cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The external morphology of the onychopod ‘cladoceran’ genus Bythotrephes (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Onychopoda, Cercopagididae), with notes on the morphology and phylogeny of the order Onychopoda

The onychopod ‘cladoceran’ genus Bythotrephes Leydig is reviewed and redescribed based on introduced material of the B. cederstroemi‘form’ from the Great Lakes of North America. Reviewed briefly are the systematic history, introduction into North America, and natural history of the genus. Using S.E.M. and light microscopy, we then illustrate a mixture of plesiomorphic and (predominantly) derived features, most of which can be explained as modifications for predation. An emended generic diagnosis includes unique and previously poorly known characters that serve to distinguish Bythotrephes from the confamilial genus Cercopagis, such as a distinctly bilobed labrum, spinose anterior mandibular process, small (exopodal?) spines on the external face of thoracopods 1–3, and a gnathobasic process (proximal endite) on thoracopod 1. A redescription, combined with observations on the external morphology, highlights several morphological peculiarities. These include the strongly bilobed labrum, the loss of one of the original two pairs of maxillae (with a question raised as to which pair has been lost), an unusual point of origin for the ‘proximal endite’ (termed herein the ‘gnathobasic process’ because of uncertainty of homology) on thoracopods two and three, a bulbous process of unknown significance located just posterior to the last thoracopod, and the presence of what might be a remnant of the food groove believed to have been present in a hypothesized ancestral group leading to the Onychopoda. The problem of whether Bythotrephes contains one dimorphic species or two species, B. Iongimanus and B. cederstroemi, is reviewed briefly, and the morphological feature in which these forms differ (the caudal process) is described in detail for the cederstroemi form. Comparison with descriptions of other cercopagidids suggests that Bythotrephes is a highly derived taxon, with short-abdomen genera of the Podonidae and Polyphemidae (e.g., Polyphemus) appearing closer to the onychopod phyletic stem, and with the more closely related genus Cercopagis more derived still. Phylogeny within the Cladocera, and the possible origin of the Cladocera from a cyclestheria-like ancestor among the spinicaudate conchostracans, is reconsidered. A hypothesis of evolutionary relationships is presented that depicts the ctenopods and anomopods as having arisen from a hypothetical Cyclestheria-like ancestor, with the predatory cladoceran taxa Haplopoda and Onychopoda being derived from the base of the anomopod lineage. Some of the many problems in the suggested phylogeny are discussed.
FEMTOSECOND LASER HEATING OF MULTI-LAYER METALS. II: EXPERIMENTS

Abstract Femtosecond thermoreflectivity experiments are performed to investigate energy deposition and transport during the very early period of short-pulsed laser heating of gold and chromium multi-layer metal films. The chromium layer underneath the top gold layer is found to produce significant effects on the laser-energy deposition process. Experimental results show that radiation absorption by free electrons and the subsequent heating of the lattice occur not only at different times but also at different locations in a multi-layer metal film. The conventional radiation heating model fails to predict these results, and a more rigorous two-step model agrees well with the measured data.
Enzymatic formation of hydroxy ceramides and comparison with enzymes forming nonhydroxy ceramides.

Abstract Radioactive 2-hydroxystearic and cerebronic acids were converted to the coenzyme A thio esters, then tested for reactivity with d -sphingosine. Microsomes from mouse brain were found to catalyze the formation of ceramides containing both hydroxy acids. Both the d - and l -forms of the hydroxy acids reacted. Comparisons of reactivity were made with stearoyl and lignoceroyl CoA, the analogous nonhydroxy acids, which also form ceramides. The ratios of activities of the substrates were found to vary with animal age, with various subcellular fractions, with different rat brain cell preparations, and with different mouse organs. Competition experiments with mixtures of thio ester substrates showed that stearate and lignocerate did not interfere with each other in the formation of ceramide, but hydroxystearoyl CoA inhibited the utilization of the two nonhydroxy substrates and cerebronoyl CoA inhibited the utilization of lignoceroyl CoA. The kinetics of the inhibitions indicated that the effects were noncompetitive. A similar type of inhibition was seen with stearoyl CoA against hydroxystearate incorporation. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that four different enzymes are involved in the acyl transfer reaction: for stearate, hydroxystearate, lignocerate, and cerebronate. Neuronal cell preparations were found to be relatively rich in stearate transferase, while glial cells were relatively rich in hydroxystearate and lignocerate transferases.
In Search of the Meaning of Entrepreneurship

This paper is an attempt to build a bridge between the popular and the academic usage of the terms entrepreneur and entrepreneurship, and to identify the raw materials needed to construct an interpretive framework capable of illuminating the nature of entrepreneurship and its role in economic theory. We review briefly the contributions made to this topic by Cantillon, Schumpeter, Schultz and Kirzner. We advance a ‘synthetic’ definition of the entrepreneur as someone who specializes in taking responsibility for and making judgemental decisions that affect the location, the form, and the use of goods, resources, or institutions. We then conclude with some observations on the basic choice confronting economics regarding the place of entrepreneurship in economic analysis.
Effects of lensed-indirect and parabolic lighting on the satisfaction, visual health, and productivity of office workers

