cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Death and Us

As Leon Kass has noted, the conquest of illness and death has long been “the unstated but implicit goal of modern medical science.” But it is unstated no more. Since the late 1990s, a new generation of scientists and enthusiasts has emerged to proclaim the feasibility and desirability of radical life extension. What they promise is not just longer life, better health, and heightened vitality, but a transformation of ourselves into the sort of beings we have long wished to be, but have repeatedly failed to become: beings who are completely fulfilled and living in perfect harmony with others. Despite the obvious and profound appeal of such a fantasy, attempts to realize it, even if successful scientifically, might prove to be disastrous culturally, for reasons that go beyond concerns about the alteration of existing social structures. Ultimately, as Freud argued, life might well become stagnant, “shallow and empty,” while the fear of death might become all the more crippling.
ESD protection using a variable voltage supply clamp

Abstract This paper discusses the advantages and limitations of using supply clamping networks for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection of integrated circuits (ICs). In addition, this paper presents an innovative supply clamp circuit that attempts to address some of the limitations of the more traditional supply clamping methods. This new circuit varies its clamp voltage depending upon whether or not the IC is mounted in a printed circuit board. If the IC is not mounted the clamp voltage is set at a very low value for maximum ESD protection. However, once the IC is mounted, the clamp voltage is increased to a value greater than the supply voltage to avoid interfering in the normal operation of the IC. Voltage versus current ( V / I ) characteristics of this supply clamp circuit are compared for the mounted versus unmounted cases. In addition, human body model (HBM) ESD threshold levels are compared for protected versus unprotected ICs. HBM ESD thresholds were seen to increase from as low as 500 V to greater than 4000 V due to the addition of a protection network incorporating this clamp circuit.
Remote sensing of absorbing aerosols and precipitable water vapor using MFRSR measurements

We present further development of our analysis algorithm for Multi-Filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (MFRSR) data. The new additions include techniques allowing us to retrieve spectral aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA) and column amount of precipitable water vapor (PWV). The SSA retrievals employ MFRSR measurements of both direct normal and diffuse horizontal irradiances. We present a sensitivity study indicating dependence of SSA retrievals on optical thickness and other aerosol parameters. Influence on the retrievals of a possible error in separation of the direct and diffuse irradiances by the instrument is discussed. The algorithm has been tested on a long-term dataset from the local MFRSR network at the DOE Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program site in Southern Great Plains (SGP). Our results are compared to AERONET's almucantar retrievals of SSA from CIMEL sun-photometer co-located with the MFRSR at the SGP Central Facility. A constrained variant of the algorithm (assuming zero nitrogen dioxide column values) is used for this comparison and to study the influence of the uncertainty associated with this atmospheric gas on the retrieved aerosol absorption properties. Precipitable water vapor column amounts are determined from the direct normal irradiances in the 940 nm MFRSR spectral channel. HITRAN 2004 spectral database has been used to model the water vapor absorption, while a range of other databases (HITRAN 1996, 2000, ESA) is used in the sensitivity study. The results of the PWV retrievals for SGP's MFRSR network are compared with correlative measurements by Microwave Radiometers (MWR), GPS stations, AERONET, and MODIS satellite product. In the latter case an interpolation technique has been used to determine spatial structure of water vapor field from the network data and to create a 2D dataset comparable with satellite data.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Yersinia enterocolitica Biovar 1B Infecting Murine Macrophages Reveals New Mechanisms of Extracellular and Intracellular Survival

Yersinia enterocolitica is typically considered an extracellular pathogen; however, during the course of an infection, a significant number of bacteria are stably maintained within host cell vacuoles. Little is known about this population and the role it plays during an infection. To address this question and to elucidate the spatially and temporally dynamic gene expression patterns of Y. enterocolitica biovar 1B through the course of an in vitro infection, transcriptome sequencing and differential gene expression analysis of bacteria infecting murine macrophage cells were performed under four distinct conditions. Bacteria were first grown in a nutrient-rich medium at 26 °C to establish a baseline of gene expression that is unrelated to infection. The transcriptomes of these bacteria were then compared to bacteria grown in a conditioned cell culture medium at 37 °C to identify genes that were differentially expressed in response to the increased temperature and medium but not in response to host cells. Infections were then performed, and the transcriptomes of bacteria found on the extracellular surface and intracellular compartments were analyzed individually. The upregulated genes revealed potential roles for a variety of systems in promoting intracellular virulence, including the Ysa type III secretion system, the Yts2 type II secretion system, and the Tad pilus. It was further determined that mutants of each of these systems had decreased virulence while infecting macrophages. Overall, these results reveal the complete set of genes expressed by Y. enterocolitica in response to infection and provide the groundwork for future virulence studies.
Physiological and Molecular Basis of Acetolactate Synthase- Inhibiting Herbicide Resistance in Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus- galli)

