cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling, characterization, and fabrication of bell-tip microneedle array by diffraction and self-aligned lens effects

Microneedle arrays have been proposed in a wide range of biomedical applications, such as transdermal drug delivery and sensing. However, a scalable manufacturing process of precise microneedle fabrication of the microneedle has been challenged. This paper demonstrates UV-lithography-based one-step fabrication of fine-tuned bell-tip microneedles using a combination of light diffraction and the self-aligned lens effect. Microscale photopatterns can derive the predictive diffraction patterns where the higher light intensity at the center of the photopattern solidifies the liquid photoresist and forms a microlens shape in a self-aligned manner. The light through the microlens focuses down to a sharp point to form a conical shape for the body of the microneedle. Then light propagation through the vertex of the cone causes light emission, creating a fine bell-tip. The described light propagation behavior was characterized and explained in terms of the light intensity distribution from the diffraction based on the extended Fresnel–Kirchhoff diffraction model. The optics finite element analysis software was used to verify the light propagation and the intensity distribution. The step-by-step fabrication process was demonstrated using biocompatible photosensitive resins and validated the light attenuation and the cross-linking energy. The 20 × 20 bell-tip microneedles' array was able to be fabricated from the predicted model. Finally, a microneedle array with various shapes and heights on the same substrate was fabricated by single light exposure, demonstrating numerous achievable shapes using the proposed microneedle fabrication method.
Seismic Safety Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Frame-Wall Buildings

A method to evaluate the vulnerability of reinforced concrete strucutral walls to shear failure is presented. The method utilizes an experimentally developed shear stiffness model for distribution of shear stresses along reinforced concrete structural walls. Seven wall specimens tested by other investigators are analyzed to assess their shear strength supply and critical moment-to-shear ratios. The predicted shear strengths provide lower bounds to actual measured strengths.
Forensic Applications of X-Ray Diffraction. I: Differentiation of Piperidyl Benzilates and Related Glycolates by Micro-X-Ray Diffraction

The differentiation of closely related compounds is a subject of considerable forensic importance, especially for drugs where relatively minor compositional or structural variations, such as different substituents or isomerism, have considerable physiological effects and may distinguish between a controlled substance and an uncontrolled one. Frequently, common techniques such as ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy are ineffective in such cases [1], and others such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC) [2] lack specificity of response. Some effective techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) [3] are often not readily available.
Etiology of eclampsia

Abstract We have not been able by obstetric and dietetic care to reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia or prevent the development of an occasional case of eclampsia. The elimination of water given by the oral or intravenous route is delayed in all pregnant patients but more markedly in those with pre-eclampsia than in those who have hypertensive disease. This delay may be due in part to the increased storage of the water in the legs and thighs as a result of the high venous pressure in the lower extremities due to the pregnancy. The antidiuretic substance from the posterior pituitary and the hormones from the adrenal cortex are also involved but the mechanism of control is still in doubt. A urinary volume of 2,000 ml. per twenty-four hours is recommended as requiring minimal work by the normal kidney. The hourly ingestion of water in constant amounts of 150 to 200 ml. seems to produce better elimination of water, electrolyte and nonelectrolyte substances than the irregular ingestion of large amounts. It seems advisable to instruct normal patients not to ingest more than 1 to 2 Gm. of sodium, 4 to 6 Gm. of chloride, and 1 to 2 Gm. of potassium per twenty-four hours during pregnancy.
Quantifying Estimation Bias in Residential Appraisal

The purpose of this study was to empirically test the ability of residential appraisers to estimate market value of houses. Using a sample of over 500 appraisals made for corporate relocation firms...
Using a Sonified Topographic Approach to Communicate Spatial Information to People with Visual Impairments.

This study implemented tactile interfaces with audio representations to convey spatial information on topographic maps. Two sound variables, pitch and duration, were incorporated with contour lines...
An empirical model of the extreme ultraviolet solar spectrum as a function of F10.7

The F10.7 solar index is frequently used as a proxy for the solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) irradiance. However, the relationship between F10.7 and the EUV spectrum has not been quantified in great detail for Solar Cycles 23 and 24. We use more than 2800 spectra (2003–2010) from the Solar EUV Experiment (SEE) to construct an empirical model of the EUV spectrum as a function of F10.7P = 12(F10.7+F10.7A) where F10.7A is the 81 day average. We compare our spectra to the HEUVAC model and find the HEUVAC soft X-ray irradiance is ∼65% larger than SEE during solar minimum and HEUVAC H Lymann continuum fluxes are ∼30% smaller. We derive power law relationships between F10.7P and the ionizing irradiance—the integrated flux within some EUV wavelength band—in units of energy flux (FE) and photon flux (FP) for five neutral species and show that the relationship between F10.7P and FE is more linear than that of FP and that the magnitude of FP and its solar cycle variation is species dependent. In addition, we derive power law relationships between F10.7P and the ionization frequencies of these species and confirm that F10.7P is a better EUV proxy than F10.7. Finally, we investigate the hardening of the spectrum and its consequences for the Venus, Earth, and Mars ionospheres; the ratio of the soft X-ray to EUV irradiance appropriate for Earth's E and F layers stayed constant during the prolonged solar minimum. Our results can elucidate ionospheric processes such as the saturation effect.
Microbiology and pathogenesis of acute salpingitis as determined by laparoscopy: What is the appropriate site to sample?☆

