cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical Thin Films with Extremely Low Refractive Index

An optical thin film consisting of SiO2 nano-rods is demonstrated to have an extremely low refractive index of n = 1.08. This is the lowest refractive index ever reported for viable optical thin film.
Asymmetric Myosin Binding to the Thin Filament as Revealed by a Fluorescent Nanocircuit

The interplay between myosin, actin, and striated muscle regulatory proteins involves complex cooperative interactions that propagate along the thin filament. A repeating unit of the tropomyosin dimer, troponin heterotrimer, and the actin protofilament heptamer is sometimes assumed to be able to bind myosin at any of its seven actins when activated even though the regulatory proteins are asymmetrically positioned along this repeating unit. Analysis of the impact of this asymmetry on actin and myosin interactions by sensitized emission luminescence resonance energy transfer spectroscopy and a unique fluorescent nanocircuit design reveals that the troponin affects the structure and function of myosin heads bound nearby in a different manner than myosin heads bound further away from the troponin. To test this hypothesis, a fluorescent nanocircuit reported the position of the myosin lever arm only when the myosin was bound adjacent to the troponin, or in controls, only when the myosin was bound distant from the troponin. Confirming the hypothesis, the myosin lever arm is predominantly in the pre powerstroke orientation when bound near troponin, but is predominantly in the post powerstroke orientation when bound distant from troponin. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that troponin is responsible for the formation of myosin binding target zones along the thin filament.
Facility location for an extraterrestrial production/distribution system

This paper extends traditional production/distribution system analysis to address raw material, factories, and markets located beyond Earth. It explains the eventual advantages of such operations and discusses likely sites in the solar system. It furnishes a typology for production/distribution systems, assessing the fit of each type to space operations. It briefly reviews the physics of orbits. It develops transportation and inventory cost functions for the simplest case of Hohmann trajectories, and for transportation between circular orbits of similar radii using higher-energy trajectories. These cost functions are used to derive a model of production/distribution system cost, the minimization of which selects an optimal factory location. The paper suggests potential extensions to this work, and concludes with ideas for location research on the novel reaches of extraterrestrial space. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2005.
A technique for recording the electroretinogram (ERG) from chronically implanted electrodes in animals.

Abstract A technique is described for recording the electroretinogram in monkeys from electrodes surgically implanted in the supraorbital bone. Recordings from these electrodes evidenced response wave-forms which had a high correlation with those recorded simultaneously from a corneal-wick electrode. The technique described should prove to be more convenient than the corneal wick for prolonged recording sessions or repeated measurements from the same animal and also permits recordings to be obtained in an unanesthetized preparation.
Genomic mosaicism with increased amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene copy number in single neurons from sporadic Alzheimer's disease brains

Previous reports have shown that individual neurons of the brain can display somatic genomic mosaicism of unknown function. In this study, we report altered genomic mosaicism in single, sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) neurons characterized by increases in DNA content and amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene copy number. AD cortical nuclei displayed large variability with average DNA content increases of ~8% over non-diseased controls that were unrelated to trisomy 21. Two independent single-cell copy number analyses identified amplifications at the APP locus. The use of single-cell qPCR identified up to 12 copies of APP in sampled neurons. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes targeting APP, combined with super-resolution microscopy detected primarily single fluorescent signals of variable intensity that paralleled single-cell qPCR analyses. These data identify somatic genomic changes in single neurons, affecting known and unknown loci, which are increased in sporadic AD, and further indicate functionality for genomic mosaicism in the CNS.
Effect of cluster size on the reactivity of organic molecular clusters: Atomistic simulations

Abstract The effect of cluster size on the impact of ethyne molecular clusters with a non-rigid, hydrogen-terminated diamond (1 1 1) surface was examined using classical molecular dynamics. Specifically, the outcome of the scattering event was monitored as the size of the clusters was varied from 1 to 216 molecules. A second-generation version of the reactive empirical bond order potential for hydrocarbons, that has been modified to include long-range van der Waals interactions, was used in the simulations. The clusters were given hyperthermal incident velocities that are comparable to those that result in shock-induced chemistry in energetic materials. At sufficiently high velocities, chemical addition reactions occurred among cluster molecules and between the cluster and the surface. These reactions resulted in the formation of short polymer chains (oligomers), some of which remained chemisorbed to the surface in a hydrocarbon thin film. The simulations showed that as the cluster size increased, the reactivity of the cluster increased but the percentage of atoms from the cluster that chemisorbed to the surface following impact decreased. The composition of the hydrocarbon films that resulted from the collision also varied with cluster size.
Chronic rhinosinusitis: Epidemiology and medical management

