cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lysine 58 and Histidine 66 at the C-terminal α-Helix of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Are Essential for Glycosaminoglycan Binding

Abstract Monocytes rolling on the endothelial cell layer interact with monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) that is tethered to the proteoglycans on the luminal side of the endothelial cells and consequently initiate adhesion of monocytes in the early phase of immune response. The amino acid residues in MCP-1 involved in tethering to the proteoglycans have not been elucidated. MCP-1 showed binding to [3H]heparin with aK D of 1.5 μm. We substituted lysine or histidine residues at the C-terminal end of MCP-1 with alanine residues and tested these mutants for their ability to bind heparin, heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate-C. Substitution of Lys-58 or His-66 drastically reduced glycosaminoglycan binding. Substitution of Lys-56 or deletion of the five amino acid residues at the C terminus, including Lys-75, did not alter the heparin binding ability, suggesting that the other lysine residues at the C terminus are not involved in glycosaminoglycan binding. MCP-1 and its mutants did not bind hyaluronic acid as strongly as the other subunits of the GAGs. Substitution of Lys-58 or His-66 by alanine that prevented glycosaminoglycan binding did not affect Ca2+ influx, receptor binding, or chemotactic activity elicited by the chemokine on monocytic THP-1 cells. Therefore, we conclude that the Lys-58 and His-66 residues in the C-terminal α-helix of MCP-1 are essential for glycosaminoglycan binding and probably for the binding to the endothelial surface proteoglycans.
Single-visit hollow obturators for edentulous patients.

Abstract A method of fabricating a simple hollow obturator for edentulous patients was described. This procedure can be accomplished in a single office visit using readily available materials. The use of a relatively long-lasting soft reline material for obturators allows stable, comfortable, and effective obturation for many edentulous patients with recently created maxillary defects (Fig. 6). The hollow prosthesis is lightweight and sufficiently flexible to allow relatively simple placement in retentive undercut regions. Direct finger placement of the material insures complete duplication of all desired tissue undercuts. The soft reline material may also serve as a final impression of the defect when fabrication of the definitive prosthesis is undertaken.
Pregnancy after liver transplantation

Women constitute >30% of patients undergoing liver transplantation (orthotopic liver transplantation, OLT) and about 8% are of reproductive age, and 5% are pediatric females who will mostly survive into adulthood and will consider pregnancy. Although pregnancy in OLT recipients is associated with an increased incidence of hypertension, preeclampsia, anemia, preterm deliveries, and cesarean section, acute rejection and liver allograft loss do not appear to be increased and pregnancy-related maternal death is uncommon. The incidence of structural malformations in the newborn of liver transplant recipients is reported to be 4.4%, which is similar to the rate of 3–5% in the US general population. Patients are advised to defer conception for at least 1–2 years after OLT, while maintaining effective contraception. Pregnancy after OLT usually results in a favorable maternal and neonatal outcome when there is coordinated pre- and perinatal care by a multidisciplinary team composed of obstetric-gynecologists, and a transplant team.
Localization problem and mapping of one-dimensional wave equations in random and quasiperiodic media.

The one-dimensional Schr\"odinger equation with multiple scattering potentials is transformed to a discrete (tight-binding) form exactly. For a random configuration of potentials in which all the states are localized, it is shown (not argued) that the resistance \ensuremath{\rho} behaves as \ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sim}exp(\ensuremath{\gamma}l) at a large distance l, where \ensuremath{\gamma} is the Lyapunov exponent (inverse of the localization length) of corresponding transfer matrices. In a case where two (or more) types of scatterers are arranged in a quasiperiodic manner (for example, the Fibonacci series), it is shown that wave functions are always critical, namely they are either self-similar or chaotic, and are intermediate between localized and extended states.
Contact holes: a challenge for signal collection efficiency and measurement algorithms

As critical features become smaller, metrology becomes more challenging; this is especially true of contact holes and trenches with diameters less than 0.25 micrometers . Reduced collection efficiency of secondary electrons from such contact holes can provide false edge sharpening and may interfere with obtaining critical information from the bottom of the contact hole. Whether the contact hole is open or closed is a key concern and can be determined from the waveform in many cases. This paper introduces a measure of the collection efficiency by comparing signal strength from the contact hole with a blanked beam signal and a method or determining whether the contact hole is open or closed. The collection efficiency measure can be used to determine whether information rom the bottom of the contact hole is meaningful. When found to be meaningful, the information is then evaluate to flag the contact hole's status. Results will be based on saved image analysis and lead into a discussion on the value of these parameters. Reporting collection efficiency and whether the contact hole is open or closed, along with the diameter measurement, can provide a measure of quality not yet achieved in CD metrology.
Antigen presentation by macrophage-enriched cells from the mouse Peyer's patch.

