cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding characteristics of [3H]flunitrazepam in pentobarbital-withdrawal rats.

The effects of chronic pentobarbital (PB) treatment on the binding characteristics of [3H]flunitrazepam (FLU) in rat brain were examined. Saline or sodium PB (500 μg/10μl/hr) was infused into the lateral cerebral ventricles of rats for 6 days using osmotic pumps. Immediately before withdrawal, there were no significant differences in [3H]FLU binding constants (KD and Bmax) between saline and PB groups. However, 24 hr withdrawal caused an increase in Bmax with no changes in KD. The enhancement of [3H]FLU binding by in vitro addition of chloride ions and PB was not affected after the PB infusion. The PB enhancement of [3H]FLU binding was inhibited by the convulsant, picrotoxicin. PB withdrawal did not cause significant differences in the binding constants of [3H]Ro 15-1788, a benzodiazepine (BZ) antagonist, between the saline and PB groups. Pretreatment of membranes with 0.02 mM of 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS), a zwitterionic detergent, caused decreases in both KD and Bmax in FLU binding in PB-withdrawal membrane, but not in the saline-treated membrane. The enhancement of [3H]FLU binding by chloride ions and PB was not affected by the CHAPS treatment. These results suggest that the change in BZ receptors induced by PB withdrawal is functionally linked to the GABA-BZ-barbiturate receptor complex and that PB withdrawal induces some conformational changes in BZ receptors.
Methods and appropriate instrumentation for estimation of electrical energy quality

Abstract In this paper basic information concerning the quality of electrical energy in a ship's power engineering system has been presented and new concepts of measurement of its factors in the system under consideration are proposed. Criteria of selection and proposals for defining related factors describing the electrical energy quality are presented. The factors of active and passive power distribution for generators working in parallel and also the signal distortion factor are more widely described. Moreover, the methods and related algorithms of distortion factor digital measurements are shown. The simulation research results concerning the considered algorithms are presented. Finally, directions of further work connected with the quality of energy produced and used in ship's electrical power systems are drafted. The basis of the presented paper may be found in the authors' earlier papers ([1] J. Mindykowski and T. Tarasiuk, Methods and appropriate instrumentation for determining of electrical energy factors. 9th International Symposium IMEKO TC-4 , Glasgow, 8-9 September 1997, pp. 101-104; [2] J. Mindykowski and T. Tarasiuk, The influence of electrical energy quality on economical exploitation of ship technical systems. 4th International Conference EPQU'97 , Cracow, 23-25 September 1997,pp. 329-334).
Multivariable controller performance monitoring using robust stability conditions

Abstract This paper presents the use of robust stability conditions as indicators of multivariable controller performance. The main idea is to estimate the uncertainty in the process model as reflected in such a condition and assess the need for controller re-tuning. Different descriptions of the uncertainty lead to different stability conditions. The more attractive ones are largely unaffected by control input saturation and can assess the performance of a given controller, even if the controller is not actually used in the loop. Although the accuracy of the assessment depends on the presence of adequate excitation, the excitation requirement is quite modest compared to system identification. The method is implemented on a multivariable benchmark example representing furnace models at different operating points. The simulation results are analyzed to draw conclusions on the consistency of the monitoring approach in identifying poorly tuned controllers.
Space-based mineral and gas identification using a high-performance thermal infrared imaging spectrometer

A novel thermal-band imager is proposed for space-based Earth science measurement applications such as rock identification and volcano monitoring. The instrument, MAGI-L (Mineral and Gas Identifier - LEO), would also enable detection of gases from natural and anthropogenic sources. Its higher spectral resolution, compared to ASTER-type sensors, will improve discrimination of rock types, greatly expand the gas-detection capability, and result in more accurate land-surface temperatures. The optical design for MAGI-L will incorporate a novel compact Dyson spectrometer. Data from SEBASS have been used to examine the trade-offs between spectral resolution, spectral range, and instrument sensitivity for the proposed sensor.
Metal-catalyzed acyl transfer reactions of enol esters: role of Y5(OiPr)13O and (thd)2Y(OiPr) as transesterification catalysts

Primary and secondary alcohols react with vinyl or isopropenyl acetate at room temperature in the presence of catalytic amounts (0.05−1 mol %) of Y5(OiPr)13O to give the corresponding esters. In selected cases, the yttrium catalyst promotes the selective O-acylation of amino alcohols without the formation of the amide. Enol esters also react with α-amino acid esters in the absence of a catalyst, at room temperature, to give the corresponding amides.
Feature information extraction from dynamic biospeckle

