cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum Hall effect of the topological insulator state of cadmium arsenide in Corbino geometry

The surfaces of a three-dimensional topological insulator each host a single Dirac fermion, which, in a strong magnetic field, contribute to the transverse conductance in integer-and-a-half multiples of the conductance quantum. The direct observation of this extra half integer, the hallmark of the two-dimensional Dirac state, is usually thwarted by the fermion doubling theorem—top and bottom surfaces are not measured independently. Here, we employ a Corbino measurement geometry in which a current, induced by an ac magnetic field, is driven around the ring, as a complementary measurement to the conventional Hall bar geometry. As the device enters the quantum Hall regime, the transverse voltage reaches a series of plateaus when the current is carried by the incompressible bulk states. We compare the results with the corresponding Hall bar measurements.
Understanding the Developmental Roots of Gender Gaps in Politics

Globally, women are underrepresented in politics. We propose developmental psychology offers an important, yet underused, theoretical lens for understanding and counteracting the gender gap in poli...
Robotic Arm Camera (Rac) for the 2007 Phoenix Mars Scout Lander

The slide presentation examines background, mission overview, the robotic arm camera (RAC), and ongoing work in preparation for the Phoenix Mars Scout Lander mission.
Effects of Distance, Energy and Molecular Structure on Long-Distance Electron-Transfer Between Molecules

The centerpiece of this meeting is the exciting measurements of the structure of the photosynthetic reaction center of R. viridis by MICHEL, DEISENHOFER and co-workers [1–3]. To understand the marriage of structure to function in this beautiful machine, we need to understand the basic principles of several processes, one of which is electron transfer (ET) between molecules. Things we must know are how electron transfer rates depend on distance, energy, spatial orientation, polarity of the medium and molecular structure of all the material involved. Our work is aimed at learning these basic principles through experimental measurements of electron transfer between molecules. The molecules we use are not components of photosynthesis, but are usually aromatic molecules. To learn how ET rates depend on distance, it has been necessary to hold electron donors and acceptors at fixed distances. It turns out that fixed distances are very helpful, perhaps even necessary, to answer the other questions as well.
God as Genetic Engineer

The Edge of Evolution. The Search for the Limits of Darwinism. By Michael J. Behe. Free Press, New York, 2007. 331 pp. $28, C$33.99. ISBN 9780743296205. To support belief in intelligent design, Behe argues that random mutation and natural selection cannot account for the important changes in the history of life on Earth.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects 661W cells from H2O2-mediated cell death and enhances electroretinography response in dim-reared albino rats

PURPOSE Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of honeybee propolis, has a wide range of beneficial properties. The purpose of this study was to test the protective role of CAPE in 661W cells (in vitro) against H(2)O(2)-mediated cell death and in albino rats (in vivo) against various light conditions. METHODS The 661W cells were pretreated with CAPE and then stressed with H(2)O(2). Cell death was measured with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, and mRNA and proteins were analyzed. Sprague Dawley rats were raised on either a control or CAPE (0.02%) diet and exposed to various light conditions for short or long periods. Retinal histology, mRNA, protein, lipid composition, and retinal function by electroretinography (ERG) were measured at the end of feeding. RESULTS Pretreatment of 661W cells with CAPE reduced H(2)O(2)-mediated cell death in a dose-dependent manner and induced expression of heme oxygenase-1 (Ho1). Albino rats fed with CAPE had greater expression of Ho1 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (Icam1), less expression of FOS-like antigen (Fosl) and lipoxygenase 12 (Lox12) genes in the retina, less translocation of nuclear factor kappaB protein to the nucleus, and a lower molar ratio of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Further, the ERGs of the retinas of CAPE-fed rats were significantly higher than those of the control-fed rats when raised in dim light. CONCLUSIONS CAPE can activate the antioxidative gene expression pathway in retinal cells in vitro and in vivo. Feeding CAPE to albino rats can enhance ERG responses and change the lipid profile in the rats' retinas.
Measurement of Sensory Thresholds

One of the earliest characteristics of human sensory function to be measured was the absolute threshold. The absolute or detection threshold was seen as an energy level below which no sensation would be produced by a stimulus and above which a sensation would reach consciousness. The concept of threshold was central to Fechner’s psychophysics. His integration of Weber’s law to produce the first psychophysical relationship (S = k log I) in fact depends formally on the physical intensity, I, being measured with the absolute threshold as the unit (Boring, 1946). Early physiologists like Weber and Fechner used the classical method of limits to measure this point of discontinuity or beginning of the psychophysical function. In the method of limits, the energy or physical intensity level would be raised and lowered, and the average point at which the observer changed response from “no sensation” to “yes, I perceive something” would be taken as the threshold. This specification of the minimum energy level required for perception was one of the first operating characteristics of sensory function to be quantified. Historically, the other common property to be measured was the difference threshold or minimal increase in energy needed to produce a noticeable increase in sensation. Together, these two measures were used to specify the psychophysical function, which to Fechner was a process of adding difference thresholds once the absolute threshold had been passed.
Diabetic microangiopathy in KK mice. V. Effect of early glyburide treatment of kidney glucosyltransferase activity.

