is possible in the case when the matrix is Hermitian (or real symmetric) since the field of values is confined on the real line. The eigenpairs can serve as stored memories, which are recalled by using the algorithm. Shifting in the algorithm is also discussed, which assists in finding other eigenpairs. Trajectories of runs of the algorithm are visually presented, through which the behavior of the algorithms is elucidated.
The nucleotide sequence of the human β-globin gene

We report the complete nucleotide sequence of the human beta-globin gene. The purpose of this study is to obtain information necessary to study the evolutionary relationships between members of the human beta-like globin gene family and to provide the basis for comparing normal beta-globin genes with those obtained from the DNA of individuals with genetic defects in hemoglobin expression.
A stereoselective osmylation approach to polyoxygenated natural products. Synthesis of C(1)-C(7) and C(7)-C(13) subunits of erythronolide A

The key synthons 2 and 3 [with suitable protecting groups] of the erythronolide A seco acid (1) have been prepared in an enantiomerically pure form, utilizing a stereoselective osmylation of chiral hydroxy (Z,E)-diene ester 6a and subsequent hydrogenation.
Measurements of Ions from High-Current Hollow Cathodes Using Electrostatic Energy Analyzer

Energy distributions of ions emanating from high-current, xenon hollow cathodes were measured using an electrostatic energy analyzer. Ions with energies much greater thanmaximumpotential differences between electrodes were observed. This result is consistent with previous retarding-potential-analyzer data, but the electrostaticenergy-analyzer data show much more complicated structures. To characterize these distributions, they were  t with simple Gaussian functions, and the effects of discharge conditions on high-energy-ion characteristics were investigated. The energy of ions emanating from cathodes appears to increase as discharge current is increased or cathode  ow rate is reduced. Higher discharge currents cause the ion populations in the high-energy tails of the distributions to increase in the plume mode while the high-energy tails decrease in the spot mode.
Identification of the Triggers of Celiac Sprue

Three theoretically antigenic synthetic peptide subunits of α-gliadin were evaluated in vivo in four patients with celiac disease. A sequence of α-gliadin (amino acids 31–49) was toxic in all patients, suggesting that this sequence is one of the triggers of the immune system in celiac sprue.
Hemagglutination with arthropod-borne viruses.

Through the use of acetone and ether extraction of brain tissue from newborn mice infected with certain arthropod-borne viruses, it has been possible to demonstrate hemagglutinins for chick erythrocytes associated with the following viruses: dengue Type 1, dengue Type 2, Eastern equine encephalitis, Ilheus, Japanese B, Ntaya, St. Louis, Sindbis, Uganda S, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, West Nile (Egypt 101 strain), Western equine encephalitis, and yellow fever (viscerotropic and neurotropic strains). On the basis of the temperature and pH required for reaction, the viruses can be assembled in two groups: A—those that require 37°C. and a pH of about 6.4, comprising Eastern, Venezuelan, and Western equine encephalitis and Sindbis viruses; and B—those that require either 4° or 22°C. and a pH of about 7.0, comprising dengue Types 1 and 2, Ilheus, Japanese B, Ntaya, St. Louis, Uganda S, West Nile, and yellow fever viruses. A method of eliminating non-specific inhibitory substances present in sera was developed. The method consists essentially of filtration through Seitz pads. Extensive serological crossings were found among viruses of each group, while antisera of one group failed consistently to cross-react with antigens of the other. Antisera deriving from animals immunized with certain viruses for which no hemagglutinins could be developed by the present method, reacted with members of either one or the other group. Thus Semliki Forest virus would appear to belong to Group A, and Russian Far Eastern and louping ill viruses to Group B.
Provider payment reform in China: the case of hospital reimbursement in Hainan province

This paper develops a simple model of payment incentives and empirically evaluates provider payment reform in Hainan Province, China. We use a pre-post study design with a control group to analyse two years of claims data to assess the impact of a January 1997 change to prospective payment for a sub-sample of the hospitals. This difference-in-difference empirical strategy allows us to isolate the supply-side payment reform effects from demand-side changes, in contrast with previous studies of China's reforms. Our results validate the theory that Chinese providers' behavioural response to payment incentives is similar to that reported in the literature derived from the experience of industrialized countries. We find that prepayment is associated with a slower rate of growth of overall expenditures, programme spending and patient co-payments per inpatient admission, compared to fee-for-service (FFS). These findings suggest cautious optimism regarding the effectiveness of prospective payment for controlling costs and should be encouraging for policymakers in developing and transitional economies considering replacement of FFS with more aggregated forms of provider payment.
Neuroprotective, Neuroplastic, and Neurobehavioral Effects of Daily Treatment With Levetiracetam in Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury

Background. Prophylactic treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has been recommended to prevent early seizure onset in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the potential neuropro...
Weatheirng study of glass‐fiber reinforced polyester sheets by scanning electron microscopy

Evidence is presented of the main steps in the physical breakdown of glass-fiber reinforced polyester (GRP) composites on outdoor weathering. The chronological sequence is fiber ridging, rupture of the resin layer covering ridging fibers or fibers running close to the surface, spalling of the resin at the site of failure and subsequent erosion, fiber prominence and formation of a network of microcracks. Breakdown is believed to be caused by a type of stress fatigue imposed on the composite by cyclic variation of humidity and temperature in conjunction with solar radiation, and by the action of water and oxygen. The under side of the exposed GRP sheeting shows only incipient breakdown, indicating that solar radiation is an important factor. Countermeasures suggested to reduce breakdown include techniques to keep fibers away from the surface, use of resins with better thermal and moisture characteristics, and use of resin formulations with the best light stability.
Economic structure and socioeconomic change in America's micropolitan areas, 1970-1997

Abstract Micropolitan areas, county-level geographic units with central cities larger than 15,000, represent a small but increasingly important part of the U.S. urban hierarchy. Despite the attraction of micropolitan areas to migrants, and increasing interest from federal policymakers who may soon officially recognize this geographic unit, little appears in the social science literature on the characteristics of these areas, and how they have evolved over time. In this paper, we examine micropolitan areas, focusing on economic structure and change over a 27 year time frame (1970–1997). The classification system we develop permits us to see structural change as it occurs in these geographic areas, while also allowing us to see how economic structure influences socioeconomic change over time. We find that micropolitan areas exhibit extraordinary diversity in terms of economic structure, and that economic structure explains much of the differential growth these areas have experienced over the last few decades.
Effects of systemically and locally applied cocaine on cerebrocortical neuron responsiveness to afferent synaptic inputs and glutamate.

Abstract The goal of the present study was to determine the effects of systemically or locally applied cocaine on rat somatosensory cortical neuron responsiveness to afferent synaptic inputs or putative transmitter application and to compare these results with previously observed actions of endogenous cortical monoamines on the same parameters of neuronal function. Individual cells in rat cortex were activated by stimulation of thalamocortical afferents or local iontophoretic application of glutamate. Extracellularly recorded responses to these stimuli were monitored before and after parenteral or microiontophoretic administration of cocaine. The results indicate that while high doses ( > 2.0mg/kg i.p.) of the drug can suppress both evoked and spontaneous activity of cortical neurons, low doses (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) can selectively enhance stimulus-evoked discharge. These facilitating effects can also be observed during iontophoretic application of cocaine directly onto recorded cells, thus suggesting that at least a component of the drug's influence on neuronal responsiveness is mediated by local actions at synapses within the cortex. Of the 3 major endogenous cortical monoamines whose synaptic reuptake is influenced by cocaine, the actions reported here mimic those described previously for norepinephrine but not those of dopamine or serotonin. As such these findings suggest that cocaine may enhance the responsiveness of sensory cortical neurons to afferent synaptic inputs via its ability to activate noradrenergic modulatory mechanisms within the cerebrocortical circuitry.
Redistribution of nitrogen in urea-treated and soybean meal-treated corn silage.

The redistribution of nitrogen when urea in three proportions (0.5, 0.75, and 1.0%) or equivalent amounts of nitrogen from soybean meal were added to whole corn plants at ensiling was studied with 294 plastic bag silos. The corn was harvested at three stages of maturity: Low dry matter (25.6%), medium dry matter (30.4%), and high dry matter (52.0%). Only the lowest level of urea and soybean meal was added to the high dry matter samples. Triplicate silages were prepared and analyzed for the various nitrogen fractions after 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 7, 21, and 42 days of storage. Dry matter decreased (P < .01) with storage time. Nonprotein nitrogen increased (P < .01) and protein nitrogen decreased (P < .01) in all silages with storage time. Only 25% of the urea nitrogen was recovered in the low and high dry matter silages, whereas 50% was recovered from the medium dry matter silage treated with 0.5% urea. Averaged over all levels of nitrogen supplementation, ammonia nitrogen was 19, 18, and 15% of the total nitrogen in urea-treated low, medium, and high dry matter corn silages and 6, 4, and 4% in similar soybean meal-treated samples after 42 days of storage. Nitrate reduction was greater in the soybean meal (70%) than in the urea-treated silages (55%).
Robust, Near Time-Optimal Control of Nonlinear Second-Order Systems: Theory and Experiments