Dynamic biospeckle can be obtained from cultures of motile microorganisms by use of a hybrid opto-electronic system, and it carries feature information about the cultures. On the basis of theoretical analysis and experimental results we describe and discuss two techniques that process the signals derived from dynamic biospeckle. Experimental results on detection of space-time autocorrelation and analysis of histograms of subtraction between two speckle patterns are demonstrated. After extracting dynamic and statistical characteristics of the cultures of motile microorganisms, we show that with these techniques, real-time and insitu culture vitality monitoring and automatic culture identifications are possible.
Fate and transport modelling of urban highway contaminants by a multi-objective evolutionary method

A hybrid mechanistic data-driven approach was used to identify optimal structures for the processes of a mechanistic build-up wash-off model for predicting the continuous pollutographs of various constituents from urban highway surfaces. The mechanistic model is based on mass balance and the advective–dispersive transport of pollutants in runoff. Using the pollutograph data of seven constituents (TSS, DOC, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) collected from highly urbanized highway sites in California, we applied the two-layer model identification approach to find unique optimum functional forms that represent the processes and their optimum parameter values. The comparison of the model results and observed data indicate acceptable agreement for the examined constituents and rain events. The build-up and wash-off model developed using this approach honours the physical processes involved and is a reliable tool for predicting constituent pollutographs as well as understanding the physical and underlying processes.
Salivary cortisol and the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome: a coming of age.

The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of endogenous hypercortisolism—the Cushing’s syndrome—is one of the most challenging problems in clinical endocrinology. Screening the large proportion of the population with one or more of the signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome requires a simple, inexpensive, and reliable test [1]. As has been demonstrated in multiple studies, the measurement of an increased late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) clearly fits the bill because of its high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome [2]. The theory behind the test and its execution has been exhaustively reviewed and is now widely accepted [3, 4]. The study by Belaya et al. [5] appearing in this journal confirms prior studies that the measurement of LNSC can be performed by a widely available platform immunoassay. Considering the simplicity of obtaining an LNSC sample and the availability of the measurement by platform immunoassay, there should be no barrier to any clinician obtaining this screening test even with a modest degree of suspicion of Cushing’s syndrome. The study of Belaya et al. brings up a few caveats and issues that should be considered when doing the test.
New insights into bacterial chemoreceptor array structure and assembly from electron cryotomography.

Bacterial chemoreceptors cluster in highly ordered, cooperative, extended arrays with a conserved architecture, but the principles that govern array assembly remain unclear. Here we show images of cellular arrays as well as selected chemoreceptor complexes reconstituted in vitro that reveal new principles of array structure and assembly. First, in every case, receptors clustered in a trimers-of-dimers configuration, suggesting this is a highly favored fundamental building block. Second, these trimers-of-receptor dimers exhibited great versatility in the kinds of contacts they formed with each other and with other components of the signaling pathway, although only one architectural type occurred in native arrays. Third, the membrane, while it likely accelerates the formation of arrays, was neither necessary nor sufficient for lattice formation. Molecular crowding substituted for the stabilizing effect of the membrane and allowed cytoplasmic receptor fragments to form sandwiched lattices that strongly resemble the cytoplasmic chemoreceptor arrays found in some bacterial species. Finally, the effective determinant of array structure seemed to be CheA and CheW, which formed a “superlattice” of alternating CheA-filled and CheA-empty rings that linked receptor trimers-of-dimer units into their native hexagonal lattice. While concomitant overexpression of receptors, CheA, and CheW yielded arrays with native spacing, the CheA occupancy was lower and less ordered, suggesting that temporal and spatial coordination of gene expression driven by a single transcription factor may be vital for full order, or that array overgrowth may trigger a disassembly process. The results described here provide new insights into the assembly intermediates and assembly mechanism of this massive macromolecular complex.
Memory Suppressor Genes: Inhibitory Constraints on the Storage of Long-Term Memory

Synaptic plasticity, the ability of neurons to alter the strength of their synaptic connections with activity and experience, is thought to play a critical role in memory storage. Molecular studies of gene expression during long-lasting synaptic plasticity related to memory storage initially focused on the identification of positive regulators. More recent work has revealed that the establishment of long-lasting synaptic plasticity and long-term memory also requires the removal of inhibitory constraints. By analogy to tumor supressor genes, which restrain cell proliferation, we propose that these inhibitory constraints on memory storage, which restrain synapse growth, be termed memory suppressor genes.
Pathogenesis and treatment of type 2 (noninsulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is a major health problem affecting nearly 100,000,000 million people world-wide. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial involving both genetic (e.g. impaired insulin-secretion) and acquired (e.g. insulin-resistance) factors which cause overproduction of glucose and inefficient glucose utilization. The cost and suffering from this disease are primarily due to its longterm complications which controlled clinical trials indicate can be prevented with good glycemic control. However most patients are currently not under satisfactory control. More intensive efforts with judicious combinations of presently available modalities by specialists having educational and motivational support teams and the expected introduction of new therapeutic agents should make it possible for most patients to achieve levels of glycemic control which will prevent their developing complications.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of a functional form of pneumolysin, a virulence factor from Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pneumolysin is a virulence factor from Streptococcus pneumoniae, a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen which causes human infections with a severe impact on mortality and morbidity worldwide. The enzyme belongs to a group of cholesterol-dependent cytolysins and interacts with its cholesterol receptor on target cells, leading to pneumolysin insertion into target-cell membranes and subsequently to pore formation and cell lysis. Pneumolysin has been overexpressed, purified and crystallized for X-ray diffraction studies. Crystals have been obtained in the presence of cholesterol in an effort to produce a three-dimensional structure of pneumolysin in its fully functional form with the enzyme bound to its activator. This is the first report of the crystallization of a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin in the presence of bound cholesterol. The vapor-diffusion method using ammonium sulfate as a precipitation agent was used to grow crystals in the presence of n-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside and phosphatidylcholine. Crystals of this 53 kDa molecule complexed with cholesterol diffracted X-rays to 3.3 A. The crystal unit cell has parameters a = b = 191.45, c = 66.16 A, α = β = 90.0, γ = 120° and belongs to the trigonal space group P3. The determination of the three-dimensional structure of this pneumococcal cytolysin is in progress.
Where Have We Been and Where are We Going? Content Analysis of Evaluation Research of Intergenerational Programs

