cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimisation of slab-selective radiofrequency excitation pulse durations constrained by an acceptable aliasing coefficient

Abstract A technical note is presented on the slab-direction aliasing of 3D imaging, introducing a simple methodology for determining the minimised duration of low flip-angle sinc radiofrequency (RF) excitation pulses, with respect to a required slab profile accuracy. The various interdependent factors affected in modifying an RF pulse duration are considered and analysed in the context of a new metric for quantifying the levels of permitted slab-aliasing. A general framework is presented for the selection of standard sinc RF excitation pulses with system-minimised durations, as well as their analysis and validation, and a demonstration of this methodology is performed for an example requirement and scanner. This methodology enables implementation of standard (vendor-generated) RF pulses with minimised duration for a required application, with high confidence in their operational reliability. Parts of such a methodology may also in theory be extended to more advanced RF pulse designs.
Enhanced glycolysis and GSK3 inactivation promote brain metabolic adaptations following neuronal mitochondrial stress.

We analyzed early brain metabolic adaptations in response to mitochondrial dysfunction in a mouse model of mitochondrial encephalopathy with complex IV deficiency (neuron specific COX10 KO). In this mouse model the onset of the mitochondrial defect did not coincide with immediate cell death suggesting early adaptive metabolic responses to compensate for the energetic deficit. Metabolomic analysis in the knockout mice revealed increased levels of glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway intermediates, amino acids and lysolipids. Glycolysis was modulated by enhanced activity of glycolytic enzymes, and not by their overexpression, suggesting the importance of post-translational modifications in the adaptive response. GSK3 inactivation was the most upstream regulation identified, implying that it is a key event in this adaptive mechanism. Because neurons are thought not to rely on glycolysis for ATP production in normal conditions, our results indicate that neurons still maintain their ability to upregulate this pathway when under mitochondrial respiration stress.
Effect of TMEM154 E35K variant (haplotypes 1 and 3) on the incidence of ovine lentivirus infection and ewe productivity during lifetime exposure.

Ovine progressive pneumonia virus (OPPV) is a small ruminant lentivirus that is widespread throughout U.S. sheep flocks. Infections with OPPV are lifelong and effects are multi-systemic with significant implications for animal well-being and productivity. A protein isoform with lysine at position 35 (K35, haplotype "1") encoded by the ovine transmembrane protein 154 (TMEM154) gene has been associated with reduced susceptibility to infection when two copies are present (i.e., diplotype "1,1"). Conversely, the ancestral protein isoform with glutamate at position 35 (E35, haplotype "3") is associated with high susceptibility to infection when at least one copy is present. The beneficial effect of TMEM154 K35 alleles on ewe productivity has not been previously measured in controlled challenge experiments and was a major objective of this study. Ewes with TMEM154 diplotypes "1,1"; "1,3"; and "3,3" (n = 31, 47, and 30, respectively) were born and reared by OPPV-infected dams and managed under continual natural exposure to OPPV. Ewes were tested for serological status at 4-mo intervals for up to 5.5 yr. The incidence of infection in ewes with diplotype "1,1" was 6.5% to 9.7% and significantly lower (P 0.99), whereas the incidence among diplotype "1,3" and "3,3" ewes increased steadily until reaching an asymptote at approximately 52 mo of age. Total number and weight of lamb weaned per ewe exposed through 5.5 yr from ewes with diplotype "1,1" far exceeded (P ≤ 0.05) those with diplotypes "1,3" and "3,3" by, on average, 2.1 lambs and 40 kg, respectively. The present study confirmed that TMEM154 diplotype "1,1" animals have reduced incidence of OPPV infection and, correspondingly, improved productivity. In flocks with a high frequency of TMEM154 haplotype "3," selection for haplotype "1" appears to be a cost-effective approach to mitigate the impact of this economically important disease.
Synthesis and characterization of solution processable, high electron affinity molecular dopants

p-Type molecular dopants are a class of high electron affinity (EA) molecules used to ionize organic electronic materials for device applications. It is extremely challenging to ionize high-performance, high-ionization energy (IE) polymers because the dopant molecule needs to be compatible with solution processing. Here, we describe the synthesis and characterization of two new solution processable molecular dopants with the highest EA values yet reported. These molecules, based on the parent hexacyanotrimethylenecyclopropane (CN6-CP) structure, achieve solubility by the substitution of one or more of the cyano groups with esters, which both reduces the volatility relative to CN6-CP and allows for solution processing. The efficacy of these new molecular dopants, which have EA values up to 5.75 eV with respect to vacuum, was tested by performing sequential solution doping experiments with a series of thiophene and alternating diketopyrrolopyrrole polymers with IEs ranging from 5.10 eV to 5.63 eV. For completeness, the new dopant results are compared to a previously reported tri-ester substituted CN6-CP analogue with an EA of 5.50 EV. The increased EA of these stronger dopants induces a 10–100 fold increase in film conductivity and saturation of the conductivity at 15–100 S cm−1 for almost all polymers tested. These new dopant structures enable controlled solution doping at high doping levels for most alternating co-polymers of interest to the organic electronics community.
The Visualization of Scientific Data

