cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the thermal diffusivity of nonlinear anisotropic crystals using optical interferometry.

We describe a simple common-path self-referencing interferometric method requiring no auxiliary optical elements which accurately and directly measures the thermal diffusivity of anisotropic crystals in nonsteady-state conditions. We determine the thermal diffusivity of a lithium niobate crystal as a function of temperature ranging from room temperature up to 500°C.
Transoral laser microsurgery: a new approach for unknown primaries of the head and neck.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To evaluate the efficacy of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) used at examination under anesthesia (EUA) for detection and management of an unidentified primary site and to determine survival with both TLM EUA and traditional rigid pharyngolaryngoscopy EUA, with directed biopsies. Study Design: Comparative retrospective review of patients who underwent two different procedures, TLM EUA and traditional EUA, to identify a primary site. Methods: Thirty patients presenting with occult primary met the study criteria. Eighteen underwent TLM EUA and 12 underwent traditional EUA. We collected data on the treatment approach, detection rate of the primary site, neck dissection, postoperative radiotherapy, and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: The primary site detection rate with TLM EUA was 94% (17 of 18) and with traditional EUA was 25% (3 of 12). Overall, the occult primary was identified in 20 of 30 patients. The majority of patients (95%) had a primary in the oropharynx (19 of 20). Sixteen occult primaries in the TLM EUA group were immediately resected with TLM. At median follow-up of 30 months, there was no recurrence in the TLM EUA group. There was a 41.6% (5 of 12) recurrence rate in traditional EUA group. The Kaplan-Meier 5-year DFS was 100% for the TLM EUA group and 44% for the traditional EUA group (log rank value = 0.0006). Conclusions: TLM management of occult primary malignancies allowed high detection rates of primary tumor and was associated with a high level of DFS. Application of TLM during EUA both detects and treats the primary and may decrease the number of patients requiring wide-field irradiation.
Motion compensation algorithm for widebeam stripmap SAR

In synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging, generation of fine resolution imagery requires measurement and compensation for the relative translational and rotational motions between the antenna phase center (APC) and the scene being imaged. A difficulty arises when motion compensating stripmap mode signal history data from a SAR requiring a wide angle azimuth beamwidth. In general, the required compensation varies with scatterer location within the azimuth beam. The usual approach in stripmap motion compensation is to ignore this requirement and to compensate only the component of sensor motion in the nominal antenna boresight direction (usually broadside). In the widebeam system, this procedure can lead to unacceptable phase errors even if sensor motion is measured without error. In this paper, we survey the motion compensation challenge to ultra-wideband/widebeam (UWB/WB) SAR image formation. The emphasis here is on formation of fine resolution digital imagery from low frequency (VHF/UHF) UWB/WB data collected in stripmap mode by an airborne SAR system . We examine differences in motion compensation requirements and approaches between a UWB/WB system and a conventional X-band SAR system. This paper presents an improved motion compensation algorithm applicable to widebeam stripmap SAR. We demonstrate this procedure with imagery from the fine resolution ARPA/ERIM/NAWC P3 ultra-wideband radar system.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comparison of spectrum-unfolding performance of (EJ315) and (EJ309) liquid scintillators on measured 252Cf pulse-height spectra

Abstract Deuterated liquid scintillation detectors have shown promise as neutron spectrometers in absence of time-of-flight for identifying discrete neutron energy groups. Here, we investigate their advantage in spectrum unfolding of continuous Watt spectra similar to those emitted from special nuclear materials. We compare the deuterated EJ315 with the hydrogen-based EJ309 in identical Scionix detector assemblies. Measurements with a 252 Cf neutron source are used as trial spectra. Results indicate an advantage for the deuterated EJ315. We use measured response matrices and a simple sequential-least-squares algorithm without regularization.
Electronic structure of BeCN 2 : A proposed nearly direct wide-band-gap semiconductor

The electronic band structure of a hypothetical compound ${\mathrm{BeCN}}_{2}$ in the chalcopyrite structure has been calculated using the linear-muffin-tin-orbital method and the local-density approximation (LDA) for exchange and correlation. The calculations predict a lattice constant of 3.67 A\r{}, a bulk modulus of 315 GPa, and a cohesive energy of 6.1 eV/atom. The band gap is found to be nearly direct at the \ensuremath{\Gamma} point. The conduction-band minimum, which occurs at k=2\ensuremath{\pi}/a(0.89,0,0), is only 0.03 eV below the lowest conduction-band state at the \ensuremath{\Gamma} point. The minimum band gap is estimated to be 5.7 eV including corrections beyond the LDA. The band-gap hydrostatic deformation potential is calculated to be 0.4 eV.
Nurse caring: A review of the literature

