cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of high-intensity ultrashort pulse interactions with dielectric filters

Modern table-top laser systems are capable of generating ultrashort optical pulses with sufficiently high intensity to induce nonlinear optical effects in many of the materials that are used in the construction of optical components. In this paper we discuss the interaction of such pulses with two types of dielectric filters: (a) dielectric stacks composed of a sequence of two dielectric layers with quarter-wave optical thickness and (b) rugate filters, i.e. filters with a refractive index profile that is sinusoidally modulated on the length scale of an optical wavelength. Our simulations were performed using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) technique to numerically integrate the Maxwell curl equations for both the electric and magnetic fields. This technique enables the reflection of an optical pulse from a multilayer dielectric stack to be accurately simulated and also allows the incorporation of dispersion and nonlinearity through an auxiliary differential equation. We present computer simulations of optical pulse propagation through dielectric filters for pulses with pulsewidths in the range 5-100 fs with peak intensities up to ~10 TW/cm 2 . At low intensities the reflective properties of the dielectric filters determined using FDTD simulations are directly comparable to the results calculated using the characteristic matrix method, while at high intensities, optical nonlinearity in the dielectric layers is responsible for a decrease in the reflectance of the filter and causes stretching and distortion of the reflected pulses.
On the application of state sequence diagrams to the calculation of the Casimir-Polder potential

The Casimir–Polder potential, valid for all intermolecular separation distances outside regions of overlap of molecular charge distributions, as well as its asymptotic forms in the limits of small and large separation, is recalculated using time-dependent perturbation theory with the aid of the newly developed state sequence diagrammatic approach, which, in one picture, represents all time-orderings associated with a specific process. The method is compared and contrasted with the familiar time-ordered graphs due to Feynman, enabling valuable insight to be gained into the nature of virtual photon exchange. While no real calculational advantage is gained by the use of state sequence diagrams in the present application, significant benefits will accrue for other higher-order laser–molecule and intermolecular processes.
DIOPHANTINE DEFINABILITY OVER HOLOMORPHY RINGS OF ALGEBRAIC FUNCTION FIELDS WITH INFINITE NUMBER OF PRIMES ALLOWED AS POLES

Let K be an algebraic function field over a finite field of constants of characteristic greater than 2. Let W be a set of non-archimedean primes of K, let . Then for any finite set S of primes of K there exists an infinite set W of primes of K containing S, with the property that OK,S has a Diophantine definition over OK,W.
Mechanisms of Amino Acid Formation in Interstellar Ice Analogs

Amino acids have been identified in carbonaceous chondrites, but their origin is yet unknown. Previous work has shown that a variety of amino acids can be formed via ultraviolet photolysis of interstellar ice analogs. Two possible mechanisms of formation of these amino acids have been proposed: a Strecker-type synthesis or a radical-radical mechanism. In this work, we have used isotopic labeling techniques to test the predictions made by each of these proposed mechanisms for the formation of the amino acids glycine and serine. We observe that amino acid formation occurs via multiple pathways, with potentially different mechanisms for glycine and serine. The major reaction paths do not match either of the two predicted mechanisms, although a modified radical-radical mechanism may account for our observations. The observation of multiple routes suggests that the formation of amino acids in interstellar ice analogs is not narrowly dependent on ice composition, but may occur under a variety of conditions that influence product distributions.
Mean‐square hydrophobic moment for partially helical polypeptides

A mean-square helical hydrophobic moment, 〈h2〉, is defined for polypeptides in analogy to the mean-square dipole moment, 〈μ2〉, for polymer chains. For a freely jointed polymer chain, 〈μ2〉 is given by Σm, where mi denotes the dipole moment associated with bond i. In the absence of any correlations in the hydrophobic moments of individual amino acid residues in the helix, 〈h2〉 is specified by ΣH, where Hi denotes the hydrophobicity of residue i. The tendency for correlations in orientations of residue hydrophobic moments in helices therefore dictates the size of 〈h2〉/〈H2〉, where 〈H2〉 denotes the average value of ΣH for all helices. The value of 〈h2〉/〈H2〉 will be greater than one in amphiphilic helices. A necessary prerequisite for this diagnostic usage of 〈h2〉/〈H2〉 is that the residue hydrophobic moment be oriented prependicular to the principal axis of the helix. Matrix-generation schemes are formulated that permit rapid evaluation of 〈h2〉 and 〈H2〉. The behavior of 〈h2〉/〈H2〉 is illustrated by calculations performed for model sequential copolypeptides.
Modeling homogeneous and heterogeneous chemistry in the production of syngas from methane