Abstract Macrophage-enriched cells derived from Peyer's patches were prepared with or without preincubation of whole patches in collagenase-containing medium. The cells thus obtained were pulsed with ovalbumin (OVA), added to OVA-primed whole lymph node (LN) cells or LN T cells and proliferative responses stimulated in the latter cells were assessed after 5 days by thymidine incorporation. Macrophage-enriched cells obtained from Peyer's patches (PP) preincubated with collagenase presented antigen as well or better than macrophage-enriched cells obtained from spleens. In contrast, macrophage-enriched cells obtained from PP which were not preincubated with collagenase were frequently unable to function as antigen-presenting cells. In further studies, macrophage-enriched cells obtained from mice which had been fed OVA were found to be capable of stimulating antigen-primed LN T cells in an antigen-specific manner without further exposure to antigen in vitro . These results indicate PP macrophage-enriched cells are fully capable of supporting the induction of immune responses in vitro and that macrophages from PP of orally primed mice may present antigen without further antigen exposure. Thus macrophages in PP may participate in the induction of immune responses to gastrointestinal antigens in vivo .
Using PsyScope for demonstrations and student-designed experiments in cognitive psychology courses

We describe a plan for integrating an experimental control language, PsyScope, into under-graduate laboratory exercises of perceptual and cognitive experiments on Macintosh computers. PsyScope is a powerful and versatile system with which students can modify standard research paradigms and execute experiments of their own design, thus facilitating student-initiated independent research. Data are summarized with a general-purpose program, PsySquash, for import into Statview or SuperAnova for further analysis. This system provides an effective means of implementing student projects.
Mechanism Underlying Slow Kinetics of the OFF Gating Current in Shaker Potassium Channel

Based on the structure of the KcsA potassium channel, the Shaker K+ channel is thought to have, near the middle of the membrane, a cavity that can be occupied by a permeant or a blocking cation. We have studied the interaction between cations in the cavity and the activation gate of the channel, using a set of monovalent cations together with Shaker mutants that modify the structure of the cavity. Our results show that reducing the size of the side chain at position 470 makes it possible for the mutant channel, unlike native Shaker, to close with tetraethylammonium (TEA+) or the long-chain TEA-derivative C10+ trapped inside the channel. Neither I470 mutants nor Shaker can close when N-methyl-glucamine (NMG+) is in the channel, even though this ion is smaller than C10+. Apparently, the carbohydrate side chain of NMG+ prevents gate closing. Gating currents recorded from Shaker and I470C were measured in the presence of different intracellular cations to further analyze the interaction of cations with the gate. Our results suggest that the cavity in Shaker is so small that even permeant cations like Rb+ or Cs+ must leave the cavity before the channel gate can close.
Substance use treatment experiences of transgender/transsexual men and women

Substance use treatment programs may not be sensitive to transgender/transsexual (trans) issues: thus, the needs of drug/alcohol involved trans men and women may go unmet. Data for this research was collected from a study examining the substance use issues of trans men and women. Confidential, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to trans men and women with current or previous problem (self-assessed) with drugs or alcohol. Trans individuals reported various problems with discrimination that may limit their ability to recover. Overall, there were significant barriers to recovery expressed by the study participants. Treatment and self-help programs need to make their programs more inclusive to trans men and women as the negative experiences experienced by them will likely affect their recovery.
Structural Correlates of Emerging Political Pluralism in Taiwan

This study analyzes the voting outcomes of Provincial Assembly elections among 360 Taiwanese townships. The percentage of votes for Dangwai (Non-Nationalist) candidates were calculated. The extent of political pluralism is then related to the ecological characteristics. The analytical purpose is to produce a predictive model that can explain the emergence of political pluralism. The process of political pluralism is characterized by four types: Nonvisible, Emerging, Developing, and Mature. The step-wise discriminant analytical technique is used. The results reveal that political pluralism has little correlation with demographic variations among the townships. The most distinctive and significant predictive variable appears to be the degree of industrialization.
Availability of Communication and Cooperative Problem Solving in Dyads

The initial acquisition of a simple 2-person response was observed under 3 voice communication conditions, Free Communication, Cost Communication, and No Communication. All 7 pairs in both the Free and No Communication conditions successfully acquired the cooperative response; however, 4 of 7 dyads in the Cost Communication group did not. Among pairs that acquired the response, speed of acquisition did not differ by communication condition. An explanation in terms of the effect of cost on communication pattern is suggested for the unanticipated high failure rate among pairs in the Cost Communication condition.
Hydrodynamic conservation integrals for galaxies

This paper supplements and extends previous discussions of galaxies in the light of meteorological theory by including explicitly the effect of random motions in a star gas. The conservation integrals for momentum and kinetic energy are formulated and the kinetic energy is further partitioned into kinetic energy of the large scale flows and kinetic energy of the random star motions. The kinetic energy of the random star motions is analogous to the internal energy in an ordinary gas and is transformed into kinetic energy of the fluid flow according to a law which is a generalization of the first law of thermodynamics as applied to fluids. It is possible to make more detailed division of the kinds of energy and their laws of transformation.
Natural killer cells.

