cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Semiconductor nanostructures in an alumina template matrix: micro- versus macro-scale photoelectrochemical behavior

We show herein that the photoelectrochemical behavior of a given semiconductor nanodot (p-CuSCN or n-TiO2) in an alumina template matrix, is remarkably different than that of its macro-sized counterpart. Three separate examples of this distinct difference in behavior are presented. It is shown how the photoresponse (e.g. photocurrent) may be amplified (from a low level typical of the signal emanating from a ∼10−11 cm2 region corresponding to a semiconductor nanodot) by using a large number of electrically inter-connected Au nanowires to support the overlying semiconductor nanodots. The anomalous photoresponse of p-CuSCN nanodots in the template matrix was also numerically simulated by a simple parallel equivalent circuit consisting of a semiconductor and a photocapacitor. Possible practical application scenarios are finally presented for these nanostructures.
A Numerical Simulation of the Boycott Effect

Abstract The lattice Boltzmann method has been used to simulate the velocity field induced and the motion of an ensemble of particles during the sedimentation process in inclined tubes. The simulations show the trajectories and flow behavior of individual particles and particle-particle and particle-wall interactions as well as the formation of particle clusters. The global convection motion that was experimentally observed during such processes and tends to enhance the sedimentation process is also reproduced numerically. In addition we have found that smaller intermittent vortices, formed from the wakes of groups of settling particles, also play an important role in the sedimentation process and the final distribution of particles.
Crystallization of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1β in Complex with DNA

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β (HNF1β) is a member of the POU transcription-factor family and binds the target DNA as a dimer with nanomolar affinity. The HNF1β–DNA complex has been prepared and crystallized by hanging-drop vapor diffusion in 6%(v/v) PEG 300, 5%(w/v) PEG 8000, 8%(v/v) glycerol and 0.1 M Tris pH 8.0. The crystals diffracted to 3.2 A (93.9% completeness) using a synchrotron-radiation source under cryogenic (100 K) conditions and belong to space group R3, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 172.69, c = 72.43 A. A molecular-replacement solution has been obtained and structure refinement is in progress. This structure will shed light on the molecular mechanism of promoter recognition by HNF1β and the molecular basis of the disease-causing mutations found in it.
Transport of volcanic aerosol in the troposphere: The case study of the 2002 Etna plume

[1] The transport of aerosol in the troposphere during the 2002 eruption of Mount Etna was investigated integrating lidar observations and numerical simulations. The case study concentrates on the period 30 October to 2 November. The lidar observations performed in Potenza, Italy, reveal the presence of aerosol layers made up of young sulfate particles and a low soot content, characteristic of the volcano's emission. Downward large-scale motion was measured, with a velocity larger than that due to gravitational sedimentation. Forward trajectories from the volcano simulated from 27 October to 4 November show that particles released at the beginning of the period reached Potenza after traveling over the southern and western Mediterranean basin (partially including the Sahara region); direct northward transport occurred on 31 October and 1 November. The main result of this study is to highlight how the integrated use of observations and model simulations leads to understanding the main features of transport in this case study. Furthermore, some specific points are outlined. There is fair agreement between the simulated and observed presence of particles over Potenza. The vertical structure of the aerosol layers and the downward motion are also well evidenced. Time variations of the particle concentration deduced from measurements and approximately estimated from the numerical simulations also show qualitative agreement.
Correlation between fundamental binding forces and clinical prognosis of staphylococcus aureus infections of medical implants

Atomic force microscopy was used to “fish” for binding reactions between a fibronectin-coated probe (i.e., substrate simulating an implant device) and each of 15 different strains of S. aureus isolated from either patients with infected cardiac prosthesis (invasive group) or healthy human subjects (control group). There is a strong distinction (p=0.01) in the binding force-signature observed for the invasive vs. control populations. This observation suggests that a microorganism’s “force taxonomy” may provide a fundamental and practical indicator of the risk that bacterial infections pose to patients with implanted medical devices.
Lithium regulates protein tyrosine phosphatase activity in vitro and in vivo.

Rationale. Lithium has been shown to regulate multiple intracellular signaling pathways by affecting various protein kinases. However, the counterpart of protein kinases, i.e., protein phosphatases may play an important role in lithium-regulated cellular signaling and functions.
Increased growth of wheat by seed treatments with fluorescent pseudomonads, and implications of Pythium control

(1986). Increased growth of wheat by seed treatments with fluorescent pseudomonads, and implications of Pythium control. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 328-334.
A novel method to suppress vibration-induced phase noise of crystal oscillators

Abstract A compensated polarization-effect tuning technique is used to suppress the mechanical vibration-induced phase noise of quartz crystal oscillators. Unlike the earlier approach, the tuning signal is filtered by a dynamic function that provides both varying magnitude and phase compensation of the nonlinear distortion of the accelerometer and the phase delay of the tuning mechanism thus improving noise cancellation. Laboratory tests demonstrate that vibration-induced phase noise of a crystal oscillator under mechanical vibration is significantly suppressed after using this approach.
Manifold Based Face Synthesis from Sparse Samples

