cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cometary dust studied with infrared photometry

Our knowledge of the physical properties of cometary dust grains derives primarily from measurements of their thermal emission and optical scattering. The infrared data for bright, nonperiodic comets have recently been augmented by observations of fainter periodic comets beyond 1 AU. Small absorbing grains, ≲ 1 μm radius, are necessary to explain the observed infrared flux at wavelengths 3 to 20 μm while small silicate grains are necessary to explain the excess flux near 10 and 18 μm observed in many comets within 1 AU of the sun. These conclusions are consistent with collected micrometeorites and dynamical analysis of comet dust tails. The thermal emission from all well-observed comets at R≦1.5 AU can be fit by a size distribution function with a change in mean particle size less than a factor 2.5.
Some Comments on Hassairi et al.'s “Implicit Distributions and Estimation”

ABSTRACT An implicit distribution resembles a posterior distribution of Θ in the presence of a specific prior distribution on Θ. But, then it is not clear if anything additional or distinctly novel is achieved via implicit distributions that goes above and beyond what is achieved through usual full-blown Bayesian analyses. On the other hand, an implicit distribution resembles a fiducial distribution of Θ when no specific prior distribution is assumed for Θ. In that case, however, it seems fair to criticize an implicit distribution along the lines of well-documented criticisms and controversies that surround Fisher's fiducial distribution even today, nearly 75 years after Fisher (1930) first introduced the concept. Any intrinsic value of implicit distributions remains unclear in my view.
Effect of Mg-Substitution on the Magnetic Properties of Cobalt Ferrite

In this study, we have substituted Mg into cobalt ferrite to investigate the effect on magnetic properties. The effect is different compared to other cation substitution studies on cobalt ferrite. An interesting observation is that the variation of magnetocrystalline anisotropy, due to Mg-substitution, is comparable with increasing Mg concentration. Similar trend was previously reported on the effect of Mg-substitution of the magnetostrictive properties of cobalt ferrite. Coercive field varies more significantly with Mg-substitution.
A 3D in situ cell counter reveals that breast tumor cell (MDA-MB-231) proliferation rate is reduced by the collagen matrix density

Many cell types require the biophysical and biochemical cues within the 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) to exhibit their true physiologically relevant behavior. As a result, cell culture platforms have been evolving from traditional 2D petridish plates into 3D biomatrices, and there is a need for developing analytic tools to characterize 3D cell culture. The existing cell counting method, using a hemocytometer or coulter counter, requires that cells are suspended in fluids prior to counting. This poses a challenge for 3D cell culture as cells are embedded in a 3D biomatrix. We use a facile 3D cell counting method that overcomes this limitation and allows for in situ cell counting in a 3D cell culture using equipment that is commonly available in a biology lab. Using a breast tumor cell line, MDA-MB-231, as a model system, we demonstrated that MDA-MB-231 cells (1) grow slower within a 3D collagen matrix than on a 2D substrate for an extended growth time (a week) with a comparable, initial cell-to-cell distance, (2) their cell growth rate decreases with the increase of collagen concentration, showing a linear growth rate rather than an exponential growth rate. Further work using flow cytometry showed that the observed growth rate reduction was consistent with the retardation of the transition to S (synthesis) phase in the cell cycle. This work demonstrates the validity of the 3D cell counting method and the importance of cell–ECM interactions in cell proliferation. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:990–996, 2015
Induction of protein growth factor systems in the ovaries of transgenic mice overexpressing human type 2 lysophosphatidic acid G protein-coupled receptor (LPA2).

Induction of protein growth factor systems in the ovaries of transgenic mice overexpressing human type 2 lysophosphatidic acid G protein-coupled receptor (LPA 2 )
Membrane uptake kinetics of jet fuel aromatic hydrocarbons from aqueous solutions studied by a membrane-coated fiber technique.

The absorption of aromatic hydrocarbons from aqueous media is a critical step involved in many biological processes after occupational and environmental exposures to jet fuel. A membrane-coated fiber (MCF) technique was used to study the uptake kinetics. A flow-through system was used to provide a constant concentration for the prolonged permeation experiments. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyacrylate (PA) MCFs were used to study the differential absorptivity of the aromatic compounds between the two membrane materials. The equilibrium absorption amount and a kinetic parameter describing the absorption kinetics were obtained by the regression of the permeation profiles of the aromatic compounds with a mathematical model. The partition coefficients, uptake, and elimination rate constants were determined for six benzene and three naphthalene derivatives. The PDMS/water partition coefficients of the benzene and naphthalene derivatives were linearly correlated with their logKo/w (LogKpdms/w = 0.871LogKo/w...
Understanding Personality and Predicting Outcomes: The Utility of Cognitive-Behavioral Probes of Approach and Avoidance Motivation:

Approach and avoidance motivation may represent important explanatory constructs in understanding how individuals differ. Such constructs have primarily been assessed in self-reported terms, but there are limitations to self-reports of motivation. Accordingly, the present review concentrates on the potential utility of implicit cognitive-behavioral probes of approach and avoidance motivation in modeling and understanding individual differences. The review summarizes multiple lines of research that have documented the utility of such probes to the personality-processing interface. Although multiple gaps in our knowledge exist, and are acknowledged, the value of such implicit cognitive-behavioral assessments is emphasized both in modeling multiple subcomponents of approach and avoidance motivation and in showing that such tendencies matter in ways that transcend momentary experiences or manipulations.
The Moral Economy

Scottish philosophers in the eighteenth century interpreted the market economy as a “civil society,” a path toward freedom and a new morality, separate from monarchal government. They expected markets to be self regulating and expected them to function with ties to a moral life. The market was a civil order, but that vision was destroyed when corporations rose to power in succeeding centuries, and governments were enlarged to regulate markets. Today we see a concern about big corporations and government bureaucracy, and a return to the idea of a “civil society.” This article proposes that today's vision of “civil society” is advanced by an economy that returns to its principles of self (civil) regulation. Markets become civil and self regulating when government, business, and nonprofits cooperate to create systems of social accountability for the common good. A self-regulating market is constructed experimentally through civil associations with self-enforceable codes of conduct, civic-oriented partnership...
Sentence processing and the mental representation of verbs.

Abstract This study examines verb processing during sentence comprehension. We describe two experiments that assess whether or not a verb's representational complexity affects real-time sentence processing in normal listeners. Complexity is defined in terms of the kinds of structural information arrayed against verbs in their lexical entries—syntactic subcategorization and argument structure. Subjects had to perform a complex secondary task presented in the immediate vicinity of the verb while listening to a sentence for meaning. Reaction times to this secondary task show that the relevant verb complexity metric for sentence processing involves the argument structure of verbs and not syntactic subcategorization, and that it is the number of different argument structure possibilities for a verb that counts in this respect. These data reflect the operation of a processing device that momentarily activates all argument structures for a verb in the verb's immediate temporal vincinity during sentence comprehension.
On approximation algorithms of k-connected m-dominating sets in disk graphs

Connected Dominating Set (CDS) has been proposed as the virtual backbone to alleviate the broadcasting storm in wireless ad hoc networks. Most recent research has extensively focused on the construction of 1-Connected 1-Dominating Set (1-CDS) in homogeneous networks. However, the nodes in the CDS need to carry other node's traffic and nodes in wireless networks are subject to failure. Therefore, it is desirable to construct a fault tolerant CDS. In this paper, we study a general fault tolerant CDS problem, called k-Connected m-Dominating Set (k-m-CDS), in heterogeneous networks. We first present two approximation algorithms for 1-m-CDS and k-k-CDS problems. Using disk graphs to model heterogeneous networks, we show that our algorithms have a constant approximation ratio. Based on these two algorithms, we further develop a general algorithm for k-m-CDS. We also provide an interesting analysis for a special case of k-m-CDS, where k=m+1.
Imaging molecular orbitals using photoionization

Abstract The interpretation of a recent experiment using high-order harmonic generation [Itatani et al., Nature 432 (2004) 867] as a measurement of the highest occupied molecular orbital of a molecule is conceptually problematic, even if the independent-particle picture is taken seriously. Guided by the relationship between the amplitude for one-photon-induced electron emission and the electron–ion recombination amplitude in the three-step model of high-order harmonic generation, it is argued that synchrotron-based photoionization might be a superior approach to imaging molecular orbitals. Within the Hartree–Fock independent-particle picture, the molecular-frame photoelectron angular distributions, measured as a function of photon energy, could be used to reconstruct all orbitals occupied in the Hartree–Fock ground state of the molecule investigated. It is suggested that laser alignment techniques could be employed to facilitate the measurement of the molecular-frame photoelectron angular distributions.
Simulations of Seasonal and Latitudinal Variations in Leaf Inclination Angle Distribution: Implications for Remote Sensing

The leaf inclination angle distribution (LAD) is an important characteristic of vegetation canopy structure affecting light interception within the canopy. However, LADs are difficult and time consuming to measure. To examine possible global patterns of LAD and their implications in remote sensing, a model was developed to predict leaf angles within canopies. Canopies were simulated using the SAIL radiative transfer model combined with a simple photosynthesis model. This model calculated leaf inclination angles for horizontal layers of leaves within the canopy by choosing the leaf inclination angle that maximized production over a day in each layer. LADs were calculated for five latitude bands for spring and summer solar declinations. Three distinct LAD types emerged: tropical, boreal, and an intermediate temperate distribution. In tropical LAD, the upper layers have a leaf angle around 35° with the lower layers having horizontal inclination angles. While the boreal LAD has vertical leaf inclination angles throughout the canopy. The latitude bands where each LAD type occurred changed with the seasons. The different LADs affected the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (fAPAR) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) with similar relationships between fAPAR and leaf area index (LAI), but different relationships between NDVI and LAI for the different LAD types. These differences resulted in significantly different relationships between NDVI and fAPAR for each LAD type. Since leaf inclination angles affect light interception, variations in LAD also affect the estimation of leaf area based on transmittance of light or lidar returns.
Supplying the Demand for Granulocytes

The body responds to infections by rapidly 'ramping up' production of innate immune cells. New findings indicate that distinct transcription factors regulate 'basal' and 'emergency' leukocyte production.
Streptococcal pharyngitis: guidelines, treatment issues, and sequelae.

Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, also referred to as vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), is a totally preventable, potentially deadly condition that most of us pediatricians don’t give much thought. However, internet bloggers have once again apparently have made pediatricians unwitting victims of our success with the standard use of intramuscular (IM) vitamin K prophylaxis in every newborn since 1961 (Figure 1). That is more than 50 years of routine use in every newborn nursery, adding up to nearly 200 million doses in the United States alone. And for newborns, vitamin K delivered intramuscularly has shown almost no known adverse effects except possibly a total of seven dermatologic reactions.1 The only reported serious adverse effect I could find in the literature happened not in the United States, but in a newborn in Turkey only a few months ago.2 This was a single case of potentially severe anaphylaxis reaction from a dose given at birth. This is the only English-language report in any of the reputable medical literature that I could find, despite administration of probably more than a billion newborn IM doses. If this one in a billion occurrence should ever happen again, then what better place for it to happen than in the presence of a trained physician and at least two nurses? I think that because the internet bloggers and parents posting in chat rooms may not have seen severe VKDB themselves, they have assumed cavalierly that severe VKDB must no longer exist. They are dead wrong, and they are gambling with some infants’ brains and lives in a dangerous game of intracranial roulette. No matter how much they want it to be true, VKDB is not a myth concocted by the medical establishment, which is a falsehood these bloggers try to perpetuate.
Dimer structure of an interfacially impaired phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C.

The crystal structure of the W47A/W242A mutant of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from Bacillus thuringiensis has been solved to 1.8{angstrom} resolution. The W47A/W242A mutant is an interfacially challenged enzyme, and it has been proposed that one or both tryptophan side chains serve as membrane interfacial anchors (Feng, J., Wehbi, H., and Roberts, M. F. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 19867-19875). The crystal structure supports this hypothesis. Relative to the crystal structure of the closely related (97% identity) wild-type PI-PLC from Bacillus cereus, significant conformational differences occur at the membrane-binding interfacial region rather than the active site. The Trp {yields} Ala mutations not only remove the membrane-partitioning aromatic side chains but also perturb the conformations of the so-called helix B and rim loop regions, both of which are implicated in interfacial binding. The crystal structure also reveals a homodimer, the first such observation for a bacterial PI-PLC, with pseudo-2-fold symmetry. The symmetric dimer interface is stabilized by hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding interactions, contributed primarily by a central swath of aromatic residues arranged in a quasiherringbone pattern. Evidence that interfacially active wild-type PI-PLC enzymes may dimerize in the presence of phosphatidylcholine vesicles is provided by fluorescence quenching of PI-PLC mutants with pyrene-labeled cysteinemore » residues. The combined data suggest that wild-type PI-PLC can form similar homodimers, anchored to the interface by the tryptophan and neighboring membrane-partitioning residues.« less
DNA Sequence Variation in the Mitochondrial Control Region of Red-Backed Voles (Clethrionomys)

The complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region was sequenced for 71 individuals from five species of the rodent genus Clethrionomys both to understand patterns of variation and to explore the existence of previously described domains and other elements. Among species, the control region ranged from 942 to 971 bp in length. Our data were compatible with the proposal of three domains (extended terminal associated sequences [ETAS], central, conserved sequence blocks [CSB]) within the control region. The most conserved region in the control region was the central domain (12% of nucleotide positions variable), whereas in the ETAS and CSB domains, 22% and 40% of nucleotide positions were variable, respectively. Tandem repeats were encountered only in the ETAS domain of Clethrionomys rufocanus. This tandem repeat found in C. rufocanus was 24 bp in length and was located at the 5' end of the control region. Only two of the proposed CSB and ETAS elements appeared to be supported by our data; however, a "CSB1-like" element was also documented in the ETAS domain.
Sphingolipid signalling domains Floating on rafts or buried in caves