Perhaps, but probably not a long or healthy life. There is only one documented human case of an absolute NK cell deficiency, which was associated with recurrent life-threatening bacterial and viral infections.
Cancer note from the slums

This short note reports on the difficulties facing a community leader in Guayaquil, whom the author has known for more than 30 years, in getting and affording treatment for breast cancer. It serves as a reminder that low-income households in low- and middle-income nations face many of the same health risks from non-communicable diseases as higher-income groups, but cannot get appropriate treatment from public health care and cannot afford private treatment.
Group training of parents as therapists for their children

Two-parent families indicating difficulty in managing the behavior of their children volunteered to participate in a 9-week behavior modification parent training project. The 16 participating families were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) mother training, (2) father training, (3) couple training, and (4) notreatment control. All participants designed, implemented, and evaluated behavior modification programs aimed at alleviating their children's problem behaviors. Results indicated significant improvement in the target behaviors for each of the treatment groups. The gains were maintained at 3-months follow-up. The role of parenting groups in the delivery of preventive and interventive mental health services was discussed.
C. I. T. Sensors: A Design Evolution

The paper explains the need for C.I.T. sensors; describes the operation of the various types of C.I.T. sensors that have been developed; and discusses the design characteristics of these sensors.Copyright © 1969 by ASME
The relative importance of population versus community processes in microbial primary succession

Interpretations of successional patterns in ecological communities have traditionally adhered to the dichotomy between the Clementsian view that emphasizes community level processes and the Gleasonian view that stresses individual population responses. The present study evaluates the relative importance of each type of process during protistan primary succession in initially barren aquatic isolates (200-1 plastic pools) over a 170-d period. Species availability to these systems was manipulated by erecting exclosures around individual mesocosms to successively eliminate access to different dispersal vectors responsible for passive protistan dispersal. Increased exclosure significantly reduced access of autotrophs to the pools, but had little effect on heterotroph species availability. The species replacement process was directional through time and occurred at similar rates in all treatments. Both lower and upper temporal boundaries of heterotrophic and autotrophic species were contagious through time, as predicted by the Clementsian hypothesis, although the independence of these two boundary types suggested an individualistic model. Dominant and subdominant species were correlated into four temporal groups: pioneer, early successional, mid-successional, late successional. The dominance of several mid- and late successional species was reduced with increased exclosure. The loss of these species from successional pathways in more exclosed pools had no significant effect on the distribution of other species within the same temporal group. However, the establishment of these other mid- and late successional species may be dependent on initial colonization by pioneer and early successional species. Increased abundances of mid- and late successional species in less exclosed pools coincided with significant attenuations in the distribution of many early successional species. Interactions between successional groups may be related to the supply of inorganic resources as well as allelopathic effects. Patterns of protist succession are the result of both population and community processes; while species-specific characteristics (i.e., dispersal ability) may dominate the process in more isolated systems, increased species availability increases the relative importance of interspecific interactions.
Teratogenesis in Fundulus heteroclitus embryos exposed to a creosote-contaminated sediment extract and CYP1A inhibitors

The goal of these experiments was to explore the relationship between cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) induction and the teratogenicity of sediments from the Atlantic Wood Industries Superfund site (Elizabeth River, VA) in Fundulus heteroclitus embryos. In these experiments we used embryos spawned from reference site adults to assess CYP1A activity and teratogenicity induced by aqueous Elizabeth River sediment extracts (ERSE). Embryo exposures to ERSE induced CYP1A activity and caused deformities, including pericardial edema, heart elongation and tail shortening. Co-exposures with various CYP1A inhibitors significantly decreased CYP1A activity and increased the teratogenicity of the sediment extract. Potential mechanisms for this increased toxicity are discussed herein.
The integrase promoter and T′I terminator in bacteriophasr λ and 434

The λ integrase promoter P 1 lies immediately downstream from a terminator T ′ 1 . The P 1 promoter is activated by cII protein during lysogenization. The function of T ′ 1 is unknown. A deletion ( trp -λΔ29), whose fusion point lies within one stem of T ′ 1 retains cII -activable promoter function but shows little if any transcription termination in vivo . The nucleotide sequence of P 1 is identical in λ and the related phage 434. However, the T ′ 1 sequences of the two phages, though located in the same position, are not detectably homologous. When restriction fragments carrying the promoter-terminator segments from each of these phages were inserted into the trp operon, both responded identically to cII activation, and both caused termination.
Anesthetic efficacy and heart rate effects of the intraosseous injection of 1.5% etidocaine (1:200,000 epinephrine) after an inferior alveolar nerve block