Scientific Data Visualization is now a major topic of discussion initiated by the NSF Workshop Report that addressed the need for improved techniques for data visualization. In this paper we discuss how the various “classical” visualization techniques are being interpreted in current and evolving scientific visualization environments. We emphasize the concept of visual data exploration as a particularly difficult case within the general problem of the visualization of scientific data. We describe Exvis, a broad on-going research project at the University of Lowell, dedicated to the investigation of new and innovative technologies (hardware, software and conceptual) for scientific data visualization and exploration and discuss some innovative presentation techniques. Finally, we suggest future directions for visualization and perceptualization researchers.
Lysophospholipid presentation by CD1d and recognition by a human Natural Killer T‐cell receptor

Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells use highly restricted αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) to probe the repertoire of lipids presented by CD1d molecules. Here, we describe our studies of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) presentation by human CD1d and its recognition by a native, LPC-specific iNKT TCR. Human CD1d presenting LPC adopts an altered conformation from that of CD1d presenting glycolipid antigens, with a shifted α1 helix resulting in an open A' pocket. Binding of the iNKT TCR requires a 7-A displacement of the LPC headgroup but stabilizes the CD1d–LPC complex in a closed conformation. The iNKT TCR CDR loop footprint on CD1d–LPC is anchored by the conserved positioning of the CDR3α loop, whereas the remaining CDR loops are shifted, due in part to amino-acid differences in the CDR3β and Jβ segment used by this iNKT TCR. These findings provide insight into how lysophospholipids are presented by human CD1d molecules and how this complex is recognized by some, but not all, human iNKT cells.
Vitamin K and Biosynthesis of Protein and Prothrombin

The role of vitamin K in the synthesis of prothrombin has been examined with the following results. 1. Vitamin K deficiency has no effect on general protein synthesis as studied by amino acid incorporation into protein in vivo and in vitro and by tryptophan pyrrolase production following tryptophan feeding. 2. Prothrombin activity was found in normal rat liver microsomes with increased release following ultrasonic treatment, but could not be found in microsomes from the livers of vitamin K-deficient rats or dicumarol-treated rats. Administration of suboptimal levels of vitamin K to vitamin K-deficient rats resulted in detectable microsomal prothrombin in 2 hours and essentially normal values within 3 hours. 3. Adequate vitamin K1, given by injection, completely restored the blood prothrombin levels of vitamin K-deficient rats in 1 hour, and of dicumarol- or warfarin-treated rats in 5 to 7 hours depending on the amounts of warfarin and vitamin K1 given. 4. Following administration of actinomycin D or ethionine to vitamin K-deficient rats, treatment with vitamin K1 markedly stimulated prothrombin production, indicating that the site of action of vitamin K is beyond the level of transcription of DNA to prothrombin messenger RNA. 5. Treatment with vitamin K1, following administration to vitamin K-deficient rats of cycloheximide at a level just sufficient to block synthesis of prothrombin for 6 to 8 hours, gave an essentially normal prothrombin response. At higher cycloheximide levels the response to vitamin K1, while much less complete, was clear and definite. 6. The response of vitamin K-deficient rats to vitamin K1, administered following treatment with blocking doses of puromycin, appears significant. 7. These data appear to indicate that the site of function of vitamin K is not at the genetic level, as has been reported, but at a late stage in translation of prothrombin messenger RNA to form a functional prothrombin molecule.
How the Success of Open Access Publishing Can Stimulate Improved Access to Grey Literature

With a focus on biomedicine and public health, this paper will demonstrate that the emerging success of open access publishing provides a model for improved access to grey literature. It will describe pioneering efforts to provide access to grey literature, and recommend ways to build upon these initiatives. Finally, it will argue that the evolution of electronic scholarship will eventually collapse the distinction between grey and non-grey literature.
Effects of chemical substitution on the electronic spectra of aromatic compounds: Part IV. A general theory of substituent effects and its application to the spectra of the flower pigments

Abstract The Labhart equation, as modified earlier to allow for independent substituent parameters for inductive and conjugative perturbations is stated. It is then shown to describe substituent-caused shifts in frequency of the transitions of conjugated molecules in any case where, in principle, these shifts can be described by perturbation theory. In particular, it is shown that equations for transition frequency shifts, derived by the method of Petruska, can be converted to the form of the modified Labhart equation. The modified Labhart equation is applied to the visible transition of the flower pigments. An equation containing three transition coefficients and one substituent parameter reproduces the observed frequency shifts of these pigments relative to the transition frequency of the least substituted pigment, apigenidin, with a probable error of ±5%.
MHD simulations of MTF implosions with tabular EOS and conductivities

Magnetized target fusion (MTF) is a pulsed approach that compresses magnetized fuel to achieving burning hydrogen plasma conditions. The compression in one MTF-scenario comes from uses a conducting liner that is imploded due to the action of high electrical currents that flow on the outer surface of the liner. This implosion compresses and heats a dense, warm magnetized deuterium or deuterium-tritium plasma. In the present work, MHD numerical simulations of a representative MTF configuration are used to study the effect of radiative losses on the compressional heating rate and the stability of the liner/plasma system late in time. SESAME equations of state and conductivity tables are used for all materials.
Induction of Type 2 Salivary Cystatin in Immunological and Chemical Kidney Injury