A high-temperature, short-contact-time catalytic rhodium monolith reactor for the production of synthesis gas from methane is modeled as a plug-flow tubular reactor using detailed heterogeneous and homogeneous chemistries. The surface reactions are modeled with a 19-elementary-step mechanism for methane on rhodium surfaces, while gas-phase reactions are modeled with GRI-Mech 2.11 which includes 227 reversible reactions. Simulations are performed at different pressures, preheat temperatures, compositions, and catalyst pore sizes. The model calculations show that there is significant interplay between homogenous and heterogeneous chemistry. Homogeneous chemistry, which is generally unselective for syngas production, is favored by high pressure, large catalyst pores, and high preheat temperature. Heterogeneous chemistry is favored by low pressure, small pores, and low preheat temperature. The onset of gas-phase chemistry can be avoided by feeding air rather than oxygen into the reactor. At industrially practical pressures, air-fed reactors may be viable because less unselective homogeneous chemistry occurs. Experimental agreement with this model is very good for oxygen and preheated-air feeds at low to moderate pressure.
Essential role for IKKγ/NEMO in TCR-induced IL-2 expression in Jurkat T cells

The control of IL-2 gene expression in T cells by multiple transcriptional factors has been extensively explored, however, the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in TCR-dependent IL-2 production still remains unclear. In this study, we used a somatic cell genetics approach to address this question. Triggering TCR in mutant Jurkat T cells lacking IKKγ/NEMO failed to induce IL-2due to a selective loss in I-κB kinase activity, I-κBα degradation and NF-κB DNA-binding activity. The AP-1 and NF-AT binding activities in the IL-2 promoter were comparable between wild-type and mutant T cells. These defects in the mutant cell line were rescued by the reintroduction of exogenous IKKγ. Taken together, our data demonstrate that IKKγ plays an essential role in TCR-induced signaling pathways leading to IL-2 expression.
Past-Year Acute Behavioral Health Care Utilization Among Individuals With Mental Health Disorders: Results From the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Objective: Prevalence and correlates of past-year acute behavioral health care use were examined. Methods: Data are from the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 10,069 adults with behavioral health disorders). Associations between past-year acute behavioral health care use and factors related to health care use were examined through bivariate and logistic regression analyses per Andersen's behavioral model of health services utilization. Results: Five percent of those with a behavioral health disorder used acute behavioral health care services. Several variables were significantly associated with acute care use in the final logistic regression model (R 2 = .179, p < .0001). Individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders (OR = 2.58), severe mental illness (OR = 2.89), and co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorders (OR = 4.15) were more likely to utilize acute behavioral health care services compared to those with non-severe mental illness only. Ind...
Use of amorphous silicon for deep-UV masks

We explore the use of amorphous silicon as an alternative to chrome for deep UV masks. The primary advantage is that patterns may be dry etched. As masks' feature sizes continue to shrink, this dry etch capability of amorphous silicon can be a significant factor. Amorphous silicon has a further advantage of high absorbtivity over the 190 - 350 nm region. We have characterized the reflectivity and absorption of amorphous silicon, polysilicon, and chrome in the deep UV range from 190 nm to 365 nm. The optical properties of amorphous and polysilicon are very similar, but the superior homogeneity of amorphous silicon for etching suggests it as the preferred form. The absorbtivity of silicon exceeds that of chrome in this region (by about 20%); consequently a 700 A film is adequate to insure transmission of less than .01%. We have examined both optical and e-beam mask making processes. The amorphous silicon is deposited on quartz blanks by means of LPCVD. After removing the backside film, the pattern is transferred to the silicon using e-beam or optical exposure. The pattern is then developed by a dry plasma etch.
Electrochemical hydrogen pumping using a high-temperature polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane

Abstract Electrochemical hydrogen pumping using a high-temperature (>100 °C) polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane was demonstrated under non-humidified and humidified conditions at ambient pressures. Relatively low voltages were required to operate the pump over a wide range of hydrogen flow rates. The advantages of the high-temperature capability were shown by operating the pump on reformate feed gas mixtures containing various amounts of CO and CO2. Gas purity measurements on the cathode gas product were conducted and significant reductions in gas impurities were detected. The applicability of the PBI membrane for electrochemical hydrogen pumping and its durability under typical operating conditions were established with tests that lasted for nearly 4000 h.
Microarrays in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic approach

Neurological disease (ND) is one of the greatest challenges facing our population, from medical, financial, and social perspectives. The application of new research approaches to understand the underlying pathogenesis of ND is critical. In this article, we review the use of microarray analysis in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Microarrays have tremendous power, simultaneously querying the expression of tens of thousands of genes from a given biological sample. Coupled with impressive advances in statistical tools for analyzing large, complex data sets, well-designed microarray experiments are poised to make a big impact in the field of ND. Parkinson’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disease well suited to a systems-based microarray analysis. Genetic and environmental rodent models of PD emulate many of the cardinal features of human PD, providing the unique opportunity to compare gene expression profiles from different etiologies of the same disease. The elucidation of important gene expression patterns during disease will make possible identification of genetic susceptibility markers, biomarkers of disease progression, and new therapeutic targets.
Optimal reactive power flow for improved system operations