A pre- and post-renovation survey evaluated the reactions of office workers to two office lighting systems: a parabolic downlighting system and a ceiling suspended, lensed-indirect uplighting system. Questionnaire data on work content, perception of ambient environmental conditions (including office lighting), work-related health symptoms, job stress, job satisfaction, and self-reported productivity, and environmental data on illumination, air temperature, and relative humidity were collected. The lensed-indirect lighting system was more favourably rated on several subjective lighting impressions scales, and for computer work workers reported fewer screen glare problems, and fewer and less frequent problems with tired eyes and eye focusing. Productivity was less hindered by the lensed-indirect lighting, and satisfaction with office lighting and ratings of lighting quality were significantly higher for this system. These reactions were not associated with any differences in levels of illumination between the lighting systems. Ratings of lighting satisfaction and lighting importance were inversely related. Overall, some two-thirds of workers indicated a preference for working under the lensed-indirect lighting system.
Knowledge of hepatitis C screening and management by internal medicine residents: trends over 2 years.

Knowledge of hepatitis C screening and management by internal medicine residents: trends over 2 years
Cloning of the L-lactate dehydrogenase gene from the ruminal bacterium Selenomonas ruminantium HD4.

A clone from a Selenomonas ruminantium HD4 Lambda ZAP® II genomic library was isolated by its ability to complement the anaerobic growth deficiency of an Escherichia coli (pfl, ldh) double mutant. The 1.0-kb insert from the clone was sequenced and revealed a single open reading frame (ORF, 957-bp) which was preceded by a putative Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence (AGGGGG). The potential SD sequence corresponded to 3′ 16S rRNA sequences of various Selenomonas strains. The ORF was predicted to encode a protein of 318 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 34,975 Da and an isoelectric point of 5.54. In addition, the ORF contained 51 mol % G + C and this is consistent with the average G + C content (54%) of the S. ruminantium chromosome. The cloned S. ruminantium gene exhibited 59% nucleotide identity and 61% deduced amino acid similarity with L-lactate dehydrogenases (L-LDH) of Pediococcus acidilactici and Bacillus megaterium, respectively. Incorporation of the cloned S. ruminantium gene into E. coli DC1368 (pfl, ldh) restored anaerobic growth on glucose and L-LDH activity was detected in cell extracts. Because lactate accumulation within the rumen can be detrimental to animal performance, characterizing the gene(s) involved in lactate production by predominant ruminal bacteria will lead to a better understanding of lactate metabolism within the rumen.
Identification, characterization, and purification of DNA glycosylase/AP lyases by reductive crosslinking to 2'-deoxyribooligonucleotides containing specific base lesions.

This paper describes a reductive amination crosslinking protocol that facilitates identification and characterization of a class of DNA repair enzymes, DNA glycosylase/AP lyases, which are involved in base excision repair. This crosslinking technique has been used to identify enzymes in crude extracts and in partially purified enzyme preparations, to isolate proteins for sequencing, and to confirm the reaction mechanism of members of this enzyme family. Chemical reduction of the Schiff's base enzyme–substrate intermediate to a stable amine results in the formation of an irreversible covalent bond between the substrate lesion situated within a 2′-deoxyoligonucleotide and the repair enzyme. This complex can be detected by gel electrophoresis and can also be isolated and analyzed by amino acid sequencing.
Potential Role of Maternal Progesterone in the Sexual Differentiation of the Brain

In rats, fetal testosterone directs sexual differentiation of the brain. However, fetuses are also exposed to maternal progesterone. Here we report that progestin receptor immunoreactivity in the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) of fetal and neonatal rats is high in males but virtually absent in females. The MPN is one of the most sexually dimorphic structures in the rat brain and mediates several sexually differentiated behaviors. This suggests that progesterone may play a previously overlooked role in the development of sex differences in the brain and behavior. Henceforth, a novel function of the mother in the sexual differentiation of the CNS must be considered.
SOLVENT TUNING OF DIASTEREOSELECTIVITY IN DIMETHYLDIOXIRANE EPOXIDATION REACTIONS

Diastereoselectivity in the epoxidation of cyclohex-2-en-1-ol shows a remarkable solvent dependence. In some solvent systems the substrate OH group apparently can provide a cis selectivity through H-bonding.
Determining fractal dimension from nuclear magnetic resonance data in rocks with internal magnetic field gradients

ABSTRACTPore size distributions in rocks may be represented by fractal scaling, and fractal descriptions of pore systems may be used for prediction of petrophysical properties such as permeability, tortuosity, diffusivity, and electrical conductivity. Transverse relaxation time (T2) distributions determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements may be used to determine the fractal scaling of the pore system, but the analysis is complicated when internal magnetic field gradients at the pore scale are sufficiently large. Through computations in ideal porous media and laboratory measurements of glass beads and sediment samples, we found that the effect of internal magnetic field gradients was most pronounced in rocks with larger pores and a high magnetic susceptibility contrast between the pore fluid and mineral grains. We quantified this behavior in terms of pore size and Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) half-echo spacing through scaling arguments. We additionally found that the effects of intern...
The academic trajectories of immigrant youths: analysis within and across cohorts.