Intergenerational programs target diverse youth, elder and community needs with creative practices and considerable success. With the earliest nonfamilial intergenerational interventions identified in the 1960s (i.e., Foster Grandparents in 1965), intergenerational program research is relatively new compared to parallel lines of inquiry in child, youth or adult development. Recently, scholars have encouraged practitioners and researchers alike to increase their use of theory- and evidence- based practices and state of the art research techniques. The present content analysis reflects four decades of intergenerational research published in English language journals to determine if characteristics of intervention studies echo these recommendations. Program and evaluation characteristics were coded along with research results. I describe trends in participant groups, study subjects, research designs, sources of data, methods of analysis and outcomes measured. Implications for practice and research for interg...
New Leak Localization Approach in Pipelines Using Single-Point Measurement

Pipeline failures cause significant environmental and property damage and fatalities every year. Current methods have a lack of sensitivity to pinpoint the leak location with sufficient accuracy when the leak is at the stable regime. The acoustic emission (AE) method relies on propagating elastic waves caused by the leak turbulence. The current AE leak detection methodology relies on two neighbor sensors, and requires either a long wiring system or a wireless system with clock synchronization, which raises many other challenges. In this paper, the new leak localization approach is proposed to detect the leak from a single point measurement with two sensors designed to be sensitive to the wave motions generated in pipes at two orthogonal directions (radial and axial). The approach is demonstrated on a laboratory-scale steel pipe in comparison with the conventional two-neighbor sensor approach. The result indicates that the proposed localization approach successfully pinpoints the leak location with good accuracy, which enables the implementation of single-point wireless acoustic emission sensing in long-range pipeline networks.
The Stories Educational Researchers Tell About Themselves

In 1990, in the pages of Educational Researcher, McKenna, Robinson, and Miller and Edelsky engaged in an intensely argued debate over the research on language instruction. In this article, I revisit this important exchange because it remains the most important starting point we have for an attempt to characterize and clarify what is behind the increasing fragmentation of the educational research community. My claim is that the balkanization of our profession is a result of people engaging different vocabularies to tell different stories about research and the work of researchers. In examining this claim, I also examine what happened with the different vocabularies used to discuss qualitative research over the course of the 1980s and early 1990s. Finally, I end with a brief comment about what the proliferation of different vocabularies and different stories might mean for our profession.
Azotobacter cytochrome b 557.5 is a bacterioferritin

FERRITIN is the presumed iron storage protein of mammalian1, plant2 and certain fungal3 systems. The nitrogen-fixing bacterium Azotobacter vinelandii, produces a b-type cytochrome containing large amounts of non-haem iron and no labile sulphide, as first shown by Bulen et al.4. Here we present evidence which reveals this protein to be a ferritin-like species, thus constituting the first authenticated occurrence of ferritin in a bacterium. The interesting redox properties of this molecule, bacterioferritin-cytochrome, are presented and discussed.
Aortic clamping during elective operations for infrarenal disease: The influence of clamping time on renal function