We have previously reported that isoproterenol induces type 2 salivary cystatin in both submandibular glands and kidney tubule cells of rats but not in any other organs examined. In the present study, we investigated whether this salivary protein is induced in other conditions that show kidney tubule injury. Immunocytochemistry, using a monospecific antiserum to this cystatin, revealed specific staining within the proximal tubule epithelium of the cortex as well as in the inner and outer stripe of the medulla of immunologically and chemically injured rats. Cystatin could not be detected in kidneys from healthy rats by means of immunocytochemistry. Weak staining was found in 3/3 kidneys of rats treated with turpentine and in 5/5 animals treated with potassium dichromate. In rats treated with puromycin, cystatin could not be demonstrated in 5/5 animals having proteinuria of less than 100 mg/24 h; however, moderate staining was observed in 4/5 puromycin-treated rats having proteinuria greater than 100 mg/24 ...
An Integrated Scheme for Fully-Directional Neighbor Discovery and Topology Management in Mobile Ad hoc Networks

With directional antennas, it is extremely important that a node maintains information with regards to the positions of its neighbors. This would allow the node to "track" the neighbors as they move; otherwise, a node will have to resort to either omnidirectional or circular directional transmissions (or receptions) fairly often. This can be overhead intense and can reduce spatial reuse. Maintaining directional information with regards to a large number of neighbors can itself be expensive; therefore it is important to limit a node's degree. We propose a topology control scheme (Di-ATC) that works with fully directional communications and offers a low degree bound while preserving network connectivity. The key idea is to execute Di-ATC on the discovered neighbors to select and maintain connectivity with only a subset of these neighbors. The members of this subset are those with high angular separations. We perform extensive simulations and demonstrate that our scheme effectively limits node degree while at the same time, preserves network connectivity and achieves low path stretch.
Medium-energy ion-scattering analysis of the c (2×2) structure induced by K on Au(110)

The Au(110) surface is reconstructed and shows a (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) low-energy electron-diffraction (LEED) pattern, which is known to correspond to a missing-row reconstruction. At a coverage of half a monolayer of potassium, a c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) LEED pattern is seen, which is not easily rationalized in terms of the faceted structures observed at lower alkali-metal coverages. Two different models have been proposed for the atomic arrangements in this structure. We have performed a medium-energy ion-scattering study, using channeling and blocking, of this surface. We find very good agreement with a model first proposed by Ho et al.: The top layer of atoms consists of intersecting c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) arrays of Au and K atoms. The top layer of Au atoms is shifted toward the bulk, and the K atoms are displaced outward relative to this plane. The third layer of Au atoms is also buckled, all in quantitative agreement with the calculation.
Transmission experiments using oxide confined vertical cavity surface emitting lasers

The high speed modulation characteristics and performance in optical fibre transmission links of oxide confined vertical cavity surface emitting lasers are reported. The lasers have bandwidths of 13 GHz. Error-free transmission is obtained for both subcarrier modulated multichannel transmission and directly modulated digital transmission at 8 Gbit/s.
Characteristics and differential T-cell dependency of human B-cell colony precursors.

Abstract Studies were performed to characterize the human peripheral blood non-T cells forming colonies in semisolid cultures stimulated with Staph protein A (SpA). Negative selection experiments revealed that colony precursors largely consisted of cells bearing Fc receptors, complement receptors (CR), surface immunoglobulin (sIg), and Ia-like antigens. Most colony precursors expressed sIgM and sIgD, but not sIgG. Also, colony-forming cells were shown to be distinct from non-T cells proliferating in SpA-stimulated liquid cultures as evidenced by the greater sensitivity of colony precursors to anti-K,λ, or -Ia plus complement depletion. Two distinct categories of colony-forming cells could be distinguished by the expression of CR. CR-positive cells were responsible for greater than 85% of the colonies formed in the absence of optimal T cell numbers. Although under identical conditions CR − cells demonstrated minimal colony growth, the addition of optimal T cell numbers significantly augmented colony responses. Thus, colony precursors express surface markers characteristic of B cells relatively advanced in the developmental pathway. However, less advanced cells are capable of colony growth in the presence of optimal T cell numbers.
Repulsive interactions between Au and S on Mo(110) and Rh(111): An experimental and theoretical study

The coadsorption of Au and S on Mo(110) and Rh(111) has been examined using thermal desorption mass spectroscopy, photoemission, and ab initio self-consistent-field calculations. On both surfaces, the interactions between Au and S are repulsive. S reduces the adsorption energy of Au. In some cases, the weakening of the Mo−Au and Rh−Au bonds is so large (5−7 kcal/mol) that the Au adatoms “ball up” on the surface instead of “wetting” the Mo(110) and Rh(111) substrates. The ab initio SCF calculations show that a S adatom modifies the chemical behavior of adjacent Mo and Rh sites by reducing their contribution to the density of states around the Fermi level of the system, weakening in this way their ability to form strong bonds with Au. In the Au/S/Mo(110) and Au/S/Rh(111) surfaces, Au and S compete for the electrons of the transition-metal substrate. Gold produces dramatic changes in the reaction pathways for the removal of sulfur from the Mo and Rh surfaces. In the Au/S/Rh(111) system, S2 desorbs at much lo...
“Approach” and “avoidance” coping and PTSD symptoms in innercity youth

