cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-generated randomness, defect wandering, and viscous flow in stripe glasses

We show that the competition between interactions on different length scales, as relevant for the formation of stripes in doped Mott insulators, can cause a glass transition in a system with no explicitly quenched disorder. We analytically determine a universal criterion for the emergence of an exponentially large number of metastable configurations that leads to a finite configurational entropy and a landscape dominated viscous flow. We demonstrate that glassines is unambiguously tied to a new length scale which characterizes the typical length over which defects and imperfections in the stripe pattern are allowed to wander over long times.
Trials & tribulations: science in the courts

La justice requiert des lois et l'administration de ces lois, mais egalement une verite factuelle. Pour determiner cette verite, par exemple dans le cas des crimes, la cour de justice fait appel a des scientifiques qui effectuent une expertise
Development of a helium-filled streamer chamber system

Abstract Development of a helium-filled streamer chamber system is described. Calculations of streamer formation are carried out to determine high voltage pulse requirements. It is found that a Marx generator is adequate to drive chambers of intermediate size if an image intensifier is used to view the streamers. A onemeter streamer chamber system employing a 350-kV Marx generator is described. This system was used in a recent cyclotron experiment to record 5×10 5 pictures with good resolution and reliability.
The prospects for coal briquetting in the Third World

Abstract Fuelwood shortages are widespread throughout the developing world. One option to alleviate the situation is to substitute indigenously produced coal briquettes. This paper reviews carbonizing and briquetting technologies that convert coal to a smokeless, strong, and low-emissions bbriquette for domestic or commercial application. Cost studies are presented indicating the briquettes are competitive in some countries. We examine experiences with briquettes in the Third World and identify 36 countries where both coal and fuelwood shortages exist, which are prerequisites for the technology Finally, we describe the necessary resource, technological, market, and government policy assessments for analysing a country's coal briquetting prospects.
An experimental research study on the effect of pictorial icons on a user-learner's performance

This experimental counterbalanced repeated measures study on the effect of three types of icons (abstract, pictorial and drawing) on the learning and performance of two types of learners (abstract and concrete) was conducted during the Spring 2000-Spring 2001 semesters at the University of Central Florida. The counterbalanced lesson followed by a counterbalanced and completely randomized quiz on three levels was field tested in the Spring-Summer 2000 on 37 UCF graduate students and final tested in the Fall 2000-Spring 2001 on 53 UCF graduate student subjects. A general linear model repeated measures ANOVA revealed that icon type had a significant effect on the learning and performance of both types of learners. Pictorial icons resulted in best scores. No significant interaction was found between icon type and learner type even though on a matched condition, abstract learners with abstract icon resulted in better scores than when concrete learners were matched with concrete (pictorial and drawing) icons. Implications for future research are drawn as well as practical applications identified in the field of teaching, learning, training and performance.
Synthesis of soluble neuronal proteins in vivo. Age-dependent differences in the incorporation of leucine and phenylalanine

Abstract [3H]Leucine and [3H]phenylalamine were injected intracerebrally into 8- and 18-day-old rats and, in addition, [3H]proline was injected into 8-day-old rats only. Neuronal perikarya were isolated from the cerebral cortex 15 min later and the rapidly labeled proteins recovered in the high-speed soluble supernatant fraction were analyzed by polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-urea gels, significant differences were noted between the [3H]leucine and the [3H]phenylalanine-labeled proteins of the 8-day-old neuron, the former consisting largely of slow-moving, high molecular weight species, while the latter consisted of fast-moving, small molecular weight species. The pattern of the [3H]proline-labeled proteins conformed generally to that of [3H]-phenylalamine. The trend seen in the 8-day-old neurons was largely reserved in the 18-day-old neurons, demonstrating that the protein synthetic machinery of the cortical neuron undergoes qualitative, precursor-dependent adjustments during its development. Under the conditions of our experiments, no labeling of microtubule proteins was detected. Furthermore, no radioactivity migrating as microtubule protein was found in the vinblastine precipitate of the neuronal soluble proteins. Electrophoresis of a hypotonic extract of the neuronal soluble proteins revealed a number of additional radioactive proteins, presumed to be nascent polypeptides caught in the lumen of the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, whileen route to extraperikaryal destinations.
Location of exit channel for nascent protein in 80S ribosome

Ribosomes crystallize on endoplasmic reticulum membranes in oocytes of the southern Italian lizard, Lacerta sicula, during winter1. Electron crystallographic studies of the crystals have been made to elucidate the arrangement of the ribosomal subunits on the membrane surface2,3. We have now obtained more extensive and better ordered crystals of the same habit, grown from chick embryo ribosomes4, and report here on their native structure preserved by rapid freezing of the crystals in thin aqueous films. The three-dimensional map reveals new details of the protein and ribosomal RNA distribution within the ribosome. Most striking is a region of low density within the large subunit which extends from the subunit interface towards an area on the membrane-facing surface identified by others5,6as the exit site of the nascent protein. This region of low density appears to delineate the path taken by the growing polypeptide through the ribosome to the external surface.
Lucy's Flat Feet: The Relationship Between the Ankle and Rearfoot Arching in Early Hominins

