cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Cerium-Based Oxides

We report a facile hydrothermal synthesis in base solution for shape/size-controlled ceria (CeO2) nanocrystals and CeO2-ZrO2 solid solution. CeO2 nanocrystals in the shape of nanorods, nanotubes, or nanocubes with reactive {110} and {200} faces can be produced using this hydrothermal method. We found that hydrothermal reaction temperature is a critical parameter to control the shape and size of ceria nanocrystals. Above 210 °C, high resolution transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that the CeO2 nanocubes expose predominant {200} crystal planes. Microscopic investigation showed that the CeO2-ZrO2 solid solutions synthesized using this method had high crystallinity, and compositional homogeneity, and improved low-temperature reducibility.
Decreased Proliferation Kinetics of Mouse Myoblasts Overexpressing FRG1

Although recent publications have linked the molecular events driving facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) to expression of the double homeobox transcription factor DUX4, overexpression of FRG1 has been proposed as one alternative causal agent as mice overexpressing FRG1 present with muscular dystrophy. Here, we characterize proliferative defects in two independent myoblast lines overexpressing FRG1. Myoblasts isolated from thigh muscle of FRG1 transgenic mice, an affected dystrophic muscle, exhibit delayed proliferation as measured by decreased clone size, whereas myoblasts isolated from the unaffected diaphragm muscle proliferated normally. To confirm the observation that overexpression of FRG1 could impair myoblast proliferation, we examined C2C12 myoblasts with inducible overexpression of FRG1, finding increased doubling time and G1-phase cells in mass culture after induction of FRG1 and decreased levels of pRb phosphorylation. We propose that depressed myoblast proliferation may contribute to the pathology of mice overexpressing FRG1 and may play a part in FSHD.
Kinetics of Crystallization of ZrF4‐Ba2‐LaF3 Glass by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

The kinetics of devitrification in ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3 (62–33–5 mol %) glass were studied by isothermal and nonisothermal methods using differential scanning calorimetry. The crystallization reaction followed the Avrami equation, x=1-exp[—(kt)], where x is the fraction crystallized after time t. The rate con stant k obeyed an Arrhenius equation, k(s−1)=6.69 × 1021 exp The value of the Avrami exponent, n, bas 3.2×0.2, indicating three-dimensional crystal growth at a constant number of nucleation sites. Values of kinetics parame ters obtained from isothermal and nonisothermal techniques were in excellent agreement. The heat of crystallization measured from isothermal peaks was computed to be 38.5×3.5 J/g.
Thromboembolism after Beall Valve replacement of the mitral valve.

Abstract A series of 76 isolated mitral valve replacements with the Beall valve is reported. A perioperative mortality of 3.5% (3 patients) and a late mortality of 6.8% (5 patients) was obtained. Thromboembolism occurred in 4 patients (5.2%). In a separate study, platelet survival times were determined in 17 patients with Beall valves by using chromium 51–labeled autologous platelets. Six patients had had thromboembolic (TE) episodes; the remaining 11 had not. The normal platelet survival time was > 3.3 days. Patients with TE had shortened platelet survival times (mean 2.8 $pM 0.11 days) which were significantly less ( p
Elucidation of an SRE-1/SREBP-independent cellular pathway for LDL-receptor regulation: from the cell surface to the nucleus

Reduction in blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowers the risk of coronary heart disease. The elucidation of cellular pathways that control LDL-receptor expression through a cholesterol-mediated negative feedback mechanism has provided a crucial molecular basis for the development and clinical applications of statins in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. The characterization of signaling transduction pathways elicited by cytokine oncostatin M (OM) in liver cells has revealed a novel cellular pathway that activates LDL-receptor transcription independent of intracellular levels of cholesterol and sterol-regulatory element binding proteins. This transcriptional activation is achieved through interactions of the sterol-independent regulatory element of LDL-receptor promoter and transcription factors Egr1 and c/EBPβ, and is dependent upon the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling cascade by OM. In vivo OM administration in hyperlipidemic animals reduces c...
A New Analytical Approach to Predict Spacing Selection in Lamellar and Rod Eutectic Systems

The Jackson and Hunt (JH) theory has been modified to relax the assumption of isothermal solid/liquid interface used in their treatment. Based on the predictions of this modified theory, the traditional definitions of regular and irregular eutectics are revised. For regular eutectics, the new model identifies a range of spacing within the limits defined by the minimum undercooling of the α and β phases. For the irregular Al-Si eutectic system, two different spacing selection mechanisms were identified: (1) for a particular growth rate, a nearly isothermal interface can be achieved at a unique minimum spacing λ I ; (2) the average spacing (λ av >λ I ) is essentially dictated by the undercooling of the faceted phase. Based on the modified theoretical model, a semiempirical expression has been developed to account for the influence of the temperature gradient, which is dominant in the irregular Al-Si system. The behavior of the Fe-Fe3C eutectic is also discussed. The theoretical calculations have been found to be in good agreement with the published experimental measurements.
Note on high energy scattering of open superstrings

