cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence of cortico- and cuneopontine projections onto components of the pontocerebellar system in the rat: an anatomical and electrophysiological study

Previous studies in the rat have demonstrated that corresponding peripheral tactile and somatosensory cortical inputs converge within the granule cell layer of various cerebellar lobules and further that descending corticopontine projections from the forelimb sensory cortex (FLSCx) partially overlap with the projection zones of ascending basilar pontine afferents from nucleus cuneatus (NC). The present study employed anatomical and electrophysiological procedures to determine whether cortical and dorsal column nuclear afferent projections converge on pontine neurons that, in turn, provide mossy fiber input to the granule cell layer of the paramedian lobule (PML), i. e., that portion of the rodent cerebellum shown to receive forelimb peripheral inputs. The combination of the orthograde and retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) was used light microscopically to demonstrate that orthogradely labeled projections from injections of the FLSCx and NC converged with ponto-paramedian projection neurons that were retrogradely labeled from injections of the PML. These studies were also repeated in conjunction with ablations of either the FLSCx or NC which resulted in the ultrastructural identification of degenerating, as well as WGA-HRP labeled axonal boutons of these pontine afferent projections thus confirming that such projections actually formed synaptic contacts with the retrogradely labeled pontoparamedian projection neurons. Single unit recording analyses of neurons in the ventromedial region of the basilar pons following combined electrical stimulation of various regions of the sensorimotor cortex and the contralateral body surface indicated that approximately 40% of all cells recorded responded to electrical stimulation of corresponding regions of the cortex and periphery, particularly the FLSCx and the forepaw. Natural cutaneous stimuli applied to the forepaw that also elicited responses in these same groups of basilar pontine neurons and were associated with relatively small receptive fields. Taken together, these observations indicate that the previously observed convergence of peripheral and somatosensory cortical inputs within the granule cell layer of the cerebellar cortex may be at least partially organized at the level of the basilar pons.
Pattern of ongoing activity in rat superior cervical ganglion neurons projecting to a specific target.

Abstract The ongoing activity of superior cervical ganglion neurons projecting to the rat submandibular gland was investigated with intracellular techniques. The relevant cells were identified by retrograde labeling with the fluorescent dye Dil placed in the submandibular gland 7–10 days earlier. The majority of labeled cells (89%) were ‘silent’ during a standard 5-min period of recording. In contrast, only 15% of cells projecting to targets other than the submandibular gland were silent during the standard period of observation. Evidently, ganglion cells innervating different targets have different patterns of activity.
The trp ion channel family

Mammalian homologues of the Drosophila transient receptor potential (TRP) channel gene encode a family of at least 20 ion channel proteins. They are widely distributed in mammalian tissues, but their specific physiological functions are largely unknown. A common theme that links the TRP channels is their activation or modulation by phosphatidylinositol signal transduction pathways. The channel subunits have six transmembrane domains that most probably assemble into tetramers to form non-selective cationic channels, which allow for the influx of calcium ions into cells. Three subgroups comprise the TRP channel family; the best understood of these mediates responses to painful stimuli. Other proposed functions include repletion of intracellular calcium stores, receptor-mediated excitation and modulation of the cell cycle.
Maternal and Child Health Supercourse for the Former Soviet Union Countries

Maternal and child health (MCH) is a growing concern among the countries of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) where economic issues and changing infrastructures are seriously deteriorating the public health system. Moreover, in the past decade, lack of primary prevention programs coupled with a shortage of well-trained public health professionals are having an increasingly negative impact on MCH outcomes. In this article, we provide a brief overview of the current state of MCH, health care and public health education in the FSU. We suggest that indices could be improved by developing new inexpensive information exchange systems, and that system is Supercourse (accessible at www.pitt.edu/∼super1). Supercourse is an Internet-based library of public health lectures in PowerPoint format that are accessible, free of charge to anyone, anywhere, who has Internet access including scientists, doctors, and, specifically, educators. As of April 2007, Supercourse has more than 3,200 public health lectures, a network of more than 42,000 faculty members across 151 countries, with Nobel Prize winners and the former head of the CDC being among the lectures’ authors. Supercourse lectures are aimed at the educator with the goal of improving public health training through timely and customizable lectures. The distinguishing features of Supercourse are ease of access in low-bandwidth lecture, minimal cost, a distribution system for lectures in CD format, high-quality content, and the capacity to create and sustain a global network of public health professionals. Additionally, statistical process control procedures for industry developed by W. Edwards Deming are utilized to ensure the quality of Supercourse lectures. Papers on Supercourse already have been published in the British Medical Journal, Nature, and Lancet, and are having a wide impact in the field of public health. Currently, an increasing number of lectures in the Supercourse library are dedicated to the theme of MCH. Low cost, high impact projects such as Supercourse are needed to improve and deploy MCH education worldwide.
Coherent Control of Light Absorption and Carrier Dynamics in Semiconductor Nanostructures