Abstract KK mice with spontaneous hereditary diabetes were treated with 0.5 mg/kg of glyburide once a day by intubation for 5 days a week from 20 days of age. A representative number of KK mice received 0.9% saline (0.1 ml/10 g) and served as controls for glyburide treated mice. The SA mice were not treated with saline. After an 18 hr fast, both saline and glyburide-treated mice were sacrificed at 40, 50, 70, and 100 days of age. Glyburide-treated mice showed a decreased trend in blood sugar levels, and this was significant in 50- and 70-day-old mice. The serum IRI levels increased significantly in the 70-day-old glyburide-treated mice. Glyburide caused a significant decrease in glucosyltransferase activity in the renal cortex of the KK mice at 40, 50, and 70 days of age. Early glyburide treatment is effective not only in preventing the progression of glomerulosclerosis but also in normalizing biochemical changes contributory to genetic diabetic glomerulosclerosis in KK mice.
Unimolecular Rate Constants for the HF and HCl Elimination Reactions from Chemically Activated CF2ClSH

Chemically activated CF3SH, CFCl2SH, and CF2ClSH were formed through combination of SH and CF3, CFCl2, and CF2Cl radicals, respectively. The SH radical was prepared by abstraction of an H-atom from H2S by the halocarbon radical produced during photolysis of (CF3)2C=O, (CFCl2)2C=O, or (CF2Cl)2C=O. 1,2-HX (X = F, Cl) elimination reactions were observed from CF3SH, CFCl2SH, and CF2ClSH with products detected by GC-MS. The combination reaction of CF2Cl radicals with SH radicals prepared CF2ClSH molecules with approximately 318 kJ/mol of internal energy. The experimental rate constants for elimination of HCl and HF from CF2ClSH were 3 ± 3 × 1010 and 2 ± 1 × 109 s−1, respectively. Comparison to Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) calculated rate constants assigned the threshold energies as 171 ± 12 and 205 ± 12 kJ/mol for the unimolecular elimination of HCl and HF, respectively. Theoretical calculations using the B3PW91, MP2, and M062X methods with the 6311+G(2d,p) and 6-31G(d',p') basis sets established that for a specific method the threshold energies differ by only 4 kJ/mol between the two different basis sets. There was wide variation among the three methods, but the M062X approach appeared to give threshold energies closest to the experimental values. Chemically activated CF3SH and CFCl2SH were also prepared with about 318 kcal mol−1 of internal energy, and the HX (X = F, Cl) elimination reactions were observed. Only HCl loss was detected from CFCl2SH, but the rate was too fast to measure with our kinetic method; however, based on our detection limit the HF elimination channel is at least 50 times slower.
Improved image reconstruction from sensitivity-encoded data by wavelet denoising and Tikhonov regularization

Parallel magnetic resonance imaging through sensitivity encoding using multiple receiver coils has emerged as an effective tool to reduce imaging time. However, errors in both the estimated coil sensitivity maps and the measured data, and the ill-conditioned nature of the coefficient matrix (often associated with non-localized coils) can degrade image quality significantly, limiting speed enhancements. In this paper, we propose to use wavelet denoising to reduce noise in the coil sensitivity maps and a specially-designed Tikhonov regularization scheme to solve the ill-conditioned matrix equation. Experimental results show that these techniques produce significantly better images (with an improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced aliasing artifacts) than conventional reconstruction methods based on matrix inversion with a diagonal regularization matrix.
Interconnect-limited VLSI architecture

As semiconductor technology scales, wires are becoming the dominant factor in determining system performance and power dissipation. By 2008, it is expected that chip traversal will require 16 clocks. Modern superscalar architectures that depend on global register files, global bypass structures, and global instruction issue logic are poorly matched to future semiconductor technology. This technology demands architectures that exploit locality and minimize global communication. In this paper, we describe three approaches to developing architectures that are well matched to interconnect-limited technology. These architectures reduce the use of global communication by clustering execution resources with their data and instruction storage and extending the storage hierarchy to the level of individual ALUs. They also make more efficient use of global interconnection by organizing it as a regular network, rather than a collection of ad-hoc dedicated wires.
Thermodynamics of the Hydration Shell. 2. Excess Volume and Compressibility of a Hydrophobic Solute