We study the Regge and hard-scattering limits of the one-loop amplitude for massless open string states in the type I theory in flat space. For hard scattering we find the exact kinematic dependence in terms of the scattering angle of the factor multiplying the known exponential falloff, without relying on a saddle point approximation for the integration over the cross ratio. This bypasses the issues of estimating the contributions from flat directions as well as those that arise from fluctuations of the Gaussian integration about the saddle point. This result allows for a straightforward computation of the small-angle behavior of the hard-scattering regime and we find complete agreement with the Regge limit at high momentum transfer, as expected.
Exploring Barriers to Home Gardening in Ohio Households

Scholars have noted that race and ethnicity, socio-economic status (SES) as well as other socio-demographic factors may limit participation in local food systems based on the historic and structured patterns of inequalities that remain in communities promoting alternative agriculture and food (agrifood) activities. However, few empirical studies have examined the barriers which prevent people from participating in local food system activities. This paper uses survey data from the 2008 Ohio Survey of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Issues to consider whether barriers such as interest, time, financial resources, geography and space impact the participation of households in home gardening. Results from logistic regression show that SES, the availability of space and housing type are important factors which limit or enable household participation in home gardening. This paper contributes to our understanding of the barriers that prevent households from participating in home gardening, a form of food syste...
Volatile Compounds and Chemical Changes in Ultrapasteurized Milk Packaged in Polyethylene Terephthalate Containers

The volatile compounds profile and chemical stability of ultrapasteurized 2% milk bottled in amber polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were studied along with its shelf life of 60 d at 5 °C. Identification of volatile compounds using a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed in situ in the commercial product. Chemical stability was determined by measuring dissolved oxygen, free sulfhydryl groups, ascorbic acid, and headspace oxygen. The classes of volatile compounds identified were ketones, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, alcohol, and miscellaneous compounds. Volatile compounds found consistently during the storage period were 2-heptanone, methoxy-phenyl-oxime, decane, 1-ethyl-2,4-dimethyl-benzene, D-limonene, 2-nonanone, octanoic acid, dodecane, and 4-(1,1,3,3, -tetramethylbutyl) phenol. Possible products of lipid oxidation, such as hexanal, octanal, and nonanal, were also positively identified. Chemical stability of PET-bottled milk was demonstrated by the insignificant changes in pH or TA, with the exception of ascorbic acid concentration, which degraded in the product at 60 d of refrigerated storage. Sensory evaluation of the milk samples revealed that there is no noticeable oxidized or rancid off-flavor at 60 d of storage.
Fractionation of condensed tannins by counter-current chromatography

Abstract Counter-current chromatography (CCC) was used to separate condensed tannin extracted from sorghum grain. Tannin already purified by another method was separated by CCC into nine fractions. Crude tannin extracts of sorghum were fractionated, showing different profiles for different sorghum cultivars. The amount of crude sample applied to the CCC column was increased for a large scale separation to obtain fractions of purified tannin large enough to be used for further characterization. Separation of tannins by CCC is partially due to differences in the length of the polymeric tannin molecules.
Inactivation of protease inhibitor activity by plant-derived quinones: Complications for host-plant resistance against noctuid herbivores

Abstract Insect feeding damage on tomato foliage elicits both a localized wounding response that includes the activation of polyphenol oxidase activity and a systemic wounding response that includes de novo synthesis of protease inhibitors. The oxidative reactions mediated by polyphenol oxidase lead to the rapid oxidation of ortho-dihydroxyphenolics to highly reactive electrophilic quinones. Previous results in our laboratory have shown that the enzymatic oxidation of phenolics resulting from wounded plant tissues contributes significantly to resistance against aphids and lepidopterous larvae. However, we propose that such oxidative processes also have the potential to interfere with the toxicity of inducible protease inhibitors against noctuid herbivores. Chlorogenoquinone, formed from the oxidation of chlorogenic acids, binds covalently to protease inhibitors. Analysis of amino acid content of treated protease inhibitors from soybean, tomato foliage, and lima bean indicate that the sulphydryl groups of these proteins are particularly susceptible to conjugation by chlorogenoquinone. The binding of chlorogenoquinone to soybean and tomato prtease inhibitors significantly reduces their toxicity to the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua. Also, the treatment of these protease inhibitors with chlorogenoquinone decreases their ability to inhibit proteolysis in vitro. The co-occurrence of polyphenol oxidases, ortho-dihydroxyphenolics, and protease inhibitors in many vascular plant species suggest that our results may be extrapolatable to other plant-herbivore systems. The significance of our findings to further development of ecological theory of plant defensive strategies and chemically based host-plant resistance is discussed.
Glass transition in poly(vinylpyrrolidone) : effect of molecular weight and diluents

Amorphous poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) varying in molecular weight (MW) (10 000, 24 000, and 40 000) was used to study the effect of molecular weight on the glass transition temperature (Tg). Tg was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Blends with several diluents (water, butylamine, glycine, hexanal, xylose, glucose, and lysine) were also analyzed and the effect of blend composition on Tg was evaluated. The effect of average molecular weight and of composition in the blends of PVP-plasticizer on Tg was well described by previously reported relationships developed for synthetic polymers. The quantitative results obtained can be used for formulation of mixtures with known Tg and for prediction of their behavior in storage.
Risk factors associated with clindamycin-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in hand abscesses.