Acute salpingitis is a polymicrobial disease. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and anaerobic gram-positive cocci were the predominant microorganisms isolated from the fallopian tubes of salpingitis patients. Gonococci were isolated from the fallopian tubes in eight of 35 (23%) patients; anaerobic bacteria were recovered from 10 of 35 (28.5%). Although Chlamydia trachomatis was not recovered from the fallopian tube exudate, there was abundant serologic evidence of chlamydial infection in the salpingitis patients. Twenty-three percent of patients with paired sera had a fourfold rise in IgM and IgG titer, which was consistent with systemic chlamydial infection. Comparison of cultures obtained via laparoscopy and culdocentesis suggested that culdocentesis is not an accurate reflection of the microbial milieu in the fallopian tube.
Directed cardiomyogenesis of human pluripotent stem cells by modulating Wnt/β-catenin and BMP signalling with small molecules

Cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are a potential cell source for regenerative medicine, disease modelling and drug development. However, current approaches for in vitro cardiac differentiation of human PSCs are often time-consuming, heavily depend on expensive growth factors and involve the tedious formation of embryonic bodies whose signalling pathways are difficult to precisely modulate due to their complex microenvironments. In the present study, we report a new small molecule-based differentiation approach, which significantly promoted contracting cardiomyocytes in human PSCs in a monolayer format in as little as 7 days, in contrast with most traditional differentiation methods that usually take up to 3 weeks for cardiomyogenesis. This approach consists in activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling at day 0–1 with small molecule CHIR99021 (CH) followed by inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling at day 1–4 with DMH1 [termed as CH(0-1)/DMH1(1-4) treatment], a selective small molecule BMP inhibitor reported by us previously. Our study further demonstrated that the CH(0-1)/DMH1(1-4) treatment significantly promotes cardiac formation via mesoderm and mesoderm-derived cardiac progenitor cells without impacts on either endoderm or ectoderm differentiation of human PSCs. This rapid, efficient and inexpensive small molecule-based cardiomyogenic method may potentially harness the use of human PSCs in regenerative medicine as well as other applications. * BMP, : bone morphogenetic protein; BryT, : brachyury T; CH, : CHIR99021; ESCs, : embryonic stem cells; FOXA1, : forkhead box A1; GAPDH, : glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; Gata1, : GATA binding protein 1; GSK3-β, : glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta; iPSC, : induced pluripotent stem cell; mAb, : monoclonal antibody; Mesp1, : mesoderm posterior 1; Myh11, : myosin, heavy chain 11; Pecam1, : platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1; PSCs, : pluripotent stem cells; RT, : room temperature; RT-PCR, : real-time PCR; Smad, : Sma/MAD protein
The development of the vanderbilt pediatric dizziness handicap inventory for patient caregivers (DHI-PC)

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the present investigation was to develop a psychometrically sound dizziness disability/handicap outcome measure for use with a pediatric population between 5 and 12 years of age. Methods Items comprising Phase 1 of the DHI-PC were created based on reports from parents, providers and patients. This version was administered to the caregivers (mean age 31.6 years, sd 5 years, 74 female) of 86 pediatric patients (mean age 9 years, sd = 2.83 years, 45 female). The caregiver's responses to each item were limited to “yes” (scored as 4 points), “sometimes” (scored as 2 points) or “no” (scored as zero points). Results A factor analysis for Phase 1 of the scale showed there to be a single factor (eigenvalue of 11.51) that explained 29% of the total variance. The results of Cronbach's alpha analysis enabled us to eliminate 15 items reducing the scale to 25 items (i.e. Phase 2 of the DHI-PC). Following elimination of the items with low item-total coefficients, the second phase of the DHI-PC was administered to 56 legal guardians (mean patient age 8 years, sd 4.65 years, 37 female). The analysis of this data again showed there to be a single factor (eigenvalue of 8.30) that explained 33% of the variance. Four items demonstrated item-total correlations less than 0.40. The final version of the DHI-PC has 21 items and a maximum score of 84%. Short-term test–retest reliability (i.e. three week interval between test and retest) of this DHI-PC was assessed for a subset of 10 patients (caregivers, mean age 38 years, sd = 7 years, 10 female). The results indicated the short-term, test–retest reliability to be strong (r = 0.98, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion The DHI-PC represents a new tool for assessing the impact of pediatric dizziness on the patient (as viewed through the perspective of the caregiver). This tool may be incorporated into the comprehensive evaluation of children suffering from dizziness.
Self-assembly of defect-free nanostripe arrays on B-doped Si(001)

