cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Speed Scanning of Piezo-Probes for Nano-fabrication

Low scanning speed of piezo-probes has been a fundamental limitation of scanning probe based nano-fabrication techniques. Typical scan-rates achieved are limited, by structural vibrations of the piezo-probe, to about 1/10th the fundamental vibrational frequency of the piezo-probe. Faster scanning of piezo-probes is achieved here (experimental results are presented) by using inversion of the piezo-dynamics—this approach uses a feedforward input voltage, applied to piezo-probe, to compensate for piezo vibrations.
Trapped electrons in substoichiometric MoO3 observed by X-ray electron spectroscopy

Abstract Substoichiometric amorphous thin films of MoO3 in both the transparent and absorptive forms have been studied by X-ray electron spectroscopy. The transparent films can be colored blue (absorptive) electrically or by UV irradiation. The electron distribution curve of the blue film exhibits a small band near the Fermi edge which is absent in the transparent sample. This new band is attributed to electrons trapped in positively charged anion vacancies in the substoichiometric MoO3 lattice. This model provides an interpretation of the electrical conductivity and color of the films.
Perspective: Attributable Mortality—The Promise of Better Antimicrobial Therapy

The major goal of antimicrobial therapy is to reduce adverse consequences of infection. In examining the impact of a novel drug, one compares the outcome?such as mortality?in patients given the new antibiotic versus the outcome of those given either the standard antibiotic or a placebo. In a properly conducted clinical trial, the difference in mortality is an estimate of the effect of the new antibiotic. Questions immediately arise: How good was the new antibiotic? How good would an optimal antibiotic be? For example, if total 30-day mortality from bacteremia was 350Zo among those given standard antibiotic therapy versus 17.50Zo among those given a novel antibiotic in a properly conducted clinical trial, how would one clearly describe such an effect? The answer derives from a clear understanding of the concepts of crude and attributable mortality. Crude mortality defines the total or overall proportion of deaths in a population experiencing an illness such as infection. In the example above, the crude mortality of patients given the new drug (17.507o) was half that of those given the standard drug (3507o). Suppose that, on average, the mortality of the underlying diseases was 10oZo for both populations randomized to receive either the new drug or standard therapy. One could conclude that the mortality from the infection itself (attributable mortality)?after accounting for the underlying diseases?was 7.50Zo for those given the new drug and 2507o for those given the standard therapy. As illustrated in table 1, the SO'M) reduction in crude mortality with the new drug corresponded to a 700Zo reduction in attributable mortality! Simply stated, the new antibiotic was a 70o7o improvement over existing therapy. The best antibiotic possible would eliminate all of the attributable mortality and leave a crude mortality of 10oZo. Only with better drugs targeting an improved outcome of the underlying diseases could the crude mortality fall below the 1007o figure. For the infectious diseases specialist, however, it is the attribut-
Watermark defect formation and removal for immersion lithography

In immersion lithography, water drop residue has been identified as the source of watermark defects. Many methods have been studied to reduce water drops outside of the immersion area. However, from a physical point of view, the wafer surface is very hard to keep dry after immersion exposure. The water drop residues easily cause watermark defects that ranges from micrometer-size circular defects to sub-micron scum defects. In this paper we describe a few new methods to understand watermark formation. We also describe our studies on various water drop sizes and their impact on CD and defects. Our results show that major watermark defects occur as a result of the presence of relatively small water drops. A few methods have also been studied to reduce the impact of watermarks in order to remove watermark-induced pattern defects on wafers. These methods include post-immersion exposure treatment as well as novel material and process improvement methods. By applying these methods, we are able to remove watermark defects without an additional resist protection layer while still maintaining good resist lithographic performance.
Inhibition of NF-κB–DNA binding by mercuric ion: utility of the non-thiol reductant, tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP), on detection of impaired NF-κB–DNA binding by thiol-directed agents

Mercuric ion (Hg(2+)), a potent thiol inhibitor, prevents expression of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) by mercaptide bond formation with a critical cysteine moiety (cys(62)) on the p50 subunit required for DNA binding. NF-kappaB-DNA binding is typically measured in reaction mixtures in which dithiothreitol (DTT) or other thiol reductants are used to maintain cys(62) in the reduced state. However, the presence of thiol reductants prevents accurate assessment of the Hg(2+) concentration required to prevent NF-kappaB-DNA binding because of competitive mercaptide bond formation. In the present studies we evaluated the efficacy of tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine-HCl (TCEP), a non-thiol reducing agent which does not bind Hg(2+), on NF-kappaB-DNA binding in vitro, using recombinant p50 protein and a (32)P-labelled kappaB oligonucleotide. We also measured the minimal Hg(2+) concentration required to prevent this interaction in the presence of either reagent. DTT promoted NF-kappaB-DNA binding in concentrations from 0.25 to 2.6mM in binding reactions. However, in the presence of 0.25mM DTT, inhibition of NF-kappaB binding was seen only at Hg(2+) concentrations greater than 100 microM and results were highly variable. In contrast, TCEP promoted NF-kappaB-DNA binding in a dose-related manner in concentrations from 0.25 to 6mM. In the presence of even 6mM TCEP, Hg(2+) prevented NF-kappaB-DNA binding at concentrations as low as 20 microM in binding reactions. Similar findings were observed with regard to the thiol alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). These findings demonstrate the utility of TCEP as reductant in nuclear binding reaction assays involving the interaction of thiol constituents. They also demonstrate inhibition of NF-kappaB-DNA binding at Hg(2+) concentrations comparable to those known to initiate toxicity and apoptotic cell death in vivo.
Cyclic and secular variation in microfossil biomineralization: clues to the biogeochemical evolution of Phanerozoic oceans

