cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and thermal properties of particle boards made from farm residues

Abstract Five farm residues were used for the manufacture of low-density particle boards in a hot platter press using urea formaldehyde as the binding material. Mechanical and thermal properties of the boards were evaluated. The maize-cob board was superior to other boards in mechanical and screw/nail holding strength, suggesting its use for interior applications, while paddy-straw board and coconut-pith board were found to be suitable for insulation purposes.
Orientation selectivity of cortical neurons during intracellular blockade of inhibition

Neurons in the primary visual cortex of the cat are selectively activated by stimuli with particular orientations. This selectivity can be disrupted by the application of antagonists of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to a local region of the cortex. In order to determine whether inhibitory inputs are necessary for a single cortical neuron to show orientation selectivity, GABA receptors were blocked intracellularly during whole cell recording. Although the membrane potential, spontaneous activity, subfield antagonism, and directional selectivity of neurons were altered after they were perfused internally with the blocking solution, 18 out of 18 neurons remained selective for stimulus orientation. These results indicate that excitatory inputs are sufficient to generate orientation selectivity.
Age-related changes in optimality and motor variability: an example of multifinger redundant tasks

We used two methods, analytical inverse optimization (ANIO) and uncontrolled manifold (UCM) analysis of synergies, to explore age-related changes in finger coordination during accurate force and moment of force production tasks. The two methods address two aspects of the control of redundant systems: Finding an optimal solution (an optimal sharing pattern) and using variable solutions across trials (covarying finger forces) that are equally able to solve the task. Young and elderly subjects produced accurate combinations of total force and moment by pressing with the four fingers of the dominant hand on individual force sensors. In session-1, single trials covered a broad range of force–moment combinations. Principal component (PC) analysis showed that the first two PCs explained about 90% and 75% of finger force variance for the young and elderly groups, respectively. The magnitudes of the loading coefficients in the PCs suggested that the young subjects used mechanical advantage to produce moment while elderly subjects did not (confirmed by analysis of moments produced by individual digits). A co-contraction index was computed reflecting the magnitude of moment produced by fingers acting against the required direction of the total moment. This index was significantly higher in the young group. The ANIO approach yielded a quadratic cost function with linear terms. In the elderly group, the contribution of the forces produced by the middle and ring fingers to the cost function value was much smaller than in the young group. The angle between the plane of experimental observations and the plane of optimal solutions (D-angle), was very small (about 1.5°) in the young group and significantly larger (about 5°) in the elderly group. In session-2, four force–moment combinations were used with multiple trials at each. Covariation among finger forces (multifinger synergies) stabilizing total force, total moment, and both was seen in both groups with larger synergy indices in the young group. Multiple regression analysis has shown that, at higher force magnitudes, the synergy indices defined with the UCM method were significantly related to the percent of variance accounted by the first two PCs and to the D-angle computed using the ANIO method. We interpret the results as pointing at a transition with age from synergic control to element-based control (back-to-elements hypothesis). Optimization and analysis of synergies are complementary approaches that focus on two aspects of multidigit coordination, sharing and covariation, respectively.
Nedd4-2 Catalyzes Ubiquitination and Degradation of Cell Surface ENaC

Epithelial Na+ absorption is regulated by Nedd4-2, an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that reduces expression of the epithelial Na+ channel ENaC at the cell surface. Defects in this regulation cause Liddle syndrome, an inherited form of hypertension. Previous work found that Nedd4-2 binds to ENaC via PY motifs located in the C termini of α-, β-, and γENaC. However, little is known about the mechanism by which Nedd4-2 regulates ENaC surface expression. Here we found that Nedd4-2 catalyzes ubiquitination of α-, β-, and γENaC; Nedd4-2 overexpression increased ubiquitination, whereas Nedd4-2 silencing decreased ubiquitination. Although Nedd4-2 increased both mono/oligoubiquitinated and multiubiquitinated forms of ENaC, monoubiquitination was sufficient for Nedd4-2 to reduce ENaC surface expression and reduce ENaC current. Ubiquitination was disrupted by Liddle syndrome-associated mutations in ENaC or mutation of the catalytic HECT domain in Nedd4-2. Several findings suggest that the interaction between Nedd4-2 and ENaC is localized to the cell surface. First, Nedd4-2 bound to a population of ENaC at the cell surface. Second, Nedd4-2 catalyzed ubiquitination of cell surface ENaC. Third, Nedd4-2 selectively reduced ENaC expression at the cell surface but did not alter the quantity of immature ENaC in the biosynthetic pathway. Finally, Nedd4-2 induced degradation of the cell surface pool of ENaC. Together, the data suggest a model in which Nedd4-2 binds to and ubiquitinates ENaC at the cell surface, which targets surface ENaC for degradation, and thus, reduces epithelial Na+ transport.
A selection procedure for obtaining conditional gametogenic mutants using a photosynthetically incompetent strain of Chlamydomonas reinhardi

