cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoluminescence of highly Er-doped silica films and Er-doped gallium arsenide

Abstract Photoluminescence of highly Er-doped silicate glass films prepared by sputter deposition and Er-doped GaAs films grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) was investigated. Er-doped silica glass films show a strong, room-temperature luminescence at 1.54 μm wavelength, corresponding to the4I1 3/2 →4I1 5/2 transition o f Er3+ (4f), with a fluorescence decay lifetime in the range of 2 ms. Oxygen was found to play an important role in forming optically active erbium ions. The non-radiative Auger-type process in Er-doped GaAs was estimated to be nearly five times that of the energy transfer process from bound excitons to the Er3+ ions, which subsequently resulted in the Er-related light emission. Temperature-induced quenching of the emission was found to be dominated by transitions with an activation energy of 74 meV.
The Normal Fetal Electrocardiogram, with a Pro-Posed System of Standardized Terminology

A system of standard electrode and patient positions for fetal electrocardiography as suggested by an international ad hoc committee, is presented. The variation in the accuracy of the fetal ECG technique during gestation is shown and discussed. Existence of two peaks of high accuracy, at 22 weeks and at term, is shown. Normal values for the duration of the fetal QRS are shown to increase from 0.026 second at 20 weeks to 0.040 second at tern. Normal values and ranges for fetal heart rates and the amplitudes of the fetal QRS are reported.
NMR Characterization of Phosphonic Acid Capped SnO2 Nanoparticles

Phosphonic acid capped SnO2 nanoparticles with diameters less than 5 nm were synthesized and characterized with multinuclear solution and solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR. Two types of phosphonic acid ligands were used to derivatize the SnO2 surface, producing (i) water soluble SnO2 nanoparticles capped with 2-carboxyethanephosphonic acid (CEPA) and (ii) insoluble SnO2 nanoparticles capped with phenylphosphonic acid (PPA). Multiple surface environments were observed with 31P solution and solid-state MAS NMR for both capping agents. The 31P resonances of derivatized SnO2 nanoparticles display isotropic chemical shifts that are more shielded compared to the native phosphonic acids. This observation is indicative of a strong interaction between the phosphonic acid group and the SnO2 surface. 1H MAS NMR spectra display a complete absence of the acidic protons of the phosphonic acid groups, strongly supporting the formation of P−O−Sn linkages. 1H → 31P cross polarization (CP) build-up behavior confir...
Preparation of Spiro[Benzopyran-Isoxazoles] from the Condensation–Cyclization of Oxime 1,4-Dianions with Select Coumarins

A representative spiro[benzopyran-isoxazole], 3′-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-N,N-diethyl-4-methyl-4′H-spiro[2H-1-benzopyran-2,5′-isoxazol]-7-amine 3a, was submitted for single crystal X-ray analysis. It has been prepared by the condensation–cyclization of dilithiated C(α),O-3′,4′-dimethoxyacetophenone oxime with a substituted coumarin, 7-(diethylamino)-4-methyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one. This results from the 1,2-carbonyl addition, Claisen type, of the dilithiated oxime with this coumarin ester carbonyl to afford C-acylated intermediates that were not isolated, but were acid cyclized to the spiro[benzopyran-isoxazoles], a new spiro heterocyclic system. There was no evidence for Michael-type 1,4-addition found during this initial investigation. An indication that the experimental multiple anion procedure is general, has been the preparation of two additional spiro(benzopyran-isoxazoles) 3b and 3c. Crystals of C24H28N2O4 3a are triclinic, $$p\bar{1}$$ , a = 9.161(2) A, b = 9.716(2) A, c = 12.869(3) A, α = 75.84(3)°, β = 81.03(3)°, γ = 73.96(3)°, Z = 2, V = 1062.5(4) A3, R 1 = 0.0539 and wR 2 = 0.1366 for reflections with I > 2σ(I). X-ray crystal analysis confirmed the structure of 3′-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-N,N-diethyl-4-methyl-4′H-spiro(2H-1-benzopyran-2,5′-isoxazol)-7-amine prepared by the condensation–cyclization of dilithiated C(α),O-3′,4′-dimethoxyacetophenone oxime with a substituted coumarin, 7-(diethylamino)-4-methyl-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one.
The Growth of Trees

A student research project is an open-ended question or set of questions that is intended to give undergraduate students experience doing "junior" mathematical research. Readers are invited to share especially interesting and fruitful examples of such projects in this section. Describe the project in a form appropriate for presentation to the student investigator (normally no more than five double-spaced typed pages). Include appropriate references. On a separate page list the project title, the mathematical concepts involved in its investigation, and your affiliation. Send all proposals to Brigitte Servatius. To further assist the editor in the evaluation of a project, provide a separate assessment of its difficulty and any information available about actual experience with the project. While untried projects are welcome, it should be clear that students can make genuine progress in their research.
Differentiating members of the thiazolidinedione class: a focus on efficacy