The stratigraphic occurrence and mineralogy of major protistan microfossil taxa tend to reflect evolutionary innovation in response to ocean chemistry and fertility. In foraminefera, the characteristic test composition—and, in some cases, ultrastructure—of each suborder is indicative of the degree of surface ocean CaCO3 saturation, which varied in a cyclic manner through the Phanerozoic, at the time of origin of the suborder. High dissolved phosphate and low CaCO3 saturation in late Precambrian-Early Cambrian surface waters may have prevented calcification in primitive non-calcareous (organic, agglutinated) foraminiferal stocks. Scattered reports of coccolithophorid-like microfossils from the Paleozoic are indicative of a secular trend in rising nutrient levels and marine productivity that controlled the initiation of calcareous oozes. Based on acritarch, carbon isotope, and phosphorite records, extremely low nutrient levels (“superligotrophic” conditions) in Cambrian-to-Devonian seas typically limited population densities of calcareous nannoplankton and prevented the formation of calcareous oozes. The overall “superoligotrophic” surface conditions of the Paleozoic were punctuated, though, by episodes of “catastrophic” eutrophication in the Late Ordovician, Late Devonia, and Late Carboniferous (Worsley et al., 1986). Following each episode, CaCO3 rain rates were presumably enhanced because Marine C:P (MCP) burial ratios increased permanently above previous levels (Worsley et al., 1986). Nevertheless, it was not until the Carboniferous that the CCD had deepened sufficiently (via erosion of cratonic limestones) to allow pelagic calcareous oozes to begin to accumulate. Prior to this time, surface waters appear to have been sufficiently corrosive (high atmospheric pCO2 and low CaCO3 saturation), and the CCD sufficiently shallow, to dissolve virtually all incipient calcareous nannofossils. Following Late Permian extinctions, plankton re-expanded in response to both eustatic sea level rise (increased habitat availability) and increased nutrient levels (“mesotrophic” conditions). As organic matter (Corg) and CaCO3 rain rates increased, bioturbation rates also increased, thereby recycling nutrients back to the surface and accentuating productivity and calcareous ooze formation. MCP episodes further accelerated nutrient cycling and productivity in the Neogene, as indicated by the expansion of diatoms, which prefer nutrient-rich (“eutrophic”) conditions. Ironically, while permanently increasing C:P burial ratios and productivity through the Phanerozoic, catastrophic fluctuations in nutrient levels may have also exacerbated mass extinctions via shortening of pelagic food chains. Nevertheless, re-expansion of the marine biosphere following each extinction episode resulted in a secular trend of increasing biomass and biotic diversity that may have contributed to the decline in background extinction rates through the Phanerozoic.
Word boundary detection through frame classification using bispectral analysis

This paper presents a word boundary detection technique based on frame classification using the nonlinear characteristics of speech. Bispectral analysis was used to classify speech frames into voiced, unvoiced and noise segments. To improve classification accuracy, bispectral features were combined with other features such as short time energy, zero-crossing rate, autocorrelation and high-to-low frequency ratio. Experimental results indicate that classification error decreases when bispectrum is combined with other features. Thus bispectral features can be used as supplementary to augment simple time domain features for demarcating word boundaries in speech. Validation of results was carried out by manual verification.
Conceptualizing “unrecognized cultural currency”: Bourdieu and everyday resistance among the dominated

Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital is important for understanding the cultural processes of domination but less helpful in understanding the agency and creativity of the dominated. This article develops the concept of “unrecognized cultural currency” (UCC) to theorize how certain cultural competencies specific to the dominated can facilitate in their everyday resistance. I theorize UCC as cultural resources that have little symbolic value but that nonetheless may be used by the dominated to acquire other valuable resources and push back, to some extent, forces of domination. A case study of low-income LEP (limited English proficiency) immigrant patients concretizes this theoretical argument, highlighting the contrast between practices of “covert maneuvering,” which are enabled by UCC, and practices of “passivity or withdrawal,” which characterize most patient behaviors in situations where UCC is unavailable. The concept of UCC supplements Bourdieu’s framework of cultural capital with further explanations for intra-class stratification among dominated groups. Meanwhile, this article also helps advance recent discussions about everyday resistance.
The Contested Legacy of Rio+20