Data sparsity has been a thorny issue for manifold-based image synthesis, and in this paper we address this critical problem by leveraging ideas from transfer learning. Specifically, we propose methods based on generating auxiliary data in the form of synthetic samples using transformations of the original sparse samples. To incorporate the auxiliary data, we propose a weighted data synthesis method, which adaptively selects from the generated samples for inclusion during the manifold learning process via a weighted iterative algorithm. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, we apply it to the problem of face image synthesis from sparse samples. Compared with existing methods, the proposed method shows encouraging results with good performance improvements.
Memory for Emotional Words Following Unilateral Temporal Lobectomy

We recently reported that patients who had received unilateral temporal lobectomy, including the amygdala and hippocampus, show impaired acquisition in a fear conditioning task (LaBar, LeDoux, Spencer, & Phelps, 1995), indicating a deficit in emotional memory. In the present paper, we examined performance of these patients on two verbal, emotional memory tasks in an effort to determine the extent of this deficit. In Experiment 1, subjects were asked to recall emotional and non-emotional words. In Experiment 2, subjects were asked to recall neutral words which were embedded in emotional and non-emotional sentence contexts. Both temporal lobectomy subjects and normal controls showed enhanced recall for emotional words (Experiment 1) and enhanced recall for neutral words embedded in emotional sentence contexts (Experiment 2). These results suggest that the deficit seen in emotional memory following unilateral temporal lobectomy is not a global deficit and may be limited to specific circumstances where emotion influences memory performance. Several hypotheses concerning the discrepancy between the present studies and the fear conditioning results (LaBar et al., 1995) are discussed.
Effects of distal femoral centralizers on bone-cement in total hip arthroplasty. An experimental analysis of cement-centralizer bonding, cement void formation, and crack propagation.

Distal femoral centralizers of five different designs were inserted into model femoral stems and cemented into closed-ended tubes simulating a proximal femoral canal. Specimens underwent cyclic loading from 50 to 500 lb. for 0, 1, 2, 5, and 10 million cycles. Each specimen was then sectioned transversely at multiple levels to obtain serial cross-sections, beginning at the femoral stem tip and proceeding distally so as to include the full extent of the centralizer. The area of each section occupied by a centralizer and the total amount of porosity present in the cement surrounding the centralizers were measured using an image analyzer. A dye penetrant was then applied to each section to visualize cement cracks and areas of incomplete bonding between cement and centralizers. The number, length, and location of cement cracks were catalogued for each section. No cement cracks or lack of bonding was observed at the interface between cement and centralizers. There was greater porosity in the specimens containing centralizers than in controls without centralizers (P < .05). The cement surrounding two of the centralizer designs had a significantly smaller amount of porosity than the cement surrounding the other three designs (P < .05). The number of cracks did not depend on whether a centralizer was used, the type of centralizer, or the cycling duration. In the control specimens, failure to adequately plug the centralizer receptacle hole in the stem tip resulted in very large cement voids.
Circadian rhythms of DNA synthesis and mitotic activity in hamster cheek pouch epithelium

Abstract Marked circadian rhythms of mitotic and DNA-labeling indices were found in the basal layer of hamster cheek pouch epithelium. These rhythms are out of phase to each other by about 6 h, suggesting that the fluctuating mitotic activity is a reflection of the circadian rhythm in the number of cells in S phase. PLM curves showed that the durations of S and G2 phases remained constant throughout the day: 8 and 2 h respectively. The flux of cells from G2 into M (calculated from metaphase accumulation following vinblastine administration) changed with the time of day in agreement with the mitotic circadian rhythm. The results indicate that the circadian rhythms of DNA synthesis and mitotic activity are due to synchronous waves of cells entering S and progressing through S, G2 and M phases of constant durations. There is no evidence that periodic variations in the duration of these phases contributed to the circadian rhythms.
Anodic processing of interconnect systems for integrated circuits

Aluminum interconnect systems have become commonplace in the integrated circuit industry. Anodic processing of such systems takes advantage of the ease with which the aluminum metal conductor can be converted to an effective dielectric insulator for both single- and multilevel interconnect structures.
Nonoperative Treatment for Undisplaced Scaphoid Fracture

