cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accessibility experiences and the hindsight bias: I knew it all along versus it could never have happened.

In two experiments, we tested accessibility experiences versus accessible content in influencing the hindsight bias when participants generated either thoughts about alternative outcomes or thoughts about known outcomes. Participants who had listed many thoughts (Experiment 1) and those who had contracted their brow muscles (Experiment 2) when considering alternate outcomes rated the known outcome asmore likely than did than those who had listed two thoughts or who had not contracted their brows—a “backfire” effect. In contrast, but no less ironically, participants who had listed many thoughts and those who contracted their brows when considering known outcomes rated those outcomes as less likely—an “it could never have happened” effect. Both effects are due to subjective accessibility experiences, and their role in influencing and debiasing the hindsight bias is discussed.
Microkinetic modeling of the NO + H2 system on Pt/Al2O3 catalyst using temporal analysis of products

Abstract A systematic experimental and modeling study of the NO + H 2 reaction system on Pt/Al 2 O 3 catalyst was carried out using temporal analysis of products (TAP). A microkinetic model was developed that explains the transient product distribution during various experimental TAP protocols. NO pulsing experiments show the inhibiting effect of oxygen poisoning and the kinetic limitations posed by N–O bond scission. The NO–H 2 pump–probe experiments demonstrate the effect of temperature, H 2 /NO ratio (⩾1), and pulse delay time between consecutive NO and H 2 pulses on N 2 , N 2 O, and NH 3 selectivity. The simulations reveal the competition between surface N–N recombination and N and/or NO reaction with H to form N 2 and NH 3 , respectively. The developed mechanistic-based microkinetic model accounts for all of the experimental data including the aforementioned selectivity versus pulse delay trends.
I10 signaling pathways that mediate mRNA translation of ISGs and their roles in the induction of ifn responses

There is accumulating evidence that the mTOR pathway plays key and essential roles in the generation of IFN-responses. Our studies have shown that Type I and II IFN receptors activate mTORC1 complexes, which in turn regulate downstream effector signals essential for initiation of mRNA translation and/or protein expression of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) whose transcription is regulated by Jak-Stat pathways. In recent studies we have established key and essential roles for mTORC2 complexes in the generation of IFN-responses. The current status of this research area will be reviewed and an update on ongoing efforts to define mTOR-controlled cellular events in the IFN-system and their functional relevance will be provided.
NF-I proteins from brain interact with the proenkephalin cAMP inducible enhancer

A short region of the human proenkephalin promoter has been shown previously to mediate transcriptional regulation in response to activation of the cAMP, TPA, and Ca+ + dependent intracellular signalling pathways. Two adjacent DNA elements, CRE-1 and CRE-2, are essential for this regulation although neither element alone is sufficient for inducible expression. The CRE-2 element consists of overlapping binding sites for the transcription factors AP-1 and AP-4. The CRE-1 element has been shown to interact with a DNA binding factor called ENKTF-1. Here we characterize proteins from bovine brain which bind the CRE-1 element of the human proenkephalin gene. Interactions between proteins binding the CRE-1 and CRE-2 elements are characterized in vitro using affinity purified DNA binding proteins. We demonstrate that CRE-1 binding proteins from bovine brain consist of three different polypeptides each belonging to the NF-I family of transcription factors. Point mutation analysis of the contacts of these proteins with the CRE-1 element indicate that NF-I proteins contact the inducible enhancer at the sequence CTGGCxxxxxxCCT which overlaps the CRE-1 element (underlined) defined by in vivo point mutation analysis. Cotransfection of one of the three NF-I proteins purified from bovine brain, NF-I/Red1, together with a proenkephalin/bacterial chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) fusion gene repressed protein kinase A or forskolin stimulated CAT expression.
With reverence and contempt : how Americans think about their president

What's wrong with the American presidency? Why is the world's oldest surviving democracy headed by a leader who lives and acts like a king? And why is that same leader so often held in low esteem by those who elected him? In this survey of presidential history, the author examines two centuries of unrealistic expectations, false hopes and willful misunderstandings that lie at the heart of America's "dysfunctional relationship" with its president. Langston argues that each president becomes an icon, a stylized image of Americans' faith in themselves and in their country. Providing an investigation of how the game of presidential symbol-making is played, the author reveals how Americans' wishful thinking is encouraged and how even the best presidents are invited to deceive the public. The work concludes with a series of recommendations, including legislative changes aimed at improving the relationship between the president and the public by cutting the president's symbolic value down to size.
Mechanical analysis of explanted silicone breast implants.

