cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differentiation and Distributions of DNA/Cisplatin Crosslinks by Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Infrared Multiphoton Dissociation Mass Spectrometry

Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) mass spectrometry was developed to investigate the distributions of intrastrand crosslinks formed between cisplatin and two oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), d(A1T2G3G4G5T6A7C8C9C10A11T12) (G3-D) and its analog d(A1T2G3G4G5T6T7C8C9C10A11T12) (G3-H), which have been reported to adopt different secondary structures in solution. Based on the formation of site-specific fragment ions upon IRMPD, two isobaric crosslink products were differentiated for each ODN. The preferential formation of G3G4 and G4G5 crosslinks was determined as a function of reaction conditions, including incubation temperature and presence of metal ions. G3-D consistently exhibited a greater preference for formation of the G4G5 crosslink compared with the G3-H ODN. The ratio of G3G4:G4G5 crosslinks increased for both G3-D and G3-H at higher incubation temperatures or when metal salts were added. Comparison of the IRMPD fragmentation patterns of the unmodified ODNs and the intramolecular platinated crosslinks indicated that backbone cleavage was significantly suppressed near the crosslink.
A Correlational Study of Creativity, Happiness, Motivation, and Stress from Creative Pursuits

This study examined the relationship of creative capacity with happiness, affect, motivation, and stress from creative pursuits using a sample of 420 students. In addition, it tested whether a relationship existed between overall creative capacity and specific styles or approaches to creative expression. A composite creative capacity score was derived from four creative capacity measures. Creative capacity was not significantly correlated with happiness, but it correlated significantly with positive and negative affect scales and with their absolute sum. Creative capacity correlated highest with intrinsic motivation (IM) among all variables. Creative capacity and IM correlated similarly in direction and magnitude with creativity styles subscales of Belief in Unconscious Processes, Use of Techniques, and Use of Senses, and negative correlations with the Use of People and Final Product Orientation Subscales.
Selective cellular delivery of self-assembled quantum dot-peptide bioconjugates

We demonstrate the selective delivery of self-assembled luminescent semiconductor quantum dot (QD)-peptide bioconjugates into several eukaryotic cell lines. A 23-mer hetero-bifunctional peptide bearing a positively-charged oligoarginine domain and a terminal polyhistidine tract was synthesized and used to mediate the cellular internalization of the QD-bioconjugates. The polyhistidine tract allows the peptide to self-assemble onto the QD surface via metal-ion coordination while the oligoarginine domain mediates the specific uptake of the QD-bioconjugates via electrostatic interactions with cell surface receptors. In both HEK 293T/17 and COS-1 cells, this peptide-mediated delivery is concentration-dependent in terms of both the QD concentration and the peptide:QD ratio. Intracellularly, the QD signal is punctate in appearance and some, but not all, of the QDs are located within recycling endosomes as evidenced by their colocalization with transferrin. In both cell lines, the QD-bioconjugates elicit minimal cytotoxicity within the timeframe required for adequate cellular uptake. The specificity of this delivery strategy is demonstrated by performing a multicolor QD labeling, wherein the presence or absence of the peptide on the QD surface controls cellular uptake.
Alternative splicing and embryonic expression of the Xenopus mad4 bHLH gene.

The cell proliferative activity of the Myc family of basic helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper (bHLHZip) transcription factors is dependent upon binding to the ubiquitous Max protein. In the absence of heterodimerization with Max, Myc protein is unable to efficiently bind to DNA and activate transcription. Members of the Mad family of transcription factors are thought to modulate the cell proliferative effects of the c-myc proto-oncogene by binding to Max, directly competing with the Myc protein for both heterodimerization and DNA binding. Consistent with a role in down-regulating cell division, the murine mad genes are expressed in embryonic tissues undergoing differentiation, often during or shortly after the down-regulation of myc gene expression. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of the first Xenopus mad family member, Xmad4. Maternal Xmad4 transcripts are present at high levels in the oocyte and in the cleavage stage embryo, but almost disappear by the neurula stage. Zygotic expression of the Xmad4 gene is initiated in the epidermis of the late neurula stage, and shortly thereafter, Xmad4 is transiently detectable in the cement and hatching glands. At later stages, expression is also observed in the developing pronephros and liver. Unlike the murine mad4 gene, we find that multiple Xmad4 splice variants exist in Xenopus and that these variants are differentially expressed in both the embryo and the adult. Despite the demonstrated antagonistic role of Mad proteins in the regulation of Myc activity, we show that the over-expression of Xmad4 in the cleavage-stage embryo has no detectable phenotypic effect, suggesting that Myc function is dispensable during early embryonic development. Dev Dyn 1999;215:170–178. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Assessing the influence of habitat quality on movements of the endangered shortnose sturgeon