A new selection procedure has been developed for the isolation of temperature sensitive gametogenic mutants in Chlamydomonas reinhardi. This technique makes use of pet-10-1, a mutant strain incapable of photosynthetic electron transport, and the redox dye, methyl viologen. Two mutants found by this method are discussed. The first, gam-4, does not agglutinate at 35°, whereas the second, gam-5, is capable of sexual agglutination, but not of zygote formation at the restrictive temperature. Both mutants appear to be inherited in a Mendelian fashion and are expressed in mating type (+) and mating type (-).
Reorganization of the Knowledge Access Management (KAM) Division

Purpose – Aims to provide a summary and analysis of the organizational changes of the UNLV Libraries Knowledge Access Management Division since it was previously described in Library Hi Tech.Design/methodology/approach – Describes and analyzes the significant and unanticipated changes in organization structure that occurred as the UNLV Libraries attempts to respond to the web and digital scholarly information world.Findings – Several alternative organizational structures to respond to web and digital initiatives are described. The process used to select an organization structure that was not anticipated three years earlier is documented.Originality/value – This article provides useful reading for academic library administrators contemplating organizational change to respond to the web and digital information world.
Introduction to Symposium on “The Future of US Labor Law”

Dating back to at least the mid-1970s, many labor relations/labor law scholars, union officials and union activists have increasingly criticized the inadequacies of US labor law in protecting employees’ rights to participate in collective action. These parties have argued that the original intent of the 1935 National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), also popularly known as the Wagner Act, has been subverted by the Act’s amendments, as well as by a National Labor Relations Board that has been ineffective in preventing the occurrence of illegal employer activities which has successfully discouraged employees from organizing unions and engaging in collective bargaining. The Labor Reform Act of 1977, which, if passed, would have imposed punitive penalties on employers who committed such unfair labor practices, was filibustered to death in the US Senate. With Barack Obama’s election to the US presidency in 2008, many unions and labor activists believe that the time is right for launching a major drive to reform US labor legislation through the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), a law which would make it easier for employees to organize unions. Writing in February 2009, the future of EFCA has yet to be determined although Republican Party legislators appear committed to mobilizing all of their resources to ensure the bill’s defeat. Regardless of what happens to EFCA, at the end of the twenty-first century’s first decade, an examination of the future of US labor law is merited due to the political and economic changes that have occurred in the US since the passage of the landmark NLRA nearly 75 years ago. This symposium contains essays by three of the most distinguished labor law scholars in the US as well as a short piece by an international management scholar. In the first essay, Theodore J. St. Antoine, James E. and Sarah A. Degan Professor Emeritus of Law at the University of Michigan Law School, argues that even if labor law reform is implemented in the US, the secret ballot should remain in effect, in some form, for union certification elections while compulsory arbitration should only be utilized in special cases. Additionally, antidiscrimination legislation should be expanded to include nonemployees while wrongful terminations should be proscribed. Ellen Dannin, Fannie Employ Respons Rights J (2009) 21:131–132 DOI 10.1007/s10672-009-9106-6
Women trauma and HIV: an overview.

Women and other vulnerable populations continue to be disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. There are an estimated 800000–900000 people currently living with HIV in the US with 40000 new HIV infections each year (CDC 2004). This steady increase in rates of HIV/AIDS is a challenge to clinicians behavioral scientists and policy analysts who are responsible for the development of treatment approaches interventions and services that focus on minimizing the behaviors that contribute to these growing numbers. This section is devoted to diverse populations of women who are at risk for or living with HIV. Economic relationship lifestyle and immigration factors along with substance abuse and risky relationships increase risk for HIV transmission and disease progression. While high-risk behaviors have been the primary focus of prevention efforts increasing attention is being directed to how trauma may contribute to both HIV risk behaviors and disease sequelae. The research in this section goes beyond describing women’s risky behaviors and examines the contributions of personal and interpersonal sexual and physical abuse trauma as independent risk factors (Wyatt et al. 2002). Past and current sexual risk-taking can develop into a template for future behaviors that are ultimately AIDS related. (excerpt)
Very long-term memories of a salient preschool event

Children who attended either a younger (mean age = 3frac12;years) or an older (mean age = 4frac12; years)preschool classroom were interviewed twice about an emergency school evacuation in response to a fire alarm. All children were able to answer some memory questions 2 weeks after the evacuation occurred, but the memory narratives produced by older preschool children showed a more refined knowledge of the temporal and causal sequence of events. Seven years later, memory of the fire alarm was reassessed. Only those preadolescents who had been in the older preschool group at the time of the alarm showed convincing evidence of long-term memory. The offset of childhood amnesia appears to be influenced by developmental changes in cognitive processing. Language: en
The Deubiquitinase CYLD Targets Smad7 Protein to Regulate Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) Signaling and the Development of Regulatory T Cells