The 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 generated a wide range of mostly negative reactions. Even before the conference, there was widespread doubt about the possibility of success. As soon as the conference closed, analysts highlighted its failures and criticized the outcome document, The Future We Want. While it does not present a grand transformative vision, the outcome document does reaffirm past political commitments and addresses the multiple dimensions of sustainable development and the linkages among them. Indeed, Rio+20 had subtle, yet significant impacts. Three main areas stand out: reform of international institutions, sustainable development goals, and participation as principle and practice. The global decisions in these domains and the unprecedented local engagement provide critical junctures likely to shape global environmental governance for the next two decades.
APL event / response programming

A proposed mechanism is described by which responses can be programmed to react to APL events. Events can be trapped, and a response is executed either where the trap is laid, or where the event occurs.
Activation of GPER Induces Differentiation and Inhibition of Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation

Background Vascular pathology and dysfunction are direct life-threatening outcomes resulting from atherosclerosis or vascular injury, which are primarily attributed to contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) dedifferentiation and proliferation by re-entering cell cycle. Increasing evidence suggests potent protective effects of G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) activation against cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism underlying GPER function remains poorly understood, especially if it plays a potential role in modulating coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMCs).
Circular dichroism in photoelectron angular distributions from adsorbed atoms

The theory of circular dichroism in the photoelectron angular distributions (CDAD) of oriented linear molecules is applied to the photoionization of adsorbed atoms. CDAD is shown to offer much greater detail about the adatom than is available from standard angle-resolved photoionization studies. For oriented atomic orbitals, CDAD is shown to arise solely from interference between the l→l+1 and l→l-1 photoionization channels. In addition, for both adsorbed atoms and oriented molecules, CDAD is shown to arise entirely from the non-plane-wave nature of the final state. A simple calculation of CDAD from an oxygen-atom p orbital is given.
Stimulation of oxytocin release in the lactating rat by central excitatory amino acid mechanisms: evidence for specific involvement of R,S-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid-sensitive glutamate receptors

To examine whether an excitatory amino acid (EAA) neurotransmitter may influence the secretion of oxytocin (OT), agonists and antagonists selective for three major groups of EAA receptors were microinjected into the area of right supraoptic nucleus (SON) of conscious unrestrained lactating rats. An increase in plasma OT concentration was induced by the EAA receptor agonist R,S-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) and kainic acid, but not by agonists at other EAA receptors, such as N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) or the metabotropic agonist (1S,3R)-1-amino-cyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid. Increasing AMPA doses between 0.1-0.8 nmol/SON progressively increased the percentage of animals showing OT discharges to 100% at the highest dose, whereas the responding animals showed similar elevations of plasma OT regardless of dose. OT release induced by intra-SON AMPA was prevented by treatment with the selective non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, but not...
Robust pole assignment for systems with parameters

In this paper we investigate the problem of arbitrarily assigning the closed loop poles of a linear time invariant multivariable system with a proper output feed-back compensator in a manner which is insensitive with respect to parameters. We consider a certain parameter structure, define the notion of robust pole assignment and give necessary and/or sufficient conditions for accomplishing it.
Support service use and interest in support services among lung cancer patients

Objectives This study examined support service use and interest in support services among lung cancer patients (N = 165) at two comprehensive medical centers in the midwestern United States.
HIV Subspecialty Care in Correctional Facilities Using Telemedicine

In the United States, prisons and jails contain a population at high risk for HIV infection with a relatively large proportion known to be HIV positive. However, many incarcerated persons lack acce...
Fabrication of metal nanoring array by nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and reactive ion etching

We report a new technique for fabricating metal nanoring array. In the process, a Cr nanodisk array was first formed by evaporating Cr onto the bottom of a 200nm period hole array having large undercut. The hole array was produced by NIL and RIE pattern transfer in a polymer sandwiched between a thin SiO"2 and Si layer, which were stacked on a second polymer layer; and the undercut was formed by excessive polymer RIE. The thin Si surrounding the Cr disk was subsequently etched through by SF"6 RIE, resulting in a ring-shaped hole structure in Si. After removing SiO"2 and the first polymer layer and etching through the second polymer layer, a metal ring array was created by standard evaporation and liftoff. As examples, we fabricated Cr nanoring array with height 15nm, inner diameter 70-120nm and ring-width down to 22nm. We have found that, for a fixed hole diameter, the ring-diameter is strongly dependent on the hole depth. The ring symmetry and the wafer edge effect are discussed. The process can certainly be extended to metals other than Cr. Compared to previous methods, the current one is simpler, less costly and more suitable for narrow ring fabrication, though it suffers from reduced ring symmetry. However, asymmetric (nonconcentric) nanoring could be desirable for magnetic data storage and plasmonic devices.
Compound geometric resonances in Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox single crystals

Abstract Single crystals of Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O x with transition temperatures of 85 K have been studied using a low temperature scanning tunneling microscope. Spectra of very weakly coupled point contact configuration have been obtained and reproducible periodic conductance structures in the bias voltage have been found. A model based on geometrical resonances in superconducting superlattice is proposed and found to provide a satisfactory explanation of the data.
Plant community establishment following drawdown of a reservoir in southern Arkansas, USA