It is shown theoretically that light absorption in semiconductor nanostructures can be manipulated by coherent microwave fields. In suitably designed double wells, amplitude and phase of a microwave field allow control of both light absorption and the dynamics, i.e., tunneling versus localization of electrons. Depending on the photon energy of the pump pulse, either enhancement or reduction of net absorption can be achieved.
The Incidence and Management of Postoperative Chylothorax After Pulmonary Resection and Thoracic Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissection

Background Our objective was to determine the incidence and optimal management of chylothorax after pulmonary resection with complete thoracic mediastinal lymph node dissection (MLND). Methods This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent pulmonary resection with MLND. Results Between January 2000 and December 2012, 2,838 patients underwent pulmonary resection with MLND by one surgeon (RJC). Forty-one (1.4%) of these patients experienced a chylothorax. Univariate analysis showed that lobectomy ( p p = 0.03), right-sided operations ( p p = 0.007) were significantly associated with the development of chylothorax. Multivariate analysis showed that lobectomy ( p = 0.011), a robotic approach ( p = 0.032), and pathologic N2 disease ( p = 0.027) remained predictors. All patients were initially treated with cessation of oral intake and 200 μg subcutaneous somatostatin every 8 hours. If after 48 hours the chest tube output was less than 450 mL/day and the effluent was clear, patients was given a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet and were observed for 48 hours in the hospital. If the chest tube output remained below 450 mL/day, the chest tube was removed, they were discharged home with directions to continue the MCT diet and to return in 2 weeks. Patients were instructed to consume a high-fat meal 24 hours before their clinic appointment. If the patient's chest roentgenogram was clear at that time, they were considered "treated." This approach was successful in 37 (90%) patients. The 4 patients in whom the initial treatment was unsuccessful underwent reoperation with pleurodesis and duct ligation. Conclusions Chylothorax after pulmonary resection and MLND occurred in 1.4% of patients. Its incidence was higher in those with pathologic N2 disease and those who underwent robotic resection. Nonoperative therapy is almost always effective.
Genetic Heterogeneity of Inherited Cerebral Cavernous Malformation

Objective : Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is frequently an inherited disorder showing autosomal dominant transmission. Genetic analysis has localized a gene causing CCM to a segment of the long arm of human chromosome 7 (7q). This evidence derives from investigation of a small number of families, mostly of Hispanic American descent. In this study, we have tested whether inherited CCM is always due to mutation in this 7q gene, or whether mutations in other genes can cause CCM. Methods : We have studied subjects from two non-Hispanic families with inherited CCM. The clinical features of CCM in these families are indistinguishable from those in kindreds in which CCM is due to mutation in the 7q gene. To test whether CCM in these kindreds is caused by a mutation on 7q, we compared the inheritance of CCM to the inheritance of genetic markers on 7q. Results : Genetic analysis demonstrates independent inheritance of CCM and markers on 7q in both families studied. This evidence excludes mutation in the 7q gene as the cause of CCM in these families, with odds against CCM being due to mutation in 7q in each family of more than 100,000 :1 and 100 :1, respectively. Conclusion : These findings demonstrate that inherited CCM is not always caused by a mutant gene on 7q, indicating the presence of at least a second gene in which mutation can cause CCM. These results have implications for genetic testing and the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Threefold transannular epoxide cyclization. Synthesis of a heterocyclic C17-hexaquinane

Abstract The Lewis acid-catalyzed rearrangement of two [3.3.3]propellane triepoxides to a heterocyclic C 17-hexaquinane derivative is described.
Prevention of intraoperative awareness with explicit recall: making sense of the evidence.

Prevention of Intraoperative Awareness with Explicit Recall: Making Sense of the Evidence Michael Avidan;George Mashour; Anesthesiology
The musical CPU

A typical student project in a digital system design or a computer organization course is the design of a CPU for a small, simplified instruction set. However, it can be a challenge to devise such projects in a way that simultaneously reinforces effective logic design principles, is hands-on, can be completed using inexpensive and standard laboratory equipment, and (most importantly) inspires, as part of the design process, both imagination and creativity in students. This paper describes such a project where the target instruction set is designed to implement (i.e. "program") music and play songs on commonly available FPGA hardware. The "musical CPU" uses three carefully designed instruction formats to literally describe the sounds and flow of music by mapping various constructs of music (notes, tempo, etc.) into corresponding specially designed assembly language instructions that encode the desired musical effect; hence, the emphasis is on the creative nature of the design process, something all computing and engineering educators strive for in the development of good classroom projects. The details of this project necessitate consideration of many cross-cutting issues in computer science and engineering including instruction set design, finite state machine control design, programming logic, and user interaction issues.
Effect of variable duty cycle flow pulsations on heat transfer enhancement for an impinging air jet

