cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The World Uncertainty Index

We construct a new index of uncertainty — the World Uncertainty Index (WUI) — for 143 individual countries on a quarterly basis from 1996 onwards. This is defined using the frequency of the word “uncertainty” in the quarterly Economist Intelligent Unit country reports. Globally, the Index spikes near the 9/11 attack, SARS outbreak, Gulf War II, Euro debt crisis, El Nino, European border crisis, UK Brexit vote and the 2016 US election. Uncertainty spikes tend to be more synchronized within advanced economies and between economies with tighter trade and financial linkages. The level of uncertainty is significantly higher in developing countries and is positively associated with economic policy uncertainty and stock market volatility, and negatively with GDP growth. In a panel vector autoregressive setting, we find that innovations in the WUI foreshadow significant declines in output.
New Procedure to Evaluate the Post-Crack Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete:

This study attempted to identify the challenges in testing and characterization of the post-crack behavior of structural fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) for use in pavements. The benefits and chall...
Realizing the potential of trait‐based approaches to advance fisheries science

Analysing how fish populations and their ecological communities respond to perturbations such as fishing and environmental variation is crucial to fisheries science. Researchers often predict fish population dynamics using species‐level life‐history parameters that are treated as fixed over time, while ignoring the impact of intraspecific variation on ecosystem dynamics. However, there is increasing recognition of the need to include processes operating at ecosystem levels (changes in drivers of productivity) while also accounting for variation over space, time and among individuals. To address similar challenges, community ecologists studying plants, insects and other taxa increasingly measure phenotypic characteristics of individual animals that affect fitness or ecological function (termed “functional traits”). Here, we review the history of trait‐based methods in fish and other taxa, and argue that fisheries science could see benefits by integrating trait‐based approaches within existing fisheries analyses. We argue that measuring and modelling functional traits can improve estimates of population and community dynamics, and rapidly detect responses to fishing and environmental drivers. We support this claim using three concrete examples: how trait‐based approaches could account for time‐varying parameters in population models; improve fisheries management and harvest control rules; and inform size‐based models of marine communities. We then present a step‐by‐step primer for how trait‐based methods could be adapted to complement existing models and analyses in fisheries science. Finally, we call for the creation and expansion of publicly available trait databases to facilitate adapting trait‐based methods in fisheries science, to complement existing public databases of life‐history parameters for marine organisms.
Autonomous Latching System for Robotic Boats

Autonomous robotic boats are devised to transport people and goods similar to self-driving cars. One of the attractive features specially applied in water environment is to dynamically link and join multiple boats into one unit in order to form floating infrastructure such as bridges, markets or concert stages, as well as autonomously self-detach to perform individual tasks.In this paper we present a novel latching system that enables robotic boats to create dynamic united floating infrastructure while overcoming water disturbances. The proposed latching mechanism is based on the spherical joint (ball and socket) that allows rotation and free movements in two planes at the same time. In this configuration, the latching system is capable to securely and efficiently assemble/disassemble floating structures. The vision-based robot controller guides the self-driving robotic boats to latch with high accuracy in the millimeter range. Moreover, in case the robotic boat fails to latch due to harsh weather, the autonomous latching system is capable to recompute and reposition to latch successfully. We present experimental results from latching and docking in indoor environments. Also, we present results in outdoor environments from latching a couple of robotic boats in open water with calm and turbulent currents.
Self-starting bi-chromatic LiNbO 3 soliton microcomb

The wide range of functions that are possible with lithium niobate (LN) waveguide devices, including phase and intensity modulation, second-harmonic generation, and difference-frequency generation, makes it attractive as a potential microcomb material. LN microcombs would combine essential comb self-referencing and control functions with the pulse generation process in a single microresonator device. Here, we demonstrate a soliton microcomb in a monolithic high-Q LN resonator. Direct frequency doubling of the soliton spectrum is observed inside the same cavity. The LN soliton mode-locking process also self-starts and allows bi-directional switching of soliton states, effects that are shown to result from the LN photorefractive effect. The Kerr solitons exhibit a self-frequency shift resulting from the Raman effect of LN. This microcomb platform can dramatically simplify miniature time keeping, frequency synthesis/division, and spectroscopy systems. Moreover, direct generation of femtosecond timescale pulses within LN microresonators can benefit quantum photonics and signal processing systems.
Short Communication: Mineral assessment of rangeland-managed beef cows in the high desert region of Oregon