Background In the Plio-Pleistocene, the hominin foot evolved from a grasping appendage to a stiff, propulsive lever. Central to this transition was the development of the longitudinal arch, a structure that helps store elastic energy and stiffen the foot during bipedal locomotion. Direct evidence for arch evolution, however, has been somewhat elusive given the failure of soft-tissue to fossilize. Paleoanthropologists have relied on footprints and bony correlates of arch development, though little consensus has emerged as to when the arch evolved. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we present evidence from radiographs of modern humans (n = 261) that the set of the distal tibia in the sagittal plane, henceforth referred to as the tibial arch angle, is related to rearfoot arching. Non-human primates have a posteriorly directed tibial arch angle, while most humans have an anteriorly directed tibial arch angle. Those humans with a posteriorly directed tibial arch angle (8%) have significantly lower talocalcaneal and talar declination angles, both measures of an asymptomatic flatfoot. Application of these results to the hominin fossil record reveals that a well developed rearfoot arch had evolved in Australopithecus afarensis. However, as in humans today, Australopithecus populations exhibited individual variation in foot morphology and arch development, and “Lucy” (A.L. 288-1), a 3.18 Myr-old female Australopithecus, likely possessed asymptomatic flat feet. Additional distal tibiae from the Plio-Pleistocene show variation in tibial arch angles, including two early Homo tibiae that also have slightly posteriorly directed tibial arch angles. Conclusions/Significance This study finds that the rearfoot arch was present in the genus Australopithecus. However, the female Australopithecus afarensis “Lucy” has an ankle morphology consistent with non-pathological flat-footedness. This study suggests that, as in humans today, there was variation in arch development in Plio-Pleistocene hominins.
Compression of ray information in three-dimensional integral imaging

We present a method to compress ray information in three- dimensional 3-D integral imaging II using the Karhunen-Loeve trans- form KLT. Elemental images in II are highly correlated because they are picked-up by numerous lenslets, thus, the KLT can compress an integral image more effectively than 2-D ordinary images. In the hybrid coding scheme, the KLT is distinctly applied to disjoint subsets which are partitioned by a vector quantization VQ. In the optical experiments, we show that 3-D image quality degradation is negligible if approximately 10% of eigenvectors with the largest eigenvalues are used. We also evaluate the quality of uncompressed images by signal-to-noise ratio SNR and peak-to-peak signal-to-noise ratio PSNR. The presented coding scheme is shown to be better than JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group for the lower bit rates in the II compression. Optical and numerical experiments are presented. © 2005 Society of Photo-Optical Instru-
Litter decomposition in created and reference wetlands in West Virginia, USA

Large amounts of resources have gone into wetland mitigation in recent years; however, it is still unclear whether wetland function is being replaced along with wetland area. Litter decomposition is linked to numerous wetland functions. In this study, we measured plant litter decomposition potential over 12 months in 8 created and 8 reference wetlands located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, USA. Broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia L.) litter bags were placed in each wetland and collected at 3 month intervals. Linear decomposition rate constants and percent mass remaining were similar between wetland types (created and reference) and among Cowardin classifications (palustrine: unconsolidated bottom, aquatic bed, emergent, and scrub/shrub). Created wetland age was not correlated with decomposition potential. Our study found that created wetlands had similar litter decomposition potential as reference wetlands indicating that similar processes are likely acting upon litter decomposition within both natural and created wetlands.
A Simple Visualization of Double Bond Properties: Chemical Reactivity and UV Fluorescence

A simple, easily visualized thin-layer chromatography (TLC) staining experiment is presented that highlights the difference in reactivity between aromatic double bonds and nonaromatic double bonds. Although the stability of aromatic systems is a major theme in organic chemistry, the concept is rarely reinforced “visually” in the undergraduate curriculum. With the use of a TLC plate to immobilize a range of unsaturated hydrocarbons, their UV fluorescence properties and their susceptibility to oxidation, using a permanganate stain, can be easily and rapidly visualized in a classroom setting.
Measuring Tropical Deforestation: Development of the Methods

