cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extracellular enzyme profiles of the fungal pathogenRhizoctonia solaniisolate 2B-12 and of two antagonists,Bacillus megateriumstrain B153-2-2 andTrichoderma harzianumisolate Th008. I. Possible correlations with inhibition of growth and biocontrol

Abstract Cell-free culture filtrates of the fungal plant pathogenRhizoctonia solaniisolate 2B-12, causal agent of soybean (Glycine max) root rot, inhibited the growth of the biocontrol agentsBacillus megateriumstrain B153-2-2 andTrichoderma harzianumisolate Th008. The pathogen secretes endoproteinase, exochitinase, glucanase, and phospholipase all of which are potentially detrimental to the cell wall/membrane integrity of the biocontrol agents. Compared toR. solani2B-12, the soilborne fungusT. harzianumisolate Th008 produced more extracellular endochitinase and endoproteinase, both of which could be disruptive of the cell wall and membrane structure ofR. solani2B-12. In contrast to bothR. solani2B-12 andT. harzianumTh008, the rhizosphere competent bacteriumB. megateriumB153-2-2 produced a relatively large amount of extracellular endoproteinase and phospholipase. The calcium-dependent neutral endoproteinase secreted byB. megateriumB153-2-2 is capable of inactivating, to varying degrees, four of the extracellular enzymes produced byR. solani2B-12. We also report on the activity of several extracellular enzymes which has not been previously reported for eitherR. solaniorT. harzianum.
Morphological evolution of gold nanoparticles on silicon nanowires and their plasmonics

One-dimensional heterostructures composed of silicon (Si) nanowires and uniformly decorated with gold (Au) nanoparticles were fabricated and used as a substrate for organic detection based on the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Si nanowires were grown via a silane-based chemical vapor deposition approach. The controlled decoration of Au nanoparticles on the Si nanowires was achieved using wet-chemical nucleation and followed by a thermal treatment process. Various annealing parameters were studied to control the shape, size, and surface dispersion of Au nanoparticles on the heterostructures. Microscopic methods were used to evaluate the configuration or morphological evolution (size, inter-particle spacing and density) of nanoparticles at different annealing conditions. The influence of annealing on the chemical composition of Au nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the phase transformation kinetics was also studied. Finally, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy was used to sense organic species and this was studied for various morphologies of nanowire heterostructures.
Soot Takes Center Stage

Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are well known to warm Earth9s atmosphere. Most particles have the reverse cooling effect, but as Chameides and Bergin discuss in their Perspective, soot, or black carbon, warms the atmosphere. They highlight the report by Menonet al., who show in a model study that black carbon may have influenced droughts and flooding in China over the last 20 years. Understanding of the climatic effects of black carbon remains, however, limited, largely because of uncertainties in the techniques used to measure black carbon and characterize its radiative properties.
Long-Run Idiosyncratic Volatilities and Cross-Sectional Stock Returns

This paper reconciles the conflicting evidence on the cross-sectional pricing of idiosyncratic risk. Some studies find a negative relation, while others document a positive relation between idiosyncratic volatilities and future returns on individual stocks. In contrast to the common practice of applying total idiosyncratic volatilities, we decompose the volatility into long- and short-run components. As a result, we find that stocks with high long-run idiosyncratic risks have large future returns. On the contrary, the short-run idiosyncratic risk component is negatively related to stock returns. This finding suggests that different relations documented in the current literature depend on the dominance of the long- versus the short-run components of the idiosyncratic risk reflected in the particular measure used by a study. Our results are robust to model specifications, sample periods, different samples of stocks, and the possible January effect.
Maize genes induced by herbivory and volicitin

In crop plants, both mechanical damage and insect attack trigger rapid changes in gene transcription. We investigated whether insect herbivory differs from a general wound response, and if so, is the induction specific to the pest/host plant interaction? Herbivory by beet armyworm (BAW; Spodoptera exigua) caterpillars on maize results in a unique pattern of volatile compounds not triggered by wounding alone that attracts the generalist parasitoid Cotesia marginiventris. Caterpillar-induced volatile emission can be mimicked when a component of the BAW oral secretions (N-(17-hydroxylinolenoyl)-l-glutamine) termed volicitin, is applied to wounded leaves. We identified genes that are affected by BAW feeding by comparing volicitin treatment with wounding alone. We compared cDNAs from these two populations by isolating genes from a subtractive library and using reverse northerns. Virtual northern blots confirmed these results and further showed that BAW infestation affected the expression of these genes. In some cases, BAW feeding inhibited the expression of volicitin-induced genes, suggesting the role of additional bioactive components in caterpillar regurgitate. Transcripts involved in volatile production are increased by volicitin and BAW infestation treatments, and are also detectable at low levels in mechanically wounded leaves. Finally, we identified three new sesquiterpene cyclase genes that are induced by volicitin.
Ruled Moebius surface enclosed in a cylinder