This study examined the function of approach and avoidant coping on the relations between exposure to violence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The sample included seventy African-American, inner-city children (ages eleven to fourteen). Tests of moderating effects investigated the mechanism of two avoidant coping strategies, cognitive distraction and behavioral avoidance. Cognitive distraction was found to moderate the level of violence exposure such that, as violence increased, the use of cognitive distraction was related to an increased frequency of cognitive arousal. Behavioral avoidance moderated violence such that, under higher exposure to violence, the lowered use of behavioral avoidance was related to an increased frequency of behavioral arousal. Tests of moderating effects examined the function of two approach strategies, problem-solving and social support. Neither strategy showed significant effects. This study provided a first-step in the examination of coping within inner-city children.
Cracking Fuzzy Vaults and Biometric Encryption

This paper is a security analysis of leading privacy enhanced technologies (PETs) for biometrics including biometric fuzzy vaults (BFV) and biometric encryption (BE). The lack of published attacks, combined with various "proven" security properties has been taken by some as a sign that these technologies are ready for deployment. While some of the existing BFV and BE techniques do have "proven" security properties, those proofs make assumptions that may not, in general, be valid for biometric systems. We briefly review some of the other known attacks against BFV and BE techniques. We introduce three disturbing classes of attacks against PET techniques including attack via record multiplicity, surreptitious key-inversion attack, and novel blended substitution attacks. The paper ends with a discussion of the requirements for an architecture to address the privacy and security requirements.
MINERALOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF SUSPENDED SEDIMENTS FROM GROUNDWATERS ASSOCIATED WITH UNDISTURBED Zn–Pb MASSIVE SULFIDE DEPOSITS, BATHURST MINING CAMP, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA

Suspended sediments from groundwaters were recovered from two undisturbed massive sulfide deposits (Halfmile Lake and Restigouche) in the Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick, Canada. Suspended sediments in most groundwaters are dominated by quartz and aluminum silicate minerals. Fe oxyhydroxides are probably present as surface coatings in addition to amorphous phases. Suspended sediments from groundwaters recovered from boreholes that intersect the Restigouche orebody near its surface expression consist primarily of Fe, Pb, and Zn sulfate and Fe sulfide minerals. In general, suspended sediments are depleted in the mobile elements K, Rb and Cs compared to host rock-types from both deposits. Suspended sediments show generally flat element-enrichment patterns normalized to respective felsic host-rocks for most other elements, but exhibit strong enrichments in Pb, Fe, Co, Zn, Ag, and Eu. Iron-oxide-rich suspended sediments from a borehole that penetrates massive sulfide gossan at the Halfmile Lake deposit are more strongly depleted in most elements relative to other sediments. At the Restigouche deposit, the degree of enrichment in Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ag in the suspended sediment is greater than for the deeper Halfmile Lake deposit. Compared to coexisting groundwaters, suspended sediments are relatively enriched in Al, Fe, Pb, and relatively depleted in Ca, Sr, and Mg. Potassium and Rb are generally more strongly fractionated into the suspended sediment phase than other mobile elements, suggesting that their abundance in the groundwaters is controlled by secondary phases (illite – white mica), consistent with SEM and XRD data. Comparisons of groundwaters, suspended material and host rocks yield important information regarding relative fractionation of major and trace elements among these reservoirs. Suspended sediments proximal to massive sulfide ore have elevated Fe/Ti and base-metal contents; with increasing distance away from mineralization, Al/(Al + Fe + Mn) values increase, base-metal contents decrease, and Zn/Pb values increase. The elevated base-metal content of suspended sediments associated with massive sulfides is important, as mining activities in the Bathurst mining camp can result in changes in groundwater Eh–pH conditions, potentially resulting in greater dispersion of metals that are presently strongly sorbed onto sediments.
Acoustic Trauma in the Guinea Pig: II. Electron microscopy including the morphology of cell junctions in the organ of Corti

Guinea pigs exposed to a pure tone of 500 cycles per second at 128 dB Sound Pressure Level yielded no great ultrastructural changes until threshold shifts in excess of 80 dB were encountered. Above this level gross hair cell injuries were observed. Rupture of the hair cells was apparently preceded by a progressive destruction or loss of the vesiculated membranes from beneath the plasma membrane. There was no evidence of damage to nerve tissues. Cell junctions of the organ of Corti are described. Fused junctions along the Hensen-Deiters' border appear to have separated in animals with a low threshold shift. The junctions in the reticular lamina were completely resistant.
Static method for determining blood yield stress.