Purpose To identify risk factors for clindamycin resistance in acute hand abscesses caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods We performed a retrospective review of 247 consecutive culture-positive hand abscesses from 2010 to 2012 at an urban hospital. Historical and laboratory data from patients with abscesses that grew MRSA with and without clindamycin resistance were compared in a multivariate analysis. Results Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus grew on culture from 103 abscesses; 16% of those isolates were resistant to clindamycin. Multivariate analysis showed that younger age, intravenous drug use, and nosocomial acquired MRSA were significant risk factors for concurrent clindamycin resistance. Patients with a history of intravenous drug use and nosocomial acquired MRSA were, respectively, 11 and 5 times more likely to have concurrent clindamycin resistance. History of MRSA infection and human immunodeficiency virus were not identified as risk factors. Conclusions Patients with a history of intravenous drug use or recent contact with health care facilities appear to be a potential reservoir for emerging multidrug-resistant MRSA. Selection of clindamycin as an empiric antibiotic should be especially avoided for these groups. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic III.
Characteristics of tape casting slurries containing forsterite, PVB and organic solvent

Abstract Investigations were carried out to study the rheology, dispersion and polymer adsorption of a tape casting slurry system containing forsterite, various PVB binders and solvents. For untreated forsterite, slurries may show shearthickening behavior with either polar or nonpolar solvent. No binder was found to adsorb on forsterite in well-dispersed ethanol slurries. Low sediment packing density and substantial PVB adsorption were observed in slurries containing less polar solvents such as MEK or toluene. However, a change in the forsterite surface conditions can alter these results. In general, slurry properties are related to the solvent polarity, hydroxyl content of PVB, and surface characteristics of the ceramic particles.
Brain 5-HT1A receptor autoradiography and hypothermic responses in rats bred for differences in 8-OH-DPAT sensitivity.

Abstract Three rat lines were selectively bred for high (HDS), random (RDS), or low (LDS) hypothermic responses to the specific 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT. Forty-five minutes after 8-OH-DPAT administration (0.5 mg/kg), body temperatures dropped 3–5°C in HDS rats, yet this dose produced only about 1.2°C and 0.7°C drops in RDS and LDS rats, respectively. To investigate the relationship of body temperature to 5-HT1A receptor binding sites, autoradiographic analyses of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding to 5-HT1A receptors in brains of these rats were conducted. Significant differences in binding were found in specific limbic cortical projection sites, with the HDS line having the greatest density of sites. Body temperature responses correlated significantly with [3H]8-OH-DPAT receptor binding in only a few areas of frontal cortex. Binding in many other brain regions, including the anterior and posterior hypothalami (regions long associated with body temperature regulation) and the raphe showed no significant differences among the lines. [3H]Ketanserin binding to cortical 5-HT2 receptors did not differ among the lines, except in the cingulate and superficial frontal cortices where HDS exhibited higher binding. These data suggest that differences in 5-HT1A receptor number may contribute to the exaggerated hypothermic response to 8-OH-DPAT in HDS rats. These studies also suggest that genetic regulation of receptor density may be brain region specific which should encourage future studies of the mechanisms of 5-HT1A receptor activity in brain and the action of drugs affecting this receptor.
Experiments in social computation: (and the data they generate)

For a number of years we have been conducting controlled human-subject experiments in distributed social computation in networks with only limited and local communication. These experiments cast a number of traditional computational, economic and sociological problems (including graph coloring, consensus, independent set, networked bargaining, biased voting and network formation) as games of strategic interaction in which subjects have financial incentives to collectively "compute" global solutions. I will overview and summarize the many behavioral findings from this line of experimentation. I will give particular emphasis to the novel data the experiments have generated, and the analyses this data has permitted, including quantitative studies of subject "personality" traits such as stubbornness, altruism, and patience, and whether those traits seem helpful or harmful to individual and collective performance.
Psychophysics of lateral tachistoscopic presentation

