cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Do Voting Results of the 2016 Election Tell Us About Bias Response Team

Many universities have established Bias Response Teams, or BRTs. BRTs are mechanisms that encourage students and employees to report alleged instances of bias. In practice, such reports are often, and perhaps usually, anonymous, and typically lead to extralegal tribunals with few due process protections for the accused. Because accusations of offense are often based on the accused person’s speech or writings, BRTs have run afoul of the defendant’s First Amendment rights. Because awareness of and support for the First Amendment differs between Republicans and Democrats, we ask whether election results are correlated with the existence of BRTs. We find that an increase in Republican Congressional vote share is associated with a small decrease in the frequency of BRTs, but Presidential vote shares, Senate vote shares, and the vote shares in the Congressional district of the university are unrelated to the frequency of BRTs.
Configuration trade-offs for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility pointing control system

Conceptual pointing control system designs for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) are examined in terms of fine guidance pointing and large-angle slewing accuracies. In particular, basic trade-offs between body pointing only and body pointing plus image motion compensation (IMC) are considered using a steady-state linear covariance analysis to compute rms pointing errors. It is shown that body pointing can provide good performance during nominal fine pointing but limits the telescope capability to rapidly slew and acquire targets. Overall, body pointing plus IMC would offer superior performance but must be judged against the difficulties posed by the attitude sensor noise and the higher cost and complexity of IMC. It is recommended that improved sensor designs be pursued while slewing performance be enhanced by a combination of an appropriate command profile and control compensation.
A Mixed Methods Approach for Analyzing the Imagery of a Novel Science

Though scientists and governments have realized the potential of nanoscience research, much of the public is still unfamiliar with nanoscience and current advancements. Scholars have found that one of the most persuasive powers of science is how it is visually portrayed to the public. However, among the few articles that examine the visual rhetoric of nano images, the images are described and interpreted but there is no comparison between these rhetorical evaluations and the results of qualitative audience reception studies. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how various types of nano images (as identified by Robinson's image typology (2004): schematics, documentation, fantasy, and fine art) operate rhetorically to influence public perception. It used a mixed-method approach, combining critical rhetorical analysis and in-depth interviews to allow for a more complex analysis about the relationship between image and viewer. Findings suggest that images created by professional artists, or “fine art” images as defined by Robeson (2004) may be the most attractive types of images for lay viewer. This information may help scientists understand how the public’s knowledge and perception of nanoscience is shaped through nano imagery.
Advanced CMOS transistors with a novel HfSiON gate dielectric

We report for the first time on short channel transistors fabricated using HfSiON, a new high-k gate dielectric material. HfSiON has superior electrical characteristics such as low leakage current relative to SiO/sub 2/, low interfacial trap density, electron and hole carrier mobilities /spl sim/80% of the universal curve at E/sub eff/>0.8 MV/cm and scalability to equivalent oxide thicknesses of less than 10 /spl Aring/. This material is also thermally stable up to 1100/spl deg/C in contact with poly Si, and exhibits boron blocking significantly better than SiO/sub 2/ and SiON. The results indicate that this material is a promising high-k gate dielectric with good transistor characteristics.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Perusing the Path to Constitutionally Permissible Reparations for Slavery and Jim Crow Era Governmental Discrimination

A growing body of scholarship has developed around the issue of reparations for the Holocaust, slavery, and other social injustices. Numerous articles have proposed reparations programs for America’s legacy of race based slavery and segregation, but the constitutionality of those programs has largely been ignored in the literature. Instead, most scholarship focuses on the legal or political justification for existing or new reparations proposals. This article charts new ground in the area by examining prototypical reparations proposals by the leading scholars in the field for compliance with the Court’s equal protection requirements. The Supreme Court’s affirmative action jurisprudence represents the legal terrain that a reparations program must traverse to comply with the Court’s equal protection requirements. As a chief contribution to existing scholarship, the article maps a path to constitutionally permissible reparations for slavery and governmental segregation. Using this map, the article determines whether prominent reparations proposals are on the road to a constitutional determination or stuck in the woods.
The avian ChB6 alloantigen triggers apoptosis in a mammalian cell line.

Many developing B lymphocytes are deleted by apoptosis. However, the mechanism signaling their demise remains poorly understood. Like mammals, chicken B cells are selected during their development; >95% of the cells in the bursa of Fabricius die without entering the secondary immune system. The molecule chB6 (Bu-1) has been used as a marker to identify B cells in the chicken. ChB6 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein whose function is enigmatic. We have provided evidence that chB6 can induce a rapid form of cell death exhibiting characteristics of apoptosis. Here we further examine cell death induced by chB6 in a transfected mouse cell line. ChB6 is shown to cause apoptosis in this cell line as detected by a TUNEL assay for DNA fragmentation. This apoptosis is subject to regulation by signals from growth factor or by Bcl-x L . Furthermore, we show that Ab binding to chB6 leads to cleavage of caspase 8, caspase 3, and poly(ADP ribose) polymerase. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that chB6 is a novel death receptor on avian B cells.
On broadcast encryption with random key pre-distribution schemes

