cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A flexible bayesian approach to monotone missing data in longitudinal studies with nonignorable missingness with application to an acute schizophrenia clinical trial

We develop a Bayesian nonparametric model for a longitudinal response in the presence of nonignorable missing data. Our general approach is to first specify a working model that flexibly models the missingness and full outcome processes jointly. We specify a Dirichlet process mixture of missing at random (MAR) models as a prior on the joint distribution of the working model. This aspect of the model governs the fit of the observed data by modeling the observed data distribution as the marginalization over the missing data in the working model. We then separately specify the conditional distribution of the missing data given the observed data and dropout. This approach allows us to identify the distribution of the missing data using identifying restrictions as a starting point. We propose a framework for introducing sensitivity parameters, allowing us to vary the untestable assumptions about the missing data mechanism smoothly. Informative priors on the space of missing data assumptions can be specified to...
Behind the Label “Alcoholic”

Personally Speaking provides a forum for readers to describe important issues or events in their lives and the role, if any, counseling has played. Guidelines for submitting manuscripts may be obtained from Stephen G. Weinrach, 303 Falvey Hall, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085-1699.
Circadian rhythmicity of cortisol and body temperature: morningness-eveningness effects.

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the circadian rhythm of body temperature and cortisol, as well as self-reported clock times of sleep onset and offset on weekdays and weekends ...
Grb2 regulation of the actin-based cytoskeleton is required for ligand-independent EGF receptor-mediated oncogenesis

Mutations within members of the EGF/ErbB receptor family frequently release the oncogenic potential of these receptors, resulting in the activation of downstream signaling events independent of ligand regulatory constraints. We previously have demonstrated that the signal transduction events originating from S3-v-ErbB, a ligand-independent, oncogenic EGF receptor mutant, are qualitatively distinct from the ligand-dependent mitogenic signaling pathways associated with the wild-type EGF receptor. Specifically, expression of S3-v-ErbB in primary fibroblasts results in anchorage-independent growth, increased invasive potential, and the formation of a transformation-specific phosphoprotein signaling complex, all in a Ras-independent manner. Here we demonstrate the transformation-specific interaction between two components of this complex: the adaptor protein Grb2 and the cytoskeletal regulatory protein caldesmon. This interaction is mediated via both the amino-terminal SH3 and central SH2 domains of Grb2, and the amino-terminal (myosin-binding) domain of caldesmon. Expression of a dominant-negative Grb2 deletion mutant, which lacks the carboxy-terminal SH3 domain, in fibroblasts expressing S3-v-ErbB results in a reduction in phosphoprotein complex formation, the loss of anchorage-independent growth, and a reduction in invasive potential. Together, these results demonstrate a Ras-independent role for Grb2 in modulating cytoskeletal function during ligand-independent EGF receptor-mediated transformation, and provide further support for the hypothesis that ligand-independent oncogenic signaling is qualitatively distinct from ligand-dependent mitogenic signaling by the EGF receptor.
In situ visualization of paclitaxel distribution and release by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy.

Visualization of three-dimensional distribution of drug molecules and subsequent changes during the release process is critical for understanding drug delivery mechanisms as well as designing tailor-made release profiles. This study utilized coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging to examine paclitaxel distribution in various polymer films with lateral resolution of 0.3 μm and depth resolution of 0.9 μm. Raman bands in the CH stretch vibration and fingerprint regions were used to distinguish paclitaxel from the polymers. The detection sensitivity was measured to be 29 mM by imaging paclitaxel molecules dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide solution. Release of paclitaxel from a polymer matrix was monitored at an acquisition speed of 1 frame/s. Our results show that CARS microscopy can be used effectively for in situ imaging of native drug molecules in a delivery system.
Powerlessness regarding health-service barriers: construction of an instrument.

PURPOSE.The purpose of the study was to develop a scale to calculate college students' powerlessness regarding health service barriers (PHSB). METHODS.Scale items were generated to represent two domains of interest: powerlessness and college students' powerlessness regarding health service barriers. The final 20-item instrument was subjected to multiple measures of validity with college students and panels of nurse experts in the area of nursing diagnosis. Reliability was assessed by two samples (n = 92 and n = 33) of college-age students. A final administration was conducted with 197 college students. FINDINGS.The PHSB scale was determined to be an accurate and consistent measure. CONCLUSIONS.This instrument will provide a reliable and valid measure to conduct research.
Apparatus for Measurement of Protonic Conductivity of Powdered Materials as a Function of Temperature and Humidity

Presented is an approach to measuring protonic conductivity of powdered samples. The features of this method are the utilization of porous sample holder, which allows for an easy control of the water activity in the sample, the use of spring-loaded contact electrodes, which prevents the loss of contact upon sample shrinking, as well as the implementation of four-electrode ac impedance measurements, which reduces the inaccuracy due to interfacial capacitance of the probes. We also report conductivities of a low equivalent weight version of Nafion in film and powder forms as functions of relative humidity. These data show that the conductivity of a powder is several times lower than the conductivity of a film, which is likely due to the porous nature and intergrain resistances in the powder.
A review of multiple- short -pulse SBS experiments and theory