Human visual performance depends upon the retinal position to which a target is delivered. A general finding is that performance measured in a variety of psychophysical tasks deteriorates as a target is presented to more eccentric retinal regions. One purpose of this paper is to describe differences between foveal and peripheral vision in a number of psychophysical tasks. A second purpose is to review studies which have attempted to account for the fall off in visual performance between central and peripheral target presentations. A third purpose is to consider the contribution of the periphery to perception since targets which are sufficiently large project not only on receptors in the fovea but also on those in the periphery. In addition, stimuli presented to the peripheral retina can influence the processing of a target presented to the central retinal region. A fourth purpose is to review studies which have attempted to compensate for foveal and peripheral differences by scaling the target in size or some other attribute in proportion to the cortical magnification factor. A final purpose of this paper is to consider whether the fovea and the periphery are specialized for different functions.
Kinetics of Hydrometeor Growth from a Vaper-Spherical Model

Abstract A new growth equation for pure water and solution droplets with radii≳1µm has been developed which features discrete vapor and temperature fields at the surface of growing droplets. The discrete fields are created by the condensation and thermal accommodation coefficients in order to maintain steady state in the vapor and heat transfers. The newly derived equation is compared with previous theories, and their differences and ranges of applicability are clarified. It is shown that the newly derived equation includes some of the previous equations as special cases. The new equation is numerically evaluated and graphically examined for the case of pure water droplets. The results show a spreading tendency in size distribution of formed droplets at the start of their growth. The present theory and equations may also be applied to the evaporation of a droplet and the growth of an ice particle where the shape can he assumed to he spherical.
High-level expression of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis thymidylate synthases.

Abstract Procedures are described for the preparation of highly purified thymidylate synthases from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The yields in each case are quite high with about 350 mg of pure protein obtained from 1 liter of cells. Basically all that is required to obtain pure enzyme is an induction step from a high-expression vector, followed by a DE-52 column elution. Both enzymes appeared to be fairly stable in that incubation at 43°C for 10 min resulted in the loss of 50% of the E. coli thymidylate synthase activity, while 50°C for 10 min was required to obtain the same effect with the B. subtilis enzyme. In the presence of the substrate, dUMP, each protein was stabilized further by 6 to 7°C, which was increased to 9 to 10°C on addition of dihydrofolate. It was shown also that the E. coli thymidylate synthase could be maintained at 4°C for at least 4 months with little or no loss in activity provided that mercaptoethanol was not present. The presence of the latter led to a progressive loss in activity until little activity could be detected after 18 weeks, which was due, in part, to the formation of a disulfide bond with the active site cysteine. Addition of dithiothreitol restored the enzyme activity to its original state.
Accessibility of the α chains in membrane-bound and solubilized bacterial ATPase to chymotryptic cleavage

Abstract Limited chymotryptic cleavage of the α subunits in the solubilized ATPase from Streptococcus faecalis is accompanied by loss of membrane binding capacity (Abrams, A., Morris, D., Jensen, C. (1976) Biochem. 15, 5560). To obtain evidence that the α chains might function directly in membrane attachment we compared the effect of chymotrypsin on the soluble and membrane-bound enzyme. Using a low level of chymotrypsin the soluble ATPase was quantitatively converted to a catalytically active form in which the 55000 dalton α chains were shortened by approximately 2000 daltons. However, at 80 fold higher levels of chymotrypsin the ATPase in a reconstituted ATPase-membrane complex was completely unaffected. Protection from chymotryptic attack appeared to be membrane specific since the soluble ATPase was not protected by addition of massive amounts of bovine serum albumin. The total and specific immunity to chymotrypsin conferred by membrane binding indicates that chymotrypsin-sensitive α chain “tails” are closely associated with or buried in the membrane. These findings support the view that the α chains are involved directly in membrane attachment.
A systems approach to air pollution control.

Abstract A preliminary study for the systematic investigation and the control of the pollution of the atmosphere over a wide region is considered and discussed.
Induced food preferences in caterpillars: the need to identify mechanisms

This review discusses the ambiguity of results obtained from dual-choice feeding tests, especially in relation to the study of effects of experience. Induced preference experiments done this way can be caused by up to nine potential changes in caterpillar behavior. In addition different physiological mechanisms that could lead to the process of induced preference are discussed. These include habituation to deterrents, the increased ability to process xenobiotics, the acquisition of specific positive responses, sensitization, and associative learning. These different processes might relate to function in different ways so that distinguishing them is important to progress in understanding the phenomenon. Suggestions for experimental designs that provide details on processes involved are indicated.
Numerical integration using rys polynomials

Abstract We define and discuss the properties of manifolds of polynomials J n ( t , x ) and R n ( t , x ), called Rys polynomials, which are orthonormal with respect to the weighting factor exp(− xt 2 ) on a finite interval of t . Numerical quadrature based on Rys polynomials provides an alternative approach to the computation of integrals commonly encountered in molecular quantum mechanics. This gives rise to a curve fitting problem for the roots and quadrature weights as a function of the x parameter. We have used Chebyshev approximation for small x and an asymptotic expansion for large x . A modified Christoffel-Darboux equation applicable to Rys polynomials is derived and used to obtain alternative formulas for Rys quadrature weight factors.
Searching for the Lowest Energy Conformation of Substrates in the Carboxypeptidase A Active Site Using Monte Carlo/Energy Minimization Techniques

