cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Highly concentrated, intercalated silicate nanocomposites: Synthesis and characterization

PMMA-layered silicate intercalated nanocomposites are synthesized using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) to produce ordered materials with significant levels of reinforcement. The scCO2 is used to homogeneously distribute monomer as well as act as a low-viscosity solvent for MMA polymerization. This route allows for synthesis of nanocomposites containing significant levels of organically modified layered silicates (OMLS). Below 40 wt % OMLS, the intercalated nanocomposites exhibit a d spacing commensurate with dimensions of the fully extended surfactant chains. Above 40 wt % OMLS, the composite volume is saturated with inorganic material, and the d spacing decreases to homogeneously distribute the polymer volume. A model for estimating this transition concentration is presented. At concentrations approaching the homogeneously intercalated morphology, the basic mechanical and physical properties of the composite are investigated.
Longitudinal progression of movement abnormalities in relation to psychotic symptoms in adolescents at high risk of schizophrenia.

Context Because recent findings suggest that early treatment may ameliorate the course or even prevent the onset of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, longitudinal high-risk research on biological markers of risk has become a priority. Within this context, premorbid movement abnormalities are of particular interest because the neurocircuitry hypothesized to give rise to dyskinetic movements has also been implicated in psychotic symptoms. To date, there have been no published longitudinal studies examining the progression of movement abnormalities and their relation with symptom progression in at-risk youth. Objective To examine the progression of movement abnormalities in relation to positive and negative symptoms in adolescents at high risk of developing psychotic disorders. Design Naturalistic, prospective, longitudinal design. Setting Participants recruited through announcements directed at parents of adolescents showing schizotypal symptoms. Participants One hundred twenty-one adolescents (mean baseline age, 14.26 years), 32 with schizotypal personality disorder, 49 nonclinical controls, and 40 with other personality disorders. Main Outcome Measures Participating adolescents were evaluated for personality disorders (Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders), prodromal symptoms (Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms), and movement abnormalities (Dyskinesia Identification System Condensed User Scale) at 3 annual assessments. Results The schizotypal group exhibited significantly elevated movement abnormalities in comparison with controls across all 3 time points. Further, the schizotypal personality disorder group alone showed significant increases in movement abnormalities over time. Movement abnormalities were correlated with prodromal symptoms at each time period, and for several body regions, the magnitude of this relationship significantly increased over time. Conclusions The results are consistent with the hypothesis of shared neural circuitry for movement abnormalities and psychotic symptoms and suggest the potential value of including an assessment of motor signs in screening for psychosis risk.
Temporal representation and dynamics

Abstract Six hypotheses about the relation between the temporal content of perception and the temporality of perceptual processes are identified and discussed. The positions are determined by different stands on three questions: whether the content of perception is an interval or an instant; whether it is a passive reflection or an active construction, and whether or not it is purposefully delayed. The trajectory estimation model, according to which perceptual content is a non-delayed, actively constructed interval, is articulated and defended against the other positions. The main tool used in defending this approach is the existence of certain kinds of temporal illusion, situations in which the apparent temporal features of the perceived situation differs the temporal features of the situation itself.
Can peptide folding simulations provide predictive information for aggregation propensity

Nonnative peptide aggregation underlies many diseases and is a major problem in the development of peptide-based therapeutics. Efforts in the past decade have revealed remarkable correlations between aggregation rates or propensities and very simple sequence metrics like hydrophobicity and charge. Here, we investigate the extent to which a molecular picture of peptide folding bears out similar relationships. Using replica exchange molecular dynamics folding simulations, we compute equilibrium conformational ensembles of 142 hexa- and decapeptide systems, of which about half readily form amyloid fibrils and half do not. The simulations are used to compute a variety of ensemble-based properties, and we investigate the extent to which these metrics provide molecular clues about fibril formation. To assess whether multiple metrics together are useful in understanding aggregation, we also develop a number of logistic regression models, some of which predict fibril formers with 70-80% accuracy and identify aggregation-prone regions in larger proteins. Importantly, these models quantify the importance of different molecular properties in aggregation driving forces; notably, they suggest that hydrophobic interactions play a dominant role.
WebPK, a web-based tool for custom pharmacokinetic simulation

Drug bioavailability is a major failing point of new pharmaceuticals i.e. drugs fail to reach their target or fail to stay there long enough for therapeutic effect. Compounding this issue, significant variability exists between patients and how they metabolize and distribute a drug. We present WebPK, a web-based tool for simulation of custom pharmacokinetic models. Model parameters can be entered manually or uploaded as a file. Simulation computations are performed on the server side, and thus require minimal client resources, which makes WebPK suitable for mobile devices. Time series biodistribution data are returned to the user in graphical and numerical form for quick interpretation or archiving. Results generated from WebPK are consistent with previously published pharmacokinetic models. This work is expected to provide physicians with access to easy simulation of patient pharmacokinetic profiles, which will allow for the prescription of more efficient and personalized drug regimens. URL: http://webpk.bme.gatech.edu
Parenting Practices and Behavior Problems among Deaf Children.

