cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A siloxyl bis-pocket thiolate-Tailed Fe(III) porphyrin complex

We report the synthesis and characterization of a bis-pocket iron(III) porphyrin complex that has a covalently attached siloxy thiolate group as the axial ligand. As a new cytochrome P450 model compound, this siloxyl bis-pocket thiolate-tailed iron(III) porphyrin is easily synthesized and is surprisingly stable under air due to the extreme steric protection of the siloxy pockets on both faces of the porphyrin. A single-crystal XRD structure has been determined; the Fe–S bond distance is 2.237 (7) A with Fe–N bond distances of 2.100 (8) and the Fe is 0.5 A out of the mean porphyrin plane. The Fe–S bond distance in the siloxy thiolate-tailed iron(III) porphyrin is very similar to that in cytochrome P450 and this structure represents a very rare crystallographically-characterized five-coordinate high spin alkylthiolate-tailed ferric porphyrin. EPR spectrum of this compound showed g values and an E/D ratio very similar to those of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme, demonstrating the importance of using a very b...
Language and lies

Abstract Does an individual’s aversion to a lie depend upon the language used to communicate the lie? We adapt the Lopez-Perez and Spiegelman (2013) dot experiment to measure how a “weak” vs. “strong” message affects individuals’ propensities for truthfulness when there is a monetary incentive to lie and no other person is affected by the communication. Weak messages state a fact, whereas strong statements “solemnly swear” to the fact. In our first (between-subject) experiment, strong (vs. weak) statements increase the percentage of subjects choosing to tell the truth by approximately 30 percentage points in each of three different payoff scenarios that favor lying to a different extent. Because lies increase payoffs in the experiment, the weaker aversion to weaker lies is socially advantageous. In a second (within-subject) experiment participants choose between messages of different strength and we find (1) a preference for lying with weak (vs. strong) language, and (2) a significant fraction of subjects who are willing to pay a positive amount to avoid a strong vs. weak lie. From both experiments, we conclude that our subjects tend to be intrinsically less averse to dishonesty when a lie is conveyed with weak vs. strong language.
Science and Technology, Anthropology of

The anthropology of science, technology, and society (STS) has emerged alongside a number of closely neighboring fields of scholarship. Four features distinguish the anthropology of STS: (1) a detailed interest in the sciences and technologies themselves; (2) a global perspective, not just an account from Western Europe and North America; (3) multilocale or multisited ethnographic access to complex distributed processes such as the global chemical industry or global clinical trials; and (4) a concern with the powerful aesthetics of imaginaries. The task of translating legacy knowledges into public futures draws upon four kinds of genealogies: test drives and libidinal drives, protocols and networks, landscapes or ethical plateaus, and reknitting global moieties split by the cold war.
Physically significant nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation and its soliton solutions

An integrable nonlocal nonlinear Schr\"odinger (NLS) equation with clear physical motivations is proposed. This equation is obtained from a special reduction of the Manakov system, and it describes Manakov solutions whose two components are related by a parity symmetry. Since the Manakov system governs wave propagation in a wide variety of physical systems, our nonlocal equation has clear physical meanings. Solitons and multisolitons in this nonlocal equation are also investigated in the framework of Riemann-Hilbert formulations. Surprisingly, symmetry relations of discrete scattering data for this equation are found to be very complicated, where constraints between eigenvectors in the scattering data depend on the number and locations of the underlying discrete eigenvalues in a very complex manner. As a consequence, general $N$-solitons are difficult to obtain in the Riemann-Hilbert framework. However, one- and two-solitons are derived, and their dynamics investigated. It is found that two-solitons are generally not a nonlinear superposition of one-solitons, and they exhibit interesting dynamics such as meandering and sudden position shifts. As a generalization, other integrable and physically meaningful nonlocal equations are also proposed, which include NLS equations of reverse-time and reverse-space-time types as well as nonlocal Manakov equations of reverse-space, reverse-time, and reverse-space-time types.
“Ecocity China”: An Ethos Under Development

In China, the ecocity has become the model for sustainable urban ­development. When considering that upward of 45% of the population of China may still urbanize within the next 50 years, the issue of developing China’s cities in a sustainable way concerns not only China, it also concerns the world. This chapter first looks at the concept of the ecocity and how it has taken on its own brand identity within China, labeled here as “Ecocity China.” Drawing from various examples, an analysis of “Ecocity China” follows as to how differences in constructing ecocity indicators and urban master plans reflect distinctly different ontological and epistemological approaches to sustainable development. Different than most top-down approaches to ecocity design in China, this chapter looks at a promising example of an incremental ongoing “policy by design” approach to ecocity planning and development. Also emerging from this analysis is the realization that to fully embrace ecocity development requires the adoption of eco-cosmopolitanism ethics by governing institutions. Conclusions from this analysis suggest that moving to a robust ecocity approach will be challenging for status quo Chinese politics and that such planning will necessitate a more experimental approach to urban development and establishment of an information infrastructure and a culture of collaborative communication.
Jamestown Canyon Virus

