cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A histone-like protein from adenovirus chromatin

THE DNA in adenovirus is complexed with two viral specific polypeptides, VII and V, to form the compact core structure. There are 1,070 copies of VII (18,000 molecular weight) and 180 copies of V (45,000 MW) per viral genome of 36,000 base pairs1. Cordon et al.2 have suggested that the combination of six copies of VII, one copy of V and 200 DNA base pairs form the basic subunit structure of adenovirus chromatin. Such arrangement is also characteristic of the eukaryotic chromatin subunit which is composed of eight histones (two each of H2a, H2b, H3 and H4) and a unit DNA length of approximately 200 base pairs (see ref. 3 for review). The major core protein, VII is highly basic; almost 23 mole per cent of the residues are arginine4–6. A simple calculation reveals that the mass ratio of VII: DNA is 1 : 1 which is similar to the histone : DNA ratio in eukaryotic chromatin. This suggests that polypeptide VII-DNA interaction may be similar to that of histones and DNA. Amino acid sequence studies have revealed an asymmetric distribution of basic residues in the histones. In particular, the amino end is highly basic and is implicated in DNA binding; the carboxy1 end is less basic yet more hydrophobic and is involved in histone–histone interactions7,8. To determine if the amino end of VII is also basic, we isolated polypeptide VII from adenovirus type 2 in milligram yield9 and sequenced its amino end by automatic Edman degradation (Fig. 1). We present here a partial sequence determination.
The sorption of PAH onto dissolved organic matter in Lake Michigan waters

Abstract The polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOC) that associate with dissolved organic matter (DOM) in natural water systems. The DOM-HOC complex is sufficiently stable to allow measurement of an association constant, K B . For individual HOC in different natural waters, K B ranges over two orders of magnitude. Our results show that the K B is more dependent on the source of the DOM than the water solubility of the HOC but that for a specific water sample, correlation of K B with solubility does exist.
Achieving Continence with a Neurogenic Bowel

This article reviews the developmental considerations involved in helping the family of a child with spina bifida who needs to achieve bowel continence. Strategies for success based on an algorithm are interwoven throughout the discussion. The current medications and techniques used at the developmentally appropriate times designed for optimal success are presented.
The taste for leisure, career choice, and the returns to education☆

Abstract We develop a simple methodology to estimate the returns to education despite heterogeneous labor/leisure preferences. The labor supply behavior of doctors and physician assistants is consistent with people choosing between the two careers based on differing tastes for leisure.
A forward branch-and-search algorithm and forecast horizon results for the changeover scheduling problem

Abstract This paper considers the problem of minimizing the total schedule changeover cost when faced with scheduling multiple products on a finite capacity resource. Several new analytical results are presented for this problem. These results are then used in developing a forward-time branch-and-search algorithm and forecast horizon results for the problem. We also present computational results to investigate the effectiveness of the forecast horizon results.
TOXICITY OF SOME ALIPHATIC ALCOHOLS.

The researches of Knop (8, 9) and Birner and Lucanus (1) showed that higher plants require nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium ions in an aqueous solution about their roots. More recently McHargue (19) has shown that in the total absence of manganese plants do not develop normally. Johnston and Dore (7), Sommer and Lipman (31), Sommer (30), and others have shown that boron is essential. Additional evidence [Sommer and Lipman (31)] has indicated that zinc is needed.
Berkson measurement error in designed repeated measures studies with random coefficients

Abstract We consider repeated measures designs in which multiple subjects are exposed to different “doses” of a predictor variable and among subject variability is modeled through a random coefficients model. The true “dose” present differs from the target level by some random amount; what is known as the Berkson error model. We examine the consequences of such errors on naive analyses (which ignore measurement error) under commonly used linear and quadratic models, with a focus on both regression coefficients and variance parameters. Our investigation allows the measurement errors to have changing variances over the doses and also allows the errors to be correlated either within or among subjects. For linear regression the naive estimates of the coefficients are unbiased and inferences for the coefficients are at least approximately correct as long as there is no correlation in measurement errors among subjects. The presence of correlated measurement errors among subjects, however, results in naive tests and confidence intervals for the coefficients being incorrect. Biases in the naive estimates in the variance components are given, such biases occurring to some degree for all of the measurement error models. Similar results are given for quadratic regression, with the added complication that the naive estimate of some of the regression coefficients are biased, with the nature of the variance in measurement errors determining which coefficients are biased. Some preliminary discussion is presented concerning correcting for measurement error.
Racism Reported by Direct Care Workers in Long-Term Care Settings

