cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of softcore potential functions for overcoming steric barriers in molecular dynamics simulations

In this work, we describe the development of softcore potential functions that permit occasional "tunneling" through the regions of conformational space during molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which would otherwise be sterically prohibited. The modification consists of a truncation of the nonbonded interaction before the steeply repulsive region encountered at short interatomic distances. This modification affects both Lennard-Jones and Coulomb parts of the nonbonded potential. Critical to success is the choice of appropriate pairwise switching distances at which this modification should be made. In the present work, these are calculated based on potential of mean force functions extracted from model system molecular dynamics simulations. We believe that these functions describe the dynamic short-range interactions much better than mean force potentials derived from an ensemble of static structures (e.g. protein data bank (PDB)). Once a set of mean force potentials is obtained, a single empirical parameter, effective barrier height, is employed to determine switching distances for all pairwise atomic interactions. Changing this single parameter allows adjustment of the "softness" of the whole system. We tested the applicability of the new softcore potentials in a loop structure optimization study. The H1 loop in the antibody 17/9 was selected as our test case because substantial repacking of loop residues in the dense protein environment is necessary for successful relaxation of random initial conformations. Softcore simulations converted to correct loop conformations, in contrast to standard simulations which never sampled this structure even after 10 ns. The resulting root mean square deviation (RMSD) values (below 1.3 A for all heavy atoms of the loop) demonstrate the usefulness of the approach based on mean force derived softcore functions.
Microchemical assay of galactose containing cerebrosides

Abstract A method for the estimation of galactose containing lipids based on acid hydrolysis and fluorometric assay of galactose with galactose dehydrogenase has been developed. The characteristics of cerebroside hydrolysis under several different conditions are described. Under the conditions of hydrolysis sphingosine and galactose are released in parallel. A microchemical modification of the procedure has been used to assay galactose cerebroside-sulfatide in fragments of mouse cerebellar layers weighing 1–3 μg dry wt dissected from freeze-dried tissue sections.
Thin film synthesis of metastable and artificially structured oxides

Abstract In the past five years thin film techniques such as pulsed laser deposition and molecular beam epitaxy have been effectively utilized for the growth of metastable and artificially structured oxides. Most of the work is related to cuprates, and a number of novel cuprate materials, including some exhibiting superconductivity, have been synthesized as epitaxial films. They are stabilized by growth on a lattice-matched substrate, with control of the stacking sequence of the various layers at nearly the atomic level in the structured films. Artificially layered ferroelectric and magnetic oxides exhibiting enhanced properties have also been fabricated.
Fractal Electrode Formation in Metal–Insulator Composites Near the Percolation Threshold

Over the past 20 years, there have been a variety of experiments that have revealed a large increase in the low-frequency capacitance of devices constructed from metal-insulator nanocomposite materials. These capacitive increases are typically reported as dramatic increases in the effective relative dielectric constants of the nanocomposite materials. A class of these materials that operate at room temperature and have metal particle concentrations near the percolation threshold have been shown to have dramatic increases in the effective dielectric constant on the order of 104-1010. The simulations in this paper reveal that electrical contact to large metal clusters inside the composite material near the percolation threshold form fractal-like electrodes that deeply penetrate into the host dielectric material, which result in an effective dielectric constant that is 104-105 times greater than the host dielectric. Furthermore, insulating the planar electrodes so that no electrical contact is made to the metallic clusters inside a near-percolation-threshold composite material reveals a much smaller increase (40×) in the effective dielectric constant. Finally, a new physical scaling model and a simple geometric model for capacitance estimation in metal-insulator composites are developed and used to enhance understanding of the physical effects behind the results of these numerical simulations.
Turbulence degradation and mitigation performance for handheld weapon ID

Atmospheric turbulence can severely limit the range performance of state-of-the-art large aperture imaging sensor systems, specifically those intended for long range ground to ground target identification. Simple and cost-effective mitigation solutions which operate in real-time are desired. Software-based post-processing techniques are attractive as they lend themselves to easy implementation and integration into the back-end of existing sensor systems. Recently, various post-processing algorithms to mitigate turbulence have been developed and implemented in real-time hardware. To determine their utility in Army-relevant tactical scenarios, an assessment of the impact of the post processing on observer performance is required. In this paper, we test a set of representative turbulence mitigation algorithms on field collected data of human targets carrying various handheld objects in varying turbulence conditions. We use a controlled human perception test to assess handheld weapon identification performance before and after turbulence mitigation post-processing. In addition, novel image analysis tools are implemented to estimate turbulence strength from the scene. Results of this assessment will lead to recommendations on cost-effective turbulence mitigation strategies suitable for future sensor systems.
Familial 4;18 chromosome translocation resulting in trisomy 4p and monosomy 18p: affected individuals with discordant phenotype

