cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination Of I-V Characteristics Of Negative Conductance Devices From Microwave Reflection Coefficients

Negative differential conductance (NDC) devices have stimulated intensive research activities since the first acknowledged work on the tunnel diode, also referred to as the Esaki diode l. In recent years, the interest in NDC devices has been revived by the successful fabrication of various double barrier resonant tunneling (DBRT) structures 2,3. The interest in these DBRT structures is due primarily to their high potential as high frequency devices. For the design of high frequency devices, the necessary information is provided by the detailed shape of the dc I-V characteristics, especially the negative conductance regime. Unfortunately, the NDC regime of the I-V curve has always made the dc I-V measurement difficult because of its nature to oscillate. A direct dc measurement of the I-V characteristics by a conventional curve tracer only shows the positive conductance portion of the entire I-V curve. Various methods have been proposed to measure the I-V characteristics.
Cellulose‐d,l‐butadiene diepoxide reactions catalyzed by Lewis acids

The reactions between cotton cellulose and the racemic mixture of d,l-isomers of butadiene diepoxide (BDO) in the presence of various Lewis acids have been studied. In particular, the zinc fluoborate-catalyzed reaction has been studied in various solvent media, with various mole ratios of reactants, and at various times and temperatures of cure. It has been shown that BDO will add to cotton from aqueous solutions to form products possessing dry and wet crease resistance provided the concentration of BDO is greater than 20%. Substitution of methanol for water results in excellent dry and wet crease resistant cottons after application of BDO at low concentrations followed by curing at relatively low temperatures (100–125°C.). In the wide epoxide/catalyst/AGU molar ratios investigated, weight gains were found to be relatively independent of concentrations used, but improvements in dry and wet crease angles depended on molar ratios of reactants. Application of BDO in methanolic solutions to cellulose of diverse accessibilities resulted in greatest improvement in crease recovery properties at lowest weight gain in ramie, the cellulose of highest crystallinity value. In addition, it was shown that BDO reacts with a number of chemically modified cottons. Dry crease resistance was improved in cottons acetylated to a low degree of substitution, dialdehyd cotton, and carboxymethylated cottons. Improvement in dry crease resistance was not observed in cottons acetylated to a high degree of substitution or in cyanoethylated cottons. The latter exhibited substantial improvement in wet crease resistance only. Possible reaction mechanisms have been considered.
Determination of Effective Diffusivities in Commercial Single Pellets: Effect of Water Loading

Single industrial adsorbent pellets of zeolites 5A and 13X were mounted with a polymer capable of withstanding high temperatures. Adsorbents were characterized by mercury-porosimetry and low-temper...
Definition and Detection of Binocular Disparity.

Stereoacuity experiments tested definitions of binocularly disparate spatial positions by perturbing the binocular correspondence of the two half-images. Dichoptic translations perturbed zero-order retinal positions; expansions perturbed first-order horizontal separations; rotations perturbed first-order orientations; and anisotropic expansions deformed first-order two-dimensional (2D) structure. Each transformation perturbed relative positions in the two half-images by more than 100 arcsec, but stereoacuity thresholds remained about 10 arcsec. Binocular disparity involves second-order 2D differential structure of the monocular half-images, specifying local surface shape. Stereoacuity is much better than nonstereo acuity, suggesting that monocular spatial signals are binocularly correlated.
Shape-dependent global deformation modes of large protein structures

Conformational changes are central to the functioning of pore-forming proteins that open and close their molecular gates in response to external stimuli such as pH, ionic strength, membrane voltage or ligand binding. Normal mode analysis (NMA) is used to identify and characterize the slowest motions in the gA, KcsA, ClC-ec1, LacY and LeuT(Aa) proteins at the onset of gating. Global deformation modes of the essentially cylindrical gA, KcsA, LacY and LeuT(Aa) biomolecules are reminiscent of global twisting, transverse and longitudinal motions in a homogeneous elastic rod. The ClC-ec1 protein executes a splaying motion in the plane perpendicular to the lipid bilayer. These global collective deformations are determined by protein shape. New methods, all-atom Monte Carlo Normal Mode Following and its simplification using a rotation-translation of protein blocks (RTB), are described and applied to gain insight into the nature of gating transitions in gA and KcsA. These studies demonstrate the severe limitations of standard NMA in characterizing the structural rearrangements associated with gating transitions. Comparison of all-atom and RTB transition pathways in gA clearly illustrates the impact of the rigid protein block approximation and the need to include all degrees of freedom and their relaxation in computational studies of protein gating. The effects of atomic level structure, pH, hydrogen bonding and charged residues on the large scale conformational changes associated with gating transitions are discussed.
Electromeric analysis of cytochromes in mitochondria