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the results of nonoperative treatment for acute, undisplaced, stable scaphoid fracture. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 24 cases of acute undisplaced scaphoid fracture that were treated at our department from May 1998 to January 2008. The immobilization method was a long or short arm cast. Flexion-extension exercise was permitted during the period of the short arm cast, but pronation-supination motion was prohibited. After the removal of the cast, active and passive range of motion exercise was started immediately. The result was assessed by the Maudsley scale. Results: The twenty four cases were undisplaced or minimally displaced fracture (10 cases of Herbert type A1, 3 cases of A2 and 11 cases of B2) according to the Mayo classification. The average duration of immobilization was 7.16 weeks. According to the Maudsley scale, 19 cases had an excellent result and 4 cases had a good result. One case had a complication of scapho-lunate dissociation. Conclusion: We recommend conservative treatment with cast immobilization as the first treatment of choice for acute undisplaced scaphoid fracture.
Ice studies: Visit to the Radio Physics Laboratory of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute in Leningrad

In June 1977 I spent nearly a month in discussions on the application of electromagnetic methods to the study of ice with V. V. Bogorodskii and his associates at the Radio Physics Laboratory (RPL) of the Soviet Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute. This exchange was a clear instance of Soviet/American exchange in which the preponderance of benefit was on the American side. Bogorodskii and his associates were very generous with their time and knowledge—over 90% of the discussions concerned their work, much of it not yet published. Many of the types of experiments that are currently being considered for present and future development of radio glaciological systems in the United States have already been carried out by the Soviet investigators with the production of some interesting and important results. Furthermore, there are related investigations of interest, such as direct measurement of ice motion by laser interferometry, microwave surveys of the Arctic Ocean, and sounding of permafrost and dry sand.
Happiness begets children? Evidence for a bi-directional link between well-being and number of children

The purpose of the current research was to examine the association between different facets of well-being and parenthood status. Specifically, using two longitudinal data sets, the present research explored whether individuals who possess high cognitive (Studies 1 & 2), emotional, and psychological well-being (Study 2) are more likely to subsequently become parents compared to their less happy counterparts. The results of both studies demonstrated that well-being at Time 1 positively predicted number of children at Time 2, controlling for a number of relevant variables (e.g. income, age). Additional analyses revealed that the relationship between cognitive well-being and subsequently having children was particularly strong for people who did not have any children previously. Potential mechanisms explaining how and why well-being may influence parenthood are discussed.
Identification of single neurons in a forebrain network

Behaviors are generated from complex interactions among networks of neurons. Single-unit ensemble recording has been used to identify multiple neurons in functioning networks. These recordings have provided insight into interactions among neurons in local and distributed circuits. Recorded units in these ensembles have been classed based on waveform type, firing pattern, and physical location. To identify individual projection neurons in a cortical network, we have paired tetrode recording with antidromic stimulation. We developed techniques that enable antidromic identification of single units and study of functional interactions between these neurons and other circuit elements. These methods have been developed in the zebra finch and should be applicable, with potential modifications that we discuss here, to any neural circuit with defined subpopulations based on projection target. This methodology will enable elucidation of the functional roles of single identified neurons in complex vertebrate circuits.
Effect of horizontal grid resolution on simulations of oceanic CFC‐11 uptake and direct injection of anthropogenic CO2

[1] We simulate direct injection of CO2 and uptake of CFC-11 in a global, three-dimensional ocean general circulation model using two model resolutions: a coarse resolution of 4° in longitude by 2° in latitude and a finer resolution of 1° in both longitude and latitude. We assess the impact of resolution on the relative effectiveness of ocean carbon sequestration for four different injection sites: New York at 710 and 3025 m depths and San Francisco at 710 and 3025 m depths. Results show that deep injection is generally effective, with relatively small differences in retention, transport, and fluxes between the two resolutions. Results for the change in ocean pH due to CO2 injection show that resolution does limit the details at sufficiently small scales, with the finer resolution showing greater maximum pH changes. Model predictions of CFC-11 uptake generally have shallower penetration than is seen in observations, and the differences between the model resolutions are much smaller than the differences between either simulation and the observations. There is no persuasive evidence of improvement of large-scale results with globally higher horizontal resolution in these non-eddy-resolving simulations to justify the computational expense. However, when local details are the primary interest, the use of higher resolution may be justified. We suggest that the best approach to improving the results of coarse-resolution ocean models is not to globally increase horizontal resolution outside of the eddy-resolving regime, but rather to pursue other approaches such as improved numerical methods, better parameterizations of sub-grid-scale processes, better forcing data, or perhaps local resolution increases.
Electron-impact ionization of C 3 + and N 4 +

Measured cross sections for electron-impact ionization of ${\mathrm{C}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{N}}^{4+}$ are reported for collision energies between threshold and 500 eV. The measurements were performed with crossed electron and ion beams. The peak cross sections obtained are 2.3 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ near 200 eV for ${\mathrm{C}}^{3+}$ and 1.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ near 400 eV for ${\mathrm{N}}^{4+}$ with good-confidence absolute uncertainties of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 11% and \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 15%, respectively. Comparisons of present data with the available theoretical estimates range from good agreement to discrepancies of a factor of two. At the highest energies of the present measurements, near 500 eV, the cross sections have not yet begun to decrease as predicted by all the available theories. It is postulated that inner-shell-electron excitation followed by autoionization is contributing to the measured ionization cross sections at these energies. Ionization-rate coefficients are derived from the data and compared with those measured in plasmas. The agreement in ionization rates is satisfactory in the ${\mathrm{C}}^{3+}$ case, but discrepancies of nearly a factor of two exist for the ${\mathrm{N}}^{4+}$ case.
Japan, China, South Korea, and India: Why No Immunity from the Subprime Credit Crisis?

