cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reaction Kinetics of CO2-H2O Gas Mixtures with Liquid Fe-C Alloys

The rate of decarburization of carbon-saturated liquid iron with CO2-H2O gas mixtures has been studied to bettter understand the reaction mechanism between liquid iron containing carbon with post-combusted gas in an iron bath smelting reactor. The measurements were done under conditions in which the effect of mass transfer is negligible. The experimental temperature was 1773–K and the sulfur content in the metal was fixed at 0.2 mass%. The rate was measured for a partial pressure of CO2 in the range of 0.5 to 1 atm for CO2-Ar, 0.7 to 0.9 atm for CO2-H2O and 0 to 0.95 atm for CO2-5%H2O-Ar gas mixtures. The measured rates agreed well with the predicted rates by assuming an ideal additivity of CO2 and H2O reaction rates individually measured in previous work. It was concluded that there were no special effects retarding or accelerating the reaction rate with liquid iron and the rates were simply additive. It was also found that iron oxide did not form on the surface as long as the surface concentration of carbon did not become very low. The critical carbon content at which FeO forms on the surface was expressed as a function of partial pressure of oxidant, sulfur content in the metal, mass transfer coefficient and temperature and was found to be in agreement with experimental observations.
Anomalous energy transfer behaviour of light absorbed by bacteriochlorophyll in several photosynthetic bacteria

Abstract Energy transfer has been investigated in chromatophores of the blue-green mutant of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides , wildtype Rps. spheroides and Rhodospirillum rubrum . Measurements of the fluorescence polarization and fluorescence excitation spectra suggest anomalies in the energy transfer behavior of light absorbed by bacteriochlorophyll. Light absorbed either on the red edge of the first excited state or by the second excited state is not transferred with as high an efficiency as light absorbed by the main part of the first excited state. Furthermore, fluorescence action spectrum measurements suggest that light absorbed by the second excited state is less effective in exciting fluorescence than light absorbed by the main part of the first excited state.
AID/APOBEC Deaminases Disfavor Modified Cytosines Implicated in DNA Demethylation

Activation-induced deaminase (AID)/APOBEC-family cytosine deaminases, known to function in diverse cellular processes from antibody diversification to mRNA editing, have also been implicated in DNA demethylation, a major process for transcriptional activation. Although oxidation-dependent pathways for demethylation have been described, pathways involving deamination of either 5-methylcytosine (5mC) or 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) have emerged as alternatives. Here we address the biochemical plausibility of deamination-coupled demethylation. We found that purified AID/APOBECs have substantially reduced activity on 5mC relative to cytosine, their canonical substrate, and no detectable deamination of 5hmC. This finding was explained by the reactivity of a series of modified substrates, where steric bulk was increasingly detrimental to deamination. Further, upon AID/APOBEC overexpression, the deamination product of 5hmC was undetectable in genomic DNA, whereas oxidation intermediates remained detectable. Our results indicate that the steric requirements for cytosine deamination are one intrinsic barrier to the proposed function of deaminases in DNA demethylation.
Ultrasonic beam propagation through a bimetallic weld: a comparison of predictions of the Gauss-Hermite beam model and finite element method

In this paper, predictions of two models for the propagation of ultrasonic beams through a two-dimensional, bimetallic weld geometry are compared. The finite element method can predict beam propagation through quite general geometry with high accuracy. This model, however, requires significant computational time. On the other hand, the approximate Gauss-Hermite model offers considerably greater computational speed, but has lower accuracy in certain regions and cannot treat the most general geometries and inhomogeneities in material properties. This paper compares the performances of the two models for the case of the two-dimensional, bimetallic weld consisting of multiple layers, some of which have anisotropic properties. It is found that the results of the two models are in good agreement in the vicinity of the central ray, and that the deviation increases as one moves away from the axis. Also, as the beam propagates through multiple interfaces, the accuracy of the Gauss-Hermite solution decreases.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Shocks and Detonations in a Model 3D Energetic Crystal with Defects

We examine shock induced detonation in a three-dimensional model of a nitromethane crystal. The crystal may contain a defect in the form of a small void. Three regimes are identified: the shock can be weak enough that no chemical bonds are broken; the shock can be so strong that a detonation front is established in the perfect crystal; or the shock can be of intermediate strength, where chemical activity requires the existence of the defect. In all regimes, the defect increases the reaction rate and causes a hot spot to appear.
Beyond Membership: A Sense of Community and Political Behavior

Why does community matter for political participation? In this paper, I consider how community psychology, particularly “sense of community” can be used to address questions of political behavior. Individuals’ perceptions about their significance in a given community can have meaningful effects on the way in which communities influence politics. Using a unique survey instrument designed to capture individual’s perceptions of community connectedness and political behavior across five contexts (workplace, church, associations, neighborhood, and circle of friends (i.e., an informal network) I analyze data from 822 respondents and examine how sense of community influences two types of political behavior: voting in local elections and political discussion. The empirical analyses presented demonstrate that sense of community contributes to explaining voting and discussion, even after controlling for demographic, personality, and other political factors.
Reaction of bank share prices to the Third-World debt reduction plan