ABSTRACT Objective Our objective was to assess the mineral status of rangeland-managed beef cows and available forages in the Oregon high desert, which is currently unknown. Materials and Methods Mineral concentrations were measured at the end of the annual grazing season from common range forage plants and 30 randomly selected beef cows on communal range (10 cows per group): unsupplemented Angus (UA), unsupplemented Longhorn (UL), and Angus cows supplemented before the grazing season with minerals and true protein (SA). CONTRAST statements in PROC GLM were used to determine the effect of breed (UL vs. UA) and winter mineral and protein supplementation (SA vs. UA). Results and Discussion Imbalanced mineral concentrations (minerals above and below respective minimum requirements) were observed in common range forage plants and beef cattle; most beef cows were deficient for copper, sodium, selenium, and zinc. Specifically, serum selenium concentrations of unsupplemented cows were in the clinical deficiency range (2–21 ng of Se/mL). Whereas breed did not alter serum mineral concentrations, mineral and protein supplementation during winter improved serum concentrations of selenium at the end of the fall season to marginally deficient concentrations between 53 and 90 ng/mL. Implications and Applications Imbalanced mineral concentrations are prevalent in beef cows after grazing the Oregon high desert range, which can be in part improved through mineral and protein supplementation over winter. Blood analysis from a subset of animals on return to the winter feeding grounds would help to formulate a mineral supplement that addresses specific cow requirements during the winter feeding period.
Functionalized graphene sheet as a dispersible fuel additive for catalytic decomposition of methylcyclohexane

Abstract The decomposition of methylcyclohexane (MCH) containing suspended functionalized graphene sheets (FGS) was studied using a high-pressure flow reactor, under supercritical conditions over the temperature range of 780 – 825 K at a constant pressure of 4.72 MPa. Experiments showed both fuel conversion rates and C1-C2 product yields were increased by 43.3% and 62.1%, respectively, with the addition of 50 ppmw of FGS at 820 K. The reaction mechanisms between hydrocarbon and FGS were computationally investigated using reactive molecular dynamics (MD) with ReaxFF force fields at the temperatures of 1700, 1800, and 1900 K. The MD simulations revealed that oxygen-containing functional groups attached to the FGS plays an important role in catalyzing the decomposition of the fuel. Heterogeneous dehydrogenation of MCH into a C7H13 radical intermediate led to formation of secondary and tertiary radicals, such as H, CH3, and C2H5, during early extents of reaction promoting additional fuel-consuming steps, including H-abstraction and hydrogenation.
The Theory and Empirics of the Marriage Market

This article reviews recent developments in the literature on marriage markets. A particular emphasis is put on frameworks based either on frictionless matching models with transfers or on search m...
Analysis of RNA-protein networks with RNP-MaP defines functional hubs on RNA.

RNA–protein interaction networks govern many biological processes but are difficult to examine comprehensively. We devised ribonucleoprotein networks analyzed by mutational profiling (RNP-MaP), a live-cell chemical probing strategy that maps cooperative interactions among multiple proteins bound to single RNA molecules at nucleotide resolution. RNP-MaP uses a hetero-bifunctional crosslinker to freeze interacting proteins in place on RNA and then maps multiple bound proteins on single RNA strands by read-through reverse transcription and DNA sequencing. RNP-MaP revealed that RNase P and RMRP, two sequence-divergent but structurally related non-coding RNAs, share RNP networks and that network hubs define functional sites in these RNAs. RNP-MaP also identified protein interaction networks conserved between mouse and human XIST long non-coding RNAs and defined protein communities whose binding sites colocalize and form networks in functional regions of XIST. RNP-MaP enables discovery and efficient validation of functional protein interaction networks on long RNAs in living cells. Networks of proteins bound to single RNAs are identified by correlated chemical crosslinking.
Camouflaging in Autism: Examining Sex-Based and Compensatory Models in Social Cognition and Communication.

Camouflaging refers to behavioral adaptations that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially females, use to mask symptoms during social situations. Compensation is a component of camouflaging in which an individual's observed behavior is considerably better than actual ability. The study explored diagnostic, sex-based, and compensatory differences using the Contextual Assessment of Social Skills (CASS). The sample included 161 youth 10:0-to-16:11 years (115 males, 46 females). T-tests were performed based on sex (female, male) or High (good ADOS + poor Theory of Mind (TOM)) compared to Low (poor ADOS + poor TOM) Compensation groups. Comparisons were examined for Social Affect (SA), Restricted Repetitive Behavior, (RRB), IQ, social behavior (Positive Affect, Overall Involvement) and communication (Vocal Expression, Gestures). Females exhibited fewer RRB t(158) = 3.05, P = 0.003, d = 0.54. For the CASS, females evidenced more Vocal Expressiveness t(157) = -2.03, P = 0.05, d = 0.35, which corroborates sex-based differences in the literature. Compensation group differences indicated the High compared to Low group showed stronger Social and Communication behaviors on the CASS for Vocal Expression t(72) = 2.56, P = 0.01, d = 0.62, and overall rapport t(72) = 2.36, P = 0.02, d = 0.56. Several differences were observed when the groups were stratified based on level of compensation, with the High compensation participants showing stronger social engagement and communication behaviors. Findings may inform efforts to understand camouflaging, compensation, and clinical practices for male and female adolescents with ASD. A more nuanced consideration of camouflaging alongside compensation models reveals subtle differences in cognition, behavior, and affect that may reflect underlying profiles of challenge and strength in youth with ASD. LAY SUMMARY: Camouflaging refers to ways individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially females, mask symptoms. Compensation occurs when a person's observed behavior appears more typical than what would be expected based on underlying ability and symptoms. The study explored camouflaging and compensation differences in 161 youth with ASD. Findings suggest sex-based differences with females showing better vocal expression. However, several compensation differences were observed with the High compensators showing stronger social communication and rapport. A more nuanced consideration of camouflaging using compensation models reveal subtle differences in underlying challenge and strength.
The editor’s field – what is a vegetable?