The purpose of this paper was to review the literature on caring among nurses. The approach utilized studies on nurse caring behaviors in a variety of patient care settings. Articles published between 1987-2012 in the CINAHL, Medline, and PubMed databases were used. Overall, fourteen different articles were deemed relevant and were included in the review. The review articles were grouped into three categories which were Acute/Surgical, Community/Institutionalized, and Postpartum/Childbirth. In conclusion, human needs assistance was a consistent aspect of caring valued by patients. We recommend that nurses learn their patient’s likes and dislikes while also providing for topics related to patient physical needs. Also when caring for children, nurses should use entertainment and humor as part of their caring approach.
Knowledge Transfer between Researchers and Practitioners

This study assesses the knowledge transfer process in the natural hazards and disasters field. The study includes 78 interviews with a diverse sample of hazards professionals. How information travels—or does not travel—from academic researchers to practitioners in the field is analyzed using these interview data, and four conceptual categories emerged concerning factors affecting the knowledge transfer process. These categories are (1) culture; (2) institutions; (3) links; and (4) interaction. This article discusses each of these factors and concludes with several recommendations to improve knowledge transfer in the hazards field.
Synthesis of visible speech

We have implemented a facial animation system to carry out visible speech synthesis. Using this system, it is possible to manipulate control parameters to synthesize a sequence of speech articulations. In addition, it is possible to synthesize novel articulations, such as one that is half way between /ba/ and /da/.
Some relations of lysine residues to reactivities in pancreatic ribonuclease.

Abstract The preparation and some properties are described of two types of ribonuclease derivatives with nine, and with all of the ten, lysine residues guanidinated. The former was isolated after reaction with 1-guanido-3,5-dimethylpyrazole nitrate (GDMP), and the latter after reaction with O- methylisourea . The GDMP reaction product was active and showed behavior in the reaction with bromoacetate identical to that shown by the native enzyme. The fully guanidinated product was inactive. By several physical criteria, no evidence of unfolding or aggregation was found. It retained, however, the specific and greatly enhanced histidine reactivity with bromoacetate characteristic of active ribonuclease. The carboxymethylation reaction at methionine in ribonuclease A was notably elevated in this derivative. A rapid reaction of the active derivative with 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (FDNB) at a rate approaching that of the native enzyme suggests that the lysine whose guanidination results in inactivation is lysine-41. The relationship of this group to the alkylation reactivity of the active center histidines is discussed. A separation of binding from catalysis in the ribonuclease active center is demonstrated using these reactions.
My work with Victor Marek: a mathematician looks at answer set programming

We give a brief retrospective of the work of Marek, Nerode, and Remmel on nonmonotonic logic and answer set programming.
Use of electrochemical noise measurements for determining the rate of corrosion and the surfactant aggregate transition concentration at the mild steel-liquid interface

Corrosion events such as uniform corrosion, localized corrosion and hydrogen evolution at metal–liquid interfaces can be monitored by a combination of electrochemical noise and corrosion inhibition measurements. The effective prediction of corrosion inhibition by surfactants can be accomplished by determining the surfactant aggregation transition concentration (atc) at the metal–liquid interface. This paper discusses the use of electrochemical noise measurements for determining the atc as well as the rate of corrosion.
Deca-satellite: A highly polymorphic satellite that joins α-satellite in the African green monkey genome

Abstract Three different cloned segments of African green monkey DNA that contain α-satellite sequences linked to a previously undescribed, distinct monkey satellite (called deca-satellite) are described here. The cloned segments were derived from a monkey DNA library in λCharon4A that was constructed to select for junctions between α-satellite and other DNA sequences. The structure of the deca-satellite and of a junction between deca-satellite and α-satellite were studied by subcloning appropriate fragments of the original cloned segments and by sequence analysis. Deca-satellite has a ten base-pair repeat unit: the consensus sequence of the repeat units is 5′ A-A-A-C-C-G-G-N-T-C. Sequences homologous to the deca-satellite are in the middle repeated class of genomic DNA. Analysis of the organization of deca-satellite sequences by digestion of total DNA with various restriction endonucleases and hybridization with a cloned deca-satellite probe revealed extensive polymorphism in the genomes of different individual monkeys but not among the tissues of one organism. These observations indicate that the arrangement of deca-satellite sequences is continually changing. An unusual α-satellite repeat unit occurs at a junction between the α-satellite and deca-satellite. It resembles the major baboon α-satellite more closely than it does monkey α-satellite and thereby provides evidence in favor of the “library” hypothesis for satellite evolution.
Contact angle and damage during mercury intrusion into cement paste