Abstract Potentiometric techniques have been used to examine the interactions of certain redox dyes with mitochondria. Most of the dyes tested proved unsuitable in low concentrations for analysis by potentiometry, and, at high concentrations, they either had untoward effects on the mitochondria or served themselves as electron transfer reagents. However, tetramethyl p -phenylenediamine proved an exception in that it gave a rapid response at the platinum electrode at 10 μ m concentration and equilibrated rapidly with a component in the electron transfer system. Since this reagent was used in catalytic concentrations, it did not serve as a donor or sink of electrons, but rather as an indicator of the redox potential of a component of the mitochondria during respiration. Analysis of potential changes on adding ADP, inhibitors, or uncouplers, and comparison with spectroscopic data, enabled a correlation of the potential of TMPD with the response of cytochrome c . Polarographic analysis facilitated the examination of redox reagents which did not react rapidly in potentiometric analysis. The specificity of the reagent toward particular components of the mitochondrial chain depended on the reagent used. Vitamin K 5 proved to have a preferential specificity toward cytochrome b as shown by its polarographic response to the addition of reagents that alter the electron transfer characteristics of the mitochondria.
Phobos Disk-Integrated Photometry: 1994–1997 HST Observations

Abstract A program of synoptic monitoring of Mars was carried out with the Hubble Space Telescope from August 8, 1994, through October 9, 1997, using the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2). With the improved optics of the WFPC2 and the high angular resolution of the Planetary Camera (0.0442–0.0455 arcsec/pixel) we have been able to use these images to study the properties of the martian satellite Phobos. Phobos has been observed with the Planetary Camera from the ultraviolet (255 nm) to the near-infrared (1042 nm) in the phase range from 10.6° to 40.5°. Phase curves obtained with HST are consistent with results from a model (Simonelli et al. 1998, Icarus 131 , 52–77) using a global-average Hapke function and a normal albedo of 0.0689. The beginning of an opposition surge along with variations in surface reflectance across Phobos were observed by HST. Disk-integrated photometry encompassing the sub-Mars point suggests the detection of Marsshine at wavelengths longward of 502 nm. Possible weak spectral absorption features seen at 953 and 1042 nm hint at the existence of pyroxene on the surface. However, spectral comparison to different meteorite types resulted in finding no conclusive analogs to the surface reflectance spectrum of Phobos.
Effect of rabbit antiserum to sheep pituitary interstitial-cell stimulating hormone in immature female rats

Abstract A specific antiserum against sheep ICSH is capable of neutralizing the effect of endogenous ICSH in the Long-Evans female rat. The extent of the effect depends on the dose of antiserum used and to some degree on the age of the animal. Younger animals seem to be less sensitive to the antiserum, just as they are less sensitive to the gonadotropins themselves, but even in this case histological examination discloses a conspicuous effect.
Communication by changing signals: call switching in red-winged blackbirds

Territorial male red-winged blackbirds use many different “alert” calls which overlap broadly in the context of their use and which are often given in continuous, repetitive fashion. Males give one call type many times before switching to another type, and call during all daily activities. In this field study we demonstrate that males tend to give the same call types as their neighbors and change types to match the changes of their neighbors. Individual males change call types in response to the appearance of a mounted hawk and also match call type changes broadcast from a loudspeaker. The various call types are not associated with particular behavioral contexts. We suggest that red-winged blackbirds operate a general acoustic alert system by calling repetitiously and changing call types when detecting environmental changes such as appearances of predators. Evidence is presented that communication is acheived primarily during switching among different call signals, and not by specific calls that refer to particular stimuli or states of alertness.
An exposimetry system using tissue-mimicking liquid.

Abstract Acoustic output measurements of diagnostic ultrasound scanners are currently performed in water and derated to approximate in situ values. The derating scheme ignores nonlinear propagation of sound waves and has been shown in previous numerical and experimental studies to tend to underestimate relevant pressure and intensity values in tissue mimicking media. This work describes an alternative method, which uses a tissue-mimicking liquid with attenuation coefficient slope of 0.3 dB/cm/MHz, speed of sound of 1540 m/s and nonlinearity parameter B/A of 7.5. The acoustic properties of this liquid are stable for at least 2 y after production. Initial results using a single M-mode configuration are presented. These results confirm that derating can significantly underestimate the pulse intensity integral and peak rarefactional pressure. (E-mail: tastiles@wisc.edu)
Hepatitis A--new information on an old virus.

An outbreak of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provided the opportunity to examine the duration of HAV excretion in infants and the mechanisms by which HAV epidemics are propagated in NICUs. The outbreak affected 13 NICU infants (20%), 22 NICU nurses (24%), 8 other staff caring for NICU infants, and 4 household contacts; 2 seropositive infants (primary cases) received blood transfusions from a donor with HAV infection. Risk factors for infection among nurses were care for a primary infant-case (relative risk [RR], 3.2), drinking beverages in the unit (odds ratio [OR], ∞), and not wearing gloves when taping an intravenous line (OR, 13.7). Among infants, risk factors were care by a nurse who cared for a primary infant-case during the same shift (RR, 6.1). Serial stool samples from infantcases were tested for HAV antigen (HAV-Ag) by enzyme immunoassay and HAV RNA by nucleic acid amplification using the polymerase chain reaction. Infantcases excreted HAV-Ag (n = 2) and HAV RNA (n = 3) 4–5 months after they were identified as being infected. Breaks in infection control procedures and possibly prolonged HAV shedding in infants propagated the epidemic in a critical care setting.
Numerical simulation of a rigid rotating body by Obrechkoff integration