The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or glitazones' are a new class of drug used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Although their precise mechanism of action is not known, TZDs target insulin resistance directly and thus tackle an underlying cause of the disease. Two TZDs are indicated for use in type 2 diabetes in the USA, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. A third, troglitazone, has been associated with significant hepatotoxicity and has been withdrawn from use. In clinical trials, all three TZDs effectively lower blood glucose levels as monotherapy and in combination therapy with sulfonylureas, metformin -and insulin. To date, head-to-head comparative studies with these agents have not been performed. It is difficult, therefore, to make direct comparisons of their efficacy since other variables, including baseline glucose levels and study design, can have a significant impact on treatment outcome. Despite this and in light of unique safety issues characterized with certain TZDs, it is useful to look closely at the efficacy data for these agents. It is not sufficient to assume that all glitazones are the same' because the studies have not yet been done to support this statement. This article will review what is known about the relative efficacy of the TZDs.
Studying Abroad: Understanding the Relationships among Beliefs, Perceived Value, and Behavioral Intentions.

Increased globalization highlights the importance of encouraging university students to participate in an international experience. In this study, the authors investigate how behavioral belief, subjective belief, and control belief influence students’ perceived value and intention to study abroad. The authors further examine the moderation effects of generation on the proposed relationships. The results show that behavioral belief, not subjective belief and control belief, is significantly related to perceived value. Second, the relationship between perceived value and intention to study abroad is stronger for the first-generation sample. Third, the subjective belief measure could be divided into the financial support versus nonfinancial support scales. The article concludes with implications of its findings for educators as well as for academic researchers.
Male/female programmer and systems analyst Job performance

Differential psychologists have long reported that there are some male/female performance differences. For reasons that are not so well established, males tend to have better quantitative skills while females have better language and social skills (Anastasia, 1958).The various tests that have been developed over the years to select programmers have centered upon quantitative skills as a significant predictor of programmer success (Willoughby, 1972). Shrout, 1971, found that written, oral and social communication skills were the most important skills of a systems analyst.Therefore, it was our hypothesis that males should perform better as programmers and females better as systems analysts.A Fortune 100 company made available the performance ratings of its programmers and systems analysts. The data is summarized in Table 1. One doesn't need an elaborate statistical argument to conclude that the expected differences did not occur. The hypothesis was rejected.The possible reasons for these results include: The populations of programmers and systems analysts are self selected in such a manner that male/female differences no longer occur. Willoughby (1971) reported that younger women data processors had interests very like males.This company's selection process could have eliminated the differences that might exist in the population. However, this organization used no tests in its selection process so any such result would be either accidental or perhaps based upon stereotypes. This alternative seems unlikely. Therefore, we believe the population of programmers and systems analysts are now so homogeneous in their skills so that selection, promotion or assignment based upon any differences that might exist in the general population is inappropriate. There is no reason to believe that selection based upon presumed male/female differences would result in superior performance.
Excitonic insulator in GaAs junctions.

Excitonic insulator formation by electrons and holes pairing in GaAs p-n junctions from electron tunneling data comparison with theory
Masters of conquest and pillage: Xenorhabdus nematophila global regulators control transitions from virulence to nutrient acquisition.

Summary Invertebrate animal models are experimentally tractable and have immunity and disease symptoms that mirror those of vertebrates. Therefore they are of particular utility in understanding fundamental aspects of pathogenesis. Indeed, artificial models using human pathogens and invertebrate hosts have revealed conserved and novel molecular mechanisms of bacterial infection and host immune responses. Additional insights may be gained from investigating interactions between invertebrates and pathogens they encounter in their natural environments. For example, enteric bacteria in the genera Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus are pathogens of insects that also mutualistically associate with nematodes in the genera Heterorhabditis and Steinernema respectively. These bacteria serve as models to understand naturally occurring symbiotic associations that result in disease in or benefit for animals. Xenorhabdus nematophila is the best-studied species of its genus with regard to the molecular mechanisms of its symbiotic associations. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding X. nematophila–host interactions. We emphasize regulatory cascades involved in coordinating transitions between various stages of the X. nematophila life cycle: infection, reproduction and transmission.
Molecular breeding of a Brevibacterium lactofermentum l -phenylalanine producer using a cloned prephenate dehydratase gene