Abstract The operant contact angle to be used for mercury intrusion porosimetry was measured directly by intrusion into specially prepared, cylindrical pores. It was found to vary for cement pastes of different ages, and for pastes containing flyash. It also changed when the paste was previously intruded and the mercury subsequently removed. Values of the contact angle ranged from 123° to 135°. The high pressures used during intrusion were found to reduce the pore volume of cement paste with the reduction being greater in the smaller pore (higher pressure) region. Distilling mercury from a paste was also found to alter the pore structure and this effect must be considered separately before alterations due only to intrusion are discussed.
Relationship between Friction and Molecular Structure: Alkylsilane Lubricant Films under Pressure

We demonstrate that energy losses during friction of alkylsilane self-assembled monolayers with sharp atomic force microscope tips can be correlated to molecular events occurring at specific threshold loads. Under these loads, discrete molecular tilts occur, which are dictated by the geometrical requirements of the close packing of molecules. The barriers overcome during these tilt events give rise to discrete changes in the frictional forces.
Introduction: 2012 Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences

This special issue of Interfaces is devoted to the finalists of the 41st annual competition for the Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences, the profession’s prestigious award for the practice of operations research and business analytics. As in previous years, the finalists this year cover a wide range of industries, functions, and countries around the globe.
A numerical study of laminar flame wall quenching

Abstract Laminar flame quenching at the cold wall of a combustion chamber has been studied, using a numerical model to describe the reactive flow. The model combines an unsteady treatment of the fluid mechanics and a detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanism. Fuels considered included both methane and methanol. Catalytic reactions at the wall surface are not included in the kinetic model. The one-dimensional case of flame propagation perpendicular to the wall was studied. Two reference cases are described in detail for flame quenching at 10 atm pressure and a wall temperature of 300°K with stoichiometric mixtures of methane-air and methanol-air. In each case a conventional laminar flame propagates toward the wall, approaching to within a distance determined by the thermal flame thickness. Chemical kinetic factors, particularly differences between the temperature dependence of radical recombination reactions and conventional chain branching and chain propagation reactions, are shown to be responsible for quenching the flame near the wall. The flame stagnates, but fuel remaining near the wall diffuses out of the boundary region and is rapidly oxidized away from the wall. Subsequent model calculations demonstrate the effects of variations in pressure, fuel-air equivalence ratio, wall temperature, and type of fuel. Computer results from these methane and methanol flame quenching models indicate that the total unburned hydrocarbon content is considerably smaller than is commonly believed and that thermal wall quenching may not be the major source for hydrocarbon emissions from internal combustion engines at near-stoichiometric conditions.
Photoreactivity of hydroxypsoralens and their photobiological effects in Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract— Although psoralen and many substituted psoralens are potent skin-photosensitizing agents, hydroxypsoralens are not. A satisfactory molecular interpretation of this structural specificity has been given in terms of dissociation of the hydroxyl group of 5- and 8-hydroxypsoralens in their excited states. The dissociation process in the S1 state effectively competes with S1→T1 intersystem crossing, thus reducing the photoreactive T1 population. The T1 states of the anions are more delocalized than those of neutral psoralens so that they are less reactive toward photocycloaddition with pyrimidine bases of DNA. The lack of significant phosphorescence of hydroxypsoralens in ionizing solvent or in the presence of base at low temperatures (14–77 K.) indicates ineffective S1→T1 and/or effective T1→S0 intersystem crossing. These factors make hydroxypsoralens unreactive, electronically and kinetically, as skin photosensitizers, which are known to react with DNA. In correlation with the hydroxypsoralens' spectroscopic characterization, they are also found to be ineffective or less effective photosensitizers in Bacillus subtilis.
Alcohol norms and expectations as predictors of alcohol use and problems in a college student sample.

Two-hundred thirty-one alcohol-using college students completed a questionnaire on their levels of alcohol use, moderate to severe problems with alcohol use, expectations of the effects of alcohol on their own and others″ moods and behaviors, the desirability of these effects, norms of significant others for levels of alcohol use and the subject's desire to comply with these norms, reasons for drinking and not drinking alcohol, and a personality measure. Expectations of alcohol effects, norms of significant others. and reasons for drinking and not drinking alcohol were all significant independent predictors of alcohol use and problems with alcohol use. Expectation X desirability of effects formulations and norms x desire to comply with norms formulations did not improve the predictive power of the expectations and norms scales.
A Nuclear DNA Perspective on Delineating Evolutionarily Significant Lineages in Polyploids: The Case of the Endangered Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum)

The shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum, oft considered a phylogenetic relic, is listed as an “endangered species threatened with extinction” in the US and “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. Effective conservation of A. brevirostrum depends on understanding its diversity and evolutionary processes, yet challenges associated with the polyploid nature of its nuclear genome have heretofore limited population genetic analysis to maternally inherited haploid characters. We developed a suite of polysomic microsatellite DNA markers and characterized a sample of 561 shortnose sturgeon collected from major extant populations along the North American Atlantic coast. The 181 alleles observed at 11 loci were scored as binary loci and the data were subjected to multivariate ordination, Bayesian clustering, hierarchical partitioning of variance, and among-population distance metric tests. The methods uncovered moderately high levels of gene diversity suggesting population structuring across and within three metapopulations (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast) that encompass seven demographically discrete and evolutionarily distinct lineages. The predicted groups are consistent with previously described behavioral patterns, especially dispersal and migration, supporting the interpretation that A. brevirostrum exhibit adaptive differences based on watershed. Combined with results of prior genetic (mitochondrial DNA) and behavioral studies, the current work suggests that dispersal is an important factor in maintaining genetic diversity in A. brevirostrum and that the basic unit for conservation management is arguably the local population.
Assessing preschoolers' emergent literacy skills in English and Spanish with the Get Ready to Read! screening tool.

This study investigated the ability of the English and Spanish versions of the Get Ready to Read! Screener (E-GRTR and S-GRTR) administered at the beginning of the preschool year to predict the oral language and phonological and print processing skills of Spanish-speaking English-language learners (ELLs) and English-only speaking children (EO) at the end of the year. The results revealed that the E-GRTR predicted the EO and ELL children’s English emergent literacy skills and the ELL children’s Spanish emergent literacy skills, and the S-GRTR predicted the ELL children’s English and Spanish emergent literacy skills. For both groups, the E-GRTR and the S-GRTR were better at predicting children’s print knowledge in English and Spanish compared to the other emergent literacy measures. The findings suggest that both screeners can be used effectively to assess preschool children’s emergent literacy skills.
Bartók and the Berlin school of ethnomusicology

There is a great affinity between Bartok’s scholarly works and that of the members of the Berlin Phonogramm-Archiv — established in 1900 and considered as the cradle of the discipline of ethnomusicology — both in their methods and philosophical outlook. Several publications of the Berlin scholars are extant in Bartok’s library. They exerted significant influence on Bartok’s folkloristic output, from the methods of transcription and analysis, to the publication of folk material. Bartok also had personal connections with two of the members of the school. He contacted the director of the institution, Erich von Hornbostel, in 1912, wanting to take part in the galvanoplastic preservation and exchange program, introduced in Berlin a few years earlier. Only ten of Bartok’s cylinders could be processed before the war broke out, putting an end to this effort. A few years later Hornbostel took on the publishing of Bartok’s monograph, Volksmusik der Rumanen von Maramures in the series Sammelbande der vergleichenden ...
Problems in the application of multivariable adaptive control to flexible spacecraft

The present investigation is concerned with the application of adaptive control to distributed parameter systems (DPS) which arise in the modeling of large space structures (LSS). Distributed parameter and multivariable models for LSS are introduced and the decoupled adaptive control of such models is considered. Possibilities to achieve adaptive control in connection with a more general model are also examined. It is found that, in concept, adaptive control appears to be a natural choice for solving attitude and shape perturbation problems in LSS. However, due to the distributed parameter nature of such structures and the current lack of experience in their control, the problem must be phrased in general terms which are very difficult to deal with. In particular, detailed a priori plant knowledge is currently required so that decoupling and/or reduced order models of sufficient accuracy can be provided.
Oxygen activation and CO oxidation over size-selected Ptn/alumina/Re(0001) model catalysts: correlations with valence electronic structure, physical structure, and binding sites

Oxidation of CO over size-selected Ptn clusters (n = 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 18) supported on alumina thin films grown on Re(0001) was studied using temperature-programmed reaction/desorption (TPR/TPD), X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/UPS), and low energy ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS). The activity of the model catalysts was found to vary by a factor of five with deposited Ptn size during the first reaction cycle (TPR) and by a factor of two during subsequent cycles, with Pt2 being the least active and Pt14 the most active. The limiting step in the reaction appears to be the binding of oxygen; however, this does not appear to be an activated process as reaction is equally efficient for 300 K and 180 K oxidation temperatures. Size-dependent shifts in the valence band onset energy correlate strongly with CO oxidation activity, and there is also an apparent correlation with the availability of a particular binding site, as probed by CO TPD. The morphology of the clusters also becomes more three dimensional over the same size range, but with a distinctly different size-dependence. The results suggest that both electronic structure and the availability of particular binding sites control activity.
Amylase levels in the tissues and body fluids of several primate species.