The hydration shell model for the excess volume and compressibility is examined. A modified Kirkwood−Buff formula for the excess volume, which is appropriate for use in the canonical ensemble, is presented. Its pressure derivative is shown to be the excess compressibility, which can be expressed as an integral of the local solvent compressibility over the hydration shell. For methane in water, which is chosen as the first application, the local solvent density and compressibility around the solute are calculated from a Monte Carlo simulation as continuous functions of the distance from the solute. The localization of the excess volume and compressibility within the hydration shell is then analyzed in terms of the deviation of the local solvent density and compressibility from their bulk values, respectively. The effect of the exclusion of solvent molecules by the solute is also described for the excess volume. About 80% of the total excess volume is accounted for by the excluded volume effect of the solut...
Local and systemic increase in lipid peroxidation after moderate experimental traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury is a common event associated with neurological dysfunction. Oxidative damage, may contribute to some of these pathologic changes. We used a specific and sensitive marker of lipid peroxidation, the isoprostane 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI, to investigate whether local and also systemic lipid peroxidation were induced following lateral fluid percussion (FP) brain injury in the rat. Animals were anesthetized and subjected to lateral FP brain injury of moderate severity, or to sham injury as controls. Urine was collected before anesthesia (baseline), 6 and 24 h after injury. Blood was collected at baseline, 1, 6 and 24 h after injury. Animals were killed 24 h after surgery and their brains removed for biochemical analysis. No significant difference was observed at baseline (preinjury) for urine and plasma 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI levels between injured and sham-operated animals. By contrast, plasma and urinary levels increased significantly already at 1 and further increased 24 h following brain injury, when compared to sham-operated animals. Finally, compared with sham, injured animals had a significant increase in brain 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI levels. These results demonstrate that moderate brain injury induces widespread brain lipid peroxidation, which is accompanied by a similar increase in urine and plasma. Peripheral measurement of 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI levels after brain injury may be a reliable marker of brain oxidative damage.
Production of copper and cobalt at Gecamines, Zaire

Abstract This paper reviews the present state of the art in mining and processing various copper-cobalt ores by Gecamines which ranks as the fifth biggest producer of copper and also the primary producer of cobalt in the world. It briefly reviews the geology and ore reserves of several deposits in Shaba province in the Southern part of Zaire and also discusses the operating facilities with brief description of mines, concentrators and metallurgical plants in the company. The paper also discloses the evaluation of the mine production of copper and cobalt during 1980 to 1987 and also outlines the metallurgical recoveries in the concentrators and metallurgical plants for both copper and cobalt. Research and development efforts of Gecamines with respect to geological prospection, mining and metallurgical research and research on maintenance and material have been mentioned. Modernization of Gecamines long-term and short-term strategies are covered with an emphasis on projects concerned with the rehabilitation program in all production units. A brief discussion on the operating costs of the production units along with problems connected with the existing transport facilities are reviewed.
Effect of mescaline on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthesis in the central nervous system

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) synthesis in mouse brain was demonstrated following the intracerebral injection of nicotinamide (500 mg./Kg.). Animals which received mescaline hemisulfate (100 mg./Kg.) 90 min. prior to nicotinamide were found to have higher levels of brain NAD at the 2 and 3 hr. time intervals.
The Moral-Conventional Distinction in Mature Moral Competence

Developmental psychologists have long argued that the capacity to distinguish moral and conventional transgressions develops across cultures and emerges early in life. Children reliably treat moral transgressions as more wrong, more punishable, independent of structures of authority, and universally applicable. However, previous studies have not yet examined the role of these features in mature moral cognition. Using a battery of adult-appropriate cases (including vehicular and sexual assault, reckless behavior, and violations of etiquette and social contracts) we demonstrate that these features also distinguish moral from conventional transgressions in mature moral cognition. Each hypothesized moral transgressions was treated as strongly and clearly immoral. However, our data suggest that although the majority of hypothesized conventional transgressions also form an obvious cluster, social conventions seem to lie along a continuum that stretches from mere matters of personal preference (e.g., getting tattoos or wearing black shoes with a brown belt) to transgressions that are treated as matters for legitimate social sanction (e.g., violating traffic laws or not paying your taxes). We use these findings to discuss issues of universality, domain-specificity, and the importance of using a wellstudied set of moral scenarios to examine clinical populations and the underlying neural architecture of moral cognition.
A comparison of within- and between-day reliability of discrete 3D lower extremity variables in runners

It is important to understand the day-to-day variability that is attributed to repositioning of markers especially when assessing a treatment effect or response over time. While previous studies have reported reliability of waveform patterns, none have assessed the repeatability of discrete points such as peak angles, velocities and angular excursions which are often used when making statistical and clinical comparisons. The purpose of this study was to compare the within- and between-day variability of discrete kinematic, kinetic, and ground reaction force (GRF) data collected during running. Comparisons for 20 recreational runners were evaluated for within- and between-day reliability of discrete 3D kinematic, kinetic, and GRF variables. The results indicated that within-day comparisons were more reliable than between-day. Joint angular velocity and angular excursion values were more reliable between-days as compared to absolute peak angle measures and may be more useful in interpreting changes in treatment over time. Between-day kinematic and kinetic sagittal plane values were more reliable than secondary plane values. Reliability of GRF data was greater than kinematic and kinetic data for between-day comparisons.
Regional deep hypothermia of the spinal cord protects against ischemic injury during thoracic aortic cross-clamping☆