Abstract Objective: Aortic clamping proximal to the renal arteries is sometimes necessitated during infrarenal and juxtarenal aortic surgery and may be associated with an increased risk of renal ischemia and its consequences. The aim of the study was to estimate this risk and possibly identify a "safe" duration of renal ischemia. Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 60 consecutive patients (from 1987 to 1994) with abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 43) and occlusive disease (n = 17) confined to the infrarenal or juxtarenal aorta who underwent infrarenal aortic reconstruction with temporary suprarenal clamping. The data obtained included risk factors, preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine level, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) value, proteinuria before surgery, and suprarenal clamping times. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.4 years (± 11.4 years), and 74% were men. Concomitant cardiac disease was present in 41% of the patients, and 9% had diabetes. The preoperative creatinine level was 1.21 mg/dL (± 0.54 mg/dL), and the BUN value was 16.6 mg/dL (± 7.8 mg/dL). During surgery, blood flow to the renal arteries was interrupted for 32.0 minutes (± 17 minutes). None of the surviving patients needed dialysis or had signs of acute renal failure after the operations, but transient azotemia (rise in creatinine level) occurred in 23% of the patients. Risk factors for this condition were high preoperative creatinine values and hypotension during surgery, but the main determinant was total renal ischemia time. Odds ratios for such transient renal dysfunction showed as much as a 10-fold risk when suprarenal aortic clamping was greater than 50 minutes as compared with 30 minutes or less. Conclusion: Postoperative renal function impairment is rare in this group of patients. If suprarenal clamp duration (renal ischemia time) is brief, patients with normal preoperative creatinine levels exhibit no increase or a marginal increase in BUN or creatinine levels after surgery. Accordingly, suprarenal aortic clamping less than 50 minutes in this patient group appears safe and well tolerated. (J Vasc Surg 2002;36:13-8.)
Raman study of phonons in Chevrel-phase crystals.

We have grown single crystals of the Chevrel-phase compounds ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{1.8}$${\mathrm{Mo}}_{6}$${\mathrm{S}}_{8}$, ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3.2}$${\mathrm{Mo}}_{6}$${\mathrm{S}}_{8}$, ${\mathrm{PbMo}}_{6}$${\mathrm{S}}_{8}$, ${\mathrm{BaMo}}_{6}$${\mathrm{S}}_{8}$, and ${\mathrm{SnMo}}_{6}$${\mathrm{S}}_{8}$. Vibrational Raman spectra of these crystals were obtained to determine energies and symmetries of zone-center phonons. Where they overlap, these measured energies are in agreement with tunnel-junction-measured phonon energies. Covering a higher and wider range of frequencies, the Raman data are complementary to the tunneling data. The energies of the Raman-active phonons are roughly independent of the particular metal atom in the compound.
Distribution Pattern(s) of Sperm Protein at 22 kDa (SP22) on Fresh, Cooled and Frozen/Thawed Equine Spermatozoa and Expression of SP22 in Tissues from the Testes and Epididymides of Normal Stallions

Contents The objectives of this study were to (i) verify localization of SP22 on fresh, cooled, and frozen/thawed equine spermatozoa and to (ii) determine SP22 mRNA and protein expression in equine testicular and epididymal tissues. Immunocytochemistry and Western blots were performed on the spermatozoa samples. Northern blots and Western blots were performed on the tissue samples. The immunocytochemistry revealed the presence of SP22 in all samples tested. The fresh spermatozoa stained predominantly over the equatorial segment as did the samples cooled for 1 and 2 days. The samples cooled for 3 days, and the frozen/thawed samples had an increased proportion of no staining. The Western blots revealed SP22 was present on all semen samples tested. The Northern blot of the tissues revealed a 1.0 kb mRNA transcript present in each of the tissues, and the Western blot revealed the presence of SP22 in each of the tissues. As expected, SP22 was found to be altered on cooled and frozen/thawed spermatozoa. Our results suggest that the equatorial pattern is the normal pattern in spermatozoa, while a complete loss of SP22 from the surface of spermatozoa seems to be the staining pattern indicating the most extreme abnormality with scattered staining of the head indicating intermediate damage.
Alcohol and Male Acceptance of Sexual Aggression: The Role of Perceptual Ambiguity1

The present study assessed the effects of drinking and behavioral ambiguity on perceptions of sexual aggression. Male participants, randomly assigned to 1 of 4 alcohol conditions (low, moderate, placebo, or control) viewed a videotaped interaction involving a couple meeting before a blind date. In the receptive condition, the female was friendly and excited. In the nonreceptive condition, she showed rigid posture and lacked enthusiasm. Participants then judged the acceptability of sexual aggression against the female and the attribution of the female's responsibility. Findings indicated a significant interaction such that in the receptive condition, higher alcohol doses elicited both greater acceptance of sexual aggression and greater attribution of female responsibility. There was no impact of alcohol dosage in the nonreceptive condition.
Leukocyte Transfusion and the Development of the Continuous-Flow Blood Cell Separator

The treatment of anemia and thrombocytopenia with allogeneic cell transfusions is an effective and well-developed technology. However, leukocyte replacement transfusion has been frustrated by the physiology of the leukocytes. To achieve effective leukocyte replacement, the continuous-flow centrifugal blood cell separator was developed, and it soon proved to be an important instrument for separation, collection, and transfusion of all the components of the blood. Thus, the continuous-flow centrifugal blood cell separator has become an important instrument in the science of blood collection and transfusion.
Dynamic light scattering studies of ribonuclease.