Implantable silicone devices have been used for augmentation mammaplasty for the past four decades. The authors studied early-generation silicone breast implants that were removed from patients to determine the changes that implant shells have undergone over time and whether these changes resulted in decreased shell integrity. Mechanical testing was performed to determine changes in shell strength, toughness, strain at rupture, and elasticity. Although the issue of prophylactic implant removal remains controversial pending definitive evaluation of the health risks of free silicone, the observation that silicone implant shells weaken over time in vivo now seems fairly clear. The current generation of silicone implants, available since November 2006, are markedly different compared with their predecessors: A trilaminar shell composition functions as a barrier to gel bleed, and liquid silicone filler material has been replaced with a more cross-linked polymer that provides a cohesive gel consistency that does not “flow” and can maintain shape memory.
NONLINEAR BACKSTEPPING CONTROL FOR THE FUEL DIFFUSION LAG IN FUSION REACTORS

Control of plasma density and temperature magnitudes, as well as their profiles, are among the most fundamental problems in fusion reactors. Existing efforts use control techniques based on linearized models. In this work, a zero-dimensional nonlinear model involving approximate conservation equations for the energy and the densities of the species was used to synthesize a nonlinear feedback controller for stabilizing the burn condition of a fusion reactor. The model addresses the issue of the lag due to the finite time for the fresh fuel to diffuse into the plasma center. Nonlinear backstepping is used to deal with this imposed lag. In this way we make our control system independent of the fueling system and the reactor can be fed either by pellet injection or by gas puffing. The controller exhibits excellent properties of robustness and the boundness of the state variables is guaranteed for a large set of values of the lag constant. In addition the nonlinear controller proposed guarantees a much larger region of attraction than the previous linear controllers, it is capable of rejecting perturbations in initial conditions leading to both thermal excursion and quenching, and its effectiveness does not depend on whether the operating point is an ignition or a subignition point.
Somatostatin Receptors Are Biologically Active before They Are Inserted into the Plasma Membrane

We have examined the biological activity of intracellular somatostatin (SRIF) receptors in cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. We used digitonin-permeabilized cells to introduce free SRIF intracellularly and chloroquine-treated cells to promote intracellular accumulation of SRIF via a receptormediated pathway. At a concentration of 0.001%, digitonin (3-min incubation at 37 C) allowed [125I]SRIF to enter the cells without affecting cell viability. Autoradiography of [125I]SRIF demonstrated its association with secretion vesicles (28%), nuclei (25%), and other intracellular organelles. An acid wash technique that removes cell surface-bound ligand revealed that both digitonin-permeabilized cells and chloroquine-treated cells accumulated approximately twice as much intracellular SRIF as did control cells. The biological activities of intracellular SRIF accumulated via two different pathways, receptor mediated and through digitonin-produced pores in the plasma membrane, were different. In chloroquine-treate...
Low-dose exposure to inorganic mercury accelerates disease and mortality in acquired murine lupus.

Inorganic mercury (iHg) is known to induce autoimmune disease in susceptible rodent strains. Additionally, in inbred strains of mice prone to autoimmune disease, iHg can accelerate and exacerbate d...
Non-invasive microfluidic gap junction assay

Gap junctions are protein channels between cells that allow direct electrical and metabolic coupling via the exchange of biomolecules and ions. Their expression, though ubiquitous in most mammalian cell types, is especially important for the proper functioning of cardiac and neuronal systems. Many existing methods for studying gap junction communication suffer from either unquantifiable data or difficulty of use. Here, we measure the extent of dye spread and effective diffusivities through gap junction connected cells using a quantitative microfluidic cell biology platform. After loading dye by hydrodynamic focusing of calcein/AM, dye transfer dynamics into neighboring, unexposed cells can be monitored via timelapse fluorescent microscopy. By using a selective microfluidic dye loading over a confluent layer of cells, we found that high expression of gap junctions in C6 cells transmits calcein across the monolayer with an effective diffusivity of 3.4 × 10−13 m2/s, which are highly coupled by Cx43. We also found that the gap junction blocker 18α-GA works poorly in the presence of serum even at high concentrations (50 µM); however, it is highly effective down to 2.5 µM in the absence of serum. Furthermore, when the drug is washed out, dye spread resumes rapidly within 1 min for all doses, indicating the drug does not affect transcriptional regulation of connexins in these Cx43+ cells, in contrast to previous studies. This integrated microfluidic platform enables the in situ monitoring of gap junction communication, yielding dynamic information about intercellular molecular transfer and pharmacological inhibition and recovery.
Universal correlation in the spectra of disordered systems with an Aharonov-Bohm flux.