THE yield stress or shear strength of a suspension is the critical stress which must be applied before the suspension will flow. This property of blood has been determined in the past by the extrapolation to zero shear rate from viscometry at higher shear rates, for example, (a) the extrapolation of low shear rate Couette viscometric data1–3, (b) the extrapolation of capillary tube viscometric data4 and (c) the torque-decay curve of the Couette viscometer2,3.
Risk factors for Dandy–Walker malformation: A population-based assessment

Dandy–Walker malformation (DWM) is the most common congenital malformation of the cerebellum, but its causes are largely unknown. An increasing number of genes associated with congenital cerebellar malformations have been identified; however, few studies have examined the potential role of non-genetic, potentially modifiable risk factors. From the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, we examined maternal, paternal, and infant characteristics and maternal conditions and periconceptional exposures (from 1 month before to 3 months after conception) among infants with DWM (n = 160) and unaffected controls (n = 10,200), delivered between 1997 and 2009. Odds ratios, crude (cOR) and adjusted (aOR) were computed using logistic regression. Maternal factors associated with DWM included non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity (aOR = 2.0, 95%CI: 1.3–3.2). Among maternal conditions, a history of infertility increased the risk for DWM (all: aOR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.3–4.6; multiple: aOR = 3.9, 95%CI: 1.7–8.9). The lack of association with many maternal exposures supports the hypothesis of a major contribution of genetic factors to the risk for DWM; however, the observed associations with maternal non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity and maternal history of infertility indicate that further research into factors underlying these characteristics may uncover potentially modifiable risk factors, acting alone or as a component of gene–environment interactions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and reactivity of polyfunctional six- and eight-membered cyclic silicates

Abstract Six- and eight-membered cyclic silicates with reactive SiH or Si-vinyl functional groups have been prepared: hexakis(dimethylsiloxy)cyclotrisiloxane ( I ), hexakis(vinyldimethylsiloxy)cyclotrisiloxane ( II ), octakis(dimethylsiloxy)cyclotetrasiloxane ( III ) and octakis(vinyldimethylsiloxy)cyclotetrasiloxane ( IV ). Reaction of pseudo wollastonite (Ca 3 Si 3 O 9 ) with dimethylchlorosilane or vinyldimethylchlorosilane gives I and II , respectively. IV has been prepared similarly by reaction of octakis[chloro calcium oxy]cyclotetrasilicate [Ca 8 Si 4 O 12 Cl 8 ] with vinyldimethylchlorosilane. On the other hand, acid catalyzed siloxane exchange between tetramethyldisiloxane and octakis(trimethylsiloxy)cyclotetrasiloxane ( V ) gave III . Cyclic silicates ( I – VI ) are surprisingly resistant to acid catalyzed ring opening polymerization. In addition, II , IV , V and hexakis(trimethylsiloxy)cyclotrisiloxanes ( VI ) are resistant to phosphazene P 4 - t -Bu superbase catalyzed ring opening polymerization.
Expression of Recombinant Bovine β-Lactoglobulin in Escherichia coli

Bovine beta-lactoglobulin A was expressed in Escherichia coli in its mature form. The gene was constructed using a cDNA clone which coded for amino acid residues Leu-11 to Ile-162 and a synthetic oligonucleotide coding for the initial 10 amino acids preceded by a translational start. The met-beta-lactoglobulin was expressed using a tac promoter vector, pTTQ18, and accounted for approximately 15% of the total cellular protein. The recombinant met-beta-lactoglobulin migrated with the same molecular weight as native beta-lactoglobulin A on SDS-PAGE. The majority of the met-beta-lactoglobulin produced was found in an insoluble form but could be solubilized using guanidine-HCl. The renatured preparation was greater than 80% pure and migrated similarly to purified beta-lactoglobulin A under nondenaturing conditions.
Harmonic Vibration Control Synchronization Analysis of Nonlinear System Based on Flux Linkage Estimate

Aimed to the nonlinear harmonic vibration synchronization system which driven by two exciting sources that, the dynamic model of the nonlinear vibration system has been established. According to the electromagnetic driving characteristics of the asynchronous motor that used to be exciting source, and based on the analysis result of the dynamic model, the two exciting sources flux linkage equations and output torque equations have been established in the paper. And the current control regulation model and flux linkage estimate model of the two exciting sources have been derived also. By numerical simulation experiment, the validity of the harmonic vibration control synchronization strategy for the two exciting sources based on the flux linkage estimation has been verified, which can used to provide the basis and protection for the application of the nonlinear harmonic vibration synchronization system that driven by two exciting sources.
Measures of Agreement for Incompletely Ranked Data

Measures of agreement for ordinal scaled data are suggested that make use of the k categories with the highest ranks. The proposed measures are applied to the Self-Directed Search in order to evaluate its agreement with self-assessment (translation ability) or with the work environment (congruence).
Magnetic spherules in coastal plain sediments, Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, USA