Two nationally representative cohorts—from the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS) and High School and Beyond (HSB)—were used to examine the effects of generation and duration of residence on students’ performance on standardized tests over a two-year period. In multivariate models, generational status predicts variation in students’ performance on baseline (sophomore) tests, with effects stronger for the later age cohort (NELS) than for the earlier age cohort (HSB). With regard to the trajectory of achievement, generational status has a greatly reduced role for both cohorts. The best predictors of the trajectory of achievement are not those that are based on nativity per se, but those that reflect the social environment experienced in the United States (i.e., ethnicity and family’s socioeconomic status).
Application of an electroneutral phosphine ligand to organo-platinum chemistry: Pentafluoroethyldiphenylphosphine (pfepp)

The synthesis, characterization and molecular structures of two platinum complexes bearing the novel phosphine pentafluoroethyldiphenylphosphine (pfepp; 1) is reported. pfepp is a sterically bulky, electronically neutral phosphine ligand. Treatment of (cod)PtMe2 with two equivalents of pfepp yields cis-(pfepp)2PtMe2 2. Addition of one equivalent of acetyl chloride to a methanol/dichloromethane solution of 2 results in the formation of trans-(pfepp)2PtMeCl 3. Complexes 2 and 3 were characterized by IR, multinuclear NMR and elemental analysis. The X-ray crystal structures of 2 and 3 are also reported and confirm the geometry assignments around the metal center.
STAT3 activation in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Background The activation of signal transducer and activator of transduction (STAT) protein is thought to lead to the genesis of neoplasia by promoting cellular growth and preventing apoptosis, and by immune system modulation; STAT3 protein has also been implicated in tumor survival and propagation in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Objectives To investigate the presence and activation of STAT3 protein in papilloma specimens from subjects with RRP and compare findings with those obtained from control subjects' tissue. Design Laryngeal papilloma samples were collected from 8 nonselected consecutive patients undergoing surgery for RRP, and control samples of anterior tonsillar pillar mucosa were collected from 8 patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy. After extraction, we applied gel shifting to the nuclear protein using an electromotility shifting assay kit. Quantitative analysis of the gel shifts was performed, and levels of activated STAT3 protein in RRP specimens and tissue from controls were compared. Results There was STAT3 protein activation in the nuclear extracts of all (100%) RRP specimens, which was significantly more frequent than in normal epithelial tissue from controls (P Conclusions We conclude that STAT3 protein activation is present in RRP. However, further study is needed to determine if STAT3 protein activation is an important pathway through which human papillomavirus results in the propagation and persistence of RRP.
Electrochemical study of methylcobalamin : determination of the reduction potential for a quasireversible system with a fast following reaction

Abstract The reductive electrochemistry of methylocobalamin in nonaqueous solution is typical of many electrochemical mechanisms in that the initial electron transfer at the electrode is followed by a fast chemical reaction. The rate constant of the following chemical step, methyl radical cleavage, was measured by double potential step chronoamperometry to be 590 sec−1 in a solvent mixture (DMF 40%, methanol 60%, at −30°). The cyclic voltammetric response in the slow scan-rate regime was analyzed by the simulation-fitting program CVFIT to extract the remaining parameters of the electrode reaction—chemical reaction mechanism: the formal reduction potential (E0′ = −1.529 ± 0.004 V), the standard heterogeneous rate-constant (k0 = 0.012 ± 0.002 cm/sec), and the transfer coefficient (α = 0.78 ± 0.02). This method of analysis allows for the rigorous determination of reduction potentials under conditions where the cyclic voltammetric response appears irreversible (no reverse peak is observed). A detailed analysis of the actual reversibility of the system and its effect on the apparent transfer coefficient is presented.
Pharmacophysiology of bone and spinal fusion.

Abstract Background context In recent years, the number of complex spinal surgeries has increased significantly in the elderly population, where the prevalence of low bone density is highest. Consequently, spine surgeons often treat osteoporotic patients who are associated with higher rates of instrumentation failure. Therefore, establishing a successful fusion requires an appropriate substrate for bone formation and local bone remodeling. The fusion process can be supported by therapies that seek to shift the balance of bone homeostasis to increased formation and reduced resorption. Purpose Thorough understanding of the physiology of bone formation and adjunctive therapies can help improve fusion rates. Therefore, we present a thorough review of the latest pharmacologic agents used to enhance bone strength and surgical spinal fusion. Methods Systematic review of literature. Results Current knowledge on bone physiology has led to the development of several pharmacologic agents that enhance bone formation and strengthen the human skeleton. At present, natural supplements of vitamin D and calcium or synthetic medications like bisphosphonates are widely used before and after spine surgeries to enhance bone fusion. Additional physiologic agents, including testosterone, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and growth hormone, have been shown to improve bone mass density or spinal fusion in both animal and human studies. As in other medical fields, gene therapy has shown viability and promise with the use of both viral and nonviral vectors. Conclusions Through the understanding of bone physiology, numerous natural and synthetic pharmacologic agents have been developed to enhance the body's skeleton and to improve outcomes of spinal fusion surgery.
Cyclic GMP-dependent phosphorylation of an endogenous protein from rat heart.