Abstract Financial institutions have been subjected to several forms of regulatory intervention in recent years. Intervention may cause a wealth transfer to depository institutions and may therefore perceive these institutions to be undervalued. This effect can be verified by a positive abnormal share price response of the depository institutions. When the intervention is in response to a problem, the potential wealth transfer is a function of the magnitude of the problem, the magnitude of the remedy, and the financial source of the remedy (the source of the wealth transfer). One of the most prominent forms of intervention in the 1980s was the Debt Reduction Plan. Our study measures the effects of the Debt Reduction Plan on commercial bank share prices. We found that announcements pertaining to the Plan elicited a favorable share price response. Furthermore, the degree of response was positively associated with the bank's degree of exposure to debt of less developed countries.
Phosphorylation of Ryanodine Receptor At Serine-2809 Modulates Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca Release in Rabbit Ventricular Myocytes

The role of protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation of cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR) is highly controversial. Here we studied a functional link between RyR phosphorylation at serine-2809 (PKA-specific site) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release and leak in cardiomyocytes. We simultaneously measured intra-SR free Ca ([Ca]SR) with Fluo-5N and cytosolic Ca with Rhod-2 in permeabilized rabbit ventricular myocytes. RyR phosphorylation at site serine-2809 was measured with a phospho-specific antibody (Badrilla, UK). We found that cAMP (10 μM) increased Ca spark frequency by ∼2.6 times. This effect was associated with an increase in SR Ca load from 0.84 to 1.24 mM. PKA inhibitory peptide (10 μM) abolished cAMP-mediated increase of SR Ca load and spark frequency. When SERCA was completely blocked by thapsigargin, cAMP did not affect RyR-mediated Ca leak. The lack of cAMP effect on RyR function can be explained by almost maximal phosphorylation of RyR at serine-2809 after membrane permeabilization and also argues against the functional importance of another PKA-specific site (serine-2031) for SR Ca release. This high phosphorylation level of RyR could be due to a shift of the balance between protein kinase and phosphatase activity after permeabilization. Preventing this increase in phosphorylation with staurosporine (1 μM) decreased RyR-mediated SR Ca leak. Surprisingly, further dephosphorylation of RyR at serine-2809 with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1; 2 U/ml) markedly increased Ca leak. However, it is important to note that PP1 and staurosporine possibly affected other phosphorylation sites of RyR as well. In conclusion, our results provide direct evidence that RyR phosphorylation at serine-2809 modulates channel function and SR Ca release in rabbit ventricular myocytes.
Delay in Multilateral Bargaining under Complete Information

Abstract This paper analyzes a complete-information, infinite-horizon, multilateral bargaining model in which one player bargains with each of the other players one at a time and binding cash-offer contracts are used to govern transactions. Under a weak stationarity condition on equilibrium strategies, we characterize the set of equilibria for the game. We show that when players are sufficiently patient, significant delay in reaching agreements may emerge and this delay can become longer quickly as the number of involved parties rises. Indeed, when the number of bargainers is large, perpetual disagreement can occur in equilibrium. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C78, D23, D62.
Recurrent Preterm Birth

Recurrent preterm birth is frequently defined as two or more deliveries before 37 completed weeks of gestation. The recurrence rate varies as a function of the antecedent for preterm birth: spontaneous versus indicated. Spontaneous preterm birth is the result of either preterm labor with intact membranes or preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes. This article reviews the body of literature describing the risk of recurrence of spontaneous and indicated preterm birth. Also discussed are the factors which modify the risk for recurrent spontaneous preterm birth (a short sonographic cervical length and a positive cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin test). Patients with a history of an indicated preterm birth are at risk not only for recurrence of this subtype, but also for spontaneous preterm birth. Individuals of black origin have a higher rate of recurrent preterm birth.
Hybrid processor to compute invariant moments for pattern recognition.