ABSTRACT We examined the relationship between parenting practices and behavior problems among deaf children. Parents of 39 deaf and 37 hearing children (ages 3–8) completed the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ; Shelton, Frick, & Wootten, 1996) and the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI; Eyberg & Ross, 1978). For both groups, inconsistent discipline was positively correlated with behavior problems. There were no differences between the two groups on APQ Inconsistent Discipline, Corporal Punishment, Positive Parenting, or Monitoring/Supervision Scales, however, parents of deaf children scored lower on the Involvement Scale. Generally, the same parenting practices related to behavior problems in hearing children are related to similar problems in deaf children. There is no evidence that the greater prevalence of behavior problems among deaf children is a result of inadequate parenting.
Immunoglobulin elution from multiple sclerosis brain

Immunoglobulin (Ig) was eluted from multiple sclerosis (MS) brain tissue. Razor thin slices of white matter from 10 g of MS and control brains were washed with 5 liters of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), then treated for 90 sec with acetic acid, pH 2.5, containing Pepstatin and ϵ-aminocaproic acid. The protein concentrations of the PBS washes and neutralized acid eluates were determined, and the eluates were assayed for Ig by competitive microradioimmunoassay using rabbit anti-human F(ab1)2. Successive PBS washes reduced extracellular protein to a very low level. Equivalent quantities of protein were recovered from 7 MS and 6 non-MS brain samples after PBS washing and acetic acid elution. However, the amount of protein needed for 50% inhibition of [125I]IgG binding to anti-human F(ab1)2 was significantly less in MS brain than in non-MS brain (P < 0.05). The Ig in brain eluates was present in the void volume of a DEAE cellulse column. The techniques described above facilitate the isolation and characterization of cell-surface Ig in MS brain.
Delay or Inhibition of Rat Lens Opacification using Pantethine and WR-77913

Pantethine and the amino phosphorothioate, WR-77913, protected lenses against increased light scattering and opacification during cataract formation in five animal models: (1) radiation, (2) selenite, (3) galactose, (4) streptozotocin and (5) Royal College of Surgeons. In the radiation or selenite models, each test reagent was administered 15 to 30 min prior to initiation of cataract by a single injection of Na2SeO3 or a single exposure to 15 Gy (gray) gamma radiation. In the galactose, streptozotocin and Royal College of Surgeons models where the cataractogenic insult was continuous, repeated administrations of pantethine and WR-77913 were necessary. The results suggested that protein aggregation and lens opacification associated with a variety of physiological and biochemical mechanisms can be delayed or inhibited using a systemic administration of pantethine or WR-77913.
Monthly Mean Sea-Level Variability Along the West Coast of North America

Abstract Linear statistical estimators are used to examine 29 years of nonseasonal, monthly-mean, tide-gauge sea-level data along the west coast of North America. The objective is exploration of the structure, and causes of nearshore ocean variability over time scales of months to years at 20 stations from Alaska to Mexico. North of San Francisco, 50–60% of the sea-level variability reflects a simple inverse barometric response to local atmospheric pressure. These inverted barometer effects account for only 10–15% of the variance at stations to the south. The dominant signal of inverse-barometer-corrected sea level represents a nearly uniform rise or fall of sea level everywhere along the eastern rim of the North Pacific. The interannual aspects of this large-scale sea-level variability are closely related to El Nino occurrences in the eastern tropical Pacific which appear to propagate poloward with phase speeds of ∼40 cm s−1. Higher frequency aspects of this large-scale sea-level variability appear to re...
Acute Mercury Vapor Poisoning in the Home

A patient is presented who suffered a serious respiratory illness when heat from the oven in his kitchen vaporized nearby metallic mercury. The case cautions against the indiscriminate handling of mercury and illustrates that in a nonindustrial setting, early recognition of mercury vapor poisoning can be difficult.
Inspection and repair of EUV

Fabricating masks for extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) is challenging. New design features have been introduced because of the high absorption of most materials at 13.4 nm and the small critical dimension (70 nm and below). The novel mask features introduced with EUVL include the reflective design, new film combinations, and stringent defect specifications. This paper focuses on one aspect of the mask build process that must be detected, understood, and minimized: defects. We obtain our EUV mask blanks with the multi-layers already in place. While the deposition of usable Mo/Si multi-layers is a challenge in itself, our pursuit of a clean EUV mask process begins with the buffer layer. From that point, the basic mechanics of the mask build is: deposit the buffer layer, deposit the absorber layer, apply and pattern the resist, and etch the absorber. The buffer layer is left to protect the multi-layers during inspection and repair. Careful attention to cleaning, inspection, and repair will be required to meet the ITRS Roadmap's 55 nm maximum defect size (at the 70 nm node). Our inspection methodology, defect data and repair options will be presented in detail.
Blockade of glutamate excitotoxicity and its clinical applications