Barnyardgrass biotypes from Arkansas (AR1 and AR2) and Mississippi (MS1) have evolved cross-resistance to imazamox, imazethapyr, and penoxsulam. Additionally, AR1 and MS1 have evolved cross-resistance to bispyribac-sodium. Studies were conducted to determine if resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides in these biotypes is target-site or non-target-site based. Sequencing and analysis of a 1701 base pair ALS coding sequence revealed Ala122 to Val and Ala122 to Thr substitutions in AR1 and AR2, respectively. The imazamox concentrations required for 50% inhibition of ALS enzyme activity in vitro of AR1 and AR2 were 2.0 and 5.8 times, respectively, greater than the susceptible biotype. Absorption of 14 C-bispyribac- sodium, -imazamox, and -penoxsulam was similar in all biotypes. 14 C-Penoxsulam translocation out of the treated leaf (≤2%) was similar among all biotypes. 14 C-Bispyribac-treated AR1 and MS1 translocated 31− 43% less radioactivity to aboveground tissue below the treated leaf compared to the susceptible biotype. 14 C-Imazamox-treated AR1 plants translocated 39% less radioactivity above the treated leaf and aboveground tissue below the treated leaf, and MS1 translocated 54 and 18% less radioactivity to aboveground tissue above and below the treated leaf, respectively, compared to the susceptible biotype. Phosphorimaging results further corroborated the above results. This study shows that altered target site is a mechanism of resistance to imazamox in AR2 and probably in AR1. Additionally, reduced translocation, which may be a result of metabolism, could contribute to imazamox and bispyribac-sodium resistance in AR1 and MS1.
Direct numerical simulation of the Brownian motion of particles by using fluctuating hydrodynamic equations

In this paper, we present a direct numerical simulation scheme for the Brownian motion of particles. In this approach, the thermal fluctuations are included in the fluid equations via random stress terms. Solving the fluctuating hydrodynamic equations coupled with the particle equations of motion result in the Brownian motion of the particles. There is no need to add a random force term in the particle equations. The particles acquire random motion through the hydrodynamic force acting on its surface from the surrounding fluctuating fluid. The random stress in the fluid equations are easy to calculate unlike the random terms in the conventional Brownian dynamics type approaches. We present a three-dimensional implementation along with validation.
Room temperature ion beam mixing of aluminum with titanium hydride

Abstract Electrolytical charging with hydrogen has recently been found to inhibit the subsequent ion-irradiation-induced mixing of Fe, Co, Ni or Pd into Ti by factors of 7, 2.2, 2 and 1–1.5. It has been suggested that the effect depends on the stability of the hydrogen-vacancy complexes in these metals. An important consequence of this dependence would be that AlTi samples should behave like FeTi in this respect. In reasonable agreement with this we find that charging an AlTi bilayer sample with hydrogen reduces the ion beam mixing rate due to 600 keV Xe ions by a factor of 4.
ESR dosimetry and dating in aragonitic mollusks

Abstract Much current research in ESR involves mollusks. As well as being useful for ESR dating, mollusks often present interesting problems in dosimetry. A number of molluskan species have been dated successfully by ESR. This work will discuss results on a previously unstudied genus, Mercenaria, using samples approx. 100 ka old, from Norfolk, Va (U.S.A.). Extensive comparison dating is available for the deposits, using, for example, uranium series disequilibrium and amino acid racemization. In addition, the work compares several proposed methodologies for determining the accumulated radiation dosage by ESR.
Effect of pentobarbital and gaseous anesthetics on rats selectively bred for ethanol sensitivity

Rats have been genetically selected to have a differential hypnotic response to an acute injection of ethanol. These high alcohol sensitive (HAS) and low alcohol sensitive (LAS) rats were used to investigate commonalities of the mechanism of action of several gaseous anesthetics, pentobarbital and ethanol. Similar studies have been carried out extensively with mouse lines also differentially sensitive to ethanol (short- and long-sleep mice). Like the mice, the rats are also differentially sensitive to the two gaseous anesthetics, enflurane and isoflurane. However, in contrast to results with these mice, we find that the HAS and LAS rats are differentially sensitive to halothane and pentobarbital in the same direction as their sensitivity to ethanol. In other studies, the rats also have been found to be differentially sensitive to phenobarbital as are SS and LS mice. These results show that, by the use of these anesthetics in combination with selectively bred rodent lines, many new opportunities for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of anesthetic agents present themselves.
Import requirements of canadian final output components

Import and domestic input requirements of Canadian final output components, 1949–1972, are estimated. Net input-output coefficients are obtained for each observation. Allowance is made for substitutions between inputs and between outputs, and for technical change. Some of the problems involved in measuring input requirements in nominal terms are discussed. We find that import requirements are particularly high for Canadian exports; they are somewhat lower for investment goods than for consumption goods. Although import requirements have been steadily increasing during the sample period in real terms, they have been quite stable when expressed in nominal terms.
Multi-scale Tomography for Crustal P and S Velocities in Southern California