1. 1. Serum amylase levels in the gorilla, orang-utan, chimpanzee and squirrel monkey are similar to man. Serum amylase in the Rhesus macaque is almost a whole order of magnitude higher than man. 2. 2. Of the several species tested, all have appreciable amylase in saliva or the parotid gland except the squirrel monkey. 3. 3. High levels of amylase were found in the pancreas of all species tested. Amylase was found in the livers of all species tested. 4. 4. In in vivo experiments with squirrel monkeys, injection of puromycin did not alter serum amylase levels.
Geodesy advances to be reported

The magma reservoir systems of Hawaiian volcanos seem to grow upward as the volcanos themselves grow. This finding, made by using both geodetic and seismic techniques, is among the recent advances in volcano modeling, monitoring, and prediction that will be reported in sessions on volcanic geodesy on Tuesday, December 10 and on Wednesday, December 11 at the AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco, Calif.
Indirect radiative forcing of the ozone layer during the 21st century

[1] The response of a coupled two-dimensional radiative-chemical-dynamical model to possible 21 st century changes of the greenhouse gasses (GHGs) carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane are explored using a range of IPCC marker scenarios of GHG emissions. The changes to the ozone layer caused by these GHGs are found to be relatively large (e.g., up to 5% global mean column ozone changes and 30% local changes for CO 2 using the IPCC A2 scenario between 2000 and 2100) and the mechanisms for these changes are discussed. The ozone changes are compared to the recovery of ozone due to expected decreases in chlorine containing compounds. Since carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane affect ozone they induce an indirect radiative forcing in addition to their direct radiative forcing. These indirect radiative forcings are computed using a combination of accurate line-by-line and band radiative transfer models and are compared to the radiative forcing of ozone during the 1979-2000 time period. Although the changes in ozone are large at some altitudes over the 2000-2100 time horizon, the range of associated future indirect radiative forcings from ozone over the range of IPCC scenarios are found to be -0.1 to 0.1 W m -2 , which is small compared with the corresponding range of total direct radiative forcing of 2.2 to 6.2 W m -2 for these GHGs over this time horizon.
Regulated proteolytic processing of LRP6 results in release of its intracellular domain

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) is a member of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family which cooperates with Frizzled receptors to transduce the canonical Wnt signal. As a critical component of the canonical Wnt pathway, LRP6 is essential for appropriate brain development, however, the mechanism by which LRP6 facilitates Wnt canonical signaling has not been fully elucidated. Interestingly, LRP6 which lacks its extracellular domain can constitutively activate TCF/LEF and potentiate the Wnt signal. Further, the free cytosolic tail of LRP6 interacts directly with glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) and inhibits GSK3's activity in the Wnt canonical pathway which results in increased TCF/LEF activation. However, whether these truncated forms of LRP6 are physiologically relevant is unclear. Recent studies have shown that other members of the LDLR family undergo gamma-secretase dependent regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). Using independent experimental approaches, we show that LRP6 also undergoes RIP. The extracellular domain of LRP6 is shed and released into the surrounding milieu and the cytoplasmic tail is cleaved by gamma-secretase-like activity to release the intracellular domain. Furthermore, protein kinase C, Wnt 3a and Dickkopf-1 modulate this process. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for LRP6 in Wnt signaling: induction of ectodomain shedding of LRP6, followed by the gamma-secretase involved proteolytic releasing its intracellular domain (ICD) which then binds to GSK3 inhibiting its activity and thus activates the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
Optimization of high count rate event counting detector with Microchannel Plates and quad Timepix readout

Abstract Many high resolution event counting devices process one event at a time and cannot register simultaneous events. In this article a frame-based readout event counting detector consisting of a pair of Microchannel Plates and a quad Timepix readout is described. More than 10 4 simultaneous events can be detected with a spatial resolution of ~55 µm, while >103 simultaneous events can be detected with 1200 frames/sec, while the global count rate of the detector can exceed 5×108 particles/s when no timing information on every particle is required. For the first generation Timepix readout, the timing resolution is limited by the Timepix clock to 10–20 ns. Optimization of the MCP gain, rear field voltage and Timepix threshold levels are crucial for the device performance and that is the main subject of this article. These devices can be very attractive for applications where the photon/electron/ion/neutron counting with high spatial and temporal resolution is required, such as energy resolved neutron imaging, Time of Flight experiments in lidar applications, experiments on photoelectron spectroscopy and many others.
Exploration of high-dimensional data manifolds for object classification

This investigation discusses the challenge of target classification in terms of intrinsic dimensionality estimation and selection of appropriate feature manifolds with object-specific classifier optimization. The feature selection process will be developed via nonlinear characterization and extraction of the target-conditional manifolds derived from the training data. We investigate defining the feature space used for classification as a class-conditioned nonlinear embedding, i.e., each training and test image is embedded in a target-specific embedding and the resultant embeddings are used for statistical characterization. We compare and contrast this novel embedding technique with Principal Component Analysis. The α-Jensen Entropy Difference measure is used to quantify the object-conditioned separation between the target distributions in the feature spaces. We discuss and demonstrate the effect of feature space extraction on classification efficacy.
Mesenteric inflammatory pseudotumor as a cause of abdominal pain in a teenager: presentation and literature review