Abstract We tested in pigs the hypothesis that regional deep hypothermia of the spinal cord achieved by cerebrospinal fluid cooling will protect against ischemic injury during thoracic aortic cross-clamping. Eight control animals underwent aortic cross-clamping at the distal aortic arch and just above the diaphragm for 30 minutes. Eight experimental animals had placement of two subarachnoid perfusion catheters through laminectomies at T4 and the lower lumbar region. The subarachnoid space was perfused with normal saline solution at 6 °C delivered by gravity infusion, with infusion rates adjusted to maintain cord temperatures at less than 20 °C. After 30 minutes of aortic cross-clamping, the infusion was stopped and the cord allowed to warm to body temperature. Hind limb neurologic function was graded by Tarlov's scale. All of the animals in the control group had complete hind limb paraplegia (Tarlov grade 0) postoperatively. Seven of the 8 animals in the experimental group had preservation of hind limb motor function (Tarlov grade 2), and 1 animal had complete hind limb paraplegia (Tarlov grade 0) ( p = 0.002, Fisher's exact test). We conclude that regional deep hypothermia of the spinal cord in pigs does provide some protection from ischemic injury during thoracic aortic cross-clamping. Clinically this may be a useful adjunct for prevention of paraplegia during thoracic aortic operations.
Distal Femoral Osteotomy: Is Internal Fixation Better than External?

Background Distal femoral osteotomies (DFO) can be used to correct deformities around the knee. Although osteotomies can be fixed with either internal or external fixation techniques, the advantages of one over the other are unclear.
Sex and hormonal influences on seizures and epilepsy

Epilepsy is the third most common chronic neurological disorder. Clinical and experimental evidence supports the role of sex and influence of sex hormones on seizures and epilepsy as well as alterations of the endocrine system and levels of sex hormones by epileptiform activity. Conversely, seizures are sensitive to changes in sex hormone levels, which in turn may affect the seizure-induced neuronal damage. The effects of reproductive hormones on neuronal excitability and seizure-induced damage are complex to contradictory and depend on different mechanisms, which have to be accounted for in data interpretation. Both estradiol and progesterone/allopregnanolone may have beneficial effects for patients with epilepsy. Individualized hormonal therapy should be considered as adjunctive treatment in patients with epilepsy to improve seizure control as well as quality of life.
Building capacity for integrated coastal management in developing countries

The need for building human and institutional capacity has been identified in Agenda 21 of the UNCED conference as well as by a number of international environmental institutions as essential for integrated coastal management (ICM) and sustainable development in developing coastal states. There is a growing need for coastal management practitioners and organizations with expertise in planning and implementation for ICM. The application of strategies for institutional development and building human capacity in coastal management and other fields shows that short-term intensive training efforts and long-term institutional strengthening programs are appropriate to address the issues and needs of ICM. An overview of the experience of the URI/USAID International Coastal Resources Management Program in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Ecuador presents lessons learned for strengthening ICM efforts in developing countries.
Precision Compton polarimetry for the Q Weak experiment at Jefferson Lab

The QWeak experiment, scheduled to run in 2010–2012 in Hall C at Jefferson Lab, will measure the parity-violating asymmetry in elastic electron-proton scattering at 1.1 GeV to determine the weak charge of the proton, \(Q^p_{\rm Weak} = 1 - 4 \sin^2 \theta_W\). The dominant experimental systematic uncertainty will be the knowledge of the electron beam polarization. With a new Compton polarimeter we aim to measure the beam polarization with a statistical precision of 1% in one hour and a systematic uncertainty of 1%. A low-gain Fabry–Perot cavity laser system provides the circularly polarized photons. The scattered electrons are detected in radiation-hard diamond strip detectors, and form the basis for a coincidence trigger using distributed logic boards. The photon detector uses a fast, undoped CsI crystal with simultaneous sampling and integrating read-out. Coincident events are used to cross-calibrate the photon and electron detectors.
Measurement of Electron Mobilities in Argon Gas in a Pure Vapor Cloud Chamber

Measurements have been made of the mobilities of electrons in argon gas using pure vapor cloud-chamber techniques. Electron mobilities were measured in the $\frac{E}{{P}_{0}}$ range (${P}_{0}$ is the pressure corrected to 296\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) from 7.9 to 11.4 V/cm mm Hg. The electron mobilities were found to be approximately constant over this $\frac{E}{{P}_{0}}$ range with a value of ${k}_{0}$ of about 3.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{5}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/vsec mm Hg.
Sensitive fluorescence assays for urokinase using synthetic peptide 4-methoxy-. beta. -naphthylamide substrates