We have developed a method to grow large, self-assembled, defect-free arrays of vacancy or adatom stripes on atomically flat, boron-doped Si(001)-(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1). The subnanometer-high stripes form between \ensuremath{\sim}870 and 990 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, with a spacing that depends on temperature. Si deposition is used to prevent sublimation-induced defect formation and to allow time for ordering via surface diffusion. Ordering mechanisms, observed in real time by low-energy electron microscopy, include island nucleation and growth, longitudinal splitting, and coarsening. At formation temperatures, the arrays are only stable when the area fractions of vacancy (${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{v}}$) or adatom stripes (${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{a}}$) are \ensuremath{\sim}\textonehalf{}, consistent with stress domain theory predictions. At room temperature, arrays are preserved indefinitely and are a potential template for nanowire growth.
A software testbed for the design and evaluation of distributed computer systems

Abstract In this paper, a testbed evaluation of distributed computer systems is presented. Its characteristics are the flexibility of its use, the ability to use high level programming languages, and its portability. This initially uses a single computer to develop by software a series of independent processes. These processes are implemented in detached images, that can be easily loaded in a physical distributed system. The evaluation of a strictly fair arbitration for a distributed system with time multiplexed buses is presented, as an example of the application of this testbed.
Linguistic Analysis is Useful in Predicting Group Brainstorming Performance

Interactive brainstorming groups generate fewer ideas than the combined output of the same number of members working individually (cf., Mullen, Johnson, & Salas, 1991). However, even armed with thi...
Preparation and reactions of the mono- and dialkali salts of dimethyl sulfone, dimethyl sulfoxide, and related compounds

Abstract Certain sulfones and sulfoxides are rapidly and conveniently converted to their novel 1,3-dialkali salts which, in many cases, are stabilized only by the -SO 2 - and -SO- groups, respectively. That such species are formed is demonstrated by subsequent synthetically useful double aldol-type condensations and alkylations, and, in a few cases, by deuterations. Profound metallic cation effects are observed in several of the aldol-type reactions. Finally, the anions of dibenzyl sulfoxide, though stable at low temperatures, readily decompose to trans -stilbene under much milder conditions than previously described.
Resources in support of technology transfer: Revised and updated

We used the preceding definition to introduce our original article on resources in technology transfer that appeared in the fall 1994 issue of this publication. The emphasis is on technology transfer as a process, a series of interconnected events along a spectrum, leading from the discovery of a technology with potential value conceived in one institution up through its ultimate use by another institution. Naturally the process is frequently not a smooth one. Obstacles arise at many points along the way. These include such problems as lack of funding (by either or both parties to the process), lack of a champion to promote the technology (again in either or both parties to the process), cultural barriers within organizations, including the “not invented here” syndrome, impatience on the part of management to see quick results when it may not be possible to produce them, and lack of good information upon which to base decisions about the discovery, acquisition, adaptation, and use of technology. Clearly the technology transfer process is often expensive, protracted, and difficult.
Histologic markers of inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis in clinical remission.

Background & aims Mucosal healing, based on histologic analysis, is an end point of maintenance therapy for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). There are few data on how histologic signs of inflammation correlate with endoscopic and peripheral blood measures of inflammation in these patients. We investigated patterns of histologic features of inflammation in patients with UC in clinical remission, and correlated these with endoscopic and biochemical measures of inflammation. Methods We performed a prospective observational study of 103 patients with UC in clinical remission undergoing surveillance colonoscopy while receiving maintenance therapy with mesalamine or thiopurines; 2674 biopsy specimens were collected from 708 colonic segments. Each colonic segment was evaluated based on the Mayo endoscopic subscore and the Geboes histology score (range, 0-5.4). Biomarkers were measured in peripheral blood samples. Results Histologic features of inflammation were found in 54% of patients receiving maintenance therapy; 37% had at least moderate inflammation based on histology scores. Of the 52 patients with endoscopic evidence only of left-sided colitis, 34% had histologic features of inflammation in their proximal colon. Histology scores correlated with endoscopic scores for per-segment inflammation (Spearman ρ = 0.65; P Conclusions Patients in clinical remission from UC still frequently have histologic features of inflammation, which correlate with endoscopic appearance. Patients with at least moderate levels of inflammation, based on histologic grading (score >3.1), have higher serum levels of C-reactive protein, which could be used as a surrogate marker of histologic inflammation.
The true meaning of David Ricardo’s four magic numbers

Abstract The four numbers in David Ricardo’s example of comparative advantage have been traditionally interpreted as unit labor coefficients in the production of wine and cloth in UK and Portugal. A recent interpretation suggests that they represent instead the labor needed to produce the amounts of wine and cloth actually traded. Ricardo’s four numbers are shown to yield each country’s gains from trade by simply subtracting two of the numbers from the other two. Since the numbers also indicate each country’s comparative advantage, Ricardo established a close connection between comparative advantage and the gains from trade.
Natural language processing: the basics (part 1).