A hybrid optical–digital processor is described that computes invariant moments of an image in parallel by spatial convolution with a single fixed mask.
IP resource sharing framework in a dual-mode ultraflow access network

In this paper, we propose an Internet Protocol (IP) resource-sharing framework (IRSF) for the UltraFlow access network that provides dual-mode service, i.e., optical IP and Flow, to the end-users. As part of IRSF, the service selector offloads a proportion of a Flow file to the underutilized IP channel, whenever such resource sharing improves Flow service delay. Simulation results indicate a maximum 25% decrease in Flow service delays achieved by IRSF in an UltraFlow access network with a single IP channel. The impact of Flow-over-IP (FoIP) transmission on regular IP traffic is found to be marginal. In the case that wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is enabled for IP service in the UltraFlow access network, a FoIP-aware wavelength assignment algorithm is proposed to improve the Flow service delay by 25% under heavy Flow traffic. The dependence of y, a parameter used by IRSF for performance tuning, on various traffic loads and UltraFlow system settings has been studied via extensive simulations. An automatic optimization algorithm is proposed to optimize y in the presence of time-varying IP traffic. The performance of IRSF has also been experimentally verified on our UltraFlow access testbed.
Control of interferon‐τ secretion by in vitro‐derived bovine blastocysts during extended culture and outgrowth formation

A series of experiments was conducted to examine the pattern of interferon-tau (IFN-tau) secretion by bovine blastocysts during extended culture in vitro. In the first experiment, blastocysts were cultured individually for three 48-hour periods. The day of blastocyst formation affected how much IFN-tau was produced during the first two culture periods, but not during the third period. The overall secretion of IFN-tau during the 6-day period increased significantly and well beyond what could be accounted for by the concomitant increase in cell numbers. In the second experiment, blastocysts were initially cultured in individual droplets for 48 hr, then plated into 48-well plates. Medium concentrations of IFN-tau were determined after 48 hr and again after 6 and 12 days of culture. Initial IFN-tau secretion did not affect the ability to form outgrowths or their final size, and initial differences in secretion between groups of blastocysts had disappeared by the second and third analyses. In the third experiment, blastocysts were cultured individually for 48 hr in droplets containing the medium that had been flushed through the uteri of non-pregnant sheep on days 10, 12, and 15 of the estrous cycle. Culture in the medium obtained from the Day 15 flush significantly increased the number of cells that blastocysts contained, as well as IFN-tau secretion.
Interferon-γ Selectively Induces Rab5a Synthesis and Processing in Mononuclear Cells

Abstract Macrophage activation by interferon (IFN)-γ is characterized by enhanced phagocytosis and killing of internalized pathogens. We studied the effects of IFN-γ on Rab5a, a GTPase involved in both endocytosis and phagocytosis. IFN-γ induced the synthesis of Rab5a in mononuclear cells as detected by immunoprecipitation and by Western blotting. Rab5a messenger RNA levels were also increased. Elevated protein expression was detected as early as 6 h following IFN-γ and was maximal at 24 h. Following IFN-γ, membrane association of Rab5a:GTP was substantially increased. Rab5b and Rab5c, as well as Rab7 and Rab11, Rab GTPases localized in the endosomal-lysosomal pathway, were unaffected by IFN-γ. Moreover, Rab5a expression in non-macrophages was unaltered by IFN-γ. Rab5a is a prenylated protein, and newly synthesized Rab5a was rapidly processed following IFN-γ. However, elevated geranylgeranylation was not Rab5a-specific since all the Rab5 isoforms were more rapidly prenylatedin vitro using cytosol from IFN-γ-treated cells. Last, guanine nucleotide exchange on Rab5a was elevated about 3-fold in the presence of cytosol from IFN-γ-treated cells. The selective effect of IFN-γ on Rab5a, synthesis, processing, and nucleotide exchange suggests that Rab isoforms have closely associated but not identical functions and that selective enhancement of membrane trafficking may play a key role in intracellular killing.
Disclinations and first order transitions in 2D melting

Abstract We present a unified analysis of two-dimensional defect melting involving both dislocations and disclinations. This permits the study of the feedback between the two types of defects and explains the first order of the melting transition.
Magnetic resonance imaging in moyamoya disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in a patient with moyamoya disease demonstrated multiple scattered white matter lesions, but was not sufficiently specific to confirm the diagnosis without other techniques. (J Child Neurol 1986;1:67-70)
High dietary magnesium intake decreases hyperoxaluria in patients with nephrolithiasis.

Objective To examine the relationship between urine magnesium and hyperoxaluria in a cohort of patients with recurrent stone formation. Methods A total of 311 patients with nephrolithaisis were evaluated. The patients were divided into quintiles of urine magnesium excretion, an accepted surrogate of dietary magnesium intake. Multivariate analysis was used to examine the relationship between magnesium and hyperoxaluria. Results The mean patient age was 50.0 ± 14.9 years, the body mass index was 28.0 ± 5.9 kg/m2, and 130 were women and 181 were men. The mean urine magnesium excretion was 100.8 ± 42.0 mg/d (range 17.8-224.8). On multivariate analysis, an increasing quintile of urine magnesium was associated with decreasing hyperoxaluria (β = −0.37, 95% confidence interval −0.6 to −0.14, P Conclusion Increasing magnesium intake was associated with decreasing hyperoxaluria in this population of patients with stone formation. Our findings showed that high magnesium intake might be required to observe clinically significant effects from magnesium.
Reliability Analysis for Crane Boom Base on Probabilistic Finite Element Method