Two assays for the plasminogen activator urokinase using peptide fluorogenic substrates are described. N-carbobenzoxy--glycyl-glycyl-L-arginine-4-methoxy-..beta..-naphthylamide (CBZ-Gly-Gly-Arg-4M..beta..NA) can be used in a direct assay that is simple, rapid, and sensitive to as little as 0.5 IU/ml urokinase. Additional sensitivity, to 0.01 IU/ml urokinase, is obtained in a second method that uses plasminogen as the primary substrate followed by a fluorogenic substrate assay employing N-carbobenzoxy-L-ananyl-L-alanyl-L-lysine-4-methoxy-..beta..-naphthylamide (CBZ-Ala-Ala-Lys-4M..beta..NA) as a specific substrate for the activated plasmin. These assays are as sensitive as the best assays presently in use and are simpler to perform. In addition, these assays can readily be used for kinetic analysis of the hydrolytic activity of urokinase or other plasminogen activators.
Automatic Performance Monitoring of FDM Re-Modulation Microwave Systems

This paper describes the development and design of an automatic performance monitoring system which monitors pertinent operational parameters of six major BPA microwave systems. The system provides Operations and Maintenance personnel with continuous measurement of each systems performance. System degradation and impending failures are detected before an outage occurs. This allows maintenance visits to be scheduled in advance. Also, the monitor system isolates problems to specific sections of each microwave system allowing rapid location and repair of the problem. One unique feature of this monitor system is that it performs automatic diagnosis. Another unique feature is that it requires remote data gathering terminals at the ends of each microwave system, rather than distributed at repeater stations on the system being monitored. As a result, problem diagnosis can be made regardless of problem severity.
Dependence of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser diodes with integrated microfluidic channels on fluid refractive index

We report for the first time an electrically pumped vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) with a microfluidic channel as an integral part of the laser cavity to form a photonic biosensor. This paper demonstrates the dependence of threshold current and slope efficiency of the laser diode on the refractive index of the fluid in the channel.
Optimization of non-natural nucleotides for selective incorporation opposite damaged DNA.

The promutagenic process known as translesion DNA synthesis reflects the ability of a DNA polymerase to misinsert a nucleotide opposite a damaged DNA template. To study the underlying mechanism of nucleotide selection during this process, we quantified the incorporation of various non-natural nucleotide analogs opposite an abasic site, a non-templating DNA lesion. Our kinetic studies using the bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase reveal that the π-electron surface area of the incoming nucleotide substantially contributes to the efficiency of incorporation opposite an abasic site. A remaining question is whether the selective insertion of these non-hydrogen-bonding analogs can be achieved through optimization of shape and π-electron density. In this report, we describe the synthesis and kinetic characterization of four novel nucleotide analogs, 5-cyanoindolyl-2′-deoxyriboside 5′-triphosphate (5-CyITP), 5-ethyleneindolyl-2′-deoxyriboside 5′-triphosphate (5-EyITP), 5-methylindolyl-2′-deoxyriboside 5′-triphosphate (5-MeITP), and 5-ethylindolyl-2′-deoxyriboside 5′-triphosphate (5-EtITP). Kinetic analyses indicate that the overall catalytic efficiencies of all four nucleotides are related to their base-stacking properties. In fact, the catalytic efficiency for nucleotide incorporation opposite an abasic site displays a parabolic trend in the overall π-electron surface area of the non-natural nucleotide. In addition, each non-natural nucleotide is incorporated opposite templating DNA ∼100-fold worse than opposite an abasic site. These data indicate that selectivity for incorporation opposite damaged DNA can be achieved through optimization of the base-stacking properties of the incoming nucleotide.
Middle proterozoic dextral strike-slip event in the central Appalachians: Evidence from the Reservoir fault, NJ

Abstract Unequivocal kinematic indicators in cataclasites and mylonites of the Reservoir fault zone, New Jersey, show consistent dextral strike-slip shear sense and provide evidence for an extensive strike-slip event subsequent to the peak of the Grenvillian (Ottawan) Orogeny. The fault zone occurs in layered granitic gneiss and minor amphibolite of Precambrian age in the New Jersey Highlands (northern Reading Prong). The fault rocks underwent extensive synkinematic hydrothermal retrogression that produced amphibole-rich assemblages from all previous phases. Retrogression of the protolith shows sequential reactions to assemblages dominated by F-magnesiohastingsite, Cl-magnesiohastingsite, ferro-actinolite, actinolite, and finally actinolite + chlorite. Although deformation was purely brittle within the granitic protolith (quartz shows marginal plasticity), reaction enhanced ductility and plasticity of some phases produced S-C mylonites in amphibole mineralized fault rocks. C planes are composed of fine aligned grains of ferro-actinolite and actinolite and define tails on σ-type amphibole porphyroclasts. The porphyroclast cores are composed of F-magnesiohastingsite and/or Cl-magnesiohastingsite and commonly define S-planes. Some porphyroclast cores show brittle pull-apart textures and SEM analysis shows that virtually all have micro-brecciated rims that are indurated with epitaxial amphibole overgrowths from a more retrograde assemblage. C′ planes are locally developed and defined by fine-grained chlorite and actinolite. All kinematic indicators show a consistent dextral strike-slip shear sense. Because retrogression was facilitated by fluids that evolved from F-rich to Cl-rich, as recorded by the amphiboles, they are interpreted as Proterozoic which is characterized by F-rich metamorphic fluids. Conditions of retrogression were lower greenschist facies as indicated by both mineralogy and dynamic response of minerals. Therefore the strike-slip event postdates granulite facies metamorphism which occurred in this area as late as ca 1000 Ma. Dextral strike-slip shearing was reported on the Canopus shear zone segment of the Ramapo fault, in the Hudson Highlands, New York. These examples of dextral shearing indicate a significant event that may have resulted from escape tectonism during a Himalayan-type orogeny.
PHASE RELATIONSHIPS IN THE AMERICIUM--OXYGEN SYSTEM.