Abstract The utilization and coordination of reactive sources and other voltage control equipment in system operations are discussed. The reactive sources specifically considered are: generators, synchronous condensers, switched static capacitors and shunt reactors, and transformers with and without load-tap changing capabilities. A methodology is presented for determining the benefits that can be achieved by the proper scheduling of these sources in a power system. The benefits include savings in fuel production costs, unloading of system equipment, improved system security, and improved voltages over the system.
Exploring the Connection Between Organizational Identity and Public Relations Behaviors: How Symmetry Trumps Conservation in Engendering Organizational Identification

One way for organizations to survive in the increasingly complex and competitive world may be to maintain or “conserve” a strong organizational identity, which often is expressed in organizational mission statements. Framed by literature in business communication, university development, and public relations behaviors (formerly public relations models), this article explores how organizations may use public relations behaviors to create, maintain, and strengthen their identities. Findings indicated that, in the effort to engender stakeholder identification with their organizations, public relations practitioners are better served attempting to do so using symmetrical communication, as opposed to conserving communication.
Spread of Haemophilus influenzae. Secondary illness in household contacts of patients with H influenzae meningitis.

• To determine the risk of severe secondary illness in household contacts of patients withHaemophilus influenzaemeningitis, telephone interviews were conducted with contacts of patients with reported cases. Four probable or proved secondary cases of severe disease were identified for a secondary attack rate of 0.4%. The secondary attack rate for household contacts of patients 2 years of age and younger was 4.9%. Until safe, effective prophylactic measures become available, physicians should explain to parents that any person who becomes ill in the month after a household case ofH influenzaemeningitis should be brought to the attention of a physician for appropriate evaluation and treatment. (Am J Dis Child132:757-759, 1978)
A critical interpretation of the near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure of chemisorbed benzene

Abstract Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) measurements for submonolayer benzene coverages on Ag(110) are reported and interpreted in light of recent electronic structure calculations for free benzene. Quantitative analysis of the continuum resonances indicates that benzene is bound parallel to Ag(110) while analysis of the C(1s) → π ∗ (e 2u ) transition intensities yields a maximum tilt of ~ 10–15°. The apparent tilting suggested by the π ∗ resonances is most likely not a real and global tilt, but probably arises from the presence of tilted minority species. A comparison of the NEXAFS spectra for benzene on Ag(110) with those previously reported for benzene on Pt(111) and Mo(110) and phenyl thiolate on Mo(110) indicates that strong adsorbate-substrate interactions may result in significant perturbations in the bound-state region of the near-edge structure, as well as shifting of the continuum resonances due to changes in intramolecular bond lengths.
Immunotherapy and allergic inflammation

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of allergen injection immunotherapy in adult patients with severe summer hayfever. We used a partially purified biologically standardised grass pollen depot preparation (Alutard SQ, ALK Denmark Ltd.). Immunotherapy was extremely effective in reducing symptoms and medication requirements. Clinical improvement was accompanied by a decrease in both a target organ (conjunctival) and skin sensitivity. The injections were well-tolerated with minimal side effects. The results suggest that 30 minutes rather than 2 hours is an acceptable post-injection observation period. Successful immunotherapy was accompanied by suppression of the late cutaneous response to allergen. Specific immunostaining of skin biopsies revealed inhibition of the characteristic CD4+ T cell and EG2+ activated eosinophil cellular infiltrate during the late response. There was a significant relationship between CD4+ T cell and eosinophil counts after immunotherapy, i.e. the lower the number of infiltrating CD4+ cells, the lower the eosinophil counts. An unexpected finding was a prominent CD25+ (interleukin-2 receptor positive) cellular infiltrate which was only observed following Alutard SQ. Further studies involving double immunostaining methods should identify the phenotype of these activated, IL-2R+ cells. Based on murine studies Mosmann and colleagues have classified T cell responses into two types according to their profile of lymphokine production [11]. TH1 cells produce predominantly the IL-4 family of cytokines (IL-3, IL-4, IL-5) whereas TH2 cells produce predominantly interleukin-2 and interferon gamma. Insofar as the Mosmann classification may possibly be relevant to human T cell responses, the above findings would support a switch from a "TH2-" to a "TH1-" lymphocyte response following immunotherapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Patterns and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives in indoor air

Select polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), their derivatives, and nicotine were measured in eight homes in Columbus, Ohio, during the winter of 1986/1987 by Chuang et al. (1988, Technical Report EPA/600/4-28/028, U.S. EPA). These homes had different indoor PAH sources, namely, environmental tobacco smoke, gas cooking/heating, and electrical cooking stoves. We use a combination of correlation analysis, factor analysis and multiple regression to identify and apportion the different sources of PAHs. We find that, of all the sources, environmental tobacco smoke appears to have the greatest impact on the total indoor PAH concentrations. In smokers' homes, more than 87% of the total PAH is due to this source. Background sources are the largest contributor to PAHs in nonsmokers' homes. We also study the source apportionment of total extractable organic material (EOM) measured in the homes. In smokers' homes, EOM can be attributed mainly to environmental tobacco smoke (49%) and background sources (42%).
The preferred metabolic pathway from linoleic acid to arachidonic acid in vitro