Working condition and structure for crane boom is quite complex. In order to ensure the safety of crane, there is a high requirement for reliability. In this paper, probabilistic finite element method is used to analyze the reliability of crane boom. Parametric finite element model of crane boom is built and uncertain parameters are obtained by analyzing characteristics of dimensions, materials, loads and constraint conditions for crane boom. Uncertain parameters like structural dimensions, material parameters and loading parameters, etc are processed discretely and reliability of crane boom is obtained by using Probabilistic Design System (PDS) of ANSYS. Meanwhile, we can get the main parameters which affect reliability of crane boom and how much their influences will be by sensitivity analysis.
Mass Spectrometry Identifiable Cross-Linking Strategy for Studying Protein−Protein Interactions

A new mass spectrometry identifiable cross-linking strategy has been developed to study protein-protein interactions. The new cross-linker was designed to have two low-energy MS/MS-cleavable bonds in the spacer chain to provide three primary benefits: First, a reporter tag can be released from cross-link due to cleavage of the two labile bonds in the spacer chain. Second, a relatively simple MS/MS spectrum can be generated owing to favorable cleavage of labile bonds. And finally, the cross-linked peptide chains are dissociated from each other, and each then can be fragmented separately to get sequence information. Therefore, this novel type of cross-linker was named protein interaction reporter (PIR). To this end, two RINK groups were utilized to make our first-generation cross-linker using solid-phase peptide synthesis chemistry. The RINK group contains a bond more labile than peptide bonds during low-energy activation. The new cross-linker was applied to cross-link ribonuclease S (RNase S), a noncovalent complex of S-peptide and S-protein. The results demonstrated that the new cross-linker effectively reacted with RNase S to generate various types of cross-linked products. More importantly, the cross-linked peptides successfully released reporter ions during selective MS/MS conditions, and the dissociated peptide chains remained intact during MS(2), thus enabling MS(3) to be performed subsequently. In addition, dead-end, intra-, and inter-cross-linked peptides can be distinguished by analyzing MS/MS spectra.
Polymeric nanocomposite films from functionalized vs suspended single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract The reported work was to demonstrate that the defect-derived photoluminescence in functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes could be exploited in probing the dispersion of these nanotubes in polymeric nanocomposites because the luminescence emissions are sensitive to the degree of nanotube bundling and surface modification. The polyimide–SWNT nanocomposite thin films obtained from nanotubes with and without functionalization were compared. The spectroscopic results suggest that despite a similar visual appearance in the two kinds of films, the nanotube dispersion must be significantly better in the film with functionalized nanotubes, as reflected by the strong photoluminescence. In fact, the nanotubes embedded in polymer matrix that can be readily characterized by Raman spectroscopy are non-luminescent, while those that are difficult for Raman are strongly luminescent. Therefore, Raman and photoluminescence serve as complementary tools in the investigation of nanocomposites concerning the nanotube dispersion-related properties.
CLASSROOMS AND CULTURE: THE ROLE OF CONTEXT IN SHAPING MOTIVATION AND IDENTITY FOR SCIENCE LEARNING IN INDIGENOUS ADOLESCENTS

Many rural indigenous communities rely on science knowledge and innovation for survival and economic advancement, which requires community members to be motivated for learning science. Children in these communities have been viewed by some as unmotivated due to their low science achievement as they progress in school, particularly into majority secondary schools. Current theories of motivation, such as achievement goal theory, take classroom context into account when examining individual motivation. However, motivational climate can also be considered as tightly woven with the cultural and social practices of a community rather than individual perception. In this study, researchers spent time in two indigenous villages observing classrooms, participating in community events, and talking with community members. During those visits, Attayal/Sediq children in Taiwan (n = 18) and Mopan Mayan children in Belize (n = 18) participated in three semi-structured interviews about their experience learning science in school, home, and community. Results indicate that motivation for learning science is closely linked with their identity as science learners. Three themes emerged to illuminate how social practices may or may not support individual identity, and consequently motivation, for learning science—student/teacher relationships, support for learning, and motivational climate. Differences between children in Taiwan and Belize are explored. Implications for motivation theory, educational practice, and policy are discussed.
Saturation Magnetization of Nickel Films of Thickness Less Than 100 A

Nickel films varying in thickness from 200 to 3 A were prepared by evaporation on glass substrates in a vacuum sufficiently high to prevent gas adsorption on the film during preparation and measurement. Their magnetization was measured as a function of field up to 10 000 oe using a vacuum torsion magnetometer. The saturation magnetization of these films was determined as a function of their thickness at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. No decrease in saturation magnetization from that of bulk nickel has been observed for films of thickness down to 20 A, at room temperature. The Curie temperature of a 27 A film was found to coincide with that of bulk nickel. The magnetic behavior of films in the thickness range below 20 A suggests superparamagnetism rather than a decrease in the saturation magnetization. Measurements of the magnetostrictive anisotropy constant indicate that the films as originally prepared are in a state of high tensile strain, which can be relieved by annealing. The thin film nature of some specimens was ascertained by examination in the electron microscope.
AB initio effective core potentials including relativistic effects. A procedure for the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling in molecular wavefunctions