A review of multiple- short -pulse SBS experiments and theoryRuth Ann MullenHughes Research Laboratories3011 Malibu Canyon Road, Malibu, California 90265ABSTRACTMultiple- short -pulse stimulated Brillouin scattering (MSPSBS) is a means to obtain phase- conjugation of pulse trainscharacterized by pulse durations and inter -pulse separations bothshort relative to the Brillouin lifetime. The Brillouin lifetimeof the SBS medium provides a memory for pulse -to -pulse build -upof the acoustic grating. For these short -pulses and for pulseenergies below the thresholds of competing non -linearities, asingle pulse by itself would not be above threshold. It is thecumulative addition of in -phase acoustic gratings created bysuccessive pulses that results in the above -threshold operationrequired for the high reflectivities observed.1. APPLICATIONSSelf- pumped phase- conjugators for picosecond pulse trains areneeded to achieve distortion -free beam control of short -pulse,high repetition rate high energy lasers such as the rf linac FEL.They may also find an important application to the scaling ofmode - locked Nd:YAG and /or Nd:glass lasers to the intermediateenergies required for satellite -to- ground laser radarapplications. A third potential application area is foramplifier decoupling and prepulse suppression in high poweramplifier chains, as demonstrated by Greiner de Mothes
FACTORIAL DESIGNS AND DUMMY CODING

Factorial analysis of variance designs are often analyzed with multiple regression employing a matrix of coded variates. The use of dummy coded variates to test hypotheses about main effects can produce results that vary with the choice of dummy coding when certain types of hypotheses are tested. The problem is illustrated with an example data set and the nature of the problem is clarified.
The microwave spectrum of propyne in the 17- to 52-GHz region for the v10 = 4 vibrational state

Abstract The rotational spectra in the v 10 = 4 vibrational state of propyne have been determined in the frequency range 17–52 GHz. Molecular constants for this vibrationally excited state have been determined from more than 16 observed rotational transitions. Agreement between experimentally measured frequencies are presented and compared with those calculated using the results of basic perturbation theory. Matrix elements for the diagonal and nondiagonal terms were obtained from a previous paper by A. Bauer, G. Tarrago, and A. Remy. [ J. Mol. Spectrosc. 58 , 111–124 (1975)].
γ-Al2O3-Supported Pt Catalysts with Extremely High Dispersions Resulting from Pt–W Interactions

Abstract γ-Al 2 O 3 -supported catalysts were prepared from bimetallic precursors, {Pt[W(CO) 3 (C 5 H 5 )] 2 (PhCN) 2 } and {Pt 2 W 2 (CO) 6 (C 5 H 5 ) 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 }, as well as from a mixture of [PtCl 2 (PhCN) 2 ] and [W(CO) 6 ], and characterized by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy and chemisorption of H 2 , CO, and O 2 ; the samples were reduced with H 2 at 400°C for 2 h prior to most characterizations. EXAFS data show that tungsten in either of the bimetallic precursors helped to maintain the platinum in a highly dispersed form during treatment in H 2 , leading to supported platinum clusters of only about 4 to 6 atoms each, on average. EXAFS spectra measured at the Pt L II edge indicate substantial Pt–W contributions in samples prepared from the bimetallic precursors, but not in samples prepared from the two monometallic precursors; the Pt–W coordination numbers in the former samples were about 2 and 1, respectively, at an average Pt–W distance of 2.71 A. W L III edge EXAFS data indicate substantial W–Pt interactions in the samples prepared from the bimetallic precursors, with an average W–Pt coordination number of about 1.0 at a distance of 2.71 A. The results are consistent with the inference that W–Pt–W (or Pt–(W) 2 –Pt) units in the precursor were largely retained following removal of the ligands by H 2 treatment. EXAFS data also show that the Pt–W interactions in samples prepared from the bimetallic precursors were strong enough to be largely maintained even under oxidation/reduction conditions at temperatures as high as 400°C. In addition to the metal–metal contributions, the EXAFS data show substantial interactions of both tungsten and platinum with oxygen atoms of the γ-Al 2 O 3 support. The platinum clusters are inferred to be stabilized in a highly dispersed state by their interactions with tungsten cations (identified by oxygen uptake data), which are held in place by interactions with surface oxygen atoms of γ-Al 2 O 3 (indicated by EXAFS data). In contrast, the sample prepared from the two monometallic precursors is characterized by a lack of Pt–W interactions (as indicated by the EXAFS data) and by relatively large platinum particles. The supported platinum clusters made from bimetallic precursors are characterized by lower chemisorption of CO or of hydrogen and by low catalytic activities for toluene hydrogenation at 1 atm and 60°C, relative to the values characterizing the samples made from the monometallic precursors, which incorporated larger platinum particles. On the other hand, the catalysts containing tungsten were an order of magnitude more active than Pt/γ-Al 2 O 3 for hydrogenation of crotonaldehyde to give crotyl alcohol, although these catalysts were still nonselective for this reaction. The data indicate that tungsten formed isolated microscopic islands on γ-Al 2 O 3 , influencing the adsorption and catalysis by platinum by its proximity to the latter. Literature data indicate that other combinations of oxophilic and noble metals on oxide supports behave similarly.
The gender-linked language effect: an empirical test of a general process model