Abstract It is first supposed that Euler's differential equations for the rotational dynamics of a rigid body have been solved, so that the angular velocity vector for the body and the derivative thereof are known vector-valued functions of time in a body-fixed coordinate system. A method is discussed by which a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) may be numerically integrated to deduce the orientation of the body in an inertial frame. The method employs a quaternion formulation for the orientation of the body, exhibits a local truncation error which is typically of fifth order, adheres to the boundary of the region of absolute stability, and requires only one angular velocity evaluation and one angular acceleration evaluation each step. It is then supposed that the solution to Euler's equations for a given body is not known. An interative process is obtained for the integration of Euler's equations and the ODEs for body orientation simultaneously.
Clean Air the Natural Way: A Case for Harmonizing Global Auto Emissions Standards

Across the world, governments are grappling with the effects of global warming. Rising temperatures, increases in the number of natural disasters, and elevated sea levels are just some of the risks posed by Earth's weakening ozone. And yet solutions exist. This article discusses the contribution of auto emissions to global warming and proposes ways for manufacturers to adopt a single emissions standard across their fleets all over the world. As discussed, adopting a single standard based on the most stringent one available poses advantages for manufacturers and also promises to reduce the threat of global warming.
The role of Haemophilus somnus in early embryonic death. I. The effect of the organism on embryos by day 8 postbreeding.

A study using 11 healthy, mature Holstein-Friesian heifers was designed to determine whether 1) H. somnus induces gross and/or histopathological changes of the uterine tract and embryos, 2) H. somnus has a short and/or long-term effect on the ovarian activity, 3) prior exposure to H. somnus would modulate the effect of a second exposure to the organism. Superovulated heifers were artificially iseminated 12 and 24 h after standing estrus using high-quality, Haemophilus-free semen from a single ejaculate of one bull. Control heifers (Group 1, n = 2) were infused by intrauterine route, 12 h after the second insemination, with 10 ml of 0.85% sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) as a placebo. The treatment heifers were exposed by intrauterine infusion, 12 h after the second insemination, to approximately 1.5 x 10(9)H. somnus organisms (Iowa strain 1229) suspended in 10 ml of 0.85% sterile PBS. Group 2 (n = 2) treatment heifers were exposed 21 d prior to embryo recovery; Group 3 treatment heifers (n = 3) were exposed 5 mo prior to embryo collection; and Group 4 treatment heifers were exposed twice, 5 mo apart with the second exposure 21 d prior to embryo recovery. All animals were slaughtered and the whole genital tract was removed for pathological examination and embryo recovery. There were minimal pathological changes in the uterus. However, H. somnus significantly affected (P </= 0.001) the ovarian activity -as measured by the embryo/corpora luteum (E/CL) ratio. Treated animals developed a high number (44.4%) of cystic follicles (CF), while no control animal had a CF. These results suggest that H. somnus may have a short- and long-term effect on ovarian activity. Prior exposure to H. somnus did not protect the animals from the second exposure; in fact, it had an additive effect.
Co-pyrolysis of DIPSbH and TMIn

The reaction mechanisms for the pyrolysis of diisopropylantimonyhydride (DIPSbH, (C3H7)2SbH) alone and for the co-pyrolysis of DIPSbH and trimethylindium (TMIn, (CH3)3In) in D2 and H2 ambients have been studied in an isothermal flow-tube, “ersatz” reactor using mass spectrometry to analyze the reaction products. The rate limiting step in the pyrolysis of DIPSbH alone is the reductive coupling reaction, producing C3H8. Additional products are C3H6 and C6H14produced by disproportionation and recombination reactions, respectively, of C3H7 radicals produced during the second stage of DIPSbH pyrolysis. The mixture of DIPSbH with TMIn produces a nonvolatile adduct on the quartz walls immediately after mixing in the reactor even at room temperature. No products were evolved at room temperature. However, for reactor temperatures between 100 and 200°C, an alkane elimination reaction occurs, producing CH4. The remaining solid product is postulated to be [(CH3)2InSb(C3H7)2]n (n = 2 or 3). For temperatures greater than 200°C, the DIPSbH begins to pyrolyze independently. This temperature for the onset of DIPSbH pyrolysis is considerably above the temperature (125°C) at which pyrolysis begins for DIPSbH alone. This suggests that during co-pyrolysis formation of the adduct retards pyrolysis of DIPSbH. Apparently, dissociation of the adduct is necessary before the DIPSbH can pyrolyze independently. Co-pyrolysis of DIPSbH and TMIn between 250 and 375°C produces (C3H7)Sb(CH3)2 and (CH3)3Sb. Neither is found for the pyrolysis of DIPSbH alone. Considerably larger amounts of C2H6 are also detected at low temperatures (≤ 300°C). The ethane may come from the [(CH3)2InSb(C3H7)2]n via an intramolecular alkane elimination reaction. The high carbon contamination levels reported for InSb samples grown by OMVPE using these precursors at 300 and 325°C are postulated to be caused by the formation of (C3H7)Sb(CH3)2 during the co-pyrolysis of DIPSbH and TMIn, but not during the pyrolysis of each precursor alone.
HCL dissolved in solid mixtures of nitric acid and ice: Implications for the polar stratosphere