CYLD is a lysine 63-deubiquitinating enzyme that inhibits NF-κB and JNK signaling. Here, we show that CYLD knock-out mice have markedly increased numbers of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral lymphoid organs but not in the thymus. In vitro stimulation of CYLD-deficient naive T cells with anti-CD3/28 in the presence of TGF-β led to a marked increase in the number of Foxp3-expressing T cells when compared with stimulated naive control CD4+ cells. Under endogenous conditions, CYLD formed a complex with Smad7 that facilitated CYLD deubiquitination of Smad7 at lysine 360 and 374 residues. Moreover, this site-specific ubiquitination of Smad7 was required for activation of TAK1 and p38 kinases. Finally, knockdown of Smad7 or inhibition of p38 activity in primary T cells impaired Treg differentiation. Together, our results show that CYLD regulates TGF-β signaling function in T cells and the development of Tregs through deubiquitination of Smad7.
Abstraction of Methyl from Neutral Fischer-Type Carbene Complexes: A New Site for Nucleophilic Attack

Reactions of Fischer-type carbene complexes, M(CO)5(C(OMe)Ph) (M = Cr, W), with metal carbonyl anions (M‘- = CpFe(CO)2-, Re(CO)5-, Mn(CO)4PPh3-, Co(CO)3PPh3-, Cp*Cr(CO)3-, CpMo(CO)3-) result in demethylation of the carbene complexes. The products are M(CO)5C(O)Ph- and M‘−Me, characterized by infrared and NMR spectroscopy. A slower rate for reaction with W(CO)5(C(OEt)Ph) in comparison to the methyl analogue is consistent with nucleophilic attack of the metal carbonyl anion on the methyl of the methoxy group of the carbene. This is a new type of nucleophilic attack on a Fischer-type carbene.
Approaches to the study of the cell secretome

The secretome, or secretomics, has recently emerged as a new term to describe the global study of proteins that are secreted by a cell, tissue or organism at any given time or under certain conditions. The secretome constitutes an important class of proteins that control and regulate a multitude of biological and physiological processes, thus making it a clinically relevant source for biomarkers and therapeutic target discoveries. There are several approaches that are being implemented to study such a class of proteins; however, each of these approaches has its advantages and limitations. While genome-wide studies using signal predictions can provide a comprehensive analysis of the secretome, the detection and quantification of the actual secreted proteins in a tissue would be more relevant. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the methods currently used to analyze such a class of proteins, as well as the challenges encountered during the study of the secretome. The implication of studying...
Deformation Behaviors and Critical Parameters in Microscale Laser Dynamic Forming

Microscale laser dynamic forming (μLDF) is a novel microfabrication technique to introduce complex 3D profiles in thin films. This process utilizes pulse laser to generate plasma to induce shockwave pressure into the thin film, which is placed above a micro-sized mold. The strain rate in μLDF reaches 10 6 ―10 7 S ―1 . Under these ultrahigh strain rates in microscale, deformation behaviors of materials are very complicated and almost impossible to be measured in situ experimentally. In this paper, a finite element method model is built to simulate the μLDF process. An improved Johnson―Cook model was used to calculate the flow stress, and the Johnson―Cook failure criterion was employed to simulate failure during μLDF. The simulation results are validated by experiments, in which the deformation of Cu thin foils after μLDF experiments are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and compared with simulation results. With the verified model, the ultrafast μLDF process is generally discussed first. A series of numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the effects of critical parameters on deformation behaviors. These critical parameters include the ratio of the fillet radius to film thickness, the aspect ratio of mold, as well as laser intensities. The relationship of laser pulse energy and the deformation depth is also verified by a series of μLDF experiments.
On Assessing the Impact of Federal Student Aid.

Abstract Most empirical research on student aid has examined its effects on enrollment demand. This paper argues that a proper assessment of the net impact of federal student aid must include examination of its impact on institutional behavior as well. No systematic empirical work is presented, but selected data and examples are used to argue that the potential effects of aid on supply and on institutions are significant.
Non-Arrhenius surface temperature dependence in vibrational excitation of NO on Au(1 1 1): possible evidence for the importance of surface electronic states

Abstract We report the surface temperature dependence for Δv =+1 vibrational excitation of NO( v =2) due to collisions with Au(1 1 1) at two incidence energies. This is compared to previous measurements on Ag(1 1 1) and Cu(1 1 0). The standard model for electron hole pair mediated vibrational excitation predicts that all three metals will exhibit a nearly Arrhenius temperature dependence with the same effective activation energy. While scattering on Ag(1 1 1) and Cu(1 1 0) obey this prediction, our new results show that the temperature dependence is non-Arrhenius on Au(1 1 1). We suggest that the large spin–orbit interaction present for Au(1 1 1) surface states may be important for vibrational excitation.
Genetics of a wing size difference between two Nasonia species