This chapter discusses the Jamestown Canyon (JC) virus. It is associated with a mild febrile illness in humans and belongs to the Bunyaviridae family. This virus is a member of the California group of viruses. The hosts to the JC virus are man, white-tailed deer, and mule deer. White-tailed deer are the primary amplifying host of the virus. The areas outside the Western Hemisphere are free from the virus. The Jerry Slough (JS) virus, found in the western United States, is considered to be a synonym of the JC virus. The JS virus has been primarily isolated from a single mosquito species—Culiseta inorata—and experimental data suggests that small rodents act as amplifying hosts. The preferred method for viral diagnosis of the JS virus is the inoculation of tissue culture with confirmation by the fluorescent antibody technique. In some instances, the more expensive but sensitive method of intracerebral suckling mouse inoculation is required to obtain an isolate. Specific neutralization tests are required for the virus identification of isolates that come from areas where other closely related California group viruses occur. The preferred method for serological diagnosis of this virus is plaque reduction neutralization. This technique is the most sensitive and has the greatest dependability, but is very expensive. Complement fixation and Haemagglutination inhibition are complex diagnostic techniques for the JS virus and require a careful preparation of reagents.
Illuminating cell signaling with genetically encoded FRET biosensors in adult mouse cardiomyocytes

FRET-based biosensor experiments in adult cardiomyocytes are a powerful way of dissecting the spatiotemporal dynamics of the complicated signaling networks that regulate cardiac health and disease. However, although much information has been gleaned from FRET studies on cardiomyocytes from larger species, experiments on adult cardiomyocytes from mice have been difficult at best. Thus the large variety of genetic mouse models cannot be easily used for this type of study. Here we develop cell culture conditions for adult mouse cardiomyocytes that permit robust expression of adenoviral FRET biosensors and reproducible FRET experimentation. We find that addition of 6.25 µM blebbistatin or 20 µM (S)-nitro-blebbistatin to a minimal essential medium containing 10 mM HEPES and 0.2% BSA maintains morphology of cardiomyocytes from physiological, pathological, and transgenic mouse models for up to 50 h after adenoviral infection. This provides a 10-15-h time window to perform reproducible FRET readings using a variety of CFP/YFP sensors between 30 and 50 h postinfection. The culture is applicable to cardiomyocytes isolated from transgenic mouse models as well as models with cardiac diseases. Therefore, this study helps scientists to disentangle complicated signaling networks important in health and disease of cardiomyocytes.
Examining the blue line in the rainbow: the interactions and perceptions of law enforcement among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities

Despite the fact that LGBTQ individuals are at greater risk of victimization than the average citizen, the LGBTQ community’s relationship with law enforcement has been a turbulent one. Using a mixe...
Bringing equity to underserved communities through STEM education: implications for leadership development

STEM Education is sweeping the United States, prompted primarily by the recent adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards. The surge in interest in STEM Education is beneficial for local sch...
Keynes and Fractional Reserve Banking: The NPV vs. MEC

This paper develops a framework for the economic analysis of frac- tional reserve banking. After introducing the loan market theory and the net present value, the paper shows how fractional reserve banking causes the busi- ness cycle by systematically falsifying net present value rankings. Next, the paper demonstrates that Keynes’s IS-LM model and marginal efficiency of cap- ital rule out fractional reserve banking as the cause of the business cycle. Finally, the paper shows that Keynes’s theory is fundamentally flawed because his theory of investment in incorrect. Keywords: Fractional reserve banking, Austrian business cycle theory, John Maynard Keynes, Keynesian economics, net present value, marginal efficiency of capital. JEL Classification: E12, E22, E32, E43, E51, E58, G30. Resumen: Este trabajo desarrolla un marco para el analisis economico de la banca con reserva fraccionaria. Despues de presentar la teoria del mercado de prestamos y el valor presente neto, el documento muestra como la banca con reserva fraccionaria causa el ciclo economico al falsificar sistematica- mente las clasificaciones del valor presente neto. A continuacion, el docu- mento demuestra que el modelo IS-LM de Keynes y la eficiencia marginal del capital descartan la banca con reserva fraccionaria como la causa del ciclo economico. Finalmente, el articulo muestra que la teoria de Keynes es fundamentalmente defectuosa dado que su teoria de la inversion es inco- rrecta. Palabras clave: Banca con reserva fraccionaria, teoria austriaca del ciclo eco- nomico, John M. Keynes, economia keynesiana, valor actual neto, eficiencia marginal del capital. Clasificacion JEL: E12, E22, E32, E43, E51, E58, G30.
A nuclease protection ELISA assay for colorimetric and electrochemical detection of nucleic acids