computational techniques for analyzing and representing naturally occurring texts at one or more levels of linguistic analysis for the purpose of achieving human-like language processing for a range of tasks or applications” [3]. Practically speaking, it is a field of study focused on understanding the full meaning of text, whether written or spoken, that integrates concepts and methods pulled from various domains, including computer science, linguistics, psychology, information theory, mathematics, and statistics. An NLP system is typically composed of several components, best illustrated within the context of the different levels of language analysis, described below [2]. Phonetic and phonologic knowledge refer to understanding words on the basis of the speech sounds (eg, phonemes, prosody) that produce them. NLP is distinct from speech recognition, commonly used in transcribing radiology reports, which identifies words from a speech signal. Understanding the meaning of these words require the use of a spoken NLP system. Morphologic knowledge refers to how words are constructed from basic units (ie, morphemes). In the statement “The nodule is smaller,” the word smaller has two morphemes: the root small and the suffix er. The suffix er conveys that a comparison with another nodule is being made. The root small facilitates understanding this specific word.
Lessons from 20 Years of Leading a Pediatric Nephrology Program

The patterns of patient referrals, the guidelines for diagnostic procedures and treatment, and the academic leadership have continued to change in the last two decades. The revolution brought about by molecular biology has dramatically changed the pace and direction of medical research during this period. In addition, the introduction of managed care competition in the past decade has dramatically challenged the practice of medicine. The effects of all these changes on nephrology and some lessons learned from developing and leading a regional pediatric nephrology program will be discussed. The role of the National Institutes of Health in changing research focus will be examined. These observations may be useful to those preparing to meet the challenges of clinical care and research in this competitive era.
X-Linked Mental Retardation Gene CUL4B Targets Ubiquitylation of H3K4 Methyltransferase Component WDR5 and Regulates Neuronal Gene Expression

Summary CUL4B , encoding a scaffold protein for the assembly of Cullin4B-Ring ubiquitin ligase (CRL4B) complexes, is frequently mutated in X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) patients. Here, we show that CUL4B, but not its paralog, CUL4A, targets WDR5, a core subunit of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase complexes, for ubiquitylation and degradation in the nucleus. Knocking down CUL4B increases WDR5 and trimethylated H3K4 (H3K4me3) on the neuronal gene promoters and induces their expression. Furthermore, CUL4B depletion suppresses neurite outgrowth of PC12 neuroendocrine cells, which can be rescued by codepletion of WDR5. XLMR-linked mutations destabilize CUL4B and impair its ability to support neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells. Our results identify WDR5 as a critical substrate of CUL4B in regulating neuronal gene expression and suggest epigenetic change as a common pathogenic mechanism for CUL4B-associated XLMR.
Plasma cocaine levels and locomotor activity after systemic injection in virgin and in lactating maternal female rats.

VERNOTICA, E. M. AND J. I. MORRELL. Plasma cocaine levels and locomotor activity after systemic injection in virgin and in lactating maternal female rats. PHYSIOL BEHAV 64(3) 399–407, 1998.—We have determined the temporal pattern of plasma cocaine levels and increased activity that result from acute systemic injections of cocaine to female rats in two different endocrine and behavioral states, in nonmaternal virgins and in lactating maternal dams. Plasma levels of cocaine as well as ambulatory and rearing activity were determined every 30 min for a total of 300 min after subcutaneous injections of either 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg of cocaine. Virgin females had no prior drug history, whereas lactating, maternal dams had received two cocaine injections before activity testing. Within 30 min after an injection, cocaine in the plasma and activity were substantially elevated, and generally remained so for 270–300 min. Overall, plasma cocaine levels and activity were well correlated and followed a predictable dose–response pattern. The onset, peak, duration, and decline of activity corresponded generally to the onset, peak, duration, and decline of plasma cocaine. For virgins, mean ambulatory activity increased 2.5–4.0-fold over baseline, whereas in lactating females activity increased 5–11-fold over baseline. Stereotypy did not occur. Although the general responsivity of these females to cocaine was very similar to that reported for males, there are differences in the timing of peak activity and the return of activity to baseline when the virgins and the lactating dams are compared to each other and to reports by others on male rats. These data support the hypothesis that endocrine or behavioral state may influence the responsiveness of animals to cocaine.
Biochemical disease-free survival in men younger than 60 years with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives To determine the biochemical disease-free survival rates in patients 60 years old or younger who were treated with surgery for localized prostate cancer. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 291 patients 60 years old or younger who had undergone radical prostatectomy as the sole primary treatment for prostate cancer. Follow-up prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were measured 6 to 8 weeks after surgery and 4 to 6 months thereafter. Biochemical failure was defined as a detectable PSA level (greater than 0.01 ng/mL). The median follow-up of the entire study group was 50 months. Results Eighty-one percent of the patients presented with a serum PSA level of 10 ng/mL or less, and 52% had a Gleason score of less than 7 on prostate biopsy. The radical prostatectomy specimens showed organ-confined disease in 72% of patients, and 83% of tumors had a Gleason score of 7. The 1, 5, and 7-year biochemical disease-free survival rate was 99%, 91%, and 91%, respectively. The fitted multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that having a prostatectomy specimen Gleason score greater than 7 or seminal vesicle invasion or nodal disease significantly increased the risk of biochemical failure. Conclusions In the PSA era, men with prostate cancer who are 60 years old or younger and treated with surgery have an excellent biochemical disease-free outcome.
Optimization of Vickers Hardness Parameters for Micro- And Macro-Indentation of Grade 91 Steel