Very little is known about the genetics of morphological differences between species. This study investigates the genetic basis of a significant morphological difference between males of two closely related species of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia. One of the defining characters of species in the genus Nasonia is male forewing size. The forewings of Nasoniagiraulti males are 2.4 times larger than the forewings of Nasoniavitripennis males. Genetic analysis of hybrids between these species indicates that this difference is due to the effect of a few genes. Also discussed is the possible role of ‘pseudo linkage’ in analysis of F2 hybrids. Pseudo linkage occurs when genes affecting a trait are linked to interacting hybrid lethal loci, and can lead to an overestimation of the number of regions involved in a phenotype. The large wing trait of N. giraulti was introgressed into a N. vitripennis background. Analysis of this introgression line indicates that 44% of the difference in wing size between the species is due to the presence of a single gene, or a few tightly linked genes, located on linkage group IV. Furthermore, the introgressed region appears to affect the width of the wing more strongly than the length. Indirect results suggest that this region affects wing cell size, rather than cell number. Results are consistent with the view that morphological and adaptive differences between species can have a simple genetic basis.
Optical and Electronic Anisotropy of a π-Conjugated Molecular Monolayer on the Silicon(001) Surface

The electronic and optical properties of an oriented monolayer of a π-conjugated molecule, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone on a silicon(001) substrate were investigated. The adsorption of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone onto a single-domain, 4°-miscut Si(001) surface leads to an oriented monolayer film with intact π conjugation. Reflectance-difference spectroscopy (RDS) was used to probe the optical properties of the layer of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, and comparison spectra were obtained on a monolayer 1,2-cyclohexanedione, a nonconjugated molecule that has a nearly identical structure at the Si−O−C interface. RDS spectra of the 9,10-phenanthrenequinone monolayer show a strong absorption feature at 5.2 eV due to π−π * transitions within the molecule, while spectra of the nonconjugated analogue show no feature in this region. Further information about the electronic structure is provided by ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy of the chemisorbed monolayers and by ultraviolet−visible absorption spectroscopy of the pare...
Early-Life Blockade of the 5-HT Transporter Alters Emotional Behavior in Adult Mice

Reduced serotonin transporter (5-HTT) expression is associated with abnormal affective and anxiety-like symptoms in humans and rodents, but the mechanism of this effect is unknown. Transient inhibition of 5-HTT during early development with fluoxetine, a commonly used serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor, produced abnormal emotional behaviors in adult mice. This effect mimicked the behavioral phenotype of mice genetically deficient in 5-HTT expression. These findings indicate a critical role of serotonin in the maturation of brain systems that modulate emotional function in the adult and suggest a developmental mechanism to explain how low-expressing 5-HTT promoter alleles increase vulnerability to psychiatric disorders.
The cephalosporin antibiotics in pediatric therapy.

The cephalosporins have been available for clinical use for nearly 20 years and a large number is presently marketed, including drugs with a wide range of different pharmaokinetic and microbiologic properties. While some of these agents have certain specific uses in which they excel, the cephalosporins have not replaced older antibiotics but do provide the physician with a broader range of choices for the treatment of many infections, allowing greater individualization of therapy.
Acid phosphatase in Asteromonas gracilis (Chlorophyceae, Volvocales): a biochemical and cytochemical characterization*

Abstract Acid phosphatase was localized in Asteromonas gracilis (Chlorophyceae, Volvocales) using lead-salt and azo-dye cytochemical techniques. β-glycerophosphatase was partially characterized biochemically to determine an optimum method for Gomori-type (lead-salt) localization of that enzyme. A modified procedure for β-glycerophosphatase localization, based on the biochemical data and the results of other cytochemical methods, was employed. β-glycerophosphatase reaction product appeared in dictyosome-associated vesicles, provacuoles, and vacuoles. Naphthol AS-BI phosphatase (azo-dye) was localized in membranous coils within vacuoles. These results are compared with similar studies in other algae and vascular plants. Hydrolase compartmentation and the process of autophagy in this wall-less unicell are discussed.
Communication between Grandparents and Grandchildren in Geographically Separated Relationships

This study examined grandparents' reports of their use of three media—face-to-face, telephone, and email—in geographically separated relationships with grandchildren. Grandparents used telephone and email more frequently than face-to-face communication. There were no sex differences in frequency and satisfaction with the three media. Email use was examined in depth due to the dearth of research on its use. Grandparents who reported that they and their grandchildren were equally likely to initiate email were more satisfied with its frequency and quality than those who reported primary responsibility for email communication. Satisfaction with telephone communication predicted relational quality.
Finiteness notions in fuzzy sets