Seismic tomography is a viable tool in building depth-velocity models in the presence of strong lateral velocity variations. In this study 3-D P- and S-velocity models for the crust of southern California are constrained using more than 1,000,000 P-wave first arrivals and 130,000 S-wave arrivals from local earthquakes. To cope with the uneven distribution of raypaths, a multi-scale tomography is applied with overlapping model cells of different sizes. Within the 300 × 480 × 39 km3 model volume, the smallest cell size is 10 × 10 × 3 km3. During the iterations of velocity updating, earthquake hypocenters are determined using both P and S arrivals, and full 3-D ray tracing is implemented. Except near the edges and in the lower crust, the resultant models are robust according to various tests on the effects of reference models, resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. The tomographic velocities at shallow depths correlate very well with the regional geology of southern California. In the upper crust the P-wave and S-wave models exhibit slow velocities in major sedimentary basins and fast velocities in areas of crystalline rocks. Mid-crustal low velocity zones are present under the Coso Range, San Gabriel Mountains, and a large portion of the Mojave Desert. P- and S-velocity patterns maintain their similarity in the lower crust though the models are less reliable there.
Railway heritage and the tourist gaze: Stoomtram Hoorn–Medemblik

Abstract Discussions focussing upon leisure and transport heritage are few in transport geography. This consideration of a preserved rural tramway in the Netherlands – the Stoomtram Hoorn–Medemblik – draws upon studies of tourist images and places, developing through a critique of the concept of the tourist gaze in the context of the Noordholland landscape. A qualitative methodology is adopted to unpack the gaze, to view ideas of heritage and authenticity in their historical and modern contexts. Individual leisure experiences and impressions demonstrate the importance of links between the railway, time and place within the tourist gaze.
Review of the Toxicology of Paraquat (1, 1′-Dimethyl-4, 4′-bipyridinium Chloride)

(1979). Review of the Toxicology of Paraquat (1, 1′-Dimethyl-4, 4′-bipyridinium Chloride) Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 1-46.
Numerical Study of Shock-Wave/Boundary-Layer Interactions with Bleed

A numerical study was conducted to investigate how bleed through a two-dimensional slot affects shock-wave induced, boundary-layer separation on a flat plate. This study is based on the ensemble-averaged, compressible, Navier-Stokes equations closed by the Baldwin-Lomax, algebraic turbulence model. The algorithm used to obtain solutions was the implicit, partially split, two-factored scheme of Steger. This study examined the effects of the following parameters in controlling shock-wave induced flow separation: location of slot in relation to where the incident shock wave impinged on the boundary layer, size of slot in relation to the boundary-layer thickness, number of slots, spacings between slots, and strength of the incident shock wave. This study also showed the nature of the very complex flowfield about the slot or slots and how the plenum affects the bleed process. The results of this study are relevant to problems where bleed is used to control shock-wave induced, boundary-layer separation (e.g., inside jet engine inlets and wind tunnels).
Enzymic conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate to squalene.

Abstract Squalene synthetase of pig liver has been solubilized and partially purified. This enzyme has a pH optimum of 7.4 and a K m value of 5 × 10 −7 M for farnesyl pyrophosphate. A divalent metal ion, Mg ++ or Mn ++ , and NADPH are required for the conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate to squalene. Inhibition of the reaction is effected in the presence of nerolidyl pyrophosphate and SH inhibitors. Inhibition is also effected by farnesyl pyrophosphate at concentrations greater than 1.0 × 10 −4 M . Farnesyl pyrophosphate reacts with the enzyme to form an enzyme bound intermediate (C 15 ) with the release of pyrophosphate. A C 30 -enzyme compound has also been isolated and this compound has been converted to squalene on addition of NADPH and Mg ++ to the incubation mixture. A mechanism for the conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate to squalene has been proposed from these findings.
Small diameter carbon nanopipettes

Nanoscale multifunctional carbon probes facilitate cellular studies due to their small size, which makes it possible to interrogate organelles within living cells in a minimally invasive fashion. However, connecting nanotubes to macroscopic devices and constructing an integrated system for the purpose of fluid and electrical signal transfer is challenging, as is often the case with nanoscale components. We describe a non-catalytic chemical vapor deposition based method for batch fabrication of integrated multifunctional carbon nanopipettes (CNPs) with tip diameters much smaller (10-30 nm) than previously reported (200 nm and above) and approaching those observed for multiwalled carbon nanotubes. This eliminates the need for complicated attachment/assembly of nanotubes into nanofluidic devices. Variable tip geometries and structures were obtained by controlled deposition of carbon inside and outside quartz pipettes. We have shown that the capillary length and gas flow rate have a marked effect on the carbon deposition. This gives us a flexible protocol, useful for growing carbon layers of different thicknesses at selective locations on a glass pipette to yield a large variety of cellular probes in bulk quantities. The CNPs possess an open channel for fluid transfer with the carbon deposited inside at 875 degrees C behaving like an amorphous semiconductor. Vacuum annealing of the CNP tips at temperatures up to 2000 degrees C yields graphitic carbon structures with an increase in conductivity of two orders of magnitude. Penetration of the integrated carbon nanoprobes into cells was shown to produce minimal Ca(2+) signals, fast recovery of basal Ca(2+) levels and no adverse activation of the cellular metabolism during interrogation times as long as 0.5-1 h.
Reply to Bortolussi et al.: Managing right ventricular dysfunction during minimally invasive mitral valve operations.