Abstract 1. 1. The two possible pathways which lead from linoleic acid to arachidonic acid were simultaneously studied in liver microsomes from fat-deficient rats and from fat-fed rats. 2. 2. The overall yields of the conversion of linoleic acid to eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic and arachidonic acids were calculated and gave a ratio of 16 to 1 for the pathway via γ-linolenic acid over the pathway via eicosa-11,14-dienoic acid in the fat-fed rat, and a ratio of 6 to 1 in the fat-deficient rat. 3. 3. The side reactions to the alternate pathways were also investigated. A relatively high rate of chain elongation was found for eicosa-8,11-dienoic acid which minimizes the importance of the pathway via this acid. 4. 4. The inhibition and enhancement of the different reactions in the two pathways were tested under the same conditions using either mixtures of fatty acids extracted from rat livers or single fatty acids of the linoleic acid family. 5. 5. The interactions of the different acids in chain elongation and desaturation reactions are of small magnitude. However, the desaturation of eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid is strongly enhanced by linoleic and γ-linolenic acids which may account for its non-accumulation in tissue lipids.
Serine Side Chain-Linked Peptidomimetic Conjugates of Cyclic HPMPC and HPMPA: Synthesis and Interaction with hPEPT1†

Cidofovir (HPMPC), a broad spectrum antiviral agent, cannot be administered orally due to ionization of its phosphonic acid group at physiological pH. One prodrug approach involves conversion to the cyclic form (cHPMPC, 1) and esterification by the side chain hydroxyl group of a peptidomimetic serine. Transport studies in a rat model have shown enhanced levels of total cidofovir species in the plasma after oral dosing with l-Val-l-Ser-OMe cHPMPC, 2a. To explore the possibility that 2a and its three l/d stereoisomers 2b−d undergo active transport mediated by the peptide-specific intestinal transporter PEPT1, we performed radiotracer uptake and electrophysiology experiments applying the two-electrode voltage clamp technique in Xenopus laevis oocytes overexpressing human PEPT1 (hPEPT1, SLC15A1). 2a−d did not induce inward currents, indicating that they are not transported, but the stereoisomers with an l-configuration at the N-terminal valine (2a and 2b) potently inhibited transport of the hPEPT1 substrate g...
Feature parsing: feature cue mapping in spoken word recognition.

For listeners to recognize words, they must map temporally distributed phonetic feature cues onto higher order phonological representations. Three experiments are reported that were performed to examine what information listeners extract from assimilated segments (e.g., place-assimilated tokens of cone that resemble comb) and how they interpret it. Experiment 1 employed form priming to demonstrate that listeners activate the underlying form of CONE, but not of its neighbor (COMB). Experiment 2 employed phoneme monitoring to show that the same assimilated tokens facilitate the perception of postassimilation context. Together, the results of these two experiments suggest that listeners recover both the underlying place of the modified item and information about the subsequent item from the same modified segment. Experiment 3 replicated Experiment 1, using different postassimilation contexts to demonstrate that context effects do not reflect familiarity with a given assimilation process. The results are discussed in the context of general auditory grouping mechanisms.
Carbohydrate consumption prior to repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise.

Rapid depletion of muscle glycogen occurs during activities greater than 100% of maximal oxygen uptake. While carbohydrate ingestion prior to an endurance event has been shown to be beneficial, the effects of carbohyrate ingestion on repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise are not known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if carbohydrate ingestion prior to repeated bouts of high-intensity, short-duration exercise would improve performance. Ten well-trained male cyclists performed two experimental rides, one 15 min after consumption of 5.0 ml·kg−1 body weight of a 19.7% carbohydrate drink and one following a placebo. The experimental ride consisted of four 1.6 km timed performance rides separated by 4.8 km steadystate rides at 80% of maximal oxygen uptake (between the last two performance rides the steady-state rides were 1.6 km at 80% and 1.6 km at 90%). Blood glucose levels were significantly increased following both the ingestion of the carbohydrate beverage and the performance of the exercise bout. Total exercise time following ingestion of the experimental drink [mean (SD); 25.6 (3.3) min] was not different from that following ingestion of the placebo [25.2 (3.3) min]. Similarly, the sum of all four timed performance rides following ingestion of the experimental drink [6.8 (0.9) min] was not different from that following ingestion of the placebo [6.6 (0.9) min]. In the present study, carbohydrate ingestion 15 min prior to exercise increased blood glucose levels, although performance time was not affected.
Reactions 12C(α, n)15O and 12C(α, p)15N