Abstract An endogenous substrate protein (Mr = 70K) for cGMP-dependent protein kinase (G-PK) was found in the cytosol of the rat heart. This protein was specifically phosphorylated by G-PK, with a Ka for cGMP of 0.08 μM, compared with that for cAMP of 2 μM. At least two substrate proteins (Mr = 110K and 26K) specific for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-PK) were also noted. The finding in heart of an endogenous substrate protein for G-PK distinguishable from those for A-PK provides additional evidence suggesting an independent role for cGMP in the regulation of cardiac function.
Electrical, spectroscopic, and morphological investigation of chromium diffusion through gold films

Abstract Gold films approximately 1000 A thick exhibit a characteristic increase in resistance upon adsorption of mercury. Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), it has been observed that mercury adsorbs on the gold surface and subsequently migrates to grain boundaries and other defective regions on the surface. However, after heating a gold film having a thin underlying chromium adhesive layer in air to above 500 K, the resistance change of the gold film after mercury adsorption decreases dramatically. This is attributed to the passivation of the gold surface to mercury at grain boundaries by chromium oxide. Both STM and scanning electron microscopy reveal increased grain size upon prolonged annealing at 573 K. An enlargement of the grain boundaries due to chromium diffusion to the surface is also observed. The chromium diffuses to the surface via grain boundaries and forms Cr 2 O 3 , as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Cr 2 O 3 occupies grain boundaries that otherwise would be available for mercury. With increased annealing time at 573 K, there is an increase in surface chromium concentration and a corresponding decrease in surface mercury concentration.
Arguments, Meta-arguments, and Metadialogues: A Reconstruction of Krabbe, Govier, and Woods

Krabbe (2003, in F.H. van Eemeren, J.A. Blair, C.A. Willard and A.F. Snoeck Henkemans (eds.), Proceedings of the Fifth Conference of the International Society for the Study of Argumentation, Sic Sat, Amsterdam, pp. 641–644) defined a metadialogue as a dialogue about one or more dialogues, and a ground-level dialogue as a dialogue that is not a metadialogue. Similarly, I define a meta-argument as an argument about one or more arguments, and a ground-level argument as one which is not a meta-argument. Krabbe (1995, in F.H van Eemeren, R. Grootendorst, J.A. Blair, C.A. Willard and A.F. Snoeck Henkemans (eds.), Proceedings of the Third ISSA Conference on Argumentation, Sic Sat, Amsterdam, pp. 333–344) showed that formal-fallacy criticism (and more generally, fallacy criticism) consists of metadialogues, and that such metadialogues can be profiled in ways that lead to their proper termination or resolution. I reconstruct Krabbe’s metadialogical account into monolectical, meta-argumentative terminology by describing three-types of meta-arguments corresponding to the three ways of proving formal invalidity he studied: the trivial logic-indifferent method; the method of counterexample situation; and the method of formal paraphrase. A fourth type of meta-argument corresponds to what Oliver (1967, Mind 76, 463–478), Govier (1985, Informal Logic 7, 27–33), and Copi (1986) call refutation by logical analogy. A fifth type of meta-argument represents my reconstruction of arguments by parity of reasoning studied by Woods and Hudak (1989, Informal Logic 11, 125–139). Other particular meta-arguments deserving future study are Hume’s critique of the argument from design in the Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, and Mill’s initial argument in The Subjection of Women about the importance of established custom and general feeling vis-a-vis argumentation.
A fuzzy learning algorithm for kinematic control of a robotic system

In this paper, a new control algorithm called fuzzy learning control is proposed as a method of trajectory tracking control for a robotic system. Fuzzy learning control is an extension of differential motion control which utilizes the robotic Jacobian equations. The principles of fuzzy set theory and fuzzy regression analysis are applied to these kinematic equations. This is accomplished by treating the inverse of the Jacobian matrix as a matrix of fuzzy numbers, subsequently transforming the kinematic equations of the manipulator into a linear possibility system with fuzzy coefficients, which is solved for the fuzzy coefficients using fuzzy regression. In this way, the fuzzy Jacobian inverse is found and used to update the desired joint positions on each sampling interval. The algorithm is augmented with a PD type control law to guarantee convergence to the desired trajectory. A simulation study is performed using the 6-joint Stanford Arm. The results show that the fuzzy learning control augmented with a PD control law can converge to the desired trajectory. More significantly, it does so without the need for modeling the robotic kinematics, as would normally be required for differential motion control. Some disadvantage of the fuzzy learning control algorithm and the future work for improvement are also addressed in the paper. >
Technology opportunities to enable high mass specific power