Movements of the endangered shortnose sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum in the Ogeechee River (Georgia, USA) may be limited by unsuitable habitat conditions during June–September. The research objective was to determine if habitat quality is likely to impede movements and spawning of shortnose sturgeon in this system. We inserted ultrasonic transmitters in 18 adult shortnose sturgeon to monitor their monthly in-stream movements. Water quality data were collected at discrete locations along the Ogeechee River. We used geostatistical models based on Weighted Asymmetric Hydrologic Distance, in place of Euclidean distance, to predict water quality variables along the Ogeechee River, avoiding problems associated with linear distance metrics in a river network. Using ArcGIS, we constructed habitat quality models based on physiological tolerance to water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. During the summer months, tagged fish remained congregated above the fresh-saltwater interface. However, individuals appeared to move in response to changing water quality conditions. Seasonal habitat availability in other southern rivers should be similarly analyzed to assess potential relationships between the habitat and sturgeon movements. Although further laboratory and field studies are needed to better understand latitudinal variation in life history and environmental tolerances of shortnose sturgeon, the results of our study suggest that temporal and spatial variability in water quality affect habitat availability of southern populations of shortnose sturgeon.
Self-energy shifts in heavily doped, polar semiconductors

We present theoretical results for the self-energy shifts due to the interactions in a heavily doped, polar semiconductor. For the purpose of numerical demonstration we apply the results to n-type CdS. The density of states for both the majority and minority carriers are calculated in the region near the band edges. The polar coupling modifies the self-energy shifts, and new structures appear in the density of states, both above and below the Fermi level. At least some traces of these structures should be observed in experiments. Furthermore, the doping-induced band-gap narrowing is determined and we compare the obtained results with those from the much simpler so-called ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{0}$ approximation.
Pascal's triangle and the simulation of backscattering spectra☆

Abstract Applying a well-known yield equation to a stack of very thin sublayers allows accurate simulations of homogeneous, thick-target, backscattering spectra. Explicit expressions, accurate to at least third degree in the areal density for the ion energy immediately before scattering and for the detected ion energy, are found. These expressions are in terms of binomial expansions of a quantity equaling the product of the areal density multiplied by a function of stopping cross section derivatives and areal density. One iterative parameter, taken as the near-surface yield, is required to properly normalize the simulation with respect to the experimental spectrum. Several thick target spectra, produced by bombarding helium ions with energies ranging over several MeV, are simulated using both Ziegler's 1977 [J.F. Ziegler, Helium Stopping Powers and Ranges in All Elements (Pergamon, New York, 1977)] and 1985 [J.F. Ziegler, J.P. Biersack and U. Littmark, The Stopping and Range of Ions in Solids (Pergamon, New York, 1985)] stopping compilations to ascertain the impact of these differing stopping cross sections on predictions of backscattering spectra.
The Aconitase Function of Iron Regulatory Protein 1 GENETIC STUDIES IN YEAST IMPLICATE ITS ROLE IN IRON-MEDIATED REDOX REGULATION

Iron regulatory proteins (IRP) are sequence-specific RNA-binding proteins that mediate iron-responsive gene regulation in animals. IRP1 is also the cytosolic isoform of aconitase (c-aconitase). This latter activity could complement a mitochondrial aconitase mutation (aco1) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to restore glutamate prototrophy. In yeast, the c-aconitase activity of IRP1 was responsive to iron availability in the growth medium. Although IRP1 expression rescued aco1 yeast from glutamate auxotrophy, cells remained growth-limited by glutamate, displaying a slow-growth phenotype on glutamate-free media. Second site mutations conferring enhanced cytosolic aconitase-dependent (ECA) growth were recovered. Relative c-aconitase activity was increased in extracts of strains harboring these mutations. One of the ECA mutations was found to be in the gene encoding cytosolic NADP(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDP2). This mutation, an insertion of a Ty delta element into the 5' region of IDP2, markedly elevates expression of Idp2p in glucose media. Our results demonstrate the physiological significance of the aconitase activity of IRP1 and provide insight into the role of c-aconitase with respect to iron and cytoplasmic redox regulation.
Linking a Geographic Information System with a Potato Simulation Model for Site‐Specific Crop Management

Site-specific crop management (SSCM) requires that crop simulation models be applied to subareas of a field to test or develop management practices. When the number of subareas is sufficiently large, crop simulation models should be linked with a geographic information system (GIS) for ease of input data preparation and for output data analysis. An interface between PC ARC/INFO (a GIS) and SIMPO-TATO (a potato growth stimulator) was developed to study potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield and N leaching distributions. The most important distributed input parameters were identified as the irrigated water/N, soil texture, and initial soil N. An example usage of the interface program is given to study the N leaching under different management scenarios.
The effect of posterior tibial slope on range of motion after total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract Posterior slope has been theorized as advantageous to range of motion (ROM) after total knee arthroplasty. This study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of a 0° and a 5° posterior sloped intramedullary (IM) cutting guide and the effect of the posterior tibial slope on postoperative ROM. Thirty-one consecutive patients underwent total knee arthroplasty using a cutting block and intramedullary cutting guide designed to impart a 0° posterior tibial slope (group 1). A 5° tibia cutting block was used in 30 subsequent patients (group 2). The posterior slope measurement represented the angle between a line drawn parallel to the articular surface and a line drawn perpendicular to the long axis of the tibia on a lateral radiograph. Mean postoperative tibial slope measured 1.8° for group 1 and 5.5° for group 2. There was no significant difference between groups for postoperative flexion or improvement of Hospital for Special Surgery score. The tibial cutting guides accurately achieved the intended posterior slope, but increasing posterior slope did not result in a significant increase in ROM or Hospital for Special Surgery functional score.
Individuals and populations: How biology's theory and data have interfered with the integration of development and evolution