Abstract The gender-linked language effect (GLLE) is a phenomenon in which transcripts of female communicators are rated higher on Socio-Intellectual Status and Aesthetic Quality and male communicators are rated higher on Dynamism. This study proposed and tested a new general process model explanation for the GLLE, a central mediating element of which posits that males and females have socialized schema of how each gender normatively communicates. Participants described five landscape photographs in writing. Participants were asked to describe the first photograph with no other instructions. The next four randomly ordered photos were described under two guises: “as if you were a man,” and “as if you were a woman.” Under both gender guises, participants described the photograph “to a man” and “to a woman.” Transcripts were coded for gender-distinguishing language features. Discriminant analysis indicated that the language used by male and female respondents in the male guise differed from that used by the same respondents in the female guise, supporting communicators’ consistent gender-linked language schemata, and stereotypes, and the new process model. While the data supported the new gender-linked language model, no effects were found for predictions also made regarding communication accommodation or gender identity salience.
Maximum-energy-release-rate criterion applied to a tension-compression specimen with crack

The title problem is studied by using the explicit asymptetic analysis presented in the accompanying paper. The asymptotic analysis indicates that the very basic problem is a semi-infinite L-shaped crack governed by a single integral equation. This equation is discretized to a system of complex algebraic equations and solved by a standard HARWELL subroutine. It is found that the maximum-energy-release-rate criterion has two branches, one for tensile loads and one for compressive loads. Our numerical results indicate that the maximum energy-release rate is always associated with maximum K1 and K2=0, where K1 and K2 are the stress-intensity factors at the fractured tip. Thus, the well-known K-G relation valid for crack-parallel propagation also holds for non-crack-parallel propagations. This conclusion is, however, purely numerical.
The association of campus resources for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students with college students' condom use.

Abstract The author and colleagues examined campus resources for gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) students at 119 US colleges to determine how the presence of such resources affected sexually active students' condom use. A random sample of unmarried, sexually active college students surveyed in 1999 completed questionnaires. Condom use was compared across schools with different levels of GLB resources. Condom use rates, analyzed by sex and sex-partner groups, ranged from 32% to 52%. With additional college variables controlled for, GLB resources were positively associated with the proportion of sexually active students who used condoms (p < .001). This association existed primarily for students with only opposite-sex partners. The author's findings suggest that campus resources for GLB students may be associated with college students' condom use.
Metal-nonmetal transition in expanded liquid mercury.

At the anomalously high density of \AA{}9 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, expanded liquid mercury is found to undergo a metal-nonmetal transition which is associated with the formation of a gap in the density of states at the Fermi energy. Although previous calculations have all yielded values of the density for the metal-nonmetal transition that are too low (\AA{}5.5 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$), it is shown that a simple model emphasizing fluctuations in the local coordination number produces the correct value.
Identification of exposed surface glycoproteins in undifferentiated and differentiated mouse N-18 neuroblastoma cells

Abstract A simple method is described that permitted rapid isolation of plasma membranes from mouse N-18 neuroblastoma cells. The purified plasma membranes gave a 10-fold increase in the specific activity of incorporated [ 3 H]fucose over that of the cell homogenate. The specific activities of two other membrane markers, 5′-nucleotidase and alkaline phosphatase, increased 11-fold and 15-fold, respectively. Metabolic labeling with [ 3 H]fucose identified a major fucosyl glycoprotein with apparent molecular weight of 92 000. Three surface labeling methods together with SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography were used to characterize and compare the surface glycoproteins of undifferentiated and differentiated N-18 cells. The galactose oxidase/NaB 3 H 4 method labeled two major galactoproteins ( M r = 52 000, 42 000) in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells. The neuraminidase/galactose oxidase/NaB 3 H 4 method revealed many sialylgalactoproteins. Among them, the 220-kdalton, 150-kdalton and 130-kdalton bands were at least 100% more prominently labeled in the differentiated calls whereas the 76-kdalton and 72-kdalton bands were less prominently labeled in the differentiated cells when compared to their undifferentiated counterparts. The prominently iodinated protein bands in the undifferentiated cells had apparent molecular weights of 130 000, 92 000, 76 000 and 72 000 as compared to 150-, 130-, 92- and 76-kdalton bands in the differentiated cells. The labeling data obtained will enable us to further study the changes of these identified surface glycoproteins, both quantitatively and topologically, during the differentiation of neuroblastoma cells.
ZNF804A Transcriptional Networks in Differentiating Neurons Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of Human Origin.