The solubility of HCl in polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) particles plays an important role in the heterogeneous chemistry of the lower polar stratosphere. New laboratory studies are reported showing a strong dependence of the HCl solubility on the HNO3 content in ice particles. At 200 K and a partial HCl pressure of 10 exp -6 torr, the HCl content in NAT is 0.35 mol pct, decreasing about a factor of 3 for every ten-fold decrease in the substrate's HNO3 content. At an HCl pressure of 10 exp -7 torr, the content is about 40 percent of that at 10 exp -6 torr. HCL dissolved in pure water ice at these partial pressures is less than 0.002 mol pct. The surface coverage of HCl on small ice samples was estimated to be about 0.1 monolayer at 10 exp -6 torr exposure.
Early Election Returns and the Voting Behavior of Adolescent Voters1

High school students participated in a field experiment that tested the effects of exposure to early election returns in a nonpartisan referendum. On a pretest of attitudes, students stated their preferences on the issue of the school's grading policy. One week later, just before voting, subjects in the experimental condition received information announcing the probable outcome of the election. There was a significant relationship between class achievement level and (a) likelihood of changing vote, and (b) the direction of change. Students in the brighter classes changed their votes less frequently, but when they changed their preferences they showed a greater bandwagon effect. Students in the classes of lower academic achievement changed their votes more frequently, but when they changed their preferences they showed a greater underdog effect. Differences between the more typical political election in which bandwagon and underdog effects are seldom reported and the experimental election were discussed.
Nitric Oxide in the Earth's Upper Atmosphere

THE failure to observe nitric oxide bands in the auroral spectrum or in that of the light of the night sky has long been a puzzle to me. One of the most conspicuous characteristics of nitrogen afterglow spectra is the intense excitation of the β- and γ-systems of NO in active nitrogen even in the presence of only a trace of oxygen. Of these two systems, the β-bands are the more intense, and the strongest members lie on the long wave-length side of the great Hartley absorption band of ozone. The γ-system lies on the short wave-length side. This description is significant for the interpretation of the experiments which will be described below.
Pediatric tuberculosis in immigrants to the United Kingdom from the Indian sub-continent.

Tuberculosis (TB) is now an uncommon disease in the United Kingdom (U.K.) and its overall incidence is declining. However, the incidence of TB in immigrants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (the Indian sub-continent, ISC) is much higher than in the native white population or immigrant groups from other areas, and this is so even for children of ISC ethnic origin born in the U.K. The clinical pattern of the disease also differs, extrapulmonary involvement being commoner in ISC patients than white patients. The epidemiology and management of TB in pediatric patiente of ISC origin is reviewed and reasons for differences from other ethnic groups in the U.K. are discussed.
Some factors influencing the culinary quality of Irish potatoes II. Physical characters

Quality comparisons were made with equal size tubers of the Irish potato varieties Red LaSoda, White Rose, Sebago, and Russet Burbank. Varietal differences in tuber cell size were found. Russet Burbank tubers contained the largest cells, and Red LaSoda the smallest. White Rose tuber cells were slightly larger than those of Red LaSoda while Sebago tuber cell size was exceeded only by that of Russet Burbank. There was a significant relationship between specific gravity and cell size of the potato tubers. Tuber cell size and starch content were highly correlated, indicating that starch content was associated with cell size of tubers. Russet Burbank tubers contained the largest percentage of total starch, while Red LaSoda tubers were of lowest total starch content. Mealiness scores of tubers were significantly associated with their cell size. Tubers of varieties containing the largest cells were rated highest in mealiness by the taste panel.
A Study of Na 2 O-TiO 2 -SiO 2 Glasses by Infrared Spectroscopy

The infrared absorption spectra of six Na2O-TiO2-SiO2 glasses in the frequency range of 1600 to 200 cm−1 are reported. These glasses, having a SiO2/Na2O molar ratio of 1.67 to 3.54, and containing 20 or 25 mole % TiO2, demonstrate two main absorptions at ~950 cm−1 and at ~450 cm−1. A weak absorption at ~790 cm−1 becomes progressively weaker in intensity, and a weak shoulder at 1050 cm−1 appears with increasing Na2O content. The frequency of the absorption band at ~950 cm−1 is found to decrease markedly and systematically with a decrease in the SiO2/Na2O molar ratio, whereas the frequency of the band at ~450 cm−1 shows a slight increase. The infrared results may be interpreted in terms of a lowering of symmetry occurring for the SiO4 units. The effect of TiO2 content on the relationship between vibrational frequency is discussed. The frequency composition curves for glasses containing 20 and 25 mole % of TiO2 intersect at SiO2/Na2O ratio ~2. A reversal in the frequency vs SiO2/Na2O ratio relation was also found at SiO2/Na2O ~2 for the sodium silicate glasses.
The formation at 37 C of a nondissociable receptor-estradiol complex

