cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Open Problems in Data-Sharing Peer-to-Peer Systems

In a Peer-To-Peer (P2P) system, autonomous computers pool their resources (e.g., files, storage, compute cycles) in order to inexpensively handle tasks that would normally require large costly servers. The scale of these systems, their "open nature," and the lack of centralized control pose difficult performance and security challenges. Much research has recently focused on tackling some of these challenges; in this paper, we propose future directions for research in P2P systems, and highlight problems that have not yet been studied in great depth. We focus on two particular aspects of P2P systems - search and security - and suggest several open and important research problems for the community to address.
A novel gene for autosomal dominant Stargardt-like macular dystrophy with homology to the SUR4 protein family.

PURPOSE. To describe a novel gene causing a Stargardt-like phenotype in a family with dominant macular dystrophy and the exclusion of all known genes within the disease locus. METHODS. Meiotic breakpoint mapping in a family of 2314 individuals enabled refinement of the location of the disease gene. The genomic organization and expression profile of known and putative genes within the critical region were determined using bioinformatics, cDNA cloning, and RT-PCR. The coding sequence of genes expressed within the retina was scanned for mutations, by using DNA sequencing. RESULTS. The disease-causing gene (STGD3) was further localized to 562 kb on chromosome 6 between D6S460 and a new polymorphic marker centromeric to D6S1707. Of the four genes identified within this region, all were expressed in the retina or retinal pigment epithelium. The only coding DNA sequence variant identified in these four genes was a 5-bp deletion in exon 6 of ELOVL4. The deletion is predicted to lead to a truncated protein with a net loss of 44 amino acids, including a dilysine endoplasmic reticulum retention motif. The ELOVL4 gene is the fourth known example of a predicted human protein with homology to mammalian and yeast enzymes involved in the membrane-bound fatty acid chain elongation system. The genomic organization of ELOVL4 and primer sets for exon amplification are presented. CONCLUSIONS. ELOVL4 causes macular dystrophy in this large family distributed throughout North America and implicates fatty acid biosynthesis in the pathogenesis of macular degeneration. The PCR-based assay for the 5-bp deletion will facilitate more accurate genetic counseling and identification of other branches of the family.
Ecocultural Schizophrenia: Dialectical Environmental Discourses and Practices

This study situates environmental discourses and practices within a dialectical framework, identifying how contradictory, double-bind messages can promote “schizophrenic” environmental meaning systems. I position this study through a qualitative examination of a U.S. state forest conservation education program, where K-12 students take field trips to forests to learn about nature. Adults frame environmental issues within a core stay away-get close double bind, sending conflicting messages to protect and appreciate trees, yet ultimately cut them down for human hyperconsumption. These tug-and-pull, double-bind messages enable what I call ecocultural schizophrenia, a condition that ultimately decreases connectivity and sustainability. Through alternative practices, dialectical thinking is needed to help reject ecocultural double binds and create more sustainable possibilities.
Multi-linear Regression Models to Predict the Annual Energy Consumption of an Office Building with Different Shapes

Abstract The present study describes the development of a multi-linear regression model to predict the effect of building shape on total energy consumption in two different climate regions (i.e. cold-dry and warm-marine). Seven building shapes including H-shape, T-shape, rectangle, etc. were considered in this study. The simplified model can be used to conduct a parametric study in order to investigate the effect of building parameters on total heating and cooling load. Building simulation software programs, including eQUEST and DOE-2 were used to build and simulate individual building configuration that were generated using Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Ten thousand simulations for seven building shapes were performed to create a comprehensive dataset covering the full ranges of design parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using R statistical analysis program to develop a set of linear regression equations predicting energy consumption of each design scenario. In addition, the influence of several design parameters on building energy consumption was further investigated using the sensitivity analysis procedure. The difference between regression-predicted and DOE-2 simulated annual building energy consumption were largely within 5%. It is envisioned that the developed regression models can be used to estimate the total energy consumption in the early stages of the design when different building schemes and design concepts are being considered.
Pentoxifylline Use for Behçet’s Disease

Behcet’s disease was infrequently encountered in North America, 1.7 cases per rheumatologist, with female to male ratio of 2,5/1. As previously reported2,3, pentoxifylline was useful in alleviating 50% of oral ulcers and 39% of genital ulcers of Behcet’s patients in North America, at least partially. In conjunction with colchicine, the efficacy significatly improved to 45% for oral ulcers and 48% for genital ulcers (P < 0.001). Pentoxifylline and/or colchicine appeared to have limited efficacy for the other manifestations of Behcet’s disease. Pentoxifilline and/or colchicine was under-utilished by rheumatologists who had patients with Behcet’s disease.
Hydric Soil Identification Techniques