Abstract The first ab initio procedure for the treatment of spin-orbit coupling in molecules based on the use of relativistic effective potentials derived from Dirac-Fock atomic wavefunctions is presented. A rigorous definition for the spin-orbit operator is given and its use in molecular calculations discussed.
Creep behaviour of Cu-30% Zn at intermediate temaperatures

The creep properties of single-phase Cu-30% Zn alpha brass were investigated in the intermediate temperature range 573–823 K (0.48–0.70T m, whereT m is the absolute melting point). Inverse, linear, and sigmoidal primary creep transients were usually observed above 573 K under stresses resulting in minimum creep rates between 10−7 and 2×10−4s−1, while normal primary creep occurred under all other conditions. The creep stress exponent decreased from about 5.4 at 573 K to about 4.1 above 623 K, and the activation energy for creep varied between 170 and 180 kJ mol−1. A detailed analysis of the data, as well as a review of the literature, suggests that no clearly defined class M to class A to class M transition exists in this alloy, although the characteristics of both class A and class M behaviour are observed under nominally similar stresses and temperatures. It is concluded that Cu-30% Zn does not conform to the normally accepted characterization of class A or class M solid solution alloys.
Primary motor neurons fail to up‐regulate voltage‐gated sodium channel Nav1.3/brain type III following axotomy resulting from spinal cord injury

Epilepsy occurs in a small proportion of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), but whether it is due to concomitant traumatic head injury or to changes in cortical motor neurons secondary to axotomy within the spinal cord is not known. Na(v)1.3/brain type III sodium channel expression is up-regulated following peripheral axotomy of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and facial motor neurons, but, to date, Na(v)1.3 expression has not been examined in upper (cortical) motor neurons following axotomy associated with SCI. In the present study, we examine Na(v)1.3 expression in upper motor neurons within rat primary motor cortex following midthoracic (T9) dorsal column transection, which severs the axons of those cells. Axotomized pyramidal cells were identified by retrograde transport of fluorogold. Immunolabeled cells were confined to layer V of the primary motor cortex and exhibited low levels of Na(v)1.3 staining. After axotomy, no significant changes were detected in Na(v)1.3 density or distribution in injured or uninjured cells, compared with control brains, in contrast to up-regulation of Na(v)1.3 in ipsilateral DRG neurons after sciatic nerve transection. These results do not preclude a role for voltage-gated sodium channels in post-SCI epilepsy but suggest that up-regulated expression of Na(v)1.3 channel is not involved.
Time and temperature survivability of PRRS virus in serum and tissues.

Currently, definitive diagnosisof this disease depends on isolation of PRRS virus fromclinically ill animals. Harsh environmental conditions duringshipment of samples to a diagnostic laboratory could resultin inactivation of the virus and preclude virus isolation.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability ofPRRS virus in serum and tissues under the typical time andtemperature conditions of transportation of samples fromthe field to a laboratory.Five 7-day-old piglets were placed on nursery decks in ananimal isolation room at Purdue University School of Vet-erinary Medicine and fed a liquid milk replacer
How Do I Remember That I Know You Know That I Know

Communication is aided greatly when speakers and listeners take advantage of mutually shared knowledge (i.e., common ground). How such information is represented in memory is not well known. Using a neuropsychological-psycholinguistic approach to real-time language understanding, we investigated the ability to form and use common ground during conversation in memory-impaired participants with hippocampal amnesia. Analyses of amnesics' eye fixations as they interpreted their partner's utterances about a set of objects demonstrated successful use of common ground when the amnesics had immediate access to common-ground information, but dramatic failures when they did not. These findings indicate a clear role for declarative memory in maintenance of common-ground representations. Even when amnesics were successful, however, the eye movement record revealed subtle deficits in resolving potential ambiguity among competing intended referents; this finding suggests that declarative memory may be critical to more basic aspects of the on-line resolution of linguistic ambiguity.
Effects of situational demand upon social enjoyment and preference in schizotypy.