Wetland area, function and wildlife habitat value are extensively altered by the construction of freshwater reservoirs. We studied the effects of a temporary drawdown on shoreline vegetation communities of Felsenthal Navigation Pool (“the pool”), an impoundment at Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arkansas that is managed as a greentree reservoir. The pool was permanently flooded from 1985 until the summer of 1995 when the water level was dropped 0.3 m for about 16 weeks, exposing about 1,591 ha of soil. To document plant succession on the sediments exposed, we recorded plant species composition and cover at 14 transects along the pool margin prior to the drawdown, during the drawdown, and in the following summer. A soil disturbance treatment was applied near five transects following the drawdown, and soil was collected at each transect for seed bank and soil analyses. Plants colonized the drawdown zone quickly and high vegetation cover was present at some transects 4 weeks after the drawdown was initiated. Plants included species that are high quality food sources for waterfowl, including Cyperus erythrorhizos and Leptochloa fascicularis var. fascicularis. Vegetation response, measured by species richness, total cover, and cover of Cyperus species, was often greater at low compared to high elevations in the drawdown zone; this effect was probably intensified by low summer rainfall. Response on the disturbed transects was lower than that on the undisturbed transects. This effect was attributed to two factors: (1) removal of the existing seed bank by the disturbance applied and (2) reduced incorporation of seeds recruited during the drawdown because of unusually low rainfall. Seed bank studies demonstrated that several species persisted despite 10 years of continual flooding, and that seed bank species richness increased during the drawdown. Although conclusions are limited by the 1-year time frame of the study, it is unlikely that permanent change to plant community structure in the drawdown zone resulted from the lowered water level.
Book Review: Marketing Principles by Craig Walters and Leo-Paul Dana

Marketing Principles. by Craig Walters and Leo-Paul Dana. 4th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. 576pp. ISBN: 1-87737-137-8
Thermogravimetric studies of metal β-diketonates

Abstract Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is applied to the rapid determination of the relative volatilities of various metal β-diketonate chelates. Differences are seen in the volatility of a series of thermally stable tris (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato) rare earth chelates. The trend in volatility of the rare earth chelates is related to the size of the trivalent rare earth ion and is independent of chelate mass. The order of increasing volatility as seen from the thermograms of the volatile rare earth chelates parallels the order of increasing ease of elution of these chelates from non-polar gas chromatographic liquid partioning phases. Some of the chelates are considerably more volatile than alkane hydrocarbons of considerably lower carbon number. Volatilities of metal β-diketonates of Cr(III), Fe(III), Rh(III), Al(III), Na(I), Zr(IV), Sc(III), Y(III), and the trivalent lanthanides are compared. Differences in the volatilities of metal chelates, arising from substitution in the chelate ligand, are illustrated for metal chelate derivatives of various β-diketone ligands.
Rax, the cellular pkr activator, potentiates ceramide-induced apoptosis in hematopoietic cells

Abstract We previously identified a novel IL-3 signaling pathway that features regulation of protein synthesis via the double-stranded RNA kinase, PKR (Ito, T., Jaguas, R., and May, W. S. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:7455–7459, 1994). Stress applications (e.g. IL-3 withdrawal) result in PKR activation and inhibition of protein synthesis. Recently, we discovered a novel murine cellular protein, RAX, which activates PKR (Ito, T., Yang, M., and May, W. S. J. Biol. Chem 274:15427–15432, 1999). RAX is ubiquitously expressed at low levels and exogenous expression augments cell death induced by IL-3 withdrawal suggesting that a stress stimulus can somehow up-regulate RAX. RAX and its human counterpart, PACT, represent the first cellular activators of PKR. RAX is phosphorylated upon IL-3 withdrawal not by PKR but by an as yet unidentified stress-activated protein kinase. Importantly, RAX activation is observed during diverse apoptotic stimuli. The second messenger molecule and potent apoptotic agent ceramide is (1) produced during diverse apoptotic stress conditions (including growth factor withdrawal) and (2) a potent agonist of stress-activated protein kinases. Therefore, we postulate that ceramide may regulate RAX. Consistent with this notion, we have now found that addition of C2-ceramide but not the inactive dihydro analog induces overexpression of human RAX in acute myeloid leukemia derived HL60 cells. Increases in human RAX expression with increasing ceramide concentrations correlate with the promotion of apoptosis in these cells. Moreover, the overexpression of exogenous RAX enhances ceramide-induced apoptosis in murine NSF/N1.H7 cells. These findings suggest a novel mechanism where ceramide may participate in stress-signaling pathways that activate RAX in hematopoietic cells. Since PKR has demonstrated potential as a tumor suppressor, it may be possible to exploit RAX activation to optimize this PKR tumor suppressor function and thus provide novel therapies for hematologic malignancies.
Comparison between 6,7-Dihydro-5H-Dibenz(c,e)azepine and Lovastatin as Hypolipidemic Agents in Rats