Conceptually, hydric soils are soils that formed under hydrologic conditions associated with wetlands. Identification of soils as “hydric” is critical to the identification and protection of wetlands. Conditions of saturation and anaerobiosis associated with wetland hydrology create morphological characteristics in soils that can be used to distinguish them from non-hydric (upland) soils. These distinctive morphological characteristics have been used to develop “indicators” to facilitate the rapid identification of hydric soils in the field without relying on chemical assays or long term monitoring. An understanding of how soils form and the soil properties related to hydric soil morphologies such as soil color and texture are needed to field identify indicators of hydric soils. This chapter emphasizes the proper application of field indicators of hydric soils, the process of describing soil morphology inherent to the use of hydric soil indicators, and approaches to address soils suspected to be hydric but do not meet a field indicator.
What Is a Standard

This paper reviews the definition and the use of standards and the standards available for clinical chemists, and discusses the limitations of various so-called standards.
Mixing location-irrelevant and location-relevant trials: influence of stimulus mode on spatial compatibility effects.

The performance advantage for spatially compatible mappings of physical locations to keypress responses, relative to incompatible mappings, is eliminated when stimulus color, rather than location, is relevant on half of the trials. In Experiment 1, we compared the effects of mixing for different stimulus modes (physical locations, arrow directions, and location words) to determine whether this elimination of the stimulus—response compatibility (SRC) effect would generalize to other stimulus modes. The SRC effect was unaffected when the location information was conveyed by arrows and was amplified when the location information was conveyed by words. In Experiment 2, we used vocalleft—right responses instead of keypresses, and the SRC effects for all three stimulus modes were enhanced by mixing. In both experiments, for all stimulus modes, mixing reduced or reversed correspondence effects for trials on which the location information was irrelevant when the mapping for those trials on which it was relevant was incompatible. These findings suggest that when trial types are mixed, direct activation of the corresponding response, regardless of mapping, does not occur for physical locations mapped to keypresses. However, such activation does occur when stimuli or responses are verbal, apparently because performance is mediated in part by activation of a verbal name code for the stimulus.
Union effects on employment stability: A comparison of panel versus cross-sectional data

In analyzing the impact of unions on employment stability, we introduce two innovations to correct for previous overestimates of the union effect: (1) a different approach to measure employment stability (although we use traditional measures for comparisons) and (2) panel data to obtain estimates uncontaminated by unmeasurable person differences between union and nonunion workers. Using common cross-sectional techniques, the new measures of employment stability indicate that unions account for 15 to 20 percent of employment stability variance rather than the 40 to 60 percent indicated in previous findings. Using panel techniques further reduces these measured union effects to no more than 11 percent.
A mathematical typology analysis of DSM-111-R personality disorder classification: Grade of membership technique

This study employed grade of membership (GoM) analysis in a clinical setting to determine if the DSM-III-R personality disorder (PD) diagnostic criteria cluster into recognizable disorders resembling the official axis II nosology. The GoM model, based on fuzzy-set theoretic concepts, explicitly examines medical diagnostic systems by quantitatively identifying and characterizing subpatterns of illness within a broad class. A semistructured assessment of 110 outpatients was performed for 12 PDs and their 112 diagnostic criteria. GoM analysis was performed using internal variables of the 112 PD criteria rated as present or absent. Demographic variables, axis I and II diagnosis (structured clinical Interview for DSM [SCID]), and treatment response (Global Adjustment Scale [GAS]) information were used as external validators. Four pure types (PT) provided the most satisfactory solution to the data. PT-I is characterized by marked maladaptive personality pathology, which is manipulative, egocentric, impulsive, and alloplastic. PT-II consists primarily of exaggerated socially anxious and detached traits. PT-III is sociably dependent and autoplastic. PT-IV is essentially asymptomatic. GoM provides a more parsimonious handling of the PD criteria than provided by classifying according to DSM categories. The analysis fails to confirm the natural occurrence of any single specific axis II PD or cluster.
African American teens and the neo-juvenile justice system.

Abstract African American youth continue to be overrepresented in the juvenile justice system. As a result of the current political environment and the perceived increase in crime among young people, the nation has moved away from rehabilitation and toward harsher treatment of delinquents. The African American community must encourage policy makers and community leaders to continue to address the disproportionate representation of African American youth in the system. Current policing and prosecutorial policies must also be examined and challenged to end the perception of an unjust system.
Right-wing populism in Austria: A case for comparison

In Austria as elsewhere in Europe, right-wing populist leaders opportunistically embraced the politics of economic resentment and national identity to mobilize voters fearful of European integration.
Sperm as infection-potentiating cofactors in HIV transmission.