Abstract A series of experiments has been conducted in which a pulsed air jet is impinged upon a heated surface for the purpose of enhancing heat transfer relative to the corresponding steady air jet. Traditional variables such as jet to plate spacing, Reynolds number, and pulse frequency have been investigated. One additional flow variable – the duty cycle – representing the ratio of pulse cycle on-time to total cycle time is introduced and shown to be significant in determining the level of heat transfer enhancement. Specifically, heat transfer enhancement exceeding 50% is shown for a variety of operating conditions. In each case, the duty cycle producing the best heat transfer is shown to depend upon each of the other flow parameters. Recommendations are made for further experimentation into optimizing the duty cycle parameter for any particular application.
Origins of the specificity in the intercalation of ethidium into nucleic acids A theoretical analysis

The sequence preferences observed in the intercalative binding of ethidium to dinucleoside phosphates have been theoretically examined. This specificity is for pyrimidine (3'--5') purine sequences as compared to their purine (3'--5') pyrimidine sequence isomers. It is shown that the stacking energies between the ethidium cation and the base pairs are fairly constant for all combinations of bases at the intercalation site. In contrast, the energy of unwinding the double helix to assume the geometry of the intercalation complex shows substantial sequence differences. Thus, the specificity observed is more readily explained in terms of these conformation energy changes than by preferential stacking interactions. These results imply that there may be a large class of intercalating molecules which exhibit similar pyrimidine (3'--5') purine sequence specificity.
Spurious genetic associations.

Background Genetic association studies are widely used in biomedical research and yet only a minority of positive findings stand the test of replication. I explored the capacity of association studies to produce false positive findings and the impact of various definitions of replication. Methods Genetically realistic simulation data of a typical genotyping/analytic approach for 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in COMT, a commonly studied candidate gene. Results Candidate gene studies like those simulated here are highly likely to produce one or more false positive findings at α ≤ .05, the pattern of findings can often be “compelling” or “intriguing,” and false positive findings propagate and confuse the literature unless the definition of replication is precise. Conclusions Findings from single association studies constitute “tentative knowledge” and must be interpreted with exceptional caution. For the association method to function as intended, every statistical comparison must be tracked and reported, and integrated replication is essential. Precise replication (the same SNPs, phenotype, and direction of association) is required in the interpretation of multiple association studies.
Error Detection through Consistency Checking

Abstract Following a brief discussion on various aspects of data quality, possible methods are examined for the detection of errors in a spatial database. Using examples, we introduce the consistency checking method based on spatial relationships among neighboring objects and attribute relationships among map layers from different sources. Using logical relationships among spatial neighborhoods and among attribute data from different sources, it is desirable to build an error detection mechanism in a spatial database. This mechanism can be automated and has the potential to be one of the powerful tools for error detection and correction suggestion in a spatial database.
Residential cooling loads and the urban heat island—the effects of albedo

Abstract The urban heat island has become the target of recent research aiming at improving urban climates and energy efficiency of cities. In the warm, mid- and low-latitude cities, the typical heat island intensity averages up to 3–5°C on a summer day, adding to discomfort and increasing the air-conditioning loads, whereas in some temperate and cold, high-latitude cities a 2°C heat island is considered as a mild asset in winter. Some of these cities have been built to retain the urban heat. The objective of our ongoing research is to identify ways to mitigate summer heat islands in hot climates, for example by increasing the urban albedo, expanding evaporative surfaces and vegetation covers, and increasing urban thermal mass. From the energy consumption point of view, simple techniques such as these can be effective in reducing air-conditioning costs by modifying and improving the urban micro- and meso-climates. In this work, we have correlated the residential cooling energy and power consumption in Sacramento, California, with the urban heat island intensity. The effects of selected strategies, such as the ones mentioned above, upon changing the urban micro-climate and reducing the heat island induced cooling loads were simulated. The main focus in this paper is placed on albedo. The simulations were performed using the DOE-2.1C building energy analysis program in conjunction with micro-climate and planetary boundary layer models that predict the effects of albedo modifications on ambient conditions and micro-climates. The simulations indicate that there exists significant potential energy and peak power savings by using such simple conservation strategies. Simulations for Sacramento indicate that whitewashing the buildings can result in direct savings of up to 14% and 19% on cooling peak power and electrical cooling energy, respectively. Modifying the overall urban albedo, in addition to whitewashing, can result in total savings of up to 35% and 62% respectively.
The effects of water and multi-nutrient stress on xylem sap chemistry, photosynthesis and transpiration of seedlings of two Eucalypts