Abstract Research programs in quantitative behavior genetics and evolutionary psychology have contributed to the widespread belief that some psychological characteristics can be “inherited” via genetic mechanisms. In fact, molecular and developmental biologists have concluded that while genetic factors contribute to the development of all of our traits, non-genetic factors always do too, and in ways that make them no less important than genetic factors. This insight demands a reworking of the Modern Evolutionary Synthesis, a theory that defined evolution as a process involving changes in the frequencies of genes in populations, and that envisioned no role for experiential factors now known to play essential roles in adaptive trait development. Furthermore, since evolution has been taken to be strictly a population-level phenomenon while development affects individuals, the two have been understood to require different levels of analysis; this understanding has given rise to incompatible research programs. This state of affairs is untenable because development and evolution mutually influence one another in fundamental ways, several of which are detailed in this article. The balance of this paper considers the conceptual problem that has arisen because understandings generated by developmental scientists cannot be enhanced by studies designed merely to account for variation across populations. Because the theoretical conceptions and methodological tools used to study development and evolution have produced non-corresponding sets of information about these closely related and mutually influential biological processes, these conceptions and tools are interfering with the establishment of a unified theory of biology that encompasses both phenomena.
ADAPTIVE PASSIVE VIBRATION CONTROL

Adaptive-passive vibration control achieves robust attenuation of a harmonic excitation through tuning a reactive device. In this paper, a robust tuning strategy is presented for adaptive passive control. The tuning strategy is based on minimizing the voltage amplitude from an accelerometer. This is similar to the standard regulator problem in feedback control. However, the feedback signal is an even function and therefore tuning direction is ambiguous. One tuning direction scheme is developed which compares the natural frequency of the absorber to the excitation frequency. Experimental verification of the tuning strategy is presented.
The biological activity of catfish pancreatic somatostatin.

Abstract Catfish pancreatic somatostatin, which contains eight additional amino acids on the amino terminus of a tetradecapeptide with considerable homology to tetradecapeptide somatostatin (SRIF), is a naturally occurring homology of the hypothalamic peptide. The purpose of these studies was to determibe the biological activity of this somatostatin homolog. Inhibition of 125 I-labelled tyr 1 -SRIF binding to bovine pituitart plasma membranes by catfish pancreatic somatostatin was approximately 33% that of SRIF. Pancreatic somatostatin has full biological activity measured by inhibition of growth hormone release from isolated rat pituitary cells, but 0.01–0.1% the potency of SRIF. Pancreatic somatostatin at 100 ng/ml produced a 50–60% inhibition of insulin and glucagon secretion from perfused rat pancreas, while SRIF produced comparable inhibition at 10 ng/ml. This report demonstrates that a larger molecular form and natural homolog of SRIF, isolated from fish pancreas, has the same (but reduced) biological activities in rat assay systems as somatostatin originally isolated from sheep hypothalamus.
Increase in uranium concentration in streams draining Rocky Flats, Colorado

Abstract Uranium has been determined by fission track measurements of two suites of water samples taken at different times from a variety of surface waters in an area in central Colorado. Although this area surrounds the Rocky Flats nuclear plant at which parts for weapons are fabricated, the variations in U are inferred to be influenced most strongly by the distance of water flow across soil derived from the U-rich Laramie Formation. This flow produces progressive increases in U concentrations as flow proceeds eastward and hence is much more closely related to the local geochemistry and geology than to the presence of the Rocky Flats plant.
Evaluating Customer Information Breaches as Service Failures: An Event Study Approach:

Firms are collecting more information about their customers than ever before in an attempt to understand and better serve customer needs. At the same time, firms are becoming more vulnerable to the...
Aging and Effect of Physical-Mental Practice Upon Acquisition and Retention of a Motor Skill

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of physical-mental practice upon two age groups (65-79 and 80-100) in the acquisition and retention of a motor skill. The subjects (140) were randomly assigned to one of the following conditions: physical practice, one-half physical practice, physical-mental practice, or a control group engaging in no practice. Eight trials of 15 sec. each on a pursuit rotor were administered prior to and imme-iately following the practice conditions and 8 weeks later. Analyses of data indicated that for both age groups physical-mental practice was as effective as any other type of physical practice.
(−)-Pentazocine analgesia in mice: interactions with a σ receptor system