Estimates of the rate and extent of tropical deforestation differ widely. The accuracy of the estimates for many countries has improved greatly during the last decade, especially with increased use of satellite data and advancements in analysis techniques. A good basis for ongoing global monitoring of tropical forests has been established by the FAO in its Forest Resources Assessment for 1990 (though data for some countries are still inadequate). The FAO assessment estimates that over one million km2 of the Earth's tropical rain-forest and moist deciduous forest was destroyed during 1981–90, representing an annual deforestation rate of 0.75% of such forests throughout the decade.This paper traces the controversy over measurements of deforestation in Brazil's Legal Amazon and the resulting confusion and exaggeration of research findings (in both directions). Some widely-cited estimates are highly inaccurate, indicating a need for critical evaluation of any estimates that are used. A substantial narrowing of the range of estimates is found in recent studies. Landsat data indicate that the deforestation rate in the Legal Amazon declined considerably from 1988 to 1991.
The 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA epimerase activity of rat liver peroxisomes is due to the combined actions of two enoyl-CoA hydratases: A revision of the epimerase-dependent pathway of unsaturated fatty acid oxidation

Chromatography of a rat liver extract on DEAE-cellulose resulted in the near total loss of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA epimerase activity. The activity was regained either when fractions were recombined or when purified crotonase was added to the early column fractions. A new enoyl-CoA hydratase present in these early fractions catalyzes the conversion of D-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA to 2- trans -enoyl-CoA which can be hydrated by crotonase or the peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme to L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA. Thus, the 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA epimerase activity is due to the combined actions of two enoyl-CoA hydratases with opposite stereospecificities.
Effects of electrical current and temperature on contamination-induced degradation in ohmic switch contacts

Abstract As scaling of silicon-based metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor approaches its limits, the ohmic switch has recently been regarded as a viable alternative or complementary technology. However, the electrical contacts in these devices are prone to contamination from ambient hydrocarbons that reduces signal transmission through the switch. In this work we report how two key parameters, electrical current and temperature, affect contaminant-induced degradation mechanisms. It is shown that passing electrical current through the contacts significantly increases contamination growth but also increases its conductivity. We also demonstrate that increasing the ambient temperature delays and reduces the rate of contamination growth.
Mathematics instruction in Head Start: Nature, extent, and contributions to children's learning

Abstract This study employed the most recent (2006) cohort of the nationally representative Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) to explore the nature of mathematics instruction in Head Start and the child, family, and teacher factors that contribute to children's mathematics learning over the preschool year. In total, 2501 preschoolers and their families, as well as their teachers ( n = 335), participated in the study from fall 2006 to spring 2007. Results showed that teachers reported frequent mathematics instruction, although direct observations did not entirely confirm this frequency. A variety of factors predicted children's mathematics knowledge at Head Start entry, and several – including instructional quality – were linked to learning over time. No thresholds in instructional quality emerged. Overall, this study provides new information about classroom mathematics instruction and child learning among the nation's most vulnerable early learners.
A reduced-complexity iterative scheme for decoding quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check codes

This paper presents a reduced-complexity iterative decoding scheme for quasi-cyclic (QC) low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes which is devised based on the section-wise cyclic structure of their parity-check matrices. The decoding scheme significantly reduces the hardware implementation complexity of a QC-LDPC code decoder in terms of the number of message processing units and the number of wires required to connect the message processing units. A long high-rate high-performance QC-LDPC code is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed decoding scheme. Using this long code as the mother code, descendant QC-LDPC codes of various lengths and rates can be constructed by puncturing and masking the columns and rows of the parity-check matrix of the mother code. These descendant codes can be decoded by deactivating specific sets of message processing units of the mother decoder.
Ecophysiological studies on Sonoran Desert plants, VI. Seasonal photosynthesis and production of Machaeranthera gracilis, a winter ephemeral*

. A comparative study of two chromosomal races of the winter-active ephemeral Machaeranthera gracilis showed that the seasonal magnitudes of photosynthesis were only slightly greater for a progeny desert race than for an ancestral foothills race. Maximum observed photosynthetic capacity and the seasonal reduction in foliar photosynthesis occurred earlier in the year for the desert race. The relative growth rate was higher in this race up until the time of its peak seasonal biomass. A ratio of harvested net production to estimated gross primary production decreased until anthesis. Photosynthesis contributing to net growth continued into periods with moderate environmental stress. The continuation of growth by the desert race was enhanced by maintenance of a higher root-shoot ratio, as well as greater relative stem growth. During reproduction, foliar CO2 assimilation could not solely provide the measured dry matter accumulation, suggesting the importance of assimilate contribution by photosynthetic stems. Seasonal increases in the enthalpy content of whole plants and plant organs occurred for both races, indicating the absence of significant translocation during reproduction and the potential for stem photosynthesis.
GROWTH RATE VARIATION IN THE N:P REQUIREMENT RATIO OF PHYTOPLANKTON1