Ten seedlings each of Eucalyptus kitsoniana Maiden and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. were subjected to two levels of water stress and two levels of nutrient stress (macro and micro-nutrients) in a greenhouse for 3 weeks. The objectives were to determine the degree to which seedlings show differences in sap chemistry, photosynthesis and transpiration that relate to the environments in which these two species live. Whole plants were then extracted for xylem sap using a pressure chamber and the sap was analyzed for 14 elements using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer and a nitrometer. For E. kitsoniana water and nutrient stress, applied separately or in combination, significantly reduced leaf conductance, transpiration, photosynthesis and midday water potential. Nutrient stress alone had less effect than water stress on most functions measured. Water stress alone reduced the root/shoot ratio; the combination of water and nutrient stress increased the root/shoot ratio, primarily because of reduced shoot weight. In E. kitsoniana, water stress alone or in combination with nutrient stress increased the xylem sap concentrations of B and Si. Multi-nutrient stress alone, or in combination with water stress, significantly decreased sap Zn and K. For this species, sap N was decreased by nutrient stress, but increased by water stress. E. globulus had significantly lower transpiration rates and less root mass than E. kitsoniana. Slightly lower leaf conductance and photosynthesis were not significant in E. globulus compared to E. kitsoniana. Water and nutrient stress reduced conductance, transpiration (except for nutrient stress) and photosynthesis, and the effects of water stress on E. globulus were greater than the effects of nutrient stress. Midday water potential was reduced by water stress. Water or nutrient stress alone did not alter seedling root/shoot ratio, but the combination of water and nutrient stress significantly increased the root/shoot ratio for both species. For E. globulus, sap concentrations of Mn, Na, Si and K were increased by water stress (alone or in combination with nutrient stress). Sap N increased with water stress or combined stresses, but decreased under nutrient stress alone. When the two species were compared, E. globulus generally had lower or similar nutrient concentrations in the sap, with Ca, Mg, Mn and P significantly lower than in E. kitsoniana. Seedlings of these two species show strong site adaptations to water and nutrient availability.
Business Management of American Dairy Science Association: A Historical Review

Abstract The history covers business affairs of the American Dairy Science Association from its establishment in 1906 to the Annual Meeting in 1985, following the death of the first Executive Secretary, C. J. Cruse. The Association started as a group of 18 dairy instructors and research scientists who organized as the National Association of Dairy Instructors and Investigators. By 1985, the Association had expanded into an international organization, which conducted annual meetings, had a headquarters office with a staff of 19, provided management services for six other organizations and published the Journal of Dairy Science , five journals for other organizations, and numerous miscellaneous publications. The review includes a brief history of the Association, constitution and bylaws, management role of the Secretary Treasurer, Journal of Dairy Science , incorporation, The Association office, and trends and recent developments.
Paxillin Serves as an ERK-Regulated Scaffold for Coordinating FAK and Rac Activation in Epithelial Morphogenesis

Activation of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor in epithelial cells results in lamellipodia protrusion, spreading, migration, and tubule formation. We have previously reported that these morphogenic effects are dependent on MAPK activation at focal adhesions. In the present study we demonstrate that activated ERK phosphorylates paxillin on serine 83 and that mutation of this site eliminates HGF-stimulated increased association of paxillin and FAK in subconfluent cells. Failure to activate FAK at focal adhesions results in a loss of FAK-PI 3-kinase association and the marked reduction of Rac activation after HGF stimulation. Expression of paxillin mutants that disrupt ERK association or phosphorylation inhibits HGF-induced cell spreading, migration, and tubulogenesis. These data demonstrate that the paxillin-MAPK complex serves as a central regulator of HGF-stimulated FAK and Rac activation in the vicinity of focal adhesions, thus promoting the rapid focal adhesion turnover and lamellipodia extension that are required for migratory and tubulogenic responses.
Special Issue on Computational Sustainability

The articles in this special section focus on computational sustainability. The growing field of sustainability science and technology focuses on the design of products, processes, and services to meet economic and societal needs with minimal impact on the global ecosystem. An important emerging area of sustainability science is to develop computational models, methods and tools for decision making for a broad range of sustainability related applications such as conservation of natural resources and ecosystem, enhancing human health and well-being, minimizing impact of human activities on the environment, intelligent management and conservation of scarce resources, reducing impact of disasters, managing stress on urban infrastructures, e c. Solutions to these sustainability problems often depend on advances in computational areas, including optimization, modeling, data management and analytics, advanced sensing techniques, human computer interaction, and intelligent systems. The sustainability of computing itself is an important topic of concern and relates to effective management of energy consumption, operation under energy constraints, and dealing with environmental impact of rapid obsolescence of electronic devices and systems. The computational sustainability is woven into many areas, including system design, computer architecture, programming language, compilers, networking, etc.
Effects of Dietary Selenium and Vitamin E on Red Blood Cell Peroxidation, Glutathione Peroxidase Activity, and Macrophage Superoxide Anion Production in Channel Catfish