Abstract More than fifteen substrates of carboxypeptidase A (CPA) have been “docked” to the active site of the enzyme and searched for the lowest energy conformation of the substrates bound to the active site. The method employed combines Monte Carlo procedures with energy minimization (MC/EM procedures). The distances of P 1′ –P 3 to S 1′ –S 3 were measured. The computational results are consistent with the proposed binding interactions of CPA and its substrates and also with the promoted-water pathway of CPA catalysis. This study has demonstrated that MC/EM procedures are very useful for searching the conformations of substrates available in the active site of the enzyme.
Circadian biology: the physiology of inner retinal photoreceptors.

Abstract Non-traditional photoreceptors detect overall irradiance in the vertebrate retina. Such cells in the mouse inner retina show increased intracellular Ca 2+ levels following illumination. Neurons in the outer retina of fish also display characteristics appropriate for an irradiance detector.
A lower bound for controlled Lagrangian particle tracking error

Autonomous underwater vehicles are flexible mobile platforms for ocean sampling and surveillance missions. However, navigation of these vehicles in unstructured, highly variable ocean environments poses a significant challenge. Model-based prediction of vehicle position may be used to improve navigation capability, but prediction error exists due to limited resolution and accuracy of flow values obtained from ocean models that calculate flow velocity at discrete grid points. We present a theoretical lower bound on the steady-state error in position prediction for underwater vehicles using ocean model flow data and show that it is determined by the gridsize used by the ocean models. Our conclusions are justified by simulation and data collected during an ocean experiment.
An evaluation of the proposed revision of the anti-vibration glove test method defined in ISO 10819 (1996)

Abstract To improve the reliability of the anti-vibration (AV) glove test defined in the current standard, a revised version of the standard has been proposed. However, the revised method has not been fully tested and sufficiently evaluated, and it is unknown whether it is practically feasible and convenient to implement the standard. To help achieve the objective of the revision, the specific aims of this study are to examine the rationale behind the major revisions of the standard and to evaluate the major technical aspects of the revised method through an experiment. Five human subjects participated in the experiment for the evaluation. Fifteen gloves with anti-vibration features were used in the experiment. To help evaluate the AV glove criteria, the effects of the glove on the grip strength were also examined. While this study failed to realize the constant-velocity spectrum proposed in the original revision, the glove vibration transmissibility values measured with a new spectrum proposed in the current study were very similar to those measured with the M and H spectra defined in the current standard, which suggests the new spectrum can greatly simplify the test without changing the original test results, and it should be adopted in the further revision of the standard. The results of this study also strongly support the proposed major revisions in the instrumentation and test procedures. Coincidently, the glove that reduced the grip strength the least was also the one that reduced the most vibration, which suggests that the negative and positive effects of the glove can be balanced in its design. While the subject is identified as a major influencing factor, this study proposed a novel approach – the use of a reference glove in the test to minimize the inter-subject and inter-laboratory variations. Based on the results of this study, some other further revisions in the test procedures, evaluation methods, and AV glove criteria were also proposed and discussed. Relevance to industry Anti-vibration gloves have been used as an alternative approach to reduce hand-transmitted vibration exposure. A standard is required to conduct a reliable screening test to help select appropriate anti-vibration gloves. This study can significantly help improve the current standard on the test. The results of this study can also be directly used to help select appropriate AV gloves.
Anthropologists and Development: Observations by an American in Nigeria

Water must be rationed in the chronically overcrowded hospital because there is insufficient pressure in the inner-city system. A few blocks away, local elites cavort around an azure swimming pool, its olympian form brimming with thousands of gallons of water. … A key person in a planning ministry reports to his town planning consultants that a decision must be made regarding the site of a major development project. He gives them a few days to make the decision in spite of their protests that it will require several weeks of study to produce a recommendation that will fit with the needs of all who will be affected by the decision. The ministry official is under pressure from others further up in the government hierarchy and insists on a quick decision. After many hours of overtime work, the town planners provide a site, complete with justifications which include such diverse factors as soil conditions and basic principles of the master plan which they were hired to develop for the area in question. Later, the town planners are told that the project has been sited by others superior to the ministry in a way that runs counter to virtually every factor noted by the planners when they justified their decision. … Small change is hoarded for months by people as they seek to accumulate enough money to buy one of the few modern technical necessities the average peasant family can afford-a portable radio.
AUV-based bed roughness mapping over a tropical reef