Balanced chromosome translocations in either parent increase the risk of recurrent miscarriage, unbalanced chromosome rearrangements, congenital malformations, and mental retardation in liveborn offspring. Chromosome aberrations account for at least 50% of fetal losses prior to 15 weeks’ estimated gestation (EGA). Of these, 60% occur secondary to autosomal trisomies (Gardner and Sutherland, 2004). Prenatal detection of parental chromosome rearrangements provides an opportunity to plan prenatal screening and diagnostic procedures, including chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, early sonographic evaluation, and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and treatment. We report a familial chromosome translocation involving chromosomes 4 and 18 resulting in multigenerational history of recurrent miscarriage and two offspring with unbalanced chromosome rearrangements and phenotypic and neurodevelopmental sequelae. This case report describes, for the first time, a translocation that resulted in the combination of monosomy 18p and trisomy 4p. The consultand, III-2 (Table 1), a 32-year-old gravida 1, presented at 10 2/7 weeks EGA requesting CVS due to personal and family history of a known chromosome translocation. CVS was not technically possible. Transvaginal fetal ultrasonography showed mid-gut umbilical herniation considered a normal variant given gestational age. Encephalocele was suspected. A protuberant structure from the front of the fetal head consistent with a proboscis was identified. Bilateral clubfeet were suspected. After counseling, given her balanced translocation and ultrasound findings, III-2 elected voluntary pregnancy termination with concomitant fetal karyotype analysis and autopsy. Dilation and evacuation were performed
Succession planning in local health departments: results from a national survey.

CONTEXT Succession planning has received scant attention in the public health sector, despite its potential to generate operational efficiencies in a sector facing chronic budgetary pressures and an aging workforce. OBJECTIVES We examined the extent to which local health departments (LHDs) are engaged in succession planning and assessed the factors associated with having a succession plan. DESIGN We conducted a national cross-sectional Web-based survey of workforce recruitment and retention activities in a sample of LHDs responding to the National Association of County & City Health Officials' 2010 Profile Study and then linked these data sets to fit a multivariable logistic regression model to explain why some LHDs have succession plans and others do not. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Top executives in a national sample of LHDs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Presence or absence of succession planning. RESULTS Two hundred twenty-five LHDs responded to the survey, yielding a 43.3% response rate, but no statistically significant differences between respondents and nonrespondents were detected. Only 39.5% reported having a succession plan. Performance evaluation activities are more common in LHDs with a succession plan than in LHDs without a plan. In adjusted analyses, the largest LHDs were 7 times more likely to have a succession plan than the smallest. Compared with state-governed LHDs, locally governed LHDs were 3.5 times more likely, and shared governance LHDs were 6 times more likely, to have a succession plan. Every additional year of experience by the top executive was associated with a 5% increase in the odds of having a succession plan. Local health departments that report high levels of concern about retaining staff (vs low concern) had 2.5 times higher adjusted odds of having a succession plan. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first national data on succession planning in LHDs and sheds light on LHDs' readiness to meet the workforce-related accreditation standards.
Energies of 1s22lq (1 ⩽ q ⩽ 8) states for Z ⩽ 60 with a combined configuration interaction and many-body perturbation theory approach

Abstract Using a combined configuration interaction and many-body perturbation theory approach, we calculate the level energies of 1s22lq (1 ⩽ q ⩽ 8) states for ions with Z ⩽ 60. Comparison with experimental results wherever available indicates that the calculated energies are accurate to within a few 1000 cm−1 for all ions except for near-neutral systems which are less than 2–3 times ionized. The ground state ionization energies of these ions are also reported and compared with experimental values.
Studies of Carbon Nanotubes and Fluorinated Nanotubes by X-ray and Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) and fluorinated SWNTs (F-SWNTs) were investigated by core and valence band X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). The core spectra were interpreted by chemical shift calculations based upon CNDO calculations, and the valence band spectra were calculated using ab initio molecular orbital calculations. Both calculations used various molecules representing different structural models for SWNTs and F-SWNTs. Core XPS studies of SWNTs showed carbon and small amounts of chemisorbed oxygen, while F-SWNTs showed a C 1s region split into four principal components with peaks shifted by 1.25, 4.00, and 7.20 eV from the principal carbon peak. The valence band showed characteristic features that could be interpreted by calculated spectra. The model for SWNTs consisted of a carbon framework with terminating hydrogen atoms. This study indicates that it is possible to see significant differences in the photoelectron spectra for differ...
Early Emerging Nicotine-Dependence Symptoms: A Signal of Propensity for Chronic Smoking Behavior in Adolescents