Abstract Fingerling channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were fed purified diets either unsupplemented and deficient in both selenium and vitamin E, deficient in either selenium or vitamin E, adequate in both selenium (0.2 mg/kg) and vitamin E (60 mg/kg), or excessive in both nutrients (four times the recommended levels). After 115–120 d of feeding the experimental diets, the red blood cell membranes offish fed diets deficient in vitamin E were more susceptible to peroxidation than were those of fish fed diets that met or exceeded vitamin E recommendations. Hepatic, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity was suppressed in fish fed diets deficient in selenium when compared with this enzyme activity in fish fed diets containing recommended or higher levels of selenium. Intracellular superoxide anion production of macrophages was higher in fish fed the diet fortified with four times the recommended levels of both nutrients than in fish fed the other diets. None of the results indicated that seleni...
Non-linear properties of thermal convection

Thermal convection in a layer heated form below is an exemplary case for the study of non-linear fluid dynamics and the transition to turbulence. An outline is given of the present knowledge of the simplest realisation of convection in a layer of fluid satisfying the Oberbeck-Boussinesq approximation. Non-linear properties such as the dependence of the heat transport on Rayleigh and Prandtl numbers and the stability properties of convection rolls are emphasised in the discussion. Whenever possible, theoretical results are compared with experimental observations. A section on convection in rotating systems has been included, but the influence of other additional physical effects such as magnetic fields, side wall geometry, etc., has not been considered.
The functions of social support as protective factors for suicidal ideation in a sample of air force personnel.

This study examined various functions of social support (i.e., tangible, esteem, belonging, and appraisal) were examined as protective factors for suicidal ideation in a sample of 273 active duty Air Force Security Forces personnel. Generalized linear regression analyses were conducted to determine if various social support functions were differentially associated with the presence and severity of suicidal ideation, both as main effects and as moderators of emotional distress. None of the four social support functions differentiated suicidal from nonsuicidal Airmen, but esteem support (i.e., feeling respected, encouraged, and valued by others) was associated with significantly less severe suicidal ideation (B = -.074, SE = .025, p = .003). A significant interaction of tangible support (i.e., access to material resources) with emotional distress indicated that emotional distress was associated with more severe suicidal ideation only among Airmen reporting low levels of tangible support (B = .006, SE = .003, p = .018). When considered concurrently, both tangible and self-esteem functions of social support are differentially associated with decreased suicidal ideation among Airmen, but belonging (i.e., having someone to do things with) and appraisal (i.e., having someone to talk to about problems) functions were not. Findings suggest that different aspects of social support affect suicidal ideation in different ways. Language: en
Acute pulmonary edema after near strangulation

We report a case of acute, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in an 11-year-old boy who suffered strangulation during an altercation. The clinical presentation was characterized by moderate respiratory distress and hemoptysis. Both the radiographic and clinical findings resolved during the three day admission which followed. A review of the literature is presented, and possible pathogenesis is discussed.
Lipid accumulation by Rhodococcus rhodochrous grown on glucose

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from costly vegetable oil feedstocks. Some microorganisms can accumulate lipids when nutrients are limited and carbon is in excess. Rhodococcus rhodochrous is a gram-positive bacterium most often used in bioremediation or acrylamide production. The purpose of this study was to investigate and characterize the lipid accumulation capabilities of R. rhodochrous. Shake flasks and a large-scale fermentation were used to cultivate R. rhodochrous in varying concentrations of glucose. R. rhodochrous achieved almost 50 % of dry cell mass as lipid when grown in 20 g/L of glucose. Wax esters and triglycerides were identified in R. rhodochrous lipid extract. The transesterified extractables of R. rhodochrous consisted of mostly palmitic (35 %) and oleic (42 %) acid methyl esters. This study shows R. rhodochrous to be an oleaginous bacterium with potential for application in alternative fuels.
A FAMILY STUDY OF IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS. A POSSIBLE DYSPROTEINEMIC AND GENETICALLY DETERMINED DISEASE.

Abstract This report describes an unusual family in which eight proved cases and three suspected cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have been identified in three of five generations examined. A pair of identical twins had concordant disease. These data indicate that interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, at least in this family, is a genetically determined disease which is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. The propositus had a monoclonal, slowly-migrating gamma globulin spike in her serum. She had a significant peripheral blood eosinophilia. Three of her children had serum globulin abnormalities, and two other children have eosinophilia. None of these progeny have any pulmonary or other lesions identifiable by physical examination or by laboratory studies. Eighty-two living kindred were examined in detail. Fifteen presumably healthy members had a significant peripheral blood eosinophilia. Two had hypogammaglobulinemia. Among other members of this family, one had rheumatoid arthritis, two had Raynaud's disease, one had Henoch-Schonlein's purpura and one had rheumatic fever. None of these eighty-two members had discernable idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is predictable on a genetic basis that in some of the healthy members of the fourth and fifth generations of this family pulmonary fibrosis will ultimately develop. Some of the abnormalities found in this population may then be identifiable as an early manifestation of disease.
Relationship between supply chain integration and performance