The commentary of Bortolussi et al. [1] was reviewed with interest and sincere appreciation for their laudable case report of acute right ventricular failure following minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. Following 300 min of cardiopulmonary bypass managed by peripheral cannulation with a single femoral venous cannula, the authors noted low flow in the right coronary artery they attributed to de-airing challenges. De-airing and venous drainage difficulties have long confronted surgeons, evolving the technique of minimally invasive right thoracotomy mitral valve surgery. To navigate these issues, historical and cumulative experience advocate for intracorporeal carbon dioxide delivery as well as a trend to separate superior and inferior vena caval vacuum-assisted venous drainage [2, 3]. These elements have been incorporated as routine for all minimally invasive video-assisted and robotic mitral operations performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center [4]. In minimally invasive mitral operations, passive rewarming of the right ventricle may pose further protection challenges. Though retrograde cardioplegia can and has been effectively used to augment myocardial protection, it can raise technical difficulties if applied other than with percutaneous delivery catheters. As suggested by the authors [1], limited dosing crytalloid cardioplegic solutions have been used with excellent results in minimally invasive mitral operations. However, conventional intermittent antegrade cold-blood cardioplegic solution, delivered to the completely drained heart in combination with systemic hypothermia, has also been quite efficacious. Bortolussi et al. [1] are to be congratulated on their successful management of the rare and potentially devastating complication of acute right ventricular failure at the time of minimally invasive mitral surgery. More so than the type and method of cardioplegia delivery, this unusual complication may often be prevented by the use of vacuum-assisted bicaval venous drainage and transient systemic hypothermia.
Experiments on Decalcifying Anticoagulants

ConclusionIt has long been established that thrombin, once formed, is active in the presence of excess of oxalate, etc., this being the classical experiment in support of the view that ionized calcium is not necessary for the clotting process proper (“second phase” of Hammarsten). It is less widely appreciated that clotting under these conditions is definitely slower than normal. Forty years ago Hammarsten3 failed to inactivate thrombin by oxalation, and Kastl4 and Eagle5 have recently confirmed. The divergent findings of Loucks and Scott2 are supported by the present experiments. Since the data appear to be unequivocal, and since their importance in the elucidation of the calcium factor in coagulation is obvious, it is imperative that further investigations be made with a view to explaining the discrepancies in the literature and elucidating further the mechanism of action of the so-called “decalcifying” anticoagulants.
Mutagenicity of alkaline constituents of a coal-liquified crude oil in mammalian cells☆☆☆★

Abstract Employing the CHO/HGPRT system, we have shown that the acetone fraction of a crude coal—liquid crude oil is the major contributor to the mutagenicity of synthetic oil. The system appears to be useful for determination of mutagenicity of organic mixtures and for corroboration of results from other biological assays.
Do patient preferences influence decisions on treatment for patients with steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis?

Background & Aims: Patients with steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis face a difficult treatment decision between colectomy and therapy with infliximab or cyclosporine. The aim of this study was to understand how individual patient preferences for the various treatment outcomes influence the optimal treatment decision for a given patient. Methods: A Markov model was used to simulate treatment with total colectomy with an ileo pouch–anal anastomosis (TC/IPAA), cyclosporine (CSA), infliximab (INFLX), and infliximab followed by cyclosporine for treatment failures (INFLX→CSA). Utility weights for treatment outcomes were elicited from 48 patients using both time trade-off and visual rating scale methods. Preference sets were applied to the model to identify the therapy that maximized quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for each patient. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess model robustness. Results: Optimal treatment was highly variable among patients (INFLX→CSA = 42%, 20/48; TC/IPAA = 37%, 18/48; CSA=21%, 10/48; INFLX=0%, 0/48). However, when average preference weights from our sample were applied to the model, medical treatments were superior to TC (CSA = .26 QALYs gained vs TC/IPAA; INFLX→CSA = .25 QALYs gained vs TC/IPAA). Conclusions: Patient preferences have a clear impact on the optimal treatment for steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis. Although averaged preferences support the use of medical interventions, a third of individual patients may benefit most from proceeding directly to colectomy. Failure to fully assess individual preferences may result in suboptimal treatment for these patients.
Embedded Measures of Performance Validity Using Verbal Fluency Tests in a Clinical Sample