Objective To evaluate the predictive validity of nicotine-dependence symptoms in 9th- and 10th-grade adolescents. Study design A total of 594 adolescents who had not smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and 152 adolescents who had smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime were included in the analysis. The predictive validity of 10 nicotine-dependence items administered at baseline was evaluated at the 24-month follow-up assessment. Results For those who smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes, higher levels of experienced nicotine-dependence symptoms at baseline, as well as individual symptoms, predicted current and daily smoking behavior at the 24-month follow-up, over and above baseline smoking. For adolescents who had smoked more than 100 cigarettes at baseline, the level of nicotine dependence and individual symptom endorsement did not predict smoking behavior at the 24-month follow-up. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that early emerging dependence symptoms reported at low levels of smoking exposure signal a greater propensity for continued smoking behavior not accounted for by current or past smoking exposure. Screening for these early emerging symptoms among novice adolescent smokers represents an important and unused tool in tobacco control efforts aimed at preventing the development of chronic smoking patterns.
Scattering-independent determination of the thermal-emission profile of a planetary atmosphere and related radiative-equilibrium considerations

For a realistic model of a planetary atmosphere, a gradient-flux relation for both continuum and continuum-plus-spectral-line frequencies is derived. It provides the thermal-emission profile of the atmosphere, independent of scattering and of polarization. The relation also provides an experimental criterion for the existence of radiative equilibrium across the atmosphere.
Bridging the transition from cancer patient to survivor: Pilot study results of the Cancer Survivor Telephone Education and Personal Support (C-STEPS) program

Objective To develop a feasibility study of a theory-driven telephone counseling program to enhance psychosocial and physical well-being for cancer survivors after treatment.
Stabilization of advanced atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice by aspirin.

Abstract COX-1-dependent eicosanoid formation accelerates atherogenesis, and low-dose aspirin reduces early atherosclerosis. However, the role of aspirin in modulating progression of vascular atherosclerotic lesions once established is less investigated. We wished to determine the effect of low-dose aspirin on vascular inflammation, plaque composition, and progression of established atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice (LDLR −/− ) were fed a high-fat diet for 3 months. At this time, one group of mice underwent baseline analysis. Two additional groups, while continuing the high-fat diet, were randomized to receive placebo or aspirin for additional 3 months. At the end of the study, LDLR −/− mice that had received aspirin had suppressed biosynthesis of thromboxane B 2 , the major products of COX-1 activity, reduced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels compared with controls. Compared with baseline, the placebo group had significant progression of atherosclerosis. In contrast, aspirin treated mice showed a significant reduction in progression of atherosclerosis, and a significant decrease in foam cell content. These results suggest that in murine atherosclerosis, low-dose aspirin retards progression of established and advanced vascular atherosclerotic lesions by suppressing the formation of bioactive lipids and vascular inflammation.
Oxaziridines and oxygen transfer. A revised mechanism for the kinetic resolution of 2-n-propyl-3-methyl-3-iso-butyloxaziridine by brucine.

Abstract The mechanism of kinetic resolution of an oxaziridine by brucine is re-examined. Contrary to a currently accepted report, two oxaziridines re-investigated do not transfer oxygen to the tertiary amine, brucine.
Highly transparent and conductive CdO thin films as anodes for organic light-emitting diodes: Film microstructure and morphology effects on performance

— Highly conductive and transparent CdO thin films have been grown on glass and on single-crystal MgO(100) by MOCVD at 400°C and were used as transparent anodes for fabricating small-molecule organic-light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Device response and applications potential have been investigated and compared with those of control devices based on commercial ITO anodes. It is demonstrated that highly conductive CdO thin films of proper morphology can efficiently inject holes into such devices, rendering them promising anode materials for OLEDs. Importantly, this work also suggests the feasibility of employing other CdO-based TCOs as anodes for high-performance OLEDs.
Reflectance-reducing covers for solar cells

The performance of a solar array can be improved by reducing its reflectivity with a reflectance-reducing glass cover. The performance of such a reflection-reducing cover on a planar solar cell is calculated by a ray-tracing computer model. Light reflected from the surface of the cell is totally internally reflected within the glass cover by the angled facets, and hence is redirected back to the cell surface. This allows reduced reflection to be achieved on a planar surface cell. A variety of wedge angles and geometrical configurations were investigated. The number of passes of light within the cover was calculated, verifying that use of the cover reduces the surface reflectivity of an AR-coated planar cell, and the performance was calculated for normally incident and off-angle illumination. Sensitivity of the reflectance to off-normal light is important for nontracking arrays, for collection of diffuse illumination and for concentrator cells. The angle sensitivity is dependent on whether the light incident angle is parallel or perpendicular to the groove direction. The reflectivity of arrays with reflectance-reducing glass is lower than with planar glass even for off-normal incidence.
Non-photorealistic volume rendering using stippling techniques