This study analyzes survey-based studies examining the benefits of supply chain integration (SCI) and presents opportunities for further empirical examination. The literature review method is used to evaluate the empirical research published from 1990 to 2012. The analysis reveals that internal integration serves as a foundation for establishing external collaboration. There is empirical evidence on the positive effect of supplier integration on performance, whereas the findings on benefits through customer integration are conflicting. While researchers have made significant progress in our understanding of SCI, there is a substantial need for more work to provide in-depth insights into the potential of SCI and to improve the methodological issues. This study makes three contributions. First, this study expands the current understanding of benefits and considerations in implementing internal, supplier, and customer integration. Second, this study provides a critique of the empirical work and offers research agendas that can stimulate future researchers to carefully explore the topic. Finally, this study enhances the quality of analysis by employing the five-step approach proposed by Vokurka and O’Leary-Kelly (J Oper Manag 18(4):485–501, 2000).
Diode-Laser Transmitter For Space-Based Heterodyne Communication

An optical transmitter, based on four redundant 30 mW GaAlAs diode lasers operating at 0.86 #m, is being developed for an experiment in space-based heterodyne communication. Key optical, mechanical and electrical components of the transmitter have been fabricated and tested in prototype form. A module which includes the laser, collimator and electronics has been assembled which yields a wavefront quality of better than X/36 over a 24° C temperature range. The laser and its four-element collimator have been shaken independently at 49 g (rms) without degradation in performance. The transmitter will weigh less than 2.3 kg and consume less than 4.2 W during normal operation.
A general approach to co-operativity and its application to the oxygen equilibrium of hemoglobin and its effectors.

A general model of co-operativity is developed and solved explicitly; it combines the concepts of preferential binding and quaternary constraints (due to Monod, Wyman & Changeux), nearest-neighbor subunit interactions (due to Koshland), and changes in subunit aggregation (due to Briehl). For this reason, the general model can explain systems which previous models cannot—e.g. the model of Monod, Wyman & Changeux cannot explain negative co-operativity, the model of Koshland cannot treat situations where quaternary conformation is observed to be coupled to ligand binding, and the model of Briehl cannot explain co-operativity when no change in the level of subunit aggregation occurs. This general model of co-operativity reduces in special limits to these previous models. Still another limiting case corresponds to the Perutz description of hemoglobin, a “mixed” system thought to exhibit characteristics of several previous models. Four distinct types of effector are defined and incorporated in the model. By calculating binding curves, and explicitly comparing them with experimental data concerning the inhibition of hemoglobin oxygenation by 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, one finds: (a) that P2Glyc2Glyc, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate; MWC, Monod-Wyman-Changeux.2Glyc binding equilibrium and molecular constraints; (c) that the quaternary conformation changes from the deoxy to the oxy form at about the third oxygenation, depending only slightly on P2Glyc concentration; (d) that the detailed dependence of the four Adair parameters and of the apparent free energy of interaction on the free P2Glyc concentration can be easily calculated; and (e) that the model describes biphasic oxygenation curves very well and can explain the dependence of the Hill coefficient, nH, on P2Glyc concentration, on pH, and on ionic strength. The model is also used to describe the dependence of the oxygen equilibrium on hemoglobin concentration for very dilute solutions of HbA (normal adult hemoglobin) and for lamprey hemoglobin. It is found that oxygenated HbA dissociates more readily than deoxygenated HbA, primarily because the dimer has a very high oxygen affinity; the fact that the stability of the oxy quaternary conformation of the tetramer is somewhat lower than that of the deoxy quaternary conformation is relatively unimportant. For lamprey hemoglobin it is found that there is some tetramer present but one cannot tell whether the tetramer is co-operative like the HbA tetramer. The model is finally applied to dimeric mollusc myoglobin, in order to try to determine the mechanism of co-operativity in this system from the temperature dependence of the oxygen equilibrium. This attempt proved unsuccessful in the temperature range of the data available.
Exploring thermoelectric effects and Wiedemann–Franz violation in magnetic nanostructures via micromachined thermal platforms

Abstract We describe the development and use of micromachined thermal isolation structures to explore thermoelectric effects in magnetic thin films and nanostructures. These unique measurement techniques allow fundamental studies that will help enable a wide range of spin-caloritronic devices that take advantage of the coupling between heat and magnetic degrees of freedom for useful effects. The thermal platform is capable of measuring thermal conductivity, k , thermopower (Seebeck coefficient), α , and electrical conductivity, σ , all on the same thin film sample. This also allows direct comparison of the measured thermal conductivity of a magnetic thin film to the prediction of the Wiedemann–Franz law based on measured electrical conductivity. In addition to describing the fabrication of the platforms and the basic principles of their operation, we present example data on nickel and nickel–iron alloy thin films, and briefly consider the range of samples that can be measured with both current techniques and future thermal platforms optimized for nanoscale samples.
Time-frequency approach to radar, sonar and seismic wave propagation with dispersion and attenuation