The receptor-estradiol complex formed in rat uterine cytosol when heated at 37 C converts from a dissociable to a nondissociable form. The conversion is best observed in cytosols pretreated with charcoal at 0 C which renders the subsequently formed receptor-estradiol complexes thermostable at 37 C. In the presence of dithiothreitol the heated complex remains dissociable. Tamoxifen does not form nondissociable complexes with the estradiol receptor. It is proposed that the nondissociable form of the receptor complex is a required phase in the mechanism of estradiol action.
Generalized two-level quantum dynamics. II. Non-Hamiltonian state evolution

A theorem is derived that enables a systematic enumeration of all the linear superoperators ℒ (associated with a two-level quantum system) that generate, via the law of motion ℒρ= $$\dot \rho$$ , mappings ρ(0) → ρ(t) restricted to the domain of statistical operators. Such dynamical evolutions include the usual Hamiltonian motion as a special case, but they also encompass more general motions, which are noncyclic and feature a destination state ρ(t → ∞) that is in some cases independent of ρ(0).
A History of Long-term Research and Conservation of Northern Muriquis (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) at the Estação Biológica de Caratinga/RPPN-FMA

Abstract Northern muriquis (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic forest, and rank among the most critically endangered primates in the world. The 957-ha forest at the Biological Station of Caratinga/Reserva Particular do Patrimonio Natural – Feliciano Miguel Abdalla (EBC/RPPN-FMA), in Minas Gerais, supports a population of more than 230 individuals, one of the highest population densities known. Long-term research and conservation efforts have been underway there since 1982, during which time the behavioral ecology, reproductive biology, and life histories of members of one of the two original groups (Matao) have been systematically monitored. These data, together with a census conducted in 1999, signaled the importance of expanding the project to include the entire population at this site. Since 2002, all four of the muriqui groups that now inhabit this forest have been monitored. While continuing to provide training and research opportunities for Brazilian students, our new res...
Adolescents, Health, and School: Early Analyses from the National Longitudinal Study Of Adolescent Health

There are substantial gender differences in self-esteem and in attach ment to school that appear to be associated with characteristics of schools. While there are also substantial gender differences with respect to physical and mental health, school-level variables are less important than individual or family variables, although adolescent relationships are significantly more important for the mental health of females than of males.
Three diagnostic systems for autism: DSM-III, DSM-III-R, and ICD-10

ICD-10 draft research criteria for childhood autism were applied to a previously published data set comparing DSM-III and DSM-III-R to clinicians' diagnoses of autism. The ICD-10 approach paralleled clinicians' patterns of diagnosis and, to a lesser extent, the DSM-III system. Relative to either clinicians, DSM-III, or ICD-10 the DSM-III-R system overdiagnosed the presence of autism. Implications for research and for future revision of diagnostic criteria are discussed.
Safe cannulation of the ascending aorta.

Abstract Numerous complications have been reported secondary to cannulation of the ascending aorta. This report describes our technique of cannulating the ascending aorta and presents the results of this safe mode of perfusion in 684 consecutive patients.
Effect of glucoprivation on glutamate decarboxylase activity in the ventromedial nucleus.

Abstract Activity of the GABA-synthesizing enzyme, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), was measured in brain areas involved in glucoregulation 60 min after a glucoprivic challenge. The rate of GAD activity in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) increased in a dose-dependent manner in response to intraperitoneal injection of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG). The increase in VMN GAD activity was significantly correlated with an increase in food intake (r2=.77, p
Clinical evaluation of eye movements in spinocerebellar ataxias: a prospective multicenter study.

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), by convention, denote a group of progressive autosomal dominant disorders that are genetically, clinically, and pathologically heterogeneous. Both cerebellar and extracerebellar involvement may occur accounting for the complex clinical picture of the SCAs (1–3). SCAs are associated with a variety of abnormalities in eye movements; some of these results from abnormalities in cerebellar control, whereas others reflect extracerebellar pathology. Previous publications have documented the type of abnormalities noted in families examined during gene identification studies, in small scale reports using eye movement recordings (4–10) and in larger patient cohorts of SCA subjects (11,12). We summarize the findings of bedside ocular motor examination performed prospectively in a large cohort of patients with SCAs 1, 2, 3, and 6 and examine factors that may influence their presence. Such data may provide clues for obtaining the appropriate diagnostic gene testing and provide information as to the neuronal subsets involved in each disorder.
A NONLINEAR MODEL FOR DETERMINING THE MOST ECONOMIC PROCESS MEAN UNDER A BETA DISTRIBUTION

The selection of the process mean (target) is critically important since it directly affects the process defective rate, material cost, scrap or rework cost, and the loss to the customer due to the deviation of product performance. The goal is to determine the optimum process target based on minimizing total cost relating to product quality. For mathematical convenience, normal distributions have been traditionally assumed in solving this problem. Under practical situations, however, typical process distributions are often either positively or negatively skewed. Consequently, the normal distribution may not be ideal for many situations. In this paper, we consider a beta distribution which can be shaped and scaled to fit most skewed and symmetric process distributions. Furthermore, this paper uses a quality loss function to capture and quantify the quality loss from the customer's perspective. Finally, we develop an economic model for selecting the optimum process target. An example is given to illustrate the model.
Optical microangiography provides correlation between microstructure and microvasculature of optic nerve head in human subjects