Broadcast encryption (BE) deals with the problem of establishing a secret, shared by g = G – rprivileged nodes, among a set G nodes. Specifically, a set of rrevoked nodes are denied access to the secret. Many schemes to address this problem, based on key pre-distribution schemes (KPS), have been proposed in the literature. Most state-of-the-art methods employ tree-based techniques. However, random key pre-distribution schemes (RKPS), which have received a lot of attention in the recent past (especially in the context of ad hoc and sensor network security), also cater for BE. In this paper we analyze the performance of BE using RKPSs. While in most tree-based methods the source of the broadcast is assumed to be the root of the tree (unless asymmetric cryptographic primitives can be used), BE using RKPSs caters for BE by peers – without the need for asymmetric cryptography. Furthermore, unlike most BE schemes where the identities of the revoked nodes have to be explicitly specified, BE using RKPSs allow for protecting the identities of the revoked nodes, which could be a useful property in application scenarios where privacy is a crucial issue.
Viral Infection Triggers Rapid Differentiation of Human Blood Monocytes into Dendritic Cells (45.12)

Viruses post a constant threat of human existence. Although human immune system plays a central role in recognizing and eradicating pathogens, how it responds to virus infection remains unclear. Here we show that monocytes make up the majority of a wide variety of virus susceptible population in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Notably, infection with influenza virus, vesicular stomatitis virus and vaccinia virus promotes monocytes to differentiate within 18 hours into CD16-negative CD83-positive mature dendritic cells (DCs) with enhanced capacity to activate T cells. Virus-induced monocyte differentiation into DCs does not require cell division, and happens despite the synthesis of virus proteins, suggesting that monocytes thwart the capacity of these highly lytic viruses to hijack host cell biosynthesis pathway. Indeed, virus-induced DC differentiation from monocytes requires infectious virus and viral protein synthesis. Thus, our results demonstrate that monocytes are uniquely susceptible to virus infection among human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, with the likely purpose of differentiating into DCs with enhanced capacity to activate innate and acquired anti-virus immunity.
Moored observations of episodic abyssal flow and mixing at station ALOHA

of the event was (0.5–4.5) × 10 −1 m 2 s −1 . No other overturning events greater than 50 m high were observed in the record, suggesting that abyssal mixing is strongly intermittent. We suggest that such intermittency in abyssal mixing and flow is likely the rule rather than the exception, calling for more highly temporally resolved observations. Citation: Alford, M. H., R. Lukas, B. Howe, A.Pickering, and F. Santiago‐Mandujano (2011), Moored observations of episodic abyssal flow and mixing at station ALOHA, Geophys. Res. Lett., 38, L15606, doi:10.1029/ 2011GL048075.
Electro-optical co-simulation for integrated CMOS photonic circuits with VerilogA.

We present a Cadence toolkit library written in VerilogA for simulation of electro-optical systems. We have identified and described a set of fundamental photonic components at the physical level such that characteristics of composite devices (e.g. ring modulators) are created organically – by simple instantiation of fundamental primitives. Both the amplitude and phase of optical signals as well as optical-electrical interactions are simulated. We show that the results match other simulations and analytic solutions that have previously been compared to theory for both simple devices, such as ring resonators, and more complicated devices and systems such as single-sideband modulators, WDM links and Pound Drever Hall Locking loops. We also illustrate the capability of such toolkit for co-simulation with electronic circuits, which is a key enabler of the electro-optic system development and verification.
Gas distribution network for households in Saudi Arabia: economic and demand estimation studies

This study evaluates the economics of establishing a residential natural gas network in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province (EP) to cater to the household demand for natural gas. The paper focuses primarily on household use of natural gas for cooking. Additional economic analysis of other household uses – as air conditioning, space and water heating – is incorporated. Demand streams of various consuming segments are analysed to estimate the volume of the daily natural gas supply by the network. Economic analysis employs financial net present value methodology to define the cost effectiveness of the proposed network. Economic rent and opportunity costs of utilising other sources of energy and their efficiency differences are plugged into the economic equation. The quantity of natural gas supply for the targeted 322,000 households located in the EP is estimated at 23.2 MMscfd. The effect of the government subsidy of natural gas prices is quantified. The study concludes that the project has a positive net present value – at a range of natural gas fuel prices and required rate of returns of future incomes – during the life span of the project.
Chapter 16 C4 Photosynthesis Origins in the Monocots: A Review and Reanalysis