— We extracted black, magnetic spherules from well cuttings of Oligocene sediments in the coastal plain of South Carolina, USA. Three possible origins were considered: industrial, volcanic, and extraterrestrial. An extraterrestrial origin by ablation of parent meteoroid material is proposed, based on the spherule morphologies, the presence of metallic Fe cores in many of the spherules, and the detection of wustite in some of the oxide rims. Low Ni contents are problematic but may be attributed to the ablation of a low-Ni parental body, such as hexahedrite. The presence of spherules in somewhat clay-like, sandy sediments is unusual, as most magnetic spherules are found in abyssal muds. Based on benthic foraminiferal assemblages and sediment distribution above, within, and below the beds containing spherules, it is unlikely that the spherules were transported from a deep-sea environment.
Removal of cadmium from contaminated waters using saltbush (Atriplex canescens) biomass: identification of Cd binding sites

The effect of pH on Cd(II) binding capacity of saltbush biomass was determined. Metal quantification performed using ICP/OES showed that Cd binding increased as pH increased from 2.0 to 5.0. The highest percentage of Cd bound ranged from 74-81%, 22-40%, and 70-80% for the native, esterified, and hydrolysed biomass. XAS studies showed that cadmium was present as Cd(II) and oxygen was the nearest neighbouring atom with bond lengths of approximately 2.3 A and coordination numbers ranging between 4 and 5. Results indicated that carboxyl groups may be the primary ligand involved in the Cd binding by saltbush biomass.
Preparation of polyurethane/acrylic hybrid nanoparticles via a miniemulsion polymerization process

Nanosized polyurethane/poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PU/PBMA) hybrid latex particles (∼50 nm) with various compositions were successfully prepared using a redox-initiated miniemulsion polymerization process. Studies were carried out on the miscibility of PU prepolymer and BMA monomer, PU/BMA droplet formation, and polymerization kinetics. This process provides a new method to synthesize nanosize hybrid latex particles using a relatively small amount of surfactant. A suitable chain extension process was developed, where a hydrophobic chain extender was used to introduce intraparticle cross-linking while maintaining the original small particle size of the nanosize PU/PBMA hybrid latexes. The ratio of PU to BMA, the amount of grafting agent (hydroxyethyl methacrylate; HEMA), and the presence of the hydrophobic chain extender have little influence on the particle size of the final latexes compared to the seeded emulsion polymerization processes. This illustrates the advantage of this process, whereby the final ...
On stereoisomerism in the cyanine dye series.

Chromatographische Beobachtungen stutzen die auf spektraltheoretische Berechnungen basierte Annahme vonH. Kuhn, dass in gewissen Zyaninfarbstofflosungen ein Gemisch von cis-trans-isomeren Formen vorliegt.
Phosphate Triester Hydrolysis Promoted by an N2S(thiolate)Zn Complex: Mechanistic Implications for the Metal-Dependent Reactivity of Peptide Deformylase

The zinc(II) complex (PATH)ZnOH, where PATH is an N2S(thiolate) ligand, has been investigated for its ability to promote the hydrolysis of the phosphate triester tris(4-nitrophenyl) phosphate (TNP). The hydrolysis of TNP was examined as a function of PATH−zinc(II) complex concentration, substrate concentration, and pH in a water/ethanol mixture (66:33 v/v) at 25 °C. The reaction is first order in both zinc(II) complex and substrate, and the second-order rate constants were derived from linear plots of the observed pseudo-first-order rate constants versus zinc complex concentration at different pH values. A pH−rate profile yielded a kinetic pKa of 8.52(5) for the zinc-bound water molecule and a pH-independent rate constant of 16.1(7) M-1 s-1. Temperature-dependent studies showed linear Eyring behavior, yielding the activation parameters ΔH⧧ = 36.9(1) kJ mol-1 and ΔS⧧ = −106.7(4) J mol-1 K-1. Interpretation of the kinetic data leads to the conclusion that hydrolysis of TNP takes place through a hybrid mecha...
Issues and method of designing lenses for optical lithography

A variety of technologies to improve optical performance in photolithography are surveyed. The technologies are classified according to which component of the optics they work on: the source, the mask, the pupil, or the image. Emphasis is put on, first, the advantages and disadvantages of annular illumination, which are studied by lithography simulation. Second, a polarized mask is proposed. The effect of polarization on imaging, which has not been explored yet, is studied and the result is that TE polarization produces images of the best quality. Third, as a part of pupil function, aberration optimization is discussed. The conclusion is that positive spherical aberration is suitable for projection optics.
Calciomics: integrative studies of Ca2+-binding proteins and their interactomes in biological systems.

Calcium ion (Ca2+), the fifth most common chemical element in the earth's crust, represents the most abundant mineral in the human body. By binding to a myriad of proteins distributed in different cellular organelles, Ca2+ impacts nearly every aspect of cellular life. In prokaryotes, Ca2+ plays an important role in bacterial movement, chemotaxis, survival reactions and sporulation. In eukaryotes, Ca2+ has been chosen through evolution to function as a universal and versatile intracellular signal. Viruses, as obligate intracellular parasites, also develop smart strategies to manipulate the host Ca2+ signaling machinery to benefit their own life cycles. This review focuses on recent advances in applying both bioinformatic and experimental approaches to predict and validate Ca2+-binding proteins and their interactomes in biological systems on a genome-wide scale (termed “calciomics”). Calmodulin is used as an example of Ca2+-binding protein (CaBP) to demonstrate the role of CaBPs on the regulation of biological functions. This review is anticipated to rekindle interest in investigating Ca2+-binding proteins and Ca2+-modulated functions at the systems level in the post-genomic era.
Structure and interaction in 2D assemblies of tobacco mosaic viruses