Simulating hand-drawn illustration techniques can succinctly express information in a manner that is communicative and informative. We present a framework for an interactive direct volume illustration system that simulates traditional stipple drawing. By combining the principles of artistic and scientific illustration, we explore several feature enhancement techniques to create effective, interactive visualizations of scientific and medical datasets. We also introduce a rendering mechanism that generates appropriate point lists at all resolutions during an automatic preprocess, and modifies rendering styles through different combinations of these feature enhancements. The new system is an effective way to interactively preview large, complex volume datasets in a concise, meaningful, and illustrative manner. Volume stippling is effective for many applications and provides a quick and efficient method to investigate volume models.
Chemical concentration measurement in blood serum and urine samples using liquid-core optical fiber Raman spectroscopy

We report measurements of chemical concentrations in clinical blood serum and urine samples using liquid-core optical fiber (LCOF) Raman spectroscopy to increase the collected signal strength. Both Raman and absorption spectra were acquired in the near-infrared region using the LCOF geometry. Spectra of 71 blood serum and 61 urine samples were regressed via partial least squares against reference analyzer values. Significant correlation was found between predicted and reference concentrations for 13 chemicals. Using absorption data to normalize the LCOF enhancement made the results more accurate. The experimental geometry is well suited for high-volume and automated chemical analysis of clear biofluids.
Stance and swing phase costs in human walking

Leg swing in human walking has historically been viewed as a passive motion with little metabolic cost. Recent estimates of leg swing costs are equivocal, covering a range from 10 to 33 per cent of the net cost of walking. There has also been a debate as to whether the periods of double-limb support during the stance phase dominate the cost of walking. Part of this uncertainty is because of our inability to measure metabolic energy consumption in individual muscles during locomotion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the metabolic cost of walking using a modelling approach that allowed instantaneous energy consumption rates in individual muscles to be estimated over the full gait cycle. At a typical walking speed and stride rate, leg swing represented 29 per cent of the total muscular cost. During the stance phase, the double-limb and single-limb support periods accounted for 27 and 44 per cent of the total cost, respectively. Performing step-to-step transitions, which encompasses more than just the double-support periods, represented 37 per cent of the total cost of walking. Increasing stride rate at a constant speed led to greater double-limb support costs, lower swing phase costs and no change in single-limb support costs. Together, these results provide unique insight as to how metabolic energy is expended over the human gait cycle.
Mitigating contextual uncertainties with valuable changeability analysis in the multi-epoch domain

This paper details a method involving a series of metrics and visuals designed to assist in the determination of a single design or set of designs' valuable changeability in the multi-epoch domain of Epoch-Era Analysis (EEA). A brief introduction to the necessary concepts of EEA is included, with references for further information. Example application of these new metrics is provided in the form of a partial case study of a potential orbit-realigning space tug system. The metrics are demonstrated to give insight into the value added by changeability and the total value provided by changeability and robustness in tandem. Reference [12] is a companion paper, detailing additional metrics and methods used to value system changeability at the era level. Multi-epoch analysis is best suited for understanding the performance of systems across the space of potential future uncertainties when considering their ability to change design; era analysis uncovers additional time-dependent information related to lifetime value and applied change mechanism usage.
Clinical reasoning: a 32-year-old woman with right-sided numbness and word-finding difficulties.

A 32-year-old right-handed woman from El Salvador was brought into the emergency department (ED) because of confusion, right-sided numbness, and word-finding difficulties.
Regional remodeling strain and its association with myocardial apoptosis after myocardial infarction in an ovine model

Objective Progressive left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction has been viewed as an important contributor to progressive heart failure. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between myocardial apoptosis and strain during progressive cardiac remodeling. Methods Before creation of an anterolateral left ventricular infarction by ligation of diagonal arteries, 16 sonomicrometry transducers were placed in the left ventricular free wall of 8 sheep to assess regional deformation in the infarct, adjacent, and normally perfused remote myocardial regions over 8 weeks' duration. Hemodynamic, echocardiographic and sonomicrometric data were collected before infarction and then 30 minutes and 2, 6, and 8 weeks after infarction. At the end of the study, regional myocardial tissues were collected for apoptotic signaling proteins. Results At terminal study, an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 8.1 ± 0.1 mm Hg, a decrease in ejection fraction from 54.19% ± 5.68% to 30.55% ± 2.72%, and an end-diastolic volume increase of 46.08 ± 5.02 mL as compared with the preinfarct values were observed. The fractional contraction at terminal study correlated with the relative abundance of apoptotic protein expressions: cytochrome c ( r 2 = 0.02, P r 2 = 0.27, P r 2 = 0.31, P r 2 = 0.30, P r 2 = 0.02, P r 2 = 0.28, P r 2 = 0.43, P r 2 = 0.37, P Conclusion Increase in regional remodeling strain led to an increase in myocardial apoptosis and regional contractile dysfunction in heart failure.
Application of magnetic resonance techniques to the study of semiconductor surfaces