Ceramide is a novel lipid mediator involved in regulating cell growth, cell differentiation and cell death. Many studies have focused on characterizing the stimulus-induced production of ceramide and identifying putative downstream molecular targets. However, little remains known about the localization of the regulated production of ceramide through sphingomyelin metabolism in the plasma membrane. Additionally, it is unclear whether a localized increase in ceramide concentration is necessary to facilitate downstream signalling events initiated by this lipid. Recent studies have suggested that detergent-insoluble plasma membrane domains may be highly localized sites for initiating signal transduction cascades by both tyrosine kinase and sphingolipid signalling pathways. These domains are typically enriched in both sphingolipids and cholesterol and have been proposed to form highly ordered lipid rafts floating in a sea of glycerophospholipids. Alternatively, upon integration of the cholesterol binding protein caveolin, these domains may also form small cave-like structures called caveolae. Emerging evidence suggests that the enhanced sphingomyelin content of these lipid domains make them potential substrate pools for sphingomyelinases to produce a high local concentration of ceramide. The subsequent formation of ceramide microdomains in the plasma membrane may be a critical factor in regulating downstream signalling through this lipid messenger.
Outcomes of Colorectal Anastomosis

Outcomes assessment is an integral aspect of modern surgical practice. Clinically relevant outcomes after colorectal anastomosis include technical complications (eg, leak, stricture) and functional results. Further, since colorectal anastomosis is performed for a variety of indications (ranging from benign disease to malignancy), disease-specific outcomes such as disease recurrence, when appropriate, also need to be considered. Each of these outcomes is interrelated, making it difficult to isolate various outcomes measures. At this time, we have just begun to scratch the surface of assessment and measurement in health care outcomes; thus, active surgeon participation and leadership are crucial to advance the field of outcomes research and assure high-quality results for all patients.
Particle−Particle Interactions between Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoparticles

Changes in chemical properties of nanoscale particles include quantum size effect, changes in the cell parameters and lattice symmetry, and surface and interface effects. In the case of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), surface and interface effects dominate for nanoparticles of MgAl LDHs. Using TEM micrographs of nanoparticle-sized LDHs, we have found that the increased number of surface atoms relative to the internal atoms increases the surface-to-surface interparticle attractions. As a result, nanosize LDH particles are able to form continuous oriented films that adhere well to a polar substrate.
Device Characterization for Computer Analysis of Large Circuits

This paper describes how systematic selection of transistor models can be incorporated into the computer simulation of circuit behavior. The selection is so done that each model chosen provides the best accuracy-simplicity compromise for the circuit environment in which each transistor resides. Compared with other procedures now available, the method described here simplifies computation, saves computational cost, and enables simulation of larger circuits. Applicability to the simulation of circuit behavior in a radiation environment is discussed.
Adjuvant therapy of colon cancer in idiopathic leukopenia

Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy. Surgical resection is the primary treatment modality and the outcome is closely related to the extent of the disease at presentation. Adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin is the standard therapy for resected node-positive disease. This therapy can cause myelosuppression. We present a case of colon cancer with idiopathic leukopenia who tolerated chemotherapy without worsening of leukopenia.
Transfer of visual identity matching-to-sample in two california sea lions (zalophus californianus)

In order to assess the abilities of two California sea lions to generalize an identity concept, both animals were taught a two-choice, visual matching-to-sample task. We hypothesized that initial identity-matching problems would be learned as conditional (if...then) discriminations but that an identity concept would emerge after training numerous exemplars of identity matching. After training with 15 two-stimulus identity matching-to-sample problems, transfer tests consisting of 15 novel problems were given to the animals. Pass-fail criteria were defined in terms of performance on Trial 1 of each test problem, performance on test trials compared with baseline trials, and performance on four-trial problem blocks. One sea lion passed on the second transfer test and the other passed on the third; both demonstrated successful generalization of an identity concept by all criteria used. A second experiment consisted of presentation of stimuli previously learned in a different context (arbitrary matching-to-sample). Both subjects immediately applied an identity concept to accurately solve these new problems. These tests conclusively demonstrate transfer of an identity matching rule in California sea lions.
A variational treatment of the mixed boundary condition for the equilibrium diffusion equation

Abstract We formulate the asymptotic boundary layer analysis which leads to a mixed (Robbin) boundary condition for the equilibrium diffusion equation of radiative transfer. The information required from the nonlinear boundary layer equations to obtain the boundary condition is obtained by deriving and applying an appropriate variational principle. Based upon an examination of certain limiting cases and the good accuracy previously reported in the literature for similar variational treatments, the accuracy of this variational procedure is expected to be quite good over a wide range of conditions.
Crack arrest toughness of nodular iron

Abstract Duplex specimens were used to measure the crack arrest toughness ( K Ia ) of a nodular cast iron. Over the temperature range from −40 to +23°C, K Ia was close to published values of the dynamic initiation toughness ( K Id ) of nodular irons with similar microstructures. However, K Ia appeared to be somewhat more temperature dependent than K Id . The temperature dependence of K Ia is also somewhat greater than would be consistent with dependence of K Ia is also somewhat greater than would be consistent with fractographic observations, which show almost no variation in fracture appearance over the temperature range investigated. When referred to the ductile/brittle transition temperature, the nodular iron K Ia values are similar to those of reactor-pressure-vessel steels. A detailed comparison of the raw data with previous results on ferritic steels, combined with finite element analysis, suggests that the crack-arrest-toughness values reported here are either accurate or slightly conservative.
Identification of respiratory syncytial virus antigens by agar gel diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis.