We created two-dimensional (2D) assemblies of tobacco mosaic viruses (TMVs) and characterized their structures using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-ray scattering. The TMVs were adsorbed on an oppositely charged, fluid lipid monolayer supported by a solid substrate and submerged in a buffer solution. The lipid monolayer confined the viral particles within a plane, while providing them with lateral mobility so that overall the TMV assembly behaved like a 2D liquid. We controlled the inter-particle interaction by adjusting the chemical condition in the buffer to induce ordered TMV assemblies. We found that the presence of the lipid layer was essential for forming ordered TMV assemblies. Packed TMV assemblies formed on the lipid layer, with an average inter-particle spacing of 42 nm. By introducing Ca2+ ions into the buffer solution, we were able to improve the in-plane order within the TMV assemblies and reduce the average inter-particle spacing to 20 nm, compared to the TMV diameter of 18 nm. Quantitative analysis of the X-ray scattering data shows that the structural order within the TMV assemblies prepared under a Ca2+-free buffer solution is consistent with purely repulsive, electrostatic inter-particle interaction. In contrast, the structural order within Ca2+-induced TMV assemblies is consistent with the behavior of a fluid of sticky rods, implying the presence of a strong attraction between TMVs. In addition to the screening of Coulomb repulsion, this behavior is likely the result of counterion-induced as well as membrane-mediated attractions.
The relationships among spatiotemporal collagen gene expression, histology, and biomechanics following full-length injury in the murine patellar tendon.

Tendon injuries are major orthopaedic problems that worsen as the population ages. Type-I (Col1) and type-II (Col2) collagens play important roles in tendon midsubstance and tendon-to-bone insertion healing, respectively. Using double transgenic mice, this study aims to spatiotemporally monitor Col1 and Col2 gene expression, histology and biomechanics up to 8 weeks following a full-length patellar tendon injury. Gene expression and histology were analyzed weekly for up to 5 weeks while mechanical properties were measured at 1, 2, 5, and 8 weeks. At week 1, the healing region displayed loose granulation tissue with little Col1 expression. Col1 expression peaked at 2 weeks, but the ECM was highly disorganized and hypercellular. By 3 weeks, Col1 expression had reduced and by 5 weeks, the ECM was generally aligned along the tendon axis. Col2 expression was not seen in the healing midsubstance or insertion at any time point. The biomechanics of the healing tissue was inadequate at all time points, achieving ultimate loads and stiffnesses of 48% and 63% of normal values by 8 weeks. Future studies will further characterize the cells within the healing midsubstance and insertion using tenogenic markers and compare these results to those of tendon cells during normal development.
What are the qualities of a good marketing article

This study evaluates eighty marketing articles to determine what article attributes lead to high ratings by businessmen and students. The two most important attributes of good articles are clarity and relevance. Theoretical, analytical, or conceptual articles can be rated highly as long as they are clear, practical and interesting to the reader. Ratings do not appear to be any different for people with different levels of education, age, or years of business experience.
Infrared spectra and chain conformation of proteins.

The infrared spectra of various proteins have been analysed in terms of the conformations of their component polypeptide chains. The general method used was that of Miyazawa & Blout (1961) . Several modifications have been made in this method which result in better agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. In addition to the standard structures treated previously, viz. the α -helix and the parallel-chain and antiparallel-chain pleated sheets, the calculations have been extended to the polar chain pleated sheet and the polyglycine II structures. It is shown from an analysis of the infrared spectrum that a polar chain structure is favored for feather keratin. The spectrum of tobacco mosaic virus protein is also discussed in terms of the results of the present theory. The analysis indicates that only a fraction of this protein is in the α -helical form, and that the axes of the α -helices deviate by about 30 ° from being perpendicular to the axis of the virus.
A delay-based PUF design using multiplexer chains

Physically unclonable functions (PUFs) have been a hot research topic in hardware-oriented security for many years. Given a challenge as an input to the PUF, it generates a corresponding response, which can be treated as a unique fingerprint or signature for authentication purpose. In this paper, a delay-based PUF design involving multiplexers on FPGA is presented. Due to the intrinsic difference of the switching latencies of two chained multiplexers, a positive pulse may be produced at the output of the downstream multiplexer. This pulse can be used to set the output of a D flip-flop to `1'. Further, it is proposed to directly incorporate challenge bits into the primitive PUF design to bring another layer of randomness for the response. Evaluation results on various devices and under different operating temperatures demonstrate the applicability of the proposed PUF design.
Dynamics of the evolution of orthologous and paralogous portions of a complex locus region in two genomes of allopolyploid wheat