The socioemotional functioning of schizophrenic and schizotypic individuals is marked by withdrawal, poor organization, and limited emotional displays. Such behavioral tendencies and lack of social enjoyment in schizotypy could be linked to the relative situational demands or role ambiguity inherent in specific social activities. To determine whether high-schizotypy individuals prefer more clearly role-defined social activities (e.g., visiting relatives) to more ambiguous, novel situations (e.g., going alone to a party), the authors gathered reports from 52 high-schizotypy and 60 low-schizotypy individuals on their enjoyment and frequency of engaging in social situations varying in relative situational demand. Parallel reports were obtained from knowledgeable others. Group Situational Demand interactions revealed the hypothesized pattern of reduced frequency and enjoyment ratings for ambiguous or novel situations by the high-schizotypy participants in both self and others’ reports. Groups were more comparable in their reported frequency and enjoyment of less ambiguous situations. Results suggest the importance of situational demands in the socioemotional experience and behavioral withdrawal in schizotypy.
High-resolution passive microwave-imaging concept for ocean studies

A passive microwave-imaging technique is developed for advanced ocean remote sensing. The study contains the following stages: high-resolution multiband polarimetric radiometer scanning measurements, digital image processing, evaluation of 2D radiometric features, correlation and spectral analyses, and complimentary image modeling. Such a combined approach allows us to explore radio-brightness characteristics of the ocean images providing selections and specifications of radiometric signatures of interest. Image features are revealed in the form of brightness texture mosaics and distinct objects (spots). Under certain conditions, the signatures may reflect environmental dynamics of the ocean surface including roughness change, variations of wind, wave breaking, and foam/whitecap activities. We suppose that high-resolution passive microwave imagery has potential capabilities for diagnostics of ocean variables and localized hydrodynamic phenomena. In the paper, related results are presented and discussed.
Weight shifting techniques for self-recovery neural networks

In this paper, a self-recovery technique of feedforward neural networks called weight shifting and its analytical models are proposed. The technique is applied to recover a network when some faulty links and/or neurons occur during the operation. If some input links of a specific neuron are detected faulty, their weights will be shifted to healthy links of the same neuron. On the other hand, if a faulty neuron is encountered, then we can treat it as a special case of faulty links by considering all the output links of that neuron to be faulty. The aim of this technique is to recover the network in a short time without any retraining and hardware repair. We also propose the hardware architecture for implementing this technique. >
Use of Visual and Olfactory Cues for Individual Nest Hole Recognition by the Solitary Bee Epicharis metatarsalis (Apidae, Anthophorinae)

Both social and solitary Hymenoptera have a remarkable ability to navigate and to find their way back to their nests (Wehner, 1981). Nest location and recognition by Hymenoptera can involve both visual and olfactory cues (Holldobler and Michener, 1980). It has been proposed that the use of olfactory cues for individual nest recognition is an important ‘‘preadaptation’’ for the multiple evolutions of sociality among Hymenoptera, since chemical pheromones are frequently used by social Hymenoptera to distinguish nest mates or kin from outsiders (Wcislo, 1990, 1992). Previous studies on the use of visual and olfactory cues for individual nest location and recognition (summarized in Wcislo, 1992) suggest that the use of both categories of cues is widespread among bees (Apiformes), although most hunting wasps (Sphecidae) may use only visual cues. The wide taxonomic distribution of the use of both chemical and visual traits among bees implies that all bees can use both kinds of cues for either nest location or recognition, but there have been few studies of nest location or recognition in the acorbiculate Apidae (sensu Roig-Alsina and Michener, 1993). This study
Molecular diversity and function of G proteins and calcium channels.

General features of signal transduction by G proteins and structural properties of G-protein-modulated calcium channels are described. Recent results on roles of �‘y dimers in signal transduction, on the kinetic properties of G1a subunits and structural diversity of G0a subunits are discussed, as are the background and current state of our knowledge of the modulation of calcium channels by G proteins.
Negotiating borderlands: a study of music teaching and learning in Ghana, West Africa

(2003). Negotiating borderlands: a study of music teaching and learning in Ghana, West Africa. Music Education Research: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 275-283.
Optimal switching networks for WSI architectures with fault tolerant path routing

This paper presents an approach for designing fault-tolerant routers for signal distribution by redundant path routing in wafer scale integration (WSI) architectures. The conditions by which a router can be designed using spare lines (tracks) such that the probability of successfully routing all input lines in the prescribed order and in the presence of faults in switches can be optimized (optimality), are proved using a probabilistic analysis. An algorithm which determines the placement of the switches in the router to satisfy the optimality conditions is presented.
Crisis communications preparedness among U.S. organizations: Activities and assessments by public relations practitioners

A survey of U.S. public relations practitioners (n = 126) found that three-quarters of their employer organizations had a written crisis communications plan and that organizations, as a whole, were reasonably prepared to engage in crisis communications. Preparedness was measured based on the presence of a crisis plan as well as indices related to tactics, training, the maintenance of contact lists, and media monitoring. Preparedness was found to be positively correlated to organization size, the level of autonomy, and delegation of authority within the organization, and the process orientation of the organization, but not organization type nor involvement in international versus domestic-only operations. Practitioners from organizations with plans had lower assessments of their relationships with publics, but greater confidence in their ability to respond.
The politics of Singapore in the 1980s