We consider the unfolded spectra of disordered systems with the topology of a ring, in the presence of an Aharonov-Bohm flux. We study the flux dependence of a single energy level. We find that the correlator of the derivatives at two different fluxes has a universal functional form, and propose that the result is valid for all systems with Wigner-Dyson statistics.
The Role of Theory in Developing Effective Health Communications

This study attempts to show the relevance of behavioral theory for developing communications designed to promote healthy and/or to prevent or alter unhealthy behaviors. After describing an integrative model of behavioral prediction, the model’s implications for designing persuasive communications are considered. Using data from a study on smoker’s intentions to continue smoking and to quit, it is shown how the theory helps identify the critical beliefs underlying these or other intentions. Finally, it is argued that although behavioral theory can help identify the beliefs that should be targeted in a persuasive communication, our ability to change these beliefs will ultimately rest on communication theory.
Preparation and Characterization of N-Halamine-Based Antimicrobial Fillers

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the surface of CaCO3 fillers can be coated with an N-halamine-based fatty acid to make the filler surface organophilic and simultaneously achieve antibacterial activity, rendering the resulting polymer–filler composites antimicrobial. Thus, a new bifunctional compound, 4,4-dimethylhydantoin undecanoic acid (DMH-UA), was synthesized by treating the potassium salt of dimethylhydantoin (DMH) with 11-bromoundecanoic acid (BUA). Upon chlorination treatment with dilute bleach, DMH-UA was transformed into 3-chloro-4,4-dimethylhydantoin undecanoic acid (Cl-DMH-UA). Alternatively, DMH-UA could be coated onto the surface of CaCO3 to obtain the corresponding calcium salt, 4,4-dimethylhydantoin undecanoic acid calcium carbonate (DMH-UA-CaCO3). In the presence of dilute chlorine bleach, the DMH-UA coated on the surface of CaCO3 was transformed into Cl-DMH-UA, leading to the formation of Cl-DMH-UA-CaCO3. The reactions were characterized by FT-IR, NMR, UV, DSC, and SEM a...
Abstract 3232: Optimization of a potent stapled helix peptide that binds to Replication Protein A

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Replication Protein A (RPA) is a major regulator of checkpoint activation and enhanced DNA repair in cancer cells. In response to genotoxic stress, the RPA complex binds to and protects ssDNA while serving as a scaffold to recruit critical checkpoint and DNA-damage response proteins through the N-terminal region of the 70 kDa subunit of RPA (RPA70N). Specific disruption of the protein-protein interactions mediated by the RPA70N domain has the potential to produce selective killing of cancer cells without the risk of cytotoxicity due to interference in the ssDNA-binding function. Stapled helix peptides can serve as useful tools for inhibiting protein-protein interactions. However, their utility can be limited due to difficulties often encountered during attempts to improve the binding affinity to the target. Here, we report the discovery and optimization of a potent stapled helix peptide probe, derived from the endogenous RPA binding partner ATRIP (ATR-interacting protein), that binds to and inhibits the RPA70N protein-protein interaction surface. Alanine scanning, charge abrogation, and rational sequence optimization resulted in a peptide with a 100-fold potency gain over the native sequence and improved physical characteristics. In addition to the application of these traditional strategies, we describe a novel approach for efficiently designing peptides containing unnatural amino acids. This method involves the incorporation of an unnatural amino acid inspired by the structure activity relationships of small molecules that bind to the same site on the protein. Use of this approach produced stapled peptides with dramatic increases in binding affinity to RPA70N relative to aooIn al peptide containing only natural amino acids. The optimized peptides are cell penetrant, able to enter the nucleus, and co-localize with RPA in the nucleus at sites of DNA damage. Such a peptide may serve as a probe molecule to explore both the effects of RPA inhibition on the DNA damage response and the therapeutic potential of RPA inhibition as a cancer target. Citation Format: Alex G. Waterson, Andreas O. Frank, Bhavatarini Vandgamudi, Michael D. Feldkamp, Elaine M. Souza-Fagundes, Jessica W. Luzwick, David Cortez, Edward T. Olejniczak, Olivia W. Rossanese, Walter J. Chazin, Stephen W. Fesik. Optimization of a potent stapled helix peptide that binds to Replication Protein A. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3232. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3232
The critical factors involved in fractionating cellulose acetate by selective adsorption onto carbon

Cellulose acetate can be fractionated by allowing it to be adsorbed from acetone solution onto activated carbon. Sharpest fractions are obtained when small amounts of adsorbent are used successively to take up increments of the total polymer in solution. Each adsorbate is refractionated during elution with a good solvent, and in one adsorption-desorption cycle the polymer can be divided into a large number of fractions, suitable with certain limitations, for molecular weight distribution analysis. Smaller molecules are both preferentially adsorbed and are the first eluted. Temperature and concentration have some influence on the sharpness of fractionation, but the most critical factor is the ratio of adsorbent to polymer.
Synergy between CD40 ligation and IL-4 on fibroblast proliferation involves IL-4 receptor signaling.