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy and heart rate effects of an intraosseous (IO) injection of 1.5% etidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine after an inferior alveolar nerve block. Study design. In a repeated-measures designed study, 48 subjects randomly received 2 combinations of injections at 2 separate appointments. The combinations were an inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block (with 3% mepivacaine) + IO injection with 1.8 mL of 1.5% etidocaine hydrochloride containing 1:200,000 epinephrine, and an IAN + mock IO injection. The first molar was blindly tested with a pulp tester at 2-minute cycles for 60 minutes after the injection. Anesthesia was considered successful when 2 consecutive 80 readings (no subject response) were obtained. Heart rate (pulse rate) was measured with a pulse oximeter. Results. Lip numbness occurred in 100% of the subjects with both the techniques. For the first molar, anesthetic success for the IAN + mock IO and the IAN + IO etidocaine hydrochloride groups, respectively, were 81% and 100%. The differences were significant (P
Use of stable isotopes and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the study of different pools of neurotransmitter amino acids in brain slices.

Abstract A method was developed for simultaneous determination of endogenous and newly synthesized neurotransmitter amino acids (4-aminobutyric acid, glutamate and aspartate) and glutamine in brainin vitro. Brain slices were incubated in artificial cerebrospinal fluid in the presence of13C-labeled precursors (glucose, pyruvate or acetate). After the incubation, the slices were homogenized in cold 80% ethanol and the supernatants were evaporated to dryness. The resultant residues were derivatized with N-methyl-N-(tert.-butyldimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the electron-impact mode. N(O)-tert.-Butyldimethylsilyl derivatives of the naturally occurring amino acids, their13C-enriched counterparts and deuterated internal standards were detected as their [M—57]+ fragments using selected-ion monitoring. The method was shown applicable to studying compartmentation of neurotransmitter amino acids.
The Ear Region of the Pen-tailed Treeshrew, Ptilocercus lowii Gray, 1848 (Placentalia, Scandentia, Ptilocercidae)

The ear region of the pen-tailed treeshrew, Ptilocercus lowii Gray, 1848 (Scandentia, Ptilocercidae), is described and illustrated in detail based on five museum specimens from the National Museum of Natural History, two with the auditory bulla removed exposing the intratympanic surfaces. Soft tissues (arteries, veins, nerves, and muscles) are reconstructed onto the adult skulls based on published reports of these elements in a fetal P. lowii. Comparisons are made with four specimens of the common treeshrew, the tupaiid Tupaia glis (Diard, 1820), from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, including one with the auditory bulla removed.
Metabolic network analysis of perfused livers under fed and fasted states: Incorporating thermodynamic and futile-cycle-associated regulatory constraints

Isolated liver perfusion systems have been extensively used to characterize intrinsic metabolic changes in liver under various conditions, including systemic injury, hepatotoxin exposure, and warm ischemia. Most of these studies were performed utilizing fasted animals prior to perfusion so that a simplified metabolic network could be used in order to determine intracellular fluxes. However, fasting induced metabolic alterations might interfere with disease related changes. Therefore, there is a need to develop a "unified" metabolic flux analysis approach that could be similarly applied to both fed and fasted states. In this study we explored a methodology based on elementary mode analysis in order to determine intracellular fluxes and active pathways simultaneously. In order to decrease the solution space, thermodynamic constraints, and enzymatic regulatory properties for the formation of futile cycles were further considered in the model, resulting in a mixed integer quadratic programming problem. Given the published experimental observations describing the perfused livers under fed and fasted states, the proposed approach successfully determined that gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis and fatty acid oxidation were active in both states. However, fasting increased the fluxes in gluconeogenic reactions whereas it decreased fluxes associated with glycogenolysis, TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation and electron transport reactions. This analysis further identified that more pathways were found to be active in fed state while their weight values were relatively lower compared to fasted state. Glucose, lactate, glutamine, glutamate and ketone bodies were also found to be important external metabolites whose extracellular fluxes should be used in the hepatic metabolic network analysis. In conclusion, the mathematical formulation explored in this study is an attractive tool to analyze the metabolic network of perfused livers under various disease conditions. This approach could be simultaneously applied to both fasted and fed data sets.
Analysis of Binary Transport Diffusivities and Self-Diffusivities in a Lattice Model for Silicalite

We have used dynamic Monte Carlo simulations to assess the self-diffusivities and transport diffusivities of binary mixtures in a lattice model for silicalite as functions of hopping rates, mixture composition, and total loading. We compute binary transport diffusivities using the Onsager formalism and subsequently discuss the binary Fickian and Maxwell−Stefan diffusivities. We have used our results to examine the accuracy of several approximations to mixture transport diffusivities that have been suggested previously. Our numerical data strongly support the observation that single-component Maxwell−Stefan diffusivities in this model exactly obey a mean-field expression. Our data also show that a relationship between the binary self-diffusivities and the binary Maxwell−Stefan diffusivities that was claimed by several authors to be exact is in fact only approximate. We have similarly examined several methods that have been proposed for predicting binary self-diffusivities from single-component data.
Real-Time Human Pose Estimation: A Case Study in Algorithm Design for Smart Camera Networks