C4 photosynthesis in the monocots occurs in species from three lineages: the Alismatales, Cyperaceae, and Poaceae. Previous estimates of C4 origins in the monocots have suggested one origin of C4 within the Alismatales, at least four origins in the Cyperaceae, and at least four (and likely more) origins in the Poaceae. The present Chapter explores the numbers of origins of C4 in these three lineages further, summarizing the literature and reanalyzing the phylogenetic and photosynthetic pathway data for Panicoideae grasses, using Bayesian estimation of tree topologies and stochastic mapping of photosynthetic pathway characteristics. These results suggest that there have been a minimum of 24 separate C4 origins in the monocots: 2 Alismatales, 5 Cyperaceae, and 17 Poaceae, and that transition frequencies and directions among photosynthetic pathway characteristics in the Panicoideae grasses are more complex than previously estimated. Further, the lack of species-level phylogenies and photosynthetic pathway characterizations in several lineages (particularly Cyperaceae and Chloridoideae grasses) preclude robust estimates of photosynthetic pathway origins and transitions. A concerted effort is needed to clarify these issues.
Rate of mesial translation of mandibular molars using implant-anchored mechanics

Retromolar dental implants served as anchorage to close first molar extraction sites in five adult patients. Rates of unidirectional space closure for mandibular second molars were assessed with periapical radiographs superimposed on anatomical landmarks and retromolar anchorage implants. Regression analysis revealed that mesial displacement of the midroot area of the leading root was less variable (r = 0.97) than for other landmarks on the same teeth: crown (r = 0.83), alveolar crest (r = 0.82) or apex (r = 0.90). When mesial root movement (uprighting) was the principal feature of the initial mechanics (4 of the 5 patients), mesial movement of the apex was about 0.60 mm/mo for the first 8 months and then decreased to about 0.34 mm/mo as the trailing (distal) root of the second molar engaged the relatively dense bone formed by the leading (mesial) root. During the last year of space closure, radiolucent foci were noted 1-2 mm ahead of the distal root. These data suggest: (1) sustained orthodontic translation is a physiological manifestation of bone modeling and remodeling throughout the adjacent alveolar process, and (2) rate of mandibular molar translation is inversely related to the apparent radiographic density of the resisting alveolar bone.
Shimony–Wolf states and hidden coherences in classical light

The classical theory of polarisation coherence is briefly summarised and then extended. The extension is motivated by the recognition that the traditional theory of two-point coherence provides only what we identify as ‘diagonal’ correlation functions and their associated two-point coherence matrices. It is pointed out that a wider focus is possible when taking account of the three-sector vector space underlying all two-point coherences in classical optics. This reveals the possibility of observing a new type of ‘off-diagonal’ correlations that arise when the correlation functions under investigation are associated with points in two distinct vector spaces, pairs of points that are not analogous to the pairs of space points or time points that underlie traditional measures of spatial and temporal coherence. Quantum theory has experience with correlations engaging such ‘cross-sector’ coherences, for example in tests of Bell inequalities, and the quantum formulations are shown to be easily adopted by classi...
Bis[N,N‐bis(trimethylsilyl)amino]tin(II)

[59863-13-7] C12H36N2Si4Sn (MW 439.46) InChI = 1S/2C6H18NSi2.Sn/c2*1-8(2,3)7-9(4,5)6;/h2*1-6H3;/q2*-1;+2 InChIKey = WLNIUEYAQZRJFS-UHFFFAOYSA-N (stannylene precursor; reduction of azides to primary amines; insertion with alkyl and aryl halides; enamine synthesis; conversion of esters and carboxylic acids to secondary and tertiary amides) Alternate Name: tin(II) bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide]. Physical Data: mp 37–38 °C, 1H NMR(C6D6) δ 0.30; 119Sn NMR(C6D6) δ 770. Solubility: sol hexane, benzene, Et2O, THF, acetonitrile. Preparative Methods: a 500 mL round bottomed flask equipped with a nitrogen inlet was charged with 65 mL of dioxane and 40.1 g of anhydrous Tin(II) Chloride (0.21 mol). This suspension was allowed to stir for 30 min at rt, and was then treated with 71.0 g of Lithium Hexamethyldisilazide (0.43 mol) in several small portions. During the addition of LiN(TMS)2 the reaction mixture became warm and turned dark red-orange in color. A Vigreux column and vacuum distillation apparutus were attached to the flask, and it was heated at 35 °C for 45 min. The apparatus was then placed under vacuum (0.5 mmHg) and the bath warmed to 85 °C. The forerun, mainly dioxane, was collected with the help of a dry ice acetone bath. Bis[N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)amino]tin(II) distilled as a bright red oil between 105–115 °C (80.4 g, 86%); this material solidified upon standing at rt.2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: is nonpyrophoric but should be handled under a nitrogen atmosphere, and stored in a refrigerator. Since the solid is very soluble in hexane, it is convenient to prepare a hexane solution which may then be transferred via conventional syringe techniques. It readily hydrolyzes to tin(II) oxide, which is of reputed low toxicity. Use in a fume hood.
Inference to the Best Explanation (IBE) versus Explaining for the Best Inference (EBI).