Abstract After a brief discussion of the magnetic resonance phenomenon, experimental methods and sensitivity considerations, there follow sections on the application of electron and nuclear paramagnetic resonance techniques respectively to the study of solid surfaces. Attention is given to the pioneering work done in these fields. The various types of surface information which one might hope to obtain by resonance investigations are outlined, and some preliminary new experimental results are presented.
Imperial Loyalties and Private Concerns: Nation, Class, and State in the Correspondence of Austro-Hungrian POWs in Russia, 1916–1918

one of the most common experiences during World War I (and one of the least researched topics in the historiography of the war) was the experience of captivity. During four years of fighting, an estimated 8.5 million soldiers were taken captive, or roughly 1 out of every 9 men to don uniforms during the war. Among the warring countries, none had a greater prisoner of war problem than Austria-Hungary: out of 8 million soldiers mobilized by the Dual Monarchy during the war, an estimated 2.77 million wound up in POW camps, the great majority (2.11 million) in Russia.
A multidisciplinary approach to biometrics

Biometrics is an emerging field of technology using unique and measurable physical, biological, or behavioral characteristics that can be processed to identify a person. It is a multidisciplinary subject that integrates engineering, statistics, mathematics, computing, psychology, and policy. The need for biometrics can be found in governments, in the military, and in commercial applications. The Electrical Engineering Department at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, has introduced a biometric signal processing course for senior-level undergraduate students and has developed a biometrics lab to support this course. In this paper, the authors present the course content, the newly developed biometric signal processing lab, and the interactive learning process of the biometric course. They discuss some of the challenges that were encountered in implementing the course and how they were overcome. They also provide some feedback from the course assessment.
Chronic Treatment With Allopurinol Boosts Survival and Cardiac Contractility in Murine Postischemic Cardiomyopathy

Oxidative stress is a hallmark of systemic illnesses, including heart failure. Nevertheless, the overall importance of radical production in the heart remains conjectural; is it merely a marker of illness, or can intervention alter the progression of disease? This question was addressed by blocking xanthine oxidase (XO), a superoxide-generating enzyme that is upregulated in animal models of heart failure. In a randomized prospective trial design, we administered the XO inhibitor allopurinol orally to mice that had undergone massive myocardial infarction (MI). Cardiac XO activity was elevated in untreated mice after MI; allopurinol suppressed the XO activity to levels comparable to those in sham-operated mice. Eighty-one percent of untreated mice died of advanced heart failure over 2 to 4 weeks of follow-up. Survival doubled in the allopurinol-treated mice, whereas cardiac contractile function (both in vivo and in isolated muscle) was markedly improved. Response to isoproterenol was restored to near-normal levels in the allopurinol group but was attenuated in untreated mice. Oxidative modifications to proteins were prevented in the allopurinol-treated mice. Our findings indicate that targeted blockade of just one source of oxidants, XO, impacts dramatically on the progression of postischemic cardiomyopathy in mice and prevents oxidative protein modifications.
Bacillus Calmette–Guerin immunotherapy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is one of the great success stories of immunotherapy as a treatment for superficial urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Despite clinical effectiveness in over 50% of patients, the high incidence of local side effects and presence of nonresponders has led to efforts to improve the therapy. Recent advances have suggested a role for neutrophils and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in the antitumor inflammatory response. Cell wall components of mycobacteria alone, lowered doses of BCG, and combination with cytokines have been studied as ways to improve the immune response associated with BCG and/or reduce toxicity. This review will discuss the clinical use of BCG, its proposed mechanism of action, and directions of future research to improve efficacy and decrease side effects.
Computer-Aided Spread Spectrum Signal Design

The calculations required in the formulation of surface acoustic wave device signals have been removed from the design process into a large-scale digital computer. The designer is left to trade off application-critical signal characteristics while the computer presents the alternatives and controls fabrication of the interdigital transducers.
Metabolism of radioactive vitamin B12 by the rat.