Fibrosis can be an undesired consequence of activated cellular immune responses. The purpose of this work was to determine whether CD40 ligation and the pro-fibrotic cytokine IL-4 interact in regulating fibroblast proliferation and collagen production, and, if so, the mechanisms used. This study found that the combination of IL-4 and ligation of CD40 on the fibroblast cell surface had synergistic effects in stimulating fibroblast proliferation. In contrast, CD40 ligation negated the inhibitory effects of IFN-γ on fibroblast proliferation. Western blotting analyses of fibroblast crude lysates revealed that a potential mechanism of the synergy between CD40 ligation and IL-4 was the phosphorylation of proteins at 130 kDa and, to a lesser degree, at 95, 85, and 75 kDa. Immunoprecipitation-Western blotting experiments showed that phosphorylation levels of IL-4Rα, Janus kinase 1, insulin receptor substrate 1, and insulin receptor substrate 2, factors with molecular mass close to the observed 130 kDa major phosphorylation band, increased in response to the combined CD40 ligation and IL-4 action. In contrast, there was no evidence that synergy was mediated by an increased expression of IL-4Rα chain, CD40, or the autocrine profibrotic cytokines IL-6 and TGF-β. These findings suggest that CD40-CD40 ligand contacts between fibroblasts and cells secreting IL-4 may promote the profibrotic effects of IL-4 by affecting signal transduction and reducing the anti-fibrotic effects of IFN-γ.
Comparison of MOS and Metal-Nitride-Semiconductor Insulated Gate Field-Effect Transistors under Electron Irradiation

Insulated gate field-effect transistors with silicon dioxide and silicon nitride insulationwere irradiated with 1 MeV electrons over a wide range of biasing conditions. In nitride insulated devices the radiation induced shift in gate turn-onvoltage was greatly reduced and source-drain leakage currents eliminated. The dependence of the equilibrium shift in gate turn-on voltage on gate bias varied critically with the structure of the insulating layer, and an attempt has been made to correlate this with charge transfer mechanisms across the interfaces of the insulator.
Drosophila D1 overexpression induces ectopic pairing of polytene chromosomes and is deleterious to development

Eukaryotic genomes function in the context of chromatin, but the roles of most nonhistone chromosomal proteins are far from understood. The D1 protein of Drosophila is an example of a chromosomal protein that has been fairly well characterized biochemically, but has nevertheless eluded functional description. To this end, we have undertaken a gain-of-function genetical analysis of D1, utilizing the GAL4-UAS system. We determined that ubiquitous overexpression of D1 using the Act5C- or tubP-GAL4 drivers was lethal to the organism during larval growth. We also ectopically expressed D1 in a tissue-limited manner using other GAL4 drivers. In general, ectopic D1 was observed to inhibit differentiation and/or development. We observed effects on pattern formation of the adult eye, bristle morphogenesis, and spermatogenesis. These phenotypes may be the consequence of misregulation of D1 target genes. A surprising result was obtained when D1 was overexpressed in the third instar salivary gland. The polytene chromosomes exhibited numerous ectopic associations such that spreading of the chromosome arms was precluded. We mapped the sites of ectopic pairing along the polytene chromosome arms, and found a correlation with sites of intercalary heterochromatin. We speculate that these sites comprise the natural targets of D1 protein activity and that D1 is involved in the ectopic pairing observed for wild-type chromosomes. Together, our data suggest that D1 may influence multiple biochemical activities within the nucleus.
A literary human extinction scenario

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelly's (MWS) novel, The Last Man, published in 1826, is an epic narrative about the destruction of the human race. This paper provides a synopsis of this book and assesses its relationships to contemporary future studies. The paper also delves into the history of apocalyptic writing and thinking, using this book an entry point to past literature.
Automatic segmentation of histological structures in mammary gland tissue sections

Real-time three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of epithelial structures in human mammary gland tissue blocks mapped with selected markers would be an extremely helpful tool for diagnosing breast cancer and planning treatment. Besides its clear clinical application, this tool could also shed a great deal of light on the molecular basis of the initiation and progression of breast cancer. We present a framework for real-time segmentation of epithelial structures in two-dimensional (2-D) images of sections of normal and neoplastic mammary gland tissue blocks. Complete 3-D rendering of the tissue can then be done by surface rendering of the structures detected in consecutive sections of the blocks. Paraffin-embedded or frozen tissue blocks are first sliced and sections are stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The sections are then imaged using conventional bright-field microscopy and their background corrected using a phantom image. We then use the fast-marching algorithm to roughly extract the contours of the different morphological structures in the images. The result is then refined with the level-set method, which converges to an accurate (subpixel) solution for the segmentation problem. Finally, our system stacks together the 2-D results obtained in order to reconstruct a 3-D representation of the entire tissue block under study. Our method is illustrated with results from the segmentation of human and mouse mammary gland tissue samples.
Septal Localization of FtsQ, an Essential Cell Division Protein in Escherichia coli