In pedagogical contexts and in everyday life, we often come to believe something because it would best explain the data. What is it about the explanatory endeavor that makes it essential to everyday learning and to scientific progress? There are at least two plausible answers. On one view, there is something special about having true explanations. This view is highly intuitive: it’s clear why true explanations might improve one’s epistemic position. However, there is another possibility—it could be that the process of seeking, generating, or evaluating explanations itself puts one in a better epistemic position, even when the outcome of the process is not a true explanation. In other words, it could be that accurate explanations are beneficial, or it could be that high-quality explaining is beneficial, where there is something about the activity of looking for an explanation that improves our epistemic standing. The main goal of this paper is to tease apart these two possibilities, both theoretically and empirically, which we align with “Inference to the Best Explanation” (IBE) and “Explaining for the Best Inference” (EBI), respectively. We also provide some initial support for EBI and identify promising directions for future research.
The Nature and Process of Science and Applications to Geography Education: A US Perspective

Place–name geography, as it is sometimes called, is merely the tip of the iceberg in a field that aims to understand people and places and their interactions with the environment. Geography is also the study of spatial distributions and interpreting what they mean. This review lays out the definition of the nature of science as it relates to geography education. Technology is discussed as a means of increasing the interactive nature of geography to be used as a visualization tool for analyzing spatial patterns and relationships.
Noncatalytic synthesis of carbon nanotubes, graphene and graphite on SiC

Abstract Graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNT) can be produced by vacuum decomposition of SiC, but discrepancies and conflicting data in the literature limit the use of this method for CNT synthesis. A systematic study of the effects of SiC surface morphology and carbon transport through the gas phase leads to reproducible and controlled growth of arrays of small-diameter (1–4 walls) nanotubes, which show pronounced radial breathing modes in Raman spectra, on either carbon ( 0 0 0 1 ¯ ) or silicon (0 0 0 1) face of 6H SiC wafers at 1400–1900 °C. These nanotube arrays have a very high density and are catalyst-free with no internal closures. They show a higher oxidation resistance compared to CNTs produced by catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Their integration with graphite/graphene or silica layers on SiC wafers is possible in a simple 2-step process and opens new horizons in nanoscale device fabrication.
Editor's Choice Series: The Next Generation of Biotech Crops

Crop genetic modification using traditional methods has been essential for improving food quality and abundance; however, farmers globally are steadily increasing the area planted to crops improved with modern biotechnology. Breakthroughs in science and genetics have expanded the toolbox of genes
Defect structures in MBE grown GaAs on Si

The major remaining limitation for the application of GaAs on Si is the reduction of high dislocation density and resulting electronic defects in the GaAs layer. We have investigated defect structures in GaAs layers grown on Si by molecular beam epitaxy(MBE) with different structures in the GaAs/Si interface region. Interface region variables include thickness, designs of InGaiAs/GaAs strained layer superlattices(SLSs) and growth conditions of the GaAs buffer layers(AsJGa ratio and in-situ annealing at 750°C). These layers were examined by transmission electron microscope(TEM) and double crystal Xray diffraction. Defects, such as dislocations and stacking faults, exhibit a much stronger dependence on the growth conditions of the GaAs buffer layers compared to the magnitude of strain energy in the SLSs. Larger misorientation angles(O.35° and 0.26°) between the GaAs epilayers and Si substrates resulted in reduced defect densities compared to more highly dislocated layers with less misorientation(O°,1.O°,1.O° and 0.3°).
Involvement of UBE1L in ISG15 conjugation during retinoid-induced differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cases expressing the t(15,17) product, promyelocytic leukemia (PML)/retinoic acid receptor α (RARα), have clinical remissions through leukemic cell differentiation after all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) treatment. This differentiation therapy propelled interest in uncovering molecular mechanisms for RA-dependent APL differentiation. We previously identified the ubiquitin-activating enzyme-E1-like protein (UBE1L) as an RA-regulated target gene in APL that triggers PML/RARα degradation and apoptosis. This study reports that conjugation of the ubiquitin-like species, interferon-stimulated gene, 15-kDa protein (ISG15), also occurs during RA-induced APL differentiation. Knock-down of UBE1L expression inhibited this conjugation. RA treatment of APL and other RA-responsive leukemic cells induced expression of UBE1L and ISG15 as well as intracellular ISG15 conjugates. Notably, ISG15 conjugation did not occur in RA-resistant NB4-R1 APL cells. Induction of UBE1L and ISG15 along with ISG15 conjugation in RA-sensitive NB4-S1 APL cells were detected following treatment with specific retinoids and type I interferon (IFN). UBE1L and ISG15 mRNAs were co-expressed in normal human tissues that were examined. In contrast, UBE1L mRNA expression was markedly repressed in several cancer cell lines. A physical association was found between UBE1L and ISG15 in vivo. This required the conserved diglycine motif in the carboxyl terminus of ISG15. Targeting UBE1L expression with small inhibitory RNA or small hairpin RNA inhibited IFN and RA-induced ISG15 conjugation. Formation of ISG15 conjugates through induction of an activating enzyme represents a novel pharmacologic mechanism for regulation of this ubiquitin-related species. Taken together, the observed rela tionship between expression of UBE1L and ISG15, their physical association and coordinate regulation, and induced ISG15 conjugation during leukemic cell differentiation implicate an important role for these proteins in retinoid response.
An Empirical Study of the Psychological Antecedents and Consequences of Induced Abortion