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to monitor infection outcomes and provide timely interventions. However, gold standard polymerase chain reaction assays (PCR) are labor-intensive and require expensive reagents and instrumentation. Nuclease protection has been used for decades to detect and quantify nucleic acid but has not yet been investigated as a diagnostic tool for infectious disease. In this work, we describe a nuclease protection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NP-ELISA) for accurate and sensitive detection of nucleic acid. Briefly, binding of a nucleic acid target to an oligo probe protects it from digestion of un-hybridized nucleic acid by S1 nuclease. Following the workflow of an ELISA, a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated antibody binds the probe and oxidizes its substrate to generate signal. The assay was validated with three HRP substrates for absorbance, chemiluminescence, and electrochemical readouts, demonstrating great versatility. Electrochemical detection with 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) gave the highest assay sensitivity with a limit of detection of 3.72×103 molecules mL-1. Furthermore, non-complementary targets did not generate a response, indicating a high degree of specificity. This proof of principle serves as a stepping stone towards developing miniaturized, multiplexed nuclease protection assays for point-of-care diagnosis.
NOTES ON PRESENT STATUS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

We note some general features concerning present activity in Maximum Entropy and Bayesian inference, and try to foresee how they may develop in the future. We see ahead great promise, but also potential dangers.
TEMPORAL NICHE SEPARATION OF DESERT COTTONTAILS (SYLVILAGUS AUDUBONII) AND BLACK-TAILED JACKRABBITS (LEPUS CALIFORNICUS) IN THE CHIHUAHUAN DESERT

Desert cottontails (Sylvilagus audubonii) and black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus) occur in sympatry throughout the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including in the Chihuahuan Desert. Their ecological niches are similar but separated by variations of diet and microhabitat. To determine if niche separation may be supplemented by differing times of foraging activity, I first tested various lures and baits and determined the optimal attractant for camera stations to be alfalfa hay and apple juice. I then observed desert cottontail and black-tailed jackrabbit activity at baited and control camera stations. Peak seasonal foraging activity occurred in winter for desert cottontails and in spring for black-tailed jackrabbits. Early morning activity peaked in black-tailed jackrabbits 1 h later than in desert cottontails, but otherwise general diel activity levels were similar between the two species. However, times of peak feeding, as determined by comparisons of baited and control stations, were clearly separated. Thus, niche separation between desert cottontails and black-tailed jackrabbits in the Chihuahuan Desert may be increased by differing time distributions of foraging activity.
WormSpace: A Modular Foundation for Simple, Verifiable Distributed Systems

We propose the Write-Once Register (WOR) as an abstraction for building and verifying distributed systems. A WOR exposes a simple, data-centric API: clients can capture, write, and read it. Applications can use a sequence or a set of WORs to obtain properties such as durability, concurrency control, and failure atomicity. By hiding the logic for distributed coordination underneath a data-centric API, the WOR abstraction enables easy, incremental, and extensible implementation and verification of applications built above it. We present the design, implementation, and verification of a system called WormSpace that provides developers with an address space of WORs, implementing each WOR via a Paxos instance. We describe three applications built over WormSpace: a flexible, efficient Multi-Paxos implementation; a shared log implementation with lower append latency than the state-of-the-art; and a fault-tolerant transaction coordinator that uses an optimal number of round-trips. We show that these applications are simple, easy to verify, and match the performance of unverified monolithic implementations. We use a modular layered verification approach to link the proofs for WormSpace, its applications, and a verified operating system to produce the first verified distributed system stack from the application to the operating system.
Epidermal streaming seen in a seborrheic keratosis using reflectance confocal microscopy and histopathology correlation.

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) allows for visualization of subsurface cellular detail in human skin and improves diagnostic accuracy. As the use of the technology expands, more features are being characterized. Here we show a confocal feature commonly associated with basal cell carcinoma appearing in a seborrheic keratosis.
Harnessing the Cloud: International Law Implications of Cloud-Computing

Abstract For decades, with the advent of better and faster computer chips, processor speed has grown exponentially, and with it, the demand for computing power. Now, as that growth slows due to technological bottlenecks, the world will look to solutions like cloud-computing to ensure that the ever-increasing demand of computing power is met. Thus, the need for efficient, reliable, and powerful cloud-computing services will had to and necessitate global cloud-computing service providers. But their vitalness will also bring cloud-computing under the scrutiny of government regulation, as countries struggle to ensure that the data of their citizenry is protected. This Comment explores the intersection of cloud-computing and international law by examining two states of the world, one in which countries attempt to give their data protection laws extraterritorial effect and the second in which countries organize to provide a global solution to the regulation of the cloud. The Comment finds that though there is justification under existing international law for countries' cloud computing regulations to have extraterritorial effect, cooperation will yield greater adaptability for the regulatory system and stability for the computing cloud itself. Table of Contents I. Introduction 784 II. Cloud-Computing ...785 III. International Law Jurisdiction for Cloud-Computing Regulation 789 A. Preliminary Assumptions......... 789 B. Territorial Principle.. ...790 1. Subjective territorial principle. 790 2. Objective territorial principle. 792 C. Nationality 795 D. Passive Personality 797 E. Protective Principle 799 IV. International Cooperation 801 A. Constraints on Cloud-Computing Regulation 802 B. Harmonization.. .....804 C. International Regulatory Organization 806 D. The Cyber Sea 806 V. Conclusion 808 I. INTRODUCTION In 1961, John McCarthy, the man who coined the phrase "artificial intelligence," predicted computing power would become a public utility, that is, a service directly provided or heavily regulated by the government.1 Today, personal computers have become ubiquitous, and cloud-computing, which provides shared public access to a modern necessity, is subject to increasing regulation, coming close to fulfilling McCarthy's prediction. As more and more data, applications, and even entire operating systems are uploaded to the cloud, a public utility of another form is emerging: a global cloud-computing system. Cloud-computing links remote computers, so that users can access remote data storage and computation services. …
CHAPTER 6 – Antibiotic Substances: Part I Antibacterial Assays