Abstract The total neutron cross section for the reaction 12C(α, n)15O has been measured by an activation method from threshold at Eα = 11.345 MeV to 22.65 MeV. The differential cross sections at θ lab =115.5°, 147.0°, 167.0° and 167.0° for 12 C (α, p 0 ) 15 N and E α =13.05 to 23 MeV and for 12 C (α, p 1+2 ) 15 N from E α = 19 to 23 MeV have also been measured. The correlations between the observed structure and that observed in other reactions proceeding through the giant dipole region of 16O are discussed. A fluctuation analysis is applied above Eα = 15 MeV and gives Λc.m. = 100 keV.
Hot-carrier effects in thin-film, p-channel, hydrogen-passivated polysilicon-on-insulator LDD MOSFETs

Hot-carrier stressing has been shown to degrade hydrogen-passivated p-channel polysilicon-on- oxide MOSFETs by two parallel degradation mechanisms. We observe hot-carrier-induced degradation of hydrogen passivation at grain boundaries through the creation of additional donor-type grain boundary states in the channel, as well as hot-electron trapping in the gate oxide. Due to the presence of both of these degradation mechanisms, p-channel polysilicon MOSFETs exhibit anomalous hot-carrier-induced degradation behavior that has not been observed in bulk p-MOSFETs.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe mutants that are defective in glycoprotein galactosylation.

Abstract Several mutants of Schizosaccharomyces pombe were obtained that are defective in protein glycosylation. One of the mutants, strain Sp550, makes galactomannoproteins with about half of the wild-type amount of galactose, whereas another strain, Sp137, makes glycoproteins that are almost devoid of galactose. Nondenaturing gel electrophoresis of cell extracts of both mutants revealed that they make invertases with a greatly increased mobility relative to the wild type. Additional study showed that Sp137 invertase has a subunit molecular mass that is about half that reported for the wild-type enzyme, owing to a reduction in carbohydrate content, whereas the native multimeric state appears unaltered. Structural studies on bulk cell-wall glycoprotein from Sp137 showed that the N-linked carbohydrate chains consist of a typical branched core oligosaccharide to which is attached an unsubstituted alpha 1-->6-polymannose outer chain. Consequently, the cells are agglutinated by antibodies against alpha 1-->6-linked mannose and have N-linked carbohydrate chains that are structurally analogous to the mnn2 mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Altered functional connectivity within the central reward network in overweight and obese women.

Neuroimaging studies in obese subjects have identified abnormal activation of key regions of central reward circuits, including the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), in response to food-related stimuli. We aimed to examine whether women with elevated body mass index (BMI) show structural and resting state (RS) functional connectivity alterations within regions of the reward network. Fifty healthy, premenopausal women, 19 overweight and obese (high BMI=26–38 kg m−2) and 31 lean (BMI=19–25 kg m−2) were selected from the University of California Los Angeles’ Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress database. Structural and RS functional scans were collected. Group differences in grey matter volume (GMV) of the NAcc, oscillation dynamics of intrinsic brain activity and functional connectivity of the NAcc to regions within the reward network were examined. GMV of the left NAcc was significantly greater in the high BMI group than in the lean group (P=0.031). Altered frequency distributions were observed in women with high BMI compared with lean group in the left NAcc (P=0.009) in a medium-frequency (MF) band, and in bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) (P=0.014, <0.001) and ventro-medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) (P=0.034, <0.001) in a high-frequency band. Subjects with high BMI had greater connectivity of the left NAcc with bilateral ACC (P=0.024) and right vmPFC (P=0.032) in a MF band and with the left ACC (P=0.03) in a high frequency band. Overweight and obese women in the absence of food-related stimuli show significant structural and functional alterations within regions of reward-related brain networks, which may have a role in altered ingestive behaviors.
RNA Editing of a Drosophila Sodium Channel Gene

Extensive analysis of cDNAs from the para locus in D. melanogaster reveals posttranscriptional modifications indicative of adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing. Most of these edits occur in highly conserved regions of the Na+ channel, and they occur in distant relatives of D. melanogaster as well. Sequence comparison between species has identified putative cis-acting elements important for each RNA editing site. Double-stranded RNA secondary structures with striking similarity to known RNA editing sites were generated based on these data. In addition, the RNA editing sites appear to be developmentally regulated. We have cloned a potential RNA editase, DRED, with a high degree of homology to the mammalian RED1,2 genes. The DRED locus itself is highly regulated by transcription from alternative promoters and alternative splicings.
Superstrings from the ((1,0) superspace)2 non-linear sigma model☆

Abstract We present the component action of the κ-supersymmetric (2, 1, 0) supergravity non-linear sigma model coupled to a Wess-Zumino term. The action's matter superfields contain the superstring coordinates of (10, 1, 0) superspace. Their equations of motion and Virasoro constraints are derived. Through suitable κ-supersymmetric gauges choices, the Neveu-Schwarz-Ramond and Green-Schwarz superstring theories are shown to appear separately.
Olfactometer for assay of behavioral chemicals for the southern pine beetle,Dendroctonus frontalis (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