Theoretical considerations predict that the cell N:P ratio at transition from nitrogen limitation to phosphorus limitation of phytoplankton growth (critical ratio, Rc) varies, as a function of population growth rate. This prediction is confirmed by experimental, data from the literature along with new experimental data for the marine, prymnesiophyte Pavlova lutheri (Droop) Green. Rc passes through a maximum at intermediate growth rates for the three phytoplankton species for which data, are available, but there is significant interspecific variability in its value. There is no theoretical or experimental evidence to support the idea that the ratio of subsistence N and P cell quotas is equal to Rc over the range of growth rates, or that the subsistence quota ratio equals the ratio of the N and P cell quotas minus a storage fraction. Examination of N:P composition ratios can be used to determine which nutrient is limiting, but cannot be used to determine relative growth rates or competitive advantage between species limited by the same nutrient. Growth rates are determined by environmental conditions and by the cell quota of the limiting nutrient, without reference to the cell quota of the non-limiting nutrient.
Extending generalized Horton laws to test embedding algorithms for topologic river networks

River networks in the landscape can be described as topologic rooted trees embedded in a three-dimensional surface. We examine the problem of embedding topologic binary rooted trees (BRTs) by investigating two space-filling embedding procedures: Top-Down, previously developed in the context of random self-similar networks (RSNs), and Bottom-Up, a new procedure developed here. We extend the concept of generalized Horton laws to interior sub catchments and create a new set of scaling laws that are used to test the embedding algorithms. We compare the two embedding strategies with respect to the scaling properties of the distribution of accumulated areas Aω and network magnitude Mω for complete order streams ω. The Bottom-Up procedure preserves the equality of distributions Aω/EAω=dMω/EMω; a feature observed in real basins. The Top-Down embedded networks fail to preserve this equality because of strong correlations of tile areas in the final tessellation. We conclude that the presence or absence of this equality is a useful test to diagnose river network models that describe the topology/geometry of natural drainage systems. We present some examples of applying the embedding algorithms to self similar trees (SSTs) and to RSNs. Finally, a technique is presented to map the resulting tiled region into a three-dimensional surface that corresponds to a landscape drained by the chosen network. Our results are a significant first step toward the goal of creating realistic embedded topologic trees, which are also required for the study of peak flow scaling in river networks in the presence of spatially variable rainfall and flood-generating processes.
Combinatorial theory and statistical design

Ways to Choose The Essentials of Counting Occupancy More on Counting Historical Notes Generating Functions The Formal Power Series The Combinatorial Meaning of Convolution Generating Functions for Stirling Numbers Bell Polynomials Recurrence Relations The Generating Function of Spanning Trees Partitions of an Integer A Generating Function for Solutions of Diophantine Systems in Nonnegative Integers Historical Notes Classical Inversion Inversion in the Vector Space of Polynomials Taylor Expansions Formal Laurent Series Multivariate Lauren Series The Ordinary Generating Function The Gaussian Polynomials Graphs Cycles, Trails and Complete Subgraphs Strongly Regular Graphs Spectra, Walks and Oriented Cycles Index.
The impact of asthma and asthma-like illness in Seattle school children.

Abstract The impact of asthma and asthma-like illness was measured in a population of 5–9-year-old Seattle public school children. Child health information was obtained from a survey of 1665 parents of first and second grade students to assess medical services use and impaired physical functioning among diagnosed asthmatics and those with current wheezing, defined as wheezing in the past 12 months without a diagnosis of asthma, relative to an asymptomatic population with neither condition. Relative to the asymptomatic population, the prevalence of respiratory-related activity limitation, and perception of poorer child health was larger among diagnosed asthmatics than children with current wheezing. However, the prevalence of sleep disturbances, school absences, medical services use, and parental concern over their child’s health was similar for both the asthmatic and wheezing groups relative to the asymptomatic group. Also, in both symptomatic groups, a history of moderate or severe wheezing was associated with an increased prevalence of respiratory-related sleep disturbances and activity limitation. The similarity between the impact of diagnosed asthma and undiagnosed asthma-like illness suggests that the overall social and economic burden of asthma may be higher than previously estimated.
Density in the space of topological measures

Topological measures (formerly \quasi-measures") are set functions that generalize measures and correspond to certain non-linear functionals on the space of con- tinuous functions. The goal of this paper is to consider relationships between various families of topological measures on a given space. In particular, we prove density theo- rems involving classes of simple, representable, extreme topological measures and mea- sures, hence giving a way of approximating various topological measures by members of dieren t classes.
Full thickness Skin Graft for McIndoe Neovagina to Treat Vaginal Agenesis in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome

Objectives: We present a case of a 32-year-old patient who previously underwent simple hysterectomy and bilateral pelvic sentinel lymph node biopsy for epidermoid carcinoma of the cervix. Pathology showed a 5-mm residual tumor at the cervix and the patient was referred for laparoscopic radical nerve-sparing parametrectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Methods: This video shows the complete technique of the surgery, including patient and team positioning, trocar placement, and step-bystep dissection of planes, vessels, nerves, and other pelvic structures. Snapshots of the surgery with all relevant anatomic structures identified are shown during the video. Conclusions: This didactic surgical film demonstrates that parametrectomy, when systematically performed, is a reliable procedure with minimal complications.
A spectrophotometric determination of carbanions with tetranitromethane