Abstract In this paper I will discuss the possible role of sperm as cofactors in the genital-mucosal transmission of HIV. The ideas involved arose from my laboratory’s discovery that sperm bind to HLA-DR molecules expressed on somatic cells, and from our subsequent findings that lymphocytes are activated by these interactions. Sperm binding to HLA-DR mimics one of the two ligand binding characteristics of superantigens, which also bind to T-cell receptors in a V- β -specific fashion. This property of sperm may be significant in HIV transmission because: (a) HLA-DR plays a central role in immune recognition and response; and (b) cell interactions involving HLA-DR are involved in HIV infection and disease development. After sexual contact, sperm elicit a transient leukocytic infiltration of the mammalian cervix (Thompson, L.A., Barratt, C.L., Bolton, A.E., Cooke, I.D., 1992. The leukocytic reaction of the human cervix. Am. J. Reprod. Immunol. 28, 85; Pandya, I.J., Cohen, J., 1985. The leukocytic reaction of the human uterine cervix to sperm. Fertil. Steril. 43, 417), and human cervical cells are bound and penetrated by sperm at this time (Sievers-Altermann, R., Engelbrecht, D.V., 1990. Entry of spermatozoa into the cervical mucosa and transmission of the AIDS virus. S. Afr. Med. J. 77, 319). At present, little is known about these in vivo events, but sperm-somatic cell interactions in vitro are also followed by sperm entry into the target cell cytoplasm and target cell activation. When the target cells are leukocytes, sperm interactions increase their susceptibility to HIV infection. If similar interactions occur in the cervicovaginal environment after sexual contact, they are likely to enhance the genital-mucosal transfer of HIV from semen.
Patterns of antihypertensive therapy among patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is extremely prevalent in patients with diabetes. Limited data exist on whether patterns of antihypertensive use in this population are consistent with evidence-based practice guidelines.
Artificial intelligence methods for selection of an optimized sensor array for identification of volatile organic compounds

Abstract We have investigated two artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches for the optimum selection of a sensor array for the identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The array consists of quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs), each coated with a different polymeric material. The first approach uses a decision tree classification algorithm to determine the minimum number of features that are required to classify the training data correctly. The second approach employs the hill-climb search algorithm to search the feature space for the optimal minimum feature set that maximizes the performance of a neural network classifier. We also examined the value of simple statistical procedures that could be integrated into the search algorithm in order to reduce computation time. The strengths and limitations of each approach are discussed.
Morphogenetic core of the bacteriophage T4 head. Structure of the core in polyheads.

The morphogenetic core of bacteriophage T4 is a transient structure which exists inside an early head precursor, but which is later proteolytically destroyed at the time of DNA packaging. This structure is of interest because genetic evidence shows that P22 (the major core protein and product of gene 22 ) is involved in determining the length and shape of the head and in selecting the position of tail attachment. P22 may also be involved in initiation of head assembly and in DNA packaging. We have isolated T4 polyheads with intact cores for study by negative staining in the electron microscope. Polyheads were used because their elongated structure makes them suitable for optical diffraction and computer analysis of electron microscope images. All polyheads (except those from cells defective in gene 22 ) were found to have highly ordered cylindrical cores consisting of several helical chains wound about a hollow center. Cores of l -canavanine-induced polyheads are about 460 A in diameter and appear to consist of six helical chains spaced about 115 A apart axially, and with a pitch angle of about 30°. These polyheads probably have the same core structure as an elongated version of a true head precursor, since giant τ-particles were found to have the same structure. Moreover, canavanine polyheads have the surface structural parameters expected of an elongated prohead. They possess hemispherical caps and the core extends into the end of the particle and has a cap of its own. Since the T4 head surface is thought to have a 5-fold axis of rotational symmetry, our data indicate a symmetry mismatch between core and surface. We suggest that head assembly may be initiated with the formation of a connector between core and surface, which later becomes the point of tail attachment. Polyheads induced by mutations in genes 20, 24 or 40 have cores about 350 A in diameter consisting of five or six helical chains spaced 131 A apart axially and wound with a pitch angle of about 40°. Polyheads lacking the internal proteins have a similar, but less stable, core while polyheads induced by an amber mutation in gene 22 apparently have no core at all. Since head length is determined by an interaction between the core (P22) and the surface (P23), we examined polyheads containing proteins altered by mutations which affect head length. In all cases where petite phage particles arise, we observed either weakened core-surface interactions, unstable cores, or an altered intrinsic curvature of the surface subunit P23.
Localization of regions affecting an allosteric transition in cyclic nucleotide-activated channels

Sensory transduction in olfactory receptors and photoreceptors is mediated by cyclic nucleotide-activated ion channels. We have studied the gating mechanism in olfactory and rod channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We report that the differences in cyclic nucleotide affinity and efficacy between these channels resulted from sequence differences outside the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain, especially in the amino-terminal domain, influencing the free energy of the closed to open allosteric conformational change. In addition, Ni2+ inhibited activation of the olfactory channel, decreasing both the maximum current and the apparent affinity for cyclic nucleotides. Ni2+ exerted its effect by binding preferentially to the closed configuration of the channel, thereby destabilizing the opening conformational change. We have localized this inhibition to a single histidine (H396) following the last transmembrane segment, suggesting a role for this region in channel gating.
Thermoelectric Power and Resistivity in a Metallic Glass