(-)-Pentazocine is active in the tailflick assay in CD-1 mice, although it shows a biphasic dose-response curve with a peak effect of only 30%. Co-administration of haloperidol shifts the dose-response curve to the left and elevates the maximal response to 70% through a blockade of sigma 1 receptors, but the curve remains biphasic. (+)-Pentazocine is inactive in all antinociceptive assays, either alone or with haloperidol. The analgesic actions of (-)-pentazocine are readily reversed by nor-binaltorphimine, but not by the mu-selective opioid receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine, implying a kappa 1-opioid receptor mechanism of action. This conclusion is supported by the ability of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed against the KOR-1 clone, which encodes the kappa 1-opioid receptor, to block (-)-pentazocine analgesia.
Maxillary swing approach for removal of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The maxillary swing approach is an elegant and versatile technique designed to facilitate access to the nasopharynx and middle cranial fossa skull base. The approach involves the disassembly of the bony connections between the maxilla and the adjacent facial skeleton, leaving the maxillary infrastructure pedicled on its anterolateral soft tissue attachments. Excellent oncologic and functional outcomes have been reported in selected patient cohorts with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Success depends upon respecting rigid criteria for patient selection, having a comprehensive understanding of skull base anatomy, and adhering to meticulous surgical technique and oncologic principles.
Does directed exploration influence locomotor activity in a holeboard test

The effects of three drugs, chosen for their differential effects on directed exploration and locomotion (ethanol, caffeine, and FG 7142), were examined on the locomotor activity of mice in a holeboard apparatus containing either a solid floor or one with four holes in it. The dose-related effect of all three drugs on locomotor activity was not changed by the presence of the holes, although activity was slightly higher when a solid floor was used. The results indicated that the two measures can vary independently and that the directed exploration component (head-dipping) of the holeboard test does not significantly influence the locomotor activity component.
Human-computer interaction software: lessons learned, challenges ahead

The author presents a knowledge-based approach to enhance and support communication between humans and computers. His system architecture has an explicit communication channel between the human and the hardware and an implicit communication channel between the human's knowledge base and the computer's stored knowledge. The author uses two intelligent support systems, Framer and Crack, to illustrate this concept. He concludes with a pragmatic description of lessons learned and problems ahead. >
Recent Advancements and Future Challenges of Storage Systems

The rapid development of the Internet, fast drop of storage cost, and the great improvement of storage capacity have created an environment with an enormous amount of digital data. In addition to the traditional goals like performance, scalability, availability, and reliability, other challenges including manageability, searching for the desired information, energy efficiency, long-term data preservation, and data security become increasingly important for storage systems. We first present the evolution path of the past development of storage systems. The impact of the advancement of disk technology on fault tolerance is discussed next. The potential solutions and research issues of the new challenges are also briefly discussed.
Ependymoma of filum terminale: Metrizamide-enhanced CT evaluation

Abstract Two cases of surgically proven myxopapollary ependymomas of filum terminale are reported. In both, myelography and metrizamide-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans were performed. An intramedullary tumor in the lower thoracic spine, soft-tissue masses in the neural foramina and enlarged bony spinal canal in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine were noted in one case and, in the other, an intradural extramedullary tumor at T12-L1 level. Both patients had normal cranial CT scans, and both presented with similar symptoms—low back pain and weakness and paresthesia of leg or legs for up to 3 years' duration. Myelography and metrizamide-enhanced CT scans were performed in order to evaluate disc disease in one patient and spinal stenosis in the other. Ependymoma was an incidental finding, which was then removed by surgical resection. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis.
Semiconducting Region of Ytterbium

The resistivity of elemental ytterbium at room temperature rises, by a factor of 11, to a maximum at a pressure of 40 kilobars; a further increase in pressure causes a polymorphic transition; the new phase has a resistivity 80 percent of that of the metal at 1 atmosphere. In the temperature-pressure diagram, the phase boundary has a negative slope. The phase boundary, determined from -190° to 360°C, is a straight line that may be extrapolated nearly to the known α-β transition at 1 atmosphere. Between the transition pressure and 20 kbar, the lowest pressure at which the measurements were made, ytterbium behaved as a semiconductor. The temperature coefficient of resistance is negative; at constant pressure, the resistivity shows the exponential temperature dependence characteristic of a semiconductor. The parameter in the expontial would correspond to an energy gap 0.015 ev at 20 kbar, an increase with pressure to a maximum of 0.080 ev at 37 kbar, and then a decrease to 0.05 ev at 45 kbar.
Irrigation sagacity: a measure of prudent water use