This article focuses on reports of racism experienced by direct care workers (DCWs). These DCWs provide the majority of hands-on care to older residents/clients that need help with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing in long-term care (LTC) settings. Interviews were conducted with 644 DCWs working in three types of LTC settings. Proportionate random sampling techniques were used to select 49 LTC agencies from a five-county area in northeast Ohio. The DCWs included nurse assistants in nursing homes, resident assistants in assisted living facilities, and home care aides in home health agencies. Analyses reported include frequencies, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance. Hearing racial and ethnic remarks, particularly from residents/clients, was widely reported by DCWs. Despite this, DCWs were likely to believe that remarks from residents/clients were not intended to hurt their feelings. Although DCWs heard fewer racial/ethnic remarks from family members or other staff, they were likely to believe that such remarks were intended to hurt their feelings. At the organizational level, DCW reports of hearing racial/ethnic remarks in nursing homes were more frequent than those in other LTC settings. Further, DCWs in organizations in which racial differences between them and the residents/clients that they served was very large reported hearing significantly more racial/ethnic remarks. These findings have important implications for addressing racism in LTC agencies with anti-discrimination policies and programs.
Dynamic pressure at sites of virtually removed paraclinoid aneurysms: a computational fluid dynamics study

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques were used to assess the dynamic pressure distribution at the sites of three virtually removed paraclinoid aneurysms. 3D Digital Subtraction Angiograms (3D-DSA) were used to create two computational meshes for each aneurysm. The first mesh was derived directly from the angiographic data containing the aneurysms. In the second mesh, the section of the artery across the aneurysm neck was virtually reconstructed by interpolation between the adjacent proximal and distal parts of the parent artery. This mesh is considered to be an approximation to the geometry of the parent artery before aneurysm formation. Results from the simulations showed that the peak dynamic pressures occurred at arterial bends. The change in the magnitude of dynamic pressure over the cycle was about 7.5 mmHg which is about 15% of the change in the background static pressure. However, further study is needed to clarify if this change in dynamic pressure would elicit any biochemical response from the vessel tissue.
Plane waves in a magnetoionic medium

With a view to elucidating the difficulties inherent in the treatment of wave propagation in a magnetoionic medium in terms of homogeneous plane waves, the theory of homogeneous plane waves in such a medium is reviewed with particular emphasis on the properties of the time-averaged Poynting vector.
Choice Modeler: A Web‐based Spatial Multiple Criteria Evaluation Tool

This article presents a concept of a Web-based spatial multiple criteria evaluation tool for individual and group use called Choice Modeler (CM). CM was originally conceived as part of a larger Participatory Geographic Information System for Transportation project (PGIST; http://www.pgist.org) aimed at developing and evaluating Internet-hosted capabilities to support participatory decision processes. CM is designed to be either a part of a larger information system such as PGIST or a standalone tool used for evaluation of decision variants. The decision support functions provided by CM aid in reducing the cognitive complexity of the decision space characterized by multiple decision options, evaluation criteria, and criterion weights. This is achieved by incorporating in CM the sensitivity analysis functions for the identification of criteria that do not influence the decision option ranking. Users can remove such criteria from further consideration and thus lessen the cognitive burden of evaluation, which may be essential in multi-stakeholder participatory decision processes. The additional capabilities of CM include a vote aggregation function to collate individual option rankings into a group ranking, and measures of agreement/disagreement to inform the participants about a group-derived desirability of specific decision options. The design of CM was implemented using Web-service architecture. In the article we describe the design of CM and discuss its advantages and limitations.
Lesion Visualization by Targeted Computed Tomography Liver Enhancement in Dogs

Rationale and Objectives. We conducted a pilot study to determine the potential advantages of using liver-specific targeted computed tomography (CT) contrast agents for lesion detection. Methods. Eight dogs had liver infarcts created by percutaneous injections of ethanol. Each dog underwent CT scans with four imaging techniques: unenhanced, intravenous contrast enhanced (IVCE), CT arterial portography (CTAP), and targeted liver enhancement with iodipamide ethylester (IDE) particles. Lesions were assessed quantitatively to determine liver-to-lesion density differences and the drop in density across liver edge as a quantitative measure of edge sharpness. Expert readers subjectively analyzed data to determine lesion visibility and edge sharpness. Results. Liver-to-lesion density differences were greatest with CTAP (56.4 ± 35.5 Hounsfield units [H]) followed by IDE (41.1 ± 7.0 H), IV (22.7 ± 6.0 H), and unenhanced scans (13.6 ± 4.1 H; ps Conclusion. Targeted liver-specific contrast agents have potential to increase lesion visibility when compared with standard IV contrast enhancement of the liver by increasing lesion edge definition and liver-to-lesion attenuation differences. Further work in animal tumor models, and clinical trials as agents become available, appears justified.
Issues in deep ocean collinear double-pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy: Dependence of emission intensity and inter-pulse delay on solution pressure

Abstract Double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) with a collinear laser beam orientation is shown for high-pressure bulk aqueous solutions (up to 50 bar) along with bubble and plasma images. These investigations reveal that the emission plasma is quenched much more rapidly in solution requiring much shorter detector gate delays than for typical LIBS measurements in air. Also, the emission is inversely proportional to solution pressure, and the most intense emission at all pressures occurs when the laser-induced vapor bubble is at a maximum diameter. It is also shown that the laser-induced bubble grows initially at the same rate for all solution pressures, collapsing more quickly as the pressure is increased. Intense emission is best obtained for conditions where the laser-induced bubble formed by the first laser pulse is small and spherically shaped.
Doctors and lawyers and wolves.