Two overlapping bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones from the B genome of the tetraploid wheat Triticum turgidum were identified, each of which contains one of the two high-molecular-weight (HMW) glutenin genes, comprising the complex Glu-B1 locus. The complete sequence (285 506 bp of DNA) of this chromosomal region was determined. The two paralogous x-type (Glu-1-1) and y-type (Glu-1-2) HMW-glutenin genes of the complex Glu-B1 locus were found to be separated by ca. 168 000 bp instead of the 51 000 bp separation previously reported for the orthologous Glu-D1 locus of Aegilops tauschii, the D-genome donor of hexaploid wheat. This difference in intergene spacing is due almost entirely to be the insertion of clusters of nested retrotransposons. Otherwise, the orientation and order of the HMW glutenins and adjacent genes were identical in the two genomes. A comparison of these orthologous regions indicates modes and patterns of sequence divergence, with implications for the overall Triticeae genome structure and evolution. A duplicate globulin gene, found 5′ of each HMW-glutenin gene, assists to tentatively define the original duplication event leading to the paralogous x- and y-type HMW-glutenin genes. The intergenic regions of the two loci are composed of different patterns and classes of retrotransposons, indicating that insertion times of these retroelements were after the divergence of the two wheat genomes. In addition, a putative receptor kinase gene near the y-type HMW-glutenin gene at the Glu-B1 locus is likely active as it matches recently reported ESTs from germinating barley endosperm. The presence of four genes represented only in the Triticeae endosperm ESTs suggests an endosperm-specific chromosome domain.
Tumor lysis syndrome

Objectives : To review the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management of tumor lysis syndrome. Dat Sources : Published articles, case reports, and book chapters on tumor lysis syndrome. Conclusions : Tumor lysis syndrome is a very serious and sometimes life-threatening complication of cancer treatment. Identification of patients at risk and initiation of preventative interventions are the focus of medical and nursing management. Ongoing monitoring during and following cancer treatment is necessary to promote early response to changes in patient condition and minimize adverse events. Implications for Nursing Practice : Early recognition of signs and symptoms and clinical management of tumor lysis syndrome is a challenging responsibility of the oncology nurse.
Volatile halocarbons as tracers of pulp mill effluent plumes

This work describes the use of volatile halocarbons in a pulp mill effluent, including chloroform, bromodichloro-methane, and tri- and tetrachloroethylene, as tracers for the distribution and movements of effluent currents in a receiving water bay (Jackfish Bay) on the northern shore of Lake Superior. The results indicate the simplicity and usefulness of the technique and the significantly improved resolution of effluent plume delineation over the customary use of conductance profiles. Concentration patterns of the effluent volatiles suggest counterclockwise circulation of bay water that mixes with inflowing lake water at the eastern reach of the outer bay. The distribution of volatile contaminants is governed by the thermal regime of the receiving waters. During the summer months, the effluent plume wedges between the thermocline and epilimnion, mixing into the surface waters as the distance from the input source increases. In the fall, the colder effluent plume sinks into the hypolim-nion and is confined by a bay/lake water-density gradient. In the specific case at hand, the distribution patterns of chloroform and a brominated analog, bromodichloromethane, also suggest the release of chloroform from sediments in the bay.
A comparison of sclerosing agents. Clinical and histologic effects of intravascular sodium morrhuate, ethanolamine oleate, hypertonic saline (11.7%), and sclerodex in the dorsal rabbit ear vein

The dorsal marginal rabbit ear vein was injected with 0.25 mL of 2.5, 1, or 0.5% sodium morrhuate, 2.5, 1, or 0.5% ethanolamine oleate, hypertonic saline 11.7%, or Sclerodex. Only the vessel injected with 2.5% sodium morrhuate demonstrated clinical and histologic evidence of endosclerosis with microangiopathic recanalization; 2.5% ethanolamine oleate demonstrated partial clinical sclerosis and luminal recanalization histologically. All other evaluated solutions except 0.5% ethanolamine oleate produced immediate clinical and histologic endothelial damage and thrombosis. However, these latter solutions did not produce sufficient endothelial damage to cause endosclerosis. Extravasated red blood cells occurred in vessels injected with 1 and 2.5% ethanolamine oleate and 1 and 2.5% sodium morrhuate at 1 hour and 2 days, but not in vessels injected with sodium morrhuate 0.5%, ethanolamine oleate 0.5%, Sclerodex, or hypertonic saline 11.7%. Hemosiderin discoloration was not apparent clinically. Cutaneous necrosis was not observed with any of the evaluated solutions.
Deliberate delays during robot-to-human handovers improve compliance with gaze communication

As assistive robots become popular in factories and homes, there is greater need for natural, multi-channel communication during collaborative manipulation tasks. Non-verbal communication such as eye gaze can provide information without overloading more taxing channels like speech. However, certain collaborative tasks may draw attention away from these subtle communication modalities. For instance, robot-to-human handovers are primarily manual tasks, and human attention is therefore drawn to robot hands rather than to robot faces during handovers. In this paper, we show that a simple manipulation of a robot’s handover behavior can significantly increase both awareness of the robot’s eye gaze and compliance with that gaze. When eye gaze communication occurs during the robot’s release of an object, delaying object release until the gaze is finished draws attention back to the robot’s head, which increases conscious perception of the robot’s communication. Furthermore, the handover delay increases peoples’ compliance with the robot’s communication over a non-delayed handover, even when compliance results in counterintuitive behavior.