ZNF804A (Zinc Finger Protein 804A) has been identified as a candidate gene for schizophrenia (SZ), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and bipolar disorder (BD) in replicated genome wide association studies (GWAS) and by copy number variation (CNV) analysis. Although its function has not been well-characterized, ZNF804A contains a C2H2-type zinc-finger domain, suggesting that it has DNA binding properties, and consequently, a role in regulating gene expression. To further explore the role of ZNF804A on gene expression and its downstream targets, we used a gene knockdown (KD) approach to reduce its expression in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). KD was accomplished by RNA interference (RNAi) using lentiviral particles containing shRNAs that target ZNF804A mRNA. Stable transduced NPC lines were generated after puromycin selection. A control cell line expressing a random (scrambled) shRNA was also generated. Neuronal differentiation was induced, RNA was harvested after 14 days and transcriptome analysis was carried out using RNA-seq. 1815 genes were found to be differentially expressed at a nominally significant level (p<0.05); 809 decreased in expression in the KD samples, while 1106 increased. Of these, 370 achieved genome wide significance (FDR<0.05); 125 were lower in the KD samples, 245 were higher. Pathway analysis showed that genes involved in interferon-signaling were enriched among those that were down-regulated in the KD samples. Correspondingly, ZNF804A KD was found to affect interferon-alpha 2 (IFNA2)-mediated gene expression. The findings suggest that ZNF804A may affect a differentiating neuron’s response to inflammatory cytokines, which is consistent with models of SZ and ASD that support a role for infectious disease, and/or autoimmunity in a subgroup of patients.
Sulphur oxidation in tidal mangrove soils of Sierra Leone

Tidal mangrove soil contained about 17-mg/g (oven-dry soil) of oxidisable sulphur, of which about 9 mg was insoluble in acetone. Samples showed considerable variability and this was shown to be due to the fact that decayed wood in the soil was heavily impregnated with oxidisable sulphur, a high proportion of which was insoluble in acetone. It is suggested that this proportion was the polysulphide fraction.
Turnover of Phosphatidic Acid and Sodium Extrusion from Mammalian Erythrocytes

Phosphatidic acid (PA) from swine and beef RBCs was isolated by chromatography on silicic acid columns. It comprised about 1 per cent of the total lipid phosphate in RBCs, but was eluted nearly pure from columns. An uncharacterized inositide accounted for 5 to 10 per cent of the phosphate in the PA-containing fraction. When cells were incubated with HP32O4=, the fraction containing PA became more radioactive than any of the other fractions obtained. However, analysis of the labeled material by paper chromatography showed that most of the P32 was in the inositide, not in PA. With the assumption of kinetic homogeneity for cellular PA, compartmental analysis of the kinetics of tracer incorporation showed that PA turnover is 3 to 4 orders of magnitude too slow to account for sodium extrusion by these cells.
Cross flow ion mobility spectrometry: Theory and initial prototype testing

Abstract By marrying the concepts behind ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and differential mobility analysis (DMA), a new instrument, the Cross Flow Ion Mobility Spectrometer (CF-IMS) (patent pending), was constructed and tested. CF-IMS is a light-weight, low cost instrument that can analyze the composition of the gas phase continuously and with high mobility resolution. In this paper, we report the theory behind CF-IMS and measurements with a low resolution prototype. Reduced mobility of acetone, benzene, and pyridine at 473.15 K and 101.3 kPa were measured to be 2.35 × 10 −4 , 2.32 × 10 −4 , and 2.18 × 10 −4 , m 2 V −1 s −1 , respectively, in agreement with linear IMS measurements. CF-IMS could be used to analyze gas phase compounds or volatile particle phase compounds when used in conjunction with appropriate preconditioners.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS WITH READING DISABILITIES: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND THE FOUNDATION FOR A RESEARCH AGENDA

The issue of identifying reading difficulties and disabilities in English language learners (ELLs) is a complex one. It is an area that draws on the diverse disciplines of first- and second-language acquisition, literacy, English language learning, and reading, including differences and disabilities research. This literature review aims to synthesize the research that aims to address the topic, focusing on the following three questions: How does one identify reading difficulties/disabilities (RD) in individuals who are learning the English language? What needs to be done to aid in identifying RD in ELLs? What does one do with this information to support the English reading instruction of ELLs with RD? The first section of the report covers basic terminology and gives an overview of the problem. The second section presents some of the challenges in distinguishing between what might be normal ELL language development from what might be identified as a disability or difference. The third section reviews reading difficulties in various languages and then focuses on reading difficulties when learning a second language. The fourth section provides an overview of the issues surrounding the process of identifying reading difficulties or differences in ELLs. The challenges begin at referral to services and span to measurement of disabilities.1 The fifth section provides information on interventions and the application of information gained through assessment. The sixth section, the conclusion, points to key considerations related to the identification of RD in ELLs on the K-12 level, especially in the area of the definition, measurement, and instruction of ELLs identified with RD. It also examines the potential for further development and research of assessment and effective instructional programs. Key findings and implications are summarized in the areas of RDs, referral, current assessment, assessments in development, instructional practices, and teacher preparation.
Knowledge of reflexives in a second language