Relations between lawyers and physicians, and therefore between law and medicine, are getting more and more destructive and counterproductive. It used to be a joke, but it's not funny anymore. We can't afford the continuing and escalating acrimony between our professions and it's time that we take con? structive steps in the public interest to deal with it. Lewis Thomas, the insightful physician-essayist, once wrote an essay called "Ponds."1 It involves a construction site in Manhattan. Demolition had been completed and a giant hole had been dug for a new apartment building on First Avenue at Seventieth Street. The hole filled with water and some of the
Enabling architectural innovations using non-volatile memory

The emergence of non-volatile memory technologies such as Spin Torque Transfer Magneto-resistive Random Access Memory RAM and Phase Change Memories provide new opportunities for architectural innovations. While the zero off-state leakage, fast read access and high densities of these memories make them attractive options as compared to SRAM, their high write energies and latencies as well as their endurance are a concern. We provide three different architectural techniques that utilize the STT-MRAM characteristics to enable new functionalities. First, we show how exploiting the higher density of STT-MRAM in embedded multi-tasked systems can reduce the context switch overhead. Second, we use the STT-MRAM to create a reliable copy of SRAM structures vulnerable to radiation-induced transient errors to improve reliability. Finally, we show a hybrid cache architecture that uses a mix of emerging TFET technology and STT-MRAM technology. Our results indicate that active leakage is still a concern in STT-MRAM structures.
Effect of Branch Height on Predation of Western Spruce Budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Pupae by Birds and Ants

Birds were as effective in destroying pupae of the western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis, on branches ca. 20 m above ground as on branches at ca. 2 m. Ants, however, were ineffective against pupae installed on the high branches.
Intrinsic platelet defects in hereditary thrombocytopenia.

SUMMARY Nine families with hereditary thrombocytopenia have been described. They have been discussed and classified according to mode of inheritance, the presence or absence of clinical features of the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, platelet size, and platelet lifespan studies. These features and an assay for serum Antiplatelet Factor help to distinguish hereditary disease from acquired thrombocytopenias such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. This distinction is important, since response to therapy, particularly splenectomy, is clearly different for hereditary and acquired disease.
Designing Reliablity into Solid-state Consumer Systems

The increased demand for semiconductors in the consumer market place has accelerated the need for improved product reliability. This need has been well recognized by the manufacturer and consumer. Often the consumer quality and reliability demands are tougher than required for military products --understandably so, when you consider the staggering cost of rework on line rejects, the repair of field failures (especially when warranties are involved), and the possibility of a bad reputation. Even though the price competition within the semiconductor industry has intensified, the manufacturer has to meet this challenge with good designed-in reliability and rigid process control. In addition, if a plastic encapsulant is used, it needs to exhibit a reliability approaching that of hermetic devices. Ultimately, the consumer can add to his system reliability by understanding the physical and electrical limitations of semiconductors, and recognizing the definite reliability improvements that can be achieved by integrating circuitry whenever possible.
Self-assembly hydrothermal assisted synthesis of mesoporous anatase in the presence of ethylene glycol

Abstract Mesoporous nanocrystalline anatase was prepared hydrothermally employing P123 as structure-directing agent. Ethylene glycol was used as a key synthesis parameter to fine tune the morphology, crystal size and pore size of the resultant mesophases. The incorporation of EG in the synthesis gel resulted in the formation of 1–2 μm sphere-like shapes and led to an increase in the specific surface area from ∼95 to ∼170 m 2 /g, decrease in the average pore size from ∼11 to ∼4.8 nm, and decrease in the average crystallite size from ∼17 to ∼12 nm. These mesophases were used as photocatalysts for the UV degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange. The mesoporous anatase phases photodegraded MB ∼1.5–3× faster than commercially available P25 and showed limited photocatalytic behavior for methyl orange.
Reconstituted hamster liver microsomal enzyme system for N-hydroxylation of the carcinogen 2-acetylaminofluorene

Abstract A procedure is described for the isolation of cytochrome P-450 fraction from hamster liver microsomes. It involves removal of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity by treatment with bacterial protease before solubilization with Triton X-100 and precipitation with ammonium sulfate. Reconstitution studies indicate that 2-acetylaminofluorene N -and ring-hydroxylation require both cytochrome P-450 fraction and the reductase fraction. N -hydroxylation activity of cytochrome P-450 fraction from 3-methylcholanthrene pretreated hamsters is different and severalfold greater than that of cytochrome P-450 fraction from controls. These results demonstrate for the first time an activation of a chemical carcinogen by a reconstituted cytochrome P-450 enzyme system.
The pH Dependence for the Hydrolysis of Uridine 5′-Phosphoimidazolates