A Moebius band is a familiar one‐sided figure. As the width of the strip increases to infinity some interesting properties are evident. The cylinder affords a simple frame for a ruled Moebius surface which can illustrate these properties, such as self intersection. This paper derives the equations necessary to plot points needed to construct this model enclosed in a cylinder.
Environmental politics and policy in U.S.-Mexican border studies: developments, achievements, and trends

The study of environmental politics and policy on the U.S.-Mexican border is barely more than 30 years old. This interdisciplinary field has grown substantially since the 1970s, however, and now generates a substantial literature addressing a range of environmental media, politics, and policy problems within and across the international boundary. While most of this effort is descriptive and normative, focused on understanding institutional arrangements and practices, new areas of emphasis and new theoretical approaches have emerged in the 1990s that are attracting greater scholarly attention. This essay describes the development of the field from the 1970s to the present, pointing to particular achievements and trends that will doubtlessly shape future research in the area.
Gleap: A generalized program for game learning simulation1

GLEAP (Game LEArning Players) is an algorithmic structure within which a certain class of game situations and game player types may be defined and studied. When a GLEAP game and a set of GLEAP players have been defined, the GLEAP algorithm generates a sequential series of plays of the game by the set of players. The fundamental operating assumption made about GLEAP players is that they base alternative selection decisions solely upon their past payoff experience with each alternative available.
Protein and lipid kinase activation cascades in interleukin-2 receptor signalling

Abstract The signalling mechanisms of the IL-2R remained an enigma until recent years. We now know that IL-2R are coupled to their own unique signalling pathways that complement rather than duplicate TCR signalling. The IL-2Rβ- and γ-chains are essential for signal coupling. Sequence comparisons indicate that portions of the extracellular and cytoplasmic domains of IL2Rβγ molecules are homologous to several hematopoietic growth factor receptors, including erythropoietin. This may indicate that these receptors utilize common or related molecules in ligand binding or signal transduction. The cytoplasmic domain of the IL-2Rβ-chain contains distinctive serine (S) and acidic (A) rich regions that participate in signalling. The overall scheme of IL-2R signalling is similar to other eukaryotic growth factors in that ligand binding activates a complicated and branching series of enzymatic steps that utilize protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation as a central component. More recent reports indicate that IL-2R are linked to additional membrane and cytosolic signalling molecules, including glycosylated phosphatidylinositol (GPI), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), p 74 c-raf and p21 ras . The regulation of these factors and their importance in IL- 2 induced growth and differentiation awaits further study.
N = 1 supersymmetric SU ( 2 ) r moose theories

We study the quantum moduli spaces and dynamical superpotentials of four-dimensional ${\mathrm{SU}(2)}^{r}$ linear and ring moose theories with $\mathcal{N}=1$ supersymmetry and link chiral superfields in the fundamental representation. Nontrivial quantum moduli spaces and dynamical superpotentials are produced. When the moduli space is perturbed by a generic tree level superpotential, the vacuum space becomes discrete. The ring moose is in the Coulomb phase and we find two singular submanifolds with a nontrivial modulus that is a function of all the independent gauge invariants needed to parametrize the quantum moduli space. The massive theory near these singularities confines. The Seiberg-Witten elliptic curve that describes the quantum moduli space of the ring moose is produced.
Robust polymeric microchannel coatings for microchip-based analysis of neat PCR products.

Several silica coatings have been evaluated for replicate PCR product analysis in capillaries and electrophoretic microchips. Silica coatings are an essential component to many electrophoretic separations, and this importance is magnified in microchips, where separation distances are minimized. Increasing the resistance of coatings to separation conditions improves the reproducibility and longevity of the coated microchip, which allows for the full potential of these devices (rapid separations, high throughput, and longevity) to be realized. In this study, several coating parameters have been evaluated experimentally and through the literature to produce a coating with high resistance to the separation conditions of interest, neat PCR product separations. Coating degradation induced under these conditions was tested for several coatings, and the influence of surface hydroxylation, surface hydration, silanization solvent, silanizing reagent, catalysis, endcapping, and polymerization procedure are discussed...
Sodium absorption in the ferret Mustela putorius furo trachea

Abstract A net absorption of sodium was observed under control conditions in whole trachea. Luminal amiloride inhibited the net absorption of sodium. Luminal amiloride inhibited the transepithelial potential difference across the isolated trachea. Submucosal ouabain inhibited the net absorption of sodium. Submucosal ouabain inhibited the transepithelial potential difference across the isolated trachea. Short-circuited flat sheets of trachea manifested a net absorption of sodium. Serosal ouabain inhibited short-circuit current and net sodium flux across isolated flat sheets of trachea.
The implication of experimentally controlled gravitational accelerations for combustion science