Phase relations in the americium-oxygen system between 1·50 < O/Am < 2·00 were studied using Guinier and Debye diffraction methods on quenched and annealed samples. The cubic Am2O3 phase was found to be capable of dissolving excess oxygen and exists, at room temperature, over a wide range of stoichiometry. The upper boundary of this phase occurs at about AmO1·67, Between this composition and AmO2·00 at least one other intermediate phase is thought to exist. Evidence was found for what is believed to be a new Am2O3 phase which is probably monoclinic (B-type rare earth sesquioxide structure). The likelihood for the existence of this phase, as well as the cubic and hexagonal Am2O3 phases, is discussed in terms of a lanthanide/actinide oxide analogy based on considerations of ionic radii. A homologous series of substoichiometric ordered intermediate phases was not observed. The lack of such phases in this system is thought to be influenced by self-induced radiation damage caused by the alpha decay of americium-241.
Work in progress - SAGES: Podcast, wikis and emerging technologies in the engineering classroom

Technology in education is seen as a powerful educational instrument and its integration, as a significant force driving change. An increasing number of research is linking technology-enriched learning environments to improved higher-order thinking skill and showing that, by using technology as an educational tool, students are better prepared for ldquoreal workrdquo skills and future success in this new technological society. In this report, we propose to address some of these issues by sharing our work in progress: the integration of podcasts, wikis, and emerging technologies in engineering instruction. We will first outline our selection of the various tools as well as the process we followed to select the technologies. We will then describe the SAGES project itself, using examples and best practices from its various stages. This will enable the participants to get a holistic understanding of how they too can effectively integrate established or emerging technologies in their own engineering classroom.
An inexpensive computer‐aided system for quantitative echocardiography

A comprehensive system has been developed to quantitatively analyze standard M-mode pediatric echocardiograms. It utilizes relatively inexpensive hardware together with a telephone coupling to a time-sharing computer. A complete patient report on the study is printed out upon completion, and all the data are digitally stored for future research computations. Initial and operating costs for this system are significantly less than for any comparable one available.
Semiclassical approaches to below-threshold harmonics

We study the generation of below-threshold harmonics in a model atom by extending the three-step semiclassical model of harmonic generation to include effects of the atomic potential. We explore the generalization of semiclassical trajectories of the electron in the presence of the combined laser-atom potential and calculate the intensity-dependent dipole phase associated with these trajectories. Our results are in good agreement with fully quantum mechanical calculations, as well as with recent experimental observations. We show that the so-called long trajectory readily generalizes to below-threshold harmonic generation and is relatively insensitive to the choice of initial conditions. We also find that the short trajectory can only lead to low-energy harmonics for electrons that have been released close to the ion core in a process that is closer to multiphoton than to tunnel ionization.
Political issues in advertising polysemy: The case of gay window advertising

This study draws on minority consumers’ interpretations of purposefully polysemic commercials to explore political issues in the consumption of advertising, and highlights the sociopolitical role of niche-targeted advertising as a powerful cultural institution in informing and defining identities. The study focusses on how lesbian, gay male, and bisexual consumers make sense of gay-oriented, yet strategically polysemic, gay window commercials. Findings suggest that participants understood these messages through the lens of their unique subcultural sensitivity and in relation to their closeted experience and consciousness of marginalization. The political meanings of niche-targeted advertising are accentuated as these minority consumers negotiate the cultural tensions of their subcultural identity and their struggle between seeking subcultural validation and seeking mainstream assimilation.
Managing lean manufacturing in material handling operations

The problem addressed by this research is to implement lean manufacturing in a material handling system of a petroleum drill bit manufacturing company. Lean manufacturing has been mandated by higher level management as a tool to be used in waste reduction. Operational group must define the objectives of lean manufacturing and deploy the tools to specific work cells. A methodology that provides operational group with a tool to assist in defining the objectives of lean manufacturing is developed. A case study is used to demonstrate the lean implementation in material handling operations.
Unions' Role in Argentine and Chilean Pension Reform