Several theories have attempted to explain the anomalous temperature dependence of the resistivity in metallic glasses including a generalized Ziman theory, a model based on Mott $s\ensuremath{-}d$ scattering, and a model based on a Kondo or tunneling mechanism. The thermoelectric power as well as the resistivity of a glass has been measured up to the crystallization temperature and was linear over the entire region. This behavior is only consistent with the Ziman theory.
Designing More Functional Organizations: The 12 Step Model

Using strikingly different managerial techniques from conventional organizations, 12 Step Fellowships, most prominently Alcoholics Anonymous, provide useful clues to producing more effective, functional and humane organizations in contrast with our many dysfunctional firms which abuse their employees, behave unethically towards their customers, damage their social and ecological habitat and find it difficult to complete in a turbulent global environment. The founding Fellowship, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), extends to 131 countries with 1,550,000 members while the second largest, Al‐Anon/Alateen, has 414,000 members in 84 countries. Without advertising, government support or experts, AA is widely considered the most effective method for treating alcoholism. This success story was produced by members who, prior to AA, were themselves severely dysfunctional and often unemployable. Examines facets of the Fellowships (organizational structure, culture, communication and problem solving techniques) to demonstrat...
Design and characterization of In/sub 0.2/Ga/sub 0.8/As MQW vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

The device design, material characterization, and performance of optimized vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are presented. The basic design goal was to increase the output power of the lasers without greatly increasing the low threshold current reported in earlier devices. The material characterization was performed by measuring in-plane lasers and broad-area VCSELs made from the same material as the small VCSELs. For 10- mu m-square devices, outputs over 3 mW, device operation over 100 degrees C, 6% wall-plug efficiency, threshold voltages under 3 V, and threshold currents under mA are reported. >
Greek–Turkish relations in an era of regional and global change

This article examines the changing dynamics of Greek–Turkish relations since the end of the Second World War. The initial sections focus on tensions during the Cold War and their impact on relations with the USA and NATO. Subsequent sections examine the origin and impact of the thaw in relations between Athens and Ankara since l999; the changing role of the Cyprus issue; and new regional security threats. A final section discusses prospects for future relations between Greece and Turkey.
Dynamic Load Balancing and Content Update for Media Storage Servers

Effective management of multiple media servers integrated to deliver real-time multimedia content to users for video-on-demand (VoD) applications is examined in this research. We propose a random early migration (REM) scheme to reduce the service rejection rate, to balance the load of media servers and to reduce the service delay. When a new request is dispatched to a media server, REM compares the current service load with preset thresholds and decides whether request migration is needed with a certain probability, which is a function of the service load. To control the video access rate, we apply a time window to predict the video access probability in the near future and dynamically update the video content in media servers. Simulation results demonstrate that REM alone and/or REM with dynamic content update can achieve an enhanced system performance.
In-depth concentration profile equation for cations in thin oxide film under the inverse logarithmic growth law of low-temperature oxidation

Abstract The inverse logarithmic growth law of initial oxidation has been derived by Cabrera-Mott under the conditions that cation concentration is constant and growth rate is limited by the diffusion of metal ion under a strong electric field. Mott theory has been developed by Fromhold's numerical flux equation and Dignam's analytical ion current equation. In this paper, we derive the inverse logarithmic law from Dignam's flux equation for cations. Then an in-depth concentration profile equation of mobile ion defects can be obtained by using the experimental result for inverse logarithmic growth rate, i.e. an intercept of a coordinate time axis and a gradient. We apply the equation to the low-temperature oxidation experimental results of Al (aluminum). Numerical calculations of the derived approximate equation as applied to initial oxidation of Al are presented for various conditions. The results obtained by calculation are as follows. 1. The concentration of mobile cation defects at the surface of oxide/gas depends strongly on the potential barrier, U , and changes greatly with an increase in the electric field, E . 2. The change of the concentration in the vicinity of metal/oxide interface decreases with increasing E .
Graphical presentation of multilevel data: Table versus flowchart format

The data presented in the table and flowcharts presented in this chapter convey the same information, but the flowchart more effectively guides the reader through the various relationships those data describe.
Preoperative screening, evaluation, and optimization of the patient's medical status before outpatient surgery.