An overview of basic combustion problems which have been investigated under the condition of reduced gravity is presented to identify promising research directions. Attention is given to the broad categories of gas-jet diffusion flames, droplet combustions, particle clouds, flame spreading over liquid pools, smoldering, and flame spreading over solid fuels. Fire safety in spacecraft is the primary application that is addressed by the studies of combustion under microgravity. The need for more complete testing of the issues discussed in orbiting spacecraft is identified in the light of limited earth-based testing. Attention is also directed toward the need for advanced diagnostic methods for in-flight and other combustion investigations.
The Inchworm and the Nightingale: On the (Mis)use of Data in Music Teacher Evaluation

The music education profession is faced with two serious problems regarding the (mis)use of data in music teacher evaluation. The first has to do with the quality and kinds of data that music teachers have been forced to use; the second is concerned with how these data are being used in the music teacher evaluation process. The evidence I will use to support this argument will come from two sources. First, I will present a short review of policy briefs targeting the use of data in teacher evaluation in general education. Then, to provide a music-specific context, I will turn to the body of scholarship in music education that has focused on these issues. I will conclude the article by providing suggestions for how we can both use better data in music teacher evaluation and use these data in better ways to inform music teacher evaluation. I will also offer some general recommendations for consideration by music educators and policymakers interested in improving the process of music teacher evaluation.
Exhausting Silence: Emotional Costs of Withholding Complaints

Individuals often withhold relational complaints rather than disclosing them. Withholding relational complaints not only impacts relationships but can also have implications for individual behaviors and emotions. This study examined cognitive activities and behavioral aggression involved in withholding relational complaints and the emotional impact of withholding. The student-based sample consisted of 395 participants who completed a survey about emotion regulation responses (rumination and reappraisal) to an irritating experience, passive aggressive behaviors (silent treatment and stonewalling), and emotional exhaustion. The findings provide evidence for posited mediated relationships between rumination and emotional exhaustion through passive aggressive behaviors. Implications for managing challenging emotional situations and examining complaint withholding in the workplace are discussed.
Kinetics of electron transfer in Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytochrome cd1-nitrite reductase

Abstract The kinetics of reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytochrome cd 1 -nitrite reductase by Fe(EDTA) 2− were studied by stopped-flow spectrophotometry as a function of ionic strength, pH, and temperature. Second-order reduction of heme c is faster than for heme d 1 . Nevertheless, the rate constant for heme c is an order of magnitude smaller than for horse mitochondrial cytochrome c or Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytochrome c 8 . A very slow first-order intramolecular reduction of heme d 1 also occurs, with a rate constant of 0.3 s −1 at pH 7, which is comparable to the reported turnover number. This rate is one of the slowest natural electron transfers observed in biological systems and, although the driving force is small, it suggests unfavorable orientation of hemes and/or a relatively large distance between them. There is virtually no ionic strength effect for heme c reduction suggesting little or no localized charge at the site of electron transfer. In contrast, there appears to be a large effect of ionic strength on direct reduction of heme d 1 . When extrapolated to infinite ionic strength, the rate constant for heme d 1 reduction is an order of magnitude smaller than for heme c and it appears that the site of reduction is positively charged. There is an approximately twofold decrease in rate constant for heme c reduction between pH 6 and 8, and intramolecular electron transfer from heme c to heme d 1 decreases fourfold over the same pH range. This variation is consistent with optimal enzyme activity at pH 6. The activation parameters for the temperature dependence of heme c reduction are similar to those for the Fe(EDTA) 2− reduction of horse cytochrome c , but are quite different for c to d 1 intramolecular electron transfer.
Thermostable lubricating composition based on pentaerythritol esters

A lubricating composition based on pentaerythritol esters was developed; its physicochemical and functional properties satisfy the requirements for aviation oils for gas-turbine engines with an operating temperature of 225°C, and it is as good as the foreign analog.
Diagnostic accuracy of self-report and subjective history in the diagnosis of low back pain with non-specific lower extremity symptoms: A systematic review

Subjective history questions/self-report items are commonly used to triage the patient with low back pain and related leg symptoms. However the value of the history taking process for decision-making to identify common classifications/diagnosis for patients presenting with low back related leg pain (LBRLP) have not been considered. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of self-report items/history-taking questions used to identify patients with LBRLP. Eligible studies included: 1)subjects with low back pain AND related lower extremity pain, 2)details of subjective examination/self-report items, 3)cohort, prospective/longitudinal studies, and randomized control trials, 4)use of statistical reporting, 5)an acceptable reference standard. Quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. A synthesis of history items that met the threshold for at least a small shift in the likelihood of the condition with a +LR ≥ 2 or -LR ≤ 0.5 were reported. Conditions commonly reported in the literature: lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbosacral nerve root compression/radiculopathy, disc herniation and neurophysiological low back pain ± leg pain. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. This is the first systematic review of diagnostic accuracy studies that examined only the history-taking items for their ability to identify LBRLP conditions. Clustering key items may provide a more precise clinical picture necessary to detect and treat a patient's presentation. History questions formed within the interview and their contributing value for decision-making remain understudied. There is a need for better designs to determine a more accurate diagnostic power to identify conditions with LBRLP.
Spin-flip Raman scattering in n -type diluted magnetic semiconductors