A simple open-arena olfactometer to assay behavioral chemicals with pedestrian insects has been developed for the southern pine beetle. The olfactometer is constructed of Plexiglas and uses a single airstream. A feature of the olfactometer is the use of a clock-driven elution device that permits continuous release of liquid materials into the olfactometer airstream.
Molecular modeling and synthesis of inhibitors of herpes simplex virus type 1 uracil-DNA glycosylase

We recently reported the properties of the first selective inhibitors of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG), an enzyme of DNA repair that has been proposed to be required for reactivation of the virus from latency. 6-(4-Octylanilino)uracil (octAU) was the most potent inhibitor among a series of 6-(4-alkylanilino)uracils, acting in the micromolar range and without effect against human UDG. A 28.5-kDa catalytic fragment of HSV1 UDG has been crystallized in the presence of uracil, and the structure was recently solved. We have used the coordinates of this structure in order to study interaction of our inhibitors with the enzyme, and a model of binding between octAU and UDG has been derived. Starting with the optimized model, the activity of several octAU analogues was predicted, and the values compared favorably with experimental results found for the synthetic compounds. Several hydrophilic derivatives were predicted and found to be active as UDG inhibitors. These compounds will be useful to determine if UDG, like the viral thymidine kinase, is required for reactivation of HSV1 from latency in nerve cells.
Adolescent Sexual Decision‐Making; An Integrative Review

PURPOSE: The purpose of this integrative review was to summarize the present literature to identify factors associated with adolescent sexual decision-making. Thirty-eight salient research studies were selected as a basis of this review from the databases of Medline, CINAHL, and Psychinfo using the Cooper methodology. CONCLUSIONS: Two categories of decision-making were identified: 1) The research on factors related to the decisions that adolescents make to become sexually active or to abstain from sexual activity; 2) The research on factors related to contraceptive decision-making. The most consistent findings were that the factors of gender differences, cognitive development, perception of benefits, parental influences, social influences, and sexual knowledge were important variables in the decision-making processes of adolescents. IMPLICATIONS: Practice implications for nursing suggest that clinicians should assess adolescent sexual decision-making in greater detail and address the social and psychological context in which sexual experiences occur. Nurses must be aware of the differences between adolescent and adult decision-making processes and incorporate knowledge of growth and development into intervention strategies. Moreover, to the degree that adolescent sexual decision-making proves to be less than rational, interventions designed to improve competent sexual decision-making are needed.
Kinetics of the reactions of ClO with O and with NO

The rate constants k1, k2, and k3 for the reactions Cl + O3 yields ClO + O2 (1), ClO + O yields Cl + O2 (2), and ClO + NO yields Cl + NO2 (3), respectively, were measured by the discharge-flow technique, in which chlorine atoms are added to a flow of O3 and either O or NO in a helium carrier gas. The conditions of the experiment were such that the steady-state concentration ratios of Cl to ClO are simply interpretable in terms of the rate constant ratios k2/k3 or k3/k1. These rate constant ratios were measured over the range 220 to 298 K and combined with the directly determined k1 value to yield k2 and k3. The results are: k1 = 2.12 x 10 to the -11th exp(-157/T); k2 = 3.38 x 10 to -11th exp(75 plus or minus 40/T); and k3 = 1.13 x 10 to the -11th exp(200 plus or minus 30/T) cu cm/sec.
Comparison of the effects of atropine sulfate and procaine hydrochloride on nerve conduction.

Die lokalanasthetische Wirksamkeit des Atropinsulfats wurde mit der des Novokains mittels Messung der Kinetik des Nervenimpulsblocks am isolierten Nervus ischiadicus des Frosches verglichen. Die relative Wirksamkeit des Atropinsulfats ist weniger als 1∶20.
A multi-sample standoff multimodal biometric system

The data captured by existing standoff biometric systems typically has lower biometric recognition performance than their close range counterparts due to imaging challenges, pose challenges, and other factors. To assist in overcoming these limitations systems typically perform in a multi-modal capacity such as Honeywell's Combined Face and Iris (CFAIRS) [21] system. While this improves the systems performance, standoff systems have yet to be proven as accurate as their close range equivalents. We will present a standoff system capable of operating up to 7 meters in range. Unlike many systems such as the CFAIRS our system captures high quality 12 MP video allowing for a multi-sample as well as multimodal comparison. We found that for standoff systems multi-sample improved performance more than multimodal. For a small test group of 50 subjects we were able to achieve 100% rank one recognition performance with our system on standoff recognition of noncooperative subjects.
Efficacy and Toxicity of Zinc Salts as Candidate Topical Microbicides against Vaginal Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection

Zinc salt solutions administered as topical microbicides provided significant protection against herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in a mouse vaginal challenge model. However, at the therapeutic concentration, the salt solutions caused sloughing of sheets of vaginal epithelial cells. These observations limit the utility of zinc salts as microbicides and suggest that the application of zinc solutions to mucosal surfaces has the potential to cause damage that might increase susceptibility to secondary infections at a later time.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a gibberellin-inducible, putative alpha-glucosidase gene from barley.