On the basis of empirical studies previously reported in the research literature, this article develops a theoretical model of the psychological antecedents of abortion and a family of related theoretical models of the long-term psychological consequences of abortion. Then, using data collected during the mid-1970s as part of a longitudinal study of 967 women living in the San Francisco Bay Area, these models are tested with multiple regression analysis. The results provide considerable support for the model of psychological antecedents and for several of the models of psychological consequences. The specific findings are discussed and some of their policy implications are described.
Excited‐state absorption in Eu+2: CaF2 and Ce+3: YAG single crystals at 298 and 77 K

Excited‐state absorption has been studied in Eu+2‐doped CaF2 and in Ce+3‐doped Y3Al5O12 at room temperature and 77 K. It is shown that the conduction band of the host crystal is responsible for absorption in both systems. In Eu+2: CaF2 the excited‐state absorption is caused by a transition from the fluorescence level, the 4f6(7F)5d(2eg)G8 state, to the conduction band of CaF2. In Ce+3: YAG two processes are responsible for the absorption: (1) excitation from the lowest Ce+3 5d energy level to the conduction band of YAG and (2) transitions from the ground state of a trap to its excited states and to the conduction band of YAG. The results provide general guidelines in the search for new uv solid‐state laser materials.
Hemodynamic effects of sevoflurane in spontaneously breathing cats.

Sevoflurane has recently been introduced in feline anesthesia. However, its cardiovascular effects have not, to our knowledge, been reported in this species. Six healthy cats, aged 1.81 ± 0.31 years (mean ± SEM) and weighing 3.47 ± 0.11 kg, were studied. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen. Body temperature was maintained between 38.5 and 39.55 °C. After instrumentation, end-tidal sevoflurane concentration was randomly set at 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75 times the individual minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), determined in a previous study, according to a Latin Square Design. Thirty minutes of stabilization was allowed after each change of concentration. ECG and heart rate, systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures, central venous pressure (CVP), and core body temperature were continuously monitored and recorded. Inspired and end-tidal oxygen, carbon dioxide, and sevoflurane concentrations were measured using a Raman spectrometer, calibrated every 80 minutes with three calibration gases of known sevoflurane concentration (1, 2, and 5%). Moreover, at selected times, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure and cardiac output (thermodilution) were measured, and arterial and mixed venous blood samples were collected for pH and blood gas analysis, hemoglobin concentration, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, packed cell volume (PCV) and total protein determination, and lactate concentration measurement. Cardiac index (CI), stroke index (SI), systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance indices, rate-pressure product, left and right ventricular stroke work indices (LVSWI and RVSWI, respectively), arterial and mixed venous oxygen contents, oxygen delivery, oxygen consumption, and oxygen utilization ratio were calculated. Data were analyzed by a Repeated Measure Latin Square Design followed by a Tukey's test for 2 × 2 comparisons. Arterial pH significantly decreased from 7.40 ± 0.05 to 7.29 ± 0.07 with the administration of increasing concentrations of sevoflurane. Similarly, LVSWI decreased from 3.72 ± 0.60 to 2.60 ± 0.46 g m−2. Mean arterial pressure, PaO2, mixed venous pH, CI, SI, and oxygen delivery tended to decrease dose-dependently, whereas CVP, PaCO2, PvCO2, PCV, and arterial and mixed venous hemoglobin concentrations tended to increase dose-dependently with the administration of sevoflurane. However, these trends did not reach statistical significance, possibly because of the limited number of animals studied. Sevoflurane seemed to induce dose-dependent cardiovascular depression in cats.
Diapirs of the Continental Margin of Angola, Africa

A geophysical study of the continental slope and rise off Angola shows the presence of two basement ridges under the sedimentary prism. These ridges are the continuation of onshore basement highs, or parallel to them. The continental rise deposits are built up behind the outermost of these ridges; the deposits of the onshore Cuanza basin and its northward offshore equivalent behind the innermost one. The sedimentary sequences in both zones have a parallel history of evaporite deposition followed by diapirism. Two separate phases of salt tectonics can be distinguished which propagated eastward with time from their western terminal basement ridges. The relative ages of the onshore and offshore sequences cannot be established at this time. The offshore diapir province has a width of more than 300 km and extends possibly from the Congo Canyon in the north to near the Walvis Ridge in the south.
Acridine orange staining reaction as an index of physiological activity in Escherichia coli