Abstract When the subprime-induced financial crisis broke out in the U.S. housing sector in the summer of 2007 and mushroomed into a global financial crisis by September 2008, it was widely believed that the Asian economies, especially the “big four”—Japan, China, South Korea, and India—would remain largely immune from the worst of the crisis. However, this assumption has proven to be false. All four countries have felt the negative impact of the financial contagion—albeit differently. Whereas China and India have been moderately impacted, Japan and South Korea have experienced heightened financial instability, sharp economic contraction, and a deep recession. What explains the big four's vulnerability to the crisis, and why have Japan and South Korea been affected more negatively than China and India? How have the four countries responded to the crisis, and what can they do to further insulate their economies from the vagaries of the global financial markets? In this article, the author addresses these i...
Combat-associated drowning.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical course and outcome of drowning cases related to current US military combat operations. METHODS: This retrospective case series spans December 2002 to January 2009 of survivors transferred to an echelon IV military trauma center in Europe serving as the primary evacuation hub for ongoing combat operations. Patient demographics and the situational and clinical findings at the initial drowning scene were reviewed. A comprehensive analysis of care as each patient transitioned through the combat theater to the echelon IV trauma center in Europe was performed. RESULTS: Overall, mortality was 37.5% mortality rate (3 of 8 patients). Advanced modes of respiratory support such as high-frequency ventilation, airway pressure release ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were required in a majority of the cohort (6 of 8 patients). Limited-duration vasopressor infusions (7 of 8 patients) were also required to ensure adequate end-organ perfusion. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene of injury were associated with eventual patient mortality (100% mortality for an initial GCS score of 3 and 75% mortality for on-scene CPR). Survivor long-term morbidity was often related to the sequelae of acute respiratory distress syndrome and hypoxic encephalopathy. CONCLUSION: Drowning associated with combat operations was associated with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and cardiovascular shock. GCS score and the need for CPR at the scene of injury were associated with eventual mortality because of anoxic brain injury in all cases. Language: en
On the stability of plane flow with horizontal shear to three-Dimensional nondivergent disturbances

Abstract Arnold's (1965a) method is used to investigate the stability of a stationary, nonparallel, plane flow, with horizontal shear, to three-dimensional nondivergent disturbances in a Boussinesq fluid. It is shown that, if the fluid is statically stable, the Rayleigh condition is not sufficient to insure inertial stability to all disturbance modes. For channel flow it is possible to establish the sufficiency condition for stability to some of these modes.
Multi-Substrate Burrowing Performance and Constitutive Modeling of RoboClam: A Biomimetic Robot Based on Razor Clams

The Atlantic razor clam (Ensis directus) reduces burrowing drag by using motions of its shell to fluidize a thin layer of substrate around its body. We have developed RoboClam, a robot that digs using the same mechanisms as Ensis, to explore how localized fluidization burrowing can be extended to engineering applications. In this work we present burrowing performance results of RoboClam in two distinctly different substrates: ideally granular 1mm soda lime glass beads and cohesive ocean mudflat soil. Using a genetic algorithm to optimize RoboClam’s kinematics, the machine was able to burrow in both substrates with a power law relationship between digging energy and depth of n = 1.17. Pushing through static soil has a theoretical energy-depth power law of n = 2, which means that Ensis-inspired burrowing motions can provide exponentially higher energy efficiency. We propose a theoretical constitutive model that describes how a fluidized region should form around a contracting body in virtually any type of saturated soil. The model predicts fluidization to be a relatively local effect, extending only two to three characteristic lengths away from the body, depending on friction angle and coefficient of lateral earth pressure, two commonly measured soil parameters.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Size-dependent oscillatory magnetoresistance in cadmium

Size-dependent oscillations in the magnetoresistance and Hall effect in cadmium have been studied using the field-modulation method. Nine sets of oscillations were observed for the first time and three sets discovered previously were observed with greater resolution over a larger range of field orientations. Most of the oscillations are assigned to orbits on the second-band "monster" and third-band "lens" sheets of the Fermi surface. The results indicate a slight departure of the lens from axial symmetry. Considerable second-harmonic content was observed on some of the oscillations. Disappearance of some monster oscillations but not the lens oscillations in magnetic fields greater than 8 kOe is attributed to the effect of magnetic breakdown of the energy gap between the first and second bands. Results are discussed in terms of the size-effect theory of Bloomfield and the Fermi-surface model of Stark and Falicov.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Contextual Behavioral Science: Examining the Progress of a Distinctive Model of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy

A number of recent authors have compared acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and traditional cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The present article describes ACT as a distinct and unified model of behavior change, linked to a specific strategy of scientific development, which we term "contextual behavioral science." We outline the empirical progress of ACT and describe its distinctive development strategy. A contextual behavioral science approach is an inductive attempt to build more adequate psychological systems based on philosophical clarity; the development of basic principles and theories; the development of applied theories linked to basic ones; techniques and components linked to these processes and principles; measurement of theoretically key processes; an emphasis on mediation and moderation in the analysis of applied impact; an interest in effectiveness, dissemination, and training; empirical testing of the research program across a broad range of areas and levels of analysis; and the creation of a more effective scientific and clinical community. We argue that this is a reasonable approach, focused on long-term progress, and that in broad terms it seems to be working. ACT is not hostile to traditional CBT, and is not directly buoyed by whatever weaknesses traditional CBT may have. ACT should be measured at least in part against its own goals as specified by its own developmental strategy.
Sequence Analysis of the rfb Loci, Encoding Proteins Involved in the Biosynthesis of the Salmonella enterica O17 and O18 Antigens: Serogroup-Specific Identification by PCR

We report sequencing of the O antigen encoded by the rfb gene cluster of Salmonella enterica serotype Jangwani (O17) and Salmonella serotype Cerro (O18). We developed serogroup O17- and O18-specific PCR assays based on rfb gene targets and found them to be sensitive and specific for rapid identification of Salmonella serogroups O17 and O18.
Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Update

BACKGROUNDSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer in the United States. Cutaneous SCC has the potential to metastasize and cause morbidity and mortality.OBJECTIVEOur purpose was to review and summarize the literature on metastatic cutaneous SCC, including risk fac
NGST: a feasibility study of the Next Generation Space Telescope

IRAS and ISO have shown the enormous sensitivity advantages of cold space telescopes forobservations at or beyond 3 microns, a wavelength range dominated by thermal emission from theatmosphere and optical systems for telescopes within the earth's atmosphere. Compared to groundfacilities, space telescopes also have significant advantages at shorter wavelengths for wide-field,diffraction-limited imaging.AURA's HST & Beyond Committee' recognized the enormous scientific capabilities of a large-aperture, infrared-optimized space telescope and recommended strongly that such a mission bedeveloped to follow the HST and SIRTF programs. The Committee, chaired by Alan Dressier,recommended a passively cooled telescope be built to carry out the core mission of studying theearly formation of stars and galaxies at high redshift. A diameter of at least 4m would be neededto provide resolution comparable to HST (corresponding to scales lengths of about 1 kpc at highredshift) and the sensitivity to detect the compact, essentially unresolved star forming regions in
SLAC8's - A Distributed Accelerator Control and Monitoring System

The latest addition to our distributed accelerator control and monitoring system is described which achieves parallel control of multilevel functions, multisector access as well as continuous updating of over 800 analog signals. The limitations of the preceding system are compared with the advantages of this larger network. Interface hardware and diagnostic software for the computers is also discussed.
Competitiveness of indigenous populations of Bradyrhizobium japonicum serocluster 123 as determined using a root-tip marking procedure in growth pouches

Soil Bradyrhizobium populations limit nodule occupancy of soybean by symbiotically-superior inoculant strains throughout much of the American midwest. In this study, the competitiveness of indigenous populations of B. japonicum serocluster 123 from Waukegan and Webster soils was evaluated in growth pouches using a root-tip marking procedure. The native rhizobia were from soils incubated 0–8 h in soybean root exudate (SRE) or plant nutrient solution (PNS) prior to inoculation. Populations of serocluster 123 strains in soil and nodule occupancy by these strains were assessed using fluorescent antibodies prepared against B. japonicum USDA 123. There were no significant differences in populations that came from SRE or PNS incubated soils: both populations increased in number over the incubation period. Nodule occupancy by both populations in growth pouches was similar to that previously encountered in field studies with these two soils. With the Waukegan soil, the serocluster 123 population dominated nodulation forming 69 and 62% of taproot nodules above and below the root tip mark, respectively. However, for the more alkaline Webster soil, serocluster 123 strains were much less competitive, producing only 9 and 13%, respectively, of the nodules formed above and below the root tip mark. In growth pouches, soil populations of bradyrhizobia from the Webster soil produced significantly more nodules than those from the Waukegan soil, but both strains and a pure culture of USDA 110 had a similar distribution of nodules.
Relationship of oligomerization to enzymatic and DNA-binding properties of the SV40 large T antigen