Abstract 6,7-Dihydro-5 H -dibenz(c,e)azepine (azepine) and lovastatin were investigated for their hypolipidemic activity in Sprague–Dawley male rats. Azepine lowered both serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels, whereas lovastatin only lowered serum total cholesterol levels significantly. Lovastatin also elevated lipid levels in tissues, whereas azepine in general did not have a similar effect. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly elevated and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced after treatment with both agents. Concentrations of ApoE and ApoAl of high-density lipoprotein were increased after treatment, a result that should enhance the reverse cholesterol transport process of returning cholesterol to the liver for excretion. Azepine appeared to be safe in its therapeutic range in rodents.
An electron microscopic study of mesenchyme during development of interdigital spaces in man

Cell movements and degenerations occur normally during embryogenesis and have received particular attention during development of limbs in the chick. The present investigation suggests that similar phenomena occur during formation of interdigital spaces in man. Upper limb buds were dissected from a human embryo (CR 15.5 mm, age estimated at 6 weeks postfertilization), fixed in phosphate buffered glutaraldehyde, and prepared for electron microscopy. Mesenchymal cells in developing interdigital zones appeared to be undergoing either mitosis or necrosis. Macrophagy of necrotic mesenchymal cells, which begins distad in the appendage bud, contributes to the final formation of an interdigital space.
New permanental upper bounds for nonnegative matrices

Using a simple concavity argument together with the scale-symmetries of the permanent function, we derive a handful of upper bounds for the permanent of a nonnegative matrix. Each is better than our previously best upper bound, and agrees with the Minc-Bregman bound when applied to a (0,1)-matrix. We show how sharpening, a different application of scale-symmetries, can be used to improve upon virtually any extant permanental upper or lower bound for nonnegative matrices. Indeed, when applied to a (0,1)-matrix, the sharpened versions of the new upper bounds typically improve, sometimes considerably, upon the Minc-Bregman bound itself. We also indicate how our methods apply to lower bounds.
Intestinal cytokine gene expression in infants with acute necrotizing enterocolitis: Interleukin-11 mRNA expression inversely correlates with extent of disease

Abstract Background/Purpose: The authors have shown previously that surgical specimens from infants with acute necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) show upregulation of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) and interferon-γ mRNA. However, the contribution of other inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-11, and IL-12 has not been defined. Likewise, the role of GTP-cyclohydrolase, the rate-limiting enzyme in tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis, and thus NO production by iNOS is unclear. In this study, the authors sought to further define the pattern of cytokine expression seen in infants with acute NEC. Methods: The authors measured intestinal cytokine mRNA expression by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in 21 infants with histologically confirmed NEC, 18 with other inflammatory conditions, and in 9 patients without intestinal inflammation. Guanosine triphosphate-cyclohydrolase (GTP-CH) activity was measured by specific enzyme assay. Univariate exact logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of outcome. Results: IL-8 and IL-11 mRNA were upregulated in patients with acute NEC compared with those with other inflammatory conditions or those without disease; these levels returned to baseline at the time of stoma closure. Increased IL-11 mRNA decreased the likelihood of pan-necrosis (odds ratio, 0.93; P =.002). Increased IL-12 levels (but not IL-8) seemed to protect against pan-necrosis (odds ratio, 0.70; P =.06). Conclusions: Local upregulation of IL-11 may represent an adaptive response designed to limit the extent of intestinal damage in NEC. Decreased IL-12 levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of NEC by allowing bacteria to escape host defenses. J Pediatr Surg 36:1122-1129. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Introduction of the opti-trocar

To deal with the problems associated with blind trocar insertion for conventional laparoscopy, an image-receivable and light-transmissible, optically clear trocar tip was conceived. Consultation with persons with optical engineering expertise resulted in the design of a prototype instrument for clinical testing. Results of a feasibility study conducted in 150 subjects indicate that a significant advance in the performance of laparoscopic surgery is possible with wide-scale implementation of this innovation. Video-aided continuous visual imaging during trocar insertion provides identification of distinct layers of the abdominal wall and helps ensure proper intraabdominal placement without the need for minilaparotomy or open laparoscopy.
Spectral Reflectance Properties of Winter Cover Crops in the Southeastern Coastal Plain

Conservation tillage is a commonly adopted best management practice for reducing runoff and erosion, and increasing infiltration. Yet current methodologies in place to monitor conservation tillage adoption are largely inappropriate for regional or national assessments. A major goal of this study was to evaluate the spectral response properties of four alternative winter cover crops using remotely derived crop residue cover indices. Experimental plots were located in east-central Alabama on a coarse-loamy siliceous, subactive, thermic Plinthic Paleudult. The experiment was a randomized complete block design having four replications of each of the following treatments: one fallow conventional tillage treatment and four no-tillage treatments with black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.), crimson clover (Trifolium incamatum L.), turnip (Brassica rapa L. subsp.rapa), or rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crops. Remotely sensed data were acquired three times using a 14 d sampling interval beginning near planting and using a handheld multispectral radiometer (485-1650 nm) in 2005 and 2006. Three crop residue cover indices using combinations of middle-infrared and visible spectra were compared and evaluated. Rye, clover, and black oat were spectrally similar, having an overall spectral response ranging from 8 to 45% (440-1650 nm). Increasing soil water content between remotely sensed data acquisitions was evidenced by as much as a 24% decline in middle-infrared reflectance. Despite this variability, a normalized difference ratio of middle-infrared (1650 nm) and blue (445 nm) spectra (Crop Residue Cover Index) provided the most consistent differentiation between tillage systems, varying within 8% of benchmark conditions (low soil water and low canopy cover). Considering the impact that conservation tillage may have on soil and water resources, rapid, watershed scale assessments of conservation tillage adoption may facilitate natural resource inventories, carbon sequestration estimates, and improved agricultural water management regimes.
Characterization of microbial communities using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD).