Within the western United States, water rights are granted for reasonable and beneficial water use, and a measure of irrigation performance that embodies this standard is needed. A new performance parameter, irrigation sagacity (IS), is recommended for this purpose. The term `sagacity' comes from `sagacious', meaning wise or prudent. IS is more closely tied to the water rights granted, and to the potential for water conservation and reallocation than is the traditional irrigation efficiency, which considers only beneficial uses. Sagacious uses are either beneficial, or non-beneficial but reasonable. Reasonable uses are those that, while not directly benefiting agronomic production within the boundaries of the water rights area, are nonetheless justified under prevailing conditions. Non-sagacious uses (non-beneficial and unreasonable) are those uses which are without economic, practical, or other justification. Determination of sagacity involves checking alternate irrigation practices for practical, technical, economic, and environmental feasibility. Feasibility includes the requirement for a reasonable implementation schedule for any new practices. Only if a feasible alternate using less water is found should a current practice be considered in any part non-sagacious. The results of a sagacity determination may vary depending on geographic scale, time frame, and perspective.
Balance and the Writer's Attitude in News Stories and Editorials:

Students who disagreed with a hypothetical editorial policy leaned over backwards in writing news stories and editorials. Their stories were the most one-sided and their editorials the most partisan.
The nasal septum deformities in children and adolescents from Warsaw, Poland.

Summary Objective The final shape of the nasal septum deformities is a result of irregular development of the nasomaxillary complex or of a nasal injury. Nasal septum deformities reveal in childhood. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of the particular types of the septum deformities in children according to Mladina's classification, analysis of the correlation between types of deformities and age and sex and checking if nasal injury influences the occurrences of nasal septum deformities and determines the particular type of it. Methods The nasal septum morphology was examined in 288 children aged 3–17. The investigation was performed in kindergartens and schools in Warsaw. The study population was divided into three groups. Anterior rhinoscopy without nasal vasocontrictive drugs was performed. A questionnaire was included. The nasal septum deformities were qualified according to Mladina's classification. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Wilcoxon's test were used to performed statistical significance. Results Deviation of the nasal septum was diagnosed in nearly 34% of the sample population. The nasal septum deformities occurred in 29% of girls and in nearly 37% of boys. The prevalence of septum deformities in group 1 aged 3–7 years was 35.23%, in group 2 aged 8–13 years was 27.97% and in group 3 aged 14–17 years was 40.24%. We observed statistically significant correlation between age of patients and type of nasal septum deformities ( F = 3.65, p = 0.000876). In children with nasal injures, 66.66% had nasal septum deformities while in group without injuries there was about 31.69%. We observed statistically significant correlation between type of nasal septum deformities and nasal injuries ( Z = 7.67, p Conclusions The percentage of the nasal septum deformities change with age. Deviation of the nasal septum was more prevalent in boys. The risk of occurrence of the nasal septum deformities increases after nasal injury. Type 1 and type 5 according to Mladina's classification dominates in study population. Type 1 decreases with age, while type 5 increases with age.
From Fluctuations to Phenotypes: The Physiology of Noise

There are fundamental physical reasons why biochemical processes might be subject to noise and stochastic fluctuations. Indeed, it has long been understood that random molecular-scale mechanisms, such as those that drive genetic mutation, lie at the heart of population-scale evolutionary dynamics. What we can now appreciate is how stochastic fluctuations inherent in biochemical processes contribute to cellular and organismal phenotypes. Advancements in techniques for empirically measuring single cells and in corresponding theoretical methods have enabled the rigorous design and interpretation of experiments that provide incontrovertible proof that there are important endogenous sources of stochasticity that drive biological processes at the scale of individual organisms. Recently, some studies have progressed beyond merely ascertaining the presence of noise in biological systems; they trace its role in cellular physiology as it is passed through and processed by the biomolecular pathways-from the underlying origins of stochastic fluctuations in random biomolecular interactions to their ultimate manifestations in characteristic species phenotypes. These emerging results suggest new biological network design principles that account for a constructive role played by noise in defining the structure, function, and fitness of biological systems. They further show that stochastic mechanisms open novel classes of regulatory, signaling, and organizational choices that can serve as efficient and effective biological solutions to problems that are more complex, less robust, or otherwise suboptimal to deal with in the context of purely deterministic systems. Research in Drosophila melanogaster eye color-vision development and Bacillus subtilis competence induction has elegantly traced the role of noise in vital physiological processes from fluctuations to phenotypes, and is used here to highlight these developments.
Cytopathologic diagnosis of benign lesions simulating choroidal melanomas.