The prephenate dehydratase gene was cloned from a mutant of Brevibacterium lactofermentum, AJ11957 that produced enzyme free from feedback inhibition. The recombinant plasmids pPH11 and pPH14 complemented a phenylalanine auxotroph of B. lactofermentum, A-15, provided the transformant with the desensitized enzyme and caused an increased level of the enzyme compared to that of a wild strain. Plasmid pPH14 was introduced into l-phenylalanine producers genetically induced from B. lactofermentum; MF358 and FP-1 excreting l-tyrosine and anthranilate, respectively, as by-products. Both transformants predominantly accumulated l-phenylalanine at the expense of by-product formation. Co-existence of pPH14 and pTAR16, a recombinant plasmid expressing desensitized 3-deoxy-d-arabino-hepturosonate-7-phosphate synthase had a marked effect on further improvement in l-phenylalanine productivity, accompanied by an increase in the corresponding enzyme activity. The parent, MF358, accumulating 5.5 g/l l-phenylalanine, 6.8 g/l l-tyrosine and 0.3 g/l anthranilate turned into a potent l-phenylalanine producer producing 18.2 g/l l-phenylalanine and 1.0 g/l l-tyrosine by-product.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NEONATAL HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA (HBR)

In view of correlations found between levels of neonatal bilirubin elevations and subnormal developmental quotients on follow-up, and a 10 to 15% occurrence of HBR (bilirubin levels ≥ 12 mg%), a study to datermine factors associated with HBR was undertaken. During an 18 month pariod randomly selected healthy term infants ware enrolled in the study. A bilirubin determination was done at the time of hospital discharge (60 to 96 hours of age), and both mother's and infant's charts were reviewed for factors such as mother's age and health, parents' race, infant's sex, health status, type and time of feeding, and weight changes between birth and discharge. Analysis of the data revealed no significant difference in HBR between boys and girls. There was, however, a difference in bilirubin elevations above 8 mg%: boys 56%, girls 41% (p<0.05). 27% of the 51 Oriental patients and 7% of the other 179 infants had HBR (p<0.01). Preliminary data reveals that 4 of 56 bottle-fed versus 11 of 45 breastfed infants had HBR (p<0.05). Groups of infants with differing times of initial feeding and differing birth-discharge weight incremants had no differences in HBR. Supported by grant from Kaiser Fndn. Research Inst.
Stimulation of nicotine reward and central cholinergic activity in Sprague-Dawley rats exposed perinatally to a fat-rich diet.

Rationale While clinical studies show maternal consumption of palatable fat-rich diets during pregnancy to negatively impact the children’s behaviors and increase their vulnerability to drug abuse, the precise behavioral and neurochemical mechanisms mediating these phenomena have yet to be examined.
Effects of profession, sex and prognostic expectancies on therapists' comments in a psychotherapeutic analogue.

Twenty psychotherapists were individually given one of two psychological reports on a patient which either presented the patient as a good or a poor candidate for therapy. Each therapist then viewed a videotape of the patient in a therapeutic session which allowed the therapist to make written comments as if he were the therapist in the session. Therapists' comments were scored in several categories. No significant differences were found on any of the dependent variables for either good vs poor prognostic information or for psychiatrists vs psychologists. Female therapists used significantly more positive comments, more reflections of feeling, and fewer negative comments than did males. The results suggest that therapists' prognostic expectancy may not be as important a variable as previous correlational research has suggested. The finding concerning males vs females supports some previous studies and stresses the possible relative importance of sex differences vs other variables relating to therapists, e...
Efficient High-Dimensional Inference in the Multiple Measurement Vector Problem

In this work, a Bayesian approximate message passing algorithm is proposed for solving the multiple measurement vector (MMV) problem in compressive sensing, in which a collection of sparse signal vectors that share a common support are recovered from undersampled noisy measurements. The algorithm, AMP-MMV, is capable of exploiting temporal correlations in the amplitudes of non-zero coefficients, and provides soft estimates of the signal vectors as well as the underlying support. Central to the proposed approach is an extension of recently developed approximate message passing techniques to the amplitude-correlated MMV setting. Aided by these techniques, AMP-MMV offers a computational complexity that is linear in all problem dimensions. In order to allow for automatic parameter tuning, an expectation-maximization algorithm that complements AMP-MMV is described. Finally, a detailed numerical study demonstrates the power of the proposed approach and its particular suitability for application to high-dimensional problems.
System Identification and Optimal Control of a 6-DOF Magnetic Levitation Stage With Nanopositioning Capabilities

A systematic procedure for modeling and optimal control of a multivariable 6-DOF (degree-of-freedom) magnetically levitated (maglev) stage has been described in this paper. In our previous publications, we have presented the design, SISO (single-input single-output) control, and testing of the maglev stage with nanometer-precision positioning capability and several-hundred-micrometer travel range. In the present work, we extended the current model to a more rigorous LQR (linear quadratic regulation) controller for the lateral control to reduce the coupling between axes. Independent lead-lag controllers have been used for the vertical control. The system equations have been derived using the Euler angle methodology and linearized about an operating point. The performance of this multivariable control has been analyzed and compared with all the six decoupled SISO controllers. The effect of adding the integrators to eliminate the steady-state error has also been discussed and the performance of the LQR controller with different weight matrices has been compared. In this paper, we also address the issues related to the stochastic modeling of the stage to analyze the coupling between different axes and transfer function identification.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Thermal Homogenization in Spherical Reservoir by EHD Conduction Phenomenon