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IP) is an unusual cause of chronic abdominal pain in children. The management of these lesions is complicated by controversies surrounding their appropriate classification and the numerous alternate names with which they are described. Successful treatment requires careful radiologic and pathologic evaluation to distinguish IPs from other lesions, along with complete surgical resection. We present the case of a 15-year-old boy with IP and review the literature in an attempt to simplify the description of these tumors.
Nonlinear optical properties of chemically modified fullerenes

The resonant nonlinear optical (NLO) properties and excited state dynamics of pristine, chemically and photochemically modified C60 are studied at 590.5 nm by time-resolved degenerate four-wave mixing and nonlinear transmission. The chemically modified fullerenes consist of (a) composite films of C60 with meso-tetraphenyl porphine (TPP) prepared by vacuum vapor deposition, and (b) spin-coated films of solutions of C60 mixed with the conjugated polymer, poly-[2-methoxy,5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV). The photochemically modified fullerene, poly-C60, is a distribution of oligomers of single C60 molecules proposed to be linked together through four-membered rings. Photopolymerization of C60 leads to an enhancement of its physical properties without substantial alteration of its NLO properties. C60 and TPP form a ground state charge transfer complex with an enhanced NLO response. C60 and MEH-PPV form a charge transfer complex in the excited state which gives rise to more than an order of magnitude increase in the NLO response and the figure of merit. The dynamics of the NLO response for C60, poly-C60, C60:TPP, and C60:MEH-PPV films show strong fluence dependence. Bimolecular decay via exciton-exciton annihilation dominates the temporal response at high-fluence.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The structure of methostenol and its distribution in rat tissues.

Abstract Additional evidence has been presented for the identity of methostenol as 4α-methyl-Δ7-cholesten-3β-ol by comparison of the totally saturated methostanol with authentic 4α-methylcholestan-3β-ol. The synthesis of methostenol from Δ7-cholesten-3β-ol is described. The content of methostenol in the feces of rats fed a fat-free diet, in rat skin, and in rat small intestines was found to be 5.9%, 10.2%, and 1–2% of total sterols, respectively. The possible biogenetic role of methostenol is discussed.
Sick Body, Vigilant Mind The Biological Immune System Activates the Behavioral Immune System

Activation of the behavioral immune system has been shown to promote activation of the biological immune system. The current research tested the hypothesis that activation of the biological immune system (as a result of recent illness) promotes activation of the behavioral immune system. Participants who had recently been ill, and had therefore recently experienced activation of their biological immune system, displayed heightened attention to (Study 1) and avoidance of (Study 2) disfigured individuals--cognitive and behavioral processes reflecting activation of the behavioral immune system. These findings shed light on the interactive nature of biological and psychological mechanisms designed to help people overcome the threat of disease.
Ruthenium Palladium Oxide-Coated Titanium Anodes for Low-Current-Density Oxygen Evolution

A coating composition, ruthenium-palladium oxide, for use on titanium anodes for low-current-density oxygen evolution is presented. Coated titanium anodes hold the promise of producing higher-purity deposits with less power consumption in primary metal electrowinning, but their cost and long-term stability have limited their commercial acceptance. A coating based on stabilized RuO 2 with another precious metal, Pd, has been commercially demonstrated, but limited information regarding its structure, electrochemical activity, and stability has been published. In this study, the structure, properties, and stability of various compositions of RuO 2 -PdO x coatings are reported. These coatings exhibit a compact mud-cracked surface. X-ray diffraction indicates the presence of two separate phases, (Ru,Pd)PO 2 and PdO, within the coating. The electrochemical activities of the coatings are similar to RuO 2 (75)-TiO 2 (25), and the stability of these coatings as determined by accelerated life testing is at least four times better than RuO 2 -TiO 2 .
Evaluation of the role of chest computed tomography in the management of trauma patients

The role of chest computed tomography (CT) in the management of trauma patients is evolving. The present study reviews the chest radiographic and chest CT findings in a group of trauma patients to determine the clinical impact of findings noted exclusively on chest CT.
The half-life of endogenous immunoreactive ACTH in rat plasma.

SummaryA radioimmunoassay for ACTH in the rat, which has previously been shown to provide close agreement with bioassay, was used to determine the disappearance rate of ACTH from the plasma of male rats following hypophysectomy under ether anesthesia. The calculated half-life of the immunoreactive ACTH was 5 min.
Cell-free synthesis of Chironomus thummi (Diptera) globins.