SummaryTwo precipitating antigens of RS virus, which are immunologically distinct from each other, have been identified by agar gel diffusion. Each of the previously described chromatographic RS virus antigens A and B appear to be immunologically identical with a different RS virus-precipitating antigen and to be immunologically distinct from each other. RS virus antigens A and B also possess distinct electrophoretic mobilities which make possible their identification by immunoelectrophoresis.
Long-Term Changes in Rat Social Behavior Following Treatment with Trimethylolpropane

A potent convulsant, trimethylolpropane phosphate (TMPP), was evaluated for long-term effects on measures of social behaviors and anxiety in Long-Evans rats. Animals received three to four daily treatments of TMPP (0.1 mg/kg/ml) beginning at age 23 days in Experiment 1 and 73 days in Experiment 2. Gregariousness was measured in juvenile play and adult social investigation. Anxiousness was measured in the open field and elevated plus-maze. Long-lasting changes in social behaviors were found: play and social investigation were elevated, especially in female rats. Also, an aversive environmental experience associated with TMPP treatment influenced the drug effect on social investigation for males, but not females. In males, TMPP- vs. VEH-treated animals displayed greater social investigation when the treatment was in a positive environment than in an aversive one. In contrast, TMPP- vs. VEH-treated females showed greater social investigation regardless of environmental experience. There were no treatment group differences for measures of anxiety. These results suggest short-term exposure to TMPP may lead to long-lasting changes in specific social behaviors and neural substrates related to them, but not to changes in anxiousness.
Synthesis and characterization of a bifunctional ion exchange resin with polystyrene-immobilized diphosphonic acid ligands

A new ion exchange resin for the selective complexation of metal ions has been synthesized by functionalizing vinylbenzyl chloride-styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer beads with the sodium salt of tetra(isopropyl) methylene diphosphonate. The effects of bifunctionality, matrix rigidity, degree of functionalization, and macroporosity on final resin properties have been quantified. A sulfonic acid-diphosphonic acid bifunctional resin is highly selective with rapid complexation kinetics. A macroporous polymer matrix crosslinked with 10% divinylbenzene provides optimum results; for example, 99.7% Eu(III) is complexed from a 1M nitric acid solution with a 30-min contact time. The importance of physical crosslinking as well as chemical crosslinking in limiting access of substrates into polymer-supported reagents is discussed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An Electrodynamic Theory of the Non‐adiabatic Effects in Rate Processes for Molecules Adsorbed on Metals

We present a theory which computes the role of the electronic excitations in a metal substrate in dynamic processes involving adsorbed molecules. We use a model in which the molecular skeleton has effective charges whose magnitude and position varies when the nuclei of the molecule move. These moving charges couple to the electrons in the metal and excite them; as a result the molecule loses energy. The rate of such energy loss affects the vibrational line-width and the fluorescence lifetime of the molecule, the van der Waals interaction between adsorbed molecules and the motion of the molecule at the surface. We show how these effects can be discussed in a unified way in terms of an electromagnetic theory. We emphasize that for obtaining reasonable numerical results we must replace phenomenological Maxwell equations with a microscopic theory that takes into account the non-locality of the electron response to moving charges and the continuous nature of the interface.
Denning of the Swift Fox in Northern Texas

Little information has been published about the life history and behavior of the swift fox, Vulpes velox . This lack of information can be attributed, in part, to the fact that for many years there have been few swift foxes to observe. Swift foxes were nearly extirpated from a large portion of their range at one time. Some workers, including myself, are of the opinion that this depopulation was brought about by coyote control measures. Robinson (1953), on the contrary, states that populations of small predators are increased because of coyote control measures. Be that as it may, the observations herein reported are on the denning and associated behavior of the swift fox. These observations were made principally in Hansford County, Texas, at various times from December, 1953 to September, 1956. Approximately 25 occupied dens were observed. These dens were all in open, sparsely vegetated habitats, on sloping plains, hill tops, or other well-drained situations. Grater (1939), however, reported seeing a pair of kit foxes, Vulpes macrotis , move their whelps to a new den because the old den was flooded by high water. A mound of earth, from 2 to 12 inches high, typically extended from 2 to 4 feet from each entrance. There were one or two open entrances for each den in the spring and some dens, probably more than one year old, had also as many as four plugged entrances. The entrances were circular or slightly ovoid and were from 7 …
The effect of mechanical injury on exudation from immature and mature peanut fruits under axenic conditions

Abstract Sugars and amino-N compounds exuded from axenically-grown peanut fruits following mechanical injury, were measured by gas-liquid and thin-layer chromatography. Injury of the peanut fruit surface resulted in a 10–20 fold increase in sugar exudation and an increase in the amount of amino N exuded. Analysis of leachates of the weblite (an exploded shale soil substitute) in which axenic fruits developed showed that exudation of sugars had occurred from uninjured fruits in situ. These results support the hypothesis that exudates in the geocarposphere are an important ecological factor affecting microbes in the soil and the colonization of peanut fruits by Aspergillus flarus.
Dissociation energies and long-range potentials of diatomic molecules from vibrational spacings: The halogens