Monitoring human activities finds novel applications in smart environment settings. Examples include immersive multimedia and virtual reality, smart buildings and occupancy-based services, assisted living and patient monitoring, and interactive classrooms and teleconferencing. A network of cameras can enable detection and interpretation of human events by utilizing multiple views and collaborative processing. Distributed processing of acquired videos at the source camera facilitates operation of scalable vision networks by avoiding transfer of raw images. This allows for efficient collaboration between the cameras under the communication and latency constraints, as well as being motivated by aiming to preserve the privacy of the network users (no image transfer out of the camera) while offering services in applications such as assisted living or virtual placement. In this paper, collaborative processing and data fusion techniques in a multicamera setting are examined in the context of human pose estimation. Multiple mechanisms for information fusion across the space (multiple views), time, and different feature levels are introduced to meet system constraints and are described through examples.
Values, decision-making, and the rich life

Young people increasingly take only one value seriously in making decisions about careers, that of salary levels. They should understand that there are many values which need to be weighed in making decisions about employment. Given the present milieu, it may prove effective to use language which describes these other, nonmonetary values as contributors to the “rich lifer”
Comparative Fiscal Analysis for Counties

This article describes the implementation and use of a decision support system designed to conduct cross-sectional analyses of local government finances. A hypothetical situation using actual data from Illinois counties is constructed to illustrate the uses of the system. It is argued that the incorporation of this type of information, in conjunction with other local data, may lend additional capacity in resource allocation and policy formation at both the state and local levels of government.
Feedback and fidelity: Effects of contingent consequences on accuracy of imitation

Abstract Accuracy of imitation by sixty kindergarten subjects was examined using a task in which a female adult modeled a series of pegboard patterns and delivered accuracy-contingent feedback. Four methods of feedback and a nofeedback control were compared. All four feedback groups were more accurate than the control group. The feedback conditions were: positive only, negative only, positive and negative, and negative with correction. The last condition resulted in greater accuracy than the others, which did not differ. All groups, including the control, improved significantly over trials. Accuracy of performance on interspersed, nonfeedback trials was maintained by feedback to the other patterns. Finally, imitation of repeating stimulus patterns did not differ from performance with nonrepeating patterns.
Synaptic organization of dopaminergic interplexiform cells in the goldfish retina.

The synaptic organization of dopaminergic interplexiform cells (DA-IPC) in the goldfish retina was studied by a combined double-label electron-microscopical (EM) immunocytochemical/autoradiographical study. DA-IPCs were labeled with antisera against tyrosine hydroxylase. The possibility of synaptic contact with GABAergic amacrine cells in the proximal inner plexiform layer (IPL) was studied by using 3H-GABA uptake. Most synaptic input and output from DA-IPC processes involved amacrine cell processes. In addition, synaptic interactions were observed between DA-IPC processes and bipolar cell terminals, other DA-IPC processes, very small dendrites in the IPL, ganglion cell and optic fiber layers (OFL), and cell bodies in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Input and output synapses with GABAergic amacrine processes also were observed. Two-thirds of the DA-IPC boutons in the proximal IPL were involved in “junctional appositions,” that is, the junctions appeared to be specialized but they were different than classical chemical synapses. The synaptic organization of DA-IPCs in the goldfish IPL appears to be far more complex than previously thought. Although earlier studies have attempted to explain the action of dopamine in terms of interaction only with amacrine cells, the present study shows that effects involving bipolar cells, other DA-IPCs, unidentified processes and cell bodies in the GCL and OFL must be considered as well.
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID CONCENTRATIONS OF LAUDANOSINE AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF ATRACURIUM

The concentration of laudanosine in cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) was measured in four patients undergoing brain electrode placement after the administration of atracurium. CSF: plasma laudanosine concentration ratios ranged from
Anselm’s elusive presence in the art of Ramon Llull

Beaucoup d'erudits ont note la dependance de l'oeuvre et de la theologie de Raymond Lulle d'Augustin et surtout d'Anselme. Il y a beaucoup de liens possibles entre Anselme et Lulle, et pourtant quand ce dernier a ecrit ses premieres oeuvres, le monastere ou il vivait ne possedait pas une seule copie d'Anselme ni d'Augustin. Il est certain que la ressemblance entre Anselme et Lulle est due en partie a un heritage commun, ce qui ne permet pas pour autant de mettre cette ressemblance de cote. Pour decouvrir ce qui les relie l'un a l'autre, l'A. etudie le Proslogion d'Anselme, puis le Livre du Gentil de Lulle, ainsi que d'autres oeuvres appropriees.
Stepped-Oblique Midwater Trawling as an Assessment Technique for Rainbow Smelt