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses antibiotic substances and a few methods for antibiotics. It also describes turbidimetric and plate assaying for the assay of penicillin G. The assay for cephalosporin C has a method of plating that greatly simplifies the design and the statistical treatment of large plate assays. The chapter also presents methods for antifungal substances and discusses many pharmaceutical preparations. Most of the turbidimetric assays are designed for 0.5 ml and 10 ml samples. As the same volumes of samples and standards are pipetted into the tubes, the exact volumes are not important as long as they are the same in all tubes. The 0.5 ml volume is selected because it is large enough to pipet accurately and small enough to obtain four aliquots from a 2 ml pipet.
Genome engineering of induced pluripotent stem cells to manufacture natural killer cell therapies

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in host immunity by detecting cells that downregulate MHC class I presentation and upregulate stress ligands, as commonly seen in cancers. Current NK therapies using primary NK cells are prone to manufacturing issues related to expansion and storage. Alternative cell sources utilizing immortalized NK cell lines require irradiation and are dependent on systemic IL-2 administration, which has been associated with adverse effects. In contrast, NK cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-NK cells) offer an off-the-shelf alternative that may overcome these bottlenecks. The development of a serum-free and feeder-free differentiation protocol allows for the manufacturing of clinically adaptable iPSC-NK cells that are equally as effective as primary NK cells and the NK-92 cell line for many indications. Moreover, genetic modifications targeting NK-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity capabilities, cytotoxicity, and checkpoint inhibitors may increase the therapeutic potential of iPSC-NK products. This review will highlight the current sources for NK therapies and their respective constraints, discuss recent developments in the manufacturing and genetic engineering of iPSC-NK cells, and provide an overview of ongoing clinical trials using NK cells.
Triple bottom line sustainability assessment of window-to-wall ratio in US office buildings

Abstract The window-to-wall ratio (WWR), or the proportion of glazing in a building's envelope, influences many design and performance aspects of a building across its life cycle, including aesthetics, material use, daylighting, HVAC size and operating energy consumption, view, and human satisfaction. Prior work argued for reducing WWR to reduce operating energy consumption. The objective of this study is to comprehensively assess the environmental, economic, and social effects of various WWR levels using a triple-bottom line approach. A building information model of the US DOE's large office (12 story) prototype building was developed using Autodesk Revit®. The Tally® Revit application and DOE's EnergyPlus™ were used to perform life cycle assessment (LCA) and assess implications on HVAC equipment sizing, embodied energy of materials, and distribution of operational energy. Designs altering WWR from a baseline of 40% were compared in three different climate zones of the United States. Results showed that increasing the WWR in large office buildings leads to increases in environmental impacts, occupant dissatisfaction, and the life cycle cost for the three different climate zones studied. Most reductions in energy use and environmental impacts were approximately 1% from the baseline scenario for the office building under study. The results imply that while reductions in the WWR do result in improvements across the suite of metrics assessed, other design strategies need to be employed either in conjunction with, or separate from, in order to meet target energy consumption and environmental impact reduction goals within this building program, such as Architecture 2030 Challenges.
Exploring the Role of Chemokine Receptor 6 ( Ccr6) in the BXD Mouse Model of Gulf War Illness