We report the results of a spin-flip Raman scattering study of electrons bound to shallow donors in the diluted magnetic semiconductors ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te and ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Se for x\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.30 and in ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$S for x=0.022 and 0.125. Spin-flip Raman scattering is observed at temperatures ranging from 1.8 K to as high as 160 K and at magnetic fields \ensuremath{\le}60 kG. The measured spin-flip energies are large and, for some samples, correspond to g values in excess of 100 at low temperatures. The enhancement of the Raman shifts results from the exchange coupling of the donor electron with the ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$ ions. The parameters of the mean-field approximation, used to describe the magnetic field and temperature dependence of g are shown to exhibit a temperature dependence for temperatures above 20 K. Finite Raman shifts are observed in the absence of a magnetic field and are attributed to the bound magnetic polaron and thermal fluctuations of the local magnetization. The temperature and magnetic field dependences of the spin-flip energies, Raman intensities, and polarizations were compared with the results of the statistical-mechanical model of Dietl and Spal/ek [Phys. Rev. B 28, 1548 (1983)]. The theory is in good agreement with the experimental results for x\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.15.
PHLOEM EXUDATE COLLECTED VIA SCALE INSECT STYLETS FOR THE CAM SPECIES OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA UNDER CURRENT AND DOUBLED CO2 CONCENTRATIONS

Abstract A method was devised for collecting phloem sap from the CAM species Opuntia ficus-indica using severed stylets of a scale insect ( Dactylopius opuntiae ), for which exudation could continue for up to 5 d. For both basal (planted) cladodes and first-order daughter cladodes, the concentrations of sucrose and total amino acids in the phloem exudate were virtually constant over 24-h periods whereas the chlorenchyma osmolality had sizeable increases during the night under both current and doubled atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. Sucrose, total amino acids, and potassium accounted for 56, 21, and 9%, respectively, of the osmolality of the phloem exudate, which was about 350 mOsm at the two CO 2 concentrations; valine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, glutamine, and lysine accounted for about 70% of the total amino acids. Doubling the CO 2 concentration led to approx. 5% more sucrose, 560% more mannose and 17% less amino acids in the phloem exudate and also significantly increased mannose, starch and glucomannan in the chlorenchyma. Atmospheric CO 2 concentrations thus affected various solute properties in the phloem and the chlorenchyma of O. ficus-indica .
Radioimmunoassay of N'-nitrosonornicotine.

Abstract Antibodies specific for the precarcinogen N′ -nitrosonornicotine (NNN) were obtained in rabbits immunized with a N′ -nitroso-5′-carboxynornicotine-human serum albumin conjugate. The NNN derivative was synthesized by reduction and nitrosation of 2′,3′-dehydronornicotine and covalently conjugated to the macromolecule with the use of a carbodiimide. A radioimmunoassay was developed which could detect as little as 0.2 ng of NNN. Analyses of plasma supplemented with NNN indicated that it was possible to detect 2 ng NNN/ml sample. Nicotine, cotinine, pyridine, and pyrrolidine derivatives are ineffective inhibitors of the antigen-antibody reaction. N′ -Nitrosoanabasine inhibits effectively, but this derivative has been reported not to occur in tobacco. The radioimmunoassay has been used to monitor nitrosation of nornicotine and anabasine under chemical conditions and to determine the rate constants for the reactions.
Advances in microfluidics for environmental analysis

During the past few years, a growing number of groups have recognized the utility of microfluidic devices for environmental analysis. Microfluidic devices offer a number of advantages and in many respects are ideally suited to environmental analyses. Challenges faced in environmental monitoring, including the ability to handle complex and highly variable sample matrices, lead to continued growth and research. Additionally, the need to operate for days to months in the field requires further development of robust, integrated microfluidic systems. This review examines recently published literature on the applications of microfluidic systems for environmental analysis and provides insight in the future direction of the field.
Preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: removal of polyacrylate from proteins.