Hardness is being assessed as a potential life-assessment tool for tracking microstructural degradation and remaining life in creep strength enhanced ferritic (CSEF) steels. Such methodology is already being utilized for the CSEF steel Grade 91, which has been widely implemented in both replacement parts and new construction over the last two decades. Additionally, research into the complex microstructural features in welded joints often utilizes hardness surveys to characterize changes caused by thermal processing. New automated hardness testing equipment now affords the ability to develop statistically relevant datasets for these uses. However, proper application and understanding of the data requires knowledge of limitations and variations with the load and spacing of the hardness indents and the potential role of different material conditions in this complex steel. In this work, we have examined the effect of load in three Grade 91 material conditions, as well as the effect of spacing in as-received material to determine optimum parameters for both macrohardness (i.e., >1 kg) and microhardness mapping (i.e.,
Lie Tori---A Simple Characterization of Extended Affine Lie Algebras

We show the existence of a nonzero graded form on a Lie torus by the existence of a nonzero graded form on a structurable torus. This gives a simple characterization of the core of an extended affine Lie algebra (EALA). Namely, the core of any EALA is a Lie torus, and any centreless Lie torus is the centreless core of some EALA. We also show that a graded form on a Lie torus is unique up to scalars.
Entropy loss in PUF-based key generation schemes: The repetition code pitfall

One of the promising usages of Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) is to generate cryptographic keys from PUFs for secure storage of key material. This usage has attractive properties such as physical unclonability and enhanced resistance against hardware attacks. In order to extract a reliable cryptographic key from a noisy PUF response a fuzzy extractor is used to convert non-uniform random PUF responses into nearly uniform randomness. Bosch et al. in 2008 proposed a fuzzy extractor suitable for efficient hardware implementation using two-stage concatenated codes, where the inner stage is a conventional error correcting code and the outer stage is a repetition code. In this paper we show that the combination of PUFs with repetition code approaches is not without risk and must be approached carefully. For example, PUFs with min-entropy lower than 66% may yield zero leftover entropy in the generated key for some repetition code configurations. In addition, we find that many of the fuzzy extractor designs in the literature are too optimistic with respect to entropy estimation. For high security applications, we recommend a conservative estimation of entropy loss based on the theoretical work of fuzzy extractors and present parameters for generating 128-bit keys from memory based PUFs.
Sex Differences in the Determinants of Job Satisfaction

Three replicate regressions of three independently drawn U. S. national samples reveal few significant sex differences among white workers for 13 reported determinants of job satisfaction when the ...
Gene structure and chromosome mapping of the human small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel SK1 gene (KCNN1).

Abstract. Small-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels contribute to the afterhyperpolarization in central neurons and other cell types. Because these channels regulate neurona
Cost estimation for queries experiencing multiple contention states in dynamic multidatabase environments

Accurate query cost estimation is crucial to query optimization in a multidatabase system. Several estimation techniques for a static environment have been suggested in the literature. To develop a cost model for a dynamic environment, we recently introduced a multistate query-sampling method. It has been shown that this technique is promising in estimating the cost of a query run in any given contention state for a dynamic environment. In this paper, we study a new problem on how to estimate the cost of a large query that may experience multiple contention states. Following the discussion of limitations for two simple approaches, i.e., single state analysis and average cost analysis, we propose two novel techniques to tackle this challenge. The first one, called fractional analysis, is suitable for a gradually and smoothly changing environment, while the second one, called the probabilistic approach, is developed for a rapidly and randomly changing environment. The former estimates a query cost by analyzing its fractions, and the latter estimates a query cost based on Markov chain theory. The related issues including cost formula development, error analysis, and comparison among different approaches are discussed. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed techniques are quite promising in solving the new problem.
Dynamic transformations for base-of-the-pyramid market clusters

Extending scholarship on industry clusters, this article reconsiders the relationship between development and marketing opportunities in base-of-the-pyramid market (BOPM) nations. Recent literature on industry clusters suggests a set of theoretical themes regarding cluster efficiencies, governance, adaptability, and performance. These themes are scrutinized using an extended case employing longitudinal, ethnographic data collected from an indigenous leather-working cluster in West Africa. The authors’ findings provide guidance in identifying local clusters with global market potential in BOPMs. They lead us to a dynamic market-driven transformational model of BOPM clusters. Consequently, the authors recommend several keys for leveraging investments in boundary-spanning firms in BOPM clusters. Finally, the article demonstrates the value of microlevel, longitudinal analyses in assessing cluster performance in BOPMs.
The position dependence of collision induced satellites of alkali lines on the nature of the alkali