Abstract Dynamic light scattering has been used to measure the translational diffusion coefficients of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A as functions of temperature and concentration in the presence of 1 M Guanidine-HCl. Data was collected throughout a temperature range including the folding-unfolding transitions. Evidence of a pretransition “swelling” of the protein was observed. Entropy and enthalpy changes upon unfolding were obtained using a two-state model.
Genetic controls balancing excitatory and inhibitory synaptogenesis in neurodevelopmental disorder models

Proper brain function requires stringent balance of excitatory and inhibitory synapse formation during neural circuit assembly. Mutation of genes that normally sculpt and maintain this balance results in severe dysfunction, causing neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, epilepsy and Rett syndrome. Such mutations may result in defective architectural structuring of synaptic connections, molecular assembly of synapses and/or functional synaptogenesis. The affected genes often encode synaptic components directly, but also include regulators that secondarily mediate the synthesis or assembly of synaptic proteins. The prime example is Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading heritable cause of both intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. FXS results from loss of mRNA-binding FMRP, which regulates synaptic transcript trafficking, stability and translation in activity-dependent synaptogenesis and plasticity mechanisms. Genetic models of FXS exhibit striking excitatory and inhibitory synapse imbalance, associated with impaired cognitive and social interaction behaviors. Downstream of translation control, a number of specific synaptic proteins regulate excitatory versus inhibitory synaptogenesis, independently or combinatorially, and loss of these proteins is also linked to disrupted neurodevelopment. The current effort is to define the cascade of events linking transcription, translation and the role of specific synaptic proteins in the maintenance of excitatory versus inhibitory synapses during neural circuit formation. This focus includes mechanisms that fine-tune excitation and inhibition during the refinement of functional synaptic circuits, and later modulate this balance throughout life. The use of powerful new genetic models has begun to shed light on the mechanistic bases of excitation/inhibition imbalance for a range of neurodevelopmental disease states.
A 9 Year-Old Girl with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Acute Retinal Necrosis Treated with Intravitreal Foscarnet

A 9-year-old girl presented with a 2-week history of redness in the left eye. Examination revealed vitritis, retinal whitening, vasculitis, and optic nerve head edema. Polymerase chain reaction testing of the aqueous fluid revealed herpes simplex virus type 2. The retinitis was controlled with intravenous acyclovir and intravitreal foscarnet. The clinical course was complicated by retinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage, which was treated by pars plana vitrectomy and endolaser. While there are few case reports of herpes simplex virus type 2 retinitis in children, this one is unique for the following reasons: it is the first reported case of herpes simplex virus type 2 retinitis in a child less than 10 years old without a previous history of neonatal infection or central nervous system involvement; no other children have been reported to have been treated with intravitreal foscarnet; and retinal neovascularization complicated the recovery.
The gas phase ion/molecule chemistry of the carbon- 13 labeled ketenyl and methyl ketenyl anions with CS2, COS, and CO2

Abstract A flowing afterglow-selected ion flow tube apparatus was used to study the gas phase ion/molecule chemistry of carbon-13 labeled ketenyl anions (H C CO) with CS2, COS and CO2. In all cases, the ketenyl anion adds to the carbonyl carbon of the neutral; the resulting adduct undergoes subsequent cyclization and elimination, forming the thioketenyl anion (H C CS) in the reactions with CS2 and COS, and a degenerate anion in the reaction with CO2 in which the CO group of the ketenyl anion and that of CO2 are exchanged. In the reaction of the ketenyl anion with COS, both sulfur and oxygen participate in cyclization. After addition to carbon, sulfur undergoes cyclization approximately four times faster than oxygen, but all reactions eventually cyclize through oxygen before cleavage to product. An unexpectedly small reaction efficiency was observed in the reaction of the ketenyl anion with CS2. To explain this finding, we propose that energy randomization in the initially formed adduct is slow, thereby increasing the probability of decomposition. The reactions of carbon-13 labeled methyl ketenyl anions (CH3 C CO) with CS2, COS, and CO2 were also studied and produce analogous results.
Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide-Modified Spherical and Cube-Like Gold Nanoparticles as Extrinsic Raman Labels in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Based Heterogeneous Immunoassays

This paper reports on the characterization and preliminary comparison of gold nanoparticles of differing surface modification and shape when used as extrinsic Raman labels (ERLs) in high-sensitivity heterogeneous immunoassays based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). ERLs are gold nanoparticles coated with an adlayer of an intrinsically strong Raman scatterer, followed by a coating of a molecular recognition element (e.g., antibody). Three types of ERLs, all with a nominal size of ∼30 nm, were fabricated by using spherical citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (sp-cit-Au NPs), spherical CTAB-capped gold nanoparticles (sp-CTAB-Au NPs), or cube-like CTAB-capped gold nanoparticles (cu-CTAB-Au NPs) as cores. The performance of these particles was assessed via a sandwich immunoassay for human IgG in phosphate buffered saline. The ERLs fabricated with sp-CTAB-Au NPs as cores proved to be more than 50 times more sensitive than those with sp-cit-Au NPs as cores; the same comparison showed that the ERLs with ...
Laser-Induced Damage To Silicon CCD Imaging Sensors