Glutamate has long been known to play a vital role in the normal functioning of neurons, serving as the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The normal function of glutamate, as a means of communication from one neuron to the next, breaks down in certain disease states. Under particular scrutiny has been the etiology of neuronal damage caused by ischemic disease, seen most commonly in cerebrovascular embolic disease, commonly known as a stroke. It has been shown that damage associated with ischemic disease in the brain is not a direct result of hypoxia or deprivation of metabolic intermediates. In fact, the crucial role is played by an excessive efflux of glutamate by ischemic neurons, which then in turn activates pathways in post-synaptic neurons leading to acute cell swelling and later, cell death. An extremely hopeful development in the field of glutamate excitotoxicity has been the application of therapeutic methods aimed at attenuating the damaging action of glutamate, in an effort to decrease morbidity associated with such common diseases as stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Outcomes of ventilator-associated pneumonia in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from rupture of cerebral aneurysms is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. About 10% to 25% die before reaching hospital, and of those who survive about 40% to 50% develop significant neurological deficits [1]. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is defined as pneumonia occurring more than 48 hours after initiation of mechanical ventilation. About 20% of post-aneurysmal SAH patients are reported to experience VAP [2]. In this trial, we aimed to report the short-term outcomes of VAP. We performed a surveillance analysis on aneurysmal SAH patients who required mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours.
Visualizing electromagnetic field and particle simulations in accelerators with ParaView

SLAC performs large-scale simulations of Electromagnetic fields and particles for accelerator applications. These simulations run on intricate high order finite element meshes and produce field strengths spanning tens of orders of magnitudes. Such simulations can pose challenges to visualization aiming to capture and present important features of the data in a distinct and efficient way. This paper records lessons learned while using ParaView to generate animations for multipacting, wakefield, and power flow simulations, and from experience gained in generating a 3D Stereo animation.
Harvesting Identities: Youth, Work, and Gender in the Indian Himalayas

An examination of young people's lichen collection in the Indian Himalayas shows how youth in the global South can imbue their work with meaning, manage their work practices, and sometimes transgress established norms in specific work settings. Building on fifteen months' intensive field research in the high Himalayas, this article describes how young men and women have used the opportunity provided by lichen collection to contest or reaffirm gendered subjectivities and acquire a sense of dignity, even in the face of extraordinary hardship. As a counterpoint to Western accounts of children's geographies, this research illustrates how gender and caste inequalities shape children's lives, highlighting the role of local space in mediating children's agency, and stressing the importance of examining young people's subjectivities. The nature of development in a location marginalized by global and regional circuits of capital is deeply contradictory.
Sterenes in surface sediments from the southwest African shelf and slope

Abstract Surface sediment samples collected from the southwest African (Namibian) shelf and slope have been analyzed for their hydrocarbon content. In the surface samples a class of olefinic isoprenoid hydrocarbons, the Sterenes, have been found to represent 20–40% of the total hydrocarbons. To the best of our knowledge Sterenes have not been reported in surface marine sediments in such high concentrations. Cholest-2-ene, cholestadiene, cholestatriene, 24-methylcholest-2-ene, 24-methylcholestadiene, 24-ethylcholest-2-ene and 24-ethylcholestadiene were found in the sediments and identified by high resolution glass capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The formation of Sterenes from sterols via microbiological processes or chemical auto-oxidation, followed by subsequent dehydration mechanisms and double bond isomerizations. is postulated. It appears that there are highly unique environments in the upwelled area off southwest Africa providing the microbiological and chemical conditions for rapid diagenesis of the sterols within a time scale of 100 yr or less.
Regulation of brain Type II Ca2+ calmodulin - dependent protein kinase by autophosphorylation: A Ca2+-triggered molecular switch

Calcium/calmodulin-stimulated autophosphorylation of a prominent brain calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (Type II CaM kinase) produces dramatic changes in its enzymatic activity. These changes suggest a mechanism by which the kinase could act as a calcium-triggered molecular switch. Incorporation of 3-12 of a possible total of 30 phosphate groups per holoenzyme causes kinase activity toward exogenous substrates as well as autophosphorylation itself to become independent of calcium. Thus, kinase activity could be prolonged beyond the duration of an initial activating calcium signal. The calcium-independent autophosphorylation could further prolong the active state by opposing dephosphorylation by cellular phosphatases.
Benzodiazepine receptor agonists and inverse agonists yield concordant rather than opposing effects on startle responses.