Ground state dissociation energies and long range internuclear potentials of diatomic molecules of halogens from spectroscopic vibrational spacings
Predictive Link Following for Accessible Web Browsing

Users of mouse-replacement interfaces can have difficulty navigating web pages. Small links may be difficult to click, and cluttered pages can result in following an incorrect link. We propose a predictive link-following approach for web browsing that intercepts mouse click signals and instead follows links based on analysis of the user's mouse movement behavior. Our system can be integrated into web page scripting to provide accessibility without needing to install separate software. In a preliminary experiment, users were able to click particularly small targets more accurately with our system compared to traditional mouse clicks.
The phosphoCTD-interacting domain of Topoisomerase I

The N-terminal domain (NTD) of Drosophila melanogaster (Dm) Topoisomerase I has been shown to bind to RNA polymerase II, but the domain of RNAPII with which it interacts is not known. Using bacterially-expressed fusion proteins carrying all or half of the NTDs of Dm and human (Homo sapiens, Hs) Topo I, we demonstrate that the N-terminal half of each NTD binds directly to the hyperphosphorylated C-terminal repeat domain (phosphoCTD) of the largest RNAPII subunit, Rpb1. Thus, the amino terminal segment of metazoan Topo I (1-157 for Dm and 1-114 for Hs) contains a novel phosphoCTD-interacting domain that we designate the Topo I-Rpb1 interacting (TRI) domain. The long-known in vivo association of Topo I with active genes presumably can be attributed, wholly or in part, to the TRI domain-mediated binding of Topo I to the phosphoCTD of transcribing RNAPII.
DNA repair protein Ku80 suppresses chromosomal aberrations and malignant transformation.

Cancer susceptibility genes have been classified into two groups: gatekeepers and caretakers1. Gatekeepers are genes that control cell proliferation and death, whereas caretakers are DNA repair genes whose inactivation leads to genetic instability. Abrogation of both caretaker and gatekeeper function markedly increases cancer susceptibility. Although the importance of Ku80 in DNA double-strand break repair is well established, neither Ku80 nor other components of the non-homologous end-joining pathway are known to have a caretaker role in maintaining genomic stability. Here we show that mouse cells deficient for Ku80 display a marked increase in chromosomal aberrations, including breakage, translocations and aneuploidy. Despite the observed chromosome instabilities, Ku80-/- mice have only a slightly earlier onset of cancer2,3. Loss of p53 synergizes with Ku80 to promote tumorigenesis such that all Ku80-/-p53-/- mice succumb to disseminated pro-B-cell lymphoma before three months of age. Tumours result from a specific set of chromosomal translocations and gene amplifications involving IgH and c-Myc, reminiscent of Burkitt's lymphoma. We conclude that Ku80 is a caretaker gene that maintains the integrity of the genome by a mechanism involving the suppression of chromosomal rearrangements.
THz laser power meter comparison

We have undertaken a comparison of seven commercially available laser power meters along with a thermopile having an absorber made from vertically aligned carbon nanotubes. A molecular gas laser was femployed to generate 119 µm (2.5 THz) and 394 µm (0.76 THz) wavelength radiation. We describe the measurement procedure and apparatus for measuring the detector's responsivity and spatial uniformity.
Considerations for Single Event Immune VLSI Logic

The applicability of resistive decoupling and other hardening techniques to circuits and chip level systems at very large scales of integration and at very high signal speeds is considered. Circuits may sustain soft errors due to ion interactions with non-RAM logic. The modes of ion-induced error production in non-memory circuitry are identified and methods of upset reduction or prevention determined to produce single event immune circuit designs. The applicability of hardening methods to logic of smaller size and/or higher speed is identified. Established computer simulation methods are used to predict limitations for single event immune integrated circuits. The single event problem is defined and characterized at a chip level, and criteria are suggested for optimizing designs for use in ion environments. (LEW)
Abnormal Uterine Contractility

Although the range of normal contractions varies widely in the different stages of gestation, patterns clearly outside of those ranges have been recorded. When these patterns are analyzed in relation to the clinical condition under which they are observed, it is obvious that they are abnormal contractility patterns. Contractility can be abnormally low, excessive, or extremely irregular.
Effects of low temperature on the survival and behavior of threadfin shad, Dorosoma petenense