In three cases of benign pigmented lesions (one melanocytoma and two pigment epithelial adenomas) there was evidence of tumor growth and the lesions were referred to us as uveal melanomas. The fine needle aspiration biopsy specimens were correctly interpreted in the operating room as being benign tumors. The pigment granules in these benign pigmented lesions are much larger than are observed in uveal melanomas. When they were visible through the heavy pigmentation, the cellular detail appeared benign. In two cases the tumors were successfully resected with cyclochoroidectomy techniques and the visual outcome was good. The third eye was studied after it had been removed at another institution. Fine needle aspiration biopsy can often differentiate a benign-simulating pigmented lesion from uveal melanoma.
Unity in Diversity: interfaith dialogue in the Middle East

by Mohammed Abu-Nimer, Amal I. Khoury, and Emily Welty, Washington DC, United States Institute for Peace, 2007, 285 pp., US$15.56 (paperback), ISBN 1-60127-013-5 This book is organized and reads li...
Nanojunction solar cells based on polycrystalline CdTe films grown on ZnO nanocones

We report the nanojunction effect on nanocone based solar cell consisting of 5 μm thick CdTe thin film as a p-type absorption layer and n-type ZnO nanocones as a minority electron collector. The morphology of the nanojunction, with embedding depth ∼ 100 nm into CdTe matrix, was clearly revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning TEM (STEM). The characteristics of nanojunction solar cell were compared with those of planar ZnO/CdTe structure in dark and under 100 mW (AM 1.5) illumination using a solar simulator. The nanojunction cell showed small reverse saturation current density in dark. Lower capacitance of the nanojunction from capacitance-frequency (C-f) measurement implies the existence of low defects at near the junction interfaces, which enables to lowerer junction recombination. The small junction area and low defects produces the higher open circuit voltage (V oc ) and fill factor (ff) than those of planar under light illumination. The fact that the performance of nanojunction based solar cell is not critically affected by interfacial defects will be very useful for polycrystalline or nanoparticle CdTe with many crystal defects. Our current conversion efficiency of ~ 3.2 % nanocone was achieved by decreasing CdTe grain size, which is different from planar polycrystalline solar cells.
Intestinal amino-acid transport in the marine teleost, Haemulon plumieri

Abstract 1. 1. Active transport of glycine across the intestine of Haemulon plumieri was studied in vitro. 2. 2. The process requires metabolic energy, proceeds against a concentration gradient and is Na+ dependent. Li+ ion cannot substitute successfully for Na+. 3. 3. Factors which reduce the competence of the gut to absorb glycine actively caused enhanced diffusion of amino acids into the solution bathing the mucosa. Threonine predominates in this diffusion, both in vitro and in vivo. 4. 4. Rates of amino acid uptake do not differ significantly from upper to lower intestine.
A methodology for the design of distributed information systems

A macro model of a distributed information system in presented. The model describes the major costs of using an information system from the perspective of the end-user. The model is intended to provide guidance to the system designer by making evident the effect of various design and operating parameters on overall cost per transaction. The technique is illustrated by application to the design of an interactive transaction processing system.
Coexistence of Peritoneal Inclusion Cysts and Urogynecologic Malformations in Adolescents: A Clinicopatholgical Characterization of 3 Cases

Coexistence of Peritoneal Inclusion Cysts and Urogynecologic Malformations in Adolescents: A Clinicopatholgical Characterization of 3 Cases Lawrence S. Amesse, MD, PhD, Alojia Joshua, MD, and Teresa Pfaff-Amesse, MD Section of Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Department of Pediatrics, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
Analog diffusion network architecture for solving data association problems in multitarget tracking

The solution of the data association problem in a multi-target tracking scenario requires the computation of probabilities, (beta) i j , of assigning the i-th measurement to the j-th target. Previously, we have suggested a parallel structure based on a layered, asynchronous (sequential) Boltzmann machine for the estimation of the association probabilities. An efficient analog realization of this structure with stochastic neurons is presented here. The dynamics of this network are described by a vector Langevin equation, and as a result, the network approximates a purely synchronous Boltzmann machine, with potentially rapid convergence. Asymptotically, the probability (beta) i j equals the activation frequency of the quantized neuron output (upsilon) ij , in a layered two-dimensional network. Design criteria for approximating the true association probabilities are described. The transient and steady state behaviors of each stochastic neuron, shown to be a diffusion process in a bounded region, are analyzed. The performance of the layered diffusion network is compared with a theoretical bound and also with the performance of an asynchronous Boltzmann machine.
THE PERIPHERAL METABOLISM OF TRI- AND TETRAIODOTHYROACETIC ACIDS IN MAN

The metabolism of tracer doses of I131-labeled 3,5,3′-triiodothyroacetic acid (Triac) and tetraiodothyroacetic acid (Tetrac) was studied in euthyroid subjects and in patients with partial external bile fistulas. In normal subjects, Triac was very rapidly cleared from the blood and concentrated by the liver; both Triac and Triac glucuronide were excreted in high concentrations in the bile. Most of the administered radioactivity rapidly appeared in the urine as inorganic I131. Tetrac was metabolized quite differently. It disappeared from serum more slowly than Triac; an apparent mean half-time in sorum of 3.3 days was observed. Tetrac was less highly concentrated in the liver and in the bile. Most of the administered radioactivity ultimately appeared in the urine as inorganic iodide. Formation of conjugates, which appeared to be an important pathway in the metabolism of Triac, was less prominent in the case of Tetrac. These findings are compared with prior studies of the peripheral metabolism of l-3,5,3′-tr...
The Effect of Oxygen Contamination on the Electronic Properties of Hot-Wire CVD Amorphous Silicon Germanium Alloys