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction phenomenon involves the interaction of electric field and flow field in a dielectric fluid medium via the process of dissociation and recombination of free charges. This paper numerically studies the effect of electric conduction phenomenon on the mixing mechanism of two fluids with identical physical properties but separated due to the non-homogeneity of the temperature field. The fluid is designated to be restored in a spherical reservoir and it is not spontaneously mixed since the reservoir is predicted to be located in non-gravity environment. The electrodes are embedded on the reservoir surface such that the resultant electric body force causes the fluid with higher temperature mixes with the colder fluid and vice versa. The electric field and electric body force distribution and the resultant velocity field are presented. The results are illustrated in the form of time evolution of temperature distribution inside the reservoir. The effects of primary dimensionless numbers on the mixing time are studied.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
COPULATORY BEHAVIOR IN PREPUBERALLY CASTRATED MALE RATS AND ITS MODIFICATION BY ESTROGEN ADMINISTRATION1

IT is frequently stated that prepuberal castration prevents the appearance of copulatory behavior in the male rat (1, 2, 3), but none of the published reports which have come to our attention includes any account of systematic attempts to elicit sexual responses in adult males castrated before puberty. Ball (4) has described the appearance of masculine mating activity in prepuberally castrated male rats treated with estrogen; but since Ball did not test for the presence of this behavior in untreated castrates the results reported cannot be attributed exclusively to the effects of the hormone. The present study was conducted to describe and measure the masculine mating reactions of prepuberally castrated male rats before and after the administration of ovarian hormones. Eight male rats were castrated at 21 to 23 days of age and maintained in individual cages throughout the experiment.
Corporate governance, ownership dispersion and efficiency: Empirical evidence from Austrian cooperative banking

Abstract The ownership structures of firms are endogenous. This makes it difficult to produce direct evidence on the Berle and Means [Berle, A.A., Means, G.C., 1932. The Modern Corporation and Private Property, New York.] hypothesis that corporate governance becomes less efficient as the degree of separation of ownership and control increases. We address this issue by studying Austrian cooperative banking, an organizational form in which the ownership structure is exogenous. We show that firm performance declines as the number of cooperative members increases, corresponding to a greater separation of ownership and control. We also provide direct evidence on another theory that is difficult to test, namely, the efficiency wage hypothesis. We show that the decline in firm performance as the number of shareholders increases is due to an increase in efficiency wages.
Echocardiographic Diastolic Flutter of the Pulmonary Valve in Isolated Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Diastolic flutter of the pulmonary valve was observed on M-mode echocardiograms in 15/39 (38 percent) infants and children with a confirmed diagnosis of isolated patent ductus arteriosus. We postulate that this flutter is caused by a high-velocity jet of blood from the patent ductus directed at the pulmonary valve and resulting in flutter of the valve leaflets throughout the cardiac cycle, most remarkable daring diastole. In patients with left heart volume overload pattern, this finding increases the specificity of M-mode echocardiography in the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus.
Atlantic Hurricane Season of 2004

Abstract The 2004 Atlantic hurricane season is summarized, and the year’s tropical and subtropical cyclones are described. Fifteen named storms, including six “major” hurricanes, developed in 2004. Overall activity was nearly two and a half times the long-term mean. The season was one of the most devastating on record, resulting in over 3100 deaths basinwide and record property damage in the United States.
Coyote Teaching for Geography Instruction

Abstract Coyote teaching emphasizes learning community, long term mentoring, a need for learning, ownership of learning, heightened sensory awareness, storytelling, purposefully designed tricks, and the Socratic method to promote lifelong learning and a new generation of coyote teachers. Many of these methods are found in other educational philosophies but seem to be fully integrated in the coyote teaching method. Because geography is integrative, it seems a logical discipline in which to apply this method. Each of the characteristics of coyote teaching has its unique place in geography education. This article demonstrates how each of these components of coyote teaching can be readily employed, enhanced, and, more importantly, integrated into geographic education and inculcated into multiple generations of geography educators.
Parametric prediction of the POD and PFA for reflective hyperspectral imaging systems: dependencies on target, scene and sensor design characteristics, and detection algorithms