Abstract The pH-rate profile for the hydrolysis of uridine 5′-phosphoimidazolate (UMPIm) is reported together with the profiles for the corresponding methyl imidazolates. The profile of log k obs versus pH for UMPIm exhibits three breaks and consists of ascending limbs in the acidic and basic regions, a plateau between pH 2 and pH 5, a descending leg between pH 5 and pH 10, and a minimum at pH 10. The pH-rate profile for the hydrolysis of UMP-2-MeIm is similar between pH 3.5 and pH 13, and the profiles for the 4- and 5-methylimidazolates are similar between pH 3.5 and pH 8.5. The pH-rate profile for uridine 5′-phospho- N -methylimidazolate (UMP- N -MeIm) between pH 3.5 and pH 11 differs in that the hydrolysis rate is independent of pH between pH 3.5 and pH 10 and then increases at higher pH values. The rate law for hydrolysis of UMPIm is v = k 1 [UMPImH + ] + k 2 [UMPIm] + ( k 3 + k 3OH a OH )[UMPIm − ]. Rate constants at 25°C for the hydrolysis of UMPIm are k 2 = 0.34 ± 0.01 h −1 , k 3 = (2.1 ± 0.4) × l0 −4 h −1 , and k 3OH = 0.15 ± 0.01M −1 h −1 . The rate law and mechanism differ from those reported for guanosine 5′-phospho-2-methylimidazolate (A. Kanavarioti, C. F. Bernasconi, D. L. Doodokyan. and D. J. Alberas (1989) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 111, 7247)in that thereis no term corresponding to the nucleophilic attack of hydroxide ion on the zwitterionic form of UMPIm. The value of β lg for the hydrolysis of UMP-imidazolates is −1.52, which implies that bond cleavage to the leaving group is important in the transition state. Thermodynamically measured values of p K 2 and p K 3 for UMPIm are 5.75 ± 0.02 and 9.69 ± 0.12, respectively. The kinetically determined value of p K 2 for UMPIm is 5.68 ± 0.04, and for UMP-2-, 4-, and 5-MeIm they are 6.82 ± 0.07, 6.49 ± 0.04, and 6.40 ± 0.09, respectively. Synthesis, characterization, and kinetic parameters for the hydrolysis at 25°C of UMPIm, UMP-2- MeIm, UMP-4-MeIm, UMP-5-MeIm. and UMP- N -MeIm are reported.
Performance evaluation of an energy recovery system for fuel reforming of PEM fuel cell power plants

Abstract This paper describes an energy recovery system that recovers waste thermal energy from a fuel cell stack and uses it for fuel reforming purposes. The energy recovery system includes a throttling valve, a heat exchanger, and a compressor, and is coupled with a coolant loop of the fuel cell stack. The feed stock of a fuel reformer, which is primarily a mixture of water and fuel, is vaporized in the heat exchanger and is compressed to a sufficiently high pressure before it is ducted into the fuel reformer. The performance of a fuel cell power plant equipped with the energy recovery system is evaluated. The results indicate that the power plant efficiency can be increased by more than 40% compared to that of a fuel cell power plant without the energy recovery system. Additionally, up to 90% of the waste heat generated in the fuel cell stack is recovered. As a result, the required heat dissipation capacity of the radiator that is used for cooling the fuel cell stack can be drastically reduced.
Evidence of honeycomb weathering on Mars

Features similar to honeycomb weathering are observed in some Martian rocks at the Pathfinder landing site. Honeycomb weathering on Earth develops in a range of environments, including extremely arid and cold areas in Antarctica, and on many types of rocks, e.g. basalts and andesites, subjected to physical and/or chemical weathering. Salt weathering, in combination with frost shattering and chemical weathering, provides a viable explanation for the development of honeycomb features on Mars under current environmental conditions. Data supporting this theory are presented and discussed. These findings are important in understanding the present climate, geology, and, in particular, the geomorphology of Mars. They also suggest new paths for research and experimentation in future missions to Mars.
False compensation effect in studies of kinetics of cure by differential scanning calorimetry

Abstract The kinetics of cure have been studied by DSC for a series of seven samples of a carbon fiber prepreg (Hercules 3502/AS-4) which had been thermally treated for varying time periods prior to the kinetic study. A single DSC exotherm for each of the samples was analyzed in terms of a three-parameter cure model. A linear relationship was found between kinetic parameters 1n A /φ and A for the seven samples. Further analysis of the single DSC exotherm for each individual sample of the series showed that a linear relationship between 1n A /φ and E with the same slope as that for the series of samples could be obtained for each sample by varying the order of the reaction parameter, n , in the cure model. Thus, the linear variation observed for the seven samples is believed to be the result of a “false compensation effect” rather than the result of the thermal treatment. This work suggests that for the study of any chemical or physical modification of a reacting system which utilizes the analysis of single DSC scans for a series of samples, the possibility of false compensation should be considered. A method of testing results for false compensation is discussed.
Estimation of Particle Size Distributions Using Pipet-Withdrawal Centrifuges