It is demonstrated that optical microangiography (OMAG) is capable of imaging the detailed microstruc- ture and microvasculature of thein vivohuman optic nerve head (ONH), including the prelaminar tissue, the lamina cribrosa, the scleral rim and the vessels in the region of the circle of Zin-Haller. For demonstration, an ultrahigh sensitive OMAG system operating in the 850 nm wavelength region and a 500 kHz A-scan rate resulting in a spatial resolution of ∼6 μm were used. It was shown that OMAG provides superior results for three-dimensional imaging of the ONH compared to conventional optical coherence tomography by simultaneously recording both the micro- structure and the functional microcirculation. The blood supply to the tissues of the ONH is an essential physiologic parameter needed for clinical assessment of the health of the nerve. © 2012 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
De musas a autoras: mulheres, arte e tecnologia no Brasil

Este artigo aborda tanto realizacoes pioneiras quanto trabalhos midiaticos contemporâneos criados por artistas brasileiras trabalhando com meios como a musica eletroacustica, o neon, a holografia, o cinema, "quase cinema", video, fotografia, performance e instalacao multimidia, mundos virtuais e o ativismo cultural on-line. Partindo de uma discussao sobre a questao controversa do genero no Brasil, o artigo tece consideracoes sociais, esteticas e epistemologicas. Como regra geral, as artistas examinadas aqui nao exploraram questoes femininas como um projeto, nem estavam interessadas em teorias feministas per se. Nao obstante, elas contribuiram para o avanco das artes midiaticas no Brasil. O recorte panorâmico deste artigo, apesar do grande numero de artistas abordadas, nao e de forma alguma uma analise completa, mas sim uma primeira avaliacao que, esperamos, estimule a realizacao de futuras pesquisas.
PARTIAL HOMOLOGY OF STRESS GLYCOPROTEIN GP62 WITH HSP70

Thermotolerance and heat resistance are often associated with elevated levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and a selective increase in protein glycosylation. In the present study, we have characterized heat stress-induced protein glycosylation in M21 cells, derived from the rat fibroblast line, Rat-1. M21 cells are characterized by constitutive overexpression of human HSP70 gene and show increased heat resistance without loss of its normal capacity for thermotolerance development after heat conditioning (Li et al., 1991, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88, 1681-1685). The data presented here show that the elevated heat resistance in these cells is associated not only with the constitutive overexpression of human HSP70, but also with increased glycosylation of a major stress glycoprotein, GP62 (Mr of 62,000). We further purified GP62 by sequential preparative isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional isoelectric focusing/SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified protein was digested and partially characterized by microsequencing of two peptide fragments, comprising of 14-15 amino acids each. These fragments had a 100% sequence homology with HSP70 and a 71-100% sequence homology with HSC70 from various species. Western blotting using both HSP70 and HSC70 antibodies showed positive reactivity of GP62 with HSP70. Affinity characterizations showed strong binding of GP62 to wheat germ agglutinin and concanavalin A, consistent with the presence of both alpha-D-mannosyl/glucosyl and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosylaminyl/glucosamine oligomer residues in GP62. These data confirm the glycosylated status of GP62 and indicate that GP62 is a heat stress-induced glycoprotein with partial homology to HSP70.
The influence of sulfides on soluble organic-Fe(III) in anoxic sediment porewaters

Solid and colloidal iron oxides are commonly involved in early diagenesis. More readily available soluble Fe(III) should accelerate the cycling of iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) in sediments. Experiments with synthetic solutions (Taillefert et al. 2000) showed that soluble Fe(III) (i.e., <50 nm diameter) reacts at a mercury voltammetric electrode at circumneutral pH if it is complexed by an organic ligand. The reactivity of soluble organic-Fe(III) with sulfide is greatly increased compared to its solid equivalent (e.g., amorphous hydrous iron oxides or goethite). We report here data from two different creeks of the Hackensack Meadowlands District (New Jersey) collected with solid state Au/Hg voltammetric microelectrodes and other conventional techniques, which confirm the existence of soluble organic-Fe(III) in sediments and its interaction with sulfide. Chemical profiles in these two anoxic sediments show the interaction between iron and sulfur during early diagenesis. Soluble organic-Fe(III) and Fe(II) are dominant in a creek where sulfide is negligible. This dominance suggests that the reductive dissolution of iron oxides goes through the dissolution of solid Fe(III), then reduction to Fe(II), or that soluble organic-Fe(III) is formed by chemical or microbial oxidation of organic-Fe(II) complexes. In a creek sediment where sulfide occurs in significant concentration, the reductive dissolution of Fe(III) is followed by formation of FeS(aq), which further precipitates. Dissolved sulfide may influence the fate of soluble organic-Fe(III), but the pH may be the key variable behind this process. The high reactivity of soluble organic-Fe(III) and its mobility may result in the shifting of local reactions, at depths where other electron acceptors are used. These data also suggest that estuarine and coastal sediments may not always be at steady state.
A revealed preference theory for expected utility