Advanced ground and space-based hyperspectral imager (HSI) concepts are being developed for a wide variety of scientific, civil, and military applications. Users and developers of these systems often require the specification of system performance in terms of receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves which plot probability-of-detection (POD) versus probability-of-false-alarm (PFA). In this paper we describe and illustrate the use of a scene-based modeling tool used to explore ROC curve parametric dependencies on target, scene, and HSI sensor design characteristics and detection algorithms in the visible/near infrared to shortwave infrared (VNIR/SWIR) spectral regime (i.e. from 0.4 to 2.5 microns). The magnitudes of the target and background spectral signatures are synthesized using MODTRAN; this accounts for pertinent solar elevation angle and albedo assumptions. Selected spectral input scenes (based on measured data) are used assuming imbedded spectral targets (selectable), where a fill-factor parameter is used to account for target dimension compared to sensor ground footprint. The HSI sensor sensitivity characteristics are imbedded via the noise-equivalent reflectivity difference (NEuρ) figure-of-merit which is computed spectrally based on a given sensor design configuration. Finally the POD, PFA and hence ROC parametrics are generated using a distinct candidate detection algorithm. The roles of scene clutter, illumination conditions, and sensor signal-to-noise ratio are made clear in simulation examples. In addition the impact of limited scene extent (limited scene pixel count) on the accuracy of the PFA predictions is noted and discussed.
Management of the Atherosclerotic Ascending Aorta With Endoaortic Occlusion

Application of an external cross-clamp to an atherosclerotic ascending aorta increases the risk of an embolic event and traumatic injury of the aorta. Currently, there are limited management options in these patients when the clinical situation requires cardiac arrest during an operation. We present our approach to these patients using the Heartport Endoaortic Clamp (Heartport, Redwood City, CA).
International Finance: Pushing the Statistical Envelope to Meet the Challenges of Globalization

This paper treats three key areas where statisticians are pushing the envelope to meet the challenges of providing the basis for sound analysis and thus for sound policy in pursuit of assuring prosperity and preventing financial crises. In one area, the challenge is to provide comprehensive and timely data on foreign direct investment. In another area, the challenge is similar-to provide comprehensive and timely data on public debt. Moreover, a whole new area of statistics, dealing with the health of the financial sector, is being developed in recognition that one country's financial health or sickness affects its neighbors and many others in a world of complex global ties.
Illicit use of psychostimulants among college students: A preliminary study

There is little recent research on the illicit use of prescription stimulants such as methylphenidate on college campuses. Given the increasing number of amphetamine prescriptions for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder in older adolescents, non-medical use seems likely to occur. The present study surveyed undergraduates at a small college in the USA on their use of both legal and illegal stimulants; 35.5% of undergraduates who were convenience-sampled had used prescription amphetamines illicitly (defined as use without a prescription), with men reporting more use than women. Motivations were primarily academic, but 19.3% of students reported using prescription stimulants in combination with alcohol for recreational reasons. In addition, 34% of the sample reported using either cocaine or MDMA in the previous year. Motivations for use of illegal stimulants were primarily recreational. Sensation seeking appears to be a correlate of both types of stimulant use; for abuse of prescription drugs, being bot...
Stu2, the Budding Yeast XMAP215/Dis1 Homolog, Promotes Assembly of Yeast Microtubules by Increasing Growth Rate and Decreasing Catastrophe Frequency

Stu2 is the budding yeast member of the XMAP215/Dis1 family of microtubule polymerases. It is essential in cell division, allowing proper spindle orientation and metaphase chromosome alignment, as well as spindle elongation during anaphase. Despite Stu2 having a phenotype that suggests it promotes microtubule growth, like the other members of the XMAP215/Dis1 family, previous studies with purified Stu2 indicate only that it antagonizes microtubule growth. One potential explanation for these contradictory findings is that the assays were performed with mammalian brain tubulin, which may not be the right substrate to test the activity of Stu2 given that yeast and brain tubulins are quite divergent in sequence and that the vertebrate tubulins are subject to many post-translational modifications. To test this possibility, we reconstituted the activity of Stu2 with purified budding yeast tubulin. We found that Stu2 accelerated microtubule growth in yeast tubulin by severalfold, similar to the acceleration reported for XMAP215 in porcine brain tubulin. Furthermore, Stu2 accelerated polymerization in yeast tubulin to a much greater extent than in porcine brain tubulin, and the concentration of Stu2 required to reach 50% maximum activity in yeast tubulin was nearly 2 orders of magnitude lower than that in porcine brain tubulin. We conclude that Stu2 is a microtubule polymerase, like its relatives, and that its activity is considerably higher in yeast tubulin compared with mammalian brain tubulin. The biochemical properties of Stu2 reported here account for many of the phenotypes of Stu2 observed in cells.
Radiation therapy for cervical cancer: late effects on life span and on leukemia incidence.