Summary and ConclusionsRadioactive vit. B12 has been given orally or subcutaneously to 4 adult white rats. The radioactivity (entirely B12) was excreted primarily in the urine following injection, while the radioactivity (B12 + inorganic cobalt) was excreted primarily in the feces following oral administration.
HOPS: Efficient region labeling using Higher Order Proxy Neighborhoods

We present the Higher Order Proxy Neighborhoods (HOPS) approach to modeling higher order neighborhoods in Markov Random Fields (MRFs). HOPS incorporates more context information into the energy function in a recursive and cached manner. It induces little or no additional computational cost in the overall minimization process, and can better represent the underlying energy leading to fewer total computations. Indeed, when integrated with the Graph-Shifts energy minimization algorithm we observe a 30% average decrease to the convergence time. We apply HOPS to high-level labeling of natural and geospatial images; our results show that HOPS leads to smoother labelings that better follow object boundaries. HOPS can label an image with an average 75% accuracy in a couple of seconds.
Information Technology and Productivity: Evidence from Country-Level Data

This paper studies a key driver of the demand for the products and services of the global IT industry--returns from IT investments. We estimate an intercountry production function relating IT and non-IT inputs to GDP output, on panel data from 36 countries over the 1985--1993 period. We find significant differences between developed and developing countries with respect to their structure of returns from capital investments. For the developed countries in the sample, returns from IT capital investments are estimated to be positive and significant, while returns from non-IT capital investments are not commensurate with relative factor shares. The situation is reversed for the developing countries subsample, where returns from non-IT capital are quite substantial, but those from IT capital investments are not statistically significant. We estimate output growth contributions of IT and non-IT capital and discuss the contrasting policy implications for capital investment by developed and developing economies.
Social heterogeneity and wasteful lobbying

Using a general equilibrium model with endogenous policy, we explore how heterogeneity affects wasteful lobbying by sectoral interest groups. With the help of a simulation approach, we first investigate the impact of information heterogeneity on how lobbies react to a shift from a soft to a strict government budget constraint. Next, we examine how lobbying is influenced by heterogenous perception of the general equilibrium implications of lobbying effort. Finally, we explore the consequences of heterogenous specialization in households' asset portfolios. We conclude that social heterogeneity in information, perceptions, and portfolio compositions increases incentives to lobby.
Mass produced copper-on-polymer-membrane boards for micromachined millimeter-wave circuits

Membrane-supported circuits (also known as dielectric-less circuits) have been well known for their negligible dielectric losses and for their allowance of relaxed dimensional tolerances in high-frequency circuit design. However, thus far, most of the commonly known silicon-based membrane-processing technologies require intensive and time-consuming thermal processing. This paper reports a simple but economical processing technique for production of self-supporting polymer-membrane-based printed circuits. Based on a pre-processed copper-on-polymer-membrane board, a planar millimeter/submillimeter wave component can be rapidly prototyped on a 5 /spl mu/m thick polymer membrane with conventional photolithographical processing equipment. The simplicity of the process makes this technology particularly suitable for mass production of millimeter wave or sub-millimeter wave components. Vector-network-analyzer measurement reveals that the transmission losses of general E-plane components are typically less than 0.5 dB/cm across W-band.
Age-related change and stability of individual differences in infant saccade reaction time

Several facets of continuity in infant information processing were studied longitudinally using the visual expectation paradigm in a sample of 24 infants. At both 4 and 6 months of age, infants viewed an identical left-right alternating sequence of pictures while their eye movements were recorded. Human observers coded the videotape records to document saccadic reaction times (RT), rates of anticipatory fixation shifts to future pictures, and off-task behaviors. Measures of RT were reliable within each assessment and showed strong stability of individual differences across sessions. Measures of anticipation and off-task behaviors revealed few age differences, some within-session reliability, but no stability across sessions. Results provide strong evidence for continuity in some component of infant information processing during the early months of life.
Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome following cutdown catheterization.

Traumatic neuropathy following intravenous catheterization by means of a cutdown at the antecubital fossa resulted in inability to flex the tip of the index finger and thumb. The impaired pincer grasp that results causes considerable handicap when the dominant hand is involved.
An uncommon cause of haemoptysis in a 69-year-old women.

A 69-year-old Caucasian women presented to the clinic with haemoptysis. Review of the systems was otherwise negative. Her medical history was significant for uterine carcinosarcoma, which was diagnosed 3 years ago and treated with total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Physical examination was non-contributory. Chest X-ray (CXR) revealed right upper lobe mass-like density concerning for a malignancy (figure 1). Figure 1 Chest X-ray showing right upper lobe mass. Subsequent CT …
Mobile element insertions causing mutations in the Drosophila suppressor of sable locus occur in DNase I hypersensitive subregions of 5'-transcribed nontranslated sequences.