Abstract Tetranitromethane has been employed as a reagent for determining the rates of ionization and the dissociation constants of C-acids. The intensely yellow by-product, nitroformate, provides the basis for a convenient spectrophotometric assay at 350 nm (e = 14,400).
Composition dependent model for the prediction of syngas ash deposition in turbine gas hotpath

An improved physical model to predict flyash deposition is developed and discussed in this paper. This model differs from its predecessor (Rozati et al., in press; Sreedharan and Tafti, 2009) by accounting for deposition of syngas ash particles below the ash softening temperature. The modified deposition model is based on the critical viscosity approach. To test this model, deposition of ash particles impacted on a flat, 45° wedge shape geometry is computed and the results obtained from the numerical model are compared to Crosby et al. (2007). Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is used to model the flow field and flyash particles are modeled using a discrete Lagrangian framework. Results quantify deposition for 4 μm particles of various ash composition samples. Most of the deposition occurs at the stagnation region of the target plate. At 1456 K, out of all the ash samples considered in this study, WY and ND ash sample show the highest capture efficiency (15%) and KL1 ash sample exhibits the lowest capture efficiency (0.02%). In general, capture efficiencies for all ash samples followed an exponential trend with temperature. Additionally, this model is also compared to results obtained from the flat plate deposition experiments conducted here at Virginia Tech using PVC particles (Wood et al., 2010). In the case of PVC particles, the sticking probability in the deposition model assumed an exponential increase in deposition rate with temperature and was calibrated with one experimental data point. The results obtained from this model for PVC particles showed excellent agreement with the experimental measurements over a range of temperatures.
A continuation of the paradigm wars? Prevalence rates of methodological approaches across the social/behavioral sciences.

A new line of research has emerged that examines the prevalence rates of mixed methods within disciplines in the social/behavioral sciences. Research presented in this article is unique in that it ...
Weed Interference and Glyphosate Timing Affect Corn Forage Yield and Quality

Corn (Zea mays L.) planting and the first harvest of perennial forages overlap in the northeastern USA in some years. The use of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine]–resistant corn may help dairy producers lessen their workload during this time by allowing for a timely glyphosate application after completion of the first harvest of perennial forages. We evaluated 92 and 103-d hybrids to determine the impact of season-long weed interference and the optimum timing for glyphosate application on corn forage yield and quality. Season-long weed interference vs. weed-free corn in two competitive growing seasons reduced dry matter (DM) accumulation at silking (R1 stage) by 50 to 65%, DM yield by 70 to 75%, and calculated milk yield by 75 to 80%. Season-long weed interference reduced milk per megagram, a forage quality index, by 10% in a dry year by preventing grain formation. Glyphosate application at the three to four leaf stage (V3–V4) vs. weed-free corn resulted in similar DM accumulation at the R1 stage, DM content at harvest, DM yield, forage quality, and calculated milk yield in both years. Glyphosate application at the V5–V6 stage vs. weed-free corn increased milk per megagram by 7% in the dry year, but resulted in 20 to 25% less DM yield in both years. Dairy producers in the northeastern USA should apply glyphosate by the V3–V4 stage in competitive growing conditions, regardless of hybrid maturity, which may overlap with the first harvest of perennial forages in some years.
Learning Disabilities The Experts Speak Out

Researchers, policy makers, and teacher trainers, who were identified by peers as being on the “cutting edge” of research and programming in learning disabilities, responded to surveys in 1975 and 1981. The “experts” generally endorsed learning disabilities as a viable classification and asserted that learning disabilities are identifiable by specific symptoms or a syndrome of symptoms. Considerable variability in responses was evident with regard to the prevalence of learning disabilities among school age children and the age at which a learning disability can be identified with assurance.
The Geography Of Health Insurance Regulation

ABSTRACT: The health insurance market consists of three distinct segments—individual, small group, and large group—each governed by different economic and regulatory structures. A number of border-...
Evaluating and responding to mitochondrial dysfunction: the mitochondrial unfolded-protein response and beyond

During development and cellular differentiation, tissue- and cell-specific programs mediate mitochondrial biogenesis to meet physiological needs. However, environmental and disease-associated factors can perturb mitochondrial activities, requiring cells to adapt to protect mitochondria and maintain cellular homeostasis. Several mitochondrion-to-nucleus signaling pathways, or retrograde responses, have been described, but the mechanisms by which mitochondrial stress or dysfunction is sensed to coordinate precisely the appropriate response has only recently begun to be understood. Recent studies of the mitochondrial unfolded-protein response (UPRmt) indicate that the cell monitors mitochondrial protein import efficiency as an indicator of mitochondrial function. Here, we review how the cell evaluates mitochondrial function and regulates transcriptional induction of the UPRmt, adapts protein-synthesis rates and activates mitochondrial autophagy to promote mitochondrial function and cell survival during stress.
Objects and their locations in exogenous cuing