This study addresses the debate about whether adult language learners have access to the principles and parameters of universal grammar in constructing the grammar of a second language. The data are based on two related experiments. The first examines the interpretation of English reflexive pronouns by native speakers of Japanese and of Spanish. The second experiment examines the interpretation of the Japanese reflexive zibun by native speakers of English and of Chinese. Three hypotheses are evaluated: (a) that UG is unavailable, and that processing strategies or other non-linguistic principles guide second language acquisition; (b) that UG is available only in the form in which it is instantiated in the learner's native language; (c) that UG is fully available, including the ability to re-set parameters to UG-sanctioned values not instantiated in the learner's native language. The results show that learners observe constraints defined by Manzini and Wexler's parameterized version of Principle A of the binding theory and support the proposal that adult learners have access to universal grammar. A final chapter reviews the experimental data in the light of recent accounts of cross-linguistic variation in the grammar of anaphors which reject parameterization of the binding principles in favor of a “movement to INFL” analysis.
Skyrme topological soliton coupled to gravity

Skyrmions of large topological quantum number N or large energy scale f/sub ..pi../ are studied in general relativity. No stable or metastable solutions are found between the nucleon with N = 1 and mini black holes with Napprox.M/sub Planck//f/sub ..pi../. On the nuclear scale (f/sub ..pi../approx.90 MeV) this corresponds to Napprox.10/sup 19/.
The Transnational Traffic in Human Body Parts

Organized criminal syndicates, notable for their adaptability to opportunities offered by changing social and market conditions, have become involved in the transnational trade in human organs. The...
Sibling Brands, Multiple Objectives, and Response to Entry: The Case of the Marion Retail Coffee Market:

A new brand entering a market often finds itself in competition with sibling brands (those owned by the same parent company). In a case study of a retail coffee market, the authors examine how these brand relationships might influence the sibling and competitor brands' responses to entry. Using an empirically validated brand-share attraction model, the authors compare the actual responses to entry with the optimal responses under different incumbent objectives. The authors find that the responses by sibling brand are more accommodating than those of unrelated brands whose responses are consistent with the preservation of preentry levels of sales.
Exposure to hazardous air pollutants and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract Background : Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a serious and rapidly fatal neurodegenerative disorder with an annual incidence of 1–2.6/100,000 persons. Few known risk factors exist although gene–environment interaction is suspected. We investigated the relationship between suspected neurotoxicant hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) exposure and ALS. Methods : A case–control study involving sporadic ALS cases ( n = 51) and matched controls ( n = 51) was conducted from 2008 to 2011. Geocoded residential addresses were linked to U.S. EPA NATA data (1999, 2002, and 2005) by census tract. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression. Results : Residential exposure to aromatic solvents significantly elevated the risk of ALS among cases compared to controls in 2002 (OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 1.29, 19.53) and 1999 (OR = 4.27, 95% CI: 1.09, 16.79) following adjustment for education, smoking, and other exposure groups. Metals, pesticides, and other HAPs were not associated with ALS. Conclusions : A potential relationship is suggested between residential ambient air aromatic solvent exposure and risk of ALS in this study.
Bernoulli trials based feature selection for crater detection

Counting craters is a fundamental task of planetary science because it provides the only tool for measuring relative ages of planetary surfaces. However, advances in surveying craters present in data gathered by planetary probes have not kept up with advances in data collection. One challenge of auto-detecting craters in images is to identify an image's features that discriminate it between craters and other surface objects. The problem of optimal feature selection is known to be NP-hard and the search is computationally intractable. In this paper we propose a wrapper based randomized feature selection method to efficiently select relevant features for crater detection. We design and implement a dynamic programming algorithm to search for a relevant feature subset by removing irrelevant features and minimizing a cost objective function simultaneously. In order to only remove irrelevant features we use Bernoulli Trials to calculate the probability of such a case using the cost function. Our proposed algorithms are empirically evaluated on a large high-resolution Martian image exhibiting a heavily cratered Martian terrain characterized by heterogeneous surface morphology. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves a higher accuracy than other existing randomized approaches to a large extent with less runtime.
Evidence for stereoelectronic control in the epoxidation of sterically unbiased 3,3-diarylcyclopentenes

Epoxidations of the sterically unbiased olefin, 3-(4-X-phenyl)-3-phenylcyclopentene (X = NO2, Br, Cl, OCH3) with peracetic acid have been found to proceed with up to 73:27 stereoselectivity. Stereochemistry of the products was determined by lanthanide shift studies, COSY and 1D NOE1H NMR spectroscopic techniques and chemical correlation to the known 2,2-diarylcyclopentanols.
Characterizing solution and solid-phase amorphous uranyl silicates