Abstract The 1981 privatization of Chilean pensions created immediate winners and observable benefits. It also created a model for Latin American pension reform. This study compares the Chilean and Argentine experiences by using political economy models of social welfare development as a framework for discussion. We suggest privatizing pensions could divide workers or create opportunities for unions to garner control over financial capital investments. The Argentine pension reform may diverge substantially if unions increase their participation in the pension fund management and worker education.
Oriental Peltoperlinae (Plecoptera): A generic review and descriptions of a new genus and seven new species

Several new and poorly known Oriental peltoperlid species are described, and keys are provided for Asian genera of Peltoperlinae and for the species of Cryptoperla Needham, 1909. Peltopteryx zwicki gen. et sp. n. is described from Assam; other new taxa include Cryptoperla akha sp. n. (Thailand), C. kali sp. n. (Assam), C. karen sp. n. (Thailand), C. kumari sp. n. (Assam), C. meo sp. n. (Thailand), and C. naga sp. n. (Assam). Peltoperlodes Kawai, 1968 is placed in synonymy with Cryptoperla, and a male Iectotype is designated for C. fraterna (Banks). Available eggs are illustrated with SEM photomicrographs.
DNA repair efficiency for ultraviolet induced damage

Ultraviolet radiation causes lesions in bacterial DNA which are repaired by several enzyme systems. Wide variations in the efficiency of repair for differentE. Coli strains are inadequately explained by a simple presence or absence of one or more repair systems. It is proposed that a major factor in the variations is the sensitivity of the repair systems themselves to ultraviolet induced interactions between proteins and the repair enzyme cistrons. An analytic approach is applied to pre-existing data to establish the numbers of thymine and cytosine bases in the repair cistrons, lending support to the model. The findings imply that bacteria will become sensitive to UV upon inhibition of one of four amino acids.
The effects of salinity on embryonic and larval development of Eleginus navaga (Pallas), Boreogadus saida (Lepechin) and Liopsetta glacialis (Pallas)

Abstract This paper describes the incubation of eggs of navaga ( Eleginus navaga (Pallas, 1811)), polar cod ( Boreogadus saida (Lepechin, 1774)) and Arctic flounder ( Liopsetta glacialis (Pallas, 1776)) at varying salinities (8.3–41.3‰ at a water temperature of 1.5°C). The percentage of fertilized navaga eggs was found to decrease with a change in water salinity. A salinity level of 28.9‰ was considered to be optimal. Although a drop or a rise in salinity during organogenesis was not observed to influence the survival of eggs, an increase to 41.3‰ did cause a delay in organogenesis, particularly in the development of caudal parts of the embryo, while a decrease to below 28.9‰ resulted in a high proportion of embryos with pericardial or yolk sac hydropsies. The values of average diameter of embryos and length of larvae were close to normal at salinities of 28.9 and 15.4‰. With a drop or especially with a rise in salinity these values were found to be lower.
Electron-beam exposure of self-assembled monolayers of 10-undecenoic acid

Abstract Tapping mode atomic force microscopy and capacitance versus voltage measurements were employed to study the effects of electron-beam exposure on self-assembled monolayers of 10-undecenoic acid. It was established that exposure increases chemical/mechanical stability, resulting in a thicker layer following a solvent treatment designed to remove residual monomers. Electron exposure also reduces the effects of pinholes in the monolayer, thereby improving dielectric quality.
Defining the "normal" postejaculate urinalysis.

Although sperm have been shown to be present in the postejaculate urinalysis (PEU) of both fertile and infertile men, the number of sperm present in the PEU of the general population has never been well defined. The objective of this study was to describe the semen and PEU findings in both the general and infertile population, in order to develop a better appreciation for "normal." Infertile men (n = 77) and control subjects (n = 71) were prospectively recruited. Exclusion criteria included azoospermia and medications known to affect ejaculation. All men underwent a history, physical examination, semen analysis, and PEU. The urine was split into 2 containers: PEU1, the initial voided urine, and PEU2, the remaining voided urine. Parametric statistical methods were applied for data analysis to compare sperm concentrations in each sample of semen and urine between the 2 groups of men. Controls had higher average semen volume (3.3 ± 1.6 vs 2.0 ± 1.4 mL, P < .001) and sperm concentrations (112 million vs 56.2 million, P = .011), compared with infertile men. The presence of sperm in urine was common in both groups, but more prevalent among infertile men (98.7% vs 88.7%, P = .012), in whom it comprised a greater proportion of the total sperm count (46% vs 24%, P = .022). The majority of sperm present in PEU were seen in PEU1 of both controls (69%) and infertile men (88%). An association was noted between severe oligospermia (<5 million/mL) with low semen volume (<0.5 mL), and significant sperm counts in PEU (<5 million). Although infertile men tend to have a higher proportion of their total sperm in the urine compared with control, there is a large degree of overlap between the 2 populations, making it difficult to identify a specific threshold to define a positive test. Interpretation of a PEU should be directed by whether the number of sperm in the urine could affect subsequent management.
Asymmetries in the acquisition of polar adjectives: Linguistic or conceptual?