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects 12.5% of the US population. On epidemiologic grounds, some association has been found between CRS prevalence and air pollution, active cigarette smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, perennial allergic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux. The majority of pediatric and adult patients with CRS are immune competent. Data on genetic associations with CRS are still sparse. Current consensus definitions subclassify CRS into CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP), CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). Evaluation and medical management of CRS has been the subject of several recent consensus reports. The highest level of evidence for treatment for CRSsNP exists for saline lavage, intranasal steroids, and long-term macrolide antibiotics. The highest level of evidence for treatment of CRSwNP exists for intranasal steroids, systemic glucocorticoids, and topical steroid irrigations. Aspirin desensitization is beneficial for patients with aspirin-intolerant CRSwNP. Sinus surgery followed by use of systemic steroids is recommended for AFRS. Other modalities of treatment, such as antibiotics for patients with purulent infection and antifungal drugs for patients with AFRS, are potentially useful despite a lack of evidence from controlled treatment trials. The various modalities of medical treatment are reviewed in the context of recent consensus documents and the author's personal experience.
Craniofacial imaging informatics and technology development

Structured Abstract Author– Vannier MW Purpose – ‘Craniofacial imaging informatics’ refers to image and related scientific data from the dentomaxillofacial complex, and application of ‘informatics techniques’ (derived from disciplines such as applied mathematics, computer science and statistics) to understand and organize the information associated with the data. Method – Major trends in information technology determine the progress made in craniofacial imaging and informatics. These trends include industry consolidation, disruptive technologies, Moore's law, electronic atlases and on-line databases. Each of these trends is explained and documented, relative to their influence on craniofacial imaging. Results – Craniofacial imaging is influenced by major trends that affect all medical imaging and related informatics applications. The introduction of cone beam craniofacial computed tomography scanners is an example of a disruptive technology entering the field. An important opportunity lies in the integration of biologic knowledge repositories with craniofacial images. Conclusion – The progress of craniofacial imaging will continue subject to limitations imposed by the underlying technologies, especially imaging informatics. Disruptive technologies will play a major role in the evolution of this field.
Fracture-resistant ultralloys for space-power systems: High-temperature tensile characteristics and fractographs for W,30Re and W,30Re,lThO22

Abstract High-temperature strength is a critical requirement for alloys to be utilized in thermionic energy conversion (TEC) of heat from space nuclear reactors (SNRs). Ultralloys comprising tungsten (W), rhenium (Re) and additives offer potentials for ultimate SNR-TEC applications. As a contribution to these advanced technologies this paper presents tensile properties and fractographs of sintered W,30Re and W.30Re.lThO 2 for the 2000–2750 K range. The results enable a better understanding of the mechanism by which thoria (ThO 2 ) increases the strength of W,Re alloys. In addition to strengthening W,30Re the inclusion of 1 w/o ThO 2 improves the ductility of this ultralloy. But in fractures of thoriated as well as unthoriated specimens most cracks initiate at grain-boundary triple points, propagate along grain boundaries and form voids roughly normal to the tensile axes. However thoriation produced fewer voids, higher twin densities and smaller grain sizes. These metallographic observations also revealed that most of the ThO 2 particles lie at grain boundaries along the tensile axes. SEM micrographs of the fracture surface confirmed that the fracture mode of thoriated and unthoriated materials is intergranular. Existing dislocation, particle interaction theories for homogeneous systems do not adequately explain the tensile results for the preferential ThO 2 distribution. In general grain-boundary sliding at high temperatures has been postulated to be the primary factor giving rise to the formation of voids at grain boundaries. The present study suggests that fewer voids and higher twin densities could be the reasons that thoriated specimens have higher ductility and impeded grain-boundary sliding—leading to the observed increase in the strength of W,Re alloys.
Prenatal IV nicotine exposure produces a sex difference in sensorimotor gating of the auditory startle reflex in adult rats

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with auditory processing deficits in children; these effects have been confirmed with animal models of continuous high-dose prenatal nicotine exposure. The present experiments utilized a novel, low-dose, intermittent, intravenous (IV) gestational nicotine exposure model to investigate potential deficits on the preattentive process of sensorimotor gating, as indexed by prepulse inhibition (PPI), in preweanling and adult rat offspring. Pregnant dams received bolus IV injections of nicotine (0.05 mg/kg/injection) 3x/day on gestational days 8–21. Auditory and tactile stimulus modalities were probed with tone and air puff prepulse stimuli, respectively. These prepulse stimuli preceded a 100 dB(A) startle tone by six different interstimulus intervals (ISIs; 0, 8, 40, 80, 120, 4000 ms) to define a curve of response inhibition. The magnitude of PPI increased with age, from 59 to 81% inhibition. Preweanlings (PND 14 and 18) and adults (PND 75) gestationally exposed to nicotine exhibited altered startle responding relative to controls, but the nature of the deficit became more localized at later ages. The entire curve of response inhibition in preweanlings exposed to prenatal nicotine (PND 14) was shifted up relative to controls, and notably, did not interact with prepulse stimulus modality, suggesting a generalized increased sensorimotor responsiveness as a function of prenatal nicotine. At PND 18, a shift in the response curve across all ISIs was again noted, but varied as a function of prepulse stimulus modality; the increased sensorimotor responsiveness was specific to the auditory, but not tactile, sensory modality. In adulthood, male and females animals prenatally exposed to nicotine were differentially sensitive to modulation by the ISIs, relative to control male and female animals. Specifically, despite robust PPI, adult females exposed to gestational nicotine were relatively insensitive to changes in ISI from 8–120 ms; in contrast, the robust PPI of nicotine-exposed males demonstrated a clear focal point of inhibition at 40 ms. These findings indicate that a low, daily dosing of IV prenatal nicotine produces long-lasting alterations in auditory PPI. An important implication of this research is that “chipping” with smoked-tobacco products during pregnancy may produce enduring changes in sensorimotor processing.
Influence of Ferrous Iron on the Rate and Nature of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion of High-Strength Steel under Sulfate-Reducing Conditions