(1989). The politics of Singapore in the 1980s. Journal of Contemporary Asia: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 48-77.
Ionization of dimethyluracil dimers leads to facile proton transfer in the absence of hydrogen bonds

Proton transfer is usually considered in the context of hydrogen-bonding networks serving as proton-shuttling pathways. Now, an efficient ionization-induced proton transfer in the absence of hydrogen bonds has been observed in a model π-stacked system, the 1,3-dimethyluracil dimer.
Is there a hard money future after graduate school

As a relatively junior member of AGU, I wish to express a few opinions that are probably shared by many other junior AGU members. I am sure we are all familiar with the plight of many recent graduates as they struggle with a changing economy and shifting societal requirements on the sciences. I do not wish to merely join the chorus of those who complain that society has educated them only to see them forced to seek a living outside of their training. I hope, rather, to speak primarily to the senior members of AGU. I hope you will listen.
High field gradient for electron acceleration and ultra-short electron pulse formation

We demonstrate possibility of multi-MeV electron acceleration and ultra-short electron bunch formation in the most basic ldquotransverserdquo geometry of an electron beam and tightly focused laser beam whereby the beams propagate normally to each other.
Spontaneous clearance of chronic hepatitis C during pregnancy.

TO THE EDITOR: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is prevalent throughout the world, with approximately 4 million infected individuals in the United States alone (1). Spontaneous clearance of HCV after chronic infection has already been established is rare enough to justify individual case reports (2, 3).
Road bias for deer density estimates at 2 national parks in Maryland

Estimating the population density of deer is an essential task for public agencies that plan a herd reduction. Distance sampling has been increasingly utilized to estimate population density, and is used by the National Park Service to estimate white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) densities throughout the eastern United States. Many of these surveys are conducted along public roads due to limited resources and accessibility, which may violate a critical assumption of distance sampling and potentially introduce sampling bias. We used infrared cameras to confirm deer activity with respect to survey roads at 2 national parks in Maryland, USA (Catoctin National Park and Antietam National Historic Battlefield), during 2005 and 2006 and compared results with the predicted distributions. The number of deer observed during road surveys declined with distance intervals at Catoctin, but there was a similar amount of deer activity at each distance interval. At Antietam, survey observations maintained a constant level of activity beyond 200 m from the survey route, while deer activity was inconsistent between distance intervals. The mean number of deer photographs/day/sample point did vary significantly across distance intervals from the survey route at Antietam, but not at Catoctin. In Antietam, the uneven distribution of agricultural fields and public roads were significant predictors of deer activity detected during the camera surveys. At Catoctin, the fit of the detection function was improved by expanding the first distance interval. Although density estimation using DISTANCE can account for most sources of error introduced by use of public roads, our data indicate bias is likely to occur in landscapes with high road densities and long sight distances. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Reproductive and other health outcomes in Iraq and Afghanistan women veterans using VA health care: association with mental health diagnoses.

Background An increasing number of women serve in the military and are exposed to trauma during service that can lead to mental health problems. Understanding how these mental health problems affect reproductive and physical health outcomes will inform interventions to improve care for women veterans.
Fine Structure of Five Species of Myxomycetes with Clustered Spores

SYNOPSIS. Electronmicroscopic studies were made of 5 species of Myxomycetes with clustered spores to determine the exact mechanism holding the spores together. In Dianema corticatum the neighboring spore walls were closely appressed and appeared to be fused at numerous points. In Trichia synsporum there was a substance between the outer spore walls of adjacent spores which seemed to cement them together. In Badhamia nitens the spore walls were completely fused along their closely appressed surfaces. The adjacent spores of Badhamia versicolor appeared to be free, or if any fusion point was present it was only at the tips of the ornamentation. In Physarum bogoriense such tips were in contact with those of neighboring spores and were occasionally fused at these points.
Investigation of the PL CEBUS performance with and without acknowledgment

This paper presents the first performance evaluation of the PL CEBUS with acknowledgment. Three different cases, namely, 600, 300 and 100 bit packet sizes, have been considered. The evaluation has included simulation experiments measuring message and packet delays, message throughput, and channel throughput. Acknowledged network CEBus service has been confirmed to perform well in terms of delays and message throughputs when compared to unacknowledged service over the practical range of normalized offered load. However, at high loads, substantial performance differences occur. Overall, as should be expected, the acknowledged PL CEBUS provides a more reliable service: but at the expense of somewhat increased delays and reduced throughputs when compared with the unacknowledged PL CEBUS. Detailed comparisons between acknowledged and unacknowledged networks are presented and discussed. >
Female Headed Households in Iran (1976–2006)

Here we address the issue of female-headed households in Iran in an effort to discover whether the incidences, causes, and consequences are similar to those seen elsewhere in both developed and developing countries. In the United States such households are not always found to have resulted from involuntary, relatively homogeneous causes, but there is a persistent finding of associated poverty. From Iranian census data including the past 40 years, we found a rather dramatic, albeit not extremely large, countercultural increase in female-headed households; however, such households neither resulted from common causes nor led necessarily to poverty. We consider these results in relation to their implications about changes in family and women's roles in this highly transitional society in which tradition and modernity seem to coexist and family changes emerge slowly and selectively.
Imaging of trauma: Part 1, Pseudotrauma of the spine--osseous variants that may simulate injury.