Laser-induced morphological and electrical changes to silicon CCD devices have been studied. The devices were poly-silicon gate Time Delay Integrating (TDI) CCD arrays of 2048x96 elements. The laser source for these experiments was a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1.06 μm with 10 ns pulses at a 10 Hz repetition rate focused to an approximately 400 μm spot radius. Single pulse and multiple pulse damage behavior was studied. Both CCD arrays and diagnostic structures from the wafer periphery were tested. The additional diagnostic structures included poly-Si resistors and MOS-FET gates. Of the measurements made, it was found that drain-to-substrate and drain-to-source leakage currents and transconductance in FETs were the most sensitive parameters to laser-induced change. The onset of electrical parameter changes was observed as low as 0.2 J/cm2. Severe electrical parameter changes began at 0.5 J/cm2 and continued up to the onset of severe morphological damage at 1.0 J/cm2. Above this fluence, both poly-Si and aluminum interconnect lines were melted and broken.
Clinical and morphologic expression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in patients ≥ 65 years of age

Abstract Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is most often identified in patients in the second through fifth decades of life, but has been increasingly recognized in older patients. The present report characterizes morphologic and clinical features of HC in 134 consecutively studied patients aged ≥ 65 years referred to a tertiary center. Echocardiographic or clinical evaluation, or both, was performed in 134 patients aged 65 to 85 years (mean 72) at most recent evaluation. Selected findings were compared with those in 64 youthful patients with HC aged 15 to 35 years (mean 25). Most elderly patients (120 of 134, 90%) developed marked symptoms that usually became evident after age 55 years; 94 of 120 experienced sustained improvement with medical treatment or operation. Elderly patients had relatively mild left ventricular (LV) wall thickening (20 ± 3 mm), generally confined to the septum. In most (i.e., 68%), septal hypertrophy was uniformly distributed with parallel right and left borders and associated with elliptical LV cavity shape; however, in 32%, an inhomogeneously hypertrophied septum bulged into the left ventricle, disrupting normal cavity shape. Dynamic subaortic obstruction was present under basal or provocable conditions in a particularly small LV outflow tract in 103 of 134 patients (77%), and was usually produced by relatively restricted excursion of the anteriorly displaced mitral leaflets and posterior septal motion. HC is characterized by age-related differences in both clinical and morphologic expression. Elderly patients with HC characteristically demonstrate onset of cardiac symptoms late in life, as well as distinctive LV morphology and dynamics of outflow obstruction.
Content-dependent frame-selective video compression

The transmission and storage of digital video currently requires more bandwidth than is typically available. Emerging applications such as video-on-demand, web cameras, and collaborative tools with video conferencing are pushing the limits of the transmission media to provide video to the desktop computer. Lossy compression has succeeded in meeting some of the video demand, but it suffers from artifacts and low resolution. This paper introduces a content-dependent, frame-selective compression technique which is developed wholly as a preconditioner that can be used with existing digital video compression techniques. The technique is heavily dependent on a priori knowledge of the general content of the video which uses content knowledge to make smart decisions concerning the frames selected for storage or transmission. The velocital information feature of each frame is calculated to determine the frames with the most active changes. The velocital information feature along with a priori knowledge of the application allows prioritization of the frames. Frames are assigned priority values with the higher priority frames being selected for transmission based on available bandwidth. The technique is demonstrated for two applications: an airborne surveillance application and a worldwide web camera application. The airborne surveillance application acquires digital infrared video of targets at a standard frame rate of 30 frames per second, but the imagery suffers from infrared sensor artifacts and spurious noise. The web camera application selects frames at a slow rate but suffers form artifacts due to lighting and reflections. The results of using content-dependent, frame-selective video compression shows improvement in image quality along with reduced transmission bandwidth requirements.
Categorizing automated messages

Abstract The author discusses a field study that investigates the relationship between a linguistic theory called speech act theory (SAT) and automated electronic messages. The results reveal that standards for both electronic data interchange and inter-application communication messages have the structure predicted by SAT. This provides some evidence supporting computerized systems based on SAT. The benefits of such systems are that they would be easier to construct and support than existing systems.
Characterization of the bipartite degron that regulates ubiquitin-independent degradation of thymidylate synthase.