A technique is presented for controlling second-order, nonlinear systems using a combination of bang-bang time-optimal control, sliding-mode control, and feedback linearization. Within the control loop, a state space evaluation of the system classifies the instantaneous dynamics into one of three regions, and one of three corresponding control algorithms is invoked. Using a prescribed generation of desirable sliding surfaces, the resulting combined controller produces nearly time-optimal performance. The combination controller is provably stable in the presence of model uncertainty. Experimental data are presented for the control of a General Electric GP132 industrial robot. The method is shown to achieve nearly time-optimal motion that is robust to modeling uncertainties. Representative transients compare favorably to bang-bang control and PD control.
JAK3 inhibition, a viable new modality of immunosuppression for solid organ transplants.

The field of organ transplantation has had tremendous success because of the availability of immunosuppressive drugs that efficiently prevent acute organ rejection. Numerous and severe side effects are, however, associated with all current immunosuppressive therapies and justify a search for drugs with better efficacy and safety profiles. Janus kinase (JAK) 3, a tyrosine kinase that is crucial for mediating signals from the common γ-chain of cytokine receptors, is peculiar in that its expression, contrarily to the targets of most current immunosuppressive drugs, is limited to cells that actively participate to the immune response to allografts. The recent demonstration in stringent preclinical models that JAK3 inhibition results in efficacy for the prevention of allograft rejection with a narrow side-effect profile might lead to a new era in the field of immunosuppression.
FPGA Architecture Design Methodology

Modern FPGAs are not just able to trade off speed and area, but features, cost, static power, dynamic power, reliability and yield. This talk will discuss methodologies, metrics and success criteria for evaluation of FPGA architectural decisions. We will outline the current industrial approach to evaluating an architectural feature, and describe some of the challenges that are currently being faced for commercial architectures using some recent advances in FPGA architecture design as examples.
The assassination of the black male image in sport

A day does not pass when I do not brood on the negative social profile and bad PR that seem to envelop contemporary images of black males in America. As an artist and a father, I am filled with urgency and more than a l itt le anger because I know my own son, now approaching his twentyfirst birthday, and my fourteen-year-old daughter must negotiate their way through an uncivil public space soured by the steady bombardment of media images that portray black people in the worst imaginable ways: as welfare cheats, criminals, incompetent parents, ex-cons, poor students, crackheads, as an af f i rmat ive-act ion l iabi l i ty in the workplace and, to put this bluntly, as the corrupting worm coiled inside the American apple. --C. Johnson, Black Men Speaking
Convergence analysis of variational and non-variational multigrid algorithms for the Laplace-Beltrami operator

We design and analyze variational and non-variational multigrid algorithms for the Laplace-Beltrami operator on a smooth and closed surface. In both cases, a uniform convergence for the V -cycle algorithm is obtained provided the surface geometry is captured well enough by the coarsest grid. The main argument hinges on a perturbation analysis from an auxiliary variational algorithm defined directly on the smooth surface. In addition, the vanishing mean value constraint is imposed on each level, thereby avoiding singular quadratic forms without adding additional computational cost. Numerical results supporting our analysis are reported. In particular, the algorithms perform well even when applied to surfaces with a large aspect ratio.
A Comparison of Limited-Information and Full-Information Methods in M"plus" for Estimating Item Response Theory Parameters for Nonnormal Populations

In structural equation modeling software, either limited-information (bivariate proportions) or full-information item parameter estimation routines could be used for the 2-parameter item response theory (IRT) model. Limited-information methods assume the continuous variable underlying an item response is normally distributed. For skewed and platykurtic latent variable distributions, 3 methods were compared in Mplus: limited information, full information integrating over a normal distribution, and full information integrating over the known underlying distribution. Interfactor correlation estimates were similar for all 3 estimation methods. For the platykurtic distribution, estimation method made little difference for the item parameter estimates. When the latent variable was negatively skewed, for the most discriminating easy or difficult items, limited-information estimates of both parameters were considerably biased. Full-information estimates obtained by marginalizing over a normal distribution were so...
Location of Biomarkers and Reagents within Agarose Beads of a Programmable Bio-nano-chip