Inverted Metamorphic Multijunction (IMM) technology has demonstrated excellent energy conversion efficiency, 32% AM0. In addition to high conversion efficiency, this technology also offers the potential for ultra-high mass specific power at the blanket level. Because the substrate is removed, the thin, flexible epitaxial cell can be incorporated in a variety of novel blanket structures. Several novel array technologies have been proposed which would take advantage of the flexible nature of the IMM by incorporating rolled stowage for launch. The flexibility of the IMM may lead one to assume that the IMM is a much higher efficiency drop-in replacement for conventional thin-film photovoltaics (ex. amorphous silicon, copper indium gallium diselenide). An important differentiation between these technologies is the radiation hardness of the different technologies to the space environment. This paper presents a study to examine the photovoltaic blanket specific mass achievable with IMM technology depending upon the orbit of interest and the end-of-life performance requirement. The impact of radiation shielding, both front and back, is assessed.
Modernity, Cultural Reasoning, and the Institutionalization of Social Inequality: Racializing Death in a Venezuelan Cholera Epidemic

In Love in Times of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Mairquez (1985) creates a powerful image of Latin American modernity in the character of Dr. Juvenal Urbino. Urbino is called back from France, where he has studied medicine and embraced European modernity, in order to save the coastal Colombian city in which he was born from that quintessence of the premodern world of ignorance, filth, and backwardness-cholera. Garcia Mairquez captures exquisitely the terror that is conjured up by the disease-thousands of bodies wracked by rivers of diarrhea and vomit, cramps, sunken eyes, blue lips, and twisted limbs, many of them dying rapidly. But Urbino is armed with that quintessence of modernity-hygiene. The terror inspired by the epidemic enables Urbino to transform both the urban landscape and bodily practices in keeping with the dictates of Continental biopower, neatly mediated by his own patrician class standing. Narrativizing cholera terror thus provides a land of tropical romance and decadence with an opening for entering modernity-insofar as its residents accept bodily and social surveillance and regulation. Garcia Mairquez's readers will recall, however, that the triumph over cholera is not absolute or irrevocable. After Urbino's death, his widow is united with the man who has loved her since his youth. In the final scene, the aged lovers find a zone that is cut off from time and space as they travel along a river in a boat whose cholera quarantine flag precludes landing in any port, creating a liminal space in which they
Matrix-embedded endothelial cells are protected from the uremic milieu

Background. Endothelial cells (ECs) embedded in 3D matrices [matrix-embedded endothelial cells (MEECs)] of denatured collagen implanted around vascular access anastomoses preserve luminal patency. MEEC implant efficacy depends on embedded EC health. As the uremic milieu inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of ECs, we examined whether uremia might impact MEECs. Methods. ECs grown on 2D gelatin-coated polystyrene tissue culture plates (gTCPS) or in MEEC were treated with sera pooled from 20 healthy control or uremic patients with end-stage renal disease. EC viability was examined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, cell counting and Trypan blue exclusion. Media conditioned (CM) with 2 and 3D-supported ECs were examined for its potential to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) proliferation using 3[H] thymidine incorporation and cyclin D1 expression. ECs grown on gTCPS were treated with uremic serum filtered through matrices to examine if matrices retain uremic toxins or whether EC effects were cell mediated. Results. Uremic serum significantly reduced viability and number of live, and increased dead ECs when grown on gTCPS, but not in MEECs. EC survival correlated with vSMC inhibition. While CM from ECs grown in gTCPS with uremic serum inhibited vSMC proliferation no better than uremic serum alone (22 versus 27%), MEEC CM inhibited vSMC proliferation by 47% (P = 0.0004). Cyclin D1 expression tracked with indices of vSMC proliferation. There was no significant difference in EC viability between EC treated with matrix-filtered or unfiltered uremic serum. Conclusion. The viability, number and efficacy of MEECs were preserved in uremic serum compared to those of ECs on gTCPS. MEECs are protected from uremic toxicity, not from retention of uremic toxins by matrices, but likely from intrinsic changes in EC sensitivity to uremia. MEECs implanted at vascular access sites should inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in uremia. This study underscores the robustness of matrix embedding as a cell protectant, especially in hostile environments like uremia.
Symbolic integration: the stormy decade

Three approaches to symbolic integration in the 1960's are described. The first, from Artificial Intelligence, led to Slagle's SAINT and to a large degree to Moses' SIN. The second, from algebraic manipulation, led to Manove's implementation and to Horowitz' and Tobey's re-examination of the Hermite algorithm for integrating rational functions. The third, from mathematics, led to Richardson's proof of the unsolvability of the problem for a class of functions and for Risch's decision procedure for the elementary functions. Generalizations of Risch's algorithm to a class of special functions and programs for solving differential equations and for finding the definite integral are also described.
Thermal Oxide Film Deposition Monitoring Algorithm

A software-implemented algorithm for controlling the amount of thermal oxide film grown on a substrate, along with some experimental results, is presented.
An Overview and Evaluation of Web Services Security Performance Optimizations