Abstract Proteins purified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis may contain substantial amounts of nonprotein polymeric material contributed by the gels. This polyacrylate can be detected as a separate peak in the analytical ultracentrifuge. The yield of polyacrylate may equal or exceed that of the purified protein. It can be removed from most proteins by ion-exchange chromatography.
Surface finish effects and the strength-grain size relationship in MgO

Abstract Examination of the systematic variation of surface finish on the fracture strength-grain size relationship in polycrystaliine MgO reveals a family of Hall-Petch lines. A model combining the stress concentration effects of surface machining flaws and a Stroh-type crack nucleation mechanism is presented to describe these results.
A DISCUSSION OF THE CONCEPT OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OF RESEARCH-BASED DRUG “ABUSE” PREVENTION AND TREATMENT INTERVENTIONS*

With the availability of both drug user prevention and treatment interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness under rigorous experimental design, new avenues of research have opened up to bring these strategies to scale. Of major importance is adapting evidence-based prevention and treatment programs to community specifications without diluting their power. A number of researchers have examined this issue from a variety of perspectives. This brief discussion is an attempt to bring those perspectives together within a conceptual framework that integrates them around research issues and questions. Several theoretical perspectives that have not been brought into the technology transfer discussion are mentioned, others need to be reviewed for their potential to guide further research in this area.
Two Forms of Implicit Learning in Young Adults with Dyslexia

Implicit learning is thought to underlie the acquisition of many skills including reading. Previous research has shown that some forms of implicit learning are reduced in individuals with dyslexia (e.g., sequence learning), whereas other forms are spared (e.g., spatial context learning). However, it has been proposed that dyslexia-related motor dysfunction may have contributed to the implicit sequence learning deficits reported earlier. To assess implicit sequence learning in the absence of a motor sequence, 16 young adults diagnosed with dyslexia (20.6 ± 1.5 years) and 18 healthy controls (20.8 ± 2.0 years) completed a triplet frequency learning task (TRIP) that involved learning a sequential regularity in which the location of certain events followed a repeating pattern, but motor responses did not. Participants also completed the spatial contextual cueing task (SCCT), which involved learning a spatial regularity in which the location of distractors in some visual arrays predicted the target location. In addition, neuropsychological tests of real-word and pseudo-word reading were administered. TRIP task analyses revealed no between-group differences in pattern learning, but a positive correlation between individual learning scores and reading ability indicated that poor readers learned less well than did good readers. Thus, earlier reports of reduced implicit sequence learning in dyslexics cannot be entirely accounted for by motor sequencing deficits. No significant correlations or group differences in learning were found for SCCT. These findings offer additional evidence for a link between poor reading and impaired implicit sequence learning.
Approximations to a particular class of ill-conditioned Riccati matrices

The solution of the Riccati equation corresponding to the Kalman filter, with a single perfect measurement and possibly one or more noisy measurements, requires the numerical integration of a nonlinear matrix differential equation whose dimension is one less than that of the system state vector. A similar requirement exists for the linear regulator problem when one of the controls has no penalty and the others, if they exist are penalized. One would think that similar requirements would exist when the single measurement is almost perfect and the single control is only slightly penalized; however, not only is the dimension of the matrix differential equations increased (it is equal to the dimension of the state), the small numbers make the solution ill-conditioned. Approximations to these ill-conditioned Riccati matrices are derived along with measures of the slight degradations in the performances of the estimators and regulators resulting from their use.
Oxidation of aluminum alloy cladding for research and test reactor fuel

Abstract The oxide thicknesses on aluminum alloy cladding were measured for the test plates from irradiation tests RERTR-6 and 7A in the ATR (advanced test reactor). The measured thicknesses were substantially lower than those of test plates with similar power from other reactors available in the literature. The main reason is believed to be due to the lower pH (pH 5.1–5.3) of the primary coolant water in the ATR than in the other reactors (pH 5.9–6.5) for which we have data. An empirical model for oxide film thickness predictions on aluminum alloy used as fuel cladding in the test reactors was developed as a function of irradiation time, temperature, surface heat flux, pH, and coolant flow rate. The applicable ranges of pH and coolant flow rates cover most research and test reactors. The predictions by the new model are in good agreement with the in-pile test data available in the literature as well as with the RERTR test data measured in the ATR.
Phencyclidine (PCP) blocks glutamate-activated postsynaptic currents

Phencyclidine (PCP) was tested on the metathoracic tibialis muscles of Locusta migratoria. In physiological solution, the peak amplitude of the excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) evoked by nerve stimulation was linearly related to membrane potential between -50 and -150 mV. The decay time constant of the EPSC (tau EPSC) was exponentially dependent on voltage and decreased with hyperpolarization. The membrane potential change required to produce an e-fold change in tau EPSC was 315 mV. PCP (5-40 microM) produced a concentration-dependent depression of both EPSC peak amplitude and tau EPSC. A slight nonlinearity in the current-voltage relationship could be discerned at high concentrations of PCP. The shortening of the decay time constant of EPSC (tau EPSC) occurred without significant change in the voltage sensitivity observed under control conditions. Under all experimental conditions, the decay of the EPSCs remained a single exponential of time. Fluctuation analysis indicated that 5 microM PCP shortens the lifetime of the glutamate-activated channels by 25.7 +/- 3%. PCP (10-80 microM) did not induced desensitization of the glutamate receptors. These results suggest that PCP interacts with the open conformation of ion channels activated by the glutamate receptor.
A Self-Diagnostic System for the M6 Accelerometer