In many physical situations that involve wave propagation there is dispersion and attenuation. Examples include sonar in shallow water, underground radar, seismic wave propagation, fibre optics, among many others. The author shows that phase-space methods are particularly suited to study propagation with dispersion since in such situations the velocity of propagation is frequency dependent. Depending on the situation the phase space may be time-frequency or position-wavenumber. The author derive explicit expressions for the Wigner distribution for both cases and how it evolves with time are derived. The application to the propagation of noise fields is also discussed.
Incremental Evaluators for Remote Attribute Grammars

Abstract Remote attribute grammars use objects with separately defined fields to induce direct non-local dependencies in attribute grammars. Fields of an object may be read remotely from where it is created, and special “collection” fields may be written remotely as well. Building on earlier work which shows that remote attribute grammars can be scheduled statically, this paper shows how they may be implemented incrementally. The static schedule is used to ensure an object's fields are defined before they are read and that we never re-evaluate an attribute multiple times per edit-cycle. Dynamic dependencies are used to mark remote use sites as affected when a field is changed. The result is an efficient and practical incremental evaluation.
Non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons: mechanisms, recent developments, and unanswered questions

Non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons are present in most eukaryotic genomes. In some species, such as humans, these elements are the most abundant genome sequence and continue to replicate to this day, creating a source of endogenous mutations and potential genotoxic stress. This review will provide a general outline of the replicative cycle of non-LTR retrotransposons. Recent findings regarding the host regulation of non-LTR retrotransposons will be summarized. Finally, future directions of interest will be discussed.
Concentration of sunlight to solar-surface levels using non-imaging optics

THEflux at the surface of the Sun, ∼6.3 kW cm-2, falls off with the square of distance to a value of ∼137 mW cm-2 above the Earth's atmosphere, or typically 80–100 mW cm-2 at the ground. In principle, the second law of thermodynamics permits an optical device to concentrate the solar flux to obtain temperatures at the Earth's surface not exceeding the Sun's surface temperature. In practice, conventional means for flux concentration fall short of this maximum because imaging optical designs are inefficient at delivering maximum concentration. Non-imaging light-gathering devices can improve on focusing designs by a factor of four or more, and approach the thermodynamic limit. We have used a non-imaging design to concentrate terrestrial sunlight by a factor of 56,000, producing an irradiance that could exceed that of the solar surface. This opens up a variety of new applications for making use of solar energy.
Uronate isomerase: a nonhydrolytic member of the amidohydrolase superfamily with an ambivalent requirement for a divalent metal ion

Uronate isomerase, a member of the amidohydrolase superfamily, catalyzes the isomerization of D-glucuronate and D-fructuronate. During the interconversion of substrate and product the hydrogen at C2 of D-glucuronate is transferred to the pro-R position at C1 of the product, D-fructuronate. The exchange of the transferred hydrogen with solvent deuterium occurs at a rate that is 4 orders of magnitude slower than the interconversion of substrate and product. The enzyme catalyzes the elimination of fluoride from 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-D-glucuronate. These results have been interpreted to suggest a chemical reaction mechanism in which an active site base abstracts the proton from C2 of D-glucuronate to form a cis-enediol intermediate. The conjugate acid then transfers this proton to C1 of the cis-enediol intermediate to form D-fructuronate. The loss of fluoride from 3-deoxy-3-fluoro-D-glucuronate is consistent with a stabilized carbanion at C2 of the substrate during substrate turnover. The slow exchange of the transferred hydrogen with solvent water is consistent with a shielded conjugate acid after abstraction of the proton from either D-glucuronate or D-fructuronate during the isomerization reaction. This conclusion is supported by the competitive inhibition of the enzymatic reaction by D-arabinaric acid and the monohydroxamate derivative with Ki values of 13 and 670 nM, respectively. There is no evidence to support a hydride transfer mechanism for uronate isomerase. The wild type enzyme was found to contain 1 equiv of zinc per subunit. The divalent cation could be removed by dialysis against the metal chelator, dipicolinate. However, the apoenzyme has the same catalytic activity as the Zn-substituted enzyme and thus the divalent metal ion is not required for enzymatic activity. This is the only documented example of a member in the amidohydrolase superfamily that does not require one or two divalent cations for enzymatic activity.
Olavius cornuatus sp.n. (Oligochaeta, Tubificidae) from Georges Bank (NW Atlantic)

Olavius cornuatus sp.n. is described from Georges Bank off Massachusetts. It is distinguished from other species of Olavius Erseus, 1984 by its curved, horn-shaped atria ending in large, protrusible penes and up to six ectally hooked penial setae per bundle.
Theophylline suppression of Δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase induction in chick embryo and rat livers