Anatomical, physiological, and behavioral studies provide support for separate object- and locationbased components of visual attention. Although studies of object-based components have usually involved voluntary attention, more recent evidence has suggested that objects may play an independent role in reflexiveexogenous orienting, at least at long stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs). In the present experiments, the role of objects in reflexive attentional orienting was investigated by developing a task in which location and object cuing could be separately examined for both short and long SOAs. Typical location cuing effects were obtained, indicating facilitation at short cue—target intervals and inhibition of return (IOR) at longer intervals. In contrast, object cuing resulted in facilitation for cued objects at long cue—target intervals and no object-based IOR. Interestingly, object cuing primarily affected targets at cued locations, and not those at uncued locations. Together, the experiments examine the interactive nature of objects and locations in exogenous orienting and seem most consistent with a location-mediated view of object-based orienting.
Characterization of Eu(III) binding to a series of calmodulin binding site mutants using laser-induced Eu(III) luminescence spectroscopy

Abstract Laser-induced luminescence techniques were used in a rigorous evaluation of the Eu 3+ -binding behavior of a recombinant ( Drosophila melanogaster ) calmodulin and a series of calmodulin binding site mutants in which the bidentate glutamic acid residue in position 12 of each metal ion binding loop is systematically replaced with lysine. For the range of Ca 2+ concentrations at which calmodulin functions (10 −5 -10 −6 M), Ca 2+ binding is effectively eliminated at the mutated site; however, the luminescence studies show that the Eu 3+ ion binds to the modified site with reduced affinity. The mutations do not significantly change the intermetal ion distances from their wild type values. These were determined by Eu 3+ → Nd 3+ Forster-type non-radiative energy transfer experiments. Consistent with the results of Ca 2+ -binding studies, mutation of sites II and IV in the N- and C-terminal domains, respectively, produces a larger alteration in the Eu 3+ -luminescence and Eu 3+ -binding behavior than does mutation of sites I and III. Modification of either of the sites in the C-terminus (III or IV, numbered from the amino terminus) causes two additional H 2 O molecules (four H 2 O molecules total) to bind to the Eu 3+ ion in order to compensate for the loss of the bidentate glutamic acid residue. Consequently, the partner site in the domain loses an H 2 O molecule, thereby coordinating another ligand from the protein. Mutation of either of the high-affinity Ln 3+ -binding sites (I or II) has global effects on the Eu 3+ -binding behavior of the protein molecule.
An improved synthesis of 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole analogs of CDP-diacylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol

A protocol utilizing chemical and enzymatic steps to synthesize several fluorescent (7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3 diazole) analogs of cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol in high yields is described. The fluorescent analogs were characterized by phospholipase C digestion, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, and HPLC analysis. Studies of the metabolism and intracellular distribution of the fluorescent phosphatidylinositol analogs in Swiss 3T3 cells further revealed that all the analogs were substrates for a previously described cell surface phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (A.E. Ting and R.E. Pagano (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 5337-5340). These fluorescent lipids should serve as useful tools for studying phosphatidylinositol metabolism and transport in cells.
Emerging View of the Human Virome

The human virome is the collection of all viruses that are found in or on humans, including both eukaryotic and prokaryotic viruses. Eukaryotic viruses clearly have important effects on human health, ranging from mild, self-limited acute or chronic infections to those with serious or fatal consequences. Prokaryotic viruses can also influence human health by affecting bacterial community structure and function. Therefore, definition of the virome is an important step toward understanding how microbes affect human health and disease. We review progress in virome analysis, which has been driven by advances in high-throughput, deep sequencing technology. Highlights from these studies include the association of viruses with clinical phenotypes and description of novel viruses that may be important pathogens. Together these studies indicate that analysis of the human virome is critical as we aim to understand how microbial communities influence human health and disease. Descriptions of the human virome will stimulate future work to understand how the virome affects long-term human health, immunity, and response to coinfections. Analysis of the virome ultimately may affect the treatment of patients with a variety of clinical syndromes.
Input Polarization Effects On Interferometric Fiber-Optic Sensors

We present an analysis of the dependence of the fringe visibility on input polarization in two-beam interferometric sensors, and discuss three techniques which can be used to overcome polarization induced fading in such sensor systems. The principle of operation and experimental performance of each scheme is discussed.
Quantitative image processing in fluid mechanics

The current status of digital image processing in fluid flow research is reviewed. In particular, attention is given to a comprehensive approach to the extraction of quantitative data from multivariate databases and examples of recent developments. The discussion covers numerical simulations and experiments, data processing, generation and dissemination of knowledge, traditional image processing, hybrid processing, fluid flow vector field topology, and isosurface analysis using Marching Cubes.
Characterization of the growth of sol-gel derived BaTiO thin films by laser Raman spectroscopy