Finite sets are one of the most fundamental mathematical structures. In the absence of the axiom of choice there are many different inequivalent definitions of finite even in classical logic. When we allow incomplete existence as in fuzzy sets the situation gets even more complicated. This paper gives nine distinct definitions of finite in a fuzzy context together with examples showing how the properties of the underlying lattice of truth values impact the meanings of finite.
SU-E-J-167: Iterative Reconstruction Techniques for Radiation Therapy CT Simulations: A Phantom Study

Purpose: To compare the Philips iDose4 iterative reconstruction techniques with filtered back‐projection techniques (FBP) in Radiation Therapy and provide clinical practice insights. Methods: An anthropomorphic pelvis phantom with added‐bolus layers was used to mimic patients with 38–58 cm lateral diameters. For each phantom size, a set of CT scans were acquired on a Philips Brilliance 64‐slice CT simulator with the mAs spanning the minimum to maximum dose. Images were reconstructed using FBP and iDose4 with noise reduction levels 1–6 for each scan, and evaluated on noise levels, contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNR), CT number variations, and manual prostate contouring accuracy. Simulated prostate IMRT treatment plans based on these reconstructions were compared. Results: In general, greater‐dose scans yielded greater CNR and lower noise, iDose4 reduced noise up to 66.1% and increased the CNR up to 53.2% compared to FBP. Only changing iDose4 noise reduction levels induced minor noise variations (0.21–4.83HU) and CT Number variations (<1 HU). Without changing reconstruction filters, the spatial resolution (represented by MTF), was similar on images reconstructed by FBP and iDose4 . Very‐low‐dose scans yielded severe photon starvation artifacts, which decreased target visualization and could not be eliminated by iDose4 , especially for the 58 cm phantom size. The gamma pass rates of the IMRT prostate treatment plans conducted using FBP or iDose4 based simulations were greater than 99.9% using 3%/3 mm criteria once they provide same segmentations as the ground truth. Conclusion: Compared against FBP, iDose4 reduced noise, increased CNR and CT number consistency, produced pleasant images without losing structure details, but the improvements of target delineation confidence varied based on patient sizes and radiation output. Especially, very‐low‐dose scans (causing severe photon starvation artifacts) should be avoided when using iDose4 for obese patients. The iDose4 usage should be driven by target contour conspicuity and CT# accuracy instead of noise/CNR considerations.
Efficiency Response Modelling of Semiconductor X-Ray Detectors

Semiconductor x-ray detectors, usually Si(Li) and Ge(Li), are routinely used in pure and applied science whenever high-resolution, energy-dispersive analysis is required. In many applications, the absolute full-energy efficiency of the detector needs to be known in order to derive the true intensity from the measured intensity. Investigators have used a variety of methods to determine the energy-dependent efficiency response of these detectors. This paper reviews some of these methods, with emphasis placed on the model-based parametric efficiency response determination procedure of Gallagher and Cipolla1.
Planning for complete sensor coverage in inspection

Abstract General purpose CAD-based inspection of manufactured objects often involves comparing a model created using intensity or range images of the actual object to a tolerance reference model of the ideal object. Before this comparison is made, a sufficiently complete geometric model of the workpiece must be synthesized from sensor data. In this paper we present planning algorithms for finding a set of sensing operations for completely measuring the exposed surface of an object to be inspected. While these planning algorithms were developed as part of a particular inspection system, the algorithms are applicable to other inspection systems and other applications than inspection.
Ethanol and glucose-deprivation neurotoxicity in cortical cell cultures.

Abstract The toxic effects of ethanol on rat cortical cell cultures were compared with neuronal damage induced by glucose deprivation. Exposure to decreased glucose concentrations produced dose-dependent neuronal injury, as indicated by the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the culture medium. Complete glucose deprivation resulted in mean LDH release that was more than 60% greater than that from sister cultures incubated in the presence of 5.5 mmol/L glucose. Exposure to ethanol (25, 50, or 100 mmol/L) similarly resulted in dose-related LDH release. The degree of injury resulting from complete glucose deprivation or 100 mmol/L ethanol approximated that produced by exposure to 100 mmol/L glutamic acid. Ethanol did not significantly alter LDH release from cultures consisting of only astrocytes. Both effects were inhibited by the N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, d,l -2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV). Glutamate levels were increased in the culture medium to 191% ± 8% of the control value after glucose deprivation (P
Biosynthesis of Phenazine Antibiotics in Streptomyces antibioticus: Stereochemistry of Methyl Transfer from Carbon-2 of Acetate