Abstract The influence of ferrous iron, sulfate reduction, and stress were examined in the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of mild steel by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans subsp. aestuarii (American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] 29578). Corrosion was measured by monitoring the electrical resistance of a thin steel wire used as an electrical resistance probe (ERP) over time. Measurable corrosion required active sulfate reduction and ferrous iron concentrations of 1.2 mM or greater. Corrosion occurring at the highest Fe(II) levels tested (12 mM and 18 mM Fe[II]) was characterized by a marked increase in resistance that was readily explained by the electrochemical dissolution of the wire. Corrosion at lower iron levels resulted in a more rapid failure of the ERP (severance of electrical continuity) but less electrochemical dissolution (as determined by resistance increase). Increasing ferrous iron levels, therefore, appeared to result in a transition from a highly localized rapid attack to a more u...
Economic feasibility of methoprene applied as a surface treatment and as an aerosol alone and in combination with two other insecticides.

ABSTRACT Economic evaluations of integrated pest management strategies are becoming increasingly important as restrictions on conventional insecticides continue to become more stringent and chemical control costs rise. Aerosol treatments with insect growth regulators alone and in combination with conventional contact insecticides may be a feasible alternative to expensive and highly toxic fumigants such as methyl bromide for control of the Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella (Hubner)). Average calculated mortality of Indianmeal moth eggs exposed to surface applied methoprene, aerosol methoprene alone and in combination with esfenvalerate and synergized Pyrethrins is 55.0, 69.0, and 94.6%, respectively. Temperature effects on development time makes frequency and timing of insecticide applications very important as evidenced by simulations of population levels in response to a variety of treatment dates by diet, and become critical in situations where survival of Indianmeal moth is high. Using a measurem...
Riboflavin Nullification of Inhibitory Actions of 3-Amino-1,2,4-Triazole on Seedling Growth

The physiological mechanislmis involved in the toxic actions of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (amitrole) have been actively investigated since the chemical was first introduced as a potential herbicide in 1954 (2). Much of the research has been guided by hypotheses involving one of three major metabolic processes: A, porphyrin synthesis, B, cation functions, and more recently C, the metabolism of purines and their derivatives. The extensive literature associated with the first two categories will not be considered herein. Amitrole interferences in some of the biochemiiical processes of the third category now appear to be the actions of nmajor physiological importance in the response of plants to the herbicide. Much of the pertinent research deals with attempts to find physiological compounds capable of reducing the toxicity of amitrole to various organisms. The most effective conmpounds are purines (23, 24) or histidine (13, 23) for unicellular plants anid riboflavin or riboflavin derivatives (22, 24) for higher plants. The investigations reported herein Nwere initiated as a result of my observations that the riboflavin effect could not be denmonstrated with barley seedlings by tecliiques that had been used successfully with other herbicidemetabolite combinations (9, 14, 18). The objectives of this study were: A, to develop techniques by whiclh the riboflavin nullification of amitrole toxicity could be observed with higher plants, and to compare adenine and histidine with riboflavin by these techniques; BR, to consider the possibilitv that the riboflavin effect was the result of non-physiological processes: C, to compare the effectiveness of riboflavin in species of higher plants that differ in their response to amitrole, and D, to determine if certain other metabolites of theoretical interest might give additional reductionis in amitrole toxicity.
An analysis of the frequency dependence of the capacitance of abrupt P- N junction semiconductor devices