The slow development of cost-effective medical microdevices with strong analytical performance characteristics is due to a lack of selective and efficient analyte capture and signaling. The recently developed programmable bio-nano-chip (PBNC) is a flexible detection device with analytical behavior rivaling established macroscopic methods. The PBNC system employs ≈300 μm-diameter bead sensors composed of agarose “nanonets” that populate a microelectromechanical support structure with integrated microfluidic elements. The beads are an efficient and selective protein-capture medium suitable for the analysis of complex fluid samples. Microscopy and computational studies probe the 3D interior of the beads. The relative contributions that the capture and detection of moieties, analyte size, and bead porosity make to signal distribution and intensity are reported. Agarose pore sizes ranging from 45 to 620 nm are examined and those near 140 nm provide optimal transport characteristics for rapid (<15 min) tests. The system exhibits efficient (99.5%) detection of bead-bound analyte along with low (≈2%) nonspecific immobilization of the detection probe for carcinoembryonic antigen assay. Furthermore, the role analyte dimensions play in signal distribution is explored, and enhanced methods for assay building that consider the unique features of biomarker size are offered.
Rules of structure formation for the homologous InMO3(ZnO)n compounds.

The formation mechanisms that lead to the layered $M$-modulated $\mathrm{In}M{\mathrm{O}}_{3}(\mathrm{ZnO}{)}_{n}$ structures ($M=\mathrm{In}$, Ga, and Al; $n=\mathrm{\text{integer}}$) are revealed and confirmed by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. We show that all ground state structures of $\mathrm{In}M{\mathrm{O}}_{3}(\mathrm{ZnO}{)}_{n}$ satisfy the octahedron rule for the ${\mathrm{InO}}_{2}$ layers; they contain an inversion domain boundary located at the $M$ and Zn fivefold trigonal bipyramid sites and maximize the hexagonality in the ($M{\mathrm{Zn}}_{n}){\mathrm{O}}_{n+1}$ layers. They also obey the electronic octet rule. This understanding provides a solid basis for studying and understanding the physical properties of this group of homologous materials.
Aminoglycolipids and Glycoproteins of Human Brain: 3. Quantitative Separation and Determination of Brain Glycoproteins, Neuraminic Acid, Hexosamine, and Hexoses by Means of Whole Tissue Emulsion-Fractionation

Aminoglycolipids and Glycoproteins of Human Brain: 3. Quantitative Separation and Determination of Brain Glycoproteins, Neuraminic Acid, Hexosamine, and Hexoses by Means of Whole Tissue Emulsion-Fractionation
Quasiparticle surface band structure and photoelectric threshold of Ge(111)-2×1

The surface-state energies of the Ge(111)-2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1 surface are calculated using a quasiparticle self-energy approach. The surface structural parameters are determined through a local-density-functional total-energy minimization resulting in a buckled \ensuremath{\pi}-bonded-chain geometry. The quasiparticle energies are computed using a first-order expansion of the electron self-energy operator in the screened Coulomb interaction with a model static dielectric matrix. Our calculated surface-state band gaps and dispersions of both the occupied and unoccupied surface states agree well with experiments. Further, the photoelectric threshold \ensuremath{\varphi} is found to be 4.73 eV, compared to 4.74--4.80 eV obtained experimentally.
Rigidity of Schubert classes in orthogonal Grassmannians

A Schubert class σ in the cohomology of a homogeneous variety X is called rigid if the only projective subvarieties of X representing σ are Schubert varieties. A Schubert class σ is called multi rigid if the only projective subvarieties representing positive integral multiples of σ are unions of Schubert varieties. In this paper, we discuss the rigidity and multi rigidity of Schubert classes in orthogonal Grassmannians. For a large set of non-rigid classes, we provide explicit deformations of Schubert varieties using combinatorially defined varieties called restriction varieties. We characterize rigid and multi rigid Schubert classes of Grassmannian and quadric type. We also characterize all the rigid classes in OG(2, n) if n > 8.
Upgrading a beginning geophysics course: Taking the "small is beautiful approach"

Considerable attention is now directed toward improving Earth science curricula, as illustrated by both presentations at national scientific meetings and discussions in the literature. Much of the discussion addresses large-scale changes, such as the development of new degree programs [e.g., Stein, 1996]. Such reforms can be very successful but require lengthy interactions with university bureaucracies. A complementary approach is to upgrade individual courses or groups of courses. This approach has the advantage of being doable by individual faculty members, without bureaucracy, and on small (or nonexistent) budgets. We have been taking such a “smallis-beautiful” [Schumacher, 1973] or “faster, camcheaper, better” approach to upgrading our introductory geophysics course. Our discussions with colleagues elsewhere have shown that there is interest in this effort. Therefore we will summarize the effort here in the hope of encouraging discussions of similar experiments.
Synthesis and spectral investigation of a Turn-On fluorescence sensor with high affinity to Cu2+