Stable isotope labeling experiments have shown that the biosynthesis of the monomeric phenazines, the saphenyl esters, and their dimerization products, the esmeraldins, in Streptomyces antibioticus Tu 2706 proceeds from phenazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid by chain extension with C-2 of acetate to 6-acetylphenazine-1-carboxylic acid, which is reduced to saphenic acid. The latter is incorporated into both halves of the esmeraldins, albeit differentially. By feeding of chiral acetate, degradation of the resulting saphenyl esters and esmeraldins, and configurational analysis of the acetic acid formed, the chain extension process was found to proceed with overall inversion of configuration at the methyl group. This suggests that the decarboxylation of a hypothetical intermediate β-keto acid proceeds in an inversion mode. This result is discussed with reference to analogous C-methylations of polyketide backbones by addition of C-2 of acetate.
Fragmentation Origin of Major Sungrazing Comets C/1970 K1, C/1880 C1, and C/1843 D1

Following our recent successful modeling of the common origin of two of the brightest members of the Kreutz system of sungrazing comets, we now examine three other objects: C/1970 K1 (White-Ortiz-Bolelli), the most recent sungrazer discovered from Earth, C/1880 C1 (Great Southern Comet), and C/1843 D1 (Great March Comet). For White-Ortiz-Bolelli, five possible origin and orbit evolution scenarios are explored. We find that its parent was neither C/1965 S1 (Ikeya-Seki), nor C/1882 R1 (Great September Comet), nor the comet of 1106 (the presumed parent of Ikeya-Seki and the 1882 comet). The motion of C/1970 K1 is consistent with a scenario in which the parent was an unknown fragment that separated from the 1106 comet at the same time as, or shortly before, Ikeya-Seki and passed through perihelion in 1970 June-July, shortly after White-Ortiz-Bolelli. The separation of White-Ortiz-Bolelli from this fragment is found to have occurred around the mid-eighteenth century, at a heliocentric distance of about 150 AU, with a relative velocity of 3-5 m s-1 in the general direction of the Sun and to the north of the orbital plane. On the other hand, we conclude that the 1880 comet separated directly from C/1843 D1, the second brightest known sungrazer, some 100-150 days after the 1843 comet's previous perihelion passage in the eleventh century, at 2.5-3 AU from the Sun, with a relative velocity of slightly more than 7 m s-1 in the generally antisolar direction and to the south of the orbital plane. The pattern of fragmentation of the Kreutz system's members discovered from Earth begins to resemble the evolution of the system's minor fragments detected coronagraphically from aboard the SOHO spacecraft, and there is significant qualitative similarity with fragmentation of comet D/1993 F2 (Shoemaker-Levy 9).
The Effect of office-based flexible endoscopic surgery on hemodynamic stability.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Because of technological advances in endoscopy equipment, office-based flexible endoscopic surgery (OBFES) is becoming more widespread and common in practice. In our experience, we have noticed that patients often have marked rises in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). However, to our knowledge, changes in hemodynamic stability during these procedures have never been studied. The primary aim of this study was to investigate changes in BP, HR, and oxygen (O2) saturation in patients undergoing unsedated laryngeal surgery. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Medical records for 31 consecutive subjects who underwent OBFES at the University of California, San Francisco Mt. Zion Endoscopy Suite from June 2008 to June 2009 were reviewed. Absolute values and changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, and O2 saturation from baseline were evaluated. Results: During the procedure, 9/31 patients had tachycardia (29%) and 7/31 had severe hypertension (23%). The mean change in HR was 14.6 beats/min (P < .0001), mean change in DBP was 18.5 mm of mercury (Hg) (P < .0001), mean change in SBP was 33.1 (P < .0001), and mean change in O2 was 0.8 (P = .01). Older age groups had significantly higher baseline DBP (P = .02) and SBP (P = .0006), as well as procedural SBP (P = .0007). One procedure was terminated early secondary to unsafe rises in SBP and DBP. Change in DBP and SBP was not correlated with age. Conclusions: Significant changes in hemodynamic status occur during OBFES. Clinicians should be aware of this and consider the risks these changes may pose to their patients. Monitoring during these procedures may be indicated. Laryngoscope, 2010
Pathogenesis of Hereditary Emphysema and Replacement Therapy for α1-Antitrypsin Deficiency: Insight Into the More Common Forms of Emphysema

The pathogenesis of emphysema and α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency are explored and the mechanisms of disease in α 1 -antitrypsin deficiency are then applied to more common forms of COPD, mainly cigarette smoke-induced emphysema.
The Laws of Absorption of X-Rays.