The objective of this study was to determine to what extent verbal fluency measures can be used as performance validity indicators during neuropsychological evaluation. Participants were clinically referred for neuropsychological evaluation in an urban-based Veteran's Affairs hospital. Participants were placed into 2 groups based on their objectively evaluated effort on performance validity tests (PVTs). Individuals who exhibited credible performance (n = 431) failed 0 PVTs, and those with poor effort (n = 192) failed 2 or more PVTs. All participants completed the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) and Animals verbal fluency measures. We evaluated how well verbal fluency scores could discriminate between the 2 groups. Raw scores and T scores for Animals discriminated between the credible performance and poor-effort groups with 90% specificity and greater than 40% sensitivity. COWAT scores had lower sensitivity for detecting poor effort. A combination of FAS and Animals scores into logistic regr...
Heavy ion beam transport in an inertial confinement fusion reactor

A new code, bimc, is under development to determine if a beam of heavy ions can be focused to the necessary spot-size radius of about 2 mm within an inertial confinement reactor chamber where the background gas densities are on the order of 10{sup 14}--10{sup 15} cm{sup {minus}3} Lithium (or equivalent). Beam transport is expected to be strongly affected by stripping and collective plasma phenomena; however, if propagation is possible in this regime, it could lead to simplified reactor designs. The beam is modeled using a 2 1/2 D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation code coupled with a Monte Carlo (MC) method for analyzing collisions. The MC code follows collisions between the beam ions and neutral background gas atoms that account for the generation of electrons and background gas ions (ionization), and an increase of the charge state of the beam ions (stripping). The PIC code models the complete dynamics of the interaction of the various charged particle species with the self generated electromagnetic fields. Details of the code model and preliminary results are presented.
How TRIPs got legs : Copyright, trade policy, and the role of government in nineteenth-century American economic thought

The cause of free trade was advanced successfully in Britain to achieve the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846, the removal of other tariffs in Gladstone’s budget of 1853, and the CobdenChevalier treaty of 1860. It was advanced much less successfully in postbellum America, where protection reigned until 1913. The cause is advanced today in the Doha-round negotiations of the World Trade Organization and, in the Western Hemisphere, in the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas and several subregional and bilateral preferential trade agreements. Or is it not? The WTO and FTAA negotiations have stalled repeatedly – most recently at the failed Cancun WTO talks of September 2003 – because of the vastly different agendas of developing and developed countries. Developing countries press for the dismantling of rich countries’ antidumping laws and of their protection of agriculture and cotton goods. Developed countries, particularly the United States, press for not only for access to poor countries’ markets, but also for their acceptance of stricter definitions and greater enforcement of intellectual property rights. The chapter concerning TRIPs (Trade-Related aspects of Intellectual Property rights) was included in the WTO agreement at the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of the GATT; since that time the United States has been seeking tougher provisions. While the U.S. relented in Cancun (Bhagwati 2004, p. 57), it did so while simultaneously pursuing regional and bilateral agreements that are more forceful. Intellectual property provokes the ire of globalization’s critics: it entails monopoly rents that accrue to producers of pharmaceuticals, some agricultural goods, and entertainment and media products, most of which producers reside in rich countries. Proponents view the rents as
Elevated testosterone and reduced 5-HIAA concentrations are associated with wounding and hantavirus infection in male Norway rats

Among rodents that carry hantaviruses, males are more likely to engage in aggression and to be infected than females. One mode of hantavirus transmission is via the passage of virus in saliva during wounding. The extent to which hantaviruses cause physiological changes in their rodent host that increase aggression and, therefore, virus transmission has not been fully documented. To assess whether steroid hormones and neurotransmitters contribute to the correlation between aggression and Seoul virus infection, Norway rats were trapped in Baltimore, Maryland and wounding, infection status, steroid hormones, and concentrations of neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenol acetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) in select brain regions were examined. Older males and males with high-grade wounds were more likely to have anti-Seoul virus IgG and viral RNA in organs than either juveniles or adult males with less severe wounds. Wounded males had higher circulating testosterone, lower hypothalamic 5-HIAA, and lower NE in the amygdala than males with no wounds. Infected males had higher concentrations of testosterone, corticosterone, NE in the hypothalamus, and DOPAC in the amygdala than uninfected males, regardless of wounding status. In the present study, wounded males that were infected with Seoul virus had elevated testosterone and reduced 5-HIAA concentrations, suggesting that these neuroendocrine mechanisms may contribute to aggression and the likelihood of transmission of hantavirus in natural populations of male Norway rats.
Synthesis, properties and complexation of (pS)-1-isocyano-2-methylferrocene, the first planar-chiral isocyanide ligand

Abstract Reaction of enantiomerically pure, planar-chiral (pS)-1-bromo-2-methylferrocene (1) with phthalimide in the presence of Cu2O produces (pS)-1-phthalimido-2-methylferrocene (2), quantitative reduction of which with hydrazine hydrate affords (pS)-1-amino-2-methylferrocene (3) with >99% ee. Formylation of amine 3 followed by dehydration of the resulting (pS)-1-formamido-2-methylferrocene (4) provides (pS)-1-isocyano-2-methylferrocene (5), the first example of a planar-chiral isocyanide ligand, in a good yield. Isocyanide 5 reacts with PdI2 to give the crystallographically characterized chiral complex trans-[PdI2{(pS)-1-isocyano-2-methylferrocene}2] (6). The redox behavior of 4, 5, and 6, accessed by cyclic voltammetry, is discussed.
Embryological basis for cardiac left-right asymmetry.