Abstract Crude and highly purified SV40 large T antigen has been found to exist in forms of various sizes. Immunoreactive structures of 5.5S (80–85 kd), 7S (∼150 kd) and 15.5S (325–340 kd) have been identified by zonal sedimentation and gel filtration. They appear to correspond to monomeric, dimeric and tetrameric species of T, respectively, and are free of detectable 55 kd NVT by specific immunoprecipitation analyses. While highly purified monomer appears relatively inactive in SV40 DNA-binding and ATPase assays, both the dimer and tetramer display these activities. By contrast, all three comigrate with casein kinase activity. These data suggest that the protein can exist as a monomer and in various homoaggregated forms. In addition, it appears that it must aggregate to be an active DNA-binding element and an ATPase.
Computation of the Principal Components of an Asymmetric g Tensor from Paramagnetic Resonance Data

A straightforward method is developed for obtaining the principal components of the asymmetric tensor $\mathfrak{g}$ and its orientation in a crystal system. The necessary paramagnetic resonance data involve three crystal rotations about arbitrary orthogonal axes. Although the spin Hamiltonian is probably not applicable except for $S=\frac{1}{2}$, the development, which is based upon a calculation of the second moment of the energy levels about their mean, is quite general.
S2-5 Nrf2 signaling is essential for hydrogen sulfide mediated cardioprotection in the setting of ischemic-induced heart failure

Background Therapeutic strategies that increase hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) bioavailability are known to exert cytoprotective effects in various models of cardiovascular injury. However, the precise mechanism for this protection is not known. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Nuclear-factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mediates the cardioprotective effects of H 2 S therapy in the setting of ischemic-induced heart failure. Methods and Results Heart failure was induced by subjecting wild-type (WT) control mice and Nrf2-deficient (Nrf2 KO; C57BL/6 background) mice to 60 min of myocardial ischemia followed by reperfusion. The mice were then followed for a 4-week period, at which time left ventricular dimensions and function were assessed. Nrf2 KO and WT mice received either saline or sodium sulfide (Na 2 S; 100 μg/kg) at the time of reperfusion followed by daily injections for the first 7 days of reperfusion. All groups displayed significant left ventricular dilation, severe cardiac dysfunction, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with the Nrf2 KO mice displaying exacerbated dysfunction and hypertrophy compared to the WT mice. Treatment with Na 2 S significantly reduced the degree of dilation and improved left ventricular fraction in the WT mice but failed to improve any of the parameters in the Nrf2 KO mice. Conclusion These findings provide important information that Nrf2 plays a protective role in the setting of heart failure and mediates the cardioprotective effects of H 2 S therapy.
Application of a hillslope-scale soil moisture data assimilation system to military trafficability assessment

Abstract Soil moisture is an important environmental variable that impacts military operations and weapons systems. Accurate and timely forecasts of soil moisture at appropriate spatial scales, therefore, are important for mission planning. We present an application of a soil moisture data assimilation system to military trafficability assessment. The data assimilation system combines hillslope-scale (e.g., 10s to 100s of m) estimates of soil moisture from a hydrologic model with synthetic L-band microwave radar observations broadly consistent with the planned NASA Soil Moisture Active–Passive (SMAP) mission. Soil moisture outputs from the data assimilation system are input to a simple index-based model for vehicle trafficability. Since the data assimilation system uses the ensemble Kalman Filter, the risks of impaired trafficability due to uncertainties in the observations and model inputs can be quantified. Assimilating the remote sensing observations leads to significantly different predictions of trafficability conditions and associated risk of impaired trafficability, compared to an approach that propagates forward uncertainties in model inputs without assimilation. Specifically, assimilating the observations is associated with an increase in the risk of “slow go” conditions in approximately two-thirds of the watershed, and an increase in the risk of “no go” conditions in approximately 40% of the watershed. Despite the simplicity of the trafficability assessment tool, results suggest that ensemble-based data assimilation can potentially improve trafficability assessment by constraining predictions to observations and facilitating quantitative assessment of the risk of impaired trafficability.
Thermolysis of acetylene terminated sulfone resins. II. Oligomeric and residual products of degradation

Abstract Resins from acetylene terminated sulfone (ATS) fractions and related model compounds have been pyrolysed to 1000°C under high vacuum conditions. The residual and oligomeric product fractions of degradation were isolated using the technique of thermal volatilization analysis (TVA). The residues from degradation were weighed and subjected to compositional analysis by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The oligomeric products of degradation were weighed, isolated into preparative TLC bands, and identified through the joint application of IR and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies and chemical ionization mass spectroscopy (CIMS). The residues from thermal degradation proved somewhat intractable. On the other hand, analysis of the oligomeric product fractions provided a wealth of identifiable derivatives which confirmed the major role that random scissions play in the degradation process. Residue yields were shown to increase with the polyene concentration in the cured resin. In contrast, the yields of oligomeric products were shown to be inversely related to polyene concentration in the cured resin. ATS and ATB resin were also aged at 250°C and at 300°C in air. Both resins were stable to weight loss at 250°C but ablated slowly at 300°C in air. The ageing process was accompanied by oxidation of the polyene to carbonyl containing derivatives which are stable at 250°C but unstable at 300°C. The AT resins were significantly more stable to weight loss than epoxy resins containing similar structural motifs.
Proper motions from Schmidt plates – II. The Hyades