Measurement of Absorption of X-rays.\char22{}The use of a filtered beam of rays can at best give only approximate values of the coefficients, for such a beam is not homogeneous. It is pointed out that logarithmic absorption is no proof of homogeneity. In these experiments homogeneous radiation was secured by using a Bragg spectrometer and the effects of secondary radiation were avoided by placing the absorbing material between the two slits which limited the beam. By taking these and other precautions a precision of 1-2 per cent. was obtained. For wave-lengths below 0.15 \AA{}. it was found better to place the thin analyzing crystal of NaCl nearly at right angles to the beam and to use the radiation reflected from atom planes perpendicular to the ones usually used.
Inside Intel-coping with complex projects

In this paper, the authors describe how team-based project management processes and metrics enable design teams at Intel to plan, execute and evaluate performance on complex projects, on a quarterly basis.
Reflective and conductive silvered polyimide films for space applications prepared via a novel single-stage self-metallization technique

Abstract Highly reflective and surface conductive flexible polyimide films have been prepared by the incorporation of silver(I) acetate and 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione into a dimethylacetamide solution of poly(amic acid), formed from 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and 4,4′-oxydianiline. Thermal curing of the silver(I)-containing poly(amic acid) leads to cycloimidization of the polyimide precursor with concomitant silver(I) reduction yielding a reflective and conductive silvered surface with properties approaching those of the native metal. Ligand/anion effects on the metallization process resulted when using additional silver(I) compounds including: silver(I) nitrate; silver(I) tetrafluoroborate; (trifluoroacetato)silver(I); (hexafluoroacetylacetonato)silver(I); (trifluoroacetylacetonato)silver(I); and 1-(2-thienyl)-3,3,3(trifluoroacetonato)silver(I). Comparisons among these six silver(I) compounds as precursors for the surface metallization of BTDA/4,4′–ODA are discussed with regard to reflectivity, conductivity and surface morphology. The metallized films usually retain the essential mechanical properties and thermal properties of a parent film. Films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, tapping mode atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Also, electrical conductivity, reflectivity, differential scanning calorimetric, thermal gravimetric and mechanical measurements were made on the metallized films.
Capacity of MISO and SIMO interference channels

The capacity region of the symmetric multiple-input single-output (MISO) and single-input multiple-output (SIMO) Gaussian interference channels is studied. We characterize a low interference regime, where treating interference as noise using Gaussian inputs achieves sum capacity for both MISO and SIMO channels. We also characterize strong and very strong interference regimes for SIMO channel and a very strong interference regime for MISO channel.
Cognitive activity of the right hemisphere: possible contributions to psychological function.

This paper reviews evidence from split-brain and other, more recent studies that have enriched and advanced our understanding of the cognitive and emotional abilities and characteristics of the right hemisphere. The more recent work includes research on intact subjects (employing Wada tests, unilateral videos, and functional imaging) and neuro-physiological studies on dissociated states such as multiple personality disorder and hypnosis. The literature continues to support the view that in intact persons, the right hemisphere has significant mental faculties that can operate with some independence from those of the left hemisphere. The paper also reviews relevant psychodynamic literature and discusses the theoretical and therapeutic implications of the existence of these partially autonomous right hemispheric mental faculties.
Load balanced parallel QR decomposition on shared memory multiprocessors

Abstract This paper introduces a new parallel QR decomposition algorithm with two key advantages over previous techniques. It is specifically designed to achieve high parallel efficiency on shared memory parallel computers with a modest number of processors, and the novel load balancing method described here considers total computational work as opposed to just balancing Givens rotations. This results in expected efficiencies which approach optimal as problem size grows relative to number of processors. The hybrid nature of the algorithm seeks to maximize computation between communication and synchronization. Implementation results on shared memory multiprocessors track expected performance well up to 12 processors, and initial performance results on a distributed shared memory machine are presented.
Theory of solvent extraction of phosphoric and hydrochloric acids

Mixtures of hydrochloric and phosphoric acids were extracted from aqueous solution by organic solvents in a study to advance the theories of solvent extraction. Four solvents, t-amyl alcohol, n-butanol, cyclohexanol, and 2-hydroxyethyl, n-hexyl ether, were found to give high distribution coefficients of 0.1 to 0.5 for both acids. In studies using the ether type of solvent an increase of the pH of the aqueous phase from 0 to 10 reduced the distribution ratio of phosphoric acid by a factor of 1,100. The substitution of hydriodic acid for hydrochloric caused a 42% increase in the K of phosphoric acid, which could indicate the importance of internal pressure of the additive in extraction. Measurements of activity coefficients of the hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution showed only a 1% increase in its activity coefficient with addition of large amounts of phosphoric acid. This could not be sufficient to cause up to a 40% increase in the distribution coefficient of the hydrochloric acid with the addition of the phosphoric acid.
Lignification as a mechanism for induced systemic resistance in cucumber