Abstract Laboratory studies assessed the effects of gradual and rapid decreases in temperature on 9-14-cm long threadfin shad collected from a tributary of the Tennessee River. Fish acclimated to 15 C and exposed to temperatures cooling 1 C each 72 hours decreased in feeding activity and schooled less compactly beginning at 9 C. At lower temperatures they lost orientation and were insensitive to external stimuli, and none survived exposure to 4 C. Threadfin shad exposed to sudden cooling (2 to 5 C decreases in 4 hours) lost equilibrium in proportion to the magnitude of temperature decrease if minima of 4 to 6 C were reached. Cold-shocked fish that had lost equilibrium for 0.2, 30, and 90 minutes before being returned to warmer water experienced mortalities of 32, 79, and 94%, respectively.
Hypoxia causes an increase in phagocytosis by macrophages in a HIF‐1α‐dependent manner

Phagocytosis is the process by which microbial pathogens are engulfed by macrophages and neutrophils and represents the first line of defense against bacterial infection. The importance of phagocytosis for bacterial clearance is of particular relevance to systemic inflammatory diseases, which are associated with the development of hypoxia, yet the precise effects of hypoxia on phagocytosis remain largely unexplored. We now hypothesize that hypoxia inhibits phagocytosis in macrophages and sought to determine the mechanisms involved. Despite our initial prediction, hypoxia significantly increased the phagocytosis rate of particles in vitro by RAW264.7 and primary peritoneal macrophages and increased phagocytosis of labeled bacteria in vivo by hypoxic mice compared with normoxic controls. In understanding the mechanisms involved, hypoxia caused no changes in RhoA-GTPase signaling but increased the phosphorylation of p38-MAPK significantly. Inhibition of p38 reversed the effects of hypoxia on phagocytosis, suggesting a role for p38 in the hypoxic regulation of phagocytosis. Hypoxia also significantly increased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) in macrophages, which was reversed after p38 inhibition, suggesting a link between p38 activation and HIF-1alpha expression. It is striking that small interfering RNA knockdown of HIF-1alpha reversed the effects of hypoxia on phagocytosis, and overexpression of HIF-1alpha caused a surprising increase in phagocytosis compared with nontransfected controls, demonstrating a specific role for HIF-1alpha in the regulation of phagocytosis. These data indicate that hypoxia enhances phagocytosis in macrophages in a HIF-1alpha-dependent manner and shed light on an important role for HIF-1alpha in host defense.
The morphology and nucleation kinetics of copper islands during electrodeposition

We describe a study, using in situ transmission electron microscopy, of the shape and nucleation kinetics of three-dimensional islands formed during the electrochemical deposition of copper. By operating an electrochemical cell within an electron microscope, we obtain real-time images of the formation of copper islands on a gold electrode while simultaneously recording electrochemical data such as voltage and current. We first present cyclic voltammetry, where the images show the deposition and stripping processes while the voltammogram demonstrates qualitatively the regimes in which diffusion and surface reaction are the rate limiting steps. We then examine island growth quantitatively under conditions of constant potential. Images recorded during growth at various potentials allow direct visualization of the differences between island shapes in the diffusion limited and kinetically limited growth regimes. Furthermore, a combined analysis of the current transients and the images allows parameters such as the diffusion coefficient, the rate constant and the critical nucleus size to be determined. We discuss these results in the context of electrochemical nucleation and growth models. � 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Partial error decoupling, in reduced-order filters

Abstract In the design of reduced-order estimators, it is not always possible to decouple the error equation from the state equation. In this paper, it is suggested that one at least try to decouple from unstable or otherwise troublesome modes.
Simultaneous production of ethanol and kraft pulp from pine (Pinus radiata) using steam explosion

Radiata pine chips (Pinus radiata) were pretreated by steam explosion, for the simultaneous production of ethanol and pulp. Ethanol was produced from the depolymerized hemicellulose fraction recovered after the explosion, while kraft pulp was produced from the steam-exploded chips. The conditions that best balanced sugar recovery and fibre quality were the use of steam alone, at 220°C and short reaction times (e.g. <2 min). After treatment with acid, to depolymerize short-chain oligosaccharides, the hemicellulose hydrolyzate was fermentable to ethanol by yeasts with sugar consumption above 80%. The use of steam explosion reduced the consumption of pulping chemicals. However, fibre damage, although minimized significantly at lower reaction times, yielded pulps with lower physical properties than those obtained in conventional kraft pulping.
Selection for phenotypic plasticity in Rana sylvatica tadpoles