Abstract : Standard axiomatizations of expected-utility theory envision an agent with fixed probability assessments, who can be observed to choose actions from varying opportunity sets (for instance, pairs of lotteries). These axiomatizations also envision that the agent's preferences among these actions depend on the state of nature only through the state-dependent consequences of the actions, and that these consequences are clearly defined and observable. We suggest that this conception may be an unnecessarily restrictive basis for empirical testing, and instead study the pattern of choices from a fixed set of actions as probability assessments change. We show that maximization of the expectation of a general, state-dependent utility function places nontrivial restrictions on such a choice pattern. These restrictions are completely characterized by a discrete version of an integrability condition.
Investigations of the constitutive overexpression of CYP6D1 in the permethrin resistant LPR strain of house fly (Musca domestica)

House fly (Musca domestica) CYP6D1 is a cytochrome P450 involved in metabolism of xenobiotics. CYP6D1 is located on chromosome 1 and its expression is inducible in response to the prototypical P450 inducer phenobarbital (PB) in insecticide susceptible strains. Increased transcription of CYP6D1 confers resistance to permethrin in the LPR strain, and this trait maps to chromosomes 1 and 2. However, the constitutive overexpression of CYP6D1 in LPR is not further increased by PB and the non-responsiveness to PB maps to chromosome 2. It has been suggested that a single factor on chromosome 2 could be responsible for both the constitutive overexpression and lack of PB induction of CYP6D1 in LPR. We examined the PB inducibility of CYP6D1v1 promoter from LPR using dual luciferase reporter assays in Drosophila S2 cells and found the CYP6D1v1 promoter was able to mediate PB induction, similar to the CYP6D1v2 promoter from the insecticide susceptible CS strain. Therefore, variation in promoter sequences of CYP6D1v1 and v2 does not appear responsible for the lack of PB induction of CYP6D1v1 in LPR; this suggests an unidentified trans acting factor is responsible. HR96 has been implicated in having a role in PB induction in Drosophila melanogaster and M. domestica. Therefore, house fly HR96 cDNA was cloned and sequenced to examine if this trans acting factor is responsible for constitutive overexpression of CYP6D1v1 in LPR. Multiple HR96 alleles (v1–v10) were identified, but none were associated with resistance. Expression levels of HR96 were not different between LPR and CS. Thus, HR96 is not the trans acting factor responsible for the constitutive overexpression of CYP6D1 in LPR. The identity of this trans acting factor remains elusive.
Twisting energy of holocellulose fibers

Freely drying fibers exhibit collapse and twist behavior that is only infrequently observed in the formation of a paper web. Anisotropic fiber shrinkage models are employed that enable calculation of the twisting energy of a freely drying fiber as well as the reverse case (dry to wet). The twisting energy appears to be highly significant in relation to the fiber and bond energies associated with paper strength. Some experimental results with southern pine fibers have been obtained using specially designed testing devices.
Excited state properties of 3'-hydroxyechinenone in solvents and in the orange carotenoid protein from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

The orange carotenoid protein (OCP) is a 35 kDa water-soluble protein involved in a photoprotective mechanism of the photosynthetic apparatus of cyanobacteria. The OCP protein contains a single molecule of the carotenoid 3′-hydroxyechinenone (3′-hECN). We have performed transient absorption studies at 77 K in the visible and near-infrared spectral ranges on 3′-hECN in solvent glass and in both inactive (orange) and active (red) forms of OCP. In the OCP the cryogenic temperature prohibited the protein from spontaneous conversion between activity stages and allowed us to study well-defined spectral forms of the protein. The studies show that each form of the OCP consists of two protein subpopulations having different photophysical properties of the bound 3′-hECN. At 77 K the inactive OCP reveals two lifetimes of the first excited state of 3′-hECN of 5.2 and 11 ps while in the active form of OCP these are 3.2 and 7.1 ps. We have also determined the energy of the first excited singlet state of 3′-hECN in long...
Embolus extravasation is an alternative mechanism for cerebral microvascular recanalization

Cerebral microvascular occlusion is a common phenomenon throughout life that might require greater recognition as a mechanism of brain pathology. Failure to recanalize microvessels promptly may lead to the disruption of brain circuits and significant functional deficits. Haemodynamic forces and the fibrinolytic system are considered to be the principal mechanisms responsible for recanalization of occluded cerebral capillaries and terminal arterioles. Here we identify a previously unrecognized cellular mechanism that may also be critical for this recanalization. By using high-resolution fixed-tissue microscopy and two-photon imaging in living mice we observed that a large fraction of microemboli infused through the internal carotid artery failed to be lysed or washed out within 48 h. Instead, emboli were found to translocate outside the vessel lumen within 2-7 days, leading to complete re-establishment of blood flow and sparing of the vessel. Recanalization occurred by a previously unknown mechanism of microvascular plasticity involving the rapid envelopment of emboli by endothelial membrane projections that subsequently form a new vessel wall. This was followed by the formation of an endothelial opening through which emboli translocated into the perivascular parenchyma. The rate of embolus extravasation was significantly decreased by pharmacological inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 2/9 activity. In aged mice, extravasation was markedly delayed, resulting in persistent tissue hypoxia, synaptic damage and cell death. Alterations in the efficiency of the protective mechanism that we have identified may have important implications in microvascular pathology, stroke recovery and age-related cognitive decline.
Dynamical response and switching of an optically bistable anharmonic oscillator.