Abstract Theophylline was found to be a potent inhibitor of induction of hepatic δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase (ALAS). The inhibitory effect of theophylline was observed in chick embryo and rat livers with allylisopropylacetamide (AIA), a strong inducer of ALAS. The effect of other inducers of ALAS in chick embryo (phenobarbital and steroids) was also suppressed by theophylline, which exerted its effect when administered either simultaneously with the inducer or 3 to 4 hours following the induction. Theophylline had no direct inhibitory effect on ALAS activity in vitro . The effect of xanthine derivatives other than theophylline on ALAS induction was also tested; however, theophylline and aminophylline were the only significantly potent suppressors of ALAS in both chick embryo and rat livers.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Age and Gender in Relation to Early Adolescent Interests

This study examined the relationship between age, gender, and early adolescent interests. A total of 662 respondents, ranging in age from ten to fifteen years, rated topics according to their interest. All participants responded to the same list of twenty-five topics. Significant interest differences were observed across age categories. Generally, these changes were occurring earlier for females than males, suggesting that social and psychological change are necessitated by physiological maturation. Significant sex differences were also found on several of the topics. These differences may reflect societal norms and expectations concerning sex appropriateness. Male interests were more often focused around status and achievement while females were interested in life and people.
Quality Assurance For Computed Tomography - Correlation With System Performance

A user based quality assurance program for assessing image quality changes in Computed Tomography is described. Measured image quality parameters include: CT number and standard deviation (noise) in a water phantom, contrast scale based on the CT number difference between plexiglass and water, and resolution as indicated by the modulation of a plastic bar pattern. For any quality assurance program to be effective, realistic values for allowable variation in image quality parameters must be established. This requires an understanding of the effect on image parameters caused by variations in the CT system parameters. In order to understand this interaction, a General Electric CT/T 8800 scanner was systematically "detuned" and image quality parameters monitored. CT system parameters studied include kVp, x-ray tube focal spot size, x-ray output, slice thickness and system alignment. The effect on the image for each system parameter is established and an attempt is made to identify system parameters whose status can be assessed by image parameter measurements.
A developmental and analytic study of the size-weight illusion☆

Abstract The size-weight illusion was measured under three conditions in S s ranging in age from 4 to 16 years, and adults. Presentation conditions included one in which size of the objects was registered both visually and haptically, a second in which S s were blindfolded and size was registered only haptically, and a third in which S s held the objects by strings and size was registered only visually. In the visual condition, the magnitude of the illusion was low and decreased with age; in the haptic condition the magnitude increased with age; in the visual-haptic condition it remained stable. It was suggested that developmental trends in magnitude of the illusion under the three conditions reflected differences in intermodal and intramodal integration.
OXIDATION OF Mg(0001) STUDIED BY LEED AND ESDIAD

The oxidation of Mg(0001) was studied using LEED (Low Energy Electron Diffraction) and ESDIAD (Electron Stimulated Desorption Ion Angular Distributions) with supplemental information from STM (Scanning Tunneling Microscopy). In agreement with previous work, two kinds of oxide were observed: a sub-oxide consisting of subsurface oxygen and ionic MgO. From 0 to 8 L (Langmuir=1×10-6 Torr Sec) oxygen exposure, the 1×1 LEED pattern obtained for clean Mg(0001) becomes diffuse and almost disappears, indicating that the initial stages of oxidation lead to a disordering of the surface. At higher oxygen exposure (~12 L) a diffuse 1×1 returns, showing that this new growth is in registry with the Mg substrate. The ESD O+ ion yield, which is initially near zero for substrate oxygen, increases dramatically at this point, indicating that the oxide is now on the surface. The desorbing O+ forms a normal emission pattern in the ESDIAD experiment at still higher oxygen exposures.
Photochemical studies of (aminoethylaminomethyl) phenethyltrimethoxysilane self-assembled monolayer films

Abstract The deep UV (193 nm) photochemistry of the self-assembled monolayer film PEDA, H 2 NCH 2 CH 2 NHCH 2 C 6 H 4 CH 2 CH 2 Si(OCH 3 ) 3 , has been studied on Si and SiO 2 surfaces using UV and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, contact angle goniometry, and laser-desorption Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Mechanistic studies show that Si-C cleavage is the ultimate photochemical pathway; however, interpretation of the photochemical data is complicated by formation of a surface-bound intermediate, as well as adsorption of photoproducts to the substrate surface. Treatment of the exposed film with high ionic strength aqueous solutions is found to remove the adsorbed material. Patterned 193 nm exposure of PEDA SAM films on SiO 2 produces a surface template of reactive amine groups at relatively low doses (~ 400 mJ cm −2 ), which can be used for selective, high-resolution attachment or deposition of materials on the unexposed regions of the film.