A series of four a Si,Ge:H alloy samples with Ge fractions near 30 at.% were deposited by hot-wire CVD (HWCVD) using a Ta filament maintained at 1800oC. During film growth, the level of oxygen contamination was varied from less than 10 19 cm −3 to roughly 5 × 10 20 cm −3 using a controlled air-leak. The electronic properties of these films were then characterized using transient photocapacitance (TPC) and transient photocurrent (TPI) spectroscopy, as well as the drive-level capacitance profiling (DLCP) techniques. We observed an unexpected systematic improvement of the electronic properties of these HWCVD a Si,Ge:H with increasing oxygen impurity level, which was reflected by a decrease in the deduced Urbach energies. Comparing these with films co-deposited on stainless-steel versus p+ c-Si substrates, we found significantly better electronic properties in the latter case. Comparisons of the TPC and TPI spectra indicated a very high level of hole collection, consistent with these narrow bandtail distributions.
Optimizing the functional design and life cycle cost of mechanical systems using genetic algorithms

This paper presents a genetic algorithm-based approach for automatic functional design of mechanical systems. The proposed method automatically finds a set of optimal or near-optimal design solutions with respect to desired functional requirements stored in a pre-built device database. Although, typically, the design solution space of a given mechanical system is very large, the proposed strategy can generate high-quality design solutions in a timely manner. The method considers life cycle cost (LCC) factors as one of the design optimization criteria, since LCC factors have an important impact on product competency in the current market. Fuzzy logic is used to transform linguistic design requirements into numerical values. A case study is presented to illustrate the operation of the genetic algorithm-based functional design method and the efficiency of the method for optimizing the final design.
Semiempirical quantum mechanical studies on some hydrogen bonded systems

The CNDO/2 method is used to study the hydrogen bond strength in several representative systems. Enthalpies of hydrogen bond formation are generally predicted fairly well although some exceptions are noted. The proton-proton acceptor distances are predicted to be about 10 percent too small in all cases where comparison with experiment can be made.
Chemische Bindungen visualisiert

Fundamentale Eigenschaften aromatischer Molekule wie deren Geometrie, Stabilitat, Reaktivitat, Leitfahigkeit und elektronische Struktur sind eng miteinander verknupft. Sie werden masgeblich durch den Charakter der chemischen Bindungen zwischen den Atomen im Molekul definiert. Unterschiede zwischen verschiedenen Kohlenstoff-Kohlenstoff-Bindungen in einzelnen Molekulen konnten wir kurzlich mit einem Rasterkraftmikroskop erstmals direkt abbilden.
Convection in a vertical slot filled with porous insulation

Abstract Convective heat transfer through porous insulation in a vertical slot is examined analytically. A simple analytical formula for calculating the heat transfer is presented, after obtaining a matching coefficient by comparison with numerical solutions. Both free and forced convection, simulating wall leakage in common building structures, are considered. Numerical results for the case of no wall leakage are in good agreement with those presently available. It is shown that, for appreciable wall leakage, the dominant mode of heat transfer is due to the enthalpy change of the transferred fluid as it is blown through the enclosure.
Development of visual cortical axons: Layer-specific effects of extrinsic influences and activity blockade

During normal cortical development, individual pyramidal neurons form intracortical axonal arbors that are specific for particular cortical layers. Pyramidal neurons within layer 6 are able to develop layer-specific projections in cultured slices of ferret visual cortex, indicating that extrinsic influences, including patterned visual activity, are not required (Dantzker and Callaway [1998] J Neurosci 18:4145–4154). However, when spontaneous activity is blocked in cultures with tetrodotoxin, layer 6 pyramidal neurons fail to preferentially target their axons to layer 4. To determine whether mechanisms that regulate the development of layer 6 pyramidal neuron arbors can be generalized to pyramidal neurons in other layers, we examined the development of layer 5 and layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in cultured slices of ferret visual cortex prepared on postnatal day 14 or 15. Layer 5 pyramidal neurons developed layer-specific axonal arbors during 5–7 days in vitro. However, unlike layer 6 pyramidal neurons, layer 5 pyramidal neurons formed layer-specific axonal arbors in the presence of tetrodotoxin. In contrast to layer 5 and layer 6 pyramidal neurons, layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons did not form appropriate layer-specific projections during 5–7 days in vitro. Taken together, these data suggest that the development of layer-specific axons is regulated by different mechanisms for neurons in different layers and cannot be categorically classified as either activity-dependent or independent. Instead, the type of pyramidal neuron, the layers targeted, and the type of activity must be considered. J. Comp. Neurol. 430:321–331, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Calcium hydroxide reduces lipopolysaccharide-stimulated osteoclast formation.