The isothermal growth kinetics of sol-gel derived BaTi5O11 thin films has been studied by laser Raman spectroscopy. Thin films of the precursors were spin coated on silicon wafers with platinum or gold overlayers. The films were then annealed isothermally, and Raman spectra were recorded in situ. The time-dependent intensity changes of the Raman bands could be analyzed in terms of Avrami models. The interaction of the BaTi5O11 film with the platinum or gold overlayers during heat treatment apparently increased the Raman intensity by a factor of about 100.
Pressure transient and two-phase swelling due to a small top break

Abstract A sudden small break in the top of a pressure vessel filled partially with pressurized liquid and partially with vapor will result in a blowdown, which is a function of liquid flashing in the vessel, and liquid entrainment in the exiting flow. This behaviour is of interest in conjunction with, e.g., light water reactors. A review of different liquid entrainment mechanisms, blowdown experiments of another investigator and own experiments indicate that swelling of the flashing mixture and resulting oscillations of the interface are key parameters in defining the exit flow rate, pressure, and mass transient. Therefore, a new analytical model is proposed here, which describes these quantities. The model stresses the dynamics of the vapor-liquid interface. It predicts successfully the vessel pressure, mass, and interface level transients of our experiments, and the few data which are presently available from only one other author.
An electrocardiographic study of the effects of boxing

Abstract 1. 1. Electrocardiograms of thirty-five young boxers were taken before and after matches. 2. 2. Following exercise there were a definite increase in the height of P 2 and P 3 and a decrease in the size of the T waves. 3. 3. There is no evidence from this study that boxing has any traumatic effect on the normal heart in this age group.
A visual display system for reading and visual perception research

The selection of a computer visual display system suitable for word recognition and reading research is described. The software character generation routines permit flexible definition of character sets. The display software permits control of size scaling and point density of characters being displayed as well as control over the temporal microstructure of presenting and refreshing the displayed text.
Experimental observation of the flame structure of a bimodal ammonium perchlorate composite propellant using 5 kHz PLIF

Abstract The self deflagration of a bimodal ammonium perchlorate (AP) and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellant was studied using high speed (5 kHz) planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) for the first time. The qualitative OH concentration was characterized near the surface. In addition to OH, it was found that the larger AP particles can be imaged as they fluoresce when exposed to laser radiation centered at 283.2 nm. Single AP particle ignition delay, lifetime, and flame height are determined as a function of particle diameter over a range from 100 to 500 μm at 1 atm within the burning sample. High speed visible imaging was also completed to confirm the trends seen during PLIF experiments, although the fluoresced particles have much improved contrast. Ignition delay times and single particle burn times were compared with a model proposed by Shannon and Peterson. The measured final diffusion flame height above a regressing AP crystal was compared with an expression used by the Beckstead, Derr, and Price (BDP) model. It was found that the AP/HTPB propellant flame structure varies significantly with particle size, even at 1 atm. The models are found to adequately predict the observed trends, but do not capture the interaction of adjacent particles. The interaction of particles close to each other appear to affect behavior significantly and more detailed modeling is needed. It is shown that 5 kHz OH PLIF can be a valuable tool to characterize AP composite propellant combustion.
Molecular cloning and expression analysis of multiple polyphenol oxidase genes in developing wheat (Triticum aestivum) kernels

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a major cause of time-dependent discoloration in raw wheat (Triticum aestivum) flour dough. The PPO-A1 and PPO-D1 genes have previously been implicated in dough discoloration. However, wheat contains multiple PPO genes. The goal of this study was to identify and quantify expression levels for PPO genes relevant to wheat quality. Three novel sequences were identified and found to be orthologous to one another and paralogous to the previously described PPO-A1/PPO-D1 group. The new genes localized to homeologous group 2 chromosomes. We propose naming these new genes PPO-A2, PPO-B2, and PPO-D2. Real-time PCR analysis determined that in the wheat cultivar ‘Alpowa’, PPO-A1a, PPO-A2b, PPO-D1b and PPO-D2b were all expressed to substantial levels in developing wheat kernels, while PPO-B2b was not. Transcript levels varied over the course of grain development, with peak levels observed at 9–16 days post-anthesis. These results show that wheat kernel PPO activity is the result of at least two orthologous families of two paralogous genes and that some of these genes are expressed to several-fold greater levels than others. The novel PPO-2 genes described here together account for 72% of PPO transcripts in developing kernels of the wheat cultivar Alpowa.
Increased mesolimbic dopamine binding following chronic haloperidol treatment.