TS (thymidylate synthase) is a key enzyme in the de novo biosynthesis of dTMP, and is indispensable for DNA replication. Previous studies have shown that intracellular degradation of the human enzyme [hTS (human thymidylate synthase)] is mediated by the 26S proteasome, and occurs in a ubiquitin-independent manner. Degradation of hTS is governed by a degron that is located at the polypeptide's N-terminus that is capable of promoting the destabilization of heterologous proteins to which it is attached. The hTS degron is bipartite, consisting of two subdomains: an IDR (intrinsically disordered region) that is highly divergent among mammalian species, followed by a conserved amphipathic α-helix (designated hA). In the present report, we have characterized the structure and function of the hTS degron in more detail. We have conducted a bioinformatic analysis of interspecies sequence variation exhibited by the IDR, and find that its hypervariability is not due to diversifying (or positive) selection; rather, it has been subjected to purifying (or negative) selection, although the intensity of such selection is relaxed or weakened compared with that exerted on the rest of the molecule. In addition, we have verified that both subdomains of the hTS degron are required for full activity. Furthermore, their co-operation does not necessitate that they are juxtaposed, but is maintained when they are physically separated. Finally, we have identified a ‘cryptic’ degron at the C-terminus of hTS, which is activated by the N-terminal degron and appears to function only under certain circumstances; its role in TS metabolism is not known.
Endgame implementations for the Efficient Global Optimization (EGO) algorithm

Efficient Global Optimization (EGO) is a competent evolutionary algorithm which can be useful for problems with expensive cost functions [1,2,3,4,5]. The goal is to find the global minimum using as few function evaluations as possible. Our research indicates that EGO requires far fewer evaluations than genetic algorithms (GAs). However, both algorithms do not always drill down to the absolute minimum, therefore the addition of a final local search technique is indicated. In this paper, we introduce three "endgame" techniques. The techniques can improve optimization efficiency (fewer cost function evaluations) and, if required, they can provide very accurate estimates of the global minimum. We also report results using a different cost function than the one previously used [2,3].
Non-substrate EIS monitoring of organic coatings with embedded electrodes

Abstract Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provides a quantitative evaluation of the protection afforded by coatings on metals. Two constraints are that the coating is under immersion and that the substrate acts as the working electrode with the counter and reference electrodes located in the electrolyte. The use of embedded electrodes placed between a topcoat and primer can relax these constraints and make EIS monitoring more applicable to coatings in the field. A two-electrode, non-substrate configuration involves two embedded electrodes on a coated panel acting as the working and counter/reference electrodes. This configuration has been used to characterize the interlayer between a topcoat and primer under the assumption that the current passed through the interlayer. Simulated results have been presented where current passage for a non-substrate configuration was through the metal substrate. The results associated with a urethane topcoat/epoxy primer system and an alkyd topcoat/alkyd primer system are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of monitoring the substrate where the substrate is not an electrode. The degradations of the coatings were induced using the ac–dc–ac accelerated test where the immersed coatings were subjected to cycles that involved a dc cathodic potential condition that promoted the cathodic reactions at the metal/coating interface.
Frontal cortex stimulation evoked neostriatal potentials in rats: Intracellular and extracellular analysis

Evoked potentials, action potentials and intracellular events were recorded in the neostriatum of urethane anesthetized rats to electrical stimulation of frontal cortex white matter, motor cortex and pre-limbic cortex. Five major waves of the evoked potential were identified. Wave N1 (3.9 msec latency) was small, preceded cellular events and probably represents activation of corticostriate terminals. Wave P1 (10.8 msec latency to peak following white matter stimulation) coincided with an EPSP and neuronal firing. Both wave N2 (38.0 msec latency to peak) and P2 (approximately 110 msec duration) overlapped the intracellularly recorded hyperpolarization and inhibition of cell firing. Based upon this correspondence and upon the behavior of waves N2 and P2 with changing current and during conditioning-test paired pulse stimulation, it was concluded that the waves represent different processes contributing to the cellular hyperpolarization. A late wave, N3 (175 msec onset latency) corresponded to a late rebound firing and cellular depolarization. This late wave was eliminated from the neostriatum, but not from the overlying sensorimotor cortex, by kainic acid lesions that destroyed medial thalamus but left thalamic lateral nuclei and reticular nucleus intact.
ENERGY OF SI(111) DIMER-STACKING-FAULT STRUCTURES

In this work we show that the relative formation energies of stacking faults, dimer rows, and rebonded corner holes can be determined by analyzing the size distribution of dimer-stacking-fault ~DS! structures that are found along extended ^112 ¯ & step lengths of the Br-passivated Si~111!-131 surface. Using this method we report an energy of 1.75 eV for the rebonded corner holes associated with these DS structures. These energies are in turn used to predict the partitioning of DS structures along short ^112 ¯ & step lengths, yielding results that are in good agreement with experiment. We also introduce a model that describes DS structures as an ordered collection of vacancies subject to the topological bonding constraints of the Si diamond lattice. In this manner, we establish that there is a thermodynamic driving force for the coalescence and formation of large isolated DS structures on adsorbate-stabilized Si~111!-131 terraces. This result has important implications for the feasibility of forming defect-free bulk-terminated Si~111! surfaces by exposure of the Si~111!-737 surface to hydrogen or halogens. @S0163-1829~98!05715-4#
Evaluating decision maker “type” under p-additive utility representations