Abstract Three anthracene derivatives ( 1a , 1b and 1c ) containing a Schiff base moiety were synthesized and investigated as chemosensors for the detection of Cu 2+ . 1a displayed extremely high selectivity to Cu 2+ over other 12 interference ions with 120-fold fluorescence enhancement at 468 nm in the acetonitrile media. The nitrogen atom in Schiff base and sulfur atom of 1a provided a binding scaffold for recognition of Cu 2+ with high affinity ( K a = 4.35 × 10 4 M −1 ). The formation of 1a –Cu 2+ complex caused a decrease of electron density on nitrogen atom and sequentially led to fluorescence enhancement based on the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. The design used for these three molecules afforded a new model for construction of fluorescence sensors based on PET mechanism.
Selfless evolution: A new view of human origins

Our ability to cooperate and to suppress cheats means that selection at the group level has been an exceptionally strong force during human evolution
Estimation and efficiency with recurrent event data under informative monitoring

Abstract This article deals with studies that monitor occurrences of a recurrent event for n subjects or experimental units. It is assumed that the i th unit is monitored over a random period [ 0 , τ i ] . The successive inter-event times T i 1 , T i 2 , … , are assumed independent of τ i . The random number of event occurrences over the monitoring period is K i = max { k ∈ { 0 , 1 , 2 , … } : T i 1 + T i 2 + ⋯ + T ik ≤ τ i } . The T ij 's are assumed to be i.i.d. from an unknown distribution function F which belongs to a parametric family of distributions C = { F ( · ; θ ) : θ ∈ Θ ⊂ R p } . The τ i 's are assumed to be i.i.d. from an unknown distribution function G . The problem of estimating θ , and consequently the distribution F , is considered under the assumption that the τ i 's are informative about the inter-event distribution. Specifically, 1 - G = ( 1 - F ) β for some unknown β > 0 , a generalized Koziol–Green [cf., Koziol, J., Green, S., 1976. A Cramer–von Mises statistic for randomly censored data. Biometrika 63, 139–156; Chen, Y., Hollander, M., Langberg, N., 1982. Small-sample results for the Kaplan–Meier estimator. J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 77, 141–144] model. Asymptotic properties of estimators of θ , β , and F are presented. Efficiencies of estimators of θ and F are ascertained relative to estimators which ignore the informative monitoring aspect. These comparisons reveal the gain in efficiency when the informative structure of the model is exploited. Concrete demonstrations were performed for F exponential and a two-parameter Weibull.
Electrodeposition of U and Pu on thin C and Ti substrates

Abstract Preparation of Pu and U targets on thin natural C (100 μg/cm2) and Ti (2 and 3 μm) substrates is described. The actinide material of interest was first purified using ion exchange chromatography to remove any matrix contaminants or decay products present in the parent stock solution. The actinide solution was prepared in 0.05 M HNO3 with a final aliquot volume not exceeding 100 μL for the deposition procedure. The electroplating cells were developed in-house and were primarily made of Teflon. The source material deposited ranged from 125 to 400 μg/cm2. It was determined that multiple layers of U and Pu were required to produce thicker targets on Ti. Plating efficiency was greatly affected by the cell volume, solution aliquot size, pre-treatment of the foils, solution mixing during plating, and the fit of the electrode contact with the target substrate. The final procedure used for deposition is described in detail.
Cyclization of S-(p-bromophenacyl)-l-cysteine as observed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract Dissolution of S -( p -bromophenacyl)- l -cysteine in trifluoroacetic acid or methanol resulted in an intramolecular interaction of the carbonyl and amino groups followed, in trifluoroacetic acid, by dehydration. The nature of the carbonyl-amino group interaction and the course of the dehydration were studied by means of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A first-order reaction rate constant for the dehydration step of k = 0.023 min −1 was derived from the time-dependent spectra. Use of deuterated trifluoroacetic acid made possible the study of exchange phenomena during the course of the reaction. The direct observation of the steps of the cyclization reaction established the validity of conclusions drawn by previous workers from kinetic or spectrophotometric studies of similar carbonyl-nitrogen addition reactions. The results are particularly interesting in view of the possibility of cleavage of proteins at the site of active cysteinyl residues.
Optimizing breast-tomosynthesis acquisition parameters with scanning model observers