Gulf War illness (GWI) is a chronic and multi-symptomatic disorder with persistent neuroimmune symptomatology. Chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) has been shown to be involved in several inflammation disorders in humans. However, the causative relationship between CCR6 and neuroinflammation in GWI has not yet been investigated. By using RNA-seq data of prefrontal cortex (PFC) from 31 C57BL/6J X DBA/2J (BXD) recombinant inbred (RI) mouse strains and their parental strains under three chemical treatment groups - saline control (CTL), diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), and corticosterone combined with diisopropylfluorophosphate (CORT+DFP), we identified Ccr6 as a candidate gene underlying individual differences in susceptibility to GWI. The Ccr6 gene is cis-regulated and its expression is significantly correlated with CORT+DFP treatment. Its mean transcript abundance in PFC of BXD mice decreased 1.6-fold (p < 0.0001) in the CORT+DFP group. The response of Ccr6 to CORT+DFP is also significantly different (p < 0.0001) between the parental strains, suggesting Ccr6 is affected by both host genetic background and chemical treatments. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis revealed 1473 Ccr6-correlated genes (p < 0.05). Enrichment of these genes was seen in the immune, inflammation, cytokine, and neurological related categories. In addition, we also found five central nervous system-related phenotypes and fecal corticosterone concentration have significant correlation (p < 0.05) with expression of Ccr6 in the PFC. We further established a protein-protein interaction subnetwork for the Ccr6-correlated genes, which provides an insight on the interaction of G protein-coupled receptors, kallikrein-kinin system and neuroactive ligand-receptors. This analysis likely defines the heterogeneity and complexity of GWI. Therefore, our results suggest that Ccr6 is one of promising GWI biomarkers.
Tailoring the formation of twins in Al by introducing epitaxial layer interfaces

Abstract Twin boundaries have enabled unique mechanical and physical properties in metallic materials. However, growth twins are rarely observed in Al due to its high stacking fault energy. In this study, we report on the synthesis of high-density growth twins in sputtered Al/Mg multilayer films. The formation mechanisms of incoherent and coherent twin boundaries are discussed. Besides, the incoherent twin boundary related structure, 9R phase, was also identified. This study highlights an effective method to elevate the twin /9R phase density in metals with high stacking fault energy.
Conversational Agents for Complex Collaborative Tasks

Dialogue is a very active area of research currently, both in developing new computational techniques for robust dialogue systems and in the active fielding of commercial conversational assistants such as Siri and Alexa. This paper argues that, while current techniques can be used to design effective dialogue-based systems for very simple tasks, they are unlikely to generalize to conversational interfaces that enhance human ability to solve complex tasks by interacting with AI reasoning and modeling systems. We explore some of the challenges of tackling such complex tasks and describe a dialogue model designed to meet these challenges. We illustrate our approach with examples of several implemented systems that use this framework.
Modeling Air Conditioning System with Storage Evaporator for Vehicle Energy Management

Automotive air conditioning (A/C) system significantly affects fuel consumption and emission. Thus, phase change material (PCM) is exploited in an innovative storage evaporator to improve the A/C system performance. Due to hybrid features introduced by mode switching when PCM changes its status between liquid and solid, the task of control-oriented modeling is particularly challenging. Upon the energy-based model built, optimal control of an advanced A/C system with a storage evaporator is formulated as to find an optimal clutch command sequence balancing fuel consumption, cabin comfort, and drivability constraints. In the scope of vehicle energy management, dynamic programming (DP) algorithm usually serves as a tool of obtaining benchmark optimal solution against which results from other optimal algorithms are compared. However, a direct application of DP algorithm to the optimization problem faces unexpected difficulty, because the discretization of state space is not feasible for an irregular multi-dimensional subspace formed by the multi-mode model. Alternatively, hybrid optimal control theory is pursued and a preliminary study is conducted to illustrate its promising application.
Description of a new genus for Euptychia hilara (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1867) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae).

Based on external morphology, food plant records for caterpillars, and molecular analysis, Euptychia hilara (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1867) is removed from Euptychia Hubner 1818. A new genus, Inbio Nakahara & Espeland gen. nov., is proposed for this taxon. Inbio hilara comb. nov. is a member of a monophyletic clade containing Cyllopsis Felder, 1869, Paramacera Butler, 1868, and Atlanteuptychia Freitas, Barbosa & Mielke, 2013, although it can be morphologically distinguished from these genera. Lectotypes for Neonympha hilara C. Felder & R. Felder, 1867 and Euptychia anacleta Butler, 1877 (a synonym of E. hilara) are designated herein.
Earth's Icy Biosphere

Studies of Earthly ice-bound microbes are relevant to the evolution and persistence of life on extraterrestrial bodies. Great diversity of icy environments make up Earth's cold biosphere. This chapter describes research conducted in laboratories on the newly discovered life associated with permanent Antarctic lake ice, glaciers and ice sheets (polar and temperate), and sub-glacial Antarctic lakes. Molecular-based approaches to microbial ecology yield data that measure the natural evolutionary relationships between microorganisms. The chapter illustrates the phylogenetic relatedness, based on 16S rDNA identity, between bacteria recovered in the laboratories and by others from Antarctica and permanently cold nonpolar locales. As indicated, these psychrophilic and psychrotrophic isolates originate from locations ranging from aquatic and marine ecosystems to terrestrial soils and glacial ice, with little in common between these environments except that all are permanently cold or frozen. Such information, coupled with a dedicated effort to further investigate microbial diversity within the planet's frozen realms, will provide the perspective necessary to understand the evolution and ecological impacts of microbial ecosystems residing within Earth's icy biosphere.
Agent technology for coordinating UAV target tracking