To investigate life-shortening after partial body exposure, survival of 497 patients whose primary treatment was exclusively with x-rays and radium for squamous cell cancer of the cervix (localized and regional stages) is under continuing study. To eliminate early deaths due to cancer and to provide maximal follow-up time, the group includes only those who survived at least 5 years and who were under age 55 at time of diagnosis. The patients were treated in 1932–1951 and were drawn from the University of California and Connecticut State Tumor Registries. Pelvic regional dose was calculated for each patient. Three dose-groups were formed: < 23 Mgm-rads, 23–31 Mgm-rads, and 32–54 Mgm-rads. When dose groups were compared with one another within stage and registry, and also after pooling stages and registries, no statistically significant differences in survival were found. When uterine cancer deaths were excluded to adjust for the possibility that unsuccessful treatment might have masked the life-shortening effect under study, again no association was found between radiation dosage and survival. In excess of 7 cases of leukemia were predicted for the 10-year period of 5 to 14 years after treatment. To this time, no deaths have been attributed to leukemia.
The mutarotation of poly-l-hydroxyproline

Abstract It has been shown that poly- l -hydroxyproline will undergo mutarotation in acid media with limited water content. The mutarotation proceeds with an activation energy of 8–9 kcal per mole of peptide linkage. The enthalpy change for the reaction is zero and the enthropy change is −1.43 eu. There is some evidence that the inhibition of mutarotation in aqueous media is the result of the format ion of hydrogen-bonded water bridges between the carbonyl function of one amino acid residue and the hydroxyl function of the adjacent residue. It is postulated that the triple stranded structure proposed for the solid state by Sasisekharan may also exist in solution.
Marine Electromagnetic Studies of Seafloor Resources and Tectonics

The past decade has been a period of rapid growth for marine electromagnetic (EM) methods, predominantly due to the industrial adoption and promotion of EM as a valuable tool for characterizing offshore hydrocarbon reservoirs. This growth is illustrated by a database of marine EM publications spanning from the early developments in the 1960’s to the present day; while over 300 peer-reviewed papers on marine EM have been published to date, more than half of these papers have been published within the last decade. This review provides an overview of these recent developments, covering industrial and academic use of marine EM for resource exploration and tectonic investigations, ranging from acquisition technology and modeling approaches to new physical and geological insights learned from recent data sets.
Precessional slip in an angular contact ball bearing

Abstract A previously reported ball precessional motion in an angular contact bearing is analyzed. Explicit forms for ball-race slip are given, both with and without precession. Slip and entrainment velocity at ball-ball contacts in a retainerless bearing are also given, also with and without precession. It is shown that the observed precession does not change the hertzian slip fields very much at either contact, compared with those produced by pure spin.
Molecular simulation of fluid adsorption in buckytubes and MCM-41

We report grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) molecular-simulation studies of argon and nitrogen in models of two novel adsorbents, buckytubes and MCM-41. Buckytubes are monodisperse carbon tubes with internal diameters of 1–5 nm and a regular pore structure. MCM-41 is one member of a new family of highly uniform mesoporous aluminosilicates produced by Mobil. The pore size of MCM-41 can be accurately controlled within the range 1.5-I.0 nm. The adsorption of argon in a buckytube and the adsorption of nitrogen in two different MCM-41 pores are studied at 77 K. Both fluids are modeled as Lennard-Jones spheres. and an averaged fluid-wall potential, dependent only on the distance of the adsorbed molecule from the center of the tube or pore is used. Isotherms and isosteric heats are calculated. Layering transitions and a hysteresis loop are observed for the buckytube and good agreement is found between simulated and experimental isotherms for the MCM-41 systems.
Exogenous interferon-γ enhances atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-/- mice

A role for interferon-γ (IFN-γ) has been implied in the atherogenic process. To determine whether exogenously administered IFN-γ exerts an effect on the development of atherosclerosis, we intraperitoneally administered either recombinant IFN-γ (100 U/g body weight) or phosphate buffered saline daily for 30 days to atherosclerosis-susceptible apolipoprotein E−/− mice (16-week-old male mice, n = 11 per group) fed a normal diet. Atherosclerotic lesion size was quantified in the ascending aorta. The number of T lymphocytes and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-positive cells within lesions were also quantified in this region. IFN-γ administration reduced serum cholesterol concentrations by 15% (P = 0.02). For both groups, the majority of cholesterol was present in very low density lipoproteins, which were modestly reduced in mice receiving IFN-γ. Despite the decrease in serum cholesterol concentrations, IFN-γ injections significantly increased lesion size twofold compared to controls (119,980 ± 18,536 vs. 59,396 ± 20,017 μm2; P = 0.038). IFN-γ also significantly increased the mean number of T lymphocytes (19 ± 4 vs. 7 ± 1 cells; P = 0.03) and MHC class II-positive cells (10 ± 3 vs. 3 ± 1 cells; P = 0.04) within lesions. These data lend further support to a pro-atherogenic role of IFN-γ.
New taxa of peruvian piperaceae

The most recent comprehensive survey of the Piperaceae of Peru was published by the late William Trelease in 1936 as part of Macbride's Flora of Peru'. More recently, additional taxa have been described by the writer2. The family is unusually well represented in Peru and it is believed that collections made in more remote, and as yet unexplored areas, will reveal many additional undescribed members. It has not been possible to match the following described collections with any so far known and it is believed that they represent species and varieties not hitherto published.
Phosphorus accumulation in the littoral zone of a subtropical lake