WS-Security is an essential component of the Web services protocol stack. WS-Security provides end-to-end security properties (integrity, confidentiality, and authentication) through open XML standards. End-to-end message security assures the participation of non-secure transport intermediaries in message exchanges, which is a key advantage for Web-based systems and service-oriented architectures. However, point-to-point message security based on TLS (transport layer security) is known to significantly outperform WS-Security. In this paper we analyze the overhead of the WS-Security protocol processing stages and evaluate existing and new techniques for WS-Security signature performance optimizations to speed up end-to-end message integrity assurance and authentication.
Monte Carlo methods for the shell model

Abstract A Monte Carlo procedure for the nuclear shell model is presented that permits exact calculations in model spaces not previously possible. The method makes use of the Hubbard-Stratonovich transformation to transform the operator e − βH into a functional integral, which is evaluated using Monte Carlo techniques. Within this formalism, ground-state or thermal expectation values of static observables and response functions can be computed.
Stable integration of an engineered megabase repeat array into the maize genome.

*SUMMARY Plant genome engineering as a practical matter will require stable introduction of long and complex segments of DNA sequence into plant genomes. Here we show that it is possible to synthetically engineer and introduce centromere-sized satellite repeat arrays into maize. We designed a synthetic repeat monomer of 156 bp that contains five DNA-binding motifs (LacO, TetO, Gal4, LexA, and CENPB), and extended it into tandem arrays using an overlapping PCR method similar to that commonly used in gene synthesis. The PCR products were then directly transformed into maize using biolistic transformation. We identified three resulting insertion sites (arrayed binding sites), the longest of which is at least 1100 kb. The LacI DNA-binding module is sufficient to efficiently tether YFP to the arrayed binding sites. We conclude that synthetic repeats can be delivered into plant cells by omitting passage through Escherichia coli, that they generally insert into one locus, and that great lengths may be achieved. It is anticipated that these experimental approaches will be useful for future applications in artificial chromosome design.
Drug Prices and Emergency Department Mentions for Cocaine and Heroin

Objectives. In this report, the author illustrates the historic relation between retail drug prices and emergency department mentions for cocaine and heroin. Methods. Price series based on the Drug Enforcement Administration's System to Retrieve Information From Drug Evidence database were correlated with data on emergency department mentions from the Drug Abuse Warning Network for cocaine (1978–1996) and heroin (1981–1996). Results. A simple model in which emergency department mentions are driven by only prices explains more than 95% of the variation in emergency department mentions. Conclusions. Fluctuations in prices are an important determinant of adverse health outcomes associated with drugs.
Efficient hardware-based nonintrusive dynamic application profiling

Application profiling—the process of monitoring an application to determine the frequency of execution within specific regions—is an essential step within the design process for many software and hardware systems. Profiling is often a critical step within hardware/software partitioning utilized to determine the critical kernels of an application. In this article, we present an innovative, nonintrusive dynamic application profiler (DAProf) capable of profiling an executing application by monitoring the application's short backward branches, function calls, and function returns. The resulting profile information provides an accurate characterization of the frequently executed loops within the application providing a breakdown of loop executions versus loop iterations per execution. DAProf achieves excellent profiling accuracy with an average accuracy of 98p for loop executions, 97p for average iterations per execution, and 95p for percentage of execution time. In addition, the presented dynamic application profiler incurs as little as 11p area overhead compared to an ARM9 microprocessor. DAProf is ideally suited for rapidly profiling software applications and dynamic optimization approaches such as dynamic hardware/software partitioning in which detailed loop execution information is needed to provide accurate performance estimates.
Crystalline state of cellulose in fresh and dried mature cotton fiber from unopened bolls as studied by x-ray diffraction†

The crystallinity of cellulose in the undried cotton fiber, fresh from the unopened but mature boll, was studied by x-ray diffractometer methods and compared with the crystallinity of portions of fibers from the same samples either dried directly or from which the water has been removed in various “indirect” ways calculated to better preserve the original structure including: (a) Solvent exchange, (b) freeze-drying, (c) drying above the critical temperature of liquids and (d) drying after the cellulose of the wet fiber has been crosslinked. The difference in crystallinity observed between directly and indirectly dried fibers indicates that a crystallization process must take place during the direct drying of the water-wet fiber. This crystallization process is promoted by the presence of water and inhibited or prevented when the fiber is dried indirectly. An increase of the degree of crystallinity due to wetting can be explained by assuming that the crystallization, which had been suppressed in the indirectly dried fiber takes place subsequently upon drying of the rewetted fiber. That the indirect methods preserve entirely or partially, such amorphous structure as is originally present is confirmed by the lower density and higher dyestuff accessibility of such fibers.
Computational Framework for Automated Seismic Design of Steel Frames with Self-Centering Connections

AbstractA computational framework is proposed as an automated design cycle for the optimal seismic design of steel frames with self-centering connections. This paper demonstrates the approach by co...
Cutting Edge: β-Catenin Is Dispensable for T Cell Effector Differentiation, Memory Formation, and Recall Responses