The mathematical treatments used in the evaluation of particle size distribution from pipet-withdrawal centrifuge data are reviewed. An error in the published procedure for multiple-sample withdrawal systems is pointed out and a corrected formulation is presented. An alternative treatment, based on a piece-wise linearization of the size distribution is described. Computer simulations of the analytical and data evaluation procedures indicate that the errors in the original formulation are not generally serious and that the corrected and alternative procedures lead to very similar estimates. Except for some cases involving very narrow size distributions, the alternative approach appears to give slightly closer estimates of the size distribution. Comparisons based on actual experimental data are also described.
Valence band x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies of carbonate, bicarbonate and formate interpreted by Xα calculations

The valence band and core-level x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of carbonate, bicarbonate and formate is reported. There is little difference between these ions in the core XPS spectra. The valence band spectra of carbonate and formate are similar (with some differences in relative intensities) and agree well with the spectrum calculated by multiple-scattered-wave Xα calculations. The valence band spectra of carbonate and bicarbonate are found to be identical at ambient temperature, despite the fact that the valence band spectra calculated by Xα calculations are predicted to be different. The carbonate valence band spectrum agrees well with the calculated spectra. When the bicarbonate data are recorded at liquid nitrogen temperature, however, the valence band region agrees well with the calculated spectra. These results indicate that bicarbonate is readily decomposed at ambient temperatures in normal XPS instruments, and that carbonate and bicarbonate can be distinguished by differences in the valence band region if the latter is prevented from decomposition by recording the data at low temperatures.
Effect of gravity on halocarbon flame retardant effectiveness

Abstract Flammability limits, burning velocities, and minimum ignition energies under initially quiescent conditions were measured for stoichiometric and fuel-lean methane-, ethane-, and propane-air mixtures containing varying concentrations of Halon 1301. The characteristics of near-limit flames were strongly affected by fuel type but not Halon concentration. The conclusions are that the mechanism of the flammability limits was affected by fuel type but not Halon concentration, that the cause of the zero-g flammability limits is mostly dependent on the molecular diffusion characteristics of the reactant gases and is mostly independent of chemical kinetics, and that the one-g upward flammability and ignition limits provide adequate criteria for safety at one-g and zero-g for both uninhibited and inhibited mixtures.
Application of Sliding Mode to Constrained Robot Motion Control

Many robotic maipulator tasks involve arm motions which are constrained by the task geometry. This paper presents a new approach, based on the theory of variable structure systems and sliding mode, for the analysis and control design for robotic systems subject to task constraints.
Impact of magnetic frustration on the Mott transition within a slave-boson mean-field theory

We investigate the paramagnetic-metal-to-antiferromagnetic-metal and antiferromagnetic-metal-to- antiferromagnetic-insulator transitions using a slave-boson mean-field theory. To this effect, we discuss the ground state of the half-filled Hubbard model as a function of t'/t and correlation strength U, where t and t' are the hopping amplitudes between nearest and next-nearest neighbors, respectively. The metal-insulator transition at a critical U_{MIT} is of second order for small levels of magnetic frustration, t'/t 0.06. The insulator is always antiferromagnetically ordered, while the metal exhibits a second-order transition from a paramagnetic to an antiferromagnetic state up to t'/t=0.14, as U is increased. We also contrast these findings with what we obtain in Hartree-Fock approximation.
Effect of proline position on the antimicrobial mechanism of buforin II

Buforin II (BF2) is a histone-derived antimicrobial peptide that causes cell death by translocating across membranes and interacting with nucleic acids. It contains one proline residue critical for its function. Previous research found that mutations replacing proline lead to decreased membrane translocation and antimicrobial activity as well as increased membrane permeabilization. This study further investigates the role of proline in BF2's antimicrobial mechanism by considering the effect of changing proline position on membrane translocation, membrane permeabilization, and antimicrobial activity. For this purpose, four mutants were made with proline substitution (P11A) or relocation (P11A/G7P, P11A/V12P, P11A/V15P). These mutations altered the amount of helical content. Although antimicrobial activity correlated with the α-helical content for the peptides containing proline, membrane translocation did not. This observation suggests that factors in BF2's bactericidal mechanism other than translocation must be altered by these mutations. To better explain these trends we also measured the nucleic acid binding and membrane permeabilization of the mutant peptides. A comparison of mutant and wild type BF2 activity revealed that BF2 relies principally on membrane translocation and nucleic acid binding for antimicrobial activity, although membrane permeabilization may play a secondary role for some BF2 variants. A better understanding of the role of proline in the BF2 antimicrobial mechanism will contribute to the further design and development of BF2 analogs. Moreover, since proline residues are prevalent among other antimicrobial peptides, this systematic characterization of BF2 provides general insights that can promote our understanding of other systems.
Infrared Absorption in n-Type Silicon