This paper illustrates three agent technologies deployed in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) target tracking domain. These capabilities enable: (1) coordination of the tracking of multiple targets among a set of UAVs, (2) identification of the best subset of assigned UAVs from which to collect location information, and (3) evaluation of location information accuracy. These capabilities aid the efficient and effective collection and verification of target location information.
Campaigning in America: Captain Johann Ewald's Hessians in the American Revolution

This article discusses the diary of Captain Johann Ewald, who commanded Hessian (German) forces in the Revolutionary War. The diary shows that the Hessians were an important part of the British war effort, and also explains some of the criticisms Ewald made of the British officers and their strategies. This article is available in Constructing the Past: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/constructing/vol3/iss1/4 7 Gregory Bereiter 6 Campaigning in America: Captain Johann Ewald's Hessians in the American Revolution
Factors associated with herbal use among urban multiethnic primary care patients: a cross-sectional survey

The use of herbal supplements in the United States has become increasingly popular. The prevalence of herbal use among primary care patients varies in previous studies; the pattern of herbal use among urban racially/ethnically diverse primary care patients has not been widely studied. The primary objectives of this study were to describe the use of herbs by ethnically diverse primary care patients in a large metropolitan area and to examine factors associated with such use. The secondary objective was to investigate perceptions about and patterns of herbal use. Data for a cross-sectional survey were collected at primary care practices affiliated with the Southern Primary-care Urban Research Network (SPUR-Net) in Houston, Texas, from September 2002 to March 2003. To participate in the study, patients had to be at least 18 years of age and visiting one of the SPUR-Net clinics for routine, nonacute care. Survey questions were available in both English and Spanish. A total of 322 patients who had complete information on race/ethnicity were included in the analysis. Overall, 36% of the surveyed patients (n = 322) indicated use of herbs, with wide variability among ethnic groups: 50% of Hispanics, 50% of Asians, 41% of Whites, and 22% of African-Americans. Significant factors associated with an individual's herbal use were ethnicity other than African-American, having an immigrant family history, and reporting herbal use by other family members. About 40% of survey respondents believed that taking prescription medications and herbal medicines together was more effective than taking either alone. One-third of herbal users reported using herbs on a daily basis. More Whites (67%) disclosed their herbal use to their health-care providers than did African-Americans (45%), Hispanics (31%), or Asians (31%). Racial/ethnic differences in herbal use were apparent among this sample of urban multiethnic adult primary care patients. Associated factors of herbal use were non-African-American ethnicity, immigrant family history, and herbal use among family members. Whereas Hispanics and Asians reported the highest rates of herbal use, they were the least likely to disclose their use to health-care professionals. These findings are important for ensuring medication safety in primary care practices.
A precise 360°-range phase detector for fdNIRS application using a pair of XNORs

A novel circuit for precise phase detection between two signals with the same frequency is presented. It is shown how the non-idealities in conventional phase detectors give rise to nonlinearities in the average voltage vs. phase characteristic. The proposed circuit makes use of a pair of XNOR-type phase detectors, to which signal and quadrature reference clocks are applied. A decision circuit then selects which of the two XNORs is used for the output, which guarantees that the circuit will be well within its linear region.
General and unique partitioning of molecular electronic properties into atomic contributions

We demonstrate that any first-order property can be uniquely partitioned into atomic contributions. The atomic contribution is given as a trace of the respective generalized atomic polar tensor and can be evaluated without invoking numerical integration. Partitionings of the potential energy in a model one-electron problem and of the electric charge in some molecules containing lithium atoms are used to illustrate the new formalism.
Infrared spectra of iodine doped polyazines

Abstract The mid-IR spectra of iodine doped polyazines is reported as a function of doping level. As the iodine content increases in this polymer, two new bands develop while the other peaks in the vibrational spectrum remain unchanged. A broad peak centered at 4000 cm-1 or above is assigned as an electronic transition to a low lying midgap state. This midgap state is probably associated with bipolaron formation. The second new band at 1505 cm-1 is narrow and is of vibrational origin. This band is assigned to a C=C or N=N double bond stretch. Correlation of the relative intensity of the 1505 cm-1 peak with the electrical conductivity as a function of iodine content suggests that the vibration associated with this band originates from the charge carrier.
Models for classical gamma-ray bursts

The origin of gamma-ray bursts continues to be a great mystery. Here we review some relevant observations and a number of recent models. While no clear solution exists at the present time, the parameter space for Galactic halo models is becoming very constrained. Cosmological models on the other hand require both enormous total energy and the concentration of that energy into a small mass. This implies compact objects, probably accreting black holes of stellar size. We review some of the physics of such accreting black holes and point out that the jet formed from accretion into a rapidly accreting black hole of stellar mass might precess. This precession, coupled to beaming, could impose additional time structure on the burst and its spectrum. In the event of a 'failed' supernova model, the wind of the Wolf-Rayet star prior to the event could provide the beam dump where the jet generates gamma-rays. Enduring emission that grows harder with time might be expected for several hours as the density in the vicinity of the black hole declines.
Biology and distribution of the littoral rove beetle Psamathobledius punctatissimus (Le Conte) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