Abstract : The dependence of the positions of both the red and the violet satellite bands of alkali lines on the nature of alkalis was investigated from the microphotometer traces of over 100 satellites of the absorption lines of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs in the presence of He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe. It was found that for a given foreign gas, the absolute magnitudes of satellite-line separation for both red and violet satellites decreased with increasing atomic weights of the alkalis; while for a given alkali, the line separation increased with the atomic weights of the foreign (perturbing) gas for red satellites but decreased for violet satellites. Red satellites were observable only for heavy gases (Kr and Xe). The red satellite separation had a peak value for the third member of Li and for the second member of other alkali absorption series. Violet satellite separations were very large for the resonance lines but decreased so rapidly for the higher members that no satellites were resolved for the second or higher members of the principal series for the heavy gases (Kr and Xe). For a given foreign gas, the red satellite separation for the long wave length component (2)P1/2) of the doublet decreased, while that for the short wavelength component ((2)P3/2) increased with the atomic weight of the alkalis. (Author)
Human thrombin receptor-activating peptide-induced proliferation of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells exhibits species specificity

Thrombin receptor stimulation in vitro signals many cellular events that are associated with the response to vascular injury in vivo. Indeed, we have previously shown that human α-thrombin and the 14-amino acid human thrombin receptor-activating peptide (huTRAP-14) stimulate proliferation of cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC). In the present studies, the mitogenic response of rabbit vascular SMC to thrombin and huTRAP-14 was assessed using [3H]thymidine incorporation and cell number. Results demonstrated that thrombin stimulated mitogenesis of rabbit vascular SMC in culture and that the thrombin response was dependent on proteolytic activity. However, huTRAP-14 was not mitogenic for rabbit vascular SMC. Thus, there are species differences in huTRAP-14 responsiveness. As rat and rabbit models continue to be used extensively to evaluate mechanisms and potential therapies for human restenosis, it is important to identify any species differences in the mechanism whereby thrombin exerts its biological effects. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characteristics of Precipitating Convective Systems Accounting for the Summer Rainfall of Tropical and Subtropical South America

AbstractTen years of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission precipitation radar data are used to study the physical properties of the precipitating cloud systems that account for the summer rainfall of tropical and subtropical South America. Radar echoes in the continental subtropics tend to be of an intensely convective nature, especially at the eastern foothills of the Andes where diurnally forced deep convective cells of small horizontal scale form when moist low-level flow is driven toward the foothills in connection with a midlatitude disturbance. As the disturbance moves east over the La Plata basin, nocturnal convective systems of larger horizontal scale with wide stratiform regions occur in a zone of general convergence. Precipitation in the continental tropics is generally produced by convective systems with greater stratiform composition. At the northeastern foothills of the central Andes, radar echoes of nocturnal convective systems of medium to large horizontal scale occur where moist low-level f...
Fluorodeoxyuridine-induced radiosensitization and inhibition of DNA double strand break repair in human colon cancer cells

The halogenated pyrimidine, fluorodeoxyuridine (FdUrd), has been used in combination with radiation for the treatment of human neoplasms. In an attempt to improve the clinical use of this combination, FdUrd-radiation interactions were studied in vitro using human HT29 colon cancer cells. It was found that FdUrd produced radiosensitization at clinically achievable (1-100 nM) concentrations. Sensitization depended critically on the timing of exposure. When cells were irradiated after a 12-hr exposure to 100 nM FdUrd, marked sensitization was produced (mean inactivation dose (MID) = 2.01 +/- 0.01, compared to control of 4.35 +/- 0.16, p less than .01). No radiosensitization occurred when cells were irradiated 4 hr prior to incubation (MID = 3.95 +/- 0.05, p greater than 0.4). Radiosensitization appeared to result from an inhibition of thymidylate synthase since concentrations of FdUrd which produced radiosensitization depleted intracellular TTP pools and blocked the incorporation of deoxyuridine into DNA. Furthermore, radiosensitization was completely inhibited by co-incubation with thymidine. FdUrd also decreased the repair, but not the formation, of radiation-induced DNA double strand breaks (DSB's). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that FdUrd produces radiosensitization by depleting thymidine pools which leads to a decreased rate of DNA DSB repair. Furthermore, they suggest that in clinical trials FdUrd should be infused at least 8 hr before irradiation.
REFECT: a novel paradigm for correcting short reads