The absorption by free carriers in $n$-type silicon has been studied in a spectral region from 1 to 45 microns for samples of various impurity and carrier concentrations. In all samples measured the absorption consists of a band between 1.5 and 5 microns in addition to an absorption which rises smoothly with wavelength. The absorption band is found to be proportional to the carrier concentration in samples doped with different donor impurities. It is suggested that the band is associated with the excitation of carriers to a higher lying energy band. The behavior of the smoothly rising portion of the absorption curve is in agreement with the Fan and Fr\"ohlich theory of free-carrier absorption. Quantitative agreement is obtained with a value of $0.3m$ for the effective mass.
Fault tolerance design of feedforward networks

Fault-tolerant feedforward networks are designed by incorporating fault tolerance at the learning stage. This approach is particularly attractive in those instances where the network components are not accessible during normal operation. Three new methods of fault tolerance learning are investigated: min-max fault tolerance learning, fault tolerance through weight control and fault tolerance through strict learning/less strict operation. Simulation results are presented which show that considerable improvement in classification performance can be achieved over backpropagation, particularly in the case of the last two methods.
ALCOHOL-INDUCED BREAST CANCER: A PROPOSED MECHANISM

Alcohol consumption increases the risk for breast cancer in women by still undefined means. Alcohol metabolism is known to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), and breast cancer is associated with high levels of hydroxyl radical (*OH) modified DNA, point mutations, single strand nicks, and chromosome rearrangement. Furthermore, ROS modification of DNA can produce the mutations and DNA damage found in breast cancer. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) are expressed and regulated in breast tissues and aldehyde oxidase (AOX) may be present as well. Mammary gland XOR is an efficient source of ROS. Recently, hepatic XOR and AOX were found to generate ROS in two ways from alcohol metabolism: by acetaldehyde consumption and by the intrinsic NADH oxidase activity of both XOR and AOX. The data obtained suggests that: (1) expression of ADH and XOR or AOX in breast tissue provides the enzymes that generate ROS; (2) metabolism of alcohol produces acetaldehyde and NADH that can both be substrates for XOR or AOX and thereby result in ROS formation; and (3) ROS generated by XOR or AOX can induce the carcinogenic mutations and DNA damage found in breast cancer. Accumulation of iron coupled with diminished antioxidant defenses in breast tissue with advancing age provide additional support for this hypothesis because both result in elevated ROS damage that may exacerbate the risk for ROS-induced breast cancer.
Bezout's theorem for non-commutative projective spaces

We prove a version of B$ ezout’s theorem for non-commutative analogues of the projective spaces P n . c 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. MSC: 16W50; 16E10; 16E70
Experiencing Violence as a Predictor of Drug Use Relapse among Former Drug Users in Baltimore, Maryland

The purpose of this study was to examine experiencing violence as a predictor of subsequent drug relapse among a sample of former crack, cocaine, and heroin users in Baltimore, MD, USA. The sample consists of 228 former drug users in Baltimore who were recruited through street outreach. Mixed-effects models were used to examine experiencing violence as a predictor of drug relapse at follow-up after adjusting for clustering of responses among participants living in the same census block. Using longitudinal data, we found that experiencing violence in the past year predicted drug relapse at 2-year follow-up among former drug users. Results indicate experiencing violence is a determinant of drug use relapse and highlight the importance of addressing the fundamental issues of violence experienced in inner-city communities. Addressing the extent of recent violence among drug treatment participants, providing coping skills, and reducing community violence are strategies that may address the link between violence and drug relapse.
What If They’re Right About the Afterlife? Evidence of the Role of Existential Threat on Anti-Atheist Prejudice

Terror management theory posits that the uniquely human awareness of death gives rise to potentially paralyzing terror that is assuaged by embracing cultural worldviews that provide a sense that one is a valuable participant in a meaningful universe. We propose that pervasive and pronounced anti-atheist prejudices stem, in part, from the existential threat posed by conflicting worldview beliefs. Two studies were conducted to establish that existential concerns contribute to anti-atheist sentiments. Experiment 1 found that a subtle reminder of death increased disparagement, social distancing, and distrust of atheists. Experiment 2 found that asking people to think about atheism increased the accessibility of implicit death thoughts. These studies provide the first empirical link between existential concerns and anti-atheist prejudices.
Nse1-dependent recruitment of Smc5/6 to lesion containing loci contributes to the repair defects of mutant complexes

Of the three structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes, Smc5/6 remains the most poorly understood. Genetic studies have shown that Smc5/6 mutants are defective in homologous recombination (HR), and consistent with this, Smc5/6 is enriched at lesions. However, Smc5/6 is essential for viability, but HR is not, and the terminal phenotype of null Smc5/6 mutants is mitotic failure. Here we analyze the function of Nse1, which contains a variant RING domain that is characteristic of ubiquitin ligases. Whereas deletion of this domain causes DNA damage sensitivity and mitotic failure, serine mutations in conserved cysteines do not. However, these mutations suppress the DNA damage sensitivity of Smc5/6 hypomorphs but not that of HR mutants and remarkably decrease the recruitment of Smc5/6 to loci containing lesions marked for HR-mediated repair. Analysis of DNA repair pathways in suppressed double mutants suggests that lesions are channeled into recombination-dependent and error-free postreplication repair. Thus the HR defect in Smc5/6 mutants appears to be due to the presence of dysfunctional complexes at lesions rather than to reflect an absolute requirement for Smc5/6 to complete HR.
Automatic detection of premature ventricular contraction using quantum neural networks