Abstract Similarity among a number of aquatic microbial communities was examined using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), a common polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA fingerprinting technique. After amplification of whole-community DNA extracts, the PCR products were resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis and the band patterns compared to determine percent similarity. Twelve different primers were used to amplify approximately 100 fragments (total) from each DNA sample; the bands were scored as present or absent and the similarity between each sample was determined using Jaccard’s coefficient. From this information, dendrograms were constructed and a bootstrapping procedure was used to assess how well supported the tree topologies were. Principal component analyses were also conducted as a means of visualizing the relationships among samples. Results obtained for two different experimental systems (a pair of tidal creeks and several wells in a shallow groundwater aquifer) correlated well with the temporal and spatial variations in environmental regime at the sites confirming that arbitrarily primed PCR-based DNA fingerprinting techniques such as RAPD are useful means of discriminating among microbial communities and estimating community relatedness. Moreover, this approach has several advantages over other DNA-based procedures for whole-community analysis; it is less laborious and uses smaller quantities of DNA, making it amenable to sample-intensive monitoring, and it does not depend on culturing or the use of selective PCR primers.
Optic nerve glioma and cerebellar astrocytoma in a patient with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis

A 2 and a half year-old boy with neurofibromatosis developed unilateral proptosis, decreased visual acuity, and optic disk edema. After the discovery and removal of an optic nerve glioma, the patient had ten years of excellent health until he began having headaches, nausea, and vomiting. He had papilledema in his remaining eye. At exploration, a cerebellar astrocytoma and a neuroglial hamartoma were removed. The occurrence of a glioma of right anterior visual pathway associated with other primary intracranial lesions in patients with neurofibromatosis was not previously reported.
Fundamental eigenmode of traveling-wave phase-sensitive optical parametric amplifier: experimental generation and verification.

We investigate experimentally the eigenmodes of a Gaussian-beam-pumped traveling-wave phase-sensitive optical parametric amplifier (PSA). By varying the waist of an input LG00 signal mode, we show that PSA performance improves with increasing spatial overlap between the input and the theoretically predicted fundamental eigenmode. For optimum waist, we report amplification and deamplification markedly higher than those observed for the traditional case of signal waist=2× (pump waist). Lastly, we demonstrate the generation and verification of the PSA fundamental eigenmode.
Protein Denaturation in Heavy Water

THE increasing availability of deuterium oxide resulting from developments in nuclear energy renders it opportune to reopen the general question of the effects of deuteration on biological activity. Numerous investigations have utilized deuterium as a tracer. There are few quantitative studies, however, which help provide a basis for an understanding of the profound consequences of extensive deuteration on living organisms. To this end, we have now carried out experiments on the denaturation of ovalbumin in 99.6 per cent heavy water.
Altered red cell membrane fluidity during schizogonic development of malarial parasites (Plasmodium falciparum and P. lophurae)

The plasma membranes of human or duckling erythrocytes infected with malarial parasites (Plasmodium falciparum and P. lophurae respectively) were stained by the fluorescent dye merocyanine 540 in the presence of serum. Unparasitized erythrocytes from infected ducklings or from in vitro cultures remained unstained in the presence of serum. Because merocyanine 540 has a greater affinity for fluid phased or disordered lipid bilayers the results suggest that upon infection of the red blood cell the erythrocyte plasma membrane becomes disordered or is increased in its fluidity. Such alterations of the host erythrocyte are probably due to parasite-induced modifications in the underlying spectrin network (required for lipid leaflet asymmetry) as well as changes in erythrocyte membrane lipid composition.
The application of learning theories to improve cross-cultural training programs in MNCs

Cultural intelligence and intercultural competence are concepts that have been identified as antecedents for success in global management, and both depend on the acquisition of cultural knowledge. However, although a lack of cultural knowledge is cited in the international management literature as a frequent source of failure in expatriate assignments, there is scant research about how cultural knowledge is created and diffused within organizations. We cite evidence that cross-cultural training programs, which are widely utilized for cross-cultural knowledge transfer, tend to be ineffective in transferring cultural knowledge, and we examine in detail how cultural knowledge is acquired in MNCs and reveal the importance of its tacit component. Then, drawing upon five relevant learning models, we propose a framework for the effective transfer of cultural knowledge. Based on this theoretical underpinning, we offer four sets of effective cross-cultural training methods, as a function of the resources available...
Electrokinetic characterization of individual nanoparticles in nanofluidic channels