Septation in Escherichia coli requires several gene products. One of these, FtsQ, is a simple bitopic membrane protein with a short cytoplasmic N terminus, a membrane-spanning segment, and a periplasmic domain. We have constructed a merodiploid strain that expresses both FtsQ and the fusion protein green fluorescent protein (GFP)-FtsQ from single-copy chromosomal genes. The gfp-ftsQ gene complements a null mutation in ftsQ. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that GFP-FtsQ localizes to the division site. Replacing the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains of FtsQ with alternative membrane anchors did not prevent the localization of the GFP fusion protein, while replacing the periplasmic domain did, suggesting that the periplasmic domain is necessary and sufficient for septal targeting. GFP-FtsQ localization to the septum depended on the cell division proteins FtsZ and FtsA, which are cytoplasmic, but not on FtsL and FtsI, which are bitopic membrane proteins with comparatively large periplasmic domains. In addition, the septal localization of ZipA apparently did not require functional FtsQ. Our results indicate that FtsQ is an intermediate recruit to the division site.
Intramolecular Conformational Changes Optimize Protein Kinase C Signaling

Optimal tuning of enzyme signaling is critical for cellular homeostasis. We use fluorescence resonance energy transfer reporters in live cells to follow conformational transitions that tune the affinity of a multidomain signal transducer, protein kinase C (PKC), for optimal response to second messengers. This enzyme comprises two diacylglycerol sensors, the C1A and C1B domains, that have a sufficiently high intrinsic affinity for ligand so that the enzyme would be in a ligand-engaged, active state if not for mechanisms that mask its domains. We show that both diacylglycerol sensors are exposed in newly synthesized PKC and that conformational transitions following priming phosphorylations mask the domains so that the lower affinity sensor, the C1B domain, is the primary diacylglycerol binder. The conformational rearrangements of PKC serve as a paradigm for how multimodule transducers optimize their dynamic range of signaling.
COPS: Whatcha Gonna Do?

This case focuses on the application of queueing theory to urban planning. It would be suitable for either an undergraduate or graduate course in queueing theory or urban operations research. The case examines the problem of patrol car allocation. The students are shown the weakness of the so-called hazard rate allocation that is common police practice. This allocation is based solely on call-for-service arrival rates. The case also illustrates the weakness of a focus solely on server workload utilization. Armed with an appreciation of queueing effects, the students are then asked to explore the vast set of possible patrol car allocations. The choice of the “best” or even a “good” allocation depends on a subjective assessment of the important criteria, which usually involve consideration for police response times and officer workloads.
Disseminated Mycobacterium scrofulaceum Infection: A Potentially Treatable Complication of AIDS

Disseminated Mycobacterium scrofulaceum infection has rarely been reported (only 8 cases to date), and no case of infection associated with AIDS has been reported in detail. We report a case of disseminated M. scrofulacetum infection in an AIDS patient that presented as chronic ulcerative and nodular skin lesions with probable cavitary lung involvement. We discuss reported cases of disseminated M. scrofulaceum infection and features of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated disease due to mycobacteria other than tuberculosis. Although our patient died before susceptibility testing could be completed, the M. scrofulaceum isolate was found to be susceptible to clarithromycin, ethambutol, and clofazimine. Physicians who evaluate skin lesions in HIV-infected persons should perform appropriate mycobacterial studies and search for disseminated disease. Drug susceptibility testing for mycobacteria other than tuberculosis is not yet standardized, but the broth dilution method, currently being studied in clinical trials of treatment for Mycobacterium avium complex, may be superior to older methods. After the possibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection has been excluded, physicians should consider administering initial empirical therapy with two or more drugs, including a newer macrolide, to AIDS patients with disseminated mycobacterial disease
The Stayhealthy bioelectrical impedance analyzer predicts body fat in children and adults

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a time-efficient and cost-effective method for estimating body composition. We hypothesized that there would be no significant difference between the Stayhealthy BC1 BIA and the selected reference methods when determining body composition. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to determine the validity of estimating percent body fat (%BF) using the Stayhealthy BIA with its most recently updated algorithms compared to the reference methods of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for adults and hydrostatic weighing for children. We measured %BF in 245 adults aged 18 to 80 years and 115 children aged 10 to 17 years. Body fat by BIA was determined using a single 50 kHz frequency handheld impedance device and proprietary software. Agreement between BIA and reference methods was assessed by Bland and Altman plots. Bland and Altman analysis for men, women, and children revealed good agreement between the reference methods and BIA. There was no significant difference by t tests between mean %BF by BIA for men, women, or children when compared to the respective reference method. Significant correlation values between BIA, and reference methods for all men, women, and children were 0.85, 0.88, and 0.79, respectively. Reliability (test-retest) was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation. Intraclass correlation coefficient values were greater than 0.99 (P < .001) for men, women, and children with coefficient of variation values 3.3%, 1.8%, and 1.7%, respectively. The Stayhealthy BIA device demonstrated good agreement between reference methods using Bland and Altman analyses.
Deformation of electrodeposited nanocrystalline nickel