A putative α-glucosidase clone has been isolated from a cDNA library constructed from mRNA of barley aleurones treated with gibberellin A3 (GA). The clone is 2752 bp in length and has an uninterrupted open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 877 amino acids. A 680 amino acid region is 43% identical to human lysosomal α-glucosidase and other glycosyl hydrolases. In isolated aleurones, the levels of the corresponding mRNA increase strongly after the application of GA, similar to the pattern exhibited by low-pI α-amylase mRNA. High levels are also observed in the aleurone and scutellum after germination, while low levels are found in developing seeds. The genome contains a single form of this α-glucosidase gene and two additional sequences that may be related genes or pseudogenes.
Flow modulation epitaxy of GaxIn1-xAs/AlAs heterostructures on InP for resonant tunneling diodes

Abstract We have grown Ga x In 1- x As and Ga x In 1- x As/AlAs heterostructures by flow modulation epitaxy (FME) for the first time. Ga x In 1- x As on InP growth was investigated in the temperature range between 450 and 650°C. Photoluminescence and electrical characterization revealed that high quality of the FME grown Ga x In 1- x As layers can be achieved. Resonant tunneling diodes (RTD) were fabricated from FME-grown Ga x In 1- x As/AlAs double barrier structures. The best room temperature peak-to-valley ratio of 4.3 demonstrates that this technique provides heterointerfaces of device quality. Good lateral homogeneity over the wafer was also achieved.
Recent Design Development in Molecular Imaging for Breast Cancer Detection Using Nanometer CMOS Based Sensors

As one of the key clinical imaging methods, the computed X-ray tomography can be further improved using new nanometer CMOS sensors. This will enhance the current technique's ability in terms of cancer detection size, position, and detection accuracy on the anatomical structures. The current paper reviewed designs of SOI-based CMOS sensors and their architectural design in mammography systems. Based on the existing experimental results, using the SOI technology can provide a low-noise (SNR around 87.8 db) and high-gain (30 v/v) CMOS imager. It is also expected that, together with the fast data acquisition designs, the new type of imagers may play important roles in the near-future high-dimensional images in additional to today's 2D imagers.
A METHODOLOGY FOR STOCHASTIC OPTIMIZATION OF MULTIPLE RESPONSE SIMULATION MODELS

Simulation has become one of the most popular tools for the design and analysis of complex systems. The popularity of simulation is due to its flexibility, its ability to model systems more accurately than analytical models, and its ability to model the time dynamic behavior of systems. A major drawback of simulation, however, is that simulation is only a descriptive tool; therefore, in order to optimize a simulation model, it must be used in conjunction with an optimum seeking method. This paper describes an interactive (decision maker-computer) methodology for stochastic optimization of simulation models with multiple responses. The approach is illustrated with an example involving the optimization of an inventory policy
N-nitrosodimethylamine formation by free-chlorine-enhanced nitrosation of dimethylamine.

The formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) by the nitrosation of dimethylamine (DMA) is greatly enhanced by the presence of free chlorine (HOCl). The effect of HOCl appears at first to be contrary because HOCl rapidly oxidizes nitrite and hence should reduce NDMA formation from a mechanism involving classical nitrosation. The enhanced nitrosation by the presence of HOCl is, however, consistent with a mechanism that involves the formation of a highly reactive nitrosating intermediate such as dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) formed during the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate. This mechanism is quite unlike another recently proposed NDMA formation pathway involving the rate-limiting oxidation of DMA directly by monochloramine. NDMA formation by the proposed HOCl-enhanced nitrosation pathway is inhibited by the presence of ammonia and occurs very quickly, only during the short period during which nitrite oxidation occurs. The general importance of this NDMA formation mechanism in actual drinking water appears t...
Influence of ionic strength and composition on the size of mixed micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X-100

Abstract The dimensions of mixed micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X-100 (TX100) were determined, at concentrations well above the critical micelle concentration, by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and quasielastic light scattering (QELS). The correlation of the apparent hydrodynamic radii obtained by these two methods, i.e., R h SEC and R s QELS , is excellent, indicating that the two techniques are both responding to particle size and not, inter alia particle-stationary phase interactions, or interparticle interactions. The dependence of micelle size on the mole fraction anionic surfactant Y , where Y = [SDS] ([SDS] + [TX100]) −1 , is strongly influenced by the ionic strength. Above 0.5 M NaCl, micelle size increases strongly with Y ; below 0.2 M NaCl, micelles become smaller with increasing Y ; and, at intermediate ionic strengths, a maximum in micelle size is observed near Y = 0.5. The results may be understood in terms of the head group areas of the two surfactants, with the understanding that the effective head group area of SDS includes strong repulsion effects at large Y and low ionic strength.
Self-Correcting Maps of Molecular Pathways