Abstract Discrete-depth midwater trawling for rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax at night in Lake Champlain revealed a delayed vertical migration of smaller fish and size partitioning vertically within the water column. These behavioral observations led to the development and evaluation of a nighttime stepped-oblique midwater trawling technique. This latter method proved effective in obtaining large catches of rainbow smelt (mean catch per unit of effort [CPUE], 215–655 fish/ 55-min trawl) and provided estimates of relative abundance with reasonable precision (CPUE ± 13–50% from June through October), as well as estimates of length and age distributions unbiased by vertical migration behavior.
Thermal dependence of HBT high-frequency performance

The effects of power dissipation and thermal resistance on device junction temperature are introduced for the first time in modelling the high-frequency performance of hetero-junction bipolar transistors (HBTs). Simulated low-bias (Vcb = 0 V) fT/Jc characteristics using the proposed model are consistent with previously reported results. This model extends previous calculations to include typical high-bias operating conditions where dramatic thermal effects are demonstrated.
Construction of a general spatial filter as a constrained optimization question

A method for designing a general spatial filter as a constrained optimization question is given. This method makes full use of all the free parameters in the design problem. In most instances this method seems to give results which are far superior to those obtained by the synthetic discriminant function technique and its descendants and variants. This is especially true for instances in which there are many true and false targets. The difference between the two techniques may be approximately described as the difference between actually optimizing a rather complicated function and optimizing a linear approximation to the function.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Smectic-layer growth at solid interfaces

X-ray reflectivity is used to study the temperature-dependent smectic layering of the cyanobiphenyl compounds (nCB) in the isotropic phase at alkylsilane-coated silicon surfaces. Layer-by-layer growth is observed for 11CB and 12CB. Comparison of the layering transition temperatures with measurements at the vapor interface is used to determine the relative anchoring strengths at the two interfaces.
Missed opportunities on Webkinz when developmental abilities are not considered

Abstract Webkinz World is a popular virtual world for elementary school-aged children, attracting millions of unique visitors per month. Despite its popularity, research has yet to explore how Webkinz World connects to children's emerging abilities or influences their cognitive and social development. Using in-depth observation and content analysis, this study examined the activities and educational affordances of the site using a developmental perspective. Results show that while Webkinz World has the potential to support learning, many of the activities require sophisticated cognitive and social skills with which children often struggle. Specifically, we focus on how class-inclusion tasks and the use of multiple perspectives are embedded throughout Webkinz World without offering feedback, scaffolding, or guidance to support children's skills in these domains. While this popular site is a self-proclaimed “educational tool,” this study found that many educational opportunities were missed from the failure to consider developmental abilities of the target-aged users.
A comparison of forecasts from least absolute value and least squares regression

A Monte Carlo simulation is used to compare forecasts from least absolute value and least squares estimated regression equations. When outliers are present, the least absolute value forecasts are shown to be superior to least squares forecasts. The results emphasize the importance of exercising caution when using forecasts from least squares estimated regressions. Use of least absolute value regression (or some other robust regression method) instead of, or as an adjunct to, least squares is recommended. The comparison of forecasts from the two methods provides one way of assessing whether the least squares forecasts have been adversely affected by outliers. If outliers are present, the least absolute value regression forecasts can be used.
On the elastic behavior of composition-modulated superlattices

Atomistic computer simulations are used to systematically investigate the role of interfacial disorder on the elastic behavior of composition-modulated superlattices of fcc metals, represented by simple Lennard–Jones potentials. The structures, energies, and average elastic properties of four types of superlattices with various degrees of interfacial disorder are computed as a function of the modulation wavelength along [001]. The four superlattice types studied include perfectly coherent, incoherent, and two types derived from these by introducing relative twists about [001] between alternating layers. A 20% lattice-parameter mismatch between the two modulating materials is assumed. Results are compared with our earlier work on unsupported thin films, grain-boundary superlattices, and incoherent superlattices with a 10% lattice-parameter mismatch. The degree of structural disorder at the interfaces is found to correlate well with the magnitude of the elastic anomalies, which cannot be accounted for by anisotropic lattice-parameter changes alone. The grain-boundary superlattices studied earlier are found to provide a good model limit for the elastic behavior of interfacially disordered dissimilar-material superlattices.
Development of a remote pupillometer system for non-invasive, distant analysis