The hypothesis that phenotypic plasticity is an adaptation to environmental variation rests on the two assumptions that plasticity improves the performance of individuals that possess it, and that it evolved in response to selection imposed in heterogeneous environments. The first assumption has been upheld by studies showing the beneficial nature of plasticity. The second assumption is difficult to test since it requires knowing about selection acting in the past. However, it can be tested in its general form by asking whether natural selection currently acts to maintain phenotypic plasticity. We adopted this approach in a study of plastic morphological traits in larvae of the wood frog, Raw glvatica. First we reared tadpoles in artificial ponds for 18 days, in either the presence or absence of Anax dragonfly larvae (confined within cages to prevent them from killing the tadpoles). These conditioning treatments produced dramatic differences in size and shape: tadpoles from ponds with predators were smaller and had relatively short bodies and deep tail fins. We estimated selection by Anw on the two kinds of tadpoles by testing for non-random mortality in overnight predation trials. Dragonflies imposed strong selection by preferentially killing individuals with relatively shallow and short tail fins, and narrow tail muscles. The same traits that exhibited the strongest plasticity were under the strongest selection, except that tail muscle width exhibited no plasticity but experienced strong increasing selection. A laboratory competition experiment, testing for selection in the absence of predators, showed that tadpoles with deep tail fins grew relatively slowly. In the cattle tanks, where there were also no free predators, the predator-induced phenotype survived more poorly and developed slowly, but this cost was apparently not associated with particular morphological traits. These results indicate that selection is currently promoting morphological plasticity in R. ylvabica, and support the hypothesis that plasticity represents an adaptation to variable predator environments.
Pregnancy and delivery after antireflux surgery

Abstract Background Concerns have been raised that subsequent pregnancy after antireflux surgery (ARS) may predispose to wrap disruption or herniation and adversely affect outcomes. Some surgeons withhold ARS in women of childbearing age for fear of this, but outcomes in this population have not been reported. Methods All childbearing-age women who underwent ARS for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) between January 1991 and July 2000 were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire. Patients with subsequent pregnancies (SP) after ARS were compared with patients without subsequent pregnancies (NP). Results Ninety-five of the 118 patients (81%) completed the questionnaire at a mean follow-up of 4.9 years. Fifteen patients had 19 subsequent pregnancies after undergoing ARS, and retching and/or vomiting were reported during 13 of the pregnancies (69%). Preoperative incidence of complicated—GERD including strictures (11% vs. 20%), Barrett's esophagus (19% vs. 13%), esophagitis (36% vs. 33%), and ulceration (4% vs. 0%)—were similar between the nonpregnant and pregnant groups. Incidence of postoperative moderate to severe esophageal (7% vs. 8%) and extraesophageal symptoms (0% vs. 6%) were similar between the SP and NP groups. Postoperative prevalence of antisecretory medications was similar in SP and NP groups (13% and 23%, respectively). The incidence of fundoplications redone did not reach statistical difference between the NP (11%) and SP (0%) groups. Long-term outcomes and failure rates were similar in both groups, except the SP group reported greater overall satisfaction with ARS. Conclusions Women of childbearing age have a high incidence of complicated GERD, which may contribute to higher-than-expected rates of symptomatic and anatomic fundoplication failures than first-time ARS. Subsequent pregnancies do not adversely affect outcomes after ARS.
Nonshared Environmental Influences On Sibling Differences in Externalizing Problem Behavior

Using a difference scores approach, this study examines the effects of sibling differences in experiences both within and outside the home on differences in externalizing problem behavior. The results suggest that differences in parental monitoring, sibling interaction, and delinquent peer association are significantly related to sibling differences in externalizing behavior. These effects, however, appear to differ based on the sex composition of the sibling pair. Differential sibling interaction was most consistently related to differences in externalizing behavior. Differential peer association and differential parental monitoring were only significantly related to sibling differences in externalizing behavior for sister pairs and mixed-sex pairs, respectively. The importance of considering nonshared environmental influences in explaining sibling differences in behavior is discussed.
Capacitive Ionic Current Measurement in a Polymer-Electrolyte Transistor

Organic transistors that use dissolved ions to conduct current are able to reproduce the current-voltage characteristics of semiconductor transistors. The polymer-electrolyte transistor (PET) consists of a three-source acid/base reaction system, where a polymer gel separates the three source electrolytes and allows for transistor activity in the movement of the ions through the gel. The ability to directly measure the ionic current in the polymer of a PET reaction system without interfering with the reaction is a difficult task. Understanding the interfacial properties of an electrode-polymer junction will allow for a non-invasive method of directly measuring the ionic currents of the PET. The complex dielectric properties of a polymer system are considered, as well as the effect of the polymer-electrode interface.
Achieving stability in networks of input-queued switches using a local online scheduling policy

In recent years, several high-throughput low-delay scheduling algorithms have been designed for input-queued (IQ) switches. It has been shown however that scheduling policies such as maximum weight matching, that perform optimally for an isolated switch, fail to provide stability in a network of IQ switches (M. Andrews and L. Zhang, 2001). Although there exist algorithms that ensure stability in networks of switches (M. Andrews and L. Zhang, 2001) (M. Ajmone Marsan et al., 2003), they are either not fully local or require knowledge/estimation of rates, and are thus not desirable. Here we propose a local and online switch-scheduling algorithm and prove that it achieves stability in a network of single-server switches when arriving traffic is admissible and obeys the strong law of large numbers. We then propose its counterpart for networks of crossbar switches and conjecture that this too is stable. Additionally, we prove that our algorithms provide a max-min fair rate allocation for isolated switches even when arriving traffic is inadmissible. We believe that fairness is key to ensuring stability in networks.