Purpose of the reviewPreoperative evaluation and optimization of a patient's medical conditon are important components of anesthesia practice. With ever increasing numbers of patients with serious comorbidities having complex procedures as outpatients, the task of gathering information and properly
Nanosized Amorphous Iron Oxyhydroxide for Reversible Lithium Intercalation

An iron oxyhydroxide was synthesized via a low-temperature aqueous solution route and investigated as a lithium intercalation host. The chemical composition of the material was determined to be Na 0.01 Fe(OOH) 0.99 . The material possessed a nanosized morphology and a nearly amorphous structure resembling α-FeOOH or the mineral goethite. It exhibited an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 3.1 V vs. Li + /Li. At a slow discharge rate of C/100 or 62 μA/cm 2 and between the OCV and 1.5 V, close to 0.9 Li per Fe was intercalated into the material, corresponding to a specific capacity of 260 mAh/g. This high intercalation capacity was almost completely reversible. At a high discharge rate of C/10 or 0.53 mA/cm 2 , a specific capacity of 215 mAh/g was attained, indicating excellent rate performance. At the same time, the material exhibited nearly perfect capacity retention upon cycling over 30 cycles. These superior electrochemical properties are attributable to the nearly amorphous structure and nanosize morphology of the material, and point to the promise of intercalation hosts of unconventional, noncrystalline structures, At the same time, the results indicate that the hydroxide ions present in the material did not interfere with lithium intercalation, permitting nearly perfect reversibility of the intercalation process and excellent capacity retention upon cycling.
Aerodynamic Measures and Biofeedback as Management in Persistent Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion and Reverse Phonation

Summary Objectives Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) and reverse phonation are characterized by aberrant vocal fold adduction. To date, there have been no studies examining the aerodynamic events during reverse phonation. We present an unusual case of persistent reverse phonation secondary to respiratory distress associated with PVFM. Study Design Case report. Methods We present the case of a 42-year-old female with sudden onset of respiratory distress associated with PVFM and persistent reverse phonation. She underwent baseline aerodynamic measurements followed by trial therapy. Through the use of instrumental and tactile aerodynamic biofeedback, the patient was able to coordinate exhalatory breath pressure flow during phonation, which resulted in immediately improved voice quality from highly dysphonic to nearly normal voice quality. Conclusions Patients with reverse phonation seldom undergo aerodynamic testing as part of the initial diagnostic and management program. Our case study demonstrates the effectiveness of aerodynamic technology to enable a patient with aberrant glottic function to recognize inspiratory phonation events and to reestablish consistent expiratory flow/pressure egress in speech tasks. Instrumental and tactile biofeedback is effective for reinforcement of normal flow patterns during speech tasks.
Tensile Characteristics of Squid Mantle

The mechanical properties of cooked and uncooked mantles of Loligo pealei and Illex illecebrosus in uniaxial tension were characterized by strength, strain at failure, overall stiffness and curvature of corrected stress vs strain relationships which is associated with degree of strain hardening. All four parameters differed at different orientations to the squid's principal axis. Uncooked mantle was considerably stronger and stiffer in the longitudinal direction, showed a higher degree of strain hardening, but sustained a smaller prefailure strain. Cooking at 60°C and 100°C had a much more drastic effect on the mechanical behavior of longitudinal specimens than on the transverse. These anisotropic mechanical features are attributed to the orientation of the collagen fibers of squid.
Inhibition of DNA-repair and DNA-synthesis by harman in human alveolar tumor cells.

Abstract The effect of the tryptophan pyrolysis product harman on colony forming ability, DNA-synthesis and DNA-repair was investigated in human alveolar tumor cells A549. Colony forming ability and overall DNA synthetic capacity decreased linearly with increasing harman concentration and reached values of 20 % and 29 % of untreated controls, respectively, at 200 μM. Harman also inhibited the repair of N-acetoxy-2-acetylaminofluorene induced DNA damage, as measured by the alkaline elution procedure. While incision of parental DNA occurred normally in the presence of harman the reconstitution of control molecular weights was strongly inhibited. These effects of harman may play a role in its co-mutagenic activity.
Retrocorneal Membranes: A Comparative Immunohistochemical Analysis of Keratocytic, Endothelial, and Epithelial Origins

Purpose To determine through the use of immunohistochemistry the origins of retrocorneal cellular and fibrillar membranes. Design Retrospective, clinicopathologic study using surgically removed human corneal tissues. Methods Clinical records of patients' ocular diseases and surgical procedures were reviewed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 5 enucleated control globes, 32 penetrating keratoplasty specimens, and 6 Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty specimens to analyze: (1) the normal corneal epithelium, stroma, and endothelium; and (2) stromal scars, endothelial abnormalities, and retrocorneal membranes. Paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid–Schiff, and Masson trichrome methods, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed with commonly available monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for various cytokeratins (CKs), CD34, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and vimentin. Results Five subtypes among 28 retrocorneal membranes were characterized. Twelve fibrous (keratocytic) membranes of stromal origin had coarse collagen and immunostained negatively for all CKs, but strongly for vimentin and α-SMA, the last the only marker of diagnostic value. Nine metaplastic endothelium-derived membranes produced delicate collagenous matrices and immunoreacted with CK7, vimentin, and α-SMA. Two epithelial multilaminar or monolaminar membranes reacted with CK cocktail and wide-spectrum CK, mildly with CK7 (not observed in orthotopic surface epithelium), and negatively for α-SMA and vimentin. The final 2 categories were indeterminate or nonimmunoreactive (3 specimens) and mixed (2 specimens). Conclusions Immunohistochemistry can diagnose retrocorneal membranes of different provenances reliably in most cases. Clinical correlations established that these membranes develop after serious inflammatory disorders, prolonged wounding or ulcerations, and multiple surgeries (an average of 3.4 per patient).
Laser Light Heating for Low-Noise Temperature Control in SQUID Applications