The mechanisms of deformation and damage evolution in electrodeposited, fully dense, nanocrystalline Ni with an average grain size of ~30 nm and a narrow grain size distribution were investigated by recourse to (i) tensile tests performed in situ in the transmission electron microscope and (ii) microscopic observations made at high resolution following ex situ deformation induced by compression, rolling and nanoindentation. Particular attention was also devoted to the characterization of the structure in grain interiors and in the vicinity of grain boundaries at Angstromlevel resolution in the as-deposited material and following compression, and to the real-time video-imaging of the evolution of dislocation activity and damage during deformation; these images are presented in this paper and in the web sites provided as supplementary material to this paper. These observations clearly reveal that dislocation-mediated plasticity plays a dominant role in the deformation of nanocrystalline Ni examined in this study. Fracture surface examination confirms dimpled rupture with the scale of the dimples being several times larger than the grain size. Dislocation emission at grain boundaries together with intragranular slip and unaccommodated grain boundary sliding facilitate the nucleation of voids at boundaries and triple junctions. Individual monocrystal ligaments, formed by the growth/linking of these voids, undergo extensive local plasticity to the extent that many of them neck down to a chisel point. These voids as well as those that may have existed prior to deformation can act as nucleation sites for dimples leading to fracture that does not occur preferentially along grain boundaries. The transmission electron microscopy observations of in situ and ex situ deformed specimens are synthesized to formulate a mechanistic framework that provides new insights into the mechanisms of flow and fracture in nanostructured metals.  2002 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Infrared absorption spectroscopy of the CnXe (n= 2, 3, 5, 7, 9) species

CnXe (n = 2, 3, 5, 7, 9) compounds, generated by pulsed laser evaporation of a carbon pellet or by the electrical discharge of acetylene, have been deposited in an argon matrix at 12 K and studied by Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. Five new vibrational bands at 1774.2, 2033.3, 2161.4, 2126.6 and 1997.2 cm−1 have been observed. Using ab initio MP2 theoretical methods, the first two bands have been assigned to the fundamental stretching modes of C2Xe and C3Xe, respectively. These assignments are supported by 13C isotopic shift data. The C–Xe bond in C2Xe is predicted to be stronger than in C3Xe. Although bent C3Xe is a little more stable than linear C3Xe, both species have very flat potential surfaces and both may exist in Ar matrices. The latter three bands are tentatively assigned to C–C asymmetric stretches in C5Xe, C7Xe, and C9Xe, respectively. Despite the lack of isotopic data for these species, this assignment is reasonable based on the smooth frequency shift for the CnXe species compared to the Cn species.
Evidence of fibril-like β-sheet structures in a neurotoxic amyloid intermediate of Alzheimer's β-amyloid

Evidence of fibril-like β-sheet structures in a neurotoxic amyloid intermediate of Alzheimer's β-amyloid
The Social Construction of Democracy

Consolidating the Third Wave Democracies, Larry Diamond, Marc F. Plattner, Yun-han Chu, Hung-mao Tien, eds. (Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997). Vol. One. Themes and Perspectives. 343 pp., paper (ISBN: 0-8018-5794-5), $14.95. Vol. Two. Regional Challenges. 332 pp., paper (ISBN: 0-8018-5795-3), $14.95. Democracy's Victory and Crisis, Axel Hadenius, ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997). 431 pp., cloth (ISBN: 0-521-57311-4), $69.95; paper (ISBN: 0-521-57583-4), $27.95. Books reviewed in this article: Consolidating the Third Wave Democracies, Larry Diamond: Themes and Perspectives , Marc F. Plattner, Yun-han Chu, and Hung-mao Tien,eds. Consolidating the Third Wave Democracies: Regional Challenges , Marc F. Plattner, Yun-han Chu, and Hung-mao Tien, eds. Democracy's Victory and Crisis , Axel Hadenius, ed.
Process management for library multimedia development service

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlights the complex issue of developing management processes for learner centered library media production service. The work provides a practical and theoretical perspective on management tools and systems for this emerging library service.Design/methodology/approach – The research was drawn from a body of peer reviewed literature covering theoretical and practical library and business management practices. The author tempered this knowledge with first‐hand development and implementation experience of formal process management tools for a student‐centered library multimedia production center.Findings – The research offers a new theoretical perspective for viewing the emerging media rich, collaborative nature of library work. In addition, a diagramming strategy based on Human Interaction Theory is described. The tool can be used to foster the development of management processes in multimedia development centers and other library service units.Originality/value –...
Dual-mode piezo-on-silicon resonant temperature and humidity sensor for portable air quality monitoring systems

This paper demonstrates a dual-mode, micromachined temperature and relative humidity (RH) sensor platform using two ZnO-on-silicon, lateral-mode bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators. A moisture-insensitive reference resonator is utilized in conjunction with an identical, humidity-functionalized resonator to yield a thermally compensated RH sensor. The reference sensor exploits the dual-mode response of fundamental and higher order in-plane resonance modes in the range of 30–100 MHz to eliminate the RH sensor dependence on temperature. Hygroscopic polyethyleneimine (PEI) is deposited on annexed sensing platforms of the BAW resonator to enable operation from 20 to 92 %RH with high Q in air. A humidity sensitivity of 1.2 kHz/%RH from 20 to 60 %RH and 14 kHz/%RH from 60 to 92 %RH is measured at room temperature for the RH sensor which, combined with the reference sensor, occupies a total area of .053 mm2.
The Laboratory Characterization of Jet Fuel Vapor and Liquid