Sequencing technology has advanced rapidly. Millions to billions of short reads are sequenced from a DNA molecule in a single run by parallelizing the whole procedure. Since it is a very cost effective procedure and can be performed in a laboratory environment within a brief period of time, we see an explosion of the biological sequencing data. But there is a tradeoff between the abundance and accuracy of the sequencing reads. The limitations of the sequencing technology result in errors in the reads. The errors could be substitution(s), insertions and/or deletions in a single base or multiple bases. Although the errors are being greatly reduced with the advancement of the modern technology, it is still a serious concern as of today. The sequence assembler often fails to sequence the entire genome because of the errors in the reads. By identifying and correcting the erroneous bases of the reads, not only can we achieve high quality data but also the computational complexity of many biological applications can be greatly reduced. Traditional approaches employ overlaps among the reads to correct them. Biologists have successfully sequenced thousands of species and this effort is growing continuously. As a result, the list of species for which references are available is growing rapidly. Considering this fact we have developed a novel hybrid error correcting algorithm called HECTOR (Hybrid Error CorrecTOR). It employs both referential and de novo error correction techniques to correct errors in reads. We have done extensive experiments to reveal that HECTOR is indeed an effective error correction algorithm.
The Folded Normal Distribution: Two Methods of Estimating Parameters from Moments

The general formula for the rth moment of the folded normal distribution is obtained, and formulae for the first four non-central and central moments are calculated explicitly. To illustrate the mode of convergence of the folded normal to the normal distribution, as μ/σ = θ increases, the shape factors β f1 and β f2 were calculated and the relationship between them represented graphically. Two methods, one using first and second moments (Method I) and the other using second and fourth moments (Method II) of estimating the parameters μ and σ of the parent normal distribution are presented and their standard errors calculated. The accuracy of both methods, for various values of θ, are discussed.
Simultaneous multiple substrate tag detection with ESI-ion trap MS for in vivo bacterial enzyme activity profiling.

A bacterial identification method in which multiple enzyme activities are measured simultaneously and in vivo with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is described. Whole-cell bacteria are immobilized onto a filter support and incubated with a mixture of substrates. Each substrate is chosen to measure a specific enzyme activity of a targeted bacterium and to produce a tag of unique molecular weight. After a predetermined incubation time, the solution is filtered, and the supernatant consisting of a mixture of released tags and unhydrolyzed substrates is directly analyzed, without chromatographic separation, by ESI-MS. Bacteria remain viable on the filter for further analyses. The method was tested by measuring the aminopeptidase activity of the bacteria Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The resulting aminopeptidase enzyme profiles allowed the differentiation between the four bacteria tested. The method is rapid, since a multiplex advantage is ...
The tobacco ovary at anthesis: An ultrastructural study

Organelle development in the tobacco (Nicotina tabacum L. c.v. “Little Turkish”) ovary, at the time of anthesis, is incompletely differentiated. Active ovarian metabolism is evidenced by the presence of prominent ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticula, plasmodesmata, swollen mitochondria, microbodies, and chloroplasts with sinlge membrane-bound granular components.
Origin of Nauru Basin igneous complex: Sr, Nd and Pb isotope and REE constraints

Abstract The tholeiitic basalts and microdolerites that comprise the Cretaceous igneous complex in the Nauru Basin in the western equatorial Pacific have moderate ranges in initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr (0.70347–0.70356), initial 143 Nd/ 144 Nd (0.51278–0.51287), and measured 206 Pb/ 204 Pb (18.52–19.15), sol 207 Pb 204 Pb (15.48–15.66) and 208 Pb/ 204 Pb (38.28–38.81). These isotopic ratios overlap with those of both oceanic island basalts (OIB) and South Atlantic and Indian mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB). However, the petrography, mineralogy, and bulk rock chemistry of the igneous complex are more similar to MORB than to OIB. Also, the rare earth element contents of Nauru Basin igneous rocks are uniformly depleted in light elements ( La/Sm ch ) indicative of a mantle source compositionally similar to that of MORB. These results suggest that the igneous complex is the top of the original ocean crust in the Nauru Basin, and that the notion that the crust must be 15 to 35 m.y. older based on simple extrapolation and identification of the M-sequence magnetic lineations [1,2] may be invalid because of a more complicated tectonic setting. The igneous complex most probably was extruded from an ocean ridge system located near the anomalously hot, volcanically active, and isotopically distinct region in the south central Pacific which has been in existence since ∼ 120 Ma.
A Model DMMP/TiO2 (110) Intermolecular Potential Energy Function Developed from ab Initio Calculations

A hierarchy of electronic structure calculations, scalings, and fittings were used to develop an analytic intermolecular potential for dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) interacting with the TiO2 rutile (110) surface. The MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ (6-311+G** for Ti) level of theory, with basis set superposition error (BSSE) corrections, was used to calculate multiple intermolecular potential curves between TiO5H6 as a model for the Ti and O atoms of the TiO2 surface, and CH3OH and O═P(CH3)(OH)2 as models for different types of atoms comprising DMMP. Each intermolecular potential energy emphasized a particular atom–atom interaction, and the curves were fit simultaneously by a sum of two-body potentials between the atoms of the two interacting molecules. The resulting analytic intermolecular potential gives DMMP/TiO5H6 potential curves in excellent agreement with those calculated using MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ (6-311+G** for Ti) theory. MP2 theory with the smaller basis set, 6-31++G** (6-31G** for Ti), gives DMMP/TiO5H6 potent...
New material of Qatrania from Egypt with comments on the phylogenetic position of the parapithecidae (primates, Anthropoidea).