Abstract A combination of high-energy X-ray scattering (HEXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to structurally and chemically characterize uranyl-silicate solutions and precipitates. Starting with a U to Si ratio of 1:2, solutions prepared at room temperature from pH 2.2 to 9.0 and at 150 °C from pH 5.1 to 9.1 showed U–U correlations out to distances of 10 A or longer in both final solutions and precipitates. With one exception, all of the precipitates were amorphous, with no evidence of Bragg diffraction in the XRD data. The room temperature samples above pH 3.1 all had similar Fourier transforms of their HEXS data, which were obtained from suspended slurries or precipitates. In contrast, the hydrothermal sample precipitates showed considerable variation in their HEXS correlations at longer distances. The XRD pattern of the hydrothermal sample with a pH of 5.1 exhibited Bragg reflections indexable as soddyite. While showing no evidence of crystallinity using XRD, the hydrothermal sample at pH 6 showed similar HEXS correlations, which evolved in samples at increasing pH into correlations more consistent with sodium boltwoodite. These findings are supported by thermodynamic modeling. The structural correlations seen in the HEXS data to distances of about 4 A are similar in all samples prepared at pH 4 or higher. This similarity of structure is used to propose a model for solid formation that includes a uranyl silicate building block, or synthon, which preorganizes in solution. Varying the pH changes how these synthons link into larger structures.
Vasopressin-related alterations of sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle

Vasopressin-related alterations of sodium reabsorption by the loop of Henle. Recollection micropuncture experiments were performed in dogs to determine distal tubular fluid sodium concentration, osmolality and water reabsorption during three states of hydration: 1) spontaneous antidiuresis, 2) water diuresis and ECF volume expansion, and 3) vasopressin-induced antidiuresis during sustained ECF volume expansion. Distal TF/P Na and TF/P Osm ratios decreased in parallel during water diuresis. During vasopressin infusion and an established hypertonic urine, TF/P Na and TF/P Osm returned to values observed during spontaneous antidiuresis. These parallel and reversible changes in distal sodium concentration were not associated with appropriate changes in water reabsorption, as indicated by the constancy of recollection TF/P inulin ratios, by either the proximal nephron alone or by the entire nephron to the distal site of collection. The results suggest that the water diuresis-associated reduction in distal sodium concentration is due to increased net sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle; vasopressin abolishes this increase in sodium reabsorption in both normovolemic and expanded dogs. Alterations in medullary blood flow, induced directly or indirectly by vasopressin, may explain the observed changes in distal tubule sodium concentration.
Raman susceptibility measurements and stimulated Raman effect in KDP

Abstract The propagation constant of the stimulated Raman process and Raman susceptibility measurements in KDP are reported. The stimulated Raman scattering due to 915 cm -1 and 93 cm -1 vibration in KDP has been experimentally observed.
A procedure for the preparation of rRNA from Legionellaceae for use in 16S-rRNA sequencing

Abstract rRNA-sequence comparison has become a commonly used method in bacterial taxonomy. To obtain intact rRNA from legioneallae for use in sequencing a simple enzymatic procedure was developed with requires no specialized equipment for release of RNA and no ultracentrifugation for its isolation. RNase inhibitors were included at each step to avoid RNA degradation. The procedure of Lane et al. was modified to decrease frequent sequence anomalies. These changes included optimization of incubation temperatures, enzyme: substratum ratios, deoxy: dideoxyribonucleotide ratios and the use of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase in the chase. The procedure allows the identification of 250 nucleotides from each primer reaction.
Aspects of the Geologic History of Seawater

It would be marvelous if I could unfold before you a grand panorama of the chemistry of the earliest oceans; unfortunately I cannot. We now know a good deal about the limits to the chemistry of the oceans during the last 600 m.y., and about the mechanisms that have kept the composition of ocean water within its rather narrow bounds. We also know something, but a good deal less, about ocean water chemistry during the preceding 2500 m.y.; but there are still no compelling geologic data bearing on the chemistry of ocean water during the first 1000 m.y. of Earth history. There are, however, some interesting alternatives; I would like to explore these, because they do set at least some limits on the chemistry of the most likely incubating medium for the earliest organisms.
THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF INTRABAND, INFRARED ABSORBANCE IN INORGANIC/ORGANIC NANOCOMPOSITE THIN FILMS WITH VARYING COLLOIDAL QUANTUM DOT SURFACE LIGAND MATERIALS

Hybrid nanocomposite thin films, composed of inorganic colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) embedded in a matrix of organic conjugated polymer, have shown promise as a method for room-temperature infrared detection due to the three-dimensional confinement of the CQD and significantly lower dark currents compared to inorganic detectors. However, in order to improve device performance, the excited charges must be efficiently promoted out of the CQD, which is surrounded by an insulating surface ligand. These short, organic molecules, which are required to prevent agglomeration of CQDs in solution, have been shown to inhibit charge transfer into and out of the CQD. In this work, the transfer matrix method is utilized to calculate the quantized energy levels and wavefunctions in the conduction band of the CdSe CQD for a variety of surface ligand materials. These results are used to calculate the absorption coefficient for a size distribution of CQDs and are compared with measured Fourier Transform Infrared absorbance spectra. Finally, the effect of the ligand on the calculated absorption coefficient will be used to optimize the design for an infrared photoconductor.
The development of a destructive sampling method designed for high quality production processes (DSM-HQ)