Jet fuel (Jet A, Jet A1) was characterized using two gas chromatographic techniques. Headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) was used to determine component partial pressures and total vapor pressures by measuring vapor densities in equilibrium with the liquid fuel. Component partial pressures and total vapor pressures were also derived from analysis of the neat jet fuel liquid by determining liquid component mole fraction and using this result with Raoult's law to calculate vapor pressure. Measurements of some of the fuel vapor samples were made at 40, 50, and 60 °C and at vapor volume-to-liquid volume (V/L) ratios of 274 and 1.2, representing, respectively, a nearly empty (2.9 kg/m3) and a half-filled (364 kg/m3) center wing tank (CWT) in a Boeing 747-100 series aircraft. The temperatures and V/L ratios were chosen to cover the range of conditions that could exist in the CWT under some aircraft operations. Measurements of other fuel vapor samples were made at the individual fuel flash point temperatures (V...
An Evaluation of Press Freedom Indicators

Despite uncertainties about the popular measures f media freedom, no systematic analyses have been undertaken of their development, of the assumptions that lie behind their different methodologies, of the reliability of the resultant measures, or of the consistency of conclusions across the different measures. This article examines four measures, by Freedom House, Reporters sans frontieres, IREX and the Committee to Protect Journalists, and finds considerable consistency in the measurement. In addition, the Freedom House measure, which has been in existence for more than 20 years, varies in meaningful ways across time. The article examines the conceptual implications of these findings and offers suggestions for their use by researches in the future.
Broadband low cost beam-steering techniques for wireless applications

We have developed low-cost beam steering techniques which do not use conventional ferrite or solid-state phase shifters. These new techniques have many advantages including low cost, broad bandwidth, low loss, wide scan angle, and simplicity. One method uses an aperture-coupled microstrip patch antenna array fed by a dielectric image line with a movable reflector plate (DILWRP). In another concept, a phased array incorporates a multi-line configuration with progressive phase shifts controlled by PET (piezoelectric transducer). Bidirectional beam steering is demonstrated from 7.6 to 26.5 GHz with a maximum beam scanning range from -34/spl deg/ to +26/spl deg/. The third technique employs a scanning antenna using a movable grating array to form a leaky wave antenna. It achieves the following results: 32/spl deg/ scanning at 30 GHz, 53/spl deg/ at 35 GHz, and 35/spl deg/ at 40 GHz. The measurement results agree very well with the predictions.
Quantification of transport and binding parameters using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Potential for in vivo applications

Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) has been used extensively in the study of transport and binding in biological media in vitro. The present study adapts and further develops FRAP so that it may be utilized for the in vivo quantification of binding parameters. The technique is validated in vitro by measuring mass transport and binding parameters for the Concanavalin A/Mannose binding system (a diffusion-limited system). The pseudo-equilibrium constant (the product of the equilibrium constant and the total concentration of binding sites) for this system was determined to be 26 +/- 15 which compares favorably with literature values ranging between 16 and 32. The applicability of this technique to measure parameters for monoclonal antibody/antigen interactions in a thin tissue preparation such as the rabbit ear chamber tissue preparation is also examined. Unlike other methods for measuring binding parameters, this is the only technique which has the potential to measure parameters relevant to antibody delivery in vivo. The proposed technique is noninvasive and does not require a priori knowledge of, independent measurement of, or variation in the concentration of binding sites or total concentration of binding species.
Patent Breadth and Patenting of Intermediate Results in Cumulative Innovation Race

The paper discusses the effect of patent breadth an the patenting of intermediate results in a cumulative innovation race. Patent breadth is considered as the licensing rate between the patentee of basic innovation and the subsequent innovatiors. We show that both patent breadth and the strategic first mover advantage due holding the basic innovation secret determine the final market outcomes. Although increasing patent breadth always encourages public disclosure of intermediate results, the effect of patent breadth on social welfare and technological progress shows a quasi inverted U-shape and thus the optimal patent breadth is an innre solution, sharply different to the existing literature, where the optimal breadth is often corner solution.
Measuring Quality Cost Effects On Productivity Using Data Envelope Analysis

Quality has become more important than ever in the production of goods and services. Money spent on quality must ultimately contribute to increased productivity within the firm. Quantifying the benefits of quality costs with respect to increased productivity is an elusive proposition. This paper describes the use of a linear programming technique called data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure the effects of appraisal and prevention costs on productivity. DEA provide3s additional information to the normal profit driven performance measures and can be used to determine strategies to help improve the efficiency of money spent on quality.
PERSPECTIVE ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN NORTH AMERICA DURING THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