The design of a Self-Diagnostic (SD) accelerometer system for the Space Shuttle Main Engine is presented. This retrofit system connects diagnostic electronic hardware and software to the current M6 accelerometer system. This paper discusses the general operation of the M6 accelerometer SD system and procedures for developing and evaluating the SD system. Signal processing techniques using M6 accelerometer diagnostic data are explained. Test results include diagnostic data responding to changing ambient temperature, mounting torque and base mounting impedance.
Genetic control of the primary humoral response to Glu56Lys35Phe9

The primary humoral responses of mice to the linear random terpolymerl-Glu56-l-Lys35-l-Phe9 (GLo) were studied, utilizing the Farr antigen-binding technique and a new hemagglutination assay. This new hemagglutinin assay was easier and more convenient than the conventional Farr method, and was more sensitive in detecting early IgM responses. Following primary immunization, the majority of antibodies produced by responder strains were 2-ME-sensitive. These 2-ME-sensitive antibodies chromatographed at the same relative position as IgM on a Sepharose 6B column. On the other hand, no antibodies of either the IgM or IgG class could be detected in nonresponder strains. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that two complementingIr genes are required for the primary IgM response to GLo, in contrast to findings previously reported for (T,G)-A — L, anotherH-2-linked, complementing,Ir gene system. The implications of these differences are discussed.
Multi-scale crystal plasticity finite element model approach to modeling nickel-based superalloys

Abstract This paper develops a homogenized, activation energy-based crystal plasticity (AE-CP) model for single-crystal Ni-based superalloys that can be implemented in simulations of polycrystalline aggregates. A size-dependent, dislocation-density-based finite element model of the subgrain scale representative volume element with explicit depiction of the γ–γ′ morphology is developed as a building block for homogenization. Consistent with observations made in the temperature range 650 ° C ⩽ θ ⩽ 800 ° C , mechanisms of subgrain-scale anti-phase boundary shearing and grain-scale microtwinning are included in the model. The homogenized AE-CP model develops functional forms of constitutive parameters in terms of characteristics of the subgrain γ–γ′ microstructural morphology. Specifically, the thermal shear resistance, reference plastic shear strain rate and saturation shear resistance are expressed as functions of γ′ shape, volume fraction and γ channel width in the subgrain microstructure. This homogenized model has the advantage of significantly expediting crystal plasticity finite element simulations due to parameterized representation of the morphology, while retaining accuracy with respect to the explicit representation. A microtwin nucleation and evolution model is introduced in the grain-scale crystal plasticity framework for predicting tension–compression asymmetry. The model is validated with results of single-crystal tension and compression tests available in the literature.
A comparison of the Ponzo illusion with a textural analogue

The inappropriate constancy scaling notion of geometric illusions was explored by employing a textural analogue of the Ponzo figure. Ten Ss estimated the length of a horizontal line by equating it with varying companion lines in the context of the Ponzo figure, a textural analogue, and a baseline control in which the lines appeared with no surrounding contours. The textural analogue had the added feature of imposing no contours at the ends of the horizontal lines. It was found that length estimates were significantly different between the horizontals of the Ponzo figure and control stimuli, but not between the texture figure and a context-free control. The results suggest that inappropriate constancy scaling plays a minor role at best in the perception of geometric illusions.
Reliability of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R: An Evaluative Review

Research evaluating the reliability of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R (SCID) is reviewed. Reliability procedures and studies are examined. Several versions of the SCID are covered, including the SCID-I (axis I disorders), SCID-II (axis II disorders), SCID-Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (SCID-PANSS; functional-dimensional assessment for psychotic disorders), and SCID-Upjohn Version (panic disorder). The SCID has been found to yield highly reliable diagnoses for most axis I and axis II disorders. Suggestions for future research on the SCID are offered, particularly with respect to (1) the lack of studies in which SCID diagnoses are compared with diagnoses from unstructured interviews or other structured-interview formats, and (2) the need for a more natural evaluation of this instrument. Also, the importance of establishing norms and obtaining reliability data for underserved clinical populations is discussed.
Intestinal Resection in Adults: Causes and Consequences

We reviewed the records of 160 adult patients undergoing intestinal resection to determine the outcome of this surgical procedure. Twenty-three patients (14%) underwent massive ( > 50%) resection and
Hyperelectronic Metal−Carborane Analogues of Cymantrene (MnCp(CO)3) Anions: Electronic and Structural Noninnocence of the Tricarbadecaboranyl Ligand