The intertidal macrofauna on a small sheltered marine beach at Pawley's Island, South Carolina, was dominated by insects, primarily Psamathobledius punctatissimus, a small beetle which attained densities of up to 2 260 adults m−2. Both adult and larval beetles remained buried in the sand when covered by the tide, then emerged to form mole-like surface trails and feed upon diatoms when exposed. Eggs and young larvae were maintained within special maternal burrows, while larger larvae and non-breeding adults occupied their own individual burrows. Both adults and larvae became comatose when in direct contact with water, but recovered after as long as six hours submergence. In the field, burrows retained air during tidal coverage, allowing the beetles to avoid direct contact with sea water. Seaward extension of the population is probably limited by time available for feeding, while longshore distribution is restricted by sand texture and diatom concentration, or by sediment mobility in more exposed locations. Although very locally distributed, P. punctatissimus has achieved considerable success in a habitat poorly exploited by competitors of either marine or terrestrial origin.
Downscaling of Land Surface Temperature Maps in the Texas High Plains with the TsHARP Method

High-resolution evapotranspiration (ET) maps can assist demand-based irrigation management. Development of high-resolution daily ET maps requires high-resolution land surface temperature (LST) images. Earth-observing satellite sensors such as the Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) and MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) provide thermal images that are coarser than simultaneously acquired visible and near-infrared images. In this study, we evaluated the TsHARP downscaling technique for its capability to downscale coarser LST images using finer resolution normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data. The TsHARP technique was implemented to downscale seven coarser scale (240, 360, 480, 600, 720, 840, and 960 m) synthetic images to a 120 m LST image. The TsHARP was also evaluated for downscaling a coarser 960 m LST image to 240 m to mimic MODIS datasets. Comparison between observed 120 m LST images and 120 m LST images downscaled from coarser 240, 360, 480, 600, 720, 840, and 960 m images ...
Buspirone blocks the discriminative stimulus effects of apomorphine in monkeys

Abstract Three rhesus monkeys were trained to discriminate apomorphine (APO) from saline in a two-lever, food-reinforced drug discrimination procedure. After acquisition of the discrimination, the monkeys were given various doses of APO in combination with saline or buspirone before test sessions in which responses occuring in either lever were reinforced. Combinations of APO (0.01-0.8 mg/kg, IV) and saline resulted in a dose-related increase from 0 to 100% in the percentage of responses that occured on the APO-appropriate lever. When buspirone (0.04–0.16 mg/kg, IV) was combined with APO, reductions from 100% to 0% APO-appropriate responding were seen following at least one dose combination in all three monkeys. A parallel shift to the right of the APO dose-response curve with buspirone was evident in 2 monkeys, indicating surmountable antagonism. In one case, a further increase in buspirone dose resulted in a insurmountable antagonism, i.e., increasing APO does still resulted in primarily saline-appropriate responding. These results suggest that buspirone can function as D2 dopamine (DA) receptor antagonist at behaviorally relevant doses.
Influence of Ammonium on the Development Patterns of Proteolytic Enzymes and Glutamine Synthetase in Vigna radiata Seedlings

Summary The influence of ammonium on the development patterns of proteolytic enzymes and glutamine synthetase was examined during the germination and early seedling growth of mung bean. Protease and carboxypeptidase activities in the cotyledons of seedlings grown on water increased 15-fold and 7-fold, respectively over a 5-day germination period. The provision of 10 mM NH 4 + to the seedlings decreased the enzyme activities by 30% in the cotyledons. A similar decrease in both protease and carboxypeptidase was observed with the hypocotyl of NH4 grown seedlings as compared to water control. Germination was accompanied by a marked decline in leucine aminopeptidase activity, and NH 4 + did not appear to have a significant effect on the development pattern of this enzyme. A comparison of glutamine synthetase activity on day 5 between control and NH 4 + showed that the enzyme level was repressed by 50%, 30%, and 25% in root, hypocotyl, and cotyledon, respectively, due to NH 4 + treatment. The increase in the proteolytic activities were concurrent with a decrease in the protein content of cotyledon and hypocotyl tissues, whereas the proteolytic activities in the root decreased as the protein content declined during development. There was a progressive accumulation of soluble amino acids in the cotyledons of NH 4 + grown seedlings with relatively less accumulation in the hypocotyl. The reverse occurred for the seedlings grown on water. These results suggest that exogenously supplied NH 4 + during the germination of mung bean seeds slows down protein hydrolysis and the synthesis of glutamine synthetase.
Routine Monitoring of Critically I11 Patients