Abstract This work is a theoretical and experimental analysis of the frequency dependence of the capacitance of abrupt P−N junctions. The theoretical analysis is based on small-signal conditions and is applicable to devices in which the impurity ratio, R = N A N D , is large. The total capacitance of a junction device is made up of several components. The transition-region capacitance and the complex injection admittance comprise the junction effects. They are electrically in parallel. There is in series with the junction parameters, a complex conduction impedance due to the conduction process in the bulk regions. The conduction impedance is the ratio of the a.c. voltage across the bulk regions divided by the total current through the device. The frequency-dependent components are the injection admittance and the conduction impedance. The transition-region capacitance is found to be independent of frequency. The total capacitance is calculated for two germanium diodes as a function of applied d.c. bias. Results are obtained for six frequencies in the range from 1 to 100 Mc. Typical results are presented. Experimental verification of these theoretical results is obtained with two specially fabricated diodes. A comparison of theoretical and experimental results shows very good agreement.
Dentin adhesion and microleakage of a resin‐based calcium phosphate pulp capping and basing cement

An experimental resin-based bioactive calcium phosphate cement, intended as a pulp capping and basing material, was evaluated for dentin shear bond strength and microleakage. The interfacial morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For microleakage, dentin cavities without (Group A) or after (Group B) acid etching were restored with the calcium phosphate cement. A resin-based calcium hydroxide (VLC Dycal; Group C) was used as control material according to the manufacturer's instructions. After water storage and thermocycling, the microleakage was scored using a AgNO 3 staining procedure. For the shear bond strength, flat exposed dentin surfaces were treated as for the microleakage test. Metal irises pressed against the dentin surface were filled with the cements, which were photocured. Both tests were carried out after 1 wk. While acid etching did not result in significantly greater microleakage, it led to higher shear bond strength, and allowed, as shown by SEM, the formation of a hybrid layer and resin tags. Both groups treated with the calcium phosphate cement had significantly lower microleakage scores and higher mean shear bond strength values than the groups treated with the control material.
Surface differences between erythrocytes from arbitrarily chosen (presumably hematologically normal) individuals detected by cell partitioning.

Differences in membrane surface properties (both charge-associated and lipid-related) of erythrocytes from any two arbitrarily selected individuals can be detected by use of a purely physical method: cell partitioning in dextran-poly(ethylene glycol) aqueous phase systems. The procedure consists of isotopically labeling (with [51Cr]-chromate) aliquots of red blood cell populations to be compared. Such labeled cells are mixed with an excess of unlabeled erythrocytes from the other individual and the mixtures subjected to countercurrent distribution in either a charge-sensitive or a non charge-sensitive aqueous phase system. As control we also prepare mixtures of labeled cells with unlabeled cells from the same individual to ascertain that the label perse has no influence on the cells' partitioning behavior. The distribution curves are analyzed for total cells (in terms of hemoglobin absorbance) and labeled cells (in terms of counts/min). Changes in the relative specific activities through the distribution curves are routinely obtained when cells from different individuals are used and are indicative of subtle differences in surface properties of such erythrocyte populations.
Regulation of Human Lymphocyte IL-4 Secretion by Intestinal Epithelial Cell-Derived Interleukin-7 and Transforming Growth Factor-β☆

A mucosal immune response to food antigens could result in detrimental hypersensitivity responses. Therefore, the response to many orally administered antigens is downregulated by mechanisms which are not completely understood. Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) in these tissues may play a role in these regulatory mechanisms via their secreted cytokines. Experiments with human lymphocytes or isolated CD4(+) T cells cultured with 4-day culture supernatants from human colonic carcinoma cell lines revealed that the IEC cell lines normally secreted levels of IL-7 which could enhance IL-4, but not IL-2 or IFN-gamma, secretion by stimulated mixtures of lymphocyes, but not purified CD4(+) T cells. However, acid treatment of the IEC culture supernatants to activate latent TGF-beta resulted in a suppression IL-4, but not IL-2 or IFN-gamma, secretion. These results indicate that under normal conditions, IEC secrete latent TGF-beta and IL-7, the latter of which may enhance local IL-4 secretion. However, activation of the IEC-derived TGF-beta may suppress local IL-4 secretion to suppress the induction of local Th2-type responses to intestinal lumenal antigens.
Studies on Bovine Pituitary Follicle-Stimulating Hormone1

A method is described for preparation of bovine pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone having a relative potency 0.13 times the NIH-FSH-S1 standard. Although at an early stage of chemical purification, the biological purity of this material, as expressed by the FSH/LH ratio, is at least 3 times greater than that of the widely utilized NIH-FSH-S1. Partial purification was achieved by fractionation of a primary hormone concentrate with ammonium sulfate, followed by extraction with chloroformbutanol and isoelectric precipitation of impurities. Fractions having potencies 3 times greater than NIH-FSH-S1 have been prepared in solution by filtration through Sephadex G-100. The potencies of the principal bovine FSH fractions are expressed in terms of a number of commonly employed standard preparations. (Endocrinology 77: 124, 1965)
Modeling and simulation of dielectrophoretic particle–particle interactions and assembly