Abstract This study was designed to determine whether the asymmetry in children's acquisition of polar adjective pairs is based on linguistic factors related to differences in adult usage and frequency or on an underlying conceptual difference. 24 children, aged 3;7–4;11, took part in a concept-learning task in which nonsense syllables replaced English words for the positive and negative ends of four dimensions: size, height, length, and thickness. The data indicate that the syllables for the negative end of each dimension have a longer learning period and a greater prelearning error rate. These results support the hypothesis that the asymmetry observed in the acquisition of polar adjectives is based on an underlying conceptual asymmetry.
Economic Development Policy: Explaining Policy Preferences among Competing Models.

Economic development policy in the United States is at a critical juncture. The changing world economic order, global competition, and economic stagnation at home have prompted calls for reform. Yet, the growing recognition of the problems that confront the economy has not produced a coherent set of strategies to address these issues. These authors focus on political and bureaucratic factors that retard the reform of economic development policy. An understanding of how these factors shape economic development policy is critical to proposing workable reforms. This analysis of the dynamics of economic development policy provides information about the relationship between government and the people.
Interaction between warfarin and propafenone in healthy volunteer subjects

The effect of propafenone on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacologic effects of warfarin was studied in healthy normal male volunteer subjects. Each drug was administered alone for 1 week followed by a combined administration for 1 additional week. Blood samples were analyzed for propafenone and warfarin concentrations and the effect of each treatment on the prothrombin time was assessed. The concurrent administration of warfarin did not produce any changes in the absorption or disposition kinetics of propafenone. Concurrent propafenone administration did lead to a reduction in the clearance of warfarin, resulting in an average increase of 38% in the mean steady-state plasma warfarin concentration. During the combined therapy phase, the prothrombin time increased significantly (P < 0.01) from the “warfarin alone” phase. We conclude from this study that the concomitant administration of propafenone and warfarin may lead to an enhanced anticoagulant effect that may require a reduction in the warfarin dose. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1987) 42, 305–311; doi:10.1038/clpt.1987.152
Geology of Santa Fe island: The oldest galapagos volcano

Abstract Santa Fe Island was a volcanic center when it emerged 3.9 ± 0.6 m.y. ago. Later upfaulting of a horst along the central axis of the island dominates its present morphology. Santa Fe is made up of evolved transitional lavas that are not related by fractional crystallization alone. Source heterogeneties, differing degrees of melting, or open-system magma chambers may explain the observed trace element variations. Santa Fe, Baltra, and Espanola make up a geologic subprovince in the central Galapagos: they are older than the other islands, and their lavas are compositionally similar. At the time of their emergence, the three islands were in a tectonic setting similar to that of the young western and central Galapagos Island.
An Electrooptical Sensor for Cardiac Sound and Vibrations

An electrooptical sensor for long-term recording of the apex cardiogram in a clinical environment is reported here. The active elements of the sensor include three red light-emitting diodes (LED's) and eight phototransistors. These function by detecting the change in light reflection from the chest wall caused by the mechanical vibrations and motions of the heart. The advantages of this sensor over the existing microphone include wide bandwidth (3.1 Hz-9.0 kHz), small physical size, and ease of attachment to patients in all positions.
Acute tubular necrosis is characterized by activation of the alternative pathway of complement.

Acute tubular necrosis is characterized by activation of the alternative pathway of complement . Background Studies in animal models have shown that the alternative pathway of complement is activated in the kidney after ischemia/reperfusion. In addition, mice deficient in complement factor B, a necessary component of the alternative pathway, are protected from ischemic acute renal failure. The purpose of this study was to determine whether alternative pathway activation also occurs during the development of ischemic acute tubular necrosis in the human kidney. Methods Biopsies were identified from nine patients with morphologically normal kidneys and seven patients with evidence of acute tubular necrosis by light microscopy. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to quantify and localize the complement activation products C3d and C4d. The results were correlated with available clinical data. Results Similar to mice, small amounts of activated C3d were present along the tubular basement membrane in normal kidneys. However, kidneys from patients with acute tubular necrosis had C3d complement deposition along a significantly greater number of tubules, and many of the tubules were completely circumscribed. In contrast, C4d was not detectable, indicating that complement activation occurred primarily via alternative pathway activation. Conclusion Complement activation occurs in human ischemic acute tubular necrosis. As in rodents, complement activation along the tubular basement membrane after ischemia appears to occur principally via the alternative complement pathway. Because of this, an inhibitor of the alternative pathway might limit complement activation and inflammation after ischemia/reperfusion, thereby protecting the kidney from ischemic acute renal failure.