There is some confusion associated with the journal title. There are those that see the word vegetable and think it means vegetation. This results in the necessity of the manuscript being returned ...
Powdery mildew epidemics in the nursery: role of chasmothecia in epidemic initiation and fungicide regimes to limit chasmothecia formation

Powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera cerasi is a detrimental fungal disease for the sweet cherry industry. Epidemics in orchards are initialized by ascospores that are released from chasmothecia generated in the fall of the previous year, however, the initiation of epidemics in nurseries has not been explored. The current study aimed to evaluate the origin of disease epidemics in Washington State cherry tree nurseries and to evaluate the efficacy of different fungicide regimes to suppress chasmothecia numbers and ascospore viability. Greenhouse and lab assays in the present study showed that chasmothecia from the nursery are not contributing to powdery mildew epidemics and the disease is originating from an external source such as wind-blown conidia from neighboring orchards. Additionally, intensive synthetic fungicide regimes and late-season JMS Stylet-Oil applications were found to be viable options to inhibit chasmothecia formation. As chasmothecia with a nursery origin are not the initial inoculum, late season fungicide applications to limit chasmothcia formation should only be applied in an orchard setting. Orchard managers can limit epidemics by implementing late-season fungicide applications into their IPM plan that target chasmothecia. Future research should evaluate the dispersal of conidia throughout the cherry tree growing industry of Washington and their role in powdery mildew epidemics in nurseries. Moreover, the physiological and genetic differences between chasmothecia in the nursery and the orchard should be evaluated.
The association between citrus consumption and melanoma risk in the UK Biobank

Background Melanoma incidence has been dramatically increasing worldwide. Psoralen, a known photocarcinogen, is naturally abundant in citrus products, leading to the hypothesis that high citrus consumption may increase melanoma risk. Objectives To investigate the association between total citrus consumption and melanoma risk, and the association between individual citrus products and melanoma risk, and to test for interactions between total citrus intake and established melanoma risk factors. Methods Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between citrus consumption and melanoma risk among 1592 cases and 197 372 controls from the UK Biobank cohort. Citrus consumption data were collected via five rounds of 24-h recall questionnaires. International Classification of Diseases codes were used to determine melanoma outcome. Results After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest category of total citrus intake (> 2 servings per day) had a significantly increased risk of melanoma (OR 1·63, 95% CI 1·24-2·12) relative to those with no consumption. For individual citrus products, participants with the most orange and orange juice consumption (> 1 serving per day) had a significantly increased melanoma risk relative to those with no consumption (OR 1·79, 95% CI 1·07-2·78 and OR 1·54, 95% CI 1·10-2·10, respectively). Fair- or very fair-skinned participants with high citrus consumption had an even greater melanoma risk (OR 1·75, 95% CI 1·31-2·29). Conclusions High citrus consumption was associated with an increased risk of melanoma in a large, prospective, population-based cohort. Further validation of these findings could lead to improved melanoma prevention strategies.
Affording Design, Affording Redesign

Thinking quickly overwhelms the mind, and the mind expands into the world. The mind creates a range of cognitive tools to represent thought. Sketches are among the most prevalent and productive ways to make thought visible to self and others and to promote creative thought. Sketches, like diagrams, map the elements and relations of ideas to elements and relations on the page. They entail abstraction and allow ambiguity. Their ambiguity creates possibilities, it allows exploration, inference, and discovery of ideas, some of the reasons they are so useful in design as well as other domains. Objects and the surroundings that provide contexts for objects can also serve as tools for thought. Like sketches, objects and surroundings provide visual feedback, but unlike sketches, objects and environments provide tangible feedback, feedback from interactions with the body as well as the eyes of the user. Whereas design begins with ideas and goals that need embodiment, redesign begins with a specific problem embodied in a person in a place at a time. Solutions often come from reuses of old objects. Problems and reuses of designed products inspire implicit conversations between designers and redesigners.
The Development of Problem-Solving Strategies

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the process of development. It describes a method designed to permit the study of developmental process and presents an initial and a replication study that illustrates the kinds of data and insights this method yields. An approach that involves the observation of a subject engaged in repeated encounters with a problem is employed. The focus is on gauging the reliability of subjects' performance, that is, the extent to which a subject displayed consistent behavior on successive occasions, and hence, perhaps, the value of the problem as an assessment instrument. To the contrary, however, it anticipated that at least some subjects would modify their problem-solving strategies during the course of repeated encounters with the problem, and it was this process of change that is observed. The study of development poses a paradox not unlike the paradox posed by the measurement of intelligence by IQ tests. Those who would study development come up against the fact that they are unlikely ever to observe development taking place. Researchers attempting to understand the process or mechanisms of development characteristically turn to some form of experimental method.
Learning multi-modal control programs