Identifying fixed bed roughness scales of hydrodynamic relevance to waves and currents is challenging around coral reefs due to their highly inhomogeneous bathymetry. In order to characterize the spatial variability in reef roughness, a quantitative analysis of high-resolution sidescan sonar backscatter is performed for the identification of distinct substrates around a tropical reef and is related to echo sounder-based roughness measurements. Data were collected in the vicinity of the Kilo Nalu Observatory on the south shore of Oahu using sidescan sonar and a narrow beam echo sounder incorporated in a REMUS-100 (Remote Environmental Monitoring UnitS) autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). With basic statistics and principal component analysis of variables derived from the backscatter data, it is possible to discriminate between areas of rough reef, bare reef, and rippled sand. Echo sounder-derived spectral analysis did not reveal dominant length scales. However, by combining the seabed classification obtained from sidescan measurements with echo sounder data, spectral root mean square (RMS) height values of approximately 3.3 cm and 7.3 cm are assigned to the bare reef and rough reef areas, respectively, for roughness with wavelengths between 0.2 and 6 m.
Zero electron kinetic energy photoelectron spectroscopy using picosecond lasers

Time resolved zero electron kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectroscopy is applied to the study of molecular dynamics on the picosecond time scale. The dynamics processes studied include intramolecular vibrational redistribution (p-difluorobenzene, acenaphthene) and vibrational predissociation of van der Waals complexes (aniline-CH4). The technique offers excellent time resolution as well as sensitivity to the detailed nature of the vibronic state undergoing dynamics.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ciliary activity in the human and Macaca nemestrina oviduct.

The direction of ciliary beat has been examined in vitro in human and pig-tailed macaque (M. nemestrina) oviducts. Ducts removed under anesthesia were slit open longitudinally while submerged in Hanks solution at 37° C, and particulate matter was applied to the mucosal surface. Contrary to previous observations in pig and rabbit oviducts, transport of particles was consistently in a downward direction, toward the proximal (uterine) end, in the two species examined in this study.
What does DQE say about lesion detectability in digital radiography

Currently, there is significant interest in quantifying the performance of digital radiography systems. Digital radiography systems can be thought of as continuous linear shift-invariant systems followed by sampling. This view, along with the large number of pixels used for flat-panel systems, has motivated much of the work which attempts to extend figures of merit developed for analog systems, in particular, the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) and the noise equivalent quanta (NEQ). A more general approach looks at the system as a continuous-to-discrete mapping and evaluates the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) completely from the discrete data. In this paper, we study the effect of presampling blur on these figures of merit. We find that even in this idealized model the DQE/NEQ formulations do not accurately track the behavior of the fully digital SNR. Therefore, DQE/NEQ cannot be viewed as indicators of the signal-known-exactly/background-known-exactly (SKE/BKE) detectability. In order to make design decisions by optimizing detectability one must work with the fully digital definition of detectability.
Mosaic variegated aneuploidy with growth hormone deficiency and congenital heart defects.

We describe a 12-year-old boy with mosaic variegated aneuploidy (MVA), subnormal response to growth hormone (GH) stimulation testing, and short stature. In addition to features more commonly described in MVA such as microcephaly, cognitive deficits, and certain facial features, he also has features not commonly reported in MVA, including short limb segments, epidermoid cysts, ventricular septal defect, and subaortic stenosis. Chromosomal analysis revealed hyperdiploid chromosome numbers ranging from 47 to 70; modal number 50, in 24% of the metaphases. This case demonstrates that although the phenotype of MVA almost always includes growth failure, microcephaly, and mental retardation, additional features may vary greatly across individuals. His clinical features and course suggest that in addition to GH deficiency, he may have an intrinsic inability of the growth plate to respond to growth hormone.
The N-Terminal Extension Domain of the C. elegans Half-Molecule ABC Transporter, HMT-1, Is Required for Protein-Protein Interactions and Function

Background Members of the HMT-1 (heavy metal tolerance factor 1) subfamily of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily detoxify heavy metals and have unique topology: they are half-molecule ABC transporters that, in addition to a single transmembrane domain (TMD1) and a single nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1), possess a hydrophobic NH2-terminal extension (NTE). These structural features distinguish HMTs from other ABC transporters in different species including Drosophila and humans. Functional ABC transporters, however, are comprised of at least four-domains (two TMDs and two NDBs) formed from either a single polypeptide or by the association of two or four separate subunits. Whether HMTs act as oligomers and what role the NTE domain plays in their function have not been determined. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we examined the oligomeric status of Caenorhabditis elegans HMT-1 and the functional significance of its NTE using gel-filtration chromatography in combination with the mating-based split-ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid system (mbSUS) and functional in vivo assays. We found that HMT-1 exists in a protein complex in C. elegans. Studies in S. cerevisiae showed that HMT-1 at a minimum homodimerizes and that oligomerization is essential for HMT-1 to confer cadmium tolerance. We also established that the NTE domain plays an important structural and functional role: it is essential for HMT-1 oligomerization and Cd-detoxification function. However, the NTE itself was not sufficient for oligomerization suggesting that multiple structural features of HMT-1 must associate to form a functional transporter. Conclusions The prominence of heavy metals as environmental toxins and the remarkable conservation of HMT-1 structural architecture and function in different species reinforce the value of continued studies of HMT-1 in model systems for identifying functional domains in HMT1 of humans.
The chemiosmotic model of stomatal opening revisited