Infection of the first true leaf of cucumber with Colletotrichum lagenarium induces systemic resistance (protection) against subsequent challenge by C. lagenarium or Cladosporium cucumerinum Conidia of C. lagenarium germinated and formed appressoria equally well on isolated epidermal strips from protected and control plants; however, penetration occurred less frequently into epidermal strips from protected plants. Inhibition of penetration was associated with host epidermal cell wall lignification directly under appressoria. Lignification occurred more rapidly and to a greater extent in protected than in control plants. Infection of etiolated seedlings resistant to scab with C. cucumerinum made the seedlings resistant to C. lagenarium, and elicited a rapid lignification of penetrated and adjacent host cells. This lignification reaction in the resistant cultivar was histologically indistinguishable from that at sites of penetration in a systemically protected “susceptible” cultivar challenged with C. cucumerinum. Germination of conidia and frequencies of penetration of C. cucumerinum were similar in protected and control plants, but development of the fungus in lignified tissue was markedly restricted. Coniferyl alcohol, a lignin precursor, was toxic to C. lagenarium and C. cucumerinum when only 0·3 hg were applied to thin-layer bioassay plates. This suggests that it might function as a phytoalexin. Mycelia of C. lagenarium and C. cucumerinum were “lignified” in the presence of coniferyl alcohol, peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide.
The Distribution of Emergency Permit Teachers in California

There is a significant negative relationship between the percentage of teachers on emergency permits and student achievement at the school level in California schools, after controlling for other student and school characteristics. Generally, the more emergency permit teachers there are in a school, the lower the school's achievement. This phenomenon is examined in the context of other contributors to student achievement such as socio-economic status and school size. The effects of teacher distribution and school selection as contributing factors are considered. In addition, policy and legislative initiatives related to emergency permit teachers that have been recently debated in California will be discussed. Finally, a set of initiatives is proposed that attempt to decrease the need for emergency permit teachers and ensure that those that must be hired due to shortage conditions have the support they need to become credentialed teachers.
Long waves over a bi-viscous seabed: transverse patterns

The coupled interaction of long standing hydrodynamic waves with a deformable non-Newtonian seabed is examined using a two-layer model for which the upper layer fluid is inviscid and the lower layer is bi-viscous. The two-dimensional response of the system to forcing by a predominantly longitudinal (cross-shore) standing wave perturbed by a small transverse (along-shore) component is determined. With a constant yield stress in the bi-viscous lower layer, there is little amplification of these transverse per-turbations and the model response typically remains quasi-one-dimensional. However, for a bi-viscous layer with a pressure-dependent yield stress (which represents the effect that the seabed deforms less readily under compression and hence renders the rheology history dependent), the initially small transverse motions are amplified in some parameter regimes and two-dimensional, permanent bedforms are formed in the lower layer. This simple dynamical model is, therefore, able to explain the formation of permanent bedforms with significant cross- and along-shore features by predominantly cross-shore standing wave forcing.
Anion Coordination in Metal−Organic Frameworks Functionalized with Urea Hydrogen-Bonding Groups

A series of metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) functionalized with urea hydrogen-bonding groups has been synthesized and structurally analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction to evaluate the efficacy of anion coordination by urea within the structural constraints of the MOFs. We found that urea-based functionalities may be used for anion binding within metal−organic frameworks when the tendency for urea···urea self-association is decreased by strengthening the intramolecular CH···O hydrogen bonding of N-phenyl substituents to the carbonyl oxygen atom. Theoretical calculations indicate that N,N‘-bis(m-pyridyl)urea (BPU) and N,N‘-bis(m-cyanophenyl)urea (BCPU) should have enhanced hydrogen-bonding donor abilities toward anions and decreased tendencies to self-associate into hydrogen-bonded tapes compared to other disubstituted ureas. Accordingly, BPU and BCPU were incorporated in MOFs as linkers through coordination of various Zn, Cu, and Ag transition metal salts, including Zn(ClO4)2, ZnSO4, Cu(NO3)2, Cu(C...
Ideas on a system design for end-user robots

Robots are being used successfully in factory automation; however, recently there has been some success in building robots which can operate in field environments, where the domain is less predictable. New perception and control techniques have been developed which allow a robot to accomplish its mission while dealing with natural changes in both land and underwater environments. Unfortunately, efforts in this area have resulted in many one-of-a-kind robots, limited to research laboratories or carefully delimited field task arenas. A user who would like to apply robotic technology to a particular field problem must basically start from scratch. The problem is that the robotic technology (i.e., the hardware and software) which might apply to the user's domain exists in a diverse array of formats and configurations. For end-user robots to become a reality, an effort to standardize some aspects of the robotic technology must be made, in much the same way that personal computer technology is becoming standardized. Presently, a person can buy a computer and then acquire hardware and software extensions which simply `plug in' and provide the user with the required utility without the user having to understand the inner workings of the pieces of the system. This technology even employs standardized interface specifications so the user is presented with a familiar interaction paradigm. This paper outlines some system requirements (hardware and software) and a preliminary design for end-user robots for field environments, drawing parallels to the trends in the personal computer market. The general conclusion is that the appropriate components as well as an integrating architecture are already available, making development of out-of-the- box, turnkey robots for a certain range of commonly required tasks a potential reality.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.