Abstract RNA isolated from Chironomus thummi (Diptera) larvae directs the incorporation of amino acid into newly synthesized products in a cell-free translation system prepared from wheat germ. A fraction of the total cell-free product was specifically immunoprecipitable with antibody against total C. thummi hemoglobin. Sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the immunoreactive material revealed the cell-free product to have an apparent molecular mass approximately 3000 daltons greater than secreted C. thummi globin purified from hemolymph. In contrast, analysis of the immunoreactive material by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions indicated several chemically distinct globins to be present in the cell-free immunoreactive products. These results provide evidence suggesting the possible existence of a preglobin and the data further provide the initial foundation required for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms that control the developmental stage-specific expression of the globin genes in C. thummi .
A Pro-Chelator Triggered by Hydrogen Peroxide Inhibits Iron-Promoted Hydroxyl Radical Formation

The synthesis and structural characterization of a new pro-chelating agent, isonicotinic acid [2-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-[1,3,2]dioxaborolan-2-yl)-benzylidene]-hydrazide (BSIH), are presented. BSIH only weakly interacts with iron unless hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is present to remove the boronic ester protecting group to reveal a phenol that is a key metal-binding group of tridentate salicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (SIH). BSIH prevents deoxyribose degradation caused by hydroxyl radicals that are generated from H2O2 and redox-active iron by sequestering Fe3+ and preventing iron-promoted hydroxyl radical formation. The rate-determining step for iron sequestration is conversion of BSIH to SIH, followed by rapid Fe3+ complexation. The pro-chelate approach of BSIH represents a promising strategy for chelating a specific pool of detrimental metal ions without disturbing healthy metal ion distribution.
Plastic displays: recent developments at DuPont Displays

This paper will discuss recent developments in making of passive and active matrix OLED devices on polyethylene napthalate (PEN) which has been improved for the use in display device applications. The improved film properties are meeting many of the desired needs and specifications for display and process applications as they are understood today. Improvements to the film's surface quality, and its inherent properties make PEN a good choice for OLED applications. Processing the plastic substrate through the OLED device making process can contribute to small changes in the substrate dimensions. Photolithography process is a critical part of the OLED device making process, knowing to compensate for substrate size does address technical challenges in overlay registration.
Real-Time Multimodel Superensemble Forecasts of Atlantic Tropical Systems of 1999

Abstract In this paper, Atlantic hurricane forecasts for the year 1999 are addressed. The methodology for these forecasts is called the multimodel superensemble. This statistical method makes use of the real-time forecasts provided by a number of operational and research models to construct the superensemble forecasts. This method divides the forecast time line into two phases: a training phase and a forecast combining phase. The training phase includes an inventory of past applicable hurricane forecasts, each by the multimodels. The model biases of position and intensity errors of past forecasts are summarized via a simple linear multiple regression of these forecasts against the best-observed estimates of position and intensity. These statistics are next passed on to future forecasts of the multimodels in order to forecast the hurricanes of 1999. This method was first tested for the hurricanes of 1998 with considerable success, with some of those results summarized here. Those statistics were refined fo...
System members at odds: managing divergent perspectives in the higher education change process

Achieving a shared vision is often cited as a prerequisite to successful organisational change. What change strategists do not take into consideration is how this concept applies to complex systems such as those found in higher education. This paper explores and identifies the divergent perspectives and meanings found among the multiplicity of stakeholders that comprise systems of higher education. Based on a case study involving the implementation of a new admissions criteria framework, the author identifies two strategies that were successfully used by change agents. The findings are relevant to those involved in implementing change in higher education.
Toward a grounded theory of why some immunization programmes in sub-Saharan Africa are more successful than others: a descriptive and exploratory assessment in six countries

The question of why some immunization programmes in sub-Saharan Africa are more successful than others is an intriguing one, but not one that is frequently raised or investigated. Borrowing techniques from both performance benchmarking and positive deviance inquiry, we explored this question in six countries. We first set out to define for a systematic sample of countries the key constructs commonly associated with improving immunization coverage, using an inductive, ‘insider’ point of view. We then explored their utility in generating hypotheses about coverage differences across countries through a preliminary application of the measures of these constructs to the countries in this sample. Our findings suggest that there are different paths to success, and that not only what countries do, but how they execute their programmes, seem to make a difference in coverage outcomes. In some cases, extramural, contextual factors may also help to explain these differences. We discuss several hypotheses generated by our study, identify methodological limitations, and recommend improvements to the methods we used. Similar formative studies are needed to validate our preliminary hypotheses, to generate new ones, and to raise our level of confidence in the early policy implications that we see emerging from our preliminary work in this area. Eventually, testing of the hypotheses generated by this and other formative studies could generate a robust theory of why some programmes are more successful than others, a phenomenon likely to be relevant to other child and maternal health programmes in sub-Saharan Africa.
Soybean Oil: Genetic Approaches for Modification of Functionality and Total Content

World consumption of soybean ( Glycine max ) in 2008 was over 221 million metric tons, with approximately 50% of this supply coming from U.S. production, where soybean plantings on an annual basis are over 77 million ha. Soybeans are desired on the marketplace as a valuable source of protein and oil
Clinical neurochemistry of autism and associated disorders.