The dynamical solution of the driven classical anharmonic (AH) oscillator is obtained through a region of optical bistability. The dynamical solution is observed to switch from the lowest to highest steady-state (SS) root near a SS turning point with evidence of critical slowing down. The solution of a widely used multiple-photon version of the AH model is also obtained and is found to give qualitatively similar behavior. The average number of photons observed dramatically increases in the bistable region and exhibits damped oscillations.
Maternal Emotional Expressiveness and Attachment Security: Links to Representations of Relationships and Social Behavior

The goal of this study was to examine whether the security of the relationship between mothers and children influenced the relation between maternal emotional expressiveness and aspects of children’s social development. Fifty-one preschool children (M age = 52.80 months) and their mothers took part in the study. At their homes, mothers completed the Attachment Q-set. At the lab, children completed a measure of their representations of family relationships, while mothers completed measures of maternal emotional expressiveness and reports of the child’s social competence. Findings supported the idea that the quality of the attachment relationship moderated the influence of maternal positive expressiveness. For children who were low in attachment security, maternal positive expressiveness was an important predictor of representations of relationships. For those who were high in attachment security, maternal positive expressiveness was unrelated to social development. Overall, the pattern of findings suggests that high levels of maternal positive expressiveness may compensate for a lack of attachment security in promoting social development. Although researchers have found fairly consistent links between maternal emotional expressiveness and children’s social behavior, they have yet to examine how maternal expressiveness relates to children’s developing relationship schemes. In addition, researchers also have not yet examined how the quality of the mother-child attachment relationship might moderate the links between maternal emotional expressiveness and children’s social development. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the links between
Changes in tissue oxygenation following caudal epidural blockade in infants and children.

Summary Background: Adequate tissue oxygenation is required for effective white blood cell function and bactericidal activity. Decreased tissue oxygenation has been shown to be a risk factor for perioperative wound infections. Regional anesthetic techniques result in a functional sympathetic block and may increase tissue oxygenation. The purpose of the current study is to prospectively evaluate changes in tissue oxygenation using a non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device following caudal epidural block in infants and children. Methods: Following standard anesthetic induction and general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway, the NIRS sensors were placed on two sites. One sensor was placed at a site affected by the caudal block (lower extremity), and the other sensor was placed on the arm, a site unaffected by the caudal block (upper extremity). The NIRS value was recorded at baseline and then again at 15, 30, and 45 min after the block. The caudal block was performed, after anesthetic induction and NIRS sensor placement, using bupivacaine 0.25% with epinephrine 1 : 200 000 or ropivacaine 0.2% with epinephrine 1 : 200 000 at a dose of 1 ml·kg−1. The inspired oxygen concentration after induction was held constant at 30%, and anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane at 1 MAC. No other pharmacologic agents were administered. Results: Following the caudal epidural block, there was a statistically significant increase in the tissue oxygenation from the affected site. The NIRS value increased from a baseline of 83 ± 4 to 87 ± 3 at 15 min (P = 0.0001 vs baseline), 88 ± 4 at 30 min (P < 0.0001 vs baseline), and 87 ± 4 at 45 min (P < 0.0001 vs baseline). No change was noted on the unaffected site (upper extremity). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant increase in tissue oxygenation as measured by NIRS following caudal anesthesia in infants and children. Although the magnitude of the change was less, this study confirms the results of previous studies in adults showing an increase in tissue oxygenation following regional blockade.
BlOMIND-protein property prediction by property proximity profiles

We present the infrastructure of a bioinformation system called BIOMIND, which exploits the close relationship between the structural and functional properties of proteins. The scheme presented here views proteins as composite entities with structural and functional properties, and searches are based on distances along each property axis. Explicitly, this allows one to frame complex queries using quantitative criteria that confer more discerning power than systems based on a text-matching approach. Implicitly, and more importantly, this has the potential to reveal patterns of convergence in properties of proteins and improve our ability to approximate the unknown properties of a protein, given a set of known properties.
Which U.S. Cities Adopt Living Wage Ordinances? Predictors of Adoption of a New Labor Tactic, 1994-2006

This article investigates predictors of living wage ordinance adoption in U.S. cities. The authors build on previous research by including all cities with more than 25,000 people (1,072 cities), adding new variables to measure favorable political context, use of event history analysis (Cox regression) to analyze temporal effects in diffusion, and distinguishing between predictors of early and late adoption. General political context, city size, and municipal expenditures were significant predictors, while grievances, presence of a local ACORN chapter, union density, and form of city government were not significant. Density of nonlabor progressive associations and history of progressive activism were major predictors of policy adoption.