In breast tomosynthesis (BT), multiple x-ray projections obtained over a limited angular span are reconstructed to produce a three-dimensional (3D) volume. This 3D imagery can lead to reduced structural masking effects compared to conventional mammography. Accordingly, there has been considerable interest in optimizing acquisition and reconstruction parameters associated with BT. In this work, we evaluate the use of a scanning model observer and localization ROC (LROC) methodology for performing a task-based optimization of the angular span and number of projection angles for a simulated BT system. The observer was applied to extracted slices of 3D volumes reconstructed with filtered backprojection. Both "background-known-exactly" (BKE) and "quasi-BKE" (QBKE) tasks were conducted. The latter task attempts to account for limited observer training by preserving structural noise in the detection task. Reduced noise in the form of fewer projections was important with the BKE task, although wider angular spans were also advantageous. Higher sampling densities may improve performance for the more-realistic QBKE tasks.
Aging: The Fading Signal of Natural Selection

The surprising discovery that age-specific mortality rates (and fecundity rates) plateau in late life, in contrast to the traditional Gompertz prediction of the acceleration of age-specific mortality rates, has motivated Rose and his collaborators to seek explanations grounded in evolutionary theory, such as the decline of natural selection with age predicted by Hamilton in 1966 (Mueller et al., 2011). From this approach has emerged Rose’s stated idea that aging is the deterioration or detuning of adaptation with age. To push the musical metaphor, as the forces of natural selection attenuate, the coherent tuned signal of adapted allele frequencies fades until lost in the static noise of random genetic drift. The long-lived fly experiments in the Rose laboratory which indicate that adjusting the timing of the antagonistic pleiotropy between reproduction and survival in turn adjusts the timing of the late life plateaus comprise a most striking confirmation of the evolutionary approach. Despite these predictive successes, aging continues to be almost reflexively thought of by many as the inexorable accumulation of cellular and physiological damage and wear with age. Even researchers who know of the decline of Hamilton’s forces have often assumed, as Rose points out, that this decline fits with the inexorable damage accumulation thesis. This old thinking casts a shadow not only on much aging research but its application in traditional pharmaceutical approaches to the “diseases of aging” and in clinical gerontology. Now in the age of genomics, we can test aspects of the model with rich new data sets. In comparing the genomes of long-lived flies with flies of ordinary life span, it would be fascinating to search for altered expression levels (via microarray studies as J. L. G. suggests in his commentary on “What is Aging?”) in genes at succeeding stages in life history. Another potentially illuminating suite of tests would entail the use of varied phylogenetic methods (Suzuki, 2010) to detect differences between lineages in the strength of selection versus nearly neutral genetic drift in those genes with altered expression and across regions of the genomes of long-lived and ordinary flies. If the age of genomics has taught us anything, it is that genomic adaptations are likely to be slight and additive across numerous genes and their regulatory regions.
A problem in Schutz's theory of the historical sciences with an illustration from the women's liberation movement

In the first part of this essay it is contended that Schutz's project is best called the philosophical theory of the cultural sciences; in the last parts it is shown that he offers satisfactory rudiments of a theory of the historical sciences except where the differentia specifica of those sciences is concerned. The central part is devoted to women's liberation as a case of “contemporary history” in relation to which Schutz's thought about the historical sciences needs correction.
Flagellar adhesion between mt(+) and mt(-) Chlamydomonas gametes regulates phosphorylation of the mt(+)-specific homeodomain protein GSP1.

During fertilization inChlamydomonas, flagellar adhesion between mt+and mt− gametes induces a cAMP-dependent signal transduction pathway that prepares the gametes for cell fusion and zygote formation. Previously, our laboratory identified a homeodomain protein (GSP1) whose expression was restricted to the cell bodies of mt+ gametes and whose transcript level was up-regulated during flagellar adhesion. In this report, we describe a new form of GSP1 that appears early during gamete interactions. Immunoblot analysis showed that in addition to the 120-kDa form of GSP1 normally present in mt+ gametes, a 122-kDa form was detected when the cells were mixed with mt− gametes. The more slowly migrating form of GSP1 was detectable within minutes after gametes were mixed together, and its appearance did not require new protein synthesis. Thus, the 122-kDa form represents a post-translational modification of the pre-existing 120-kDa form of GSP1. Moreover, conversion to the 122-kDa form did not require cell fusion. Although the 120-kDa form was expressed 10 h after vegetative cells were transferred to gametic induction medium, the 122-kDa form was detected only after mt+ gametes were induced to undergo the sexual signaling that accompanies fertilization. Incubation of mt+ gametes with dibutyryl cAMP led to the appearance of the 122-kDa form of GSP1, and the cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase inhibitor H-8 inhibited the adhesion-induced conversion. Incubation of GSP1 immunoprecipitated from signaling mt+ gametes with alkaline phosphatase showed that the conversion was due to phosphorylation. The results indicate that flagellar adhesion induces a rapid, cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of the homeodomain protein GSP1 early during fertilization in Chlamydomonas.
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Scavenging Mammals in Wisconsin