Abstract Electric field induced particle–particle interactions and assembly are of great interest due to their useful applications in micro devices. The behavior of particles becomes more complex if multiple particles interact with each other at the same time. In this paper, we present a numerical study of two dimensional DC dielectrophoresis based particle–particle interactions and assembly for multiple particles using a hybrid immersed interface-immersed boundary method. The immersed interface method is employed to capture the physics of electrostatics in a fluid media with suspended particles. Particle interaction based dielectrophoretic forces are obtained using Maxwell’s stress tensor without any boundary or volume integration. This electrostatic force distribution mimics the actual physics of the immersed particles in a fluid media. The corresponding particle response and hydrodynamic interactions are captured through the immersed boundary method by solving the transient Navier–Stokes equations. The interaction and assembly of multiple electrically similar and dissimilar particles are studied for various initial positions and orientations. Numerical results show that in a fluid media, similar particles form a chain parallel to the applied electric field, whereas dissimilar particles form a chain perpendicular to the applied electric field. Irrespective of initial position and orientation, particles first align themselves parallel or perpendicular to the electric field depending on the similarity or dissimilarity of particles. The acceleration and deceleration of particles are also observed and analyzed at different phases of the assembly process. This comprehensive study can be used to explain the multiple particle interaction and assembly phenomena observed in experiments.
Analysis of an asymmetric addition with a 2:1 mixed lithium amide/n-butyllithium aggregate.

A 2:1 lithium amide/n-butyllithium aggregate 1 is investigated as an asymmetric addition template in hydrocarbon solvents. Several different chiral lithium amides were synthesized from l-valine and tested in the asymmetric addition of n-BuLi to various aldehydes. Enantiomeric excesses up to 83% were obtained in the case of the addition of n-BuLi to pivaldehyde at −116 °C in pentane. 1H and 13C INEPT DOSY were utilized to characterize a new trimeric complex 12 between 2 equiv of lithium amide and 1 equiv of lithium alkoxide. This mixed aggregate strongly indicates the possibility of product-induced chirality inhibition that is detrimental to the enantioselectivity of asymmetric addition reaction.
Connecting contemporary paradigms to the Social Security Administration’s disability evaluation process

From 1998 to 2008, the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability insurance program (DI) applications rose from 1.2 million to 2.3 million and exceeded 3 million in 2009. Given these large and growing numbers, even small changes in processing disability applications may reduce processing time, lower program costs, and improve performance of SSA’s disability programs. A literature review examining current conceptual models of disability and SSA’s disability evaluation process for adults was conducted. A gap exists between contemporary models of disability and how SSA defines and operationalizes disability. This is complicated by substantial variation in the timing, quantity, and quality of applicant functional information and workplace demands. A focus on impairment marginalizes more comprehensive assessment of function necessary to assess capacity for work. Novel assessment methodologies, such as computer adaptive testing to measure human functioning may hold promise for SSA’s data collection metho...
Stratification of summary statistic tests according to missing data patterns

Summary statistics, such as slope or area under the time-response curve, reduce the dimensionality of repeated measures data and can thereby simplify the comparison of groups in longitudinal studies. Since summary statistic distributions vary according to the amount, timing, and type of any missingness that occurs, one must choose between analysing the data unconditionally or conditionally on the missingness patterns. This paper uses simulations to compare such unstratified and stratified summary statistic analyses with respect to their size and power under models that allow for both non-informative and informative missingness mechanisms. Of particular interest is the robustness of these methods to violations of the assumptions that one must make if they are to have proper test size. It is found that stratification of the analysis tends to result in an increase of power, and improves the robustness to violations of missing data assumptions.
Numerical simulation of the active magnetic regenerator

A time-dependent one-dimensional model of the active magnetic regenerator (AMR) that takes into account most of the physical and practical design problems for the AMR is developed as a highly nonlinear system of partial differential equations. The adequateness of the model is tested in the case where there is no magnetization or demagnetization, which is the so-called passive regenerator (PR), through numerical experiments and comparison with experimental results. Highly dependable approximation functions for the physical properties of the heat transfer fluid (water) and the heat capacity of the magnetic material (gadolinium) are obtained by using the least squares curve and surface fitting techniques. The technique of calculation of values of the thermo-magnetic function of the magnetic material through the values of the adiabatic temperature change of the material is worked out and an approximation surface for the adiabatic temperature change of the material is obtained. The numerical scheme for the computer simulations of the active magnetic regenerator is developed and its performance analyzed for stability and convergence.
Specificity and Regulation of Interaction between the PII and AmtB1 Proteins in Rhodospirillum rubrum