Benzodiazepine receptor agonists and inverse agonists exert generally opposite actions at both the cellular and behavioural levels. The present study, however, reveals that both the benzodiazepine receptor agonist, chlordiazepoxide and the partial inverse agonist, FG7142, yield a dose-dependent (2-16 mg/kg, i.p) reduction in the amplitude of the acoustic startle response in the rat. The similarity in drug effects on startle was not attributable to congruent effects on basal somatic activity, as chlordiazepoxide resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in activity whereas FG7142 was associated with a small but non-significant increase in activity. As these results contrast with the bidirectional actions of benzodiazepine receptor agonists and inverse agonists in behavioural tests of fear or anxiety, the neuronal mechanisms mediating the effects of benzodiazepine receptor ligands on the acoustic startle response may be distinct from those that underlie the specific fear- attenuating and potentiating actions, respectively, of benzodiazepine receptor agonists and inverse agonists.
Suprathermal chemical reactions driven by fast hydrogen atoms in cometary comae

We have investigated the role that energetic hydrogen atoms, produced in cometary comae by the photodissociation of water molecules, could have in driving chemical reactions that are endothermic, or possess activation energy barriers. We have developed a model of the density and energy spectrum of these atoms in the coma and have incorporated a number of reactions driven by fast H atoms into our existing coma model. We find that, in high-activity comets close to the Sun, such reactions are competitive with direct photodissociation as the principal destruction mechanism for molecules with long lifetimes in the solar radiation field. We show that measurements of the CH 2 OH : CH 3 O ratio may be used to assess the importance of suprathermal reactions in the coma. We also confirm that these reactions are probably unable to account for the observed HNC : HCN ratios.
Effect of the Ratio of Surface Area to Volume on the Penetration of Antibiotics into Extravascular Spaces in an in Vitro Model

The penetration of cephapirin into extravascular spaces of various volumes and ratios of surface area to volume (SA/V) was studied in an in vitro kinetic model. The SA/V ratio was found to be an important determinant of the kinetics of these spaces. The greater the surface area in relation to the volume of the extravascular space, the more closely its kinetics mimicked those of the intravascular space-that is, the higher the absolute peak concentration of drug achieved in the extravascular space, the greater the peak-to-trough fluctuation and the more quickly the peak concentration of drug was reached. Extravascular spaces with similar SA/V ratios demonstrated similar kinetics. Data from various models of extravascular fluid in humans and animals were reviewed, and the kinetics of these extravascular spaces were also found to be determined, at least in part, by the SA/V ratios of the spaces.
Sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity in N-nitrosomethylurea-induced rat astrocytoma cells

Abstract Sodium-potassium stimulated ATPase activity has been determined on microsamples of experimental astrocytomas produced by the subcutaneous growth in hamsters of cloned N-nitrosomethylurea-induced adult rat astrocytoma cells. ATPase activity in the astrocytomas was 15–18% greater in the presence of optimal concentrations of Na + , K + , and Mg 2+ than when Mg 2+ was the only cation present. Astrocyte NaK ATPase activity was modest compared with that of rat cerebral cortex where neurons and their processes and synapses predominate, but similar in magnitude to that of many normal tissues outside the central nervous system which are able to maintain high K + and low Na + concentrations intracellularly. These results are compatible with other chemical as well as neurophysiological data on astrocytes and suggest that normal astrocytes possess a metabolic mechanism for intracellular regulation of monovalent cations and are unlikely, therefore, to be high sodium cells or to act as a functional supplement to the extracellular space for sodium in brain.
Dietary fiber, lipids and atherosclerosis.

Abstract Dietary fiber has important hypocholesterolemic effects and may reduce risk for coronary artery disease. Careful clinical studies indicate that foods such as oat bran or beans, rich in water-soluble fiber, can decrease serum total cholesterol by 19% while decreasing serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol by 22%. Food supplements rich in soluble fiber such as psyllium mucilloid are well tolerated and may lower serum cholesterol by 15%. Thus, high fiber foods or soluble fiber food supplements may decrease serum cholesterol by 15% to 19% and decrease estimated risk for coronary heart disease by >30%.
Timing Effects and the Interpretation of Period Fertility

Low fertility levels and later childbearing in many developed countries have reinvigorated the debate between period and cohort perspectives on fertility and on the meaningfulness of the period total fertility rate (TFR). Here, fertility-timing effects are defined as level changes in period fertility that do not reflect level changes in the completed fertility of cohorts. That definition leads to the average cohort fertility (ACF) as a measure of period fertility adjusted for timing effects. In an influential paper, Bongaarts and Feeney (1998) presented an alternative approach and a different measure, TFR*, to adjust for timing effects. Here, the two measures are compared. In the context of model populations, the ACF performs well, reflecting an average of the fertility of the active cohorts. The Bongaarts-Feeney TFR*, however, is frequently unreliable and can be erratic when there are cycles in period timing. When applied to twentieth-century U.S. experience, the TFR* behaves like a period measure and yields adjustments that are often wide of the mark. The ACF shows the stability associated with cohort measures and quantifies the substantial impact that timing effects had during the “birth dearth” of the 1970s. The period TFR reached a low of 1.74 in 1976, but the ACF never went below 2.06 during the 1970s.
Analytical aspects of computational linear algebra