Pupillometry, the measurement of pupillary diameter, is used in a variety of applications. The pupil is directly connected and controlled by the central nervous system and subsequently certain pupillary actions and reactions cannot be consciously controlled. Accordingly, measurement of the pupillary diameter is a good tool to be used to conduct analysis of subject physiological and psychological condition based on known pupillary parameters. However, current pupillometer designs limit the use and applicability of many commercially available devices in specific applications. Some applications with current unmet needs require a non-obtrusive measurement to be taken over time. The goal of this design and fabrication was to create a device which accurately and unobtrusively accomplishes the task of pupillometry for use in these functions.
A first model of amorphous GaN from ab initio molecular dynamics

A probable byproduct of growth of crystalline GaN is an amorphous phase of the material. In this paper, the authors propose a structural model of amorphous GaN obtained from ab initio molecular dynamics. The radial distribution function, local bonding, electronic density of states and vibrational spectra are described. The network they obtain is highly disordered but exhibits a large state-free optical gap, and has no wrong (homopolar) bonds. These predictions are intended to elucidate the experimental signatures of amorphous GaN.
X-ray emission from supernova remnants near gamma-ray sources

It is noted that the imaging proportional of the Einstein Observatory has been used to search for X-ray emission from eight radio supernova remnants which are near three of the Cos-B unidentified gamma-ray sources: 2CG 311-01, CG 327-0, and CG 333+0. Emissions are observed from three of the remnants and upper limits on the remainder which are consistent with the luminosity expected from a simple blast-wave heated plasma model of the process. Thus none of the remnants are superluminous as might be expected if the pattern of the Crab Nebula were followed. It is thought that the remnant RCW 103 may be Vela-like. It is noted that another of the remnants, Kes 27, has centrally peaked X-ray emission which is unlike the shell-like emission seen for many remnants and which does not correlate well with its asymmetric radio emission.
A novel pattern of transaminase elevation associated with autologous transplant for neuroblastoma

To determine the pattern and degree of hepatic transaminitis experienced by children undergoing autologous transplantation for neuroblastoma. Sixty-four children with high-risk neuroblastoma received an autologous transplant with cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and carboplatin conditioning. Forty-eight went on to receive a second transplant with M and TBI conditioning. Charts were reviewed for evidence of hepatic regimen-related toxicity. A high rate of transaminitis was observed after both regimens. In each transplant, there was an early period of transaminitis during conditioning, from which patients recovered, followed by a second period of transaminase elevation. The degree of elevation was not associated with age, whether the administered dose was calculated based on a per kg or per M(2) basis or the presence of regimen-related severe mucositis. Elevated transaminases at admission were not associated with maximal hepatotoxicity during the first transplant although there was an association in the second transplant. However, the magnitude of transaminase elevation was less in the second transplant. VOD occurred in one and three patients in transplants 1 and 2, respectively. Both conditioning regimens were associated with an early and late elevation of transaminases without significant cholestasis. This biphasic pattern of transaminitis has not been reported previously. The high prevalence of transaminase elevation at time of both transplants was not associated with an increased incidence of VOD. We conclude that elevated transaminases should not preclude proceeding to a first or second autologous transplant with these regimens.
Forest tree growth and dynamics at La Selva, Costa Rica (1969-1982)

Permanent plots totalling 12.4 hectares were established in 1969 in primary tropical wet forest at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica; all stems ≥10 cm diameter at breast height were tagged and measured. In 1982, the plots were again censused, and all live trees re-measured. Mortality over 13 years was 23.2%, or 2.03% per year based on a logarithmic mortality model. This suggests a stand half-life of around 34 years. Mortality was independent of size class in trees ≥10 cm diameter. Recruitment was equal to mortality. Tree growth curves and age-size relationships for 44 species were projected from 13-year diameter increments using a growth simulation procedure. Understorey trees grow slowly and consistently, and have short life spans; subcanopy trees also grow slowly, but live longer; shade-tolerant canopy trees show variable and often rapid growth and are long-lived; and shade-intolerant canopy trees grow rapidly, show little variation, and have short life spans. The longest imputed life span in our sample was around 440 years (years from 10 cm diameter to the maximum diameter); the shortest life span was around 50 years.
Influence of segregation on the diffraction effects from homophase interfaces

Abstract The diffraction profiles in reciprocal space perpendicular to an interface provide unique information on the structural features in the same direction. Diffraction profiles were calculated for model twist grain boundaries in which the diffracting planes were parallel to the interface. The effect of segregation at the interface is examined by varying the atomic scattering factor in the vicinity of the interface. A discontinuous change in scattering factor and an exponential decay in the amount of segregation were considered. The degree of segregation, or the type of segregant, was varied by changing the maximum deviation in the scattering factor. The effect of a variation in the range of segregation was also considered. The influence of segregation alone was examined in addition to a combination of lattice distortion and segregation. It was found that segregation may enhance or diminish the effect of a lattice distortion on the diffraction profile, depending on the scattering factor of the segregant. By itself, segregation has little effect on the diffracted intensity perpendicular to the interface. It was also found that the effect of segregation is greatest when the segregant is concentrated in a smaller region. Finally, it was shown that the presence of an asymmetric streak around a Bragg reflection, as observed experimentally by others for several materials, must be due to a distortion at the boundary, and that this asymmetry may only be modified (but not produced) by segregation.
Raman Study of the Diffusion of Triglycine Sulfate in Aqueous Solutions