Multi-modal control is a commonly used design tool for breaking up complex control tasks into sequences of simpler tasks. In this paper, we show that by viewing the control space as a set of such tokenized instructions rather than as real-valued signals, reinforcement learning becomes applicable to continuous-time control systems. In fact, we show how a combination of state-space exploration and multi-modal control converts the original system into a finite state machine, on which Q-learning can be utilized.
Neuropsychological Criteria for Mild Cognitive Impairment Improves Diagnostic Precision, Biomarker Associations, and Progression Rates

We compared two methods of diagnosing mild cognitive impairment (MCI): conventional Petersen/Winblad criteria as operationalized by the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and an actuarial neuropsychological method put forward by Jak and Bondi designed to balance sensitivity and reliability. 1,150 ADNI participants were diagnosed at baseline as cognitively normal (CN) or MCI via ADNI criteria (MCI: n = 846; CN: n = 304) or Jak/Bondi criteria (MCI: n = 401; CN: n = 749), and the two MCI samples were submitted to cluster and discriminant function analyses. Resulting cluster groups were then compared and further examined for APOE allelic frequencies, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker levels, and clinical outcomes. Results revealed that both criteria produced a mildly impaired Amnestic subtype and a more severely impaired Dysexecutive/Mixed subtype. The neuropsychological Jak/Bondi criteria uniquely yielded a third Impaired Language subtype, whereas conventional Petersen/Winblad ADNI criteria produced a third subtype comprising nearly one-third of the sample that performed within normal limits across the cognitive measures, suggesting this method's susceptibility to false positive diagnoses. MCI participants diagnosed via neuropsychological criteria yielded dissociable cognitive phenotypes, significant CSF AD biomarker associations, more stable diagnoses, and identified greater percentages of participants who progressed to dementia than conventional MCI diagnostic criteria. Importantly, the actuarial neuropsychological method did not produce a subtype that performed within normal limits on the cognitive testing, unlike the conventional diagnostic method. Findings support the need for refinement of MCI diagnoses to incorporate more comprehensive neuropsychological methods, with resulting gains in empirical characterization of specific cognitive phenotypes, biomarker associations, stability of diagnoses, and prediction of progression. Refinement of MCI diagnostic methods may also yield gains in biomarker and clinical trial study findings because of improvements in sample compositions of 'true positive' cases and removal of 'false positive' cases.
Liver Tissue Engineering

We provide a description of the structure and function of the mammalian liver. This is followed by a discussion of medical conditions and current treatment modalities. We then provide specific examples of tissue engineering as it applies to fabricating the liver.
Motion field modeling for motion estimation and compensation

This paper proposes a new way of representing motion fields and develops a predictive model for the motion field of video sequences exploiting this representation. Generalizing linear prediction models of time-series, the model characterizes the relative importance of neighboring pixels in estimating the motion at a given pixel. The model is applied to develop a weighted pel-recursive algorithm for motion estimation, improving the performance of basic pel-recursion. An extension of the basic model, exploiting the time-reversibility of motion, produces further improvements. >
Spectroscopy Using Sum- and Difference-Frequency Generation in Molecular Solids

Both sum- and difference-frequency generation in org. materials were demonstrated and explored under conditions where all 3 waves (w1 and w2 ingoing and w1 +- w2 out-going) were resonant with mol. transitions. The expts. were carried out in centrosym. media in which a small elec. field was used to distinguish the polar sublattices. Unique elec. field dependences of the paramagnetic signals were discovered. The spectroscopic line narrowing and dephasing-induced coherent-emission resonances of these c(2) processes make them useful new spectroscopic methods.
A 0.3 THz 4 × 4 cold-FET imaging array in 45 nm CMOS SOI

This paper presents a high performance THz imaging array using advanced CMOS technology. The single element of the 0.3 THz 4×4 45 nm CMOS imaging array is composed of a high-efficiency differential on-chip antenna meeting all metal-density rules, which is coupled to a differential detector and a low noise CMOS IF amplifier. The array results in an NEP of 100 pW/Hz 1/2 , a responsivity of 1.8-2.0 kV/W with a 3-dB bandwidth of 20 GHz. The power consumption is 3.6 mW/pixel. These values are competitive with the best CMOS THz imaging arrays to date.
Phase Stability and Oxidation Behavior of an Alumina Scale-Forming NiCrAlY Alloy

The phase constitution and associated oxidation behavior were determined for an alloy of composition (in wt%) Ni–31.5Cr–11.5Al–0.61Y. The identity, relative amount, and approximate composition of each phase were determined after equilibration at 700, 900, and 1100°C using SEM/EDS, XRD, and image analysis. The CALPHAD method was used to predict the phase equilibria in this system, and the results showed good agreement with experiment. Cyclic oxidation behavior at 900, 1050, and 1100°C in air was determined and assessment of the results was aided by CALPHAD predictions in conjunction with dilatometric measurements.
Dissociation of the effects of lesions of the orbital or medial aspect of the prefrontal cortex of the rat with respect to activity.