This paper deals with a system of ordinary differential equations with known initial conditions associated with a given square matrix. By using standard analytical and computational methods many of the important aspects of the given matrix can be determined. Among these are its determinant, its adjoint, its inverse (if it exist), the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial, the location of the roots ofthe characteristic polynomial, and the corresponding eigenvectors. Concomitently, the differential system yields a treatment of inhomogeneous linear algebraic systems associated with the given matrix, as in economic input-output analysis. In particular, new insights are provided into Faddeev's algorithm for the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial.
Ethics and Social Responsibility in Marketing

ABSTRACT Ethics are our belief about what is right and wrong. Although these beliefs may vary from one individual to another or one company to another, ethics and business responsibility are an important part to any company's marketing department. The goals of the marketing department are to target an audience, appeal to that audience, and get the audience to purchase that particular product or service. In doing this, a company must make sure that they are first abiding by all laws and regulations, but they should also strive to be sure that they are acting ethically and honestly. One interpretation of morality may vary greatly among individuals, but it still exists. While the necessity for ethics in business and marketing has been pointed out in numerous sources, many have contended that a good deal of consumer concern is with marketing and its related activities. Within companies, trade organizations, governmental organizations, and professions, one can observe a shift in the way of thinking about codes...
The microRNA.org resource: targets and expression

MicroRNA.org (http://www.microrna.org) is a comprehensive resource of microRNA target predictions and expression profiles. Target predictions are based on a development of the miRanda algorithm which incorporates current biological knowledge on target rules and on the use of an up-to-date compendium of mammalian microRNAs. MicroRNA expression profiles are derived from a comprehensive sequencing project of a large set of mammalian tissues and cell lines of normal and disease origin. Using an improved graphical interface, a user can explore (i) the set of genes that are potentially regulated by a particular microRNA, (ii) the implied cooperativity of multiple microRNAs on a particular mRNA and (iii) microRNA expression profiles in various tissues. To facilitate future updates and development, the microRNA.org database structure and software architecture is flexibly designed to incorporate new expression and target discoveries. The web resource provides users with functional information about the growing number of microRNAs and their interaction with target genes in many species and facilitates novel discoveries in microRNA gene regulation.
Solubilization Isotherms of Aromatic Solutes in Surfactant Aggregates

Abstract Several factors affecting solubilization of aromatic solutes in surfactant micelles have been investigated. Solubilization isotherms of benzene, toluene, and chlorobenzene in various aqueous micellar solutions were determined using head space gas chromatography. Cationic surfactants such as cetylpyridinium chloride or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide present high solubilization capacities. Comparable anionic surfactants exhibit lower solubilization and a greater tendency to precipitate. It was observed that nonionic surfactants show high solubilization on a molar basis. Solubilization in mixed cationic-anionic micelles was also investigated. It also appears that the molecular size of the solute determines the extent of the solubilization. Finally, the shape of the different isotherms indicates that knowing the amount solubilized at saturation of the micellar solution is not sufficient to estimate solubilization at solute concentrations lower than the solute aqueous solubility.
Copula Omission Is a Grammatical Reflex

(2004). Copula Omission Is a Grammatical Reflex. Language Acquisition: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 157-167.
Comparative methods of splenic preservation

Splenic artery ligation and heterotopic splenic autotransplantation are possible surgical alternatives for the prevention of postsplenic infection. This study compares the protective effect of (1) i.m. and i.p. heterotopic splenic autotransplantation; (2) splenic artery ligation and (3) autologous red cell infused autografts in weanling Sprague Dawley Rats (mean wt=60 g). At 4 wk, 40 rats had splenectomy, 75 rats had splenectomy and intraperitoneal splenic autotransplantation, 38 rats had splenectomy and intramuscular splenic autotransplantation, 42 rats had their splenic arteries ligated, and 31 controls had sham splenectomy. At 6 wk postoperatively, approximately 28 of the intraperitoneal transplant group received heat-treated autologous red blood cells i.v. in an effort to stimulate splenic regeneration. Histologic specimens were obtained from two rats in each of the intraperitoneal and intramuscular autotransplant, splenic artery ligation, and red cell infused autotransplant groups at 2-wk intervals following operation and red cell infusion up to 12 wk. Three months postoperatively, all rats were immunized with a standard i.m. dose (1×10 8 cells) of formalin-killed type I S. pneumoniae . Antibody titers against pneumococci were measured using the microhemagglutination technique on samples taken before immunization and 5, 10, and 30 days after immunization. Forty days after immunization all rats were challenged with a predetermined i.v. dose (1×10 7 cells/ml) of live pneumococci. After challenge, bacterial clearance was determined by sequential quantitative blood cultures and mortality was recorded. Antibody titers for the splenic artery ligation, intraperitoneal and intramuscular autotrans-plant, and red cell infused autotransplant groups were consistently higher at 10 and 30 days after immunization than those for the splenectomy group ( p p
Mechanical Properties Predictions and Responses of Defected Carbon Nanotubes Subjected to Axial Loading