Customers are requiring producers to conduct destructive testing using traditional sampling techniques as monitoring tools. These techniques are not well suited for situations where the quality is high and tests are destructive since a high number of units need to be tested (and in turn destroyed) in order to guarantee good quality. Furthermore, traditional sampling methods are not specifically designed to monitor a high-quality production process where destructive tests are required and therefore make costly and inefficient monitoring tools. A sampling method is developed to monitor quality in high-quality processes where destructive testing is required. This method is based on a cost function, which balances the costs of sampling versus the costs of finding a defect on the field. It assumes a Poisson process defect pattern and uses an empirical Bayes updating scheme.
Mechanical hardness: A semiempirical theory based on screened electrostatics and elastic shear

Abstract The equation H = AGh s , is the first to describe the mechanical hardness H of materials having arbitrary crystal structure or bonding type, where A is a constant, G is the isotropic elastic shear modulus, and h s is a scaling relation for the chemical hardness of an indented solid. Here, h s is deemed to be the second derivative of the total electronic energy with respect to the electron population of atoms in the indented region of the solid. From this definition and semiempirical arguments, h s is a simple function of those atoms' effective nuclear charge Z eff and the number of nearest neighbors to the most electronegative atom in the perfect crystal. The model equation is used to calculate the hardness of 71 materials, having assorted crystal structures and bonding types, that are (A) 1-atom or 2-atom nonmetals or (B) simple metals. The class-A calculated hardnesses lie within 20% (30%) of experiment for 77% (92%) of the materials. The class-B calculated hardnesses lie within 20% (30%) of experiment for 42% (61 %) of the simple metals. The results enable mechanical hardness to be calculated solely in terms of the crystal structure geometry and intrinsic atomic-level properties Z eff and G , where G is obtained from monocrystal elastic constants using quasiisotropic polycrystalline bounding equations. Consequently, hardness may be estimated for proposed superhard ceramic materials by coupling the model equation with ab initio solid-state electronicstructure calculations of the elastic constants.
Networking of psychophysics, psychology, and neurophysiology

Article discussing the dynamic networking and dynamic networks in complex research on psychophysics, psychology, and neurophysiology.
Multiwavelength fiber ring laser based on a semiconductor and fiber gain medium

We report a novel multi-wavelength laser source based on hybrid gain medium, with a semiconductor optical amplifier and erbium doped fiber amplifier, and a double-ring structure. More than 60 lines with more than 50 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) have been achieved in our setup. The wavelength interval between the wavelengths is ~0.32nm. The 3dB spectral width of each lasing line is ~ 0.019nm. The laser can be tuned from ~1526 nm to ~1562 nm by adjusting the loss in the cavity.
A new method for separating cyclic AMP from 5′-AMP with application to the assay for cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase

A new method for assay of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (EC 3.1.4.17) has been developed based on the observation that a mixture of cyclic AMP and AMP can be resolved on a column of florisil (activated magnesium silicate) at pH 7.0. The cyclic nucleotide is retained by the silicate and the AMP which is not adsorbed is virtually quantitatively recovered. The adsorption of cyclic AMP by florisil is greatly influenced by the pH of the buffer but independent of its ionic strength. In the actual assay cyclic[3H]AMP is incubated with the enzyme source in the presence of Mg2+ and the reaction is stopped by the addition of CCl3COOH (0.3 m). The mixture is then neutralized by dilution with 10 vol of 0.5 m sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, and applied on a small (0.4 × 4.0-cm) florisil column equilibrated with the same buffer. The column is eluted with 3 vol of the buffer and the radioactivity of the eluate which contains only [3H]AMP is measured. The use of cyclic[3H]AMP of high specific activity in the assay allows a high degree of sensitivity while the addition of CCl3COOH instantaneously terminates the reaction allowing for increased precision. The assay compares favorably in simplicity and speed with those currently employed for cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase.
Discontinuous creep in short-range order alloys

Abstract A discontinuous creep process has been observed in creep studies on several complex commercial nickel-base alloys that contain chromium and an experimental binary Ni-20wt.%Cr alloy. Instead of a continuous strain-time creep curve as is normally observed, creep tests on these alloys exhibited an “instantaneous elongation” or “strain burst”, where the creep curves contained strain jumps. The studies showed that the process did not depend on gross metallurgical changes in the microstructure or on a precipitation process. It was postulated that the strain bursts are related to the formation of dislocation pile-ups in the matrix. When a localized pile-up breaks through a barrier, a dislocation avalanche results that triggers neighboring pile-ups. This process continues in neighboring grains and gives rise to the propagation of a deformation band along the gauge length in a Luders-type deformation. It was demonstrated how the pile-up barriers could involve short-range order.
Maturation to elite status: a six-year physiological case study of a world champion rowing crew