COSMOS scans of photographic plates taken by the Palomar Oschin Schmidt telescope (as part of the original Palomar Sky Survey) and by the UK Schmidt telescope were used to obtain proper motions for ∼ 450000 stars within a 112-degree 2 region covering part of the Hyades cluster. With epoch differences of 33 to 37 yr, proper motions accurate to 6-12 milliarcsec/yr have been obtained and 393 candidate Hyads have been identified to a limiting magnitude of M v ∼ +15.5, including at least two new white dwarf candidates
Interdisciplinary Strategies as Transformative Change in Higher Education

Using data collected through case studies of 21 research universities in the United States, I reviewed the efforts institutions are undertaking to meet the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge. I adopted the framework of transformative change, where change occurs over time and brings important shifts in the way an institution views itself. Findings indicated that implementing interdisciplinary initiatives is accomplished not only through changes in how institutional work is organized and the facilities in which the work is carried out, but also through concurrent shifts in the institutional culture related to interdisciplinary endeavors.
Back-pressure testing to prevent autoinflation of penile prosthetic devices

Autoinflation of a penile prosthetic device can be a frustrating experience for the patient and surgeon alike. Although there are many causes of autoinflation, elevated reservoir pressure at the time of surgical placement is one of the more common etiologies. We describe a simple, quick technique to quantitate reservoir pressures and volume, preventing pressures that could lead to autoinflation.
Phase diagrams for binary polymer systems exhibiting both crystallization and limited liquid−liquid miscibility

Calcul des diagrammes de phase a partir de la thermodynamique des solutions de Flory-Higgins, l'interaction de la cristallisation et de la demixtion du liquide aboutissant a une structure de phase monotectique. Diagrammes de phase obtenus pour les solutions en accord avec les resultats experimentaux. La courbe d'energie libre de melange montre que la separation de phase liquide-liquide peut jouer un role dans la morphologie cristalline
Sunk costs, contestability and airline monopoly power

This paper examines the effects of sunk costs and potential competition on pricing behavior in monopoly airline markets. We find little evidence to support the proposition from contestable markets theory that the level of sunk costs influences pricing by monopolists. Rather, the results support the view, consistent with numerous game theoretic oligopoly models, that the costs and the price-cutting reputation of potential entrants influence incumbent behavior. These results suggest that contestability theory may not be robust. Even in the markets characterized by increasing returns to scale, the perfectly contestable market may not be a useful welfare standard.
Reading Success Validation of a Specialized Literacy Program (1978-2007)

Reading Success is an individualized teacher-guided literacy program proven for 663 students who experienced difficulty with reading. The students had learning disabilities, mild mental retardation, and behavior challenges; were at risk for school failure; or were transitioning from speaking Spanish to English and experiencing literacy problems. Pupil progress data, as measured by progress over time in various reading curricula, reflected student gains of a half year to more than 3 years per year of instruction. Monthly curricular progress data ranged from 0.03 to 6.80 months’ gain per month of instruction. Many students showed equivalent gains on standardized informal reading inventories, with some passing a statewide test for the first time. Thirty-five special education students returned to regular education programs. All students received the basic lesson, reflecting reading research-based practices. Some students received specialized interventions that focused on three critical reading behaviors (wor...
Network-based gene prediction for Plasmodium falciparum malaria towards genetics-based drug discovery

Malaria is the most deadly parasitic infectious disease. Existing drug treatments have limited efficacy in malaria elimination, and the complex pathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood. Detecting novel malaria-associated genes not only contributes in revealing the disease pathogenesis, but also facilitates discovering new targets for anti-malaria drugs. In this study, we developed a network-based approach to predict malaria-associated genes. We constructed a cross-species network to integrate human-human, parasite-parasite and human-parasite protein interactions. Then we extended the random walk algorithm on this network, and used known malaria genes as the seeds to find novel candidate genes for malaria. We validated our algorithms using 77 known malaria genes: 14 human genes and 63 parasite genes were ranked averagely within top 2% and top 4%, respectively among human and parasite genomes. We also evaluated our method for predicting novel malaria genes using a set of 27 genes with literature supporting evidence. Our approach ranked 12 genes within top 1% and 24 genes within top 5%. In addition, we demonstrated that top-ranked candied genes were enriched for drug targets, and identified commonalities underlying top-ranked malaria genes through pathway analysis. In summary, the candidate malaria-associated genes predicted by our data-driven approach have the potential to guide genetics-based anti-malaria drug discovery.
FDTD Numerical Tests of the ConvolutionalߞPML at Extremely Low Frequencies