Abstract Asymmetric heart tube looping and chamber morphogenesis is a complex process that is just beginning to be understood at the genetic level. Rightward looping is the first embryological manifestation of consistently oriented, left–right asymmetric development of nearly all visceral organs. Intuitively, invariant anatomical asymmetry must derive from a novel mechanism capable of integrating dorsoventral and anteroposterior information. The details of this process are emerging for several vertebrates and reveal that overall left–right asymmetry, once polarized with respect to dorsoventral and anteroposterior axes, unfolds through distinct left- and right-sided programs of gene expression. These, in turn, regulate expression of cardiac and chamber-specific genes which guide heart morphogenesis and differentiation
Hypergroup deformations and Markov chains

Persi Diaconis and Phil Hanlon in their interesting paper(4) give the rates of convergence of some Metropolis Markov chains on the cubeZd(2). Markov chains on finite groups that are actually random walks are easier to analyze because the machinery of harmonic analysis is available. Unfortunately, Metropolis Markov chains are, in general, not random walks on group structure. In attempting to understand Diaconis and Hanlon's work, the authors were led to the idea of a hypergroup deformation of a finite groupG, i.e., a continuous family of hypergroups whose underlying space isG and whose structure is naturally related to that ofG. Such a deformation is provided forZd(2), and it is shown that the Metropolis Markov chains studied by Diaconis and Hanlon can be viewed as random walks on the deformation. A direct application of the Diaconis-Shahshahani Upper Bound Lemma, which applies to random walks on hypergroups, is used to obtain the rate of convergence of the Metropolis chains starting at any point. When the Markov chains start at 0, a result in Diaconis and Hanlon(4) is obtained with exactly the same rate of convergence. These results are extended toZd(3).
Numerical Simulations and a Conceptual Model of the Stratocumulus to Trade Cumulus Transition

Abstract A two-dimensional eddy-resolving model is used to study the transition from the stratocumulus topped boundary layer to the trade cumulus boundary layer. The 10-day simulations use an idealized Lagrangian trajectory representative of summertime climatological conditions in the subtropical northeastern Pacific. The sea surface temperature is increased steadily at 1.5 K day−1, reflecting the southwestward advection of the subtropical marine boundary layer by the trade winds, while the free tropospheric temperature remains unchanged. Results from simulations with both a fixed diurnally averaged shortwave radiative forcing and a diurnally varying shortwave forcing are presented. A two-stage model for the boundary layer evolution consistent with these simulations is proposed. In the first stage, decoupling is induced by increased latent heat fluxes in the deepening boundary layer. After decoupling, cloud cover remains high, but the cloudiness regime changes from a single stratocumulus layer to sporadic...
Digital evolution in time-dependent fitness landscapes

We study the response of populations of digital organisms that adapt to a time-varying (periodic) fitness landscape of two oscillating peaks. We corroborate in general predictions from quasi-species theory in dynamic landscapes, such as adaptation to the average fitness landscape at small periods (high frequency) and quasistatic adaptation at large periods (low frequency). We also observe adaptive phase shifts (time lags between a change in the fitness landscape and an adaptive change in the population) that indicate a low-pass filter effect, in agreement with existing theory. Finally, we witness long-term adaptation to fluctuating environments not anticipated in previous theoretical work.
Knowledge-aided engineering environment for design and manufacturing

The development of a knowledge-aided engineering environment, an emerging concept that aims to exploit the commonality and the adaptability of the knowledge underlying design and manufacturing, is presented. The following objectives are critical for achieving this end: (1) the definition of an integrated set of conceptual and physical data models that can support the unique requirements of the engineering and manufacturing environments and also promote the sharing of common knowledge; (2) the production of a mechanism for the automatic generation of such models and their accompanying software for specific application domains; (3) the creation of a strategy for knowledge-driven dialogue management; and (4) the specification of a rule base that supports the integration of the dialogue manager and the data model generator into a functional prototype. An example illustrating the KAD/KAM (knowledge-aided design/knowledge-aided manufacturing) environment is presented. >
Human decidual stromal cells suppress cytokine secretion by allogenic CD4+ T cells via PD-1 ligand interactions