Data are reported that demonstrate that the medial and orbital aspects of the prefrontal cortex of the rat can be functionally dissociated with respect to activity. Lesions confined to the orbital frontal cortex sharply increased activity in running wheels while lesions confined to the medial frontal cortex produced mild but consistent increases in running wheel activity. The activity increase in the orbital frontals differed from that of the medial frontals in that it was more strongly potentiated during starvation and the circadian rhythm was altered. Home cage behavior was relatively unchanged following either lesion with the exception that the orbital frontals displayed an exaggerated response to the stress of food deprivation. These results are discussed in terms of their consistency with data from other mammalian species.
Are Androgens Related to Aggression in House Wrens

Elevated circulating testosterone levels are hypothesized to allow male animals to direct resources into territorial and mating behaviors at the expense of reducing paternal care of offspring. For this hypothesis to apply, testosterone must facilitate territorial/mating behaviors and have antagonistic effects on paternal care, but this pattern has only been supported in some, not all, species. I tested whether androgens correlate with aggressive behaviors in male house wrens ( Troglodytes aedon), a double-brooded species where paternal and aggressive behaviors overlap temporally. House wrens may therefore benefit from having a hormonal mechanism that allows males to rapidly change behavioral states. However, I found no evidence that androgens (testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone) relate to aggression in house wrens: Androgens did not increase in response to playback, and endogenous-circulating androgens were not correlated with how aggressively males responded to those playbacks. Moreover, androgen levels were low during the pre-breeding stage of the second brood, when many males establish new territories and attract new mates. This study adds to a growing body of the literature suggesting that the relationship between circulating androgens and aggressive behavior is more complex than originally thought.
Changes in Male Fertility in the Last Two Decades

Since the first "test tube" baby, Louise Brown, was born on July 25, 1978, there have been unbridled advances in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. There have now been more than 4 million individuals born using assisted reproductive technologies, with approximately 170,000 coming from donated oocytes and embryos. There have been many other significant achievements in the treatment of male infertility in recent decades, which are included in this review.
Sorption Behavior of Monosodium Titanate and Amorphous Peroxotitanate Materials Under Weakly Acidic Conditions

Inorganic, titanate-based sorbents are tested with respect to adsorption of a variety of sorbates under weakly acidic conditions (pH 3). Specifically, monosodium titanate (MST) and amorphous peroxotitanate (APT) sorption characteristics are initially probed through a screening process consisting of a pair of mixed metal solutions containing a total of 29 sorbates including alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, metalloids and nonmetals. MST and APT sorption characteristics are further analyzed individually with chromium(III) and cadmium(II) using a batch method at ambient laboratory temperature, varying concentrations of the sorbents and sorbates and contact times. Maximum sorbate loadings are obtained from the respective adsorption isotherms.
Optimization of ZnSe film growth conditions for p-type doping

Wide bandgap semiconductors such as ZnSe and ZnO have attracted great interest due to their applications in solar cells, light emitting diodes, and lasers. However, these wide bandgap semiconductors are frequently difficult to be doped to heavy concentrations, greatly limiting their application. A substrate holder with a natural temperature gradient was developed for batch growth of films at different deposition temperatures, in order to investigate ZnSe film growth and doping challenges. Thin ZnSe films were grown by pulsed laser deposition and characterized using X-ray diffraction, optical transmission and reflection, Raman spectroscopy, and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis. Deposition temperature and film stoichiometry (Zn:Se) are shown to be significant factors affecting ZnSe growth and doping. ZnSe films with improved crystallinity have been obtained by enriching with selenium and depositing at an optimized temperature. Heavily p-type ZnSe films with hole concentrations of ~2.7 × 1019 cm−3 and resistivities of ~0.099 Ohm cm have been obtained (compared with previous reports of ~1 × 1018 cm−3 and ~0.75 Ohm cm). The results, which are consistent with previous theoretical prediction of compensating defects in ZnSe films, can help to optimize ZnSe growth conditions and understand doping challenges in wide bandgap semiconductors.
Computer numerically controlled plasma chemical vaporization machining with a pipe electrode for optical fabrication

We have developed a chemical vaporization machining device that has computer numerically controlled plasma, by using a pipe electrode for optical fabrications. In this device, less than approximately 1 atm of pressure, plasma is generated around the tip of a pipe electrode. During the process, a workpiece is scanned against the electrode under computer control to achieve the desired shape to be removed. A workpiece of silica glass plate is shaped by use of this device, and the removal characteristics of the device are examined. The equations to characterize numerically the shape resulting from scanning of a workpiece have been derived. The new device allows the high precision of optics from the micrometer to the nanometer level with high-speed removal. The shaped surface is sufficiently smooth to be suitable for optical use.
Total Synthesis of (±)-Aspidophylline A