Abstract Stomata are light‐activated biological valves in the otherwise gas‐impermeable epidermis of aerial organs of higher plants. Stomata often regulate rates of photosynthesis and transpiration in ways that optimize whole‐plant carbon gain against water loss. Each stoma is flanked by a pair of opposing guard cells. Stomatal opening occurs by light‐activated increases in the turgor pressure of guard cells, which causes them to change shape so that the stomatal pore between them widens. These increases in turgor pressure oppose increases in cellular osmotic pressure that result from uptake of K+. K+ uptake occurs by a chemiosmotic mechanism in response to light‐activated extrusion of H+ outward across the plasma membrane of the guard cell. The initial changes in cellular membrane potential lead to the opening of inward‐rectifying K+ channels, after which K+ is taken up along its electrochemical gradient. Changes in membrane potential resulting from K+ uptake may be balanced by accumulation of Cl−ions by...
A First Course in Software Engineering for Aerospace Engineers

Software is a critical component of mission capability in all aerospace systems. This capability is realized directly through the use of onboard software, and enabled through the use of software on ground support systems. Students attending an aerospace engineering program come with a highly diversified background in software development ranging from novice user to expert programmer. A first course in software development has to account for the diversity, and as an outcome provide both a common vocabulary, as well as a common baseline of skills. This paper presents our learning from designing and teaching such a course for aerospace engineering undergraduates.
High adult mortality among Hiwi hunter-gatherers: Implications for human evolution

Extant apes experience early sexual maturity and short life spans relative to modern humans. Both of these traits and others are linked by life-history theory to mortality rates experienced at different ages by our hominin ancestors. However, currently there is a great deal of debate concerning hominin mortality profiles at different periods of evolutionary history. Observed rates and causes of mortality in modern hunter-gatherers may provide information about Upper Paleolithic mortality that can be compared to indirect evidence from the fossil record, yet little is published about causes and rates of mortality in foraging societies around the world. To our knowledge, interview-based life tables for recent hunter-gatherers are published for only four societies (Ache, Agta, Hadza, and Ju/'hoansi). Here, we present mortality data for a fifth group, the Hiwi hunter-gatherers of Venezuela. The results show comparatively high death rates among the Hiwi and highlight differences in mortality rates among hunter-gatherer societies. The high levels of conspecific violence and adult mortality in the Hiwi may better represent Paleolithic human demographics than do the lower, disease-based death rates reported in the most frequently cited forager studies.
The dynamic response of a tactile sensor

Tests were performed on a thumb-shaped tactile sensor containing an 8 by 20 array of tactile elements. Each element measures the strain of the rubber finger material at a point below the surface of the finger. To characterize the finger behavior, a precision force application device was designed. Static tests determined the steady-state linearity of the elements with respect to force magnitude. The frequency response was determined in the range of 0.10 to 20 Hz. Permanent deformation due to stress was seen to be predictable. The Maxwell-Kelvin model for viscoelasticity was fit to the stress-strain data obtained by probing the finger and recording the applied force and the strain response of a single element. Results showed it to be better than a spring model. A second-order model was also fit to the stress-strain data. The model was inverted to predict the magnitude of the force of a point contact given the strain of one tactile element. The inverse model predicted the fore better than the spring model. >
Crater gradation in Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum, Mars

[1] The Mars Exploration Rovers investigated numerous craters in Gusev crater and Meridiani Planum during the first ∼400 sols of their missions. Craters vary in size and preservation state but are mostly due to secondary impacts at Gusev and primary impacts at Meridiani. Craters at both locations are modified primarily by eolian erosion and infilling and lack evidence for modification by aqueous processes. Effects of gradation on crater form are dependent on size, local lithology, slopes, and availability of mobile sediments. At Gusev, impacts into basaltic rubble create shallow craters and ejecta composed of resistant rocks. Ejecta initially experience eolian stripping, which becomes weathering-limited as lags develop on ejecta surfaces and sediments are trapped within craters. Subsequent eolian gradation depends on the slow production of fines by weathering and impacts and is accompanied by minor mass wasting. At Meridiani the sulfate-rich bedrock is more susceptible to eolian erosion, and exposed crater rims, walls, and ejecta are eroded, while lower interiors and low-relief surfaces are increasingly infilled and buried by mostly basaltic sediments. Eolian processes outpace early mass wasting, often produce meters of erosion, and mantle some surfaces. Some small craters were likely completely eroded/buried. Craters >100 m in diameter on the Hesperian-aged floor of Gusev are generally more pristine than on the Amazonian-aged Meridiani plains. This conclusion contradicts interpretations from orbital views, which do not readily distinguish crater gradation state at Meridiani and reveal apparently subdued crater forms at Gusev that may suggest more gradation than has occurred.
The Degree of Suboptimality of Sending a Lossy Version of the Innovations Process in Gauss-Markov Rate-Distortion