The increasing demand for fabrication of smaller structural and electronic devices with higher performance such as NEMS/MEMS has created great interest and motivation for extensive research and investigations in nanotechnology and its applications. Unique mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the one dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) structures project CNTs as an excellent candidate for the future NEMS/MEMS devices. However, carbon nanotubes do not always exist in their perfect hexagonal lattice structures. Defects may appear during the purification stages or chemical treatments as it might even be desirable for functionalization of carbon nanotubes. On the other hand, defects can greatly influence the mechanical performance of carbon nanotubes in structural applications where they are subjected to external mechanical loads. Therefore, a detailed investigation of the effects of defects on mechanical performance of carbon nanotubes is needed to explain the behavior of such structures. Here in this work, finite element method (FEM) is employed to numerically investigate the responses of defected carbon nanotubes to external loads. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with different structural configurations, i.e., zigzag, armchair, and chiral, with different types of vacancy defects are modeled and their effective mechanical properties are investigated. Finally, results are discussed and compared with those obtained for SWCNTs without defects.© 2006 ASME
Endogenous diurnal rhythm of pupation in a mosquito population.

ENDOGENOUS diurnal rhythms in animals have been explicitly described1. Innateness of these rhythms is one of the most important characteristics.
Evaluation of BRDF Modeling for Statistical Classification of Remotely Sensed Images

ABSTRACT Reflectance characteristics of typical Earth surface materials are strongly dependent on theincident illumination angle of the sun and viewing geometry of of the sensor to the scene. This relationship is summarized in the bidirectional refleciance distribution function (BRDF) of the sur- face material under investigation. The BRDF, defined to be the ratio of reflected radiance to theincident radiant flux density striking a surface, cannot be measured directly in an operational set-ting. Laboratory measurements of surface BRDF are possible but tend to be tedious and time consuming. Consequently, the BRDF is often specified with models applied to laboratory spectraobtained under ideal and controlled conditions.In this paper, we evaluate the utility of BRDF modeling in statistical classification/discrimination of Earth surface materials by considering the bidirectional reflectance for multiple viewing angle configurations and the resulting separability between classes. 1. INTRODUCTION
Dynamical Structure and Turbulence in Cirrus Clouds: Aircraft Observations during FIRE

Abstract Aircraft data collected during the First International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project Regional Experiment (FIRE)I are used to examine dynamical processes operating in cirrus cloud systems observed on 19 and 28 October 1986. Measurements from Lagrangian spiral soundings and constant-altitude flight legs are analyzed. Comparisons are made with observations in clear air. Each cirrus case contained a statically stable layer, a conditionally unstable or neutrally stratified layer (ice pseudoadiabatic) in which convection was prevalent, and a neutral layer in which convection was intermittent. The analysis indicates that a mixture of phenomena occurred including small-scale convective cells, gravity waves (λ≈2–9 km), quasi-two-dimensional waves (λ≈10–20 km), and larger two-dimensional mesoscale waves (λ≈100 km). The intermediate-scale waves, observed both in clear air and in the cloud systems, likely played an important role in the development of the cloud systems given the magnitude of the associ...
Simultaneous prediction regions

Two new methods for constructing simultaneous prediction regions are the subject of this article. Both methods simultaneously assert a collection of prediction regions, one prediction region for each future observable of interest. Both methods have the same aims: to control the overall coverage probability of the simultaneous prediction region and to keep equal the coverage probabilities of the individual prediction statements that make up the simultaneous region. The latter property is called balance.
Molecular analysis of nuclear genes in somatic bybrids

This paper reviews recent developments in the use of molecular probes for analyzing the genetic makeup of somatic hybrids. Successful application of somatic hybridization to the interspecific transfer of traits encoded in the nucleus is still having limited success. A major difficulty is hybrid infertility, particularly in hybrids between sexually incompatible species. The formation of asymmetric hybrids is being explored as an approach for improving hybrid fertility
Basic fibroblast growth factor stimulates angiogenesis in the hindlimb of hyperglycemic rats