The explosion in computer use and technology during the past several decades has dramatically changed criti cal care. All vital signs can now be monitored accu rately, noninvasively, and continuously. We examined the predominantly noninvasive methods of monitor ing temperature, arterial blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, respiratory mechanics, and gas exchange that can be used continuously on almost every patient in the intensive care unit. We conclude that temperature should be measured either intermittently with a rectal thermometer or continuously with a rectal, bladder, or great vessel thermocouple or thermistor probe. Arterial pressure should be measured either intermittently with a sphygmomanometer and cuff or continuously with an indwelling arterial catheter, except in specific situa tions when automated indirect monitoring may be use ful. Electrocardiographic rhythm monitoring has been clearly shown to improve prognosis in patients after acute myocardial infarction and should be universal in a...
The electrode kinetics of pit initiation on aluminum

Abstract An electrode kinetic model for pit initiation has been described in terms of the charge on the oxide surface and the pH of zero charge parameter. The model takes into account adsorption of chloride ions on the oxide surface, penetration of chloride ions through the oxide film via vacancy transport, and localized dissolution of aluminum at the metal/oxide interface in three consecutive single electron transfer steps. Mathematical expressions are derived which agree with the experimentally determined variation in pitting potential with chloride ion concentration at constant pH and with the variation in pitting potential with pH at constant chloride ion concentration.
Germline stem cell niches

Germline stem cells (GSCs) can generate haploid gametes, sperms or oocyte, which are responsible for transmitting genetic information from generation to generation. Because GSCs can be easily identified and gene functions can be readily manipulated in Drosophila and C. elegans, their niches were among the first to be functionally and anatomically defined. Genetic and cell biological studies in these systems have first shown that stem cell function is controlled by extracellular cues from the niche, and intrinsic genetic programs within the stem cells. Important progress has also recently been made in localizing GSCs in the mouse testis. Here I will review recent progress and compare the differences and commonalities of GSC niches from different systems. Since the studies on GSC niches in Drosophila and C. elegans have provided guiding principles for initial identification of niches in other systems, I hope that this review will provide some stimulating thoughts about niche structures and functions of adult stem cells in somatic systems.
Test for missynthesis of lactate dehydrogenase in aging mice by use of a monospecific antibody.

Abstract We used two independent quantitative molecular markers, enzyme activity and antigen titer (determined with monospecific antibody), to study the enzyme LDH as a function of age in the mouse. We offer evidence that the loss in LDH specific activity with age is due to a decrease in the total number of fully active LDH molecules and apparently not to the presence of an increasing number of missynthesized, partially active molecules or inactive molecules.
Role of diabetes, hypertension, and cigarette smoking on atherosclerosis

Hyperosmolar food causes atherosclerosis. Hyperosmolal food hypothesis encompasses all the factors involved under one heading and, that is, the generation of heat in the body. The involvement of cigarette smoking is obvious. High glycemic index food and diabetes result in high levels of blood glucose, which raises the core body temperature. The ingestion of hyperosmolal salt, glucose, and amino acids singularly or synergistically raise the core body temperature, forcing abdominal aorta to form an insulation wall of fatty material causing atherosclerotic plaques. The osmolarity of food, that is glucose, salt, and amino acids is reduced when water is ingested with food. The incidence of atherosclerosis goes down with increasing intake of water.
Effects of the herbicide alachlor on larval development of the mud crab,Rhithropanopeus harrisii (Gould)

The effects of the herbicide alachlor, in both technical grade and commercial product form (Lasso), were tested for acute toxicity on larvae of the estuarine crabRhithropanopeus harrisii. The generalized effect is a reduction in survival and a lengthening of developmental time with an increase in concentration. The LC50 values were inversely proportional to exposure time and ranged from 10 to 27 mg l−1. Lasso was slightly more toxic than technical grade alachlor.
Changes Produced by Cathodic Polarization in the Electrical Conduction Behavior of Surface Films on Aluminum

The electrochemical behavior of aluminum during cathodic polarization was investigated with the quartz crystal microbalance, to identify changes in the electrical conduction properties of the surface film, which result in strongly enhanced electrochemical reaction rates. As a consequences of cathodic charging at potentials more negative than about {minus}1.45 V vs. NHE in 0.1M HCl solution, the surface film transforms from a high field electrical conductor to an ohmic conductor, and then begins to grow. The critical potential for forming this ohmically conducting film agrees with the potential below which aluminum hydroxide is expected to be more stable than aluminum oxide, near the metal/film interface. The conductivity of the cathodic film is within an order of magnitude of the proton conductivity of bulk hydrated aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH){sub 3} {center_dot} H{sub 2}O. When the potential is stepped above the open-circuit potential subsequent to cathodic charging, there is a characteristic current delay during several seconds, after which the conductivity is three orders of magnitude smaller than at the cathodic potential. A mechanism is given, based on calculated overpotentials for interfacial reaction and transport processes, through which the oxide film transforms to hydroxide at cathodic potentials.