Abstract We have developed a new technique to heat a temperature-controlled stage for SQUID measurements without coupling excess noise to the SQUID. We send infrared laser light from a diode laser into a cryostat through an optical fiber, whose cleaved end is held close to a blackened spot on the stage. The laser current is controlled by a commercial PID temperature controller, which monitors the stage temperature with a diode sensor. Temperature control with the laser heating system is almost as good as that with a resistive heater, but it is much easier to achieve excellent SQUID noise performance because the rapidly oscillating magnetic field of infrared light does not couple to SQUIDs’ pickup loops, and the optical fiber does not carry RF noise to the SQUID.
Zirconium and hafnium abundances in meteorites, tektites and terrestrial materials

Abstract A total of 41 analyses for both zirconium and hafnium in natural materials are reported using the technique of neutron activation analysis. Included are analyses of 12 chondrites, 4 achondrites, 4 siderites, 1 meteoritic troilite, 1 meteoritic olivine, 9 tektites, 2 impact glasses, 2 deep-sea sediment cores, 1 obsidian and standard rocks W-1 and G-1. Cosmic atomic abundances for zirconium of 58 ( Si = 10 6 ) and for hafnium of 0.16 ( Si = 10 6 ) have been calculated on the basis of the chondrite analyses. The zirconium to hafnium weight ratio for most meteoritic materials is close to 200. This ratio is nearly an order of magnitude smaller for all terrestrial materials analysed in this work. On the basis of this ratio tektites are most similar to the terrestrial materials. Some implications of the data with respect to theories of nucleosynthesis and theories of meteorite and tektite formation are discussed.
Argininamide Binding Arrests Global Motions in HIV-1 TAR RNA: Comparison with Mg2+-induced Conformational Stabilization

The structure and dynamics of the stem-loop transactivation response element (TAR) RNA from the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) bound to the ligand argininamide (ARG) has been characterized using a combination of a large number of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) and trans-hydrogen bond NMR methodology. Binding of ARG to TAR changes the average inter-helical angle between the two stems from approximately 47 degrees in the free state to approximately 11 degrees in the bound state, and leads to the arrest of large amplitude (+/-46 degrees ) inter-helical motions observed previously in the free state. While the global structural dynamics of TAR-ARG is similar to that previously reported for TAR bound to Mg2+, there are substantial differences in the hydrogen bond alignment of bulge and neighboring residues. Based on a novel H5(C5)NN experiment for probing hydrogen-mediated 2hJ(N,N) scalar couplings as well as measured RDCs, the TAR-ARG complex is stabilized by a U38-A27.U23 base-triple involving an A27.U23 reverse Hoogsteen hydrogen bond alignment as well as by a A22-U40 Watson-Crick base-pair at the junction of stem I. These hydrogen bond alignments are not observed in either the free or Mg2+ bound forms of TAR. The combined conformational analysis of TAR under three states reveals that ligands and divalent ions can stabilize similar RNA global conformations through distinct interactions involving different hydrogen bond alignments in the RNA.
A study of the effect of pictorial markings and warning labels on handling of packages in the DHL single‐parcel environment

Over the past two decades, there has been a heavy influx in the number of direct-to-consumer express shipments of packaged products. As a consequence, parcel delivery companies, such as DHL, FedEx and UPS, have strengthened their presence in air transport. This study measured and analysed the effect of moving single packages through air shipments in the USA using one of the newest service providers, DHL. The study also quantified the effect of placing pictorial markings and warning labels on mid-sized and lightweight packages when using Next-Day and 2nd Day services provided by the carrier DHL. Instrumented packages measuring 0.38 m × 0.34 m × 0.34 m and weighing 6.8 kg were shipped from Michigan to California and New York. A total of 48 trips were conducted to collect the data for this study. The results show that for the Next-Day and 2nd Day service, packages with labels, as compared with those without labels, were subjected to approximately the same number of drops for shipment to California, and approximately 35% less drops for shipments to New York. The drop-height data for the shipments are presented in terms of drop heights associated with the 90, 95 and 99th percentile of occurrence. Impact orientation is also discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual differences in the morphometry and activation of time perception networks are influenced by dopamine genotype.