New material of the early anthropoid primate Qatrania wingi and a new species of that genus are described. Several features of the dental anatomy show that Qatrania, while quite primitive relative to other anthropoids in many ways, is most likely a parapithecid primate. The new material suggests that several dental features previously thought to ally parapithecids with the catarrhine primates were actually evolved in parallel in catarrhines and some parapithecids. Furthermore, all nonparapithecid anthropoids (including platyrrhines and catarrhines) share a suite of derived dental and postcranial features not found in parapithecids. Therefore, parapithecid origins may predate the platyrrhine/catarrhine split.
Development of strike-slip faults from dikes, Sequoia National Park, California

Abstract Faults several kilometers long near Pear Lake in Sequoia National Park, California nucleated on preexisting dikes weakened by closely-spaced echelon joints. These joints essentially parallel much more widely spaced regional joints. Fault nucleation by dike fracturing can explain how a nearly planar fault can grow to lengths of several kilometers or more. We suggest that opening mode fractures, including dikes, might serve more commonly as nuclei for faults than is generally appreciated. The longest fault in the study area, the Pear Lake fault, has a trace length of ∼7 km and a maximum measured lateral separation of 86–98 m. A sharp decrease in slip occurs near the center of the trace of the Pear Lake fault where another fault branches from it. Mechanical analyses demonstrate that a sharp decrease in slip is expected where a fault branches. All the faults near Pear Lake show non-elliptical slip distributions. Based on our mechanical analyses, we infer that the observed slip distributions reflect a mechanical interaction among the faults. The geometry and distribution of structures that precede faulting (i.e. dikes and joints) control to a large extent the structure of a fault network and hence the ultimate slip distribution on faults in the network.
A FILAMENT WINDING TECHNIQUE FOR MANUFACTURING CEMENT BASED CROSS-PLY LAMINATES

Abstract A filament winding system was developed for manufacturing various types of fiber/cement composite materials. The system may be easily configured using the computer software to use continuous fiber composite laminates, cross-ply and angle ply laminates, pipes, and pultruded sections. The electrical and mechanical components of the system are discussed in detail. Cement based composite laminates are manufactured using continuous glass and polypropylene fibers. Tensile stress-strain response was measured using closed-loop strain controlled tests. Results indicate that tensile strength of composites can exceed 50 MPa using 5% alkali-resistant (AR) glass fibers. The ultimate strain capacity can also be increased by varying the stacking sequences. Ultimate strain capacities of the order of 2% were obtained. The experimental observations agree favorably with the theoretical predictions based on the ply discount method.
Photopolymerization of HEMA/DEGDMA hydrogels in solution

Abstract Photopolymerization is a widely used technique to synthesize polymers and hydrogels. The commonly used ultraviolet (UV)-curable mono-, di- or multifunctional vinylated monomers are often volatile, causing difficulty in kinetics analysis such as photo-differential scanning calorimetry (PhotoDSC). In this work, the DSC sample pan is chemically and physically modified such that the resin can be placed uniformly in the sample pan with minimum sample weight loss during measurement. This approach substantially improved experimental accuracy, which in turn provides a better understanding of the reaction kinetics of UV-curable polymers. Kinetic experiments were carried out for poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (HEMA)-based hydrogels. The effects of light intensity and water concentration on the reaction kinetics and rheological change was investigated. It was found that increasing the light intensity enhances the polymerization, but too high an intensity slows down the reaction at the later stage. The addition of solvent and high light intensity facilitates the cyclization, delaying macrogelation. The viscosity rise of the resin system and the formed polymer size were also measured using a photorheometer and a particle size analyzer, respectively. The measured gel time, gel conversion and polymer size distribution agree with the kinetic analysis.
Hollow Particles Formed on Laser-Induced Bubbles by Excimer Laser Ablation of Al in Liquid

Herein we show how the unique temporal and thermal events occurring during the pulsed excimer laser ablation of an Al target in water result in hollow Al2O3 micro/nanoparticles with smooth surfaces and an amorphous structure. We demonstrate that the hollow particles are formed on laser-induced bubbles from laser ionized/evaporated liquid during the ablation. The fabrication of hollow particles can be improved by the addition of ethanol to the water, and the particles contain crystalline Al. Our work and the associated mechanism represent a new paradigm to fabricate hollow particles directly from bulk material; that is, the excimer laser ablation produces nanoclusters from the target and bubbles from the liquid, and the bubble interfaces trap the nanoclusters, resulting in the formation of hollow particles.