Angiogenic growth factors including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have therapeutic value for chronic ischemia in nondiabetic animals. However, angiogenic therapy for chronic ischemia in a background of diabetes remains unexplored. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of exogenous bFGF on angiogenesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with ischemic and nonischemic limbs. We produced ischemia of the left lower limb by excising the superficial femoral artery. At 2 weeks, the rats received an intramuscular injection of vehicle (group A), 0.3 microg bFGF/day (group B), or 1 microg bFGF/day (group C), daily for 2 weeks. At 4 weeks, we assessed limb angiogenesis by skeletal muscle capillary density (cap/mm2) and capillary per muscle fiber ratio (cap/F) counts. Group C had significantly higher mean levels compared to group A for calf capillary density (P < 0.0024) and capillary per muscle fiber ratio in both thigh (P < 0.0015) and calf (P < 0.0001). There was a trend toward increased mean capillary per muscle fiber ratio with increasing dose. This trend was significant in the calf (P < 0.0015) and just missed statistical significance in the thigh. There was a similar trend in calf capillary density. We conclude that exogenous bFGF enhances angiogenesis and, possibly, collateral circulation in ischemic limbs of diabetic rats.
Sensor fusion for chemical plume detection, classification, and tracking

The Chemical and Biological Detection Early Warning System (CBDEWS) is a multi-modal sensing approach to realtime chemical and biological detection and warning. The system employs a diverse set of standoff sensors (including LIDAR, IR, and acoustic) and UAV-borne point sensors for the purpose of providing sufficient warning and actionable information in response to a chemical or biological event. This paper describes the data fusion algorithm, which fused individual detection data from all sensors in terms of both cloud location and classification. Additionally, numerous sensors were cued to areas of interest in their field of regard based on detections and their fused result. The fusion algorithm employs grid-based recursive Bayesian estimation to compute an estimate of the cloud's location and classification over a discrete spatial grid. Results from a field test performed at the Dugway Proving Ground in October of 2008 and July of 2009 are presented.
Comment on "Uncertainties in the temperature dependence of the line-coupling parameters of the microwave oxygen band: impact study"

For original paper see ibid., vol.43, no.5, p.1109-14 (2005). Boukabara et al. assert that uncertainties in oxygen line-coupling parameters in the Millimeter-wave Propagation Model (MPM92) may introduce errors of several degrees in brightness temperature at frequencies used by satellite radiometers. However, the methodology used by Boukabara et al. overestimates uncertainty in the model predictions, and it is shown that the simulations based on it are inconsistent with previously published atmospheric measurements.
Charge Transport Properties in TiO2 Network with Different Particle Sizes for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

The charge transport properties in the TiO2 nanoparticle networks with the different TiO2 nanoparticle sizes were investigated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with consideration of morphological aspects of mesoporous TiO2 network including particle size (dp), coordination number (Nn), neck diameter (dn), and effective surface area (Se). The morphological analysis of the network revealed that the particle size and surface area would be factors exerting an impact on the charge transport properties, while the coordination number and neck diameter seemed to be consistent with the nanoparticle size. As a result, the electron transport along with the TiO2 network was predominantly affected by the particle size in terms of the mean free path; the bigger particle size provides both long travel distance and less collision chance with the boundary. Surface area seems to exert a strong influence on the recombination when it is in contact with an electrolyte, suggesting that pore size distrib...
When firms behave “responsibly”, are the roots national or global?

The article proposes to assess the extent to which corporate codes of conduct are converging or, conversely, remain distinctly national in character. This approach makes it possible to assess whether purportedly global firms are influenced by global norms or domestic factors. The empirical basis for the analysis includes field research interviewing senior corporate and government officials as well as a wealth of aggregate statistical data. Three areas of corporate activity were systematically examined: governance and finance; research and development; and trade and direct investment. The research revealed three discernable clusters of behaviour across the operational areas, epitomised by the cases of the three largest national economies – Germany, Japan, and the USA. It follows that, if the world's largest corporations (purportedly the progenitors of globalization) are not converging in terms of behaviour in the activities that they adjudge to be most strategically important to them, then the proponents (and indeed prophets) of globalization are obviously clearly overstating their case. National champions may have been disappearing like the dinosaurs, but national patterns of behaviour are not.
Thermal mark characterization on static magneto-optical media

The authors explore the thermal behavior of multilayer magnetooptic (MO) storage media in thermomagnetic recording. An attempt has been made to develop a variety of useful models for heat transfer in these disks that can be readily interpreted for ongoing media design activity. Experimental techniques have been devised that can probe the spatial and temporal distribution of the thermal field in the MO storage film. An important feature of these experimental methods is that they use conventional recording hardware for testing recording performance. The experimental work focuses on static, zero-velocity recording experiments in order to clarify the methodology of using thermomagnetic recording process as a high-speed, high-resolution thermometer for the MO film. It is found that each of the models (finite element and method of images) provides an accurate description of experimental measurements of the thermal field in typical MO disk structures. >
Reconstructing the Past, Constructing the Present: Can Science Studies and the History of Science Live Happily Ever After?