Abstract Recent work by Luce, 2010a , Luce, 2010b on p -additive utility theory has yielded three distinct representation classes that correspond to risk attitude. We present a method for classifying decision makers under such p -additive representations. Our approach extends the classification criterion described by Luce (2010b) to accommodate decision makers with risk attitudes that vary as a function of the decision environment. We present the results of a new decision making under risk experiment designed to evaluate risk attitude. We found that no single p -additive representation model emerged as the best description of the participants’ preferences. Participants were best described by consistent risk attitudes and risk attitudes that vary as a function of the decision environment in roughly equal numbers.
No brachymeiosis in Pyronema confluens..

The question whether two reduction divisions occur in the life cycle of at least some ascomycetes is one which was argued vehemently for over 30 years. Swingle (1934) has given an excellent summary of the numerous reports supporting or denying the occurrence of two nuclear fusions (one in the ascogonium and one in the ascus), and their necessary consequence, double chromosome reduction or "brachymeiosis." The organism which has played a central role in these investigations and discussions is the well known Pyronema confluens Tul. [P. omphalodes (Bull.) Fuckel]. More recently, the genetical and cytological work done on a number of ascomycetes has served to strengthen the view that brachymeiosis does not occur. The present brief note is intended to present some photomicrographs of preparations obtained with the acetocarmine smear technique which, in the opinion of the writer, show that in the classical P. confluens the claims of two successive reductions in chromosome number are erroneous.
Creative Collaboration: Developing a Partnership with an Academic Advisor to Promote Information Literacy and Student Success

Using information literacy as the unifying framework, the library and academic advising departments collaborated to develop student outreach activities which promote student success. Specifically, this partnership led to sharing a Facebook page, participating in a First Year Seminar program, and evaluating the qualitative and quantitative correlation between information literacy test scores and academic standing. Although each department could have embarked on these projects on their own, their alliance produced more in-depth initiatives and made a greater difference in students’ lives.
Amide proton exchange of a dynamic loop in cell extracts.

Intrinsic rates of exchange are essential parameters for obtaining protein stabilities from amide 1H exchange data. To understand the influence of the intracellular environment on stability, one must know the effect of the cytoplasm on these rates. We probed exchange rates in buffer and in Escherichia coli lysates for the dynamic loop in the small globular protein chymotrypsin inhibitor 2 using a modified form of the nuclear magnetic resonance experiment, SOLEXSY. No significant changes were observed, even in 100 g dry weight L−1 lysate. Our results suggest that intrinsic rates from studies conducted in buffers are applicable to studies conducted under cellular conditions.
A testing methodology for new-generation specialty memory devices

The authors describe the new requirements placed on tester hardware and software by new-generation specialty memory devices. Examples of real devices, including video RAMs, FIFOs, cache tags and SSRAMs (synchronous static RAMs), are used to illustrate the points. It is noted that specialty memories are creating complexities which demand new approaches in both hardware and software. Multiport devices, such as the TMS44C251 video RAM, are more easily tested on synchronized dual pattern generator test systems because the device program development process is eased and true independence of expect and drive data can be obtained. A method, implemented in hardware, by which data outputs can be delayed a few cycles from the presentation of address is required to test devices such as the MCM6294 SSRAM which contains latches on its inputs and outputs. IDT's 72103 FIFO, with its complicated timing requirements and multiple setup modes, calls for an increased number of clocks and for timing, data, and formatting capabilities to be switchable at pattern speeds. Software tools also need enhancements to manage the complexities of specialty devices. >
Rotavirus vaccines: current prospects and future challenges

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in children worldwide and diarrhoeal deaths in children in developing countries. Accelerated development and introduction of rotavirus vaccines into global immunisation programmes has been a high priority for many international agencies, including WHO and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations. Vaccines have been developed that could prevent the enormous morbidity and mortality from rotavirus and their effect should be measurable within 2-3 years. Two live oral rotavirus vaccines have been licensed in many countries; one is derived from an attenuated human strain of rotavirus and the other combines five bovine-human reassortant strains. Each vaccine has proven highly effective in preventing severe rotavirus diarrhoea in children and safe from the possible complication of intussusception. In developed countries, these vaccines could substantially reduce the number and associated costs of child hospitalisations and clinical visits for acute diarrhoea. In developing countries, they could reduce deaths from diarrhoea and improve child survival through programmes for childhood immunisations and diarrhoeal disease control. Although many scientific, programmatic, and financial challenges face the global use of rotavirus vaccines, these vaccines-and new candidates in the pipeline-hold promise to make an immediate and measurable effect to improve child health and survival from this common burden affecting all children.