The presence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in non-ruminant wildlife has raised questions regarding the role of these species in Johne's disease transmission. In this study we tested 472 tissues from 212 animals of six different species of scavenging mammals. All animals were taken from within a 210-square-mile area in Dane and Iowa counties of south central Wisconsin from September to May in 2003–04 and tested for the presence of MAP. We detected MAP-specific DNA in 81 of 212 (38%) scavenging mammals, in 98 of the 472 (21%) tissues; viable MAP was cultured from one coyote's ileum and lymph node tissue. Despite the low numbers of viable MAP isolated in this study, our data adds to the increasing evidence demonstrating the potential for transmission and infection of MAP in nonruminant species and provides possible evidence of interspecies transmission. The apparently high exposure of nonruminant wildlife provides potential evidence of a spill-over of MAP to wildlife species and raises...
Chiroptical Properties of Homopolymers and Block Copolymers Synthesized from the Enantiomeric Monomers N-Acryloyl-l-Alanine and N-Acryloyl-d-Alanine Using Aqueous RAFT Polymerization*

Chiral homo- and block copolymers based on the enantiomeric monomers N-acryloyl-l-alanine (ALAL) and N-acryloyl-d-alanine (ADAL) were prepared directly in water using controlled reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The polymerization of the chiral monomers proceeded in a controlled fashion producing the respective homopolymers, block copolymers, and a statistical copolymer with targeted molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions. The chiroptical activity of these biomimetic polymers and their analogous model compounds was investigated using circular dichroism (CD). P(ALAL) and P(ADAL) were shown to be optically active exhibiting mirror image CD spectra. In addition, statistical and enantiomeric block copolymers prepared at 1:1 stochiometric ratios exhibited virtually no optical activity.
Atomic Resolution of the Structure of a Metal–Support Interface: Triosmium Clusters on MgO(110)

Aberration-corrected STEM images of MgO-supported triosmium clusters show that the osmium atoms reside atop magnesium atoms. On the basis of the results, structural models of the clusters that include the metal-support interaction are derived.
Epigenetics and microRNAs.

Epigenetics is defined as mitotically and meiotically heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve a change in the DNA sequence. Two major areas of epigenetics—DNA methyl- ation and histone modifications—are known to have profound effects on controlling gene expression. DNA methylation is involved in normal cellular control of expression, and aberrant hypermethylation can lead to silencing of tumor-suppressor genes in carcinogenesis. Histone modifications control the accessibility of the chromatin and transcriptional activities inside a cell. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules, 22 nucleotides long that can negatively control their target gene expression posttranscriptionally. There are currently more than 460 human miRNAs known, and the total number is predicted to be much larger. Recently, the expression of miRNAs has been definitively linked to cancer development, and miRNA profiles can be used to classify human cancers. miRNAs are encoded in our genome and are generally transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Despite the growing evidence for their importance in normal physiology, little is known about the regulation of miRNA expression. In this review, we will examine the relationship between miRNAs and epigenetics. We examine the effects of miRNAs on epigenetic machinery, and the control of miRNA expression by epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetics is defined as heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve a change in DNA sequence. (Pediatr Res 61: 24R-29R, 2007)
How beliefs about the presence of machine translation impact multilingual collaborations

Traditional communication tools tend to make their presence known, e.g., "when my collaborators and I are using IM to discuss our work, how could we not realize the actual presence of IM?" In the case of machine translation (MT) mediated collaborations, however, the absence or presence of MT is not obvious. English sentences with poor grammar can result from both a partner's lack of fluency and errors in the MT process. We hypothesize that partners' attributions about the source of the errors affects their collaboration experience. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a laboratory experiment in which monolingual native English speaking participants collaborated with bilingual native-Mandarin speakers on a map navigation task. Participants were randomly assigned into a 2 (beliefs about MT: absence vs. presence) by 2 (actual mediation of MT: absence vs. presence) experiment design. Beliefs about presence of MT significantly impacted the collaboration experience, opening new opportunities for both research and design around MT-mediated collaborations.
Fathers and Breastfeeding: A Review of the Literature