Advances in information concerning brain function in animals and advances in analytical neurochemical methods for determining extremely low levels of compounds in physiological fluids have opened great opportunities for clinical neurochemical studies of autism. Nevertheless, the behavioral deficits in autistic individuals are major obstacles to clarification of the relations between symptoms and biochemical dysfunction in the brain. The fundamental preclinical and clinical studies of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine metabolism related to infantile autism are reviewed, and new studies are suggested, as examples of the productive strategies that will illuminate features of the autistic syndrome in the next decade.
Measuring GOSIP's appropriateness for the tactical user

The authors describe a proof-of-concept prototype system developed to measure communications performance and identify specific issues and problems that are likely to be encountered by tactical applications using the Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile (GOSIP). The prototype runs a tactical messaging application. Its functional topology, based on automation in command posts, and facilities at echelons corps and below, was emulated in a controlled testbed environment which provided the capability to measure the protocol performance. From analyzing the results of the experiments, the authors conclude that the use of the full GOSIP protocol stack is not incompatible with tactical messaging requirements. >
Promoter-specific control of E. coli RNA polymerase by ppGpp and a general transcription factor

The stringent response of Escherichia coli reflects a global influence of the nucleotide ppGpp on gene expression in response to nutrient starvation. For critical elements of the response, the target of ppGpp is RNA polymerase, which can be either repressed or activated in a promoter-dependent way. A small protein, DksA, which binds in the secondary channel of RNA polymerase, possibly along with other general regulatory factors, contributes to ppGpp-dependent transcription regulation. Rutherford and colleagues (pp. 236-248) identify mutations in genes for the core subunits of RNA polymerase that circumvent the need for DksA in the regulation; the sites of these mutations suggest that DksA acts allosterically through the RNA polymerase active site to destabilize transcription initiation complexes.
Experimental analysis of cache memories for interconnect controllers

The effects of cache memories on the performance of interconnect controllers (ICs) are analyzed using trace-driven simulation. Simulation results show that the controllers which interconnect hosts to LANs have a higher hit ratio than those that interconnect network devices to LANs. The impact of cache sizes, set associativity, and line sizes on cache performance is also investigated. A significant observation is that, although increasing the sizes can result in a higher hit ratio, it can also considerably increase traffic to main memory, thereby degrading overall system performance. A method of determining an optimal line size that produces the best overall system performance is therefore needed. A simple analytical model for determining the optimal line size as a function of cache size is presented. >
Preservation of β-cell function: the key to diabetes prevention.

Context: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are approximately 79,000,000 individuals in the United States with prediabetes [impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose] and that approximately 40–50% will progress to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during their lifetime. Therefore, treatment of high-risk IGT individuals to prevent T2DM has important medical, economic, social, and human implications. Individuals in the upper tertile of IGT are maximally/near-maximally insulin resistant, have lost 70–80% of their β-cell function, and have approximately a 10% incidence of diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, preservation of the remaining 20–30% of β-cell function is critical to prevent future development of T2DM. Evidence Acquisition: We searched MEDLINE from 2000 to the present to identify placebo-controlled trials in which individuals with IGT received pharmacological therapy to prevent progression to diabetes. Evidence Synthesis: Lifestyle modification redu...
Improved reflexive testing algorithm for hepatitis C infection using signal-to-cutoff ratios of a hepatitis C virus antibody assay.

BACKGROUND: Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CIA) is used to detect hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody status on the basis of signal-to-cutoff (S/Co) ratios. Positive results of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) are followed by either recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) to confirm anti-HCV positivity or reverse transcription (RT)-PCR to detect viremia. We hypothesized that by analyzing S/Co ratios, we could determine a strategy to reduce unnecessary supplementary testing in our population. METHODS: CIA was performed to screen for anti-HCV, and positive results were followed up with RT-PCR testing. Negative RT-PCR results were followed up with RIBA, whereas positive RT-PCR results were assumed to be RIBA positive. ROC curves were analyzed to determine the optimal S/Co ratios to predict HCV infection. RESULTS: We determined the S/Co ratios on 34 232 veteran patient samples. We found that with the CIA method 9.0% of patients had positive test results for anti-HCV. An S/Co ratio <3.0 ruled out active HCV infection and exposure with 100% negative predictive value. When the S/Co ratio was ≥20.0, positive predictive values were 98.5% compared with RIBA results, and 81.0% compared with RT-PCR results. CONCLUSIONS: RIBA is not necessary to confirm negative or positive CIA anti-HCV if the S/Co ratio is <3.0 or ≥20.0, respectively. To confirm HCV exposure, samples with an S/Co ratio between 3.0 and 19.9 should be followed up with RIBA unless PCR testing has been performed and the result is positive. Samples with an S/Co ratio ≥20.0 or positive RIBA results should be further tested by RT-PCR to determine HCV viremia status.