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are ectopic heart beats originating from ventricular area. It is a common form of heart arrhythmia. Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings have been widely used to assist cardiologists to diagnose the problem. In this paper, we study the automatic detection of PVC using a fuzzy artificial neural network named Quantum Neural Network (QNN). With the quantum neurons in the network, trained QNN can model the levels of uncertainty arising from complex classification problems. This fuzzy feature is expected to enhance the reliability of the algorithm, which is critical for the applications in the biomedical domain. Experiments were conducted on ECG records in the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database. Results showed consistently higher or same reliability of QNN on all the available records compared to the backpropagation network. QNN, however, has a relatively higher resource requirement for training.
Visualization of CVS Repository Information

Mining software repositories is an important activity during software evolution, as the extracted data is used to support a variety of software maintenance tasks. The key information extracted from these repositories gives a picture of the changes on the software system. To have a complete picture, tailored to the needs of the developer, the extracted data needs to be filtered, aggregated, and presented to the users. In this paper we propose a new visualization for such data, which relies on an existing software visualization front-end, SourceViewer3D (sv3D). The new visualization allows users to define multiple views of the change history data, each view helps answer a set of questions relevant to specific maintenance tasks. Data can be viewed at different granularity (e.g., file, line of text, method, class) and comprehensive views can be defined, which display to the user multiple data types at the same time. Complex questions and tasks can be solved with the aid of such views.
Consistency of near-death experience accounts over two decades: are reports embellished over time?

Summary Aim: ‘‘Near-death experiences,’’ commonly reported after clinical death and resuscitation, may require intervention and, if reliable, may elucidate altered brain functioning under extreme stress. It has been speculated that accounts of neardeath experiences are exaggerated over the years. The objective of this study was to test the reliability over two decades of accounts of near-death experiences. Methods: Seventy-two patients with near-death experience who had completed the NDE scale in the 1980s (63% of the original cohort still alive) completed the scale a second time, without reference to the original scale administration. The primary outcome was differences in NDE scale scores on the two administrations. The secondary outcome was the statistical association between differences in scores and years elapsed between the two administrations. Results: Mean scores did not change significantly on the total NDE scale, its 4 factors, or its 16 items. Correlation coefficients between scores on the two administrations were significant at P < 0.001 for the total NDE scale, for its 4 factors, and for its 16 items. Correlation coefficients between score changes and time elapsed between the two administrations were not significant for the total NDE scale, for its 4 factors, or for its 16 items. Conclusion: Contrary to expectation, accounts of near-death experiences, and particularly reports of their positive affect, were not embellished over a period of almost two decades. These data support the reliability of near-death experience accounts.
Threat Assessment of Water Supply Systems using Markov Latent Effects Modeling

Recent amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act emphasize efforts toward safeguarding our nation's water supplies against attack and contamination. Specifically, the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 established requirements for each community water system serving more than 3,300 people to conduct an assessment of the vulnerability of its system to a terrorist attack or other intentional acts. Integral to evaluating system vulnerability is the threat assessment, which is the process by which the credibility of a threat is quantified. Unfortunately, full probabilistic assessment is generally not feasible, since there is insufficient experience and/or data to quantify the associated probabilities. For this reason, an alternative approach is proposed predicated on Markov latent effects (MLE) modeling, which provides a framework for quantifying imprecise subjective metrics through possibilistic or fuzzy mathematics. Here, the MLE approach is introduced and demonstrated within the context of water supply system threat assessment.
Background differences in baseline and stimulated MMP levels influence abdominal aortic aneurysm susceptibility

Objective Evidence has demonstrated profound influence of genetic background on cardiovascular phenotypes. Murine models in Marfan syndrome (MFS) have shown that genetic background-related variations affect thoracic aortic aneurysm formation, rupture, and lifespan of mice. MFS mice with C57Bl/6 genetic background are less susceptible to aneurysm formation compared to the 129/SvEv genetic background. In this study, we hypothesize that susceptibility to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) will be increased in 129/SvEv mice versus C57Bl/6 mice. We tested this hypothesis by assessing differences in aneurysm size, tissue properties, immune response, and MMP expression.
Three-dimensional, multiwavelength Monte Carlo simulations of dermally implantable luminescent sensors