Research on breastfeeding support has consistently identified fathers as an important source of support in the decision to breastfeed and in its implementation. The literature indicates that fathers influence four aspects in particular: the breastfeeding decision, assistance at first feeding, duration of breastfeeding, and risk factors for bottle feeding. Research which focuses on fathers has added to our understanding of their attitudes, knowledge, and coping techniques regarding breastfeeding. This paper reviews the research findings in each of these areas, and offers suggestions for further research.
Separation of superimposed EMG potentials using expansion matching technique

We have developed a new method using the expansion matching technique to separate compound electromyographic (EMG) potentials based on template matching. This technique has been integrated as part of a software package for EMG signal decomposition. It has been tested using actual EMG recordings, which were composed of more than 10 different single motor unit potentials.
Comparative Efficiency of Six Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Traps

Five adhesive traps and the Nzi cloth-target trap were compared to determine their trapping efficiency and biases for stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae). Two configurations of the BiteFree prototype trap, constructed of polyethylene terephthalate, were most efficient for trapping stable flies, whereas the EZ trap was least efficient. The two Alsynite traps, Broce and Olson, were intermediate to the BiteFree prototype and EZ traps. All adhesive traps collected a ratio of approximately two males for each female. Approximately 50% of the flies collected on the adhesive traps, both male and female, were blood fed, and 20% were vitellogenic. The Nzi trap collected an older component of the stable fly population, 81% blood fed and 62% vitellogenic, but it was much less efficient than the adhesive traps. The effectiveness of the BiteFree prototype trap indicates that materials other than Alsynite are attractive to stable flies.
Development of a soccer-playing dynamically-balancing mobile robot

In this paper, we make two contributions. First, we present a new domain, called Segway Soccer, for investigating the coordination of dynamically formed, mixed human-robot teams within the realm of a team task that requires real-time decision making and response. Segway Soccer is a game of soccer between two teams consisting of Segway riding humans and Segway RMP-based robots. We believe Segway Soccer is the first game involving both humans and robots in cooperative roles and with similar capabilities. In conjunction with this new domain, we present our work towards developing a soccer playing robot using the Segway RMP platform and vision as its primary sensing modality. As Segway Soccer is set in the outdoors, we have developed novel vision algorithms to adapt to changes in lighting conditions. We present the domain of Segway Soccer, its inherent challenges, and our work towards this goal.
Postinductive actinomycin D effects on the concentrations of cadmium thionein, and copper chelatin in rat liver

The time courses of induction in rat liver of copper chelatin by copper, cadmium thionein by cadmium, and zinc thionein by copper, cadmium, and zinc were monitorg metal were used in order to avoid toxic effects, being 5 mg zinc, 0.5 mg copper, and 0.25 mg cadmium per kg body weight. Peak times of induction and half times of decay observed were: copper chelatin (9 h, 8.6 h), cadmium thionein (18 h, 6.80 days), and zinc thionein (zinc rats, 18 h, 10.1 h; copper rats, 9 h, 18.2 h; cadmium rats, 24 h, 4.53 days). Administration of actinomycin D (1 mg per kg body weight) at the peak times of induction of the various proteins had no effect on the concentrations of chelatin or cadmium thionein observed up to 24 hours later, but in the case of zinc thionein, induced by zinc, copper, or cadmium, elevated concentrations were observed up to 23 h after administration of the drug. Such behavior is reminiscent of superinduction previously seen with other proteins and enzymes. We postulate that the intracellular concentration of free zinc in liver is of fundamental importance in the induction of zinc thionein, and this can be distributed by exogenous copper or cadmium resulting in the induction of synthesis of zinc thionein.
The Global Monsoon Variability Simulated by CMIP3 Coupled Climate Models

Abstract The global monsoon climate variability during the second half of the twentieth century simulated by 21 coupled global climate models (CGCMs) that participated in the World Climate Research Programme’s Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 (CMIP3) is evaluated. Emphasis was placed on climatology, multidecadal trend, and the response of the global monsoon precipitation to volcanic aerosols. The impact of the atmospheric model’s horizontal resolution on the group ensemble mean (GEM; obtained from the three resolution groups) simulations of global monsoon climate is also examined. The CMIP3 CGCMs’ multimodel ensemble simulates a reasonably realistic climatology of the global monsoon precipitation and circulation. The GEMs are also able to capture the gross features of the global monsoon precipitation and westerly domains. However, the spreading among the rainfall GEMs is large, particularly at the windward side of narrow mountains (e.g., the western coast of India, the Philippines, Mexico, an...