This case study reports the results of a 6-year (2005-2010) follow-up study of a world-class rowing crew, the current world champions. The rowers were 15-16 years old and prospective competitors at the junior level when the study began in 2005, and we monitored their physical, physiological, and rowing ergometer performance data annually. Our findings indicated that over the 6-year period gains in stature, averaged across rowers, amounted to only +2 cm (+1%). In contrast, body mass increased by +9 kg (+10%) and fat-free mass by +11 kg (+15%). A significant linear trend (R (2) = 0.998, P < 0.001) and a +26% increase in maximal oxygen uptake (in L min(-1)) was evident from 2005 to 2009, resulting in a leveling-off and a crew average of ~6.6 L min(-1) (~70 mL kg(-1) min(-1)) during the last 2 years of assessment. Power output at anaerobic threshold increased by +23%, subsequently amounting to a crew average of 359 W in 2010. Oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold, expressed as a percentage of maximal oxygen uptake, changed little and ranged between 82 and 85%. A curvilinear regression provided the best fit to describe the 6-year improvement (+7%) in 2000 m (R (2) = 0.984, P < 0.001) and 6000 m (R (2) = 0.989, P < 0.001) rowing ergometer performance times. Performance-related physical and physiological parameters seem to level-off at about 20 years of age, which may partly explain the corresponding stabilization in ergometer performance times over the last years of assessment.
Delayed protection by ESAT-6-specific effector CD4+ T cells after airborne M. tuberculosis infection.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection induces complex CD4 T cell responses that include T helper type 1 (Th1) cells and regulatory T cells. Although Th1 cells control infection, they are unable to fully eliminate M. tuberculosis , suggesting that Th1-mediated immunity is restrained from its full sterilizing potential. Investigation into T cell–mediated defense is hindered by difficulties in expanding M. tuberculosis –specific T cells. To circumvent this problem, we cloned CD4+ T cells from M. tuberculosis –infected B6 mice and generated transgenic mice expressing a T cell receptor specific for the immunodominant antigen early secreted antigenic target 6 (ESAT-6). Adoptively transferred naive ESAT-6–specific CD4+ T cells are activated in pulmonary lymph nodes between 7 and 10 d after aerosol infection and undergo robust expansion before trafficking to the lung. Adoptive transfer of activated ESAT-6–specific Th1 cells into naive recipients before aerosol M. tuberculosis infection dramatically enhances resistance, resulting in 100-fold fewer bacteria in infected lungs. However, despite large numbers of Th1 cells in the lungs of mice at the time of M. tuberculosis challenge, protection was not manifested until after 7 d following infection. Our results demonstrate that pathogen-specific Th1 cells can provide protection against inhaled M. tuberculosis , but only after the first week of infection.
Stress concentration around an atelectatic region: A finite element model

Abstract Lung parenchyma surrounding an atelectatic region is thought to be subjected to increased stress compared with the rest of the lung. Using 37 hexagonal cells made of linear springs, Mead et al. (1970) measured a stress concentration greater than 30% in the springs surrounding a stiffer central cell. We re-examine the problem using a 2D finite element model of 500 cells made of thin filaments with a non-linear stress–strain relationship. We study the consequences of increasing the central stiff region from one to nine contiguous cells in regular hexagonal honeycombs and random Voronoi honeycombs. The honeycomb structures were uniformly expanded with strains of 15%, 30%, 45% and 55% above their resting, non-deformed geometry. The curve of biaxial stress vs. fractional area change has a similar shape to that of the pressure–volume curve of the lung, showing an initial regime with relatively flat slope and a final regime with decreasing slope, tending toward an asymptote. Regular honeycombs had little variability in the maximum stress in radially oriented filaments adjacent to the central stiff region. In contrast, some filaments in random Voronoi honeycombs were subjected to stress concentration approximately 16 times the average stress concentration in the radially oriented filaments adjacent to the stiff region. These results may have implications in selecting the appropriate strategy for mechanical ventilation in ARDS and defining a “safe” level of alveolar pressure for ventilating atelectatic lungs.
Band selection procedure for multispectral scanners.

Advances in high spectral resolution sensors and in data handling capabilities are enabling development of greatly improved remote-sensing devices for resource monitoring, so that design trade-offs are required. A methodology for optimizing selection of spectral bands for multispectral instruments such as those on the LANDSAT series of satellites is described. The method is applied to a collection of laboratory and outdoor spectra of natural and artificial materials. These reflectance spectra represent the visible and near-infrared spectral ranges at high (0.01-μm) spectral resolution. For most natural materials 15–25 spectral bands appear to be sufficient to describe spectral variability, whereas description of minerals and some artificial substances may require double this number of bands.