Reliable and comprehensive maps of molecular pathways are indispensable for guiding complex biomedical experiments. Such maps are typically assembled from myriads of disparate research reports and are replete with inconsistencies due to variations in experimental conditions and/or errors. It is often an intractable task to manually verify internal consistency over a large collection of experimental statements. To automate large-scale reconciliation efforts, we propose a random-arcs-and-nodes model where both nodes (tissue-specific states of biological molecules) and arcs (interactions between them) are represented with random variables. We show how to obtain a non-contradictory model of a molecular network by computing the joint distribution for arc and node variables, and then apply our methodology to a realistic network, generating a set of experimentally testable hypotheses. This network, derived from an automated analysis of over 3,000 full-text research articles, includes genes that have been hypothetically linked to four neurological disorders: Alzheimer's disease, autism, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. We estimated that approximately 10% of the published molecular interactions are logically incompatible. Our approach can be directly applied to an array of diverse problems including those encountered in molecular biology, ecology, economics, politics, and sociology.
Bovine Papillomavirus Type 1 Infection Is Mediated by SNARE Syntaxin 18

Events that lead to viral infections include the binding of the virus to the target cells, internalization of the virus into the cells, and the ability of the viral genome to be expressed. These steps are mediated by cellular and viral proteins and are temporally regulated. The papillomavirus capsid consists of two virally encoded capsid proteins, L1 and L2. Much is known about the role of the major capsid protein L1 compared to what is known of the role of the L2 protein. We identified the interaction of the L2 protein with SNARE protein syntaxin 18, which mediates the trafficking of vesicles and their cargo between the endoplasmic reticulum, the cis-Golgi compartment, and possibly the plasma membrane. Mutations of L2 residues 41 to 44 prevented the interaction of L2 protein with syntaxin 18 in cotransfection experiments and resulted in noninfectious pseudovirions. In this paper, we describe that syntaxin 18 colocalizes with infectious bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1) pseudovirions during infection but does not colocalize with the noninfectious BPV1 pseudovirions made with an L2 mutant at residues 41 to 44. We show that an antibody against BPV1 L2 residues 36 to 49 (αL2 36-49) binds to in vitro-generated BPV1 pseudoviral capsids and does not coimmunoprecipitate syntaxin 18- and BPV1 L2-transfected proteins. αL2 36-49 was able to partially or completely neutralize infection of BPV1 pseudovirions and genuine virions. These results support the dependence of syntaxin 18 during BPV1 infection and the ability to interfere with infection by targeting the L2-syntaxin 18 interaction and further define the infectious route of BPV1 mediated by the L2 protein.
Jointly registering images in domain and range by piecewise linear comparametric analysis

This paper describes an approach whereby comparametric analysis is used in jointly registering image pairs in their domain and range, i.e., in their spatial coordinates and pixel values, respectively. This is accomplished by approximating a camera's nonlinear comparametric function with a constrained piecewise linear one. The optimal fitting of this approximation to comparagram data is then used in a re-parameterized version of the camera's comparametric function to estimate the exposure difference between images. Doing this allows the inherently nonlinear problem of joint domain and range registration to be performed using a computationally attractive least squares formalism. The paper first presents the range registration process and then describes the strategy for performing the joint registration. The models used allow for the pair-wise registration of images taken from a camera that can automatically adjust its exposure as well as tilt, pan, rotate and zoom about its optical center. Results concerning the joint registration as well as range-only registration are provided to demonstrate the method's effectiveness.
Synthesis and characterization of fluorene end-labeled polystyrene with atom transfer radical polymerization

Fluorene end-labeled polystyrene was prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization with 9-bromofluorene as the initiator. Reactions were carried out in bulk or tetrahydrofuran solutions at temperatures of 80 °C or above. Analysis by gel permeation chromatography indicated that the polymers formed had low polydispersities with molecular weights consistently 2–5 times higher than calculated based on monomer-to-initiator ratios. Coupling of two fluorenyl radicals, formed by activation of the 9-bromofluorene, was found to compete with initiation, leading to the higher-than-expected molecular weight values while giving rise to a fluorene dimer. UV–vis spectrometry indicated near-quantitative fluorene labeling of the polystyrene. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2657–2665, 2005
Dexterity optimization by port placement in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery

A computer-based algorithm has been developed which uses preoperative images to provide a surgeon with a list of feasible port triplets ranked according to tool dexterity and endoscopic view quality at each surgical site involved in a procedure. A computer simulation allows the surgeon to select from among the proposed port locations. The procedure selected for the development of the system consists of a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). In this procedure, the interior mammary artery (IMA) is mobilized from the interior chest wall, and one end is attached to the coronary arteries to provide a new blood supply for the heart. Approximately 10-20 cm is dissected free, using blunt dissection and a harmonic scalpel or electrocautery. At present, the port placement system is being evaluated in clinical trials.
Stopping smoking in the weeks prior to surgery has no effect on the risk of postoperative complications

Commentary on: K Myers, P Hajek, C Hinds, et al.. Stopping smoking shortly before surgery and postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Arch Intern Med2011;171:983–9.