The locations of 16 mobile element insertions causing mutations at the Drosophila suppressor of sable [su(s)] locus were determined by restriction mapping and DNA sequencing of the junction sites. The transposons causing the mutations are: P element (5 alleles), gypsy (3 alleles), 17.6, HMS Beagle, springer, Delta 88, prygun, Stalker, and a new mobile element which was named roamer (2 alleles). Four P element insertions occur in 5' nontranslated leader sequences, while the fifth P element and all 11 non-P elements inserted into the 2053 nucleotide, 5'-most intron that is spliced from the 5' nontranslated leader ~100 nucleotides upstream of the translation start. Fifteen of the 16 mobile elements inserted within a ~1900 nucleotide region that contains seven 100-200-nucleotide long DNase I-hypersensitive subregions that alternate with DNase I-resistant intervals of similar lengths. The locations of these 15 insertion sites correlate well with the roughly estimated locations of five of the DNase I-hypersensitive subregions. These findings suggest that the features of chromatin structure that accompany gene activation may also make the DNA susceptible to insertion of mobile elements.
Biotransformation, Biodegradation, and Bioremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been the subject of scientific study for many years, and a number of excellent reviews have been published on PAH biodegradation. The purpose of this chapter is to review those characteristics of PAH-contaminated systems and PAH-degrading microorganisms that can influence the fate of PAHs in impacted soil and sediment systems. The identification of these characteristics can be approached either from a reductionist perspective — in an effort to elucidate relevant mechanisms that can be extrapolated to more complex systems — or from an appreciation for the complexity of real PAH-contaminated environments. A perspective somewhere between these views, flexible enough to look in either direction for insights, may be required to advance our understanding of PAH biodegradation in the real world.
Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Osteomyelitis of the Thumb: Successful Treatment with Serial Debridement, Antimicrobial Therapy, External Fixation, and Interphalangeal Arthrodesis

Case: We present the case of a fifty-seven-year-old woman treated for persistent inflammation of her thumb initially thought to be due to tuberculous osteomyelitis but which ultimately proved to be due to infection caused by a novel nontuberculous mycobacterial species. The establishment of this diagnosis and her treatment are described. Conclusion: Indolent hand infections caused by atypical mycobacterial species may occur even in immunocompetent hosts, and their diagnosis remains challenging and often elusive. Surgeons should have a low threshold of suspicion for nontuberculous mycobacteria in cases refractory to treatment by standard protocols. The miniature external fixator provides stability and allows for soft-tissue healing in the setting of hand infections.
Effects of Ant (Formica subsericea) Nests on Physical and Hydrological Properties of a Fine-Textured Soil

Ants are known to preferentially line subsurface nest components with coarser or finer material and may expand or backfill areas as colony size expands and contracts. These modifications may contribute to significant redistribution of soil material, leading to changes in soil physical and hydrological properties. A total of 102 small-volume (∼1 cm³) soil samples were taken from the surface mound, near individual subsurface nest components, and in soils within 1 m of two Formica subsericea colonies to determine how ants affect soil bulk density, organic C content, and particle-size distributions. Overall, the surface mound had higher soil organic C and silt contents than the rest of the nest, soil near galleries in the upper horizons had higher bulk density, and soil near chambers in the lower horizons had higher C values. Ant-modified soil properties extended beyond the extent of the surface mound and could be seen up to 1 m away. Cracks exacerbated by the vertic properties of the surrounding soil provided higher surface area for C mineralization and spaces for ants to travel through, which could explain the lower bulk density outside the nest if ants modify interpedal pore spaces during dry periods. Modeling results from the soils in this study showed that soils with ant-modified properties were associated with more rapid increases and decreases in moisture content than the control soil (i.e., unmodified by ants). Physical and chemical alterations of ant-modified soil diminish with increasing depth, as nest structures decrease in density.
The Biology of Microvelia Capitata Guerin, 1857, in the Panama Canal Zone and Its Role as a Predator on Anopheline Larvae (Veliidae: Hemiptera)

In the course of studies on malarial vectors in the Panama Canal Zone, attention was directed during the dry season to Anopheles pseudopunctipennis pseudopunctipennis Theobald. The dry season on the Pacific side of the Isthmus of Panama lasts from about the middle of December to the middle of April. During this period only a negligible rainfall occurs and the countryside becomes very dry with the streams either drying up completely or flowing at an extremely slow rate. For example, the Rio Cardenas, along the Chiva Chiva Trail, about four miles from Balboa Heights, was reduced to a trickle, and its sunny pools, became covered with green algae. It was in the still sunny pools associated with the algae that Anopheles pseudopunctipennis pseudopunctipennis Theobald was found abundantly. In this same habitat, running over the surface of the water and algae were great numbers of the tiny veliid, Microvelia capitata Guerin. Their cast skins were to be seen everywhere on the water and algae. That the Microvelia were feeding upon the Anopheline larvae was strongly suggested by this association. A number of collecting trips were made during March, 1945, to collect these small Hemiptera and to study their feeding habits in the laboratory.
RNA Self-Assembly and RNA Nanotechnology