The reduction of 1,1,1-(CO)3-2-Ph-closo-1,2,3,4-MnC3B7H9, 1, to the hyperelectronic dianion 12- has been studied by electrochemistry, spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and DFT calculations. Depending on the medium, this cymantrene derivative displays either a single two-electron wave or two separate one-electron waves in cyclic voltammetry scans, always at potentials (e.g., E1/2 = −1.14 V vs ferrocene for 1/1- in THF) that are very far positive of that reported for MnCp(CO)3 (−2.86 V). Reduction of the corresponding Re compound 2 occurs in a single two-electron process. Both 1- and 12- were isolated as their decamethylcobaltocenium salts and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The hapticity of the tricarbadecaboranyl ligand is reduced from hexahapto (η6) in 1 to tetrahapto (η4) in 12-, mimicking an η5/η3 haptotropic rearrangement of a cyclopentadienyl ligand. The dianion 12- retains coordination to the C7−B3−B4−C9 face of the tricarbadecaboranyl ligand, much like that found previously for the neutr...
The selection of electromyographic needle electrodes.

Abstract Monopolar and concentric reusable and disposable EMG needle electrodes from several manufacturers were studied at various stages of usage. Needle tips were examined and measured microscopically, and needles were tested for spontaneous noise and resistive and capacitative characteristics at four different test signal frequencies. Resistive and capacitative characteristics were found to be frequency dependent. Needle tip areas differed by as much as 10 times among the various electrodes. The amount of noise correlated most highly with resistive characteristics. Monopolar and concentric needles differed in respect to tip area, noise, and all resistive and capacitative measures. Coaxial disposable and reusable electrodes did not differ significantly and minor differences were noted in electrical characteristics between reusable and disposable monopolar needles, even from the same manufactures. There was considerable variability among manufacturers for both needle types. In choosing an electrode, consistent tip area is probably the most important consideration to ensure repeatable quantifiable results, but minimizing needle impedance is useful to reduce noise.
Laboratory target reflectance measurements for coherent laser radar applications.

Signature characteristics of several materials under CO2 laser illumination are measured using a laboratory reflectometer. The reflectometer is a monostatic direct-detection system. Measured quantities include sample correlation, statistical signal distribution and its mean and standard deviations, and reflectivity of diffuse materials. Measured density distribution and number of speckle cells are compared with theoretical predictions. The measurements show that the flame-sprayed aluminum is well suited as a high-reflectivity diffuse standard, while sandpapers in general exhibit specular characteristics at near-normal incidence to the sample surface.
Alcoholism and mental illness: overlapping diseases requiring a renewed focus

Alcohol addiction and psychiatric disorders frequently occur together, and individuals affected by both conditions represent a unique patient population in need of specialized treatment. Decades of research have pointed to promising prospective therapeutic options, yet no standardized diagnostic measures or treatment regimens are available for clinicians or their patients. As a result, patients with both alcohol abuse and mental disorders frequently do not receive specialized treatment that addresses both conditions. Moreover, a great deal of research regarding alcohol use disorder treatment has failed to include patients with co-occurring mental illnesses. To address this serious public health concern, a renewed focus on large-scale trials is required to examine the benefits of various therapeutic practices and delivery methods in the mentally ill, alcohol-dependent population. This commentary will provide a brief overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with treating dually diagn...
Management of persistent objects in the Nexus distributed system

The Nexus distributed operating system is designed to provide support for persistent objects in a local area network independent of any specific high-level language. The paper describes the generic object management facility of Nexus which can be used to implement different object-oriented programming languages or application systems above Nexus. An object manager serves two functions: first it acts as the class-object, and second it acts as the manager for the instances of its class. The generic object manager is linked to a user-specified type definition to build an object manager for that type. If needed, system developers can tailor the object manager to implement specific policies. >
DETECTION OF EVENTS CAUSING PLUGGAGE OF A COAL-FIRED BOILER: A DATA MINING APPROACH

ABSTRACT This paper presents an approach to analyze events leading to pluggage of a boiler. The proposed approach involves statistics, data partitioning, parameter reduction, and data mining. Two independent data mining algorithms have been applied to detect both static and dynamic relationships among the process parameters. The multi-angle data mining approach increases the ability to locate rare events as well as the reliability of the results. The proposed approach has been tested on a 750 MW commercial coal-fired boiler affected with an ash fouling condition that leads to boiler pluggage, thus resulting in unscheduled shutdowns. The cause of the boiler pluggage is not known. The rare event detection method presented in the paper identifies several critical time-based data segments that are indicative of the boiler pluggage. The events define a set of general guidelines that when followed should reduce the likelihood of boiler pluggage. The knowledge extracted by the data mining algorithm is an importa...
Development, Validation and Pilot Screening of An In Vitro Multi-Cellular Three-Dimensional Cancer Spheroid Assay for Anti-Cancer Drug Testing