Abstract Individual participants vary greatly in their ability to estimate and discriminate intervals of time. This heterogeneity of performance may be caused by reliance on different time perception networks as well as individual differences in the activation of brain structures utilized for timing within those networks. To address these possibilities we utilized event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while human participants (n = 25) performed a temporal or color discrimination task. Additionally, based on our previous research, we genotyped participants for DRD2/ANKK1-Taq1a, a single-nucleotide polymorphism associated with a 30–40% reduction in striatal D2 density and associated with poorer timing performance. Similar to previous reports, a wide range of performance was found across our sample; crucially, better performance on the timing versus color task was associated with greater activation in prefrontal and sub-cortical regions previously associated with timing. Furthermore, better timing performance also correlated with increased volume of the right lateral cerebellum, as demonstrated by voxel-based morphometry. Our analysis also revealed that A1 carriers of the Taq1a polymorphism exhibited relatively worse performance on temporal, but not color discrimination, but greater activation in the striatum and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, as well as reduced volume in the cerebellar cluster. These results point to the neural bases for heterogeneous timing performance in humans, and suggest that differences in performance on a temporal discrimination task are, in part, attributable to the DRD2/ANKK1 genotype.
NATURAL REMANENT MAGNETIZATION OF PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated that both Portland cement paste and mortar become magnetized in earth's magnetic field. In this work, Portland cement concrete was studied to determine the degree to which this composite material becomes magnetized during the casting process, also due to earth's magnetic field. Concrete prisms consisting of ordinary Portland cement, Ottawa sand, and crushed gravel were constructed. Twenty-five mm diameter cores were extracted from the blocks and were tested in a spinner magnetometer to ascertain the direction and intensity of acquired magnetization. The results indicated that ordinary concrete becomes magnetized parallel to the ambient magnetic field due to the alignment of magnetic constituents found in the Portland cement. The magnetization was significantly enhanced when fly ash was present, due to highly magnetic grains typically present in fly ash.
The Influence of Fentanyl upon Cerebral High-energy Metabolites, Lactate, and Glucose during Severe Hypoxia in the Rat

The effects of intravenous administration of high-dose fentanyl (100 micrograms.kg-1, loading dose followed by an infusion of 200 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) were compared with those of a barbiturate (pentobarbital sodium 25 mg.kg-1, intraperitoneal) or hypothermia (rectal temperature 32 degrees C) on changes in cerebral cortical tissue levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), phosphocreatine (PCr), lactate, and glucose in severely hypoxemic rats (PaO2 13-23 mmHg for 20 min) with unilateral (left side) carotid ligation (10-12 animals in each group). Ligation of the carotid artery alone produced no change in brain high-energy metabolites, lactate, or glucose. The control values on the ligated side (nitrous oxide, 70%, + normoxia group) for cortical ATP, PCr, lactate, and glucose were 2.86 +/- 0.09 (mumol.g-1 wet weight, mean +/- 1 SE), 3.83 +/- 0.11, 1.68 +/- 0.21, and 3.29 +/- 0.47, respectively. Hypoxia (nitrous oxide, 70%, + hypoxia group) produced a significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in ATP (1.83 +/- 0.37) and PCr (1.93 +/- 0.48) and an increase in lactate (15.8 +/- 1.77) compared with the normoxic group, whereas brain glucose was not significantly changed (1.97 +/- 0.65). Fentanyl (fentanyl + hypoxia group) did not prevent the deleterious effects of hypoxia on cortical high energy metabolites (ATP, 2.0 +/- 0.27; PCr, 2.24 +/- 0.3) or lactate (19.33 +/- 3.16); however, fentanyl caused no alteration in high-energy cerebral metabolite concentrations in normoxic rats, nor did fentanyl produce a significant difference in brain tissue glucose or lactate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Correlated Motions in Protein Crystals Measured by THz Microscopy

We introduce a new technique, Crystal Anisotropy Terahertz Microscopy (CATM) which directly measures correlated intra-molecular protein vibrations. The terahertz (THz) frequency range (5-100 cm−1) corresponds to global correlated protein motions proposed to be essential to functional conformational changes [1, 2]. CATM accesses these motions above the relaxational background of the solvent and residue side chain librational motions. We demonstrate narrowband features in the anisotropic absorbance for hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) single crystals as well as HEWL with triacetylglucosamine (HEWL-3NAG) inhibitor single crystals. By self-referencing to a single orientation, the absorption spectra were obtained and are free from absorption due to librational motions from biological water and artifacts due to multiple reflections within the crystal. The most prominent features for the HEWL crystals appear at 45 cm−1, 69 cm−1, and 78 cm−1 and the strength of the absorption varies with crystal orientation relative to the THz polarization. Similar anisotropic features appear in molecular mechanics calculations suggesting specific correlated mode identification is possible, giving us direct insight to the role of correlated motions in conformational changes necessary for ligand binding and catalysis. This work supported by NSF MRI∧2 grant DBI295998.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Dissecting lymphoma incidence to inform epidemiologic and clinical research