The assumption that the acridine orange (AO) color reaction may be used as an index of physiological activity was investigated in laboratory grown Escherichia coli. Spectrofluorometric observations of purified nucleic acids, ribosomes and the microscopic color of bacteriophage-infected cells stained with AO confirmed the theory that single-stranded nucleic acids emit orange to red fluorescence while those that are double-stranded fluoresce green in vivo. Bacteria growing actively in a rich medium could be distinguished from cells in stationary phase by the AO reaction. Cells from log phase appeared red, whereas those in stationary phase were green. However, this differentiation was not seen when the bacteria were grown in a minimal medium or when a variation of the staining method was used. Also, shifting bacteria in stationary phase to starvation conditions rapidly changed their AO staining reaction. Boiling and exposure to lethal concentrations of azide and formalin resulted in stationary-phase cells that appeared red after staining but bacteria killed with chlorine remained green. These findings indicate that the AO staining reaction may be suggestive of physiological activity under defined conditions. However, variables in staining and fixation procedures as well as uncertainties associated with mixed bacterial populations in environmental samples may produce results that are not consistent with the classical interpretation of this reaction. The importance of validating the putative physiological implications of this staining reaction is stressed.
The Use of In Vivo Desensitization for the Treatment of a Specific Phobia of Earthworms

Graduated in vivo desensitization was used to treat an intense fear of earthworms in a female college student. The participant reported intense physiological anxiety and avoidance behavior in situa...
A comparison of AgMnO4 with permanganate and manganate salts

Abstract Electronic spectra for AgMnO 4 in frozen solution are broad and diffuse and are not characteristic of the permanganate anion. Approximate thermochemical calculations indicate only a small energy difference between the limiting ionic forms Ag + ; MnO 4 − and Ag 2+ ; MnO 4 2− . Vibrational analysis of AgMnO 4 , potassium permanganate and barium manganate were carried out and support an intermediate manganese oxidation state in AgMnO 4 .
Extent of duplex DNA underwinding induced by RecA protein binding in the presence of ATP.

Abstract A method is described for the accurate determination of the superhelical density (σ) of highly underwound circular DNA molecules. Using this method, duplex DNA bound by RecA protein in the presence of ATP at pH 7.5 is found to be underwound by 39.6% (σ = −0.396), corresponding to a helical periodicity of 17.4 base-pairs per turn. The underwinding is increased to 41% (17.9 base-pairs per turn) in the presence of low levels of ATPγS, in good agreement with the 18.6 base-pairs per turn reported previously. In spite of the extensive underwinding, the distribution of DNA topoisomers produced by RecA protein binding is small. This indicates a high degree of structural uniformity among RecA-double-stranded DNA complexes in the presence of ATP.
On the formability of bulk metallic glass in its supercooled liquid state

Abstract A method is introduced as a standard to characterize the formability, the maximum strain a bulk metallic glass (BMG) can undergo in its supercooled liquid state before it eventually crystallizes. When considering accuracy and practicality it was found that the maximum diameter to which a 0.1 cm 3 BMG sample can be formed during heating through the supercooled liquid temperature region under a constant load of 4500 N is best suited as a measure of formability. Among the ten different alloys considered, by far the highest formability was found for Pt 57.5 Cu 14.7 Ni 5.3 P 22.5 . More generally, the results suggest that fragile liquid behavior, large Poisson ratio, and a low glass transition temperature are attributes indicating good formability. Various parameters, as well as an analytical expression for the formability, are tested against the experimentally determined formability to assess the degree of correlation.
Hyperosmolality, acetate, and lactate: Dilatory factors during peritoneal dialysis

Factors that alter peritoneal blood flow may influence the clearance of solutes during peritoneal dialysis. Arteriolar vasodilation, for instance, could increase the delivery of solutes to the capillaries and venules leading to an increase in solute transport into the peritoneal cavity. This study was designed to identify the vasoactive effects of several major components of McGaw and Dianeal peritoneal dialysis solutions to understand how the composition of these solutions may alter in vivo blood flow in the peritoneum. Because the major differences between these solutions and Krebs solution are a high osmolality, a high dextrose concentrations, and an acetate or lactate buffer system, we investigated the effects of these components. Rats were anesthetized with the combination of urethane and chloralose. The cremaster muscles, with the nerve and blood supplies from the rat still intact, was placed in a specially designed tissue chamber that was filled with Krebs solutions. A port permitted microscopic observations of the blood vessels. In vivo television microscopy observations was used to quantitate changes in small arteriole diameters induced by changes in the composition of the solution bathing the cremaster or by the addition of nitroprusside. Hyperosmolality produced by the addition of dextrose, sucrose, or sodium chloride to the Krebs solution induced a submaximal dilation of the small arterioles of the cremaster. The rate of dilation differed depending on the substance used to increase osmolality. A normal osmolality acetate (74 mM) or lactate (45 mM) solution produced a slow, submaximal dilation of the cremaster arterioles. Hyperosmolar acetate (37 or 74 mM) or lactate (45 mM) solutions produced a rapid, maximal dilation of these vessels. Because the rate of dilation and maximal effect produced by the commercial dialysis solutions were similar to these same parameters produced by the high-osmolality acetate or lactate solutions, the dilatory effects of McGaw and Dianeal solutions appear to be due to the combinations of high osmolality and the buffer anion acetate or lactate.
Benzodiazepines stimulate sodium ion transport in frog skin epithelium