We report the total synthesis of (±)-aspidophylline A, one of many complex furoindoline-containing alkaloids that has not been synthesized previously. Our route features a number of key transformations, including a Heck cyclization to assemble the [3.3.1]-bicyclic scaffold as well as a late-stage interrupted Fischer indolization to install the furoindoline and construct the natural product’s pentacyclic framework.
Molecular recognition and adsorption equilibria in starburst dendrimers: gas structure and sensing via molecular theory

Abstract An idealized model for the dendrimer polyamidoamine is examined as a gas/chemical sensor. The system considered is a solution of this dendrimer in a binary mixture of two solvents: one being the analyte molecules and the other the placebo molecules. The analyte species possesses special affinity to the corona (the surface) of the dendrimer, or to the exo-receptors; while the other fluid being neutral. Both Monte Carlo simulation and integral equation studies have been carried out to determine the excess adsorption of analyte population on the surfaces of dendrimers. In the simulation studies, we explicitly account for the presence of the solvent molecules (solvent-explicit). As a consequence, we find that at low gas permeation, the dendrimers exhibit dense core behavior. However, at high gas contents, the dendrimers transit to the dense shell configuration. This behavior is clearly shown in the values of Rg (radius of gyration) at difference gas densities. By functionalizing the end groups, we observe pronounced analyte aggregation around the corona. Although there is no unusual behavior in these observations, we put the interrelations on a quantitative basis by showing the amounts or variations of the “molecular recognition” as function of the temperature, affinity strength, gas density and the composition. To decipher the behavior on a theoretical basis, we apply a self-consistent closure to the Ornstein–Zernike equations for calculating the structures of the dendrimer–gas A–gas B mixture. We are able to reproduce accurately the structural information as well as the thermodynamic properties for such mixtures, notwithstanding the large size disparity between the dendrimer and fluid molecules (up to 10:1 ratio).
Mutational analysis of the mouse mitochondrial cytochrome b gene

The protonmotive cytochrome b protein of the mitochondrial bc1 respiratory chain complex contains two reactions centers, designated Qo and Qi, which can be distinguished by the effects of different inhibitors. The nucleotide sequences have been determined of the mitochondrial cytochrome b genes from a series of mouse cell mutants selected for increased inhibitor resistance. Each mutant contains a single nucleotide change which results in an amino acid substitution. When the proximity of the altered amino acid residues to the histidines involved in heme ligation is considered, the results support a model for cytochrome b folding in which there are eight transmembrane domains rather than the nine of the Widger-Saraste model. Replacement of the Gly38 residue by valine results in resistance to the Qi inhibitors antimycin A and funiculosin but not 2-n-heptyl-hydroxy-quinoline-N-oxide. Based upon sequence comparisons of mitochondrial and bacterial cytochrome b and chloroplast b6 proteins, the region of the molecule involved in antimycin binding is as highly conserved as those domains involved in heme ligation. It is suggested that the antimycin binding domain of cytochrome b is involved in forming the Qi reaction center. Alterations of the Gly142 and Thr147 residues result in resistance to myxothiazol and stimatellin, respectively. While both inhibitors block the Qo reaction center, the two mutations do not confer cross-resistance to each other. This region of cytochrome b is the most highly conserved during evolution and these inhibitor binding sites probably occur within the protein domain constituting the Qo reaction center. In addition, there is a less conserved region of the protein, defined by the Leu294 residue, which may function in binding the hydrophobic portions of Qo inhibitors.
Low-lying states of HfS+ and the ionization energy of HfS

Abstract Spectroscopic data for the ground and low-lying states of HfS + have been obtained using the technique of pulse field ionization-zero electron kinetic energy (PFI-ZEKE) spectroscopy. Two-photon (1 + 1′) PFI-ZEKE spectra were recorded for the levels X 2 Σ + ( v = 0–18), 2 Δ 3/2 ( v = 0–8) and 2 Δ 5/2 ( v = 0–3). Assignments of the electronically excited states of HfS + were guided by the results from CASSCF/MRCI+Q calculations with basis sets of triple zeta quality. Rotationally resolved spectra were recorded for the X 2 Σ + ( v = 0) state using single rotational line excitation of the intermediate state. The ionization energy for HfS, and term energies and molecular constants for the ground and low-lying states of HfS + are reported.
Overprotective Parenting, Social Anxiety, and External Locus of Control: Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Relationships