background: Although previous reports suggest an antigen-presenting function for decidual stromal cells (DSCs), the relevance of cellto-cell communication between DSCs and T cells at the human feto-maternal interface has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the presence and function of human DSC-expressed B7-H1 and B7-DC co-stimulatory ligands. B7-H1 and B7-DC on peripheral antigen-presenting cells (APC) typically inhibit T cell activation after binding to their corresponding receptor, programmed death-1 (PD-1). methods: DSCs were isolated from human term decidua. The expression of B7-H1/B7-DC and HLA-DR and their alteration following IFN-g and/or TNF-a stimulation were assessed. DSCs with or without IFN-g pretreatment were co-cultured with allogenic CD4 þ T cells. The effect of PD-1:B7-H1/B7-DC and T cell receptor (TCR):HLA-DR interactions on T cell cytokine production was evaluated by adding blocking antibodies. results: DSCs constitutively expressed B7-H1 and B7-DC, as well as small amounts of HLA-DR. Exogenous IFN-g and TNF-a up-regulated the B7-H1/-DC expression on DSCs, whereas HLA-DR expression was increased only by IFN-g. IFN-g pretreatment of DSCs stimulated T cell cytokine production through HLA-DR up-regulation. B7-H1 blockade on DSCs strongly enhanced T cell cytokine production (IFN-g, TNF-a and IL-2), whereas B7-DC blockade had similar but more modest effects. Blockade of both B7-H1 and B7-DC resulted in additive effects. conclusions: Our findings support the categorization of human DSCs as non-professional APCs and suggest that PD-1 ligands on DSCs, together with major histocompatibility complex class II, may play a crucial role in the regulation of decidual CD4 þ T cell cytokine production. This helps to maintain a balanced cytokine milieu at the feto-maternal interface.
Concepts of Osteoblast Growth and Differentiation: Basis for Modulation of Bone Cell Development and Tissue Formation:

The combined application of molecular, biochemical, histochemical, and ultrastructural approaches has defined a temporal sequence of gene expression associated with development of the bone cell phenotype in primary osteoblast cultures. The peak levels of expressed genes reflect a developmental sequence of bone cell differentiation characterized by three principal periods: proliferation, extracellular matrix maturation and mineralization, and two restriction points to which the cells can progress but cannot pass without further signals. The regulation of cell growth and bone-specific gene expression has been examined during this developmental sequence and is discussed within the context of several unique concepts. These are (1) that oncogene expression in proliferating osteoblasts contributes to the suppression of genes expressed postproliferatively, (2) that hormone modulation of a gene is dependent upon the maturational state of the osteoblast, and (3) that chromatin structure and the presence of nucleosomes contribute to three-dimensional organization of gene promoters that support synergistic and/or antagonistic activities of physiologic mediators of bone cell growth and differentiation.
The impact of adolescent binge drinking and sustained abstinence on affective state.

BACKGROUND: While it is clear that affect is negatively impacted by heavy drinking in adulthood and that it improves with abstinence, little is known about effects of heavy drinking on mood during adolescence. METHODS: This study examined negative mood states among 2 groups of 16- to 18-year-old high school students; youth with a history of recent heavy episodic drinking (HED; n = 39) and comparison youth with limited lifetime drinking experience (CON; n = 26). Affect was assessed at 3 time points during a 4- to 6-week period of monitored abstinence using the Hamilton Rating Scales for Anxiety and Depression; self-reports were obtained with the state portion of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and experience sampling of current affect was assessed via daily text messages sent at randomly determined times in the morning, afternoon, and evening. RESULTS: Youth with a recent history of HED reported more negative affect compared with nondrinking youth during early stages of abstinence (days since last HED at assessment 1: M = 6.46; SD = 5.06); however, differences in affect were not observed after 4 to 6 weeks of abstinence. Sex differences were evident, with HED girls reporting greater depression and anxiety than HED male peers. Although not significant, response patterns indicated that boys may experience faster resolution of negative emotional states than girls with sustained abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that high-dose drinking is associated with elevated negative affect for adolescents and that negative mood states may take longer to resolve for girls than for boys following heavy drinking episodes. Future research clarifying naturally occurring changes in affective response during early and sustained abstinence is necessary for improving programs designed to promote adolescent decision-making and to reduce risk for relapse. Language: en
Design as dream and self-representation: Philip Johnson and the Glass House of Atreus

Philip Johnson's masterpiece--the Glass House--is compared to a dream and conceptualized as containing encrypted and embedded representations of the self. Freud's masterpiece--The Interpretation of Dreams--is the theoretical and methodological model for this approach to design-as-dream. Drawing on Johnson's words and forms set in biographical, historical, and cultural context, interpretive paths are traced from manifest design elements of the Glass House to overdetermined latent meanings, yielding new and surprising insights into the Glass House, its elusive architect, and the process of its design. A mirror that reflects an image, a lens that focuses it, and a prism that reveals its components, the Glass House turns a lucid eye onto its maker.
Integrating message, voice, and tracking data on UHF DAMA networks

The Copernicus TADIX approach (using the MUST protocol) provides a significant performance and capability improvement over the current IXS systems. A key part of this improvement is the Copernicus TADIXS ability to simultaneously manage different types of communication services (message, voice, and tracking data). The MUST protocol has the unique ability to allocate DAMA channel capacity so that the requirements of each communication service are satisfied. Furthermore, the Copernicus TADIXS approach to use of the DAMA channel results in better throughput and less delay. The need to increase the availability of UHF SATCOM is clear, and it will become even more important as advanced communication systems try to use the crowded UHF SATCOM channels. >
Study of the Initial Light-Induced Degradation of PV Modules Using N-Type Dendritic Web Silicon Cells