It has been demonstrated that two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cancer cell proliferation assay for anti-cancer drug screening is a very artificial model and cannot represent the characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) solid tumors. The multi-cellular in vitro 3D tumor spheroid model is of intermediate complexity, and can provide a bridge to the gap between the complex in vivo tumors and simple in vitro monolayer cell cultures. In this study, a simple and cost-effective cancer 3D spheroid assay suitable for small molecule anti-cancer compound screening was developed, standardized and validated on H292 non-small lung cancer cell line. A pilot screening with this assay was performed utilizing a compound library consisting of 41 anti-cancer agents. The traditional 2D monolayer cell proliferation assay was also performed with the same cell line and compounds. A correlational study based on the IC(50) values from the 2D and 3D assays was conducted. There is low correlation with the two sets of biological data, suggesting the two screening methods provide different information regarding the potency of the tested drug candidates.
Some lessons about models from Michaelis and Menten

Michaelis and Menten's classic 1913 paper on enzyme kinetics is used to draw some lessons about the relationship between mathematical models and biological reality.
A Novel Cyclic AMP Response Element, CACTTGATC, Mediates Forskolin Induction of the Myelin Basic Protein Promoter in the Rat Schwannoma Line, D6P2T

The rat Schwannoma cell line D6P2T constitutively expresses the mRNA encoding the major myelin protein, P0, but only expresses the mRNA encoding myelin basic protein (MBP) after exposure to forskolin or other substances that raise the levels of intracellular cyclic AMP. In this study we have investigated the molecular basis for forskolin induction of MBP transcription in D6P2T cells. We have found that a 9-bp sequence element, CACTTGATC, located between nucleotides -85 and -77 in the MBP promoter, is necessary for forskolin induction of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) expression after transient transfection of MBP promoter-CAT fusion constructs into D6P2T cells. Although similar DNase I footprints, one of which is located within the above 9-bp sequence element, are produced by nuclear extracts prepared from both forskolin-treated and untreated cells, this same sequence can be shown to interact with a forskolin-inducible protein complex using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In addition, mutation of this 9-bp sequence abolishes both formation of this new protein--DNA complex and forskolin-inducible CAT expression from the heterologous SV40 promoter. Finally, we have shown that the appearance of this forskolin-inducible protein--DNA complex precedes that of MBP mRNA. Taken together, these data strongly support the notion that the induction of MBP transcription by forskolin in D6P2T cells is mediated by the binding of a forskolin-inducible protein complex to the MBP promoter sequence CACTTGATC.
An efficient newton‐like method for molecular mechanics energy minimization of large molecules

Techniques from numerical analysis and crystallographic refinement have been combined to produce a variant of the Truncated Newton nonlinear optimization procedure. The new algorithm shows particular promise for potential energy minimization of large molecular systems. Usual implementations of Newton's method require storage space proportional to the number of atoms squared (i.e., O(N2)) and computer time of O(N3). Our suggested implementation of the Truncated Newton technique requires storage of less than O(N1.5) and CPU time of less than O(N2) for structures containing several hundred to a few thousand atoms. The algorithm exhibits quadratic convergence near the minimum and is also very tolerant of poor initial structures. A comparison with existing optimization procedures is detailed for cyclohexane, arachidonic acid, and the small protein crambin. In particular, a structure for crambin (662 atoms) has been refined to an RMS gradient of 3.6 × 10−6 kcal/mol/A per atom on the MM2 potential energy surface. Several suggestions are made which may lead to further improvement of the new method.
Nosocomial Acquisition of Candida albicans: An Epidemiologic Study

To evaluate the mechanism and risk factors associated with the nosocomial acquisition of Candida albicans, a 10-month prospective study was conducted in a 24-bed bone marrow transplant unit and an 8-bed medical intensive care unit of a university hospital. A total of 98 patients had samples taken on admission and during hospitalization for culture. Samples from hands of hospital personnel and environmental surfaces were also cultured. C. albicans was isolated from 52 patients, and each patient was matched with a control. Fourteen patients acquired C. albicans after admission to the study. Prior antibiotics and length of time spent in the unit were more common in patients with new acquisition of C. albicans than in controls (92% vs. 64% and 32.5 vs. 13.0 days, respectively). Restriction enzyme analysis revealed 32 strain types; 4 were common to 30 patients and 10 environmental surfaces. Identical strains of C. albicans from patients who were geographically and temporally associated suggests the exogenous nosocomial acquisition of C. albicans through indirect patient contact.
Dynamic Corporate Finance is Useful: A Comment on Welch

Welch (2013) critiques recent work in dynamic corporate finance. We offer the contrasting view that there is no logical reason to dismiss entire research methodologies, and that many methods can be useful. We explain why dynamic models and structural estimation are useful research tools, as well as why the criticisms of this research paradigm in Welch (2013) are incorrect.