The nitrogen regulatory protein PII and the ammonia gas channel AmtB are both found in most prokaryotes. Interaction between these two proteins has been observed in several organisms and may regulate the activities of both proteins. The regulation of their interaction is only partially understood, and we show that in Rhodospirillum rubrum one PII homolog, GlnJ, has higher affinity for an AmtB1-containing membrane than the other two PII homologs, GlnB and GlnK. This interaction strongly favors the nonuridylylated form of GlnJ and is disrupted by high levels of 2-ketoglutarate (2-KG) in the absence of ATP or low levels of 2-KG in the presence of ATP. ADP inhibits the destabilization of the GlnJ-AmtB1 complex in the presence of ATP and 2-KG, supporting a role for PII as an energy sensor measuring the ratio of ATP to ADP. In the presence of saturating levels of ATP, the estimated Kd of 2-KG for GlnJ bound to AmtB1 is 340 μM, which is higher than that required for uridylylation of GlnJ in vitro, about 5 μM. This supports a model where multiple 2-KG and ATP molecules must bind a PII trimer to stimulate release of PII from AmtB1, in contrast to the lower 2-KG requirement for productive uridylylation of PII by GlnD.
Polarization contact: mask engineering

Test structures for measuring polarization effects in the illumination, high-NA imaging, and resist coupling are introduced. Specifically, polarization bars are used to transform the mask into a precision instrument capable of monitoring polarization imbalances in the illumination system and to enable studies of both high-NA and polarization dependent resist coupling effects. Critical issues dealing with mask fabrication are addressed. Bar and gap tolerances are investigated to understand uniformity effects on polarization. While the total relative open areas between two polarization bar regions should be kept to within 1% of each other for good polarization uniformity, polarization bars are quite robust to average mask writing errors when the gap widths are kept small (<50nm). Major improvements in the polarization ratio of chrome masks are possible by using materials with a real part of the refractive index near 2.
Diphtheria toxin inhibits the synthesis of myelin proteolipid and basic proteins by peripheral nerve in vitro.

— Diphtheria toxin (DT) did not produce measurable degradation of myelin proteins or sulphatide in sciatic nerves of chick embryos after incubation in vitro for 4 h. In contrast, DT inhibited the in vitro incorporation of L-[U-14C]leucine into myelin proteins by the nerves after a delay of 1 h. Separation of the myelin proteins by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the synthesis of Wolfgram proteins and proteins not entering the gel was inhibited by 21–22 per cent, whereas synthesis of myelin proteolipid and basic proteins was inhibited by 79–88 per cent. Incorporation of 35SO4 into myelin [35S]sulphatide was also inhibited by DT after a delay of 2 h. The inhibition of [35S]sulpha-tide incorporation into myelin caused by DT differed from that observed with puromycin in that it did not depend on depletion of an intracellular transport lipoprotein. Instead, the inhibition seemed to be secondary to the decreased synthesis of myelin proteolipid and basic proteins.
The chemical control of preoperative anxiety.

The effect of a psychoactive chemical. diazepam, on reducing physiologically disruptive anxiety in young female patients about to undergo operation was investigated. In a double-blind study preoperative anxiety was measured by the Skin Conductance Anxiety Test (SCAT) after patients had been given either intravenous diazepam or placebo. It Was found that diazepam reduced the SCAT scores of the more anxious patients to the level of the scores of the less anxious ones, while the latter's scores were not significantly changed. The validity of the SCAT as an objective measure of anxiety was again confirmed and it was concluded that not only did diazepam differentially reduce anxiety levels in accordance with the degree of anxiety present, but that it also reduced to normal levels the excessive amount of thiopental sodium needed fort the induction of anxious patient.
FINE-SCALE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF WHITEBARK PINE (PINUS ALBICAULIS): ASSOCIATIONS WITH WATERSHED AND GROWTH FORM.

The fine-scale genetic structure of a subalpine conifer, whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.), was studied at nested geographic levels from watershed to adjacent stems in the eastern Sierra Nevada Range of California. A combination of several characteristics contributed to unpredicted genetic structure in this species. This includes being one of only 20 pine species worldwide with wingless, bird-dispersed seeds; having the reputed capacity to reproduce vegetatively; and forming distinct growth morphologies at different elevations in this part of its natural range. Genetic differentiation, as measured with 21 allozyme loci, among the three studied watersheds is virtually negligible (FST = 0.004). This is a surprising result because the upper-elevation sites vary somewhat in slope aspect; thus, aspect was confounded with watershed effect. Differentiation between the upper-elevation prostrate krummholz thickets and lower-elevation upright tree clump growth forms is modest (FST = 0.051). Much stronger differentiation was measured among the individual thickets and clumps within their sample sites (FST = 0.334). Within krummholz thickets, multiple individuals are present and genetic relationships often resemble half- to full-sibling family structure (mean r = 0.320). Canonical trend surface analysis in two intensively sampled thickets indicates greatest genotypic variation in the direction of the prevailing wind. At lower elevations, most (72%) of the tree clumps contained more than one genotype; the remaining clumps are probably multistemmed trees. Within tree clumps, family relationships are closer than those for krummholz thickets-commonly full-sibling to selfed structure (mean r = 0.597). Genetic structure is apparently profoundly influenced by the seed-caching behavior of Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columnbiania Wilson). Western pine species typically show little among-population differentiation and high levels of within-pop- ulation genetic variation. In whitebark pine in the eastern Sierra Nevada of California, genetic variation is highly structured, especially within the natural groupings-krummholz thickets and upright tree clumps.
Electron- and hole-hopping amplitudes in a diatomic molecule. III. p orbitals.