ConspectusNanotechnology’s central goal involves the direct control of matter at the molecular nanometer scale to build nanofactories, nanomachines, and other devices for potential applications including electronics, alternative fuels, and medicine. In this regard, the nascent use of nucleic acids as a material to coordinate the precise arrangements of specific molecules marked an important milestone in the relatively recent history of nanotechnology.While DNA served as the pioneer building material in nucleic acid nanotechnology, RNA continues to emerge as viable alternative material with its own distinct advantages for nanoconstruction. Several complementary assembly strategies have been used to build a diverse set of RNA nanostructures having unique structural attributes and the ability to self-assemble in a highly programmable and controlled manner. Of the different strategies, the architectonics approach uniquely endeavors to understand integrated structural RNA architectures through the arrangement ...
Resurgence of the Scale, Fiorinia externa (Homoptera: Diaspididae), on Hemlock Following Insecticide Application

When thoroughly applied to the entire crown, dimethoate 2E insecticide can provide excellent control of Fiorinia externa Ferris (Homoptera: Diaspididae), a destructive scale insect of Eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr., in the northeast (U.S.). However, incomplete application of this insecticide, a likely occurrence when treating forest hemlock, favors the resurgence of scale populations. On sprayed trees, F. externa had a faster rate of development and was more fecund than on unsprayed trees. Also, application of the insecticide, even on trees where only one side of the crown was treated, virtually eliminated the parasite, Aspidiotiphagus citrinus Craw., and 3 species of predators from the entire lower crown. Increased rate of growth and fecundity of F. externa and reduced mortality from natural enemies following insecticide treatment will facilitate the resurgence of populations of the scale on hemlock. The relationship between nutritive quality of the host plant and resurgence of post-spray populations of F. externa is discussed.
E1 Link Interface Self-healing Protection Solution of Computer Network

This paper puts forward intelligent network self-healing solution,which is based on the problems of commercial dedicated network.It does not change the network structure,but adds an intelligent network self-healing device between inside network and outside network.The device developed and produced by the authers can complete healing when the malfunction appears.The scheme designs and implements the system which adds a redundant hot-backup link of E1 link,so that E1 interface has the functions of auto-detecting,orienting and healing network malfunction.The system can complete self-healing operation by itself in 30s.
Technical Analysis of Operation Problems about Circulating Fluid Bed-flue Gas Desulfurization(CFB-FGD)

For the flue gas desulfurization(FGD) of circulating fluidized bed(CFB),the integrative process of desulfurization and dust extraction has many advantages of simple system,low cost,low maintenance cost,and high desulfurization efficiency ect.By the test analysis of the operation problems of CFB-FGD in the power plant,the causes and corresponding measures are put forward,providing references for design and operation of CFB-FGD system.
Bimaxillary prognathism in the Nubian people of Egypt.

Abstract A study of facial pattern and occlusion in Egyptian Nubian children. Skeletal pattern is found to be very similar to that of White Americans, with a more protrusive dentition situated farther forward in the face.
Survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes on whole cantaloupes is dependent on site of contamination and storage temperature.

Abstract Whole cantaloupes (Cucumis melo L.), marketed as ‘Rocky Ford’, were implicated in a large multi-state outbreak of listeriosis in the United States in 2011; however, survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes on whole cantaloupes remains relatively unexplored. The research presented here evaluated three different storage temperatures, two sites of contamination of cantaloupes, and two cantaloupe varieties to determine their effect on the survival of L. monocytogenes. ‘Athena’ and ‘Rocky Ford’ cantaloupe cultivars were grown in soil and harvested, and individual melons subsequently received a multi-strain inoculum of L. monocytogenes (6 log CFU/melon), which were then stored at 4 °C, 10 °C, and 25 °C. Changes in L. monocytogenes populations on the rinds and stem scars of cantaloupes stored at each temperature were determined at selected times for up to 15 days. An analysis of variance revealed that inoculation site and storage temperature significantly affected survival of L. monocytogenes on cantaloupes during storage (p 0.05). Populations of L. monocytogenes on stem scars of cantaloupes stored at 25 °C increased by 1–2 log CFU/melon on day 1, and were significantly greater than those on cantaloupes stored at 4 °C or 10 °C (p 0.05). In trials performed in rind juice extracts, populations of L. monocytogenes decreased by 3 log CFU/mL when stored at 25 °C by day 3, but grew by 3–4 log CFU/mL when stored at 4 °C over 7 days. Overall, site of contamination and storage temperature influenced the survival of L. monocytogenes on cantaloupes more than cantaloupe cultivar type.
Inhibition of Nb2 T-lymphoma cell growth by transforming growth factor-β

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) inhibits proliferation of Nb2 cells, a rat T lymphoma, in response to lactogens and interleukin-2. Prostaglandins may play an important role in the pathway through which TGF-beta exerts its inhibitory actions, because prostaglandin E2 also inhibits proliferation of Nb2 cells, and indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, reverses the inhibitory effects of TGF-beta on Nb2 cell proliferation.