Dermally implanted luminescent sensors have been proposed for monitoring of tissue biochemistry, which has the potential to improve treatments for conditions such as diabetes and kidney failure. Effective in vivo monitoring via noninvasive transdermal measurement of emission from injected microparticles requires a matched optoelectronic system for excitation and collection of luminescence. We applied Monte Carlo modeling to predict the characteristics of output luminescence from microparticles in skin to facilitate hardware design. Three-dimensional, multiwavelength Monte Carlo simulations were used to determine the spatial and spectral distribution of the escaping luminescence for different implantation depths, excitation light source properties, particle characteristics, and particle packing density. Results indicate that the ratio of output emission to input excitation power ranged 10−3 to 10−6 for sensors at the upper and lower dermal boundaries, respectively, and 95% of the escaping emission photons induced by a 10-mm-diam excitation beam were confined within an 18-mm circle. Tightly packed sensor configurations yielded higher output intensity with fewer particles, even after luminophore concentration effects were removed. Most importantly, for the visible wavelengths studied, the ability to measure spectral changes in emission due to glucose changes was not significantly affected by absorption and scattering of tissue, which supports the potential to accurately track changes in luminescence of sensor implants that respond to the biochemistry of the skin.
Thermophily in the Geobacteraceae: Geothermobacter ehrlichii gen. nov., sp. nov., a Novel Thermophilic Member of the Geobacteraceae from the "Bag City" Hydrothermal Vent

Little is known about the microbiology of the "Bag City" hydrothermal vent, which is part of a new eruption site on the Juan de Fuca Ridge and which is notable for its accumulation of polysaccharide on the sediment surface. A pure culture, designated strain SS015, was recovered from a vent fluid sample from the Bag City site through serial dilution in liquid medium with malate as the electron donor and Fe(III) oxide as the electron acceptor and then isolation of single colonies on solid Fe(III) oxide medium. The cells were gram-negative rods, about 0.5 micro m by 1.2 to 1.5 micro m, and motile and contained c-type cytochromes. Analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence of strain SS015 placed it in the family Geobacteraceae in the delta subclass of the Proteobacteria. Unlike previously described members of the Geobacteraceae, which are mesophiles, strain SS015 was a thermophile and grew at temperatures of between 35 and 65 degrees C, with an optimum temperature of 55 degrees C. Like many previously described members of the Geobacteraceae, strain SS015 grew with organic acids as the electron donors and Fe(III) or nitrate as the electron acceptor, with nitrate being reduced to ammonia. Strain SS015 was unique among the Geobacteraceae in its ability to use sugars, starch, or amino acids as electron donors for Fe(III) reduction. Under stress conditions, strain SS015 produced copious quantities of extracellular polysaccharide, providing a model for the microbial production of the polysaccharide accumulation at the Bag City site. The 16S rDNA sequence of strain SS015 was less than 94% similar to the sequences of previously described members of the Geobacteraceae; this fact, coupled with its unique physiological properties, suggests that strain SS015 represents a new genus in the family Geobacteraceae. The name Geothermobacter ehrlichii gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed (ATCC BAA-635 and DSM 15274). Although strains of Geobacteraceae are known to be the predominant Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms in a variety of Fe(III)-reducing environments at moderate temperatures, strain SS015 represents the first described thermophilic member of the Geobacteraceae and thus extends the known environmental range of this family to hydrothermal environments.
Is adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder a valid diagnosis in the presence of high IQ

BackgroundBecause the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in higher education settings is rapidly becoming a contentious issue, particularly among patients with high IQs, we sought to assess the validity of diagnosing ADHD in high-IQ adults and to further characterize the clinical features associated with their ADHD.MethodWe operationalized high IQ as having a full-scale IQ⩾120. We identified 53 adults with a high IQ who did not have ADHD and 64 adults with a high IQ who met diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Groups did not differ on IQ, socio-economic status or gender.ResultsHigh-IQ adults with ADHD reported a lower quality of life, had poorer familial and occupational functioning, and had more functional impairments, including more speeding tickets, accidents and arrests. Major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder diagnoses were higher in high-IQ adults with ADHD. All other psychiatric co-morbidities, including antisocial personality disorder and substance abuse, did not differ between the two high-IQ groups. ADHD was more prevalent in first-degree relatives of adults with ADHD relative to controls.ConclusionsOur data suggest that adults with ADHD and a high IQ display patterns of functional impairments, familiality and psychiatric co-morbidities that parallel those found in the average-IQ adult ADHD population.
Correlation of temperature and toxicity in murine studies of staphylococcal enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1

This study describes a quick (<12 h) assay for detecting temperature decreases in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), SEB, or SEC3 or toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 and a potentiating dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Toxin-specific antisera effectively neutralized the temperature fluctuations in this model. Orally administered SEA or SEB (50 μg/animal), with or without LPS, did not have an effect on temperature or lethality. Versus wild-type mice, transgenic knockout mice lacking the p55 receptor for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or gamma interferon were protected against an i.p. challenge of SEA plus LPS. The p75 receptor for TNF and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 have a negligible role in this toxic shock model.