OBJECTIVE. Anatomic variants and incomplete ossification and fusion of the developing spine may result in an erroneous diagnosis of injury or disease. This article reviews some of the more common imaging findings that may present as pseudotrauma. Normal development of the spine is reviewed, including synchondroses and ossification centers. Imaging of common variants is presented, with a focus on CT. CONCLUSION. Recognition of the normal developing spine and variants can prevent an incorrect diagnosis of injury and inappropriate treatment.
CATIONIC CYCLIZATION REACTIONS TERMINATED BY PINACOL REARRANGEMENTS

The assembly of cyclic molecules from acylic precursors by cyclization reactions that proceed via cationic intermediates is a time-tested effective strategy in organic synthesis. [1] Much of the recent progress in this area stems from the development of selective electrophilic functionality for initiating the cyclization and complimentary nucleophilic functionality for cyclization termination. Illustrative examples would be the widely employed acetal cyclization initiators pioneered in Johnson’s laboratories [1,2] and organosilane cyclization terminators [3] initially introduced by Fleming. [4] The most useful terminating nucleophiles “control” the cyclization process such that a single product is formed and leave this product with sufficient functionality for further synthetic manipulation.
How Parents Fare Mothers’ and Fathers’ Subjective Well-Being in Time with Children

The shift towards more time-intensive and child-centered parenting in the U.S. is widely assumed to be positively linked to healthy child development, but implications for adult well-being are less clear. We go beyond prior work on parenthood and well-being to assess the multidimensional nature of mothers' and fathers' subjective well-being in time with children. Our emphasis on parenting (activities) as opposed to parenthood (status) draws attention to how the nature and context of time use contribute to differences in parents' happiness, meaning, sadness, stress, and fatigue. We posit that time with children may elicit more positive and negative feelings than time without children, particularly among mothers, whose greater investments in childrearing may be associated with more strain but also more meaning. Relying on nationally representative time diary data from the 2010 well-being module of the American Time Use Survey (N = 23,282), we find that parents consistently report more positive affect in time with children than without. Mothers report less happiness, more stress, and greater fatigue (but not more meaning) in time with children than fathers, and their greater fatigue is not explained by mediating factors such as the quality and quantity of sleep and leisure, activity type, or solo parenting.
Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts on fresh vegetables and herbs using antibodies specific for a Cryptosporidium parvum viral antigen

The purpose of this study was to determine if the viral symbiont of Cryptosporidium parvum (CPV) sporozoites could be used as a target for sensitive detection of the parasite in food samples. Polyclonal sera specific to the recombinant viral capsid protein (rCPV40) was used in a dot blot hybridization assay to detect oocysts recovered from green onions and cilantro. Small batches of chopped green onions and cilantro leaves were artificially contaminated with three different concentrations of oocysts: 106, 102, and 101. rCPV40 was superior in detecting oocysts compared with other antibodies directed toward total oocyst protein and oocyst surface antigens. This study provides evidence that CPV is an excellent target for sensitive detection of C. parvum oocysts in foods.
Reef-Specific Patterns of Gene Expression Plasticity in Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica)

Understanding the interaction between phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary processes is important for predicting a species' response to changing environment. Strong recurrent selection each generation may be an important process in highly fecund species with broad dispersal and extensive early mortality. We tested whether selection was associated with spatial divergence in gene expression plasticity for osmoregulation in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). We collected adult oysters from high and low salinity reefs within a single estuary and after 9 weeks of acclimation at 10 and 30 salinity, measured gene expression in 24 oysters using next-generation RNA sequencing technology. The oysters had significantly different expression (DE) in response to salinity treatments for 7936 (18.9%) transcripts overall, with planned contrasts showing 8× more DE in oysters from the high-salinity reef and 15× more DE between reefs when tested at 10 salinity. The reef-by-treatment interaction was also genomically pervasive (5858 DE transcripts, 13.9%). Inter-reef F ST for transcript SNPs averaged 0.0025 with the top 1% between 0.29 and 0.73. Transcripts containing "outlier" SNPs were significantly enriched for osmoregulatory genes and showed patterns of variation consistent with selection on the low-salinity reef. Both phenotypic plasticity and recurrent selection seem to be important factors determining the realized niche of oysters within estuaries.
Effect of FGFR1 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and EGFR resistance in HNC: A systems biology approach.

6091 Background: Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1) plays an important role in cancer and is an emerging treatment target for squamous lung cancer and other tumor types. We determined the ...