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the direct effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on osteoclastogenesis and to assess the ability of calcium hydroxide—Ca(OH)2—to inhibit the osteoclast formation stimulated by LPS. Study Design. RAW 264.7 cells were cultured with 50 ng/mL recombinant receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) for 72 hours. RANKL was then removed, and the cells were treated with 0, 1, 10, or 100 ng/mL of LPS, Ca(OH)2-treated LPS, or 50 ng/mL of RANKL as a positive control for an additional 48 hours. Cells were fixed and stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated phalloidin to detect actin ring formation, and histochemistry was performed to detect multinucleated cells expressing tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity. Results. LPS induced osteoclast-like cell (OCL) formation in a dose-dependent manner when osteoclast precursor RAW 264.7 cells were pretreated for 72 hours with RANKL. Ca(OH)2 significantly inhibited the ability of LPS to stimulate OCL formation. Conclusion. This study shows that LPS directly stimulates OCL formation. The detoxification of LPS by treatment with Ca(OH)2 significantly reduced its ability to trigger the differentiation of OCLs. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2003;95:348-54)
Habituation and sensitization of the orienting response following bilateral anterior cingulotomy

Skin conductance response (SCR) was measured in an orienting response (OR) and habituation paradigm in 10 post-cingulotomy and age-matched control subjects. While both groups habituated, the cingulotomy patients exhibited a slower habituation rate, and greater variability across trials compared to controls. Habituation abnormalities were not associated with increased sensitization, as neither extended habituation training or dishabituation differentiated the groups. An increased frequency of spontaneous SCR activations occurred post-cingulotomy. The results suggest that the cingulate cortex influences the temporal stability of habituation. These findings are consistent with the subtle attentional dysfunction noted following cingulate damage.
Rotational and Divergent Wind Potentials

Abstract An algorithm for the exact determination of potentials for the divergent and rotational wind components is presented and illustrated. The algorithm is based on the discrete Fourier transform of consistent difference approximations of the potential equations.
Stare in the Darkness: The Limits of Hip-Hop and Black Politics

Lester K. Spence, Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, 2011, ISBN: 978-0-8166-6987-5; 978-0-8166-6988-2, 245 pp, $67.50 (hardcover), $22.50 (paperback) Responding to criticisms of his al...
Towards a bridge between cost and wealth in risk-aware planning

Risk attitude reflects an intelligent agent's preference for different uncertain rewards. Cost is the resource consumed; wealth is the total amount of the resource an agent holds. In a risk-aware system whose risk attitude is not independent of wealth, utility is a function of wealth. Given the utility function is one-switch, if we simply use cost based utility functions for the reasoning, unless the initial wealth is zero, we cannot precisely obtain the optimum preference in every decision step. A bridge algorithm between cost and wealth helps us solve this problem. We provide a framework of the bridge algorithm for risk-aware Markov decision processes. We present an example of the block-world problem to explain the algorithm. An effective bridge algorithm helps planners to make reasonable decisions according to their risk attitudes, without changing the structure of Markov domains. A bridge between cost and wealth enables us to deal with planning domains using the powerful backward induction approach instead of decision tree. This will have profound theoretical and realistic influence on artificial intelligence, economics, health care, as well as other areas concerning risk.
Synthesis and characterization of new bimetallic transition metal oxynitrides: MI-MII-O-N (MI, MII=V, Mo, W and Nb)

A new class of materials, MI-MII-O-N (where MI, MII = V, Mo, W, and Nb), has been synthesized by nitriding bimetallic oxide precursors with ammonia gas via a temperature programmed reaction. The oxide precursors are prepared by conventional solid state reaction between two appropriate monometallic oxides. The synthesis of the oxynitrides involves passing NH3 gas over the oxide precursors at a flow rate of 6.80×102 μmols−1 (1000 cm3 min−1), and raising the temperature at a rate of 8.3×10−2 Ks−1 (5K min−1) to a final temperature which is held constant for a short period of time. The oxynitrides thus obtained are pyrophoric and need to be passivated before exposing them to air. All these new bimetallic oxynitrides have a face centered cubic (f.c.c.) metal arrangement and high values of surface area. Their surface activity is assessed from their ability to chemisorb CO.
Prenatal predictors of maternal and newborn EEG

Abstract Ninety-two mothers were recruited at a prenatal ultrasound clinic at which time they were given the CES-D for depression and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and their urines were assayed for cortisol, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. At the neonatal period the mothers and neonates were assessed on frontal EEG asymmetry. Correlation analyses revealed the following: (1) the mothers’ frontal asymmetry was negatively related to prenatal depression (CES-D) symptoms, negatively related to prenatal norepinephrine levels and positively related to prenatal serotonin levels; (2) the frontal asymmetry of the newborn was positively correlated with the mothers’ frontal asymmetry and negatively correlated with the mothers’ prenatal depression (CES-D) symptoms and negatively correlated with the mothers’ prenatal state anxiety scores. The neonates’ EEG frontal asymmetry was also, like the mother's, negatively related to prenatal maternal norepinephrine and positively related to prenatal maternal serotonin.