The dependence of electronic hopping amplitude between neighboring atoms on the charge occupation of the orbitals is studied here for the case of p orbitals. Three different orientations of the orbitals at the two atoms are considered: \ensuremath{\sigma}, \ensuremath{\pi}, and \ensuremath{\pi}', corresponding to an angle between the orbitals and the line connecting the atoms of 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, respectively. The Mulliken approximation is found to hold accurately for the \ensuremath{\pi} arrangement but not for the \ensuremath{\sigma} and \ensuremath{\pi}' arrangements; as a consequence in the latter cases the hopping amplitudes are found to vary with charge occupation even if a single rigid orbital per atom is considered. When modification of atomic orbitals with charge occupation is allowed for and intraatomic radial correlations are considered, the hopping amplitude is found to vary with charge occupation in all three cases, becoming increasingly smaller as more electrons are added. The dependence of our results on the ionic charge Z, and possible implications for the understanding of superconductivity in high-${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ oxides and fullerenes are discussed.
High TC Superconducting Films from Metallo-Organic Precursors

High Tc superconducting films of heavy metal soaps (derived from carboxylic acid precursors) have been prepared on Si and other substrates. The precursors were synthesized and mixed in appropriate molar ratios to form the high Tc compound YBa2Cu3O7−x, using a high boiling point common solvent base. The precursor solution was deposited by a spin casting technique on the substrates. Film thicknesses of 0.1–1.0μm were achieved after heat treatment at 550°-850°C ≤4 hours. Films were analyzed as to orientation, appropriate phase, interfacial reaction and superconducting properties.
Grain Boundary Character Distribution in the Heat-Affected Zone of Friction Stir-Processed AL 7075 T7

Current transmission electron microscopy (TEM) research (Cai et al., 2006) in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of friction stir-welded Al 7075 T7 finds a correlation between precipitate-free zone (PFZ) width and grain boundary (GB) geometry. Based on these correlations, this article makes a comparison of grain boundary character distributions (GBCDs) in the HAZ and the parent metal via multisection plane five-parameter stereology. The stereology is conducted in a convenient macroscopic coordinate frame, associated with the HAZ. Further comparisons between the two microstructures are conducted relative to two-dimensional (2-D) GB network connectivity, recovered from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data in each section plane. It is shown that the relative fraction of GBs of misorientation character associated with smaller PFZ size is larger in the HAZ as compared to the parent material. A commensurate decrease in the connectivity (radius of gyration) of GBs of character conducive to larger PFZ size is also found in the HAZ, relative to the parent material. Distribution of inclinations changes as a function of GB geometry. Surface area per unit volume of low-angle random (LAR) misorientations increases in the HAZ, while high-angle random (HAR) and coincident site lattice (CSL) boundaries decrease. In the case of LAR and some CSL boundaries, a reorientation occurs in which macroscopic normals of these interfaces rotate.
Practical skills and personality development

Abstract Declarers of above average, average, and below average Practical Skills on the ACT Student Profile Report were compared on the basis of OPI personality scale scores by means of multivariate analysis of covariance. Results indicated significant differences by level of Practical Skill and no significant interaction between sex and practical skill category. Distributional differences of above average, average, and below average practical skills by various vocational choices were investigated by X 2 . The personality differences found were interpreted as developmental, according to Erikson's theory.
Mechanisms of PETM global change constrained by a new record from central Utah

Catastrophic carbon release and global warming during the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM) profoundly affected continental climate and ecosystems. Understanding of the details and mechanisms of these effects is limited by the poor geographic coverage of existing continental PETM records. Here, we extend the record of this event in North America through identification of the PETM carbon isotope excursion within a sequence of paleosols in the North Horn Formation of central Utah, some 500 km to the south of previous records from northern Wyoming. Data from the new site suggest that patterns of climatological change were similar across a meridional transect of western North America but that PETM climate was relatively more arid in the southern Rocky Mountains, possibly reflecting diversion of precipitation from middle to high latitudes. Our results are consistent with two proposed mechanisms explaining variation in the amplitude of continental PETM carbon isotope records in terms of changes in floral composition or varying environmental wetness, and they present opportunities for future tests of proposed north-south biotic dispersal during the PETM.
Twenty-four hour urinary cortisol and catecholamine excretion in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder.