The molecular mechanisms that regulate mature T cell fate and enable cells to differentiate into memory T cells are largely unknown. Memory T cells share certain key features with stem cells: they both have the ability to self-renew and are long-lived. The Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway is a key player in regulating stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. We generated a conditional knockout mouse that specifically lacks β-catenin in mature T cells and report in this article that β-catenin is not involved in regulating effector versus memory T cell differentiation. β-catenin-deficient memory T cells were phenotypically and functionally indistinguishable from control cells and made normal recall responses. β-catenin deficiency does not affect T cell migration, T cell function in a model of chronic infection, or lymphopenia-induced proliferation. Together, our data suggest that self-renewal and differentiation are regulated differently in memory T cells compared with epithelial and hematopoietic stem cells.
Water content estimation in vegetation with MODIS reflectance data and model inversion methods

Statistical and radiative-transfer physically based studies have previously demonstrated the relationship between leaf water content and leaf-level reflectance in the near-infrared spectral region. The successful scaling up of such methods to the canopy level requires modeling the effect of canopy structure and viewing geometry on reflectance bands and optical indices used for estimation of water content, such as normalized difference water index (NDWI), simple ratio water index (SRWI) and plant water index (PWI). This study conducts a radiative transfer simulation, linking leaf and canopy models, to study the effects of leaf structure, dry matter content, leaf area index (LAI), and the viewing geometry, on the estimation of leaf equivalent water thickness from canopy-level reflectance. The applicability of radiative transfer model inversion methods to MODIS is studied, investigating its spectral capability for water content estimation. A modeling study is conducted, simulating leaf and canopy MODIS-equivalent synthetic spectra with random input variables to test different inversion assumptions. A field sampling campaign to assess the investigated simulation methods was undertaken for analysis of leaf water content from leaf samples in 10 study sites of chaparral vegetation in California, USA, between March and September 2000. MODIS reflectance data were processed from the same period for equivalent water thickness estimation by model inversion linking the PROSPECT leaf model and SAILH canopy reflectance model. MODIS reflectance data, viewing geometry values, and LAI were used as inputs in the model inversion for estimation of leaf equivalent water thickness, dry matter, and leaf structure. Results showed good correlation between the time series of MODIS-estimated equivalent water thickness and ground measured leaf fuel moisture (LFM) content (r 2 =0.7), demonstrating that these
A pipeline of tweets: environmental movements’ use of Twitter in response to the Keystone XL pipeline

ABSTRACTSocial movements often amalgamate otherwise diffuse public political interests. In recent years, social media use has allowed both groups and individuals to engage with political issues both online and offline. How do organizations use Twitter to mobilize networked publics? To what extent do groups promote both ‘connective action’ online and traditional activism offline? How do their strategies differ according to whether they seek to promote or combat the status quo? And how do they balance encouraging and reinforcing individualized expression through group messaging? The ways pro-Keystone XL pipeline and anti-Keystone XL groups differed in their Keystone-related action on Twitter from January 2010 until October 2014 are analyzed. Boolean searching and Natural Language processing are used to analyze more than three million tweets. The results demonstrate that the frames within Twitter conversations have significant implications for how communities understand, develop, and mobilize around environm...
Long-term rescue of cone photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa 2 (RP2)-knockout mice by gene replacement therapy

Retinal neurodegenerative diseases are especially attractive targets for gene replacement therapy, which appears to be clinically effective for several monogenic diseases. X-linked forms of retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) are relatively severe blinding disorders, resulting from progressive photoreceptor dysfunction primarily caused by mutations in RPGR or RP2 gene. With a goal to develop gene therapy for the XLRP-RP2 disease, we first performed detailed characterization of the Rp2-knockout (Rp2-KO) mice and observed early-onset cone dysfunction, which was followed by progressive cone degeneration, mimicking cone vision impairment in XLRP patients. The mice also exhibited distinct and significantly delayed falling phase of photopic b-wave of electroretinogram (ERG). Concurrently, we generated a self-complementary adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector carrying human RP2-coding sequence and demonstrated its ability to mediate stable RP2 protein expression in mouse photoreceptors. A long-term efficacy study was then conducted in Rp2-KO mice following AAV-RP2 vector administration. Preservation of cone function was achieved with a wide dose range over 18-month duration, as evidenced by photopic ERG and optomotor tests. The slower b-wave kinetics was also completely restored. Morphologically, the treatment preserved cone viability, corrected mis-trafficking of M-cone opsin and restored cone PDE6 expression. The therapeutic effect was achieved even in mice that received treatment at an advanced disease stage. The highest AAV-RP2 dose group demonstrated retinal toxicity, highlighting the importance of careful vector dosing in designing future human trials. The wide range of effective dose, a broad treatment window and long-lasting therapeutic effects should make the RP2 gene therapy attractive for clinical development.
A Theory of Blame