A relationship between social anxiety and a parenting style marked by overprotection and low warmth has been repeatedly demonstrated (e.g., Bruch et al. in Anxiety Reaserch 2:57–65, 1989; Lieb et al. in Arch Gen Psychiatry 57:859–866, 2000). The current study supports the findings in the broader literature of a significant relationship between social anxiety and recollections of overprotective and cold parenting among college students. External locus of control partially mediated the relationship between overprotective parenting and social anxiety. However, these analyses used cross-sectional data, and an alternate mediational model was also significant, highlighting the various ways in which these factors interact. Finally, recollections of maternal overprotection predicted an increase in social anxiety during the first semester of college, suggesting their influence on current functioning.
Bioterrorism and children: Unique concerns with infection control and vaccination

Treatment of child victims of a bioterrorism attack is complicated because they may be more vulnerable to the agents used and may suffer more complications from the treatment strategies. Isolation and other infection control measures can be psychologically harmful to young children and may require that they undergo sedation. Most of the recommended antibiotics and antiviral treatments for bioterror agents have not been approved for use in children, and children undergoing smallpox vaccination have a higher incidence of complications than adults. Pediatric anesthesiologists should expect to be part of the pediatric care team and must be careful to observe infection control procedures to limit the spread of disease caused by bioterror attack.
Strength -duration function of hypothalamic self-stimulation.

Rats were trained to self-stimulate for 100 Hz sine wave stimulation delivered through electrodes implanted in the lateral hypothalamus. The thresholds of the reinforcing stimulation were determined in eight rats by a new method over stimulus train durations of 0.01–1.0 sec. The resulting strength-duration curve showed that threshold current decreased rapidly as train duration was increased to 0.1 sec and approached a rheobase for longer wave trains. When expressed in terms of amount of electricity (charge) the reward thresholds increased linearly with train durations from 0.01 to 1.0 sec. At stimulus trains below 0.1-sec duration the energy required to maintain threshold was invariant at about 5 μJ. Beyond 0.1 sec threshold energy increased linearly with duration.
Difference sets and inverting the difference operator

For a setA of non-negative numbers, letD(A) (the difference set ofA) be the set of nonnegative differences of elements ofA, and letD k be thek-fold iteration ofD. We show that for everyk, almost every set of non-negative integers containing 0 arises asD k (A) for someA. We also give sufficient conditions for a setA to be the unique setX such that 0∈X andD k (X)=D k (A). We show that for eachm there is a setA such thatD(X)=D(A) has exactly 2 m solutionsX with 0∈X.
Adhesion enhancement of thin copper film on polyimide modified by oxygen reactive ion beam etching

Polyimide (PI) films were modified by O2 reactive ion beam etching (RIBE) to enhance the adhesion of subsequently deposited copper films. The adhesion of evaporated copper on the O2 RIBE-modified PI consisted of three different regimes. The first regime involved chemical reaction between PI and Cu atoms; the second regime involved the mechanical interlocking of the grass-like structure of the modified PI with Cu; and in the third regime, overetching was observed. The locus of failure was also analyzed to understand the adhesion mechanism of Cu on the PI. A 10% decrease in adhesion strength was observed after thermal cycling. Furthermore, humidity tests showed that the adhesion enhancement by mechanical interlocking of the grass-like structure is not affected by the presence of moisture.
Noncytolytic CD8 T cell-mediated suppression of HIV replication.

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) usually results in a progressive immunodeficiency disease culminating in the development of AIDS [4, 28, 39]. A small subset of infected individuals has been described who do not exhibit immunosuppression or disease for prolonged periods [10, 38, 56]. Although attenu­ated strains of HIV-1 are associated with some cohorts of long-term non-progressors [34, 46], strong immune responses and low virus loads noted with other cohorts [11, 49] raise the possibility that specific and/or particularly effective antiviral immune responses may confer long-lasting protection. This chapter focuses on a cellular im­mune response that may comprise one element of a protective response to HIV-1 infection, CD8+ T cell-mediated noncytolytic suppression of HIV.
Modification of a 25 MV betatron for total body electron irradiation

Whole-body electron irradiation requires large fields and adequate output for low energy electrons with homogeneous distribution of dose across treated areas. Linear accelerators with large field sizes and adequate electron output are often used for this treatment. This betatron (Allis-Chalmers) utilizes a cone system which limits fields to small sizes and with the cone-insert removed, the field is less than 30 cm in diameter at 200 cm SSD. To overcome the limitation of field size, the shielded housing which allows access to the 'doughnut' was opened. This increased the effective field, that region of the beam where the dose was within 50% of the maximum dose, to approximately 90*47 cm at 190 cm SSD. Attempts to increase the field size by further increasing the SSD resulted in a low, impractical dose rate. The dose rate for low energy electrons was of the order of 31 rads per minute at 190 cm SSD. Therapy was performed with the patient in the horizontal position which corresponded to the longer axis of the beam. Overlapping treatment techniques were used to attain an evenly distributed total body dose.
Evaluation of in situ steam-injection processes for reduction of petroleum compounds within an abandoned canal