It is well documented that chronic neuroleptic treatment creates a dopamine receptor supersensitivity in the striatum. The present study examined the effect of chronic neuroleptic treatment on mesolimbic dopamine receptor binding. Rats received either 0.5mg/kg of haloperidol, 50mg/kg of sodium phenobarbital, or 0.9% saline daily for 21 days. One week following the last injection, the rats were sacrificed and the septi were removed for the 3H-dopamine binding assay. Haloperidol treatment resulted in a 52% increase in 3H-dopamine binding in the septum, whereas phenobarbital treatment caused no significant change.
In Situ Nanoscale In-Plane Deformation Studies of Ultrathin Polymeric Films During Tensile Deformation Using Atomic Force Microscopy and Digital Image Correlation Techniques

The local, nanoscale deformation behavior of ultrathin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) films used as substrates in magnetic tapes was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. A custom-designed tensile stage was integrated with the AFM to perform uniaxial tension tests on the polymeric films in situ where the film surfaces were imaged simultaneously by AFM. The surface features on the PET and PEN films were used as reference patterns for the DIC processing. To improve the accuracy of the AFM imaging system for the application of the DIC method, a simple, cost-effective experimental procedure was established. Axial and transverse strain fields and Poisson's ratio maps with a spatial resolution of 78.13 nm were constructed via processing the AFM images of unstretched and stretched samples with the DIC software. Results from the AFM studies indicate that the deformation in both PET and PEN is nonuniform at the nanoscale. The nanoscale deformation mechanisms are discussed in conjunction with the structure of the PET and PEN films
Analysis of Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast MRI Time Series Based on Unsupervised Clustering Methods

We compare five different unsupervised clustering techniques as tools for the analysis of dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI time series. The study included four subjects: two subjects with stroke and two subjects without focal neurological deficit. The goal was to determine the robustness and reliability of clustering methods in providing a self-organized segmentation of perfusion MRI data sharing common properties of signal dynamics. For this purpose, the relative signal reduction time series was computed for each pixel. Clustering of the resulting high-dimensional feature vectors was performed by minimal free-energy deterministic annealing, self-organizing maps, two variants of fuzzy c-means clustering (FVQ and FSM), and the neural gas algorithm. Clustering results were evaluated by visual assessment of cluster assignment maps and corresponding signal time curves as well as by quantitative comparison of cluster assignment maps with conventional pixel-specific perfusion parameter maps based on quantitative receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Clustering methods provided a functional segmentation with respect to vessel size, detected side asymmetries of contrast-agent first pass, and identified regions of perfusion deficits in subjects with stroke. As confirmed by quantitative ROC analysis, the clustering approach can detect regions of reduced brain perfusion with high accuracy when compared to conventional analysis by pixel-specific cerebral blood volume and mean transit time maps. We conclude that by unveiling differences of signal dynamics and amplitude, clustering is a useful tool to analyze and visualize regional properties of brain perfusion. Thus, it may contribute to the computer- aided diagnosis of cerebral circulation deficits by noninvasive neuroimaging.
Transient reliability of ceramic structures

Present capabilities of the NASA Ceramic Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures/Life (CARES/Life) code include probabilistic life prediction of ceramic components subjected to fast fracture, slow crack growth (SCG) (stress corrosion), and cyclic fatigue failure modes. Currently, this code has the capability to compute the time-dependent reliability of ceramic structures subjected to simple time-dependent loading. For example, in SCG type failure conditions CARES/Life can handle the cases of sustained and linearly increasing time-dependent loads, whereas for cyclic fatigue applications, it can account for various types of repetitive constant amplitude loads. In real applications applied loads are rarely that simple, but rather vary with time in more complex ways such as engine start up and shut down and dynamic and vibrational loads. In addition, when a given component is subjected to transient environmental and/or thermal conditions, the material properties also vary with time. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a methodology capable of predicting the time-dependent reliability of components subjected to transient thermomechanical loads that take into account the change in material response with time. In this article, the dominant delayed failure mechanism is assumed to be SCG. This capability has been added to the NASA CARES/Life code, which has also been modified to have the ability of interfacing with commercially available finite element analysis codes executed for transient load histories. An example involving a ceramic exhaust valve subjected to combustion cycle loads is presented to demonstrate the viability of this methodology and the CARES/Life program.
Energetik und Fortbewegung

Energetik ist das Forschungsgebiet, das Biomechanik und Physiologie umfasst und sich mit der Energie und ihrer Umwandlung beschaftigt. Fortbewegung ist energieaufwendig und die Kosten steigen sehr schnell mit steigender Schnelligkeit. Deshalb konnte man erwarten, dass die Korperform und die Art der Fortbewegung eng mit der Energetik verbunden sind. Das sind sie tatsachlich, aber im Brennpunkt vieler laufender Untersuchungen steht die genaue Beziehung verschiedener Fortbewegungsarten bei eng miteinander verwandten und nicht eng miteinander verwandten Spezies. Dieses kurze Kapitel wird einige grundlegende Zusammenhange zusammenfassen und verschiedene Wege vorstellen oder diskutieren, auf denen Wirbeltiere ihre Energiebedurfnisse gering halten konnen, wobei die physiologischen Betrachtungen anderen Untersuchungen vorbehalten bleiben.