We electrokinetically characterize properties of single 42-nm polystyrene nanoparticles (NP) in nanofluidic channels imaged with frustrated total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (fTIRFM). Specifically, we demonstrate fTIRFM of individual NPs in nanofluidic channels shallower than the evanescent field and use the resultant illumination field to gain insight into the behavior and electrokinetic properties of individual NP transport in channels. We find that the electrophoretic mobility of nanoparticles in 100-nm channels is lower than in larger channels or in bulk, presumably due to hindrance effects. Furthermore, we notice a non-intuitive increase in mobility with buffer concentration, which we attribute to electric double layer interactions. Finally, since the evanescent field intensity decreases with distance from the channel wall, we use the measured fluorescence intensity to report probable transverse distributions of free-solution 42-nm polystyrene fluorescent particles. Our method promises to be useful for characterizing nanoscale molecules for many applications in drug discovery, bioanalytics, nanoparticle synthesis, viral targeting, and the basic science of understanding nanoparticle behavior.
Synthesis of vinyl-terminated isotactic poly(propylene)

Isotactic poly(propylene)s with 60–80% vinyl chain-end selectivity were synthesized with metallocene catalysts. Some of these vinyl-terminated poly(propylene)s are highly stereoregular (mmmm pentads up to 95%) and have high crystalline melting points in the range of 140–150°C. Chain-end analysis using 13C NMR indicates the vinyl chain-ends in the polymer are most likely formed through β-methyl elimination in the chain termination step.
THE CARBOHYDRATE COMPONENTS OF HUMAN SUBMAXILLARY SALIVA.

Abstract Human submaxillary saliva was found to contain galactose, glucose, mannose and fucose in a ratio of 6:1:1:4, glucosamine and galactosamine in a ratio of 6:4, and N-acetylneuraminic acid as the only sialic acid. Assays of forty-five subjects disclosed a mean of 30.3 mg% for total non-dialysable carbohydrate, made up of 7.5 mg% hexosamine, 6.8 mg% fucose, 13.7 mg% hexose and 2.3 mg% sialic acid. There is also a small amount of dialysable carbohydrate present including about 0.5 mg% free glucose.
Spectroscopic study of the n‐π* transition of oriented poly (γ‐benzyl L‐glutamate) in solution

Circular dichroism, optical rotation, and ultraviolet absorption studies have been carried out on oriented solutions of poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate). The orientation of the molecules was achieved by use of an electric field parallel to the direction of propagation of the light wave. This was possible because of the design of conducting electrodes which are largely transparent in the ultraviolet. It was accomplished by putting a very thin coating of stannous oxide on optical silica. The results of these measurements show that the magnitude of the circular dichroism and optical rotation decrease substantially in the n-π* region of the ultraviolet (∼ 2200 A). The decrease agrees with the calculation of Woody and Tinoco.
The Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome: inclusions in circulating leucocytes.

Summary. Electron microscopy of circulating leucocytes from a patient with the Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome revealed two different types of inclusions in a small percentage of monocytic cells. One of the inclusions closely resembled the large masses of lipopigment which fill the bone marrow macrophages in this disorder. The second type was unlike any inclusion previously reported in human leucocytes.
Neutron scattering from fermion and boson superconductors

Abstract The neutron scattering cross sections for a model paired fermion and model charged spinless paired boson superconductors are presented. These results suggest a diagnostic tool for distinguishing the quasiparticle statistics as well as determining the superconducting parameters of the systems.
The IMPROVE-1 Storm of 1-2 February 2001. Part III: Sensitivity of a Mesoscale Model Simulation to the Representation of Snow Particle Types and Testing of a Bulk Microphysical Scheme with Snow Habit Prediction

Abstract A mesoscale model simulation of a wide cold-frontal rainband observed in the Pacific Northwest during the Improvement of Microphysical Parameterization through Observational Verification Experiment (IMPROVE-1) field study was used to test the sensitivity of the model-produced precipitation to varied representations of snow particles in a bulk microphysical scheme. Tests of sensitivity to snow habit type, by using empirical relationships for mass and velocity versus diameter, demonstrated the defectiveness of the conventional assumption of snow particles as constant density spheres. More realistic empirical mass–diameter relationships result in increased numbers of particles and shift the snow size distribution toward larger particles, leading to increased depositional growth of snow and decreased cloud water production. Use of realistic empirical mass–diameter relationships generally increased precipitation at the surface as the rainband interacted with the orography, with more limited increases ...
Heat Flux Estimates for the Western North Atlantic. Part I: Assimilation of Satellite Data into a Mixed Layer Model