Heightened adrenal cortical activity is a classic component of the stress response. Elevation of 24-hr excretion of urinary-free cortisol (UFC) has been documented in depressive disorder. We measured 24-hr UFC and catecholamine excretion in ambulatory Vietnam veteran PTSD patients and mentally healthy combat controls
Design of a Low Energy, Self Contained Subsea Burrowing Robot Based on Localized Fluidization Exhibited by Atlantic Razor Clams

The Atlantic razor clam (Ensis directus) burrows by contracting its valves, fluidizing the surrounding soil and reducing burrowing drag. Moving through a fluidized, rather than static, soil requires energy that scales linearly with depth, rather than depth squared. In addition to providing an advantage for the animal, localized fluidization may provide significant value to engineering applications such as vehicle anchoring and underwater pipe installation. This paper presents the design of a self-actuated, radially expanding burrowing mechanism that utilizes E. directus’ burrowing methods. The device is sized to be a platform for an anchoring system for autonomous underwater vehicles. Scaling relationships presented allow for design of burrowing systems of different sizes for a variety of applications. The minimum contraction time for a given device size governs how quickly the device must move. Contraction displacement necessary to achieve fluidization is presented. The maximum force for a given size mechanism is also calculated, and allows for sizing actuators for different systems. This paper presents the design of a system that will allow testing of these parameters in a laboratory setting. These relationships provide the optimal sizing and power needs for various size subsea borrowing systems.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Preliminary Investigation of a Sacrificial Process for Fabrication of Polymer Membranes with Sub-Micron Thickness

Here we present a single mask sacrificial molding process that allows ultrathin 2-dimensional membranes to be fabricated using biocompatible polymeric materials. For initial investigations, polycaprolactone (PCL) was chosen as a model material. The process is capable of creating 250-500 nm thin, through-hole PCL membranes with various geometries, pore-sizes and spatial features approaching 2.5 micrometers using contact photolithography. The technique uses a mold created from two layers of lift-off resist (LOR). The upper layer is patterned, while the lower layer acts as a sacrificial release layer for the polymer membrane. For mold fabrication, photoresist on top of the layers of lift-off resist is patterned using conventional photolithography. During development the mask pattern is transferred onto the first LOR layer and the photoresist is removed using acetone, leaving behind a thin mold. The mold is filled with a solution of the desired polymer. Subsequently, both the patterned and lower LOR layers are dissolved by immersion in an alkaline solution. The membrane can be mounted onto support structures pre-release to facilitate handling.
QUANTITATIVE EXTRACTION AND SEPARATION OF CONJUGATED STEROID METABOLITES FROM HUMAN URINE.

A procedure has been described for the quantitative extraction of steroid conjugates from human urine. The steroid conjugates so obtained have been further studied by chromatographic separation. The following conclusions have been reached: 1. Conjugated metabolites of many classes of steroids can be studied by this method. 2. Conjugates of cortisol and testosterone metabolites can be separated chromatographically into 3 major groups: “sulfates,” “glucuronides” and more polar conjugates of unknown structure. The proportion of these groups was variable and cannot yet be correlated with clinical factors. 3. The yield of neutral steroid after β-glucuronidase hydrolysis of the chromatographic fraction considered to comprise the glucuronides was essentially identical with the yield of neutral steroid after β-glucuronidase hydrolysis of the raw urine. Similar results were obtained for sulfate, comparing hydrolysis of the pertinent chromatographic fraction to that of raw urine. Therefore, the amount of apparent “...
Rough-and-Tumble World: Men Writing about Gender and War

War and Gender: How Gender Shapes the War System and Vice Versa. By Joshua S. Goldstein. Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press, 2001. 523 pages. $40.00 cloth.
Current Guidelines on Antiplatelet Agents for Secondary Prevention of Noncardiogenic Stroke: An Evidence-Based Review

Antiplatelet therapy is a mainstay of secondary prevention of ischemic strokes. Recent studies, such as Prevention Regimen for Effectively Avoiding Second Strokes (PRoFESS), the Clopidogrel for High Atherothrombotic Risk and Ischemic Stabilization, Management, and Avoidance (CHARISMA) trial, and the European/Australasian Stroke Prevention in Reversible Ischaemia Trial (ESPRIT), have added much to our understanding about how best to utilize the various antiplatelet agents available. Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent strokes, and the combination of aspirin and dipyridamole has repeatedly been shown to outperform aspirin alone. Recently, clopidogrel was demonstrated to be "noninferior" to an aspirin/dipyridamole combination, and can be considered as a first-line agent. The American Stroke Association and American Heart Association have clear recommendations on how to utilize these agents.
Toward a value framework for online learning systems

Many universities and private corporations are investing significant capital in online learning initiatives. Willingness on the part of the student to take part in online learning is essential for success. This paper queries the student concerning the features of these systems that add value to their learning experience. A questionnaire is utilized for gathering student values associated with online learning systems and the organization supporting these technologies. Results from the survey and a literature review are organized in a proposed value framework for online learning course effectiveness.