In situ mesocosm experiments were performed under summer (1997) and winter (1999) conditions in the littoral zone of a subtropical lake in Florida, USA. The objective was to quantify phosphorus (P) accumulation by various components of the community after adding pulsed doses of dissolved inorganic P. A short-term experiment also was done to quantify the rate of P loss from the water column, with simultaneous use of an inert tracer to confirm that P depletion was not due to leakage of the tanks. In the experiments, added P was rapidly removed from the water; samples collected 3–4 days after adding spikes of near 100 μg l−1 P contained little or no soluble reactive P. In the short-term experiment, we documented that the half-life of added P was approximately 6–8 h in the water column, and that the tanks were not exchanging water with the surrounding lake. Little of the added P ended up in plankton, rooted vascular plants, or sediments. The main sink for P was periphyton, including surface algal mats, benthic algal mats and detritus, and epiphyton. In the summer 1997 experiment, the periphyton was intimately associated with a non-rooted plant (Utricularia), which also may have sequestered P from the water. Structure of the littoral community varied between summer and winter, and this influenced which periphyton component accounted for most of the P removal. In regard to P mass balances, we accounted for 54% of the added P in 1997, when coarse sampling was done. In 1999, when there was more detailed sampling of the community, 92% of the added P was located in various community components. Subtropical littoral periphyton can be a large sink for P, as long as depth and underwater irradiance conditions favor its growth.
Expert medical testimony: Responsibilities of medical societies

Expert witnesses for plaintiff and defense should be able to provide evidence-based literature to support their testimony in depositions and in the courtroom. Specialty societies, such as the American Academy of Neurology, should be willing to review complaints about unsubstantiated testimony and, at times, publicly discipline offending experts.
The strength of brittle materials containing second phase dispersions

Abstract Cracks in brittle materials can be impeded by obstacles in the form of second phase dispersions. The crack tends to bow out between obstacles forming secondary semi-elliptical flaws. The strength is determined by the stress to propagate these secondary cracks. Stress calculations show that this depends on the ratios of the obstacle dimensions and the obstacle spacing and, except for large relative obstacle spacings, the stress is larger than the stress to extend the primary crack. Second phase dispersions will usually increase strength, therefore, through an effect equivalent to the ‘line tension effect’ observed for dislocation motion. A comparison of the calculated ‘line tension effect’ with observed increases in strength in brittle matrix composites shows that line tension is the major contribution to the strength increase for brittle obstacles, but only a minor contribution for fibre composites, and probably a minor contribution for ductile obstacles.
Visual Motion Computation in Analog VLSI Using Pulses

The real time computation of motion from real images using a single chip with integrated sensors is a hard problem. We present two analog VLSI schemes that use pulse domain neuromorphic circuits to compute motion. Pulses of variable width, rather than graded potentials, represent a natural medium for evaluating temporal relationships. Both algorithms measure speed by timing a moving edge in the image. Our first model is inspired by Reichardt's algorithm in the fly and yields a non-monotonic response vs. velocity curve. We present data from a chip that implements this model. Our second algorithm yields a monotonic response vs. velocity curve and is currently being translated into silicon.
Identification of Host Cytosolic Sensors and Bacterial Factors Regulating the Type I Interferon Response to Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila is a gram-negative bacterial pathogen that replicates in host macrophages and causes a severe pneumonia called Legionnaires' Disease. The innate immune response to L. pneumophila remains poorly understood. Here we focused on identifying host and bacterial factors involved in the production of type I interferons (IFN) in response to L. pneumophila. It was previously suggested that the delivery of L. pneumophila DNA to the host cell cytosol is the primary signal that induces the type I IFN response. However, our data are not easily reconciled with this model. We provide genetic evidence that two RNA-sensing proteins, RIG-I and MDA5, participate in the IFN response to L. pneumophila. Importantly, these sensors do not seem to be required for the IFN response to L. pneumophila DNA, whereas we found that RIG-I was required for the response to L. pneumophila RNA. Thus, we hypothesize that bacterial RNA, or perhaps an induced host RNA, is the primary stimulus inducing the IFN response to L. pneumophila. Our study also identified a secreted effector protein, SdhA, as a key suppressor of the IFN response to L. pneumophila. Although viral suppressors of cytosolic RNA-sensing pathways have been previously identified, analogous bacterial factors have not been described. Thus, our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which an intracellular bacterial pathogen activates and also represses innate immune responses.
Thin-base bipolar transistor fabrication using gas immersion laser doping

Gas immersion laser doping (GILD) is used to fabricate the base and emitter regions of narrow-base n-p-n bipolar transistors. The GILD process is unique in that it allows simple fabrication of box-like impurity profiles which can be placed very accurately in the vertical dimension (+or-100 AA). Transistors with base widths ranging from 700 to 1200 AA and DC forward current gains greater than 50 are fabricated. >
A Study of the Relationship of Styles of Loving and Marital Happiness