Abstract Benzodiazepine binding sites are present in a variety of non-neuronal tissues including the kidney where they are localized to distal nephron segments. It is postulated that renal binding sites are involved in modulating ion transport. This study examined the effects of two benzodiazepines on sodium transport in frog skin epithelium, a model system for sodium transport in renal collecting duct. Treatment of short-circuited frog skin with diazepam (a non-selective benzodiazepine agonist) stimulated amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current, reflecting stimulation of active sodium transport. The diazepam response was equally effective with either serosal or mucosal application of the drug. Maximal stimulation of the current ( 42 ± 8% ) was achieved with 10 μM diazepam (serosal). Short-circuit currrent was similarly augmented by serosal or mucosal addition of Ro5-4864, a benzodiazepine agonist with selective activity at peripheral (non-neuronal) receptors. The natriferic response to diazepam was additive to that of vasopressin or cyclic AMP suggesting that the mode of action of benzodiazepines is probably distinct from the cyclic AMP pathway. Thus, frog skin appears to be a useful model to examine the epithelial effects of benzodiazepines. Whether stimulation of sodium transport, however, involves peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors in this tissue requires further studies.
Newer Diagnostic Tests in Thoracic Surgery

Abstract Of the new diagnostic techniques introduced into thoracic surgery during the past decade, mediastinoscopy, azygography, ventilation and perfusion scans to evaluate emphysema and pulmonary function, flexible fiberoptic esophagoscopy and bronchoscopy, and esophageal function tests have all proved valuable in clinical practice. Bronchial arteriography, tantalum dust bronchography, and scanning in pulmonary carcinoma promise to be of clinical value in the future but remain experimental at present.
META‐ANALYSIS AND META‐ANALYTIC MONITORING OF CLINICAL TRIALS

Randomized trials are effective and usually unbiased for showing the average results in a selected outcome variable for treatment A versus treatment B, and meta-analyses produce an average of these averages. The results of both the trials and meta-analyses are often pragmatically unsatisfactory, however, because they do not reflect cogent distinctions desired by practising clinicians in the heterogeneous subgroups formed by diverse components in the patients' baseline states, in proficiency of therapy, and in additional outcome phenomena. If the inadequacies of previous trials have led to performance of a suitable new trial, it should not be stopped by the numbers emerging from meta-analyses of prior non-pertinent results.
Independent modulation of collagen fibrillogenesis by decorin and lumican

The leucine-rich proteoglycans (also known as “small, leucine-rich proteoglycans,” or SLRPs) lumican and decorin are thought to be involved in the regulation of collagen fibril assembly. Preparation of these proteoglycans in chemical amounts without exposure to denaturants has recently been achieved by infecting HT-1080 cells with vaccinia virus that contains an expression cassette for these molecules. Addition of lumican and decorin to a collagen fibrillogenesis assay based on turbidity demonstrated that lumican accelerated initial fibril formation while decorin retarded initial fibril formation. At the end of fibrillogenesis, both proteoglycans resulted in an overall reduced turbidity, suggesting that fibril diameter was lower. The presence of both proteoglycans had a synergistic effect, retarding fibril formation to a greater degree than either proteoglycan individually. Competitive binding studies showed that lumican did not compete for decorin-binding sites on collagen fibrils. Both proteoglycans increased the stability of fibrils to thermal denaturation to approximately the same degree. These studies show that lumican does not compete for decorin-binding sites on collagen, that decorin and lumican modulate collagen fibrillogenesis, and that, in the process, they also enhance collagen fibril stability.
A method for estimating child poverty rates, projections for the short-term and the relationship between child poverty and child care subsidy receipt at the county level

Abstract At present, county level annual poverty rates for broad age groups at different poverty thresholds are not readily available. Unlike the 2000 census, the 2010 census did not collect income data to allow calculation of poverty rates, and future decennial censuses will not. Thus, there is a need for a method to estimate annual poverty rates at the county level. To fill in the existing gap, this paper develops a method conceptually similar to the regression-based modeling approach utilized for Census Bureau Small Area Estimates (SAIPE). This is applied to estimate and project the proportion of children less than 12 years of age whose income is below the 200% poverty threshold, by county in New York State from 2008 to 2010. Multiple regression techniques including random effects and Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models are applied. Data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, the American Community Survey and administrative sources are utilized. Administrative data sources adjust for, incorporate and model recent changes in the county economic situation. Finally, this paper contributes to the literature on county level relationships between poverty rates and income-based benefits, particularly on child care subsidies. Specifically, the association between the proportion of children receiving child care subsidies and child poverty rates vary by metropolitan, micropolitan and non-core-based designation of counties.
Soils of temperate rainforests of the North American Pacific Coast