A conceptual approach of a novel application of in-situ thermal processes that would either use a steam injection process or a steam/surfactant injection process was considered to remediate petroleum contaminated sediment residing in an abandoned canal. Laboratory tests were conducted in an attempt to volatilize or mobilize contaminants of concern (selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]) from the contaminated sediment into a phase that could be physically removed. The processes were operated above ambient temperature and pressure in an attempt to increase the removal of the contaminants of concern from the sediment. The ability of both the steam injection process and the steam/surfactant process to remove PAHs from the sediment was considered ineffective; as only two of the seventeen selected PAHs (naphthalene and C1 naphthalene) were associated with a percentage mass reduction greater than 34% for both treatments (four trials). The steam/surfactant injection process generally resulted in higher reductions than the steam injection process, but had larger variances within the two trials using the treatment type. This preliminary evaluation suggests that steam-based injection processes for removing petroleum contamination from this canal sediment, using the surfactants selected, equipment set-up, and operating conditions studied, would be considered ineffective. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.*
Temperature Effects on Microstructural Evolution and Resulting Surface Mechanical Properties of Ni-Based MEMS Structures

This paper presents recent results on the microstructural evolution and the resulting mechanical property changes as a function of elevated temperature exposure of two types of electroplated nanocrystalline LIGA Ni. Electroplated Ni structures are the main candidates for LIGA-based MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS). Initial studies have been conducted to correlate microstructure of electroplated Ni and resulting mechanical properties. A major drawback is that upon exposure to elevated temperatures, electroplated Ni MEMS components suffer dramatic reductions in strength mainly due to grain coarsening. This kind of strength deterioration at elevated temperatures can be detrimental to many MEMS applications, especially to micro-engines and molding inserts. Thus, in order to improve the high temperature performance of LIGA Ni, knowledge of the underlying mechanism is needed. At present, there is very limited understanding of processing-microstructure-property relationship for LIGA Ni at both room and elevated temperatures. The current research is focused on temperature effects on the microstructure of LIGA Ni and the resulting mechanical properties. Two types of sulfuric acid-based solutions were used to produce electroplated Ni samples with different microstructural characteristics. The DSC technique was used to study the stability of plated Ni at elevated temperatures. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to examine the microstructural changes of plated Ni samples as a function of annealing temperature. Nanoindentation tests were performed to study the effects of the evolved microstructures on mechanical properties. The underlying mechanism correlating microstructure and mechanical properties of LIGA Ni at elevated temperatures is discussed.
Government documents and cataloging in research libraries

Abstract Whether or not to catalog government documents in large academic libraries comes down to a conflict between principle and cost. After recalling the Cutter and Paris cataloging principles, the paper reviews this century's arguments as to the desirability of separate or integrated document collections and catalogs, and as to the desirability of full documents cataloging. The pragmatic approach proposed is to begin full cataloging for document materials not well covered by indexes.
Vaccines, biological warfare, and bioterrorism

This article presents a brief history of the use of biological agents in warfare and bioterrorism. Bacillus anthracis, smallpox virus, and Yersinia pestis, historically have been and currently are considered the most likely candidates for potential use under these circumstances. This article discusses the clinical syndromes these agents cause and the role of vaccines in protection against them.
Identification of Wheat Protein Components Involved in Polymer Formation on Incubation with Transglutaminase

ABSTRACT Transglutaminase (TG) catalyzes acyl-transfer reactions, introducing covalent cross-links between l-lysine and l-glutamine residues. As a result, peptides are connected and the structure of a stabilized protein network is formed, thereby improving protein strength. In this study, wheat flour was incubated with TG for different time intervals (0, 30, 60, 120, and 240 min) and the extent of polymer formation and proteins involved were investigated by SE-HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and RP-HPLC. Results indicated that the amount of polymers formed increased with incubation time. TG induced the cross-linking of HMW glutenin subunits more so than of other proteins in wheat.
Equilibrium Activity Diagrams for Coexisting Minerals and Aqueous Solutions at Pressures and Temperatures to 5 kb and 600°C

Activity equilibrium diagrams for minerals and coexisting fluids (melts or aqueous solutions or both) are fundamentally important in the characterization of rock-forming processes. A survey of recent literature, however, indicates an unfortunate decline in the determination and utilization of such data despite the fact that without phase equilibria information, petrologists and geochemists cannot hope to understand the physicochemical principles that govern rock-forming processes. The group at the Theoretical Geochemistry Laboratory at University of California, Berkeley, whose recent work is summarized in this book, is among the too few exceptions in this regard.
Adrenal rhythmicity in the immature pseudopregnant rat.

SummaryA daily rhythm of serum corti-costerone persists in 31 day old immature female rats in which pseudopregnancy has been induced by means of 25 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMS) given at 26 days of age. There is, in addition, a daily rhythm of progesterone in 31-day old controls with a rise during the day and a fall during the dark portion of the photoperiod. PMS-injected rats had a much higher level of progesterone but no rhythm.Supported by NSF Grant No GB 35730.