In a study of the relationship of styles of loving and marital happiness the Marital Adjustment Test (Short-Form) and the Styles of Loving survey were mailed or hand delivered to 200 married couple...
Friend of GATA-1 Represses GATA-3–dependent Activity in CD4+ T Cells

The development of naive CD4+ T cells into a T helper (Th) 2 subset capable of producing interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 involves a signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)6-dependent induction of GATA-3 expression, followed by Stat6-independent GATA-3 autoactivation. The friend of GATA (FOG)-1 protein regulates GATA transcription factor activity in several stages of hematopoietic development including erythrocyte and megakaryocyte differentiation, but whether FOG-1 regulates GATA-3 in T cells is uncertain. We show that FOG-1 can repress GATA-3–dependent activation of the IL-5 promoter in T cells. Also, FOG-1 overexpression during primary activation of naive T cells inhibited Th2 development in CD4+ T cells. FOG-1 fully repressed GATA-3–dependent Th2 development and GATA-3 autoactivation, but not Stat6-dependent induction of GATA-3. FOG-1 overexpression repressed development of Th2 cells from naive T cells, but did not reverse the phenotype of fully committed Th2 cells. Thus, FOG-1 may be one factor capable of regulating the Th2 development.
New optical burst-switching protocol for supporting quality of service

Optical burst switching (OBS) is a new paradigm proposed to efficiently support the ever-growing broadband multimedia traffic either directly or indirectly (e.g., via IP) over all optical WDM networks. In this paper, we propose a new prioritized OBS protocol based on Just-Enough-Time which can provide Quality of Service in buffer-less WDM optical networks. Specifically, we apply OBS to support two traffic classes: real-time and non-real-time, such that each burst belonging to the former is assigned a higher priority by simply using an additional offset time between the burst and its corresponding control (set-up) packet. We analyze the lower and upper bounds on the blocking probability of each traffic class, and evaluate the performance of the proposed prioritized OBS protocol through analysis and simulation. We show that real-time traffic can achieve a significantly reduced blocking probability by using a reasonable amount of additional offset time. In addition, the overall blocking probability and throughput can be maintained regardless of the additional offset time used.
Substorm observations of magnetic perturbations and ULF waves at synchronous orbit by ATS-1 and ATS-6

In the empirical study of the geomagnetic cavity, the synchronous equatorial orbit has been shown to be a most advantageous site for scientific measurements. Satellites in this orbit are fixed in the Earth’s main magnetic field so that the records are not dominated by changes due to satellite motion through this field. Also, the satellites traverse the same geometric region of space daily, thus facilitating statistical studies of magnetospheric phenomena. Thirdly, the magnetic field lines leaving the Earth’s surface near the auroral zone cross the equatorial plane close to this orbit, thus subjecting the region to a number of such phenomena.
THE INDEX OF TOEPLITZ OPERATORS ON FREE TRANSFORMATION GROUP C-ALGEBRAS

Let be a discrete group acting on a compact manifold X, let V be a -equivariant Hermitian vector bundle over X, and let D be a rst-order elliptic self-adjoint -equivariant dierential operator acting on sections of V . This data is used to dene Toeplitz operators with symbols in the transformation group C-algebra C(X)o , and it is shown that if the symbol of such a Toeplitz operator is invertible, then the operator is Fredholm. In the case where is nite and acts freely on X, a geometric-topological formula for the index is stated that involves an explicitly constructed dierential form associated to the symbol.
Thinking animals and epistemology

We consider one of Eric Olson's chief arguments for animalism about personal identity: the view that we are each identical to a human animal. The argument was originally given in Olson's book The Human Animal. Olson's argument presupposes an epistemological premise which we examine in detail. We argue that the premise is implausible and that Olson's defense of animalism is therefore in trouble.
In-vitro evaluation of cefpirome (HR 810), teicoplanin and four other antimicrobials against enterococci

In-vitro activities of cefpirome (HR 810), a fourth generation cephalosporin, and teicoplanin were compared with those of ampicillin, piperacillin, and vancomycin against 56 clinical isolates of enterococci. Cefpirome had good activity with the MIC90 and MBC90 being 4 and 16 mg/l. Ampicillin and piperacillin had MBC90 of 4 and 16 mg/l. Teicoplanin was extremely active with the MIC90 being 1.6 mg/l while vancomycin had poor cidal activity with the MBC90 being 16 mg/l. A decrease in activity of cefpirome was noted when the inoculum size was increased from 10(3) to 10(7) organisms per ml. Synergy was demonstrated against most Streptococcus faecium isolates with a combination of cefpirome and gentamicin or piperacillin. Against Str. faecalis, with a similar combination, synergy was seen in less than 50% isolates. No antagonism was noted with any of the antibiotic combinations.