Numerical evaluation of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) convolutional perfectly matched layer (CPML) at extremely low frequencies (ELF) is conducted herein to arrive at acceptable values for the PML parameters. This is accomplished by conducting numerous simulations of an electric dipole in a 60 x 60 x 120 free-space domain and by benchmarking the simulation data against reference data for strategic observation points within the domain. Results show that PML attenuation on the order of 60 to 70 dB can be obtained for 10 to 1000 Hz signals in the quasi-static region of the dipole.
Dating volcanic eruptions with tree-ring chemistry

Dendrochemical analyses of absolutely dated, overlapping sequences of tree rings allow identification of temporally conscribed, volcanically influenced periods of environmental change. Dendrochemistry, or the study of tree-ring elemental composition, is a promising new technique for reconstructing climate/environmental history at annual resolution. In particular, dendrochemistry may be useful for identifying periods of climatically and/or environmentally effective volcanic activity. Airborne pollution from major volcanic eruptions in the form of increased environmental acidity from sulfur dioxide can cause changes in availability and concentration of certain elements and can increase the availability of those elements in the soil, resulting in increased uptake by trees from the substrate or direct from the atmosphere. In particular, spikes, dips, or major changes in trace element concentration may be an indication of changes in soil or atmospheric chemistry (e.g., Padilla and Anderson 2002). Although there are other records of past volcanism (especially from ice-cores - e.g. Vinther et al. 2005), tree-ring based work (e.g. Salzer and Hughes 2007) offers several important advantages: first, tree-ring series are available with wide spatial coverage from most of the globe, and second, they are datable with annual and even subannual resolution on a fixed (absolute) calendar timescale (whereas even the best ice-core work has errors of several years or more beyond the last few hundred years).
Iron Transport Systems in Neisseria meningitidis

Acquisition of iron and iron complexes has long been recognized as a major determinant in the pathogenesis of Neisseria meningitidis. In this review, high-affinity iron uptake systems, which allow meningococci to utilize the human host proteins transferrin, lactoferrin, hemoglobin, and haptoglobin-hemoglobin as sources of essential iron, are described. Classic features of bacterial iron transport systems, such as regulation by the iron-responsive repressor Fur and TonB-dependent transport activity, are discussed, as well as more specific features of meningococcal iron transport. Our current understanding of how N. meningitidis acquires iron from the human host and the vaccine potentials of various components of these iron transport systems are also reviewed.
C677T and A1298C Polymorphisms of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene: Incidence and Effect of Combined Genotypes on Plasma Fasting and Post-Methionine Load Homocysteine in Vascular Disease

Background: Moderately increased plasma concentrations of total homocysteine (tHcy) have been shown to be an important risk factor for vascular diseases. Two common polymorphisms of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR ) gene, the thermolabile C677T and a more recently reported A1298C polymorphism, may contribute to hyperhomocysteinemia. Methods: Using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, we studied the prevalence of the C677T and A1298C MTHFR genotypes and the combined effect of these polymorphisms on plasma tHcy concentrations, as measured by HPLC with fluorometric detection, both fasting and post-methionine load (PML), in 1238 individuals. Results: The prevalences of the C677T and A1298C genotypes did not differ significantly in 772 individuals with documented coronary artery disease (CAD), 137 individuals with deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), and 329 individuals without documented vascular disease. Individuals homozygous for the 677T allele had significantly increased fasting tHcy, particularly in the presence of low folate, compared with individuals homozygous for the wild-type allele. Neither the 1298AC nor the 1298CC genotype was associated with significantly increased fasting or PML tHcy concentrations irrespective of serum folate. Of the nine combined MTHFR genotypes, six were present in >10% of the population. Of these, the difference in mean fasting tHcy reached statistical significance ( P <0.005) only in individuals with the 677TT/1298AA genotype compared with individuals with the wild-type 677CC/1298AA genotype. Differences in mean fasting tHcy did not reach statistical significance in individuals heterozygous for both MTHFR variants. We detected two 677CT/1298CC and three 677TT/1298AC individuals; only one, an 677TT/1298AC individual, had increased tHcy (both fasting and PML). No individuals had the 677TT/1298CC genotype. Conclusions: The prevalences of the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms did not differ among individuals with CAD, DVT, or those without documented vascular disease. In contrast to the C677T polymorphism, the A1298C polymorphism is not associated with increased fasting tHcy. Although the two polymorphisms usually exist in trans configuration, crossover may occur rarely to form recombinant chromosomes.