Initial light induced degradation (ILID) has been observed in p-type crystalline and multicrystalline solar cells. Since ILID is strongly correlated with high boron and oxygen content in the solar cell, recent theories suggest that n-type solar cells should be much less susceptible to ILID. Using indoor solar simulation, PV modules containing n-type dendritic web silicon solar cells were studied to observe the presence of ILID. I-V curve measurements were made as the modules received their first light exposure. No degradation in Voc was observed, but a small amount of degradation did appear in I sc and Pmax. The mechanism behind this very low level of degradation is unclear
Expression of the E. coli lexA+ gene in Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora and its effect on production of pectin lyase and carotovoricin*

In Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora, recA mediates various SOS functions as well as the DNA damage-induced synthesis of pectin lyase (PNL) and carotovoricin (CTV). To further characterize this system a plasmid carrying the E. coli lexA+ gene was introduced into E. carotovora subsp. carotovora strain 71. The construct was sensitive to ultraviolet light and lost the ability to synthesize two nalidixic acid-inducible proteins, one with an electrophoretic mobility similar to that of the E. coli RecA. Basal and nalidixic acid-induced levels of PNL and CTV were increased several-fold in the construct, suggesting that an interaction occurs between LexA and some regulatory element(s) of pnl and ctv.
Fabrication and characterization of a hydrogel containing electrospun fibers

Electrospun an fibers hysdrogels are two focal points of research within the biomaterials community. The electrospinning process allows for fabrication of nanoscale, aligned topography and has been shown to direct cellular migration and outgrowth. Hydrogels exhibit benefits over traditional, rigid scaffolds in that they are injectable and can be tailored to mimic the mechanical properties of the surrounding tissue. Although both electrospun fibers and hydrogels display favorable characteristics for biomedical applications in vitro, their in vivo benefits are limited due to inherent deficiencies Therefore, to advance the field of biomaterials research, a composite material containing electrospun fibers dispersed throughout a hydrogel matrix was created. Preliminary investigations into characterization of this material configuration by rheological assessment show that the addition of fibers alters the elastic modulus of material. Furthermore, incorporation of the fibers within the hydrogel is capable of directing neurite outgrowth. The benefits of such a configuration are widespread throughout the tissue engineering field and may provide new strategies to overcome current limitations.
Cosmological moduli problem, supersymmetry breaking, and stability in postinflationary cosmology

We review scenarios that have been proposed to solve the cosmological problem caused by moduli in string theory, the postmodern Polonyi problem (PPP). In particular, we discuss the difficulties encountered by the apparently ``trivial'' solution of this problem, in which moduli masses are assumed to arise from nonperturbative, SUSY-preserving, dynamics at a scale higher than that of SUSY breaking. This suggests a powerful cosmological vacuum selection principle in superstring theory. However, we argue that if one eschews the possibility of cancellations between different exponentials of the inverse string coupling, the mechanism described above cannot stabilize the dilaton. Thus, even if supersymmetric dynamics gives mass to the other moduli in string theory, the dilaton mass must be generated by SUSY breaking, and dilaton domination of the energy density of the Universe cannot be avoided. We conclude that the only proposal for solving the PPP that works is the intermediate scale inflation scenario of Randall and Thomas. However, we point out that all extant models have ignored unavoidably large inhomogeneities in the cosmological moduli density at very early times, and speculate that the effects associated with nonlinear gravitational collapse of these inhomogeneities may serve as an efficient mechanism for converting moduli into ordinary matter. As an important by-product of this investigation we show that in a postinflationary universe minima of the effective potential with a negative cosmological constant are not stationary points of the classical equations of scalar field cosmology. Instead, such points lead to catastrophic gravitational collapse of that part of the Universe which is attracted to them. Thus postinflationary cosmology dynamically chooses non-negative values of the cosmological constant. This implies that supersymmetry must be broken in any sensible inflationary cosmology. We suggest that further study of the cosmology of moduli will lead to additional important insight about cosmology, SUSY breaking, and the choice of the vacuum in superstring theory.
The Hydroclimatonomy of a Developing Tropical Island: A Water Resources Perspective

ABSTRACT Rainfall distribution, streamflow characteristics, and rainfall-runoff relationships in Trinidad, West Indies, are investigated using measured hydroclimatological variables to provide information crucial to the planning and development of the country's water resources and to an understanding of the ecological impacts of manipulating the hydroclimatic system during a period of rapid industrial development, rural-urban migration, and population growth. A climatonomic modeling approach is used to explicate further the processes within and the responses to the hydroclimatological system, particularly in regard to the actual evapotranspiration, exchangeable moisture, and time march of subsurface moisture change that are important in irrigation schemes and agricultural cropping patterns. The spatial and temporal variability of, and the extreme seasonality in, rainfall and runoff require that the most viable water resource strategy incorporate storage facilities in the higher rainfall areas and delivery...