Concentrations of sulfate and bisulfate ions, glycine zwitterions, and glycine cations in aqueous solutions (0.01 to 0.5 M) of TGS were determined by Raman spectroscopy. The results were used to establish differences in the diffusion rates of these ions and to suggest possible influences of these differences on TGS crystal growth experiments to be carried out in Spacelab 3.
EVE: A Flexible SIMD Coprocessor for Embedded Vision Applications

In this paper we introduce EVE (embedded vision/vector engine), with a FlexSIMD (flexible SIMD) architecture highly optimized for embedded vision. We show how EVE can be used to meet the growing requirements of embedded vision applications in a power- and area-efficient manner. EVE's SIMD features allow it to accelerate low-level vision functions (such as image filtering, color-space conversion, pyramids, and gradients). With added flexibility of data accesses, EVE can also be used to accelerate many mid-level vision tasks (such as connected components, integral image, histogram, and Hough transform). Our experiments with a silicon implementation of EVE show that it performs many low- and mid-level vision functions with a 3---12x speed advantage over a C64x+DSP, while consuming less power and area. EVE also achieves code size savings of 4---6x over a C64x+DSP for regular loops. Thanks to its flexibility and programmability, we were able to implement two end-to-end vision applications on EVE and achieve more than a 5× application-level speedup over a C64x+. Having EVE as a coprocessor next to a DSP or a general purpose processor, algorithm developers have an option to accelerate the low- and mid-level vision functions on EVE. This gives them more room to innovate and use the DSP for new, more complex, high-level vision algorithms.
Phytoplankton affect clouds and precipitation

[1] Phytoplankton in the ocean produce the gases dimethyl sulfide and isoprene, which can enter the atmosphere. To find out how this affects cloud properties and precipitation, Kruger and Grasl analyzed a variety of satellite observations over the Southern Ocean from 45°S to 65°S. They found that phytoplankton emission of these gases led to an increase in cloud albedo—the clouds reflected more incoming sunlight back upward—as well as to reduced cloud droplet radius and increased cloud optical thickness. Furthermore, they found that less precipitation occurred over the Antarctic Polar Front zone during strong plankton blooms. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL047116, 2011)
Effects of acidic fog on productivity of celery and lettuce and impact on incidence and severity of diseases

Summary The effects of acidic fog on productivity of celery and lettuce were examined using a portable fogging apparatus to expose field plots to simulated fog episodes. Acidic solutions were formulated to simulate fog reported for southern California. Celery (Apium graveolens var. dulec cv. Bishop) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Mesa 659) were exposed in separate experiments once or twice each week during crop growth and maturation to 1 - to 2-h of fog at specific acidity levels between pH 1.6 and 3.8. Necrosis occurred as small, irregularly shaped white (celery) or brown (lettuce) lesions on the most exposed portions of the plants. Fog necrosis sufficient to reduce marketability of celery was evident after single exposures at pH 2.4. Although injury occurred on wrapper leaves of lettuce at acidity levels as high as pH 3.4, marketability was reduced from foliar necrosis only after exposure to acidity levels of pH 2.6 or lower. Repeated exposure of lettuce to acidity below pH 2.0 was necessary to reduce yield. The field experiments demonstrated that acidic fog influenced natural incidence of disease. At low pH fog exposure, celery had increased occurrence of basal stalk rot and lettuce exhibited increased bacterial soft rot. Indirect effects of acidic fog on host-pathogen relationships and subsequent crop marketability may be more important than the direct effects of acidic fog exposure on plant tissue.
Annealing of the 6060 Å Color Center in Gamma-Irradiated Anthracene

Abstract Anthracene crystals irradiated by γ-rays exhibit an absorption peak at 6060 A. Upon annealing, this peak increases and then decreases. When this peak is examined with polarized light, the maximum in the b crystallographic direction is attained before the maximum in the a direction. This is believed to arise from the rotation of a defect. A kinetic scheme, written on this basis, is shown to match the data very well.
Can water store charge

Previous work from this and other laboratories has demonstrated large pH gradients in water. Established by passing current between immersed electrodes, pH gradients between electrodes were found to disappear slowly, persisting for tens of minutes after the current had been turned off. We find here that these pH gradients reflect a genuine separation of charge: at times well after disconnection of the power supply, current could be drawn through a resistor placed between the charging electrodes or between pairs of electrodes positioned on either side of the midline between original electrodes. In some experiments, it was possible to recover the majority of charge that had been imparted to the water. It appears, then, that water has the capacity to store and release substantial amounts of charge.