In critical distortion range, the MSE rate-distortion function of time-discrete stationary Gaussian first-order autoregressive source is equal to that of related time-discrete i.i.d. Gaussian source. For 0 < D les Dc it is necessary to provide additional information of non-negligible positive rate in order to obtain a D-admissible code for the original source via the R-D coding of the innovations process and additional post-processing at the decoder. In this scenario, we provide an explicit expression of additional description rate about the original source to find the degree of suboptimality of sending a lossy version of the innovations process in Gauss-Markov rate-distortion. It is shown that additional description rate is monotone increasing on alpha isin [0,1) and is constant on all critical distortion range
The Availability for Recognition of Normal H‐2 Antigens by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes on a Rauscher‐Virus‐transformed Cell, RBL‐5A

The availability for recognition of cell surface H-2Db antigenic determinants on RBL-5A cells in comparison to normal C57BL/6 cells was investigated by an in vitro immunological assay. No differences in the immunological recognition of the H-2Db antigens on RBL-5A cells compared to normal C57BL/6 cells were detected. This assay system, however, readily detected changes in the H-2Kb determinant profile an target cells from the C37BL/6 H-2Kb region mutant strains H(z1) and H(z170) when compared to normal C57BL/6 mice. The result obtained with RBL-5A target cells therefore suggests that Rauscher murine leukaemia virus transformation does not induce, either genotypically or phenotypically, an immunologically recognizable alteration of the H-2Db antigen profile on this cell.
Path-Dependent Regional Phase Travel-Time Corrections for the International Monitoring System in North America

The software developed for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) International Data Centre (IDC) in Vienna, Austria, uses the IASPEI91 seismic travel-time tables as default. However, in reality, travel times as a function of source location are different for each station, especially at regional distances. This is not modeled by a global one-dimensional model such as IASPEI91. The software therefore allows the application of a suite of travel-time corrections for improved travel-time prediction and consequently, more accurate hypocentral locations. To account for path dependency, we have developed gridded source-specific station corrections (SSSCs) for Pn, Sn, Pg , and Lg phases for 22 International Monitoring System (IMS) stations in North America. In deriving the SSSCs and associated modeling errors, we used a methodology that had been successfully applied previously for Fennoscandia. We first compiled regionalized one-dimensional travel times for North America. Then we assigned travel times as weighted sums of the travel times in each region to calculate SSSCs. Validation testing of the SSSCs was conducted using two separate sets of North American ground truth (GT) events with location accuracies within 10 km (GT0–GT10). These events were recorded at IMS stations between 1995 and 1999 and distributed throughout North America. Test event location results with SSSCs applied show reductions in both mislocations and error ellipses. For GT events with location accuracies better than 2 km, the median change in location was a 5-km improvement, and the median area of the 90th percentile error ellipses was reduced from 2550 km 2 to 910 km 2 . Using SSSCs for both data sets, the median improvement is less than 5 km. The testing emphasized that GT events with accuracies 5 km or better are crucial for validating SSSCs. Using SSSCs for all 51 GT0–GT10 events used in the validation testing, the median area of the error ellipses was reduced to less than 1000 km 2 , and the error ellipse reductions were achieved without significant degradation of coverage. The modeling errors used in this study may be somewhat underestimated, however, leaving the target goal of error ellipses less than 1000 km 2 still somewhat in question. We expect the SSSCs, event locations, and uncertainties can be improved by future refinement of travel times and modeling errors. These corrections were implemented in the operational Prototype IDC system located in Arlington, Virginia, in March 2000 and have been delivered to the Vienna IDC in January 2001.
Parents Who Get Killed and the Children Who Kill Them

Empirical analysis of homicides in which children have killed parents has been limited, largely due to the lack of publicly available data. Findings from an analysis of 10 years of FBI Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR) data are reported in this article. Analysis revealed that the typical parent or stepparent slain during the period 1977-1986 was White and non-Hispanic. the typical offender who killed a parent or stepparent was a White, non-Hispanic male. Mothers and stepmothers who were slain were significantly more likely to be White than fathers and stepfathers. Parents and stepparents slain were overwhelmingly killed by sons and rarely slain by Hispanic offenders. A strong relationship existed between the age of the offender and mother versus father victimization; patricide offenders were significantly younger than matricide offenders. Homicides involving parents and stepparents were overwhelmingly committed by adult offenders. Evidence that youth involvement in the killings of parents and stepparent...