Abstract Satellite-derived temperature and geostrophic velocities were assimilated into a mixed layer model to obtain estimates of the net surface heat flux as the residual of the upper ocean heat budget. The heat budget included eddy diffusion. advection, and vertical entrainment. Assimilation was done using a Kalman filter on both the temperature tendency and the temperature of the mixed layer. The error in temperature tendency was used to derive a new surface heat flux estimate. Experiments performed on the actual data suggested that better surface flux estimates could be obtained by allowing the model to predict the mixed layer depth than by adjusting the depth to a climatological value. A systematic error in the temperature tendency appeared to be due to errors in the estimate of the mean sea surface height from the altimeter; a partial correction for these errors was computed. The agreement between the time series of spatially averaged surface flux and that obtained from the ECMWF atmospheric model ...
Application of Transition State Theory for Thermal Stability Prediction

Estimations of thermal hazards based on calorimetric experiments can be resource consuming. Therefore, reactive hazard predictions using computational techniques are an attractive option. Typically, prior to detailed experimentation, a screening test is performed on the set of potential reactive chemicals using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The screening tests help to focus the resources on the more reactive systems. The onset temperature (To) and the energy of reaction (−ΔHrxn) are two important parameters obtained from a DSC run. Prediction of thermal stability requires the knowledge of both the thermodynamics and kinetics for the given system. In this paper, the energy of reaction (−ΔHrxn) is approximated by the maximum enthalpy of decomposition (as calculated by the CHETAH program) and transition state theory is employed to estimate the decomposition kinetics of aromatic nitro compounds. The activation energy is approximated as a fraction of the bond dissociation energy (BDE), calculated ...
Preparation and Characterization of ZnSiP2 and ZnGeP2 Single Crystals.

Abstract Single crystals of ZnSiP2 and ZnGeP2 have been grown by several techniques and their electronic and optical properties were compared. It was found that Fe(III) could not be substituted for equal amounts of Zn(II) and Ge(IV) in the II–IV–V2 chalcopyrites. However, 0.5 atomic percent of Mn(II) was successfully substituted in the structure for Zn(II).
[3H] diazepam binding to human granulocytes

[3H]-diazepam binds to sites on human granulocyte membranes, with little or no binding to platelets or lymphocytes. These [3H]-diazepam binding sites are of the peripheral type, being strongly inhibited by R05-4864 (Ki = 6.23nM) but only weakly by clonazepam (Ki = 14 microM). Binding of [3H] diazepam at 0 degree is saturable, specific and stereoselective. Scatchard analysis indicates a single class of sites with Bmax of 109 +/- 17f moles per mg of protein and KD of 3.07 +/- 0.53nM. Hill plots of saturation experiments gave straight lines with a mean Hill coefficient of 1.03 +/- 0.014. Binding is time dependent and reversible and it varies linearly with granulocyte protein concentration over the range 0.025-0.300 mg of protein.
Competitiveness and convergence in G7 and emerging markets

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the competitiveness and convergence of the G7 and big emerging markets (BEM) nations using various economic, demographic, trade, investment, and freedom and governance criteria.Design/methodology/approach – The two groups of nations, G7 and BEM, are compared on the basis of various longitudinal and cross‐sectional variables. The longitudinal variables are GDP and real GDP growth, per capita GDP, international trade, foreign direct investment, index of ageing, and life expectancy at birth. Cross‐sectional competitive indices are Global competitiveness index, index of economic freedom, Democracy index, Human development index, Gini index, Government effectiveness, and Corruption perception index.Findings – The findings show that BEM is growing faster than G7 in most economic indicators including GDP, trade, and investment. The growth results in some form of convergence. The freedom and governance infrastructure of the BEM is relatively weak to support their ...
Mouse monosomies and trisomies as experimental systems for studying mammalian aneuploidy

Abstract Robertsonian fusion chromosomes isolated from feral strains of mice now make it possible to generate all of the mouse autosomal trisomies and monosomies. The resulting chromosomally unbalanced embryos and fetuses can be used to study the mechanisms of the phenotypic effects of aneuploidy and can create models for human chromosomal disorders.
Does the Milky Way produce a starburst wind

We present new FUSE and HST/STIS observations of two high Galactic latitude AGN that we use to measure the nuclear wind velocity of the Milky Way for the first time. We find high velocity C III & O VI at a heliocentric velocity of $+163 \pm 8 {\rm km s^{-1}}$ and C III & N V at $-105 \pm 14 {\rm km s^{-1}}$ toward PKS 2005–489 ( $l=350^{\circ}, b=-33^{\circ}$ ) and C III, C IV, & Si IV and C III & O VI toward Mrk 1383 ( $l=349^{\circ}, b=55^{\circ}$ ) at $+48 \pm 4 {\rm km s^{-1}}$ and $+94 \pm 7 {\rm km s^{-1}}$ , respectively. We have estimated the Galactocentric escape velocity of gas above the Galactic Centre along the PKS 2005–489 and Mrk 1383 sight-lines to be $\geq\,$ $215 \pm 35$ and $\geq\,$ $145 \pm 25 {\rm km s^{-1}}$ , respectively. Thus, we have detected both infalling and bound outflowing gas from the Galactic Centre, indicating that the Milky Way does not produce a starburst wind, but a bound Galactic “fountain” instead.