, August 2013; 54(8): 1575–1576© 2013 Informa UK, Ltd.ISSN: 1042-8194 print / 1029-2403 onlineDOI: 10.3109/10428194.2013.774000Cor respondence: Lindsay M. Morton, PhD, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, DHHS, 6 120 Executive Blvd., EPS 7040, MSC 7238, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. Tel: 1-301-435-3972. E-mail: mortonli@mail.nih.gov
Robust and Reliable Microtechnology Research and Education through the Mobile Microrobotics Challenge [Competitions]

Inspired by the success of Robocup [1], the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [2] proposed a robot competition at the microscale-the Mobile Microrobotics Challenge (MMC). Microrobots for this competition utilize microelectromechanical system technology and are actuated using advanced control systems.
Ellipsometric Measurements of the Optical Properties and Dynamics of Electrochemical Conversion in Films of Polyaniline

Abstract We report ellipsometric measurements on films of polyaniline grown galvanostatically on platinum electrodes in HCl solutions. The films were characterized optically in situ and under potential control. They were also studied while undergoing electrochemical conversion between the bleached (insulating) and colored (conducting) forms induced by an applied bias. We show that ellipsometry is capable of providing unique information on the details of the electrochemical film conversion process. We also show that these films present strong similarities in both ellipsometric and voltammetric behavior with hydrous oxide films undergoing similar voltage-driven color-bleach cycles.
Semihard QCD and high-energy pp and p-barp scattering.

We present the results of an analysis of high-energy {ital pp} and {ital {bar p}p} scattering based on a model in which the energy dependence of very-high-energy processes is driven by semihard scatterings of quarks and gluons in the nucleons. We show in particular that parton-parton scattering processes at small {ital x} drive not only the observed increases in total, elastic-, and inelastic-scattering cross sections and the forward slope parameter, but also, through analyticity, a rapid increase in the ratio of the real to the imaginary part of the forward elastic-scattering amplitude. We also give a careful definition of the inclusive jet cross section and present results on {sigma}{sub jet}, average jet multiplicities, and jet-multiplicity fluctuations at high energies.
A density-based greedy algorithm for higher strength covering arrays

Algorithmic construction of software interaction test suites has focussed on pairwise coverage; less is known about the efficient construction of test suites for t-way interactions with t≥3. This study extends an efficient density-based algorithm for pairwise coverage to generate t-way interaction test suites and shows that it guarantees a logarithmic upper bound on the size of the test suites as a function of the number of factors. To complement this theoretical guarantee, an implementation is outlined and some practical improvements are made. Computational comparisons with other published methods are reported. Many of the results improve upon those in the literature. However, limitations on the ability of one-test-at-a-time algorithms are also identified. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual reflexes in male rats: restoration by ejaculation following suppression by penile sheath removal.

Abstract Following removal of the penile sheath, adult male rats were able to copulate with receptive females. For the males that ejaculated, the number of mounts with and without intromission increased, but other pre-ejaculatory parameters of copulation were unchanged, suggesting that ejaculatory excitation is an additive function of penile contact with the vagina and with the penile sheath. Intact males held in the supine position with the penile sheath retracted displayed penile reflexes. Supine males lacking the penile sheath displayed no penile reflexes prior to copulation, but immediately after ejaculation there was a partial restoration of reflexes. Hence, the pressure of the penile sheath at the base of the penis is normally necessary for the evocation of reflexes in supine males. Following ejaculation, during a presumed condition of reduced supraspinal inhibition, the reflexes may be displayed without sheath stimulation. The penile sheath of the rat apparently contributes to copulatory behavior and to penile reflexes, but in rather different ways.
Mesoscopic Plasma Modes Producing Magnetic Reconnection

Magnetic reconnection processes in collisionless regimes are shown to be difficult to excite in well confined plasmas and, when excited, they possess rather weak characteristics in that they depend on the physics of "transition layers" that have microscopic dimensions. When considering the effects of the so-called drift frequencies that depend on the pressure gradients of both the electron and the ion populations, modes with azimuthal or poloidal mode number m0 = 1 can be driven unstable only in a limited range of parameters. The relevance of this theory is pointed out to explain the experimentally observed crash events of the plasma temperature in regimes where the electron collision frequency is smaller then the mode growth rate. Given the mode weakness it is suggested that the onset of reconnection should be triggered or prevented by controlling factors, such as the gradients of the plasma density or the creation of a significant high energy particle population in the center of the plasma column. It is pointed out that the plasma pressure gradient in the affected region of the plasma column is the driving factor of the considered instability in a well-confined plasma and, on this basis, the associated process of magnetic reconnection can be expected to proceed only up to the stage where the instability will have adequately depressed the relevant pressure gradient. The applicability of this analysis to space plasmas is discussed.
Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of interstitial ectopic pregnancy: a case report.

The laparoscope was used to diagnose and treat an interstitial pregnancy that had been overlooked on ultrasonographic examination.