Abstract Temperate rainforests have high conservation and natural resource value, but the soils of this bioregion have not previously been studied as a unit. Here we examine the soils of North America's Pacific coastal temperate rainforests, utilizing databases from the United States Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Canadian Centre for Land and Biological Resources Research to (i) identify the soil taxa, (ii) evaluate the soil properties, and (iii) compare soils in temperate and tropical rainforests. There are strong climate gradients within these temperate rainforests, with the mean temperature declining from 11.7 °C to 6.1 °C and the mean annual precipitation increasing from 1500 mm to around 3000 mm from northern California (CA) to northwestern British Columbia (BC) and southeastern Alaska (AK). There is also high pedodiversity in this region, with soils representing 8 orders and 31 suborders, and, in the US portion, 65 great-groups, 142 subgroups, and 482 soil series. Twenty-six percent of described soil series are endemic to temperate rainforests in the US portion of the region, with the proportion declining with latitude. Dominant soil suborders vary along the latitudinal gradient from Humults–Udalfs/Ustalfs–Udepts–Udults in CA, to Udands–Udepts–Udands Humults in western Oregon (OR) and Washington (WA), to Orthods–Folists in BC and Cryods–Saprists in AK. The dominant diagnostic horizons are ochric/argillic (CA), umbric/cambic (OR, WA), and albic–histic/spodic (BC, AK). Whereas soils in CA, BC, and AK tend to have a mixed mineralogy, those in northern OR and WA commonly are derived from volcaniclastic materials and have a ferrihydritic or isotic mineralogy. Soils in this region are generally deep, hold abundant moisture, are not subject to deep-freezing, and are enriched in extractable Fe and Al. Organic C and total N contents are high overall, but also variable, with right-skewed distributions. Compared to tropical rainforest soils in the Pacific Basin, Pacific temperate rainforest have greater weatherable minerals, cation-exchange capacities, soil organic C, and total exchangeable base cations. However, soils of both bioregions tend to be deep, acidic Al-saturated, and can have large N reservoirs. This investigation provides a foundation for a more unified understanding of the soils of a globally significant bioregion.
Kinetics of Butane Oxidation by a Vanadyl Pyrophosphate Catalyst

The kinetics of butane oxidation by a vanadyl pyrophosphate (VPO) catalyst were analyzed from reduction transients using a novel oscillating microbalance reactor. The reduction rate of the equilibrated VPO catalyst with butane is 0.4th order in the butane concentration and 4th order in the available lattice oxygen concentration. This rate law is effective in representing the reduction of the catalyst to an extent equivalent to the removal of several layers of lattice oxygen. The activation energy for the reduction process is 85 kJ/mol, nearly the same as the apparent activation energy for the steady-state oxidation of butane on the VPO catalyst. These results suggest that the activation of butane is the rate-determining step for butane oxidation on VPO catalysts and that four surface oxygen ions may be involved in this step. The kinetics of VPO reduction by butane are useful in predicting the oxygen capacity of the catalyst and rate of butane oxidation under cyclic feed conditions, as in the circulating fluidized bed process.
Risk-taking activities and heterogeneity of job-risk tradeoffs

Using data from a large national sample, this article examines how individual differences in risk attitudes affect wage-risk tradeoffs. Smoking and seat belt use are used as proxies for individual willingness to bear risk. Workers who by their behavior indicate a high value of safety-e.g., nonsmokers and seat belt wearers-receive a higher compensating differential per unit of job risk than do workers who engage in either one of the risky behaviors. For the overall sample, the implicit value of a lost workday injury is $79,632. This value ranges from $54,878 for smokers who do not wear a seat belt, to $102,552 for nonsmokers who wear a seat belt.
Imaging the cavernous nerves in the rat prostate using optical coherence tomography

Introduction Improvements in identification, imaging, and visualization of the cavernous nerves (CNs) during radical prostatectomy, which are responsible for erectile function, may improve nerve preservation and post-operative potency. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is capable of real-time, high-resolution, cross-sectional, in vivo tissue imaging. The rat prostate serves as an excellent model for studying the use of OCT for imaging the CNs, as the rat CN is a large, visible, and distinct bundle allowing for easy identification with OCT in addition to histologic confirmation. Materials and Methods Imaging was performed with the Niris OCT system and a handheld 8 Fr probe, capable of acquiring real-time images with 11-µm axial and 25-µm lateral resolution in tissue. Open surgical exposure of the prostate was performed on a total of six male rats, and OCT images of the prostate, CN, pelvic plexus ganglion, seminal vesicle, blood vessels, and periprostatic fat were acquired. CN electrical stimulation with simultaneous intracorporeal pressure measurements was performed to confirm proper identification of the CNs. The prostate and CNs were also processed for histologic analysis and further confirmation. Results Cross-sectional and longitudinal OCT images of the CNs were acquired and compared with histologic sections. The CN and ganglion could be differentiated from the surrounding prostate gland, seminal vesicle, blood vessels, bladder, and fatty tissue. Conclusions We report preliminary results of OCT images of the rat CNs with histologic correlation and erectile stimulation measurements, thus providing interpretation of prostate structures as they appear in OCT images. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
ELMUD: An ELectron MUon Detector for Higgs physics at the SSC

Requirements for detecting H ZZ l l l l at the SSC with m/sub H/ = 800GeV are explored. It is found a luminosity of 10TUcm Ssec is needed but that the detector can have only a fast electromagnetic calorimeter plus a muon detector. Such a detector should be feasible at the required luminosity.