Historical and contemporary social studies of science and technology have developed an asymmetrical relationship in recent years. While historical research has been regarded as crucial to the project of contemporary theorizing, science studies is still regarded by many as incompatible with history of science's mission of faithfully reconstructing the past. This Comment suggests that the two fields can usefully collaborate in the task of democratizing science and technology. They have in common an interest in making science and technology more transparent, resurrecting vanished actors and voices, representing the hybrid networks of science and society and, not least, educating students about the societal dimensions of science and technology.
In situ measurements of near-surface porosity in shallow-water marine sands

An in situ resistivity profiler was developed to measure with minimal disruption, the near-surface porosity of shallow-water marine sands. Results from a siliciclastic site off NW Florida and two Bahamian carbonate sites (an ooid shoal and coral reef sand flat) suggest the following general features. First, there is a 5- to 15-mm thick zone of elevated porosity adjacent to the sediment-water interface. Porosity in this layer was from 0.05 to 0.25 (decimal porosity) greater than the subjacent values, and would be difficult to resolve using traditional measurement techniques. Second, average porosity at >10-mm depth was 0.38 /spl plusmn/ 0.01 at the siliciclastic site, 0.39 /spl plusmn/ 0.01 at the ooid shoal site, and 0.49 /spl plusmn/ 0.02 at the coral reef sand flat site; consistent with literature values. Third, individual profiles exhibited 0.05-0.15 fluctuations about the mean, with vertical length scales of 5-15 mm. These fluctuations may be the result of grain packing heterogeneities caused by hydrodynamic sorting during deposition and subsequent physical and biological mixing or could be artifacts caused by disruption of the grain framework. Fourth, ripple troughs at the siliciclastic sand site had a significantly higher near-surface porosity compared to ripple crests, due most likely to the presence of detrital material in the troughs.
Inactivation of Peach Polyphenoloxidase by Exposure to Pulsed Electric Fields

The effect of exponential decay pulsed electric fields on peach (var. Miraflores) polyphenoloxidase (PPO) was evaluated. Electric field intensities ranged from 2.18 to 24.30 kV/cm. Pulses of 0.02 and 0.08 ms width were applied in mono- and bipolar mode. A 70% maximum reduction in enzymatic activity was achieved after 5 ms using 0.02 ms width pulses in bipolar mode at 24.30 kV/cm. Peach PPO activity decreased following an exponential decay kinetic model. Rate constants ranged from 9.0 to 138 μS-1 in monopolar mode, and from 8.7 to 235 μS-1 in bipolar mode. An exponential decay model may describe the relationship between residual PPO and input electric energy.
Perceived Teacher Confirmation: The Development and Validation of an Instrument and Two Studies of the Relationship to Cognitive and Affective Learning.

This article reports an initial attempt to operationalize perceived teacher confirmation in behavioral terms and to explore relationships among perceived teacher confirmation, cognitive learning, and affective learning. Results for 2 samples (N = 446; N = 303) indicate that the final 16-item version of the Teacher Confirmation scale (TCS) is valid and reliable. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that teacher confirmation is best represented by a 3-factor solution: (a) teachers’ response to students’ questions-comments, (b) demonstrated interest in students and in their learning, and (c) teaching style. Results also indicate that teacher confirmation plays a significant role in college students’ cognitive and affective learning. For Sample 1, confirmation uniquely explained 18% of the variance in cognitive learning and 30% of the variance in affective learning, after controlling for demographic variables and relevance of assignments. For Sample 2, confirmation uniquely explained 17.6% of the variance in cognitive learning and 31% of the variance in affective learning, after controlling for the same variables. Structural equation modeling revealed strong, significant paths between confirmation and affective learning and between affective and cognitive learning. The study revealed a large, significant, indirect effect of teacher confirmation on cognitive learning, suggesting that affective learning serves as a mediating variable between teacher confirmation and cognitive learning. A multiple groups comparison demonstrated that the structural model was invariant for the 2 samples.
Multiversion concurrency control for multilevel secure database systems

Consideration is given to the application of multiversion schedulers in multilevel secure database management systems (MLS/DBMSs). Transactions are vital for MLS/DBMSs because they provide transparency to concurrency and failure. Concurrent execution of transactions may lead to contention among subjects for access to data, which in MLS/DBMSs may lead to security problems. Multiversion schedulers reduce the contention for access to data by maintaining multiple versions. A description is given of the relation between schedules produced in MLS/DBMSs and those which are multiversion serializable. The authors also propose a secure multiversion scheduler. They show that the scheduling protocol gives correct schedules and is free of covert channels due to contention for access to data, i.e. the scheduler is data-conflict-secure. >