One of the most intriguing aspects of the assignment of blame is the contrast between the apparent simplicity of the everyday assertion or avoidance of blame and the complexity of the theoretical structure needed to account for the process of assigning blame. On the one hand, it is a rare child whose early repertoire of sentences does not include “It isn’t my fault!” and the companion “You did it.” On the other hand, a theoretical analysis of blame assignment involves sophisticated questions about events, their causes, and the dimensions of personal responsibility. Is this contrast merely an example of complexity invented as a substitute for clear thinking? Or are the distinctions drawn to this point really necessary for a complete understanding of the process?
Variations in Nitrogen and Organics in Wastewaters

The primary and secondary effluents of three treatment plants were sampled to determined diurnal variations in the concentration and mass loading of ammonia, soluble COD, and soluble organic nitrogen. The biodegradability of organic matter in secondary effluent was monitored. The data bear significant implications for the design of nitrification systems, the setting of nitrogen discharge requirements, and advanced wastewater treatment.
The Use of Mobile Learning in Science: A Systematic Review

The use of mobile learning in education is growing at an exponential rate. To best understand how mobile learning is being used, it is crucial to gain a collective understanding of the research that has taken place. This systematic review reveals the trends in mobile learning in science with a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of studies from the year 2000 onward. Major findings include that most of the studies focused on designing systems for mobile learning, followed by a combination of evaluating the effects of mobile learning and investigating the affective domain during mobile learning. The majority of the studies were conducted in the area of life sciences in informal, elementary (5–11 years) settings. Mobile devices were used in this strand of science easily within informal environments with real-world connections. A variety of research methods were employed, providing a rich research perspective. As the use of mobile learning continues to grow, further research regarding the use of mobile technologies in all areas and levels of science learning will help science educators to expand their ability to embrace these technologies.
On the SLq(2) extension of the standard model and the measure of charge

Our SLq(2) extension of the standard model is constructed by replacing the elementary field operators, $\Psi (x)$, of the standard model by $\hat{\Psi}^{j}_{mm'}(x) D^{j}_{mm'}$ where $D^{j}_{mm'}$ is an element of the $2j + 1$ dimensional representation of the SLq(2) algebra, which is also the knot algebra. The allowed quantum states $(j,m,m')$ are restricted by the topological conditions \begin{equation*} (j,m,m') = \frac{1}{2}(N,w,r+o) \end{equation*} postulated between the states of the quantum knot $(j,m,m')$ and the corresponding classical knot $(N,w,r+o)$ where the $(N,w,r)$ are (the number of crossings, the writhe, the rotation) of the 2d projection of the corresponding oriented classical knot. Here $o$ is an odd number that is required by the difference in parity between $w$ and $r$. There is also the empirical restriction on the allowed states \begin{equation*} (j,m,m')=3(t,-t_3,-t_0)_L \end{equation*} that holds at the $j=\frac{3}{2}$ level, connecting quantum trefoils $(\frac{3}{2},m,m')$ with leptons and quarks $(\frac{1}{2}, -t_3, -t_0)_L$. The so constructed knotted leptons and quarks turn out to be composed of three $j=\frac{1}{2}$ particles which unexpectedly agree with the preon models of Harrari and Shupe. The $j=0$ particles, being electroweak neutral, are dark and plausibly greatly outnumber the quarks and leptons. The SLq(2) or $(j,m,m')$ measure of charge has a direct physical interpretation since $2j$ is the total number of preonic charges while $2m$ and $2m'$ are the numbers of writhe and rotation sources of preonic charge. The total SLq(2) charge of a particle, measured by writhe and rotation and composed of preons, sums the signs of the counterclockwise turns $(+1)$ and clockwise turns $(-1)$ that any energy-momentum current makes in going once around the knot... Keywords: Quantum group; electroweak; knot models; preon models; dark matter.
A study on commercial structure of Shanghai based on residents&rsquo|shopping behavior

With the launch of system reform since the late 1970s,the urban commercial space went through great changes but with less comprehensive researches.Since the increasingly important influence from the consumers on the system is usually ignored by previous relative papers,the purpose of this paper is to explore the evolution of the central place system from the point view of the corresponding changes of residents' shopping behavior.Taking Shanghai as the city of case study,the research collected the information of residents' daily shopping activities by questionnaire survey which provided the data base.The spatial characteristics of the residents' shopping activity on the aggregate level are generalized,and then further examined by modeling the spatial structure of shopping trip of different commodities;finally,the eight surveyed communities were grouped into three regions according to the income of residents and their spatial structure of residents' shopping activity was explored respectively to see the sub-system shopping centers of different socio-economic areas.The results conform again the hierarchy of shopping trip space of different commodities in previous researches;what's more,it is also found that the condensation of the spatial structure of shopping trip has showed up,which is a reflection of the change of urban commercial system.For the analysis of last part,a hierarchical model of spatial structure much like Davies' "development and hierarchical sub-system shopping centers" is identified.However,we believe that its formation is actually a result of low income residents' moving out and the underdevelopment of the suburban local commence,which is quite different from that of western cities.