The climate record from many parts of North America provides ample evidence of climate change. For specific elements such as temperature or precipitation, a substantial portion of these changes can be shown to be statistically significant; that is, they either reflect an unusual combination of events in a stationary process or they reflect a nonstationary process. The practical significance of a climate change, however, even when it can be shown to be statistically significant, cannot be assumed. Conversely, it is entirely possible to have a practically significant climate change without statistical significance, although this is less likely to occur. The preponderance of evidence over recent years suggests that any notion regarding static climate regimes must be dismissed in favor of a dynamic system. The differential heating of our planet which results in a restless atmosphere can also yield a restless climate. Whether this dynamic climate system is merely a manifestation of natural variations or at lea...
Reproduction of RNA Tumor Viruses

The RNA-containing tumor viruses have been the objects of a surge of investigational activity during the past few years. This activity emanates from a conviction that cancer in man may be a direct consequence of infection by RNA tumor viruses, and it was prompted by the discovery of enzymes (reverse transcriptases) which have forced a conceptual change in notions about the transfer or exchange of genetic information among eukaryotic cells.
Kinetic study of high-Tc Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system

By studying the Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system, we have found that the sintering time to form high Tc Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O systems was quite different as the compositions of the starting materials varied. Especially, the ratio of Sr/Ca played an important role in determining the sintering time. DTA study already showed that partial melting occurred during the reaction. The temperature of the partial melting was also related to the ratio of Sr/Ca. Our results supported the existence of a reactive liquid phase in sintering process.
Passively Varying Pitch Propeller for Small UAS

A novel design for a passively-varying pitch propeller to improve small UAS performance is examined. The proposed system uses propeller blades free to pivot on a radial axis and blade cross sections tailored fo r positive pitching moment to achieve stable and efficient operation over a large advance ratio range. Computational analysis of the passively-varying propeller system indicates that large improvements can be gained, especially at high advance ratios, while sacrificing very lit tle low speed performance. A properly designed propeller will enable a much expanded flight envelope and, with proper limits to rotation angle, good takeoff/ climb performance and automatic feathering in the engine off case. Experimental analysis to corroborate computational findings is currently underway.
Troponin in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Updates and Future Direction

Cardiac troponin has been well described as the preferred biomarker for diagnosis of myocardial infarction due to the high sensitivity and specificity for myocardial injury. Numerous other conditions apart from acute coronary syndrome can also lead to small elevations in troponin levels. However, the use of cTn as prognostic biomarker for the primary assessment of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic patient has only recently been described. And with the development of newer generations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays that can detect 10-fold lower concentrations of troponin, the potential value cTn in the prevention and management of asymptomatic cardiovascular disease has come to the fore. This review provides an overview of the transition of cardiac troponin as a marker of acute myocardial injury to one that detects sub-clinical injury. Evidence continues to show that high-sensitivity troponin is emerging as one of the most powerful prognostic biomarkers for the assessment of cardiovascular risk in the general population.
Intersections of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender Reframing Knowledge Surrounding Barriers to Social Services Among Latina Intimate Partner Violence Victims

Using an intersectional framework, this article discusses the barriers to social services that Latina victims of intimate partner violence encounter, a drastically underdeveloped area of theorizing. We argue that placing Latinas at the center of analysis will facilitate empirical knowledge, which is necessary because mainstream inquiry has historically ignored their interests. First, we discuss cultural barriers through the lenses of gender, race, and ethnicity. Second, we describe socioeconomic barriers in conjunction with gender, race, and ethnicity. Third, we examine legal barriers along with the representation of gender, race, and ethnicity. Finally, we suggest directions for research and recommendations for service providers.
MSCT Angiographic Diagnosis of Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage in Infancy

Purpose: To evaluate the value of prospectively ECG-gated 128-slice spiral CTA in the diagnosis of anomalous pulmonary venous drainage(APVD).Methods: Twelve paediatric patients of APVD were undergone by prospectively ECG-gated 128-slice spiral CTA.The APVD types,airway abnormality and acompanied intracardiac malformation were evaluated by the multiplanar reconstruction(MPR),volume rendering(VR),maximum intensity projection(MIP) and minimum intensity projection(MinP).Results: Anomalous pulmonary venous drainage were shown in 9 cases,5 cases of them were central type,3 cases were intracardiac type,1 case was infracardiac type;partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage were shown in 3 cases,2 cases of them were central type,1 cases was intracardiac type.Twelve cases were accopanied with atrial septal defect,2 cases with patent ductus arteriosus,and airway malformation was shown in 3 cases.The preoperative CTA diagnosis and the operation result was fully consistent.Conclusion: 128-slice spiral CTA with gating technique has important value in the preoperative diagnosis of pediatric pulmonary venous anomalous.